Signal Strength/Signal Noise question

[sbaker]

I've been noticing that viewing HD channels on my SA 4250HDC shows varying signal strengths, such as -16, -14, -18 and -13, while the signal noise rates have shown up as 31, 33, and 32. Should I be trying to boost the signal, and if so, is there an easy fix that I can do myself?

Just wondering...

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[57U]

If the picture looks OK then you don't need to do anything. If you're having massive picture breakup on certain channels, or a black screen where a real channel should be, then the signal is too low and you should call your service provider. They will correct the situation by checking all the connections, perhaps changing some splitters and perhaps by adding an amp.

There is no need for you to do anything as it's their responsibility to get you a good signal.

If, for some reason, you decide to add an amp yourself, you need to get one rated for 5-1000 MHz or better and bidirectional. Also, if you have a broadband internet connection, you should split that off before the amp.

[sbaker]

Thanks for the info. The only splitter I'm using on the line is a 2GHz, and that's because I've got a VCR in the loop, which coincidentally, is hooked up exactly as you described in a previous FAQ. I just wasn't sure if that splitter was affecting the signal. No problems with picture breakup, and in the case where I do get a black screen, I believe those channels are premiums, even though they don't sport the familiar "not subscribed to this channel" billboard that TWC posts on the other PPV HD channels. If I did decide to add an amp, I take it I'd simply need another RG6 cable to wire it between the wall jack and the splitter, yes?

[Ratman]

A 2 GHz splitter is overkill. That is for satellite. But shouldn't "hurt" reception.
A VCR in the loop makes no difference, other than "minor" signal loss.

If you get all of the channels that you subscribe to without any problem(s), then there should be no reason to add an amp.

I agree with 57U. If you suspect you have a problem with your cable service, contact the provider before you add anything or go to an unnecessary expense. That's what you pay for... ;)

[sbaker]

Hi Ratman,

Yeah, I agree with you. This sounds like a case where it's best to leave well enough alone. PQ has been just fine and I've got no complaints. For now, the only debate left is whether to go with the DVE or AVIA DVDs to tweak the picture a bit more. I've used THX Optimizer, but that will only take the DVD input so far. Seeing as I've got separate TV settings for the STB input and the VCR input, I figure I'll need either DVE or AVIA to bring those inputs up to snuff, too.

[57U]

Once you have calibrated the DVD input, you can use the same settings that you have for the DVD input and copy them to the other inputs and tweak those by eye.

The amp should be as far upstream as possible - usually at the demarcation point where the cable comes into the house, but after the split for the broadband. If you need further splitters, those are put downstream of the amp, however, as stated earlier, if you have no problems, no need for an amp and it's usually easier to call the provider.

[sbaker]

Thanks 57U. One remaining question--have you used THX Optimizer and if so, how does it compare to DVE or Avia II?

[57U]

THX is quite limited compared to a proper calibration DVD. THX is also sometimes specific to the DVD movie that it's on and therefore not applicable for "general" calibration settings. (It's usually better than nothing)

The nice thing about the calibration DVDs is that they usually explain a bit more about what's going on with the calibration, what's being affected, etc. They also contain sharpness test, overscan test, audio calibration for AV Receivers, etc.