Is HDMI the problem?

My HR20 is connected by HDMI only and has been rock solid not freezing or missed recordings at all so I do not think that HDMI is the cause of the problem that some are having.

Mavrick said:

My HR20 is connected by HDMI only and has been rock solid not freezing or missed recordings at all so I do not think that HDMI is the cause of the problem that some are having.

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Then what could the problem be? It just seem really odd to me that some people are having so many problems and others (myself included) are having little to no problems.

I also have an LG HDTV (Model # 37LC2D) and a brand new HR20 connected via HDMI. Everytime I turn it on, I get static (I was in 1080i the last time I watched tv). The fix for me is to cycle through all of the Formats (from the HR20) and get back to 1080i. It works fine after that (until I turn everything off again).

This also happens on my Mitsubishi WS-55513 connected to a 2nd HR20 (via Component video), but not as regularly. In this case it isn't static. It is more like a out of sync signal, like what you get when the progressive video isn't matched up right. Again, all I have to do is run through the formats on the HR20, end up right where I started (1080i), and it works great.

I just got the HR20 today and had it connected via HDMI and it would freeze after about 15-20 min. I connected it via Component cables and it hasn't froze yet!

I have a Samsung LCD connected with an HDMI.
I did have to connect with component during the set up but then switched over after completion and don't believe I have had any issues since.

I also have the static problem with my HR20 on my 42" Sony WEGA LCD. You have to cycle through the resolutions again to get the picture. It is hooked up using the HDMI to DVI cable.

However, my other HR20 is hooked up to my 42" Panasonic Plasma and works flawlessly via HDMI cable.

scurrah said:

I also have an LG HDTV (Model # 37LC2D) and a brand new HR20 connected via HDMI. Everytime I turn it on, I get static (I was in 1080i the last time I watched tv). The fix for me is to cycle through all of the Formats (from the HR20) and get back to 1080i. It works fine after that (until I turn everything off again).

This also happens on my Mitsubishi WS-55513 connected to a 2nd HR20 (via Component video), but not as regularly. In this case it isn't static. It is more like a out of sync signal, like what you get when the progressive video isn't matched up right. Again, all I have to do is run through the formats on the HR20, end up right where I started (1080i), and it works great.

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Odd, because I get absolutely no connection what so ever on my LG HDTV (Model # 37LC2D). I just get "connecting..." and then after a few seconds "no signal" flashes across the screen. I even bought a new HDMI cable thinking that might be the problem but it was not.

I wonder if maybe the HR20 is faulty. I do not think so because you still have to cycle the formats to get it connected.

BTW, I have cycled through the resolutions as well to get it connected but that doesn't work for me.

Use component and be done with it. No reason to use HDMI unless you are the 1% that can tell the difference or HDMI is the only way you can hook it up.

So connect via component, unhook the HDMI, reboot the box and see if it's any better.

bonscott87 said:

Use component and be done with it. No reason to use HDMI unless you are the 1% that can tell the difference or HDMI is the only way you can hook it up.

So connect via component, unhook the HDMI, reboot the box and see if it's any better.

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I think I am going to follow your advise and not stress over this HDMI issue. I think the PQ using component cables is excellent anyway.

I'm glad my HDMI works fine. I'm not saying I would not use component if my HDMI caused problems, because if it's the difference between watching TV and not watching, I'd use component.

But HDMI needs to work because it is SUPPOSED to work and we WANT to use it. I think that's a very good reason it needs to work for everyone.

paulman182 said:

I'm glad my HDMI works fine. I'm not saying I would not use component if my HDMI caused problems, because if it's the difference between watching TV and not watching, I'd use component.

But HDMI needs to work because it is SUPPOSED to work and we WANT to use it. I think that's a very good reason it needs to work for everyone.

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I can also agree with that. It should work if it there.

I have a Vizio P50HDM and mine freezes after tv is off for 5+ min. have to use component, however HDMI PQ is much better which is why i want them to fix it fast

RBD said:

I have a Vizio P50HDM and mine freezes after tv is off for 5+ min. have to use component, however HDMI PQ is much better which is why i want them to fix it fast

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Mine HDMI was working fine and then dropped out. I had to hit reset on the HR20 and after it rebooted it's been working fine. I have a Sony KDS50A2000.

Some of the HDMI problems are the fault of the TY's HDMI interface implementation. Everything can't be blamed on the HR20.

RBD said:

I have a Vizio P50HDM and mine freezes after tv is off for 5+ min. have to use component, however HDMI PQ is much better which is why i want them to fix it fast

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MUCH better? Really?

paulman182 said:

I'm glad my HDMI works fine. I'm not saying I would not use component if my HDMI caused problems, because if it's the difference between watching TV and not watching, I'd use component.

But HDMI needs to work because it is SUPPOSED to work and we WANT to use it. I think that's a very good reason it needs to work for everyone.

Click to expand...

Oh I agree. The problem is that the TV manufacturers use so many different HDMI specs and revisions and there really is no standard that it make it very difficult to create a receiver that is 100% good with HDMI. Many other type boxes, not just sat receivers, have these very same HDMI issues.

So my suggestion is if you have an HDMI problem and you want it fixed then report it in the bug thread at the top of the forum with all the information DirecTV wants. Every time we get a software update it includes many fixes for specific HDMI issues for specific TV set and A/V receivers.

Use component in the meantime so you aren't banging your head into the wall with the HDMI problems. When an update comes down try your HDMI for a while and see if it fixed it. If not, report again and then use component until the next udpate. Rinse, repeat.

Standards are great, it is nice to know that all the vendors have their own version.

Meanwhile I will use component video, works great and is compatible with all my displays and projectors. With all the problems with HDMI I wonder if it will eventually just fade away into the land of bad ideas.

" The problem is that the TV manufacturers use so many different HDMI specs and revisions and there really is no standard that it make it very difficult to create a receiver that is 100% good with HDMI. Many other type boxes, not just sat receivers, have these very same HDMI issues."

Right, I am in no way slamming the HR20. I am glad that mine works on the HDMI, as I said, and have very little bad to say about the unit at all.

I think the basic idea of HDMI is good--digital signal; audio included on one cable. In fact, I always wondered why S-Video did not include audio on the same cable.

Perhaps the "features" or "artifacts" of HDMI that cause incompatibility can be discarded, or worked out. And hopefully this forum is contributing to improvements in the working of our HR20s.