Forum Discussion

Riserasta's avatar
Riserasta
New Contributor
4 years ago

Scrambled - Pixels and Sound

Can anyone explain why two channels are constantly having problems

1. scrambled picture

2. pixelated picture

3. distorted sound

4. screen going black then comes back on

Odd thing it is only TWO channels - in San Diego, ABC - channel 10 and *** - channel 9.  This happened Monday evening and was horrible.  All of the other channels were fine. 

This has been an ongoing problem that we did have someone come out and check and of course, tells us the apt. would have to be rewired.  

It stopped for awhile, like 2 months.  Then started back up this week.  

It is like the problem we used to have before stations going digital when you would turn the microwave on it would do the same thing.  

  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III
    4 years ago

    Did the someone explain why your apartment would need to be rewired?

    • Riserasta's avatar
      Riserasta
      New Contributor
      4 years ago

      the tech that was out said older building and he did some "fixes" outside but since it is old, it should be rewired.

      but, i have been here 20 years and never had a problem with the channels until recently.  just two channels, same ones each time.

      • Bruce's avatar
        Bruce
        Honored Contributor III
        4 years ago

        Perhaps the manager or landlord should have the wiring assessed.  Anyone mention this to him or her?

  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III
    4 years ago

    TV channels travel on coaxial cable as Radio Frequencies, and each TV channel (ABC, Comedy Central, Newsmax, etc) gets a unique frequency.

    If you're only experiencing problems on specific frequencies (channels), something in your area...or house...is also broadcasting on the same frequency and interfering with the TV content on a specific frequency.

    For example...as with your microwave oven scenario...wireless networks use the 2.4 GHz frequency.  The FCC has assigned the 2.4 GHz as "unassigned" or "unregulated" so anybody could create a gizmo to broadcast on it.  This is why your wireless LAN crashes when you use a microwave oven, baby monitor or cell phone.  It interferes.

    Did you recently install new electronic devices in your home?  Do you have or recently install a new coaxial-cable splitter?  Did someone erect a new cell tower or 5G antenna in your neighborhood?  Something new is interfering with the ABC frequency.

    • Riserasta's avatar
      Riserasta
      New Contributor
      4 years ago

      Thanks for your reply.  Nothing new in our place.  I believe there is a 5G antenna in our area, blocks away.  if this is the case - then what do you do to stop the interference.  That is what we thought something outside of our apt. was causing interference.  

      • Bruce's avatar
        Bruce
        Honored Contributor III
        4 years ago
        what do you do to stop the interference

        A rock.

        If your apt manager refuses to get the wiring assessed and Cox can't figure the problem, it is ABC.  ABC is also an over-the-air channel.  You could purchase an HD antenna.  If this is something you want to look into, I can provide some info.