im not and i just got off with e*
1st this guy has heard of it like i said my installer wont come out to check it out so this guy is getting someone to come AGIANon friday
im calling a cple more #'s tommorrow that do installs for dish to see if there still having this problem they say software dishs says install problem
edit to add
e* guy added locals while i was on phone and still no fox or nbc
error transponder 18 sat _____(blank)
Lukin,
A couple of suggestions, if you haven't already....

Call AHDTS: 800-969-4388

Escalate the issue to the executive offices in CO
ceo@echostar.com
You will receive a response from the Executive Support Group within 24-36 hours.
:)

I just read a post on the stltoday.com forum that said the NLCS this year will be on TBS. Is this correct? If so, I guess there will be no HD for the NLCS. Not that it matters, I don't think there will be any Cardinals there either.

Edit: I just realized that is one of the channels Nostradomus Ken predicted would be added by E*. I would assume if it is being added, they will have the foresight to do so before the Playoffs.

I just read a post on the stltoday.com forum that said the NLCS this year will be on TBS. Is this correct? If so, I guess there will be no HD for the NLCS. Not that it matters, I don't think there will be any Cardinals there either.
I know that TBS has the rights to one of the LCS this year. I also know they have the rights to all the Division Series games. It's going to be a quick turnaround for all the TV providers--TBS HD is even not scheduled to debut until September.

Microsoft Expected to Announce XBox 360 HD DVD Fixes

The HDTV Magazine website is reporting that a number of fixes are set to be released by Microsoft for the XBox 360 HD DVD add-on, including the ability to toggle off the default Night mode audio setting, the ability to properly pass all HD DVD audio formats (DTS, DD+, True HD, etc) as well as fixing some lip sync and other current incompatibilities.

To read the entire HDTV Magazine article, click here (http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2007/05/xbox_360_hd_dvd_1.php)

Lukin,
A couple of suggestions, if you haven't already....

Call AHDTS: 800-969-4388

Escalate the issue to the executive offices in CO
ceo@echostar.com
You will receive a response from the Executive Support Group within 24-36 hours.
:)

i sent an email

and last night i set up another appointment for friday

this was the 1st that this dish tech had heard of the problem

i am getting more and more frustrated





is there a st louis dish thread that i am missing somewhere

How NOT to ship a Plasma TV:

http://geekologie.com/2007/05/how_not_to_ship_a_plasma_tv.php


:eek:

It irritates me no end-it sounds like a gun shot it is so loud most of the time. The other HD channels either do not have the issue, or the "pop" in much softer.

I agree. It's very annoying. Sometimes if I am dozing with the TV on it startles the heck out of me. I noticed the pop on KMOV last night during CSI Miami, but KSDK seems to be the worst. I don't think I've ever heard it on KPRL, KTVI or KETC. Like you, if they do pop, they don't sound like a gun shot.

Interesting observations:

I have a part time job working at Busch Stadium. Been there since college, too good of a job to give up.

Anyways:

a) The cameramen use HD cameras.
b) The in-house broadcast on the concourse TV's are 16:9.
c) This is for all games, not just HD ones.

Now, Doug or someone posted an article that explains how much more it costs to produce an HD broadcast, but I always assumed most of that was related to equipment.

If they are already using HD cameras, even for SD presentations, is it really that much more expensive to go ahead and broadcast the game in HD?

Cards/Dodgers in HD tonight on FSNMW-HD :)

Interesting observations:

I have a part time job working at Busch Stadium. Been there since college, too good of a job to give up.

Anyways:

a) The cameramen use HD cameras.
b) The in-house broadcast on the concourse TV's are 16:9.
c) This is for all games, not just HD ones.

Now, Doug or someone posted an article that explains how much more it costs to produce an HD broadcast, but I always assumed most of that was related to equipment.

If they are already using HD cameras, even for SD presentations, is it really that much more expensive to go ahead and broadcast the game in HD?
I think HD requires the broadcasting station uses a different engineering "truck." They're expensive to rent, and limited in availability.

Cards/Dodgers in HD tonight on FSNMW-HD :)

:) Indeed!

Microsoft Expected to Announce XBox 360 HD DVD Fixes

The HDTV Magazine website is reporting that a number of fixes are set to be released by Microsoft for the XBox 360 HD DVD add-on, including the ability to toggle off the default Night mode audio setting, the ability to properly pass all HD DVD audio formats (DTS, DD+, True HD, etc) as well as fixing some lip sync and other current incompatibilities.

To read the entire HDTV Magazine article, click here (http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2007/05/xbox_360_hd_dvd_1.php)

This is the best news I've had in a very long time. Thanks for the link. Now maybe I'll buy some HD-DVD's.

Scott

Any more Dish subs here still not receiving KTVI-DT and KSDK-DT after the satellite move?

I'm still without KTVI-DT and KSDK-DT and have an appointment this Saturday 5/19. A friend with the same issue has his channels back AFTER a repair visit and dish re-align. I'm not so annoyed with the issue as I am with the two week commitment I received and the seeming ignorance of all the repair people as to it's existence. I have seen reports of this issue on at least two other forum sites and there have been a number of reports here of course. At this point I'm less than impressed with the customer service I have received from Dish and its contractors and I'm still under warranty. I had the initial service installed July '06 and the HD upgrade on 3/31/07 so I've had the service less than a year total and am wondering aloud what it would cost me to buy out of the 18 month commitment I signed on to. AT&T is saying it will be firing up its IPTV service in Collinsville, Belleville, and O'Fallon Illinois by the end of the year and I live in Collinsville.

I will post here after my 5/19 appointment as to whether I have KTVI and KSDK back yet or not. :mad:

Any more Dish subs here still not receiving KTVI-DT and KSDK-DT after the satellite move?


Still no 2 or 5HD on Dish here. I was lucky on Sat and Sun to get them (25 signal strength) so I could watch beautiful TPC in HD. Unfortunately it was cutting out every 5-10 minutes. I have a tech visit on Saturday, an appointment made over 2 weeks ago. I did call the number you suggested, Ken, and they were slightly more helpful. I'll make sure to only call that line in the future.

Anyone else having a problem at the moment with HDNet via DirecTV?

Although it cloudy and raining here, I'm getting every other HD channel perfectly, while HDNet is a mass of pixels.

This is the best news I've had in a very long time. Thanks for the link. Now maybe I'll buy some HD-DVD's.

Scott

Will these be new units or software or firmware upgrades to the existing ones?

Although it cloudy and raining here, I'm getting every other HD channel perfectly, while HDNet is a mass of pixels.


Hummmm. Maybe it science. :)

Remember the VOOM antenna and how it received all the locals even though it was under the deck. We add another one between the rooftop and that and KMOV is coming in at 85%.

As a rule, it would appear, Customer Satisfaction and Service is not a main focal point of Pay TV Providers. (Cable and Satellite)

DirecTV and DISH still retain the standard, though both have decreased, DirecTV a bit more than DISH.

Charter, OTOH, shows no decrease, though it's difficult to go lower, than always being last.

http://www.theacsi.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=155&i=Cable+%26+Satellite+TV

A reminder to DISH subs who record/or plan to record events on FSNMW-HD. There is a know lock issue with the DISH RSN HD transponders. The effect is, when tuning to FSNMW-HD (channel 368), the channel may only show the Dish Logo until you tune to another channel, and then back to channel 368.

Unfortunately, the same holds true for preset timers, in that, it is quite possible to be viewing the event live when your preset timer fires, but if the tuner for the DVR does not lock, and even though you are viewing it live, the DVR will only record the logo. A member here, experienced this issue tonight. :(

The work-around is to start your recording while watching the event live. Then, the DVR will begin recording the same tuner you are viewing.

Will these be new units or software or firmware upgrades to the existing ones?

I didn't read the article, but I'm pretty sure it is a firmware update for existing units. New units will likely ship with the new firmware.

Scott

Anyone else having a problem at the moment with HDNet via DirecTV?

Although it cloudy and raining here, I'm getting every other HD channel perfectly, while HDNet is a mass of pixels.

Working fine in O'fallon, MO.

Scott

Are D* subs able to view the FSNMW Cardinal game in HD on channel 95? I cannot, and I'm wondering if it is because It's not available or if because I don't have mpeg 4 yet.

Scott

Neither Scott...it's blacked-out in O'fallon :D

EDIT: You didn't miss much. I don't know if it was FSN or Dish, but the audio was awful. On my view, Dan's & Al's voices were drowned out with stadium audio, and it kept fluctuating. It sounded just like if they were moving the microphone's away and towards their mouth.

From Al Hrabosky, on last night's FSNMW broadcast of the Cardinals v. Dodgers, following a lead-off third-inning double by Jeff Kent:

"With this double, he moves into sole position...possession...of the 38th place on the all-time doubles list. He just passed Rickey Henderson and now he's tied Mark Grace with 511 career doubles."

As a broadcaster, Al makes a great barkeep...

Academic Climate Expert Urges Tax on Plasma TVs

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
____________________________________________________

Governments should issue a special tax on Plasma High-Definition TVs because they consume significantly more energy than the tube TV.

That's according to Professor Paul Elkins, who studies the economics of climate change at the University of Westminster in England. Professor Elkins' comments were reported today by the BBC.

Elkins contends that the Plasma screen requires so much energy that it creates a "greater climate change burden." A Plasma TV tax would force TV makers to develop more energy efficient screens, he said.
____________________________________________________

To read the complete story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/plasmatax051507.htm)

It might be simpler to just turn down the contrast, or better yet (as it appears we're in the agenda-promotion phase of the proceedings) have the plasma panel properly calibrated:

ISF Proves that Changing ONE Factory Preset Can Save Energy (http://www.widescreenreview.com/news_detail.php?id=12939)

Are D* subs able to view the FSNMW Cardinal game in HD on channel 95? I cannot, and I'm wondering if it is because It's not available or if because I don't have mpeg 4 yet.

ScottScott, channel 95 is MPEG-2 distribution. I think the reason we weren't able to get the Cards-Dodgers on 95 last night is that this particular showing on DirecTV was an LA Dodger network-originated broadcast, not FSNMW.

In order to avoid disappointment, plan on not receiving any of the FSNMW HD broadcasts via DirecTV. That way, when one actually is delivered (and I don't expect that number will exceed the counting capacity of a single hand this season), it will be gravy... :rolleyes:

I didn't read the article, but I'm pretty sure it is a firmware update for existing units. New units will likely ship with the new firmware.

Scott

Scott, if you haven't downloaded the update, you need to.

The sound is much improved. You can actually toggle the compression back on just to hear the difference.

I tested it with parts of MI3 because I knew when I watched it the first time there had to be more SOUND!

Scott, if you haven't downloaded the update, you need to.

The sound is much improved. You can actually toggle the compression back on just to hear the difference.

I tested it with parts of MI3 because I knew when I watched it the first time there had to be more SOUND!

I haven't seen this mentioned - but on the off chance anyone is using VGA out of their Xbox 360 to their TV - the Spring Update also included a fix for washed out colors.

What was happening (and this is a good lesson for all electronics manufacturers) is that everyone outsmarted each other. Microsoft figured the Xbox was going to be hooked to TVs - so they changed the VGA out black level (HRE) to the TV expected 7.5. TV manufacturers figured if you were going to use the VGA port it would be a computer - so they set the TV to a base of HRE 0. This resulted in washed out black levels (which ultimately impact all colors - but really made blacks look gray). There is a new setting that allows you to set the Xbox HRE output on VGA all the way down to 0.

This has substantially improved the VGA performance and made it a viable option for people, especially those who have the original Xbox360 and a TV that accepts 1080P on VGA but not component.

Chris

FYI -- for more on the XBox 360 update, click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=774635&goto=newpost)

This is actually a special AVS thread where recognized "industry insiders" share information about pending releases, updates, issues, fixes etc for the products their companies offer.

In recent days, high-level managers at Microsoft have been fielding questions about this XBox 360 update.

Are D* subs able to view the FSNMW Cardinal game in HD on channel 95? I cannot, and I'm wondering if it is because It's not available or if because I don't have mpeg 4 yet.

Scott

I couldn't either and I called *D and asked for tech support. I'm not saying the following is correct, but I was told I was on the fringe of the spot beam and that it was MPEG-2. The guide showed it scheduled, then after 10PM it said it was not available.

They fed you a line. The MPEG-2s aren't spot beamed on Channel 95. Its a national feed channel they use to share the regional RSNs that aren't on a spot beamed MPEG-4. Its been up for a couple years - its just a shared use channel. Thats why there was a note earlier in the day that it would be joined in progress - this was because the TP was already in use for the earlier game.

Chris

I think most of you will enjoy todays Daily Static cartoon on this website...Userfreindly.org (http://www.userfriendly.org/static/)

Interesting article...fairly basic, though it provides some good information regarding the industry, and how it is moving towards more HDTV.

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/other/05/16/16hdtv.html

They fed you a line. The MPEG-2s aren't spot beamed on Channel 95. Its a national feed channel they use to share the regional RSNs that aren't on a spot beamed MPEG-4. Its been up for a couple years - its just a shared use channel. Thats why there was a note earlier in the day that it would be joined in progress - this was because the TP was already in use for the earlier game.

Chris

Yeah, I knew he was feeding me a line. Regardless, I was not able to view 95.

I realize that not as many people watch the CW in HD as opposed to the major broadcast networks, but I have to say that the KPLR-DT feed is getting worse and worse every day. For as much complaining that goes on in this forum about KSDK, KPLR's has got to be the worst in the St. Louis area.

Previously, it was just a matter of audio sync issues...now in addition to the 1/2 second audio/video mismatch, there are frequent dropouts, pixellations, picture freezes, and audio dropouts occurring roughly every 5 minutes. They seem to get worse with each passing day.

Does anyone have any contact information for this sorry excuse for a TV station. Shockingly the email address on the KPLR webstie for technical issues isn't even correct. I tried emailing the coporate address with no response.

I am watching via Charter, with good (97%) signal strength.

I realize that not as many people watch the CW in HD as opposed to the major broadcast networks, but I have to say that the KPLR-DT feed is getting worse and worse every day. For as much complaining that goes on in this forum about KSDK, KPLR's has got to be the worst in the St. Louis area.

Previously, it was just a matter of audio sync issues...now in addition to the 1/2 second audio/video mismatch, there are frequent dropouts, pixellations, picture freezes, and audio dropouts occurring roughly every 5 minutes. They seem to get worse with each passing day.

Does anyone have any contact information for this sorry excuse for a TV station. Shockingly the email address on the KPLR webstie for technical issues isn't even correct. I tried emailing the coporate address with no response.

I am watching via Charter, with good (97%) signal strength.

I agree with this assessment of Ch. 11. The picture quality took a sudden nose dive months ago, and despite some minor improvement, the station went from being totally unwatchable to just the worst local HD in St. Louis.

Still carrying the banner for quality local HD is channel 30, with an engineer who not only knows what he's doing but consistently goes the extra mile to insure a high standard.

Channels 11, 4, 5 and 9 give us multicasting hash.

KTVI 2 does not multicast but manages to give us a signal that is just as bad as it would be if they did. On top of that, they haven't fixed their persistent problems. The last message we had from anyone from KTVI could be summarized this way:

'We know there are problems with the signal, but we don't know what's causing them. We either don't know how to fix the problems or we can't find the time. We don't have any idea when the problems will be fixed. Please understand.' This is not a direct quote, but my interpretation of what was said. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Jim at KDNL is the definition of a professional. I wish there were several more like him in St. Louis, but let's be thankful we have at least one.

Scott, if you haven't downloaded the update, you need to.

The sound is much improved. You can actually toggle the compression back on just to hear the difference.

I tested it with parts of MI3 because I knew when I watched it the first time there had to be more SOUND!

I'll have to do the update someday soon. I'll write about my results afterwards. If there is not a major difference, I'll abandon the 360 add on.

Scott

I'll have to do the update someday soon. I'll write about my results afterwards. If there is not a major difference, I'll abandon the 360 add on.

Scott


I found the sound to be much improved, I noticed much deeper and cleaner bass. The spring update also seems to have improved the picture quality, there are some different settings for black level adjustments now also. This arrived just in time for the Matrix releases!

I found the sound to be much improved, I noticed much deeper and cleaner bass. The spring update also seems to have improved the picture quality, there are some different settings for black level adjustments now also. This arrived just in time for the Matrix releases!


V for Vendetta sounds significantly better, just updated this morning.

-Matt

Hi all...been lurking here a while but haven't posted much.

My HT has been "completed", for some time now. However, as with any hobby, it's time do make the donuts again!

I have been dragging my feet with regards to HD DVD stuff because I only have RGB running from my equipment rack to my projector. Well, after reading the link above about the xbox 360 HD DVD sound, I started doing some investigating, and now I have some questions. I thought I would ask them here locally, because it looks like there is plenty of expertise here.

Do I have the correct impressions with regards to the following?:

1) The HD DVD add on player signal path is from the player to the xbox and then... RGB to my A\V receiver...projector?

2) I can also get a wireless adapter for the xbox, and then it will have inter and intra net access thru my home network wireless access point?

3) The xbox IR remote control runs both the xbox and the HD DVD box. (how does it know which platter drawer to open?)

4) Can additional storage be added to the basic 20G box later?

If these thoughts are correct, this might be a pretty good way to add HD DVD to my system. (Not to mention the gaming). I just don't feel like tearing thru my ceiling to add HDMI. I was waiting for the wireless version of HDMI announced last year at CEDA, but I have not heard anything lately... but I digress...anyway thanks for any thoughts... positive or negative about the above stuff.

Post Dispatch Review of Lester's Sports Bar

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/reviews.nsf/restaurant/story/64E3F29C292109D9862572DC00837FD3?OpenDocument

The only things I could really find to critique were the rest rooms, which were poorly maintained on one visit, and the TV content, which apparently had no high-definition channels playing for the six or eight events that were visible. This, of course, might have been attributable to the fact that the featured events that evening weren't available in HD.

Good review.

Maybe one of our more professional members can send an email to the reviewer letting him know the problem is that Lester's only has SD boxes connected to all the HDTVs.

Well, I have my setup finished except for a few touch up areas.

I am running power in the wall for the plasma on Friday if not tonight. I also am pulling another HDMI cable to the TV.

Here is a shot I took after I was finished.

Post Dispatch Review of Lester's Sports Bar

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/reviews.nsf/restaurant/story/64E3F29C292109D9862572DC00837FD3?OpenDocument



Good review.

Maybe one of our more professional members can send an email to the reviewer letting him know the problem is that Lester's only has SD boxes connected to all the HDTVs.

Done and done. I sent an email of length and referenced back to here and my own personal experience since I have done installs like this. Cost is so minimal to go HD.

Post Dispatch Review of Lester's Sports Bar

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/reviews.nsf/restaurant/story/64E3F29C292109D9862572DC00837FD3?OpenDocument



Good review.

Maybe one of our more professional members can send an email to the reviewer letting him know the problem is that Lester's only has SD boxes connected to all the HDTVs.


stltoday.com (http://www.stltoday.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=18)


here is the website to joes forum on stltoday
looks like someone else already said something about the HD problem
but it is a good all around website for STL restaurants

Done and done. I sent an email of length and referenced back to here and my own personal experience since I have done installs like this. Cost is so minimal to go HD.

Cool. :cool:

Done and done. I sent an email of length and referenced back to here and my own personal experience since I have done installs like this. Cost is so minimal to go HD.


if u ask the managers/owners there

they will tell you it would of cost 30K to instal HD before it opened
after beening open it would cost over 60k

maybe thats just what there telling customers so they will understand when they dont get

Hi all...been lurking here a while but haven't posted much.

My HT has been "completed", for some time now. However, as with any hobby, it's time do make the donuts again!

I have been dragging my feet with regards to HD DVD stuff because I only have RGB running from my equipment rack to my projector. Well, after reading the link above about the xbox 360 HD DVD sound, I started doing some investigating, and now I have some questions. I thought I would ask them here locally, because it looks like there is plenty of expertise here.

Do I have the correct impressions with regards to the following?:

1) The HD DVD add on player signal path is from the player to the xbox and then... RGB to my A\V receiver...projector?
Correct, the HD DVD player connects to the xbox via USB.

2) I can also get a wireless adapter for the xbox, and then it will have inter and intra net access thru my home network wireless access point?
Correct, Microsoft sells a $99 USB wireless adapter, but there are cheaper alternatives.

3) The xbox IR remote control runs both the xbox and the HD DVD box. (how does it know which platter drawer to open?)
On the dashboard it will let you eject only game DVD tray, same with the remote, it only opens the game DVD tray. If you want to eject an HD DVD, you must walk up to it and press the eject button.

4) Can additional storage be added to the basic 20G box later?
Yes, there is a 120GB drive you can purchase later, or you can buy the Xbox Elite that comes in black with the 120GB drive for about $80 more than the Xbox Premium with the 20GB drive.

If these thoughts are correct, this might be a pretty good way to add HD DVD to my system. (Not to mention the gaming). I just don't feel like tearing thru my ceiling to add HDMI. I was waiting for the wireless version of HDMI announced last year at CEDA, but I have not heard anything lately... but I digress...anyway thanks for any thoughts... positive or negative about the above stuff.
One thing to know is that the 360 will only output DD 5.1 or DTS, not TrueHD or any other LOSSLESS sound. I don't know what the difference sounds like so I can't help you there.

As far as the video goes, you will only get 480p for Standard Def DVD's since you are hooked up RGB.

I hope this helps.

As far as the video goes, you will only get 480p for Standard Def DVD's since you are hooked up RGB.

I hope this helps.

Actually the RGB output on the XBOX 360 is up to 1080P for both SD DVDs and HD DVDs. The restriction on upconversion does not apply to RGB so MSFT went ahead and made it 1080P.

Chris

Correct, the HD DVD player connects to the xbox via USB.


Correct, Microsoft sells a $99 USB wireless adapter, but there are cheaper alternatives.


On the dashboard it will let you eject only game DVD tray, same with the remote, it only opens the game DVD tray. If you want to eject an HD DVD, you must walk up to it and press the eject button.


Yes, there is a 120GB drive you can purchase later, or you can buy the Xbox Elite that comes in black with the 120GB drive for about $80 more than the Xbox Premium with the 20GB drive.


One thing to know is that the 360 will only output DD 5.1 or DTS, not TrueHD or any other LOSSLESS sound. I don't know what the difference sounds like so I can't help you there.

As far as the video goes, you will only get 480p for Standard Def DVD's since you are hooked up RGB.

I hope this helps.

Actually, you can use the remote to "open tray" for either. Scroll up/down one notch to make the choice.

I agree with this assessment of Ch. 11. The picture quality took a sudden nose dive months ago, and despite some minor improvement, the station went from being totally unwatchable to just the worst local HD in St. Louis.

Still carrying the banner for quality local HD is channel 30, with an engineer who not only knows what he's doing but consistently goes the extra mile to insure a high standard.

Channels 11, 4, 5 and 9 give us multicasting hash.

KTVI 2 does not multicast but manages to give us a signal that is just as bad as it would be if they did. On top of that, they haven't fixed their persistent problems. The last message we had from anyone from KTVI could be summarized this way:

'We know there are problems with the signal, but we don't know what's causing them. We either don't know how to fix the problems or we can't find the time. We don't have any idea when the problems will be fixed. Please understand.' This is not a direct quote, but my interpretation of what was said. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Jim at KDNL is the definition of a professional. I wish there were several more like him in St. Louis, but let's be thankful we have at least one.


Joe, thanks for the complements, but just doing what needs to be done to make sure we get it right when it's our money maker...only 20 months away! In the next few months we're installing new PSIP generators and adding redundanct equipment. We plan to have 100% back up by 2/09.
Jim

Actually the RGB output on the XBOX 360 is up to 1080P for both SD DVDs and HD DVDs. The restriction on upconversion does not apply to RGB so MSFT went ahead and made it 1080P.

Chris

Okay, so RGB is VGA? I guess that is where I was confused.

OK, How do I download the xbox spring update?

Nevermind, I found the update.

Joe, thanks for the complements, but just doing what needs to be done to make sure we get it right when it's our money maker...only 20 months away! In the next few months we're installing new PSIP generators and adding redundanct equipment. We plan to have 100% back up by 2/09.
Jim

Again, Thanks Jim. I've had my share of problems with the KDNL-DT's signal, and you've always been courteous and helpful, which help me figure out what my sometimes finicky Samsung SIR-T151 is doing.

Stations across the country need more guys like you in the technical department.

Tuesday and last night I was watching KPLR-DT and the color drops out, there is breakups.

It's seems to have gotten worse in the last couple of weeks...

Also, the FCC has a booklet on DTV (link courtesy of KETC's mainpage):

http://www.dtv.gov/DTV_booklet.pdf

Has anybody read this thing? If you can get past the gaudy color scheme the document has, it appears to be a pretty good, if basic explanation of what's going on the next couple of years...

Or did everybody already know about this? :D

Stations across the country need more guys like you in the technical department.


We all seem to feel this way about Jim. While I am sure he appreciates the thank you's, no doubt it would be nice if some who feel strongly about this send a note of appreciation to Jim's bosses. Just one note like that would have to go as far as 20 thank you's. It is one thing to be appreciated by a bunch of HD freaks like us, it is another to be appreciated by your employers.

If any have already done this kudos to you, any that haven't, like myself, maybe we should strongly consider doing so.

Jared

OK, How do I download the xbox spring update?

Nevermind, I found the update and can I just say WOW! Now I want to go watch some HD-DVD's. King Kong blew me away finally. :D

Scott

Yeah... if Buena Vista DVD (Disney) would just go HD-DVD, I'd be set. I can do without Sony - but not Disney. They've got too many things lined up. I want to commit to HD-DVD, but there's too much on Blu-Ray exclusives that I will want...

Dang format wars! :D

We all seem to feel this way about Jim. While I am sure he appreciates the thank you's, no doubt it would be nice if some who feel strongly about this send a note of appreciation to Jim's bosses. Just one note like that would have to go as far as 20 thank you's. It is one thing to be appreciated by a bunch of HD freaks like us, it is another to be appreciated by your employers.

If any have already done this kudos to you, any that haven't, like myself, maybe we should strongly consider doing so.

Jared

Great idea. Anyone have a name and an address handy where we could send this?

Did anyone catch the Discovery HD Theater showing of the Planet Earth series? That series is out on HD DVD now and available for rental at Netflix. I watched the first installment last night and it was much better than the Discovery broadcast. That broadcast was plagued by transmission problems. This is a great series that I'll be buying on HD DVD. It's unlike any nature/documentary footage I've seen before.

Did anyone catch the Discovery HD Theater showing of the Planet Earth series? That series is out on HD DVD now and available for rental at Netflix. I watched the first installment last night and it was much better than the Discovery broadcast. That broadcast was plagued by transmission problems. This is a great series that I'll be buying on HD DVD. It's unlike any nature/documentary footage I've seen before.
I watched all the episodes of the TV broadcast, and feel Discovery has set the standard in broadcast HD with this series. Some of the footage captured, given the circumstances and challenge of applying the technologies, the results are remarkable.

Anyone wanting a glimpse of the future of HD, needs to watch this series.
If I had a HD DVD player, I'd definitely purchase, and recommend the set.

Did anyone catch the Discovery HD Theater showing of the Planet Earth series? That series is out on HD DVD now and available for rental at Netflix. I watched the first installment last night and it was much better than the Discovery broadcast. That broadcast was plagued by transmission problems. This is a great series that I'll be buying on HD DVD. It's unlike any nature/documentary footage I've seen before.

And on BluRay :p

I watched all the episodes of the TV broadcast, and feel Discovery has set the standard in broadcast HD with this series. Some of the footage captured, given the circumstances and challenge of applying the technologies, the results are remarkable.

Anyone wanting a glimpse of the future of HD, needs to watch this series.
If I had a HD DVD player, I'd definitely purchase, and recommend the set.

I have a question. An article posted here yesterday or the day before talked about available HD channels and commented on Discovery HD. I think you posted it Ken. Anyway my question is about Deadliest Catch. The article said it is on Discovery HD. Is it? Am I somehow missing it? I have only seen it on the SD channel.

Thanks wmschultz, BudShark, & StLBluesFan ... I really appreciate your thoughts.

I guess since the sound is good (I have a receiver that will decode DTS) ... and I use a Harmony Remote (that might help will the eject situation) ... and finally, the SD DVDS will play upconverted...

Wow!! I guess I should look for the Elite somewhere... any suggesttions?

Oops...one more thing... what is the 'cheaper' alternative to the MS wireless converter? Does the xbox wireless device plug into a USB, PCMIA, or some other type of port?

The MS wireless device is a USB that plugs into the back of the box. When I was at Best Buy there were some elites on hand, but that was a week ago.

Some use a wireless bridge that connects to the xbox via CAT 5 I believe and then gets on
the network wirelessly.

I don't have either, mine is hardwired.

2007 Indy 500 to Air in HD

This is going to make more than a few people here happy...

From TV Week's High-Definition Newsletter:
________________________________________________________

Race car enthusiasts have more to smile about than just fast cars, hot dogs and cold beer. For the first time, the 91st Indianapolis 500 race will be airing in HD.

In addition to the race, both qualifying weekend runs will be shown in high definition on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN on ABC.

“One of the most frequent requests from our fans is a high-definition telecast of the Indianapolis 500, and we’re thrilled to fulfill that demand,” said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. “This will bring home the color, pageantry and excitement of the greatest spectacle in racing in vivid detail to the ever-growing numbers of homes with HD sets.”
________________________________________________________

To read the full High Definition newsletter article, click here (http://tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=730)

I'm still without KTVI-DT and KSDK-DT and have an appointment this Saturday 5/19. A friend with the same issue has his channels back AFTER a repair visit and dish re-align. I'm not so annoyed with the issue as I am with the two week commitment I received and the seeming ignorance of all the repair people as to it's existence. I have seen reports of this issue on at least two other forum sites and there have been a number of reports here of course. At this point I'm less than impressed with the customer service I have received from Dish and its contractors and I'm still under warranty. I had the initial service installed July '06 and the HD upgrade on 3/31/07 so I've had the service less than a year total and am wondering aloud what it would cost me to buy out of the 18 month commitment I signed on to. AT&T is saying it will be firing up its IPTV service in Collinsville, Belleville, and O'Fallon Illinois by the end of the year and I live in Collinsville.

I will post here after my 5/19 appointment as to whether I have KTVI and KSDK back yet or not. :mad:
update


was called by the OK comp. that controls service appointments
and they tried to cancel my appointment for tommorrow

they siad

sat 118 is not responding and they are in the process of moving the HD programming off of that sat.

if u have a scheduled service appointment for this problem

do NOT cancel plans or work
cause more than likely they are going to cancel this appointment
if they havent already
and they are not that good at letting us the customer know that they canceled

they are however still coming tommorrow caused i raised alot of hell

what they cant explain to me is way some people are still getting the 2 locals in HD

and some are not

I have a question. An article posted here yesterday or the day before talked about available HD channels and commented on Discovery HD. I think you posted it Ken. Anyway my question is about Deadliest Catch. The article said it is on Discovery HD. Is it? Am I somehow missing it? I have only seen it on the SD channel.
I believe the comment in the article referred to Discovery airing Deadliest Catch once on the HD side, and was commenting on how that single HD airing increased the ratings for the show on the SD side.

Going from memory, I didn't go back and reread the article.

I believe the comment in the article referred to Discovery airing Deadliest Catch once on the HD side, and was commenting on how that single HD airing increased the ratings for the show on the SD side.

Going from memory, I didn't go back and reread the article.


Well I would watch it if it was in HD. :cool:

Thanks wmschultz, BudShark, & StLBluesFan ... I really appreciate your thoughts.

I guess since the sound is good (I have a receiver that will decode DTS) ... and I use a Harmony Remote (that might help will the eject situation) ... and finally, the SD DVDS will play upconverted...

Wow!! I guess I should look for the Elite somewhere... any suggesttions?

Oops...one more thing... what is the 'cheaper' alternative to the MS wireless converter? Does the xbox wireless device plug into a USB, PCMIA, or some other type of port?

If you have any thoughts using the XBox360 to play recorded HD from a Windows Media Center PC, wireless won't cut it (yet). I use an HD USB tuner to record OTA HD programming (1 terrabyte firewire drive) and use the XBox360 to retrieve via the wired LAN and play on my widescreen HDTV. The picture quality is excellent.

Well I would watch it if it was in HD. :cool:
You watch the Cards in SD, and that's pretty deadly :eek:

You watch the Cards in SD, and that's pretty deadly :eek:

It's a good thing I have two new little ones to be interested in, or it could be hazardous to my health. Funny how some things just don't seem to matter as much anymore.

Has anyone been watching the Nationa Heads Up Poker Tourney on NBC in HD? Except for forgetting to flip the switch the first time I tuned in, I have thought it has been pretty good. I have been recording it on Sunday mornings at 11 I think, just find it odd that NBC can handle a Sunday morning HD broadcast, but they struggle so much with primetime, lol.

"what they cant explain to me is way some people are still getting the 2 locals in HD"

As I mentioned, a friend in the same town (Collinsville) had a visit to re-point his dish and now he has all four local HD channels again. I suspect your tech is blowing smoke up your you-know-what in an attempt to get rid of you. Hold their feet to the fire when they come out. I work for good old Ma Bell and the old saying is as true today as it ever was; "If you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance then baffle 'em with bullshit."

"what they cant explain to me is way some people are still getting the 2 locals in HD"

As I mentioned, a friend in the same town (Collinsville) had a visit to re-point his dish and now he has all four local HD channels again. I suspect your tech is blowing smoke up your you-know-what in an attempt to get rid of you. Hold their feet to the fire when they come out.
I concur. It doesn't make any sense. I sent a email today, to one of the higher level Quality Control Engineering Technicians at Echostar in CO, regarding the issue. I'll post his reply when I get it.

Originally Posted by StLBluesFan
If you have any thoughts using the XBox360 to play recorded HD from a Windows Media Center PC, wireless won't cut it (yet). I use an HD USB tuner to record OTA HD programming (1 terrabyte firewire drive) and use the XBox360 to retrieve via the wired LAN and play on my widescreen HDTV. The picture quality is excellent.


That is good to know. I don't have have pc with Media center installed, but I guess I better keep that in mind. I think at first, I'll use the wirelsee ability to do things like update firmware. If a get the box with the 120G drive, couldn't I use that as the storage platform rather than a Media center PC?

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

...for the following St. Louis housekeeping break:

In the past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information about HDTV and over-the-air reception. Although those messages were moved to the new thread here that was started in January, that information is still easily overlooked as the new thread is growing rapidly, approaching 75 pages in a relatively short period.

So, in order to make this introductory information more accessible, I will be periodically reposting this advisory/reminder note. The idea is to make the general resource information available here more visible and easier to find for more readers.

With HDTV sales increasing every month, we're getting more and more newcomers here, which is a great thing to see. But like most of us when we took home our first HDTV, there's a huge amount to learn beyond where to point the remote and which buttons to push.

Hopefully, you'll find this information of some use...

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713839&&#post9713839)

Resources for Receiving Digital/HD OTA Local Stations via an Antenna (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713842&&#post9713842)

Frequently Asked Questions about HDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995791&&#post2995791)

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10464913&&#post10464913)

Why Isn't KMOV-DT (CBS) Available via Charter? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9341270&&#post9341270)

St. Louis Blues 2006-07 HD Broadcast Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8678636&&#post8678636)

New! St. Louis Cardinals 2007 HD Broadcast Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10174447#post10174447)

2006 Survey Results: HDTV in St. Louis

Part 1: Profile of Survey Respondents (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713951&&#post9713951)

Part 2: Local Digital Stations (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713954&&#post9713954)

Part 3: Digital Multicasting (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713956&&#post9713956)

Part 4: Customer Ratings for Charter, DirecTV & DISH HD Services (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713960&&#post9713960)

Part 5: Customer Ratings for Pay TV HD Channels (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713963&&#post9713963)

Part 6: Best Picture/Sound Ratings & HD Wish Lists (http://http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713965&&#post9713965)

Finally, I want to remind everyone that you can access the St. Louis HDTV discussion here at AVS directly by using the shortcut URL that has been arranged.

The short-form URL also makes it very easy to remember and give the address to anyone you know who's just getting into HDTV.

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

tech came out already

did everything and then some

STILL NO FOX

i do get nbc now but fox is all messed up
i do get a picture now but still unwatchable

now what


i guess i just wait and hope the credit the shat out of my account

I concur. It doesn't make any sense. I sent a email today, to one of the higher level Quality Control Engineering Technicians at Echostar in CO, regarding the issue. I'll post his reply when I get it.

I have my KTVI and KSDK HD locals back as of this morning, after a visit by TWO technicians from ADS (American Digital Systems), the St. Louis area contractors for Echostar. They seemed to be well aware of the issue and what they told me made perfect sense. So here are the highlights of the visit...

- The issue is affecting the Midwest and the state of New York mainly.

- At one point the St. Louis offices of ADS had over 1000 reports of local HD channels lost. My technician is doing about 4 or 5 re-points a day.

- The new satellite was supposed to be at 118.7º but wound up at 118.2º. Echostar has not explained how this happened. They are continuing to work on it and hope to have a permanent solution soon.

- There are both uplink AND downlink issues involved. Echostar is working with some local stations about the uplink problems and apparently there is some finger pointing going on at this point.

- The suggested workaround from Echostar is to change the skew of the dish from 121 to 120 in this area and then re-peak the signal.

- My signal strength on 118-11 and 118-18 is now in the low 70's.

- My technician and his supervisor tell me that some picture problems may still show up sporadically until the issue is fully resolved by Echostar.

I have all four local HD channels working fine at this point with good picture quality.

Bad news? I'm taking bids on a new roof on my home and will have to call ADS back in month or two to redo things again...and pay for it. :D

I didn't read the article, but I'm pretty sure it is a firmware update for existing units. New units will likely ship with the new firmware.

Scott

I think MS made a mistake in not including HD-DVD drives in the news XBOX360ELITE.

Sure it would have increased the price, but other than the new HD (which is totally irrelevent to me and most everyone else I have talked to) and the HDMI port (which I actually really like and wish I had) there is no difference other than it is black.

According to customer retention, in order to receive FSNMW games in HD on channel 95 it requires MPEG-4. Last year games were in HD on channel 95. D* seems to have changed it.

Can anyone with an HR20 confirm being able to wacth FSNMW in HD on channel 95?

Edit: Or channel 96?

Thanks!

According to customer retention, in order to receive FSNMW games in HD on channel 95 it requires MPEG-4. Last year games were in HD on channel 95. D* seems to have changed it.

Can anyone with an HR20 confirm being able to wacth FSNMW in HD on channel 95?

Edit: Or channel 96?

Thanks!Channel 95 is MPEG-2 and channel 96 is MPEG-4.

[QUOTE=lkrupp]I have my KTVI and KSDK HD locals back as of this morning, after a visit by TWO technicians from ADS (American Digital Systems), the St. Louis area contractors for Echostar. They seemed to be well aware of the issue and what they told me made perfect sense. So here are the highlights of the visit...

- The issue is affecting the Midwest and the state of New York mainly.

- At one point the St. Louis offices of ADS had over 1000 reports of local HD channels lost. My technician is doing about 4 or 5 re-points a day.

- The new satellite was supposed to be at 118.7º but wound up at 118.2º. Echostar has not explained how this happened. They are continuing to work on it and hope to have a permanent solution soon.

- There are both uplink AND downlink issues involved. Echostar is working with some local stations about the uplink problems and apparently there is some finger pointing going on at this point.


Thanks for all the info. Amazing that when you call Dish they do not acknowledge the problem. VERY frustrating. I had my visit yesterday, but was unable to be here for it. They did get 2 and 5 back with signal strengths in the 60s. This after first saying that they couldn't do anything about Fox, as it was their problem, not a Dish problem. All is now well. But very annoying to have to wait nearly 3 weeks to get it taken care of. Also, they said since I was within my first 3 months, I would not be charged. How sporting of them! Was anyone else charged to fix this problem?

Channel 95 is MPEG-2 and channel 96 is MPEG-4.

I have tried explaining this to D* over and over again to no avail. It makes me question what I already know.

Been a while since I posted here, and I don't know if this is the right place to ask...but is there a known date on which D* will start offering the new HD channels? The reason I ask is that I suppose I will have to upgrade to the 5LNB dish and HR20 this summer to get the channels.

I think MS made a mistake in not including HD-DVD drives in the news XBOX360ELITE.

Sure it would have increased the price, but other than the new HD (which is totally irrelevent to me and most everyone else I have talked to) and the HDMI port (which I actually really like and wish I had) there is no difference other than it is black.

Actually it shouldn't have increased the price. MSFT made a major tactical error in an effort to squeak out short term profit. Why?

18 months after release we should have seen a price drop in the 360. For all intents and purposes it was in place. In fact, Europe saw a price drop. This should have happened 4Q06 or 1Q07.

What DID happen was Sony is stupid. They released the PS3 at $499/$599. It didn't sell well. Instead of continuing with the original plan and dropping the Xbox Core to $199/$249 and the Elite to $299/$349 to kill the PS3 once and for all - MSFT went the other route. They gave us the Elite at an even HIGHER price. Crazy!

IF MSFT really wanted to win the next gen war they would have had an overly aggressive price drop in 4Q06 to $199/$299 AND released the Elite for $399 W/HD-DVD. That would have forced Sony to either drop the PS3 price or concede the battle for a year or more. And MSFT would've still been profitable.

Oh well - it is what it is... I would've bought an Elite w/hd-dvd for $399 or even $449. But as it is, I'm not buying on principal! :D

Chris

Been a while since I posted here, and I don't know if this is the right place to ask...but is there a known date on which D* will start offering the new HD channels? The reason I ask is that I suppose I will have to upgrade to the 5LNB dish and HR20 this summer to get the channels.

No firm date. 6 weeks at the earliest - or more from when the satellite goes up. The sat launch is June 20 - so quick math says the first week in August. D* has always used September - but that is probably to avoid being seen as late. I'd expect some of them around the middle of August - more every couple weeks after that.

And hopefully to Mo's questions - one of those added will be FSNMW (I'm hoping they haven't rolled it out because they don't want to put anymore RSNs on Spotbeams).

Chris

[QUOTE=lkrupp]I have my KTVI and KSDK HD locals back as of this morning, after a visit by TWO technicians from ADS (American Digital Systems), the St. Louis area contractors for Echostar. They seemed to be well aware of the issue and what they told me made perfect sense. So here are the highlights of the visit...

- The issue is affecting the Midwest and the state of New York mainly.

- At one point the St. Louis offices of ADS had over 1000 reports of local HD channels lost. My technician is doing about 4 or 5 re-points a day.

- The new satellite was supposed to be at 118.7º but wound up at 118.2º. Echostar has not explained how this happened. They are continuing to work on it and hope to have a permanent solution soon.

- There are both uplink AND down-link issues involved. Echostar is working with some local stations about the uplink problems and apparently there is some finger pointing going on at this point.


Thanks for all the info. Amazing that when you call Dish they do not acknowledge the problem. VERY frustrating. I had my visit yesterday, but was unable to be here for it. They did get 2 and 5 back with signal strengths in the 60s. This after first saying that they couldn't do anything about Fox, as it was their problem, not a Dish problem. All is now well. But very annoying to have to wait nearly 3 weeks to get it taken care of. Also, they said since I was within my first 3 months, I would not be charged. How sporting of them! Was anyone else charged to fix this problem?
From what I've been able to find out, so far, Echostar has not stated there is any issue with the orbital slot of A-F3. If any drift has occurred, it would be from 118.75° to 118.72°, which is within tolerance for a properly pointed and peaked reception dish. Had the satellite drifted a full .5° (118.7° to 118.2°), the entire footprint receiving programming from 118 would have been effected.

Logically, had Echostar thought some sort of orbital drift was effecting 1 transponder in STL, and 1 in NY, it would have been much easier to move the few effected channels to different transponders, rather than dispatch re-aim service to however many thousand effected subs.

Based on the current available information, Echostar seems to be treating it as an installation issue, in that, the effected dish antennas were not pointed and peaked correctly.

KIM, speculation and rumors often times run as ramped through the ranks of the installers, just as they sometimes do in message forums. A member posted here, two weeks ago, one of the ADS installers told him, ADS had over 3000 reports of effected subs in STL, now it's over 1000.

Is this to say Echostar is not at fault? Certainly not. No matter how it's broken down, Echostar is the provider, and their subs are/were not getting programming. It's their fault, period.
Will we ever find out exactly what happened? Depends on if and how it effects the bottom line.
Like with most things of this nature, we'll probably never find out.

A perfect recent example is the KPLR/DISH issue. A new software version to the DISH receivers finally corrected the KPLR issue. DISH says they adjusted their software to adjust for encoding discrepancies coming from KPLR. KPLR says DISH was not decoding their signals correctly.
You decide.

No firm date. 6 weeks at the earliest - or more from when the satellite goes up. The sat launch is June 20 - so quick math says the first week in August. D* has always used September - but that is probably to avoid being seen as late. I'd expect some of them around the middle of August - more every couple weeks after that.

And hopefully to Mo's questions - one of those added will be FSNMW (I'm hoping they haven't rolled it out because they don't want to put anymore RSNs on Spotbeams).

Chris
And, the sooner, the better for all of us. While all these providers are waging their high-level corporate war to be the "leader," the pressure mounts on Dish, Charter and ATT to keep pace. :)

And, the sooner, the better for all of us. While all these providers are waging their high-level corporate war to be the "leader," the pressure mounts on Dish, Charter and ATT to keep pace. :)
here HERE!!

Frys has a Maxtor 500GB hard drive for $100 with free shipping here. (http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4551377) I was ready to buy several when I found out there's a limit of 1 per household.

Terabyte drives for $100 can't be that far off.

Frys has a Maxtor 500GB hard drive for $100 with free shipping here. (http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4551377) I was ready to buy several when I found out there's a limit of 1 per household.

Terabyte drives for $100 can't be that far off.I've been watching prices of 1 TB external USB2 drives to use as a NAS drive wth my Airport Extreme. The WD MyBook Premium has been as low as $340 lately. When I see one (that isn't some unknown off brand) fall below $300 that's when I get it.

kdg454,

"KIM, speculation and rumors often times run as ramped through the ranks of the installers, just as they sometimes do in message forums. A member posted here, two weeks ago, one of the ADS installers told him, ADS had over 3000 reports of effected subs in STL, now it's over 1000"

Every time analog "news" passes through a "repeater" a little noise gets added I guess. Thinking about it after your response it would seem that a .5º difference from 25,000 miles out would be huge by the time the signal got here. A .05º drift makes more sense. But then I'm hopelessly ignorant about this subject, knowing just enough to be dangerous. Thanks for the reasoned reply.

Frys has a Maxtor 500GB hard drive for $100 with free shipping here. (http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4551377) I was ready to buy several when I found out there's a limit of 1 per household.

Terabyte drives for $100 can't be that far off.

The Seagate 750 gig drives there are currently $199. I bought one over the weekend (the fifth in the big server, sixth if you also count the one in my editing workstation). I actually have more of these drives now than the computer geek at work... yes, there's a guy at work who's a bigger computer geek than I am... but I've got more storage space than he does now!

BTW, I'm using the Beta of Microsoft's new "Windows Home Server" operating system for my server. Quite nice. Instead of any sort of RAID, Microsoft is using its own technology and puts everything into folders: Videos, Photos, Music, Software, Public (shared documents), and Users (only the folder's creator has access to these documents). And no matter how many hard drives you have and no matter how many folders are on those drives, the six folders above are all the other PC's in the house see. Kind of like RAID-0 but it doesn't matter what size hard drives you're using. And they can be IDE, SATA, even USB or firewire. Drives of any size can be added or removed from the array at any given time. Also does automated scheduled backups of all PC's in the house. How's that for cool? Pricing expected to be $90-$130 when it actually ships as a standalone, $500 or so for new NAS units with it preinstalled.

On a different note, I was in Chicago for training on the DirecTV rollout we'll be doing at work Tuesday... official word from *D on the new HD channels is still September, though as mentioned above that might just be to cover *D's butt since the satellites should be in place long before that.

According to customer retention, in order to receive FSNMW games in HD on channel 95 it requires MPEG-4. Last year games were in HD on channel 95. D* seems to have changed it.

Can anyone with an HR20 confirm being able to wacth FSNMW in HD on channel 95?

Edit: Or channel 96?

Thanks!

I have not been able to watch one Cards game this year in HD on FSn-MWHD. I have the HR-20, the new 5lnb Slimline.

I cannot understand for the life of me why they can't or won't broadcast the cards games in HD.

I have not been able to watch one Cards game this year in HD on FSn-MWHD. I have the HR-20, the new 5lnb Slimline.

I cannot understand for the life of me why they can't or won't broadcast the cards games in HD.

Thanks for the info. It irritates me as well. It was great to be able to record the game in HD on KSDK.

I have also been told that 95 is now MLB EI. I don't know what to believe. But I do know I was able to watch some games in HD on 95 last year. None so far this year.

Channel 95 is still a special events HD channel.

It is used quite a bit for MLB EI now, but it is also used for the VS. Hockey games that are HD.

As far as the Cards not being available via DirecTV on FSN MW HD, it is a carriage issue that probably
won't be resolved any time soon based upon what Doug has posted in the past.

The Seagate 750 gig drives there are currently $199. I bought one over the weekend (the fifth in the big server, sixth if you also count the one in my editing workstation). I actually have more of these drives now than the computer geek at work... yes, there's a guy at work who's a bigger computer geek than I am... but I've got more storage space than he does now!

BTW, I'm using the Beta of Microsoft's new "Windows Home Server" operating system for my server. Quite nice. Instead of any sort of RAID, Microsoft is using its own technology and puts everything into folders: Videos, Photos, Music, Software, Public (shared documents), and Users (only the folder's creator has access to these documents). And no matter how many hard drives you have and no matter how many folders are on those drives, the six folders above are all the other PC's in the house see. Kind of like RAID-0 but it doesn't matter what size hard drives you're using. And they can be IDE, SATA, even USB or firewire. Drives of any size can be added or removed from the array at any given time. Also does automated scheduled backups of all PC's in the house. How's that for cool? Pricing expected to be $90-$130 when it actually ships as a standalone, $500 or so for new NAS units with it preinstalled.

On a different note, I was in Chicago for training on the DirecTV rollout we'll be doing at work Tuesday... official word from *D on the new HD channels is still September, though as mentioned above that might just be to cover *D's butt since the satellites should be in place long before that.

I definitely need to find out more about MS Home Server. I like the way I have my home network set up now, but finding videos can be a pain sometimes. I have so many HD files spread across so many drives, I need an easy, automated indexing system.

How hot do your 750GB drives run, Bob?

More info on Windows Home Server here:

http://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer

Currently it's in "Community Test Project" phase, with "Release Candidate 1" announced as coming soon.

Joe, my one big problem with it is the same problem you're gonna have. WHS formats every drive you add to its array, so you have to start with a blank drive and copy one of your drives of existing stuff into it. After everything's copied off that drive, THEN you can add that drive into the array and start copying stuff off another drive, etc. I've still got four more drives to go.

But MAN, it's so much easier finding that stuff from the HTPC in the family room now!

As for the drives, they normally run pretty hot to the touch, but I have two of them in these things:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835702003

They work really well. Unfortunately, newegg is out of stock right now. I'm gonna buy eight more when they get 'em back in. Only place that has them in stock right now is some twit on eBay wanting almost twice newegg's price.

Oh, almost forgot.... since Windows Home Server is a server-class operating system, AVG's free antivirus program will not run on it. You'll get an error message during the install that says, "sorry, I don't do servers. Pay for the real version of the program" or something like that. So I installed ClamWinAV (also freeware) on it instead.

Hmmm, just noticed I have only 12 more posts to go before I hit 1500 (well, this one will make it eleven). But no, I won't go autoquoting the next eleven messages just so I can say "Agreed" and bump up my post count......

Frys has a Maxtor 500GB hard drive for $100 with free shipping here. (http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4551377) I was ready to buy several when I found out there's a limit of 1 per household.

Terabyte drives for $100 can't be that far off.
Joe,
Just have 1 shipped to each of your vacation homes...Maui, Aspen, Palm Beach.
You still only have 3, right? :D

Joe,
Just have 1 shipped to each of your vacation homes...Maui, Aspen, Palm Beach.
You still only have 3, right? :D

Yeah, still three, but I sold the one in Maui and replaced it with some property in Bora Bora. Look me up the next time you're there.

More info on Windows Home Server here:

http://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer

Currently it's in "Community Test Project" phase, with "Release Candidate 1" announced as coming soon.

Joe, my one big problem with it is the same problem you're gonna have. WHS formats every drive you add to its array, so you have to start with a blank drive and copy one of your drives of existing stuff into it. After everything's copied off that drive, THEN you can add that drive into the array and start copying stuff off another drive, etc. I've still got four more drives to go.

But MAN, it's so much easier finding that stuff from the HTPC in the family room now!

As for the drives, they normally run pretty hot to the touch, but I have two of them in these things:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835702003

They work really well. Unfortunately, newegg is out of stock right now. I'm gonna buy eight more when they get 'em back in. Only place that has them in stock right now is some twit on eBay wanting almost twice newegg's price.

Oh, almost forgot.... since Windows Home Server is a server-class operating system, AVG's free antivirus program will not run on it. You'll get an error message during the install that says, "sorry, I don't do servers. Pay for the real version of the program" or something like that. So I installed ClamWinAV (also freeware) on it instead.

Have you noticed any strangeness with the beta of WMS or has it been pretty stable? It works with Vista and XP on the same network, right? I'm going to upgrade one of my systems before too long, and I'm toying with the idea of moving to Vista on the new box. Formatting of shared drives happens on all systems on your network, right? I'm interested in file security, too, since my arrays are all Raid 0, striped. I've been lucky so far, but that will change.

Maybe we should take this to PM from here.

I have so many HD files spread across so many drives
Just get a hard drive with an Ethernet connector, AKA "Network Area Storage." You can put it anywhere so you don't have to listen to it hum.

Just get a hard drive with an Ethernet connector, AKA "Network Area Storage." You can put it anywhere so you don't have to listen to it hum.

All my computers are in the basement, networked with 10/100/1000 Ethernet. Each shared drive is mapped to each computer the same way, with the same name, so that from any system the drives look almost identical. I gave up on trying to sleep with a noisy computer in my bedroom a long time ago (that's where my computer monitor/keyboard/mouse are). My new system may go in my main electronics rack, which is in a different room than my projector, to keep lights and noise to a minimum there.

All my computers are in the basement, networked with 10/100/1000 Ethernet. Each shared drive is mapped to each computer the same way, with the same name, so that from any system the drives look almost identical. I gave up on trying to sleep with a noisy computer in my bedroom a long time ago (that's where my computer monitor/keyboard/mouse are). My new system may go in my main electronics rack, which is in a different room than my projector, to keep lights and noise to a minimum there.I thought about one of the NAS drives, but I think I'm going for a triple interface drive (USB2, FW400/800) for maximum flexibility -- my Airport Exteme will share a drive via USB2. And it looks like at least some of the ethernet NAS drives only have Windows software. I'm on a "Windows is Pure Evil" rampage and trying to untie all my MS shackles, so the windows-based NAS drives are out.

Joe, you do video encoding on your PC's right? Tom's Hardware Guide did speed tests, and found all other software/hardware being equal, Vista is 18% *slower* with video encoding than XP. I'd hold off on Vista til somebody figures out how to tweak it like they finally did with XP several years back.

As for WHS, there is one bit of annoyance... the little connector icon in my editing PC's system tray is giving a warning that my server is almost full, even though when I fire up the console, there's still 200 gigabytes free. Known issue with the drive sharing stuff in WHS. Make sure you install WHS on one of your biggest drives (it just takes a 10gig partition on it).

Dean, if you have an old PC lying around it'd be worth your while to look at http://www.freenas.org based on FreeBSD. Obviously it doesn't use WHS's proprietary drive sharing (it uses regular RAID instead). And it's free.

AVS Thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=823166&page=2

KETC-9/39 and KNLC 24/14 are the stations that the FCC has thier eyes on locally. KETC claims that to buildout to thier full coverage area would be "prohibitvely expensive". In other words, they would have to go from 124 KW ERP to 900+ KW ERP, and relocate the UHF antenna to the top of the tower.

Larry Rice is self-explanatory, he needs to sell, now. KMOV gets his analog freq (24) in February 2009 for it's DTV service.

OK I have a simple question for all you computer geeks. Can a wireless router transmit through concrete. I want to put a computer on the second floor of a building and get internet access from the computer one floor down. Somebody told me a wireless could not do that because of the concrete floors.

Joe, you do video encoding on your PC's right? Tom's Hardware Guide did speed tests, and found all other software/hardware being equal, Vista is 18% *slower* with video encoding than XP. I'd hold off on Vista til somebody figures out how to tweak it like they finally did with XP several years back.

As for WHS, there is one bit of annoyance... the little connector icon in my editing PC's system tray is giving a warning that my server is almost full, even though when I fire up the console, there's still 200 gigabytes free. Known issue with the drive sharing stuff in WHS. Make sure you install WHS on one of your biggest drives (it just takes a 10gig partition on it).

Dean, if you have an old PC lying around it'd be worth your while to look at http://www.freenas.org based on FreeBSD. Obviously it doesn't use WHS's proprietary drive sharing (it uses regular RAID instead). And it's free.

I wouldn't be doing video encoding on that system. I have an Athlon 64 X2 box that I'd be using for video editing and encoding. I'd use the new system for HD DVD/Blu-ray playback and to get my feet wet with Vista. It would also become my main system for surfing, word processing, etc. I've read the reviews about Vista being slower than XP, but eventually I'll move there, and there are some things that are making their way to Vista first (like the latest video drivers from nVidia).

I submitted a request to get a copy of the MS beta of WHS - don't know how long that might take. Thanks for the tip.

OK I have a simple question for all you computer geeks. Can a wireless router transmit through concrete. I want to put a computer on the second floor of a building and get internet access from the computer one floor down. Somebody told me a wireless could not do that because of the concrete floors.
Lou,
Yep, it should. You may have to tweek the position and/or antenna angle. The frequency has the ability to travel around various routes to its destinations.
As example, if you were construct and put a wireless router inside a fully contained concrete box, it would not communicate. 2" concrete is probably porous enough, whereas 4-6" would not be. If a window was added, or a door, a ventilation system, etc., it would. Adding a repeater may be an option also. :)

Hmmm, just noticed I have only 12 more posts to go before I hit 1500 (well, this one will make it eleven). But no, I won't go autoquoting the next eleven messages just so I can say "Agreed" and bump up my post count......

Agreed - that would be wrong :D

Joe, you do video encoding on your PC's right? Tom's Hardware Guide did speed tests, and found all other software/hardware being equal, Vista is 18% *slower* with video encoding than XP. I'd hold off on Vista til somebody figures out how to tweak it like they finally did with XP several years back.

As for WHS, there is one bit of annoyance... the little connector icon in my editing PC's system tray is giving a warning that my server is almost full, even though when I fire up the console, there's still 200 gigabytes free. Known issue with the drive sharing stuff in WHS. Make sure you install WHS on one of your biggest drives (it just takes a 10gig partition on it).

Dean, if you have an old PC lying around it'd be worth your while to look at http://www.freenas.org based on FreeBSD. Obviously it doesn't use WHS's proprietary drive sharing (it uses regular RAID instead). And it's free.

Years ago I visited Tom's site but as it became more popular and got a lot of ad revenue it's slipped quite a bit IMO.

As far as Vista goes, I'd load it on a separate drive just to play around with it.

OK I have a simple question for all you computer geeks. Can a wireless router transmit through concrete. I want to put a computer on the second floor of a building and get internet access from the computer one floor down. Somebody told me a wireless could not do that because of the concrete floors.

If it is a Linksys WRT54G you could flash it with DD-WRT firmware and increase the wireless power level. I did that at work and managed to get wireless in a commercial strip mall setting in this scenario. Main office is seperated from a site by 2 other businesses in between in the strip. There are 2 cinder block walls in between. I went from barely if any wireless connection to having ~63% signal. The default xmit power is 28mW. I took it to 70mW, the firmware allows for 251mW max. This is done with factory antennas too. You could always try some high gain antennas.

Hmmm, just noticed I have only 12 more posts to go before I hit 1500 (well, this one will make it eleven). But no, I won't go autoquoting the next eleven messages just so I can say "Agreed" and bump up my post count......

Noob. ;)

DirecTV HD Plan press release:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1006125&highlight=

Summary is in addition to already announced channels they are launching all 4 Discovery channels, 5 Starz HD channels, and a couple others.

Also of important note was what was 'assumed' before which is that the HD RSNs will be going Conus - nationwide and not spotbeam.

Chris

As I said, I'll be watching this very closely. It'll be interesting to see how Dish responds to D*. We'll also have to see if D* decides to move to full 1920x1080 with the extra bandwidth. The good thing about the lawsuits we've all been reading about lately (i.e. My HD is better than your HD.) is that one of these days someone may have to prove their HD is better. It isn't that hard to prove, but let's hope all the players just decide to make their HD as good as it can be, so that HDLite will be a thing of the past. Also, here's hoping it's sooner rather than later.

Summary is in addition to already announced channels they are launching all 4 Discovery channels, 5 Starz HD channels, and a couple others.
Chris
Bud,
Are the Disc and Starz launches still contingent on the June/July satellite launch, or are they already live?

I liked seeing that long list of carriage agreements...."Pressure them Peers, boys!" :)

Noob. ;)

Agreed.

Oops.....

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6518379101

So, no comments about AI last night?

We had tons of breakups, some of them VERY prolonged.

Also did the show go long? Our DVR didn't even get the end. This is our first year watching, I guess the finale is like a sporting event and you have to set the timer for extra?????

I wish I could find out who won. It isn't on the TV, internet, anywhere, heck it's not like they flashed it on the board at the ballgame last night (with no spoiler warning no less). Haha.

Noob. ;)

Back at 'cha :D

Cheers,

I think Doug is the only one that actually knows this at this point -- but effective June 1st I'm unemployed...

A nice severance package etc, but if anyone knows of any spots available for a Senior Unix System Administrator with very strong Solaris skills, I'd love to here 'bout it.

:D

Cheers,

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6518379101I think KETC makes an excellent case for its requested waiver. Spending more than a million dollars to extend service to as little as 20,000 additional viewers is an equation only a bureaucrat would dare embrace.

Then again, I'd have no real problem if the request was denied and KETC was shuttered for ages. In an age of 200+ channels (and soon, 100 in HD!), there's really no economic justification for public funding of television, in any form, including the price breaks given to commercial stations for the public spectrum they utilize.

So, no comments about AI last night?

We had tons of breakups, some of them VERY prolonged.

Also did the show go long? Our DVR didn't even get the end. This is our first year watching, I guess the finale is like a sporting event and you have to set the timer for extra?????

I wish I could find out who won. It isn't on the TV, internet, anywhere, heck it's not like they flashed it on the board at the ballgame last night (with no spoiler warning no less). Haha.


Didn't notice the breakups; but we got in after the end of the show and tried to FF to the end only to come up short as well.

Who did win anyway ;)

Cheers,

So, no comments about AI last night?

We had tons of breakups, some of them VERY prolonged.

Also did the show go long? Our DVR didn't even get the end. This is our first year watching, I guess the finale is like a sporting event and you have to set the timer for extra?????

I wish I could find out who won. It isn't on the TV, internet, anywhere, heck it's not like they flashed it on the board at the ballgame last night (with no spoiler warning no less). Haha.
FOX does it every season for the finale. They run 10 minutes of commercial between 8:55 and 9:05, then return to the show, for the last 10 minutes.

Why? Dunno....to mess with DVR users?....to suck more ad revenue?

Sent you and John the winner in a PM.

Your breakups, Jared....OTA or SAT?

kdg:

Cut into the "official lost startup time" is the real answer ;)

Also, I guess you missed my smiley face at the end!

kdg:

Cut into the "official lost startup time" is the real answer ;)

Also, I guess you missed my smiley face at the end!
Seriously, do you know why they do it that way? They've done this every year from the 2nd season on.

Actually I'm not kidding -- it cuts into the Lost audience to an extent -- and I think by creeping over the 9:00 time they can charge the higher AI rates until 9:30.

Cheers,

Speaking of LOST. WOW! What a finale. Congrats also to the local ABC affiliate for a superb job on the HDTV pic and sound. Either this show is gonna get even better, or it jumped the shark last night. I say it gets even better.

Scott

Scott:

Thanks for no spoiliers... It's on the DVR and I haven't had time to watch it yet :)

Best,

Speaking of LOST. WOW! What a finale. Congrats also to the local ABC affiliate for a superb job on the HDTV pic and sound. Either this show is gonna get even better, or it jumped the shark last night. I say it gets even better.

Scott


I thought overall, it was pretty boring .... but a great end.

Speaking of LOST. WOW! What a finale. Congrats also to the local ABC affiliate for a superb job on the HDTV pic and sound. Either this show is gonna get even better, or it jumped the shark last night. I say it gets even better.

Scott


I thought it was a little bit of a letdown. I mean the show, not the picture or sound WRacer. You aren't writing for LOST now are you WRacer?

Josh Hancock's father suing everyone for his son's death...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/05/24/hancock.lawsuit.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

"The father of Josh Hancock filed suit Thursday, claiming a restaurant provided drinks to the St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher even though he was intoxicated prior to the crash that killed him.

The suit, filed in St. Louis Circuit Court by Dean Hancock of Tupelo, Miss., does not specify damages. Mike Shannon's Restaurant, owned by the longtime Cardinals broadcaster who starred on three World Series teams in the 1960s, is a defendant in the case along with Shannon's daughter, Patricia Shannon Van Matre, the restaurant manager.

Other defendants include Eddie's Towing, the company whose flatbed tow truck was struck by Hancock's sport utility vehicle in the early hours of April 29; tow truck driver Jacob Edward Hargrove; and Justin Tolar, the driver whose stalled car on Interstate 64 was being assisted by Hargrove."

Thought I'd share a little HTPC news I found interesting while reading about new video cards lately. I recently bought an nVidia video card (BFG 7950GT OC) and have been using it occasionally for HD DVD playback. It requires a beefy CPU to play back HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, if they use VC-1 or MPEG4 (aka H.264). The interesting news is that the new Radeon cards from ATI (now AMD, since they bought ATI) have the ability to offload virtually all the HD playback duties from the CPU to the graphics card. What this means is that you don't have to have a high end CPU if you get one of the new ATI Radeon 2400/2600 PCIe cards. They ran some movie playback tests with a Sempron 2800+ (relatively low end CPU) and the CPU utilization was less than 10% for both H.264 and VC-1 movies being played back on the PC. The 2400 is due out in July.

Just as interestingly, the video card has the capability to decode DD and DTS (even WMA) audio and send both HD video and digital audio through HDMI (without a separate audio card). The new Radeon 2400 is about $100 and can be had in a fanless form for a potentially very quiet HTPC.

When the LG Blu-ray/HD DVD combo drive comes down a little, the potential is there for a pretty cheap HTPC that will play back both types of HD discs.

You can read the article here. (http://www.hardspell.com/english/doc/showcont.asp?news_id=622&pageid=629)

The following quotes from the article say it better than I could:

"ATI Radeon HD 2000 series video play engine improved largely. We can say the improvement on HD 2000 series ATI changed more beyond our expecting."

And...

"As we mentioned ATI new products issued later than its opponents and if it has no better technology it will be passive in the market. Fortunately, its UVD engine really has the more advanced technology. In fact, in order to satisfy the consumers demands on multimedia video and audio ATI added UVD engine including digital audio functions, etc which ATI called Avivo HD. And then lets see the features:

1. Avivo HD supports all HD DVD/Blu-ray DVD pure hardware decoding acceleration. It showed us ATI has pure hardware decode abilities on Mpeg2, VC-1 and H.264.
2. Avivo HD will cover all the products.
3. Lower power consumption and noise.
4. There are products for notebook, small machine even HTPC platforms.
5. High quality vision and audio behaviors.
6. All the HD2000 series integrated digital audio decode chip.
7. Well support to HDMI and HDCP authentication."

That really says it all. The only thing I'd like to add is, well happy am I as to audio upqualitying and video leaps and boundaries, and gleeful my wallet cries, "Let my money alone after now."

Peace, outhouse.

Scott:

Thanks for no spoiliers... It's on the DVR and I haven't had time to watch it yet :)

Best,

Once everyone has seen it, I've got a question regarding the story...I won't ask yet, 'cause there's definite spoilers....

-Matt

Once everyone has seen it, I've got a question regarding the story...I won't ask yet, 'cause there's definite spoilers....

-Matt
Matt,
If you don't want to wait, I'd think you'll find your answer here:
http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/
:)

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6513081615

Joe:

Thanks for the info on the new ATI card, that may be just the ticket a number of us (including me) were looking for.

Best,

It really looks like a great solution for those of us who want to play HD video, but who have no need for a great gaming card. Ironically, both nVidia and ATI's newest high-end gaming cards don't have the support for HD playback that their newer, cheaper cards have. ATI's 2600 card look like the perfect fit for me. HD playback is going to be supported on their upcoming laptop video solutions, too, so that should make it possible to play back just about anything on a laptop computer.

It really looks like a great solution for those of us who want to play HD video, but who have no need for a great gaming card. Ironically, both nVidia and ATI's newest high-end gaming cards don't have the support for HD playback that their newer, cheaper cards have. ATI's 2600 card look like the perfect fit for me. HD playback is going to be supported on their upcoming laptop video solutions, too, so that should make it possible to play back just about anything on a laptop computer.

Unless I'm reading this wrong, nVidia's high-end gaming cards do support HD playback.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/8800_tech_specs.html

Unless I'm reading this wrong, nVidia's high-end gaming cards do support HD playback.

http://www.nvidia.com/page/8800_tech_specs.html

Yes, but not to the degree that the 8500/8600 cards do. In the same way, the ATI 2900 doesn't have the HD playback capabilities of the 2400/2600 cards. The ATI cards are even better than the nVidia cards, relieving the CPU of almost any responsibility in HD playback.

Yes, but not to the degree that the 8500/8600 cards do. In the same way, the ATI 2900 doesn't have the HD playback capabilities of the 2400/2600 cards. The ATI cards are even better than the nVidia cards, relieving the CPU of almost any responsibility in HD playback.

nVidia's PureVideo HD advertises the same - "NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600 and 8500 series GPUs feature NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD under Windows Vista™ with a revolutionary new video processing engine. They are the world’s first video processors to offload from the CPU 100% of Blu-ray and HD DVD video decoding." That functionality is now fully available with newer drivers in the 8800 series. No HDMI output, however. We'll have to see how the 2400/2600 really perform once they hit the streets (one knock on the 2900 was excessive noise, I've not seen/heard one yet).

nVidia's PureVideo HD advertises the same - "NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600 and 8500 series GPUs feature NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD under Windows Vista™ with a revolutionary new video processing engine. They are the world’s first video processors to offload from the CPU 100% of Blu-ray and HD DVD video decoding." That functionality is now fully available with newer drivers in the 8800 series. No HDMI output, however. We'll have to see how the 2400/2600 really perform once they hit the streets (one knock on the 2900 was excessive noise, I've not seen/heard one yet).

I didn't think the 8800 series had the silicon on board to do the work the 8500/8600 cards can do. If it does, then my bad. The thing that's misleading about the nVidia statement is that it says the cards "offload from the CPU 100% of Blu-ray and HD DVD video decoding." This is true if the Blu-ray or HD DVD uses H.264 (aka MPEG4), but very few titles use MPEG4. Most use VC-1, the Microsoft codec, which the nVidia cards accelerate, but don't even come close to 100% decoding. They treat VC-1 to about the same level of decoding as my nVidia 7950. I still need a dual core AMD 4200+ or equivalent Intel CPU to finish the job. With the ATI cards, the CPU is purring along at about 10% utilization (often less than 5%) while decoding VC-1. This means you can use a much slower CPU (less heat, less power consumption, less noise) with the ATI card and get the same level of decoding power as an nVidia 8500/8600 plus a dual core CPU. AND, the ATI card gives you DD, DTS or WMA on the video card and out through DVI/HDMI. (I know DVI ordinarily doesn't carry audio, but the ATI card does with a DVI to HDMI adapter.)

That's what's so exciting about the ATI cards for home theater. They address several HTPC problems at the same time.

BTW, the 2900 is not in the same league as the 2400/2600 when it comes to home theater. It's first and foremost a gaming card (thus the excess heat). It doesn't accelerate HD like its "lesser" brethren and it doesn't do audio. The 2400/2600 need no extra power and one version of the 2400 is passively cooled (not even a fan is needed).

Also, the ATI cards are supposed to work under XP and Vista, while the nVidia cards work only under Vista now. The tests I referenced earlier were done with XP.

Moving at the Speed of a Tom Glavine Change-Up...

...Charter has reached agreement to carry MLB Extra Innings:

From the Wisconsin State Journal web site:
______________________________________________________

Although about a third of the way through the Major League Baseball season, Charter, MLB and iN DEMAND have finalized an agreement to offer Charter customers the MLB Extra Innings subscription game package, Charter officials said Friday.
______________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/biz/index.php?ntid=136541&ntpid=3)

Josh Hancock's father suing everyone for his son's death...

This sucks as much as suing someone in civil court after they have been found innocent by a criminal court.......Oh, I forgot, diversity forces us to no longer deal with truth, only perception.

When are people going to be held responsible for THEIR actions. It was Josh Hancock's fault there was an accident. He is the one who decided to drink too much. He is the one who was on a cell phone. He is also the one who drove into the truck. His father should sue Josh Hancock.

Did these defendants stand around Josh Hancock with guns and force him to drink and use the phone? Did they torture him? It was his decision.

I'm sorry someone so young is gone but it appears to be just another lawyer trying to get rich through someone's misfortune.

Walt

Actually it shouldn't have increased the price. MSFT made a major tactical error in an effort to squeak out short term profit. Why?

18 months after release we should have seen a price drop in the 360. For all intents and purposes it was in place. In fact, Europe saw a price drop. This should have happened 4Q06 or 1Q07.

What DID happen was Sony is stupid. They released the PS3 at $499/$599. It didn't sell well. Instead of continuing with the original plan and dropping the Xbox Core to $199/$249 and the Elite to $299/$349 to kill the PS3 once and for all - MSFT went the other route. They gave us the Elite at an even HIGHER price. Crazy!

IF MSFT really wanted to win the next gen war they would have had an overly aggressive price drop in 4Q06 to $199/$299 AND released the Elite for $399 W/HD-DVD. That would have forced Sony to either drop the PS3 price or concede the battle for a year or more. And MSFT would've still been profitable.

Oh well - it is what it is... I would've bought an Elite w/hd-dvd for $399 or even $449. But as it is, I'm not buying on principal! :D

Chris


That makes a TON of sense. I only recently purchased the 360, about 3 months ago. I bought a bundle at Sams that included the pro system along w/ a Play and Charge kit, and second wireless controller, headset, etc. Good deal. But, even so, if the Elite had an HD-DVD player, I'd go buy it now and sell my other one.

I've considered doing it anyway because I want HDMI so badly.

This sucks as much as suing someone in civil court after they have been found innocent by a criminal court.......Oh, I forgot, diversity forces us to no longer deal with truth, only perception.

When are people going to be held responsible for THEIR actions. It was Josh Hancock's fault there was an accident. He is the one who decided to drink too much. He is the one who was on a cell phone. He is also the one who drove into the truck. His father should sue Josh Hancock.

Did these defendants stand around Josh Hancock with guns and force him to drink and use the phone? Did they torture him? It was his decision.

I'm sorry someone so young is gone but it appears to be just another lawyer trying to get rich through someone's misfortune.

Walt

Thank you, couldnt have said it better myself

Thank you, couldn't have said it better myself
I think if Dean Hancock can sue the Towing Company, Tow Truck Driver, and Motorist on Josh's' behalf, then the Towing Company, Tow Truck Driver, and Motorist should be able to sue Dean Hancock for the lifelong trauma caused them, by his son's actions.
They are probably just happy to still be alive.

Clearly, acceptance of responsibility and consequences for ones actions, trickles downhill in the Hancock family. :mad:

BTW, does Shannon's have high def displays? Just trying to keep it close.

BTW, does Shannon's have high def displays? Just trying to keep it close.

Gosh, I don't know. I am afraid to go there as they might make me drunk and have an accident. Maybe I could call them on the phone. :)

Walt

Gosh, I don't know. I am afraid to go there as they might make me drunk and have an accident. Maybe I could call them on the phone. :)

Walt

Dare I say like it or not the restaurant has an obligation to monitor the intoxification of its patrons. What if Hancock had killed one of your loved ones along with himself? I guess you wouldn't hold Shannons responsible in any way? Yes, Hancock was an adult and should have known better, but there's more to it than that.

They offered him a cab. He lied and said he was walking across the street and staying at the Westin.

Can bars legally compel patrons to give up their keys? I don't know. What are the recourses of a bar if a patron is, in their view, clearly unable to drive? Can they forcibly keep them there?

I suppose you could discuss all this on the MYFOXSTL Forums .... can we get back on topic?

I have to comment on Doug's (DropTheRemote's) recent calibration of my Sharp 20000 projector. As usual, Doug was the consummate professional, spending all the time that was needed to dial in the projector for a beautiful picture. I had been living with what were pretty much the factory settings for the first few hundred hours while I worked on resolving some issues with my home theater. Doug spent several hours working on the Sharp. When all was said and done, I was looking at skin that actually looked like skin. The same could be said for grass and sky. The difference was remarkable.

This Sharp has a color management system that made the calibration far easier than it was for my old Optoma H79, and Doug was able to get the colors spot on. The report he sent me with the calibration numbers showed both the primary and secondary colors were nearly perfect.

I am extremely pleased with this Sharp projector, and Sharp is at the top of my list when I consider shopping for another unit (hopefully, a few years from now). And Doug will be the first person I call when that happens.

I suppose you could discuss all this on the MYFOXSTL Forums .... can we get back on topic?

You must be kidding right? If this thread remained solely on topic, I would rarely read it. One of the things that make this thread interesting is the local flavor and variety of things we stray to form time to time. Like Joe in the previous post speaking about calibration. I for one welcome any subtopic here form all of you whom I've come to think of as friends. :)

Scott

Hey Joe,

Wow, I'm really happy for you!! I know first hand how good Doug is with video. I'll have to get over there and check out your improvements. I'm headed to Rolla for a few days, and I'll give you a call when I'm back.

Adrian

You must be kidding right? If this thread remained solely on topic, I would rarely read it. One of the things that make this thread interesting is the local flavor and variety of things we stray to form time to time. Like Joe in the previous post speaking about calibration. I for one welcome any subtopic here form all of you whom I've come to think of as friends. :)

Scott
Oh man, we're overdue for one of our quarterly mod time-out visits.
I, for one, am ashamed of myself.

hanging my head :(

I think there are some local VLC gurus out there. Can anyone point me to the VLC keyboard shortcuts? I've just ordered an HD Homerun and a lot of people seem to use VLC with it. I can't seem to find the kybd shortcuts, though.

Sorry for staying off topic, but here is a different spin on the lawsuit and a place to discuss it if doing so here should cease. Please note for those of you who don't know poster "BernieM" is Bernie Miklasz, not just some bozo spouting off at the mouth. Ok, maybe you still think he is some bozo spouting off at the mouth, but he may have a slight amount of extra information about the situation not available to us. Anyway here is the link, I found his thoughts interesting at least.

http://www.stltoday.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=458723&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

Watched part of the Cardinals game on KSDK... very sad. A little pixelation, but not too bad. What saddened me is the obvious loss of "detail" on these stations that have divided up their bandwidth.

A striking example was a point when Rolen was batting. You could see clear gradiation in the flesh tones in his face. This was equally evident on LiL Satellite and OTA. There is no reason we should see this type of behavior in a locally developed and broadcast OTA picture. I will freely admit the overall quality was much better than ESPN on D* (no crawling grass, blocking, etc), but it still wasn't what a locally produced HD event should be...

Oh well - I guess we may never see what locally produced sports would look like at full bandwidth. I guess we can always hope KMOV or KTVI put in their HD facilities and give us some uncompromised locally produced content.

Chris

Hey Joe,

I use VLC in my editing PC.... is this what you're looking for?

http://www.videolan.org/doc/play-howto/en/ch03.html#id289944

Scroll down a little over half the page when you get there.....

Watched part of the Cardinals game on KSDK... very sad. A little pixelation, but not too bad. What saddened me is the obvious loss of "detail" on these stations that have divided up their bandwidth.

A striking example was a point when Rolen was batting. You could see clear gradiation in the flesh tones in his face. This was equally evident on LiL Satellite and OTA. There is no reason we should see this type of behavior in a locally developed and broadcast OTA picture. I will freely admit the overall quality was much better than ESPN on D* (no crawling grass, blocking, etc), but it still wasn't what a locally produced HD event should be...

Oh well - I guess we may never see what locally produced sports would look like at full bandwidth. I guess we can always hope KMOV or KTVI put in their HD facilities and give us some uncompromised locally produced content.

Chris

Gotta disagree with ya Chris...

KMOV's bandwidth never recovered after they started multicasting an election results channel on election night last year. There's nothing on that second channel now, but it's still sucking bandwidth and 4-1 still looks no better than 5-1 in my opinion.

OTOH KTVI's bandwidth has always been ridiculously low anyway (bitrate is often lower than what I use on my 720x480 DVD-R's).

The only channel with the capability to show an HD sporting event in its full glory right now is KDNL. Too bad they don't have any local contracts.

Anyone else lose KDNL-DT and KPLR-DT? I get KDNL-DT via D* fine, but OTA is gone.

Anyone else lose KDNL-DT and KPLR-DT? I get KDNL-DT via D* fine, but OTA is gone.

Both come in fine here.

Scott

Okay, thanks Scott. I adjusted the gain on my amp last night and that could be why I lost
it. But when went to a TV that doesn't have the amp on it, it was gone, too. So I thought
it could have been the storms.

Then I was wondering, if it was the storms why would D* still have KDNL-DT cuz I think
they get their feed from OTA.

EDIT: Well, I just readjusted the gain and the channels are back. WOW, I had only
adjusted it up by about 1/8 of a turn.

Well, well, well....

When I walked into the shower this morning, my P4 PC, thankfully no longer my main encoding/editing workstation, was chugging away with a TS to x264 encoding job... though it's not my main machine I do still use it for encoding once in a while.

When I came out of the shower, it was OFF. Thinking to myself, "not good," I turned it back on. There was a loud POP, no POST beep, and the monitor never came on. I started disconnecting things to isolate the problem and unfortunately, it's either the mobo or the CPU (also tried a different power supply with no luck). It starts to turn on, but gives no POST beep and just sits there not giving any output.

If I knew for a fact the mobo is the problem and the CPU is still intact, this would be a lot easier... mwave.com has a Socket 478 mobo from Asrock for only $40 that I could just swap in. But I don't know that for a fact.

Even if I do figure out whether it's the CPU or the mobo, I doubt I'm going to replace one without the other. After all, why put more money into an old, outdated Socket 478/P4 platform?

So I guess I'm gonna go hit newegg and tigerdirect for CPU/mobo combo specials and see what I come up with.... though I'll no doubt also have to replace the RAM and video card.

Hope y'all are having a better Memorial Day than I am (rolls eyes)...........

Well, well, well....


Think of it as an opportunity! Now you get to spend money that was slated for either savings, investment, or some worthless expense you would've forgotten about in 2 weeks! Instead that money gets to go into something that will provide you tons of challenges in getting it working, hours of research in trying to find the right one, and ultimately performance that will have you wondering why you didn't do this months before! :p

As far as the bandwidth - I guess I was hoping they would dedicate more to the stream if they had local content - kindof a kick in the arse. But I guess they figure if they put it in their back pocket its potential $$$ down the road when someone (or corporate) gives them something to show...

Chris

P.S. - As far as Memorial Day I think I have you beat... I've been fighting strep that decided to come on Friday night and will likely take enough of a backseat by morning that the only thing it will accomplish is ruin my entire weekend... sigh.

Hey Joe,

I use VLC in my editing PC.... is this what you're looking for?

http://www.videolan.org/doc/play-howto/en/ch03.html#id289944

Scroll down a little over half the page when you get there.....

Thanks, Bob. I found it in a slightly different place in the version I'm using.

Watched part of the Cardinals game on KSDK... very sad. A little pixelation, but not too bad. What saddened me is the obvious loss of "detail" on these stations that have divided up their bandwidth.

A striking example was a point when Rolen was batting. You could see clear gradiation in the flesh tones in his face. This was equally evident on LiL Satellite and OTA. There is no reason we should see this type of behavior in a locally developed and broadcast OTA picture. I will freely admit the overall quality was much better than ESPN on D* (no crawling grass, blocking, etc), but it still wasn't what a locally produced HD event should be...

Oh well - I guess we may never see what locally produced sports would look like at full bandwidth. I guess we can always hope KMOV or KTVI put in their HD facilities and give us some uncompromised locally produced content.

Chris

Cox Cable here in Tulsa has been picking up KSDK's HD games. I finally got a chance to see a bit of one this weekend. I thought it was absolutely pristine. One of the cleanest looking HD presentations I've seen in a while, so I feel bad for you guys. My only complaint was that the score graphic hung too low from the top of the sceen.

My only complaint was that the score graphic hung too low from the top of the sceen.

I agree.

EDIT: Well, I just readjusted the gain and the channels are back. WOW, I had only
adjusted it up by about 1/8 of a turn.

You know what they say. "No gain, no pain." ;)

Scott

P.S. - As far as Memorial Day I think I have you beat... I've been fighting strep that decided to come on Friday night and will likely take enough of a backseat by morning that the only thing it will accomplish is ruin my entire weekend... sigh.


Don't be bringing your viruses to this forum geesh. :D

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

...for the following St. Louis housekeeping break:

In the past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information about HDTV and over-the-air reception. Although those messages were moved to the new thread here that was started in January, that information is still easily overlooked as the new thread is growing rapidly, approaching 75 pages in a relatively short period.

So, in order to make this introductory information more accessible, I will be periodically reposting this advisory/reminder note. The idea is to make the general resource information available here more visible and easier to find for more readers.

With HDTV sales increasing every month, we're getting more and more newcomers here, which is a great thing to see. But like most of us when we took home our first HDTV, there's a huge amount to learn beyond where to point the remote and which buttons to push.

Hopefully, you'll find this information of some use...

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713839&&#post9713839)

Resources for Receiving Digital/HD OTA Local Stations via an Antenna (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713842&&#post9713842)

Frequently Asked Questions about HDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995791&&#post2995791)

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10464913&&#post10464913)

Why Isn't KMOV-DT (CBS) Available via Charter? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9341270&&#post9341270)

St. Louis Blues 2006-07 HD Broadcast Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8678636&&#post8678636)

New! St. Louis Cardinals 2007 HD Broadcast Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10174447#post10174447)

2006 Survey Results: HDTV in St. Louis

Part 1: Profile of Survey Respondents (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713951&&#post9713951)

Part 2: Local Digital Stations (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713954&&#post9713954)

Part 3: Digital Multicasting (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713956&&#post9713956)

Part 4: Customer Ratings for Charter, DirecTV & DISH HD Services (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713960&&#post9713960)

Part 5: Customer Ratings for Pay TV HD Channels (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713963&&#post9713963)

Part 6: Best Picture/Sound Ratings & HD Wish Lists (http://http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713965&&#post9713965)

Finally, I want to remind everyone that you can access the St. Louis HDTV discussion here at AVS directly by using the shortcut URL that has been arranged.

The short-form URL also makes it very easy to remember and give the address to anyone you know who's just getting into HDTV.

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

Robert, just out of curiosity -- and I can't remember -- how many PCs are you running at your place?

Robert, just out of curiosity -- and I can't remember -- how many PCs are you running at your place?

Five...

The HTPC, the editing/encoding station, the e-mail/office PC (currently dead as a doornail), the big media server, and the little media server.

I'm in the process of removing everything from the big server because Microsoft has decided not to allow users of the Beta testing "Windows Home Server" operating system to upgrade to the next version over the current version. We have to copy everything off of it, do an entirely new install from scratch, and then copy everything back into it. I still have over a terabyte and a half to move off of it. :mad:

I haven't decided if I'm going to upgrade after going through all this. Might just try FreeNAS instead (it's freeware based on FreeBSD).

Far as the office PC in the bedroom goes, I think I've found my new mobo/CPU:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3127353&CatId=1619

Not quite a state of the art Core2Duo, but it'll smoke the P4 that died today. And I'll be able to reuse my existing DDR400 RAM.

Well, well, well....

I turned it back on. There was a loud POP, no POST beep, and the monitor never came on. I started disconnecting things to isolate the problem and unfortunately, it's either the mobo or the CPU (also tried a different power supply with no luck). It starts to turn on, but gives no POST beep and just sits there not giving any output.



Since you heard a loud pop and the power supply does not appear to be the problem, my bet is a capacitor on the mobo blew. Other possibility could be a power transistor, but either way highly likely to be the mobo. Since you heard a pop, visual inspection should quickly identify which part went bad as it should have left a burn mark or have a cracked or burned case. If you don't know what they look like, the caps look like aluminum cans with a plastic sleeve. On my P4 mobo most of the power transistors look like the picture on this page http://www.electroniccomponents.globalsources.com/gsol/I/FET-MOSFET/a/9000000085806.htm

Hope this is in the right forum. I have a bedroom tv with ATSC and QAM tuners. It only has one cable input and charter has encrypted the local HD. Is there any way to hook up OTA and and cable with only the one input?
Thanks

I'm in the process of removing everything from the big server because Microsoft has decided not to allow users of the Beta testing "Windows Home Server" operating system to upgrade to the next version over the current version.
With only five machines, what is the advantage of a specified server over a simpler peer-to-peer network?

They offered him a cab. He lied and said he was walking across the street and staying at the Westin.

Can bars legally compel patrons to give up their keys? I don't know. What are the recourses of a bar if a patron is, in their view, clearly unable to drive? Can they forcibly keep them there?

No. But...if they were HONESTLY concerned, they could have stopped him. There are always TONS of cops around at those places...ESPECIALLY during a Cubs/Cards weekend.

Hope this is in the right forum. I have a bedroom tv with ATSC and QAM tuners. It only has one cable input and charter has encrypted the local HD. Is there any way to hook up OTA and and cable with only the one input?
Thanks
Yes, Boydn, correct forum....sometimes discussions run a bit off course here. :)

I don't know the answer to your question, but someone here will.
You may also be able to find the answer here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=805958

Far as the office PC in the bedroom goes, I think I've found my new mobo/CPU:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3127353&CatId=1619

Not quite a state of the art Core2Duo, but it'll smoke the P4 that died today. And I'll be able to reuse my existing DDR400 RAM.

I have the Abit (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1893825,00.asp) version that is similar to that Asus board. Minus the parallel port, a couple of more memory slots and passive heatpipe cooling. I got tired of replacing noisy Northbrige fans. Like you, I wanted to keep (my two gigs) DDR Ram. It's been a very stable board. I usually get an Asus or Abit board. My last two boards have happened to be Abit, but I liked all of my Asus boards too. Socket 939 is long in the tooth, but I have no reason to upgrade and it's plenty fast for now with a couple of Raptor hard drives and OCZ RAM.

Since it's going in your bedroom, have a look here at the Asus and Abit versions.
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=25303

With only five machines, what is the advantage of a specified server over a simpler peer-to-peer network?

So I don't have to go hunting through four PC's when I want to watch a certain movie on the HTPC. Besides, the big server, by the time I'm done with it, will have TWELVE 750gig drives to store HD movies and TV shows on!

After I replace the mobo on the PC in the bedroom, that is (rolls eyes)....

I have the Abit (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1893825,00.asp) version that is similar to that Asus board. Minus the parallel port, a couple of more memory slots and passive heatpipe cooling. I got tired of replacing noisy Northbrige fans. Like you, I wanted to keep (my two gigs) DDR Ram. It's been a very stable board. I usually get an Asus or Abit board. My last two boards have happened to be Abit, but I liked all of my Asus boards too. Socket 939 is long in the tooth, but I have no reason to upgrade and it's plenty fast for now with a couple of Raptor hard drives and OCZ RAM.



Wouldn't you know, nobody has that Abit board in stock anymore. Not newegg, not tigerdirect.... there aren't even any used ones on eBay! Too bad, actually looks a wee bit better for my needs than the Asus. Oh well, can't complain too much, the Asus board in the editing PC has simply been a dream performance-wise. I don't mind sticking with Asus again.

On the other hand, the board that just blew was a Soyo. It's the second Soyo mobo I've had major problems with. Also the second Soyo board that was supposed to be free after mail-in rebates that never showed up. I'll never buy another Soyo product as long as I live.

Since we're sharing on HTPC mobo's, has anyone had any experience with Gigabyte mobo's? I've had only one and had no problems with it. I'm looking at this one...

Gigabyte motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128034)

It's on the list of recommended mobo's in the HTPC section of AVS and I'd be using it as an upgrade for an aging MyHD system. I want Firewire, gig Ethernet and PCIe video, which it has, for a really good price. (I know I'll have to disable one of the CPU's when I'm using it for MyHD playback across the network.)

Wouldn't you know, nobody has that Abit board in stock anymore. Not newegg, not tigerdirect.... there aren't even any used ones on eBay! Too bad, actually looks a wee bit better for my needs than the Asus. Oh well, can't complain too much, the Asus board in the editing PC has simply been a dream performance-wise. I don't mind sticking with Asus again.

Bob,
PCProgress shows 14 in stock HERE (http://www.pcprogress.com/product.asp?PID=ABFATAL1TYAN8SLI&m1=sz)
:)

Bob,
PCProgress shows 14 in stock HERE (http://www.pcprogress.com/product.asp?PID=ABFATAL1TYAN8SLI&m1=sz)
:)

$175 for a refurb and then more for the CPU seems a bit steep. Tiger's $229 price on the Asus includes the 4400 X2 CPU.

Joe, I've only had one Gigabyte mobo and it was about five years ago with an AthlonXP 2000. Constant reboots were the order of the day. After months of cursing, I finally found the chipset fan had been DOA. Have no way of knowing if that was part of a trend or something, could have just been one bad apple out of the whole tree of otherwise good ones.

Since we're sharing on HTPC mobo's, has anyone had any experience with Gigabyte mobo's? I've had only one and had no problems with it. I'm looking at this one...

Gigabyte motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128034)

It's on the list of recommended mobo's in the HTPC section of AVS and I'd be using it as an upgrade for an aging MyHD system. I want Firewire, gig Ethernet and PCIe video, which it has, for a really good price. (I know I'll have to disable one of the CPU's when I'm using it for MyHD playback across the network.)

Well Joe, newegg's customer reviews of that board are almost uniformly excellent, so I'd say it's worth a look. Maybe my experience with Gigabyte was an exception, not the rule?

Edit: Won't work for my needs, though.... I want to reuse the DDR400 memory I already have. This board takes newer 240-pin DDR800.

One more post and I break 1500. Woo hoo!

Far as the office PC in the bedroom goes, I think I've found my new mobo/CPU:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3127353&CatId=1619

Not quite a state of the art Core2Duo, but it'll smoke the P4 that died today. And I'll be able to reuse my existing DDR400 RAM.


You should look at the Core 2 Duo. The 4300 and the 6320 both are awesome chips and around $150 or less. These two chips have 9x multipliers and overclock to 3.0GHz with no worries. I have the 4300 in a Gigabyte mobo running at 3.0G. This setup is on par with the price for that combo. I went newegg because the shipping seems to be cheaper than tiger.


On another note, I had Doug out to work his magic on my 60" Pioneer Plasma. I thought it was great before but now it is stunning. I have had friends over and they ask me what I did to make it look so good over how great it was. I just tell them that is what callibration does for ya. I have since watched Pirates of the Carribean 1 and 2 on BluRay and loved it. I will go in more details later once Doug has his final report done.

Joe:

It will certainly suit the needs -- I'm quite happy with the Asus I'm using as well.

Cheers,

One more post and I break 1500. Woo hoo!

I think you should be docked 75 posts for going off topic... :D

Chris

Since we're sharing on HTPC mobo's, has anyone had any experience with Gigabyte mobo's? I've had only one and had no problems with it. I'm looking at this one...

Gigabyte motherboard

It's on the list of recommended mobo's in the HTPC section of AVS and I'd be using it as an upgrade for an aging MyHD system. I want Firewire, gig Ethernet and PCIe video, which it has, for a really good price. (I know I'll have to disable one of the CPU's when I'm using it for MyHD playback across the network.)


Ordered one just the other day, should be here today. I'll let you know how it works out.

Hey all. Just got 2 MacBook Pros, an Airport Extreme, and an Airport Express. :D
I'm thinking about getting an Apple TV. Anybody using one? What do you think?

Hey all. Just got 2 MacBook Pros, an Airport Extreme, and an Airport Express. :D
I'm thinking about getting an Apple TV. Anybody using one? What do you think?

I'm a lifelong Mac user and I'm not so hot on the AppleTV - it really limits you to what you can view on the TV without some serioius hacking (ie, different codecs, etc.). I just use my MacBook pro as a "home theater PC" when I need to. DVI to HDMI on the tv, and the MacBook's headphone jack is also an optical out, so you get true dolby. Between Quicktime and VLC you can watch everything.

I still want a MacMini as a dedicated HTPC, and I've heard they are about to be discontinued.

Bob,
PCProgress shows 14 in stock HERE (http://www.pcprogress.com/product.asp?PID=ABFATAL1TYAN8SLI&m1=sz)
:)

Close Ken, but that's a different board. The Northbridge fan gives it away. :)

Since we're sharing on HTPC mobo's, has anyone had any experience with Gigabyte mobo's? I've had only one and had no problems with it. I'm looking at this one...

Gigabyte motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813128034)

It's on the list of recommended mobo's in the HTPC section of AVS and I'd be using it as an upgrade for an aging MyHD system. I want Firewire, gig Ethernet and PCIe video, which it has, for a really good price. (I know I'll have to disable one of the CPU's when I'm using it for MyHD playback across the network.)

Gigabyte boards are usually a basic, solid performer. If you don't have any use for the the serial ports or parallel port, be sure to disable them in the BIOS. FWIW, my last 2 boards have not had serial or parallel ports

I like the passive heatsink but I would not trust how it ships from the factory. You may want to pull that off, wipe off all the factory thermal paste and reapply your own. Video cards used to be the worst offenders. There was usually a blob or sometimes just a speck of cheap thermal paste not evenly applied. You will need 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Walgreens carries it. Most stores carry the 70%, but the 91% is better for cleaning. If there is a lot of goo, use an old towel to get it all off. Then finish cleaning it and polish if off well with a lint free cloth. 3M makes good lint free cloths and are cheap enough to toss out. Then reapply the thermal paste with a credit card or other stiff plastic. Since this heatsink is not going on the CPU you can get away with using your clean fingertips. Purists never touch thermal paste. :) It actually traps skin cells.

I found one forum (http://www.futurehardware.in/forum13/) for Gigabyte boards.

Wouldn't you know, nobody has that Abit board in stock anymore. Not newegg, not tigerdirect.... there aren't even any used ones on eBay! Too bad, actually looks a wee bit better for my needs than the Asus. Oh well, can't complain too much, the Asus board in the editing PC has simply been a dream performance-wise. I don't mind sticking with Asus again.

On the other hand, the board that just blew was a Soyo. It's the second Soyo mobo I've had major problems with. Also the second Soyo board that was supposed to be free after mail-in rebates that never showed up. I'll never buy another Soyo product as long as I live.

They have been gone for quite awhile. Some early boards did have a capacitor bulge and USB 2 would bog down with huge file tranfers. I just popped a USB card in my case and my board shipped after the bad capacitor. Abit just left it off! :eek:

Back in the day, Soyo motherboards like the Dragon series were overclocker dream boards. I've never owned one. I had an iWill briefly and returned it. I guess I'm showing my age, but I prefer working with motherboards I know like Asus and Abit. It's also nice to know their BIOS inside and out too. All but one Asus board is still in use by family members. The one that didn't survive went up in smoke when I replaced the EPROM upside down! :D

Just wanted to acknowledge the recent positive comments here about calibration results and say that I definitely appreciate the feedback. Thanks very much, guys.

Although I've been reading along here (and yes, moving my lips), I haven't had much time for posting recently. Or maybe I'm just giving Robert and Chris a real chance to catch up... ;)

Actually I've been spending the bulk of my free time working on a new web site for the ISF Forum. This one will actually be open to the public and will include newsfeeds, FAQs, feature stories and a blog, all focused on "the high quality home viewing experience."

Obviously calibration will be a part of that mission, but it won't be anything like the exclusive focus of the public site. Of course, the new site won't be any replacement for our beloved AVS, but hopefully it will be the sort of place that some of you will find it worth checking into a few times a week.

For anyone here who might be interested, I'll be sure to announce when the site is actually open. That probably won't be happening before the end of June.

Time for me to get back to work...

So I've recently had some bad luck with a 15 month old Philips Plasma -- after much run around and long stories, they have given me an out of warranty exemption, which means they will pay for parts, but not labor. I'm not a happy camper having a $2000 TV last only this long --- anyhow, here is my choice of Service Providers so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with them:

Mid America Service in St. Charles
Schneider TV in St. Louis
Townsend TV in Granite City, IL

I live in St. Louis, so Schneider is most convienent. Any thoughts would be appreciated. If the labor is going to be outrageous, I may just sell the TV as is cause I'm so pissed at the Philips brand.

So I've recently had some bad luck with a 15 month old Philips Plasma -- after much run around and long stories, they have given me an out of warranty exemption, which means they will pay for parts, but not labor. I'm not a happy camper having a $2000 TV last only this long --- anyhow, here is my choice of Service Providers so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with them:

Mid America Service in St. Charles
Schneider TV in St. Louis
Townsend TV in Granite City, IL

I live in St. Louis, so Schneider is most convienent. Any thoughts would be appreciated. If the labor is going to be outrageous, I may just sell the TV as is cause I'm so pissed at the Philips brand.

Yes, I've had experience with all of them. Schneider is by far the best choice here.

Scott

Yes, I've had experience with all of them. Schneider is by far the best choice here.

Scott

Thanks Scott.

BTW, nobody should ever buy a Philips (or Magnavox) plasma or LCD TV :cool:

I have a Philips 23" LCD HDTV and other than the huge overscan issues, it isn't bad.

But I do feel your pain.

I'm a lifelong Mac user and I'm not so hot on the AppleTV - it really limits you to what you can view on the TV without some serioius hacking (ie, different codecs, etc.). I just use my MacBook pro as a "home theater PC" when I need to. DVI to HDMI on the tv, and the MacBook's headphone jack is also an optical out, so you get true dolby. Between Quicktime and VLC you can watch everything.

I still want a MacMini as a dedicated HTPC, and I've heard they are about to be discontinued.Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you haven't actually used one though, right? I'm aware of it's limitations, but I have no plans to tether my MBP to the HT system. I could do that with my Dell laptop as well, but didn't. I set it once to get it working and ended up never doing it again because of the inconvenience of it. That's why I'm interested in the Apple TV. It just integrates with what I have without me having to change the way I use my laptop. Now that there's a 160GB version that's what I'll get if I decide to buy one. I'm in no rush though.

Steve Jobs today, in an interview with Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal:

"We're in two businesses today, we'll be very shortly in three businesses and a hobby. One is our Mac business, second is our music business, third business is the phone business, handsets. And the hobby is Apple TV."

A hobby? Beware.

Honestly, the main reason I'm interested in Apple TV is to watch video pod-casts, and maybe an occasional TV show. For my wife, the iTunes integration will be really handy, instead of plugging the ipod into the system. I don't need to play DVDs from my MBP as I have a great player (Arcam).

Honestly, the main reason I'm interested in Apple TV is to watch video pod-casts, and maybe an occasional TV show. For my wife, the iTunes integration will be really handy, instead of plugging the ipod into the system. I don't need to play DVDs from my MBP as I have a great player (Arcam).

Then you are the perfect AppleTV customer, and I'm not saying that to be a smart ass. Its just that kind of appliance.

My only experience with Apple is the iPod. I got my first about 5 years ago, and since have upgraded to my 4th.

It is the highest maintenance electronic device I own, or have ever owned. Updates are relentless. Seems like every time I open iTunes, a newer version is available for download.

I love the iPod, I use it extensively, so much so, I have a custom molded set of professional buds, costing more than the iPod itself. However, I find the software, though easy, is tedious, cumbersome, and an overall nuisance.

It has soured my taste for anything else Apple.

My only experience with Apple is the iPod. I got my first about 5 years ago, and since have upgraded to my 4th.

It is the highest maintenance electronic device I own, or have ever owned. Updates are relentless. Seems like every time I open iTunes, a newer version is available for download.

I love the iPod, I use it extensively, so much so, I have a custom molded set of professional buds, costing more than the iPod itself. However, I find the software, though easy, is tedious, cumbersome, and an overall nuisance.

It has soured my taste for anything else Apple.

I dunno .. there hasn't been an update since the AppleTV came out. They do update to conform to any iTunes and/or Quicktime updates. Be glad they do so it works :) I love the fact that it doubles as a hard drive, so I can carry around data as well. It has many purposes. I dont' watch much video on mine though, screen is too small.

We have a saying in the Mac World .... "lolzunes!"

Okay, seriously..I've asked this question a few times without any results.

The KPLR/CW HD feed is getting even worse! I didn't think that could be possible. It now pixellates and drops out every few seconds! It is truly unwatchable. I have tried to email the tech department....guess what, the email address listed on their site doesn't exist!. I try calling the main phone number...it just rings and rings and rings.

Seriously, who is in charge of this poor excuse for a TV station! They should be completely ashamed. Does anyone actually watch this channel?

I am watching via Charter, but just as bad OTA too with good signal strength.

I dunno .. there hasn't been an update since the AppleTV came out. They do update to conform to any iTunes and/or Quicktime updates. Be glad they do so it works :) I love the fact that it doubles as a hard drive, so I can carry around data as well. It has many purposes. I dont' watch much video on mine though, screen is too small.

We have a saying in the Mac World .... "lolzunes!"
Like I said, I love the device....it's one of those, "don't know how I, without it" things. :) I don't watch much vid either, but it is my photo album and contact lists device of choice.
And, maybe it's being PC forever. Like everyone else, I use a lot of different software, many linking with, and conforming with State and Federal Government, and we all know how cumbersome that can be. I just find iTunes/iPod overkill. Just seems, to me anyway, to be too much to keep up with, for such a simple device as it is to use.

I've had the others, (MP3's), ordered them, tried them, and sent them back. Nothing comes close to the iPod. Admittedly, I've tossed around the idea of getting a MAC...and may someday yet....just not today. :)

Okay, seriously..I've asked this question a few times without any results.

The KPLR/CW HD feed is getting even worse! I didn't think that could be possible. It now pixellates and drops out every few seconds! It is truly unwatchable. I have tried to email the tech department....guess what, the email address listed on their site doesn't exist!. I try calling the main phone number...it just rings and rings and rings.

Seriously, who is in charge of this poor excuse for a TV station! They should be completely ashamed. Does anyone actually watch this channel?

I am watching via Charter, but just as bad OTA too with good signal strength.

On my Dish 622 and my MyHD cards, this is the worst station, bar none. I watch Smallville, and I used to keep them saved on the computer, but now it's just not worth it.

KPLR is the worst - it makes the rest of the problems on 4,5,2,9 seem trivial.

Since we're sharing on HTPC mobo's, has anyone had any experience with Gigabyte mobo's? I've had only one and had no problems with it.

I have two GA-K8NS AMD socket 754 mobos. Each has been in service over 3 years. One has a Sempron processor, the other an Athlon 64. They are not overclocked and both have been rock solid stable and reliable.

On my Dish 622 and my MyHD cards, this is the worst station, bar none. I watch Smallville, and I used to keep them saved on the computer, but now it's just not worth it.

KPLR is the worst - it makes the rest of the problems on 4,5,2,9 seem trivial.
It IS awful! After the Cards dropped CW11, the only show I continued to watch was Smallville, which I've also given up on. I still keep up with the show through Internet sharing. Both the Dish SAT and OTA are just as bad. It became so frustrating, I also just gave up on the channel. If it's even possible, I think it got worse after the CW takeover.

Joe--there is a pretty nifty means of getting the Smallville stuff downloaded, if you're interested. I don't know if its HD, I just view it on the PC, which doesn't have HD capability, but at least it doesn't break up. :)

Thanks for all the feedback on motherboards, everyone. I'm still researching, and looking more closely at the Core 2 Duo systems. The Gigabyte mobo I had is still in service - I gave it to my sister when I had a bad case of upgraditis. (What am I saying - I *always* have upgraditis. It just flares up worse at some times than others.) Anyway, she's used it for a couple of years now without a problem.

I did manage to see all the Smallville's this year, but I have to say I'm having a harder time caring about the show, as much for the 180 degree character and plot turns as the bad CW11 broadcasts. And then there's their favorite *surprise* move - someone turns around and another person has mysteriously entered the room without their having heard it. I think it's a show full of deaf people, although you'd think Clark's super hearing might give him an edge.

Honestly, the main reason I'm interested in Apple TV is to watch video pod-casts, and maybe an occasional TV show. For my wife, the iTunes integration will be really handy, instead of plugging the ipod into the system. I don't need to play DVDs from my MBP as I have a great player (Arcam).


Dean,
Have you looked into the the sling box? I use it to stream my DVR and TV to my laptop while traveling but I am fairly certain that people do the opposite also.
There are three versions and the top of the line will even do high def and several devices. This is a very cool devise with excellent customer service. I am a Mac guy and this even feels like an excellently designed Apple product.

http://us.slingmedia.com/page/slingboxpro.html

pwsher

Hope this is in the right forum. I have a bedroom tv with ATSC and QAM tuners. It only has one cable input and charter has encrypted the local HD. Is there any way to hook up OTA and and cable with only the one input?
Thanks

I don't know if it would work but....I received a flier from Skywalker in the recent past. They had a device that looked like a splitter that they claimed would allow an antenna feed and a Directv feed to a TV over one coax. There was no cost stated and I don't know if it will work with Charter but you could call and ask.

Walt

Dean,
Have you looked into the the sling box? .. . This is a very cool devise with excellent customer service. I am a Mac guy and this even feels like an excellently designed Apple product.pwsher

I have been extremely happy with my Slingbox (AV version not HD) as well.
It has worked flawlessly without a reboot or powercycle since Jan.

Sling Media is supposed to be coming out with a SlingCatcher that is supposed to stream from PC to TV.

Good luck,
Token

Since we are off topic anyways... Did anyone else look at MSFTs Surface demo yesterday? What kind of world are we moving to?

Seriously in the next 2 years you could have a coffee table in your Family Room that is a touch sensitve computer. Behind your head is a 1080P projector and tucked up in the crown moulding is a drop down screen. On the wall is 50" flat panel. You could sit and watch TV on the flat panel and cruise the web on the coffee table. When you want to watch a recorded show you just touch the corner of the coffee table and change to that show. Then someone comes over with a digital camera to show some pictures from their trip - so you place the camera on the coffee table, the screen drops, and you have the pictures in 1080P projector view... Once your down looking at the pictures you could connect up to a movie download site and download a movie in 1080P format...

And the best part of all of this is that this is the middle class view of the world. The whole setup might be only a couple thousand dollars. Remarkable.

Of course, the piece of this that will never happen is the MSFT side of it because they've become a huge slow moving behemoth that can never bring a vision to the marketplace...

OK - I'll get off my futuristic soapbox now... just wanted to see what other thought of the "Surface" (Although its not that unique - Toshiba has a nearly identical system that they push for digital engineering shops...)

Chris

I have a Philips 23" LCD HDTV and other than the huge overscan issues, it isn't bad.

But I do feel your pain.

I too have this TV. :)

I feel his pain as well, but fact is ALL brands of TV's break. He is lucky Philips is paying for the parts to fix it after warranty is out. Most companies wouldn't.

I'm way behind watching both Smallville and Supernatural. From what I'm reading, things aren't gonna be pretty for either show. :(

I think this is number 1500. Woo hoo!

Okay, seriously..I've asked this question a few times without any results.

The KPLR/CW HD feed is getting even worse! I didn't think that could be possible. It now pixellates and drops out every few seconds! It is truly unwatchable. I have tried to email the tech department....guess what, the email address listed on their site doesn't exist!. I try calling the main phone number...it just rings and rings and rings.

Seriously, who is in charge of this poor excuse for a TV station! They should be completely ashamed. Does anyone actually watch this channel?

I am watching via Charter, but just as bad OTA too with good signal strength.

You are correct. KPLR-DT is a very shoddy operation. Their audio is always out of sync too. The "Gilmore Girls" finale suffered the first half with audio way out of sync. And it's not even 5.1!!

I can't help but add my voice to those who are slamming KPLR-DT. For the longest time, I blamed the signal breakups on the fact that I'm out here by the airport and the planes were killing the signal. The fact is, I do get great signal level on 11-1 according to my Dish 942 OTA meter. I made it through all of Smallville season 6 and Supernatural season 2, but it wasn't easy. I'd dare say that Supernatural played a bit more smoothly than Smallville. Yes, audio sync was horrible, especially on shows like Everybody Hates Chris. And what's up with Smallville not being in 5.1 this season??

Bob, did you hear that either one of these shows is getting canceled?

Thanks for all the feedback on motherboards, everyone. I'm still researching, and looking more closely at the Core 2 Duo systems. The Gigabyte mobo I had is still in service - I gave it to my sister when I had a bad case of upgraditis. (What am I saying - I *always* have upgraditis. It just flares up worse at some times than others.) Anyway, she's used it for a couple of years now without a problem.

I prefer to say that I satisfy my upgraditis urge at intermittent intervals :D

I'm very pleased with the performance of the C2 Duo systems and I'm probably going to build another one for a personal machine RSN (Real Soon Now) -- depending on how things go on the job front.

I'm trying to figure out if I go the route of a workstation + a laptop and keep the files synch'd up and a laptop only. I really don't know the answer to this yet :)

Best,

I had to actually turn the channel to the non digital Channel 11 so I could continue watching Raymond......it just sux.

A Charter "love letter," from an InfoWorld "reader gripe" column focusing on ISP practices:

http://weblog.infoworld.com/gripeline/archives/2007/05/broadband_monop.html

In a follow-up to my original post, I actually spoke to someone genuinely helpful at Charter.

They stated that they have contacted KPLR about their signal quality. At least someone knows about this....now as to whether anything will every happen....

Here's my latest list for the upgrade to my MyHD system:

Asus P5B-Plus LGA 775 mobo $135
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 CPU $115
Asus EN8600GT HDCP Video card $140
Corsair SMS2 DDR2 800 2GB Dual Channel RAM $89

TOTAL $479

The video card is a stopgap until the ATI 2600 is released in July. At that point, I'll sell it and the nVidia 7950 GT OC and get 3 of the 2600's for my systems. The other components I already have. (This means I'll have some interesting components for sale before too long, if anyone is interested.)

I know that this is more appropriately posted in the HTPC threads, but I trust the opinions of the many computer gurus here in the St. Louis thread. In the end, I'll post my results and give the details on how the new HTPC systems are performing. The LG dual Blu-ray burner/HD DVD drive has disappeared from HP's website options, and the cheapest Blu-ray burners are still too pricey and too slow, so dual HD DVD/Blu-ray playback may have to wait. It may be here by the time the ATI card ships.

Any words of advice about the various video capture programs for Windows like BeyondTV? How about the pros and cons of internal capture cards like the Hauppage 150 compared to USB solutions? Any favorite cards?

Thank you!

Here's my latest list for the upgrade to my MyHD system:

Asus P5B-Plus LGA 775 mobo $135
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 CPU $115
Asus EN8600GT HDCP Video card $140
Corsair SMS2 DDR2 800 2GB Dual Channel RAM $89

TOTAL $479

The video card is a stopgap until the ATI 2600 is released in July. At that point, I'll sell it and the nVidia 7950 GT OC and get 3 of the 2600's for my systems. The other components I already have. (This means I'll have some interesting components for sale before too long, if anyone is interested.)

I know that this is more appropriately posted in the HTPC threads, but I trust the opinions of the many computer gurus here in the St. Louis thread. In the end, I'll post my results and give the details on how the new HTPC systems are performing. The LG dual Blu-ray burner/HD DVD drive has disappeared from HP's website options, and the cheapest Blu-ray burners are still too pricey and too slow, so dual HD DVD/Blu-ray playback may have to wait. It may be here by the time the ATI card ships.

Joe

Where did you get the Corsair memory for that price?

Walt

Joe

Where did you get the Corsair memory for that price?

Walt

Newegg. Thaat's after a $30 rebate special on it now.

Hi. guys. I've been quietly lurking for a long time with nothing to add until now. I missed recording a great show the other day and I'm steamed.

After 18+ months of owning the Dish 622, I cannot believe that the EPG still cannot provide guide data for the local PBS HD (9.1) channel. Although Dish seemed able to provide this info for a few days several months back, it's nowhere to be seen. I would love to set my DVR to record a few of the excellent PBS shows like NOVA in HD, but without the Guide data it's a genuine pain. Plus, I must go on line to even see what's scheduled!

What to do other than switch to D*? Calling Dish Customer Care gets me nowhere. I'm forced to subscribe to the crappy SD locals just to get the local OTA HD Guide data. Do any of you have an e-mail address of someone with authority over there at Dish?

Mo,
Jennifer.Schuyler@echostar.com
She's in on Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Mon.

IIRC, this is some sort of issue between PBS and E*, and I don't think it's going to get ironed out until PBS and E* get it done, though it cannot hurt to let them know how you feel about it.

If you prefer to call her, I PM'd you her direct phone number. :)

Cards in HD all weekend :)

Friday FSNMW-HD 7:05PM
Saturday FOX/KTVI-DT 2:55PM
Sunday KSDK-DT 1:05PM
Full HD Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10174447#post10174447)

Joe,

I have an NVidia 7600 with DVI out (no HDCP) that you can borrow until July. That'll save you a few $$$ to get a decent loaner card 'till the ATI you want is available.

It's passively cooled too :D

Cheers,

Mo,
Jennifer.Schuyler@echostar.com
She's in on Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Mon.

IIRC, this is some sort of issue between PBS and E*, and I don't think it's going to get ironed out until PBS and E* get it done, though it cannot hurt to let them know how you feel about it.

If you prefer to call her, I PM'd you her direct phone number. :)

Thanks Ken. I'll write and call.

Joe,

I have an NVidia 7600 with DVI out (no HDCP) that you can borrow until July. That'll save you a few $$$ to get a decent loaner card 'till the ATI you want is available.

It's passively cooled too :D

Cheers,

Very generous offer, John. I'll PM.

FYI -

Costco has the Series 3 Tivo for $399.99 after rebate.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11179878&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US


As far as the ATI card... Stay away from it and get a new NVidia with HDMI out. Pay $20 for the NVidia decoder and it blows the ATI out of the water. And for less.

I can't help but add my voice to those who are slamming KPLR-DT
I also have big problems trying to watch KPLR-DT over the air with my Dish Network ViP622 tuner (that's the one with the High Def DVR built in). It is constant break-ups and pixelization despite rock-solid signal strenth from a rooftop antenna.

But my 5-year-old, 1st generation Zenith OTA tuner receives the signal without any problem at all. So I think KPLR-DT probably has something slightly off in their digital stream . . . and viewer results may vary. It was interesting to read elsewhere in this forum that the problem shows up on Charter. You'd think Charter would figure out how to tweak their equipment to give all their customers a good picture, even if KPLR can't get their act together. Now that Veronica Mars is over, maybe Charter would like a used Zenith tuner . . .
Cheers, Bill.

Hi. guys. I've been quietly lurking for a long time with nothing to add until now. I missed recording a great show the other day and I'm steamed.

After 18+ months of owning the Dish 622, I cannot believe that the EPG still cannot provide guide data for the local PBS HD (9.1) channel. Although Dish seemed able to provide this info for a few days several months back, it's nowhere to be seen. I would love to set my DVR to record a few of the excellent PBS shows like NOVA in HD, but without the Guide data it's a genuine pain. Plus, I must go on line to even see what's scheduled!

What to do other than switch to D*? Calling Dish Customer Care gets me nowhere. I'm forced to subscribe to the crappy SD locals just to get the local OTA HD Guide data. Do any of you have an e-mail address of someone with authority over there at Dish?
Wow, moman19-- You really eloquently expressed what I've been grumbling about all year! I had to go back and begin buying locals just to get the d_mn local guide data on my Dish 622, though of course as you point out getting guide data for analog channel 9 doesn't help when channel 9's High Def is the PBS 24/7 High Def feed. Wasn't that a NICE few days earlier this year when Dish posted real data for 9.1 instead of just leaving it blank.

As for switching to Direct TV later this year . . . I don't think Direct offers a 30-day escape clause like Dish does, and despite the promised new HD channels I'm worried that Direct has a VERY hard act to follow when it comes to our current Dish 622 receivers. I love the High Def DVR, and guide data excepted, it really does a great job of integrating the OTA from our attic/roof antennas for viewing or recording.

FYI -

Costco has the Series 3 Tivo for $399.99 after rebate.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11179878&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US


As far as the ATI card... Stay away from it and get a new NVidia with HDMI out. Pay $20 for the NVidia decoder and it blows the ATI out of the water. And for less.

I don't think nVidia is charging for the HD decoder anymore. As to quality, generally I've been happier with ATI quality than nVidia, although I've only had a couple of nVidia cards. What makes you say the nVidia card blows the ATI out of the water?

Edit: of course, I'm not a gamer. I'm talking about HD video playback.

As for switching to Direct TV later this year . . . I don't think Direct offers a 30-day escape clause like Dish does, and despite the promised new HD channels I'm worried that Direct has a VERY hard act to follow when it comes to our current Dish 622 receivers. I love the High Def DVR, and guide data excepted, it really does a great job of integrating the OTA from our attic/roof antennas for viewing or recording.

Theres a lot of reasons to switch/not switch. But as far as the integration fo the OTA channels - D* has it nailed as well. And so far the guide data has been perfect for all OTA digital channels that I've noticed. This has been the case through the last 3+ years with an HD Tivo and now the newer HR20.

The only thing D* doesn't have is the channel mapdown for the national HD channel simulcasts (like ESPN, HBO, etc). I'd expect to start seeing that once the new HD channels start getting turned on and it begins a lot of redundancy (besides they are basically out of channel numbers where they currently keep their HDs).

Chris

I don't think nVidia is charging for the HD decoder anymore. As to quality, generally I've been happier with ATI quality than nVidia, although I've only had a couple of nVidia cards. What makes you say the nVidia card blows the ATI out of the water?

Edit: of course, I'm not a gamer. I'm talking about HD video playback.

From what I've seen, your plan to wait for the 2600 may be the best for a HTPC. The GeForce 7600 series will make a fine passively cooled renderer until the 2600 (as would a 1600/1900 series ATI).

If you aren't playing games, ATI does "generally" have a better HTPC performance. Right now, Nvidia is king of the gaming world (I'm a recent Nvidia convert - the 7600 series is a great workhorse card).

I guess you're going Vista? If thats the case and the HTPC is going to perform "dual" function as a desktop on your display - the 8600 might be your best choice just for the DX10 desktop performance. Although not a big fan - Vista using DX10 cards on an HD display is as beautiful of a desktop as you'll find.

Chris

Seeing 2600 in my previous post makes me think of an Atari 2600 - I think there are certain model numbers that should be retired from all of electronic-dom like they do in sports.

(And no I'm not posting this just to get closer to 1000 - although it helps!)

Chris

Theres a lot of reasons to switch/not switch. But as far as the integration fo the OTA channels - D* has it nailed as well. And so far the guide data has been perfect for all OTA digital channels that I've noticed. This has been the case through the last 3+ years with an HD Tivo and now the newer HR20.

Chris-- Thanks for the heads-up on the HR20. I've heard it talked about on this forum but now for the first time I've gone out to DirectTV.com and read about it in detail. It looks like it could happily replace my DishNet 622 should I switch to DirectTV this fall for those new HD channels they've promised.

I have hundreds(?) of channels on DishNet, and I've taken every one of them out of my guide except the High Def channels. No Nickelodeon, No Sci-Fi, No F/X. I just don't wish to watch anything SD anymore. I hope I can get away with admitting this here.

Its ok Bill - we understand. However, I'm sure we'll catch you slipping up and watching SD. Its ok too - we all do it. ;)

As stated on this forum - Dish will attempt to match DirecTV when they start adding channels. Its going to be a bit of a tit for tat game for a while. Also, you have to understand the hardware direction and your preference. Dish allows multi-TV viewing, DirecTV doesn't. Dish has PoP, DirecTV doesn't. DirecTV has network connectivity for viewing Pics/listening to MP3s and promised future video streaming, Dish doesn't. DirecTV allows eSata disks for easy expansion on the HR20, Dish still 'promises' disk expansion. Its all relative to what you want.

The only "certain" thing here is that Charter won't match the features, quality, or content of Dish and Direct for a LONG time. ;)

Chris

I have had ATI cards and Nvidia cards. Like motherboards, it depends on what features I am looking for at the time. I even have my old Voodoo 5500 with aftermarket fans. :eek: I loved that card!

I guess you're going Vista? If thats the case and the HTPC is going to perform "dual" function as a desktop on your display - the 8600 might be your best choice just for the DX10 desktop performance. Although not a big fan - Vista using DX10 cards on an HD display is as beautiful of a desktop as you'll find.

Chris

I've decided to lay off Vista for a while longer. I understand nVidia is supposed to have XP PureVideo driver support for their 8xxx series cards sometime soon, but I know ATI is doing XP drivers for its 2xxx cards out of the box.

HD Video looks better on my Dell 24" monitor from my older 9600/9800 ATI cards than from my new 7950, but I think I have some driver issues. When I do the new system, I'll be able to see what it looks like with a completely fresh install.

Joe:

Yeah, I'm a little leary of Vista right now too. Maybe in the 4th quarter I'll consider it. Until I can get something that runs cleanly on 64-bit Vista for HD-DVD and blu-ray I'm just going to mark time on the OS and stick with XP Media Center.

Best Regards,

Received a call from Charter this afternoon, stating the problem with KPLR was fixed!

I'm watching a SD show on the digital channel right now and all does seem fine. Hopefully the same will be true when they switch to HD.

Say what you will about Charter, but at least they seemed to be able to fix the problem soon after my complaint, especially since it probably wasn't entirely theirs to begin with.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

What do those of you with dish think? Is your signal better?

Anyone know anything strange going on with FSN Midwest and the ballgame tonight? I am at my in laws in Bloomington, IL and they get FSN Midwest (SD), but the game isn't even on right now? I can't figure out what's up.

Edit: We just called the cable co (Insight) and they said the contract only allows so many games and this one is blacked out. I think they are full of it. Does this make ANY sense to anyone?

Anyone know anything strange going on with FSN Midwest and the ballgame tonight? I am at my in laws in Bloomington, IL and they get FSN Midwest (SD), but the game isn't even on right now? I can't figure out what's up.

Edit: We just called the cable co (Insight) and they said the contract only allows so many games and this one is blacked out. I think they are full of it. Does this make ANY sense to anyone?

The game looks beautiful in HD in STL (Charter). That does seem odd. You don't even have it in SD?

Looks good but many audio breakups on Charter.

Anyone know anything strange going on with FSN Midwest and the ballgame tonight? I am at my in laws in Bloomington, IL and they get FSN Midwest (SD), but the game isn't even on right now? I can't figure out what's up.

Edit: We just called the cable co (Insight) and they said the contract only allows so many games and this one is blacked out. I think they are full of it. Does this make ANY sense to anyone?

The game is still going on, *** top of 9th. Want my slingbox locator info?