---

 wrote:

Hey Satch, Yes they replaced the splitter during the second visit-here's is a photo of the new splitter.

After all the replacing of the splitter and the two cables, the picture seems better but still not nearly what it was before this started. It would be difficult to try and replace the splitter and run direct to the cable box, so if I could get a name of a good brand, I'd be eager to replace this one.  I'm going to take a couple more photo's of what the picture quality looks like now to show the difference between over cable as compared to what the same scene looks like when I stream it.

---

Cool,

I am gonna ask around.

Satch

Guys,

Searching for Boxing Shows at SpectrumTV.net to record them to DVR only shows On Demand content all live shows are missing.  This has happend before.  it gets fixed and than the problem returns when listings are updated at Spectrum TV's Remote DVR Manager.  The cable box is fine, and shows everything that there is to see.

Satch

---

 wrote:

DTV used to be the steller service back in the day untill AT&T took it over. now it's a disaster LOL. and they do require a 2 year contract. i am still with spectrum ugh. but there finally taking care of there issues. i did file multible FCC complaints on them as well as wrote a letter to the CEO complaing really hard LOL. you think you have it bad my internets would drop out mulitble times of the day and the modem would reboot the phone would go down with the internets well the phone is nothing more than voip. my t.v. would breakup and pixelize to the point it would crash down like the t.v. was powered off. it was a nightmare lol the techs were basicly living with me for a year trying to figure it out what was going on that's how bad it was!!! but i got a good manager the last time i spoke with them and i got the promo rate for another year that's what kept me other than trying to get DTV installed 4 times but that's another book LOL.

 

what box do you have??? i know when the world box is working right the picture is amazing. that's the box they need to give out alarm clocks with since there's no clock on it. but yea when i had the world box even programs in SD looked almost as good as 4K!!! i just prefer a tivo because it's whole home and it's cheaper than spectrum

---

If you get World Box.  Try to get a Technicolor T-model over the Humax H-model.  The Technicolor ones are better. As for the Splitter issue/ picture Marcroblocking issue here are some suggestions to try:

1.) Get an Antronix or Extreme splitter off of Amazon.

2.) Check TV for a setting called "Motion Blur."

3.) To rule out the TV, see if you can reproduce the same issue on a different TV.

These three "Process of  elimination steps." will help.

Satch

---

 wrote:
Hey toolman1990, i'm going to do just that Monday! It might not do anything to help the picture, but at least I'll feel better, in that I did SOMETHING.

---

I agree with Toolman,

File an FCC complaint!  I would still look at one of those splitters.  It might improve things, but won't be a magic bullet.  You need an ongoing investigation here.  Especially since a different TV is showing the same thing.  Something is definitely on Spectrum's end that is being overlooked.  Considering that months ago, everything was fine.  Keep us posted.

I would also start calling and getting credits on your account after you file the FCC complaint.  That will make Spectrum dig deeper and find out what this is going on here.  It's something in your node.  You have to start getting compensation for this.  You have ALL the evidence.  Good job in researching!

Satch

---

 wrote:

I missed the first ten minutes of a show today that has the Start Over symbol.  Nothing happened when I click on the symbol for start over on the remote.  I haven't used that feature in a long while so have I forgotten and there is another step to this?

 

I tried to find information at Spectrum Support but was told (1) to try later (which I did with the same result) to search for a support article and (2) when I clicked on Chat I was told THIRD PARTY cookies are required!  I don't and never have allowed third party cookies for any reason in the 20 years I have had computers (my first purchased software 20 years ago was to control cookies). 

 

So, I am here asking (as calling Spectrum is a mess I avoid if at all possible (used to be OK when it was Oceanic TWC).

---

Hello,

Some comments to begin the investigation.  First, power off your cable box and unplug it for one minute.  Plug the box back in.  Allow your box to reboot.  Now, test the Start Over feature.  If this does not resolve the issue OR the problem comes back note that  any of the following are possible:

1.) The host station no longer allows Start Over for that channel.

2.) The Start Over feature was down when tried.

3.) There is a signal issue involved somewhere from preventing the show from being stated over. (possible.)

4.) You have DVR service and were recording the show and the Start Over feature does not work on shows being recorded or played back.

5.) An issue with your box, (unlikely)

6.) A time sensitive issue that when you tried it, it just did not work.

I would contact Spectrum through Twitter and let them know that Start Over is not working.  The Twitter page is called, "@Ask_Spectrum." Let them know that you have already done a cold reboot of your box.  Be sure to list the channel (s) in which Start Over is not working and take screenshots of your Cable Box Guide for reference.  Go to the Ask Spectrum Page on Twitter.  Log into Twitter and Follow the page.  (Sign up for Twitter, if you don't have an account.)

Next, send over a Direct Message (Private Message) with your account information and the channel(s) which Start Over does not work.  Include screenshots of Guide.  Request in your message that this information be sent to your local Spectrum/Oceanic office to test the Start Over feature. 

 If "Ask Spectrum" comes back and says Start Over is down, nothing you can do at this time.  If they say, we can access Start Over just fine, you may need to set up a service call.  If you set up the service call, avoid rebooting any boxes, modems, or routers for at least six hours!  Rebooting will reset the signal error codes back to zero, and the tech needs to see the error codes for the signal test that he will do, should he need to visit the home.

Satch

---

 wrote:
Thanks Satch, appreciate your input on this! Do you think I need to call Spectrum myself and request Tier 3 Support or is this something they should do with just another regular service call on my part?

---

Greetings,

We only offer limited mod support at this forum on weekends.  My recommendation would be go to Twitter and get a Twitter account or log in if you already have Twitter.  Follow the "Ask Spectrum" page here so that you can send a Direct Message to them with your account information.  Here is the 24x7 Ask Spectrum Site on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ask_spectrum?lang=en

In your DM state the following:

1.) You have had picture break up and macroblocking for several months

2) Line-checks, signal checks, and box swaps with multiple tech visits have not solved the issue.  You can even send the link to this post in your DM.

3.) Provide your account information.

4.) Say that techs think it is a problem in your node. 

5.) Have them open a ticket on your account and request that your problem be forwarded to a Technical Operations Supervisor in your area.  A bucket crew may be needed in your node to investigate and fix this.

6.) If they want to do ANOTHER service call, let them, but don't reboot anything for six hours prior to your tech visit.  Do not reset any boxes, modems, or routers prior to your tech visit.  Doing so will reset the error codes on your equipment back to zero, and the tech needs to see the error codes.  They may have to initiate one more service call to get this expedited.  You want this looked at by at least Tier 3 support.

7.) When this gets resolved, get some kind of credit or compensation.  (Free On Demand Movie Coupons, a free movie channel for at least 1-3 months, something.)  This is because of this going on for so long.

Note that you can't do #7 until this gets fixed.  You can keep us posted here!  Good luck!

Satch

---

 wrote:

---

 wrote:

Yea toolman1990, thats what i'm afraid of! Nice hi-def tv shows off Spectrums shortcomings even better now! Might have to consider switching to some other provider, if they can provide better pipcture quality. Have the tech coming out Saturday to see what they can do as a final resort. We'll see......

---

If that ends up with you getting the run around file an FCC complatint. That tends to get you the TQA supevisor for your local area and some competent employees assuming if it is not normal compression for your local area.

  https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

---

I am shocked that it looks that bad!  If this was an MPEG 2 issue, you would think that this would be reported all over the place.  I know people with new sets and Spectrum, and the picture is amazing!  I hope that it is something in your node.  Please keep us posted on what the tech finds!

Satch

---

 wrote:
Oh, I will absolutely let you know what this "Tier 3" tech finds. I even have saved some more examples to show him on other channels. It's very frustrating to have nice equipment for a home theater system and to watch such poor quality . Thanks for all the input everyone!

---

The other reasons why I would rule out MPEG-2 issues:

• This is way too severe to be that.  If it was, other tickets would be reported on this.
• You said everything was fine several months ago, and if there was an MPEG-2 to MEPEG-4 conversion for your whole node, every set with Spectrum Cable TV would be behaving the same way, and people would be livid until this was fixed!
• Multiple boxes produce the same issues
• Previous techs said your signals are fine.

Just remember not to reboot anything for six hours prior to your tech visit, (Modems, routers, boxes.)  so that he gets the most accurate reading possible.

Satch

---

 wrote:

---

 wrote:

Yea toolman1990, thats what i'm afraid of! Nice hi-def tv shows off Spectrums shortcomings even better now! Might have to consider switching to some other provider, if they can provide better pipcture quality. Have the tech coming out Saturday to see what they can do as a final resort. We'll see......

---

If that ends up with you getting the run around file an FCC complatint. That tends to get you the TQA supevisor for your local area and some competent employees assuming if it is not normal compression for your local area.

  https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

---

I agree with the FCC complaint, if this does not get fixed after Saturday's appointment. Past experiences with helping customers, they have told me this works great!

Satch

---

 wrote:
Oh, I will absolutely let you know what this "Tier 3" tech finds. I even have saved some more examples to show him on other channels. It's very frustrating to have nice equipment for a home theater system and to watch such poor quality . Thanks for all the input everyone!

---

How was your appointment?

Satch

---

 wrote:

Hey Satch! Well, I ended up with two appointments actually...the one Saturday and another today, Sunday. Saturday, the tech that came out was a supervisor and took over two hours here. He listened to my complaint and saw the pictures on the TV, agreed they weren't very good at all. He ran his checks and even though both cables (one from the outside terminal, which happens to be in our backyard and the other from the splitter in our basement to the cable box) showed that they passed, he said the readings were on the very low end.  He told me that the the outside cable which is at most 85' , was reading over 250' on his meter.        So, he replaced both cables, checked all connections once again and also stated he wanted to put in a ticket to "balance the frequencies", which I have no idea of the meaning. He seemed thorough enough and said he'd follow up with that balancing, which had to be done by someone else. Today, a bucket truck pulls up and another tech gets out and tells me he's here to check out my cable some more. Off to the outside terminal he goes and again checks everything out. All is reading "just about perfect" according to him. He then tells me he's going to go and check the node in the neighborhood, but he's not confident that it will show anything as the reading from there is very good. He did call me after he checked the node and told me it all looked good to him.

       So, we're watching tv and it does seem somewhat better, but of course now my eyes are tuned right into this problem.   it is still there, but not as bad, but still annoying and not what this tv and cable should be producing. I'm going to try and switch the cable box to my other, older flat screen thats now on an HD antenna as soon as i can record a show/movie that I think will show this problem pretty well, just to make sure it isn't the tv (which I doubt it is, but, just in case). Lots of money tied up in home theater equipment (we don't really go out to the movies much) and ending up with subpar picture quality. Ahhh, the joys of cable tv!! 

       Thanks again for checking in Satch! Hope you had a good 4th, by the way!

---

Thank you!

Did he get rid of the splitter?  Every time I see the word "Splitter" in a cable issue, that turns out to often be the problem.  Splitters can cause picture quality problems.  OK, they passed his meeter test, but I would look at connecting this cable set up without the splitter at all.  That would be first task.  If you can't, let me know, and I will ask around for what is the best quality splitter to get that does not cause this issue.   Can you post a screenshot of the splitter in your basement and tell us what you have going to it and from it?

Satch

---

 wrote:

Hey Satch, Yes they replaced the splitter during the second visit-here's is a photo of the new splitter.

After all the replacing of the splitter and the two cables, the picture seems better but still not nearly what it was before this started. It would be difficult to try and replace the splitter and run direct to the cable box, so if I could get a name of a good brand, I'd be eager to replace this one.  I'm going to take a couple more photo's of what the picture quality looks like now to show the difference between over cable as compared to what the same scene looks like when I stream it.

---

Cool,

I am gonna ask around.

Satch

---

 wrote:

DTV used to be the steller service back in the day untill AT&T took it over. now it's a disaster LOL. and they do require a 2 year contract. i am still with spectrum ugh. but there finally taking care of there issues. i did file multible FCC complaints on them as well as wrote a letter to the CEO complaing really hard LOL. you think you have it bad my internets would drop out mulitble times of the day and the modem would reboot the phone would go down with the internets well the phone is nothing more than voip. my t.v. would breakup and pixelize to the point it would crash down like the t.v. was powered off. it was a nightmare lol the techs were basicly living with me for a year trying to figure it out what was going on that's how bad it was!!! but i got a good manager the last time i spoke with them and i got the promo rate for another year that's what kept me other than trying to get DTV installed 4 times but that's another book LOL.

 

what box do you have??? i know when the world box is working right the picture is amazing. that's the box they need to give out alarm clocks with since there's no clock on it. but yea when i had the world box even programs in SD looked almost as good as 4K!!! i just prefer a tivo because it's whole home and it's cheaper than spectrum

---

If you get World Box.  Try to get a Technicolor T-model over the Humax H-model.  The Technicolor ones are better. As for the Splitter issue/ picture Marcroblocking issue here are some suggestions to try:

1.) Get an Antronix or Extreme splitter off of Amazon.

2.) Check TV for a setting called "Motion Blur."

3.) To rule out the TV, see if you can reproduce the same issue on a different TV.

These three "Process of  elimination steps." will help.

Satch

---

 wrote:
Hey toolman1990, i'm going to do just that Monday! It might not do anything to help the picture, but at least I'll feel better, in that I did SOMETHING.

---

I agree with Toolman,

File an FCC complaint!  I would still look at one of those splitters.  It might improve things, but won't be a magic bullet.  You need an ongoing investigation here.  Especially since a different TV is showing the same thing.  Something is definitely on Spectrum's end that is being overlooked.  Considering that months ago, everything was fine.  Keep us posted.

I would also start calling and getting credits on your account after you file the FCC complaint.  That will make Spectrum dig deeper and find out what this is going on here.  It's something in your node.  You have to start getting compensation for this.  You have ALL the evidence.  Good job in researching!

Satch

 Hey!

I communicated with someone who lives just across the river in Troy, NY.  He says that because of the infrastructure of the age of these homes with splitters and wiring that is 30+ years old, a complete rewiring is very likely mandatory in the OP's case.  He recommends that Spectrum do a complete rewiring of the home with new cables.  Here is his response:

"The amount of splitters and connectors in the basements (let alone inside the livable spaces) is mind boggling. Add in the basement with the moisture to an exposed port on a splitter or a connector on a 30+ year old cable that is most certainly not rated for today's bandwidth and well....less than stellar results may occur.

I'd run new cable, had to do it to my place when I moved in 6yrs ago. Not a glitch since."

I can speak on this.  Three years ago, all of our services, cable, phone, and Internet were going out. The tech checked and determined two things, that one of our main lines was completely dead and that our existing wiring was over 30 years old! (And it was, we got cable back in 1985!) He did a complete rewiring of the home,  I would recommend this to the next higher-up with whom you communicate this to at Spectrum.  We had the rewiring done and the improvement was noticed right away.  It solved everything!

Satch

---

 wrote:

Thank you so much for the excellent information!  An hour later, same channel (CNN), start over worked.  So, I suppose it was down when I first tried it. 

 

I will keep this information in case I have a problem again with it and it doesn't clear up soon. 

---

Glad to help!

If you can, please mark this issue as "Solved" so that it goes into our solutions database.

Satch

---

 wrote:

Hello,

I have already swapped out 2 boxes this week, due to heavy pixelating/now not even working. We replaced  the coax cable, and our other equipment is working fine (phone, other dvr boxes, & internet). 

Boot sequence:  BOOT-->OCAP-->7:03 (incorrect time)-->ALERT - NOT TUNABLE

At a total loss on this problem. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

---

Greetings,

Pixilation is almost never a box problem, but is a signal problem. Set up a service call to check your signals and drop line.  Specify this in the work order.  Avoid rebooting any boxes, modems, or routers, for at least six hours before your service call.  Box swaps will NEVER solve signal problems, and as you are on your third box, the tech must check your signals and lines.  The Arris 3600 is a great box!  You have a signal issue.  Your pixilation /signals are really bad.  The box is saying "Not tunable."  Your line drop needs to be checked and replaced.  Inside cable wiring as well.

Satch

---

 wrote:

I agree with  that pixelation is almost never a box problem but usually a signal problem.

 

Just to rule out all possibilities, swap the problem box out with one of the other boxes that works fine to see how they both operate. If the problem box still has the pixelation issue it might be the box but if the moved working box starts showing signs of pixelation or other symptoms it's definitely a signal issue.

 

Do you have Spectrum internet and do you have access to the modem's signal page? If so, post the signals page and event log...they may show something obvious.

---

I agree with Red's suggestions!  If the issue comes down to the box, the rare 6-tuners are the first choice.  An Aris 3600-M and Cisco 9865. (Six tuners on each,) Or the 4-tuner World Box.  No clock on the World Boxes, no Caller ID on TV for landline Spectrum Phone Subs on World Box.

Satch

---

 wrote:

We hooked up 2 other boxes in the house to our living room where the dvr normally resides - both boxes booted just fine, no pixelating, etc.  It's actually the only way we can watch TV right now. We do have Spectrum phone and internet (both are also located in the living room) and no issues there. My last call to Spectrum yesterday was when I activated our new cable modem/router & she said she saw no issues connection-wise, which is why she was hedging on the side that I most likely  got another bad box. I will have to check out the modem signal page, but when I hooked everything up yesterday, signal showed no issues.

 

Since the 6-tuner boxes seem to be few-and-far-between, is this most likely the case of the luck of the draw - whether its a good or bad box? We certainly don't want to give up our TWC grandfathered 6-tuner box, but would we have better luck going forward with the 4-tuner boxes that are most likely brand new? These refurb units seem to be a real joke.

 

Thoughts? Thank you guys again for your suggestions!

---

No!

Hold on to the 6-tuner box til the day you die, unless it is really working poorly.  But remember, have signals checled first, don't reboot anything for six hours prior to a service call to avoid a reset of your error codes.  Always have the tech check your line drop, your basement wiring, and connected cable wiring to the TV and equipment.  The box should be THE LAST thing to replace, not the first thing!

Satch

---

 wrote:

I have 2 relatively new (4 months) URC1160 controllers, last week one stopped affecting any set top box functions (I.e. changing channels, turning STB on or off, guide, menu, etc) while still working for TV functions (I.e. volume, turning tv on or off, input). I was able to change channels and use other STB functions using the buttons on the STB, and the other remote works fine on both boxes. I’ve changed the batteries and reset the STB both did nothing.

 

Anyone have this problem or know of a fix?

---

This sounds like a bad remote. Especially if the other one works fine. Two options:

1.) Call Spectrum and they will ship you a new remote within five business days. OR

2.) Go to any Spectrum Store and swap it out for a new one.

Keep your spare remote as a back-up in the event of an emergency.

Satch