Direct TV problem?

Richard · Oct 2, 2001

I am a suscriber to D-TV. I have two Sony receivers (RF).

Problem, I am getting pixelating (sp?) and freeze frames where all video stops. Sound sometimes goes on and video can catch up. I also get (on an intermittent basis) a searching for satellite message.

As dish is high on house, clear of trees, land recently selectively timbered an obstruction just isn't in the realm of probability. Also, my signal level hovers around 93 percent.

The other day during my Bengals drubbing, I got the freeze frame situation, then an error message telling me to insert a valid access card.

I called DTV last night and he simply suggested my equipment was getting old (what after 3 years???) and to replace it.

Anyone else having this problem and resolutions?

As an aside, I only use one receiver now for various reasons. Both are working & valid cards. I'm going to swap receivers soon and see if problem continues with second receiver. If it doesn't, easy to infer equipment problems. If it does, then I'm REALLY baffled.

Richard

cowboydoc · Oct 2, 2001

Yes same things. I've about had it with them. I'm going to go to a true satellite system. They always say that it's the equipment no matter what the problem. I haven't even had mine a year and anytime it rains or anything no reception or blocky like you said. I have mine dialed in at 98 on a clear day. I have to keep it a year though as I signed a contract to get the equipment for free. After my year is up it's gone.

Richard · Oct 2, 2001

I can understand problems in storms. My recent problem has been last couple of days with clear skys. I'm really baffled (and getting irrate) unless of course, the swapping receiver experiment fixes it.

Richard

cowboydoc · Oct 2, 2001

Richard,
Oh I have problems on a clear and sunny day too! I just was saying that they always tell me that in a storm I should be ok if I'm above 90 but I never am.

Richard · Oct 2, 2001

I'm surprised that you (as I was) were even able to get through to them!! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

I seem to recall trying once and being on hold for what seemed an eternity (~30 minutes). Last night at midnight when I called, I waited for probably just 5 minutes before I got to a voice. Guess my taking a nap on the couch from 9 till 12 helped? /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Richard

Bird · Oct 2, 2001

Richard, mine is 4.5 years old and my brother's is over 7 years old. The few times I've had a problem, simply turning it off, unplugging the power cord, removing and re-inserting the access card, waiting 5 minutes and plugging it back in and turning it on "reset" everything and no more problem. I think that's happened about 3 times in the last 4.5 years.

Bird

MJB · Oct 2, 2001

I just got a Dish Network dish and receiver. The only time that I have reception problems has been during HEAVY rainstorms. Thankfully I have not had a chance to try it out in snow yet./w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif My dish actually receives signals from two satellites at 110 deg and 119 deg. The one at 119 is the primary transmitter and I get about 110% on the signal meter. The satellite at 110 deg usually hovers around 80-90% strength. With the dual satellite setup you can get up to 500 channels, although I don't think that there are that many channels available yet. They recently had a promotion where you could get the dish and receiver for $19 with a commitment for 8 months of programming.

I love the smell of diesel in the morning./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DaveM · Oct 2, 2001

Richard,

I have an RCA Direct TV receiver. It was their cheapest model about 1.5 years ago when I purchased it. I really like the product and the picture my 13 year old TV produces is better than anything else I've ever received. My picture breaks-up only during really bad storms. I doubt that it's your receiver(s). Have you examined your dish closely? I'd suggest you look at the feed horn cover and make sure it's not obstucted. Wasps and hornets like to set-up home in these things so be careful when doing this. The problem could be that some type of insect is moving in front of your sattelite signal. While there I'd look at the F connector too, where it connects to the LNB. Make sure it's clean and tight. It'd also be worth checking all the F connectors in the signal path all the way to your reciever.

Now if Direct TV would just let ME choose what channels I want I'd REALLY be impressed!

Good Luck- Dave

cowboydoc · Oct 2, 2001

Right again Richard. You have to wait forever, and on your own dime too!

Bird,
You are right about that too. I've done that about the same number of times.

TerryinMD · Oct 2, 2001

I have Dish Network two receiver system with two dishes (18 and 20" bought prior to Dish500). Only one system had the problem. Here's how I corrected it.

1. Removed the ID card, waited a couple of minutes, re-inserted the ID card. System booted.

Result - no change.

2. Performed a West Virginia reset - turned the system on and off.

Result - no change.

3. Thought about it for a few minutes. Hmmmm - loose connections!!! Tightened all of the RG-9 connections to our surge suppressor.

Result - Voila, problem disappeared.

Tighten all of the cable connections. Especially in high traffic areas (teenagers have heavy feet /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif).

Terry