Weird SA 8300 issue

[JU1CYFRU1T]

My brother-in-law just got an SA 8300 from Cox, and we can't get the HDMI to work. It says in the guide on Cox's website, that in the 'picture format' section' that there is a selection for 'DVI/ HDMI Auto'... but it's not there.

WE tried doing a warm reboot, and even a cold reboot... but I can't get the option to come up. He started using his 8300 on an SD TV (while he was waiting for his new TV to ship)... and now the menu option isn't there.

Am I correct in assuming that resetting the box to factory default is as easy as leaving the box unplugged for ~1 minute? I don't know what else to try.

Again, everything works via component... but I can't get an HDMI output at all.

[Ratman]

Maybe it isn't an "option" unless you have an HDMI cable connected to an HDMI device.

[57U]

Correct, it says "passthrough" when using component video cables. When using HDMI/DVI then then it changes to Auto-DVI/HDMI. See the following for tips and instructions. Note the caveats in bold:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=8721


See the following on HDMI issues:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=33977

[JU1CYFRU1T]

That's just it... we were reading through the .pdf manual on the Cox website, and it says that 'passthrough' will become 'DVI/HDMI auto'... but it never happens.

We tried doing a cold reboot (unplugged power for ~2 minutes), and disconnected EVERYTHING except the HDMI connection going to his display (not through the receiver to eliminate problems). Does a 'cold reboot' restore the unit to 'shipped' condition, or is there something else that we need to do to get the unit to go through the 'intial setup' again?

Someone had posted a problem similar to this (a while back) where the 8300 would stop displaying HD if the source was changed... the member said that he/she restored the unit to default and redid the settings and everything works... but when we did the cold reboot, we were never asked to do the setup again.

I will edit my post when I find the one I'm refering to.

*edit* It was THIS (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=24475&highlight=8300) post, and the member said:
I ended up figuring out the problem but thought I'd post it in case someone else has this problem - it turns out that my aunt had connected the 8300HD to a SD TV first which set the box to only send out 480i signals. When I entered the setup (info and guide buttons) there was no option to switch back to the HD mode (While connected with an HDMI cable), but as soon as I connected the box with component cables and re-entered the setup it gave me the option to have the box broadcast in either SD or HD - so it seems once the 8300hd is set to SD mode, you cant correct it when connected with HDMI, you must use a diff. connection like components, and then switch back. Anyway, all figured out, hope this helps someone in the future.

How do I 'reset' the box, so that I can redo the setup wizard via HDMI?

[57U]

Try reading the two links I already provided!

The information you requested is there - for example the Advanced Setup Wizard discussion. A reboot doesn't undo the wizard, you need to do that manually by redoing the wizard.

Also, try connecting the PVR directly to the TV as handshakes can be an issue as discussed in the second link I provided - take the AVR out of the equation until you get the PVR working properly.

As indicated in the second link, sometimes HDMI just won't work with certain equipment. What is the make/model of the TV and AVR?

[JU1CYFRU1T]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear... we already took the AVR out of the equation... we were running the HDMI straight from the 8300 into his Panasonic TH-46PZ85U via the HDMI port on the side.

When we tried to 'get to the wizard' with only the HDMI cable plugged in, we couldn't get a display at all... I am not sure if the pz85u supports 480i vai component though...

I will try running the wizard 'again'... is there anything else we should try?

Basically, my 'setup wizard question' was:

Is there a way to completely wipe all settings form the box, so that it acts like 'this is the first time it has been plugged in'? I will try the wizard again... but for the life of me, I can't figure out what is wrong... this is frustrating.

btw 57U, thanks for the help... I don't want you to think that I didn't read the links... I just didn't see 'what I was looking for' (exactly). I will give it another shot in a few hours.

[57U]

The Panasonic will accept 480i via component video or HDMI, so that's not the issue. Try setting the formats I suggested in the FAQ and then you should be able to go into the "Set picture format" and select auto-DVI/HDMI. Perhaps the appropriate formats were not set and therefore there was only one setting active? You can see what the STB is sending by looking at the front display and by pressing the "recall" (or info, or display or whatever brings up the display of incoming signals) button on the Panasonic.

You can then tune to a variety of channels that are 480i (SD), 720P (Fox, ABC) and 1080i (CBS, NBC) to see if the appropriate changes take place. It is possible there is something wrong with the STB...

[Knicks4973]

Have you tried calling Cox technical support? As much as the forum is great for help, my first step would be to call technical support. They (technical support]), should have knowledge of the box, plus they have the ability to see if the box is working correctly. They can force a reboot on their end, and see if the signal strength is good, as well if the communication is working properly. I believe they can even remotely update the box with firmware.

The problem could be a faulty box, but the only way you'll know if this is true is if you call Cox technical support. A change in STB might do the trick, or the other thing that could be causing the issue is a faulty HDMI cable. You said everything works with component, so your next step should be to either switch out the HDMI cable with one that works, or call technical support. At this point, you have nothing to lose.

[JU1CYFRU1T]

57U,

I was able to get into the advanced setup... and I selected every available resolution (484i/p, 720p, 1080i) but when I go into the settings menu, the DVI/HDMI Auto is NOT there... it still says Passthrough. I know that I 'shouldn't' be using component, and HDMI... but when I only use HDMI, I get no picture at all.

Knicks,
Thanks for the advice... I have done basically everything that I can possibly do, so tech support is my only option. I HATE calling Cox. I don't know if it's the same with all Cox tech support calls... but when you call in San Diego... you have to sit through 15 minutes of automated 'please ____... did that fix your problem.... please _____... did that fix your problem...' There is NO way to skip this garbage, and it get REALLY old the 3rd or 4th time you call in.

I will re-post when we find a solution to the problem. Thanks again.