Cable line Surge Protection = No Channel Guide

[Scherm]

Well I went out and got the big screen, the HD, the surround and all the goodies. Great. While the HD installer is in from the cable company, I, being a good citizen, tell her I am putting surge supression on the A.C. and the cable line. She proceeds to tell me "Don't put surge suppression on the cable or you won't get your channel guide". I'm not believing what I'm hearing and I simply have to go out and try this myself. Talk to the Radio shack guy "well you might have a problem but you shouldn't on this here $150 Monster surge protector" Well I settle on a $79 one (I know I probably got gouged but at some point I want to get my life back- LOL), it has the cable protection and lo and behold - No channel guide when I use it. The cable tech was right! Now as a guy who has lost a DVD player to a cable surge I'm not real keen on trusting my thousands of dollars to luck. So, does anyone know of an alternate surge suppression that let's me keep my channel guide or do I need to get used to seeing "to be announced" for every channel and every time slot? How about satellite, does it have the same issues or some other traps? Jeez, I am starting to think this whole HD is a lifestyle, not just an entertainment forum.

 

[Audioholics]

You simply need a surge protector/power conditioner that passess a wider frequency spectrum for the cable line. The cheap ones are only good for analogue cable. Look for one that is specially labeled to work with "Digital Cable".

 

[BMXTRIX]

Yeah, my MONSTER POWER CENTER has no problems.

I know, I know... Monster sucks - except they don't really suck, they are overpriced... which is what I have never dealt with when working for a top dollar dealer with customers who throw old (perfect) stuff away.

 

[Scherm]

You simply need a surge protector/power conditioner that passess a wider frequency spectrum for the cable line. The cheap ones are only good for analogue cable. Look for one that is specially labeled to work with "Digital Cable".

So is the answer to go for the top of the line Monster surge suppression for $149 (that's the one the Radio shack guy said will work), or would you be able to suggest a better alternative/source?

Thanks

 

[Scherm]

Can you tell me which model of the Monster cable unit you have? I may be willing to overpay a bit just to get the torture to stop!!

 

[BMXTRIX]

heh-heh... I have an HTPS-7000 - which is not in the same league as what you see at Radio Shack or Best Buy. Got it for doing some extra programming... things work out nicely sometimes.

Cheap surge supressors quite often don't actually work, which is definitely something you should consider and there are lots of brands OTHER than Monster that provide good surge supression if you do care about it.

If I were looking to buy Monster, I would ONLY buy online or via eBay and I would get one of the nicer 'component' style units like the HTS-2500 or better which can be had online starting around 150 bucks.

 

[zumbo]

I got an Adcom ACE 315. It's great. It will cost you a bit more, but it is worth it. (IMO)

Check it out!

 

[Bryce_H]

Go panamax!!

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would agree with Panamax stuff looking really good. Also, what is it...? APC that has surge protection and battery backup for temporary power failures? Now in a more 'theater friendly' box. They seem really nice.

Last time I checked all Adcom equipment comes equipped with proprietary FOD* technology for total performance enhancement. It's one of the key reasons why I avoid them and have little nice to say about them.



*FOD: Failure On Demand

 

[krzywica]

Do you have a set top box?

I probably have the same model you have (80$ from cc) and my program guide works just fine. I use my Scientific Atlanta box from my cable provider and I've never had a problem.

 

[zumbo]

I would agree with Panamax stuff looking really good. Also, what is it...? APC that has surge protection and battery backup for temporary power failures? Now in a more 'theater friendly' box. They seem really nice.

Last time I checked all Adcom equipment comes equipped with proprietary FOD* technology for total performance enhancement. It's one of the key reasons why I avoid them and have little nice to say about them.



*FOD: Failure On Demand

Sorry about your luck with Adcom. I just love my 7605, and the 315 does a great job. One other thing I like is the fact I can call them and talk to a tech. A real in house person that speaks English. For the money, availibility, warranty, customer service, and performance, their products are a great bargain.

Oh, I almost forgot. My FOD has not commenced!