HDMI cable problem? Or is it the DVR or HDTV?

lbaboyd · 02-23-2007, 12:21 PM

TWC came out yesterday and hooked up the digital HD service with the 8300HD DVR to my new Panasonic TH-42px600u HDTV. They give you the component cables that come with their DVR installation kit. But I asked the cableguy to hook it up with the HDMI-HDMI cable I had purchased from Fry's for $17.99+tax (brand: Link Depot Corp).

The installation seemed to go well with the picture and sound coming through real good. But then the cableguy got a puzzling look on his face and said it wasn't suppose to do that. I hadn't noticed all that he was doing so hadn't picked up on what he was referring to. But then he mentioned it and sure enough, what was occuring was the picture came on for about 3-4 seconds, then went off for 1-2 seconds and came back on again with another channel, and continued this cycling through the channels, never stopping for good on any one channel. It just kept scanning through all the channels, sorta like when you set up your channels. But it never reached a point of stopping (at least during the couple of minutes we stood there watching it).

So the cableguy asked if it was ok to try the component cables, and I said sure (in hind sight, I think I should have asked him to try another DVR, though not sure he had another in his truck). Well, with the component cables everything works like a charm.

But I remain puzzled why the setup won't work with the HDMI-HDMI cable? Is it a problem with the cable? Or is it a problem with the DVR? Or perhaps the TV?

I thought I would ask you all on this forum: What do you all think? Got any ideas or possible fixes in mind? I've read alot of threads here which have really been helpful, but I don't remember coming across this kind of symptom. I am a bit old and don't remember things real well, anyhow, so it may have come up before -- I don't know

HDTVSam007 · 02-24-2007, 02:57 AM

I think maybe your HDMI feature could possibly be mis configured in the setup menu go to page 22 & 25 of this http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX60U-ENGLISH.pdf make sure as seen on page 22 your TV HDMI settings are set to auto.If this doesnt help maybe someone more familiar with your specific DVR will be able to help you.

paulc · 02-24-2007, 07:22 AM

I have that STB and have virtually no issues with it using a HDMI connection. I DO read a lot of what others seem to be experiencing and think most of it all boils down to the DRM-enabled aspect of this connection. Because the "problems" seem so all over the lot, it impossible for me to discern any pattern going on (plus, I don't have much of any first hand experience, this stuff has worked fine for about the past 10 months).

I'd even go so far as to suggest that if you gave it another shot, it might work just fine. Or, you could try a cold boot of the box (pull the power cable for 60 seconds, re-connect). A cold boot has been known to actually fix weird things every now and then, plus it's totally non-destructive.

wprice620 · 02-25-2007, 09:49 AM

I have just finished setting up my system which is almost identical to yours. Althought I have not had the same problem, the HDMI connection was not a simple one.

A cold reboot of the cable box helpled me and make sure you you go into the secondary settings menu (accessed from the cable box remote) to rectify any audio issues you may have.

You can access the mauals on line at scientific atlanta's website.
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/Exp...ng_started.htm

After all this, Ive currently opted with component cables anyway. There seems to be a lag time with the HDMI connections in switching channels (especially when moving from an SD to an HDTV channel). This does not occur with component cables......but that is another post..

lbaboyd · 02-26-2007, 07:29 AM

Thanks for the feedback and ideas. From all the threads and thoughts posted on this forum it appears there's a mixed bag on how everyone's HDTV setups are performing. Plus it seems a lot of us are still learning how it all fits together and works (especially me). A good reason to stay in touch and share with this forum, huh?

I may just leave my present setup be and continue using the component cables which are working fine.

So far MDW and I have just been enjoying the HDTV and the DVR On Demand movies, which are great. The TH-42px600u is a great TV and it's speakers work fine.

Today, I'm going to try and hook up my DVD receiver/player unit with its surround speakers. If that works, I wouldn't be using the HDMI audio portion anyway. So all and all perhaps the component cables may offer the better setup options for me.

Thanks again for everyone's inputs.

rider1deep · 03-01-2007, 05:44 PM

I bought the same cable and have the comcast hd dvr stb... I don't get that problem, but when I leave the box on (to record shows when i'm not there) and turn on my tv when i arrive home, I get intermittent snow...

it may not be the same problem, but i heard it's the "handshake" between the digital signal of the stb and the tv... when the tv is off, the "handshake" is lost resulting in mess ups... this was due to a recent firmware upgrade to the boxes... but i don't know....

Grady · 11-24-2009, 09:15 PM

I recently purchased a Mitsubishi LT 46249. There is an extreme audio sync issue when using a HDMI cable but only slight issue when I use a componet cable. I'm running this trough a HD DVR. It's also noticeable when using a DVD player. Mitsubishi puts the blame on Comcast and visa versa. Any ideas?

Loves2Watch · 11-24-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grady

I recently purchased a Mitsubishi LT 46249. There is an extreme audio sync issue when using a HDMI cable but only slight issue when I use a componet cable. I'm running this trough a HD DVR. It's also noticeable when using a DVD player. Mitsubishi puts the blame on Comcast and visa versa. Any ideas?

It is the provider, Comcast equipment is where the problem lies.

Grady · 11-24-2009, 10:01 PM

Is there anything that Comcast can do to solve this issue? If it is Comcast, why do I have the same issue when using the DVD player?

ksims7572 · 01-03-2010, 06:24 PM

My new Mitsubishi 46249 was pixelating and losing audio every 10 minutes. After 3 HD cables boxes and all new coaxial cable from the pole to the box, the picture was fine, but after about 2 hours, the sound would drop. Tried improving air circulation around the cable box, etc. Two things "seemed" to work: turning the cable box on and off or switching the input selection on the TV. Finally replaced the HDMI cable with the multi-plug cable from comcast. The picture doesn't look quite as good, but as least the sound is staying. This was a brand new HDMI cable. Do they really go bad? Or is this a TV problem? I'm pretty clueless about this, so any help would be appreciated.

Loves2Watch · 01-04-2010, 02:39 AM

What you and the Op seem to be suffering from here is the dreaded HDMI, HDCP handshake issue. The firmware in the cable box needs a firmware update but don't hold your breath for the cable company to do it. In many cases, cable companies don't even support HDMI connections because of all of the handshake issues between various types and brands of equipment.

The best solution is to use component connections (red, green, blue) for video and either optical/coaxial digital or analog (red, white) cables for audio. Component delivers just as good of an HD picture so nothing will be lost in video quality. Also since component is an analog connection, it doesn't have to deal with HDCP so no handshake issues.

Hope this helps.

denicewu · 02-20-2010, 06:06 AM

I have just installed a Comcast HD DVR box on my Toshiba HD TV. The problem I am having is that when I turn the TV off and then turn it back on to watch it comes up to HDMI 1 with not sond our picture. I have to go into input on my TV change the setting back to Cable let it find no signal then change it back to HDMI1 to get the picture and sound. This has been getting harded to do and sometimes takes 2 or 3 tries. Is this the TV or the HD box and how to I correct it. Anyone experience this. The HD no DVR box in the Bedroom does not do this.

deadhead68 · 02-20-2010, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denicewu

I have just installed a Comcast HD DVR box on my Toshiba HD TV. The problem I am having is that when I turn the TV off and then turn it back on to watch it comes up to HDMI 1 with not sond our picture. I have to go into input on my TV change the setting back to Cable let it find no signal then change it back to HDMI1 to get the picture and sound. This has been getting harded to do and sometimes takes 2 or 3 tries. Is this the TV or the HD box and how to I correct it. Anyone experience this. The HD no DVR box in the Bedroom does not do this.

It appears to be an HDCP handshake issue between the TV and the HDDVR. In most cases, it's the HDDVR. I have no HDMI issues between my Toshiba HDTV and Comcast HDDVR. You can either get a replacement DVR or use Component instead of HDMI. No HDCP issues with Component.

roadlouse · 03-21-2010, 09:25 AM

Have a Philips HDTV. Hooked up a Walmart purchased HDMI cable since Philips did not provide one. Everything worked fine for a long time then this happened. Picture will be perfect for about 30 seconds, then the picture will become dim for about 30 seconds, then the picture will become sort of pixilated for about 30 seconds then the cycle repeats. Is this a cable issue. I have reset (powered off) all devices and it works for a short time then it starts the cycle described above. Any ideas or suggestions?

Loves2Watch · 03-21-2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadlouse

Have a Philips HDTV. Hooked up a Walmart purchased HDMI cable since Philips did not provide one. Everything worked fine for a long time then this happened. Picture will be perfect for about 30 seconds, then the picture will become dim for about 30 seconds, then the picture will become sort of pixilated for about 30 seconds then the cycle repeats. Is this a cable issue. I have reset (powered off) all devices and it works for a short time then it starts the cycle described above. Any ideas or suggestions?

Try unplugging your TV from power for 1/2 to 1 hour. Re plug the power and see what happens...

02-23-2007, 12:21 PM	#1
lbaboyd How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 20	HDMI cable problem? Or is it the DVR or HDTV? TWC came out yesterday and hooked up the digital HD service with the 8300HD DVR to my new Panasonic TH-42px600u HDTV. They give you the component cables that come with their DVR installation kit. But I asked the cableguy to hook it up with the HDMI-HDMI cable I had purchased from Fry's for $17.99+tax (brand: Link Depot Corp). The installation seemed to go well with the picture and sound coming through real good. But then the cableguy got a puzzling look on his face and said it wasn't suppose to do that. I hadn't noticed all that he was doing so hadn't picked up on what he was referring to. But then he mentioned it and sure enough, what was occuring was the picture came on for about 3-4 seconds, then went off for 1-2 seconds and came back on again with another channel, and continued this cycling through the channels, never stopping for good on any one channel. It just kept scanning through all the channels, sorta like when you set up your channels. But it never reached a point of stopping (at least during the couple of minutes we stood there watching it). So the cableguy asked if it was ok to try the component cables, and I said sure (in hind sight, I think I should have asked him to try another DVR, though not sure he had another in his truck). Well, with the component cables everything works like a charm. But I remain puzzled why the setup won't work with the HDMI-HDMI cable? Is it a problem with the cable? Or is it a problem with the DVR? Or perhaps the TV? I thought I would ask you all on this forum: What do you all think? Got any ideas or possible fixes in mind? I've read alot of threads here which have really been helpful, but I don't remember coming across this kind of symptom. I am a bit old and don't remember things real well, anyhow, so it may have come up before -- I don't know

02-24-2007, 02:57 AM	#2
HDTVSam007 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 62	I think maybe your HDMI feature could possibly be mis configured in the setup menu go to page 22 & 25 of this http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH37PX60U-ENGLISH.pdf make sure as seen on page 22 your TV HDMI settings are set to auto.If this doesnt help maybe someone more familiar with your specific DVR will be able to help you. __________________ Toshiba HDTV,At&t Homezone/DishNetwork HD DVR (622hz)

02-25-2007, 09:49 AM	#4
wprice620 My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6	reboot, etc. I have just finished setting up my system which is almost identical to yours. Althought I have not had the same problem, the HDMI connection was not a simple one. A cold reboot of the cable box helpled me and make sure you you go into the secondary settings menu (accessed from the cable box remote) to rectify any audio issues you may have. You can access the mauals on line at scientific atlanta's website. http://www.scientificatlanta.com/Exp...ng_started.htm After all this, Ive currently opted with component cables anyway. There seems to be a lag time with the HDMI connections in switching channels (especially when moving from an SD to an HDTV channel). This does not occur with component cables......but that is another post..

11-24-2009, 09:15 PM	#7
Grady What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Hdmi I recently purchased a Mitsubishi LT 46249. There is an extreme audio sync issue when using a HDMI cable but only slight issue when I use a componet cable. I'm running this trough a HD DVR. It's also noticeable when using a DVD player. Mitsubishi puts the blame on Comcast and visa versa. Any ideas?

11-24-2009, 10:01 PM	#9
Grady What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	HDMI cable Is there anything that Comcast can do to solve this issue? If it is Comcast, why do I have the same issue when using the DVD player?

02-24-2007, 07:22 AM	#3
paulc Very Grizzled Vet of 1 yr Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 1,764	I have that STB and have virtually no issues with it using a HDMI connection. I DO read a lot of what others seem to be experiencing and think most of it all boils down to the DRM-enabled aspect of this connection. Because the "problems" seem so all over the lot, it impossible for me to discern any pattern going on (plus, I don't have much of any first hand experience, this stuff has worked fine for about the past 10 months). I'd even go so far as to suggest that if you gave it another shot, it might work just fine. Or, you could try a cold boot of the box (pull the power cable for 60 seconds, re-connect). A cold boot has been known to actually fix weird things every now and then, plus it's totally non-destructive.

02-26-2007, 07:29 AM	#5
lbaboyd How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 20	Thanks for the feedback and ideas. From all the threads and thoughts posted on this forum it appears there's a mixed bag on how everyone's HDTV setups are performing. Plus it seems a lot of us are still learning how it all fits together and works (especially me). A good reason to stay in touch and share with this forum, huh? I may just leave my present setup be and continue using the component cables which are working fine. So far MDW and I have just been enjoying the HDTV and the DVR On Demand movies, which are great. The TH-42px600u is a great TV and it's speakers work fine. Today, I'm going to try and hook up my DVD receiver/player unit with its surround speakers. If that works, I wouldn't be using the HDMI audio portion anyway. So all and all perhaps the component cables may offer the better setup options for me. Thanks again for everyone's inputs.

03-01-2007, 05:44 PM	#6
rider1deep Newbie in Training Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NorCal Posts: 3	I bought the same cable and have the comcast hd dvr stb... I don't get that problem, but when I leave the box on (to record shows when i'm not there) and turn on my tv when i arrive home, I get intermittent snow... it may not be the same problem, but i heard it's the "handshake" between the digital signal of the stb and the tv... when the tv is off, the "handshake" is lost resulting in mess ups... this was due to a recent firmware upgrade to the boxes... but i don't know....

01-03-2010, 06:24 PM	#10
ksims7572 What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1	My new Mitsubishi 46249 was pixelating and losing audio every 10 minutes. After 3 HD cables boxes and all new coaxial cable from the pole to the box, the picture was fine, but after about 2 hours, the sound would drop. Tried improving air circulation around the cable box, etc. Two things "seemed" to work: turning the cable box on and off or switching the input selection on the TV. Finally replaced the HDMI cable with the multi-plug cable from comcast. The picture doesn't look quite as good, but as least the sound is staying. This was a brand new HDMI cable. Do they really go bad? Or is this a TV problem? I'm pretty clueless about this, so any help would be appreciated.

01-04-2010, 02:39 AM	#11
Loves2Watch Former Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In Flux Posts: 20,284	What you and the Op seem to be suffering from here is the dreaded HDMI, HDCP handshake issue. The firmware in the cable box needs a firmware update but don't hold your breath for the cable company to do it. In many cases, cable companies don't even support HDMI connections because of all of the handshake issues between various types and brands of equipment. The best solution is to use component connections (red, green, blue) for video and either optical/coaxial digital or analog (red, white) cables for audio. Component delivers just as good of an HD picture so nothing will be lost in video quality. Also since component is an analog connection, it doesn't have to deal with HDCP so no handshake issues. Hope this helps. __________________ It's always time for pie Live everyday as if it was your last and plan on living forever...

02-20-2010, 06:06 AM	#12
denicewu What is HD? Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2	HDMI not working when I turn TV on I have just installed a Comcast HD DVR box on my Toshiba HD TV. The problem I am having is that when I turn the TV off and then turn it back on to watch it comes up to HDMI 1 with not sond our picture. I have to go into input on my TV change the setting back to Cable let it find no signal then change it back to HDMI1 to get the picture and sound. This has been getting harded to do and sometimes takes 2 or 3 tries. Is this the TV or the HD box and how to I correct it. Anyone experience this. The HD no DVR box in the Bedroom does not do this.

03-21-2010, 09:25 AM	#14
roadlouse What is HD? Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1	Is this an HDMI issue? Have a Philips HDTV. Hooked up a Walmart purchased HDMI cable since Philips did not provide one. Everything worked fine for a long time then this happened. Picture will be perfect for about 30 seconds, then the picture will become dim for about 30 seconds, then the picture will become sort of pixilated for about 30 seconds then the cycle repeats. Is this a cable issue. I have reset (powered off) all devices and it works for a short time then it starts the cycle described above. Any ideas or suggestions?

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