[mythtv-users] mpeg2 playback quality captured with PVR-150

[Brian Wood]

Michael T. Dean wrote:

> Any hints on determining proper amplification levels when using
> digital?  The signal monitor's % doesn't seem to change regardless of
> the setting I use for the amplifier, so I'm looking for other ideas.

Often the "signal level" is actually the BER (Bit Error Rate), which is
more or less related to the signal level, especially if you are below
threshold.

If you have sufficient signal, increasing it will not usually change the
BER, so what you are seeing makes sense.

Also, some cards (HD-3000?) do not properly report the BER, and/or some
drivers do not properly interpret it.

>  I
> guess if nothing else I could try decreasing amplification and see if
> that helps...  I'm just not a fan of the long, drawn-out trial and error
> process (and, it seems that the issues only started occurring this
> summer and are becoming less frequent as the fall approaches, so I'm
> trying to fix it before it disappears for the winter so I'll be good
> next year, too).

Without a signal level meter you are shooting in the dark as far as
levels, and trial and error is about all you have.

Level problems that start in the summer and get better in the autumn are
often related to foliage growth along the signal path.

beww