OK, a little away from the usual Tech stuff, but tech none the less.

I have a standard definition DTV tuner that has been with me for 2years or so.

One thing it has always done is make a terrible screeching / popping sound every now and then as well as an apparent loss of signal that makes the image sort of go like a blocky DVD does (??-you know the kind of low res squares of data on the screen for a second then it clears).

Now, of course it does this only when there is something decent on and seems especially worse around 6pm to late for some reason (but not exclusively then).

It drives me up the wall!! I have put in quad core antenna cable from the wall to the DTV tuner, tightened and even resoldered a heap of coax joints etc to make sure they were perfect.

Is this something that we get with DTV as a norm, or does anyone have any fixes for me.

To expand on the setup, I have a standard TV antenna on the roof which has always got us goo reception, except for Ch7 in bad weather - ??.

Your suggestions will welcome.

thanks

stop making popcorn

can you try it in another computer?

It makes popcorn too?

It is connected to my TV - I think I forgot to mention that

I get a similar thing since i bought my 50" plasma and 5.1LG surround sound...

I've had it for a year now and i am boffold to know how to fix it.

It doesn't do it with PS3 / Nintendo Wii but it does it with TV or Foxtel.

so i am putting it down to the TV Digital output!

and i have just noticed a dead pixel too so i am going to give it to warranty soon

Yeah three seperate set top boxes do it at my house, one is hd the other two are sd and they all have the same popping problem that you described, as well as the blocky pictures.

Can't say I know of a solution to this though

Well, it is good to know that others have the problem. I just wish it wasn't so damned loud when it does it!

Does anyone with the popping sounds etc have a dedicated DTV antenna? I wonder if it is just DTV's way of dealing with a crappy reception issue??

Let's try to nail this once and for all.

umm it has to do with the digital signal not related to your STBs at all.

it is the signal "breaking up" not much can be done about it


cure.....

new antenna/ wiring may fix this may not I get this and I'm sure most others do too. also a amp/ tap may help.. can be DIY'd but there are soem very gifted TV guys out there with all the cool meters and such to help you so would be worth their time to swing past see if they could help at all

I mean thinking about it, mine doesn't "pop" mine just "pauses" for like 1 second... about 4 times throughout a program i watch!

A quick test can be done by checking your Mobile phone reception as they are both on the same signals. Check the antenna too could be a good start by making sure its not covered in dust or maybe pidgeon droppings.

I actually suspect the antenna is both dirty and loose. There are signs (during windy nights) when the reception seems to 'blow away' (not really lol), but it seems to get static on the screen that could indicate a loose connection on the roof.

I will get someone gutsier to climb to the 2nd storey though....

Welcome to Digital TV my man.

This is literally what Digital TV does, It has nothing to do with what box/TV/combination of wires you have set up, it will always crackle, some areas/wiring doe sit more then others. Best thing you can do is reduce it, but I would think it's very hard to get rid of all together.

yeh, that is signal quality, i get that aswell, sh*ts me. Get a pro to look at it. gl.

Spot on

ReCoN_SIERRA, you may need to get it checked out

i have digital tv and it used to do this... doesnt any more not sure what i did but i get crystal clear reception all day, every day. havent had a single crackle thing (while ive been watching) for over 6 months.

You gotta be gagging me...why would you even post that to me? Try harder to remember! lol