HD and Analog Channels

[WaukeshaBADGER]

OK........for you technical guys. I recently upgraded to the new Pioneer Voyager 3500 HD Box from TWC. I have options for reception and have chosen 1080i and 480i. When I surf and the connection goes from 480 to 1080HD (an analog to HD channel) there is a momentary lapse and scrambling of the picture, then the image appears. Is this OK, or should I only have the box set to 1080i? I tried this but some stations such as ESPN has reception that cuts in and out. I want to know if the scamble is having any negative effect on my TV or if it's normal? The issue occurs when transferring from 1080 back to 480.

Thanks in advance for your help....

[mhz40]

Originally posted by WaukeshaBADGER
I recently upgraded to the new Pioneer Voyager 3500 HD Box from TWC. I have options for reception and have chosen 1080i and 480i. When I surf and the connection goes from 480 to 1080HD (an analog to HD channel) there is a momentary lapse and scrambling of the picture, then the image appears.

I'm pretty sure the Pioneer will output whatever HD format each channel is formated for.  I've played with the same settings you have described.  The only thing I can figure out is I think the option you are describing tells the set top what formats to downconvert to 480i on it's analog outputs.  When I selected 480p, I was able to get a picture on the analog output when tuned to 506.  I don't have an answer for the ESPN issue.  Is it OK on a direct RF connection to your TV's tuner?

[WaukeshaBADGER]

Thanks for the reply. This will tell you what I know of set up's.....What is a direct RF connection and how can I check that out? Hey, I'm in this for the vibrant picture and awesome sound, I have someone else do the dirty work;)



Thanks again!!

[mhz40]

Originally posted by WaukeshaBADGER
Thanks for the reply. This will tell you what I know of set up's.....What is a direct RF connection and how can I check that out? Hey, I'm in this for the vibrant picture and awesome sound, I have someone else do the dirty work;)

Thanks again!!

Momentary lapse when tuning to/from HD channels is normal.  ESPN cutting in/out is not.  Connect the cable feed directly into your TV's RF input (bypassing the Pioneer set top)... then look at ESPN via it's internal tuner.  You won't get your HD channels that way, but how does ESPN look through that connection?  Doing this will help determine if you have a problem with the feed or the Pioneer set top.