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E N G I N E E R I N G |
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| FAQ |
Motorola HD Cable STB Info Pages |
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Firmware Motorola has designed their STB platform to be upgradeable via the cable system. These updates are called Firmware updates. There have been many updates since the first DCT5100 was released. Motorola is constantly revising the hardware & software configuration with these updates. They can turn on & off - inputs/outputs, make changes to the functionality of the set-up, guide/menu, pretty much anything can be done with Firmware.
Firmware 7.10 -Firmware 7.10 has allowed for functionality of Firewire recording to a Windows XP machine with some software & a little TLC. See this thread here on AVSforum for more info. You have to search a little but it has some good info....Here is another thread on the subject of recording to XP -Audio Crackling problem that was apparent on 7.07 seems to be fixed with 7.10. -7.10 has also enabled 5C HDCP on both the DVI & Firewire. This has caused an issue with "unauthorized" messages on the DVI inputs of HDCP compliant Televisions. The reason for this is that the DCT has a default setting in it that automatically sends out an "unauthorized" signal to the display device for approximately 30 sec, when it doesn't see the HDCP "handshake". This happens when the displays input is changed or the television is turned off before the DCT is turned off. The "band-aid" is to make sure that the STB gets turned OFF BEFORE the television is turned off or the input is changed from DVI. Also, that the Television is turned "ON" or tuned to the DVI input "BEFORE" the DCT is turned back "ON". For most users it will only require a "redo" of their macros. But for users that are running a Front Projector they will have to wait until a permanent fix comes along via firmware. Also another quick fix which may be easier for some is to just unplug & plug back in the DVI cable. When you do this the STB automatically asks for the handshake and will reacquire signal.
How are Firmware Updates initiated? 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.
Finding the Latest
Firmware Numbers There are a couple of ways to
check this. The easiest is by entering the configuration screen by: Press “Menu” 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.
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