Standard Definition Digital TV troubles...

AshMan · 30-10-2006, 09:52 PM

I've been having a bit of trouble with our set top box digital setup lately.

I'm getting artefacts on the tv screen (similar to trying to watch satellite TV in the rain) and the picture breaks up and sometimes get loud artefacts through the speakers (like a squelch).

I'm thinking this is along the lines of an antenna problem, not getting quality signal to the box.

The signal meter on the box sits about half way.

It is worse on channel seven then any other...

I am in brisbane and get signal from mount cootha.

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms or fixed the problem?

cheers

Ash

P.s. if this is in the wrong place then please move!!

flappist · 30-10-2006, 10:34 PM

Not enough signal.

Get a better antenna or better coax.

Firefox7 · 30-10-2006, 10:44 PM

Yep....definatley a signal issue as flappist mentioned. Check your antenna, better still get some quad sheild RG6 coax. If your using crap coax, the loss per metre will be far higher where as the RG6 hardly has any loss. Has it always done it or has it just started doing it?

Cheers

AshMan · 30-10-2006, 10:55 PM

its gotten worse particularly over this weekend.
i wonder if wind could of moved the antenna?
unfortunately im in a rental so i'm limited when it comes to cabling.

thanks heaps for the replies.

Firefox7 · 30-10-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshMan

its gotten worse particularly over this weekend.
i wonder if wind could of moved the antenna?
unfortunately im in a rental so i'm limited when it comes to cabling.

thanks heaps for the replies.

The best thing to do is get a local Antenna guy to come out and check it for you. Just ring around and find who's got the cheapest call out rate. Shame i didn't live local to you..i'd have it fixed for you in a flash.

Cheers

Martyvan · 30-10-2006, 11:05 PM

I experienced similar problems when trying to set up my Digital Tuner on the PC. I had to use some level of shielded cable, as well as an Antenna Signal booster. I picked mine up from Jaycar, wasnt too expensive, and I get almost 100% signal all the time. I have problems with the Channel 10 info staying on the screen, which then somehow crashes part of something... which requires a restart of the TV to remove the menu... It has also been fixed by antenna booster, you can get 2 types, At the Antenna itself, or inside the wall itself.

All good

You will notice, also when it is windy, the signal does get 'knocked' around... or just cant seem to get good signal strength!

AshMan · 31-10-2006, 07:17 PM

thanks very much for the replies.

i will make a few enquiries tommorrow to get the signal checked, and failing that I will try a signal booster...

thanks again!

Kryton · 31-10-2006, 07:26 PM

let me know how you go.
i have the same problem.
im sure ours is the areial though sa we had crap reception before the set top box was bought.
just dont have a ladder to get on the roof and cant justify $150 for something that will only get used once.

MITCHAY · 31-10-2006, 07:35 PM

I have the same problem sometimes (Ch9 though) but I'm using broken rabbit ears antenna. What's funny though is that the tuning settings say the signal and quality is high but still stuffs up when someone slams the door or knocks the antenna.

I have to position the cables in the right place because I CBF to buy another antenna :P

flappist · 31-10-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshMan

thanks very much for the replies.

i will make a few enquiries tommorrow to get the signal checked, and failing that I will try a signal booster...

thanks again!

Signal boosters are crap, they just increase the noise, not the S/N ratio.

GET A BETTER ANTENNA AND/OR BETTER COAX.... end of story

Martyvan · 31-10-2006, 08:15 PM

Agree if you having atrocious trouble, dont get Signal booster, But i have decent coax right from the Antenna, to all 8 outlets in the house, and i still had a weak signal, so in my case, it worked ok to get a signal booster... I still have a 70's or 80's model antenna.

AshMan · 01-11-2006, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Signal boosters are crap, they just increase the noise, not the S/N ratio.

GET A BETTER ANTENNA AND/OR BETTER COAX.... end of story

In that case I just have to put up with it...

I'm in a rental so I can't run cabling or put a new antenna up!