First Look: AM21; OTA Add-On (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=123012) for the HR21

Not out yet, but maybe soon.

This is not good news:

http://www.isfforum.com/Video-Savant/Copyright-and-Digital-Rights/Golden-Goose-Genocide-Hollywood-Recklessly-Guns-for-DVRed-PPV.html

Stupid, stuipid, stupid. How long before this same stupidity filters down to "free" TV?

DRM only hurts honest people.

ughh...the KMOV feed just went SD

Now is not the time to be monkeying around....

Is the HR21 significantly small in size? Cus that AM21 appears to be a monster for just an OTA tuner add-on :confused:
Is that maybe a prototype?

Is the HR21 significantly small in size? Cus that AM21 appears to be a monster for just an OTA tuner add-on :confused:
Is that maybe a prototype?
The OTA tuner is only about an inch tall. If you follow the link to the PDF of the review you'll see a picture of it sitting on the HR21.

I have an HR21 in my office, but I don't plan to get this. I have two HR20-700 otherwise.

The OTA tuner is only about an inch tall. If you follow the link to the PDF of the review you'll see a picture of it sitting on the HR21.

I have an HR21 in my office, but I don't plan to get this. I have two HR20-700 otherwise.
Thanks...I see it now. It almost looks like they intentionally used an over-sized case to match the size of the receiver.

FCC decided to give DirecTV and EchoStar until 2013 to carry all stations in HD within any market where they have elected to carry any station's signal in HD format.

With regard to cable, the FCC imposed a much harsher regime on every cable operator without exception. The agency required cable carriage of TV signals in digital and analog formats for three years with respect to any station that demands cable carriage after Feb. 17, 2009.

The FCC also insisted that cable systems pass through HD feeds, potentially leading to triple carriage in some cases.

The FCC did exempt all-digital cable systems; but since so few are actually all-digital, the exemption was almost worthless.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6543480.html

I just got back from Skywalker and bought a CM 4221A. I noticed on the instructions that this antenna can be mounted without the mast clamps by inserting the flange end of the boom into the top of the mast, which would raise it a little higher. My concern is how reliable would this be in a high wind. The screen on the back would almost look like a piece of plywood to the wind. I hope this will perform better than my old UHF/VHF/FM Wineguard that Dishnetwork installed way back when they did not carry locals.

Ive got a HR21-100 i was wondering which is better to do my tvs Native resolution is 1080i/p. I was wondering is it better to just to have native turned off and have only 1080i checked since the tv would have to convert it over to 1080i anyways.

Ive got a HR21-100 i was wondering which is better to do my tvs Native resolution is 1080i/p. I was wondering is it better to just to have native turned off and have only 1080i checked since the tv would have to convert it over to 1080i anyways.

9 times out of 10 the TV's converters will be better, but try it and see which will give the best result.

Ive got a HR21-100 i was wondering which is better to do my tvs Native resolution is 1080i/p. I was wondering is it better to just to have native turned off and have only 1080i checked since the tv would have to convert it over to 1080i anyways.

Channel changes may take a touch longer if you leave it on native. I have one HR20 set to native(older 4:3 crt) and one set to 1080i(newer 16:9). The CRT takes a tiny bit longer on channel changes.
Dug

Lucid,

Unless your TV is a very expensive CRT front-projection unit, it's native resolution is not 1080i and 1080p. I suspect that you have some sort of digital display, and if it is a 1080-capable display, then it is 1080p native.

Digital displays are ALWAYS native progressive -- only CRTs are capable of natively displaying interlaced resolutions. This is one of the advantages of CRTs -- if they are designed correctly, they can natively display any sort of signal from 480i up to 1080p (and in some cases even beyond that)

So, assuming that your display is 1080p, you have two options: you can set the HR21 to output 1080i only, or you can select Native and specify 1080i, 720p and 480i.

In the case of selecting 1080i only, all programming will be internally converted by the HR21 from whatever the native resolution of the channel (480i, 720p or 1080i) to 1080i (actually 1080i will be "passed through" unchanged). When the 1080i signal is received by your television, it will be de-interlaced internally to 1080p before being delivered to the display engine.

If you select the Native option, 480i content will be output by the HR21 as 480i, 720p content will be output to the TV as 720p, and 1080i content will be output as 1080i. The TV will then handle all of the de-interlacing and scaling to deliver 1080p to the display.

The downside to selecting 1080i output is that 720p content is converted by the HR21 from progressive to interlaced format and output as 1080i -- converting from progressive to interlaced is never a good thing, though sometimes it's difficult to avoid. The other downside to selecting native (as pointed out earlier) is that you will experience delays in changing channels as your TV resyncs between 1080i, 720p and 480i signals.

The thing to bear in mind about de-interlacing and scaling is that de-interlacing is very, very difficult, whereas scaling is relatively straightforward. The internal de-interlacing built into most HDTVs is pretty basic -- it gets the job done but it leaves behind many artifacts.

If you're focused on picture quality, you may want to consider an external scaler that would do a much, much better job at both de-interlacing and scaling. But the entry level cost here is around $1200.

Some AV receivers include built-in de-interlacing/scaling and while that is almost certainly going to deliver better results than the TV itself, it's unlikely to perform as well as a dedicated outboard solution, nor will it allow much flexibility in how it is configured or optimized. But it usually is a cheaper and more convenient way to go for the average consumer seeking a better level of performance than what the TV itself can deliver.

Unfortunately, I have Charter which means no HD for the basketball tournament. Can anyone tell me where I can get a reasonably priced tuner and antenna that will work indoors in my basement? Do I attach the tuner to the display? What input? Thanks.......

I just got back from Skywalker and bought a CM 4221A. I noticed on the instructions that this antenna can be mounted without the mast clamps by inserting the flange end of the boom into the top of the mast, which would raise it a little higher. My concern is how reliable would this be in a high wind. The screen on the back would almost look like a piece of plywood to the wind. I hope this will perform better than my old UHF/VHF/FM Wineguard that Dishnetwork installed way back when they did not carry locals.

I have a CM 4221 and I'm in Edmundson. The wind passes through the screen easily. I elevated mine by attaching another mast and dropping the antenna mast inside it. I drilled through both and added some screws to secure it.

If you want, send me a PM for my address and you can drive by and take a look. We have to be just blocks away from each other.

Ive been having Searching for signal issues with 771. Since i had D* installed on wednesday, it does not always happen though its happened 2 days out of 5. Any idea of what the issue could be? It only happens on select channels.Channels ive had issues with are GSN,Fox REality,Active.

From thedigitalbits.com.........

Here's something cool for you Battlestar Galactica fans, though. A friend of The Bits who works on the staff over at The Late Show with David Letterman sent this in: Tonight's episode is going to feature the cast of BSG, in costume as their characters, reading the list of Top Ten Reasons to Watch the New Season of Battlestar Galactica! Be sure to tune in for it if you're a fan.

I watched the piece and got a kick out of it. They were all in costume and for the most part in character.

Top ten list is here:
http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/index/php/20080319.phtml

A link to the video is there.

Ive been having Searching for signal issues with 771. Since i had D* installed on wednesday, it does not always happen though its happened 2 days out of 5. Any idea of what the issue could be? It only happens on select channels.Channels ive had issues with are GSN,Fox REality,Active.

Try the reset button on the front panel near the access card slot. If that doesn't correct it, you may have a bad BBC (broad band converter/s). You can tune to 480 and 481 to see if the BBC's are not working. You will get a message.

I lost some channels today, but hit reset and all is ok now.

Scott

Ive been having Searching for signal issues with 771. Since i had D* installed on wednesday, it does not always happen though its happened 2 days out of 5. Any idea of what the issue could be? It only happens on select channels.Channels ive had issues with are GSN,Fox REality,Active.


I think 771 means you aren't supposed to get those channels, so try reseating your access card. Also, the other thing to always try is unplug it for a few minutes and let it reboot. (go to the system menu and restart, not just unplug)
dug

edit, it looks like I was wrong, check out this (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=116431) thread at dbs####

Try the reset button on the front panel near the access card slot. If that doesn't correct it, you may have a bad BBC (broad band converter/s). You can tune to 480 and 481 to see if the BBC's are not working. You will get a message.

I lost some channels today, but hit reset and all is ok now.

Scott

Cant be it does the same on my standard receivers.

Unfortunately, I have Charter which means no HD for the basketball tournament. Can anyone tell me where I can get a reasonably priced tuner and antenna that will work indoors in my basement? Do I attach the tuner to the display? What input? Thanks.......

Look for an old D* HD receiver on Ebay. Make sure it comes with the security card. Samsung made a few models that work quite well as standalone OTD HD tuners. No activation or monthly fees are required but you will need the card for setup. In fact, you can borrow a friend's card and then return it after setup. You will also need a UHF antenna (preferably on the roof) and Component cables for the HD video.

Unfortunately, I have Charter which means no HD for the basketball tournament. Can anyone tell me where I can get a reasonably priced tuner and antenna that will work indoors in my basement? Do I attach the tuner to the display? What input? Thanks.......
If your TV does not have a built-in ATSC tuner, any ATSC STB (Set Top Box) like THIS (http://www.monstronix.com/dtv140-p-341744.html) or THIS (http://www.diamondhdtv.com/tivaxdigitaltvreceivertuner.aspx) would work.
The antenna would depend on your location in STL. In some areas a simple "rabbit ear" type indoor antenna by the TV works, and in others you may need a larger indoor-type antenna. Perhaps find/ask some neighbors what they are using.

The installation is simple. Run a coax cable from the antenna to the STB (located by the TV), and then connect either component or HDMI cables from the STB to your TV, then use the input on your TV the STB is connected to, to view the channels.

Plan on spending $80-$150 depending on the equipment you get/need.
you can use AntennaWeb (http://antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx) to aim your antenna, and get your channel frequencies.

EDITED TO ADD: Or, do what Mo said :)

Thanks for the great info. Has anyone had luck with an indoor antenna to pick up CBS I'm in the Creve Coeur area.

Thanks for the great info. Has anyone had luck with an indoor antenna to pick up CBS I'm in the Creve Coeur area.

From my limited knowledge of OTA reception, I have found it to be very location oriented. I live in the far NW corner of O'fallon(MO) at the St. Paul border, located fairly high for the area. I can received all channels except 24/46 with a 4-6ft length of coax hooked to any of my receivers. I have not used this for my solution, I have a Radio Shack UHF suspended in my attic delivering signals to 2 dish receivers, 1 tv, and a tuner card in my Media PC. I have been to other homes 10-15 miles closer to St. Louis that we had to put a 5-10ft mast on the roof for decent reception. You can do trial and error, or just go purchase a decent antenna and mount it in your attic or on the roof.

Cant be it does the same on my standard receivers.


Hmmm, you got me. Try asking or searching at DBSTalk Forum.

Scott

Thanks for the great info. Has anyone had luck with an indoor antenna to pick up CBS I'm in the Creve Coeur area.

My inlaws picked up CBS with small indoor silver sensor antenna in Creve Coeur.

PM me if you want a good deal on a OTA tuner. I still have 2 Zenith Directv tuners I'm no longer using and 1 Directv HD Tivo based tuner. I'll let any of them go for 50.00.

Here is a link to the Zenith's

http://zenith.org/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=&id=120

Scott

Just for kicks I unpacked my CM 4221 and just leaned it up against the chair facing south and connected it to the 622 receiver. On some channels I get better signal strength than the antenna up on the roof. I played with the direction and it seems that it is not too critical...as long as it is facing mostly south. I can't wait for some decent weather to mount this on the mast.

Hmmm, you got me. Try asking or searching at DBSTalk Forum.

Scott

I got a technician coming out on Tuesday, noticed that the sd channel is out and the hd channel works fine so that's a hint that somethings not right with the satellite probably or the alignment. Channel outages i have are History Channel,Fox Reality,Nicktoons,CMT,VH1. History Channel Hd, CMT Hd and VH1 HD work fine but the sd channel does not.

My inlaws picked up CBS with small indoor silver sensor antenna in Creve Coeur.

PM me if you want a good deal on a OTA tuner. I still have 2 Zenith Directv tuners I'm no longer using and 1 Directv HD Tivo based tuner. I'll let any of them go for 50.00.

Here is a link to the Zenith's

http://zenith.org/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=&id=120

Scott

Hey, StockInv: I would take the man up on this offer. It doesn't get any better than this. You can try an indoor antenna, but an attic or roof mount will give you much better chances of on-going, worry-free reception.

I got a technician coming out on Tuesday, noticed that the sd channel is out and the hd channel works fine so that's a hint that somethings not right with the satellite probably or the alignment. Channel outages i have are History Channel,Fox Reality,Nicktoons,CMT,VH1. History Channel Hd, CMT Hd and VH1 HD work fine but the sd channel does not.


Hopefully a quick alignment takes care of it for you.

Scott

Hopefully a quick alignment takes care of it for you.

Scott

Yeah obviously it has to be something with the dish or the boxes cant be wiring i just got installed on Wednesday...Hopefully this does not happen again, the channels came back like 10 minutes ago but then broke up again and lost signal, signal level was at 64%...Horrible. How does direct act during rain and snow?

Yeah obviously it has to be something with the dish or the boxes cant be wiring i just got installed on Wednesday...Hopefully this does not happen again, the channels came back like 10 minutes ago but then broke up again and lost signal, signal level was at 64%...Horrible. How does direct act during rain and snow?

Not too bad. I can't understand why sometimes it goes out and sometimes it doesn't. But, when it goes out it is usually not for long, and doesn't require a call to D* either. I'm not a patient person, and I can honestly say in 13 plus years of having sat I've never really been upset over signal loss.

Scott

Hey, StockInv: I would take the man up on this offer. It doesn't get any better than this. You can try an indoor antenna, but an attic or roof mount will give you much better chances of on-going, worry-free reception.
I agree....then Scott can buy *two* new chrome valve caps for his bike :D

I agree....then Scott can buy *two* new chrome valve caps for his bike :D

....and I thought HD was a pricey hobby!!!!:eek:

Yeah obviously it has to be something with the dish or the boxes cant be wiring i just got installed on Wednesday...Hopefully this does not happen again, the channels came back like 10 minutes ago but then broke up again and lost signal, signal level was at 64%...Horrible. How does direct act during rain and snow?

It *can* be the wiring, so don't let the tech overlook it. If the cable end is stripped to where either the copper wire sticks way out or there is too much cotton exposed it can be an issue. I'm not suggesting it'd be the sole issue but can be a contributing factor. Also, carefully inspect the LNBs for cracks.

My install was problematic and when the senior tach came out all connectors inside the dish and outside it were checked. Two of them had to be re-done. Make sure they grounded the dish properly and with the correct gauge wire.

Before the tech leaves, be sure to check each transponder for signal strength on both tuners. The higher the number, the better it handles snow & rain fade.

Finally, there is an install checklist (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=67769) at DBS. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the PDF.

Here is a link (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617) to the FAQ page. Lots of great info.

I have two HD Tivo's(HR10-250's) and I am finally ready to upgrade to the new HD Dvr's so I can get the new HD channels. Does anyone know approximately what it's going to cost to upgrade? Has anyone had any luck getting a free upgrade? I purchased one of the HD tivos when they 1st came out and it was pretty expensive, I'm not looking forward to spending that kind of $$$ again.

Also, how do the new HD DVRs compare to the HD tivos? Has anyone that made the switch been dissapointed?

I just picked up a 512MB ATI Radeon 2600XT video card (PCIe) at Best Buy for $60. They're having a clearance sale and a lot of their cards are marked down. That card, not long ago, was $230 (cheaper online, of course). It's an energy hog compared to the newer 3800 series, but it's a pretty good buy. It's a good card for a HTPC, too.

I have two HD Tivo's(HR10-250's) and I am finally ready to upgrade to the new HD Dvr's so I can get the new HD channels. Does anyone know approximately what it's going to cost to upgrade? Has anyone had any luck getting a free upgrade? I purchased one of the HD tivos when they 1st came out and it was pretty expensive, I'm not looking forward to spending that kind of $$$ again.

Also, how do the new HD DVRs compare to the HD tivos? Has anyone that made the switch been dissapointed?I made the switch over a year ago and have been very pleased. At that time I got 2 HD TIVOS replaced free, but I was threatening to cancel my account (been with D* 10 years). More recently I added a 3rd HDDVR. They wanted $300. After some work on them I got them to go down to $200 with a $10 credit for 6 months.

YMMV. It all depends on your D* Heart Rating -- how long you've been with D*, what packages you have, how often you gotten similar concessions in the past, etc.

I just picked up a 512MB ATI Radeon 2600XT video card (PCIe) at Best Buy for $60. They're having a clearance sale and a lot of their cards are marked down. That card, not long ago, was $230 (cheaper online, of course). It's an energy hog compared to the newer 3800 series, but it's a pretty good buy. It's a good card for a HTPC, too.

I paid $125 for this card from newegg just a couple of months ago. It is indeed an awesome HTPC video card.

I made the switch over a year ago and have been very pleased. At that time I got 2 HD TIVOS replaced free, but I was threatening to cancel my account (been with D* 10 years). More recently I added a 3rd HDDVR. They wanted $300. After some work on them I got them to go down to $200 with a $10 credit for 6 months.

YMMV. It all depends on your D* Heart Rating -- how long you've been with D*, what packages you have, how often you gotten similar concessions in the past, etc.

...and how few missed/late payments you've had in the last year or so. That's what kills my chances of getting free/discounted stuff from *D.

In my experience, your best bet is to the DirecTV retention desk with the current/best offer that DISH is making.

FWIW, I did that (and I have to admit I almost always pay my bill on the cutoff date -- yeah, I'm in a rut) and I got the whole upgrade free, kept my HD TiVO, and got a year of the HD Xtra pack for free.

It's much easier/cheaper for DirecTV to keep current customers than to find new ones.

Ownership cap: Blessing or curse?

From Broadband Reports:
_________________________________________________________

As the word “recession” starts spreading through the headlines, analysts have started predicting which businesses are going to go belly-up in the near future. On a recent list of ten companies that were likely to be bought (and who would be likely to buy them) there were three tech companies predicted to be cut. Two of the companies (Qwest and AMD) have been making similar lists all year.

The recent predictions suggest that chip-maker AMD will be able to hang in the market if it engages in a merger (most likely with Nvidia) since it’s in a position to do well if it can just get a grasp on its debt problem. Qwest, on the other hand, is predicted to be on its way out of the market with Verizon cited as the most likely buyer of the company.

Likewise, in the cable sector, Charter Communications is believed to be ready for a buyout. Of course, its most likely buyer (Comcast) is barred from the purchase due to ownership caps currently in place.
_________________________________________________________


FWIW, I think it would be insane for any company to take on Charter with all the debt they're carrying, unless the actual transaction cost is $1.

It seems infinitely smarter for would-be buyers to wait until Charter is forced into bankruptcy, where creditors would be more likely to write down the majority of the money owed. In addition, Charter is once again flirting with a sub-$1 share price, and if that were to happen for 30 consecutive days, they would be de-listed from the stock exchange, which would completely torpedo their ability to service their debt or get additional credit.

I'm not saying the end is imminent (since I've said too many times before), but now would seem like a bad time to buy a very distressed business, particularly considering the state of the credit markets overall.

I just got off the phone with D*. They are upgrading both receivers and the dish plus installation for free. This was by far the best customer service call I've ever had with D*. I was prepared to do battle but this guy was great. Install is on Sat., in time for HD Cards games.

Thanks Doug, Robert and Dean for the replies.

Ownership cap: Blessing or curse?

From Broadband Reports:
_________________________________________________________



The recent predictions suggest that chip-maker AMD will be able to hang in the market if it engages in a merger (most likely with Nvidia) since it’s in a position to do well if it can just get a grasp on its debt problem. Qwest, on the other hand, is predicted to be on its way out of the market with Verizon cited as the most likely buyer of the company.

Likewise, in the cable sector, Charter Communications is believed to be ready for a buyout. Of course, its most likely buyer (Comcast) is barred from the purchase due to ownership caps currently in place.
_________________________________________________________


FWIW, I think it would be insane for any company to take on Charter with all the debt they're carrying, unless the actual transaction cost is $1.

It seems infinitely smarter for would-be buyers to wait until Charter is forced into bankruptcy, where creditors would be more likely to write down the majority of the money owed. In addition, Charter is once again flirting with a sub-$1 share price, and if that were to happen for 30 consecutive days, they would be de-listed from the stock exchange, which would completely torpedo their ability to service their debt or get additional credit.



I think there'd be issues with the Justice Department and/or FTC if AMD (which recently bought ATI) tried to merge with nVidia. ATI and nVidia make, what, 98% of the video cards sold today? I don't see the government allowing that kind of monopoly to happen.

Totally agree with your analysis of Charter's situation, though.

I just got off the phone with D*. They are upgrading both receivers and the dish plus installation for free. This was by far the best customer service call I've ever had with D*. I was prepared to do battle but this guy was great. Install is on Sat., in time for HD Cards games.

Thanks Doug, Robert and Dean for the replies.You must be a 5 Hearter. ;) Well, not anymore.

Ownership cap: Blessing or curse?

From Broadband Reports:
_________________________________________________________

As the word “recession” starts spreading through the headlines, analysts have started predicting which businesses are going to go belly-up in the near future. On a recent list of ten companies that were likely to be bought (and who would be likely to buy them) there were three tech companies predicted to be cut. Two of the companies (Qwest and AMD) have been making similar lists all year.

The recent predictions suggest that chip-maker AMD will be able to hang in the market if it engages in a merger (most likely with Nvidia) since it’s in a position to do well if it can just get a grasp on its debt problem. Qwest, on the other hand, is predicted to be on its way out of the market with Verizon cited as the most likely buyer of the company.

Likewise, in the cable sector, Charter Communications is believed to be ready for a buyout. Of course, its most likely buyer (Comcast) is barred from the purchase due to ownership caps currently in place.
_________________________________________________________


FWIW, I think it would be insane for any company to take on Charter with all the debt they're carrying, unless the actual transaction cost is $1.

It seems infinitely smarter for would-be buyers to wait until Charter is forced into bankruptcy, where creditors would be more likely to write down the majority of the money owed. In addition, Charter is once again flirting with a sub-$1 share price, and if that were to happen for 30 consecutive days, they would be de-listed from the stock exchange, which would completely torpedo their ability to service their debt or get additional credit.

I'm not saying the end is imminent (since I've said too many times before), but now would seem like a bad time to buy a very distressed business, particularly considering the state of the credit markets overall.

I have a relative high up in Charter IT who just recently gave his notice. He says he sees the writing on the wall and believes his whole department is likely to go with a Comcast (or - name your favorite alternative buyer) takeover. My cousin, fortunately, is very good at his job and has a number of offers to choose from.

I paid $125 for this card from newegg just a couple of months ago. It is indeed an awesome HTPC video card.

Are you using the HDMI audio feature on this card? I'm wrestling with how best to do this in my rather complex wiring setup.

Are there any Hackintosh people here locally? I have the basic Mac OS running on one of my PC's, but I'm having all sorts of driver issues. (I do have a legit copy of OSX, by the way). I've been to InsanelyMac, which is a really great source of information, but so far I'm having a lot of trouble getting answers to my specific questions. In particular, I'm having trouble getting graphics drivers to work. I think it has something to do with using Terminal to edit the kext's, but I'm pretty ignorant on the topic right now.

Sirius buys XM, according to a report.

Sorry about that. Brain cramp.

Sirius buys XM, according to this. (https://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox/118e2a24e9ad8234)Your link is to the the GMail inbox of any user that clicks on it.

Your link is to the the GMail inbox of any user that clicks on it.

And furthermore, only the DoJ has approved it. The FCC still has to approve the merger.

- Trip

And furthermore, only the DoJ has approved it. The FCC still has to approve the merger.

- TripI read that the FCC approval is likely to follow like the DOJ approval.

Sirius has a bunch of idiots in CS. I think they may be getting those that Charter rejects.

I have Sirius and it isn't that good. I'm mostly interested in news radio in the car, and with Sirius it's more like getting bit of news among lots of long commercial breaks. I don't keep my subscription going all year. I just have it in the months I go on road trips. Basically I think Sirius sucks. Audio quality is better with FM. Everything sounds like it's in an echo chamber on Sirius. I've heard others complain of that too.

I'd rather have XM radio. At least they sponsor real auto racing. :p

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on switching from E* to D*. Would it be best to go directly through them, or someone locally?

Are you using the HDMI audio feature on this card? I'm wrestling with how best to do this in my rather complex wiring setup.

Never even thought about it since neither my 7 year old CRT HDTV nor my surround receiver have HDMI inputs. I run 1080i component to the TV and S/PDIF to the surround receiver... which bit me in the butt the other day when I put in the BluRay of Spider-Man 3. Seems Dolby TrueHD, when run through S/PDIF, downconverts to Dolby Digital 2.0 instead of 5.1... so until or unless I reconfigure my HTPC to use 6-channel analog outs, my Spider-Man BluRays are 2.0 only! :mad:

Never even thought about it since neither my 7 year old CRT HDTV nor my surround receiver have HDMI inputs. I run 1080i component to the TV and S/PDIF to the surround receiver... which bit me in the butt the other day when I put in the BluRay of Spider-Man 3. Seems Dolby TrueHD, when run through S/PDIF, downconverts to Dolby Digital 2.0 instead of 5.1... so until or unless I reconfigure my HTPC to use 6-channel analog outs, my Spider-Man BluRays are 2.0 only! :mad:

You should be able to output Dolby Digital 5.1 through S/PDIF, though. That soundtrack should be on the disc. You should be able to select it in the player's options.

You should be able to output Dolby Digital 5.1 through S/PDIF, though. That soundtrack should be on the disc. You should be able to select it in the player's options.

Nope, the Spider-Man BluRays do not have a Dolby Digital track. :(

Damn it the channels that i wast not getting with D* have returned that i was having searching for signal have returned did that earlier and i canceled my appointment cause of it then all the sudden it messed up again so i had to schedule another appointment hopefully they go out again so they can correct the error, its got a 97% percent signal strength.

Does anyone here have experience using non-activated Directv HD boxes to get OTA only? Someone bought one of my Tivo's and can't figure out how to get the OTA to work. I would like to help, but have never tried it myself.

Scott

I agree....then Scott can buy *two* new chrome valve caps for his bike :D

Hah, after the latest round of layoffs at Citi, I may be sellling the chrome caps from all my rides. :(

Scott

Even witht he problems ive been having lately with some channels i love directv best decision ever made to switch from charter to direct, Directs On demand is awesome and i love the dvr and guide and everything.

Does anyone here have experience using non-activated Directv HD boxes to get OTA only? Someone bought one of my Tivo's and can't figure out how to get the OTA to work. I would like to help, but have never tried it myself.

Scott

I have never been a D* sub and I bought a Samsung R15-500 on Ebay about 2 years ago and it works great as an OTA-only ASTC receiver. Set up was simple, but I recall needing the activation card in the slot to make configuration changes.

Does anyone here have experience using non-activated Directv HD boxes to get OTA only? Someone bought one of my Tivo's and can't figure out how to get the OTA to work. I would like to help, but have never tried it myself.

Scott
I think there is an old thread in the HDTV Hardware area on how to do that.

I have Sirius and it isn't that good. I'm mostly interested in news radio in the car, and with Sirius it's more like getting bit of news among lots of long commercial breaks. I don't keep my subscription going all year. I just have it in the months I go on road trips. Basically I think Sirius sucks. Audio quality is better with FM. Everything sounds like it's in an echo chamber on Sirius. I've heard others complain of that too.

I'd rather have XM radio. At least they sponsor real auto racing. :p

Do you have an add on receiver or factory installed? I have a factory installed head unit and it sounds great. I have XM in our other vehicle and boat. I can't wait for the merger. I can then listen to NFL and MLB on every receiver.

D* Guy came by to check on it and the channels were up and he checked the signals and everything and he couldn't figure the problem out he guessed something happened and it got fixed but he gave me a number i could call instead of the regular D* number.

I have never been a D* sub and I bought a Samsung R15-500 on Ebay about 2 years ago and it works great as an OTA-only ASTC receiver. Set up was simple, but I recall needing the activation card in the slot to make configuration changes.


Did you have to have a dish to make it work?

Scott

Do you have an add on receiver or factory installed? I have a factory installed head unit and it sounds great. I have XM in our other vehicle and boat. I can't wait for the merger. I can then listen to NFL and MLB on every receiver.

I love Sirius. I've had it for about three years.

As far as audio quality, I've used both the built in FM transmitter and a cassette adapter. It obviously sounds better with the cassette adapter, but I don't think the sound either way is that bad.

To me its about the programming and content.

Hah, after the latest round of layoffs at Citi, I may be selling the chrome caps from all my rides. :(

Scott
If it's any consolation, you're not alone...it's an ugly industry right now :mad:

Just in case anyone else stumbles into this thread. Check out this article for more info about why this happens and how to work around it.

http://thenears.wordpress.com/2006/09/12/troubleshooting-atsc-issues-in-mce/

Now THIS fixed the KMOV issue! Thanks!

Only how in the hell is Joe Sixpack gonna figure this out? Microsoft really dropped the ball on this one.

Did you have to have a dish to make it work?

Scott

Nope. Just power and an OTA antenna is required. When I first got the unit it was previously set up for the D* channels and local OTA channels the original owner (in another city) had viewed. In order to remove all those channels and reprogram the box for STL OTA channels, the subscriber card must be in the slot. Obviously, there was no way to vallidate the card but it had to be present. Once the new channel config is saved, the card can be removed as it serves no other function. This is why you can borrow the card of a friend if the box you buy fails to come with the card.

Nope. Just power and an OTA antenna is required. When I first got the unit it was previously set up for the D* channels and local OTA channels the original owner (in another city) had viewed. In order to remove all those channels and reprogram the box for STL OTA channels, the subscriber card must be in the slot. Obviously, there was no way to vallidate the card but it had to be present. Once the new channel config is saved, the card can be removed as it serves no other function. This is why you can borrow the card of a friend if the box you buy fails to come with the card.


Awesome. Thanks for the info. That is how I had heard it worked. I've sold a few and people are having trouble getting them to work with OTA. I may have to try it with the 2 units I have remaining to see if I can troubleshoot how to do it, so I can walk them through it.

Scott

I don't think this has been posted here yet....according to Fox Sports Midwest site, they will show 88 HD cardinal games this year, "more than double" of last year's total of 37.

I don't think this has been posted here yet....according to Fox Sports Midwest site, they will show 88 HD cardinal games this year, "more than double" of last year's total of 37.Yes, but how many of those will be without drug-enhanced players. :rolleyes:

Does anyone here have experience using non-activated Directv HD boxes to get OTA only? Someone bought one of my Tivo's and can't figure out how to get the OTA to work. I would like to help, but have never tried it myself.

Scott

I've hooked everything up (Directtv HD Box) and I'm receiving video but no audio. My plasma display has its own speakers and is also hooked up to a receiver. Does anyone have any suggestions? I can receive sound from Charter cable, but it is not in synch with OTA signals.

I've hooked everything up (Directtv HD Box) and I'm receiving video but no audio. My plasma display has its own speakers and is also hooked up to a receiver. Does anyone have any suggestions? I can receive sound from Charter cable, but it is not in synch with OTA signals.
Are you trying to listen through the Plasmas speakers? if so, does your plasma accept audio via hdmi? I have everything set up to go through my audio reciever and just switch everything with my harmony. Worst case, you could just use rca audio.

I don't think this has been posted here yet....according to Fox Sports Midwest site, they will show 88 HD cardinal games this year, "more than double" of last year's total of 37.

See post #6710 by kdg454 for the complete rundown.

Originally Posted by oby
I don't think this has been posted here yet....according to Fox Sports Midwest site, they will show 88 HD cardinal games this year, "more than double" of last year's total of 37.
See post #6710 by kdg454 for the complete rundown.

HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13409311#post13409311)

And, Doug set it up on a Google Calendar HERE (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=NWI5YzA0aHM0YnN2b2dwMnRiaXZyODVnNzhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW 5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ)

These include all Cards HD by all broadcasters. :)

I just noticed the "SD" Doug.
I wonder how long before it becomes cHARter :D

HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13409311#post13409311)

And, Doug set it up on a Google Calendar HERE (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=NWI5YzA0aHM0YnN2b2dwMnRiaXZyODVnNzhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW 5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ)

These include all Cards HD by all broadcasters. :)

I just noticed the "SD" Doug.
I wonder how long before it becomes cHARter :D

Big thanks to Doug. I added it to my calendar.

Are you trying to listen through the Plasmas speakers? if so, does your plasma accept audio via hdmi? I have everything set up to go through my audio reciever and just switch everything with my harmony. Worst case, you could just use rca audio.

My plasma doesn't have hdmi. I have it hooked up with rca audio cables, but I'm not getting any sound. I wonder if I can access sound only from my stereo receiver?

My plasma doesn't have hdmi. I have it hooked up with rca audio cables, but I'm not getting any sound. I wonder if I can access sound only from my stereo receiver?

Go into the set up menu for the receiver and make sure the audio output is not set on Dolby digital. Set it to stereo. Or, if you want surround sound, leave it on dolby digital and run a single digital fiber optic audio cable to your a/v receiver. Hope this helps.

Scott

I just noticed the "SD" Doug.
I wonder how long before it becomes cHARter :D

Hasn't the "SD" been there for a while?

I feel really dumb, what am I not getting about the "HAR"?

I would think Doug would christen them with "Charter 11" short for "Charter 11Bankruptcy".

Hasn't the "SD" been there for a while?

I feel really dumb, what am I not getting about the "HAR"?

I would think Doug would christen them with "Charter 11" short for "Charter 11Bankruptcy".
My guess would be HAR=Har de har har(laughing)

Hasn't the "SD" been there for a while?

I feel really dumb, what am I not getting about the "HAR"?

I would think Doug would christen them with "Charter 11" short for "Charter 11Bankruptcy".
On the Google Cards Calender, Doug took the time to shift each time he entered kSDk.

My guess would be HAR=Har de har har(laughing)
Indeed....clearly, Jared was deprived of watching Looney Toons.

Those kids walking yet....bet that's fun :D

Indeed....clearly, Jared was deprived of watching Looney Toons.

Those kids walking yet....bet that's fun :D

They both just started walking within the last 3-4 weeks. We keep them trapped in the living room with an ottoman and a toybox blocking the walkways between the furniture.

I really liked the "Charter 11" idea. :(

So, I need some opinions. I put a 50" Panny plasma in the Family Room (Primary Viewing Room) a little more than a year ago. I am very happy with it, but like anyone else I now wish it was a 58". Am I crazy if I move the 50" to the Sun Room (Sun beiing the operative word, there are plenty of windows and this is a plasma)? Or should I be looking at different options for the Family Room? I'm lost, and you guys are the only ones I trust. Well you all and JimGlobe, but I haven't seen him for a while.

Sorry, someone else brought him up a while back and I couldn't resist.

They both just started walking within the last 3-4 weeks. We keep them trapped in the living room with an ottoman and a toy-box blocking the walkways between the furniture.

I really liked the "Charter 11" idea. :(

So, I need some opinions. I put a 50" Panny plasma in the Family Room (Primary Viewing Room) a little more than a year ago. I am very happy with it, but like anyone else I now wish it was a 58". Am I crazy if I move the 50" to the Sun Room (Sun being the operative word, there are plenty of windows and this is a plasma)? Or should I be looking at different options for the Family Room? I'm lost, and you guys are the only ones I trust. Well you all and JimGlobe, but I haven't seen him for a while.

Sorry, someone else brought him up a while back and I couldn't resist.
Only input I can give is, I have a 30" 4:3 CRT on my Sun-Porch. It's in centered on one of the window walls, flanked by 2 side window walls, on a pivoting wall mount. I can view it perfectly at any angle. Large room....25x35.

When deciding, I factored in the use-time, which for us, is only about 5% viewing time per year....you may want to consider how much time you'll actually spend viewing it.

I second Charter 11....all in favor??

We have an old 27" crt in our sunroom. I ended up mounting it high on the wall. That way the only way to get glare is to be on a ladder, getting bonked in the head by the ceiling fan.

...........So, I need some opinions. I put a 50" Panny plasma in the Family Room (Primary Viewing Room) a little more than a year ago. I am very happy with it, but like anyone else I now wish it was a 58". Am I crazy if I move the 50" to the Sun Room (Sun beiing the operative word, there are plenty of windows and this is a plasma)? Or should I be looking at different options for the Family Room? I'm lost, and you guys are the only ones I trust. Well you all and JimGlobe, but I haven't seen him for a while.

Sorry, someone else brought him up a while back and I couldn't resist.

Plasmas tend to have highly reflective screens, so I would not recommend one if you watch much TV during the day and there is a lot of sunlight coming in over your shoulder. However, with that said, some Pannys do have an anti-glare coating that reduces these reflections.

They both just started walking within the last 3-4 weeks. We keep them trapped in the living room with an ottoman and a toybox blocking the walkways between the furniture.

I really liked the "Charter 11" idea. :(

So, I need some opinions. I put a 50" Panny plasma in the Family Room (Primary Viewing Room) a little more than a year ago. I am very happy with it, but like anyone else I now wish it was a 58". Am I crazy if I move the 50" to the Sun Room (Sun beiing the operative word, there are plenty of windows and this is a plasma)? Or should I be looking at different options for the Family Room? I'm lost, and you guys are the only ones I trust. Well you all and JimGlobe, but I haven't seen him for a while.

Sorry, someone else brought him up a while back and I couldn't resist.

Put your plasma out there for a bit, and let us know what you think...

That way you'll know exactly what to expect.

Scott

Vent on: IF kSDk can figure out how to due weather graphics on hd why can't KMOV.Vent off

On the Google Cards Calender, Doug took the time to shift each time he entered kSDk.Actually, I have a keyboard macro... ;)

Charter 11 works for me...

deuces,

I can almost guarantee that putting your plasma in a room with a lot of ambient light is going to be a waste of time. In addition, in a room that bright, you would likely need to push the picture level (contrast setting) a fair bit harder, which is going to reduce the TV's life span and increase the likelihood of burn-in (though it's still probably pretty small with the number of hours you'd have on it by now).

If you're really set on moving up in size, I think you'd be better off putting the 50-inch on eBay as a local sale and specify that the buyer has to pick it up themselves. To be on the safe, be specific if the original packing cartons are unavailable (so there's no misunderstanding).

If you go this route, I'd suggest that you note that the panel has been professionally calibrated and that you make copies of the report for anyone coming to see it (maybe there's a way to attach the PDF on eBay). To be fair, your display is probably going to be due for a tune-up in another 6 months or so, but presenting the report should help to demonstrate that you've taken excellent care of your TV and that there should be no risk that you're dumping damaged goods online. That might help you get a couple hundred more than the going rate (or not).

Vent on: IF kSDk can figure out how to due weather graphics on hd why can't KMOV.Vent off

I was thinking the same thing thinking it was going to be a long evening but miraculously the figured it out around 7:20

I dont think they can do a scrawl and I think that was holding them back but they've now put a list in the upper right, the screen is in HD and the just came back from a weather update and the graphics were in HD

edit : now we're doing pip hd basketball - hd weather

someone must of figured something out in a hurry, earlier the weatherman stated that they were "downgrading" the picture during the weather updates now we're hd everything, I haven't seen any scrolls since though so that may of been their achilles heel

Vent on: IF kSDk can figure out how to due weather graphics on hd why can't KMOV.Vent off

It looks like KMOV has been working on that tonight. Right now on the SD feed, the basketball game is cropped in the weird way like KMOV does for their newscasts and just has some text that says "Tornado Warning" and then lists the counties underneath.

Sad thing is that everytime I turn on KSDK, they are still running Deal or No Deal. Would people be that upset, if they have to preempt it for some serious storms moving through? (silly question, I think I know the answer.)

EDIT: Now, KMOV does a split screen for Storm Warning. Pretty smart.

Notice the bug is gone ? I think KMOV is using it's bug generator to display the weather warnings.

Notice the bug is gone ? I think KMOV is using it's bug generator to display the weather warnings.

If that is the case, that is a nice elegant fix on the fly

"Guys, this scrawl thing sucks, what about the bug?"

edit: though I think the audio is behind, i dont believe its my gear, never had an issue before and other stations are fine

double edit: I'm chatting with some folks in other markets and none of the are experiencing the same issue so I don't think its is originating from the arenas or somewhere in the CBS channel

triple edit: around 8:55 they fixed the audio on the fly, couple of blips and bloops and we're synced up

From today's SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com):

FCC Releases Details on DBS Digital Broadcast Carriage Order

More than a week after actually approving the item, the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday came out with its formal order on carriage of digital broadcast signals via satellite TV. And the rules released Thursday didn't offer any surprises.

With the FCC mandate, satellite TV services will be required to carry digital-only stations on request in markets in which they are providing local TV service, and to deliver all high-def signals in a market if station signals are carried in HD. As expected, the rules will allow satellite TV platforms to phase in the local HD markets under a four-year process that begins after the nation's switch to digital TV, set for Feb. 17, 2009.

The order is the latest in a series of FCC efforts aimed at ensuring consumers receive local stations after the digital TV switch. Last fall, the commission adopted its dual-carriage order requiring cable operators to deliver both analog and digital broadcast signals to customers for three years after the transition.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said the satellite TV order provides for "regulatory parity" in the agency's policymaking. He added, "The commission remains committed to taking whatever actions are necessary to minimize the potential burden the digital transition could impose on consumers and maximize their ability to benefit from it."

Commissioners praised satellite TV for collaborating on a solution for carriage of digital broadcast signals. Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate said the effort "is good example of utilizing common sense in order to reach a positive consumer result through a practical industry-driven solution."

However, one commissioner had concerns about the order. Michael Copps suggested there was "inaction" by the FCC to address ideas offered years ago by DISH Network and DIRECTV.

"Had we acted earlier, could DIRECTV and EchoStar have designed their satellites differently in order to permit full local HD carriage before 2013? We may never know," Copps said.

I've got a question. I've got a Samsung SIR-T151, and I'm trying to figure out how to hard reset it (i.e. force it factory settings) and retune all of the channels again.

The reason is because I can't get KDNL's PSIP data to show up. The tuner insists on tuning KDNL-DT as 31-1 as opposed to 30-1.

Any ideas?

I've got a question. I've got a Samsung SIR-T151, and I'm trying to figure out how to hard reset it (i.e. force it factory settings) and retune all of the channels again.

The reason is because I can't get KDNL's PSIP data to show up. The tuner insists on tuning KDNL-DT as 31-1 as opposed to 30-1.

Any ideas?
That's ok. Do you see programming? I used to have one of those. I'll see if I still have it and I'll try setting it up and see what I get.

I've got a question. I've got a Samsung SIR-T151, and I'm trying to figure out how to hard reset it (i.e. force it factory settings) and retune all of the channels again.

The reason is because I can't get KDNL's PSIP data to show up. The tuner insists on tuning KDNL-DT as 31-1 as opposed to 30-1.

Any ideas?

I have a Samsung CRT and whenever I want to clear everything I disconnect the antenna then initiate a scan. It won't find anything and will return a blank channel list.

After that you can reconnect the antenna and rescan again.

Note: KDNL's PSIP generator has been known to crash on occasion and boot into it's default settings, which sets the major-minor as 31-1. Some tuners will pick up the change when it returns to normal and some will need to rescan.

I'm not anywhere near a receiver right now to tell what their current PSIP health status is.

The good news is that I can actually tune KDNL-DT. Dave, I'll try that.

Mr. Bester, the signal comes through (after a few seconds with the tuner figures out what the signal is), everything is normal visually and aurally, just no program data.

I'll report back (good or bad) on what happens.

I was over at Jedi35's place last night and his Samsung tuner was also showing 31-1 for KDNL.

Well the storm this morning must have done something the the LNB's on my dish, and after calling E* this morning they want to charge more than what it would cost me to go ahead and switch over to D*. I've been thinking about doing it any for a while and I guess this is a sign. My question is would it better to go through D* directly or go through someone locally? How have the installations gone? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dhpp_warranty/

$5.99 a month, for the "Protection Plan", $29 service calls, and most get it when they have a problems, then cancel when the problem is solved. :cool:

I was over at Jedi35's place last night and his Samsung tuner was also showing 31-1 for KDNL.

Yeah, I did a rescan yesterday afternoon, and got 31-1 again. I'll e-mail Jim again...

Every time it rains out here i lose signal on D*....someones coming out on Wednesday cant wait im not happy with D* right now.They said it probably just needs repeaked

Every time it rains out here i lose signal on D*....someones coming out on Wednesday cant wait im not happy with D* right now.They said it probably just needs repeaked

It's probably an aim issue. With the new dish in the new house, the only time I get a hiccup is when it first starts coming down in buckets, then everything is fine again after a few moments.

It's probably an aim issue. With the new dish in the new house, the only time I get a hiccup is when it first starts coming down in buckets, then everything is fine again after a few moments.
I agree, ever since I went to the 5 LNB dish, I have far less issues with rain fade (maybe once or twice in the past 8 months). Could also be because I did the setup and aiming of my old dish myself :rolleyes:

I'm not getting any HD on 792. Could the pregame be in SD and the game in HD, or did someone forget to throw a switch?

Yeah, I did a rescan yesterday afternoon, and got 31-1 again. I'll e-mail Jim again...

I'm sure our PSIP data is correct. The problem seems to be with the receivers. All of our receivers are correct except for a fairly new Samsung which shows us as 31-3. We have older Samsung T-151,s that are correct, however!
Jim

UVerse help, ya'll...

I'm looking for install information for UVerse.

I have CAT 5e out to my phone box outside the house. I currently have DSL. Can
someone tell me what all they do in my house?

I have the CAT 5e running from my outside box to a distribution cabinet in my house. I
have all ethernet and COAX in the box. I have COAX and CAT 5e running to the spot I
would want the UVerse stuff.

I only want to try this on one TV. My main want for this is the 1MB upstream for internet.

EDIT: I got DSL when it first came out, so my box outside has the DSL filter installed in it. I don't have to have the filters on every phone line in the house.

We've been having trouble with KMOV reception. I'm in Chesterfield about 16 miles from the tower.

The channels we want to pick up are between 12-16 miles, 107-141°. Can anyone recommend an antenna for my attic? I have a mast with this antenna (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088) from Radio Shack. It's just not getting the job done for KMOV--but other channels are usually OK.

We are feeding two HD TiVos (so 4 tuners) and an El Gato EyeTV Hybrid tuner on a Mac Mini.

Thanks for the help.

Edit the link in your post. Delete the bracket and put a space in between the link and the
word this. Other than that, I don't know what to tell you other than it seems more
directional than omni directional.

Off topic alert....

OMG, anyone else watching the Braves/Pirates game... Now I know why the Pirates are in
the AAA as opposed to MLB.

I'm sure our PSIP data is correct. The problem seems to be with the receivers. All of our receivers are correct except for a fairly new Samsung which shows us as 31-3. We have older Samsung T-151,s that are correct, however!
Jim

Jim,

I know I have said this before, but I greatly appreciate your monitoring of this forum and your contributions.

Bill

Anyone else notice that the Daylight savings stuff isn't correct for GMT-6 for us?
Maybe it is just me and it is late and I have been trying to kill a 12 pack.........
But it is WRONG! It shows I am posting an hour late.

Actually, I am on East Coast time now, and it is 11:30, but it shows I posted this at 9:30. Weird.

You ever get the feeling you are talking to yourself????

I just got done booking a room for my trip to Flushing, NY. Seeing the Mets at the end
of April. I am going to see the Nats next week. Seeing the Mets, Yanks, and Red Sox
the end of April beginning of May.

Stopping in Chicago to see the sCrUBS and the Sox in the middle of month. After April/May,
I'm done going to baseball games.

I told my wife my NY trip is my attempt at the "Summer of Bill".

Anyone else notice that the Daylight savings stuff isn't correct for GMT-6 for us?
Maybe it is just me and it is late and I have been trying to kill a 12 pack.........
But it is WRONG! It shows I am posting an hour late.

Actually, I am on East Coast time now, and it is 11:30, but it shows I posted this at 9:30. Weird.

I just got done messing with my profile. I had to set DST to ON as opposed to
automatically detect. So now the times are correct. Once again, I'm talking to myself

I just got done messing with my profile. I had to set DST to ON as opposed to
automatically detect. So now the times are correct. Once again, I'm talking to myself

OMG, now you're replying to yourself. BILL! Drink another beer, and go to bed.

Scott:D

I finally did.

I watched only a recorded inning of the Cards season opener on FSN 647-1 and it looked pretty good. Since it was so cloudy it was hard to tell just how good it would look otherwise, but it sure beats the SD version!

Does anyone know if the make-up game will be broadcast tonight?

I watched only a recorded inning of the Cards season opener on FSN 647-1 and it looked pretty good. Since it was so cloudy it was hard to tell just how good it would look otherwise, but it sure beats the SD version!

Does anyone know if the make-up game will be broadcast tonight?

Guide shows it's on 647-1 in HD at 7:00pm, but I don't know what game it is.

Scott

Guide shows it's on 647-1 in HD at 7:00pm, but I don't know what game it is.

Scott
That would be the makeup game.

I'm getting it on 734-1, but not 647-1.

Anyone know when D* usually puts up the new channels like at what time? In the morning or the evening.

On a sidenote:
I got a D* guy coming out tomorrow to fix my issue of the signal repeatably going out during the rain and they are adding channels tomorrow.Hope the guy can fix it.....going to pissed if hes like i cant fix it because its not raining, if he says that then im contacting D* and telling them im not satisfied with the service and would like to cancel my service. It is so annoying to lose signal every time it rains if it rains lightly HD messes up alot.

Issues been resolved that i had with D*. There was a bad LNB and i was only getting 64 percent signal level now im getting a 96 percent level.

I'm getting it on 734-1, but not 647-1.

Sounds like you have MLB EI. In fact, the guide said (for 647-1) it was a free preview :confused: of MLB EI.

Anyone know when D* usually puts up the new channels like at what time? In the morning or the evening.


In the wee hours of the morning. I can't remember what time they all came up for the initial launch but it was around 3 or 4 a.m. Central I think. There was a launch party at the DBS chat room. It was fun to watch them start appearing.

Edit: Three more channels launched this morning.
ESPNNewsHD 207
DisneyHD 290
ToonDisneyHD 292

UVerse help, ya'll...

I'm looking for install information for UVerse.

I have CAT 5e out to my phone box outside the house. I currently have DSL. Can
someone tell me what all they do in my house?

I have the CAT 5e running from my outside box to a distribution cabinet in my house. I
have all ethernet and COAX in the box. I have COAX and CAT 5e running to the spot I
would want the UVerse stuff.

I only want to try this on one TV. My main want for this is the 1MB upstream for internet.

EDIT: I got DSL when it first came out, so my box outside has the DSL filter installed in it. I don't have to have the filters on every phone line in the house.


I'm not an expert on Uverse, but this is what I have picked up along the way... The box outside your house (NID) is usually changed to a new one, but I'm in an apartment so I can't really confirm that on my install. Then they need a line from there to the "Residential Gateway", which is basically the VDSL modem and router all-in-one (mine is a 2-Wire 3800HGV). I believe that can be Cat3 or better, as a dedicated line, or coax. From the gateway they use coax or Cat5 to each TV and Cat5 or Wireless for the computers. Each TV of course has a STB.

The nice thing is the whole system seems pretty versatile and designed to work with just about any wiring scheme, but your setup sounds pretty good for it. Also, I don't have home phone service so I don't know how that would be affected, but since they use a different NID and dedicated lines to the gateway I don't think it really comes into play. It's different from DSL; they don't just plug the gateway into your normal phone line.

Anyway, hope that helps.

Ted

Sounds like you have MLB EI. In fact, the guide said (for 647-1) it was a free preview :confused: of MLB EI.

Issues been resolved that i had with D*. There was a bad LNB and i was only getting 64 percent signal level now im getting a 96 percent level.

I don't have EI, but it was a free preview.

Tonight, though, I'm getting it on 647-1. I'm so glad! I didn't even realize that we had it yet.

I don't have EI, but it was a free preview.

Tonight, though, I'm getting it on 647-1. I'm so glad! I didn't even realize that we had it yet.

Were you having audio/video issues? I tried watching, but it kept stuttering, so I switched to SD, then to a movie.

Were you having audio/video issues? I tried watching, but it kept stuttering, so I switched to SD, then to a movie.
I didn't watch the whole game, but there definitely was some sound and picture blips while I was watching.

The stuttering was painful. Hopefully it will get ironed out. All this wet weather can't be helping.

For those trying to view today's Cards game on FSNMW-HD through Dish, the "005 SmartCard Error" is actually an uplink issue, and has nothing to do with your system.
DISH is aware, and is working with FOX to resolved the issue.
The SD channel is up.

*EDIT* It's back up now, so if you recorded it while at work today, HD begins at the bottom/4th inning.:)

I'm sure our PSIP data is correct. The problem seems to be with the receivers. All of our receivers are correct except for a fairly new Samsung which shows us as 31-3. We have older Samsung T-151,s that are correct, however!
Jim

I'm flummoxed. I'll try again. The receiver is steadfastly insisting 31-1.

Kareem

Is it just me or does ksdk occasionally have a stutter on D*

My converter box rebate from my friendly government lists 38 eligible models. Is there any reason to choose (or reject!) any of those? Thanks!

UVerse help, ya'll...

I'm looking for install information for UVerse.

I have CAT 5e out to my phone box outside the house. I currently have DSL. Can
someone tell me what all they do in my house?

I have the CAT 5e running from my outside box to a distribution cabinet in my house. I
have all ethernet and COAX in the box. I have COAX and CAT 5e running to the spot I
would want the UVerse stuff.

I only want to try this on one TV. My main want for this is the 1MB upstream for internet.

EDIT: I got DSL when it first came out, so my box outside has the DSL filter installed in it. I don't have to have the filters on every phone line in the house.

The installer has a choice of running either CAT 5e or coax from your outside box into the house. From my personal experience (and from what I have since read elsewhere) the better choice is CAT 5e.

When AT&T did our initial installation in January, the first tech used the old coax cable from Charter for the run from the outside box to the residential gateway next to the TV. That seemed like a good choice since he didn't have to run any extra wire; he only had to change the connectors.

Unfortunately, we had terrible problems holding a signal (when your kid calls you at work to let you know the new service "sucks," you know you've got a problem). After 2-3 service calls, one of the techs decided to try the CAT 5e. From our phone hookup in the basement (which looks like it dates to the 1930's) he found an unused pair of wires. He ran the CAT cable from there upstairs to the family room and the gateway (the coax stayed in place but was switched to the STB, it runs back to a splitter and feeds the other TVs in the house; since you are only using one TV, I doubt you'll need the extra wire). That solved our problem and we haven't lost service since then.

The customer service at AT&T is outstanding compared to Charter. The people on the phone were friendly and easy to deal with, and the field reps were great and showed up when they said they would. It took a few tries to work out the bugs, but the service works great. We now have three times as many HD choices as we had with Charter, and the price for TV and internet is about the same as we were paying Charter for TV only. Our internet speed is five times faster than our old DSL line. The limit of a single HD stream might be an issue for me in the future, but I can live with that for now.

The installer has a choice of running either CAT 5e or coax from your outside box into the house. From my personal experience (and from what I have since read elsewhere) the better choice is CAT 5e.

When AT&T did our initial installation in January, the first tech used the old coax cable from Charter for the run from the outside box to the residential gateway next to the TV. That seemed like a good choice since he didn't have to run any extra wire; he only had to change the connectors.

Unfortunately, we had terrible problems holding a signal (when your kid calls you at work to let you know the new service "sucks," you know you've got a problem). After 2-3 service calls, one of the techs decided to try the CAT 5e. From our phone hookup in the basement (which looks like it dates to the 1930's) he found an unused pair of wires. He ran the CAT cable from there upstairs to the family room and the gateway (the coax stayed in place but was switched to the STB, it runs back to a splitter and feeds the other TVs in the house; since you are only using one TV, I doubt you'll need the extra wire). That solved our problem and we haven't lost service since then.

The customer service at AT&T is outstanding compared to Charter. The people on the phone were friendly and easy to deal with, and the field reps were great and showed up when they said they would. It took a few tries to work out the bugs, but the service works great. We now have three times as many HD choices as we had with Charter, and the price for TV and internet is about the same as we were paying Charter for TV only. Our internet speed is five times faster than our old DSL line. The limit of a single HD stream might be an issue for me in the future, but I can live with that for now.

Good info, thank you.

647-1 not coming in for me on D* Tonight anyone else not getting it

Black screen for me too on 647-1

It is not an HD game tonight.

It is not an HD game tonight.
McLaughlin mentioned it was scheduled to be, though didn't offer any reason why it wasn't.
He did say FSNMW would make it up later in the season, and add another HD game.

Full Schedule HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13409311#post13409311)

And, Doug's Google Calendar HERE (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=NWI5YzA0aHM0YnN2b2dwMnRiaXZyODVnNzhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW 5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ)

So, for some reason, I did not get the Cardinals game in HD on FSN, w/ DirecTV on 647-1.

Did anyone else? I don't understand....

Nevermind, asked and answered. Thanks.

So, for some reason, I did not get the Cardinals game in HD on FSN, w/ DirecTV on 647-1.

Did anyone else? I don't understand....

Nevermind, asked and answered. Thanks.

Me neither, but I am getting the Padres/Dodgers on 742-1. Padres are wearing probably the ugliest uniforms I've ever seen in my lifetime.

Scott

McLaughlin mentioned it was scheduled to be, though didn't offer any reason why it wasn't.
He did say FSNMW would make it up later in the season, and add another HD game.

Full Schedule HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13409311#post13409311)

And, Doug's Google Calendar HERE (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=NWI5YzA0aHM0YnN2b2dwMnRiaXZyODVnNzhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW 5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ)

Guess I should have checked the schedule ahead of time but I thought the game would not even show up in the schedule on 647-1 unless the game was being shown in HD, hence I recorded it. Of course, the recording was blank. By the way, I'm getting a "server not found" on that calendar link right now, in fact I can't get to www.google.com either, anyone else having that problem?

Guess I should have checked the schedule ahead of time but I thought the game would not even show up in the schedule on 647-1 unless the game was being shown in HD, hence I recorded it. Of course, the recording was blank. By the way, I'm getting a "server not found" on that calendar link right now, in fact I can't get to www.google.com either, anyone else having that problem?Calendar link works for me. Maybe it was down temporarily?

Calendar link works for me. Maybe it was down temporarily?
Google has been having some "down" issues in the past few days...they're sporadic...just enough to be annoying.

Was today's game (4/5) available on 647-1 on D? I set it to record but the recording cancelled. According to the history it was because the game was no longer available.

Was today's game (4/5) available on 647-1 on D? I set it to record but the recording cancelled. According to the history it was because the game was no longer available.

Yes it was in HD. If I know I am going to be gone I pad the games for at least an extra half hour. Sometimes even an hour. I don't know why it did that. I was recording it and started watching a little later and when the 3 hour recording time was up, i just flipped it to live. But it did record all 3 hours. The televised games tend have game related stuff on before the game starts so you may want to pad it.

Sounds like it may be a different issue. Maybe restart it from the menu?

During lunch at work, guys were watching the game on 647, so I switched it to 647-1 for HD and got nothing but a blank screen so switched back to 647. Two hours later during afternoon break, I tried it again and 647-1 came up fine.

Yes, we have DirecTV HD and a 52" Sony LCD in our break room at work.

Best Buy has a good deal on 1TB hard drives starting tomorrow - $190. I'm waiting for the 2-3TB drives to get to that price before upgrading, but there's never been a better time for hard drives if you're thinking of building a media server.

Hey Joe, are those for Seagates or WD's? OTOH, don't really know why I'm asking since I'm gonna be broke for another few weeks....

Seagate, Bob. Sale starts tomorrow. I won't be buying, either, but the price is really attractive.

I have been keeping an eye on the TB drive prices. I currently have about 500 gigs free on my Unraid server. The 3 drives currently installed are the WD "green" drives. They seem to run cooler than any other drives I have, although I am not sure heat is a big concern as they are spun down when not in use. Probably going to install a smaller drive for the new "cache" feature, thinking about 250 gigs.

What's the deal with KPLR-DT via DirecTV? Is OTA working?
DirecTV has a banner up saying that the local station is having issues.

I'm outta town and can't check OTA.

What's the deal with KPLR-DT via DirecTV? Is OTA working?
DirecTV has a banner up saying that the local station is having issues.

I'm outta town and can't check OTA.

Both my 11's are working.

Scott

Yep, it's working now. It was like that yesterday and then again this morning. Thanks Scott.

During lunch at work, guys were watching the game on 647, so I switched it to 647-1 for HD and got nothing but a blank screen so switched back to 647. Two hours later during afternoon break, I tried it again and 647-1 came up fine.

Yes, we have DirecTV HD and a 52" Sony LCD in our break room at work.


I have Dish and the FSN-HD feed dropped for a while (Black Screen). I checked back every half inning and it came back within an hour or so. My guess is problems with the feed from FSN. SD was fine.

Dave

I just got a gift card from Best Buy for $200 for the HD DVD player I bought from them. They, like several other companies, are offering something back for the failed format. I still plan to keep mine, since I've created several discs of my own in that format. I'll probably even pick up another one, to have a backup for my A3. It's a shame the format failed. I think it was a better, more sensible technology than Blu-ray. I did get a Blu-ray player, though, as soon as Warner announced its defection from HD DVD.

If you bought an HD DVD player from Best Buy, all you have to do to get a gift card is prove you bought it from them. I think the amount varies depending on how much you paid.

On another note, one of my PC's is now also a Hackintosh, with pretty much everything working. Got LAN and audio working this weekend. Kinda cool, although for now it's just for fun. I still much prefer my PC tools.

Hey Joe,

That's the big reason I haven't gotten into Linux long term (besides the lack of editing/encoding software)... I'm just so familiar with Windows after all these years.

And once there was a new version of Windows (Vista) that I wasn't so familiar with, Intel started offering retail employees fantastic deals on CPU/mobo combos that included Windows Vista with them. So my new heavy duty encoding machine runs Vista.

BTW, I'd like to try a couple of my home-made BluRays (BluRay file structure on a plain ol' DVD-R) on your player sometime, just to make sure I've done them correctly... sometime when we're both free......

If you bought an HD DVD player from Best Buy, all you have to do to get a gift card is prove you bought it from them. I think the amount varies depending on how much you paid.
You're supposed to get $50 per player you purchased (including the XBOX 360 attachment). The model doesn't affect the gift card amount you get back.

You're supposed to get $50 per player you purchased (including the XBOX 360 attachment). The model doesn't affect the gift card amount you get back.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat147600050717&type=category

Sure seems to have its share of wrinkles this year :(

You're supposed to get $50 per player you purchased (including the XBOX 360 attachment). The model doesn't affect the gift card amount you get back.

Guess I did buy 4 players over the last 2 1/2 years - A1 (sold it a long time ago), A2, XBox drive and A3 (as a gift). I have had great fun with the format, though. No regrets, and I see myself using it for quite some time.

Hey Joe,

That's the big reason I haven't gotten into Linux long term (besides the lack of editing/encoding software)... I'm just so familiar with Windows after all these years.

And once there was a new version of Windows (Vista) that I wasn't so familiar with, Intel started offering retail employees fantastic deals on CPU/mobo combos that included Windows Vista with them. So my new heavy duty encoding machine runs Vista.

BTW, I'd like to try a couple of my home-made BluRays (BluRay file structure on a plain ol' DVD-R) on your player sometime, just to make sure I've done them correctly... sometime when we're both free......

Which software are you using to burn the Blu-ray structure to regular DVD, Bob? I'm doing a big project that's going to keep me busy for the next 2-3 weeks, but after that I should have some free time. I'd love to talk about the Blu-ray discs you've created.

Short version, starting with a 1080i ts stream from KMOV, with commercials edited out thanks to VideoReDo ($50)....

First I fire up MeGUI (freeware) and reencode the 1080i ts stream into a 1080p MPEG-4 mkv file, mainly to make it fit on a DVD-R. Size 4179mb, since BluRay authoring adds a bit to the file size afterward.

Then I load the 1080p mkv into TSmuxer (freeware) and pick the BluRay disc option.

Then I load the folder into ImgBurn (also freeware), pick UDF filesystem, version 2.50, and burn to DVD-R.

Pop into the BluRay drive of the HTPC and enjoy.

This has worked pretty well with the episodes of CSI Miami and CSI NY that I've tried so far, even though the bitrate is far lower than a real BluRay disc would be. I've yet to try them on a standalone BluRay player.

TSmuxer is in early Beta stage and can't do menus at the moment, it just makes a barebones main-feature-only disc.

That's the short version. The long version (too long and a bit outdated, I found I could do a few things differently and still get the same result) can be found here (http://eugenia.gnomefiles.org/2008/02/23/create-blu-ray-video-in-plain-dvds-for-free/).

Once I verify the discs play in standalone players, I might make up an updated, simpler guide.

Thanks, Bob. I look forward to getting together with you soon to explore the HD burning possibilities.

I want to try D* VOD but am not sure what I need to connect the DVR to the computer. Can I use the least expensive router and cable or is there something special I need to use. Appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

I wonder if KSDK could make the picture any smaller while they show us election results. Are they shooting for postage stamp size?

I want to try D* VOD but am not sure what I need to connect the DVR to the computer. Can I use the least expensive router and cable or is there something special I need to use. Appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.


There is an entire forum thread at DBS (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=137).

Good news for HD fans - Disney is planning an HD 3D Blu-ray release on August 19. Bad news is that it's Hannah Montana, but I guess you have to start somewhere. One of my ex-students tells me 3D will be huge in the months/years to come. He has inside info on the topic, since he's worked on some of the biggest films of recent years, including Titanic, Star Wars I and Zemeckis' Beowulf.

Here's (http://www.tvpredictions.com/blu3d040908.htm) the article.

Good news for HD fans - Disney is planning an HD 3D Blu-ray release on August 19. Bad news is that it's Hannah Montana, but I guess you have to start somewhere. One of my ex-students tells me 3D will be huge in the months/years to come. He has inside info on the topic, since he's worked on some of the biggest films of recent years, including Titanic, Star Wars I and Zemeckis' Beowulf.

Here's (http://www.tvpredictions.com/blu3d040908.htm) the article.

I saw the "U2 in 3D" movie out at the Chesterfield Galaxy. It was amazing

I have charter HD here in St Louis. Right now I am running a component cable to my TV. Would I benenfit using an HDMI cable, or would that be wasting money?
My digital box is a Motorola DCH3200

I have charter HD here in St Louis. Right now I am running a component cable to my TV. Would I benenfit using an HDMI cable, or would that be wasting money?
My digital box is a Motorola DCH3200

Generally speaking, you won't see any major change in picture quality. There may be a little variation in color between the two, but the overall picture quality should be about the same.

The benefit comes from not having to run as many cables because HDMI carries audio and video on one cable.

Was it my imagination, or were there ZERO dropouts during Supernatural on KPLR-DT tonight?

Thank you to Ken, Doug, and everyone else for the input on moving the plasma to the sun room. So I have decided not to do it and keep the 50" as the primary TV in the family room. We are considering moving the sun room TV to the garage for grilling out and ballgames. It is a 15 year old 46-50 inch GE or something like that. My question is how will hot and cold garaged temperatures affect the TV?

Thank you to Ken, Doug, and everyone else for the input on moving the plasma to the sun room. So I have decided not to do it and keep the 50" as the primary TV in the family room. We are considering moving the sun room TV to the garage for grilling out and ballgames. It is a 15 year old 46-50 inch GE or something like that. My question is how will hot and cold garaged temperatures affect the TV?

I would be more concerned with bugs, leaves and especially dampness. I've seen items in my garage sweat under certain conditions.

I recall that there was some discussion here a few weeks back about the failed DISH satellite that was launched to allow for additional HD channels. The launch actually came off OK, but the satellite didn't reach the correct orbit and was non-responsive.

Well, there's some additional interesting (and more than a bit infuriating) developments on this.

From the Techdirt blog:
________________________________________________________

Satellite Abandoned Thanks To Patent On Lunar Flybys

A ton of folks are all submitting different versions of this story this morning (from a variety of sources), but the original appears to be at Space Daily, where it discusses how satellite company SES Americom has to abandon a satellite that had a botched launch due to a ridiculous patent on the concept of a lunar flyby. Basically, what happened is that SES had a problem with a satellite launch, such that the satellite did not reach the proper orbit (it was intended to be a geostationary satellite used by Echostar).

SES then figured out that it could get the satellite into a proper orbit by making use of a lunar flyby. That part is just basic physics. But, at that point, SES discovered that Boeing happens to own a patent on doing this sort of lunar flyby, despite the fact that you can't patent physics. As someone notes in the article, Boeing merely used some jargon to make basic physics appear as a "process." If that sounds familiar, you'll note that it's the same thing that many patent holders are doing to turn math into patents using software patents.

So, rather than just doing it and having to deal with patent infringement lawsuit, SES tried to play by the rules (no matter how ridiculous) and asked Boeing to license the patent. Unfortunately, the two companies are engaged in a separate legal matter that has SES suing Boeing for $50 million. Boeing took the opportunity to tell SES it would license the patent only if SES dropped the lawsuit. Apparently, SES figured that the $50 million was worth more than saving the satellite, and will instead try to collect the insurance for the botched launch, abandoning the satellite.

This may get more interesting, as apparently a third party is interested in buying the satellite and potentially taking on Boeing (or maybe just licensing the very questionable patent). Also, the insurance company apparently was not aware of these alternatives and may push SES to take one of them. Either way, thanks to a patent on physics (which, last I checked, is not something "made by man") SES has felt the need to abandon a perfectly viable satellite. I'm sure that was exactly how the Founding Fathers expected the patent system to be used.

Update: The patent in question is available here (http://www.google.com/patents?id=9EAFAAAAEBAJ&dq=6,116,545).
________________________________________________________

Thank you to Ken, Doug, and everyone else for the input on moving the plasma to the sun room. So I have decided not to do it and keep the 50" as the primary TV in the family room. We are considering moving the sun room TV to the garage for grilling out and ballgames. It is a 15 year old 46-50 inch GE or something like that. My question is how will hot and cold garaged temperatures affect the TV?As moman notes, condensation would be your biggest hazard. You might not even notice the condensation when you go to turn the TV on, and the results could be potentially dangerous.

Apologies for continually undermining your plans... ;)

So if I want a TV in the garage what do I put out there?

Anyone with Dish recall if more than one EHDD can be strung together on the same receiver for external storage?

I ask because I was ordering a laptop on Dell and they have 750GB EHDD as an add on for $100. I ordered one for me and one for brother in law. Then Dell called the next day and said it was a mistake it was supposed to be 500. So now I am wondering if I can put 2 500s on the same receiver. It seems to me, maybe you could but you had to manually plug and unplug the EHDDs to switch between the 2. Anyone recall?

So if I want a TV in the garage what do I put out there?

Anyone with Dish recall if more than one EHDD can be strung together on the same receiver for external storage?

Air condition the garage and you will be fine :D

The answer to your second question is more up Ken's alley. The VIP receivers don't support USB hubs. You can use both drives, but only one at a time by plugging and unplugging.

Thanks moman. That was my memory too. On the second answer. NO THANKS AT ALL for the first answer. My Ameren bill is large enough the way it is.

Air condition the garage and you will be fine :D


That's what I'll be doing :)

The answer to your second question is more up Ken's alley. The VIP receivers don't support USB hubs. You can use both drives, but only one at a time by plugging and unplugging.
Confirmed :)
Also, there is no limit to how many, you could use 20, 30, 40, as many as she will let you buy.

That's what I'll be doing :)
KIM, you would need to use a dedicated single unit. Extending your current home HVAC system to a garage violates code, and is also quite dangerous...Carbon Monoxide.

I guess I am gonna have to leave this forum, because we only talk about stuff I don't understand. But here goes...we were not the builders of the house we are in, but there is a vent to the garage that I assume is connected to the rest of the HVAC system.

Also, anyone have input on how much heck to raise about Dell backing out of giving us the 2 750 GB EHDD for $100 a piece that were offered online when buying a laptop? They are now saying the site should have offered 500 GB instead of 750. So how much should I b!t*h and how should I go about it?

KIM, you would need to use a dedicated single unit. Extending your current home HVAC system to a garage violates code, and is also quite dangerous...Carbon Monoxide.
No worries, there's no way my existing system could cool the additional 1000 sq ft of my garage :cool: When I built the garage almost 2 years ago, I ran PVC conduit to the receptacle that will house the video source for my future TV. Now I only have to get into the attic of the house and then fish the coax through the conduit. After recently adding a 32" LCD to my kitchen, I figure I will need at least a 40" for the garage.

Here's one picture of the back half of the garage while there was still some work left to do. The 2 boxes near the top-right corner of the man-door will be used for the TV, one for power, one for D*.
http://gateway.sc.googlepages.com/100_1559.JPG

Sorry for the long post, I just get excited when I talk about my garage.

Confirmed :)
Also, there is no limit to how many, you could use 20, 30, 40, as many as she will let you buy.


I thought you could only swap out a drive 3 times. Then the 622 will reformat the drive.

Ken can clear this up. But based on my memory of that, you are talking about switching the same drive between two different receivers for the 3 swap rule. If you keep the drive(s) on the same receiver but just swap drives that is not a "swap" by the definition of that rule. There was also some talk that this rule would disappear at a later time IIRC.

I recall that there was some discussion here a few weeks back about the failed DISH satellite that was launched to allow for additional HD channels. The launch actually came off OK, but the satellite didn't reach the correct orbit and was non-responsive.

Well, there's some additional interesting (and more than a bit infuriating) developments on this.

From the Techdirt blog:
________________________________________________________

Satellite Abandoned Thanks To Patent On Lunar Flybys

A ton of folks are all submitting different versions of this story this morning (from a variety of sources), but the original appears to be at Space Daily, where it discusses how satellite company SES Americom has to abandon a satellite that had a botched launch due to a ridiculous patent on the concept of a lunar flyby. Basically, what happened is that SES had a problem with a satellite launch, such that the satellite did not reach the proper orbit (it was intended to be a geostationary satellite used by Echostar).

SES then figured out that it could get the satellite into a proper orbit by making use of a lunar flyby. That part is just basic physics. But, at that point, SES discovered that Boeing happens to own a patent on doing this sort of lunar flyby, despite the fact that you can't patent physics. As someone notes in the article, Boeing merely used some jargon to make basic physics appear as a "process." If that sounds familiar, you'll note that it's the same thing that many patent holders are doing to turn math into patents using software patents.

So, rather than just doing it and having to deal with patent infringement lawsuit, SES tried to play by the rules (no matter how ridiculous) and asked Boeing to license the patent. Unfortunately, the two companies are engaged in a separate legal matter that has SES suing Boeing for $50 million. Boeing took the opportunity to tell SES it would license the patent only if SES dropped the lawsuit. Apparently, SES figured that the $50 million was worth more than saving the satellite, and will instead try to collect the insurance for the botched launch, abandoning the satellite.

This may get more interesting, as apparently a third party is interested in buying the satellite and potentially taking on Boeing (or maybe just licensing the very questionable patent). Also, the insurance company apparently was not aware of these alternatives and may push SES to take one of them. Either way, thanks to a patent on physics (which, last I checked, is not something "made by man") SES has felt the need to abandon a perfectly viable satellite. I'm sure that was exactly how the Founding Fathers expected the patent system to be used.

Update: The patent in question is available here (http://www.google.com/patents?id=9EAFAAAAEBAJ&dq=6,116,545).
________________________________________________________


Poor DishNet ... well, they won't really need more HD Channels since nobody will be able to DVR anything :)

I thought you could only swap out a drive 3 times. Then the 622 will reformat the drive.
Nope...you can only move a EHDD between different receivers up to 3 times. You can plug/unplug any EHDD married to the same receiver as many times as you choose to.

Ken can clear this up. But based on my memory of that, you are talking about switching the same drive between two different receivers for the 3 swap rule. If you keep the drive(s) on the same receiver but just swap drives that is not a "swap" by the definition of that rule. There was also some talk that this rule would disappear at a later time IIRC.
Exactly correct, Jared. Once the Household Key is implemented, there is talk, but not yet known, that the 3 swap rule may go away. With Household Key, you will be able to move an EHDD between receivers, but again, it's still not clear if there will be any restriction on how many times.

we were not the builders of the house we are in, but there is a vent to the garage that I assume is connected to the rest of the HVAC system.

I'd tend to doubt it is connected to your home HVAC system. Perhaps it's connected to a roof fan/outlet, or something like that. I'm guessing the garage is sealed-off from all other rooms in the home....is there also a return in the garage?

Kurt,

Don't apologize! I love pictures and running info about projects such as yours. Would love more pics.

Exactly correct, Jared. Once the Household Key is implemented, there is talk, but not yet known, that the 3 swap rule may go away. With Household Key, you will be able to move an EHDD between receivers, but again, it's still not clear if there will be any restriction on how many times.

I have received a household key already on my 622 and 722, and have moved my EHD between both of them many times over the last couple of days without any warnings of number of moves left. Some have it some don't so be careful, I checked in the counters and was able to see a key that was not all 0's before I tried multiple moves.

I'd tend to doubt it is connected to your home HVAC system. Perhaps it's connected to a roof fan/outlet, or something like that. I'm guessing the garage is sealed-off from all other rooms in the home....is there also a return in the garage?

I haven't looked, but I don't think there's a return out there.

So no one has advice on if I should hold Dell's feet to the fire on the EHDDs or how to go about it?

I would certainly try to get the 750s for that price. I'm not sure how, exactly, to go about that, but I would certainly try.

So no one has advice on if I should hold Dell's feet to the fire on the EHDDs or how to go about it?
IMO, there's little you can probably do about this. They called you the following day, advising you of the error, providing you the opportunity to cancel your order.
I haven't looked, but usually anything published, on Websites, Ads, etc., has a disclaimer attached for inadvertent erroneous information...naturally, it is "always" inadvertent.

Perhaps asking if you can receive the larger drive(s) and only be charged 1/2 the difference. Or maybe ask for some additional extended warranty time, due to the inconvenience :confused:

If you threaten to, or cancel the order, about the only thing they'll say is, "Thank you for calling Dell, is there anything else we can do for you today?"

They didn't call to tell us, we caught it on the confirmation email. I agree that is probably no different. To me is just smells of classic "bait and switch". It's one of those things that's no big deal. But the more I think about it, the more it chaps my you know what.

They didn't call to tell us, we caught it on the confirmation email. I agree that is probably no different. To me is just smells of classic "bait and switch". It's one of those things that's no big deal. But the more I think about it, the more it chaps my you know what.
Then Dell called the next day and said....

Anyway...did this all occur using Dell's "config your system" thingie online, or was this something in a print ad? Is there any link, still available to look at? (understanding it now has the corrected price of the EHDD's)
Personally, I don't think Dell is actively and intentionally involved in "bait and switch" marketing....jmo.

My brother in law was doing the ordering. I should not have said they called. In talking to him later he caught it on the confirmation email so he called them. It was done through the "config your system" or whatever online. Then they pop up "hot deals" you can add to your order. We were ordering a 15" laptop, it offered 500 GB for $100, the we switched to order a 17" laptop instead and the offer changed to 750 GB for $100.

I don't think they are intentionally pulling bait and switch tactics. Nonetheless the product was offered on the site, then taken away later.

Back on topic. How does everyone view The Masters production from ESPN to CBS. Any opinions on differences in quality? I ask bedcause someone on stltoday.com posted during the first 2 rounds that ESPN quality was much better than CBS in the past. Just curious what the experts here think.

I've had my Channel Master 4221 mounted last weekend and it works fairly well. I have it pointed due south and get a fairly consistant signal from all but 46.1 (but I really don't watch anything on that channel anyway). With the exception from this high wind, I have not had a problem with signal drop like I did from my old Wingard. But in the process of all of this I've noticed that my 3-way splitter is going bad and needs changed. I want to replace this with a distribution amp as I plan on adding another TV to the mix soon. What would anyone recommend?

So no one has advice on if I should hold Dell's feet to the fire on the EHDDs or how to go about it?

Politely tell them that if you don't work something out, that you will open up the two 500GB when you receive them, examine them, then call to have them picked back up. Ask them how much they will be able to sell the for at that point.

Tim

Kurt,

Don't apologize! I love pictures and running info about projects such as yours. Would love more pics.

Here's some links to some of the early garage construction:
Temporary Electric (http://gateway.sc.googlepages.com/garage-phase1)
Demolition (http://gateway.sc.googlepages.com/garage-phase2)
Footings & Foundation (http://gateway.sc.googlepages.com/garage-phase3)
Driveway Demo and early framing (http://gateway.sc.googlepages.com/garage-phase4)

And here's one picture to show the size a little better:
http://gateway.sc.googlepages.com/100_1647.jpg/100_1647-medium.jpg
That's a Extended Cab F250 w/ 8' bed, which is about 4' longer than the Thunderbird pictured.

And to get this somewhat back on topic. The 3/4" conduit that I will use to feed to future TV whould be big enough to pull 2 coax and 1 phone line (although I'm not sure I want to be bothered with a phone in my man cave :D). I will probably put my currently unused Sony HD-200 receiver in the garage, although when mpg-2 is gone from D* it the only HD will be OTA.

I've had my Channel Master 4221 mounted last weekend and it works fairly well. I have it pointed due south and get a fairly consistant signal from all but 46.1 (but I really don't watch anything on that channel anyway). With the exception from this high wind, I have not had a problem with signal drop like I did from my old Wingard. But in the process of all of this I've noticed that my 3-way splitter is going bad and needs changed. I want to replace this with a distribution amp as I plan on adding another TV to the mix soon. What would anyone recommend?

I'm using Channel Master 3044 four output amplifier.

A stadium friend of mine gave me 2 tix to the Thursday's game...vs Brewers. I can't go :(
It's a DAY game, 12:15PM. Good seats, first row of 353. Good weather expected :)

Anyone here wants them, they go to the first PM request.
Send the address you want to receive them on Wed via FedEx.

ken

EDIT: *GONE*

For the balance of April, 14 of the 16 Cards games will be broadcast in HD.
Other than the 23rd & 24th, all games will be HD.

Full HD Schedule HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13409311#post13409311)

Google Calendar HD Schedule HERE (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=NWI5YzA0aHM0YnN2b2dwMnRiaXZyODVnNzhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW 5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ)


Doug--on the calendar, FSN added the 21st and 22nd as HD's :)

This is awesome getting to watch FSNMW-HD and the Cards game. I LOVE seeing them in HD much more frequently. Its amazing.

Along those lines, this is the best presentation FSNMW-HD has had on DirecTV since I have been watching this season. No glitches, breakups, etc.

This is awesome getting to watch FSNMW-HD and the Cards game. I LOVE seeing them in HD much more frequently. Its amazing.

Along those lines, this is the best presentation FSNMW-HD has had on DirecTV since I have been watching this season. No glitches, breakups, etc.
I also thought tonight's broadcast was clean....much improved over the first few. :) I saw a couple of video glitches, but I think they were on DISH's end. FSN looked good.

Charter says it's going to add 8 new HD channels on May 15th. Here's (http://www.tvpredictions.com/charterhd041608.htm) the link.

Good News for Charter Customers in St. Louis, as reported by TV Predictions:

Charter to Add 8 HD Channels in St. Louis (http://www.tvpredictions.com/charterhd041608.htm)

Doug--on the calendar, FSN added the 21st and 22nd as HD's :)Calendar has been updated.

8:12AM Charter says it's going to add 8 new HD channels on May 15th. Here's (http://www.tvpredictions.com/charterhd041608.htm) the link.
8:15AM Good News for Charter Customers in St. Louis, as reported by TV Predictions:
Charter to Add 8 HD Channels in St. Louis (http://www.tvpredictions.com/charterhd041608.htm)

GMTA! :)

GMTA! :)

Dude, :confused:

Dude, :confused:
Perpetually.

It's the ultimate forum compliment.

I just love the following quote in the link:

"Charter Communications COO Michael Lovett said last month that his company offers more "HD choices" than any other competitor."

....Hello?????

I just love the following quote in the link:

"Charter Communications COO Michael Lovett said last month that his company offers more "HD choices" than any other competitor."

....Hello?????
Mo..Mo..Mo..
Clearly he meant any other cable competitor...in the St. Louis area...on Market St...1/2 way between 14th and 15th avenue.

Read between the lines, Sir :D

I just love the following quote in the link:

"Charter Communications COO Michael Lovett said last month that his company offers more "HD choices" than any other competitor."

....Hello?????
He was probably correct, you could choose any one of 12 channels=12 choices
D* and E* offer either those simulcast or those simulcast plus specialty=2 choices

E* (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dishnew041708.htm) has added CNN HD to its lineup.

E* (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dishadds041808.htm) added SciFi HD and USA HD today. That means Battlestar Galactica tonight in HD at 9:00. Gotta love it.

Where has everyone been? No posts since mine yesterday morning? We used to be some of the biggest blabbermouths on AVS. Things have really quieted down.

Anyone else not getting anything for the Cards game on 647-1 on D*?

Anyone else not getting anything for the Cards game on 647-1 on D*?
Looks like FSN pulled their second switch-a-roo this season. It was listed as an HD broadcast, but it's SD only. :(

Looks like FSN pulled their second switch-a-roo this season. It was listed as an HD broadcast, but it's SD only. :(

Thanks. Unfortunately I got my projector started for nothing, I guess.

Where has everyone been? No posts since mine yesterday morning? We used to be some of the biggest blabbermouths on AVS. Things have really quieted down.
Scott must be on vacation :D

Thanks. Unfortunately I got my projector started for nothing, I guess.
FSN seems to be having a tough go if it this season...there have already been several changes to the very young HD schedule. We're trying to keep them up-to-date, but sometimes FSN is making changes without any notification.
Today's game is still listed as an HD broadcast on the FSNMW Website.

It's not like they didn't know...the HD broadcast was removed from the DISH program guide on Wednesday

Perhaps they're having difficulty obtaining rentals of HD trucks :confused:

E* (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dishadds041808.htm) added SciFi HD and USA HD today. That means Battlestar Galactica tonight in HD at 9:00. Gotta love it.



Hey Joe,

Great time for Dish to add Sci-Fi.... tonight's BSG was amazing!

Scott must be on vacation :D

Vacation, what's that? Actually in 3 weeks I'll be on a permanent vacation unless I find a new place to work. Man, am I gonna miss the 8 to 5 working from home thing. :(

Vacation, what's that? Actually in 3 weeks I'll be on a permanent vacation unless I find a new place to work. Man, am I gonna miss the 8 to 5 working from home thing. :(
Ugh...well, we do, what we have to do. I've worked at-home since 2000, and I know I'd have a serious time adjusting to having to "go" to work everyday.

E* (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dishadds041808.htm) added SciFi HD and USA HD today. That means Battlestar Galactica tonight in HD at 9:00. Gotta love it.

Where has everyone been? No posts since mine yesterday morning? We used to be some of the biggest blabbermouths on AVS. Things have really quieted down.

Maybe life is just good....:cool:

With the exception of Cardinals in HD, of course.

Here's (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11272708&cm_mmc=BCEmail_290-_-FOCUS-_-29-_-AcomDataPureDrive1TBExternalHardDrive) a link to an AcomData 1TB hard drive for $210, at Costco online. Perfect for DVRing all those BSG eps in HD.

Hey, Ken, did you say that E* has lifted the 750GB limit from their USB drives, or is that yet to happen?

Hey Joe,

Great time for Dish to add Sci-Fi.... tonight's BSG was amazing!

It's been a great start to the final season. I hope they find Earth soon, though, because they need to get that ship to Maaco.

FSN seems to be having a tough go if it this season...there have already been several changes to the very young HD schedule. We're trying to keep them up-to-date, but sometimes FSN is making changes without any notification.
Today's game is still listed as an HD broadcast on the FSNMW Website.

It's not like they didn't know...the HD broadcast was removed from the DISH program guide on Wednesday

Perhaps they're having difficulty obtaining rentals of HD trucks :confused:

I'm fairly certain the same truck is used for a majority of the Cardinals' home broadcasts. I think the real problem with the availability of HD broadcasts rests with FSN's master control in Houston. Someone posted this article from Pittsburgh in the HD programming forum that sort of explains the issues.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08108/874172-194.stm

Here's (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11272708&cm_mmc=BCEmail_290-_-FOCUS-_-29-_-AcomDataPureDrive1TBExternalHardDrive) a link to an AcomData 1TB hard drive for $210, at Costco online. Perfect for DVRing all those BSG eps in HD.

Hey, Ken, did you say that E* has lifted the 750GB limit from their USB drives, or is that yet to happen?
Formally, not yet...summer sometime. Some people "claim" to have success with larger drives, but nothing verifiable.

If you're interested, the reason for the restriction is, when the EHDD feature was first enabled, drives that exceeded 750GB were often 2 drives, inside one enclosure...i.e.: a 1TB was comprised of two 500GB's. The DISH s/w could not support a dual-drive EHDD configuration, thus the restriction.

Once DISH is comfortable the dual-drive EHDD has phased out, they will lift the restriction.

It's been a great start to the final season. I hope they find Earth soon, though, because they need to get that ship to Maaco.

I found it funny that the room the sleeper cylons gathered in was "1701D". Ron Moore did write for ST-TNG. Hmm, maybe Picard is going to lead everyone to earth! :D

I found it funny that the room the sleeper cylons gathered in was "1701D". Ron Moore did write for ST-TNG. Hmm, maybe Picard is going to lead everyone to earth! :D

Good pickup, Mo. Something in the back of my head said, "You've seen that number before." It just couldn't climb out of the dark recesses of my memory.

I noticed on SciFi last night that Stargate SG1 was not in HD, but instead was a window-boxed SD upconvert. How much of SciFi HD is really HD? Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, Odyssey 5, etc.?

I noticed on SciFi last night that Stargate SG1 was not in HD, but instead was a window-boxed SD upconvert. How much of SciFi HD is really HD? Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, Odyssey 5, etc.?

Atlantis is/was. I don't know about the other shows. Some listed as SD are HD. Some listed as LB are HD or SD. I would have thought they would have straighted it out by now.

I noticed on SciFi last night that Stargate SG1 was not in HD, but instead was a window-boxed SD upconvert. How much of SciFi HD is really HD? Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, Odyssey 5, etc.?

And most of their cheesy Sci-Fi original movies on Saturdays and Sunday are HD, also..........

I'm fairly certain the same truck is used for a majority of the Cardinals' home broadcasts. I think the real problem with the availability of HD broadcasts rests with FSN's master control in Houston. Someone posted this article from Pittsburgh in the HD programming forum that sort of explains the issues.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08108/874172-194.stm
Interesting information.

Formally, not yet...summer sometime. Some people "claim" to have success with larger drives, but nothing verifiable.

If you're interested, the reason for the restriction is, when the EHDD feature was first enabled, drives that exceeded 750GB were often 2 drives, inside one enclosure...i.e.: a 1TB was comprised of two 500GB's. The DISH s/w could not support a dual-drive EHDD configuration, thus the restriction.

Once DISH is comfortable the dual-drive EHDD has phased out, they will lift the restriction.

I remember a time when I was glad to see 1GB hard drives drop down to $300. Now 1TB hard drives can be found for under $200. I just love progress. :)

Speaking of cheap hard drives, here's (http://slickdeals.net/#p3787) one at ZipZoomFly for $80 - a 500GB Samsung, with free shipping.

I remember a time when I was glad to see 1GB hard drives drop down to $300. Now 1TB hard drives can be found for under $200. I just love progress. :)
I'd guess in our lifetime, they'll be credit-card sized, 500TB, and sold on the counters at 7-11 for $9.95!
Perhaps a bit overemphasising, but you get the point :D

I'd guess in our lifetime, they'll be credit-card sized, 500TB, and sold on the counters at 7-11 for $9.95!
Perhaps a bit overemphasising, but you get the point :D

As an early adopter of digital video editing, I bought a 9GB SCSI hard drive for almost $2,300. Projecting the other way with pricing, a $10 500TB drive (or solid state flash card) doesn't seem that far fetched at the rate things are changing.

And don't forget that 4K digital cinema (in 3D) isn't that far off - quadruple the data of present day, state of the art 1080p video. Science fiction has nothing on the rate of change in the tech industry. Except maybe those babes in "Warbirds" - that SciFi HD original feature I got through maybe 15 minutes of last night. Bob was right - even for a cheese lover like me, that was an overdose.

Awww, you only made it through 15 minutes? I *live* for those Sci-Fi original cheese-fests! They're the next best thing to those 50's and 60's American International Pictures I loved as a kid (late nights and Sunday afternoons on KPLR)...

"The Man with the Synthetic Brain"

"Terror from the Year 5000"

"Planet of the Vampires"

"They Came from Beyond Space"

They just don't make 'em like that anymore... except on the Sci-Fi Channel on Saturday nights!

It's been a great start to the final season. I hope they find Earth soon, though, because they need to get that ship to Maaco.

This is the final season of BSG? I didn't realize that. I am still watching Season 3 on DVD.

So there is Season 3 for me to watch, and Season 4 is on now? Is that right?

Yep, that's right. But thanks to the writers' strike, we're going to get the first ten episodes of "this season" actually aired this season, and the second half of "this season" is going to air NEXT season. Frakking confusing, isn't it?

This is the final season of BSG? I didn't realize that. I am still watching Season 3 on DVD.

So there is Season 3 for me to watch, and Season 4 is on now? Is that right?

I really like having a clear end date in mind for some series. Lost is doing the same thing - they plan to end it in 2010. I think it should help the producers/writers keep focused, rather than suffering through the hazy meandering that often happens when a series just tries to fill time. Some of my favorite shows I could hardly watch at the end - like MASH - because it ran out of material years before they ended it.

Yep, that's right. But thanks to the writers' strike, we're going to get the first ten episodes of "this season" actually aired this season, and the second half of "this season" is going to air NEXT season. Frakking confusing, isn't it?

Yes, a season is not a season any more. Those last two seasons of Lost will each be (IIRC) only 16 episodes long. The last season of Friends was only 13 eps. The first half of the BSG season will barely feel as though it's started before it ends.

The clock is now OFFICIALLY ticking down on Charter Communications...

From the Hollywood Reporter (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/business/news/e3i6b913c786b0131f98e738f2532c66267):
______________________________________________________

NEW YORK -- Paul Allen's Charter Communications could see its shares get delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market late this year or next.

The cable operator said Friday it received a Nasdaq notice that its stock has failed to close at or above $1 for 30 consecutive business days, one of the exchange's key compliance rules.

For Charter to regain compliance, it must hit the required minimum price for 10 consecutive business days any time by Oct. 13. After that, the company can request a 180-day extension.
______________________________________________________

The clock is now OFFICIALLY ticking down on Charter Communications...

From the Hollywood Reporter (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/business/news/e3i6b913c786b0131f98e738f2532c66267):
______________________________________________________

NEW YORK -- Paul Allen's Charter Communications could see its shares get delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market late this year or next.

The cable operator said Friday it received a Nasdaq notice that its stock has failed to close at or above $1 for 30 consecutive business days, one of the exchange's key compliance rules.

For Charter to regain compliance, it must hit the required minimum price for 10 consecutive business days any time by Oct. 13. After that, the company can request a 180-day extension.
______________________________________________________

So is it time to start the Charter deathwatch clock? Start a forum pool to bet on who will buy them out? Comcast? I'm an at&t central office worker bee. Uverse seems to be selling pretty well so I know we're hurting them at least a little bit. Combine that with competition from *E and *D and things could be pretty grim in parts of their territory. Have they ever made a real profit?

So is it time to start the Charter deathwatch clock? Start a forum pool to bet on who will buy them out? Comcast? I'm an at&t central office worker bee. Uverse seems to be selling pretty well so I know we're hurting them at least a little bit. Combine that with competition from *E and *D and things could be pretty grim in parts of their territory. Have they ever made a real profit?It's unlikely that Comcast would be able to buy Charter, even if they really wanted to, due to arbitrary subscriber cap limits imposed on cable companies by the FCC. While these caps probably wouldn't withstand a judicial challenge, it seems unlikely Comcast would go to the trouble to contest it solely for the right to buy Charter. Besides, that sort of challenge could take years to succeed and that doesn't help here. There's also additional regulatory uncertainty due to the fact that there will be a change in administration coming in less than a year.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6531215.html

I personally think some cable company buying Charter is the least likely near-term event, due to the heavy debt load Charter is carrying. Bankruptcy and then a sale just seems a more likely transition path, as creditors would then be highly motivated to cut the best deal possible with potential buyers.

Charter is nothing if not a survivor. But this is going to make things mighty tough going forward -- for example, keeping and attracting good employees and managers and especially in dealing with key suppliers who will be more focused than ever in limiting their exposure to Charter debt.

The clock is definitely ticking down and with broader stock market and credit market trends undermining it further, Charter's fate does seem like a done deal. But assuming enough of the current top management stays in place the company will play down to the last seconds remaining on the clock and maybe even find a way to hang on for the long haul.

But that's not how I would bet...