How to use a Motorola DVR/Firmware and Software

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How to use a Motorola DVR
Identify | Connections | Setup | i-Guide | MSTV | Passport | Tivo | FireWire | Remote | Firmware/Software | Configuration | Bugs | Boot Errors | Resets | Help

Contents

[edit] Firmware and Software

The firmware is produced by Motorola with options that can be enabled / disabled by your local cable provider / MSO. The firmware is roughly like the BIOS and core code of your computer's operating system. It has the programming to access the hardware, read and write files and video streams to/from the hard drive, and other basic functions.

The software used depends on your cable system. There are several current suppliers. The software is the user interface that you see, and typically handles the scheduling, program guide, PPV/VOD and other complicated features.

The Interactive Programming Guide (IPG) software can be provided by i-Guide (Comcast, Time Warner, Adelphia, Mediacom, Brighthouse Communications, et al), Passport Echo (Cox, RCN, Service Electric Wilkes-Barre), or Microsoft TV Foundation Edition ("MSTV Foundation Edition" or MSFE) (Verizon, Comcast in WA state).

i-Guide is a product of GuideWorks, LLC, an IPG development group formed in April 2004 by Comcast Corporation and Gemstar-TV Guide International. The programming information is provided by the television networks to GuideWorks, which supplies the data to cable providers for use with the i-Guide.

Note: You cannot update/change the firmware, software, or IPG versions on your particular box. Updates are pushed out by your local cable provider / MSO based on a variety of considerations, including maintenance windows, update schedules, and the software available on their own equipment.

[edit] How To Check Your Firmware and Software Versions (i-Guide)

  1. Press the "Menu" button TWICE on the remote to get to the "Main Menu".
  2. Arrow down if necessary and select the "Setup" menu on the bottom left.
  3. Arrow down once and select the second option, "Cable box setup".
  4. Arrow down to the bottom and select the "Select to display" button for the "Configuration" option.
    1. Second down on the left is "S/W Ver". This is your software version.
    2. Sixth down on the right is "Firmware". This is your firmware version.

[edit] How To Check Your Firmware and Software Versions (Universal)

  1. Turn off the box (press POWER on the remote).
  2. Immediately press OK/SELECT. Press it again if the display (black text on white background) does not come up within a second.
  3. DOWN ARROW to "d08 CODE MODULES" and press OK/SELECT.
    • The firmware version and build date are listed at the top, e.g., "Platform Built: Version: 16.20 Jul 13 2006 15:06:09".
    • In the middle of the page, there is an "Object" column and a "Ver" column that lists your firmware and software versions, e.g.,
      • Firmware: TC_OS_ED 16.20
      • IPG Software: Tv_Guide 74.53
      • VOD Software: A231_VOD 23.45
  4. To exit the menu press POWER twice. The unit will exit the menu and turn back on.

[edit] Versions

The latest firmware and software, and their respective versions, will vary by cable company and local area (pushing out firmware and software versions is controlled by your local cable provider). The "available" date only represents a point in time when it was known to be available as the latest version in any given cable market. The date is in ISO Year-Month-Day format.

Some features, such as the 30-second skip, appear to be options that can be enabled or disabled. Different areas may enable or disable features as needed. Sometimes, they may accidentally disable the 30-second skip by mistake.

[edit] Latest Known Versions by Model

[edit] DCX-34xx

[edit] DCH-34xx

[edit] DCT-34xx

[edit] DCT-6208

[edit] DCT-64xx Phase I

[edit] DCT-64xx Phase II

[edit] DCT-64xx Phase III

[edit] Firmware Version Details

[edit] Version 22.35

  • Available for Models: DCX HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date:
  • Bugfixes:
    • Improved HDMI compatibility
  • New Features:
  • Known issues:

[edit] Version 22.31

  • Available for Models: DCX HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: Mar 6 2009 10:36:40
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
    • NATIVE PASS THROUGH
  • Known issues:
    • Intermittent HDMI compatibility. Including green screens and distortions. Worse on SONY TV's. Many users must resort to Component cables.
    • Some users report audio delay from 10 to 60 seconds when changing to certain HD channels.

[edit] Version 18.46

  • Available for Models: DCH HD series
  • Available Date: 03-04-2009 [1]
  • Build Date: ?
  • Bugfixes:
    • unknown
  • New Features:
    • unknown

[edit] Version 18.43

  • Available for Models: DCH HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: Jan 18 2008 11:16:00
  • Bugfixes:
    • The front DVR Record lights are reportedly fixed.
  • New Features:
    • unknown

[edit] Version 18.34

  • Available for Models: DCH HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date:?
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
    • Unknown
  • Known Issues:
    • The front DVR Record lights no longer function, although the LED will still show REC when a recording tuner is selected.
    • Requires M-Card version 2.65.

[edit] Version 18.24

  • Available for Models: DCH HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: 2007-06-04
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
    • Provides support for VOD encryption with specific VOD providers.

[edit] Version 18.21

  • Available for Models: DCH HD series
  • Available Date: 2007-07-31?
  • Build Date:2007-04-27
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
    • Introduced Cable Card support for single stream and multi-stream cards
  • Known Issues:
    • Some systems have reported cable card pairing errors when attempting to play video on demand.

[edit] Version 18.18

  • Available for Models: DCH HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: ?
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
  • Bugs: Guide Crashes every time it loads

[edit] Version 16.74

  • Available for Models: DCT HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: ?
  • Bugfixes: Firewire disabled/encrypted for Shaw Cable customers.

[edit] Version 16.57

  • Available for Models: DCT HD series
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: 2008-09-04
  • Bugfixes: Firewire Output supposedly fixed from 16.53's corruption issues.

[edit] Version 16.53

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx, DCT HD series
  • Available Date: 2008-07-09
  • Build Date: 2008-01-18
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
  • Known Issues:
    • Many users are no longer able to use Firewire to transfer live content to a PC. See AVS Forum Thread

[edit] Version 16.43

  • Available for Models: DCT HD series
  • Available Date: 2007-11-23?
  • Build Date: 2007-09-25
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Features:
    • Support for Motorola/Tivo software on DCT series set tops.
  • Known Issues:

[edit] Version 16.42

  • Available for Models: DCT 5100 - DCT64xx series, DCT 34xx series
  • Available Date: 2007-11-06
  • Build Date: 2007-07-16
  • Bugfixes:
    • Macro Blocking after upgrade fixed for DCT5100/DCT6200

[edit] Version 16.41

  • Available for Models: DCT series
  • Available Date: 2007-07-04
  • Build Date:
  • Bugfixes:
    • Can launch VOD from either tuner (on dual tuner PVRs)
    • frozen frame on going to digital music channels has been fixed
    • 100% full PVR bug has been fixed [Note: This bug still appears to persist.]
    • bug giving ability to PVR a VOD stream has been fixed
    • series recordings no longer limited to 8 episodes
    • some models were not displaying title/artist on digital music channels - fixed

[edit] Version 16.38

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx
  • Available Date: 2007-06-27
  • Build Date:
  • Bugfixes:
    • Slightly changes the appearance of the timebar and arrows when using the DVR.
    • Changes the use of the "Favorites" button. Pressing this button now scrolls through the favorite channels list. If "Favorites" is pressed when using the viewing guide, the guide is limited to the channels contained within the list of favorites.

[edit] Version 16.36

  • Available for Models: DCT-34xx, DCT-64xx, DCT62xx
  • Available Date: 2007-03-28?
  • Build Date: 2007-02-20 17:11:11

[edit] Version 16.35

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI, PII & PIII, DCT-34xx, DCT-6208
  • Available Date: 2007-02-24
  • Build Date: 2007-02-02 19:54:18
  • Bugfixes:
    • Updated driver compatibility for HDCP handshake over HDMI connections.
    • Fixed an issue where the DVR erroneously displays 100% full. [Note: This bug appears to persist, but the warning message has changed.]
    • Further optimized code for addressing audio/video stuttering on DVR playback.
    • Addressed a compatibility problem with Passport Echo and Seachange VOD code modules. (RCN)
    • Changed the hardware interface IDs over the Firewire output (The Hardware ID changed from "DCT-3412" to "DCT-3416").
    • Turned off the optical digital audio bitstream on MUTE, instead of sending stray PCM packets.
    • Insight Communication's Head-end office refuses to upgrade their boxes firmware past this version until Comcast's partial take-over in 2008. UPDATE: Insight areas now Comcast: This version has been pushed out to all boxes with comcast branding and main menu and quick menu buttons and options reorganized to correspond with comcast standards. Updates to newer versions are likely to be delayed...

[edit] Version 16.34

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI, PII & PIII, DCT-34xx, DCT-6208
  • Available Date: ?
  • Build Date: ?
  • New Features:
    • Enabled VOD edge encryption option for DCT series STB's.

[edit] Version 16.20

[edit] Version 12.35

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2006-06-13
  • Bugfixes:
  • New Bugs:
    • Seems to cause random reboots when used with Microsoft software.

[edit] Version 12.31

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2006-02-23
  • Bugfixes:
    • CONFIRMED: Insight Communications and Norwood Broadband Motorola DVR DCT-6412 as of firmware load 12.31 30-second skip feature is disabled.
    • CONFIRMED: Comcast System Motorola DCT-3416 30 second skip IS still functional with firmware 12.31.

[edit] Version 12.27

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2006-03-15
  • Bugfixes:
    • --List firmware bugfixes--

[edit] Version 12.26

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2006-02-08
  • Bugfixes:
    • --List firmware bugfixes--

[edit] Version 12.22

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2005-11-02
  • Bugfixes:

[edit] Version 12.18

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2005-08-30
  • Bugfixes:
    • --List firmware bugfixes--

[edit] Version 9.19

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI & PII
  • Available Date: 2005-06-23
  • Bugfixes:
    • Repairs an audio dropout issue reported in the field on DCT6412 PII & III units

[edit] Version 9.18

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI & PII
  • Available Date:
  • Bugfixes:
    • Repaired field issues related to VOD and trick play functionality

[edit] Version 9.17

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI & PII
  • Available Date: 2005-05-10
  • Bugfixes:
    • Repaired an audio loss related to an epoch value of zero, and other field issues

[edit] Version 9.15

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI & PII
  • Available Date: 2005-02-08
  • Bugfixes:

[edit] Version 9.12

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI & PII
  • Available Date: 2004-11-16
  • Bugfixes:
    • Introduced internal hard drive over-temperature handling

[edit] Version 9.06

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI & PII
  • Available Date:
  • Bugfixes:
    • Introduced support for Phase II hardware

[edit] Version 7.15

  • Available for Models: DCT-6208
  • Available Date:
  • Bugfixes:

[edit] Software

[edit] Version 75.43 a25p2-3.S2.r-3

  • Available for Models: All
  • Available Date: 2009-03-17
  • VOD Version: 5.72
  • Bugfixes:
    • Unknown

[edit] Version 75.59 a25p2-2.S1.r-8

  • Available for Models: All
  • Available Date: 2008-04-07
  • VOD Version: 5.32
  • Bugfixes:
    • SDV Module bugfixes and official support
    • DVR time bar CPU usage reworked (Better performance)
  • New or updated features:
    • Official Comcast page: New Guide Features
    • Page Up key can be used as 30-second skip on DVR's. The PageUp/PageDn skip times are set independently of the Review and 30-sec skip codes. Both are a system configuration setting, not a firmware setting.
    • When reaching the end of a recording during playback, the recording pauses rather than immediately launching the "Delete Recording, Do Not Delete Recording" selection box.
  • New Bugs:
    • Issues with SeaChange VOD systems (Hence no widescale rollout until Seachange updates their code module)
    • When loading VOD content, color pallet of graphical overlay is distorted between clicking to order and playback of VOD content.
    • Upon returning from a Video Preview in Seachange VOD systems, graphics overlay and scaling is not working. Buttons have a tenancy to draw on top of each other.

[edit] Version 75.58-rel-9078

  • Available for Models: All
  • Available Date: 2007-11-06
  • VOD Version: 05.22
  • Bugfixes:
    •  ?
  • New or updated features:
    • The menu ovals are vertically shorter
    • The scroll arrows on the top or bottom of a list now have the text 'More Choices' around it.
    • Parental Control: Separate Movie and TV ratings locks, lock by content (Language, Violence, etc...), hide titles of both TV-MA and Adult content.
    • Search can use an on-screen keyboard (still limited to 5 characters), save searches.
    • If you type in a non-existent channel number, it will tune to the next available channel.
    • Pressing GUIDE while the program guide is displayed will toggle between the grid and single-channel list modes.
    • VOD Preview default action is to stop, not Buy.
    • DVR: When scheduling a live event, you will be asked how much time to add (must be enabled in Guide setup).
    • DVR: If there is a 5 minute or less program overlap, the DVR will clip the beginning of the second recording. The text (Clipped) will appear in the scheduled recording list, next to the recording dot. (must be enabled in Guide setup).
    • DVR: The Swap Tuner prompt will only show if both tuners are recording. The swap will be automatic otherwise.
    • DVR: When you reach the end of a recording, it will only pause. The delete popup will show after 10-15 seconds, or immediately if you hit STOP.
    • Official Comcast page: New Guide Features

[edit] Version 74.54-4003

  • Available for Models: DCT-34xx, DCT-64xx PII & PIII
  • Available Date: ? - sometime prior to 2007-10-07
  • VOD Version: (Seachange Systems 4.82)
  • Bugfixes:
    •  ?

[edit] Version 74.53-3321

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PII & PIII, DCT-34xx, DCH-3416
  • Available Date: 2006-09-20
  • VOD Version: A231_VOD 23.45
  • Bugfixes:
    • "MUTE" bug during scheduled recordings. Comcast: "The DVR mute issue has been resolved. Pressing any key except mute and volume up or down will unmute a muted recording." Note that "MUTE" is now only displayed on-screen at the moment the audio is muted, not continually while muted. Also, canceling the mute will also cancel the automatic power off when the recording ends.
  • New or updated features:
    • Includes features of 73.44, plus...
    • 30-second skip feature is re-enabled on Comcast.
    • Fast-forward and rewind are much faster.
    • Introduction of Comcast Central channel 960 (in some markets).
    • "Subtitle Settings" page on the User Settings Menu.
    • "Additional HDMI Settings" page on the User Settings Menu, offering a DVI or HDMI output setting, wtih Color Space and Audio Output settings for HDMI.
    • Pressing the Menu button, then going to the Home icon now goes to Comcast Central instead of Main Menu (which can still be accessed directly by pressing the Menu button twice).
    • If a manual recording covers multiple programs, all will display a record icon in the guide.
    • Multiple Favorite lists can be created.
    • When displaying the guide (full or mini), pressing FAV will only display your favorites.
    • The DVR %Full number no longer includes the 3% used by the buffer.
  • Lost features:
    • Manual recordings that cover multiple programs no longer display divider ticks on the time bar. The individual programs no longer list their actual running time on the info screen, but list the entire recording time instead.
  • New bugs:
    • The graphic overlay doesn't always cover to right side of the 4:3 screen. This appears to be somewhat based on the length of the channel number and name.
    • Canceling a repeating manual recording after it starts will cancel all future recordings. The older software would just cancel the current one, but not affect future scheduled recordings.
  • Documentation:

[edit] Version 73.44

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI, PII & PIII, DCT-34xx
  • Available Date: 2006-06
  • Bugfixes:
    • --List software bugfixes--
  • New or updated features:
    • Screen saver.
    • Parental Controls can block OnDemand.
    • Main menu reduced to fit on one screen.
    • MyDVR goes to DVR menu instead of DVR recordings menu.
    • On dual-tuner, trying to change channel while recording will offer a swap option.
    • Can unmute by changing cable box volume.
    • 30 Second skip feature is disabled (on Comcast, at least)
    • Comcast guide update information

[edit] Version 71.44.1203

  • Available for Models: DCT-64xx PI, PII & PIII; DCT-34XX
  • Available Date: 2004-11-16
  • Bugfixes:
    • --List software bugfixes--

[edit] Version 21.03-1226-44

  • Available for Models: DCT-6208
  • Available Date:
  • Bugfixes:
    • --List software bugfixes--

[edit] Current HDDs Used in Motorola DVRs

[edit] DCT-6412 Phase II

The DCT-6412 Phase I and Phase II use a standard ATA drive.

[edit] DCT-6412 Phase III

The DCT-6412 Phase III uses a standard SATA drive.

[edit] DCT-6416

  • Seagate ST3160023AS
  • Seagate ST3160021AS
  • Seagate ST3120827AS
  • Seagate ST3160212SCE

[edit] DCT-6208

The models mentioned below need to be verified, as the 6208 is a modified 6200, and is IDE, not SATA.

  • ST380013AS
  • ST380011AS
  • ST340111AS
  • ST340014AS

[edit] Recording Capacity vs. HDD Size

  • On the 160GB drive the data partition is 147,581MB; at 5.6GB/hr that is 26.3hrs.
  • On the 120GB drive with a 109,900MB data partition, it would be 19.6hrs.
  • The 160GB drive has 34% greater data capacity.

[edit] Hidden F/W Feature

  • F/W version 12.31, found in the DCT6412 P3 and 3412 P1, harbors an undocumented ability to recognize a 160Gb HDD. While Maxtor (Quick View series) and Seagate (Barracuda 7200.7 Serial ATA) HDD brands are used interchangeably in the DCT DVRs, so far three brands have been used in an operability test, done by four separate DCT DVR owners. One was a Western Digital (WD1600JS - SATA I Jumper enabled), two were Seagate, and one was a Samsung Spinpoint P 160GB. After installation, the HDDs were recognized and successfully formatted to 160Gb in all STBs.

[edit] Credits & Disclaimers

  • Technical information credit goes to Cavu, who did a great deal of research on the numbers.
  • The highest capacity drive that was talked about and then implemented from Moto is only 160Gb.
  • A 300Gb HDD was used in one of the boxes. Once formatted, only 160Gb was allocated. So, it would seem that no larger HDD will work beyond that, and the S/W & F/W are not intuitive or adaptable to anything higher than 160Gb.
  • At the most current S/W and F/W versions (75.59 a25p2-2.S1.r-8, 16.53), the SATA, and USB ports have still not been enabled. The HDD size is still limited to 160Gb.
  • It is important to note the testing took place in Canada (on cable systems utilizing i-Guide), where subscribers buy and own their STBs, unlike in America where they are rented from cable providers. Installing or replacing parts (modding) may violate the manufacturers warranty. In the U.S. if the modded box isn't returned to the CC in a pre-mod state, at the very least you will be forced to buy the DCT back for full market price.
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