Flickering screen on recorded TV programmes

[barryman99]

Can anyone help me with a screen flickering problem. (I hope this is the right forum to ask it!)

I have a Sony Bravia TV which I use in conjunction with a Sony HXD870 DVD recorder. My problem is this:

* When I have recorded a TV program, usually on Channel 4, the screen program flickers all the way through. This happens a lot when I record Cheers on Channel 4.
* Sometimes the reverse happens ie the programme itself is fine but the adverts flicker.
* Sometimes, the recorded Cheers does not flicker at all.
* This only seems to happen on Channel 4 although it has happened on BB2 just a couple of times.
* Most other recorded TV programs come out fine so it can’t be the DVD
* I have re-tuned both the TV and DVD using auto retune – no difference there.
* I have been through all the screen picture settings on the Sony TV, ie auto adjust picture but that has not solved anything so Ive left it at 16:9 screen ration now.
* I would mention that my DVD recorder has built in Freeview tuner in case that makes any difference.

So, can anyone suggest why this phenomenon is happening and how I can cure it ??? If I knew how to do it I would attach a 10 second video which shows what the flickering is

[barryman99]

I found a way of attaching video file showing problem on playback.

[VWestlife]

That's not flickering; that your TV not being able to decide whether the program is 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio and jumping back and forth between them. It should have some option in the menu to manually choose an aspect ratio, rather than have it auto-detect.

"Cheers" should always be in 4:3 aspect ratio, unless you're watching some braindead channel who decided to cut off the tops of everyone's heads and crop it down to 16:9.

[The_Doman]

As mentioned the TV is switching between 16:9 widescreen and old 4:3.
Something in the recording or playback chain is causing this behavior/problem.
Possible you can try adjusting some settings in the recorder too?
Does it also happen when you watch live TV from the recorder?
Are you using SCART or HDMI output to your TV?

As you recording from freeview SD, Channel 4 is broadcasting original 4:3 series probably as true 4:3 (not 16:9 pillar-boxed).
On the Channel 4 HD version 4:3 series are always 16:9 pillar-boxed.

[barryman99]

I am using SCART connection but it works fine on all other channels and has never been a problem. I think you are correct that the problem is with the screen ratio settings on my TV. However, it doesn't seem to make any difference between the "Auto" setting and the 4:3 one. I'll probably just have to live with the problem. Maybe I'll try recording from the Channel 4 HD to see if it happens there. Thanks for trying to answer.......

[The_Doman]

I am using SCART connection but it works fine on all other channels and has never been a problem.

Most SD channels use 16:9 pillar-boxed when broadcasting original 4:3 as they will use their main HD signal and downscale it for SD broadcasts i think.
Channel 4 broadcasting true original 4:3 SD should give much better picture compared to pillar-boxed SD broadcasts.

As you use SCART, i would suggest try using the HDMI connection and see if it works better?
Because with SCART the playback device can "force" the aspect ratio on the TV using the SCART signalling pin.
Google: Scart WSS Wide Screen Signaling
Here we sometimes modified SCART cables disabling that pin to prevent automatic source switching.
Of course you could also try the other video output options if available.

Maybe I'll try recording from the Channel 4 HD to see if it happens there.

To receive/record Freeview HD you need a DVB-T2 tuner which your Sony recorder does not have.
But possible you have other ways to feed the Freeview HD signal to your Sony recorder?