Harman Kardon AVR 254 Problems

[tyreal78]

Just purchased the H/K AVR 254 a couple weeks ago. Upgraded to the latest firmware.

Problem:
Motorola cable box (Comcast Cable). When switching from Hi-def to Standard def, picture blacks out permanently (can still hear audio) until the receiver is shut off/on. The second issue with the cable box is the picture, in hi-def, will intermittently black out for 1 sec and come back on. This happens about once each viewing session.

Connected to the receiver:
PS3
Macbook
Motorola cable box

I've had no issues with the PS3 as others have had in the past. The latest firmware update fixed all of them as far as I can tell. The Macbook works perfect as well.

Any suggestions? Others experiencing the same? I can't contact HK support due to their site being down until the 23rd. I also wanted to let others know about the problem before they pull the trigger...

I purchased the Onkyo 606 before this receiver and experienced the common buzzing problem, and it wasn't a ground loop. Returned it and got the HK. Geez, do any of these receivers work properly?

 

[lsiberian]

Just purchased the H/K AVR 254 a couple weeks ago. Upgraded to the latest firmware.

Problem:
Motorola cable box (Comcast Cable). When switching from Hi-def to Standard def, picture blacks out permanently (can still hear audio) until the receiver is shut off/on. The second issue with the cable box is the picture, in hi-def, will intermittently black out for 1 sec and come back on. This happens about once each viewing session.

Connected to the receiver:
PS3
Macbook
Motorola cable box

I've had no issues with the PS3 as others have had in the past. The latest firmware update fixed all of them as far as I can tell. The Macbook works perfect as well.

Any suggestions? Others experiencing the same? I can't contact HK support due to their site being down until the 23rd. I also wanted to let others know about the problem before they pull the trigger...

I purchased the Onkyo 606 before this receiver and experienced the common buzzing problem, and it wasn't a ground loop. Returned it and got the HK. Geez, do any of these receivers work properly?

Your issue is an HDMI handshake problem. There is not a fix besides power cycling for these as far as I know. For a problem free receiver I suggest a Denon or Marantz. I've not heard about as many issues on their receivers.

please refere to the official thread on AVS forums for more accurate information.

 

[tyreal78]

Your issue is an HDMI handshake problem. There is not a fix besides power cycling for these as far as I know. For a problem free receiver I suggest a Denon or Marantz. I've not heard about as many issues on their receivers.

please refere to the official thread on AVS forums for more accurate information.

The workaround is basically hooking up the cable box via component, right? And for audio go with an optical connection? If I do go this route am I going to lose audio quality?

I know hi-def signals from cable max out at 720p or 1080i, so a component connection isn't going to lessen the quality, but what about audio?

 

[jayhawk069]

The workaround is basically hooking up the cable box via component, right? And for audio go with an optical connection? If I do go this route am I going to lose audio quality?

I know hi-def signals from cable max out at 720p or 1080i, so a component connection isn't going to lessen the quality, but what about audio?

The audio is fine (DD 5.1).
I have a HK 354 and also have a Moto box connected via component and coax. There are occasional problems with the stb, but the receiver has nothing to do with it.
One final comment: HDMI isn't all it's cracked up to be.

 

[TLS Guy]

The workaround is basically hooking up the cable box via component, right? And for audio go with an optical connection? If I do go this route am I going to lose audio quality?

I know hi-def signals from cable max out at 720p or 1080i, so a component connection isn't going to lessen the quality, but what about audio?

I think your problem is with the cable box. Make sure you have the latest downloads. If that does not work, then have Comcast give your their latest box. HDMI has gone though numerous revisions, I have now lost count. Older versions do not work well with later versions. Your Comcast box almost certainly has a version of repeater architecture, that your new receiver is not compatible with.

These issues are very common and will get worse, with a lot of legacy versions of HDMI 1.1 around.