View Full Version : SA Explorer 3100HD Problem
citgo566
08-23-2003, 08:34 PM
I live in Kansas City, MO. I recently got an hd box from time warner. I have a Sony KP-57HW40 tv with 2 sets of component inputs. The problem I am having is that the cable box only sends out a 1080i signal and there is no way to make it fill the screen when not watching hd channels. This puts black bars on the right and left sides of the tv when not watching hd channels. I have contacted time warner and they said that is the only box they offer at this time and that the options are locked out of their boxes for some reason. There are no options in the cable boxes menu to make the screen strech or fill the screen when not on an hd channel. The other problem I have is I cannot change my tv's aspect ratio while the box is plugged in. It bascially locks the option out while the cable box is on. I am worried that these black bars are going to "burn in" to my screen after time. Do I have any other options other than to live with it or not plug it in when watching non-hd channels?
You need to hook up your S-Video or composite video cable(s) to another input on your TV. You will then be able to do all the things you ask, as well as probably seeing a better picture when watching the SD channels.
This is a known issue with the SA3100HD. Please read the FAQ on "Cables & Connections". This is explained further in there. As well, near the end of the post is a link on how to hook up the SA3100HD.
Problem solved, all will be fine, enjoy... :)
The only minor inconvenience is that you'll need to switch inputs when you want to watch SD or HD. At some point in the near future, the next generation of STB will have stretch capability, use only one connection and have good SD quality through that component video (or DVI) connection.
redram38
09-23-2003, 03:14 PM
I have the same problem as was stated. You mentioned that he should hook up 2 dif connections. I can do that from the box using component and s-video, but how do you get the audio to both inputs. There is only one output on the cable box. Is there a way to split the audio to the 2 sep inputs, or do you switch them manually. I have not been able to figure this out yet
Thx Ted
You can use two "Y-connectors" or a pair of "piggyback cables" (available at electronics stores, Radio Shack, etc) to duplicate the audio for both inputs. I actually send it to my A/V receiver.
redram38
09-23-2003, 05:00 PM
My Problem may be solved. The cable co brought out a New box today and it switches modes based on the type of channel you are watching. If I am on a HD channel it switches to 16:9 1080i and on the standard digital stations it goes to 480i and lets me pick either 16:9 or 4:3 expanded and it fills the screen. Now if Time warner would only get more than 4 HD stations.
I am still new to all this HD stuff, it sure is alot diff than before. Just turn on the TV and watch. 16:9 makes everyone look stumpy and 4:3 expanded cuts off tickers at the bottom of the screen. I guess there is no way around that. I have to just pick one and be happy untill 2006 when everything is supposed to be HD
Thx for your help
Ted
4:3 expanded doesn't have to cut off the tickers. A qualified service rep can adjust the "overscan" on your TV down to about 3%. This will allow you to read the tickers. When you adjust the overscan, the service rep will also need to do a complete convergence on the TV. This whole procedure will take an hour or two.
Depending on your negotiating skills, you may be able to negotiate the above "for free" since the TV should be set up "properly".
You can also do some of this yourself, or pay an ISF technician for a complete calibration. See the FAQ on "what you need to do to your new HDTV".
The other FAQs are probably also of interest.
