About jkozlow3

I've been using Expert Mode because the audio level matches the rest of my sources (i.e. Apple TV, Roku & BD player) when routed through my AVR.  When I use Auto Detect/5.1, the X1 box outputs a louder audio signal.  When I switch to the Apple TV (to watch Hulu, Netflix, etc.) I have to increase the volume by 5-10 dB on the AVR and then decrease it again when switching back to the X1 box.  I don't have this issue when using Expert Mode.   Yes, I have noticed a few audio drops in Expert Mode, but nothing too bad.  I'll have to try Auto Detect/5.1 again and see if I notice a difference. ... View more

  @jjonesx86 wrote: Thanks for the quick responses.   Nothing is inbetween, the X1 goes directly to the TV.  I was hoping there was a known way to override this auto-detect behavior with HDMI.  I don't need the box trying to outsmart me...I know what the TV can pass through :)   Thanks, Jeff Yeah, there is no way to force the X1 box to output a particular signal and override the auto-detect unfortunately.  Also, I was making revisions to my post above while you were responding if you want to take a look again. ... View more

@jjonesx86 wrote: My device is listed as a Pace PX013ANM.  I'm not sure what else could be happening but I'm open to any and all suggestions.     When I first purchsed the Samsung Plasma it didn't pass 5.1 from HDMI inputs and I had a setup with a HDMI switch.  They released a firmware update years ago that fixed the 5.1 pass through and I was able to simplify my wiring.  I also had frequent issues with the switch and I tried three different models.  Overly complex and I want to avoid going back to that.   The only options I see in the setup menu for my Xfinity box are stereo and auto-detect (stereo).  Again, other sources are passing 5.1 and I have confirmed that with Sonos.  Any and all suggestions are much appreciated.   Thanks. If the auto-detect is only showing (stereo), then the X1 box is detecting that the next device in the chain only accepts stereo as an input.  Is the next device in the chain your Samsung plasma?  Or do you have an AVR or switch in the chain?   The only thing I can suggest if your X1 is connected directly to your TV is to reboot the X1 box while the TV is powered on.  Sometimes the X1 boxes don't properly "see" what the next device is capable of if that device is powered off when the X1 box reboots (which occurs every night).  If that doesn't fix your issue, there is nothing you can do - your display and the X1 box are simply miscommunicating.  Nothing you can do about that.   That said, you can force 5.1 from the optical/SPDIF connection in the settings on the X1 box if you really need/want to and route the audio over optical instead.  Personally, I think that surround sound works terribly on the X1 boxes so I use stereo anyway despite having a very nice 5.1 system. ... View more

@mryflyguy wrote: @RickGr4 wrote: The fact Comcast employees along with the Comcaster formerly known as Comcast Neal have stopped commenting on the problem suggests to me that Comcast can't or won't fix it. The new batch of Comcast employees participating in this forum and offering to "send signals" appears to have stopped as well. Comcast employees may have stopped commenting on this discussion because I updated the status to SOLVED (I am the original poster).        Why did you do that?  The problem clearly hasn't been resolved. ... View more

Sandhaus, The audio dropouts have been going on for years for many of us. Long before mpeg4. Comcast is a joke. Millions and millions of subscribers and they'd rather send 5+ techs out to my house (over the course of a couple of years) instead of simply programming the X1 box to work properly. Of course the techs can never find a problem when they're here. ... View more

My router and modem are nowhere near the X1 box. In fact they are on different floors of the house. The surround dropouts have nothing to do with WiFi interference. The issue does not happen when outputting Stereo from the X1 box. The issue has to do with the way the surround sound is being processed by the X1 box and nothing more. Discussing any other potential cause is a complete waste of time. ... View more

@ComcastKenF wrote: jkozlow3, I understand your concerns and I want to get to the bottom of these issues. I don't see these particular sound issues reported as a known issue at this time. If the issues are stemming from issues in your particular area, or problems with exterior/interior wiring I'd like to look into that.    I'm hoping to figure out a fix for at least one so we have some kind of metric of what may be affecting everyone here.    So Comcast just gave up on fixing the surround sound issues?  They were working on them for a long time.  Previous Comcast reps have PM'd many of us and have even sent numerous test/beta builds to our boxes over the past 1+ year, but none of the test builds seemed to fix the issue.   Stereo output from the X1 works perfectly.  As you can see from this thread, the problem has been going on for a very long time.   I've had numerous techs out to my house (4 I believe) and no one has ever been able to find a problem with my wiring or signals.  They've checked at the tap, outside the house, at the point of demarkation inside the house and at each jack in the house.   The bigger issue for me is that the audio-video lip-sync became out of sync around last Fall when outputting surround from the X1.  Lip-sync is perfect when outputting stereo.  I seem to be in the minority with this issue however.  I've replaced my X1 box and the problem persists.  None of my other devices have the issue (Apple TV, Blu-ray player, etc.) when outputting surround.  Everything is routed through my Denon receiver via HDMI.   As a result of both of these issues (audio droputs and lip-sync), I am forced to output stereo from the X1.  Stereo works perfectly. ... View more

@ComcastKenF wrote: Thanks for reaching out about your issues, sandhaus. Are you using a sound bar?  Ken, I am a bit confused as to what Comcast is doing to "fix" these issues.  They've been happening for years.     Don't take this personally, but every few months a Comcast employee comes on this forum and asks if people are still experiencing issues and tells us that a fix is in the works.  Eventually, that employee stops posting and the audio issues persist.  This cycle has been going on for a couple of years now.  So I'm sure you can understand the frustration of many who have been frequenting this forum and experiencing these issues for quite some time. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: Not a chance here. I didn't take the time, money and effort to set up a Dolby Atmos surround sound system just to listen to it in Dolby Pro Logic which is over 20 years old. I would rather endure the occasional drop out and listen in Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby Atmos than listen in Dolby Pro Logic... @jkozlow3 wrote: @Steveromo wrote: Hello Ken. I wanted to let you know that the audio dropouts are back in the same manner they were before. For one night - the night you did your diagnostics - they were reduced. But now they're just as they were before. Thanks for spending time trying to fix. I appreciate the effort, and I am hopeful that this will be fixed someday.   There are no dropouts when outputting Stereo.  I haven't used Surround output from the X1 box in 6+ months and have given up on Surround.  Comcast has been working on these dropouts for what - 3 years?  Longer?  I doubt that there will ever be a fix and I'm certainly not holding my breath.  I suggest using Stereo output instead. The worse issue for me is that I have terrible lip-sync issues when outputting Surround from the X1 box.  Very visible on things like CNN, MSNBC, news broadcasts, etc.  I've replaced my X1 box and no improvement.  Lip-sync is perfect when outputting Stereo however.  I also have no issues on any of my other devices (BD player, Apple TV, Roku, etc.) So between the lip-sync issues and dropouts, I suppose I'm stuck permanently using Stereo output from the X1. ... View more

@Steveromo wrote: Hello Ken. I wanted to let you know that the audio dropouts are back in the same manner they were before. For one night - the night you did your diagnostics - they were reduced. But now they're just as they were before. Thanks for spending time trying to fix. I appreciate the effort, and I am hopeful that this will be fixed someday.   There are no dropouts when outputting Stereo.  I haven't used Surround output from the X1 box in 6+ months and have given up on Surround.  Comcast has been working on these dropouts for what - 3 years?  Longer?  I doubt that there will ever be a fix and I'm certainly not holding my breath.  I suggest using Stereo output instead. ... View more

@lztf37 wrote: Thanks for the tip.  Dynamic Volume was set to "Light".  I turned it off and we'll see how it works.   One thing I did notice is the sound level dropped about 40% I had to increase the volume significantly.   You say you have yours set to Stereo. I agree it's less problems but are you able to utilize at least a 5.1 speaker system?   When I set mine to Stereo sound only comes out the two front speakers.   Dynamic Volume is definitely responsibility for the volume fade.  This only happens when there are errors in the audio stream.  I have no issues on any of my other devices (Apple TV, Blu-Ray player, Roku, etc.) - only the X1 (when outputting surround).   Yes, you'll have to increase the volume level when turning off Dynamic Volume.  I prefer to use Dynamic Volume, but Dynamic Volume doesn't work so well when their are dropouts in the audio stream.  Therefore I use Dynamic Volume + stereo output from the X1.   I currently have my X1 box set to output stereo and I use Dynamic Volume on the Day/Light setting.  I have zero issues with this configuration.  No more dropouts or audio fade and no lip-sync issues.  I have terrible lip-sync issues with surround for the past few months - not sure why.   I have my AVR set to use Dolby PLII so that it does simulated surround when it receives a stereo signal.  This is a big improvement in dialogue since the center channel gets used this way.     ... View more

@lztf37 wrote:     Even with the recent changes of Surround Sound top 5.1 I'm still experiencing the periodic sound fade (sounds goes low for a couple seconds and then returns to normal).   Is your X1 box connected to an AVR?  If so, does it have Audyssey Dynamic Volume?  Is it enabled?   If so, that's why you are experiencing sound fade.  It's because of the hiccups/glitches in the X1 surround audio stream which Audyssey cannot account for.  If you disable Dynamic Volume, the sound "fade" goes away and you'll get full blown dropouts instead.  I find the dropouts easier to listen to than the constant "fade" in volume.   That said, I've been outputting Stereo from my X1 box for months as it's WAAAAY less problematic than surround. ... View more

@lztf37 wrote: Recently I started to experience picture freezing.  The picture would remain frozen but the audio was still coming through.  Changing channels changed the audio but the picture was still frozen.  Fixing this required a power shut down.   lztf37, I've had this exact same issue with 2 brand new boxes.  I swapped out a 1-month old box and the replacement (also brand new) still has this issue occasionally.  It's not frequent - maybe once every 2 weeks.  Same as you've described - the picture freezes but the audio continues.  Changing the channel doesn't help - a reboot is required.   FYI, if you call Comcast and ask them to send you a new box in the mail (a self install kit), they are always brand new.  They usually charge you $15 for the privilege however. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: Don't agree. People have been complaining about audio sync since the first day's of X1. Also, I have a Marantz 7010 receiver (similar to yours) and other than "Live with Kelly" I have no sync issues in either stereo or surround? Why is mine OK and yours isn't? It would be narrow minded thinking to not recognize that associated equipment and connections could easily have something to do with this. Just because your other sources are OK does not mean that Comcast is entirely at fault. Did you miss the part where it said the problem could easily be the original broadcasts? In my case, the issue I notice with "Live with Kelly" obviously begins with the broadcast... I understand that you what this fixed but I think your troubleshooting processes need to be more global... Also I think it is important to note that my X1 signal levels are verified to be easily within spec. Personally I think that anyone experiencing this issue should have a tech out to verify their signal levels. Before you tell me that your signal levels are fine I will remind you that the only person who can accurately measure ALL CRITICAL X1 signal levels is an on site tech.   I've had ~4 techs out over the past year.  Most of those visits were due to random split-second internet dropouts (just long enough to kick me off of my company's VPN for example).  Every tech has told me my signals look good.  My downstream is usually around 0 (give or take), upstream around 45-46 and SNR is around 36-37.  I know that there are a couple of values that only Comcast can see on their end (I think upstream SNR) and I've been told by tier 2 techs that those look good as well.   I believe my MOCA devices (that I've had for years to send internet from one floor to another over the coax) were interfering with the signals just enough to cause these random dropouts.  I've had them unplugged for a few weeks and haven't seen any issues since.   Why do I have more surround lip-sync issues than you?  I have no idea.  Maybe I just notice it more than you do?  Not sure.  Sometimes it's very obvious and other times the issues are subtle.  However, as soon as I toggle to stereo, even the subtle issues (when I'm not 100% positive that the audio is out of sync) become readily apparent, as stereo is perfect.  Then when I toggle back to surround, things just don't look right in comparison.  This is the case on virtually EVERY broadcast and channel if you look for it.  Maybe you aren't looking hard enough for the problem?  I'd suggest that you toggle between stereo and surround on things like news broadcasts even when you don't think there's a problem.  You may be surprised to find that stereo just looks more "right" after toggling.  Then again, maybe not.  Maybe the problem doesn't really exist in your set up.  My Denon is probably a few years older than your Marantz, but I do not have the issue on any other source.  Maybe the issue has been around for a long time, but it's definitely gotten worse in recent months - probably as a result of trying to "fix" the surround dropouts.   I've had both the Arris V3 and Pace V3 boxes and both of them have the same exact audio issues (dropouts and lip-sync).   No offense Rick, but you're often quick to defend Comcast.  I'm 100% positive the problem is on their end and I'm 99% positive that the lip-sync issue is related to the surround audio dropouts.  Before Comcast supposedly figured out the real root of the dropouts, I got the impression that they were going about the fix in the wrong manner (basically software hacks vs. enabling what they needed to enable on the chip) and I think their attempts to fix the dropout issue has consistently made the lip-sync issues worse.   As a result, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the audio dropouts and lip-sync issues are fixed at the same time, as I think the RIGHT fix will solve both problems simultaneously. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: It occurred to me that Comcast could be trying to fix the drop out problem and audio sync problem at the same time. Yet I doubt that because I believe they are greatly different issues. As I mentioned in my other posts, everyone owns different gear. Not everyone uses the same connections. I am not convinced the audio sync issue is entirely Comcast's fault. I think the audio sync issue will be nearly impossible to fix for all users in all circumstances.   The audio sync issue is most definitely Comcast's fault for these reasons:   1. It's a relatively new issue - started in the Fall I believe.  I never noticed it before this.  I believe they introduced the lip-sync isssue when they were trying to fix the audio dropouts (which they were clearly going about the fix the wrong way). 2.  I do not have the lip-sync issues on ANY of my other devices when watching Blu-ray, Netflix, iTunes, etc.  All of my sources are routed through my Denon AVR via HDMI. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: In my opinion, the fact that Comcast is no longer commenting on this issue suggests they struggling with it. In regards to audio sync, I suggest that people read my recent posts in the threads that address audio sync. Thanks Rick.  I hadn't seen the other threads re: audio/lip-sync issues.  I just responded to them to add some "me too" comments to hopefully draw some visibility to this issue. ... View more

  @r.gawron wrote: I've messaged you twice and haven't heard back. I'm interested in anything that will help solve this.   You've messaged WHO twice?  ComcastEric?  He has stopped responding to my messages as well.  Not sure if he still works for Comcast or what.   My biggest issue with outputting surround at the point is that the lip-sync is noticeably off vs. outputting stereo.  It's very apparent when switching back and forth.  This started a couple/few months ago.   I'm really surprised others aren't complaining about this.  I've tried 2 different X1 boxes and they both have the same issue.  No other changes to my equipment (Denon AVR) and none of my other devices exhibit this lip-sync problem (Apple TV, Blu-ray player, etc.)   ... View more

@r.gawron wrote: I'm not getting the dropouts when the STB is in stereo (PCM), just when set to surround.  Yeah, stereo works fine.  Always has.  I've just never heard of LONG audio dropouts when using surround.  Mine are long enough to be annoying, but they're under 1 second.   Do you notice any lip-sync issues when using surround and watching something like a news broadcast, CNN, etc?  See my previous post above yours.   I'm trying to determine if the lip-sync issues I'm noticing on surround are unique to my setup or widepread.  When I toggle between surround and stereo, it's very noticeably better on stereo. ... View more

  @r.gawron wrote: I'm also experiencing audio dropouts that last anywhere from 1 to 20 seconds. 1 to 20 seconds????   I've never heard of that.  Pretty much everyone on this thread has sub-second dropouts when using surround.  Certainly less than 1-2 seconds. ... View more

Are others noticing lip-sync issues on the X1 when outputting surround?     I've tried 2 different X1 boxes (Arris and Pace - both V3) and the lip-sync is very noticeably off when using surround.  When I toggle to stereo, everything is fine.  I notice issues on virtual every program on every network when watching things like news broadcasts, etc. where people are speaking directly in front of the camera.   As a result, I've been using stereo almost exclusively lately.  Stereo also doesn't have any audio dropouts, but the lip-sync issue is far worse than a few dropouts here and there. ... View more

Is Comcast done providing updates for this issue? ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: As I have said many times, Comcast is constantly making changes to X1 that are not reflected in version number changes.   Ah.  I didn't realize that.  I'll try toggling surround on and see if I notice any improvements.  I had been watching for a software update before doing so, but I guess that method is flawed if they can somehow make changes without a new build. ... View more

RickGr4 wrote: I think there has been changes in regards to surround audio but I haven't confirmed yet.     lztf37 wrote: Just today I'm noticing more surround in my sound. The back speakers seem to have come alive. I'll have to check on the software/firmware update to see if there was one recently. The quality is still lacking but if they made changes I may have to readjust my AVR settings to compensate. If anyone konws what updates might have been pushed let us know.     My software version is 2.5p12s1 and the STB timestamp is from October 29, so I don't think anything has been updated recently?  Are you guys seeing a different version? ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: Have you toggled the surround/stereo setting?   Who are you asking?  I have had my X1 box on stereo for the past 1-2 months.  Waiting until the surround issues are fixed. They aren't fixed yet, are they? ... View more

@MelBMac wrote: I believe that Comcast has dropped the ball on this capability, perhaps the upcoming ATMOS/DOLBY updates will improve things?     Possibly.  God knows how long it will be until they push out the surround fix.  They supposedly already know how to fix the problem.  Yet we've all been waiting for a fix for like a year now.  No rush Comcast.  No rush.  Maybe things will be working correctly by 2018. ... View more

@GTOGreg wrote: I would hope that this 'solution' would be pushed to everyone.  I also began experiencing these audio dropouts when I upgraded to the X1 box.  Since I had just gotten a new Samsung 65KS8000 4k TV, I thought a new cable box would be in order.  I was expecting just a newer model of the HD box I had, but was happy when I was offered an X1 box for no additional cost.  However, this audio dropout thing is a bit annoying.  I'm currently connected from the X1 box to a new Pioneer VSX-LX301 AVR then to the ARC connection on the TV's OneConnect Box, all via HDMI.  I was tempted to play around with alternate connection setups, but it's just not worth tearing apart my system and putting it back together again... Just set the X1 box to output stereo for now until the fix is rolled out.  That's what I've done.  Much better. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: I just posted this in another thread so here you go. A former Comcast employee (who would know all about the audio drop out issue) that now works for Dolby Labs recently posted in another thread that they know what the audio drop out problem is and a fix is coming soon........ @jkozlow3 wrote: @lztf37 wrote: I don't know.  The audio is still pretty poor for me even after many hours of fine tuning (AVR, Speakers, X1 to the extent possible).   I switch back and forth between Stereo and Surround every few weeks to see if Comcast has made any improvements.  The sound fade/drop is still very noticeable when using Surround Sound mode on the X1 device.  It seems that when someone asks the question everyone chimes into this forum that it still does have problems. Then it dies down. I wouldn't take the fact that the forum has gone quiet as a sign its working fine.  My big problem is with variation between channels as well as shows and the fact that it works fine on the little companion box but not the X1 (with the exact same AVR models).  I get tired of readjusting the audio settings for each channel or show/movie. The surround sound dropouts have most definitely NOT been fixed.  I've been outputting stereo for the past month or so - way less issues than when outputting surround.  It's a shame that Comcast cannot seem to fix the surround issues, but they've been happening for like a year now, so I'm losing hope. Rick, can you provide the link to the other thread/post? I don't recall seeing that update. Thanks! ... View more

@mryflyguy wrote: @jkozlow3 wrote: Netflix looks terrible on the X1 box too.  I pulled up the same episode of a show on the X1 and on my Apple TV and the picture quality was MUCH better on the Apple TV.  Sad.  Comcast is really disappointing. Ha! Netflix on my X1 looks better than Comcast OD and loads much faster.      That's interesting.  Do you have an Apple TV, Roku, Blu-ray player or TV with Netflix built-in?  If so, you could start the same episode of the same show on 2 devices (X1 being one of them) and compare the picture quality.  I immediately noticed that the picture on the Apple TV was much sharper and more detailed in comparison to the X1 when doing this comparison.  Both devices are set to output 1080p, yet the X1 looked more like 720p in comparison to Netflix on the Apple TV. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: In another ongoing thread, a former Comcast employee who now works for Dolby Labs (who knows as much about this issue as anyone does) updated us on the audio drop out issue. They know what the problem is and a fix is coming soon.   Rick, can you provide the link to the other thread/post?  I don't recall seeing that update.  Thanks! ... View more

@lztf37 wrote: I don't know.  The audio is still pretty poor for me even after many hours of fine tuning (AVR, Speakers, X1 to the extent possible).   I switch back and forth between Stereo and Surround every few weeks to see if Comcast has made any improvements.  The sound fade/drop is still very noticeable when using Surround Sound mode on the X1 device.  It seems that when someone asks the question everyone chimes into this forum that it still does have problems. Then it dies down. I wouldn't take the fact that the forum has gone quiet as a sign its working fine.  My big problem is with variation between channels as well as shows and the fact that it works fine on the little companion box but not the X1 (with the exact same AVR models).  I get tired of readjusting the audio settings for each channel or show/movie. The surround sound dropouts have most definitely NOT been fixed.  I've been outputting stereo for the past month or so - way less issues than when outputting surround.  It's a shame that Comcast cannot seem to fix the surround issues, but they've been happening for like a year now, so I'm losing hope. ... View more

@asmarks wrote: I think it is time for someone from Comcast to provide us with an update as to the status of the audio dropout fix.  Last night watching the American Music Awards there were some severe audio dropouts during several of the songs, confirming once again that the problem still exists.  Comcast has purpotedly been working on this for at least 6 months without success.   It's great that Comcast is rolling out all these bells and whistles on X1 --Netflix access; 4K samples; voice control, etc. -- but frankly those are simply trimmings while the underlying basis of the service -- sound and picture -- are not yet perfect.  I have a hard time understanding the priorities and maybe the issue is that only a fraction (maybe even just a small fraction) of subscribers either have this issue or care about it.  Whatever the case, it would be nice to know what kind of progress has been made and if the source of the problem has yet been identified.   I find this extremely frustrating.   Comcast has been working on the audio dropouts for like a year.  Definitely WAY longer than 6 months.   Netflix looks terrible on the X1 box too.  I pulled up the same episode of a show on the X1 and on my Apple TV and the picture quality was MUCH better on the Apple TV.  Sad.  Comcast is really disappointing. ... View more

@Steveromo wrote: UPDATE:  I have found that if I pause my live TV just a second or two, and then resume playback on a very slight delay, there is NO AUDIO DROPOUT. I may have seen someone else mention this earlier in this post. But I think this is significant enough to mention again. It's not a fix, it's a work around - BUT - I feel it can help lead the engineers in the right direction. I still get dropout when playing back DVR recordings, but I can eliminate it on live broadcasts (although I must repeat the process after every channel change!!) Still hoping for a resolution soon! Please make sure you send a PM to ComcastEricG to alert him of your findings.  He lasted posted on the previous page of this thread (page 4).  You just need to click on his name to send him a PM. ... View more

@RobertWy wrote: @jkozlow3 wrote: @lztf37 wrote: I once again revisted all the settings.  I agree that when its on stereo its a bit more stable.  But on stereo my 5.1 surround system sounds like 2.1. There is no depth to the audio.  In the Stereo setting on the set top box the sound levels between channels are consistent and there is no audio dropout.    I switched it to Surround sound over HDMI again. I have to increase the volume by 25% or more to hear it.  I can understand if with Surround Sound the higher volume number is going to be the new normal.  However, the volume levels between stations and even between programs is all over the place.  As I'm changing between channels and shows I'll have to adjust the volume 15-20% up or down to have it in a good listening range.   I calibrate the audio on an HD Premium station such as HBO and its fine.  Change it to Cinemax and I have to reduce the volume 20% or increase it 20%.  Change it to an HD network station such as ABC and I have to increase it 25% to hear it.    The dialog out of the center speaker varies wildly between channels.  Some channels I have to raise the volume very loud to hear the dialog clearly.  Others I can keep it quite low and hear the dialog fine.   I've played with the center channel and dialog settings on the receiver and you can never get it right.  Even if you get it right for one channel it is not right for the next.   The problem is with the inconsistency in audio volume, clarity and distribution between the speakers and between channels.   Almost every time I change the station or even move from one program to another I have to make signficant audio adjustments.   I never, ever, had this problem witht the legacy box or any other cable box I have ever used.  I haven't had it set to surround sound long enough to notice audio drops.  I'll leave it in surround sound for a few days and see.     As I mentioned in a previouis post I have one of the small satellite boxes in another room connected to the exact same receiver and model and the audio quality on that unit is fine. I have even duplicated the settings between the two and I can tell you the X1 exhibits different behavior.  My receiver recognizes when the signal change between types (Dobly Digital, PL II C) and while the small satellite box will change the X1 stays on Dolby Digital almost all the time, or Stereo.  The same station with the same program at the same time will broadcast PLII C on the small box and Dolby Digital on the X1 set top box.    I have no doubt someone can come into a home and adjust the audio just right on a given station and program. It may even sound fine on a few other channels and programs.   I have many doubts that the setting will result in a consistent experience for very long and between channels and stations.  The customer is then left with the impression that it must be them and they have to live with it.  That's the best it will be.   Well know it's not me and I know it can be better.  It has been better and its better on the little box that accompanies the X1. I agree with your post 100%.  Outputting surround from the X1 is complete trash at this point.  The volume levels fluctuate DRASTICALLY when using surround - I constantly have to reach for the remote to adjust the volume on my AVR.  I don't have to do this when outputting stereo - the volume levels are much more consistent.  This extreme volume fluctuation is even worse than the audio dropouts IMO.  Not to mention the lip-sync issues when outputting surround (which also do not exist when oututting stereo).  These issues have all gotten worse over time as Comcast has attempted to "fix" the surround issues.  1 step forward, 2 steps back.  Like you, I had no issues when using the legacy DVR box.   At this point, outputting stereo is the only usable option in my opinion (especially if you can enable Dolby PLII in your AVR and have simulated surround).  No, I don't like it, but it's a lot better than the alternative.  Surround on the X1 is currently completely unusable to me. Strange.  I only have one a/v receiver that outputs 5.1 surround from my X1 Pace DVR.  And I have NEVER had to adjust the sound.  I DO agree that X1 surround is lacking.  I get a better experience with my BD player. I have the Arris X1 V3 (it seems this is all they use now, as no one has been able to supply me with a Pace box to try).     When outputting surround the volume is often much quieter than when outputting stereo.  Dialogue is more difficult to hear at times (probably because the surround mix is really messed up on these boxes).  Volume fluctuates more from channel to channel and especially when commercials are played.  I find myself reaching for the remote to adjust the volume on my AVR far more than I would like to.  I used to use Audyssey Dynamic Volume on my Denon AVR (set to day/light) to help stabilize the volume fluctuations and this worked pretty well until the audio dropouts got worse.  Dynamic Volume makes the audio dropouts seem much worse however.  Dynamic Volume "reads ahead" a little to help stabilize the volume fluctuations.  When the audio stream contains an error (a dropout), this really messes up the audio playback however.  So it's best to turn Dynamic Volume off.  The audio dropouts are less noticeable/annoying this way.   When outputting stereo over the past couple of weeks, I have none of these issues.  None.  Not to mention that the lip-sync is perfect when outputting stereo and is very noticeably off when outputting surround (toggle back and forth between surround and stereo and it is pretty obvious on a lot of programming).   Not to sound like a broken record, but many of us had NO audio issues with the legacy box.     Comcast, why can't you just program the X1 boxes to output audio like the legacy boxes did???????? ... 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@RickGr4 wrote: Robert, Yes, OTA has 5.1 audio. I believe Robert may have sarcastically been asking you how you've hooked up an OTA antenna directly to your AVR.  I could be wrong, but I don't think this is possible?   If you can't hook up an OTA antenna directly to your AVR, how are you able to compare a 5.1 surround feed from OTA to a 5.1 surround feed on the X1 box being fed to an AVR?  Connecting an OTA antenna to your television first would add another variable and wouldn't be a direct comparison.   That's how I interpreted Robert's post, but maybe I'm reading too much into it.   ... View more

@lztf37 wrote: I once again revisted all the settings.  I agree that when its on stereo its a bit more stable.  But on stereo my 5.1 surround system sounds like 2.1. There is no depth to the audio.  In the Stereo setting on the set top box the sound levels between channels are consistent and there is no audio dropout.    I switched it to Surround sound over HDMI again. I have to increase the volume by 25% or more to hear it.  I can understand if with Surround Sound the higher volume number is going to be the new normal.  However, the volume levels between stations and even between programs is all over the place.  As I'm changing between channels and shows I'll have to adjust the volume 15-20% up or down to have it in a good listening range.   I calibrate the audio on an HD Premium station such as HBO and its fine.  Change it to Cinemax and I have to reduce the volume 20% or increase it 20%.  Change it to an HD network station such as ABC and I have to increase it 25% to hear it.    The dialog out of the center speaker varies wildly between channels.  Some channels I have to raise the volume very loud to hear the dialog clearly.  Others I can keep it quite low and hear the dialog fine.   I've played with the center channel and dialog settings on the receiver and you can never get it right.  Even if you get it right for one channel it is not right for the next.   The problem is with the inconsistency in audio volume, clarity and distribution between the speakers and between channels.   Almost every time I change the station or even move from one program to another I have to make signficant audio adjustments.   I never, ever, had this problem witht the legacy box or any other cable box I have ever used.  I haven't had it set to surround sound long enough to notice audio drops.  I'll leave it in surround sound for a few days and see.     As I mentioned in a previouis post I have one of the small satellite boxes in another room connected to the exact same receiver and model and the audio quality on that unit is fine. I have even duplicated the settings between the two and I can tell you the X1 exhibits different behavior.  My receiver recognizes when the signal change between types (Dobly Digital, PL II C) and while the small satellite box will change the X1 stays on Dolby Digital almost all the time, or Stereo.  The same station with the same program at the same time will broadcast PLII C on the small box and Dolby Digital on the X1 set top box.    I have no doubt someone can come into a home and adjust the audio just right on a given station and program. It may even sound fine on a few other channels and programs.   I have many doubts that the setting will result in a consistent experience for very long and between channels and stations.  The customer is then left with the impression that it must be them and they have to live with it.  That's the best it will be.   Well know it's not me and I know it can be better.  It has been better and its better on the little box that accompanies the X1. I agree with your post 100%.  Outputting surround from the X1 is complete trash at this point.  The volume levels fluctuate DRASTICALLY when using surround - I constantly have to reach for the remote to adjust the volume on my AVR.  I don't have to do this when outputting stereo - the volume levels are much more consistent.  This extreme volume fluctuation is even worse than the audio dropouts IMO.  Not to mention the lip-sync issues when outputting surround (which also do not exist when oututting stereo).  These issues have all gotten worse over time as Comcast has attempted to "fix" the surround issues.  1 step forward, 2 steps back.  Like you, I had no issues when using the legacy DVR box.   At this point, outputting stereo is the only usable option in my opinion (especially if you can enable Dolby PLII in your AVR and have simulated surround).  No, I don't like it, but it's a lot better than the alternative.  Surround on the X1 is currently completely unusable to me. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: I suggest you take some time to actually read this thread, starting with my post at # 393. This thread is old and long. The early information in this thread is out of date. The only problem with X1 audio at the moment is momentary audio drop outs which Comcast is very aware of. Any surround audio issues you may be having are confined to you and your particular installation. Rick, I have been following this thread from the beginning.  Your posts are often condescending and incorrect.  Being a Comcast cheerleader isn't helping anyone.   The fact is audio from the X1 boxes is far from working properly.  When set to output surround, the volume levels are ALL OVER THE PLACE and the brief audio dropouts are still happening after a year.  I also often experience terrible lip-sync issues when outputting surround (inconsistently - it varies from channel to channel and program to program).  This is quite obvious when toggling between surround and stereo output.   When the X1 box is set to output stereo, the volume levels are quite a bit different than when outputting surround.  The audio dropouts also do not occur in stereo and I have no lip-sync issues.   I had none of these issues with my legacy box and neither did many of the other people who have posted in this thread.  We pay good money for our Comcast service and the fact that Comcast cannot seem to get the audio to work properly on the X1 boxes is pretty frustrating.  Many of us (myself included) have swapped X1 boxes and had technicians out to our homes to check the signal and none of this has helped whatsoever. ... View more

@RickGr4 wrote: lztf37, The audio from X1 boxes work just fine. There is nothing to fix. I have four X1 boxes. Each one is connected to a different type of audio solution. The audio from the X1 boxes works reliably and predictably in all four situations. I am sorry to tell you this but after reading your post I can tell you that you are doing something wrong or you have a fixable situation or a combination of both. I suggest that you either have Comcast send a tech out or find someone that has a higher level of knowledge about AV system set up to help you.   Huh?  What do you mean the audio from the X1 boxes works just fine?  What is the purpose of this thread and the work that ComcastEric and his team are doing then?  I beg to differ that the X1 audio works "just fine".  Audio from the X1 boxes is terrible. ... View more

@MrScott1 wrote: @mryflyguy wrote: @jkozlow3 wrote: @MrScott1 wrote: OMG, on A&E yesterday afternoon, the shows were so out of whack with audio sync it was comical. Was watching "I almost didn't survive" marathon while waiting out the hurricane. You guys need to get this fixed, this is ridiculous. Yes, lip-sync has been horribly off for me when outputting surround sound from the X1.  Outputting stereo seems to fix the lip-sync issues for now.  Toggling back and forth between stereo and surround is VERY obvious that there is a lip-sync issue!!   I don't want to get too far off-topic here but for a quick answer - If you're sending the X1 audio signal to a multimedia receiver (audio output = SURROUND), you'll need to adjust the digital audio delay settings on your receiver which allows you to synchronize the sound with the video. All multimedia receivers/amps have this functionality. I had to play with my settings a bit but eventually matched it to the video pretty well.  You would be correct if the issue was all channels show sync issues with the same delay. However, as I explained pages ago in this thread, not all channels show sync issues, nor do the channels that do show sync issues show them all the time, or with the same delay. The problem is decidedly a Comcast issue, not an AV issue.   Agreed - that is a good point that I forgot to mention in my post above.  The lip-sync issue is not consistent on every channel and it does seem worse at some times than others.  So adjusting the lip-sync settings in the AVR wouldn't work anyway since it's inconsistent. ... View more

@mryflyguy wrote: @jkozlow3 wrote: @MrScott1 wrote: OMG, on A&E yesterday afternoon, the shows were so out of whack with audio sync it was comical. Was watching "I almost didn't survive" marathon while waiting out the hurricane. You guys need to get this fixed, this is ridiculous. Yes, lip-sync has been horribly off for me when outputting surround sound from the X1.  Outputting stereo seems to fix the lip-sync issues for now.  Toggling back and forth between stereo and surround is VERY obvious that there is a lip-sync issue!!   I don't want to get too far off-topic here but for a quick answer - If you're sending the X1 audio signal to a multimedia receiver (audio output = SURROUND), you'll need to adjust the digital audio delay settings on your receiver which allows you to synchronize the sound with the video. All multimedia receivers/amps have this functionality. I had to play with my settings a bit but eventually matched it to the video pretty well.    Most (maybe all) modern AVRs have "auto" lip-sync for HDMI signals and I have the "auto" lip-sync enabled.  There are no lip-sync issues when outputting "stereo" from the X1.  Lip-sync is very noticeably off when outputting "surround" however.   I'm not going to adjust my AVR - I've never had to manually set the lip-sync.  "Auto" lip-sync has worked fine for every other device in my system and it worked just fine for the X1 until recently.   Comcast has really messed something up with the surround stream on these X1 boxes.  It should not be that hard to pass an untouched/raw audio feed to the AVR like every other device I've ever owned does. ... View more

@MrScott1 wrote: OMG, on A&E yesterday afternoon, the shows were so out of whack with audio sync it was comical. Was watching "I almost didn't survive" marathon while waiting out the hurricane. You guys need to get this fixed, this is ridiculous. Yes, lip-sync has been horribly off for me when outputting surround sound from the X1.  Outputting stereo seems to fix the lip-sync issues for now.  Toggling back and forth between stereo and surround is VERY obvious that there is a lip-sync issue!!   Eric, is your team not aware of these issues?? ... View more

@ComcastEricG wrote: Friends,   We have not experience the audio drop issue when the STB is set to Stereo. I see some of you mentioned that you do hear the problem in stereo? Are you referring to the settings of your equipment or the STB?   Thanks   I haven't noticed any dropouts with the STB set to stereo, but it's only been 1 day (see my previous post re: lip-sync issues with the STB set to surround). ... View more

Has anyone else noticed that the lip sync seems to be off when using surround sound lately?   I've noticed that voices and lips have seemed off for awhile so I actually had Comcast ship me a new X1 box, as I suspected that a recent lightning storm which fried my modem may have been affecting my X1 box as well.  I just hooked up the new X1 box and I'm noticing the same lip sync problem on the new box while watching Meet the Press on NBC this morning.   However, if I switch the X1 box to Stereo, the problems go away!  Lips and voices appear to be perfectly in sync.  If I switch the X1 box back to Surround, the lips/voice are clearly not quite right in comparison.   I'm sending audio from the X1 via HDMI to my Denon AVR.  The Denon AVR process the stereo signal using Dolby PLII surround and this seems to yield a much better result than when having the X1 output surround.   My X1 STB Version: AX013AN_2.5p3s1_Prod_sey ... View more

@Cadman01 wrote: Tried a program recorded from NBC, no Audio dropouts. Only seems like CBS so far. Still testing. Cadman01   The problems definitely occur on my local NBC channel.  The issue is intermittent.  Sometimes I don't notice the dropouts very often at all.  At other times, they are more frequent.  They don't seem to be channel-specific.  I think you are wasting your time with testing. ... View more

@asmarks wrote: Jkozlow:   I am as frustrated as you are, but given the amount of time it has taken this is clearly a very complicaed issue.        They could have re-architected the entire X1 software in a year.  Comcast is either not devoting enough resources to the issue or they are going about the fix the wrong way. ... View more

@ComcastEricG wrote: Cadman01 - yes, I will keep you in the loop for audio patches. I usually give this thread a shout before pushing anything to see who is willing to test, so stay tuned. It is my hope to have another patch to push in the next couple of weeks, so I'll keep you all posted. Thank You Eric,   You realize that this problem has been going on for nearly a year now, right?  I'm not trying to shoot the messenger - I know you are doing your best and appreciate the updates that you post periodically, but this is getting a little ridiculous.         ... View more

@Alamo_Bob wrote: @jkozlow3 wrote: Given the fact that you are also experiencing video sparkles and that your audio dropouts are 2-3 seconds long, AND they are recreatable by rewinding/replaying, I think you are having another issue altogether (i.e. signal issues) like RickGr4 suggested previously.   Most of us that are experiencing the audio dropouts are experiencing VERY quick dropouts (sub-second audio blips/hiccups) with no video issues and most of the time they cannot be recreated upon rewinding/replaying.  Your issue definitely sounds like something else is potentially going on. Understood. I didn't realize your dropouts were so brief. I'm totally willing to believe the issue is coming from upstream of me.   In any case, I'm PMing with ComcastEricG, so my reason for dropping in on this thread has been achieved. Good deal.  Just wanted to make sure you were aware that your issue sounds a little different than what most here seem to be experiencing (myself included). But who knows! ... View more