Cablecard Signal Strength and Random Channel Issues

Last post 08-27-2008 8:16 AM by nathang. 4 replies.
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  • 08-27-2008 7:06 AM

    Cablecard Signal Strength and Random Channel Issues

    I have a couple DCTs and have problems with two channels (NFL HD and TBS HD). Everything else mostely works great. These two channels are completely unwatchable b/c of the stutter and chop. I called cox and they hit the cards again and I've recycled the boxes etc. Same thing. I doubt it's a broadcast issue since my buddy down the street has the same setup with no problems. Thoughts?

    I took a look at my signal strength in the diagnostics and I get a (dB) of 21 and a (dBmV) of 45. Looking at an old post ... it was suggested that "Excellent digital signal should be 34 SNR and 0 dBmV"...and mine are on par with a good analog signal. Are my signals that far off (and if so..what do I do)? Do my signals matter if all other channels work? and.. Am I sampling the right signal (will the diagnostics sample both digital and analog)?
  • 08-27-2008 7:53 AM In reply to

    • nathang
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 12-22-2004
    • Channahon
    • Member

    Re: Cablecard Signal Strength and Random Channel Issues

    What is your SNR(db) and Signal Level(dbmv) on the two channels yhat don't work. I had a an issue with two digital HD channels not working what I found is that the siginal was too weak to lock on the channel. Comcast came out and install and amp and everying it good now. Most digital channels are 32db and -7dbmv.
  • 08-27-2008 7:57 AM In reply to

    • nathang
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 12-22-2004
    • Channahon
    • Member

    Re: Cablecard Signal Strength and Random Channel Issues

    If you signal is too hot you could try adding a spliter but your best bet is get the cable company involved. Also what are the numbers(db and dbmv) for the same channels at your friends house?
  • 08-27-2008 8:08 AM In reply to

    Re: Cablecard Signal Strength and Random Channel Issues

    Ok.. so think I am learning something new about the diagnostics tool.. I didn't realize it was based on the current channel. So... since I have two tuners, should I disconnect one, go to the channel, then go to the diagnostics? (Without disconnecting a tuner, I'm not sure how I would know which tuner is... tuning?)

    I appreciate your reply. When I am home, I'll re-run the numbers for analog, digital, and non working channels.

    I get worried about getting Cox involved. Our local Cox is not keen on the DCT/VMC approach (though I know they 'have' to...they just don't know that).
  • 08-27-2008 8:16 AM In reply to

    • nathang
    • Top 500 Contributor
    • Joined on 12-22-2004
    • Channahon
    • Member

    Re: Cablecard Signal Strength and Random Channel Issues

    In Media Center you can go to tuner diagnostics and select which tuner you want to test. So you don't have to disconnect a tuner to test it. If you need the steps let me know and I will add them when I get home.
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