WVTV (18-1) Audio Dropouts

[Mark Strube]

The HD switcher is controlled by automation and we normally have very few problems with it. When the automation system needs to be restarted (due to problems) the HD switcher drops to SD. I called ASAP.

Thanks for calling. That kinda sucks, but good that you don't usually have issues with switching (this is the first time I've seen that). Since I'm archiving this season of Smallville in .TS I'll have to get that last segment from a friend of mine in LA, provided they don't have issues too... however the Milwaukee feed looks considerably better than theirs. I'm assuming we have newer equipment or something?

The WB should really add Smallville (and Gilmore Girls) to their easy view Sunday block of programming, instead of all those sitcoms following Supernatural.

[Mark Strube]

Any updates on the situation?

[Jimboy]

Any updates on the situation?

WB is still working on it.

[Jimboy]

The problem has been isolated to the satellite receiver and a software update has been installed. If the problem should continue please post it here and we will search again for the cause.
Thanks.

[Mark Strube]

Awesome!! I'll let you know for sure. (Probably by Thursday night since I'll be watching & recording Smallville.)

[Jimboy]

Software upgrade worked for WB but not for us, the receiver would only output black.  Drove in and switched it back to previous software revision before 8pm.  :bang:

[Mark Strube]

Crud. Well hopefully there's some more ideas floating around. Thanks for being so on top of things!!

[Jimboy]

I was finally able to get the satellite receiver software upgrade to work although there are still some issues with it.  Our Nashville station reported hearing audio drops on the new software last night.  If you hear any tonight post what time they occured. I'll be recording the satellite feed and will check it on Friday.
Thanks.

[Mark Strube]

Thanks for all the hard work!! I'll take notes while watching Smallville.

[Mark Strube]

I'll keep this post updated during commercials when I get a chance.

7:01 - LOUD static blip
7:18 - loud static blip (during commercials)
7:34 - loud static blip
7:51 - loud static blip

I must say I preferred the silent audio dropouts... this loud static is quite jarring. I hope you guys are able to fix this, or at least go back to the old software, before next week's Smallville.

[Mark Strube]

On the PC recording side of things, I was able to hear the static on playback of the .TS file as well. Running the ac3 file thru ac3fix, it didn't detect any continuity errors in the stream, however a nice side-effect is that it got rid of the static, and turned them into the standard silent audio dropouts... not quite as jarring as the loud static.

[Jimboy]

I'll keep this post updated during commercials when I get a chance.

7:01 - LOUD static blip
7:18 - loud static blip (during commercials)
7:34 - loud static blip
7:51 - loud static blip

I must say I preferred the silent audio dropouts... this loud static is quite jarring. I hope you guys are able to fix this, or at least go back to the old software, before next week's Smallville.

The times I noted are...
7:01 audio drop
7:12 change in stereo sound field (phase shift)
7:18 audio burp during T-Mobile
7:34 audio drop
7:35 audio drop with a gradual rise in level
7:51 audio drop with a gradual rise in level

I'll check the tape when I get in tomorrow. Chances are the drops will be there too. I already called the WB, it's back to square one.
I may put the software back to its original version since the new one created other issues and the audio problem is still there anyway.

Still working on it.

[Jimboy]

It turns out the audio drops/static were predictable, happening once about every 16 minutes and were caused by our receiver.  After comparing receiver settings between ours and WB a change was made that should resolve the problem.  I spent about two hours listening to the receivers output and haven't noticed the problem since making the change.  Hopefully I can put this one to bed.....night, night.   :rolleyes:

[Mark Strube]

Wow... thank you very much for all your hard work!! If I don't watch the WB sooner, I'll hopefully be posting good news about this week's Smallville.

So that makes the WB solved, CBS seemingly solved & in 5.1... only audio problems that are left are with ABC.

Hmm... you have any job openings?

[Mark Strube]

Watched Gilmore Girls and Supernatural last night and there were NO dropouts!!

So, I'm gonna unstick this thread. I did hear one moment of a few minor blips of static, but that was going into a commercial, so I don't really care.

Thanks for all the hard work!! :wave: