DCortesi . blog » Motorola DCT6412 (Comcast DVR) 30-second skip

May 4, 2005

Motorola DCT6412 (Comcast DVR) 30-second skip

I just recently picked up comcast and their dvr and am learning all kinds of great stuff. For example, here is the procedure to program 30 second skip to the remote.

1) Press the “Cable” button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the “Setup” button until the “Cable” button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The “Cable” button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the “Setup” button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip)
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip

I just wish I could upgrade the puny drive…

188 Comments so far
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Why not build your own…

Another useful button to program is the mute from the cable box. I have the remote set to communicate any volume adjustments to my audio receiver, but the box itself has a mute on it. This comes into play when it fires up on its own after being off to record a scheduled show. It will come on in muted stage, and if you decide halfway through that you want to watch something, you’ll need to unmute it.

*nod* I’ve had this happen to me several times already. I think the code is something like:
Press the cable button
Hold down the setup button for 5 seconds (cable button will blink twice)
Press 9-9-3 and then you will be able to use volume up/down to control the box’ volume.

What a poor design choice…

Is there anything like, Up-Down-Left-Right-B-A-Start?

That’s one way to do it Damon, but I did something a bit different. By default the volume is “locked” to the TV, and Comcast gives you instructions for unlocking it, so that when you are controlling cable the vol moves cable, TV to TV, and aux to aux. I just re-locked mine, but this time to Aux so that I could be controlling the cable box, but have my volume adjust my reciever. So I actually needed a separate button to emulate the cable box mute so I could unmute it. I have the cable mute linked to the “Input” button, which seemed to not do anything, and the 30-sec skip to the “Fav” button, which I never used.

Also, this may be of use to you. Let me know if you get it to work (I haven’t tried yet), cuz I’d love to do it:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695

that link to hook it up to your computer works. i just did it.

[...] read more | digg story [...]

[...] Other stuff: Motorola’s serious looking DVR rolling out to Comcast Motorola DCT6412 (Comcast DVR) 30-second skip DCT6412 Firewire capture and HD/SD to DVD guide [...]

How do i get this 30 skip to be turned off

I saw one comment about the size of the disk drive…why can’t you upgrade the drive? With a DirecTV TiVo box, there are any number of ways to add a second drive or upgrade the first.

Anybody know much about the internals?

Unfortunately, comcast has disabled most of the extra ports on the box, not allowing you to add an external drive.

As for adding an internal drive, the screws on the box use some sort of proprietary head that would require me to special order the parts in order to disassemble the box. Furthermore, doing so would void any sort of warranty.

Although the box is popular, I haven’t seen many uses beyond it’s specs other than being able to pull stuff off using firewire as noted in one of the comments…

The screws on the back of the box are the easy part of the problem. While you can’t get this screwdriver in your local hardware store or Home Depot, you can get it in good electronics store, through a good tool house that handles electronics tools or you can order it online. For about $5.00 you too can own the magic tool.

Ironically enough, right after reading the end of your comment (”you too can own the magic tool”) I alt-tabbed back to my email window to my spam-box and saw this: “Become the man that women desire”

hehe

But yea, the screws are the easy part. A simple dd would probably allow you to use a new drive… I’m just not motivated enough to go to that trouble when I don’t watch that much tv anyway.

I’m motivated to take the unit apart! Where can I order this screwdriver online? I have searched and I have no idea what this specific tamper proof screw is called, which makes it difficult.

Sorry that I have been away from this blog for so long. If you need the tool to open one of these Motorola boxes, you can get it from Contact East, Inc. at 800-225-5370. I have forgotten the name of this tool but it is almost a “reverse Torx” driver. Good luck.

I just did my homework. The tool you need to open one of these boxes is called

“Inverted Torx” screwdriver. Contact East has them and I’m sure you can find them locally in an electronics tools supply store.

Comcast just changed out my old box to a DCT6412III. The new box doesn’t have a DVI output which I was using. Anyone have an opinion on whether IEEE1394 is better than component video?

Ummm…. I doubt you can use the IEEE1394 (Firewire) port to connect to your TV. Won’t quite work that way.

The Series III boxes have replaced the DVI output with an HDMI output. For those not in the know, HDMI is just an extension of DVI. The video output is identical, HDMI just uses a different connector and it also includes digital audio in the output.

It should be trivial to find an HDMI-DVI adapter if your TV doesn’t have an HDMI input.

For those of you with Windows Media Center, this may be useful…

http://www.thegreenbutton.com/community/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=26&MessageID=104152

DCORTESI, I want the 30 second skip but I can’t find the ’setup’ button on the motorola controler that is talked about in step 2 of the procedure. Am I blind??? Denise

Is there any other way to program for a 30 second skip? I have tried the procedure above (994,00173,etc.) but it doesn’t work.

This works. I just left the dish network and the dish network pvr had a 30 sec jump key and use it all the time. This was a great find. Thanks

I don’t think it will work if the software has been “Microsoft enhanced”

Thanks for the 30 second skip tip. You are my hero!

Here is a great list of program codes for the DCT6412:

DCT6412 Remote Codes

My problem, like some others, is that 00173 doesn’t work for Insight in Columbus, OH. If someone figures out a way, please post it!

For anyone looking to control the volume of their receiver w/out having to switch over to that mode by pressing AUX…

1. Press AUX once. Then, press and hold Setup until the AUX key blinks twice, then release Setup.

2. Enter 9-9-3 and then press AUX once. The mode key will blink twice confirming global lock.

3. Now, when you press VOL+, VOL-, or Mute, the volume of the AUX device will be controlled regardless of the mode you have selected.

Ha! The comcast installer was just here, and had no idea about the 30-second skip. I told her that my buddy has it, so she radioed “base” and they didn’t know either. Power to the people. Thanks!

I recently got a Harmony 520 universal remote and I get full control over the Motorola box, including skips and Mute. Works great.

Firewire will work if your TV has the input, but you will not get any of the interactive guide. The 6412 does not output the overlayed graphics on the firewire output.

No help for those of us lowly dogs using SA 8300HD, huh?

Has anyone experienced the 6412III turning itself off every 24-36 hours? When you turn it back on, the recorded programs can’t be found. You have to disconnect the power and when you reconnect, the recorded programs are restored. Comcast says it is not the box. Any ideas?

Barry, I’ve seen something similar. My problem is that my box too turns itself off, but when turned on, there’s no picture at all. I get the overlay, but no signal. I have to play a recorded program, and that seems to reset the live signal. I chock it up to buggy software…

Mike - I’ve had the same problem you do. I, too, chock it up to buggy software…

I programmed the skip button. Unfortunately I programmed the ‘1′ button as the skip button. Now I can’t used the ‘1′ button for selecting the channels or anything else. How do I unprogram this???

Found the answer I was looking for…

How To Restore a Remapped Button
The following technique can be used to restore the original function to a button that has been remapped. You are essentially mapping the key onto itself.

Press the device key (”Cable”, “TV”, or “AUX”) button for the device you want.
Press and hold the “Setup” button until the selected device button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The selected device button will blink twice.
Press the button you are restoring twice. The device button will blink twice if successful.

TiVo has come out with a Wireless LAN adapter for its new units. I would like to connect my DCT6412 (1.1 USB port) to my Netgear wireless lan. Anyone know of a USB LAN adapter that I can use to see my 6412 and its files on my wireless lan? Any suggestions in this area.

Denise,
i too must be blind because i don’t see a ’setup’ button on my remote. does anyone know which button is considered the ’setup’ button for my remote (UR5-MDVR-AB)?

When I’m recording with the unit off and then turn it on, there is no sound and the word MUTE is visible at the top of the screen??? Did I do something wrong. How can I copy stuff off the comcast box?????

I too have experienced “MUTE” at screen top when recording and turn on cable box. I have to stop and restart recording to get audio back. Called Mediacom. They said it was known issue in the box. I am getting a plasma expecting to utilize the HDMI. Am I right that this output will not work?

I have the fix for the dvr mute problem
1. Press the “Cable” button at the top of the remote
2. Press and hold the “Setup” button until the “Cable” button blinks twice.
3. Enter code 994. The “Cable” button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the “Setup” button.
5. Enter code 00141.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the mute function to.

This will allow you to keep the volume control locked on the comcast remote and you’ll be able to get rid of the mute thru the cable box

I have a beautiful 19″ LCD computer monitor and the subject Motorola DCT6412. The monitor has a DVI input. Can I attach the monitor to the DVI output of the DCT6412 and watch TV in HD? Do I need to do anything to the 6412 setup? To the monitor set-up?

Is there a way to add a 7(or so) second back skip? I have my MCE computer set up like this, and it is great. You skip forward 30 sec at a time, then skip back 7 sec to catch the beginning, if you overshoot.

I agree. A 7 or 10 second back skip (like TIVO has) would be useful. Is there a way?

Also, is there a way to program channels out of the channel selector? - so that you can channel surf without all of the ones you don’t subcribe to.

I don’t have the setup button on my remote nether.

I have tried to set it up using ever button on remote in it’s place.

Is there a way to use/program this 30 second skip?

I would love to try this out!

What is the 30 second skip? Is it a replacement for the 7 second skip that is programed from the factory?

Connecting 6412 to my Mac via USB or FirewireSaw the previous post and link for connecting a PC to the 6412 to pull off recorded video, but am looking for a way to do this on a mac. Any suggestions? Greatly appreciated.

My Motorola 6412 has begun shutting itself off whenever we try to playback a recorded program or hit the Swap button. Turns off the tv and box, then slowly cycles back on.
Anyone experience this yet?I’m afraid we need to get a new box and will lose all we recorded!

My Motorola 6412 software got updated and I lost my 30 sec skip. I tried to re-program it but it will not work…HELP!!

Anyone know how to change the channel that automatically comes up when the DCT6412 is turned on? Mine goes to channel 8 which is the comcast channel and I would like for it to go to the last channel before turning off.
thanks .. Bill

Yeah, That Channel 8 thing is annoying. Especially because, almost every morning, Comcast shows that show with the doctor/salesman talking about backed-up fecies for hours at a time. I’m an installer and I always hear people ask if they can change the channel that the box defaults to.

can someone please tell me if i can connect my comcast dvr to my pc…please email me at crunkazzthug@hotmail.com

For the 30 Second skip trick when I get to entering 001 on 7 the cable light blinks and I can’t even enter 3

you bbroke my remote man how do i fix it

For some of these remotes, unfortunately tho they have the same model number, you’re limited to only a three-digit code. Don’t know why, but my remote does 4, a friends with same model # [and received from same TWC/Comcast drop-in site at same time]doesn’t. Go figure! Maybe some were disabled from 4 codes, others were not?

Is the Data port on the back of my dct6412 just there for looks or does it actually do anything?

My cable box does the comcast channel 8 thing at startup too, but my father-in-law’s comes up to the last channel viewed. He got his about 6 months after mine… about a year ago or so. He has another box in his bacement that does the comcast channel 8 thing… It has to be programmable by the installer.

The DCT6412 manual on the Motorola site says the box has a modem built in that can be used for internet browsing…I have Comcast; how can I make this work?

Can I connect any other devices via the ethernet port?

Thanks for the help. It worked first time.

After a power failure, if you cable is still down, the 6412 won’t let you even watch previously recorded shows (until your cable comes back up so that it can sync with the cable company). Is there any way to fool the box and make it so that it will allow you to view shows already recorded?

For anyone who messed up their Comcast remote by pressing wrong codes on the wrong buttons, or whatever….

To reset it to factory spec’s;

1) Press CABLE
2) Hold SETUP for 3 seconds (Cable flashes twice)
3) Enter “9-8-1″

My Motorola 6412 software got updated and I lost my 30 sec skip. I tried to re-program it but it will not work…HELP!!

Hi - On the DCT5412DCT III, is there a way to turn Captions on and off while watching TV and recording another channel, without turning cable box off in order to reach the setup menu?
Also, where can I find a list of the codes for this remote? Thanks

Correction - Meant DCT6412, Not DCT5412.

There’s 2 video/audio inputs, one in the front and 1 in the back, but how do you switch to this? Like I have a DVD player hooked up to the motorola box but I can’t find out how to watch a DVD through the motorola DCT6412. Is there a video input? There’s gotta be a reason for having video/audio inputs.

I just got off the phone with tech support from my cable company and the tech told me that the disk drive in the Motorola 6412 is upgradable. There are also provisions inside of the box for a second hard disk. He said that there is really not trick to it. You can replace the existing 120 GB drive with a larger drive and/or add a second drive. When you power up and the box reboots, it will format the hard drive and prepare it.

Anybody know if this is true?

Don’t know if it’s true but I hope it is. If anybody tries this please let us know the results. If it works I’ll be adding a much larger drive to my box.

you can put a bigger hd in the dvr, but it will void the warranty, and you’ll have to replace it if any comcast techs are going to look at it.

about the mute being on when the dvr is set to record when its off. its actually a feature. they put it in there so if you set the box to record, then turn it off, and go to bet, lets say it turns on at midnight to record a show, and the tv is on, the sound would wake you up. a software update is being looked into. as far as the box freezing and not responding to ff and rw controls,a software fix for that is being worked on. they thought they had it, but still having problems. i think the problem is its only a 200mhz machine.

I use the Logitech Harmony Remote to good effect. I’m wondering if the programming for that remote will allow me to put in the “code”. Mapping a cablebox key that has been remapped won’t get it.

[...] Press whatever button you want to map the mute function to. Uh yeah, was just about to try that one. Don’t understand why I didn’t figure it out on my own. Looking for this solution led to some other nice tips…like [a 30 second skip.](http://dcortesi.com/2005/05/04/motorola-dct6412-comcast-dvr-30-second-skip/) Haven’t tried this yet, but I will: [...]

Did anyone ever figure out how to enter the “00173″ I get to the fourth number and the light blinks twice. My remote will not allow me to enter the five numbers and then the button I want to program.

With the DCT6412, Has anyone figured out how to skip forward more rapidly that FF, or the 30 sec skip? Sometimes I need to skip ahead an hour or two on a ball game.

has anyone ever successfully upgraded the harddrive on motorola dct6412 III

I’m just trying to figure out how to switch in between audio inputs on the Dvr box…HELP!

Have anyone bought a box from online and had it to work for you? Cable company will not turn it on when they found out it was not given to you by them?

For the person above asking about getting a personally bought DVR recognized by his cable company. Apparently there is a secret Reset function that has to be done to the box. I saw a manual for that on ebay for $20 plus $12 S&H. I haven’t found it anywhere else, but I’m still searching.

I’d like to copy some of my DVR recordings before deleting them…anyone know how???

My Motorola HD DVR from Comcast doesn’t seem to allow recording on-demand programs. Anyone know how to get around this limitation?

i have been trying to get the video input to work does any one know how to get this to work

Thanks for the great tip! I looked for weeks for this and most said it couldn’t be done!

Can anyone tell me how to download the dvr movies to my computer. I have the usb to usb cable but computer does not recognize the DVR box. Any help would be appriciated. Thanks

Copy DVR Recordings to Your PC

There are a bunch of questions above about copying DVR movies (and anything else on the DVR for that matter) to your PC (and eventually to a DVD if you want). You need a Firewire port on your PC to do this. This will NOT work with USB. Send me an email and I’ll send you the instructions or you can Google around a bit and find the free software and instructions.

I would like to know how to copy to my PC.. i do have firewire. Can you send me the instructions alan?

Also I deprogrammed me right button on accident, is this fixable?

For the Motorola DCT6412 Comcast DRV remote you can program in a 30 second skip forward function:
1) Press the “Cable” button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the “Setup” button until the “Cable” button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The “Cable” button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the “Setup” button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip)
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip.

To restore the button:
1) Press the device key “Cable” button.
2) Press and hold the “Setup” button until the selected device button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The selected device button will blink twice.
4) Press the button you are restoring twice.
The device button will blink twice if successful.

Thanks Jeff. It fixed my issue!

I would like to know how to copy to my PC.. i do have firewire. I, too, would love it if Alan could send me the instructions and software.

I thought there was a way in this blog to to send an email to a poster but apparently there is not. You can send me an email at Alan@storage-savvy.com if you want the firewire copy instructions.

Hello, I have noticed a lot of people saying they cant get their remote to program for the 30 sec skip, well when i did it i missed a step in the programming, i forgot to hit the setup key after the 994 so here it is again for the comcast silver remotes
1. Press CABLE
2. Press and hold setup, wait for flashes
3. press 994
4. (This is what i forgot)PRESS SETUP AGAIN
5. now enter the 00137
6. now press the key you want it to be on,i chose the a/lock one
ENJOY

PS there is some talk out there that this wont work with some versions of firmware, mine has the microsoft enhanced and it works fine

Ok, some want to know about the other ports on the back of the 3412 and 6412
as far as i can tell most of these are disabled by comcast
the audio/video input on the 6412 does not appear to do anything, or if it does comcast has disabled the ability to select these inputs as source(like to play a dvd or a game thru the box, you just have to hook it up to your tv.
also the USB and Ethernet ones are disabled.
there is a SATA which i think is so you could hookup an external hdd but i dont think it is enabled.
the firewire (IEEE1394) is a way to get the movies onto a pc and it does work if you have the right software, scroll back up and there is someone who says he will help you out with it
as far as the IR and the tv pass card and the slot on the front (6412) i dont have any idea but if someone else knows i would like to know

I should have posted this link before. It is for the firewire connection between a PC (or a Mac, I guess) to the Motorola 6412. http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/

The actual software listed is not as important as the scheme. Now if somebody will find out how to add a second disk or replace the present disk with a larger one…

I was talking to a friend of mine that works for comcast in Washington State, he claims that there was a 3412 that came back in the other day that had a 500 gig SATA in it.
it was put in by the customer who for some reason didnt remove it before he took it back, my friend now has it sitting in his living room as he called dibs on it when it came back to the shop and swapped it out with his old 6412.
i have yet to go over and see it but i am anxious.
i will try to find out the details on the swap out procedure for the 3412 ans i will post it.
Later, yall

Hi, I am a “Comcast Employee and I am the guy that answers the phone when you call 1-866-594-1234. If you call us allot of us have memorized allot the the “tips and tricks” you have listed here and if we do not have them memorized then we have easy access to the docs that tell us the steps to take in wich we can assist you.

Oh and allot of us use Google search to get you allot of the info you request.

http://google.com/

Hello yall this is continued from my post the other day. as i told you a friend of mine that works for Comcast got ahold of a DCT 3412 with at 500 gig HDD, I appolagize it was a 300, not a 500, but still more than twice what it came with.

Here is the procedure for a DCT 34xx 300 GB upgrade, (or any size HDD for that matter)

First of all you will need to remove the cover on the STB, do this at your own risk, as Comcast tends to frown on people tampering with their STB’s

All the 34xx STB’s use SATA HDD’s

So once you have the HDD you will have to DISCONNECT THE POWER TO THE DVR remove the cover (this can be tricky because of the inverted-torx screws on it)

Then you can swap out the drive (keep in mind that the old one is still property of Comcast and if you ever return the STB you will need to put it back in there)

Now you need to format the drive so replace the cover, connect all the cords and cables and perform the following procedure:

DVR Hard Drive reset of STB w/ DVR

1. DCT should be turned on

2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page

3. With diagnostics page showing press Replay (15-sec rewind), DVR, DVR, DVR, Live.

4. STB should show “Clr” in the LED display.

5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).

6. The STB should now reformat the HD and then reboot and download the Guide data from the Local headend.

This will erase the HD, Memory, and DVR & guide settings.

You will now have a DCT 34xx PVR with 300 GB. (or whatever you put in)

PS I would assume the procedure is the same for the 64xx STB’s with one exception:

The Series I and II will have an IDE HDD
and the Series III has a SATA

I hope some of yall will have fun with this, it worked for me so it should work for you but remember it is at your own risk and IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY COMCAST!!

Thanks to Mike for his comments above. If you do want to do this “upgrade”, the tool Mike suggested is called a Reverse Torx and is available from a variety of tool vendors. Google “reverse torx” and you will find a vendor. Good luck.

I have yet to open my 6412 but I believe the controller in the box supports two disk drives (IDE or SATA). If this is true (and all IDE or SATA controllers support two drives), then why would you change your hard disk when you can add a second??? Comments folks?

Anyone know if this is true?: I’ve heard that, at least with Comcast, they have protective stickers on the bottom, which if removed, they can charge you the retail price of the box at time of turn in, as well as sensors on the inside that detect if its been opened or not.

Also.. has anyone confirmed that the 6412 III has the ability for internal SATA or only IDE (if the above statement is actually false that is)..

I have tried the hard disk upgrade with a 500gb Seagate, but the dvr only recognized 160gb. Anyone know how to get the unit to see the full capacity?

I got the sockets to take off the magic screws, but I snapped the security tab on my Comcast, Motorola hd dvr. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement tab?

Pyonchan,

I wouldn’t worry about the security tabs yet. You aren’t going to turn the box in now anyway. You may find these parts in the future or, by the time Comcast wants to reclaim the box, they may not care. I turned a box into them once and the woman at the counter barely looked at it. She checked the s/n and handed me a receipt.

So with the model 6412 III series.. 160gb is the largest drive you can fit? What about the second slot.. is there room for two.. can you more than double the space if you add two drives or just add a second rather than changing the original?

How much % space to you gain just by swapping with a single 160gb?

Is there a way to connect a laptop to the 6412 for the purpose of watching AVI content on TV, without burning a disc? Firewire?

With the DCT6412, Has anyone figured out how to skip forward more rapidly that FF, or the 30 sec skip? Sometimes I need to skip ahead an hour or two on a ball game.

By Harvon 01.11.07 1:37 pm

You can actually FF 15 mins at a time, on my box at least!
While FFing, hit the “>” key. This will jump forward 15 mins for each time you hit it.

my 6412 is not relaying dolby digital to my receiver. I am using HDMI to a samsung hdtv and optical from the tv to the receiver. all other funtions (dvd, over the air hd broadcast) that the tv receives send along the 5.1 sound to the receiver. anything I’m missing with regard to my stb setup?

Any one ever connect their comcast hd box to their pc monitor…i have a dell 1704fpt monitor that has a resolution of 1280×1024 which im running it in as of now, it also has a dvi port in the back…i was able to play my xbox 360 on it via the vga cable so could i connect my comcast box via a dual dvi cable and be able to watch hdtv on it? thanks, Joe tbj4276@yahoo.com

Joe,

Two factors govern whether your monitor will work.

First, the monitor needs to be High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) compliant to successfully connect it to the HDMI or DVI ports. Most monitors are not, but (hopefully) Dell tech support can tell you about yours.

Second, your monitor needs to be able to synch up to the horizontal and vertical scanning frequencies output by the STB.

Going through the same process myself right now. The best advice I’ve been given is to look for a small TV that has a VGA port, rather than a monitor with a DVI port. Just make sure the TV has sufficient resolution for your computing and gaming requirements if it is going to do double duty.

[...] How to program 30-second skip for Comcast DVR Super-handy. I just programmed my remote, and life is so much better now. [...]

Dear Pennsylvania Comcast customer - yes, Mr. 71.236.81.xxx on your Media Center PC…I’m talking to you!

Please stop requesting the feed to this page EVERY TWO MINUTES! That’s over 10000 hits and 20MB over the course of the past five days you’ve been doing so.

Thanks!

IT WORKED!!!!!!! WOW!!!!! tHANKS!!!!!!

PS there is some talk out there that this wont work with some versions of firmware, mine has the microsoft enhanced and it works fine

By MikeMike MonsterID Iconon 02.20.07 4:02 am

Thanks for your help for all of these codes. I am trying to get one of the codes to work for a Yamaha RX-V661 receiver. The instructions that came with the remote for the Comcast Motorola remote says to use either, 0354, 0176 or 1176. They don’t take. What can I do to get the Aux button to control the volume on the Yamaha reciever? I think I had it once and messed it up again and am not sure what numbers I put in. This shouldn’t be so tough, right? Thanks for any help you can be.

Please send instructions to copy shows from DVR to PC thru the firewire. Thanks!

Hello, I was searching for some information about my Comcast dvr and I found this great blog, and like many, I also have a question:
I have a dish network to receive only one international channel and I also have a dual tuner Comcast dvr, so how do I connect my dish receiver to my dvr in order to record shows? I did once before, but it was a older model and I can’t figure it out how to do it. My dish network receiver is DP 301 and my Comcast is dct6412/2005.
Thanks

I mapped the wrong key on my remote for the comcast DVR box, thanks to your page here, I was unable to unmap it!!
Great!! Thanks for sharing.

30 second skip rocks! Thanks!

Hasn’t anyone answered how to get the audio/video from your DCT6412 to your PC?

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/

There it is.

doesnt seem to be working for me. comcast just pushed down some update to me today because my box would shut off when i selected “stop recording” while a movie was recording. i tried all the tips on here and i have a feeling maybe thus update doesnt allow it to work. i have a dct 3412 I , whatever that means….. i have a silver remote with the PIP settings towards the bottom. when i press my programmed key that i am using for the 30 second skip it just replays what was said right before i presses the button

any ideas?

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Key_Remapping_.28KeyMover.29

Would like an email from Alan indicating how to transfer recorded programs from DCT6412 III to my pc.

Here is the exact text that I have sent to everybody who has requested Firewire instructions.

Recently, someone asked me for the instructions for use with a Macintosh so I wrote the leading paragraph. I would have cut it out but it really does tell the scheme of the process and then gives the referenced article and some notes. Even though you may not be using a Mac, I have left the introduction in for whatever benefit it may produce. Hope this helps…

—————————————————————————-

I’ll send you what I’ve sent everybody else (it’s all Windows-centric) but the details are not nearly as important as the scheme and the scheme is the same for any platform. The video image on your Moto box is not in one of the standard computer video formats. It’s a streaming video file. If you attach a firewire cable to the cable box and the other end of the cable to your computer, then you can play the video from the box and it will be outputted both on your TV and across the firewire cable. Your computer has to capture the video feed and most Macs to this with built-in OSX software. It’s as if you attached a camcorder to your Mac. It’s also like the old days when you would press record on your tape recorder while you started the playback from a record or whatever else the source was. When the source was done, you pressed STOP RECORD. Once you have don’t that between the Moto box and your computer and you have captured the streaming file on your computer, you have to translate that into the formats needed for DVD playback or whatever else you want to do with it. On the Windows PC, I use a video capture software that is freeware and then use a DVD burner program which does the conversation but I don’t let it do the burning since I made this a 3 step process and use one of the standard DVD burning programs like Nero. I just did not like the control that the Conversion/Burn program gave me. I suspect that all of this is easier on a Mac…most everything is. OK, here’s the canned answer to most of the Windows based questions…

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/

The reference article should get you started (or more). I use a laptop with a firewire cable. I connected it to the firewire port on the back of the Motorola box (use the one that is referenced in the text) and use the video capture software that is referenced. I set the capture software to record for the allotted time and then start the 6412 as if I were going to watch the program on my TV. The software will capture the entire program, audio and video, in a streaming video file. Next you have to convert the streaming video file into something more useful and there is software referenced there as well. Its all free. I have copied 2 hour movies off of my DVR and finally burned DVDs and its very satisfactory.

Good luck.

If only there was a way to capture the dolby digital stream from the recorded shows, now that would be sweet…

I have a DCT6412 III
Running XP SP2
I can record from my dvr
but I want to transfer from my dvr to
computer can you help

I’ve found comcast people very difficult to deal with. I am so very thankful for your efforts and 30 sec. skip.

Hello,
I have a DCT3412 and replaced the 120 GB hard drive with a 400 GB. I followed the procedure outlined by Mike but diagnostics still only see a 160 GB HDD and in fact I only gained a few extra hours of recording, not the expected 3x.
Is there are a limit with this model or is there something else I should try?

I have both a 6412 and a 3416. I have not tried to replace the hard drive on either box but the comment by JLennon above seems to match prior comments. There is a 160 GB limit in these Motorola boxes. JLennon, I believe that your 3412 uses SATA drives. Put the original 120 back in (or replace it with a 160 if you wish) and attach your 400 GB drive as an outboard 2nd drive. I suspect that you will only see 160 GB of this outboard drive but at least you will have a total of 320 GB. Note that the Motorola documents says that the addition of an outboard SATA drive is dependent on how the cable provider has set things up. I use RCN and I’m told that they have their box set to accept the secondary disk. Please give it a try and PLEASE get back to the group on your success. Include the name of your cable provider.

Hi,
I’ve added the original 120 GB HD to my DCT3412 as suggested and it didn’t work for me. I have Comcast in New England.

To connect the external SATA drive I used a standard sata cable, I just had to use my dremmel to remove some of the plastic on one side that didn’t allow the connector to go in.

If I connect the HD, power it on, power on the DCT, the display shows DUI or DU1 and it can’t be operated. No signal, no response even to the buttons on the unit. Power off, remove the external HD, power on, it works. I tried this 3 times always with identical results.

Thanks for your comments JLennon. I now have a pair of DCT3416 units and I’m going to give it a try. I believe the only difference between a 3412 and a 3416 is the disk size??? I have RCN in New England so we’ll see if they have enabled that SATA feature and I’ll get back to you and the gang here.

There is a lot of technical data inside the Motorola boxes including signal strength, disk size, temperatures, frequencies used, etc. This is on a hidden page. To view it, do the following:

On the remote, press CABLE then press OK, OK. This should take you to the info page. Be careful not to change anything you don’t understand.

Just got a comcast hi def DVR hook up. Recorded some shows and wanted to pull them off of the box onto a DVD. is there a way to pull the recorded files directly from the dvr onto a computer so I can shoot them down to DVD fast?

Hiya,

I did a dumb thing. I mapped to the 9 key. In an attempt to change, I mapped to the HD-Zoom. Now I have 2 keys mapped. How do I cancel the skip?

Jim

Does adding an esata drive to the 6412 Series III motorola allow the space to be used.. or is this still locked down (comcast).?

how do i delete 30-second button action and restart to select another button?

Alan

I was wondering if anyone new how I can get me Motorola box reactivated. My roomate didn’t pay the bill for a while and they stopped service. I made the payment myself to get it back up. While I was waiting for things to clear I connected the cable directly to my TV and left the one in my room hooked up to the box. I guess they sent a signal to reactivate and the one in the bedroom worked but the livingroom is still down because the coax was not connected to the box. Is there anything I can do to force it to update?

Thanks

Nevermind….. I called today and had them send a signal to my box. Came right back on.

BTW. The 30 Sec skip thing is awsome.

Does anyone know if there are drivers for the dch3416? If so.. how about Vista (x64) drivers? I cant seem to find any drivers at all for it (firewire).

Ok first
Anyone know how to get these controls to control the tv functions like menus and stuff i have a sanyo vizon. it wont let me do anything but volume and channel. i sat on my old remote to the tv and didnt want to order the direct replacement for it.
is hdmi better than component, s-video, digital out,

I saw a recent question about fast forwarding 15 minutes (or more) on the Comcast Motorola 6412. I tried the > while fast forwarding and that only increased the fast forward speed. Does anyone know if it can be programmed to jump ahead in higher increments? Help would be much appreciated!

I have to go out later today, and I will be able to pick up a new remote, as I reset my remote, and now cannot use any of the dvr features.

Before I head out, any help?

Thanks,

Robin T.

I tried the code listed to program the 30 second forward onto my Comcast remote, but it didn’t work. I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 HDC DVR. My daughter (who lives out of state) has the same remote, and the code worked. Any suggestions for me? Thanks!
Barbara

Does anyone know how to move programs from one Motorola DCH3416 to another DCH3416? I have one that needs to be returned (COMCAST can’t unlock HBO on it remotely so needs to exchange it, bu tthe other box works fine for HBO). Anyway, my kids want to copy their shows off the one going back to the other one so they won’t miss anything. We have room on the hard drive (both are less than 50% full). Any help would be appreciated. I have firewire, USB, IDE and SATA hard drive caddies, plus a couple PC’s etc. If possible, can I mount the drives and do a straight file copy from one to the other?

You said you instructions for using firewire to download the item from DVR DCT3412. I have the drivers but need to know if I need 6pin or 9pin firewire cable. My Sony AR230 has firewire port;but I need to do this before I reach my recording limit or buy an external to get around losing what i have. Please reply to the email above and valdezcy@bellsouth.net.

thanks,
TheVman

I’ve now gone through two of the dch3416 boxes.. both result in random green screens, often the only way to eliminate the green screen/hdcp issue.. is to pull the plug.. has anyone had this happen and fixed it without a plug pull?

[...] quick internet search and voila! I haven’t tested this to make sure it works or blows up your home. I will try to remember [...]

Does anyone know how to connect the DCT 6412 to an ethernet network?

To the people that are having problems getting the 30 second skip feature programmed into the remote, you need to be pretty quick about it. Practice it and then do it. It took me a few trys to do it fast enough to work.

To everyone that has had problems with choppy video, freezing, black screens, fast-forward buttons freezing, and recorded shows not playing back properly… one person somewhere (not here) had the answer! Even though the Motorola DCT6412 DVR has ‘DUAL TUNERS’, if you be sure that the start and end times of your recordings do NOT overlap each other, all the above mentioned problems go away. The fix is simple. You do NOT want the second tuner to kick-in because it apparently overloads the data stream written to the internal hard drive and corrupts the data. I haven’t had any of the problems everyone keeps mentioning since I made sure the times listed for the programs I record dont overlap eachother. Try it and you will be glad you did.

Well… I was right and wrong about the comment I made just above. It turns out it was a bad hard drive and it got replaced by a new PACE TDC779X DVR. I never even heard of this model until today. Life is good now.

http://www.alamedapt.com/cabletv/techsupport/tdc779x_manual.pdf

You can up the drive, the new update that was done to the box should support an external Hard Drive by way of USB 2.0 connection. Thats to say its the same box as Charter uses

I am surprised that I have not found any postings on anyone trying to read these SATA drives on their PC’s. That was the first thing I though of when I saw a HDD through the vented lid on my converter.

But, before I break the seal on my box and stick the drive in my PC case, has anyone heard of issues not reading the vid files?

In my opinion, copying files from drive to drive would be tons easier and faster than actually pluging into the firewire and recording programs minute by minute.

Alanon - the method you posted (and others had as well) does NOT cover transferring previously recorded shows from the PVR to an external drive or PC, simply the ability to record LIVE TV to the PC.

I’m looking for a REAL answer to the question - does anyone know how to transfer previously recorded shows to an external drive?

Copy DVR Recordings to Your PC

Could someone send me a link / instructions on how to accomplish this ..

Really appreciate any help I can get..

Is there a way to actually copy the prerecorded movies from the drive? What format is used on the HDD? Is it Linux ext3, Windows NFTS or something similiar?

Okay, so what about an accidental mute, muted Charter Cable box model DCT700 or DCT700/US ? I just spent 3 hours with them trying to unmute it (saying it wasn’t them…but my TV…sorry, but I know when my TV is MUTED!)!

Here’s what you need to know. First, if you have Charter, look underneath the box. It should be made by Macrovision aka Motorola and be model DCT700. Next, if you unplug the box power with your TV volume up, the pic goes away and you get a blast of static noise right? Check to see if when you plug the box back in…you get a little white “muted” or “mute” in the upper center of your screen. If you do - follow my instructions below:

1) Grab your remote.
2) Stand close enuff to the TV so it works.
3) Call Charter. Tell them you need to RESET the codes in your remote - including the cable box code (002). They should be able to walk you through this. You should do the cable box FIRST, then pause and unmute the cable box (by hitting the mute button or turning up the volume…make sure the volume for the cable box is maxed out). Also have them set up the codes now for your TV and VCR/DVD/Aux if you had them also programmed, as they will probably be gone. This will probably be the LAST thing they’ll have you do in a few hours…so take my experience and cut to the chase.

Hope you don’t mind me posting this here - you seem to be the only one on the web who had similar frustration and that I could find when doing a web search!

Thanks! Works like a charm. You’re a gentleman and a scholar.

Great tip. I mapped to a problem key. when you map the 30 second skip to a key does that lose its other functionality. I mapped to 3 and it does not work as 3. How do undo and change the mapping?

hey I am NEW to all of this. no question at the moment.but I do have some for later

if I purchase the Motorola DCH3416 from a friend can I still use it without camcast knowing that I am using it?

if I purchase a DCH3416 from a friend can I use it without comcast knowing that I am using it?

Have a scientific atlantic 8300 HDC. New Samsung -trying to hook up the HDMI and get no sound. Help. I have been on the phone with samsung and comcast and finally had to disconnect. My HD channels quit working with this new box also. Could it be the box?

30 sec only works on viewed recording. I can rewind and it works, but once I get to where I left off, it stops working as if I was watching live tv again.
Any suggestions?

To all those looking to copy pre-recorded shows from your 6412 / 6416 boxes to your PC or DVD, there is a guide available on ebay for $20 that tells you how. Includes software. You can watch the shows on your PC, convert to MPEG2, or burn to DVD. It’s AWESOME!!! Link:

The ebay listing for the instructions can be found by doing a search on ebay for “Motorola 6412″.

cheers,
Chris

Search ebay for “motorola 6412″ to find the instructions to copy to your PC or DVD from your PVR…

You guys can purchase the package on eBay or you can scroll up a bit and find the instructions that I posted here a few months back. All of the software is available for FREE and if the scroll bar works on our browser, the instructions are FREE TOO.

How do I reverse the volume aux? I set this on my controller and now I can’t adj it on my cable box.

Thanks,

Is there a 60 second skip? Now that would be something!!!

i cant get the tv to setup on the remote i have a tv with a dvd in it not a dvr and ther is not a set up for it it does not flash twice with the dvr codes , or the tv codes so what can i do..

I read all the previous comments here, and on other sites, but still have not found help…

I would like a way to transfer PREVIOUSLY Recorded shows from my Comcast Motorola 3416 i (not to record while it is currently playing). All my connections are in the back. It seems most people suggest using Firewire but my laptop doesnt have Firewire, only USB and LAN ports.

This is all well and great. Thanks. I have learned a lot from these posts. But nobody has yet to post how to transfer programs saved on the hard drive of the Motorola DCT6416III to the pc. I want to transfer the files directly. Is this possible and if so how?

thanks.

I followed part of Mikeon’s instructions above to get to the diag menu:
1. DCT should be turned on

2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page

Some interesting info here.
One screen showed the RJ-45 was ACTIVE.
Another shows it’s MAC & IP addresses.
Yet another shows HDD storage info.
Check it out.
Ron

God I love the internet, the button map for skip forward worked with my Pace DVR.

I just inherited a DCT6412III which just keeps blinking when you turn it on like it trying to turn on. Is the machine faulty? I notice there is no smart card in the smart drive…is this the reason it does not work? If so How do I get a smart card for the unit ? I already have the cable connection to the house.

I heard the new Comcast DVR will have a bigger HD and will record programs exactly when they end like for football games and pre-mted shows.

Btw I love the 30 sec skip also. I wonder if there is a way for a 60 sec skip? Maybe a way to not record com’s at all like an old vcr I have which edit’s them out after the recording.

Comcast tells me that both the inputs on my Motorola DCT6412 do not work. Is there a code to make them work?

Help,
I need to know how to reset and clear the memory on a motorolla Dct 700 Digital Cable Box.

Does anyone have the ‘remote code’ to the 6412?

My remote control broke, so I bought a universal, but I need the coode to get it to work with the DVR box.

I can’t believe Comcast force you to channel 8 at startup. That has to be illegal. Imagine if Microsoft forced you to use Microsoft.com as your browser start page. Heads would fly! Why doesn’t anyone go after Comcast for there monopolistic tactics?

Is there anyone that can tell me how to reset and clear the memory on a DCT6412

Thanks

turn DCT and TV on
press cable button then power button then select/ok button and last press replay button 3 times then my dvr button 3 times and live button 3 times
be advise that it will erase your hardrive or recordings on you dvr

that 981 code totally fried my fing remote.

Why the hell are you morons talking about swapping hard drives when this blog is about programming a 30 second skip.

Now I have to get a new remote because comcast can’t even figure this damn thing out. Thanks!

Thanks for the info on the 30 second skip for the remote. It worked for me.

I purchased a dct700 - hooked it up and the screen shows the cable screen but a message that this will available shortly. I have a leased box that is already activated but when I call comcast they refuse to activate the purchased box. Is there any way to reboot the box and get it to work on the existing signal coming into the house?

Is there anyway to program a “skip to end” button on the comcast remote? I used to have a Tivo and loved that feature.

Hooked up the Motorola 6412with a DVI Cable. Rhe Remote will change channels with the up and down buttons only. The Unit dispays the channel numbers momemtarily when using the number pad but the channel does not change. The Aux, TV & Cable keys programmed O.K. Also, the VGA input does not respond. Any help out there?

is there a way that you can utilize the dvr during on demand video. I am looking for a way to record movies etc. PLEASE HELP. It works fine until i utilze the dvr…. Or is a tv tuner card and a Pc THE ONLY WAY TO

I was looking for info on how to download recorded shows off my comcast dvr and found this site. I can see that there is a way. Now my problem is how to translate your high tec speak and solutions down to my level. My husband is in Iraq and I want to copy the show “Generation Kill” for him to see. It sounds like this may be way out of my league. Can someone “computer stupid” do this? I have the comcast 6412 and my computer has windows xp. Please don’t refer me to the instrucions described in ‘07. Either there is an easier way or I just can’t do it. I thought there might be something you plug in and then turn around and plug in my computer and just hit copy to DVD. Guess not, huh?

I had a Motorola DVR box at my old house and had it programmed exactly how I liked it. Now I moved and they gave me a Scientific Atlanta and I can’t do the old stuff. Anyone figure out the 30 sec FF on the SA? Also, how do you change the default channel on startup?

My Comcast guy said it was possible to home upgrade your SATA HDD (Motorola 6412) but the max recognized was 320GB.

(regarding digital/hdtv cable), why does nobody answer the questions about getting your own 6400 or 6412 box from ebay and activating it with comcast? why wont comcast let you activate your own box? apparently you are required to rent their box only (I thought the cablecard law was to prevent this monopolistic tactic!?) So I purchased the ebay “secret instructions” (mentioned above in this thread), and all they tell you is how to re-initialize the box (for me this just deletes some other comcast local program guide, that was left on the box I purchased, but was useless to me) and leaves the box waiting for a validation from my comcast local office…tons of these boxes for sale on ebay, all useless!? The instructions for the 6400/6412 states that the box is initialized from the “head office” only, there is no way around this, so as far as I can tell you can only use a motorola box with comcast if it is a box that they deployed, and you pay about $14/month rent on each box (so if you have 5 tvs in your home, that’s $70/month just to rent the boxes…geez before the government got involved with regulating cable tv rates I was paying $14/month TOTAL for “basic and extended” programs, that lasted 10 years. Now I pay about $100 (hdtv programming with 1 6412 dvr.) yikes. there you have it.

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Coding, Security, and maybe a little bit about Damon Cortesi

tones: (regarding digital/hdtv cable), why does nobody answer the questions about getting your own 6400 or 6412 box...

Cara: Don’t know what I’m doing wrong: everything works well (dragging the bookmark etc.), I can see the...

TonyLT: My Comcast guy said it was possible to home upgrade your SATA HDD (Motorola 6412) but the max recognized was...

hunee: it’s working now… thanks

Andy Carney: I had a Motorola DVR box at my old house and had it programmed exactly how I liked it. Now I moved and...

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May 4, 2005

Motorola DCT6412 (Comcast DVR) 30-second skip

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