DVB-T signal weaker via HTPC than TV built-in Freeview

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › DVB-T signal weaker via HTPC than TV built-in Freeview

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kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#907567 4-Oct-2013 00:34

Signal strength reported by DVB-T cards is often irrelevant, as most cards don't correctly report signal strength. When the tv on the htpc stops working does it start working again if you stop + start? If so you might just need a more robust h264 codec to cope with the signal corruption / different htpc software.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

turb

881 posts

Ultimate Geek

#907572 4-Oct-2013 01:10

If you start messing with different codec packs you will find that some are distinctly worse than the vanilla Windows ones.

Be prepared to reinstall your system afterwards.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

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#907573 4-Oct-2013 01:25

Yes. I would never recommend installing codec packs but you can install a single h264 codec. The Microsoft one is pretty good though it he seems to handle corruption fairly well. Lav is also good.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

frederik

23 posts

Geek

#907685 4-Oct-2013 09:22

kiwijunglist: Signal strength reported by DVB-T cards is often irrelevant, as most cards don't correctly report signal strength. When the tv on the htpc stops working does it start working again if you stop + start? If so you might just need a more robust h264 codec to cope with the signal corruption / different htpc software.

Nope, stop and start doesn't help (neither restarting WMC nor restarting the PC). Twisting the cable a little bit often helps, or also sometimes just standing there holding the cable (I assume this uses my body as the antenna then).

B1GGLZ: That's probably OK if you have a tiled roof but not going to work very well if you have a metal roof.
External is always best.

We got a tiled roof, so thanks for that tip.

turb:
I got mine from Kaiser Baas in Australia (although it is sent from Hong Kong).
There is a thread here that overlaps with this one: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=84&topicid=129114

Thanks, will follow that thread now as well.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#907691 4-Oct-2013 09:37

frederik:Twisting the cable a little bit often helps, or also sometimes just standing there holding the cable (I assume this uses my body as the antenna then).

That would indicate a faulty joint or connection somewhere and that the antenna may actually not be connected to the co-ax somewhere. Check all connections from antenna to the PC.
The sony doesn't need much signal and I can get a picture on mine with just a short piece of wire in the TV socket but not the same with the HVR2200. Make sure you use f plugs (screw on or crimp type) and then an f - pal adaptor to plug into the TV and PC. If you are using a short cable from a wall socket to the TV/PC, try another cable. I've occasionally had a new cable (el cheapo) that was faulty and useless.

frederik

23 posts

Geek

#907697 4-Oct-2013 09:50

B1GGLZ: That would indicate a faulty joint or connection somewhere and that the antenna may actually not be connected to the co-ax somewhere. Check all connections from antenna to the PC.
The sony doesn't need much signal and I can get a picture on mine with just a short piece of wire in the TV socket but not the same with the HVR2200. Make sure you use f plugs (screw on or crimp type) and then an f - pal adaptor to plug into the TV and PC. If you are using a short cable from a wall socket to the TV/PC, try another cable. I've occasionally had a new cable (el cheapo) that was faulty and useless.

I did buy a new/better cable and with that it also certainly works better than with the cheapo one I had before, but it still seems to have similar issues.
I always tried avoiding the use of additional adapters to eliminate that as a potential problem area, but are you saying I should not get a "normal" antenna cable, but rather f-type and then use adapters on both ends (cause the wall socket and the TV card both have antenna connectors)?

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#907831 4-Oct-2013 12:19

frederik:
I did buy a new/better cable and with that it also certainly works better than with the cheapo one I had before, but it still seems to have similar issues.
I always tried avoiding the use of additional adapters to eliminate that as a potential problem area, but are you saying I should not get a "normal" antenna cable, but rather f-type and then use adapters on both ends (cause the wall socket and the TV card both have antenna connectors)?

OK
I installed my antenna with new high quality rg6 co-ax terminated at a feedthrough f connector on a skirting mounted wallplate. My feed to the PC is from a standard wall plate with a feedthrough f connector insert. From the f connector on the skirting mount I use a cable with a moulded on f plug at wall end and a moulded on Pal plug at the TV end. Exactly the same for the PC connection. f plugs are far superior to pal connectors at Freeview frequencies. I wouldn't recommend terminating rg6 co-ax with anything other than f connectors. My splitter under the house also uses f connectors. Also check there's nothing in the roof space near the antenna (copper pipes, watertank etc) thatcould be causing signal reflections or interfering with the antenna. Even if your tiles are tied down with wire twists, they could be enough to upset reception. The antenna should really be outside on the roof.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

frederik

23 posts

Geek

#910013 8-Oct-2013 18:22

Hey guys, just to let you know:
I bought the HD HomeRun from SiliconDust and now I get 100% quality with a perfect signal. No stuttering or pixelation etc.
Using the same cables and connectors, so I guess it must have been the crappy tuner in the HVR4000 or interference in the computer itself. Anyway, I'm happy it works so well. :)

turb

881 posts

Ultimate Geek

#910035 8-Oct-2013 19:07

Great result!

I agonised over whether to go for a Homerun right from the beginning, but thought:

A) I wouldn't need tv elsewhere in the house in the future - I was wrong.

B) I'd get better reception from a card, than with some remote gadget - I was wrong.

In future I'll be recommending the Homerun to new HTPC builders for DVB-T.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

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