Pioneer 550-hx Recorder - Digital Tuner Dropouts?

[elysian]

To those who own a Pioneer 550-HX recorder...

Have you had any issues with poor reception through the digital tuner?

Pioneer Customer Service tells me there is no known issue but I have my doubts.

I have had the machine for 5 months and lived at two different addresses in that time. I get dropouts/freezes on some free-to-air channels continually, day and night, every one to five minutes. Yet the signal strength and signal quality meters for those channels - except when the dropout happens - is measuring an apparently healthy 75 to 90 percent according to the on-board menu.

For comparison, I have no reception problems whatsoever when the same antenna is fed through: 1) my Panasonic plasma's inbuilt digital tuner, and 2) an old Topfield SD set top box.

I've tried a few things like signal amplifiers, new cable, etc and I'm fed up. Are Pioneer putting substandard tuners in these recorders? If so I'll be asking for my money back...which would be a shame because it's otherwise a great unit!

Any advice or stories? Thanks.

Edited July 2, 2008 by elysian

[sila1999]

Have you tried updating the firmware for the unit, the firmware is available from here

Firmware History File

Model: 2007 DVD Recorders (DVR-550H / DVR-550HX / DVR-LX60 / DVR-LX60D / DVR-555H / DVR-555HX)

Ver 1.68

- This version is shared by DVR-550H, DVR-LX60, DVR-550HX, DVR-LX60D, DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- The update improves that on some specific DVB-T channels (SFN) block noise, picture freeze or intermittent black picture might occur

Ver 1.67

- This version is shared by DVR-550H, DVR-LX60, DVR-550HX, DVR-LX60D, DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- The update improves

- playback of a specific DVD "Lissi und der wilde Kaiser"

- the recording ability for DVD-R DL.

Ver 1.65

- This version is shared by DVR-550H, DVR-LX60, DVR-550HX, DVR-LX60D, DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- The update improves the EPG link feature (only available in the UK)

- that in some specific cases the scheduled timer recordings dissapear from the digital EPG

(conditions: EPG Link: ON, Series Recording: OFF)

- improved working of the EPG Link feature when the setting "Digital Tuner Auto Update" is enabled

Ver 1.62

- This version is shared by DVR-550H, DVR-LX60, DVR-550HX, DVR-LX60D, DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- The update improves

- that the audio channels - received by the built-in digital tuner - are inverted (L/R)

L channel is played/recorded as R channel, and R channel is played/recorded as L

Recorded titles on the HDD will not be corrected after the update, but new recordings will not have the inverted audio channels anymore.

- that in some cases the unit hangs when operating the photoviewer

- that the unit stops working when the "Display" button is pressed when the OSD language is set to "German" or "Greek",

and the "HDD sleep mode" is activated

- that in some case monochrome pictures are recorded when a timer recording for SECAM broadcast start (only occurs on the digital tuner models)

Ver 1.58

- This version is shared by DVR-550H, DVR-LX60, DVR-550HX, DVR-LX60D, DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- 1st release for DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- The update improves

- that in some rare cases the unit hangs when switched on.

- that some blank DVD-R discs are ejected automatically.

Ver 1.50

- This version is shared by all 2007 1st-half models

- Added "HDMI control" feature (HDMI-CEC)

- The update improves that a black screen is recorded if you stop "Copy Files from a Digital Camera" between 2 minutes before starting a timer recording and stopping a timer recording.

Ver 1.45

- This version is for DVR-550H/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN, DVR-LX60/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN, DVR-550HX/WY/WV, DVR-LX60D/WY/WV, DVR-450H/KC, DVR-550H/KC, DVR-650H/KC.

- The update improves:

- that the recorded title is distorted with a DTV timer recording in 525 system when the line input system is set to 525 system

- that the unit Will not change the photoviewer page when the cursor is moved to "Read Next" and start the slideshow.

- that the unit Will not output DTS audio when the DVR is connected to a receivers by HDMI and FWD scanning is stopped.

- that the unit Will change the audio output from Dolby Digital 5.1ch to LPCM 2ch when the DVR is connected to a

receiver by HDMI and FWD scanning is stopped.

- Enhanced recording ability on JVC 6x DVD-RW

Ver 1.32

- Initial release for DVR-450H/TLT/WPW/TDR/TF/TA, DVR-550H/TLT/WPW/TDR/TF/TA, DVR-650H/TLT/WPW/TDR/TF/TA.

Ver 1.29

- Initial release for DVR-550HX/WY/WV, DVR-LX60D/WY/WV

Ver 1.27

- This version is for DVR-550H/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN, DVR-LX60/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN, DVR-450H/KC, DVR-550H/KC, DVR-650H/KC.

- The update improves

- that the unit Will hang when ejecting the disc tray while retrying DVD-RAM playback.

- that the unit Will hang when unplugging the USB cable right after exiting "Connect PC".

- that the unit Will hang when pressing the play button on an empty photo folder.

- that the unit Will be inoperable when pressing the "DIRECT TV REC" button of a Panasonic TV "TX-28PS11F".

- Enhanced recording ability and playability of DVD-RAM.

- Enhanced recording ability of DVD-RW

Ver 1.12

- This version is for DVR-550H/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN, DVR-LX60/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN.

- Initial release for DVR-450H/KC, DVR-550H/KC, DVR-650H/KC.

- The update improves

- that the picture is distorted right after power-on when connected to a Sony "BRAVIA" with SCART RGB.

- that the Unit Will hang when deleting a title right before the unit goes into recording standby.

- that the unit Will display "HDCP ERR" on the front panel display for about 5 seconds when connected to a Sony 2007 "BRAVIA" with HDMI.

- Enhanced recording ability and playability of DVD-RAM.

Ver 1.07

- Initial release for DVR-550H/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN, DVR-LX60/WY/YXVRE/YXVSN

[elysian]

Have you tried updating the firmware for the unit, the firmware is available from here

Firmware History File

Model: 2007 DVD Recorders (DVR-550H / DVR-550HX / DVR-LX60 / DVR-LX60D / DVR-555H / DVR-555HX)

Ver 1.68

- This version is shared by DVR-550H, DVR-LX60, DVR-550HX, DVR-LX60D, DVR-555H, DVR-555HX.

- The update improves that on some specific DVB-T channels (SFN) block noise, picture freeze or intermittent black picture might occur

ete, etc.

*VERY* interesting. Thanks.

But one question: this firmware is from a UK site and I have Australian firmware on my machine, version 2.07 (I have a disc of version 2.08 but I haven't upgraded yet).

Is my machine going to accept UK firmware without problems or damage? If so, which of the UK firmwares should I start with?

[sila1999]

I doubt changing the firmware would damage the machine, they both have the same design but come from different factories. These machines are also rebadged with Sony on them and sold as the RDR-HXDx70 models in Europe and here. I have a thread on AVforums regarding modding these Sony players.

What i can suggest is give it a try you will loose region coding though but thats a simple fix. If it doesnt work then insertthe CD you have with 2.08 on it.

PS any chance of a copy of the CD

[JJap]

I've had my unit for about 5 months also and I am on firmware version 2.08.

I too have had some drop outs and freezes. Not to the same frequency as the OP but it is certainly occurring enough to be a little annoying.

I simply thought that it was because I live in an apartment complex and that its a cabling issue. However analogue TV reception is perfect and doesn't miss a beat.

Very interesting that someone else has these problems...

[diesel]

Be very careful with downloading FW from the UK site. It is vastly different and as pointed out in another Pio 550 thread, you should only use the versions supplied for the australian versions ie 2.07 and 2.08. The difference between the two is mainly to fix the crossing over of stereo sound. In 2.07, sound meant for the right speakers were sent to the left and vice versa.

I would strongly recommend you do not use UK FW on your Australian machine

[elysian]

Be very careful with downloading FW from the UK site. It is vastly different and as pointed out in another Pio 550 thread, you should only use the versions supplied for the australian versions ie 2.07 and 2.08. The difference between the two is mainly to fix the crossing over of stereo sound. In 2.07, sound meant for the right speakers were sent to the left and vice versa.

I would strongly recommend you do not use UK FW on your Australian machine

Thank Diesel - I have seen the other thread and that's what I suspected. It's also what Pioneer themselves told me yesterday on the phone.

I'm waiting for firmware guru Paul to call me and see what can be done.

But the fact that the UK 1.68 firmware release-notes do acknowledge my problem as a real one means that resolving it now rests squarely with Pioneer Australia.

It will take a while I'm sure. Too bad for me, 'cause my overnight recordings of the Tour De France starting this weekend will be riddled with dropouts and freezes

[elysian]

I've had my unit for about 5 months also and I am on firmware version 2.08.

I too have had some drop outs and freezes. Not to the same frequency as the OP but it is certainly occurring enough to be a little annoying.

I simply thought that it was because I live in an apartment complex and that its a cabling issue. However analogue TV reception is perfect and doesn't miss a beat.

Very interesting that someone else has these problems...

dude, test your connection with another digital tuner and see if it still happens. If it does, call Pioneer on 1800 988 268 and report the problem with your DVR. The more people who call and report the issue, the more likely Pioneer will create an Oz version of that UK firmware upgrade for us.

Edited July 4, 2008 by elysian

[scottv]

I have a Sony HXD870 which is the same machine and have the same problem. No reception problems with any other of my digital tuners.

There are some discussions on this issue on the AVforums http://www.avforums.com, where speculation on the cause of the problem ranges from the HDMI cable, the aerial or passive splitters.

Here is a thread that I could find but there are a couple of others http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759979

I have yet to fix my problem - I changed the splitter but it didn't work and I haven't done anything else yet as I have a twin tuner PVR which I use most of the time and have no problems with WIN on the Sony's digital tuner.

I might try component out rather than HDMI.

Scott

[alchemy1503562480]

*VERY* interesting. Thanks.

But one question: this firmware is from a UK site and I have Australian firmware on my machine, version 2.07 (I have a disc of version 2.08 but I haven't upgraded yet).

Is my machine going to accept UK firmware without problems or damage? If so, which of the UK firmwares should I start with?

I have the UK firmware on my machine, you can't get any channels, or access the HDD feature with it

Do you, or anyone else have available a copy of 2.07 or 2.08 that can be uploaded?

Many thanks!

[elysian]

I have the UK firmware on my machine, you can't get any channels, or access the HDD feature with it

Do you, or anyone else have available a copy of 2.07 or 2.08 that can be uploaded?

Many thanks!

I've actually lost my firmware 2.08 disc for the 550-HX. But you can get it easily enough - just call Pioneer and request it, and they will send you a disk in the mail.

Bad move applying that UK firmware to your Oz machine. I think only Pioneer can help you now, though you may have voided the warranty.

[elysian]

I have a Sony HXD870 which is the same machine and have the same problem. No reception problems with any other of my digital tuners.

There are some discussions on this issue on the AVforums http://www.avforums.com, where speculation on the cause of the problem ranges from the HDMI cable, the aerial or passive splitters.

Here is a thread that I could find but there are a couple of others http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759979

I have yet to fix my problem - I changed the splitter but it didn't work and I haven't done anything else yet as I have a twin tuner PVR which I use most of the time and have no problems with WIN on the Sony's digital tuner.

I might try component out rather than HDMI.

Scott

My theory is that this problem with the Pioneer 550 HX and its Sony clones has nothing to do with the choice of connection cable to the TV.

That's because my antenna is routed first through my Pioneer DVR, and then to my Panasonic TV via a HDMI cable. So the digital tuner in my TV receives an antenna feed routed first through my DVR, yet the TV tuner never misses a beat. It MUST be the tuner in the DVR that is weak or at fault.

Still waiting for Pioneer to call me back...

[ozmatt]

Unfortunately the digital tuners in Pioneer products both Plasmas and DVD Recorders are very poor quality and have many problems, I speak from experience. I hope when they bring out their new plasmas the digital tuners are better than what they have got now.

[Stone1503560339]

My DVRLX60D (same tuner as 550HX), PDPLX508 and Pioneer SHDT500 digital tuner all work fine... I'm in a dead spot apparently and couldn't get very good analogue, but digital is fine on all of those tuners. Just the occasional drop outs during storms.

[edit - I use HDMI from the DVRLX60 to a VSXLX70, then HDMI to the panel. HDMI is causing no problems in this case]

The original poster's symptoms are quite severe and would indicate a fault product or poor QUALITY signal. You can amplify a poor quality signal and it will still be poor quality, but a high signal strength.

Edited July 8, 2008 by Stone

[scottv]

My theory is that this problem with the Pioneer 550 HX and its Sony clones has nothing to do with the choice of connection cable to the TV.

That's because my antenna is routed first through my Pioneer DVR, and then to my Panasonic TV via a HDMI cable. So the digital tuner in my TV receives an antenna feed routed first through my DVR, yet the TV tuner never misses a beat. It MUST be the tuner in the DVR that is weak or at fault.

Still waiting for Pioneer to call me back...

See this post for more details. http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread....2763&page=5. The tuner is definately at fault, and the the most recent posts in that thread seem to say that the tuner can not cope with the presence of a HDMI cable.

I will removing my HDMI cable tonight and output via component to see whether this helps.

Cheers

Scott

[Quelch]

the most recent posts in that thread seem to say that the tuner can not cope with the presence of a HDMI cable.

I will removing my HDMI cable tonight and output via component to see whether this helps.

Cheers

Scott

Well, did it help ?

[elysian]

Some good news from Pioneer.

The techs at Pioneer Australia have spoken to Pioneer Japan about my problem and they have acknowledged it is an issue with the 550 HX-S

The Japan office is creating a new firmware upgrade (presumed to be version 2.09) for the Aust. market which will be available at the end of August.

I really don't know any more than that. Suggest you call Pioneer if you have questions or want to get the disc sent out to you.

[scottv]

Well, did it help ?

The reception is better since removing the HDMI cable but it still has the occasional dropout. I am still not convinced the HDMI cable causes the interference but I will persist with component connection for the time being.

Now that Pioneer have admitted a fault, I wonder whether the firmware upgrade will work for the Sony?

[Stone1503560339]

Some good news from Pioneer.

The techs at Pioneer Australia have spoken to Pioneer Japan about my problem and they have acknowledged it is an issue with the 550 HX-S

The Japan office is creating a new firmware upgrade (presumed to be version 2.09) for the Aust. market which will be available at the end of August.

I really don't know any more than that. Suggest you call Pioneer if you have questions or want to get the disc sent out to you.

I heard this the other day too... Apparently there is a fix for a weak tuner issue already for overseas models but it has to be modified by the Japanese engineers to suit the Australian model.

Edited July 18, 2008 by Stone

[whitey66]

Just to add to the numbers,mine has this problem too, despite having 100% signal quality and 91% signal strength.It is mainly noticeable with camera panning or motion,like when watching football or motor racing.

I just get a stutter like the signal is momentarily lost.I don't get any pixelation or anything like that.

I phoned Pioneer about 3 weeks ago and they said i'll need to take it to a service agent,but the nearest one to me is about 100kms away.

The guy said he has seen this problem before first hand,but never admitted that the tuner was weak.

I have tried other tuners through this aerial connection with no problems at all,so i'm sure it's the tuner.

One thing I have noticed when checking the signal quality and strength on the "Signal Check" screen,is that when switching channels the signal quality varies from "poor" to "fair",then finally settles on "good" with 100% after a few seconds.Is this normal,or is this a sign of a poor tuner?

Could everyone else who owns one of these units please check theirs and report back?

It would be interesting to see what happens with one that doesn't have any problems too.

Hopefully the new firmware will fix it.If it doesn't,what are my chances of getting a refund seeing as i've owned it since October last year?

I was initially blaming my aerial,but after fitting a new one recently as well as checking with other tuners I realised it's the tuner in the Pioneer.

Edited July 21, 2008 by whitey66

[Qldsteve]

Has anyone had troubles with the DVD player freezing on play back ,even on bought DVD's. (DVD Not the HDD)

[whitey66]

Has anyone had troubles with the DVD player freezing on play back ,even on bought DVD's. (DVD Not the HDD)

Mine has only freezed on dual layer DVD backup burnt discs,it will freeze up at the same point each time.

My Pioneer DVD player in my car doesn't like DL DVD backups either,even though I use Verbatim DL discs as recommended by Pioneer.

By the way,your question and my reply should both be in the other thread,this one is related to tuner problems.

[whitey66]

After sending an email to Pioneer Australia,I got this reply regarding the firmware update for Australian models:

Hello,

Thank you for your email,

There is a firmware that was released in Europe to address this issue with the DVR model from there on certain machines

The Australian model does not have a firmware release at this stage for this issue please refer you unit to your nearest service agent for assesment if you believe you are experiencing a fault

Elysian,have you heard anything else from them yet regarding your firmware update?

[JJap]

After sending an email to Pioneer Australia,I got this reply regarding the firmware update for Australian models:

Hello,

Thank you for your email,

There is a firmware that was released in Europe to address this issue with the DVR model from there on certain machines

The Australian model does not have a firmware release at this stage for this issue please refer you unit to your nearest service agent for assesment if you believe you are experiencing a fault

Elysian,have you heard anything else from them yet regarding your firmware update?

I am still having this issue intermittently.

I called Pioneer only to be told "You need to check your digital signal strength because this is likely to be the cause. But even if it is perfect then it still could be the environment you live in that causes digital dropouts."

When I pointed out that several others have also had this problem and it looks to be a tuner issue he said "Be wary of people posting on forums. More often than not it is a snowball effect where one person has a problem and others think they do as well when they are not related."

I then said that one forum member received an email notifying them that there was a firmware upgrade released in Europe directly related to this tuner issue. He said "Europe has a different system to Australia so be wary of their issues and fixes." At this point I realised that I wasn't going to get anywhere with this bloke...

I am also curious as to whether Pioneer has mentioned anything further about an Australian fix to this issue.

[Stone1503560339]

I'm guessing the call center isn't being kept "in the know" regarding firmware. I've found that if you want accurate information about firmware, you need to talk to the service department. You can just ask to be put through to the person in the service department who deals with firmware. From what i've heard there is still a fix on the way.

Edited August 22, 2008 by Stone