NR-809 HDMI-out, strange oscillation...HELP

[Joe1515]

Lurk and search here a lot, but now I need direct input from some experts. My NR-808 recently developed an issue of freezing up, so I returned it and they gave me a new NR-809. I hooked everything up and then decided to change some of the settings> The HDMI main-out was hooked up to a 32" Westinghouse LCD so that I could see the on-screen settings. I turned everything on and all was good, then I turned the volume down on the LCD TV and this loud oscillation started coming from the TV speakers. Strangely enough, if I changed the TV input back to cable, and then back to HDMI, the noise went away. It only happens when the TV volume is altered, otherwise its silent. I had the monitor hooked up for about an hour while I went through the various settings.

I know the HDMI cable is good, so I have no idea where to start. The LCD is about 5 years old, and its being replaced by a 2011 plasma soon. I'm a bit concerned that the problem may be effecting the receiver each time i use the LCD as a monitor.

Since this scenario is unique (and confusing) I posted a vid on Youtube to show exactly what happens.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-RxTF3zJLA

Sorry about the frivolous posting, but I needed five to post a link

 

[Joe1515]

post five count

 

[TLS Guy]

Lurk and search here a lot, but now I need direct input from some experts. My NR-808 recently developed an issue of freezing up, so I returned it and they gave me a new NR-809. I hooked everything up and then decided to change some of the settings> The HDMI main-out was hooked up to a 32" Westinghouse LCD so that I could see the on-screen settings. I turned everything on and all was good, then I turned the volume down on the LCD TV and this loud oscillation started coming from the TV speakers. Strangely enough, if I changed the TV input back to cable, and then back to HDMI, the noise went away. It only happens when the TV volume is altered, otherwise its silent. I had the monitor hooked up for about an hour while I went through the various settings.

I know the HDMI cable is good, so I have no idea where to start. The LCD is about 5 years old, and its being replaced by a 2011 plasma soon. I'm a bit concerned that the problem may be effecting the receiver each time i use the LCD as a monitor.

Since this scenario is unique (and confusing) I posted a vid on Youtube to show exactly what happens.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-RxTF3zJLA

Sorry about the frivolous posting, but I needed five to post a link

I think this is an RIHD problem. Is you TV RIHD compatible? I would turn off the RIHD for a start. See page 60. See if this solves your problem.

If not see what happens if you set HDMI out to off. This will then cut the audio via HDMI to your TV, you will hear audio from the speakers connected to your receiver, but not the TV

With HDMI out set to off, see if you get the oscillation when you advance the TV volume. If you do then there may be a ground loop between your receiver and TV. If not, then you have an HDCP code incompatibility between your receiver and TV. Onkyo products are HDCP certified, so the problem is likely your TV. Check and see if your TV is HDCP certified. If not then I bet that is your problem.

 

[Joe1515]

Thanks for the advice TLS guy, i'll give those ideas a try.

I guess my biggest concern in if there was any damage done to the amp if it was in fact a ground-loop. I can always take it back and excahnge it for a new one if thas the case

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for the advice TLS guy, i'll give those ideas a try.

I guess my biggest concern in if there was any damage done to the amp if it was in fact a ground-loop. I can always take it back and excahnge it for a new one if thas the case

Ground loops are of very minute voltage, they will do no damage.

Your problem is due to one of the three problems I mentioned.

So go through the trouble shoot I outlioned. If it turns out to be a ground loop, then when you post back, we will go down that road.

Post back, we always need to play "stump the chump." So we do need to know how this trouble shoot goes.

 

[Joe1515]

I think you were right about the HDCP compatibility. I did some additional research and there was a lot of info about the HDCP “handshake” issue with Westinghouse TV’s and PS3. Although that problem effected the video I decided to look into it. I tried one of their simpler fixes, and it worked. It was just an easy power up sequencing: Have everything hooked up (HDMI), but unplugged from power. Plug in receiver, then power up. Plug in TV, then power up. Apparently this changes enough so that the receiver identifies the TV as before, but it can now complete the handshake. This worked for me and everything is normal now.

So all is well, and no more strange noise! Plus, the peace of mind that I didnt just damage all of this new video processing on the amp.

Thanks!

 

[TLS Guy]

I think you were right about the HDCP compatibility. I did some additional research and there was a lot of info about the HDCP “handshake” issue with Westinghouse TV’s and PS3. Although that problem effected the video I decided to look into it. I tried one of their simpler fixes, and it worked. It was just an easy power up sequencing: Have everything hooked up (HDMI), but unplugged from power. Plug in receiver, then power up. Plug in TV, then power up. Apparently this changes enough so that the receiver identifies the TV as before, but it can now complete the handshake. This worked for me and everything is normal now.

So all is well, and no more strange noise! Plus, the peace of mind that I didnt just damage all of this new video processing on the amp.

Thanks!

Thanks for the follow up. That Westinghouse TV must not be HDCP compliant.

Anyhow, it was one of my three guesses.