Well, I don't know where to start :( The truth is that I don't know anything about HDTVs, HD cable, and all of the other cool stuff that people talk in this forum.

I ended up buying a Sony KDV3000 the day after black Friday, upon installation; I noticed that the picture quality went off the chart (in a bad way). I basically unplugged the coax cable from my old TV (non hd) and plugged it in to the new one.

To be fair, I had an analog box from Cox; hoping that by replacing it (and upgrading to HD cable), the image quality would improve dramatically. After replacing the analog box with a digital one (Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4240HDC); and connecting it to the HDTV through the provided component cable, the image quality was better, but not by a whole lot.

I thought that the provided component cable might've been on the "cheap quality" side; and went ahead and purchased a HDMI cable, unfortunately, that did not help the problem at all.

So I called COX, and they "rebooted" the box twice, without any improvement; so they sent a technician. Well, the tech came by, replace two coax splitters, replaced the coax cable from the splitter to the HD box, and said that the image quality was normal (he did something on the box, where he could see some freq numbers and other type of data).

IMHO, the image quality is BAD; I mean it was great on my old dinosaur, so what’s the deal? The tech said that if I switched the screen view to "normal" on the non HD channels the image would look "better". To be honest, some HD channels are GOOD, and some other HD channels are less than average. Most of the non HD channels are less than average or worst. To top it out, if I go to the "Cox on Demand channel" the movie titles and covers (pic of the movie) look extremely blurry (pixilated?). Also, nowdays most of the channels show their name at the bottom right of the screen, in my case, 90% of those letters are blurred (or have some sort of shadow), and once again the tech said that it was normal...

I am about to return this nice (expensive) HDTV an cancel my digital cable!

The question is, is this normal on HDTVs? Is it a price to pay if I want to watch cable TV on a HDTV? Or could it be that the TV needs some sort of "tuning" or "calibration"?


BTW - Sorry about the rant, and poor grammar.

You wrote that there are splitters. That is a major source of the problem. If you want to test this theory, just take off all splitters and see if you can connect it directly to the incoming cable. In short, see what type of picture you get with no splitters. If the picture is good/better, get a good amplifier to amplify the signal before you split. If the non-splitted picture is still bad, get COX to check/correct the incoming signal.

Good luck.

You wrote that there are splitters. That is a major source of the problem. If you want to test this theory, just take off all splitters and see if you can connect it directly to the incoming cable. In short, see what type of picture you get with no splitters. If the picture is good/better, get a good amplifier to amplify the signal before you split. If the non-splitted picture is still bad, get COX to check/correct the incoming signal.

Good luck.

I will try that tonight!!

Thanks for the input :)

Surprise surprise :mad:

I arrived from work around 4pm, and discovered that I had no cable or internet connection. Waited a couple of hours just in case there was an outage in my area; after two hours of waiting, I decided to call COX.

They verified that there was no outage, and schedule an appointment so that a tech checks everything. Hmmm, there was a tech here (at my place) less than 24 hrs ago; and "verified" that the system was working properly, and said that the blurry picture I was experiecing was part of the "stretching" the image on my HDTV. Needles to say, I wasn't convinced with this thoery, but I am new at this HDTV\Digital cable; so I went with it.

Frustrated, I decide to look for the issue; and found this:
Loose cable\not crimped properly:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=95516&d=1196466535

Cables comes out of the terminal by just touching it:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=95517&d=1196466535

My question is; how much can something like this affect the image quality on a HD channel\digital cable? More inportantly, how is the cox tech supposed to test the signal strenght?

I want to make sure that the next tech checks everything in his power :o

Yeah, the tech should have checked the outside connections as well as the inside (apparently the tech didn't). The problem you found would cause issues with your TV reception and internet connection.

The other issue that I can see from your pics (besides the bad connection) is that your cable drop (feed) is an old RG-59 cable. If Cox can do it, they should upgrade the cable to RG-6 at least (especially where you have internet and digital services). Where is this pic taken? Box on side of building or box on the ground? Is this an underground cable?

- Cable Tech

Seeing you have the signal split many times, it might help to have an amplifier installed, and to put your modem and digital box connections on the first splitter.

Yeah, the tech should have checked the outside connections as well as the inside (apparently the tech didn't). The problem you found would cause issues with your TV reception and internet connection.

The other issue that I can see from your pics (besides the bad connection) is that your cable drop (feed) is an old RG-59 cable. If Cox can do it, they should upgrade the cable to RG-6 at least (especially where you have internet and digital services). Where is this pic taken? Box on side of building or box on the ground? Is this an underground cable?

- Cable Tech


Thanks for the response!

The first tech did not looked at the problem, and the second tech went straight to the box (once I told him about it) and neither one tested the signal strenght or resistance on the cables.

The second tech was having a hard time crimping the conenctor to the cable; he said that those cables were from the 70s!! Needless to say, they never offer to replace the cables :(

The box is outside of my my complex building, about 10 feet from the building; unfortunately, the cables are underground. I wonder if an RG-6 can be mated (or taped) to the existing RG-59, and then fish it out (I do this when working with existing cat 5 cables on old buldings)

Thanks for the input!

Seeing you have the signal split many times, it might help to have an amplifier installed, and to put your modem and digital box connections on the first splitter.

I did removed the second splitter, and connected the TV directly to one of the two output of the first splitter. Unfortunately, there was no difference in quality...

I am willing to remove all splitters for testing purposes, and connect the HDTV\Digital box to the incoming cable; the only problem is that I don't have a coax to coax union\bridge :o

The cable company could use the old RG-59 drop to pull the new RG-6 thru, but only if it's going thru a conduit (and if the RG-59 isn't stuck). If it's direct buried, than the cable company will need to get Dig Safe to check the underground for other utilities before any trenching can be done.

The cable company is responsible for the cable drop (underground) that runs from the tap (outside box) to the building. The cable outlets that run to the individual rooms are owned by the customer, even if the cable company installed them.

The F.C.C. requires the cable company to have at least 0 (zero) db at the set. In our cable system, we guarantee signal up to 2 outlets, even though there's usually enough signal for 4 outlets. For example, the 2 outlets can be 1 for TV and 1 for internet, or 2 for TV. If the customer has more than 2 outlets, and there is not enough signal feeding everything, than the customer has the option of having an amp installed at the customer's expense of $20.00 (other cable companys may be setup differently). If the signal is good, but the outlet to the TV is bad, than the cable company will replace it at the customer's expense of $24.00 for the first outlet and $14.00 for any others that need replaced (other cable companys may be setup differently). Most cable companys don't wall fish, so if the outlet needs to be wall fished then the customer would need to hire a electrician to do it. The cable company can replace the outlet by drilling (if needed) through the floor or an outside wall to feed the new outlet, but will require land lord permission, if you're renting your home.

Cable Service Techs have personal track records kept by the cable company. There's one called "repeat trouble calls", and all cable companys require their techs to keep this number below a certain percentage. So if you're still having problems after having a cable service tech at your home, CALL AGAIN AND AGAIN till it's fixed, or they at least need to tell you what needs fixed if it's out of their control.

- Cable Tech

The cable company could use the old RG-59 drop to pull the new RG-6 thru, but only if it's going thru a conduit (and if the RG-59 isn't stuck). If it's direct buried, than the cable company will need to get Dig Safe to check the underground for other utilities before any trenching can be done.

The cable company is responsible for the cable drop (underground) that runs from the tap (outside box) to the building. The cable outlets that run to the individual rooms are owned by the customer, even if the cable company installed them.

The F.C.C. requires the cable company to have at least 0 (zero) db at the set. In our cable system, we guarantee signal up to 2 outlets, even though there's usually enough signal for 4 outlets. For example, the 2 outlets can be 1 for TV and 1 for internet, or 2 for TV. If the customer has more than 2 outlets, and there is not enough signal feeding everything, than the customer has the option of having an amp installed at the customer's expense of $20.00 (other cable companys may be setup differently). If the signal is good, but the outlet to the TV is bad, than the cable company will replace it at the customer's expense of $24.00 for the first outlet and $14.00 for any others that need replaced (other cable companys may be setup differently). Most cable companys don't wall fish, so if the outlet needs to be wall fished then the customer would need to hire a electrician to do it. The cable company can replace the outlet by drilling (if needed) through the floor or an outside wall to feed the new outlet, but will require land lord permission, if you're renting your home.

Cable Service Techs have personal track records kept by the cable company. There's one called "repeat trouble calls", and all cable companys require their techs to keep this number below a certain percentage. So if you're still having problems after having a cable service tech at your home, CALL AGAIN AND AGAIN till it's fixed, or they at least need to tell you what needs fixed if it's out of their control.

- Cable Tech


Thanks for the info, you have been VERY helpful :)

Any way I can test the DB at teh set on my own? To be honest, I am new at this HDTV, so I am not sure if its singal issue, or a TV issue :(

I don't mind calling COX over and over; however I don't want to be pest, if there is nothing wrong with the incoming signal.

Thanks for the info, you have been VERY helpful :)

Any way I can test the DB at teh set on my own? To be honest, I am new at this HDTV, so I am not sure if its singal issue, or a TV issue :(

I don't mind calling COX over and over; however I don't want to be pest, if there is nothing wrong with the incoming signal.

Try this test first:

Run the HD wizard on the 4240HDC, so that the 4240HDC knows which formats your HDTV can handle.

To access the HD wizard:

1> make sure the 4240HDC is turned off.
2> press the "guide" and "info" buttons together on the front panel of the 4240HDC, and wait for the HD wizard to show up on your HDTV (about 3 seconds).
3> release the "buttons" on the 4240HDC, and follow the directions on your HDTV using the cable remote.

After you've exited out of the HD wizard and the 4240HDC is powered back on again, go into the menu settings of the 4240HDC by pressing the "menu" or "settings" button twice on the cable remote (depending on what kind of remote you have). Once there, scroll down to the "Set: Picture Format" option and select "Pass-through". Exit the menu, by pressing the "Exit" button on the remote, and your done. Now the 4240HDC should change formats automatically, when tuning between different channels.

The other thing to check is the picture settings on your HDTV. Most HDTV's picture settings come out of the store "jacked up". Make sure that your HDTV is not set on the "Vivid" picture mode, and put it on something like "Standard" or "Normal" picture mode. Make sure that "Sharpness" setting is set somewhere between 25-35.

Let me know if the picture looks any better.

- Cable Tech

Try this test first:

Run the HD wizard on the 4240HDC, so that the 4240HDC knows which formats your HDTV can handle.

To access the HD wizard:

1> make sure the 4240HDC is turned off.
2> press the "guide" and "info" buttons together on the front panel of the 4240HDC, and wait for the HD wizard to show up on your HDTV (about 3 seconds).
3> release the "buttons" on the 4240HDC, and follow the directions on your HDTV using the cable remote.

After you've exited out of the HD wizard and the 4240HDC is powered back on again, go into the menu settings of the 4240HDC by pressing the "menu" or "settings" button twice on the cable remote (depending on what kind of remote you have). Once there, scroll down to the "Set: Picture Format" option and select "Pass-through". Exit the menu, by pressing the "Exit" button on the remote, and your done. Now the 4240HDC should change formats automatically, when tuning between different channels.

The other thing to check is the picture settings on your HDTV. Most HDTV's picture settings come out of the store "jacked up". Make sure that your HDTV is not set on the "Vivid" picture mode, and put it on something like "Standard" or "Normal" picture mode. Make sure that "Sharpness" setting is set somewhere between 25-35.

Let me know if the picture looks any better.

- Cable Tech


WOW, man you are good; and I really appreciate you going out of your way to help me out!!!

I've done the wizard, however while playing with it; I believe I only selected 480P, 720P, and 1080i. Should I select all of the options?

I will set it to "Pass-through", cause I am 99% sure that its set to upconvert - 2.

I hear you with the TV settings, I know that I have it on "standard" mode, but can't remeber the sharpness settings, will look into that today.

I was trying to set the TV to upconvert on its onw, rather than the box; however the box is configured to auto, and will always convert to 1080i (regardless if I only choose 480i\480p\720p on the HD wizard).

At this point, I am trying to figure out if its the cable signal, or my TV.

once again, thanks for your help!

Try this test first:

Run the HD wizard on the 4240HDC, so that the 4240HDC knows which formats your HDTV can handle.

To access the HD wizard:

1> make sure the 4240HDC is turned off.
2> press the "guide" and "info" buttons together on the front panel of the 4240HDC, and wait for the HD wizard to show up on your HDTV (about 3 seconds).
3> release the "buttons" on the 4240HDC, and follow the directions on your HDTV using the cable remote.

After you've exited out of the HD wizard and the 4240HDC is powered back on again, go into the menu settings of the 4240HDC by pressing the "menu" or "settings" button twice on the cable remote (depending on what kind of remote you have). Once there, scroll down to the "Set: Picture Format" option and select "Pass-through". Exit the menu, by pressing the "Exit" button on the remote, and your done. Now the 4240HDC should change formats automatically, when tuning between different channels.

- Cable Tech

Did this, and the TV can play all formats (480i\480P\720P\1080i), and I configured\selected all of them on the wizard setup. When trying to configure the "Pass-Through" under "Set: Picture Format" the only available options are:

-Fixed
-Upconvert 1
-Upconvert 2
-Auto DVI

Thanks again for your help!

When you use DVI/HDMI out, you only get the Auto DVI option. It's the same as Pass-through, which is when you use component.

Did this, and the TV can play all formats (480i\480P\720P\1080i), and I configured\selected all of them on the wizard setup. When trying to configure the "Pass-Through" under "Set: Picture Format" the only available options are:

-Fixed
-Upconvert 1
-Upconvert 2
-Auto DVI

Thanks again for your help!

When you use DVI/HDMI out, you only get the Auto DVI option. It's the same as Pass-through, which is when you use component.

That's right. Thanks for answering. Couldn't have said it any better.

This should help the formats to change automatically on the 4240HDC.

- Cable Tech

WOW, man you are good; and I really appreciate you going out of your way to help me out!!!

I've done the wizard, however while playing with it; I believe I only selected 480P, 720P, and 1080i. Should I select all of the options?

I will set it to "Pass-through", cause I am 99% sure that its set to upconvert - 2.

I hear you with the TV settings, I know that I have it on "standard" mode, but can't remeber the sharpness settings, will look into that today.

I was trying to set the TV to upconvert on its onw, rather than the box; however the box is configured to auto, and will always convert to 1080i (regardless if I only choose 480i\480p\720p on the HD wizard).

At this point, I am trying to figure out if its the cable signal, or my TV.

once again, thanks for your help!

OK. Ready for the next test? Lets check the signal levels on the 4240HDC:

1> Turn everything on and tune the 4240HDC to a HD channel.
2> On the front panel of the 4240HDC, press and hold the "select" button (located in the middle of the 4 directional buttons) until you see a flashing envelope on the front panel.
3> While the envelope light is flashing, push the "info" button on the front panel of the 4240HDC.
4> You should see a screen that's titled "Status Summary". Tell me what the dBmV numbers are for the "tuner", "FDC", and "RDC" (under "RF Parameters").
5> Press the "exit" button to return to watching TV.

- Cable Tech

OK. Ready for the next test? Lets check the signal levels on the 4240HDC:

1> Turn everything on and tune the 4240HDC to a HD channel.
2> On the front panel of the 4240HDC, press and hold the "select" button (located in the middle of the 4 directional buttons) until you see a flashing envelope on the front panel.
3> While the envelope light is flashing, push the "info" button on the front panel of the 4240HDC.
4> You should see a screen that's titled "Status Summary". Tell me what the dBmV numbers are for the "tuner", "FDC", and "RDC" (under "RF Parameters").
5> Press the "exit" button to return to watching TV.

- Cable Tech

Sorry for the late response, I've been "away" for a while :o

Fox HD (Reads 720P on the cable box display)
Tuner = 783.000 MHz -2dBmV 1/sec (avg)
FDC = 74.00MHz -2dBmV 0/sec (avg)
RDC = 13.000MHz 98Dbmv 0usec


Thanks again for all of your help!!

Sorry for the lateresponse, I've been "away" for a while :o

Fox HD (Reads 720P on the cable box display)
Tuner = 783.000 MHz -2dBmV 1/sec (avg)
FDC = 74.00MHz -2dBmV 0/sec (avg)
RDC = 13.000MHz 98Dbmv 0usec


Thanks again for all of your help!!

The "tuner" and "FDC" signals look good, but the "RDC" signal looks weak. This is the signal that the 4240HDC uses to respond back to the office (headend). Is that really 98? I didn't know that any box would go that high. Can you bring up that screen again, and use the cable remote to "page up" to page 30? The page you got these numbers was page 1. I need to know if the 4240HDC is reporting an IP address from the headend.

- Cable Tech

The "tuner" and "FDC" signals look good, but the "RDC" signal looks weak. This is the signal that the 4240HDC uses to respond back to the office (headend). Is that really 98? I didn't know that any box would go that high. Can you bring up that screen again, and use the cable remote to "page up" to page 30? The page you got these numbers was page 1. I need to know if the 4240HDC is reporting an IP address from the headend.

- Cable Tech

Before I ask what those numbers mean, let me do some research :)

Todays number read:

Fox HD (Reads 720P on the cable box display)
Tuner = 783.000 MHz -4dBmV 1/sec (avg)
FDC = 74.00MHz -3dBmV 52/sec (avg)
RDC = 13.000MHz 38Dbmv 0usec

Page 30:
There is an IP address and a subnet mask

Thanks for the help!