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Sony/Humax sound problem

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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in TV and Home Entertainment Technology #1
In December last year I bought a new Sony 32 inch smart TV ( KDL 32W 705 BBU ) and a Humax PVR( HDR-2000T ) and linked the two via an HDMI cable. They worked well together until Sony issued their latest software update. After this was installed I found that when I switched the TV on on ( the PVR is permanently switched on otherwise it takes ages to update the guide ) the sound was missing and the only way to restore it was to switch off the Humax, leave it a minute or so and switch it back on when the sound usually returns. I reported the problem to Humax who said it was an HDMI problem and suggested the following.


This issue is typically caused by a HDMI connection issue between your Humax box and TV. To resolve, please follow the steps below:
• First switch off any HDMI CEC options on your TV (see the bottom of this email for a list of HDMI CEC options)
• Switch your TV off at the mains
• Switch the Humax off at the mains
• First switch the TV back on
• Select the correct input/source channel on your TV (HDMI 1 for example)
• Switch the Humax box on at the mains

If you continue to have no sound issues on your Humax try changing the following setting on your Humax:

Menu
Settings
Preferences
Audio
Digital Audio Output - Stereo

Failing this, Try pressing the AD button on the bottom of your remote to see if this brings back the sound.

HDMI CEC names

Samsung - Anynet+
Sony - BRAVIA Link, BRAVIA Sync or Control for HDMI
Sharp - Aquos Link
Hitachi - HDMI-CEC
AOC - E-link
Pioneer - Kuro Link
Toshiba - Regza Link or CE-Link
Onkyo - RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI)
LG - SimpLink
Panasonic - VIERA Link or HDAVI Control or EZ-Sync
Philips - EasyLink
Mitsubishi - NetCommand for HDMI
Runco International - RuncoLink

Comments

  • Deacon1972Deacon1972 Posts: 8,171
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    #2
    I'd also say it sounds like a HDMI handshake issue, probably caused by the Humax being switched on 24/7 and changes in the Sony update.

    I know you have explained why the Humax is left on, but have you tried having both devices on standby, switching the TV on first then the Humax to see if the audio is present?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #3
    Deacon1972 wrote: »
    I'd also say it sounds like a HDMI handshake issue, probably caused by the Humax being switched on 24/7 and changes in the Sony update.

    I know you have explained why the Humax is left on, but have you tried having both devices on standby, switching the TV on first then the Humax to see if the audio is present?

    Thanks for the reply, I'll try your suggestion overnight tonight. It only seems to occur when the tv is switched off for several hours. Humax customer support suggest retrying their solution, if that fails try a different hdmi cable.
    Thought I had solved it yesterday by adjusting the tv like this
    On the TV remote select TV input instead of hdmi then select the Sync Menu and navigate to Auto input change (MHL) and switch off the " Change the TV input to match the output from the MHL device"
  • Gordie1Gordie1 Posts: 6,993
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    #4
    Yeah i have a humax and i had a similar problem a while back, i finally found the answer, but unfortunately i cant remember what i did:blush:

    From memory, it had something to do with the resolution switching, there was something set to auto and i picked a specific setting instead, it might have been the output resolution instead of auto, i picked 1080p, and i may also have changed the audio output to stereo.

    Also before i fixed it, i noticed the remote had a output button which flicked through the different output resolutions, changing resolution back and forward brought the sound back, that stopped me having to turn the whole thing off and on.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #5
    I tried the suggestion from Deacon re switching pvr off etc but without success. Have just changed screen resolution from 1080i to 1080p ( not sure what this means) to check if any change and will report back results. Will also get a fresh hdmi cable to see if that works.
    Thanks to all who have tried to help.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #6
    Tried a new hdmi cable but no sadly improvement - becoming very frustrating especially as it seems impossible to apportion blame to either device. Perhaps as Sony's software update was the instigator they should look at this issue. Wonder if it is possible to revert to the original software which was trouble free. Seems difficult to contact anyone at Sony with an interest in the problem. Incidentally re hdmi cables, lots of expensive options but found one at Wilko for £2!!. Did borrow a more expensive cable but could see no difference with that either.
  • tealadytealady Posts: 26,352
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    #7
    Shock horror! Cheap HDMI cable performs as well as expensive one.

    Hopefully, Nigel Goodwin will be along to advise on whether the TV firmware can be downgraded.
  • Nigel GoodwinNigel Goodwin Posts: 59,996
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    #8
    tealady wrote: »
    Shock horror! Cheap HDMI cable performs as well as expensive one.

    Hopefully, Nigel Goodwin will be along to advise on whether the TV firmware can be downgraded.

    Not sure if you can or not - assuming you even have a copy of the old software of course, as it will presumably no longer be available for download.

    But as far as I'm aware it's not a specific Sony problem, but rather a Humax one, and other sets are affected as well.

    Obviously, changing the HDMI lead was doomed to failure though!.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #9
    After a lot of failed but well meant suggested cures for my problem Humax have agreed to exchange my pvr which arrived today. I'll report back when I have tried it out - if it fails again I think I'll just revert to using my old 9300T which was trouble free apart from the sound controller on the remote which doesn't work if you are using an hdmi lead to connect to the tv.
    Thanks again to all who have tried to help me out.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #10
    Finally got round to connecting the replacement sent by Humax and at last I have a pvr that is trouble free and working as it should. Well done Humax.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #11
    Having installed the replacement machine it appears that this machine is not designed to be left switched on 24/7 and will switch to standby after 3 hours of inactivity unless this feature is disabled. I did this and had the same problem recur. However, I find that the reason why I wanted it on 24/7 has disappeared as the the programme guide is populated as soon as the pvr is switched on from standby so I'll learn to live with the auto standby function. Otherwise the machine is excellent and I'm happy with it in terms of performance and value for money - I paid £115 for it from Humax direct - and I like the ability to skip ads with just 2 clicks of a button.
    Thanks to every one who has offered advice.
    Derek
  • Nigel GoodwinNigel Goodwin Posts: 59,996
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    #12
    weeleyboy wrote: »
    Having installed the replacement machine it appears that this machine is not designed to be left switched on 24/7 and will switch to standby after 3 hours of inactivity unless this feature is disabled.

    That's because it's an EU requirement, and has been for a considerable time now - and on some equipment you can't even disable it.
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