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Audio problems with the CB2 and DirecTV

271 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Les Auber, Apr 9, 2003

JHL

Discussion Starter · Apr 8, 2003

I have owned a Theta Casablanca 2 for quite a while and would like to know if other owners are having similar problems with DirecTV. I am using an RCA DTC-100 and initially configured that input for Dolby Digital. Unfortunately that causes two problems: 1) annoying popping when I switch channel and 2) no audio when I switch from a DirectTV channel that is 5.1 (e.g. HBO) to one that is simply stereo (e.g. CNN).

I eliminate both problems by using the analog inputs, but then of course I can't get DD 5.1. I also tried setting stereo as the input default, but the input shifts to DD 5.1 for HBO and then seems to never shift back to stereo for channels without DD.

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Steve Bruzonsky

· #2 · Apr 8, 2003

Several years ago, when my CB was still the 1 version, I had that same problem all too often, back when I also had a RCA DTC-100. Now I then was using a Camelot Dragon for jitter reduction (became unnecessary with the 2 upgrade, which included Jitter Jail RAM Buffer jitter reduction in the CB2).

Theta will have a firmware upgrade (the CB2 will startup nearly instantaneously instead of the delayed startup currently) along with the DPL2, CS2, etc. card upgrade hopefully within a few months. I suspect this will totally solve this dilemma.

But if your CB2 is doing this all the time - well, it shouldn't be doing this. First, try another toslink cable, make sure its tightly connected at each end, just in case its the cable

(I doubt it); second, try another satellite receiver with Dolby Digital - borrow a friends - and see if the problem occurs. Then, if the problem occurs with another satellite receiver, talk to your dealer about taking care of you, with a replacement DD and CS card as necessary for your CB2, or whatever it takes to fix the situation.

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jstrossner

· #3 · Apr 8, 2003

JHL,

I had the very same problems with my CB2 and a Sony HD200 directv box. I contacted Theta and was told that they are aware of the problem. The explanation was given that the directv hardware manufacturers weren't following the standards and that the CB2 couldn't decode the audio signal correctly. Mine would pop when changing DD stations and I would get about 2-3 seconds of audio on regular channels--the CB2 would try to change all regular channels to DD and the audio would stop. I was told that the new software would take care of this and it would probably be out in Nov 02. I took the HD 200 back and my HD 100 still works fine. I don't know if the 200 being produced by Zenith makes any difference.

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Les Auber

· #4 · Apr 8, 2003

Interesting. I'm having what sounds like a very similar problem with a JVC 30K D-VHS deck and my CB1. It crackles and pops continuously in D-theater playback but not on tape I recorded myself. I'm in the process of trying Steve's different toslink cable idea. Had to get one since I didn't have an extra around. Let you know if it helps anything.

The other thought was to try a toslink optical to coax converter. Maybe it will restore the signal to something the CB likes. Mine does fine with everything else. Maybe JVC doesn't follow the standards either but it did play fine on a plain old Yamaha reciever.

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shokunin

· #5 · Apr 9, 2003

My problems are slightly different, my CBII seems to lose its' lock on the digital audio signal when I get OTA HD signal breakups with my DTC-100. I then have to either turn on/off the CBII or switch inputs and then switch it back. My old Lexicon, never had a problem with any of these issues.

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wood930

· #6 · Apr 9, 2003

JHL - same problem and same response from Theta. I did try diffrent Toslink cable and cracking persisted. Theta's software/firmware upgrade this summer (fingers crossed) should fix the problem. I too have the Sony HD200 but am going to try Samsung HD DSS box this weekend which in addition to toslink has digital coax out to determine if its a toslink specific problem.

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wood930

· #7 · Apr 9, 2003

JHL - same problem and same response from Theta. I did try different Toslink cable and cracking persisted. Theta's software/firmware upgrade this summer (fingers crossed) should fix the problem. I too have the Sony HD200 but am going to try Samsung HD DSS box this weekend which in addition to toslink has digital coax out to determine if its a toslink specific problem.

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Ron Party

· #8 · Apr 9, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by jstrossner
JHL,

I had the very same problems with my CB2 and a Sony HD200 directv box. I contacted Theta and was told that they are aware of the problem. The explanation was given that the directv hardware manufacturers weren't following the standards and that the CB2 couldn't decode the audio signal correctly. Mine would pop when changing DD stations and I would get about 2-3 seconds of audio on regular channels--the CB2 would try to change all regular channels to DD and the audio would stop. I was told that the new software would take care of this and it would probably be out in Nov 02. I took the HD 200 back and my HD 100 still works fine. I don't know if the 200 being produced by Zenith makes any difference.

A couple of weeks ago, my local Theta dealer upgraded my CBII software to Version 5.0. My Sony HD200 now works flawlessly.

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve Bruzonsky,

Theta will have a firmware upgrade (the CB2 will startup nearly instantaneously instead of the delayed startup currently) along with the DPL2, CS2, etc. card upgrade hopefully within a few months. I suspect this will totally solve this dilemma.

Steve is correct regarding the startup speed. It is noticeably faster and I have not experienced any more of that occasional difficulty in getting a digital lock on the incoming signal from my DaVid II.

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Steve Bruzonsky

· #9 · Apr 9, 2003

Theta is not yet ready to do the firmware upgrade prime time yet. But Ron, as you were having problems, I think your dealer got with Theta and they determined to take care of you a bit early. [email protected]@@

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Les Auber

· #10 · Apr 9, 2003

In case anyone was interested a change in toslink cable from Straightwire to Monster had no effect. It still pops away.

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