HDTV Forum

Just joined and I have a problem that I hope that someone might have a clue on what is going on or better yet a fix!

I am at a total loss here with my WS65819. I just "upgraded" my DirecTV HD-DVR to the newer HR21-700 to get the new HD channels. To say the least it was not an easy install. Three visits trying to get all the SAT signals and still missing one full SAT. On the third visit I had the installer go ahead and take out the older HR10-250 and set up the new HR21-700 to get back my local HD channels that I lost removing splitters previously used to get OTA over one cable. On power up the Mits screen just showed pixels scrolling up and across sort of like not syncing. Double checked all the hook ups and couldn't find a problem. So I unhooked the DVD cable from component 1 inputs on the Mits and plugged them into the new receiver and everything looked good. The installer finished the setup saying that the other cable must have broken inside with all of the plugging and unplugging that happened over three days.

So now I tried all of the component cables elsewhere and they are all good. So I have since tried hooking up the old DVR, a DVD and also moving the new DVR's cables to the Mits DTV component input jacks with always the same result, pixels scrolling up and to the right. I made sure that the DTV input is set to YPbPr and that the device hooked up is either set to 480i, 480p or 1080i. To say the least I am frustrated. I have a calibrated set that "suddenly" decided to lose that side of its inputs (high def). Sounds a little too coincidental.

I am hoping that there is a simple explanation and fix for this so I appreciate any feedback that might help me get my Mits back in HD!

It sounds as if your DirecTV box ix set to 720P and your Mits will not accept that. You need to set your HR-21 output to 1080I. Run a separate video (either a yellow cable or S-Video) to one of the other inputs on the Mits to be able to see what you are doing with the HR-21 and change the output.

Thanks for the suggestion bobby_c. The HR21 has an external button to select the outout resolution and lights to indicate the selected resolution. I have tried 480i, 480p, 720p (know this doesn't work) and 1080i. No matter which one I select I get the same thing. Also, I hooked up my DVD player running a DVD that looks OK on the component 480i/p inputs and still get the same thing. I am thinking that there is something wacked out on the DTV inputs, just don't know what it could be. I hope that someone with more knowledge in this area might have some more ideas. I appreciate the help.

You have two TVs in that box, 480p and 1080i. If you feed it 480p, 480i, s-video or composite video does it work? If yes then the 480p side of you TV is working. Go to your satellite and set it for 480p, do you get a picture? if yes try 1080i? If you have a problem then you have lost the 1080i side of your TV.

Based on hwat you ahve said though you can take your DVD player and put it on component 1 or 2 and get an image, via the DTV input you don't.

All that said I think you have the answer, you lost the DTV input and it is the only one that accepts 1080i. Time to a call service....

Richard, I am at a point where I tend to think that something blew on the DTV inputs. In your opinion could it maybe be something to do with signal synchronization only on that input?

Also, when you say that there are two TVs in the Mits are you saying that there is one tuner that handles the 480i/480p, s-video input jacks and that the DTV inputs are supported by a totally separate tuner that handles 480i/480p/1080i? Or is one tuner handling 480i/480p for all inputs and the second tuner handles only 1080i? I am asking so that I can better understand the architecture of this set and thus hopefully understand what a service tech is telling me when they check it out.

I have a service call scheduled for Wednesday and I am on pins and needles waiting to hear if I will be able to economically salvage this set. I like what a lot of the newer technology has to offer but this set has rocked since my calibration!

You have a 480p TV. All SD sources that are not 480p are converted to 480p.

You have a 1080i TV and to use that part of the TV you can only use the DTV inputs because they add another switched connection further down the line in the circuitry that bypasses all the conversion functions of SD inputs when you input a 1080i video signal.

Richard - Thanks for the explanation. I just had a service tech out to look at the set and after he called the master tech at the shop they feel almost 100% that it is the signal board. The estimate is around $775+tax and 12 days in the shop. Does this sound like a reasonable diagnosis and cost?

The satellite installation company appears willing to cover all or some of the repair cost if there is any possibility of their installer doing something to either blow the board or prematurely age the board to failure. I'm not out to screw the company but at the same time I had an excellent set when they came and a broken set when they left. So any words of wisdom are really appreciated.

It seems a bit high but there are so many ifs, ands and buts in this business it is not easy to determine. The problem you face is finding out if you can get it repaired for less as that will come with estimate fees that can easily swallow what there is to gain. BTW, the signal board is not available per the MIts website so I am not sure what their intentions are; are they repairing it or sending it to Mits?

If you are comfortable with them and feel they will take care of you I would proceed.