HDMI handshake problems on STBs

[Rabepobemababe]

From the last three days, I am having no sound in my TV when the TATA-SKY HD STB is connected to the TV via HDMI port. This problem was occuring now and then earlier also, but was getting rectified everytime after switching off and switching on the STB's power supply (from the mains). This time, this remedy did not work, and I had to call the TATA-SKY service engineer. The TATA-SKY service engineer who visited the premises yesterday said it was a HDMI port issue, and HDMI handshake problems are being frequently encountered on their HD set top boxes. He did not have a new STB readily in stock with him, and asked me to use the component video input till he replaces the STB. The sound and HD video are normal when connected through component video cable (for video) and stereo cables (for audio). There is no perceivable difference in quality of the HD video compared to the HDMI since the component video cables are capable of carrying 1080i HD signals. But I am missing the convenience of using a single cable, and am being forced to use five cables (Y, Pb, Pr, left channel audio, right channel audio) instead.

I checked up with friends who have Airtel Digital TV / Videocon D2H STBs connected to their HD TVs, and HDMI handshake problems seem to be common across the brands. There are also several posts online, on the same issue being faced in case of STBs of different companies abroad.

If the HDMI technology was so buggy, why it had to be adapted for STBs? I know that with the Bluray, it was a different story because they wanted to protect the copyrights of the discs, and so needed HDMI. But what purpose HDMI serves on STBs (other than the convenience of a single cable), when the good old component video output was good enough to carry HD video?

 

[vprasad84]

i replaced my airtel hd stb 2 times for the very same issue . last change was on jan & till then it is working fine

 

[aakashr]

From the last three days, I am having no sound in my TV when the TATA-SKY HD STB is connected to the TV via HDMI port. This problem was occuring now and then earlier also, but was getting rectified everytime after switching off and switching on the STB's power supply (from the mains). This time, this remedy did not work, and I had to call the TATA-SKY service engineer. The TATA-SKY service engineer who visited the premises yesterday said it was a HDMI port issue, and HDMI handshake problems are being frequently encountered on their HD set top boxes. He did not have a new STB readily in stock with him, and asked me to use the component video input till he replaces the STB. The sound and HD video are normal when connected through component video cable (for video) and stereo cables (for audio). There is no perceivable difference in quality of the HD video compared to the HDMI since the component video cables are capable of carrying 1080i HD signals. But I am missing the convenience of using a single cable, and am being forced to use five cables (Y, Pb, Pr, left channel audio, right channel audio) instead.

I checked up with friends who have Airtel Digital TV / Videocon D2H STBs connected to their HD TVs, and HDMI handshake problems seem to be common across the brands. There are also several posts online, on the same issue being faced in case of STBs of different companies abroad.

If the HDMI technology was so buggy, why it had to be adapted for STBs? I know that with the Bluray, it was a different story because they wanted to protect the copyrights of the discs, and so needed HDMI. But what purpose HDMI serves on STBs (other than the convenience of a single cable), when the good old component video output was good enough to carry HD video?

The problem lies with the STB not with the technology. This could be an issue of the cable operator using cheap STBs to cut costs.

HDMI now is being used across all video/audio platforms and has even been upgraded to v1.4. The new version supports:

HDMI Ethernet Channel Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled devices without a separate Ethernet cable.

Audio Return Channel Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio system, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable.

3D Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications.

4K Support Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems used in many commercial movie theatres.

Content Type Real-time signaling of content types between display and source devices, enabling a TV to optimize picture settings based on content type

Additional Color Spaces Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics.

HDMI Micro Connector A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p.

Automotive Connection System New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands of the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality.

As you can see component video is unable to support any of the above.

 

[Rabepobemababe]

I agree with the points enumerated by AakashR. HDMI would be worthwhile if the STBs of TATA-SKY / AiIrtel Digital TV have all those features such as 3D, resolution beyond 1080p etc. But as of now, these boxes do not support any such features (their HDMI ports, by the way, are not HDMI 1.4). Life is supposed to be simpler with them. But it does not work out to be that way, and they remain buggy! :sad:

My grouse simply is, "what's the point in including HDMI interface on STBs, and not getting it to work properly?"

 

[aakashr]

I agree with the points enumerated by AakashR. HDMI would be worthwhile if the STBs of TATA-SKY / AiIrtel Digital TV have all those features such as 3D, resolution beyond 1080p etc. But as of now, these boxes do not support any such features (their HDMI ports, by the way, are not HDMI 1.4). Life is supposed to be simpler with them. But it does not work out to be that way, and they remain buggy! :sad:

My grouse simply is, "what's the point in including HDMI interface on STBs, and not getting it to work properly?"

I don't think its a general issue........I myself have 2 HD STBs without any problems, my friends n family all have various STBs but no issues. Like I said you need to take it up with the company and have them replaced. Also many STB's are now 3D ready.........some are even selling 3D ready STBs without having any 3D content!!! Imagine having 5 cables running everywhere..............HDMI is the only solution.

Handshaking used to be a big issue but now it all seems to be sorted. In the world of audio/video all devices are now connected via HDMI, so I don't think all heavy and expensive equipment would rely on some buggy technology.

 

[zervinb]

HDMI would be worthwhile if the STBs of TATA-SKY / AiIrtel Digital TV have all those features such as 3D, resolution beyond 1080p etc. But as of now, these boxes do not support any such features (their HDMI ports, by the way, are not HDMI 1.4).

The Tata Sky website mentions that the HD STB is 3D-Ready, so when 3D content will be available, they will be able to broadcast it. If their boxes are not having HDMI 1.4 ports, then they will not be able to do this. Hence, I assume the current boxes are equipped with HDMI 1.4

I could be wrong though.

PS: If I remember correctly, Videocon D2H used to broadcast a 3D channel sometime back. Maybe, one of the Videocon owners might be able to comment.

 

[Arian]

I had to call the TATA-SKY service engineer. The TATA-SKY service engineer who visited the premises yesterday said it was a HDMI port issue, and HDMI handshake problems are being frequently encountered on their HD set top boxes. He did not have a new STB readily in stock with him, and asked me to use the component video input till he replaces the STB.

Looks like its spreading like a VIRUS. I have the same issue with Tatasky HD box. Only difference being sometimes it just works perfect as if nothing's wrong with it. However, that "sometimes" is now a rarity. I too contacted the CC which was GOOD FOR NOTHING. The agent wasn't even able to connect me to the (So called) Techies. Anyways replacement is the only resolution they are offering.

And in between all this mess they have caused, my point is why should the customer suffer. First of all there is no option of buying a BRANDED STB from the open market. Secondly, they (Tatasky) charge for every visit their engr makes to my place (Which is mandatory as the Techies are not able to resolve even the basic issues). Finally, the issue that I am facing is not because of my FAULT. It's neither physical damage nor any fiddling with components so why should I pay for the replacement.

I am gonna wait and watch to see what Tatasky does and then take action (If I am charged) LEGALLY.


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Enough of this Corporate Bullying. I will take a stand against this thing.
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[Arian]

Exactly the SAME Issue with my Tatasky HD Box. I have owned this box for the last 1 year and a couple of months now. It was working fine untill recently however, audio quality was always an issue. Glad that it is now resolved.

NO AUDIO = NO PROBLEM

Anyways, I faced this issue couple of weeks ago and a simple unplug / plug of HDMI cable or power cycle the devices resolved it. I did a little research and even tried changing the HDMI port on my tele and it once again worked. However, when all these failed, I contacted the "GOOD FOR NOTHING" Tatasky CC Services and was adviced to change the HDMI Cable but I didn't 'coz the same cable worked fine with my DVD Player. Anyways, they have sched an engr visit. But we all know that its going to be a "REPLACEMENT".

My point here is that since its a Manufacturing Defect (Obviously 'coz Tatasky chose do provide sub standard HD box) why should the customer be CHARGED for the replacement. Nobody caused any physical damage to the box nor was their any intended expermentation with the box, so why. And to add to that, I read on the Internet, there have been instances where the HDMI port of Tele had gone faulty 'coz of power surge of STB. If that would have been the case, would Tatasky pay for the damages. I guess we all know the answer to that.

I will wait for the visit and see what happens. I too am told about the shortage of HD Boxes. But I don't give a damn. I want my box sorted out ASAP else Tatasky should get ready to face the music. When I was not given the option to buy a BRANDED STB from the open market at my risk, why should I suffer for the poor management on thier part.
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If I am charged for this, I will definitely take action against the company.
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Please post your experience and what they do to sort your issue so that others facing the issue now or in future can be EDUCATED.

 

[baijuxavior]

STB HDMI handshake issues are a common problem with AVRs, but with TV is rare. I have a reliance HD STB. It works without any issues when connected directly to TV. When connected to AVR I need to switch the STB off and on again.

 

[aakashr]

Exactly the SAME Issue with my Tatasky HD Box. I have owned this box for the last 1 year and a couple of months now. It was working fine untill recently however, audio quality was always an issue. Glad that it is now resolved.

NO AUDIO = NO PROBLEM

Anyways, I faced this issue couple of weeks ago and a simple unplug / plug of HDMI cable or power cycle the devices resolved it. I did a little research and even tried changing the HDMI port on my tele and it once again worked. However, when all these failed, I contacted the "GOOD FOR NOTHING" Tatasky CC Services and was adviced to change the HDMI Cable but I didn't 'coz the same cable worked fine with my DVD Player. Anyways, they have sched an engr visit. But we all know that its going to be a "REPLACEMENT".

My point here is that since its a Manufacturing Defect (Obviously 'coz Tatasky chose do provide sub standard HD box) why should the customer be CHARGED for the replacement. Nobody caused any physical damage to the box nor was their any intended expermentation with the box, so why. And to add to that, I read on the Internet, there have been instances where the HDMI port of Tele had gone faulty 'coz of power surge of STB. If that would have been the case, would Tatasky pay for the damages. I guess we all know the answer to that.

I will wait for the visit and see what happens. I too am told about the shortage of HD Boxes. But I don't give a damn. I want my box sorted out ASAP else Tatasky should get ready to face the music. When I was not given the option to buy a BRANDED STB from the open market at my risk, why should I suffer for the poor management on thier part.
***********************************************************
If I am charged for this, I will definitely take action against the company.
***********************************************************

Please post your experience and what they do to sort your issue so that others facing the issue now or in future can be EDUCATED.

Sorry to hear about the issue.............you really should make them face the music!!! high time someone teaches them a lesson not to mess with consumers. why should they be penalized for the fault of the company. Push for a free replacement, you should get it.

 

[Rabepobemababe]

Incidentally, I wanted to overcome the problem by buying an Openbox HD S-10 / S-11 (third party, linux based STB) and a CAM, but then was made to understand that CAMs are not available for the encryptation used by TATA-SKY (Videoguard). Also, "marrying" the SIM card with a third party STB / CAM in case of other non FTA DTH service providers is a tricky business, despite the condition of interoperability of STBs imposed by the regulatory authority.

Thus, it seems that I am stuck with the malfunctioning STB till TATA-SKY rescues me.