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Switched from DirecTV to Comcast - got loud humming

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erik

A

Folks, need help here before I get insane. So the cable guy installed Comcast box, and the speakers started to make this horrible humming noise. No matter which input I use or how loud the volume control is set. When I press mute the noise is still there, but a little lower. It's a simple 2 channel setup, screw in cable to the box, HDMI from the box to Tv, and RCA from the box to the amp. Without the amp tv doesn't hum.

I have isolated the problem to cable box and its screw in cable. When I unscrew the cable, even when the box is on, the hum disappears. Never had this problem with Directv.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Follow Ups:

RE: Switched from DirecTV to Comcast - got loud humming - Sondek 08:41:11 12/28/15 (6)
Very common issue with cable. I suspect you need what is called an "RF ground breaker" to isolate the cable. The link explains what's likely going on. The ground breaker should solve it.
- http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/gnd_loop.pdf (Open in New Window)
- Thanks for the input. - erik 05:05:54 12/29/15 (5)
  The cable guy came, couldn't fix the problem, tried to blame it on my stereo. I asked him about the ground loop isolators, and he said those could help. So I ordered a couple from different brands. If they won't help I'm going to switch back to Directv.
  - Does your amp have a 3 prong (grounded) plug? - David S. 08:33:29 12/29/15 (4)
    Many will jump in & cry MURDER, but a quick fix would probably to simply install a 2 prong "cheater" plug on the amp's cord. Had to do that when I used an ARC LS3 in a system attached to cable tv - the ARC was SUPER sensitive to ground issues, and the "cheater plug" brought everything back to dead silent backgrounds.
    - RE: Does your amp have a 3 prong (grounded) plug? - erik 16:58:51 12/29/15 (3)
      Just Got the the ground loop isolator thingies. They work great. No hum, no nothing.
      I don't think I'll experiment with cheater plug for now, however I appreciate your suggestion.
      - RE: Does your amp have a 3 prong (grounded) plug? - Sondek 12:10:27 01/07/16 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Does your amp have a 3 prong (grounded) plug? posted by erik on December 29, 2015 at 16:58:51
        
        Thanks for reporting back. Glad to hear it did the trick and I didn't steer you wrong.
        
        Thanks Sondek! - erik 15:35:56 01/07/16 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Does your amp have a 3 prong (grounded) plug? posted by Sondek on January 07, 2016 at 12:10:27
        
        Those things really work great!
        
        RE: Thanks Sondek! - fantja 10:40:12 01/12/16 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thanks Sondek! posted by erik on January 07, 2016 at 15:35:56
        
        Thanks! for sharing- erik.
RE: Switched from DirecTV to Comcast - got loud humming - fantja 19:15:37 12/27/15 (0)
Consult Comcast.
RE: Switched from DirecTV to Comcast - got loud humming - Coner 22:33:51 12/23/15 (1)
Maybe the (cable in) shield was not grounded properly. Sometimes
installers take shortcuts, or maybe forget. I'd call them back out
to figure it out.
- Thanks - called them to have the guy come (nt) - erik 08:46:21 12/24/15 (0)
  .

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