TV image/sound get stuck - interference with router WiFi

Theibiposs81

Have 2x TVs (different brands, different ages. different locations) connected with 2x Swisscom TV boxes UHD. Too often, when using the Swisscom router with WiFi "on" (e.g. when also using a laptop computer) it looks like the WiFi signal generates interference and the TVs stop working properly. Problem solves immediately when switching off the WiFi.

Any clue how to solve? I could not find a way e.g. disabling a WiFi connection on the TVs.

Black Mamba

@Theibiposs81 wrote: Have 2x TVs (different brands, different ages. different locations) connected with 2x Swisscom TV boxes UHD. Too often, when using the Swisscom router with WiFi "on" (e.g. when also using a laptop computer) it looks like the WiFi signal generates interference and the TVs stop working properly. Problem solves immediately when switching off the WiFi. Any clue how to solve? I could not find a way e.g. disabling a WiFi connection on the TVs.

do a physical reset of the TV-Boxes (some models have a hole for this purpose)
do a logical reboot of the router with the management tool (without turning it off)
reset any other connected devices
use only the original cables provided by Swisscom (HDMI, Ethernet cable, etc.)

or those of at least equivalent quality on the market
at the end see if the problem is still present

for the connection PC <-> Router privilege a direct Ethernet cable
or install a WLAN-Box 2 to improve the wifi signal

WLAN-Box 2 and WLAN-Box - Help | Swisscom

WLAN-Box positioning and setup - Help | Swisscom

Boost, optimise and extend the range of your WLAN | Swisscom

on the other hand it is possible that the TV-Boxes used are defective
in this case ask for a standard and free change at the Hotline or in a Shop
if the model used is old, think about upgrading to a more recent one like the Swisscom Box 21

Swisscom Box 21: Overview and instructions – Help | Swisscom

Christmas D-5 🤶🎄🎅

bitracer

What other hardware do you use?

Theibiposs81

Hi guys!

Thank you so much for your replies 😊

I did try almost all suggestions, do use Swisscom cables, no extra HW (also typically use a Ethernet cable from the router to the PC). Will check out the router logical reboot but I am caution not to mess up further. I did in several occasions a TV Box power on/off which I guess is equivalent to the reset you mention.

Will go further into your replies.

Again, thank you!

A bit old material but sure the problem is not there...

Theibiposs81

...
do a logical reboot of the router with the management tool (without turning it off)
...

Could you point to the logical reboot link (Centrop Business)? Thank you.

bitracer

How do you mean when you switch off WiFi it works? Switch it of on which device? If the WiFi is switched off on the router, how do you connect devices to the network?

Theibiposs81

@bitracer wrote:

How do you mean when you switch off WiFi it works? Switch it of on which device? If the WiFi is switched off on the router, how do you connect devices to the network?

Oops... i realize this was not explained and you rightly point it out.

I can switch off the wifi signal on the router (solving the issue on the TVs) because of the configuration. The TV signal which goes into the router from the wall is first distributed to a special adapter (master) on the power grid. The adapter master then synchronizes with two other similar adapters also on the power grid (each for each TV station). The 2x Swisscom TV Boxes connect via Ethernet to the 2x adapters. Hence basically the TV signal travels on the copper wiring of the power grid of the apartment and I can use the router wifi on and off e.g. if I want to work on my laptop or other devices while family is watching TV.

bitracer

Now I get it. Purchase 2 WLAN-Box 2 devices and replace the power line adapters.

Doremi

@Theibiposs81 Hello

Ah Ah Ah as indicated by @bitracer removed powerline adapters because this type of device sends little speed. As you indicate removing wi-fi it works and with wi-fi enabled it gives you less bandwidth which penalizes powerline internet traffic.

This kind of material in addition to performing interference is not intended for the UHD TV signal it just works to work on a PC because a lot of loss from the 220 volt network or even worse if the signal crosses 2 phases.

Doremi

Theibiposs81

Thank you @Doremi and @bitracer for your replies.

I admit I have issues with your proposed resolution to my problem as I have boundary conditions which are (i) NOT to have WiFi "on" all the time in my place (for reasons which do not matter to be discussed here) and (ii) of course the physical arrangement of the place which is not trivial.

If the root cause of the problem is truly with the WiFi interfering with the power adapters or the copper wiring or some setting of the TV stations or X… then a "solution" could be found in a better screening, changing setting etc …

I need to think more about this at this stage...

Do you know about any recommendation by Swisscom on the particular use of these power boxes?

I also admit I could live with the interference, which is transient, meaning that when a particular channel gets stuck, the simple fact of changing channel and reverting to the one you were watching to (takes just few secs), solves the issue temporarily (definitively if you turn off the WiFi) which I admit is not ideal.

Yes guys, I am a semi-tech guy liking to find root causes of problems, representing 80% of their solutions, learning and not hyper consuming if not really necessary … 😉

Again, thank you very much for your help!

bitracer

What you can try is to move the primary power line transmitter further away from the router. Doing a restart of the router is also recommended. It will happen sooner or later, so it's a safe action. If it doesn't come back online, you'll know that something is up with the router.

Usually a pair of power line adapters works fine, but as you start adding additional ones it gets more critical. Which power line adapters do you use? Also consider pulling ethernet cables if that's at all feasible.

As far as WiFi goes, you can switch the WiFi throughout the house based on the schedule.

Theibiposs81

@bitracer wrote:

What you try is to move the primary power line transmitter further away from the router...

not possible

@bitracer wrote:

Doing a restart of the router is also recommended...

restart every night

@bitracer wrote
...Which power line adapters do you use?

myStrom AG Bern (disclaimer: i hope I am not infringing any Community policy here quoting a brand. Please forgive/delete as appropriate 😉)

Please note: I will take some time before getting back here after collecting some test statistics and will report: I am just doing the easy and cheap test of wrapping (loosely - ensure natural air circulation for cooling ⚠️) an aluminum foil on 2 out of the 3 adapters (the master and one next to 1x TV) to better assess effectiveness. A first very preliminary test seems to show the problem is eased but it might be placebo... 😉... stay tuned...🤞🤞