wrote: Thanks for the prompt and detailed reply. Yes,it's pretty dire! For example it takes ages to follow commands so you overshoot fas-tforwarding and can't always stop it. Your solution is, of course,the best and I want to do it, but in the meantime as I'm away can I reboot remotely or do I have to call Spectrum??
I would call Spectrum when you are going to be home and available to get your signals checked out and equipment updated. Just say that you need a signal and drop line test, that your box is dying, and is barely operational and that you need to get a tech out. I would call Spectrum over using the remote functionality with a 20-year old cable box!
But remember, don't reboot any equipment for six hours before your service call to avoid a resetting of the signal error codes, as the tech will need to see those when he comes out, and will need to check your wiring and line drop BEFORE updating your cable box. If you are away now, I would call Spectrum, have them reboot the equipment over the phone and set up the service call.
Listen though, when you get that new box, DON"T OVER-REBOOT. You should be able to go for like six months without rebooting. And if you have picture pixilation and break up, a reboot will often only resolve the issue temporarily. (It clears out the error codes, but if your signals or lines are bad, the problem will come back within hours to days until the signal problem or line issue is resolved by a tech.) There are signal and line issues that require a tech dispatch to the residence.
On your Guide in Settings, if you Select DVR Compensation, you can control the amount of jump back from a fast-forward command. I set mine to "Less." That setting works fine for me. Even though your signals must be checked, because your box is so old, you are still going to have slowness.
How's the remote? If new batteries do not cause a good light up of the button presses or the keys are not responsive after a box update, you might want to ask the tech for an updated remote. I have the Clicker-Backlight it is really good! If the lights are lighting up well and you notice a speed boost with the updated box, no need to replace the remote. Ask the tech to program the All Power or System button if he swaps out the remote so that you can control the Volume functions of your TV.
And keep in mind, you will need a box with a clock at this time to insure Remote DVR programing functionality, allowing at least 48 hours for the function to be offered after the box is updated to a different model.
Let us know what happens!
Satch