H20 resolution issues using HDMI

El Despairado · 02-19-2007, 06:40 PM

I just started getting DirecTV HD, so I just got the H20.

In addition to that I just purchased my display and my receiver. The issue I am having is with the H20 displaying proper resolutions with HDMI. I am currently running HDMI for Picture direct to the dislpay, and optical for sound direct to the A/V receiver.

When using HDMI, the LED's on the H20 never change out of 480i. In the setup in the H20, all available resolutions are selected. However, when you select, or deselect any resolutions, the picture and sound start to cut in and out, about once ever second. Likewise, if you press the resloution button on the H20 receiver itself. Likewise if you try to toggle between on/off for the Native setting in the H20 setup menu. When the cutting in and cutting out occurs, I find I need to unplug the receiver and reset everything.

Last night I hooked up component cables for picture and I had no issues at all. I was able to select and deselect the Native setting and any other picture settings without the cutting. Also, the LED's on the H20 properly moved to the appropriate resolution to correspond with the type of programming I was watching.

Does anyone know what is going on? With HDMI connected, even though the receiver LED's are locked on 480i, I know that when I watch HD channels, I am getting an HD image. I just want to be sure I am getting the best resolution possible. Also, I'm not able to set resolution to native and I don't like that. At the same time, I don't want to have to use component cables either. I could tell a PQ difference between HDMI and component. Even though the picture was cutting, I thought I could also tell a PQ difference when Native was set using HDMI also.

I called DirecTV and I have to say their support sucked. They didn't seem to know exactly what I was saying. Basically, what the HD rep stated was that the H20 was manufactured before they had the current HDMI spec so it is not compatible with a lot of TV's. He said that an upgrade will be downloaded automatically to the receiver when complete.

So does anyone know what is going on with this thing? Do I really need to wait around for an upgrade that may never come, or did I just get a broken H20 receiver or what?

adhood · 02-19-2007, 07:00 PM

You are not the only one experiencing this.
My H20 indicator light never moves from 480 either.
Like you, I know I am watching HD programs but the indicator says 480.

Haven't tired component cables yet. Don't really want to. One cable versus Five cables is much better.

hdtvjunkie · 02-19-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Despairado

I just started getting DirecTV HD, so I just got the H20.

In addition to that I just purchased my display and my receiver. The issue I am having is with the H20 displaying proper resolutions with HDMI. I am currently running HDMI for Picture direct to the dislpay, and optical for sound direct to the A/V receiver.

When using HDMI, the LED's on the H20 never change out of 480i. In the setup in the H20, all available resolutions are selected. However, when you select, or deselect any resolutions, the picture and sound start to cut in and out, about once ever second. Likewise, if you press the resloution button on the H20 receiver itself. Likewise if you try to toggle between on/off for the Native setting in the H20 setup menu. When the cutting in and cutting out occurs, I find I need to unplug the receiver and reset everything.

Last night I hooked up component cables for picture and I had no issues at all. I was able to select and deselect the Native setting and any other picture settings without the cutting. Also, the LED's on the H20 properly moved to the appropriate resolution to correspond with the type of programming I was watching.

Does anyone know what is going on? With HDMI connected, even though the receiver LED's are locked on 480i, I know that when I watch HD channels, I am getting an HD image. I just want to be sure I am getting the best resolution possible. Also, I'm not able to set resolution to native and I don't like that. At the same time, I don't want to have to use component cables either. I could tell a PQ difference between HDMI and component. Even though the picture was cutting, I thought I could also tell a PQ difference when Native was set using HDMI also.

I called DirecTV and I have to say their support sucked. They didn't seem to know exactly what I was saying. Basically, what the HD rep stated was that the H20 was manufactured before they had the current HDMI spec so it is not compatible with a lot of TV's. He said that an upgrade will be downloaded automatically to the receiver when complete.

So does anyone know what is going on with this thing? Do I really need to wait around for an upgrade that may never come, or did I just get a broken H20 receiver or what?

I have a H20 reciever also and its connected with hdmi to a Mits. tv and i haven't experienced any kind of problems. I have the resolution set to native and have all selected. When I switch channels from 480i to an hd channel the led switches 720 or 1080 depending on the source. I'd try to get another reciever. I have read about compatibility issues between hdmi and certain tvs. I'd atleast try to get another box just to make sure it isn't a compatibility issue

El Despairado · 02-19-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdtvjunkie

I have a H20 reciever also and its connected with hdmi to a Mits. tv and i haven't experienced any kind of problems. I have the resolution set to native and have all selected. When I switch channels from 480i to an hd channel the led switches 720 or 1080 depending on the source. I'd try to get another reciever. I have read about compatibility issues between hdmi and certain tvs. I'd atleast try to get another box just to make sure it isn't a compatibility issue

Yeah, I am thinking of trying that, if DirecTV is willing to do so. My Samsung is definitely having an issue with HDMI. The poster before you seems to have the same issue but is content with just dealing with it. I wonder if they have tried to place their TV on Native? Like I said, it's frustrating because even though the picture constantly goes in and out when on Native, it actually does look like I am getting a much better PQ. I hope I get this resolved.

adhood · 02-20-2007, 11:42 AM

Figured it out using HDMI.

On the H20 hit Menu/Settings/Setup/Display
Set the H20 to

Native: Off
Screen: Stretch

Than on the H20 (the box itself) hit the resolution button until the light moves to 720 (or 1080 depending on the TV you own)

Turn to a HD channel. Than hit the info button on the TV remote (Samsung TV's) the TV should read 1280x720 (if it's set on 720)

Than turn to a SD channel. The light shouldn't move.
Hit the info button on the TV remote. It should still read 1280X720
(if it's set on 720)

Side note:
I thought I was watching HD but in fact the H20 was outputting the signal at 480. The reason the picture looked so much better than the SD channels is because the TV had much more info to upscale the image to 720 with.

I explained it the best that I could.

ellis426 · 02-20-2007, 03:01 PM

You are better off using component (red, blue, green) rather than the HDMI connector. I have top end Sony digital tubes and both have HDMI connectors. I was advised by a woman in the Oregon DTV call center that the HR-20 will not work proberly when used with an HDMI connector. Switched immediately and the problems lessened. Still afraid to shut my two receivers off, DTV techs also advised me to leave them in the on mode rather than standby. Make sure all the blue lights on the front panel are on and shut off your TV and AV system and you will decrease the number of problems. I have noted that one of my HR-20s shows a blank screen and no audio when I turn the TV and AV systems on, I have to check that one to see if it is recording properly. Have patience and make sure you are in the Protection Plan that DTV offers.

Poppr · 02-20-2007, 03:20 PM

OK

This thread got me to tinkering with my H20 connected via component cables to my Sony since all I ever saw when changing channels was the 1080 light illuminated.

When I entered the TV TYPE menu under setup I arrowed over to TV RESOLUTIONS "my installer" had highlighted only 480p and 1080i. More than likely those are the default selections and the installer had no clue that other options existed. I decided to enable the other two settings (480i and 720p)...they both worked.

I next noticed that my guide information was now in a diferent "resolution" than previous....and not in a good way. I was able to use the FORMAT button on the remote and cycle through all the various stretch/crop/native options for each resolution. The appropriate light on the front panel of the H20 illuminated as I cycled through the combinations.

In my equipment combination it seemed that it took longer to change channels and display information when the set/H20 had to pick the best combination.

In the end I changed it back to what I had as the existing settings -- 480p and 1080i.

All completed without a system lockup or the need for a RBR.

kip435 · 02-20-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellis426

I was advised by a woman in the Oregon DTV call center that the HR-20 will not work proberly when used with an HDMI connector.

she is full of sh*t
I have 1 tv on components and one on HDMI

katlon · 02-20-2007, 03:35 PM

I hope you guys don't mind me changing the subject just a little but I have a related problem. With my first HR20 there was a place on the setup like you are talking about for the input of 480 720 and 1080. That receiver was bad so when they sent a replacement HR20 there is no place on the setup to input the 480 720 and 1080. I am using HDMI>DVI and I can not get the blue light to change from 480p. Is there possibly something wrong with this receiver. Thanks for any input.

adhood · 02-20-2007, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katlon

I hope you guys don't mind me changing the subject just a little but I have a related problem. With my first HR20 there was a place on the setup like you are talking about for the input of 480 720 and 1080. That receiver was bad so when they sent a replacement HR20 there is no place on the setup to input the 480 720 and 1080. I am using HDMI>DVI and I can not get the blue light to change from 480p. Is there possibly something wrong with this receiver. Thanks for any input.

I don't have anywhere in my setup menu to change the resolution either.

There is a button on the front marked "resolution" that will switch the resolution.

BTW I am using a H20 not a HR20.

Try setting Native to off and than choosing 720 or 1080 (dependent on the TV) using the button on the front of the receiver

Hope that helps.

kip435 · 02-20-2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adhood

I don't have anywhere in my setup menu to change the resolution either.

There is a button on the front marked "resolution" that will switch the resolution.

BTW I am using a H20 not a HR20.

Try setting Native to off and than choosing 720 or 1080 (dependent on the TV) using the button on the front of the receiver

Hope that helps.

under you Setup Menu there should be a way to change your TV type from 4:3 to 16:9. In that menu you should be able to select resolutions that your TV natively accepts.

katlon · 02-20-2007, 04:46 PM

OK. I read a little about the problems of HDMI. I took out the HDMI and was just using the composite hookup, did a reboot and the menu showed up in the display type to set the 480 720 and 1080. Set all those and then shut the receiver down and put back in the hdmi>dvi and all is working well. I set the blue lights to 1080i and the other setting to "native" and everything seems to be working fine. A liitle slow on the channel selection but I can live with that.

blueflame16 · 02-23-2007, 07:58 AM

The HDMI cable that came with my HR20 was defective. Tried a different one with my new Samsung lcd and it worked fine.

hr20manray · 02-23-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppr

OK

This thread got me to tinkering with my H20 connected via component cables to my Sony since all I ever saw when changing channels was the 1080 light illuminated.

When I entered the TV TYPE menu under setup I arrowed over to TV RESOLUTIONS "my installer" had highlighted only 480p and 1080i. More than likely those are the default selections and the installer had no clue that other options existed. I decided to enable the other two settings (480i and 720p)...they both worked.

I next noticed that my guide information was now in a diferent "resolution" than previous....and not in a good way. I was able to use the FORMAT button on the remote and cycle through all the various stretch/crop/native options for each resolution. The appropriate light on the front panel of the H20 illuminated as I cycled through the combinations.

In my equipment combination it seemed that it took longer to change channels and display information when the set/H20 had to pick the best combination.

In the end I changed it back to what I had as the existing settings -- 480p and 1080i.

All completed without a system lockup or the need for a RBR.

Same thing here. I have a pioneer pdp5071hd that will do all resolutions but the installer only checked 480p and 1080i at the hr20 set up. I watched a few days with no problems. I decided to go back and check the 720 and the rest. Wrong thing to do. The guide was way out of whack, I hit format time and time again, tried native on and native off. Short story is I switched it back to the way it was and everything worked great again. It doesn't seem like it should be set up this way but it's the way it works right for me. Strange.

SMOKE · 02-23-2007, 11:48 AM

I hear people talking about automatic downloads to there receiver etc... Are the downloads through land phone lines? I do NOT have a land phone line in my house. Use my cell for everything. If they are through phone lines...then, will I ever get the downloads and will this affect me and how?

02-19-2007, 06:40 PM	#1
El Despairado HD DVD: Still the best! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: North Dakota Age: 32 Posts: 903	H20 resolution issues using HDMI I just started getting DirecTV HD, so I just got the H20. In addition to that I just purchased my display and my receiver. The issue I am having is with the H20 displaying proper resolutions with HDMI. I am currently running HDMI for Picture direct to the dislpay, and optical for sound direct to the A/V receiver. When using HDMI, the LED's on the H20 never change out of 480i. In the setup in the H20, all available resolutions are selected. However, when you select, or deselect any resolutions, the picture and sound start to cut in and out, about once ever second. Likewise, if you press the resloution button on the H20 receiver itself. Likewise if you try to toggle between on/off for the Native setting in the H20 setup menu. When the cutting in and cutting out occurs, I find I need to unplug the receiver and reset everything. Last night I hooked up component cables for picture and I had no issues at all. I was able to select and deselect the Native setting and any other picture settings without the cutting. Also, the LED's on the H20 properly moved to the appropriate resolution to correspond with the type of programming I was watching. Does anyone know what is going on? With HDMI connected, even though the receiver LED's are locked on 480i, I know that when I watch HD channels, I am getting an HD image. I just want to be sure I am getting the best resolution possible. Also, I'm not able to set resolution to native and I don't like that. At the same time, I don't want to have to use component cables either. I could tell a PQ difference between HDMI and component. Even though the picture was cutting, I thought I could also tell a PQ difference when Native was set using HDMI also. I called DirecTV and I have to say their support sucked. They didn't seem to know exactly what I was saying. Basically, what the HD rep stated was that the H20 was manufactured before they had the current HDMI spec so it is not compatible with a lot of TV's. He said that an upgrade will be downloaded automatically to the receiver when complete. So does anyone know what is going on with this thing? Do I really need to wait around for an upgrade that may never come, or did I just get a broken H20 receiver or what? __________________ Consumers did not choose the winner of the format war, the movie studios did, and now consumers are stuck with the decision. Samsung HL-S6187W Yamaha RX-V2700 Toshiba HD-XA2 RF/LF-Polk Audio RTi8 Center-Polk Audio CSi3 SL/SR-Polk Audio RTi6 LFE-Polk Audio P505 300watt self amplified. Xbox 360 Administrator of Horns Up International hornsupinternational.freeforums.org

02-20-2007, 03:20 PM	#7
Poppr High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 142	OK This thread got me to tinkering with my H20 connected via component cables to my Sony since all I ever saw when changing channels was the 1080 light illuminated. When I entered the TV TYPE menu under setup I arrowed over to TV RESOLUTIONS "my installer" had highlighted only 480p and 1080i. More than likely those are the default selections and the installer had no clue that other options existed. I decided to enable the other two settings (480i and 720p)...they both worked. I next noticed that my guide information was now in a diferent "resolution" than previous....and not in a good way. I was able to use the FORMAT button on the remote and cycle through all the various stretch/crop/native options for each resolution. The appropriate light on the front panel of the H20 illuminated as I cycled through the combinations. In my equipment combination it seemed that it took longer to change channels and display information when the set/H20 had to pick the best combination. In the end I changed it back to what I had as the existing settings -- 480p and 1080i. All completed without a system lockup or the need for a RBR. __________________ Boston Market Sony KW-5140HW proj. TV 32" Vizio 27" Olevia 19" Polaroid 4x H20 rcvr (2-100, 2-600) Hughes SD reciever - Directors Model Samsung SD reciever AU-9 Dish/AT-9 Dish/3LNB w/tripod Sling Boxes(2) Whole house prewire CAT5/Dual RG-6/5.1 SS

02-23-2007, 11:48 AM	#15
SMOKE High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chambersburg, Pa. Posts: 105	Downloads Question I hear people talking about automatic downloads to there receiver etc... Are the downloads through land phone lines? I do NOT have a land phone line in my house. Use my cell for everything. If they are through phone lines...then, will I ever get the downloads and will this affect me and how?

02-19-2007, 07:00 PM	#2
adhood High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 150	You are not the only one experiencing this. My H20 indicator light never moves from 480 either. Like you, I know I am watching HD programs but the indicator says 480. Haven't tired component cables yet. Don't really want to. One cable versus Five cables is much better.

02-20-2007, 11:42 AM	#5
adhood High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 150	Figured it out using HDMI. On the H20 hit Menu/Settings/Setup/Display Set the H20 to Native: Off Screen: Stretch Than on the H20 (the box itself) hit the resolution button until the light moves to 720 (or 1080 depending on the TV you own) Turn to a HD channel. Than hit the info button on the TV remote (Samsung TV's) the TV should read 1280x720 (if it's set on 720) Than turn to a SD channel. The light shouldn't move. Hit the info button on the TV remote. It should still read 1280X720 (if it's set on 720) Side note: I thought I was watching HD but in fact the H20 was outputting the signal at 480. The reason the picture looked so much better than the SD channels is because the TV had much more info to upscale the image to 720 with. I explained it the best that I could.

02-20-2007, 03:01 PM	#6
ellis426 rich426 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	You are better off using component (red, blue, green) rather than the HDMI connector. I have top end Sony digital tubes and both have HDMI connectors. I was advised by a woman in the Oregon DTV call center that the HR-20 will not work proberly when used with an HDMI connector. Switched immediately and the problems lessened. Still afraid to shut my two receivers off, DTV techs also advised me to leave them in the on mode rather than standby. Make sure all the blue lights on the front panel are on and shut off your TV and AV system and you will decrease the number of problems. I have noted that one of my HR-20s shows a blank screen and no audio when I turn the TV and AV systems on, I have to check that one to see if it is recording properly. Have patience and make sure you are in the Protection Plan that DTV offers.

02-20-2007, 03:35 PM	#9
katlon GO TARHEELS!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 26	I hope you guys don't mind me changing the subject just a little but I have a related problem. With my first HR20 there was a place on the setup like you are talking about for the input of 480 720 and 1080. That receiver was bad so when they sent a replacement HR20 there is no place on the setup to input the 480 720 and 1080. I am using HDMI>DVI and I can not get the blue light to change from 480p. Is there possibly something wrong with this receiver. Thanks for any input.

02-20-2007, 04:46 PM	#12
katlon GO TARHEELS!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 26	OK. I read a little about the problems of HDMI. I took out the HDMI and was just using the composite hookup, did a reboot and the menu showed up in the display type to set the 480 720 and 1080. Set all those and then shut the receiver down and put back in the hdmi>dvi and all is working well. I set the blue lights to 1080i and the other setting to "native" and everything seems to be working fine. A liitle slow on the channel selection but I can live with that.

02-23-2007, 07:58 AM	#13
blueflame16 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 10	The HDMI cable that came with my HR20 was defective. Tried a different one with my new Samsung lcd and it worked fine.