Received replacement 360 thursday... sooo far 2 days of tv, no dropouts!!! (crosses fingers/knocks on wood)

I've had my second 360 on for two days also and so far no problems at all.
Still have the first one for a few more days more just in case.

Seems interesting that positive feedback is from new members, less than 5 posts, are having spectacular luck with their new or RMA TS360, while the rest of us did not, after the 3rd and 4th RMA.

Welcome new members and congratulations on your success to receive a new or RMA TS360 that works.

I got my receiver 2 days ago as well, but unfortunately I have been experiencing dropouts (though not as frequent as others). I also woke up today with the thing locked up.

On the discussion between 1080i and 720p earlier... I have a question regarding the picture quality. Obviously 1080 is sharper than 720, but people kept hammering into my head that progressive is better than interlaced. Assuming your TV can handle both 1080 and 720 without any conversions mentioned earlier, is 1080i better even though it is interlaced?

I got my replacement 360 on Thursday, so far so good. It has worked flawlessly since I hooked it up two days ago. The first one had drop outs on the picture and sound 5 minutes after I hooked it up. It also would give me the 745 error about once every 45 minutes. Both receivers were operating outside of my equipment cabinet with nothing blocking airflow to the box.

Maybe they found the problem and have fixed it in production. My old receiver was manufactured in January of 2004. The new one shows it was manufactured February 11th, 2004.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Seems interesting that positive feedback is from new members, less than 5 posts, are having spectacular luck with their new or RMA TS360, while the rest of us did not, after the 3rd and 4th RMA.

Welcome new members and congratulations on your success to receive a new or RMA TS360 that works.

I am hardly a new member. My 360 manufactured 1/28/04 has worked flawlessly since I got it about 2 weeks ago. No dropouts and none of the dreaded "call ext. 745" notices.

SMK

Thanks for the warm welcome Gary!:rolleyes: lol! I found this forum while reading about the $99 deal for HD... so ya, im new??
My second ts360 was also manufactured Feb. 11 or 14? I am having one problem.... scanning i cant find one of my local hd channels? (I had it with my old receiver) I've reset the receiver and inputed my location again but still no dice! Any suggestions?? (I know the signals not too weak to pickup, im 10 miles away and its using same tower that another station uses and I pick that one up fine)

Originally posted by cornflakes
Assuming your TV can handle both 1080 and 720 without any conversions mentioned earlier, is 1080i better even though it is interlaced?
It's pretty unlikely you will find a TV that can display both 780p and 1080i as native formats, and without conversion. Even though you may find a TV that will accept both, but only one of the two would be a native format for the TV. So in that case it should be best to go with whichever one is the TV's native format.

Just hooked my replacement 360(HTL-HD replacement)up this morning.Flawless setup,no dropouts and all is good so far.Been running it the past6 hrs straight.PQ IMHO is EXCELLENT!!..Not as "bright as the Hughes but looks as if I calibrated the set..Much more natural PQ.Also a Feb.11,2004 manufacture date so I wonder if that was the most recent batch and possibly fixed all the issues people are reporting...BTW..hooked up via DVI to a Sammy HLN56...Ill keep my fingers crossed!!!

Well tech came and found no problems with the line or dish. Dropouts continue so I called Directv and new receiver on the way. Said they couldn't promise the same model would be shipped but it seems everyone is getting the 360 right now right? I hope I get the 360 because I'm pretty pleased other than the drops. I got this one the very first week they started shipping them so I'm sure I got one of the first.

I must say that through out this problem Directv has been nothing but helpful and courteous. Thumbs up to their customer service.

Originally posted by Jonesy09
Well I've read about half of this thread in anticipation of my 360 arriving two days ago. The bottom line is two fold for me.

#1
While I've had my Hitachi 51swx20 for almost a year we've been watching SD all that time. So I'm just plain impressed with the PQ of HD and the ease of having local channels and sat stuff all on one guide (not having to switch inputs to get locals).

#2
While the program info came up fine I am getting dropouts on SD & HD. I have also had to reboot a couple times due to ext. messages. I don't seem to be having any heat issues although I have my DVD player sitting on the 360. I took the DVD off the 360 for a while to see if the dropouts decreased and they did not.

I have the installer coming out again on monday to move my dish. I may possibly have a pointing issue but we'll see.

Jonesy. You do have the heat issue with part of the electonics. Trust me the unit does not get hot just warm, but there is something inside that is very sensitive to heat. You will not have any lockups if you try the fan method.. Just a small fan on top blowing in the holes. Your dish is not the problem.
Call D* tell them about the dropouts. Also if you notice if the box has been off it will not get blackouts till it warms up a bit, 5 mins or so.

The box needs to be replaced

Joe

Am I in the minority here? My replacement TS360 was also made on Feb-11 but it still produces occasional dropouts. The frequency is not as bad as with the old one but it is still annoying. I am just puzzled how come so many people with "newer" receivers never experience a/v dropouts even though the boxes were made on the same day (and probably on the same manufacturing line)? Something fishy...

So far my 2nd receiver Feb 11th is working. I can't check HD channels though.

I asked this in another topic but I'll ask here too.

Has ANYONE got the VCD control to work with ANY VCR?

PS Last I talked to Samsung (after Feb 11th) they didn't know how to fix the audio/video problem. So I don't think there is any chance they have been fixed during manufacturing. I think it is just chance.

I have a different problem with my receiver, which I rec'd from Fed-Ex today. I hooked it up using the enclosed DVI cable to a Sony 51WS510 TV, but can get no signal at all through the DVI. I went through the TV menu to set the correct input from the DVI. It works fine hooked up using component - none of the drop outs, etc. that everyone is describing. The receiver (Until the Oval Dish is installed 3/2) is still using the round dish. I am getting all the local OTA HD channels hust fine w/ a Silver Sensor. When I push the output button on the from panel it switches between RGB and Component, but won't switch to DVI. For those of you using the DVI output, can you help?

Originally posted by slowmo44
It works fine hooked up using component - none of the drop outs, etc. that everyone is describing. The receiver (Until the Oval Dish is installed 3/2) is still using the round dish.

The dropout problems only occur on D* HDTV channels which you aren't testing yet. Wait and see what happens when you start watching them.

Hi:
Haven't posted in a long time. Had my 3 LNB dish and sammy 360 installed this past Tuesday connected to Sony 34xbr800. HD is a wonderful thing but the dropouts suck. I have a Sanus unit for the TV and equipment, so the Sammy has its own 8" x 19" section, lots of air space, no fan and get occasional dropouts, not very often but still happens.
SD quality sucks, using DVI and have s-video and component and composite as well. Presently using optical sound out and sometimes my Sony receiver (DA-STR3000) doesn't seem to go back to a stereo input and upmix to ProLogic II after having been on a 5.1 program.
Set resolution to 1080I as it seemed best but was wondering what others are using?
Component output looked darker and over-colored on my setup. Better cables Silver Serpent vs supplied DVI, preferred DVI. Waiting for Pacific Cables DVI switcher, due to ship Feb 2, because I have a Bravo D1 DVD player w/ DVI as well, getting real sick of manually changing DVI cables.
Ordered a second HD box for the bedroom, can't beat the price but I'm hoping that one turns out to be a Hughes as I have a Decware SET amp in that setup which generates a bit of heat.
Will these units always have this dropout problem?
Oh, for the guy who can't get DVI output to work- toggle the outputs, you can do it from the front of the unit, lower right hand corner button. I think you switch outputs from the remote too but I couldn't figure out how.
While typing this post I experienced 4 dropouts while listening to music, maybe the problem is accelerating.:(

Originally posted by lcrim
Set resolution to 1080I as it seemed best but was wondering what others are using?
Component output looked darker and over-colored on my setup.

Has your TV ever been calibrated? If the 480p looks darker and oversaturated, it probably needs its brightness and color level set differently. If you were to get your TV calibrated so that all the scan rates were properly adjusted, you'd find that those differences would go away and you'd be left with interlace/progressive and resolution issues to compare.

Thats not true. My last receivers audio/video drop outs were on non-HD channels. IE Comedy Central, E!, etc...

It also looks like no one is able to get the VCR control to work.

Originally posted by Cheezmo
The dropout problems only occur on D* HDTV channels which you aren't testing yet. Wait and see what happens when you start watching them.

Steve:
Same input device, same resolution, all othersettings equal yet darker on component than DVI.
You think that I should have the TV calibrated.
Why?
I used Avia, but that employs a DVD player and when using other input devices, how does one compensate?
I'm not oppsed to calibration, it just seemed a bit self serving.

Your TV likely has different settings for component vs. DVI. These settings may not be customizable in the user menus (or may be) but may be customizable in the service menus, depending on the brand/model of the TV.

Sorry, I didn't mean to be self serving. I was just indicating the that differences are most likely in your TV, not the Samsung. Unless you readjust brightness and color level (at the minimum) for different scan rates/input types, there are likely to be differences. Whether you can do that by just adjusting the user controls or not depends on what type of TV you have.

Black level is a real headache between the different technologies. There are different standards for where "black" should be for DVI, one for video applications, one for PC applications. Manufacturers aren't consistent on which they use. There are also differences (voltage-wise) between where black should be for component video vs. NTSC, and manufacturers don't always get that right. In many cases, TV's, STB's, DVD Players have settings that let you change which "standard" they use. Without a reference (scope or test pattern generator) to compare to, it is difficult to get it right.

I'm just trying to caution people that when they compare say DVI to component and say one looks better, they are usually comparing how their TV is set for those scan rates more than differences in the output quality of the source.

Got my new 360 but the D* guy to do the sat will not be here until next week. I want to test out my OTA but when I connect and turn on the 360 I get a boot error and can not do anything from there. i assume this is because it can not read the sat's, anyway to bypass this so i can just set up the OTA only?

What error are you getting? When you first turn it on, it should try and download the guide. Just click Select to stop that and go to the Installation menu and choose "No Dish" to stop it complaining.

I have had my 360 for two days and have not had any of the problems described in this thread other than the not-liked OTA meter.
Here is my set-up:
TS360 hooked up via componant cables to my Mits.
Old oval dish with the Sat C kit and seperate multi-switch.
Manufacturing date of Jan. 31 2004
Had the 3 LNB dish selected in the menu.

The VCR control does not work, and the signal strength matrix does not work for the 110 and 119 satellite...but the regular signal strength meter where you choose the transponder and satellite does work fine.

I am very glad that i have not had any problems!

This replaced an old DTC-100. and I do have to say I think the Sammy has a superior picture, and sound to the old RCA.

Matt

Still haven't tested HD sat reception yet. Nothing worth watching on the PPV HD channel.

I finally got the VCR control to work with my JVC. Seems pretty bad if it only worked on 1 of my 3 VCR's. I'm going to call Samsung and tell them that there receiver isn't working with my Sony VCR's. Maybe they can fix that in a firmware update.

So with the exception of the OTA signal meter I am happy with mine. I still haven't shipped the first receiver back. Waiting on stuff to ship it back with. The papers were lost during shipping of the 2nd receiver.

What do you think they will want back? Receiver, remote, and card?

Originally posted by mdolton
What error are you getting? When you first turn it on, it should try and download the guide. Just click Select to stop that and go to the Installation menu and choose "No Dish" to stop it complaining.

Thanks for the info. I got it to scan for stations however my select local and OTA meter options are now grayed out and I can not use them. I did get a few signals however not all that I should be>

lcrim - I tried the button on the front to get the DVI to work. The Unit will only toggle back and forth between component and RGB. I can see "DVI" as one of the options on the screen, but it will not light up or switch to DVI using the output toggle button. Any other suggestions anyone?

I got the 360 to work with my Mits VCR. In fact it worked with the first code I threw at it.

Originally posted by slowmo44
lcrim - I tried the button on the front to get the DVI to work. The Unit will only toggle back and forth between component and RGB. I can see "DVI" as one of the options on the screen, but it will not light up or switch to DVI using the output toggle button. Any other suggestions anyone?

Select component and it also enables DVI. DVI and component are enabled at the same time.

Allen

Originally posted by ColdBrew


What do you think they will want back? Receiver, remote, and card?

Just send back the receiver, nothing else.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Seems interesting that positive feedback is from new members, less than 5 posts, are having spectacular luck with their new or RMA TS360, while the rest of us did not, after the 3rd and 4th RMA.

Welcome new members and congratulations on your success to receive a new or RMA TS360 that works.

Gary

Mine is working fine. (and I have many more than 5 post)

You are really negative about the Sammy.

You were way off on the type of scaler. (and many other things)

You posted that you no longer have one. So I really dont think you can offer any good advice here. Which I will admit, you are always offering advice as if it were fact. However, the more experienced person knows it is nothing more that B. S.

You said you were waiting for the Toshiba or RCA and goodbye sammy. Why dont you say good bye to the sammy thread. CYA!

Because many retailers have joined in this discussion recently and counter every fact, because bad news is bad for business.

Fortunately, *D is now monitoring this post, nor would I be surprised if a few nslookup's are requested.
IP: Logged

slowmo44;
The owners manual seems to indicate that DVI/RGB or YPbPr (component) are the toggle positions. I had some problems getting DVI to work also and actually swapped cables w/ the one I have for my Bravo D1 DVD player and then it worked and now either cable works in either input device. Try reseating the cable at both ends and wait longer when you toggle.

I picked up a small, cheap and unfortunately noisy fan (Walmart) and directed it at the cooling holes and drop outs have ceased :D
The bad thing is, I hate the fan noise. Any recommendations for a small, very quiet fan?

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Because many retailers have joined in this discussion recently and counter every fact, because bad news is bad for business.

Fortunately, *D is now monitoring this post, nor would I be surprised if a few nslookup's are requested.
IP: Logged

Oh great, that only means that MR from dbsforums will be invading with her new car smell and no tech support behind it. The Domino door bell comes to mind on that forum. :rolleyes:

One way to be able to use your 360 is to remove the top cover. You may want to form a screen to cover the unit to protect it from foreign objects. Be sure that the screen does not sag and touch internal parts.

I got mine installed Saturday morning and it ran most of the wekend. No problems (like the ones mentioned here) and I don't think it runs any hotter than my old Sony SAT tuner.

I'm using the DVI direct to my 43" Sammy DLP and the picture quality at 720p is awesome.

Now where the heck are all the HDTV channels/signals from D*?

I was able to get the VCR trigger to work with my JVC VCR on the first try.

Now the wife is really happy with the way the timer and the scheduled recording works.

I finally got mine to work with a JVC also. But it only recorded 1 hour of the Oscars last night. Let me know if you have problems with it recording everything you schedule.

Originally posted by dklanecky

I was able to get the VCR trigger to work with my JVC VCR on the first try.

Now the wife is really happy with the way the timer and the scheduled recording works.

First of all everybody, with regard to responses to Gary Whitaker, and now Lloydc, I simply say what has to be posted in many forums from time to time:

Do not feed the trolls!

After being away a week, I started using my replacement 360 yesterday. It's getting x:745's too. Time to call DTV again. Sigh..... :(

If, as some posters indicated, the only way to make TS360 work consistently without a/v dropouts is to install a fan which blows air inside the box, Samsung must admit that it is a design flaw and replace their boxes or retrofit an internal fan for existing boxes.

I am not using a fan, but I do have the receiver away from other heat-producing devices, and it has been flawless since I moved it. (It is on top of my HTPC, but that has vents only at its back.) Once the summer hits, I do wonder if the problems will return, though. So far, it seems that there is no true fix for this problem, though. (That is, a fix to make this receiver as heat-tolerant as every other device I have owned in the last 25+ years...)

I installed my second TS360 last Thursday and it has been working flawlessly ever since. The first unit I had experienced dropouts from the beginning on all channels.

The new 360 I received was manufactured only two days after the original STB. It also has the same software version as the first one (1.2.03).

For those of you who have problem-free 360s (original or replacements), can you please tell us if you have them installed either or both of these ways?

A) Above a device that has its own vents on its top

B) Below another device with or without its own vents in any position

If either or both are true, please say how far apart each device is from the Samsung receiver. If your receiver is not part of a stack at all, say that. Thank you!

Originally posted by BK EH
First of all everybody, with regard to responses to Gary Whitaker, and now Lloydc, I simply say what has to be posted in many forums from time to time:

Do not feed the trolls!

After being away a week, I started using my replacement 360 yesterday. It's getting x:745's too. Time to call DTV again. Sigh..... :(

No BK, the reason I am irritated and so should you, are two retailers under multiple names, that posted on a retailer forum, referenced this post on avsforum specifically, and are having blast at targeting ligitimate issues. They refute and distort all issues, attempt to pick on specific posts and users and see if they can get their jolly by getting people to choose sides in attempt to start small wars.

If have been so wrong in my posts, then you would not be receiving x745 errors tonight on your RMA. If you had bothered to read my post on what the re-flash corrects, you would understand this is not a heat issue, it is a software related heat detection issue. I cannot comment that some distributors simply dump the RMA's back
into a new box and re-ship less re-flash.

Must... not... feed... the trolls....

But then we have Trolls that complain about everything,, tell everyone else they don't know what they are talking about, state counter FAQ with no proof of fact, can't seem to understand or "read" what has been posted, fails to recognize that the majority concur, because we are all experiencing the same issues, and then resorts to personal name calling, to justify a weak, unsupported, and pathetic position. But then who still has x745 errors and doesn't want to understand why.

Update (like we need another freakin update on anyone's problems):

Been on the phone with D* probably 10 times since last friday (including disconnects :mad: ). I did have a dish placement issue as my signal strengths were in the 45 to 55 range on average (no wonder HBO was dropping out every 20 seconds). The first installer put my new dish exactly where the old one was, even after I told him about the signal problems. He also failed to remove my old multi-switch from the system.

So I had a couple kids show up today who did the job right. Signal strength is great and the old multi-switch is out of the way. The new card also showed up today. Now I'm still getting dropouts and 745's. On the phone with D* twice tonight and finally have a new reciever coming.

I still don't know about the heat issue. If the thing needs a fan running on it why the hell didn't they put one on to begin with. :rolleyes:

I would like to believe that D* is monitoring this thread, but everyone I've talked to over there seems to be blissfully ignorant. I even had to get one persons supervisor on the phone just to get a replacement card sent ("well we've rebooted now sir and if this contunues to be a problem please call back"......I've rebooted six times now....it IS a contunuing problem......"well if this happens again please let us know".......:mad: )

BTW...I'm not bashing...yet. If the replacement product can deliver the glimpses of PQ I've seen on this unit I'm sold! :cool:

BK & Durango stop this non-sense. If BK feels justified in his post(s) so be it. I take no personal offense. Those that wish to help themselves do, those that choose not to, do not. This is a public forum, a greater threat mocks the entire post, and this is moving towards "off" subject. Do I personally own the product at this point, no. Am I exposed to it every day, yes.

Jonesy09, please, RMA the unit.

As I said.....it's done :)

I've tried to read most of this huge thread, so forgive me if I've missed this, but does anyone occassionally have the audio turn into a "tingy" "metallic" sound? I think it's on SD satellite channels. It usually goes away but it very annoying when it happens.

Also can't control my JVC SVHS VCR. If anyone has had success with one of these, please post which code# was used, 1-10 I think were the options.

Other than that, I'm good except our local ABC audio problem with only effects Samsungs.

Is heat the culprit causing the dropouts? I am getting differing opinions. Can a software download cure the drop out issue? Will removing the cover cure the drop out problem?
Any well intentioned advice would be appreciated.
I got one of those 745 banners and unplugged the power, it rebooted and has been drop out free since then but I have no real sense of ease about it. I am sure it will happen again as no fix has been applied. Previously, when a drop out occurred, I would turn on the fan for as long as I could stand the noise and then shut off the fan and was good for hours.

Dacarter

I had the 'tinny' sound one time when the receiver was new. I cant remember exactly what I did but I did post on it. I believe someone else posted the problem also.

Jonesy09

"blissfully ignorant" I cant think of two words that better describe the CSR's response when you tell them that you are having a problem and many others are also.

Maybe we should all call at the EXACT same time to report our problems. And continue to call every evening at the EXACT same time until our problems are acknowledged and resolved.

The 360 that I have now has actually been running fine but I feel for the rest of you.

Originally posted by lcrim
Is heat the culprit causing the dropouts? I am getting differing opinions. Can a software download cure the drop out issue? Will removing the cover cure the drop out problem?
Any well intentioned advice would be appreciated.
I got one of those 745 banners and unplugged the power, it rebooted and has been drop out free since then but I have no real sense of ease about it. I am sure it will happen again as no fix has been applied. Previously, when a drop out occurred, I would turn on the fan for as long as I could stand the noise and then shut off the fan and was good for hours. You know I just moved mine from where it was unstacked to a stacked configuration and I started to notice the dropout issue. I raised it off the other unit I had It on and the dropout seem to have stooped/. I really do think a lot of these problems are heat related..

Originally posted by Darrin_R
Jonesy09

"blissfully ignorant" I cant think of two words that better describe the CSR's response when you tell them that you are having a problem and many others are also.

Maybe we should all call at the EXACT same time to report our problems. And continue to call every evening at the EXACT same time until our problems are acknowledged and resolved.

The 360 that I have now has actually been running fine but I feel for the rest of you. The CSR"S just follow a standard script...

Trying switching the audio for the receiver from PCM to digital dolby.

Originally posted by dacarter
I've tried to read most of this huge thread, so forgive me if I've missed this, but does anyone occassionally have the audio turn into a "tingy" "metallic" sound? I think it's on SD satellite channels. It usually goes away but it very annoying when it happens.

The second 360 is now being replaced.

DTV acknowledged as issues the same ones I had w/ the first: x745's and audio/video dropouts on DTV HD channels (with 95+ signal on the bird).

BTW, the unit has always sat on top of a cabinet, just like the flawless 160 before it. It was manuf. on 1/27, a day earlier than the first one. There were no secret download patches applied to this one either, despite past advice on how to check for, and achieve such.

BK EH - So the second unit had the same issues as the first. That's not good news. Is this thing just a piece of crap or what?

Patrick - Yeah, it's pretty ovbious that the D* CSR's follow a script (as well as the tech's). But why continue to follow the script when the customer has obviously gone beyond the point your at in the script?

D* - If this CONTINUES to be a problem let us know....

Me - Half a dozen reboots IS a CONTINUING problem...fix it!.....

D* - The next time this happens follow the proceudre we just finished...

Me - I've followed it many times. There WILL be a next time. Let's move on to the next step please......

D* - Well it's working now. If this happens again please call back.

Me - I AM CALLING BACK....IT'S HAPPENING CONTINUALLY...(loads shotgun)...WHAT DO I DO NOW?!?!?!?!

(this is obviously paraphrased, but you get the idea)

I realize you will get a variety of people and levels of service each time you call, but conversations like the one above seem to be the rule rather than the exception, at least in the last 10 or so times that I've talked to them.

My point was that if D* really is monitoring this thread (which I personally doubt) they are obviously not doing anything about it. Even one of the installers that was here yesterday said he saw the exact same problems on a 360 he installed the other day.

In my opinion D* needs to get alot more proactive on this.

After a week with 10+ dropouts and hour from my 360 (waiting for my 3rd replacement box to show up from D*), I stuck a small room fan blowing directly down through the 360's cover. I was skeptical that this would work becaue I have the 360 in the basemnt where it has been 50deg all winter. The unit sits completely in the open with nothing on or below it. I have to report that the dropouts have significantly decreased. I'm a bit shocked to report this, but this is the indeed the case. It does seem to be heat releated...a 50degree room doesn't fix it. A fan blowing constantly on it does. Good news...it's a temporary fix. Bad news...lots of these boxes either have a design flaw or were built defective. I reported last week that I received a call and email from Samsung, and they were going to get back with me. Well, sorry to say...I haven't heard back from them, but I will be sending another email off with hopes of a better outcome for this problem.

Wow, please keep us update. I am still waiting my 2nd one and about 7 days now after I called D*. I have a feeling that I will end up another 360 and repeat the same procedures....... Anyway for $99 I guess I need to keep doing that until they are as tired as me.

Well I have been lurking around here for about 4 months and reading about PJ's, screens and HDTV, and just got into it a little over a month ago and just loving it.
I got TS360 last thursday as a replacement for the TS160, which I had a centering issue with, besides that both units work great. I have been reading about the TS360 here before and after I got it and I don't think its a heat issue with the unit. I have mine sitting on-top of the DVD player with a D-TIVO a self above in a rack with glass doors, the temp is between 82-85F (see attachment).
I have noticed small video or audio drops with both units, for instance CSI last night on CH80 had one audio drop during commercial that lasted 10-12sec. it seems more like a programing feed glitch than a hardware glitch.
my TS360 was manufactured FEB 11-04 with firmware 1.2.03, I think if it was heat issue then this unit should be dead. my 2 cents.

I've had my second unit for six days and the dropouts started on the third day placed the fan back on and they totally stopped again. I noticed the first few days it was working even in 93 deg temps in my closed front cabinet, now I have the door propped open and with the fans running no problems.

So what is the solution? Are we all going to put a fan there? or?

[Post removed to remove address of in correct contact.]

Samsung is aware of the issue and is working with DirectTV to solve the problem. They are monitoring this thread and all that is needed is to post your comments, findings, etc, here.

Thank you.

David Bott
AVS Forum Admin

Just sent email to him. Hope he will get back to me. As soon as he get back to me I will let you all know.

Thanks!

My 360 is on top of a shelf rack and there is nothing underneath or above it. It isn't hot to the touch just slightly warm if that.
So far no drop outs but if I surf around quickly changing channels for at least one second I get "Searching for Satallite Signal" after that brief moment it comes back on and I get a signal.
BTW - I took out the DVI cable and just used my monster components and I get a sharper picture...go figure:confused:

Originally posted by chrome
BTW - I took out the DVI cable and just used my monster components and I get a sharper picture...go figure:confused:

I can't say for sure without knowing what model TV it is or seeing it, but there is probably more edge enhancement/sharpness effects applied to the component input which increases the "perceived" sharpness. From my experience it is likely the DVI input is giving you a more accurate image.

I get it, something similar to this except all the probe temps are active for the Sammy... So one of the temp probes is detecting anomalous readings and shutting down voltage to the problem area. Is the TS360 the Mars Rover in disguise? Didn't they fix the Rover with a download from an orbiting satellite?? -lol-

Here is something new (or maybe not?) Last night I called D* once again to complain about a/v dropouts on my second TS360. I started explaining to the CSR the situation fully expecting him to start following the "script" and ask me to do all these stupid things that don't really help (check the signal strength, check the cables, check the dish, turn the receiver off and disconnect, etc.) To my surprise the CSR did not do any of that. Instead he put me on hold for couple of minutes and then came back saying that he will create a "tracking form" based on my complain and forward it to the higher ups for resolution. He said he already got several (2?) phone calls about exactly the same issues and it appears (at least to him) that there's some kind of problem with these Samsung receivers. Smart guy, isn't he? Anyway, he said once they have enough complains/tracking forms D* (with the help of Samsung engineers) will take a look at the problem and issue a resolution. He said that it might be as simple as a new downloadable firmware with a fix for a/v dropouts and X745, but he was not sure. He also said that he does not know how many compains/tracking forms they must have before they start looking into this, but he guessed that definetely more than 5. So, if you want the quickest resolution to the TS360 problems, I encourage all of you to call D* and ask CSR to create a "tracking form" about a/v dropout problems on TS360.

I am not try to take the credit but I spoke with 4 different rep and keep telling them, please switch it to your supervisor and just keep going up and up and finally I was tired to do the same thing then I hang up. It was about an hour or two yesterday. I encourage you all do the same thing. I agree if we all stand up and do this, they will eventually do something meaningful rather than keep sending out the problem 360 to us.

Since most of you are probably not former Hughes E86 owners, I thought I would post a common solution to the E86's heat problems.

The E86 runs MUCH hotter than the 360, almost to the point where you can't hold your hand on the top grill. All the brilliant people on this forum figured out years ago that the unit should have had a fan and would gradually lose it's ability to pull in OTA signals and experience other problems without a fan.

What most of us did is put a $10 12v PC case fan on top of the unit, blowing up, connected to a 6v transformer. This allows the fan to run at half speed, which makes it fairly quite while still pulling enough heat out of the case to fix the problems.

While I don't have any dropouts with my 360 or any reason to install a fan, it sounds like some of you should give this a try, since you may have to live with the heat issues unless DTV replaces our units with a completely different model.

UPDATE: email back from Samsung: [edit to remove address for incorrect party.]

"engineering is investigating here and DIRECTV in verifying problems
I've asked for my guys to follow up with you. please advise if you do not get a call today.
....frank"

Wow, barhoram.

Looks like you got the ball rolling for us.

Thanks a mil.

Yeah, keep us updated! I will do my part - D* said I can call back in 3 days to check the status of my "tracking form"

Originally posted by Cheezmo
I can't say for sure without knowing what model TV it is or seeing it, but there is probably more edge enhancement/sharpness effects applied to the component input which increases the "perceived" sharpness. From my experience it is likely the DVI input is giving you a more accurate image.

I have a Hitachi XWX5720b Directors edition
Have you had any experience with this type of TV?

Samsung is aware of the issue and is working with DirectTV to solve the problem. They are monitoring this thread and all that is needed is to post your comments, findings, etc, here.

DO NOT POST CONTACT INFORAMTION FOR YOU ARE ASKING FOR PEOPLE MORE OR LESS REALLY BOTH THIS PERSON AND THAT IS NOT NEEDED.

Thank you.

David Bott
AVS Forum Admin

Originally posted by dacarter
Since most of you are probably not former Hughes E86 owners, I thought I would post a common solution to the E86's heat problems.

The E86 runs MUCH hotter than the 360, almost to the point where you can't hold your hand on the top grill. All the brilliant people on this forum figured out years ago that the unit should have had a fan and would gradually lose it's ability to pull in OTA signals and experience other problems without a fan.

What most of us did is put a $10 12v PC case fan on top of the unit, blowing up, connected to a 6v transformer. This allows the fan to run at half speed, which makes it fairly quite while still pulling enough heat out of the case to fix the problems.


I still have a Toshiba DST-3000 which is an E86 clone which suffered the same problems. Before I added a fan, it lasted about 6 months. I sent it in for repairs and added a fan after I got it back. It's been trouble free for almost 2 years now.


While I don't have any dropouts with my 360 or any reason to install a fan, it sounds like some of you should give this a try, since you may have to live with the heat issues unless DTV replaces our units with a completely different model.

I added this the day I activated my 360 (since I was familiar with my Toshiba STB's heat problems) and I have had no problems. It really is worthwhile to do since it's less than $20. I mean we got an STB worth $500-600 for $99, what’s shelling out ~$20 to maybe alleviate some of your aggravation.

kartracer,

Can you show us some pictures or detail how to do this? where you mount this fan? where did you get the fan? How's this 6V transformer connect to the fan? where did you get this transformer?

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by hlkc
kartracer,

Can you show us some pictures or detail how to do this? where you mount this fan? where did you get the fan? How's this 6V transformer connect to the fan? where did you get this transformer?

Thanks in advance.

I just took a old cell phone charger, striped the wires then hooked it up to the 2 fan wires. Then I just sat it on top of the 360. Works fine and not loud at all.. but want a real fix.

Joe

Originally posted by hlkc
kartracer,

Can you show us some pictures or detail how to do this? where you mount this fan? where did you get the fan? How's this 6V transformer connect to the fan? where did you get this transformer?

Thanks in advance.

I won't be able to post pics until tonight when I get home. But I put it on the left side of the 360 (when you're looking at it from the front) towards the rear vents. I placed it there because that was the hottest area of the 360 (based on feel, not a thermometer).

The fan is just a 12V PC fan that I got of $3.99. As bosjoe, said, you can use an old cell phone charger, so cost would be less than $5. The only thing you have to be aware of is to make sure the amperage of the charger (usually in the miiliamp range (it says "mA")) is greater than what the fan requires. If it is less, then it won't be able to run the fan. Think of having a battery with less amperage than what your car needs. The battery won't be able to turn-over the starter. Same thing.

My TS360 is on extra 1" standoffs with noting under or over.
It runs cool.
It started A/V drop-outs on HD only once or twice a night. Now it is more often & also on standard channels like SciFi.

Sometime the sound does not come back, I have to jump to another channel & back to get the audio.

The OTA connection is useless in the fringe.

Red

HELLO ALL....

Samsung is aware of the issue and is working with DirectTV to solve the problem. They are monitoring this thread and all that is needed is to post your comments, findings, etc, here.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR E-MAIL THE PERSON THAT WAS IN THIS THREAD. I KNOW HIM AND IT IS NOT NEEDED FOR AVS FORUM MEMBERS TO BE CALLING HIM LIKE THIS. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THIS POINT AND ARE WORKING ON A RESOLVE.

Thank you kindly for your understanding in this matter.

David,

I kind of agree with you a little bit, but at the same time I can understand people who are as frustrated as I am because both Samsung and D* were not doing anything for four weeks. The TS360 issues came up almost immediately after D* started shipping the units to customers (about four weeks ago.) I know this because I was one of the early adopters and aslo called D* CSRs and Samsung tech support line who knows how many times. I am on my second receiver and the problems are still there. If Samsung knows about this and working an a solution why didn't they say so? Did they ask you to be a spokesman for Samsung? We need information and so far nobody from Samsung came forward and acknowledged that there is a problem with TS360 units...

I have been monitoring this thread and can say that I have had the same experiences as most of you here having a/v dropout problems with the TS360. The a/v dropout problems, which are my only complaints with this system, have been corrected by placing a floor fan in front of the unit. This is not a pretty solution, but at least I am able to watch tv. This summer, because it is so hot here, this solution may not work.

The satellite company has tried to resolve the issue by agreeing to send a replacement unit, but from what I have been reading here it would seem that this may not solve the problem. The tech I spoke to on the phone was not aware of this issue and said that I was the first complaint he has heard about this heat problem. Maybe there are a lot of people out there who are satisfied with their units and do not have problems with them. If that is true, then there is some hope that a replacement unit may solve the problem. I can only hope.

Buying a 50" Samsung DLP and getting a glimpse of what HDTV has to offer should have been a very exciting and enjoyable experience. However, this entire affair has turned into something less than enjoyable. Unlike some who paid less for their frustration, I gave them the $399 + tax, only to hear my family members complain when the signal finally goes out completely and we all have to endure waiting while watching it reboot. This forum has been a great help in suggesting that heat was the probable culprit. I can't imagine what more frustration would have happened had there not been a solution.

At present, I am waiting to see how to rig a computer case fan up to this unit to get a quieter enviroment. Some pictures of this would certainly go a long way in helping me put together this solution. I will continue to monitor the situation on this forum.

TonyK

kartracer and
bosjoe,

What are the alternatives to using a cell phone charger? If I went down to my Ratshack what should I ask for?

Thanks,

CD

PS My install of Phase 3 dish and Samsung 360 is Monday. Want to be prepared for the worst.

David and all,

Please accept my apology for posting Frank's contact info here. I was under the impression from D" that they and Samsung not awared of the problem and they sound like I am the only one in the world having this problem. Now, as long as they awared of the problem, working to resolve the problem and stop send the same model out. I do not mind for them to buy some time to find and correct the problem. After all, we all are human and we all make mistake.

Thanks

Originally posted by Cattledog
kartracer and
bosjoe,

What are the alternatives to using a cell phone charger? If I went down to my Ratshack what should I ask for?



An AC adapter. Just cutoff the plug, strip the wires and hook-up the fan positive-to-positive, negative-to-negative. Again, even though the FAN is 12V DC, you don't want a 12V adapter because the fan noise would be too much. 6 volts and it's nice and quiet but still has enough rpms to keep it cool.

Here's a thread from last year about fans:
Cooling Fan ideas for Hughes E86? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=251779)

I'm experiencing a problem where I keep losing a particular OTA channel in my 360. I keep going to Setup->Antenna & Cable->Add/Remove Channels to add 5-1 and 5-2 (KTLA-DT, I'm in Los Angeles), then going to my profile and unblocking them from my guide. They appear for a few minutes, then they're gone again. Then I will have to repeat the process to add the channels back, and then unblocking them from my profile.

Any idea what might be causing this?

While I'm on the subject, the shopping channels keep adding themselves back in. Arghh!!

I got my replacement 360 today and I knew I was in trouble as soon as I opened the box. The same build date as the first. As expected within 30 minutes of activation video and audio drops even worse than the first. Maybe its my anger but also the PQ does not look as good.

To top it off the way the cord was wound and tied I have a feeling someone else has already had this receiver. I got a January build date when I know others have been getting mid Feb build dates. Maybe I'm just paranoid at this point.

I'll let it run tonight but at this point it looks like I'll just have to reactivate the original receiver and send the replacement back and wait for someone to finally admit there is a problem and do something about it.

Also waiting on my replacement, have not had any dropout issues, just an unstable OTA signal meter and the atsc tuner that can't receive a station that the ts160 could. Other than that, no problems.

ps-my stb is rack-enclosed (it has sat a 1/2 inch below a rack-mounted fan from the very first day)

IT IS NOT NEEDED FOR AVS FORUM MEMBERS TO BE CALLING HIM LIKE THIS. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THIS POINT AND ARE WORKING ON A RESOLVE.


Samsung knew nothing of the problem until I emailed Frank. This was done becuase this thread had reached nearly 500 posts on the same topic with no resoultion (for me, or others who purchaced their product) in sight. He was good enough to call me personally, and supposedly they are working on it. I encouraged them to contribute to this thread and keep us updated of their progress. Unfortuantely, that hasn't happend.

We will all follow David's advice, but a simple acknowlegement from Samsung would have taken care of that as well. Now that they are fully aware of the "issue", here's to hoping that a fix is in the works.

I too suspect D* is sending out returned units as replacements. The last one I received had been re-taped.

Here's some pics of the fan. This one is from the front.

Here is the view from the top.

I just hooked my 360 up that I received from DirecTV. This is much better than my Toshiba DST3000. Much faster and the OTA tuner is a little better as well. No problems so far, it's been on for 1.5 hours. I never had a problem with the Toshiba overheating though, since there is plenty of room for airflow since it is in the open and not in a cabinet.

Tonight marks the worst night I have had with my 360 to date. I have been watching HDNet, DiscHD and the Mavericks game that was on channel 84.

I counted in a 1.5 hour time frame - 22 video dropouts and 37 audio dropouts. Going to try a reboot and see what happens the rest of the night.

Took awhile but im now experiencing audio dropouts with my replacement receiver. :( No video drops like the last one, but quite a few audio drops on many different channels.

Been watching now for 3 hours. I haven't noticed any video dropouts. I did notice three audio dropouts but they were so quick I couldn't hear anything wrong. the only reason I noticed it was because my receiver pops up Dolby Digital x.x when it aquires a signal. It happened so fast that I could not hear a difference in the sound. But that was only three in the 3 hours I've had it on. So far this receiver is excellent. Much improved over my DST3000. I hope the HDTivo performs as well as this box has so far.

After using the replacement receiver tonight I am seeing audio drops similar to what I was seeing with the first except I am getting them on more channels. It was rare to get an audio drop on an OTA channel with the first but there were many on the "new" one.

Also in addition to the video drops there is something new and exciting that I would call video studder. Almost like a strobe effect. I'll be hooking up the orginal tomorrow night as it is not nearly as bad as this one.

I was just wondering a couple of things. Is anyone running this plugged into a line conditioner? I was wondering if it is sensitive variation in power or interference from other electronic devices.

It almost acts like a buffer problem or something. The way the audio drops with no effect to the video or the video drops with no change to the audio. I'm not totally sold on heat being the cause. My unit was very cool from sitting outside after delivery and I was getting audio drops almost immediatly after turning it on.

Another wierd thing is that the frequency is not constant. Real bad at times and it can be stable for 30 or 40 minutes. Thats what makes me wonder about the power coming in. If it was heat wouldn't it just keep dropping once it started?

I have all my HT equipment running off of several UPS. It doesn't condition it defininitely prevents any power glitches from occuring and keeps the voltage within a certain range and I've never seen any interference from any other equipment.

I recently posted that I didn't think the heat build-up was an issue. This was based on the fact that I had my DVD player on the 360 initially and did not find any drop off in the frequency of audio and video cut-outs when I removed the DVD player for a couple hours.

Well I've just removed the DVD player and put an average sized shelf-type oscilating fan about a foot behind the 360 and have not had a drop out since (being the last hour or so). To put this into perspective consider the following. Drop-outs occured only on satellite signals, both HD & SD. I could not get through more than a minute without at least one drop-out. Most of the time they occured every 10 to 15 seconds.

Oh well....live and learn. What I'm most concerned about is how they are going to fix this. If a mechanical solution like a fan seems to work is a firmware fix going to do the trick? I'm no engineer but a software solution dosen't seem to be up to the task.

Another issue I've seen is problems with Dolby Digital. I don't know if it's a flagging issue or what but some programs on both HD sat and OTA HD that are labeled as DD 3/2.1 are only coming in as DD 2.0. My pre/pro seems to working ok as some other DD 3/2.1 programs come in fine and DVD's are fine. Anyone else had similar issues?

Originally posted by cornflakes
I'm experiencing a problem where I keep losing a particular OTA channel in my 360. I keep going to Setup->Antenna & Cable->Add/Remove Channels to add 5-1 and 5-2 (KTLA-DT, I'm in Los Angeles), then going to my profile and unblocking them from my guide. They appear for a few minutes, then they're gone again. Then I will have to repeat the process to add the channels back, and then unblocking them from my profile.

Any idea what might be causing this?


This has been driving me crazy. I never realized how much I watched channel 5. I had a similar problem with my (now replaced) HTL-HD, but forget exactly what it was.

No clue what's causing this. I mentioned it to D* customer service, but it got lost in the shuffle of the other problems. I have a tech coming tomorrow and I will mention it then. I also have other channels appearing at will in my guide that were removed.

Just to add my experience with the A/V dropouts and OTA Signal Meter.

I received the TS360 as a replacement to an HTL-HD and had zero dropouts for the first week or two. Now, I get them pretty frequently and I have only noticed it on D* HD channels. For example, Tuesdays Odyssey 5 on HDNet. Just the one second variety.

OTA Signal Meter issue: I emailed Samsung about this and was told to call in. When I called, I was also told that the TS360 with the "bouncing" signal meter is working as intended. Also, I was told that over time the box will "learn" what the averaged signal is and not bounce around anymore. Needless to say, I expressed my displeasure with this explanation and wondered why I needed to call and be told that this is not an issue and that she had never heard about anyone else expressing this as a problem. Same with the dropouts. NO Knowledge of any problems with the TS360. This was level 2 support.

I noticed that the OTA signal meter will bounce and even go to zero and stay there for a while. The meter definitely isn't accurate. Even it was then I would loose the picture and sound during the fluctuations. It doesn't and the picture anb sound are perfectly stable even when the meter is showing zero. My DST3000 didn't do that but as long as the picture is stable, I'm happy. It has done better with OTA than my DST3000 did and that was good too. This box is great so far, but time will tell.

I checked mine the other day and it didn't seem to be bouncing around but stuck at 45. Now I watch that channel with no drop outs of any kind. Would 45 allow me to do that?

Originally posted by cornflakes
I'm experiencing a problem where I keep losing a particular OTA channel in my 360. I keep going to Setup->Antenna & Cable->Add/Remove Channels to add 5-1 and 5-2 (KTLA-DT, I'm in Los Angeles), then going to my profile and unblocking them from my guide. They appear for a few minutes, then they're gone again. Then I will have to repeat the process to add the channels back, and then unblocking them from my profile.This has started happening to me as well on 5-1 (NBC) in Chicago. I use the 360 mostly to record to DVD, and for its nice guide and search function (as a tuner and control center, I really like my old built-in DTC-100 better), but here lately, when I go to the 360 guide to set up an NBC program for recording, 5-1 has disappeared. On one occasion, all 15 of my OTA digitals disappeared. I may have to return this 360 if any more problems come up.

For what it's worth, I experienced similar problems with losing local OTA channels from the guide when Zenith upgraded some software a year ago, and the problem turned out to be issues with some older LNBs. Did you put in a new dish, or at least the new LNBs that came with your dish?

Originally posted by UncD2000
This has started happening to me as well on 5-1 (NBC) in Chicago. I use the 360 mostly to record to DVD, and for its nice guide and search function (as a tuner and control center, I really like my old built-in DTC-100 better), but here lately, when I go to the 360 guide to set up an NBC program for recording, 5-1 has disappeared. On one occasion, all 15 of my OTA digitals disappeared. I may have to return this 360 if any more problems come up.

Hi,

Sounds interesting! Can you tell us what your setup is to record to DVD? Can you record HD?

Sam

Originally posted by David Bott
HELLO ALL....

Samsung is aware of the issue and is working with DirectTV to solve the problem. They are monitoring this thread and all that is needed is to post your comments, findings, etc, here.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR E-MAIL THE PERSON THAT WAS IN THIS THREAD. I KNOW HIM AND IT IS NOT NEEDED FOR AVS FORUM MEMBERS TO BE CALLING HIM LIKE THIS. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THIS POINT AND ARE WORKING ON A RESOLVE.

Thank you kindly for your understanding in this matter.

I will remind you that I have gone from a satisfied 160 owner to a disatisfied 360 owner in 3 short weeks. Having emailed Frank a few days ago, and having received no reply, I hope a lot of people did the same thing.

While I can understand your request, I can simply say this:
1) When I have 2 boxes in a row, with the same issues, and the manufacturer has said (via poster's here) they are monitoring a "thread" then I expect some kind of acknowlegement -- I am a customer!
2) When I receive no acknowlegement from the manufacturer, of a problem, and DTV simply replaces a box with another with the same issues, I find someone higher up at the manufacturer. Then, as a customer I let them know my displeasure and ask what they are going to do about it.

And, respectfully to you: I expect that any customer would do the same thing. I will do it again if box number 3 has the same issues as the first two. Third party statements, even if one does know the man, mean nothing to me as a disatisfied customer of Samsung. Frank Romeo should have posted those same remarks. He chose not to.

Thank you kindly for your understanding in this matter -- concerning my arrangement with my product and its manufacturer.

Does anyone know if the LG-3200 has any problems?

This TS-360 is getting worse on drop-outs.

I hate to have to lay out 3-4 $hundred for a STB, But after a while enough is enough.

Red

Are these units shipping directly from Samsung?

What gripes me is that it appears my replacement is used and has the very same issues, no even more issues, than the original. All the calls I have made people play very dumb about any known issues. I'm getting close to pulling the plug on Directv and finding someone else to provide my programming.

Bouncing signal meter is working as intended. yeaaaa riiiiiiiight

So they are saying that it is an upgraded meter from the 160.

With the 160 my signal strength was 93% to 100%.
With the 360 my signal strength is 0% to 45%.

Its amazing that I have a nice picture with 0% signal strength. I dont know what they intended but it sure isnt working properly.

This is just one more example of D* and Samsung not acknowledging that there is a problem!

Originally posted by cornflakes
I'm experiencing a problem where I keep losing a particular OTA channel in my 360. I keep going to Setup->Antenna & Cable->Add/Remove Channels to add 5-1 and 5-2 (KTLA-DT, I'm in Los Angeles), then going to my profile and unblocking them from my guide. They appear for a few minutes, then they're gone again. Then I will have to repeat the process to add the channels back, and then unblocking them from my profile.


I'm having exactly the same problems with channels 2-1 and 2-2 (Fox in Detroit). There isn't much on Fox widescreen that I watch right now, so it isn't a big deal...but it will be when football season comes around.

Originally posted by Ledzep77
Are these units shipping directly from Samsung?

What gripes me is that it appears my replacement is used and has the very same issues, no even more issues, than the original. All the calls I have made people play very dumb about any known issues. I'm getting close to pulling the plug on Directv and finding someone else to provide my programming.

I am not sure about the rest of the country, but in the DFW area I was told by both the installation scheduler, then the installer, that they had a boatload of 360's in an area warehouse.

I do not remember where my (new, unopened) Fedex'ed replacement came from. I will make note of that when the 3rd one arrives and I get it up and running.

I also find it a bit disconcerting that people are getting this DTV "it's a mystery" attitude. As I mentioned earlier, the tech rep acknowledged the issues, double checked w/ his supervisor (I was on hold a good 5 min), then he came back and #3 was scheduled to ship.

Let's have a survey. I am on my 2nd one and waiting for the 3rd in bound.

I called Directv and the guy acted like I was the only one with a problem. When I told him the 2nd receiver was not working he said there is no way that they could send me 2 and neither work. It must be something on my end. He tried to blame it on the dvi cable but when I said what about the audio he said well isn't that all one cable? Finally he gave me a number for Samsung since he said there was nothing he could do.

I called Samsung and again I'm the only one with a problem it appears. Now waiting for the next level up to call me back but he said to have Directv send me another receiver.

OK lets take a survey. Please say if you are having audio and or video drops, what outputs are you using. Like this....

Audio drops yes optical
Video drops yes dvi

I ask because I was just watching ESPN-HD and getting an audio drop about every 10 to 15 seconds. I plugged in an rca patch cord and they were gone. You could at times hear something that might have been a drop but you really had to listen. I switch back to optical and its still dropping about every 10 seconds. Could it be the optical output only?

I tried hooking up to component but the video drops are more rare than audio so it would be tough to compare. Lets collect some data and try to narrow this down.

I'm on my second Samsung. I have OTA channels in two directions. I've got a 4 bowtie antenna with a rotator. If I point the antenna at one source and scan for OTA stations I lose the stations that I previously scanned from the other direction. Once I've got a station I stays until the next direction change and new scan. My old Tosh didn't have this problem.
Am I missing something.

By the way, the signal strength meter is useless. If this is the way Samsung intends it to work they have some seriiously isolated engineers. Examples of how it should perform are on almost every other receiver out there.

Ledzep77,

Please refer my previous posts.

Frank and D*,

As you see please STOP treating us this way. According to David, you guys know the problem, please let all custiomer reps know and do not keep sending the problem 360s out.....

Thanks.

I'm glad to hear that Samsung is reading this thread. Hopefully, they'll step up to the plate and correct the various problems that we're seeing.

I can verify that Tech Support folks in NJ know about the jumping OTA signal strength issue and are working on it. They came right out and said so. I've never got a x745 message or any significant drop-outs, but my unit is well ventilated. I didn't bring this issue up, but they must be aware of it if they're following this thread.

I'm one of the few that are having DVI snow issues with 1080i and 720p to my PJ. Samsung tech support initially indicated that they had no knowledge of any DVI problem and suggested I call NEC (I have an HT1000 with DVI-HDCP). They felt that since the NEC was older, the problem was on their end. Called NEC and they came right out and said that they read AVS Forum and saw my thread. They also said that they verified it's NOT the NEC and that Samsung admitted as much to them.

I called Sumsung back with this information yesterday and was supposed to hear something from them today. Hasn't happened, so I'll call them tomorrow. I know that most of you have no issues with your DVI, but I do and other's have indicated as much in this thread. No one has ever expressed an issue with the DVI on the NEC. Sounds a lot like an HDCP issue and I'm leaning toward Samsung being the reason with it's implementation of HDCP.

I'm glad they're reading this thread. The meter isn't a big issue for me and I'm sure they'll get it resolved down the road. I like the DIR-TS360, but this DVI issue is a killer for me. Hope they can get their hands on an NEC and test/resolve it.

Did I mention that HDCP sucks and has no benefit to consumers.... :(

Originally posted by cdwinans
I'm on my second Samsung. I have OTA channels in two directions. I've got a 4 bowtie antenna with a rotator. If I point the antenna at one source and scan for OTA stations I lose the stations that I previously scanned from the other direction. Once I've got a station I stays until the next direction change and new scan. My old Tosh didn't have this problem.
Am I missing something.

By the way, the signal strength meter is useless. If this is the way Samsung intends it to work they have some seriiously isolated engineers. Examples of how it should perform are on almost every other receiver out there.


Right after I got my first 360 I had this same problem. I can pickup about 20 OTA digital stations but I have to rotate my antenna to 4 positions. Once you select your primary and secondary networks in the menu it will lock in those stations although mine were not that accurate. When you scan for stations each time you scan it erases the memory of the previous channels. I called Samsung and asked about this and they said thats the way it is. They suggested a miltidirectional antenna but I'm too far away for that. I'm using a CM 4228A 8 bowtie.

Only solution for me was to pick a primary and secondary that covered most and then try to turn the antenna as it scans to grab as many as I can.

I would have to say that the audio/video drops that lead to the x745 message are definitely heat related. My 360 was dropping out every 30-60 seconds and usually after about the 15th time it would go x745. I would reboot and go through the same thing all over again. By the way, my unit is sitting in an enclosed glass case.

I went to Target tonight and bought a small $10 fan and mounted it so it blows directly on top of the unit. It's about 4 inches above the box. I haven't had one single dropout since it's been installed.

I suspect that poor ventilation and a little too much heat is affecting the internal card reader in these units. The audio/video never dropped out when I was watching OTA signals. As soon as I went to a satellite channel it began it's flashing immediately. The x745 is telling you the problem lies with decrypting the information off of the smart card. Changing cards does not help - DTV sent me one overnight with the same results.

I recommend everyone who decides to stick this out, buy a fan to blow on this thing if you want to watch uninterrupted TV. Thats all I think you can do until Samsung comes up with a plan to solve the problem on this product that was obviously not fully field tested before being released.

I've had it on 3 hours tonight and I haven't seen or heard any problems with my unit. It definitely runs cooler than my DST3000 did. I can't feel as much heat coming out the top as the DST3000. I'll leave it on another hour just to see how it does.

While I can understand the people using the fans so they avoid the dropout issues, I am also glad you are still insisting on replacements or fixes. I won't do it -- I drop back to my 160.

I posted much earlier that the 160 and the 360 have the same motherboard and tuner. My 160 feels warm to the touch all over the top and the 360 does not. My 160 works flawlessly and the 360 does not, so where is the 360 "sucking up the heat" in a chassis half the height of the 160??

I still find that a very interesting conundrum. If Sammy is watching this thread, I wish they would respond, just as Denon has in past threads about their product issues!! Perhaps it's the BMW vs Chevrolet thing... guess who is the Chevy?!

Also, for those of you with DTV issues, please make sure that you are not going through a CSR. Call the tech support group directly and they will answer immediately and have been aware of the issues whenever I have chatted... the number is 800-695-9251.

Let's keep sluggin' away! ;)

I some people did not hear me before, it is a software flash bug that effects software temperature monitoring inside the box. I spoke with Samsung today, and a software re-spool, patch, or upgrade may be transmitted via DirecTV soon.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
I some people did not hear me before, it is a software flash bug that effects software temperature monitoring inside the box. I spoke with Samsung today, and a software re-spool, patch, or upgrade may be transmitted via DirecTV soon.


You know, I've heard you before, and every time the same thought occurs to me: I picture someone that has his house wallpapered with aluminum foil to keep the government (or alien) mind-readers at bay.

A "software flash bug" and "software temperature monitoring?" Pardon me, but that sounds like stuff that would better off spread on a farmer's field. Remember, you started early on in this thread telling us of a reset procedure involving changing the dish type and switching to standby with the remote. That was about as useful as this last post.

If there was temperature monitoring, I'd be done with HARDware which is monitored by SOFTware. Then generally, this SOFTware in turn controls another HARDware device - a fan. (or in come cases you might throttle down the clock). Since there's no fan in the case, what exactly is the software temperature monitoring supposed to do when there isn't a software flash bug? Oh and another thing, screw the DirecTV spool. We have RS232 ports, and, assuming the serial port can be used to update the BIOS, we avsforum folks are probably the best people to help beta test a new fix. I'll be happy flashing via serial port and being a tester for this supposed flash-bug-fix. (Well after the Sopranos premier... in HD!)

Your home computer bios has a monitor that displays the temp of the CPU, temp of sensitive computer components (probes), and for desk tops and laptops, fan RPM and status. Your satellite receiver is a computer. Welcome to the conspiracy. In most cases, voltage is shut down to the problem area to prevent damage to the chip set, if the CPU overheated, your computer would shut down or lock up. Obviously this is not a CPU issue, but is a probe sensor malfunction (firmware).

If the TS360 is not as warm as the TS160, then present your personal theory of what exactly the fan is fixing? They are the same product with software differences and a different power supply config. IR codes where added (firmware) to replace physical back panel switches. Example; the boot strap loader (version 1.0.0) loads
firmware (12.03), (1.0.10) for the TS160. Both use the same boot strap loader version. i.e. indication of
a firmware problem, and again, the TS360 runs cooler than a TS160. (re-designed power supply).

It is typically the responsibility of the OS (in this case, firmware) to properly detect temp faults within the box and react to them. So either the boot strap is improperly reporting temps, or the firmware, more than likely, is mis-interpreting temp values. Typically, any manuf product, is not shipped until it has passed rigorous QA and environment testing, within expected operational params, Alaska to the Mojave desert, perhaps. (hint,
flash problem).

If anything, the auto-detect or oval-3 to round and back test will reveal if you have a problem box which fixes the TS160, but reveals other problems with the TS360. Your best bet for satisfaction is to request an RMA from Samsung directly.

why would an RMA'd box fix a bug inherent to software in the units?? Explain

Gary is probably thinking that at some point Samsung will fix the problem in their boxes, but it will first happen on the new boxes just coming out of the manufacturing line. If we continue exchanging receivers, some day we will get lucky and get a working receiver...

Just unpacked the 360 last night (installer coming Saturday). On power-up, there is a "BOOT FAIL" message displayed and nothing else works. I saw an earlier post which mentioned this might be a problem as it is trying to download the guide - anyone who has experienced this, can you confirm please? It will be disappointing if I'm not able to finally watch some HD this weekend.

I had this happen to me. I tried multiple times to get it to start up and kept getting that same message. It turns out it is the message you get if the unit does not detect a satellite signal and can't download the guide. If you don't have any satellite dish in place yet, this is what you will see. In my case, I knew that the satellite antenna was working, and I can only imagine that I attached the satellite lead to the wrong input. After taking it all apart putting it back together and trying again, it worked.

It is my understanding that this unit can be used even if not connected to the satellite, so you should still be able to get something out of it even with a "boot fail" message.

SMK

That message is what threw me off. I figured even without the satellite cable attached that I would still be able to fire up the box. You'd think someone could have come up with a better message than "BOOT FAIL".

Although, I didn't see anything at all on my screen through the DVI input during booting - should I have? I would have expected a logo or something.

Originally posted by blackngold75
That message is what threw me off. I figured even without the satellite cable attached that I would still be able to fire up the box. You'd think someone could have come up with a better message than "BOOT FAIL".

Although, I didn't see anything at all on my screen through the DVI input during booting - should I have? I would have expected a logo or something.

The 360 is the first box I have seen that actually displays such messages on a window -- perhaps it should not!

Regardless, as long as the card is in the unit, and after the machine has powered up (regardless of window msg) you should see something like 'downloading guide data' even for just an antenna hook up. PSIP info is transmitted by some OTA stations. If the factory default has been set to 3LNB dish, then you will have to go into the menu and switch it to 'no dish' to accomplish the latter.

Please keep in mind I am speaking from using a component input, not DVI, although I do not think the display properties would differ in this situation.

Started getting 745s on the replacement so I called Directv back. It got ugly. I'm still the only person with this problem. They wanted to send me a new card for a receiver that doesn't work and I blew my top.

Long story short and 10 transfers later, receiver #3 is on the way. I reactivated the original receiver and the PQ is way better on the original over the replacement. I was getting audio drop on OTA channels last night on the replacement. I would bet money my replacement was a receiver someone else sent back. Maybe I'm wrong.

It will be interesting to see if Samsung calls me back today as promised. I got the impression that right now there is an exclusive deal with samsung and the 360 is the only thing they can ship.

As you get your replacements please post the build dates.

As for me, I have a big investment in my home theater. I refuse to rig a fan to make someone's mistake work. If there is a problem they should admit it. If they told me that right now there are issues and they would rather not send a replacement until the problem was solved, I would be willing to deal with that. Once I was talking to the right person I got what I considered to be the proper next step. But I made it clear this was their last chance. They did say this replacement might take longer. Maybe they have a plan.

Blackngold75

My was working for weeks and then I got the boot failed message. It turns out that the dish mount had shifted and therefore there was no signal. I had to realign the dish and all was well.

The receiver still can be used if you have ota. After you get the boot failed message press menu and navigate to dish setup and select 'no dish'. This will bypass dish detection during the boot process and allow you to watch ota.

Yes you should see something on the TV when booting. You need to switch the receive to output to the DVI. The default is component. I think it is the top right hand button on the remote. Or is there a switch on the back like the 160. I cant remember but I believe it one of those. I sure someone will verify which it is.

Hope this help.

ledzep77

You reactivated the original and the PQ is much better. What type is the original receiver? My old SD STB had a much better PQ with SD but I did want to wine about it since others are having much more serious problems.

Originally posted by Darrin_R
ledzep77

You reactivated the original and the PQ is much better. What type is the original receiver? My old SD STB had a much better PQ with SD but I did want to wine about it since others are having much more serious problems.


It was also a 360. I didn't send back the original right away until I was sure the replacemnent worked. I'm running the original right now and still getting audio drop and a video drop every so often. The replacement was real bad. Constant audio drop and very poor PQ on all channels. When I hooked up the replacement I kinda thought it had a lower PQ but when I hooked the original back up the diference was very obvious.

I was told over and over I had to send the original back and couldn't send the replacement back once I activated it. Then suddenly the last person I talked to said no problem send back the replacement.

Originally posted by samlooker
Hi,

Sounds interesting! Can you tell us what your setup is to record to DVD? Can you record HD?

Sam I'm using a Philips DVDR75 recorder via the S-video output of the TS360 (the Samsung manual says not to use component output for 480i signals). You can record anything the TS360 receives, including HD, but it will be downconverted to 480i. The HD channels look surprisingly good in the M1 recording mode (I think other brands call this XP - it is limited to 1 hour on a DVD+RW blank). It's not true 1080i HD of course, but played back in the DVDR75's progressive mode, I find it quite acceptable until BluRay or something else with true HD capability becomes affordable. The M2 mode is OK if you need to put 2 hrs on one DVD, but I do notice the difference. For playback on a 16:9 display, set the TS360 to 16:9, and your recording will be in anamorphic widescreen format (thus it will look vertically stretched if viewed on a 4:3 display.)

If you aren't otherwise interested in a DVD recorder, try recording some HD programming from the TS360 composite output to your favorite VCR. This may be good enough while waiting for HD DirecTivo, BluRay, or whatever.

Originally posted by Ledzep77
. ......I would bet money my replacement was a receiver someone else sent back. Maybe I'm wrong.......



While packing the replacement to be shipped back I noticed the box had multiple layers of tape. The box from my original receiver from the same build date had only one layer of tape. I also recall the person on the phone saying that this time he would make sure I got a new receiver.....hmmmm


Again I'm not that upset that there is a problem, I'm upset with the way I am being treated as a result. The person from Samsung didn't say I would get a call for sure, in fact he said to tell Directv to send another receiver. So maybe Samsung won't call but if they are really looking into this don't you think they would follow up?

Maybe we should start marking the STBs when they are sent back so we know it's a return if we end up with it.

Frank at Samsung and D*,

Just want to let you know that my 2nd 360 S video just gone. Therefore until my 3rd 360 come in, I will not able to watch my TV daytime using S-video. I hope the DVI/RGB to my PJ at night will last until the 3rd 360 one come in.

Thanks.

The problem is (as mentioned previously), that some *D distribution centers are not informed on the issue and just turning boxes around. I have higher expectations for RMA's from Samsung. Perhaps my guidance is misplaced.

Originally posted by kartracer
Maybe we should start marking the STBs when they are sent back so we know it's a return if we end up with it.

Great idea. Maybe a X on the bottom with a Sharpie?

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Perhaps my guidance is misplaced.

??!! :cool:

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
Great idea. Maybe a X on the bottom with a Sharpie?

Or perhaps a small black felt pen X on the bottom, near a corner. That's what I'll do.

On a related note, if they send me one that is clearly "not new" then I will immediately get them on the phone and return it. I purchased a new unit from them -- they placed a $440 charge on my CC for it and the ancilliary stuff/service.

Two of them have not worked to spec so far. I excpect a new, working unit... end of story.

At least Samsung RMA uses the following procedures;

You wish to return your existing unit for repair and expect the same unit returned and repaired. No CC charges, but no HDTV for a few weeks.

You wish the unit replaced and the RMA shipped to your home address. CC advanced replacement charges apply and are refunded after you follow the return instructions.

A replacement is sent to your local UPS / Mail Boxes Etc store. You bring with you the old unit and receive the replacement unit. No CC charges, but keep the old smart card & remote.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
At least Samsung RMA uses the following procedures; .....

And this helps us and this thread how?

Perhaps your guidance is misplaced, as we are all using DTV RMA procedures, which requires nothing of the sort, as DTV is the product dealer. We know how to return a unit to DTV.

And then some people prefer to flap their arms about and state no fact. If you despise the TS360 so much, why are you posting? Then you substitute Samsung's RMA policy with DirecTV'S RMA policy, complain, yet again, and we are all fools to not undestand the difference. Humm... That would be a Troll. Does your RMA from DirecTV work? NO.

Well, I have a TS360 that I got as a replacement to a HTL-HD.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I did not have any dropouts for the first 2 weeks or so. I did start having the 1 second variety on HD channels, OTA and D*. I called D* and they had me check satellite signal strength which was consistent between 77 and 79. D* set up and appointment for Thursday to check my install.

The guy came out and said my signal was weak and the dish was unsteady. He also said that the ground used in the original install had some electric charge to it. He moved the dish to a vent pipe in the middle of my roof, positioned the satellite to get consistent 99 readings and removed the ground all together.

I now have no dropouts on D* HD.

As far as OTA goes, my install of the OTA antenna did not go smoothly. The installer had a bad tuner and was not able to make good decisions as far as direction and placement. He came back on Wednesday with a brand new tuner and was able to get my channels really solid.

I now have no dropouts on OTA channels.

So, aside from the annoying OTA Signal meter (which does not affect me anymore) I am extremely happy with the TS360 and my D* HD.

Something I noticed on my 360 (not sure if it's related to the dropouts) is that the audio volume is much lower on the OTA HD channels than the OTA SD channels.

i notice that when changing channels on the 360,there seems to be a long lag time,or delay,before channel appears on screne,is this normal for the sammy,my toshiba dst3000 does not have this problem.

Hmm. I see just the opposite. The 360 is slightly faster when changing channels than my old DST 3000. The menus are definitely faster.

Finally got the 360 set up - D* installer comes tomorrow, but I'm watching OTA tonight. So far, all I have to say is....WOW!

Anyone have any idea if there is a code for a Sony remote that will control this box? TV instructions have no codes for Samsung STB.

Well I have received my replacement 360. Build date Jan 30 2004.
I have been running it all night so far not a problem. Just the wacky OTA signal meter. So I will let this run for a few days. Also noted that the box was doubled tape, Obvious the box was opened up prior. Everything in the box was unopened. Just wondering if they tested the unit before it was shipped out from D*. Well keeping my fingers crossed.

Joe

i am getting 1/2 to 3 second delay,for some reason they 3 second delay appears to be on the hbo channels, i get the audio right away and then the picture.

the delay is from the changing of resolution on different channels.
example 480i/p or 720p to 1080i, this will give you a small delay.
you could set the resolution to stay on one setting no matter the programing and you will get no delay. also see page 13 of TS360 manual.

thanks you are right,was thinking i had an issue,longest lag time is on the hd channels,now all makes sense.

3rd 360 - I just got my 3rd 360 and build date is 2/12. Since I plug it in I have no AV drop out YET for the pass 24 hours :-)
BUT the RGB (VGA) output in 1080i cannot output correctly. There are many black lines goes up and down constantly. It seems to me the unit itself not able to output 1080i. 720P outpout no problem but I will not live with 720P since 1080i is far better to me at least in my PJ.

Detail - DVI and S video are output no problem in 1080i mode. Specially 1080i with DVI are truly unbelievable - so clean, sharp and details.

Results - As I said RGB (VGA) can't output correctly, I need my DVI line back for my DVD player. As a result I spoke with D* and my 4th 360 is on the way. :-(

Just put the 360 in yesterday, and so far, the HD-OTA is hugely better than the set it replaced. Two stations (NBC/Fox) are running low power HD at the moment, and they both came yesterday when I never got them off the old set. And sensitivity is much better as well, as my other two networks, ABC and CBS, now can come in on the same antenna setting, where as before, I had to redirect!

Of course, I'll have to reread the thread and see what problems others are having. One thing though - I made sure I put up the new dish that came with to have the Latest LNB. My previous HD STB had problems with old LNB and software levels that made local stations disappear, cause "acquiring" for no good reason resets, etc, and I wonder if some of that may be in play here.

Originally posted by Fred Manteghian
Just put the 360 in yesterday, and so far, the HD-OTA is hugely better than the set it replaced. Two stations (NBC/Fox) are running low power HD at the moment, and they both came yesterday when I never got them off the old set. And sensitivity is much better as well, as my other two networks, ABC and CBS, now can come in on the same antenna setting, where as before, I had to redirect!

Of course, I'll have to reread the thread and see what problems others are having. One thing though - I made sure I put up the new dish that came with to have the Latest LNB. My previous HD STB had problems with old LNB and software levels that made local stations disappear, cause "acquiring" for no good reason resets, etc, and I wonder if some of that may be in play here. One other word of advice is to kepp the 360 away from any other heat emanating pieces of equipment...

Originally posted by blackngold75
Anyone have any idea if there is a code for a Sony remote that will control this box? TV instructions have no codes for Samsung STB.

If you can put the Sony remote into a learning mode, I would suggest doing it that way. Samsung's HD STB's have not been very good at "precoded codes" for other equipment remotes.

Sammy changes discrete codes alot for some reason, so learning is the best way to go. For example, my HTM MX-500, which I learned w/ the 160, skips 2 channels at a time w/ the 360, the page doesn't work when viewing the guide, nor does the back or exit. Seems to me they could leave the codes alone and work on the important stuff! But I guess if they did, we would not have a 22+ page thread, would we... :p

If you care to get a learning remote from Rat Shack or Home Theater Master (HTM), they learn the Sammy commands flawlessly.

Does the component input on 360 accept 1080i? I hooked my xbox up and when it switched to 1080i the screen goes blank. Xbox plugged directly in to the TV displays fine.

No. Only 480p or 480i. Page 22 and page 30 of the manual.

Originally posted by BK EH

Sammy changes discrete codes alot for some reason, so learning is the best way to go.

Yes, I had to do quite a bit of learning for my Harmony 659 remote. Works great now!

Sammy has two primary codes, one for non HD receivers 70/75/300/310 and the other for 160/360. Most 2nd party learning and non-learning universal defaults are screwed up in two ways; The Guide key brings up either Quick Guide or the Game Menu, and on the Philips Universal Learning, the Guide key brings up the Quick Guide, but the Record button brings up the Guide. Because the later is a learning remote, the two keys can be swapped easily, but one wonders how the published sub codes became so mis-interpreted... Nor was it until recently, that non-learning universals even supported the 160/360.

Quiet day for 360 owners.

Everyone waiting for their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th. Lets also monitor shipments here in case they stopped to address a problem. The first 2 came within 2 days which means the third would have been here today but its not. They also mentioned this one might take longer. Could be they are going to either really test one out first before they send it or maybe they might address the problem before they continue to send more out.

I have no idea the success rate but I would guess there are many people with the problem that don't know its a problem and have not been bothered to the point of making a call. Since I reactivated my original I have not noticed any video drops and the audio drops seem more rare. I watched the Duke vs NC game Saturday night on ESPN-HD and didn't recall one audio drop which is rare. At times in the past I would get one every 10 seconds.

Something else I noticed. If I change a channel and get a fast audio drop right after I stop on a channel, I then seem to get drops constant. But if I move off that channel and come back to it, as long as I don't get that drop right away, it holds up pretty good. I also at times have may audio go to a sound like someone is talking in a box. If I keep changing channels it will go away. Almost like something is not locking in.

Also again I hooked up an rca patch cable and once I am getting drops if I switch the output to the rca connector there are no drops. This tells me its only on the digital output. I'm using the optical out and don't own a coax cable to try that.

Thats where I stand with it. I feel that maybe I have trouble shooted this more than Samsung as they never called me back.

still no problem with mine. It has a manufacture date of 12FEB2004.

Just hooked up my 360 and did the fan suggestion for cooling. Absolutely
no problems so far... 6 hrs and counting!.

CD

same with me on shipmenst...first and second in 2 days...3rd going on 2 weeks.

Well this is interesting. I'm glad I checked back into this thread. I just got off the phone with D* earlier. My second box was supposed to be here last friday, today at the latest. So after being transfered 6 times I get disconnected. When I call back and get a supervisor on the phone it seems my second box was not ordered unitl 5 p.m. today, which just happened to be when I was being transfered all over hell and back.

Is the delay due to them actually fixing the problem? Damn well better be! :mad:

BTW-what kind of concessions are people getting for not being able to watch what they're paying for? This maybe distasteful, but at this point I just don't care :p They initially offered me 3 months of Showtime, which I took offense to. I eventually got two months free HD.

WOW. Jonsey...that is the EXACT same thing that happened to me. Almost identical. I was so pissed when I got hung up on. Box is supposed to be here wednesday...we shall see.

I got transfered 10 times and then disconnected so I think maybe I hold that record. I'd rather not post what they gave me but I thought it was very fair but then I was very pissed.

Ok ledzep77 what did they give you?

D* is shipping the HTL-HD's again.

...had my 360 (M/Date 1/29) for about a week now. I noticed the V/A dropouts. Also the picture is darker, using the RGB output, than the DTC100 it replaced. Called D* (BEFORE I even read these posts) and they will send out a replacement.....

So there is a chance I will get the Hughes box????

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Sammy has two primary codes, one for non HD receivers 70/75/300/310 and the other for 160/360.
As I said in my post: they have different discretes for some button actions, therefore they cannot possibly use the same primary code XXX for both the 160 & 360 and have another remote actually work properly when XXX is entered into it. Perhaps your guidance is misplaced.
See here also: .360 remote codes (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=371390)

Darrin_R: I received an HTL_HD today, after 2 bad 360's! It was shipped from DTV/Memphis. Perhaps someone at DTV is seeing a trend develop... :p

This may be my last post in this thread -- good luck to all. I really hope Sammy gets the 360 fixed, as my 160 has been a trooper

FYI.... Add the following to the list of issues with this STB.

The Samsung DIR-TS360 is not compatible with the following displays using DVI-HDCP at 1080i or 720p:

Toshiba 65HDX82
NEC HT1000

If there are any others or if you have either of these displays and your DVI works with the 360, please post it here and in the HDCP specific thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=373837

To those that was seen both the 360 and the HTL-HD, what are your impressions? I would be happy with all the features of the 360 if it worked. Do we give anything back by going to the HTL-HD and are there known issues with it as well. Thanks

As for what Directv gave me I don't feel an agreement between me and them sould be public as every situation isn't the same. All I can say is if you are upset about something make it known and demand a fix that is ok with both sides. No reason to be an unhappy customer when we have so many options elsewhere.

Originally posted by barhoram
same with me on shipmenst...first and second in 2 days...3rd going on 2 weeks.

Mine was over 2 weeks.. I would call them back.. They probably misplaced it, Like they did mine.. It was never submitted. If you talked to Tech support Lvl 2 they say they enter it manually and give you a confirmation that is like 18 digits lone. Call them back.

Joe

BTW

My replacement has been running fine since Friday night.

I received 3 months of Showtime for having no service with this box..

Also don't foregt to call them for your out of service credit, they will not do this automatically. I received credit for the HD-channels and addition receiver.

Joe

(also to top of my problems with HD my Sony TV bulb is acting up, grrrrrrrr)

BK EH

Which do you think is better for SD. The 360 or the HTL

Ledzep

Ok. Sorry for asking. I am just glad that others dont feel the same way otherwise no one would have heard about the $99 deal.

I think if you are buying something its great to share info for the best deal. In this case where they are providing compensation for an individual problem it probably depends more on the problem and the value of the customer. I figure its between me and them and I respect the fact that they did attempt to make me happy and in return I'll keep it between us. Its really nothing out of the ordinary and in my opinion only cushions the effect of the bad service. I was truly to the point of cancelling my service and they knew it.

I understand and respect your position LedZep (whatever it was it must've been good eh? ;) ) I was just curious if D* was throwing out a minimal bone as a first line defense. Bosjoe pretty much confirmed my suspicions. Which is fine. There's nothing wrong with Showtime. I don't subscribe to it and getting something for free that I don't even want to pay for just didn't appeal to me.

More to the topic of this thread. Since some people seem to be getting the HTLHD box as a replacement. How do they feel about that? If I remember right from past threads people were hoping to get the Sammy. I can't recollect if it was due to features on the 360 or the past performance of the 160, or maybe it was a combination of both.

Has the prevailing opinion on the HTLHD changed on it's own merits now that it's been in the field for a bit or is it just just better now that the 360 has been having problems (or design flaws, whatever you want to call the situation)?

As I have posted in other discussions, I saw two big 'pluses' in the hughes HTL-HD: Its OTA digital tuner is better, and it displays Music Choice song titles on its front panel. 'Pluses' for the Samsung 360 are its ability to work with 4:3-ratio HD displays, and the fact that you can make some (or most?) 360s work fine if you keep them cool, while the Hughes still has problems that can't 'be fixed' yet.

Originally posted by BK EH
I received an HTL_HD today, after 2 bad 360's! It was shipped from DTV/Memphis. Perhaps someone at DTV is seeing a trend develop... :p

I think Memphis is where I sent my bad Hughes last week-they should have received it on Friday. I wonder of these recent Hughes shipments are boxes 'refurbished' from the first wave of returns?

My HTL-HD is a new unit. I will activate it tonight and post back briefly tomorrow or Wed -- do not want to take thread off-topic. It's my understanding the HTL-HD sound issues were fixed with a s/w rev to xxxx.08, and others have been acknowledged and are being addressed by Hughes and DTV going foward.

As to "what did I want?"
I wanted the 360 as I am very happy w/ my 160. Needless to say, the 360 still needs work for some.

My shipments come from Memphis also so I am pretty sure I'll get a Hughes. At least they are attempting to fix the problems with that one. I am going to miss the caller ID. Pretty sweet to not even have to move a muscle if someone is calling I don't want to talk to. LOL

Every thread I read tonight where someone got a receiver today it was the Hughes. Its nice to know they altered what they were shipping based on only one person with a problem. Well they told me I was the only one.

2 days with my 360 and no Sat problems whatsoever. OTA is excellent using a Winegard Squareshooter. Build date on it was 2-2-04. Also it was shipped from Memphis facility.
CD

I got the 360 on Friday and I've only had problems with audio dropouts and that was only the first day I had it. It date is 2/2/04, didn't look to see where it came from. Oh, one other small problem is that I can not change the display settings from summer to fall or whatever, but it not that big of thing. Going from the 1st gen Panasonic to the 360 is like going from night to day!

Tim,

I had no problem changing my settings, that seems like an odd quirk, hitting select changed mine....I like the summer setting which is blue.

CD

Hi Everybody!

First time caller, long time listener. ;)

I received mine last Friday. It seems that the brief audio dropouts come in waves and only on SAT channels so far for me. When they do start happening, I find that if I change the channel, then back, the dropouts stop.

Actually, my biggest complaint is the electric blue display. Is there any way to turn that puppy down? Or, is electrical tape in order? It's a bit distracting.

Chris

Received my 360 last Tuesday; I ordered it from D* the previous Friday -- not bad, eh?

I set it up immediately for OTA and combined with a silver sensor antenna I get rather astounding reception considering my Media Room is in my basement. The D* installer came last Saturday and put up my new dish -- I kept my DirecTivo (until HD-Tivo comes out) and I have to say the sat reception on the 360 is absolutely outstanding.

1 week today since I plugged it in - no problems at all. I have been watching a ton of programming since I got it. One thing that surprises me is how much better SD material is through the 360 compared to the DirecTivo....

cheers,
JP

I requested replacement of my TS360 today. The problems I've had are:

Remote response pauses for a few seconds every few seconds -- if you are stepping channels or entering a number it just stops receiving, then resumes, with the key-strokes lost during the blackout. Does the same thing with the original and several universal remotes, even up close. Front panel up-down works OK. This has been that way since day one.

Yesterday it forgot most (but not all) of the local cable channels - dropped them off the in-use list.

It also randomly drops off local HD OTA channels.

Originally posted by TimGoodwin
Oh, one other small problem is that I can not change the display settings from summer to fall or whatever, but it not that big of thing.

That is a flaw in the system that got mine replaced. I am betting that your "now locked in" theme is somewhat washed out. The colors should be bright and crisp. Mine locked in to pale blue/pale orange.

I would advise returning a box like that, because more could (and likely will) go wrong.

Originally posted by jscottpierce
Received my 360 last Tuesday; I ordered it from D* the previous Friday -- not bad, eh?

I set it up immediately for OTA and combined with a silver sensor antenna I get rather astounding reception considering my Media Room is in my basement. The D* installer came last Saturday and put up my new dish -- I kept my DirecTivo (until HD-Tivo comes out) and I have to say the sat reception on the 360 is absolutely outstanding.

1 week today since I plugged it in - no problems at all. I have been watching a ton of programming since I got it. One thing that surprises me is how much better SD material is through the 360 compared to the DirecTivo....

cheers,
JP

Could you please share how you have it hooked up. DVI for video? Optical or coax for Audio? The audio drops only seem to happen on a digital output connection.

took advantage of the $99 HD deal last week. Everything was delivered last Friday, but I was out of town till Monday night. Install was yesterday (Tuesday), so my excuse is I never knew which receiver I was getting and never got a chance to read through this 35 page thread till last night.

Issue 1) I'm experiencing audio/video dropouts. I think I've isolated it to a heat/venting issue. It gets progressively worse as time goes by. I have a closed cabinet, the 360 on a shelf with dvd player on top of it. after 15 minutes, I would get an increasing number of a/v dropouts. I have a Radio Shack fan for my directivo, so I moved it down to this shelf to see if it helped - success. I moved the 360 to on top of the dvd player - still have a good 6" clearance above and moved the fan back to the directivo. I was able to watch 1 hour with only one a/v drop. I'm going to buy a 2nd RS fan today to prove it. (I know not an ideal situation)

Issue 2) I bought the Audio Authority 1154 component switcher because I've got xbox, gamecube, progressive dvd, and now the 360 running to my one dtv input on my sony kp61hs10. I get constant video dropout when outputting at 1080i. at 480p all is well. I've tried different combinations of cable between the 360, the switchbox, and the tv. If I run from the 360 directly to the tv, then I have no problems at 1080i. For the time being, thank god the 360 has a component in. any opinions on this device? could it be my combined cable length and not the switcher?

So after reading this massive thread, I called directv and they immediately put me through to "level 2" support. The tech offered up there were other reports of the a/v dropout issue with the 360 and if unplugging and rebooting did not solve the problem, he'd replace. So I have a replacement 360 coming in 2-5 days. Will post results. Thanks everyone for all the great info btw.

I am hooked up DVI for video and optical cable for audio. Haven't experienced a dropout yet.

I should also mention I have the box on top of my wood stereo cabinet totally isolated from all my other audio/video components.... as a result, the box is barely warm to the touch at all times. I'll check tonight and see what the build date on it is...


JP

I've been running my 360 for 4 days now, watching only OTA as the 3LNB dish isn't installed yet. So far, no issues - although I could see how the heat generated could be a problem. The 360 is slightly warm even when in standby.

Originally posted by xbracerx
So after reading this massive thread, I called directv and they immediately put me through to "level 2" support. The tech offered up there were other reports of the a/v dropout issue with the 360 and if unplugging and rebooting did not solve the problem, he'd replace. So I have a replacement 360 coming in 2-5 days. Will post results. Thanks everyone for all the great info btw.

Wow the first case I have heard where they admit there is a problem with others.

Samsung is aware of the issue and is working with DirectTV to solve the problem. They are monitoring this thread and all that is needed is to post your comments, findings, etc, here.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR E-MAIL THE PERSON THAT WAS IN THIS THREAD. I KNOW HIM AND IT IS NOT NEEDED FOR AVS FORUM MEMBERS TO BE CALLING HIM LIKE THIS. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AT THIS POINT AND ARE WORKING ON A RESOLVE.

David,

Can you provide us an update as to where Samsung is on this?? It has been a week since your post, and I still have a unit that does not work. Hopefully the person that you know can provide some insight to the solution.

Promises made to me on updates on the issue have not been kept, and since you have asked us not to contact Samsung, I am hoping you can provide the update. Thanks. I'm sure many on this thread are awaiting some news on this....

I have a closed cabinet, the 360 on a shelf with dvd player on top of it.

xbracerx, are you insane? ( Just kidding) Never, never put any other component on top of one with vents. And to top it off it's in a closed cabinet. That thing must be cookin inside. Vents are there for a reason. If you have a component that is vented it needs at least 3 inches of air space on top.

Give that baby some breathing room or else your asking for trouble.

CD

Came across a new issue with this box. When watching a weak OTA HD signal with cutouts (display gets pixelated, then goes to "Searching for Signal" and back rapidly,) I've had the "Menu" function appear on the screen twice now without anything being near the remote or unit to push the button.

Has anyone else had the "Menu" appear on-screen without pushing the button? Both times it's happened to me were while watching a weak HD signal, during cutout periods.

Originally posted by Cattledog
xbracerx, are you insane? ( Just kidding) Never, never put any other component on top of one with vents.
Yeah, not sure what I was thinking. I was so caught up with the directivo's closed box getting so hot, and since this doesnt have a hard drive, and one tuner, etc, I guess I was snowed by my other directv receivers that just dont run hot.

BTW. I got a little 3-4" fan from radio shack blowing on it (model # is 273-0242) been running for about 1:45 not an issue yet.

Hopefully last post on this thread; my replacement 360 has been running without any av dropouts for about three weeks. Sitting in same position that faulty one was, on top of dvd player with approx. 4" of space above in vented rack. Heat cannot be the only issue that is causing the av dropouts, plus the fact the av dropouts only occur on D* signals not OTA. When they correct the lousy signal meter the 360 can be a decent STB.

Are any of you experiencing something like this?

Channels 5-1 and 11-1 (whatever their UHF equivalents are) are a little weak here, but it's strong enough to view. The other digital channels I can pick up, the strengths are fine.

The weird part is, if I tune to a satellite SD channel (like, 202 CNN, for instance), then tune back to OTA 5-1 or 11-1, it'll say searching for signal. Other OTA channels show up fine.

The only way to resolve this is to tune to a satellite HD channel such as 76 DSHD. Then, I can tune back to 5-11 and 11-1.

Weird thing is though... if I tune to 73 ESPH, then to 5-11 or 11-1, then the OTA channels show up, but with signal dropouts (pixellations, occasional "searching for signal" messages).

If I tune to channel 81 CBSW, then to 5-11 or 11-1, then I lose 5-11 and 11-11 again.

The OTA antenna is going through a diplexer. I'm using 3 outputs out of the dish... 2 are going to my DirecTivo, and 1 (where the diplexer is on) is going to my Samsung 360.

Any ideas?

Try putting your OTA by themselves on a favorites list.

For the second time this morning I got the tin can audio. Last time switching between PCM and DD fixed it. It didn't today, but switching between cable, OTA, and Sat channels finally fixed it. Aggravating but I'm not sending it (second 360) back for this reason, yet.

Does leaving the receiver on all the time seem to have any bad effects? The one time I put it in stand by and have it recorded it screwed up, so I'm afraid to turn it off when I want it to record shows.

An electronic box that runs slightly warm to the touch is normal.

My TS-360 has a warm place of Top near the Right side & near the Back. It is mounted on 1' standoffs.

It has A/V dropouts on Digital & HD. Mostly on HD. I am using audio Optical Cable & Component Video. Someone else reported that they were using Coaxial cable audio & DIV.

I have not called DirecTV or Samsung yet as it has been reported here that does not do any good. The second & third STB are just as bad or worse.

I just built & installed a powered 12" subwoofer. I have noticed that on several live network news shows & commercials I get a 20-50 Hz rumble. The Amplifier has a rumble filter. Does anyone else have that problem with a sub-woofer & TS-360?
I am trying to isolate it to the STB, Audio rcvr, or sub-woofer amplifier.

Does anyone have A/V dropouts using analog audio R-W cables?

Does the LG-3200 have any problems?

Red

Originally posted by RedNecker
Does anyone have A/V dropouts using analog audio R-W cables?

Red

I have mine hooked up with an optical and analog audio connection and when you switch to analog there are zero drops. Many times when I am getting the audio drops I switch to the analog connection and I have never heard one.

LedZep77;

I hope that is the case with everyone. If it is maybe, Samsung can fix it.

I would like to use my digital audio input to my rcvr & Prologic output without the dropouts.

Anyone else with analog audio & no A/V dropouts?

Red

Rednecker

I have the 360 and 3 subs with no problem.

Is your sub properly calibrated?

just received my 4TH 360. Build date of 02-04, and 15 minutes of no dropouts.....we shall see.

Originally posted by barhoram
Build date of 02-04

I have a replacement TS360 coming -- where do you check build date?

sticker on back

got my second set top box and i guess my 4th card last week :D

so far....... no dropouts or audio problems w/ build date of 2/10

hope alls well that ends well :D

Originally posted by peteranton
Also the picture is darker, using the RGB output, than the DTC100 it replaced.

That is the DTC-100's fault. It incorrectly has black set at 7.5 IRE instead of 0 which is the standard for component (or RGB) video.

just got the 360 installed on Wednesday, no problems at all... I will check on the build date.

Just spent some time with my January 14 build date TS360 (which is being replaced for other reasons) and the digital audio drop-out rate is pretty bad.

Over a week now and no dropouts. No Problems. Build date of 12FEB2004

Allright. I've been running my 2nd 360 for over 24 hours now and I've been trying to keep it on most of that time. No dropouts yet and no 745's. I'm not getting too optomistic too soon, but it is nice to actually watch more than 20 second windows of programming :rolleyes:

Curiously the build date on my first unit was 2-12 and the date on the replacement is 2-11. Maybe the bad units are associated with a certain manufacturing line and not a time period? Just guessing.

Originally posted by cornflakes
Are any of you experiencing something like this?

Channels 5-1 and 11-1 (whatever their UHF equivalents are) are a little weak here, but it's strong enough to view. The other digital channels I can pick up, the strengths are fine.

The weird part is, if I tune to a satellite SD channel (like, 202 CNN, for instance), then tune back to OTA 5-1 or 11-1, it'll say searching for signal. Other OTA channels show up fine.

The only way to resolve this is to tune to a satellite HD channel such as 76 DSHD. Then, I can tune back to 5-11 and 11-1.

Weird thing is though... if I tune to 73 ESPH, then to 5-11 or 11-1, then the OTA channels show up, but with signal dropouts (pixellations, occasional "searching for signal" messages).

If I tune to channel 81 CBSW, then to 5-11 or 11-1, then I lose 5-11 and 11-11 again.

The OTA antenna is going through a diplexer. I'm using 3 outputs out of the dish... 2 are going to my DirecTivo, and 1 (where the diplexer is on) is going to my Samsung 360.

Any ideas?

I have similar problem here in L.A. with the 360, can't lock 5-1 at all even though signal strength is strong and no prob with HTL-HD or Sammy 160 boxes. 5-1 "searching for signal" blinks on and off strangely, like it's getting siganal but just can't lock on. I disconnected this box, haven't tried your "tune to an HD channel first" trick. Will reconnect and see what happens using your trick. btw, i am not using a diplexer, and the signal is good from that line as tested with external signal strength meter.

daniel

Ok Cornflakes

I just hooked the 360 back up where I had one of my HTL-HD boxes. Channel 5-1 flashing "no signal". Changed channel to Discovery HD, than back to 5-1 and voila, hello channel 5-1.

bizarre.........

daniel

I have the same whacky behavior. The day it came I got all 4 local HD stations by pointing the non-yet-installed antenna out a picture window. Now, with the antenna in place and ghost-free reception on our two regular UHF channels (which come from the same location), I can only get one HD channel -- it will not lock on the others.

I'm awaiting a replacement. The last straw came when it started forgetting the local channels received via cable on that tuner. One day my wife went to get the local news and all the locals but one were gone!

Production date is 14-Jan-2004.

I also get digital audio dropouts.

Problem I had but I'm not sure it is related. If you setup your primary and secondary networks up you get those channels displayed. But for some reason they don't always work. As example I have a local fox station that is channel 18 and their digital feed comes up as 18-1. But their true frequency is 49-1. Thus if all I do is setup local networks and go to 18-1, I get no signal. I have to scan for digital signals and then it will find the 49-1 broadcast. So on 18-1 I have a guide and no signal but on 49-1 I have a signal but no guide. I can get about 20 digital channels OTA and this is the case with about 5 of them.


Also can you only get the guides for the stations you have set up as primary and secondary networks or is there a way to pull the guide for channels not within those networks. I did call Samsung and ask about locking in scanned stations since everytime you scan it looses what was in memory and the said I can't do that. I have to rotate my antenna to get everything so I have to rescan to get certain channels and loose the others. Kind of a pain.

Ledzep77

Thats interesting. I receive one of the local channels on 11-1. But when I scan for channels it shows up on 75-1. When I am flipping thru channels at get to 75-1 it will redirect me to 11-1. This usually happens within 24 hours of scanning the channels. Also once it redirects me to 11-1, 75-1 is no longer. Any ideas?

75-1 is the default channel mapping for at least one encoder that many TV stations use. Likely they are still working out the kinks in their PSIP data and may infact be "announcing" themselves at different channels at different times of the day (like when they are upconverting local programming vs. passing through a network feed, etc.). The problem is more with the station than with the Samsung. Hopefully things will settle down over time as the local station gets a better handle on what they are doing with their PSIP data.

Yes as part of my conversation with Samsung we talked about this and many of these issues are the result of the way each station reports their info and really has nothing to do with the receiver.

Apologies if this issue is addressed elsewhere. I haven't seen it. I just purchased and installed the 360, the triple LNB D*** dish, a non-ghosting OTA antenna and a Sony KV-32HS510. Besides the well-chronicled issues with erratric reception on the OTA HD channels, I am having problems getting a full-screen 4:3 image on the Sony TV. HD programming is fine, but 4:3 broadcasts are displayed with letterboxes all around (the equivalent of roughly a 24" diagonal image). I have checked all settings on the 360, and it seems correct. Best I can tell, the Sony thinks all programming is 16:9, and boxes the sides when it detects non-widescreen programs. Anyone else experience this? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by Ledzep77
many of these issues are the result of the way each station reports their info and really has nothing to do with the receiver.

This is not exactly true -- in the cable tuner the TS360 displays local cable 7 and 11 as their OTA numbers 31 and 21 -- but cable scheduling data uses 7 and 11, and no other receiver I am aware of tries to map cable channels back to their OTA channel numbers in this confusing and inappropriate way. So they are doing some things in a too-smart-by-half manner.

RLinNewton: I am assuming your 32" Sony is a 4:3 TV? If so, there is a place in your 360 setup menus where you can define whether your TV is 4:3 or 16:9. If you are getting black bars on top, bottom and sides, I would say you have the 360 setup for the wrong screen format.

Also, you can change resolutions to get different "modes" for your TV. 480p will give a 4:3 picture without stretching whereas 1080i will stretch the picture.

Good luck,
JP

Not sure about your model, but with mine (Sony 40'' Wega 4:3) if you do 1080i it squeezes the screen vertically. There is no way to stop that. You can stretch the screen horizontally to get rid of the bars on each side but that looks dumb IMHO. Your best bet is to switch the receiver to output 480 i/p. Or if you stations are like some of mine, you can change to the -2 channel and it outputs 480i/p. Basically there is no way to get rid of the bars on all 4 side and have it at 1080i.


Originally posted by RLinNewton
Apologies if this issue is addressed elsewhere. I haven't seen it. I just purchased and installed the 360, the triple LNB D*** dish, a non-ghosting OTA antenna and a Sony KV-32HS510. Besides the well-chronicled issues with erratric reception on the OTA HD channels, I am having problems getting a full-screen 4:3 image on the Sony TV. HD programming is fine, but 4:3 broadcasts are displayed with letterboxes all around (the equivalent of roughly a 24" diagonal image). I have checked all settings on the 360, and it seems correct. Best I can tell, the Sony thinks all programming is 16:9, and boxes the sides when it detects non-widescreen programs. Anyone else experience this? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

In my panasonic 4:3 tv (not the receiver) there is a setting when it detects 1080i it gives you the choise of 16:9 or 4:3 screen format on the tv, default is 16:9 and the bars appear, I always change it to 4:3 then the bars go away. maybe u have the same thing in your sony tv?
The one little drawback on the pany is that it does not remember the change I made after the tv is turned off, so I have to do it everytime the first thing when the tv is turned on.
one thing I noticed on my replacement 360 (to replaced the bad 160) is that the HD picture looked much better, detailed, and vid-vid then the 160 does, a bit darker too. I am glad I got the 360.

Sam

Originally posted by RLinNewton
Apologies if this issue is addressed elsewhere. I haven't seen it. I just purchased and installed the 360, the triple LNB D*** dish, a non-ghosting OTA antenna and a Sony KV-32HS510. Besides the well-chronicled issues with erratric reception on the OTA HD channels, I am having problems getting a full-screen 4:3 image on the Sony TV. HD programming is fine, but 4:3 broadcasts are displayed with letterboxes all around (the equivalent of roughly a 24" diagonal image). I have checked all settings on the 360, and it seems correct. Best I can tell, the Sony thinks all programming is 16:9, and boxes the sides when it detects non-widescreen programs. Anyone else experience this? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by ColdBrew
Not sure about your model, but with mine (Sony 40'' Wega 4:3) if you do 1080i it squeezes the screen vertically. There is no way to stop that. You can stretch the screen horizontally to get rid of the bars on each side but that looks dumb IMHO. Your best bet is to switch the receiver to output 480 i/p. Or if you stations are like some of mine, you can change to the -2 channel and it outputs 480i/p. Basically there is no way to get rid of the bars on all 4 side and have it at 1080i.

Just theorizing here, and sort of saying the same thing you are.

With the Sammy 360 set resolution to Native 2 and you would get 1080i on hi def channels and 480i/p on SD. The digital 4:3 locals could still be problematic depending on how they do their broadcasts, I would just watch the SD D* versions in that case, OR

You could also set the STB to 1080i output, and connect to both component and S-video inputs on your TV (the S-video will be down rez 480i even though the box is set at 1080i). Then watch hi def material via component and standard def via S-video.

daniel

Thanks for all the responses. Sounds as though the S-video connect is my only option. Also sounds as though buying a 4:3 television (at least one that doesn't detect 4:3 programming more effectively) was a bad decision, even with the limited amount of 1080i programming available.

Cornflakes & DanielHeart

Out here in Riverside (50 mi East of LA), I too am experiencing difficulty with 5-1 (KTLA). It will not stay in my "station list". I reset, rescan, and add 5-1. It will be ok for a while, and then vanishes! Could there be something KTLA is doing with their feed. I ask this because I also have a old Panny OTA with firewire out which I use to connect to a D-VHS deck to record HD OTA content (e.g., The Lion King). It works flawlessly on every channel except 5-1. There is no sound transmitted by the Panny. All other stations record as they are expected to.

I've e-mailed KTLA asking about this, but no reply to date.

5 days and not one single problem with my 360. Sat is perfect and OTA is perfect. Scanning in channels was a breeze. I do have a small ratshack fan on top pulling heat out and 4 inches space above with vents above and in rear. Front is open

CD

Originally posted by RLinNewton
Thanks for all the responses. Sounds as though the S-video connect is my only option. Also sounds as though buying a 4:3 television (at least one that doesn't detect 4:3 programming more effectively) was a bad decision, even with the limited amount of 1080i programming available.

In my area (Philly DMA), the OTA digital locals are mostly sent in HD (1080i/720p). Other than those signals, though, you should be able to use one of the 360's "NATIVE" modes to output SD signals in their correct 4:3 format.

Regarding 1080i programming (or 720p, for that matter), the major networks have a lot more than I would have expected.

well my replacement receiver just arrived. They sent me a Hughes HTL-HD. My 360 has been running great since I pointed a fan at it. The Hughes does not have the component video input, so I'm pretty worried that its 1080i output will cause the same problems I had going through a video switcher. (see my post on page 35 I think)

So I'm thinking about just calling and telling them I'm sending the Hughes back. But obviously since I'm posting here I'm fishing for opinions.

Thanks.

Originally posted by xbracerx
well my replacement receiver just arrived. They sent me a Hughes HTL-HD. My 360 has been running great since I pointed a fan at it. The Hughes does not have the component video input, so I'm pretty worried that its 1080i output will cause the same problems I had going through a video switcher. (see my post on page 35 I think)

So I'm thinking about just calling and telling them I'm sending the Hughes back. But obviously since I'm posting here I'm fishing for opinions.

Thanks.

BK EH got a Hughes after two non working 360s. He hasn't posted since. Must be watching TV. LOL. Maybe he could give some insight on his opinion. In my opinion a receiver that you have to add a fan to is unacceptable. No matter what something that works is the better bet. If you are getting it for $99 you can always sell a working receiver and get something diferent later. Maybe test it on OTA before you activate to make sure it suits your needs. As long as you don't activate it there should be no problem sending it back. But I understand you situation if you need the component in. I tried to pass my DVD thru the 360 with component and I thought it looked like crap anyway.

Originally posted by drjohnc
Cornflakes & DanielHeart

Out here in Riverside (50 mi East of LA), I too am experiencing difficulty with 5-1 (KTLA). It will not stay in my "station list". I reset, rescan, and add 5-1. It will be ok for a while, and then vanishes! Could there be something KTLA is doing with their feed. I ask this because I also have a old Panny OTA with firewire out which I use to connect to a D-VHS deck to record HD OTA content (e.g., The Lion King). It works flawlessly on every channel except 5-1. There is no sound transmitted by the Panny. All other stations record as they are expected to.

I've e-mailed KTLA asking about this, but no reply to date.

The vanishing 5-1 happens to me all the time, on both the 160 and 360. If you look in the "add/remove channels" section in the menu, it should still be in the removed channels section, and you can move it back to the "added" list without running a rescan. At least that's what I usually do. If your 5-1 is disappearing completely, it may be because you haven't done the zip code thing, i.e., when you reset and rescan are you only doing it under the "scan digital channels" section? Because there is also the section under "installation" where you add "primary" and "secondary" networks, you enter your zip code and all local channels in your area will be added to your list, regardless of whether you get a signal or not. Then you can manually add and remove the ones you want ( a necessary feature that is grossly absent in the Hughes HTL-HD, one of it's biggest flaws imho)

When the Oscars were broadcast on KABC, the station upped their bandwidth on 7-1 to "improve" the broadcast. Well, what happened was that many people who had "older" STBs (Hughes E-86 is one example) lost pic on 7-1 completely, even though they had a strong signal......

More weirdness, last night after using Cornflake's trick to lock 5-1, I changed to HBO. When I hit info on the HBO channel, info for channel 5-1 came up............

I think these problems are a combination of the respective boxes and the local stations tweaking things as well, someone with more tech knowledge please feel free to chime in and point out if I may be "on crack"

daniel

Originally posted by RLinNewton
Thanks for all the responses. Sounds as though the S-video connect is my only option. Also sounds as though buying a 4:3 television (at least one that doesn't detect 4:3 programming more effectively) was a bad decision, even with the limited amount of 1080i programming available.

IMHO, the reality is that when the digital locals are broadcasting 4:3 material, it sucks no matter what type of set you have, for various reasons I don't want to get into right now.

As blackandgold and I both said, you can use one of the "native" settings on the 360 (I think native 2 would be the one for you) and that is about as good as it will get. I suggested the S-vid option only if you were insisting on watching the "digital" locals instead of the D* locals when the materail is 4:3. But there really isn't much upside if any at all, because in effect (using a station that does the 1080i sidebarred 4:3 thing as example) what you will be watching is 4:3 that has been uprezzed and downrezzed.

daniel

Originally posted by xbracerx
well my replacement receiver just arrived. They sent me a Hughes HTL-HD. My 360 has been running great since I pointed a fan at it. The Hughes does not have the component video input, so I'm pretty worried that its 1080i output will cause the same problems I had going through a video switcher. (see my post on page 35 I think)

So I'm thinking about just calling and telling them I'm sending the Hughes back. But obviously since I'm posting here I'm fishing for opinions.

Thanks.

Others prolly know more about switchers. I don't use them. Is that a recommended switcher for 1080i component?

As far as the Sammy versus Hughes boxes goes, I posted somewhere else that my experience (Sammy 160 and 360 and HTL, both firmware versions in my house) is that all three "work" and all three have various bugs. If you got rid of all bugs on each, I would go with the HTL-HD if cost were a factor, the Sammy 360 if cost did not apply (i.e. got it from D*)

daniel

don't know how to best describe this, but my 360 is fine except for the over the air stuff...

Currently I am watching dateline nbc and there is a half inch white fuzzy line at the top of the screen. Seems like the picture is centered too low...

Any thoughts?

Originally posted by Cheezmo
I just had a strange audio problem.

I had been experimenting with reception on several OTA digital channels.

When I finished, I tuned to DirecTV 355 (CNBC) and the audio was all "tinny". Same thing on all SD DirecTV channels. I had to unplug it and after booting up, everything is back to normal.

I had the exact same problem last night. The audio was fine on any channel with Dolby Digital. On any other channel, it was very tinny (unlistenable). This happened on the coaxial output as well as the analog outputs. Hopefully a reboot will get me back to normal.

UPDATE: A reboot seemed to do the trick. Hopefully this problem won't be too frequent.

Here I am...my first post.

I have a very low cost LCD Panel made by Real Digital.
It is connected to my Samsung 360 that I received thanks to the
posts about D* and their $99 special.

When it is showing SD content I sometimes see a white line across
the top. I think it is numbers or something that scroll quickly.
But I bet is what a previous poster is calling a white fuzzy line.

Any advice? OH and I to am struggling with the lousy OTA signal meter.

However, I am not having any dropouts or errors. So I am very happy
with my 360. I am using DVI and my DTIVO is connected to the 360 and then it goes to the LCD through the DVI and I am amazed at the improvement of the PQ.

Ken:p

I have two units of the Samsung 360 as supplied by directv.
The living room unit was built Jan 27, 2004 and the bedroom unit was built Feb 17, 2004.
The bedroom unit is in an open rack which also contains a SET amplifier which generates a bit of heat while the living room unit is an open rack, with an entirely digital setup-very little heat generated.
The bedroom unit is connected to a Real Digital 22" LCD via DVI and has functioned without any negative incidents since installation. It provides its sound out through its analog outputs.
The living room unit is connected to a Sony 34XBR800 via DVI and to a Sony digital receiver via a coax digital cable w/ a Bybee quantum purifier in the line. Picture quality on HD material on both devices is simply breathtaking while SD material varies from slightly annoying in comparison to dreadful. The living room unit experiences very occasional dropouts and has a ratshack 110 volt AC computer fan on it, which I prefer not to use as it can be heard.
The build dates seem to correlate with what I'm reading that more recent build dates have less problems with dropouts or none at all.

I received my replacement 360 on Thursday. It had a built date of Feb-28 and was delivered on Mar-11. I must say that is a quick turn time from the factory to my front door !

Nonetheless, this new 360 has had zero dropouts since being installed. It is in the same configuration as my previous unit which blacked out every 30 seconds or so. I had to use the fan just to keep the old one under control so I could watch TV. The old one had a build date of Feb-14.

The only thing still frustrating me is that when I go the guide, the name of the show is cut off on the top of the TV screen. No matter what setting I put the 360 at, the guide is always trimmed off at the top and unreadable.

You must have too much overscan on your Tv. You should get an ISF calibration. It will make a world of difference in the pciture quality.

drjohnc, keep us informed of what's going on! Again, I'm glad I'm not the only one with this issue! It's super annoying though.

Originally posted by drjohnc
Cornflakes & DanielHeart

Out here in Riverside (50 mi East of LA), I too am experiencing difficulty with 5-1 (KTLA). It will not stay in my "station list". I reset, rescan, and add 5-1. It will be ok for a while, and then vanishes! Could there be something KTLA is doing with their feed. I ask this because I also have a old Panny OTA with firewire out which I use to connect to a D-VHS deck to record HD OTA content (e.g., The Lion King). It works flawlessly on every channel except 5-1. There is no sound transmitted by the Panny. All other stations record as they are expected to.

I've e-mailed KTLA asking about this, but no reply to date.

daniel, I'm glad I'm not the only one with that lock-on problem, and good thing that the "switch to an HD channel" trick worked for you. At least this rules out that there's some conflict with my diplexer, pre-amp, and LNB.

I think KTLA's sending out weird mapping signals or something, because occasionally I'll have the T360 rescan, and it'll find 5-1 and 75-2 for KTLA instead of 5-1 and 5-2. A minute later, 75-2 disappears, and 5-2 appears. I don't know, this is all new to me still.

Originally posted by danielhart
The vanishing 5-1 happens to me all the time, on both the 160 and 360. If you look in the "add/remove channels" section in the menu, it should still be in the removed channels section, and you can move it back to the "added" list without running a rescan. At least that's what I usually do.

...

More weirdness, last night after using Cornflake's trick to lock 5-1, I changed to HBO. When I hit info on the HBO channel, info for channel 5-1 came up............

I think these problems are a combination of the respective boxes and the local stations tweaking things as well, someone with more tech knowledge please feel free to chime in and point out if I may be "on crack"

Here is my annoying tale:

Got the 360 on the $99 deal. Had the dish guy install and he didnt know how to do the setup of the receiver, so I told him I would take care. I got it set up and everything was working fine for about 2 hours. Next thing I know, my Mitsubishi turns itself off and will not turn back on. So, now that my 55" TV is out of commission, I put the receiver on another TV. That is when I start getting the x745 issues and the video dropouts. I have been waiting for the repairman to get my Mitsu fixed for over a week and still have not seen any of the programming that I have been paying for and the mirroring fee for the new box. I called D* tonight, they said I have to have the x745 issue on screen for them to take any action on it. I told them that they have to give me a credit for programming and the mirror fee. We will see how this works out...

LedZep and all: here is my quick review of the 160/360 vs the HTL-HD.

HTL-HD vs. Samsung 160/360: A Quick Review (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=379462)

;)

Anybody tried opening TS360 yet? Does the motherboard inside have any extra sockets for plugging in mb fan (like most motheboards do)? If it does this could be less noisy and more elegant solution to solve the heat-related dropout issues...

The motherboard in a satellite IRD, is not the same as a motherboard in a computer. So it's unlikely you will find any fan sockets, let alone extra ones.