SHARP AQUOS TV + AZBOX + HDMI: REQUEST YOUR INPUT

[AcWxRadar]

If anyone is using an AZBox with the HDMI output and a Sharp AQUOS TV, I would like to request your input on an annoying little bug that I have developing.

If you have other system components (a different satellite receiver or a different TV) and you are also experiencing this issue, I would appreciate your input as well.

Frequently, while I am watching a satellite TV channel or a recorded program from my HDD, my AQUOS is putting up a "pop-up" message in the upper RH corner informing me that my video input selection is set to HDMI with 1080i format. It pops in and out continuously and I have no answer as to "WHY".

It has occasionally done this in the past, but it is almost constant now and possibly growing worse.

I don't know if I should suspect the Sharp Aquos TV or the AZBox's HDMI output signal.

Has anyone or is anyone else experiencing this anomaly? And do you have any ideas?

Thank you,

RADAR

 

[Lak7]

Possibly HDMI Handshake refresh?
Bad HDMI cable?

I know a few firmwares ago, the AZBox would fail to show video when waking due to a missing HDMI Handshake.

 

[tvropro]

Try component and see if it happens. This will isolate the HDMI input. My Aquos does goofy stuff like that on analog Ota that is weak sometimes. Thats one thing I hate about a digital tv if it ain't right it acts nuts on the input.

 

[Mikey11]

check through your TV menu settings....there should be a setting with the picture format....it sounds like you have this set to 1080i....it should be set to "auto" or "off" or "auto aspect" or something like that.....this lets the receiver select the video format without interference from the TV....

i would bet this is happening when you are watching a SD picture....thats because the receiver is putting out 480 and the TV is trying to correct it by displaying 1080i....

 

[brentb636]

Possibly HDMI Handshake refresh?
Bad HDMI cable?

I know a few firmwares ago, the AZBox would fail to show video when waking due to a missing HDMI Handshake.

Mine still does, with the 9.5020 firmware. Takes a reboot to get it back.

 

[brentb636]

Try component and see if it happens. This will isolate the HDMI input. My Aquos does goofy stuff like that on analog Ota that is weak sometimes. Thats one thing I hate about a digital tv if it ain't right it acts nuts on the input.

Because I have the same issue, I also always have the component hooked up from the Azbox, as well as HDMI, and you're right, the component always works, and doesn't look half bad in a pinch.

 

[Pixl]

You might want to ask your question over at the AVS message board. Good group there, very busy place.
LCD Flat Panel Displays - AVS Forum

Come back in here let us know what you find.

 

[Lak7]

Mine still does, with the 9.5020 firmware. Takes a reboot to get it back.

It shouldn't

 

[brentb636]

I fully agree with you, but it DOES !

 

[Mr Tony]

Mine still does, with the 9.5020 firmware. Takes a reboot to get it back.

same here...pisses me off to no end...

 

[AcWxRadar]

I went through all my setup menus on my Aquos and tried this and that. It is still generating the pop-up message. I dug through my boxes of toys and found another brand new HDMI cable. I will try that later and hopefully at least rule the cable out.

Right now it isn't acting up too bad. The video or audio never fails, but that darned pop-up message eventually grows annoying.

FYI: This anomaly appears regardless of what satellite or video format (SD vs HD) I am watching or even if it is a DVD title that I have FTP's to my AZBox HDD.

This problem appears to be accelerating, so whatever the problem is, it may eventually become "obvious" as to what is at fault, if it fails completely.

RADAR

 

[AcWxRadar]

I removed and replaced the HDMI cable yesterday and have been monitoring the issue.

The pop-up message informing me that a 1080i HDMI signal is being detected by the Sharp Aquos TV has not reappeared since (except at initial start-up).

I will operate with this cable for a week or two. If the problem does not return I will then put the original cable back on. If the problem comes back I will be assured that it was the cable that was at fault. This would be a very simple and easy fix so I am crossing my fingers.

RADAR

 

[Tron]

Intermittent connection at either end of the cable perhaps? Did you try that cable with any other HDMI device and experience the same problem?

 

[AcWxRadar]

Intermittent connection at either end of the cable perhaps? Did you try that cable with any other HDMI device and experience the same problem?

I am leaning towards a problem with the cable. That pop-up message had always appeared over the past year or so, but it became noticeably worse and almost constant after I had unplugged the box recently. I tried reseating the cable a couple of times, but it didn't help. I am thinking it is a poor or broken solder connection at the end of the cable that was plugged into the AZBox. I disturbed it causing it to become worse. I don't have another HDMI device to double check, but fortunately I did have a brand new HDMI cable. So far, so good! The issue has not repeated since changing the cable.

RADAR

 

[AcWxRadar]

Well, I guess there is some other problem at hand here. The "pop-up" message is returning. I am seeing it on SD and HD satellite channels and even during playback of movies stored on the HDD.

It isn't as bad as before, but it has returned. Darn!

Looks like I will have to get more elaborate with my investigation.

RADAR

 

[Tron]

Can you borrow an HDMI device from someone (even an upconverting DVD player would work)? That way, you could narrow down the list of possible culprits... If the problem only manifests itself on video from the box, then it would seem that either the box has an issue or it doesn't play well with that particular TV. To test that theory, you could try it on another HDTV.