Problem with Motorola HD DVR/Cable Box - Recorded Shows Freezing

It sounds like the box may be experiencing some kind of equipment failure.  You're certainly free to exchange it at one of our solutions stores if you would like.

I've had this problem for the last month.  Replaced the cox DVR with a newer one from the COX store, same problems.  Tends to concentrate on certain channels here (ABC and FOX) in evening prime time hours.  Wondering if networks are putting something in their signals to make them unrecordable?  Or is it the cox DVR?  I've seen on line comments about this same problem with COX dodging the issue --- Some suggestion that it is a software issue (which seems reasonable) as it is repeatedly all throughout the recording.People are also demanding refunds since they are unable to record.

SO COX, WHAT's GOING ON?

I agree.

Like I said, I've already replaced this one before for the same problem.

So basically, Chris, you're saying I"m just going to have to keep going back and getting new DVR's every month or so?

That's ridiculous.

Stressed-out, I agree with you that this happens mainly with Fox and ABC shows that I have recorded. Also, with AMC shows and Cartoon Network shows.

I want to know why this is happening and why getting a new box hasn't fixed it before, and I want to know why or how getting a new box will help my situation.

I'm really thinking about getting Dish network just because I am tired of being frustrated all the time.  I have had no problems with anything else, I just don't understand why Cox's answer is always "oh just switch out your box, that'll solve everything."

That means jack ***.

If someone can ACTUALLY help me I'd appreciate it.

I have cox technician coming out today to check signal strength (they suggest that might be the problem).  I'll wait and see.  We've had trouble with squirrels chewing the wires on our phone line, perhaps they've developed a taste for cable?

Been down that path more that once, it didn't improve things.  Cox came out last year and buried larger cabling from the street to the home.  That didn't resolve anything either.  I strongly feel the problem is with the box itself.  We have watched and recorded the same show at the same time.  When watched live the picture was ok.  When played back the picture was pixelated and kept freezing. 

Neighbors and family members using alternative sources for their TV signal are not experiencing the problems on their DVRs.

Well, finally fixed.  Another cox tech came out and found there was an attenuator in line with the cable from the telephone pole.  Removed it and signal improved another 8 db, up to spec.  I thought back and remembered that when we had cox cable box installed 6 years ago, they used attenuator to "balance" bandwidth between houses.  Since then their technique and technology has changed, so once removed, started working.  Also had them back today to check/replace all the cables, found one outside that insulation was flaking off of (30 year old cable),  so now everything's been updated and hopefully we're fixed!

Stressed-out,

For starters, I'm glad your DVR issues are finally resolved. Second, thank you for taking the time to update this thread with the solution to your issue. Even though it required a Technical Service appointment, the legacy equipment problem you're describing will help educate other customers, and will be very helpful in guiding us to troubleshoot this problem in the future - especially for long-time Cox customers like yourself.

We've escalated this thread to our TV product support teams, and we'll be updating our online help, call centers, and field techs with the information you provided. 

Thanks again!

Hi SwedishFish,

I know it's no fun to try to watch a show that keeps freezing! Currently, due to copyright laws and restrictions placed on us by Network Television companies, we are unable to move DVR recordings from one DVR to another. 

Your symptoms, however, may be signal-related and not DVR hardware related. Freezing, tiling, audio drop-out, and "Temporarily Off Air" errors are all signal-related problems, and in most cases have nothing to do with the DVR itself. If you haven't already called, I recommend calling your local Cox Tech Support number so we can run a quick test. We may be able to quickly pinpoint the cause of the problem and either help you resolve it over the phone, or at least schedule a service call. I want you to be able to enjoy your cable and your DVR!

On a side note, there are ways to copy content from the Cox DVR to an external drive or to a DVD-recorder. However, due to the limitations placed on us by the TV networks we carry, Cox technicians are not able to provide support or advice on how to set this up. I own a DVD-recorder and often record content that I want to keep so I can delete it from my Cox DVR.

Also, check out Cox Whole-Home DVR! It provides 3 times the storage of a standard DVR!!

http://ww2.cox.com/residential/tv/plus-package.cox

I have had this same issue for about 10 years now.  I have literally had technicians out a dozen times to try and resolve the issue.   It never happens on HGTV (the wife's favorite channel) but it ALWAYS happens on the channels I watch (hockey games, AMC).   It tends to be a bigger issue on the HD Channels.

Last year we moved, and I looked at whole home, and was talked out of it by the technician, due to the issues they had at the time (it was down the day it was to be installed).   I have had the technician out to "fix" my connection since we moved, but it did nothing.

Part of the issue is trying to run HD and data intensive signals across the older wiring that many houses have.   On top of that, multiple splices and splitters degrade the signal even more.   Short of re-running the wire, there is little that can be done about that.  But one would hope that if you are looking to pay hundreds of dollars for a service, that someone would, at least, mention this.   They don't, however, because they would lose customers if a customer realized that they will never get showroom quality video in their home that has 30 year old wiring.

What is Cox's answer to the problem?  "We'll give you 3 months of free HBO"  Really?  I can't even watch the TV shows that I already HAVE!

Anyways, now that we have moved, we have the opportunity to look into AT&T U-verse and a couple other options.   I just need the time to set aside for the installation...