Problems with Audio/Video on HD channels

[Drewster62]

I'm trying to troubleshoot a recent phenomena. Have only had HD service (via HD cable box) for a few months. Everything fine until recently when I started experiences a breakdown of the audio and video signal on certain HD channels. Out of a total of ~10 HD channels, some are perfect, others have slight imperfections, and at least two are breaking down so bad I can't even see/hear what is being broadcasted. Anyone know what is causing this? Had experienced a similiar phenomena on a friends set a few months back, but his was minor (portions of the screen fragmented but instantly corrected). Am using HDMI connection for what it is worth.

Thanks.

 

[jcPanny]

HDMI Cable

Is your HDMI cable very long and of low quality? If so, the higher res HD channels would be more suseptable to noise and interference.

 

[tomd51]

Options...

Is it possible to attempt to use a different audio/video connection for your setup, even for just testing purposes?

If you have the option, try running just digital optical or coax cable from the HD set top box (STB) and a video connection of some sort ( coax, composite video, s-video, component or DVI) from the STB to see if the HDMI is your problematic link. -TD

 

[JonBaker99]

Say it ain't so. Problems with HDMI connections? Impossible!

:::Begins using Jedi Mind Trick:::
"There are no problems with HDMI. HDMI is a standard universally accepted and loved by all"

I know...It only works on the weak minded but I had to try. Anyways the other suggestions are good ones. The other thing I would check is your output to your box and signal to noise ratio. if you have a motorola cable box this is an easy thing to check in the service menus. (Power the box off, keep hitting menu until they appear) My suspicion is that this is the culprit and not your HDMI cable. Generally speaking with a digital connection like HDMI, you either get signal or your don't. There is rarely anthing in between. If it is cable signal related you are going to need to either clean the signal up or amp the signal. Call and harass your cable company for this, you do not have to pay to get this done.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I started experiences a breakdown of the audio and video signal on certain HD channels. Out of a total of ~10 HD channels, some are perfect, others have slight imperfections, and at least two are breaking down so bad I can't even see/hear what is being broadcasted.

If only a couple channels are acting up, it sounds like broadcast issues may be to blame. My first step would be to call my cable provider. If some HD channels are perfect, I dont think the problem is at your end.

 

[tomd51]

Good point, Buckeye, missed the part about only some of the channels... -TD

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Yep,
I've seen these issues before. ESPN-HD had problems for a while. When they'd broadcast live sporting events or sportcenter in HD, the picture and sound was perfect, but when they tried to broadcast their first movie in HD (3), the audio and video were both so screwed up that it was unwatchable. Eventually, they got their act together at their end, and the issues were resolved.

 

[Drewster62]

Turns out the issue was a cable related. Seems that too many splits had resulted in too weak a signal to the TV. Cable provider ran a new and dedicated line to the TV and problem was resolved. They did so for free which was a nice bonus. But that bonus was somewhat tempered by the stains on the carpet left by his muddy work boots. Oh well, can't have it all I suppose.

Thanks to all for their insightful response. Your knowledgeable input is useful and greatly appreciated!