Heavy pixelization with HD Locals - Software or HR20?

[ronm]

I have had the following problem since latest National software release on the HR20 on Mar 31st

My HD locals (and only my HD locals ) were showing up with such major pixelization and gray horizontal bars that they were totally unwatchable. I noticed this on some HD local records that I was doing.

I did all the normal things (RBR, check signal levels, swap cables, etc) so I finally set up a Directv service call. They were out at the house this past Saturday (Apr 14th). The service guy repointed the dish, swapped cables on the dish, swapped cables on the multiswitch, and did a RBR. All signal levels were good. I was still getting pixelization on my some of my local HD channels.

But then I tried something different to see if I could repeatedly do the problem. I have four HD locals (ABC, CBS, NBC & Fox). I tuned in Fox; it was fine. I tuned in NBC; it was bad. I then tuned in CBS; it was fine. I next tuned in ABC; it was bad. I was noticing that it was every other HD local that I selected. So I next tried NBC; it was fine. Then Fox; it was bad. I could continue to do this; every other HD local was bad, no matter what the tuning sequence.

Directv is now going to ship me a refurbed HR20 (at my cost of $20+ ) to see if this fixes the HD locals problem.

So, what do you think; is it hardware or software? Dish, multiswitch, and cables all seem to be good.

I look forward to your comments.

Ron M :confused:

[tawnee]

I also noticed the same problem. We were away on vacation from March 30th to April 7th. Almost all of my wifes recordings on HD locals were pixelated. Also had problems when we came home. RBR twice, and it seems better now. A rep at D* said they were have issues with thier braodcasts. How are your HD locals now?
Toby

[hdtvfan0001]

You may want to read through this brief thread to get a better idea on possible issues causing your situation (It may not be you or your HR20):

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=85396

[ronm]

I also noticed the same problem. We were away on vacation from March 30th to April 7th. Almost all of my wifes recordings on HD locals were pixelated. Also had problems when we came home. RBR twice, and it seems better now. A rep at D* said they were have issues with thier braodcasts. How are your HD locals now?
Toby

All of my HD locals are fine. It would only Pixelize on everyother choice. I one local was fine, whatever HD local I went to as the next choce was very pixelized. So, like I said, all my locals are fine. It all depends on who I choose to go to as my next pick of channels.

I do not think I am having a problems with my HD locals. I did not have this problem before Mar 31st. I think the problem is either hardware (HR20) or software (last National release)

That you had the same type of problem after Mar 31st, I find very interesting.

Looking forward to more comments.

Ron M

[leww37334]

Do you have a multiswitch, it could be the culprit.

[ronm]

[QUOTE=hdtvfan0001;913032]You may want to read through this brief thread to get a better idea on possible issues causing your situation (It may not be you or your HR20):



Thanks for the thread.

I do not think this is a local station HD broadcast problem. (I too have seen this and it is random)

The problem I described is repeatable and is not relegate to on local HD channel. Depending on which HD local that I choose next, determines which picute is bad (heavy pixelization) and which one is fine.

Ron M

[ronm]

Do you have a multiswitch, it could be the culprit.

I have a 6 x 8 multiswitch. (I have 3 DVR's) All other DVR's are fine. Did swap out cables to different ports on the multiswitch.

I can look at MPEG2 HD channels and no problem. I only have this problem on HD locals and I can repeat the problem

ROn M

[PlanetBill]

[QUOTE=hdtvfan0001;913032]You may want to read through this brief thread to get a better idea on possible issues causing your situation (It may not be you or your HR20):



Thanks for the thread.

I do not think this is a local station HD broadcast problem. (I too have seen this and it is random)

The problem I described is repeatable and is not relegate to on local HD channel. Depending on which HD local that I choose next, determines which picute is bad (heavy pixelization) and which one is fine.

Ron M

which market are you in Dayton or Cincinnati?

[veryoldschool]

I have a 6 x 8 multiswitch. (I have 3 DVR's) All other DVR's are fine. Did swap out cables to different ports on the multiswitch.

I can look at MPEG2 HD channels and no problem. I only have this problem on HD locals and I can repeat the problem

ROn M
FWIW: every time the channel is changed [without a recording going on] the tuners swap.
So: say you're using tuner #1 & next channel will use #2, next #1, next #2.....

Now to see if it is the tuner [say #1] if you have a problem with channel x, none with y , & again with z, then with z bad...go back to x [which was bad before] and see if x is good.
Option 2: start a recording and repeat the test to see if either: all channels are bad, or all are good.
part two: start two recordings & then cancel either the first or second to change channels [& repeat the test].
There isn't a direct way to "pick" a tuner to test, but if you "work with it" you will find that you can "lock" one into recording and test the other. You just need to play around a bit.
I hope this will help you to get some idea of what's what in your receiver.

[ronm]

[QUOTE=ronm;913036]

which market are you in Dayton or Cincinnati?

My locals come from the Cincinnati market.

Ron M

[dave29]

[QUOTE=PlanetBill;913045]

My locals come from the Cincinnati market.

Ron M

cincy market here too, and i have the same problem. my ota's work fine but my mpeg4's arent worth a crap. one day they will be fine and the next day they pixelate:mad:

[PlanetBill]

wow, that seems odd. I haven't ever a problem with the locals (OTA or MPEG4). I'm in West Chester. Are all your signal strengths good? Has it always been this way?

[thxultra]

You may want to read through this brief thread to get a better idea on possible issues causing your situation (It may not be you or your HR20):

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=85396

I have noticed the pixelation as well. Also last night during drive my audio was behind. I ended up switching to over the air and had no issues. I seem to get more pixelation with the HR20 as well then I did with my old h20. I'm just waiting for the next software update hoping this fixes these issues and the caller id problem.

[jeffwltrs]

Last night the Cleveland HD 5 was bad pixelating several times during "The Dancing With The Stars Show." Also, I double pillars when I switched to SD.

[ronm]

wow, that seems odd. I haven't ever a problem with the locals (OTA or MPEG4). I'm in West Chester. Are all your signal strengths good? Has it always been this way?

All signal strengths have been good. I had this verified by the tech who was out on Sat.

This started happening after the software update on 3/31/07

Ron M

[veryoldschool]

All signal strengths have been good. I had this verified by the tech who was out on Sat.

This started happening after the software update on 3/31/07

Ron M
I asked some questions & tests in post 9....
I very much doubt this is software as nobody else seems to be posting it. FWIW

[veryoldschool]

cincy market here too, and i have the same problem. my ota's work fine but my mpeg4's arent worth a crap. one day they will be fine and the next day they pixelate:mad:
Same question: what are your signal levels for 99 & 103 as they could be weak enough to be at the threshold & so change day by day due to weather.

[LarryS]

I had this same symptom. The HR20 changes the tuner it uses each time you change channel assuming nothing is recording and locking up one of the tuners. After having the D* tech replace the LNB's and realign the dish the problem remained but after replacing the B-band converter on the connection that was weak all was fixed.