Cable-Help.com

Howto Check your Cableone or Comcast Signal Strength for your DCT Digital Box

2008-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

Got no signal with your DCT? Added a splitter or amplifier and want to check your signal? No problem... Follow these instructions...

Set both of the STB tuners to channels you have seen exhibit problems. Use the tuner swap button.
Turn the STB to Standby/Off and press OK/SELECT on the remote within 2 seconds to enter the Diagnostic Main Menu.
Use DOWN ARROW and then OK/SELECT to select the "d03 OOB STATUS" option.
- The SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) values are of interest. Any value stated less than "GOOD" (i.e., "FAIR" or "POOR") could indicate a problem.
Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
Now select the "d04 INBAND STATUS" option.
- The SNR and AGC values are of interest. Any value stated less than "GOOD" (i.e., "FAIR" or "POOR") could indicate a problem. Be sure to look at values for both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.
Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
Now select the "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS" option.
- On a digital/HD channel the MPEG VIDEO & AUDIO LOCK values are of interest for both tuners. (Use the UP/DOWN ARROWS to see info for both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.)
Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
Press Power to exit the Diagnostic Main Menu and Power again to turn the STB back on.

What the values tell you

If your AGC levels are FAIR or POOR and the percentage is high (over 50%), then a stronger signal may help. If possible, try to minimize the number of splitters, connections, and poor quality RG-59 cable. Try to use RG-6 whenever possible. If you have simplified as much as possible, consider a broadband compatible RF amplifier. Ideally, it should be placed as close to where the cable comes into your home as possible.
If your AGC levels are FAIR or POOR and the percentage is low (under 50%), then you may have too strong of a signal, which can overload the tuner. Consider using an RF attenuator, or even a splitter or two to reduce the signal (a 1:2 splitter will reduce the signal strength by a little more than 50%). Any unused outputs on a splitter should have a terminator screwed onto it. (A terminator is a 75-ohm resistor inside a little cap to prevent noise from getting into the lines.)
If your SNR levels are FAIR or POOR (typically below 31dB or so), then check all connections. If possible, try to minimize the number of splitters, connections, and poor quality RG-59 cable. Try to use RG-6 whenever possible. A stronger signal MAY help, but not always. An amplifier also increases noise a bit, and could make things worse. If you only have problems with a few channels, it could be interference at a particular frequency leaking into the cable from someplace.

Howto: Check Firmware Version on your Cableone or Comcast DCT Digital Box (universal)

2008-02-01T17:10:00.001-08:00

Turn off the box (press POWER on the remote).
Immediately press OK/SELECT. Press it again if the display (black text on white background) does not come up within a second.
DOWN ARROW to "d08 CODE MODULES" and press OK/SELECT.
- The firmware version and build date are listed at the top, i.e., "Platform Built: Version: 16.20 Jul 13 2006 15:06:09".
- In the middle of the page, there is an "Object" column and a "Ver" column that lists your firmware and software versions, i.e.,
  - Firmware: TC_OS_ED 16.20
  - IPG Software: Tv_Guide 74.53
  - VOD Software: A231_VOD 23.45
To exit the menu press POWER twice. The unit will exit the menu and turn back on.

Howto: Set up parental controls on Cableone & Comcast DCT Digital Box's

2008-02-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Basic Parental Control Setup

The Parental Control menu allows you to set global controls based on channel or rating. You can also bypass or clear all locks from this menu, and control the display of Adult (and as of version 75.58, TV-MA) titles.

Parental Control setup can be accessed through two methods:

1. Press Menu twice to get to the main menu, select Parental Controls (Parental Control as of software version 75.58)
2. Press Menu twice to get to the main menu, select Setup, select Locks Setup (Parental Control Setup as of software version 75.58)

If you do not have a Locks PIN defined, you will be asked to create one (type in a 4-digit number) and then confirm it.

If you do have a Locks PIN defined, you will need to enter the 4-digit number.

As of software version 75.58, Service Locks and PINs Setup were moved from the main Setup menu to the Parental Control Setup menu.

Title Locks

This is a list of titles that have been locked. You can use the left and right arrow keys to select a title, and then press OK/Select to unlock it. If you do not exit the menu, you can also re-lock it by pressing OK/Select again.
If you have no locked titles, this will display No Title Locks.

(Software version 75.58 or newer)
The first program listed will be the currently viewed program. Otherwise, use the up and down arrow keys to select the program. Press OK/Select to lock or unlock a program.

Locked programs will display a padlock icon.

TV Ratings Locks

Use the left and right arrow keys to select the rating you want to lock, then Press OK/Select to enable or disable the lock.

(Software version 75.58 or newer)
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the rating to lock, then Press OK/Select to enable or disable the lock. If you enable a rating, all stronger ratings will automatically lock (example: locking TVY7 will also lock TVG, TVPG, etc...). If you disable a rating, all weaker ratings will automatically unlock (example: unlocking TVG will also unlock TVY7 and TVY).

Locked ratings will have a padlock icon.

Movie Ratings Locks

Use the left and right arrow keys to select the rating you want to lock, then Press OK/Select to enable or disable the lock.

(Software version 75.58 or newer)
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the rating to lock, then Press OK/Select to enable or disable the lock. If you enable a rating, all strong ratings will automatically lock (example: locking PG-13 will also lock R, NC-17 and Adult). If you disable a rating, all weaker ratings will automatically unlock (example: unlocking PG-13 will also unlock PG and G).

Locked ratings will have a padlock icon.

TV Content Locks

(Software version 75.58 or newer)
This offers 4 categories: Violence, Sexual Situations, Language, Suggestive Dialog. Choose a category. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the rating to lock, then Press OK/Select to enable or disable the lock. If you enable a rating, all stronger ratings will automatically lock. If you disable a rating, all weaker ratings will automatically unlock.

Channel Locks

Use the up and down arrow keys to select the channel you want to lock, then Press OK/Select to enable or disable the lock.
Locked channels will have a padlock icon.

Master Locks

This leads to a sub-menu with two selections:

Bypass Locks

If you change this to Yes and confirm, all title, rating, and channel locks will be bypassed.

Clear all Locks

(This is named Remove all locks in software version 75.58 and newer.)
If you change this to Yes and confirm, all title, rating, and channel locks will be removed.

Adult Titles

(As of software version 75.58, this has been changed to Hide Titles)
Enables or disables the display of Adult titles and descriptions.

When set to Show, Adult titles and descriptions will be displayed as normal in the Guide.
When set to Hide, Adult titles will display as Adult Programming and there will be no program description.

Hide Titles

(This is new in software version 75.58.)
Enables or disables the display of Adult or TV-MA titles and descriptions.

Use the up and down arrow keys to select the option you want, then press OK/Select to enable that option.

Hidden titles will display as Adult Programming or TV-MA Programming in the Guide and there will be no program description.

PINs Setup

These options allow you to clear or create Personal Identification Numbers (PINs).

As of software version 75.58, this has been moved into the Parental Control Setup menu.

The Locks PIN is used for Parental Control.

The Purchase PIN is used for approving PPV and OnDemand purchases.

Enter new Locks PIN

This is only shown if you do not have a Locks PIN defined.
To create a PIN, type in a 4 digit number. You will then be asked to re-type it to confirm.

To clear, enter current Locks PIN

This is only shown if you DO have a Locks PIN defined.
Type in the 4 digit number to clear the PIN. With no Locks PIN, Parental Control is disabled.

Enter new Locks PIN

This is only shown if you do not have a Purchase PIN defined.
To create a PIN, type in a 4 digit number. You will then be asked to re-type it to confirm.

To clear, enter current Purchase PIN

This is only shown if you DO have a Purchase PIN defined.
Type in the 4 digit number to clear the PIN. With no Purchase PIN, anybody can order a PPV or OnDemand movie.

If power is lost...

If power is lost, would you like to lock all programs until ratings and titles are restored?
This is only shown if you DO have a Locks PIN defined.
If set to No, anybody can view programs, even if the program guide does not have information about it and displays To Be Announced as the title.
If set to Yes, programs cannot be shown until the guide data is received and matches any parental control settings.

Service Locks Setup

This option allows you to enable or disable locks for services such as OnDemand. You must have a Locks PIN defined.

As of version 75.58, this has been moved into the Parental Control Setup menu.

After entering your Locks PIN, there will be a list of supported services.
Use the arrow keys to select the service.
Press OK/Select to lock or unlock a service.

Cableone & Comcast DCT/DVR Diagnostics

2008-01-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

Power off the box and within 2 seconds press the OK button.

How do I find the IP of my box?

Access the diagnostic screen by turning off the box and within 2 seconds pressing OK on the remote.

Choose selection d14 INTERACTIVE STATUS

What firmware version do I have?

Bring up the menu using the menu button.
Select setup
Select cable box setup
Select configuration

What is the latest firmware and what does it do?

Latest firmware version 9.19. No reports (as yet) as to what bug fixes or improvements are included. See this ongoing thread »DCT-6412 Firmware 9.19 Downloaded

Importance of the cable box IP Address

The I.P. Address is required for certain interactive services such as Video On Demand. If you are having trouble with these services, check to see if your box has pulled an IP by viewing the diagnostic screen d14. If it hasn't or you can't obtain video on demand services, contact Comcast technical support at 1-800-COMCAST

Lockups

Firmware version 9.15 addresses many lockup issues and is currently being deployed. Some have reported that some lockup/delay issues persist.

How do I get 30 second skip in iGuide?

2008-01-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

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 function to.

Clear Cableone or Comcast Recordings

2008-01-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

If you want to clear out your DVR and delete everything recorded follow these directions

Power off
Hit select within 1-2 seconds.

With your remote
Press "replay" one time ( the arrow bending back )
Press "MY DVR" three times ( button next to replay)
Press "LIVE" one time ( button next to MY DVR)

it sit a minute then turn it back on.
******************************************
Your hardrive will be cleared.
Your recording schedule will be emptied.
Your DVR will basically start downloading all menu and guide info again.

Transfer DVR Recordings to Your Computer with Cableone or Comcast Cable

2008-01-26T13:36:00.001-08:00

The cable companies have not disabled the firewire output on the 6412 -- it was only intended to be used for connecting to D-VHS recorders. In the United States, the federal government (FCC) has ruled that the firewire output must be enabled. As a result, the firewire output will NOT display any IPG or DVR menus. This is the normal, expected behavior.

One can emulate a D-VHS recorder on a PC or Mac through various software programs. Note that a computer will not be able to emulate the copy protection scheme of a D-VHS recorder if 5C DTCP is enabled (on a per-channel or per-program basis). These resources have instructions:

HowTO record via 1394/Firewire to WindowsXP
DCT6412 Firewire capture and HD/SD to DVD guide
ExDeus' STB Firewire Driver Package - Frequently updated for the newest STBs.
Tim M. Moore's 'FireSTB' Read-Me - Includes integration with Windows XP MCE and Windows Vista Home Premium.
macteens article: Make your own Home Theatre Mac (HTMac)

Howto: Factory Full Reset DVR/DCT Box for Cableone or Comcast

2008-01-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This will download and reinstall the DVR firmware and software. This SHOULD not erase your user settings or delete your stored recordings on the DVR. This is not guaranteed; proceed at your own risk.

Unplug the power cord from the DVR.
On the front of the DVR, press & hold the POWER & MENU buttons while plugging the power cord back into the DVR. The display should now read "boot".
Release the POWER & MENU buttons.
Press the UP or DOWN ARROW buttons on the DVR (not the remote) until you see "n dl" on the display.
Press the OK/SELECT on the DVR to begin authorization & downloading of software, STB/DVR firmware from your cable headend. It could take up to 20 minutes to download the firmware, the software could take up to 2 hours depending on what software your cable provider has. You should see "n dl" in the LED display with a line moving in a square.
After it completes this download the DVR will then reboot and begin to download the time settings for the clock along with your cable account info and settings. After this is done, it will begin to populate the Guide info. It could take up to 24 hours to fill in all 2 weeks of Guide info. Depending on your location, environmental variables and amount of users with digital cable or cable Internet, the download can take up to twice as long.
If the display on your Motorola DVR displays only the number 0 after performing this process, it is in need of a reset by your cable provider. Call them and ask them to reset your box.

This procedure is not confirmed to work on the newer DCH-series DVRs. It does not work on Time Warner Cable's version 6416 DVR, which does not include "n dl" on the display.

How to Reset and Erase DVR Hard Drive

2008-01-20T13:28:00.000-08:00

WARNING: this will wipe out all of your recordings, all scheduled recordings, all series recordings (your series priority list), and all manual recordings!! Write down everything you can before you do this!

The DVR should be turned on. Press CABLE, POWER to turn off the box.
Immediately press OK/SELECT to bring up the diagnostics page.
While on this screen, press the following key sequence (5 key presses) as follows: REPLAY (15-sec rewind, the counter-clockwise arrow), MyDVR (LIST on some remotes), MyDVR, MyDVR, Live. The DVR now should show "Clr" in the LED display.
Press OK/SELECT to proceed with the reset. The STB should now reformat the HD & then peform a STB reset and begin to reload your Cable settings and Time Settings from the Head End. It will then begin to populate the Guide data over the next 2 - 24 hours.

Cableone & Comcast HDMI/DVI Settings

2008-01-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

Setting video display options via User Settings

The DVR has several options to configure the video output format for your TV or display. This includes HD modes, SD mode, screen format (4:3 or 16:9), and closed captioning. Some newer models with the latest firmware also have options to fine tune DVI or HDMI settings.

Accessing User Settings

To access the video options, you need to go to USER SETTINGS

Turn the DVR off.
Press the Menu button on the remote or the front of the DVR.

Perform the following steps quickly (pauses between button presses may prevent the menu from appearing):

Turn the DVR off
Press the OK button on the remote (or the Select button on the front of the DVR)
Press the Menu button on the remote or the front of the DVR.
If your current aspect ratio does not display (16:9, 4:3L, or 4:3P) you may have waited too long between button presses. Turn the DVR on and try again.

Note that with this approach, the menu will go away when the DVR finishes booting (in a minute or two):

Unplug the DVR for 30+ seconds.
Plug in the DVR
Press the Menu button on the front of the DVR when --:-- shows on the front of the DVR.
If your current aspect ratio does not display (16:9, 4:3L, or 4:3P) you may not have had the DVR powered off long enough. Repeat the steps above but leave the DVR unplugged longer.

While in the user menu, the up or down arrows move between options. The left and right arrows will change the selected option.

To exit User Settings, press the Power key on the remote or the front of the DVR.

If you are unable to see the video on your display, most of the options will also display on the front panel of the DVR.

If you tune into an SD channel before turning off the DVR, the USER SETTINGS menu will display in standard 480i

TV Type

TV TYPE is where you specify the screen format. This only appears to affect how HD material is displayed when down-converted to 480i (SD) or 480p (ED).

The options are:

TV display	LED Display	Description
16:9	16:9	For most widescreen displays. HD will be displayed in its native format.
4:3 Letterbox	4:3L	For 4:3 displays. HD will be downconverted with letterboxing.
4:3 Pan Scan	4:3P	For 4:3 displays. HD will be downconverted with the sides cut off.

HDMI/YPbPr Output

HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT sets the HD format used by the component, DVI, or HDMI outputs. The RF, composite, and S-Video outputs will ALWAYS be 480i.

The DVR can only output one HD format. For example, if you set it to 1080i, all HD will be output as 1080i. Any source that is 720p or 480p will be converted to 1080i. This is only done when on playback or viewing live video. Recordings are ALWAYS saved in their native format.

WARNING: If HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT is set to anything other than 480i, and you are watching HD material, you will NOT be able to see the on-screen menus on the RF, composite, or S-Video outputs.

WARNING: As you scroll through the options, the output will change to that format. If you are using the RF, composite, or S-Video output, the video may go blank until you go back to 480i.

The options are:

TV display	LED Display	Description
	Ypp/OUt	Alternates Ypp and OUt to show you are on that setting
1080I	1080/80 i	Alternates 1080 and 80 i. Maximum HD resolution of 1080i
720P	720P	HiDef HD resolution of 720p
480P	480P	Low ED resolution of 480p
480I	480I	Standard SD resolution of 480i

[Which HDMI/YPbPr Output Setting Should I Use?

If your display is not HD capable, then set HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT to 480i. This will guarantee you can always see the menus. Set the TV Type selection to match your display aspect ratio and letterboxing preferences when viewing HD material (which will be downconverted for your TV).

If your display is HD capable, there is no hard and fast rule. You need to check the owners manual, or information on the back panel of the TV to find out what resolutions it accepts.

If it's an EDTV, then a setting of 480P will probably work best.

If it's CRT-based (direct-view or projection), then 1080i may be the best option, as most display 1080i natively.

If it's a fixed resolution panel such as Plasma, LCD, DLP, LCoS, SXRD or similar, it depends on its vertical resolution. That is typically the second number listed: 1920 x 1080 would have a vertical resolution of 1080 lines. If that number matches one of the HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT options, try that first. If it's an oddball number like 768 or 786 or 1024, then it's a matter of trial-and-error to find which format you like and that works best with your display.

4:3 OVERRIDE

4:3 OVERRIDE tells the DVR how to output SD programming. This option is disabled if HDMI/YPbPr OUTPUT is set to 480i.

The options are:

TV display	LED Display	Description
OFF	OFF	SD is converted to the HDMI/YPbPR OUTPUT format with pillarboxes on the sides
480I	480I	SD is not converted
480P	480P	SD is converted to 480p
STRETCH	Strh	SD is converted to the HDMI/YPbPR OUTPUT format and stretched horizontally for a 16:9 screen

Don't assume that upconverting SD will give you an improved picture. The DVR's upconversion is not the best. Some displays can do a better job of converting SD material to their native format with fewer artifacts. Also, some displays may offer more choices in handling SD modes, such as a ZOOM mode for material that is already letterboxed.

Additional HDMI Settings

The 641x-PIII and 341x include an HDMI output instead of a DVI output. As of Firmware 16.20, a new option, "ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS >>>" was added to the menu. Highlighting it and pressing OK/Select will switch to a second screen.

You can arrow down to each option and press the OK/Select to change it.

The options are:

Setting	Selection	LED Display	Description
HDMI/DVI MODE:	DVI	duI	You can use this option if you are using an HDMI/DVI converter cable or adapter to connect to a DVI port on your TV. Note that you may notice some stutter in the video with this setting. Try the HDMI mode, even if you are connecting to a DVI port. You can also try switching between modes temporarily, to solve stutter/jitter problems or HDCP errors. If you lose the video output because of HDCP errors, use the LED display to navigate switching back the output mode.
HDMI/DVI MODE:	HDMI	hdnI	Use this option if you are connecting to an HDMI port on your TV, or if you notice some video stutter when connecting to a DVI port on your TV. You an also try switching between modes temporarily, to solve stutter/jitter problems or HDCP errors. If you lose the video output because of HDCP errors, use the LED display to navigate switching back the output mode.
COLOR SPACE:	RGB	rgb	Use this setting if your TV uses RGB color decoding. The color will be obviously wrong if your TV does not. The conversion from MPEG2 colorspace (YCbCr) to RGB is performed in the DVR.
COLOR SPACE:	YCC 4:4:4	yCC	Use this setting if your TV uses YCbCr color decoding (YCbCr is abbreviated "YCC"). The color will be obviously wrong if your TV does not. YCbCr is the native colorspace of MPEG2. The conversion from YCbCr to RGB will occur in your TV.
AUDIO OUTPUT:	AUTO	AUdI	This is the preferred setting. Use this setting under normal conditions to receive Dolby Digital when available and supported by your A/V equipment, or L-PCM when Dolby Digital is unavailable or unsupported by your A/V equipment.
AUDIO OUTPUT:	L-PCM	AUdI	Use this setting if your TV does not decode Dolby Digital. This will convert all incoming Dolby Digital audio to Linear PCM. PCM is normal stereo audio, similar to what is contained on an audio CD, so you will lose any surround sound.
AUDIO OUTPUT:	PASS THROUGH	AUdI	Use this setting if you want the native format of the incoming signal to be passed on unchanged. This will normally be Dolby Digital for digital channels, or L-PCM for analog channels. Note that this may corrupt an HDMI->DVI conversion.

Closed Caption

The DVR's handling of closed captioning can be confusing.

It is very inconvenient, but you must turn the DVR off and go into the User Settings menu to make changes to the closed captioning settings. There is no interface to change the CC settings without turning off the DVR.

If 4:3 Override is set to 480i, then closed captioning will NOT be output by the DVR on SD programming. You will need to use your display's closed captioning capabilities.

Closed captioning on HD programming is converted to standard closed captioning that can be displayed by your display's own decoder when the output is set to 480i, or you are using the RF, composite, or S-Video outputs.

The only time the DVR displays closed captioning on its own is when the video format output is NOT 480i and CLOSED CAPTION is set to ENABLED.

Closed captioning is NOT passed through the digital video (DVI/HDMI) connections. If you want to use the digital video connection, you must use the DVR's captioning options.

Some have reported that the DVR's closed captioning tends to be slow and has many other problems.

When CLOSED CAPTION is set to ENABLED, the options below it are enabled and can be changed. Most of the options are self explanatory.

For ANALOG, CC1 is the standard closed captioning channel. CC2 is often used for spanish captioning.

Subtitle Settings

As of Firmware 16.20, the user menu has a SUBTITLE SETTINGS >>> option at the top of the display. Highlighting it and pressing OK/select will switch to a second screen.

The second screen offers options for STATUS (ON or OFF), and LANGUAGE (ENG [English], FRE [French], SPA [Spanish], and POR [Portuguese].)

To exit the screen, highlight the RETURN TO MAIN MENU >>> option at the bottom.

It's unknown what the subtitle settings are used for.

Restore All Defaults

RESTORE ALL DEFAULTS will reset all options to common defaults.

This will typically be:

Setting	Selection
TV TYPE	16:9
HDMI/YPbPr	1080I
4:3 OVERRIDE	480I
CLOSED CAPTION	DISABLED

Cableone Official Guides and Setup instructions from Motorola DCT5100 HD DVR

2008-01-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

This little box is awesome, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, here is the setup guide and complete user guide from motorola:
Official Setup & Installation Guide:
Read More (PDF)
Complete User Guide:
Read More (PDF)

Howto: Setup Surround Sound with Digital Cable Box

2008-01-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

Learn how to connect and set up surround sound on your Digital box
Read More (PDF)

Understanding your Cableone Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

2008-01-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

It seems allot of people need help with operating they're dvr for cableone! Cableone gets hundreds of calls each day for dvr issues, and help operating the i-Guide. As you see on the left hand side I provided an animated i-Guide tutorial but here I will provide everything you need to get started from turning it on to scheduling recordings for both tuners...

Learn how to set up your built-in Digital Video Recorder
Read More (PDF)
Read some quick tips about DVR and how to perform basic functions.
Read more (PDF)
View step-by-step instructions on how to pause, fast forward and rewind while viewing a program.
Read more (PDF)
How to Record a Show
Learn various ways to choose the program you wish to record.
Read more (PDF)
Record Multiple Episodes of a Show
Learn how to record a show once, or to record each episode.
Read more (PDF)
How to Play a Recorded Program
Learn how to access and view the programs you recorded previously.
Read more (PDF)
Digital Video Recorder Parental Controls
Learn how to control access to recorded programs.
Read more (PDF)
Saving Programs
Read how to manage your saved programs.
Read more (PDF)
Storing Programs
Understand how to use your storage space.
Read more (PDF)
Changing Recording Options
Learn how to modify or delete a recording option.
Read more (PDF)
Complete Digital Video Recorder Instructions
Download the entire DVR section in one PDF.
Read more (PDF)

Howto: Fix no video issues with Cableone

2008-01-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

If there is no video on the TV screen:
• Verify the TV is powered on and set to the appropriate input source.
• Confirm TV is on CH 3 or 4 for digital box or correct input if DVR.
• Verify the Cables are connected firmly
• Not all HDTV’s can display every output format (1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i) available on the DCT. Enter the user setting menu and cycle through the available output formats to see if a picture displays on the TV (see below for instructions)
• Bypass DCT/DVR and plug coax directly into tv
• If you have service on TV(s) with box bypassed, unplug the box from the power source, wait 30 sec, plug back in.
• If problem is still not resolved call cableone and ask for a signal 7 or 11 to be sent to possibly resolve the issue.
• If the signal(s) fail, your cable company will need to schedule a TROUBLE CALL or you may take box into your local office for exchange.

Howto: Fix Blank Screen on Cableone or Comcast Cable

2008-01-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

If you have a blank black screen on your cable system try this:

1. Confirm digital box is on by pressing power button on the box.
2. Confirm TV is on CH 3 or 4 for digital box or correct input if DVR.
3. Confirm TV and digital box is plugged in
4. Confirm TV is working by bypassing digital box or plugging in vcr/dvd player.

If everything seems correct your digital box could be fried, if you bypass your digital box with the coax cable, autotune/autoscan in tv menu, once the operation has completed it will provide scanned/available channels, if it didnt find any channels, call your cable provider and tell them the steps you completed.

Howto: Fix Blue Screen on Cableone/Comcast Cable

2008-01-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we all get a blue screen on our tv, dont worrie, its not the famous blue screen of death like on Microsoft computer systems, its an input issue... Here are the steps we can take to fix the issue:

1. Check to see if VCR or DVD Player is on, if it is on, turn it off.
2. Check to see if TV is on wrong Input or Channel
3. Verify TV is on channel 3 (or ch 4 for some systems) if connected with coax cable
4. Verify TV is on Video Input if connected with video cables, HDMI

• DVR is on Wrong input.
1. If you have tried everything else, press the CBL button first. Then find the “source” button on the cable remote and press it up to 3 times to cycle through video sources.

If this still has not resolved your issue, call your cable company.

Howto: Fix your Sound on your Digital Box or DVR

2008-01-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Allot of people call cable companies all the time when they are having issues with sound on channels 1-100 and 100+, here is a few steps you can take to resolve these issues:
NO SOUND ISSUES

No Sound on ALL Channels - With or without DCT/DVR
• Static buildup
1. Unplug TV from power for 30 seconds.
2. Unplug DCT/DVR from power for 30 seconds.
• Verify the mute button has not been pressed on customer’s equipment (DCT, Home Theatre and TV)
• Verify that you have the correct cables for the audio ports
• Verify the cables are firmly connected in the correct ports

NO SOUND ON ANALOG CHANNELS ONLY (Channels 2–99)
3. Check to make sure SAP is not on.
4. Check that TV is not on mute.

NO SOUND ON DIGITAL CHANNELS ONLY (Channels 100 and above)

(Atlas Remote (Day))
1. Press “Menu” or “Settings” on remote twice.
2. Select “Setup.” Often times it can be hidden and you need to scroll down.
3. Select “Audio Setup.”
4. Make sure the “Dolby Digital” is set to OFF.
5. Also, make sure the “Audio Output” is set to “TV SPEAKER.”
6. Press “OK/Select”
7. Press “Exit”

(Atlas Remote (Settings))
1. To restore the audio on the digital channels customer needs to turn to a channel that is not receiving any sound.
2. Have customer press Menu twice
3. Arrow down to Setup
4. Audio Setup
5. Dolby Digital and use the left right arrows to turn the Dolby Digital off.

Not all boxes will have the Dolby setting. If there is no Dolby settings give you cable company a call and ask them to reset your box remotely and send an update signal. Make sure you tell them the steps you did so you do not have to repeat them over the phone to a customer care representative.

Howto: Program your Cableone or Comcast Remote

2008-01-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular questions cable call centers get is:
How do I program my remote for my digital set-top box?
This isnt hard at all to do and unfortunately cable companies do not supply all the correct and necessary codes for your new digital cable service, so I will supply you with the resources on how to do this quickly and easily:

Basically you can find all the codes you need from one site, this site is Universal Electronics Corporation, they are the makers of your digital cable remote.
Simple Instructions:
1) Simply go Here and click on the image of your remote.
2) Then Click on the device you need Programmed
3) Enter in your Device name and model number in the box right of that one.
4) Click on Device Code
Here is an example of the Instructions it will give you:

The following code is the the most popular for your brand.
Key Code:0000
1. PRESS the button for the device you want to program (TV, VCR, CABLE, AUD, etc.) then RELEASE.
2. PRESS and HOLD the SETUP button until the red LED for the selected device flashes twice, then RELEASE.
3. ENTER the 4 digit code for your brand from the list above.
4. You should receive 2 quick flashes on the LED for the selected device after entering your code.
5. PRESS the POWER button to test the code. (On VCR,LD,and CD players use PLAY)