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[admin]

Generally I am happy with my Verizon FiOS TV Service.  It is much cleaner than Comcast especially when in Standard Definition.

However, I am having some problems when using HDMI.  Here are the issues:

1) Samsung HL-T5089s and HDTV DVR - When connecting using HDMI I get a message from the TV that says "Not Supported Mode" and a blank picture screen.  I have tried both 720P and 1080i settings on the cable box but neither works.  This problem is occurring on both HD channels and SD channels.

2) Samsung LN-T1953H and HDTV Box (Non-DVR) - When connecting using HDMI I get a message from the TV that says "Not Supported Mode" and a blank picture screen.  This happens in both 720P and 1080i settings BUT only when viewing standard definition channels.  High definition channels come through fine.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[jlag]

Have you figured this out yet? Are you sure the HDMI port is even active on your STB?

[admin]

Have you figured this out yet? Are you sure the HDMI port is even active on your STB?

I have not figured this out.  I have confirmed (with the Verizon tech present) that each of the HDMI ports are active by switching other HDMI inputs to these ports.  I'll post more when I get some answers from their technical department.

[admin]

OK - I have finally developed a solution to this problem.  It arises from the fact that the Verizon FiOS cable box settings are incorrect for 4:3 output and that the Samsung HDTV can't handle 480i encoding.

Here is how you can solve this problem:

• Enter the Set Top Box "User Settings" Mode
• • Start with your Motorola Set Top Box and HDTV both On.
  • On the front panel of your Motorola Set Top Box (not the remote control) press the following in quick succession: Power, Select, Menu.
  • You should now see a Menu in grey/black that is titled "User Settings"
• Using the buttons on the front of your Motorola STB adjust the following settings:
• • TV Type: Should be set to 16:9 for an HDTV
  • HDMI/YPbPr Output: Should be set to an appropriate HD setting (720P or 1080i)
  • 4:3 Override: Should be set to OFF (The problem with Samsung TV's occurs when this is set to 480I
• Exit the "User Settings" Menu by pressing the Power button on the front of the Motorola Set Top Box

Hope this helps other people - please post here if you find problems with this procedure.

Thanks,
Matt

[gtd542]

Admin, I have a Sony plasma hooked via HDMI to my Verizon HD/DVR stb, and twice in the last month lost picture.  I called Verizon tech support yesterday, and they are claiming there is a known "issue" between Sony and Samsung TV's and the stb that causes the HDMI processor in the stb to heat up and quit working.  Their fix was for me to use rca cables and wait for the processor to cool off!  Supposedly there will be a software fix for the problem released in August.  Sounds like a lot of hogwash to me.  I'm going to try your solution and see if that works.

GDT542

[admin]

It definitely sounds like hogwash.  I am by no means an electronics expert but I don't see how the digital signal coming from the STB HDMI output could cause the TV processors to overheat - especially if the output is within the HDMI specifications and no other hardware causes the same issue.  Sounds like it could be an HDCP issue (which also would be fixed if you switched to Component RCA cables).

Please let me know if you find out anything else.

[mikeava]

Hello,

We have an issue with a Samsung as well.   Periodically we get the "Not Supported Mode" message from our TV when we turn the TV and STB on.   I checked the settings and they are set as you mentioned.  Seems to work sometimes.   Any ideas??    Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[admin]

Are you using HDMI to connect your FiOS STB to your Samsung TV?  If using HDI then some people suggest that this can also be an issue with the HDCP handshake.  Depending on the channel you are attempting to view and the sequence of turning on the TV and STB this could be the issue. 

Also, some people (including myself) see the problem on multiple channels (not just HD) and that was caused by a faulty cable box.  You may want to contact Verizon and see if a different STB will do the trick.

Hope this helps...

[mikeava]

Sorry wasn't more clear.   Periodically when we turn the TV and STB on we get that "Not Supported Mode" message"   Lately (knock on wood) it has been ok.

Yes we are using HDMI to connect the TV and STB.    Anything I can check regarding the HDCP handshake?

Thanks for the help!

[admin]

I am not aware of any way to "check" the HDCP handshake other than to try different sequences of booting up the HD signal versus the TV.  Glad it hasn't been a problem recently.

[mikeava]

Guess I jinxed myself with my last post.    Got the "Not Supported Mode" message again over the weekend.

Anything else you can think of? 

[FiOS Guy]

It definitely sounds like hogwash.  I am by no means an electronics expert but I don't see how the digital signal coming from the STB HDMI output could cause the TV processors to overheat - especially if the output is within the HDMI specifications and no other hardware causes the same issue.  Sounds like it could be an HDCP issue (which also would be fixed if you switched to Component RCA cables).

Please let me know if you find out anything else.

This is a known issue and has to do with the compression conversion to the Samsung and Sony Tv's via HDMI from the Motorola set top boxes both 6200 and 6416. Their is a new HD box coming soon! The only work around is to use the component cables for now.

Thanks,
FiOS Guy

[jomesm]

i'm having a similar issue.  i bought my tv back in jan, a samsung model LN-T4071.  no significant probs at first, but from time to time i'd get a mode not supported message on the TV.  i'd unplug it and cable box, and picture would come back.  in july, i came back from vacation, turned on the tv and picture was fuzzy, pixalated & sound was "poppy".  reboots, turning off tv did nothing.  finally, i plugged the hdmi cable into hdmi2 input (from hdmi1) and seemed to fix it.  after that, the mode not supported message became more frequent.  mostly, when i'd turn the tv on, but often when the tv was on.  picture would go blank and message would come up.  had to turn stb off to get it to go away.  research online told me that there was incompatibility with samsung 1080p lcd's and fios.

today, i turn my tv on and have the fuzz, red-pixalted picture and poppy sound.  try rebooting several times but nothing.  finally plug the hdmi cable into hdmi 3 and probs go away.  trying hdmi1, which was giving me a prob in july, had same picture probs.

is the fios stb burning out the hdmi inputs? is it the 1080p cable i have?  or is it compatabilty issue w/ samsung?  either way, very annoying and i'm completely disappointed!!!!!!!

[admin]

Funny - I spoke with Verizon FiOS Tech support on this issue again on Friday.  They still don't have a resolution other than Motorola and Samsung are working on it and keep checking for Samsung TV firmware upgrades.

I just checked and there is a firmware upgrade for my Samsung HL-T5089S.  I am about to install it and see if it helps.

[queencolleen714]

I have a Samsung SP-R4232 and have been having problems for about 8 months now. I literally have to unplug my box every single day at least 2 times to get it to reset itself because when connecting using HDMI I get a message from the TV that says "Not Supported Mode" and a blank picture screen also. I have called Verizon numerous times and spent hours on the phone doing the same thing I always do. I've had a tech come out and he couldn't figure out the problem either. He even switched the box from my living room to see if it was the box. I keep being told that there are compatibility issues with Samsung but never have been told how to correct the problem.
I pay for the DVR and lose all my shows including all the "season premiers", everytime I call into Verizon. Never once have they offered to credit my account for all these problems. It's very frustrating and stressful just thinking of sitting down at night to turn on the TV. I just can't take it anymore. Does anyone know anything about this or how to correct it? Thank you =]

UPDATE:
I just finished speaking to a Samsung tech support rep. The following is our live-chat conversation:

Please wait for a Samsung Agent to respond.
You are now chatting with 'Robert N'
Robert N: Hello, I am a Samsung Technical Support representative. How may I assist you today?
Rob: Hi, I'm sure you've already heard this about Verizon Fios, but the techs tell us there's an update we can install so our TV works with the fios. Can you please help by pointing me in the direction where I'd find this download?
Robert N: May I know the model of your Tv?
Rob: sp-r4232
Robert N: Thanks for the model number.
Rob: you're welcome
Robert N: Could you please tell me what exactly happens on your TV?
Rob: at least 2 times a day I have to unplug the verizon set top box because the TV screen turns blue & says "not supported mode"
Robert N: Thanks for the information.
Rob: sure
Robert N: You will get the Not Supported Message when there is resolution mismatch on the source(cable box).
Robert N: Have you set the correct resolution on the cable box?
Rob: I understand, but I've even had techs out and they've made sure everything was set the correct way. They couldn't seem to figure it out either. There are about a million complaints about Samsung & fios incompatibility issues on the web and the all are being told the same thing. to go to Samsung & download the update
Robert N: Thank you for the information.
Robert N: I will explain you about the issue you are experiencing.
Rob: sure, it's just very frustrating & this has been going on for about 8 months. Thanks
Robert N: There is not Firmware availble for the issue you are facing.
Robert N: This TVs do not have a f/w update to make cable boxes compatible.
Robert N: We have no official reason why their boxes are not working with our TVs but it is an issue that FiOS needs to fix by updating their system.
Robert N: FIOS is already a very clear, high quality picture without upconversion.
Robert N: All Samsung TVs upconvert the picture.
Robert N: This causes issues and actually makes the picture look worse.
Robert N: This can be resolved  by using component cables instead of HDMI, as they will still support the same resolutions.
Robert N: However, there is nothing wrong with your TV, there is no way to turn off the upconversion, no setting or firmware specifically for FIOS. 
Rob: I have already tried HDMI, doesn't help
Robert N: Please try to use Component cable to resolve the issue.
Robert N: You can refer User Manual to connact Component cables with Tv and the Cable box.
Robert N: You can refer page number 29 in the User Manual.
Robert N: Verizion Cable box will output the channels at 480i signal.
End

My Tv will work with component cables but why should I have to use them to be able to watch my TV.
I'm switching back to Comcast...
Verizon lies.