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General discussion

(New LCD TV) Audio problem & not tuning digital channels

by The First Mini14 Sep 27, 2008 5:38PM PDT

I just bought my roomates a new lcd tv and a couple hdmi cables, and they have two issues with it. The tv is model: LCD HDTV SHARP LC-32SB24U 720P

1. Audio is not working properly. It switches from stereo to mono randomly. I have tried playing with the settings and it is set to stereo, but it still goes back and forth.

2. They are not able to tune into any digital channels. We have Comcast premium cable, and they are using one of the provided cable-boxes. It is the older model of cable-box, not the fancy new one-but I would think it should be able to get digital channels as the box says "digital" on the front. I am using the same cable connection, but without the box, and I get all the networks' digital channels just fine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as my tech-experience is in computers not tvs. The only thing I could think of is that is is connected wrong- it looks like they have the cable box connected to the dvd player, and the dvd player connected to the tv via a single hdmi cable.

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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hmmm
by johnisnotcool Sep 28, 2008 2:23AM PDT

1. That sounds like something you might want to take back. Have you called them about it? 1-800-BE-SHARP (237-4277)

2. You should use the QAM to find the digital channels, you might have to switch which tuner you are using. Another question for Sharp support.

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connection incorrect
by Pepe7 Sep 28, 2008 2:43AM PDT

It is not possible to pass through a CATV/HD signal from a cable box to an HDTV via a standard DVD player like you would a modern receiver that is more typical utilized for this function. Unless you've omitted some details, this is the issue. To be honest though, you need to post the actual make/model of cable box you are using so we can determine it's functionality. Since you have Comcast, it's probably one of the Motorola's, but they can vary market by market. 'Digital' in front doesn't mean much per se and doesn't tell us enough.

Can you list *all* the connections in greater detail? Or even take a couple of digital photos of the setup and post them where we can take a peek?

best,
Pedro

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More Info
by The First Mini14 Sep 28, 2008 4:50AM PDT

The cable box is a Motorola, this is what the label says:

f/g no. 466953-013-00
catv converter - model
dct2244/1661/abcdeg

This is how everything is connected: A coaxial cable is running from the wall to the cable box. Another coaxial is running from the cable box to the tv.

Red/yellow/white component cables are running out from the cable box in to the dvd player. A hdmi cable is running out from the dvd player in to the tv.

Now that I am looking at this in writing, it doesn't make sense. I think the component cables running from the cable box to the dvd player are for recording tv onto dvds since this is a dvd player/recorder. Still I don't see how that would affect getting digital channels, or the audio.

I am thinking that either this cable box is too old or that I am missing something obvious with these connections.

Thanks for the help! Happy

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It seems I heard it somewhere that hi-def is free..
by ahtoi Sep 28, 2008 2:41PM PDT

with Comcast. You should check with them on that score and if that is true, then you should definitely ask for a new box. Good luck.

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Yep. You need to upgrade your cable box
by Pepe7 Sep 29, 2008 12:42AM PDT

Believe it or not, I actually remember *upgrading* to this box at one point to get Comcast Dolby Digital output for my 5.1 surround system Wink. Unfortunately, it's an older digital (albeit non-HD, non-DVR) comcast box without the correct outputs for your HDTV. It does not have the HDMI that you are looking for. An HD signal from a Comcast cable box needs to arrive at your TV via HDMI or Component and not coaxial. I found the manual online for reference.
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/DCT2000/downloads/DCT2000_User_Guide.pdf

To receive HD broadcast from Comcast you will need to pay a little more per month for the upgrade to a HD-DVR combo box, but at least they do provide some HD content for free, provided you at least pay for the DVR service. I'm not aware of any intermediate Comcast provided set top box, at least in my own market, which gives you HDMI outputs and does not require the additional monthly fee. The other option would be to use an outdoor antenna to receive some free OTA (over the air) HD content. YMMV.

Ideally you would want to also consult with the manual of the DVD player/recorder since they can be quite fussy little beasts Wink. Do you have a receiver in this mix somewhere as well, or only the HDTV, comcast box & DVD recorder(?) Let me know so I can help with connections.

-Pedro

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