2008-01-19, 12:40 AM
An update on my continuing weak signal saga....
I received the OnAir GT tuner, having chosen it because it was frequently recommended as the best tuner for weak signals, and because it was QAM compatible. The one positive thing I noted, it scanned for channels MUCH faster than my HVR-1600's do. Unfortunately, it had an even worse time locking on to signals than my HVR-1600's. It skipped and stuttered on every single channel, whether it was from the antenna or QAM cable. Considering the high cost and worse performance, I returned it this afternoon.
So, I had Comcast cable come out and check my signals. According to his readings, my signal levels were quite good, even though the Hauppauge signal monitor showed LOTS of errors (with a SNR around 30).
Naturally, the Comcast tech took one look at my cable arrangement and said it all had to go.
So, he replaced the splitter and cables between my tuners and the wallplate. I figured it was all a lesson in futility, especially when the SNR level ended up at the same 30 points as before. HOWEVER, the number of errors dropped practically to zero. I was actually quite surprised, since my cable setup was fairly new and average quality. The rest of my cable system is very difficult to access, so I thanked the tech and said I'll slowly upgrade the rest of the system as time allows.
Anyway, at least part of my problems seem to be related to the cables and splitters I have installed. The signal levels are good, but they're apparently leaking lots of noise that is corrupting my signal.
For now I hooked the digital side of my HVR-1600 tuners back on the antenna since it has the least number of connections and the easiest access. I plan on replacing my splitters, at least one or two cables, and as many of the connectors as I can get to. I'm also going to reconfigure my splitter arrangement so the HVR-1600's get the main signal priority, and leave the weaker splits to the bedroom TV's and whatnot where we seldom watch anyway.
So, I don't know where it'll lead, but at least I have something new to try.
The saga continues...
Anthony
I received the OnAir GT tuner, having chosen it because it was frequently recommended as the best tuner for weak signals, and because it was QAM compatible. The one positive thing I noted, it scanned for channels MUCH faster than my HVR-1600's do. Unfortunately, it had an even worse time locking on to signals than my HVR-1600's. It skipped and stuttered on every single channel, whether it was from the antenna or QAM cable. Considering the high cost and worse performance, I returned it this afternoon.
So, I had Comcast cable come out and check my signals. According to his readings, my signal levels were quite good, even though the Hauppauge signal monitor showed LOTS of errors (with a SNR around 30).
Naturally, the Comcast tech took one look at my cable arrangement and said it all had to go.
So, he replaced the splitter and cables between my tuners and the wallplate. I figured it was all a lesson in futility, especially when the SNR level ended up at the same 30 points as before. HOWEVER, the number of errors dropped practically to zero. I was actually quite surprised, since my cable setup was fairly new and average quality. The rest of my cable system is very difficult to access, so I thanked the tech and said I'll slowly upgrade the rest of the system as time allows.Anyway, at least part of my problems seem to be related to the cables and splitters I have installed. The signal levels are good, but they're apparently leaking lots of noise that is corrupting my signal.
For now I hooked the digital side of my HVR-1600 tuners back on the antenna since it has the least number of connections and the easiest access. I plan on replacing my splitters, at least one or two cables, and as many of the connectors as I can get to. I'm also going to reconfigure my splitter arrangement so the HVR-1600's get the main signal priority, and leave the weaker splits to the bedroom TV's and whatnot where we seldom watch anyway.
So, I don't know where it'll lead, but at least I have something new to try.
The saga continues...
Anthony