Perry is in western Shiawasee county between Flint and Lansing. Only about 10 miles from the Lanisng Stations, but in the Flint DMA.

New York, I'm right above the northern tip of Westchester. I currently have both D* and Cablevision (just for Mets, Knicks and Rangers in HD). The minute D* puts the HD version of MSG, FSNY and SNY up along with the MPEG4 HD DVR, Cablevision is history in my house (with the exception of Optimium online!

Just read thru all 18 pages for the first time... and was VERY excited to see specific mention of MSG and FSNY HD being available in time for hockey season. Given the unimpeachable accuracy of the rest of the information provided, I hate to be at all skeptical but a couple of nagging doubts re the NYC market...

1) There's potentially kind of a big difference between naming these two RSNs and the actual press release language which states generally that NHL games will be carried in the fall. And I wouldn't be worrying about that except....

2) The Dolans have been abusing non-Cablevision Ranger fans for years. First they moved a goodly number of games to the Metro channel...which wasn't available to satellite providers. This situation was only remedied when Metro went belly-up. And for the last couple of years, they've protected their HD broadcasts as a "cable-only" enticement for those who can to sign up with Cablevision. In fact, their Cablevision home page still makes reference to exclusive HD content on MSG and FSNY.

So I can't help but wonder... does anyone have a known or at least intelligent-sounding rationale for why Cablevision would suddenly abandon this long-running marketing strategy and make these HD broadcasts available?

Just read thru all 18 pages for the first time... and was VERY excited to see specific mention of MSG and FSNY HD being available in time for hockey season. Given the unimpeachable accuracy of the rest of the information provided, I hate to be at all skeptical but a couple of nagging doubts re the NYC market...

1) There's potentially kind of a big difference between naming these two RSNs and the actual press release language which states generally that NHL games will be carried in the fall. And I wouldn't be worrying about that except....

2) The Dolans have been abusing non-Cablevision Ranger fans for years. First they moved a goodly number of games to the Metro channel...which wasn't available to satellite providers. This situation was only remedied when Metro went belly-up. And for the last couple of years, they've protected their HD broadcasts as a "cable-only" enticement for those who can to sign up with Cablevision. In fact, their Cablevision home page still makes reference to exclusive HD content on MSG and FSNY.

So I can't help but wonder... does anyone have a known or at least intelligent-sounding rationale for why Cablevision would suddenly abandon this long-running marketing strategy and make these HD broadcasts available?


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ is my honest opinion

Last I heard reported for the new HD-DVR release was for the fall which is from September 23rd to December 22st.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ is my honest opinion

Hmm. Well, I guess that failing the possibility of incriminating photographs there are not many other possibilities. Well, God bless you my son if I indeed have widescreen Rangers come October. Excellent news on an otherwise lousy workday.

Hmm. Well, I guess that failing the possibility of incriminating photographs there are not many other possibilities. Well, God bless you my son if I indeed have widescreen Rangers come October. Excellent news on an otherwise lousy workday.

Hey - - I live on Long Island, was a cablevision customer for MANY years - but the info has come from a VERY good source of stuff, it has been right so far - I have reason to believe - so let's just see what happens come October!

I live in sacramento and do not get FSNBA. But I have a 3lnb dish. Get my locals off an antenna. I could upgrade to a 5lnb but they said I could not get the locals off the anttenna withn the H20 reciever. that would suck cause currently they do not have Fox 40 for a HD channel
Are you sure? I thought the H20 had a OTA tuner so you could get the OTA signals.

I just checked and the H20 has a ATSC tuner in it, you will be able to get the local OTA HD channels.

Are you sure? I thought the H20 had a OTA tuner so you could get the OTA signals.

I just checked and the H20 has a ATSC tuner in it, you will be able to get the local OTA HD channels.

That is CONFIRMED!

EDIT: Im almost thinking about ordering an AT9 just to find out :)
Me too, I know I'll get the feed but I'm not going to gamble with my recordable LA HD feeds to do it. :D

Just read thru all 18 pages for the first time... and was VERY excited to see specific mention of MSG and FSNY HD being available in time for hockey season. Given the unimpeachable accuracy of the rest of the information provided, I hate to be at all skeptical but a couple of nagging doubts re the NYC market...

1) There's potentially kind of a big difference between naming these two RSNs and the actual press release language which states generally that NHL games will be carried in the fall. And I wouldn't be worrying about that except....

2) The Dolans have been abusing non-Cablevision Ranger fans for years. First they moved a goodly number of games to the Metro channel...which wasn't available to satellite providers. This situation was only remedied when Metro went belly-up. And for the last couple of years, they've protected their HD broadcasts as a "cable-only" enticement for those who can to sign up with Cablevision. In fact, their Cablevision home page still makes reference to exclusive HD content on MSG and FSNY.

So I can't help but wonder... does anyone have a known or at least intelligent-sounding rationale for why Cablevision would suddenly abandon this long-running marketing strategy and make these HD broadcasts available?


Because it would increase the number of households they are in allowing them to charge more to advertisers.

I wouldn't be surpirsed if then or a bit sooner actually.

Now you're teasing me. You're in the same boat as I am. Are you going for the H20 now or waiting to see how the new HD DVR is? My wife loves the HR10-250, I sure hope the new one is just as user friendly.

Are you sure? I thought the H20 had a OTA tuner so you could get the OTA signals.

I just checked and the H20 has a ATSC tuner in it, you will be able to get the local OTA HD channels.

But...

IIRC you must run a dedicated line for the OTA - no diplexing allowed.

But...

IIRC you must run a dedicated line for the OTA - no diplexing allowed.
True, but for someone who wants OTA that should not present a problem, just run the line direct from the OTA antenna to the STB, it's the way I would do it anyway, the less line breaks the better.

EDIT: Im almost thinking about ordering an AT9 just to find out

Me too, I know I'll get the feed but I'm not going to gamble with my recordable LA HD feeds to do it. :D

Same here. Assuming I get the welcome packet for Sunday Ticket renewal I'll choose the H20 and AT9 and I'll see if I can get FSD despite no HD locals. I just got to get that packet first (or call retention I guess).

Now you're teasing me. You're in the same boat as I am. Are you going for the H20 now or waiting to see how the new HD DVR is? My wife loves the HR10-250, I sure hope the new one is just as user friendly.

I already have the 5lnb dish and 2 H20 boxes - I AM waiting for the new HD-DVR. .

Does anybody know if the new HD-DVR for D* Mpeg4 will have component output AND HDMI or just HDMI? I still have a 57" Sony I got in 2002 and it does not have any HDMI inputs so I'm hoping it will have component outputs as well.
I can't look on the Tivo message boards b/c they don't discuss its specs there, maybe there's somewhere else to look for a sneak look at the specs?

It won't be a TiVo unit, gghunt, so don't look on the TiVo boards.

Does anybody know if the new HD-DVR for D* Mpeg4 will have component output AND HDMI or just HDMI? I still have a 57" Sony I got in 2002 and it does not have any HDMI inputs so I'm hoping it will have component outputs as well.
I can't look on the Tivo message boards b/c they don't discuss its specs there, maybe there's somewhere else to look for a sneak look at the specs?

Here is an image of the back of an HR20 that was on display at the Satellite Expo in Atlanta:
You are in luck for component output.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/316/cat/500/ppuser/1

Here is an image of the back of an HR20 that was on display at the Satellite Expo in Atlanta:
You are in luck for component output.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/316/cat/500/ppuser/1

Thanks!! Yes, fredfa, i know not to look on tivo boards b/c of directv's unfortunate tie-cutting from Tivo. But i wasn't sure which boards DO talk about it. Thanks--

Are you sure? I thought the H20 had a OTA tuner so you could get the OTA signals.

I just checked and the H20 has a ATSC tuner in it, you will be able to get the local OTA HD channels.
I called directv and you are correct i should still be able to get the ota channels along with the local hd channels on the 5 lnb dish

I called directv and you are correct i should still be able to get the ota channels along with the local hd channels on the 5 lnb dish
Yes, if you don't have an HD-Tivo, and are not getting DNS HD feeds, then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going with the H20.

Yes, if you don't have an HD-Tivo, and are not getting DNS HD feeds, then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going with the H20.

I have the HD Tivo, the HD DNS feeds AND the H20 and am not losing anything anytime soon. But I am really looking forward to checking out the next Cleveland Indians game to see if the H20 gives it to me in HD (via the STO HD RSN).... If so, I guess I need to connect both the HD Tivo as well as the the H20 to my 50" 1080p set..........

Then again, with the way that the Indians are playing this year, maybe not!

Thanks!! Yes, fredfa, i know not to look on tivo boards b/c of directv's unfortunate tie-cutting from Tivo. But i wasn't sure which boards DO talk about it. Thanks--
This topic, from the HDTV Recorders forum, covers it:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=633324

Thanks!! Yes, fredfa, i know not to look on tivo boards b/c of directv's unfortunate tie-cutting from Tivo. But i wasn't sure which boards DO talk about it. Thanks--


Looking back on my post to you, gghunt, it sure looks arrogant and a bit mean spirited.

I am truly sorry, it was not meant to be either.

Thanks!! Yes, fredfa, i know not to look on tivo boards b/c of directv's unfortunate tie-cutting from Tivo. But i wasn't sure which boards DO talk about it. Thanks--

AVS's sister site over at www.dbstalk.com talks about the new DirecTV non-Tivo boxes a lot. There is a whole forum for the R-15 for example.

This topic, from the HDTV Recorders forum, covers it:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=633324

Thanks Ken. That helps alot too.

Looking back on my post to you, gghunt, it sure looks arrogant and a bit mean spirited.

I am truly sorry, it was not meant to be either.

No problem fred - i just wasn't clear enough in my post. Thanks!

Yes, if you don't have an HD-Tivo, and are not getting DNS HD feeds, then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by going with the H20.

Hey Keenan. I'm down south from you a bit in San Rafael. The FSNBA news got to me, so I bought the H20 and 5 lnb dish over the net. Gots to see dem Giants in HD. I realize I'm putting my LA HD feeds at risk, and thus my ability to reliably record the 4 big networks on my HD-Tivo, but I'll see if I can sweet talk my way into keeping the distant feeds until the MPEG-4 DVR finally comes out (I'm a 10 year D*TV sub, have waivers, and am one of their "best customers," so they say). I am able to get OTA HD for FOX, NBC and ABC most of the time, and if I play with the antenna a bit I can get CBS (while losing the others). And it's the summertime repeat season, so there isn't that much I want to record on the networks right now, anyway, so if they do take the distants away, maybe by fall the new DVR will be available. Anyway, I'll let you know how things work out when I get setup next week.

Hey Keenan. I'm down south from you a bit in San Rafael. The FSNBA news got to me, so I bought the H20 and 5 lnb dish over the net. Gots to see dem Giants in HD. I realize I'm putting my LA HD feeds at risk, and thus my ability to reliably record the 4 big networks on my HD-Tivo, but I'll see if I can sweet talk my way into keeping the distant feeds until the MPEG-4 DVR finally comes out (I'm a 10 year D*TV sub, have waivers, and am one of their "best customers," so they say). I am able to get OTA HD for FOX, NBC and ABC most of the time, and if I play with the antenna a bit I can get CBS (while losing the others). And it's the summertime repeat season, so there isn't that much I want to record on the networks right now, anyway, so if they do take the distants away, maybe by fall the new DVR will be available. Anyway, I'll let you know how things work out when I get setup next week.

Just received a letter from D* taking my LA HD feeds away so I would be prepared to lose yours. Letter did not mention the fact that I have both Tivo HD units and H20's with 5lnb dish. Letter indicated loss of LA feeds was due to compliance with the law.

Just received a letter from D* taking my LA HD feeds away so I would be prepared to lose yours. Letter did not mention the fact that I have both Tivo HD units and H20's with 5lnb dish. Letter indicated loss of LA feeds was due to compliance with the law.

Yeah, I was afraid of that. But maybe I'm special :D

Hey Keenan. I'm down south from you a bit in San Rafael. The FSNBA news got to me, so I bought the H20 and 5 lnb dish over the net. Gots to see dem Giants in HD. I realize I'm putting my LA HD feeds at risk, and thus my ability to reliably record the 4 big networks on my HD-Tivo, but I'll see if I can sweet talk my way into keeping the distant feeds until the MPEG-4 DVR finally comes out (I'm a 10 year D*TV sub, have waivers, and am one of their "best customers," so they say). I am able to get OTA HD for FOX, NBC and ABC most of the time, and if I play with the antenna a bit I can get CBS (while losing the others). And it's the summertime repeat season, so there isn't that much I want to record on the networks right now, anyway, so if they do take the distants away, maybe by fall the new DVR will be available. Anyway, I'll let you know how things work out when I get setup next week.
Thanks, looking forward to your post. :)

Here is the information on this developing at dbstalk:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=59585


Sounds good to me!

What about those RSN's contracted with Comcast; e.g., FoxSport Bay Area which carries the Giants, A's and Warriors in HD? Any chance of these additions?

And would Warriors games be blacked out in Sacramento?

What about those RSN's contracted with Comcast; e.g., FoxSport Bay Area which carries the Giants, A's and Warriors in HD? Any chance of these additions?

And would Warriors games be blacked out in Sacramento?
FSNBA-HD is already on DirecTV as of a week or so ago. The PR release says Giants, A's, Warriors and Sharks games will be carried.

From the PR, and an earlier post,

DirecTV will deliver the HD games via a local market spot beam, and as a result, the regional sports programming will be available only to customers who live within the local DMA.


It's unclear whether DMAs other than home DMA for FSNBA will have the feed for the games, my guess is that it will eventually.

And would Warriors games be blacked out in Sacramento?

Since they are blacked out on FSN-BA in SD, no reason to think the HD version will be any different. I think the bigger questions is that since you can get some of the FSN-BA Warrior games up here with the NBA League Pass, will ordering that package make the games available?

QUESTION: I am having the AT9 installed next week so that I can enjoy the HD RSNs. My HD networks aren't even scheduled yet. Will the installer be able to leave the dish that gets 72.5 so that I can still get the SD locals? Will the H20 pick up 5 sats plus the 72.5 sat>

QUESTION: I am having the AT9 installed next week so that I can enjoy the HD RSNs. My HD networks aren't even scheduled yet. Will the installer be able to leave the dish that gets 72.5 so that I can still get the SD locals? Will the H20 pick up 5 sats plus the 72.5 sat>

How are you going to get the spot beam HD RSNs if the HD networks aren't even scheduled yet? Can you get one without the other?

According to the 3rd CSR that I spoke with.

According to the 3rd CSR that I spoke with.

Famous last words.

Yeah that third CSR is always the newbie. :)

Update on FSN Detroit HD on DirecTV:

Customers who live within the Detroit spot beam area also will be required to have the H20 (MPEG4 compatible) HD receiver along with a five LNB dish to receive the FSN Detroit HD programming on channel 96 or 97. Customers outside the Detroit spot beam may see selected MLB games on Channel 95.

The Detroit spot beam includes specific zip codes within the following counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Lapeer, Saint Clair, Washtenaw, Sanilac, Monroe, Jackson, Lenawee, Genesee and Tuscola. Customers should visit DIRECTV.com to determine if they are within the team territory and spot beam and can receive the games.

In addition to the Tigers games, DIRECTV also will carry select Red Wings and Pistons games produced in HD by FSN Detroit when their seasons start this fall.

Currently here in NY, we are getting YESHD on channel 95 in MPEG 2, on the 18th when they start showing games on channel 96 as part of the national RSN rollout, does anyone know if those with MPEG 2 will still be able to get the games on channel 95?

I have the H20, so I am covered either way, but I am curious if the games will be on both channel 95 and 96, which doesn't make much sense.

Thanks

Currently here in NY, we are getting YESHD on channel 95 in MPEG 2, on the 18th when they start showing games on channel 96 as part of the national RSN rollout, does anyone know if those with MPEG 2 will still be able to get the games on channel 95?

I have the H20, so I am covered either way, but I am curious if the games will be on both channel 95 and 96, which doesn't make much sense.

Thanks

My understanding is that beginning on the 18th - they YES- HD games will be on channel 97 in MPEG4. The games on channel 95 will continue to be in MPEG2 and available to subs that get the MLB EI package.

It is not uncommon for there to be duplication of MPEG2 and MPEG4, matter of fact it happens every day for us in NY DMA and those in LA DMA. I get the NY locals on both channels 2,4,5, and 7 in M4, and 80, 82, 86, and 88 in M2.

Also, if you get MLB EI you already can see out of market games on both their regular channel (like 623 for nesn) as well as in the 734-748 range at the same time. This does NOT use any additional bandwidth to do this - so it is not a waste.

Famous last words.
How about answering the original question? Can the 72.5 dish be used in conjunction w/ the AT9?

How about answering the original question? Can the 72.5 dish be used in conjunction w/ the AT9?

Yes - I know at least in my setup, there is a port on the Zinwell switch to incorporate this bird.

Yes - I know at least in my setup, there is a port on the Zinwell switch to incorporate this bird.
Thanks ScoBuck. It's always nice to get an answer to a question rather than someones smart remarks. Nice to see there are still people here that use this forum for what it was created for.

My understanding is that beginning on the 18th - they YES- HD games will be on channel 97 in MPEG4. The games on channel 95 will continue to be in MPEG2 and available to subs that get the MLB EI package.

It is not uncommon for there to be duplication of MPEG2 and MPEG4, matter of fact it happens every day for us in NY DMA and those in LA DMA. I get the NY locals on both channels 2,4,5, and 7 in M4, and 80, 82, 86, and 88 in M2.

Also, if you get MLB EI you already can see out of market games on both their regular channel (like 623 for nesn) as well as in the 734-748 range at the same time. This does NOT use any additional bandwidth to do this - so it is not a waste.

Channel 95 will have a lot fewer Yankee games than before. :) :)

Channel 95 will have a lot fewer Yankee games than before. :) :)

But DirecTV will have a lot MORE Yankee games in HD than ever before. :cool:

Works for both I guess!

Channel 95 will have a lot fewer Yankee games than before. :) :)

Looking at the guide, Channel 95, and I still see a huge majority of the games are Yankee games...LAME :mad:

Looking at the guide, Channel 95, and I still see a huge majority of the games are Yankee games...LAME :mad:

I don't think those guide are quite correct - at least not for after the 18th.

Thanks ScoBuck. It's always nice to get an answer to a question rather than someones smart remarks. Nice to see there are still people here that use this forum for what it was created for.

I was just asking you a couple of questions. I didn't realize I was making "smart remarks."

Thank you to all that answered my question about YESHD on channel 95, as I said, I have the H20, so either way I am good :)

I'll just be gald when football starts, baseball ends and then hoops kicks in.

I have 3 questions concerning the latest news:

-Does anyone know a link that depicts each of the MLB team's territory?

-According to the yahoo article, the HD games will be on spot beams but it doesn't say this is the case for the 24/7 feeds - specifically Comcast MA which is coming in Aug. I'm guessing they too will be on spotbeams. Given there is spotbeam overlap, and if I live in the overlap area, might it be possible to get an M4 installation and then receive Comcast MA HD (but not the DC locals)?

-I believe the Braves territory extends into NC - and into areas served by the Charlotte market, which just got HD locals. Will FSN South be available in HD to those in the Charlotte market that are in Braves territory? In other words, where applicable could a given M4 RSN HD games be on in more than one market?

Thank you to all that answered my question about YESHD on channel 95, as I said, I have the H20, so either way I am good :)

You are only good if you ALSO have an AT9 dish. Without that you will NOT see the Yankees games NOT on channel 95.

I have 3 questions concerning the latest news:

-Does anyone know a link that depicts each of the MLB team's territory?

-According to the yahoo article, the HD games will be on spot beams but it doesn't say this is the case for the 24/7 feeds - specifically Comcast MA which is coming in Aug. I'm guessing they too will be on spotbeams. Given there is spotbeam overlap, and if I live in the overlap area, might it be possible to get an M4 installation and then receive Comcast MA HD (but not the DC locals)?

-I believe the Braves territory extends into NC - and into areas served by the Charlotte market, which just got HD locals. Will FSN South be available in HD to those in the Charlotte market that are in Braves territory? In other words, where applicable could a given M4 RSN HD games be on in more than one market?

The fulltime RSNs will also be spotbeam. If you receive the RSN in SD as your 'regular' RSN, you will receive it also in HD (provided you ALSO live in a currently lit HD local market).

Here I will simplify it for you.

I live in the Philly market, I will not be able to get NESN-HD :mad: even though I get HD Pack, Sports Pack and EI. But of course I can get Yes network HD(sure have the bandwidth for that). So yeah that freaking pisses me off, and I am not going to give them a pass on this, I have been patient, no longer. If the want to charge me more for it, fine whatever. But they are not even giving me the opportunity. Sorry I don't want to wait for next year, if they can put it up July 1st, than put it up for all who want it. Just like YES! You can take it as a step forward I will take it as a slap in the face.

BTW, Paducah is a slang term for small town.

This type of crap pisses me off. I just so happend to be in the Paducah market and we don't and won't get crap from D* for years. Make no mistake about it folks we don't have all these national HD channels so they can provide "you city folk" with local channels. I mean these channels are mpeg 4 local channels and some how it's the small markets hurting the D* national HD line up?

Also the notion that because you live in a big market makes you personally more important is such crap. Yes a big market is more importan then a small market, but the attitude of some people lol.

D* needs to get there act together and get ther sats ready to finally offer all those HD channels they have advertised about. I also get tired of hearing people act like we have no beef about lack of HD. There are 3 major movie channells in HD D* doesn't offer. There are many of us who have had HD sets for years and there are more and more of us and we are demanding that we are given more HD programing. We have been patient we have spent thousand upon thousands of dollars for HD and GOD ***** we want it. This crap about people complaing about letterboxing can kiss my *$$ and I'm sure allot of yous. We are moving to HD and the sooner we do it the less painfull it will be. The situation sucks because if D* would have stood up and said to locals you have to offer 10 hours of Hd before we will carry you on our Hd sats then locals would be quicker to pay for there upgrades for HD syndication and the like.

Hi general.

I don't dis anyone because of what 'market' they are in.

But the facts are the facts, and complaining won't change them. For OVER a year, DirecTV has clearly stated their HD roll-out plan - and in the past year it has NOT changed to the best of my knowledge. There have been few surprises - and those have all been ADDITIONAL HD programming, such as the RSN locals just added beginning on July 1st.

Take the time (if you haven't already) and listen to the last DirecTV analysts webinar (the Wachovia one). In it, the CFO of D* clearly states that they in fact were 'behind' in HD capacity, but with the Spaceway birds, and then with the soon to be launched DIRECTV10 and then DIRECTV11 - they expect to be way out in front in HD capacity by mid-2007. He also talks about their HD national channel expectations for the next 12+ months.

After hearing that, if you don't feel that they are doing the things that they can, and that will provide you with the type of HD services that you want, there are other providers that perhaps would better meet your needs. I would like to hear such a 'frank' discussion coming from the mouths of E* executives - that would also be nice.

I'm not saying your feelings of wanting more are in any way wrong - but that webinar will let you know what to expect, and then you can make the correct choice for your own needs.

I have 3 questions concerning the latest news:

-Does anyone know a link that depicts each of the MLB team's territory?

-According to the yahoo article, the HD games will be on spot beams but it doesn't say this is the case for the 24/7 feeds - specifically Comcast MA which is coming in Aug. I'm guessing they too will be on spotbeams. Given there is spotbeam overlap, and if I live in the overlap area, might it be possible to get an M4 installation and then receive Comcast MA HD (but not the DC locals)?

-I believe the Braves territory extends into NC - and into areas served by the Charlotte market, which just got HD locals. Will FSN South be available in HD to those in the Charlotte market that are in Braves territory? In other words, where applicable could a given M4 RSN HD games be on in more than one market?
The below link in a map of MLB TV areas. Click on the image to enlarge it.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/tools/med/2006/06/ipt/1150742098.jpg
1150742098.jpg (JPEG Image, 1698x1058 pixels) - Scaled (37%)

Update on FSN Detroit HD on DirecTV:

Customers who live within the Detroit spot beam area also will be required to have the H20 (MPEG4 compatible) HD receiver along with a five LNB dish to receive the FSN Detroit HD programming on channel 96 or 97. Customers outside the Detroit spot beam may see selected MLB games on Channel 95.

The Detroit spot beam includes specific zip codes within the following counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Lapeer, Saint Clair, Washtenaw, Sanilac, Monroe, Jackson, Lenawee, Genesee and Tuscola. Customers should visit DIRECTV.com to determine if they are within the team territory and spot beam and can receive the games.

In addition to the Tigers games, DIRECTV also will carry select Red Wings and Pistons games produced in HD by FSN Detroit when their seasons start this fall.

Can you post the link so the rest of us can check DIRECTV.com to determine if they are within the team territory and spot beam and can receive the HD games.

I've searched the website and can't find it. I have seen the SD FSN website link, but I still haven't had a definitive answer to the question I posted earlier about being in the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto DMA/spotbeam and whether we would also receive the FSNBA HD telecasts. I really don't want to waste my time calling the D* CSR roulette wheel, as I know I wouldn't get a straight answer.

Spot beam size. Found the following link with a post about the size of a spotbeam for SF. I'm not sure if it's from the same satellite though. Do a Google for DirecTV Spot Beam and quite a bit of info comes up. The Hughes link is broken.

I have been unable to find any spot beam size information on the new Hughes
601 satellite being built for DirecTV. If you look on the Hughes site

http://www.hughespace.com/factsheets/601/601fleet.html

you see their 601 satellites are very similar but with different antennas.
The largest antennas they use are dual 17 X 22 foot dishes. A reasonable
assumption is that they are using the same (maybe even larger) antenna for
the spot beam. Spots are almost certainly positioned with different feed
horns on each of the two antenna.

For a DirecTv frequency of 12.2 GHz this results in a beam width of 0.25 X
0.33 degrees for 23 dB sidelobes. For the San Francisco Bay area that leads
to a spot area of approximately 140 miles by 180 miles.

That's larger than the Bay area but it appears roughly the size of the grade
B area that is used to indicate reception area for a TV station. If they
have developed a larger antenna for their new satellite, they could actually
get the size down to a single metropolitan areas.

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.video.satellite.dbs/browse_thread/thread/7959500dda238bc4/6d265e6bb39bb160%236d265e6bb39bb160
Google Groups: rec.video.satellite.dbs

You are only good if you ALSO have an AT9 dish. Without that you will NOT see the Yankees games NOT on channel 95.

Sorry, I should have been more clear, I upgraded from the H10 to the H20 and AT9 dish a couple of weeks ago, so as stated, I'm good :)

I guess that some people have gotten the H20, but not the AT9 dish; Why would someone do that?

Sorry, I should have been more clear, I upgraded from the H10 to the H20 and AT9 dish a couple of weeks ago, so as stated, I'm good :)

I guess that some people have gotten the H20, but not the AT9 dish; Why would someone do that?

For many months now, anyone leasing (or buying) a HD receiver - has gotten a H20 (there have been some stores still 'selling out' old stock of H10's). Regardless of the dish - this is the only 'currently' produced HD IRD.

Hi general.

I don't dis anyone because of what 'market' they are in.

But the facts are the facts, and complaining won't change them. For OVER a year, DirecTV has clearly stated their HD roll-out plan - and in the past year it has NOT changed to the best of my knowledge. There have been few surprises - and those have all been ADDITIONAL HD programming, such as the RSN locals just added beginning on July 1st.

Take the time (if you haven't already) and listen to the last DirecTV analysts webinar (the Wachovia one). In it, the CFO of D* clearly states that they in fact were 'behind' in HD capacity, but with the Spaceway birds, and then with the soon to be launched DIRECTV10 and then DIRECTV11 - they expect to be way out in front in HD capacity by mid-2007. He also talks about their HD national channel expectations for the next 12+ months.

After hearing that, if you don't feel that they are doing the things that they can, and that will provide you with the type of HD services that you want, there are other providers that perhaps would better meet your needs. I would like to hear such a 'frank' discussion coming from the mouths of E* executives - that would also be nice.

I'm not saying your feelings of wanting more are in any way wrong - but that webinar will let you know what to expect, and then you can make the correct choice for your own needs.

I'm not saying there lying to us all the time or something, but lets all agree they shouldn't have ran all those adds about Hd when they did. I could see that running in this years super bowl, but come on they are moving slower then a Ford Tarus with 4 people in it in regards to HD. However i'm mad at the entire market for taking there sweet time not just D*. I do plan on adding cable service as soon as the Series 3 tivo comes out. I will keep D* for ST and any pssible channels they might add that my cable compnay doesn't carry. They should know though that there going to loose somebody who had a bill of about 200$ a month on average, because of them leaving Tivo and lack of HD content. I will be making my bill with them as low as possible or simply subscribe to them when ST comes back each year.

DirecTV did in fact change their ad agency in the past couple of months.

I agree that things seem to be happening slow - but I also think lots of the complaints are without merit also.

For the past year, the goals and objectives for HD on D* have been stated and published, they seem to be pretty much on target with everything as far as the program offerings side of the ledger - and yes, they will be a few months behind on the HD-DVR.

DirecTV did in fact change their ad agency in the past couple of months.

I agree that things seem to be happening slow - but I also think lots of the complaints are without merit also.

For the past year, the goals and objectives for HD on D* have been stated and published, they seem to be pretty much on target with everything as far as the program offerings side of the ledger - and yes, they will be a few months behind on the HD-DVR.

I guess I disagree some what because I think most complaints have merit on these boards. They are almost last in every respect in terms of the amount and quality of there HD. They have left the tivo partnership because there 30% owner has his own DVR company that makes a inferior product that couldn't compete in a market with a competitor. So people wait and wait for there HDDVR and we can only hope it's not as bad as the R15. This all from the company that pioneered the SAt market in the US by offering the most channels and best quality available. They are acting more and more like a cable company every day and that not good. I also hate hearing some people say things like if you don't like it leave. Well lots of people have but they shouldn't be above there own customers complaining about what there service lacks.

I guess I disagree some what because I think most complaints have merit on these boards. They are almost last in every respect in terms of the amount and quality of there HD. They have left the tivo partnership because there 30% owner has his own DVR company that makes a inferior product that couldn't compete in a market with a competitor. So people wait and wait for there HDDVR and we can only hope it's not as bad as the R15. This all from the company that pioneered the SAt market in the US by offering the most channels and best quality available. They are acting more and more like a cable company every day and that not good. I also hate hearing some people say things like if you don't like it leave. Well lots of people have but they shouldn't be above there own customers complaining about what there service lacks.

I never said if you don't like it leave. I said weigh your choices and go (or stay) where you believe you have the best fit. Those are WAY DIFFERENT messages, said in WAY DIFFERENT tones.

You also said 'most' complaints have merit - I don't know the answer to that. But I said 'lot's have NO merit. The people that rant and rave without knowledge or fact - they detract from the people who have info (good or bad) and share it in an intelligent manner. That is also a DIFFERENCE.

Looking at the guide, Channel 95, and I still see a huge majority of the games are Yankee games...LAME :mad:

Yes!

I don't think those guide are quite correct - at least not for after the 18th.

Man, I hope you are right..

I am so sick of the Yankees I could puke :mad:

I never said if you don't like it leave. I said weigh your choices and go (or stay) where you believe you have the best fit. Those are WAY DIFFERENT messages, said in WAY DIFFERENT tones.

You also said 'most' complaints have merit - I don't know the answer to that. But I said 'lot's have NO merit. The people that rant and rave without knowledge or fact - they detract from the people who have info (good or bad) and share it in an intelligent manner. That is also a DIFFERENCE.

I wasn't directly pointing the finger at you. I was speaking in general terms. I'm just kidding you've been pissing me off hor a long time now bit(# lol j/j.

I guess I disagree some what because I think most complaints have merit on these boards. They are almost last in every respect in terms of the amount and quality of there HD.

I don't think anyone would deny these things. Even DirecTV themselves don't deny it. But they've had a plan to address it for going on 2 years now and they are on track. They can only do what they can with the capacity they have and they are on track to launch the last 2 sats in their plan to address that. No excuse or being a D* apologist. Just the facts.

It's a good thing most people have choices. For myself cable is not a choice. Verizon FIOS? Yea right, what's that. Can't even get Verizon cell service around here. So Dish is the only choice. I'll take Sunday Ticket over Voom channels. Others might take the Voom channels over Sunday Ticket. Nothing wrong with that.

But the facts are that DirecTV is behind and they admit it.
They've had a plan for 2-3 years to address it.
They are on schedule in that plan.
By end of next year, assuming good sat launches, they will be the HD leader. Just in time for "Joe Sixpack" to figure out he wants HD or has never actually seen HD on his HD set.

My understanding is that beginning on the 18th - they YES- HD games will be on channel 97 in MPEG4. The games on channel 95 will continue to be in MPEG2 and available to subs that get the MLB EI package.

It is not uncommon for there to be duplication of MPEG2 and MPEG4, matter of fact it happens every day for us in NY DMA and those in LA DMA. I get the NY locals on both channels 2,4,5, and 7 in M4, and 80, 82, 86, and 88 in M2.
The logic of the practice of duplication in the 2nd paragraph contradicts the 1st. If they can duplicate the Network feeds, why would D* restrict the lone MLB RSN HD feed available to MPEG-2 customers to MLBEI subs and block out those who've had YES in HD for years?

I was just asking you a couple of questions. I didn't realize I was making "smart remarks."
Howie, My remark was not directed toward you. You asked a legitimate question. It was directed toward dg28 and Fredfa. I guess we will see next week if I will get the HD RSNs w/o and HD networks.

You are only good if you ALSO have an AT9 dish. Without that you will NOT see the Yankees games NOT on channel 95.
Right now on my hr10-250, the guide is showing 3 Mariners @ Yankees games on ch 95, next Mon, Tues, and Wed. Are you saying that those games will NOT actually be on ch 95 in mpeg2?

does any one have a spot beam map for the D* hd rsn's?

Right now on my hr10-250, the guide is showing 3 Mariners @ Yankees games on ch 95, next Mon, Tues, and Wed. Are you saying that those games will NOT actually be on ch 95 in mpeg2?

Thankfully, I am pretty sure, that will change. :p

The logic of the practice of duplication in the 2nd paragraph contradicts the 1st. If they can duplicate the Network feeds, why would D* restrict the lone MLB RSN HD feed available to MPEG-2 customers to MLBEI subs and block out those who've had YES in HD for years?YES HD debuted last season. What customers have had it for "years?" :confused:

Thankfully, I am pretty sure, that will change. :p

My hope is that we'll see lots of Yankees on channel 95 with the mpeg 2. Just for all you Yankee haters :D

The only bad thing is that the Diamondbacks will be in HD tonight on FSN, but I will not be able to watch them :(

The below link in a map of MLB TV areas. Click on the image to enlarge it.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/tools/med/2006/06/ipt/1150742098.jpg
1150742098.jpg (JPEG Image, 1698x1058 pixels) - Scaled (37%)

That is a hell of a link my friend! Thank you for posting it. One could spend hours examining at it. Imagine the smoke filled room that thing was conceived in.

That is a hell of a link my friend! Thank you for posting it. One could spend hours examining at it. Imagine the smoke filled room that thing was conceived in.
No kidding. :D

YES HD debuted last season. What customers have had it for "years?" :confused:
OK, my bad. I'll have had HD for a year next month so I just assumed that the HD feed had always been available.

I called Customer Retention and the rep told me that the YES-HD MPEG-2 feed on ch. 95 would still be available after 97 is activated for the MPEG-4. I know that doesn't make it official, but it's what makes sense. Why would they keep a MPEG-2 feed on 95, but black out those who have YES as one of their RSNs? It would only result in angry phone calls.

Why would they keep a MPEG-2 feed on 95, but black out those who have YES as one of their RSNs? It would only result in angry phone calls.
It won't be that way next year, so enjoy YES HD in MPEG2 while you can.

Paulie, I would have no issues if they stop the MPEG-2 feed next Season, but if they do it in the middle of this one, it won't set well.

I would as they have become my favorite team due to the fact that I can't see my local teams in HD and because I've seen more Yankee games in the last two years than any other team by a wide margin. :p

Tigers on FSN Detroit HD was up on DirecTV tonight for the first time. Reports are it looked decent.

OK, my bad. I'll have had HD for a year next month so I just assumed that the HD feed had always been available.

I called Customer Retention and the rep told me that the YES-HD MPEG-2 feed on ch. 95 would still be available after 97 is activated for the MPEG-4. I know that doesn't make it official, but it's what makes sense. Why would they keep a MPEG-2 feed on 95, but black out those who have YES as one of their RSNs? It would only result in angry phone calls.

I don't think you got a 100% correct answer - channel 95 WILL stay lit for MPEG2 broadcasts of MLB games - What will change is that there will be much more of a selction of different teams than before - it will NOT have a many NYY games.

I don't think you got a 100% correct answer - channel 95 WILL stay lit for MPEG2 broadcasts of MLB games - What will change is that there will be much more of a selction of different teams than before - it will NOT have a many NYY games.

Sure would be nice if theyd light up Channel 94 also...I really dont see why they cant, they did it all year last year... Any chance of that happening ScoBuck?

Tigers on FSN Detroit HD was up on DirecTV tonight for the first time. Reports are it looked decent.

I thought it looked outstanding on DISH Network..Much better than some other FSN's Ive seen in HD via D*..

I have a sneaky suspicion it may have more to do with D* than the actual RSN's though..

Who knows though, I could be mistaken becasue YES HD always looks pretty much outstanding via D* to me...

I thought it looked outstanding on DISH Network.?

You saw the Tigers in HD on FSN Detroit, on Dish?

Sure would be nice if theyd light up Channel 94 also...I really dont see why they cant, they did it all year last year... Any chance of that happening ScoBuck?

I don't know.

OK, my bad. I'll have had HD for a year next month so I just assumed that the HD feed had always been available.

I called Customer Retention and the rep told me that the YES-HD MPEG-2 feed on ch. 95 would still be available after 97 is activated for the MPEG-4. I know that doesn't make it official, but it's what makes sense. Why would they keep a MPEG-2 feed on 95, but black out those who have YES as one of their RSNs? It would only result in angry phone calls.

After the 18th channel 95 will become a variety of different HD baseball games. And the 95% of baseball fans (who hate the Yankees) should call and thank directv.

Yankee fans think they deserve to be special from all other baseball fans.

?

You saw the Tigers in HD on FSN Detroit, on Dish?

Yes, it was on the HDPPV channel as part of the MLBEI package...Free preview thru the weekend..

After the 18th channel 95 will become a variety of different HD baseball games. And the 95% of baseball fans (who hate the Yankees) should call and thank directv.

Yankee fans think they deserve to be special from all other baseball fans.

Hey - let's not get like that OTHER guy now. Not everyone feels like that. I know I don't - I root for the Yanks, but I don't think they are entitled to anything special.

Haven't we had enough flaming in this thread - it would be nice for peeps to get back to posting info and having good discussions. All this stuff to incite feuds should stop really.

Hey - let's not get like that OTHER guy now. Not everyone feels like that. I know I don't - I root for the Yanks, but I don't think they are entitled to anything special.

Haven't we had enough flaming in this thread - it would be nice for peeps to get back to posting info and having good discussions. All this stuff to incite feuds should stop really.

Oh come on..Every loyal baseball fan that dosent support the Yanks loves to rip on them..

They wouldnt be much of a fan if they didnt..

For a non Yankee fan ripping them is comparable to apple pie and lemonade..Its the American thing to do :)

Oh come on..Every loyal baseball fan that dosent support the Yanks loves to rip on them..

They wouldnt be much of a fan if they didnt..

For a non Yankee fan ripping them is comparable to apple pie and lemonade..Its the American thing to do :)

guffy - you're missing my point - I don't mind getting ribbed (or giving it back) about the Yanks - or anything else. I guess that other clown has me soured about taking these threads off - topic and constant flaming.

I come here to learn, to share info and ideas.

I don't think you got a 100% correct answer - channel 95 WILL stay lit for MPEG2 broadcasts of MLB games - What will change is that there will be much more of a selction of different teams than before - it will NOT have a many NYY games.
I've noticed that the channel 95 schedule has been changing almost daily now. For instance, the next game showing as "upcoming" yesterday after the Nats/Pirates game was Yankees/Mariners. But this morning it shows White Sox/Yankees tomorrow afternoon. Also, Yankees/Mariners was scheduled to be shown on Tuesdays night yesterday, but now no MLB game shows up then.

guffy - you're missing my point - I don't mind getting ribbed (or giving it back) about the Yanks - or anything else. I guess that other clown has me soured about taking these threads off - topic and constant flaming.

I come here to learn, to share info and ideas.

I understand what youre saying, and I can respect it.. But at least he did include mention of Directv in his ribbing, which does make it somewhat relevant to the thread, IMO...

I do understand where you're coming from though :)

I've noticed that the channel 95 schedule has been changing almost daily now. For instance, the next game showing as "upcoming" yesterday after the Nats/Pirates game was Yankees/Mariners. But this morning it shows White Sox/Yankees tomorrow afternoon. Also, Yankees/Mariners was scheduled to be shown on Tuesdays night yesterday, but now no MLB game shows up then.

Hopefully soon the word "Tigers" will appear, in multiples :)

Yankee fans think they deserve to be special from all other baseball fans.

What a moronic comment. I am ashamed I share a last name with you(Hart) :D

I've noticed that the channel 95 schedule has been changing almost daily now. For instance, the next game showing as "upcoming" yesterday after the Nats/Pirates game was Yankees/Mariners. But this morning it shows White Sox/Yankees tomorrow afternoon. Also, Yankees/Mariners was scheduled to be shown on Tuesdays night yesterday, but now no MLB game shows up then.


it has been doing that all year. often it will change numerous times a day. a listed devil rays' game for wednesday night has also disappeared. generally, if you notice a game up on the schedule at any time, even if it disappears later, it much more often than not is televised on 95. now that they are lighting up a number of local rsn's at least for games, maybe that will change. but that's what has been happening for the first three months of the season.

on a different subject, i will be interested in how many yankee games are put on channel 95. while it seems like they are on 95 every game, they have been televised about 40% of the games on 95, about two and a half a week. since they are one of the most popular teams in baseball and have a nationwide fan base, i wonder if directv will substantially reduce their visibility on 95.

I don't know what this means, but I was able to get the Nats-Pirates game last night in HD on channel 95. Today, it says ChiSox-Yanks "upcoming" and sox-yanks is in my market today, but it says it's looking for the signal when I click on it. weird. I'm in DC, by the way and I don't have MLB-EI. I do have the sports package (600 channels).

After the 18th channel 95 will become a variety of different HD baseball games. And the 95% of baseball fans (who hate the Yankees) should call and thank directv.

Yankee fans think they deserve to be special from all other baseball fans.

It's not the fans that are special. It's the organization. You make that comment but I'm also sure you feel that your team is deserving of tons of revenue sharing courtesy of Mr. Steinbrenner. That's a little hipocritical.

Do you really think 95% of baseball fans hate the Yankees? Come on. Who's the most popular team then?

In the press release, didn't it say that YES-HD and FSN Southwest HD will have their own separate channels?

It's not the fans that are special. It's the organization. You make that comment but I'm also sure you feel that your team is deserving of tons of revenue sharing courtesy of Mr. Steinbrenner. That's a little hipocritical.

Do you really think 95% of baseball fans hate the Yankees? Come on. Who's the most popular team then?

it's more like 90% of NON-YANKEE fans hate the Yankees. But if you want to give a percentage of total baseball fans, it can't be anywhere near the 95% considering the Yankee fans alone probably make up a good percentage of total baseball fans.

I guess I'm not getting channel 95 because today Fox has the baseball games so any HD is going to be on a local channel... I can't stand Fox's deal on Saturdays with MLB. I ALWAYS have to watch the Yankees, being on the East Coast.

Let's face it, the Spankees suck! Ok, maybe I am a Red Sox fan...but they do cause me heartburn, how the hades they stay so close to us is amazing!

Go, Red Sox ! We still have Epstein and a big "trade' is coming.. :p

how the hades they stay so close to us is amazing!. :p

Maybe cause you are a tad bit overrated(outside of ortiz and ramirez)?

Easy now kiddies. Stick to the topic.

Its nice to finally see the Sox (White and Red) & the Yanks CHASING the mighty Tigers! ha! Anyone else have 2 flame-throwers who hit over 100 consistently AND are very good? (Zumaya & Verlander)

Let's face it, the Spankees suck! Ok, maybe I am a Red Sox fan...but they do cause me heartburn, how the hades they stay so close to us is amazing!

Go, Red Sox ! We still have Epstein and a big "trade' is coming.. :p

It's amazing how Yankee fans get a bad rap but it's the other fans who are constantly spewing all the trash talk and the 'YOUR TEAM SUCKS' attacks. Very disrespectful. Yankee fans generally have more class MarkusJ, and you mind as well just count your remaining few days in first place and shoot for the wildcard.

Back to the topic, I do hope we can finish out the season with the majority of games on mpeg-2 Channel 95. It would be unfair to take something away from people mid-season. It's like the DNS issue. Those folks should be grandfathered in IMO.

Without an mpeg-4 DVR option yet, it's unfair to force people no reason to switch out the HR10-250. If they do drop a substantial amount of mpeg-2 HD Yankee games, and there's a close pennant race in September, I'll call Cablevision and try the 29.95 triple play (for a year) without contract.

Back to the topic, I do hope we can finish out the season with the majority of games on mpeg-2 Channel 95. It would be unfair to take something away from people mid-season. It's like the DNS issue. Those folks should be grandfathered in IMO.


No, they shouldn't. There is no reason to waste 4 transponders on HD DNS that 95%+ of DirecTV subscribers could never saw.

Its nice to finally see the Sox (White and Red) & the Yanks CHASING the mighty Tigers! ha! Anyone else have 2 flame-throwers who hit over 100 consistently AND are very good? (Zumaya & Verlander)

NY had no problem against Verlander last time in Detroit.

Back to the topic, I do hope we can finish out the season with the majority of games on mpeg-2 Channel 95. It would be unfair to take something away from people mid-season. It's like the DNS issue. Those folks should be grandfathered in IMO.

Without an mpeg-4 DVR option yet, it's unfair to force people no reason to switch out the HR10-250. If they do drop a substantial amount of mpeg-2 HD Yankee games, and there's a close pennant race in September, I'll call Cablevision and try the 29.95 triple play (for a year) without contract.
My feelings exactly.

The DVR issue is the stumbling block. I'd gladly swap out my HR10-250 for a MPEG-4 capable DVR, but I don't want to add a plain vanilla receiver and a new 2 year commitment on equipment that I don't really want. If that sounds snobbish, I'm sorry, but once you go DVR, you don't go back.

I know one thing for certain. If anyone on this board lost a channel that they previously had in HD and their provider couldn't give them comparable equipment to receive that channel via a new compression scheme, those individuals would have a problem with that situation.

So, if this plays out as ScoBuck envisions, I'll have choices to make. No FOX-HD on my local cable or OTA hinders my choice. What good is watching the regular Season in HD if you have to watch the playoffs in SD?

I was under the assumption this whole time that living in Connecticut, I would get NESN HD and YES HD beginning Tuesday. However, looking at the DirecTV.com guide, it does not show any channel 96 or 97 (which would be for YES HD) for my zip code, but it does show these channels labeled as RSN for NY zip codes.

Now, since I don't get NY HD locals, and I don't get Boston HD locals, I'm thinking it could be a setup for great disappointment in Connecticut for both Red Sox and Yankees fans. But, I really just hope it's a schedule error.

I guess one way to know is to ask someone who lives in New York. Do you have channel 96 and 97 in your channel guide right now? The online guide shows 96 and 97 right now for New York. I do have channel 97 in my guide, but it's been there for a long time. I really wish DirecTV would be clear on this. If I ask a CSR, they just read me a script and cannot help.

Also, if you look at Tuesday evening, the Yankees vs. Mariners is listed as being on channel 95 and 96 for NY.

EDIT: I just spoke to a CSR (yeah I know it's late at night, but I'm bored). She *seemed* very knowledgible about the HD RSNs. She assured me numerous times that livining in CT, I will get the YES HD games and NESN HD on Tuesday. She actually went on to say that when the rest of my RSNs were made available in HD, I would receive them all. I feel a little better now.

She actually went on to say that when the rest of my RSNs were made available in HD, I would receive them all. I feel a little better now."The rest of" your RSNs? Just how many RSNs does a state with no professional sports teams need? ;)

Paulie - RELAX. I just checked both of my H20's - NEITHER get channel 96 as of right now - but as you know - these channels pop on at a moments notice.

As far as the second part regarding the next waves of RSNs - you are right. I am expecting SNY in five weeks, and then MSG-HD, and FSNY in October.

Connecticut Sun WNBA is a professional team. But its true, for a state with no men's pro team, we are afforded Boston and New York sports. I live right near the dividing line the Connecticut River. I look forward to YES HD, NESN HD, SNY, FSNY, and MSG HD. I dont like New York teams but HD games I'll take.

"The rest of" your RSNs? Just how many RSNs does a state with no professional sports teams need? ;)
Yeah it's kind of nice. We actually get to watch all of these teams spread across six RSNs: Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Yankees, Nets, Mets, Metro Stars, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, Revolution, and the CT Sun. I'm willing to bet that no other market in the country receives six RSNs.

Since they've only dedicated channels 96 and 97 to RSNs, it will be interesting to see what happens when all these HD RSNs come online, and we have a conflict such as the Nets, Knicks, and Celtics all playing at the same time.

Yeah it's kind of nice. We actually get to watch all of these teams spread across six RSNs: Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Yankees, Nets, Mets, Metro Stars, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, Revolution, and the CT Sun. I'm willing to bet that no other market in the country receives six RSNs.

Since they've only dedicated channels 96 and 97 to RSNs, it will be interesting to see what happens when all these HD RSNs come online, and we have a conflict such as the Nets, Knicks, and Celtics all playing at the same time.

I think you 6 RSN folks will figure out a way to survive it when it does happen :)

Oh, the injustices :D

I think you 6 RSN folks will figure out a way to survive it when it does happen :)

Oh, the injustices :D
:)

Paulie, it gets even more complicated - sometimes there are more than one game on a RSN the same night at the same time and they have to use RSNa channels. I wonder how they will handle THAT for HD.

Gosh, its a good problem I guess, and one that DISH customers DON'T have to worry about - but they don't care anyhow, they got and say they are very happy with KUNG FU-HD AND HGTV-HD.

It's more than a numbers game, its a content game too - IMO 4-6 RSNs in HD is Mucho better than VOOM (or NGC-HD and HGTV-HD) - I never watched THOSE in SD - I'm not gonna sit in front of the tube just cause its now in HD.

I'm not gonna sit in front of the tube just cause its now in HD.
Agreed.

Gosh, its a good problem I guess, and one that DISH customers DON'T have to worry about - but they don't care anyhow, they got and say they are very happy with KUNG FU-HD AND HGTV-HD.



Um, count me out on that little party, TYVM...

Those channels do not even make my channel list and comprise exactly 0% of my viewing time..They are completely axed, along with every other Voom channel except Filmfest, HDNews, and WorldSport..

It is not about quantity with this Dish sub, not even close. It is 100% unequivocally about quality...

Hence the reason I have 1 channel on my channel list on my D* receiver, Channel 95.. And that I would not exactly write home about as far as quality goes..

EDIT: I wasnt aware this was a D* vs E* thread..Now I know though..Tx for bringing it to to my attention :)

Saturday's A's/Red Sox game was the first local (SF Bay area) game on Channel 96 that I've seen under the new D* RSN agreement. My wife even said, "Now that's a good picture, sometimes I can't tell if it's in HD or not." I have to thank Directv because I didn't expect this to happen in 2006, let alone in time for the rest of the A's and Giants seasons.

ya see guffy - what you have to accept is that not everyone agrees with you (and likewise me). There are MILLIONS of HAPPY DirecTV HD customers (and likewise at DISH).

Personally, the MPEG4 stuff IMO is awesome (and frankly I have seen differing statements about its resolution).

This stuff is all SUBJECTIVE, and obviously opinions aren't really changing - if I didn't like what I had I would have changed long before anyone had to tell me - and I know that's true of most people.

One thing I believe without doubt though - in 1 years time (or perhaps even 9 months time) - DirecTV will WITHOUT question lead the way in HD programming - everything from number of channels both national AND local. In the meantime, having local sports in HD to me (and many others) as well as NFL in HD is by far the BEST HD offereing out there today.

I know it won't change YOUR thinking, I'm not trying to do that. I am just stating the case for many of the MILLIONS of satisfied DirecTV subs.

BTW - this thread has become a 'I hate the Yanks thread', it has become a multi-purpose thread. LOL.

:confused: ya see guffy - what you have to accept is that not everyone agrees with you (and likewise me). There are MILLIONS of HAPPY DirecTV HD customers (and likewise at DISH).

Personally, the MPEG4 stuff IMO is awesome (and frankly I have seen differing statements about its resolution).

This stuff is all SUBJECTIVE, and obviously opinions aren't really changing - if I didn't like what I had I would have changed long before anyone had to tell me - and I know that's true of most people.

One thing I believe without doubt though - in 1 years time (or perhaps even 9 months time) - DirecTV will WITHOUT question lead the way in HD programming - everything from number of channels both national AND local. In the meantime, having local sports in HD to me (and many others) as well as NFL in HD is by far the BEST HD offereing out there today.

I know it won't change YOUR thinking, I'm not trying to do that. I am just stating the case for many of the MILLIONS of satisfied DirecTV subs.


All I was doing was correcting you on your statement regarding Kung Fu and HGTV..

Saturday's A's/Red Sox game was the first local (SF Bay area) game on Channel 96 that I've seen under the new D* RSN agreement. My wife even said, "Now that's a good picture, sometimes I can't tell if it's in HD or not." I have to thank Directv because I didn't expect this to happen in 2006, let alone in time for the rest of the A's and Giants seasons.

Reason, where do you live. I'm trying, to no avail, to find out if those of us outside the SF DMA, but in the FSNBA region will get the HD telecasts if we go to the H20 receiver.

Reason, where do you live. I'm trying, to no avail, to find out if those of us outside the SF DMA, but in the FSNBA region will get the HD telecasts if we go to the H20 receiver.

Youll need the new AT9 dish also..And the spotbeam for FSNBA must cover your area..Im sure the spotbeam covers a larger area than just the Bay Area, but how big it actually is I dont know.. How many miles away are you from what is considered the Bay Area?

Also, I think possibly if you call D* they can tell you what counties and such are supposedly covered by that spotbeam..Im not for sure they actually have this info, but I did see a D* news release for what areas were covered by the Detroit spot beam, and it was a very concise list, so maybe such a list exists for the Bay Area spot beam as well..Maybe...... :)

sdk009, I live in Menlo Park on the Peninsula 30 miles south of SF. When I went to the HD package in December 2005 the H20 had just come out so I upgraded to it and the bigger dish. Sure glad that I did. Sorry, I don't have any info on Tracy but if I see or hear anything I'll pass it along.

"The rest of" your RSNs? Just how many RSNs does a state with no professional sports teams need? ;)
We're deprived here, so we need to leech off others to make up for it. :D

Actually, that's probably the the one redeeming value of living in Connecticut: its close proximity to several major cities with sports franchises and other entertainment. Not only can we get there easily to see them in person, we can watch them all at home. In fact, in the new promotional spots for Hartford, the best selling point is being close to other, better cities. I guess you shake what your momma gave to ya, no matter what it may be....

We're deprived here, so we need to leech off others to make up for it. :D

Actually, that's probably the the one redeeming value of living in Connecticut: its close proximity to several major cities with sports franchises and other entertainment. Not only can we get there easily to see them in person, we can watch them all at home. In fact, in the new promotional spots for Hartford, the best selling point is being close to other, better cities. I guess you shake what your momma gave to ya, no matter what it may be....
Plus, you probably didn't have to subsidize the building of the venues either. :)

Youll need the new AT9 dish also..And the spotbeam for FSNBA must cover your area..Im sure the spotbeam covers a larger area than just the Bay Area, but how big it actually is I dont know.. How many miles away are you from what is considered the Bay Area?


IIRC, I read somewhere that a spot beam can be configured as small as 80 miles to as large as 160 miles, and the larger it gets the more chance for fade as the signal gets weaker the larger the area it has to cover. This is from some old info so I don't know how accurate it is.

Bulletin: Yankees SWEEP white sox.. Game on BoSox.! And best of all - it will be in HD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DirecTV.com guide shows Mets @ Reds on channel 97 at 12:30 on Thursday (when I put in an NY zip code). I thought SNY HD isn't coming until August. Hmmm. Also interesting to note that in the description it shows "MLB Extra Innings HD".

This is what I do when I get bored :)

That would be the Cincinnati RSN Paulie, FSN-Ohio I believe.

That would be the Cincinnati RSN Paulie, FSN-Ohio I believe.
Why would FSN Ohio show up on the NY guide on channel 97, but not in the Cincinatti guide?

DirecTV.com guide shows Mets @ Reds on channel 97 at 12:30 on Thursday (when I put in an NY zip code). I thought SNY HD isn't coming until August. Hmmm. Also interesting to note that in the description it shows "MLB Extra Innings HD".

This is what I do when I get bored :)

FSN-OH isn't covering Thursday's businessman special at all. They usually don't broadcast the weekday day games. This has to be the SNY feed. In addition FSN-OH hasn't done any HD broadcasts as far as I know. I hope to attend this one in person and support the Mighty Metropolitans.

I have just confirmed with my contact at NESN that Connecticut residents will not be receiving NESN HD. We will also not be getting any New York HD RSNs in HD for the same reasons. This is terrible news.

I have just confirmed with my contact at NESN that Connecticut residents will not be receiving NESN HD. We will also not be getting any New York HD RSNs in HD for the same reasons. This is terrible news.
What were the reasons?

What were the reasons?
DirecTV told NESN that NESN HD will only be available in areas that receive Boston HD locals. I can only assume the same goes for YES HD.

DirecTV told NESN that NESN HD will only be available in areas that receive Boston HD locals. I can only assume the same goes for YES HD.
So it probably means that the spot beam used is configured the same as as the local HD beams. Bummer. I would think that eventually though they would expand the beam, or duplicate the signal on another beam from the specified market, like yours, to enable the coverage that the RSN is allocated for. The RSN couldn't be too happy about having smaller audiences than what it should have.

It's a bummer though that DirecTV didn't set this up right in the first place, and I think they will certainly correct the problem in the future, they should. It may have something to do with the relatively low amount of markets that receive the HD MPEG4 signals at this point, no sense in beaming a signal where no one will receive it. Given that hypothesis, it may be years before they do expand RSN coverage beyond the local market depending how long it will take to get a large majority of markets up and running with MPEG4.

DirecTV told NESN that NESN HD will only be available in areas that receive Boston HD locals. I can only assume the same goes for YES HD.

Also they have scraped the plans for showing any Red Sox games on 95, I found out today. Go to hell, D* :mad:

So it probably means that the spot beam used is configured the same as as the local HD beams. Bummer. I would think that eventually though they would expand the beam, or duplicate the signal on another beam from the specified market, like yours, to enable the coverage that the RSN is allocated for. The RSN couldn't be too happy about having smaller audiences than what it should have.

It's a bummer though that DirecTV didn't set this up right in the first place, and I think they will certainly correct the problem in the future, they should. It may have something to do with the relatively low amount of markets that receive the HD MPEG4 signals at this point, no sense in beaming a signal where no one will receive it. Given that hypothesis, it may be years before they do expand RSN coverage beyond the local market depending how long it will take to get a large majority of markets up and running with MPEG4.
It's especially strange here, since everyone who receives Hartford/New Haven locals also gets NESN. I don't understand why they wouldn't repeat the channel if they had to. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

It's especially strange here, since everyone who receives Hartford/New Haven locals also gets NESN. I don't understand why they wouldn't repeat the channel if they had to. Oh well, we'll see what happens.
But are Hartford/New Haven local HD the same as Boston? In the anal retentive world of DirecTV it's not hard to imagine that they are setup to do things "by the numbers", even though it makes no sense to anyone that has given it even a mild look. "NESN=Boston, therefore, only Boston gets NESN", stupid, but logical to a degree.

Doesn't make any sense to me at all.

This is an excerpt from the D* press release of last week - funny how it only mentions that FSN Southwest will limit the DMA of the Rangers games to Dallas - there is NO similar mention in ANY OTHER listing of the RSNs. Why be so specific about ONLY ONE RSN? That makes no sense -

DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).

On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).

But are Hartford/New Haven local HD the same as Boston? In the anal retentive world of DirecTV it's not hard to imagine that they are setup to do things "by the numbers", even though it makes no sense to anyone that has given it even a mild look. "NESN=Boston, therefore, only Boston gets NESN", stupid, but logical to a degree.
The person I spoke to at NESN said, and I quote "it's their technical
limitations that are causing this limited HD availability."

It's too bad that there is no one smart at DirecTV that any of us could reach to get an explanation.

It's too bad that there is no one smart at DirecTV that any of us could reach to get an explanation.

Try this number 888 237-8327

Try this number 888 237-8327
Where would this number lead me to?

Doesn't make any sense to me at all.

This is an excerpt from the D* press release of last week - funny how it only mentions that FSN Southwest will limit the DMA of the Rangers games to Dallas - there is NO similar mention in ANY OTHER listing of the RSNs. Why be so specific about ONLY ONE RSN? That makes no sense -

DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).

On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).

It may have something specific to do with the Rangers, or it could be as simple as the info is in a different paragraph and was left out of the previous paragraph.

I agree that it shouldn't be that way, but like I said, DirecTV works in mysterious ways, ways they don't even understand sometimes. :p

The Office of the President of DirecTV. This is the group that is the highest level of customer support - they actually have info and resources and if they need to research they DO call back with answers, not BS.

It may have something specific to do with the Rangers, or it could be as simple as the info is in a different paragraph and was left out of the previous paragraph.

I agree that it shouldn't be that way, but like I said, DirecTV works in mysterious ways, ways they don't even understand sometimes. :p

I think we need to see what tomorrow brings. Remember, DirecTV lit the RSNs 'unofficially' on July 1 (some on the 2nd or 3rd), the press release came out many days later (guessing they wanted to get the bugs out before public announcement - which makes sense).

I'm finding it hard to believe that they cannot 'technically' throw the signal up to more than 1 spotbeam at a time - that answer doesn't make real sense to me. It may just require some type of 'workaround' and that may mean a slight delay - let's see!

The person I spoke to at NESN said, and I quote "it's their technical
limitations that are causing this limited HD availability."
Coming from DirecTV that could mean a number of things ranging from a true technical problem, such as a restricted size of a spotbeam to an improperly setup account to they really don't know or understand.

Not a knock on DirecTV, but "technical problem" has been used to describe why someone is getting DNS feeds and his neighbor next door is not, same equipment, setup, and programming...in DirecTV-land it is sort of a catch-all explanation.

I really think it's as simple as DirecTV being too narrowly focused on the market itself with their HD local rollout, RSNs are a different animal and they probably are not "setup" to expand the coverage beyond the local market yet.

I think we need to see what tomorrow brings. Remember, DirecTV lit the RSNs 'unofficially' on July 1 (some on the 2nd or 3rd), the press release came out many days later (guessing they wanted to get the bugs out before public announcement - which makes sense).

I'm finding it hard to believe that they cannot 'technically' throw the signal up to more than 1 spotbeam at a time - that answer doesn't make real sense to me. It may just require some type of 'workaround' and that may mean a slight delay - let's see!
I agree, it really doesn't seem to be a technical problem, it's more of "this is different than anything we've done before(expand coverage over multiple markets), so how are we going to do it" type problem.

I see what you are saying keenan, but NESN is a different animal, CT is part of it's local market. Our HD Lil's are lit (well some of them anyway) and we are part of NESN's normal coverage. I just do not understand how they can't mirror a spot beam of one channel from one HD LIL market to another given it is technically part of it's normal area. NESN is NEW ENGLAND SPORTS NETWORK!

It's not like they don't have the space on these birds.

I see what you are saying keenan, but NESN is a different animal, CT is part of it's local market. Our HD Lil's are lit (well some of them anyway) and we are part of NESN's normal coverage. NESN is NEW ENGLAND SPORTS NETWORK!

This is NOT a NESN issue - as Paulie posted it will also be affecting CT viewers who are Yankee or Mets fans ALSO - they too get SNY or YES as part of normal coverage. There are quite a few Yankee fans that live outside NY State.

As well in ALL other parts of the country with ALL of the RSNs if its true!

I see what you are saying keenan, but NESN is a different animal, CT is part of it's local market. Our HD Lil's are lit (well some of them anyway) and we are part of NESN's normal coverage. I just do not understand how they can't mirror a spot beam of one channel from one HD LIL market to another given it is technically part of it's normal area. NESN is NEW ENGLAND SPORTS NETWORK!

It's not like they don't have the space on these birds.

Most forget Connecticut is New England. It has as much history as Boston and we are part of NESN coverage.

I am going to take a wait and see on this. If its true, I am going to pursue a move to Boston. I have a feeling the spotbeam should reach me. If not, its no big deal. Hartford/New Haven only have 2 HD LIL right now and possibly no NESN so worth the gamble. I get my locals OTA anyways.

I called the office of the President and didn't get any specific yes or no. She asid that "I only see Boston and New York RSNs launching tomorrow, not Hartford RSNs." I don't think she knew what I was talking about. I had to cut the conversation short as I am busy at work.

I see what you are saying keenan, but NESN is a different animal, CT is part of it's local market. Our HD Lil's are lit (well some of them anyway) and we are part of NESN's normal coverage. I just do not understand how they can't mirror a spot beam of one channel from one HD LIL market to another given it is technically part of it's normal area. NESN is NEW ENGLAND SPORTS NETWORK!

It's not like they don't have the space on these birds.
Yes, I realize that, but consider markets that are much further apart, FSNBA for example covers San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno and Reno and Las Vegas is a "home" market for bay area teams, among others. DirecTV needs to figure out how they are going to provide the resident RSN to all those areas and I don't think one spotbeam will do it. So, yes, one spotbeam will probably work in New England but in other areas of the country it won't, and my guess is that DirecTV wants to decide on a uniform approach to RSN coverage first instead of piece-mealing what they can do in one area and not in another.

I called the office of the President and didn't get any specific yes or no. She asid that "I only see Boston and New York RSNs launching tomorrow, not Hartford RSNs." I don't think she knew what I was talking about. I had to cut the conversation short as I am busy at work.
:D

This is exactly what I was talking about, DirecTV is too narrowly focused on the market itself to look beyond the fact that these RSNs actually cover multiple markets, it's outside of their "field of vision" at the present time.

Yes, I realize that, but consider markets that are much further apart, FSNBA for example covers San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno and Reno and Las Vegas is a "home" market for bay area teams, among others. DirecTV needs to figure out how they are going to provide the resident RSN to all those areas and I don't think one spotbeam will do it. So, yes, one spotbeam will probably work in New England but in other areas of the country it won't, and my guess is that DirecTV wants to decide on a uniform approach to RSN coverage first instead of piece-mealing what they can do in one area and not in another.

Now hold on a moment. Spaceway 1 and 2 are supposed to be able to carry 1500 HD local channels. There are about 210 DMAs I think - and 64 transponders. There is a spotbeam for Boston DMA, a different one for Hartford DMA, another one for NY DMA - there is PLENTY of room on the Hartford spotbeam to add NESN, YES, SNY and MANY more channels.

:D

This is exactly what I was talking about, DirecTV is too narrowly focused on the market itself to look beyond the fact that these RSNs actually cover multiple markets, it's outside of their "field of vision" at the present time.
Kind of makes me miss the cozy, comfortable feeling I got when talking to te director of marketing at my local cable company, actually speaking to someone who knows what's going on.

Kind of makes me miss the cozy, comfortable feeling I got when talking to te director of marketing at my local cable company, actually speaking to someone who knows what's going on.
I know the feeling, until he moved to a different area I had a great relationship with the Comcast service manager for my area, since he's been gone, I can't even get Comcast to call me back on questions I have, call backs that they themselves have told me they would make. :rolleyes:

I know the feeling, until he moved to a different area I had a great relationship with the Comcast service manager for my area, since he's been gone, I can't even get Comcast to call me back on questions I have, call backs that they themselves have told me they would make. :rolleyes:
Yep, my guy moved on to Time Warner a few months ago because he was not going to be held onto by Comcast here after we get purchased. Luckally the GM has put me on his "okay to answer his emails" list.

If Comcast comes in here and adds NESN (which is the hot rumor) and NESN HD, I will take them up on their "dump the dish" caompaign. This becomes even more likely if it's true that I won't be getting NESN HD from DirecTV.

Now hold on a moment. Spaceway 1 and 2 are supposed to be able to carry 1500 HD local channels. There are about 210 DMAs I think - and 64 transponders. There is a spotbeam for Boston DMA, a different one for Hartford DMA, another one for NY DMA - there is PLENTY of room on the Hartford spotbeam to add NESN, YES, SNY and MANY more channels.
I think you are missing my point. Because these RSNs, are in most all cases, team specific to one market, that is all the powers-to-be at DirecTV are "seeing", they are not "seeing" that the RSN, in fact covers a larger area than one market because their focus is on the HD LiL per market. No doubt there is plenty of room, and in fact, the SD versions are in those other markets, but with this HD LiL it seems they are learning everything over again.

Yep, my guy moved on to Time Warner a few months ago because he was not going to be held onto by Comcast here after we get purchased. Luckally the GM has put me on his "okay to answer his emails" list.

If Comcast comes in here and adds NESN (which is the hot rumor) and NESN HD, I will take them up on their "dump the dish" caompaign. This becomes even more likely if it's true that I won't be getting NESN HD from DirecTV.
I would bet that you will get it eventually from DirecTV, how long that will be, who knows..

I would bet that you will get it eventually from DirecTV, how long that will be, who knows..
Race between Comcast and DirecTV.

I think you are missing my point. Because these RSNs, are in most all cases, team specific to one market, that is all the powers-to-be at DirecTV are "seeing", they are not "seeing" that the RSN, in fact covers a larger area than one market because their focus is on the HD LiL per market. No doubt there is plenty of room, and in fact, the SD versions are in those other markets, but with this HD LiL it seems they are learning everything over again.

I see what you are saying, but your reasoning doesn't make sense to me for the simple reason that the RSNs in SD have been on the air for YEARS, and they have lots of expertise in understanding what markets DO or DON'T get what channels. The only difference I see is that the SD RSNs are CONUS and the HD RSNs are spotbeam. They just have to throw the signal up on the correct spotbeams - and I don't understand why they can't throw the same signal up to the Hartford beam AS WELL as the Boston beam.

If they use the same rules for Baltimore/Washington, this is also going to affect all the Comcast Sports Net-Mid Atlantic viewers in the DC area (Md suburbs and Northern VA).

They all get CSN-MA (Orioles games) as their RSN (since they also show Capitals hockey and Wizards basketball) but they do not get the Baltimore HD locals, they get Washington DC locals.

Will viewers in the DC DMA get Orioles in HD? What about us in the Baltimore DMA when the Caps and Wizards are being showen on CSN-MA?

Add in the fact that a new RSN for the area (Mid Atlantic Sports Network - MASN) is broadcasting the National games (no HD yet).

And how will "significantly viewed other channels" affect this when they are carried?

This has all the makings of one giant C.F.

I see what you are saying, but your reasoning doesn't make sense to me for the simple reason that the RSNs in SD have been on the air for YEARS, and they have lots of expertise in understanding what markets DO or DON'T get what channels. The only difference I see is that the SD RSNs are CONUS and the HD RSNs are spotbeam. They just have to throw the signal up on the correct spotbeams - and I don't understand why they can't throw the same signal up to the Hartford beam AS WELL as the Boston beam.
Well, you made two points that in DirecTV-land that are very different from what they are doing now. The RSNs have been in SD for years, this is HD now-something different. The SD RSNs are CONUS, local HD is not CONUS-again, something different.

To all of us it seems like a simple problem to fix, but as I said earlier, DirecTV seems to be fully entrenched in this "market specific" philosophy---these channels are Boston, these channels are New York, these channels are San Francisco, and so on. Regional sports networks in HD, specifically provided in the MPEG4 format, is brand new territory for DirecTV, so it's to be expected that it will take some time before they get things right.

I see what you are saying, but your reasoning doesn't make sense to me for the simple reason that the RSNs in SD have been on the air for YEARS, and they have lots of expertise in understanding what markets DO or DON'T get what channels. The only difference I see is that the SD RSNs are CONUS and the HD RSNs are spotbeam. They just have to throw the signal up on the correct spotbeams - and I don't understand why they can't throw the same signal up to the Hartford beam AS WELL as the Boston beam.

Just curious what does D* RSN lookup say for team coverage for the Hartford area? Used to live there but it was 30 years ago. The RSN lookup is at: http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIF.jsp?assetId=P3000004

Just curious what does D* RSN lookup say for team coverage for the Hartford area?
FOX Sports Net New England (Ch. 620)
# Boston Celtics
# Connecticut Sun
# New England Revolution

Madison Square Garden (Ch. 621)
# New York Liberty
# New York/New Jersey Metrostars

Yankee Ent. & Sports (YES) (Ch. 622)
# New Jersey Nets
# New York Yankees

New England Sports Network (Ch. 623)
# Boston Bruins
# Boston Red Sox

FOX Sports Net New York (Ch. 624)
# New York/New Jersey Metrostars

SportsNet New York (Ch. 625)
# New York Mets

I remember the Mets opening day this year. Everyone expected SNY to be live but it wasn't. D* showed the game on the Nats' RSN temporarily to those who qualifies for New York sports. D* received a massive flood of emails and phone calls about the lack of SNY the deal was announced the next day. I'm having an AT9 dish installed on thursday. Part of the reason I"m upgrading is for HD RSNs. CT HD locals are a joke (CBS and NBC only). If HD RSNs aren't available I suggest we all talk to voice our opinions to D* (specifically retention). I may have just signed up for 2 more years under false pretenses!!!

FYI. Here in CT, I am currently receiving 2 NESN's this morning, both SD, both on 623. Neither have any info about upcoming HD in the guide, but chances are one is going to be the HD feed. Maybe D* finally avoided screwing over CT. The first test seems to be the replay of the Pregame Report from last night at 12:30P this afternoon. Keeping my fingers crossed until then.

Well this morning we have two nesn channels. Both 623. But one is 623 HD. So it looks like it is finally here!!!


Eddie

Wow, the Red Sox in HD on D. Well, now I have a real reason to think about adding a 5 LNB dish and an R20. But I do not want to give up my modded HDR10-250 DVR.

Well this morning we have two nesn channels. Both 623. But one is 623 HD. So it looks like it is finally here!!!


Eddie

What is your zip code? I am getting just one 623 here in Cheshire, and it's not hd! :(

No NESN HD here, and I only have one 623.

Wow, the Red Sox in HD on D. Well, now I have a real reason to think about adding a 5 LNB dish and an R20. But I do not want to give up my modded HDR10-250 DVR.

I agree plus loosing my DNS channels as my OTA is horrible

I forgot to mention that in Connecticut, we also do not have a channel 96, if you Yankees fans were interested,

I'm in Waterbury, 06704. Like I said, I have 2 623's but neither indicate anything in HD. It would be ridiculous if D* offers NEW ENGLAND Sports Network to only one area of New England.

FYI. Here in CT, I am currently receiving 2 NESN's this morning, both SD, both on 623. Neither have any info about upcoming HD in the guide, but chances are one is going to be the HD feed. Maybe D* finally avoided screwing over CT. The first test seems to be the replay of the Pregame Report from last night at 12:30P this afternoon. Keeping my fingers crossed until then.
If this really did happen for you this morning, it looks like it may have been some sort of error, or part of their process for updating the guides, as there is only one channel 623 now. Also, people in Boston have NESN HD on 623 now, so if we don't have it already in CT, looks like we're not going to get it.

I'm in Waterbury, 06704. Like I said, I have 2 623's but neither indicate anything in HD. It would be ridiculous if D* offers NEW ENGLAND Sports Network to only one area of New England.

You have two 623's on now?

I'm at work now, I checked at 5:45A when I woke up. Definetly possible they are gone. So disappointing.

I'm at work now, I checked at 5:45A when I woke up. Definetly possible they are gone. So disappointing.
The second one would be gone then, as I'm just about off to work and there's only one, and it's good ol' NESN in SD.

well if this is all true guess i am cancelling my upgrade this morning and cancelling football pack and any other add ons. Also even though it won't make any difference I will make sure I lodge a complaint. PLEASE comcast finish this adelphi deal and add NESN HD. Besides this nesn mess they "rolled out" HD channels here and did not even include ABC or CBS, what a joke.

Can anyone in the Boston dma confirm that NESN hd is on 623?

BTW, is anyone else's time off by one hour on avsforum?

I'm in the Boston DMA and I am getting a second channel 623 named "HD". So far it looks like they just have the games scheduled, no other programming. Right now I'm getting the DirecTV logo broadcasted.

DirecTV's online program guide is showing channel 95 AND 96 as Yankees vs Mariners ALSO channel 97 showing Mets vs. Reds. Can't get better than this!

Thank you DirecTV!!!!

This is one of the lousier days I've had as a DirecTV customer. People to the left of me, people to the right of me getting HD RSNs, and us in CT are left with nadda, even though the technology is there.

This is one of the lousier days I've had as a DirecTV customer. People to the left of me, people to the right of me getting HD RSNs, and us in CT are left with nadda, even though the technology is there.

Paul - I will try to reach out to a couple of 'friends' and see what there info is on this going forward. I really don't understand the situation myself at all either. Let you know what I do/don't find out.

06447. I see 2 NESN 623. Paulie, try turning your power off for a few minutes to the H20.

This is one of the lousier days I've had as a DirecTV customer. People to the left of me, people to the right of me getting HD RSNs, and us in CT are left with nadda, even though the technology is there.

I couldnt agree more, what a joke. :mad:

Paulie - that could be it also - go back into settings, and then setup of favorites - check the listing of channels you get - if you set a custom channel list it would NOT add the second NESN channel - hope you get it man!

06447. I see 2 NESN 623. Paulie, try turning your power off for a few minutes to the H20.

I did a reset, NOTHING! :mad:

06447. I see 2 NESN 623. Paulie, try turning your power off for a few minutes to the H20.
I still get only one NESN (using my SlingBox from work). What is your second NESN labeled, and what is it currently showing on the screen?

BTW, is anyone else's time off by one hour on avsforum?

Weird, the time is back in sync!

They look like 2 NESN 480p mirrored. I have my unit switch to the native mode and it did not go to 1080i on either one. I guess tonight we shall see if its real or not.

They look like 2 NESN 480p mirrored. I have my unit switch to the native mode and it did not go to 1080i on either one. I guess tonight we shall see if its real or not.


This is what got my hopes up this mornin. Again, keeping my fingers crossed or some poor CSR is going to catch my wrath tonight

They look like 2 NESN 480p mirrored. I have my unit switch to the native mode and it did not go to 1080i on either one. I guess tonight we shall see if its real or not.
I ask what they are labeled because someone from Boston here stated their 2nd 623 is NESN HD, is labeled "HD" instead of "NESN", and they are currently getting the DirecTV logo.

I ask what they are labeled because someone from Boston here stated their 2nd 623 is NESN HD, is labeled "HD" instead of "NESN", and they are currently getting the DirecTV logo.

Paulie - this is a quote from a post today at satguys:

Do I hear the sounds of angels? I woke up this AM and turned on 623 and started my search....and who woulda thunk I have two 623's now. One with a big honker of an HD in the top left hand corner.

It has the best white screen with blue directv logo Ive ever seen! Bring on the Sox in HD

The DirecTV online program guide is also showing this game as on channel 96 in zip 02115.

For those in CT see if the first HD game shows up on channel 96. It could be NESN is full time in Boston market only but will be on 96/97 for those in CT. If by then it's not on and you don't have full time NESN then I'd be calling in complaining. One thing is, even if they are "narrow focused" they may not realize it until they get dozens of complaints about it.

And I'm sure everyone knows but you need the 5LNB dish and H20 to get NESN. I only mention it because I've seen elsewhere where people have complained about not getting an MPEG4 channel and turns out they have just a 3LNB dish or don't have an H20. ;)

If you have both then rest your receiver as suggested and also reset your "channels you receive" as it won't show up automatically sometimes, especially if you're using a favorite list.

For those in CT see if the first HD game shows up on channel 96. It could be NESN is full time in Boston market only but will be on 96/97 for those in CT. If by then it's not on and you don't have full time NESN then I'd be calling in complaining. One thing is, even if they are "narrow focused" they may not realize it until they get dozens of complaints about it.

And I'm sure everyone knows but you need the 5LNB dish and H20 to get NESN. I only mention it because I've seen elsewhere where people have complained about not getting an MPEG4 channel and turns out they have just a 3LNB dish or don't have an H20. ;)

If you have both then rest your receiver as suggested and also reset your "channels you receive" as it won't show up automatically sometimes, especially if you're using a favorite list.
I've got an H20 and AT9 dish, and I get HD locals out of Hartford. I've reset my H20 many times this morning, and I don't get it. I am in the town right next door to Waterbury, where DG is getting two NESNs, so I don't know why they would discriminate against one zip code and not the other.

06447. I see 2 NESN 623. Paulie, try turning your power off for a few minutes to the H20.
Are you at home? Do you still see two 623s? Also, have you checked for a channel 96? Thanks.

I cannot verify if I am still getting 2 NESN's. My info came as of 6:15A this morning. I have no one to verify if they are still there. I'll confirm at 4:00P when I get home. (Fingers still crossed)

I work from home. I dont have channel 96. This is weird and confusing. Its bad enough we dont have a sports identity and have to share teams but this is going to send me over the top.

Are you at home? Do you still see two 623s? Also, have you checked for a channel 96? Thanks.

Brewer4 - Do you get neighboring local channels? Hartford county where you really are isn't supposed to get any, but if you do a local channel lookup for 06447, it asks which county you are in. Hartford gets none, but Tolland gets WBZ from Boston and New London gets WJAR and WPRI from Providence. Maybe you are getting two NESNs because D* has you as being in Tolland county.

Its possible. We are officially Hartford County but geographically more like Middlesex, Tolland or remotely New London. I dont get any SVC. I called and tried but the CSR had it going to Hartford County even though the website allows me to chose.

Its possible. We are officially Hartford County but geographically more like Middlesex, Tolland or remotely New London. I dont get any SVC. I called and tried but the CSR had it going to Hartford County even though the website allows me to chose.
If on your H20 you press guide, then all channels, then you arrow left on both NESNs, on each pressing INFO when NESN is highlighted, what does each say? Right now my regular NESN (and only NESN) says "New England Sports Network" does one of yours say anything about HD?

I cut the power off to the H20 and restarted. Now only one 623 is showing.

I cut the power off to the H20 and restarted. Now only one 623 is showing.
I just think that it was an error by DirecTV, and in CT we are not meant to get NESN HD. :(

Anyone getting the Braves in HD on FSN South or Turner South?

I just think that it was an error by DirecTV, and in CT we are not meant to get NESN HD. :(

Yep. Thats why I reset the unit. It looked like a fluke. :( :mad: :( :mad:

I am hitting up my wife for Boston area friends right now. Might have to move.

I never knew that with the new satellites that Boston was on a different spotbeam than Hartford. I just assumed they were on the same one. At least that's what my NESN person told me that DirecTV told them. So if someone from Boston brought their H20 to my house in CT, NESN HD would not show up.

Anyone getting the Braves in HD on FSN South or Turner South?


Yes, I have been getting the Braves in HD on both Turner South and FSN on Channel 96, although last night's game was on ESPN HD which was kind of weird because normally, the ESPN broadcasts of the Braves are blacked out locally and the game is only on Turner South or FSN. Last night it was available on ESPN HD and Turner South SD.

I never knew that with the new satellites that Boston was on a different spotbeam than Hartford. I just assumed they were on the same one. At least that's what my NESN person told me that DirecTV told them. So if someone from Boston brought their H20 to my house in CT, NESN HD would not show up.

Yes - It surely would. You are well within the coverage area of the Boston spotbeam.

I never knew that with the new satellites that Boston was on a different spotbeam than Hartford. I just assumed they were on the same one. At least that's what my NESN person told me that DirecTV told them. So if someone from Boston brought their H20 to my house in CT, NESN HD would not show up.
Dollars to donuts it would, in fact I would go almost as far as guaranteeing it would work. Like I said before, when you get the "technical" response from DirecTV it's a catchall for almost everything the particular responder doesn't know about or doesn't understand.

As I mentioned in the SatGuys thread, the spot beam for SF would cover MA, RI, CT and NYC....it's hard to imagine that the spot beam for Boston is not at least large enough to cover at minimum a 100 mile radius.

Maybe I'm missing something, but how can CT not get spotbeamed NESN, even if CT is on another sat from Boston. It can't be added as a channel that is spotbeamed, just like CBS and NBC (CT's only local channels in HD). Anyone in upper New England getting NESN, like Maine or NH? I understand the spotbeam to Boston, but I don't understand how it CAN'T be spotbeamed to CT.

Maybe I'm missing something, but how can CT not get spotbeamed NESN, even if CT is on another sat from Boston. It can't be added as a channel that is spotbeamed, just like CBS and NBC (CT's only local channels in HD). Anyone in upper New England getting NESN, like Maine or NH? I understand the spotbeam to Boston, but I don't understand how it CAN'T be spotbeamed to CT.
I really believe this is NOT a technical issue. The spot beams almost certainly cover an area larger than Boston proper, and the signal could be sent on a different CT spot beam. It IS an issue with DirecTV's ideas on market specific local HD. They seem to be focused on the idea that RSNs are market specific, and therefore only STBs within those markets are activated. This should change eventually, one would hope anyways.

Does anyone here know anyone at DirecTV who knows anything? I tried calling the "smart CSRs" at the office of the President, but they cannot even put me in touch with anyone. Basically, I want to prove to my person at NESN that DirecTV was feeding her BS when they said it was technically impossible to provide NESN HD to Connecticut.

Here in Florida it looks like the the FSN Florida telecasts of the Marlins games are being spot beamed into different markets. Miami/Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa. All have different locals and all appear to be getting the MPG4 telecast, on channel 96, of the Marlin games. Not sure about the Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola markets though. Haven't seen anything from those three, if they are getting the games or not.

I guess for NESN to be all over its coverage area, it would need to be spot beamed from beams that cover the following markets Boston, Hartford, Providence, Manchester, Burlington, Portland, Bangor and what ever market covers northern Maine.

Just hope that next year, when all their satellites are flying, they put all the HD RSNs on National beams, for those of us that subscribe to the RSN package, or any of the other sports packages (MLB, NHL, etc.).

Here in Florida it looks like the the FSN Florida telecasts of the Marlins games are being spot beamed into different markets. Miami/Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa. All have different locals and all appear to be getting the MPG4 telecast, on channel 96, of the Marlin games. Not sure about the Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola markets though. Haven't seen anything from those three, if they are getting the games or not.

I guess to NESN to be all over its coverage area, it would need to be spot beamed from beams that cover the following markets Boston, Hartford, Providence, Manchester, Burlington, Portland, Bangor and what ever market covers northern Maine.

Just hope that next year, when all their satellites are flying, they put all the RSNs on National beams, for those of us that subscribe to the RSN package, or any of the other sports packages (MLB, NHL, etc.).

Follow this up Paulie - if its true that they are throwing up the RSN onto different locals spotbeams - they SHOULD be able to to exactly that for Hartford - it's really no different than this.

Follow this up Paulie - if its true that they are throwing up the RSN onto different locals spotbeams - they SHOULD be able to to exactly that for Hartford - it's really no different than this.
I'd love to, but I cannot speak to anyone intelligent at DirecTV (if in fact intelligent people exist there, based on the face that I don't get NESN HD). I'm very frustrated with this, and would just love for my cable company to call me up and say they have NESN HD, I'd drop DirecTV in a heartbeat.

Here's one more good DirecTV number to try. It is a direct line to their HD support center. They might be able to at least give you info.

800 263-0028

I moved to Boston and you can get both the HD locals and NESN with the spotbeams east of the Connecticut River. I cant vouch for anything on the other side. I am about 90-100 miles the way the crow flies from Fenway. I had to reset the H20 a few times for it to finally figure out it "moved".

The replay of the game last night is beautiful. I didnt want to do it this way but D* and their stupid whatever forced me to. Cant be technical spotbeam cuz I proved it wrong.

I moved to Boston and you can get both the HD locals and NESN with the spotbeams east of the Connecticut River. I cant vouch for anything on the other side. I am about 90-100 miles the way the crow flies from Fenway. I had to reset the H20 a few times for it to finally figure out it "moved".

The replay of the game last night is beautiful. I didnt want to do it this way but D* and their stupid whatever forced me to. Cant be technical spotbeam cuz I proved it wrong.
Now all we need is someone from Western CT to try this, then I can let NESN know that DirecTV was feedin them BS.

Now all we need is someone from Western CT to try this, then I can let NESN know that DirecTV was feedin them BS.

Paulie - I am not sure that DirecTV can offer Hartford NESN off of the Boston spotbeam. I don't mean that your location is NOT within the range of the spotbeam, but rather since it is a Boston lils spotbeam (along with the Boston local networks stuff) they may NOT be able to just authorize NESN without ALL of the additional Boston stuff. They might have to 'bundle' the channels within the spotbeam. I can't imagine that each individual channel is programmed separately for each zip or DMA.

On the other hand, what I don't understand is why they cannot or will not send NESN up on the Hartford spotbeam so that peeps in Hartford (who also get NESN SD) can get it.

I called the number Scobuck suggested and asked about NESN HD for CT. We are out of luck. There will be no NESN for CT. she said this happened in Ohio and a couple other places. Just cancelled my upgrade.

On the other hand, what I don't understand is why they cannot or will not send NESN up on the Hartford spotbeam so that peeps in Hartford (who also get NESN SD) can get it.
Because it's brand new. Eventually they will almost have to put it up so other markets can get as NESN will probably demand it. I'm assuming that Hartford has MPEG4 local HD already of course.

down here in Louisiana, we have ch. 97 on our guide, but it seems we aren't in the spotbeam of FSN Southwest, since we don't have any games scheduled in the near future.

On the other hand, what I don't understand is why they cannot or will not send NESN up on the Hartford spotbeam so that peeps in Hartford (who also get NESN SD) can get it.

*If* I had to guess, it might be that the Hartford HD-locals (there are only 2 right now, correct?) might piggy back on the NY HD spotbeam and with all the NY HD-RSN's coming online they've got no more room on that spotbeam if they need to leave room for the 2 other Hartford HD locals if an agreement is ever reached. Just a guess of about the only technical explanation I can come up with.

Something like this map, but for the new sat spotbeams would be really helpful here in our conspiracy theory:

http://www.dbsforums.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=72&d=1093577347

*If* I had to guess, it might be that the Hartford HD-locals (there are only 2 right now, correct?) might piggy back on the NY HD spotbeam and with all the NY HD-RSN's coming online they've got no more room on that spotbeam if they need to leave room for the 2 other Hartford HD locals if an agreement is ever reached. Just a guess of about the only technical explanation I can come up with.

can't be IMO - there are a total of 64 transponders on the 2 SW birds - DirecTv says these birds can handle 1500 HD local channels - my math says a beam can handle more - but only an educated guess.

They just made the announcement about NESN HD on DirecTV during the game. How depressing.

NY DMA report:

Channel 95 Yankees in MPEG2
Channel 96 Yankees in MPEG4

I have a big plasma - but both look identical to me. I know 96 is MPEG4 because I reset my H20 for 3lnb and 96 did NOT show.

Channel 97 (Online guide said Mets VS. Reds) NADA. Guide on tv says 'to be announced'

So how does the MPEG4 version of YES compare with the MPEG2 version in terms of picture quality, motion artifacts and audio synch?

So how does the MPEG4 version of YES compare with the MPEG2 version in terms of picture quality, motion artifacts and audio synch?

I have been watching both (2 HD sets). There have in fact been some motion artifacts - and one audio drop (couple of seconds) - but PQ identical, and can't really tell about audio synch during the game.

I just "moved" to Boston.

I now have NESN HD! Woo hoo! I'll "move" back to Connecticut once DirecTV gets their act together and puts it on in CT.

I just "moved" to Boston.

I now have NESN HD! Woo hoo! I'll "move" back to Connecticut once DirecTV gets their act together and puts it on in CT.

congrats Paulie - enjoy. How is the PQ?

congrats Paulie - enjoy. How is the PQ?
It's okay. There is one problem where the motion doesn't seem completely smooth. Wonder if they'll correct that. It's not that bad, I can certainly live with it.

**BONUS** All big 4 locals in HD!

I just "moved" to Boston.

I now have NESN HD! Woo hoo! I'll "move" back to Connecticut once DirecTV gets their act together and puts it on in CT.

I see that you're around 130 miles from Boston.. I was curious, how strong is the signal you're getting on NESNHD?

I see that you're around 130 miles from Boston.. I was curious, how strong is the signal you're getting on NESNHD?
My H20 does not let me check the signal on any of the MPEG 4 spotbeam sats.

I'd also like to point out that there's a severe thunderstorm going on outside, and I still have my NESN HD, so the signal must be pretty strong.

I'd also like to point out that there's a severe thunderstorm going on outside, and I still have my NESN HD, so the signal must be pretty strong.

Are you loosing channels on other satellites?

Are you loosing channels on other satellites?
Getting a weaker signal on 119, like I always do in storms, but no picture problem on 119 channels.

if I my ask Paulie, how did you "move" to Boston, as I really need to join you!!! Please give me details.

Scobuck is getting yankees on 2 different HD channels and I can not even get the sox one one :( something is not right here.

if I my ask Paulie, how did you "move" to Boston, as I really need to join you!!! Please give me details.
Check your PM.

can't be IMO - there are a total of 64 transponders on the 2 SW birds - DirecTv says these birds can handle 1500 HD local channels - my math says a beam can handle more - but only an educated guess.

Well, no. They will be able to handle 1500 HD channels *after the next 2 sats go up* in 2007.

Even with the 2 sats now, you can have all the transponders in the world but if you have just 1 dedicated per market, once it fills up you're done. No more channels. ;)

But like I said, that's about the only technical reason I can think of. Other then that it's just like Ken said, normal mess up when doing something this new and it will sort itself out over the next couple weeks or so. Hopefully anyway.

NY DMA report:

Channel 95 Yankees in MPEG2
Channel 96 Yankees in MPEG4

I have a big plasma - but both look identical to me. I know 96 is MPEG4 because I reset my H20 for 3lnb and 96 did NOT show.

Channel 97 (Online guide said Mets VS. Reds) NADA. Guide on tv says 'to be announced'

Just wondering Scobuck, do you have any guide data on ch 96 for the upcoming road series in Toronto. I heard the announcers plug Thursday's game in HD, when Mussina will face Halliday (sp?) ..should be a great match up.

After Wednesday's Seattle game, my HR10-250 is showing the next YES HD game on ch 95 to be against Boston, July 30th, who will be in 2nd place by then.

That Toronto series may the first series where mpeg-2 NY DMA subs will miss HD games available only in mpeg-4 on D*.