Sound Dropouts on Rogers HD Preview Channel 501

[SuperGoop]

I am new to HDTV. I just rented the 3250HD box. I have no problems with any of the HD channels, except for Rogers' own Preview channel 501! It happens to not only the MM Video Awards, but also the one when they are introducing the advantages of HDTV.

I am using coax digital audio out into my Pioneer VSX812 receiver. About 1 second of sound is dropped every 20 seconds. If I switch the Audio output setting to "Other" (instead of "Dolby Digital"), the stutter goes away.

I tried to search the forum, but couldn't find a solution. I called Rogers, and they say they are not aware of the sound drop problem.

Fortunately, I don't have this problem with the regular HD channels.

Thanks.

[JAY-DEE]

SuperGoop, I've noticed the same sound dropouts on the Rogers HDTV preview channel (501). Haven't even tried to change sound settings because the other HD channels seems to be OK except for problems which others have identified with sound occasionally (louder, softer etc. on various channels). Could it be that the Dolby sound is not being properly managed by Rogers?

My receiver for sound is a Sony DB1070 which has been providing excellent full surround sound.

I occasionally glance at the preview channel just for the picture to ensure that broadcasting of HD picture is OK when there are problems at source with some broadcasts on network TV channels.

Enjoying HDTV. Wish there was more Movie channel HDTV and more "educational" HDTV.

[uberchuckie]

I had really bad audio stutters when I connected my Pioneer VSX-409 receiver to the Explorer 8000HD using coax.

I switched to the toslink optical connector and all the stutters went away. You might want to give that a try.

[gfong]

Myself think it is the recording of the awards and the cbc high def commercial. In the cbc thing the flesh tone colour is crap and the drop outs in the mm awards are always at the same time during the show. It is for sure the recording of it not the channel. My thoughts only

[allanweinman]

I noticed the problem on the MM awards show on the preview channel. It also has a slight freeze frame thing every once in a while. I never see this problem on any other HD channels.

[Damnit]

I've had the same problems as well.........it must be the recording of the show

[agent86]

Yep. Same thing on my 8300HD.

[cdnbikerdude]

Same Problem here with MMVA audio drop outs on both coax digital or toslink on a Denon Recv. All other channels with Dolby D are fine (LEtterman, leno)

[modalis]

Same problem here.

[odiovidio]

I have seen numerous people who have this problem including me (Yamaha HTR5230 + SA3250). Rogers is aware of this and is either A) not able to fix it OR B) thinks it is not their problem. My guess is B.

Searching through these forums, there are a select few who do not experience the droppouts, but they fail to list what equipment they are using. It would be helpful, for those of us that are on the verge of upgrading to know what equipment works.

The preview channel is the BEST channel for showing off HD. Not to mention they have some good stuff on sometimes. (MMVAs...that performance by Archade Fire is AWESOME, Coldplay concert)

[57]

I believe that the issue is related to the SA3250HD - I had it on my SA3250HD STB before I got the SA8300HD, which I'm using now with my Yamaha without difficulty. You could consider upgrading to the SA8300HD. It only happens on this one channel and is likely related to the way the programme was encoded. The SA8300HD used to have video freezes, but that was "fixed" with the last update to the demo loop.

You can run analogue audio and the issue will go away, or you can try PCM (other? as indicated in the first post) output instead of DD when you want to use that channel.

Here's another thread on the subject...

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/for...ad.php?t=29137

[jrol]

Hi Supergoop --

You may need to (as uberchuckie did) change over to an optical connection to an available input on your receiver -- it seems that a good chunk of SA 3250HD receivers have this issue with the preview channel... (alternatively, if PVR is your thing then go for the SA 8300HD as these have no known instances of sound drop out with coax or optical).

I personally have tried several different combinations of receivers and connections (and audio settings) and have had the best result from optical w/8300HD...

Regards,

jrol

(Of course, if I had read the threads above, I might not have been so repetitive... (sorry--new to the forum)

[pjreid]

Actually, I have the 8300HD and I also notice audio dropouts on 501 from time to time. Before the update, I used to get video freezes too, but now it's just periodic audio dropouts. Doesn't really bother me 'cause I rarely actually check out the channel.

[kpayne]

The sound dropouts are also occuring on WGRZ Channel 2 cable 17. It's quite a task trying to watch news with words being dropped out. I have noticed the dropouts for the last couple of weeks

[rad_sci_guy]

I have the HD PVR box (i think it's 8300) and i've also had this problem with the preview channel as well. I've also notice that discovery HD also has audio drop with some of the HD content they show (most recently I noticed it with a program about the cave coffins in China) I also find that east coast ABC also has sound problems (had it happen with Desperate Housewives and Lost). I feel it might be the actual broadcaster's signal since I watch the same shows on west coast ABC and have no problems. It can be frustrating at times, but I guess these are the hiccups that come with new technologies.