Help! Shaw HD PVR Glitches

GKM · 02-16-2005, 03:41 AM

No problem with FF here on my 6208 here in Victoria. I am going to take a closer look at the SD channels when I hook up via dvi from the pvr to my hdmi televsion port. I was focusing on the HD channels when I made the switch, so, I'll do it again and focus on the SD channels.

When Shaw installed the techie said most of his installs like mine found little discernable diff between dvi and component feed. The salesman at Future shop told me the same thing based on feedback to him. But everything I've read said it has a significant difference.

I bought my cable from a local supplier who fabricates them for cheap - 3m dvi to hdmi $30. And while I just can't buy the Monster cable hype to the tune of $150 for the same cable - I do buy the idea that this specific cord and/or port combination may be quirky. So I'll try my HDMI cable that came with my DVD Player and buy a HDMI to DVI conversion plug and see if that will spark a noticeable change.

So, I have a question - does your pvr have 'by-pass' capabilites. I read in the manual that this was an optional feature that might not be supported by the provider. I am interested because when I attach my cable directly to the tv's tuner - it improves SD quality - and just enough for you to want to toggle them as separate feeds. I can simply split the cable again and get a manual switch - but it would be nice if it could operate via the remote - which is where I presume the bypass circuit activation control would be located.

redito · 02-16-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GKM

So, I have a question - does your pvr have 'by-pass' capabilites. I read in the manual that this was an optional feature that might not be supported by the provider. I am interested because when I attach my cable directly to the tv's tuner - it improves SD quality - and just enough for you to want to toggle them as separate feeds. I can simply split the cable again and get a manual switch - but it would be nice if it could operate via the remote - which is where I presume the bypass circuit activation control would be located.

As far as I can tell there is no 'by-pass' option on the PVR. Interestingly enough, there is that option on the remote for the old non-HD boxes but since the signal is good on those boxes I've never used it. I didn't even know that's what it was for until just now!

Another issue for me is the number of splits I already have going. We have 3 standard digital boxes and 1 HD dual-tuner PVR box and high-speed internet. Makes for 5 splits. Plus a sixth so I can tape off the VCR. Normally this isn't a huge problem but we are located at the end of Shaws line here and our signal can be touchy at times, to say the least. We already have an amplified splitter to boost the signal to the regular boxes and an attenuator to moderate the signal going to the internet connection. Plus a second amplified splitter on the HD PVR to allow for the VCR to be split off the signal.

So I'm not anxious to set up yet another split for the SD channels. The worst part is that when the DVI cable worked, all the channels were spectacular. It's like the holy grail - you know it's out there but it's just beyond your reach!

BTW, I'm not specifically advocating the Monster Cable or anything. It's just what was available to us at the time and BB is prepared to switch it (if they'd ever get one in stock

) . But after listening to you guys I'm thinking I should look into trying a different make of DVI cable as well. Maybe Monster is the problem after all

kingbuzzo · 02-18-2005, 03:10 PM

I just purchased the 6200 @ BB and I am using a DVI cable that came with a Dell FP Monitor.

I haven't had nearly as many problems as you have.

I have a 48" LG RPLCD HD and the 6200 is a single tuner.

I am also able to fast-forward thru HD recorded stuff no problem.

However, sometimes when I change to one of their crappy HD channels, the picture is split in the center - if I switch to another channel and back again it fixes itself.

This is new technology - so we have to be patient.

The Shaw PVR pales in comparison to the features that Media Center has. Now if only greedy hollywood will let us record HD via PC.

mfabien · 02-19-2005, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

... Now if only greedy hollywood will let us record HD via PC.

It can be done...

See the specs on this ATI Radeon 9800 PRO graphics card:
http://www.ati.com/products/radeon98...pro/specs.html

it incorporates a DVI-D / HDCP connection:

"Integrated 165 MHz TMDS transmitter (DVI 1.0 compliant and HDCP ready)"

If you have a powerfull computer, the software to capture HD and this Graphics card (or one similar) you can record on your computer's HDD. However, any attempt to upload data recorded via DVI/HDCP will be encrypted by HDCP.

redito · 02-19-2005, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

However, sometimes when I change to one of their crappy HD channels, the picture is split in the center - if I switch to another channel and back again it fixes itself.

This is new technology - so we have to be patient.

I haven't had that problem but I have noticed that sometimes the picture will go black and then pixellate itself back onto the screen. Very irritating. It seems to be worst on the NBC programs for some reason but I've never actually had the picture split in the center. Interesting.

As for patience - definitely NOT my strong suit. I want it all and I want it NOW!

BTW, HD on a PC sounds great but doesn't it mean watching on my computer screen? Why would I watch a 17" screen when I have a 52" TV? Or could the PC get hooked up to the TV somehow? And while we're at it, could we figure out a way to get only the programs and none of the commercials? Just imagine the possibilities!!!

kingbuzzo · 02-19-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfabien

It can be done...

See the specs on this ATI Radeon 9800 PRO graphics card:
http://www.ati.com/products/radeon98...pro/specs.html

it incorporates a DVI-D / HDCP connection:

"Integrated 165 MHz TMDS transmitter (DVI 1.0 compliant and HDCP ready)"

If you have a powerfull computer, the software to capture HD and this Graphics card (or one similar) you can record on your computer's HDD. However, any attempt to upload data recorded via DVI/HDCP will be encrypted by HDCP.

So you mean to say that the 9800 actually has a DVI input?

Either I'm dreaming or you are wrong!

Do you have this card working?

kingbuzzo · 02-19-2005, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redito

I haven't had that problem but I have noticed that sometimes the picture will go black and then pixellate itself back onto the screen. Very irritating. It seems to be worst on the NBC programs for some reason but I've never actually had the picture split in the center. Interesting.

As for patience - definitely NOT my strong suit. I want it all and I want it NOW!

BTW, HD on a PC sounds great but doesn't it mean watching on my computer screen? Why would I watch a 17" screen when I have a 52" TV? Or could the PC get hooked up to the TV somehow? And while we're at it, could we figure out a way to get only the programs and none of the commercials? Just imagine the possibilities!!!

No doubt, that would be irritating.

Yes, you can connect your PC to the tv - I have been doing this for years.

I have Media Center 2005 so you can view your digital photos, listen to your MP3s, record TV (like the Shaw box), talk on MSN Messenger, play games, and watch home movies from the couch with a special remote - pretty sweet...

It isn't for the faint of heart and it takes even more patience to tweak it to work with an HD set but it can be done.

You can also buy a specialized PC with Media Center on it from a manufacturer (Dell, HP) but I made mine myself.

mfabien · 02-20-2005, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

So you mean to say that the 9800 actually has a DVI input?

Either I'm dreaming or you are wrong!

Do you have this card working?

As you can see, the specs are there to read.

No, I don't have it and would not change from my 57" HDTV and SA8000HD DVR.

But if you want to have HTPC (Home Theater Computer), read this:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/HTPC.html

redito · 02-20-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

I have Media Center 2005 so you can view your digital photos, listen to your MP3s, record TV (like the Shaw box), talk on MSN Messenger, play games, and watch home movies from the couch with a special remote - pretty sweet...

It isn't for the faint of heart and it takes even more patience to tweak it to work with an HD set but it can be done.

You can also buy a specialized PC with Media Center on it from a manufacturer (Dell, HP) but I made mine myself.

OK, now I'm jealous

I did some checking on Media Center 2005 and it sounds amazing. Even has HD and dual tuner capabilities! My only problem is my computer is one floor above the big TV. But I can see that this sort of setup would greatly increase your choices and flexibility for viewing. Makes me think I should invest in a second computer just for that. After all the $$$ I've spent, what's another thousand or two??

I'm going to keep my eye on this technology to see if I can integrate it into my system in the future.

Thanks to all for the great info and help here! I've learned a bunch!

kingbuzzo · 02-21-2005, 01:44 PM

Yah, I really like it but it has been very frustrating to get everything working.

I couldn't find a solution for non-over-the-air HD recording (because I live in Winterpig) so I purchased the crappy Shaw PVR.

Now I have both set up so if I'm recording I can watch the other.

You could probably build yer own box for about 1200 but be ready for some frustration. Unfortunately the video card manufacturers and the HD tv producers aren't working together and if they do, it is to stop us from recording their precious content.

Piewacker · 03-18-2005, 12:58 PM

I noticed this problem once this week, I thought it was just the program I recorded, but this happened with three different shows from three different stations last night. At several points during the programs the playback would freeze, then after a couple of seconds go to black. When I tried to play the program again it would start from the beginning of the show, and would freeze up in the same place unless I fast forwarded through that spot, only to freeze up again a few minutes later.
Shaw's tech support had me on hold for over an hour last night until after midnight so I gave up and went to bed. Before I try again when I get home from work I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem and what if anything solved it?

redito · 03-18-2005, 10:15 PM

If the program you recorded was on one of the "time shifted" channels then your problem is shared my many. It seems that anytime you record a program off the time shifted feed (channels 131 to 135 here in Winnipeg) you can't use the fast forward button properly. It also seems to apply to recording HD programming at the later times (after 10PM on what is basically a time shifted mode).

Shaw has know about this problem since last summer when the PVRs first came out. For some people, you can use FF1 but not FF2, 3 or 4 but I can't use any of them. It makes no difference if you are using a single or dual tuner box. It's a software glitch that Shaw knows about but denies is their problem. They say they are working on it but I guarantee you they aren't working very hard.

I also found that if I used the fast forward button even once then the program became contaminated or something. Even if you go back to the beginning and just watch it through without FFing it still goes black and stops.

The solution is rather simple. Don't use the fast forward button. Watch the tacky annoying commercials. It's not perfect but it works.

The problem doesn't affect anything recorded in regular time. A 7PM show recorded at 7PM is fine. The same show recorded at 10PM on the other feed is not fine. (That's central time here in Winnipeg BTW).

I don't know if this helps but it might save you another hour on hold with Shaw.

Piewacker · 03-19-2005, 12:55 AM

Not all of the programs were time shifted... I tried the fast forward tip, it seems to work up to FF2.

I did spend two hours waiting on Shaw tech support tonight, and was told it was most likely some bad sectors and the disk would need to be defraged.

So in the next day or so they'll try that and see if it fixes the problem, otherwise I get a new box.
I'll let you know if it helps, I'm not holding my breathe though

redito · 03-19-2005, 05:58 PM

Actually, now that I think about it one of the techs I talked to said that some boxes had this problem no matter if the program was timeshifted or not. And that they worked up to FF2 just like yours did. It also seems to me he said the problem was worse in Vancouver and Calgary for some reason. Maybe a bad batch of boxes there.

If they can't - or won't - fix your hard drive, then they should definitely swap your box for another one. It's a long shot but with these PVRs sometimes one box works and another doesn't.

I've had ongoing problems with my PVR so I've been down the 'on hold for 2 hours' thing with Shaw too. Here in Winnipeg we have something called Technical Installation or Technical Support Specialists. We only have 4 of them here and they only handle the worst of the worst problems. But they are the smartest Shaw has to offer.

You can only get to one of them by bitching repeatedly and by having legitimate unsolveable problems but once you get to them, you can call them for any number of problems and get faster and better service. I have a direct number for my guy so I bypass the whole on-hold fiasco now. Much better.

Don't know if you have them there but again, it's a shot.

As always with Shaw, be persistent. Be irritating. Be polite but NEVER take no for an answer. Sooner or later they'll get the message.

Best of luck! I'll cross my fingers and rub my lucky rabbits foot for you!

Piewacker · 03-19-2005, 09:07 PM

Just found a code for my remote that allows me to skip 30 seconds at a time, here's hoping that too will help solve the problem.

If not, hey at least I found a commercial skip.

03-18-2005, 12:58 PM	#26
Piewacker HD Junkie Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 6	DVR Freezing I noticed this problem once this week, I thought it was just the program I recorded, but this happened with three different shows from three different stations last night. At several points during the programs the playback would freeze, then after a couple of seconds go to black. When I tried to play the program again it would start from the beginning of the show, and would freeze up in the same place unless I fast forwarded through that spot, only to freeze up again a few minutes later. Shaw's tech support had me on hold for over an hour last night until after midnight so I gave up and went to bed. Before I try again when I get home from work I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem and what if anything solved it?

03-18-2005, 10:15 PM	#27
redito HD Rules! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 37	If the program you recorded was on one of the "time shifted" channels then your problem is shared my many. It seems that anytime you record a program off the time shifted feed (channels 131 to 135 here in Winnipeg) you can't use the fast forward button properly. It also seems to apply to recording HD programming at the later times (after 10PM on what is basically a time shifted mode). Shaw has know about this problem since last summer when the PVRs first came out. For some people, you can use FF1 but not FF2, 3 or 4 but I can't use any of them. It makes no difference if you are using a single or dual tuner box. It's a software glitch that Shaw knows about but denies is their problem. They say they are working on it but I guarantee you they aren't working very hard. I also found that if I used the fast forward button even once then the program became contaminated or something. Even if you go back to the beginning and just watch it through without FFing it still goes black and stops. The solution is rather simple. Don't use the fast forward button. Watch the tacky annoying commercials. It's not perfect but it works. The problem doesn't affect anything recorded in regular time. A 7PM show recorded at 7PM is fine. The same show recorded at 10PM on the other feed is not fine. (That's central time here in Winnipeg BTW). I don't know if this helps but it might save you another hour on hold with Shaw. __________________ Life is short, eat your dessert first!

03-19-2005, 05:58 PM	#29
redito HD Rules! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 37	Actually, now that I think about it one of the techs I talked to said that some boxes had this problem no matter if the program was timeshifted or not. And that they worked up to FF2 just like yours did. It also seems to me he said the problem was worse in Vancouver and Calgary for some reason. Maybe a bad batch of boxes there. If they can't - or won't - fix your hard drive, then they should definitely swap your box for another one. It's a long shot but with these PVRs sometimes one box works and another doesn't. I've had ongoing problems with my PVR so I've been down the 'on hold for 2 hours' thing with Shaw too. Here in Winnipeg we have something called Technical Installation or Technical Support Specialists. We only have 4 of them here and they only handle the worst of the worst problems. But they are the smartest Shaw has to offer. You can only get to one of them by bitching repeatedly and by having legitimate unsolveable problems but once you get to them, you can call them for any number of problems and get faster and better service. I have a direct number for my guy so I bypass the whole on-hold fiasco now. Much better. Don't know if you have them there but again, it's a shot. As always with Shaw, be persistent. Be irritating. Be polite but NEVER take no for an answer. Sooner or later they'll get the message. Best of luck! I'll cross my fingers and rub my lucky rabbits foot for you! __________________ Life is short, eat your dessert first!

02-16-2005, 03:41 AM	#16
GKM What is HD? Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4	No problem with FF here on my 6208 here in Victoria. I am going to take a closer look at the SD channels when I hook up via dvi from the pvr to my hdmi televsion port. I was focusing on the HD channels when I made the switch, so, I'll do it again and focus on the SD channels. When Shaw installed the techie said most of his installs like mine found little discernable diff between dvi and component feed. The salesman at Future shop told me the same thing based on feedback to him. But everything I've read said it has a significant difference. I bought my cable from a local supplier who fabricates them for cheap - 3m dvi to hdmi $30. And while I just can't buy the Monster cable hype to the tune of $150 for the same cable - I do buy the idea that this specific cord and/or port combination may be quirky. So I'll try my HDMI cable that came with my DVD Player and buy a HDMI to DVI conversion plug and see if that will spark a noticeable change. So, I have a question - does your pvr have 'by-pass' capabilites. I read in the manual that this was an optional feature that might not be supported by the provider. I am interested because when I attach my cable directly to the tv's tuner - it improves SD quality - and just enough for you to want to toggle them as separate feeds. I can simply split the cable again and get a manual switch - but it would be nice if it could operate via the remote - which is where I presume the bypass circuit activation control would be located.

02-18-2005, 03:10 PM	#18
kingbuzzo How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 18	I just purchased the 6200 @ BB and I am using a DVI cable that came with a Dell FP Monitor. I haven't had nearly as many problems as you have. I have a 48" LG RPLCD HD and the 6200 is a single tuner. I am also able to fast-forward thru HD recorded stuff no problem. However, sometimes when I change to one of their crappy HD channels, the picture is split in the center - if I switch to another channel and back again it fixes itself. This is new technology - so we have to be patient. The Shaw PVR pales in comparison to the features that Media Center has. Now if only greedy hollywood will let us record HD via PC.

02-21-2005, 01:44 PM	#25
kingbuzzo How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 18	Yah, I really like it but it has been very frustrating to get everything working. I couldn't find a solution for non-over-the-air HD recording (because I live in Winterpig) so I purchased the crappy Shaw PVR. Now I have both set up so if I'm recording I can watch the other. You could probably build yer own box for about 1200 but be ready for some frustration. Unfortunately the video card manufacturers and the HD tv producers aren't working together and if they do, it is to stop us from recording their precious content.

03-19-2005, 12:55 AM	#28
Piewacker HD Junkie Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 6	Not all of the programs were time shifted... I tried the fast forward tip, it seems to work up to FF2. I did spend two hours waiting on Shaw tech support tonight, and was told it was most likely some bad sectors and the disk would need to be defraged. So in the next day or so they'll try that and see if it fixes the problem, otherwise I get a new box. I'll let you know if it helps, I'm not holding my breathe though

03-19-2005, 09:07 PM	#30
Piewacker HD Junkie Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 6	Just found a code for my remote that allows me to skip 30 seconds at a time, here's hoping that too will help solve the problem. If not, hey at least I found a commercial skip.