Audio dropouts are fairly common on my 505 too. On most channels it's rare and only for a few seconds, but sometimes it increases to the point where it's really annoying in a particular program on a particular channel. There's never any accompanying video effect. I suspect that the 505/530 has a problem handling small errors in the audio digital data stream that causes it to lose sound for a moment whenever such an error occurs.

I don't think that the dropouts are that common as you say aaj101 otherwise there would be a lot more complaints on this forum as the dropouts can be so frequent that they make viewing almost impossible. I have asked previously on this forum and few responses indicated a problem with audio dropouts. I have discovered that a front panel reset will solve the problem for a while but this of course is no help when one records most of the programs as the dropouts are then built- in. I never had such a problem with my first 530 until the BC code killed it. I think it is a problemn within the individual 530 itself.
Lester

I've silently suffered from anoying audio dropouts.
The discussion here has brought it more to my attention, so tonight while watching last nights CBS Seattle Cold Case and caught an audio drop during the last 3 minutes during the song, I did spot a minor video glitch in the upper right corner, barely perceptable.
I replayed that segment several times and same spot each time.
Now I did have the advantage of the same program from CBS Seattle recorded on a Moto cable PVR from Shaw.
When I checked the same spot, sure enough an audio drop, albiet slight less, but the video glitch was a little more noticable.

From this I can surmise that the DSR5XX h/w is likely NOT the culprit.

It quite likely either the broadcaster or, if I'm not mistaken, the Cancom uplink is fed from the same fibre feed that Shaw uses to backhaul for themselves. So it might be somewhere in the transport itself.

Since I double record almost everything, I'll try and gather more data on the matter.

In case you wonder why, the DCT6412 uses NBR and catches extra and moved shows and with dual recording tuners has NO conflicts and also handles 61 and 59 minute programs properly.

BUT, because their SKIP feature is hard coded and the FF speeds are so anemic, I 100% PREFER the DSR530 and the 3JUMP + any other needed jumps to get past commercials.

The ABSOLUTLY KILLER FEATURE IMHO, hands down it makes viewing and extreme please and remeber, I have 5 different PVR's to choose from to watch, not included PC based units.

I've been using the 3+Jump function more now.

I was watching a recorded movie on CityTV recently. Buy fluke, they had all of their commercial breaks set to 3mins.

Commerical starts
3+jump
"Parental Discression advised"
Every time - it was nice.

Anyone watching "My Name Is Earl" or "The Office" last Thursday night would have enjoyed a real treat with almost 50% of both shows with no audio and picture cutting in and out.

Not sure what network carried that, but maybe if/when it happens again, check the SD version from the same location if there is one or another channel carrying it at the same time.

There are just too many variables to pin it down to the box, the uplink, the local affiliate or the network feed.

If you have a buddy you can call with same/different gear/provider to compare as I was furtunate to be able to do with a cable provider & PVR, then some patterns might arrise that can be reported.

It takes a big effort to isolate these type of problems, but after a year harping about NBC HD Detroit, things changed.

Back when hold times were more modest ond the dropouts chronic, I'd call a TSR and have them watch/listen at the same time.
Once THEY confirm the problem is valid with them, they can call or open a ticket to the 'broadcast centre' for investigation.
Enough of these and it becomes quite effective.

I used to be able to get in, report it, confirm it and back out during a 3 minute commercial break, back before the labour shortage out here.

I don't think that the dropouts are that common as you say aaj101 otherwise there would be a lot more complaints on this forum as the dropouts can be so frequent that they make viewing almost impossible. I have asked previously on this forum and few responses indicated a problem with audio dropouts. I have discovered that a front panel reset will solve the problem for a while but this of course is no help when one records most of the programs as the dropouts are then built- in. I never had such a problem with my first 530 until the BC code killed it. I think it is a problemn within the individual 530 itself.
Lester

Here's another bit of information: I usually turn on my 5.1 surround receiver for programs that have DD 5.1 sound, but I use the TV speakers (stereo input) for other programming. I've noticed that when the sound dropouts start happening a lot in one program, they are less frequent and of much shorter duration in analog stereo, sometimes almost unnoticeable. But the DD 5.1 sound always drops out for at least 3 seconds, making it very noticeable.

Does anyone have any insight into how stereo and DD 5.1 sound are transmitted by *C, and why it might be different? I can't rule out that it could be my DD 5.1 receiver over-reacting to a minor hiccup in the data stream, of course.

Quote by ARR

From this I can surmise that the DSR5XX h/w is likely NOT the culprit.


The reason I believe the 530 Unit is responsible for my dropout problems:-

1. The dropouts can be so disruptive to viewing that there would be a lot
more complaints on this forum if the dropouts were universal.

2. My first 530 never had a dropout but the second two have constant
dropouts.

3. A front panel reboot will cure the problem for a time as will a factory reset

4. When I take the coax off the 530 which is experiencing the dropouts
and put it on my 500 there are no dropouts whatsoever.

Would like to hear your response to this ARR
Thanks in advance.
Lester

Well those would certainly point to the box, no doubt about that.

It's entirely possible there are multiple causes then.

My comments were made on what I believe was an external cause based on first hand and repeatable observation.

Without indepth analysis using comparative methods, it's dificult to know what audio drops outs are box and what are broadcaster related.

The noise seems relatively low because many of the early adopters haven't visited for a while or the drops are scattered so randomly across channels as to be dificult to establish a pattern.

You can always try what I had done with a TSR when it's happening frequently.
If he can't validate it at their end and you call every night for a while, then maybe they'll open a ticket or replace the box.

I'll mention it next time I'm talking to my inside guys and see if it's a known bug or can be made one.

I suppose a version of code could be MORE sensitive to signal aberations than others, so the cause would be BOTH box and broadcaster.

Well those would certainly point to the box, no doubt about that.

It's entirely possible there are multiple causes then.

My comments were made on what I believe was an external cause based on first hand and repeatable observation.

Without indepth analysis using comparative methods, it's dificult to know what audio drops outs are box and what are broadcaster related.

The noise seems relatively low because many of the early adopters haven't visited for a while or the drops are scattered so randomly across channels as to be dificult to establish a pattern.

You can always try what I had done with a TSR when it's happening frequently.
If he can't validate it at their end and you call every night for a while, then maybe they'll open a ticket or replace the box.

I'll mention it next time I'm talking to my inside guys and see if it's a known bug or can be made one.

I suppose a version of code could be MORE sensitive to signal aberations than others, so the cause would be BOTH box and broadcaster.

Thanks for your response ARR. I am sure if it was not my particular box there would be a large outcry as the dropouts are very, very annoying and some programs get to be unwatchable. Funny thing though the dropouts do occur on the same channels time after time. A check of these chanells shows a 68% to 89% signal strength. TVO, TSN, BBC Canada and the music Channel 936 are commonly affected
Lester

I had expected them to be the HD channels.
Since I seldom spend ANY time on SD short of local news, I have no experience to compare.

Why would it be the same channels all the time.
And other channels are OK?

I checked my charts and those channels are all on different transponders and at different frequencies and not particularly high either and also different polarities, so I can't see a pattern there.

If you are recording it, it drops in playback? And at the same point repeatedly?

I had expected them to be the HD channels.
Since I seldom spend ANY time on SD short of local news, I have no experience to compare.

Why would it be the same channels all the time.
And other channels are OK?

I checked my charts and those channels are all on different transponders and at different frequencies and not particularly high either and also different polarities, so I can't see a pattern there.

If you are recording it, it drops in playback? And at the same point repeatedly?

Yes I get dropouts on recorded and live programs. For example; I was just watching a recorded show of "The Desert Speaks" which I had previously recorded on Channell 288 (PBS HD) and there were audio breaks every few seconds. It was so bad that I deleted it as it was too distracting to watch. We do record most of the shows that we watch and of course once recorded the dropouts are then built in. If we are listening to a music channel (usually 936) and we experience dropout a quick reboot usually fixes it for a while. I have changed the coax cables between sets, moved the box to a cooler spot, but can find no pattern to the dropouts. They can occur on any channel (I think) but the worst offenders are the ones I listed. We can watch recorded shows with no problem for a couple of evenings and then we will watch a show that is just full of dropouts. (sometimes there is a very small pixalation of the video but other times none.) It is not weather related as they can occur during the most beautiful weather and not occur during a snowstorm. I have checked the connections on the dish, bought new coax but the probel persists. I think I will have to ask for another replacemt 530 and give that a try. (I think the current one was a new unit too)

Lester

Lester,

I do believe that you are correct and the problem is with the receiver. I do experience the same problems. They may not be as bad as what you experience, but they are there.
For example, everyday I record The Wonder Years on channel 525 at 2pm MST and everyday the recording has audio problems and very bad video pixelling at the same time as the audio problems. Today I will watch both the live feed and then the recorded feed and do a comparison. This channel has a signal strength of 82 both live and when it is being recorded (tuner 2). I will post my comparisons when I am done. If you can set a timer for this program/time and let me know if this channel/program gives you the same result.

If there is a particular recorded program that is bad for you I can record it also and let you know if it was the same for me.

I don't think that many people are experiencing this problem, but I know that both you and I are talking about the same thing. My replacement receiver was a refurbished receiver and I think that that has a lot to do with this. What was your replacement? A refurbished?

Video + audio dropouts at the same time are "normal" in that when there is a temporary loss of signal, that is how it should behave. Coax cable, LNBF, outside interferance could all be a cause.

Just audio dropouts are more strange, but I have heard of a few people experiencing them. What type of home theatre receiver are all of you using? I've been working off the theory that THAT is where the problem lies.

Thanks for the input Satellite,

I am using a JVC RX-888V.

I don't think that the dropouts are that common as you say aaj101 otherwise there would be a lot more complaints on this forum

As another poster commented, most of us quietly consider it part of digital transmissions, be it satellite or OTA digital. For years now, WNED Buffalo-SD has had volume fluctuations that are more pronounced when recording a program, sometimes making a permanent copy almost impossible (using a 401 or 305 as the source). I have often thought they did that on purpose, so one would be obligated to buy the pledge premiums instead.
I also have two 505's and dropouts are more pronounced on HD channels, especially when DD 5.1 is broadcast. There can be audio only, video only or both dropping. But, I have also observed a higher frequency of off sync audio which is more annoying than even a few dropouts.
And, don't get me started on East vs West feeds. Some of the Eastern are horrible.

Lester,

I watched both the live and recorded versions of the program. The live version was fine and also the recorded version was fine. No problems today. I also had to do a reset 2 hours prior to the recording because of a lockup.

Lester,

I watched both the live and recorded versions of the program. The live version was fine and also the recorded version was fine. No problems today. I also had to do a reset 2 hours prior to the recording because of a lockup.
___________________________________________________________
Thanks for your input Superbry - Most probably you did not get the dropouts during your live and recorded test of channel 525 because you did a front panel reset just before the test. I can also cure live dropouts with a front panel reset too (for a while)
____________________________________________________________ __-
Quote
satellite Video + audio dropouts at the same time are "normal" in that when there is a temporary loss of signal, that is how it should behave. Coax cable, LNBF, outside interferance could all be a cause.

Just audio dropouts are more strange, but I have heard of a few people experiencing them. What type of home theatre receiver are all of you using? I've been working off the theory that THAT is where the problem lies.
____________________________________________________________ __
My problem is audio dropouts, What video pixillations I experience are minute and not disruptive. There is a big difference in the dropouts that I experience and those from poor weather conditions. I use a Pioneer sound system. Yes the sound system makes the problem more pronounced than if I go to a TV input and use just the TV sound. On the TV sound the dropout is a lot less prolonged. The dropouts are so random that it is impossible to predict them.

Quote
ARR I had expected them to be the HD channels.
Since I seldom spend ANY time on SD short of local news, I have no experience to compare.

Why would it be the same channels all the time.
And other channels are OK?

I checked my charts and those channels are all on different transponders and at different frequencies and not particularly high either and also different polarities, so I can't see a pattern there.

If you are recording it, it drops in playback? And at the same point repeatedly?
___________________________________________________________

Yes once the show is recorded I can repeat the dropout at the same point in the playback
Lester

I also use Pioneer A/V amp.
Currently a 912K, but switching to an 816K after I open my Xmas present.

I'll advise if I notice any significant changes.
I always run optical DD5.1

I also use Pioneer A/V amp.
Currently a 912K, but switching to an 816K after I open my Xmas present.

I'll advise if I notice any significant changes.
I always run optical DD5.1


I use Optical for sound but have tried removing the optical connection and used regular composite cables and the problem is just the same. As much as I hate to do this I think I will be asking SC for a replacement unit.
Lester

Do report back if that fixes it.
If they give you any static, ask them to have Jasbir start tracking reports of audio dropouts and ALL of us need to call in on the issue.

It helps when you know the process and what it actually takes to get stuff done, since our man on the inside can't directly push buttons anymore.