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

How would that work? I have one but I didn't think anyone else could see it. What info would I give someone and where would I find it?
Thanks,
pwsher

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


Thanks for the offer, but we were busy taking care of babies anyway. But since you mentioned that, where can I read more about slingbox and whether I would like it. I know VERY little about it.

Thanks for the offer, but we were busy taking care of babies anyway. But since you mentioned that, where can I read more about slingbox and whether I would like it. I know VERY little about it.
Basically, the Slingbox allows you to send (sling) your home programming to any internet connected device, capable of displaying the programming.

As example, with a Slingbox Pro, you could control and send your Dish 622 HD programming to your HD capable laptop, via a Internet connection. Obviously, it does other functions, such as allowing you to control your 622 from a remote laptop, but "slinging" is the main function.

A HD connected Slingbox Pro would probably run in the $250-$300 range.

Just got told tonight from a contact at Charter that they are rolling out version 4.x of the Moxi OS on June 4 from 1a-5a will be a mass push. Loads of cool features. But I am still swaying on getting that Tivo S3 deal.

kdg:

I thought one of the limitations on the SlingBox Pro is that it would store HD content but could not distribute it beyond 480p resolution. I could be wrong though ;)

Cheers,

kdg:

I thought one of the limitations on the SlingBox Pro is that it would store HD content but could not distribute it beyond 480p resolution. I could be wrong though ;)

Cheers,
You're probably correct. I don't have one myself, and was relaying that which was told me by someone who does.

Here's what it says on the Slingbox site:

"The Slingbox PRO is HD Component video compatible (up to 1080i) when used with the optional Slingbox HD Connect Cable. The Slingbox and SlingStream technology adapts the compressed video stream to match the available network and Internet bandwidth. This provides the best possible video quality between the Slingbox and the SlingPlayer application, whether running on a computer or mobile phone."

Their choice of wording is a bit ambiguous, but I read it to say it cannot reproduce HD to a remote device.

It sounds like it depends on the bandwidth, which makes me think it probably couldn't be HD.

I have to believe, once all of our providers STB's have Internet connectivity, we will all be able to view and control them from remote access. It's hard to imagine that's much more than a couple of years out....sooner for some.

I believe all video out of the Slingbox is 640x480. You can input HD stuff and it will look better than SD
stuff but it isn't really HD. When I am watching an HD feed via my slingbox on my Home Network, my transmission rate varies between 4-6 MB/sec. When I watch SD, it is about 2-3MB/sec.

When I am at work, it is 416Kbs/sec MAX cuz my upload speed is that.

Seriously if you would like to few it, shoot me a PM and I will let you see it. You just need
to go to http://us.slingmedia.com/object/KB-005296.html and download the software. I will
give you my locator code and then you can change the channel and check it out.

EDIT: I wouldn't have gotten a Slingbox if it weren't for traveling for work. I hate
getting to a hotel to find out it has crappy cable with limited channels.

I bought it after I was stuck in DC and the local FOX went dead during a NASCAR
race. I had to get on my brother's slingbox and watch it that way. But since we
have different programming I wouldn't get to see certain things, so I bought my own.

Moman,
Some more regions got guide data for PBS this past week. I think it was 4 added. I asked Jennifer when STL will, and she said they have no estimated date at this time.

HERE (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/VirtualChannels.html) is the 14000 Virtual Channel list, where you can monitor when/if STL is added.

Looks like it's still Titan and manual timers for a while :(

Thanks to everyone for all the Slingbox feedback. I may sit tight for a bit and see what the industry does as Ken mentioned.

Moman,
Some more regions got guide data for PBS this past week. I think it was 4 added. I asked Jennifer when STL will, and she said they have no estimated date at this time.

HERE (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/VirtualChannels.html) is the 14000 Virtual Channel list, where you can monitor when/if STL is added.

Looks like it's still Titan and manual timers for a while :(

FYI,

I sent a note to the lady and also left her a voice message. So far, no reply :mad:

Well, I watched digital 11 tonight without noticing a significant breakup on my Dish 622. I wouldn't call it perfect, but at least the massive blocking artifacts seemed to be gone. It still exhibited what looked like skipped frames. MyHD shows some minor blocking every minute or two, but not nearly as severe. They've definitely done something to clean up the signal. I don't think this was a Dish problem. I'm running the same software on MyHD as I was all along and it's improved dramatically.

FYI,
I sent a note to the lady and also left her a voice message. So far, no reply :mad:
Perhaps you will today. She was out of the office with some personal stuff last week, and is catching up. I know she's there working, we spoke 3 times yesterday. A tech is coming here today to try and resolve that low signal issue with the 2 locals on 118.

Tech Ops "thinks" it's a bad LNB. Funny how it went "bad" on the exact day they moved the channels to the new satellite.
We shall see. :confused:

Perhaps you will today. She was out of the office with some personal stuff last week, and is catching up. I know she's there working, we spoke 3 times yesterday. A tech is coming here today to try and resolve that low signal issue with the 2 locals on 118.

Tech Ops "thinks" it's a bad LNB. Funny how it went "bad" on the exact day they moved the channels to the new satellite.
We shall see. :confused:

I'm curious to see how this ends for you. Living in Creve Coeur, I have yet to make the switch to the new Dish + as I continue to use my trusty outdoor antenna for OTA HD. The new dish would be nice though, to allow for multiple HD OTA recording. But I just don't want to break what currently works so well.

Good luck getting this resolved.

Well, my KPLR-DT signal is still quite hosed on my Dish 942 DVR, even though the signal strength is near perfect. However, things seem pretty good on the MyHD and my Sammy T165 OTA tuner. This seems odd to me, since I believe that the dvr has the most recent hardware and software.

The producers of "Battlestar Galactica" have decided to ensure a credible finish to the sci-fi series, by bringing the story to its conclusion during next fall's fourth season:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6448343.html?rssid=196

I'm curious to see how this ends for you. Living in Creve Coeur, I have yet to make the switch to the new Dish + as I continue to use my trusty outdoor antenna for OTA HD. The new dish would be nice though, to allow for multiple HD OTA recording. But I just don't want to break what currently works so well.

Good luck getting this resolved.
I'd say stay with what you have, for now. A tech was just here. He did nothing. He told me the reason for the blocking is the receiver trying to figure out the information it is being sent from the local station, and it blocks up, while it does. Then, once the receiver figures out the information, the picture comes back.

He was clueless. I sent an update to engineering. It's pretty hard to fathom, that many of the dish antennas, and LNB's in STL all lost their alignment, and/or failed, at exactly the same time the channels were moved from one satellite to another.

Stay tuned.

Anyone else watching the Cards game on KSDK and notice the awful tint/contrast problems?
The grass isn't really that green and the Cardinals uniforms look more blue than gray.

Also, if you look at the camera from center field, you know the pitcher/hitter view, the right
side of the screen is blurry most times. Look at the backstop ads they have and it is easy
to see.

When they do a closeup of the batter, from the first base line camera, the colors are better.

Also, what is up with the lady in crowd screaming? How would you like to sit next to her?

Taguchi!!!!

Taguchi!!!!
Pujols!!!!!!

I doubt he is feeling as blue as he looks.

PEAVY!

Oh wait... wrong team :) Sorry - got all worked up there for a second. Besides - make sure you are considerate for those that aren't watching it live (I learned a lesson once... :) )

I haven't said anything. Awesome Defense or Offense deserves mention.....

Anyone else watching the Cards game on KSDK and notice the awful tint/contrast problems?
The grass isn't really that green and the Cardinals uniforms look more blue than gray.
Also, if you look at the camera from center field, you know the pitcher/hitter view, the right side of the screen is blurry most times. Look at the backstop ads they have and it is easy to see.
When they do a closeup of the batter, from the first base line camera, the colors are better.
Also, what is up with the lady in crowd screaming? How would you like to sit next to her?
I watched 1/2 of it OTA, and the other 1/2 via SAT. Both looked fine to me.
But, I have crappy TV's, and am 1/2 blind :o

Who's Peavy? :rolleyes:

EDIT: Bill--I just took a look at the playback, and I do see the uniforms seem to appear more blue-ish, and I also see the backstop ads in the lower right are not as sharp and clear as the left. In the dugout shots, where the lighting is different, the uniforms looked correct. I wonder if it has anything to do with the ambient lighting....day game, roof closed...maybe :confused:
Jared probably still has last nights FSN HD game, and today's on his DVR, so maybe he'll take a look. I already deleted yesterdays. In his free time, of course. :)

I wonder if it has anything to do with the ambient lighting....day game, roof closed...maybe :confused:
Isn't that what the guys in the truck are supposed to fix?

Also, if you look at the camera from center field, you know the pitcher/hitter view, the right side of the screen is blurry most times. Look at the backstop ads they have and it is easy to see.
This problem was also present Friday (FSN HD) as well as Saturday (FOX HD). It might be an inherent problem with the center field camera (which probably doesn't change from broadcast to broadcast).

I took a quick gander at it... definitely an issue with the center field camera and the Cards dugout camera... overall the production wasn't superb. There was one point where we were treated to a close-up of some Astro's face - and it was so close the top of his head and his chin were cut off ... what's the point of that?

I took a quick gander at it... definitely an issue with the center field camera and the Cards dugout camera... overall the production wasn't superb. There was one point where we were treated to a close-up of some Astro's face - and it was so close the top of his head and his chin were cut off ... what's the point of that?
In case the Astro's player threw his cap off while chasing a fly ball? :D
What was that all about?

Trying to help a friend with a problem with DTV HR20-700, HDMI output connected to HDMI input on Samsung HLS5086WX.

He can view either live or recorded material from STL local channels, but not any other channel (even recorded material from other channels). If he tries, he gets a popup message on TV: Not Supported Mode.

He is also using the component outputs of the HR20, connected to another TV.

My guess is that it has something to do with MPEG2 vs. MPEG4.

What gets passed out the HDMI cable? Is it different for MPEG2 vs MPEG4 material, even if it is from the hard drive?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed t.

Trying to help a friend with a problem with DTV HR20-700, HDMI output connected to HDMI input on Samsung HLS5086WX.

He can view either live or recorded material from STL local channels, but not any other channel (even recorded material from other channels). If he tries, he gets a popup message on TV: Not Supported Mode.

He is also using the component outputs of the HR20, connected to another TV.

My guess is that it has something to do with MPEG2 vs. MPEG4.

What gets passed out the HDMI cable? Is it different for MPEG2 vs MPEG4 material, even if it is from the hard drive?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed t.Has he tried disconnecting the second set of cables (the component going to the other TV) to see if that's part of the problem? I have a HR20 connected to the HDMI input of a Samsung HLP6163W and have never had a problem like you describe.

Has he tried disconnecting the second set of cables (the component going to the other TV) to see if that's part of the problem? I have a HR20 connected to the HDMI input of a Samsung HLP6163W and have never had a problem like you describe.

Yes, that didn't solve the problem. His HDMI cable is 50' long. Is that okay?

Ed t.

Trying to help a friend with a problem with DTV HR20-700, HDMI output connected to HDMI input on Samsung HLS5086WX.

He can view either live or recorded material from STL local channels, but not any other channel (even recorded material from other channels). If he tries, he gets a popup message on TV: Not Supported Mode.

He is also using the component outputs of the HR20, connected to another TV.

My guess is that it has something to do with MPEG2 vs. MPEG4.

What gets passed out the HDMI cable? Is it different for MPEG2 vs MPEG4 material, even if it is from the hard drive?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed t.

Can he try turning Native Mode off on the receiver and just output one specific format like 1080i or 720p?

Yes, that didn't solve the problem. His HDMI cable is 50' long. Is that okay?

Ed t.
The length shouldn't matter in this instance.

Unless the HDMI cable is specially designed for long lengths (substantially higher cost would be a likely indicator of better shielding, etc), it is probably too long to deliver the signal without signal loss.

But that doesn't explain the problem relating to the "Not Supported Mode" message.

To troubleshoot the Mode problem, I suggest the following:

* Turn the TV off

* Disconnect all of the cables (HDMI and component)

* After 3 minutes, turn on the TV and leave it on for 3 minutes

* Turn off the TV

* Reconnect the HDMI cables and after 3 minutes, turn the TV back on

* Determine if this solves the HDMI problem; if so repeat the off/on process with component cables and determine if both HDMI and component work correctly; if "no" to either/or HDMI/component video, then I'm not sure what the problem might be.

The point of disconnecting, cycling power and then reconnecting and cycling power is to reinitiate the EDID handshaking that takes place between HDMI connections. HDMI continues to be a flaky performer in this area, so it's possible that there are inherent incompatibilities with the player, TV and various firmware involved here.

To that end, I'd suggest doing a more detailed search on this problem in the other relevant areas of AVS, in order to determine if this is a commonly reported problem with this particular combination.

Actually, in thinking more about the Mode problem reported earlier, I think it would be worth checking to see if the cable length is the problem.

The reasoning here is that if the cable is too long to deliver the signal without loss, it's possible that part of what is not getting through is the handshaking dialog, which in turn would explain the Mode message.

So, try moving the DVR closer to the TV (say within 10 feet) and use just any sort of HDMI cable of that length to see if the Mode problem still occurs.

At DBS talk, the people who have complained of this said it is due to Native mode/480i over HDMI.

Bill, you're right. This could definitely be a 480i output problem, another area where HDMI is flaky.

Trying to help a friend with a problem with DTV HR20-700, HDMI output connected to HDMI input on Samsung HLS5086WX.

He can view either live or recorded material from STL local channels, but not any other channel (even recorded material from other channels). If he tries, he gets a popup message on TV: Not Supported Mode.

He is also using the component outputs of the HR20, connected to another TV.

My guess is that it has something to do with MPEG2 vs. MPEG4.

What gets passed out the HDMI cable? Is it different for MPEG2 vs MPEG4 material, even if it is from the hard drive?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed t.

As others have stated - go into the Settings option either under Display or TV Type and go to supported resolutions. Uncheck 480i. That should fix his problem.

With that said - for a Sammy 720P set and the HR20 being slower to change channel on native mode - I'd suggest he set it up for 720P and turn Native Mode off. That would likely be his best performance option.

Chris

I'd say stay with what you have, for now. A tech was just here. He did nothing. He told me the reason for the blocking is the receiver trying to figure out the information it is being sent from the local station, and it blocks up, while it does. Then, once the receiver figures out the information, the picture comes back.

He was clueless. I sent an update to engineering. It's pretty hard to fathom, that many of the dish antennas, and LNB's in STL all lost their alignment, and/or failed, at exactly the same time the channels were moved from one satellite to another.

Stay tuned.

Wow! I feel your pain, dude. It sounds like he tried to baffle you with Techno-babble. I'll bet this is somehow related to the bird upgrade. But that too is difficult to fathom. One would think E* would be on top of a bird issue. I would think the entire market as well as Indy, Detroit, etc. would also be burning down their phone lines with complaints.

Then again....... 99% of the subs are happy with a Dish 300.

Well one of hte determining factors on longer cable runs is the gauge of the internal wiring.

Typical HDMI is 28 AWG -- this can be problematic over longer runs, think 25 feet here. I would look for a cable based on 24 or 22AWG instead. This minimizes parasitic cable losses due to the length of the wire and the resistance as well. This is important in keeping the voltage to spec.

The catch is that it costs more for the copper, and therefore the cable costs more. That doesn't mean that an HDMI cable with higher gauge wire should be an order of magnitude (ie 10x) more expensive.

Best,

Typical HDMI is 28 AWG -- this can be problematic over longer runs, think 25 feet here. I would look for a cable based on 24 or 22AWG instead. This minimizes parasitic cable losses due to the length of the wire and the resistance as well. This is important in keeping the voltage to spec.
I have a little trouble with that hypothesis.

Fifty feet of #28 is 3.3 ohms, and 50 feet of #22 is 0.8 ohms. With typical loads the difference in attenuation due to resistance alone is negligible. What WILL change is the bandwidth, as longer lines will have less bandwidth due to shunt capacitance and series inductance. The HDMI standard already compensates for that via pre-emphasis.

More details here (http://hometoys.com/article.php4?displayid=850) .

I have a little trouble with that hypothesis.

Fifty feet of #28 is 3.3 ohms, and 50 feet of #22 is 0.8 ohms. With typical loads the difference in attenuation due to resistance alone is negligible. What WILL change is the bandwidth, as longer lines will have less bandwidth due to shunt capacitance and series inductance. The HDMI standard already compensates for that via pre-emphasis.

More details here (http://hometoys.com/article.php4?displayid=850) .

This argument is kind of a moo point (you know cuz cows opinions don't matter) because the problem
the OP has is that his friend's TV doesn't support 480i over HDMI.

Unless the OP comes back and tells us that wasn't the problem, I have to think that this is just a
simple resolution over HDMI problem.

I have a little trouble with that hypothesis.

Fifty feet of #28 is 3.3 ohms, and 50 feet of #22 is 0.8 ohms. With typical loads the difference in attenuation due to resistance alone is negligible. What WILL change is the bandwidth, as longer lines will have less bandwidth due to shunt capacitance and series inductance. The HDMI standard already compensates for that via pre-emphasis.

More details here (http://hometoys.com/article.php4?displayid=850) .


I'm glad you have an issue with the hypothesis. Have you ever compared results between a 50' HDMI with 28AWG and a 50' HDMI with 24 AWG? I have.

I'm not going to give you some pie-in-the-sky tale of a magical improvement in colors; ie darker blacks or more saturated colors. I don't have to resort to it. The presence and absence of sparklies was all the convincing I needed. This was at "only" 720p -- and 1080p is even more sensitive.

That's not to say that it won't work; but in my experience with multiple displays and devices 28AWG is good up to about 5m, and longer that that if you're sending a data rate beyond 720p the 28AWG doesn't do the job.

I've used expensive and inexpensive cables; and there's no correlation between the $$$ and the performance. Expensive has worked and failed. Inexpensive likewise.

Best,

Can anyone explain why recorded local channels work via the HDMI cable, while all other recorded channels do not? My guess it has something to do with mpeg2 vs mpeg4?
Ed t.

So NONE of the other HD channels are working? Like ESPN-HD?

The cable doesn't care if it is MPEG4 or MPEG2. All that processing is done inside the
box before it even hits the HDMI output.

Have you had your friend try turning Native Off and just setting the display to 720p?

TiVo CEO Hints Ownership Change May Yield New DirecTV Deal

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_________________________________________________

TiVo CEO Tom Rogers yesterday suggested that DIRECTV might renew its marketing relationship when the satcaster is taken over by Liberty Media.
_________________________________________________

http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivo060507.htm

wm is correct.

The cable doesn't care whether the stored (or live) program is MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. By the time it gets to the HDMI cable it's already decoded and is passing as RGB or YCrCb values.

I don't think it's a 720p vs 1080i scan rate issue either -- the local channels have both 720p (ABC) and 1080i (everybody else).

That was one question I had because I don't know how they transmit the Local Via DirecTV HD.
I didn't know if they made them all 720p or leave them in their native resolution.

I have my receivers at home set to Native Off and a fixed resolution.

Public TV Survey Urges More Education on DTV Transition

From today's Morning Bridge newsletter:
____________________________________________________

A study released Monday suggests TV viewers are not prepared for the nation's switch to digital TV. In order to get consumers on board with the upcoming change, there needs to be a "Y2K" type effort to ensure a smooth transition.

The survey from the Association of Public Television Stations stated that 22 million off-air homes could move slowly towards digital TV. Off-air homes have resisted campaigns from satellite and cable to switch to a pay service that could help them bridge the DTV gap, the group said. Also, retail efforts which aim to educate off-air households about the February 2009 digital transition are likely to have limited impact given that over-the-air viewers lag in purchases of TV sets, APTS suggested.

An earlier APTS report revealed that 61 percent of off-air households had "no idea" the DTV transition was taking place.

"Public broadcasters have long supported a successful DTV transition. However, our study confirms that the government grossly under-funded consumer education when it mandated the end of television as most people know it by February 2009," said APTS President and CEO John Lawson.

"We need a Y2K-level effort to ensure that people are aware that their older TV sets will go dark in 21 months if they don't acquire a digital converter, buy a new set or incur the monthly cost of a cable or satellite bill. They also need to know that digital over-the-air television will continue to be free, will offer them many more channels and will give them a better picture even on an older set-if they get a converter box," Lawson said.
____________________________________________________


This is pathetic, and a classic example of everything that is wrong with the notion that government should now be the first course for solving any problem that comes along.

If public television is genuinely concerned about its off-air-only viewers knowing more about the the fact that analog PBS is going away in 2009, they should use the airwaves those viewers are paying for, directly and indirectly, to provide them with the information they need.

Do you mean to tell me that public television can't create some basic public service spots that inform its viewers about the end of analog television in 2009? This could easily be done with a series of Powerpoint-type slides (how expensive could that be?), and they could provide even more information online for those who have online access, either at home, work, school or the public library.

For that matter, the same goes for commercial broadcasters. They control the most powerful medium for information dissemination in the free world, and they've lifted hardly a finger to educate their own viewers about the coming end of analog TV. Instead, they expect to be paid to get this information across and it's clear they believe this is the very reason government exists.

In fact, getting the word out about the transition this is 100% in their self-interest and the interest of their shareholders and customers. These companies need to "man up" on the responsibility front. Take some basic initiatives now, do another survey in 6 months, and then make your case for funding an education campaign, if something more really is needed.

But I suspect the next sound we'll be hearing is the muffled gurgles of a briefcase full of thousand dollar bills being flushed down the toilet.

Rant off.

Can anyone explain why recorded local channels work via the HDMI cable, while all other recorded channels do not? My guess it has something to do with mpeg2 vs mpeg4?
Ed t.

Are you getting ANY satellite signal at all?

Good morning Scott.

tenholde,

Again, I think the source of the problem could be the HDMI cable and/or HDMI EDID handshaking issues.

Although it's not clear from your responses, if your friend can watch ESPN HD live but not record it, then this would be an indication that something is wrong in terms of how EDID has set up the HDCP controls for the DVR and/or TV.

Has your friend tried my suggested fix for resetting the EDID protocols?

Jared probably still has last nights FSN HD game, and today's on his DVR, so maybe he'll take a look. I already deleted yesterdays. In his free time, of course. :)

FREE TIME?!?!? Never heard of it. In fact I don't even get to record the ballgames anymore, it is everything we can do to keep the other stuff we watched deleted off the DVR before it fills up and that is with many shows having already ended their seasons. Between feedings every 3 hours, changing 150 diapers a week, Dr. appointments, screaming babies once in a while (actually only one ever screams), and feeding the dog (D@$* I forgot to eat) we barely have time to watch any TV. Oh yeah and I still have a job and I've been told I have to make more money than ever since they are both girls, lol. It took me about 2 weeks to watch the Semifinals and Finals of the National Heads Up Poker tourney.

I was not home for the game Sunday so only got to watch the SD broadcast, sorry.

Some of you may recall I was in Bloomington, IL and FSN Midwest there did not show one of the games even though it was on FSN Midwest. I still have not been able to find out exactly what it was, but the best I have been able to determine based on word of mouth is FSN Midwest and the local cable co (Insight) don't show all the games because Insight won't pay for all of them. I wonder if anyone has ever heard of something like that, seems to be a partial contract.

Edit: Those 150 diapers were a week, I had a month, lol sorry. I just had to be sure you understood.

Good morning Scott.

:) Thanks Sir

There's good news Jared, when they're 15....they can share clothes.
They won't...but they can!

And when they are sixteen they can wreck all the cars on the same day.

I'm glad you have an issue with the hypothesis. Have you ever compared results between a 50' HDMI with 28AWG and a 50' HDMI with 24 AWG? I have.
John, I won't deny that well-constructed cables give superior results. I'm saying that it is increased bandwidth, not reduced resistance, that permits it. Even cables with the same wire size and same overall diameter can have different bandwidths -- one favorite way among cable designers is to use a foamed dielectric. Heck, just look at all the different "CAT-x" specs!

John, I won't deny that well-constructed cables give superior results. I'm saying that it is increased bandwidth, not reduced resistance, that permits it. Even cables with the same wire size and same overall diameter can have different bandwidths -- one favorite way among cable designers is to use a foamed dielectric. Heck, just look at all the different "CAT-x" specs!

Dan:

I'm sorry, I don't agree with you; and we'll leave it at that.

The base difference between the various category specs as you move from Cat3 --> Cat 5 --> Cat 5e --> Cat 6 --> Cat 7 is twists per unit measure. It is not the dielectric.

CHeers,

tenholde,

Again, I think the source of the problem could be the HDMI cable and/or HDMI EDID handshaking issues.

Although it's not clear from your responses, if your friend can watch ESPN HD live but not record it, then this would be an indication that something is wrong in terms of how EDID has set up the HDCP controls for the DVR and/or TV.

Has your friend tried my suggested fix for resetting the EDID protocols?

I've run into DDC (Display Data Channel) issues with HDMI -- where the actual signal travels correctly with an HDMI signal booster. The problem with signal boosters / eqs is that they only get the main signal channels (ie RGB) and not the DDC. The problem is that all your HDCP negotiations and EDID data travels across the DDC. So what you will experience in these cases is a "clean" signal; but HDCP will be problematic in negotiating or you'll not get all the availabile EDID rates back when the device and display negotiate scan rates.

There's a utility to read/update EDID info; but it's on my HTPC and I can't check it as I'm currently 300 miles away.


Cheers,

I'm sorry, I don't agree with you; and we'll leave it at that.

The base difference between the various category specs as you move from Cat3 --> Cat 5 --> Cat 5e --> Cat 6 --> Cat 7 is twists per unit measure. It is not the dielectric.

John, we do not disagree that cable construction makes a difference, only what physical parameter it is that causes it. You have observed the difference in HDMI cables, and I have observed and studied it in 48 years of electronic communications experience.

It is worth noting that for the purposes we are discussing, the DC resistance is moot. Skin effect forces high-frequency currents to the surface of a conductor, which is one reason so many HF and UHF cables have stranded conductors (a side benefit is greater physical flexibility).

I was just looking at the specs of some General Cable UTP/LAN cables. Their CAT3 and CAT5e both use #24 conductors, but different plastics for insulation. The CAT3 specs state loss of 6.8 dB/1000 ft @ 772 kHz, and the CAT5e 5.5 dB/1000 ft.

You can see the same trend if you compare various grades of coaxial cable. Dielectric losses can exceed resistive losses.

(I did not claim that foamed dielectric was common in UTP/LAN cables, only that it was a common way of increasing bandwidth. It is more useful in coaxial cables because the outer shield helps it maintain its shape.)

SUMMARY: Cable performance differs. Resistance is but one of several factors that influence it.

Email to Charter & Response

To: Charter Communications
Subject: Improvement Ideas

I am very disappointed that we do not get channel 4 in HD. I am also very interested in all the HD channels that Dish network has and Direct TV is adding. I hope Charter keeps up.

Response:

I am responding on behalf of Steve Trippe. Thank you for your note.

As it relates to CBS-HD, federal law requires cable companies to obtain a station’s permission to carry its broadcast signal on their channel lineups. Belo/KMOV is demanding “cash for carriage”, which would mean our customers would ultimately pay to watch a television station whose signal is broadcast over the public airwaves for free.

Charter is actively working to return Channel 784 to our channel lineup. Since discussions are ongoing, we can’t go into details, but I can tell you that if Charter were to bow to their demands, it could potentially cost our customers millions of dollars over next five years. And that is only for one of KMOV’s signal(s)! Imagine what the costs would be if all the local broadcast stations made similar demands! Please understand that we are working hard to return this HD programming to our lineup as quickly as possible, but we must keep the best interests of our customers as our top priority.

We have a priority to add more HD channels to our lineup and plan to add 2 or 3 more channels in 2007 and several more in 2008 and 2009. I think you will find that many of the HD channels offered by our dish competitors are quite lacking in content, relying on repeats to fill their schedule. We will add channels that have programming of interest to our customers, not just filler material to make our lineup sound impressive.

Thank you for taking the time to write us with your comments and for being a valued customer.

Larry Hart

Charter Communications

^^^^

George, call 1-800-DIRECTV. Oh, and Larry from Charter, "Go get your shine box!"

Scott

Charter better get in touch with reality, because sooner or later every local station is going to expect to be paid for local digital carriage. This is a market trend that is irreversible, short of action by Congress and/or the FCC. And neither the FCC nor Congress is likely to take on the National Association of Broadcasters over this issue, particularly with elections rolling into sight again.

That ain't gonna happen.

Otherwise, the content of this letter is about what I'd expect. HDTV is not a priority for Charter. That has been clear for the better part of the past 5 years, but particularly in the past 2 years, and it is amplified here by the fact that Charter will be adding "2 or 3" HD channels in 2007 and some undetermined quantity in the next 2 years. Obviously Charter is aware of what DISH offers and what DirecTV is planning, and it simply doesn't matter to management.

Charter is focused on adding Internet and local phone services, and that's the only thing that can help to pull them out of the huge debt crater they're sitting in (well that AND selling off parts of the company to raise cash). Incremental revenue from new HD subscribers is simply too small, compared to what is gained via new Internet and phone customers. The ONLY way this changes is if there is a significant exodus of HD-demanding customers away from Charter.

Don't waste your time writing letters -- vote with your feet if you want this to change.

Shareholders obviously approve of management priorities, as Charter stock has in the past week been upgraded by several analysts to "market outperform." So, I don't think anyone should be holding their breath, expecting some dramatic change in course, absent major customer churn attributable to defecting HD customers.

Charter is not an HDTV company.

Further to my point about cable being required to pay for local channels, this is from today's Morning Bridge newsletter:
_________________________________________________________

Cox Communications and Sinclair Broadcast Group have finished a four-year retransmission consent agreement, the latest in a series for the TV station owner.

The deal provides for carriage of nine TV station signals in six markets that are owned by Sinclair, serving about 1.25 million subscribers. The markets are Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Pensacola Fla., and Mobile, Ala., Norfolk, Va., Richmond, Va., and Springfield, Mass.

Earlier in the year, Sinclair reached carriage deals with Comcast and Time Warner Cable. The company also was involved in an ugly spat with Mediacom concerning the MSO's access to the broadcast giant's local TV signals.
_________________________________________________________

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

* If there are any Charter cable customers here still lurking and wading through the miles of flames and hate...heh.

Moxi software update.

Several of my coworkers have confirmed that Charter has pushed through an update to their Moxi boxes. The USB output now supports external hard drives to be used as storage expansion. Apparently the UI has been changed a little, and one of my coworkers thinks it might be a little faster now. Not sure what other upgrades made it in this release, as I no longer have that box.

I have missed our Moxi box ever since we swapped it out, and am going to be on the phone much of this morning trying to get it back. I'll miss the HDMI out on my current box, but I liked the Moxi interface so much better than the TV Guide crap that's on the newer Motorola boxes.

And when they are sixteen they can wreck all the cars on the same day.


So let me get this straight, you and Ken neither one think I will be able to get the girls to share clothes or a CAR??????????? :eek:

I can't count the number of times I have been warned.

* If there are any Charter cable customers here still lurking and wading through the miles of flames and hate...heh.

Moxi software update.

Several of my coworkers have confirmed that Charter has pushed through an update to their Moxi boxes. The USB output now supports external hard drives to be used as storage expansion. Apparently the UI has been changed a little, and one of my coworkers thinks it might be a little faster now. Not sure what other upgrades made it in this release, as I no longer have that box.

I have missed our Moxi box ever since we swapped it out, and am going to be on the phone much of this morning trying to get it back. I'll miss the HDMI out on my current box, but I liked the Moxi interface so much better than the TV Guide crap that's on the newer Motorola boxes.

Got the update. A little faster? I'd say the whole thing is a lot faster. Things I like - can now jump forward by 30 minutes or 24 hours when searching the guide, can change the skip button to 30 seconds, 3 minutes, 15 minutes, and a few other options, can add external hard drive, shows (repeat) on the small channel browser at the bottom, and can see hard drive space used as a percentage. A good update, the speed increase was really needed.

So let me get this straight, you and Ken neither one think I will be able to get the girls to share clothes or a CAR??????????? :eek:

I can't count the number of times I have been warned.

MY Dogs share clothes.

* If there are any Charter cable customers here still lurking and wading through the miles of flames and hate...heh.

Moxi software update.

Several of my coworkers have confirmed that Charter has pushed through an update to their Moxi boxes. The USB output now supports external hard drives to be used as storage expansion. Apparently the UI has been changed a little, and one of my coworkers thinks it might be a little faster now. Not sure what other upgrades made it in this release, as I no longer have that box.

I have missed our Moxi box ever since we swapped it out, and am going to be on the phone much of this morning trying to get it back. I'll miss the HDMI out on my current box, but I liked the Moxi interface so much better than the TV Guide crap that's on the newer Motorola boxes.

There is a St. Louis HDTV-Charter thread that was split off from this one a few months ago.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10720208#post10720208

The upgrade from the old 3.2 firmware to the new 4.1 has been hit and miss in St. Louis. Seems like outer suburbs have gotten it while the city and inner suburbs are out of luck. In Dogtown/HiPointe I'm still stuck on the old version.


The upgrades:
Starting June 4, 2007, we are releasing a new software version to MOXI DVR customers in selected markets. The new software version is generally known as software version 4.1.
Performance Improvements

SpeedSurf
Scrolling through lists is very fast. Channel List in Settings (for hiding channels you never watch) now works as fast as the Moxi Menu.

Speed Search
The search tool pops up almost instantly.


Popular New Features

Time Forward/Change Time Slot
There are two new features in the Moxi Menu available for the Channels card and channel filter cards to view future programming. It is now possible to move the whole program guide forward and back through the two-weeks of programming in blocks of time. Previously, it was only possible to use the On Next (renamed to Coming Up) paddle to view future programming for a single channel at a time.

Use the Change Time Slot card, positioned above the highest numbered channel in the list, to change the currently displayed time. A paddle appears to the right of the Change Time Slot card. From the Change Time Slot card, press the right arrow to enter the paddle. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to scroll to a desired date/time. Press OK to change to the selected date/time.

Alternately, use the following remote buttons to change the program guide for all channels in blocks of time:
• Next – each press updates the schedule ½ hour ahead.
• Back – each press takes the schedule back ½ hour (if viewing future listings).
• Skip – each press updates the schedule 24 hours.
• Replay – each press takes the schedule back 24 hours (if viewing future listings).
• Moxi – returns the schedule to the current time. (Pressing Moxi again dismisses Moxi Menu.)

Service Messages
Gives Charter the ability to create and schedule short messages for display on the Moxi Menu Service Messages card, which displays in between Settings and About Moxi.
• Viewers are notified of new messages by an envelope icon in the lower left corner of the TV screen, and by the illuminated green message light on the front panel of the media center.
• When the Service Message card is in center focus, the published message titles display on the vertical axis and some of the text displays on the Info paddle. When a message is selected by pressing OK or Info, an info note and action menu displays with the full text and the options to Delete, Mark as read, or Mark as unread.

External Hard Drive
The External Hard Drive feature allows a dedicated drive to be connected to the media center to gain additional storage space for recorded programs. The external hard drive must be dedicated for use with one specific media center only. Using the drive with other media centers, or storing other data will result in the loss of all programs previously stored on the external hard drive. A new card titled External Hard Drive appears in the Settings menu.
• Hard drive minimum specifications required: USB 2.0, 7200 RPM, 8 MB buffer.
• The drive must be connected to one of the USB 2.0 ports on the rear of the media center. The front ports are USB 1.1 only. When connected properly, follow the on screen instructions.


Slow Motion
Slow motion capability has been added. To use it, press pause during a program, then press Fwd once. Pressing any transport key (Pause, Play, Rew, Fwd, Stop) will then switch to that mode.
Moxi Menu • View Upcoming has been renamed to See All Times. It now appears on the action menu for all programs appearing on Moxi Menu.
Previously, it was only available from select sections of Moxi Menu.
• All recorded and recording programs appear in the appropriate Moxi Menu filters when the program guide is in current time.
Previously, recorded and recording shows appeared in Recorded TV only.
• The OnNext panel is now called Coming Up. Also, Coming Up is available in all Moxi Menu filters as well as the flip bar. On the Coming Up panel, the page (ch+/-) buttons now moves three programs at a time.
Previously, the On Next paddle appeared only on Channels, Favorites & HDTV.
• The Clear button removes a channel from the Favorites category.
Previously, only the Options card could be used to clear all Favorites channels.
• Info paddle includes additional information, as applicable: star rating, price, TV rating/movie rating, repeat, year.
• The Info Note now includes full title for long titles, closed captioning and secondary audio information.
DVR
Functionality • A storage meter was added into the new card Storage & Stats in About Moxi, which shows the amount of space used on the hard drive for recorded shows.
Previously, the viewer did not have access to this information.
• Slow Motion in forward play is now available (press pause and then FF).
• At the end of a recorded show, it is now possible to dismiss the Keep/Delete note using player controls (Rew, Replay).
Previously, no player controls were possible: Keep or Delete had to be selected.
• The user can set the skip button interval using the new Skip card in Settings.
Previously the Skip interval was preset to 15 minutes and could not be changed.
• The Recording Options button is now only available on individual or series programs that are recorded or scheduled to record. Now after setting a recording through Record Once or Record Series, press OK and select Recording Options to modify the selected individual recording. Further, if available, select Series Options to modify the series recordings.
Previously changing recording options on scheduled programs could only done from the Scheduled to Record or Series Options cards.
• The Recording Options dialog interaction works differently. The current settings appear on the left and action menus/buttons for changes appear on the right.
• There is a new Priority tool for series recordings. The viewer can select the priority level to assign to the title.
Previously, a series title had to be moved up or down one level at a time.
• When Recording Options are selected for a series or an episode, the Timeslot option which allows the user to optionally select to record episodes at a specific time.
Previously, Moxi determined which timeslot was recorded.
• For the BMC9022/Moxi Mate, a new recording starting conflict note allows a user to select which show to interrupt.
Previously, before a recording started the viewer could only choose record/not record.

About Moxi • Used DVR storage space and limited technical information, normally accessed through On Screen Diagnostics, is now available on the Storage & Stats card.
• There is a new tip on programming the Moxi remote to control additional devices.
• There is new information in Remote Shortcuts.
• There is a tip on the new Change Time Slot feature.
Flip Bar / Time Bar • Parental Controls rating information is now displayed on the Flip Bar.
• The Flip Bar is now blanked out when a channel number is entered.
• The Time Bar now stays up when pausing a program or viewing photos. To clear it from the screen, press the clear button on the remote.
Previously, the Time Bar would disappear after a few seconds.
Parental Controls • A parental controls Lock option has been added to the action menu of all TV listings. This allows the user to set a lock based on the current program’s channel, TV rating or movie rating. This can also be used to activate Parental Controls without going to the Parental Controls card in Settings.
• The user can configure the auto-relock duration using the Set Relock Timer card under Parental Controls in Settings.
Previously, Moxi would relock after four hours.
• The user may unlock one channel instead of all channels by choosing more options in the action menu of the info paddle.
Previously, all channels were unlocked, or all channels were locked.
• When available, the TV rating will be used to lock programming.
Previously, some programming was locked because it was either not rated or had a restricted Movie Rating, even though it had been edited for TV.
• After 5 attempts to enter an incorrect PIN, there is a PIN lockout for 1 hour to protect against break-in attempts.
• When show titles are blocked, the info paddle displays the setting(s) that caused the show to be locked. Pressing OK or Info displays the PIN prompt note, which explains that parental controls must be unlocked and allows PIN entry and other options to modify Parental Controls.
• In Parental Controls, there are info notes explaining ratings in TV Ratings and Movie Ratings categories.
• The Parental Controls card now displays the basic status of Parental Controls directly on the card in Settings. The status can now be changed quickly by selecting the card and picking the appropriate button. To change additional settings, the user must now select the Settings button.
• Parental control ratings on a DVD are supported in Moxi Parental Controls. DVDs that support DVD based parental controls can be unlocked without unlocking all other content. The lock status is not affected by actual ratings, only by the Parental Controls status being on or off.
Previously, the DVD was locked if Parental Controls was on and unlocking the DVD would unlock all content. This is still true for DVDs that do not support DVD based parental controls.
Photos
(Not Available in All Markets) • The Photos flip bar displays additional photo information and allows extensive remote interactions.
• There are expanded slideshow remote interactions.
• It is now possible to select a music playlist from Jukebox to play with a slideshow using the Slideshow Music button in the Album action menu. This requires Jukebox, which is only available with the BMC9022.
Previously, only preset music accompanied a slideshow. This will be unchanged for the BMC9012 and MP12.
• It is now possible to upload photos in the background, while watching TV, playing a game, etc.
Jukebox
(Not Available in All Markets) • Moxi will now store partially imported CDs.
Previously, they were erased.
• It is now possible to create and play a queue of multiple albums and tracks and then save it as a Playlist.
• A screensaver displays when Jukebox is playing.
VOD / PPV • Resume button renamed to Continue on VOD action menu.
• Buy button added to VOD info menu when viewing a preview.
• Unauthorized SVOD categories/titles appear in light gray text.
Games
(Not Available in All Markets) • Four games are removed: Domino Dementia, Battleship, Bijoux, and Checkers.
• Eight new games are added: Ping, Blockbreaker, Code Breaker, Mahjong, Slot Machine, Bowling, Bubble Blast, and 21 Frenzy.
• Two games are updated: Solitaire and Tomato.
SuperTicker™ • When SuperTicker is up, the channel can now be changed using the ch+/- buttons or by directly entering channel numbers, without disabling SuperTicker.
• In Weather Forecast, all three days appear at the same time.
• Weather Forecasts are now available for all cities.
Previously SuperTicker displayed forecasts for the local city only.
Other Differences • If an invalid channel number is entered, Moxi now tunes to next lowest valid channel number. If that channel is a VOD launch channel, Moxi will not launch to the VOD menu and will give a not subscribed/check your video connection error message. To launch to the VOD menu, bring up the Flip Bar and press OK or enter the actual launch channel number.
Previously, all invalid channel numbers were ignored.
• Closed Captioning is now a full screen application (no mini-TV is present when selecting Closed Captioning options). As with all full screen applications, the viewer is taken back to live TV when they exit. If the viewer was watching “non-live media” including Recorded TV, the Intro to Moxi movie, On Demand, or Recorded PPV, they will have to reselect the program.
Previously, the mini-TV displayed when selecting Closed Captioning options. When the viewer exited Closed Captioning they were taken back to whatever program they were watching.

People are reporting having no problem adding 250GB and 500GB external drives.

MY Dogs share clothes.

:eek: I just got a vision of Scott carrying around two mini-Poodles wearing skirts...

So - enlighten us... what color are the Poodles :D

Chris

There is a St. Louis HDTV-Charter thread that was split off from this one a few months ago.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10720208#post10720208


AHHHHH! That explains the lack of cable talk around here then. Thanks, D. ;-)

Have you checked today to see if you have the upgrade yet? My buddy here at work actually lives in the city and just got his very late last night/early this morning.

:eek: I just got a vision of Scott carrying around two mini-Poodles wearing skirts...

So - enlighten us... what color are the Poodles :D

Chris

Sure, here is a pic of my two dogs.

http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/18709/2003839047924525736_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003839047924525736)

Scott

AHHHHH! That explains the lack of cable talk around here then. Thanks, D. ;-)

Have you checked today to see if you have the upgrade yet? My buddy here at work actually lives in the city and just got his very late last night/early this morning.

Yep, checked this morning. No love in Dogtown.

MoxiGuy's Guide to How to Tell if You have 4.1
There are lots and lots of clues. Here are just a few.

1. If you see an envelope icon on the screen, then you have 4.1

2. Look at the little card that pops out to the right of the current program card in the guide. If it says, "Coming Up," then you have 4.1.

3. In the guide, press the next button. If the guide shifts forward by 30 minutes, then you have 4.1.

4. Press OK on any program title to bring up the action menu, use the up and down arrows to scroll through the choices. If you see some new ones that you never had before, then you have 4.1: (new choices are "lock" (for parental controls), "see all times" (to find upcoming broadcasts of a given program).

5. Scroll the horizontal menu. If you see a card for "service messages," then you have 4.1

6. In the menu, press and hold an up arrow. If your jaw drops at the speed, then you have 4.1.

7. Go to "find by title" and press OK. If the search widget shows up in less than two seconds, then you have 4.1.

8. Go to "About Moxi." If you see a card for "Storage and Stats" then you have 4.1.

No to all of the above.

I;m now a Charter free house having switched my phone/internet back to SWB/ATT. I'm up to 2.5MB/s on the DSL.

Very happy so far.

I also added an Acer 22" WS LCD for my PC. New Egg has them for about $250.
The picture is sweet. I kept my 16" CRT for a second desktop, but now I see how washed out my screen was.

Dave

24 hours and no post. WOW

4.1 in the 63119

4.1 in the 63119

This would be in reference to the Moxi update that Charter is doing for those of you not following the charter thread.

Another good illustration of why having two threads is a waste of time.

I say that not to flame or to hate, but to point out the bleeding obvious. :rolleyes:

I wasn't here during the split - BUT - it makes no more sense to have a Charter thread than to separate OTA, DirecTV, Dish, Charter and eventually U-verse. Of course, at the point that you segment the population that much you lose a significant portion of the value of this thread...

Back on topic. Its official - ESPN HD stinks quality wise. My wife was complaining of the graininess of the background and blockiness of the grass on games. Well she is in NC visiting her parents and they have the exact same TV connected to Time Warner. She said it is a little better - but overall it still looks bad compared to other high def feeds. The only thing I can think of is with the variation in stadiums and sources they must pick up a lot of noise transmitting data around the stadiums.... Is noise even relevant in a digital transmission? What we are referring to is the grainy backgrounds during baseball games when they zoom in on the batter or other player and there is a static background - very very grainy.

Chris

I wasn't here during the split - BUT - it makes no more sense to have a Charter thread than to separate OTA, DirecTV, Dish, Charter and eventually U-verse. Of course, at the point that you segment the population that much you lose a significant portion of the value of this thread...

Back on topic. Its official - ESPN HD stinks quality wise. My wife was complaining of the graininess of the background and blockiness of the grass on games. Well she is in NC visiting her parents and they have the exact same TV connected to Time Warner. She said it is a little better - but overall it still looks bad compared to other high def feeds. The only thing I can think of is with the variation in stadiums and sources they must pick up a lot of noise transmitting data around the stadiums.... Is noise even relevant in a digital transmission? What we are referring to is the grainy backgrounds during baseball games when they zoom in on the batter or other player and there is a static background - very very grainy.

Chris

Grainy as in depth-of-field camera focus issues (you mentioned tight shots, that's why I ask) or do you mean macro-blocking type blotchy-ness?

Grainy as in grains of sand - not blocking...

Chris

Anyone else see the new AT&T commercial that mentions the offer of free HD programming for a year? Since they are now advertising this, does that mean that some folks in our area can get U-Verse? I'll have to look into this...

No - u-verse isn't here yet. The way the offer works is depending on your location you get either Dish Network, DirecTV, or U-verse HD free. In our area - they are partnered with Dish, so the offer is for 1 year free HD from Dish.

The Dish offer by the way is 10 months of $20 credits. AT&T is 12 months of $20 credits - so really its only a $40/savings over Dish's published offer.

Chris

No - u-verse isn't here yet. The way the offer works is depending on your location you get either Dish Network, DirecTV, or U-verse HD free. In our area - they are partnered with Dish, so the offer is for 1 year free HD from Dish.

The Dish offer by the way is 10 months of $20 credits. AT&T is 12 months of $20 credits - so really its only a $40/savings over Dish's published offer.

Chris
On top of the 12 months of free HD, AT&T also offers the first 2 months of their U300 and 400 packages free. I expect the Missouri rollout of U-verse to begin Q4 this year.

FWIW, U-verse is being rolled out in parts of the Kansas City area, and there have been recent discussions in the KC HDTV section at AVS about the service:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=234120&goto=newpost

8 Friday 7:10PM vs Angels FSNMW-HD (Wells)
9 Saturday 6:15PM vs Angels FSNMW-HD (Looper)
10 Sunday 1:15PM vs Angels KSDK-DT (Wellemeyer)
:)

FWIW, U-verse is being rolled out in parts of the Kansas City area, and there have been recent discussions in the KC HDTV section at AVS about the service:

Is that their U-verse thread, their OTA thread, their HDTV thread or their cable thread? :D

I am having a problem with channel 9 now. My daughter watches PBS 9-2 and about a week or 2 ago it started cutting out a lot. It's no off quite a bit. Signal is around 70 - 74 and then it just drops out completely. Sometimes it will go down in the 60's but still stay on. My other channels are fine. Fox and NBC are at 100 and channel 4-1 is always about 93 - 94%. Did something change at PBS?

Grabbing PBS' signal is a crapshoot. Where are you located?

If I remember correct, St. Louis is supposed to be November 5 for U-Verse..

Grabbing PBS' signal is a crapshoot. Where are you located?


I'm in Bethalto. Like I said. It was just fine until about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately I never paid attention to my signal strength before 2 weeks ago so I have no idea what it was before.

If I remember correct, St. Louis is supposed to be November 5 for U-Verse..

I'd question where a specific date came from, but I suppose it could be legit. AT&T hasn't submitted a statewide franchise request yet, that certainly has to be approved before throwing the switch.

Is that their U-verse thread, their OTA thread, their HDTV thread or their cable thread? :D


:D :D :p :D :D

How come nobody had my back a month or so ago when I was going round & round with our moderator arguing against the separate Charter thread?

AT&T launched their U-Verse VDSL IPTV service . . .

Users in our forums some time ago posted this leaked launch date schedule for the rest of 2007, which so far has been spot on:
Detroit May 21
San Diego June 4
Cleveland June 18
Oklahoma City Aug 6
Sacramento Aug 20
St. Louis Nov 5
Austin Nov 19
Columbus Dec 24

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/84587

Jim/Gelcoatman
reading but not posting for a long while

Sure, here is a pic of my two dogs.

http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/18709/2003839047924525736_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003839047924525736)

Scott

Isn't the big one in the pound?

Walt

:D :D :p :D :D

How come nobody had my back a month or so ago when I was going round & round with our moderator arguing against the separate Charter thread?

I figured it was a waist of time to argue. They usually do what they want. I am a Charter sub and I think I've looked at the Charter thread 3 times. If the rest of the Charter guys came back here, or did like I and never left, the other thread would just die without any arguing. I guess there are too many thin skinned Charter guys. I, however, notice that there seems to be a great deal frustration with the other providers but no one argues about it.

e.g. They switched the stuff to the new sat and now I don't get my locals. They can't get out till next week. They never showed up and I stayed home from work. etc.

Walt

I figured it was a waist of time to argue. They usually do what they want. I am a Charter sub and I think I've looked at the Charter thread 3 times. If the rest of the Charter guys came back here, or did like I and never left, the other thread would just die without any arguing. I guess there are too many thin skinned Charter guys. I, however, notice that there seems to be a great deal frustration with the other providers but no one argues about it.

e.g. They switched the stuff to the new sat and now I don't get my locals. They can't get out till next week. They never showed up and I stayed home from work. etc.

Walt
I truly believe this is because, the other players, D* and E* make a conscious effort to demonstrate their value of, and respect towards their customer base.

No large service corporation will ever be able to address and satisfy all the needs of their customer base, but the difference between wanting and trying to, and just saying bite me, goes a long way. "I'm sorry I cannot fix your TV, Mr. Jones, but while I have you on the line, can we discuss your phone service?"

There's sales and service....and sell-sell-sell and ignore.
Just how I see it.

Oh....OTA
There, it's a on-topic post :D

I truly believe this is because, the other players, D* and E* make a conscious effort to demonstrate their value of, and respect towards their customer base.

No large service corporation will ever be able to address and satisfy all the needs of their customer base, but the difference between wanting and trying to, and just saying bite me, goes a long way. "I'm sorry I cannot fix your TV, Mr. Jones, but while I have you on the line, can we discuss your phone service?"

There's sales and service....and sell-sell-sell and ignore.
Just how I see it.

Oh....OTA
There, it's a on-topic post :D

hey, Charter cares about us - we got our 4.1 software update on our Moxi's this week!

I thought tonights ballgame was going to be in HD :confused: I got it on FSNHD channel for E* but only an upconverted SD signal :mad:

:D :D :p :D :D

How come nobody had my back a month or so ago when I was going round & round with our moderator arguing against the separate Charter thread?

I got your back now Saluki... go ahead... go push that Moderator around. We'll be right here to defend you... or over there, or back around that corner. Well yell REALLY loud, we'll be back to defend you in a flash! :rolleyes:

I thought tonights ballgame was going to be in HD :confused: I got it on FSNHD channel for E* but only an upconverted SD signal :mad:

Well looks like the fixed it as soon as I posted :)

Is the audio issue (dropouts/syncing) on FSNMW-HD only on Dish, or is it present on Charter and Direct also? Cards game tonight.

Well looks like the fixed it as soon as I posted :)
Mine was in HD from during the pre-game show at 6:30...channel 368.
The pre-game show was in SD, but all the live ballpark spots/shots during pre-game were in HD.

AT&T launched their U-Verse VDSL IPTV service . . .

Users in our forums some time ago posted this leaked launch date schedule for the rest of 2007, which so far has been spot on:
Detroit May 21
San Diego June 4
Cleveland June 18
Oklahoma City Aug 6
Sacramento Aug 20
St. Louis Nov 5
Austin Nov 19
Columbus Dec 24

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/84587

Jim/Gelcoatman
reading but not posting for a long while

Excellent!

Mine was in HD from during the pre-game show at 6:30...channel 368.
The pre-game show was in SD, but all the live ballpark spots/shots during pre-game were in HD.

The first half of the 1st inning was not showing up in SD for me then after the commercial it was fine.

The audio sync ivery disappointing, to the point of not watchable.

The audio sync ivery disappointing, to the point of not watchable.
All the previous FSNMW HD productions of the Cards games have been flawless, so I'm wondering if it was a Dish thing.

The first half of the 1st inning was not showing up in SD for me then after the commercial it was fine.

The audio sync ivery disappointing, to the point of not watchable.
I didn't notice any audio sync problems on Charter. The very beginning of the game (which was upconverted SD) must have been a production truck problem.

Analysts Cite Charter as Break-Up Candidate

From today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
________________________________________________

At a conference Thursday in London, Time Warner Chief Executive Richard Parsons suggested that a new wave of consolidation will shake up cable over the next 18 to 24 months. And that Time Warner Cable, the nation's second-largest provider, probably would be a buyer.

"The space is going to continue to consolidate," he said. "We want to participate in that consolidation."

Parsons didn't share his shopping list, but some analysts think it includes pieces of local cable heavyweight Charter Communications.

Both companies have big presences in Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and the Carolinas, for instance, and clustering in those markets could make economic sense.

That would make Time Warner a logical buyer for big chunks of Charter, Credit Suisse analyst Bryan Kraft wrote in a research note this week, though perhaps not the whole company.

"We could envision parts of Charter being sold to Time Warner Cable and other parts to other cable operators," Kraft wrote.

...

Of course, it's not at all clear that Charter is in a selling mood. Billionaire Paul Allen owns a controlling stake in the company and he's been quiet on the matter. As for last year's sales, Charter described the systems it gave up as "geographically non-strategic," not part of its core market.

Right now, said spokeswoman Anita Lamont, Charter is focused on "improving the customer experience," and rolling out phone service. As for consolidation talk, she said, that's just part of the business.

"As long as there have been cable companies, there has been speculation about swaps, trades, all kinds of things," Lamont said. "It's the nature of this industry."

Any big sale would have a big impact here. Charter employs about 2,900 people in the region and is one of eight local Fortune 500 companies.
________________________________________________

To read the entire story, click here (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/stories.nsf/0/BB8D2583EA486E8D862572F5000373FE?OpenDocument)

The first half of the 1st inning was not showing up in SD for me then after the commercial it was fine.

The audio sync ivery disappointing, to the point of not watchable.


I have Dish and also noticed the audio issues (hard not to)
The crack of the bat and pop of the ball in the glove was about 5-10 seconds after the picture.

Dave

I'm in Bethalto. Like I said. It was just fine until about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately I never paid attention to my signal strength before 2 weeks ago so I have no idea what it was before.

You are quite far from the towers. I am in St. Charles and have given up on getting PBS.
Doug, DropTheRemote, has mentioned before that PBS is just really hard to lock on to.

KETC-DT is definitely among the more difficult stations to receive, but according to the survey here last December, it's in the same league with KPLR-DT and light years more accessible than WRBU.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q158/VideoSavant/10-HowReliableLocalReception.jpg

For more details, click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713954&&#post9713954)

I wasn't here during the split - BUT - it makes no more sense to have a Charter thread than to separate OTA, DirecTV, Dish, Charter and eventually U-verse. Of course, at the point that you segment the population that much you lose a significant portion of the value of this thread...

Back on topic. Its official - ESPN HD stinks quality wise. My wife was complaining of the graininess of the background and blockiness of the grass on games. Well she is in NC visiting her parents and they have the exact same TV connected to Time Warner. She said it is a little better - but overall it still looks bad compared to other high def feeds. The only thing I can think of is with the variation in stadiums and sources they must pick up a lot of noise transmitting data around the stadiums.... Is noise even relevant in a digital transmission? What we are referring to is the grainy backgrounds during baseball games when they zoom in on the batter or other player and there is a static background - very very grainy.

Chris

I just learned about the split, and I have to be honest, I like it. The number 1 reason I lurk in this thread and rarely post is because I am a satisfied Charter customer. I love my Internet access, love my HD (yes, even with the "few" channels we have), love my DVR, and have been pleasantly surprised with my phone access.

Now, I hate sounding "whiny" and "thin-skinned," but this forum does have (for a long time) a very anti-Charter vibe in it. It's not surprising at all why many Charter people refrain from posting anything at all in here. I have seen members of this little community run out two separate Charter employees that would come here in an attempt to help. Of course, those people were described as "thin-skinned" and "unable to take the heat as well." I'm not trying to stereotype, as there are many very courteous (and extremely helpful) people that are in this forum daily. Doug does a very good job of trying to post news from everywhere and maintain as much a no-bias as he can, but I think even he would have to admit to taking jabs at Charter when he can. It shouldn't be a mystery why several people may have wanted a separate thread.

I still love that I can come here with my audio/video questions and 99.99% of the time get a satisfactory answer from so many of you experts. I will continue to do that, but it's also nice and comforting to know my Charter questions and concerns can go in a separate thread, where the heat isn't quite set to SCALDING. :-P

Sorry for the soapbox, and I return you to our regularly scheduled HDTV talk:

Isn't it much nicer to watch a bad baseball team in high definition!?!? :-D

How very selfish of you Drizzt! Did you ever consider the joy you took away from us Charter bashers? Who are we supposed to flame and hollar about now? Its no fun to yell about Charter if there are no subscribers and defenders in this thread! :D

With that said - I can understand that the general 75% negative Charter comments would probably wear on people who were just looking for advice and direction. You make a good point that a logical reason to separate might be not to manage the flow of information but to improve a negative situation.

But really - its Charter! C'mon... you want to insult them to don't ya :)

Chris

There is only thing to blame for all the Charter bashing. Charter! If companies like Charter did a better job of taking care of their clients, there wouldn't be all the bashing. Me personally, I am downright angry at Charter and since anger is a by-product of hurt, I guess you could say I am hurt that Charter sucks so bad. It pisses me off that a company with so much potential could possibly be so bad. So yeah, I bash C* all the time, but I don't bash their subs. Anyone who takes our C* bashing personally needs to take a chill pill and get over it. Unless, of course, you are a sub in C* upper managment then you should take it to heart.

There is only thing to blame for all the Charter bashing. Charter! If companies like Charter did a better job of taking care of their clients, there wouldn't be all the bashing. Me personally, I am downright angry at Charter and since anger is a by-product of hurt, I guess you could say I am hurt that Charter sucks so bad. It pisses me off that a company with so much potential could possibly be so bad. So yeah, I bash C* all the time, but I don't bash their subs. Anyone who takes our C* bashing personally needs to take a chill pill and get over it. Unless, of course, you are a sub in C* upper managment then you should take it to heart.Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding. We have a winner... :cool:

There is only thing to blame for all the Charter bashing. Charter! If companies like Charter did a better job of taking care of their clients, there wouldn't be all the bashing. Me personally, I am downright angry at Charter and since anger is a by-product of hurt, I guess you could say I am hurt that Charter sucks so bad. It pisses me off that a company with so much potential could possibly be so bad. So yeah, I bash C* all the time, but I don't bash their subs. Anyone who takes our C* bashing personally needs to take a chill pill and get over it. Unless, of course, you are a sub in C* upper managment then you should take it to heart.

I agree that Charter is to blame - but I think Drizzt's point was that if someone came in here to ask a question/research something about Charter because that's what they choose to have (maybe trees, no southern line of sight from an apt, preference, whatever) they were greeted with some information and a lot of Charter bashing (not necessarily directed at them).

So the point is that while many of us are angry at Charter (myself included which is why I have 0 Charter services now - even though their Internet isn't bad at all) it proved to be a disservice to the forum when we bashed Charter as a result of a Charter question. I understand where he is coming from.

Chris

Any D* users getting the baseball game in HD today? I'm on the OTA atm, but its choppy here in St. Ann

oh well

No problems with the game OTA or D* MPEG4 locals.

Chris

I agree that Charter is to blame - but I think Drizzt's point was that if someone came in here to ask a question/research something about Charter because that's what they choose to have (maybe trees, no southern line of sight from an apt, preference, whatever) they were greeted with some information and a lot of Charter bashing (not necessarily directed at them).

So the point is that while many of us are angry at Charter (myself included which is why I have 0 Charter services now - even though their Internet isn't bad at all) it proved to be a disservice to the forum when we bashed Charter as a result of a Charter question. I understand where he is coming from.

Chris

Oh, I totally understand what Drizzt was saying. I'm sure there are many C* subs not wanting to open their mouths in this thread for fear of being bashed. But, the thing is, if I start bashing C* no one person should take it personal.

Besides, what do you know? You have your head buried in the sand at the base of some palm tree. :p

Scott

I agree that Charter is to blame - but I think Drizzt's point was that if someone came in here to ask a question/research something about Charter because that's what they choose to have (maybe trees, no southern line of sight from an apt, preference, whatever) they were greeted with some information and a lot of Charter bashing (not necessarily directed at them).In the past few years, I've spent as much time on this Forum as anyone here, and I don't believe this is an accurate characterization of what goes on here.

This suggests that for every act of help, there's been at least two bits of bashing, and I know that's absolutely not correct. As just one example, look at all the help that Charter customers received here last December and January, when KMOV-DT was removed just before the Super Bowl. Despite the fact that the same questions and the same answers were given over and over, Charter customers looking for alternatives were provided with the help and advice they were looking for.

If people are too intimidated to ask a question here because they're a Charter customer, that's a problem. But that's their problem and theirs alone.

I truly believe Scott and Doug have suppressed a hidden deep love of Charter, so much so, it comes out as a passive aggressive form of rage, hurt, and anger.

"ding-ding-ding, we've got a winner"
If that's not clinical, I don't know what is. :D

There is only thing to blame for all the Charter bashing. Charter! If companies like Charter did a better job of taking care of their clients, there wouldn't be all the bashing. Me personally, I am downright angry at Charter and since anger is a by-product of hurt, I guess you could say I am hurt that Charter sucks so bad. It pisses me off that a company with so much potential could possibly be so bad. So yeah, I bash C* all the time, but I don't bash their subs. Anyone who takes our C* bashing personally needs to take a chill pill and get over it. Unless, of course, you are a sub in C* upper managment then you should take it to heart.

Chris understood exactly what I said. Thank you, Chris, for realizing I was trying to convey why some Charter people may feel uncomfortable in this thread. We can say what we want about the moderators, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that they must have received quite a bit of feedback from Charter people in order to split the thread. I fail to believe that one or even ten people could force such a move.

Scott, it's pretty clear how you feel about Charter (always has been...heh). However, you need to realize what all you are saying here. Take a hypothetical situation like the following: I am sitting in the lunch room with 4 other coworkers. One of my coworkers brings up the fact that he watches Lost and loves it. The other four of us immediately start laughing and going into a tirade:

"That show sucks man, I mean it is AWFUL!"
"I have never seen a show more insulting to the intelligence of people that try to watch it."
"The writers of that show clearly don't give a crap about the people that try and watch that sorry show."
"Everyone thinks that show is so sophisticated, but it's little more than annoying and full of impossible to believe plot twists."

So how do you think the coworker feels when he leaves that table? How do you think he would feel after HUNDREDS of those lunches? Don't you think that maybe, just maybe after all the incessant bashing of the show, how much it sucks, and how stupid it is that his coworkers are indirectly calling him stupid as well? Somehow I don't think a little disclaimer after all those rants of "Oh hey man, to each their own. We don't fault you for watching it..." is going to do much to change that perception.

So when people in here consistently bash and scream and rant and rave about how much Charter sucks and how they don't give a crap about their customers. Well, how do you think some of us customers feel? ;-)

Wait, didn't I say I was getting OFF this soapbox?!?! Curse you, Tucker!!!

Ok, I promise no more derailing the thread.

I'm partially frustrated dealing with audio issues from the new HD DVD player my wife gave me as an early father's day present! Man is the player sweet, though! Back to the setup menus I go...*POOF*

*** EDIT ***

Sorry, Doug, I missed your response earlier...

If people are too intimidated to ask a question here because they're a Charter customer, that's a problem. But that's their problem and theirs alone.

No offense, man, but that type of one-sided explanation probably goes a long way to explain why a group of people wanted a separate thread. I am not one of the people that got my feelings hurt every time someone would take another jab at Charter. However, most of my Charter questions went to another forum that was run and moderated by Charter subscribers. I always have felt like I get a lot out of this thread, just not when it came to Charter discussion. I am more than willing to lay some blame on overly sensitive Charter people, but to say the problems they had were created by them and them alone...that's a pretty easy and lazy assessment.

Can he try turning Native Mode off on the receiver and just output one specific format like 1080i or 720p?

Thank you. That indeed solved the problem.

tenholde

This suggests that for every act of help, there's been at least two bits of bashing, and I know that's absolutely not correct. As just one example, look at all the help that Charter customers received here last December and January, when KMOV-DT was removed just before the Super Bowl.

I do think we disagree on this point. While there is no question that if somebody asked a question - generally help was provided, I would contend that over the past few years the general sentiment of the forum was 2/3 negative, 1/3 constructive towards Charter. I am absolutely guilty of this - and while Charter is ultimately to blame - a forum that tends negative towards a service/company is not a welcome place for purveyors of that company. Just my humble opinion. So with that said - I am now a proponent of the separate forums.

Onto another topic:
KSDK Post-Game show. What is with the scroll bar on the top? Seriously, I know I don't have 0 overscan, but its not bad. The scrolling scores at the top of the screen are 2/3 cutoff on my TV AND they slope down from right to left (which I know my TV doesn't). Was this a 1 time issue, or is it always that off?

Chris

We can say what we want about the moderators, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that they must have received quite a bit of feedback from Charter people in order to split the thread. I fail to believe that one or even ten people could force such a move.Many of the problems that Charter customers have here result from just the sort of faulty assumptions you've made. You can believe what you want, but that's not how the thread was split.

In fact, the St. Louis thread was unilaterally split by one of the former participants here and was later closed by a moderator due to subsequent discussion here that favored keeping a single thread. Later, another moderator came by in the course of doing some forum housekeeping and reopened the Charter thread as a result not understanding that as a group we had decided to keep to a single thread.

At that point it was left open, largely because I think the main participants here were just worn down by the process and the continual whining.

I'm letting your "lazy" characterization pass, but suggest you might want to rein in that sort of thing if you're really interested in participating in a flame-free forum.

In fact, the St. Louis thread was unilaterally split by one of the former participants here and was later closed by a moderator due to subsequent discussion here that favored keeping a single thread. Later, another moderator came by in the course of doing some forum housekeeping and reopened the Charter thread as a result not understanding that as a group we had decided to keep to a single thread.

At that point it was left open, largely because I think the main participants here were just worn down by the process and the continual whining.

This is my exact recollection of the events surrounding the split, as well.

I'm letting your "lazy" characterization pass, but suggest you might want to rein in that sort of thing if you're really interested in participating in a flame-free forum.

I am never interested in starting a flame-war in any forums, including ones that I administer as well. However, it's pretty hypocritical to start accusations of flaming when the entire comment was based around your generalization that if a Charter customer felt too uncomfortable posting here it was "their problem and theirs alone."

At any rate, I am as ready to drop it as I'm sure you are, so I'll continue feeling welcome to post here, and continue feeling welcome in the new thread as well. No harm, no foul I suppose. :-P

As far as the split goes, you will have to forgive me for that one. When you say "split" I took that to mean someone literally split posts from one forum to the other. Unless there are special rules here at avsforums that type of action can only be done by moderators/administrators. Thus my assumption that the split was done by someone with authority. I don't think you guys meant it that literally. So if it was done by a member of these forums, and it's actually generating posts I still think that exemplifies the point that people are more comfortable posting about a specific cable-related question/concern in that forum. /shrug

Chris understood exactly what I said. Thank you, Chris, for realizing I was trying to convey why some Charter people may feel uncomfortable in this thread. We can say what we want about the moderators, but I think it's pretty safe to assume that they must have received quite a bit of feedback from Charter people in order to split the thread. I fail to believe that one or even ten people could force such a move.

Scott, it's pretty clear how you feel about Charter (always has been...heh). However, you need to realize what all you are saying here. Take a hypothetical situation like the following: I am sitting in the lunch room with 4 other coworkers. One of my coworkers brings up the fact that he watches Lost and loves it. The other four of us immediately start laughing and going into a tirade:

"That show sucks man, I mean it is AWFUL!"
"I have never seen a show more insulting to the intelligence of people that try to watch it."
"The writers of that show clearly don't give a crap about the people that try and watch that sorry show."
"Everyone thinks that show is so sophisticated, but it's little more than annoying and full of impossible to believe plot twists."

So how do you think the coworker feels when he leaves that table? How do you think he would feel after HUNDREDS of those lunches? Don't you think that maybe, just maybe after all the incessant bashing of the show, how much it sucks, and how stupid it is that his coworkers are indirectly calling him stupid as well? Somehow I don't think a little disclaimer after all those rants of "Oh hey man, to each their own. We don't fault you for watching it..." is going to do much to change that perception.

So when people in here consistently bash and scream and rant and rave about how much Charter sucks and how they don't give a crap about their customers. Well, how do you think some of us customers feel? ;-)

Wait, didn't I say I was getting OFF this soapbox?!?! Curse you, Tucker!!!

Ok, I promise no more derailing the thread.

I'm partially frustrated dealing with audio issues from the new HD DVD player my wife gave me as an early father's day present! Man is the player sweet, though! Back to the setup menus I go...*POOF*

*** EDIT ***

Sorry, Doug, I missed your response earlier...



No offense, man, but that type of one-sided explanation probably goes a long way to explain why a group of people wanted a separate thread. I am not one of the people that got my feelings hurt every time someone would take another jab at Charter. However, most of my Charter questions went to another forum that was run and moderated by Charter subscribers. I always have felt like I get a lot out of this thread, just not when it came to Charter discussion. I am more than willing to lay some blame on overly sensitive Charter people, but to say the problems they had were created by them and them alone...that's a pretty easy and lazy assessment.

Drizzt,

Yes, Chris understood you earlier post as did I. You made it pretty clear why some wanted their own Charter thread. Your also right that I've made my love for D* and Hate for C* overtly clear for the past few years. Look, it was never my intention to piss off C* subs with all my bashing, and if I have offended even one of you I am sorry. Believe me, I'm not so naive to think C* isn't the perfect solution for some people. It's just not any kind of solution for me. I like your hypothetical story. If I may use it as an example as well, I'd say there is nothing wrong with the 3 guys bashing Lost. Just like there would be nothing wrong with the one Lost guy stating how awesome he thought the show was. My point exactly is why would the Lost guy take the opinions of three friends personally? Couldn't he have his own opionion, feel good about it, and not feel like he had to have his own separate lunch table with only Lost supporters? Anyway, I'm done with this, and count me in for another one who thinks having a separate C* thread is lame.

Scott

Originally Posted by DroptheRemote
In fact, the St. Louis thread was unilaterally split by one of the former participants here and was later closed by a moderator due to subsequent discussion here that favored keeping a single thread. Later, another moderator came by in the course of doing some forum housekeeping and reopened the Charter thread as a result not understanding that as a group we had decided to keep to a single thread.

At that point it was left open, largely because I think the main participants here were just worn down by the process and the continual whining.

Actually, the first proposal to have a separate Charter thread was made in the MOXI thread in the HDTV Recorders section on this site. Before the new STL Charter thread was put up, the idea of the thread received the support of about 10 STL Charter subscribers (including myself). One moderator gave permission to start the thread, and the moderator who closed the thread actually did not know that another moderator had given authorization to create the thread (which is why the thread was restarted). So while once the thread was posted, frequent posters on this thread responded negatively, the actual first proposal of a STL Charter thread was overwhelmingly positive in the MOXI thread.

The reasons for a separate thread are not only because of a few stray arguably insulting comments, but also because many of us Charter subs have absolutely no interest in the latest Dish and DirecTV happenings, whether or not a sat channel is MPEG2 or MPEG4, the differences between different dishes, quirks in OTA reception etc.

Can we create a new thread to only discuss the split? All this bickering is clogging up this thread.

What this thread needs most at the moment is another one of those post-free 24-hour periods... :)

This is the last I have to say about this topic: http://goldismoney.info/forums/images/smilies/clap2.gif

* Although I don't agree and don't understand, I'm going to accept the claim that the main point of starting a separate Charter thread was to shield the feelings of Charter customers who feel under attack here. That is the new reality for me, and I am adjusting to that new reality.

* The new reality also means that Charter customers who do come here and find offense about anything that's written about Charter need to "suck it up" and roll with the punches. Or they need to move on.

* For my part, I am going to ignore all future complaints about Charter bashing, apart from providing a link to the current St. Louis Charter discussion, and possibly a link to this note if they're not clear on why they are being directed to the Charter thread. Of course, offended parties are free to stay here, but they will hopefully understand that complaining about "bashing" is not going to be productive.

* In future, I'm not going to engage in debates or try to reason with future complaints about what is written here about Charter, because it is exercise in futility.

* None of the above means that I'm considering Charter topics off limits, but I'm not going to directly address anyone who complains that Charter is being bashed. You may be right or you may be wrong, but I'm done dealing with matters related to bruised feelings and perceived attacks on self esteem.

I hope this leads to a more productive AVS experience for everyone involved.

And just for the record, I am not a Charter hater. I have tried to support Charter customers to the best of my ability. As examples of that I have written guides on Charter pricing, working in conjunction with a Charter employee who didn't feel comfortable posting the information directly. I have also said positive things about Charter when it's merited (MOXI, for example), and I've also made negative points about my own service (DirecTV) when I felt it was justified. Most recently, I've noted that I'm considering switching to DISH, and I haven't ruled that out yet.

More to the point, I have customers (and hopefully future customers) who are Charter customers, and there's no merit in me going out of my way to alienate that segment of my market. But I'm not going to sugar-coat what I see as the pros and cons of various services. It seems to me that that's the whole point of having an open discussion board.

Yes, I want your business, but I'm not going to be a whore about it.

Yes, I want your business, but I'm not going to be a whore about it.

Doug,

Are you coming out next week dressed as yourself or as a whore? :)

Tim

(Doing my best "Elephant Man" impression): "I...AM...NOT...A...WHORE. I...AM...A...HUNGRY...CALIBRATOR." ;)

KETC-DT is definitely among the more difficult stations to receive, but according to the survey here last December, it's in the same league with KPLR-DT and light years more accessible than WRBU.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q158/VideoSavant/10-HowReliableLocalReception.jpg

For more details, click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713954&&#post9713954)

KETC's ERP is only 124 KW. WRBU's is 109 KW, and located near Antonia in Jefferson County.

I think Doug felt that KETC had stated their case well in the complaint against the FCC directive to increase the stations ERP; this may be a counter-argument.

What this thread needs most at the moment is another one of those post-free 24-hour periods... :)
You only have 16 hours left :D

You only have 16 hours left :DWrong. Now he has 24 hours left. :D

I didn't start the argument. I'm just an innocent bystander with gas that I throw on the fire every now and then.

How did I know you two would show up, sooner or later :D

How did I know you two would show up, sooner or later :DHey, if it concerns Charter bashing, I'm there. :eek:

Revised Schedule HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10174447#post10174447)
Several changes in June.

(Doug--I edited the master, so your link will be up-to-date as well)

* None of the above means that I'm considering Charter topics off limits, but I'm not going to directly address anyone who complains that Charter is being bashed. You may be right or you may be wrong, but I'm done dealing with matters related to bruised feelings and perceived attacks on self esteem.

I have Charter, have had good service (one of the few it sounds like) but am still unhappy with the lack of KMOV-HD. That aside I'm just to lazy to change to Direct TV or DISH as I see a fair amount of problems/complaints with them as well AND reprogramming my universal remote to work with other provider is just more than I can do right now. That aside, I have always known that the people who express concerns with CHarter service are just that-concerns with Charter the company and not aimed at Charter subscribers.

Lets talk about something non-controversial--like the end of last nights Sopranos!

I think it all depends on what you want.

If you are into all things sports, go DirecTV. After that, it is up to programming and 1 bill and other stuff.

Chances are if AT&T (Charter Now) had broadband in my area I would probably be a charter/directv sub instead of a SBC(AT&T now)/DirecTV sub.

I just remember back in the day growing up, about 20 years ago, and the cable company just plain sucked.

Then I was in Chicago and the cable company there sucked, too. It was just the customer service.

But now, I like my sports, my DVR's, and my programming, so I stay with DirecTV. I did call charter about broadband recently but I wasn't impressed with their offering or price.

In the words of Rodney King...

"Can't we all just get along?"

I'll tell you what I do like, watching my Slingbox from Mclean, VA...It is better than just having MLB.tv.

As far as Sopranos goes, don't forget, today is National Cancel HBO Day.

I thought the Sopranos ending was brilliant. Everyone gets to decide on their own what happened. That's about all I'll say so as not to spoil it for anyone.

The show that had me crackin' up was John fron Cincinnatti or whatever it's called. I can't wait for next week. The only problem is I forgot the swich it from 480i, so I watched in SD. Luckily noticed before watching the season premier of Big Love. No way in hell I'll cancel HBO.

Scott

Hey Forum Buddies...

My wife and I are going to be moving to Arnold. Near the Vogel / Old Lemay Ferry area. Is anyone here from out in that direction? How's the OTA reception? I've got about 6 months before the house is completed.

We're in the planning stages, is there anything that you'd advise making sure we do while buiilding this house? It'll be a two story home, I'm wondering if I can get a raceway between the unfinished basement and the Attic without breaking fire code. That way I'd be able to have access to the upper level from the attic while having main level access from the basement. I'll also post in the construction forum, but any advice is welcomed.


We've got the 2 car garage elevation.
http://www.mcbridehomes.com/floorplan2.asp?MMID=172

Thanks!

I'm wondering if I can get a raceway between the unfinished basement and the Attic without breaking fire code.

Fire code wise, you shouldn't have a problem as long as you close the ends with fire caulk (I'm not specifically familiar with Jefferson County fire code requirements). However, even if it's "fire code legal", the builder might not let you do it anyway. When my cousing built his house, he had to strategically come back and install the raceway after the builders left for the day and nearly right before the drywall installers were ready to hang drywall.

You can ask the builder, but if he says no, then he'll be looking for you doing it anyway. But he could agree to do it also.

Besides, what do you know? You have your head buried in the sand at the base of some palm tree. :p

Scott

This leaves you free to do what the Frenchman said in Monte Python's "The Search For The Holy Grail". :p

Walt

This leaves you free to do what the Frenchman said in Monte Python's "The Search For The Holy Grail". :p

Walt

Oh oh, I'll have to ask my wife the Python fan what your talking about because at my age I don't remember. The good thing about that is I can watch a flick 15 times and never remember how it ends. :)

Scott

Hey Forum Buddies...

My wife and I are going to be moving to Arnold. Near the Vogel / Old Lemay Ferry area. Is anyone here from out in that direction? How's the OTA reception? I've got about 6 months before the house is completed.

We're in the planning stages, is there anything that you'd advise making sure we do while buiilding this house? It'll be a two story home, I'm wondering if I can get a raceway between the unfinished basement and the Attic without breaking fire code. That way I'd be able to have access to the upper level from the attic while having main level access from the basement. I'll also post in the construction forum, but any advice is welcomed.


We've got the 2 car garage elevation.
http://www.mcbridehomes.com/floorplan2.asp?MMID=172

Thanks!

Congrats on the new home. A lot depends on wheter or not the builder lets you do any of the work because you likely don't want to pay them to do it.

I would definitely run speaker wire to every area you want sound. I enjoy the speakers on my front porch, rear patio, and garage. Also, run coax to every place you want or may want a TV. The raceway from the basement to the attic is smart. I did that and it came in handy when running my antenna coax. Good luck with everything.

Scott

I'll tell you what I do like, watching my Slingbox from Mclean, VA...It is better than just having MLB.tv.



I am thinking harder about the Slingbox. What kind of connection do you use? Do you have some sort of wireless card, or is there one that will work? Or do you only stay at WiFi hotspots?

I am looking at getting a laptop and I would want one that would work well with the Slingbox. As you know I am not the techie all of you are, so.... Ideally I would like a wireless card with High Speed, but I don't even know if there is one available that will work. And I don't know what laptop would be best suited.

Thanks Scott and Kurt,

I appreciate the feedback. I'm sure it's normal, but the builder contracts out to a company called multilink to run all wires, security, and AV stuff. They want about $250 to prewire each pair of speakers. Outside is closer to $600 per pair. (Asking prices of course.) I'd like to prewire for the TV over the gas fireplace, but I cringe at the thought of paying more than monster cable prices when I could get the same thing at monoprice for about 1/8 the cost.

I wish I could get in there, legally, while the walls are open to run AV wires. Who knows, it's a couple months out...maybe I can work something out with Multilink.

Thanks Scott and Kurt,

I appreciate the feedback. I'm sure it's normal, but the builder contracts out to a company called multilink to run all wires, security, and AV stuff. They want about $250 to prewire each pair of speakers. Outside is closer to $600 per pair. (Asking prices of course.) I'd like to prewire for the TV over the gas fireplace, but I cringe at the thought of paying more than monster cable prices when I could get the same thing at monoprice for about 1/8 the cost.

I wish I could get in there, legally, while the walls are open to run AV wires. Who knows, it's a couple months out...maybe I can work something out with Multilink.

You're welcome. Yeah, it's highway robbery what the builder chargers for wire runs. I passe on some homes I really wanted just ot use a builder who let me run my own stuff. Maybe talk to the electrician as well. Maybe he/she can do it for cheap.

Scott

Oh oh, I'll have to ask my wife the Python fan what your talking about because at my age I don't remember. The good thing about that is I can watch a flick 15 times and never remember how it ends. :)

Scott

I have the same affliction but some movies have memorable lines like:

"So, you think my fwend Biggus Dickus in funny."

"Wawees Bawabus."

"Its a shame when a knight can say NEAT to an old lady."

"I fart in your general direction." :D

"Emergency, emergency......everybody to run from street."

Oops. That one is not Monty Python.

And now for something competely different.......If U-verse is here in November, how much of the area do you think will be serviced?

Walt

Its just fun Scott. Don't take offense.

"Emergency, emergency......everybody to run from street."

you help us get boat quickly, whitaker walt, otherwise there is World War III, and everybody is blaming YOU! :D

I have the same affliction but some movies have memorable lines like:

"So, you think my fwend Biggus Dickus in funny."

"Wawees Bawabus."

"Its a shame when a knight can say NEAT to an old lady."

"I fart in your general direction." :D

"Emergency, emergency......everybody to run from street."

Oops. That one is not Monty Python.

And now for something competely different.......If U-verse is here in November, how much of the area do you think will be serviced?

Walt

Its just fun Scott. Don't take offense.

No offense. Hey, "Your arms are off!"

Scott

The current edition of The Bridge newsletter contains an interesting series of "state of play" articles on Teleco TV. The publication is available online as a PDF download:

http://www.thebridgemediagroup.com/media/archives/Telco_061207.pdf

FWIW, this is a trade publication for the cable, satellite and teleco industries, and therefore it may be tending toward overload for a consumer who's just beginning to toy with the idea of dropping satellite and/or cable for U-verse.

Still, I think it's worth scanning through for bits and pieces of info that may helpful in making a switching decision down the road.

I just learned about the split, and I have to be honest, I like it. The number 1 reason I lurk in this thread and rarely post is because I am a satisfied Charter customer. I love my Internet access, love my HD (yes, even with the "few" channels we have), love my DVR, and have been pleasantly surprised with my phone access.

Now, I hate sounding "whiny" and "thin-skinned," but this forum does have (for a long time) a very anti-Charter vibe in it. It's not surprising at all why many Charter people refrain from posting anything at all in here. I have seen members of this little community run out two separate Charter employees that would come here in an attempt to help. Of course, those people were described as "thin-skinned" and "unable to take the heat as well." I'm not trying to stereotype, as there are many very courteous (and extremely helpful) people that are in this forum daily. Doug does a very good job of trying to post news from everywhere and maintain as much a no-bias as he can, but I think even he would have to admit to taking jabs at Charter when he can. It shouldn't be a mystery why several people may have wanted a separate thread.

I still love that I can come here with my audio/video questions and 99.99% of the time get a satisfactory answer from so many of you experts. I will continue to do that, but it's also nice and comforting to know my Charter questions and concerns can go in a separate thread, where the heat isn't quite set to SCALDING. :-P

Sorry for the soapbox, and I return you to our regularly scheduled HDTV talk:

Isn't it much nicer to watch a bad baseball team in high definition!?!? :-D


How long have you had Charter HD for? I first got in 2005. I watched as both Dish and Direct passed "us" by. I had no ABC-HD, so no SUperbowl. No ESPN2-HD and no NFL Network (standard or HD). I then watched as my bill increased and they dropped CBS-HD. Now, two years in a row with no superbowl? I couldn't stand it anymore, Charter had to go.

For the record, I had no "real" problems with service...except I had the massive pixelaztion problem that plagued Moxi users in late '05, which is how I found this board in the first place....I was trying to fix something that Charter couldn't/wouldn't.

Look, if you are a "casual" HD fan, then maybe Charter is for you. I don't mean that to be insulting at all. SInce I am really into sports, I can't deal with Charter. I have no faith that they are keeping up with Joneses and being competitve whatsoever. They are going through the motions. A year and half+ of Charter hD was more than enough hell for me.

We had a spammer or troll or two for Charter that needed to go. They were not helpfull, objective or usefull.

I am thinking harder about the Slingbox. What kind of connection do you use? Do you have some sort of wireless card, or is there one that will work? Or do you only stay at WiFi hotspots?

I am looking at getting a laptop and I would want one that would work well with the Slingbox. As you know I am not the techie all of you are, so.... Ideally I would like a wireless card with High Speed, but I don't even know if there is one available that will work. And I don't know what laptop would be best suited.

My slingbox is plugged in at home into a hard wired network. I stream at home with the built in wireless in my laptop.
The hotel I am at, I am using their wireless connection with the internal wireless built into this work laptop.

My brother has a slingbox and uses his Hi Speed Sprint card to stream when he is away from his house.

It is really easy to hook up.

My slingbox is plugged in at home into a hard wired network. I stream at home with the built in wireless in my laptop.
The hotel I am at, I am using their wireless connection with the internal wireless built into this work laptop.

My brother has a slingbox and uses his Hi Speed Sprint card to stream when he is away from his house.

It is really easy to hook up.

Even a caveman can do it...

Speaking of Slingbox...does anyone have a used one that they'd like to get rid of?

Even a caveman can do it...

Speaking of Slingbox...does anyone have a used one that they'd like to get rid of?

I don't think I've ever seen a used one for sale. :eek: It works so well I don't know why anyone would ever give it up. I just checked eBay and the ones I saw for sale are going for the same or higher price that you can get it for locally. I paid $120 a few month ago thru buy.com (I think) for my AV model. I recently had a glitch while in Canada and my non-geeky wife had to call their CSR's and got it up and running again. She was amazed.

I connect wireless and wired with an IBM ThinkPad and a Mac. At home I connect with a sling lynk (sp?). This is a pair of electric wall plug-in that connect to my Moxi on one and to my wireless router(for the internet connection) on the other. They say it will stream better(fewer glitches) if you use this wired connection. They say you need at least 250 kbs up for it to work at both ends but I have seen it stream lower with OK results. Nothing like watchin Cardinals baseball from Saskatoon Saskatchewan! :D

Thanks Scott and Kurt,

I appreciate the feedback. I'm sure it's normal, but the builder contracts out to a company called multilink to run all wires, security, and AV stuff. They want about $250 to prewire each pair of speakers. Outside is closer to $600 per pair. (Asking prices of course.) I'd like to prewire for the TV over the gas fireplace, but I cringe at the thought of paying more than monster cable prices when I could get the same thing at monoprice for about 1/8 the cost.

I wish I could get in there, legally, while the walls are open to run AV wires. Who knows, it's a couple months out...maybe I can work something out with Multilink.
No problem. I didn't even consider the cost aspect that Scott mentioned as I've never had a new house built (and won't anytime soon building after my dream garage :D ).

I do think it's worth checking with the electrician, although he probably has a contract with the builder that prohibits "extracurricular wiring". Good luck.

DirecTV Counts to 100 -- HBO x 11

While I didn't expect DirecTV to count regional sports networks toward its goal of 100 national HD channels, I did predict that East/West movie channels would figure prominently.

Still, there is some unique new content among the HBO/Cinemax additions announced here...

From today's SkyREPORT newsletter:
_______________________________________________________

While the debate rages on the high def stakes, DIRECTV is expected to announce today that it will roll out the HD feeds of 11 HBO and Cinemax channels nationally in September.

In addition to the HBO (East) HD channel the company currently offers, DIRECTV will launch the following channels in full-time HD: HBO West, HBO2 West, HBO2 East, HBO Family East, HBO Family West, HBO Latino, HBO Signature, Cinemax East, Cinemax West and MoreMax.

The channels will roll out in September and continue to launch through the rest of the year, DIRECTV said. The DBS service currently carries each of the channels in standard-definition.
_______________________________________________________

FYI -- here's a list of all currently available or "announced" HD channels for US markets. Let me know if you spot any errors or omissions...

The List (East/West availability not shown):

General Interest

A&E, BBC*, Bravo*, FX*, HDNet, MOJO, TBS*, TNT, Universal, USA Network*

News

CNBC*, CNN*, HD News, Weather Channel*

Movies

Cinemax, Film Fest, HBO, HBO 2*, HBO Family*, HBO Latino*, HBO Signature*, HDNet Movies, MGM*, MoreMax*, Showtime, Starz, Starz Edge*, Starz Comedy*, Starz Kids & Family*, The Movie Channel

Sports

ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews*, Golf/Versus; MLB Network*, MLB Extra Innings; NBA TV, NBA League Pass, NFL Network, NFL Sunday Ticket; NHL Center Ice, Outdoor Channel, Rush, Speed*, Tennis Channel*, World Sport

Regional Sports Networks: Altitude, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet West, Fox Sports Net Arizona, Fox Sports Net Bay Area, Fox Sports Net Detroit, Fox Sports Net Florida, Fox Sports Net Midwest, Fox Sports Net Prime Ticket, Fox Sports Net New England, Fox Sports Net North, Fox Sports Net Northwest, Fox Sports Net Ohio, Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain, Fox Sports Net Seattle, Fox Sports Net South, Fox Sports Net Southwest, Fox Sports Net West, Madison Square Garden, New England Sports Network, SportsNet New York, SportsTime Ohio, Sun Sports, YES

Family

ABC Family*, Cartoon Network*, Disney Channel*, Family Room, Toon Disney*

Documentary/Nature

Animal Planet*, Discovery, Equator, History Channel*, National Geographic, Science Channel*, TLC*

Lifestyle

Food Network, Gallery, Game Play, Home & Garden, Music HD, Rave, Treasure, Ultra, Wealth

Special Interest

Animania, Chiller, Monster, Sci-Fi*, Sleuth*

* = announced/pending

Based on previous discussion here, I thought it might be worth pointing out that Windows Home Server Release Candidate 1 is out. In addition, it is being made available outside the beta tester group.

Details here: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070612-windows-home-server-on-track-rc1-released-today.html

I am thinking harder about the Slingbox. What kind of connection do you use? Do you have some sort of wireless card, or is there one that will work? Or do you only stay at WiFi hotspots?

Slingmedia also has a good client for PPC and Smartphones. It works great if you have a cellular data plan and can get 3G service. Being able to stream Barney on my phone comes in very handy with my 3 year old. ;)


Good luck,
Token

No problem. I didn't even consider the cost aspect that Scott mentioned as I've never had a new house built (and won't anytime soon building after my dream garage :D ).

I do think it's worth checking with the electrician, although he probably has a contract with the builder that prohibits "extracurricular wiring". Good luck.

If you have this done, make sure YOU check often on how they are following your instructions. On a new house in Austin, after mapping all video, audio, phone and network outlets, I couldn't be there to check before the walls were covered. There were many mistakes (network wiring to the wrong walls & etc). The house has 4 phone lines for my daugther and son-in-laws business. We found that the phone company used the network CAT5 for the phone system. We had cables pierced with sheetrock nails and had to replace the cable. I say we and not the company that was hired, because they went bankrupt. They had come highly recommended. What a mess.

Walt

Based on previous discussion here, I thought it might be worth pointing out that Windows Home Server Release Candidate 1 is out. In addition, it is being made available outside the beta tester group.

Details here: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070612-windows-home-server-on-track-rc1-released-today.html

I have been in beta for several months now, currently have my server sitting on my work bench installing the new build.

Last I saw, MS is talking a price range of 90-130 for this OS. For the typical home user this will save many memories lost. I have come across way to many people asking me about a bad hard drive with the family photo albums on them. Of course no backup has ever been done. My first thought was just for a backup it wasn't worth it, but with Media Connect included I started getting interested. It also looks like 3rd party add-ons will be available also. :)

Thanks for all the Slingbox feedback guys. Sounds like a great product. I forget sometimes who has what TV provider, not that I am busy changing diapers or feeding babies but.... Anyway just curious if anyone is using Slingbox with E*, if so how do the two work together? Taking this to PM might be in order too. Thanks in advance.

FYI, thanks a lot Scott, now I am recording John From Cincinnati. One more thing to fill up the DVR. I will let you know what I think.

DirecTV Counts to 100 -- HBO x 11

While I didn't expect DirecTV to count regional sports networks toward its goal of 100 national HD channels, I did predict that East/West movie channels would figure prominently.

Still, there is some unique new content among the HBO/Cinemax additions announced here...

From today's SkyREPORT newsletter:
_______________________________________________________

While the debate rages on the high def stakes, DIRECTV is expected to announce today that it will roll out the HD feeds of 11 HBO and Cinemax channels nationally in September.

In addition to the HBO (East) HD channel the company currently offers, DIRECTV will launch the following channels in full-time HD: HBO West, HBO2 West, HBO2 East, HBO Family East, HBO Family West, HBO Latino, HBO Signature, Cinemax East, Cinemax West and MoreMax.

The channels will roll out in September and continue to launch through the rest of the year, DIRECTV said. The DBS service currently carries each of the channels in standard-definition.
_______________________________________________________

I don't mind at all that D* will count the East/West coast feeds of HBO, etc., in their 100 HD channel count. Voom used to do the same thing. It's kinda nice if you're channel surfing late at night to have more to choose from at any given moment.

Meanwhile, E* is getting better with their MPEG4 encoding. It was the pits when the new receivers came out, but the picture quality of the MPEG4 channels often looks better now than the MPEG2 ones. I hope the D* move gives E* the incentive it needs to move ahead aggressively with the roll out of more HD channels of their own. This can only be good news for all of us.

Joe,
This should be of interest to you. E* just announced a summer/fall '07 availability of USB storage drive support. Virtually any drive will be compatible, a 1-time enabling fee, and no monthly fee. My guess is viewing will remain proprietary through a compatible DISH receiver (622), but it shouldn't be too long until someone figures out how to burn the archives.
Give you something to do, in your spare time, of course. :)

I agree wholeheartedly...the more these providers bicker, the better we all fair in the end.

Joe,
This should be of interest to you. E* just announced a summer/fall '07 availability of USB storage drive support. Virtually any drive will be compatible, a 1-time enabling fee, and no monthly fee. My guess is viewing will remain proprietary through a compatible DISH receiver (622), but it shouldn't be too long until someone figures out how to burn the archives.
Give you something to do, in your spare time, of course. :)

I agree wholeheartedly...the more these providers bicker, the better we all fair in the end.


Hmm, wow, Charter beat someone to a feature? Cool. And they didn't even charge us an enabling fee!

:p

Hmm, wow, Charter beat someone to a feature? Cool. And they didn't even charge us an enabling fee!

:pDuly noted. Now standing on alert for tearing of space/time continuum. ;)

Joe,

I agree, more or less, on the East/West feeds. It's certainly more defensible than counting the regional sports networks or the multiple channels in the "season pass" sports packages.

On the other hand, in a DVR environment I don't think there's much practical value for East/West channels. But it would have been very nice to have HBO HD East and West, starting back in 1999. :)

Joe,
This should be of interest to you. E* just announced a summer/fall '07 availability of USB storage drive support. Virtually any drive will be compatible, a 1-time enabling fee, and no monthly fee. My guess is viewing will remain proprietary through a compatible DISH receiver (622), but it shouldn't be too long until someone figures out how to burn the archives.
Give you something to do, in your spare time, of course. :)

I agree wholeheartedly...the more these providers bicker, the better we all fair in the end.

DirecTV's HR20 uses ESATA, so people have already set up TB disk for it.

I just noticed that the EPG guide info now populates for the sub channels again for Dish.

On Mondays Charlie Chat external storage will be available around August. Dish should have more HD channels by the end of the year, with 2 new sats going up after the first of the year devoted to HD programming. The Voom channels are going mpeg4 August 15th, freeing more bandwith till the new sats are hot.

DirecTV's HR20 uses ESATA, so people have already set up TB disk for it.

Doesn't the eSATA drive actually replace the on-board hard drive? I thought that was the feeling initially, but I haven't looked into it in many months.

Yeah, if you plug in the eSATA drive, it does disable the internal drive.

Any audio fans out there?

This is way off-topic, but I wanted to mention to you nice people here that I've organized an audio related event tha's coming up tomorrow evening, Thursday at 7pm. If you're into live concerts and pipe organ music, there will be an organ recital at First Unitarian Church(Kingshighway and Waterman) in the Central West End. The organist is local artist Dennis Bergin. The event will be recorded by local recording engineer John Blaine. The recital is free, but a $10 donation for the use of the church would be welcome. John is willing to answer questions about his mikes, placement, technique, etc. when he arrives at about 6:15pm or so, and Dennis will talk some about the organ. Discs will be made available of the event. The idea is to have a reference of the live event to compare to what it might sound like on your system or someone elses. If you decide to come, you might want to mention at the door that you're there for the GAS(Gateway Audio Society)recital. Or just say that Adrian invited you. Send me a PM if you're coming, and sorry about the late notice. Dress as cool as you can, as the AC won't be on because of the recording. My GAS buddies are bringing refreshments, and feel free to bring something if you'd like.

Regards,
Adrian


Bob,
I tried to reach you Wed. evening, but couldn't get through. I missed tv night. If you can, call me from work on Thursday.

Joe,
This should be of interest to you. E* just announced a summer/fall '07 availability of USB storage drive support. Virtually any drive will be compatible, a 1-time enabling fee, and no monthly fee. My guess is viewing will remain proprietary through a compatible DISH receiver (622), but it shouldn't be too long until someone figures out how to burn the archives.
Give you something to do, in your spare time, of course. :)

I agree wholeheartedly...the more these providers bicker, the better we all fair in the end.

Good news, Ken. I'll definitely take advantage of that. The internal drive isn't disabled on the E* receiver, is it?

As to burning the archives, I already have the capability of grabbing anything from satellite and recording it to computer. Of course, that's as it's being broadcast, not after the fact. The Nextcom R5000 is the device I use on a Dish 211 receiver to grab satcasts.

Yeah, if you plug in the eSATA drive, it does disable the internal drive.

That's too bad. I wish there was a way that you could switch between them.

Nevertheless, it does allow you to store content. And, w/ external HD's getting cheaper and cheaper this makes more sense.

Now, if only the HR20 had TiVo software =]

FYI,

Anyone wanting to see what Golf is all about can tune to ESPNHD for the U.S. Open at Oakmaont at 9:00. This is arguably the toughest course they'll play all year. GO PHIL!

Scott

Good news, Ken. I'll definitely take advantage of that. The internal drive isn't disabled on the E* receiver, is it?

I don't know for certain, but I've never heard of, or seen anything to suggest the internal drive would be disabled. In looking at the current software setup of the 622, it almost appears a USB drive would be for storage only, and all viewing would be from the internal drive. Also, disabling the internal drive would effect the operations of a PocketDish, so I'm thinking no.

I am considering getting the new DVR from D*. I might as well get it before the big rush in September. I have been a Tivo user since it first came out and I'm not looking forward to changing. I spent some time over at DBS reading various posts but my eyes started to glaze over. I know some of you made the switch.

I have a few questions:
1. How many recordings still get hosed?
2. How horrible is losing dual buffers and the Tivo guide? (I use both all the time).
3. How do the locals look or do you still use OTA?
4. Is there an update in software coming that I should wait on before changing?
5. Does anyone know if Premiere is installing only the slimline dishes now?
6. Is it true that the HR20 still has issues with HDMI amd therefore can't
use toslink cables? I read that installers are pushing component connections.

Thanks in advance!

I am considering getting the new DVR from D*. I might as well get it before the big rush in September. I have been a Tivo user since it first came out and I'm not looking forward to changing. I spent some time over at DBS reading various posts but my eyes started to glaze over. I know some of you made the switch.

I have a few questions:
1. How many recordings still get hosed?
2. How horrible is losing dual buffers and the Tivo guide? (I use both all the time).
3. How do the locals look or do you still use OTA?
4. Is there an update in software coming that I should wait on before changing?
5. Does anyone know if Premiere is installing only the slimline dishes now?
6. Is it true that the HR20 still has issues with HDMI amd therefore can't
use toslink cables? I read that installers are pushing component connections.

Thanks in advance!
1. I haven't had any missed or hosed recordings.(since installation in december)
2. I only miss it once in a blue moon
3. My locals are fine(no noticeable difference(no A-B comparison though). I still recieve 11 and 9... OTA
4. No need to wait, the software is pretty mature right now. If you get it in the next couple of days before the next update, you will have a new GUI. It's not national yet, but I do like the new GUI.
5. No idea. They installed the slimline for me in November. Also, in a few months the SWM will probably be released(single line to all supported recievers).
6. I use HDMI(native off) with toslink and have no problems what so ever with audio or video.

I don't miss my TIVO at all. Although, I still have it in the bedroom, I prefer the D*+DVR(I may be shot for that)
Dug

News Corp. Announces Plan to Sell KTVI, 8 Other O&Os

From today's TV Week E-Daily newsletter:
__________________________________________________

News Corp. plans to sell nine of its Fox-affiliated TV stations.

The company announced Wednesday it has hired Allen & Co. to advise it on potential transactions, which would leave News Corp. with 26 stations, including nine major-market duopolies.

A News Corp. spokesman said the company was just “lightening up” its roster by selling off stations it considers good but not critical to its performance.

The stations on the block are WJW-TV in Cleveland; KDVR-TV in Denver; KTVI-TV in St. Louis, Mo.; WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Kan.; WITI-TV in Milwaukee, Wis.; KSTU-TV in Salt Lake City; WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Ala.; WHBQ-TV in Memphis, Tenn.; and WGHP-TV in Greensboro, N.C.
__________________________________________________

So is KNLC available in digital yet/ I didn't think they were but found this on Revered Larry Rice's website.

KNLC-DT Channel 14 -- Christian HDTV!

Now, you can watch your favorite KNLC shows in clearer and sharper HDTV (High-Definition TV) on KNLC-DT Channel 14! HDTV offers a number of advantages over the regular analog TV service you've become used to. In the meantime, if you don't have a HDTV television or receiver, don't worry -- for the next several years, KNLC will continue to broadcast in both formats. So, you have time to wait for the price of HDTV reception equipment to come down.

The costs of operating under two formats, and continuing to maintain KNLC-TV Channel 24 while building the necessary capacity for the new KNLC-DT Channel 14, is enormous. That's why it's more important than ever that viewers and supporters help KNLC to meet these challenges -- in order that we may continue to reach thousands in the Saint Louis area with the Gospel in Word and Deed.



I didn't they were up and running yet, but this makes it look like they are. Any info?

They've been up for quite some time, but most people can't pick it up. I get it but so far have found no need to include it in any of my favorites lists.

1. How many recordings still get hosed?
I haven't had one get hosed in a LONG time.

2. How horrible is losing dual buffers and the Tivo guide? (I use both all the time).
I miss the TIVO guide when it comes to looking for what was on in the past, other than that I don't care.
Lack of Dual Buffers is still kind of a bummer, I used them extensively and I still miss it when I am watching sports.

3. How do the locals look or do you still use OTA?
Locals look great and I still use OTA, too. My recordings for KTVI occur via SAT and everything else is OTA, mainly just because that is how my guide is set up. It is nice to have a backup for KTVI when my OTA starts to go away.

4. Is there an update in software coming that I should wait on before changing?
I take part in most of the Release Candidates and have an up to date box. You can, too. Just watch DBStalk.

5. Does anyone know if Premiere is installing only the slimline dishes now?
I don't believe the AT9's are around here anymore.

6. Is it true that the HR20 still has issues with HDMI amd therefore can't
use toslink cables? I read that installers are pushing component connections.
I have never had any issues with HDMI, it works fine for me for video and audio. If the installers are pushing component it is because it is cheaper for them because they are supposed to supply the HDMI. There was/is an issue with HDMI on some TV's, but like I said, I have no issues. Mine goes to a Denon 2807.

Thanks in advance!
Good Luck Mo.

I have a few questions:
1. How many recordings still get hosed?
2. How horrible is losing dual buffers and the Tivo guide? (I use both all the time).
3. How do the locals look or do you still use OTA?
4. Is there an update in software coming that I should wait on before changing?
5. Does anyone know if Premiere is installing only the slimline dishes now?
6. Is it true that the HR20 still has issues with HDMI amd therefore can't
use toslink cables? I read that installers are pushing component connections.

Thanks in advance!

I have both the HR20 and the HD-TiVo connected to the same TV -- in my theatre.

1. I haven't lost one in a long time.
2. Losing dual buffers is insufferable. Since I have both boxes connected to my TV, I use the TiVo when I'm watching tv live. I only use the HR20 to record and its secondary to the HD TiVo. If there are two things on, I'll record both on the TiVo.
3. Locals look really good to me. I'd say my OTA on the HD-TiVo looks just a tad better, but not much. Honestly, the difference isn't worth mentioning to me.
4. They update frequently.
5. No idea.
6. I use HDMI out on my HR20 to an HDMI splitter and TOSLINK out from the HR20 to my SS receiver. Works well. No problems.

Dual buffers are easily my biggest complaint, but right after that is the horrible fast forward.

OK, I know someone posts a request like this every now-and-then, but I would really appreciate some input.

I'm a Charter customer and will be switching to a satellite unless my Charter-employee friend can REALLY hook me up. I have no need for extra sports programming other than NFL Network and Fox Sports Net Midwest (HD preferred). I don't think we'll get any movie channels either. The main upgrade I'm looking to make is to get an HD-DVR.

I have one HDTV, and three SDTVs. I only need the ability to watch different programming on my HDTV and any one of my other TVs at the same time. Is there an easy way to have it installed so that I don't need to pay and extra fee each month for additional TVs?

I found the Dishnet website to be extremely confusing (at least the part that "walked" you through the process of selecting from their current special deals), and it looked to me like I would have to spend $199 on the HD-DVR if I went with DirecTV.

Anyone have suggestions for getting the HD-DVR for free? I've never been a customer with either satellite company. Does anyone know a good website that lists the best available deals?

I know there are a lot of questions here, and I really appreciate any info you guys can pass along.

Hey everybody. I haven't been on this site for a while, so I am not sure if this has been covered.

When I got home today, AT&T contractors were digging up my yard . They said they were installing fiber lines/connections for AT&T's potential new services. They also mentioned that a top AT&T rep was coming down Friday to check things out.

My questions are:

1. What are the expected new services?
2. What is the expected time of start-up?
3. Is this enocuraging or a waste oftime?

I have one HDTV, and three SDTVs. I only need the ability to watch different programming on my HDTV and any one of my other TVs at the same time. Is there an easy way to have it installed so that I don't need to pay and extra fee each month for additional TVs?

Yes, using the Dish Home Distribution coax connection on the VIP622 HD DVR will do this. It is currently free to new subs. It comes with 2 remotes, 1 for the HDTV, and 1 for the SDTV(s). When you control the SDTV's, you would either need to move the remote to those rooms, or purchase additional remote(s). You can run as many SDTV's as you choose, with no additional fee. Dish assesses additional fees based on tuners used, and not on TV's used. Your HDTV and all SDTV(s) would have complete independent access to the DVR and programing.

Thanks guys for the feedback on the HR20. I'll call D* tomorrow. I made a deal with them way back when I ordered the HR10.

Should I get new cables run? They run accross the east side of the house (mostly) on the roof. Only a year and a half old.

Thanks guys for the feedback on the HR20. I'll call D* tomorrow. I made a deal with them way back when I ordered the HR10.

Should I get new cables run? They run across the east side of the house (mostly) on the roof. Only a year and a half old.
FWIW, my outside dish antenna cables (4 50' runs) to basement are 8 years old...no issues. I had them change the connectors last time--2 years ago.

Since the HR20 topic seems to be current, I have one question (I think it's been answered before). My TV doesn't have a DVI or HDMI input, does the HR20 have component video out and can it deliever equal resolution of the HDMI?

OK, I guess that's really two questions :rolleyes:

Since the HR20 topic seems to be current, I have one question (I think it's been answered before). My TV doesn't have a DVI or HDMI input, does the HR20 have component video out and can it deliever equal resolution of the HDMI?

OK, I guess that's really two questions :rolleyes:
Yes²

OK, I know someone posts a request like this every now-and-then, but I would really appreciate some input.

I'm a Charter customer and will be switching to a satellite unless my Charter-employee friend can REALLY hook me up. I have no need for extra sports programming other than NFL Network and Fox Sports Net Midwest (HD preferred). I don't think we'll get any movie channels either. The main upgrade I'm looking to make is to get an HD-DVR.

I have one HDTV, and three SDTVs. I only need the ability to watch different programming on my HDTV and any one of my other TVs at the same time. Is there an easy way to have it installed so that I don't need to pay and extra fee each month for additional TVs?

I found the Dishnet website to be extremely confusing (at least the part that "walked" you through the process of selecting from their current special deals), and it looked to me like I would have to spend $199 on the HD-DVR if I went with DirecTV.

Anyone have suggestions for getting the HD-DVR for free? I've never been a customer with either satellite company. Does anyone know a good website that lists the best available deals?

I know there are a lot of questions here, and I really appreciate any info you guys can pass along.Your timing in asking this question is pretty good. There's a story in today's Post-Dispatch about this:

Post-Dispatch Story (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/columnists.nsf/savvyconsumer/story/F9897DAAF71FCBC6862572FB001152EA?OpenDocument)

FYI -- DirecTV does not currently offer FSN-MW in HD, and I've unofficially heard that the earliest this might happen is September. There has been one delay in DirecTV's satellite launch schedule, so it's possible that even September is optimistic.

Doug,
Regarding the News Corp potential sale of KTVI....is a company allowed to own more than one station in the same DMA, or would Belo and Sinclair not be allowed to purchase KTVI?

FYI,

Anyone wanting to see what Golf is all about can tune to ESPNHD for the U.S. Open at Oakmaont at 9:00. This is arguably the toughest course they'll play all year. GO PHIL!

Scott

This is the most difficult course (maybe Pine Valley) that they will play anytime.

I think it is too bad for Phil. I root for him too. I think the 5 inch rough and the bad wrist will do him in.

The pictures of the greens are amazing. Do you think you could make it around there without a 4 putt?

Walt

Ken,

I'm no expert on this and I'm not sure I have the latest info, but back around 2000 the FCC began allowing ownership by the same company of up to two stations in the same market, so long as there is judged to be sufficient media competition in the local market and that the dual-ownership wouldn't seriously compromise the existing level of competition.

So, on that basis at least, it would be possible for either Belo or Sinclair to step and purchase KTVI, though even if that happens I would expect there would be an additional level of review on the competitive impact.

FWIW, Tribune company is also on record as planning to unload its TV station properties as part of its overall restructuring/sale. I suspect that having two of the main six commercial stations on the block at the same time (KPLR and KTVI) may slow this process or even send it in other directions.

Hey everybody. I haven't been on this site for a while, so I am not sure if this has been covered.

When I got home today, AT&T contractors were digging up my yard . They said they were installing fiber lines/connections for AT&T's potential new services. They also mentioned that a top AT&T rep was coming down Friday to check things out.

My questions are:

1. What are the expected new services?
2. What is the expected time of start-up?
3. Is this enocuraging or a waste oftime?


Cue the commercial...
Dave - I'm an AT&T manager, but very low on the totem pole. So of course my post shouldn't be held as an absolute truth.

The new services are part of AT&T U-verse.
(https://uverse1.att.com/launchAMSS.do) Basically you'll be able to get all of your home communication/entertainment through a fiber to the curb pipe. VOIP phone service, High speed internet access (HSIA), and internet protocol television (IPTV) are all part of this package. Throw in AT&T wireless and you've got your phone, tv, internet, and cell phone all on one bill.

The expected time of startup in Missouri is up in the air. AT&T is building the infrastructure while getting through the politics to offer the service. (Some poeple in the forum have mentioned November...but I wouldn't hold my breath for it that soon.) In Illinois, it'll probably take a little longer than in MO. The exception would be if AT&T was able to get a statewide deal while negotiating the Chicago area.

I'd say it's encouraging, but obviously I'm biased. The thought is that U-verse will help evolve interaction between home communication and entertainment devices. You'll be able to set your DVR to record a show from your cell phone. Stream your recorded TV (and possibly live) to programming to your laptop pc or cell phone. Stuff like that....pretty cool IMO.

I just got the upgraded 4.1 MOXI code from Charter yesterday. I'm curious about the external hard drive feature. I'm tempted to add the Western Digital 1 TB drive for the additional storage, but I'm not sure if the MOXI would handle it. I'm assuming it's using some Linux under the covers to format it, so it should probably work. I saw the 500GB drives seem to work fine, but it looks like you can only add one drive?

I just got the upgraded 4.1 MOXI code from Charter yesterday. I'm curious about the external hard drive feature. I'm tempted to add the Western Digital 1 TB drive for the additional storage, but I'm not sure if the MOXI would handle it. I'm assuming it's using some Linux under the covers to format it, so it should probably work. I saw the 500GB drives seem to work fine, but it looks like you can only add one drive?

You may get a quicker reply here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=805958&page=10&pp=30

Dug

I just got the upgraded 4.1 MOXI code from Charter yesterday. I'm curious about the external hard drive feature. I'm tempted to add the Western Digital 1 TB drive for the additional storage, but I'm not sure if the MOXI would handle it. I'm assuming it's using some Linux under the covers to format it, so it should probably work. I saw the 500GB drives seem to work fine, but it looks like you can only add one drive?


I believe they have been tested up to 2 TB

I am considering getting the new DVR from D*. I might as well get it before the big rush in September. I have been a Tivo user since it first came out and I'm not looking forward to changing. I spent some time over at DBS reading various posts but my eyes started to glaze over. I know some of you made the switch.

I have a few questions:
1. How many recordings still get hosed?
2. How horrible is losing dual buffers and the Tivo guide? (I use both all the time).
3. How do the locals look or do you still use OTA?
4. Is there an update in software coming that I should wait on before changing?
5. Does anyone know if Premiere is installing only the slimline dishes now?
6. Is it true that the HR20 still has issues with HDMI amd therefore can't
use toslink cables? I read that installers are pushing component connections.

Thanks in advance!

I'm kinda late to the party because I was out of town, but...

1. None
2. Moderate but not earth shattering. There are some work arounds that work when necessary such as hit Record on the programs you want to "dual buffer" and then delete when done. It works in a pinch.
3. I use both. MPEG 4 locals are near identical in perceivable picture.
4. They update it regularly. Over on dbstalk you can participate in the "beta" tests if you like and understand the risk.
5. Dunno - but slimline seems to be the rule now.
6. Haven't heard about the HDMI issues. I use HDMI to TV and toslink to my Sony receiver with no issues.

I would recommend going with the HR20. The doom and gloom is over and now I would say most love it. Also, I have never seen a consumer product so engaged with the community and working aggressively to fix. They release a beta pretty much every week. The new guide went national last night and is very polished.

The next beta implements auto correct for FF (on a Tivo when you FF through commercials and hit play - it jumps back in time relative to the speed your were FF. The HR20 will be getting that feature)

Chris

That's too bad. I wish there was a way that you could switch between them.

Nevertheless, it does allow you to store content. And, w/ external HD's getting cheaper and cheaper this makes more sense.

Now, if only the HR20 had TiVo software =]

Actually the story is that D* hasn't ruled out making the ESATA "bonus" storage and allowing you to continue using the internal drive. They just have moved it down the priority list while they finish some of the higher priority items. Its in the 'possible' area along with Dual Live Buffers. Not impossible to do, but not guaranteed/promised either.

As far as the Tivo comment - only 3 major features to go and Tivo is a thing of the past :D The HR20 is growing up to be a mighty fine DVR.
DLB
MRV (Multi-Room Viewing)
User expandable storage expansion (as discussed above)

Chris

I'm kinda late to the party because I was out of town, but...
Chris

Not late at all. I appreciate your input.

I think my major adjustment will be losing the guide feature. I did read about the workaround for the "dual buffer". I have always hated the grid. I tend to watch a lot of National Geo. and the History Channel so it's great to see what's coming up on those channels as well as a few others. I have used it heavily since going into the summer season. I guess it's worth the tradeoff to get more channels in HD when they are launched and avoid the rush. I would start the clock on my committment again and if another launch failed I would not be happy.

I can use both the HR20 and HR10 correct? I do own the HR10. I have two HDMI ports on my TV and one more open toslink port. Since my antenna is so finicky I can leave it on my HR10 for channel 9 and watch the locals on the HR20. Or do I have to get a splitter?

Sheesh I feel like a noob again! :o

If you have the inputs, you could have 12 HR20s and 16 HR10s. The only problem with that insane scenario would be remote controls. In your situation, there should be no problem at all. You could probably split your antenna to the HR20 and HR10, but you may end up with signal loss, so if you like the OTA on the HR10, I would use that for OTA and use the HR 20 for sat locals
Dug

Not late at all. I appreciate your input.

I think my major adjustment will be losing the guide feature. I did read about the workaround for the "dual buffer". I have always hated the grid. I tend to watch a lot of National Geo. and the History Channel so it's great to see what's coming up on those channels as well as a few others. I have used it heavily since going into the summer season. I guess it's worth the tradeoff to get more channels in HD when they are launched and avoid the rush. I would start the clock on my committment again and if another launch failed I would not be happy.

I can use both the HR20 and HR10 correct? I do own the HR10. I have two HDMI ports on my TV and one more open toslink port. Since my antenna is so finicky I can leave it on my HR10 for channel 9 and watch the locals on the HR20. Or do I have to get a splitter?

Sheesh I feel like a noob again! :o

One note about the "grid" - there are a couple other options you'll see when you get the HR20 that make it better. I'm not sitting at mine to document them, but there are ways to search Nature shows, History shows, etc. Also, the HR20 has a 'preview' grid that is one line and displays at the bottom of the screen overlayed on the full picture. This shows only one channel, but lets you go to that channel and browse into the future. Lastly, the HR20 search functions I find to be much better/faster and easier to use if that helps.

Yes, if you have enough sat lines you can use both the HR20/HR10. If you disconnect the HR10 from the satellite, I believe you'll lose the guide and ability to 'trickplay'. The HR20 has a better tuner for OTA - you may not need to keep the HR10 for Channel 9 - unless I'm not understanding something. D* only carries the Big 4 on the satellite MPEG4, so you'd lose the others if you didn't hook up the antenna to it.

Chris

Lack of dual live buffers is a deal-breaker. I recall reading here many months ago that this was an imminent fix. I guess there's time and then there's DirecTV time. I will concede it's possible that I was misinformed or misinterpreted.

Still, I'm holding off on making an upgrade/switch decision for at least another month, but if dual buffers continues to be AWOL, I'm much more likely to go with DISH.

On balance DirecTV provides a good service, but their track record for delivering on their promises is poor -- there's no other way to characterize it. They have been talking about 150 national HD channels for nearly 3 years and we're still bumping along with less than 10 national HD channels.

And I'm not a TiVo fanatic, but I think it's a big black mark that they dropped TiVo before having a product lined up and ready to replace it WITHOUT major compromises. This fix-it-as-we-go rollout has been underway for more than year. Yes, I'm sure they're really trying, but they should have covered themselves by extending TiVo until they were really in a position to deliver a genuine replacement product.

And possibly worst of all, no FSNMW-HD. Two years ago, I would have bet any amount of money that because FSN and DirecTV were both News Corp entities that there's no way they'd be loping in third in a three-man race.

That is just ****ing sad.

DirecTV has no right to talk about themselves as the leader of anything related to HD. It's nice that they aspire to leadership, but they are a long, long way from being there.

On the bright side, they do get my bill right every single month, there's no reneging on previously agreed pricing deals if I change my service, they don't try to upsell me when I have a problem, and their customer service staff seem genuinely interested in providing a good service.

But that's not the stuff of leadership.

Charter Considering Braille-Only 2007 Annual Report

Well, not really...but considering the growing indifference of analysts and shareholders to Charter video services, I wonder if anyone would actually object?

Here's more praise for Charter's financial performance, from the lead story in today's Evening Bridge market newsletter:
____________________________________________________

Jason Bazinet of Citigroup raised his target price on Charter shares from $4.35 to $5.30 and maintained a "buy" rating on the stock.

"Accelerating voice net adds, improving incremental EBITDA margins, and potential debt refinancing opportunities suggests Charter's best days still lie ahead," the analyst said in a note released this morning.
____________________________________________________

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 Charter-Only AVS Thread Also Available (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=805958&goto=lastpost)

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

Not late at all. I appreciate your input.

I tend to watch a lot of National Geo. and the History Channel so it's great to see what's coming up on those channels as well as a few others.
I'm not sure if this is what you are getting at, but you can do this on the HR20 by selecting the channel number on the left side of the grid and hitting "info" on the remote. It then lists all the upcoming shows for that channel.

That is just ****ing sad.


Seriously, and I don't mean any offense by this Doug, but maybe you should take a day or two off. :D
You just seem really really jaded lately between the HR20 and the Charter conversation.

D* is actually going to be pretty close from their original announcement regarding their plans. Here's a blurb from information in HDTV magazine in October 2005:
The next two Ka-band satellites DirecTV 10 and 11 will launch early in 2007 and will expand the capacity to over 1000 additional local HD channels and more than 150 national HD channels, among other offerings to consumers with a single small dish.
So in Oct. 2005 D* announced 150 national HD channels in early 2007. 18 months later that has slipped to Aug/Sep 2007. I'll give you "early" as May - so with an 18 month lead they missed their dates by 3-4 months. Wow. Find me another technology company that comes that close. And while D*11 won't launch until 2008 - its not D* fault SeaLaunch had an explosion and it doesn't matter because there aren't the HD channels for D* to even carry that D*11 is needed. The only thing they were late on was LiL HD, but that was because of MPEG4 issues - and ask E* how their MPEG4 deployment went... And before anyone says the Satellite isn't up yet, you're right. But it is less than 1 month away, its put together, and they are beginning the fueling and testing process. Basically an explosion is all that could hold this up now. D* has delivered to the best of THEIR ability.

As far as the DLBs? Nope the HR20 doesn't have it. May never have it. Anyone who ever said it absolutely will was wrong. D* has never promised it. They said its not impossible, its not their top priority, and MAYBE they'll do it. Even DBSTalk who is very very focused on the HR20 can't even get agreement that this should be the top priority. DLB seems to be a very personal feature. I'd say if its that important, I'd move to Dish because you'll know you have it there. Am I confident the HR20 will get it? Yes, but that is completely an opinion.

As far as dropping Tivo - they really haven't done that. I could have kept my HDTivo active for the next couple months and not missed a single HD channel on D*. That in my opinion isn't 'dropping' it. They also updated the HDTivo to the 6.x version as you are aware - AFTER - the HR20 came out. And in 3 months? Yes, you'll have to switch to the HR20 - but by then - based on the past 3 months experience with the HR20? Who knows what you'll have. And in the end its preference. You couldn't pry the HR20 from my wife's dead hand and give her back the HDTivo. She wouldn't take it. She loves the HR20 - speed, 30s slip, the new guide, the connection to the pictures/music, and the fact that every week there is something new, its an active, constantly improving product.

Again - to each their own. But it does seem like you are angry lately. Its Friday after all... be happy :)

Chris

OK, I finally have mustered up the nerve to ask.... What are dual buffers? :o

Have two channels record to a buffer(not permanent) and switch between them. Basically, the ability to pause and watch 2 channels(more or less live) simultaneously.
Dug

Did anyone else lose KDNL?

Did anyone else lose KDNL?

I lost the HD feed, both through charter and OTA, analog still works fine.

I lost the feed too through OTA. I saw the beginning of Pirates and then lost it.

I lost the HD feed, both through charter and OTA, analog still works fine.


Same here. I lost it OTA via dish, LIL and OTA on my TV tuner.

KDNL-DT is back over the air.

If you have the inputs, you could have 12 HR20s and 16 HR10s. The only problem with that insane scenario would be remote controls. In your situation, there should be no problem at all. You could probably split your antenna to the HR20 and HR10, but you may end up with signal loss, so if you like the OTA on the HR10, I would use that for OTA and use the HR 20 for sat locals
Dug


Mo, I do this exactly. I have my HR10 connected to the same TV as my HR20. The antenna is connected to the HR10, but I could split it to both.

Have two channels record to a buffer(not permanent) and switch between them. Basically, the ability to pause and watch 2 channels(more or less live) simultaneously.
Dug

Its the greatest thing ever!

Moman,
PBS guide data showing on your EPG now? I read somewhere they are. I don't have them scanned in, and they're not listed on the sub chart?

Just a brief follow-up on the note I posted earlier in the week about the fact that DirecTV has committed to carrying 11 HBO/Cinemax HD channels...

I actually read about this in a couple of different places before posting the note here. In one of those stories, it sounded like (but wasn't stated explicitly) that HBO was actually making ALL of its HBO and Cinemax channels available in HD, not just the 11 that DirecTV has tentatively committed to carrying. But because it wasn't clear in any of the articles I read, I just stuck with the "11 channels" news.

This morning I read another article about this (TV Predictions) and it explicitly stated that all 26 channels from HBO/Cinemax would be produced in HD, though reading between the lines in all these stories, this probably will take several months to completely roll out after the initial launch in September.

To avoid misinterpretation, I'm not in any way suggesting that DirecTV (or any other carrier) should be carrying all 26 of these HD premium channels.

Moman,
PBS guide data showing on your EPG now? I read somewhere they are. I don't have them scanned in, and they're not listed on the sub chart?

My EPG populated Thursday, all the KETC channels, KSDK Weather, and the KPLR Tube. Try doing a rescan of your locals.

Well.................

Finally back online after having no internet AND no phone since last Tuesday.

Have a couple hundred e-mails and three pages of forum messages to sort through, then I'm likely to have a Charter rant to go down in history.............................

Well.................

Finally back online after having no internet AND no phone since last Tuesday.

Have a couple hundred e-mails and three pages of forum messages to sort through, then I'm likely to have a Charter rant to go down in history.............................

Doesn't this post belong in the Charter thread? :D

Scott

Yes, using the Dish Home Distribution coax connection on the VIP622 HD DVR will do this. It is currently free to new subs. It comes with 2 remotes, 1 for the HDTV, and 1 for the SDTV(s). When you control the SDTV's, you would either need to move the remote to those rooms, or purchase additional remote(s). You can run as many SDTV's as you choose, with no additional fee. Dish assesses additional fees based on tuners used, and not on TV's used. Your HDTV and all SDTV(s) would have complete independent access to the DVR and programing.

I'm pretty sure I'm gunna go with Dish Network based on the rates I figured out on the Dish & DirecTV websites. So now the last bit of help I need is to make sure that I ask them for everything I need when I order. Again, I have 1 HDTV, 3 SDTVs and would like the ability to watch something on the HDTV and one of the SDTVs at the same time.

VIP622 HD DVR
Home Distribution Coax Connection (do I need to ask for this, or is this a connection on the DVR itself?)
Do I need an additional SD receiver based on what I stated above?
Satellite Dish -- Is there a specific one I should ask for? I know there has been some discussion in the past about needing two dishes. I get fine OTA reception with a dinky indoor antenna.
Anything else?

Thanks again for all your help!

mgr -

622 - Home distribution: Nothing else needed. The 622 has a coax out that you can use. Depending on your configuration of the 622 the coax out is either an independent channel that can view anything the satellite receives regardless of what the HDTV is watching OR it is a simulcast of what the HDTV is watching. Your choice. Depends on whether or not you want the HDTV to have Picture out-of Picture or not.
It depends on what you want from the other 2 SDTVs. IF you want all the SDTVs to watch the same thing at the same time, the 1 622 is fine. IF you want the other 2 SDTVs to have their choice of anything, a 322 will work. IF you want the other 2 SDTVs to be able to watch anything they want, AND be DVRs you'll need a 522. It all depends on what you want the SDs to do.
For the above to work, you also have to have pretty decent coax distribution around the house as well. You'll need the satellite inputs (and antenna input for the 622) coming into where the receivers are, and another coax going OUT for the secondary TVs.
Based on your programming package, etc. the 1 dish will be fine. The secondary dish gets you some stuff on the 61.5 satellite - but I don't think its important. Dish subscribers can let you know though.

Hope that helps (or at least doesn't confuse things more!)
Chris

Is anyone else having signal problems now?----I had the same problem yesterday
Intermittant freeze ups---5-1 OTA--using a HR10-250---Direct TV Tivo HD box

Pls help! (is the signal or my box?)

I just answered my own Q--FYI

Talked to an engineer at KSDK---he said that yesterday and so far today--NBC's off air HD signal is having major problems---same as I've had both days. The signal is coming fine from KSDK--but the problem is the feed out of New York--analog VHF signals have been switched to a feed out of CA and are not having the same problem.

Wouldn't you know it---a hot day outside and a great one to kick back and watch some golf-----DARN IT !!

I'm pretty sure I'm gunna go with Dish Network based on the rates I figured out on the Dish & DirecTV websites. So now the last bit of help I need is to make sure that I ask them for everything I need when I order. Again, I have 1 HDTV, 3 SDTVs and would like the ability to watch something on the HDTV and one of the SDTVs at the same time.

VIP622 HD DVR
Home Distribution Coax Connection (do I need to ask for this, or is this a connection on the DVR itself?)
Do I need an additional SD receiver based on what I stated above?
Satellite Dish -- Is there a specific one I should ask for? I know there has been some discussion in the past about needing two dishes. I get fine OTA reception with a dinky indoor antenna.
Anything else?

Thanks again for all your help!
Correct, all you need for your configuration ( 1 HDTV - 3 SDTV) is 1 622 receiver.
You had posted the 3 SDTV's can have the same programming. They will, and the HDTV will be capable of different programming. Again, if you want to control all the SDTV's from their location, you will either need to move the SD Remote (it's RF-UHF) to the rooms, or purchase additional remotes.
Both the HDTV and the SDTV's will have independent control and operation of the DVR.

With DISH, in order to receive the programming guide information for the local channels, (including your OTA) you must subscribe to the DISH local package. Since the 622 DVR is NBR, you pretty much need to have the guide data for the locals.

That being said, you will be getting the Dish 1000+ antenna, which will receive 4 satellites, 110; 118; 119; & 129°. You will not need a dual-dish setup.

Standard installation includes all of the antenna reception parts and labor, and connecting 1 HDTV and 1 SDTV. If you are going to need cabling run to your other 2 SDTV's, there may be an extra charge. If the cabling is already in place, and all you need is to have the additional SDTV's connected to the Home Distribution output on the 622, and setup to receive programming, the installer will do that for you.

Ken and Chris,

Thanks for your help!

I'm loving the US Open, but man is it terrible when they switch to those SD cameras. They look worse than my camcorder!

My EPG populated Thursday, all the KETC channels, KSDK Weather, and the KPLR Tube. Try doing a rescan of your locals.

In response to kdg454:

Sorry, I must have missed Ken's note. Yes. The local HD OTA guide data is back. I noticed this on Friday. I only hope it stays. As you know, this has come and gone before with no notice. A rescan was not necessary.

Just put in the request to get our Charter cable disconnected later this month. The lady asked why, I told her it was because our promotion ended and our bill went up $33 per month, and that was that! I was SHOCKED that she didn't try to sell me something or give me some sort of offer. There was absolutely no attempt to change my mind. Interesting...

Monday, FSNMW-HD, 7:10PM

Full Schedule HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10174447#post10174447)

War Over? Blockbuster Throws in with Blu-ray

The following story is from today's TV Predictions newsletter:
________________________________________________

Blockbuster's announcement today that it will only carry Blu-ray's high-def DVD in 1,450 stores is a major blow to supporters of rival HD DVD.

Blockbuster's influence in the video rental world is immeasurable with thousands of stores nationwide. It's just a matter of time before other rental chains decide to carry Blu-ray exclusively as well.

And when that happens -- coupled with falling prices for Blu-ray players -- HD DVD will have little hope of surviving the high-def format war.

Just look at the obstacles that now face HD DVD...
________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/bluhddvd061807.htm)

War Over? Blockbuster Throws in with Blu-ray

The following story is from today's TV Predictions newsletter:
________________________________________________

Blockbuster's announcement today that it will only carry Blu-ray's high-def DVD in 1,450 stores is a major blow to supporters of rival HD DVD.

Blockbuster's influence in the video rental world is immeasurable with thousands of stores nationwide. It's just a matter of time before other rental chains decide to carry Blu-ray exclusively as well.

And when that happens -- coupled with falling prices for Blu-ray players -- HD DVD will have little hope of surviving the high-def format war.

Just look at the obstacles that now face HD DVD...
________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/bluhddvd061807.htm)

Wow, that should make Netflix happy.

I hadn't been to a Blockbuster in about 3 years, but Saturday My Wife and I stopped in to see their selection of HD-DVD's. I asked the clerk where they were. He replied, "we don't carry them, and don't know when, if ever, we will." I replied, "well, I'll stop by again when you start carrying them." Doug, your post explains why obviously. Personally, I hope a new superior format comes out and unanimously crushes both BD and HD-DVD. I'm sick of this crap.

Scott

KDNL-DT is back over the air.

We had a power hit that caused a problem...took time to drive there to fix.
Jim

I agree with you, Scott.

While I love the picture quality and the potential of both formats, I loathe the fact that there are two competing formats. It didn't have to be this way. Put me down for a continuing plague on both their houses.

What's probably most interesting about the unfolding story here is that consumers ultimately are going to have very little to say about which format, if either, actually succeeds -- this is all being determined by backroom deals and backhanders. The fact of the matter is that there's precious little consumer awareness or interest in either format.

I also seriously doubt the disc sales numbers being reported the two factions. While the numbers are probably roughly correct, based on units shipped, I seriously doubt they reflect actual POS activity. It wouldn't surprise me if more than half of the recent James Bond sales numbers reflected non-consumer activity with units going to dealers for demos, etc.

If you want to blow an hour or two of your employer's time, go to Google Trends (http://www.google.com/trends?hl=en) and do some tracking of "blu-ray" and "HD DVD" in comparison with other related search terms like xbox 360, ps3, or hdtv. Note that you can join related terms together by piping (hd | hdtv) and compare terms by separating them with commas (hd | hdtv, blu-ray, hd dvd).

Granted, Google Trends is in beta, the data is only current through February (I'd LOVE to see something more current), and it only represents a relatively narrow slice of a specific sort of consumer awareness.

But it's still interesting and probably is a more realistic reflection of consumer interest in these products than the breathless hype cranked out by the BD and HD DVD camps.

Thanks for the link Doug. I'll check it out on my break for lunch or later tonight.

Scott

Wow, that should make Netflix happy.

Scott

I don't get the Netflix comment although I've seen it posted in lots of places today. Blockbuster online does and will continue to carry both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. The announcment is only for Brick and Mortar.

So while, yes, it does affect a 'value add' service Blockbuster offers by being able to trade in store, it has no affect on the online rental vs. online rental debate between blockbuster and netflix. But I'm sure it will be seen as Blockbuster being anti-HDDVD (I'm not saying you are implying that at all Scott).

I think it is clear that HD-DVD is now in the catch up game. With fewer exclusives, and less titles, its hard to win a format war without titles. And now with distribution slowing swinging Blu-Ray - it becomes much harder. Blu-Ray has the titles, and will continue to have the titles this fall when the summer blockbusters come out (Shrek: Both Format, Pirates: Blu-Ray, Spiderman: Blu-Ray).

Anyway - I was hoping HD-DVD would win as it would help my argument for an Xbox360/HD-DVD combo. But its starting to look like Blu-Ray to me. If Universal studio flops over to support both, HD-DVD is basically dead. It would take 3,4, or 5 studios to move to kill off Blu-Ray.

Chris

Chris,

I didn't know Blockbuster offered HD-DVD via online like Netflix does, and would continure to support HD-DVD online. That makes me even more confused however. Why support HD-DVD online, but not in the store? If I have a combi player, rent 1 HD-DVD adn 1 Bluray, I can return the Bluray at the store, but not the HD-DVD? None of that makes any sense.

I was considering signing up for Blockbuster's online deal. That is why I went to the store to see their offerings. Now that they will not support HD-DVD in house, I will stay exclusively with Netflix. I can't be the only one, so this will only hurt them both locally and online in the future.

Scott

Why support HD-DVD online, but not in the store?

Scott

It comes down to $$$. Brick and Mortar, space = $$$. And with the brick and mortars "struggling", you'll want to cut as much overhead and space as possible. So if I am Blockbuster, or any other retailer, I don't want to carry DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray. So I'll cut that down to as few as possible.

So, in my opinion, Blockbuster read the tea leaves. If I am going to choose between HD-DVD and BR, which they decided to do, Blu-Ray wins hands down. Why?

Exclusives. Major titles. Churn.
Brick and Mortars don't care about older titles - which is what is carrying HD-DVD right now. Just look at the last 5 #1 movies for the summer and based on the studios announced format support:
SpiderMan: Blu-Ray exclusive
Shrek: Both formats
Pirates: Blu-Ray exclusive
Ocean's 13: Both formats
Fantastic 4: Blu-Ray exclusive

So of the 5 summer hits: All 5 are on Blu-Ray while only 2 will be on HD-DVD. If you have limited space in a Brick and Mortar and don't want to carry both - who would you go with? And on the dual-formats, do you really want to carry 3 versions of every movie? So in the short term, its all about maximizing Churn in the rental business and Blu-Ray is where it is at this Fall.

To me - this summer's movie "winners" are pretty much spelling out the death of HD-DVD this winter. It doesn't matter if HD-DVD players are $149 or $199 if the new movies people want aren't in that format. And so far this year, the studios that support Blu-Ray are pumping out the hits.

Chris

Chris,

I didn't know Blockbuster offered HD-DVD via online like Netflix does, and would continure to support HD-DVD online. That makes me even more confused however. Why support HD-DVD online, but not in the store? If I have a combi player, rent 1 HD-DVD adn 1 Bluray, I can return the Bluray at the store, but not the HD-DVD? None of that makes any sense.

I was considering signing up for Blockbuster's online deal. That is why I went to the store to see their offerings. Now that they will not support HD-DVD in house, I will stay exclusively with Netflix. I can't be the only one, so this will only hurt them both locally and online in the future.

Scott

You could still return the HD-DVDs to the store and they ship back to the distribution center or ship directly. The BB's near me (west county) won't rent the BR or HDDVD returns they get.

Dug

We had a power hit that caused a problem...took time to drive there to fix.
Jim

Thanks for the good work. KDO-89 (NWS STL WFO) was off as well. Was able to copy Indanapolis and Evansville weather stations during outage on 162.55.

What is ironic to me about this HD-DVD/BluRay war is that only a few months ago, it seemed that HD-DVD was far ahead and that the war, well there wasn't going to be one.

Now, the tables have turned 180.

What is ironic to me about this HD-DVD/BluRay war is that only a few months ago, it seemed that HD-DVD was far ahead and that the war, well there wasn't going to be one.

Now, the tables have turned 180.

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

I'M PISSED. SCREW THEM ALL. i AM SELLING ALL MY HD-DVD'S AND MY XBOX ADD-ON. I'M DONE SUPPORTING THIS CRAP. I HATE SONY TOO. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

OK, Rant over.

Scott

It comes down to $$$. Brick and Mortar, space = $$$. And with the brick and mortars "struggling", you'll want to cut as much overhead and space as possible. So if I am Blockbuster, or any other retailer, I don't want to carry DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray. So I'll cut that down to as few as possible.

So, in my opinion, Blockbuster read the tea leaves. If I am going to choose between HD-DVD and BR, which they decided to do, Blu-Ray wins hands down. Why?

Exclusives. Major titles. Churn.
Brick and Mortars don't care about older titles - which is what is carrying HD-DVD right now. Just look at the last 5 #1 movies for the summer and based on the studios announced format support:
SpiderMan: Blu-Ray exclusive
Shrek: Both formats
Pirates: Blu-Ray exclusive
Ocean's 13: Both formats
Fantastic 4: Blu-Ray exclusive

So of the 5 summer hits: All 5 are on Blu-Ray while only 2 will be on HD-DVD. If you have limited space in a Brick and Mortar and don't want to carry both - who would you go with? And on the dual-formats, do you really want to carry 3 versions of every movie? So in the short term, its all about maximizing Churn in the rental business and Blu-Ray is where it is at this Fall.

To me - this summer's movie "winners" are pretty much spelling out the death of HD-DVD this winter. It doesn't matter if HD-DVD players are $149 or $199 if the new movies people want aren't in that format. And so far this year, the studios that support Blu-Ray are pumping out the hits.

Chris

Maybe they should get rid of all the candy, crap, and Shreck heads to make room for more movies.

Scott