only getting SBS and & in Sydney

[JOe]

Hi All,

I'm having trouble getting 9,10 and the ABC in Sydney (inner west, north
strathfield). Used to get them fine, but now only 7 and SBS are coming
through. I just had the STB replaced and now it sees the channels but
the signal quality is too low to display and image.

Any ideas or is anyone else having the same issues?

Cheers,

Joe
--
Remove nospam when replying

[Kevin Hendrikssen]

"JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c72d6c63e9edf2f9896b7@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> Hi All,
>
> I'm having trouble getting 9,10 and the ABC in Sydney (inner west, north
> strathfield). Used to get them fine, but now only 7 and SBS are coming
> through. I just had the STB replaced and now it sees the channels but
> the signal quality is too low to display and image.
>
> Any ideas or is anyone else having the same issues?

All coming through loud and clear here in Newtown. have you tried manually
searching on VHF 8 (Nine), 11(Ten) and 12 (ABC)?

Stupid point but make sure the antenna lead hasn't fallen out!

[JOe]

Thanks for the input.

I checked all the antenna connections, and it seems fine. I'll try
manual searching, but what gets me is that 7 and SBS are coming through
fine, which makes me belive that its not an antenna connection, but
something to do with signal strength.

Any other ideas?

JOe

In article <420830b9$0$18916$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-
01.iinet.net.au>, spam@spam.com says...
> "JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1c72d6c63e9edf2f9896b7@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I'm having trouble getting 9,10 and the ABC in Sydney (inner west, north
> > strathfield). Used to get them fine, but now only 7 and SBS are coming
> > through. I just had the STB replaced and now it sees the channels but
> > the signal quality is too low to display and image.
> >
> > Any ideas or is anyone else having the same issues?
>
> All coming through loud and clear here in Newtown. have you tried manually
> searching on VHF 8 (Nine), 11(Ten) and 12 (ABC)?
>
> Stupid point but make sure the antenna lead hasn't fallen out!
>
>
>
>

--
Remove nospam when replying

[Justin]

Hmm, I've been wondering about that. One of my STB's has gone a bit funny
lately - I'm getting more break ups than I used to. The signal quality will
go from fully green (a Teac DVB-400 that can normally pull in a poor signal
& produce a perfect picture) down to red in an instant (during a clear still
night). The signal strength will remain fully green. My Strong doesn't seem
to do the same thing (it sits at around 70% quality all the time).

I suspected my antenna moved during one of the big storms, but it seems to
be OK. I'm going to try rolling back the firmware on the Teac to see if that
helps. One funny thing, the box has started picking up the Kings Cross
translators as well (why I suspected the antenna move). I did a full scan &
they all appeared in the list (300 numbers), but then seemed to
automatically drop off the list when the list was saved. I suspected that
they were being used instead of the Gore Hill/Atrarmon signals (is it
possible for the STB to make the switch without me knowing?). I did a reset
& manually scanned 6,8,11,12 & 34 & things seem to be going a bit better
now.

What STB are you using Joe?

I'm in the Cooks River Valley in Earlwood by the way.

Justin

"JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c72fcdee7eed2979896b8@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> Thanks for the input.
>
> I checked all the antenna connections, and it seems fine. I'll try
> manual searching, but what gets me is that 7 and SBS are coming through
> fine, which makes me belive that its not an antenna connection, but
> something to do with signal strength.
>
> Any other ideas?
>
> JOe
>
> In article <420830b9$0$18916$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-
> 01.iinet.net.au>, spam@spam.com says...
> > "JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
> > news:MPG.1c72d6c63e9edf2f9896b7@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > I'm having trouble getting 9,10 and the ABC in Sydney (inner west,
north
> > > strathfield). Used to get them fine, but now only 7 and SBS are coming
> > > through. I just had the STB replaced and now it sees the channels but
> > > the signal quality is too low to display and image.
> > >
> > > Any ideas or is anyone else having the same issues?
> >
> > All coming through loud and clear here in Newtown. have you tried
manually
> > searching on VHF 8 (Nine), 11(Ten) and 12 (ABC)?
> >
> > Stupid point but make sure the antenna lead hasn't fallen out!
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> Remove nospam when replying

[JOe]

Hi Justin,

My problem is just getting weirder and weirder.

OK, I am using an Opentel PVR 4200, and located in North Strathfield.

I did a quick experiment last night, and pulled out the lead that
connects to the wall socket to the aerial. (We live in a block of
units).

OK here's the strange thing. When I pulled the co-ax cable from the
wall, and it was still connected to the STB - ba-da-boom I can get all
the channels! Plug the co-ax into the wall, then the signal strength
drops, and the picture becomes glithcy and then drops.

Try disconnecting the co-ax from the STB and no signal whatsoever.

So it leads me to believe its not a problem with the STB, but my aerial.
But what problem???

Any ideas?

JOe


In article <42085c20$0$30457$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
justin@nospam.com says...
> e box has started picking up the Kings Cross
> translators as well (why I suspected the antenna move). I did a full scan &
> they all appeared in the list (300 numbers), but then seemed to
> automatically drop off the list when the list was saved. I suspected that
> they were being used instead of the Gore Hill/Atrarmon signals (is it
> possible for the STB to make the switch without me knowing?). I did a reset
> & manually scanned 6,8,11,12 & 34 & things seem to be going a bit better
> now.
>
> What STB are you using Joe?
>
> I'm in the Cooks River Valley in Earlwood by the way.
>
>

--
Remove nospam when replying

[Kevin Hendrikssen]

"JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c73eb8136b2de139896bd@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> Hi Justin,
>
> My problem is just getting weirder and weirder.
>
> OK, I am using an Opentel PVR 4200, and located in North Strathfield.
>
> I did a quick experiment last night, and pulled out the lead that
> connects to the wall socket to the aerial. (We live in a block of
> units).
>
> OK here's the strange thing. When I pulled the co-ax cable from the
> wall, and it was still connected to the STB - ba-da-boom I can get all
> the channels! Plug the co-ax into the wall, then the signal strength
> drops, and the picture becomes glithcy and then drops.
>
> Try disconnecting the co-ax from the STB and no signal whatsoever.
>
> So it leads me to believe its not a problem with the STB, but my aerial.
> But what problem???

Yep, you're on a MATV (master antenna TV) system, which sounds like it has
the digital channels blocked at the headend. You'd need to get on to the
body corporate (strata committee, whatever) and have them call an installer
in to make it digital-ready. Good luck with that!

Can you use rabbit ears in the meantime?

[JOe]

In article <42097b26$0$10155$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-
01.iinet.net.au>, spam@spam.com says...
> "JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1c73eb8136b2de139896bd@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> > Hi Justin,
> >
> > My problem is just getting weirder and weirder.
> >
> > OK, I am using an Opentel PVR 4200, and located in North Strathfield.
> >
> > I did a quick experiment last night, and pulled out the lead that
> > connects to the wall socket to the aerial. (We live in a block of
> > units).
> >
> > OK here's the strange thing. When I pulled the co-ax cable from the
> > wall, and it was still connected to the STB - ba-da-boom I can get all
> > the channels! Plug the co-ax into the wall, then the signal strength
> > drops, and the picture becomes glithcy and then drops.
> >
> > Try disconnecting the co-ax from the STB and no signal whatsoever.
> >
> > So it leads me to believe its not a problem with the STB, but my aerial.
> > But what problem???
>
> Yep, you're on a MATV (master antenna TV) system, which sounds like it has
> the digital channels blocked at the headend. You'd need to get on to the
> body corporate (strata committee, whatever) and have them call an installer
> in to make it digital-ready. Good luck with that!
>
> Can you use rabbit ears in the meantime?
>
>
>
For the ignorant, how does a MATV system work. I guess my block is on
that, but i dont get how its different from a normal antenna that you'd
have on a house.

I will get some rabbit ears, but in the meantime just the co-ax lead is
getting me all the channels (if it aint broke...)

But what I dont get is 2mths ago I had it plugged into the wall and no
probs - and I dont think they've messed with the antenna since (although
with the storms last week..)


Thanks heaps for the info

Cheers,

JOe
--
Remove nospam when replying

[Kevin Hendrikssen]

"JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c743116b929636c9896be@news.silverbrookre search.com...

> For the ignorant, how does a MATV system work. I guess my block is on
> that, but i dont get how its different from a normal antenna that you'd
> have on a house.

I'm not an expert in this field or anything, but to have a master antenna
serving a whole bunch of units, they connect it to a distribution amplifier,
to make sure the signal is strong enough for the multiple units. They can
also filter out unused channels to minimise any interference. In pre-digital
installations this could mean that VHF channels 6/8/11/12 would be filtered
out (however these are now used for digital 7/9/10/ABC of course)

> I will get some rabbit ears, but in the meantime just the co-ax lead is
> getting me all the channels (if it aint broke...)
>
> But what I dont get is 2mths ago I had it plugged into the wall and no
> probs - and I dont think they've messed with the antenna since (although
> with the storms last week..)

In that case that pretty much rules out my theory... *but* it could be as
simple as the MATV system losing power. Maybe it just blew its fuse?

[Justin]

What's the analogue like through the wall socket? If all is fine (perhaps I
should say normal), then that would suggest that the MATV system isn't
losing power

Not sure about the Opentel's sensitivity, but if it's fine straight off the
co-ax, it's pretty sensitive. Perhaps you've been getting too much signal
(not unheard of with STB's with sensitive tuners). I suspect this is where
my problems are coming from with my Teac. My Strong's levels definitely
haven't changed.

If the analogue's OK, I'd put my money on the antenna having shifted
slightly & you're now getting more signal (enough to push the tuner over the
edge). An in-line attenuator may be an answer (if you didn't want rabbit
ears in the room), or just stick with the disconnected co-ax.

Justin

"Kevin Hendrikssen" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
news:42099b67$0$10169$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> "JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1c743116b929636c9896be@news.silverbrookre search.com...
>
> > For the ignorant, how does a MATV system work. I guess my block is on
> > that, but i dont get how its different from a normal antenna that you'd
> > have on a house.
>
> I'm not an expert in this field or anything, but to have a master antenna
> serving a whole bunch of units, they connect it to a distribution
amplifier,
> to make sure the signal is strong enough for the multiple units. They can
> also filter out unused channels to minimise any interference. In
pre-digital
> installations this could mean that VHF channels 6/8/11/12 would be
filtered
> out (however these are now used for digital 7/9/10/ABC of course)
>
> > I will get some rabbit ears, but in the meantime just the co-ax lead is
> > getting me all the channels (if it aint broke...)
> >
> > But what I dont get is 2mths ago I had it plugged into the wall and no
> > probs - and I dont think they've messed with the antenna since (although
> > with the storms last week..)
>
> In that case that pretty much rules out my theory... *but* it could be as
> simple as the MATV system losing power. Maybe it just blew its fuse?
>
>

[JOe]

The analogue signal is fine - we've been using it until I figured out
what was the problem with the STB. So i guess my STB is sensitive.


Might try an attenuator, but I have never heard of a STB being too
sensitive before, I guess there are worse problems!

I'll try some experiments, though, I am inclined to leave the co-ax as
the antenna since it works ;) - no need for rabbit ears, since I can
tuck the co-ax away and its like its not there.

Thanks all for your help with this one.

Cheers,
Joe





In article <4209a40b$0$1023$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>,
justin@nospam.com says...
> What's the analogue like through the wall socket? If all is fine (perhaps I
> should say normal), then that would suggest that the MATV system isn't
> losing power
>
> Not sure about the Opentel's sensitivity, but if it's fine straight off the
> co-ax, it's pretty sensitive. Perhaps you've been getting too much signal
> (not unheard of with STB's with sensitive tuners). I suspect this is where
> my problems are coming from with my Teac. My Strong's levels definitely
> haven't changed.
>
> If the analogue's OK, I'd put my money on the antenna having shifted
> slightly & you're now getting more signal (enough to push the tuner over the
> edge). An in-line attenuator may be an answer (if you didn't want rabbit
> ears in the room), or just stick with the disconnected co-ax.
>
> Justin
>
> "Kevin Hendrikssen" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
> news:42099b67$0$10169$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
> > "JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
> > news:MPG.1c743116b929636c9896be@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> >
> > > For the ignorant, how does a MATV system work. I guess my block is on
> > > that, but i dont get how its different from a normal antenna that you'd
> > > have on a house.
> >
> > I'm not an expert in this field or anything, but to have a master antenna
> > serving a whole bunch of units, they connect it to a distribution
> amplifier,
> > to make sure the signal is strong enough for the multiple units. They can
> > also filter out unused channels to minimise any interference. In
> pre-digital
> > installations this could mean that VHF channels 6/8/11/12 would be
> filtered
> > out (however these are now used for digital 7/9/10/ABC of course)
> >
> > > I will get some rabbit ears, but in the meantime just the co-ax lead is
> > > getting me all the channels (if it aint broke...)
> > >
> > > But what I dont get is 2mths ago I had it plugged into the wall and no
> > > probs - and I dont think they've messed with the antenna since (although
> > > with the storms last week..)
> >
> > In that case that pretty much rules out my theory... *but* it could be as
> > simple as the MATV system losing power. Maybe it just blew its fuse?
> >
> >
>
>
>

--
Remove nospam when replying

[Ozdude]

"JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c74560528d2584a9896bf@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> The analogue signal is fine - we've been using it until I figured out
> what was the problem with the STB. So i guess my STB is sensitive.
>
>
> Might try an attenuator, but I have never heard of a STB being too
> sensitive before, I guess there are worse problems!
>
> I'll try some experiments, though, I am inclined to leave the co-ax as
> the antenna since it works ;) - no need for rabbit ears, since I can
> tuck the co-ax away and its like its not there.
>
> Thanks all for your help with this one.

When I lived down south I lived in a block of flats with a "tuned" MATV
system.

It actively cut out VHF CH's 1,3,4,5,6,8,9A,11 and 12, but allowed all UHF
channels.

I had to place the STB on my own external antenna located on the balcony to
over come it ;(

Oz

[Justin]

I agree that it sounds like filtering, but why would it suddenly start
happening?

You only really notice the tuner sensitivity thing when you have 2 different
STB's running off the same antenna. I can run my Teac off a coat hanger, by
my Strong 5290 is just barely there with an external antenna.


"Ozdude" <ivsmith11@hote-mail.com> wrote in message
news:4209b19b$0$3499$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au ...
>
> "JOe" <joseph.tharion@nospam.silverbrookresearch.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1c74560528d2584a9896bf@news.silverbrookre search.com...
> > The analogue signal is fine - we've been using it until I figured out
> > what was the problem with the STB. So i guess my STB is sensitive.
> >
> >
> > Might try an attenuator, but I have never heard of a STB being too
> > sensitive before, I guess there are worse problems!
> >
> > I'll try some experiments, though, I am inclined to leave the co-ax as
> > the antenna since it works ;) - no need for rabbit ears, since I can
> > tuck the co-ax away and its like its not there.
> >
> > Thanks all for your help with this one.
>
> When I lived down south I lived in a block of flats with a "tuned" MATV
> system.
>
> It actively cut out VHF CH's 1,3,4,5,6,8,9A,11 and 12, but allowed all UHF
> channels.
>
> I had to place the STB on my own external antenna located on the balcony
to
> over come it ;(
>
> Oz
>
>

[Ozdude]

"Justin" <justin@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:4209b6d2$0$2672$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au ...
>I agree that it sounds like filtering, but why would it suddenly start
> happening?
>
> You only really notice the tuner sensitivity thing when you have 2
> different
> STB's running off the same antenna. I can run my Teac off a coat hanger,
> by
> my Strong 5290 is just barely there with an external antenna.

Well, I currently use an amplified internal antenna on my Strong 5930 and
two nights ago I turned the amplifier off so it's just passively getting the
signal now and quality and signal strength are better (still not 100%
signal, but better than the 60% when amplified), and the greatest
improvement is that the unit now seems immune to most impulse noise
glitching. It also seems less prone to glitching when 747's fly very low
over my house (I'm directly under the flight path into Sydney airport).

I can't figure it out, other than the amplifier probably needs better
shielding by the looks of it. I am getting all channels no problems now - so
the least expected things sometimes have the least expected results ;) Who
would have thought that turning a signal amplifier off would improve
reception? I certainly didn't ;)

Oz