SA 8300HD and Sony KV-36XBR450 - dark HD picture

jaspur · 11-13-2005, 05:44 AM

I have a compatibility problem with my Sony KV-36XBR450, which is about 4-5 years old, and a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR box from Cablevision. If I use the component video connection, the picture is very dark and very red. (I'm not being a weenie here--it's unwatchable.)

If I use the coax connection from the box to my TV, the picture quality is fine. But coax doesn't support HD.

I had Cablevision here three times, with three different boxes. We've tried every possible combination of setups on the TV and the box. This is not a configuration or connection issue. I've been through all of that.

The cable guy said he had heard of a compatibility issue with the 8300HD and the 36XBR450. Then I read somewhere on the Internet that the component output of the 8300HD is incompatible with my TV. Supposedly one of the three lines has an "extra" signal on it, which my TV cannot handle.

I also read about a workaround: run the component signal from the 8300HD through an A/V receiver, and then to the TV. Unfortunately, I don't have an A/V receiver and I'm not about to run out and buy one.

My TV does not have an HDMI input.

I called Scientific Atlanta several times and they hung up on me (I'm not kidding). Cablevision has no answers. I even called Sony, but they couldn't help either.

Is there some way to filter out the unwanted signal from the cable box before it reaches my TV? Or is there another solution? Perhaps an HDMI to component converter?

Thanks in advance,
Jason

RSawdey · 11-13-2005, 01:58 PM

I'd guess it's a question of 3 level vs. 1 level sync signals...

There are many compatibility issues with those old 4:3 sets semi-compatible with HDTV. Part of the issue is that the TV can't decide if it's a 16:9 or 4:3 TV... it's 16:9 for HD signals and 4:3 for SD signals. Consider upgrading to a modern widescreen.

doggie · 11-14-2005, 11:09 AM

That sounds like a load of b.s. that they gave you. I don't know your exact problem, but maybe you can ask it at Sony TV owners forum or search for an answer:
http://www.agoraquest.com/viewforum.php?forum=25

jaspur · 11-25-2005, 02:16 PM

Thanks for the replies. I just signed up with Agoraquest. I'm going to post my question over there and hope for the best.

-Jason

jaspur · 11-25-2005, 08:45 PM

I found some good info on Agoraquest. Another guy there had the same problem with a 40" XBR set. He solved the problem by buying one of these:
http://www.cable-electronics.com/Product5.aspx

This device is available for $91 at buy.com:
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90117557

That may be my solution...

-Jason

amf1932 · 11-25-2005, 11:27 PM

I've been using this Radio Shack component cable switch box to feed 2 HDTV's with great success. I'm using a 6' component cable to 1 of the sets, and a 25' component cable to the other. The signal from the SA8300HD goes into this switcher, and each output goes into each TV. I didn't see any kind of signal degradation.

The nice thing about Radio Shack is if it doesn't work for you, they'll accept returns with no hassle, so I'd give this a shot....you have nothing to lose.

Check it out here> http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

Alan

jaspur · 12-01-2005, 08:51 PM

I did some more searching and came across this.

There's a $15 filter that solves the compatibility problem with the 8300HD box and the older XBR TVs. It filters out the DC signal that's coming out of the cable box on the green line.

I ordered one on Tuesday evening and got it today--the total came to $19.20 with shipping. It works! I can enjoy HD programming once again.

The filter is available from:
Audio Authority

800.322.8346

It's not listed on their web site. Call them and ask for Part # 1181. I spoke with Jason Bishop at ext. 161.

HTH,
Jason

davecarr · 01-07-2006, 08:00 PM

Jason -

I have been trying for many many months to solve this exact same broblem on my Sony 36XBR400 (the predecessor to your set model). Your story sounded identical to mine when I read it: tried three 8300HD boxes, spoke to Cable, Sony, SA, even local TV repair shops... all to no avail. I periodically searched around the internet a bunch and had not found the solution until now.

After reading your post this past Monday, I immediately called up Audio Authority and spoke with Jason Bishop - who knew and understood the problem very well. I now have the 1181 filter plugged in and it has completely fixed the problem! Wahoo!!

Thanks so much.

mfabien · 01-08-2006, 07:58 AM

Great problem resolution. That's one good reason to have this kind of Forum. Congrats to all participants.

11-13-2005, 05:44 AM	#1
jaspur What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	SA 8300HD and Sony KV-36XBR450 - dark HD picture I have a compatibility problem with my Sony KV-36XBR450, which is about 4-5 years old, and a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR box from Cablevision. If I use the component video connection, the picture is very dark and very red. (I'm not being a weenie here--it's unwatchable.) If I use the coax connection from the box to my TV, the picture quality is fine. But coax doesn't support HD. I had Cablevision here three times, with three different boxes. We've tried every possible combination of setups on the TV and the box. This is not a configuration or connection issue. I've been through all of that. The cable guy said he had heard of a compatibility issue with the 8300HD and the 36XBR450. Then I read somewhere on the Internet that the component output of the 8300HD is incompatible with my TV. Supposedly one of the three lines has an "extra" signal on it, which my TV cannot handle. I also read about a workaround: run the component signal from the 8300HD through an A/V receiver, and then to the TV. Unfortunately, I don't have an A/V receiver and I'm not about to run out and buy one. My TV does not have an HDMI input. I called Scientific Atlanta several times and they hung up on me (I'm not kidding). Cablevision has no answers. I even called Sony, but they couldn't help either. Is there some way to filter out the unwanted signal from the cable box before it reaches my TV? Or is there another solution? Perhaps an HDMI to component converter? Thanks in advance, Jason

12-01-2005, 08:51 PM	#7
jaspur What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	Problem solved! I did some more searching and came across this. There's a $15 filter that solves the compatibility problem with the 8300HD box and the older XBR TVs. It filters out the DC signal that's coming out of the cable box on the green line. I ordered one on Tuesday evening and got it today--the total came to $19.20 with shipping. It works! I can enjoy HD programming once again. The filter is available from: Audio Authority 800.322.8346 It's not listed on their web site. Call them and ask for Part # 1181. I spoke with Jason Bishop at ext. 161. HTH, Jason

01-07-2006, 08:00 PM	#8
davecarr What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1	SA 8300HD and Sony KV-36XBR450 - dark HD picture Jason - I have been trying for many many months to solve this exact same broblem on my Sony 36XBR400 (the predecessor to your set model). Your story sounded identical to mine when I read it: tried three 8300HD boxes, spoke to Cable, Sony, SA, even local TV repair shops... all to no avail. I periodically searched around the internet a bunch and had not found the solution until now. After reading your post this past Monday, I immediately called up Audio Authority and spoke with Jason Bishop - who knew and understood the problem very well. I now have the 1181 filter plugged in and it has completely fixed the problem! Wahoo!! Thanks so much.

01-08-2006, 07:58 AM	#9
mfabien High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 1,087	Great problem resolution. That's one good reason to have this kind of Forum. Congrats to all participants. __________________ Samsung LN52B750, SA8300HD, Energy speakers, Yamaha RX-V540, SVS PB12-ISD, Harmony 880, HD-A1, BDP-1400, Oppo DV-970HD, Zektor HDS4.1

11-13-2005, 01:58 PM	#2
RSawdey Mr. Wizard Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ferndale, Michigan Age: 62 Posts: 5,981	I'd guess it's a question of 3 level vs. 1 level sync signals... There are many compatibility issues with those old 4:3 sets semi-compatible with HDTV. Part of the issue is that the TV can't decide if it's a 16:9 or 4:3 TV... it's 16:9 for HD signals and 4:3 for SD signals. Consider upgrading to a modern widescreen.

11-14-2005, 11:09 AM	#3
doggie TimeWarnerStinks Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 210	That sounds like a load of b.s. that they gave you. I don't know your exact problem, but maybe you can ask it at Sony TV owners forum or search for an answer: http://www.agoraquest.com/viewforum.php?forum=25

11-25-2005, 02:16 PM	#4
jaspur What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	Thanks for the replies. I just signed up with Agoraquest. I'm going to post my question over there and hope for the best. -Jason

11-25-2005, 08:45 PM	#5
jaspur What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4	I found some good info on Agoraquest. Another guy there had the same problem with a 40" XBR set. He solved the problem by buying one of these: http://www.cable-electronics.com/Product5.aspx This device is available for $91 at buy.com: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90117557 That may be my solution... -Jason

11-25-2005, 11:27 PM	#6
amf1932 Sony 52" XBR4 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 546	I've been using this Radio Shack component cable switch box to feed 2 HDTV's with great success. I'm using a 6' component cable to 1 of the sets, and a 25' component cable to the other. The signal from the SA8300HD goes into this switcher, and each output goes into each TV. I didn't see any kind of signal degradation. The nice thing about Radio Shack is if it doesn't work for you, they'll accept returns with no hassle, so I'd give this a shot....you have nothing to lose. Check it out here> http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search Alan