Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 HDC questions

jml6278 · 02-23-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankerjohn

New to this forum!

Thought I'd "vent" a bit about my SA 8300 HDC box running their OPAC/Mystro software. It's hooked up via a 2 meter HDMI 1.3 cable to my Samsung LN-T4671F television.

Just got off the phone with a Time Warner customer service person. Here's what I fumed to her about:

(1) About 80%+ of the time when I try to "freeze" the picture of a show I've been watching, I find that the recorder has NOT been recording anything on the channel I've been watching. When I press the INFO button to bring up the "banner" where it should show me how far back in time it's recorded the current channel, there's NO YELLOW showing ... proving to me that it has not been recording this channel!
(2) Occasionally, when I go to the GUIDE, and then exit ... it leaves me with the "mini" version of the show in the upper right-hand corner of the screen ... and black everywhere else! I haven't figured out an "always works" way of getting back the entire picture ... although it seems like sometimes switching to a SD channel cures the problem ... and other times I've ended up re-booting the box.
(3) Last night I was watching National Geographic HD ... and started getting a lot of stuttering and pixelation. Then it got so bad that I got alternating completely BLACK screens. Changed channels ... some thing. Changed to a SD channel ... pretty much OK. Back to HD channel ... horrible stuttering/black screens. Finally gave up and went to bed. OK this morning (at least not with this particular issue).

I'm sure there are others, but I'm tired of thinking negative! Anyone else on this forum from eastern NC ... with or without these problems?

P.S. When I asked the TW person about getting their older DVR with Passport software, she said that was not possible. They are no longer available in this market!

Bankerjohn, I have (2) SA 8300 HDC boxes running their OPAC/Mystro software. I have them both hooked up with 2 meter HDMI 1.3 cables to my Sony KDL46XBR5 (LR) and Sony KDL46V2500 (BR) televisions. I too have the same problems as you. I will add the following issues that I have with the box/software:

1. Why do they lock you from changing the resolution if you have a HDMI cable hooked up? They even state it in the menu for Output Resolution "This setting CANNOT be modified when using a DVI or HDMI connection. This causes the problem described by many in this forum that when you switch to a SD channel the box automatically sets the resolution to 480i. If you switch to a HD channel then it will set the channel to 720p or 1080i depending on what resolution it is being broadcast in. What this means is the software will not allow you to upscale any channels if you are using a DVI or HDMI connection. I have no idea why TWC would chose to do this.

2. With the 8300HD box running passport if you were watching a channel and then started watching a show from the DVR, you would still have the 1 hour recording buffer for the channel that you were watching prior to viewing the show on the DVR. This was a great feature. Now with the new box you have no buffer for the show you were watching.

I have other complaints, but can't think of any more right now.

DHansen · 02-29-2008, 11:03 PM

I was having the same issues: skipping audio, not recording properly, glitchy video, and freezing up. I kept calling the idiots at tech support and they kept giving me the same canned response about the technicians working on new code blah blah blah. When I asked for the older SA8300 HD, they said they were destroying them and were not allowed to give them out anymore. My solution was to quit messing with the low man on the totem pole and start from the top. I went to the TWC website under investor relations and found the person who was just under the CEO. I sent an e-mail to the Executive VP over my geographical area explaining how frustrated I was getting while waiting on TW to fix the problem. Within 1 hour I had a response back from her promising to fix my problem. About 30 minutes later I had a call from the local Area Supervisor of Technical Operations. He had a technician come to my house that same night with a SA 8300HD non OCAP box. Since then.....no problems.

If you want to try the same thing, go to the TW website and go into the ABOUT US tab and go into MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW. Find the executive VP of operations in your area and shoot them a a friendly, professional e-mail and it will get taken care of very quickly(quite possibly faster that getting a tech support person on the phone). The e-mail address will be (FIRST NAME).(LAST NAME)(AT)twcable(dot)com

Hopefully this will help!

bankerjohn · 03-02-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jml6278

Bankerjohn, I have (2) SA 8300 HDC boxes running their OPAC/Mystro software. I have them both hooked up with 2 meter HDMI 1.3 cables to my Sony KDL46XBR5 (LR) and Sony KDL46V2500 (BR) televisions. I too have the same problems as you. I will add the following issues that I have with the box/software:

1. Why do they lock you from changing the resolution if you have a HDMI cable hooked up? They even state it in the menu for Output Resolution "This setting CANNOT be modified when using a DVI or HDMI connection. This causes the problem described by many in this forum that when you switch to a SD channel the box automatically sets the resolution to 480i. If you switch to a HD channel then it will set the channel to 720p or 1080i depending on what resolution it is being broadcast in. What this means is the software will not allow you to upscale any channels if you are using a DVI or HDMI connection. I have no idea why TWC would chose to do this.

2. With the 8300HD box running passport if you were watching a channel and then started watching a show from the DVR, you would still have the 1 hour recording buffer for the channel that you were watching prior to viewing the show on the DVR. This was a great feature. Now with the new box you have no buffer for the show you were watching.

I have other complaints, but can't think of any more right now.

UPDATE: Back about a week ago, TW downloaded a new version of their software to my box. My new "network version" is 2.4.9_3 (2008/01/24) ... and here's some of what it appears to have done:

(1) so far, I don't seem to have the problem with losing the full-screen picture when exiting the "guide".
(2) the "output format" is no longer grayed out with HDMI connected ... I can now choose 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i or Auto Select.
(3) the new version added Caller ID and Received Calls to the "Settings" menu ... although this would obviously only apply if you used TW's VOIP phone service too.

I sure wish TW would notify its subscribers of these downloads IN ADVANCE ... along with a list of things it's designed to correct or enhance!

After reading several other forums, I've come to the conclusion that this software is apparently designed to stop it's recording of the currently-viewed channel after a period of "inactivity" ... that is, it just stops recording the current channel. Why they do this, and just how long this period is I haven't found out. And what constitutes "activity" to trigger the recording to start back, I haven't figured out either. All I know is that I don't like this "feature" of the Passport/Mystro software ... and the new version seems to work the same way as the old version!

If you can figure out how to "wake up" the box to resume recording of the currently-viewed channel, then you could perform that process before switching to a recorded show. Not very user-friendly, but maybe a work-around. I just tried switching channels, then went back to the previous channel ... that seemed to "wake up" the box, as I can now see the yellow "progress" bar when I press the "Info" button.

bankerjohn · 03-02-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankerjohn

All I know is that I don't like this "feature" of the Passport/Mystro software ... and the new version seems to work the same way as the old version!

I think I meant Navigator/Mystro

Frank123 · 03-03-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Persephone

MG this same exact thing is happening to me too! I thought maybe it was my tv but I guess it is the cable box. I've had the box since the summer and it just started happening a month ago. Everytime i turn the tv on, it switches to 480i and really shrinks the image, the only way to fix it to to switch to an HD channels which causes the cable box to switch to 1080i or 720p. Doing that is really annoying though becase I have to do it every single day.

Mine used to do that too. So I set it so that the Power On Channel was an HD channel.

mulciber · 03-04-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank123

Mine used to do that too. So I set it so that the Power On Channel was an HD channel.

Yes, but if you're using HDMI with an SA 8300HDC box and the current software, even if you power on to a 1080i channel it's going to display 480i.

In truth, techs have told me that there is no present fix for the problems they introduced with their early '08 software update. The only solution is to "downgrade" to an 8300HD box. The problem there is that if you have a bunch of stuff recorded on the HDC you're going to lose it. TWC could transfer the data for customers, but they won't.

DGI

Frank123 · 03-04-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulciber

Yes, but if you're using HDMI with an SA 8300HDC box and the current software, even if you power on to a 1080i channel it's going to display 480i.

In truth, techs have told me that there is no present fix for the problems they introduced with their early '08 software update. The only solution is to "downgrade" to an 8300HD box. The problem there is that if you have a bunch of stuff recorded on the HDC you're going to lose it. TWC could transfer the data for customers, but they won't.

DGI

My box is the 8300HD which I just got last week. When I'm watchig a HD channel it displays at 1080i. On a SD channel it displays at 480d.

mulciber · 03-05-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank123

My box is the 8300HD which I just got last week. When I'm watchig a HD channel it displays at 1080i. On a SD channel it displays at 480d.

True, the HD doesn't have the HDMI firmware bug that the HDC does. It's worth noting that the box behaved properly before the Jan. 08 firmware update. Now if you use HDMI and have a 1080i channel on, if you turn off the monitor and turn it back on, it tells the box to drop down to 480.

DGI

jb222 · 03-06-2008, 10:36 PM

Purchased Western Digital MY DVR Expander a couple of weeks ago and connected to Scientific Atlanta 8300hd. Ever since I connected MY DVR Expander I've had to reboot the 8300hd everyday - it freezes.

I have important programming on the 8300hd, so I don't want to return it until I can record the programming on an HD disc/tape.

Any suggestions?

ally11201 · 03-09-2008, 06:21 PM

I have two questions regarding the Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD boxes:

1. Is there any difference in hard drive capacity between the two boxes? I believe the HDC software version tells you how much space you have remaining whereas the HD passport software does not.

2. Does anyone know of a way to download saved shows to a separate hard drive or disk from the scientific atlanta 8300 HD box?

Frank123 · 03-09-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ally11201

2. Does anyone know of a way to download saved shows to a separate hard drive or disk from the scientific atlanta 8300 HD box?

The box has a USB port. It's on the front of the box. I don't know if using that port would work or not. I'm with Time Warner and if I understood them right, they do not support the USB for saving programing. Maybe someone here would know more about it.

mfabien · 03-10-2008, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank123

The box has a USB port. It's on the front of the box. I don't know if using that port would work or not. I'm with Time Warner and if I understood them right, they do not support the USB for saving programing. Maybe someone here would know more about it.

I believe the front USB port is for access by a technician and I'm not sure if it has been enabled yet.

Many with SA8300HD, operating under SATA software, have been able to archive HD programs using the FireWire IEE 1394 output. Of course the DTCP protocol (5 C's) is involved and programs (or channels) can be flagged for "Copy Never" (others are "Copy Once and "Copy Free").

The copy operation is the one used for "Copy to VCR" and instead of an output to VCR, you use the FireWire output.

chupacabra31 · 03-12-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wndrrd

I have been through 4 of the SA Explorer 8300 HD boxs. The problems ranged from real bad pixilation to the DVR not recording to the HDMI slot not working properly.

The question is has anyone had any problems with the HDC? I have had it for about a week and a half and it has all beeen wonderful! DVR works great, And I have not seen pixilation once. Am I going to see problems in the future with it? Did I get lucky?

I am wondering if anyone knows what the diffrents is between the 8300HD and the 8300HDC?

My cable company is Suddenlink. My T.V is a VIZIO 42 inch LCD (720P).

Yes the HDMI will not work on mine, but it never worked on the 8300 HD either so not sure if this is much of a help to you. I am with wide open west in the Detroit, Market.

psychic_knife · 03-21-2008, 01:07 AM

Hi, forgive the newbie, this may be a stupidly basic question...

i subscribe to TWC NY and i have the SA8300HDC running mystro. i was wondering if its feasible, and if so, how to get my recorded shows out of the box to an external ESATA drive so i can record it to DVD. would i be saving more effort by just hooking it to a dvd recorder? thanks

mfabien · 03-21-2008, 04:36 AM

Quote:

...SA8300HDC running mystro...

Mine operates with the SARA OS. Others with the Passport OS. Mystro? Never heard that one

I have an external drive connected to the DVR via SATAe cable. Recordings of HD and SD are using both the internal drive and external drive. The recorded List makes no difference between the two drives.

If you wish to record to DVD, you cannot record a live program. It must be first recorded in the DVR. The DVD drive can be used to archive recordings in lieu of a PCR. And HD recordings will have a resolution of 480i, and not an HD resolution, and the picture will have bars top and bottom.

If you buy an external drive, you must select one that can be compatible and with an appropriate case.

In the following DHC thread on the subject, you have a wealth of information and experiences with different drives:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...external+drive

03-06-2008, 10:36 PM	#39
jb222 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 13	Scientific Atlanta 8300hd continuosly needs rebooting with WD My DVR Expander Purchased Western Digital MY DVR Expander a couple of weeks ago and connected to Scientific Atlanta 8300hd. Ever since I connected MY DVR Expander I've had to reboot the 8300hd everyday - it freezes. I have important programming on the 8300hd, so I don't want to return it until I can record the programming on an HD disc/tape. Any suggestions?

03-21-2008, 01:07 AM	#44
psychic_knife What is HD? Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1	Newbie - Help! Hi, forgive the newbie, this may be a stupidly basic question... i subscribe to TWC NY and i have the SA8300HDC running mystro. i was wondering if its feasible, and if so, how to get my recorded shows out of the box to an external ESATA drive so i can record it to DVD. would i be saving more effort by just hooking it to a dvd recorder? thanks

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02-29-2008, 11:03 PM	#32
DHansen What is HD? Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1	I was having the same issues: skipping audio, not recording properly, glitchy video, and freezing up. I kept calling the idiots at tech support and they kept giving me the same canned response about the technicians working on new code blah blah blah. When I asked for the older SA8300 HD, they said they were destroying them and were not allowed to give them out anymore. My solution was to quit messing with the low man on the totem pole and start from the top. I went to the TWC website under investor relations and found the person who was just under the CEO. I sent an e-mail to the Executive VP over my geographical area explaining how frustrated I was getting while waiting on TW to fix the problem. Within 1 hour I had a response back from her promising to fix my problem. About 30 minutes later I had a call from the local Area Supervisor of Technical Operations. He had a technician come to my house that same night with a SA 8300HD non OCAP box. Since then.....no problems. If you want to try the same thing, go to the TW website and go into the ABOUT US tab and go into MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW. Find the executive VP of operations in your area and shoot them a a friendly, professional e-mail and it will get taken care of very quickly(quite possibly faster that getting a tech support person on the phone). The e-mail address will be (FIRST NAME).(LAST NAME)(AT)twcable(dot)com Hopefully this will help!

03-09-2008, 06:21 PM	#40
ally11201 What is HD? Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1	I have two questions regarding the Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD boxes: 1. Is there any difference in hard drive capacity between the two boxes? I believe the HDC software version tells you how much space you have remaining whereas the HD passport software does not. 2. Does anyone know of a way to download saved shows to a separate hard drive or disk from the scientific atlanta 8300 HD box?