sop1
join:2001-02-11
Bartlett, IL
| HD signal interference w/ AT&T wireless
Comcast has diagnosed that I have freezing and pixilation issues with my HD signal because I use AT&T wireless as my cell phone provider. They tell me they have begun seeing this as an issue. The problem is three of their cable HD stations (in my area) use the same frequency as the ATT wireless network and when the phone, or Blackberry, is transferring data, pinging for info, texting, or on the web it interferes and freezes the picture and sound. Indeed, when I do a test and use data on the phone device the the TV freezes on these specific channels.
Does anyone have any additional info on this problem? Shouldn't Comcast and At&T be doing something to resolve this for their customers. I live in the Chicago area. |
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neufuse
join:2006-12-06
Indiana, PA
 ·Comcast
1 edit | I don't know of many cable stations that run over 900MHz? isn't AT&T's GSM network 900MHz or higher? Most cable networks are under 800MHz
Edit: AT&T GSM networks run on the 800 & 1900MHz bands... those should have no interferance on the 750MHz and below cable bands... |
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chose4
join:2005-02-13
Rouyn-Noranda, QC
| reply to sop1
Here in Canada, our cable co use Scientific Atlanta Digital Terminals and i get also freezing and pixilation if i use my GSM cell phones near the set-up box. These GSM phones interfer with all kind of devices, like tv's, computer speakers and monitors, hard wire phones, etc... Imagine what that can do to your brain!!!
Just don't use your GSM phone while watching tv! |
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chose4
join:2005-02-13
Rouyn-Noranda, QC
| reply to sop1
Here in Canada, our cable co use Scientific Atlanta Digital Terminals and I get also freezing and pixilation if I use my GSM cell phone near the set-up box. These GSM phones interfere with all kind of devices, like TV’s, computer speakers and monitors, hard wire phones, etc... Imagine what that can do to your brain!!!
Just don't use your GSM phone while watching TV! |
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CableTool
Poorly Representing MYSELF.
Premium
join:2004-11-12
| reply to sop1
said by sop1  :Comcast has diagnosed that I have freezing and pixilation issues with my HD signal because I use AT&T wireless as my cell phone provider. They tell me they have begun seeing this as an issue. The problem is three of their cable HD stations (in my area) use the same frequency as the ATT wireless network and when the phone, or Blackberry, is transferring data, pinging for info, texting, or on the web it interferes and freezes the picture and sound. Indeed, when I do a test and use data on the phone device the the TV freezes on these specific channels. Does anyone have any additional info on this problem? Shouldn't Comcast and At&T be doing something to resolve this for their customers. I live in the Chicago area. Im no sure if Bartlett can really still be considered the Chicago area? 
I also think that one shoudnt interfere with the other since Cable should be a closed system. Nothing getting in to interfere, nothing getting out.
Do you have anymore info?
--
CableTechs.org/"Horrible People with Integrity" |
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chose4
join:2005-02-13
Rouyn-Noranda, QC
| reply to sop1
Even with a very clean new cable installation from the pole to the set-up box, I have experimented that with an Explorer 8300HD and a Pace 551HD. If you’re in front of the terminal and speaking or transmitting data with a GSM Blackberry, the corrected bytes and uncorrected blocks will go up continuously until you hang up the phone. Particularly on higher qam frequencies. The interference seems to be picked-up by the set-up box itself, not the cable installation. |
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CuseHokie
join:2003-04-24
Sterling, VA | reply to sop1
OMG... I'm noticing this now too and I just saw your post!
I notice it when SMS'ing or calling... on MOJO in Loudoun county.
If I use my blackberry browser, I'm okay. |
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CableTool
Poorly Representing MYSELF.
Premium
join:2004-11-12
| reply to chose4
said by chose4 :Even with a very clean new cable installation from the pole to the set-up box, I have experimented that with an Explorer 8300HD and a Pace 551HD. If you’re in front of the terminal and speaking or transmitting data with a GSM Blackberry, the corrected bytes and uncorrected blocks will go up continuously until you hang up the phone. Particularly on higher qam frequencies. The interference seems to be picked-up by the set-up box itself, not the cable installation. I wonder if its the TV picking it up and passing it on or the box. Boxes are shielded beyond belief for obvious reasons.
--
CableTechs.org/"Horrible People with Integrity" |
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sop1
join:2001-02-11
Bartlett, IL
| Here is info I have and what I know:
--My cable units are Motorola units, I have two on separate floors of the house. One is the newest model the other over a year old.
--I agree this is a closed system and should have no interference, but it does. I asked the tech if he thought it was the cable boxes but he didn't know. I suspect it is. I know when it happens it effects the entire system, i.e, both TVs at the same time.
--The tech specifically said AT&T had the issue but as mentioned it might be any GSM phone. I don't have a T-Mobile carrier device to try.
-- Stations effected are 199, 192, 187. It used to be only 187 but real bad. They made adjustments an now 187 has the least problem.
-- I also asked the tech what range the problem occurred in thinking maybe a neighbor's cell phone could be a problem since it seems to happen also when not using the device. He didn't know. It could also be the phone is pinging for email even if I am not using it.
--Agree, it's scary what these things could be doing to your brain.
Now that I know what is causing this I am going to try a few things and try to log phone activity when the freezing happens. I have two teenagers with Unlimited texting and data so this is quite annoying. |
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celeritypc
For Lucky Best Wash, Use Mr. Sparkle
Premium
join:2004-05-15
Caldwell, NJ
| The only issue I ever had (have) with GSM phones is interference with speakers. I can always tell when my phone is about to ring because my tv, computer, car stereo or whatever speakers I may be next to will start to buzz. This problem got more noticeable when I changed phones from a Nokia 3300 to a Nokia 2610. I have never experienced freezing or other video issues with my cable service but then again, I may not be watching channels on the affected frequencies. BTW, I have AT&T Wireless. |
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sop1
join:2001-02-11
Bartlett, IL
| I am not sure if this is only an issue in my area or not. Also, not sure if the channels would be different on different cable systems. My problem channels are 199, 192, and 187. It doesn't happen at all on any other channels. It just so happens that 187 is ABC, 199 is Versus, and 192 is WGN. |
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cypherstream
Looking forward to the future of things.
Premium,MVM
join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
clubs:
| reply to celeritypc
said by celeritypc :The only issue I ever had (have) with GSM phones is interference with speakers. I can always tell when my phone is about to ring because my tv, computer, car stereo or whatever speakers I may be next to will start to buzz. This problem got more noticeable when I changed phones from a Nokia 3300 to a Nokia 2610. I have never experienced freezing or other video issues with my cable service but then again, I may not be watching channels on the affected frequencies. BTW, I have AT&T Wireless. X2
But my AT&T 8525 PDA Phone is much worse with interference than my T-Mobile cheap nokia. Thing with the 8525, it randomly checks for e-mail and stuff, so I just keep it far away from anything important (A/V gear, home cordless phone base, pc speakers, etc.) |
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Greg_Z
Premium
join:2001-08-08
Springfield, IL | reply to sop1
In other words, they do not have an answer, and are pulling crap out of their arses. |
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plat2on1
join:2002-08-21
Hopewell Junction, NY
clubs: | reply to sop1
i remember a thread or two on this subject in the OOL forum years ago. i don't recall the outcome of them though.  |
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FifthE1ement
Tech Nut
join:2005-03-16
Fort Lauderdale, FL
|  reply to sop1
Sop1,
I think I can help here sop1! I had this problem with ATT Wireless and my computer (and a few other electronic components) but I easily solved it by installing Ferrite Beads on all of my wires. They are very inexpensive and fix not only this but other interference issues with other signals interfering with your signals. I installed them on all of my wires where they come into the device. EG: On the cable wire going into my Motorola DCT6416 DVR, the power cables, stereo wires, DVI cables, component cables, digital audio (not fiber), etc...
I have about 8 Split Ferrite Beads on both ends of all of my cables (power, coax, audio, etc). By both ends I mean DVI coming out of the box has one and then going into the TV has another. The more Ferrite Beads the better and they cannot harm your signal only make it better. If anything you’ll see no change but I think you will especially under your circumstances. Depending on how big they are you can put more than one device through each but also try to wrap the cable around the bead once or twice as this acts as putting a new one on each turn of the wire. This increased the picture I both my TV, stereo, and DVD player instantly removing any excess static or hum caused by many different signal factors in your home (wireless net, phone, CELL SIGNAL, AC adapters, power converters, etc). I suggest trying this first as well as having Comcast better shield your line (or you can also do it yourself. I have posted a link below on more info about Ferrite Beads so you can get a better understanding.
Ferrite Beads can be purchased very cheap and I happen to like the two piece versions (split beads) as it makes it much easier to install them on wires. You can usually get them for about $1-2 apiece for the large two piece versions and they will really make an instant difference. Oh and they come in different types to block out specific frequencies. You can search for them using search string, “Ferrite Snap On Cores” which usually garners the best results. You can also find them on eBay in sets of 4-10 for like $5 which is great and they come in all sizes or you can get packs of multiple sizes. I hope this helps you my friend and keep us updated on your results.
»www.antennex.com/shack/Dec99/beads.htm - Information on using Ferrite Beads.
»users.catchnet.com.au/~rjandusim···it_t.jpg - Images on the different types of Ferrite Beads.
»newtek.com.au/Suppression-beads.php - Detailed info on Ferrite Beads.
»www.westfloridacomponents.com/pa···GY/Cores - Place that sells Split Ferrite Beads them on the cheap.
»www.google.com/products?q=Ferrit···&show=dd – Google Search for Ferrite Beads with many results on the cheap.
Regards,
FifthE1ement 
--
»www.xphilez.com |
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chose4
join:2005-02-13
Rouyn-Noranda, QC
| reply to sop1
If it happens when not using the device, I suspect a cable signal problem. I don't know about Motorola set-up box, but with my Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 8300HD experiments, you must be near the set-up box to get freezing, if you are in another room in the house, there's no problem. Definitively, a neighbour cell phone can't cause you bad TV reception, you have probably a problem with your cable installation or there's a problem at the pole. |
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andyross
join:2003-05-04
Schaumburg, IL
| reply to sop1
Here in Schaumburg (I believe Bartlett uses the same headend), there are several channels using frequencies above 800MHz. I've had the most issues with 807MHz (SciFi (SD), NatGeo, and others). Even though I have very good SNR (36+), every once in awhile I have bursts of pixelation.
In fact, frequencies up to 831MHz are currently in use.
You can see an Excel spreadsheet (has 3 tabs with different sorting options) with all the frequencies used in Schaumburg (and presumably Bartlett), here:
»home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumbur···nels.zip |
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sop1
join:2001-02-11
Bartlett, IL | reply to FifthE1ement
5thE- Thanks for the idea on the Ferrite Beads, I will give them a try. Sounds like they would help determine if this is a cable or terminal issue too. |
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sop1
join:2001-02-11
Bartlett, IL
| reply to andyross
andyross- good info on the frenqency chart, thanks, it helps indicate the high 831 and 825Mhz are the problem. Although the US uses both 1900 and 850Mhz freqencies for cell phones , the primary frequency used on a GSM device in the US is 850Mhz which is stronger and cuts through building walls the best. One more possible resolution offered by the Comcast tech is when all channels are moved to digital next February it will free up a lot of freqencies and Comcast may be able to move these stations to a different frequency. |
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Greg_Z
Premium
join:2001-08-08
Springfield, IL
·Comcast
| I doubt that Comcast will be moving all channels to Digital. The DTV change over for Terrestial Broadcasts has nothing to do with CATV, other then CATV providers will have to implement Analog to Digital convertors to convert the ATSC signal to something that can be watched without their viewers having to purchase sets with QAM tuners. |
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