You fellows are very smart. I can't even begin to explain it technically. Following the "ground loop" , I started losing the FIOS signal sporadically, then entirely. I checked all the connections and noticed a splitter outside running up to my bedroom was burning hot, and the insulation on the coax cable had melted!
When I told Verizon I had a safety as well as signal problem, they showed up within 2 hour. When the technician opened the box attached to the outside of the house where the cable comes in and disconnected the coax cable, he got a nasty shock. Somehow current was running through the coax and he became the ground! He simultaneously blew out the circuit to which all my stereo and TV equipment is connected, requiring finding an electrician on Friday before Labor Day after a hurricane!Miraculously, I did, and he attributed all the problems to malfeasance in the original FIOS installation. Something about a ground wire missing.
In any case, all is fixed, I got 2 new FIOS boxes out of the deal, the audio output on these is MUCH better than the older boxes, the is no hum through the speakers, and I have even greater respect for you fellows (and women) who understand electricity. I resolved to get a primer on electricity so I understand what is going on, at least on a basic level.
Thanks again.
Neal
