Recording Log shows Channel not available?

[ckkopenski]

I don't know if this is a SA8300HDC, Navigator or signal issue, but I was poking around thinking I wasn't seeing anything new being added to my recorded shows list. Found in the log that I have a bunch of Channel Not Available messages. The channels range from Discovery (41), DiscoveryHDT (541), MOJO (545). I don't have any premium packages unless you consider the 'extra' HD package premium.

I have had TWC out here a few times over the years checking signal strength when I couldn't get any OnDemand stuff to work. I still get OnDemand currently not available from time to time, but I don't use it much, so I haven't called them lately.

What has happened in the past is they send someone out, they take a few readings, replace a few cable ends, swap the DVR and it works again for a while. I don't have anything of any value to me as a stored recording, but having to reprogram all the Series recordings and stuff really makes my a$$ tired.

After I hard-booted the 8300 on Wednesday, I started seeing my stuff getting recorded again.

Should I consider some sort of signal booster?

Maybe they should just build in a 24 hour reboot into these boxes.

Thanks,

Corey

[nick3092]

Navigator's diagnostic menu should be able to give you a signal strength, and SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio).  I have a non-C box, and on page 5 of the diagnostics, it gives you the readings for the frequency that the channel your viewing.  For example, I went up into the On Demand channels, and I'm at -13dBmV with a SNR of 32db.  You can get into the diagnostics screens by holding down the blue select button until a mail/letter icon shows on the box.  then press the gray down arrow right below it.

My readings are actually not very good.  Once your signal starts getting lower that -10, and your SNR drops below 34, you can start to run into problems.  Although, I really haven't had any, and my On Demand seems to be working well.

Also, if you have a Motorola modem for your RR, if you point your browser at 192.168.100.1 you can see the signal readings for the frequency the cable modem is on.  My cable modem is -8 and 35.

I'm also running everything off an 8 way splitter.  I actually just ordered an amp, and I'm going to do a 2 way split where it comes in, and put one leg to the modem, and one to the amp, then put my TV splitter after the amp.  This is the preferred way to do it.  It's not a good idea to amp your modem.  This way only my TV signals are being amped.