Audio Issue With Pioneer DVD Recorder (DVR-650H-K audio clipping)

[studum]

Hi all, just poking my head out there to see if anyone else has experienced the same issue.

I have recently re-arranged my home theatre equipment as I got a new (to me) piece of furniture over the Christmas holidays.

I have a PS3 and a Pioneer DVR-650H-K connected to my Panasonic 50PX75. Before re-arranging the furniture I was using the PS3 for all my playback needs. But after rearranging my equipment I began using the Pioneer DVR as my primary playback device for DVDs.

What I have noticed is that since rearranging my equipment the audio, for lack of a better term, is randomly "clipping". That is, the sound is cutting out momentarily and coming back again. The DVR is connected to my receiver (Panasonic SA-XR50) through a digital coaxial connection.

I have tested the DVR on both digital coax inputs on the receiver while trying 3 different cables - all with the same "clipping" result. This clipping does not occur on any other source, including radio (I have the PS3 and my satellite receiver connected through optical).

I'm also 90% sure that this clipping from the DVR is only occurring during DVD playback, but I have to do more testing of playuback off of the HDD and using a CD to confirm this 100%.

I even tried reversing the orientation of my satellite receiver and the DVR to remedy the issue but it was not successful. The DVR used to be under the satellite receiver and is now on top, the receiver is on a separate shelf. All the items are in a cabinet where the door is closed when items are not in use and open while the items are in use.

Before I start diving into this too deep, get extremely frustrated and assume that the problem is a defect in my DVR has anyone else experienced this phenomena before and/or does anyone know of any potential remedies to the situation.

Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[57]

Did a quick web search and the recorder doesn't appear to have an optical out - too bad, that would have been a good test. Here are some things to try.

Since the unit wasn't used for a while, it's possible that the connector got dusty/dirty. Clean it with some isopropyl alcohol and a Q-Tip. Then plug and unplug the coaxial cable a few times to ensure a good connection (at both ends).

You may want to try the analogue audio cables. If it happens there, then the problem is internal to the DVD Recorder.

Here's a checklist for you.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=19694

[studum]

Thanks 57. I'll try cleaning the connector and using the RCA outputs. Although I can't see the connector being dirty as the player was always connected (and used, however only as a DVR)

I have a feeling that it has something to do with the Digital output on the DVR as I have noticed that during longer "skips" in audio the digital input indicator lights on the receiver will turn off when there's no sound and turn back on when the sound returns.

The odd thing is that there is absolutely no skip or judder in picture playback during audio skipping, indicating to me that it's not really a problem with the laser pickup or disc mechanism.

Here's to hoping that I can figure it out with a bit of playing around.

[studum]

I played around a little bit and tested another identical unit on my system on loan from my brother. His unit is confirmed to be normal functionality on his system.

His recorder skipped the same as mine connected the same way in the same location.

I did nothing more than move my recorder up a shelf and the skipping is greatly reduced. (It was on top of the satellite receiver, now it's under my digital amp).

When I get some more time I am going to move it up another shelf (so it's there all on its own) and see what happens. I'm wondering if it's some kind of interference getting introduted somewhere.