Cable Card Tuner Reception Problems

[defiant]

Hi, i have two cable cards and use an apple tv 4k for viewing live tv. Despite having what seems like perfect signals, i get constant 'tuner reception problems' and blocky/stuttering video. I know there's not many of us left, but any suggestions? Signals below.

Virtual Channel 202 MRQC
Frequency 195.000 MHz
Program Number 3
Authorization subscribed
CCI Protection unrestricted
Modulation Lock qam256
PCR Lock locked
Signal Strength 100% (0.1 dBmV)
Signal Quality 100% (39.4 dB)
Symbol Quality 100%
Streaming Rate 3.990 Mbps
Resource Lock 192.168.1.140

[signcarver]

How about when not viewed with appletv? Also do you have a dvr engine running anywhere on your network as occasionally those issues crop up as an issue with the buffer the dvr engine provides.

Though the levels you posted are "perfect" at that moment, you need to have something that continually monitors such to see if there are dropouts. But personally I first expect the appletv's codecs when dealing with cable streams (a lot depends on resolution and codecs used, interlaced content can be terrible).

[jasonl]

Do you see the issues on all channels or is it specific to those on 195 MHz?

[defiant]

The pixelation/stuttering happens on windows pcs with the HDHomerun App, as well as through Plex. Same with Live Channels on iphone/ipad/apple tv. Some channels do some less affected than others but it's hard to track. All apple tvs and PCs are hardwired gigabit.

I have plex and live channels as dockers on my server. Stopping both servers and viewing live tv through the HDHomerun app seems to be the same (stuttering/pixelation).

Is there a way to log the signal levels or to see if there's packet drops?

Checking it seems super odd.

Virtual Channel 171 AMCHD
Frequency 333.000 MHz
Program Number 1
Authorization subscribed
CCI Protection unrestricted
Modulation Lock qam256
PCR Lock locked
Signal Strength 98% (-1.4 dBmV)
Signal Quality 75% (31.6 dB)
Symbol Quality 77%
Streaming Rate 3.306 Mbps
Resource Lock 192.168.1.8

followed by

Virtual Channel 171 AMCHD
Frequency 333.000 MHz
Program Number 1
Authorization subscribed
CCI Protection unrestricted
Modulation Lock none
PCR Lock locked
Signal Strength 98% (-1.4 dBmV)
Signal Quality none
Symbol Quality none
Streaming Rate 3.116 Mbps
Resource Lock 192.168.1.8

Something is off?

[jasonl]

We would like to get some diagnostic data to see what is happening:

1. In a web browser go to http://hdhomerun.local
   NOTE: That address will go do the first HDHomeRun device found on your network. If you have more than one HDHomeRun device, use the "device ID" printed on the bottom of the unit instead of "hdhomerun" in the address. For example, if your device ID was 104FFFFF then you would go to http://104fffff.local
2. If it tells you that a firmware update is available, please install it
3. Click "System Menu"
4. Check the "Send diagnostic information" box (if this box is already checked, please un-check then re-check it)
5. Go back one page
6. Click "Channel Lineup"
7. Click on "Detect Channels"
8. After the scan finishes, open the HDHomeRun app
9. Go into the app settings: the gear icon in the top right corner of the "Live/Recorded/Discover/Tasks" page
10. Enable the option to "Send diagnostic information"
11. Watch a problem channel for at least 10 minutes

Reply back and provide us the device ID of your HDHomeRun and we will check the logs. You can find the device ID on a label on the bottom of the HDHomeRun itself.

[defiant]

Model: HDHR3-CC
Device ID: 1325B2F3
Firmware: 20230713

Running now. Tried a couple different channels, channel 190 seems to be the worst currently. Thanks for going the extra mile here.

Also i have two tuners, i disconnected one just to try to eliminate any possible problems.

[jasonl]

Looks like the signal levels are in general great, but there is some interference that is causing issues. Start by moving the HDHomeRun away from other electronic devices, especially anything that sends or receives signals (cable modem, wireless router, cell phone/tablet/hotspot, baby monitor, cordless phone, etc.) and anything that is prone to generate a lot of EMI (fluorescent and LED lights, dimmer switches, anything that turns electricity into motion like fans, motors, pumps, and compressors). Also make sure all your coax cables are in good condition with no cuts, kinks, or other damage, make sure that all connectors are securely attached to the cable and finger-tight on the outlet/splitter/HDHomeRun. Make sure that all splitter ports are either connected to something or terminated using a proper coax terminator.

[defiant]

It seems my Ubiquiti UCI Cable modem may be causing the interference. If i pull it off the coax line the choppiness goes away. Xfinity is sending me their gateway and hopefully that will have better luck. Thanks again.

[defiant]

Well i tried the Xfinity modem and unfortunately same issue. I have their 2000mbps service, not sure if using all of the extra channels/ mid split tech has something to do with it.

[jasonl]

Might just be too much power from the modem upstream. An 85MHz highpass filter on the input to the HDHomeRun should knock that out. I can't find anyone who carries them retail in the US, but you can get them via the slow boat from China, https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832624976988.html .