Still having the same problems. Went out yesterday and swapped the Binary two CAT5 balun model for the single CAT5 model. Did the firmware update on the Denon.

Customer says that if the direcTV is connected directly to the baluns then there is no problem. When directv is connected to Denon and then outputted to balun the problem happens. The frustrating thing to me and my customer is the problem is everything can be good for an hour and then the picture will go black and the sound will stay on.

Called and talked to Denon and they said to connect the Denon to the display with a 3' hdmi cable and if there was no problem then they said the problem had to be in the Sharp or the baluns. I told them that if I had to only use a 3' hdmi cable out of the avr then I could not sell Denon to my customers.

Had the service call escalated to a supervisor who will call me on Monday. Will let you know what happens with that.

Dave T.

Dave,

Are there other sources in the system besides the Direct TV? How are they working? And is the Direct TV a DVR? If yes to the DVR, you may want to reach out to Direct TV.. There was a firmware update performed on there boxes about a month ago now that hasn't been playing nicely with "repeat" devices.

Sorry for the delay guys, here is an update to my problem.

So we get a call from the customer saying that the problem arose again so I go to the site and as suggested perform firmware updates on the Denon (Sharp TV was already updated) and still get nothing.

I tried all HDMI ports on the TV, tried different HDMI cables re-terminated the RJ45's and still nothing.

Moved the PS3 upstairs and connected directly into the TV No picture. I had taken a PC monitor from the shop and connected the PS3 into it (using the same HDMI cable) and was able to get picture.

Not that I am putting blame on anyone but I think this is just an issue with the Sharp TV's as I couldn't get picture on that thing if it was painted onto the screen.

If the TV's voltage is the issue, a piece like this [Link: atlona.com] could end up fixing the problem. In this configuration placing it at the TV may resolve the issue. I have seen this solve many issues.

Matt,

Thank you for your response. I was hoping that this would come to your attention because you have helped me many times in the past.

The customer has both DirecTV HD DVR and a Sony BluRay. This problem happens on both units.

Customer just sent me an email saying he is really pissed that these problems haven't been fixed. Don't blame him. Told me to get this fixed or come and pull out system.

If problem is the Sharp has a low tolerance for voltage drops then are there any other suggestions besides the Atlona piece that DipDog recommended that you or anyone else are familiar with?

I got one more chance to get this fixed so I want to make sure that this is resolved.

The killer is we did not sell him the Sharp LED. He bought that on-line and the problem maybe in the Sharp. Irregardless, we just want to get the system fixed and find a solution to this problem.

Dave T.

Dave - Ethereal DAD has solved an issue on one of our installs that was having sync issues with a Denon AVR-3312 as the repeater. Plug it on the TV side. It's worth a shot since you're in the hail mary stage with this client. The position you are in really sucks re: get it fixed or pull out the system, especially when you have 2 devices that are not supplied by you (the TV and the DTV box). If you have a spare TV in the shop (or hell use BBY's 30 day return policy) I'd go out with a different TV and the Ethereal DAD and see what happens.

Also, very important that you have all sources set to fixed output resolution and don't forget that the Denon has output resolution settings too, set that to fixed. Basically any resolution setting that has the choice to choose a resolution vs. auto, always fix that and never use AUTO.

I would begin by dumming the system down to the shortest possible distance, even if this means a test monitor back at the rack. I am in the office on Monday if you want to call me while you are on site.

You may want to have the Atlona at-hdsync on hand or an ethereal sr1.

Matt, do you have knowledge if the SR1 would be of any benefit here; using CAT5/6 extenders as the transport method for the HDMI signal? In my conversations with the guys at Ethereal, I recall asking about this and was under the impression and could swear they specifically said no, that the SR1 was only beneficial when using lengthy HDMI cable, not extender solutions.

I would try a different receiver even if it's the same model. These sound like issues Ive had in the past caused by defective HDMI boards on Denon's and Onkyos

I believe it would depend if it is a passive or powered balun. Passive the SR1 should be ok on, powered should get a DAD.

Swapping the AVR is a fine suggestion. Before doing so I would test a non HDMI input on the AVR and confirm if you can get the Denon splash screen or GUI. This would allow to confirm if the AVR has sync with the panel.

Sent an email to the customer saying we will swap out the current Denon for a new one. If that fails that only leaves the Sharp led.

Matt, not sure about the test you suggested. When the panel looses video but the Denon still plays the sound we have tried to bring up the Denon GUI. The Denon avr will not display the setup menu or the volume bar.

Dave T.

Try to reproduce the GUI on a non HDMI input, like net radio. No HDCP on the output making it one of the easiest things to reproduce.

Tweeterguy/Matt.

The SR1 (Restorer) may help, but our experience with Sharp displays shows that the issue is the return voltage (Hot Plug Detect) from the display is too low to trigger the video out on the source.
If you will contact me I have a solution (modified DAD) that may resolve your problem.

Brent,

Will the part you mentioned fix my customer's problem with his Sharp led. Everything will be fine and working for up to an hour and then the picture goes dark but sound is unaffected.

Dave t.