S3 video fails when not put in standby?

[gnetwerker]

OK, I have searched the forum diligently for this problem, and not found it mentioned.

When I turn off my TV, but leave my (unmodified, 9.4 updated, etc, etc) S3 "on" when I go to bed -- that is, don't put it into "standby"mode, by the morning its video output will not sync with the TV.

The symptom is that the TV will cycle from a black screen (most likely simply a "signal not recognized" state where it auto-blanks), to a screen full of "snow", but with no audio static. The Tivo will still respond in various ways to the remote -- i.e. if I fiddle around with it enough I can record some random show, and it will show this on the front panel. So it appears that the S3 is still working. The TV is an InFocus 61MD10, which does not evidence this symptom with any other device, including my always-on (SD) ReplayTV boxes. It is connected via HDMI.

If I turn the S3 "off" -- i.e. put it in Standby mode, then everything is fine when I turn it on. I've isolated this to the point where I know it is independent of the HD extender box, but I don't have another HD monitor to try. I've fiddled with the "aspect" button on the Tivo, as well as the TV's "format" button, and none of that makes a difference.

This falls into the category of nuisance, I suppose, but to get the Tivo out of this state I need to cycle the power, a process that takes several minutes and is a PITA.

Any ideas on this? I'm surprised not to see it mentioned here, but I'm guessing it is some weird interaction between Tivo and the TV.

[richsadams]

It sounds like the HDCP "handshake" is giving you problems. The "handshake" is usually negotiated every time a component (TiVo, TV, A/V receiver, etc.) is turned on. Some Sony TV's exhibit this same problem. Search using keywords HDCP, handshake, Sony, etc. and you'll find a number of discussions.

To verify, try a new HDMI cable and if that doesn't work, switch to component (YPbPr) output from TiVo. Connecting component out from TiVo directly to your TV and digital/optical audio out from TiVo to your receiver should resolve the problem and the PQ will be as good as HDMI. Here's a pretty good article about HDMI connections (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1894924,00.asp) and some of the problems that arise.

Let us know how things go.

[gnetwerker]

Thanks for that -- I didn't think about the handshake. I am going to get an HDMI switch, and maybe that will solve the problem.