HD and 771 signal problem

[bernt]

I'm having a rather specific HD issue.

I live in a condo where we recently decided to share a single satellite rather than litter the roof with satellites. I'm skipping the part as to why we hired someone other than Directv to do the installation, but it has to do with ridiculous Directv bureaucracy. The setup we ended up with is as follows: Slimline dish connected to a Zinwell 6X8 switch that runs a line into each apartment.

According to the readings on my box, signal strength on the dish is fine and I have no problem with most channels. The problem is HD. I only get HD on my local channels and the HD channels from around 70-76. Every other HD channel has an error with the code 771.

I've had several Directv technicians come out to try and diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, because they didnt do the service, they wont do any of the repairs or be specific with the problem (more bureaucracy).

I've seen other people reference a similar problem in relation to selective HD reception, but I've never seen a decent solution. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[Jimbo]

I'm having a rather specific HD issue.

I live in a condo where we recently decided to share a single satellite rather than litter the roof with satellites. I'm skipping the part as to why we hired someone other than Directv to do the installation, but it has to do with ridiculous Directv bureaucracy. The setup we ended up with is as follows: Slimline dish connected to a Zinwell 6X8 switch that runs a line into each apartment.

According to the readings on my box, signal strength on the dish is fine and I have no problem with most channels. The problem is HD. I only get HD on my local channels and the HD channels from around 70-76. Every other HD channel has an error with the code 771.

I've had several Directv technicians come out to try and diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, because they didnt do the service, they wont do any of the repairs or be specific with the problem (more bureaucracy).

I've seen other people reference a similar problem in relation to selective HD reception, but I've never seen a decent solution. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Would your expect them to fix the problem when they didn't do the install ?

Two things come to mind right away ...

Are you using your BBC's ... they allow the conversion for the mpeg4 signals (all your new HD channels are mpeg4) the HD channels you mentioned in the 70'as are the older mpeg 2 technology.

Secondly, how are your signal strengths on the 99 and 103 sats ?

also, what rec's. are you using ?

Jimbo

[bernt]

Are you using your BBC's

Yes

Secondly, how are your signal strengths on the 99 and 103 sats ?

Either 0 or N/A on almost every single transponder

also, what rec's. are you using ?

I'm not sure what "rec's" are.

[Jimbo]

Yes



Either 0 or N/A on almost every single transponder



I'm not sure what "rec's" are.

What receivers are you using ?

0 or NA on ALL transponders tell me that the dish is not pointed correctly.
Apperantly, the 101 is correct, but the fine tuning is not. (fine tune for the 99 and 103)

[bernt]

I'm using an HR21

[bernt]

I imagine it's nearly impossible to fine tune without a meter, right?

Thanks for all the help!

[Jimbo]

I imagine it's nearly impossible to fine tune without a meter, right?

Thanks for all the help!

Nope, not at all, I have never used a meter ... can't afford one for the amount of times I set these up ... I do a few a year, thats about it, unless someone calls for help.

You have to remember that you only need to adjust a very slight amount . the Sats are 23,000 miles up so a small movement here is a HUGE movement up there.

I have a suggestion, IF you have the Protection plan, maybe D* will come out and point it for you ..... OR, go thru the local yellow pages and see if there's anyone locally that will do it for you ... it's not uncommon for someone locally to charge $ 50 to point a dish, just so you know.

I would check to see if you have the Protection plan first, if you order it now, it doesn't take effect for 30 days though.
With the PP they will point and adjust and repair most situations for free.

Jimbo