"Netmask" <netmask56NOFLEAS@geemail.com> wrote in message
news:3rzag.5352$S7.962@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
> "Axel VK" <axl@pigpond.com> wrote in message
> news:446aaee2$0$26919$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>>
>> "bassett" <bassett@bassettskennel.com> wrote in message
>> news:446aa7a1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>>
>>> "PeteR" <pcr989@REmOVEoptusnet.com.au> wrote in message
>>> news:44697654$0$13341$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
>>>>
>>>>> >>>> Hi,
>>>>> >>>>
>>>>> >>>> I got a set top box for my parents last year. It worked
>>>>> >>>> okay.....at
>>>>> >>>> first. Then it started getting too many freeze frames. Now it
>>>>> >>>> doesn't
>>>>> >>>> work at all. :-(
>>>>> >>>>
>>>>> >>>> My own fault as it was only a $100 unit. Now I want something
>>>>> >>>> better
>>>>> >>>> but would preferably still like to keep the cost closer to $300
>>>>> >>>> than
>>>>> >>>> $600.
>>>>> >>>>
>>>>> >>>> Can anyone recommend a worthwhile unit please ?
>>>>> >>>>
>>>>> >>>> Regards, John.
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >>> Price is not always an indication of quality.
>>>>> >>> If it's not working at all and it's still under warranty send back
>>>>> >>> it
>>>> to
>>>>> >>> be
>>>>> >>> fixed.
>>>>> >>> It's possible it could be the antenna system. If you can, try an
>>>>> >>> analogue TV
>>>>> >>> in the same TV point. If the picture is snowy then that may be the
>>>>> >>> problem.
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >>> PeteR
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >> Not so,, digital transmission work or they don't, there is no
>>>>> >> middle
>>>>> >> ground.
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> bassett
>>>>> >
>>>>> >
>>>>> > What does that mean as an example?
>>>>>
>>>>> The transmission can't be improved, what you get, you get. or haven't
>>>>> you
>>>>> worked that out yet. Its all about the "forward error correction"
>>>>> [FEC]
>>>> if
>>>>> the signal is suitable it will be allowed to procede, if not the FEC
>>>> will
>>>>> reject it and look for a signal that is suitable. That's how digital
>>>>> works
>>>>> Dummy.
>>>>> bassett
>>>>>
>>>> What do mean by:
>>>>>"...if not the FEC will reject it and look for a signal that is
>>>>>suitable."?
>>>> Could you be more specific. Where else than the transmitted carrier
>>>> does the
>>>> FEC look?
>>>>
>>>> PeteR
>>>>
>>> The forward error correction [FEC] controls the signal quality, . 1/2
>>> 2/3 3/4 5/6 7/8 are the rates used.
>>> Your digital receiver [set top box] collects the signal, which unlike
>>> an analogue signal, consists of a series of O's and 1's and depending
>>> on the FEC rate, selects which one is being used three four is the
>>> most common, out of the four signal rates it looks at it will need to
>>> select 3 which are suitable, this is done is milli seconds and is a
>>> continuing process, If it can't find the 3 signals it requires it
>>> simply shuts down. Which gives you a picture or a black screen .. There
>>> is no sparkles, faded, of near picture, and unlike analogue , you have a
>>> picture, [which is acceptable to the receiver] or you have a black
>>> screen [the receiver is unable to find a correct sequence of signals,
>>> gets confused and shuts down]
>>
>> Quick question then; how come I get pixelation and audio crackle at
>> times?
> Probably impulse or electrical interference - maybe from your antenna or
> maybe from the mains.. fixed mine with a new fracarro antenna
Hmmm. Reading previous posts in this thread, I thought with digital you
either have good picture or none at all? Isn't that what the FEC is supposed
to do?
I also have a brand new antennae.