We have three very similar systems in the field, two have an HDMI issue that we can't seem to pin down.

Integra DTR 30.4
LG BP620 BluRay player
Apple TV3
Cable box (all 3 use Time Warner, All Scientific Atlanta DVR)

All components are connected to the DTR 30.4 via HDMI cables.

Problem systems:

One system uses a Sharp LC80LE844u TV on a snap Single HDMI Balun. (approx 15" of cat 5 shielded, .7m HDMI cables on both ends)

One system uses a Samsung UN55ES8000 connected to the DTR 30.4

No Problem system:
System Uses a Sharp LC70C8470u on a snap Single HDMI Balun (approx 20' of cat 5 shielded, .7m HDMI cables on both ends) This TV was installed in place of a Samsung UN65D8000xf. Both TV work fine in this setup.

All of the systems use the Main HDMI out on the DTR.

HERE's THE PROBLEM:

Customers complain that the system will turn on, they will hear sound from the source but get no picture. (yes the TV is on and correct HDMI input) Subsequent source changes on the DTR do not yield results. Power and input cycling on the TV do not yield results. The only fix is a hard power cycling of the DTR 30.4 via the power cord. Systems may work for a day or two, then problem is back when powering system up. It's totally intermittent.

All of the DTR's have had their F/W upgraded to current rev.
The two problematic systems are ok when using the "sub HDMI output" on the DTR. Problem is there is no OSD (esp volume and mute) on sub out.

It's strange that two of three very similar systems have the problem and one does not.

We got an email from our Integra rep regarding FW upgrades to these units. It stated that the FW needed to be upgraded before these units were installed. The two with problems were already deployed when we got this message. We subsequently upgraded them in the field but he problem was still there. We upgraded the FW in the trouble free system immediately out of the box.

I've contacted Brian at Integra but have not heard back (he's been on vacation) Any ideas would be appreciated. I know Integra has HDMI issues so please don't harp on that.

I've seen this exact issue on Onkyo models TX-NR515 and 616. Only had the issue once on each system though, and it was resolved the way you described.

Hoping it doesn't come back like yours did...

iimig,
did one power down reset solve the problem forever? I mean, as far as we know now.


HDMI and vacations are like the free lunch: There are no free lunches, and as long as there's HDMI, there is no vacation.

tweety,
is there any chance that items are being turned on or off in a different order among the three systems? Or are the HDMI control settings at all different? I doubt this would cause such a problem, but have you been able to get into the cable box menu and be sure all three are set the same?

The remotes are identical other than the codes for the TV's (Interchanged sharp power on for Samsung power on etc.) The command orders are identical.

As far as HDMI control, I've tried (at least I think I have) all different permutations. up to and including setting everything back to factory defaults. Nothing seems to solve the problem. It's very troubling since the issue is intermittent and can not be reproduced on command.

Did you check the mode and eq settings of the balun? I can almost guarantee this is your problem.

Add or extend time periods in turn-on macros by about ten seconds. Ridiculous, I know, but if that "cures" it, then you're on to something. Of course, if you try more than one thing at a time, you may never know just what cured it.

Did that, including edid etc. In addition, the identical issue is present on a system without a balun.

The system with the balun that is problematic works fine if the receiver is bypassed, or the sub hsmi out is used (which bypasses all video processing in the receiver.)

any chance of substituting the avr with a denon or yamaha as a test to confirm issue is being caused by the avr?

Intrgra probably doesn't supply +5V on pin 18, and ground on pin 17 to power your HDMI balun.

look at

[Link: hdtvsupply.com]

which doesn't use it as it has 2 AC adapters

You really think your cheap Chinese knock-off balun will work better than the cheap Chinese Snap AV balun?

At least your spam fits in this thread, and you aren't ressurecting another old one.

15 feet? Why even use a balun? Hate them with a passion and anytime I use one I feel like I just built a rube Goldberg.

As soon as I vowed not to use them anymore, unless hell was freezing, my life got alot better. Every access hole was worth cutting and having fixed and from then on things worked flawlessly and I slept better. Get a wire there!!

But I understand you can't always always get a wire somewhere no matter how bad you want to or how extreme your willing to go. I. Probably take it for granted because most of the houses around here are wood frame.

EMI

I would disagree with Ernie (if I understand him correctly) that when multiple issue present themselves at once you should look for correlation. I have found the opposite, that when you attempt to tie one issue to another you often overlook two more obvious separate issues.

There is an indication that there may be three firmware upgrades for this symptom. Maybe you did one or two but not the last.

Would get your tech notes out, try firmware again, find out which series you have loaded, then make absolutely sure it is the "currentest" version.

its NOT a balun problem. Have EXACT same issue with EXACT same 30.4 and Sharp 80". No balun, 3 meter HDMI cable. Did firmware upgrade (doesnt matter if there are three or one upgrades, the lasted upgrade is all you need, thus there is ONLY one upgrade),

Integra said replace it. I did. But with a 30.3 which is what the customer actually ordered to begin with. No problems yet but I just replaced it today, lol.

I think this problem is larger than Integra admits.

Sub out works fine but you lose all your other menu options showing up on screen:set up, net, etc. so that option sucks. Clearing (power/ and now dvr) fixes the problem FOR A DAY then no pic.

Call integra to make sure they are aware of YET ANOTHER issue. Have many 30.4's in field but none with this sharp so Im wondering if its the combo problem. Doesnt matter. FIX IT THE DAMN THING INTEGRA!

Integra has acknowledged that it is a known problem. They have confirmed that I have the correct firmware on board.

They hope to have a f/w fix in the next two weeks.

uh oh... Two weeks.