Sky decoder - high pitched squeal

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amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#7489 19-Apr-2006 02:38

Hi

I just got Sky digital installed today, all is great except when I have the TV off, or theres a quiet part in a movie, I can hear a high pitched squealing sound coming from the decoder from across the room.

It is similar to the sound that some really old (wooden box) TVs often make.

I tried pushing using the power button to switch the decoder off, and it still squeals. It would only stop if I disconnect the power or the coaxial in cable.

Is this typical of Sky decoders? Or have I been given a faulty one?

I know I've got much more sensitive hearing than the average person, so I'm reluctant to get a technician back out who'd probably say, "I can't hear it". But it really annoys me!

Thanks

manaia

272 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#33349 19-Apr-2006 09:40

Hi Amigo,

Some Zenith/Motorola DTH310 or DTH320 models can have noisy power supplies. If your decoder is one of these models (check the sticker underneath) then I would call SKY customer services and say that you have an annoying noise from your power supply and ask for a replacement.

JohnPorter

187 posts

Master Geek

#33437 20-Apr-2006 00:01

I can hear those squeals, too. "Horizontal oscillator frequency", so I've been told. I never heard it from a Sky decoder. If it bugs you definitely ask for a replacement.

There were some old computer terminals (circa 1978) that were horrible - I couldn't be in the same room with them! And my workmates couldn't hear them at all.

amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#33848 25-Apr-2006 12:48

I had a look and I had a Zenith DTH320.

Well before I called, I thought I'd check friend's and my brother's decoder.

My friends decoder the same model, but didn't squeal.

My brother's decoder was a shiney new silver box about half the size of the black decoders. The speed of this decoder was amazing. You can flick through channels without an black screen pause for a second... and the sky guide you could scroll through it at super speed and all the program listings were instantly there.

On my Zenith if you try to scroll through the listings fast you get the message "Listings temporary unavailable" for a moment before they catch up.

I couldn't see a brand name there was only at alphanumertic model number that I couldn't remember. I was made in China.

Anyway, I phoned sky and said my boxed squealled and they said they had a list of instructions that I could do to fix the problem. But I told her no, I want a newer decoder, because that was was also very slow. Could they give me one of the newer 'silver' ones.

She booked a technician who was there within about an hour and a half (I've found Sky has amazing service compared to Telstra Clear Saturn!)very good service.

However, the technician was the most sour unpleasent guy I'd met in a long time. I told him the problem and that I would like it replaced with one of the newer faster decoders...

As I expected I couldn't hear the noise and said, 'I can't put a faulty sticker on that!' I told me, well, then just swap the decoder then. 'I can't do that... Anyway all the decoders are exactly the same with identical software. Even with the newest flashest decoder you won't get any better performance than that."

I told him, "Well I've seen for myself much better performance."

"No, I can't....You'll have to talk to Sky about it."

"I did talk to Sky, and they sent you."

"Well its not faulty, I can't swap it..."

"Why not?"

"Well I'll have to get permission from Sky"

"Well, go ahead and get permission then...Here's the phone.."

"<Grumble> <Grumble> I'll do it from the van."

He came back with the most battered and worn looking decoder and said that was all he could give me.

It was a Pace DSR 620-GM. It had a little hum of noise, but not the annoying high-pitched squeal. Nastier remote. Seems like the picture and sound quality is less than the Zenith. I noticed 'ringing' in the audio at certain frequencies and also distortion for many speakers when they pronouce an "s" or "ch".

But this may be due to it being cloudy/rainy, so I guess time will tell.

I'm sure I saw that this guy had a stack of newer decoders in his van, but it looks like he wanted to be nasty... probably thinks I was just making up the noise issue to get the new decoder.

Thanks.

JohnPorter

187 posts

Master Geek

#33851 25-Apr-2006 13:36

I wonder what Sky would say if you related the story to them... or are you happy with what you have now?

amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#33884 25-Apr-2006 21:53

JohnPorter: I wonder what Sky would say if you related the story to them... or are you happy with what you have now?

Well the guy did solve the noise problem... just he didn't go as far as providing me with a newer faster decoder.

Sky probably encourage them to only install the older used decoders, unless they run out and have to use the new ones.

I only just realised the last couple of days that Sky are now offering mySKY in Christchurch. I'll probably put up with what I've got now and maybe fork out for a MySKY decoder in a couple of months if I have some spare cash. I was originally disappointed that the standard sky decoders do not have component out, to get the best picture for my plasma, but I see that MySKY do. Plus the intergrated HD recording and dual decoding would be nice too.