PolkAudio Wireless Surround F/X

2

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  • Bob5Biz
    Bob5Biz Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Thanks Sphereboy, I've had about the same number of days experience and I may have to do the same, since there is no comfortable listening volume except "too loud."

    I have reported the problem to Polk and got a query from Kim Jasper <KJasper@polkaudio.com> asking if I had connected via RCA or speaker wire. I answered and await a response.

    I have had no problems with wireless connection via Bose SL2 wireless surround link for another application and can listen at any level!
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  • dubradio
    dubradio Posts: 181
    edited January 2011
    Gentlemen,

    I would like to extend some questions to you for some of the issues you are having;

    Please be as specific as possible to help us identify what could be causing the issues you are observing.

    1. Where are you placing the Transmitter?
    2. What distance is the Main speaker from the transmitter?
    3. Is there a wireless network in the home? and if so what model router is being used?


    -Kyle
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  • Bob5Biz
    Bob5Biz Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Kyle, here are my answers:

    1. The Transmitter is on a shelf above my A/V receiver
    2. The speaker is 17.2' from the transmitter and behind a couch
    3. Yes, wireless network with Actiontec MI424-WR Rev C router

    Hope this helps!
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  • dubradio
    dubradio Posts: 181
    edited January 2011
    Thanks Bob, im going to take this information over to our engineer to see if we can help identify what the root cause of these issues could be.
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  • Bob5Biz
    Bob5Biz Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Great...I'll stand by!
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  • sphereboy
    sphereboy Posts: 13
    edited January 2011
    KyleShufelt wrote: »
    Gentlemen,

    1. Where are you placing the Transmitter?
    2. What distance is the Main speaker from the transmitter?
    3. Is there a wireless network in the home? and if so what model router is being used?

    -Kyle

    1. Currently the transmitter is sitting atop my Polk RTi A1 on the right side. I've placed the unit in various places and this one was the best spot so far.
    2. 15' from the transmitter.
    3. Apple Airport Extreme wireless router

    If i can be more specific as to what happens.

    1. An occassional audio test pattern is heard that goes from the right speaker on the f/x to the left speaker. It sounds sort of science fiction like. Similar to an electronic pulse.

    2. When my receiver is at a low volume let's say -36dB the transmitter disconnects from the f/x and shows me the red light. If i pump up the receiver to -15dB the transmitter wakes up and syncs up again with the f/x shining a blue light. After a couple static noises things are back to normal.

    3. If i'm watching a channel with 5.1 it's ok, if the channel becomes a stereo only channel the unit will go to sleep.

    Hope this helps. I'm open to trying anything but am seriously considering just trading this in and going with a wired solution.
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  • Bob5Biz
    Bob5Biz Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Ditto.

    Very similar experiences with me too...and yes, if a channel goes "stereo" which happens to some of my streaming audio...it does go to sleep.
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  • Bob5Biz
    Bob5Biz Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Hello Polk guys,

    Any further thoughts based upon our responses to your questions?

    Anxiously awaiting!
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  • Despotsocal
    Despotsocal Posts: 6
    edited January 2011
    I have been plagued by the low volume/stereo disconnects also! I have been troubleshooting with Kim since 01/04/11 and hopefully this gets resolved soon.
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  • glenh2nd
    glenh2nd Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    I'm also a new customer to the wireless surround and having the same problem.

    I have the transmitter on top of my TV stand right behind my TV.
    The speaker is approx. 15 feet away from the transmitter.
    My wireless router is a D-Link DIR-655

    I don't believe it has anything to do with my router as the speaker only goes to sleep during low volume. If the speaker would just stay active for 15 minutes we wouldn't be having this problem.

    Glen :frown:
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  • glenh2nd
    glenh2nd Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    I'm using the wire provided with the speaker from my Yamaha 5.1 surround receiver. It does not have RCA out. I will try changing channels on the router and moving the transmitter to a different location tonight.

    Glen
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  • glenh2nd
    glenh2nd Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Kim wrote: »
    Glen,

    Also try increasing the volume level for the rear surrounds to plus 6 dB.
    Since this system is designed to sit on the floor, the rear surrounds volume level will need to be set a little higher than normal.

    Thanks,
    Kim

    If I do that the speaker will be too loud. It already overpowers my front surround at an even level. I guess I could turn them all up to plus 6dB. LOL :biggrin:
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  • glenh2nd
    glenh2nd Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    Kim wrote: »
    Glenn2nd,

    Did you wire the transmitter using speaker wires inputs terminals or line level?
    Have you tried changing channels on the router?

    Try relocating the transmitter further away from all the electronics.
    It is possible to encounter some RF and EMI interference from the processor within the TV.

    The transmitter must receive an input signal that has a Voltage greater than 20 Millivolts to keep it active. If the input volt drops below this threshold the shutdown process will begin.

    If you have any questions regarding this system, please feel free to call us direct at 800-377-7655 between the hours of 9 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday and we will be glad to help.

    How can I change channels on the router? :confused: Are you talking about my internet router?
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  • glenh2nd
    glenh2nd Posts: 8
    edited January 2011
    I have tried everything you have suggested and nothing has changed. I even went as far as putting the transmitter right next to the speaker. The problem lies in that the speaker will power off, or time out, during times with no active surround in the show you are watching. I think this is a major flaw in this speaker. How can it receive voltage greater than 20 millivolts when there is no action going on? How can you expect us to increase the volume to it when this will completely throw off the surround by overpowering the front channels?

    What needs to be done is for the speaker to have a 15 minute timer on it. If it does not receive signal within this time period THEN it should go to sleep. As it is now it sucks to watch any broadcast TV or anything at a low volume.

    Glen :mad:

    I will be returning the speaker.
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  • Despotsocal
    Despotsocal Posts: 6
    edited January 2011
    Has anyone had any change with their setup?
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  • glenh2nd
    glenh2nd Posts: 8
    edited February 2011
    Not me, sorry to say but I returned the speaker. :frown:
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  • metalifan1
    metalifan1 Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    I was really excited to buy this unit as all of my home theater system speakers have been Polk Audio and I love their products, but I am so disappointed. This unit as others have described "times out constantly" and when it re-syncs there is a delay that is so noticeable it's distracting. But what is worse as one member described is the fazer sound when it loses signal that is so audible it is ridiculous. I purchased this from Amazon over a month ago and got rid of the box right away when I saw it worked otherwise I would have repacked and returned. I have trusted Polk Audio and didn't think twice about trashing the box before picking at the quirks of the unit as I have never had to before with their products. Now I am stuck with a $400 unit I would rather not even turn on!

    I have read the replies from, Kim of Polk Audio, in this thread and believe me in the past month and a half have tried everything including moving anything wireless to the other side of the house. I have placed the transmitter anywhere possible the included speakerwires would reach ( by the way I use the included speakerwires as my Denon receiver has no RCA speaker inputs). The point being no matter what the same problem exists.

    At this point I want to know what Polk Audio is willing to do or is working on doing to either make this unit work properly or return my unit. I have not yet involved Amazon as I wanted to try anything I could and research the problem before complaining, but as I said I have a $400 unit I would rather not turn on!
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2011
    metalifan1 wrote: »
    I was really excited to buy this unit as all of my home theater system speakers have been Polk Audio and I love their products, but I am so disappointed. This unit as others have described "times out constantly" and when it re-syncs there is a delay that is so noticeable it's distracting. But what is worse as one member described is the fazer sound when it loses signal that is so audible it is ridiculous. I purchased this from Amazon over a month ago and got rid of the box right away when I saw it worked otherwise I would have repacked and returned. I have trusted Polk Audio and didn't think twice about trashing the box before picking at the quirks of the unit as I have never had to before with their products. Now I am stuck with a $400 unit I would rather not even turn on!

    I have read the replies from, Kim of Polk Audio, in this thread and believe me in the past month and a half have tried everything including moving anything wireless to the other side of the house. I have placed the transmitter anywhere possible the included speakerwires would reach ( by the way I use the included speakerwires as my Denon receiver has no RCA speaker inputs). The point being no matter what the same problem exists.

    At this point I want to know what Polk Audio is willing to do or is working on doing to either make this unit work properly or return my unit. I have not yet involved Amazon as I wanted to try anything I could and research the problem before complaining, but as I said I have a $400 unit I would rather not turn on!

    Mine has worked fine and so have a couple others I've installed. I'd suggest calling them directly as this wont really get you that far. Good luck.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • metalifan1
    metalifan1 Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    I plan on calling the number Kim provided on Monday as I really want this unit to work properly as it would greatly simplify my life based on the difficulty and cost of running cables in the wall. Although I do think my complaint is valid as so many others have the same issue.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2011
    metalifan1 wrote: »
    I plan on calling the number Kim provided on Monday as I really want this unit to work properly as it would greatly simplify my life based on the difficulty and cost of running cables in the wall. Although I do think my complaint is valid as so many others have the same issue.

    Who said it wasn't valid? Just keep it in perspective in relation to yourself and the 10,000 others that don't have a problem, love it or haven't experienced the issue yet, etc etc. There's like 50 active members here dude.

    You're doing exactly what Polk needs people to do...join and let them know what's wrong. Unfortunately, most folks never do anything. I'm sure you'll get some help on Monday and good luck.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • metalifan1
    metalifan1 Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Maybe I'm coming off wrong, I don't mean to seem like a jerk, but it is only the disappointment of paying $400 for a piece of electronics that is not working as it should. Perhaps if you have any suggestions on how to setup any different than in the included documents may help my issue. I saw that you have installed several of these either professionally or as a friend and wonder if you have any advice.

    I have a Denon receiver and no wireless components near the unit, aside from a cordless phone about 12 feet away from the transmitter. My main problem is that the speaker powers off all the time when there is no signl to the rear channels.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2011
    metalifan1 wrote: »
    Maybe I'm coming off wrong, I don't mean to seem like a jerk, but it is only the disappointment of paying $400 for a piece of electronics that is not working as it should. Perhaps if you have any suggestions on how to setup any different than in the included documents may help my issue. I saw that you have installed several of these either professionally or as a friend and wonder if you have any advice.

    I have a Denon receiver and no wireless components near the unit, aside from a cordless phone about 12 feet away from the transmitter. My main problem is that the speaker powers off all the time when there is no signl to the rear channels.

    Not at all Metalifan and I understand your frustration. It's hard to get proper inflection when you're typing everything, you know what I mean?

    I'd suggest going thru Kim's suggestions again, double check your connections and channel settings. The only problems I encountered were channel related. I believe the problem is an output/input voltage problem between the AVR and the FX loudspeaker.

    Much like the old problem of "sleepy" subwoofers that plagued the audio world years ago. The RCA signal wasn't strong enough to turn it on.

    I'll see if the CS gang has any thoughts offline and will certainlynlet you know.

    Mark
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Despotsocal
    Despotsocal Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    @ metalifan1 have you had any luck?
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  • Despotsocal
    Despotsocal Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Mine has worked fine and so have a couple others I've installed. I'd suggest calling them directly as this wont really get you that far. Good luck.


    Is your f/x hooked up via RCA or line level?
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  • metalifan1
    metalifan1 Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Despotsocal wrote: »
    Is your f/x hooked up via RCA or line level?

    Mine is hooked up via the included speaker wire and not the RCA connections.
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  • metalifan1
    metalifan1 Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Despotsocal wrote: »
    @ metalifan1 have you had any luck?

    For the moment I am still experiencing the same issues. However, I have stopped messing with it for a couple of weeks as I am in the process of moving to a new house. We should be in at the beginning of March, and after all is hooked back up again I will report back. Fingers crossed maybe the new room setup will help my problem, if not, it is back to the forums and Polk Audio Support.
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  • Despotsocal
    Despotsocal Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    If you get a chance try hooking it up via the RCA cables, mine sounded great since I have my iPod hooked up directly I to it. Unfortunately my receiver doesn't have RCA preouts....
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  • metalifan1
    metalifan1 Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Despotsocal wrote: »
    If you get a chance try hooking it up via the RCA cables, mine sounded great since I have my iPod hooked up directly I to it. Unfortunately my receiver doesn't have RCA preouts....

    I wish I could but my receiver only has traditional speaker wire inputs, I have no way to hook up the RCA connections.
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  • spgift
    spgift Posts: 2
    edited February 2011
    Hi All,

    I just joined the Polk Audio forum today as I am in the process of purchasing a surround sound bar (getting the SurroundBar 50), A/V Receiver (Either Pioneer or Yamaha) & sub (still not sure which sub I will buy) as a compromise for my wife's disdain for having lots of speakers and speaker wires in our living room (I almost cried when I sold my Mission speakers, Yamaha A/V receiver and REL sub to a buyer to "declutter").

    Without being long winded, my question is this: As my sofa is placed right up against the back wall in my house (I use the term "back wall" as the opposite wall is where my TV is posted), would the Wireless F/X Rear speaker still be effective if placed underneath my sofa or is the most optimal placement just behind the sofa?

    Thanks in advance for your response (s).
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  • danfromvan
    danfromvan Posts: 2
    edited February 2011
    Will the wireless Surround F/X complement the SurroundBar 50 (I don't have a subwoofer yet) or is it better to purchase a wireless sub? If not, any recommended wireless subs?

    Thanks
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