HDMI sync problem in native vs. fixed mode

[lorelevitt]

I just got my S3 setup today with cable cards. I'm temporarily running it directly into my HP MD6580n DLP set via HDMI. I plan to put a VP50 video processor in the data stream tomorrow.

However with the direct connection, when the TIVO is set to "native mode" and I get an encrypted signal such as from HBO HD, the tv flashes an image for a second and then goes black and stays black as if it can't complete the sync to the TIVO. When I change the Tivo to output fixed 1080i mode it syncs fine to the tv with channels like HBO HD.

Anyone else seen this. I called it into Tivo although the problem may be moot for me when I add the VP50. Tivo thought that COMCAST may not be tagging their HBO HD transmission correctly and TIVO is getting confused of what to output to the TV.

[hookbill]

Isn't that why they say find out what mode works best for you?

[Dan203]

A lot of TVs have problems with synching after a resolution switch. Mine doesn't actually fail but sometimes it can take 10-15 seconds to switch. That's why I ended up just setting my TiVo to 720p fixed. The quality difference isn't apparent enough to deal with the headache of the resolution switch.

Dan

[lorelevitt]

A lot of TVs have problems with synching after a resolution switch. Mine doesn't actually fail but sometimes it can take 10-15 seconds to switch. That's why I ended up just setting my TiVo to 720p fixed. The quality difference isn't apparent enough to deal with the headache of the resolution switch.

Dan

I would do that but the investment I just made in the DVDO VP50 was to run everything in native mode to the unit. We'll see tomorrow if the DVDO between the S3 and HP DLP solves the problem....

[AbMagFab]

My TV works fine in native mode. Takes at worst about 1-2 seconds to synch.

Definitely a TV issue, so unlikely any other device will help the TV synch better (if you continue to switch resolutions like in native mode).

[Dan203]

The DVDO VP50 is a scaler, which will automatically convert all signals to a set resolution before they get to the TV. Once it's in place your TV will no longer be switching resolutions all the time so you should no longer have this problem. Unless of course the scaler itself has a problem switching to various resolutions. Although I doubt a dedicated product specifically for that purpose would.

Dan

[lorelevitt]

The DVDO VP50 is a scaler, which will automatically convert all signals to a set resolution before they get to the TV. Once it's in place your TV will no longer be switching resolutions all the time so you should no longer have this problem. Unless of course the scaler itself has a problem switching to various resolutions. Although I doubt a dedicated product specifically for that purpose would.

Dan

That's my guess -- we'll learn that today. However I still think TIVO needs to understand what is not being properly calculated in their datastream for direct connects over HDMI. Considering how many folks are reporting HDMI problems-- it certainly appears there is quite some variability of how various tv's are interpreting the data. What a mess HDMI has become. :(

[hookbill]

Considering how many folks are reporting HDMI problems-- it certainly appears there is quite some variability of how various tv's are interpreting the data. What a mess HDMI has become. :(

Again, consider how many people who don't complain and arn't having problems. It far out ways the few that are complaining. Not that you don't have a right to say something, if your having problems speak up. Problem is these kind of post leave an impression that HDMI is a mess for everyone.

[AbMagFab]

That's my guess -- we'll learn that today. However I still think TIVO needs to understand what is not being properly calculated in their datastream for direct connects over HDMI. Considering how many folks are reporting HDMI problems-- it certainly appears there is quite some variability of how various tv's are interpreting the data. What a mess HDMI has become. :(
Um, no. Most TV's just can't handle changing resolutions so quickly. That's why they did a fixed resolution on the initial release (DirecTV HD Tivo), and why they provide options to fix the output resolution on this one - because some TV's can't switch resolutions and/or scale well.

Newer TV's (over the last year) are better at it, but even between my Sony 3LCD upstairs, and my SXRD downstairs, there's a big difference - my SXRD works with no problem, my 3LCD takes forever (but still works).

It's the TV, not the Tivo.

It's amazing how common it is for people to blame the wrong device, when the evidence is so clear.

And I'm not sure a scaler is really worth it, unless you have a really old TV. The newer TV's do an amazing job at scaling. However, that would require you sending native through, which apparently your TV doesn't support too well.