Pixelation on Standard Definition only channels

[Jeffk1969]

Hi,

I am new to this site but wanted to check if anyone has had problems with pixelation on standard definition channels with the V6? We have had our V6 for nearly 18 months but have always had issues with some of the standard definition channels pixelating, it started with some of the SD music channels and then progressed to some of the SD movie channels such Film 4, TCM, Great Movies etc. SD documentary channels and lifestyle are also affected. All the HD channels are absolutely fine, live channels such as Sky Sports and BT Sport are unaffected as well. Playback is fine, it is just the SD channels that are a problem. I have rebooted the box and checked the cables and all seem fine. We have the box connected to a 4K TV with the appropriate high speed HDMI. Any help or advice would be much appreciated 

[japitts · Accepted solution]

Pixellated pictures on live TV are often the sign of a signal fault. If you've rebooted your box once, then there's likely a fault somewhere, so this will need VM to intervene. You're likely to need either an engineer visit or a replacement box, depending on what VM's remote diagnostics turn up.

First check the automated faults line for any existing issues in your area that could be the cause: 0800 5610061. If nothing's reported, assume VM don't know about your fault and ideally you'll need to call them.

150 from a VM phone, 0345 4541111 from any other phone - choose the options for "I have a fault with my TV service". Alternatively you can wait on here for staff to respond, which may take a day or so.

[Travis_M]

Hi @Jeffk1969

Thanks for posting on our community forum and so sorry to hear about the issue with your TV service.

How has the signal to the channels been since your last post on Saturday? Have you noticed any improvement at all?

Regards

[Jeffk1969]

Hi Travis_M,

The picture quality on the SD channels remains very poor with regards pixelation. Many of the channels are unwatchable, if there is an HD alternative then that channel plays fine. The problem is chronic, it has been present for a while now. Any minor improvement by rebooting the V6 at the weekend has now disappeared.

Not sure why the issue is confined to the standard definition channels but this is most noticeable as pixelation is not realised with any HD channels

best regards

Jeffk1969 

[japitts]

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@Jeffk1969 wrote:

Not sure why the issue is confined to the standard definition channels but this is most noticeable as pixelation is not realised with any HD channels

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Digital TV platforms broadcast channels in small groups known as multiplexes.

Pixellation is the result when there is poor signal affecting a particular multiplex.

Channels are not grouped according to their EPG position, but in most cases muxes tend to carry either SD channels of varying genre, or HD. That in your case, only SD-carrying multiplexes are affected is just fluke.

If the cause of your breakup is degrade of a cable or connection somewhere, that's not going to get any better and may get worse - affecting more frequencies as it goes.