Nextbox 3.0 audio drop

[Jimp]

HI,

I recently switched from 8642 to Nextbox 3.0 PVR.

Since the switch my recorded shows during playback experienced audio drop out.  Problem has existed recording a variety of channels.

Rogers sent tech out and didn't have any suggestions so he switched out with a new box.

I watched a show last night and also recorded.  While watching live the audio was fine, but when I played the recording the audio drop outs were there?

Not sure where to go as Rogers does not seem to have an answer.

Thanks

***Edited labels***

[Gdkitty]

This is a different issue, and usually solvable.

Go into SETTINGS, then APPEARANCE, then TV mode.

Likely it is set on 1080p?

Change this down to 1080i.

This usually fixes it for most people.

[pkcrawford]

So, has the audio drop issue been resolve.  Is everybody good now?

[Gdkitty]

As far as i am aware.. with the current firmware being pushed out.. the audio drop issues DOES appear to be fixed.

(may also have fixed the HDMI CEC issue as well)

[kathyt64]

I am still getting occasional audio dropout. Happened last night while watching a recorded show.

[Gdkitty · Accepted solution]

There are/were two seperate issues with the audio drop.

The DD to PCM drop...

And the 1080p audio issue.

The DD drop issue, appears to have been resolved with the latest patch.  Not sure on the other though.

A) Go into settings, appearance, and make sure the TV mode is set to 1080i and not 1080p

B) Check to see if you have the latest firmware.. not sure if its been COMPLETELY pushed out yet to all.
You can do this by holding EXIT till you see the power light flashing, then press DOWN twice, then 2

You should see that the VERSION has been updated to 5.0.0.0123 if its on the latest.

[senordd]

I thought the 1080p issue was a video issue, not an audio one. Speaking of which, I'd very much like to see them get to work on that.

[Gdkitty]

From the people that were reporting issues with it.. it was both.. i think it was just with it set at 1080p, the whole hdmi output was cutting in and out.

On another forum, another user mentioned that he had changed it back to 1080p and hasnt had an issue... i have not tested it myself.

A) since no content is broadcast at higher than 1080i currently.

B) My TV likely has a better upscaling processor in it anyways, to let IT do it.

[dayzed007]

 Audio explained?

I'm came to this forum (and google for that matter) for what I assumed was a rather straight forward clarification, but to my surprise I can't find a single thread discussing it.

Basically I'm trying to find help understanding the difference in audio options for my nextbox 3.0

Specifically

1. What's the difference between Audio range Normal, Narrow and Wide, and when to use each? I noticed a volume drop/lowering when switching to wide so I didn't get to far in testing.  I asked tech support about this and he told me just to stick with Narrow to avoid the volume drop <- not really the specifics I had hoped for.
2. What's the difference between Audio out Dolby Digital vs Other.  I saw some suggestion that 'other' supports some more complex setups, but nothing really detailed.

In a nutshell I just upgraded my AV receiver to a 7.1 channel unit and I want to make sure I getting the most of it.

Can anyone shed any light here?  There's gotta be an audiophile out there somewhere!

[jimboden]

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@dayzed007 wrote:

 Audio explained?

I'm came to this forum (and google for that matter) for what I assumed was a rather straight forward clarification, but to my surprise I can't find a single thread discussing it.

Basically I'm trying to find help understanding the difference in audio options for my nextbox 3.0

Specifically

1. What's the difference between Audio range Normal, Narrow and Wide, and when to use each? I noticed a volume drop/lowering when switching to wide so I didn't get to far in testing.  I asked tech support about this and he told me just to stick with Narrow to avoid the volume drop <- not really the specifics I had hoped for.
2. What's the difference between Audio out Dolby Digital vs Other.  I saw some suggestion that 'other' supports some more complex setups, but nothing really detailed.

In a nutshell I just upgraded my AV receiver to a 7.1 channel unit and I want to make sure I getting the most of it.

Can anyone shed any light here?  There's gotta be an audiophile out there somewhere!

---

@dayzed007

I had a NB 3 long ago, but returned it because I was getting consistent audio drop outs and went back to my SA8300HD PVR. My memory is a little rusty, but here's a link which you might find helpful, which is specific to the NB 3. It is a couple of years old, though, so things may have changed. At least, it discusses the difference between Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2 channel PCM, plus there's some reference to audio range. When I had the NB 3, it would constantly drop from Dolby Digital 5.1 to 2 channel PCM and I had to reboot the box to get Dolby Digital 5.1 back. I have a Denon AVR, which shows the audio input type on the front panel.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/61-rogers-cable-tv-hd-pvr-discussion/197129-nextbox-3-0-cisco-9865-s...

[clawson]

I have a Nextbox 9865HD and the audio will cut out randomly while watching TV and the only way to fix it is to pause, rewind and play again. Any ideas why this is happening?

[pkcrawford]

For me, the dropouts are part of the broadcast and actually get recorded on the PVR.  I can rewind and play the drop out.  In the diagnostics (Digital Video Status), I notice that the 'A/V Disc' counter increments every time there is an audio dropout.  Does anyone know what an 'A/V Disc' is and how to get it to stop?  I get at least 10 dropout events an hour.  Very annoying making it impossible to enjoy TV.  I've basically given up on regular cable TV and have started getting my content through other methods.    

[KerryForest]

HDMI audio problem

I have a NEXTBOX PVR (CAV10455HD) connected to an RCA TV via HDMI. When I turn on the receiver and TV initially there is no audio - just video. In order to get audio I have to unplug and then reinsert the HDMI cable at the TV end. This consistently works and once audio appears it never drops out. Any ideas?

[57]

@KerryForest :  Sometimes the order that you turn things on matters. Have you tried turning on the TV, waiting a few seconds, then turning on the STB?  Or vice versa?  Also, check to ensure the firmware on your TV has been updated to the latest.  One other option is sometimes to simply change the channel on the STB and you'll get audio because this invokes another "handshake" between the STB and TV.

Also, try going into the settings of the STB for audio and select "other" instead of "DD" or vice versa.  (Settings - Audio)

[jasonchan]

All of a sudden I've just developed the same issue as @KerryForest on my NB3.  It was working fine for well over 2 years with the default of DD set under audio.  Nothing has changed in the setup and I've even tried replacing the cabling as a test.  The issue would reoccur every night Rogers reboots the boxes.  

I've found that flipping between DD and other resolves the issue until next reboot. 

[Cap07]

No idea if this is even a remotely similar problem, but about three days ago I noticed the sound is suddenly lower on some channels than on others. Normally I set the volume at 14 or 15 and everything would sound fine. Now I have to raise the volume to 19 or 20 depending on which channels I'm watching. For instance, at 15 the following channels are good: 3 (Global), 7(City), 8, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, 30, 31, 33, etc. The volume has to be turned up if I switch to: 2(TVO), 6(CBC), 11, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29, 34, 35, 36, etc.

Anyone else getting this? Is it the Cisco Nextbox 3.0? This just started happening about three days ago and I've changed nothing.

[57]

@Cap07 : Are you using an AVR or Sound Bar, or are you listening to the TV speakers?

If an AVR go into Settings - Audio - Select Audio Output - Dolby Digital, Audio Range - Normal or Wide, Volume Control - Fixed

If a TV go into Settings Audio - Select Audio Output - Other, Audio Range - Narrow, Volume Control - Fixed.

When not recording, do a reboot of the box - Settings - Scroll up one to Troubleshooting - Reboot (Do not Restore Factory Settings as this will erase any settings and recordings).

Some channels are louder than others.  For example, I find 703 much louder than 707 (Stingray)

[Cap07]

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@57 wrote:

@Cap07 : Are you using an AVR or Sound Bar, or are you listening to the TV speakers?

If an AVR go into Settings - Audio - Select Audio Output - Dolby Digital, Audio Range - Normal or Wide, Volume Control - Fixed

If a TV go into Settings Audio - Select Audio Output - Other, Audio Range - Narrow, Volume Control - Fixed.

When not recording, do a reboot of the box - Settings - Scroll up one to Troubleshooting - Reboot (Do not Restore Factory Settings as this will erase any settings and recordings).

Some channels are louder than others.  For example, I find 703 much louder than 707 (Stingray)

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Thanks. I'll try that.

[Cap07]

I was using a Samsung soundbar and have disconnected it. Also replaced the PVR with another from Rogers Store. The sound variations are still noticeable so I'm wondering if it has something to do with the signal from Rogers. Has anyone else noticed this happening? I also noticed today while watching CNN that the picture was breaking up quite a bit. Not sure if this is happening on other stations or if it is connected to audio problem. I'm wondering if work on the system is being done in the neighbourhood again. That's happened before.

[57]

@Cap07 :

1. There certainly is some variability in audio levels from channel to channel, sometimes even with various programmes if one is DD5.1 while another is DD2.0, etc.

2. If you have breakup in audio and video, it's likely that you have a signal issue at your home and/or neighbourhood.  Call Rogers and have them check your signal - they can do this remotely while you're on the phone.  Call them when it's happening because the signal can sometimes vary depending on the time of day (related to temperature, which can cause a poor connection when cold).  Here's the post on the topic of signal strength.  You can also check the signal strength yourself per the link to get a ballpark figure.

https://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/TV/Nextbox-3-0-PVR-Skips-Recorded-Playback-Only/m-p/387839#M42...

[Cap07]

Okay. I contacted Rogers twice about this audio problem. The first time the CSR ran tests from their end and said the signal seemed weak. They sent a tech and he confirmed this and said someone else would come and do something to the outside box to boost the signal. Apparently, Rogers did send someone later (never saw anyone). Nothing changed at our end however. I contacted Rogers again and they sent another tech to tramp through our house and do his troubleshooting, though I tried to explain the previous tech and CSR had confirmed the problem was outside. This guy ignored that and ran a cable from the outside box to the PVR and fiddled around with our TV's settings. Then he went back out to the box, attached some sort of device to the box for a few seconds then removed the reader and tossed it into his van. He said he would tell the office and drove off. So we're still stuck with the problem of the disappearing audio. Four people have noticed this oddity, so it's not my imagination and it happens on two different TVs. For instance, my wife can watch CNN or some other station like Sportsnet 22, with the volume set at 13 or 14. When we switch to 26 (CBCNews) say, no one in the room can make out what anyone is saying. This has only been a problem for the last month or so. We don't need another tech tramping through our house to tell us there is no problem with the signal. Some years ago we had a problem with the picture being fuzzy. They sent a tech who said the signal was weak and he did something outside that made the picture and sound crystal clear.

Found S/N ratio: 39.5. Could not identify Signal Strength though.

[nomullies]

Absolutley have the same problem. Volume varies by channel. Even when showing the same program. E.g., 501 and 504. Tech help has been unable or willing to solve the problem The Nextbox is CAV10455HD. My neighbour and father-in-law have the exact same problem. And this is my second such box. They offered a switch to Ignite but then I have to use their wifi for everything and it would screw up my additional devices set up for security, etc..