[LeeSoFl]

Back in December, I switched from Scientific Atlanta 8300 DVRs to two X1 (Arris) DVR boxes. They're both DVRs, so all recorded material is viewable on either box. Years before, Comcast had installed a Commscope Amp at the service line and all devices (there are also two HD DTA boxes for smaller sets) were connected to the output of the amplifier.

The X1's were having trouble talking to each other, and the X1 boxes would lock up and had other communication issues. Comcast came and removed the amplifier, installing a six way splitter instead. Since then, I am 100% certain, the picture quality on both 4K TVs has been noticeably more grainy. The picture had looked terrific, and now, while it still looks good, is not what it had been with the amplifier. Comcast insists the amp makes no difference in picture quality. (The unused taps on the splitter have termination plugs.)

I own another Commscope amp, but am reluctant to put in back in service since the boxes had these lockup issues and Comcast (senior tech that was here) was sure the amp was what was causing these X1 DVR issues.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[teachsac]

There's a dedicated X1 thread here. Might be more useful.


http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hdtv-recorders/1455102-official-xfinity-x1-stb-thread.html


S~

 

[olyteddy]

Two questions. Why a 6 way with 2 unused ports? And are you getting tiling, flashing or freezing? The unused ports are 'wasting' signal and a splitter can not cause 'graininess'.

 

[LeeSoFl]

Two questions. Why a 6 way with 2 unused ports? And are you getting tiling, flashing or freezing? The unused ports are 'wasting' signal and a splitter can not cause 'graininess'.

No major X1 issues since the amp was swapped out for the splitter. There are 4 cable devices and one dedicated modem run.

Edited to add: On further examination of the equipment cabinet, there is an Amtronix GLD-1002 MoCA filter on the service line going into an 8 way splitter, of which five are used, and three are terminated. The Amtronix splitter shows -11dB at each output.

After many failed attempts from local Comcast service techs, the most recent visit was with a regional pro, dispatched from Philadelphia. He was in constant communication with (trust me) a very senior technical specialist, who, up in Philadelphia was looking at the signals at both of my boxes in real time.

That's why I am very reluctant to add amps that they've previously removed and advised against.

 

[qz3fwd]

The video is digital, not analog, so any grainyness or picture difference is due to the decoding and processing of the X1's compared to your previous hardware.