New Software For 8300

[RS922]

Looks like a new version of software was delivered to the 8300 HD converters overnight. I've noticed today that when deleting recordings, a confirmation screen now appears to stop an accidental erasure. Has anyone noticed any other new features or options?

[klwillis45]

Must've got mine this am. The wife called freaking out because the box rebooted. "I swear I didn't touch anything" :rofl:

That delete confirm is a welcome addition. Can't wait to get home and see what else has changed.

[Tom Snyder]

How do you tell what version you're running. Mine has had a confirmation for accidental deletion since I got it last fall.

[TPK]

How do you tell what version you're running. Mine has had a confirmation for accidental deletion since I got it last fall.

Enter diagnostic mode: Post can be found here:

http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/forums/showpost.php?p=32769&postcount=13

In my reply to the post (dated April 9) I reported these version numbers:

ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.111
OS Version: PowerTV 6.14.43.3sp
Driver Version: 1
ResAppDate: Jul 29 2005, 06:08:50
OS Date: Jul 6 2005, 5:21:20 PM

... I am recording some shows right now, but when they are done I will check the version numbers on mine and post them here...

[kevbeck122]

Hold down select and exit on the box, release when the box display says DIAG.. then go to channel 611 to see box info. Mine had a delete confirmation also when I had it last year.

[TPK]

Enter diagnostic mode: Post can be found here:

http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/forums/showpost.php?p=32769&postcount=13

In my reply to the post (dated April 9) I reported these version numbers:

ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.111
OS Version: PowerTV 6.14.43.3sp
Driver Version: 1
ResAppDate: Jul 29 2005, 06:08:50
OS Date: Jul 6 2005, 5:21:20 PM

... I am recording some shows right now, but when they are done I will check the version numbers on mine and post them here...

.... Or you can just forget about the select/exit hocus-pocus and just tune to channel 611 ....

All I did was hit 611 on the remote and it took me right into the diagnostic menu... Wow, must be a new "feature"..... (I do have 2 shows recording simultaneously right now, if that has anything to do with it).....

... Edit ....

I have confirmed that you need to be recording 2 shows simultaneously.. If you are recording 2 different shows at the same time and then tune to channel 611, it takes you right into diagnostic mode... Otherwise it comes back at you with "???" if you try to tune to channel 611 ....

... End Edit ...

Oh, here are my new version numbers:

ResAppVersion: PASSPORT Echo 2.5.051
OS Version: PowerTV 6.14.69.1sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: Apr 14 2006, 18:55:14
OS Date: Dec 2 2005, 6:31:08 PM

Wow we went from Version 1.8 to version 2.5.... hmmmm, don't really see that much difference... They must be following in Microsoft's footsteps ;).. Well at least I didn't have to pay for this upgrade ;)

Of course at the bottom of the diagnostic menu list I see 2 items that look interesting:

"SATA" -> SATA Status: Authorized

"MR-DVR" -> "Multi-Room DVR" -> "MR-DVR Status: <blank> -> Last Message: Welcome to MR-DVR!

.... I dont remember if those were there before or not...

[Paul S.]

Mine never showed the delete conformation until today.

[gparris]

Mine never showed the delete conformation until today.

Mine never did, either, but now it does...it asks you when you end the played programme if you want it deleted what seems to be a second time:
It is almost aggravating, but I see the reasoning behind it. :D

Now I have another problem:
I have two HDTVs with HDMI hooked up to the 8300HD DVR and I used to be able to turn the set on and the cable box would come on by itself:

It does not do that anymore, at least not since the rebooting for this "enhancement". :rolleyes:

Further, when I DO turn the boxes on since they aren't coming on by themselves, (out of frustration), I get no picture and only sound.
I do at least, get access to the channel guide so I switch it another channel other than the power-on one I had selected (541) and finally, I get picture...this sucks. :mad:

Is this going to happen everytime?

One heck of an upgrade...not! :bang:

[TPK]

Now I have another problem:
I have two HDTVs with HDMI hooked up to the 8300HD DVR and I used to be able to turn the set on and the cable box would come on by itself:


First of all, as far as I can tell, the box is still powering up when the TV goes on (although I haven't really tested that since the last non-voluntary boot which occurred yesterday.. I havent even checked to see if the version numbers went up again yesterday)...

The funny thing is that this is the exact same thing (the box powering up by itself) that I really wanted NOT to happen.. This is because it was screwing up my harmony remote when it tries to turn the TV on (it turns the TV on, which auto-powers the cable box, then it tries to turn the cable box on, but in actually its already on so it turns off)... I think the having the box auto-power on based on the HDMI cable should be a menu setting (call it something cool, like "HDMI auto-power") in the advanced menus, otherwise people with set-ups like mine who use a harmony remote, or really any other universal remote with a macro (including TWC's own remotes that can send power singnals to multiple devices) won't work very well when bringing the power up on their systems... This is double-y true since the box doenst automatically power-off when the TV goes off, making it impssible to program an "all-power" type macro on a dumb (non-harmony) universal remote.. (No, I dont think that non harmony remotes are dumb, I just mean that other universal remotes don't remember the state of the system to make IR choices like the harmony does.. I think whatever universal remote you use is just great ;) )..

Another option would be if TWC (or the box/remote/software manufacturer, etc.) would release discrete codes for power-on and power-off for the cable boxes... But that would be too much to ask for I think... As peoples home-entertainment set-ups become more complex over time, the need for these discrete codes becomes more and more important... I wish these device manufactures would see the "big picture" and provide these discrete codes so people can set things up properly...

Maybe we should switch boxes :cool:

Second, how do you have multiple televisions running off of a single HDMI port???

Your problem with audio and no sound, sounds like the issue I was having earlier:

http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6083

... The problem sort of went away on its own, but during the time it was not working I was screwing around with my settings quite a bit, so I don't know for sure what makes it work and not work.. However I do know that I force my box to output only 1080i and 720p (I disable the 480 resolution), I do NOT have the component cables hooked up into the box (that seems to force the HDMI not to send a picture), And I have the digital audio out set to dolby digital...

Back when I had my original 8300 box, it had a problem with it stretching the already widescreen HDTV picture until I switched to a SD channel and back again (then it snapped to the proper screen size).. Perhaps your problem might be related to that one too...

[randro]

A new addition is for live sporting events it asks you if you want to extend it 30min, 60min. You now don’t have to record the next program for games that go over, which almost every game does.

[gparris]

TPK:
Thanks for trying.

I tried again to establish a "handshake" and or its a no go...I have to improvise now to get a picture as before...on two separate sets with HD DVRs.

HDTV set #1 is a 720p LCD RPTV with HDMI from the box directly connected, nothing else besides the coax digital audio to the receiver as has been always.
The box is set to output 720p on everything as the jerkiness with all the settings selected as for 480i, etc. made it flip and not connect when changing to channels with other formats than 720p.

HDTV set #2 is a 1080p LCoS set with the same exact setup, no other connections other than audio (same also) and it outputs 1080i only.

Conclusion:
It is the new "programming", gee thanks, TWC! :mad:

Note: If you are going to enhance anything, how about what BHN in Tampa has for them? http://tampabay.mybrighthouse.com/site/Products/DigitalCable/AccessMenu.cfm
So while we're at it, why not caller ID on screen (selected) for those with Digital phone, or is that too difficult (or advanced) for here in Milwaukee? :confused:

[TPK]

I can confirm now that the DVR box is NOT powering up when the television goes on.... So that must have been the change with the last reboot.... This works out better for my situation, like I have mentioned above...

Interesting though, my version numbers haven't changed (although, admitedly, one of the other version numbers on the 2 pages may have changed without me noticing it because I havent been recording all those numbers)...

gparris: just to clarify, thats 2 seperate television sets you have hooked up to two different boxes correct? And not 1 box feeding 2 televisions yes?? (I don't think at this time its possible to feed 2 displays with a single HDMI output, at least not without spending big-time studio dollars, but I just gotta ask)...

.. Sorry to hear that your having so much trouble...

... Would be nice though, to feed multiple televisions from a single HDMI output.... But I guess with HDCP and who knows what else we probably arent gonna be able to do that... (Well, at least not 100% legitimately)....

[Mark Strube]

I'm not a fan of this new software... it no longer powers on with the TV, and I'm getting the same issue where I'll get no picture with audio... OR I'll turn it on and the picture is just snow... forcing me to reboot to fix the HDMI connection. Horrible, horrible update, adding no features that I can immediately see, and giving us additional annoying bugs to deal with.

Good thing I'm having DishNetwork installed next week friday... goodbye TWC's inadequate HD selection! :wave:

[Paul S.]

I'm not a fan of this new software... it no longer powers on with the TV, and I'm getting the same issue where I'll get no picture with audio... OR I'll turn it on and the picture is just snow... forcing me to reboot to fix the HDMI connection. Horrible, horrible update, adding no features that I can immediately see, and giving us additional annoying bugs to deal with.

Good thing I'm having DishNetwork installed next week friday... goodbye TWC's inadequate HD selection! :wave:


Im having major HDMI issues now, too. Thanks, buttholes.

[TPK]

... Everything works perfectly for me, HDMI and all (I am using a Samsung 5063W television)...

I'd hate to sound like a rebel or and anarchist or something, but what would happen if they simply don't force HDCP over the HDMI for now??? Wouldn't that solve a lot of the problems??

I know, I know, the world will end if they don't force HDCP.. I can count the number of devices that can encode from HDMI to a PC on, umm, zero hands...

[gparris]

Im having major HDMI issues now, too. Thanks, buttholes.

Thanks Paul S....I thought I was the only one! :D

My new 60" SXRD was working fine with the old programming for the 8300HD with HDMI cabling until this TWC "disaster" occurred. :mad:

Today or tomorrow I am taking out the HDMI cabling from my DVR and reinserting the good component cabling I had used before with my 48" Mits HDTV set that had no DVI or HDMI (that I sold for a good price recently).
I will keep the HDMI hooked up to the set, just not hook it up to the DVR until TWC (ever) fixes this mess.

The only problem now, of course, is calibrating the component input on the SXRD.
I had it just right on input #6 - now I will have to read up what is the optimal setting(s) for component inputs on it....just great...UGH! :bang:

[Paul S.]

Thanks Paul S....I thought I was the only one! :D

My new 60" SXRD was working fine with the old programming for the 8300HD with HDMI cabling until this TWC "disaster" occurred. :mad:

Today or tomorrow I am taking out the HDMI cabling from my DVR and reinserting the good component cabling I had used before with my 48" Mits HDTV set that had no DVI or HDMI (that I sold for a good price recently).
I will keep the HDMI hooked up to the set, just not hook it up to the DVR until TWC (ever) fixes this mess.

The only problem now, of course, is calibrating the component input on the SXRD.
I had it just right on input #6 - now I will have to read up what is the optimal setting(s) for component inputs on it....just great...UGH! :bang:


The only way to fix it for me is to turn to an HD channel when I dont have a picture. It adjusts itself and then shows a pic.

[Mark Strube]

I just can't believe this "update." It's as if they did absolutely NO beta testing and just threw it out there, deciding to address its many issues as they happen. I thought they did a lot of testing, considering how long it is between software updates... I guess not.

[gparris]

The only way to fix it for me is to turn to an HD channel when I dont have a picture. It adjusts itself and then shows a pic.

BUT...I had the box setup to channel 541 for the power-on channel and that did not do the trick last time. :(
I ended up trying to change to channel to something else (another HD channel) and it rebooted.
Then to add to the aggravation, it messed up the aspect ratios on the non HD channels (it forgot the settings).

So far, the Monster-3 component cabling (had lying around) I am using on Component Input #5 on the set is working well.

Note1: When you swapout the cabling from HDMI to component, leave your box and set off to avoid any (more) problems.
Then reboot the box or you will not get any picture at all, even with component cabling installed...happened to me. :mad:
Note 2: The box forgets the programming data on it until you switch channels.
I leave the box on all the time and I re-did my settings on the SXRD in "Pro" mode...fine for now. ;)

[gparris]

I just can't believe this "update." It's as if they did absolutely NO beta testing and just threw it out there, deciding to address its many issues as they happen. I thought they did a lot of testing, considering how long it is between software updates... I guess not.

You will notice, what with the many box reboots, as you battle with it, that the name
(as the little now-elogated dots cross the screen during boot up) is changed.

It now says some other company's logo other than Pioneer, still echo, just different and not in a good way, either.

We are just the test subjects on this new programming for these boxes, unfortunately.

[gparris]

Another odd thing last night with the new programming, unless it had happened before:
Recording one HD channel, if you start playing the programming back and it continues to record another show on the same channel, even after it is done with the recording, you get a reboot with the box if you plan on keeping the first recording or not after you hit the A or B buttons.
The screen goes blank, you lose control of the box and then it reboots.
After rebooting, the box goes to the power on channel you selected in the setup menu, but forgets the information about that channel, naming it channel zero.
PIP shows channel zero with a notice to call the cable company, really wierd.
Once you go to another channel (I use the grid) and go back again, all is okay.

I suggest leaving the programming recording all by itself, moving to another channel altogether and then playing the recorded programming, otherwise you might find yourself in the rebooting situation I found myself in.
This was with component cabling, not HDMI, directly to the HDTV set, too, if that helps (re: past reports with HDMI). :D

[Vindi]

Has anyone tried running the HDMI through a denon reciever (3806) after the new software? I tried this late last year and it wouldn't work. Just wondering if the new software fixed this or not?

[gparris]

Vindi: What could hurt it if you did try it? :blush:

I don't advise anyone to get the HDMI AVRs and use them like that unless they hook the 8300HD to the AVR using component connections.
Then if an upscaling DVD player is used with HDMI, hook that up to the AVR, then the HDMI to the HDTV...one line to the HDTV set. ;)
The setup still uses optical or coaxial digital audio separately to the AVR to get the DD5.1 sound if there HT room is set up that way (with 5.1 or better speaker arrangements).

[Vindi]

Vindi: What could hurt it if you did try it? :blush:

I don't advise anyone to get the HDMI AVRs and use them like that unless they hook the 8300HD to the AVR using component connections.
Then if an upscaling DVD player is used with HDMI, hook that up to the AVR, then the HDMI to the HDTV...one line to the HDTV set. ;)
The setup still uses optical or coaxial digital audio separately to the AVR to get the DD5.1 sound if there HT room is set up that way (with 5.1 or better speaker arrangements).


I have my DVD running through the AVR with HDMI. It does not need any other connection for audio. HDMI bring the 5.1 audio as well as video. My 8300 is running to the AVR with component right now because when I set it up I tried the HDMI and it didn't work through the AVR. It has to do with the HDCP. It's a well know issue with the 8300 boxes and HDMI switching AVR's.

I was hoping that someone had tried it after the new software so I could avoid pulling out the tv stand to test it.

[gparris]

Nice to know your AVR-3806 does the DD5.1 passthru directly to from the DVD player-which DVD player are you using?
As far as pulling the TV stand out and reconnecting for trial, I have a roller stand made for my HDTVs on the their manufacturers' stands so it is easy to get behind them...the carpenter I use is amazing.
If you do decide to do it, let us know and if I find anyone who has done it before you, I will post.
HDMI in times two (DVD and HD DVR) into the AVR and once out to the HDTV...what great thing that would be! ;)

[gparris]

Last night I had TWC channel 504 to record on a series pass and it jammed up, did not record it at all, ended up in a "loop" with a show I cannot even figure out, yet all the while it showed it was in record mode...very weird.

The first hour showed it recorded one minute and it stopped.

The second hour (same channel) it was stuck on that loop, yet continued with the record light as if all was well.
Paranoid since the HDMI mess, is the only reason why I checked on this to begin with, glad I did, otherwise I couldn't have got anything recorded (last 40 minutes).

Shifting to other channels (505) recording worked on those channels, but only with a reboot did the box actually allow that (504) channel to record, which it did...again, very weird and awful.

BTW, I had left the box on with the component-only box, not the HDMI ones, so this further is confusing.

The HDMI-hooked up ones (left these like this until last night) acted the same way, only worse, as I couldn't get to any other channels without rebooting the boxes (no channel flipping up or down worked) and just got the preselected power-on channel (541) without of course, picture, only sound, again.

TWC: Fix it now, please-or go back to the old programming, this sucks! :mad:
I guess turning off the box each night and using component cabling is the "new upgrade", huh, TWC? :OnAir:

In the avsforum, the Ohio region users are complaining now, too, about HDMI not doing the handshake anymore with this 8300HD box and its new programming.
It just isn't our Milwaukee region, anymore!

[Vindi]

Nice to know your AVR-3806 does the DD5.1 passthru directly to from the DVD player-which DVD player are you using?
As far as pulling the TV stand out and reconnecting for trial, I have a roller stand made for my HDTVs on the their manufacturers' stands so it is easy to get behind them...the carpenter I use is amazing.
If you do decide to do it, let us know and if I find anyone who has done it before you, I will post.
HDMI in times two (DVD and HD DVR) into the AVR and once out to the HDTV...what great thing that would be! ;)


I'm using a denon 1920 DVD. The AVR will not passthru the sound to the TV over HDMI if that is what you mean. I don't ever use the TV speaker anyway so it does not matter.

I have a custom made stand too. A friend of mine built it. It looks great. Didn't put rollers on it though.

Can you post a pic of yours? I would like to see what it looks like.

[gparris]

I'm using a denon 1920 DVD. The AVR will not passthru the sound to the TV over HDMI if that is what you mean. I don't ever use the TV speaker anyway so it does not matter.

I have a custom made stand too. A friend of mine built it. It looks great. Didn't put rollers on it though.

Can you post a pic of yours? I would like to see what it looks like.

No, I meant you don't have to do anything else except take the HDMI cabling from the Denon DVD-1920 player directly to your AVR-3806 to get DD5.1 surround sound without anymore cabling.
I figured you only use the HDTV as a display device, like many of us do.

As for pictures, I have given up trying to post them in this forum (no "gallery").
I did, however, post my entire 3 HT setups in the HDTVoice.com forum
(link on main page of this forum) in their "gallery".

[Paul S.]

No, I meant you don't have to do anything else except take the HDMI cabling from the Denon DVD-1920 player directly to your AVR-3806 to get DD5.1 surround sound without anymore cabling.
I figured you only use the HDTV as a display device, like many of us do.

As for pictures, I have given up trying to post them in this forum (no "gallery").
I did, however, post my entire 3 HT setups in the HDTVoice.com forum
(link on main page of this forum) in their "gallery".


I'll hpost 'em for ya.

[mhz40]

A patch was downloaded to all DVR's this morning. It's basically all bug fixes... no feature changes.
Some of you who had to abandon your DVI connection following the previous 'upgrade' may want to try your original lash-ups again. I'm not promising anything, or even suggesting a DVI 'fix' is in this patch. All I know is the code has changed on the DVR's and bug fixes were the primary driver for the newest release.

[kevbeck122]

Did the Pace boxes get the patch at all? I had problems with HDMI after the last upgrade like others saw on the 8300HD. I noticed within the past week or two that the gray bars switched back to black.. was that the patch?

[mhz40]

Did the Pace boxes get the patch at all? I had problems with HDMI after the last upgrade like others saw on the 8300HD. I noticed within the past week or two that the gray bars switched back to black.. was that the patch?
No. No new patch for Pace. There are no Pace DVR's in the Milwaukee area of TW.

[Mark Strube]

Since I haven't had cable for awhile - anything new with the 8300HD? External hard drive support? Firewire enabled? The brand spankin' new 8300HD I got (it was still in the box - manufactured this Oct) has two 1394 ports and an SATA port available on the back.

[LoadStar]

Since I haven't had cable for awhile - anything new with the 8300HD? External hard drive support? Firewire enabled? The brand spankin' new 8300HD I got (it was still in the box - manufactured this Oct) has two 1394 ports and an SATA port available on the back.

I'd imagine you'd get the same software as anyone else with an 8300, and according to the diags on mine (which is, sadly, firewire-less) firewire and SATA support are both enabled.

[LuckySe7ens]

They've been advertising a new version for quite some time on TV, which will add an "Access Menu", and "Caller ID On TV" (with digital phone)... but they've been advertising it for about a month now, and I've yet to see anything

[mhz40]

They've been advertising a new version for quite some time on TV, which will add an "Access Menu", and "Caller ID On TV" (with digital phone)... but they've been advertising it for about a month now, and I've yet to see anything
New version being rolled out in batches. One would assume it's driving some call volume with questions surrounding the new look and interface. DVR's are last. Caller ID on your TV very soon (when subscribed to digital phone). Also 3-way calling and 2nd line option.

[Mark Strube]

So 1394 & external SATA drives are really enabled now? Which channels are unprotected?

[Mark Strube]

Well tonight I picked up a 2nd HD-DVR for the theater room, I'll only be recording HD movies and some trailer shows on that one.

I also picked up an external Seagate 300gb eSATA drive... and it works with the 8300HD!

It will say there's a problem when you first hook it up (make sure the drive is turned on), but then I just did a reboot of the 8300HD. Once that was finished, about 10 seconds later a screen came up asking me if I wanted to format the drive. Works like a charm!!

[Gadgetguy]

Well tonight I picked up a 2nd HD-DVR for the theater room, I'll only be recording HD movies and some trailer shows on that one.

I also picked up an external Seagate 300gb eSATA drive... and it works with the 8300HD!

It will say there's a problem when you first hook it up (make sure the drive is turned on), but then I just did a reboot of the 8300HD. Once that was finished, about 10 seconds later a screen came up asking me if I wanted to format the drive. Works like a charm!!

This is a major event! ..

(1) How do you know if you're getting a new 8300HD unit that will work with the external drive? .. or has software update enabled all of them? My diag screen does show SATA as "SATA status Authorized" ...

(2) Will this work with any external eSATA? ... Seagate has a 500GB eSATA for $300 at Provantage.com.

Thx.

[Mark Strube]

I've posted a seperate sticky thread, so lets continue discussion specific to SATA in there (http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6538). :)