DTV Pal running slow

D

DaveC

Guest
My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.

I've disabled "inactivity standby" (which turns it off after certain time
without detecting activity from the remote) because it would frequently turn
off prior to scheduled recordings. (No, it doesn't wake up to execute
schedules.) This also disables automatic download of stations' program
information including current time (which it does during its "off time").

Forcing a Reset (holding down the Power button) results in downloading of
program info as well as automatically setting the internal clock (based on
stations' time data). But this gets tedious.

The problem is that if I haven't recently forced a reset, the DTV Pal will
keep running later and later.

Do these things have simple crystal controlled clocks? Suggestions re. how to
stabilize it? Adjust it?

Thanks,
--
DaveC
me@bogusdomain.net
This is an invalid return address
Please reply in the news group
 
Model, make etc ?
Click to expand...
DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.
--
DaveC
me@bogusdomain.net
This is an invalid return address
Please reply in the news group
 
"DaveC" <me@bogusdomain.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C62DBAA0040B8C2FB04709AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net...
My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.

I've disabled "inactivity standby" (which turns it off after certain
time
without detecting activity from the remote) because it would
frequently turn
off prior to scheduled recordings. (No, it doesn't wake up to execute
schedules.) This also disables automatic download of stations' program
information including current time (which it does during its "off
time").

Forcing a Reset (holding down the Power button) results in downloading
of
program info as well as automatically setting the internal clock
(based on
stations' time data). But this gets tedious.

The problem is that if I haven't recently forced a reset, the DTV Pal
will
keep running later and later.

Do these things have simple crystal controlled clocks? Suggestions re.
how to
stabilize it? Adjust it?

Thanks,
--
DaveC
me@bogusdomain.net
This is an invalid return address
Please reply in the news group
Click to expand...
See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...
<http://qna.omgili.com/jmp/jHIAmI4hxg_hf1cmsoJd0xxDKgr.sJJDgY2wrRwyIqREhKXlHro4KRiyb0EK9oXKJayrWTKlfM3o2Uh9Qe8WuGSvsO0..e5AnhhzuVjW2he4c0WZiuJ.SzAmHOgYoqU7ht9oBOjiwGqQNXz9kTXkH0dEOm4_PKBZhAyHUXSTO6k->

Cheers
 
Martin Riddle wrote:
"DaveC" <me@bogusdomain.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C62DBAA0040B8C2FB04709AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net...
My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.

I've disabled "inactivity standby" (which turns it off after certain
time
without detecting activity from the remote) because it would
frequently turn
off prior to scheduled recordings. (No, it doesn't wake up to execute
schedules.) This also disables automatic download of stations' program
information including current time (which it does during its "off
time").

Forcing a Reset (holding down the Power button) results in downloading
of
program info as well as automatically setting the internal clock
(based on
stations' time data). But this gets tedious.

The problem is that if I haven't recently forced a reset, the DTV Pal
will
keep running later and later.

Do these things have simple crystal controlled clocks? Suggestions re.
how to
stabilize it? Adjust it?

Thanks,
--
DaveC
me@bogusdomain.net
This is an invalid return address
Please reply in the news group


See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...
http://qna.omgili.com/jmp/jHIAmI4hxg_hf1cmsoJd0xxDKgr.sJJDgY2wrRwyIqREhKXlHro4KRiyb0EK9oXKJayrWTKlfM3o2Uh9Qe8WuGSvsO0..e5AnhhzuVjW2he4c0WZiuJ.SzAmHOgYoqU7ht9oBOjiwGqQNXz9kTXkH0dEOm4_PKBZhAyHUXSTO6k-
Click to expand...
Wouldn't surprise me the least bit, considering that they often can't
even keep the guide list current. Or just won't. We regularly turn on
the TV because a movie was announced. Then some other movie plays while
(!) the original one is still listed. Seems nobody gives a hoot there.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.
 
DaveC wrote:

Model, make etc ?

DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.
Click to expand...
Means nothing to me. Why are you using PAL in the USA ?

Graham
 
Eeyore wrote:
DaveC wrote:

Model, make etc ?
DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.

Means nothing to me. Why are you using PAL in the USA ?
Click to expand...
"pal" as in "buddy" I guess. Maybe "mate" or "bloke" in rightpondian ;-)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.
 
"Eeyore" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4A0897DE.CCCB0E15@hotmail.com...
DaveC wrote:

Model, make etc ?

DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.

Means nothing to me. Why are you using PAL in the USA ?

Graham

Not PAL as in the video standard but Pal as in that's what the set-top box
Click to expand...
is called. Kind of like VCR meant any format (VHS or Beta) Video Casette
Recorder in the US and not a specific format of Video Casette Recorder or
Video.

Also see DivX and DRM.
 
Andy from Dover wrote:

"Eeyore" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> wrote
DaveC wrote:

Model, make etc ?

DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.

Means nothing to me. Why are you using PAL in the USA ?

Not PAL as in the video standard but Pal as in that's what the set-top box
is called. Kind of like VCR meant any format (VHS or Beta) Video Casette
Recorder in the US and not a specific format of Video Casette Recorder or
Video.
Click to expand...
How deliberately confusing is that ?

PAL = Phase Alternate Line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL

NTSC = never twice the same colour.
http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Contrib/WorldTV/why.html

Graham
 
Joerg wrote:

Martin Riddle wrote:
"DaveC" <me@bogusdomain.net> wrote in message

My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.

I've disabled "inactivity standby" (which turns it off after certain
time without detecting activity from the remote) because it would
frequently turn
off prior to scheduled recordings. (No, it doesn't wake up to execute
schedules.) This also disables automatic download of stations' program
information including current time (which it does during its "off
time").

Forcing a Reset (holding down the Power button) results in downloading
of program info as well as automatically setting the internal clock
(based on stations' time data). But this gets tedious.

The problem is that if I haven't recently forced a reset, the DTV Pal
will keep running later and later.

Do these things have simple crystal controlled clocks? Suggestions re.
how to stabilize it? Adjust it?

See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...
http://qna.omgili.com/jmp/jHIAmI4hxg_hf1cmsoJd0xxDKgr.sJJDgY2wrRwyIqREhKXlHro4KRiyb0EK9oXKJayrWTKlfM3o2Uh9Qe8WuGSvsO0..e5AnhhzuVjW2he4c0WZiuJ.SzAmHOgYoqU7ht9oBOjiwGqQNXz9kTXkH0dEOm4_PKBZhAyHUXSTO6k-

Wouldn't surprise me the least bit, considering that they often can't
even keep the guide list current. Or just won't. We regularly turn on
the TV because a movie was announced. Then some other movie plays while
(!) the original one is still listed. Seems nobody gives a hoot there.
Click to expand...
My cable provider updates the prgramme guide via cable broadband ( built into the STB ) It can 'go funny' sometimes presumably when traffic is high. It's NEVER 10 mins out though, maybe a minute at worst.

Indeed the STB seems to be a combined TV source and broadband router.

Graham
 
See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...
Click to expand...
No such luck. Each station is spot on and agrees with my computer's clock
(I'm using a computer as a DVR).

As further evidence that it's internal, forcing a "reset" (holding down the
Power button) forces the stb to synchronize its clock with whatever source
(you say CBS affiliate?) it uses as its reference. That corrects the late
clock, but it continues to get slower as the days tick by.

Ideas?

Thanks,
--
DaveC
me@bogusdomain.net
This is an invalid return address
Please reply in the news group
 
Eeyore wrote:
Joerg wrote:

Martin Riddle wrote:
"DaveC" <me@bogusdomain.net> wrote in message

My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.

I've disabled "inactivity standby" (which turns it off after certain
time without detecting activity from the remote) because it would
frequently turn
off prior to scheduled recordings. (No, it doesn't wake up to execute
schedules.) This also disables automatic download of stations' program
information including current time (which it does during its "off
time").

Forcing a Reset (holding down the Power button) results in downloading
of program info as well as automatically setting the internal clock
(based on stations' time data). But this gets tedious.

The problem is that if I haven't recently forced a reset, the DTV Pal
will keep running later and later.

Do these things have simple crystal controlled clocks? Suggestions re.
how to stabilize it? Adjust it?
See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...
http://qna.omgili.com/jmp/jHIAmI4hxg_hf1cmsoJd0xxDKgr.sJJDgY2wrRwyIqREhKXlHro4KRiyb0EK9oXKJayrWTKlfM3o2Uh9Qe8WuGSvsO0..e5AnhhzuVjW2he4c0WZiuJ.SzAmHOgYoqU7ht9oBOjiwGqQNXz9kTXkH0dEOm4_PKBZhAyHUXSTO6k-

Wouldn't surprise me the least bit, considering that they often can't
even keep the guide list current. Or just won't. We regularly turn on
the TV because a movie was announced. Then some other movie plays while
(!) the original one is still listed. Seems nobody gives a hoot there.

My cable provider updates the prgramme guide via cable broadband ( built into the STB ) It can 'go funny' sometimes presumably when traffic is high. It's NEVER 10 mins out though, maybe a minute at worst.

Indeed the STB seems to be a combined TV source and broadband router.
Click to expand...
The technology is fine in our case as well. But someone at the station
would need to trudge over to the computer and enter the change. That's
not happening.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.
 
DaveC wrote:
See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...

No such luck. Each station is spot on and agrees with my computer's clock
(I'm using a computer as a DVR).

As further evidence that it's internal, forcing a "reset" (holding down the
Power button) forces the stb to synchronize its clock with whatever source
(you say CBS affiliate?) it uses as its reference. That corrects the late
clock, but it continues to get slower as the days tick by.

Ideas?
Click to expand...
Is there possibly a setup menu that has an entry field for "update clock
every xx minutes"?

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

"gmail" domain blocked because of excessive spam.
Use another domain or send PM.
 
Eeyore wrote:
Andy from Dover wrote:

"Eeyore" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> wrote
DaveC wrote:

Model, make etc ?
DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.
Means nothing to me. Why are you using PAL in the USA ?
Not PAL as in the video standard but Pal as in that's what the set-top box
is called. Kind of like VCR meant any format (VHS or Beta) Video Casette
Recorder in the US and not a specific format of Video Casette Recorder or
Video.

How deliberately confusing is that ?

PAL = Phase Alternate Line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL

NTSC = never twice the same colour.
http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Contrib/WorldTV/why.html

Graham
Click to expand...
Eeyore=Idiot
 
"DaveC" <me@bogusdomain.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C62DBAA0040B8C2FB04709AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net...
My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.
-snipped for brevity-
Click to expand...

Have you tried the newest [f207] firmware?

More Q&As , with clock info, here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1099071
 
Hi!

With clock symptoms showing up, the first thing I'd look for is a battery or
large capacitor on the board...either one could be responsible for keeping
the clock running. Personally, I'd bet the thing has a battery like a CR2032
in place to keep the clock running.

Many designs will only use the battery when it's needed, but some pull from
it all the time. If the unit were to be stored in the absence of wall power,
or if it uses the battery all/most of the time even when plugged in, the
battery should last 2-3 years.

William
 
In article <gua44d$7e9$1@news.motzarella.org> "Martin Riddle" <martin_rid@verizon.net> writes:
"DaveC" <me@bogusdomain.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.C62DBAA0040B8C2FB04709AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net...
My DTV Pal set top box is starting its scheduled channel changes late.
Currently it's running 10 minutes late.

I've disabled "inactivity standby" (which turns it off after certain
time
without detecting activity from the remote) because it would
frequently turn
off prior to scheduled recordings. (No, it doesn't wake up to execute
schedules.)
Click to expand...
Mine records while "off".

I don't know when or how it gets the time on yours, but mine has to
get it from PSIP since the local TVGOS doesn't work. I asked the station
engineer about it, and he said they would get it going, but that was
months ago -- I doubt they are able to make it work.

I have noticed errors all over the place with the PSIP time, one station
was about 13 years slow (time from 1996 or so).



This also disables automatic download of stations' program
information including current time (which it does during its "off
time").
Click to expand...
So, let it shut down. It will still record.

Of course, there is no reason it needs to be "off" to download the
time, and no reason it needs to reboot to load the TVGOS guide, but
it continues to try that too. At least it gathers PSIP while on
and active, but it stupidly forgets the PSIP information very rapidly
while looking at it.

Probably cheap offshore programmers doing a bad job of programming.

Other obvious programming problems are that it cannot realize when
it can use 1 tuner for two overlapping recordings from the same channel.


Do these things have simple crystal controlled clocks? Suggestions re.
how to
stabilize it? Adjust it?
Click to expand...
Well, if it wants to be "off", let it turn "off".

Alan
 
In article <4A0897DE.CCCB0E15@hotmail.com> Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> writes:
DaveC wrote:

Model, make etc ?

DTV Pal (also marketed under the model name TR-40) by Dish Network.

Means nothing to me. Why are you using PAL in the USA ?
Click to expand...
Because the product called the DTV Pal works with ATSC. It's just
a name. (It originally was called the TR-50 (not TR-40, the -40 was
a CECB)).

http://dtvpal.com/

Alan
 
In article <4A08A296.C0CFD3A8@hotmail.com> Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> writes:

How deliberately confusing is that ?

PAL = Phase Alternate Line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL

NTSC = never twice the same colour.
http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Contrib/WorldTV/why.html
Click to expand...
Apparently only to someone who has had their brain fried by the 50 Hz
flicker of slow television.

It has been accepted by many, that NTSC has given *better* color than
PAL ever since solid state electronics have made phase response stable
in the early 1970's.

But, we are talking about ATSC here.

Alan
 
In article <0001HW.C62DF8A9041A1633B01AD9AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net> me@bogusdomain.net writes:
See this link, similar problem. Could be the station clock is off ...

No such luck. Each station is spot on and agrees with my computer's clock
(I'm using a computer as a DVR).
Click to expand...
Where are you? How do you read the station time information? Do you
have a program that compares PSIP time with NTP time?

In the San Francisco Bay area, the stations PSIP times are all over
the place, a few off by over a minute, and one off by about 13 years.
The majority have the UTC offset wrong, as well.


As further evidence that it's internal, forcing a "reset" (holding down the
Power button) forces the stb to synchronize its clock with whatever source
(you say CBS affiliate?) it uses as its reference. That corrects the late
clock, but it continues to get slower as the days tick by.

Ideas?
Click to expand...
Let it sync when it needs to.

Alan
 
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