St. Louis, MO - HDTV *OLD* [Text View] - Page 50

jdiehl

04-05-06, 11:42 AM

due to the eventual MPEG4 conversion. because you no longer actually own the unit you have no real choice in the matter.

Which is rumored to be a free upgrade for HDTivo users. It makes sense why they are making the HD Tivo an attractive lease/buy at this point, since they are close to releasing their own mpeg4 DVR, they don't want any more HD Tivo's out there than necessary. At least with the high cost of leasing one now, it's less of a hit for them when it comes time to swap them out for mpeg4 units.

Now, as for D* and their own DVR (non-TiVo), I can't say anything about those since I've never owned one. I have two DirecTivo units and couldn't be more happy with them (and I've tried a variety of cable co. DVR's and still own two standalone ReplayTV units, but nothing is as good as the Tivo software IMO). Since I get the St. Louis digital OTA channels just fine, I won't be in a huge rush to give them my HD Tivo either. It would take a new national mpeg4 channel that I just "have to watch" in order for me to swap that baby out. Even if they took away all of the current mpeg2 national channels and switched them to mpeg4, it would be a tough decision to give up that HD Tivo. Sure, that's likely going to happen of course, but not for years from now when the large majority of HD subs have mpeg4 equipment. By then, the HD Tivo could be way outdated anyway.

Point is, they aren't "forcing" HD Tivo owners to do anything.

mikesweeney

04-05-06, 11:47 AM

MoInSTL

04-05-06, 12:30 PM

D* is sending me a new DVR via FedEx. I was recording & watching various programs last night and went to watch Law & Order. When I hit play instead of playing, it sat on the Now Playing Screen (green background) minus the Now Playing list. When I tried to FF it, it played garbled audio. When fast forwarding there is normally no sound. It reminded me how a VCR sounds when it's FF. Since the program was still being recorded I switched to watcing it live and tried rewinding it. It did okay until the corrupted spot and displayed a fixed scene from a commercial and rather than rewind it zipped right to the beginning. I rebooted and tried a couple of more times. Everything before and since is fine. I have not come across this issue in any of my DVRs or read anything in the Tivo forum about it.

Since it is less than 6 months old I get a new unit rather than refurbished. The tier two tech I spoke with said to reformat the drive before I start using the new one. My only fear is how it is handled during shipping. She said that's why I need to format it first. I'll also be getting a pre-paid return shipping label. Apparently it can take 4-5 hours to fomat. Then I have to build all of my season passes and get a decent backlog of stuff to watch. Wish I could afford a DVD recorder to keep a couple of things. I'll also lose all my Battlestar Galactica in HD I have been accumulating. *Sob*.

MoInSTL

04-05-06, 12:47 PM

I guess I'm just taking it personally because DirecTV has treated my parents rather shabbily recently even though they've been with them for over ten years and have been paying for the largest channel package the entire time.

Their TiVo which they paid for (and absolutely loved) breaks and they're shipped out a DirecTV box that works very poorly and DirecTV has done very little to help rectify the problem.

I've long been a big supporter of DirecTV, but their recent actions have left me with a very sour taste in my mouth. I'm not a fan of Charter in the least, but at least I'll be able to use a HD TiVo in a few months with hopefully nary an issue.

When my first and purchased DVR fried I called D* and they offered and sent a 30 hour Hughes for free. When I called and said I didn't like using a RCA receiver in my bedroom they said no problem and sent me a free 70 hour R10. When I called for the Mover's Connection they came out and ran all of my cable & dish for free. When I got my HD DVR I negotiated a heck of a deal. When I called to complain about my dish or free antenna not being properly grounded I got more free programming. If you look at my previous post you will see they are sending me a new DVR to my door and I can keep all the cables when I return mine. Took one call last night. Unlike my having to call Charter at least once a month over billing issues. As soon as my 6 months of $19.99 high speed is up I am gone.

I always talk to the folks in retention and have been very pleased with their level of support. The two year commitment I got with the HD DVR does not bother me since I don't see any better option out there for me. I don't like how compressed everything in SD has gotten but I am willing to see what happens when they get the birds in the air sorted out. Until they roll out more HD channels that I am interested in I have no reason to get a new MPEG 4 DVR since I get networks OTA. When I do want it, I'll get it free. (Part of my past negotiation).

I'm sorry you feel your parents were not treated well. If they still have D* I would suggest they call Customer Retention as they absolutely will assist them and give them free programming and $ off the bill. 800.824.9081

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 12:51 PM

tcfila,

Sorry I missed the sarcasm. I should pay more attention to those smiley things.

I still don't get how this service could be worth $30 a month and why people are (apparently) paying it.

Of all the things that bother me about Charter, the inconsistency in pricing and billing is probably the biggest. Under normal circumstances, I'd conclude that they're not trustworthy, but then I know from experience that Charter isn't organized enough to be institutionally duplicitous...

skippy_rq

04-05-06, 12:59 PM

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 01:01 PM

mike,

I'm sorry to hear about your dad's recent problems with DirecTV. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe that DirecTV is perfect and I don't like everything they do, but on balance I haven't experienced any problems that couldn't be worked through with a bit of determination and escalation.

I think your comments about the HD TiVo are just worst-case speculation. Maybe it turns out that DirecTV is getting ready to put the screws to us, but I doubt it.

I can also echo Mo's experience in getting my recently expired HD TiVo replaced. I never even had to ask before the rep told that he was overnighting a replacement to me. I called at 9 p.m. on a Monday night and had my replacement up and working by Wednesday lunchtime.

Charter's office is less than a mile away and couldn't come close to that performance. This might seem like a trivial thing, but it demonstrates to me that DirecTV is serious about keeping me as a happy customer. In dealing with Charter, I get the feeling that the number one priority is happy employees, customers be damned.

I do agree with you on the new DirecTV DVR -- it's not nearly as viewer-friendly as the TiVo or Replay products. My big issues are the lack of 30-second skip and the fact that there's no straightforward way to switch between the two tuners. It seems to me the problems with the design of the new DVR are intentional and completely in keeping with the fact that News Corp. has major investments in commercial broadcasting (advertising revenue) and content. It is a near-perfect reflection of the priorities of the corporate parent.

For me, long term, this is the factor that would be most likely to push me away from DirecTV.

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 01:05 PM

The "advanced" notates the MOXIMate setup. They not only charge you for the authorization of the box, but for the service too. The big difference between this setup and 2 DVRs from D* is that the Mate is a slave box to the main unit. I can watch whatever is on the main unit from my bedroom where the mate is. It is a real nice setup that has bugs. :D :DOK -- that's nice. But even if there were no bugs, it still falls far short of providing any sort of reasonable value.

For $30 a month, it should replicate six-packs and deluxe pizzas on demand. :D

mikesweeney

04-05-06, 01:22 PM

I'm sorry you feel your parents were not treated well. If they still have D* I would suggest they call Customer Retention as they absolutely will assist them and give them free programming and $ off the bill. 800.824.9081
The problem is I did have my Mom call into the retention department. Not only was she throughly rebuffed but she said the operator was actually quite rude.

gdoublev

04-05-06, 02:05 PM

The problem is I did have my Mom call into the retention department. Not only was she throughly rebuffed but she said the operator was actually quite rude.

I would try the customer retention number again. I took Mo's advice and worked out a pretty good deal on the HD/TiVo and new dish. I also got 6 mos HD programming free.

kdg454

04-05-06, 02:07 PM

mikesweeney

04-05-06, 02:14 PM

I would try the customer retention number again. I took Mo's advice and worked out a pretty good deal on the HD/TiVo and new dish. I also got 6 mos HD programming free.

I'll probably end up doing it myself and posing as my Dad.

though there is a bit of a funny story to all of this, one of my mom's clients is a family friend. I guess my mom mentioned in passing how much my Dad loves the Game Show Network. So the client called up my parents house and left a message posing as a DirecTV representative. She said that following some market research they've decided that the Game Show Network isn't popular enough to keep around and that if they have any question to call 1-800-DirecTV.

Well my Dad gets home and listens to the message and flies off the handle, he then proceeds to call DirecTV and screams at a customer rep for 15 minutes. From what I heard he made a total ass of himself. It's pretty funny.

mikesweeney

04-05-06, 02:16 PM

Mo,
FWIW, I had similar issues recording L&O last night also. I had it set to record on two different Dish HD DVR's, and both produced the same issues. I also had no problems with any shows before, or after.
I attributed it to an issue with KSDK. I just didn't think it was likely two completely different machines (622 & 921) would produce the same results had it not been a station issue.
it was indeed KSDK, I was having issues with not only my CableCard but noticed the issue was happening OTA as well.

High-Def leader, my butt.

jdiehl

04-05-06, 02:38 PM

Well my Dad gets home and listens to the message and flies off the handle, he then proceeds to call DirecTV and screams at a customer rep for 15 minutes. From what I heard he made a total ass of himself. It's pretty funny.

Perhaps there's something in their account notes about this, and after reading it the retention rep that they most recently called was rude (not an excuse for being rude, but maybe an explanation?)

In my 3 moves in the past 2yrs, I've had them come out and install a new dish in each location, each time with the movers connection, and they always threw in some extra programming for me too as a sweetner (not that they needed to either).

The new H20 mpeg4 receiver that they installed last month was getting a little warm. After reading the thread on it in the hardware forum here, I called them up on Monday and explained that my receiver would get very warm. The CSR is sending another one, FedEx, with a return label. Should arrive tomorrow.

Charter on the other hand.... they finally got around to putting my cable in the ground today. About time, 5 weeks after they installed it (and the tech said "7-10" days, which I laughed at).

mikesweeney

04-05-06, 02:55 PM

Perhaps there's something in their account notes about this, and after reading it the retention rep that they most recently called was rude (not an excuse for being rude, but maybe an explanation?)
nah, all the problems they had happened before this incident. her playing this joke on my Dad is what finally set him off about DirecTV. (I on the other hand just found it funny.)

but the way my mom was treated by the retention department (of all places) was what really soured me.

MoInSTL

04-05-06, 03:07 PM

KDG, thanks but...

I just checked and the SD box on bedroom TV looked fine. It had video and played a few minutes of it. Looked fine. I fast forwarded through the first half and video was present. I think my video corruption is not the same issue. Spoke to Doug and he asked if I had problems with the remote and sure enough I did. I thought it was my batteries. It's another symptom of a bad hard drive.

kdg454

04-05-06, 04:53 PM

Oh well, that's too bad. :( I don't envy you.
I've never had to replace one of mine, and I'm not looking forward to ever having to.
Hope it all goes well :)

bluedevil23

04-05-06, 05:38 PM

I too missed out on 24 and Prison Break Monday night. Unfortunately, they do not re-air like someone else said. NBC shows old episodes of 24 on Sunday, but that is it. I can't recall if it was last season or the one before, but FX used to reair the previous week's episode the hour before the new one aired, but they don't do that anymore. I was able to find the video on the internet. I'm not quite sure of the whole legality of that so I won't spell it out, but it's not hard. It would be nice if Charter offered the on-demand like someone mentioned, but unfortunately they don't.

aspec2

04-05-06, 06:26 PM

This can't be correct -- nearly $30 a month for a glorified DVR service? Over $20 a month for DVR service, before equipment?

This must be what Charter executives refer to as their "Brooklyn Bridge Package."

Seriously, it seems that the whole "Shrugging With Charter" phenomenom is much worse than I thought.

I think this is missleading. Remember that the DVR takes the place of the HDTV Reciever. The Moxi takes the place of a Digital box. If you are replacing a digital box with the Moxi Mate there is not difference with the remote. So the actual cost of the package is really about $10.00 less than that.

Walt

MoInSTL

04-05-06, 06:35 PM

Sorry for so many posts today guys. I am having Schneider TV out tomorrow for a service call. Anyone know how competent the techs are? Anyone have any feedback or experience with them? The are supposed to the largest Samsung service center in STL.

Thanks in advance!

MoInSTL

04-05-06, 06:54 PM

I was able to find the video on the internet. I'm not quite sure of the whole legality of that so I won't spell it out, but it's not hard.

You probably are aware that some content can be laden more with back-door Trojans rather than viruses. So scan the heck out of it using software that is Trojan specific. Ewido is free and works pretty well. After 14 days you have to manually download updates by clicking the Update button.

WinstonSmith

04-05-06, 06:56 PM

Doug, the issue with many DirecTV subs regarding the HD-TiVo and it possibly being taken is the idea that the new HD-R15 will, quite frankly, suck.

If you read forums of people who have had the SD R15 after having an R10 w/ TiVo software, they just hate them.

Heck, if I recall, you even have one. How do you like the R15 compared to an R10 with TiVo software?

For me, the inabilty to have both tuners buffered at the same is a dealbreaker.

BudShark

04-05-06, 06:58 PM

The "advanced" notates the MOXIMate setup. They not only charge you for the authorization of the box, but for the service too. The big difference between this setup and 2 DVRs from D* is that the Mate is a slave box to the main unit. I can watch whatever is on the main unit from my bedroom where the mate is. It is a real nice setup that has bugs. :D :D

I can do that with my Media Center PC and XBOX :) And I don't pay Charter's pricing! :)

The only issue is I don't get HD ESPN to record - but its OTA we record mostly anyways...

Chris

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 07:10 PM

Has anyone else noticed that there are some really, really strange artifacts appearing on FOX Sports Midwest the past couple of days?

What I'm referring to is very faint vertical lines that go from the top of the screen to the bottom in groups of a half dozen or so, followed by a similar-sized space with no lines and then another group of the lines. That pattern repeats all the way across the screen -- it sort of looks like a ghosted pattern from striped shirt.

I first noticed this during the exhibition game broadcast on FSMW last night. I suspect that it may not be detectable on a small screen, but on my 56-inch it's pretty obvious.

Also, I'm not noticing this on other channels. I don't think this is a problem with my display or source. However, I wonder if this is specific to DirecTV -- are DISH or Charter customers seeing anything like this? Other DirecTV customers?

Note: I can see this pattern on my 27-inch direct-view CRT. Harder to see, but it's definitely there...

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 07:16 PM

Winston,

I'm definitely not a fan of the new DirecTV DVR -- I don't think it's awful, because it does allow pretty flexible time-shifting, and that is the most important thing at the end of the day. The problem that I see is that it's just a lot less friendly for active viewing, where you want to skip over portions of the program or ads, or where you want to switch between tuners.

I'm not sweating all the scare stories until something actually happens. I expect to be using my HD TiVo for at least another year. That gives DirecTV a lot of time to fix the shortcomings in their current DVR offerings. Maybe they will, or maybe they won't.

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 07:18 PM

Walt,

Thanks for clarifying, but that's still $20 a month for DVR service, which I think is borderline crazy, advanced or not.

WinstonSmith

04-05-06, 07:54 PM

Doug, I see the vertical lines on FSN-MW also.

IT was very, very obvious last night on the exhibition broadcast.

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 08:10 PM

Winston,

Thanks for the word -- and I think you're right, they were more apparent last night...

kdg454

04-05-06, 08:23 PM

Doug,
I don't see it on any of my TV's. I checked both Sony's and the Dell. All 3 are using different Dish HD receivers.
Matter of fact, I was watching tonight's game in the bedroom, and during the first inning, I thought to myself how good the SD PQ looked.
I watched the first 4 innings of the ML game last night in the living room, and didn't notice what you described, though I also wasn't looking for it either.

DroptheRemote

04-05-06, 08:33 PM

Ken,

Thanks for checking for the lines.

Maybe it's just a DirecTV problem...

DroptheRemote

04-06-06, 09:23 AM

FYI -- I've sent a note to my contact at FSMW about the strange artifacts that I've seen the past couple of nights.

I included a link to my message above describing the problem, so someone from FSMW may be checking in here at some point today. If anyone else has anything additional to report on this, please drop a note here as the more information FSN has, the better the chance they can pin down the cause and fix it.

FWIW -- I also sent a separate note asking whether there's any progress in getting DISH or DirecTV carriage for Fox Sports Midwest-HD.

Assuming this isn't going to happen for all the games this year, I also asked about whether FSMW might be able to arrange for the Cards home opener in HD to be carried on DirecTV in the same way as the first Blues game showin in HD by FSMW.

I'll update here when/if I hear anything.

DroptheRemote

04-06-06, 10:58 AM

wmschultz

04-06-06, 11:34 AM

Doug, I see the vertical lines on FSN-MW also.

IT was very, very obvious last night on the exhibition broadcast.

KSDK must get their feed for FSN highlights off of a DirecTV feed because
last night during the highlights I saw them on there.

winnie6052

04-06-06, 01:41 PM

I notice on Charter HD channels that the Cardinals home opener is scheduled for channel 792 but the chasnnel is not live yet.
Anyone hear if this is going to happen before the opener.

black_macleod

04-06-06, 01:51 PM

I notice on Charter HD channels that the Cardinals home opener is scheduled for channel 792 but the chasnnel is not live yet.
Anyone hear if this is going to happen before the opener.

That channel is never "live" unless the game is actually on. For instance, the Blues HD games were on when the game was on, other than that its just color bars.

GlendaleHDTV

04-06-06, 01:52 PM

I notice on Charter HD channels that the Cardinals home opener is scheduled for channel 792 but the chasnnel is not live yet.
Anyone hear if this is going to happen before the opener.

If it's being broadcast in HD by FSM, it will be on 792. That channel is only active when there is an actual HD broadcast. It is not live for any other FSM programs. They carried several Cards and Blues game in HD this year and last.

DroptheRemote

04-06-06, 02:02 PM

FYI -- I posted an eBay auction this morning for a used high-definition signal generator (Accupel HDG-2000). This could be a nice buy for someone who enjoys doing their own display set-up and fine-tuning, particularly for anyone with a CRT-based home theater projector.

The reason I'm selling the 2000 is I now use the HDG-3000, which includes DVI/HDMI output capabilities. The HDG-2000 is a superb generator but is limited to component video and RGB (various flavors) output at 720p and 1080i resolutions. While the 2000 can be used on non-CRT displays for component or RGB-based sources, it's generally going to most suitable for CRT direct-views, CRT RPTVs and (especially) CRT projectors.

I'm also including 2 hours of free phone consultation to the winning bidder, for assistance in proper use of the generator or general questions about how to use it in calibrating a specific type of TV or display.

This is a reserve auction. The opening bid is $50, and there's a "Buy It Now" option at $400. Accupel sells still sells the HDG-2000, with a list price of $1000 at the company's web site. My generator has been used extensively for 3 years, but is in pristine condition, both electronically and cosmetically.

If you're interested or know someone who might be, you can find my auction here. (http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9709035593#ebayphotohosting)

Additional information about the HDG-2000 can be found at the Accupel web site at www.accupel.com.

DroptheRemote

04-06-06, 02:06 PM

Not a big deal, but I don't believe that FSMW has previously broadcast any Cards games in HD. They planned to do 20+ games last year, but weren't able to arrange carriage with Charter, DirecTV or DISH, so the broadcasts never happened.

I believe the first FSMW-HD event was a Blues hockey game broadcast in November.

There were a dozen Cards games in HD last year, but these were all done by KPLR-DT, which is available on Charter and OTA.

Scott Tucker

04-06-06, 02:34 PM

Walt,

Thanks for clarifying, but that's still $20 a month for DVR service, which I think is borderline crazy, advanced or not.

abosolutely agree. I pay nothing for 2 tivo's with Directv. I guess because I have their best package. I could have 15 Tivo's and not pay a tivo charge. Did I mention I love Directv?

Scott

deuces

04-06-06, 03:18 PM

Update: I received a reply back from Geoffrey at FSN. He said they were aware of the artifacts that are appearing on FSMW on DirecTV and they are working to address the problem.

Also, at the risk of raising hopes (too high), Geoffrey said that he should know by the end of the day today whether either DirecTV or DISH will be carrying the Cards home opener in HD.

Fingers crossed...

Doug,

What do you think and what does Geoffrey think are the best approaches to us getting FSMW HD on D* and E* as soon as possible? Is a letter writing campaign the way to go? For me, as far as HD goes there is nothing more important right now than Cardinal baseball. I am looking forward to Sunday night's game, which I am assuming will be in HD.

How soon, in your opinion, will all Cardinal games be broadcast in HD? Is next year a pipe dream?

MoInSTL

04-06-06, 03:28 PM

Did I mention I love Directv?

Scott

I loved them until I found out my 9 week old new HD DVR is being replaced with a refurb. I called CR and bitched that I didn't pay cash for a refurb. Not to mention all my saved movies, Battlestar eoisodes in HD & 20+ Season Passes and having to wait 24 hours or more for the Guide to be updated. I'm furious. If the refurb bombs, I'm gone. I'm that mad. Still unable to get a tracking number too.

jedi35

04-06-06, 04:07 PM

Has anyone tried to send any AVS private messages today? I keep getting this strange mesage:

The following errors occurred when this message was submitted:
Sorry! The administrator has specified that users can only post one message every 30 seconds.

Well, this happened the first time I tried to send a PM today, and I certainly waited atleast 30 seconds between each time. I haven't found any threads on this issue, and I'm not getting confirmation that any messages are getting out. Anybody else having problems??

aspec2

04-06-06, 04:15 PM

Where's the Masters?

Oh...I see....St. Louis thinks Dr Phil is more important.

Walt

deuces

04-06-06, 04:20 PM

Where's the Masters?

Oh...I see....St. Louis thinks Dr Phil is more important.

Walt

It should be on USA network. I believed coverage started at 3.

BTW I was lucky enough to attend Monday's practice round. If you ever have the chance go, it is the most beautiful golf course on earth.

DroptheRemote

04-06-06, 04:34 PM

deuces,

I think the core problem with both DISH and DirecTV is capacity. Once the MPEG-4 rollouts are a bit further along, I expect to see more national channels added, but most of those as MPEG-4 channels.

I suspect that the big issue with getting something like FSMW added, is that it really amounts to a couple of dozen channels, because every HD satellite sports fan EXPECTS to see their own regional sports channels added (yesterday).

Maybe we'll start seeing added national and regional HD channels later this summer. I think the near-term priority for both DISH and DirecTV is to get local HDs available in as many markets as possible as quickly as possible, because that's more likely than any other addition to lead to new subscribers which impact the bottom line quicker than incremental upgrades.

DirecTV is taking the HD locals in order of market size, and are due to cover the top 35 markets sometime in July -- at that point they will have HD channels available to 50% of all US households. I think once DirecTV has gotten to that point, there will be more focus on adding nationals/regionals.

Please note that's just "my best guess."

On the other hand, DISH seems to be adding HD locals according to an entirely different, seemingly random schedule, so I don't know where they are in terms of overall market coverage for HD locals. That's not to suggest that DISH are going to lag behind DirecTV on national/regional additions -- in fact, based on the recent track record, DISH would beat DirecTV to the punch on regional sports nets.

Yes, the Sunday night ESPN Cards game will be in HD, and there will be no local blackout.

deuces

04-06-06, 04:55 PM

deuces,

I suspect that the big issue with getting something like FSMW added, is that it really amounts to a couple of dozen channels, because every HD satellite sports fan EXPECTS to see their own regional sports channels added (yesterday).

On the other hand, DISH seems to be adding HD locals according to an entirely different, seemingly random schedule, so I don't know where they are in terms of overall market coverage for HD locals. That's not to suggest that DISH are going to lag behind DirecTV on national/regional additions -- in fact, based on the recent track record, DISH would beat DirecTV to the punch on regional sports nets.

I agree that cable does not do a good job servicing its customers. IMO either dish company is better. But the dish carriers will have to add these regional sports HD networks at some time to keep up.

I don't know if it makes sense, but when Dish Network added Nashville before some of the larger markets, someone told me it was because they felt Nashville was an area they could capitalize in. They said because Nashville has many areas that have a hard time receiving a local signal. I don't even know if that makes sense. So take it for what it is worth.

kdg454

04-06-06, 04:56 PM

Dueces,
This was the reply I received from Dish on March 22nd regarding FSNMW-HD:
Mr. Green,

Thank you for your email. At this time there are no negotiations for the Regional Sports Networks in HD. We have plans to offer this in the future, but there isn’t a scheduled date on when it will be launched.

Sincerely,
David Laslo
Executive Office of DISH Network
CEO Escalations
David.laslo@echostar.com

-----Original Message-----
From: kdg454 [mailto:kdg454@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 9:56 PM
To: CEO@echostar.net
Subject: Fox Sports-David

Mr. laslo:
Would you know if there are any plans for Dish to carry the HD feed of FOX MidWest? The SD feed is currently the channel 418, FOXMW, on E*7, Tp 18 @ 119°.
Thank you

Doug,
I agree, there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to how Dish is adding the HD locals.
Of the original 48 planned for 2006, currently 13 are up and running.
HERE (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/hdlocal.htm) you can see both.
Its been a month since any new were added, widely presumed (key words) because of the final maneuvering of E*10 into position. Once settled in, it is expected Dish will resume adding more cities.
Last communication I had, I was told STL would be 3rd-4th quarter.
As always, your mileage may vary :rolleyes:

jedi35

04-06-06, 05:00 PM

kdg454,
Thanks for your PM, it got through fine. In fact, my problem has not been with receiving PMs. I just can't seem to send any today. I tried to answer yours, and got the same error message. Bummer...

Joe,
PM me your email, if you will. I've been trying to get through to you about this weekend.

Mookie11

04-06-06, 05:18 PM

I am so disappointed. I thought that KMOV was going to show The Masters in HD. I know it is on USA Network, but that is SD

deuces

04-06-06, 05:33 PM

I am so disappointed. I thought that KMOV was going to show The Masters in HD. I know it is on USA Network, but that is SD

I think Saturday and Sunday's rounds will be, but not sure. Someone else may know.

mpcart

04-06-06, 05:35 PM

I think Saturday and Sunday's rounds will be, but not sure. Someone else may know.

They are showing it on Universal HD.

-Mike

Scott Tucker

04-06-06, 05:49 PM

I think Saturday and Sunday's rounds will be, but not sure. Someone else may know.

Yes, the weekend will be HD on CBS. Even most of the hand held cameras this year will be HD. Can't wait to get home tonight to watch USA's coverage that I tivo'd even if it is SD.

Scott

hanjke

04-06-06, 06:12 PM

CARDINALS GAMES

Please note the following High Definition games added to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball schedule for April, which will air on FSN-Midwest HD (Channel 773 on Charter), as well as on the Standard Definition FSN-Midwest service (Channel 37 on Charter):

Monday, April 10 at 3:10 p.m. - Cardinals vs. Brewers (HOME OPENER)
Monday, April 24 at 7:10 p.m. - Cardinals vs. Pirates
Tuesday, April 25 at 7:10 p.m. - Cardinals vs. Pirates

DroptheRemote

04-06-06, 06:25 PM

deuces and kdg,

I think it's probably true that DISH is trying to introduce initial HD locals into the markets where they have the best chance to leverage it into new subscribers.

In view of the fact that DISH is not going in market order, I'm surprised that St. Louis hasn't been given higher priority. My understanding is that both satellite companies focus more on St. Louis due to the fact that Charter is considered a vulnerable player.

davesalaman

04-06-06, 07:00 PM

black_macleod

04-06-06, 07:02 PM

Hmmm, 773 is ESPNHD on my system. Do you mean 792 ?

792 is Correct.

davesalaman

04-06-06, 07:19 PM

This may have been posted already but here are the links to the KPLR and FSNMW Cardinal schedules that include HD listings.

KPLR (http://wb11tv.trb.com/sports/baseball/kplr-cards-bbsched,0,1135028.story?coll=kplr-sportsbaseball-2)
FSNMW (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/5455460)

They may be updated as the season progresses.

davesalaman

04-06-06, 08:39 PM

[...]
In view of the fact that Charter has let down HD subscribers for two major events on the sports calendar (Super Bowl and NCAA hoops championship game), a major gesture of apology should be forthcoming.
[...]

I personally don't fault Charter at all for not being able to carry the Super Bowl. I'm glad they haven't caved in to Sinclair. I don't think Charter (and by extension, Charter subscribers) should pay one red cent to retransmit free OTA content.

I suppose the Satellite providers will pay Sinclair since I think they already do for SD feeds. Is it confirmed that D* and E* will provide KDNL-HD ?

I can't comment on the NCAA and 24 outage. I watched both OTA. I don't know how often Charter has outages but I can say that in the six years I've had Charter at my present address I can't remember a single outage. I don't subscribe to Pipeline or phone though.

Problems I have had with Charter:

1) When I first established service, Charter was not crediting payments I made through my online bill pay. I finally had to send them a letter along with a signed statement from my Bank's Branch Manager and copies of the Bank's records proving the ACH transfers were received by Charter. I promptly received an apology by phone, a written apology by mail, and two months free service.

2) It took 4 attempts and a year and a half to get HD service. Ordered July 04; Charter no-show for installation. Ordered March 05; placed on waiting list for non-DVR box. Inquired October 05; told I was still on the waiting list. Inquired December 05; told there wasn't any waiting list and I could have it installed right away. Finally installed December 31, 2005.

redwine

04-06-06, 09:22 PM

I am so disappointed. I thought that KMOV was going to show The Masters in HD. I know it is on USA Network, but that is SD

Thats it.....I said it before and I'll say it again.....golf in HD.....that is the biggest waste of HD resources possible....

"Wow.... I can see all the little dimples in that ball!!!!" ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Give me more hockey and baseball.....

Tom Grooms

04-06-06, 09:26 PM

:rolleyes:

duihlein

04-06-06, 11:45 PM

Thats it.....I said it before and I'll say it again.....golf in HD.....that is the biggest waste of HD resources possible....

"Wow.... I can see all the little dimples in that ball!!!!" ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Give me more hockey and baseball.....

Try "WOW I can see the grain of the green"
One mans waste of resources is another mans dream. I will probably never get out to Augusta National, but to be able to see one of the most beautiful courses in HD I think is a treat.

That said.. I will take more Baseball and I'd like to see all Football (and highlights) in HD. you can keep your hockey...

duihlein

04-06-06, 11:47 PM

BTW... The biggest waste of HD resources is Channel 5's Weather channel.

davesalaman

04-07-06, 12:09 AM

BTW... The biggest waste of HD resources is Channel 5's Weather channel.

Speaking of 5.2
Anyone notice PSIP marks it rated TV-PG[D] ?

kdg454

04-07-06, 12:59 AM

Joseph Clark

04-07-06, 01:50 AM

duihlein

04-07-06, 06:18 AM

Dish installed my Dish1000 today. For those concerned with the signal strength of 129°, it peaked at 79.
I got lucky, and had a very experienced tech, he's been installing for Dish 8 years.
He agreed the signal from 129° is weak, but went on to say, when installed correctly (proper Dish placement, line-of-sight, peaking, etc.) the available strength is more than adequate.
He said systems with 50-60 signals are simply installed incorrectly.
He was here 2 1/2 hours, attentive to all details, overall a job well done.

Thanks kdg454;
I plan to call Dish re:622/Dish 1000 this weekend. I've been debating whether to ask for 2 dishes instead of 1. I already plan to ask them to move the location (a tree is growing into my current line of site)

I also will be changing the location the cables enter my house and have them properly ground my OTA antenna. But first I have to get a phone line to that location since Dish requires it (otherwise it's a $6 fee)

aspec2

04-07-06, 07:55 AM

The last 3 years The Masters has been simulcast on 5.1 in HD as well as being on USA in SD. USA also did the reruns at night. So...I drop a note on KMOV. This is the response:

"We are carrying The Masters on the regular network schedule of Saturday and Sunday. The Thursday and Friday broadcasts are owned by USA Networks.

Walt Nichol
Director of Technology"

I guess I was right, Dr. Phil, in SD, is more important to St. Louis that The Masters.

Walt

aspec2

04-07-06, 08:50 AM

Just checked the programming forum and most of the rest of the country is watching The Masters in HD.

Walt

aspec2

04-07-06, 08:57 AM

Doug

Just an "Oh by the way" the email address "programs@kmov.com" is no longer valid.

Can you tell I'm really pissed. We, in St. Louis, always seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to national programming. I have seen major events not show in favor of a real estate program or Dr. Phil.

Grrrrrr.......JERKS

Walt

John Kotches

04-07-06, 09:41 AM

I would imagine that the Masters in HD is on the national feed.

KMOV is an affiliate, and they aren't obligated to show the national feed 24/7. They're obligated to show X hours of national material. They probably feel that they will generate more revenue running their standard programming than they will running the Masters in HD.

I think that's actually a pretty safe bet.

In the end, it's a business, and they have to be profitable to keep the doors open.

Regards,

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 09:49 AM

Walt,

I'm not sure I'm following you here...it sounds like the USA Network has the primary rights to the initial rounds of the Masters. Because USA Network is owned by CBS, I think some network-owned affilliates may have the option to show the early rounds of the Masters, but that KMOV might not.

In any event, I don't think that KMOV is declining to show a program that CBS sending them (yes, THAT does happen sometimes). Instead, I think maybe they don't have the right to show it, or are declining the option of showing the Masters on the basis that it's already available to 80% of their audience who get the USA Network via cable or satellite.

Bottom Line: Why air a program that that's being shown elsewhere when you know it will draw fewer eyeballs than your regular schedule?

But, as others here have pointed out, Universal HD is showing the Masters in HD, and they are set for 6 hours of coverage today, starting at noon CDT. Maybe you should find a sports bar with DirecTV and some HD projectors?

Item: On the KMOV address, is there a replacement? If you sent an eMail, where did you send it and did you get a reply from that address? Thanks.

Item: A couple of my favorite golf jokes:

Joke #1:

Q: What's the only thing more boring than watching golf on television?

A: Listening to golf on radio.

Joke #2:

Several years ago, Lee Trevino was struck by lightning on a golf course. If my recall is correct, he was actually struck twice within a relatively short period of time.

Shortly after this scare, Trevino told reporters that in future, whenver heavy clouds appear and it looks as if a thunderstorm might be approaching, he would walk down the middle of the fairway carrying a 1-iron.

"Why would you do that?" the assembled reporters asked.

"Because not even God can hit a 1-iron."

aspec2

04-07-06, 10:55 AM

Sorry guys but The Masters has been shown in HD on Thursday and Friday on KMOV for the last 3 years. If you check the program forum, you will see that the majority of the country is viewing in HD on either CBS locals or Universal HD. Unfortunately I don't get Universal HD.

The last Email I received explained the reason. KMOV is worried about showing The Masters in HD because there might be severe weather and they can't show their "Severe Weather Warning" in SD. What if the baseball playoffs were available in HD but they were showing the first 2 days in SD because of a weather bug.

Golf is pure. Unlike other sports that sell mediocrity in the name of parity, golfers are always trying to be the best. Their contests are conducted within the rules and not at the whims of officials making non-calls or calls that appear to favor one person/team over another. Name one other sport where the participants call penalties on themselves. Name one other sport where viewers report infractions of the rules and they are acted upon (Craig Stadler building a stance). No, golf is you against the course. There is no one to blame but yourself if you do poorly. HD does more for golf than it does for hockey with color alone.

Dr. Phil IS more important than The Masters.

Walt

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 10:56 AM

Update from FSN: DirecTV has found and replaced a piece of faulty equipment that was causing the vertical stripes on FSMW. It is supposed to be fixed now, but Geoffrey has requested verification.

No word yet on whether FSMW's HD telecast of the home opener will be available via DISH and/or DirecTV. Geoffrey expects to have definitive word by the end of the day today...

kalon74

04-07-06, 10:57 AM

I'm not sure I'm following you here...it sounds like the USA Network has the primary rights to the initial rounds of the Masters. Because USA Network is owned by CBS, I think some network-owned affilliates may have the option to show the early rounds of the Masters, but that KMOV might not.

USA is owned by NBC, not CBS.

While I was disappointed and not surprised that the Masters in HD wasn't on 4-1, it was on Universal HD (also owned by NBC) and the the coverage looked amazing. Since there are 10 HD steadycam's in use, I didn't notice a single shot in low def. I would have been upset if I didn't have access to UHD.

kalon74

04-07-06, 11:01 AM

The last Email I received explained the reason. KMOV is worried about showing The Masters in HD because there might be severe weather and they can't show their "Severe Weather Warning" in SD. What if the baseball playoffs were available in HD but they were showing the first 2 days in SD because of a weather bug.

They need to figure out a way to overlay severe weather warnings in HD. I understand it's important to keep us informed of severe weather, but by the time I watch my shows on Tivo, the severe weather in question is long gone and I'm left watching a SD show. Kind of a bummer.

MoInSTL

04-07-06, 12:01 PM

Hope this doesn't sound too much like an "aw shucks" sort of thing but you guys are great. I have posted about an issue with my set and impending service call on another AVS thread and IMO those guys are jerks!

I just wanted to express how I appreciate the warm welcome I received here with asking newb questions. They were always answered without regretting having asked. Everyone here seems helpful, supportive and friendly.

Thanks guys!

Edit: I just noticed this is my oh-my-gosh 200th post and apprarently that makes me a "Senior Member". Guess I better fill out my AARP card.

Kurt K

04-07-06, 12:07 PM

HD does more for golf than it does for hockey with color alone.

Walt

Not that I really have anything constructive to add, but I have to disagree with the above statement. Sure, the colors of HD golf are great, but how does HD improve the viewing.

With hockey, not only is the puck easier to follow (especially for casual hockey viewers), but it's definitely easier to see the plays develop. In HD, you can view the entire area insid the blue-line and watch a powerplay develop without having the camera(s) chasing the puck around. Same type of senario can be said for football.

I don't see where seeing "more of the green and/or fairway" increases golf's viewability.

Basically, you like golf, I like hockey :D

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 12:10 PM

USA is owned by NBC, not CBS.Right you are -- it used to be owned by Viacom which owned CBS, but that changed a few years back.

My bad...

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 12:24 PM

Walt,

I didn't intend to trivialize your frustration about the Masters, and I'm sorry that your weekend is off to a bad start

Joseph Clark

04-07-06, 12:26 PM

This is a good group of people here in the St. Louis thread. Funny how you can run into some real jerks on some of the other threads. I think they post so much they feel like they own the thread. God help you if you don't know all the "rules."

Hope this doesn't sound too much like an "aw shucks" sort of thing but you guys are great. I have posted about an issue with my set and impending service call on another AVS thread and IMO those guys are jerks!

I just wanted to express how I appreciate the warm welcome I received here with asking newb questions. They were always answered without regretting having asked. Everyone here seems helpful, supportive and friendly.

Thanks guys!

Edit: I just noticed this is my oh-my-gosh 200th post and apprarently that makes me a "Senior Member". Guess I better fill out my AARP card.

kdg454

04-07-06, 12:32 PM

Thanks kdg454;
I plan to call Dish re:622/Dish 1000 this weekend. I've been debating whether to ask for 2 dishes instead of 1. I already plan to ask them to move the location (a tree is growing into my current line of site)

I also will be changing the location the cables enter my house and have them properly ground my OTA antenna. But first I have to get a phone line to that location since Dish requires it (otherwise it's a $6 fee)
Duihlein,
If it's less costly (or perhaps just easier) you can get one of those wireless jack extensions. I've seen them at WM for around $40.
If you get a DPP44 switch in your configuration, you are also required to provide AC power to the location the switch is to be installed.
I had the installer leave the 300 @ 61.5, add the 1000, and connected to the 4 SAT's through a DPP44.

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 12:41 PM

They need to figure out a way to overlay severe weather warnings in HD. I understand it's important to keep us informed of severe weather, but by the time I watch my shows on Tivo, the severe weather in question is long gone and I'm left watching a SD show. Kind of a bummer.There's no magic in doing HD overlays -- case in point, they're already doing this with the local channel bugs.

Maybe this says more about priorities?

Item: Speaking of channel bugs, has anyone noticed the rocket scientists at kSDk are still trying to figure out where to place that aircraft-carrier-like local channel bug now that NBC has moved its network logo closer to the lower right corner? Last night it was appearing all the way over where the lower right 4x3 corner would be and was opaque instead of translucent.

Dust off an Emmy for these guys.

If it's true that an infinite number of monkeys given an infinite number of typewriters will eventually produce Shakespeare, then logically there's hope that someday kSDk will get its act together.

kalon74

04-07-06, 12:47 PM

[QUOTE=DroptheRemote]There's no magic in doing HD overlays -- case in point, they're already doing this with the local channel bugs.

Maybe this says more about priorities?QUOTE]

This is what I was thinking too! I fired off an e-mail to KMOV on the topic and will report back if I hear anything. I also asked about their decision to not air the Masters in HD.

Regarding the NBC bug, I haven't watched NBC once since the last episode of Surface, which was many weeks ago. :cool:

Joseph Clark

04-07-06, 12:48 PM

BTW, Mo, congrats on your new status. Of course, with the "Senior" designation and $6 you can get a cup of coffee. Without the designation, the coffee would be $5, but there's an extra fee for being in the senior area. :D

Hope this doesn't sound too much like an "aw shucks" sort of thing but you guys are great. I have posted about an issue with my set and impending service call on another AVS thread and IMO those guys are jerks!

I just wanted to express how I appreciate the warm welcome I received here with asking newb questions. They were always answered without regretting having asked. Everyone here seems helpful, supportive and friendly.

Thanks guys!

Edit: I just noticed this is my oh-my-gosh 200th post and apprarently that makes me a "Senior Member". Guess I better fill out my AARP card.

Neuner

04-07-06, 01:09 PM

I've seen hard evidence of Charter Customer Fatigue here recently, for example, with someone a few weeks ago asking for advice on what sort of splitter should be used to replace the subpar or faulty one that Charter installed, or someone else asking for recommendations on the type of cable that should be used to rewire the Charter drops in his house due to signal loss.

While I admire the personal initiative this demonstrates, these are problems that Charter should be fixing for you, and when you let them off the hook and do it yourself, you're just flashing a big green light to let them know that you're perfectly comfortable with them screwing you down another quarter-turn whenever it suits them.

These outages would happen to me and even though I was mad & frustrated, I would try to think of the field guys called out of their homes late at night in the storm trying to get services running, but now I think differently. I'm in Construction and have to deal with utilities all of the time. Charter is by far the worst. I now know it is a company wide problem and not a service issue. On my latest job I was going to do them a favor and have them work with my Electrical Sub to potentially have 240+ future customers. You would think they'd jump at it, but instead they drug their feet. I was having trouble getting them to the jobsite and not returning messages, so I said screw'em. Now that everythings in place, they've gotten with the Owner and want to dig everything backup to accommodate them. I can't stand them.

Been away for a lil'while, has there been any talk of a meet?

Mr_Bester

04-07-06, 01:21 PM

Not that I really have anything constructive to add, but I have to disagree with the above statement. Sure, the colors of HD golf are great, but how does HD improve the viewing.

With hockey, not only is the puck easier to follow (especially for casual hockey viewers), but it's definitely easier to see the plays develop. In HD, you can view the entire area insid the blue-line and watch a powerplay develop without having the camera(s) chasing the puck around. Same type of senario can be said for football.

I don't see where seeing "more of the green and/or fairway" increases golf's viewability.

Basically, you like golf, I like hockey :D

I like both golf and hockey. With hockey, the problem is more with the camera work(decisions) ie getting in too close to the play, strange "above the ice" angles among other poor decisions.

On the golf side, a hockey puck is 4"wide a golf ball is 1.1" diameter or so...It's a lot easier to follow ball flight in hd. I think of golf more as HD eyecandy. Where Hockey's speed benefits from the HD.

However, I think Golf and Hockey are the sports that gain the most from HD...Unfortunately, I think baseball gains the least. The comments with baseball are always, "you can see the faces in the crowd" Baseball is easy enough to follow that it isn't Necessary to have hd, but it is nice eyecandy as well, but I don't think hd is as integral to a good baseball viewing experience...

I don't watch football, Basketball or Nascar, so I don't know how it helps or hurts them

Just my .02

Dug

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 01:22 PM

Neuner,

Thanks for sharing the Charter story -- that certainly fits the pattern that I've seen over the past few years.

On a home theater meet, there hasn't been one for roughly a year now -- I think the last one was at Michael Hines' house (aka Doc Hollywood) last summer. But I think it's a great idea, though I'm not in a position to host one.

Anyone else?

John Kotches

04-07-06, 01:32 PM

Doug,

Why, why why can't the local bug be right underneath the Network bug, or even incorporate the network bug?

Very aggravating.

Cheers,

scheerce

04-07-06, 01:41 PM

Hey, on a meet, I have a bar in the basement and I can put in a fresh keg. St. Chuck is not very central, but there would be beer......Not a large finished basement, but 10 - 15 would be fine.

MoInSTL

04-07-06, 01:44 PM

This is a good group of people here in the St. Louis thread. Funny how you can run into some real jerks on some of the other threads. I think they post so much they feel like they own the thread. God help you if you don't know all the "rules."

Thanks Joe. I'm not going to post any further in the other thread. It's too frustrating and they are too smug. Just made me appreciate the folks here.

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 01:48 PM

Doug,

Why, why why can't the local bug be right underneath the Network bug, or even incorporate the network bug?

Very aggravating.I wholeheartedly agree -- one bug should be more than enough to satisfy whatever legitimate need there is to help analog cable viewers know what they're looking at as they move through the channels.

But the problem is there are multiple bugs that are nothing more than self-serving promotion (for example, Newschannel 5). And I truly doubt they'll go away when the last analog cable system in the country is shut down.

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 01:51 PM

That was quick -- OK, so now we have a potential host.

Who would be interested in attending, and what date would work for you, sheerce?

Count me in...I'm always up for a home theater party.

kdg454

04-07-06, 02:04 PM

kSDk
I KNEW it would never last! :D

scheerce

04-07-06, 02:07 PM

Well, I have no idea what the definition of "home theater party" is... I guess that answer could help a timeline. At a minimum, weekend, evening, maybe afternoon. I also have a pool and a nice BBQ pit, and a nice smoker..... Unfortunately, I don't have a walkout and the beer/bar is in the basement with my HDTV. Pool also won't be open until the normal time anyway. Turkey season is April 24, so the weekend of 29/30 and 6/7 are out. I do have a 9yr boy and 12yr girl that can play with other children. I will unlock them for the day :-)

MoInSTL

04-07-06, 02:13 PM

Who would be interested in attending, and what date would work for you, sheerce?

I'm in.

kdg454

04-07-06, 02:41 PM

http://www.myemoticons.com/emoticons/images/cake_emoticon.gif

:)

StLouG

04-07-06, 02:59 PM

Been watching the baseball game this afternoon and have been switching between FOXMW and WGN. FOXMW has a much sharper picture and brighter colors than WGN especially on shots taken are taken from a distance. WGN distance shots look like they are being taken through a filter.

deuces

04-07-06, 03:09 PM

MoInSTL

04-07-06, 03:12 PM

http://www.myemoticons.com/emoticons/images/cake_emoticon.gif

:)

Monday, but thanks KDG!

gelcoatman

04-07-06, 04:09 PM

Mo recently asked about Schneider. My son and I stopped in their shop on Olive when we were looking for a new TV. They had no available new or used, but did seem to be working on every type. They mentioned that they were 'authorized service' for several brands - and they seemed to have quite a few in progress. We had a nice conversation about whether to go CRT - Plasma - LCD - DLP.

No other contact with them, but will look forward to hearing how Mo's session evolves and is resolved.

Jim

Scott Tucker

04-07-06, 04:14 PM

Thats it.....I said it before and I'll say it again.....golf in HD.....that is the biggest waste of HD resources possible....

"Wow.... I can see all the little dimples in that ball!!!!" ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Give me more hockey and baseball.....

Couldn't disagree more, and I hope the networks don't share your entusiasm for the game. For me, I am not at all a hockey fan, but I do think all Hockey games should be in HD. I will never watch a hockey game, but for the fans out there that do, the games should be shown in beautiful HD.

Scott

John Kotches

04-07-06, 04:26 PM

Well I'll try to make it, but those weekends are right around my move so it might be tough to sneak away.

I will host an area get together this summer after my new theater is done, probably late June or mid-July to stay away from the 4th of July...

Regards,

Sudhakar2k

04-07-06, 05:47 PM

2006 Cardinals Games in High-def.

I put this together from some of the other posts here and after doing some reserach.
With the new stadium opening up, i was hoping FSNMW and WB would show all the home games in HD, and I'm kind of dissapointed at the number of good/important games that are not being shown. Were still far behind manyof the other teams around the country.

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/365/capture9wp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 05:55 PM

sudhaker,

Nice work.

FWIW, I'm doubtful that the FOX Saturday afternoon games will be in HD. It would be nice, but the precedent is for doing HD only for the All-Star Game and the playoffs. I hope that changes, but the reason "FOX Widescreen" was developed was that it could be produced with the traditional NTSC mobile infrastructure, adding little or no cost to the production.

DroptheRemote

04-07-06, 07:15 PM

HD Cards on Charter, Dish & DirecTV? Yes, Yes and No!

Well, I have good news and I have bad news...good news for Charter and DISH subscribers, bad news for DirecTV subs.

The following is an eMail received from our contact at FSMW:
________________________________________________________

FSN Midwest will televise both the Cardinals-Brewers game (3 p.m.) and two-hour pre-game show (1 p.m.) in HD. I’m told that the HD telecast will be available on Charter channel 792 and Dish Network channel 9428 or 9467. Charter customers may be able to surf directly to channel 792 to get it, or may have to use the channel up/down button to land on the telecast on 792.

At this point, DirecTV is not scheduled to show Monday’s Cardinals HD telecast. DirecTV subscribers are welcome to call DirecTV to inquire about its availability. Often, as you know, DirecTV places regional sports telecasts in HD on channel 95.

HD viewers should contact their cable or satellite provider for availability or with questions.

Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll be on e-mail throughout the weekend.
________________________________________________________

Robert Simandl

04-07-06, 08:13 PM

"Edit: I just noticed this is my oh-my-gosh 200th post and apprarently that makes me a "Senior Member". Guess I better fill out my AARP card."

Hey Mo,

No need to hurry there.... about every two months I receive in the mail a letter from the AARP addressed to my father telling him it's not too late to renew his membership.

My father died in 1998.

One of these days I'm going to ask them just exactly when WILL it be too late????????? :D

kdg454

04-07-06, 08:27 PM

Thanks Doug for running this down...much appreciated! :)

Dish currently has Monday's game listed in the EPG on 9467, which is one of Dish's HDPPV channels, along with a "blacked-out in your area" message. If it's a simulcast of the FSNMW SD broadcast, it makes no sense it would be blacked-out. They have used this channel for non-PPV broadcasts in the past.
Perhaps they're going to open the broadcast, or uplink 9428, currently a unused channel, prior to Monday.

davesalaman

04-07-06, 08:37 PM

HD Cards on Charter, Dish & DirecTV? Yes, Yes and No!

I can confirm that too. I just received an email from FSNMW ...

Dave,

Sorry for the slow very reply to your e-mail. FSN Midwest will televises 17
Cardinals games in HD this season, starting with the first official game
from new Busch Stadium on Monday, April 10. Monday's game will be available
on HD on Charter channel 792 and Dish Network 9428 or 9467. Our Cards HD
games are noted on the schedule at foxsports.com, search Midwest
(http://msn.foxsports.com/story/5455460).

FSN Midwest

aspec2

04-07-06, 08:58 PM

Ok...Ok...I wasn't trying to start a sport vs sport debate. I AM a sportS fan. I watch it all. My favorites are in order golf, football, baseball, hockey, bowling, college basketball, lacrosse, Irish hurling, boxing, kick boxing, wrestling, professional basketball. The only reason that golf is now my favorite is because it is the only one I am physically able to do. One thing about HD golf is that you can really see the contours of the course. You can almost read the greens.

Now the "severe weather warning" issue....the following is the explanation I got from the station engineer:

"When we put our HDTV plant on the air we spent the money on the transmitter side of the operation. At that time the true HD programming was limited and we felt that we did not need a sophisticated master control facility. Obviously, things have changed over the last six years. We are looking at enhancing our HD master control to allow things like severe weather warnings to be generated in HD. That will have to be accomplished in two stages. The first would be the automated map and crawl system. The second would be the full studio HDTV to allow live weather cut-ins to be in HD. "

Kinda like when I bought a car, I wanted to listen to the radio. I got a really good radio only to find out the car wouldn't go anywhere without an engine.....anyone know where I can get an engine? Do you think I will need some wheels and tires?

200 posts means you have a SENIOR member. It means you have been spending too much time on the forum and not enough with your lady. Remember "Use it or lose it." :D

Mr_Bester

04-07-06, 10:19 PM

...

200 posts means you have a SENIOR member. It means you have been spending too much time on the forum and not enough with your lady. Remember "Use it or lose it." :D

I'm pretty sure MO is a lady.:p
Dug

Neuner

04-07-06, 10:22 PM

Hey, on a meet, I have a bar in the basement and I can put in a fresh keg. St. Chuck is not very central, but there would be beer......Not a large finished basement, but 10 - 15 would be fine.

St. Chuck - That's great! Close for me at least.

I'd love to come. Please send me a PM when the date is set. I'm not able to keep up with this thread with as many posts are made on it daily. I will be disappearing again shortly. Kid #2 is due in 2 weeks. The first one sent me away for how many months?

redwine

04-07-06, 11:55 PM

MoInSTL

04-08-06, 01:49 AM

I'm pretty sure MO is a lady.:p
Dug

Thank you sir.

Mo is my nickname. And I like my modest home theater system as much as you guys. ;)

aspec2

04-08-06, 06:24 AM

Scott Tucker

04-08-06, 08:20 AM

Hopefully someday every sport and network can be televised in HD. Golf would seem to require a HD camera per hole. That's alot of cameras.

Maybe I'll watch golf in HD because almost anything in HD is better than normal programming in SD.

Hey, another convert. :) If you will give golf a shot, today or tomorrow would be a good time as The Masters is considered by many to be as good as it gets. If you do watch, root for Phil Mickelson please.

Scott

P8nter

04-08-06, 12:43 PM

DroptheRemote

04-08-06, 12:59 PM

P8nter,

I have plenty of clients who are successfuly using the Silver Sensor in St. Charles, St. Peters, Wentzville, etc.

But be aware that there are no guarantees that the Silver Sensor (or any other antenna, for that matter) will work in a particular location. More than likely, you should be fine in St. Charles with the SS, but as they say, your mileage may vary.

DroptheRemote

04-08-06, 01:02 PM

P8nter,

BTW, I'm very skeptical of a 2-month Charter waiting list for a basic HD receiver. There have been reports that there is a waiting list for the MOXI DVR hardware, but I believe this is the first time I've heard there's a backlog on the basic HD receiver.

Maybe it's possible that just the local office is out of stock. It might be worth suggesting that your local office check to see if another location can provide them with a receiver. You'd think that this is something that the order processor would do automatically...but you would be wrong.

Sudhakar2k

04-08-06, 03:57 PM

Anyone using an indoor antenna for HD in St.Charles area. My inlaws just got an 32" LCD tv and charter cable told them it will be 2 months to get a HD cable box. I read that the Silver Sensor was the one to get but cant find one locally and dont want to get it online if it dosnt work in St.Charles.

Thanks
Fitz

I recommend Zenith ZHDTV1. Its a directional antenna and it works well for me in creve coeur. Sears sells it for $40 (if you want to test it out before committing), and Amazon sells it for around $20.

redwine

04-08-06, 03:59 PM

MoInSTL

04-08-06, 05:15 PM

So sorry Mo.

One should not make an attempt at humor after a large dinner, a bottle of good wine, and a whine on about HD golf. One should also check to see who it was that posted the original comment.

Now I need to wake the grandchild for Read Right and Run.

Walt

No problem. I purposely (and sadly) feel I need to use a gender neutral moniker so I am taken seriously in other forums.

DroptheRemote

04-08-06, 09:15 PM

DroptheRemote

04-08-06, 09:31 PM

I recommend Zenith ZHDTV1. Its a directional antenna and it works well for me in creve coeur. Sears sells it for $40 (if you want to test it out before committing), and Amazon sells it for around $20.Sudhaker,

I believe this is the model number for the Silver Sensor...and the last time I checked, Sears no longer stocks this item...maybe they're back by popular demand?

redwine

04-08-06, 11:12 PM

redwine,

Thanks for verifying the Charter HD waiting list.

So, am I correct in summarizing the current Charter HD situation as follows?

* Standalone HD Receiver - Waiting List (est 60 days)

* Standalone MOXI - No Longer Available

* MOXI Mate - Waiting List (?)

I did not ask how long the wait would be but I believe 60 days. As far as the MOXIs I never even wanted these until all the bugs were worked out. I figure Charter is spending most of its Missouri money for bribes (I mean lobbies) in Jeff. City to worry about HD business.

When or if they care enough about HD and have a stock of HD receivers and or DVRs then I will try again. Of course if any of the satellite companies would add Starz HD I would switch.

davesalaman

04-09-06, 12:11 AM

I did not ask how long the wait would be but I believe 60 days. As far as the MOXIs I never even wanted these until all the bugs were worked out. I figure Charter is spending most of its Missouri money for bribes (I mean lobbies) in Jeff. City to worry about HD business.

When or if they care enough about HD and have a stock of HD receivers and or DVRs then I will try again. Of course if any of the satellite companies would add Starz HD I would switch.

I didn't want the Moxi for the same reason. I also wanted firewire and didn't want the extra charges for the DVR.

Now, I've wondered if they don't use the waiting list as a ploy to try to get people to go for the boxes they are pushing at the time. For most of last year I was on the waiting list for the 6200. Then, in December, when [according to posts made here] they put a hold on new Moxi installs, they suddenly claimed there was never any waiting list for the 6200 and there was no record of my having been on such, non-existent, list.

I see 2 6200s listed on Ebay right now. Maybe we should let Charter know where they can find some ?

redwine

04-09-06, 01:11 AM

I didn't want the Moxi for the same reason. I also wanted firewire and didn't want the extra charges for the DVR.

Now, I've wondered if they don't use the waiting list as a ploy to try to get people to go for the boxes they are pushing at the time. For most of last year I was on the waiting list for the 6200. Then, in December, when [according to posts made here] they put a hold on new Moxi installs, they suddenly claimed there was never any waiting list for the 6200 and there was no record of my having been on such, non-existent, list.

I see 2 6200s listed on Ebay right now. Maybe we should let Charter know where they can find some ?

I posed basically the same question back in January about buying a used 5100 and would Charter let me activate it. A response from a Charter "insider" on this forum said if you can buy one on Ebay it is probably stolen and Charter would not allow an activation.

I don't see why Charter would not allow us to buy an old box and just pay for the programming. I don't always want a box with all the latest features. I just want to see the programs in HD. I would be willing to take the risk for a malfunctioning box.

Tom Grooms

04-09-06, 08:54 AM

Charter would NEVER give up the revenue earned from leased equipment

redwine

04-09-06, 11:40 AM

Charter would NEVER give up the revenue earned from leased equipment

Agreed but make it an option and let Charter be the only authorized source of purchase. I bought my cable modem from Charter and they had no problem. I think they could make a bunch of revenue from refurbished 5100 and 6200s.

davesalaman

04-09-06, 11:55 AM

DroptheRemote

04-09-06, 12:58 PM

dave,

I haven't seen a lot of reports about CableCards here, but in other Charter territories I've read reports where it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a CC. I have a calibrator colleague in Georgia who has written about this issue elsewhere.

Hopefully that isn't (or doesn't become) an issue here.

MoInSTL

04-09-06, 01:29 PM

I see 2 6200s listed on Ebay right now. Maybe we should let Charter know where they can find some ?

May want to check the STL Craig's list as something may turn up locally there?
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/

black_macleod

04-09-06, 01:57 PM

May want to check the STL Craig's list as something may turn up locally there?
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/

They still won't activate it.

Sudhakar2k

04-09-06, 02:16 PM

Sudhaker,

I believe this is the model number for the Silver Sensor...and the last time I checked, Sears no longer stocks this item...maybe they're back by popular demand?

You're right, my mistake they are they are the same antenna. I'm not sure about Sears, i know that the sears at Northwest plaza had it last summer, but haven't been to Sears since then.

Sudhakar

black_macleod

04-09-06, 02:38 PM

I don't watch much golf, but I must say the Masters looks great in HD. Good competition this final round too.

redwine

04-09-06, 07:26 PM

I don't watch much golf, but I must say the Masters looks great in HD. Good competition this final round too.

Oops, forgot to watch the Masters but I did see very high definition grass when I cut mine. :) The green color was almost life-like. ;)

gelcoatman

04-09-06, 07:45 PM

Silver Sensor
-----------------

Had no luck at any of the Sears before Christmas, but did find one at a Wal-Mart [St Anns] under the Phillips brand name. Also thought I saw a Terk branded model at Best Buy [just did a search for HDTV antenna and the amplified version is available at the Chesterfield store right now].

jim

duvy56

04-09-06, 08:11 PM

OK How many cried when "Old Aller" retired. Nice ceremony at Savis Center. Maybe they will win one for Al.The Masters looked fantastic. Now it's time for some HD Cardinals. We don't want to get swept by the Cubs.
Completely
Useless
By
September

deuces

04-09-06, 09:00 PM

Did anyone else get a green screen a few times during the Masters? I got it about 3 times and the KMOV 4 bug stayed on the green screen.

Also Cold Case is recording in HD at my house now, but the sound was not right. On the SD sat feed it is fine.

Well getting ready to start the Card game, I'll catch up with ya soon.

aspec2

04-09-06, 09:28 PM

In the beginning there was a green screen for about 10 or 15 minutes. It started on the local channel and then went to Charter. Had to watch it in SD. When it came back, the audio came before the picture. I forgot to hit the record until the 4th hole. How depressing.

For all those who had to mow the lawn instead of watch The Masters, I want you to know it was AWESOME. To bad Fred missed so many putts but I am glad that Phil won. I had to stop the wife from mowing the lawn while The Masters was on. The motor was far to loud. I made salsa and nachos . I had her come in and share the Cold Case and food. She enjoyed it immensely (she likes Phil), especially when I told the grandson he had to mow the lawn tomorrow when he gets home from school.

When I was a kid, if we had a lawn tractor, they would have had to tell me to get off the tractor. I think the kids of today should push an old reel type around the yard a few times. You would not need force to get them to ride the mower again.

Walt

redwine

04-09-06, 11:40 PM

When I was a kid, if we had a lawn tractor, they would have had to tell me to get off the tractor. I think the kids of today should push an old reel type around the yard a few times. You would not need force to get them to ride the mower again.

Walt

Amen to that! My father waited until all his sons moved out and then bought a riding mower! I never let him forget that. :o

RACJ

04-10-06, 08:47 AM

Called charter for a cable card 3 weeks ago and they were out the next week. Besides the $35 install charge I am very happy. Quick channel flips and no annoying banner. Would be nice if the channel guide on my Sony was able to come through.

deuces

04-10-06, 08:54 AM

Happy Birthday MO! And Happy Opening Day to the rest of us.

Hopeful this past weekend wasn't a sign of things to come for the Cards. I mean come on I have never thought Michael Barrett was any good. How does he kill us.

BTW, on Dish the game is still showing on the guide on 9467, however when I set it to record it still says the program is not available in your area.

gdoublev

04-10-06, 10:46 AM

Barrett didn't kill us, Isringhausen did. The guy can't throw a strike.

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 11:36 AM

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 11:39 AM

Mo, I hope you have a great birthday and an even better year!

Maybe we can get together later in the week for that coffee? Let me know what works for you.

MoInSTL

04-10-06, 11:55 AM

Happy Birthday MO! And Happy Opening Day to the rest of us.

Thanks! What a cool day for a birthday! Thanks to KDG sending tickets, my brother-in-law and I went to the open house and explored most of the stadium. It's a nice ballpark. For the last couple of decades all Cardinal games I saw were away games for them. D-Back fans are sore losers. Even all of my D-Back friends threw water on me everytime a Redbird scored! Giant fans are more good natured only while winning. If not, they treat the Card fans sitting nearby like somehow we drove in a run or something and scowl in the direction of anyone wearing red. God forbid watching the Cards win near a drunk Giants fan.

deuces

04-10-06, 12:48 PM

deuces,

I don't know the DISH customer entitlement system very well, but I'd suggest that you call DISH and ensure that you are authorized for this special event channel.

I can't speak to how DISH handles this sort of thing, but DirecTV typically drops the ball on this sort of thing and it takes a phone call to get it right.

Hopefully it will be straightforward for you and other DISH customers here...

Well no luck. They say I have to buy it because it is PPV. I tell them I can't buy it because it says, "Not available in your area". I tell them FSN MW and Dish are broadcasting it in HD, she said "oh FSN MW, have you tried 418." Oh well, I am very lucky to be going, but I wanted to record the First Opener in HD. No luck.

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 01:05 PM

deuces,

There's an obvious but probably pointless question for the DISH customer service rep: That is, why bother to make arrangements for the FOX Sports Midwest HD feed to be available as a special event, if no one in the home market for that channel qualifies for it?

A serious waste of bandwidth, and a considerable waste of DISH's customer service resources and your time.

But like I said, DirecTV doesn't cover themselves in glory on this sort of thing when it's available, and there's little point in noting that it's NOT available today anyway.

I wonder if that sort of administrative hassle figures into DirecTV not bothering with these sorts of arrangements?

MoInSTL

04-10-06, 01:10 PM

Mo, I hope you have a great birthday and an even better year!

Maybe we can get together later in the week for that coffee? Let me know what works for you.

Thanks Doug. Coffee only if you are in my area as gas prices have hit the ridiculous point again.

kdg454

04-10-06, 01:13 PM

In the past, Dish usually "unlocks" these types of broadcasts an hour before the start time. Hopefully it will be the same today.
I believe they use a timed computer system, rather than relying on an engineer to flip a switch.

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 01:21 PM

Ken,

Kudos to DISH, if that's the case. Let us know if it goes smoothly or not.

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 01:21 PM

Mo,

Good point -- I'll let you know how the schedule shapes up...

davesalaman

04-10-06, 02:22 PM

I wish the pre-game was in HD but I'm probably asking too much there.

FOX Stadium set looks good but I think they need to lower the desk or raise the chairs.

Commecial audio is about 10 db hotter than the program.

billikens20

04-10-06, 02:30 PM

Is the Cardinals pre-game in HD right now. If not, it was supposed to be according to the FSN website.

Monday, April 10 on FSN Midwest
7 a.m. Cardinals Magazine
7:30 a.m. Cardinals Countdown replay -- 6/14/05: Carpenter one-hitter at Toronto
10 a.m. Cardinals Countdown replay -- 5/2/05: Cards comeback at Cincinnati
1 p.m. Cardinals On Deck pre-game --LIVE (HD)
3 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals -- LIVE (HD)
6 p.m. Midwest Sports Tonight -- LIVE post-game
7 p.m. Replay: Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals
10 p.m. Midwest Sports Report -- LIVE

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/5482568

By the way, it sucks having DirecTV today. Hope the Pirate fans enjoy there home opener in HD on D*.

davesalaman

04-10-06, 02:36 PM

Is the Cardinals pre-game in HD right now. If not, it was supposed to be according to the FSN website.

Not up in HD on Charter yet.

WinstonSmith

04-10-06, 02:44 PM

How are Pirate fans getting it in HD?

davesalaman

04-10-06, 03:01 PM

Charter CSR just opened a ticket to have Engineering put the pre-game up in HD.

kugumby

04-10-06, 03:06 PM

Hey Dave. While you're at it, get Dish to do the same! :)

billikens20

04-10-06, 03:08 PM

How are Pirate fans getting it in HD?

The Dodgers vs. Pirates (FSN Pittsburgh) is on D* MLB HD game of the day instead of the Cardinals.

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 03:09 PM

How are Pirate fans getting it in HD?Pittsburgh (or the city of its opponent, LA) has the one HD baseball slot that's available on DirecTV at the moment. So, the Pittsburgh-LA game is available in HD, not Cards-Brewers.

I think in addition to whichever regional sports network is originating the Dodgers-Pirates game, it would also be available to subscribers of the Major League Baseball Extra Innings package, except in those areas where a local blackout exists.

kdg454

04-10-06, 03:10 PM

Dish has 9467 flagged as a MLB EI broadcast, which is why it shows being blacked-out. Since FSN/KPLR have claim to the STL DMA for Cardinals, MLB EI Cardinals games are always blacked-out.
Hopefully Dish will change the flag prior to the beginning of the game.

EDIT: looks like we're blacked-out :(

davesalaman

04-10-06, 03:35 PM

HD feed is up on Charter now :)

kugumby

04-10-06, 04:25 PM

I was just on the phone with my wife and 9468 is still unavailable at 3:30.

StLouG

04-10-06, 04:38 PM

I was just on the phone with my wife and 9468 is still unavailable at 3:30.

Antoher Dish sub not getting anything.

kdg454

04-10-06, 05:00 PM

I was just on the phone with my wife and 9468 is still unavailable at 3:30.
It's channel 9467, but not matter, Dish has it incorrectly flagged as a MLB EI rather than a Regional, leaving it blacked-out.

wmschultz

04-10-06, 05:03 PM

It's channel 9467, but not matter, Dish has it incorrectly flagged as a MLB EI rather than a Regional, leaving it blacked-out.

I doubt it is flagged incorrectly. Chances are, that game is only available to MLBEI
subscribers. The same thing happens on other games where it is only available to
Sports Subscriptions. I would get blacked out of the NFL Sunday Ticket game
because it was my local team and was available a different way other than through
the Sunday Ticket package. Same thing for hockey.

LOCAL BLACKOUT INFORMATION: If you live in a zip code that is within a Major
League Baseball team's territory, that team's games will be blacked out from the MLB
EXTRA INNINGS game package, but will generally be available as part of your local
regional sports, cable or over-the-air affiliate station. Blackouts protect the local
rightsholders who arrange separate distribution agreements with the teams for their
exclusive territories.

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 05:24 PM

wmschultz,

There's no "black out" issue with FSMW-HD on DISH. Otherwise, DISH wouldn't be able to show FSMW-SD either. What sense would that make?

I also doubt that FSMW would have gone to all the trouble to arrange for DISH to carry the game, if there was a blackout applying.

DISH just dropped the ball.

kdg454

04-10-06, 05:41 PM

Agree Doug. I have the Dish MLB EI subscription, and the FSN games broadcast on the MLB EI channel is always blacked-out. FSN and KPLR own the claim to the regional STL DMA for Cardinal's TV broadcast, which "trumps" the MLB black-out rules.
The FSNMW Regional broadcast, whether it be in SD, HD, or simulcast, is, and should be available in the STL DMA, if carriage is arranged. Obviously, or Charter would be blacked-out as well.
Dish blew it!
I'll be sending their exec offices an email following the game.

black_macleod

04-10-06, 06:21 PM

I'd gloat, but I really don't like baseball all that much :P

davesalaman

04-10-06, 07:48 PM

Not gloating but it sure was a beutiful production.

Surprising it was E* that screwed up and not Charter.
I would have bet it would have been the other way around.

Hopefully they get it fixed for the 24th.

deuces

04-10-06, 08:09 PM

DroptheRemote

04-10-06, 08:15 PM

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)

New! Cardinals HD Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7449903&&#post7449903)

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

kdg454

04-10-06, 09:04 PM

Ken,

If you don't mind copying me on that email I'd be happy to send it as well. I am usually satisfied with Dish, but it does upset me when a CSR talks to me like I am an idiot. Thanks in advance.

jb
I've sent emails to both Dish and FSNMW. Any replies will be posted.

Joseph Clark

04-10-06, 09:29 PM

I've sent emails to both Dish and FSNMW. Any replies will be posted.

Thanks, Ken. I'd like to send my own e-mail. I can't believe how much this bugged me. Dish just screwed up. Can you give me the e-mail address? I'd like them to know how many people are upset in Cardinal nation today because of this blunder.

kdg454

04-10-06, 09:42 PM

Thanks, Ken. I'd like to send my own e-mail. I can't believe how much this bugged me. Dish just screwed up. Can you give me the e-mail address? I'd like them to know how many people are upset in Cardinal nation today because of this blunder.
ceo@echostar.com
David.Laslo@echostar.com (Executive Escallations)

lou.d'ermilio@fox.com (Sr VP FoxSports)
dan.bell@fox.com (VP FoxSports)

Joseph Clark

04-10-06, 09:52 PM

ceo@echostar.com
David.Laslo@echostar.com (Executive Escallations)

lou.d'ermilio@fox.com (Sr VP FoxSports)
dan.bell@fox.com (VP FoxSports)

Many thanks. E-mails will be dispatched.

audiolocator

04-10-06, 10:15 PM

redwine

04-10-06, 10:38 PM

Charter is sponsoring sports radio shows on 550 AM the new Cardinals station. Hmmm.....money will always get things done.

PenDragon

04-10-06, 11:26 PM

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

I'm interested in checking out the tower maps as I just purchased the Zenith indoor HDTV antenna so we can get ABC (*mumblestupidChartermumble*), and while reception is good overall, the digital channels will occasionally cut out for a few seconds (maybe once every 5 minutes).

The problem is that the links for the maps don't work for me. Are the files still there?

thanks,

Douglas

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 12:45 AM

I just checked the first two links and they worked fine for me.

With some browser installations, you may not be able to click to download the file. Instead, try right-clicking and use the "Save As" (or equivalent) option.

But clicking directly worked fine for me in Firefox.

kjohnson

04-11-06, 01:14 AM

My Toshiba Qosmio has a new friend. It's a HDTV USB2.0 Tuner (vBox Cat's Eye 3560), and it works great with MCE2005.

I've just got two problems:

(A)PSIP information

PSIP info is provided by MCE, and only provides info for KSDK (5.1), KTVI (2.1), KMOV (4.1), KETC (9.3), KPLR (11.1), WRBU (46.1), KSDK (5.1), and KDNL (30.1)

What is happening is that MCE will not provide info for 5.2, and 9.1, 9.2, & 9.4. It was a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to get it to recognize the subchannels. That was surprisingly easy.

(B)Reception:

Reception is quirky. If I get 2 & 5, I don't get 4 or 9, and 30 freezes. If I change the direction, I get 30 fine, 9 fine, and no 2, 4, or 5. I'm using an older amplifed RCA (ANT200B [VHF/UHF]). I was using a new RCA (non-amplifed) VHF/UHF antenna. If I turn the amplification off, 30 comes in (judging from my location, amplifying KDNL is silly living only about 3 miles NE of the tower in South City), and 2 freezes.

Should I get a Silver Sensor, or will that cause strength issues with other stations?I use a Silver Sensor with the other receiver (SIR-T151), and I have no problems.

You'll note that I haven't mentioned KNLC or WRBU, as I don't get either. Any body have any ideas?

Additionally, has anybody had any problems with KDNL's PSIP and recognition by your receivers (talking to OTA people here)? I'm not having a problem receiving it, but it registers as 31-1, and takes about 30 seconds to fully lock. Once that happens, everything is fine, but I have no PSIP (SIR-T151). Anybody else having this issue? I'm going to fire off an e-mail to Jim right now to help shed some light on it.

I might need to do a rescan, especially if he's done anything recently.

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 08:04 AM

DirecTV HD and the Missing Link?

The following short item appeared in today's SkyREPORT newsletter for the satellite TV industry:
_______________________________________

ViaSat said it was selected by DirecTV to provide four 9.1-meter Ka-band earth station antenna systems. The antenna systems will enable DirecTV to expand its HDTV services over new Ka-band satellites, including recently launched Spaceway satellites, the companies said. The systems will be located at DirecTV's Uplink Facility in Arizona.
_______________________________________

PenDragon

04-11-06, 08:49 AM

Thanks, DroptheRemote. I just tried the links in Firefox and they worked fine. The links don't work for me using the IE7 beta, though. I guess that's why they call it beta.

Looks like I should aim the antenna a bit further South than what I originally thought.
Thanks,
Douglas

wilkemp

04-11-06, 09:33 AM

KTVI is finally using their new set. No HD :(

You'd think after spending all that money on a new high-tech set filled with plasmas, they would at least upgrade their studio cameras and equipment for HD.

The other thing that bugs me is the fact that their set has the high-tech look, but their new logo is very retro. Kind of looks like the old KTVI ABC Channel 2 logo, with the fox spotlights added

I was not impressed at all, hopefully KMOV will offer some challenge to channel 5, Fox really dropped the ball, all the hype for that. :confused:

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 01:07 PM

PenDragon,

Glad it worked for you and hope the maps help...

CouchFrancois

04-11-06, 01:17 PM

I think cable cards are the future hope of turning this around. Hpoefully two-way services like VOD would work with them soon.

HD Tivo w/ cable card ---- I'm There :)

Has anyone been put on a *list* for a cable card ?

I've had one for a year and half. It was a nightmare trying to talk to someone at Charter that knew what the hell I was talking about, but you can get them.

kdg454

04-11-06, 02:26 PM

I was doing some outside chores today, and came in for lunch around 12:15. I turned on the TV, and it was tuned to KSDK, which was airing the Noon News.
I entered the broadcast towards the end of a spot on the new DVD formats. After the reporter wrapped up, the anchor said, "and remember, the new DVD formats, whether it be the Blu-Ray format on the Samsung player, or the HD DVD format on the Toshiba player will NOT be compatible with your current DVD's. You will not be able to play your current DVD's in one of the new players."

Geeze!

wallyj

04-11-06, 02:31 PM

Checking back in after a short absence. My $0.02 on HD sports would be football gains the most and mostly from the 16:9 ratio. You can see much more of the play develop downfield. I hope as widescreen penetration grows, they will start shooting it to take even more advantage and show more play down field. As far as golf, you can almost read the greens, and the weave on Tiger’s red Nike shirt was beautiful ;)

NASCAR and 7.1 DD — "Crank it Up!"

kjohnson

04-11-06, 03:44 PM

KTVI is finally using their new set. No HD :(

You'd think after spending all that money on a new high-tech set filled with plasmas, they would at least upgrade their studio cameras and equipment for HD.

The other thing that bugs me is the fact that their set has the high-tech look, but their new logo is very retro. Kind of looks like the old KTVI ABC Channel 2 logo, with the fox spotlights added

This is something that FOX is doing. This look familiar? FOX5 WNYW (http://www.triborough.org/blog/?p=324)
There's is a retro logo as well. I was puzzled by that as well, as it would seem if you were going to that sort of expense, why not go HD?

Bradduh

04-11-06, 04:13 PM

Just wanted to give C* a good report for once.......

I put in a service call last Thursday and the tech came out today. I was having some issues with pixelation on a few channels, including FOX-HD, FSMW and CBS-HD from my MOXI box. I had the dreaded 1:00-5:00 window for service. Tim, the tech called at 1:05 and was at my house at 1:15.

He said the signal coming into my house was a little weak. The run from the box to my house is almost 200 feet, there was an amp in the box, but my house and my neighbors were all pre-amp. With that being said he was going to have a tech come out and boost the signal at the box.

Even with that 'quick fix' he went through and redid all the splits and ends to all the cables in my house including the split right before the MOXI for my PIP and the wallplates at the MOXI and my other digital box. He was able to gain some signal at the MOXI box to get rid of the pixelation, and with the signal boost should alleviate all the problems I was having.

He was at my house for almost 90 minutes and when he left the MOXI and digital boxes were both working perfectly.

Tim is an actual Charter employee, not a contractor. He said that he does service calls in St. Charles County. If you have to put in a service call I would request Tim.

Brad

wmschultz

04-11-06, 04:31 PM

This is something that FOX is doing. This look familiar? FOX5 WNYW (http://www.triborough.org/blog/?p=324)
There's is a retro logo as well. I was puzzled by that as well, as it would seem if you were going to that sort of expense, why not go HD?

What kills me about FOX5 is that they say they have a HD Copter, but they don't
do their news in HD, so what's the point? I guess they could do it in HD via OTA, but
not on their HD uplink to DirecTV....???

kdg454

04-11-06, 04:37 PM

I haven't heard back from FoxSports yet. This just doesn't sound right.
Opinions??

----- Original Message -----
From: Laslo, David <David.Laslo@echostar.com>
To: kdg454@earthlink.net
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 1:49 PM
Subject: RE: FSNMW HD Simulcast

Ken,

I received a response that the game was broadcast in HD last night as a supplement to the MLB Extra Innings package. Like all content of the MLB Extra Innings package, this was available outside of the home market only, and this is why it was blacked out in your area. At this moment we are not offering any RSN broadcasts in HD. FSNMW might broadcast the game in HD but the rights we have and the signal we receive is only in SD. Let me know if you have any further questions

Sincerely,
David Laslo

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 04:42 PM

Ken,

I'll forward the note you received to Geoffry at FSN and see if he has any insight on this...

wmschultz

04-11-06, 04:42 PM

audiolocator

04-11-06, 05:39 PM

This is something that FOX is doing. This look familiar? FOX5 WNYW (http://www.triborough.org/blog/?p=324)
There's is a retro logo as well. I was puzzled by that as well, as it would seem if you were going to that sort of expense, why not go HD?
hopefully they won't update their network HD bug to that big, ugly new logo. Or, if they do, at least make it translucent so it doesnt drive me insane!

kdg454

04-11-06, 06:05 PM

This is what I was trying to explain earlier on why it was blacked out.
Yes WM, I understood your explanation. What I didn't, and still don't understand, is why FSN Midwest would have produced the HD simulcast, only to make it available outside the Regional FSN Midwest area, and only to the National MLB EI audience. This, presuming the response from Dish is correct, and they do not have the rights to transmit a RSN HD broadcast. I'm not yet convinced of that.

It seems to me, the purpose of the late decision to produce a HD simulcast was the significance of the new ballpark/home opener, something far more likely to be viewed by regional HD viewers rather than national HD viewers.
In contrast, wasn't the broadcast transmitted by Charter only regional?
If that's the case, I guess I'm just missing something. It doesn't make sense that Charter would carry it regionally, Dish only nationally (blacked-out regionally) and Direct, owned by Fox, not at all.

Thanks Doug, I'll be interested to hear what/if any response you receive.

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 06:15 PM

Here's the reply I received from our contact at FSMW:
_______________________________________________

I haven’t read the board today, but I am aware of the situation. It’s frustrating and disappointing to us, too.

As you know, Dish told us last week that the game would be available in HD on channels 9467 or 9428. Dish failed to tell us then that the HD telecasts are currently only for Extra Innings subscribers (and since Cardinals games would be blacked out in-market on Extra Innings, that benefits no one in St. Louis). We learned all of this today from Dish.

Our national people are talking to theirs to try to get future HD games carried in local markets in addition to Extra Innings. When our next HD game arrives (April 24), I’ll let you know when/if the HD feed will be available on Dish.

It sound cliché, but we encourage viewers to put pressure on Dish (and DirecTV) to pick up future HD telecasts.
_______________________________________________

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 06:25 PM

One thing that I don't understand about the reply from DISH and FSMW is the bit about "Cardinals games would be blacked out in-market on Extra Innings."

I don't know anything about DISH policy on MLB EI, but on DirecTV when there's a Cardinal game on the EI package that was originated by FSMW (or KPLR, I think), that game is available on the DirecTV channel carrying the game in the EI section of channels. Of course, I get FSMW as part of my Total Choice programming, so there's no real benefit to the game being available among the EI channels, apart from being able to quickly surf to adjacent EI channels/games during commercial breaks, pitching changes, etc.

As a result, I don't understand why, in theory at least, the same thing wouldn't apply to an HD version of FSMW. Of course, this is only a theoretical point for now, as there are no dedicated channels on DirecTV for the HD editions of the individual regional sports nets. But if (and when) they are/were, that would seem to be the way it should work.

Note: I haven't actually subscribed to MLB EI for a few years now, but when I did I'm certain that it worked the way I outlined above. Also, during the free EI preview last week, the FSMW broadcast appeared among the EI channels and was readily available to me.

kdg454

04-11-06, 08:02 PM

I received a similar reply from Geoff at FSNMW. Thanks again Doug for bringing it to his attention.

I do sub to MLB EI on Dish, and for the past 3 years, all Cardinals games are blacked-out on MLB EI here in STL.
To the best of my understanding, a RSN takes precedent of MLB EI. It works the same on MLB.com, in which, Cardinals games are also blacked-out in the local market.

I became aware of the various rules/regulations the first year I subscribed to MLB EI on MLB.com. Whilst traveling to other cities, because of my registration zip code, I was blocked from viewing Cardinals games on MLB.com.
This season, MLB.com began using a new system of determining actual location at the time of a particular game. Rather than just using zip code, they now begin with a process of IP address exclusion, in that, if the IP address you log on from is not one available in your local registered zip code, this will override the zip code factor, and allow the game to be viewed. There are now several other steps to the process, including calling MLB.com, providing a call-back number for verification, and a manual release of the black-out.

Yesterday, Dish had the FSNMW HD broadcast on one of their HD PPV channels, flagged as a MLB EI, and therefore blacked-out to STL DMA subs having the MLB EI package.

I could be wrong, and probably am, but I still believe Dish incorrectly handled the way they "put up" the broadcast for viewing.

Guess we'll find out on the 24th.

wolverine5767

04-11-06, 08:29 PM

This season, MLB.com began using a new system of determining actual location at the time of a particular game. Rather than just using zip code, they now begin with a process of IP address exclusion, in that, if the IP address you log on from is not one available in your local registered zip code, this will override the zip code factor, and allow the game to be viewed. There are now several other steps to the process, including calling MLB.com, providing a call-back number for verification, and a manual release of the black-out.

.

Last year there was a way around it in St. Louis. If you brought up the game and let me tell you, you couldn't get b/c of the blackout, then you would choose another game. Let that game buffer and start, and before you made it full screen, you could right click and choose back and it would play the St louis or blacked out game for you.

Know with your IP address being logged this may not work, but maybe than can work.

I know its off topic but I know baseball is very important.

wolverine5767.

DroptheRemote

04-11-06, 08:37 PM

Ken,

I still don't get the reason why these St. Louis-originated games would be blacked out on EI, because the broadcast is coming from FSMW or KPLR, so no one is losing either eyeballs/ad dollars. The EI broadcast is the FSMW or KPLR broadcast.

Apparently DirecTV follows this logic, which is why local games on the EI package aren't blacked out by DirecTV.

BTW, I doubled back and posed this same question to Geoff and he said that it was his assumption that the game would be blacked out on the EI package, but he's not certain that's the actual policy.

winnie6052

04-11-06, 08:55 PM

Congrads to Charter and Fox for the beautiful HD coverage of the Cardinal opener and all the new stadium views. Awesome.

I was lucky to attend game and come home and relive the day in beautiful HD.

Too bad the Cards did not purchase HD Tv's for the suites and concession areas. In a year or two hopefully all cable and dish customers will have all games in HD!!

kdg454

04-11-06, 09:55 PM

redwine

04-12-06, 12:58 AM

Could Charter have gotten exclusive FSN HD rights for now? Remember Charter sponsors radio shows on 550 KTRS (the Cardinal owned radio station!!).

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 01:26 AM

redwine,

I don't think exclusivity is the explanation here. Apart from anything else, I can't see a FOX-owned regional sports net doing a deal that locks out DirecTV, when both FOX and DirecTV are News Corp. companies.

Heads would surely roll.

I continue to think that DISH screwed up in its interpretation/application of the blackout rules and I think there was also a lack of understanding about why they were receiving a one-off FSMW-HD feed in the first place. In DISH's defense, getting this game on the air and available to the correct audience is just the tiniest tip of the very large iceberg of restrictions and stipulations for program distribution that satellite and cable systems have to deal with on a daily basis.

It's gotta be a huge pain in the ass.

Add in new landmines like the broadcast flag and selective downrezzing instructions and it won't be long before we'll be lucky to be able to pick up the remote and find anything other than a "Program Not Available" message.

Anyway, even though I didn't have a chance to see the home opener in HD, I think it's great that FOX Sports Midwest presented the game in HD. Kudos to Geoffrey and the management at FSMW.

Hopefully the obstacles in getting satellite distribution for these HD games will be sorted out in short order.

Joseph Clark

04-12-06, 01:42 AM

Agreed Doug, it lacks logic.

When I had taken issue with MLB.com a few years back, the "actual policy" seemed to come from whatever computer would, or would not, allow the MLB rep to do.
I've "meant," for some time, to delve into where the policy is actually written. I may yet.

In Geoff's email, it said FSNMW became aware only today, the local Cardinal area would be blacked-out from the HD broadcast on Dish. Probably a result of your contact to him. Though, FSNMW seemed to believe Dish MLB EI subscribers, including those in the Cardinals viewing area, would be able to view the broadcast. I informed him this was not the case.
The only Dish subs who could view the HD broadcast, were those who sub to MLB EI on Dish, and live outside STL.

How's that for logic?

I got an e-mail from Geoff today, also. I'm sure it was much the same as yours. He thanked me for letting him know of the situation and said they were disappointed about yesterday's situation. He said that their (Fox's) satellite people are talking to Dish's to get future HD games carried in local markets in addition to Extra Innings. He said the next HD game is April 24 and they would post info about its availability on their web page at FoxSports.com: Midwest. He also added that any additional observations I had were welcome.

I got three responses from the e-mail addresses you gave me yesterday, Ken, so many thanks. They do read them. Let's hope they get this straightened out the next time around.

jdiehl

04-12-06, 10:24 AM

Could Charter have gotten exclusive FSN HD rights for now? Remember Charter sponsors radio shows on 550 KTRS (the Cardinal owned radio station!!).

On the FSN broadcast, Joe Buck specifically mentioned the game being in HD on Charter AND Dish Network, and even gave the channel numbers for both services. I think Dish just dropped the ball.

MoInSTL

04-12-06, 10:46 AM

I replaced the free 2-bay bowtie with a Channel Master 4221 on a 38" straight mast. I got momentary break-up on some channels as the antenna at 30" long was too low to the roof. Went to Home Depot and got a 5' mast (for $7.95). Painted the top to cover the galvanized silver color to be less obtrusive. The second mast was a smaller diameter than the standard 1.66" size that Dish and D* use. Dropped the mast inside the first one, drilled two holes, attached the bolts and surprisingly there was no movement whatsoever which had been a concern. The skinnier mast had a tapered bottom so just banging it down inside with a hammer stabilized it well. I probably could have used one bolt but added the second for good measure. It gave me 2 additional feet. I was running out of daylight so I guessed at the direction, pointed it and crossed my fingers.

My signal strength didn't go up dramatically and two were the same in the low 90's. KETC was finally at 90 which is a first. What I did notice was far less fluctuation in strength. If it was 92 it was steady at 92. If another was 86, it moved up a few points but not down.

I am so pleased with the results. I may make one final trip to the roof with a compass to fine tune it if bad weather affects it much. The 2-bay, according to antennaweb should not have worked at all for me and therefore required very precise aiming and several trips to the roof.

If a forum member needs a free 2-bay, mast and mounting hardware please let me know. D* normally charges $49 for it and to install it. I am just south of the Lambert exit. The mast is a soft S-shape and can be used in conjunction with the dish or mounted separately on the roof or side. It measures 36". If anyone is interested please let me know ASAP or off it goes to Craig's List to recoup my extra costs. It works very well depending on your location. For me, I was pushing it far past what it was designed for which resulted in the several trips to the roof.

Joseph Clark

04-12-06, 10:55 AM

On the FSN broadcast, Joe Buck specifically mentioned the game being in HD on Charter AND Dish Network, and even gave the channel numbers for both services. I think Dish just dropped the ball.

I think from the e-mail I got that Fox thought Dish was going to offer the game to all Dish subs (and probably the Cardinals did, too), but Dish had different ideas (re its MLB Extra Innings package). Hopefully, in the future they will get their notions on who should get the game in the same ballpark (irony intended).

siddavis

04-12-06, 11:27 AM

MoInSTL, I just sent you a PM...

deuces

04-12-06, 01:22 PM

This is the response I received from my letter to Dish regarding the Opening Day game. My letter was more detailed, because I read some of the responses received by Ken, Doug, and others before I wrote my letter. I incorporated those responses and ask some very specific questions. Still, David only gave me the "scripted answer". See below.

Thank you for your email. The game that was provided was a single game Pay-Per-View event from the MLB Extra Innings Package. Since the content provided in the MLB package is only for out of market teams, if you reside in the St. Louis DMA the game was blacked-out. At this time we do not have any of our Regional Sports Networks available in HD, so we only broadcasted the game from FSNMW in SD in your area. I apologize for the confusion, but this package is intended for out of market teams only.

Sincerely,

David Laslo

CEO Escalations

Edit: Just another thought. If it was a "single game PPV event" does that mean even people in other markets had to pay a seperate fee to see it?

duvy56

04-12-06, 01:58 PM

This is the answer I got from D* when I asked about FSNMW HD and OLN HD.

Thanks for writing us back. Major League Baseball games are available regionally in select markets. These games are shown as our HD broadcast capacity allows. Please check your on-screen guide from channels 94 to 96 a few days prior to game day to see if a Major League Baseball game in HD is available in your area.

Please note that due to agreements between the RSNs and Major League Baseball, we are delivering HD feeds of games to customers who live within an RSN’s home area only. Viewers outside of an RSN’s home market who subscribe to MLB EXTRA INNINGS will receive the standard definition feeds of games in the MLB EXTRA INNINGS channels (734-749).

Also, customers may get some NHL games in high definition (HD) on channels 90-99. For example, when Outdoor Life Network (OLN) broadcasts a game in HD, we may carry the HD feed on channel 96.

Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our service.

Sincerely,

Lara C
DIRECTV Customer Service

gdoublev

04-12-06, 02:03 PM

This is from a news article...

Shares of TiVo Inc. rose more than 5 percent Wednesday morning after the digital video recording pioneer announced it had extended a partnership with satellite TV provider DirecTV Group Inc. for another three years.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060412/ap_on_hi_te/tivo_directv_2

Does this mean they are scrapping their new DVR's?? Anyone know?

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 02:20 PM

gdoublev,

The story is not exactly a model of clarity -- reading it strictly, it only talks about existing subscribers, which could mean many things -- that it covers only current DirecTV TiVo subscribers, that it covers only current DirecTV subscribers but not new subscribers that DirecTV signs up during the term of the agreement, or it could mean any DirecTV subscriber (though it doesn't indicate that).

On the face of it, it wouldn't make a lot of sense for TiVo to sign an agreement that only maintains the existing DirecTV TiVo subscribers, as revenues would only go down, though perhaps slower than without the agreement. On the other hand, TiVo is in between a rock and a hard place, with so much of its current revenues coming from DirecTV, so anything it could do to solidify that would be helpful.

Whatever this actually means, I seriously doubt that DirecTV will bin its NDS-built DVRs. I've read where DirecTV has stated that it is open to multiple DVR relationships, so a new agreement with TiVo isn't completely out of left field. Also, NDS builds DVRs (and other hardware) for other News Corp satellite properties (BSkyB in the UK and Star TV throughout Asia), so it's a no-brainer for DirecTV to continue to continue to provide the NDS product and present it as their primary DVR offering.

MoInSTL

04-12-06, 02:24 PM

MoInSTL, I just sent you a PM...

I replied an hour ago.

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 02:27 PM

One other point about TiVo -- I think this agreement might open the door to DirecTV eventually buying TiVo and using its technology in all NDS products.

By that I DON'T mean that I think that DirecTV WILL DEFINITELY buy TiVo, but rather that after signing this new agreement that such an outcome is more likely to happen than it was prior to the new agreement.

And in the end, some company is going to buy TiVo, because there's really no reason to think the company can survive on its own going forward. Great technology, but nothing that prevents other companies from producing "good enough" knock-offs.

gdoublev

04-12-06, 02:28 PM

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 02:32 PM

I was just wondering if this means that they might be putting TiVo DVRs into the new mpeg4 recievers in the future. I just got the HD Tivo reciever because I have the locals on OTA and I had to have the TiVo. I also have 2 other SD Tivo recievers and I am a big fan of Tivo. My mom has one of the new DVRs and I don't care for it.That is the $64,000 question. And it really depends on exactly what the new agreement covers, which isn't at all clear from the story that's available. Maybe other follow-up stories will be more precise (they can't be much more muddled).

FWIW, I'd much rather have the option of trading up to an MPEG-4-capable TiVo than an MPEG-capable DirecTV DVR. But then, I think that's a slam dunk call for anyone who's ever used both a TiVo and a DirecTV DVR...

gdoublev

04-12-06, 02:35 PM

I couldn't agree more.

AnotherDoug

04-12-06, 05:18 PM

I'm about to give up on OTA reception of HD, throw in the towel, and go the CableCard route with Charter. Since I already have a sub with them, what's another $6.50 per month?

A little Google and I find numerous issues with Sony SXRD/XBR/Grand Wega not playing nice with cable cards in use with various cable providers including TWC, Comcast, and Charter.

Those of you with Charter and CableCard, is it smooth sailing? Anybody with a Sony and a CC and Charter have horror stories?

TIA

Doug
Crestwood

Set info: Sony KDSR50XBR1 SXRD

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 05:41 PM

Doug,

Sorry to hear that you've hit a brick wall on OTA reception. Have you asked around here for suggestions or help? Sorry if you have and I missed it...

I don't own a Sony, but I've seen CableCards on several Sony client sets, most notably the the direct-view XBR960s and also some of the Sony LCD RPTVs. They always seemed to work OK in my somewhat limited exposure to them -- when I'm working, I'm mostly looking at various test patterns and only check out actual programming as a cross-check. In any event, I never heard a Sony owner directly complain about them (apart from a lack of guide information).

Maybe if you follow-up here with the model number of your set, someone with the same set can help you out with specifics about what works or what doesn't. You might also check in the specific AVS forum that covers your display by doing a search for "CableCard."

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 05:46 PM

Below I'm including a link to another story on the DirecTV-TiVo extension.

While I don't know that this story is the definitive truth, it is a good deal more explicit on the what it means, and it doesn't sound like this covers anything other than EXISTING DirecTV TiVo subscribers.

Specifically this story states that when existing HD TiVo DirecTV customers move along to MPEG-4, TiVo won't be an option.

Bummer... :(

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060412-6583.html

DroptheRemote

04-12-06, 05:53 PM

And another, even more specific DirecTV-TiVo story, via the BetaNews web site...the lead paragraph pretty much says it all.

(Good to see someone out there still remembers how the "inverted pyramid" news story is supposed to be written.)
____________________________________________

Users of the TiVo service via DirecTV will be supported through 2010 thanks to an agreement finalized Wednesday. However, the deal does not mean that the satellite provider would begin selling the popular digital video recorders again.
____________________________________________

For the full BetaNews story, click here. (http://www.betanews.com/article/TiVo_DirecTV_Make_Nice_in_3Yr_Deal/1144854083)

MoInSTL

04-12-06, 07:39 PM

Free antenna & mast are gone.

AnotherDoug

04-12-06, 08:08 PM

Doug,

Sorry to hear that you've hit a brick wall on OTA reception. Have you asked around here for suggestions or help? Sorry if you have and I missed it...

Thanks for the reply, Doug. The hint on the AVS forum specific to my set was appreciated. I never thought to look more at the contents of the general site.

As for my OTA issues, I first posted about this back in Jan/Feb when I got my set and actually you replied and provided some good info. I'll add more info below about my OTA quest, if anyone cares to read it and offer suggestions, I'm open.

I've been trying a lot of things, but slowly, just so I can make more thorough assessments before continuing to drop money on my setup with no benefit. I've run new cable from my attic antenna, I've got a CM signal amp, I've had two different indoor antennas. KSDK is my only reliable channel, but it's not perfect. Others are sporadic.

I've visted antennaweb.org. The generated map shows that my home (in Crestwood) has almost 180 degree spread between all the towers. This I think is my first problem. My second problem is that of topography. I'm on the downside of slight ridge that is between me and all towers, except I have line of sight to FOX2 (and it's still not great). The third problem, and I think this is the biggie, I have a stand of a dozen 40-60' white pine trees along my rear border, of course between my house and all the towers. I've always wanted to cut them down, but was quoted $700 EACH. Don't think trees can impact HD? Think again. On these windy spring days we've had, my HD signal is missing on all channels. Calm days I do pretty well on a few channels. The only variable I can think of is wind, and looking at those pines flop around in the breezes, just makes me wonder.

I went to a local antenna store last week for help. I told them what I wanted and where I lived and they said "Good luck, Crestwood reception is the worst". They were very helpful, or so I thought, and I walked out of there with a 10ft mast, tripod and a Winegard PR4400 4-bay. They said they doubted it would work for all channels, and if not, I should try two of these 4400's with a signal combiner of sorts. They also doubted my tree theory.

I did not unpack the antenna due to time constraints. I was about to yesterday but noticed on the antenna box that it was rated for "blue/green/light green" applications. Antennaweb had me in a "red" zone, so that got me wondering.

I called Winegard today for a second opinion. Talked to one of their engineers. He called up my zip code and agreed I had the wrong antenna. He suggested their MS1000 "disc" that has 360 reception. Then I mentioned the tree situation. Trees, he says, are a big problem for OTA.

So I'm at the point where I could keep going on the trial and error approach, or cut my losses now and throw myself to the Charter gods (which is not something I look forward to).

That's my saga. Anyone (reading this far) care to comment?

Doug
Crestwood
Tree City

gelcoatman

04-12-06, 10:01 PM

More Comments on TIVO - Direct Deal
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Here are some comments on the deal announced today from a financial analyst point of view =

http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2006/mft06041220.htm?ref=foolwatch

Jim

WinstonSmith

04-12-06, 11:55 PM

This is something that FOX is doing. This look familiar? FOX5 WNYW (http://www.triborough.org/blog/?p=324)
There's is a retro logo as well. I was puzzled by that as well, as it would seem if you were going to that sort of expense, why not go HD?

I had the same thought as this guy when I first saw the new set: Looks like Fox News Channel.

WinstonSmith

04-13-06, 12:06 AM

I just can't believe how bad DirecTV is dropping the ball on the TiVo situation.

Squirreljam

04-13-06, 12:12 AM

Another Doug - I'm fairly near you, in the southern part of Webster, really near the corner of Elm and Watson, not that it matters, because I went straight to cablecard with charter when I got my hdtv in January. So, I can't say much about OTA, other than the Superbowl looked great on an el cheapo antenna I got just for that, even in the basement. (the SB wasn't on charter so only option was temporary OTA...)

However, I can say that I really like cablecard (in a Panasonic plasma; sorry, no Sony...). It's been trouble free, it's cheap, and I get a really clean look with my plasma on the wall with no STB cluttering that area up. I already had charter digital w/ hbo and skinemax, so it wasn't much increase in cost to get all available HD channels from Charter.

I do miss the on screen guide and the very occasional VOD, but the clean look more than makes up for it. And, I can still get that off my older set using a STB. Also, conventional wisdom is that you get better picture quality with the card as you can use the (pretty good) electronics in your TV to tune the signal over some supposedly crappy electronics in the STBs.

Squirrel

Robert Simandl

04-13-06, 07:28 AM

The series 3 HD Tivo should offer you the best of both worlds... OTA, cablecard slots, AND an onscreen guide. If you don't mind paying a fee to Tivo in addition to what you pay Charter, that is. Availability predicted in July, last I heard. If I were to switch to Charter, this is the route I'd go.

Robert Simandl

04-13-06, 07:56 AM

I just fired up last night's Criminal Minds to watch before I go into work this morning. Anyone know why it was a 4x3 upconvert?

aspec2

04-13-06, 08:30 AM

Robert

No HD on CM or CSI. I don't know why. Had to listen to the wife b.tch all night.

Walt

Tom Grooms

04-13-06, 08:41 AM

Had to listen to the wife b.tch all night.

Walt +1

The Young and the Restless has been in 4x3 for the last few days and every display device in our home is 16x9. CBS better get it together soon.

DroptheRemote

04-13-06, 09:44 AM

Tom & Walt,

You guys probably already know this, but the fact that your wives are unhappy when something is supposed to be in HD but isn't...well, that's a major sign of progress.

Fair or not, HDTV has a general reputation as being a "guy thing," but I think it's clear that the appeal is broadening rapidly in the direction of women.

I guess this is sort of obvious in way, as HDTV sales are up and it typically takes spousal agreement on major purchases of this type. But not so long ago, I would regularly hear a wife or girlfriend say that she really couldn't tell any difference between HD and regular programming, never mind the before/after results of my calibration work. It wasn't unusual to sense resentment about the money spent on an HDTV, and toward my presence, which meant even more money being spent on it.

But that's definitely changing and I'm finding there's clearly growing interest among women in HDTV. And it might be my imagination, but I find that I'm getting a warmer welcome and there's more genuine interest in what I do -- believe me, it's a huge difference from when I started out as a calibrator 4 years ago.

Of course, I did encounter some wives/girlfriends who were nearly as "geeked out" about HDTV as their partner, but it was definitely the rare case. I remember one of my favorite bits of customer feedback came from the wife of one of my early customers, who told me she loved the change in picture quality and that she was going to recommend me to her girlfriends. I'm sure I walked around with a silly-looking smile on my face for a week after that. :D

I don't think there's any question that women do appreciate the improvement in the viewing experience, but I think this trend has been helped immeasurably by the availablity of more reasonably priced flat panel displays. And even the smaller size of fixed-pixed RPTVs is a big factor.

Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that when your wife or girlfriend is unhappy when something isn't in HD, that's actually one of those "good problems to have."

So, enjoy it, embrace it, and leverage it -- use that opportunity to plant the seeds for an upgrade, or better yet, getting calibrated. ;)

MoInSTL

04-13-06, 09:49 AM

Apologies in advance for being so off topic but I need some help.

I need a 2.5 ton AC unit installed. Yesterday I got a bid from the folks who installed my furnace but I'm not pleased with the quote. My family recommended them but they are too pricey. Since I'm still new to the area I'd rather not resort to calling random places and getting random results. I'm hoping someone here is in the heating & cooling business. If not, a family memeber or friend is fine too.

Please send me a private message if you have a referral.

Thanks in advance!

MoInSTL

04-13-06, 10:11 AM

Tom & Walt,
Of course, I did encounter some wives/girlfriends who were nearly as "geeked out" about HDTV as their partner, but it was definitely the rare case.

Why we women seem to be so nonchalant about HD baffles me. I guess I have gotten used to having it and love it. Whenever my sisters stop by they sort of marvel at my (calibrated by Doug) set and comment on how good it looks. When I ask them why not get one they say it's not a priority. However one just had a brand new partially covered deck installed. I don't get it. They are also tech savvy so it's not a matter of being timid about new technology. When I gave my youngest sister my old widescreen Mits she hooked ap all of her componets. It included a TiVo she connects to wirelessly. They all have a TiVo too.

*Shrug*, I just don't have an answer. Wish I could help out in this department. Sorry guys. :confused:

jdiehl

04-13-06, 10:25 AM

They said they doubted it would work for all channels, and if not, I should try two of these 4400's with a signal combiner of sorts. They also doubted my tree theory.

That's exactly what I would suggest trying. Get a pair of bow-tie type UHF antenna's and combine them.

I can tell you from personal experience that your trees shouldn't be doing anything to your OTA signals. Where I lived in Houston all last year, called "The Woodlands" (http://www.thewoodlands.com), is a 28,000 acre planned community at the southern tip of the Sam Houston forest. Literally, you could not see my house through the trees. The entire property was surrounded by huge trees (mostly pines).. see attached pic (my house is down on the left, with the Prudential sign in the yard. To give you an idea of the scale, the top of my roofline is ~40ft high. The backyard has a row of 60ft + pines and that's where my line of sight was for Houston OTA.

Anyway, long story short. I rarely had any sort of signal issues (and I was 40 miles from the towers). Even during hurricane Rita, when those pines were moving all over the place, my digital reception stayed locked in just fine (my D* signal did get some rain fade though). I had my antenna installed in the attic with about a 100ft run of RG6.

Living so close to the towers, I'm not sure I see why you would need a signal amp. The trees likely aren't causing an issue, perhaps it's the topography of your location. You might be getting multipath issues that cause your signal to bounce around alot, and maybe that's why it's perceived as the trees causing the issue? If you rotate the antenna in various directions, can you get each channel in reliably? If so, you either need an antenna rotor, or two antenna combined that point in different directions.

DroptheRemote

04-13-06, 10:57 AM

Doug,

I just wanted to follow up on your note from yesterday and the various folks that have replied here.

On the combined antenna, I wanted to reiterate that this approach doesn't necessarily require a roof mount, though that would definitely be the best way to go in terms of maximizing signal capture. But it sounds like your issue is more likely directionality, not signal strength, so I think that an attic mount would still work for you, assuming you have enough room up there to separately position and aim the two antennas.

I should also let you know that I've recently found a guy who I feel pretty comfortable recommending for antenna installs. I get mixed reports on the cost side, but he seems to have a good reputation for doing quality of work. Send me a private message if you want contact details.

Joseph Clark

04-13-06, 11:09 AM

Why we women seem to be so nonchalant about HD baffles me. I guess I have gotten used to having it and love it. Whenever my sisters stop by they sort of marvel at my (calibrated by Doug) set and comment on how good it looks. When I ask them why not get one they say it's not a priority. However one just had a brand new partially covered deck installed. I don't get it. They are also tech savvy so it's not a matter of being timid about new technology. When I gave my youngest sister my old widescreen Mits she hooked ap all of her componets. It included a TiVo she connects to wirelessly. They all have a TiVo too.

*Shrug*, I just don't have an answer. Wish I could help out in this department. Sorry guys. :confused:

I think this is an extension of a general social bias against women becoming involved in technology/science/math. In the past, women have been steered away from those areas, in the home and in education. I don't think it's been an "organized" effort, but instead a persistent, ignorant notion that such areas were not "appropriate" for women. I used to teach in a high school media program, then over at Webster University in their media school. I noticed this tendency in both settings, and I also noticed that when girls/women were able to move past that there was NO difference in the ability of males/females to perform well in the video production classes I taught.

I think we've reached a critical mass in HDTV adoption. We've reached a point where having an HDTV set is "normal" - it's a real paradigm shift. The costs have come down to manageable levels. There's a large amount of HDTV programming out there and more all the time. Also, one thing we've not talked about too much is that the quality of SD on an HD set in the past (and for the most part today even) has been *worse* than it is on an SD set. Only when the majority of programming is in HD can the differences be pointed out so convincingly.

No matter the reason, it's a very good sign that so many people are embracing HDTV. As someone who has long been aware of the severe limitations of the NTSC video system, I've looked forward to this day impatiently. I remain optimistic that things will get even better from this point forward.

We still have a lot more work to do to get around those social biases against women in technology. That's a much bigger problem.

Scott Tucker

04-13-06, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the reply, Doug. The hint on the AVS forum specific to my set was appreciated. I never thought to look more at the contents of the general site.

As for my OTA issues, I first posted about this back in Jan/Feb when I got my set and actually you replied and provided some good info. I'll add more info below about my OTA quest, if anyone cares to read it and offer suggestions, I'm open.

I've been trying a lot of things, but slowly, just so I can make more thorough assessments before continuing to drop money on my setup with no benefit. I've run new cable from my attic antenna, I've got a CM signal amp, I've had two different indoor antennas. KSDK is my only reliable channel, but it's not perfect. Others are sporadic.

I've visted antennaweb.org. The generated map shows that my home (in Crestwood) has almost 180 degree spread between all the towers. This I think is my first problem. My second problem is that of topography. I'm on the downside of slight ridge that is between me and all towers, except I have line of sight to FOX2 (and it's still not great). The third problem, and I think this is the biggie, I have a stand of a dozen 40-60' white pine trees along my rear border, of course between my house and all the towers. I've always wanted to cut them down, but was quoted $700 EACH. Don't think trees can impact HD? Think again. On these windy spring days we've had, my HD signal is missing on all channels. Calm days I do pretty well on a few channels. The only variable I can think of is wind, and looking at those pines flop around in the breezes, just makes me wonder.

I went to a local antenna store last week for help. I told them what I wanted and where I lived and they said "Good luck, Crestwood reception is the worst". They were very helpful, or so I thought, and I walked out of there with a 10ft mast, tripod and a Winegard PR4400 4-bay. They said they doubted it would work for all channels, and if not, I should try two of these 4400's with a signal combiner of sorts. They also doubted my tree theory.

I did not unpack the antenna due to time constraints. I was about to yesterday but noticed on the antenna box that it was rated for "blue/green/light green" applications. Antennaweb had me in a "red" zone, so that got me wondering.

I called Winegard today for a second opinion. Talked to one of their engineers. He called up my zip code and agreed I had the wrong antenna. He suggested their MS1000 "disc" that has 360 reception. Then I mentioned the tree situation. Trees, he says, are a big problem for OTA.

So I'm at the point where I could keep going on the trial and error approach, or cut my losses now and throw myself to the Charter gods (which is not something I look forward to).

That's my saga. Anyone (reading this far) care to comment?

Doug
Crestwood
Tree City

Get Directv and very soon you will get ALL HD from a dish and won't need a antenna. More inportantly, you can tell Charter to take a hike. :D

Scott