Vertical and horizontal lines in output

[benh]

Could someone please help me identify what this problem is? Please see the attached screen capture.

Is this a ground loop problem? To me, this nastiness on my picture doesn't look like the hum bars that I've seen examples of on other forum postings. My tuner is a PVR150 MCE. I'm using the latest drivers I can find (2.0.48.24227). I've tried different computers. I've tried different cable and electrical outlets in my house. I've tried different pieces of coax. I do not see this problem when viewing my Charter cable with a TV.

At this point, I'm pretty much without any ideas about how to track down this problem. I guess I would just like some advice on whether I should do more ground loop research, or look at replacing this PVR150, or... what?

[Apap]

It looks like a ground loop problem.

Look at where the cable enters the building and see if there is a grounding block. Follow the ground wire and see if it is attatched to a ground rod or water pipe. Then find the ground line from your main electric panel and see where it terminates. If there is any real amount of distance between the ground termination points, you may have a problem.

[benh]

Thanks for the hint on what to look for. The cable comes into my house directly beside where the electrical meter is mounted. There is a ground wire that goes from the outside electrical panel (where the meter is mounted) straight down into the ground. I am nearly certain it must go to a rod since it is not near a pipe. In the cable company box, there is a splitter. I suppose this represents the demarc? There is a ground cable that goes from that splitter and attaches to the same ground cable that feeds out from behind the meter base. Does that sound right? If that sounds like it is set up correctly, where else might I look for the problem?

[Apap]

Sounds like the grounding is setup right but you can verify this if you can connect a voltmeter between the cable ground and the ground pin of the outlet you are using. There should be only maybe a few millivolts difference between them. Anything approaching 1 volt and you probably still have a problem.

I also had this kind of problem with a bad svideo cable, try swapping with another known good cable. Watch cable routing, try not to run video cables parallel to AC cords to avoid 60 hz inductive pickup.

You might be getting interference from your other equipment . I ended up moving my Directv STBs away from my other equipment. That seemed to help a little as well.

That's all I can think of....................
Apap

[Apap]

Just reread and thought of another thing,

Signal strength. Are any splitters or amplifiers in your cable setup?

Splitters can reduce signal strength and cause this problem. I have also seen cheap signal amps introduce noise as well. Some TVs less sensitive to weak signals than tuner cards. If all else fails you might try a good distribution amp with an FM trap. FM signals can cause interference too.

[benh]

Originally Posted by Apap

Just reread and thought of another thing,

Signal strength. Are any splitters or amplifiers in your cable setup?

Bingo! You got it. I do have a Leviton Enhanced RF distribution module in my wiring closet. The whole house is fed from that. I tinkered around with the attenuator on that module, and got my picture to clear up. My internet speed is all jacked up now, but I have a clear picture through the PVR-150.

[Apap]

Good to see you got it working.