Well, I have found a major issue with my new Insignia "coupon box". I am wondering if any of you guys have similar experience, or can give me pointers.

When I watch via my Panasonic DMR-EZ17, picture is solid, except that there are sometimes noticeable compression artifacts, I chalk this up to the software Panasonic is using to decompress the MPEG and display it. No big deal.

When I watch via my Insignia box, it seems that on HD broadcasts there is a noticeable flicker, like a classic 60Hz monitor flicker or something. It is driving me nuts.

I have eliminated the connection, as it is present whether I use the RF output or the composite output.

It is getting a solid antenna signal.

I tried moving it from off of the TV set and over about 2 feet, it did not fix it.

It is plugged in to the same powerstrip as a few other boxes, such as an (idle) AV receiver, a Roku soundbridge, the Panasonic DVD recorder, and the Panasonic CRT TV itself.

Any ideas what to try next?

Odd and interesting; I haven't heard of this before. In another post, you said that you're using the composite output; try the RF channel 3/4 output and see what happens. Try another composite cable; you may be using a bad one. It might be a defective box; if neither option works, exchange the unit at the store.

Yes, I tried the RF Channel 3 over coax as well as the composite video cable... both do it. I am thinking it may be a clean power issue or a defective box.

I'd try it with another TV. If the problem is still present, you've got a bad box.

I'd try it with another TV. If the problem is still present, you've got a bad box.

But I only own one TV! :-)

Well do you have any friends who own TVs? 'Cause that's really the only good way to truly isolate this issue. Although, I'd say chances are pretty good it's the box, seeing as how everything else you have hooked up works fine.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but make sure that your TV, and box (and anything else connected) all goes to the same wall plug.

IF you plug two different devices into different plugs, you could get a ground loop. ALL Grounds are not the same and there could be a slight voltage difference between the grounds. This difference, can cause problems with audio and video equipment.

Most likely you don't have this problem, but it's worth checking.

If you can test your box on a friend's TV, get another box to see if the problem goes away.


Bob Diaz
http://web.mac.com/bobdiaz/Site/Blank.html Page
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The tuner box and the TV are plugged into the same wall plate, but are actually on two different surge protector power strips. Do you think that is enough difference in grounding to matter? I will re-arrange my plugs when I get home and see if it helps.

As for friends... my friends all have HDTV's! I kid you not, I am an SDTV hold-out, being unable to bring myself to spend $700ish on a TV when I only watch OTA anyway.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but make sure that your TV, and box (and anything else connected) all goes to the same wall plug.

IF you plug two different devices into different plugs, you could get a ground loop. ALL Grounds are not the same and there could be a slight voltage difference between the grounds. This difference, can cause problems with audio and video equipment.

Most likely you don't have this problem, but it's worth checking.

If you can test your box on a friend's TV, get another box to see if the problem goes away.


Bob Diaz
http://web.mac.com/bobdiaz/Site/Blank.html Page
http://idisk.mac.com/bobdiaz-Public?view=web File Download

When I watch via my Insignia box, it seems that on HD broadcasts there is a noticeable flicker, like a classic 60Hz monitor flicker or something. It is driving me nuts.



I've tested the Insignia CECB with four different TVs and a monitor and never noticed an HD flicker.

Even if your friends have HDTVs, if they have an NTSC tuner on their TVs, you could still hook up the Insignia to their composite video inputs to see what the result is like for testing purposes.

Otherwise, there may be a problem with that particular box.

Got a new Insignia tuner box from Best Buy. Second box has no flicker.

So, open letter to Lucky Goldstar: quality control should be number one!