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What would cause this?
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rfd...@optonline.net
Jul 22, 2012, 5:52:43 PM7/22/12
to
I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. There are archways on
either side of it, so I ran a fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
output of the TV, up through the ceiling behind the TV, across my attic about
fifteen feet, and snaked it down through a wall, where it comes out to behind my
sofa and I can plug in the headphones. I need headphones because I live about
200 feet from Interstate I-95 and it's impossible to hear the TV when the
windows are open. I also use the headphones at night when my wife is trying to
sleep.
Lately, the sound through the headphones is breaking up, fading in and out, and
sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. An example is watching a ball
game. I hear the crowd noises just fine, but can't hear the announcers. On some
shows, I hear the background music but not the characters or narrators voices.
If I fool around with the connection between the female end of the extension
cable and the male end of the headphone cable, I can hear that it sounds like a
bad connection. I can get it to sound okay, leave it sit there, out of the way
where no one can touch it, and after a while it still starts its fading, and
breaking up. What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
connection?
I've bought a new cable to run through the ceiling, but I'm waiting for cooler
weather before I tackle a job in the attic.
Thanks.
either side of it, so I ran a fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
output of the TV, up through the ceiling behind the TV, across my attic about
fifteen feet, and snaked it down through a wall, where it comes out to behind my
sofa and I can plug in the headphones. I need headphones because I live about
200 feet from Interstate I-95 and it's impossible to hear the TV when the
windows are open. I also use the headphones at night when my wife is trying to
sleep.
Lately, the sound through the headphones is breaking up, fading in and out, and
sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. An example is watching a ball
game. I hear the crowd noises just fine, but can't hear the announcers. On some
shows, I hear the background music but not the characters or narrators voices.
If I fool around with the connection between the female end of the extension
cable and the male end of the headphone cable, I can hear that it sounds like a
bad connection. I can get it to sound okay, leave it sit there, out of the way
where no one can touch it, and after a while it still starts its fading, and
breaking up. What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
connection?
I've bought a new cable to run through the ceiling, but I'm waiting for cooler
weather before I tackle a job in the attic.
Thanks.
Jim Thompson
Jul 22, 2012, 6:09:43 PM7/22/12
to
...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, CTO | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona 85048 Skype: Contacts Only | |
| Voice:(480)460-2350 Fax: Available upon request | Brass Rat |
| E-mail Icon at http://www.analog-innovations.com | 1962 |
I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
Alan
Jul 23, 2012, 2:43:01 AM7/23/12
to
In article <a2to08ptkfdeo78rh...@4ax.com> rfd...@optonline.net writes:
>Lately, the sound through the headphones is breaking up, fading in and out, and
>sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. An example is watching a ball
>game. I hear the crowd noises just fine, but can't hear the announcers. On some
>shows, I hear the background music but not the characters or narrators voices.
Sounds like a bad connection. If you hear background sounds, but not the voices,
>Lately, the sound through the headphones is breaking up, fading in and out, and
>sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. An example is watching a ball
>game. I hear the crowd noises just fine, but can't hear the announcers. On some
>shows, I hear the background music but not the characters or narrators voices.
you have probably lost the ground connection of the three connected to the headphone.
You may have a broken wire in the headphone, in its cable, in its plug, or the plug
it goes to, . . . working back to the set.
>If I fool around with the connection between the female end of the extension
>cable and the male end of the headphone cable, I can hear that it sounds like a
>bad connection. I can get it to sound okay, leave it sit there, out of the way
>where no one can touch it, and after a while it still starts its fading, and
>breaking up. What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>connection?
What causes it? It still moves. You are on the end of the headphones,
and I presume you are continuing to breath and move a little. Molecules
are moving around in the connection. If it is barely making connecion when
you fiddle with it, it doesn't take much for the stress of its own weight to
move it apart.
Try this:
1. Try different headphones. That way you can see if it is in the
headphone cable.
2. Chop off the female end of your cable, and reinstall a new one.
This time, make sure it is able to handle the strain of long term
use. You may want to take a few inches of the cable back in case
it was mangled there.
Alan
Ant
Jul 23, 2012, 3:20:45 AM7/23/12
to
Try another TV?
On 7/22/2012 2:52 PM PT, rfd...@optonline.net typed:
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On 7/22/2012 2:52 PM PT, rfd...@optonline.net typed:
"Antacid: What ants use to get high." --unknown
/\___/\ Ant(Dude) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
/ /\ /\ \ Ant's Quality Foraged Links: http://aqfl.net
| |o o| |
\ _ / If crediting, then use Ant nickname and AQFL URL/link.
( ) If e-mailing, then axe ANT from its address if needed.
Ant is currently not listening to any songs on this computer.
QN
Jul 23, 2012, 5:45:07 PM7/23/12
to
My first step would be to connect the headphones directly to the TV, or
through the new cable you bought (just sitting on the floor) to make sure
the problem is in the extension cable.
through the new cable you bought (just sitting on the floor) to make sure
the problem is in the extension cable.
rfd...@optonline.net
Jul 23, 2012, 10:19:48 PM7/23/12
to
mention but it seems a moot point, between the headphone plug (Sennheieser
headphones by the way) and the fifty foot extension, is a ten foot cable because
the fifty foot still wasn't long enough the way I have to route it.
I took the ten footer out of the loop and plugged the headphones directly into
the fifty footer and I still get the drop outs. I've plugged the headphones
directly into the TV and all is fine. So it has to be the long cable. It runs
behind two bookcases and one of those electric fireplaces with the artifical
flame, so no one goes near it. That's what has me perplexed once I get it
working again, that it still goes out with nothing bumping into it at all.
As for cutting off the plug and installing a new one, I could certainly try that
before tackling the attic in the summer heat. But it's one of those black cables
with the molded plugs on each end, the cable itself being no more than about an
eighth of an inch in diameter. Is it still possible to strip such a small cable
and seperate what has to be very fine gauge wires, to solder to a new plug? I
never gave that any thought. But if it can be done, I'll go to Radio Shack and
see if I can find a female plug as a replacement. Thanks again.
Gene E. Bloch
Jul 24, 2012, 12:29:06 AM7/24/12
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cable as described...
OTOH, if trying it only costs a couple of dollars and would save 30 or
40 if successful, it might be a challenge worth taking on.
--
Gene E. Bloch (Stumbling Bloch)
clover
Jul 24, 2012, 12:06:23 PM7/24/12
to rfd...@optonline.net
and "fooling around with the connection" between the extension and the
50'er can eliminate the problem, then I'm guessing that the residual
torque imparted to the cables from this manipulation could resurrect the
problem - which then seems as if it would be caused by fraying in one of
those connectors.
We use Sennheiser wireless headsets a) for the convenience and b)
because the cat loves to chew through thin wires. We have three
transmitters connected to three different TVs and all the headsets can
tune any one of the transmitters. This sometimes makes a show more
entertaining that it might have been otherwise'-)
QN
Jul 24, 2012, 2:14:20 PM7/24/12
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Having him change to a wireless headset. Why didn't I think of that great
suggestion?
suggestion?
rfd...@optonline.net
Jul 24, 2012, 3:58:49 PM7/24/12
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On Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:14:20 -0700, "QN" <hiding...@example.com> wrote:
>Having him change to a wireless headset. Why didn't I think of that great
>suggestion?
>
I've tried wireless before and didn't like then because of battery life.
>Having him change to a wireless headset. Why didn't I think of that great
>suggestion?
>
Nothing like being three quarters into a football game and the headphones
needing recharging. I do like Sennheiser though. What's the battery life on
yours? What model are they?
Stewart
Jul 24, 2012, 8:15:23 PM7/24/12
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<rfd...@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:v31s089cli241a4v6...@4ax.com...
Alan
Jul 24, 2012, 9:05:43 PM7/24/12
to
In article <v31s089cli241a4v6...@4ax.com> rfd...@optonline.net writes:
>As for cutting off the plug and installing a new one, I could certainly try that
>before tackling the attic in the summer heat. But it's one of those black cables
>with the molded plugs on each end, the cable itself being no more than about an
>eighth of an inch in diameter. Is it still possible to strip such a small cable
>and seperate what has to be very fine gauge wires, to solder to a new plug? I
>never gave that any thought. But if it can be done, I'll go to Radio Shack and
>see if I can find a female plug as a replacement. Thanks again.
A lot of those lightweight cables are fragile and have internal connections
>As for cutting off the plug and installing a new one, I could certainly try that
>before tackling the attic in the summer heat. But it's one of those black cables
>with the molded plugs on each end, the cable itself being no more than about an
>eighth of an inch in diameter. Is it still possible to strip such a small cable
>and seperate what has to be very fine gauge wires, to solder to a new plug? I
>never gave that any thought. But if it can be done, I'll go to Radio Shack and
>see if I can find a female plug as a replacement. Thanks again.
that break or fail easily.
I built such a cable some years ago, but used heavier cable and soldered
on more robust connectors at each end, with strain releif on each end (so
it wasn't stressing the soldered connections). It ran for ages (until I
moved - it never failed).
I have tried working on those thin wires in the little cables. It may
not be worth messing with. Perhaps it is best used as a pull cord to pull
in a heftier wire that can make the full run without an extension, and put
good connectors on each end. (That may rule out some of the Radio Shack ones,
be sure to get good ones.)
Alan
Drewdove
Jul 24, 2012, 9:20:05 PM7/24/12
to
<rfd...@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:ugvt085gmf3197efd...@4ax.com...
will be far shorter and more reliable.
clover
Jul 24, 2012, 10:45:27 PM7/24/12
to rfd...@optonline.net
senior guests to use, if needed. There is always a headset on a
recharging base, so we seldom return the set in use to a base, just
leave it on the arm of the chair. I'm guessing that the one I'm
presently using has been off-hook for three days now and still ready for
action. That said, the Sennheiser's do use the same regular NiMH
batteries as the wireless keyboards, mice, and other gimmicks around
here, so there are seldom fewer than half a dozen charged AA & AAA cells
ready for use. In desperate times, there is always the 'record' button
on the DVR. The Sennheiser models we use are RS120 & RS140. Both types
use the same transmitter.
rfd...@optonline.net
Jul 24, 2012, 11:12:22 PM7/24/12
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meagain
Jul 25, 2012, 12:00:20 PM7/25/12
to
rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
...fading in and out, and
> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
> connection?
The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
they'll die altogether.
Put a small amplifier right after the TV and you should be ok.
(Wireless is another way to go)
> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
...fading in and out, and
> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
> connection?
The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
they'll die altogether.
Put a small amplifier right after the TV and you should be ok.
(Wireless is another way to go)
Gene E. Bloch
Jul 25, 2012, 2:21:57 PM7/25/12
to
On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:20 -0400, meagain wrote:
> rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
>> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
> ... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
>> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
> ...fading in and out, and
>> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>> connection?
>
> The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
> their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
> they'll die altogether.
Unlikely.
> rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
>> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
> ... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
>> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
> ...fading in and out, and
>> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>> connection?
>
> The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
> their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
> they'll die altogether.
> Put a small amplifier right after the TV and you should be ok.
>
> (Wireless is another way to go)
Jim Thompson
Jul 25, 2012, 2:27:11 PM7/25/12
to
Gene E. Bloch
Jul 25, 2012, 2:36:50 PM7/25/12
to
On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:27:11 -0700, Jim Thompson wrote:
> On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:21:57 -0700, "Gene E. Bloch"
> <not...@other.invalid> wrote:
>
>>On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:20 -0400, meagain wrote:
>>
>>> rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
>>>> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
>>> ... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
>>>> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
>>> ...fading in and out, and
>>>> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>>>> connection?
>>>
>>> The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
>>> their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
>>> they'll die altogether.
>>
>>Unlikely.
>>
>>> Put a small amplifier right after the TV and you should be ok.
>>>
>>> (Wireless is another way to go)
>
> Gremlins. Bad plug and/or jack. Worn cable shorting.
>
> ...Jim Thompson
True, especially gremlins. Or, I have to admit, even the transistors in
> On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:21:57 -0700, "Gene E. Bloch"
> <not...@other.invalid> wrote:
>
>>On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:20 -0400, meagain wrote:
>>
>>> rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
>>>> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
>>> ... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
>>>> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
>>> ...fading in and out, and
>>>> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>>>> connection?
>>>
>>> The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
>>> their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
>>> they'll die altogether.
>>
>>Unlikely.
>>
>>> Put a small amplifier right after the TV and you should be ok.
>>>
>>> (Wireless is another way to go)
>
> Gremlins. Bad plug and/or jack. Worn cable shorting.
>
> ...Jim Thompson
the TV, as meagain said :-)
What I mean as unlikely is that a long cable "overloads" the transistors
and will make them "die altogether". And of course, 'unlikely' is too
mild a word.
Jim Thompson
Jul 25, 2012, 3:02:28 PM7/25/12
to
On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:36:50 -0700, "Gene E. Bloch"
It could be a lousy design, maybe an OpAmp driving a cable without
compensation for capacitance of a lo-o-o-ong cable... long cable makes
OpAmp unstable.
Simple check. Try headphones right at the TV. If they work up close,
post back and I'll teach how to drive long cables.
compensation for capacitance of a lo-o-o-ong cable... long cable makes
OpAmp unstable.
Simple check. Try headphones right at the TV. If they work up close,
post back and I'll teach how to drive long cables.
Gene E. Bloch
Jul 25, 2012, 3:08:30 PM7/25/12
to
to go out and buy some long cables.
Actually, now that I think about it, I do have some earbuds, but still
no long cables.
Jim Thompson
Jul 25, 2012, 4:08:41 PM7/25/12
to
On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:08:30 -0700, "Gene E. Bloch"
But it's not your problem either ;-)
I have wireless headphones for listening to radio when my wife sleeps
(she's a night owl, I'm an early morning person :-)
I have wireless headphones for listening to radio when my wife sleeps
(she's a night owl, I'm an early morning person :-)
meagain
Jul 26, 2012, 8:32:20 AM7/26/12
to
Gene E. Bloch wrote:
> On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:20 -0400, meagain wrote:
>
>> rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
>>> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
>> ... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
>>> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
>> ...fading in and out, and
>>> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>>> connection?
>>
>> The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
>> their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
>> they'll die altogether.
>
> Unlikely.
Improbable maybe, but I have seen it happen.
> On Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:20 -0400, meagain wrote:
>
>> rfd...@optonline.net wrote:
>>> I have a Sony Bravia TV in a corner of my living room. ...
>> ... fifty foot cable for headphones from the headphone
>>> output of the TV, ... the sound through the headphones is breaking up,
>> ...fading in and out, and
>>> sometimes I guess it's only giving me one channel. ,,,What would cause this with no one or nothing touching the
>>> connection?
>>
>> The drivers in the TV are being overloaded and are starting to loose
>> their ability to drive 60' of wire & headphones. Keep it up and
>> they'll die altogether.
>
> Unlikely.
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