Have sound but no picture....until I unplug it

[swagdogpsu69]

Since having the TV service hooked up about 3 weeks ago, I have had to reset my stb by unplugging it because at least a dozen times I have turned the TV on to find that I have sound but no video.  I have my TV up via HDMI for the video and my sound is via an optical cable into my receiver.

[TimSykes]

Its a known issue with the HDMI (software issue I believe), try to switch to Component cables.

[ldm1701]

If we use RCA cables, doesn't that a) kind of defeat the purpose of cleaning things up w/HDMI and how would we know when issue is believed corrected> Would a msg. come thru STB or something?

[TimSykes]

Component cables are not RCA cables, they are HD cables. The yare able to get a picture of 1080p. But not on fios. fios only goes to 1080i. Click the link fore more info.

[ldm1701]

Tim, I kind of mis spoke. If I am not mistaken though these Component Cables have RCA type connections. I have them from CableVision (which didn't have a problem w/HDMI).

Video is 3 cables Audio is 2. So HDMI essentially replaces 5 cable. Even using S_Video you still need the 2 audio cables, right? So ok 3 cable vs 5, but still.

My HDMI No Picture seems to only happen after a day or 2 of working fine. Very odd bug if you ask me.

[TimSykes]

 Component Cables are just the 3 cables not the 5, the other 2 are just RCA audio cable and are not needed for the use of Component Cables. Just plug in the 3 cable pictured below and then use a optical, or even easier the digital coaxial. Digital coaxial can use just a 1 normal RCA cable, and it will give you the 5.1 you are looking for.

[ldm1701]

Ok Tim, maybe now I am getting a bit of an edumication re: these cables

When I had my CableVision HD Box they gave me 5 cables. I have the RGB Tri cable, and a twin R&W.

Are you saying all I need to hook up is the RGB? Vz is sending me a new box, so I'll try this on the new box.

[TimSykes]

Yeah you need the RGB for the video, it takes the place of the yellow cable. The RW cable is not needed for audio, you would need a optical, or digital coaxial cable (can use one of the RW cables) to get 5.1 sound.

[CapnTrips]

OK, there's a lot of misinformation out there. I will try to clear it up. Some will attack me, but unless you are a super-high-end audio-video phile, the cables you use for any feed with RCA connectors are interchangeable.

Video -

(1) best is Digital via HDMI (up to 1080i for FIOS)

(2) Next best is Analog Component (3 RCA cables for R, G, andB) (also up to 1080i, but may down-res for DRM-flagged content)

(3) Next (BIG step down) is Analog S-video - (unique connector and cable - 480p);

(4) Then worst is Analog Composite (single RCA cable (usually yellow connector) - 480i

Audio -

(5) best is digital HDMI (which can carry newest lossless CODECs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio - up to 7.1 tracks) - but you need a compatible receiver to decode them;

(6) Next best:  Some sources decode the lossless CODECs internally and output all 8 channels via 8 Analog RCA cables - but you need a receiver that can accept 7.1 analog inputs;

(7a) The next DIGITAL Audio options (equal in quality) are either Optical (uses TOSlink fiber optic connector and cable); or

(7b) Digital coaxial - which is carried by a standard RCA cable.  These can carry Dolby Digital and DTS tracks up to 5.1, but these are COMPRESSED Audio streams and not the lossless HD Audio that HDMI can pass;

(8) Analog 2-channel audion via "L-R" (Left-Right) RCA cables - usually red and white, or red and black.  Simple 2-channel stereo audio.

For all of the "RCA-type" connections, be it Analog Component video at 1080i (item 2 above), Composite VIdeo (4), lossless analog multichannel audio (6), Digital Coax audio (7b) or 2-channel L-R audio (8), they all use the same type of RCA cables and as long as your cable is not a real POS, will pass your signals just fine.  For NONE of these applications do you require any expensive, high-end cables.

[Keyboards]

---

@CapnTrips wrote:

OK, there's a lot of misinformation out there. I will try to clear it up. Some will attack me, but unless you are a super-high-end audio-video phile, the cables you use for any feed with RCA connectors are interchangeable.

Video -

(3) Next (BIG step down) is Analog S-video - (unique connector and cable - 480p);

For all of the "RCA-type" connections, be it Analog Component video at 1080i (item 2 above), Composite VIdeo (4), lossless analog multichannel audio (6), Digital Coax audio (7b) or 2-channel L-R audio (8), they all use the same type of RCA cables and as long as your cable is not a real POS, will pass your signals just fine.  For NONE of these applications do you require any expensive, high-end cables.

---

Capn -

A couple of minor issues, but generally agree. 

S-Video is still 480i, just separates some of the video signal for better reproduction than the yellow (composite) wire.  This is why the unique cable - it carries more than a single signal.

And, the worst is if your STB has an RF output - poorest video and only mono audio.

For the RCA connections, again, generally agree - you don't need Monster or the like cable BUT I would recommend that the video cables be designed for video (75 ohm shielded) since they require much higher bandwidth than the R/W audio connections..

Just a little nitpicking,