Pixelating Problem with Directv

[Kozmos]

Alas, having upgraded to a high-end tv (Sony-KD-34XBR960), I now see pixels during news, sports, and commercials. Is this a Directv satellite issue? Would digital cable solve the problem? Any advice?

[Gregg Lengling]

The issue is probably not with the satellite but with your satellite reception or the way you are interfaced to your set.  I also live in Cedarburg (just down the block from you near the High School), and I have 2 HD sat receivers and have no problems at all with pixelation on any of the channels.  Do you have a very high signal level on your dish channels?  How are you connected to your set from the sat box?

[Kozmos]

My Hughes SD-DVR40 is connected directly to my TV via S-video cable. I am a seriously inexperienced techie in this realm, so how would I check signal strength?

[Gregg Lengling]

I'm not familiar with your box on mine I can hit the signal level button at any time, but usually on some of the older boxes if you go into the satellite setup mode and set thru it when you get to dish-aiming it will give the signal strength of the transponder you are currently receiving.   I would upgrade to the HD box from the sat company so you can get all the HD's from the sat, plus you'll be able to feed either DVI or component to your set and get the best picture.  You've got a 21st century TV using a 20th century receiver when you are using S-Video.

[Kozmos]

I looked into the HD Box/Dish but it's nearly $400 from Directv. What are your thoughts on digital cable? My TV has the Cable Card slot.

[Gregg Lengling]

You can get a deal on the Directv HD/DVR installed for $350.00 from a dealer on the internet.  Otherwise cable is getting better and might be a choice, especially if you sign up for a bulk package (Digital cable/RoadRunner/Digital Phone), which I am considering as I get a really huge discount thru work.  As for the cablecard, get ready to fight with TWC to supply one, they will try everything in their power not to provide one, including talking people out of buying CableCard ready sets.  They want to rent you a BOX, that is the bottom line.

[Kozmos]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I just have to figure out a plan of attack.