Samsung TVs and HDMI Interface

[spidey]

So I have 2 Samsung TVs an older DLP connected to an HR20-700 and a new LCD hooked to a H21. Both utilize a HDMI interface. I use Native resolution on both however notice loss of signal messages on the LCD when switching channels. Also on the HR20 I have had to go to native off since I have seen many green screens when tuning MPEG4 channels.


Are others seeing same issues? I am thinking of just doing Native off on both. I have reported but wondering if this is widespread?

[TigersFanJJ]

I've seen it a few times while doing upgrades. The only way to keep it from doing that is to turn native off.

[veryoldschool]

With Samsung... yes.

[Tom Robertson]

From what I've read at AVS (but that has been very briefly) there are known problems with at least some Samsungs and HDMI. I know I have a sound problem with one of mine the requires me to change inputs every so often to get sound back for instance. And hasn't mattered which HDMI source device I use, so I don't blame the HR2x family.

I also don't use Native mode, I personally find that too distracting and adds too much time to channel changes.

Cheers,
Tom

[lucky13]

I have a Sammy LCD connected to an H20. I like the picture better with the component connection than through HDMI. Component colors seem more vivid to me.

[cartrivision]

I have a Sammy LCD connected to an H20. I like the picture better with the component connection than through HDMI. Component colors seem more vivid to me.

That might be because your picture adjustment parameters are different on your component inputs than they are on your HDMI input. On the Samsungs (at least on some of the new ones) separate picture adjustments parameters are maintained for each input (or at least for each input type).

[lucky13]

That might be because your picture adjustment parameters are different on your component inputs than they are on your HDMI input. On the Samsungs (at least on some of the new ones) separate picture adjustments parameters are maintained for each input (or at least for each input type).

You mean the basic adjustments (brightness, contrast, color)?
Hadn't thought of that. I'll give it a try when the kids get off the set.

[506PIR]

I see it from time to time on my Sammy connected to an HR20-100. Checkout my setup for the model

[dtv757]

when i have the NATIVE setting "on" i notice a brief loss of signal when i change channels, as the HR20 is changing formats. but i keep NATIVE "off" and i have no issues with my SAMSUNG LCD.

[gulfwarvet]

i only seen this while doing upgrades, but i see it every time with the Samsung duo player.

Also i agree with Tom Robertson as what he already stated," I also don't use Native mode, I personally find that too distracting and adds too much time to channel changes.."

[K4SMX]

As someone who went through three consecutive model years of Samsung LCD HDTV's, I just don't understand why these guys continue to have so much trouble with the HDMI interface. As I understand it, this is an Intel-developed standard, and other manufacturers seem to have implemented it on a wide range of input devices with much less difficulty. If anything, things have been worse in some respects with the 2007 model year than the 2006.

[cartrivision]

You mean the basic adjustments (brightness, contrast, color)?
Hadn't thought of that. I'll give it a try when the kids get off the set.

Yes, that's what I mean, and I just checked my Samsung. Every single video input has an independent set of adjustments. I can set the color, brightness, etc for the HDMI 1 input different from the settings for HDMI 2 input, or any other input.

[djousma]

I've got a Samsung upconverting DVD player connected via HDMI to my Sharp. Almost everytime I use my DVD player, and switch back to my HR20, the sound is gone. Have to unplug the TV to get it to come back. If I dont use the SAmmy dvd player, I have no problems. Getting readdy to chuck it out, and get a blueray.

[keithtd]

Sounds similar to a question I asked previously,
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=120712

[B-Town Blues]

From what I've read at AVS (but that has been very briefly) there are known problems with at least some Samsungs and HDMI. I know I have a sound problem with one of mine the requires me to change inputs every so often to get sound back for instance. And hasn't mattered which HDMI source device I use, so I don't blame the HR2x family.

Cheers,
Tom

I bought a new Samsung LCD just 3 weeks ago, and I have discovered a wierd HDMI problem. Initially I hooked the Digital Audio line from the TV to my Surround system, and while I did get sound out, it never went to DD 5.1. If I hooked the Digital Audio from my H20-600 directly to the Surround system, and it successfully read the signal as DD 5.1. It definitely sounds like a Samsung problem, and not a DirecTV receiver problem. I don't have any other HDMI compatible toys to hook to it, so I can't confirm that the H20 HDMI output can't be at fault, but I really doubt it. Also, I haven't found any sources for Firmware updates to my Sammy yet. Anyone know of any links ???

[Mike Huss]

I have my Sammy LCD hooked up to the HR21 via HDMI. Since it is 1080p capable I have the HR21 set to 1080i output only with Native off. I notice no issues with HDMI whatsoever with those settings.

[tds4182]

So I have 2 Samsung TVs an older DLP connected to an HR20-700 and a new LCD hooked to a H21. Both utilize a HDMI interface. I use Native resolution on both however notice loss of signal messages on the LCD when switching channels. Also on the HR20 I have had to go to native off since I have seen many green screens when tuning MPEG4 channels.


Are others seeing same issues? I am thinking of just doing Native off on both. I have reported but wondering if this is widespread?
My Samsung (LNS-4095) would not accept the 480I signal. Just make sure the output settings on your unit are set to output only 480P,720P and 1080I. Shouldn't be a problem after that.

[SteelersFan_in_CA]

I bought a new Samsung LCD just 3 weeks ago, and I have discovered a wierd HDMI problem. Initially I hooked the Digital Audio line from the TV to my Surround system, and while I did get sound out, it never went to DD 5.1. If I hooked the Digital Audio from my H20-600 directly to the Surround system, and it successfully read the signal as DD 5.1. It definitely sounds like a Samsung problem, and not a DirecTV receiver problem. I don't have any other HDMI compatible toys to hook to it, so I can't confirm that the H20 HDMI output can't be at fault, but I really doubt it. Also, I haven't found any sources for Firmware updates to my Sammy yet. Anyone know of any links ???

Check your manual. On my Samsung 4671 it states that this is the way the set is designed. I believe it has something to do with copy protection or something along those lines.

[Rakul]

I bought a new Samsung LCD just 3 weeks ago, and I have discovered a wierd HDMI problem. Initially I hooked the Digital Audio line from the TV to my Surround system, and while I did get sound out, it never went to DD 5.1. If I hooked the Digital Audio from my H20-600 directly to the Surround system, and it successfully read the signal as DD 5.1. It definitely sounds like a Samsung problem, and not a DirecTV receiver problem. I don't have any other HDMI compatible toys to hook to it, so I can't confirm that the H20 HDMI output can't be at fault, but I really doubt it. Also, I haven't found any sources for Firmware updates to my Sammy yet. Anyone know of any links ???

It's this way on my Sammy 4665 as well, you can't get 5.1 with HDMI to the TV and then Opitcal to the receiver. I just gave up and added an optical switch to my center and routed all of my devices to that and then to the receiver.

[spidey]

So i guess the question is this a Samsung issue, a DTV issue or a combo issue? I have run wth native on my westy for ever and NEVER have I seen a problem which makes me suspect its on the Sammy side.

[cweave02]

when i have the NATIVE setting "on" i notice a brief loss of signal when i change channels, as the HR20 is changing formats. but i keep NATIVE "off" and i have no issues with my SAMSUNG LCD.

Ditto here. It drives me crazy watching the tuner try to decide what resolution is appropriate, then the flashing on the Samsung when it changes to the "correct" format. That is one reason I have now migrated to Mitsubishi.

[Canis Lupus]

This is pretty common. I would bet many TVs do not pass 5.1 from their inputs to their outputs.

FWIW, other than Native On causing delays (I also only use Native Off), my Sammy DLP has never had an issue with HDMI and HR20-700 or any other HDMI output device.

It's this way on my Sammy 4665 as well, you can't get 5.1 with HDMI to the TV and then Opitcal to the receiver. I just gave up and added an optical switch to my center and routed all of my devices to that and then to the receiver.

[veryoldschool]

So i guess the question is this a Samsung issue, a DTV issue or a combo issue? I have run wth native on my westy for ever and NEVER have I seen a problem which makes me suspect its on the Sammy side.
HDMI is a "standard" that the TV manufacturer's seem to interpret their own way(s). DirecTV seems to be trying to adjust their software to be more compliant, but since it's a "standard" [to me] the TV makers should follow it.

[spidey]

This is pretty common. I would bet many TVs do not pass 5.1 from their inputs to their outputs.

FWIW, other than Native On causing delays (I also only use Native Off), my Sammy DLP has never had an issue with HDMI and HR20-700 or any other HDMI output device.

On the DLP I have seen totally green and yellow screens with audio present. I thought it was somethign to do wit new SW release and MPEg4 channels only. I am going to change my Hr20-700 back to native and see if problem is still there. The HR200-700 to DLp switching has never shown lack of signal messages like I am getting on the Sammy LCD.


EDIT Simple testing is showing no issues with the HR200 and Native with the Sammy DLP. Keep my fingers crossed

[CCarncross]

In general here are two rules of thumb I employ with everyone's HD setup I help setup:

1. Especially if using HDMI, I do not select 480i output in the HD setup of the D* receivers.

2. Never run HDMI out to tv then try to run optical output back to av receiver. There are almost no tvs that support DD5.1 pass-thru. I personally know of zero....but that doesnt mean there arent a few out there. Always run optical/coax digital out of D* receiver directly to av receiver.

You CAN run optical out of the tv and get DD5.1 sound to your av system IF you are watching one of your OTA ATSC tuner channels or perhaps clear QAM if your tv supports it...

[Canis Lupus]

OK. Yeah with Native ON, I have seen green screens as the TV is cycling through the resolutions during channel changes, but they're brief, and never anything as major as "totally" green or yellow with audio present.

I have Native OFF mostly for channel changing speed, and I'm satisfied with 720p output from the HR going to the 1080p TV.

On the DLP I have seen totally green and yellow screens with audio present. I thought it was somethign to do wit new SW release and MPEg4 channels only. I am going to change my Hr20-700 back to native and see if problem is still there. The HR200-700 to DLp switching has never shown lack of signal messages like I am getting on the Sammy LCD.


EDIT Simple testing is showing no issues with the HR200 and Native with the Sammy DLP. Keep my fingers crossed

[K4SMX]

OK. Yeah with Native ON, I have seen green screens as the TV is cycling through the resolutions during channel changes, but they're brief, and never anything as major as "totally" green or yellow with audio present.

I have Native OFF mostly for channel changing speed, and I'm satisfied with 720p output from the HR going to the 1080p TV.
Just for drill, give Native "On" with component inputs a try. Most Samsungs look really good with component video inputs, you'd have little to no delays changing channels, and all de-interlacing/scaling would be done by the TV, not the DirecTV receiver.

[benjaminmarle]

I have a Samsung LCD with an HR20-700 and a Samsung DVD/VCR combo. Both are hookied up through HDMI only and I have had no problems.

[spidey]

In general here are two rules of thumb I employ with everyone's HD setup I help setup:


2. Never run HDMI out to tv then try to run optical output back to av receiver. There are almost no tvs that support DD5.1 pass-thru. I personally know of zero....but that doesnt mean there arent a few out there. Always run optical/coax digital out of D* receiver directly to av receiver.

You CAN run optical out of the tv and get DD5.1 sound to your av system IF you are watching one of your OTA ATSC tuner channels or perhaps clear QAM if your tv supports it...
I am a little confused. I run HDMI out from rvcr to TV and optical out from receiver to AV receiver. Seems to be working just fine.

[Richierich]

I have a Samsung LN-T5281F LCD and I have no problem with my HDMI. Yes it is a little slow resolving the different resolutions but that is to be expected. I select just 720P & 1080I.

HDMI looks better than Component, not as grainey.

[K4SMX]

I am a little confused. I run HDMI out from rvcr to TV and optical out from receiver to AV receiver. Seems to be working just fine.
What CCarncross is discussing in his 100% correct post is the rather arcane side issue of those who primarily use any external "box," DirecTV or otherwise, and also watch TV over directly-connected cable or OTA. In those limited circumstances, the TV's built in ATSC/QAM tuner will provide a DD 5.1 output which can be separately run from the TV to a different A/V receiver input from the main digital input coming from the "box." The TV does not "pass-through" DD 5.1 audio from external sources.

[techgirl]

I'm just curious if anyone has had this problem:

I have a Sammy LN-T4065 LCD with an HDMI connection to my HR20-700. When I'm viewing OTA HD material via the HR20-700 (live and recorded playback), I will hear loud "clicking and popping" sounds periodically. It can be especially bad on live broadcast material such as Dancing with the Stars or football. It will also happen occasionally with D* HD material as well, but it is never as severe as OTA. Sometimes, if I rewind the material, it will play fine.

I am running in Native On mode, but am thinking based on the other posts of changing that. I'm also using the HDMI cable that came with the HR20. I've never tried using a component connection.

Any thoughts that you have about this would be appreciated.

Thanks and have a nice day!

[JDubbs413]

I'm just curious if anyone has had this problem:

I have a Sammy LN-T4065 LCD with an HDMI connection to my HR20-700. When I'm viewing OTA HD material via the HR20-700 (live and recorded playback), I will hear loud "clicking and popping" sounds periodically. It can be especially bad on live broadcast material such as Dancing with the Stars or football. It will also happen occasionally with D* HD material as well, but it is never as severe as OTA. Sometimes, if I rewind the material, it will play fine.

I am running in Native On mode, but am thinking based on the other posts of changing that. I'm also using the HDMI cable that came with the HR20. I've never tried using a component connection.

Any thoughts that you have about this would be appreciated.

Thanks and have a nice day!

I had that one time with a defective (at least I think that is what the problem was) HR20-700 I had received. It was on all HD channels. I immediately had them take it back but I was hooked up via component at the time (not to say it wouldn't do it when I had HDMI).

I had a pre-owned HDMI cable that I had the installer use to hook up my HR20-700 with that didn't work. The TV wouldn't recognize it or something like that so the installer hooked up via component. We should have tried to use the HDMI cable that came with the HD DVR but of course I didn't think about it at the time we assumed that all HDMI cables wouldn't work.

When I have the HR20-700 hooked up to my Samsung using component there are horizontal lines kinda purplish in color that scroll slowly and appear on every channel. Luckily I got so frustrated and desparate I tried to use the HDMI cable that came with it and it worked like a charm. Perfect picture and no faint horizontal lines.

It's just weird how some HDMI cables are recognized by the TV and others aren't.

I have a Samsung 32 inch.

[K4SMX]

I'm just curious if anyone has had this problem:

I have a Sammy LN-T4065 LCD with an HDMI connection to my HR20-700. When I'm viewing OTA HD material via the HR20-700 (live and recorded playback), I will hear loud "clicking and popping" sounds periodically. It can be especially bad on live broadcast material such as Dancing with the Stars or football. It will also happen occasionally with D* HD material as well, but it is never as severe as OTA. Sometimes, if I rewind the material, it will play fine.

I am running in Native On mode, but am thinking based on the other posts of changing that. I'm also using the HDMI cable that came with the HR20. I've never tried using a component connection.

Any thoughts that you have about this would be appreciated.

Thanks and have a nice day!
Since you are using the TV for audio, make sure the Dolby Digital is set for "Off" in the HR20-700 audio setup: Menu Button > Parental, Fav's and Setup > System Setup > Audio > Dolby Digital tab. If it's already set to "Off," you could next try running the audio separately to the TV with red/white audio cables and use the corresponding component video inputs instead of HDMI.

If you don't have any good quality component video cables, as a temporary measure to see if this corrects your audio problems, you could use a set of R/W/Y composite video cables. (Most everyone has a set of these in a drawer somewhere. Just re-label them in your mind: R=R, W=B, Y=G, and make sure they're plugged into the corresponding colors on each end.)

If using the R/W analog audio cables corrects your problem, and you need to get a set of good quality component video cables, you can order them inexpensively at either Blue Jeans Cable (http://www.bluejeanscable.com) or Monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com).

If none of the above fixes your problem, I would confirm the problem with some other TV, and then get your receiver replaced.

[CCarncross]

I am a little confused. I run HDMI out from rvcr to TV and optical out from receiver to AV receiver. Seems to be working just fine.

That is fine, but its not what was being discussed in this case. The point many of us are trying to make is you cant run HDMI to your tv, then optical back from your tv to your AV receiver, in almost every case, you will NOT get DD5.1 sound that way. You need to run the optical or digital coax connection straight to your av receiver from the D* receiver.

As long as your AV receiver properly supports it, you can always run HDMI to AV receiver if so equipped, then HDMI out from AV receiver to TV.

[keithtd]

I discovered this evening my Samy LNT3242H has a bad HDMI 1 input. It's connected to an H21-200 running straight 720 resolution, which alleviates the "searching for signal" message when switching between 480 and 720 resolutions.

Tonight I discovered going between SD 4x3 programs and HD 16x9 programs that the format was not changing and stuck on 4x3. I called D* support who ran me through all the basic TS procedures including resetting the receiver to no avail.

After hanging up with D* I swapped the HDMI from input 1 to 2 and bingo, all was back to normal. I called Samy support and I'm scheduled for a in-home repair Friday. Both level 1 and 2 at Samy said this was a new issue and neither had seen this issue before! I did verify by swapping the inputs 3 times with the same results.

Anyone experiencing HDMI issues might want to try it. Don't forget to change the input selection if you do.