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Joseph12345

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Temporarily Off Air.... The Fix

I wasn't able to find the fix for this on the forums, just a lot of people having the same problems.  My problem started a few months ago with random channels showing "Temporarily Off Air".  I called support and tried their fixes, completely unplug box and waited a few minutes, checked all connections, but didn't work.  I asked if a tech could come check it out, was told they would have to charge me for this.  Was kind of stunned about this, since I had been paying for this over 14 years.

Anyhow the fix.  You probably have an aging TV or one that has some issues.  On your cable box, press "settings", then on your remote press "yellow triangle" for more settings.  Then scroll down to "Output Formats".  UNcheck everything except for "480i". Guessing this is for resolution/HD setting.  

Hope this helps you all.  Accepting donations to help pay my out of control cable bill, them late fees are a killer.

Joe M.

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yak

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I get the "Temp Off Air" message occasionally.  If i change the channel and immediately change back, the station is "on the air".  The problem comes and goes.  Summer 2015, for  30 days it was happening a lot.  Recently, it rarely happens. i didn't change any settings. The problem comes and goes without me doing anything. 

The forum did have discussions about this.  I was told to set the "what channel do you want to appear every time you turn on your tv" to an HD channel; because the problem was associated with the non-HD (SD) channels.  That fix did not work for me. 

I do have an older tv so it was interesting to read in your question that the problem occurs in older tv's.

I also recently learned about the $75 charge to have a technician come to my house.   Cox now offers a $7 a month subscription (insurance?) which removes the "per-visit" charge.  I get pretty good support from the Cox Help Line so i have not yet signed up for the $7. 

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Becky

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There is never a service call fee if the problem is with Cox equipment (ex: DVR or HD receiver) or outside of your home. While we have many tools that allow us to remotely troubleshoot a reported problem, we are not able to definitively diagnose a problem prior to a service call. We make you aware of the service call fee even though it may not be applicable in all cases. If the on-site technician determines the problem is a result of Cox equipment or on the Cox network outside of your home, the work order will be completed free of charge.

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yak

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Thanks Becky but the phone support person said i would be paying $75 per visit. The only way to avoid this is to pay the $6.99 per month fee.

I asked about the charge being waived if it is a Cox problem but she said it is $75 if they have to come inside my house to diagnose the problem. My Contour Record 6 is inside my house and i was charged. There was no problem with my home wiring or cables.

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ChrisL

Former Moderator

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@yak

If the problem is found to be with the equipment that is under lease or warranty by us there would be no charge for the visit.  If a wiring problem is found in the home however that would be a different situation.

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