Audio advice requested, please?

[k9krap]

My television system is making me angry.  It started Friday night/Saturday morning when I switched from REELZ after the OPLive replay was over.  Audio totally died.  Then it happened again the next night.  So, I thought maybe there was something about switching from REELZ that my system doesn’t like?  Nope.  It just happened again.  I switched from Oxygen to We.  Now no audio.  

My setup:  PHILIPS tv connected to my Directv receiver.  The sound bar is connected to the tv.  The woofer isn’t connected to anything as it uses Bluetooth. None of the audio is connected directly to the tv.  

I originally thought it was the receiver as, after checking connections, rebooting the receiver and fooling with settings, I tried out the DVD player and audio worked.  But yesterday, I switched to DVD as soon as it crapped out and I didn’t have audio there either.  So, what is it?   I turn on the tv and switch to a channel and everything is fine.  Then I switch to something else and it’s muted.  When I switch between inputs on the tv, it makes a noise upon selection.  That has never stopped working.  

Yesterday, I just turned everything off and let it sit for 15 minutes or so and it was working fine.  I don’t normally turn off the receiver and sound bar when I turn off the tv.  Maybe that’s the issue?  I’m at a loss here.  

Edited to add:  The DVD is working fine tonight but still no audio from directv.  I was prepared to cancel directv a couple days ago.  Maybe that’s the ticket.  

[k9krap]

It took over 4 hours to get the audio back this time. I rebooted the fucking receiver, no audio. Then switched to DVD and let it play for about 20 minutes and switched back to directv and finally I had audio. This is fucked up.

[minx]

John is probably the best source for this.
Off hand, I'd change the batteries in the remote (always my first course of action, so don't hold your breath on this one!)
Can you disconnect everything so the only audio source is the TV and see if that's the issue?

[k9krap]

The tv audio is bypassed when the sound bar, etc is connected.

[Dave's Not Here Man]

This is only based on what you've posted and an "over the phone" set of recommendations-

It's possible that the DTV box needs a firmware update. What I usually do before diagnosing problems like this is to go into the Menus of everything I'm using (TV, Chromecast, Set top box, DVD, etc), and if they have a system update in the System Menu (sometimes they can be in the Settings Menu), find the hardware/firmware update function and proceed with that. Most times they are current but you need to make sure before going any further. Then do a "hard restart" on everything. That means unplugging the power to everything and holding down the power on button for around 10 seconds to discharge the capacitors. Then plug everything back in and see what you've got. Some devices allow for a factory reset in the System Menu but that should be a last resort since most of the time it'll wipe out your saved apps, settings, and other stuff. Sometimes I'll perform the hardware updates bother before and after the hard recycle.

If no joy, the next step= If you have an HDMI cable running from the DTV box to the tv, start there by disconnecting everything else but the HDMI cable. Go to the Audio menu on the TV and set the tv speakers to ON, not AUTO. Then try watching the DTV (channels or apps selected should not matter*). If you still have a problem, then start with a new HDMI cable. If the problem is resolved, then try hooking the external speakers back up. The Audio menus can range in function and sometimes tvs also have Output settings to turn on/off the outputs and sometimes even variable levels (for audio). That's what I use because it allows me to have L-R from the tv speakers, and the sound bar as Center and surround+low end. Just make sure your tv output that goes to your sound bar is turn ON. Variable is up to you.

Also see if the DTV box has Audio Menus. I won't get into that right now as the above might and should be enough to narrow down the culprit.

[k9krap]

Thanks. I hate messing with the tiny, fragile connectors for the audio components. They are so tiny and it is so hard to get to the one on the back of the tv. I considered giving it a shot, but opted out mostly due to laziness/clumsiness. I did disconnect the hdmi stuff.

I remembered to turn off the audio before I went upstairs yesterday. I’ve switched once, and so far so good. We will see if this continues. It’s odd that audio is lost when I change channels. A firmware update was downloaded last week. I’ll check to see if I need another one. (I’m using an older model receiver because their new ones require internet connectivity. Since I have sucky, throttling service, I can’t use them.). One thing I’m really annoyed about is that I finally had an online guide again (I guess it appeared after the firmware update), but it’s gone now after all the reboots/resets. Oh, well, I was without it for years. It was just nice not to have to go online to see what’s playing.

Thanks so much for the advice!

[k9krap]

I now have muteness again. I will troubleshoot using your suggestions, John. It took longer today, but most likely because I was recording most of yesterday so the receiver wasn’t idle when I came down and turned on the tv. I truly hate directv now.

[Dave's Not Here Man]

The guide settings will be in the menu/s (on the DTV box) also.

[k9krap]

I’ve had issues with getting guide data for years. I had 2 inputs to the receiver from the satellite dish, allowing the ability to record one channel while watching another. Evidently, about 5 or 6 years ago, the connections went bad on one of those cables connected to the dish. The technician that came to service the call told me he could see some corrosion but because it had recently rained he could not go up to the roof at that time to fix it. (He also took photos of my clutter/mess, which totally pissed me off and I asked him to leave. He explained it by saying he was taking a photo to prove I had a picture. I have NEVER had a Directv tech do that.) So, now I switch the working input to one port that supposedly downloads guide information (I guess only one input on the receiver can process it?) when I head upstairs and then move it back to the other input when I’m ready to watch, because for some reason I can’t get a signal on the other input. Go figure. Then, I started losing channels. When I complained, they said someone will need to come out to troubleshoot. I said, “no thanks.” Now, this.

[k9krap]

I just replaced the HDMI cable. Hopefully this clears up the issue. 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[minx]

Fingers crossed as well.

[Dave's Not Here Man]

Good place to start but since you posted about having an issue with one of the LNBs (wiring, connectors, or whatever) that's likely going to be your culprit. If you had a single LNB system and one of those things was the problem, you'd be getting nothing but the receiver's internal display screens (menus, etc). If you have a dual LNB system, then you'd have some broadcast channels/programming working/displaying but primed for issues like yours. IIRC back in the days when they first came out with that dual lnb system you could have the audio and video from the same channel coming from different transponders, ergo the receiver needed both to operate properly. No idea what they do/use now though- could be the same or similar or could be entirely different.

[Dave's Not Here Man]

Now that I'm apparently obsessed with this topic.... I had a flashback. Although logical, it might not be exactly true- The dual lnb was for send and receive, and that they did it so the users could have dvr and ppv service without internet. I might even look it up later.

Have some working knowledge and experience, hell, I was an XM Authorized Dealer, but satellite work accounted only for a very small percentage of my overall expertise and experience. In fact, I probably have more experience as a consumer since I've had both Dish Network and Direct TV and being in the business, educated myself with the OSI levels I could understand at the time.

[k9krap]

I don’t think the old HDMI cable was shielded. It was flat, like those old antenna wires? If it wasn’t shielded, that could account for why audio was lost when switching channels. The audio wires crossed and are close in proximity to the HDMI. This problem is my immediate concern. I haven’t tested it significantly yet to see if the problem is fixed.

As far as the guide info goes, I’ve lived without it for years. If there’s a solution, yay! But I’m not holding my breath.  I truly appreciate your help, but don’t knock yourself out.  I know you have much more pressing sitters to worry about.  

[k9krap]

I also realized that the LNB input cable and the HDMI cable also touch.  The LNB input is a coaxial cable, which I assume is shielded?  Who knows?

[k9krap]

So evidently it wasn’t the HDMI. I didn’t even have to wait tonight. As soon as I turned everything on, there was no audio. I’ve updated all firmware that I could find, reseated all connections, rebooted numerous times, etc. I am frustrated.

[minx]

Now, I'm starting to get slightly obsessed too.

Not sure what kind of TV it is, but try completely disconnecting the TV from power for 5 minutes, then plugging it back in again and resetting to factory defaults.

If that doesn't work, is there something else (like a laptop) that you can connect to the dish to verify that you're not getting sound there either?

Do you have a brick? It won't fix anything, but judicious application of one to the TV or box may make you feel slightly better.

[k9krap]

Im sitting here right now listening to the Dexter song (it just happens to be the DVD that is in my player. I’ve already watched it but never swapped it for the next one (final season of the original Dexter).). No sound when I came downstairs - didn’t even have to change the channel this time. It’s definitely directv. Maybe I can get them to send a new receiver. Again. I’ve swapped out this thing so many times! I also have these gizmos that connect to each LNB input that connects to the receiver. I was told by a technician that they go bad and he sent me a couple many years ago. But the tech/photographer that came most recently said I didn’t need those. But it’s funny how I can’t get anything without them. What an ass he was.

I also think my dish is flaking out on me. The signal blips a lot more than it used to. It goes dark, too, for several seconds before reappearing. It is definitely time to abandon diectv. They really took a dive when ATT bought them. And they are steadily getting worse. I hate calling customer service - it’s a nightmare to get anyone that can help with directv issues. They always focus on wireless stuff. I’m getting a headache just thinking about it.

[k9krap]

I just checked. The “gizmos” are called “ B Band Converter (BBC) Module” (for Ka-Lo band up-conversion), if anyone is interested. Hmmm…I wonder if I can buy these online?

ETA:  just ordered 2.  And, it seems that disconnecting the LNB input for 60 seconds or so and then reconnecting seems to clear up the issue, so maybe the BBC is the culprit?  We shall see.  

[k9krap]

Okay, minx. I thought you may have had something. Tuesday morning I was watching a show, pausing it at times (to fetch dinner from the oven, pee, etc) and then fast forwarding through the ads. So, I hit the FF and then tried to stop it but couldn’t! Yikes! Batteries! (I truly thought I had swapped them out a few weeks ago as the receiver warned me they were low. I know I got up to fetch batteries but I probably forgot why I was in the kitchen and did something else.). Of course, while I was replacing the cover on the battery receptacle on the remote, I inadvertently hit a few buttons on the remote, changing channels a few times. Of course, audio died. I turned everything off and went to bed. But ever since, I’ve had audio AND guide info! Of course, I resisted changing channels unless absolutely necessary.  I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out how a nearly dead remote would affect the audio on a receiver? Well, tonight, no audio. The BBCs are due tomorrow. 🤞

[minx]

Well hell. I thought I had magically fixed it and was all ready to yell SUCK IT JOHN!

Alas, it it not to be....

[Dave's Not Here Man]

I'm not too proud to say when I'm wrong but trust me, I knew it wasn't the freakin remote. '

[k9krap]

As expected, the BBCs were delivered to my mailbox (I miss my mail lady!). So after fetching a bag of trash that a cat had hauled off under some bushes (I place stuff on my porch when it’s dark awaiting sunrise to take it to the cans), I made my way down the driveway. I am terrified of walking down inclines.  At least there were no gum balls on which I would wreck my ankle, thanks to the guy that does my lawn (he lows them away). But I made it down and back with no incidents.

I have installed both, hoping it brings the second LNB input back online. I’ll know in a few hours if that works. One of them had a bent coax pin. I straightened it as best I could, but still had no audio. So, I swapped the BBCs. Yes! No I have audio. I’m not sure if this is just because of all the fooling around I was doing causing some sort of reset or if the BBC was actually the culprit. Time will tell.

[k9krap]

Still not getting guide data so I guess the 2nd LNB isn’t up to snuff.  I still have guide info but it looks like I’ll need to swap the cables at least every 24 hours or the receiver reboots automatically.  

[k9krap]

Well, that was quick. I guess was a little lax about switching over to “get guide data” and the receiver rebooted about 30 minutes after I turned everything on. Audio was gone when everything came back up and I switched back to get a signal. Ugh. I’m done.

[k9krap]

Well, that reset took over 3 hours! Grrrrrrrrrrr…. I even reseated the LNB input, because the new connector is really tight and it is difficult to get the pin in and the clasp tightened.

And I lost guide info.  Again.  

[minx]

But do you have audio???

[Dave's Not Here Man]

:)Raises hand(: I know! I know! I know!


As a tech I have to be able to figure out the problem you've been working on for month in 10 minutes or less. So I don't spend a lot of time guessing....... but you did it and now you can relax. It's the DirecTV box. If I were you, I'd have them send out a person to bring you a new one and install it. Ask for a female installer if that makes you more comfortable but unless you want to take the chance and go through all of this again, I urge you to get a tech to do it.

[k9krap]

I had concluded that it’s the box. They sent this one less than a year ago. I was going to call this evening and ask for a new one. I’ve installed the last 3 replacements myself.

I was so sure it was the BBCs that I ordered more (they are due to arrive tomorrow). 🤣 Ot just seemed to make sense.

With the weakness getting worse in my hands and these nodules in my joints interfering with movement, it is more difficult for me to do things like I used to. But I think I can swap a receiver all by my lonesome.

(I can’t even get the earrings out of my ears!  I’ve been wearing these studs for several years - I think the last time I took them out was for my last knee surgery.  But I bought some new ones (they say “fuck” 🤣🤣🤣 - so me, right?) and wanted to put them in.  But no.  These studs ain’t coming out.  I hope the crematorium doesn’t mind.  🤣🤣🤣)

Now I have to face the part I was avoiding - calling AT&T.  Multiple ughs.  

Thank you so much, John, for your patience and advice.  

[Dave's Not Here Man]

A good tech will check out all of your connectors and connections and won't leave until everything is working to spec but if a simple swap out is all you need, then you certainly should be able to handle that. Sorry about your dexterity I know that's what ra and lupus does. As I type the folks are here doing our lawn (cutting, trimming, etc) because I just can't do it myself right now. I have had a real problem with my left foot that started about a month ago, not by coindidece I think, while I was mowing the lawn. Very well could be plantar fasciitis based on a quick Dr. Google. If that's not bad enough broke my right foot and tore up the ankle pretty good years ago, and that leads to random lightning strikes of pain to go with the constant arthritic soreness.

Never paid anyone to do anything but the writing is on the wall.