Compro T750, Excessive Signal Fluctuation - apparently normal? Options

[Guest_xryokus_*]

Hey everyone,
I recently purchased a T750 and have had some issues with the signal strength fluctuating from 12%-98% and static on the analogue signal (I have made sure the cable was in the analogue input). The fluctuations are up and down every 5 seconds, making it impossible to view. I will outline all the troubleshooting I have done so you can get a clearer picture of what my issue is.

At my premises I have tested:
Other Digital TV devices – signal strength received for these ranges from 80%-98%
I have done all the troubleshooting suggested in the Compro FAQ – upgraded Compro TV software, Tuner Card Drivers, Video Card Drivers, and Motherboard Drivers.
Multiple cables at my premises to rule that out as a possibility.
Multiple PCI slots in my computer to rule that out as an issue.
The TV sitting next to the computer does not receive any static on the analogue signal, whereas the tuner card does, also with multiple cables.

At a separate premises I have tested:
Multiple Digital TV devices – all receiving signal strength between 80% and 100%
The tuner card having same fluctuations between 12% and 98%
Multiple cables were tried, and the card was taken out and placed into another computer with the same result. (once again all troubleshooting from the Compro FAQ was done)
At this premises the signal strength mainly varied from 38% and 98% only rarely going below 38% making the channels clear for the most part but still having glitches every 30 to 60 seconds.

After doing this troubleshooting I sent the card back to the place of purchase (unfortunately out of town as I ordered it online)

They have tested the card themselves and said that the fluctuations are normal for this card (seems odd to me as it essentially makes the card useless) and that they can find no fault with it. I am interested in what your opinion of the issue may be. They have offered me a replacement (at a charge of the shipping costs) but I can’t see the point if these fluctuations are “normal.”

They have also sent me two screen shots (attached) of the fluctuations they are seeing, of 55% and 97% stating that this is standard.

Attached File(s)

 signal1.jpg ( 104.16K ) Number of downloads: 9
 signal2.jpg ( 105.79K ) Number of downloads: 7

 

[Guest_aiya_au_*]

yea i get the same signal fluctuations with the T750 as well. but i dont know why you think it makes the card useless, i think its just a bug in the software. it in no way affects the tv quality. however i get static on analogue as well, but i dont watch analogue tv.

any updates? are you still using this card?

[Guest_xryokus_*]

yea i get the same signal fluctuations with the T750 as well. but i dont know why you think it makes the card useless, i think its just a bug in the software. it in no way affects the tv quality. however i get static on analogue as well, but i dont watch analogue tv.

any updates? are you still using this card?

Well it makes it useless for me as the signal drops to 12% at my premises, which is a lot higher fluctuation then the place of purchase testing.

I haven't used it since, as I sent it back to the place of purchase for testing. I'm thinking of just taking the refund and going with another card. I just thought it was odd for a card which has been praised by so many PC magazines to have such bad fluctuation issues.

As for the analogue, it was just in testing that I noticed it, not that I want to watch it. I figured the two problems may be caused by the same issue with the card.

Thanks for your reply though

[Guest_music is cool_*]

dont ignore this !!!????

having same fluctations most of time also getting a black screen when turned on all good with cables and power this only
happens on digital tv works good on antennae and cable running xp home edition pretty crappy antennae this also
happens on vista premium[dont bag me 4 getting vista me have no say] absa-freaking-stumped plz help

[Guest_tommoxxxx_*]

Hi all,
This is my first post on this forum.
I have just built my first XP media centre and used the T750 (first mistake)
My card to had masive fluctuation in signal strength , i only use digital - on some stations it would fluctuated between 100 and 0 which was causing loss of signal on stations.
As I live only 5Km from the transmiter tower with line of sight and a good roof mount antenna I knew it was not a poor signal issue. The problem turned out to be the T750 cant handle high signal strength. Basicaly what I worked out was the cards signal strength would hit 100% then over load and shut down.
First clue to this occuring was the signal recovered as I slowly disconected the antenna lead from the card . My fix to this issue was to purchase a varible antenna autenuator from the local electronics store and plug this in to the antenna cable and adjust - result being I can now get all stations without over load.

Now I just have to solve the following issues
XP MCE wont reconise the T750 FM radio - Returns no FM radio hardware present when radio activated
No signal present from T750 when waking from standyby (S3) when scheduling recordings in MCE.
If anyone who has one of these cards and has been able to make it achieve these funtions I would be gratfull if u would let me know how.

Cheers Ian

[timtam]

I'm sorry, I can't help with your questions, but thanks for this information:

The problem turned out to be the T750 cant handle high signal strength. Basicaly what I worked out was the cards signal strength would hit 100% then over load and shut down.

I have a Compro E700 and have this issue of the signal dropping out periodically, but I've a high-gain antenna with booster and the signal is certainly not deficient. I think the answer to my issue is probably the same as you figured out and I'm going to investigate further with an attenuator. Thanks very much for posting the info.