MPEG4 breakup- Hardware or software? What should I do next?

1382 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by iceman2a, Dec 12, 2006

Marshall

Discussion Starter · Nov 26, 2006

When I am watching the MPEG4 local channels I occasionally lose the signal for about 30 seconds. It might happen three to four times in a 1/2 hour and then again it might not happen for several hours. Normally my signal strength on 103 is 90+. When the breakup happens it drops to zero.

I now have 2 hr20s and both are on the latest software and it happens to both at the same time.

Problem is that it screws up some of my recordings so I can't trust it.

Is this software or hardware? Who should I call?

When I installed my first unit, I had this problem but reversing the input cable to the receiver fixed it. It ran for about 2 weeks and during that time we watched and recorded a lot of MPEG4 shows with no problems at all. It was going so good I ordered the 2nd unit.

I originally had the powered 4X8 switch. I tried putting in a 6X8 switch but started getting the 771 error so I took it out. No breakups, just the 771 error overlayed over the picture.

I bought a Sonora power inserter and re-installed the 6X8 switch and added my second HR20. Stopped getting the 771 error message. At the same time, both units updated to the new software. This was done on Wednesday. Thursday I starting getting the breakups on NBC during the parad in the morning and Ugly Betty at night. I had to switch to OTA on my TV.

my cable runs are all around 30 ft from multi switch to the units and around 30 ft from dish to switch.

So what do I do next? Please help!

Put the 4X8 switch back in? Call D*? Or is it the new software release the problem.

Does the old 4X8 Zimwell switch also amplify the signal?

My wife is pissed as we can't trust it.

See less See more

Status: Not open for further replies.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

jspiewak

· #2 · Nov 26, 2006

It seems like the same problem I have been having, and have yet to troubleshoot out a solution.
Although I did just take out my zinwell WB68 switch and put back my previous powered zinwell SAM-4803. I know it isnt an 'approved' switch but the inputs listed are the same voltages as the WB68, and it's powered, so I am waiting to see if this resolves the situation.

hasan

· #3 · Nov 26, 2006

Marshall said:
When I am watching the MPEG4 local channels I occasionally lose the signal for about 30 seconds. It might happen three to four times in a 1/2 hour and then again it might not happen for several hours. Normally my signal strength on 103 is 90+. When the breakup happens it drops to zero.

I now have 2 hr20s and both are on the latest software and it happens to both at the same time.

Problem is that it screws up some of my recordings so I can't trust it.

Is this software or hardware? Who should I call?

When I installed my first unit, I had this problem but reversing the input cable to the receiver fixed it. It ran for about 2 weeks and during that time we watched and recorded a lot of MPEG4 shows with no problems at all. It was going so good I ordered the 2nd unit.

I originally had the powered 4X8 switch. I tried putting in a 6X8 switch but started getting the 771 error so I took it out. No breakups, just the 771 error overlayed over the picture.

I bought a Sonora power inserter and re-installed the 6X8 switch and added my second HR20. Stopped getting the 771 error message. At the same time, both units updated to the new software. This was done on Wednesday. Thursday I starting getting the breakups on NBC during the parad in the morning and Ugly Betty at night. I had to switch to OTA on my TV.

my cable runs are all around 30 ft from multi switch to the units and around 30 ft from dish to switch.

So what do I do next? Please help!

Put the 4X8 switch back in? Call D*? Or is it the new software release the problem.

Does the old 4X8 Zimwell switch also amplify the signal?

My wife is pissed as we can't trust it.

You need to make sure your signal levels are strong to begin with, so you can eliminate signal loss. (That would explain both HR20s acting the same way). You might have a dish pointing error. Check your signal levels on Satellites 99 and 103 and try to ask someone else in your area what theirs are like. You certainly should be above 70 for an absolute minimum, and preferably in the high 80's to mid 90's.

As as side note, how strong are your non-MPEG4 sats (not 99 or 103)?

Marshall

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 26, 2006

hasan said:
You need to make sure your signal levels are strong to begin with, so you can eliminate signal loss. (That would explain both HR20s acting the same way). You might have a dish pointing error. Check your signal levels on Satellites 99 and 103 and try to ask someone else in your area what theirs are like. You certainly should be above 70 for an absolute minimum, and preferably in the high 80's to mid 90's.

As as side note, how strong are your non-MPEG4 sats (not 99 or 103)?

103 is where I get my locals from and the signal strength is always 90+

On the other sats I am always mid 80's to mid 90's.

When this happens the signal strength will drop to zero. Could it be some kind of interference? If so, what could it be?

Marshall

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 26, 2006

jspiewak said:
It seems like the same problem I have been having, and have yet to troubleshoot out a solution.
Although I did just take out my zinwell WB68 switch and put back my previous powered zinwell SAM-4803. I know it isnt an 'approved' switch but the inputs listed are the same voltages as the WB68, and it's powered, so I am waiting to see if this resolves the situation.

Does the zinwell 4803 boost the signal strength? I put the power inserter in and that got rid of the 711 errors. So I am thinking that maybe I should add an amp.

wolfgpd

· #6 · Nov 26, 2006

Mine does the same thing. Signal strength is in the mid 90's so I know thats not the problem. I have not tried to check the signal while I was having the problem. I'll check that next. It is annoying thought. Only last about 30 secs or so.

jspiewak

· #7 · Nov 26, 2006

Marshall said:
Does the zinwell 4803 boost the signal strength? I put the power inserter in and that got rid of the 711 errors. So I am thinking that maybe I should add an amp.

I'm not sure, Its an old switch an I cant find info on it anymore, but it is powered.
I have been watching HD local football all day and havent seen a problem yet today. Back to the Bears now.

jspiewak

· #8 · Dec 8, 2006

Ok, It seems as though since I have put my old multiswitch back on, the zinwell SAM-4803, I have had none of the previous local hd problems that I was previously experiencing. The question now is what powered multiswitch to buy? I like the idea of the powered multiswitch over the sonora signal locked, but it seems the only powered multiswitch that is 'certified' with the AT9 dish is the zinwell 6x16. I am not looking to spend that much money, and I also dont need more than 8 outputs. Is there another multiswitch that will work, or does anyone thing they will put a 4x8 powered switch out in the near future that is less costly and I should hang on until then?

Marshall

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 8, 2006

I had the same problem. Lots of drop outs and 771 erros. Bought a power inserter which got rid of the 771 errors but not the drop outs.

Then Tuesday I finally got a good tech to come to my house. He new his stuff. He replaced every RG6 connector with the barrel connectors and disconnected my power inserter.

Since then I have not had a single drop out or 771 error. It has only been a couple of days, but so far so good. The mpeg4 picture even looks better then it did before.

He claims the old connectors are no good and shouldn't be used. Also the barrel connectors must be put on correctly. He also said that the B band converters sometimes causes problems but in my case I still have them on.

So now all I have is a 6X8 switch.

I have 2 tivos and 2 hr20s.

See less See more

cookpr

· #10 · Dec 8, 2006

whats a barrell connector?

Marshall

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 8, 2006

cookpr said:
whats a barrell connector?

http://www.solidsignal.com/manu/digicon/

The ones he used look like the ones shown in the above link.

iacas

· #12 · Dec 8, 2006

cookpr said:
whats a barrell connector?

I took it to mean this kind:

See less See more

harryn

· #13 · Dec 8, 2006

Had my HR20 for 2 weeks and all new RG6 with barrell connectors on all the ends .
using the zinwell recommended switch ..
And I'm still getting video drops
Kinda irritating when you are recording and find that parts are missing.
Still waiting for a tech that is sharp although from reading the forums I think its hardware / software

ctwilliams

· #14 · Dec 9, 2006

hasan said:
You need to make sure your signal levels are strong to begin with, so you can eliminate signal loss. (That would explain both HR20s acting the same way). You might have a dish pointing error. Check your signal levels on Satellites 99 and 103 and try to ask someone else in your area what theirs are like. You certainly should be above 70 for an absolute minimum, and preferably in the high 80's to mid 90's.

As as side note, how strong are your non-MPEG4 sats (not 99 or 103)?

I have breakups also, but I am not sure where my HD locals are coming from. How do you tell? Charlotte, NC DMA.

On 99(b) I have transponders 1-6 at 77,72,95,45,85,30 and on 103 I have
transponders 1-6 at 29,52,70,0,16,73

Is there a list showing which transponder has your hd locals?

Thanks,

CT

mrshermanoaks

· #15 · Dec 12, 2006

I've had them here in LA, but was able to confirm with another local user who had breakups at the exact same time in the same program. I have seen a lot of breakups watching NBC here in LA (MPEG4), actually. I've been watching the last few days to see if I get any from another network. But I'm guessing they are either in DirecTV's feed or from the network...

iceman2a

· #16 · Dec 12, 2006

What Marshall is calling "barrell conectors" are "compression fittings"!
"Barrell connectors" are what are pictured in Iacas's post!

Just to avoid any confussion!

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

Status: Not open for further replies.