HD DVR Box - Screen & Audio Black Out

[WRKPA]

While I'm watching Tv, DVR, or even VOD, once in a while the screen and audio will cut out for a few seconds.  If I rewind and play again, it will play fine.  I have a Samsung LCD tv.  Has anyone had this problem before?  What was the cause and how was the issue resolved?

[VZ_Christian]

WRKPA,

Sounds like another HDMI handshake issue.  If the issue occurs often enough for your viewing experience to be unenjoyable what I would recommend is using component cables.  If the issue disappears then you will know for sure that the issue was HDMI.  If the issue persists then there is the possibility that either the STB, TV, or HDMI cable itself are at fault.  The smart money is on HDMI handshake though.

Just in case you didn't already know- componenent cables can handle 720p and 1080i broadcasts (the only 2 HD resolutions in use at this time).

Regards,

Chris

[WRKPA]

I did some research, and here is what I found, since I have a newer SAMSUNG

Since the release of Samsung’s 2008 televisions, we have received reports that the Motorola HD set-top-boxes installed by Verizon FIOS and some 2008 Samsung TV’s are incompatible. Some customers have reported that when the FIOS HD boxes are connected to Samsung TVs using an HDMI cable, the video drops in and out. The problem occurs randomly and can not be directly tied to any one model, HD box, board type, or television firmware version.  The problem is restricted to the HDMI connection. All other connection types work without a problem.

Samsung engineers have visited Verizon multiple times and have tested Verizon’s HD set-top-boxes with many Samsung televisions. In all cases, the problem didn’t occur during the test or, if it did occur, was resolved by replacing the tested set-top-box with an updated model.

After the tests, the technicians at Verizon confirmed that the problem lay with their equipment. To resolve the issue, Verizon will create a new set-top-box and/or write new firmware. In the meantime, Verizon has been advising customers to connect their set-top boxes to Samsung TVs using the Component video connection until a solution is available.

Verizon FIOS Compatibility With Older Samsung TVsAll older Samsung TVs are compatible with Verizon FIOS Standard Definition TV.

[wynswid]

What is a component video connection and how do I get one?  When will the new setbox or firmware be available?

Thank you.

[WRKPA]

It's another way to wire the DVR. They can be purchased at a Radio shack type store, or Verizon might provide them if you are having this issue.

[retiredme]

Component cables are typically molded together with three RCA connectors at each end, color-coded red-green-blue. They will pass a 1080i signal, which is the capability of the current crop of STB's. Keep in mind that they pass only video information to the TV, so separate audio cables are required. Hope that helps. Thank you.

[wynswid]

Thank you.  I think I already have one of those cables from a previous TV connection.