Sony 4K Projector Won't Work with FIOS TV One box

[Philly2151]

Sony VPL 295es native 4K projector won't work with new FIOS TV one box.  I connected the box directly to the projector and cannot get a picture to display. 

[clem21]

Is the box setup to display 4K out? How long is HDMI cable to projector? Is projector setup to accept any input resolution? Have you checked output of box with another TV to make sure it's working?

[Philly2151 · Accepted solution]

I checked all of the things you suggested, but for some reason, the signal from the set top box will not display.  However, when I route the TV One box signal through my 4k compatible receiver...voilà!!   IT'S ALIVE!!!  For some reason, the projector prefers the signal from the receiver.

Thanks for helping me solve this mystery.

[MikeK8]

I am having the same problem with my Sony VPL385es projector. However, my Denon receiver is older and isn’t 4K compatible so routing the HDMI through my receiver won’t help get a 4K video image. I spoke with Sony customer support and they suggested getting an EDIT Emulator. I got one made by gofanco on Amazon for $65 and my HDMI is routed through it to the projector. I have an optical cable connected from the FIOS box to the receiver for audio. I get a video image now but in the video settings on the FIOS box it will only accept 1080p and when I try to select 2160p I get the following error “Unable to change to the selected video format, it may not be supported on this TV or can not be changed at this time”

Before I try investing in a 4K compatible receiver and routing the HDMI through it, can someone who this solution worked for please tell me if you’re able to select 2160p in the video settings on the FIOS box or only 1080p. Thanks

[MikeK8]

Posting an update with a solution in case someone else has the same problem and doesn't want to invest in upgrading to a 4K compatible receiver.  My older Denon receiver works great for audio in my theater room and I didn't want to replace it.  I use an optical audio connection from the FIOS box to the receiver for sound.  The video is going straight to the projector from the FIOS box.  I tried multiple HDMI splitters and switchers in btwn the FIOS box and the projector all to no avail (made sure there was free returns).  They were all HDCP2.2 and 4K compatible but didn't solve the handshake problem btwn the projector and the FIOS One box.  I have an older Sony soundbar on another TV and tried routing the HDMI cables through that, purely to use for the video pass through and not for audio.  I got a clean picture and the video setting at 2160p for all channels other than a true 4K broadcast, which it couldn't show b/c the soundbar is pre-HDCP2.2.  I now knew there was an inexpensive solution to be had.  This Sony website listed the soundbar models that support HDR and Enhanced 4K  https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00171719.

I bought a used Sony soundbar only on Ebay (don't need the subwoofer for this since its just to solve the video handshake issue), model HT-NT5.  Other brand soundbars may work but I went with Sony just b/c my older pre-HDCP2.2 model worked other than supporting HDR.  It's effectively just being used as a video signal processor standing up in the back of my equipment rack.  Hope this helps, my trial and error was frustrating to say the least.

[JimB51]

I attempted to post a complete reply to this and the forum page threw up and lost it, typical of the Verizon experience.

My key points for MikeK8 were:

- Thanks you for the time and effort you put into your posting, I have had a similar experience struggling with this.  Verizon telephone 'Support' has been useless.

- After finally reaching L3 Fios support last year (when I was using a Sony VPL-HS51 HD projector with a new Fios One), I believe the issue is a long-lasting Fios bug that does not allow HDMI-CEC to be disabled (even though there is a setting available), and the Sony projectors aren't able to digest the Fios on/off and volume commands sent up the HDMI cable

- Now a year later, with a new VPL-VW295ES 4K Sony projector, the problem still exists, all I get from Fios One is beautiful 4 snow on the Sony projector

- And of course, Verizon will not let you speak with L2 / L3 now.  I had to spell 'uplink' for the phone rep.  Astounding.

- I will see if I can get a rated Sony Soundbar from EBay using the article you posted and experiment to see if it filters out the CEC signals.  Thanks again for your homework.

Jim B

[MikeK8]

Good luck Jim. One thing that I’ve found since going this route is that the video doesn’t always come through the first time turning it on, I’ve had to power the soundbar on/off a few times to get it to show the video.

[JimB51]

Mike - maybe the more elegant (and permanent) approach would be to get Sony to update their projector software.  Lately their customer support line (800-222-7669) has a recording that they are not offering phone support because of C-19.  Have you tried to reach them / escalate this in the past? 

Jim

[clem21]

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@JimB51 wrote:

Mike - maybe the more elegant (and permanent) approach would be to get Sony to update their projector software.  Lately their customer support line (800-222-7669) has a recording that they are not offering phone support because of C-19.  Have you tried to reach them / escalate this in the past? 

Jim

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Has anybody out there tried something like this between your Fios box and the projector?

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=21614

Thinking maybe it will correct the EDID from the TV to the Fios box through its switch . If they will take a return, I'd give it a shot instead of looking for a soundbar since that is essentially what the soundbar passthrough is doing.

[JimB51]

I tried a 4K switcher that Crutchfield recommended, no love:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120M3X1SW4/Metra-ethereal-CS-HDM3X1SW4.html

[clem21]

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@JimB51 wrote:

I tried a 4K switcher that Crutchfield recommended, no love:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120M3X1SW4/Metra-ethereal-CS-HDM3X1SW4.html

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Makes no sense running through a soundbar would somehow work and the switch wont unless the soundbar is changing the edid info.

[JimB51]

Thanks - I'm surmising that the issue is that the Verizon Fios Box is trying to send HDMI-CEC up to the projector, and the Sony doesn't know what to do with this info.  What I see on EDID is that it's what the display device (projector in this case) sends to the source.  And my hunch is that the Sony 4K projectors don't send EDID info down the HDMI, and there's no mention of EDID in the Sony VPL-VW295ES documentation.  

So do you think that EDID is involved at all here?

[clem21]

My understanding of this is there is an ID provided by the display that lets the source know what the displays capabilities are and that it is connected. Sounds like one of the devices is not providing the correct info, or it isn't making it down the pipe,  or is being misinterpreted. Maybe what is needed is something like this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351398-REG/apantac_edid_ew_h_all_in_one_edid.html

Or it could be a copy-protection issue that would need a different device to fix.

[clem21]

HDMI CEC in the Verizon box is switched on and off using the TV input control option in the Video option menu. My guess is it could also be HDCP getting in the way. Also try going into the service menu in the Fios box and change the output to 1080i. Service menu is : power off at box,  OK 2X quickly,  left arrow, scroll down to user menu, look for additional HDMI options,  change resolution,  hit ok. Powercycle box. If projector sees signal, try changing res back to 4K 30, not 4K 60. Also make sure you have box into the correct input on the projector,  and wide color is enabled for that input. You could also try one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/J-Tech-Digital-Converter-Downgrade-supports/dp/B06XC7VLFV

[MikeK8]

Replying to a couple of questions from above here.

When I spoke to Sony customer support it was with someone in their higher level support group. He was the one who suggested an EDID emulator. Both Sony and Verizon support are pointing at each other for the problem.

I tried about 8 different EDID boxes, HDMI switches, etc. from Monoprice and Amazon. (although not specifically the #21614 from Monoprice, if anyone has luck with that one please reply) I tried putting the boxes in btwn the FIOS box and the front end of the cable going to the projector as well btwn the back end of the cable and the projector (just to make sure it wasn’t the length of the optical cable run causing anything, it’s a RUIPRO 10m optical HDMI cable going from my equipment rack to the projector) None of them worked.

I previously updated the software on the projector to make sure that it’s current.

I don’t really understand why running through a soundbar or a 4K compatible receiver does trick when none of the EDID boxes or HDMI switch will. I wanted to go this route instead of buying a new receiver b/c it pains me knowing that the Denon receiver I spent $3500 on about 15 years ago is probably worth less $100 today and it still works perfect other than its not 4K video compatible. It’s **bleep** to have to replace a receiver b/c of a video issue that s/b solved by the video equipment.

[MikeK8]

Forgot to add, I also had tried making changes through the service menu on the FIOS box, needless to say, nothing there helped

[JimB51]

Mike - you get the crown for a huge experiment and effort here.  Like you, I have a terrific older expensive Denon receiver that supports direct Ext-In and I'm partial to some SACDs I have (best by far is Dark Side of the Moon), so don't want to change my Denon out either because the starting point for an HDMI+Ext-In receiver is $1500.  Appreciate your efforts in trying various EDID & HDMI boxes.

Clem - I mentioned above that a L3 Fios rep told me last summer that there's a bug in the FIOS software and the HDMI-CEC 'disable' does nothing.  Seems that it's still there.

Looks like I'll box up the FIOS One (again) and revert to the 1100 series.  My goal was to enjoy my new 4K projector, and I've got a new Sony UBP-X700 Ultra HD Blu-ray player which streams 4K beautifully, and I'm happy enough with the projector and Amazon Prime / Netflix / Hulu this way.  I don't watch or DVR network TV much other than big final sports events

If I had a choice of a different Internet / TV / landline provider in my neighborhood I'd drop these guys in a heartbeat.  But cell service in the suburbs where I live is spotty so dependable calls require a landline.  The irony is that I have Verizon for cell service too, and even WiFi calling on my Verizon iPhone 8 drops!

I will go after Sony when they reopen and push for them to specifically test the 295 4K projector with Fios One and get things sorted between the companies.  But I'm resigned to substandard products and service from Verizon as a captive customer, and I'm OK with that based on my projector goal above.

[clem21]

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@MikeK8 wrote:

Replying to a couple of questions from above here.

When I spoke to Sony customer support it was with someone in their higher level support group. He was the one who suggested an EDID emulator. Both Sony and Verizon support are pointing at each other for the problem.

I tried about 8 different EDID boxes, HDMI switches, etc. from Monoprice and Amazon. (although not specifically the #21614 from Monoprice, if anyone has luck with that one please reply) I tried putting the boxes in btwn the FIOS box and the front end of the cable going to the projector as well btwn the back end of the cable and the projector (just to make sure it wasn’t the length of the optical cable run causing anything, it’s a RUIPRO 10m optical HDMI cable going from my equipment rack to the projector) None of them worked.

I previously updated the software on the projector to make sure that it’s current.

I don’t really understand why running through a soundbar or a 4K compatible receiver does trick when none of the EDID boxes or HDMI switch will. I wanted to go this route instead of buying a new receiver b/c it pains me knowing that the Denon receiver I spent $3500 on about 15 years ago is probably worth less $100 today and it still works perfect other than its not 4K video compatible. It’s **bleep** to have to replace a receiver b/c of a video issue that s/b solved by the video equipment.

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Are you sure the optical system is HDCP 2.2 compatible? The Fios one boxes need that to work. Also I have a $500 Denon receiver,  a 3400 that works perfectly with my Sony UHD Bluray player and SACD in DSD mode. The main difference between the 1100box and the 4100 series was 4K, which required the jump in HDCP spec. Have you tried a conventional high speed HDMI cable between the box and projector? As was said, you've done just about everything you could. Seems like there should be a lot more complaints of incompatibility on this and Sonys forums with this issue.

[MikeK8]

Hi Clem.  Yes the optical cable is definitely HDCP 2.2 compatible.  I also had tried moving the FIOS box next to the projector on a ladder and using a different shorter HDMI cable to connect to the projector (one that I have on a different 4K flat panel tv that works fine with the FIOS box).  no luck.

[clem21]

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@MikeK8 wrote:

Hi Clem.  Yes the optical cable is definitely HDCP 2.2 compatible.  I also had tried moving the FIOS box next to the projector on a ladder and using a different shorter HDMI cable to connect to the projector (one that I have on a different 4K flat panel tv that works fine with the FIOS box).  no luck.

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Dont remember but did you ever try changing the resolution on the fios box to 1080i? If so did that connect with the projector?

[MikeK8]

yep, tried that as well as with one of the EDID boxes that had a number of manual settings.