1. Yes, it's a whole new look! Have questions or need help? Please post your question in the New Forum Questions thread Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Seeing tons of unread posts after the upgrade? See this thread for help. Click the X to the right to dismiss this notice
    Dismiss Notice

HD vs SD Volume Levels With Comcast

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by GeauxTigers, Dec 16, 2007.

  1. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2006
    Messages:
    877
    Likes Received:
    10
    Has anyone else noticed the difference in volume levels between SD and HD Comcast stations? It used to be that the SD stations were marginally louder than then HD but lately the difference has gotten a bit extreme. When I called Comcast they seemed to act like this was news to them and wanted to schedule a tech to come check my box. I have three converters and all three do it. I hardly think it's on my end and before I let them come out I was curious if others are experiencing it too.
     
  2. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    2,260
    Likes Received:
    34
    Is your audio running through a receiver? Maybe it is because your HD is in DD? I'd suggest DirecTV for the sheer number of HD channels =)
     
  3. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2006
    Messages:
    877
    Likes Received:
    10
    That is a good point. I am running it through a receiver on two of the TVs however when I run it directly to the TV I get the same issue.

    When I first moved in I ordered DirectTV but they refused to install it because of the very high tree line behind the house unless I signed a waiver committing myself to paying for the full year regardless if it worked.
     
  4. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    2,260
    Likes Received:
    34
    Some of the installers aren't too bright. I was having some signal problems and the first tech that came out told me there was a house in the way of the signal and that's my problem. I guess he doesn't understand the offset nature of the LNBs, etc. The second guy came out and replaced the dish which fixed my problem. The same thing they told you happened to my Mum (they wouldnt install because they thought trees were in the way). I ended up doing the install myself =) Did your installer have a scope or something or just "eye" it?
     
  5. Pictor Guy

    Pictor Guy New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2004
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    1
    I've noticed it between HD programs and SD commercials when pulling the local signal off the air on my HD DirecTiVo. I'm not sure what I'm experiencing is the same but, as in my case, it could also be the programming itself.
     
  6. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2006
    Messages:
    877
    Likes Received:
    10
    I don't remember if the installer measured it with a device or by eye but even by eye it's very clear that the trees are directly in the path. The tree line is easily 20ft higher than the house and within about 15 ft of the house making the disk need to point up at more than 45 degrees just for a clear line of sight. I've been on the roof and it's clearly an obstacle. That being said the previous owner did have DirecTV as a dual LNB dish is up there and I was able to get SD signals seemingly ok through the trees when I borrowed my cousin's box just to see if it worked. The installer claimed that the direction needed for the additional LNBs would be a little worse (ie, through the thicker part of the trees) and it was a gamble if it would work or not and if it did work it could stop after time as the trees grow. In any case they refused to do anything unless I signed the waiver accepting a year contract regardless if they could deliver. Honestly now that Verizon has FIOS so close now (I'm right off Demott where they are laying fiber currently) I may just end up trying that.
     
  7. Pictor Guy

    Pictor Guy New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2004
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    1
    I don't recall the exact elevation for our area but I think it's around 40 degrees. Remember that the focal point on the dish is the LNB so that the point where the satellite needs to be is perpendicular to the LNB. I've talked to installers who incorrectly think that the satellite is perpendicular to the dish itself.
     
  8. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2006
    Messages:
    877
    Likes Received:
    10
    The dual-LNB dish that is up there was functional about 3 years ago and is pointed directly into the trees. The line of sight is clearly obstructed and at the time was apparently not enough to prevent reception as the SD box I borrowed was functional. I am in a TH very very close to the tree line, meaning my roof is very small and even the highest point is still very close to the tree line. The trees are significantly taller than my roof. Even at 40 degrees I really don't think you'd get a clear line of sight. The last time I was on the roof and standing at the peak, the top of the trees still seemed very high.
     
  9. Pictor Guy

    Pictor Guy New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2004
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    1
  10. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    2,260
    Likes Received:
    34
    what about a pole mount or something farther away from the trees? (are the trees in back of the house? -- you could put the dish lower on the front of the house in order to get the angle) The HD sats are at 99/103 degrees and regular SD is 101 (some on 119, but not much), so if you were able to get SD then HD should be good to go since they are all pretty close together. Do any neighbors have satellite?
     
  11. GeauxTigers

    GeauxTigers Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2006
    Messages:
    877
    Likes Received:
    10
    The installer that came said something about a pole not being able to help in the situation. I really don't remember the details. The trees are along the backside of the house. It's possible a mount on the front of the house may work however I am not sure I want a dish so visible. Is that even allowed by the HOA? There is a neighbor with SD only a few houses down but fortunately for him there is a slight break in the trees giving a good 30' more between the house and tree line. I am fairly sure the installer did all they could to make this work as they only get paid if they install something. Also thanks to all who have chimed in here with pointers. Honestly I'll probably just give FIOS a try since it seems probably only weeks ago given my proximity to Demmott. I've actually been impressed with Comcast for internet but their TV service and DVR leaves a lot to be desired.
     
  12. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    2,260
    Likes Received:
    34
    Yeah same here, I've never had a problem with Comcast/Adelphia cable modem -- I even have the same modem as when it was installed almost 6 years ago.

    Still, I can't wait for FIOS... it's a bit cheaper and has faster uplink speeds.
     

Share This Page