I'm also significantly less than thrilled about HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, both of which will apparently have their component outputs downrezzed to not much more than current regular DVD's. Only the HDMI outputs will be true HD.

Since my 5-year-old $2000 HDTV doesn't have an HDMI or a DVI input, I have zero reason to "upgrade" to HD-DVD.

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.



Isn't it funny how ATT was broken up years ago due to being a monopoly, and now its just buying back all the old parts? Hehe, man ... just give me some more TV / Internet provider options and I'll be happy.

While SNL was a complete basket case last night and unwatchable with every audio issue from audience-only sound to two different programs at the same time, I decided to switch to last week's Gray's Anatomy in HD, which I had stored on my Dish 622 DVR. Kudos to Jim and KDNL! The colors were perfect, the audio was in 5.1 with a great center channel and the sync was PERFECT.

WOW! Can't wait for the Oscars tonite. KSKD should take lessons. But as the "leader" in HD, I doubt it........ :rolleyes:

Hello, everyone! I have been extremely busy with work in the last 2-3 weeks and haven't really had a chance to check out this thread. I just finished reading about 10 pages and I have a few questions that seem to be much more imminent now than previously.

First, when is DirecTV going to being "leasing" their receivers? Basically, when is that going to start, and how's it going to work? Monthly fees?

Secondly, about the HD TiVos. I want one really bad and do not want to have to either lease one or get the DirecTV brand HD DVR that will be coming out this year. Here is my problem: The house that I bought and that I will be living in once I get married is being remodled by myself, my father, and contractors. Right now, its not livable and I'm staying with my parents until the first week of May. I never ordered DirecTV at my house. My parents have DirecTV but not HD programming (or an HD receiver, etc.) Would it be possible for me to buy an HD TiVo now, give it to my parents for two months and then take that with me when I move into my house? Would that work w/ DirecTV? I just want to makre sure I get the HD TiVo. I have excellent local digital reception and am not overly concerned about the mpeg2 to mpeg4 transition.

What is your advice? I want that HD TiVo so intently that I'm willing to lose a little bit of money over making sure I get it.

(BW) AT&T, BellSouth to Merge; Combination Will Speed Innovation, Competition and Convergence

Click link to read press release.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/conws/3702342.html


Mark

What is your advice? I want that HD TiVo so intently that I'm willing to lose a little bit of money over making sure I get it.
You could just buy a D* HDTivo at Best Buy & activate it when you are ready. It'll cost you more, but you say you're willing to do that. I saw them for sale recently.

Dean,

Thanks for the response. I definitely thought about that. By going that route, I'd be forefitting the rebate, right? Secondly, in that situation, I am *purchasing* the HD TiVo unit, not just "leasing" it, correct?

Dean,

Thanks for the response. I definitely thought about that. By going that route, I'd be forefitting the rebate, right? Secondly, in that situation, I am *purchasing* the HD TiVo unit, not just "leasing" it, correct?
You'll own it.
But I'm pretty sure to get the rebate you have to activate it first, and that may not help you if the rebate period expires before you're ready.

Thanks. That may be exactly what I end up doing, even if I do lose the rebate (which would be awful.)

I think the thing that I want to avoid most is the idea of "leasing" the equipment from DirecTV. I want to be able to mod the thing (add more space) and simply like the idea of owning it more than leasing it.

Does anyone know when this "leasing" goes into effect?

Im not 100% sure but I believe March 1st was the cut-off date to own a Direct-TV receiver. You still have to pay for it up front (same price) but if you disconnect you have to return it. :( They call the $4.99 (per receiver) monthly charge a lease fee now instead of whatever they were calling it and no more mail-in rebates for current customers.

I normally never post this type of thing but if anyone is interested in the highly regarded Sony VPL-HS51 projector (http://www.theperfectvision.com/newsletter/tpv61/sony.html) you can get them locally, new in the box for under $2000 :eek: ($3499 retail) from an authorized Sony dealer. It's a FANTASTIC projector!

Tom, is that the case even if I purchase one from a private individual, like someone off of eBay?

I can't believe you have to turn the equipment back in. That's insane. What a bad two weeks to have to work as much as I did. Otherwise I would have known this stuff =[

You'll own it.
But I'm pretty sure to get the rebate you have to activate it first, and that may not help you if the rebate period expires before you're ready.
If you buy it a BB or CC, not sure that is true any longer. Check out today's circulars. The BB ad clearly shows the price for the HD TIVO as a "lease fee" and the fine print states the receiver remains the property of D*.

WinstonSmith, if you purchase an HD TIVO from someone who owns it, you will then own it but be careful, you may not be able to activate it. There has been much discussion about this on the TIVO forum. One person claimed D* will not activate a new subscriber account with used equipment. You may have to open your account with a new receiver, then substitute or add the HD TIVO later. Other people have said they were denied activating a receiver because the serial number on the receiver was last active on an account that had an outstanding balance.

If you buy it a BB or CC, not sure that is true any longer. Check out today's circulars. The BB ad clearly shows the price for the HD TIVO as a "lease fee" and the fine print states the receiver remains the property of D*. .
I stand corrected. I wasn't aware of this change.

I believe *D refusing to activate used receivers on new accounts is nothing new, that's the way it's been for years. On the plus side, activating used receivers on existing accounts has never been a problem.

But calling the purchase price of an HD Tivo a "lease fee" and claiming it has to be returned upon account deactivation, that's new and it really sucks.

Man, I got burned. Missed it by like a week.

I wonder if that sort of "lease" includes if I bought from Weaknees. On the other hand, I hate to shell out $700 for a HD TiVo with more HDD space when I dont even own the thing.

I wonder where you (I) can get confirmation on these things. I doubt DirecTV is really the place to get it since all they want now is leasing.

I just can't believe that's going to work.

This really does suck for people that don't have a DirecTivo yet. Circuitcity.com now calls the $499 HD Tivo price an "installation fee" which will carry a "lease fee" of $5 per month:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/DIRECTV-HD-Receiver-DVR-HR10-250-Equipment-Leasing/sem/rpsm/oid/93509/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Weaknees still doesn't say anything about leasing, so you might have a shot there.

More info on the *D leasing scenario:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=287514

There's one guy in the thread that says *D tried to tell him the DVR he bought back in January and activated today is leased. He has to fax them his receipt with the receiver number and card number to convince them otherwise.

I just bought an old RCA DTC-100 on eBay so I can get the Nextcomm R5000 mod installed. They can't be stupid enough to tell me THAT'S leased, can they?

Yeah, but its not really Weaknees that makes the decisions, is it? Its DirecTV. I assume that they stick with that independent of where you purchase -- I'm sorry, LEASE -- it from.

Seriously... I have always loved DirecTV, but this is awful. Just awful. It might be enough to tell them to go kiss off and check out Dish (which I never thought I'd do.)

Wracer,

Applause-Applause Jim!

Sorry to keep making new posts about the same thing, but I have another question re: the HD TiVo.

What do you think if I bought one that was new, in the box, sealed from eBay?

Thanks, everyone.

Wracer,

Applause-Applause Jim!

Ditto. The Oscars looked and sounded great! We are lucky people here in St. Louis to have someone like you. That probably doesn't get said often enough.

More info on the *D leasing scenario:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=287514

There's one guy in the thread that says *D tried to tell him the DVR he bought back in January and activated today is leased. He has to fax them his receipt with the receiver number and card number to convince them otherwise.

I just bought an old RCA DTC-100 on eBay so I can get the Nextcomm R5000 mod installed. They can't be stupid enough to tell me THAT'S leased, can they?

Seems like E* and D* both aren't winning any popularity contests. E* has made some moves that many of us don't care for either. For instance, Dish 921 and 942 owners are being treated the same as those who leased their boxes in terms of the trade-ins for the newer MPEG4 boxes. In order to get the new receivers (Dish 622), we have to turn in our 921s and 942s, just like those who lease, and for the same deal. If we choose to keep them, they will work until Dish decides to shut down support for them, but if we want to sell them, the buyer cannot activate them as HD DVRs. They will work as SD recorders, but Dish will not activate them for HD. That cuts their resale value dramatically. It's all part of decommissioning the older MPEG2 technology for the future, but it alienates buyers who may have purchased their 942s as recently as a month or two ago.

The deal is pretty good, though, for the 622. I turn in my owned 921 and get a leased 622 for $99, with any install changes for free. The DVR fee is waived at my level of programming, so it's still a good enough deal that I'm going to jump on it come April 1, when it kicks in for current owners/leasees.

My modded Dish 211 is back from Nextcom and recording perfectly. I didn't even have to redo my record list from the Dish 6000 that was doing the same thing until Saturday. Now that UHD is gone for MPEG2 boxes, I just picked up where I left off with the Battlestar Galactica eps. SciFi ends its season run of the show on Friday, and UHD picks up with the January reruns on the following Sunday.

The Dish 211, which shares its interface with the Dish 622, is far superior to the Dish 921 interface I've used for the past year.

The Dish 211, which shares its interface with the Dish 622, is far superior to the Dish 921 interface I've used for the past year.
This made me laugh. As you know, I decided to keep my 921, and we use it in the bedroom.
Today, I walked into the bedroom, and my wife had the EPG open. I recall thinking it was like walking into an office, and seeing a monitor with Windows 3.0 running.
It really does look ancient in comparison to the VIP's.

Were the PGA and NASCAR events both supposed to be HD? I only briefly checked NASCAR and it was 4:3 with black bars. I later tried watching the end of golf and noticed it wasn't wide-screen either.

Good thing KSDK is St Louis' leader in HD :rolleyes:

I'd just like to add my compliments on the Oscars broadcast. Looked great and I don't recall a single problem.

Many thanks, Jim, to you and your team!

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)

Anybody ever figure out what's going on with Channel 791 - INHD PPV on Charter? I've got the same thing as Wilkemp - solid HD picture, no sound. I'm sure calling Charter would be a futile exercise - anybody here know anything? :confused:

Sorry to keep making new posts about the same thing, but I have another question re: the HD TiVo.

What do you think if I bought one that was new, in the box, sealed from eBay?

Thanks, everyone.

According to the retention rep at D* you can no longer buy boxes from anywhere except individual's used boxes.

You can buy the box for $749.95 or lease it for $499 from D*.

The rebate for $200 was only if you purchased prior to the end on Feb. and activated within 30 days.

D* is really starting to worry me with all this stuff. I think their marketing team is on crack.

Scott

Were the PGA and NASCAR events both supposed to be HD? I only briefly checked NASCAR and it was 4:3 with black bars. I later tried watching the end of golf and noticed it wasn't wide-screen either.

Good thing KSDK is St Louis' leader in HD :rolleyes:

The Busch Race was 4:3. I don't think they send the HD Truck to Mexico. I believe
last year was the same thing. At first I thought it was a local issue, then I checked
Fox NY and it was the same thing.

As far as the golf goes, I thought only CBS did golf in HD.

I suspect *D does NOT really want to sell/lease Tivo's anymore. They probably consider any sales of them now to be a upgrade liability upon the eventual MPEG-4 DVR's.

This significant price increase for owning one (along with charging the old "sale" price now just to lease it) is their way of recouping the eventual costs of swapping them out for the MPEG-4 model.

A while back, *D and Microsoft announced that future Windows Vista Media Center PC's will be able to tune and record *D channels without an STB. Are they gonna make us lease the PC's?

I'm glad I already have all the *D equipment I currently need. But next time I get the urge to upgrade, the upcoming series 3 HD Tivo's with OTA tuners and cablecard slots are gonna look mighty attractive. Yikes, I *never* thought I'd seriously look at cable again!

Robert, I assume that the new Series 3 TiVo standalones will include the $12.95 per month fee?

I am so upset with DirecTV right now -- a company that I used to think was the leader in this business -- that I might even consider cable. But, even as you said about going w/ CableCards, can you imagine how much trouble it will be w/ Charter to get 2 cablecards?

Robert, I assume that the new Series 3 TiVo standalones will include the $12.95 per month fee?

I am so upset with DirecTV right now -- a company that I used to think was the leader in this business -- that I might even consider cable. But, even as you said about going w/ CableCards, can you imagine how much trouble it will be w/ Charter to get 2 cablecards?

While I won't claim to know all the details, I'd guess the $12.95/month Tivo fee will apply. I'd also guess the "lifetime subscription" will be an option, too. Which is what I'd go for.

There's apparently such a thing as a "series 2 cablecard" or some such. With one of those, you'd only need one for both tuners in the Tivo to work. Whether these are actually in production yet, or whether Charter offers them even if they are, is another question.

Change of subject..... just heard the Rams released ISAAC BRUCE today. Are they out of their minds???????????? The Rams had a LOT of problems last year, but I don't recall Ike being one of them.

Saves about $8m in cap room.

Perhaps Linehan just wants to start completely over. Who knows.

Sad to see the last, original STL Ram to leave, though.

The Busch Race was 4:3. I don't think they send the HD Truck to Mexico. I believe
last year was the same thing. At first I thought it was a local issue, then I checked
Fox NY and it was the same thing.

As far as the golf goes, I thought only CBS did golf in HD.

I didn't consider those scenarios, thanks.

I am new to the forum and don't know much about these technologies. I own a 32 inch "HD ready" LCD TV. I recently moved into the Clayton area and I am looking to purchase either cable or satellite TV. I was hoping to get some recommendations on whether to use SBC or Charter, and what I need to do to ensure that I am receiving the HD signals that are available.

Thanks in advance and pardon my ignorance!

I am new to the forum and don't know much about these technologies. I own a 32 inch "HD ready" LCD TV. I recently moved into the Clayton area and I am looking to purchase either cable or satellite TV. I was hoping to get some recommendations on whether to use SBC or Charter, and what I need to do to ensure that I am receiving the HD signals that are available.

As of now, Charter offers all local channels EXCEPT ABC in HD. (All locals are offered in SD.) If you get a Dish either thru SBC (Which is now AT&T and would be a Dish Network system), Dish Network directly or Direct TV, you will need an antenna to pull in HD locals. Both Direct TV and DISH have plans to send locals in HD over their systems this year, but as of yet, there's been no solid date announced.

All services offer some type of HD DVR device for various prices if that is important to you. (And it should be :) )

Welcome!

I suspect *D does NOT really want to sell/lease Tivo's anymore. They probably consider any sales of them now to be a upgrade liability upon the eventual MPEG-4 DVR's.

This significant price increase for owning one (along with charging the old "sale" price now just to lease it) is their way of recouping the eventual costs of swapping them out for the MPEG-4 model.

A while back, *D and Microsoft announced that future Windows Vista Media Center PC's will be able to tune and record *D channels without an STB. Are they gonna make us lease the PC's?

I'm glad I already have all the *D equipment I currently need. But next time I get the urge to upgrade, the upcoming series 3 HD Tivo's with OTA tuners and cablecard slots are gonna look mighty attractive. Yikes, I *never* thought I'd seriously look at cable again!


Exactly. I think they're just trying to make it as unattractive as possible to get the HD Tivo so they don't have to trade them in for the new mpeg 4 DVR...so if you happened to buy yours last month (like me), you got really lucky. Now I have the option to upgrade at my leisure.

I don't really find the lease vs buy thing to be that big a deal. I suspect that when the mpeg 4 DVRs come out, they will ultimately drop the "down-payment" for the receiver to a nominal cost and just charge the 5 buck a month lease fee. Just as people do now, you'll call the retention department and get them to give you a bunch of stuff free and they'll try to get you to buy their "home theater" junk. But D*'s main revenue will always be through programming, not hardware.

well, here's an interesting bit of TiVo news just posted on engadget...

While TiVo has bundled its services with set-top boxes provided by other companies -- at one point DirecTV was said to account for nearly 70% of TiVo's customers -- the company has long promoted itself as being a hardware provider as well as a service. Now there are signs that the company may be moving away from that model and shifting to an all-service future. In recent comments to analysts, TiVo CEO Tom Rogers said that he envisions much of the company's future growth as coming from partnerships with cable operators. "We're a total software upgrade when you think of the cable side of our business. The more that are out there, the more we have an opportunity to roll out to, the more we have the ability for cable subscribers to become TiVo subscribers." While risky, the strategy might be TiVo's best bet to stay alive in the industry it helped create, given that many cable operators are already providing DVR service using boxes and software provided by companies such as Scientific Atlanta. TiVo's main cable deal so far is with Comcast, but the company has been hurt by delays in rolling out that partnership's Tivo-capable boxes, which will be made by Motorola.

well, here's an interesting bit of TiVo news just posted on engadget...

While TiVo has bundled its services with set-top boxes provided by other companies -- at one point DirecTV was said to account for nearly 70% of TiVo's customers -- the company has long promoted itself as being a hardware provider as well as a service. ...
Maybe after D* rolls out all it's own DVRs everyone will complain so loudly about the bad user interface that D* will end up buying Tivo outright. Well, at least we D* subs can hope.

There's also the fact that those new series 3 HD Tivos can be used with cablecards whether the cable companies like it or not. :D

And that means the cable companies can't disallow features like "Tivo to Go" as DirecTV has.

There's also the fact that those new series 3 HD Tivos can be used with cablecards whether the cable companies like it or not. :D

And that means the cable companies can't disallow features like "Tivo to Go" as DirecTV has.

What is "Tivo to Go"?

I suspect *D does NOT really want to sell/lease Tivo's anymore. They probably consider any sales of them now to be a upgrade liability upon the eventual MPEG-4 DVR's.

Granted, you have to lease but a new subscriber can get the same "deal" on an HD TIVO that was available in Feb, i.e. $399 for a new HD TIVO ($499 minus $100 instant rebate, don't think current customers can get the $100 instant rebate). I am not crazy about the lease model but there is an advantage. You no longer should need to worry about getting the protection plan or need to worry about the 1 year warranty. If your leased box dies after 18 months, they should replace it with no additional lease charge.

Granted, you have to lease but a new subscriber can get the same "deal" on an HD TIVO that was available in Feb, i.e. $399 for a new HD TIVO ($499 minus $100 instant rebate, don't think current customers can get the $100 instant rebate). I am not crazy about the lease model but there is an advantage. You no longer should need to worry about getting the protection plan or need to worry about the 1 year warranty. If your leased box dies after 18 months, they should replace it with no additional lease charge.
How is paying $399 up front and then leasing it a good deal?

One disadvantage about leasing. When your equipment starts getting long in the tooth, you can't just replace it on a whim. You're at the mercy of the provider to agree it needs replacement.

OK, I got the OTA installed today...it runs into the HD Tivo, and the picture is superb (though I haven't seen any HD content yet). However, I'm quite upset with the audio...the lip synching is horrible. On channel 2.1 and channel 30.1, it makes it virtually unwatchable to me. Now for 4.1 and 5.1, it's not so bad. Will this improve with time or when actual HD programming is being shown? Is this a problem with the Tivo, or with the individual stations? I'm very disgruntled after a 300 buck installation. I should have taken Mo's advice and tested out a cheap antenna first.

i dont mean to change the subject, but i just wanted to give a big thumbs up to KMOV for preempting a new episode of King of Queens tonight until 2:05AM to put on a thrilling new episode of "Everybody Cooks".

and im sure when it does air at 2:05AM it will be in SD.

How can the network let them do this? :(

There's also the fact that those new series 3 HD Tivos can be used with cablecards whether the cable companies like it or not. :D

And that means the cable companies can't disallow features like "Tivo to Go" as DirecTV has.

How much trouble do you really think getting a couple of CableCards from Charter is going to be?

How is paying $399 up front and then leasing it a good deal?

One disadvantage about leasing. When your equipment starts getting long in the tooth, you can't just replace it on a whim. You're at the mercy of the provider to agree it needs replacement.

Welcome to Sweden!

You think you need a triple-bypass? Hmm, we'll see if the government doctors think you do.

How much trouble do you really think getting a couple of CableCards from Charter is going to be?

I honestly don't have a clue there. Other than for internet and phone, i haven't dealt with Charter at all in close to eight years. It might just be a matter of calling them and saying "I need two cablecards" and the CSR saying, "no problem."

But knowing the nature of CSR's (not just Charter's but everybody's CSR's), I kinda doubt it. :D

And another disadvantage of leasing..... when my HD Tivo's hard drive died, I put in a newer and bigger hard drive myself. Ditto the SD 40 hour Tivo in the bedroom... replaced the 40gig drive with a 250gig drive. Can this be done with equipment we don't own? Again I kinda doubt it.

What is "Tivo to Go"?

Tivo to Go is a feature of series 2 Tivo's that lets you copy recorded programs to your hard drive for either DVD burning or putting on your Ipod, or whatever.

Info here: http://customersupport.tivo.com/subjects.asp?path=7%2C10&#_TiVoFeatures

Just about any Series 2 Tivo (including the DirecTivos) has the ability to do it. The sole reason we can't do it with DirecTivo's is DirecTV refuses to turn on that feature.

If you look hard enough on the net, you can find directions on how to hack DirecTivo's to turn it on yourself.

And I should mention that by copying, I mean transferring the program digitally, through your network, not just hitting play and sending it to your PC's capture card.

I guess I overreacted...the lips synch issue on Fox 2.1 is dramatically better during 24 as opposed to their local newscast. Hopefully, 30.1 looks better too.

I guess I overreacted...the lips synch issue on Fox 2.1 is dramatically better during 24 as opposed to their local newscast. Hopefully, 30.1 looks better too.

Later tonight you'll see CSI MIAMI on 4-1 is one of the best looking shows on TV. LOST on 30-1 Wednesday night is another.

But in the sound department, 24 blows 'em all away.

Cable cards are easy to get from Charter, but they will send a Tech to install it. Charge is/was $3.00 a month when I had it in my JVC TV. Got rid of I when the TV went out (again!!!), but now using a Moxi DVR with my Toshiba plasma.

Oh, those of you wanting a Moxi, mine will be turned in at the Overland office tomorrow afternoon. My Vip 622 gets installed then!!!

And another disadvantage of leasing..... when my HD Tivo's hard drive died, I put in a newer and bigger hard drive myself. Ditto the SD 40 hour Tivo in the bedroom... replaced the 40gig drive with a 250gig drive. Can this be done with equipment we don't own? Again I kinda doubt it.

This is my biggest problem w/ leasing. Number one, right there.

Robert, so, I agree the Series3 stuff sounds pretty good.

However, let's look at this for just a moment. Right now, w/ DirecTV you're paying $5 for the TiVo software per month.

With a Series 3 you'd be looking at 13$ a month, plus $6 per month extra to Charter. Plus, isn't Charter more expensive than DirecTV for programming?

Sounds like we might be able to get what we want, but we're sure as heck going to pay a lot more for it.

Oh, those of you wanting a Moxi, mine will be turned in at the Overland office tomorrow afternoon. My Vip 622 gets installed then!!!
Please let us know how the install goes, and what you think of the 622.
Are you having the Dish1000 installed also?

Please let us know how the install goes, and what you think of the 622.
Are you having the Dish1000 installed also?

Yes, it's required with all HD installs now. I already have a Dish 500 pointed at 110/119, and a 300 pointed at 61.5, and I could use this set up if they change the switches to the dish-pro plus, but I would have to pay extra.

Yes, it's required with all HD installs now. I already have a Dish 500 pointed at 110/119, and a 300 pointed at 61.5, and I could use this set up if they change the switches to the dish-pro plus, but I would have to pay extra.
Guess they've changed their policy (this week :) ) I have the same setup, without DPP's, and it works fine. I have 2 DP34's. I think the 1000's were not readily available back when my 622 was installed.
When the local DT's go up, they're going to replace the 500 with the 1000, add 129°, and leave the 300 at 61.5°. Then they'll have to install the DPP44's. Presuming the DT's go on 129°.

Be interested to know how it goes :)

Alright, I promise (for now) this is my last HD-TiVo question. I know I'm freaking out about this, but I just want one.

What about if I buy a USED one via eBay? Will I then own that one? Will it work for me? I know I would have to purchase a new card, but would DirecTV give me much trouble?

I know I can't link to eBay here, but hte one I'm looking at is about $400 and is "only" 22 months old with all the included cables.


Winston (really stressed) =]

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

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

A couple of years ago, we used to start off each month with a reposting of the local resource messages that are now buried on the first page of this discussion thread. I think there's some useful bits and pieces of information there -- and not JUST because I wrote most of it.

Unfortunately a lot of that information is overlooked because it's so far off the beaten path, especially now that the St. Louis discussion archive stretches back more than 2 years and 300+ pages.

To try to address this, I'm going to post an advisory/reminder note similar to this every couple of weeks. Ideally this will make this information more visible and accessible to more readers.

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

So, here's to filling in some of those information gaps...

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995679&&#post2995679)

Using An Antenna to Receive Local HD Stations (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995718&&#post2995718)

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

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7176354&&#post7176354)

And finally, I want to remind everyone -- newcomers and old hands alike -- that you can access the St. Louis HDTV discussion here at AVS directly by using the shortcut URL that has been arranged.

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

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

Robert, so, I agree the Series3 stuff sounds pretty good.

However, let's look at this for just a moment. Right now, w/ DirecTV you're paying $5 for the TiVo software per month.

With a Series 3 you'd be looking at 13$ a month, plus $6 per month extra to Charter. Plus, isn't Charter more expensive than DirecTV for programming?

Sounds like we might be able to get what we want, but we're sure as heck going to pay a lot more for it.

Agreed on all counts, which is why I'm glad I have all the equipment from *D that I need, and own it all.

And I get great reception of the HD locals OTA, so I won't need them from *D.

When *D starts putting national HD channels (StarzHD, CinemaxHD, Voom channels) on MPEG-4, which can't be received by my current owned equipment, then I'll be looking at Charter and that Series 3 Tivo.

Winston,

There's a guy over at Tivocommunity who bought a receiver in January and just activated it last week. *D made him fax a copy of his receipt (and card number and receiver number) before putting it into the system as an "owned" receiver.

You'll probably have to do the same thing, but I suspect that way the HD Tivo will be yours and not *D's. Just make sure the seller includes a PayPal invoice or something like that. And make sure it says "used."

Ok guys, it's that time again. Did anyone else see glitches during the 2 hour broadcast of '24' last night? It was mostly just sound glitches, but around 7:27 the sound and picture dropped. I switched to D* 88 and then saw (err, heard) a sound glitch about 5 minutes later. I also saw (actually, the wife saw) another picture problem around 8:51.

Let me know before I begin calling again. Although, last week, they didn't return my call :rolleyes:

Ok guys, it's that time again. Did anyone else see glitches during the 2 hour broadcast of '24' last night? It was mostly just sound glitches, but around 7:27 the sound and picture dropped. I switched to D* 88 and then saw (err, heard) a sound glitch about 5 minutes later. I also saw (actually, the wife saw) another picture problem around 8:51.

Let me know before I begin calling again. Although, last week, they didn't return my call :rolleyes:

Yes, I saw this too. In fact it's become rather consistent on 24 the last few weeks. I don't watch too much Fox these days, but I have NOT seen these glitches while watching Grey's Anatomy, which follows 24 except for this week.

Yes, it's required with all HD installs now. I already have a Dish 500 pointed at 110/119, and a 300 pointed at 61.5, and I could use this set up if they change the switches to the dish-pro plus, but I would have to pay extra.

I have the same setup with Legacy hardware. My 622 works fine. I assume the only reason for an upgrade would be if you wanted to see 61.5 and 129. But why????

When St. Louis HD Locals go on line, I plan to just swing the 300 over to 129.

Why can't all channels be as good as HDNET? They showed the made for tv movie Duel in Original Aspect Ratio. Glad it was not on TNT or it would have been unwatchable with all the streching. Kudo's to HDNET Movies!!!!!!!

Scott

Later tonight you'll see CSI MIAMI on 4-1 is one of the best looking shows on TV. LOST on 30-1 Wednesday night is another.

But in the sound department, 24 blows 'em all away.


I agree. It's nothing but HD eye candy. Sort of reminds me of all the bright colors and pastels worn in Miami Vice. :eek:

Does anyone else crank up their sound on 24? I turn it up pretty loud when it's on.

My calibration was postponed until this afternoon. Can't wait to see Lost tomorrow night.

Scott,

I have to agree on HDNet Movies. When this channel first came along 3 years ago, it seemed pretty useless, but Mark Cuban & Co. have done a great job in developing a very nice library of HD films. Not all of the transfers are stellar in terms of picture quality, but when that's the case, it seems like this is more about the source material than the quality of the effort.

I find that I'm routinely TiVoing three or four HDNet Movies each month. It seems like there's always new stuff in the pipeline to get excited about.

Doug, is it fairly universal with the lip synch problems on Fox 2 and ABC 30? It seemed like the local newscasts were really terrible, but 24 was right on. Is there some difference between the SD and HD broadcasts that would make the lip synching worse on the SD programming? I'm hoping that the ABC HD broadcasts will be better than the SD that I've seen via the OTA.

I was at Ultimate in St. Peters yesterday getting information on a Front Projector and
Screen for a local charitable organization (http://www.harvesterlionsclub-mo.org) I am a memeber of and the salesperson brought
up the fact that I would need a PA quality sound system but UE doesn't sell that type of
stuff. Does anyone know anywhere locally I could go?

Scott,

I have to agree on HDNet Movies. When this channel first came along 3 years ago, it seemed pretty useless, but Mark Cuban & Co. have done a great job in developing a very nice library of HD films. Not all of the transfers are stellar in terms of picture quality, but when that's the case, it seems like this is more about the source material than the quality of the effort.

I find that I'm routinely TiVoing three or four HDNet Movies each month. It seems like there's always new stuff in the pipeline to get excited about.

I am so overjoyed with the new HD Tivo, and HDNet Movies is a big reason. I also like that they don't leave their logo up throughout the film. Actually, I don't recall seeing the logo at all on last nights recording. As far as I'm concerned, showing films in OAR should be mandatory. TNT is a waste of bandwidth I'm thinking. I wanted to get excited about TNT, but they are making it impossible.

Scott

Doug, is it fairly universal with the lip synch problems on Fox 2 and ABC 30? It seemed like the local newscasts were really terrible, but 24 was right on. Is there some difference between the SD and HD broadcasts that would make the lip synching worse on the SD programming? I'm hoping that the ABC HD broadcasts will be better than the SD that I've seen via the OTA.rs,

I don't watch much local or SD programming, so I'm not the best person to weigh in on this.

FWIW, I haven't noticed lip synch issues on "American Idol" on KTVI the past few weeks, and "Lost" on KDNL didn't seem like a problem to me last week. That's not to say that KDNL has completely cracked its equipment-related lip synch issue, but rather that if the problems are lingering, it wasn't a big enough problem for me to notice it during "Lost" (and I watched the episode twice).

I'm not much interested in TNT myself, but I figure the major value is the NBA and auto racing coverage, and while I'm not among them, I know there's a plenty big audience for those sorts of events.

Going forward, I don't expect every HD addition to be perfectly aimed at me...

I did watch a part of the "Law and Order" flood on TNT on Sunday, and have to admit that I enjoyed that -- even though I knew I should have been doing something a lot more productive.

Or maybe that's why I enjoyed them... :D

OK, that sounds hopeful...I don't watch Lost, but I'll check it out tonight.

I agree. It's nothing but HD eye candy. Sort of reminds me of all the bright colors and pastels worn in Miami Vice. :eek:

Does anyone else crank up their sound on 24? I turn it up pretty loud when it's on.

My calibration was postponed until this afternoon. Can't wait to see Lost tomorrow night.


My vote for HD eye candy has to be Las Vegas. The 5.1 dolby and graphics in the opening credits is as good as it gets.....even if you don't like Elvis!

rs,



"Lost" on KDNL didn't seem like a problem to me last week. That's not to say that KDNL has completely cracked its equipment-related lip synch issue, but rather that if the problems are lingering, it wasn't a big enough problem for me to notice it during "Lost" (and I watched the episode twice).

I think we've got the lip sync resolved. If you see a problem, let me know. It's just an eye ball adjustment and when I get it close it's really hard to tell if it's right on. Also, we've found that some receivers lose sync and need to be powered off to restore.
Jim

Winston,

There's a guy over at Tivocommunity who bought a receiver in January and just activated it last week. *D made him fax a copy of his receipt (and card number and receiver number) before putting it into the system as an "owned" receiver.

You'll probably have to do the same thing, but I suspect that way the HD Tivo will be yours and not *D's. Just make sure the seller includes a PayPal invoice or something like that. And make sure it says "used."

I just emailed DirecTV and asked them if I bought one from another user, used, if I would then own the receiver. I also emailed the guy selling the thing off of eBay and asked if I could get him to give me something that clearly stated it was used. The auction ends today, so I doubt I'll get any confirmation on all of it.

Doug, you're a DirecTV guy, what are your thoughts on all of this?

Plus, isn't Charter more expensive than DirecTV for programming?

Sounds like we might be able to get what we want, but we're sure as heck going to pay a lot more for it.


Not true. Check out this copy of my bill. I have EVERY CHANNEL except the $4 sports pack. I was paying $91 with D* for just the TC+ with no premiums, HD, and multiple receivers.

Not true. Check out this copy of my bill. I have EVERY CHANNEL except the $4 sports pack. I was paying $91 with D* for just the TC+ with no premiums, HD, and multiple receivers.

It all depends on how many receivers you have, how many of them are HD, etc.. Also, it seems that your pricing from Charter is discounted, which won't last forever.

Here's what my D* bill looks like for 4 total receivers (3/4 of them are HD, 2/4 of them are Tivos):

TOTAL CHOICE - $44.99
HD Package - $9.99
DIRECTV DVR Service - $5.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99

$75.94/month, no taxes, no special rates that will expire, and I own all of my equipment. When the mpeg4 locals go live in May, I'll get those for no extra charge.

I'd like to record March of the Penguins for my grand niece as her third birthday is this weekend. Which PPV channels are HD?

Thanks!

I'd like to record March of the Penguins for my grand niece as her third birthday is this weekend. Which PPV channels are HD?

Thanks!

99

It all depends on how many receivers you have, how many of them are HD, etc.. Also, it seems that your pricing from Charter is discounted, which won't last forever.

Here's what my D* bill looks like for 4 total receivers (3/4 of them are HD, 2/4 of them are Tivos):

TOTAL CHOICE - $44.99
HD Package - $9.99
DIRECTV DVR Service - $5.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99

$75.94/month, no taxes, no special rates that will expire, and I own all of my equipment. When the mpeg4 locals go live in May, I'll get those for no extra charge.

Mine has a couple of special rates. 1 SD box, 1 HD box. I think you have Total Choice Plus for $3 a month. I dropped mine. I have the 12 month $10 credit to cover HD channels and the other credit works out to $2 a month for 6 months of HBO.

02/09/06 12 Month Programming Credit -10.00
02/10/06 6 Mo Special Customer Discount -10.00
Subscriptions For Receiver: xxx
01/25/06 04/24/06 HD Package 3 Months Free 0.00
01/25/06 01/19/07 To Our Valued Customer: 12 Month Programming Credit
02/07/06 03/06/06 We Appreciate Your Business - See $10 Credit Above
02/16/06 02/28/06 Network: FOX HD Partial Month Charge 0.00
02/20/06 03/19/06 SHOWTIME 6 Months Free 0.00
03/01/06 03/29/06 HBO Monthly 12.00
03/01/06 03/29/06 TOTAL CHOICE Monthly 41.99
03/01/06 03/29/06 DIRECTV DVR Service Fee Monthly 5.99
Subscriptions For Receiver: xxx
03/01/06 Additional Receiver 4.99
AMOUNT DUE $44.97

Not true. Check out this copy of my bill. I have EVERY CHANNEL except the $4 sports pack. I was paying $91 with D* for just the TC+ with no premiums, HD, and multiple receivers.
Skippy_rq:

I had the same deal as you with Charter. It just ended, and my bill went up to $115. I have tried to talk Charter back down, even threatening to go D*, to no avail. I would go to D* if it wasn't for the MPEG 4 conversion and the fact that I have numerous TV's in the house (= alot of $5/month receivers!)

On a positive note, Doug calibrated my two TVs yesterday. Unfortunately, last night, I only got to view one for an extended period. He had said that my colors were a little high, and I can see a big difference on my Sony LCD RP. For the first time, I actually saw actors complexions. (Previously, everyone "glowed".) I will give update on my flat panel as soon as I get a chance to really "study" it.

I think we've got the lip sync resolved. If you see a problem, let me know. It's just an eye ball adjustment and when I get it close it's really hard to tell if it's right on. Also, we've found that some receivers lose sync and need to be powered off to restore.
Jim

Jim, do you mean the TIVO receivers lose synch? I can easily try that...I didn't see any HD programming on 30.1 yesterday, but I did watch the world news, and it was terribly out of sync...is this my setup or yours?

Jim, do you mean the TIVO receivers lose synch? I can easily try that...I didn't see any HD programming on 30.1 yesterday, but I did watch the world news, and it was terribly out of sync...is this my setup or yours?

I have a HDTivo from D* and while the new DD set-up is now in sync for HD content, the ABC news has always been out of sync, both before and after the DD upgrade. It's nearly a second out I'd estimate.

I have a HDTivo from D* and while the new DD set-up is now in sync for HD content, the ABC news has always been out of sync, both before and after the DD upgrade. It's nearly a second out I'd estimate.

DD setup? Forgive my ignorance, I'm new to the HDTV world!

DD setup? Forgive my ignorance, I'm new to the HDTV world!

Dolby Digital

Winston,

I'm not exactly sure what to think about the changes regarding DirecTV and equipment charges. Part of the difficulty in wrapping my mind around it is that it doesn't directly impact me -- yet.

But here's some general thoughts:

* First, I think DirecTV is making this more difficult than it should be for customers. Presumably they have some good reasons for making the change to a lease-only model, but this is a major shift in business practice and I think customers, particularly longtime customers, should hear directly how it will affect them, both positive and negative.

Above all, this isn't something that customers should be left to figure out by scavenging around for information on online discussion forums. How difficult would it be for DirecTV to prepare a FAQ on this subject at their web site?

* Second, I don't understand why this has to be an either/or sort of proposition. Obviously DirecTV believes that it can expand its potential customer base by removing the past requirement of a significant upfront outlay for subscriber equipment. Good for them.

But if I have a preference to purchase equipment, particularly in exchange for a cheaper monthly rate, it seems like that should be an option, too. I mean, why not? It seems like this would be in DirecTV's interest as well, as it helps to minimize the company's ongoing capital investment. It also seems like it should be helpful in maintaining customer loyalty/retention.

* Third, while I'm still overall more comfortable doing business with DirecTV than I would be with Charter, there's nothing about my experience with DirecTV in the past to make me think they're perfect. I've definitely had ups and downs.

But overall my experiences have been positive, particularly in light of the way my recent HD TiVo replacement was handled, and the fact that I was able to get a free SD DVR by simply asking.

Can anyone even imagine Charter giving a customer a free Moxi service, only because they called up and asked for it?

But ultimately, competition is the only way to keep these companies honest and responsive, and I think the entry of the telecos is going to be a key element in keeping some sort of balance on that score going forward. It's certainly possible that a lot of these changes at DirecTV are being driven by the fact that competitive landscape is getting ready to change in some major ways. They have a certain level of competitive flexibility that may not exist in a year or two.

i dont mean to change the subject, but i just wanted to give a big thumbs up to KMOV for preempting a new episode of King of Queens tonight until 2:05AM to put on a thrilling new episode of "Everybody Cooks".

and im sure when it does air at 2:05AM it will be in SD.

How can the network let them do this? :(
Everybody Cooks... AKA Everybody Changes The Channel

Sorry, but this is the kind of Saturday/Sunday morning programming that infests what we spent all our money on.

Tivo to Go is a feature of series 2 Tivo's that lets you copy recorded programs to your hard drive for either DVD burning or putting on your Ipod, or whatever.

Info here: http://customersupport.tivo.com/subjects.asp?path=7%2C10&#_TiVoFeatures

Just about any Series 2 Tivo (including the DirecTivos) has the ability to do it. The sole reason we can't do it with DirecTivo's is DirecTV refuses to turn on that feature.

If you look hard enough on the net, you can find directions on how to hack DirecTivo's to turn it on yourself.

And I should mention that by copying, I mean transferring the program digitally, through your network, not just hitting play and sending it to your PC's capture card.
Just want to check... has TiVo To Go learned to play nicer with Mac?

It all depends on how many receivers you have, how many of them are HD, etc.. Also, it seems that your pricing from Charter is discounted, which won't last forever.

Here's what my D* bill looks like for 4 total receivers (3/4 of them are HD, 2/4 of them are Tivos):

TOTAL CHOICE - $44.99
HD Package - $9.99
DIRECTV DVR Service - $5.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99
Additional Receiver - $4.99

$75.94/month, no taxes, no special rates that will expire, and I own all of my equipment. When the mpeg4 locals go live in May, I'll get those for no extra charge.

When I had D* mine was pretty much the same as yours except I had 2 more receivers and the protection plan.


My rate with Charter is locked in for 2 years (actually signed a contract). I got in on the deal they offered for Satellite converts and current customers back in Oct. They were offering the biggest value pack at $47.99. I noticed it showed up as 50.99 and they have changed it going forward and gave me credits for the past few months being $3 more.

My rate with Charter is locked in for 2 years (actually signed a contract).

Yeah, you're getting an outstanding price. Of course, you did have to commit to a 2yr deal to get that. By the time your contract expires, mpeg4 equipment (probably even HD DVR's) should have all of the kinks worked out over at D* for you to come back with a special new sub. deal there.

Just keep playing them back and forth, that's the way to do it (I just can't live without NFL Sunday Ticket, otherwise I would bounce between them as well).

I think we've got the lip sync resolved. If you see a problem, let me know. It's just an eye ball adjustment and when I get it close it's really hard to tell if it's right on. Also, we've found that some receivers lose sync and need to be powered off to restore.
Jim

Jim,

Don't change a thing. It's dead on. My new Dish 622 occasionally loses sync after zooming past commercials. But it does that on nall channels. However a quick Pause-Play toggle brings it back. No need to reboot.

Funny Charter Story:

So my VOD on my Moxi hasnt been working, and after several calls they send someone out today. To their credit, I was supposed to wait from 1-5, and the tech arrived at 12:45. So I made him wait, hehe.

Long story short, the box had become unregistered in the LDAP system and therefore couldn't obtain an IP address. The tech was on his speakerphone and kept calling it LDAD ... anyhow they took him into the service menu (which I already knew how to access) and had him manually trigger an update. I heard this on the speakerphone:

"Wait 3 minutes, then reboot the box, and check the main service menu to make sure the service update has todays date."

He waited one minute, the box said "update failed," he did not reboot the Moxi, looked at main service menu which still showed the date in Feb. when it stopped updating, went to check VOD, it worked, he said "there ya go." So I just smiled and said thanks. After he left I did the update myself the way he was told to.

Anyhow, sometimes its just easier to laugh and get stuff done than argue with the techs.

Doug,

Problem with the leasing model *D-style, is they've NOT removed the upfront requirement of a significant outlay for the equipment... at least not as far as the HD Tivo is concerned. In fact, it actually costs more upfront to lease the HD Tivo ($499) than it did to buy it last month ($599 minus $200 mail-in rebate).

And if a "leaser" ever cancels his DirecTV account, DirecTV wants "its" HD Tivo back and keeps the $499.

I honestly think this is *D's way of minimizing its future MPEG-4 DVR swapout expense -- and accelerating the move of its customer base away from Tivo and toward its own DVR at the same time.

A question was asked a couple of pages ago if anyone cranks up 24 loud when watching it....

I always delay 24 (and Tuesday's SUPERNAURAL on WB11) to Wednesday and have friends over to watch SUPERNATURAL, LOST, and 24 in that order.

The whole neighborhood gets to listen in whether they like it or not. :D

Jim,

Don't change a thing. It's dead on. My new Dish 622 occasionally loses sync after zooming past commercials. But it does that on nall channels. However a quick Pause-Play toggle brings it back. No need to reboot.

Good deal....that's the problem....the system is not perfect yet. The sync looks good on all my receivers. So. for now I'm not touching it.
Jim

And if a "leaser" ever cancels his DirecTV account, DirecTV wants "its" HD Tivo back and keeps the $499.

Precisely, and this is the problem that I have with them. I emailed asking about if I bought a used HD-TiVo, would I own that and would it work. Here's what I got back:

Thanks for asking about our lease program. Customers who are setting up their DIRECTV service for the first time, or current customers who upgrade or add a DIRECTV receiver after March 1, will lease that equipment from DIRECTV instead of buying it.

If you are setting up DIRECTV service for the first time, certain offers may require some upfront costs prior to installation. The great news is that leasing will offer you a substantial savings compared to the true cost of buying the equipment

Uhh, how? Its more to lease it than it was to buy it last week.

With all of the great equipment offers available from DIRECTV, we're making it easier than ever to order new equipment, rather than installing less-reliable used equipment. Accordingly, since you are a new customer, you cannot start an account with a used equipment only

/me: frustrated.

Well Winston, I'd say start your new account with a cheap receiver for the bedroom, then add a used HD Tivo to it once you're an "existing customer."

Change of subject: So how come THE UNIT on 4-1 is a 4:3 upconvert?????????

For those interested, I received a response today from my 2nd email to Dish regarding the EPG OTA digital data issue.
I had also asked for confirmation the STL LiL DT locals will be on 129°.
At least they have the consideration to "thank" their beta-testers for following-up on issues...comforting!

----- Original Message -----
From: Laslo, David
To: kdg454@earthlink.net
Cc: Laslo, David, ceo@echostar.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: VIP622 EPG Local DT issue

Mr. Green,

Thank you for continuing to follow-up and advise us of this issue. I notified our technical side to verify if this was a known issue and if there was a temporary fix. I have not received a response at this time. I can confirm that since you subscribe to St. Louis locals from DISH the OTA data should list on the EPG.
When St. Louis launches in HD it will be from orbital location 129 and a DISH 1000 will be needed, which will be installed at your location at no additional charge to you. No specific date has been scheduled, but we believe they will become available by the end of April, if not sooner.
Once I receive a response back I will have TPS contact you again to troubleshoot.

Sincerely,
David Laslo
CEO Escalations
====================================================
----- Original Message -----
From: kdg454
To: Laslo, David
Cc: ceo@echostar.com
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 1:36 PM
Subject: VIP622 EPG Local DT issue

Mr. Laslo,

As I indicated in my last email, I was contacted by the TPS team the following day. However, as of this writing, the issue remains unresolved, and I have not heard of any update to the status of any possible resolution.
I have spoken with other Dish subscribers in the St Louis DMA, who also report the local FOX OTA Digital Channel (KTVI-Dish channel # 8592 on E*7, Tp 5s11, 119°) is not providing any guide data on the VIP622, and possibly other receivers.
As you are aware, this causes a virtual depletion of the VIP622 DVR features for the FOX channel, in that, only manual record timers can be used in the absence of guide data.
All indications are, once the St Louis DMA Digital locals are uplinked and become available to subscribers, they will most likely be added to E*5 at 129°. Perhaps you can verify this, as well as, any anticipated time-frame of their availability?
I would appreciate any input you may have, and any follow through with regard to the above noted concerns.

Thank you,
Kenneth Green
Dish Account # 82559xxxxxx11790
(573) 7xx-xxxx

Change of subject: So how come THE UNIT on 4-1 is a 4:3 upconvert?????????

Could it be due to the SARAA alerts?

No doubt the SARAA alerts were the cause. Other times KMOV has flipped the switch between bulletins, but not tonight.

Well, it's up and running. I did get the locals and it did populate the EPG info on all but the KETC sub channels. The receiver works great, not nearly as loud as the Moxi box from Charter. The OTA tuner will only get the digitals and does give a higher signal strength than my Toshiba plasma. A few comparisons on PQ between Dish and Charter...HD seems to look better on Dish (more of them too...), but some of the SD digital channels looked better with cable. I'm sure it's with all the compression, but it's not too bad.

One complaint...the installers had trouble sighting the Dish 1000. Took them an hour and I guess he got tired of fussing with it. It gets only in the 50's. I asked him about that and he told me since I have two tuners it cuts the signal in half giving the lower signal. Bull crap! I've had dish for 5 years before, I know better. When I called the installers office, they told me that standard install just guarantees that you will get a picture and if I wanted to have it peaked, that will cost extra. I do not want these two bozo's back, so does anyone know a reliable person or company to peak my dish, and to peak my antenna?

Well, it's up and running. I did get the locals and it did populate the EPG info on all but the KETC sub channels.
Glad it's working well for you. :) You should enjoy the machine. There are a few issues, though mostly minor and just annoying.
I agree, some of the Dish SD's seem to be a bit throttled up.

On the EPG thing, you're getting data for the OTA FOX KTVI-DT 02-01?
Would you mind checking which software version it downloaded today please?
I don't think anyone in STL has guide data for KTVI-DT on their 622, and it's an issue I'm trying to get resolved with Dish, so I'd appreciate your checking.
Thanks

On the EPG thing, you're getting data for the OTA FOX KTVI-DT 02-01?
Would you mind checking which software version it downloaded today please?
I don't think anyone in STL has guide data for KTVI-DT on their 622, and it's an issue I'm trying to get resolved with Dish, so I'd appreciate your checking.
Thanks

Yes I do get EPG info on 2.1. Software version is L352.

Yes I do get EPG info on 2.1. Software version is L352.
Interesting...thank you for the info.
Perhaps it's in some way related to 61.5 and 129.

Moman, You're more familiar than me with how the guide data is downloaded. Any possibility it's because we're on 61.5 and My's on 129?

Well, it's up and running. I did get the locals and it did populate the EPG info on all but the KETC sub channels. The receiver works great, not nearly as loud as the Moxi box from Charter. The OTA tuner will only get the digitals and does give a higher signal strength than my Toshiba plasma. A few comparisons on PQ between Dish and Charter...HD seems to look better on Dish (more of them too...), but some of the SD digital channels looked better with cable. I'm sure it's with all the compression, but it's not too bad.

One complaint...the installers had trouble sighting the Dish 1000. Took them an hour and I guess he got tired of fussing with it. It gets only in the 50's. I asked him about that and he told me since I have two tuners it cuts the signal in half giving the lower signal. Bull crap! I've had dish for 5 years before, I know better. When I called the installers office, they told me that standard install just guarantees that you will get a picture and if I wanted to have it peaked, that will cost extra. I do not want these two bozo's back, so does anyone know a reliable person or company to peak my dish, and to peak my antenna?

Sorry, I can't help with the signal level issue. I'll probably have to deal with the same company as you (far as I know, all Dish-direct installs filter through the same company). Thanks for sharing your install experience. It'll be helpful when my Dish 622 arrives (sometime after April 11). Right now, I'm seeing 61.5, but sounds like they'll have to install a Dish 1000 for me, too, and I'll ultimately have to be able to see 129. Won't be sorry to see the switch 64 go away.

Anyone watch Leno tonight (Tue) on OTA?
During the monologue, there was a skit of an elderly woman robbing a bank.
At gunpoint, she told the male teller, "And you put on a f***ing sweater, young man."
The word was "bleeped" out, but it sounded to be only on the side channels. The word was heard clearly on the center channel, with what sounded like the "bleep" in the background.

Jeez, you satellite guys are complaining as much as Charter guys the last few days. It's hard loving HD so much. :o

Jeez, you satellite guys are complaining as much as Charter guys the last few days. It's hard loving HD so much. :o

I've noticed as I survey the different threads that there are a lot of the same types of complaints about all the major companies. This guy is so fed up with D* that he's about to jump ship to E*. This guy is unhappy with Charter and has just had D* hooked up. The cable company (insert Charter or Comcast or any other) doesn't care about its customers and satellite here I come. (As I visualize the person posting, sometimes I see a stroke in progress.)

The fact is that there are plenty of things to dislike about all these companies. For me, Dish has the best set of choices for my HD viewing (and recording) preferences, even though there are things I don't like about what they are doing right now. Had I been touched by the breath of the Tivo god, I might feel differently, but I've never known it. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

Even if I have some complaints about Dish, it's still my service of choice and they'll have to tick me off a lot more than they have to lose my business. However, I am completely disloyal to any of my serivce companies (Dish for video, Charter for high speed Internet, Vonage for phone service). If something better came along, the door wouldn't hit me on the way out.

I feel much the same way about computers. As a crazed HD lunatic, I love Windows. Forget the Mac and Linux - the HD options just aren't there. In the middle to late '80s, the PC and the Mac couldn't hold a candle to what the Amiga could do with video. My days of being a loyal Amiga fanboy taught me nothing if not that "loyalty" to any technology is monumentally stupid. At this stage, I buy what is the most interesting and fun for me. Using that tape measure, the PC is pure pleasure and the Mac and Linux are dull boxes (no matter how pretty Apple makes its wrappers look). My first MP3 player is a Sansa M260, because it has an FM radio plus a voice recorder, all for less money than the iPod.

Studios Backing Off Analog "Down Rez" of HD Discs?

The following information was included as part of an article at the Philadelphia Daily News web site, Philly.com:

______________________________________________________

...BETTER NEWS: Four film studios have announced that they will not activate the "down resolution" flag option on their first Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs.

Subject of a recent column (which provoked much irate reader mail), that scheme would have diminished the quality of the pictures delivered through the nonsecured, analog component outputs of the player, while reserving the highest-grade picture for the latest-generation HDTVs with digitally "secured" HDMI inputs.

I'd like to pat myself on the back for raising concerns about this issue. But I suspect what's really persuaded Sony, Disney, Fox and Paramount to back away from down rezzing was an ultimatum put out by developers of the AACS copy protection technology, adopted by both high-def disc systems.

The Advanced Access Content System gang has demanded that any discs with a down-rez flag carry a warning label on the package, sure to confuse and put off buyers.

Besides, the scheme is overkill. AACS appears more than sufficient to handle piracy matters and will actually lock up players that have been fed unauthorized discs.

______________________________________________________

To read the complete article, click here. (http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/living/14044599.htm)

No doubt the SARAA alerts were the cause. Other times KMOV has flipped the switch between bulletins, but not tonight.

Although that may be part of the problem, I think it was a CBS deal. For the first half of NCIS, the audio was minus the dialogue track. The second half, they switched to the SD feed and it was good. My guess is that they didn't get it fixed for The Unit (which was a good show in my opinion) so they left the SD broadcast up.

I thought "The Unit" was pretty decent, also.

How'd you like the twist toward the end?

Mirage Loudspeakers Selects Ultimate Electronics as First Retailer in the World to Carry OMD Product Line.

http://widescreenreview.com/news_detail.php?id=10962

Scott

Anyone watch Leno tonight (Tue) on OTA?
During the monologue, there was a skit of an elderly woman robbing a bank.
At gunpoint, she told the male teller, "And you put on a f***ing sweater, young man."
The word was "bleeped" out, but it sounded to be only on the side channels. The word was heard clearly on the center channel, with what sounded like the "bleep" in the background.

Yeah. I think I noticed it. I was half asleep on the couch. It was pretty audible the F word you spoke of... It's not gonna make me watch Leno any more or less. I usually hit the hay right about that time.

BTW, I thought the Oscars looked amazing! And you gotta love Dolly Parton. Looks like the lip sync problems are a thing of the past. Kudos to Jim!

One annoying point about movies and 5.1 volume. Had family over last weekend and we hung out in my living room and "The Ring 2" happened to be on HBO-HD. What is up with all the damn whispering in movies? Then something huge and dramatic happens and the sound system blows everybody away. I did make a change to my Center channel volume as it's happened before buy more noticeable on "Ring 2". I upped the volume on the center +8. That makes a good difference and the mains and surrounds seem to fit nicely with the Center pumped up. Yes, it could be calibrated better, but every soundtrack is different and I'd rather have the center (dialogue) clearly audible. My brother mentioned how he dislikes the surround sound because of light dialogue and screaming sound when something big happens.
By the way, Ring 2 sucked. A waste of time all the way around..

The dialog was off during the first 15 minutes of "Scrubs" on Tuesday 3/7 due to the SARAA alert. The dialog was about a .5 to a full second ahead of the action on screen. Things didn't get back in order until the screen crawler went away.

Has anyone else, especially in the St. Louis Metro Area, had any problems with week 7 of 24, with the sound not working when viewed in Video Redo, Media Player, Nero Player, but it does work in Watch HDTV Player? I am looking for a solution so I can convert the recorded dvr-ms file with the sound so I can burn it onto DVD 4.7 with Menus and Chapters. All other episodes have been OK, just week seven has given me this problem.
Thanks for your help in trying to solve this problem. Dsljohn

DSLJohn,

Are you getting 5.1 surround in WinXP MCE?

Have any of you with Charter had any problems this week? My pipeline is down and digital channels when tuned by STB are pixellating, though analog works ok. My HD plasma tuning digitally with cable card also seems fine. This started Sunday and continues now.

Charter CSR said no indications of widespread outages, but I don't trust that. They can't get a tech to me (Webster area) till next Weds, so there must be a large # of service calls right now, I'm thinking.

Squirrel

no Pipeline issues for me in the city. When I called about something yesterday they were reporting an outage in Ballwin.

No issues here. We use Pipeline 12-16 hours daily, cannot remember the last time it went down. Though I agree, information from their CSR's is usually worthless.

I received a reply within an hour of sending an email to KMOV complaing about their call letters bug being in the upper right and intefering with the programs. As you all know it's too far over and not in the corner. The response I got was a little confusing.


We will be changing it's position shortly.

Sorry,
Walt Nichol
Director of Technology

So this cannot be the result of my email. Was their logo neatly tucked in the upper right corner a long time ago?

Edit: He blew off my question in regards to The Unit being in 4:3.

When I talked to KMOV about 4 years ago he told me he uses the Bugs to verify what
content is coming from where.

If it is in the upper right hand corner it was from CBS and if it was in the lower right
it was from KMOV.

I believe it has always been this way. I think he set it up this way so he could monitor
it from home. He was very helpful when I called.

When I talked to KMOV about 4 years ago he told me he uses the Bugs to verify what
content is coming from where.

If it is in the upper right hand corner it was from CBS and if it was in the lower right
it was from KMOV.

I believe it has always been this way. I think he set it up this way so he could monitor
it from home. He was very helpful when I called.

You are right. Here is his response:

The logo moves depending on whether we are passing through true HDTV (it is further to the right) or upconverting standard definition programming (over the picture). I had to move the standard definition logo from the bottom of the picture on short notice and it didn't land it the best position.

Interesting...thank you for the info.
Perhaps it's in some way related to 61.5 and 129.

Moman, You're more familiar than me with how the guide data is downloaded. Any possibility it's because we're on 61.5 and My's on 129?

Wow, that's realy strange. I am under the impression that the 8-day guide that we 622 users enjoy (as opposed to the 40+ hour guide on non-DVRs) comes from the 110 satellite. If that's true it would make no difference whether "MY" is tuned to 61.5 or 129 for his HD channels.

Hey MY.... Please verify that you are really seeing guide data on 2-01 and not 2-00. I'm scratching my head as to why you see something different than Ken and I. Especially when we have the same boxes and software levels.

BTW, although I don't have a Dish 1000, a signal strength of 50 sounds dangerously low and may not be reliable. My 3 birds are typically in the 90s on all transponders.

Wow, that's realy strange. I am under the impression that the 8-day guide that we 622 users enjoy (as opposed to the 40+ hour guide on non-DVRs) comes from the 110 satellite. If that's true it would make no difference whether "MY" is tuned to 61.5 or 129 for his HD channels.

Mo,
Check your PM's, I have data for 02-01 on the 622 now also!

If the volume swings from people whispering to loud explosions are TOO much, try activating the "midnight" option on your Dolby Digital receiver. As the name implies, it's meant to be used at night when others in the house are sleeping. And what it does is raise the volume of soft sounds and lower the volume of loud sounds so the volume overall stays more consistent.

If your receiver has the Dolby Digital logo on it, then it has that midnight option in one of its menus. Hope that helps....

A little off-topic: I'm needing a few more cables to completely outfit my home theater, and I figure I might as well look for them now. I know some of you have Blue Jeans Cables and some have Monoprice (or I've heard they're quite inexpensive), and then BetterCables. I also have some Best Buy gift certificates that I could use for these. Anyway, here is what I need.....

-- Subwoofer cable
-- HDMI cable
-- Component cables

-- I also need a way to connect my DVI or VGA video card to my HDTV. I've tried an HDMI -> DVI cable and do'nt really care for it... from my understanding HTPC's connect much better directly DVI to DVI or VGA/DVI to component. So, I need a way to connect, such as a VGA/DVI to Component adapter. Where's the best place for that?

Thanks, everyone!

If the volume swings from people whispering to loud explosions are TOO much, try activating the "midnight" option on your Dolby Digital receiver. As the name implies, it's meant to be used at night when others in the house are sleeping. And what it does is raise the volume of soft sounds and lower the volume of loud sounds so the volume overall stays more consistent.

If your receiver has the Dolby Digital logo on it, then it has that midnight option in one of its menus. Hope that helps....

No way I'm using the midnight button. I will hand out earplugs at bedtime, so deal with it.

Scott

A little off-topic: I'm needing a few more cables to completely outfit my home theater, and I figure I might as well look for them now. I know some of you have Blue Jeans Cables and some have Monoprice (or I've heard they're quite inexpensive), and then BetterCables. I also have some Best Buy gift certificates that I could use for these. Anyway, here is what I need.....

-- Subwoofer cable
-- HDMI cable
-- Component cables

-- I also need a way to connect my DVI or VGA video card to my HDTV. I've tried an HDMI -> DVI cable and do'nt really care for it... from my understanding HTPC's connect much better directly DVI to DVI or VGA/DVI to component. So, I need a way to connect, such as a VGA/DVI to Component adapter. Where's the best place for that?

Thanks, everyone!

Try Computer Connections on Page. They probably have what you want. I was there today for some USB2 cables. I got four 15' cables for less than one cable of the same length at CompUSA.

Winston, I'd also suggest you check with showmecables.com. They're located in Chesterfield, but will deliver for a small fee.

Nice selection and very reasonable prices, IMO.

I called and talked to the supervisor of the company that installed my dish 1000. He agreed that the signal was to low, so he came out today and re-aligned my dish and now I get 100 on 119, 95 on 110, and 85 on 129. As getting EPG guide data on 2.1...I originally got the gold package w/o locals, but decided to get them. Called to have them added and everything but the digital KETC channels have info. I have a favorites list with only the OTA locals listed.

MYNAMEHERE,
Thanks for posting your experiences, and glad you got your install completed correctly.
Your input assisted some here in resolving that guide data issue. I appreciate it. :)

Doug, definitely going to check out Showmecables.

Is there a big difference in HDMI cables, or are they like Toslink (not much difference between the different makers?)

A little off-topic: I'm needing a few more cables to completely outfit my home theater, and I figure I might as well look for them now. I know some of you have Blue Jeans Cables and some have Monoprice (or I've heard they're quite inexpensive), and then BetterCables. I also have some Best Buy gift certificates that I could use for these. Anyway, here is what I need.....

-- Subwoofer cable
-- HDMI cable
-- Component cables

-- I also need a way to connect my DVI or VGA video card to my HDTV. I've tried an HDMI -> DVI cable and do'nt really care for it... from my understanding HTPC's connect much better directly DVI to DVI or VGA/DVI to component. So, I need a way to connect, such as a VGA/DVI to Component adapter. Where's the best place for that?

Thanks, everyone! You absolutly can't go wrong with Blue Jean. One of the best places I have ever dealt with. Great prices too.

My D* sat pulls in the signal around 92 on all three except one that is mostly the Spanish transponder which is a tad stronger. Wednesday morning it rained pretty good but I lost both signals briefly. Then I got the nag screen about one being gone. In Phoenix rain fade was not a very big issue as any rare downpour was quicky over. I've also had snow fade once but this was a mild winter.

So how often can I expect rain fade here? I like D* but I didn't figure rain/snow fade into the equasion when I moved here. Cable has the edge in regards to not losing the signal due to rain or snow. However, it's the intense heat in Phoenix that caused the underground cable in new developments to fry. :eek:

I get rain fade with D* when it rains really hard. I suspect I will have some today if it rains as much as they expect. If I would guess how many times in the last year, I'd say a dozen.

There one time last winter that I thought I would be getting the ladder out to melt the ice off my dish, but that had only happened once.

-- I also need a way to connect my DVI or VGA video card to my HDTV. I've tried an HDMI -> DVI cable and do'nt really care for it... from my understanding HTPC's connect much better directly DVI to DVI or VGA/DVI to component. So, I need a way to connect, such as a VGA/DVI to Component adapter. Where's the best place for that?

Thanks, everyone!

What type of video card are you using? I bought the DVI to component adapter
for my ATI card and it works great.

My D* sat pulls in the signal around 92 on all three except one that is mostly the Spanish transponder which is a tad stronger. Wednesday morning it rained pretty good but I lost both signals briefly. Then I got the nag screen about one being gone. In Phoenix rain fade was not a very big issue as any rare downpour was quicky over. I've also had snow fade once but this was a mild winter.

So how often can I expect rain fade here? I like D* but I didn't figure rain/snow fade into the equasion when I moved here. Cable has the edge in regards to not losing the signal due to rain or snow. However, it's the intense heat in Phoenix that caused the underground cable in new developments to fry. :eek:

I haven't had cable since '94, but I remember when I got D* and how I thought I never lost signal as much as I did with cable. Not to mention the sound was way better. I remember my cable company in Farmington used to send me Showtime in mono. :eek:

Yes, today I get the occasional rain faid, but it's not very often and doesn't last for long. It is also nice to have the antenna just in case too.

I wouldn't worry too much about it Mo.

Scott

Skywalker carries A/V cables as well. I picked up spools of cable so I could finish my basement and have some stock for doing various installs with my business.

You can check the catalog at skywalker.com and enter sw for user and 2savemore for the pass. This will let you browse the catalog.

Winston, I am using a ATI HDTV Wonder Card and use WATCHHDTV software to schedule and record HD OTA on a XP Home Machine, not MCE. Not sure how to tell what sound has been recorded or how to try to use the 5.1 and burn it to DVD. I am fairly new to this Recording and converting business of OTA shows and am still on a learning curve.
My home setup: I have the same Sony LCD TV you do, with a cheap (Circuit City) DVD Processive Scan Surround Sound system hooked up to it. I tried to use the input on the 5.1 DVD to bring in the OTA 5.1 and listen to that during broadcasts, using an Optical input, but the volume was so low with the cheap system, sometimes you could not hear the dialog. So, I only use the Sony's speakers during broadcasts, and the DVD's 5.1 when I watch a DVD. Have been considering adding a good 5.1 or 6.1 receiver-amp, but haven't made the plunge.

Skywalker carries A/V cables as well. I picked up spools of cable so I could finish my basement and have some stock for doing various installs with my business.

You can check the catalog at skywalker.com and enter sw for user and 2savemore for the pass. This will let you browse the catalog.

Where was this information when I asked :D

New Tivo Pricing
---------------------

Under the plan, subscribers will not have to pay for a DVR box, which currently costs about $50 after rebates. Instead, they will get a TiVo 80-hour Series2 box and pay $19.95 a month, or $224 prepaid, for a one-year service commitment; $18.95 a month, or $369 prepaid, for a two-year commitment; and $16.95 a month, or $469 prepaid, for a three-year commitment.

The new plan will be available initially only to customers who sign up through TiVo.com. Customers attained through retail stores will still face the current prices and service fees, though TiVo is working to apply the same new pricing plan for retail customers.

TiVo's previous product-lifetime service subscription fee of $299 will be eliminated, the company said.

Though the new monthly charges would be higher than TiVo's current $13 monthly service fee, company officials said extensive market research showed customers favored the simplified scheme with zero costs upfront for the hardware.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/09/AR2006030900228.html

jim

I haven't had cable since '94, but I remember when I got D* and how I thought I never lost signal as much as I did with cable. Not to mention the sound was way better. I remember my cable company in Farmington used to send me Showtime in mono. :eek:

Yes, today I get the occasional rain faid, but it's not very often and doesn't last for long. It is also nice to have the antenna just in case too.

I wouldn't worry too much about it Mo.

Scott

If you say so Scott. ;)

What type of video card are you using? I bought the DVI to component adapter
for my ATI card and it works great.

Its an ATI X300. It has both DVI and VGA out.

Is DVI -> component better than VGA to component?

Its an ATI X300. It has both DVI and VGA out.

Is DVI -> component better than VGA to component?

Had I looked at your SIGNATURE I would have noticed that. Anywho.....

If you look at the ATI Accessories store (http://http://shop.ati.com/searchresults.asp?search_id=10) there are a bunch of different options. I couldn't find
your card documentation, so I can't really tell ya.

I don't know which one to tell you is better. When I bought mine it was the
only thing available.

Doug, definitely going to check out Showmecables.

Is there a big difference in HDMI cables, or are they like Toslink (not much difference between the different makers?)I don't believe there is a lot of difference between the quality of various types of DVI and HDMI cables. I've seen this debated on both sides and I really don't think any differences between cables, where they may actually exist, are going to be meaningful in actual viewing.

The only place where you may want to err on the side of better quality is if you are running cables longer than 20 feet.

Obviously I have a self-interest in making this point, but rather than spending more money on cabling, direct those funds toward calibration. The bang-for-buck with calibration is going to be far more quantifiable.

Where was this information when I asked :D

I just found out when I got an account with them. :)

I agree with what Doug said in regards to improving the PQ more with calibration. Doug calibrated my Samsung HL-R5067W DLP set on Tuesday. My set looks fantastic! It looked pretty good before and I asked Doug to take a look at it prior to the full-blown calibration to make sure it was worth keeping. He made some minor adjustments and centered the image on the screen more. On Tuesday he came back. It cost me a bit more for the first visit but since I was within my first 30 days I wanted to make sure it was a keeper or exchange it. It was worth it for peace of mind.

I don't have a very well trained eye yet but I did notice it was overly green and something I couldn't put my finger on. Turns out it was edge enhancement and noise. In the older sets DNIe could be turned off. Not on mine. So that helped a lot. My grayscale was waaaay off too. Doug saw that immediately the first time here.

Because I was sitting there with Doug and saw things improve gradually rather than going for a cumulative effect I didn't have the "wow" factor. It looked much better but I had been looking at it so long even though it looked better I wasn't wowed. (I have to say too that I was having horrible dental pain and even had to take a heavy duty pain pill so I was tired and not feeling well). THAT CHANGED yesterday. I didn't turn on the TV for a few hours and when I did I was blown away. I know what it looked like before and my brain was used to seeing what it looked like. EVERYTHING looks so much better. Better colors, better blacks, better whites, better PQ period. The word I used Tuesday night with Doug was that it looked balanced. There is no more "something is off here and I can't put my finger on it" feeling. I am so pleased with the results and Doug's exacting eye.

FWIW, I use the HDMI cable that was included with my HD DVR. I didn't know better at the time and have a nice set of Monster component cables from a few years ago for my ancient DVD player.

For me it made little sense to get a great TV, go through hell getting my antenna working and then fudge on getting the best performance from my set.

Its an ATI X300. It has both DVI and VGA out.

Is DVI -> component better than VGA to component?

I doubt seriously that there will be any difference. What happens is that if you use the DVI output (DVI to component adapter), you are tapping into the analog output of the DVI-I connection on your computer's video card. In other words, the connection you will be using if you use the DVI port is exactly the same as the VGA output from that card. Transcoding from DVI to component would be an expensive and unnecessary step and not something that could be done with a simple adapter. DVI-I connections carry both the digital signal and the analog signal from the card. When you use a DVI to VGA adapter, for example, to go from your video card to an LCD that has only a VGA input, there is no digital to analog transcoding. (Which pins are used for the analog and which for digital is a subject that jedi35 and I have been discussing lately.)

Joe,

Tell Adrian that I said hello -- and that we miss seeing him around here!

Mo,

Many thanks for the positive and detailed feedback on your calibration. I'm pleased to hear that you appreciate and are enjoying the improvement.

Joe,

Tell Adrian that I said hello -- and that we miss seeing him around here!

I will. He's been so busy lately, he hasn't had much of a chance to post. You meet the nicest people on our St. Louis AVS thread.

My D* sat pulls in the signal around 92 on all three except one that is mostly the Spanish transponder which is a tad stronger. Wednesday morning it rained pretty good but I lost both signals briefly. Then I got the nag screen about one being gone. In Phoenix rain fade was not a very big issue as any rare downpour was quicky over. I've also had snow fade once but this was a mild winter.

So how often can I expect rain fade here? I like D* but I didn't figure rain/snow fade into the equasion when I moved here. Cable has the edge in regards to not losing the signal due to rain or snow. However, it's the intense heat in Phoenix that caused the underground cable in new developments to fry. :eek:
I only suffer rain fade when the rain is extremely heavy or when there's a very heavy overcast. It also seems like some channels will drop out sooner than others, most notably the HD channels. I don't really have a feel for how often it happens but over the last 5 years I've been a D* customer, the number of times I've lost service seems much less often than my cable went out. Maybe Charter has gotten better over that time but my cable went out almost everytime there was lightening in the area. I switched to D* mainly for the NFL Sunday ticket but the number of outages I used to have from cable was another reason I switched.

You meet the nicest people on our St. Louis AVS thread.

I think that's because -- as a rule -- StL and the Metro East has some really nice people =]

As opposed to say, the entire east coast.

For all potential purchasers of the Series 3 HD Tivo with the cablecard slots and all.... Tivo is dropping the option of the lifetime subscription.

New subscription plans here:

http://thomashawk.com/2006/03/tivo-to-offer-subscription-only.html

I have to agree about the rain fade. I live in Creve Coeur and it's seldom that it goes out. In my old house in U City, it never went out one single time. Now, it seems worse when there's an approaching storm coming from the west...once it actually starts raining, it actually seems to come back fairly quickly.

For all potential purchasers of the Series 3 HD Tivo with the cablecard slots and all.... Tivo is dropping the option of the lifetime subscription.

New subscription plans here:

http://thomashawk.com/2006/03/tivo-to-offer-subscription-only.html
That was never that good a deal anyway since it was for the lifetime of the unit, not your lifetime. Sirius has a similar deal, but you can transfer it to a different unit (for a fee, and up to a specified number of times).

I will be very, very interested in looking at the Series3 TiVo.

I have no idea what they might retail at, but I'm guessing somewhere around $799.

I doubt seriously that there will be any difference. What happens is that if you use the DVI output (DVI to component adapter), you are tapping into the analog output of the DVI-I connection on your computer's video card. In other words, the connection you will be using if you use the DVI port is exactly the same as the VGA output from that card. Transcoding from DVI to component would be an expensive and unnecessary step and not something that could be done with a simple adapter. DVI-I connections carry both the digital signal and the analog signal from the card. When you use a DVI to VGA adapter, for example, to go from your video card to an LCD that has only a VGA input, there is no digital to analog transcoding. (Which pins are used for the analog and which for digital is a subject that jedi35 and I have been discussing lately.)

ATI makes an adapter that converts the DVI out on the card to component. The problem is with the resolution. It will not always put out the res that you want with the source you are playing. Sorry, I forget the exact situation but a search of the HTPC forum should turn it up.

If you convert the DVI output to component, there would be improvement if you kept it digital as far as you can, and do the conversion as close to your display as possible. You would see more improvement, the longer the cable run.

Walt

ATI makes an adapter that converts the DVI out on the card to component. The problem is with the resolution. It will not always put out the res that you want with the source you are playing. Sorry, I forget the exact situation but a search of the HTPC forum should turn it up.

If you convert the DVI output to component, there would be improvement if you kept it digital as far as you can, and do the conversion as close to your display as possible. You would see more improvement, the longer the cable run.

WaltWalt,

I believe that Joe is correct -- the adapter is not converting DVI to component.

Instead, what's happening is the video card itself is outputting analog component video and sending it via the analog portion of the DVI connector. If the card were actually sending a digital DVI signal, converting it to component would require more than a dongle adapter.

I'm not familiar with the adapter you're talking about but I believe that it's just doing a pinout reassignment -- mapping the component analog output from the DVI analog pins to a Y/Pr/Pb output. This is effectively a DVI breakout cable or adapter, not a format converter.

Doug

I am not talking about the RGBHV portion of a DVI-I connector. I am talking about the ability of the dongle to output Y Pb Pr. This dongle is not the DVI to VGA adapter. It has RCA connections and some dip switches for adjustments.

One place in the HTPC forum to find some information is Karnis' sticky on using Powerstrip.

Walt

Here is a link to a FAQ


http://www.ati.com/products/hdtvadapter/faq.html#1

Walt

That was never that good a deal anyway since it was for the lifetime of the unit, not your lifetime. Sirius has a similar deal, but you can transfer it to a different unit (for a fee, and up to a specified number of times).

Great point dwette. I sold a few to people who insisted on lifetime subs. One guy's got fried by lightning 2 weeks after he bought it, and the lifetime sub was a total waste of money. He could have bought a surge for a lot less than the subscription, and he would still have his Tivo probably. Good to know Sirius will let you transfer it even for a fee.

Scott

ATI makes an adapter that converts the DVI out on the card to component. The problem is with the resolution. It will not always put out the res that you want with the source you are playing. Sorry, I forget the exact situation but a search of the HTPC forum should turn it up.

If you convert the DVI output to component, there would be improvement if you kept it digital as far as you can, and do the conversion as close to your display as possible. You would see more improvement, the longer the cable run.

Walt

The main issue I used to have is that when I had my resolution set to 1080i and I
would go to play a DVD, the macrovision protection on the DVD would not allow
anything greater than 480p. I got past that by using software that "bypasses"
that limitation.

The other issue is when you try to play a video game, it will also resize the screen
to 480p, but it is done via DirectX, so it isn't that bad.

That was never that good a deal anyway since it was for the lifetime of the unit, not your lifetime. Sirius has a similar deal, but you can transfer it to a different unit (for a fee, and up to a specified number of times).

Dean it depends. It was $199 originally. I was able to transfer the lifetime to my sister when I got D* in November, 2002. It's still going strong. I think it's the luck of the draw. They have not had to pay a fee for 40 months. I had it over a year when I gave it to them so that totals 52+ months of no monthly fee. (I sure hope posting this doesn't jinx them).

The dialog was off during the first 15 minutes of "Scrubs" on Tuesday 3/7 due to the SARAA alert. The dialog was about a .5 to a full second ahead of the action on screen. Things didn't get back in order until the screen crawler went away.

Yeah, it sure was messed up. I have Charter, and I didn't see the screen crawler on NBC HD, just the terrible syncing issue. And hey, is Scrubs not in HD? Didn't it used to be, or is my mind suffering?

I was wondering if anyone had sound issues with NCIS this week. I recorded the episode with OTA to my HDTivo unit. When it is played there is no center channel sound.

About 35-40 minutes into the show KMOV Digital switched to SD and the center channel came back.

Yeah, it sure was messed up. I have Charter, and I didn't see the screen crawler on NBC HD, just the terrible syncing issue. And hey, is Scrubs not in HD? Didn't it used to be, or is my mind suffering?
For some reason, Scrubs is not HD. It's one of the few shows I HAVE to see, and that lip sync was giving me a headache.
Dug

Recently switched to charter from dish. To my eye d** has a better picture quality especially in hd. The only reason i changed was because of equipment cost associated with sat. I am beginning to wonder if i should just pay the premiun and get over it. By the way hello doug .

interesting article posted on engadget... didn't know if it had been discussed:

As you no doubt know, TiVo announced a new subscription-based pricing plan earlier this week, and as part of the announcement, discontinued the $299 Product Lifetime pricing plan, declaring that it "was too far in favor of good value to make sense for us financially." However, as TiVo's Stephen Mack has now explained, the subscription plans apply only to TiVo boxes purchased from tivo.com. If you buy from a retailer, you purchase what the company now calls "service-only pricing." Why does that matter? Well, as of now, you can still buy a TiVo Series 2 box without a service plan for as little as $39 (after a service-plan rebate). Then, when you go online to sign up for service-only pricing, you can still sign up for the Product Lifetime plan for $299. Total cost: $338 (after rebate), which covers you for the lifetime of your TiVo box. Keep the box for 10 years (if you can pull it off -- and don't mind not having HD support), and that's all you'll pay. Compare that to the new pricing plan, which lets you prepay for a three-year plan for $469, and it sounds like a pretty sweet deal, even if you only keep your TiVo box for a couple of years. But act quickly: word is that the Product Lifetime plan will vanish by next Wednesday. (Oh, and if you already have a TiVo box -- and plan on keeping it for a while -- you can still upgrade to the lifetime plan, but only until Wednesday, so you'd better make up your mind fast!)

A few weeks ago, there was a brief discussion here regarding the email template used by ksdk.
I'm not certain if it was ever established what the template was. If it wasn't, and anyone is interested, it's:

flast@ksdk.gannett.com
ie: dlane@ksdk.gannett.com, etc.

I've been corresponding with a couple of the news anchors and engineers about their HD programming.

About 35-40 minutes into the show KMOV Digital switched to SD and the center channel came back.

Thank you for the information.

Yeah, it sure was messed up. I have Charter, and I didn't see the screen crawler on NBC HD, just the terrible syncing issue. And hey, is Scrubs not in HD? Didn't it used to be, or is my mind suffering?

It's never been HD. They still shoot with 16mm film cameras.

Does anyone know how KMOV is going to handle the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament this year? Will they do it like last year and have on SD regional game on 4, and another HD game on 4-1? Some cities are having all 4 games on at one time via subchannels. Thanks

Question For StL Charter users: Channel 791 on my Moxi now says "HD PPV" and lists a lot of basketball games, but there are some movies. For a test, I set one to record. At no time did it list a price, or ask me the usual confirmation of purchase questions. I cancelled the recording cause I dont really want to get charged, but are these indeed free?

Question For StL Charter users: Channel 791 on my Moxi now says "HD PPV" and lists a lot of basketball games, but there are some movies. For a test, I set one to record. At no time did it list a price, or ask me the usual confirmation of purchase questions. I cancelled the recording cause I dont really want to get charged, but are these indeed free?

I have the regular Motorola HD box and it does list prices for the movies. The movies only show up on weekends and the sports (hockey, basketball) show up during the week. I have not purchased a movie but am tempted to see if it is really a HD movie PPV channel since they have never advertised this.

Thats crazy, I wonder if there is a bug in the Moxi, or if when it comes time to record it asks if you want to buy. Like all the regular PPV movies have prices right on them in the menus, these do not.

I was wondering if anyone had sound issues with NCIS this week. I recorded the episode with OTA to my HDTivo unit. When it is played there is no center channel sound.
Yes, I experienced the same thing. No center channel for the first 30 minutes then they dropped down to SD and the sound was fine. I'm guessing whatever problems they were having was also the reason they never put the next show, The UNIT, in HD. I know there was also a SARAH alert being broadcast but it wasn't continuous through the whole show but they never switched to HD. By they way, the premiere show for The UNIT is being repeated tonight, maybe it will be in HD.

The Unit was okay, not terrific.... the rescue seemed a bit unrealistic.... but the show's got potential. I'll be tuning in again next week.

It was "OK." I do hope it improves and the missions get a little bit more realistic.

I could also do with less of the lives of the women, but from what I understand, tha'ts going to be the heart of the show.

I suppose more of the blonde could be acceptable.

I have the regular Motorola HD box and it does list prices for the movies. The movies only show up on weekends and the sports (hockey, basketball) show up during the week. I have not purchased a movie but am tempted to see if it is really a HD movie PPV channel since they have never advertised this.

They're free, but there's no sound. Its discussed earlier in the thread. No one seems to have a clue.

It might be just a Charter/MOXI bug. On the 6200 the purchase confirmation process looks the same as any other PPV channel.

The wife has been wanting to see Madagascar but we missed the opportunities so far. Tomorrow's conflicts with the Soprano's I think.

Edit: I see it comes on right after the Sopranos. Will likely give it a try.

Result: Didn't run. Took order but hadn't started by 9:15.

They're free, but there's no sound. Its discussed earlier in the thread. No one seems to have a clue.

When I just manually select the channel I get a about 2 seconds and then the purchase screen comes up. I have not yet hit the "buy" button. If you are getting picture and no sound than Charter has things messed up....again...

I still get no purchase screen. Set up one to record later, I'll see what happens.

Does anyone know how KMOV is going to handle the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament this year? Will they do it like last year and have on SD regional game on 4, and another HD game on 4-1? Some cities are having all 4 games on at one time via subchannels. Thanks


I would be very interested in this also if anyone knows the answer.

I still get no purchase screen. Set up one to record later, I'll see what happens.


All i get is color bars on my Moxi. Not free or asked to payl

When the movies first showed up I had picture but no sound, now like black_macleod I get the color bars. I think someone mentioned futher back in the thread that they had info from a CSR or someone inside that we would be getting NBA games at the end of this month. The fact that Charter has added another HD channel shows they do have more bandwith than they claim. If I am not mistaken some people here have posted that Charter told them they could not add any more HD channels here due to bandwith limits.

Hi guys!!
Wow, I don't think I've been back here since sometime in December, before my car rolled down a hill and crashed while I was playing a concert. I've got a lot of reading to do to catch up, but I wanted to post about KDNL's showing of What Lies Beneath on Sat. evening. I think it was first rate!! It appeared to be OAR, the picture was mostly pretty good with a little graininess here and there, and the 5.1 sound was spacious and involving. Music just seemed to float in the air above my head, and behind me, but with no real point of origin that was clear. I hope that this doesn't sound like a contradiction. Just giving a 2 thumbs up to KDNL. TNT HD will be showing this same film Sunday night.

Hi guys!!
Wow, I don't think I've been back here since sometime in December, before my car rolled down a hill and crashed while I was playing a concert. I've got a lot of reading to do to catch up, but I wanted to post about KDNL's showing of What Lies Beneath on Sat. evening. I think it was first rate!! It appeared to be OAR, the picture was mostly pretty good with a little graininess here and there, and the 5.1 sound was spacious and involving. Music just seemed to float in the air above my head, and behind me, but with no real point of origin that was clear. I hope that this doesn't sound like a contradiction. Just giving a 2 thumbs up to KDNL. TNT HD will be showing this same film Sunday night.

Welcome back, Jedi!

Fantastic sound like that is what I love about 24.... well, that and the gunfire, explosions, Jack's one-liners, and looking at Audrey and Kim. :D

Anyone here see the Battlestar Galactica season finale Friday? I know it's not HD but well worth watching. I won't give details, but if you thought humanity was screwed at the end of LAST season.... OMG......... :eek:

Welcome back, Jedi!

Fantastic sound like that is what I love about 24.... well, that and the gunfire, explosions, Jack's one-liners, and looking at Audrey and Kim. :D

Anyone here see the Battlestar Galactica season finale Friday? I know it's not HD but well worth watching. I won't give details, but if you thought humanity was screwed at the end of LAST season.... OMG......... :eek:

Welcome back, Jedi. I missed seeing your posts here.

I mistakenly let my old timer on the 921 record only the first 60 minutes of Battlestar Friday (one of the disadvantages of not having name based recording on the 921). When I got to the end of the first hour and figured out that the show was 90 minutes, I was relieved that SciFi airs the Friday night lineup twice. I had to wait until Saturday to see the end. Great show!

I agree! OMG! It was jaw dropping!

What Lies Beneath did have the discalimer. Something like, "this film has has been modified to fit your screen" and being edited.

jedi,

Great to see you back here, and sorry to hear about your car rolling away from you.

Something similar actually happened to my father some 30 years ago, as he had parked his car at a golf course and when he came back a half an hour later he found that it had just rolled across a fairway and eventually into someone's front lawn.

The thing is, even after 30 years, my father fails to see the humor in that story...whereas I can't help but visualize a golfer getting ready to take a shot at the green, when suddenly here comes a Chevy Impala at two o'clock... ;)

Anyway, glad to see you back here...

I just talked to KMOV newsline and the lady talked to engineer "Masterson" and they said management wouldn't let them have Hi Def feed on today due to the severe weather warnings and they didnt want to have to switch back and forth. Wish they could do Hi def and have overlays like KSDK does. Anybody have more pull that can get it on in HD.

Enjoy reading all your posts from Scott AFB and hope all are safe and well from last nights round of storms and stay safe tonight.

Mike Oates

Hello all... just wondering if anyone is having signal issues with Charter? My Moxi was set to record "Murderball" and all I have is pixelation and stuttering. Same thing with "Mythbusters". Cartoon Network is also a mess. After a quick check, a number of channels are severely pixelated... would a good amplifier rectify this? I'd rather buy and install my own than call Charter tech.

Anyone?

TIA

Guess KMOV changed their mind. Glad they could satisfy my need for at least a few minutes of Gator Basketball in HD

Hello all... just wondering if anyone is having signal issues with Charter? My Moxi was set to record "Murderball" and all I have is pixelation and stuttering. Same thing with "Mythbusters". Cartoon Network is also a mess. After a quick check, a number of channels are severely pixelated... would a good amplifier rectify this? I'd rather buy and install my own than call Charter tech.

Anyone?

TIA


Yes I would call for a tech :)

KMOV's handling of the NCAAs is a great question.

While I know Doug and many others would decry the multichannel situation where they could broadcast more than one (or two) NCAA games at a time, in this situation, I'd be all for it.

Even having TWO different games (one on analog, one on digital) would be amazing.

Well thanks for the warm welcome back!! I just about had to wipe my eyes...LOL.

MoInSTL,
I might have this wrong, but I'm guessing that What Lies Beneath was mastered at 2.35:1 or something close to it, which would cause it to have some letterboxing within my set's 16x9 picture. So I just assumed that it was coming to us as OAR from KDNL, but edited for time and other reasons. Could it be that the message they showed about formatting the picture to fit the screen have been for the analog feed?

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

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

In the not-so-distant past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information that is now buried back on the very first page of this discussion thread.

Because of its location, a lot of that general, introductory information about HDTV and OTA reception is now easily overlooked, especially with the discussion here stretching back more than 2 years and nearly 400 pages.

In an attempt to make this information more accessible, I'm going to post an advisory/reminder note similar to this every couple of weeks. Ideally this will make this general resource information more visible and easier to find for more readers.

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

So, here's to filling in some of those information gaps...

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995679&&#post2995679)

Using An Antenna to Receive Local HD Stations (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995718&&#post2995718)

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

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7176354&&#post7176354)

And finally, I want to remind everyone -- newcomers and old hands alike -- that you can access the St. Louis HDTV discussion here at AVS directly by using the shortcut URL that has been arranged.

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

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

Yes I would call for a tech :)
Damn...

If you watched USA vs Japan today did the guy leave 3rd early or not. I thought he did not leave early.

I watched the first two innings, got upset, then went to dinner.

Glad to see we pulled it out!

The relief corps is definitely the strenght of the US squad.

I got my VIP-622 installed yesterday. So far this is by far the best receiver that Dish has ever put out. :)

1. Extremely fast scanning in the locals....took 43 seconds, my 811 took over 5 min
2. Much faster processer, channels change much faster then other receivers.
3. Picture is greatly improved on component and HDMI.
4. Extended 3hr guide.
5. Name based recording.
6. Two televisions can use the receiver/DVR via dish home dist port.
7. Ability to record 2 HD events and an SD event at the same time.

Outside of the $299.00 for the unit I have been very pleased. The only thing that could make it better is if TV2 had the ability to view HD content. 20 minutes before the Sopranos.........talk to you guys later.

The only thing that could make it better is if TV2 had the ability to view HD content.

Glad to hear you like it. Mine is scheduled to be installed this coming Saturday. I have an idea about getting the HD channels to your other TV's. (This presumes you have a VCR available to your system.)

-Run your 622's home distribution coax into the coax 'in' on your VCR and the 'out' coax to your other TV.

-Run a composite line out (video and audio) to your VCR from your 622.

That way, if you change the VCR channel to the line input, whatever channel you're watching on the 622's TV1 should also display on your secondary television. (Downconverted to SD. Anything that is widescreen should show up as letterboxed on the secondary TV.) If you want to have the ability to change channels on the secondary TV, then you'd change the channel on the VCR to (whatever channel it's supposed to be on 21-69 I think) and then you could change channels using the other remote.

(Or you could run the coax out of the 622, into a switched coax splitter and leave the VCR on line in all the time. Then when you wanted to control the secondary TV, you could just flip the switch.)

This is how I was going to hook mine up. Anyone see a problem doing this? It's similar to how I have my 811 and 508 hooked up right now.

The only thing that could make it better is if TV2 had the ability to view HD content. 20 minutes before the Sopranos.........talk to you guys later.[/QUOTE]

I should rephrase this statement.
I can see all the HD channels on TV1 & TV2 its just that the programs are down converted to SD on TV2

bigdaddy10(I feel a little uneasy addressing you like this...LOL),

Congrats on the 622, although some of the features you mentioned are present on the 942. Like name based recording. Actually, you'll find that your number 7 comment gets even better than you thought. The 622, like my 942, should record 2 HD satellite channels, plus an OTA HD channel, all at once!! We are talking about recording 3 HD feeds at the same time. However, I'm not that excited about it, knowing that the HDTivo has 2 OTA tuners and 2 sat tuners, giving it the ability to record 2 HD sats and 2 HD OTAs at once.

As a current Dish customer, I'll have to wait until April 1 to get my 622 so I can have the $200 rebate(making it $99 installed).

bigdaddy10(I feel a little uneasy addressing you like this...LOL),

Congrats on the 622, although some of the features you mentioned are present on the 942. Like name based recording. Actually, you'll find that your number 7 comment gets even better than you thought. The 622, like my 942, should record 2 HD satellite channels, plus an OTA HD channel, all at once!! We are talking about recording 3 HD feeds at the same time. However, I'm not that excited about it, knowing that the HDTivo has 2 OTA tuners and 2 sat tuners, giving it the ability to record 2 HD sats and 2 HD OTAs at once.

As a current Dish customer, I'll have to wait until April 1 to get my 622 so I can have the $200 rebate(making it $99 installed).


Nice to see you back on the board. I'v been reading the STL HD forum for well over a year but have not posted too many comments. I always looked for your posts in the past as you have proven to be a very knowledgable person.

However, I'm not that excited about it, knowing that the HDTivo has 2 OTA tuners and 2 sat tuners, giving it the ability to record 2 HD sats and 2 HD OTAs at once.



It ain't QUITE as great as all that. The HD Tivo does have two sat tuners and two OTA tuners, but only two of the four can be used at any given time. If your 942 can record two sat channels and an OTA channel (in other words, 3 channels at once) all at the same time, that's actually a leg up on the HD Tivo.

Hey y'all, the History Channel showed something called "How William Shatner Changed the World" last night. I Tivo'ed it but haven't had a chance to play it back. Anyone here have a look at it?

I just talked to KMOV newsline and the lady talked to engineer "Masterson" and they said management wouldn't let them have Hi Def feed on today due to the severe weather warnings and they didnt want to have to switch back and forth. Wish they could do Hi def and have overlays like KSDK does. Anybody have more pull that can get it on in HD.

Enjoy reading all your posts from Scott AFB and hope all are safe and well from last nights round of storms and stay safe tonight.

Mike Oates

Anyone else notice how KMOV's picture during the basketball games would suddenly get really blurry and then seem to come back into focus? I remember seeing this last year on some of their broadcasts. ESPNHD or ESPN2HD didn't have this problem, so I'm forced to wonder if something is happening locally.

I also wish they had a way to overlay severe weather warnings in HD. This is a problem that is only going to get worse as we move into spring...

Mike

I should rephrase this statement.
I can see all the HD channels on TV1 & TV2 its just that the programs are down converted to SD on TV2

Ahhhh. Bach. So the secondary television DOES have access to the HD channels and the box downconverts through the home distribution coax? That's pretty cool.

KMOV's handling of the NCAAs is a great question.

While I know Doug and many others would decry the multichannel situation where they could broadcast more than one (or two) NCAA games at a time, in this situation, I'd be all for it.

Even having TWO different games (one on analog, one on digital) would be amazing.They have shown two different games (on the SD and HD channels) in the past, but it depends who is playing. It sure would be nice if they would broadcast three or four games at a time! At this point it would just be nice to know what games they plan on showing. Right now their schedule is only saying, "NCAA Basketball Tournament, First-round games".

Been through many earthquakes, a hurricane and lived in Portland when Mt. St. Helens exploded. Tornadoes scare me more. I need to get a NOAA radio that wakes you up with an alarm. Nothing fancy. I just need something that does the job.

I can Google for it but would rather get a recommendation.

Thanks in advance!

Been through many earthquakes, a hurricane and lived in Portland when Mt. St. Helens exploded. Tornadoes scare me more. I need to get a NOAA radio that wakes you up with an alarm. Nothing fancy. I just need something that does the job.
I can Google for it but would rather get a recommendation.
Thanks in advance!
I have a Midland 74-200. Moderate priced, does what you'll need. Yellow LED for Statements, Orange LED+Audible for Watches (loud), Red LED+Audible for Warnings (scary loud).
You can also set it to follow the alert with the NOAA issued statement.
AC + Batt B/U. Sits silently on the nightstand, until there's something issued.
All digital setup (which, in a way, qualifies it for this thread :D ) Easy to setup.
Just search on Midland 74-200, you'll find plenty.

am i the only one who had severe problems with charter HD and the sopranos season premeire? IT dropped out sound alot and had pixelation issues that made it unwatchable. By the way i was watching on THE MOXI

:confused:

They have shown two different games (on the SD and HD channels) in the past, but it depends who is playing. It sure would be nice if they would broadcast three or four games at a time! At this point it would just be nice to know what games they plan on showing. Right now their schedule is only saying, "NCAA Basketball Tournament, First-round games".

I understand that the CBS affiliate in Atlanta will show 4 games simultaneously, but only one will be HD.

A friend in Atlanta has had her HD since January, signed up with Charter, but they can't seem get a cable card to her, saying it's "backordered".

Any know if St. Louis subscribers are having the same problem getting cards?

A friend in Atlanta has had her HD since January, signed up with Charter, but they can't seem get a cable card to her, saying it's "backordered".

Any know if St. Louis subscribers are having the same problem getting cards?

I have had one for a year

am i the only one who had severe problems with charter HD and the sopranos season premeire? IT dropped out sound alot and had pixelation issues that made it unwatchable. By the way i was watching on THE MOXI

:confused:

No problem here but I don't have the Moxi.......Just the old Motorola HD 6100. I have not succumbed to DVRs yet...they seem more addictive than I need...

Anyone have a lot of dropouts on KPLR-DT tonight? (Monday 3-13) Never had a problem before but it was dropping between 6 & 7 and then again starting at 9. (I wasn't watching it between those times.)

Anyone have a lot of dropouts on KPLR-DT tonight? (Monday 3-13) Never had a problem before but it was dropping between 6 & 7 and then again starting at 9. (I wasn't watching it between those times.)

Good to know it wasn't just my system. I had problems last night and tonight. I had to switch to the SD Dish satellite channel to see the 9:00 news. The dropouts were frequent and made Ch. 11 unwatchable OTA.

You know you're an addict when...

Sunday night I screwed up the 7:00 recording of UHD's broadcast of Battlestar Galactica on my R5000 modded Dish 211. I knew I was an addict when Cindy Preszler announced that destruction and mayhem were on the way in the form of some of the worst weather in recent memory. I just kept thinking, "Gosh, I hope the weather holds off until the 10:30 reairing of BG is over."

That's really twisted.

I am getting around 80% reception for most channels and 50% for 39-1 and 56-1 using the standard wire antenna that came with my HP media center computer. The 80% channels fluctuate down to 50% every so often...so really only one or two channels are satisfactory. And outdoor antenna is not an option for me, do you think that using one of the recommended indoor antennas will give me enough of a boost to get those channels?

I need to get a NOAA radio that wakes you up with an alarm. Nothing fancy. I just need something that does the job.

I can recommend a Reecom (http://www.weatherradiostore.com/product.asp?itmky=823894&mfgno=R1650&cat=8&scat=1) as well.

However, since moving to St. Peters from N. County, I have had a terrible time getting reception to KDO89 (162.55 Mhz) in Shrewsbury. Based on this (http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/nwr/nwr.php) map I should probably change my setting to the Bellflower, MO (162.45 Mhz) tower.

Can anyone near St. Peters confirm what tower setting/frequency/channel they are using?
I can't seem to get either one very well. :(

Thanks,
Token

am i the only one who had severe problems with charter HD and the sopranos season premeire? IT dropped out sound alot and had pixelation issues that made it unwatchable. By the way i was watching on THE MOXI

:confused:

I have Moxi, I recorded Sopranos with no problems or drop outs, flawless.

I had horrible reception on CBS HD last night. Called Charter and the lovely lady just had me unplug my STB and plug it back in. I told her that CBS HD has not been watchable for three weeks. Their only option for me was to have another tech out. By now, I have lost more pay having to take days off then charter costs for a whole year!!!

am i the only one who had severe problems with charter HD and the sopranos season premeire? IT dropped out sound alot and had pixelation issues that made it unwatchable. By the way i was watching on THE MOXI

:confused:

I watched it Live on the MOXI with no problems whatsoever.

Tim

I had horrible reception on CBS HD last night. Called Charter and the lovely lady just had me unplug my STB and plug it back in. I told her that CBS HD has not been watchable for three weeks. Their only option for me was to have another tech out. By now, I have lost more pay having to take days off then charter costs for a whole year!!!

Aren't you using a splitter somewhere in your setup?

You know you're an addict when...

Sunday night I screwed up the 7:00 recording of UHD's broadcast of Battlestar Galactica on my R5000 modded Dish 211. I knew I was an addict when Cindy Preszler announced that destruction and mayhem were on the way in the form of some of the worst weather in recent memory. I just kept thinking, "Gosh, I hope the weather holds off until the 10:30 reairing of BG is over."

That's really twisted.

I know the feeling. My only concern with the storms was not losing power to the fan on my projector. I would hate for the lamp to explode due to not cooling after the power going out. Pretty twisted that I was not concerned for my or my families lives.

Scott

KMOV has listed Thursday games they are showing, SD and HD are showing different games.

KMOV has listed Thursday games they are showing, SD and HD are showing different games.

Link? I just checked their website and couldn't find it.

I know the feeling. My only concern with the storms was not losing power to the fan on my projector. I would hate for the lamp to explode due to not cooling after the power going out. Pretty twisted that I was not concerned for my or my families lives.

Scott

That happened to me with my old Sharp 9000 projector. The pj came on, but the bulb popped a few days later. Since then, I've been using a UPS on it. It's not strong enough to keep the bulb going, but it does power down with the fan until the bulb cools.

Link? I just checked their website and couldn't find it.

Sorry, bottom of the page under sports header, only lists Thursdays games

That's pretty cool.

I'm guessing the HD game is the "national" game while the SD versions are going to be the more regional variety?

I can recommend a Reecom (http://www.weatherradiostore.com/product.asp?itmky=823894&mfgno=R1650&cat=8&scat=1) as well.

However, since moving to St. Peters from N. County, I have had a terrible time getting reception to KDO89 (162.55 Mhz) in Shrewsbury. Based on this (http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/nwr/nwr.php) map I should probably change my setting to the Bellflower, MO (162.45 Mhz) tower.

Can anyone near St. Peters confirm what tower setting/frequency/channel they are using?
I can't seem to get either one very well. :(

Thanks,
Token

FYI, KDO89 is on our tower (KDNL) in Shrewsbury.
Jim

Hi. I have the regular DirecTV DVR and I may be getting an HDTV at the end of the year. Does anyone know how much it will cost to upgrade to Directv's new non Tivo Mpeg 4 HD DVR and Mpeg 4 dish? I guess DirecTV's new non Tivo HD DVR will be their new Home Media Center with a broadband connection for DirecTV's new VOD service that is coming out in the summer or this year? Thanks, Craig.

Craig... no clue to your question, but I don't think anyone can really give you an answer.

Until DirecTV's HD-DVR is released, no one can say how much of an upgrade that's going to be for you -- or anyone.

Probably less than the current HD-TiVo's lease cost.

Today, I noticed that my DigitalStream HD settop box was not displaying a signal on 30-1. I re-scanned the channels, and now it shows 31-1, and that plays KDNL DT. All of the other channel re-maps are correct, like 4-1, 5-1,2 etc. Is there something that the broadcaster has done to cause the re-map of 31-1?

bigdaddy10,
I've been out of town for a couple of days, so I haven't had a chance until now to say thanks for the kind comments.

Bob,
Wow, I wasn't aware that my 942's ability to record 3 streams at once was something your HDTivo couldn't do. Still, I have suffered through several software glitches that you haven't, including a period when I could only get 5.1 sound on one of my 942's sat tuners. Things seem to be pretty stable these days...knock on wood.

Scott and Joe,
In contrast to your concerns about your pj bulbs shutting down without the proper fan cool down cycle, I remember hearing from some guys in the Infocus 4805 forum(s) saying that it has been suggested to them by the manufacturer that 4805 be shutdown manually at the master power switch each time. That's right, with no fan cool down cycle. Owners have been told that allowing the bulb to cool down naturally and slowly over time is better for bulb life overall. I don't do this with my Optoma H31, but I have been hit with a sudden power outage a couple of times when I was watching something. When that happens, I just make sure that I don't powerup for atleast half an hour to 45 minutes, to allow for the bulb to cool enough.

Wow, it sure is great to be back on the board!! While I've been away, I broadened my hd recording abilities, thanks largely to Bob and Joe. Bob has assisted me with several freeware programs for handling hd streams, and setup a way for me to aquire hd content if any of my settop boxes( or hd tuner card) should happen to fail for any reason. Joe has done everything from selling me a killer Athlon pc, complete with a MyHD card with dvi, to helping me figure out firewire recording to and from the pc, and software applications as well. I offer a big public thank you to both of you!!

I have now learned how quickly a 500Gb hard drive can fill up with hd programming, and that one can never have too much hard drive capacity.

Hey Jedi,

Yer welcome. And after last weekend when I had to buy a new 400gb drive because the 800gb RAID array had gotten full, I'll second your comment on drive space. My server now has a total of 1.8 TERAbytes of hard drive space, though that will shrink to 1.7 after I remove the 120gig drive..... so I'll still have five empty drive bays for future expansion.

It's been a pleasure getting to know you better, Jedi. Talking tech (and other interesting topics) with bright, knowledgable people is great fun. To repeat, you meet the nicest people on the St. Louis thread.

That's pretty cool.

I'm guessing the HD game is the "national" game while the SD versions are going to be the more regional variety?


Last year they had 1 truck. It went to 1 location and broadcast all the games from that location. It looks like this year they have 2 trucks. One is at Auburn Hills, the other is at Philly.

Is anyone having a problem with KMOV 4.1 this morning? It's not coming in at all for me for some reason.

Last year they had 1 truck. It went to 1 location and broadcast all the games from that location. It looks like this year they have 2 trucks. One is at Auburn Hills, the other is at Philly.


So this means there will only be two games at a time in HD?

Also somehow I was lucky enough to receive a distant waiver for CBS. How do I determine which two distant locals to pick now for the tournament to make sure I will get different games.

Jedi35,

I am impressed by your ability to record HD. I am much, much more impressed by the time you have to actually watch all of these recorded programs. My family operates multiple Tivo's but that translates into different locations and different viewers. I can't find the time to watch the stuff recorded on even one HD Tivo. More power to you! Art

Jedi35,

I am impressed by your ability to record HD. I am much, much more impressed by the time you have to actually watch all of these recorded programs. My family operates multiple Tivo's but that translates into different locations and different viewers. I can't find the time to watch the stuff recorded on even one HD Tivo. More power to you! Art

I think the reason Jedi has to get more hard drive space is that he *doesn't* have the time to watch all the HD he records. Add a busy schedule to a car that rolls down a hill on its own, and you fall behind pretty quickly. :)

So this means there will only be two games at a time in HD?

Also somehow I was lucky enough to receive a distant waiver for CBS. How do I determine which two distant locals to pick now for the tournament to make sure I will get different games.

Ahh, therein lies the question, as it will be determined by the stations perception of which game will have the greatest "local" appeal. IE, if Mizzou were playing (hahahaha) at one of the SD sites, it would be broadcast on the KMOV "Primary" channel, while the others would be on the sub-channels. At least that was how KMOV handled it last year, IIRC.

Sony Delays PS3 Due to Blu-Ray Copy-Protect Issues

The following story is from the WinInfo web site.

I wonder how long it's going to take for Sony to recover lost/delayed PS3 revenues in the form of increased revenues that will supposedly result from reduced piracy?

My guess is the answer is "approaching infinity."
______________________________________________________

I guess we all saw this one coming: Sony on Wednesday delayed the release of its next-generation PlayStation 3 (PS3) video game system by about six months, from early 2006 to November 2006. The company blamed the console's delays on a delay in the copy protection scheme for the PS3's Blu-Ray optical drive, which won't be finalized now until April.

"I'd like to apologize for the delay," Ken Kutaragi, the head Sony's video games division, said during a hastily-organized press conference. "I have been cautious because many people in various areas are banking on the potential of [Blu-Ray]."
______________________________________________________

For the complete story, click here. (http://www.windowsitpro.com/windowspaulthurrott/Article/ArticleID/49680/windowspaulthurrott_49680.html)

So this means there will only be two games at a time in HD?
Also somehow I was lucky enough to receive a distant waiver for CBS. How do I determine which two distant locals to pick now for the tournament to make sure I will get different games.
Deuces,
You could probably use one of the TV Guide type grid listings, and enter the zip codes for the available distants.
Try here: http://online.tvguide.com/myprofile/setup/localizeus.asp

Deuces,
You could probably use one of the TV Guide type grid listings, and enter the zip codes for the available distants.
Try here: http://online.tvguide.com/myprofile/setup/localizeus.asp


If I go here http://www.cbs46.com/Global/story.asp?S=3063998. I'm assuming the games listed on channel 46 the first column, or main channel is what I will receive with the Atlanta Distant local on Dish. Am I correct?

If I go here http://www.cbs46.com/Global/story.asp?S=3063998. I'm assuming the games listed on channel 46 the first column, or main channel is what I will receive with the Atlanta Distant local on Dish. Am I correct?
That is how I read it also. It also tells you which games will be on the HD feed, so if you can find out which games KMOV is going to broadcast, those in the HD column will most likely be in HD on KMOV, correct?