Audio Problems on SD Locals

[svcguy]

Hello All,

New guy here, bear with me. I have sever audio distortion on my SD Locals (Chicago locals: WBBM, WMAQ, WLS, WGN, WFLD, etc). It sounds like the audio does when the satellite strength is very low (like just before it drops out during a storm or something). I haven't noticed the problem since I've never watched the SD locals since I got HD (couple of days ago). The HD locals are unaffected, although I did notice very short (<1 sec) audio dropouts on American Idol and Lost (both Dolby Digital 5.1??). BTW, I've been lurking around and reading for a couple of weeks and you guys seem great. Anyway, any ideas?

EDIT: I noticed today that my installer did not put in a multiswitch of any kind (just disconnected my exisiting one). Maybe that has something to do with it?

Thanks
andy

[lifesun]

Hello All,

New guy here, bear with me. I have sever audio distortion on my SD Locals (Chicago locals: WBBM, WMAQ, WLS, WGN, WFLD, etc). It sounds like the audio does when the satellite strength is very low (like just before it drops out during a storm or something). I haven't noticed the problem since I've never watched the SD locals since I got HD (couple of days ago). The HD locals are unaffected, although I did notice very short (<1 sec) audio dropouts on American Idol and Lost (both Dolby Digital 5.1??). BTW, I've been lurking around and reading for a couple of weeks and you guys seem great. Anyway, any ideas?

EDIT: I noticed today that my installer did not put in a multiswitch of any kind (just disconnected my exisiting one). Maybe that has something to do with it?

Thanks
andy


I an having the exact same problem since my upgrade to HD last week. I have the Detroit locals and all of my SD locals have this issue. I also checked almost every channel that I get and the only other channel other than the locals that has this issue is the FUEL channel, 612 I think. All of my other 4 SD receivers are fine, only my HR20 has this problem. I don't think that it is a switching issue as the HR20 is the only receiver on that DISH............my installer left my original SD receivers on the small DISH that I already had installed. I have tried everything, including all connection possibilities, reboots, DD on and off, signal strength, etc. I finally called it in and they can't seem to figure out the problem. I was told that if it was unresolved by Friday that I would get a call back to process a replacement HR20..........no call yet, so I plan to call them back to see whats up. I have searched this forum and others and you are the first that I found that posted about this....................tech support told me that many others are having this issue as well????

I would call it in though............

Jim

[Bauer600]

I an having the exact same problem since my upgrade to HD last week. I have the Detroit locals and all of my SD locals have this issue. I also checked almost every channel that I get and the only other channel other than the locals that has this issue is the FUEL channel, 612 I think. All of my other 4 SD receivers are fine, only my HR20 has this problem. I don't think that it is a switching issue as the HR20 is the only receiver on that DISH............my installer left my original SD receivers on the small DISH that I already had installed. I have tried everything, including all connection possibilities, reboots, DD on and off, signal strength, etc. I finally called it in and they can't seem to figure out the problem. I was told that if it was unresolved by Friday that I would get a call back to process a replacement HR20..........no call yet, so I plan to call them back to see whats up. I have searched this forum and others and you are the first that I found that posted about this....................tech support told me that many others are having this issue as well????

I would call it in though............

Jim



Im getting something similar, everytime I go to the menu and turn dolby digital on, the audio is fine, but when I turn it off, the sound distorts like when a storm comes in.....this is only on the dolby digital channels or HD channels, i switched it with our downstairs unit to find out, and the other unit doesent distort when you turn it off, any explanations or questions on what I should do?

Thanks
Justin

[lifesun]

Just a quick update as I just got back in town:

No call back from DTV as promised, so after one call to a level 2 that I could not understand at all, I finally got through to a level 2 technician that spent about 20 minutes with me on the phone. She stated that being that its only my SD locals and one other SD channel that it is a software issue on their end and not a defective HR20. She said that they should have it fixed in the next 2 - 3 days and that I would get a call back from her once its taken care of..................I guess its just wait and see.

Also, I have also experienced the "Vertical Stretch" issue a couple of times already and decided to mention it to the tech.........................she took some time and went through her notes??? Anyway, she told me that this is not a documented issue..........I replied that a large number of subscribers have had this issue for several software releases and she proceeded to get this website address from me in order to look at the polls and to escalate the issue.............:rolleyes:













I an having the exact same problem since my upgrade to HD last week. I have the Detroit locals and all of my SD locals have this issue. I also checked almost every channel that I get and the only other channel other than the locals that has this issue is the FUEL channel, 612 I think. All of my other 4 SD receivers are fine, only my HR20 has this problem. I don't think that it is a switching issue as the HR20 is the only receiver on that DISH............my installer left my original SD receivers on the small DISH that I already had installed. I have tried everything, including all connection possibilities, reboots, DD on and off, signal strength, etc. I finally called it in and they can't seem to figure out the problem. I was told that if it was unresolved by Friday that I would get a call back to process a replacement HR20..........no call yet, so I plan to call them back to see whats up. I have searched this forum and others and you are the first that I found that posted about this....................tech support told me that many others are having this issue as well????

I would call it in though............

Jim

[svcguy]

She said that they should have it fixed in the next 2 - 3 days and that I would get a call back from her once its taken care of..................I guess its just wait and see.


Does this mean that they are going to be pushing a software update? Can a mod verify this?

[lifesun]

Not sure if its a software update or not, or if its an update on their end...........haven't heard anything back yet. It bothers me that only a few of us have this issue..............like its a defective HR20 or dish and not the software............

I have some shows coming up on CW next week.....................its going to stink if this is not resolved......:confused:











Does this mean that they are going to be pushing a software update? Can a mod verify this?

[Supervolcano]

When the audio problem happens, try hitting the replay button.
I find that sometimes it's better to be in the buffer instead of live.
Let us know if this helps to cure the issue.

[Mindy97]

I had an HR 20-100 installed last Friday. Before that I had perfect sound and picture. Since the install I've had sound problems on the HD Locals...periodically I get a loud metalic hollow roar over the sound, for 20 seconds to a minute. This happens several times an hour.

I've called DTV at least five times. They've had me check the transponders, satellite strength, stand on my head and twirl twice, and more. They've sent out techs from Ironwood who have replaced the multiswitch, the HR 20-100 (twice) and the B-Band Boxes. Twice they were told to send a HR 20-700 with the installer, but they didn't have any.

Every time, DTV says "I don't know what could be causing this, I've never heard of a problem like this before. Hold on while I check. Sometimes I get escalated, sometimes not. The latest is "its a local problem, I'll escalate a complaint and they should fix the signal within a few days to a week."

I spoke to retention as well, and found out that even though I've only had the system not even a week, I'm stuck as far as DTV is concerned. Seems I'm on the hook for the cost of the system and the two year commitment, even if I don't ever get decent service! The only way around that is to write a protest to the Billing Department (no names given) and hope that they decide to make an exception. And I've only had it five days!!! Great warranty/refund policy.

I know I'm venting, but I am so happy to see that there are others with the sound problems. One of the Ironwood techs said he'd seen it before, even though nobody at DTV claims to know about it.

M.

edited to add: When I record, the sound is perfect, even if it isn't on broadcast. I know, cause I've tried to watch and record at once, and where it was broken up on live tv, it wasn't on playback. Makes no sense. Also, it clears up if I change stations and go back to the first one.

[lifesun]

Sorry to hear that you are getting the run-around. I was wondering what would happen if I asked to return the unit as well....................unfortunately you answered that question for me.

I will say, though, it almost sounds like you are having the "buzz-saw" issue that MANY people are experiencing. This is based on what you said about the issue going away on channel changed etc. Just so you know, I have talked with 3 different level 2 reps and they have repeatedly asked me if my problem was like what you described.................and that they know about it and are working on it.


Unfortunately for me and a few others in this thread, we are not having the "Buzzsaw" audio issue, but rather a "ghosting" or dubbed type of sound only on SD local channels. Changing channels, rewinding, replay, or recording does not change a thing....................our problem seems to be something coming down the pipe with SD locals. Very strange, as this is the only thread that I have found with anyone reporting the same issues that I am having and DTV has no reports either according to them. I have also not gotten any response back yet again, so I plan to contact DTV again sometime today...............:mad:












I had an HR 20-100 installed last Friday. Before that I had perfect sound and picture. Since the install I've had sound problems on the HD Locals...periodically I get a loud metalic hollow roar over the sound, for 20 seconds to a minute. This happens several times an hour.

I've called DTV at least five times. They've had me check the transponders, satellite strength, stand on my head and twirl twice, and more. They've sent out techs from Ironwood who have replaced the multiswitch, the HR 20-100 (twice) and the B-Band Boxes. Twice they were told to send a HR 20-700 with the installer, but they didn't have any.

Every time, DTV says "I don't know what could be causing this, I've never heard of a problem like this before. Hold on while I check. Sometimes I get escalated, sometimes not. The latest is "its a local problem, I'll escalate a complaint and they should fix the signal within a few days to a week."

I spoke to retention as well, and found out that even though I've only had the system not even a week, I'm stuck as far as DTV is concerned. Seems I'm on the hook for the cost of the system and the two year commitment, even if I don't ever get decent service! The only way around that is to write a protest to the Billing Department (no names given) and hope that they decide to make an exception. And I've only had it five days!!! Great warranty/refund policy.

I know I'm venting, but I am so happy to see that there are others with the sound problems. One of the Ironwood techs said he'd seen it before, even though nobody at DTV claims to know about it.

M.

edited to add: When I record, the sound is perfect, even if it isn't on broadcast. I know, cause I've tried to watch and record at once, and where it was broken up on live tv, it wasn't on playback. Makes no sense. Also, it clears up if I change stations and go back to the first one.

[svcguy]

Update...

The first White Sox game of the year on WCIU just reminded me that I'm having this problem. The sound was useless (but you could say the same of the Hawk and DJ's broacast in general). Watched the game on mute...we lost.

Anyway, I called DirecTV on the spot. The automated message had me go through a RBR. The advanced tech support guy had me check dolby settings, asked questions about connections and do a reset from the menu. Nothing worked. The tech said he had never heard of this problem and put me on hold twice to talk to another colleague ("an audio expert"). He said that since he had never heard of this that he was going to fill out a report to file with engineering, and it sounded like he was doing that on th spot. After the cursory diagonstic attempt, he quickly setup an appointment to have a tech come out (coming on Thurs.) and he recommedned that the tech bring a replacement box with him.

I'll keep you posted.

[lifesun]

Keep us updated!


An update on my end..............I called DTV back yet again after a level 2 tech promised a call back within a few days and ................nothing! The level 1 tech I was speaking with finally agreed to send me a replacement after we went through all the steps.........(4th time now......):rolleyes:

......looks like my CW shows on tonight are gonna be painful to watch!:mad:


So...............when I get the new HR20 I will post back with the results. Should be here in the next 3 - 5 days.











Update...

The first White Sox game of the year on WCIU just reminded me that I'm having this problem. The sound was useless (but you could say the same of the Hawk and DJ's broacast in general). Watched the game on mute...we lost.

Anyway, I called DirecTV on the spot. The automated message had me go through a RBR. The advanced tech support guy had me check dolby settings, asked questions about connections and do a reset from the menu. Nothing worked. The tech said he had never heard of this problem and put me on hold twice to talk to another colleague ("an audio expert"). He said that since he had never heard of this that he was going to fill out a report to file with engineering, and it sounded like he was doing that on th spot. After the cursory diagonstic attempt, he quickly setup an appointment to have a tech come out (coming on Thurs.) and he recommedned that the tech bring a replacement box with him.

I'll keep you posted.

[svcguy]

Keep us updated!


An update on my end..............I called DTV back yet again after a level 2 tech promised a call back within a few days and ................nothing! The level 1 tech I was speaking with finally agreed to send me a replacement after we went through all the steps.........(4th time now......):rolleyes:

......looks like my CW shows on tonight are gonna be painful to watch!:mad:


So...............when I get the new HR20 I will post back with the results. Should be here in the next 3 - 5 days.


Well you'll be glad to know that your replacement will fix the problem. A tech came out today and replaced with a new box and the problem is gone.

I have a new problem now (or possibly not :cool: ). What do I do with the old box? Tech did not take it or leave anything for me to ship it back.

[Duffycoug]

I had an HR20-100 installed today...getting horrible metalic or robotic sounds...only goes away when I pause or rewind, then on playback it's gone....happened at least 15-20 times during Survivor alone!! I called DTV, they said they never heard of it.....had an HR10-250 before this with flawless sound...all the same cables.....guess I have to call DTV back.

[lifesun]

svcguy: Great News!!!! Now I can't wait to get my replacement! Its driving me crazy!

I guess you could call DTV about sending it back..............not sure if we have to foot the shipping bill or not.......



I had an HR20-100 installed today...getting horrible metalic or robotic sounds...only goes away when I pause or rewind, then on playback it's gone....happened at least 15-20 times during Survivor alone!! I called DTV, they said they never heard of it.....had an HR10-250 before this with flawless sound...all the same cables.....guess I have to call DTV back.


Duffy..................your issue is different than ours, you have the 100 model with older software................its documented all over the place here. I think that an update is coming soon that will help...................do a search though, you should find the answer.

[lifesun]

UPDATE:

I received my replacement HR-20 on Friday and am very pleased to report that my SD local audio issues are gone!!!:D


I originally had a HR-20-700 and my replacement is the 100 model, manufactured in March, so I am pretty sure that it is not a refurb unit.


















svcguy: Great News!!!! Now I can't wait to get my replacement! Its driving me crazy!

I guess you could call DTV about sending it back..............not sure if we have to foot the shipping bill or not.......






Duffy..................your issue is different than ours, you have the 100 model with older software................its documented all over the place here. I think that an update is coming soon that will help...................do a search though, you should find the answer.