AVS Forum banner
Cancel
  • Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

SA-XR55S Losing Signal For An Instant On 2 Different Sources

1047 Views 12 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  docprego, 
D
Ever since I have had my Panasonic XR55 I have experienced an odd phenomenon. At random times, and it does occur rarely the sound will totally be lost for an instant.


At first I thought my digital cable box was responsible so I swapped it for a HD DVR but the problem persisted. Then I noticed over the last week that this is happening on DVDs too. My DVD player is an Oppo 971H.


What could cause the sound to drop for a split second, even less time than that and at random times on 2 different sources?


BTW both devices, the HD DVR and Oppo are hooked up by digital coaxial cables. I have to admit they are not genuine digital coaxial cables, they are just a good grade of audio cables with RCA interconnects. That should make no difference I would think. Maybe go optical? Any other ideas?


Thanks!
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
W
I would definitely try the cables first.


No need to spend a bundle, just get couple of video cables that have RCA terminations.


The other day at *gulp* Walmart (hey cut me some slack - I was in a jam), I picked up a 6-ft Phillips PH61071 component video cable for ~$9. You could get one of those and split up the leads and have three cables - although you need only two.


Otherwise, most any video cable with the right ends should work.


Not all audio cable is coaxial design and doesn't always work well for digital signals. I was having a similar problem with a different piece of gear and had been using a "quality" audio cable, but was getting those occasional dropouts. After much messing around, I came to find out the cable I was using was made from shielded twisted pair. I whipped up cable from RG-6 using F>RCA adapters and problem solved.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
D
whoaru99, the specific cables I am using are Monster audio interconnects. If memory serves I think they are Interlink 300 MKII or something similar. What I am sure of is that they are not specifically digital coaxial cables, but I always thought that was just a marketing thing anyway. Could these be twisted pair as you said? I think I am going to get 2 optical cables and try that, I have never had any problems using optical from a device to a receiver before.


Is this a good plan?


I tend to think the receiver is not defective because it works great 99.9% of the time, the .1 being the few instant drop outs that I am getting.


Thanks for the advice!
Reply
Save
Like
W
The Monster Interlink 300 is exactly the cable I had problem with in this regard. However, I believe mine are the original, not MKII.


The ones I have are definitely twisted pair construction and seem to work fine for analog audio - as in no hum, etc.


I have no problems with optical, but I think a couple of relatively and comparatively inexpensive video cables will fix you right up.
Reply
Save
Like
D
So are you suggesting that the video cables are capable of something that the audio interconnects are not? What exactly would be the difference?



Thanks,

Mike
Reply
Save
Like
W
Basically, it has to do with the characteristic impedance of the cable and, to some degree, the shielding. Analog audio cables have no specific characteristic impedance requirements and no specific shielding requirements.


Digital transmission via S/PDIF (aka "digital coaxial") specifies a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms for the circuit/cables - which happens to coincide with video cable specifications. Also, IMO, video cables tend to be better shielded because of the frequencies involved and because that is part of what factors into the characteristic impedance of the cable.
Reply
Save
Like
D
Well I had a component video cable lying around so I stripped 2 of the 3 wires off and used them to hook up the DVD player and the DVR. Everything seemed fine, but then there was a glitch while I watched a program recorded on the DVR. It was not anything like the usual glitches so I am wondering if the hard drive stuttered or similar, it was like 3 losses of sound in a row and none of the drop outs were as quick as my usual drop outs. BEsides that I did not hear any drops during about an hour of testing on either DVD or DVR.


Unfortunately it's too early to really decide if it worked. I'll have to watch for a few days to a week and then make a decision if it helped. As of now I want to think it did but I did have that one triple glitch. Fortunatelly that was during a DVR recorded program so everything could be OK.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
S
When connected thru electrical digital cables, the Panny is sensitive to any fluctuations or noise in the power supply. Make sure all electrical connections, power and the digital i/cs are connected securely. If you do not have a surge protector/suppressor or a power conditioner, consider getting one if problem persists.


One more thing..make sure the digital i/cs are not close to other cables like power or the coax coming in from Dish antenna or a cable connection.
Reply
Save
Like
W

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoftwireEngineer /forum/post/0


When connected thru electrical digital cables, the Panny is sensitive to any fluctuations or noise in the power supply. Make sure all electrical connections, power and the digital i/cs are connected securely. If you do not have a surge protector/suppressor or a power conditioner, consider getting one if problem persists.


One more thing..make sure the digital i/cs are not close to other cables like power or the coax coming in from Dish antenna or a cable connection.
Click to expand...

Can't say it's not true in all (or at least some) cases, but I've not had this problem with my XR-55.


My dropouts were on completely different gear - except for the similar interconnect brand/model.
Reply
Save
Like
D
It is on its own surge suppressor.


We'll see if the fix worked, I am going to give it a thorough workout tonight.
Reply
Save
Like
D
I watched a 2 hour movie on DVD tonight with no drop outs (The Devil's Backbone-great movie!)


Then I watched about 15-20 minutes of HD DVR and HD cable with no drop outs either.


I am feeling optimistic but won't call it solved until I have done a LOT more viewing and feel sure it is resolved.
Reply
Save
Like
W

Quote:
Originally Posted by docprego /forum/post/0


I watched a 2 hour movie on DVD tonight with no drop outs (The Devil's Backbone-great movie!)


Then I watched about 15-20 minutes of HD DVR and HD cable with no drop outs either.


I am feeling optimistic but won't call it solved until I have done a LOT more viewing and feel sure it is resolved.
Click to expand...

What's the verdict?
Reply
Save
Like
D
I feel I am now able to make a confident verdict. Switching the audio interconnect cables to component video cables seems to have eliminated the problem. I have had no glitches since doing this, I have to conclude that it must be due to the cables.


Thank you whoaru99 for great advice!
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Receivers, Amps, and Processors LCD Flat Panel Displays Speakers HDTV Programming Home Theater Computers
Top