Comcast HD DVR Review

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Comcast HD DVR Review

Summary
After using a Comcast HD DVR (a Motorola 6412) for a couple months I'm hooked on HDTV. I can't help but compare the experience to using a TiVo and while this DVR falls way short of the TiVo experience, it works well enough in the basic sense to keep me using it. It has some bugs, but there aren't many choices if you want your HDTV from anything other than an antenna. I renew my hope for CableCARD support, so that alternate devices could be used.

Introduction
After five years of being a happy TiVo customer (first with standalone units, then with DirecTV units) it was time to finally try out HDTV and to do that meant I had only a couple options in my area: try a cable company HD DVR or a satellite company HD DVR. I'd done the DirecTV thing for the past couple years and their HD offerings were pretty minimal (and required buying a ~$500 box) though they claim they will have the most programming by 2007 when their new satellites are operational. I decided to go with Comcast, since it was simple, cheap, and here right now.

I know I'm a bit behind the times here, the unit from Motorola has been out for over a year and was first covered here two years ago. There are several older posts about it, namely how to transfer content to a mac using firewire that I'll try out later on. At the moment TiVo doesn't offer a HDTV recorder except for the one that DirecTV offers, and they're phasing it out as they deploy new MPEG4 content the HD TiVo unit can't decode.

Is HDTV worth all the fuss?
I've seen HDTV demos for years now and I never really saw anything impressive about it. What I've figured out is that you can't really get a sense for how good HD content is if you're looking at an unfamiliar TV set playing unfamiliar content. The wonder of HD wasn't driven home to me until I saw a TV show I'd been watching for the past year or so in standard definition. It also helped that I looked at standard def content on my low-end plasma TV for a year before getting HD. After everything was set up and I recorded a few familiar HD shows, I got to see what all the fuss is about. HD programs look pretty incredible, especially those with lots of outdoor shots. I was seeing detail I'd never seen before. After having HDTV for a couple months, I've realized that when there's nothing recorded and I start channel surfing, I keep it limited to just the dozen or so HD channels.

Now that plasma and LCD TVs are starting at $1,500 or so, if you've ever wanted to try out HDTV, now is the time to do it.

Some of the good things about the Comcast HD DVR experience
The first good thing about this unit is that it's fairly cheap. You don't have to buy any box and they charge $9.95 a month for the DVR service. That's cheaper than buying a TiVo box and sending TiVo $12.95/month. After turning the unit on, the first thing to jump out was the interface was fairly clean and unobtrusive. The remote is pretty good and did a good job talking to my TV and A/V system, though I couldn't configure the volume to work with just the A/V volume instead of the TV volume.

Recording shows instantly is just one click without the need to confirm and recorded HD shows are perfectly crisp. There are two tuners which can independently record while you watch something else on the hard drive, so conflicts are infrequent, but just in case there is the equivalent of a season pass priority list that the Comcast unit uses for figuring out what to tape when both tuners are already taping something. One nice feature is the 30-second skip, which I use more often than the default ffw/rwd controls. I didn't have to enable a hack or anything, it seemed to just be there when I programmed my Harmony remote.

One other nice feature is that the unit tells you how full it is at all times. Whenever you pull up the recorded shows listing, you can see if the hard drive is 27% full or 77% full and you can remove shows after you've viewed them to get a sense of how much time is left. HD recording takes up a lot of space, so as a result the maximum HD recording time is about 12-14 hours total.

Now, onto the ways this unit could be improved.

Some of the bad things about the Comcast HD DVR experience
Since this unit has been out for over a year, I've heard lots of feedback from readers here and friends that have one. I've heard about lots of software bugs, buggy playback, and mixed reviews of the DVR user interface. I'll break down my biggest problems one by one.

Lag time in the interface
The first bug I noticed was one I heard about: there is a lag between when you push a button, and when something happens. As a result, you get no feedback and you assume that the button push didn't go through, so you push it again. A few moments later, and two or more button pushes get registered by the device and in some instances that cancels what you wanted to do. It's infuriating when this happens.

There is loads of research behind this frustration on my and many other users' behalf -- the only acceptable lag time is very short, and beyond that users start to wonder if their device is functioning properly. TiVo does a great job rectifying this by giving you an audio cue that it received the button push, and TiVo also does a good job of putting up temporary "waiting..." screens. The worst experience with my Comcast box was once while I was fast forwarding some commercials during a football game, only to have the play/ffw buttons not work after the commercials were over. I hit play about ten times while I watched 10 minutes of a crucial game fly past before the commands could "take" and return to normal play. The lag was about 20 seconds where no button push did anything as the box was locked in fast forward mode.

Setting season passes sucks
TiVo does a pretty good job letting you find shows and set passes. As a result, I often tracked 50 or more TV shows. I realized that after two months, I only have season passes set for 8 or 9 shows because the process is such a pain. On a TiVo, you can search pretty easily for shows by surfing around an alphabet and spelling out the name of the show. On the Comcast box, you get five boxes for letters, and they all are set to A. You then have to manually step through the alphabet on each letter to find your show. Pushing "down" 20 times to find "P" takes about 3-5 times as long as simply picking "P" from a grid on a TiVo. The process is such a pain that I rarely set season passes and usually do so from the guide interface, which adds it as an option to the set recording screen.

Since I have so few season passes and I have two tuners, I haven't run into any conflicts yet, so I can't tell if the conflict notification/resolution is any good or if it just drops lower priority shows without telling you first.

Small hard drive, so many missing TiVo features
I'll admit that I'm spoiled. I've had a TiVo with 300Gb of storage in it and I've had a completely hacked DirecTiVo box that I could stream video from and stream music to. The Comcast box ships with a 120Gb hard drive and given that HDTV storage requirements are so high (about 10Gb per hour), the drive is much too small for an active box. I barely record anything and I'm always above 50% full. It'd be nice if they could bump it up to at least 250Gb, as hard drives are still getting cheaper everyday.

I also miss all the great features from TiVo. Stuff like wishlists matching actors, genre, or even show formats, and all the suggested recording features to help find new shows. I miss having a web interface so I could tell what's recorded from the comfort of my computer, before I head into the living room to watch TV. I miss the helpful sounds, the fast guide, and all the other great little parts of TiVo.

Conclusion
Don't get me wrong, the good outweighs the bad but after using a TiVo for so many years, the Comcast box just barely works enough for me to keep using it. If you've never had a DVR before, it'll probably be a great new device. If you've got a HDTV and haven't tried hi def content before, this is a great option.

Thanks to the proprietary nature of business, if you want to record non-over the air HD, at the moment you have to go through a cable or satellite company. Hopefully someday, the cable companies will open up their spec so that software packages like Windows Media Center and hardware like a HD TiVo can record this stuff. TiVo has been saying for a while that in 2006 they'll be launching a TiVo/Comcast box and I'm counting the days until that happens. Given the great HD channels plus a TiVo interface, I think that would be the ultimate package and get me excited about TiVo again.

by Matt Haughey November 2, 2005 in Product Reviews

Comments

Yeah, the killer right now is the lag. That and the overall buginess that shows up. Once every few months there's no picture whenever I turn on the box. You just have to play something from the DVR and exit to get the picture. It becomes second-nature, but there's far too-much of that second-nature to be learned with this box. I love the thing for what it does, but the UI is beyond awful. Seems like Tivo could survive by putting out an affordable CableCard box or, better yet (since I don't really want to buy these boxes if I'm going to pay a lease anyway), sell their UI to Comcast, et al.

Posted by: Tom Clancy at Nov 2, 2005 12:13:41 PM

I hate the lag too. Another big problem is the audio decoding -- if you're watching something in surround sound, keep an eye on your receiver. After a while, the 5.1 will disappear and become regular old digital audio. I believe the audio processing threads crash at some point -- a reboot seems to fix it. Lots of UI improvements to be made also.

Posted by: brett at Nov 2, 2005 12:32:42 PM

Are you sure it's only $9.95 a month for you? In my area (Comcast San Jose) it's really a lot more:

First, you have to have digital cable. That's at least $10 a month more than the standard cable cost, and $15 more if you want a decent selection of channels.

Second, the DVR fee is $9.95 as you say. Simple, right? Nope, they also add a box rental fee of $4.95, and a remote rental fee of $1.20, and if you want HD that's $5.00 more.

HD is nice, but I was looking at $36.10 more per month vs. the free OTA HD and regular cable I had before. (TiVo is free for me because I have lifteime.)

Installation is $30 more.

Check your bill out carefully; Comcast hides these rental fees and I think it's very deceptive.

Posted by: Johanes T. at Nov 2, 2005 1:22:25 PM

I recently did a review of the RCN HD offering:

http://www.raizlabs.com/blog/2005/10/rcn-hd-dvr-sad.html

I was under the impression that RCN and Comcast used the same software but from your description they may in fact be different.

At first it started to sound like a glowing review but by the end it seems like the experience is just barely tollerable.

I'm still looking for the HD-cable experience with the Tivo like simplicity. I'll have to keep looking.

Posted by: Greg at Nov 2, 2005 1:30:16 PM

Note that depending on location the software used by the Comcast's DVR apparently is different. Up here in the Pacific NW we have a Microsoft software that at least fixes the "search for a program" problem that's mentioned in the review.

Still no "wishlist" and no automatic "recommendations" (which is honestly pretty surprising given the up-sell possibilities) but it sounds like an improvement over the default software.

MAK

Posted by: Mike at Nov 2, 2005 1:40:36 PM

I love my HD Tivo. :)

Posted by: Doug at Nov 2, 2005 1:42:28 PM

The easiest way to create a season pass is to find the program in the Guide and then click the record button twice.

The UI isn't great but it's better than "beyond horrible".

Has anyone figured out how to extract programs from the box?

30 Second Skip: it seems to me that only certain people, not including me, get this. Does anyone know if I might be able to activate it?

Posted by: pwb at Nov 2, 2005 1:55:23 PM

Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

Posted by: Tigidal at Nov 2, 2005 2:21:15 PM

Below is a link all of the codes for the remote functions...

http://www.hifi-remote.com/cgi-bin2/ueic.cgi?cbl_0476

Posted by: Tigidal at Nov 2, 2005 2:22:40 PM

The interface isn’t beyond horrible for regular guide stuff, but where it DOES earn this title is On Demand. This area is located on channel 1 and it’s a complete dog. There is no way to “back up” most of the time. The only option is exit, which takes you all the way back to the beginning.

On a side note: I was on a good 30 minute phone survey by “national cable companies” the other night. The entire focus was aimed at determining if On Demand was being used more/less than DVR features. Seems HBO and others are thinking of amping up the features for On Demand (online scheduling/playlists, etc.) to match or surpass what we may record on a regular basis on a DVR.

Posted by: Angelobanjo at Nov 2, 2005 3:34:04 PM

as luck (?!) would have it, i stayed home from work today deleting all the season passes from my 6412. there were only 26. deleting a season pass causes the 6412 to freeze, and it needs to be power cycled to wake it up. so i power cycled my 6412 26 times today. i'm sure that's just wonderful for the hard drive.

if you're wondering why in hell i'd delete all my season passes, it's because they just don't work right on this box. even with accurate guide data, it records multiple showings of the same episode of stuff. sorting the "to do" list is a nightmare because it retains all the stuff you DON'T want recorded in the list, reminding you that it's not recording that. i'm just manually setting my recordings up once a week from now on.

i switched from SD-->HD and tivo-->6412 in september. i really miss you, tivo. can't wait until you're deployed on comcast's dvrs.

Posted by: michaelallroy at Nov 2, 2005 4:15:20 PM

I have had 2 big problems with my Comcast box. The audio does not sync with the video. I'll watch somebody talk and not hear anything for a second or two. I have to pause it several times before the problem is fixed.

And it crashed on me last night and everything I recorded will not play.

I still love my Tivo, but I can not wait for them to have an HD solution.

Posted by: Scott Olson at Nov 2, 2005 4:44:57 PM

The lag time is definitely a pain but the DVR does give a little visual cue that it is working on your command. It’s not on the TV screen; it’s on the DVR itself. Each time the DVR is “thinking” (generous term for lagging horribly), an amber light will be on solid. When the DVR comes out of its lag the light goes out. Watching this light is indispensable for not clicking ahead of the DVR.

Posted by: dan at Nov 2, 2005 4:54:33 PM

I forgot to mention in the review that I too have been getting season passes that tape multiple copies of shows it thinks are "new" even when set to "first run only".

I've also seen the audio sync problem, but only on PBS in HD.

Posted by: Matt Haughey at Nov 2, 2005 5:56:29 PM

In Maryland we have AtlanticBB. They also use the 6412. They promised PIP but have not delivered it. I have also gone through three box's in 6 months. The thing crashs and reboots at least once a week. It wil stutter if you have two recordings going on and are watching a pre-recorded show etc. The Lag is horrible at times.

How to crash it guarenteed. Pause a channel. swap to the other tuner and watch about 15 mins and then pause. swap back to the prev tuner. resume play. Now play so that it goes beyond what the progress bar shows. (The bar dosnt update the extended time while you are watching.) Once into the unmarked area. pause and swap to the other tuner and then swap back. boom.

Also, when they first rolled it out. their time server was 3 mins behind for a month. I offered to fix it for them but they "Didnt need any help". The morons took forever to fix it. Meanwhile their entire customer base couldnt get there shows to record on time!!!

They cant or wont transfer your shows and settings to another box. So I told them to stuff it. Im building a myth box that works.

Posted by: Bob at Nov 2, 2005 6:22:44 PM

Also another issue. If you are recording a show and the emergency broadcast comes on. They switch both tunners to an info channel causing you to lose the buffers and cancel any recording that was in progress.

Its a computer. Jeeze, cant they just pop a dialog up with the info so that the recording and buffers are not interrupted.

Does comcast and or others do this?

One day. The kept sending the emergency every 5 mins for 12+ hours.

If you havnt got a clue then I guess you go work for cable.

Posted by: Bob at Nov 2, 2005 6:28:31 PM

I recently switched from DirecTV to Comcast. I've been a long time user of the Std Def DirecTivo box and I also had the HD DirecTivo box that I paid $1000 for when it came out. I had some frustrations with the Comcast box when I initially switched, but forums on the internet have been a big help. One of the biggest things I did that solved a lot of my problems was leaving the box on 24/7 and never powering it off. I have two 6412's at my house, and I rarely have issues with them. I do miss certain Tivo features, but overall I'm a happy camper with Comcast and the 6412.

To the poster who posted about pricing being more than the $9.95 a month. I think you should check your pricing because I don't pay additional rental fees for the box, remote, or HD service. I pay the $9.95 a month x 2 for my two boxes and that's it. I don't pay another fee for HD or box rental, the $9.95 covers it all. Overall it's costing me about $12.00 a month more than my DirecTV was so it's still very expensive in my opinion. My main reason for switching was because I'm on the fringe area for receiving an OTA signal, and even though a had a very large outdoor antenna I had some dropouts on certain channels. I don't have to deal with the antenna with Comcast.

Posted by: Brad at Nov 3, 2005 5:16:38 AM

I also switched from DirecTiVo to the Comcast DVR (Microsoft Enhanced) about 6 months ago due to a move and no view of the southern sky. I had only used DirecTiVo for about 18 months, but the difference is stark. In fact, the Microsoft software is so awful compared to TiVo and so unreliable (missing programs, missing sound, 3 minute recordings of hourlong shows...) that my wife who is not a technical zealot of any stripe has vowed her hatred towards Microsoft. Looks like price changes from place to place and for us we pay $9.95 for the first box in the house and $15.95 for the second (+ the Digital cable fee). I'd give anything for my DirecTiVo back... :(

Posted by: Doug at Nov 3, 2005 6:56:56 AM

Does the Comcast DVR act as a tuner (and thus work with HD-Ready sets) or does it require an HD set with a Tuner pre-installed?

Posted by: ~bc at Nov 3, 2005 8:22:34 AM

The Comast 6412 has dual tuners built into it. The PhaseII boxes have component and DVI outputs to connect directly to your TV, the newest PhaseIII boxes have component and HDMI connections. No other tuner is needed, just the 6412 and a HD-Ready set is all that's needed.

Posted by: Brad at Nov 3, 2005 8:51:00 AM

Yes, it acts a tuner. You can output through coax, component, composite, S-vid, DVI.

Posted by: Joe at Nov 3, 2005 8:52:37 AM

By far, the easiest way to set up a season recording is to just go to the program in the guide and hit record, when the menu comes up it gives you the option t set up the seasonal recording. i realize thats different from the way most longtime TiVo users may be used to just sitting back and browsing through which is admittedly crappy on the comcast box, but it's incredily easy to do the first time you watch a program you want to record, or if you know when and what channel, just go straight to the first time it comes on and set it up.

Posted by: Richard at Nov 3, 2005 9:23:48 AM

Brad, I'm sure you're right that for you it's only $9.95. Every area seems to set pricing differently. But for me, there are a LOT of hidden fees. Check out Comcast's web site, they do disclose some of them in the fine print.

Posted by: Johanes T. at Nov 3, 2005 11:37:27 AM

My comments:

It's laggy as hell - but we've grown accustomed to it.

It crashes periodically and needs to be power cycled by unplugging the cord.

Once in a while, recorded content has audio/video synch problems.

120GB is too small. It has SATA, so for crying out loud, let me install a second drive!

It has a cable modem so for crying out loud, let me use it as well!

PIP does not work.

It's HDMI only, so I had to buy an adapter to hook it up to my DVI input on the TV.

It's interface is crap. Take a cue from Tivo here.

Sometimes the interface gets "stuck" for a while. I pressed FF and it would not come out of it for about 5 mins.

Posted by: Frank at Nov 3, 2005 3:37:49 PM

Great review...

Though I shutter to think what performance is like if you think a stock tivo is fast. Our HD Tivo is so slow in menu and guide response that I frequently think of throwing things at it. My replay was truly snappy, MythTV is very fast if a little...odd, at times. MCE is OK but it does seem to lag out some times, but generally things like screen paining and what not are fantastic. Tivo has the slowest responding/painting, most unusable POS grid guide I have ever had the displeasure of useing... And the Comcast box is laggeir? Let me just say, YIKES.

Posted by: Griffon at Nov 4, 2005 1:57:58 AM

I've had the Comcast HDTV, DVR thing for long enough now that the "new" factor has worn off. Our first box was actually broken and replaced without question. During the time we've also moved to a different part of the same city. The first thing I noticed was that the experience was actually different. The lagginess issues we used to have are much more infrequent.
The bug fixes that others are mentioning though are annoying. The one that gets me is that if you are recording two channels simultaneously, it will prompt you to change to the second one that it started (which is random as they both start at the exact same time). Switching back to the first channel is not allowed. Now I can understand that you can't switch to a third, but I just want to switch to the channel that is being recorded on the other tuner! What bugs me the most is that even if I cancel one of the two recordings, I am still "stuck" and cannot change channels. You have to cancel both recordings, change the channel and set-up which ever recording(s) you want again manually.

I've never had Tivo so I have nothing to compare the experience and I could see how if you were once using Tivo it may be a downer. But I think that for the price, integration, on-demand, etc. it is definitely worth it.

Posted by: Nisah at Nov 4, 2005 6:40:24 AM

Sounds like a fairly honest review, but I'm at a different conclusion - sounds like the interface and storage sucks, compared to Tivo.

I think I'll wait for this technology to grow up and continue to live "happily ever after" with my current direcTivo setup. ;) (Why pay more, for a crappy product, that lags, and stores 1/10th of my current DirecTV (directivo) setup?...doesn't add up to me.

Jeff

Posted by: Jeff at Nov 4, 2005 8:02:07 AM

I agree for the most part with the review. I moved from TiVo to Comcast's DVR because of the HD, and haven't regretted it.

Yes, interface is not even close to Tivo's. But then, I can now fast forward through the commercials on the HD channels :-), and that makes it all worth it.

One note: When setting up the 'season passes' on the Comcast DVR, there is no need to push a button 20 times. Just keep it pressed down, and it will scroll through the alphabet. Still not as good as TiVo's refreshing filter, but not too bad either.

A note for you Tivo users (the non-DirecTV ones): when you call Tivo and tell them you want to cancel Tivo and go with another DVR, they'll offer you the subscription for $6.95 - a nice savings of $6/month.

Posted by: KKop at Nov 4, 2005 2:27:21 PM

Season passes: the Comcast box is not intelligent like TiVo. When you choose to record only new episodes of a show that is repeated often -- say, "Battlestar Galactica" which is repeated during the following week -- it records each and every airing. I've given up on the season pass-like option on the DVR for anything other than network shows because the box becomes full of duplicate recordings.
On Demand: to back up in these menus, press 'LAST' on the remote.

Posted by: Gene at Nov 4, 2005 9:19:39 PM

Another thing.. a DTV HD box or even a DirectTivo is $4.95 a month and not $12.95.

I'm patiently waiting for March-April when the Comcast/Tivo box is supposed to come out.

I would never get the Comcast box now just because of the stupid 12 hours HD time limit.. haha..

Posted by: Paul at Nov 5, 2005 12:35:40 PM

Griffon: just select to watch the other show from your recorded shows list. once both are recording, you can watch either one as a recorded show.

i agree with this review. my replayTV was much better, but i'm sticking with the comcast dvr since it has 2 tuners and HD capability. definitely looking forward to the tivo integration!

in the DC area, it's only 9.95 a month. those other "hidden fees" are not directly related to the dvr service. they are for the cable box capabilities (5 bucks for an HD capable box), remote (around $1.50), etc. i'd have to pay those for an hd box or hd dvr box. i think it's a good deal, and when a new box comes out, i don't have to spend a few hundred bucks to get it (but instead i have to deal with comcast's horrendous customer service).

Posted by: Keith at Nov 7, 2005 12:18:12 PM

sorry, that was Nisah that wrote about not being able to swap back to the other channel, not Griffon....

Posted by: Keith at Nov 7, 2005 12:19:56 PM

I was all set to plunk down the cash and buy an HD TV but thought I'd research the cable/broadcast options first, glad I found this great blog. Good job.

The Comcast 6412 seems full of bugs, and the DirectTV HD DVR requires a 2 year committment and an upfront purchase.

Does anyone make or hack a DVR that will work with over the air HD signals and not require a contract with a service provider?

Posted by: Guy at Nov 8, 2005 8:54:18 PM

does anyone elses lag worse when one or both of the tuners is on an HD channel? i have no lag when i am on a SD channel or recording an SD channel. But when i record or watch an hd the guide lag is much more pronounced.

Posted by: andrew at Nov 9, 2005 8:04:19 AM

How can you spend money and put up with the lag mentioned on the DCT 6412. From what you describe Andrew, it's obvious that the processor cannot handle the massive I/O data stream associated with one or worse, 2 HD Channels. That's why it works better on SD. Tivo Series 1 is responsive, proven, and can be used with no monthly fees.

True, there's no HD support, but you may be better off just using the Tivo for Analog viewing and wait for the next generation of HD DVR's to come out.

Posted by: Guy at Nov 9, 2005 2:58:56 PM

I loved my Tivo but when Comcast launched Video On Demand in my neighborhood I couldn't access it from the TIVO menu.

Though the Comcast DVR is buggy, it's just such a sweet combo between the VOD and the HD DVR that I'm willing to deal with the quirks.

Posted by: Anon at Nov 9, 2005 4:28:57 PM

I have a comcast 6412 and absolutely love it. I would like to leave the unit on 24/7, but the little ones always hit the 'All On' key and this turns opff the box of course. On the original (I had to have my box and remote replaced) remote, I could prgram this key, but on the new remote (no part number, just says Comcast on the bottom) there are no instructions on prgramming this button. Does any one know how to re-program the 'All On' key???

Posted by: Marco at Nov 13, 2005 10:15:17 AM

I too also took the Motorola DVR for a test drive (via RCN of New England) It lasted about a week before I couldn't deal with it anymore.

I have a Hi-def TV, and being able to record HDTV programming would be the only reason for me to keep the Motorola box.

At the time, the software was VERY buggy: As a dual-tuner box, it would change the background channel while recording something on the main one. In the menu screens, I always found myself trying to pause the picture-in-picture frame, but it wouldn't let me. ...and the season pass equivalent would usually record programs I excluded (i.e. reruns). Another issue I had is with closed captioning. The CC signal is blocked on HD channels, so the TV itself cannot process it. It must be handled by the box itself, but can only be activated by turning OFF the box and monkeying with the buttons on the front of the cable box.

If you want/need a HDTV DVR, wait for TiVo's CableCard offering in the first half of 2006.

Posted by: Harry at Nov 15, 2005 6:42:30 AM

Regarding season passes, it's important to remember that this box does not have 'history' -- i.e. it does not remember what it's already recorded. This is bad for shows on HBO and other stations that repeat their first-run shows many times through the week.

When you prioritize your season passes on this device, you should take care to move the shows that only air once (i.e. network first-run shows) to the top of the list, so they all have higher priority than shows that air multiple times.

For example, suppose you have a pass for HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, and suppose it airs on Sunday, and Wednesday nights. Suppose also that you record and watch Sunday's show right away, and that you have two other shows with lower priority scheduled for Wednesday at the same time that the encore of the new episode of "Curb" is playing. One of those shows will be bumped because the 6412 thinks that Wednesday's episode of "Curb" is new (it is first-run) and it has a higher priority than the other show on your season pass list.

This was a good review. I find the user interface to be acceptable, and certainly not horrible. Scrolling the guide is way faster than TiVO. It's also easy to quickly program shows that simply don't work with season passes due to inaccurate guide data, such as Daily Show, South Park, etc.. You can easily bring up a list of all times, and quickly move through the list marking 2.5 weeks worth of shows to record in just minutes.

Posted by: Jeff at Nov 15, 2005 10:19:28 AM

New to HD and DVRs as of August, but came on board fast since then. Comcast unit has worked generally fine albeit with the above problems cited. Was amazed to learn Motorola had the only dual tuner HD set on the market and has beat the competition to the market by at least a year. HD size of 120G is an issue. Looking forward also to larger size whether Tivo or not. Be advised one problem that has crept up recently, and not mentioned here is a bug in the MYDVR program delete sequence where you delete a program and the program name disappears but the line still shows up with a date of 1989. Only way to fix that is a new box - which Comcast gave to me fast.

After buying the HD I immediately went nuts with 4 remotes and based on Tweeter (New England) recommendation bought a pc programmable Universal Remote (www.universalremote.com) MX-850 - lists around $400 - got it on ebay for $200. Never tried a pronto or harmony but am glad I didn't. The MX-850 has huge horsepower but requires no charger and will hold memory for 10 years. I had a tougher time finding the 30 Second advance (great post above)but after I did find it, among other goodies I programmed several of the soft LCD buttons to 3 min and 15 min fast forward and backward.

Posted by: Brooks at Nov 16, 2005 9:09:10 PM

on the 6412, has anyone tried to change the DVR priority listing? This is the only screen that includes internal navigation to scroll up and down. This is because the remote navigation keys are used to change the priority.

So, what do you think about the DVR priority interface? Is it easy to use, or is it just me?

Posted by: cr1060 at Nov 17, 2005 2:58:26 PM

This is some great commentary and good insight. Thanks for bringing it here. Todd Lokken

Posted by: Todd Lokken at Nov 18, 2005 9:59:35 AM

Using this since may/05 (6 months already) and i'm pretty satisfied. it does sometimes lag when i press a key, then all actions are preformed at once, but does not happen very often.
i also got the zero minute recording without title dated 1989. trying to delete or view it will screw up the dvr, will need power cycle so i'm just leaving it there (didnt bother to call tech support).
sometimes when i turn on the dvr, it will show black screen on all channels on both tuners (even though the guide is there). just have to start a recording and play back or just go to my dvr and play some old recording, then stop and the "on-air" channels are instantly back.
never bothered to use the firewire/usb/ethernet connectors cuz they appear to be disabled (so say people on the net). also never used HD and monitor outputs or any surround system to check the dolby 5.1 thing.
should have more than 120 gigs, but its ok with me for a first dvr at no extra monthly charge.
my 19" crt tv does not have RCA/S-video inputs so i had to buy an extra box to convert to channel 3/4. too bad the dvr does not have a normal RF output.
programmed my remote to skip 30 seconds on recordings and i'm happy with that, saving more time than with FF4.
sometimes i find 2 pieces of one recorded program. i dont know if it's an issue with the dvr or my power fails and it resumes recording when its back.
apart from minor issues which are omniprezent in all consumer electronics, i'm a satisfied comcast customer - getting what i'm paying for.

Posted by: pretty good at Nov 19, 2005 5:34:47 AM

The newest bug in the latest comcast hd-dvr box is that it will not do 5.1 playback..

Even though the programs you are watching is coming in thru your receiver in 5.1, when you play the recording back, it is only stero..
Had comcast tech here and he said the box needs a firmware upgrade..
anyone else have this glitch?
[using optical out to Harmen-Kardon 5.1 and HDMI out of box to Panansonic hd tv.

Posted by: tony at Nov 20, 2005 12:12:46 PM

This review is pretty close, but does not capture my disappointment in the motorola sofware. I would have been disappointed even if I had not previously owned a tivo. Luckily, they can push new software down through the comcast nextwork and we will hopefully see things improve. I do agree with the general sentiment that the comcast box is cheap/free with better HD programming and therefore, worth it.

Re the DVI and HDMI. My samsung does not allow you to stretch or use the PIP when using DVI, HDMI or VGA hookups. I have switched over to the component connection and am satisfied there is no perceptable loss in HD quality and am able to stretch the letter boxes and non HD programs.

I did not have the Directv/tivo combo, so I was able to reuse my tivo box on my non HD tv with the non HD motorola/comcast box. Everything works great via the serial hookup. In the end, I get the best of both worlds! I can even watch the Tivo recordings via tivo desktop and a PC hooked up to my HD TV!

Posted by: disappointed at Nov 21, 2005 11:56:36 AM

Is it possible to plug in an external hard drive to the 6412? Well, of course you can plug it in... but has anyone figured out how to make it work??? The storage capacity when recording in HD is terrible. I'm trying to figure out how to plug in a 300GB external drive.

Posted by: Mark at Nov 23, 2005 10:07:15 AM

Thanks for all the comments. I am about to be a first time user and will choose between Comcast and TiVo. TiVo offers a box option that allows me to record DVDs which I don't see offered by Comcast. Comcast seems to be a step behind and TiVo's rebate program makes the box purchase less of an issue. For those of you who have had both, what do you recommend?

Thanks!

Posted by: Matt at Nov 23, 2005 12:38:06 PM

In Atlanta and have had Dish HD, DTV HD and now Comcast HD. The Comcast (Motorola( 6412 is the first DVR I have owned. Right now, Comcast is superior in the Atlanta area but DTV is working hard to recoup market share and probably will w/TIVO HD-DVR improvements along with programming improvements coming in early 2006 on the heels of recent 2nd sattelite launch a couple of weeks ago. I also have an OTA HD receiver although this is no longer necessary as Comcast Atlanta now provides all the local HD offerings (DTV has recently added this feature w/o using built in OTA receiver).

Did a lot of research on the Motorola 6412 before switching from Dish to Comcast about 6 months ago including talking on email to Motorola techs - easy to use, responsive but not particularly helpful as they will tell you you have to talk to your local service provider because the software loads vary by region (firmware is not supposed to but you have to be careful).

As any experienced HDTVer will tell you, the locals who come to install your equipment (SAT or CABLE) are idots - beware. In the case of Comcast, none of the installers, including Comcast tech support, could tell me what the model and version number of the box they brought to my house was, the firmware version or what software was loaded. (Motorola techs told me how to access this info and it turned out that I did have a correctly configured device - its on the menu screen you can only access with the 6412 power off). However, Motorola will not confirm if you have current software - only your local will be able to that if you can find the right tech support person - not easy.

I'm not a "full feature" user. I record college football games and an occassional TV special or Movie so I can't comment on the robustness of the 6412 as compared to TIVO (which I've never had). I've experienced some of the bugs mentioned here but none have been distracting to what I use the record/playback features for. I also had my "system" (not the 6412) lock up on me. The TV would not display anything - turned out it had to do with conflicts between my DVR, OTA receiver and my cable feeds going through a switcher and then to the TV (I have only two HD composite inputs/no HDMI so, have to use a switcher). First, I thought it was the 6412 crashing. It wasn't. Took me about an hour to sort it out. All is fine now and I know what the problem is if it happens again.

Overall, Comcast and the 6412HD/DVR leads the market in HD tuner/DVR functionality. The fact that Comcast does not charge you $500 plus for the receiver (Best Buy has the current DTV HD/DVR at $499 after rebates and you still have to pay the $14(?) a month fee for TIVO service) is a slam dunk in Comcast's favor, IMO. I don't mind paying Comcast the extra fee for the HD/DVR service ($9.95). I have the Silver Pkg that includes HBO/HD - $70; Showtime - $14; and 2nd digital box - $5. I also have Comcast internet service (the best, IMO) so I end up paying 153 bucks a month for all of that in this area. Expensive but my wife loves movies. Comcast's rumored venture with TIVO shows they are keen on keeping DTV at bay with respect to market share. Its going to be interesting to see if that actually pans out for Comcast. For purests (I am not one) a sattelite HD feed through the Huges family HD receivers will produce a less processed HD picture (I can tell the difference but it is minimal - a little sharper image at the edges and slighly better blacks). So, for those purests in the market, you might want to wait for improvments in DTVs Huges HD/DVR product rumored to be coming in January 2006. But if you have to have it now, I'd go with Commcast and their Motorola 6412 even with the few pimples this device has.

Posted by: Jeff at Nov 24, 2005 7:03:46 AM

I'm a Comcast HD subscriber (no subscribtion to the DVR option yet). I looked at my box and it appears to be a Motorola 6412. It appears to me that I just have a remote that can't access the DVR capabilities in the box. In fact, one button does work - the record button, but pause, play, ff etc seem not to be functional. Does anyone know if additional software/firmware needs to be downloaded to turn my cable box into a DVR, or if I just need a different remote.

Also, I noted people talking about multi-tuner. Is it just a matter of splitting the incoming cable to the cable box?

Thanks.

Posted by: Neil at Nov 25, 2005 5:27:59 AM

Does anyone know if its possible to transfer a recorded show from the DVR onto a Mac or PC? I've been able to do this with my Tivo and old ReplayTVs but haven't figured out a way to do this. This Comcast DVR has firewire and USB ports so I'm thinking it must be possible.

Posted by: David Lexx at Nov 27, 2005 9:30:59 PM

Great review and comments. I just got a Panasonic HDTV over the weekend and picked up and self-installed the 6412 DVR yesterday. I am a longtime Tivo user (Series 1), and the 6412 UI is primitive compared to Tivo, which is pretty pathetic given that Tivo has been out there for half a decade now.

I considered waiting for the Comcast/Tivo box, but I wanted to take advantage of the HDTV recording capabilities now. Tivo has said "2006" for the Comcast box - which usually means "end of 2006". I'd be surprised if it were availble before the fall. If the Comcast/Tivo DVR requires a different box, I'll just swap 'em out.

- I like the 6412 remote. It is actually very similar to the Tivo Series One (Sony) remote that I know and love, so the learning curve should not be too steep.
- How many versions of the 6412 are out there? Mine has HDMI, firewire, and SATA outputs. The SATA output is intriguing - does that mean you can plug an external SATA hard drive in there to gain additional recording time? Has anyone tried this?
- I am using the HDMI cable and noticed that it seems to disable the aspect control on my TV (Panasonic HD plasma). I saw a note above that using the component cables seems to fix this - I may try this out.

Posted by: Spyponder at Nov 29, 2005 7:11:19 AM

I reluctantly switched from Tivo to Comcast (actually, I still have the Tivo box, its just set up in a spare bedroom), because of problems trying to combine a plasma tv with a Tivo DRT800 and a Comcast 6412 HD box. After countless hours with Tech support, I put the Tivo in another room and now use just the 6412 with the Plasma.

Motorola included some great hardware features on the 6412 , however, Comcast doesnt support half of them. Specifically, in the LA area, Comcast has not enabled the HDMI connection, nor the 1394, as well as a few others etc.

If the Comcast box had Tivo features it would be perfect. The reviews above are DEAD CORRECT in the problems stated such as the box freezing up and the sub par search features, and lack of internet programming.

Anyone know when a rumored Tivo/Comcast" partnership might actually be implemented and when or if Comcast plans to enable some of the features on the 6412? Or about the CableCard thing?

Posted by: Al Stone at Nov 30, 2005 6:58:16 PM

I want to take my DVR and pitch it out the window for all the aforementioned reasons.

It's not smart. As others have said, it's very difficult to record a show that isn't on "network" television, because if it airs again during the week, this box is too confused to 'remember' that it's recorded it once. I can't record one of my favorite G4TV shows because it airs 3 times a day during the week. I mean of course I could record it, but deleting it all the time becomes tedious.

Hopefully, they will allow more smart features soon, which will allow you to record a show at a certain time on a certain channel every day if you so choose. I think they were so busy trying to get away from the basic functionality of a VCR that they forgot ..some of it is actually useful.

Thanks to the person who posted the 30 second skip codes. I kept looking at my remote wondering why they had a 15 second rewind button instead of a skip :)

Posted by: Stephani at Dec 1, 2005 4:36:17 PM

For the person who asked about the TiVo/Comcast merge, here's a link to an old article - it says earlier 2006 the DVR should have the TiVo functionality.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2005-03-14-tivo-usat_x.htm

Posted by: Stephani at Dec 1, 2005 4:38:48 PM

On the 2 tuner comcast DVR the audio setup menu has a "compression" level selection and a "matrix" selection in the advanced audio menu. What is "matrix" and what's the best "compression" selection to use? Also how do you program in a "swap" button. My remote does not have this selection. The blog with the 30second skip instruction was really cool. I recently switched from TIVO - don't have HDTV yet and haven't experienced any freezing or significant lag. The comcast DVR compares poorly especially with season pass recordings. The Comcast DVR won't program sports series altough TIVO did.

Posted by: Arthur C Martin at Dec 1, 2005 6:55:43 PM

Maybe the wrong forum for this, but I'll throw it out.
I have the motorola dvr box from comcast running on a 56" hd tv. The HD channels look phenomenal with no lag; even when played back on the dvr after recording 2 hd channels at the same time.
But my question is regarding the quality of the SD channels... especially on those below 100. Is there any way to improve this? I heard you can manually alter the output resolution from the 6412 but can't figure out how (really don't know if it would help but at this point I'll try anything). Has anyone tried the eloctroline splitter/amps with any success?
Thanks for any help.

Posted by: Gavin at Dec 2, 2005 7:46:30 PM

The box pretty wack when it comes to sports- I was just watching a Sharks game and it cut off the end because it ran long. You cant record sports as a season pass either, which is ironic because if you associate the term with anything its going to be sports.

Posted by: Tony at Dec 3, 2005 7:53:40 PM

Regarding improving quality of the SD picture:

About the only thing you can do is play with the 4:3 override setting. To access this, turn the power off from the remote and then press Menu right away. If your HD is set to 720p or 1080i, you can change how SD is presented by selecting something else in 4:3 override.

I'd suggest trying 480i, since this is the 'native' format of SD. Also consider running an S Video cable from the box to a different input on your TV. S Video will give you a less grainy picture on SD channels as it is a much lower resolution. You'll have to switch inputs on your TV when you switch from SD to HD programming, but it might give you a much better SD picture than what you would get otherwise.

I have 4:3 override set to Off currently, so I can stay on the same input for HD and SD. Also, the box will pillarbox the image with black bars on the side, instead of the TV's gray bars which I don't care for if use the 4:3 override feature. I put up with the grainy analog channels for now, but hopefully that will all go away when Comcast switches to 100% digital in my area (hopefully soon).

Posted by: Jeff at Dec 7, 2005 12:13:35 PM

This is my 2nd day with the 6412-III. Has anyone figured out how to prefer the HD broadcast during the season records. For example, a guide search for "Desparate Housewives" only shows channel 7 broadcast, not HD 707 broadcast, though they are showing at the same time.

Posted by: Greg at Dec 7, 2005 2:15:31 PM

All my SD channels look good to great.
True or not, I read long time ago that as you start to get above 46", SD channels can only be stretched so much. For this reason, I did not go above a 42" Panasonic......
100% digital is really going to be the only true answer in time.

Posted by: tony at Dec 7, 2005 8:34:30 PM

Re: "This is my 2nd day with the 6412-III. Has anyone figured out how to prefer the HD broadcast during the season records. For example, a guide search for "Desparate Housewives" only shows channel 7 broadcast, not HD 707 broadcast, though they are showing at the same time."

Strange... when I search for a show, I get both the non-HD and the HD channel listed. When I set up the series recording, and I look at the extended recording options page, there's an option to "only record on this channel" which is marked by default.

Have you tried finding the show in the guide itself (not using the Search feature), pressing the record button, and then setting up a series pass from that dialog?

Posted by: Jeff at Dec 8, 2005 8:14:01 PM

This is a comment to the start of this thread.
For your info, you do NOT need an LCD or a Plasma to get HD. In fact, there are a lot of HD CRT TVs out there. You can get a decent one for around 500 bucks (Panasonic, Samsung, ETC.) Also, CRTs will always look better than a plasma or an LCD (when given the exact same signal, of course). You can spend 500 bucks on a CRT and have it beat the picture quality of a 30000 dollar plasma. Don't be fooled by all the hype. If you want to question this, go right ahead, but I've been selling TVs for Circuit City for almost 2 years now.

Posted by: Anonymous at Dec 11, 2005 1:24:03 AM

Based upon this thread I ordered the Comcast DCT6412 in order to record HD shows. Meanwhile I have two TIVO's networked and also enjoy the HME features (especially Galleon).

1) AFter a few weeks of use I noticed that the My DVR and Menu buttons were being ignored. During a call to tech support I remembered changing the SD override to 480p from 480i. When I looked at my HD input, there was My DVR and Menu choices. The SD screen just showed the SD program. Had to change the SD override back to 480i.

2) I found that the remote sensitivity was changing. To start playback of a HD recording I could get a Menu or My DVR response from the couch at about 10 feet from the DVR. Then, during playback if I tried to FF or PAUSE it wouldn't respond unless I moved the remote to within about 5 feet from the DVR. What a pain for a couch potato . While the tech support was refreshing my DVR he mentioned that some people think that when the Channel numbers or Time disappear from the DVR panel that the unit is OFF. He said the DVR will degrade if you don't turn it off every day! I told him that my Tivo requires the cable box to be on all of the time and this is incompatible. He told me that the Comcast/Tivo box would be coming out next year.

Posted by: dode888 at Dec 12, 2005 5:26:00 AM

-->
) AFter a few weeks of use I noticed that the My DVR and Menu buttons were being ignored. During a call to tech support I remembered changing the SD override to 480p from 480i. When I looked at my HD input, there was My DVR and Menu choices. The SD screen just showed the SD program. Had to change the SD override back to 480i.

He said the DVR will degrade if you don't turn it off every day!
<--

Not true. You'll avoid a lot of problems if you keep the 6412 on all the time. That said, I'm not sure why you would have the TiVO recording anything from the 6412... :)

Posted by: Jeff at Dec 12, 2005 11:37:55 AM

Re: After a few weeks of use I noticed that the My DVR and Menu buttons were being ignored. During a call to tech support I remembered changing the SD override to 480p from 480i.

Yes, this is how it works if override is set to 480P and you use the S-Video or Composite outputs.

Re: 2) I found that the remote sensitivity was changing.

Did you try changing the battery in the remote?

Re: He said the DVR will degrade if you don't turn it off every day!

Not true. You'll avoid a lot of problems if you keep the 6412 on all the time. That said, I'm not sure why you would have the TiVO recording anything from the 6412... :)

Posted by: Jeff at Dec 12, 2005 11:39:58 AM

I Have an HD ready TV which has 2 tuners. Can I connect the HD Comcast box to my Tivo 2 Series? or to connect an HD DVR Comcast box to my Tivo 2 Series?

I value your help.

Thanks.

Posted by: David at Dec 14, 2005 7:06:49 PM

this concerns the new Comcast Motorola HD-DVR box.

Has anyone who is using a 5.1 or more receiver with the box, [optical/coaxil out from box to your receiver] noticed that when you record a program that has 5.1, the DVR playback is only in stereo?
I called Comcast about this and no one is aware of the problem.
I already tried every setting in the cable audio setup.
I can get everything that is broadcast in 5.1, but DVR playback, although an excellent picture, is only in stereo.
[my 6 speaker indicator lights on the Harmon-Kardon only show left//right on playback indicating stereo.

Posted by: tony at Dec 16, 2005 9:03:23 PM

I've just had the Comcast Dual-Tuner DVR for the weekend. This is my first dvr.

The back panel has a HDMI output - not a DVI - so I think this is referred to as a '3rd gen' model earlier.

I don't get ANY lag. My earlier Comcast box was pretty slow to respond at times so I was very pleasently surprised by the responsiveness of this unit.

Recording shows is a snap, although I can't comment on the success of recording season-passes yet.

I hit the problem with the 'mute' issue when recording a show. Thank goodness for the internet.

I also noticed that the box took it upon itself to power down when it stopped recording a show...even though I was watching another show from the dvr! You've gotta wonder sometimes if the engineers use their own products.

But in general...I'm very happy so far.

I haven't used HD yet as my tv was broken when shipped :(

Posted by: PhillyMac at Dec 19, 2005 6:22:54 AM

in answer to the comment earlier about 5:1 sound when using dvrplayback. My unit does indicate receiving 5:1 audio on playback.

Posted by: Arthur C Martin at Dec 19, 2005 4:37:40 PM

Arthur,
Could you tell me what hookup you have?
I have hdmi from box to tv, and optical out from box to 5.1 receiver..

Posted by: tony at Dec 20, 2005 6:26:20 AM

I called Comcast and had them re-send info to the dvr box and still will not playback in 5.1.
Only get 5.1 if watching real time..
any sugestions?

Posted by: tony at Dec 21, 2005 8:23:52 AM

I had the same problem with playing back 5.1. I switched from using the HDMI cable to component, and now it works... I think the DVR was sending the 5.1 signal to the TV and not to the receiver.

Posted by: steve at Dec 22, 2005 12:17:11 PM

Steve,
Did u notice any difference in picture quality going from HDMI back down to component because we get a fabulous HD display here...

Posted by: tony at Dec 22, 2005 2:34:55 PM

Tony - I have s video to TV (for some reason the 3 color leads - don't know the official term- doesn't work on my tv). For audio I run the optical output to my 5:1 receiver (Onkyo).

Posted by: Arthur C Martin at Dec 22, 2005 6:37:11 PM

BIGGEST SELLING ELECTRONICS PRODUCT IN HISTORY - THE DVD PLAYER. THE BIGGEST ELECTRONICS ANOMALY IN HISTORY HIGH DEFINITION TECHNOLOGY AND TV's EVERYWHERE AND NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO RECORD MORE THAN 10 OR 20 HOURS OF IT (LIKE ON A DVR)- EXCEPT FOR ME --- HAS ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE FIGURED OUT HOW TO RECORD ESPN HIGH DEFINITION AND OTHER HIGH DEFINITION CABLE CHANNELS ONTO MY MITSUBISHI D-VHS RECORDER - I CAN RECORD HIGH DEFINITION OFF THE RABBIT EARS ONLY WHICH IS JUST LOCAL CHANNELS - CAN'T BELIEVE I AM THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD WHO WANTS TO DO THIS - NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR THE BLUE RAY HIGH DEFINITION DVD RECORDERS WHICH WILL BE WAY OVER PRICED FOR SEVERAL YEARS ANYWAY. MOTOROLLA HAS A DVR WITH FIRE WIRE BUT NOT SURE IF IT IS AN OUTPUT AND I'M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD BUY IT AND WONDERING IF IT WILL WORK WITH DIRECT TV AND WONDERING IF IT WILL WORK WITH THE FIREWIRE SYSTEM ON MY MITSUBISHI D-VHS AND MY MITSUBISHI BIG SCREEN WHICH HAS FIRE-WIRE TOO.---- FROM WHAT I CAN SEE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY TO GET HIGH DEFINITION CABLE CHANNELS ON TAPE AFTER YOU MAX OUT A DVR AND DON'T WANT TO ERASE THOSE SHOWS ON IT. FACINATING TO ME HOW NO ONE WANTS TO DO THIS AND NO ONE TALKS ABOUT IT ANYWHERE. NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO SAVE THESE PRISTINE BEAUTIFUL SHOWS IN THE AMAZING HIGH DEFINITION FORMAT - (MORE THAN JUST A FEW HOURS ON A DVR).

Posted by: chpnlzt at Dec 23, 2005 12:53:24 AM

Just an update on a few issues posted above.

Intermittently encountering lag times when issuing commands - Just spoke with a knowledgeable Comcast rep who gave what appears to be excellent feedback. Comcast, of course, is aware of this and is working on it. However Comcast has about 5 different DVR units out there (orig single tuner, orig dual tuner, dual tuner w/ HDMI, and all Digital unit for towns where channels have been converted to all digital). The presence of this lag issue is different on each unit, but generally is worse with the newer units. They are working on it and expect a software upgrade to fix this and a bunch of other stuff in the Spring of 06.

Meanwhile a temporary fix is to periodically (e.g. weekly) completely power cycle the unit (pull the plug). This clears out the buffer. Haven't tried this yet but sounds like a good idea.

TIVO - The 06 TIVO rollout will not involve new units, just a software upgrade to enable the extra TIVO features. This will probably be priced at an additional $3/mo.

HDMI - Since my unit has a DVI connector, I bought a DVI to HDMI cable (My TV had the HDMI) to try it. Could see zero difference in quality. The other problem was that switching from say a DVD player or VCR to the TV-HDMI connection involved a significantly longer lag time than was previously the case in switching back to a TV-component cable connection. So I went back to component cables. But I noticed above a comment about one who had a DVR unit with an HDMI connector (as opposed to my DVI connector) had no lag whatsover, so I may try asking Comcast to send me one of those. Appreciate the heads up.

Posted by: Brooks at Dec 23, 2005 10:05:07 AM

is it possible to output from the comcast dvr box to a standard vhs recorder to archive tapes?

Posted by: oconnor at Dec 23, 2005 1:16:00 PM

I'm a TiVo series 2 owner who just ordered a Comcast HD/DVR. My plan is to continue to use the TiVo for SD and only use the Motorola DVR to record HD. Is this even possible? Can I get an SD signal out of the Motorola for TiVo as well as an HDMI to the TV?

There are many posts from TiVo owners who talk about retiring their TiVo but none who say they incorporate their TiVo into their system for the superior software/UI.

If I have to use the Motorola exclusively for DVRing, I will change my order and ask for a non-DVR box -- but, I want HD too (I know TiVo won't record HD, but for the SD channels).

Posted by: David at Dec 26, 2005 10:39:40 AM

Oh ... just thought of a complication to running TiVo concurrently with Motorola DVR. Channel changing. The Motorola box will change the channel to record its show and then TiVo will change the channel to record its show. Yes? Or, does the Motorola record its shows on the "B" channel?

Workaround: since the Motorola isn't smart enough to manage a wish list intelligently anyway, use the Motorola to record a specific showing of a program on HD and program Tivo to record the same thing so it won't change to a different channel.

Any veterans out there to comment on the viability of this evil plan?

Posted by: David at Dec 26, 2005 11:02:19 AM

Can anyone tell me how to program the Swap function in to my Motorola remote control?

Thanks!

Posted by: Arthur C Martin at Dec 27, 2005 1:40:00 PM

i have an in focus projector that only accepts dvi or s video. unfortunately, it does not include hdcp support. as a result, I am unable to display any channels (HD or SD) from my comcast/Motorola 6412. does anyone have any suggestions for making this connection work?

Posted by: superdave at Dec 28, 2005 11:34:09 AM

Does anyone knows whether the Comcast DVR requires a phone line or network connection to download the program guide (like TiVo)?

I have been using TiVo for 5 years by now, generally happy with it until recently. After they update my TiVo with 7.2.1, my USB wireless network adapter no longer works. I don't have a phone line (using cell phone and Vonage). Also, from TiVo's website, all the "compatible" wireless adapters can no longer be found on the market.

It seems the only way to solve this problem is to update my wireless router (to a G), and --get this--, by a TiVo USB wireless adapter *that can only be used with TiVo* for another $50+tax+shipping.

I have always been using basic cable, haven't been thinking about the switch to digital cable for the additional sports channels, OnDemand, and Pay-Per-View.

I assume Comcast's DVR could be smart enough to get its information from the cable directly without requiring an additional phone connection or network connection. Could someone verify that?

Thanks.

Posted by: H. Zhang at Jan 2, 2006 8:14:02 PM

Have had the 6412 for over a year (had the single tuner 6408 first) and agree with all the above posts which disparage the UI compared to TiVo, which I also have had for years. Programmed my Harmony 880 to never send the Power Off signal and that has effectively solved the MUTE problem. For whatever reason, I no longer experience as much lag time as I used to; I haven't checked the software version lately, but there may have been a recent update.

I use an AV Receiver to drive my TV (an older model 61" Sony Rear Projection with a 1080i auto 16:9 mode for HD and 480P DVDs via component inputs and full screen analog via S-Video inputs for TiVo and S-VHS tape. This has basically split my TV viewing into two camps: all the HD shows through the 6412 and all the SD programming through the TiVo. If and when Comcast goes all digital and/or offers the TiVo software as an option (I assume and HOPE that deal is still in the works) I may just add a second 6412 and move the TiVo to the bedroom.

The worst aspect of the 6412 is the teeny 120 gig drive and inability to add an external drive via the SATA or FireWire ports; all the other quirks I can live with, because the picture and sound quality have both been excellent ( I've never seen that playback 5.1 drop-out mentioned here).

If anyone ever figures out how to enable an external drive, PLEASE POST IT HERE.

Thanks

Posted by: Bob Wyckoff at Jan 4, 2006 7:17:50 AM

For the earlier question about the Comcast DVR needing a phone line for initial setup...No it does not need one. All the info is downloaded directly from the cable connection in under an hour. There's no setup to go thru like Tivo.

I recently switched to the comcast DVR from TiVo which is exactly as everyone has said here. Intermittent problems with lagging. Not enough recording space. The ONLY reason to get this thing is to RECORD HD. Had the older Comcast single tuner HD cable box (without DVR) with the Tivo for a while. That worked good together but i could only watch HD live and had to switch inputs on the TV. Comcast said Tivo would not record from their digital box but that was NOT TRUE!

Im surprised noone has mentioned here among Tivo's awesome features (unless I missed it) is its ability to play songlists I have setup on my computer to play thru my Tivo and sound system. I miss this the most. Aside from this was being able to hook up my vcr to the INPUT on the Tivo and tell Tivo to record the next 2 hours. This was a great way to backup any VHS tapes that there is no DVD for. None of these are capable with the Comcast unit.

Tivo was willing to give me some nice incentives once i told them Im switching to the Comcast DVR. If only they could record in HD I would have stayed in a heartbeat. I hate that I had to give up so much.

Posted by: tomp at Jan 4, 2006 2:19:37 PM

arthur c. -

this adapter from ati will allow you to use the component outs on your comcast box and connect them to the dvi input on your projector. i am using one for my mitsubishi projector and it works great. no idea why they dont advertise this functionality.

http://www.ati.com/products/hdtvadapter/index.html

----

Posted by: t at Jan 5, 2006 7:57:07 AM

Is there a way to record a tv show from the comcast dvr to a dvd or a vcr? I am debating between the TiVo dvd burner and the Comcast DVR.
Also do they replace your box with the new one? I would hate to have two boxes cluttering up my tv area.
Now that Comcast is merging with Sprint and some others, maybe they will have an online feature for Comcast to see what shows we have recorded? I really like the online feature with TiVo, but does it only work for a MAC for transferring data to burn onto DVD?
Please send me an email on this subject.

Posted by: Jenna at Jan 5, 2006 8:37:32 AM

I see no problem in getting your Comcast unit to hook up to your projector, if as you say, your projector has a dvi input. You just need a dvi to dvi cable, or HDMI to DVI cable if you have the new Comcast box. I originally had the reverse - i.e. an older Comcast DVR and a new TV with an HDMI input. I tried connecting that up with a DVI to HDMI cable to see if there was a difference in the picture vs. the component cable hook up. Could see no change.

Then after seeing a post above where the poster indicated he had a faster response time with a new Comcast DVR (one that had the HDMI connector), I asked Comcast for a newer unit. The results since have been interesting. I am not yet sure about whether I am experienceing faster response time, but I believe the answer is yes, definitely. However, much to my surprise, I tried, with little expectation, hooking up to the TV again, this time with an HDMI to HDMI cable. The result - sharpness about the same, but significantly increased brilliance, over what was already a fabulous picture. I love it. Only negative is that it takes longer to switch between say a VCR or a DVD to the HDMI input on the TV - several seconds lag, but the wait is definitely worth it.

The only other negative is that for some reason that has the Comcast techs baffled, the Guide is loading more slowly than with my old box. Takes several days to fully load, instead of the standard 24 hrs (i.e. if you lose or cut power to, or have the remote techs reinitialize, the box). Still trying to figure that out, but it is something I can live with. But once the guide is up, or any other menu, navigating through it is definitely snappier (after a 1 week test). These newer boxes with the HDMI connector are very hard to get, but if you can convince Comcast to get one for you, it seems worth it. They first wanted to charge me $17 for the install, since my old box was working ok, but I later got a rep to credit it back.

On the other question above - recording from your Comcast DVR to your VCR, that should be easy to do. Just use the RCA video/audio outputs on the back of the DVR, and those should then, when plugged into the back of your VCR, show up on your screen as Line1 or Line 2 input. In my case, I put an audio splitter on the audio out jacks, so that I can also feed the audio into the stereo system.

In sum - yes, a lot of quirky problems with this box, but it is clearly because Comcast and Motorola are pushing the edge of the tech envelope here - i.e. recording HD, and doing it on two channels, and doing all of this with the huge demand Comcast is placing on Motorola. I initially was blown away that Motorola, of all video electronics companies, was so far out in front on this one. And for $15/mo. It's a steal - but you do need some patience and experimentation. I'm on my 6th box with Comcast - for a variety of other smaller problems that you don't want to hear about - but I have been impressed with how fast Comcast (Boston area) responds to complaints/requests. This is clearly the time to rent, and not buy, an HD DVR.

Posted by: Brooks at Jan 7, 2006 1:31:48 PM

I have 2 comcast dvr and decided to hook both of them up to one hdtv, I noticed that one remote controls both dvr's. Is there a way to have each remote control each dvr seperatly?

Posted by: joe at Jan 10, 2006 8:31:14 AM

Just switched from Cablevision with the Scientific-Atlanta HD 2-tuner DVR to Comcast with the Motorola 6412. It is amazing how awful the Motorola is by comparison! The S-A box was never as pretty as a Tivo, but I never saw a hint of lag in responding to the remote; it never spontaneously rebooted (like my 6412 does every few minutes - they are coming to replace it next week) and it also allowed you to jack in an external HD via firewire. Come on Motorola - send a spy over to Scientific Atlanta and steal their software!!!

Posted by: Doug at Jan 10, 2006 9:23:14 AM

I'm sick of my 6412 and Comcast. I'm going back to DirecTV and Tivo. I can't even watch a recording anymore (HD or SD). Continuous "blacking out" of the picture, pauses, audio going in and out. It worked ok for the first few months, but now (8-9 months), it's just unusable.

Hopefully DirecTV will give me a good deal on their HD DVR w/Tivo to come back. How are experiences with this DVR? http://directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TiVo_HD.jsp

Posted by: Winston at Jan 10, 2006 1:40:09 PM

I've had the 6412 for over a year now. I also have two Tivos talking to my wireless network. Opposite of most people, I got the Tivos 4 months AFTER I got the 6412( and proceeded to upgrade both hard drives,) with the thought that I would save a lot of money canceling my digital package with Comcast and using Tivo instead of the DVR. However, I couldn't bare to part with the ability to record HD with the 6412. So I gave the Tivos to my kids, and they're used exclusively to record kids shows.
Anyway, I have seen the lagging problems mentioned above, and the 1989 ghost recording that you can't delete. No big deal to me. A bit frustrating, but I deal with it. 5.1 sound records and plays back without a hitch for me. Overall I love this DVR, and will probably get a second one soon. Yikes, cable bill will be over $150 at that point, but we live in front of our HDTV's and computers, so it's worth it.
Very curious to see what the Comcast/Tivo offering will be like. Since I'm used to the 6412 UI, I wouldn't mind if it stayed the same, but Tivo features were added in (wishlist, better searches). That reminds me of my biggest complaint for the 6412: No tick marks for rewinding and fast forwarding....If I want to skip an hour ahead into a show, I have to fast forward forever. On the Tivo, you just start FF'ing and hit the skip button, sending the program to the 'tick' marks. Comcast needs ticks!

Posted by: Ohendo at Jan 11, 2006 12:01:05 PM

Solution One remote for 2 Comcast DVRs (or 2 identical units of any kind). Here is a definitive, elegant but unfortunately expensive solution:

Go to universalremote.com and in their professional line review one of the PC programmable remotes. For the best balance of cost and features I prefer the Aeros MX-850. This is one of the more powerful and flexible universal remotes on the market. In addition to being able to learn any command from any remote, this unit can program multiple (macro) commands with the press of a single button (e.g. program the master on button to turn on both the TV and the Cable box and goto TV Input Video 6). More importantly for the issue of controlling two identical units, the MX-850 can send out either or both RF and IR signals, but for any particular unit(s) you can program it to send out RF only, which the boxes themselves can't read.

Then look at Univeral's MRF-250 receiver which accepts the RF signals but then retransmits them as IR over dedicated wires to each unit you are trying to control. These wires have a tiny IR transmitter on the end that tapes on to the front of the unit and is received only by that unit.

The bad news is the MX-850 retails at around $400 and the MRF-250 for abour $100, and you should really be a PC guy to take this on. But, if you are, Universal has a good help desk, and you can pick these units up for 50-60% of these amounts on ebay. Otherwise go to a commercial TV theater store which sells these (Tweeter in Boston area), pay full price, and get them to do it for you.

Posted by: Brooks at Jan 11, 2006 12:01:53 PM

> re: I had the same problem with playing
> back 5.1. I switched from using the HDMI
> cable to component, and now it works...
> think the DVR was sending the 5.1 signal to
> the TV and not to the receiver.

i don't think this is the case. i have hdmi to the tv (toshiba) and digital out to my receiver (onkyo), and have no problems with playback of shows recorded in 5.1. of course it could depend on the model of the cable box, though i'm not sure if there are variations of the one with hdmi or not?

Posted by: Tom at Jan 11, 2006 3:55:59 PM

I'm experiencing the same problem with having a live 5.1 signal switching over to stereo when recording on the Comcast DVR Model DCT6412 III.

I'm connecting with HDMI to the TV and optical to my Sony receiver. I called Comcast support yesterday and confirmed my audio settings for the DVR are correct. They said I could return the box and exchange it for a new one.

The customer service rep was happy to exchange my box and I hooked up the DVR like before. Same problem. I called Comcast again and the Comcast rep said he has an open ticket with Motorola regarding this problem and said it is sporadic (but two bad boxes in a row?!), but did not know of a solution or when it will be fixed...

Posted by: Martin Silva at Jan 11, 2006 4:40:18 PM

I'm experiencing the same problem with having a live 5.1 signal switching over to stereo when recording on the Comcast DVR Model DCT6412 III.

Posted by: Martin Silva at Jan 11, 2006 4:41:09 PM

Martin - have you tried using digital coax instead of digital optical? I'm using coax.

Posted by: Tom at Jan 11, 2006 6:20:43 PM

I have a Comcast HD DVR (a Motorola 6412), does anyone know of hidden menus or hidden features that comcast does not tell anyone. thanks

Posted by: john at Jan 12, 2006 1:01:33 PM

I just cannot get the Microsoft ENHANCED Motorola 6412--to skip

tried it many times on 2 remotes--it just won't skip.

Posted by: Sam Dachs at Jan 14, 2006 4:55:07 PM

I went on vacation for a week, had NO shows scheduled to record, can back home and fired up the ComcasDVR... EMPTY! - ALL the shows I had there were gone! - When I tried to record something, it gave an error that said to call comcast. When I called them and told them what it was doing and that it had lost all my recordings they could care less. They had me unplug and replug (which I had already done) and of course it didn't help. So the solution? - "welp, better bring it in and get a replacment" - I have yet to do that as it seems to have started recording mysteriously again... but I still plan on getting a replacement. - It's just a piece of junk.

Posted by: Gary LaVoy at Jan 14, 2006 8:46:27 PM

I think the whole problem is related to software--Comcast may be going with Tivo later this year and this may resolve some of the problems that all or us have been having.

Posted by: sam Dachs at Jan 15, 2006 8:42:18 AM

I have motorola hd dvr which does not have a remote code for onkyo recievers. Does anyone know of a way to get ot create a code to fix my problem? Thanks

Posted by: Ryan at Jan 15, 2006 8:22:26 PM

I was trying to program the 30 second skip to my remote, other posters have said to hold setup button until the cable button blinks twice. I cant find any button on my remote that says setup? I have amotorola box 6412 phase 3

Posted by: Magic at Jan 18, 2006 9:01:22 AM

There should be a button on the top left side of the remote--if not you may not have the correct remote for the unit.--it won't work if you have Microsoft software on the unit

Posted by: sam Dachs at Jan 18, 2006 5:10:57 PM

The right side--sorry

Posted by: sam Dachs at Jan 18, 2006 5:15:39 PM

My remote is gray and no button with setup on it. I have a local cable service, and this is the remote they give to everybody. Any suggestions ?

Posted by: MAGIC at Jan 18, 2006 9:44:08 PM

I have had the digital box with PVR for about 10 months now. I was using the dvi output straight to my TV. A couple weeks ago I started losing my picture. It would display for a few seconds and then I would get a black screen but with audio. I hooked up to the component out and it works fine. I hooked up a PC to the DVI input on the TV and it worked fine. Did something change recently? Is the DVI out on ym box bad or did the turn some kind of HDCP on all of a sudden and now normal DVI output will not work(My TV doesn't have HDMI connections). Anyone?

Posted by: Rob at Jan 19, 2006 12:05:15 PM

It's either a defective DVI cable coming from your unit--or a defective DVI out on the unit--did you use the same cable from the computer which worked?
If so the DVI out on the box is defective.

Posted by: sam Dachs at Jan 19, 2006 2:30:16 PM

I cannot get closed captioning on recorded programs since 1/1/06. Prior to that date every recording had closed captioning. I have closed captioning on live TV. Captioning is enabled in the setup. Any ideas?
Thanks

Posted by: Mary at Jan 19, 2006 4:43:39 PM

Help Please.

TV won't pick up any cable stations unless you go into the DVR first... then exit out by hitting the "Live" button.

Isn't that weird? Anyone else have this problem?

Thanks to anyone that can help..

Posted by: Justin at Jan 24, 2006 1:16:52 PM

Update on my above post.

It was just a simple as unplugging the Comcast box and plugging it back in.

Should have known. With a glichy computer you do the same thing. Just reboot.

Posted by: Justin at Jan 24, 2006 1:52:27 PM

Has anyone figured out how to extract shows off of the dvr onto any other device(computer, vcr,etc.)?

Posted by: Mike at Jan 24, 2006 3:29:58 PM

I'm confused. I've had the Comcast DVR since it was first offered here in Baltimore, MD. I don't have the ability to record two programs, and if I try to change channels while it's recoridng, it makes me stop recording in order to do so. Also, I have nothing even close to a "season pass" recording option. I can only record shows based on "once a week, every day, or mon-fri" If these features are available, I've really been missing out! Any ideas?

Posted by: Jonathan at Jan 26, 2006 6:08:54 PM

Mike go to Motorola's website and DL the 6412 user manual. It describes the procedure to offload to a VCR. It works well but the output is not digital. I do not have a DVD recorder so I have not tried that and none of mp PC's/Laptops have video in.

Posted by: John at Jan 31, 2006 3:39:52 AM

Jonathan is the Comcast DVR you have a Motorola 6412? If so, I would call Comcast and have a tech come look at your configuration. I can only speak for Comcast in the FL Keys but their techs are quick to come help if a trouble ticket is submitted.

Posted by: john at Jan 31, 2006 3:44:19 AM

Has anyone figured out or have the fix
concerning the "No 5.1 audio playback" with the Motorola 6412? I get 5.1 with everything that is broadcast but when I record, there is only stereo being played back. Picture is excellent. My nephew works for Comcast and said no one he talked to is aware of any issue. I contacted Harmon Kardon and they said if I am getting 5.1 on original viewing, the receiver is working fine.. I am using optical out from box to receiver but have yet to try buying a coaxil unless someone knows that it would make a difference switching fromm optical to coaxil.

Posted by: tony at Feb 2, 2006 5:14:34 PM

I have the Comcast hd dvr motorola 6412 we don't have the local abc HD channel in our area yet is there a way to get the over the air abc hd with an external antenna with this box?

Posted by: juan at Feb 4, 2006 11:12:33 AM

Don't bother getting coax, I have an onkyo receiver with the 6412 and 5.1 is not working with optical or coax digital sound for live or recording. I only hear the background sounds and music but no people talking. A/V audio works fine for now but I can't get digital to work.

Posted by: Kendqll at Feb 5, 2006 1:51:26 PM

has anyone had an "overscan" problem when using a DVI connection? I have a fuzzy white line that runs along the top of my tv screen on certain channels. This does not occur when using component cables. I want to be able to use the DVI cable, is there any way to fix this?

Posted by: brandon at Feb 5, 2006 2:46:18 PM

I also have the 6412 connected via both HDMI and Component cables to my HD TV with digital optical output to my Yamaha 5.1 capable receiver. The 5.1 channel output only works intermittently. I have contacted Comcast and I have absolutely no faith that anyone locally can fix this problem. If anyone knows of a fix, please let me know...

Posted by: Forrest at Feb 6, 2006 8:55:03 AM

Why do you have both component and hdmi both to your tv? you only need 1 or the other, preferably hdmi........

Posted by: tony at Feb 6, 2006 4:49:05 PM

Kendqll, Overscan is probably more of an HDTV adjustment for screen position. On my Sharp LCD this happens if it is set for dot-for-dot rather than Stretch. It is adjustable with the up, down, right, and left arrows to move the white line off the screen.

Posted by: Fergy at Feb 7, 2006 10:12:38 PM

I had the same problem with 5.1 playback. The problem (for me anyway) was the HDMI cable. When the HDMI was connected to the back of the DVR, playback came thru in stereo. I switched to component and 5.1 came thru even when I played back programs that had already been recorded. It works with both optical and coax. Now my problem is getting as good a picture with component as I had with HDMI. Right now, I get these diagonal lines moving through the picture.

Posted by: pete at Feb 8, 2006 3:57:05 AM

I recently picked up a 6412 Phase III DVR from Adelphia in Frederick MD. Unfortunately the Adelphia-supplied remote is not the same as that offered by Comcast, so all the great advice available out on the net for programing the remote won't work for me.

I'm attempting to figure out what brand of remote I have so I can learn more about its programmability. Anyone recognize it from this photo:

http://www.windinthetrees.com/AdelphiaRemoteFull.jpg

Posted by: NewsReader at Feb 8, 2006 3:27:14 PM

Does anyone have a solution for the 'blank screen on power up' problem? The guide is available, but no live picture is displayed. It will unfreeze by playing a second of a recorded show using the 'my dvr' button.

Will a simple unplug/plug fix it? Will this lose any previously recorded shows? Or am I going to have to try a reformat? any ideas? It goes to the black screen EVERY SINGLE time now on startup. I'm also glad (and sad) to see that I'm not the only one with a fancy surround sound system so that I can listen to straight up stereo through the dvr box.

thanks!

Posted by: Nuts at Feb 8, 2006 9:12:07 PM

Pete, thanks for the input...It appears to be an intermittant problem for me. i reset the cable box and now i get 5.1 surround with either the HDMI or component cable. It's hard for me to tell the difference between the two different cables...By the way, there are two good sites that talk about all these problems with possible fixes....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

and

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=464986&highlight=6412

Posted by: Forrest at Feb 11, 2006 6:29:30 AM

I get 5.1 also. Problem is playback thru the 6412 after recording. Playback is only in stereo.. I read of a fix but don't know if I'm in the mood to try that yet..

Keep both hdmi and component connected to your tv from cable box.[It will only use what you have selected in your tv's video inputs]
Before playback, shut box off then back on.
change video input from your remote to component..It will then playback any programs that you recorded in 5.1.
Theory is that the HDMI is sending back your 5.1 thru the tv, not the receiver which component is not smart enough [or dumb enough to do.].
I luv new technology but sometimes it's beyound convenient..

Posted by: tony at Feb 12, 2006 6:45:39 AM

I just recently switched to a drv w/hdmi. Am I loosing picture quailty from the standard Hd box to the dvr? It seems that way but comcast is clueless. please help

Posted by: Joe at Feb 17, 2006 10:59:24 AM

I have the Comcast 3 in 1 remote with VOD that is supplied with this Settop/DVR. I also have a Toshiba D-VR4 VCR/DVD player/burner. I would like to load at least the DVD player commands into the AUX position of the remote. None of the codes given by Comcast seem to work and the "search for codes" function on the remote doesn't get me there either. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Posted by: nard at Feb 23, 2006 5:35:24 AM

NewsReader,

Did you ever figure out what remote that was? I have that one also and cannot find ANYTHING about it. I want to fix that damn volume issue where it controls my box not my TV.

If you figure out what its called can you email me at shadoweasel@adelphia.net

Posted by: shadoweasel at Mar 2, 2006 9:25:04 PM

Newsreader (anyone else needing the info)

A few minutes after I wrote this last one I found it. Its funny because I had been looking for hours and just now was giving up when I linked to this

http://www.uselectronics.com/download/files/ARC%20Moto%204%20in%201.pdf

Posted by: chad at Mar 2, 2006 9:32:28 PM

I just got a Comcast Motorola 6400 series DVR HD dual tuner box about two weeks ago. I used component cables the first week and then started using a Monster DVI/HDMI cable connecting the Motorola's DVI port to my JVC's HDMI port. Worked great at first but then after a few days, the HD signals were dropping out - both live and from the DVR. The problem became more and more frequent until it would no longer display HDTV. I switched back to component cables and everything seems fine - but it bothers me that my $100 DVI/HDMI cable is not in use. Is my problem the DVI/HDMI cable or is my DVI out from the Motorola unit or is it my HDMI in on the JVC TV? Any ideas? Any fixes?

Posted by: John Brandt at Mar 3, 2006 8:43:50 PM

I just upgraded my ancient Comcast digital box (which worked okay) to the Motorola DCT6412 III box after getting a new HDTV. The last two days I've turned on the set to find the "black screen". I unplugged the box to reboot and lost all my local HD stations. The Comcast rep was clueless, said "they'd look into it" and hung up on me. Still no local HD channels, although I'm receiving stations like TNTHD and ESPNHD. Not only that, but I can only change channels by using the guide... simply pressing the channel number and hitting enter doesn't work.
Any suggestions?

PS. My TIVO has been retired to the bedroom due to lack of HD capability... I miss it!

Posted by: Boogaloo at Mar 4, 2006 12:31:05 AM

I like reading these posts as I am a Service Tech for Comcast...I will say ..the motorola DVR's are pretty junky boxes...as with one version of their straight up digital boxes...we see many numerous hard drive errors and just plain funky acting boxes..such as a recording from 1989 with nothing on it and you cant delete it (has to take a hard boot to fix). I my system we fight every day to get the company to go with a new manufacturer..Pace maces a great dvr box and Scientific Atlanta makes a really good performing box as well...keep urging your company to go with these manufacturers and im sure we would all be happier...one thing i have to point out is cost issues that some point out...rental fees arent hidden..they are very obviously printed on the bill..and the biggest thing that people miss when they think about cost...is at any time a tech like myself will come out and swap a bad box out for no charge...add those figures up when your hard drive goes on the fritz with something you have purchased...lag is another thing...the lag can happen for sure...you see most lag in ON DEMAND services..this is a totally seperate process from the box...the fast forward and rew and play commands do not come from the box in ON Demand...this is a server software process..when you push the button the box talks to the server with a request ..the server processes it..then sends it back...quite a round trip and lag is inevitable..especially as those packets are on the bottom of the pole in the network...Digital voice and High speed data packets have priority on the server...atr any rate...the Motorola DVR is really a let down for motorola and i suggest writting your company and ask for a more reliable manufacturer.

Posted by: Ken at Mar 6, 2006 8:42:32 PM

And for you guys with trouble issues...get a tech out there before you buy a new cable or tv...if you get a guy that blows it off or cant help call again...there are guys out there that will blow off a job ...but there are guys that take pride in their work and will do everything they can to get it going for you...at the least they can pin down the problem of you call enough...techs get rated on many things..repeats on their service calls is one of the biggest...after a couple repeats a supervisor will get involved and your problem will get fixed..(they will send the guy that cares)

Posted by: Ken at Mar 6, 2006 8:49:15 PM

The Comcast Cable box UI -- SUCKS! It's "beyond horrible", but.... it's the only game in town.

Posted by: c.Lake at Mar 14, 2006 7:16:15 PM

New to the Mororola 6412.Seems to work well I and will backup the programs to a DVD recorder.Is their any way to program playback so you can roll the DVD recorder and play mutiple 30 min shows back to back for instance without having to monitor it?

Posted by: Chuck at Mar 17, 2006 12:41:49 PM

The current 6412 does not fit into our component rack. The tech that visited said that Comcast was introducing a new smaller unit. Does anyone know when that will happen?

Posted by: Rik at Mar 18, 2006 5:57:52 PM

Does anyone know how to transfer recorded programs from the Comcast DVR box to your PC to burn onto DVD's for archiving? Is it a matter of certain cables to connect or what do I need? Thanks!

Posted by: Michelle at Mar 19, 2006 1:56:06 PM

Is there a way to disable the "ALL ON" button?
Maybe turn it into a TV on/off button only!

Posted by: KIP at Mar 19, 2006 3:47:37 PM

what is the USB port on the front of the panel, (left side) used for?? Can you record programs with the 6412 and then using a usb cable "burn" a cd using a laptop computer of the same program??
Example: i recorded a "great performance" program into my 6412 and I watch it often, but i wish there was a way to burn a copy of it thru my toshiba laptop using a usb cable. Can this be done?

Posted by: dennis at Mar 25, 2006 11:47:43 PM

Hello All, I just got two Comcast 6412's this past weekend. Is there a way known to (like a Tivo) share programs between the two DVR's?

I see that there is an Ethernet connection in the back of these units, Can I hook them up to my Home Network?

Can I browse the contents from my Computer?

Thanks,

Sal

Posted by: Sal at Mar 27, 2006 4:47:00 AM

After two Comcast HD DVR boxes, I'm going back to TiVO - even though I lose the HD recording capability. The latest problem with the Comcast box is that it *appears* to record a show, but when I go to play it, all I get is the screen that says "do I want to delete the recording or not". It never recorded the show in the first place. According to Comcast, I have a bad hard drive in the box. I had to return the first box because it constantly froze and had to be powered on/off. Not to mention the incredibly lame UI. I think they just missed on their marketing slogan. It should be "Its Comcraptic!"

Posted by: Ed at Mar 27, 2006 9:01:34 AM

Anyone experiencing this problem: I have the Phase III model with hdmi output, I get fantasic picture in HD connecting direct from cable box to Panasonic plasma. I purchased a Yamaha AVR 1600 that has two hdmi inputs and one output. As soon as I turn on use my reciever to access the the tv the screen shows 1080i picture for about 1.5 seconds than goes green (with sound). I have accessed and changed inputs directly from the box and still cannot get 1080i HD. I can get 720p to work with hdmi. Component works well but NOT the same HD picture quaility. Any suggestions?

Posted by: dean at Mar 27, 2006 2:28:07 PM

The only issue I have with the DVR (3412) is the "First Run Only" setup... I don't understand why some shows, listed as "NEW" in the guide, are NOT recorded... yet Cops will record every episode aired and fill up my HD when set to "First Run Only"... that part frustrates the hell out of me... especially coming from TiVo (which died and they wanted me to pay full price for a refurb box, so I told them to shove it)

Anyone else run into this with the "first run only"? or is it my box, and need to have it swapped???

Posted by: Jay at Mar 31, 2006 9:15:29 AM

Ed: I am having a similar problem to yours involving my Comcast DCT6412 Phase III. The box does not deliver any picture to my plasma display via its HDMI input when I hook it up via HDMI with my new JVC RX-D402b receiver, although the box functions correctly when connected directly to the plasma display via HDMI.

I have spoken to JVC and Motorola service people and been advised that this problem is likely caused by an error in the way the box implements the High Definition Copy Protection protocol: specifically, my box (and probably yours, too) does not support "HDCP Repeaters" such as my A/V receiver.

HDMI.org says that this is a problem in the initial versions of a number of products, and suggests you contact the manufacturers as there may be new firmware available that fixes this issue.

I have contacted Comcast and requested new software to address this HDCP implementation bug. I also wrote to info@digital-cp.com (the HDCP people), described the problem and told them that every time I look at the expensive but defective home theater that I have been struggling to get to work correctly for two months, I curse Hollywood, HDCP, and everything connected with it.

Didn't help of course, but I felt better.

Posted by: Bob at Apr 1, 2006 9:00:39 PM

I cant believe no one has mentioned the option of building their own HTPC with an HD card. Yes this would be a techie only solution and not one of the cheapest, but still a viable one with no monthly fees. Im looking at getting my first HDTV next month and already have my HTPC built but have yet to purchase the HD card.
Ill be trying this route first before dealing with the issues mentioned here.
Ive been using a Replay TV box for a few years now and would really hate to take a step backwards.
To get an idea of what can be done with an HTPC take a look over at htpcnews.com

Posted by: LOTL at Apr 2, 2006 5:59:32 AM

The solution to all our problems:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060106-5915.html

Hopefully Comcast will have a deal where they lease these things. Otherwise we'll have to get CableCard's from them which may be expensive/buggy. As long as I have dual-tuner HD capability over cable, I'm getting one -- $700 or not.

Posted by: Jeremy at Apr 3, 2006 12:08:44 PM

I picked up my first 6412 unit two weeks ago, but unfortunately they gave me the DVI unit without me knowing there was an HDMI version. So when I took it back, I was surprised to find that not only were they giving me the HDMI version, but it's the smaller unit described by someone above. It still has the same tiny hard drive and issues with mute or locking up if you don't leave it on 24/7, so I don't ever power down now. The rep said something about an improvement for this new small unit broadcasting sd channels in digital that used to be in analog with the bigger box, but I can't confirm that's true. The rep also told me that you can hook up an external hard drive, but I still don't see anybody on this forum saying it's possible. Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

I had been using only a cablecard ever since buying my Panasonic plasma 5 months ago. While I've been happy with the card, it just made me wish I could record HD even more. So for the next month I'm trying out the 6412 AND the cablecard before deciding which one is more deserving of my money. I'm also using both HDMI and component cables since my tv won't do PIP with the HDMI. I find the picture difference between HDMI and component to be extremely minor compared to the difference between cablecard and HDMI, which isn't exactly huge either, IMO.

By the way, did I mention that a nice perk of the DVR is that there's apparently some sort of glitch giving me a set of movie channels I never subscribed to before? Maybe they just assume that if you're techy enough to have HDTV and a DVR, you probably want Skinimax anyway.

Posted by: zippySF at Apr 5, 2006 5:11:44 PM

From Canada

6412 111 Sony LCD Kenwood Receiver

Cannot get any 5:1 through receiver Just purely L & R only. Using RCA and receiver does its best to decode.
using HDMI to DVI for video Tried Component Still same. Shaw cable locally are trying hard to find solution Motorola are no help at all!!!

Posted by: Tony at Apr 6, 2006 4:12:22 PM

How do I add a larger Hard disk to a Motorola DVR 6412?

Posted by: David E Yarc at Apr 6, 2006 7:06:46 PM

I see the the box has a ethernet conection what can you do we it ?

Posted by: Dannie at Apr 9, 2006 7:39:38 AM

Just an add to my previous comment. I have tried coax and optical audio to receiver with NO 5:1 That is why i am now using RCA instead. Any help on this would be appreciated

Posted by: Tony at Apr 9, 2006 1:36:49 PM

Subject: MUTE PROBLEM SOLVED.

I’ve had a Comcast Motorola DCT3412 I DVR for a few weeks and have been mostly happy with it.

My biggest complaint was that the unit would automatically mute when it started recording if the box was turned off, and there was no way to un-mute. I have just discovered a complete solution, and the solution is not just never turning the DVR off.

If you think about it, the automatic muting of the sound, after the Comcast / Motorola DVR box is manually switched off and then later powers itself back on to record, is actually by design. If you accidentally left your audio amplifier on, but turned off the cable DVR, you could be awaken at 3:00 AM by your recording of the latest interpretation of Hitler invading on the History Channel.

The problem is not with the DVR, but with the default setup of the Comcast’s remote control, which will only mute / un-mute your TV, not the DVR. The solution is to “Unlock” the Volume Control, which will enable the mute button on the remote to control the DVR. Now all you have to do is press the mute button when in cable mode and you get your sound back.

My DVR included the “Custom 3-Device Universal Remote Control” with instructions here: www.comcast.com/remotes/codes.pdf. To paraphrase from my remote’s instructions on how to unlock all volume controls:
1. Press and hold Setup until you get two blinks from the cable button.
2. Key 9 - 9 - 3 quickly followed by VOL+. You should get the cable key to blink four
times to confirm unlock.
3. Volume controls and the mute button will now all be specific to the device you have the remote set to, not locked to the TV, i.e. MUTE PROBLEM SOLVED.

Your remote my behave differently if it is a different model; make sure you know what your doing before you reprogram it.

PS: Look up other posts for how to enable the 30 second skip forward function.

Posted by: Andy at Apr 9, 2006 10:02:27 PM

Two days ago my TiVo Series 2 crashed - black screen of death - no startup menu nothing... and TiVo is telling me the hard-drive is gone. So now I'm faced with two options:

1. Buy a new TiVo Series 2 and get the lower monthly fee from TiVO

2. Rent the Comcast DVR @ $14.95/month - massachusetts rates.

I do not have a HD TV so I'm not missing that functionality.

For those of you that have both - what would you recommend?

Posted by: RP at Apr 12, 2006 10:03:29 AM

6412, Just recorded "Lost", no 5.1 audio, Dolby Digital 2 only, using the Optical output. Comcast support in the SF Bay Area no help. Seem like other users have the same issue. Can they fix this with a firmware upgrade??

Posted by: Brad at Apr 13, 2006 6:10:05 AM

Same problem here.
Playback is not in 5.1.

I have been told that that only happens if you are HDMI connected from cable box to tv. component hookup will playback 5.1.
Don't know as I haven't tried it...

Posted by: tony at Apr 15, 2006 9:06:48 AM

The 5.1 playback problem is a FirmWare issue. I called the cable company and mentioned this to them and they were un-receptive to my suggestion but a day or two later I noticed my box shut down and a FirmWare update was installed. Since then I have had no further problems with the 5.1 playback.

Posted by: Justin at Apr 24, 2006 5:42:16 AM

the cable company gave me a "new" 6412 last week, and when i plugged it in, we were getting all the premium channels. i initially was unplugging the power whenever i wasn't watching, which when i powered back up, i was still getting free channels. this past weekend, i just left the unit on all weekend long (didn't power down with the remote or on the unit), and still got all the premium channels. i am afraid to power it down with the remote or on the unit, but i figure it will be eventually.

did i get a freak unit that was somehow unlocked? or does this unit just need to get a special signal from my cable company telling it that i am not supposed to get the premium channels, but this signal only downloads when the unit is powered down but plugged in?

any advice would be really appreciated!

Posted by: alex at Apr 24, 2006 4:01:58 PM

Does anybody know how to program a three minute skip into the comcast remote. I have that with my replay tv and it saves pushing the button six times. I have the Motorola HD DVR. Thank You.

Posted by: Larry at Apr 25, 2006 5:36:30 AM

Great thread - question for the gurus. I have the Comcast Motorola box (with digital cable and HDTV) that I've been using exclusively to get HD reception... have NOT YET activated DVR service.

Since I have the box already, is there any way I can start using the DVR features... or does Comcast need to activate the functionality?

Thanks!

Posted by: dave at Apr 26, 2006 9:40:21 AM

Dave -
I had the same setup as you... You will probably need to take the unit in for an exchange (or they will bring one out to you). The box you have, while identical to the replacement you'd get, is not equipped with a hard drive, so you can't turn on the DVR functionality. You'll feel the difference w/ the replacement system - it's heavier, probably because of a beefier power supply and the presence of the hard drive.

I had the same question a couple of months ago... Sorry to disappoint you!

-a

Posted by: AJ at Apr 28, 2006 8:46:31 AM

My comcast dvr set has a dvi output. When I hook it up to my tv it says 1920x1020 which is 1080p which my tv doesn't support. How do I change this dvi output to 1080i? I dont see it on the comcast menu - the one u get when u power it down.

Posted by: George at Apr 29, 2006 11:37:33 AM

is there any way to get around the microsoft software block of the 30 second skip. I need this option to survive

Posted by: T J at Apr 30, 2006 11:54:11 AM

To fix the HDMI 5.1 playback problem, turn off the cable box. On the box itself, not the remote, hit the menu button. A settings menu will show up on the tv. Select passthrough for the audio and all is good on playback with HDMI. This works regardless of what firmware version you have.

Posted by: John at May 1, 2006 9:16:04 PM

John,

I have the Motorola hd-dvr box and in the menu[ firmware] audio is greyed out.

Only choices are the 1st three which pertain to tv type and resolutions..

Posted by: tony at May 3, 2006 8:17:37 PM

I just read YOUR post.
What was the brand of your box?
I plugged my television into my cable box, and then programmed the auto-shut-off option that turns your TV off after an hour of non-use in case I fall asleep.
Well, I woke up as it did this because it made a horrible very loud zapping noise and now my $600 DVD/VHS 36" TV is completely broken. It zapped the power right out of my TV!
I called Comcast, and filed a complaint. They said 'we will get right back to you'. 12 days later, no TV, they are still charging me, and I haven't heard from them. So I called back and boy are they snotty. They wont even send someone out to investigate.
Maybe I should take them to small claims court?
-Justin

Posted by: j at May 13, 2006 1:41:03 PM

As for the lag in the menus, I found that if you pause whatever you're watching, you can go through the menus faster.

Posted by: Wes at May 18, 2006 12:33:15 PM

Does anyone know how to copy already recorded shows to a mac. I have seen many threads about recording a live signal over firewire, but what about just copying programs that already are on the dvr?
thanks-
mitch

Posted by: mitch at May 19, 2006 10:22:03 AM

My controller for this just stopped for no apparent reason. I tried almost every kind of different battery, but i cannot get the "AUX", "TV", or "CABLE" buttons at the top to blink the red light. Also, before i got this problem, when i first got the device, my DVR did not work at all. Overall it was decent before, but ever since i found out what i should be able to be doing and i cant, i would say i am disappointed.

Posted by: starmon at May 23, 2006 10:20:54 PM

Does anyone else have problems with viewing HD and/or premium channels on the second tuner? I can watch every available channel on one tuner, but if I swap to the second tuner, only a limited number of the available channels comes in (all the analog and some digital).
Because of this issue, I have to watch an HD program in order to record it. If I scheduled a recording, there's no telling if the first tuner would pick it up, or the second tuner.

Posted by: Randy Emory at May 26, 2006 9:20:52 AM

hey everyone. I am looking to buy the $400 Sony reciever with HDMI passthrough (it's got all the bells and whistles I need--2 HDMI inputs, 1 out, optical audio, 5.1, etc). I'm also going to buy the Sony 300 Disc DVD/CD player with HDMI.

so I would like to connect my moto Comcast HD DVR with HDMI mentioned above to the reciever along with the Sony DVD CD HDMI and then send the output to my sony plasma. What issues, if any will I have? I've read on CNET that some had problems the the HDMI signal from the Moto DVR being recognized. thanks

Posted by: Chad at May 26, 2006 12:43:06 PM

I have a DCT6412 from Comcast. I only have a SDTV.
Is there any DVR that I can buy and use instead of DCT6412? so instead of paying $9.95 to comcast every month, I buy my own DVR. I saw two Sony brands in Fry's (DHG-HD250 and DHG-HD500) but they are very expensive. Fry's are selling them for $800 and $1000 (+tax). This is equal to 86-108 months service of comcast. I am sure technology has changed till now. Moreover I don't have that much money to pay in advance for something which is not really that much important. I have tried to search for DVR online but no luck in finding one to buy. I am not considering to byt a DVD recorder at the moment but that can be an option in case there is no well-priced DVR to buy. Thanks for your help.

Posted by: Al at Jun 4, 2006 9:53:36 PM

Anyone have success with networking more than one Comcast DVR? Also, when I had the box installed the Comcast guy told me that the Firewire was active and I could plug a external firewire drive to it for extra storage... Anyone try this? Or maybe he is just blowing smoke somewhere...

Posted by: Chris at Jun 7, 2006 7:17:11 PM

I call comcast today regarding the rumors of them working with "TiVO". I wanted to know if they are true and if so, when the new "TiVO/Comcast DVR" would become available. They acted like I was speaking a foriegn language! They put me on hold to try and get more "information" about it for me and when they came back, they said they never hear anything about it and started trashing TiVO, saying there DVR was better and wondered why I like TiVO! I told them that TiVO's features are way better and blow their DVR's out of the water. They seemed shocked by my loyalty to TiVO, but never really addressed my first question which was, if and when the TiVO comcast DVR would be released.

Very frustrating! I'm just about ready to switch back to DirecTV.

Posted by: Josh at Jun 9, 2006 11:23:25 AM

I just switched from Dishnetwork to Comcast HD. In addition, I just bought a Westinghouse 37" 1080p monitor. I am using HDMI as my connection directly from the box to the display. The problem I am having is that my remote won't work properly. When I hit a button (any button) it works, and then repeats forever. This gets to be a real pain...changing channels, viewing the guide, etc. Anyone have this issue, or better yet a solution?

Posted by: Jason at Jun 13, 2006 6:14:50 PM

I have a Motorola DCT 3412 with Comacast. I recently purchased an Onkyo HT-R330 receiver and I can't get the correct codes to make the Comcast remote to control it.
Does anybody know where I can find a list of codes?
Looking at the Onkyo remote it powers off and on with 2 separate buttons (commands). I have "cycled" through "Aux" and "Power" buttons with the help of a Comcast Rep, but we can only power down the Onkyo receiver and nothing more.
Any ideas?