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Adelphia Cable TV and Verizon "SmartHome" hub

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by mburton, Oct 31, 2003.

  1. mburton

    mburton New Member

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    Has anyone else dealt with Adelphia Cable, and attempted to get a decent picture through the VM/Verizon supplied "SmartHome" hub (circa 2000)?

    I have had Adelphia come tweak the signal several times, and all readings are good outside, UNTIL it goes through the "SmartHome" hub in basement (where it only registers 1-bar on the meter) and is then a significant loss to all TV's in house.

    Verizon blamed Adelphia, Adelphia blamed Verizon... Adelphia now claims they have seem "many" of these hubs have the wrong size amplifier in them. and now Verizon doesn't even support the hub.

    Any one else been down this path?

    Any suggestions?

    Michael
     
  2. mburton

    mburton New Member

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    Actually, it is officially called the: "Verizon Ready Advanced Home Wiring Network", D-Series

    Someone must be having the same problem as I ?

    Michael
     
  3. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    I had this problem in 2000 before I dumped Adelphia for Dish. The problem is that the Hub amps the signal which causes some distortion. I got a Verizon guy to come and put a signal dampener on the line that's adjustible so you can tweak it. It fixed the problem but I still had some snow due to Adelphia's general ineptitude and lack of quality. I'll look at the part and see what it is. Chances are you could probably pick it up at Radio Shack.
     
  4. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    Update: I took the modulator off when I got Dish and I haven't found it yet. When (if) I find it, I'll post what it is. For now I suggest you go see the folks at Radio Shack or pester Verizon. I'm sure someone there knows what to do.
     
  5. mburton

    mburton New Member

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    Thanx Homer:

    Verizon has "deep six'd" the product, and can't even refer me to someone to talk to. I'll look into the Radio Shack amps, or I just may go Dish.

    Michael
     
  6. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    That's really lousy. I bet if you wanted them to come in and run some more Cat-5 or Cat-6 to a tap they'd be more helpful or they not doing that either?

    With Dish, you only get 2 of the taps though and you can only have one receiver per tap. I had the third come in from the kitchen.

    HTH
     
  7. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    Update: I've found the signal modulator. It is an:

    Aska 40-2050Mhz Variable Attenuator SATV-20. It can be tweaked from -20db to 0. It cleared up much of the problems I had with Adelphia's cable.
     
  8. mburton

    mburton New Member

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    thanx homer, I'll look into it. But I believe my problem is more of a "Lack of amplification" rather than a need for attenuation, since the panel/amp is taking one Input signal (measured OK by cable company) and then splitting and amplifying that signal 8-ways in house (which does not measure ok, and is very grainy on analog channels)

    mburton
     
  9. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    If I remember correctly, the Verizon guy said that Adelphia amps and so does the Smart Hub - at least the one I have. Plus I only have four taps so I'm sure you're situation may be different.
     
  10. WesGurney

    WesGurney New Member

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    I have the Bell Atlantic media hub and there is an adjustable amp in the media hub. It has a little knob that you can turn to provide more or less boost to the signal.
     
  11. mburton

    mburton New Member

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    wes:

    yes, that is what i have (the Verizon version) and my problem is that the amp in the unit only shows "1 bar" of power, when fully cranked, and it is adding too much noise. I can not find any replacement parts, or any service rep to call.
     
  12. WesGurney

    WesGurney New Member

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    Mine only shows 1 bar too. I sometimes notice that the bars move though - independent of turning the knob. Not sure what the bar is supposed to show exactly.

    Might be worth visiting a model home somewhere and see what an updated media box looks like. It might provide some useful information as to where you can get a replacement.

    I know my CAT 5 hub in my media box is only 10Mb. It would be nice if I could get a 100Mb hub that fits nice and neat in the media box.

    If I find anything I'll be sure to post
     
  13. Pictor Guy

    Pictor Guy New Member

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  14. WesGurney

    WesGurney New Member

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    Very cool! I found the Leviton 8 port switch for less than 100 bucks. http://www.broadbandutopia.com/le47108etsw.html

    Not bad considering how little space it takes up...I wonder if it will fit inside the Verizon/Bell Atlantic media box?
     

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