New TV, now channels change on there own

Niceaction · 04-09-2005, 13:40

I recently brought a new tv (Panasonic Viera plasma) and since then my NTL box has been playing up. It can't go an hour without doing something weird!

About 80% of the time it will either have the standby come on, or it will go to channel 7. The rest of the time it does things like go interactive, change volume or just change to a random channel.

I updated my remote control codes to be able to control the tv, but this hasn't sorted it. Does anyone have any ideas??

Thanks
Jamie

bdav · 04-09-2005, 17:17

Plasma TVs emit something that can screw with IR recievers. Try to shield or move the box somehow.

Niceaction · 04-09-2005, 17:42

Its placed on the bottom shelf of the pedestal already. I can't move it any further away unfortunately.

absthechatter · 04-09-2005, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niceaction

Its placed on the bottom shelf of the pedestal already. I can't move it any further away unfortunately.

A little bit of black electrical tape over the IR transmitter on the NTL box iswhat I use, it has about 99% stopped the problem.

gooner4life · 04-09-2005, 20:24

I can confirm it is indeed caused by the Plasma, something to do with a flicker rate that the IR picks up, try placing the STB further back in the shelf, it may look out of place but other than taping up the IR receiver it's the only option.

Niceaction · 04-09-2005, 20:29

Ok. Cheers guys.. Where abouts is the IR Transmitter exactly? Is that on the front of the box?
If I put electrical tape over it, will it affect how I use the remote?

Cheers

spiderplant · 04-09-2005, 21:04

The IR receiver is either to the left or right of the channel number display (or both). It depends which box model you've got. Just try different masks until the problem goes away. You'll still need to leave a gap for IR from the remote to get in.

I've heard of cases where the IR interference bounces off the wall opposite the TV/STB. If this is happening, just turning the TV round a bit may solve it.

Niceaction · 04-09-2005, 22:39

Cool. I'll give it a go.

absthechatter · 04-09-2005, 23:10

Shine a torch in the front of your NTL box, you will then be able to easily see where the transmitter is. On my one I have put small pieces of tape either side, just leaving a very small gap for the transmitter to work.

Abs

Rillington · 05-09-2005, 11:29

I find it odd that ntl does not work with a plasma screen in the same way I find it odd that ntl does not work if you have an energy saving lightblub among other thigns. Sky, Freeview and Telewest seem to work Ok so what is the problem with ntl? I guess it just shows what an inferior system ntl offers compared to the other platforms.

Roy MM · 05-09-2005, 11:33

I have energy saving light bulbs no problems.

Bob · 05-09-2005, 11:46

Me too

absthechatter · 05-09-2005, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rillington

I find it odd that ntl does not work with a plasma screen in the same way I find it odd that ntl does not work if you have an energy saving lightblub among other thigns. Sky, Freeview and Telewest seem to work Ok so what is the problem with ntl? I guess it just shows what an inferior system ntl offers compared to the other platforms.

At least when NTL and Telewest merge, Telewest will probably get all the same problems so we wont feel left out!

Rillington · 05-09-2005, 17:03

lol yes but hopefully when they merge ntl will be dragged up to Telewest.