[mythtvnz] Reception problems with HVR2200

[Curtis Walker]

On 10/10/2012 12:39 PM, "Tony Sauri" <hoiho.nz at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On 10/10/12 00:38, Curtis Walker wrote:
>>
>> On 9 October 2012 22:02, John McKnight <mcknight at paradise.net.nz> wrote:
>>>
>>> I am running Mythbuntu 12.04, combined frontend-backend, and I can't get
>>> reliable reception with an HVR2200. The symptoms are random pixelation in
>>> recordings, and when things are really bad, distorted sound.
>>> I have a single UHF antenna - line of site to Kaukau from Maungaraki in
>>> Lower Hutt. I use an internal splitter to feed the TV and HVR2200.
>>> This seems to be a classic case of poor signal at the HVR2200, as bad
>>> weather seems to make things worse. However, the TV never - and I mean never
>>> ever - has any reception issues whatsoever.
>>>
>>> I have tried a Kingray internal amplifier replacing the passive splitter -
>>> The TV was happy, but Mythtv could not get a lock at all.
>>> I have tried swapping flyleads, and replacing the passive splitter - no
>>> improvements.
>>> I have tried removing the passive splitter and going direct to the HVR2200 -
>>> no improvement.
>>>
>>> I am reluctant to splash out on a new antenna, as I am not certain that
>>> there is anything wrong with the existing one, and looking at the archives
>>> it seems that other people have had reception issues with HVR2200s in the
>>> past. So I am leaning towards trying a different tuner card.
>>>
>>> Can anyone suggest a tuner card that is not quite as deaf as the HVR2200?
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> John.
>>>
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>>
>>
>> I've got a HVR-2210, which is pretty similar (although slightly less
>> mature driver support in linux). I'm having what I 8think* are
>> reception problems, in the middle of Hamilton - in sight of the
>> Hamilton infill tower, with a clean, well secured 91 element aerial
>> pointed right at it. As with you, my TV reports great signal - 10/10
>> strength and quality on all muxes (after some fiddling).
>>
>> Myth scans all channels properly, picture is generally good save for
>> otherwise unexplained pixellation and drop outs every 20-30 minutes,
>> similar to what you're describing. It seems to be occurring a little
>> less frequently after some checking and redoing of connections, which
>> suggests a signal problem to the card/PC (which is not shared by the
>> TV).
>>
>> Trouble is - I'm not aware of any other readily available alternative
>> cards in NZ which have dual terrestrial tuners. And even then, they
>> could suffer similar problems or it isn't the card's fault, but
>> elsewhere in the chain!
>>
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>>
>>
> There seem to be a few people with "reception" issues at the moment. Just chipping in here to remind people that too much signal can overload a tuner causing reception issues.  In particular a 91 element aerial pointed at a "local" transmitter sounds like it could be overkill?
>
> Me ... I am driving a HVR-1300 in my test system with a folded dipole made from 300 ohm TV ribbon cable pinned to an indoor wall in a downstairs room.  I am about 15km from kaukau and have line of sight.
>
> Tony
>

Believe me, I have entertained this possibility! Not sure how one goes
about confirming or denying too much signal? FWIW I'm going to get up
on the roof today and change out the saddle connection in the outdoor
balun for an F-connector-type balun to a nice, fresh F-connector
terminal. Perhaps something's a little insecure in the breeze.

That's good info on the SiliconDust HDHR, thanks.