Hi,

I tried recording some of the HD channels today with my DVD recorder and it reads on the screen "Can't Record this Signal". Uh oh... I double-check with my diagnostics screen and there you have it people 5C=1.

I am not sure how to check for "flags" but I had this same problem but for a PPV recording I used to be able to copy PPV to DVD but now my Sony DVD recorder also says not able to record.
Is there a way to check if something is protected so I do not waste a disk trying to record it.
I have been recording the season of lost this season HD no problem, but don't know how long that will keep going.

It's funny, I can't record ANYTHING, flag or no flag. Can't record analog channel 3. Anyways, normally, to check for 5C copy protection (used for firewire recording to PC), you turn off your box, hit menu, hit menu again and then quickly press the "OK" button. Go to d11 interface status and check if 5C is 0 or 1. The channels I checked were 5C=0 up until FOX which from then on is 5C=1, like CBC.

Talljak, I see that lhsonic has a Sony RDR-GX7 DVD recorder which obviously has a Firewire input. What recorder do you have? I haven't heard of any DVD recorders with Firiwire input that would also take signals from a Shaw cable box so I am curious.

i reckon i tried that once, before this halabalu and it didn't work, I recokon I need software, like for PC... it worked on PC with the software and drivers and etc.

Talljak, I see that lhsonic has a Sony RDR-GX7 DVD recorder which obviously has a Firewire input. What recorder do you have? I haven't heard of any DVD recorders with Firiwire input that would also take signals from a Shaw cable box so I am curious.
I have like Sony's 1st dvd recorder the Sony RDR-GX300
I just set it to line 1 and use S-video its not awesome quality but does the trick.

lhsonic, it would be helpful if you put your location in your profile and the topic.

I just tried recording on all of the HD channels here in Edmonton (and channel 3, just for good measure) and all are working fine, 5C=0.

Vancouver's 5C=0 as well.

The 5C setting should have no effect on recording via S-video to a DVD recorder. This is after all an SD recording at 480i. The 5C setting should only affect the firewire connection (to say a computer or D-VHS deck). In other words, if you see it on you STB, you should be able to record in SD.

I believe you have another problem and you are not properly connected to the DVD recorder...

The 5C setting should have no effect on recording via S-video to a DVD recorder. This is after all an SD recording at 480i. The 5C setting should only affect the firewire connection (to say a computer or D-VHS deck). In other words, if you see it on you STB, you should be able to record in SD.

I believe you have another problem and you are not properly connected to the DVD recorder...
Well other shows record just fine HD and SD but the last PPV movie I tried It told me no such luck. the manual for the recorder does say anything thats labled as no copy will not be recorded

OK, thanks. I didn't realize that the "marking" would be carried on an analogue connection like S-Video. It must be more like "macrovision" and would not be the 5C flag, because that's "digital".

It's understandable that they don't let you record PPV.

Vancouver's 5C=0 as well.


not on 308 - 309 - 310 channels

i find it funny they dont use 5C on the movie channel but they do on a sports channel?

i tried asking shaw but they just have no idea what you are talking about to be honest. you need like a tier 2 or 3 tech to talk to but you aint getting one of those on the line with ease...

Same for me - not able to firewire record on 308, 309, 310
Also 307 Fox affected, around 1AM PST on Mon 12th

All other HD are OK
North Shore Vancouver

Any confirmation on the 5C vancouver situation, or Shaw explanation

While I am not sure of the 5c rules in Canada (if any), the US ones are quite clear and state that local OTA must be transmitted by cable companies unencrypted (ie 5C=0)
In that regard, the enacting of 5C on 310 CTV is puzzling - altho a similar line of logic may be less favourable to us with some other 300 channels

I know Shaw flicked the 5C switch on us briefly before, and I believe it was JohnnyCanuck who seemed to have contacts, and Shaw indicated it was an error/oversight

Could this be an oversight? Any inside info as to whether they will correct it?

BTW I can record the digital stream by firewire onto Mac for channels 307-310, but it is not interpretable

I am planning on asking about it ... it was an oversight last time, not sure what happened this time.

310 CTV HD just launched didn't it? New channel = probably an oversight.

Same for me - not able to firewire record on 308, 309, 310
Also 307 Fox affected, around 1AM PST on Mon 12th

All other HD are OK
North Shore Vancouver

In downtown Vancouver I have been able to record 310 CTV-HD since day one. It still works fine at 8:30am on Tuesday, and I recorded The Daily Show from 310 last night, so it was working around midnight, which is just before you say you couldn't record. I also have no problems with 308 and 309.

It seems odd that there would be a difference between downtown Vancouver and the North Shore.

To Roreman
Will try a reset of my equipment (leave off for 10 min and restart)
You're right, it would be odd


How do I call up diagnostic screen again, I am basing my observations on ability to record the stream 307-310, but there is no viewable video on 307-310
Thanks to Roreman and JC

CBL then PWR then SELECT button will bring up the dianostic window the go to d11 and you will see 5C IMPLEMENATION = 1 on 307 - 308 - 309 - 310

i tried talking to 2 different people at shaw and they just say they dont support any firewire problems at this time. i tried to explain but them still didnt know what i was talking about

someone else might have more luck with asking them to disable the 5C as i dont seem to be lucky..

i am in the westend of vancouver with a 6412 pIII box and i do have 5c=1 on those channels enabled

To Roreman
When you say you can record these programs, I assume you mean record to PC or Mac

Even with 5C enabled, you will be able to record on the 6208 (for sure) and the 6412 (I assume), but the signal is still encrypted on the hard drive - under 5C=1 circumstances, you cant subsequently offload a viewable file to a PC or Mac (but you can stream an encrypted stream to the PC/Mac - which is then useless)