TWC HD signal problem?

[richjac]

Why are the HDTV broadcasts on TWC unviewable so often?   I often lose sound and/or picture to the point that I end up switching to the analog channel.  Is this a problem with the broadcast or with my equipment?    I don't really expect a definitive answer here, I'll have to call Time Warner.  But it's really frustrating to have to choose between a lousy analog signal and a choppy inconsistent HD broadcast.    I hope this can be fixed - if not, I'll drop the service - just not worth it.

[JoeK]

The signal strength at the HD cable box is the most likely problem.  A service person with a meter will hopefully solve your problem.  Different cable, splitter, signal booster and/or tighter connections should resolve the issue.  Some have reported too strong of a signal was their problem.  Good luck in getting it resolved.

[Mike Sura]

JoeK is right. Have TW come out and check the signal strength. The HD channels should not drop out like that. Also, if you have the Pionner HD box I have heard it can lock up, switch it for a different box.

[agrundman]

I am still experiencing periodic sound loss on local channels 4 and 58 (504 & 505).  Sometimes it can be very annoying.  The sound loss occurs in approximate 1-3 second intervals.

I'd  be curious to know if this is a TWC problem or the local channel problem.  When I spoke to TWC months ago, they didn't seem to know the cause.

On the bright side, my picture is perfect virtually all of the time on the HD channels.

[Mike Sura]

agrundman, which box do you have, the SA box has sound drop outs, TW thought the Pioneer box would cure that problem but the early Pioneer boxes had its own set of problems.

[richjac]

So far they have suggested a reboot of the cable box (SA3100).  Tonight everything looks fine, but I only seem to have these problems when there's a show the entire family wants to watch

[mhz40]

Originally posted by richjac
So far they have suggested a reboot of the cable box (SA3100).  Tonight everything looks fine, but I only seem to have these problems when there's a show the entire family wants to watch

It's not a set top problem.  Insist on a service call.

[agrundman]

Getting back to the sound drop-offs in HDTV.  I have the SA 3100, which is the third different receiver TWC tried at my house.  The first two SA's had pixelization problems.  I can't understand how it would be a receiver issue since it only occurs on Channels 504 & 505 (occasionally on 512).  The sound on HBO, Showtime, and PBS are fine.

I've heard of OTA sound reception issues with CBS 58 and wasn't sure if it was the same issue that was causing the sound problems with TWC.

I'd be very interested to know if the new Pioneer does in fact solve the sound problems on the local HD stations offered by TWC.

[mhz40]

Originally posted by agrundman
Getting back to the sound drop-offs in HDTV.  I have the SA 3100, which is the third different receiver TWC tried at my house.  The first two SA's had pixelization problems.  I can't understand how it would be a receiver issue since it only occurs on Channels 504 & 505 (occasionally on 512).  The sound on HBO, Showtime, and PBS are fine.

I've heard of OTA sound reception issues with CBS 58 and wasn't sure if it was the same issue that was causing the sound problems with TWC.

I'd be very interested to know if the new Pioneer does in fact solve the sound problems on the local HD stations offered by TWC.

Picture Issues:
Pixelation or macroblocking is generally a result of a level problems or RF ingress.  This can be caused by something as simple as a cheap F connector, jumper or loose fitting --- or as complicated as a cracked shield or squirrel chew in the cable plant near your home.  As a general rule, the tech should always check the bit error rate of the channel in question during the service call, not just check levels at the back of your set top.

Audio Issues on 3100's:
I personally investigated the sound problems reported by this group earlier this year.  Initially, the problem could be duplicated in our technical facility.  I eventually convinced SA to fly in and try to hear and capture the problem on a MPEG recorder, so it could analyzed in their lab. When they arrived, the problem was no longer happening.  We tried for nearly 8 hours, monitoring all HD sources at the time --- but couldn't find any issues.
I requested feedback from the group at the time and received none, so SA went home empty handed and the ticket was closed.  Since then, I haven't read of any audio issues on TW HD services in this forum.
As it stands right now, I know of no audio issues on any set top TW issues.  If there is still something ongoing that I need to be made aware of, here's your opportunity...
Be forwarned... I'm on vacation next week, so any feedback from me may take a week or so.

Cheers
MHz

[agrundman]

I've had audio problems on Channels 504, 505, & occasionally on 512 continually since I got my HD connection in January.

As I described above, it is the annoying sound pop where the sound goes out for 1-3 second intervals.  Again, it is only on these stations, not on HBO, Showtime, PBS, or any non-HD channels.

It almost leads me to believe that the problem is not the box, but instead is an issue regarding the feed from the local HD stations to TWC.  My HD receiver is the SA 3100.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[brewtownska]

I have the exact same issues as agrundman with my SA3100, except I haven't documented exactly which channels do it to me.  But I can say I rarely ever have any problems with the HBO or SHO HD channels, which seems to be the same for most people I remember reading about on this issue.

Mike

[sarusk]

I can report the same pattern. HBO and showtime are without problems. Periodically The picture will freeze for 20-30 seconds and the audio will continue. Other times times I get audio dropouts. This only happens to the local channels, if I switch to analog or OTA the channels are fine.

[richjac]

Well, I finally called TWC to schedule a service call, and they suggested I swap out the box first.  So I picked up my 3rd SA3100HD box three days ago, and so far it has been perfect - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!