Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
bugged
Newbie

Tested a new RG6 cable today but it didn't solve the problem.  I'm not sure what else to try at this point.

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

Some suggestions:

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Ask your neighbors if they have similar issues with the same channels as you. If so, that implicates Verizon's outside equipment.

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Remove the new cable and hook up the old cable.

Did you check other channels outside the 200-400mhz area to see if they had the low SNR problem also? (For example channel 665 at 590mhz.)

If so....

Do you have another digital tv you can use or borrow? If you do, you can put the splitter back on and use the new cable (or any short cable) to go from the splitter to the extra tv. Scan for digital cable channels, and set it to one of the local broadcast network (in-the-clear) channels it should find. You won't need a cable card for the extra tv. Then wait till the problem reoccurs and check the extra tv's reception. Of course this would only help if the problem occurs to some noticable degree on those channels. If you notice problems on the extra tv, call Verizon. You have done all you can.

.

Otherwise, you can package up the cable and return it to Home Depot. They give you 90 days to return it for full refund with the receipt; unlimited time without it for store credit, I think. At least that's what they allow in Florida.

Good luck..

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
bugged
Newbie

Yes, Ive checked the other channels for low SNR and I don't notice any problems. They all appear to be in the 37-38 SNR range. Even the offending channels show an SNR of 37-38 when they are working.  The problem never occurs on the "in the clear" channels. 

In order to rule out the TV, I'm going to need to order a STB and see if the same problem exists.  If so, it is definitely Verizon.  That's about the only thing left to do.

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

That's probably your best bet now. What little I know about tv tuners in digital tv seems to indicate that they work in bands or sections. One example I have found shows a tuner with 3 bands: 45-180mhz, 160-470mhz, and 430-860mhz. But I don't know if that is typical of a set like yours. So, it's possible that your tv tuner middle band section might be intermittant if that is the case.

..

Anyone out there have better information on tuners?

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
bugged
Newbie

I don't know much about tv tuners, but it is hard to believe that the tuner would go bad in such a narrow range (327-345 mhz),  I'm watching one of the offending channels now, and the reception is fine!  Go figure!

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

Yes, get an HD-STB for a month for 10 bucks. That should tell you if it's VZ or you. You can actually just visit the local VZ store and pick one up probably, but then you would have to call them to activate it. Your choice.

Also with an STB for a month, you can try out the video-on-demand stuff and interactive program guide.

Good luck

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
bugged
Newbie

The STB arrived today and I am having no problems at all on the offending channels.  So my 5-year old SONY TV is to blame! 

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

Interesting. I was wondering about the age of the TV. The older, the more likely to have a "can" tuner with at least 3 sections/bands. I think the newer ones have a silicon tuner, with just one section. What is the model#?

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
bugged
Newbie

It's an LCD rear projection SONY, model KDF-E50A10.  i haven't been able to find any info on the tuners for this set.

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Re: Intermittent Signal Dropouts and Pixelation
iGreg
Newbie

I am starting to have similar issue.  My parents a few miles away have it also (even worse). It is very intermittant. I replaced the splitter, problem continues. Next I guess is to replace the 25 ft cable running from splitter to TV.

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