New Freeview tuner problem

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Gradine

77 posts

Master Geek

#102513 16-May-2012 09:47

Got a Panasonic DVD recorder - XW380 - with twin Freeview tuners to replace my old Panasonic analogue device. Installed it (does it itself!) and it's great. Knows when programs start and finish, can record two at the same time and picture on LCD screen is far clearer than via "old" Zinwell HD Terrestrial tuner. Using HDMI cable between DVD and TV and aerial directly into back of unit. Old devices - analogue VCR and DVD - and Zinwell consigned to downstairs rumpus.

Problem has arisen tho. When it rains the picture on TV via the (new) DVD tuner (by the way TV has not got Freeview on board - bought before that was available) freezes and pixelates. Same on all channels. Got out the old Zinwell HD and connected that up and pictures are fine. TV via its own analogue tuner works fine too (but, of course, no Freeview stuff). Aerial on roof (on pole attached to chimney) has both UHF and analogue aerials.

So, what's the likely problem? Is the new tuner/s more sensitive such that rain on the present UHF aerial is interfering with the signals? Why would I have OK performance via old Zinwell yet the rain affected result withe the new device?

Or, do I have a dud new DVD? Should I take it back (large Aussie HIFI store) to the retailer?

Has anyone any ideas?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jaxson

8041 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#625923 16-May-2012 10:04

I'm sure there's a bit here on this already. These units are very prone to VHF signal interference, and enough of this signal can technically be received by a UHF aerial only to cause issues. When it rains/blows then perhaps there's enough signal degradation to start causing issue.

Rain related can sometimes mean water penetration into fittings etc so it would pay to ensure your aerial and cabling are in good condition too, despite it clearly being good enough for the Zinwell unit though.

Magic TV, Panasonic units and the older Vantage unit were all known to be susceptible to VHF signal level issues. A Diplexer can be used to filter the VHF signal out prior to entering the unit.

Gradine

77 posts

Master Geek

#626052 16-May-2012 12:39

So, my remedies seem to be:-

1. dismantle the VHF aerial that is mounted on the same post as the UHF one. Don't really need that aerial as
I shall use only (new) DVD tuner

2. obtain and fit a new UHF aerial and dispose of the present VHF/UHF "set up"

Suspect you may be correct about water ingress. There is a box at base of the set up that combines two aerial feeds into one. It doesn't look to be leaking. But the box/es at the aerial ends of their own cable connections may have leaky issues. Have not/cannot check them as I have to take down the pole mount. And, that might be a bit of a mission as the lock nut for the pole has rusted frozen.

Another idea - what about clipping off the VHF aerial that feeds into the "combiner" box that is accessible at the base of the pole? That would leave only a UHF feed to the DVD/tuner - albeit that there is a join in it.

How about these ideas?

Personally, I favour fitting up a new UHF aerial and disposing of the present set up.

Thanks for any further help or ideas.

Jaxson

8041 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#626083 16-May-2012 13:15

Honestly it would be cheaper to try and utlise your existing UHF aerial in the first instance. Is there enough slack to connect your main cable direct into the existing UHF aerial? It's most likely saddle and clamp, but I expect you'd get it to work if you cleaned up the connections a bit with a bit of fine sandpaper etc.

Yes, removing the UHF/VHF diplexer will improve your signal levels.

And yes, heck try just cutting the VHF cable off first as well, can't hurt and that's very easy to do!

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#626135 16-May-2012 13:44

Gradine: So, my remedies seem to be:-

1. dismantle the VHF aerial that is mounted on the same post as the UHF one. Don't really need that aerial as
I shall use only (new) DVD tuner

2. obtain and fit a new UHF aerial and dispose of the present VHF/UHF "set up"

Thanks for any further help or ideas.

Definitely dump the VHF antenna and diplexer (combiner) box. Run the coax direct from the UHF to the Panasonic.
Only then replace the antenna and co-ax if that doesn't work.
Don't know your location but make sure your antenna is the correct polarity. Some areas, particularly fill-in areas use vertical polarity.

robjg63

4096 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#626136 16-May-2012 13:45

There is often a menu in the tuning area that you can see the signal strength/quality.
I expect that if you check when it starts cracking up you may find it has dropped.

I would guess its just the threshold between the zinwell and the panasonic that is showing one working ok and the other breaking up.

If your signal is on the border line of being ok/not ok then you need to review your aerial/wiring etc and see if you can improve it as the two other posters have suggested above.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

Gradine

77 posts

Master Geek

#626870 17-May-2012 15:17

Thanks for all the help. All good ideas and advice. Pretty much confirmed what I had suspected.
I have solved the problem - won a new UHF aerial on T/Me - $42.00. Got aerial and some cable from seller and fitted it up to roof. I had an old spare "hockey stick" mount. And, whooo hooo I now have perfect signal with no loss or other issues when it rains. So all ends well.

Thanks again for comments and help.