Proper QAM Signal Levels and Diagnostics! HELP

[porchemasi]

I am looking for optimum statistics for STB Disagnostic reports

My Digital Cable Set-Top Box on pg 5 states
QAM S/N 34
QAM Level -9dB (Orange Font Colour)

If i replace my +12db amp with a +15db amp bidirectional do u think it will fix my video distortion, audio cut outs, black channels, and VOD not working??

I cant afford to throw away $80 if this wont fix my prob

[57U]

That should fix your problem. Make sure that any amps or splitters upstream of the STB are rated at 5-1000MHz (minimum) and bidirectional.

Be aware that the service provider will provide any solutions for free and that you don't have to purchase any equipment yourself - call your provider for solutions, that's what you're paying for.

[porchemasi]

do u have a link to buy switches for cheap that u speak of...

[dominic58]

hello im new here and this is my first post, i found your site because i was searching for answers to this same problem.

here is a link to a amp.

amp (http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2402&sku=41032)

imthinking this would be a good choice can you verify.

thanks
Dom

[Splicer]

dominic58...Yes that amp is adequate...However I suggest you save a SUBSTANTIAL amount of money and order one of these:

http://www.consumerdepot.com/products.asp?id=1512505

I use this in my system and can highly recommend it...Hope this helps... :cheers:

[Ratman]

Can't find "specs" on that amp, but it says "1 way". That alone would indicate to me that this may not be an effective solution (although cost effective).

If it's not "bi-directional", it will not work properly for those with digital cable STB's (for channel guides, VOD, PPV) or cable modems.

[Splicer]

As I said...I use it...I am fully aware of the requirements neccessary for proper operation and therefore recommended the unit I did for a substantial cost savings...Saying "1-way" in the description simply means 1 input and 1 output...It is Bi-directional... :)

Shipping is very fast with this company...

[Ratman]

Glad it works for you. No one questioned "your" expertise.

Just made mention that there are a) no specs (anywhere) and b) the term "1-way" makes one question. Sometimes when prices are "too good to be true".......

Many have purchased amps without knowing about the requirement for "bi-directional".

EDIT:
Found some specs:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6747328

[Splicer]

Don't recall saying or indicating that "my" expertise was being questioned...I am just trying to help a poster save some money... :whistle:

[Ratman]

Don't recall saying or indicating that "my" expertise was being questioned...I am just trying to help a poster save some money... :whistle:

Only going by the tone of your response:
I am fully aware of the requirements neccessary for proper operation and therefore recommended the unit ...

Anyway, I was just trying to verify that the recommended amp would meet the specifications/desires of the posters. "Facts" are usually better than going by someone's "word". Now that it's clear... let's move along. :sleeping:

[dominic58]

thank you splicer, i ordered this for 9.00 plus the 9.99 for shipping which i thought was a bit much but hey if it fixes my problem then im still ahead.

ratman thanks for finding the specs.

[Splicer]

Yes shipping is a tad high BUT you'll have it 3 days from when shipped...You could have made an offer for a couple bucks less and they would have accepted...Regardless it is an EXCELLENT price and you still saved about 40 bucks...I love these things...Low noise and stable output...Motorola makes them also but cost about what the one you were looking at costs...Hope it solves your problem... :cheers:

[Ratman]

You could have made an offer for a couple bucks less and they would have accepted...

How does one do that online? Do you have to call and negotiate lower S&H charges or unit price? Let everyone know. Anything to save a few $$.

[Splicer]

They have a button icon on certain items that says..."Make Offer"...They don't deal on shipping only the product...I got mine from them for $13 shipped...

[Splicer]

An example ONLY...

http://www.consumerdepot.com/products.asp?id=1X793A00D

[Ratman]

H-m-m-m... the "make offer" icon no longer appears/applies for the amp, so that wouldn't have helped the poster. You were lucky at the time you bought yours I guess. :)

[Splicer]

Actually...The make offer Icon was on the pre amp that dominic bought...I however have been speading the word about these great deals on a couple different forums and I am sure they have gotten many hits and/or purchases...I think they are realizing what they have...

But you are correct...I offered $4 and they accepted...I did luck out I think...The current pre amp was posted between the time I read that dominic bought his and I looked and the time you asked about making an offer and I looked again...

[dominic58]

update: i received the amp yesterday and from the looks of it it seems like a quality piece of equipment, it has a heavy metal body and the power supply requires a coax to complete the connection. ill get it installed this weekend and will update this post, ill also post my qam signal levels before and after.

[dominic58]

this morning before i added the amp my qam level was at -10 after installing the amp it was at 2 so im hoping that this has solved my problems and i can watch HD programming with out any interuptions. im tired of dvring a show and find its unwatchable.

thanks again for eveyones help
Dom

[Splicer]

Thats just about right...Hope it works out for you...

[dominic58]

another update: last night the picture and sound started scrambling again, checking quam levels i was at 8 and sometimes 9. i was really hoping that this was under control, any ideas before i call out wow again?

[Ratman]

If by "8 and sometimes 9", you mean +, now your levels are too hot (high) and probably overloading the input signal.

If your signals are "fluctuating" by 6 dB in any direction (assuming 0 dB is perfect), you need to have WoW address/resolve.

[Splicer]

I would call WOW...