Shaw DCT6412 Information / Questions / Problems

[Sarke]

Originally Posted by Felgar

Tundra,

FWIW I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't also give very serious consideration to the Panasonic line of HDD/DVD Recorders. But let's not let this thread get off-track. If you'd like further info PM me or else post a new thread in one of the other forums.

Yes, they are very good, although a bit pricey (but you get what you pay for). I have had very good experienses with the E55 myself (no HDD) and did a lot of research before buying. I particularily like it's de-noising filter, it's very good (also helps to get better quality compression).

A good place to look is here:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdrecorder...orderby=Rating

[slayer1185]

I just purchased a 6208 in December for $500 and the single tuner was the only letdown. And now the 6412 is out. I guess I can just wait until we get another HDTV and put this box on that one and get a 6412.

[tundramojo]

Originally Posted by Felgar

Tundra,

FWIW I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't also give very serious consideration to the Panasonic line of HDD/DVD Recorders. But let's not let this thread get off-track. If you'd like further info PM me or else post a new thread in one of the other forums.

I'm not set up to PM you and noticed you don't accept emails, Felgar. I have checked Panasonic and it's between Panasonic, Toshiba, and Pioneer. The Toshiba 80 GB model is on sale at Future Shop for $599 so that's where I'm leaning at the moment. Do you have any insight in the differences between these three?

[Felgar]

See here Tundra. http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/for...ad.php?t=20597

[technut]

Originally Posted by Felgar

See here Tundra. http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/for...ad.php?t=20597

THANK YOU! That was getting way off topic.

[Tech questions]

I have a 6412 and I'm trying to get digital sound through my pioneer elite receiver.. However, I keep getting analog sound. Does anyone know what I need to do for digital sound?
Just for everyone's info....I had the 6408 and it was very noisy, I exchanged it three times, all making noise..The 6412 doesn't isn't noisy, the only noise it
makes is some clicking, clacking sounds especially when programming or changing channels. Please let me know about digital sound...

Thanks,

[Alan Bealby]

Tech questions

To get digital sound you have to have a digital connection between the 6412 and your receiver. The 6412 should have both a coax digital audio output port and an optical digital audio output port. Connect one of these to the appropriate connection on your receiver.

I believe there is nothing to set on the 6412 to get digital output on the two digital audio output ports. They both should be always on.

On the A/V receiver you may have to enter its setup mode to enable the digital input port or to connect it to the source input you are going to be using for the cable box. Then you may have to manually select digital input mode rather than analog audio in. The latter usually is selected automatically on the newer receivers. You will have to check your receiver's manual.

I hope this enought to get you started.

You should also check the FAQ section on this forum. There will be one or two of the FAq's that will help you.

[meshmellow]

I haven't found any confirmation that it is possible to record while a program is on LIVE to both the DCT 6412 and a DVD recorder with a hard drive (or even to just the connected DVD recorder). I've only found in the guides for the unit that you can record to a VCR or DVD recorder by playing a program back. I'd prefer not to have to do it that way in the interests of saving time. I'd also be concerned that some quality could be lost.

Also, I can't get any confirmation that it's possible to record the high definition (downconverted) onto a DVD recorder.

Can anyone with a DCT 6214, who has a DVD recorder or VCR connected comment on these questions?

meshmellow

[Felgar]

PM sent Mesh. I may not have made clear that the box outputs anything that you're watching on svid just like all the other boxes - so if you're actually watching and controlling the box, it's just a matter of turning to the channel and starting recording with the DVD recorder.

[tundramojo]

Originally Posted by Tech questions

I have a 6412 and I'm trying to get digital sound through my pioneer elite receiver.. However, I keep getting analog sound. Does anyone know what I need to do for digital sound?
Just for everyone's info....I had the 6408 and it was very noisy, I exchanged it three times, all making noise..The 6412 doesn't isn't noisy, the only noise it
makes is some clicking, clacking sounds especially when programming or changing channels. Please let me know about digital sound...

Thanks,

Interesting that you bring that up. I have the Denon AVR 3300 which has an "auto detect" feature for the audio input, where it selects the correct decorder based on the input signal. I always have it set to Auto. Problem was, when I hooked up my 6208 it was detecting "Stereo". I had to lock it into Dolby Digital manually for it to work. I've never had this problem with any other component. I'm assuming that signal isn't pure or strong enough. I have a tech coming on Friday from Shaw on a potentially related matter; the analog stations look like they are encountering interference as there are lines or snow through the picture to the point where it's pretty much unwatchable (this is the case with the standard digital box, the 6208, and basic straight from co-ax in all rooms so it's definitely the source into the house or the main box in the house).

Anyway, not sure if others have had audio problems like mine.

[meshmellow]

Originally Posted by Felgar

PM sent Mesh. I may not have made clear that the box outputs anything that you're watching on svid just like all the other boxes - so if you're actually watching and controlling the box, it's just a matter of turning to the channel and starting recording with the DVD recorder.

Thanks for your prompt PM and this comment, Felgar. I just needed assurance that I could at least record simultaneously, even if I have to watch the program at the same time, or simply leave the 6412 box on that channel. In other words, if I want to archive something, I could go out, leaving the box on a given channel and have the DVD hard drive recorder set to record from the S-video plus RCA audio inputs at a given time. Then, come home, ignore the DCT6412 and edit the recording on the DVD hard drive recorder for archiving on a DVD.

I was thinking I might have to keep my DCT6200 as well, so that I could record on both machines (DCT6412 and Pioneer DVR 510) at once and be sure of being able to record a "downconverted" high definition signal. That would be a pain, since it would mean another splitter, remote control interference (with two DCTs in the room) and probably an additional charge every month for yet another cable box in my home.

meshmellow

[Felgar]

You'll be fine Mesh.

Plus I'm sure we can figure out the rules behind how the tuners work in a little while anyways, so that there's no need to resort to leaving the box on the appropriate channel.

[faston]

Originally Posted by Tech questions

I had the 6408 and it was very noisy, I exchanged it three times, all making noise..The 6412 doesn't isn't noisy...

Are you saying that they exchanged a 6208 for a 6412??

[Tech questions]

Shaw didn't offer a exchange, I paid the difference...Although the tech was
going to see if I can get some sort of discount for all the troubles I've had
with the 6208. Imagine 3 times I had to return this and all the waits on the phone. Shaw should their existing customers with credits towards Pay per views, since shaw on demand is also not available currently for 6208 and 6412
digital boxes.

[slayer1185]

Originally Posted by slayer1185

I just purchased a 6208 in December for $500 and the single tuner was the only letdown. And now the 6412 is out. I guess I can just wait until we get another HDTV and put this box on that one and get a 6412.

A couple months back I purchased a Sharp LC32G4U LCD tv and had several problems, which were all Futureshop's fault. First I phoned Shaw and they said they don't exchange. I phoned and asked Futureshop if I could exchange my 6208 for the 6412 and at first they said no and so I mentioned the problems with my tv and he remembered and said he would give me the 6412 for $248+tax($748-$500) if I exchanged it for the 6208.