Emergency Messages (EBS)

hurlmaggard

This is what appears on my STB every time an emergency message is broadcast. No sound no words just what you see here. I've complained of this before. Service came out an checked all the connections, lines to the house and replaced BOTH my STBs. Still I have the same problem. This picture is from my living room TV. I'm tired of this. sometimes I have to pull the power plug to get my viewing back. I think the problem is not the box but in the manner that data are sent to the box from the government. SOMEONE needs to fix this! It could result in a lot of deaths because people don't get to see what ever the message is about. I have a friend in Knoxville TN who's box does the same thing!

hurlmaggard

Oh and here's the link to my post from a couple years ago….

https://community.spectrum.net/discussion/174011/why-doesnt-the-channel-return-to-normal-programming-after-an-emergency-test#latest

Satch

I think the problem is not the box but in the manner that data are sent to the box from the government. SOMEONE needs to fix this!

Yes,

I had an older box that did the same thing. Sometimes changing channels would help, but most often not. It would happen for any EBS (Emergency Broadcast System) Message) You would either have to wait for the time in the query to clear the message. Could be up to an hour. (EAS Test, Weather Alerts, Amber ("Missing Child" Alerts.)

The only thing that fixes this is a newer model box. You would either have to get the Spectrum 4-tuner World Box (Box without a clock) or the new XUMO streaming box (Also no clock.) The newer boxes have the software that fixes the "EAS Message" won't go away bug. If you want DVR service with the XUNO box, you would need to contact Spectrum and sign up for Cloud DVR.

Satch

HT_Greenfield

That's a serious concern, the main thing being whether or not you're receiving audio and textual details for an actual emergency. Just curious if you're aware of any actual emergencies (as opposed to weekly tests) for which you got the same result rather than audio and textual details.

Far less important but, again, just curious:

1. What happens if you hit Exit, then channel up, then channel down.
2. What happens if you hit Exit, then any tunable channel number.
3. What happens if you turn off the box, disconnect the co-ax, reconnect the co-ax after about 20 seconds, and then turn the box back on.

🔗 https://www.spectrum.net/support/tv/reboot-spectrum-receiver-emergency-alert-system-test

Also, for whatever it's worth, the Spectrum 110 & 210 STB can be rebooted with the 🔄 button on the box as long as it's on and displaying fine via HDMI. Just hit the 🔄 button, make sure "Reboot" (versus "Cancel") is selected as it should be by default, and then touch the ⚫️ in the center of the nav cluster just to the left of reboot button.

HT_Greenfield

P.S.: i was remiss in not inquiring of perhaps the most important thing of all, which is whether the details channel display is ever if not always preceded by the presumably requisite out-of-band alert stating the nature thereof e.g. "weekly test" or whatever.

Satch

Also, for whatever it's worth, the Spectrum 110 & 210 STB can be rebooted with the 🔄 button on the box as long as it's on and displaying fine via HDMI. Just hit the 🔄 button, make sure "Reboot" (versus "Cancel") is selected as it should be by default, and then touch the ⚫️ in the center of the nav cluster just to the left of reboot button.

More information:

On the 110 and 210 You generally have to hold the Reboot button down for 7-10 seconds til the screen goes blank, Than release the button. The 110/210 models boot super fast. Like about a minute or so, which results in less lost programing time.

Yes, it is important are you getting these alerts during an actual emergency? (Weather, Amber Alert) or a Required EBS (Emergency Broadcast System.) Weekly Test. Unfortunately, Spectrum can't stop the tests or the actual alerts. They are put out by the FCC. They are also not likely to release a software patch for the older boxes that freeze up during these alerts because fewer and fewer people have them. The older models are being phased out.

You are always free to file a complaint with the FCC that the alerts are forcing you to reboot your box. You can contact them here:

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/filing-informal-complaint

1.) Pass that along to neighbors and friends in your area and petition them to contact the FCC to redesign their EBS Alerts and Tests so that the boxes don't lock up when that happens.

Or

2.) You swap out your box for a World Box Model or XUMO Streaming box, which doesn't have the EBS Alert freeze up problem.

However, be advised that the newer model boxes might not be available in all Spectrum areas. Which puts those customers affected by such automatically at Step #1 above.

Satch