Updated-- 3/10/04 - Started on 2/14/03

The page has reached over 50,000 hits in a little over a year, all about one measly HD STB, and I'm in the process of completely revamping this site, while adding some things that will allow me to update the info more quickly & hopefully look a little more pleasing to the eye & interactive. In the mean time this site will stay up online but will not be updated with any new info. Thanks for everyone who helped with its creation.

Motorola High Definition STB FAQ

As you can see because of the new release of Motorola HD STB's I have to change the name of the FAQ. The webpage address will eventually change but until then I will have the two pages up with the same info. The new page is http://cjhengineering.com/DCTHDFAQ.htm

The Motorola DCT 51/6200 series is a Digital Cable Set-top Box used by Cable TV Companies for Viewing of Analog, Digital, & High Definition Programming that your Cable Company provides. If you are not completely familiar with HDTV,  I suggest visiting the HDTV FAQ on AVSforum.com . Also there is an ongoing thread where you can ask specific questions about the 5100/6200. And please visit AVSforum.com for information on anything & everything Home Theater.  *Please note some of the links require Adobe Acrobat Reader, they are noted with (.pdf)*

Latest News

FAQ updates

I've added a little tutorial on the effects of the settings in the Set-Up menu on different types of HDTV's. Topic include:

Effects of watching an HD program in HD resolutions on 4:3 & 16:9 HDTV's

Effects of watching an SD program in HD resolutions on 4:3 & 16:9 HDTV's

Effects of watching an SD Program in Full Screen on a 4:3 HDTV

Effects of watching an HD Program in Full Screen on a 4:3 HDTV

Here is the link:

http://www.cjhengineering.com/DCTsetup.htm

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Due to the recent influx of questions regarding Firmware, DVI, and the 6200 series . I've decided that I would put the generic info about these three at the top of this FAQ rather than in the actual questions.

DVI Updates

----    DVI is ACTIVE........DVI is ACTIVE.......DVI IS ACTIVE

That right its finally being enabled....and it looks like for good this time.....The FW upgrade that enables the DVI port as well as the Firewire ports (on equipped boxes) is 7.07.

----    Initial outlook of DVI is that it doesn't seem to make a huge difference in PQ. So the only benefit that most users see is that it frees up their component input.

----    A DVI connector is installed into the every HD STB at the Motorola Factory, since January of 03', but needs to be enabled, via FW (see below), by your local Cable Co,  before it works.

Firewire IEEE1394 Updates

----   Firewire is also active with the DVI port. I have had no specific experience with Firewire, but it should allow for time shift recording of HD programs to a D-VHS player & a Computer if so equipped. I will tell you that the functionality doesn't look like its being supported by the Cable providers, meaning I wouldn't call them for help if it doesn't work, or you need help setting it up.

Firmware (FW) Updates

----    The Firmware is apart of the boot process of the cable systems addressability service. When a STB is plugged in & connected to an active cable line this begins the Boot Process. The Boot Process has the firmware embedded in it, and checks to see that the latest firmware is installed in the STB. If not it will AUTOMATICALLY download it. The Cable Co. cannot initiate a firmware download, nor can it change the firmware in the STB. Quick & Dirty, is that if your box is connected to an active cable line, then you already have the latest Firmware, for your area.

DCT6200 STB Updates

----    DCT6200's are being installed. Initial feedback is good, but there are no MAJOR changes, except for Firewire ports are now visible on the rear panel of the STB, & they have been activated with the latest firmware. Please see AVSforum.com for more direct feedback on the positives about the "new" STB.....

----    The DCT6200 is a replacement for the DCT5100, all of the info I have so far suggested no major changes to the functionality of this unit over the 5100. The 5100 can and will still be used even after the release of the 6200.

DCT6208 DVR

----    This is Motorola's "Tivo-like" unit that will include a Hard Drive (HDD) to be able to record SD & HD programming in real time. This single tuner version has an 80 GB HDD that is said to be able to record up to 7-10 HRS of HD programming (depending on the bit rate its being broadcast) and 30 HRS of SD (analog) programming. This box has hit the market in some areas, probably not going all over until late spring 04'.

DCT6408 DVR

----    This is the dual tuner version of the 6208. This allows for the ability to record one channel and watch another with the same specs as the 6208. This is slated for launch in late 3rd Qtr. - early 4th QTR.

(Linked to the bottom of this FAQ)

FAQ Questions:

General

Remote Control

Setting up

Decoder

Programming

Audio

Video

Firmware

Where can I get a copy of the DCT5100 Owners Manual? *Return to Questions*

Here is the link to the Motorola site that has all of the manuals for both the 5100 & 6200 series

What are the dimensions of the DCT5100? *Return to Questions*

The dimensions of all of the DCT HD STB's are 17" Wide x 12.5" Deep x 2.75" tall

Is there a setup code list / manual for the supplied 5100 remote control available online? *Return to Questions*

It depends on the Manufacture of your remote, but most likely its made by One-for-all. It is commonly called a Navigator. Model # is URC-44CXXXB02. Here is a link to a Owners Manual (.pdf) with codes for TV's, VCR's & Audio Components.

There has been a new remote being used in some areas that is also made by One-for-all. It part number is URC-1057BG0. Differences include: Silver Faceplate, 2 AA batteries, Programmable for only 3 components (CBL, TV, AUX can be VCR or DVD), "All ON" button sends "power" function to all 3 components. 

What should I have in order to get ready for my installation of my new 5100? *Return to Questions*

If you are having a Technician install the box all you will need an HDTV, but as a suggestion you SHOULD have a decent set of Component cables (the CATV tech may only be able to provide a set of A/V jumpers [yellow/red/white] to be used as component cables), a wire for digital audio (coax / optical, if you have a Dolby Digital surround sound system) & if possible the owners manual for the TV in case problems arise. You should also have your equipment accessible for the tech, like the TV pulled out and stereo receiver set up.

I Picked up & installed my 5100 myself, trying to activate it, the CSR says the box ISN'T RESPONDING, What is wrong with it? *Return to Questions*

When a signal is sent to any 2-way Digital Cable Boxes, the box has to respond back to the Cable Companies’ Head-end in order for it to activate, if it doesn't respond back, the system may disconnect the box, shortly after. This is a fairly new development (needing a response, that is), so a previous Digital Cable Box could've been working fine as long is had never needed a signal sent to it (since response activation was implemented), but now the box has to be able to respond at all times.

Anyway, the reason this happens is the return signal path (about 8-12 MHz) is being blocked. Most common reasons for non-responding digital boxes are:

-The input cable is looped through a surge protector
-The input cable is looped through the TV's Ant A/Converter Out/Ant B RF jacks on the back of your TV.

-The input cable is looped through the VCR before the STB
-The input cable is running through equipment (amplifiers, splitters, ect.) that is not capable of passing return, and/or doesn’t meet 5 MHz-1000 MHz specs

-High pass Filter on cable line designed to block out low band noise

-Poorly made fittings, corrosion and/or water in fittings, bad/old cable lines

-Too many splitters in-line with the offending STB.
-*This only applies to the DCT2000* It is also common that if your STB has a small silver box on the back (RF bypass) where the RF inputs and outputs are with 2 small jumpers connecting various ports, they may be in the wrong spots. This is the way they should look

If you have a Cable Modem or Another Digital Cable Box that is working fine then you can rule out any problems with the cable system itself.

Basically you should have nothing but 1ghz splitters in line from the street to the back of your STB. The only exception is "return capable" amplifiers, most amplifiers installed by the your Cable Co. are capable of passing return.

It is remotely possible that the box is bad, but I would check these things first.

What do 480i, 480p, 720p, & 1080i mean? *Return to Questions*

This relates to the horizontal lines of resolution. When dealing with HDTV & television in general, the more lines of resolution the better.

Regular Cable TV (NTSC) is 480i (analog). This stands for 480 horizontal lines of resolution in Interlaced format.

Some DVD players and some Broadcasters are using 480p. Which is 480 horizontal lines of resolution in Progressive format.

HDTV uses 720p (progressive) and 1080i (interlaced)

Interlaced Format only shows you half of the horizontal lines of resolution on every cycle of the displayed picture. Each cycle displays every other line in the picture scan. For Example, 480i you only see 240 lines on every cycle of the picture scan --  First scan would be lines 1-3-5-7-9-11, ect.-- Next scan would be lines 2-4-6-8-10, so on an so forth.

Progressive Scan is the ability to produce all of the lines of resolution at the same time. Example, 480p -- you see 480 lines of resolution on every cycle of the picture scan.

What are & how do I change the Settings in the DCT5100 for the TV Type, Y/Pb/Pr output, & 480 Override? *Return to Questions*

Here is a link to a page designed with pictures that defines what these settings do to the picture on 4:3 & 16:9 TV's.......Hope this helps with some of the questions.

These settings enable the 5100 to know what type of TV you have in order to format the component output of the 5100 to best suit your particular needs. The menu is accessed by powering the 5100 “OFF” then pressing the “Menu” button.

16:9 – For TV’s that are Widescreen

4:3 Letterbox – For Non-Widescreen TV’s that wish to view HD feeds with bars @ the top and bottom

4:3 Pan & Scan – For Non-Widescreen TV’s that wish to view HD feeds in Full Screen but it will crop the sides of the program (basically like a zoom function)

1080i – Will convert all material on designated HD channels to 1080i format

720p – Will convert all material on designated HD Channels to 720p format

480p -- Will convert all material on designated HD Channels to 480p format

480i -- Will convert all material on designated HD Channels to 480i format & will turn OFF the “480 Override” function

480i – Will set the output of the box to 480i format when NOT tuned to an designated HD channel

480p – Will set the output of the box to 480p format when NOT tuned to an designated HD channel*

Off – Will set the output of the box to whatever format was selected in the Y/Pb/Pr Output section.*

*If you set the 480 override to “480p” or “OFF” & view the output of the box on any of the analog outputs (S-video, Composite, RF) The on-screen functions (Guide, Menu, etc.) will NOT be displayed. These will ONLY be displayed on the component outputs.

My REPLAY TV or other PVR device, isn't controlling the 5100 properly via the IR Blaster? *Return to Questions*

If you set the code for your PVR for the first one listed for Motorola Equipment -- 0276 -- this usually will control the DCT2000 without any problems. The DCT5100 seems to be a little more sensitive to the IR Blast, but using code -- 0476 -- should correct this problem. 

My TV has a HD decoder integrated in it, do I still need the DCT5100? *Return to Questions*

Short Answer: Not necessarily. Shorter answer: Most likely. See next 3 questions below for reason.

Can the DCT5100 decode OTA HD programming? *Return to Questions*

Yes & No. The DCT5100 can only decode HD programming that your Cable Company sends over the cable lines, which could include some OTA channels, but you CANNOT connect an OTA Antenna to the DCT5100 and have it pick up HD Broadcasts. The reason for this is that the modulation standard for HD broadcasts is 8VSB (Eight Level Vestigial Side Band). Cable Companies use QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation). The 5100 is only able to decode QAM.

Can my current HD decoder decode HD signals from the cable company? *Return to Questions*

There are some TV manufactures that have started integrating QAM decoders into their TV’s. Right now Mitsubishi & Hitachi both have QAM tuners in their "integrated" HDTV's. In the next year or so, conditional access for premium channels will also make it into HDTV's; Panasonic & RCA, along with others, have signed on to make this happen. This will allow you to connect the cable directly to your "integrated" TV and watch HDTV from the Cable Co.

I currently have a Scientific Atlanta SA3100HD that my Cable company provided me with for HD & I don’t like it, Can I get a DCT5100 to replace it? *Return to Questions*

Most likely No. Each cable system uses a different form of addressability to assign cable boxes to customers accounts and activate them for service. This system is different for Motorola & Scientific Atlanta. So if your system currently uses SA gear for Digital Cable it will be the same for HD. This is not saying that that cable system won’t ever use Motorola equipment, but it is unlikely.

Where can I find a list of HDTV broadcasters & their programming? *Return to Questions*

The Internet is the best place to find info on programming in HD, TitanTV.com, HDTVgalaxy.com, among others, are some websites to check out. These sites list, usually on a day-to-day basis, that particular days’ HD broadcasts.

When are the rest of the HDTV Broadcasters going to be seen on Cable? *Return to Questions*

The Cable Co., in most cases needs to have contracts signed with the Broadcasters. As far as Local broadcasters, in most cases CBS is the only one not on board. (Tennessee does have CBS) The negotiations are on-going, and hopefully will be resolved soon. But it could be tomorrow, or in 6 months. There is no set time table for any particular channel to go live with Cable.

What type of Audio Output options does the DCT5100 have? *Return to Questions*

The 5100 supports Analog Audio via RF & Left/Right RCA, Digital Audio via SPDIF (Coaxial & Optical). All audio outputs are active at all times, on all channels, regardless of whether the program is in Dolby Digital or not.

Why do the HD channels & Digital channels seem quiet, compared to the Analog channels (Ch. 99 and below) when using Digital Audio Output (Optical/Coax)? *Return to Questions*

This has mostly to do with the dynamic range of the Dolby Digital Signals. Read through the next question & its listed links to get a better idea on what this means.

What do the Audio Compression / Matrix Stereo settings mean, in the Audio portion of the Main Menu of the 5100? *Return to Questions*

This refers to the Dolby Reference levels for Audio output on the DIGITAL Channels only when using ANY ANALOG audio output. These settings DO NOT effect the sound when using the Digital Audio outputs (Optical or Coax) & DO NOT effect the sound on the ANALOG Channels regardless of audio outputs used (Analog or Digital). There was a very good post on the AVSforum.com DCT5100 Topic that explained what each setting meant in the Audio Set-up menu of the DCT5100. I copied it and posted it separately from the forum to this page. Thanks to -- hwc -- on AVSforum.com for doing the research. It can also be seen on Page 24 of the Official DCT5100 Topic on AVSforum.com

What type of Video Outputs does the 5100 support? *Return to Questions*

Analog Video transfer can be done by RF, Composite, & S-Video. HD video transfer can be done by Component (Y/Pb/Pr) (analog) & DVI-D (digital) (DVI enabled boxes started being produced in Jan of 2003). The DVI output is HDCP compliant, which is a copyright protection that disables the ability to record/archive HD programming. At this time it is not active. (10/03) Word has it that it will go live in December 03'

Can I watch a One Digital Channel and Tape another Digital Channel? (The Owners Manual says the 5100 has 3 tuners in it.) *Return to Questions*

The Owners manual does say the DCT5100 does have a Triple Tuner in it. These tuners are for different functions of the box, one is for the Video Services, one is for the DOCSIS High Speed Cable Modem (not active), and the other is for the Out of Band Control Channel (communication from STB to Cable Provider). The 5100's do not have the capability to tune in two different channels at the same time.

I have a TV that only has RGB/HV inputs, How can I get the 3 Wire Component output of the 5100 to 5-Wire or VGA(15-pin) RGB/HV? *Return to Questions*

You need a part called a Transcoder. This converts 3-wire Component to 5-wire RGBHV or VGA (15-pin). This MAY be able to be obtained through your Cable Provider (this will vary from system to system) or they can be purchased online for about $150. This situation seems to only affect “older” (around 99’-00’) HD “compatible” TV’s. 

Why does the programming on my HD channels sometimes have bars on the sides & sometimes the top & bottom? *Return to Questions*

There are a couple of reasons that this could be. Some have to do with the TV your watching the HD programming on, and some have to do with the broadcasts, and some have to do with both.

Bars on Widescreen TV:

For bars on the sides -- The program that you are watching at that particular moment on that particular HD channel is NOT in High Definition. The Channel you are watching is the Digital feed from that broadcaster. Not all of the programs a broadcaster sends out are in HD. Example: ABC, NBC, & CBS only show selected programs in HD mostly Primetime shows & special events like ER, Alias, CSI, & the Super Bowl. Your cable provider has no control over which shows are in HD; the broadcasters are the only ones that control which programs are in HD. HBO & Showtime have most of their programming in HD, with the exception of older movies & some shows (Real Sports, Arliss, ect.) which will have bars on the sides

For Bars on the top & bottom -- HBO & Showtime will some times show movies that are being broadcast in “anamorphic” (2.35:1) format (just as the movie was filmed) these movies will have bars at the top & bottom (letterbox).

Bars on 4:3 format TV:

For bars on the sides refer to the reason stated above.

For bars on the top & bottom -- All of your HD programming will have bars on the top & bottom, unless your TV supports “Aspect” modification (see next question for more info on this). This is due to the TV needing to show the “Widescreen” view inherent with HDTV broadcasts, and your TV not being “wide” enough to display all of the information.

My TV has the ability to Zoom, Stretch, Expand, etc., why do these not work when tuned to an HD channel? *Return to Questions*

Some TV’s will NOT allow you to modify the picture when the TV receives an HD signal (720p/1080i). This is a function of the TV not of the Cable Box. Your TV will only be able to use these functions when your TV is receiving a 480i or 480p signal. There are some HDTV's that allow you to stretch HD material (some Mitsubishi, Hitachi, and a few others), and it seems that more TV manufactures are adding this feature to their newer models. There are unconfirmed rumors that Motorola is working on a Stretch mode for the 5100.

Should I use 1080i or 720p for HD channels? *Return to Questions*

This is a judgment call. The 5100 will “scale” the incoming format to whatever is selected in the “Y/Pb/Pr output” selected above. So if you select “1080i”, the box will output 1080i even if the broadcast is in 720p (like ABC), this is called “scaling”. Technically the box should be set to mimic whatever resolution the broadcaster is using, that way the box doesn’t have to make any changes to the signal. The less interaction the equipment has with the signal, the better.

If it makes it easier, most HDTV programming is in 1080i format, (ABC & ESPN are the only ones currently using 720p), and the DCT5100 has a decent scaler in it, so any modifications made to their broadcasts are done fairly well.

Is there anything I can do to improve the picture quality on the non HD channels through the component outputs? (The Motorola DCT's (non-HD) seemed to have a better picture) *Return to Questions*

Not really. This is a problem that is being worked on by Motorola. The 5100 is “upconverting” the analog signals to the Component (Y/Pb/Pr) Outputs, and there is formula being used that contains an algorithm that controls compression & conversion of these signals. The first part of possibly multiple firmware updates was released recently (2.48). This was to make changes to this algorithm that should make the Analog PQ better, and there are more updates planned to “fine tune” the overall PQ.

What are all of the extra connections on the front & back of the 5100 for, and are they active? *Return to Questions*

The ports you see are for future use. As of now, the IR Blaster port, DVI-D video output, Smart Card, Composite Video & Audio inputs, USB ports, & Ethernet (Cable Modem) are all NOT active. These can be activated by firmware updates if your Local Cable Provider wishes to do so. For now, all of the other ports that are blanked over, Firewire IEEE-1394, Printer port, & HPNA ports, will not be provided or supported.

How can I check the Firmware version of my DCT5100? *Return to Questions*

There are a couple of ways to check this. The easiest is by entering the configuration screen by:

Press “Menu” à then select “Main Menu” à select “Setup” à select “Cable Box” à highlight “See Configuration” & press the right arrow key. The SW Version & Firmware version are listed here.

The Latest Version is SW Ver. 51.22 – 2002 & Firmware of 7.07 - (Philadelphia Region). This enabled the "480 Override" function discussed earlier in this FAQ, and includes the first couple of the analog PQ fixes, plus some other minor tweaks to the Guide & Menu system, of which most are unnoticeable. DVI is active with this firmware as well as Firewire. The platform updates for DVR / HDD capability were also added.

The other way to check the Firmware Ver. is through the Internal Diagnostics Menu. This is accessed by powering the 5100 "off" & pressing the “select” button within 2 seconds of powering off. After accessing this, Arrow “Down” to “08 Code Modules” and press “select”: This will give you another version of the SW & Firmware.  The latest Firmware Version # here is: 7.07

These numbers will vary from system to system & region to region.

How do I get updated Firmware for my 5100? *Return to Questions*

The Firmware is apart of the boot process of the cable systems addressability service. When a STB is plugged in & connected to an active cable line this begins the Boot Process. The Boot Process has the firmware embedded in it, and checks to see that the latest firmware is installed in the STB. If not it will AUTOMATICALLY download it. The Cable Co. cannot initiate a firmware download, nor can it change the firmware in the STB. Quick & Dirty, is that if your box is connected to an active cable line, then you already have the latest Firmware, for your area.

When a Firmware Download occurs, the 5100 will turn off and the Front Panel Display will read "dl" with a single dash ( - ) that moves in a circular pattern. This process could take anywhere between 5-30min (give or take). During the Download you will be unable to use the box. DO NOT UNPLUG THE BOX DURING THE DOWNLOAD PROCESS. This could cause the box to not function properly once it's rebooted.

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Glossary & Acronyms

*Return to Questions*

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ANY COMMENTS, ADDED INFO, FLAWS, ERRORS, MISSPELLINGS, MISREPRESENTATIONS, ECT. SHOULD BE REPORTED TO MIATASM@HOTMAIL.COM

 

This FAQ is NOT sponsored by AVS forum, Motorola, or any specific Cable Co. The sole reason for the links to the AVSforum.com is because without the AVSforum.com website & the members of it, this FAQ may have never existed.

 

All info here is based mostly on the Philadelphia region (because that's where I'm from) If anyone from regions outside of Philly wants to contribute specific info from their region, please e-mail me.