Several months ago I started having problems with some remote control functions. I couldn't quite figure out what it was, but last night I noticed something.

Sometimes when I try to use the RC (Harmony 880), the 6412 freezes up. I try to move the on-screen controls left, right, up or down and nothing happens. It seemed this freeze could go on for a couple of minutes at a time.

This sometimes happens when I FF or REW. But it more noticably happens when I stop play and get the controls to return to previous screen, play, etc.

Last night I noticed that when the freeze happens the RC light on the 6412 stays on. It is as if the 6412 thinks it is still receiving a signal from the RC. I can leave the room with the (IR) RC and the light stays on the 6412.

If I don't send any further commands using the RC, the freeze seems to last 15-30 seconds. But it also seems that if I don't notice that the RC light is on, and push buttons trying to make something happen, that the freeze lasts much longer. It is as if the 6412 is storing the RC signals, then freezing for a duration for each signal received.

(BTW, although we typically use the 880, this has happened with the Shaw/Motorola supplied remote control as well.)

Is this a known bug? Or is it something that others have not been experiencing?

Yes this is a known issue. The box seems to lock up and stores the signals from your remote. If you press FF and nothing happens, your automatic response is to press it again, and again. Then suddenly the box will lurch back to action and those 3 (or more) presses will be registered.

It may be coincidence, but I've noticed that it happens more often at the top (:00) and bottom (:30) of the hour. I'm wondering if the box is 'busy' updating the guide data at these times, and can't respond as easily to your remote requests?

I too have an 880 and I see the exact problem once in a while.

re: the remote light indicator

Seems that light is active whenever the DCT is interpreting a signal rather than just when it's receiving one. Just basing that on instances when it's been frozen and the light stays on even though the remote has finished. Best example is when it doesn't react to buttons...but then, as you mentioned, the light comes on as the DCT performs every button that had been pressed.

Freezing was more prevalent with the previous firmware. At least I it appears that way to me.

Have you rebooted/power cycled your DCT recently? Basically item #4 from the "Motorola STB Helpful Links, Tips" FAQ

Was talking to a customer who lives in Seattle and has the same 6412 with his cable company. He has all of the same issues we do with those units. His difference - the dual tuner HD PVR was free for him.