Firmware version and how to update.

[Moporpail]

I checked my Motorola 6416 firware version and it is 12.26.
when looking at this site http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_...#Version_16.20
they seem to suggest the firmware version 16.20 ( available Sept. 2006) may address audio drop off, a problem I and others have when watching HD channels.
The question then is, how do you update ( or get Shaw to ) your firmware?

[Alan Bealby]

Software and/or firmware updates are automatically downloaded to your terminal when Shaw has tested them and finds they are suitable to be used on Shaw's system.

[talljak]

I find it takes shaw forever and a day before they update firmware
In the year and a half I have had my cable box my firmware was updated once and basically only gave me VOD
But if it fixes the bugs it says it will I welcome it
Maybe we will get in in Jan some time

[technut]

Version 16.20

• Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI, PII & PIII, DCT-34xx
• Available Date: 2006-09-20
• Build Date: 2006-07-13 15:06:09
• Bugfixes:
  • Tuners fail to tune to a channel following a scheduled recording.
• New Bugs:
  • Audio dropouts and digital video artifacts when watching a recorded or buffered program.
  • Corruption of DVI/HDMI video outputs.
  • DVR erroneously claims to be 100% full.

Based on the "new bugs" listed, I don't see how this is any improvement over what we've got now. I already have bugs 1 & 3 on my 12.26 firmware. I don't use DVI so I can't comment on #2.

[talljak]

wow when I read that I thought those were all the bugs fixed I didn't see bugs fixed new bugs
What a crazy firmware update then fix one bug and makes 3 new ones

[Moporpail]

Thanks Technut - - misread that - so firmware update, not the fix I imagined.

[spitoon]

It still doesn't make any sense, because those are not "New Bugs" anyways...unless they are updating from an even older version than we have here.

[MacTVJunkie]

Keep in mind that with version 12.25 of the Motorola TCL, you're not as far behind as you would think when you see that TCL 16.20 is released. 16.xx is a different development branch/codebase than the 12.xx codebase. Ideally, Shaw should be upgrading you to the 12.35 TCL (Assuming you are using Code Suite objects and not monolithic builds of your guide software).

TCL 16.xx is the TCL codebase that is currently under development to support DOCSIS/DSG functionality in set-tops and is not really ready for prime time yet.

[oberst]

FWIW, the local cable company here in Yellowknife (NorthwesTel Cable, which is actually a remote part of Bell Canada) just introduced DCT boxes (I got a 6416 to play with). The diagnostics report Boot 05.10, Firmware 12.35, Software 73.50. I believe they are dealing with the new QT Plus service from Cancom, aka Shaw Broadcast Services, and I'd imagine the firmware decisions are centralized at Cancom. I think Shaw has to keep the two groups at some sort of arm's length, but it should be comforting that at least half the empire knows about the 12.35 revision...

Is Shaw Cable using the 73.50 software as well? I found a US Comcast page detailing an "improved" version of the i-Guide software, with features that included multiple, named favorite lists and an HD program indicator. I assume this is the 74.xx software, and I hope it migrates north at some point - both features would be useful for me.

By the way, the d08 "CODE MODULES" page of the diagnostics shows only one item in the "Object" section - "ASTG__ 67.24", which doesn't match up with any info I've been able to find (perhaps build numbers for the Canadian flavour of i-Guide?). Anyone know what the Shaw boxes have for code modules?

[MacTVJunkie]

Originally Posted by oberst

By the way, the d08 "CODE MODULES" page of the diagnostics shows only one item in the "Object" section - "ASTG__ 67.24", which doesn't match up with any info I've been able to find (perhaps build numbers for the Canadian flavour of i-Guide?). Anyone know what the Shaw boxes have for code modules?

The reason you only see one code object is because your using a monolithic client. The Motorola TCL, the TVGuide app and (optionally) the VOD application are all built into one object.

Interestingly (to me, anyway) I am unable to find any release notes for 67.24. I have 67.23 and 67.25 but no 67.24

67.23 contains MOT TCL 12.31 and is for the Phase-3 family of set-tops: DCT64xx P3, DCT3412 and DCT3080.

67.25 contains MOT TCL 10.13 and is for the non-Phase 3 set-tops (DCT6200, DCT6208 and DCT6412 P1, P2 and P2.3).

As for the TCL 12.35 upgrade, the following new features were added:
- HDMI Repeater functionality

The list of bug fixes in 12.35 include (but not limited to):
- Trick Play will move pointer to beginning of buffered video.
- Unable to launch VOD after code download.
- DCT3412 reset loop when connected to HDMI monitor.
- VOD fails when DOCSIS disabled.
- Zoom mode on HD causes video problem in SD.
- Switching video mode causes crash.
- Pause on Thumbnails when navigating.
- DCT6412P3 - HD ad insertions fading in/out and tiling.
- DVI Monitor colour space switched to RGB.
- DCT6412 P3 performs second code download after code suite DL.
- Video scaling not filling entire window.
- P-Frame artifacts
- Improved Trick Mode control.
- Various API fixes.

I would expect that 67.24 still contains the A23.1-3 iGuide.

[pinghead]

First Post! Thanks to all for contributing to such a great knowledge base.

Question: Any way to find out from Shaw when they plan to release/push out a firmware update (I currently have V 12.26)? I e-mailed Shaw support about a month ago and received a rather generic response that said "We appreciate your feedback with regard to a firmware upgrade. We are currently looking into this matter and will respond via email as soon as information becomes available."

I have recently purchaced a Sony DA3200ES A/V receiver and would love to be able to use its HDMI capabilities!

Thanks in advance.

[dkemp]

I have had problems with my 6416 that must(?) be related to the various bugs described.

Sometimes when I turn on the TV (box has been left with power on), there is no audio. Also, if TV and box are both off and then turned on there is no picture or audio.

The only way I have been able to get audio or pic + audio is to play a previously recorded program. They will play OK. When I stop and go back to channels, audio and picture are there. (What would happen if I had no recorded programs?)

Any comments?

Thanks.

[Moporpail]

Two problems occured over holidays and wonder if anyone has had similar experience and recommends a particular course of action. Thanks.

When listening to music stations ( 400s), after a while you would see a still image flash on the screen from an earlier channel watched. Nor would it display music title when tracks switched. It would stop when I would power off PVR and re-start, but would start up again 30-45 minutes later.

The second problem was the pvr stopped responding in that I wanted to record a segment of a program I was watching, pressed record, nothing happened. I could still change channels, but could not access guide, settings, info, etc. Then 5 minutes pass, and it starts recording. Once again frozen from stopping or accessing something else. Unplugged PVR as solution.

[57]

Unplugging is often the appropriate action. See the Digital Home FAQ (under help) "motorola STBs".

[bigbear5222]

I just got the RXV2700 Yamaha receiver, I plug in my Shaw 6416 PIII and a warning pops up to tell me to use component cables. Then 10 sec later green screen.

I guess reading through AVS and here it is a common problem. So will a firmware upgrade from shaw fix this? It's kind of silly that I would have to go buy a optical cable now too.

I guess I should call shaw.