SA 8300 HD setup

Rogerman · 03-02-2005, 09:11 PM

Hi all,
Looks like each Cable company uses different software to run the Scientific-Atlanta 8300 HD reciever. On the SA website, the user manual says that if you press Info and Guide together with the power off, you get to a setup mode. Not so with mine, from Eastern NC Time Warner! Mine does not even have a way to get remaining hard drive space info.
On the plus side, the picture quality of HD is great, and SD is good too. Whereas with Dish 811, I had to use the S-Video out to watch SD programs, the picture quality was awful using the DTV input!

Anyone out there have an 8300 HD and are you able to get into the Setup mode which I describe above?

Roger

amf1932 · 03-02-2005, 11:23 PM

I can get into the setup mode with Cablevisions SA8300HD by turning off the box, and pressing, Guide and Info at the same time.
So, as you said, the software that Time-Warner uses is probably different than Cablevision's.

Alan

Rogerman · 03-03-2005, 06:42 AM

Thanks for the feedback, Alan. The tech from T-W is supposed to call next week. The people on customer service have *no* idea about all this stuff.
Roger

amf1932 · 03-03-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

The people on customer service have *no* idea about all this stuff.

It's the same with Cablevision! When I first upgraded my service to their "new" all digital HD service, they told me that this required a service call for $34.95. Not only did this "contracted" serviceman know very little about HD boxes, but he screwed up my system so much, that it took me about a day to re-hook up my other components properly.
After having this system for a couple of weeks I found out that they offered the SA8300HD DVR, so I once again called Cablevision, only this time I asked for a "company" person instead of a "contracted" person, who was knowledgeable about this DVR. Well, they once again sent out a "contracted" person who knew absolutely *nothing* about this SA8300HD DVR, and once again I had to do all the extra hookups myself!
So, It seems that this is the way that a lot of cable companies operate.....they have very poor training of their technical people.
I pity the poor customers that don't have any electronic expertise.

P.S. I called Cablevision to complain about this, so they're going to take off the $34.95 price for this second service call.

Alan

Seth Lubin · 03-03-2005, 08:40 AM

I had the same problem with the set up through Cablevision. The "experts" that are sent from the company know very little about these new boxes. I had a lot of problems with the box (which I reported to this Forum previously). I even had the box changed and the second installer knew even less than the first.

Best bet, at the moment, for setting up the box. Turn off your box and press Guide and Info at the same time. Pick the simple set up which sends all signals at 1080i.

Please don't do, as I did, and try to use the same bottons on the remote control. They will not trigger the set up screen. Only the controls on the box will gain access to the screen.

As far as I can tell, there is still a problem with the softwear which triggers the HDTV signal. Even if the box lights up that the signal is 1080i, it may or may not indicate that it is in HDTV format. You have to find an HDTV station on which the box recognizes the signal and than enter the station you want to watch. Usually the HDTV signal appears. While the picture at the single set up of 1080i shows the full 16:9 screen, the picture is not true HDTV unless the HDTV light is on.

Forget about the advanced set up. When the HDTV signal is not recognized by the SA 8300 HD, the picture will than go to 480p with the "letterboxed"16:9 image placed inside of the 4:3 picture area. Until Cablevision or SA gets the bug fixed, don't full around with the advanced set up, it will only make things worse watching HDTV programs. Besides there is a time delay while your HDTV tries to adjust to the correct signal input, slowing down the ability to change stations.

LowRider · 03-04-2005, 03:26 PM

Roger, I am having the exact same problem, and the knuckleheads with Brighthouse here in Orlando are clueless.

chckles · 03-05-2005, 11:15 AM

In case this might help.

I have Brighthouse and an SA8300. The very first timne I turned the STB on I got a message that the digital cable had been turned off by Brighthouse. I called the number on the screen and followed the menus via touchtone to reset the the STB. When the reset came through I was able to go through the menus of the SA8300.

I found out through trial and error that for my set up, Panny 42" plasma ED. It was best to allow the STB to send 480i, 480p, and 1080i signal. My Panny scales the 480i signals better than the STB.

Regards,

ps70 · 03-05-2005, 02:45 PM

Hi all,

Seems like everyone has some sort of issue with HD8300 via Time Warner on the east coast. I am using the HDMI option, and I do love the PQ. However, the box automatically assumes that your TV cannot handle Dolby Digital so it sends out a signal for 2 channel audio. The only way to change this to Dolby Digital (5.1) is to press SETTINGS twice and change the audio options. This would be great if the Time Warner box supported it. Of course it does not so I am stuck with Stereo. Whats the point of stereo if you have a home theatre system like myself??

If I want to listen to 5.1, then I have to unplug the HDMI and use the component cables.

I really wonder if anybody at TWC puts thought into what they are providing customers...

RSawdey · 03-05-2005, 03:21 PM

Theoretically, the HDMI should pass either DD 5.1 or DD 2.0 depending on the content. You should then be able to run from your TV to SS amp from the digital audio out. Does using the HD8300's HDMI disable the separate SPDIF out you use with the HD video Component?

Not everyone should setup for 1080i... that's for CRT based sets only. If you have an HD Plasma or DLP or LCD you should use 720p. EDTV's need 480p.

HughScot · 03-05-2005, 03:32 PM

Those of us that were using the SA8000 are the ones that really appreciate the SA8300. While the SA8300 has issues it is nowhere as poor as the 8000. I'm a Time Warner customer in Charlotte, NC and we use Passport software whereas most TWC customer use SARA. It is very hard for us to compare with anyone.

Hugh

ps70 · 03-05-2005, 05:18 PM

Yes, unfortunately the HD8300 box does indeed default to DD 2.0
In fact, this is clearly stated on the SA website and brochure. The logic is that not all TV's support DD 5.1. The box does have the ability to change this default setting. However, TWC has not upgraded the software to accomodate this, so I am stuck with DD 2.0, unless I unplug my HDMI. Then 5.1 feeds through to my receiver. I have to say though, the DD 2.0 from HDMI is outstanding. I did not know my TV could sound so good.

I prefer 1080i than 720p. The clarity is not as defined, but it produces a smoother picture (on my LCD rear Panny). Its all in the eye of the beholder I guess.

ptomohio · 09-26-2007, 09:51 PM

Hi,

I just got my Scientific Atlanta Explorer HDTV Explorer 8300HDC cable box for high def TV via Time Warner in Columbus, OH. The problem is that I can't seem to get a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal (the blue light on my receiver doesn't come on and in fact indicates a Dolby Pro Logic Mode). The box is hooked up to my Samsung LCD TV via an HDMI cable and I have an optical cable out the back of the 8300 to my Home Theater receiver. But I never get the 5.1 signal. Time Warner in Columbus, OH customer support seems clueless.

Help me if you have a solution.

Peter

ir5757 · 09-27-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chckles

In case this might help.

I have Brighthouse and an SA8300. The very first timne I turned the STB on I got a message that the digital cable had been turned off by Brighthouse. I called the number on the screen and followed the menus via touchtone to reset the the STB. When the reset came through I was able to go through the menus of the SA8300.

I found out through trial and error that for my set up, Panny 42" plasma ED. It was best to allow the STB to send 480i, 480p, and 1080i signal. My Panny scales the 480i signals better than the STB.

Regards,

Brighthouse does not support 480i no more.

paulc · 09-27-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptomohio

Hi,

I just got my Scientific Atlanta Explorer HDTV Explorer 8300HDC cable box for high def TV via Time Warner in Columbus, OH. The problem is that I can't seem to get a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal (the blue light on my receiver doesn't come on and in fact indicates a Dolby Pro Logic Mode). The box is hooked up to my Samsung LCD TV via an HDMI cable and I have an optical cable out the back of the 8300 to my Home Theater receiver. But I never get the 5.1 signal. Time Warner in Columbus, OH customer support seems clueless.

Help me if you have a solution.

Peter

Is the audio out on the 8300 set to "Dolby Digital?"

dvdslw · 09-29-2007, 07:29 AM

I must be lucky, I have Brighthouse Cable here in Orlando and have no issues with the 8300HD reciever at all. I did however trade a couple of weeks ago for the new 8300HD(C) and had nothing but problems with it and since traded back. The settings menu is easily accessed by pressing the settings button and then the yellow triangle marked (A) on the remote. The newer box (8300HDC) will not let you change the resolution settigs if you are using HDMI wich sucks and the new software is unstable and has problems re-booting not to mention a substantial lag when changing channels.

03-02-2005, 09:11 PM	#1
Rogerman Hi Y'all Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 168	SA 8300 HD setup Hi all, Looks like each Cable company uses different software to run the Scientific-Atlanta 8300 HD reciever. On the SA website, the user manual says that if you press Info and Guide together with the power off, you get to a setup mode. Not so with mine, from Eastern NC Time Warner! Mine does not even have a way to get remaining hard drive space info. On the plus side, the picture quality of HD is great, and SD is good too. Whereas with Dish 811, I had to use the S-Video out to watch SD programs, the picture quality was awful using the DTV input! Anyone out there have an 8300 HD and are you able to get into the Setup mode which I describe above? Roger

03-03-2005, 08:40 AM	#5
Seth Lubin DLP HDTV is great! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: USA New Jersey Age: 60 Posts: 58	Sa 8300 Hd Dvr I had the same problem with the set up through Cablevision. The "experts" that are sent from the company know very little about these new boxes. I had a lot of problems with the box (which I reported to this Forum previously). I even had the box changed and the second installer knew even less than the first. Best bet, at the moment, for setting up the box. Turn off your box and press Guide and Info at the same time. Pick the simple set up which sends all signals at 1080i. Please don't do, as I did, and try to use the same bottons on the remote control. They will not trigger the set up screen. Only the controls on the box will gain access to the screen. As far as I can tell, there is still a problem with the softwear which triggers the HDTV signal. Even if the box lights up that the signal is 1080i, it may or may not indicate that it is in HDTV format. You have to find an HDTV station on which the box recognizes the signal and than enter the station you want to watch. Usually the HDTV signal appears. While the picture at the single set up of 1080i shows the full 16:9 screen, the picture is not true HDTV unless the HDTV light is on. Forget about the advanced set up. When the HDTV signal is not recognized by the SA 8300 HD, the picture will than go to 480p with the "letterboxed"16:9 image placed inside of the 4:3 picture area. Until Cablevision or SA gets the bug fixed, don't full around with the advanced set up, it will only make things worse watching HDTV programs. Besides there is a time delay while your HDTV tries to adjust to the correct signal input, slowing down the ability to change stations.

03-05-2005, 03:21 PM	#9
RSawdey Mr. Wizard Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ferndale, Michigan Age: 61 Posts: 5,981	Theoretically, the HDMI should pass either DD 5.1 or DD 2.0 depending on the content. You should then be able to run from your TV to SS amp from the digital audio out. Does using the HD8300's HDMI disable the separate SPDIF out you use with the HD video Component? Not everyone should setup for 1080i... that's for CRT based sets only. If you have an HD Plasma or DLP or LCD you should use 720p. EDTV's need 480p. Last edited by RSawdey; 03-05-2005 at 03:24 PM.

03-05-2005, 03:32 PM	#10
HughScot Carpe Diem Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC Age: 69 Posts: 254	Those of us that were using the SA8000 are the ones that really appreciate the SA8300. While the SA8300 has issues it is nowhere as poor as the 8000. I'm a Time Warner customer in Charlotte, NC and we use Passport software whereas most TWC customer use SARA. It is very hard for us to compare with anyone. Hugh __________________ Hugh Campbell Scot Audio Video Consultants

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03-02-2005, 11:23 PM	#2
amf1932 Sony 52" XBR4 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 546	I can get into the setup mode with Cablevisions SA8300HD by turning off the box, and pressing, Guide and Info at the same time. So, as you said, the software that Time-Warner uses is probably different than Cablevision's. Alan

03-03-2005, 06:42 AM	#3
Rogerman Hi Y'all Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 168	Thanks for the feedback, Alan. The tech from T-W is supposed to call next week. The people on customer service have no idea about all this stuff. Roger

03-04-2005, 03:26 PM	#6
LowRider What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4	Roger, I am having the exact same problem, and the knuckleheads with Brighthouse here in Orlando are clueless.

03-05-2005, 11:15 AM	#7
chckles I want 1080p Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 20	In case this might help. I have Brighthouse and an SA8300. The very first timne I turned the STB on I got a message that the digital cable had been turned off by Brighthouse. I called the number on the screen and followed the menus via touchtone to reset the the STB. When the reset came through I was able to go through the menus of the SA8300. I found out through trial and error that for my set up, Panny 42" plasma ED. It was best to allow the STB to send 480i, 480p, and 1080i signal. My Panny scales the 480i signals better than the STB. Regards,

03-05-2005, 02:45 PM	#8
ps70 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 12	Hi all, Seems like everyone has some sort of issue with HD8300 via Time Warner on the east coast. I am using the HDMI option, and I do love the PQ. However, the box automatically assumes that your TV cannot handle Dolby Digital so it sends out a signal for 2 channel audio. The only way to change this to Dolby Digital (5.1) is to press SETTINGS twice and change the audio options. This would be great if the Time Warner box supported it. Of course it does not so I am stuck with Stereo. Whats the point of stereo if you have a home theatre system like myself?? If I want to listen to 5.1, then I have to unplug the HDMI and use the component cables. I really wonder if anybody at TWC puts thought into what they are providing customers...

03-05-2005, 05:18 PM	#11
ps70 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 12	Yes, unfortunately the HD8300 box does indeed default to DD 2.0 In fact, this is clearly stated on the SA website and brochure. The logic is that not all TV's support DD 5.1. The box does have the ability to change this default setting. However, TWC has not upgraded the software to accomodate this, so I am stuck with DD 2.0, unless I unplug my HDMI. Then 5.1 feeds through to my receiver. I have to say though, the DD 2.0 from HDMI is outstanding. I did not know my TV could sound so good. I prefer 1080i than 720p. The clarity is not as defined, but it produces a smoother picture (on my LCD rear Panny). Its all in the eye of the beholder I guess.

09-26-2007, 09:51 PM	#12
ptomohio What is HD? Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1	Hi, I just got my Scientific Atlanta Explorer HDTV Explorer 8300HDC cable box for high def TV via Time Warner in Columbus, OH. The problem is that I can't seem to get a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal (the blue light on my receiver doesn't come on and in fact indicates a Dolby Pro Logic Mode). The box is hooked up to my Samsung LCD TV via an HDMI cable and I have an optical cable out the back of the 8300 to my Home Theater receiver. But I never get the 5.1 signal. Time Warner in Columbus, OH customer support seems clueless. Help me if you have a solution. Peter

09-29-2007, 07:29 AM	#15
dvdslw Sony XBR2 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 388	I must be lucky, I have Brighthouse Cable here in Orlando and have no issues with the 8300HD reciever at all. I did however trade a couple of weeks ago for the new 8300HD(C) and had nothing but problems with it and since traded back. The settings menu is easily accessed by pressing the settings button and then the yellow triangle marked (A) on the remote. The newer box (8300HDC) will not let you change the resolution settigs if you are using HDMI wich sucks and the new software is unstable and has problems re-booting not to mention a substantial lag when changing channels.