How to use a Motorola DVR/Identifying your model

Identifying which model Motorola DVR you have

There are 3 known versions of the DCT64xx, named Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III.

• Phase I is identified by the model number DCT-6412/2000 on a label on the bottom of the unit.
• Phase II is identified by the model number DCT-6412/2005, and has the Comcast logo.
• Both Phase I and Phase II have only a single RF input connector on the back. There is no RF output connector.
• Phase III is identified by:
  • The 6412 III logo on the front of the unit.
  • An HDMI port on the back of the unit instead of the DVI port on older versions.
  • A SATA port on the back of the unit.
  • (optional) An RF output jack on the back of the unit.

Little is known about the differences between the Phase I and Phase II.

Beyond the external differences, the Phase III has better analog picture quality and the 12.xx firmware revision (the older models use 9.xx). As of September 2006, the firmware for DCT-34xx and DCT-64xx Phase I, II & III boxes has converged on 16.xx version numbers.

The Motorola 34xx is similar to the Phase III 64xx, but has no analog tuner and can only be used on cable systems where analog-digital simulcasting (ADS) is set up.

The 34xx is about the same width and height as the 64xx, but is not as deep (about 11 inches, versus 13 inches on the 64xx). On the front it has no SmartCard slot, no A/V input, and no USB port (there is still one USB port on the back). On the back, there are no A/V inputs and no metal cover where the RF connectors are.

The DCT3080 is similar to the DCT3412, but has no HD output circuitry. It can record HD, but will only play it back in SD. On the back, it does not have component, FireWire or HDMI ports.

The QIP6416 has A/V inputs on the front, but no SmartCard slot (it has been moved to the back). On the back, there is no SATA port. The QIP6416 has no analog tuner, but includes an IP tuner that uses frequencies from 1.125GHz to 1.425GHz, making it a "hybrid" digital cable box.

The DCT6208 is the same size and generally looks similar to the 6412. It is identified by the model number DCT-6208/2005 on a label on the bottom of the unit.

The DCH3416 has a very different look than the DCT series. It has a large clear/black center, with many of the buttons along the bottom. On the back, it has an M-Card slot for a card that contains encryption security codes.

The DCH6416 is similar to the DCH3416, but also has an analog tuner.

Pictures

Below are front and rear pictures of the various Motorola DVR's.

DCT 6412 Phase I

DCT 6412 Phase I front panel

DCT 6412 Phase I inside

DCT 6412 Phase I rear panel

DCT 6412 Phase II

DCT 6412 Phase II Top View

DCT 6412 Phase II front panel

DCT 6412 Phase II rear panel

DCT 6412 Phase III

DCT-3412

DCT 3412 top

DCT 3412 front panel

DCT 3412 rear panel

DCT 3412 rear panel (detail)

DCT 3412 bottom, shows HDD cooling fan.

DCT-3080

[Motorola_3080_front] [Motorola_3080_Back] [Motorola_3080_inside]

QIP 6416 Phase II

Inputs on back of 6416

Full length view of back of 6416

Bottom tag of 6416

Bottom of 6416

Front of the 6416

QIP-7216

The QIP 7216 is nearly identical to the 6416 except for a M-Card slot on the back, the removal of the composite inputs on the front, and different vent screen pattern, on the top. The QIP 7216 has more RAM, offers MPEG-4 and Dolby Digital 7.1 support.

DCH-3416

Front of the 3416

Rear of the 3416

DCH-6416

(need pictures) It looks VERY MUCH like the 3416 on the front and back side.

DCX-3400

Front of the DCX3400

Rear of the DCX3400

Bottom of the DCX3400