HD Over Clear QAM

[philakid]

I have three devices that can receive HD over Clear QAM (comcast cable) - direct coax to device, no cable boxes. My Panasonic Plasma has great picture and sound but cannot display signal strength for QAM (it can only do so with ATSC- OTA). My PC is using a DVICO FusionHDTV USB Tuner and it also has great picture and sound and shows signal strength as 91%. Using the same connection (cable) I use for my PC, my Sceptre LCD HDTV shows signal strength as 71% but has a terrible problem with pixelization and sound breakup. I tried connecting the LCD TV to an antenna and the OTA channels also show signal strength at 71% but the pixelization and sound breakup are not present.

Does this sound like a cable problem, or is the TV just not good at reception. I don't think I can go by my USB device showing 91% and the LCD TV showing 71% as I don't know how they calculate the signal strength. But it just seems odd to me that I have no HD viewing issues with the plasma or the PC, and only with the LCD TV usng the same cable as my PC.

[Richard]

It sounds like the LCD so look into a firmware upgrade from the manufacturer. There may be other repair oriented solutions. Have you contacted the manufacturer?

[philakid]

Thanks Richard

I am not knowledgeable enough on this subject to know if some tuners are better than others or if there may have been some interference from all the PC equipment in my office.

The TV was just delivered (bought online with 90 day return policy) and I have 5 places in my house where I have cable outlets. Putting the TV in my office with all the computer equipment was the worst. I move it to another location and the signal went from 71% to 78% and it seem to be OK in that range.

Before I call about firmware, I want to try a lotation with no splitters and good quality cable. But I will definitely get the manufacturer on the phone and find out.

[Richard]

Putting the TV in my office with all the computer equipment was the worst. I move it to another location and the signal went from 71% to 78% and it seem to be OK in that range.

Curious...

Also take a look at
Grounding - hum, noise bars, interference
viewforum.php?f=42

[philakid]

Richard

Good news - I found the problem. I had an amplifier on the line for the parts of the house furthest away. It was an Electroline EDA 2400 (4 line amp). Apparently it went bad - because when I removed it and inserted an ordinary 5-1000 MHz splitter, the signal strength on the LCD TV went to 90% with a terrific picture and sound. I can't explain why the PC's USB tuner showed 91%, but now all three of my HDTV tuners are pulling in a very good signal.

[Richard]

Aha! Good Deal!

As for tuning meters you already noted they vary in how they determine their levels. Reminds me of an old Samsung DTV STB where 50% was full strength and folks drove themselves crazy trying to get 100%.