Upgraded HD Receivers

[W_W_W]

After upgrading 5 of our 6 receivers, we have yet to get a reliable signal on any of the new receivers. Our 9500 works perfectly on all channels. The three 9400s and two 6500s show intermittent signal strength from each satellite - sometimes one, sometimes both; test switch normally shows all is well, the guide is visible but for each channel selected, it says satellite signal is unavailable. We have tried resetting using the power switch, resetting to factory defaults, changing positions on our DP44 switch, unplugging and replugging. We have talked to a tech at Bell, and an independent satellite installation dude - all to no avail. From time to time a picture will come up but does not stay - usually reverting to the satellite unavailable screen. It's like the receivers are not processing the signal properly.

We have a dual LNB and a DP44 switch with a power inserter.

[BellPatricia]

Hi there @W_W_W, thanks for your post and welcome to the Bell Community.
Is there any error number on the screen, and can you share a photo of the message you get so the Community can take a closer look?
How often is this happening, and is it at a certain time or does it just happen randomly?
Is the equipment in an enclosed area, or is there any recent snow build up on/around the Satellite Dish outside?
Hope to hear from you soon.
- Patricia

[W_W_W · Accepted solution]

We think we have resolved our issue after reading every bit of info about the DP44 switch.  The Bell technician who originally set up our HD receiver had used a port on the switch intended for connection to another switch, to connect one of our receivers. It was the one receiver (9500) that has always worked so we never questioned that it might be connected incorrectly. We now understand that this port should never have been connected to a receiver. The DP44 switch can accommodate up to 4 receivers - we have 6, so it would seem obvious that we needed another switch. We connected the second switch, connected all the receivers and voila, we are in business! What an incredibly frustrating experience. I would suggest that during troubleshooting calls, Bell should inquire more indepth about add on switches etc.

[rabbitwars]

I'm having the exact same problem with one difference. I received two 9400 HD PVR receivers to replace my 5900 SD PVRs. I have a regular bell dish that was installed just for SD signal, it's not a dual. I have not changed my original set up since it was installed 20 years ago. Only thing I've changed are my receivers. Besides my 2 5900 SD receivers I have a 6141 HD receiver which is connected. I cannot get these 9400 HD receivers to work properly at all. I have done everything suggested on the Bell site for resetting the signal and synchronizing the channels. I have called Bell operators who have rebooting from their end. The best I can get from all the channels I am subscribed to is less than half will stick, meaning they will come on and will return when I turn the receiver off and on again. If I do managed to get all the channels on a 9400 receiver, if I turn the remote off and back on those channels will vanish. I then receive in this order a 015 screen followed by a 002 screen with a message that the satellite signal cannot lock on. Yet both my 5900 SD and 6141 HD receiver all lock onto the signal with no problem. To say this has given me a headache is an understatement. I'm also a rural customer and I have checked my dish and as far as I can tell it is fine. Anyone have any suggestions? 

[W_W_W · Accepted solution]

You should upgrade to a dual LNB, which should be free of charge. You don’t mention if you have a multi switch in your set up. If you do, find a read the information on it to be sure your connections are proper. Start at the source though - get that LNB changed.

[rabbitwars]

I have a multi switch which I've never touched in years as it works fine. Over the years I have changed many receivers included other HD receivers to my set up without ever having to touch the multi switch. Have never had any issues. These 9400 PVRs though are the first ones I'm encounter issues with. As for getting an LNB I'm not sure if that is a problem because I have had a HD receiver hooked up to my single line receiver for a few years. It works fine. I just can't get the HD channels which is fine as I don't have a HD TV. Besides I'm wondering what would be the point of going to an LNB since Bell is doing away with the SD signal. Wouldn't the HD signal just automatically be picked up by my current single line dish?