St. Louis, MO - OTA [Text View] - Page 8

rbkb

03-06-07, 04:42 PM

But, now that a number of cable companies have caved to Belo's demands (or at least came to some compensation agreement), does Charter have a leg to stand on in the battle over Channel 4's HD carriage? Is there any hope that we will see 784 back on the system in time for the NCAA tournament? With every game being in HD this year, there is a better chance that we will see different games on Channel 4 and 4.1.

Also, I noticed that most Charter markets got Flix, ESPN2HD and Starz HD added to their systems. Why did STL only get Flix? Charter, where is the love for your home market???

On a side note, I see alot of threads talking about HD quality between cable and satellite. Is there really a noticable difference to an "untrained" eye, much like mine? And, if not, is there a substancial difference between E* and D* picture quality? In addition, do both D* and E* carry the local HD signals for STL (2,4,5,30) over the satellite? I have trouble getting OTA reception. Thanks for any input!

cd1871

03-06-07, 04:55 PM

before my little best buy incident. i think there is a slight difference between ota hd and cable hd. channel 4 and channel 30 in hd are just amazing i think. "lost" on channel 30 seems like a show that was produced just for hd. the image on channel 5 hd doesnt look as clear to me as 785 on charter, 785 looks a little muted on charter.

aspec2

03-06-07, 05:12 PM

Hmmm...as in flaming batteries, overpriced game console with no games, computer viruses with every CD...that Sony? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Over priced HD player, convergence issues on SXRD, green blob issues on SXRD.... that Sony. :rolleyes:

I think that anyone who installs stuff on your computer without your EXPRESS permission, not something hidden in the EULA (rootkit), should go to jail and be forbidden from doing business in this country. Nukes to follow. :mad:

Walt

redwine

03-06-07, 05:54 PM

My question regards 9-1, KETC-DT. Whenever I check the signal strength it's always 89-92 and steady. However, exactly every 15 minutes, I get a brief 1-2 second complete loss of signal. The clear pattern to the signal loss and otherwise great reception 95% of the time makes me think some type of electrical/appliance interference is occurring. It's almost like an appliance is cycling on/off every 15 minutes causing the brief signal loss. Regardless of how a position my antennae, the same 15 minute signal loss pattern maintains. Do any of the experts have thoughts? In my experience this doesn't seem like a traditional antennae orientation/multipath issue.

Thanks,
Andrew

I watch KETC-DT alot on Charter and have also noticed periodic breakups. The sound and picture just freeze for a couple of seconds. I have not noticed if this happens every 15 minutes but it does seem frequent. I will time it and post the results.

DroptheRemote

03-06-07, 05:55 PM

But now that a number of cable companies have caved to Belo's demands (or at least came to some compensation agreement), does Charter have a leg to stand on in the battle over Channel 4's HD carriage? Is there any hope that we will see 784 back on the system in time for the NCAA tournament? With every game being in HD this year, there is a better chance that we will see different games on Channel 4 and 4.1.Interesting questions...without easy answers.

While there does seem to be momentum in the direction of deals getting done between broadcasters and cable, there are still major cable players out there, such as Comcast (see story from earlier today) and Time Warner, who reportedly are digging in their heels and saying "no way."

I think the situation with Charter goes beyond principle -- for Charter this has to be more of a bottom-line money issue, rather than one based just on principles. Not that Charter wouldn't take a principled stand on this absent its precarious financial standing...but in the end, I think money issues trump all other considerations for Charter.

Because of that, I think Charter is more likely to hold out longer than the other major cable players. If Comcast and Time Warner hold the line, I suspect Charter will happily sit tight. But if either of those big guys knuckle under, Charter may have no choice but to pay up.

Andrew Sabin

03-06-07, 06:14 PM

Bump: Does anyone have any thoughts on my post from the previous page:

"I have great reception via a rooftop DB2-double bow-tie antennae (UHF only) using a VIP622-Dishnetwork receiver. On 2-1, 4-1, 5-1 my signal meter is in the high 90s to 100 all the time with no dropouts. On 30-1 the signal is locked in the mid 80s to 90 with no dropouts. 11-1 has the universal compatibility problems common to all 622 receivers so the problem isn't on my end.

My question regards 9-1, KETC-DT. Whenever I check the signal strength it's always 89-92 and steady. However, exactly every 15 minutes, I get a brief 1-2 second complete loss of signal. The clear pattern to the signal loss and otherwise great reception 95% of the time makes me think some type of electrical/appliance interference is occurring. It's almost like an appliance is cycling on/off every 15 minutes causing the brief signal loss. Regardless of how a position my antennae, the same 15 minute signal loss pattern maintains. Do any of the experts have thoughts? In my experience this doesn't seem like a traditional antennae orientation/multipath issue."

Thanks,
Andrew

moman19

03-06-07, 08:07 PM

I see breakups too on KETC-DT but have never timed them. All I know for sure is that the breakuss on Fox2 are much more frequent. I have not seen any updates lately from NotGoliath on this subject, but I can hope it's still a work in progress. Fox2 even breaks up when SD is transmitted, so it's not limited to their HD content

Andrew Sabin

03-06-07, 08:47 PM

I see breakups too on KETC-DT but have never timed them. ,

Moman19,

Are you watching KETC-DT 9-1 via antennae or Charter?

If people see breakups on KETC-DT on Charter as they do with KTVI-DT 2-1, then it's clearly a problem with transmission on KETC-DT's part and not a reception issue on the end user's part. Does everyone who watches KETC-DT 9-1, see these dropouts every 15 minutes or so whether it be via Charter or antennae?

Thanks,
Andrew

Scott Tucker

03-06-07, 09:21 PM

I do apologize for my little rant on the blue shirts. That gal from Best Buy just set me off. Yes it is Bob from Schneider's. He does know how to get things done. He just left me a message stating it is a bad panel and that Samsung will replace it. Out of all the Samsung products I have owned this is the first "defect" I have ever come across. Once again, my apologies for the "blue shirt" rant.

cd1971,

Thanks for the apology. I have a feeling you were somewhat speaking sarcastically anyway. But, having sold in retail for more than 10 years, and having friends that still do, I am sensitive to that sort of talk.

Scott

Scott Tucker

03-06-07, 09:25 PM

Actually Scott is a sony fan. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Bite me! :eek:

Scott

football751

03-06-07, 09:27 PM

Also, I noticed that most Charter markets got Flix, ESPN2HD and Starz HD added to their systems. Why did STL only get Flix? Charter, where is the love for your home market???
Umm, what's Flix? I'm in Wildwood, MO and I don't see a new channel Flix.

chuckparr

03-06-07, 09:33 PM

Umm, what's Flix? I'm in Wildwood, MO and I don't see a new channel Flix.
FLIX is Charter 627-a non-HD channel. It has been on the listing forever, but since it is not HD I have never watched it.

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 06:32 AM

Study: Video Competition Could Save Missouri Consumers $6.50/mo

The following article appears in today's St. Louis Post Dispatch:
_______________________________________________________

The Missouri Legislature could benefit consumers by at least $66 million a year by embracing cable-TV competition, a new study says.

The study, issued last week by the Clayton-based Show-Me Institute, also says a pro-competition state law could attract $420 million in capital investment from companies like AT&T that want to offer video service in the state.

That might seem like a big threat to incumbent cable providers like Charter Communications, and the study says existing cable companies would lose at least $45 million a year worth of business. But the cable industry, which succeeded in blocking a statewide video-franchising bill last year, has signed on to a compromise version this year.

AT&T wants a statewide franchising law so it doesn't have to sign separate agreements with each municipality. AT&T spokesman Kerry Hibbs says the company has agreements with just nine of the 120 Missouri cities that it began talking to last summer. "To get all 120, it would take years, and that would delay the benefits of competition to consumers," Hibbs argues.

Cable companies, which went through that city-by-city exercise decades ago, initially argued that changing the rules would be unfair. But Grier

Raclin, Charter's general counsel, says this year's bill "is a large step forward from the one-sided stuff AT&T was pushing last year. Our position is that competition should be fair."

The compromise bill guarantees that incumbent cable companies would receive the same regulatory treatment as their new competitors. It also places build-out requirements on the newcomers to prevent them from cherry-picking only the wealthiest neighborhoods. The legislation has passed the state Senate and is awaiting a committee vote in the House.

Nine states have passed franchising laws like the one AT&T wants in Missouri. And the phone company's push into video got a boost Monday from the Federal Communications Commission, which barred municipalities "from unreasonably refusing to award competitive franchises for the provision of cable services."

Joseph Haslag, the University of Missouri-Columbia economics professor who wrote the Show-Me study, says competition is a big deal for consumers. Using an estimate from the General Accounting Office, he projects that a full-blown marketing war would cut the average cable bill by 15 percent, or $6.50 a month.

In addition to saving money, some consumers would benefit from being able to buy services they aren't getting now. The gain to consumers would be between $66 million and $76 million, and Haslag writes that his "is one of the more conservative estimates."

When will the savings begin? AT&T hasn't announced a launch date for video service here, but Hibbs says it will be available to 19 million households — about half of AT&T's customers nationwide — by the end of 2008.

Raclin says Charter already has hard-wired video competition in several markets, including Keller, Texas, where Verizon launched its TV service in 2005. But, Raclin said, the cable company doesn't necessarily compete by cutting prices. "Where we face competition, we try to be responsive to it," he added. "At this point we don't foresee any changes in our business plan based on AT&T entering the market."

Raclin says Charter isn't happy with everything in the Missouri bill — it exempts satellite TV companies from paying a 5 percent franchise tax — but still supports its passage. "Our goal is to get out of the Missouri Legislature and back into the marketplace," he says.

Consumers certainly can say amen to that.
_______________________________________________________

PWSHER

03-07-07, 06:37 AM

FLIX is Charter 627-a non-HD channel. It has been on the listing forever, but since it is not HD I have never watched it.

I hadn't noticed it before but in our recent bill, they touted it like it was new. BTW, the actual bill has been redesigned and in doing so they have dropped us from auto billing. Weird...I took it originally because they gave me a $10/mo price reduction. I still appear to have that but who knows.

And while I'm complaining even with combined services we still get a separate phone bill. OTOH, I still LOVE my Moxi and Mate. After playing with a friends new Dish DVR...I'm quite happy with the interface I have.

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 07:10 AM

ESPNews to be Available in HD by end-2007

I have to admit that this is about as close to a yawn as I'm going to get on the addition of a new sports channel in HD. With a DVR and always-ready access to the latest SportsCenter (in HD), I see no personal need for ESPNews (in SD or HD).

But I think this is probably still a good thing, particularly for sports bars.

It's also helps to confirm my belief that by October 2008, I won't be watching ANY SD programming, due to my interests being covered by HD channels.

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

ESPNews will launch a High-Definition simulcast channel at the end of the year, according to Sports Business Journal. The publication, which covers the business side of professional sports, says DIRECTV has agreed to carry the new high-def channel.

ESPNews offers 24 hour highlights and news updates on the world of sports. If the high-def simulcast launches, it will be ESPN's third HDTV channel.

The network has already launched high-def simulcasts of ESPN and ESPN 2.

Sports Business Journal says the agreement between ESPN and DIRECTV could be announced as early as this week. The addition of ESPNews HD would be part of DIRECTV's plan to offer 100 national HDTV channels by year's end.

The satcaster, which will launch at least one new satellite this year to expand HD capacity, has been meeting with basic cable networks to persuade them to launch high-def simulcasts.
____________________________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 07:15 AM

DirecTV Says National Geographic Was Only "Sneak Peek"

This seems more than a little lame to me -- why tease me with something I can't have? Too clever by half.

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_________________________________________________

DIRECTV today said it has not set a launch date for National Geographic HD.

Over the weekend, the satcaster raised prospects that it would soon add the high-def channel when it posted an upcoming NG HD episode on its Interactive Programming Guide (IPG) at channel 77.

The episode, called In the Womb, finally aired this morning shortly after 2 a.m. ET.

However, DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer told TVPredictions.com today that the episode was a "sneak peek of marquee HD programming that we're offering customers periodically throughout the year."

DIRECTV plans later this year to offer 100 national high-def channels after it launches at least one new satellite; it now carries around 10 national HD channels due to limited satellite space.

Mercer said DIRECTV will add National Geographic HD later in the year but did not provide a launch date.

"NGC HD ranks high on everyone's favorite HD programming list so we're offering a taste to our customers," Mercer said.

It's unclear when DIRECTV will air the next NG HD episode.

"We are planning to air more NGC HD programming depending on available capacity. We are looking at more 'sneak peek' programming," Mercer said.
_________________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 07:19 AM

There's an interesting interview with the general manager of HD operations for the Discovery Network over at TV Predictions:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/clint030707.htm

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 07:30 AM

Disney Chief: HD Disc Business Slow Until There's One Format

This has been done before, but it seems REALLY appropriate here. To paraphrase Basil Fawlty (John Cleese, in the perfect British sitcom "Fawlty Towers"):

"Can we get you on "Mastermind? 'Next Contestant: Disney CEO Bob Iger. Special Subject: The BLEEDING obvious.'"

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_________________________________________________________

Disney CEO Bob Iger says the HDTV DVD business will not take off until a clear winner emerges.

The Sony-backed Blu-ray format is battling the Toshiba-supported HD-DVD format for the new high-def disc audience. However, sales of both formats have been disappointing due to consumer confusion over the disc war and high player prices.

In an address yesterday before the 2007 Bear Stearns Media Conference, Iger said that new technologies such as high-def DVDs and movie downloads are not threatening the standard DVD business.

“We’re very confident the DVD business is going to continue to be successful,” Iger said, according to Video Business. “We sold 130 million DVDs last quarter. This business is not going away for us at all.”

The Disney chief said the growth in HDTV set sales will spark more interest in HDTV DVD players, but many consumers will hesitate to buy one until one format wins.

According to Video Business, Iger did not predict that Blu-ray would win although Disney is supporting the format over HD-DVD.
_________________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/iger030707.htm)

bluedevil23

03-07-07, 08:27 AM

So I called Charter last night to cancel my tv and internet now that E* and ATT DSL are up and running. I had a funny exchange with their rep:

Me: "Yes, I would like to cancel my service"
Him: "Sorry to hear that, may I ask why?"
Me: "Sure, I got a better rate and more channel offerings, especially HD, from Dish".
Him: "I understand. So are we only cancelling video?"
Me: "No, everything."
Him: "Well what about your internet?"
Me: "I have DSL now".
Him: "Why would you want to downgrade your internet like that?"
Me: "It's not a downgrade, it's cheaper and just as fast."
Him: "Oh no, DSL is definitely not as good as cable."
Me: "Not neccessarily, I actually get better upstream than I did with Charter and the downstream is very close".
Him: "Well, you must have no one on your block with DSL and live next to the CO."
Me: "I think you are confused, cable has worse problems with more people in the area, not DSL."
Him: "Oh no, cable does not suffer at all from the number of people. Google it right now, I am definitely right."
Me: "Listen, I have a degree in Computer Engineering and work in the computer field, I think I know what I'm talking about, my DSL is fine, my pipleine was fine, DSL is cheaper, therefore I switched, please just cancel my service."
Him: "Your service is cancelled, you can return your equipment to your local office, but please, Google cable vs DSL. I know that cable is better, I would bet my job on it."
Me: "No offense, but I have a nice job with a software company, you are working the phones for Charter, that's not really worth my time. Thanks."

<silence>

Him: "Well sir, have a great day and if you ever want to come back remember that we offer phone, tv, and internet for $99.99/mo."
Me: "Sure, thanks."

Gotta love the Charter phone reps.....

Left Jeff

03-07-07, 10:22 AM

Yeah those guys are a hoot.

When I called to cancel mine, it started quit a bit like yours. The only difference is instead of getting a know-it-all, I got a pretty nice black dude that just seemed to be have an easy going time.

Me: I want to cancel my services.
Him: Sorry to hear that, may I ask why? (must be the stock line)
Me: Yes, the other providers offer more HD content including my local abc and cbs and you guys are raising your rates. I really wanted the NFL network and two years in a row you guys were unable to deliver the Super Bowl in HD.
Him: Well in regards to our excellent HD programming, for what it's worth, there is more great HD content coming up in the next year.
Me: Yeah, that's not worth much, especially with the Super Bowl coming up.
Him: (laughs) OKay.

So I called Charter last night to cancel my tv and internet now that E* and ATT DSL are up and running. I had a funny exchange with their rep:

Me: "Yes, I would like to cancel my service"
Him: "Sorry to hear that, may I ask why?"
Me: "Sure, I got a better rate and more channel offerings, especially HD, from Dish".
Him: "I understand. So are we only cancelling video?"
Me: "No, everything."
Him: "Well what about your internet?"
Me: "I have DSL now".
Him: "Why would you want to downgrade your internet like that?"
Me: "It's not a downgrade, it's cheaper and just as fast."
Him: "Oh no, DSL is definitely not as good as cable."
Me: "Not neccessarily, I actually get better upstream than I did with Charter and the downstream is very close".
Him: "Well, you must have no one on your block with DSL and live next to the CO."
Me: "I think you are confused, cable has worse problems with more people in the area, not DSL."
Him: "Oh no, cable does not suffer at all from the number of people. Google it right now, I am definitely right."
Me: "Listen, I have a degree in Computer Engineering and work in the computer field, I think I know what I'm talking about, my DSL is fine, my pipleine was fine, DSL is cheaper, therefore I switched, please just cancel my service."
Him: "Your service is cancelled, you can return your equipment to your local office, but please, Google cable vs DSL. I know that cable is better, I would bet my job on it."
Me: "No offense, but I have a nice job with a software company, you are working the phones for Charter, that's not really worth my time. Thanks."

<silence>

Him: "Well sir, have a great day and if you ever want to come back remember that we offer phone, tv, and internet for $99.99/mo."
Me: "Sure, thanks."

Gotta love the Charter phone reps.....

John Kotches

03-07-07, 11:28 AM

Well I finally got things working right here after about 2 solid months of issues with constantly dropping synch from the headend @ Charter.

I had a service call yesterday AM and it dropped synch outside the house while he was there testing everything out. Yesterday afternoon they had another tech out; the problem was further up towards the headend than my house; and so far I haven't had a single loss of synch.

Of course now that I am typing this; I'm probably going to start getting issues again ;)

Of course every tech support call went the same way; it appears the tech's have a script to follow and they don't grasp that some of their customers know a fair amount more than them.

Still, once I get DSL here; I'm off of Charter for internet.

Best,

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 11:43 AM

Scott Tucker

03-07-07, 11:52 AM

duihlein

03-07-07, 11:52 AM

I know this is way off topic, but I think most of you know how hard it is to find good IT people. I work for a consulting firm in town. We are looking for a high end Microsoft engineer (Windows, Exchange) preferrebly with some Citrix and Cisco background.

If anyone is interested or knows someone like this please PM me and I will give you my contact info.

Thanks

Dave

... now back to our regularly scheduled Charter bashing :D

kjohnson

03-07-07, 12:24 PM

John,

Even though I knew better, I called Charter yesterday afternoon to see if I couldn't arrange a service call -- it sounds like I'm having a problem very similar to yours, as I lose the connection to Charter anywhere from a half dozen to a dozen times per day, though none of the outages are lengthy.

I was run through the same scripts, even though I made it clear that wasn't going to be helpful. The conclusion of the call was that I could not have a service call scheduled until I called back and reported the same problem no sooner than 48 hours after yesterday's report.

To say this made me irate would be an understatement. I asked to speak to a supervisor and after waiting nearly 20 minutes on hold, I gave in and hung up.

This entire company has the same problem-solving savvy as a bucket of hair... :(

Then I'll spare everyone here my travels with Earthlink (DSL) and Netgear (Router). I'll just say be glad that you've got a call center in the US. It's always fun communicating with the folks in Mumbai and New Dehli. A lot is said, but very little is exchanged. :o

On that note, is anybody having repeated issues with KMOV-DT? I'm getting multipath just about all the time, unless it's 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. Seeing Larry Connor's face tear or face rearrangements during the news is unsettling at best, and at worst, frightening.

MoInSTL

03-07-07, 01:01 PM

I have a new Sammy DLP, and you guys and Mo are scaring me.

Scott

I have been very pleased with the picture quality of both sets. I am just picky and want to head off any future issues with the color wheel. Most people would not notice the lighter image or would live with it. I was just living with the lighter screen, but it has started to bug me. I thought the noise was the fan humming but after I better described the problem and that it gets louder the longer the set is on, they said it was the color wheel. It's not real loud but when I notice it I turn up the volume a notch.

I don't think people post when everything is perfect. :) I do like that Samsung has darn good support and want their customers to be happy. That's a good thing.

desidoc

03-07-07, 01:19 PM

I just dumped charter because of there rates and my phone and internet has been acting up in the last 2 days. So called ATT and switched and I am going to call them when ATT is ready

kdg454

03-07-07, 02:18 PM

I believe I had a very similar issue with Pipeline, when it was first installed. It exhibited the identical symptoms described by John and Doug.

On the 3rd service call, the area senior tech visited, and everything, again, tested fine in the techs presence. He gave me his cell number, said he was in the area "all the time," and instructed me to call him when the connection went down.
He never said anything good, or bad, about Charter, but he came across as being very dedicated to his work, and exhibited noticeable pride in his assigned area, and his crew.

The next time the connection went down, I called him, he came, and discovered an issue existed, in his words, "further down the line." He said he would assign a crew to find, and repair it. Two days later, it disappeared, and has been gone since....4 years now.

Now that AT&T is available here, I really though I'd switch. But, I've had absolutely zero connectivity issues with Pipeline, and their speed remains consistent. I'm very tentative to enter a world of possible unknowns, as connectivity is so vital to us, if Pipeline ever *did* drop, we would have to rely on dial-up as a back-up. We simply cannot be without.

Disclaimer: I still believe Charter is a total misfit in the business world, should be capsulised, and rocketed to an uncharted planet, in an uncharted universe.

wmschultz

03-07-07, 02:23 PM

Disclaimer: I still believe Charter is a total misfit in the business world, should be capsulised, and rocketed to an uncharted planet, in an uncharted universe.

They will be, U-Verse is coming....

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 02:30 PM

John Kotches

03-07-07, 02:37 PM

kdg454

03-07-07, 02:50 PM

kdg:

Your experience is much different than mine...

I've had problems since the day it was installed off and on. At one point, I had an 8-day outage because Charter couldn't be bothered to get someone out to look at the problem. When they finally came by, it was my outside cable that had failed, and it took them all of 20 minutes to resolve the issue.

Numerous 8-30 hour outages and on top of this the synch issues I had been having. As soon as I can get them out of here, I will.

Cheers,
Mine also began immediately after installation, but I never had that same local connection issue, or delay in response. Mine was always that random loss for a few minutes, every hour, which is different than yours :o

IIRC, they eventually traced it to a bad underground splice in a cable....at least, that's what I was told.

I suppose service is a bit different, here in Farmington. We can call the local office, and they will let a customer speak to a tech, and/or schedule a service call without having to call CS.

Overall, my Pipeline experience with Charter has been just fine, though, I still stand by my disclaimer. If nothing else, perhaps it shows Charter can handle a base the size of Farmington....7k subs. :D

black_macleod

03-07-07, 02:54 PM

I've had pipeline for 1.5 years now at two different addresses, and have never had any problems that didn't involve AmerenUE not fixing the power fast enough, hehe. Before that I had DSL for 4 years. My cable is faster, and the bundled price with TV is lower for that speed than the DSL was, plus I don't pay for a landline.

That being said, I was always happy with both. Plus, I sit on a fibre backbone at work all day, so home speeds aren't that important to me after being online all day. It works and I'm happy.

HD Programming is a different story, hehe.

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 05:25 PM

A couple of interesting tidbits in the Evening Bridge market close newsletter:

____________________________________________________

* According to wire reports, FCC chairman Kevin Martin isn't convinced that a Sirius-XM merger would benefit consumers and Mel Karmazin's testimony in front of a House Judiciary Committee panel last week didn't do much to change his mind...

* Jason Bazinet of Citigroup, commenting on EchoStar's fourth quarter numbers: "Although fourth quarter expenses came in higher (and EBITDA lower) than our estimates, we were encouraged by EchoStar’s net adds, as well as its lower churn and SAC (average cost of subscriber acquired). In particular, we view the low level of subscriber defection as a strong positive, in light of the distant nets programming dispute earlier this year. Moreover, we believe there has been some investor concern on the Street that DBS growth is slowing as cable’s triple play gains momentum. However, with today’s results, we think some of those fears have been mitigated.”
____________________________________________________

Hohlraum

03-07-07, 06:34 PM

John Kotches

03-07-07, 06:48 PM

... other stuff deleted ...

So anyway, I need to get dish or directv and don't really know which. My main issue is having the networks in HD and HD-PVR capabilites. I'm guessing that Directv has the locals in HD via sat and Dish only has locals via OTA? I'd appreciate any clarification.

HD locals (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS) are available via Sat from both satellite providers. At this time, OTA still has a nominally better PQ.

Also, is that spreadsheet of the HD channels available here in st.louis still available/maintained. I didn't see it on the first page.

I defer to Doug on this matter.

Cheers,

Andrew Sabin

03-07-07, 07:10 PM

Second Bump--I guess KETC-DT 9-1 isn't a highly watched channel.

Does anyone have any thoughts on my post from the previous page:

"I have great reception via a rooftop DB2-double bow-tie antennae (UHF only) using a VIP622-Dishnetwork receiver. On 2-1, 4-1, 5-1 my signal meter is in the high 90s to 100 all the time with no dropouts. On 30-1 the signal is locked in the mid 80s to 90 with no dropouts. 11-1 has the universal compatibility problems common to all 622 receivers so the problem isn't on my end.

My question regards 9-1, KETC-DT. Whenever I check the signal strength it's always 89-92 and steady. However, exactly every 15 minutes, I get a brief 1-2 second complete loss of signal. The clear pattern to the signal loss and otherwise great reception 95% of the time makes me think some type of electrical/appliance interference is occurring. It's almost like an appliance is cycling on/off every 15 minutes causing the brief signal loss. Regardless of how a position my antennae, the same 15 minute signal loss pattern maintains. Do any of the experts have thoughts? In my experience this doesn't seem like a traditional antennae orientation/multipath issue."

Thanks,
Andrew

kdg454

03-07-07, 07:32 PM

gotta dump charter. we just lost our channel guide last night on the moxi. 3 calls later and nothing but the BS "check your moxi in 20 minutes." Just canceled internet last week after having both DSL and cable internet for 6 months or so.

i feel sorry for them honestly. they used to have such great service back when I first moved to st.louis 10yrs ago. We had rock solid tv and internet with them for like 8.5yrs and everything has just gone down hill.

So anyway, I need to get dish or directv and don't really know which. My main issue is having the networks in HD and HD-PVR capabilites. I'm guessing that Directv has the locals in HD via sat and Dish only has locals via OTA? I'd appreciate any clarification.

Also, is that spreadsheet of the HD channels available here in st.louis still available/maintained. I didn't see it on the first page.
Doug is very diligent about the accuracy and maintenance of the information.
Here's the link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9919843#post9919843
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9714728&&#post9714728
The spreadsheet was last updated Feb 7th, when DISH added A&E HD. I can confirm all of the DISH information is accurate-to-date, and I believe the A&E addition was the latest change in our total market.

The local HD's are comparable (and available) on both SAT services, as is OTA. I believe the overall consensus is, the current DISH HD DVR (PVR) is the superior machine available in this market.

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 07:51 PM

Hohlraum,

It looks like you've got the info you were asking for. Here's some additional info comparing DISH and DirecTV that might be useful.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713960&&#post9713960

black_macleod

03-07-07, 08:16 PM

Hohlraum

03-07-07, 08:23 PM

gunna pull the trigger tonight. here's a Dish technical question that the CSR i spoke too via webchat couldn't answer.

cinemax isn't available via HD. Do the cinemax SD stations broadcast movies in a wide screen format what about 5.1? Dunno what the term is but similar to the concept of how a DVD will display properly on a widescreen tv.

only thing left is whether i should go through dish directly or go with allsat (a el el sat).

Chazb

03-07-07, 09:02 PM

Doug is very diligent about the accuracy and maintenance of the information.
Here's the link:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9919843#post9919843
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9714728&&#post9714728
The spreadsheet was last updated Feb 7th, when DISH added A&E HD. I can confirm all of the DISH information is accurate-to-date, and I believe the A&E addition was the latest change in our total market.

The local HD's are comparable (and available) on both SAT services, as is OTA. I believe the overall consensus is, the current DISH HD DVR (PVR) is the superior machine available in this market.

I cant speak for E* but since the new software updates and more coming the hr 20 is quite a machine it still has its quirks but I do not use it for the internet or or caller ID.I have not missed a recording since the newest updates and that is recording two channels at once it sure beats the heck out of my panny dvd recorder and that is the only thing I can compare it to.

DroptheRemote

03-07-07, 09:02 PM

desidoc

03-07-07, 09:19 PM

John Kotches

03-07-07, 09:28 PM

Andrew Sabin

03-07-07, 09:37 PM

I think its the channel ... I get dropouts similar to yours over Charter. I recorded Frontline last night and it had repeated dropouts throughout. By this I mean every 15 mins or so the video would pixelate and the sound would drop out. Each one lasted about 5 seconds or so. Annoying. I haven't watched OTA recently though.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Black Macleod,

Based on the feedback from you and others, it seems certain that KETC-DT has a transmission problem on their end (especially if Charter users experience the same dropouts every 15 minutes or so). Do we have any contact numbers or people at KETC to make them aware of the problem. Hopefully, we can have more success with KETC fixing this than we've had with KTVI fixing the problem with their signal.

Thanks,
Andrew

Hohlraum

03-07-07, 09:39 PM

done and done. was gunna have it installed friday but while they were rambling off all the bs to complete the order the slot was lost and now I don't get it until monday. oh well. now the last charter thing we have is the phone service which hasn't caused us any issues. although they are full of it when they say that power outages don't affect their service. we've never lost our SBC/ATT dial tone during one of the many outages here in st.louis. but every outage we've had since the charter phone service our phones is out as well.

Scott Tucker

03-07-07, 09:50 PM

FYI,

My Bro just moved form California to Lake St. Louis. Today the Directv installer came, and tonight I went over for dinner. First I was glad he got TV. But, I noticed it looked pretty bad. Of course I couldn't help but mess with his stuff. First I noticed the installer hooked up sound and picture to channel 4 via coax. That is the first reason it looked like crap. My Bro didn't have a component video cable, but he did have an S-video cable, so I hooked it up. When I went to hook up the S-video, I noticed the installer did run a composite video and r/l audio cable. That's admirable, but he hooked them into the TV's A/V output so it was useless which is probably why he left the TV on channel 4. I had forgotten how bad even satellite will look on a analog TV via RF. S-video made a pretty big difference. I'll have to go back later with some component cables. The other thing I found strange about the install was the installer ran a 2nd line to the DVR by drilling a hole in my brothers brand new carpet. It couldn't have been that hard to run it from the basement up into the wall where the other wire was. Oh well, at least they have TV. Now their house is a home. :)

Scott

tcfila

03-07-07, 10:06 PM

Scott,

Your brother will love it out here.

Tim

aspec2

03-07-07, 10:11 PM

I saw this over in the KC - HDTV discussion at AVS, and in view of the frequent complaints here about HD programming getting the chop during bad weather warnings, Amber alerts and school closings, I thought some of you might find this interesting.

From the TV Barn web site of Kansas City Star TV reporter Aaron Barnhart:

Fire Katie: An Idea Whose Time Has Dot-Com (http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2007/03/fire_katie_an_i.html)

The Gathering Storm: How to Stop the Insanity Over Local Weather Break-Ins (http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2007/03/the_gathering_s.html)

The storms we had here last week.....I'm sitting at the table with a TV behind me. The weatherman is saying that Glen Carbon and Edwardsville are being hit hard by the storm especially in the area bounded by 270, 255, and 55/70. This is where I live. I turn and look out the doors onto the deck and the sun is shining. I walk out the front of the house and the sun is shining. It never did rain at my house. I think they could limit their "fear factor" to SD television and let the rest of us enjoy the programming.

Walt

kdg454

03-07-07, 10:28 PM

The storms we had here last week.....I'm sitting at the table with a TV behind me. The weatherman is saying that Glen Carbon and Edwardsville are being hit hard by the storm especially in the area bounded by 270, 255, and 55/70. This is where I live. I turn and look out the doors onto the deck and the sun is shining. I walk out the front of the house and the sun is shining. It never did rain at my house. I think they could limit their "fear factor" to SD television and let the rest of us enjoy the programming.

Walt
I noticed during the last event, KSDK now has a new HD crawler. It rolled up from bottom screen...scrolled, and then dropped back down. Programming remained in HD. The one I saw, remained in place during a HD to SD commercial switch, and then back to the HD program...all-the-while, the crawler remained, unaffected.

There is *no* doubt in my mind, after the July event, the STL meteorologists are all in a over-correction mode, when forecasting. I often think their mindset is, "if" it happens...don't look at me, it's not like I didn't tell you it "may."

Scott Tucker

03-07-07, 10:38 PM

Scott,

Your brother will love it out here.

Tim

I hope so. He and his family have had it pretty rough for a long time. I really think they can have a fresh start here in the Midwest. I am personally loving it since now I can be a part of my niece and nephew's life. They are already bringing me tons of joy. I have no kids, so I can spoil them rotten. :D

Scott

Scott Tucker

03-07-07, 10:44 PM

When I turned on my TV tonight, CNN was frozen on the screen. Not only that, my Jazz station was playing. So, the picture was on channel 202 paused/frozen, and audio was working fine but was on channel 850 the XM jazz station. As soon as I changed channels all was fine again, but I'd never seen my D* Tivo do that before.

Scott

NotGoliath

03-08-07, 03:41 AM

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Black Macleod,

Based on the feedback from you and others, it seems certain that KETC-DT has a transmission problem on their end (especially if Charter users experience the same dropouts every 15 minutes or so). Do we have any contact numbers or people at KETC to make them aware of the problem. Hopefully, we can have more success with KETC fixing this than we've had with KTVI fixing the problem with their signal.

Thanks,
Andrew

I'll mention this to their Cheif Engineer next week when I'm in at KETC.... I'm sure if he doesn't already know about it that he'll be well on his way to fixing it by then. :)

Also, is it just 9-1? or all 4 channels? I've never seen it drop out personally.

Andrew Sabin

03-08-07, 07:10 AM

Also, is it just 9-1? or all 4 channels? I've never seen it drop out personally.

I've seen the same dropout pattern on 2 of the 4 channels. I really only watch 9-1 and my daughter 9-2 (PBS Kids) with any regularity, and I've seen dropouts every 15 minutes on both. I'm assuming the other 2 channels have the same issue since we don't watch them enough. Regardless, if it's a signal issue, wouldn't it effect all 4 channels since they're all received with the same signal?

Thanks,
Andrew

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 07:31 AM

TiVo CEO Says Company Hopes to Offer Lower-Price HD Unit

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
________________________________________________

TiVo CEO Tom Rogers said yesterday that the company hopes to soon offer a lower-priced HD DVR.

"We will be highly focused this year on moving forward with a lower-priced, mass appeal High-Def unit, which will allow us to much better participate in the HD television trend," Rogers said yesterday.

The TiVo Series 3 HD DVR now has a suggested retail price of $799, although some retailers are selling it for around $625. Even at the discounted $625 price, the device is a hefty investment for high-def owners who can lease HD recorders from their cable or satellite providers for $10 a month or less.

Rogers acknowledged that TiVo's HD DVR price hurt the company's chances of generating more subs from the growing high-def audience.
________________________________________________

To read the full story -- and participate in a poll on cheaper HD TiVos -- click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivohd030807.htm)

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 07:35 AM

Weather Channel to Provide HD Service in September

First ESPN News in HD, and now Weather Channel. Seems like we're definitely headed toward the second tier of the non-broadcast programming lineups...

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
__________________________________________________________

The Weather Channel says it will launch its new High-Definition channel in September.

The network had previously revealed it would launch a high-def simulcast but had not announced a specific month.

Thus far, DIRECTV is the only TV provider that has said publicly it will carry the high-def Weather Channel. But the network says it's in active negotiations with other cable and satellite providers.
__________________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/weatherhd030807.htm)

black_macleod

03-08-07, 08:26 AM

kdg454

03-08-07, 09:47 AM

Thus far, DIRECTV is the only TV provider that has said publicly it will carry the high-def Weather Channel. But the network says it's in active negotiations with other cable and satellite providers.
Looks like I'll be switching providers :eek:

dweebe

03-08-07, 09:50 AM

Looks like I'll be switching providers :eek:

Some of those Weather Channel hotties will be a pleasure to watch in HD. :D

John Kotches

03-08-07, 10:38 AM

It's six months out; Dish will probably have TWC-HD announcements right before launch date ;)

Cheers,

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 11:05 AM

Here's a review of the first combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player, via HDTV Magazine:

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/reviews/2007/03/lg_bh100_univer_1.php

MoInSTL

03-08-07, 11:46 AM

I don't watch a lot of PBS on 9-1 as most of the programming here in STL is so-so. When I do watch I have no drop-outs.

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 12:46 PM

DirecTV & MLB Expected to Announce Exclusive Deal Today

From a SkyREPORT special:
_____________________________________________________

DIRECTV and Major League Baseball plan on making a "major joint announcement" today at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Although not specified, it is widely believed that the two groups will confirm their much-hyped agreement giving DIRECTV exclusive carriage rights to the league's out-of-market programming package, MLB Extra Innings.
_____________________________________________________

NotGoliath

03-08-07, 02:12 PM

I've seen the same dropout pattern on 2 of the 4 channels. I really only watch 9-1 and my daughter 9-2 (PBS Kids) with any regularity, and I've seen dropouts every 15 minutes on both. I'm assuming the other 2 channels have the same issue since we don't watch them enough. Regardless, if it's a signal issue, wouldn't it effect all 4 channels since they're all received with the same signal?

Thanks,
Andrew

If it's a reception issue, yeah... Strange though, I've not seen regular dropouts on the off air monitors in master control.

kdg454

03-08-07, 02:24 PM

If it's a reception issue, yeah... Strange though, I've not seen regular dropouts on the off air monitors in master control.
I may be wrong, but it seems to me, you had previously mentioned not knowing whether the off-air monitors in master control were ahead of, or behind the signals sent from the towers. Obviously, this would make a huge difference, if the signal is captured ahead of the towers, monitoring reception, is removed from the mix.

Perhaps it's different with different stations, but that's what I seem to remember discussing about KTVI.

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 02:32 PM

More on my current experiences with Charter. I did finally manage to get a service call arranged, having devotedly observed the 48-hour, two-complaint call minimum. They are supposed to be here between 8 and noon on Friday. Hopefully I'll have the same success that John recently reported.

But after getting off the phone with Charter customer support I took a closer look at this month's bill and I see that my $19.95 Internet deal is actually being charged at $22.95. If this weren't borderline criminal, it would be funny, because Charter actually got it right last month (the first month of the new pricing). I don't believe this was "accidental." I believe Charter knows exactly what the customer threshold is for calling in about overbilling.

Chazb

03-08-07, 02:39 PM

I hope so. He and his family have had it pretty rough for a long time. I really think they can have a fresh start here in the Midwest. I am personally loving it since now I can be a part of my niece and nephew's life. They are already bringing me tons of joy. I have no kids, so I can spoil them rotten. :D

Scott

I will send you mine.

MSloss

03-08-07, 02:54 PM

FYI,

... The other thing I found strange about the install was the installer ran a 2nd line to the DVR by drilling a hole in my brothers brand new carpet. It couldn't have been that hard to run it from the basement up into the wall where the other wire was. Oh well, at least they have TV. Now their house is a home. :)

Scott

Yeah, they tried pulling that on me and said it would be $40 extra to fish through the wall and put in a wall plate. I figured that was worth it, but because we wound up spending so much time on the phone with tech support (the HR20 kept freezing when changing channels), he waived it.

Mike

rmj 1080p

03-08-07, 03:19 PM

long time listener, 2nd time caller.....

I recently hooked up my attic antenna to my Mits 57731. I get all of the local stations in both SD and HD except CH. 9-1, 2, 3 and 4. It never really bothered me because I get 9-1 from Charter but after seeing that many of you are getting the others I began to wonder why. Any ideas? I'm in St. Peters.

On another note, I finally complained to Charter about the Belo situation and thanks to the members of this board I got $23.00/mo. off my services (all 3) and Cinemax and HBO free for a year. I had to bicker to get it though. ;)

wmschultz

03-08-07, 03:21 PM

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 03:37 PM

9-1 is Really hard to get as far as I am concerned. For me to get it
I have to give up some other signals, so I just live without it.

I'm in Harvester and have a DB-8 above my roofline on a 10 foot pole.Bill,

I think that's generally the case -- after WBRU, the local HDTV survey indicated that KETC (along with KPLR) was the next least reliable station in terms of OTA reception.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9713954&&#post9713954

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 03:46 PM

My Network TV Abandons All-HD Format

Although we don't have the option here, because of broadcast laggard WBRU's inability to deliver HD signals, this is probably the best available evidence that there are definite, finite limits to what viewers will watch -- even in HD. ;)

From TV Week's High-Definition Newsletter:
______________________________________________________

Starting this month, MyNetwork will drop its status as the only pure high-definition broadcast network.

MyNet is scaling back its HD telenovelas to only two nights a week, instead opting for movies, ultimate fighting and reality specials that include a mix of HD and standard-definition content.

Monday's International Fight League competitions, for instance, will not be in HD. Telenovelas airing Tuesdays and Wednesdays will continue to be in HD. Thursday and Friday movie nights will sometimes be in the format; for example, an upcoming showing of "The Rundown" is in HD, but "Rocky IV" is not.

Similarly, MyNetwork's recently announced special "Anna Nicole Smith: A Centerfold Exposed" will not be in HD, but an Elton John concert special, "Happy Birthday Elton," will be.
______________________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 03:47 PM

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

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

In the past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information about HDTV and over-the-air reception. Although those messages were moved to the new thread here that was started in January, that information is still easily overlooked as the new thread is growing rapidly, approaching 50 pages in a relatively short period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9714728&&#post9714728)

Why Isn't KDNL-DT (ABC) Available via Charter? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8072643&&#post8072643)

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

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

2006 Survey Results: HDTV in St. Louis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

wmschultz

03-08-07, 03:49 PM

The MLBEI announcement for DirecTV has been made.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=972143&highlight=

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 03:54 PM

MLB Leaving the Door Open to Additional 'Extra Innings' Distribution?

Apparently not all the details were available at deadline, but today's Evening Bridge market close newsletter included this interesting blurb on the expected MLB-DirecTV announcement:
_____________________________________________

At this moment, DIRECTV and Major League Baseball are detailing their much-talked-about partnership for the league's Extra Innings package.

The seven-year contract isn't necessarily an exclusive, but competitors would need to agree to the same carriage structure contained in the DIRECTV deal. Also, 2009 launch of a MLB channel is part of the agreement.
_____________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 03:57 PM

Bill, thanks for posting the DirecTV press release. This seems to be the key element in terms of "exclusivity":
______________________________________________________

Additionally, in keeping with MLB's desire to provide as much MLB programming to as many baseball fans as possible, MLB and DIRECTV have agreed to include a provision that allows MLB EXTRA INNINGS to be offered to other incumbents - In Demand and DISH Network - at consistent rates and carriage requirements with a deal to be concluded before the baseball season begins. The provision also requires the incumbents to agree to carriage rights to the MLB Channel proportionally equivalent to DIRECTV's commitment. Should the incumbents decide not to match DIRECTV's commitment, the MLB EXTRA INNINGS package will be exclusive to DIRECTV. All out of market games continue to be available on MLB.com.
______________________________________________________

On the surface, that seems like a pretty reasonable approach...but I wonder if this opens up a future precedent for NFL Sunday Ticket (though the recent renewal has quite a few years to run)...

John Kotches

03-08-07, 04:15 PM

rmj:

Perhaps because it's an attic based antenna?

The lowest I get (after a splitter) is ABC/KDNL (30-1) @ 88%. Everything else is in the mid 90's and up.

I don't have any issues with dropouts on this at all.

Best,

rmj 1080p

03-08-07, 04:45 PM

John,

Quite possible. I ran the memorization process again just for the heck of it and when it was running through the digital channels it didn't even stop on CH. 9. With all of the other channels it did stop, if only very briefly. My lowest is KSDK at about 88%. Even so, it does look very good.

Thanks for the post,

Bob

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 04:53 PM

rmj -- KETC-DT is actually channel 39 and most of the tuners that scan for digitals actually look for the physical channel and then map it to the old analog assignment, rather than the other way around.

In fact, that might be worth a try -- try tuning to channel 39-1, as some tuners may have a problem with correctly mapping to old analog number and therefore it might not appear even though it is accessible.

Mind you, it's a long shot, but what do you have to lose?

rmj 1080p

03-08-07, 05:21 PM

Doug,

I manually typed in CH. 39-1 and I received a picture. I then went into the channel set-up and CH. 9-1, 2, 3, 4 had now been re-mapped and showed up, whereas before, there was nothing. Unfortunately the signal strength was below 25% and was pixelizing horribly. Oh well, I get it from Charter so no big deal but it was a nice learning session. Thanx.

Bob

redwine

03-08-07, 05:55 PM

I don't watch a lot of PBS on 9-1 as most of the programming here in STL is so-so. When I do watch I have no drop-outs.

I believe 9-1 is the national PBS HD feed. 9-2 is the local channel 9. 9-1 doesn't have any pledge programming. :p

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 07:30 PM

This is a link I came across in Derrick Gould's Birdland blog at the Post web site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X_UF8kyWZ4

Truly Priceless -- especially the Molina bit...

DroptheRemote

03-08-07, 08:02 PM

Here's some additional details on the DirecTV and MLB deal, from Baseball Musing (the best baseball blog on the planet):
____________________________________________________________ _

MLB and DirecTV reached a seven year agreement for DirecTV to carry MLB Extra Innings. In addition, DirecTV will add enhancements, such as a mosaic channel. DirecTV will also carry the Baseball Channel when it debuts in 2009.

In Demand and Dish Network, the other incumbent carriers of Extra Innings can still buy the package. However, they have until the end of March, and they must pay the same rate as DirecTV, and carry the Baseball Channel as well. If neither of these providers signs on to the deal, DirecTV gets an exclusive and pays more money to MLB.

MLB suggests people who get Extra Innings on Dish and In Demand call their providers to encourage them to make a deal for Extra Innings.

So there's still hope fans won't be shut out, but there's not much time left.
____________________________________________________________ _

kdg454

03-08-07, 08:18 PM

Dan in St. Louis

03-08-07, 08:44 PM

bailorg

03-08-07, 09:37 PM

kdg454

03-08-07, 10:27 PM

From the MLB Press Release:

"...In the event the other providers do not match, DirecTV will have an exclusive deal for seven years to broadcast by subscription the Extra Innings package and the Baseball Channel as part of its basic package. The contract has been reported to pay MLB $700 million. Chase Carey, president and chief executive of DirecTV, declined to confirm that figure.
Carey did say that the total value of the payment to MLB would decrease if other providers matched and the deal became non-exclusive...."

Is this to say, if only one other provider "jumps on-board" the exclusivity offered to DTV is terminated?

Supposing only Comcast, or In-Demand, or DISH, or Charter, decide to accept the MLB deal, would that mean all the other providers are "shut-out" for the next 7 years?

I doubt anyone knows the actual answer....looking for opinions of how this is read.

John Kotches

03-09-07, 06:34 AM

Kurt K

03-09-07, 06:39 AM

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 07:32 AM

John,

If you find the potential profitability lacking in the MLB deal, try that math on the Sunday Ticket package -- 5 years at $3.5 billion. It's even less likely that DirecTV makes a profit purely on the ST subscriptions -- this is ultimately about getting more subscribers into the DirecTV tent.

I don't really get why the MLB deal is such a big deal and the NFL extension went by without any serious debate, particularly when the ST deal monopolizes a much, much larger percentage of the total number of games viewable for that sport.

I don't believe that there are "local" advertising slots that are sellable by DirecTV -- though I could be wrong about that. However, I would think that the local originator of these games would have a problem with some of the commercials their sponsors have paid for not being carried over satellite -- remember the viewers of these EI games are most often displaced hometown fans, so they are still good targets for local advertising (assuming they're not permanent Bedouins).

There's also overhead in selling these bits and pieces and the operational cost of splicing in and out of this number of broadcasts. Likewise, I don't think that a "national" advertiser would find this sort of commercial placement to be particularly appealing -- for one thing, it would be even more difficult than usual to measure effectiveness in reaching audience targets.

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 07:45 AM

Scott Tucker

03-09-07, 08:07 AM

One other point that's relevant to DirecTV profitability on the ST and EI deals is the commercial side, such as sports bars. These businesses pay substantially higher rates -- for both the base packages and the pay packages -- than normal home viewers.

All I know is I've given Directv close to $20,000 in the last 12 years simply because they have NFL Sunday ticket. If I bought other sports packages, that figure would be higher. I'm sure there will be E*, C* and ohter providers who will lose out to D* just because of MLB. The more subcribers, the more they can charge advertisers. I say it's a good investment for D*.

Scott

Scott Tucker

03-09-07, 08:11 AM

wmschultz

03-09-07, 09:00 AM

I called DTV today and asked what they could do to help me resist the temptation of the Dish ads, and they will give me a $10/month rebate for 12 months.

They also offered me "because I have been a subscriber for 11 years" HD for $10/month, hardware "free and free installation" but $20 shipping charge. Is this a fairly standard deal, or something I need to jump on?

The telephone clerk said I would automatically get the HD version of every channel in my current line-up, which includes HBO. Is this your experience?

If I bite this bait, are there any particular equipment options I should strive for? Certain antennas or model numbers?

Thanks!

Have you logged into your account online and looked at upgrading from there? It sounds like what
they are offering you is the free HD receiver and upgrade, which would be no DVR.

As far as the HD version of what you have, this is what you get.

The 4 Big HD Local channels
HBO East & Showtime East if you subscribe to those packages
ESPN2
ESPN
Universal
TNT
Discovery
HDNET Movies
HDNET
The special channel 95 if you subscribe to sport packages or FSN Midwest is
able to get on there for a hockey or baseball game.

If you want an HD DVR, you need the HR20, if you are only getting the HD receiver, it is either a H20-100 or H20-600.

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 09:11 AM

Dan in St. Louis

03-09-07, 09:13 AM

Have you logged into your account online and looked at upgrading from there?Thanks, William; to upgrade online it looks like I would have to give up an old channel package into which I am grandfathered.
It sounds like what they are offering you is the free HD receiver and upgrade, which would be no DVR.No problem, DVR doesn't excite me anyway.
As far as the HD version of what you have, this is what you get.

The 4 Big HD Local channels
HBO East & Showtime East if you subscribe to those packages
ESPN2
ESPN
Universal
TNT
Discovery
HDNET Movies
HDNET
The special channel 95 if you subscribe to sport packages or FSN Midwest is
able to get on there for a hockey or baseball game.Aha -- only HBO East is HD? That surprises me, I thought the left coast was a big market. I may go ahead and grab it, in anticipation of Speed and F1 racing going HD some day (fingers crossed).

Thanks for the details, that helps.

deuces

03-09-07, 09:56 AM

No problem, DVR doesn't excite me anyway.

No offense Dan, but that is spoken like a true DVR virgin. Just kidding, but now I don't know what we would do without a DVR. It is like your computer at work. There was a time it was an unnecessary luxury, but now when it is unavailable we feel crippled. Knock on wood, we don't have problems with our DVR like we do our office computers lol.

John Kotches

03-09-07, 10:12 AM

Doug,

Has DirecTV's strategy worked? Do they post profits is what I'm getting at. If they don't it's a good bet that these big expenditures are part of the reason why.

Best,

RaceTripper

03-09-07, 10:13 AM

No offense Dan, but that is spoken like a true DVR virgin. Just kidding, but now I don't know what we would do without a DVR. It is like your computer at work. There was a time it was an unnecessary luxury, but now when it is unavailable we feel crippled. Knock on wood, we don't have problems with our DVR like we do our office computers lol.I think if we didn't have DVR I'd have to stab myself in the eye and stop watching altogether. I don't think I could stand TV without it.

John Kotches

03-09-07, 10:13 AM

deuces:

Yep -- my wife loves it and manages to fill up the drive space pretty rapidly. She doesn't give me much space to store HD movies :(

Cheers,

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 10:31 AM

Doug,

Has DirecTV's strategy worked? Do they post profits is what I'm getting at. If they don't it's a good bet that these big expenditures are part of the reason why.Yeah -- I think they're completely happy with this sort of strategy and the bottom line, or they wouldn't be lining up to do more of these deals.
____________________________________________________________ ____
From the Associated Press
February 8, 2007

DirecTV Group Inc., the nation's largest satellite TV operator, said Wednesday that its fourth-quarter earnings more than doubled as its subscriber base grew and it changed from selling set-top boxes to leasing them.

[snip]

The El Segundo-based company said net income surged to $356 million, or 29 cents a share, from $121 million, or 9 cents, in the same period a year earlier.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were looking for profit of 30 cents a share.

Revenue rose 16% to $4.18 billion, surpassing Wall Street's average estimate of $4.1 billion.

DirecTV shares rose $1.38, or 5.8%, to $25.35.
____________________________________________________________ ____

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 10:35 AM

Agree with all the comments about DVRs -- definitely one of the enigmas of our time that people tend to be blase about them -- until they actually own one, at which point the idea of doing without it is akin to contemplating the untimely loss of a loved one... :)

John Kotches

03-09-07, 10:47 AM

Doug:

Thanks for the numbers!

Cheers,

Joseph Clark

03-09-07, 11:14 AM

One time, my brother erased a program from my DVR without asking me. I shot him.

elgibby

03-09-07, 11:16 AM

A great example of what's gone horribly wrong in journalism these days.
_________________________________________________________

Major League Baseball does not like the terminology, but it appears to have buckled to pressure from devoted fans irate that the Extra Innings package of out-of-market games would be the exclusive property of DirecTV.

Appears is the operative word.

M.L.B. yesterday announced the anticipated deal, but with a notable, alternately hopeful and suspicious wrinkle:it will give cable operators and Dish Network, DirecTV’s satellite rival, until March 31 to make a final stab at retaining Extra Innings. Limited time, limited time only. Hardball, Roger Clemens-style. If InDemand, a consortium of cable operators, and Dish fail, their customers will be forced to switch to DirecTV or subscribe to mlb.TV to watch those games.

The leader of the InDemand consortium was peeved when he learned what M.L.B. was seeking.

“This decision represents the height of disrespect and disregard” for loyal baseball fans,” Robert D. Jacobson, the president of InDemand, said in a statement. You can almost hear him sputter “Trojan horse!”
_________________________________________________________

Does anyone really care what the reporter thinks he can almost hear?

More of the opinion-first reporting we've come to expect from the NYT can be found by clicking here (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/09/sports/baseball/09sandomir.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin)

Doug, with all due respect (and, man, you get bucketloads for your work on this forum) , this quote is from a column. The guy writes a TV Sports column. By definition, he's allowed to be opnionated. Like a TV show that offends you, you don't have to (watch) read it.
Now if that language appeared in a straight news story, I'd agree with you.
Many big papers have TV sports cols (Post has Dan Caeser).
I'll grant you it's hard to tell online that the NYT piece is a column, and maybe I know that because I'm (gasp!) a journalist and the design is a tipoff to me. And perhaps the Times and other papers should do a better job of labeling content as column, commentary, opinion, etc.

barry

RaceTripper

03-09-07, 11:24 AM

One time, my brother erased a program from my DVR without asking me. I shot him.Oh yeah? Well, my first wife erased a program and I sold her in the market in Baghdad.

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 11:43 AM

Doug, with all due respect (and, man, you get bucketloads for your work on this forum) , this quote is from a column. The guy writes a TV Sports column. By definition, he's allowed to be opnionated. Like a TV show that offends you, you don't have to (watch) read it.
Now if that language appeared in a straight news story, I'd agree with you.
Many big papers have TV sports cols (Post has Dan Caeser).
I'll grant you it's hard to tell online that the NYT piece is a column, and maybe I know that because I'm (gasp!) a journalist and the design is a tipoff to me. And perhaps the Times and other papers should do a better job of labeling content as column, commentary, opinion, etc.Barry, thanks for pointing out this is a column -- that definitely did not seem obvious to me.

In any event, any journalist -- columnist or not -- who uses the "I can almost hear what he's thinking, so let me interpret for you" device is making a really weak effort. That sort of thing was amusing for about 15 minutes in the 1970s (on the campaign trail with Hunter S. Thompson... :) )

elgibby

03-09-07, 11:51 AM

Barry, thanks for pointing out this is a column -- that definitely did not seem obvious to me.

In any event, any journalist -- columnist or not -- who uses the "I can almost hear what he's thinking, so let me interpret for you" device is making a really weak effort. That sort of thing was amusing for about 15 minutes in the 1970s (on the campaign trail with Hunter S. Thompson... :) )

My favorite BS device is: Irving Senseless had no idea when he woke up that morning that he'd be hit by a bus.
Well, yeah.....! :D

barry

BudShark

03-09-07, 11:54 AM

$100 Million a year for 7 years? That's what $700 million comes out to.

THere's no way that they are going to get that many subscribers out of DirecTV. 500K subscribers at $200 each is what it would take to break even for DirecTV. That would be 1/30th of their current subscriber base or ~3%.

Is this for tax writeoffs and bragging rights?

Cheers,

Yeah - I've seen that number a lot - BUT - what isn't generally reported is that its NOT $700 million for Extra Innings.

It IS $700 million for part developmental ownership in the MLB channel, carriage of the MLB channel in the lowest tier, and apparently a lower price for EI IF someone else buys in (so there is an exclusivity clause in the $700 milion). Now, since the deal is private, these are all based on "sources" as they are being reported.

D* is banking on exclusivity of the MLB channel and EI - which will bring them a boat load of subscribers. Basically D* would now be the ONLY destination for sports fans - especially out of market. They only lose in areas where a local cable company owns broadcast rights to a team (such as San Diego where COX owns the Padres TV rights and won't make them available out of market - and by the way, D* penetration in SD is dismal and shrank after this deal). Once all RSNs are up on D* in HD - its pretty much game/set/match. E* and cable companies are going to be fighting over NON-Sports fans unless they can strike a deal to own the teams TV rights and keep them away from D*.

Chris

John Kotches

03-09-07, 01:19 PM

Chris:

What makes you think Dish won't have RSNs up as well? Dish has been saying they are working on RSNs. In general Dish has been with or ahead of the HD content curve.

I don't think it's a lock on sports fans in general; it is a lock on that subset of sports fans that are willing to pay the $$$ to get more games for their particular sport.

Cheers,

kdg454

03-09-07, 01:44 PM

Anyone know if Sunday's Cardinals game on KSDK is in HD?

deuces

03-09-07, 01:54 PM

Anyone know if Sunday's Cardinals game on KSDK is in HD?

Well aren't they the "HD Leader"?

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 02:08 PM

Well aren't they the "HD Leader"?Er, no they are not. ;)

bhornberger

03-09-07, 02:37 PM

Anyone know if Sunday's Cardinals game on KSDK is in HD?

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/mlb.php - Doesn't show the game, but doesn't mean it might not be in HD.

I checks ksdk.com lisitngs online and didnt see it listed (HD)

kdg454

03-09-07, 02:46 PM

bhornberger

03-09-07, 03:20 PM

HDTV Mag lists it in SD also.
KSDK's original press release said all games will be broadcast in HD, but thinking back, it may have said all "regular season" games.

On another note, does anyone know the launch date of NBC Nightly News in HD?
It was supposed to be in early-March.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbchd021007.htm = ".....The sources could not confirm the exact launch date for the high-def Nightly News broadcast, but they said it would likely be mid to late March....."

bhornberger

03-09-07, 03:22 PM

Lol - TVP: What is your favorite show in HDTV?

MW: Well, this one is easy. I don't have a high-def set. My husband and I are renovating a new home so I'm getting one when I move into my new house...I did see Discovery's (Planet Earth) in HD and it was extraordinary.

Time Warner SVP Melinda Witmer....

http://www.tvpredictions.com/tw030907.htm

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 03:24 PM

Comcast, Sinclair Agree on Digital Carriage; No Cash Paid

Interesting...though the story doesn't give any indication what sort of "comparable value" was exchanged.

What does Comcast have that Sinclair would find attractive? And does Charter have any of it? Could it be as simple as Comcast agreeing to carry the multicast program streams of all Sinclair stations?

The following story is from TV Week:
_________________________________________________

Comcast and Sinclair Broadcast Group have reached a 4-year retransmission consent agreement, after recently extending their previous retransmission agreement.

Sinclair had been pushing for cash payment for the right to carry its broadcast signals, and had gotten it from some smaller operators, including Mediacom. But in a statement, Comcast, the nation’s biggest cable operator, said it achieved its objective of not paying cash.

“Consistent with our existing agreement with Sinclair, and all of our other retransmission consent agreements, comparable value is being exchanged,” Comcast’s statement said.

The deal covers the analog and digital signals of 37 stations in 23 markets owned or operated by Sinclair. The agreement also provides for carriage of digital multicast signals currently broadcast in Baltimore and Richmond, Va., and certain other multicast channels Sinclair stations may broadcast in the future.
_________________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 03:48 PM

bhornberger, thanks for posting the link to the TV Predictions interview with the Time Warner programming head.

I used to work for a guy who considered himself a technical genius -- maybe he was a genius, but maybe not. I think his real "genius" was spending millions of dollars in order to save hundreds of thousands, all in a vain attempt to avoid paying telecom carriers for the bandwidth needed to properly deliver our real-time financial data service to customers worldwide.

Whenever I hear the cable companies talk about Switched Video (where a channel will only be distributed over the local cable network when a cable subscriber switches to that channel), I can't help but thinking of my old boss.

Maybe this will work, maybe it won't... ;)
______________________________________________________

We will be rolling out Switched Digital Video (a new transmission technology) by the end of the year and that will allow us to offer a lot more channels. So to see the DIRECTV ads that tell consumers that they will have three times the number of channels as cable is not a factual statement...Competition is one thing but Time Warner was not prepared to accept that. I'm 100 percent confident that we will have as compelling a HD lineup as DIRECTV.

Of course, we have to negotiate the deals (with the HDTV networks). You can have the capacity but you still have to negotiate the deals, which is my job...And we are not going to get into the total numbers debate -- you know, which (TV provider) has the most channels. I don't think people are going to care if we are carrying 15 channels that show a log burning just because it's in HD. But we are working with (every HD network).
______________________________________________________

She's obviously not heard about "Sunrise Earth."

And am I the only one who thinks it's supremely weird that the head of programming for a major cable company doesn't own an HDTV (regardless of the reason)?

spazattak

03-09-07, 03:53 PM

Stock? Some sort of advertising deal/swap?

rbkb

03-09-07, 04:05 PM

If it was a stock deal, with the price of Charter's this week, Sinclair could own Charter in whole by giving them carriage rights!!! :D

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 04:17 PM

More on the Comcast-Sinclair deal from the Evening Bridge market close newsletter:
___________________________________________________________

Sinclair on Comcast Deal: A Shift in the Retrans Paradigm

Comcast and Sinclair reached a retransmission consent agreement allowing for delivery of the broadcaster's stations by the cable giant.

Soon after the deal was announced, Sinclair released a statement saying it expects revenues generated from retrans contracts to reach $53 million, up from previous guidance of $48 million.

"In our opinion this agreement, together with other agreements we have entered into recently, does in fact represent a shift in the retransmission consent paradigm," said Sinclair President and CEO David Smith.

"This view is well supported by the expectation of $53 million in retransmission consent revenue. In fact, we would be more than happy to waive the confidentiality clause included in the agreement with Comcast and disclose the specific terms to the general public."
___________________________________________________________

That last comment by Smith seems like the moral equivalent of a taunting, trash-talking, after-touchdown celebration. :eek:

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 04:32 PM

Robert Simandl

03-09-07, 05:30 PM

One time, my brother erased a program from my DVR without asking me. I shot him.

Um, Joe, by the way, just thought I'd point out my intentions toward your daughter are completely honorable.....

:D

Robert Simandl

03-09-07, 05:35 PM

I used to work for a guy who considered himself a technical genius -- maybe he was a genius, but maybe not. I think his real "genius" was spending millions of dollars in order to save hundreds of thousands.....

Hey, I think I'd be pretty good at that too... maybe I should put an application in where he works....

:D

bhornberger

03-09-07, 05:54 PM

While searching today for the cardinals chn 5 sched in HD. I can across the cnet site that lists most major HD channels and the programing. It includes the national networks.

http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5119938-1.html

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 05:56 PM

Still waiting for my Charter service call, scheduled for 8 to noon... <sigh>

eyezen

03-09-07, 06:08 PM

In the last week or so here, there was a question about the status of the "coupons" and converter boxes that were to be provided via government subsidy to assist in the transition to digital television from analog. Here's a story that details the status of that process:

http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11685

I think your referring to this post.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9899470&&#post9899470

Thanks for the link...

My orginal post was more geared towards the question of the boxes themselves rather than the "coupon" angle. I just want to be able to buy one of these magical boxes now and take advantage of the advantages of DTV.

Although if I can get a coupon down the road, all the better. ;-)

jsigo

03-09-07, 06:08 PM

Hi Doug:
Now that Cox has reached an agreement with Belo and Comcast has reached an agreement with Sinclair. Do you think its now Charter's turn to step up and come to some agreements? Charter's HD line up is quite poor.

More on the Comcast-Sinclair deal from the Evening Bridge market close newsletter:
___________________________________________________________

Sinclair on Comcast Deal: A Shift in the Retrans Paradigm

Comcast and Sinclair reached a retransmission consent agreement allowing for delivery of the broadcaster's stations by the cable giant.

Soon after the deal was announced, Sinclair released a statement saying it expects revenues generated from retrans contracts to reach $53 million, up from previous guidance of $48 million.

"In our opinion this agreement, together with other agreements we have entered into recently, does in fact represent a shift in the retransmission consent paradigm," said Sinclair President and CEO David Smith.

"This view is well supported by the expectation of $53 million in retransmission consent revenue. In fact, we would be more than happy to waive the confidentiality clause included in the agreement with Comcast and disclose the specific terms to the general public."
___________________________________________________________

That last comment by Smith seems like the moral equivalent of a taunting, trash-talking, after-touchdown celebration. :eek:

Joseph Clark

03-09-07, 06:15 PM

Um, Joe, by the way, just thought I'd point out my intentions toward your daughter are completely honorable.....

:D

Sorry, Bob, but she just told me she found someone with a bigger hard drive. That little scamp - she just loves her technology.

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 06:27 PM

Hi Doug:
Now that Cox has reached an agreement with Belo and Comcast has reached an agreement with Sinclair. Do you think its now Charter's turn to step up and come to some agreements? Charter's HD line up is quite poor.jsigo,

I'm certain that Charter WANTS to provide KDNL and KMOV. The problem is they are going to have trouble ponying up the money these stations are looking for.

I think everyone agrees that Charter needs to do something about their middling HD lineup, but I'd bet if they act on that they're more likely to add something relatively obscure and low cost -- such as they did with Music HD, which has relatively little distribution and probably came to them on very favorable terms.

Also, these days Charter is more about communications (Internet and phone) than video -- and Wall Street seems comfortable, even happy, with that strategy. So, I think Charter will tread very lightly in changing that focus.

Of course, I'm often wrong...take my postseason baseball predictions. :)

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 07:12 PM

MLB, DirecTV Deal to Get Further Congressional Scutiny

From ESPN:
___________________________________________________

Two senators plan to examine baseball's $700 million, seven-year deal with DirecTV to determine its impact on fans.

Under the agreement announced Thursday, the deal contains a provision that allows its "Extra Innings" package of out-of-market games to remain on cable television if the other incumbent providers -- InDemand and EchoStar Communications Corp.'s Dish Network -- agree to match the terms.

But Robert Jacobson, president of iN Demand Networks LLC, said those terms for the "Extra Innings" package of out-of-market games were impossible for his company to agree to and called it a "de facto exclusive deal."

"I will review this deal to ensure it benefits consumers," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. "I'm encouraged that Major League Baseball may be willing to provide broader access to their games than what was initially proposed. I will be watching closely to ensure the league works in good faith so that America's pastime is available to all fans. My concern all along has been that fans continue to have the ability to enjoy baseball on television."
___________________________________________________

kdg454

03-09-07, 07:17 PM

Of course, I'm often wrong...take my postseason baseball predictions. :)
Like...anyone in America saw that one coming. Well, other than TL.

kdg454

03-09-07, 07:21 PM

I received a standard "canned" reply from E* re the MLB EI issue:

----- Original Message -----
"From: Schuyler, Jennifer
To: kdg454
Cc: CEO
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2007 3:10 PM
Subject: RE: MLB Extra Innings

Dear Ken,

We are currently working very hard to bring the MLB Extra Innings out of market baseball package to Dish Network subscribers. We will post updated information to www.dishnetwork.com as soon as it is available. As a reminder, this will not affect regularly scheduled baseball on ESPN, FOX, RSNs, Superstations, and local network channels.

Thank you,
Jennifer Schuyler
Executive Communications
EchoStar Satellite L.L.C dba DISH Network
Jennifer.Schuyler@echostar.com"

MW1597

03-09-07, 07:22 PM

I called DTV today and asked what they could do to help me resist the temptation of the Dish ads, and they will give me a $10/month rebate for 12 months.

They also offered me "because I have been a subscriber for 11 years" HD for $10/month, hardware "free and free installation" but $20 shipping charge. Is this a fairly standard deal, or something I need to jump on?

The telephone clerk said I would automatically get the HD version of every channel in my current line-up, which includes HBO. Is this your experience?

If I bite this bait, are there any particular equipment options I should strive for? Certain antennas or model numbers?

Thanks!
I had been a DirecTV sub for more than 12 years and even had prepaid lifetime DVR (aka TiVo) on my account. When I talked with DirecTV they offered me a similar deal with a 2 year commitment. I didn't like the idea of the 2 year commitment when there was no guarantee they would have a successful launch of their new satellite (required for their HD promises).
I was tired of waiting for more DirecTV HD channels so I had Dish installed last week. IMO the picture quality of the Dish channels (including SD) are noticeably better than DirecTV.
The Dish offer was... a free HD DVR (add 2nd HD DVR $99), plus $200 credit ($20/month off for 10 months), and free HBO for 3 months. Total upfront cost was $49 for no commitment or no cost for an 18 month commitment (the $49 is then credited) .
I'm glad I made the move to Dish.

- Mike

Scott Tucker

03-09-07, 07:47 PM

Still waiting for my Charter service call, scheduled for 8 to noon... <sigh>

Hopefully they show unlike Centurytel at my Bro's last night. He sat home all day, and when I went over there last night to hook up his DSL they still hadn't arrived at 7:00 pm. He called and they said they'd be there on the 12th. I told him that is unnacceptable and to call back. He wouldn't, but my Mom did and laid into them. Long story short, by 2:00 pm today he had phone service. DSL willl take another day for some reason.

I noticed he still didn't have the local networks on D*. My Sister in law called and a CSR told her local networks were not available in her area. I grabbed the phone from her and asked to be xferred to tech support. Turns out D* still showed their address in California even though D* installed via movers connection in their new home here in Lake St. louis. Tech support updated their address and now he they get locals. I'm glad I was there because my Sister in law would have believed the CSR, and they would still be thinking locals aren't available here. I forgive them and Directv still rules! :)

Scott

kdg454

03-09-07, 07:49 PM

I had been a DirecTV sub for more than 12 years and even had prepaid lifetime DVR (aka TiVo) on my account. When I talked with DirecTV they offered me a similar deal with a 2 year commitment. I didn't like the idea of the 2 year commitment when there was no guarantee they would have a successful launch of their new satellite (required for their HD promises).
I was tired of waiting for more DirecTV HD channels so I had Dish installed last week. IMO the picture quality of the Dish channels (including SD) are noticeably better than DirecTV.
The Dish offer was... a free HD DVR (add 2nd HD DVR $99), plus $200 credit ($20/month off for 10 months), and free HBO for 3 months. Total upfront cost was $49 for no commitment or no cost for an 18 month commitment (the $49 is then credited) .
I'm glad I made the move to Dish.

- Mike
Mike,
Did you have 2 of the HD DVR's installed, or did the CSR tell you a second unit is/was available @ $99?

If you have any questions about the 622, feel free to PM :)

MW1597

03-09-07, 08:37 PM

Mike,
Did you have 2 of the HD DVR's installed, or did the CSR tell you a second unit is/was available @ $99?

If you have any questions about the 622, feel free to PM :)
I had inquired about the 2nd HD DVR and was told it was $99. I ended up just getting 1 HD DVR. BTW I order through AT&T.

I have the HD DVR in my basement and it feeds 3 HD TVs. I ran the HDMI output to my living room Plasma TV. The component output feeds a component distribution box connected to a bedroom LCD TV and a family room projection TV. I also bought 2 extra RF Dish remotes. Although the same programming is displayed on all TVs (with pip), that isn’t a problem for me. In addition all sets have built-in OTA tuners.

Coming from using Tivo, at first the Dish DVR had me scratching my head. However once I figured out the Dish Pass was like the Tivo Wish List and Timers were like the Tivo Season Pass, all was well.
- Mike

kdg454

03-09-07, 09:09 PM

I had inquired about the 2nd HD DVR and was told it was $99. I ended up just getting 1 HD DVR. BTW I order through AT&T.

I have the HD DVR in my basement and it feeds 3 HD TVs. I ran the HDMI output to my living room Plasma TV. The component output feeds a component distribution box connected to a bedroom LCD TV and a family room projection TV. I also bought 2 extra RF Dish remotes. Although the same programming is displayed on all TVs (with pip), that isn’t a problem for me. In addition all sets have built-in OTA tuners.

Coming from using Tivo, at first the Dish DVR had me scratching my head. However once I figured out the Dish Pass was like the Tivo Wish List and Timers were like the Tivo Season Pass, all was well.
- Mike
That is good information Mike. :) DISH only allows 1 HD DVR (leased) per account-per calender year. DISH will allow an account to add the non-DVR HD receiver(s) for an additional $99./each.
Apparently, AT&T allows their accounts to have more than 1. If a new subscriber wants/needs 2 HD DVR's, now they can go through AT&T to accomodate that.

Most long-time TiVo users find adjusting to the 622 interface difficult....good to know you've found it easy. The new software version (probably now pushed back to after the old DST date) will bring the PiP to a full side-by-side split screen, w/ sticky pause and swap. I'm looking forward to it. I believe that is already a DTV feature.

kdg454

03-09-07, 10:05 PM

DroptheRemote

03-09-07, 10:07 PM

No idea what this ultimately means, but the following is the final paragraph in an updated AP story on the Comcast-Sinclair deal:
_____________________________________________________

Sinclair has begun talks with two other cable companies — Cox Communications Inc. and Charter Communications Inc. — about new retransmission deals. Cox is the nation's third-largest cable provider, and Charter is the fourth largest; together, they have about 10.8 million customers.
_____________________________________________________

black_macleod

03-09-07, 10:43 PM

Sorry for the OT, but I've asked in related forums, and can not get a straight answer. :(

Has anyone here switched from Pipeline w/router to DSL w/router?

Is it just a matter of installing the DSL modem, and running it into the same router, or do each computer on the network need to be reconfigured? If it's just a matter of plug n play, I think I'll run them SBS for 90 days, and see how it goes.

I went the other way ... if your router is setup to distribute NAT and/or DHCP to your internal network, its just plug and play. I use both Macs and PCs at home, nothing needed to be done to the machines. Really, both cable and DSL work the same, you get one IP address (DHCP) that the router uses for the external internet connection ... your router does the rest for your computers. It creates an internal subnet on private IP ranges, usually 192.168.x.x or 10.1.x.x

Of course you can buy static IP's from most providers, but unless you really need that function its not worth the cost.

DroptheRemote

03-10-07, 06:37 AM

A story in today's Post-Dispatch reports that KSDK hasn't yet completed the arrangements it said it would make to move to another St. Louis station the NBC network sporting events that will be pre-empted by Cardinal baseball telecasts this season.

I guess someone forgot to flip that switch, too... ;)
__________________________________________________________

But the first of Channel 5's conflicts arises this Sunday, when KSDK is scheduled to show the Cards-Braves spring training game at 12:05 p.m., and it has made no provision to send NBC programming elsewhere. Therefore, St. Louis viewers will miss the Boston-Detroit hockey game and the beginning of the coverage of the final round of the weekend's PGA Tour event.

"NBC has not found another clearance for them in the market,'' KSDK program director Rebecca Rahm said. "Upon the conclusion of the Cardinals game, we'll join in progress the golf on NBC.''

Well, not right away. KSDK plans to air a 30-minute postgame show for a spring training game, thus delaying golf for another half-hour, until 3:30 p.m. — an hour and a half after NBC's telecast begins.

In the big picture, this isn't a major disaster for viewers, as regular-season NHL games pull low ratings and the golf tournament isn't being pre-empted entirely. But in the coming weeks, NBC has major programming that will be affected, including NHL playoffs, French Open tennis, U.S. Women's Open golf and several important late-season PGA final rounds.
__________________________________________________________

I wonder if this is the sort of thing that might eventually be pushed to an "impromptu" multicast channel, once there are enough digital viewers to ensure viability. Or maybe they could just take the weather channel down for a few hours -- that would seem like a particularly good solution at the moment, since it is also carried on cable.

Robert Simandl

03-10-07, 07:05 AM

Way back when KSD (without the K on the end) was doing Cardinal baseball in the '70's, KPLR and/or KDNL used to pick up some of the NBC slack when KSD was showing the Cardinals. Nowadays, KPLR and KDNL both have their own networks, so I guess that's not an option anymore.

WRBU, maybe? They're about the only (half) decently powered commercial station in town without a major network affiliation... no, I don't call "MyNetworkTV" a major network. :D

Scott Tucker

03-10-07, 10:11 AM

Why was 46-1 showing ESPN the other night?

Scott

ervoneal

03-10-07, 10:31 AM

MW1597

03-10-07, 10:47 AM

Sorry for the OT, but I've asked in related forums, and can not get a straight answer. :(

Has anyone here switched from Pipeline w/router to DSL w/router?

Is it just a matter of installing the DSL modem, and running it into the same router, or do each computer on the network need to be reconfigured? If it's just a matter of plug n play, I think I'll run them SBS for 90 days, and see how it goes.
It has been a few years since I switched from pipeline to DSL. DSL requires PPPoE so your router would need to be reconfigured to do the PPPoE authentication using the DSL modem on the WAN port. This requires entering your logon (usually email address) and password in the router setup. None of the computers hooked to the router require any changes. Alternately, if you get the 2-wire gateway (combined router/modem) from the telco you may not need your router.

thilt

03-10-07, 11:47 AM

Why was 46-1 showing ESPN the other night?

Scott
Were they showing a Big 12 basketball game at the time? Was it Missouri -Baylor? I know sometimes I get a game on ESPN + and WRBU at the same time. WRBU has some sort of Big 12 agreement.

DLSDO

03-10-07, 01:18 PM

Scott Tucker

03-10-07, 01:27 PM

Were they showing a Big 12 basketball game at the time? Was it Missouri -Baylor? I know sometimes I get a game on ESPN + and WRBU at the same time. WRBU has some sort of Big 12 agreement.

Honestly I don't remember because I was just hitting channel up. I just remember thinking it was weird that ESPN showed up on 46.1.

Scott

dweebe

03-10-07, 01:57 PM

Your right. Those Moxi's sure are sensitive to heat. Charter is now distributing the Motorola 34XX. It is fairly new to this market. Search the 34XX thread here...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

I still have the Moxi but a few posters here have the 34XX series and will likely be able to help.

Does the switch from the Moxi to the Motorola require a technician to come out. My Moxi is getting louder and buggier over the last few weeks: I expect a death sometime soon.

StLBluesFan

03-10-07, 02:39 PM

It has been a few years since I switched from pipeline to DSL. DSL requires PPPoE so your router would need to be reconfigured to do the PPPoE authentication using the DSL modem on the WAN port. This requires entering your logon (usually email address) and password in the router setup. None of the computers hooked to the router require any changes. Alternately, if you get the 2-wire gateway (combined router/modem) from the telco you may not need your router.

Actually, entering the login credentials at the dsl modem is more typical, can't remember the last time it needed to be done at the router as you descibe. The install cd that comes with the dsl modem will lead the user through a setup that writes the PPPoE logon info to the modem. Of course, the user can enter directly to the modem, probably using 192.168.0.1. The router would remain as it was configured for cable.

elgibby

03-10-07, 04:45 PM

Still waiting for my Charter service call, scheduled for 8 to noon... <sigh>

Doug, did Charter ever show up?
I've had an "all day" appointment today, and the whole freaking all day is just about gone. Gorgeous day, here I sit.

barry

DLSDO

03-10-07, 04:55 PM

Does the switch from the Moxi to the Motorola require a technician to come out. My Moxi is getting louder and buggier over the last few weeks: I expect a death sometime soon.

Surprisingly....No. My understanding is you can swap it out at the Town & Country location. No service call required.

DroptheRemote

03-10-07, 05:32 PM

Doug, did Charter ever show up?
I've had an "all day" appointment today, and the whole freaking all day is just about gone. Gorgeous day, here I sit.No, they never showed up on Friday. I called around noon today to find out what happened, and never did get an explanation. However, they did PROMISE to send someone out today. I am STILL waiting.

[Big Sigh]

RaceTripper

03-10-07, 07:24 PM

Well, KSDK -- our "leader in HDTV" -- shows the Italian Job should be HDTV in the guide, but they've lost the way once again showing it in SD.

Edit: looks like I'm wrong...the network doesn't show it as being HDTV. Too bad, this would be a good movie for that.

black_macleod

03-10-07, 07:31 PM

lukin4u

03-11-07, 12:40 AM

kdg454

03-11-07, 12:50 AM

elgibby

03-11-07, 12:55 AM

No, they never showed up on Friday. I called around noon today to find out what happened, and never did get an explanation. However, they did PROMISE to send someone out today. I am STILL waiting.

[Big Sigh]

I waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited ... and waited some more. Called Charter at 7:30. A chirpy CSR -- she was HUMMING as she looked up my account -- assured me the call was still open, that she had messaged the tech and that he would call me.
Right.
I swear if my neighbor's tree blocks SAT LOS come spring, I'm cutting the thing down myself.

barry

DroptheRemote

03-11-07, 07:53 AM

Well, the Charter techs that came here ended up replacing the cable running from the curb to the house. They said it looked pretty beat up and that they saw a signal improvement of 6 dB when they put the new cable in place and tested it.

So far, so good, but I'm waiting a few days, at least, before declaring unconditional victory. Although it sounds strange, most of my problems have been in the afternoon, and then in the evenings after 11 p.m.

tcfila

03-11-07, 09:21 AM

Although it sounds strange, most of my problems have been in the afternoon, and then in the evenings after 11 p.m.

Sounds like you should do something else in the afternoon and go to bed earlier :)

PWSHER

03-11-07, 11:37 AM

The Cardinals spring training games will not be in HD :(

davesalaman

03-11-07, 11:47 AM

Congratulations to KMOV, KSDK, and KETC, who managed to update their PSIP clocks for Daylight Saving Time.

These broadcasters have yet to master the concept:

KTVI
KPLR
KNLC (thinks it's yesterday afternoon)
KDNL
WRBU

aspec2

03-11-07, 11:51 AM

I have the old Charter Moxi. It works OK but obviously requires lots of ventilation. After a remodel, I need to have all my components in an enclosed cabinet under a flat panel. The new TV is HD and I have an antenna in the attic that is bringing in a fantastic HD signal. However, I want to watch (and record) as many sporting events in HD as possible so I am considering adding the Charter HD lineup (as sad as it is). The Moxi will never survive an enclosed cabinet (even with fans blowing). I noticed the new Motorola DVR has HD capability, HDMI capability, and has a power on/off button. How does the power button work? Meaning, can you turn the DVR completely off and it will turn itself back on when a show is programmed to be recorded?

The DCT3416 can be turned off and it will record a scheduled program. It requires 2" of space at the top. If enclosed in a cabinet with other components, I would install a fan in the cabinet.

Does the switch from the Moxi to the Motorola require a technician to come out. My Moxi is getting louder and buggier over the last few weeks: I expect a death sometime soon.

No it doens't require an installer even if you have never had a DVR. Take the box back to your local office and they should issue you a new one. I understand that they are issuing DCT3412 and DCT3416 boxes. The difference between the 2 is the 12 is a 120 gig HD and the 16 is a 160 gig.

One thing to keep in mind if you want and exchange. By law, STBs issued by a cable company MUST have and active fire wire port. All the Moxi boxes I have seen do not have one. This can be an exchange point. If they give you any lip, offer them a visit from the Feds.

Walt

dweebe

03-11-07, 12:31 PM

twombomber

03-11-07, 12:38 PM

Why was 46-1 showing ESPN the other night?

Scott

Probably not espn, but espn+, their production company which was doing the Big 12 tournament that WRBU was broadcasting. Actually a nice pickup becasuse the last couple seasons KDNL had the rights but would not do the semifinals on Saturday due to national ABC sports preempting it.

twombomber

03-11-07, 12:52 PM

ive always been very spectical of sat.

my whole family 4 that matter

plus i love the high speed internet

but Charter has crossed the line
this company does not deserve only of my 120 bucks a month

DISH here i come

i hope i am making a good choice

94 bucks for hd/dsl/home phone

+ tax

and many more HD channels + a home phone line

i feel excited

well C

I'm with you on this one. I never thought I'd have the SAT, but the waiting for 30HD and then the "temporary" loss of 4HD threw me over the edge. A week and a half into Dish and I'm pretty happy. Still getting used to the remote and the dish interface. The dish screen is a little busier. I miss the simplicity of the MOXI, but I think I'll get used to this one pretty quickly. I've just discovered the 1/16 and 1/4 speed on the DVR. Awesome for looking at replays during sporting events! Also nice that it actually tells you how much HD/SD time is left to record on hard drive. I'm still pretty shaky on understanding the TV1 and TV2 recording. I'll have to settle in this week and actually read the book to figure all that out.

Lukin4u, what all are you getting for the $94? The 150 or 250 channel? DVR? What price on the phone and internet. I'm still stuck with the Charter internet, but looking for a way out, even though it's been solid-just too expensive.

lukin4u

03-11-07, 12:59 PM

my notes r in the car but from what i can remember

26 for phone
23 for dsl

does not include dvr but does have 250 channels

will take week and half to fully install

i hope!!

since charter turned off my box= no nascar in HD

i went to the shack and bought the vhf/uhf/hd/fm indoor antenna

auto programed (10 min) and got 11 analog and 11 digital

am i missing any

i can only get fox and cbs

no abc and nbc

any suggestions

kdg454

03-11-07, 05:32 PM

I'm with you on this one. I never thought I'd have the SAT, but the waiting for 30HD and then the "temporary" loss of 4HD threw me over the edge. A week and a half into Dish and I'm pretty happy. Still getting used to the remote and the dish interface. The dish screen is a little busier. I miss the simplicity of the MOXI, but I think I'll get used to this one pretty quickly. I've just discovered the 1/16 and 1/4 speed on the DVR. Awesome for looking at replays during sporting events! Also nice that it actually tells you how much HD/SD time is left to record on hard drive. I'm still pretty shaky on understanding the TV1 and TV2 recording. I'll have to settle in this week and actually read the book to figure all that out.
If you haven't already seen this, you'll find it very helpful:
Click HERE (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=64185)

Using the yellow FF or REW buttons, while in pause, allows you to move frame-by-frame.
Ex: You can freeze a 'toe hitting the base,' and see the 'ball 1/2" outside the glove.'
I think most DVR's have this feature.

nascarfan999

03-11-07, 05:46 PM

I doubt anyone here will have the answer, but I've searched across the web and have been unsuccessful thus far, so hopefully someone here knows something. I am a college student in NE Missouri in the Quincy, Hannibal, Keokuk market. I returned from spring break this afternoon to find the FOX station showing a blank screen. The FOX station up here is CEGM, which is owned by the NBC station, WGEM (WGEM also owns the local CW station). WGEM had aired on ch 10.1 with CW on 10.2 and CGEM on 10.3. I checked the WGEM website and it appears they may have lost their FOX affiliation all together. Further, I tried the FOX corporate website, and CGEM was not listed as a FOX affiliate. Can anyone confirm that this is indeed the case, leaving the area w/o a FOX affiliate?

Edit: A source has told me that WGEM and its parent company has lost the FOX rights for the area. However, details are very sketchy and I would appreciate any additional information.

DLSDO

03-11-07, 09:04 PM

I have the old Charter Moxi. It works OK but obviously requires lots of ventilation. After a remodel, I need to have all my components in an enclosed cabinet under a flat panel. The Moxi will never survive an enclosed cabinet (even with fans blowing).

"Quadilious" had an interesting post about his method of cooling his HD-DVR. He uses a laptop cooling unit. Check it out. http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20499&zenid=1b1671744f121bc832e467147deb5cf3

Its powered by an available USB port. This little cooling unit works pretty good from what I understand. Plenty of worthless USB's on the HD-DVR to choose from. LOL

Just a thought. ;)

elgibby

03-12-07, 08:18 AM

My Saturday service call from Charter came and went, and then so did 9 hours on Sunday. Finally, with my wife home from a weekend trip, I had to get out of the house and run some errand. Of course, that's when the tech showed up. No explanations, no apology.

I had been having severe breakup on KSDK HD, plus video/audio freezes on on the other HD channels (esp. PBS) on my Moxi. I went into diagnostics and wrote down all of the signal strength and other data; some were a little off (acc. to splinke faq), some were way off. I also had recorded Conan O'Brien from early last week that got progressively unwatchable.

Well, my wife had to force the guy to watch the Conan recording; at least he said he watched it. She couldn't follow him around. He said the numbers I wrote down were irrelevant. He said they're different from the numbers "broadcast" to him." When my wife asked, "Well, if they're irrelevant, why are they there?" .... he said: "To cause trouble."

He switched a three way splitter in the TV room to a two-way (I had capped the third output), and rearranged the cabling at the outside box. The PQ was good last night; but it was OK before he showed up, too; it's a problem that comes and goes.

I wasted an entire weekend for this...

barry

DroptheRemote

03-12-07, 08:39 AM

Martin Continues to Push Specialized Multi-Cast Idea

FCC Chairman Martin is starting to behave like 3-year-old who just received a toy hammer for Christmas -- everything looks like a nail (multi-cast opportunity).

Multicast = more rubbish, lower picture quality.

From today's Morning Bridge newsletter:
___________________________________________________________

On Friday, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission addressed the American Women in Radio and Television Summit and spoke again about his idea for multicast, in which a broadcaster's digital signal is split into multiple video feeds. During his talk, Martin continued to push the idea of allowing small, independently-owned businesses to lease the extra channels from broadcasters for delivering their own content.

"Small and independently owned businesses could take advantage of this capacity and use it to air their own programming," Martin said. "This new programming station would obtain all the accompanying rights and obligations of other broadcast stations, such as public interest obligations and carriage rights."

Small businesses that are often owned by women and minorities would be the primary beneficiaries of the initiative, Martin said. "This would help ensure that viewpoints and perspectives of these groups are represented on the air. It would also create new job opportunities in the broadcast industry," he added.

Martin used as an example the deal between multicast programmer Latino Alternative TV (LATV) and Post-Newsweek. LATV won carriage for its programming on the multicast channels of Post-Newsweek stations in Miami, Orlando, Houston and San Antonio.

"In order to ensure that the American people have the benefit of a competitive and diverse media marketplace, we need to create more opportunities for different, new and independent voices to be heard," Martin said. "When you create these types of new opportunities, you also create new job opportunities in the broadcast and media fields."
___________________________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-12-07, 08:43 AM

barry,

Sorry to hear about your lack of success. Still too early to declare my problem "fixed," but I haven't lost the Charter connection since Saturday evening. That is a 2007 record.

twombomber

03-12-07, 09:53 AM

If you haven't already seen this, you'll find it very helpful:
Click HERE (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=64185)

Using the yellow FF or REW buttons, while in pause, allows you to move frame-by-frame.
Ex: You can freeze a 'toe hitting the base,' and see the 'ball 1/2" outside the glove.'
I think most DVR's have this feature.

Thanks for the site. Looks like good info. I don't think the Moxi had frame by frame, or I never stumbled upon it. I'm really starting to like the 622.

DroptheRemote

03-12-07, 10:18 AM

Charter CEO Says Consolidation Makes it Less Vulnerable to Carriage Demands

This doesn't sound very promising, in terms of Charter reversing course and agreeing to pay Sinclair or Belo for digital carriage.

Also, I'm not sure I follow Smit's logic -- saying that consolidation provides a negotiating edge doesn't necessarily make it so. We'll see...

From the Broadcast Newsroom web site:
__________________________________________________________

Charter Communications CEO Neil Smit believes moves the St. Louis-based operator made last year to tighten up its footprint could yield the unexpected benefit of strengthening its position in retransmission-consent negotiations.

Charter sold about 390,000 subscribers in several non-strategic geographic markets last year. The system sales helped to consolidate the cable operator's footprint, reducing its total number of headends by about 45%. Moreover, Smit said that the clustering of Charter systems have made it less vulnerable to the thrusts of TV station owners seeking cash for retransmission consent.

Speaking last week at the Bear Stearns Media Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., Smit said Charter has multi-year retransmission agreements in place with the stations groups owned by the Big Four networks ' CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox ' and it has a cordial relationship with the other smaller station groups in its footprint.

And while other station owners have pushed hard for retransmission cash ' and received it ' Smit said Charter's moves to clean up its footprint have increased the density of its existing clusters, which could make it harder for station groups to play hardball, given that they would put greater portions of their ad revenue at stake.

"[The sales] really improved the density of our clusters, which I think brings negotiating strength to the conversation with broadcasters," he added.

He added that Charter's stance has been not to pay cash for retransmission consent because it believes broadcast licenses were granted "so the consumer could receive the signals for free. That value proposition should continue."

While speculation has persisted that Charter would continue selling off systems ' including its larger Los Angeles and Fort Worth, Texas, properties ' to help pay down its massive $19 billion debt, Smit said that such gambits are not in the company's plans.
__________________________________________________________

Scott Tucker

03-12-07, 10:46 AM

lukin4u

03-12-07, 10:54 AM

need to update

the lady @ dish never called me back

so called this morning to go ahead with service

wasnt that easy

this lady must of been a newbie cause she kept putting me on hold/mute to ask questions

this was a 50 min call by the way

still got 26/phone for 1 yr then goes to 31 after a yr
25/dsl

this is were it got amaturish

i told her i want the golf channel
5 minutes later

u need the 250 package which i already knew

2 reg recievers 1 hddvr i want

sir there is a xtra 199 charge for hddvr

k nevermind then
1 reg rec. 1 hd 1 reg dvr

k sir i just found a package u can get the hddvr free of charge

k 1hddvr 2 reg sat

k sir your total is 119/month

thought about it said go ahead but this is getting very frustrating

uh huh........Sir

i do apologize

but there is also a 20 HD fee a month that i forgot to include!!

???

i was so furious

did a little venting and canceled

now what

anybody got any suggestions
cheaper places to get service

DLSDO

03-12-07, 11:24 AM

Barry,

Sorry to hear about your C* weekend. It is never fun to sit around and wait for someone to NOT show up.

Scott

I agree. What a bummer. Totally unacceptable. I would have not been very happy to say the least!

Scott Tucker

03-12-07, 11:35 AM

dweebe

03-12-07, 11:46 AM

Scott Tucker

03-12-07, 11:56 AM

R U txting from yur fone?

Dean,

Literally, LOL! :D

Scott

tstolze

03-12-07, 12:17 PM

Can anyone tell me why the centurytel istaller left a router at my brothers house when they already shipped him a DSL modem? The installer said they ran fiber optic to the house. Does fiber optic require a router and DSL modem, or did he just leave a router for the hell of it? I can't get my Brother's DSL to work? Help! :confused:

Scott

Not sure what is needed, but I have seen that some new areas are getting fiber to the home from Centurytel. I would call, customer service with them is usually pretty good.

wmschultz

03-12-07, 12:26 PM

Dang...I pay $99 a month and I have 3 HD DVR's, 2 HD receivers, 2 SD DVR's and 2 SD receivers on my account.

I get Total Choice Plus, or what ever it is called now and the HD Package.

No movies channels though.

kdg454

03-12-07, 12:52 PM

now what
anybody got any suggestions
cheaper places to get service
Lukin,
Call DISH Advanced HD TS, and tell them what happened. They are a USA based group, in VA.
1-800-969-4388

Scott Tucker

03-12-07, 01:04 PM

Not sure what is needed, but I have seen that some new areas are getting fiber to the home from Centurytel. I would call, customer service with them is usually pretty good.

Called them yesterday. The guy had no idea why the installer left a router. They are supposed to send a techie to the home today. I asked them over the phone if we could fix the issue. His response, "not with a blinking light." The DSL light on the modem is blinking on and off. Oh well, we'll see if they show and get it working today.

Scott

cd1871

03-12-07, 02:33 PM

DroptheRemote

03-12-07, 03:46 PM

i just got off the phone with charter tech support and req'd a new box and she was actually helpful. hopefully the tech will show up at his scheduled time. does anyone know of a charter rep who does show up?Legend has it that the very first Charter service call, way back in 1991, was right on time. But it's been downhill ever since.

It's best that you have plenty of food and water on hand to see you through the wait. You might want to stock some cured meats, just in case... :)

djearl81

03-12-07, 03:56 PM

rbkb

03-12-07, 04:15 PM

Could someone post the Charter retention number again? I tried to search the forum to no avail. Thanks.

dweebe

03-12-07, 04:17 PM

Scott Tucker

03-12-07, 04:57 PM

I know I could go ask this question over in the "Speakers" forum, but I wanted the expert opinions of some local home theater enthusiasts.

I've got a 10+ year old Boston Accoustics speaker setup from my days as a single dude. Big front towers, large center channel, medium size bookshelf speakers for the surrounds as well as a powerful subwoofer. You know: bigger is better. But now the girlfriend and I are looking to remodel the living room and want to step away from the big speakers. I agree with her that the big TV along with the speakers just junks up the front of the room.

What do you think about the Mirage Nanosats? Is the omnipolar setup a significant move forward: good sound from a small speaker. Or are they too unspecific and loose some of the specific type sounds you get from 5.1 sound?

http://www.miragespeakers.com/nano.shtml

I personally like the sound form omnipolar speakers as I use Definitive Technology, but some people hate them. My advice is to go to Ultimate or whomever else sells them, and take some demo material you're familiar with to listen to. You should know real fast if they are for you. Also, buying them from a place like UE affords you the ability to retern for full refund if you don't like them in your home. Also, bigger is in most cases NOT better. In most cases you're better off with a separate sub and samller satellite speakers.

Scott

StockInv

03-12-07, 05:06 PM

I have Charter, and thus no ABC and CBS HD. My plasma displays have no built in tuners. I have a Moxi box, but understand that I will need a tuner. Where can I buy a cheap tuner and how much would it cost? Would I be able to get these two stations with an indoor antenna? Does that tuner attach directly to the TV? The back is not accessible unless I take it off its mount, which is a job.

rbkb

03-12-07, 05:10 PM

StockInv:

A cheap tuner will cost around $100. You will need to hook it up to a component, DVI or HDMI input on the TV (probably located in the back of your television). In regards to OTA reception via an indoor antenna, I have one in my bedroom that works great, but can't catch any signal in my basement.

StockInv

03-12-07, 06:13 PM

My Moxibox is hooked up to the HDMI on my plasma. Could I hook up the tuner to a dvd player or my stereo processor?

Joseph Clark

03-12-07, 06:14 PM

Quick Question...

Can anyone point me towards a good mid priced HD tuner card for my windows based PC? I'd like to use a PCI port for the connection.

I'll use this for OTA and second hand SAT reception. (I'll route my DVR's output to the tuner.) I've searched the other areas of the site and my head is spinning.

- Thanks!

MyHD MDP-130 from Digital Connection:

MyHD PCI Card and DVI Daughtercard (http://digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/mdp130.asp)

You can get by with just the MyHD card (w/out DVI card if you have component in only on your display), but the DVI card is worth the extra bucks if you can afford it.

This card works in most older systems, too. I've had it working in PIII 450mhz systems, although the newer the better in terms of editing and archiving.

bhornberger

03-12-07, 07:57 PM

just a reminder, the rock and roll hall of fame induction is on Music HD tonight. I wish they'd have a better audio output.

DLSDO

03-12-07, 08:24 PM

Could someone post the Charter retention number again? I tried to search the forum to no avail. Thanks.

Dial 1-888-GET-CHARTER. Choose the "I want to cancel my service (or something like that) option". Its the one and only time you will get an attentive fairly knowledgable CSR. ;)

DLSDO

03-12-07, 08:26 PM

I wish they'd have a better audio output.

DD5.1 would make entirely too much sense. Quit thinking logically for goodness sake.

Edit- Just turned on the award show...Its Dolby Digital EX :)

DLSDO

03-12-07, 08:33 PM

My Moxibox is hooked up to the HDMI on my plasma. Could I hook up the tuner to a dvd player or my stereo processor?

Not sure if this appeals to you but LG just launched the 1st ATSC equipped DVD recorder. The thread is here...http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=818511

Just a thought

football751

03-12-07, 09:28 PM

I've never really had a huge problem with C*, but only 10HD channels when you can get 30 on Dish is a little old. I just have a few questions.

Has anyone here stitched from C* to E* and been disappointed, especially to the point of switching back to C*? For that matter, has anyone switched from E* to C* and been happier?

Also, I can get Dish 100, Locals, HD, and HD-DVR for $40.97 for 10 months. I currently pay about $70 for TV with charter (bundle price w/ Pipeline and Phone). I only want to get Dish for one TV, and keep charter expanded basic for my other three TV's. Does anyone have Expanded basic+Phone+Pipeline, and if so, how much is it. I don't want to switch unless it is not much more for Dish. Also, after 10 months, will my payment really go up $20/month, or can can you usually renegotiate back to a lower price?

Also, how does HD video and 5.1 audio quality compare? The only HD I've ever seen is from C*, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But with audio, with 24 I like to turn it up, but in quiet scenes I can here static coming out of the rear speakers. I've got it hooked up w/ optical audio, so I don't know if its the Moxi or just my receiver.

Any advice on these questions would be great, as I really want 30 HD channels.

Scott Tucker

03-12-07, 10:17 PM

My Moxibox is hooked up to the HDMI on my plasma. Could I hook up the tuner to a dvd player or my stereo processor?

If your processor has HDMI switching, you could run everything through it and not need to take the plasma down to hook everything up. The same thing would hold true for component video as well if you processor switches component.

Scott

kdg454

03-12-07, 10:23 PM

kdg454

03-12-07, 10:32 PM

Charlie Ergen (CEO E*) stated tonight (Charlie Chat), less than 1% of E* subs purchase the MLB EI package from E*.
He also said "Congress is looking into the issue...the offer is not the same for cable and DISH."

I guess it's all about carriage of MLB TV in '09. Doesn't sound promising.

lukin4u

03-12-07, 11:04 PM

Lukin,
Call DISH Advanced HD TS, and tell them what happened. They are a USA based group, in VA.
1-800-969-4388

just called

thx for the number

they much more helpful

heres the scope

1 hddvr dual reciever
1 reg rec

250+ package
hd charge included
no locals

89/month

69/month for the 1st 10 months

18 month commitment

84 /month with phone line

im still thinking

just got a mailer that shows direct for 50/month

marky2306

03-12-07, 11:17 PM

Could someone post the Charter retention number again? I tried to search the forum to no avail. Thanks.

1 800 call-ATT

1800 DIRECTV

I made up the numbers BTW. I dont know if they actually exist.

I am looking in dropping Charter TV, but keeping HSI and Telephone with them. The 25 doller DVR charge for 2 is kinda high IMO.

I am leaning towards DirecTV, but I really do not understand the whole "lease"charge when you sign up.

:-)

black_macleod

03-12-07, 11:51 PM

Man, CW11 is nearly unwatchable tonight

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 07:15 AM

Agency Issues Rules on Distribution of Analog-Digital Converters

Insert the standard rant here about Congress and its chronic inability focus on what's important and then prioritize where public funds are spent. Mental midgets.

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_______________________________________________________

Every U.S. household can apply for two $40 coupons to purchase a converter box to watch TV when the nation switches to Digital TV in 2009. That's according to new rules submitted today by the federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The rules were immediately met with skepticism from congressional Democrats including Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., who said they create a "fuzzy picture" for the digital transition.

However, the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters applauded the rules, saying they will set a path to a successful transition.
_______________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dtvrules031207.htm)

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 07:23 AM

In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Charter customers will be fed the digital multi-cast streams from the local CBS station at no additional charge.

Meanwhile in St. Louis, Charter subscribers would happily settle for getting just the main digital channel...

Actually, I hope that KMOV avoids the temptation to do this, as I'd much rather see one game in HD with good picture quality than have multiple subchannels that all look like a dog's breakfast...
____________________________________________________________

Charter Communications subscribers with the digital package will be able to watch all of the NCAA Tournament action when it starts Thursday free of charge.

WDJT-TV (Channel 58) in Milwaukee will air one primary game, but Charter will also offer its customers additional video "multicast" streams, which allow carriage of up to three more channels. The tournament games can also be seen on digital channels 583, 584 and 585.

Customers without a digital cable box can contact Charter to obtain one for $6.95 a month or by calling (800) 581-0081 or stop by Charter's Sheboygan office.
____________________________________________________________

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 07:27 AM

RCA Gives Sneak Peek at Digital TV Converter Box It Plans to Sell

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
______________________________________________________

RCA yesterday unveiled a new Digital TV converter box designed for analog sets when the nation switches to digital signals in 2009.

The company did not reveal how much the set-top will cost or when it will be available at retail. But RCA clearly is getting ready for when millions of Americans will need new converter boxes to continue watching TV in 2009.
______________________________________________________

To read the full story and view a picture of the STB, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/rcaconverter031307.htm)

football751

03-13-07, 07:32 AM

Also, be certain the $20/mo HD fee is included in your quote. Another member here said the CSR "forgot" to mention that until he was ready to place his order :)

Yah, that price I got was from the Dish Builder online.

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 07:32 AM

Blu-ray Discs Outsell HD DVD by 2-to-1 for Second Straight Month

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_____________________________________________________

Blu-ray HDTV DVDs outsold rival HD-DVD by a 2-1 margin in February, the second straight month it has done so.

That's according to an article published by Video Business.

The publication reports that 250,000 Blu-ray discs were sold in February, compared to 125,000 for HD-DVD. Blu-ray also outsold HD-DVD by a 2-1 margin in January.
_____________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/blubetter031207.htm)

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 07:37 AM

The following haiku is dedicated to lukin4u:

internet silence;

no signal so often now,

just like the old days

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 07:42 AM

dweebe

03-13-07, 08:53 AM

The following haiku is dedicated to lukin4u:

internet silence;

no signal so often now,

just like the old days

charter really sucks

everyone thinks they're bad

do they enjoy this?

Hohlraum

03-13-07, 08:53 AM

Also, how does HD video and 5.1 audio quality compare? The only HD I've ever seen is from C*, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

After watching Dish HD for about 10 minutes I noticed immediately that Charter's HD quality is better. At least with my TV.

Hohlraum

03-13-07, 08:54 AM

Just got Dish installed yesterday, you can read about the disappointing results here:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82217

dweebe

03-13-07, 09:00 AM

Horse Racing Industry Urged to Adopt High-Def

Somebody gets it...
_____________________________________________

It's a good bet that the nation's racetracks will soon switch to High-Definition TV.

That's according to several industry experts who yesterday addressed the annual joint meeting of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations and Harness Tracks of America.

According to ThroughbredTimes.com, the experts participated in a panel discussion on how new technology can improve the Sport of Kings.

Todd Roberts, president of Roberts Communications, an industry consulting group, said fans are demanding that tracks install high-def monitors to display replays and live broadcasts of races. He said the High-Definition sets would make it easier for fans to follow their picks during the race.
_____________________________________________

To read the entire story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/horsehd031307.htm)

I've been over at Fairmount and thought the same thing: for same track and off track betting. They've got some 3 or 4 year old Toshiba rear projection HDTVs in the ground floor area of the nicer grandstand showing other tracks or regular sports.

Some 42" LCDs or plasmas hanging from the ceiling of clubhouse, showing HD, could make the experience more enjoyable. (Now if they could just get some industrial grade air purifiers to clean the smoke out of the air.)

lukin4u

03-13-07, 09:06 AM

Just got Dish installed yesterday, you can read about the disappointing results here:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82217

so whats your rate?

kdg454

03-13-07, 09:17 AM

Just got Dish installed yesterday, you can read about the disappointing results here:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82217
Hohlraum,
It wasn't clear, if you're still having issues. What was it you called DISH regarding? A few posts down, I posted the phone number for DISH AHDTS. You will receive better results using AHDTS.

KIM, there are roughly 25 transponders on each satellite. Each one will have a different signal strength. Those you noticed, at <50 may have been a Tp, on a satellite you don't receive. For example, the STL HD locals are located on 2 Tp's on orbital 118°. However, if you checked another Tp on 118°, you would show a weak signal, or a no-lock, but it is not a Tp you received. If you are receiving all your subscribed channels, the system is correctly locked.

In order to accurately check your satellite signal strength, you need to check and add all your received transponders for each satellite, and then divide the total by the amount of transponders. For your installation, that is probably just under 80 total transponders.

If you have any questions about Dish, or the 622, feel free to PM :)

black_macleod

03-13-07, 09:24 AM

Just got Dish installed yesterday, you can read about the disappointing results here:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82217

I guess as customer bases expand, the CS field is going to level out :)

There are good and bad installers from every provider. Sorry you got a bad one.

aspec2

03-13-07, 09:35 AM

Blu-ray Discs Outsell HD DVD by 2-to-1 for Second Straight Month

Couldn't this be a pure economic thing. Those that can afford a Blue Ray player have more money to spend, therefore, they can buy more disks. I would like to see a comparison of the number of players as well as the number of disks.

Walt

Hohlraum

03-13-07, 09:46 AM

so whats your rate?

Rate as in price? hmm I think for the first 10months its like $94 and after that its $114? Higher, I'm sure with whatever taxes. Honestly I don't care :eek: as long as I get reliable service. Our charter service with telephone, cable and internet was over 200 bucks a month.

bhornberger

03-13-07, 09:46 AM

From another source - Each coupon is worth $40, while the converters run about $50 a pop. If they have more than one TV (who doesn't) they can ask for two vouchers starting Jan. 1, as long as the initial $1 billion set aside doesn't go dry.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/business/13digital.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin

Agency Issues Rules on Distribution of Analog-Digital Converters

Insert the standard rant here about Congress and its chronic inability focus on what's important and then prioritize where public funds are spent. Mental midgets.

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_______________________________________________________

Every U.S. household can apply for two $40 coupons to purchase a converter box to watch TV when the nation switches to Digital TV in 2009. That's according to new rules submitted today by the federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The rules were immediately met with skepticism from congressional Democrats including Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., who said they create a "fuzzy picture" for the digital transition.

However, the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters applauded the rules, saying they will set a path to a successful transition.
_______________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dtvrules031207.htm)

Hohlraum

03-13-07, 09:47 AM

Couldn't this be a pure economic thing. Those that can afford a Blue Ray player have more money to spend, therefore, they can buy more disks. I would like to see a comparison of the number of players as well as the number of disks.

Walt

PS3. Nearly all of the PS3 fanboys are buying blu-rays regularly. Hell, even I've got 4 movies now :)

Hohlraum

03-13-07, 09:49 AM

I guess as customer bases expand, the CS field is going to level out :)

There are good and bad installers from every provider. Sorry you got a bad one.

He was a nice guy and wasn't full of **** about everything like most semi-technical people so we got along well. Just wish he would have been more thorough.

Hohlraum

03-13-07, 09:55 AM

Hohlraum,
It wasn't clear, if you're still having issues. What was it you called DISH regarding? A few posts down, I posted the phone number for DISH AHDTS. You will receive better results using AHDTS.
I called em because 20 minutes after my installer left I wasn't getting 20+ stations I should be hehe :). I don't get a lock on 2 of the 4 satellites. None of the voom stations come in and a couple blocks of SD are a no go as well.

I certainly hope I don't have to escalate anything, AFAIAC the install wasn't even completed properly.

KIM, there are roughly 25 transponders on each satellite. Each one will have a different signal strength. Those you noticed, at <50 may have been a Tp, on a satellite you don't receive. For example, the STL HD locals are located on 2 Tp's on orbital 118°. However, if you checked another Tp on 118°, you would show a weak signal, or a no-lock, but it is not a Tp you received. If you are receiving all your subscribed channels, the system is correctly locked.

In order to accurately check your satellite signal strength, you need to check and add all your received transponders for each satellite, and then divide the total by the amount of transponders. For your installation, that is probably just under 80 total transponders.

If you have any questions about Dish, or the 622, feel free to PM :)

He was flipping through transponders on the satellite so fast I only noticed one or 2 in the 80s and a couple three in the 50s. /shrug.

tcfila

03-13-07, 10:01 AM

After watching Dish HD for about 10 minutes I noticed immediately that Charter's HD quality is better. At least with my TV.

My brother just got Dish installed in Wentzville. I was over at his house and said let me see some HD. He has a Samsung 40" DLP, I have the 56". I looked at the picture and said something isn't right. Went into the settings on the 622 and it was at 480i, so I changed it to 1080i. I went back to an HD channel and it was better, but it still looked like crap compared to Charter.

Are there any other settings I need to look for?

CardsFan53

03-13-07, 10:29 AM

I apologize but I am new to 'this world' and I have a few questions. I recently purchased a 1140HD and had D* installed. Happy with HD picture but the audio, especially on KTVI is troublesome. Lots of drop-outs. Last night it was so bad I had to watch 24 on a SD TV. Is this 'normal'? Also, noticed on other local HD stations I get a 'popping' noise from time to time. I'm assuming its from the broadcast and not my equipment?

Thank you all for your patience.

John Kotches

03-13-07, 10:42 AM

CardsFan:

KTVI has been struggling with some issues of late. Very aggravating to say the least.

I have some broadcast caps that I need to get into the right hands; but I have heard from the KTVI staff engineering contact in a while.

Cheers,

DroptheRemote

03-13-07, 11:50 AM

I'm surprised to be reading these complaints about DISH picture quality. I don't live with DISH but I see it often enough, along with Charter, and don't really believe there's any significant difference between them, unless something fundamental has changed in the last couple of weeks.

I give full credit to Charter for maintaining high HD picture quality (ostensibly at the expense of not having more HD channels), but I don't really think that DISH takes a backseat to them for quality, at least not in any sort of obvious or significant way.

Is there anyone here who can do a side-by-side comparison? Screenshots?

kdg454

03-13-07, 12:19 PM

I called em because 20 minutes after my installer left I wasn't getting 20+ stations I should be hehe :). I don't get a lock on 2 of the 4 satellites. None of the voom stations come in and a couple blocks of SD are a no go as well.
I certainly hope I don't have to escalate anything, AFAIAC the install wasn't even completed properly.
He was flipping through transponders on the satellite so fast I only noticed one or 2 in the 80s and a couple three in the 50s. /shrug.
Yeah, I'd agree, it sounds like a sub-par install. In System Information (Menu >6 >1 >3), you can quickly check your SAT locks. [Note: disregard a red X under 118. since there are only 2 Tp's from 118, it will not show locked on this page--if the 4 STL HD locals is working, 118 is locked] You should not need to escalate it. If you call AHDTS (800-969-4388), they should get it resolved. It sounds like either a poor antenna aim, or incorrect cabling feed(s).

With regard to PQ on DISH, specifically HD, their PQ has not changed, other than some added compression, which is hardly noticeable.
I would encourage any DISH sub experiencing a PQ issue, to insure your receiver and/or display settings are correct, and the proper cabling is being used, also correctly connected.

DISH HD receivers do not come with component or HDMI cables. If the installer does not provide them, you need to provide your own. The default output resolution is set at 480i, which needs to be changed to either 720p or 1080i, depending on your display.

deuces

03-13-07, 12:53 PM

The new software version (probably now pushed back to after the old DST date) will bring the PiP to a full side-by-side split screen, w/ sticky pause and swap. I'm looking forward to it. I believe that is already a DTV feature.

Sorry, I know I am way behind, just wait until those twins actually arrive, you may not see me for months.

But I had not heard this Ken. This is GREAT news. I never use PIP, but with side by side I will. When are we expecting this? (old DST date?)

kdg454

03-13-07, 01:37 PM

Sorry, I know I am way behind, just wait until those twins actually arrive, you may not see me for months.

But I had not heard this Ken. This is GREAT news. I never use PIP, but with side by side I will. When are we expecting this? (old DST date?)
The original release date was to be around 3/1. It was delayed. Then, the DST patch came down, which has an effect during the entire new 3 week period. DST used to be the first Sunday in April.

It's now speculated, DISH does not want to spool a new full version release while the DST patch is in effect. So, probably after April 1st, but could be sooner.

There will be a few other nice features added. The EPG will take on the interface already in place on the 211. Mapping will change to arrange HD & SD channels next to each other...no more switching to the HD list, or going up to the 9xxx's. The PiP feature is a long-time user wish-list item, that DISH will be accommodating.

As Ron says, "a new release, is not a new release, until it's released."

deuces

03-13-07, 02:25 PM

There will be a few other nice features added. The EPG will take on the interface already in place on the 211.

Is the 211 interface significantly different? Better I would assume, but how?

Speaking of another long awaited change, when will we be able to program our DVR from the internet remotely? ;)

tcfila

03-13-07, 02:35 PM

I'm surprised to be reading these complaints about DISH picture quality. I don't live with DISH but I see it often enough, along with Charter, and don't really believe there's any significant difference between them, unless something fundamental has changed in the last couple of weeks.

Doug,

That is what suprised me. I hear on here all the time how good the PQ is on Dish. I was flat out disappointed. He is using component cables from the 622 to the HL-S4266W.

Is there anything else I should check to make sure everything is setup correctly?

Scott Tucker

03-13-07, 02:38 PM

Couldn't this be a pure economic thing. Those that can afford a Blue Ray player have more money to spend, therefore, they can buy more disks. I would like to see a comparison of the number of players as well as the number of disks.

Walt

I think it has more to do with the fact that BR had a late start. When I bought my HD-DVD player, I almost immediately purchased about 8 DVD's. Now months later I have not bought anymore. It seems more and more people are now getting into BR and it is like the initial HD-DVD push all over again. It would be interesting to see overall sales results. It also seems lately that there are more new release BR's than HD-DVD, so there is more to buy?

Scott

Scott Tucker

03-13-07, 02:43 PM

My brother just got Dish installed in Wentzville. I was over at his house and said let me see some HD. He has a Samsung 40" DLP, I have the 56". I looked at the picture and said something isn't right. Went into the settings on the 622 and it was at 480i, so I changed it to 1080i. I went back to an HD channel and it was better, but it still looked like crap compared to Charter.

Are there any other settings I need to look for?

HD should not look that much different from C* to D* to E*, so I would say look at the settings on his DLP. If he is like most, he has it set to the factory "TORCH" mode. Go into the picture settings and turn down the contrast and sharpness and set the color temp to warm or 6500k. This should help.

Scott