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jarbra15's avatar
jarbra15
Explorer
Sep 05, 2013

TV Interference

I have had a problem since I bought my fifth wheel new in 2004 with interference (snow)on my television. I had it with the tube type tv I originally had and now with a new HDTV. I am using a surge protector that cuts interference. I am getting my signal from my Direct TV sat dish. I have tried another dish with no luck. Occasionally I will get a snow free picture, but 99.9% of the time snow. I have run a direct extension cord to the surge protector, HDTV and SAT box with no luck. I have run a direct sat cable to the box and no luck. I have cut all other power (120V & 12V) to the rig to eliminate any electrical interference and powered equipment with an extension cord and still have snow.
Any ideas?

10 Replies

  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Sep 10, 2013
    A DirecTV SWM3 LNB is not much more difficult to point than a standard antenna since all 3 satellites are side by side in orbit and very minimal skew is required.
  • jarbra15's avatar
    jarbra15
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2013
    Thanks for all the ideas and input. Well after trying different solutions. I found the culprit. I had the sat in cable running into the sat box and out to the input of the DVD/VCR unit and out to the tv. That setup was causing the interference. Rewired and it is better. I currently don't get an HD signal as I am not using an HD dish or receiver. I do have an HDTV. I was told it is very difficult to setup and aim an HD dish (a slimline dish on a tripod). Any thoughts on that matter?
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2013
    Everyone is jumping to the conclusion that you have a high def DirecTV receiver (if I missed it, sorry!) but if you do not then you will not have an HDMI or a component cable option and also no way of receiving the DirecTV HD programming.
    What model # receiver are you using?
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2013
    jarbra15 wrote:
    I will experiment with different cables
    Good. That way you can actually get HD!
  • jarbra15's avatar
    jarbra15
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2013
    I think Jeff and Tom have the solution. I am using an rf cable and using the TV input. I will experiment with different cables and change input on the setup tomorrow and get back with you. Thanks.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2013
    SCVJeff wrote:
    It sounds like you are using the RF output on the sat receiver to watch TV rather than an HDMI or seperate video cable
    I have to agree with that, rather than any lighting or power problems. A properly connected HDMI cable and a decent TV should look beautiful.
  • Tom_M1's avatar
    Tom_M1
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2013
    It sounds like you are watching DirecTV using an RF cable with your TV set tuned to channel 3 or 4 analog. That's about the only way you would see snow on the TV. If your receiver has an HDMI output, connect that to your TV and change your source to HDMI. At the very least connect the composite video (yellow) and stereo audio (red and white).

    Listed in order of best to worst picture:

    HDMI (Digital. One cable for both video and audio)
    Component (Analog. Three cables for video, two for stereo audio)
    S-Video (Analog. One multi-pin cable for video, two for stereo audio)
    Composite (Analog. One cable for video, two for stereo audio)
    RF (Analog. One cable for both video and audio)
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2013
    I think you are looking in the wrong place. It sounds like you are using the RF output on the sat receiver to watch TV rather than an HDMI or seperate video cable? It used to be a common problem that if you were on Ch 3 or 4, that a nearby co-located transmitter could easily interfere with the sat receiver into the TV, regardless of the antenna being on or off. If this is what you are doing, try changing to the other channel on the RF out on the sat receiver and see what that gets you.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2013
    Did you just recently upgrade to LED lights... Those did me in until I got rid of the REGULATOR TYPE LED boards and went with the non-regulated cheap ebay/china boards. All is fine now... Even having the modern outside LED trailer running/stop lights might be interfering as well..

    Another source of strong RFI interference is the RV INVERTERs if you are using one...

    Of course I'm sure you are tuning in your TV reception the correct way by setting your HDTV menu to "ANTENNA" and turning on the 12VDC feed up to the OVER THE AIR antenna built-in PREAMPLIFIER and then doing the search for digital TV signals everytime you stop somewhere...

    Its not like the old analog TV days anymore...

    Roy Ken
  • 2Macs's avatar
    2Macs
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2013
    Are you turning off the antenna booster for the Winegard crank up antenna when using your Direct TV connection. If you still have it on, it will cause the snow interference you are talking about. Your TV is still connected to the Winegard even when you connect up the TV to the satellite or cable.

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