FAQ
TL;DR: User reported “signal power 80–83%, quality max 50%.” The fix came after a factory reset and selecting HOT BIRD. Quote: "signal power 80–83%, signal quality max 50%." [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16702809]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Cyfrowy Polsat HD 5500s users diagnose no‑channel installs, low quality, and 720×576 resolution lock.
Quick-Facts
- Reported readings: 80–83% strength with ≤50% quality led to no channels installing. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16702809]
- Successful fix: factory reset + choose HOT BIRD, then rescan and install. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
- Upgrades used: new dish and Triset 113 coax; more channels installed afterward. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
- HDMI issue observed: decoder kept reverting to 720×576 after setting 1920×1080. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16714777]
- Quality killers flagged: wrong satellite, bad skew (“bevel”), deformed dish, or cabling faults. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16703528]
Quick Facts
- Reported readings: 80–83% strength with ≤50% quality led to no channels installing. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16702809]
- Successful fix: factory reset + choose HOT BIRD, then rescan and install. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
- Upgrades used: new dish and Triset 113 coax; more channels installed afterward. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
- HDMI issue observed: decoder kept reverting to 720×576 after setting 1920×1080. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16714777]
- Quality killers flagged: wrong satellite, bad skew (“bevel”), deformed dish, or cabling faults. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16703528]
Why do I get “no signal” during channel install even with ~80% strength?
Strength alone is not enough; you likely locked onto the wrong satellite. Realign azimuth until quality rises, then rescan. As one expert put it, “Turn the antenna horizontally” to find the right spot. Re‑selecting HOT BIRD after reset solved it for the OP. [Elektroda, netTv, post #16703985]
Which satellite should I pick for Cyfrowy Polsat on an HD 5500s?
Select HOT BIRD in the decoder’s satellite list, then scan. After a factory reset and choosing HOT BIRD, the user reported many more channels and normal installation completing successfully. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
How do I realign my dish to improve quality?
Sweep slowly in azimuth and watch quality, not just strength. “Turning the antenna horizontally, find another place where both parameters will be as good or better.” Make tiny moves, then tighten hardware and rescan. [Elektroda, netTv, post #16703985]
Could a bent or old dish limit signal quality to ~50%?
Yes. A deformed dish, wrong satellite, or incorrect LNB skew can cap quality and break channel installs. Inspect the reflector and bracket for warping before chasing other issues. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16703528]
What is LNB skew and why does it matter here?
LNB skew is the rotational “bevel” of the converter in its holder. If set wrong, transponder polarization won’t align and quality drops, causing install failures. Correct the skew after you confirm the right satellite. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16703528]
My HD 5500s keeps switching to 720×576 instead of 1920×1080—what should I try?
Restore the decoder to factory defaults, then verify your TV’s HDMI input resolution matches the decoder setting. Reconnect HDMI, try another port, and reapply 1080p in the menu after boot. [Elektroda, melpin, post #16714750]
Do I need an active smartcard for channels to open?
Yes. If the card is inactive, encrypted channels won’t clear even with perfect signal. Confirm card status before deeper troubleshooting. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16705201]
Which coax cable worked well for the user’s ~20 m plan?
They switched to Triset 113, then performed a factory reset and selected HOT BIRD. The decoder found noticeably more channels and installed them normally. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
Can short test leads or mixed‑metal coax cause misleading results?
Yes. The user first tried a short lead, then replaced it with Triset 113 and saw successful installation after reset. Better coax and connectors reduce losses and intermittent errors. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
I see a message like “lack of signal.” Is that an exact CP decoder alert?
A veteran member noted, “There is NO such message from the CP decoder.” Check the exact on‑screen text and menu status to avoid misdiagnosis. [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16705204]
What if the scan finds channels but installation fails with an error?
Perform a factory reset, select HOT BIRD, and rescan. In the thread, this sequence changed the outcome from install errors to a successful channel list. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
How can I check if my cable’s center conductor is really copper?
Use a magnet. If it sticks, it’s steel‑cored, which can underperform and corrode. Replace with quality copper‑core coax before final alignment. [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16705604]
Quick 3‑step: clean setup on Cyfrowy Polsat HD 5500s
- Restore factory settings in the decoder menu.
- Select HOT BIRD as the satellite and confirm.
- Run a fresh scan and install the found channels. [Elektroda, sniperghost13579, post #16706621]
