HDMI Issue: Sony KDSR50XBR1 & SA8300 HD PVR

[salvento]

I just got my 2005 Sony KDSR50XBR1 last week. I've had my Rogers SA 8300 HD PVR since January and used it on my old HD CRT.

I've done a basic connection to make sure everything is working and the only channels I'm getting are 802 to 870 (analogue channels) and the menu guide/listing.

I'm being told 3 different stories by Rogers tech support. From what I can piece together, the HDMI slot is active in the province of Ontario but not supported by Rogers (translation: they won't help me with this issue). A component connection hasn't worked either.

I've tried reconnecting everything and reboot the machine to no avail.

Has anyone heard of an issue between the SXRD and the SA 8300 HD PVR?

:thankyou3

[57U]

The component video connection should definitely work. Try the following using component video:

1. Reboot the STB by unplugging/replugging the power cord.

2. Run the setup wizard as indicated in the HDTV FAQ "Tips for SA STBs".

3. Make sure you're tuned to the proper input on the TV.

4. Make sure you're using the proper connection to the TV (component video) While troubleshooting disconnect all other video connections.

5. If you can see 802-871 (using the STB? - what does it say when you try to tune a digital channel). You may need to get the STB "reauthorized".

6. See the following additional HDTV FAQs:

- Things to check first.
- DVI/HDMI Information

7. When you get component video working, connect the HDMI cable and reboot the STB by unplugging/replugging.

[salvento]

Thanks 57U. I did the first 4 steps by myself and with 2 different Rogers tech reps. When I turn to the digital channels, it's all black. I'm being told that the signal is going thru but not appearing for some reason. I know I'm on the right input because I see the menu guide popping up.

Everytime I've rebooted, there has been a message that says the box needs to be reauthorized for use ... everytime I say that to Rogers, they tell me that's a 'standard' message on the HD PVR even though I never saw said message on my older TV.

I'm thinking that maybe they have the wrong serial number. Is that possible?

[57U]

When you reboot, the "box needs to be authorized" message is "standard". Once the reboot is finished, then if you get nothing on the channels, that's a concern.

The fact that you get the guide/menu means that the STB is working. Perhaps there is something wrong with the Tuners. Try pressing PiP to see if the second tuner works...

Try component video connections and running the advanced setup wizard after a reboot? If not, time to ask for service I guess...

[salvento]

57U, thank you so much for your input ... I called again yesterday to make sure they had the proper serial #. Although I was told otherwise, the tech rep told me the problem was that there's a blockage somewhere in the system, making the signal too weak for the digital channels. I have to wait till Monday so the technician can see if it's outside or inside the house. I can't do anything until than.

My only issue over the past two weeks was that not only was I getting different stories everytime I called in, but what I was being told each time was different than the 'notes' they put on my file ... never once was I told that the signal was too weak. I was always told everything looked good on their end.

The only problem I see now is whether they credit me for three weeks on the channels I couldn't get (like I was first told).

[57U]

You can check your signal strength - see the HDTV FAQ "Tips for SA STBs". That should have been the first thing they checked, but the SA8300HD can be "bad" for checking signal strength but the S/N ratio can also be an indication.

[Skaar]

I've been using the non-PVR model of that set top box with a DVI > HDMI cable for quite awhile now with great success on my 60" SXRD. I run the sound through the receiver via optical cable.

[salvento]

Turns out the problem was too many splitters in the crawl space (from the previous owners), which caused the signal to be weak for the digital channels. Most of the wires went nowhere but it was enough to weaken the signal.

Of course, the first Rogers technician I had should have picked up on that ... he never checked anything on the data screen, just did the physical hookup and left.