811 Receiver Problems

[Spyder]

I have had 5 units in 10 months. I have a Sony Wega 42" with DVI from the 811, set as 1080i. Everytime I turn the 811 on, it acquires sat signal, then downloads program. Sometimes it takes 3 to 4 min just to turn the unit on, then another 4 or 5 min to acquire and d/l. Dish says it is a known problem, but I have several friends that have the 811, and theirs is fine. When I finally get it on, the picture is beyond incredible. I just hate to wait 7 to 10 min to fire this thing up. Anybody else having such problems??

[mfabien]

Why are you turning the 811 off?

[Spyder]

I turn the 811 off as per advanced tech at Dish. They said it has to be off to d/l the new program around 3 AM everyday. Maybe I should just leave it on to see what happens!! Doesn't make any difference though, when I turn my Sony Wega 42"WS on, it turns the 811 on and off a couple of times by itself. Could it have something to do with my DVI to the TV? My 5th 811 unit is doing the same as the rest. Won't turn on, then when it does finally come on, it goes to: Acquiring Sat Signal, 1-5, then d/l Programing Menu. Takes 4 to 9 minutes on this unit. I think it's time to go DirectTV. Dish doesn't have an answer.
I don't want to switch, but I may not have a choice. Hopefully someone else has gone through this and has the answer.

[mfabien]

With DVI, I understand the normal routine to be:

- TV ON

- STB ON

May I suggest you make a test using the Component Video connection. You should acquire your signal instantly this time.

When the STB comes on with a DVI output, HDCP is looking for a handshake with the receiving device, your TV. If your STB goes ON before the TV, then the start is not seamless as it should be.

I have a cable STB/DVR which turns itself off automatically after 2 hours of non use.

[Spyder]

mfabien,

Thanks for the reply. I have tried all combinations of turning on/off, and results are the same. It does make me wonder about the DVI cable, since my other TVs that are not digital work fine. They are connected via an RF Converter. It is only my digital unit that is making the 811 not come on, or turn itself off. My next step is to replace my DVI cable. Having said that; DISH has told me of a known problem that an Oct software update is to take care of. It is now Nov, and no fix as of yet. So it may be that all 811's that go out have this problem.

[mfabien]

I take it you have no Component Video cable to connect the 811 to the DTV?

[Boneman]

Originally Posted by Spyder

mfabien,

Thanks for the reply. I have tried all combinations of turning on/off, and results are the same. It does make me wonder about the DVI cable, since my other TVs that are not digital work fine. They are connected via an RF Converter. It is only my digital unit that is making the 811 not come on, or turn itself off. My next step is to replace my DVI cable. Having said that; DISH has told me of a known problem that an Oct software update is to take care of. It is now Nov, and no fix as of yet. So it may be that all 811's that go out have this problem.

Posted by Boneman


So far I've not had that problem. I have the DVI cable hooked up to a Sony 51 inch Wide Screen. I've brought the guide up a few times and had to reboot the system by holding in on the power button for 10 seconds and letting it go through getting the satellite signals and program guide. Other wise no problems.

ps I've also had the componet video cable and it worked fine. Make
sure your connections are tight and secure and the pins didn't get bent. I sure like this form to let people help each other out..

[Spyder]

I do have component cables connected, but use them from DVD player to TV, since this very expensive Wega only has one DVI input. I use RCA out to an RF Converter to connect 2 other non-digital TV's; (since the 811 does not have an antenae-out like my old one had) They work fine...until I turn on the digital TV. and since this is my 5th replacement 811 unit, it has to be something else, That's why I suspect the TV not successfully "handshaking" with the 811 box. Using Component and eleminating DVI is not an option, since DVI is required for High Def. I have discovered that if I turn the TV on and let it "warm up" for about 2 to 3 minutes, and then turn on the 811, it works fine. I guess I am impatient and don't want to wait 2 to 3 min before I watch TV. I just may have live with this though!! Something is definitely wrong with this setup!
I just replaced this 811 and checked all connections at both ends. They are fine. Someone out there has to have the same setup that I have. Sony Wega 42" Wide Screen LCD Projection TV and DISH Network 811 High Definition receiver. DVI from 811 to TV. No cable in, and no outside antenae. DVI and RCA from RF Converter are the only input to TV from 811. If you have this setup, please let me know if you have, or have had my problems. My email is: [email]gstruve@insightbb.com[email] Thanks.

[mfabien]

You can have HD with Component. But it is preferable to use DVI when you have a DVR (not your case) to record and time shift.

The procedure of TV ON followed by 811 ON is the good procedure. The lengthtily handshake could be caused by your TV. It may have trouble identifying the TV's ID (EDID system).

[allengarman]

I am on my fourth day with a new 811 receiver connected to a Mitsubishi Rear Projection TV. Last night, I experienced the same problem mentioned above. The screen was completely black. I was able to bring up the guide, but after selecting a program, the screen turns black. Ultimately, I held in the 811's power button to reset the system. After that, it worked fine.

I hope this problem does not percist.

I am using component cables between the Mitsubishi 55807 wide screen and the receiver, as recommended by Mitsubishi.

[jrd257]

Make sure there is power to the receiver at all times. I used to have that problem when my receiver was plugged into an outlet that I didn't know was controlled by a switch. Everytime the switch was turned off the satellite had to reaquire all data...hope this helps

[Spyder]

MFABIEN,
I think you have it right about the handshake. I have a Sony tech coming in to check it out. That has to be the only possible reason, since I have exhausted all other possibilities.
Thanks...

[Spyder]

jrd257,
Yup, power on at all times. Even ran a heavy duty cord to a newly installed grounded plug just to make sure that wasn't the problem. I have gone through every conceivable combo in checking this out. It is now in the hands of a Sony tech. Love Sony's warranty. 1 year in home, parts and labor.

[bmead144]

I have a Sony KDF42WE655 (rear projection LCD) with HDMI input. Recently (Jan 06) connected a new 811 to it via DVI to hdmi cable.Worked without a glitch for about 10 days or so then began experiencing same problem you describe-Black screen until I reset/reboot the 811.I even have to reset the 811 if I simply switch between the sony's inputs-(like switching from dvd then back to 811).Dish acted like this was a "unique" problem but after comming across this post it is apparent that it is an ongoing problem with the 811(has to be the 811 since problem is occuring with other TV brands). I switched to Dish because of the great promotion they are offering. The image quality of the 811 ( both the HD and the upconverted SD) are very good in my case,but if Dish can't resolve this issue-I may go back to cable.Going to research issue further and will post any relevant info.

[bmead144]

Have you been able to resolve the issue between the 811 and the Mitsu TV?