Signal Loss - Bad LNB?

[shaunkanak]

I have a DirecTivo system that has worked great for over 5 years ... until now!

Recently some of the channels have started to pixelate badly to the point that shows are unwatchable.
If I'm not recording something with the other tuner then I can swap tuners and finish the show with a perfect picture.
Because of this I'm guessing that there is a problem with the LNB or possible one of the two coax cables. Unfortunately this is the only receiver in the house (have another non-Tivo receiver in storage) so I don't have an easy way to rule out a problem with the Tivo.
I've checked the signal strength and the loss was limited to just a few transponders. I also tried re-aiming the dish for better signal (no improvement).

I could buy a new lnb/dish - they are not too pricey. However, before I do that I'd like to test the current one (if possible) or at least get someones opinion.
I also don't want to invest too much as we are building a new house and moving in 6 months. The new neighborhood has FIOS so I may try that when we move. Either way I will lose my beloved DirecTivo when I shift to HD.

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Shaun

 

[jdspencer]

We need more information.

What dish do you have?
Is there an external multiswitch?
What model DVR do you have?

Also, swap the lines on the DVR to see if the problem changes tuners.

 

[shaunkanak]

Oops
Sorry, I meant to mention it is a triple-LNB, 18 inch (maybe 18x20). The multiswitch is integrated (not external).
The Tivo is a Hughes HDVR2.

I'll swap the cables next week when my new tv arrives. My old one died yesterday after 12 years.

- Shaun

 

[jdspencer]

Hmmm, the new TV is probably an HDTV, right?
Time to upgrade the DVR.

 

[jdspencer]

Hmmm, the new TV is probably an HDTV, right?
Time to upgrade the DVR.

 

[shaunkanak]

Hmmm, the new TV is probably an HDTV, right?
Time to upgrade the DVR.

Yes the new tv is 1080P. An HD receiver would be nice but like I mentioned in my original post we are building a house in a new neighborhood that allegedly has FIOS. So, I'm not sure I want to commit to a 1 or 2 year contract with DirecTV and spring $200 for a receiver.
That and I heard that most TiVo users were unhappy with the non-TiVo dvr. (also heard there's a new DirecTV HD TiVo unit coming later this year.)