dsr704 tuner signal drops

[caprock]

I have a dsr704 recently upgraded with WK hard drive kit. The issue is a loss of signal on some channels as stuttering, pixalation, pausing. The problems seem to have been on the system prior to the upgarde. Just thought it was atmospheric...

There is a single sat feed with a multiswitch to split to the two tuners. I have tried to swap the sat feeds into the dsr704 but the problem seems to stay with the sat in #2. As this seems to affect only certain channels, I am wondering if there may be a fault in the tuner circuitry.

Another point: I have another sat feed to my bedroom w/o tivo, just a Sony SAT B55 receiver that does not have a problem with these same channels.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I love the dtv tivo, and prefer to stay with it. As it is, I have a new R15 as a spare, but would rather keep the tivo.

:confused:

[WK-Michael]

Wait - one satellite feed to a multiswitch, then split? That shouldn't work . . .

You may have a bad tuner, but please clarify on the wiring topography.

[caprock]

Probably mis-spoke. Have a dual lnb w/2 feeds to multiswitch. Been ok for last 4+ yrs.
The problem however, seems to have appeared over the past few months. Some channels are fine while some have few problems and some are just bad. CNN (202) has some drops while HLN (204) is unusable. Strange, but rarely see the fault on local channels.

The input signal ranges around 84 or so. Perhaps extra loss thru the cables? but have not changed these. Kinda feels like a tuner sensitivity issue...

Should I consider replacing the unit with Weaknees new DSR70x? The 200+ hour drive is new....

[WK-Michael]

My guess would be a dish issue - like maybe it moved a bit and lost its aim. But it could be cabling too. Can you get DirecTV out? They'll usually come out for a free check if they haven't been out a ton recently.

Otherwise, it can be a tuner problem, and we have replacement units.

[caprock]

Thanks for the help - I'll try to get DTV out.

[caprock]

I realize that the following is probably beyond this forum, and if so, where should this be posted?

I have been looking at how the multiswitch works and now wondering if an amplified device is the answer. The signal loss and gross drops are not always there (today HLN/204 works!) so maybe I am on the edge of sensitivity.
The test transponders #1 & #2 seem to be about even around 80 or so.

The Q: Will a different type of multiswitch provide a significant signal boost?
Should it be powered or non-powered?
Do you have a recommendation?

Thanks again

[WK-Michael]

Powered does always help if you're on the edge.