Issue with flashing to black (HR44/700)

Hey all,

So here's my setup

HR44/700 -> Pioneer VSX-819 AVR -> Vizio E700i-B3 70".

Powered by a power conditioner / battery backup unit. SWM is also on a battery backup (along with my other basement equipment, networking equipment, etc.)

I began having this issue a couple of weeks ago; especially bad on Sunday, where every few minutes the screen would flash to black; but the audio would continue. Then the image would come back (Remember audio is coming through the AVR).

The issue does NOT happen when I'm connected directly to the TV.

So sounds like the AVR is to blame right? Well, it doesn't happen with ANY other devices, including HDCP enabled devices (like streaming boxes, my PS4 playing protected content, etc.) And yes, I've tried different HDMI cables, and different inputs on the AVR, etc. And I've been hearing that this has happened before with DirecTV DVR's (The issue of it not working well with AVR's, including the flash to black issue).

Any thoughts? I'm on 0x93d. Never had this issue before. And it just boggles my mind that it has NEVER happened with any other device, but happens consistently with my HR44 when it feeds through the AVR.

Thanks!



-John

 

It occurs all the time. Live TV, recorded programs, you name it. Even once when I was in the settings menu; flashed to black. Image returned after a second or two.

I'll try that!

Nope. No firmware updates were ever released for it that I can see. Though it worked fine for months.

 

Here's a video of the issue if it'll help.

http://youtu.be/h7Za3l9rYVo

Ignore the cable draped over the cabinet, I bought a brand new high speed HDMI cable to try and absolutely make sure it wasn't a cable issue. It's still occurring with the new cable.

 

Yep. As I said in the OP the issue doesn't happen when bypassing the AVR. But it also doesn't happen on any other device, including wii, PS4, streaming box, etc. 1080p, HDCP protected content, you name it runs just fine. direcTV is the only source that does this (regardless of which HDMI Port it's connected to)

 

This is happening on all channels. I guess at this point my only recourse is to see if DirecTV will send me a new Genie; though I'm concerned it might be a software issue.

 

I just hope they don't blame my AVR and refuse to replace the genie (since it doesn't happen when plugged directly into the TV). Which might make sense; except it's not happening on any other input. I've heard though that Genie's are notoriously finicky when passing through other devices (Xbox One's, HDMI switches, AVR's, etc.)

 

If I need to, I could. It's be a huge pain in the rear, though. Since the TV is wall mounted and the HDMI is run through the wall, so it would just be a pain. But not undoable.

Though, I would really love for it to work correctly! Then I need to switch inputs on two devices, etc. None of this is the end of the world; but hey, I pay a lot every month and it ought to work right!

 

Why would it work fine for months then and only start this behavior now? Would a failing AVR exhibit symptoms like this with only one device? (And, to be clear, the streaming box and PS4 use HDCP as well, so even with protected content they run fine). And I'm genuinely asking that. If I have to replace my AVR, then I have to replace my AVR. But if the issue is DirecTV and not my AVR; then I sure as heck don't want to replace it!

Guess I'm just trying to be thorough. Especially when I asked on another forum (more AV related), they sort of had the consensus that this was really common (DirecTV not behaving well with AVR's), so I figured I'd ask over here since you all seem to be the experts on DirecTV boxes!