Let's allow this topic to be about HDTV-related software, OK? A place to discuss set-top box software, Media Center software and any others related to High Definition programming.
I open with two questions:
1. What software is available (and how can it be acquired) for the Motorola DCT6412 HDTV Tuner/DVR used by Comcast?
2. What forum software is HDTV Magazine using for this site?
Cheers, Erik ([email protected])
HDTV Software
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eschwercscorp
- New Member
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Motorola DVR FAQ
Well, here's what I've found out so far
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Motorola DVR FAQ's
1. How do I return to live TV when I'm watching recorded programming?
Simply press the LIVE button on your remote.
2. How do I record Pay Per View (PPV) and OnDemand programming?
You can record or watch a PPV show only at the time you purchase it. OnDemand shows cannot be recorded.
3. How many other home entertainment components can be connected to my DCT6208/6412?
Three: your television, cable box, and one other component (VCR, DVD player, or audio).
4. Do I have to connect my DCT6208/6412 to a telephone or other data source?
The DCT6208/6412 gets all the information it needs from your cable signal, so that's the only connection required.
5. I currently record programs on my VCR. How is a DVR different?
The DCT6208/6412 takes recording technology to a new level, capturing picture and sound digitally (for a superior result to tape-based recording) and allowing greater viewing flexibility. With the DCT6208 you can PAUSE a broadcast while you're watching it, and restart it up to 2 hours later. And you can say goodbye to those annoying "what just happened?" moments when you're watching a movie - simply press INSTANT REPLAY to review the last 15 seconds, or REWIND to see a longer scene again. Yet you won't miss a moment of the action, because the DCT6208/6412 keeps recording forward while you pause, rewind or replay scenes. No VCR can do that!
6. I expect to record a lot of programming. How will I know when my hard disk is full?
When your remaining available disk space reaches just 20%, your TV will display the following: "Recording space low. You only have 20% of your total recording space left. To be sure new recordings are completed, you may want to delete previous recordings."
7. Can I adjust the quality of the video recording to conserve hard disk space?
No, the DCT6208/6412 records at a pre-set level to ensure consistently good results.
8. How does the Parental Control feature work?
Parental Control allows you to block programs, or types of programs, from being recorded. You can set blocks based on the program's Title or Rating, or you can block entire Channels.
9. What is the Interactive Program Guide (IPG)?
The IPG contains program listings and information. It is searchable by Title and Genre, and allows you to automatically record programs in the future. Detailed program information is available up to 24 hours in advance, and complete program listings are typically available 4 days in advance.
10. How can I find programs I want to record?
Using the Interactive Program Guide, you can search upcoming programming by Title and Genre. When you find something that sounds interesting, simply press RECORD. The DCT6208/6412 will automatically record that program for you.
11. Can I transfer a recorded program to a VHS tape?
Yes. Simply play your recorded program on your TV, and tape it using your VCR, just as you would tape a live broadcast.
Post-Installation
12. Why doesn't my DVI ready HDTV set work with your box?
Motorola DCT6208 and DCT6412 models have a DVI connection with built-in HDCP (High-bandwidth digital content protection), an industry standard security feature. Unfortunately some TV manufactures don't integrate this industry standard into their television design. This means that the DVI connection on those HDTVs will not work with w/ our HD/DVR equipment. As an alternative connection for viewing HDTV, use the component connection or the IEEE1394 digital connection (please note - the Interactive Program Guide and DVR Menu system is not supported by the IEEE1394 connection). You can use both component and IEEE1394 connections and toggle back and forth to see and use the menu system.
13. Why do analog/basic cable channels look worse than before?
In some cases, there might be a difference in perceived picture quality between analog and digital channels. This may be due to the differences in technologies for transmission of signal types. There are 3 reasons for this.
1. Analog channels tend to pick up "noise", which is typically processed out on digital channels.
2. Certain TVs offer different levels of noise reduction (filtering) among their video inputs.
3. The DVR functionality interjects slight video degradation on analog channels, as part of the conversion process from analog to digital in order to store onto the digital hard drive.
14. Where can I find the remote control codes for the universal remotes to work DCT?
One of these remote control codes for the DCT products should work for your universal remote control: 0476, 0276
15. My friend has picture-in-picture (PIP) capability on his cable DVR set-top. Where is it on this one?
Currently the Motorola product does not support PIP. We expect to support this feature in the future.
16. Why are the front jacks not working?
This interface is currently not supported in the current version of software.
17. Something's not working. What do I do?
Please contact your cable service provider for a resolution to your request.
18. Is there a feature that will allow me to automatically skip 30 seconds ahead through commercials?
The hardware is able to support this function; however you need to check w/ your cable service provider to understand if they support 30 second skipping.
DCT6208 Questions:
19. Can I watch a show I recorded earlier while I record another show?
Yes. In order to watch one program and record another you will need a TV with multiple cable and/or video connectors. You can watch a program on basic cable from a direct cable input to your TV and record a different program on Digital Cable or basic cable from the tuner in the DCT6208. The switching/video source selecting requires a cable signal splitter with one leg of the output run to the DCT6208 and one to your TV. The switching needs to be done with the internal video source selector for your TV, usually found on the remote control and front panel of the TV.
20. Can I transfer recorded programs to another device such as an external hard drive, a PC, or a DVD recorder?
No. Currently you can't offload recorded content to any external device from a DCT6208 or DCT6412, even though the data ports are there, the software doesn't support it yet. When the option becomes available through a software upgrade, it will be downloaded to DCTs automatically by service providers/cable companies.
21. Can I record or watch two programs at the same time?
No. You can watch a program while another records, but you cannot watch or record two programs simultaneously with the DCT6208. (This functionality is available on the DCT6412)
22. How do I watch another channel while I'm recording?
With the Motorola DCT6412 HD/dual tuner set-top, you can easily watch and record one program while simultaneously recording another program. With the Motorola single tuner DCT6208, you are able to watch and record one program. In addition, with a DCT6208, you can watch a standard definition program and record another high definition program by splitting your cable with one leg of the splitter output going directly to your TV and the other to the DCT6208. This will allow you to record HD or a different standard definition program from the internal tuner in the DCT6208 while watching a basic (analog) cable channel through the other connection. This will also allow you to use picture-in-picture (PIP) functions viewing one picture from the standard cable tuning it with the TV and one from the DCT6208, for PIP capable TVs only.
DCT6412 Questions:
23. Can the DCT6412 playback a high definition recording while another HD program is being recorded?
YES, in fact you can record two programs at once while watching a previously recorded program from the hard drive.
24. Are there two record buttons; one for each tuner? How do you make the DCT6412 record two programs at once?
You can set it for two recordings using the Interactive Program Guide by selecting two different programs listed with overlapping times and pressing the record button.
25. What kind of programs can I record?
You can record both standard and high definition programs which are automatically interpreted by the DCT6412.
26. How much high definition programming can I save versus standard definition programming?
You can record up to 90 hours of standard digital TV or up to 15 hours of HDTV (depending on the transmission bit rate). Recording times may vary.
27. Can I transfer recorded programs to another device such as an external hard drive, a PC, or a DVD recorder?
No. Currently you can't offload recorded content to any external device from a DCT6208 or DCT6412, even though the data ports are there, the software doesn't support it yet. When the option becomes available through a software upgrade, it will be downloaded to DCTs automatically.
28. Does the DCT6412 support digital video interfaces?
Yes, it features both DVI and 1394-DTV digital interfaces.
29. Does the DCT6412 support external storage devices?
No, but it includes an IEEE1394 port that will be functional in the future.
30. How do I connect the DCT6412 to my TV if my TV only has a coaxial cable (RF) input?
Background:
The DCT6412 does not have an RF modulated output. The product was designed to match the growing trend in newer TVs for alternate inputs. The product supports component (HD), composite, S-Video, DVI, and 1394 video outputs. For installations to TVs that have only an RF input, a VCR hookup or external RF Modulator can be used.
RF Modulator:
The RF modulator converts the baseband (composite) video and audio outputs of the set-top and modulates to RF channel 3 or 4 to the TV. There are a number of suitable RF modulators on the market that can be purchased from retail stores and distributors. You can find them online easily just by entering "RF modulator" in your search engine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motorola DVR FAQ's
1. How do I return to live TV when I'm watching recorded programming?
Simply press the LIVE button on your remote.
2. How do I record Pay Per View (PPV) and OnDemand programming?
You can record or watch a PPV show only at the time you purchase it. OnDemand shows cannot be recorded.
3. How many other home entertainment components can be connected to my DCT6208/6412?
Three: your television, cable box, and one other component (VCR, DVD player, or audio).
4. Do I have to connect my DCT6208/6412 to a telephone or other data source?
The DCT6208/6412 gets all the information it needs from your cable signal, so that's the only connection required.
5. I currently record programs on my VCR. How is a DVR different?
The DCT6208/6412 takes recording technology to a new level, capturing picture and sound digitally (for a superior result to tape-based recording) and allowing greater viewing flexibility. With the DCT6208 you can PAUSE a broadcast while you're watching it, and restart it up to 2 hours later. And you can say goodbye to those annoying "what just happened?" moments when you're watching a movie - simply press INSTANT REPLAY to review the last 15 seconds, or REWIND to see a longer scene again. Yet you won't miss a moment of the action, because the DCT6208/6412 keeps recording forward while you pause, rewind or replay scenes. No VCR can do that!
6. I expect to record a lot of programming. How will I know when my hard disk is full?
When your remaining available disk space reaches just 20%, your TV will display the following: "Recording space low. You only have 20% of your total recording space left. To be sure new recordings are completed, you may want to delete previous recordings."
7. Can I adjust the quality of the video recording to conserve hard disk space?
No, the DCT6208/6412 records at a pre-set level to ensure consistently good results.
8. How does the Parental Control feature work?
Parental Control allows you to block programs, or types of programs, from being recorded. You can set blocks based on the program's Title or Rating, or you can block entire Channels.
9. What is the Interactive Program Guide (IPG)?
The IPG contains program listings and information. It is searchable by Title and Genre, and allows you to automatically record programs in the future. Detailed program information is available up to 24 hours in advance, and complete program listings are typically available 4 days in advance.
10. How can I find programs I want to record?
Using the Interactive Program Guide, you can search upcoming programming by Title and Genre. When you find something that sounds interesting, simply press RECORD. The DCT6208/6412 will automatically record that program for you.
11. Can I transfer a recorded program to a VHS tape?
Yes. Simply play your recorded program on your TV, and tape it using your VCR, just as you would tape a live broadcast.
Post-Installation
12. Why doesn't my DVI ready HDTV set work with your box?
Motorola DCT6208 and DCT6412 models have a DVI connection with built-in HDCP (High-bandwidth digital content protection), an industry standard security feature. Unfortunately some TV manufactures don't integrate this industry standard into their television design. This means that the DVI connection on those HDTVs will not work with w/ our HD/DVR equipment. As an alternative connection for viewing HDTV, use the component connection or the IEEE1394 digital connection (please note - the Interactive Program Guide and DVR Menu system is not supported by the IEEE1394 connection). You can use both component and IEEE1394 connections and toggle back and forth to see and use the menu system.
13. Why do analog/basic cable channels look worse than before?
In some cases, there might be a difference in perceived picture quality between analog and digital channels. This may be due to the differences in technologies for transmission of signal types. There are 3 reasons for this.
1. Analog channels tend to pick up "noise", which is typically processed out on digital channels.
2. Certain TVs offer different levels of noise reduction (filtering) among their video inputs.
3. The DVR functionality interjects slight video degradation on analog channels, as part of the conversion process from analog to digital in order to store onto the digital hard drive.
14. Where can I find the remote control codes for the universal remotes to work DCT?
One of these remote control codes for the DCT products should work for your universal remote control: 0476, 0276
15. My friend has picture-in-picture (PIP) capability on his cable DVR set-top. Where is it on this one?
Currently the Motorola product does not support PIP. We expect to support this feature in the future.
16. Why are the front jacks not working?
This interface is currently not supported in the current version of software.
17. Something's not working. What do I do?
Please contact your cable service provider for a resolution to your request.
18. Is there a feature that will allow me to automatically skip 30 seconds ahead through commercials?
The hardware is able to support this function; however you need to check w/ your cable service provider to understand if they support 30 second skipping.
DCT6208 Questions:
19. Can I watch a show I recorded earlier while I record another show?
Yes. In order to watch one program and record another you will need a TV with multiple cable and/or video connectors. You can watch a program on basic cable from a direct cable input to your TV and record a different program on Digital Cable or basic cable from the tuner in the DCT6208. The switching/video source selecting requires a cable signal splitter with one leg of the output run to the DCT6208 and one to your TV. The switching needs to be done with the internal video source selector for your TV, usually found on the remote control and front panel of the TV.
20. Can I transfer recorded programs to another device such as an external hard drive, a PC, or a DVD recorder?
No. Currently you can't offload recorded content to any external device from a DCT6208 or DCT6412, even though the data ports are there, the software doesn't support it yet. When the option becomes available through a software upgrade, it will be downloaded to DCTs automatically by service providers/cable companies.
21. Can I record or watch two programs at the same time?
No. You can watch a program while another records, but you cannot watch or record two programs simultaneously with the DCT6208. (This functionality is available on the DCT6412)
22. How do I watch another channel while I'm recording?
With the Motorola DCT6412 HD/dual tuner set-top, you can easily watch and record one program while simultaneously recording another program. With the Motorola single tuner DCT6208, you are able to watch and record one program. In addition, with a DCT6208, you can watch a standard definition program and record another high definition program by splitting your cable with one leg of the splitter output going directly to your TV and the other to the DCT6208. This will allow you to record HD or a different standard definition program from the internal tuner in the DCT6208 while watching a basic (analog) cable channel through the other connection. This will also allow you to use picture-in-picture (PIP) functions viewing one picture from the standard cable tuning it with the TV and one from the DCT6208, for PIP capable TVs only.
DCT6412 Questions:
23. Can the DCT6412 playback a high definition recording while another HD program is being recorded?
YES, in fact you can record two programs at once while watching a previously recorded program from the hard drive.
24. Are there two record buttons; one for each tuner? How do you make the DCT6412 record two programs at once?
You can set it for two recordings using the Interactive Program Guide by selecting two different programs listed with overlapping times and pressing the record button.
25. What kind of programs can I record?
You can record both standard and high definition programs which are automatically interpreted by the DCT6412.
26. How much high definition programming can I save versus standard definition programming?
You can record up to 90 hours of standard digital TV or up to 15 hours of HDTV (depending on the transmission bit rate). Recording times may vary.
27. Can I transfer recorded programs to another device such as an external hard drive, a PC, or a DVD recorder?
No. Currently you can't offload recorded content to any external device from a DCT6208 or DCT6412, even though the data ports are there, the software doesn't support it yet. When the option becomes available through a software upgrade, it will be downloaded to DCTs automatically.
28. Does the DCT6412 support digital video interfaces?
Yes, it features both DVI and 1394-DTV digital interfaces.
29. Does the DCT6412 support external storage devices?
No, but it includes an IEEE1394 port that will be functional in the future.
30. How do I connect the DCT6412 to my TV if my TV only has a coaxial cable (RF) input?
Background:
The DCT6412 does not have an RF modulated output. The product was designed to match the growing trend in newer TVs for alternate inputs. The product supports component (HD), composite, S-Video, DVI, and 1394 video outputs. For installations to TVs that have only an RF input, a VCR hookup or external RF Modulator can be used.
RF Modulator:
The RF modulator converts the baseband (composite) video and audio outputs of the set-top and modulates to RF channel 3 or 4 to the TV. There are a number of suitable RF modulators on the market that can be purchased from retail stores and distributors. You can find them online easily just by entering "RF modulator" in your search engine.
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Re: HDTV Software
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Publisher, HDTV Magazine
Your Guide to High Definition Television
Your Guide to High Definition Television