Channel Master 7000PAL, CM TV, CM7400 DVR's - Page 37 - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Steve Smart · 2012-02-21, 02:42 PM

Brownriggd

What Jase88 says is correct. The CM7000 is very sensitive to dropouts when recording. But...

I noticed this last night on several recordings made yesterday. Play mode was fine - no dropouts - but fast forward/reverse kept freezing and the commercial skip was acting up. Pausing and/or restarting the file did not help. I did a Reset/Reboot and that seemed to fix the problem.

If you're seeing this problem on most recordings over several days, and your signal is not generally crap, you might try reinitializing the device so the firmware loads from scratch.

One big caveat: This was on a CM7400, not the CM7000PAL. Completely different manufacturer and firmware, but it can't hurt to try.

brownriggd · 2012-02-21, 03:12 PM

I was thinking of doing a complete system reset to see if this helps. In response to Jase88 I'm not seeing any signal dropout or delay (at least visible to the naked eye) during these defective recordings. Just a jerkiness....for example as a car passes by the camera there's a noticeable hesitation or slight pause in the flow like its missing a frame or two....

theboyk · 2012-02-21, 07:46 PM

It an update - after getting home, checked my 7000PAL, and after the factory reset last night and an overnight wait, TVGOS is now populated again. So, big thanks to all who helped out!
k.

Jase88 · 2012-02-21, 11:00 PM

brownriggd, that's a different issue than what I thought. Are you sure this isn't how the video is coming into the dvr?!

brownriggd · 2012-02-22, 08:05 AM

quote: 'brownriggd, that's a different issue than what I thought. Are you sure this isn't how the video is coming into the dvr?!'

I was wondering the same thing. Will OTA broadcasts do this? So far I've only noticed it on CityTV and Global recorded broadcasts here in the Ottawa area. Has anyone else notice this issue?

CamDAB · 2012-02-22, 08:12 AM

^^^^ CBC is progressive, ie: 720p. You might want to try recording something from there if signal permits.

Can't speak for the Ottawa setups, but via Toronto, CBC and others record here OK, although the motion on CBC is better. Just running into a bizarre issue of recordings not always starting with the PC based 950Q, but that's another issue...

Cameron

roger1818 · 2012-02-22, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownriggd

So far I've only noticed it on CityTV and Global recorded broadcasts here in the Ottawa area. Has anyone else notice this issue?

I haven't noticed this problem with either of those stations, but I am not using a CM7000PAL. It could be a signal strength issue as those are likely your weakest stations.

Jase88 · 2012-02-22, 08:51 AM

I've seen the issue that brownriggd mentions. As he says, it's particularly noticeable on motion shots, especially where the shot is panning. Rather than fluid motion, there's a consistent slight hesitation. Like every other frame is missing in the shot. I've always attributed this to a "digital effect". But now that we're discussing it, I do wonder if this issue is caused by the DVR.

Most of my TV viewing is on the DVR. Over the next few days, I'll view on my TV's tuner to see if the issue presents there as well.

If it turns out to be an issue specific to the CM7000Pal, this could be another reason to avoid this product. Particularly if such transient viewing issues are found to be troublesome. Again, the effect is subtle, but certainly noticeable.

Steve Smart · 2012-02-22, 02:36 PM

Brownriggd - cabling issue?

Could it be an HDMI problem, perhaps in conjunction with weaker signals? You might try switching from HDMI to Component (or vice versa).

brownriggd · 2012-02-23, 08:55 AM

Unfortunately my TV only accepts component via an adapter plug (breakout cable) which, trust me, produces worse image quality.

I haven't seen this issue on other channel recordings, i.e. CBC and TVO which are by far the strongest signals (in 90 to 100 strength range). Yes, CityTV and Global (particularly Global) are my weaker signals (sometimes in the 60 to 80 ranges).

Jase88 · 2012-02-23, 09:10 AM

I've done some testing in the past 24 hours, and haven't been able to replicate the issue. Including "stressing" the DVR by recording two programs at once, while viewing a third recorded program. Checking the recordings didn't reveal the issue. I'll keep testing...

Pro gunner · 2012-02-26, 08:40 PM

Jase88 - in your previous post you mentioned maybe avoiding 'this product.' Is there a recommended DVR like Stampeder's antenna list?

Jase88 · 2012-02-26, 10:00 PM

I've only used this particular DVR (7000PAL) with OTA.

Don't get me wrong; I like my 7000PAL. It could just be so much better if Channel Master supported it with software updates. And didn't ignore their Canadian and international customers by limiting TVGOS support to US zip codes only.

If I had the discretionary cash, I'd test out other DVR manufacturers for OTA. However, my thinking is that an HTPC is likely to be my next step.

Though if you're looking for a standalone DVR, I would read through the various threads here pertaining to different manufacturers to get the feedback of others.

Jase88 · 2012-03-07, 12:03 PM

DST goes into effect this coming weekend, and being within 7 days of the change, I'm starting to see problems with some recordings.

And I believe I've figured out the issue. And more importantly, how to work around it.

The issue is that I tend to see some of my repeat programs (those set for daily or weekly recording) record an hour off (forward or backward, depending on spring or fall).

Apparently the DVR is capable of determining that a time change is imminent; likely from info it receives from TVGOS. But the device is incapable of applying that "awareness" to repeating programs where recording times are scheduled preceding the actual time change.

Therefore, for the full 7 days leading up to a DST change, I find that I need to set events to record individually.

Note that this issue only presents for channels which are populated in the guide by TVGOS.

For example, CBC Toronto, (which sends out a full week of guide data via PSIP) doesn't appear to have this issue. Nor do I see the issue with Global or other Canadian stations (except CFTO).

roger1818 · 2012-03-07, 12:12 PM

Jase88, it may well be that once the time actually changes, everything will be fixed and everything will record properly, but a s/w bug makes it look like things won't work. Only time will tell.

2012-02-21, 03:12 PM	#542
brownriggd Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ottawa Posts: 247	I was thinking of doing a complete system reset to see if this helps. In response to Jase88 I'm not seeing any signal dropout or delay (at least visible to the naked eye) during these defective recordings. Just a jerkiness....for example as a car passes by the camera there's a noticeable hesitation or slight pause in the flow like its missing a frame or two.... __________________ Dave B Panasonic TH50PZ800U ShawDirect HDPVR LG BH 200 BD/HDDVD Onkyo TX-SR605 AVR

2012-02-21, 11:00 PM	#544
Jase88 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 4,105	brownriggd, that's a different issue than what I thought. Are you sure this isn't how the video is coming into the dvr?! __________________ DMX 68' tower, HyGain HAM 5 rotator, Antennas Direct 91-XG & C5, Channel Master 7777 preamp, Siemens surge protection

2012-02-22, 08:05 AM	#545
brownriggd Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ottawa Posts: 247	quote: 'brownriggd, that's a different issue than what I thought. Are you sure this isn't how the video is coming into the dvr?!' I was wondering the same thing. Will OTA broadcasts do this? So far I've only noticed it on CityTV and Global recorded broadcasts here in the Ottawa area. Has anyone else notice this issue? __________________ Dave B Panasonic TH50PZ800U ShawDirect HDPVR LG BH 200 BD/HDDVD Onkyo TX-SR605 AVR

2012-02-22, 08:12 AM	#546
CamDAB Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Far East End of Hamilton, ON (Lake & Barton, 10th floor facing East) Posts: 1,091	^^^^ CBC is progressive, ie: 720p. You might want to try recording something from there if signal permits. Can't speak for the Ottawa setups, but via Toronto, CBC and others record here OK, although the motion on CBC is better. Just running into a bizarre issue of recordings not always starting with the PC based 950Q, but that's another issue... Cameron __________________ DAB listener December 2003-November 2011 (DAB Off-Air) HD radio Listener since June 2010

2012-02-22, 08:51 AM	#548
Jase88 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 4,105	I've seen the issue that brownriggd mentions. As he says, it's particularly noticeable on motion shots, especially where the shot is panning. Rather than fluid motion, there's a consistent slight hesitation. Like every other frame is missing in the shot. I've always attributed this to a "digital effect". But now that we're discussing it, I do wonder if this issue is caused by the DVR. Most of my TV viewing is on the DVR. Over the next few days, I'll view on my TV's tuner to see if the issue presents there as well. If it turns out to be an issue specific to the CM7000Pal, this could be another reason to avoid this product. Particularly if such transient viewing issues are found to be troublesome. Again, the effect is subtle, but certainly noticeable. __________________ DMX 68' tower, HyGain HAM 5 rotator, Antennas Direct 91-XG & C5, Channel Master 7777 preamp, Siemens surge protection

2012-02-21, 02:42 PM	#541
Steve Smart Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oak Ridges - Yonge & King Sideroad Posts: 93	Brownriggd What Jase88 says is correct. The CM7000 is very sensitive to dropouts when recording. But... I noticed this last night on several recordings made yesterday. Play mode was fine - no dropouts - but fast forward/reverse kept freezing and the commercial skip was acting up. Pausing and/or restarting the file did not help. I did a Reset/Reboot and that seemed to fix the problem. If you're seeing this problem on most recordings over several days, and your signal is not generally crap, you might try reinitializing the device so the firmware loads from scratch. One big caveat: This was on a CM7400, not the CM7000PAL. Completely different manufacturer and firmware, but it can't hurt to try.

2012-02-21, 07:46 PM	#543
theboyk Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto, West End (Bloor & Lansdowne) Posts: 36	It an update - after getting home, checked my 7000PAL, and after the factory reset last night and an overnight wait, TVGOS is now populated again. So, big thanks to all who helped out! k.

2012-02-22, 02:36 PM	#549
Steve Smart Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oak Ridges - Yonge & King Sideroad Posts: 93	Brownriggd - cabling issue? Could it be an HDMI problem, perhaps in conjunction with weaker signals? You might try switching from HDMI to Component (or vice versa).

2012-02-23, 08:55 AM	#550
brownriggd Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ottawa Posts: 247	CMPAL7000 Recording Jerkiness Unfortunately my TV only accepts component via an adapter plug (breakout cable) which, trust me, produces worse image quality. I haven't seen this issue on other channel recordings, i.e. CBC and TVO which are by far the strongest signals (in 90 to 100 strength range). Yes, CityTV and Global (particularly Global) are my weaker signals (sometimes in the 60 to 80 ranges). __________________ Dave B Panasonic TH50PZ800U ShawDirect HDPVR LG BH 200 BD/HDDVD Onkyo TX-SR605 AVR

2012-02-23, 09:10 AM	#551
Jase88 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 4,105	I've done some testing in the past 24 hours, and haven't been able to replicate the issue. Including "stressing" the DVR by recording two programs at once, while viewing a third recorded program. Checking the recordings didn't reveal the issue. I'll keep testing... __________________ DMX 68' tower, HyGain HAM 5 rotator, Antennas Direct 91-XG & C5, Channel Master 7777 preamp, Siemens surge protection

2012-02-26, 08:40 PM	#552
Pro gunner Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Maplewood / Tattersall area - Saanich, BC Posts: 98	Jase88 - in your previous post you mentioned maybe avoiding 'this product.' Is there a recommended DVR like Stampeder's antenna list?

2012-02-26, 10:00 PM	#553
Jase88 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 4,105	I've only used this particular DVR (7000PAL) with OTA. Don't get me wrong; I like my 7000PAL. It could just be so much better if Channel Master supported it with software updates. And didn't ignore their Canadian and international customers by limiting TVGOS support to US zip codes only. If I had the discretionary cash, I'd test out other DVR manufacturers for OTA. However, my thinking is that an HTPC is likely to be my next step. Though if you're looking for a standalone DVR, I would read through the various threads here pertaining to different manufacturers to get the feedback of others. __________________ DMX 68' tower, HyGain HAM 5 rotator, Antennas Direct 91-XG & C5, Channel Master 7777 preamp, Siemens surge protection

2012-03-07, 12:03 PM	#554
Jase88 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 4,105	CM7000Pal DST Weirdness DST goes into effect this coming weekend, and being within 7 days of the change, I'm starting to see problems with some recordings. And I believe I've figured out the issue. And more importantly, how to work around it. The issue is that I tend to see some of my repeat programs (those set for daily or weekly recording) record an hour off (forward or backward, depending on spring or fall). Apparently the DVR is capable of determining that a time change is imminent; likely from info it receives from TVGOS. But the device is incapable of applying that "awareness" to repeating programs where recording times are scheduled preceding the actual time change. Therefore, for the full 7 days leading up to a DST change, I find that I need to set events to record individually. Note that this issue only presents for channels which are populated in the guide by TVGOS. For example, CBC Toronto, (which sends out a full week of guide data via PSIP) doesn't appear to have this issue. Nor do I see the issue with Global or other Canadian stations (except CFTO). __________________ DMX 68' tower, HyGain HAM 5 rotator, Antennas Direct 91-XG & C5, Channel Master 7777 preamp, Siemens surge protection

2012-03-07, 12:12 PM	#555
roger1818 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa (Stittsville), ON, OTA (Radio Shack Omnidirectional Antenna and 5Y6S in Attic), MythTV HTPC Posts: 5,605	Jase88, it may well be that once the time actually changes, everything will be fixed and everything will record properly, but a s/w bug makes it look like things won't work. Only time will tell. __________________ Link to my TVFool results is in my profile Homepage URL. I suggest others do the same.

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