Problem with HDMI/Pioneer Elite 92

[rogman]

Does anyone else have this annoying problem with HDMI and a Pioneer Elite receiver? (Or ANY other receiver for that matter)

I'm using all HDMI 1.3 cables (from Better Cables) from my cable box and PS3 to my receiver, and then to my Epson Powerlite Home 1080P projector. I have frequent problems losing the HDMI signal. (Black screen, "No HDMI signal" message at the bottom). This happens when I change from HD to SD channels (and vice versa), and also when switching discs on the PS3. This makes home theater demos very frustrating.

Sometimes I can switch inputs on the receiver and then back again to get the signal back, sometimes I need to shut components off or unplug HDMI cables to get it back. I realize this is probably a problem with the 'handshake' between components, but how common is this? Does it happen often for others? Any solutions?

I sent a note to Pioneer tech support, but they want me to call to go over it w/the on the phone. Haven't had a chance to do that yet.

Any advice? Thanks.

[Entertainment72]

I have a Pioneer Elite 92, no such issues here but then again I use Monster Ultra double DD 800 series THX certified HDMI cables .

Sidenote: The HDMI control feature works between Pioneer and Sony, was suprised.

[crackinhedz]

I wouldn't necessarily spend "more" on an HDMI cable, but try another cable anyway. See if the problem still persists.

[My_Two_Cents]

How long is your HDMI run from your AVR to your projector? If you have problems from both your cable box and your PS3, it seems logical that the problem is between the AVR and your PJ. My two cents.

[Footloose301]

Similar troubles exist with certain Samsung TV's and cable boxes when switching between an HD signal(720/1080) to SD signal (480i). Randomly the TV's will say "Unsupported Signal" and screen goes black. The problem is that a lot of Samsungs can't properly handle a 480i signal(odd, yes I know). So you'd go into the settings and change the output of your source to work for ONLY 480P,720P,1080i,1080P.

You may have a similar issue.

[ericshoot]

I have similar problem with Marantz SR4001. Sometimes after I change a disc, I have audio drop outs. The way to fix it is to unplug the hdmi cable and plug it back in.

The weird thing is the problem only happens after I use the receiver and ps3 for sometime. If I turn on everything say the next day or so, I have no problem. But if I watch a movie and pop in another movie, I may have the problem. I am not sure if it's hdmi handshake problem or it's a problem induced by the heating of the receiver.

[rogman]

Thanks to everyone who chipped in their .02 cents.

Here are some other details, that some of you have asked about...

• The cable is 30'. It's running up into the wall and above the drop-ceiling. That makes it a huge PITA if I have to replace it.
• I could probably get away with a 25' footer, since I have quite a bit of extra cable in the ceiling.
• I bought the cable at bettercables.com, so it's no cheapie. I think it was about $250.
• I'm pretty sure the problem is between the receiver/projector, and not the shorter cables from the PS3 & cable box.
• Sometimes just the video drops out, not the audio.

I still need to follow-up w/Pioneer, and maybe bettercables. May buy an hdmi cable locally to see if it solves the problem.

Has anyone used an hdmi signal amplifier? (If that's what they're called?) I know the length of the cable can sometimes be an issue, but thought that 30' is still reasonable.

[rogman]

Just thought I'd post an update. I just e-mailed Better Cables to see if they'll do anything to help. Here's my note:

I'm having a problem with my system. I'm using all HDMI cables that I bought from Better Cables, but I think there's a problem with the one from my receiver to my Epson 1080P projector (32', I think). When I switch discs on my PS3 (BD or DVDs) or when I switch cable channels from SDTV to HDTV I'm getting a "No HDMI Signal" message. Sometimes just the video drops out, sometimes both video and audio. I can sometimes resolve the problem by switching inputs from my receiver (Pioneer Elite 92) and switching back again, and sometimes I have to shut one or all components down.

This is VERY frustrating since I spent over $400 on all HDMI cables from Better Cables. ($250 for the one that I believe has the problem.) Can you do anything to help? Thanks.

Guess I'll wait to see what they say. I wish there was a way to isolate the problem or prove it's the cable...

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by rogman

[*]I could probably get away with a 25' footer, since I have quite a bit of extra cable in the ceiling.

25 footer.


...should always use the shortest length possible (achievable), for just about every type of cable.

[rogman]

Originally Posted by rogman

Guess I'll wait to see what they say. I wish there was a way to isolate the problem or prove it's the cable...

Below is their reply. (Guess I have a longer cable than I thought!)
VERY quick service! I sent them a note to see what their shorter sizes are. Depending how I run it up the wall and across the ceiling, I may go shorter.

Hello Roger -

Not a problem!

We have 2 orders in our system for you :
1 - 1 meter HDMI cable and 1 - 2 meter HDMI cable
1 - 12 meter HDMI cable (39.36 feet)

Please confirm whether this is still a current address and we will ship you a replacement 12 meter HDMI cable along with a pre-paid UPS return label for the return of the original cable.

Boy am I glad I have a drop ceiling, and ran some PVC behind the wall for cabling! That will make the replacement much easier! NOW I'll see if this solves the problem. I sure hope so! Stay tuned...

[Deadset]

This makes me want to run 2 HDMI cables in the ceiling before the sheetrock is finished.

Sorry for your troubles man, has this always been the case or just recently started having troubles? Mine is a 32' inwall..

[rogman]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

This makes me want to run 2 HDMI cables in the ceiling before the sheetrock is finished.

Sorry for your troubles man, has this always been the case or just recently started having troubles? Mine is a 32' inwall..

The problem was sporadic at first, but seems to have gotten worse. My new HDMI cable was shipped yesterday. If I still have problems after that, I'll try a 25' footer (which I think will reach)...

If I were you, at a minimum I'd add some PVC (or something similar- I think there's some kind of flex tubing mad for it) up in the ceiling to use as conduit for any wiring you may need to run. That way if you ever need to fish something new above your drywall ceiling, your life will be much easier. Use a bigger pipe than you think you'll need because you never know what cable you'll need to run. And take it from me (I learned the hard way) five double strands of 12 gauge speaker cable takes up a lot of space! I had to run some of the cables outside of the PVC, but was still able to fish them thru the wall...

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by rogman

The problem was sporadic at first, but seems to have gotten worse. My new HDMI cable was shipped yesterday. If I still have problems after that, I'll try a 25' footer (which I think will reach)...

If I were you, at a minimum I'd add some PVC (or something similar- I think there's some kind of flex tubing mad for it) up in the ceiling to use as conduit for any wiring you may need to run. That way if you ever need to fish something new above your drywall ceiling, your life will be much easier. Use a bigger pipe than you think you'll need because you never know what cable you'll need to run. And take it from me (I learned the hard way) five double strands of 12 gauge speaker cable takes up a lot of space! I had to run some of the cables outside of the PVC, but was still able to fish them thru the wall...

any update to how this turned out? Did you get the cable and try it yet?

[rogman]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

any update to how this turned out? Did you get the cable and try it yet?

Well, kudos to Bettercables.com for sending me a replacement so quickly. I had it within a few days. Unfortunately, it's still in the box. I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. I really hope it solves the problem. The biggest issue for me is that it totally ruins my HT demos. With each disc change in my PS3 I run into the problem. Hopefully, I'll be posting an update soon...

[aramis109]

I hope this works out for you. However, I'm willing to bet it's an HDMI handshaking issue. There may be some difficulty between the player/receiver/HDTV in resolving HDCP when there's a loss in signal. The usual fix for this is to switch the component off and back on.

Outside of switching components, I'm not sure this will be something you can fix. Possibly make sure all your components have the newest firmware. You may also want to try turning on things in a different order to see if you can figure out where the handshaking issue is.

I had this with my old HDTV set. My new one exhibits no such issues. All the other equipment is the same.

[arush5268d]

Originally Posted by rogman

Well, kudos to Bettercables.com for sending me a replacement so quickly. I had it within a few days. Unfortunately, it's still in the box. I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. I really hope it solves the problem. The biggest issue for me is that it totally ruins my HT demos. With each disc change in my PS3 I run into the problem. Hopefully, I'll be posting an update soon...

For the price you paid for your cable, they should have sent you 2 replacements and a free French massage to go along with it.

FWIW I have the same receiver and haven't had any HDMI issues.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by rogman

Well, kudos to Bettercables.com for sending me a replacement so quickly. I had it within a few days. Unfortunately, it's still in the box. I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. I really hope it solves the problem. The biggest issue for me is that it totally ruins my HT demos. With each disc change in my PS3 I run into the problem. Hopefully, I'll be posting an update soon...

Ok sounds good, let me know how it works out. I'm going to test mine tonight.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by aramis109

I hope this works out for you. However, I'm willing to bet it's an HDMI handshaking issue. There may be some difficulty between the player/receiver/HDTV in resolving HDCP when there's a loss in signal. The usual fix for this is to switch the component off and back on.

Outside of switching components, I'm not sure this will be something you can fix. Possibly make sure all your components have the newest firmware. You may also want to try turning on things in a different order to see if you can figure out where the handshaking issue is.

I had this with my old HDTV set. My new one exhibits no such issues. All the other equipment is the same.

I had a similar handshake issue with one of my first HDMI dvd players and my TV, it was the order I turned things on, that's what I get for early adoption I guess. I've since moved on from that.

[Deadset]

Any update with this one?

[rogman]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

Any update with this one?

I ran the cable around the basement and hooked it up a couple of weeks ago. I've run it thru a gambit of tests, all the things that have caused problems. HD to SD channels, and back, to PS3 for BR/DVDs, and back, etc.

At first, all was flawless. However, a couple of times I had the same issue...the dreaded "NO HDMI SIGNAL" message. Seems to be a vast improvement over the other cable, but still not perfect.

I'm going to send it back to Better Cables and try a 25' cable. I first need to measure to make sure a 25 footer will reach. This whole thing has been a big pain in the butt, and I'm very disappointed that I'm having to deal with it.