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View Full Version : Grey Bars/Shadows Scrolling up Screen

Dnamertz
12-01-2007, 05:12 PM
I have a Panasonic plasma TV and DirecTivo (non-HD) and when I watch anything via DirecTv (including shows recorded on the DirecTivo) there are two grey bars slowly scrolling up the screen (its really noticeable in a dark scene, or when the screen fades black going to a commercial). It does not happen when I'm watching something via OTA HD channels nor via DVD. So, I assumed it was the S-Video cable I have running from the DirecTivo to the TV, so I replaced it with 3-pronged cables (yellow for video and red/white for audio...I forget what they're called)...but I still see the same bars. I thought for sure switching the cables would solve it buy now I'm confused.

Someone in another thread had a similar problem and someone said it might be the "grounding cables"...what does that mean?

By the way, up we moved one month ago I had this problem ANY time I watched something on FOX (via DirecTv). No other channels did it just FOX. But ever since we moved it happens during everything we watch via DirecTv.
TonyTheTiger
12-01-2007, 06:12 PM
Sounds like a ground loop issue. Sometimes this causes humming and others, a 60 Hz scrolling bar. Usually hard to isolate, the best fix is to get a UPS for the DirecTiVo box.

You may want to pick up a ground loop filter from your local Radio Shack too.
Dnamertz
12-01-2007, 10:21 PM
Sounds like a ground loop issue. Sometimes this causes humming and others, a 60 Hz scrolling bar. Usually hard to isolate, the best fix is to get a UPS for the DirecTiVo box.

You may want to pick up a ground loop filter from your local Radio Shack too.

What is a "UPS"?
John T Smith
12-01-2007, 10:45 PM
Uninterruptable Power System... ie, a battery backup

Go to your local TV-Stereo store and ask to look
Dnamertz
12-02-2007, 01:04 AM
Uninterruptable Power System... ie, a battery backup

Go to your local TV-Stereo store and ask to look

OK, I'm looking up Uninterruptable Power Systems online and they look and sound like surge protectors? Is this what I need, and why would this be causing the problem?

I currently have the equipment hooked up thru a surge protector, although it was VERY cheap. What should I be looking for that I'm not getting out of my current surge protector?
TonyTheTiger
12-02-2007, 08:42 AM
A cheap surge protector may stop a power spike, but may not have line conditioning, making sure that only "clean" power is getting through to the device.

An Uninteruptable Power Supply should have this and can eliminate a 60MHz fluctuation.