hdmi problem with vip211

I have a dish vip211 receiver and a phillips lcd tv. I am using an hdmi cable. My problem is sometimes when switching from high def channels to standard channels the screen flickers with lines. The only way to stop this is to unplug the cable from the back of the receiver and plug it back in. If I switch from standard to standard or high def to high def channels I have no problems. Component cables seem to work fine but I would rather use the hdmi cable for better picture.
I called dish and they told me it was a software problem that they are working on. I thought it might be the cable. Has anyone else had this problem. I want to make sure I'm not the only one. Thanks.

I've had a similar experience with my Westinghouse LCD tv. The HD channels look great and spectacular. But when I switch to SD channels, I get a white flickering line at the very top of the tv. It is on all channels. Is this what you describe? The only fix that I have come up with is to do a HD full zoom on SD channels. Meaning, it stretches the 4:3 channel to 16:9 and then stretches it more vertically. This gets rid of the line at the top of the screen(I'm guessing it just stretches it and no longer shows up within the view on the tv). I call it a "fix" but it is stretching the picture more than it should be. I definitely think its a Dish Network problem and how the picture is displayed on the LCD tv. They should really come up a software upgrade to fix it.

What is your resolution set at on the VIP 211? 720p or 1080i? Try changing.

Check your LCD tv settings. See if its set to normal or stretch.

Does it happen with another video source? DVD player, etc?

Thanks for the reply. The problem I am having is the video has lines all over the screen and sometimes blinks in and out and I loose the audio. I should have explained more. I checked the tv settings and the receiver settings and everything looks right. It's weird though why it would just do it only when going from hd to standard channels.
I don't have any problems with another video source since they are connected with component cables. The resolution is set at 1080i. I have tried 720p but it does the same thing.
I talked to Dish again today about the problem and they said they are having all kinds of problems with the hdmi output. They told me just to use component cables for now until the software fix. Thanks.

I've had a similar experience with my Westinghouse LCD tv. The HD channels look great and spectacular. But when I switch to SD channels, I get a white flickering line at the very top of the tv. It is on all channels. Is this what you describe? The only fix that I have come up with is to do a HD full zoom on SD channels. Meaning, it stretches the 4:3 channel to 16:9 and then stretches it more vertically. This gets rid of the line at the top of the screen(I'm guessing it just stretches it and no longer shows up within the view on the tv). I call it a "fix" but it is stretching the picture more than it should be. I definitely think its a Dish Network problem and how the picture is displayed on the LCD tv. They should really come up a software upgrade to fix it.

What is your resolution set at on the VIP 211? 720p or 1080i? Try changing.

Check your LCD tv settings. See if its set to normal or stretch.

Does it happen with another video source? DVD player, etc?

I get this too with my plasma.....but I hardly ever notice it 'cause with plasmas it is best to play is safe and stretch everything in SD....so I use partial zoom with all my SD channels which lops off some of the top.

Get a new vip 211 as the demi switch some falis.

I use component with no problems

it is not software by switches.

get a new unit for no money.

Thank you

The HDMI port on my ViP 211 is dead. I have to use component.

I hooked up my VIP211 HDMI port to my new Olevia 537H. Everything great for three days. Now HDMI shows no signal. Component works OK. Is it worth the effort to get a replacement from Dish or is this going to be an ongoing problem? From surveys that I have seen the VIP series HDMI failure rate is extremely high.

The VIP211 is about five months old (leased with a VIP622) and was just hooked up to the new Christmas present) Olevia 537H.

The VIP211 was hooked with composite until now.

:mad: :mad:

I have problems with my other VIP211. The hdmi output has never worked on it. I have to use a hdmi to dvi cable since the tv only has a dvi input. I thought maybe the cable was bad so I tried another and still no video.
I called Dish today on this problem and I finally got the tech to send me out a new unit. It's almost like she didn't want to at first. It just sucks they didn't have these hdmi problems worked out before they started selling them.

vip211 can not support the Hemi cable
use componet cables and the picture is beautiful

Thank you

Got another VIP211 receiver today from Dish. The hdmi output works. I figured the other receiver had a bad hdmi port. I can tell a slight picture difference from component hookups. To bad there is no sound output using a hdmi to dvi cable. Oh well.

Well I'm thinking about getting the VIP211 for my projector I'm getting. HDMI is what I will use so this thread SCARES ME!!

I may get the VIP611 but I'll assume both are the same. How can they put an HDMI cable on these units if they don't work (From the post above by gintzj)

(Well I'm thinking about getting the VIP211 for my projector I'm getting. HDMI is what I will use so this thread SCARES ME!!
I may get the VIP611 but I'll assume both are the same. How can they put an HDMI cable on these units if they don't work (From the post above by gintzj) )

I have ViP 211 from Dish network, connected thru HDMI to 42" Philips plasma. Till Dec 12, 2006, Dish channels volume dropped off in the HDMI connection, whenever I change the input mode in the TV ( say from HDMI2 to side or AV1). Sound used to reappear, when I reboot 211 or unplug-plug back the HDMI or change the HDTV set up in the ViP211 Menu (6,7) ... learnt all these thru forums. Dish agrred that the ViP 211 had a software bug.

Now with the SW update on Dec 12, to L343, the problem has been resolved. I do not have any issue at all.

TR

vip211 can not support the Hemi cable
use componet cables and the picture is beautiful

Thank you

The 211 does support HDMI. I don't know where you get your information.

The 211 does support HDMI. I don't know where you get your information.

Some receivers including the 622 have had problems with the HDMI output. Of course that's a long way from saying HDMI is not supported.

Stay away from the HDMI on the 211 This port has not been perfected by dish There are more problems then good units.

Use your 3 color cable and the picture will be lovely.


thank you

Stay away from the HDMI on the 211 This port has not been perfected by dish There are more problems then good units.

Use your 3 color cable and the picture will be lovely.


thank you

And that's based on what?

Without meaningful data it's only conjecture.

Not that I care, I use components with my 622 but don't like seeing statements without some support for making them.

The only problem I have had with HDMI is sometimes the cable nearly falls out of the TV's port.

The only problem I have had with HDMI is sometimes the cable nearly falls out of the TV's port.

I agree, that is the only problem I've had with HDMI. I have not encountered any of the problems reported on this forum(thankfully). But I've only had my receiver 3-4 months, perhaps most of the bugs were worked out by then.

If anything did happen I already know the component cables work great, I can't tell the difference in PQ.

Well I am ONLY running an HDMI cable through the ceiling to my projector. I will not be able to use any other cable. This is why the HDMI information is critical to me.

DishNetwork wants $199 to set me up with the HD dish and the 611 unit. I've been a customer for 10 years (or since eco star) so I was hoping for more from them.

I'll checkout what it will cost me from DirectTV and switch if they offer a better deal.

I can't believe changing providers is an easier 'hassle' then just ordering from Dish and if it does fail, have then send another. Sounds like an occasional problem that is getting blown way out of proportion.

I can't believe changing providers is an easier 'hassle' then just ordering from Dish and if it does fail, have then send another. Sounds like an occasional problem that is getting blown way out of proportion.

Right now I need HD. So either way its going to be a hassle as either way they have to come out and install a new dish for me. I just want to go with the CHEAPEST startup cost for a HD/PVR reciever :yippee:

Right now I need HD. So either way its going to be a hassle as either way they have to come out and install a new dish for me. I just want to go with the CHEAPEST startup cost for a HD/PVR reciever :yippee:

I studied Dish and DTV for months before I made the plunge and I believe the best deal is Dish. Both are going to be very competitive with pricing. I found that after all the discounts and incentives were done the pricing was about even. They know what promotions the other is running at any given moment. For me the question I had to answer was "in my opinion, who has the greater potential for HD programming in the future"? Although their is much disagreement on the issue, my answer was Dish. More HD channels now than DTV and I am betting on more in the future.

Regarding your HDMI concern, I don't think it's a Dish Network or DTV exclusive problem. Some people feel that the HDMI platform itself is flawed and regardless of satellite or cable company their is always a potential for problems. I was with Time Warner before and now Dish Network and have NEVER had a problem with using HDMI. It's just a roll of the dice...

Good luck with your HD research as you decide who to go with. Don't stress out too much and enjoy researching your options, anticipation of going HD was one of the more fun parts of my process.

I was a long time DTV customer and they wanted over 600 to switch to HD, so hearing that Dish only wants 200 sounds like a bargain.

Also, as someone who has done design work for AV installs, I think you'll be kicking yourself if the only thing you do in a cable run is 1 cable - that's setting yourself up for a cable failure, even if you don't have a box problem. If I'm spec'ing conduit, I always go larger, because you'll always want to run more cable at some point - especially if you change hardware at some point, you're stuck with old wiring that may no be compatible in the future.

Do yourself a favor - run some component or even Cat5 cabling up to that projector. You can then at least have a fall back for something else if the HDMI goes at some point. With the Cat5, you can break that out to whatever connector you want, and you're still only running one cable. But for me, I'd recommending running more. If it's a drop ceiling or you have an access hatch, the other cables can always sit up above the ceiling, but will be a good fall back in case you need it.

Stay away from the HDMI on the 211 This port has not been perfected by dish There are more problems then good units.

Use your 3 color cable and the picture will be lovely.


thank you
I have 2 ViP211's. I got the first last February and the second about a month ago. I use HDMI for both and they both work great. I never had a problem.

The HDMI port on the VIP 211 IS a major problem. If you read any other forums you'll see it's become a maor issue and getting a new receiver is harder than you think. I don't see where there is proof of the failure being all mechanical or a software issue. But setting up for HDMI/DVI and then having it fail in two weeks is not a good thing. Component out is not nearly as good. Maybe on a 42" TV but a 106" screen it makes a big difference. It seems Dish receivers seem to have quite a few problems(the newer HD and PVR receivers) I had a 811 that had the same issues everyone else had and found out it's only good for 5 HD channels!!
I haven't investigated the DTV side of HD equipment/programming but from what I see you can get the equipment cheaper than Dish.

Wow people at both ends of the HDMI DishNetwork "issue". Crazy!

As far as cables I finished the basement myself and am not going to tear into the sheet rock so I'll be running some tracking along the ceiling. Yea it won't look the greatest but all eyes will be on the screen :)
This way I can change cables to whatever I want over time.

Just got off the phone with Dish about my non working VIP211 HDMI. It worked for three weeks and I got no signal. Dish says they are aware of the problem and that it is a "Software" problem and not a hardware problem. I asked the CSR to explain why it worked for three weeks and then failed and why other people have had non working units replaced and the new units work? DUH! His reads from his script card saying "It is a software problem that they hope to have fixed soon". I asked him how long I would have to wait and he said just be patient. They will not replace VIP211 units with HDMI problems at this time.

I will wait two weeks and the escalate my complaint using an e-mail to the CEO at Dish and see if and what kind response i get.

I read somewhere that the HDMI failure rate is about 50%. Pretty poor and should be recalled. Dish has been claiming this software problem for quite awhile now. I guess they don't want to own up to making a very large batch of defective receivers because they don't want to replace them.

Maybe only the squeaky wheels (Customers) get the grease (Replacement).

:mad:

My hdmi port on the vip 211 didn't work, i call dish and told them that I was trying to up my plasma with the hdmi to dvi and that I had check the cable with my dvd player, the hdmi work on the plasma, dish send a replacement receiver. So for three weeks its been fine. My 811 receives 20 hd channels, I don't know why your doesn't. My local dishnetwork guy didn't believe it also until he took a look, he said dish preach to them that it will not receive them but mines does.:yippee:

From what I've read Dish wants to "phase out" the 811. How long have you had your 811? My understanding is if you had it before a certain time (before the 211??) you could receive most of the HD channels but newer activated 811's would not. All in the hands of Dish. I'm sure the unit itself is capable of receiving them. How else is Dish going to get you to buy new equipment every other year??

I had the flickering problem when I had a 46 inch SONY LCD HDTV when I connected theb HdmI cable from my 211 to the tv.
Since then I bought a 32 inch Samsung and do not have a flicker issue anymore.I think it depends on the brand of tv your using and the screen size.

My 811 is over 3+ years. Maybe thats why.

What about the ne HD/PRV 611 unit. How is the HDMI on that unit? I need to get something HD soon and would like to stick with DN but if their truely is a 50% HDMI failure rate I'll go to DTV as I will ONLY be using HDMI!!!

I hear that both Dish and DTV are having HDMI troubles with their HD receivers. Some problems are software handshake problems between the receiver and the display. some problems with the Dish ViP622 also are with the actual physical connector loosing contact with the motherboard (HDMI works then suddenly dies). Dish has been very prompt to replace these units.

My unsubstantiated opinion is that the HDMI specification itself is flawed because the DRM police have required so many constraints, it may never work right (persistently shutting down). JMHO