TPS told me it was the first report of the issue, but I have read a post from a sub in LA having the same issue with their local CBS DT.
I don't know quite how the EPG coding works, whether each station has its own, or each network, and the receivers software has to be able to recognize it, or what....Doug??
Either way, so far, it's the only issue I've had with the receiver. Coming off the 921, the speed of the machine is excellent. Especially being able to use the 30 second skip in rapid-fire....my 921 would freeze on the second or third command.

Ken,

Keep in mind this issue may not be related to the 622. I noticed it about a week ago on my now-returned 811. Let's hope the "fix" on 2/28 is on-time and resolves the issue.

For me to get charter local HD service, I have to have their digital service. This means that I could not get the locals HD without paying for the additional digital package. It is all bundled together, but still a line item in that bundle.

I absolutely hate the cable company. But, until D* comes out with locals over the dish, I am stuck with cable. I did bend over and fork out the $$ for a DB4 antenna so that I could get ABC. I only use it for ABC. Even then, I only use it for Grey's Anatomy. I know I am stupid....

Please note that next week Charter Communications cable television customers may experience signal losses or interruptions which might be due to sun transit outages on various channels of satellite-fed programming. These outages, which occur when the sun closely aligns directly behind a satellite relative to its receiving antenna (satellite dish), affect the downlinked reception of video signals.

With Charter’s digital platform, signal distortion may appear as tiling video. Also, a signal outage in its most severe state may yield a channel being in black with no video present. The tentative outages should occur during the period of February 26 – March 10, with the most severe signal degradation taking place from approximately March 3 - 7. After this time, the video will noticeably begin to improve, with signals being restored to their normal strength.

Never did find out why my D* Tivo was freezing and playing in slow motion. I did a reset to totally clear the hard drive and that didn't work. Long story short...

I ordered the free Tivo from D* and 2 days later it's in my home working fine. It is a Phillips which is actually the same as my Hughes, so no reprogramming of remotes, and now I have a 3rd remote for another room.

Scott

I can't wait until D* has the locals over the dish. I can't wait until I can throw Charter's cable box out the front door and tell them to shove it into a strategic location.

Interesting you should say this... DirecTV announced today that St. Louis will officially launch Spring 2006 (by end of May)... before we speculated, but now there is a press release saying it is imminent...

They also released a future techology direction... some really interesting news - including a whole home HD DVR solution (think Moxi and Moxi Mate), Media Center Extender built into some of their receivers, and DirecTV reception via Media Center... good news.

Chris

I have heard end of May from DTV for a couple weeks now. At least it is public and official. Not happy about the Moxi though. I had a moxi and was not happy with it. Very slow.

I have heard end of May from DTV for a couple weeks now. At least it is public and official. Not happy about the Moxi though. I had a moxi and was not happy with it. Very slow.

He said "think Moxi" not that it WAS a Moxi :)

Kurt, I can keep you posted on any problems I see over the next few days w/KTVI if you'd like. :)

That would be great. I'm sure my wife will be watching American Idol tonight and should notice some of the blips....she remembers seeing them last night.

Ken,

Keep in mind this issue may not be related to the 622. I noticed it about a week ago on my now-returned 811. Let's hope the "fix" on 2/28 is on-time and resolves the issue.
Hope so....I checked the other receivers last night, and the 811, 211 & 921 have data for 02-01. Still says "digital service" on the 622.
The 921 did lose its 9-day guide the other day. Only had 48 hours. It's back to 9-day now.

Thanks for the further clarification. I'm not too worried about the expense (yet). I bought the Silver Sensor a year ago for only $30 and I can return the Square Shooter. Maybe I need to get away from antennas with "SS" :cool: Now the time spent messing around with this is the bigger frustration.

Maybe it would be a good idea to find a pro installer to put an antenna. Let him figure out how to get some cable down to the main level.

Thanks for your ideas.

Joe, anyone who's been around here for more than a day or two knows that I a lot of opinions and that every single one is worth more or less the paper they're written on.

No paper, get it? :)

But seriously, I really couldn't recommend you spending any more money on a different antenna if you are going to put it in the basement. Is it possible that a 2-bay or 4-bay in the basement would work better than your current SS down there already or the SqSh upstairs? Yeah, I guess it is possible, but I'd be genuinely surprised if it turned out that way for you. More likely it will just add to your antenna collection, and your frustration.

Also, you're probably getting close to the point where your total investment in unreliable reception is going to be a good part of the cost of having a pro come out and install the correct antenna in an appropriate location. Of course, that won't be cheap and it's also not guaranteed, but I think it honestly stands a better chance of success than putting progressively bigger and more expensive antennas down the basement until you find one that works.

Mo, who posts here regularly, has recently found someone at Skywalker who was extremely helpful for her. Maybe she can pass that guy's name onto you. I think it was Craig, but my certainty level is only around 50%.

Hi Mo. It doesn't sound good for the Square Shooter if you had it mounted high, yet still had some problems. I'll probably move onto a different antenna after conducting some more research. Possibly will try to get it mounted higher up.

Joe

I'm very familiar with the Square Shooter so I'll jump in. I'm much closer to the towers but my degree difference is like yours, just 3 degrees. I had problems pulling ABC too and it's my weakest signal strength.

Have you tried using a compass? Get it up higher and then try. I found even a small adjustment made a difference. You need a lot of patience and someone watching the TV on a phone with you. They are supposed to be good antennas and according to Winegard as much strength as a DB4.
).

That would be great. I'm sure my wife will be watching American Idol tonight and should notice some of the blips....she remembers seeing them last night.

I counted at least 4 glitches between 7 and 8 tonight... and another drop just now during the commercial around 8:11. Looks like the problem hasn't been fixed just yet. :(

Where in St. Louis can I got and get a good antenna? CM, etc? I'd like too look at getting a 4-panel antenna or something similar and try it. If it deosn't perform better than what I got I'd like the option to return it without having to order on-line and wait to get it or bother with shipping it back. The only place I know if is Radio Shack and Best Buy/Circuit City etc. Anyplace local that know about antenna's than these guys?

antennasdirect.com is a local St. Louis Company. They usually have a link on is page, but they are actually located next to Six Flags on the outter road. I picked up a DB4 from them locally instead of ordering it online.

I am in St. Charles, Kisker area, and have a DB4. There is another member on here that lives across kisker, that has a DB8.

I counted at least 4 glitches between 7 and 8 tonight... and another drop just now during the commercial around 8:11. Looks like the problem hasn't been fixed just yet. :(
"keeping it real," AI was as bad tonight, as it was last night, perhaps even worse, if that's possible. Both audio and video were all over the place.
Go to know KTVI is aware and working on the issues, hopefully it will improve soon :)

Today's lost was the pilot episode. *sigh*

I dont really watch a lot of primetime television so i really dont get to watch many shows in HD. LOST is the one show that i do watch, that is in HD. But i am getting tired of ABC alternating new episodes with reruns. I mean since november only 5 new episodes of LOST have aired. I hope ABC will decided to not do this anymore but probably not.

I live just south of the airport (Woodson Terrace) and have a Wineguard rooftop antenna pointed just a few degrees east from south. The antenna was installed for the analog channels when I had Dish installed 5 years ago. I just got a 42" Toshiba plasma and I get all of the digital channels except 30.1 (ABC) and 46.1 (UPN). From the map I see the tower for ABC is close to the other channels like 2,4,5, and 9. The signal strength on these channels are in the 90's, but I can't get 30.1. The channel scan will list it, but I get "Low Signal". Do I need to re-aim more to 180 degrees, or do I need a different antenna?

I counted at least 4 glitches between 7 and 8 tonight... and another drop just now during the commercial around 8:11. Looks like the problem hasn't been fixed just yet. :(

I watched pretty much the entire two hours of idol and noticed about 8-10 dropouts over the 2 hour span. Most lasted around 1-2 seconds. Not horrible, but annoying.

I'm next door in Edmundson and everyone here is quite aware of my antenna issues living so close to Lambert like you. :D My issue was Fox & ABC. I finally got ABC by adjusting the antenna ever so slightly. I pointed it more toward ABC. I don't have UPN in my channel guide as I don't watch it. Just be patient, adjust the antenna just a bit & have someone watch the picture. I get Fox at 90 and couldn't pull it in before. The signal strength is more about bandwidth so therefore a rough guide for strength. Just be sure to move it just a hair at a time as that was what I had to do. Use a Sharpie marker so you know where you started from as you don't want to risk losing the other channels.

ABC comes in perfect now and only hits around 81. On NBC I get a nanosecond glitch occasionlly when there are a lot of planes in the air and it pulls at 92.

FYI, I am only using a little 2-bay, double bowtie.

I live just south of the airport (Woodson Terrace) and have a Wineguard rooftop antenna pointed just a few degrees east from south. The antenna was installed for the analog channels when I had Dish installed 5 years ago. I just got a 42" Toshiba plasma and I get all of the digital channels except 30.1 (ABC) and 46.1 (UPN). From the map I see the tower for ABC is close to the other channels like 2,4,5, and 9. The signal strength on these channels are in the 90's, but I can't get 30.1. The channel scan will list it, but I get "Low Signal". Do I need to re-aim more to 180 degrees, or do I need a different antenna?

I've got a Square Shooter and MS-1000. ;)

I picked up the Square Shooter from Skywalker Communications.

9390 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
O'Fallon, MO 63366
(314) 272-8025
(800) 844-9555

Their web site is useless for consumers as they are a distributor. So call them. They are a bit of a drive for me but at least they will let me return the SS. Btw, you can save a couple of dollars if you buy a return. They test all returns. Nice bunch of people. Do your homework then call and ask for Craig.



Where in St. Louis can I got and get a good antenna? CM, etc? I'd like too look at getting a 4-panel antenna or something similar and try it. If it deosn't perform better than what I got I'd like the option to return it without having to order on-line and wait to get it or bother with shipping it back. The only place I know if is Radio Shack and Best Buy/Circuit City etc. Anyplace local that know about antenna's than these guys?

I did a lot of research and read many forums before choosing the Square Shooter. It's a good antenna. It's supposed to be really well designed for multipath. Everyone's situation is different. The short mast the SS comes with may have been the only issue. The other mast I use is twice as tall but too light for the SS.

I had it mounted high on the roof but I live in a very bad, unique location for antennas so YMMV. What I am using now should not pull in even one station according to antennaweb. I read reports of people using the SS 40 miles out. It's not supposed to do well at that distance. I read many posts of success with the Square Shooter. There are just too many variables. No antenna is going to just work without trying several combinations unless you mount some big 4228 CM.

Try the 45 degree turn too.

Hi Mo. It doesn't sound good for the Square Shooter if you had it mounted high, yet still had some problems. I'll probably move onto a different antenna after conducting some more research. Possibly will try to get it mounted higher up.

Joe

I know a few of you have the E* 622 and are having some issues regarding program guide data on KTVI. (Which may or may not be related to the 622 itself.) I'm seriously considering taking the plunge. (I currently have a 508, 811 and a non working 7200 which I guess they'll take back each and give me $25 credit per receiver?)

From reading previous posts, it sounds like you guys are happy with the 622. What's your take on it now after playing with it for a couple of weeks? (I guess I'm trying to get you guys to talk me into it...or more to the point, is there a reason to talk me out of it?)

Thanks

New York -- DirecTV Inc. is preparing to launch two types of video-on-demand services: one that will be broadcast via satellite and one that will be delivered via high-speed-Internet connections.


http://heh.pl/&2Js

This may have already been posted, but it looks like STL is in the next group of markets to have locals added:

DIRECTV Announces Next 24 Markets to Receive High-Definition Local Channels in Spring 2006; Local HD Markets Will Total 36, Representing More Than 58 Percent of U.S. Television Homes
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2006--Continuing to widely expand its local high-definition (HD) programming services, DIRECTV, Inc. (NYSE: DTV), the nation's leading digital television service provider, today named the next 24 U.S. markets that will receive local HD programming.

Beginning in April of this year, DIRECTV will roll out the first of the 24 new markets, offering HD programming from the four primary broadcast networks -- ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. Customers with the appropriate DIRECTV HD receiving equipment, who subscribe to a programming package that includes local channels, will receive both the standard and HD signals at no extra monthly charge.

The 24 local markets to receive HD programming include:

Baltimore Minneapolis, Minn.
Birmingham, Ala. Nashville, Tenn.
Charlotte, N.C. Orlando, Fla.
Cleveland Phoenix
Columbus, Ohio Pittsburgh
Denver Raleigh, N.C.
Fresno, Calif. Sacramento, Calif.
Hartford, Conn. Salt Lake City
Indianapolis San Diego
Kansas City, Mo./Kan. Seattle
Miami St Louis, Mo.
Milwaukee, Wisc. West Palm Beach, Fla.

"The expansion of local HD programming is one of the cornerstones of our brand strategy to provide the best entertainment experience for DIRECTV's customers and sets us apart from our competition," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, DIRECTV, Inc. "With the rollout of 24 new local HD markets, we will offer access to DIRECTV-delivered local HD programming to 58 percent of U.S. television homes. We expect to expand our HD local coverage to even more markets later this year."

DIRECTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 141 markets, covering nearly 94 percent of television households in the country, as well as 12 HD local channel markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. With the launch of two new satellites -- DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11 -- in 2007, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels, in addition to new advanced programming services for customers.

All DIRECTV local HD programming is being transmitted via MPEG-4 AVC, the new standard in digital video compression and advanced modulation that more than doubles the efficiency of DIRECTV's capacity.

Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations and Ka-band signals. Through Feb. 28, DIRECTV is offering new and existing customers a $200 mail-in rebate on the purchase of a DIRECTV HD Receiver. (Limit one rebate per account.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.

About DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation's leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE: DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment services. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.


CONTACT: DIRECTV, Inc.
Robert Mercer, 310-726-4683
rgmercer@directv.com

SOURCE: DIRECTV, Inc.

kugumby,

I activated mine on the 16th. Other than the KTVI EPG issue, I have not experienced any problems. However, I have read about a few, which seem to be becoming more commonplace as the units get up and running.

Traditionally, E* has been know to roll out equipment prior to having a perfect firmware/software. The 921 was a prime example, the 942 exceedingly better, and so far (underlined), the 622 by far, the best yet.

IMO, E* did their homework in the design of the 622. All of the features are there. Everything everyone asked for is there. The software integration and speed of the machine is excellent.

There are relatively few 622's presently in operation. Most of the earlier orders just began activation on 2/21. When you consider how few are actually up-and-running, and then consider the small percentage of those who belong to, and communicate issues within forums, I would not be surprised if there are still some issues coming.

Having that been said, if you're willing to assume and accept the possibility of potential issues related to firmware and software stabilization within the 622, from my personal experience with the machine, it's one of the best A/V pieces I've owned. so far

Another issue, as you know, the upgrade fee includes dish modification if necessary. There is currently a short supply of the Dish1000. You want to be sure of which satellites you have, which you need, and which ones you will want in the future.
I elected not to have the Dish1000 installed now, and just stayed with my current dish configuration.

kdg, Thanks for your input. I currently have 2 dishes, but off the top of my head, I couldn't tell you which sats they are actually pointing at. I think I may go ahead and sign up for it. I've hated not having a DVR that couldn't record HD.

So does anyone with E* have the VOOM HD channels? Are they worth it?

I just talked to Dale at FOX. He already knew about the glitches last night, as they are tracking them in master control. He also mentioned something about missing a transport number (or something like that) and that he was currently working with FOX NY and the equipment people to try and fix the problem. Dale seemed to think this might be the whole issue.

Hopefully, he will call me when they get this bug worked out so we know when to look for it. Regardless, if the glitches are still there on Monday's episode of 24, I'll be calling him on Tuesday :)

Scheerce,
I have them. The cost is $5.00/mo. With an MPEG2 receiver you get 10, with a MPEG4 receiver, 15.
Of the 15, I find 4 or 5 of them that interest me. There's a lot of diversity in the different channels. Because there is a lot of repetition in the programming, each week, I go through the guide and set timers for the content of interest to me, and watch it when there's just nothing else to watch. I enjoy watching what I record, but yes, I could live without it.

Kugumby,
Sounds like the same setup I have. Most likely, you have 110°/119° on one dish, and 61.5° on the other, which is all you need at present. In the event our STL local DT's end up on 129°, you can just spin your second dish around from 61.5° to 129° when the time comes.
We rarely watch anything live anymore. Last nights 2 hr AIdol was 1:28 programing, and :32 commercials.
One feature you will like about the 622 is, it allows you to symotaniously record 2 SAT events (HD or SD) and one OTA event (HD or SD).
Once the STL local DT's become available, you will be able to record 3 network HD events at the same time, 2 SAT and 1 OTA.

Okay. I'm officially in the water. It's a little chilly, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The 622 is due to be installed on 3-18. (Although they were more than happy to take my upgrade/installation payment today.) I forgot to ask if it was the Dish1000, but my assumption is that is what is supposed to be installed. (Although, per kdg's e-mail above, it appears that won't be necessary.) I'm looking forward to being able to pause and record on ALL of my channels and not just SD.

BTW, the $25 returned receiver credit only applies to OWNED and ACTIVE receivers. Leased receivers do NOT qualify for the $25 credit.

Once the STL local DT's become available, you will be able to record 3 network HD events at the same time, 2 SAT and 1 OTA.

How cool is that?

(Although, per kdg's e-mail above, it appears that won't be necessary.
Check one of the Check Switch pages and confirm you have 110°/119°/61.5°.
In order to receive any of the MPEG4 channels, you also need to change your programming package from your current, to one of the inclusive programming/hd medal packages. It actually comes out to a few cents less per month, and you would do it the day the installer is there to install/activate your 622.


Although they were more than happy to take my upgrade/installation payment today.)
If you look on your Dish Account, you will see a credit issued today for the $299 they charged to your credit card. The actual billing of the upgrade will not appear on your Dish Statement until the date of activation. You will have a credit balance on your account, so your next payment will not be due until after the 622 is invoiced to your account.

In order to receive any of the MPEG4 channels, you also need to change your programming package from your current, to one of the inclusive programming/hd medal packages. It actually comes out to a few cents less per month, and you would do it the day the installer is there to install/activate your 622.

Previously, I had the Top 120, HBO, the HD pak, locals and 2 receivers. Today, I revised that to the Silver HD Package (More HD, but no commercial free SD movie channels) plus locals and dropped HBO. The net cost will end up being a few dollars more than what I was paying after taxes. I've also had a Netflix account for a while, so that will be our "movie channel".

Thanks for the clarification on the upgrade fee.

OK, I'm ready to go with HD. Dish has been a total nightmare, and I think I'm going to have Charter run a cable to the house. What HD receiver do they supply now? Is it any good? And finally do they transmit local HD channels over the cable, or do I need to hook an OTA antenna to the receiver?

I know a few of you have the E* 622 and are having some issues regarding program guide data on KTVI. (Which may or may not be related to the 622 itself.) I'm seriously considering taking the plunge. (I currently have a 508, 811 and a non working 7200 which I guess they'll take back each and give me $25 credit per receiver?)

From reading previous posts, it sounds like you guys are happy with the 622. What's your take on it now after playing with it for a couple of weeks? (I guess I'm trying to get you guys to talk me into it...or more to the point, is there a reason to talk me out of it?)

Thanks

Are you happy with the 811? I HATED that piece of carp! The 622 has better image quality, especially in SD. The channels change quicker, the HDMI port actually works, the EPG fills the screen and the studdering video is gone, as is the NO INFO problem.

Although I find a few minor quirks with the 622, I'm sure future upgrades will iron them out. My biggest fear is that the upgrades may break something that previously wasn't. This is something that Dish has been known to do on occasion.

Dish will add a new HD music channel, this summer, called YMC, Your Music Channel.
It's a program called City Sessions, which is shot in HD, and features local bands from around the country, billed by City Sessions as highly talented and undiscovered.

Info on City Sessions (http://www.citysessionstv.com/Welcome.html)
Related City Sessions Press Release (http://www.citysessionstv.com/Press%20Release.html)

I'm not getting KTVI Fox 2, anyone else having problems with it tonight? It does no say no signal, it's just a blank screen. Like I'm getting a signal but no information is being recieved.

I'm not getting KTVI Fox 2, anyone else having problems with it tonight? It does no say no signal, it's just a blank screen. Like I'm getting a signal but no information is being recieved.

I just flipped the station and there was a woman singing on Ch 2-1

Which provider are you using? I don't think it matters, but not sure. I called D* and they added Fox East which has HD programming like 2 does here.

I'm not getting KTVI Fox 2, anyone else having problems with it tonight? It does no say no signal, it's just a blank screen. Like I'm getting a signal but no information is being recieved.

I've had no problems with Fox for the entire duration of Idol.

I'm using an antenna. I'll try and move it to see if that helps

Kurt,

No issues on Idol tonight. Looked and sounded good.
Nice work :)

Hope so....I checked the other receivers last night, and the 811, 211 & 921 have data for 02-01. Still says "digital service" on the 622.
The 921 did lose its 9-day guide the other day. Only had 48 hours. It's back to 9-day now.

I have a 411 ( same as the 211, without ethernet port) and do not have the guide for 02-01. I wonder if the next software upgrade will resolve this issue as somone had mentioned previously with the 622.

Well, I moved my antenna and still no KTVI-2 OTA. No one else lost CH2 OTA? Maybe it's my TV.

I popped over to FOX OTA 2-1 tonight a couple of times between the Olympics and had a fine signal. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay long enough to check on the glitches. Luckily, it sounds like they may have been fixed :)

ArcAAA: Have you tried rebooting your receiver? Maybe Fox's fix changed something that your receiver isn't recognizing currently.

OK, I'm ready to go with HD. Dish has been a total nightmare, and I think I'm going to have Charter run a cable to the house. What HD receiver do they supply now? Is it any good? And finally do they transmit local HD channels over the cable, or do I need to hook an OTA antenna to the receiver?


If you want an HD DVR, its the Moxi, but you may have problems getting one, or have to wait. The regular HD Receiver is a Motorola, sorry I don't know the exact model. All the locals come HD over the cable except ABC, because of the owners Sinclair and Charter fighting.

Please note that next week Charter Communications cable television customers may experience signal losses or interruptions which might be due to sun transit outages on various channels of satellite-fed programming. These outages, which occur when the sun closely aligns directly behind a satellite relative to its receiving antenna (satellite dish), affect the downlinked reception of video signals.

With Charter’s digital platform, signal distortion may appear as tiling video. Also, a signal outage in its most severe state may yield a channel being in black with no video present. The tentative outages should occur during the period of February 26 – March 10, with the most severe signal degradation taking place from approximately March 3 - 7. After this time, the video will noticeably begin to improve, with signals being restored to their normal strength.

Thanks, that may explain the problems I posted last week about my periodic problems with Charter HD having periodic tiling and signal problems. It seems to go in one or two week cycles.

I did a channel scan (again) and now I get 30.1. But my TV also added 30.2, 30.3, and 30.4?! There is nothing on and I get low signal, but just weird they would be listed. The only digital I don't get is 46.1. To get that I'll need a muti-directional antenna.

Are you happy with the 811? I HATED that piece of carp!

I've only recently had issues with the NO INFO problem and it's only happened twice. A reboot fixed the issue. (Which I know can be a pain if you have to do it a lot.) I've had the 811 now for a little over a year and really have had no problems with it. To be honest, I didn't even know people were having problems with it at all until I heard about them here.

That being said, I'm really looking forward to getting the 622!

kugumby,
You will receive your 622 via UPS approximately 10 days+ before your scheduled install date.
If you already have the down-feeds run, will not need an installer, and want to connect/activate it prior to your scheduled date, send me a PM, and I'll provide you the phone number, contact, and way around getting Dish to activated it without waiting for the installer.
If you will need dish or cabling work, you'll have to wait for the installer.

http://heh.pl/&2Jx

Known affected models:

Bravia
KDL-V26XBR1
KDL-V32XBR1
KDL-V40XBR1


Grand Wega
KDF-E42A10
KDF-E50A10

OK, I'm ready to go with HD. Dish has been a total nightmare, and I think I'm going to have Charter run a cable to the house. What HD receiver do they supply now? Is it any good? And finally do they transmit local HD channels over the cable, or do I need to hook an OTA antenna to the receiver?


The motorola is a DCT6200 series box. Put that in google and you will find it. I have had both the Moxi and now have this box. The Moxi is the only option if you want the HD-DVR. It will cost you 13 bucks a month for the service, plus an additional 7 for the box. Some think it is work it, some don't. I don't. The Moto, IMHO, is a horrible box, major POS! A curse at it every time I look at it. The only advange it has over the Moxi is it is quicker to change the channel. The Moxi is very slow, upto 5-6 seconds for a channel change. As stated before, you will need an OTA to get ABC. Plus you will need two coax running to your tv because you can't combine the cable signal and OTA signal. The moto also does not have an OTA input. So, you will have to change your TV settings to get to ABCHD. If I were you, I would wait until D* puts the locals over the dish. As soon as they do it (end of may) I will be getting rid of Charter.

I have also been having HD-CBS problems on Charter. When I switch to the channel, it just says waiting for signal. SD-CBS is fine. A while later it will be back. I guess we will have to wait two more weeks to see if it clears up.

what does HD-LiL actuall stand for besides local channels?

what does HD-LiL actuall stand for besides local channels?

That's it. HD Local In Local.

Hey wmschultz, you are suposed to be at work doing work, not looking at forums.
Oh wait, so am I....

Anyone know any where that I can go to get my Xbox modded locally? Or just where I can
get the hardware locally?

No, but if you find one, let me know.

Where's Doug?

don't know where anybody is. It has been quiet around here today.

Anyone know any where that I can go to get my Xbox modded locally? Or just where I can
get the hardware locally?

I can't answer your question about a local place to take your Xbox, but I did it myself 2yrs ago on mine and it was actually quite easy. I've never soldered anything in my life but the mod wasn't all that hard. The trick part was flashing the memory and doing stuff with the hard drive after I had the mod chip installed. I eventually just took the original drive out and put a brand new 200GB one in and said heck with it (I had another unmodded box to get on XBL still). Modding it was the best thing ever though, I love being able to stream Xvid and other videos from my PC's, plus play old NES and Genesis games (through emulators) on my big screen (which I could do on the PC, but it was never as fun for whatever reason).

If you want an HD DVR, its the Moxi, but you may have problems getting one, or have to wait. The regular HD Receiver is a Motorola, sorry I don't know the exact model. All the locals come HD over the cable except ABC, because of the owners Sinclair and Charter fighting.

Sony makes a HD-DVR that will accept a cable card, and has an OTA HD turner. It also incudes TV guide to set your timers. My brother has one and it works great, although they are getting scarce. Best Buy did have a few 2 weeks ago. They are on the expensive side, but it's better than the Moxi.


http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_DHG_HDD250/4505-6474_7-31155637.html

I'm getting D* HR10-250 Tivo DVR installed on Wednesday. I'm addicted to my SD Tivo and don't want to give up the Tivo interface - so I'm not waiting for the MPEG4 versions.

However, I noticed on CNET's review of the unit CNET HR10-250 Review (http://reviews.cnet.com/DirecTV_HD_DVR_HD_TiVo/4505-6474_7-30842839-4.html?tag=nav) that they made the following comment:

"The HD TiVo covers all the bases we'd expect from a state-of-the-art high-definition box. It boasts four tuners--two satellite, two over-the-air (the latter requiring just a single antenna connection). With any two tuners operational, you can record two programs--high-def or standard--and play back a third previously recorded program, all simultaneously. (The onscreen programming guide won't work for the over-the-air feeds, however.) "

What does this mean? I thought that all the local digitals were on the channel guide and I could use Season Passes, etc. to record them.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,

-Mike

The oncscreen guide works fine for OTA, both SD and HD.

Ed

Excellent. Thanks.

How do the SD channels look? Right now have have my D* Tivo/Receiver hooked to my Plasma though composite cables and the picture looks terrible. I'm hoping that the new one will look much better with component or HDMI.

-Mike

I'm getting D* HR10-250 Tivo DVR installed on Wednesday. I'm addicted to my SD Tivo and don't want to give up the Tivo interface - so I'm not waiting for the MPEG4 versions.

However, I noticed on CNET's review of the unit CNET HR10-250 Review (http://reviews.cnet.com/DirecTV_HD_DVR_HD_TiVo/4505-6474_7-30842839-4.html?tag=nav) that they made the following comment:

"The HD TiVo covers all the bases we'd expect from a state-of-the-art high-definition box. It boasts four tuners--two satellite, two over-the-air (the latter requiring just a single antenna connection). With any two tuners operational, you can record two programs--high-def or standard--and play back a third previously recorded program, all simultaneously. (The onscreen programming guide won't work for the over-the-air feeds, however.) "

What does this mean? I thought that all the local digitals were on the channel guide and I could use Season Passes, etc. to record them.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,

-Mike


I'm speculating but I'd guess that it means that the tuner won't get an OTA guide unless you're hooked up to directv. The guide integrates OTA and directv seamlessly. I find it to be a very good unit except for the performance issues described previously. I know you'll enjoy it unless you're extremely impatient.

Mike (Da Bears)

Garbage in, garbage out. SD is pretty awful and composite is the worst possible connection so it wil look better with the included HDMI or component cables.

Compared to HD you'll quickly hate SD regardless. ;) That's why so many have OTA antennas for the locals.

If I was running off an antenna alone I have TV Guide built it and that would pull the program info. Mike is right, you need D*'s info for the HD DVR. You will have the option to scan for both sat. and off air antenna channels and they will be listed. Ch 2 will be there as a SD channel as well as 2-1 for HD and so forth. So I think CNet meant if you were running only OTA, it would not populate the guide without D*.

Excellent. Thanks.

How do the SD channels look? Right now have have my D* Tivo/Receiver hooked to my Plasma though composite cables and the picture looks terrible. I'm hoping that the new one will look much better with component or HDMI.

-Mike

The Moxi is very slow, upto 5-6 seconds for a channel change.

I would disagree with this 100%. I've had the MOXI since it first came out, then changed to the MOXI mate. I have never had trouble with it being slow in changing channels.

Compared to HD you'll quickly hate SD regardless. ;) That's why so many have OTA antennas for the locals.



I couldn't agree more. I've been picking up the HD locals OTA for the month that I have had my Plasma and I can't stand watching ANY SD content anymore. Our old 27" is now in another room and is virtually unwatchable in comparison - nobody in the family will get near it. :)

-Mike

I've got the Moxi, and am currently getting the "You don't subcribe... or have lost signal" message for channel 1-99. Everything over channel 100 works fine. My sister is experiencing the same thing in Kirkwood. Anybody else having this issue?

The Moxi is very slow, upto 5-6 seconds for a channel change.

I often get this also, plus it gets real slow when choosing in the menus. A tech told me the the Moxi has a problem clearing the buffer and to fix this unplug the power to the unit for 1 minute and it will clear it out.

Microsoft - HD-DVD Not Blu-ray
--------------------------------------

Interesting article in todays NYTimes detailing ongoing problems with Sony and Blu-ray

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/business/26disks.html?pagewanted=1

Jim

Competition for Charter
-------------------------------
Missouri's Fair Competition in Video Act [SB 816] would give AT&T and other new cable entrants the ability to negotiate one franchise deal with the state as opposed to negotiating with each city where it would offer service.

http://www.freepress.net/news/14079

Jim

Microsoft - HD-DVD Not Blu-ray
--------------------------------------

Interesting article in todays NYTimes detailing ongoing problems with Sony and Blu-ray

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/26/business/26disks.html?pagewanted=1

Jim

Obviously there are idiots within both camps. It kinda makes you want a communist system where the decision is made and we all live with it. At least we would get a HD player.

I think this is the first time in history when the broadcast version of anything is better than the vinyl/tape/CD/DVD etc.........

Has anyone else noticed a significant drop in the audio levels on Charter this weekend? I'm having to turn my receiver up +10 clicks to get the levels I used to ... seems to be across the board except the HD Channels. No, I'm not going deaf :-)

Obviously there are idiots within both camps. It kinda makes you want a communist system where the decision is made and we all live with it. At least we would get a HD player.

I think this is the first time in history when the broadcast version of anything is better than the vinyl/tape/CD/DVD etc.........

Actually, I can remember a time not too long ago when most anything was better than VHS. Then, in '94 I got D* and started renting laserdisc's. I have not viewed a VHS tape since then. So, back in day broadcast TV was better, and now it is better still.

On another note, did anyone view Armageddon last night on TNT HD? Can someone tell me why the picture was so bad. There was tons of stretching, and everything looked distorted. If that is the way TNT is going to show films, I will not watch them.

Scott

Has anyone else noticed a significant drop in the audio levels on Charter this weekend? I'm having to turn my receiver up +10 clicks to get the levels I used to ... seems to be across the board except the HD Channels. No, I'm not going deaf :-)

I hope you are right. I'm tired of getting blasted when I switch from Charter to OTA when I forget to turn the reciever down before switching.

Walt

On another note, did anyone view Armageddon last night on TNT HD? Can someone tell me why the picture was so bad. There was tons of stretching, and everything looked distorted. If that is the way TNT is going to show films, I will not watch them.

Scott

An Innocent Man was bad too.

I don’t understand why the article portrays the Microsoft decision to go HD-DVD such a surprise. Partnering with Sony would force them to put a Blu-ray drive into the X-Box and that was never going to happen.

Go Blu-ray! I’ve got enough Microsoft hegemony in my house.

It kinda makes you want a communist system where the decision is made and we all live with it. At least we would get a HD player.

Microsoft is already there in several areas, dictating what we can and can’t do on computers, and now my beloved Palm Pilot. Not too far off are cell phones, and gaming systems. That is something I don’t want.

An Innocent Man was bad too.

TNT-HD often takes 4x3 movies and does a "smart stretch" on them to fill the screen, so sides are stretched out to the edges and the middle of the image is left alone. Horrible technique that should never be used, IMO. Not all their HD is shown that way, but enough that I almost never watch anyway. (It's also often just upconverted SD.)

I don’t understand why the article portrays the Microsoft decision to go HD-DVD such a surprise. Partnering with Sony would force them to put a Blu-ray drive into the X-Box and that was never going to happen.

Go Blu-ray! I’ve got enough Microsoft hegemony in my house.



Microsoft is already there in several areas, dictating what we can and can’t do on computers, and now my beloved Palm Pilot. Not too far off are cell phones, and gaming systems. That is something I don’t want.

JMO, but the computer chaos of the early days couldn't go on the way it started - IBM (MS), Apple, Atari, Commodore, all the other smaller players. I was a big Amiga fanboy back in the day, but there is something to be said for standards. Sometimes it takes a ruthless company to step to the front and assert itself to deliver those standards.

I agree that I don't want to see the MS tentacles everywhere, but I'd also like to see cell phones and game machines and other electronic devices communicate better. I'm for the standards that will make communications among those devices seamless. (For the record, I'm also for fair use consumer recording rights.)

Actually, I can remember a time not too long ago when most anything was better than VHS.
......

Scott

I remember about 22-23 years ago when I blew $1000 on one of the first "Hi-Fi" VHS recorders from Panasonic. It sure was better than anything broadcast back then. :)

I still have it and it still works...mostly. :o

I also got D* in the early days and paid $600 for the Sony receiver. But like you mentioned laserdisc was also around then and was higher quality than broadcast D*.

After all this time, I finally got a reponse to my complaints to KSDK. Here goes:

I am in receipt of your email to us regarding our poor delivery of high definition. I apologize that no one responded before now. In the last month I hope you will have noticed that KSDK's HD signal has gotten significantly better. We were having equipment problems and it took us some time to trouble shoot and then fix the problem. If you are continuing to see problems or poor execution of our HD signal, please be sure to alert us. It is our intent to provide the best quality product possible to our customers. Thank you for your correspondence to us.

I noticed Charter is offering HD PPV movies tonight on their channel 791. This channel is usually reserved for special events like boxing. I checked the next seven days and they have NHL Center Ice on this channel.

Did I miss something? The movies are current PPV offerings like "War of the Worlds". Did anyone buy one and are they really HD? I never received a notice from Charter. I hope this is going to continue.

After all this time, I finally got a reponse to my complaints to KSDK. Here goes:

Dean,

Was this in response to the recent "green sheen" issues with the HD or the Olympics macroblocking problems? The macroblocking persisted right through to the end of the Olympic games.

Now that the Olympics have closed officially, Dish will turn off Universal HD for MPEG2-only Dish receivers. That means no more Battlestar Galactica on Sunday evenings at 7:00 until my Dish 211 returns with its R5000 upgrade. My Dish 6000 modded R5000 unit captured 3 HD Galacticas during the Olympics run, and it was such a pleasure to see those episodes for the first time, again. (Since I'm not a hockey fan, the UHD airings of Olympics hockey action were essentially useless to me, except to confirm that the channel 5 broadcasts were a very distant second in visual quality to the UHD image.)

Battlestar Galactica is my favorite show. It's full of surprise. It has thoughtful writing, tense direction, striking and nuanced performances and wonderful videography that has to be seen in HD to be appreciated. The visual butchering it receives with every SciFi airing is a shame. My archived HD episodes will get frequent visits from me. (Those HD episodes, with null packets stripped, fit on a single layer DVD recordable, with no hit in visual or sound quality from the original satellite broadcast.)

I just hope Nextcom gets my modded Dish 211 back to me before next Sunday.

I noticed Charter is offering HD PPV movies tonight on their channel 791. This channel is usually reserved for special events like boxing. I checked the next seven days and they have NHL Center Ice on this channel.

Did I miss something? The movies are current PPV offerings like "War of the Worlds". Did anyone buy one and are they really HD? I never received a notice from Charter. I hope this is going to continue.


PPV? I watched one for free.

Dean,

Was this in response to the recent "green sheen" issues with the HD or the Olympics macroblocking problems? The macroblocking persisted right through to the end of the Olympic games.
No, I wrote them a long time ago (months?), when the audio and video was all screwed up. I couldn't even hear the center channel without down-processing the audio.

HEY HOCKEY FANS

Please note that there are two Blues games scheduled to be carried in High Definition on FSN HD (Channel 792 on Charter) on March 16 and 31. These games will also air on the Standard Definition FSN – Midwest channel in the St. Louis market, as well. In addition, there is no television coverage tentatively slated for the Minnesota @ St. Louis game on March 10.

HEY HOCKEY FANS

Please note that there are two Blues games scheduled to be carried in High Definition on FSN HD (Channel 792 on Charter) on March 16 and 31. These games will also air on the Standard Definition FSN – Midwest channel in the St. Louis market, as well. In addition, there is no television coverage tentatively slated for the Minnesota @ St. Louis game on March 10.


Now if D* would step up to the plate and air FSN HD like they have (only once that I know of) so I can see HD Blues.

No, I wrote them a long time ago (months?), when the audio and video was all screwed up. I couldn't even hear the center channel without down-processing the audio.

Perhaps a good time to voice other concerns. Let's hope that's the case. Glad you finally got a response.

Perhaps a good time to voice other concerns. Let's hope that's the case. Glad you finally got a response.
I have to hand it to them. Their tune seems to be changing. They're making improvements, and sending responses like they care. I did reply that the Olympics coverage had problems. Let's hope they continue working towards better quality.

I'm agonizing about getting an OTA vs waiting for D* to broadcast locals in HD. Is there ANY rumor even as to when the mpeg-4 DVR's will be available?

PPV? I watched one for free.

Yeah mine was free also but I could not get any sound, no way to purchase the movies but I could purchase the Vargas Mosley fight. Speaking of the fight I did watch the eye get bigger and bigger, quite nasty even worse in HD. No if only the League Pass would come thru, I could live without sound for awhile.

Joe, I too *love* BSG. Everytime I talk to D* I complain about how horrid it looks in SD. I'm going to send an email too. I'm such a fan I cannot wait to see it a year later on Universal HD. It's a terrible predicament. This past episode, "Downloaded", was one of the best of the season.

I listened to a podcast for the first time a couple of days ago. It filled in some gaps and explained some plot & editing decisions from producer Ron Moore. I'll start listening regularly after it airs. Here's the link: http://heh.pl/&2JO

Now that the Olympics have closed officially, Dish will turn off Universal HD for MPEG2-only Dish receivers. That means no more Battlestar Galactica on Sunday evenings at 7:00 until my Dish 211 returns with its R5000 upgrade. My Dish 6000 modded R5000 unit captured 3 HD Galacticas during the Olympics run, and it was such a pleasure to see those episodes for the first time, again. (Since I'm not a hockey fan, the UHD airings of Olympics hockey action were essentially useless to me, except to confirm that the channel 5 broadcasts were a very distant second in visual quality to the UHD image.)

Battlestar Galactica is my favorite show. It's full of surprise. It has thoughtful writing, tense direction, striking and nuanced performances and wonderful videography that has to be seen in HD to be appreciated. The visual butchering it receives with every SciFi airing is a shame. My archived HD episodes will get frequent visits from me. (Those HD episodes, with null packets stripped, fit on a single layer DVD recordable, with no hit in visual or sound quality from the original satellite broadcast.)

I just hope Nextcom gets my modded Dish 211 back to me before next Sunday.

From a post at dbstalk.com

The word from DTV was "mid-2006". And if the say "mid 2006", that probably translates into late 3rd quarter in reality. Plus, the earlier they push it out, the more likely the initial release will have bugs - see all the issues regarding the R15 for example. So for a stable product you can rely on, I would say closer to the end of the year.

I'm agonizing about getting an OTA vs waiting for D* to broadcast locals in HD. Is there ANY rumor even as to when the mpeg-4 DVR's will be available?

Thanks Mo..I think that solidifies my decision. I'll get the OTA installed and that way I won't have to "upgrade" to mpeg 4 until there's a significant change in the D*'s HD programming (i.e. Food network, etc.).

Is it a good or bad idea (if you don't want to use a splitter) to just run another line all the way to your antenna and connect it there?

Does it make a difference?

You do know that the new DVR will not be Tivo based too right? Also, the new one will be leased and the current one has to be returned (according to rumors).

Might as well be enjoying the locals now and have the antenna as a back up. I don't plan on upgrading right away since my locals are fine. Like you, it depends on what else they roll out.

Did you call D* to get Fox East added? At least you can get that via sat now. It's Ch 88. Changed my season pass from KTVI to Fox East.

Thanks Mo..I think that solidifies my decision. I'll get the OTA installed and that way I won't have to "upgrade" to mpeg 4 until there's a significant change in the D*'s HD programming (i.e. Food network, etc.).

All I know is I had D* run a separate, direct line with no diplexors in preparation for the new dish. How else would you connect it if not there? ;) Mine is from antenna to ground block where the other 4 cables are located (have 2 DVRs). Then into the house from there.

As I posted last week, had them come back out to ground the antenna too.

Maybe someone else can shed some more light on this.

Is it a good or bad idea (if you don't want to use a splitter) to just run another line all the way to your antenna and connect it there?

Does it make a difference?

Just installed the 5LNB today. I had to pull the trigger since I getting my basement finished off and wanted to run the wire now before the drywall goes in. Since I was not home when it was installed, I will let you know how it looks.

You do know that the new DVR will not be Tivo based too right? Also, the new one will be leased and the current one has to be returned (according to rumors).

Might as well be enjoying the locals now and have the antenna as a back up. I don't plan on upgrading right away since my locals are fine. Like you, it depends on what else they roll out.

Did you call D* to get Fox East added? At least you can get that via sat now. It's Ch 88. Changed my season pass from KTVI to Fox East.

Yes, I did know that....it's unfortunate. I've had Tivo for only a week now and I love it. But I think I'll enjoy any kind of DVR to be honest. I do have the Fox East feed, which good. The only network show I watch on a regular basis is 24 anyways.

When I upgrade to the 5 LNB dish and mpeg 4 DVR, I want to be able to use my own installer...will D* still give me the DVR for free and the dish for $99?

Joe, I too *love* BSG. Everytime I talk to D* I complain about how horrid it looks in SD. I'm going to send an email too. I'm such a fan I cannot wait to see it a year later on Universal HD. It's a terrible predicament. This past episode, "Downloaded", was one of the best of the season.

I listened to a podcast for the first time a couple of days ago. It filled in some gaps and explained some plot & editing decisions from producer Ron Moore. I'll start listening regularly after it airs. Here's the link: http://heh.pl/&2JO

I thought Friday night's episode was one of the best yet - what wonderful plot twists, each of which seems designed also to give actors the opportunity for even more dramatic range. And Sunday night's rerun just convinced me more of the value of the show. Repeat viewings are the best test of how well a show is made - if I discover new ideas and see character development over and above the initial viewing, I know it's a good show.

I haven't been this excited about a show since Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. For those of you who like good TV but avoided Buffy because of the vampire theme, do yourself a favor and try Buffy on DVD. I've never liked vampire films, so I was shocked how much I loved Buffy.

I have been using a Tivo since the first standalone version. I was shocked when I got a SD Hughes to see the grid version instead of the list version and about died before I realized I could change the default. I love the interface and based on what I have read, the new one sounds awful. I'll check it out but if I really hate it I'll wait for Series 3 reviews and decide then.

If you only watch 24 why are you going to get the upgrade? I'm getting the 5-LNB and DVR both free. That was part of my negotiation for getting the HD DVR now. They will probably require they install the sat. With the 5-LNB it requires more precise aiming. It will be free so why pay for someone else?


Yes, I did know that....it's unfortunate. I've had Tivo for only a week now and I love it. But I think I'll enjoy any kind of DVR to be honest. I do have the Fox East feed, which good. The only network show I watch on a regular basis is 24 anyways.

When I upgrade to the 5 LNB dish and mpeg 4 DVR, I want to be able to use my own installer...will D* still give me the DVR for free and the dish for $99?

PPV? I watched one for free.

Huh? I did not even try....duh.. :(

I have been using a Tivo since the first standalone version. I was shocked when I got a SD Hughes to see the grid version instead of the list version and about died before I realized I could change the default. I love the interface and based on what I have read, the new one sounds awful. I'll check it out but if I really hate it I'll wait for Series 3 reviews and decide then.

If you only watch 24 why are you going to get the upgrade? I'm getting the 5-LNB and DVR both free. That was part of my negotiation for getting the HD DVR now. They will probably require they install the sat. With the 5-LNB it requires more precise aiming. It will be free so why pay for someone else?

Well, 24 is the only network show that I watch regularly. Wife watches a few shows here and there, and I watch sports--basketball and football for the most part which will be on all the networks. But I would get the upgrade eventually in order to receive more HD programming in the future that would not be available on networks (like foodnetwork, HGTV, history channel). Till that stuff is available, as long as I would have the OTA, I wouldn't need the upgrade. But I wasn't sure that I wanted to spend the money on the OTA now if the upgrade was going to be available in just a few months.

As for my own installer, when I moved into my current house, I had originally asked DTV to arrange the installation. The guys never showed up and I was very unhappy overall. If I'm going to get something installed, I want to have control over it, and I want to be able to pick the right person to do it--as opposed to someone who may or may not know what they're doing. Free installation might be the price.

FYI,

for those of you wanting the D* HD Tivo before the $200 rebate ends tomorrow. I just bought one from 6th ave electronics for $417. After the $200 rebate and $150 instant credit from D*, the net cost is $67. This was a no brainer for me. Now I can continue to get the locals via antenna and continue to use the diplexers. If anyone wants the HD Tivo act now before the rebate ends and you will have to lease the box.

Scott

FYI,

for those of you wanting the D* HD Tivo before the $200 rebate ends tomorrow. I just bought one from 6th ave electronics for $417. After the $200 rebate and $150 instant credit from D*, the net cost is $67. This was a no brainer for me. Now I can continue to get the locals via antenna and continue to use the diplexers. If anyone wants the HD Tivo act now before the rebate ends and you will have to lease the box.

Scott

Is this a new $150 discount? I did a similar thing about a year ago and I don't want
to go into this thinking I will get another discount.

Is this a new $150 discount? I did a similar thing about a year ago and I don't want
to go into this thinking I will get another discount.

It is a discount just for asking for it. If you go through the rentetion dept. It all depends on which CSR you get. I have seen some people who get up to $250 instant credits. I could not get that much. I am going to call back when I go to install the new Tivo and ask for more discounts. Check out the tivo forums for more info on discounts.

Scott

I don't want to start a deal thread like the Tivo forums but here's how mine broke down. Been with D* little over 4 years.

$200 for DVR

- $99 install waived
-$14.95 shipping waived
-12 month programming credit of $10
-6 months free Showtime
-6 months HBO for $2
-3 months HD Channels
-OTA antenna/antenna install
Total $448.95
Minus $200 DVR cost
Came out $248 ahead in credits and programming.

Retention: 800.824.9081 Rumor has it that women CSRs are better at giving the better deals. I spoke to a woman at the Boise call center. SInce it's almost the deadline I don't know how generous they will be. Got mine January 23rd.

Tivo deal thead: http://heh.pl/&2JY

Yes, I'd call them back Scott.

It is a discount just for asking for it. If you go through the rentetion dept. It all depends on which CSR you get. I have seen some people who get up to $250 instant credits. I could not get that much. I am going to call back when I go to install the new Tivo and ask for more discounts. Check out the tivo forums for more info on discounts.

Scott

Does anyone have any information about this group?

http://www.moinnovation.org/

Did anyone else notice glitches tonight during '24'? The glitches I noticed were only sound and were barely noticable to the ear, but I did lok up and notice my receiver change status. I only noticed 3 glitches, the 1st 2 glitches were within the first 10 minutes of the show. The 3rd happened around 30 minutes in.

I just want to verify that this wasn't with my equipment, and I really did loose audio before I contact FOX, again.

Is anyone having poor signal problems on HGTV (channel 30) on Charter? I recorded a show tonight on my Moxi and it was so pixellated that it couldn't render a single frame. All of the other channels around it in the line up look okay, so it seems to be specific to that network.

Must be a bad night for HD.

KSDK-DT went "signal not found" during the last segment of Leno. Anyone else see the same thing?

Is it a good or bad idea (if you don't want to use a splitter) to just run another line all the way to your antenna and connect it there?

Does it make a difference?

ArcAAA -

I'll try to take a stab at this one. If you run another line to your antenna, you'd need a splitter to connect it there. So, it'd basically be the same thing. The difference would be that the closer the splitter was to the antenna, the less noise would be affecting the signal at that point.

But dimes to donuts it'd give you the same result.

- Good luck.

I noticed Charter is offering HD PPV movies tonight on their channel 791. This channel is usually reserved for special events like boxing. I checked the next seven days and they have NHL Center Ice on this channel.

Did I miss something? The movies are current PPV offerings like "War of the Worlds". Did anyone buy one and are they really HD? I never received a notice from Charter. I hope this is going to continue.


They also have NBA HD games. So, on this channel 791, they are offering for $3.99, HD Hockey, HD NBA B'Ball, and HD Movies. I have not ordered anything, but perhaps I will order a movie, soon.

Did anyone else notice glitches tonight during '24'? The glitches I noticed were only sound and were barely noticable to the ear, but I did lok up and notice my receiver change status. I only noticed 3 glitches, the 1st 2 glitches were within the first 10 minutes of the show. The 3rd happened around 30 minutes in.

I just want to verify that this wasn't with my equipment, and I really did loose audio before I contact FOX, again.

Yes, I noticed this too. Fox2 has been having issues lately, although this week's 24 episode seemed better than last week's. Just a few brief breakups this time. Maybe a handfull. My 622 DVR seems to handle these occurances well.

Must be a bad night for HD.

KSDK-DT went "signal not found" during the last segment of Leno. Anyone else see the same thing?

I didn't notice that, but I did notice that they forgot to flip the switch for about the first 3 minutes of Medium.

Yes, I noticed this too. Fox2 has been having issues lately, although this week's 24 episode seemed better than last week's. Just a few brief breakups this time. Maybe a handfull. My 622 DVR seems to handle these occurances well.

Same here with a few minor glitches. However, Skating with Celebrities was stunning. :D

Charter Reports 4Q Loss Unchanged from Year Earlier

The following story on Charter's 4Q results reporting is from TheStreet.com:
_________________________________________________________

Charter Communications' fourth-quarter loss was unchanged from a year ago, as the cable company's huge debt-service burden continued to slaughter the bottom line.

Charter lost $336 million, or $1.06 a share, in the quarter, compared with $339 million, or $1.12 a share, a year ago. The main contributor to the loss was a $456 million interest expense in the latest quarter, up from $443 million a year ago.

Four analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call produced a mean loss estimate of 85 cents a share for the most recent quarter.

Revenue rose 5.2% from a year ago to $1.34 billion, matching estimates, reflecting a 1.3% rise in video revenue to $850 million and a 16.7% jump in high-speed Internet to $237 million.

Charter's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization fell 4.1% from a year ago to $491 million, primarily due to a higher marketing expenditure, costs associated with improved customer service levels, and expenses related to revenue-generating unit growth.

The number of revenue-generating units, the main cable customer metric, rose by a net 133,400 in the quarter, the highest level in three years. Churn declined from a year ago, while the bad-debt expense for the fourth quarter and full year declined 9.6% and 17.2%, respectively, compared to 2004.

The company also disclosed two transactions to sell 549,000 revenue-generating units in Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois and Kentucky for $896 million.
_________________________________________________________

MO SB 816 - moinnovation.org

This bill would have the State of MO license all cable tv providers instead of the local municipalities. Basically, it would help SBC/ATT and others to enter local markets without having to deal with the local authorities and in our case provide direct competition for Charter.

jim

They also have NBA HD games. So, on this channel 791, they are offering for $3.99, HD Hockey, HD NBA B'Ball, and HD Movies. I have not ordered anything, but perhaps I will order a movie, soon.


I was able to see the movies in HD but no sound, picture quality of Madagascar and War of the Worlds was pretty good, HBO Cinemax quality yet no sound. When I hit the menu button I get no option to buy just watch or record. The boxing match did offer me the option of buying. I have never seen hockey or NBA, during those events I just get the colorful rainbow(TV spectrum graphic)

Arrgh...when I called retention, I couldn't get them to offer me anything. So I just got the 200 dollar rebate. I guess I should call back and ask for more!!!

Hello. This thread is way larger than I can actually look through at work, or in any period of time under 4 hours, so I will just ask what I was wondering. Does anyone have a CableCard with Charter on a TV that has TVGuide built into the tv? Are you having problems getting the tv guide to download like i have read in other threads?

Also, has anyone amplified their Charter signal coming into their house? What type of amplifier did you use? My signal is extremely weak, to the point that I cannot get PBS HD, so it needs to be amplified. For some reason I have a problem having charter come out and install an amplifier for $70 when i could easily do it myself.

Thanks.

Justin

Herm,

Can't help you with the TV Guide problem, but on the amplifier you need to hold Charter's feet to the fire.

If signal strength is an issue, they should fix it without you reaching into your pocket. Maybe you've already done this, but Charter should test your signal and determine why the power level isn't sufficient. Unless you're living in a very large house and you have several long runs of coax, this should not be a problem and should not cost you a dime.

On the other hand, if you are living in said very large house, nice going... :D

Justin

Unless you have a large load (many TV's), I would think that the weak signal would be a Charter problem. Digital signals should be, you got it, or you don't got it, so I would complain to Charter about their signal.

If you end up with an amp, make sure it is 2 way or you will be getting your box changed or reset every month.

Walt

Hello. This thread is way larger than I can actually look through at work, or in any period of time under 4 hours, so I will just ask what I was wondering.

Just an FYI, up near the top of the page is a 'Search' drop down that will allow you to search the thread for keywords. Most times, people are happy to respond, I was just letting you know about it if you didn't see it.

Welcome!

My house is not extremely large, though it would be nice if it were. It is just a one story with a basement. I believe that the wiring is a mess, i.e. split a couple of times and much more cable than is needed. I will probably try and re-run most of it and see if that helps out the strength.

I think they should pay for it as well, but they seem to think I should be the one fronting the bill. The tech that was out yesterday to install HD said that I should get an amp, which i agree with him on maybe, and have them re-run the drops to all my rooms, which I will never pay someone to do for me. Personally I think they are just trying to get a bunch of money from me. I have been looking at the bi-directional amplifiers at Radio Shack and will probably just try one of those if rewiring doesn't help and I can't get Charter to do it for free.

In other news, I never noticed the "Search the Thread" button. That is really handy. I think this is the first time I have ever seen that on a forum. Sweet.

Thanks for the welcome. I have been lurking around the forums for a while now, mostly looking at reviews of LCD TVs to help decide my next purchase, and decided I should start contributing to the community that has given me a bunch of valuable information. Thanks for having me and it is always nice to be had.

Anyone else have an idea about the CableCard / TVGuide thing?

I believe that the wiring is a mess, i.e. split a couple of times and much more cable than is needed. I will probably try and re-run most of it and see if that helps out the strength.

Who installed the wiring in the first place? If it was Charter, then it's still their problem if you're getting new HD service. Even if they didn't install it originally, if you're upgrading your service, then it's all on them to get the signal correct at least to the main TV as Doug and Aspec already mentioned.

Squeaky wheel usually gets the grease. I'd call them everyday and tell them that their signal looks bad and you don't want to pay for it until they fix it.

In response to the bill to allow state level agreements for cable...

In Texas, when Verizon and AT&T came into the market, Charter dropped their rates 30% to keep customers and stay in the playing field. Given that fact, I say bring it on I want more competition to drive prices down and give us a better selection.

I have been without CBS-HD for two days now over Charter. Is this part of their "sun allignment" problem?

ArcAAA -

I'll try to take a stab at this one. If you run another line to your antenna, you'd need a splitter to connect it there. So, it'd basically be the same thing. The difference would be that the closer the splitter was to the antenna, the less noise would be affecting the signal at that point.

But dimes to donuts it'd give you the same result.

- Good luck.

Actually, I just used another 300 to 75 Ohm adapter so I didn't need a splitter. So I've got two 300-75 ohm adapters, one for each line. I was just wondering if this was a good idea or not. It eliminates a splitter, but I didn't know if it would cause other problems.

Is Idol in HD a choppy mess on Charter for anyone else tonight?

NCIS tonight is not in HD. Does anyone know why? Is it just a matter of the "switch" being flipped, as I've sometimes heard? Does anyone know who to contact about this?

OK, now it is in HD nevermind.

deuces,

I actually set up NCIS to record this evening, and noticed the same thing. So much for that plan...

BTW, I watched 2.5 last night and the picture quality was below average (IMO). The main problem seems to be that CBS (or the director of the show) is purposely crushing the blacks, and along with an overly dark-looking picture it's also causing major color issues.

Not sure why this happens on CBS and why it seems to effect some shows and not others. I've seen 2.5 look good in the past, but last night it was crummy. There's no reason not to get this stuff right, but at least it's happening with a sitcom rather than something more interesting, such as CSI.

BTW, the Sunday night repeat of the "Tarrantino" CSI episode looked excellent and was fun to watch, even as a repeat.

Thanks for the info Doug. I have last night's 2.5 recorded. I will take a look at it and see if I can tell what you are talking about. Also if you continued to record NCIS, I just flipped over to check it and it is in HD now. I am recording it as well so I don't know how much of the episode was SD and how much HD. Is this just a matter of someone at the station forgetting to flip a switch as I have heard?

Actually, I just used another 300 to 75 Ohm adapter so I didn't need a splitter. So I've got two 300-75 ohm adapters, one for each line. I was just wondering if this was a good idea or not. It eliminates a splitter, but I didn't know if it would cause other problems.

Arc - In that case, I'm curious to know what you discover.

Is Idol in HD a choppy mess on Charter for anyone else tonight?
Much better than weeks past on OTA...only a very few brief pixels tonight.

Thanks for the info Doug. I have last night's 2.5 recorded. I will take a look at it and see if I can tell what you are talking about. Also if you continued to record NCIS, I just flipped over to check it and it is in HD now. I am recording it as well so I don't know how much of the episode was SD and how much HD. Is this just a matter of someone at the station forgetting to flip a switch as I have heard?


Watched 2.5 last night and I thought it was too red. Like someone else said previously it seems that this show always has a red tint to it. It is either that or the red push on my MIT Widescreen.

Arc - In that case, I'm curious to know what you discover.

Well, after doing a lot of fine tuning, I was able to get all the normal digital channels (2, 4 , 5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 30, 46) 46 was the second lowest at 70% signal strength. 14 barely comes in at all. This was using one line of RG6 connected to a few year old middle of the line radio shack VHF/UHF antenna.

The problem was, if I used a splitter, I lost signal strength. Most noticeably on UPN 46.

So I ran another home run of RG6 all the way to the antenna's two wing nuts were the 300 to 75 ohm adapter is and I put another adapter on.

Now is where it gets complicated. My Vizio HDTV does not have a Signal meter so I used a seperate HD box for that. I adjusted for the best signal I could get and took that tuner back. So now I have no way of knowing how much signal I'm loosing.

Anyway, after running the extra RG6 line, I lost channel 14. A very weak station to begin with. But I didn't want to loose anything. So, next I'm going to unhook the extra line and see if channel 14 comes back. If it does, I might just get a seperate UHF antenna (I tried the CM 8-Bay but it's too directional) since I still want analog too, at least for now.

This past Sunday, Doug (DropTheRemote) went to my son's house to calibrate his 2 Panasonic 42" Plasma panels.

In a word....Amazing.

If you've ever considered having your display(s) calibrated, you absolutely should.
If you've never considered it, you have no idea what you're missing.

Clint (my son) had purchased the 2 plasma's at BB about 8 months ago. They were a close-out of last years model. He paid 5k for both, installed, and he was very happy with the purchase. So he thought. Much the same as many HDTV buyers experience, once he had them installed, and played around with the adjustments, he would tell me my 5 year-old Sony's have a better picture than his brand-new plasma's.

About 3 months ago, I got to see them for the first time, and he was right, the Sony's did have a better picture. Given, I am nothing close to an authority on video, but when I saw the PQ, even I knew something was not right.
I checked his settings, cables, and connections, which were all fine.

I contacted Doug and asked him to call Clint. I'm sure most can tell by his writings and contributions here, what his level of expertise is. He truly is a master at his craft.

He arrived at 1PM Sunday, went right to work, explained everything to Clint, addressed all of his very basic questions in that way, only he can. I got there around 1:20, and he already had all his connections set up on the first panel.
When he first got there, I believe his description of the PQ was "all over the place."
Several hours later those panels were like looking at an image through glass.
Since Sunday, Clint's roommate, girlfriend, and several friends, all of whom had seen the TV's previously, have seen them since the calibration. He told me everyone has the same reaction when he turns on something in HD.....wide-eyed and dropped mouths!

With the 2 panels being identical, Doug was able to fully calibrate the first, and then copy the settings to the 2nd. Had Doug told him the final cost was the amount previously agreed for both panels, Clint would have written the check, no questions asked. Instead, being the professional he is, Doug adjusted the cost of the 2nd panel accordingly with the reduced time he needed to spend on it.

Safe to say, Doug will be calibrating my displays after we move this summer.

Thanks Doug....great job sir!

This past Sunday, Doug (DropTheRemote) went to my son's house to calibrate his 2 Panasonic 42" Plasma panels.

In a word....Amazing.

If you've ever considered having your display(s) calibrated, you absolutely should.
If you've never considered it, you have no idea what you're missing.

Clint (my son) had purchased the 2 plasma's at BB about 8 months ago. They were a close-out of last years model. He paid 5k for both, installed, and he was very happy with the purchase. So he thought. Much the same as many HDTV buyers experience, once he had them installed, and played around with the adjustments, he would tell me my 5 year-old Sony's have a better picture than his brand-new plasma's.

About 3 months ago, I got to see them for the first time, and he was right, the Sony's did have a better picture. Given, I am nothing close to an authority on video, but when I saw the PQ, even I knew something was not right.
I checked his settings, cables, and connections, which were all fine.

I contacted Doug and asked him to call Clint. I'm sure most can tell by his writings and contributions here, what his level of expertise is. He truly is a master at his craft.

He arrived at 1PM Sunday, went right to work, explained everything to Clint, addressed all of his very basic questions in that way, only he can. I got there around 1:20, and he already had all his connections set up on the first panel.
When he first got there, I believe his description of the PQ was "all over the place."
Several hours later those panels were like looking at an image through glass.
Since Sunday, Clint's roommate, girlfriend, and several friends, all of whom had seen the TV's previously, have seen them since the calibration. He told me everyone has the same reaction when he turns on something in HD.....wide-eyed and dropped mouths!

With the 2 panels being identical, Doug was able to fully calibrate the first, and then copy the settings to the 2nd. Had Doug told him the final cost was the amount previously agreed for both panels, Clint would have written the check, no questions asked. Instead, being the professional he is, Doug adjusted the cost of the 2nd panel accordingly with the reduced time he needed to spend on it.

Safe to say, Doug will be calibrating my displays after we move this summer.

Thanks Doug....great job sir!

And you won't find anyone today with a better work ethic. Nuff said.

News Corp Executive Calls HDTV Owners 'Desperate'

It seems to me, damage control is required here, and the only damage control that's going to mean much is more HD programming without fees going up.

The following is from today's TVPredictions.com newsletter:
______________________________________________________

News Corp. President and COO Peter Cherin told a financial conference yesterday that his company is talking to cable and satellite operators about charging $25-30 to watch a movie in HDTV 60 days after its theatrical release.

Asked if the cost seemed high, The Hollywood Reporter quotes Cherin as saying that high-def owners would be "desperate consumers" because there is relatively little HDTV programming available on cable and satellite.

Well, who's fault is that?

Cherin's company is the controlling owner of DIRECTV, the nation's largest satellite TV service. However, DIRECTV has added only one high-def channel (TNT HD) in the last several months. Many DIRECTV owners have written me urging the satcaster to add more HD channels, such as Cinemax HD, Starz HD, MHD (MTV's new high-def network) and many others.

But it would seem that News Corp. executives are now more interested in price gouging than providing an affordable and diverse lineup of high-def programming. In their view, if they can keep high-def owners 'desperate,' then they will pay almost anything to watch a new video release in HD.

However, I predict that News Corp.'s scheme will fail miserably. High-def owners want more HD programming, but they won't be taken advantage of to get it.
______________________________________________________

To read the Hollywood Reporter story on Cherin's address, click here. (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002076585)

Ken,

Thanks for the nice review and feedback on the work I did on Clint's displays. It's great to hear that Clint's enjoyng the results and that his friends appreciate the difference they're seeing.

News Corp Executive Calls HDTV Owners 'Desperate'

It seems to me, damage control is required here, and the only damage control that's going to mean much is more HD programming without fees going up.

The following is from today's TVPredictions.com newsletter:
______________________________________________________

... quotes Cherin as saying that high-def owners would be "desperate consumers" because there is relatively little HDTV programming available on cable and satellite....Upon hearing this, I am definitely going to wait before changing my D* HDTivo to the new boxes supporting local HD channels. I can get those OTA, so I see no reason to upgrade unless there are new HD channels I want & they can only be had with MPEG4 equipment. But if D* plans to gouge me for them I will look elsewhere. I have no intention of paying higher fees for overcompressed content.

Not to mention the new TNT-HD channel seems to me to be much ado about nothing. I turned on Armegeddon the other night and it was nothing but standard definition fullframe content streched to widescreen. My old non-anamorphic DVD looks ten times better than that crap.

dwette,

I have to agree with you on TNT. I set up my HD-TiVo to record several HD movies and even on those occasions where the movie is in HD the experience has been completely disappointing, due to the constant commeciial interruptions and seemingly endless parade of obtrusive onscreen graphics promoting upcoming TNT programming.

I appreciate that TNT has value for NBA fans and (I guess) motor racing fans, but for me it's far and away the most worthless source of HD programming out there.

Don't forget that TNT "tomahawk chops" or stretches all content to 16:9. So even when they do show a good film (recently it was one of the Matrix films) it was hacked to death by the cropping.

Cheers,

kdg454, thanks for posting. I am getting my Samsung DLP calibrated tomorrow. Already had Doug look at it to make sure it's a "keeper". I can't wait to see the transformation. :)

I appreciate that TNT has value for ... and (I guess) motor racing fans.Only if you like NASCAR. I don't think TNT covers anything else.

For those of us who like other motorsports (you know the real ones, where they know how to turn) NASCAR has become something very evil. I love other series and now they are beginning to disappear from SPEED (for example) because it's now owned by FOX and they are using it to prop up NASCAR. World Rally Championship is the latest victim. Us fans now have no way to see that sport on TV. Other channels also seem loathe to cover other motorsports becuase they aren't the media show of NASCAR. I hate NASCAR. I just really hate it. It's just another dumb excuse to drink beer IMHO. Did I mention I hate NASCAR?

My apologies to NASCAR fans here. I just had to rant. :(
I will hand it to the NASCAR organiztion, they do know how to promote and suck everyone into it.

kdg454, thanks for posting. I am getting my Samsung DLP calibrated tomorrow. Already had Doug look at it to make sure it's a "keeper". I can't wait to see the transformation. :)


Let us know how it goes Mo.

dwette,

I have to agree with you on TNT. I set up my HD-TiVo to record several HD movies and even on those occasions where the movie is in HD the experience has been completely disappointing, due to the constant commeciial interruptions and seemingly endless parade of obtrusive onscreen graphics promoting upcoming TNT programming.

I appreciate that TNT has value for NBA fans and (I guess) motor racing fans, but for me it's far and away the most worthless source of HD programming out there.


Eventually, maybe, perhaps, Charter will add another HD channel. Based on these reviews, I hope its not TNT-HD.

I enjoy NASCAR. I also watch the IRL and Champ Car. The problem I have with the open
wheel cars is that they are so much of a computer on wheels. You can have 33 cars start
an event and only 15 cars finish because of mundane problems. In NASCAR, those vehicles
can take a hit and keep on going. And just so we are clear, NASCAR is more than just
Nextel Cup, it is also the Busch Series, all of the Grand National Series, and the truck Series.

HD NET does the Grand National Divisions and those races are good, too.

Also the problem I have with watching the F1 is that it always seems that the picture is
from overseas........I can't stand that...CLEAN UP THE PICTURE.

But I totally agree about TNT-HD. What a worthless channel.

Upon hearing this, I am definitely going to wait before changing my D* HDTivo to the new boxes supporting local HD channels. I can get those OTA, so I see no reason to upgrade unless there are new HD channels I want & they can only be had with MPEG4 equipment. But if D* plans to gouge me for them I will look elsewhere. I have no intention of paying higher fees for overcompressed content.

Not to mention the new TNT-HD channel seems to me to be much ado about nothing. I turned on Armegeddon the other night and it was nothing but standard definition fullframe content streched to widescreen. My old non-anamorphic DVD looks ten times better than that crap.

Ditto on TNT-HD. I've had it a long time as a Dish sub, but I barely bother to glance at the guide. So disappointed have I been, yes.

I smoke cigagrettes. I admit it's a nasty habit but that's where I'm at right now. I know my TV is accumulating a layer of nicotine. Nicotine is rather sticky so using a damp lint-free cloth isn't going to cut it. It would just smear it around.

Suggestions for a cleaner that won't harm or just smear the sreen? It's a DLP.

Edit: I'd rather get something someone has tried instead of buying something and hoping for the best.

Thanks!

I recommend Lenscrafters standard eyeglass cleaning solution, along with their tissues.

Mind you, these aren't cheap -- figure on $10 for a box of approximately 50 tissues and $10 for something on the order of an 6-ounce bottle of cleaning solution. Make sure you get the bottles with the spray applicator.

News Corp Executive Calls HDTV Owners 'Desperate'

It seems to me, damage control is required here, and the only damage control that's going to mean much is more HD programming without fees going up.

The following is from today's TVPredictions.com newsletter:
______________________________________________________

News Corp. President and COO Peter Cherin told a financial conference yesterday that his company is talking to cable and satellite operators about charging $25-30 to watch a movie in HDTV 60 days after its theatrical release.

Asked if the cost seemed high, The Hollywood Reporter quotes Cherin as saying that high-def owners would be "desperate consumers" because there is relatively little HDTV programming available on cable and satellite.

Well, who's fault is that?

Cherin's company is the controlling owner of DIRECTV, the nation's largest satellite TV service. However, DIRECTV has added only one high-def channel (TNT HD) in the last several months. Many DIRECTV owners have written me urging the satcaster to add more HD channels, such as Cinemax HD, Starz HD, MHD (MTV's new high-def network) and many others.

But it would seem that News Corp. executives are now more interested in price gouging than providing an affordable and diverse lineup of high-def programming. In their view, if they can keep high-def owners 'desperate,' then they will pay almost anything to watch a new video release in HD.

However, I predict that News Corp.'s scheme will fail miserably. High-def owners want more HD programming, but they won't be taken advantage of to get it.
______________________________________________________

To read the Hollywood Reporter story on Cherin's address, click here. (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002076585)

Corporate execs at the media companies never cease to amaze me. We're not nearly as stupid as they believe. All they have to do is offer good products at reasonable prices and people will buy. Witness DVD. Prices like that will never fly.

Not cheap, but neither are cigarettes! Probably no more cost than some solution marketed for TVs.

Thanks.

I recommend Lenscrafters standard eyeglass cleaning solution, along with their tissues.

Mind you, these aren't cheap -- figure on $10 for a box of approximately 50 tissues and $10 for something on the order of an 6-ounce bottle of cleaning solution. Make sure you get the bottles with the spray applicator.

I just sent some hate mail to mailto:tnt@turner.com in regards to the content on TNT.

I know it doesn't do any good, but when ESPNHD came online to DirecTV they had more
subscribers and these new subscribes moaned enough and they changed their stretch-o-vision.

I also sent an email to Universal to compliment them on their Olympic Hockey coverage.

After the recent MPEG4 upgrades, I ended up with 2 of the Dish 301 standard receivers. Apparently I own them. They were the free receivers provided from the original install.
Dish does not want them back, and I have no use for them either.
Before I pitch them, just thought I'd ask if anyone here wants them. Yours for the asking, drop me a note.
Perfect condition, clear with cards and remotes....and priced right...Free!

Mo,
I use those anti-static wipes (usually found in computer sections) on all my displays, RP & LCD. Work great.

I smoke cigagrettes. I admit it's a nasty habit but that's where I'm at right now. I know my TV is accumulating a layer of nicotine. Nicotine is rather sticky so using a damp lint-free cloth isn't going to cut it. It would just smear it around.

Suggestions for a cleaner that won't harm or just smear the sreen? It's a DLP.

Edit: I'd rather get something someone has tried instead of buying something and hoping for the best.

Thanks!
try http://store.klearscreen.com/index_new.php

I smoke cigagrettes. I admit it's a nasty habit but that's where I'm at right now. I know my TV is accumulating a layer of nicotine. Nicotine is rather sticky so using a damp lint-free cloth isn't going to cut it. It would just smear it around.

Suggestions for a cleaner that won't harm or just smear the sreen? It's a DLP.

Edit: I'd rather get something someone has tried instead of buying something and hoping for the best.

Thanks!

Mo, I love you. You are more concerned with the DLP than your own lungs. Believe me, I understand the addiction having smoked for many many years, and recently spending around 9K in 3 years on Nicorette. What a nasty addiction. I use Monster Cable's screen cleaning solution. Spray it on and it doesn't drip like others.

Scott

Bestbuy has the HD Tivo for $499 now.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6338929&type=product&id=1076627785569

Scott

I really only use LOL when I truly have laughed out loud. You guys crack me up.

I do plan on quitting. In my social circle, being the only smoker, I was a a pariah . Here, everyone in my family smokes. It's going to be a challenge.

Mo, I love you. You are more concerned with the DLP than your own lungs. Believe me, I understand the addiction having smoked for many many years, and recently spending around 9K in 3 years on Nicorette. What a nasty addiction. I use Monster Cable's screen cleaning solution. Spray it on and it doesn't drip like others.

Scott

The D* installer just showed up to my house to put in the HD-Tivo and move my SD Tivo to the second TV. I don't think he knows what he is doing . . . he says I don't need to worry about the antenna he is installing picking up all the locals because they already come in through the dish. I explained to him that he is installing that antenna to pick up the digital locals and that it DOES matter if they all come in.

He is also installing some sort of powered 4 x 8? splitter in the crawlspace and now I have to run an extension cord down there to make it work. Does that sound right?

I hope this goes well . . .

-Mike

Mo, I love you. You are more concerned with the DLP than your own lungs. Believe me, I understand the addiction having smoked for many many years, and recently spending around 9K in 3 years on Nicorette. What a nasty addiction....
I quit a year ago went thru 1 box of (100) Nicorette gum. I wanted a new car and the wife said I could only get her blessing to buy it if I quit smoking. It was a win-win deal for me.

Dean

. . . he says I don't need to worry about the antenna he is installing picking up all the locals because they already come in through the dish.

He is also installing some sort of powered 4 x 8? splitter in the crawlspace and now I have to run an extension cord down there to make it work. Does that sound right?
-Mike

You will definitely need the OTA antenna for HD locals (aside from Fox which you can get from Sat).
The 4 X 8 splitter makes sense but not the antenna story ;)

Good luck,
Token

You will definitely need the OTA antenna for HD locals (aside from Fox which you can get from Sat).
The 4 X 8 splitter makes sense but not the antenna story ;)

Good luck,
Token

Yeah, the antenna story was crazy. Maybe I misunderstood him. In any case, I'm in O'Fallon, IL and he's installing what looks like a DB2 antenna. Antennaweb says that should work okay. Does anyone in the area have one? How does it work?

-Mike

I quit a year ago went thru 1 box of (100) Nicorette gum. I wanted a new car and the wife said I could only get her blessing to buy it if I quit smoking. It was a win-win deal for me.

Dean

I quit the Nicorette about 5 months ago. I have now saved $1250. I now invest the $250 month in poker. My goal is to win enough this year to buy a car next year with cash.

Scott

I have one. It has to aimed well and perhaps tweaked to get all 4 networks. Don't worry about Fox since it's on sat. Make sure the other 3 look good. Can't go off signal strength alone. Make sure it's mounted high.

If there is still time, ask him to run the OTA cable directly and to NOT use diplexors since you need a straight run for the new stuff later.

EDIT: Make sure he shows you where everything is grounded. The first guy here didn't ground mine. Make sure he breaks out the green colored spool of wire.

Good luck with it.

Yeah, the antenna story was crazy. Maybe I misunderstood him. In any case, I'm in O'Fallon, IL and he's installing what looks like a DB2 antenna. Antennaweb says that should work okay. Does anyone in the area have one? How does it work?

-Mike

Thanks, Mo. The first thing I made him do was show me the ground. He is also going to run the OTA cable direct as you suggested. He is also mounting it to the top of my single story roof. I can pick up all channels on my indoor antenna - I just can't pick up more that 3 out of 4 at a time - so I'm optimistic that the outdoor antenna will do the job.

Thanks for the advice.

-Mike

I was talking with a Charter rep today and he mentioned something interesting. He said at the end of March, HD channel 791 will be showing HD NHL and NBA games for free. I am not sure if this is for all HD subscribers, or more likely for those who subscribe to the NHL Center Ice, but I just wanted to pass that tidbit of information along.

I was talking with a Charter rep today and he mentioned something interesting. He said at the end of March, HD channel 791 will be showing HD NHL and NBA games for free. I am not sure if this is for all HD subscribers, or more likely for those who subscribe to the NHL Center Ice, but I just wanted to pass that tidbit of information along.

I was actually wondering about this--if , for example, they will be showing MLB HD games, and they are free if you subscribe to the MLB package--I would probably subscribe, just to get an HD game everynight. I wanted to call Charter to ask, but I figured this channel, and my inquiry, would be way above the knowledge of the typical CSR.

Example: I did have to call today on a billing issue. I asked about any new HD channels. The CSR first said yes--CBS. I said, we have had that for at least a year. Then she said, FOX HD. I said, we've had that for at least a year, as well. She then said--"so you were able to watch the superbowl in HD"? I then said, do you mean , ABC HD? She said, "yes--we are definetly getting that channel, I just don't know when". Of course, by the time she said that, she had so little crediblity, as not to even be believable.

That's too funny, predictable, but funny. It's easy to see why Charter lost $336 million during the last quarter.

I saw a quotation today that I've seen many times before, but it reminded me of Charter, so I thought I'd pass it along here:

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but confidently expecting that the results will be different."

Seriously, how hard would it be for Charter CSRs to actually know the content of their products? If I were "king of Charter," I'd insist on quarterly product tests of all phone staff, and I'd make their continued employment contingent on a certain level of results.

There's no excuse for the fact that nothing changes at Charter. If the new CEO at Charter is actually spending more money on customer service, someone at Charter Commons should form a search party and find out where it's going.

I know a manager inside the IT shop at charter. I am going to ask him what they hear about their service, CSR's, etc...

MoInSTL-

Seeing as how you are a regular poster, please allow me to make a request. When you reply with a quote, it would be much easier to follow if you leave the quote at the top & your response underneath it.

Oh, & good luck kicking the habit... :D

I know a manager inside the IT shop at charter. I am going to ask him what they hear about their service, CSR's, etc...What will THAT accomplish?

Sort of like asking members of the Charles Manson cult if they thought they were good neighbors. :eek:

Funny, I got an email back saying they hear the same thing about the CSR's. But what do they care, they all get all their service for free.....

Not sure how much interest there will be initially, but I think momentum will build for the World Baseball Classic, which starts in the next couple of days.

FWIW, DirecTV does not offer ESPN Desportes, which is carrying most of the live coverage of the early rounds. Not sure why DirecTV doesn't offer this channel, particularly when they have a significant international package, but when I spoke with a CSR at DirecTV earlier today she seemed pretty certain that this channel is not available.

Here's a TV schedule for all of the games, for anyone interested:

http://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/schedule/index.jsp?mc=television&sid=wbc

MoInSTL-

Seeing as how you are a regular poster, please allow me to make a request. When you reply with a quote, it would be much easier to follow if you leave the quote at the top & your response underneath it.

Oh, & good luck kicking the habit... :D

I can do that. I have not been consistent. Thanks for the heads up.

I saw a quotation today that I've seen many times before, but it reminded me of Charter, so I thought I'd pass it along here:

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but confidently expecting that the results will be different."

Seriously, how hard would it be for Charter CSRs to actually know the content of their products? If I were "king of Charter," I'd insist on quarterly product tests of all phone staff, and I'd make their continued employment contingent on a certain level of results.

There's no excuse for the fact that nothing changes at Charter. If the new CEO at Charter is actually spending more money on customer service, someone at Charter Commons should form a search party and find out where it's going.

Funny, that is also the classic definition of an alcoholic, drug addict, etc.

The difference is a Crack addict can change. Charter can't.

Scott

I know a manager inside the IT shop at charter. I am going to ask him what they hear about their service, CSR's, etc...

I have worked with some folks from the IT side of Charter. They run the ISP and don't deal with the video. When I worked at ATT I did the same, we ran the ISP which travered the same cable as the video but never talked to the CSRs or techs on the video side.

Thank god I no longer have to deal with that junk.

Is it gone? I know losing a network affiliation was a blow, but aren't they required for it to be operational, right?

I'm mean they really we're showing anything in HD anyway. St. Louis was one of the few markets that never saw Enterprise in HD, and we can't see Veronica Mars or Everybody Hate's Chris in HD either.

Did I mention HD was the only way I got a bearable picture from UPN46? :rolleyes:

I suppose that problem will solve itself in August.

OK, first I have to apologize for not paying attention. I first record shows in HD that my wife and I both watch, then record shows in HD for me that have no conflict. Because I have a E* 942 I can only record one local HD program at a time. I watch Lost she doesn't, we both watch Criminal Minds. Therefore I record Criminal Minds in HD and Lost in SD. Tonight I decided to record Lost in HD, because everyone has talked about how great it is. However when I set up the timer it went until 9:05. Meaning that it not only conflicted with Criminal Minds, but also with CSI NY. Is this always the case? Does Lost always go to 5 past the hour? If so that is BS, ABC is ruining our chance to watch Lost and something else.

I quit the Nicorette about 5 months ago. I have now saved $1250. I now invest the $250 month in poker. My goal is to win enough this year to buy a car next year with cash.

Scott
Not spending all that money on smokes is great. I spend my savings driving at the race track. :) Not smoking definitely feels better too. I just about never think about it anymore.

Dish will launch HD locals in 7 more US cities tomorrow, bringing the total, now to 12.
STL is one of the 50 markets to be launched this year, which Dish began on Feb 1st.
Speculative on my part, yes, but with nearly 25% completion in the first 30 days, STL should be in the next launch, or one after. Could very well be this month :D

Dueces, once you get your 622, you'll be able to record 3 HD events at the same time. Also, with what we were talking about earlier today, another good reason to hang on to the 942. That would take your total to 5.

Now, if that's not happily-ever-after, I don't know what is ;)

When the TV Picture Runs to Triple Digits
---------------------------------------------------

From tomorrow's Circuits in the NYTimes:

When it comes to watching television, it seems bigger is always better.

So why settle for a pipsqueak 50-inch plasma television or one of those modestly sized 65-inch rear projection TV's when you can get something truly gigantic?

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/02/technology/circuits/02basics.html

jim

I may have missed this, but has anyone here, read, or heard of any plans for Netflix to be handling he new Blu Ray and HD DVD titles?

ken

I may have missed this, but has anyone here, read, or heard of any plans for Netflix to be handling he new Blu Ray and HD DVD titles?

ken

I seem to recall Doug (?) posted Netflix will carry both.

There's been a lot of talk here the last few days about HD locals and how if you have DirecTV, you already get Fox HD through the dish.

It should be pointed out that's not quite accurate. DirecTV subscribers get WNYW, the Fox New York station. Same Fox network programming, but New York news instead of local. And when football season rolls around again, this channel will likely be showing the New York Giants instead of the Rams.

Since *D's new MPEG-4 boxes will make diplexers unusable, and since I don't plan to completely rerun my antenna cables until I absolutely have to, I'll be pulling KTVI-DT from my antenna for a long time to come.

There's been a lot of talk here the last few days about HD locals and how if you have DirecTV, you already get Fox HD through the dish.

It should be pointed out that's not quite accurate. DirecTV subscribers get WNYW, the Fox New York station. Same Fox network programming, but New York news instead of local. And when football season rolls around again, this channel will likely be showing the New York Giants instead of the Rams.

Since *D's new MPEG-4 boxes will make diplexers unusable, and since I don't plan to completely rerun my antenna cables until I absolutely have to, I'll be pulling KTVI-DT from my antenna for a long time to come.

For football fans this is worth noting. For me, I like having it as a back-up. I think it adds flexibility and when I was having antenna problems Fox East was a working option. I kept my season passes on it as it seems to not have the problems KTVI has had.

You don't automatically get Fox East. You have to call and request it be added.

What is the local channel the Cardinals games are on? Also KTVI?

When the TV Picture Runs to Triple Digits
---------------------------------------------------

From tomorrow's Circuits in the NYTimes:

When it comes to watching television, it seems bigger is always better.

So why settle for a pipsqueak 50-inch plasma television or one of those modestly sized 65-inch rear projection TV's when you can get something truly gigantic?

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/02/technology/circuits/02basics.html

jim

Front Projection may not be the only option

http://www.i4u.com/article4860.html

Panasonic announced a prototype of a 103 inch plasma display panel (PDP) with 1080p(progressive) HDTV resolution at the CES 2006.

The Panasonic Plasma tops the Samsung 102 inch Plasma by 1 inch - congratulations - Now when can we buy it?

Panasonic says there are numerous technical challenges in making plasma panels that are larger than 100 inches measured diagonally while maintaining stable discharge and high picture quality across the entire surface of the panel. Panasonic has overcome these technical hurdles by developing a new rib (A “rib” divides each gas cell and prevents interference between adjacent cells to produce clear images) and phosphor for these super large panels.

The panel incorporates Panasonic’s 1080p HD high-speed pixel drive. The same high-speed pixel drive is used in the TH-65PX500 65-inch 1080p Plasma TV. The contrast ratio is 3000:1.

What is the local channel the Cardinals games are on? Also KTVI?

KPLR will show most of the local games. KTVI will have FOX weekend games.

KPLR will show most of the local games. KTVI will have FOX weekend games.
Unless its changed from years past, for the most part, KPLR only airs weekend games, Sat & Sun, unless FOX Sports picks up a weekend game, on their National/Regional, and then it is on KTVI.
The majority of Cardinals games, home and away, are televised on FOXMW.

...You don't automatically get Fox East. You have to call and request it be added....
You should have it if you subscribe to the HD package. I never had to request it be added. It just appeared when they added it to the lineup.

Great, my favorite topic. Cardinal baseball. In looking at the schedule you are correct it will be the same as in the past kdg. Typically weeknight games will be on FSN and weekend games on KPLR. Unless ESPN or FOX picks up games.

Quite some time ago I had emailed KPLR to ask about Cardinal baseball in HD this coming year. At that time they had no info yet. Today I replied to their answer looking for an update. I received the following reply: "At this time we are planning to broadcast 10 games in HD. The specific games have not been determined."

I am planning to ask FSN the same question.

Front Projection may not be the only option

http://www.i4u.com/article4860.html

Panasonic announced a prototype of a 103 inch plasma display panel (PDP) with 1080p(progressive) HDTV resolution at the CES 2006.

The Panasonic Plasma tops the Samsung 102 inch Plasma by 1 inch - congratulations - Now when can we buy it?

Panasonic says there are numerous technical challenges in making plasma panels that are larger than 100 inches measured diagonally while maintaining stable discharge and high picture quality across the entire surface of the panel. Panasonic has overcome these technical hurdles by developing a new rib (A “rib” divides each gas cell and prevents interference between adjacent cells to produce clear images) and phosphor for these super large panels.

The panel incorporates Panasonic’s 1080p HD high-speed pixel drive. The same high-speed pixel drive is used in the TH-65PX500 65-inch 1080p Plasma TV. The contrast ratio is 3000:1.

The problem with a 103" plasma display is that it costs $10,000,000 and weighs 10,000,000 pounds. Well, maybe not, but it might just as well. Plasma has gotten cheaper lately, but it still has low bang for the buck (high dollar cost for screen real estate) compared to front projection.

I am planning to ask FSN the same question.
Also ask when FOXMW-HD is going to be available on D* and E*.

Also ask when FOXMW-HD is going to be available on D* and E*.


I will, but should we be asking FOXMW that question or D* and E*?

You should have it if you subscribe to the HD package. I never had to request it be added. It just appeared when they added it to the lineup.

Hmm, well then D* goofed when activating the HD package. But I was almost positive it required a call since we have FOX KTVI here.

Doug or anyone with an idea,

Just wondering if you have an idea in the difference in cost to produce a baseball game in SD and in HD?

Doug or anyone with an idea,

Just wondering if you have an idea in the difference in cost to produce a baseball game in SD and in HD?

That difference is getting smaller all the time. The problem is building up an HD infrastructure. There are lots of SD trucks and facilities out there, not so many HD. Right now it's supply and demand. Fewer HD trucks means higher cost for the HD coverage.

The same dynamic rules across the spectrum of TV production. For instance, the difference between shooting a TV commercial in SD and HD is getting smaller all the time, as prices for HD cameras drop and availability goes up. Other production elements are pretty much the same: lighting, sound, transportation, personnel, catering.

This is also why film as a medium will disappear one day and be replaced by HD video altogether. Costs for shooting on film continue to rise, while shooting HD gets cheaper and cheaper. When Sophia Coppola asked F. F. Coppola if she should shoot a feature on film or HD, he said shoot on film - but not for the reason you might think. He said shoot on film because this might be the last chance you have to get that experience.

This is why trying to charge premium dollars for HD content will never fly in the long term. I feel the pace of HD conversion accelerating in a palpable way. Just a couple of years ago, you sometimes wondered if HD was even going to survive. That's why I'm optimistic about issues like HDLite going away eventually. When the HD infrastructure matures, competition will force the providers to concentrate on quality more. I think this is especially true since 1080p displays are becoming commonplace. I could be wrong on this (that's actually happened a couple of times), but I'm optimistic.

That difference is getting smaller all the time.


Just curious, because after the lady at KPLR replied and said they were going to broadcast 10 games in HD, I asked what the barriers were to keep us from seeing even more games in HD. I thought she would have a myriad of reasons. Her entire answer was "The games are very expensive to produce in HD."

Interesting, though not terribly informative, article on cable bundling on the cover of today's Mcpaper.

Link is here: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2006-03-01-ala-carte-cable_x.htm

Interesting, though not terribly informative, article on cable bundling on the cover of today's Mcpaper.

Link is here: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2006-03-01-ala-carte-cable_x.htm


I don't know where I stand on this issue. If a la carte were the way people bought channels, wouldn't there be less channels available? There are obviously people who enjoy some of the more obscure channels. If there weren't enough people to support these channels individually wouldn't they eventually be gone?

I would be all for a la carte. I only get cable for my 9/12 yr old. They watch disney channel and maybe the cartoon channels. that's it. I watch HD channels. My wife watches the local channels. Why pay for all the other channels. They only clutter my channel listings.

Not sure how much interest there will be initially, but I think momentum will build for the World Baseball Classic, which starts in the next couple of days.

FWIW, DirecTV does not offer ESPN Desportes, which is carrying most of the live coverage of the early rounds. Not sure why DirecTV doesn't offer this channel, particularly when they have a significant international package, but when I spoke with a CSR at DirecTV earlier today she seemed pretty certain that this channel is not available.

Here's a TV schedule for all of the games, for anyone interested:

http://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/schedule/index.jsp?mc=television&sid=wbc

Will any of these be in HD? I couldn't find that info at the link...maybe I should check ESPN?....nope can't find it there either........

Hmm, well then D* goofed when activating the HD package. But I was almost positive it required a call since we have FOX KTVI here.

I never had to call. When I added the HD package, all of a sudden I was getting all the networks in HD. Then, they turned off CBS and NBC, but I still get ABC and FOX east coast. So for FOX i get:

2 ant.
2 D*
2-1 dig. ant.
88 D* HD
and maybe a couple others I shouldn't mention. Of all those channels, D* 88 is consistently the best picture and sound.

Scott

OK, first I have to apologize for not paying attention. I first record shows in HD that my wife and I both watch, then record shows in HD for me that have no conflict. Because I have a E* 942 I can only record one local HD program at a time. I watch Lost she doesn't, we both watch Criminal Minds. Therefore I record Criminal Minds in HD and Lost in SD. Tonight I decided to record Lost in HD, because everyone has talked about how great it is. However when I set up the timer it went until 9:05. Meaning that it not only conflicted with Criminal Minds, but also with CSI NY. Is this always the case? Does Lost always go to 5 past the hour? If so that is BS, ABC is ruining our chance to watch Lost and something else.

Lost at my house started at 8:00 and ended at just before 9:00.

Scott

Lost at my house started at 8:00 and ended at just before 9:00.

Scott


My guide on E* said it would go until 9:05. I don't know if it actually did. But the timer showed that, so to record it, it would overlap with two shows. I'm not gonna risk stopping the timer early and missing the last 5 minutes. It has run over in the past, because my brother in law and sister missed the end once. Just wondered if anyone else noticed it on their guide.

pwsher,

I don't believe that any of the games for the WBC are scheduled to be in HD. Maybe that will change if there's more interest than expected by the always-gloomy media types.

I completely doubt the potential for ala carte to lower consumer cables bills, at least in the aggregate. Cable and satellite companies are publicly traded companies and Wall Street takes an exceedingly dim view of companies that slide backward in revenues, regardless of the reason.

If ala carte is forced on the multichannel distributors, you can be sure that pricing will be devised that ensures that overall revenues remain at least at current levels. While it is possible that some consumers might pay less, the majority will have to end up paying more.

Who do you think is going to do a better job of "gaming" subscription TV pricing, a bunch of clueless elected officials and appointed bureaucrats, or the marketing VPs and MBAs at DISH, DirecTV and (even) Charter?

Ala carte is a load of nonsense that won't accomplish anything other than to make consumers' bills more complicated and give regulators yet another thing to screw up.

Regulation is not the answer to lower prices -- competition is. This is why Congress and the FCC should be focusing on making it as simple as possible for telephone companies to enter into competition with cable and satellite TV companies.

I am going to be 51 on opening day at the new Busch Stadium! How's that for timing to move back after 30 years?

Since a few of you guys posted about baseball I though I'd share my baseball history.

My grandmother was probably right up there as a big fan. She attended the Ball-B-Ques, made sure we met the players before games, always got good box seats between home plate and first base and went to every home game she could. No one dared speak to her when an away game was on the radio. She taught me how to keep a score card before I could read and write at Sportsman's Park. She made sure I went to Sportsman's Park right before it closed and said to remember it as they were going to build a new stadium called Busch Stadium. I remember sitting there on the wood bench seat feeling sad. She made sure I saw Stan Musial play (in an exhibition game against the St. Louis Browns). She told me that during the depression she and my grandfather would "fuss at each other" as he was a Browns fan, she a Cards fan and they could not afford to see both teams play. She passed on to me her disdain for the American League and the Dodgers in particular. ;)

To this day I can remember the starting line-up for the World Series in 1965 & 1967. Pretty easy to remember in the days before being a free agent. I am thrilled I got to see Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and all the others play. It's great to be living back in a town where baseball is still well regarded. Somehow watching the Cards win over the D-Backs just never seemed right with that big swimming pool inside Bank One Park.

I agree with Doug. Look at telephone companies. I used to pay upwards of 200 per month for my phone (1). I now have 3 phones and pay less than 100. Competition is the only thing that will drive prices down. If you have a monopoly you can charge what you want. With competition, you charge what the market is willing to pay. Vote yes on 816 even though I live in Illinois and won't see the benefit.

Walt

I am going to be 51 on opening day at the new Busch Stadium!
Celebrating your birthday at the stadium this year? :)

I agree with Doug. Look at telephone companies. I used to pay upwards of 200 per month for my phone (1). I now have 3 phones and pay less than 100. Competition is the only thing that will drive prices down. If you have a monopoly you can charge what you want. With competition, you charge what the market is willing to pay. Vote yes on 816 even though I live in Illinois and won't see the benefit.

Walt


heh, then you were paying too much for something, geez.

heh, then you were paying too much for something, geez.black -- Not necessarily.

Up until 5 years ago or so, long distance calls could easily add up to $100 or more a month. Now, largely because of competition, long distance is a commodity and it effectively comes bundled as part and parcel of a cell phone dialing plan.

And I think the reason that happened is competition.

I hope y'all watched or at least recorded last night's episode of LOST. It had a 5.1-channel moment for the ages. Jim, your efforts to bring 5.1-channel ABC to St. Louis are much appreciated. I won't reveal exactly what happened (for the benefit of those still waiting to play it back), but suffice it to say the group at my place last nigt was stunned..... and then I had to pause the Tivo for a few minutes... because we were laughing too hard to pay attention to the show.....

WOW, Been watching the HDNET hockey and man the Olympic hockey sure makes the NHL rinks look small. It's to bad I'm watching the HDNET game when the Blues are on FSMW. It's to damn hard to watch SD. Whats going on on channels 95 & 99 on D* they are both showing HD football. It says game of the week. What a waste of HD channels. Don't get me wrong I love football but they could be showing HD Blues. GO CARDINALS! I'm ready

I hope y'all watched or at least recorded last night's episode of LOST. It had a 5.1-channel moment for the ages. Jim, your efforts to bring 5.1-channel ABC to St. Louis are much appreciated. I won't reveal exactly what happened (for the benefit of those still waiting to play it back), but suffice it to say the group at my place last nigt was stunned..... and then I had to pause the Tivo for a few minutes... because we were laughing too hard to pay attention to the show.....

Don't know how I managed to do it, but I missed Lost last night. Sure would enjoy the opportunity to see it.

Competiton is the solution as stated. Integration with broadband/internet will also change the complexity of the competition. This newer "on-demand" technology will in the end be what changes everything.

This reminds me of what I like about cable -- local politics on the government channels. If I went with another service I would miss some of the most entertaining non HD programming on the air. Especially in the St. Charles area.

Hey, maybe we can get local Board of Alderman meetings on demand!!!!

Has anyone else recently had problems receiving TVGOS data? My reception has been intermittent, but for the past several days, I haven't been able to even get the time data.

heh, then you were paying too much for something, geez.


And with all the kids living on the left coast, it could sometimes reach as much as 400. Now with cells all those calls to the kids are 40 bucks.

Hockey in the Olympics is a farce. Canadians invented the game and the Yer-a-pee-ins screwed it up by playing it on an indoor soccer field. I think, to get even, soccer, in the Olympics, should be played on an indoor hockey rink. That's how we do it here.

Walt

I hope y'all watched or at least recorded last night's episode of LOST. It had a 5.1-channel moment for the ages. Jim, your efforts to bring 5.1-channel ABC to St. Louis are much appreciated. I won't reveal exactly what happened (for the benefit of those still waiting to play it back), but suffice it to say the group at my place last nigt was stunned..... and then I had to pause the Tivo for a few minutes... because we were laughing too hard to pay attention to the show.....

Yea, it was good! Finally got the lip sync close...but still tweaking.
Jim

Woops. The TVGOS problem was due to a moved antenna.

DirecTV got my new 5 LNB dish installed today, and also hooked up a H20 mpeg4 HD receiver. Install went well, but he took 8hrs, no joke. 4 receivers, 2 of them Tivo's. The long part was the dish install, on my 2 story roof. He asked if I wanted installed on a pole in the ground and I of course declined, using my two toddlers as an excuse and that I didn't want them messing with it. :p

The installer was 325lbs (his words) and his ladder had a big sticker on it saying that it was good only to 100lbs. When he carried that 35+ lb dish up 25+ ft on his shaking ladder, we were both nervous, but he got it done (just a little slow).

I hooked up my small double bowtie Radio Shack indoor antenna to my HD Tivo (which is on the main floor, family room) and was shocked to see that it picked up ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and KPLR all with 80+ signals. Based on that, I should be able to get even better signals when I install my yagi in the attic this weekend (and hopefully pull in PBS too).

I like the H20 receiver alot. I have it connected to my secondary HDTV, a 32" Sony (4:3 format). It has a nice feature that my Zenith has, where I can have the 480i channels sent out to fill my 32" screen (instead of both letterboxed and pillarboxed), and the HD stuff comes in the full 720p or 1080i without black letterboxing.

After he called to activate the H20, I called D* back and had them turn on channel 88 (Fox HD East), no problems there either... thanks for the tips on that, I would have never thought to ask for it. I'll make sure to setup my season pass stuff like 24 and Prison Break on 88 rather than 2-1.

DirecTV got my new 5 LNB dish installed today, and also hooked up a H20 mpeg4 HD receiver. Install went well, but he took 8hrs, no joke. 4 receivers, 2 of them Tivo's. The long part was the dish install, on my 2 story roof. He asked if I wanted installed on a pole in the ground and I of course declined, using my two toddlers as an excuse and that I didn't want them messing with it. :p

The installer was 325lbs (his words) and his ladder had a big sticker on it saying that it was good only to 100lbs. When he carried that 35+ lb dish up 25+ ft on his shaking ladder, we were both nervous, but he got it done (just a little slow).

I hooked up my small double bowtie Radio Shack indoor antenna to my HD Tivo (which is on the main floor, family room) and was shocked to see that it picked up ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and KPLR all with 80+ signals. Based on that, I should be able to get even better signals when I install my yagi in the attic this weekend (and hopefully pull in PBS too).

I like the H20 receiver alot. I have it connected to my secondary HDTV, a 32" Sony (4:3 format). It has a nice feature that my Zenith has, where I can have the 480i channels sent out to fill my 32" screen (instead of both letterboxed and pillarboxed), and the HD stuff comes in the full 720p or 1080i without black letterboxing.

After he called to activate the H20, I called D* back and had them turn on channel 88 (Fox HD East), no problems there either... thanks for the tips on that, I would have never thought to ask for it. I'll make sure to setup my season pass stuff like 24 and Prison Break on 88 rather than 2-1.

Is the DirecTV local HD package available now? I did not think that they would have it till late spring or early summer.

Thanks for any info. :)

...I'll make sure to setup my season pass stuff like 24 and Prison Break on 88 rather than 2-1.
I wouldn't be too quick to do that. Your local OTA may end up being better quality than the compressed D* Fox HD feed. I've also had audio synch problems with 88 that were not so with OTA 2-1.

I wouldn't be too quick to do that. Your local OTA may end up being better quality than the compressed D* Fox HD feed. I've also had audio synch problems with 88 that were not so with OTA 2-1.

I must not have a very good eye as I cannot tell the difference between ch 2 & ch 88. That's a good thing I suppose since it may bode well for me come MPEG4 time.

I will record 24 on both channels if it lets me and compare them.

Is the DirecTV local HD package available now? I did not think that they would have it till late spring or early summer.

Thanks for any info. :)

No. I just moved and with any new install they now put up the 5 LNB dish. While I was on the phone with the movers program last month, they asked if I'd like to upgrade one of my mpeg2 HD receivers to the H20 mpeg4 HD receiver (for free, no rebates or anything) so that I'd be ready to go when the HD LIL's were available in May, so I said sure (2yr commitment instead of the standard 1yr for a mover's program dish install).


I will record 24 on both channels if it lets me and compare them.

I'm going to do exactly that on Monday and see which one gives the better quality. Watching KTVI-HD last week at my inlaw's, there were alot of random dropouts. Not sure if it was KTVI's problem, or Charter's, but either way it was annoying.

KTVI over the air is indeed a bit sharper than channel 88 on *D. On the other hand, 88 doesn't have the well-documented glitches and dropouts we've been seeing on 2-1. So for the short term, *D Fox HD East is the way to go... until KTVI fixes whatever the problem is. Then it's back to KTVI-DT OTA long term.

Another thing I gotta say about 24. The soundtrack of that show is sooooooooo well recorded. It makes my speakers disappear and the bullets fly literally around the room instead of just from one speaker to another! And the music floats as if the orchestra were playing here in my living room rather than coming from speakers. No other show does this so well, so consistently. Not even the newly-5.1-channeled LOST.

I wouldn't be too quick to do that. Your local OTA may end up being better quality than the compressed D* Fox HD feed. I've also had audio synch problems with 88 that were not so with OTA 2-1.
One other thing to consider. I don't suffer from rain fade on D* very often but when I do, 88 is one of the first to drop out. Recording 24 on channel 88 cost me several weeks ago when we had a heavy rain on Monday night.

I must not have a very good eye as I cannot tell the difference between ch 2 & ch 88. That's a good thing I suppose since it may bode well for me come MPEG4 time.

I will record 24 on both channels if it lets me and compare them.

Same here, all things being equal, I cannot tell the difference between OTA and D* HD channels.

Scott

FYI,

Last week I bought the D* HD Tivo, so I would not have to lease. It showed up yesterday, so I hooked it up replacing my Zenith HD-520 box ( guess I could now sell this one). Being a D* customer since '94 I have no commitment, so I had planned on not sending in the $200 rebate to avoid a 2 year commitment. I acitvated the new Tivo with a nice csr. I asked him to connect me to the retention dept., so I could have them apply the $150 credit they had promised me last week. I told the retention csr about the credit, and asked if by them giving me the credit is that going to activate a commitment? She said "no, but you activated the Tivo, and that's what activates the commitment." I told her I didn't want a commitment, and that is why I was prepared to forgo the $200 rebate. She said it was impossible to waive the 2 year commitment. I said, " what if you de-activate the new Tivo, and I return it ?" She replied, "that doesn't matter. You will still have a commitment." By this time, I'm breathing heavy and finding it very hard to control my actions. I asked to be connected to her supervisor which she hesitantly agreed to. Long story short, It took me agreeing to give up my $150 credit, but I could send in the rebate for $200 and not have any commitment at all. I decided I could live with that so I agreed. It's a pity that someone that pays D* $130 month for 11 years should have to barter just to not have a commitment. I feel like I have proven my loyalty to D*, so why do they need me to put it in writing? Oh well, I'll shut up now. By the way, HD Tivo Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott

I'm sure in addition to retention that all those 2 year commitments figure into their accounting numbers. They can project income and profits on their SEC filings and play around with the books. This attracts investors.

I hate the cell phone commitments which are pushed even more by their sales staff.

One other thing to consider. I don't suffer from rain fade on D* very often but when I do, 88 is one of the first to drop out. Recording 24 on channel 88 cost me several weeks ago when we had a heavy rain on Monday night.

Well, there's always things like ********** or Usenet newsgroups (a.b.tv) to download episodes that you miss or get screwed up from the weather. ;) I had to watch a xvid/divx version of Lost this week (via my modded Xbox) because my receivers weren't setup until yesterday when the D* came over. It wasn't half bad, about a 350MB download (no commercials either). Not HD of course, but from a HD source and it was still widescreen. Better than DVD quality I'd say, and they look just fine through your PC if you don't have a way to get them to the HDTV.

It's a pity that someone that pays D* $130 month for 11 years should have to barter just to not have a commitment. I feel like I have proven my loyalty to D*, so why do they need me to put it in writing? Oh well, I'll shut up now. By the way, HD Tivo Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott

Yes, HD Tivo does rock. What I'm curious is to why you wouldn't go ahead and give them their 2yr commitment. You don't seem to be going anywhere, especially with a new HD Tivo.

I'm heavily invested with D* as well and always give them a new commitment whenever they ask for it, especially when they're throwing money at me. Maybe I'm crazy, but it doesn't seem like avoiding the contract (that you'd likely complete) is worth passing up a free $150.

Heck, they gave me (all for free) a new 5 LNB dish, a new H20 mpeg 4 receiver, a new 6x8 multiswitch and a very extensive install yesterday (at least 150ft (x4) of RG6 from the dish to the 6x8, and 2 more new RG6 (single) lines for Tivo's that were about 150ft of cable combined). I didn't bat an eye when they asked for another 2yrs considering the $300+ in free equipment and an 8hr install that they'll get billed for.

No way in hell would I go back to cable TV, I don't care what Charter can offer. Charter tried to get me for a $29.99 install fee for my internet. I had to go through 3 supervisors and 30min on the phone to get them to waive it (when I called in Jan, the sales guy told me install was free, even though I wasn't signing up on their webpage and was doing it on the phone). When I got done and we wrapped up the phone call the CSR asked if I was interested in their TV service. I chuckled and said that I wasn't interested since they didn't have HD DVR's available and my HD Tivo was working just great. He said that they did have HD DVR's but I interrupted him and I told him to give the one that he was about to offer to me, to my inlaws who have been waiting to get once since before Thanksgiving. :rolleyes: His response, "thank you for calling Charter, have a nice day". Click.

FYI,
Long story short, It took me agreeing to give up my $150 credit, but I could send in the rebate for $200 and not have any commitment at all. I decided I could live with that so I agreed. It's a pity that someone that pays D* $130 month for 11 years should have to barter just to not have a commitment. I feel like I have proven my loyalty to D*, so why do they need me to put it in writing? Oh well, I'll shut up now. By the way, HD Tivo Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott
The 2 year commitment has been a huge topic of discussion on the TIVO boards. I'm certainly no fan of the commitments either but I don't quite understand the outrage some folks seem to have. Seems to me as an 11 year subscriber that you are very unlikely to leave them in the next 2 years, especially since you now are enjoying the benefits of the HD TIVO (I agree, it rocks). In the unlikely event you actually did leave them in the next 2 years, the $150 credit that you gave up would probably pay for most if not all of the penalty for leaving. Supposedly, you can also avoid any penalty if you terminate early be returning your equipment.

I can't speak for Scott but I think it's the principle of it. I did the movers connection which added a commitment and my HD DVR started the clock all over again. It annoyed me since I chose to do the movers connection when I moved here.

OTOH I got a great deal on the HD DVR, free antenna and have received 2 free SD boxes. When something goes wrong they have been generous in free programming or credits. My experience with Charter for Internet and phone have been the most anger inducing frakking thing I have ever dealt with in terms of the install and billing mistakes. As soon as my $19.99 high speed intro rate is up I am bailing. The only credit I got from my install nightmare was $20 for them missing their on-time guarantee by 3.5 HOURS! Grrrr! Still makes me mad. :mad: I almost forgot. They changed their pricing for inside wiring from $2.99 to $4.99 the very next month. I got it since this is an old house. When I called to cancel the inside wiring plan they failed to tell me I would be charged $5 to drop it. I was so ticked off I almost lost it. I have to keep detailed records of every conversation and all of my bills together for at least one monthly conversation with them.

No center channel on kSDk during "Saturday Night Live."

I don't believe that this stuff is really THAT hard. What I do believe is that kSDk station management and the engineers they hire all originate from the very shallowest portion of the gene pool.

The commitment to mediocrity is unmistakable.

KSDK is at it again.

SNL center channel is live where L&R is their 5 minute tape delay.
They've switched to SD to try to fix it but they haven't figured it out yet.

KSDK is at it again.

SNL center channel is live where L&R is their 5 minute tape delay.
They've switched to SD to try to fix it but they haven't figured it out yet.
I don't think I've ever seen anything THIS messed up!
I hope they get it fixed, I've been waiting weeks to watch FOB :(

you guys must be forgetting-- KSDK is the St Louis leader in HDTV

Pathetic! As Doug said, all the excuses...."this piece of equipment, and that Network Feed"...all come back to people.
When repetitive issues and problems persist, management is to blame.
It's that simple.
I'll be writing to Mr. Hummert, Ms. Beall, and Gannett on Monday, and encourage everyone else to do the same.

dhummert@ksdk.gannett.com - KSDK Engineering
lbeall@ksdk.gannett.com - Lynn Beall KSDK President/General Manager
gcishare@info.gannett.com - Gannett Corporate Relations

Yes, HD Tivo does rock. What I'm curious is to why you wouldn't go ahead and give them their 2yr commitment. You don't seem to be going anywhere, especially with a new HD Tivo.

I'm heavily invested with D* as well and always give them a new commitment whenever they ask for it, especially when they're throwing money at me. Maybe I'm crazy, but it doesn't seem like avoiding the contract (that you'd likely complete) is worth passing up a free $150.

Heck, they gave me (all for free) a new 5 LNB dish, a new H20 mpeg 4 receiver, a new 6x8 multiswitch and a very extensive install yesterday (at least 150ft (x4) of RG6 from the dish to the 6x8, and 2 more new RG6 (single) lines for Tivo's that were about 150ft of cable combined). I didn't bat an eye when they asked for another 2yrs considering the $300+ in free equipment and an 8hr install that they'll get billed for.

No way in hell would I go back to cable TV, I don't care what Charter can offer. Charter tried to get me for a $29.99 install fee for my internet. I had to go through 3 supervisors and 30min on the phone to get them to waive it (when I called in Jan, the sales guy told me install was free, even though I wasn't signing up on their webpage and was doing it on the phone). When I got done and we wrapped up the phone call the CSR asked if I was interested in their TV service. I chuckled and said that I wasn't interested since they didn't have HD DVR's available and my HD Tivo was working just great. He said that they did have HD DVR's but I interrupted him and I told him to give the one that he was about to offer to me, to my inlaws who have been waiting to get once since before Thanksgiving. :rolleyes: His response, "thank you for calling Charter, have a nice day". Click.

You know I think you are right. Yesterday I told my wife "I think I screwed up not doing the 2 year commitment." I was thinking that in the unlikely event I did leave the $350 in credits would more than cover the early closure fee. Oh well, it's done now. Unless of course I call them back to get my credit and argue that they should make me commit to another 2 years. :D

Jon, classic that you told Charter they didn't have HD DVR's.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. It's amazing how clouded one's thinking can become in a fit of anger. That was really the only time in 11 years that I seriously thought about leaving D*.

Scott

Scott,

I just got my D* HD Tivo this week and I love it. I rushed to get it before the MPEG4 upgrade because I was determined to stick with the Tivo software.

I was frustrated at first because I couldn't get the same "deals" that "everyone else" seemed to be getting. In the end I took a reasonable offer, signed up for another two year commitment, got my HD Tivo, and won't look back.

-Mike

Scott,

I just got my D* HD Tivo this week and I love it. I rushed to get it before the MPEG4 upgrade because I was determined to stick with the Tivo software.

I was frustrated at first because I couldn't get the same "deals" that "everyone else" seemed to be getting. In the end I took a reasonable offer, signed up for another two year commitment, got my HD Tivo, and won't look back.

-Mike

Yeah, I guess the fact that I was not being offered the same deals that others, even in this thread, were getting added fuel to the fire. Anyway, I am very happy with it so far. Now I need to find an original rebate form because apparently D* won't except a copy of one.

Scott

Oh yes. Purdue baby...


I sure hope your boys come through for me today.

Am I the only person in the world NOT all that excited by HD-DVD? Beyond the cost of the machine, the $30 per disc price tag I've seen as being the target is ridiculous. I don't need to own movies all that bad.

No. You're not the only one. I'm not excited at all.

By KEN BELSON
Published: March 5, 2006
AT&T Corp. is planning to acquire BellSouth Corp., according to several people familiar with the negotiations who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the talks.

A merger of two of the four remaining Bell phone companies would represent a huge step toward recreating the monopoly that existed in the phone business before the old AT&T was broken up in 1984.

The companies are expected to announce a deal as early as Monday.

AT&T is expected to pay about $65 billion for BellSouth, the country's third largest phone company, which operates in a nine-state region in the Southeast. The price represents a 25 percent to 30 percent premium for BellSouth shareholders.

The combined company would have more than $125 billion in sales, 70 million local-line phone customers and nearly 10 million broadband subscribers.

Spokesmen for AT&T and BellSouth declined to comment.

A deal between AT&T, formerly known as SBC Communications, and BellSouth has been talked about for months. Together, the companies own Cingular Wireless, the country's largest cellphone carrier, and they jointly own Yellowpages.com, an online directory business.

In November, SBC became the country's largest phone company when it acquired AT&T and took its name. BellSouth has largely avoided mergers and acquisitions in recent years.

Any deal would have to be approved by regulators. That process would most likely take about one year to complete.

Though the combined company would dwarf its next nearest competitor, Verizon Communications Inc., regulators have shown growing tolerance in recent years for ever-larger mergers. In addition to SBC's purchase of AT&T, Verizon beat out Qwest Communications for control of MCI Inc. in a protracted fight last year.

Regulators approved both deals with relatively few restrictions attached, despite growing concerns among consumer groups and independent phone companies that competition is being stifled.

A deal between AT&T and BellSouth could pressure Verizon to consider buying Qwest, the last of the four big Bell companies.

Even with more heft, a combined AT&T and BellSouth would face stiff pressure from the cable industry and other companies that are fast moving into the phone business. The increasing use of e-mail, cellphones and other technology continues to erode the number of traditional phone lines in use.

And while Verizon and AT&T are slowly moving into the television business, the construction of the networks to carry their programming is proving expensive to build.

A deal between AT&T and BellSouth may also hurt telecommunications equipment makers like Lucent Technologies and Nortel, which have longstanding relationships with old-line phone companies.