Sound Dropping out on "On Demand" - Any ideas??

James79 · 11-11-2006, 16:38

Ive noticed over the past month or so that when I attempt to watch anything on "On Demand", the sound drops out intermittently. By intermittently I mean every few seconds, but the period between drop-outs varies.

I have a theory about this - the NTL box (Pace) is connected to a TV-Video combi (through a HD/DVD Recorder). Perhaps this sound loss is a result of some new anti-piracy software that NTL has introduced??

One thing is for sure - its really annoying, as I have no way of maintaining the sound!!

Any ideas, what should be done??

Ps - We have three STBs in the house and they all experience different problems - such as spontaneous rebooting, loss of on-demand functionality; one in particular suffers from frequent popping noises and picture freezing! Is it beyond the bounds of decency to ask for the three boxes to be investigated??

spiderplant · 11-11-2006, 16:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by James79

I have a theory about this - the NTL box (Pace) is connected to a TV-Video combi (through a HD/DVD Recorder). Perhaps this sound loss is a result of some new anti-piracy software that NTL has introduced??

It might be, but that usually affects the picture not the sound. Try connecting the TV directly to the STB to see whether that fixes it.

Does it happen on ALL On Demand programmes, or just those that say they can't be copied when you order them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by James79

Is it beyond the bounds of decency to ask for the three boxes to be investigated??

Not at all. If you're paying for three, you should have three working. Get it reported!

James79 · 11-11-2006, 19:54

Just happened to be watching a DVD a while ago - and then tested the "On Demand". Tried Torchwood - for that's what Ive been attempting to do for the past 5 days.

I noticed that there was no sound drop out. Then realised that the playback was coming via the DVD recorder - ie on channel 0 instead of 6. I flicked over to Channel 6 to find that there were multiple occurences of sound drop-outs.

Seems as though there is a problem with NTLs feed - suppose they see it as a copyright protection!! I'll check all connections and report back (just incase there is a loose scart or rf lead!!)

spiderplant · 11-11-2006, 20:22

You say "Channel 6"? How have you got this all connected?

This may help: http://www.dtg.org.uk/consumer/connection_wizard.html

The copy protection, when it is active, will prevent your DVDR recording it, and will usually make VCR recordings flash between light and dark. It does nothing to the sound.

James79 · 11-11-2006, 21:26

Hmm, right I hope this all makes sense!!

Cable box is connected to HD/DVD Recorder via RF lead.

A second RF lead then comes from the HD/DVD to the TV/Video Combi.

There is also a SCART connection between the TV/Video Combi and the HD/DVD Recorder.

Seems very strange doesnt it?? Perhaps a problem exists in the RF Connection??

spiderplant · 12-11-2006, 09:58

Can you not bin your RF cables and use SCART throughout? It's much easier to set up properly, and you'll get better picture quality.

Use the DTG link I posted above.

James79 · 12-11-2006, 12:21

The reason I have a connection using the RF cables is down to the old problem of NTL STBs only having one tuner - ie: if I wanted to record something, I would have to watch that channel also!

But it would reduce the immense amount of cabling!!