8 replies to this topic

[Maz066]

As you can see I am new to this forum, but I am desperate for information.
I am on my third Tbox.
The first one froze, the second one gave poor reception
and the third also gives poor reception.

The problem I have is that at certain times of the day, around 7-8, the picture starts to pixelate. Mainly on the ABC and SBS.  I have had the antenna checked and apparently it is OK

If I send the aerial straight to the TV when the t-box is giving a problem- No problem- picture is excellent on the same program.
If I record something it quite often is impossible to watch with the picture stalling and severe pixelation.

All telstra do is ask you to re-set the machine and if that doesn't work send you a new one.
I have reset the hard drive, re tuned the channels all to no avail,
I noticed that the signal strength with the tbox is 57%, Quality- 97% SNR 26.4
If I cut out the tbox the signal strength on the TV is 80%. That is the only reading I can get off the Samsung TV
Any clues?

Signed Desperate

[Paul55]

This really sounds like a cabling or aerial problem.
57% is borderline strength and atmospheric fluctuations/moisture will result in problems. The 97% quality is probably the only reason you are ever getting a picture.
Tuners have varying characteristics/qualities and (unfortunately) it isn't surprising that one type of tuner will work with a bad signal better than another model.
As you have noted, some networks provide a stronger signal than others depending on your geographical disposition from the transmitter.
The fact that ABC (usually high VHF) and SBS (usually UHF) are worse, could mean your aerial isn't best suited to those frequencies.

[M'bozo]

signal strength with the tbox is 57%, Quality- 97% SNR 26.4

Samsung TV

Connected via HDMI cable?

If I cut out the tbox the signal strength on the TV is 80%.

What is the reading on the Samsung when the television is connected via the T-Box?

If you are using the HDMI cable, default back to the composite cable from the T-Box to the Samsung, to see if there is an improvement.

[clipper]

I have had the antenna checked and apparently it is OK

Fair chance your not getting enough signal through to satisfy the Tbox. No point changing boxes, quality/strength issues need addressing. If you have multiple outlets this will also add another dimension to your problem, ie. connections and signal loss through the splitter.

[M'bozo]

I have had the antenna checked and apparently it is OK

Can you post a picture of the antenna?

(or do you know what model/type it is.)

Can you tell us where you are? (State/town/suburb)

The more information, the better.

[Maz066]

Thanks for your replies

M, on 22 May 2012 - 10:48 PM, said:

Connected via HDMI cable?

Yes

What is the reading on the Samsung when the television is connected via the T-Box?
TV doesn't give a signal setting when connected to HDMI

.

M, on 23 May 2012 - 07:39 AM, said:

Can you post a picture of the antenna?
Have done


(or do you know what model/type it is.)
No unfortunately it came with the house

Can you tell us where you are? (State/town/suburb)
Berry NSW (south coast between Kiama and Nowra)

I have also found looking under the house two beam splitters. I will remove them and see if that helps. A real bu*ger to get to unfortunately

[Maz066]

Remove the splitters and now signal strength is up to 60% quality 98-100%. Is 60 % sufficient?
Lets hope this is enough

[Tazzy2Heads]

Hi Maz066
The UHF antenna installation looks pretty ordinary, the cable is unsupported and looks like it is pulling
on the connection box twisting the dipole element a bit.That type of balun housing is not very
weatherproof when the antenna is mounted for vertical polarization so could be corroded inside.The
antenna should be mounted with a mast stand off unit when center mounting with vertical polarity to
be done properly but this may not be contributing to your signal trouble in reality.
If the whole job is at the standard of the antenna install it needs to be done properly with a signal meter , Quad shield cables, 'F' connector connections etc. UHF Digital TV is not very forgiving
sometimes particularly with weak signals, you need to measure the the signals from the antenna
to the flylead plug to understand where the grief is. The 'T' boxes have probably all been ok, but as
has been said tuners will vary as to what poor signal level they pixelate at. cheers Tazzy

[M'bozo]

Apart from the very good advice from Tazzy2Heads, I have had issues with Samsung TVs connected via HDMI to other equipment in areas of low signal level.

My question about the reading on the Samsung was not clear.

What I was after was the signal strength reading on the Samsung TVs digital tuner, when the T-Box is connected via HDMI and RF leads.

Looking for a variation when the T-Box is connected to the TV, and then when it is not connected.

And then, if there is a variation, whether this changes when the T-Box is connected via HDMI, or component/composite connections.

( Signal strength/quality readings mean little in most cases, but are useful as a guide.)