picture problem

it's been happening with us, too.  Especially on Lifetime.  the picture is very pixelated.  When using the DVR on that channel, the record red light keeps going on and off, no recording is made.  Also, we tried to change channels and the cable box would not respond.  New batteries in the remote, same thing.  I entered another channel and the info box at the bottom would show the new channel, but the picture would not change.  the cable box would not respond to any button on the remote. I rebooted several times with no change.  Seemed to work ok last night, tho.