HR20 OTA Recording Problems

[Robert Simandl]

Have an older HR20 with the built-in OTA tuner. On my 58" Panasonic, I can tell the difference between the OTA channels and DirecTV's MPEG-4 equivalents, so I use the OTA when possible.

However, the last few days I've been getting massive pixelation and picture breakups on my recordings from local OTA channels. I've gotten this on Fox News Sunday on the Fox affiliate, the Rams/Colts game on the CBS affiliate, and Jay Leno on the NBC affiliate during the last two days.

It's only on the local OTA channels with the HR20's OTA tuner, and only when watching recordings. It doesn't happen when watching those same programs on the DirecTV MPEG-4 locals, or even when watching the OTA locals live (not recording). Breakups occur only when watching a recorded show from an OTA channel, or watching an OTA channel live while it is recording.

Any insights into what's going on here?

Thanks!

[CCarncross]

Check your antenna connections, sounds like you might be having signal issues.

[hasan]

Have an older HR20 with the built-in OTA tuner. On my 58" Panasonic, I can tell the difference between the OTA channels and DirecTV's MPEG-4 equivalents, so I use the OTA when possible.

However, the last few days I've been getting massive pixelation and picture breakups on my recordings from local OTA channels. I've gotten this on Fox News Sunday on the Fox affiliate, the Rams/Colts game on the CBS affiliate, and Jay Leno on the NBC affiliate during the last two days.

It's only on the local OTA channels with the HR20's OTA tuner, and only when watching recordings. It doesn't happen when watching those same programs on the DirecTV MPEG-4 locals, or even when watching the OTA locals live (not recording). Breakups occur only when watching a recorded show from an OTA channel, or watching an OTA channel live while it is recording.

Any insights into what's going on here?

Thanks!

I agree with the signal issues thing, as I have an HR20-700 as well, and am having no such problems with it. Check connectors inside first (make sure they are properly tightened, etc., then outside, and if you've had a bunch of rain, pay special attention to the weather seal at the antenna itself (and a barrel connectors that join two pieces of coax, if you have any)

The other thing you should do is bring up the signal meter screen and monitor it for several minutes. The kind of problem you are reporting should show up as wildly bouncing signal level readings.

[HDbruce]

Lots of us have been having OTA recording problems since the software release in mid-September. Doesn't affect live broadcasts when watching through the HR20 box. Random audio loss and sometimes picture breakup. Seems to be more common on FOX but happening on all OTA channels. Many postings in this forum. Always a good idea to check cable connections but this sure sounds like the software problem others are having.

It is rumored that the new software release rolling out now addresses this problem which was apparently caused when they added support for dual live buffers and created some momentary cpu overloads from background processes.

[jdspencer]

For those living in areas where the trees are losing their leaves, this could also be a multipath problem.

[TimoHT]

Lots of us have been having OTA recording problems since the software release in mid-September. Doesn't affect live broadcasts when watching through the HR20 box. Random audio loss and sometimes picture breakup. Seems to be more common on FOX but happening on all OTA channels. Many postings in this forum. Always a good idea to check cable connections but this sure sounds like the software problem others are having.

It is rumored that the new software release rolling out now addresses this problem which was apparently caused when they added support for dual live buffers and created some momentary cpu overloads from background processes.

+1

I was also getting the pixelation and audio/video stuttering problem after the September s/w downloaded (0x034c). But, the new s/w (0x0368) downloaded to my HR20-100 late last week and so far (knock on wood, cross my fingers, etc, etc) we've not experienced this issue since the new s/w loaded. I think its too early to be certain. But, so far, so good...

[TBlazer07]

I've had the identical problem for many months on my 3 HR20's. I've reported it in various places. I went so far as to replace the (35yr old :) ) antenna, all cabling & connectors and a splitter thinking it was my issue. It only happens when you are in the buffer or watching an OTA recording. When watching "real time/live" OTA it's fine but as soon as you hit PAUSE and begin buffering it begins. I've just stopped using OTA but haven't checked it recently.

It can't be multipath or leaves because when you watch live/real-time it is fine. It only shows up on an OTA recorded program and/or if you are watching OTA from the buffer.

Here is an example I posted of the issue back in late May. It keeps repeating because I kept "looping" my recording of the same segment to show the issue over and over. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0urO4KQ-9cw

Edit: Note the "static like" horizontal noise bars and the pause of the audio.





Have an older HR20 with the built-in OTA tuner. On my 58" Panasonic, I can tell the difference between the OTA channels and DirecTV's MPEG-4 equivalents, so I use the OTA when possible.

However, the last few days I've been getting massive pixelation and picture breakups on my recordings from local OTA channels. I've gotten this on Fox News Sunday on the Fox affiliate, the Rams/Colts game on the CBS affiliate, and Jay Leno on the NBC affiliate during the last two days.

It's only on the local OTA channels with the HR20's OTA tuner, and only when watching recordings. It doesn't happen when watching those same programs on the DirecTV MPEG-4 locals, or even when watching the OTA locals live (not recording). Breakups occur only when watching a recorded show from an OTA channel, or watching an OTA channel live while it is recording.

Any insights into what's going on here?

Thanks!

[TBlazer07]

This is a totally different issue then the one you describe and only applies to off-air (OTA) watching/recording.+1

I was also getting the pixelation and audio/video stuttering problem after the September s/w downloaded (0x034c). But, the new s/w (0x0368) downloaded to my HR20-100 late last week and so far (knock on wood, cross my fingers, etc, etc) we've not experienced this issue since the new s/w loaded. I think its too early to be certain. But, so far, so good...

[TBlazer07]

It can't be a signal issue because it only happens on a recording or if you are watching OTA from in the buffer. If what you are watching is OTA "real-time/live" it's perfect. As soon as you hit PAUSE and are now in the buffer it starts. I've been reporting this both in CE and here since late May. In my case I am 20 miles ATCF from the Empire State Bldg with no obstructions. On a clear day I can actually see the ESB from my roof.

FROM THE ORIGINAL POST: t's only on the local OTA channels with the HR20's OTA tuner, and only when watching recordings. It doesn't happen when watching those same programs on the DirecTV MPEG-4 locals, or even when watching the OTA locals live (not recording). Breakups occur only when watching a recorded show from an OTA channel, or watching an OTA channel live while it is recording.




I agree with the signal issues thing, as I have an HR20-700 as well, and am having no such problems with it. Check connectors inside first (make sure they are properly tightened, etc., then outside, and if you've had a bunch of rain, pay special attention to the weather seal at the antenna itself (and a barrel connectors that join two pieces of coax, if you have any)

The other thing you should do is bring up the signal meter screen and monitor it for several minutes. The kind of problem you are reporting should show up as wildly bouncing signal level readings.

[BruceS]

I agree it could be signal problems. If you can easily reach the connections on the back of your box and your TV has a built in tuner, I would recommend moving the cables from the box to your TV any try that.

At least that would verify whether the problem is in the box or the antenna leads.

If you just had the problem on Fox, they changed the way commercials were broadcast around the time the new shows started up this year. From what I have heard on my local OTA forum, Fox added an additional tone just before and after commercials this year.

This has been causing problems in my area. Many HD shows remain in SD after an SD commercial is broadcast. This is happening for the first time in about 5 years.

The chief engineer at my local Fox station has indicated that many people are having the problem in my area.

[TBlazer07]

How can it possibly be a signal issue? If you read the OP carefully you will see the problem ONLY occurs when WATCHING AN OTA RECORDING. When he is watching OTA LIVE (not recorded) through the HR20 or a SAT RECORDING it is FINE!

The original message stated: "It's only on the local OTA channels with the HR20's OTA tuner, and only when watching recordings. It doesn't happen when watching those same programs on the DirecTV MPEG-4 locals, or even when watching the OTA locals live (not recording).Breakups occur only when watching a recorded show from an OTA channel, or watching an OTA channel live while it is recording.

This is why this problem will never be resolved (I have the same problem on 3 HR20's) because no one reads the symptoms carefully and everyone blames the signal, antenna, cables or connections or confuses it with the other ongoing SAT picture breakup problem.

I also originally blamed the antenna and connections as well (and spent over $300 to replace EVERYTHING from the OTA antenna down to the receiver) and it still happens on 3 HR20's OTA ONLY and only when watching an OTA recording or watching in the buffer. Live OTA and SAT reception are perfectly fine through the HR20.



I agree it could be signal problems. If you can easily reach the connections on the back of your box and your TV has a built in tuner, I would recommend moving the cables from the box to your TV any try that.

At least that would verify whether the problem is in the box or the antenna leads.

If you just had the problem on Fox, they changed the way commercials were broadcast around the time the new shows started up this year. From what I have heard on my local OTA forum, Fox added an additional tone just before and after commercials this year.

This has been causing problems in my area. Many HD shows remain in SD after an SD commercial is broadcast. This is happening for the first time in about 5 years.

The chief engineer at my local Fox station has indicated that many people are having the problem in my area.

[TimoHT]

This is a totally different issue then the one you describe and only applies to off-air (OTA) watching/recording.

I experienced my issue primarily on OTA stations as well (HR20-100). And, it looked much like the example you posted on UTube. Really looks like the same issue to me. But ???

[cariera]

Since the receiver buffers the show, what happens when you watch it live (no recording set) and then replay previous minutes of the show? Do you see the pixelization and stutter?

[TBlazer07]

The HR's do not buffer the show when you are watching live in real time (unlike the way TiVo did, which buffers everything) only when you pause or record or FF or RW is the buffer accessed.

Just as the OP wrote, when I watch OTA LIVE/REAL TIME through the HR20 it is perfect, but as soon as PAUSE is hit (NOW it's buffered) OR watch a recorded OTA program the problem begins. All SAT is fine both live and buffered/recorded.

Since the receiver buffers the show, what happens when you watch it live (no recording set) and then replay previous minutes of the show? Do you see the pixelization and stutter?

[TBlazer07]

What you are referring to is a known issue with the 0x034c N/R and affects SAT RECEPTION as well. The issue the OP and I refer to affects ONLY OTA programming so it is different.

The 0x034c issue you refer to is supposedly fixed in 0x0368 but not the OTA issue. Maybe once that gets fixed you will see you also have the other problem (2 separate problems). I have had it since MAY. Well before 0x034c. It started with a CE download in late May which ultimately became 0x034c.

This is why the OTA issue will never get resolved because it is being confused with what you are referring to.

I experienced my issue primarily on OTA stations as well (HR20-100). And, it looked much like the example you posted on UTube. Really looks like the same issue to me. But ???

[Robert Simandl]

Yes, Tblazer and I are referring to the same issue (I'm the OP of this thread).

For me, this just started last weekend. Never had an issue before Sunday morning.

So there's no solution?

[Robert Simandl]

There was a new software release on my unit when I got home from work tonight. So I fired up the recording of tonight's Jay Leno from the OTA NBC affiliate... no glitches!

Keeping my fingers crossed that the new software release fixed the issue.......

[CenturyBreak]

The HR's do not buffer the show when you are watching live in real time (unlike the way TiVo did, which buffers everything) only when you pause or record or FF or RW is the buffer accessed.

Just as the OP wrote, when I watch OTA LIVE/REAL TIME through the HR20 it is perfect, but as soon as PAUSE is hit (NOW it's buffered) OR watch a recorded OTA program the problem begins. All SAT is fine both live and buffered/recorded.

That's the issue I've been having with Fox OTA, which started with 34C and is still there with 368... once you pause, the buffering process kills the video: it either jumps back to the beginning of the buffer (not the point of the pause, but the actual beginning of the buffer) or forward to live video.

Similarly with recording from Fox OTA, we get a few seconds of video, then breakup, then a jump to 'keep or delete'.

[Robert Simandl]

Last night's Leno was perfect again, so I assume Thursday's new software download fixed whatever the issue was. Hopefully you'll get that new download soon.

[TomCat]

How can it possibly be a signal issue? If you read the OP carefully you will see the problem ONLY occurs when WATCHING AN OTA RECORDING. When he is watching OTA LIVE (not recorded) through the HR20 or a SAT RECORDING it is FINE!

The original message stated: "It's only on the local OTA channels with the HR20's OTA tuner, and only when watching recordings. It doesn't happen when watching those same programs on the DirecTV MPEG-4 locals, or even when watching the OTA locals live (not recording).Breakups occur only when watching a recorded show from an OTA channel, or watching an OTA channel live while it is recording.

This is why this problem will never be resolved (I have the same problem on 3 HR20's) because no one reads the symptoms carefully and everyone blames the signal, antenna, cables or connections or confuses it with the other ongoing SAT picture breakup problem.

I also originally blamed the antenna and connections as well (and spent over $300 to replace EVERYTHING from the OTA antenna down to the receiver) and it still happens on 3 HR20's OTA ONLY and only when watching an OTA recording or watching in the buffer. Live OTA and SAT reception are perfectly fine through the HR20.Isn't it just mind-boggling how much people just refuse to pay attention to the details that can lead to a solution? Trouble-shooting must be a lost art, and if so, it is a lost art because paying close attention is also a lost art.

I'm a little glad that you were the one this time dealing with the frustration of a thread where a problem is reported and 20 repliers send the OP off in the absolute wrong direction (all of whom should be ashamed of themselves). I think humans must have a systemic global issue with getting enough oxygen to the brain, sometimes. The fact that you were able to cut through all of the misdirects and BS is quite comforting, actually, like possibly I'm not the only person on the planet NOT suffering from chronic ADHD.

If we all keep shooting ourselves in the foot, then you are right -- problems like this will never get fixed. We're neither smart nor disciplined enough to get the job done. Absolutely mind-boggling.

[Montel]

That's the issue I've been having with Fox OTA, which started with 34C and is still there with 368... once you pause, the buffering process kills the video: it either jumps back to the beginning of the buffer (not the point of the pause, but the actual beginning of the buffer) or forward to live video.

Similarly with recording from Fox OTA, we get a few seconds of video, then breakup, then a jump to 'keep or delete'.

I have this same problem on my HR20-700 - It happens all the time on FOX OTA - it used to happen on NBC OTA with 34C but so far it only appears to be continuing on FOX with 368.

I get much less hard drive noise with 368 and it does appear to be a bit more stable overall with less audio dropouts and delays, but I watch so much on FOX that the constant hang ups, no ability to pause, record, rewind, skip back or forward without it either going back to the beginning of the buffer or just skipping to delete show message problems are killing it for me

[Scott in FL]

Add me to the list of those experiencing the OTA recording problem with my HR20-DVR. For me it started sometime around October 17 (give or take a few days). We were away and when I returned I noticed an occasional one second video freeze/audio drop out on several recordings of local channels made off the air. This does not happen when watching live OTA. Also, it never happens when watching satellite programs, such as ESPN or AMC.

I've noticed the problem as often as once a minute, and as seldom as once an hour.

Sure hope they fix this problem soon.

Again, it never happens when watching live OTA so it's not signal strength, multipath, bad connections, leaves...