DVR Freezes

While we still have regular loss of sound, pixelation and video interruption (bleed through or freezing) while watching live TV, the duration and frequency of these are much reduced since our service call and tend to be brief (no more than 2-3 seconds).  However, the interruptions of our recorded programs are constant (that is, they occur with nearly EVERY recording, regardless of channel, but especially Hallmark Channel) and frequently (actually, most of the time) last anywhere from five to 20+ minutes.  All of the recordings are recent and occurred after the service calls, of course.

The DVR is usually between 20%-45% full.  But these playback failures occur regardless of the number of shows stored.  I've had this happen when the show I've recorded is the ONLY program on the Recorded list!  And remember, the pixelation and sound losses occur during live TV as well.

Are you experiencing this pixelation and sound issue on other tv's in the home or just this one?

Allan - Cox Support forums moderator

The pixelation is now occurring on both tvs, though the playback issues are primarily on one of the two DVRs.  The bleed-through and grey-out or freezing on playback occur only on one of the two DVRs.  What's doubly odd is that if we tune both tvs to  the same program, the pixelation is not  always the same.  When the service guys came out a couple of weeks ago and changed out what they said were old connections, we noticed a marked decrease in the pixelation problem with one of the tvs.  However, the problems have resumed worse than ever and effect both tvs.

"...bleed-through from other channels..."

Could you further describe this phenomena?

The picture pixelates and you can actually see another station's program running.  The images are pixelated, but clear enough to identify both programs. A couple of times, the display of the secondary station completely dominated for several seconds.  This seems to occur most frequently between the two Hallmark channels, 1074 and 1075, but I've also begun to notice it with KPBS and CBS programs.

The fact that we've been subjected to this degraded service for several months is deplorable. Cox is very expensive and for a customer to not be able to view a single program without  significant disruption is shameful.  It is becoming increasingly obvious that our DVRs and possibly the cable junction box need to be replaced with working devices. Cox's refusal to provide such minimal service and maintenance is unethical to the point of being criminal. Were it not for the fact that Cox owns a complete monopoly for cable, internet and phone services in our area, we would cancel our account. While we are, generally, not litigious people, we are thoroughly disgusted with Cox's failure to supply the services for which we continue to pay excessive fees and are truly reaching the end of our patience.. 

BooksAndMusic said:

The picture pixelates and you can actually see another station's program running.  The images are pixelated, but clear enough to identify both programs. A couple of times, the display of the secondary station completely dominated for several seconds.  This seems to occur most frequently between the two Hallmark channels, 1074 and 1075, but I've also begun to notice it with KPBS and CBS programs.

Bleed-through is a dilemma in analog, not digital TV. The fact that you say you are seeing it on digital channels makes me believe that you are leaving something out.

Domino, your dismissive and inaccurate response is precisely what we are coming to expect from Cox "service agents".  Please leave future responses to one of your more qualified coworkers who knows what he or she is talking about.

Will someone please respond with a knowledgeable solution or recommendation rather than another unwarranted, snide accusation of evasive elision or conspiracy to withhold information on my part?  I assure you, while I strive to be succinct, I am "leaving nothing out" of my descriptions of our ongoing problems with our cable reception and DVR playback.  I will continue to respond to legitimate queries from the service team with as much detail as possible.

BooksAndMusic said:

Domino, your dismissive and inaccurate response is precisely what we are coming to expect from Cox "service agents".  Please leave future responses to one of your more qualified coworkers who knows what he or she is talking about.

A) I do not work for Cox. B) My answer was/is accurate.