Official SA 8300HD DVR Users Thread

[gparris]

Well, my mom didn't like the whole DVR setup, so I took her "newer" box for myself and exchanged my DVR for a standard HD box for my mom. I ended up with a "Pace" branded box.

When I do any installations of any kind, the younger folks love the DVRs and the past-60-year-olds are usually scared of the red, blue and yellow buttons on the DVRs.
So until we play with them and get "comfortable", they are confused...I make them happy until they are and offer over-the-phone assistance, too.

I feel sorry for your mother, really I do.

Once you get a DVR, its like a microwave oven...you wonder why you didn't have one all along. :cool:

[shimmer11]

During the recording of the office last night on Ch. 504, the HD picture and sound were breaking up like crazy.  This has happened to me more than once, and I am beginning to think that my DVR needs a replacement.   Some HD channels are fine and some are not.  SD is all fine.  Anyone else experience HD breakups?

Thanks,

Andy

[klwillis45]

During the recording of the office last night on Ch. 504, the HD picture and sound were breaking up like crazy.  This has happened to me more than once, and I am beginning to think that my DVR needs a replacement.   Some HD channels are fine and some are not.  SD is all fine.  Anyone else experience HD breakups?

Thanks,

Andy

My recording was fine. Tried rebooting?  Swapped 8300s?  Do you have an amp?  If not, you may need TWC to install one for ya.  I had to have it done (its free) and have had little trouble since.

[shimmer11]

Did try the reboot.  It seemed to be ok after that, but the problem still comes up.  I may just exchange the box for a new one.  I was one of the early adopters and picked one up as soon as it was out.  Maybe it is burning out.  I may look into the amp as I do not have one.

Andy

[flash]

Well I exchanged my old DVR for the new 8300 that everyone here recommended (thanks by the way!).
My only problem is that with my TV (Sony 51HW40 rear projection HD ready) I get the following issues:
Using 16:9 mode (on DVR)
Normal setting = gray bars and 4:3 picture
Zoom Picture = VERY zoomed
Stretch picture = VERY VERY stretched

I set the DVR to output to 4:3 TV but everything is pretty much the same.

I'm using 1080i only but I tried setting the box to output 720p but not much difference and I am using component cables ('cause that's all my TV has)

My wife keeps complaining because it was MY idea to exchange boxes so it's been
a little frustrating as of late. :bang:  :bang:  :bang:

Any and all input is appreciated.

[kevbeck122]

Sounds about normal to me.  What's the TV set at for picture size?  I'm assuming full or normal.  Do you have any pictures to show what the zoom and stretch look like?

[flash]

My particular model of Sony locks the aspect ratio when using the composite inputs.
I can't adjust zoom modes via the TV in this configuration so I have to use the built in ratios of the DVR....... the older 8000 model wasn't as noticeable as this one so I guess if your saying this is normal I guess I'll just have to deal with it until the new Sony SXRD models come out this summer and by Christmas time the prices should have dropped. :cool:

Example of zoom:

You know the station logo at the lower right half of your screen like ABC or SciFi etc...
well, I get just the tip of the letters in zoom mode and the tops of people heads are cut off just above their foreheads.

[Detritus]

Has anybody managed to get the firewire ports to work with PCs?

Basic method: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

But I'm running into the same problems described in this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6380734&&#post6380734

Has anybody gotten this to work?

[Rick Sass]

Are the HDMI and component ports active at the same time in the 8300HD?

[jd91]

I know I saw this question somewhere in the past, but can't find the answer now...

Is it possible with the 8300HD to use HDMI output to a 1080p TV and use optical or digital COAX audio output to a receiver?  I don't want to buy a new receiver right now that has HDMI capability, but want to simplify cabling as much as possible.  I seem to recall people indicating that there was some issue with trying to do this... like if you used HDMI it automatically shutoff the other audio outputs on the 8300HD.

Thanks for any help!

[Mark Strube]

This is no longer an issue. Most (if not all) of the 8300HD DVR's you get have no problems outputting both HDMI and optical (or digital coax) at the same time. Also, I believe most have a new menu option that lets you choose stereo, HDMI, or Dolby Digital output. (You would choose Dolby Digital.)

[Vindi]

TWC finally fixed the problem with HDMI port running through my denon reciever to the TV.  Not sure when but I tried it about a year ago and it would not work.

I had it hooked up with component and digital out for audio and now I seen to notice more audio drop outs with the HDMI.  Anyone else notice this?

[Mark Strube]

Are you running the audio thru HDMI or are you using a seperate digital coax/optical cable? Most HDMI hardware is incapable of passing thru 5.1, so it gets downmixed to 2.0 stereo.

[Vindi]

Are you running the audio thru HDMI or are you using a seperate digital coax/optical cable? Most HDMI hardware is incapable of passing thru 5.1, so it gets downmixed to 2.0 stereo.

I only have the HDMI hooked up.  Not sure where you got the info about the 5.1 because I don't think its true.  I get all my audio for my STB and HD-DVD player thru HDMI.  I was using only HDMI on my old Denon 1920 DVD player too.  They all ran into my 3806 reciever.  I was even using HDMI for DVD-Audio from the Denon DVD (SACD needed seperate hookups).

[Mark Strube]

The info is from a lot of experience, however perhaps the very high-end hardware isn't like this. I would look into it.