This doesn't surprise me too much. Does the programming come in widescreen at 480i? I understand the great service Doug does with calibrations and such. I certainly don't share that expertise with him. But, for basic settings it comes down to the manual. When I got my first Directv HD box - I scoured the manual for all the settings. It's usually pretty straightforward. Most importantly - it's how it looks! Such a big difference - to not notice it.Yes, when the box is configured for 480i and an HD program appears, it will be in widescreen format, but how it is actually displayed will depend on how the customer has the aspect ratio set at that particular moment. As it happens, a majority of displays lock to FULL (for anamorphic widescreen) when they receive a true HD signal, but with 480i, the user usually has access to all of the aspect ratio options available.

Of course, part of the "blame" for customers watching 480i MOXI output and thinking it's HD has to be attributed to "user error," or at least "user indifference." As you note, with the arrival of digital and HD television, something that was as simple as plugging in a toaster has now become more like setting up a computer. Some customers don't fully realize that yet (or maybe they're in denial). I also agree on the point that the customer should read the manual, but again this goes back to the expectation that television should be "plug and play" (because it always has been).

I guess my point is that if Charter (and the satellite companies -- and eventually telcos) really want to attract and keep customers paying for high-ticket TV subscription services, they have to do a better job of training the install staff to get this right and to help the customer understand how to make the most of what they're paying for. Otherwise, they're going to find that they're actually undermining customer satisfaction and contributing to churn among the most important segment for long-term growth.

Neither DISH nor DirecTV are perfect on this score, but their installers do a much better job, primarily because satellite has been more complicated from the very start of its existence. Cable companies like Charter have a tougher time in training install staff, especially when a lot of times they're still dealing with coax-only video connections.

I called E* this morning inquiring about the HD locals and the need of one of the newer dishes. One CSR did tell me that there is as $59.00 charge for the dish, and that only the 4 major networks are transmitted. But I also got answers from other CSR's that locals are only on the 129 sat, so a new dish is not needed (WRONG), yes, the locals are on the 118.7 sat, but I don't qualify, and he could not tell me why (WRONG). So it's a matter of who you get. Later today after there system upgrades the info I'll try calling an account specialist and see what answer I get. I was told that the new dishes are in extremely short supply (where have I heard that one before---622---), and it may be a few weeks before anyone has them.

I have a Directv HR10-250 HD receiver and am receiving St. Louis locals over the air.

I am using an old rooftop antenna with very good success on every channel except 2.1. The signal is consistently too low and the picture continues to break up. Every other channel comes in with a strong signal with no pixellation.

I checked antennaweb and the transmitters are located in the following directions:

2.1 139
4.1 129
5.1 125
9.1 152

As you can see, 2.1 is between 4.1 and 9.1, both of which I get great pictures on so the direction of the antenna would not seem to be a problem. This is a good thing because I cannot/will not get on the roof to adjust the antenna.

I tried an amplifier, but that only made the signal on every frequency decrease.

Does anyone know why there is such a difference in the reception on 2.1?

Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

I have the same issue with 2.1. I use an amplifier but I turned it down to a lower setting
and that seemed to help some, but for all of my Tivo'ing of shows I tend to use DirecTV 88 for
Fox.

BTW, are you using any diplexers? Those can cause issues.

I have the same issue with 2.1. I use an amplifier but I turned it down to a lower setting
and that seemed to help some, but for all of my Tivo'ing of shows I tend to use DirecTV 88 for
Fox.

BTW, are you using any diplexers? Those can cause issues.

I use diplexers and no amp here in O'Fallon with great success. By the way, a while back I ranted about losing signal when moving the TV across the room. All is well as I bought some new coax, ran a new line with new ends. Not sure what happened to the original line, but it was bunk.

Scott

I would assume the new HD DVR will work with the Extender because the HR10-250
would have to receive some sort of updates to enable to the USB ports. But
this is all just a WAG.
So, if I were to move back to DirecTV (which is growing more and more likely, as Charter has still not shown up), would it be better to deal directly with them or through BB, CC, etc. I read about some upgrades coming to DirecTV (networking, single coax instead of double, and more) and am wondering just which way to go. I had the Sony SAT-T60 when I last enjoyed DSS. I guess I worry about going with the HD TiVo (love TiVo's menus, ease of use) or the new DirecTV HD DVR (which I have heard mixed things about).

Dan,
I believe Dish has a receiver that would suit your needs, presuming the programming Dish offers also suits your needs.
Their VIP622 is a dual-tuner, 2 TV, OTA, HD DVR. The DVR and receiver functions are available to both TV's, (1 HD, 1 SD), operate symotaniously and completely independent of each other. HD is down-converted to the SD TV.
thanks again for the info... one quick question:
the info for the VIP622 lists that i can choose between 2 viewing options:

Single Mode: Picture-In-Picture (PIP) available on any TV, watch/record two live programs, record two live programs, record two live programs while watching a pre-recorded program

Dual Mode: Independently view and record programming on two televisions

so can i utilize both options? say i record 2 hd shows at the same time (ala single mode) then decide to watch one of them on the other tv later on, do i need to switch viewing modes, or does this happen on the fly?

sorry so many questions, just want to make sure i get all the facts straight

So, if I were to move back to DirecTV (which is growing more and more likely, as Charter has still not shown up), would it be better to deal directly with them or through BB, CC, etc. I read about some upgrades coming to DirecTV (networking, single coax instead of double, and more) and am wondering just which way to go. I had the Sony SAT-T60 when I last enjoyed DSS. I guess I worry about going with the HD TiVo (love TiVo's menus, ease of use) or the new DirecTV HD DVR (which I have heard mixed things about).

Call them directly. Do you want my Customer Number, I will get referral points :D

so can i utilize both options? say i record 2 hd shows at the same time (ala single mode) then decide to watch one of them on the other tv later on, do i need to switch viewing modes, or does this happen on the fly?

Dan,
This would be done in the dual mode. Most likely, you would leave the receiver in the dual mode. There is a front panel button to toggle between single/dual mode, if necessary, which can be switched at any time without effecting previously stored settings.
As example, in the dual mode, you could be recording the 2 HD events, while watching another live event on TV1 and playback of a previously recorded event on TV2, or visa verse.

The 622 allows the user to select how recordings are handled in either the dual or single mode. Dish calles it "Record Plus." Even though all PVR events are always available to either TV, it is your selection which TV the recordings are "sent" to.
As example, if your primary viewing TV is your HD display (TV1), you would use the dual mode, and send your recordings to your secondary display (TV2). This keeps more tuners/timers free for you to use on your primary display.
In the single mode, TV2 simply mirrors TV1.

HERE (http://www.dbstalk.com/specsheets/RecordingPref_for_DualTunerReceivers3.pdf) is a single page quick reference which explains it fairly well.

here is some news I have found out on St. Louis dish network HD locals.... You will like this, if you can even get the dish

Info from satelliteguys.us

We are launching programming at the 118.7° location on July 6, 2006! To support these installations, effective June 30, 2006, the DISH 500+ and DISH 1000+ antennas will be available in limited quantities through your authorized hardware provider. What’s more, we plan to launch HD local network programming in Detroit and St. Louis on July 6, 2006. This programming will be available from the 118.7° orbital location effective July 6, 2006. This means that instead of requiring the installation of a SuperDISH antenna, these HD Locals as well as certain International programming language groups will require the installation of a DISH 500+ or DISH 1000+ antenna.


Thanks for the info.
Now that it's official, I guess I can go ahead and order my 622. I've got a Dish 500. Any guesses on what they'll install. I wonder if this will all be covered under the 921->622 upgrade.

Dave

Stupid question maybe, but Im listening to y98 at work and they keep saying they are y98HD. (albeit on an old dial-in radio lol) Am I missing something here? And is there a difference in OTA radio with HD?

Stupid question maybe, but Im listening to y98 at work and they keep saying they are y98HD. (albeit on an old dial-in radio lol) Am I missing something here? And is there a difference in OTA radio with HD?

It's digital. http://www.y98.com/info/hdradio.shtml

Thanks for the info.
Now that it's official, I guess I can go ahead and order my 622. I've got a Dish 500. Any guesses on what they'll install. I wonder if this will all be covered under the 921->622 upgrade.

Dave
Dave,
Well, not quite yet. Yes, the HD locals are now available, however the antenna(s) needed to receive them still is not. You will need the Dish 1000 PLUS antenna. In my conversations with Dish today, there is limited availability of the PLUS antennas, however the CSR systems have yet to receive the necessary options to order the PLUS antenna installs/upgrades. Perhaps a few more days.

Either way, if you plan on receiving the STL HD Locals, be certain when you place your 622 upgrade, it includes the Dish 1000 PLUS antenna and DPP44 switch. I believe it will fall within the inclusive 622 upgrade cost, especially if you now subscribe to the SD locals.

It's digital. http://www.y98.com/info/hdradio.shtml
Super, now I have to go out and buy an hd receiver... lovely :rolleyes:

Dave,
Well, not quite yet. Yes, the HD locals are now available, however the antenna(s) needed to receive them still is not. You will need the Dish 1000 PLUS antenna. In my conversations with Dish today, there is limited availability of the PLUS antennas, however the CSR systems have yet to receive the necessary options to order the PLUS antenna installs/upgrades. Perhaps a few more days.

Either way, if you plan on receiving the STL HD Locals, be certain when you place your 622 upgrade, it includes the Dish 1000 PLUS antenna and DPP44 switch. I believe it will fall within the inclusive 622 upgrade cost, especially if you now subscribe to the SD locals.
So what about potential newbies? Same?

Ok, I got the same answer 3 times, so it must? me true. To get the St. louis HD Locals you will need either a Dish 500+, or a 1000+, or a separate dish pointed at the 118.7 location. If you agree to a 1 year commitment, the price is $59.00, if you do not add $100.00 to that. Why the charge when other cities don't have to pay extra to get there HD Locals? I have a 1000 now and was told that they would replace it with a 1000+. I would rather have a 500+ and a separate 500 towards the 129 sat, but that will cost extra. The only channels in HD are 2,4,5,and 30. I guess for now I'll continue to get them OTA and upgrade my antenna.

Soooo... After 2 days of phone calls to Charter confirming that they were coming, that they had the right number and that they were bringing an amplifier and a new Mate for the Moxi, I have 2 things:
Jack & S**T

Folks, I am the poster child for Charter Abandonment... I have called and called, and been told time and again that they were going to show. And they haven't. Yesterday, they canceled my visit arbitrarily. Today, they simply haven't showed. I was hoping to hold out for my return to dish when my girl and I found a house, but the treatment we have received from Charter has superceded that goal. Now, it's just a matter of getting what we pay for (for the record, we pay for everything with Charter, as well as 3mps internet, for app. $120 a month). I'm torn between Dish and DirecTV, but find myself leaning to DirecTV--would like to get back to TiVo. We won't have the Mate, as we did with the MoxiMate, so I may go with a second DVR for the second TV (again, torn between Dish and DirecTV, though Dish does seem to have more going for it as far as ease of wiring and sharing programming between TVs). Sadly, I'll have to run more cables into the apartment via the attic, which was something I wanted to avoid, but I doubt an installer will do it... I could be wrong, but it's a bear getting this wired. I know, I've done it. But I'll do it with glee, after the way Charter has treated us. So, really it's a matter of simply being torn: call DirecTV or get it at Best Buy, or call Dish or get it at... uh, what? Radio Shack? Anyway, I'm just venting, because this has been an unbelievable experience and I thought it should be shared... or not. Boo, Charter. Very, very boo.

For those of us that have HDNET Friday night (July 7th ) Art Mann Presents will be at Lake of the Ozarks. 7:30PM AND 10:30PM. Enjoy!

For any interested, here is copies of communications I had today with Dish regarding the HD locals and reception of the 118 satellite:

From: kdg454@earthlink.net
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 2:15 PM
To: Laslo_David@echostar.net
Subject: Re: 118.7 KU Satellite FOLLOW-UP

Mr. Laslo,

As a follow-up, a Regina called me back from the Advanced HD Tech Support Center located in Virginia.
She confirmed what I need is a Dish 1000 PLUS antenna Upgrade. Also confirmed eligibility as I subscribe to Locals, and confirmed the new St. Louis HD locals are now available on the 118 satellite.
She went on to say, unfortunately, the option to order the upgrade installation is not yet available on their computer systems. She said her supervisor called the engineering department, but they currently have no means of ordering the antenna upgrade for qualifying subscribers.

Ken Green

==========================================================
From: Laslo_David@echostar.net
To: kdg454@earthlink.net
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:37 PM
Subject: RE: 118.7 KU Satellite FOLLOW-UP

Mr. Green,

I apologize for the late reply been a little busy. When I received your email I looked up your account and also confirmed your eligibility to receive orbital location 118.75 (118) The application we use is not currently prompting a work order to install the 1000+. I am currently working on this to find out the problem. Once resolved I will personally build the w/o and schedule the install date with you. Upgrade fee will be waived based on eligibility.

Sincerely,
David Laslo
Executive Escalations
==========================================================
From: kdg454@earthlink.net
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 3:57 PM
To: Laslo_David@echostar.net
Subject: Re: 118.7 KU Satellite FOLLOW-UP

Thank you David. I knew you would be able to figure out how to get this done. We work from home, so most anytime is fine to schedule the install. Just let me know.

Ken Green
==========================================================
From: Laslo_David@echostar.net
To: kdg454@earthlink.net
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 5:51 PM
Subject: RE: 118.7 KU Satellite FOLLOW-UP

I certainly will. My I.T. team is working on it now.

David Laslo
Executive Escalations

Why am I being told that I would have to pay for the 1000+ upgrade? Maybe I need to email Mr Laslo...

Chuck,
I also has some phone communications with the CSR's today. To me, anyway, it seems much of the information regarding the 1000+ upgrade is perhaps not yet fully in place. This seems to be a pattern with Dish, as it also occurred most recently with the VIP receivers upgrade roll-out. The days immediately following the announcement from Dish, the CSR's were virtually clueless. By early next week, the information should become consistent.

A good example is, the CSR telling you today one of the means of receiving 118 would be with a stand-alone dish. I suppose that would be possible, but it would still require a + LNB which are currently designed to receive both 119 and 118, then splitting the signal to your receivers through a single port on the DPP44 switch. I do not believe Dish currently offers a single LNB for a stand-alone dish capable of receiving 118. I am not certain of the technical data, but the AMC16 satellite requires a different type of LNB than the other Echostar satellites. Perhaps someone more qualified here could explain the difference.

If you are not comfortable with the information you get from the CSR's, I've always found it best to contact Advanced HD Tech Support, and when that sometimes fails, Executive Escalations.

I guess I could call into Dish or write letters, but I wonder if any of you (Ken????) have ever tried to simply order the hardware directly from Dish and perform your own install? I've done this with much success in the past and avoided the long waits/incompetence/no-shows of techs. As a bonus, It's cheaper for Dish too. I have all legacy hardware so new switches are probably also in order unless there will be a Legacy version (which I doubt) of the 500+LNB.

If I can get my hands on hardware, I can make it work. That's a big "if", though.

I guess I could call into Dish or write letters, but I wonder if any of you (Ken????) have ever tried to simply order the hardware directly from Dish and perform your own install? I've done this with much success in the past and avoided the long waits/incompetence/no-shows of techs. As a bonus, It's cheaper for Dish too. I have all legacy hardware so new switches are probably also in order unless there will be a Legacy version (which I doubt) of the 500+LNB.

If I can get my hands on hardware, I can make it work. That's a big "if", though.
Would I ever....if I could. I can do everything else, but because of my leg, I cannot climb a ladder :(
I spoke with Mark at dishdepot today, he said he will have the + systems early next week....no prices yet.

Everything I've read Mo, the + LNB for 118/119 will work only with the DPP44 switch. It's a single down-feed from the + LNB to one port on the switch. The switch then splits the signals from 118 and 119 to your receivers. IIRC, Dish sells the DPP44 switch, stand-alone for $159. They wanted to charge me for the DPP44 when I had the 622/1000 upgrade done, because I insisted on keeping the 300 @ 61.5. I kicked and screamed about those 3 STL SD locals still on 61.5 (the ones no one, including me, watches) until they caved.

HDMI’s 1.3 Spec Is Announced Yet Big Questions Remain

While video improvements are always championed by enthusiasts, almost no video monitor on the planet can accept the new connection and/or has chip sets designed for HDMI 1.3

While the group behind HDMI says their format is “backwards compatible” (meaning an HDMI 1.2 device will function in an HDMI 1.3 system), the plugs are different sizes, creating the need for yet another adapter or even a cable change

http://www.avrev.com/news/0706/06.hdmi13.

Jim

Okay, so the big question:

What is the location of DirecTVs Sat for St. Louis?

I've found a few listings, but I don't know which one it is (101, 110, etc.)

Any help would be much appreciated... tomorrow is project day!

Ok, I got the same answer 3 times, so it must? me true. To get the St. louis HD Locals you will need either a Dish 500+, or a 1000+, or a separate dish pointed at the 118.7 location. If you agree to a 1 year commitment, the price is $59.00, if you do not add $100.00 to that. Why the charge when other cities don't have to pay extra to get there HD Locals? I have a 1000 now and was told that they would replace it with a 1000+. I would rather have a 500+ and a separate 500 towards the 129 sat, but that will cost extra. The only channels in HD are 2,4,5,and 30. I guess for now I'll continue to get them OTA and upgrade my antenna.

I have the Dish 500 now. Can I just have them add the Dish 500+?
I've heard of increased rain fade with the 1000. I've been pretty happy since they replaced the LNB's/switch on my 500 when I had my 921 installed.

Also, I want to have the Dish's mounted on the roof (current line of site is headed for a treetop) Anyone know if I will be charged extra for this with the 921->622 upgrade deal?

Would I ever....if I could. I can do everything else, but because of my leg, I cannot climb a ladder :(
I spoke with Mark at dishdepot today, he said he will have the + systems early next week....no prices yet.

Everything I've read Mo, the + LNB for 118/119 will work only with the DPP44 switch. It's a single down-feed from the + LNB to one port on the switch. The switch then splits the signals from 118 and 119 to your receivers. IIRC, Dish sells the DPP44 switch, stand-alone for $159. They wanted to charge me for the DPP44 when I had the 622/1000 upgrade done, because I insisted on keeping the 300 @ 61.5. I kicked and screamed about those 3 STL SD locals still on 61.5 (the ones no one, including me, watches) until they caved.

They are NUTS if they think most folks will pay that kind of money (+ labor?) to recieve the HD locals. I bet new subs won't be dinged those fees.

To Jim,

Off topic. It's summer, so I'm not watching most network stuff. However, watching Nightline (in SD, of course) OTA, I've noticed that the audio has fallen seriously out of sync and is behind the video. Not sure if HD is as bad. You might have to do some tweaking again.

Dream On: ABC Exec Wants DVR "Ad Skipping" Halted

The following is an excerpt from today's TV Predictions newsletter:
__________________________________________________

Washington, D.C. (July 7, 2006) -- ABC's top advertising executive says the network is asking TV providers to prevent Digital Video Recorder owners from skipping commercials.

"I would love it if the (cable operators), during the employment of the new DVRs they're putting out there, would disable the fast-forward (button)," says ABC President of Advertising Sales Mike Shaw, as reported by MediaDailyNews.

The practice of skipping ads during the playback of DVR-recorded shows has stirred concern and controversy among advertisers and network officials.

Advertisers fear that their ads are not being watched by DVR owners, who now represent approximately 10 percent of the total viewing audience. However, many network executives say the perception that all DVR owners skip ads is incorrect.

"I think there is value to advertising that's viewed on a time-shifting basis. Not everyone who has a personal video recorder skips the ads," Tom Staggs, Disney's chief financial officer, said at a recent investors conference in Santa Monica. (Disney is the parent company of ABC.)

But Shaw seems to think that the DVR could indeed have a serious impact on advertising.

"Quite frankly, we're just training a new generation of viewers to skip commercials because they can," Shaw says.

Shaw says cable operators might lose some subscribers if they blocked the Fast-Forward feature. However, he says it's in the interest of both parties to reach an agreement.

"They've got to sell ads, too," Shaw says, referring to the cable operators.
__________________________________________________

To read the full story, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/abcadkill070706.htm)

Okay, so the big question:

What is the location of DirecTVs Sat for St. Louis?

I've found a few listings, but I don't know which one it is (101, 110, etc.)

Any help would be much appreciated... tomorrow is project day!

I think you need to be at about 208 degrees. I'm not home right now to
be able to check.

Or are you talking about what location are the STL SD Locals at? If that
is your question, the STL Locals are on the 101 satellite and you could get
by with just the little dish if you don't want any HD Channels.

If you want HD Channels Pay Channels you need the 3 LNB dish, and if you
want HD Locals with NO TIVO, you need the 5 LNB dish.

Dream On: ABC Exec Wants DVR "Ad Skipping" Halted



I guess the next step is to legislate a law prohibiting the use of bathrooms or refridgerators during commerial breaks. :D

Can someone with the 5 LNB dish do me a favor?

From your H20, can you find out what the azimuth, tilt, and such should be
for zip code 63304?

I am getting ready to put mine up but I don't have an H20.

Thank you.

I think you need to be at about 208 degrees. I'm not home right now to
be able to check.

Or are you talking about what location are the STL SD Locals at? If that
is your question, the STL Locals are on the 101 satellite and you could get
by with just the little dish if you don't want any HD Channels.

If you want HD Channels Pay Channels you need the 3 LNB dish, and if you
want HD Locals with NO TIVO, you need the 5 LNB dish.
Well, I meant the actual sat location, but I picked up the dish (for the record, I have the DirecTV HD TiVo and a secondary DirecTV DVR for the bedroom). The dish is some ginormous monster (DirecTV Ka/Ku Multi with 5 LNBs and built-in multi).

Advertisers fear that their ads are not being watched by DVR owners
NewsFlash....they're NOT :D

Okay, so the big question:

What is the location of DirecTVs Sat for St. Louis?

I've found a few listings, but I don't know which one it is (101, 110, etc.)

Any help would be much appreciated... tomorrow is project day!

A=101
B=110
C=119

Scott

NewsFlash....they're NOT :D
If I have to start watching commercials, I'll probably just stop watching TV. It's not worth sitting thru 10-15 minutes of commercials to see one show. I'll watch movies on DVD. The sole exception for me might be motorsports. I can bear watching commercials of the sponsers that support auto racing (well, road racing anyway, not that goin' round in circles stuff).

I've had 10mps for three weeks now and I think it's great, but for $74.99 i still don't know if it's worth it.

Wow, you got screwed there. I upgraded yesterday from the 3mgs service to 10mps for a deal of $59.99 for six months. I have to say the upload is awesome to have now at 1mgs and is hitting that on all speed tests. However in testing last night I was only getting around 5mps download speed. Called and talked with them a couple of times but didn't really have time to get into working on it. I've already tweaked my PC's to handle faster speeds like that, the only thing left I can think of is to connect a PC directly to the modem instead of through my router, though I'm going on a 100mps wired network so I would be kinda suprised if it degrades the speed that much. I'll let you know what I find out, but for that price I'd say it's worth it. Not sure that I'll keep it beyond the six months though. Another deal they had was $39.99 for three months of 5mps/512.

I just got off the phone with Dish, they say call back in 2-3 weeks as they don't have a way of getting the Dish 1000 upgraded to a 1000+ in the computer system.

If you launch channels but no one can get equipment that allows you to get to the launched channels have you really launched them?

A=101
B=110
C=119

Scott
Thanks, Scott... So are these all the same?

I have a Directv HR10-250 HD receiver and am receiving St. Louis locals over the air.

I am using an old rooftop antenna with very good success on every channel except 2.1. The signal is consistently too low and the picture continues to break up. Every other channel comes in with a strong signal with no pixellation.

I checked antennaweb and the transmitters are located in the following directions:

2.1 139
4.1 129
5.1 125
9.1 152

As you can see, 2.1 is between 4.1 and 9.1, both of which I get great pictures on so the direction of the antenna would not seem to be a problem. This is a good thing because I cannot/will not get on the roof to adjust the antenna.

I tried an amplifier, but that only made the signal on every frequency decrease.

Does anyone know why there is such a difference in the reception on 2.1?

Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

Mike, call D* and have them add Fox for you. It's free and HD out of NYC.

Mo

I just got off the phone with Dish, they say call back in 2-3 weeks as they don't have a way of getting the Dish 1000 upgraded to a 1000+ in the computer system.

If you launch channels but no one can get equipment that allows you to get to the launched channels have you really launched them?
Same responses I'm getting John.

Yet another example of Dish's precise and well thought through planning :rolleyes:

Thanks Ken for the info you sent me yesterday. I called and most of my questions are answered but they still want to charge for the dish upgrade. The CSR did say they would split the difference to $29.50, but I think I should still get it for free. It's not our fault they choose that sat to put them on that requires different equipment then anyone else. I'm trying a different avenue to get the fee waived, and if that does not work I may pay the reduced price, as long I don't have to pay for the shipping. I'm just wandering if all this hassel is worth it since I get the OTA's pretty good.

Thanks, Scott... So are these all the same?


Not sure what you mean? :confused:

Scott

Thanks, Scott... So are these all the same?


If you go to http://www.lyngsat.com/america.html and click on the DirecTV links
for each of the orbits listed here, it will tell you what is on each satellite.

So on 109 is the HD channels like ESPNHD and TNTHD, on 101 are the regular
channes, most in Standard Definition, a few HD channels.

On 119 are some other HD channles like ESPNHD2 and HDNET along with some
local channels for other parts of the county.

The new dish that you got, the 5 LNB dish also points to 102, which has the local
HD channels, and 99, which currently doesn't really have anything. You won't
be able to see these satellites if you don't have a new MPEG4 receiver.


Ooops, 99 has local HD channels as well. They are using either 102 or 99 to
broadcast HD Fox Sports Net games also.

KPLR must be playing again. Unable to recieve 11-1, 11-2 (RF CH 26) for two days.

KPLR must be playing again. Unable to recieve 11-1, 11-2 (RF CH 26) for two days.
PS,
I'm receiving them here, and also was when you posted the issue last week. I have not had any signal interruption receiving KPLR's DT signal OTA.
At 55 miles, it is usually the first to go, but it has been fine here.

So let me see here.... DirecTV's already removed the 30-second skip button from its new DVR's... all the networks want a broadcast flag so they can stop us from recording shows altogether.... now ABC wants to disable the fast forward button on the shows they DO let us record....

If all this crapola becomes reality, do the providers really think they'll sell any DVR's at all since they'll be fairly pointless????????

If you go to http://www.lyngsat.com/america.html and click on the DirecTV links
for each of the orbits listed here, it will tell you what is on each satellite.

So on 109 is the HD channels like ESPNHD and TNTHD, on 101 are the regular
channes, most in Standard Definition, a few HD channels.

On 119 are some other HD channles like ESPNHD2 and HDNET along with some
local channels for other parts of the county.

The new dish that you got, the 5 LNB dish also points to 102, which has the local
HD channels, and 99, which currently doesn't really have anything. You won't
be able to see these satellites if you don't have a new MPEG4 receiver.


Ooops, 99 has local HD channels as well. They are using either 102 or 99 to
broadcast HD Fox Sports Net games also.
I have the HD-DVR (the TiVo one). The HR10-250.

The following question/answer is from a financial advice column in the Port Charlotte (FLA) Sun-Herald online newspaper. It nicely sums up the state of play with Charter Communications:
________________________________________________

Q: Mr. Berko, Charter Communications is trading at $1.20 a share, and I'm thinking of speculating with a 20,000-share position. As you may know, the company was founded by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, and he's Charter's biggest investor.

I know the company has some financial troubles but I think Allen will come back and manage Charter because he has an $8 billion investment in the company and he doesn't want to lose that money. I would appreciate your comments and recommendations. -- P.E. Santa Monica, Calif.

A: Barry Bonds has hit more home runs than any professional baseball player in the past 25 years. But Barry's home-run prowess doesn't mean that he has the skills to manage a winning baseball team, run a front office, handle player negotiations or understand baseball accounting.

And that Paul Allen was one of the founders of Microsoft (now drifting in still waters) does not mean he'd have similar successes in other business ventures. Far from it - Allen is still one of the greenest bananas in the bunch.

Allen isn't a bright man, but he has allowed others to manipulate his ego into thinking he is by investing in their cockamamie ideas. In the process, he has lost billions of dollars. Bill Gates hasn't lost money participating in other business ventures because he has common sense and knows his limitations.

Allen invested $8 billion in Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR-$1.20) and the magic of his name convinced a bunch of suckers to purchase shares at $19 in a 1999 initial public offering. Still, CHTR has grown to be the fourth-largest cable multiple system operator because Allen's Microsoft reputation attracted acquisitions willing to accept CHTR stock.

Now Allen is certainly not known for his business acumen, but I suspect he's familiar with the "first rule of holes"; when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. So don't bank on Allen's largesse; he may not be bright but he's certainly not dumb. CHTR has the worst balance sheet in the industry. Its customer base has fallen by 6 percent in the past two years as subscribers have defected to satellite and to Verizon and AT&T, which are plucking customers from some of CHTR's markets. CHTR has a negative cash flow, burns cash at the rate of $200 million every quarter and interest costs absorb 35 percent of revenues.

The company has a hugely negative book value ($7.50 a share), margins are under intense pressure from growing programming and marketing costs, and there's little money remaining for infrastructure upgrades.

I doubt that Allen will write a check and come to the rescue and I think CHTR is an incredibly stupid speculation.
________________________________________________

In the interest of balance, more on the stock market outlook for Charter Communications, from the SeekingAlpha web site:
_____________________________________________________

Ant & Sons submits: Shares of television system operator Charter Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) are up $.07, or 6.31%, to $1.18 in heavy but sideways trading.

The upside comes after Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet surprisingly upgraded the stock to “buy” from “sell,” stating that the company is ripe for a turnaround. In a note to clients, the analyst expects the company to reverse three flat years of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) as it begins to offer VOIP (voice over internet protocol) services.

Citigroup’s Bazinet also praised Charter management by saying that they have a “clear, well-defined strategy for turning Charter around.” Besides upgrading the stock, the analyst also raised his price target from $1 to $1.75.

However, investors are still doubtful that a turnaround will happen in the very near future and are cautiously optimistic, still keeping in mind the fact that Charter has nearly twenty billion dollars in debt.
_____________________________________________________

In the interest of balance, more on the stock market outlook for Charter Communications, from the SeekingAlpha web site:
_____________________________________________________

Ant & Sons submits: Shares of television system operator Charter Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTR) are up $.07, or 6.31%, to $1.18 in heavy but sideways trading.

The upside comes after Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet surprisingly upgraded the stock to “buy” from “sell,” stating that the company is ripe for a turnaround. In a note to clients, the analyst expects the company to reverse three flat years of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) as it begins to offer VOIP (voice over internet protocol) services.

Citigroup’s Bazinet also praised Charter management by saying that they have a “clear, well-defined strategy for turning Charter around.” Besides upgrading the stock, the analyst also raised his price target from $1 to $1.75.

However, investors are still doubtful that a turnaround will happen in the very near future and are cautiously optimistic, still keeping in mind the fact that Charter has nearly twenty billion dollars in debt.
_____________________________________________________

I have an anti-charter bias, but I heard an analyst on NPR say that Enron was ripe for a turnaround right before the S#!t hit the fan.
Dug

Received a call from Dish this morning. They have scheduled the 1000+ antenna upgrade for this Monday. The 1000+ upgrade fee is $199.99 (500+ is $59.99), which he said is waived for local subs.

Doug--perhaps Bazinet is Allen's nephew :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=kdg454]Received a call from Dish this morning. They have scheduled the 1000+ antenna upgrade for this Monday. The 1000+ upgrade fee is $199.99 (500+ is $59.99), which he said is waived for local subs.

Doug--perhaps Bazinet is Allen's nephew :rolleyes:[/QUOTE

Can someone tell me what I will need to receive my locals in HD? I still have not subscribed to the new Dish packages and just want to make sure I can get my locals in HD. Right now I have the 811, receive my locals over the air and also subscribe to them.
Thanks.

Received a call from Dish this morning. They have scheduled the 1000+ antenna upgrade for this Monday. The 1000+ upgrade fee is $199.99 (500+ is $59.99), which he said is waived for local subs.

Doug--perhaps Bazinet is Allen's nephew :rolleyes:

This is totally f'd up.

Do you need a DPP44 switch in addition to the replacement dish? If that's the case, a large portion of that cost is in the switch.

Can someone tell me what I will need to receive my locals in HD? I still have not subscribed to the new Dish packages and just want to make sure I can get my locals in HD. Right now I have the 811, receive my locals over the air and also subscribe to them.
Thanks.
StL,
You cannot receive the STL Local HD's with an 811 receiver. They are MPEG4, which will require one of the VIP receivers. The comparable to the 811 is the VIP211. The upgrade fee for a 211 is $49.00, inclusive of all hardware and installation. Should you want the HD DVR receiver, the upgrade cost of the 622 is $199.00.

In addition to that, Dish will only activate HD programing on a VIP series receiver in the new HD packages, though your programming costs will be within a few dollars of what you are now paying, and you will be receiving more HD channels.

Presuming you now have a Dish 500 antenna, which is a single dish with 2 LNB's, receiving the 110 & 119 satellites, you also need to have the Dish 1000 PLUS antenna installed, which will give your 110, 118, 119 and 129 satellites. The new STL Local HD's are on satellite 118. The new HD package channels are mostly on satellite 129.

You would need to upgrade your receiver 811 > 211 which includes the upgrade to a Dish 1000 antenna. You just need to be certain your work order specifies a Dish 1000 PLUS antenna so you can also receive the 118 satellite.

This is totally f'd up.

Do you need a DPP44 switch in addition to the replacement dish? If that's the case, a large portion of that cost is in the switch.
Agree, it's a Mess!
I know with the 1000+ a DPP44 is required. I'm not certain about the 500+.
Either way, Dish has already said there is no additional subscription fee for the HD locals (when they become available) to customers who sub to locals now, so I can't imagine they will be charging anything for the + antenna upgrades.
Also given the fact all the other cities (so far) have been on sats they already can receive programming from.
It seems just like the "free second dish" (61.5) thing that went on a few years back when Dish decided to put many locals on to 61.5.

As fast as the tech told me the upgrade fee was $199, he went on to say he was crediting it back. I never had to ask.

kdg:

I wasn't even able to order it. I'll play CSR Roulette later today.

Best,

kdg:

I wasn't even able to order it. I'll play CSR Roulette later today.

Best,

I've been playing that game since yesterday and every time I call I get a different answer. I think I'll wait a few days to give them time to get things set up.

kdg:

I wasn't even able to order it. I'll play CSR Roulette later today.

Best,
I spoke with a tech named Richard. He's a L3 at AHD TS in VA, 800-969-4388. He did say he had to build the w/o manually, that the normal option to add the upgrade was not available, but he got it done.
I'm sending you a PM with some addl info.

This isn't directly relevant to the St. Louis market, but here's an interesting story about Sinclair Broadcasting and its dealings with a group of cable systems in West Virginia that Charter recently sold to Cebridge Connections, now known as Suddenlink.

To summarize, when Sinclair learned about the terms of the Charter sale to Suddenlink ($800 million), Sinclair proposed a new deal for carriage of its local stations on the Suddenlink systems -- $40 million upfront and $1 per subscriber per month ($4.2 million per year), compared with a previous offer of $4 million over 3 years.

Anyone still have questions about why Charter isn't carrying Sinclair-owned KDNL?

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6350823.html

What happend to the HD feed for that Cardinals game today on KTVI? It was in HD at the start, but not now.

It wasn't HD, but was FOX Widescreen (linedoubled NTSC scaled to 720p).

Not sure what happened to it, though.

Received a call from Dish this morning. They have scheduled the 1000+ antenna upgrade for this Monday. The 1000+ upgrade fee is $199.99 (500+ is $59.99), which he said is waived for local subs.




I'm curious to hear how it all goes and how the quality of the MPEG4 HD locals compares to OTA. This will help me decide whether or not I want to even bother with the 118 satellite. I'm sure you've read that the quality of the local MPEG4 HD channels varies wildly by market and by format (1080i vs. 720p).

Good Luck!

It wasn't HD, but was FOX Widescreen (linedoubled NTSC scaled to 720p).

Not sure what happened to it, though.


So the game isn't being shown in HD at all?

So the game isn't being shown in HD at all?No. In general, FOX does HD baseball for only the All-Star Game and for the playoffs.

There may be very occasional exceptions, but today's Cards v Astros game was not one of them...

Here's some further background on FOX Widescreen:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5747439&&#post5747439

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5928759&&#post5928759

It turned out to be a good game though....

To answer questions on the PQ of the local HD's in the mpeg4 format, I think a lot of it depends on the quality of the signal Dish gets from the local affiliates. From some of the satellite forums it ranges from "can't tell the difference from OTA" to "unwatchable because of pixalation." So for right now until someone get's the one of the newer dishes to get the signal, there is no way to tell.

Even though it was not in HD, the OTA DT PQ was far superior to the SAT SD, though that may just be a result of the heavily compressed SAT SD signal.

If you go to http://www.lyngsat.com/america.html and click on the DirecTV links
for each of the orbits listed here, it will tell you what is on each satellite.

So on 109 is the HD channels like ESPNHD and TNTHD, on 101 are the regular
channes, most in Standard Definition, a few HD channels.

On 119 are some other HD channles like ESPNHD2 and HDNET along with some
local channels for other parts of the county.

The new dish that you got, the 5 LNB dish also points to 102, which has the local
HD channels, and 99, which currently doesn't really have anything. You won't
be able to see these satellites if you don't have a new MPEG4 receiver.


Ooops, 99 has local HD channels as well. They are using either 102 or 99 to
broadcast HD Fox Sports Net games also.
Well, I have 91% for 101, 50% for 110 and zero for 119. It's a start, I guess.

PS,
I'm receiving them here, and also was when you posted the issue last week. I have not had any signal interruption receiving KPLR's DT signal OTA.
At 55 miles, it is usually the first to go, but it has been fine here.

Then it must be a software problem with my ATSC receiver.
Strange, as I was receiving them quite well for weeks.

I located the installation notes for the Dish 500/1000 + antennas.
Not so much for self-install, but they provide good information about the operation and integration of the system.

View it HERE (members.aol.com/kdg454/Install_Notes_D500_D1000_Plus.pdf)

Note to John K--the 1000+ requires a DPP44, the 500+ a DP34 switch.

Then it must be a software problem with my ATSC receiver.
Strange, as I was receiving them quite well for weeks.
PS,
Did you try a power-down reset? Often that will cure those types of glitches.

Thanks for the info.

I called D* and they told me I do not qualify for the NY HD feeds.

Is there a trick getting these feeds?

Mike

Makcpa,

The trick is to find a CSR who's completely up to speed on who qualifies.

Reading between the lines of your note above, part of the problem may have been that you were asking for "the NY HD feeds," when in reality the only one you qualify for is FOX.

That's because the local FOX station (KTVI) is owned by the FOX network. All other St. Louis local stations are owned by non-network entitities and therefore those out-of-market feeds are not available to you.

I have friends who just moved into a new house. In the move they upgraded the TV to HiDef Samsumg DLP and will be wanting to upgrade their Dish service from standard def to HD.

When my friend calls Dish what deals are currently out there for people to upgarde to? The new house also has a single Dish 500 model with the dual LNBs: does that need to be upgraded?

Thanks for the info.

I called D* and they told me I do not qualify for the NY HD feeds.

Is there a trick getting these feeds?

Mike

Ask them to add channel 88 (Fox East). The first time I called I got someone clueless. Second call channel 88 was added.

I have friends who just moved into a new house. In the move they upgraded the TV to HiDef Samsumg DLP and will be wanting to upgrade their Dish service from standard def to HD.

When my friend calls Dish what deals are currently out there for people to upgarde to? The new house also has a single Dish 500 model with the dual LNBs: does that need to be upgraded?
Dweebe,
A single TV/Single Tuner HD receiver---$49.00 upgrade fee
A Two TV (1 HD/1 SD) Dual Tuner HD DVR---$199.00 upgrade fee.
There is also a current programming promotion, $20.00/mo off selected package for 10 months.

All HD upgrades are inclusive of required dish antenna, switch, cabling and installation.
The Dish needs to be upgraded also. They will need the Dish 1000 PLUS antenna to receive the STL HD Locals.

A good link for more information HERE (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/dishhd/index.shtml)

kdg,

I have a DPP44 already, so I'm good to go there! Thanks for the help so far.

Best,

It's 2006. Why can't NBC broadcast the finals of a major championship in HD?
Does the overseas location have anything to do with it? I would guess not because the World Cup is in HD.

PS,
Did you try a power-down reset? Often that will cure those types of glitches.

If this were an STB, you might be right. This reciever is an RCA 27" SDTV. All of $228 at Wal-Mart. Yes, I've removed power completely from the set, and attempted a rescan. Negative. It picks up all other locals except KPLR, including WRBU-DT (which sometimes maps as 47-3!).

We might have a developing issue, as low-end customers like myself can't keep up (software-wise) with updates. Older sets might need firmware updates to recieve after locals change PSIP data, etc.

Thanks for the response, kdg.

Wally, USAF (ret), EE, KC0ORP.

Is the STL market large enough to warrant a sat-only thread?

That Spinks vs. Karmazin fight last night on Showtime HD was pretty entertaining. Perhaps it wouldn't have been so close if Spinks didn't dance for four minutes on his way to the ring. He could have used that energy in the later rounds.

Anyway, it was the first time I've watched boxing in HD and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Ask them to add channel 88 (Fox East). The first time I called I got someone clueless. Second call channel 88 was added.

Did you get the notification letter this week from D* that our national feeds would be turned off next month (due to HD locals now available)?

I think it's BS, since only 1 of my 3 HD receivers active on my account is capable of picking up the mpeg4's and I don't want to upgrade my pair of HD Tivo's.

Pink,

We've considered before having a dedicated Charter discussion, but never followed through, largely because it would be difficult to ensure that messages would be posted to the correct thread, so you'd probably end up monitoring two threads instead of one.

Also, no one here participating in the thread is an actual moderator, so there wouldn't be any straightforward way to move misposted messages.

I think the same would be true for satellite, but ultimately this can be done if enough folks believe it's a good idea.

Did you get the notification letter this week from D* that our national feeds would be turned off next month (due to HD locals now available)?

I think it's BS, since only 1 of my 3 HD receivers active on my account is capable of picking up the mpeg4's and I don't want to upgrade my pair of HD Tivo's.


I called D* today and was told that they will need to apply for a waiver to get the East coast Fox feed. They said that there were no guarantees, but that I should hear soon.

Is this corrrect or should the CSR be able to turn it on immediately?

I guess if the letter you received is correct it won't matter.

Mike

I called D* today and was told that they will need to apply for a waiver to get the East coast Fox feed. They said that there were no guarantees, but that I should hear soon.

Is this corrrect or should the CSR be able to turn it on immediately?

I guess if the letter you received is correct it won't matter.

Mike

I haven't received that letter yet, but until we do, what the CSR told you is ridiculous. KTVI is a Fox O&O. Fox has given DirecTV blanket permission to give Fox-HD East to the St. Louis market. The day it was added, I didn't even have to call... it was there when I turned to channel 88 that day.

Due to the screwball rules though, they WOULD have to apply for a waiver to give you the ANALOG Fox East. :rolleyes:

Finally the HDTivos will get the 6.x update giving them folders and faster menus!! Its been a great update for the non-HD Tivo's... just wish it wouldn't have taken so long. As long as I get the national HD channels, and the antenna picks up the locals I'll have no reason to get the non-Tivo HD DVR...especially now that I can fix my own HDTivo too!

Chris

Pink,

We've considered before having a dedicated Charter discussion, but never followed through, largely because it would be difficult to ensure that messages would be posted to the correct thread, so you'd probably end up monitoring two threads instead of one.

Also, no one here participating in the thread is an actual moderator, so there wouldn't be any straightforward way to move misposted messages.

I think the same would be true for satellite, but ultimately this can be done if enough folks believe it's a good idea.

Thanks. Looks like it's probably going to stay one consolidated thread for ease of maintenance.

Hey guys, had a question and although its not HD specific I figure you guys could probably help out. My center channel speakers appears to have lost its shielding yet again so when ontop of my TV it is causing pretty colors. My question is, is there any easy fix for this? And does it not having shielding matter when it comes to a DLP set that I am hopefully purchasing later this summer? Thats what I think caused the shielding to go out of whack was moving it around in preparation for my new Samsung DLP that I'm aiming for.


I'm not sure if I should use this as an excuse to go buy a new center channel speaker or what. I know my current one is pretty big and its going to be interesting to figure out how I am going to attatch it to the wall or something so that it does not rest directly on my DLP when I get it.


-Phatty

Hey guys, had a question and although its not HD specific I figure you guys could probably help out. My center channel speakers appears to have lost its shielding yet again so when ontop of my TV it is causing pretty colors. My question is, is there any easy fix for this? And does it not having shielding matter when it comes to a DLP set that I am hopefully purchasing later this summer? Thats what I think caused the shielding to go out of whack was moving it around in preparation for my new Samsung DLP that I'm aiming for.


I'm not sure if I should use this as an excuse to go buy a new center channel speaker or what. I know my current one is pretty big and its going to be interesting to figure out how I am going to attatch it to the wall or something so that it does not rest directly on my DLP when I get it.


-Phatty

It shouldn't affect the DLP. If you want a quick fix, try using some metal shielding - certain types of iron should provide the shielding you need. If you have some metal sheets from projects or old appliances or electronics, you might luck out. We had a similar problem where I used to teach, and the solution was some scrap metal sheets that were not being used.

Hey guys, had a question and although its not HD specific I figure you guys could probably help out. My center channel speakers appears to have lost its shielding...

I'm not sure if I should use this as an excuse to go buy a new center channel speaker or what. I know my current one is pretty big and its going to be interesting to figure out how I am going to attatch it to the wall or something so that it does not rest directly on my DLP when I get it.
Once you have a DLP it'll be a a moot point. DLPs are not affected by unshielded speakers. The magnetic fields of unshielded speakers only produce that you see on CRTs (and maybe Plasma?).

Sweet thanks for the reply and for repeating what I already thought to be true. Now to figure out how to get this boy up on the wall to center it over where the DLP is going to be.


Thanks
-Phatty

Finally the HDTivos will get the 6.x update giving them folders and faster menus!! Its been a great update for the non-HD Tivo's... just wish it wouldn't have taken so long. As long as I get the national HD channels, and the antenna picks up the locals I'll have no reason to get the non-Tivo HD DVR...especially now that I can fix my own HDTivo too!

Chris

Where is this information coming from? This has been long rumored over at
http://www.tivocommunity.com I guess I'll head over there.

Here is the tivo community link (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=306758) talking about it

And here is the DirecTV link (http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P3200006) confirming it.

Finally the HDTivos will get the 6.x update giving them folders and faster menus!! Its been a great update for the non-HD Tivo's... just wish it wouldn't have taken so long. As long as I get the national HD channels, and the antenna picks up the locals I'll have no reason to get the non-Tivo HD DVR...especially now that I can fix my own HDTivo too!

Chris

Good news! *Finally*. I can't wait. I love the folder option on my other DVR. If it speeds things up, even better.

Mo

So the move (back) to DirecTV is almost finished... got that huge dish up, receive the sats (not 119, but have a tech coming Friday for fine-tuning) and have both the HR10 and R15 set to record our favorite shows (can't wait till there's a Media Extender or Multi-Room Viewing, but this is an acceptable compromise). Charter is supposed to refund the last month of my programming, but that has yet to appear (much like their techs, who were no-shows 3 times last week). What I was wondering was: could I give my parents the Moxi and the Mate, rather than return it to Charter?

My center channel speakers appears to have lost its shielding yet again so when ontop of my TV it is causing pretty colors. My question is, is there any easy fix for this?

Did you fix the pretty colors on your TV yet? I had a friend that this happened to and he left his TV unplugged all night and then plugged it back in in the morning and turned it on. It degaussed and it's been fine ever since.

I never got a letter from D* saying they would deactivate 88 and 86 FYI.

Scott

Did you fix the pretty colors on your TV yet? I had a friend that this happened to and he left his TV unplugged all night and then plugged it back in in the morning and turned it on. It degaussed and it's been fine ever since.

If not, Phatty will have to have it degaused (sp?). BTW, I have never heard of a center channel speaker "not" being sheilded.

Scott

I never got a letter from D* saying they would deactivate 88 and 86 FYI.

Scott

I didn't either. What's 86? I only have 88.

Thanks.

Mo

Edit: I just tried 86 and for a brief moment it said ABC-E. How in the heck did you get them to allow ABC East Scott?

The colors did go away as soon as I moved the center channel speaker, so my center channel is now resting on my right speaker. The speaker was shielded, but we moved it around and must have knocked something loose. This is the 2nd time this speaker has lost/had issues with its shielding. Last time it was still under warranty so I had Best Buy fix it. Maybe I just have to open it up and move whatever got knocked out of place or something. Either way I think once I attatch the speaker to the wall in some fashion it will be far enough away that it will not matter. Either that or I'll just go pickup the Samsung DLP I got picked out a little sooner than planned.

-Phatty

Where is this information coming from? This has been long rumored over at
http://www.tivocommunity.com I guess I'll head over there.

Here is the tivo community link (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=306758) talking about it

And here is the DirecTV link (http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P3200006) confirming it.

Well, the content in the link for D* has changed.

Edit: I read the web page is being updated, so no worries.

DirecTV Adds MLB HD from 19 RSNs -- But Not FSMW

Not sure why St. Louis is not included, but in any event this will only be available in participating markets with the new MPEG-4 receiver, which would have counted me out for now anyway.

Overall, this is a positive development, as DirecTV is beginning to loosen the taps on more HD programming. But it also officially starts the obsolesence countdown on existing MPEG-2 HD equipment, most notably the HD TiVo.

This is like the Cardinals of recent weeks: win some, lose more...

The following story comes from the Business Wire:
__________________________________________________

DIRECTV is stacking the lineup with more HD sports programming by delivering Major League Baseball games produced in HD by regional sports networks (RSNs) in 19 major markets.

DIRECTV is now broadcasting all MLB games produced in HD from the following RSNs: FSN Prime Ticket (Los Angeles Dodgers), FSN West (Los Angeles Angels), FSN Bay Area (San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's), FSN South (Atlanta Braves), FSN Houston (Astros), FSN Detroit (Tigers), FSN Florida (Marlins, Devil Rays), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland Indians), FSN North (Minnesota Twins), FSN Northwest (Seattle Mariners), FSN Arizona (Diamondbacks), FSN Rocky Mountain (Colorado Rockies) and Turner South (Atlanta Braves).

On July 18, HD MLB games from YES Network (Yankees) and FSN Southwest (Rangers HD games will be seen only in the Dallas DMA) will be available, as well as a continuous 24/7 HD feed from NESN HD (Red Sox). In August DIRECTV will deliver HD MLB games from SportsNet New York (Mets), as well as continuous 24/7 HD feeds from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic HD (Orioles) and Comcast SportsNet Chicago HDTV (Cubs, White Sox).

The RSNs' HD games will be broadcast by DIRECTV via a local market spot beam, and as a result, the RSN programming will be available only to those customers who live within the local DMA (designated market area) spot beam and the RSN team territory. The games will be available at no extra charge.

In addition to the MLB games, DIRECTV will also carry NHL and NBA games that are televised on the RSNs when their seasons start in the fall.

"If we hear one thing from our HD customers, it's 'give us more sports programming in HD,' and we plan to do that throughout the year, beginning with more Major League Baseball games in HD via the RSNs in several of the largest markets," said Dan Fawcett, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition, DIRECTV, Inc. "With all of the regional sports networks' games produced in HD -- including MLB, NHL and NBA, and the more than 110 NFL games DIRECTV will broadcast in HD this fall, we'll offer fans the best selection of HD sports programming available anywhere."

Customers who live within the RSN team territory and the spot beam area will also be required to have the H20 (MPEG4 compatible) HD receiver along with a five LNB dish to receive the RSN's HD programming. The HD games will be available on viewer channel 96 or 97 in each market, and the 24/7 RSNs will be seen on a separate channel that will have the same viewer channel number as their standard definition feed. For customers outside the spot beam, select HD games may be available on channel 95.

Customers can visit DIRECTV.com to determine if they are within the team territory and spot beam and can receive the games.
__________________________________________________

FWIW, I've just sent an Email to our contact at FSN-MW to see what sort of explanation there is for St. Louis not being among the 19 markets capable of receiving HD baseball via the local RSN...

FWIW, I've just sent an Email to our contact at FSN to see what sort of explanation there is for St. Louis not being among the 19 markets capable of receiving HD baseball via the local RSN...

From what I heard recently, E* will have all 21 RSNs up by spring. If D* has 19 up, that must mean FSMW and one other are the only ones not to be received by D* subs.

Maybe I'm going too tinfoil hat here, but could this be another sign that the Cards and Blues are going to make their own sports channel? No reason for D* to add Fox Sports Midwest-HD when there will be no HD Cardinal or Blues games to show.

So here are some scenarios:

The list is incomplete and they'll shortly add FSMW-HD. Possibly we'll start getting more HD games.
The Cards and Blues make their own channel (both HD and SD) and we get more HD games for no premium. Fox Sports Midwest ends up being 24 filler programming and no games.
The Cards and Blues make their own channel, no increase in HD offering and start charging a preimum price for it.
Worst case scenario: Charter joins the mix and said channel is not available over D* and/or E*: only cable.

I called E* on Saturday and I am scheduled to get my 1000+ or 500+ upgrade so I can get the HD locals broadcast from Dish. It was pretty quick they are coming out on Thursday between 12 and 5pm. I'd call now if you want these channels. Once the word is out they will be pretty busy.

dweebe,

I suppose a dedicated sports channel for St. Louis sports is possible, and if it meant an A/V oasis where Dan McLaughlin and Al Hrabosky could no longer assault my eardrums and intelligence, I'd even welcome it. But I think it's unlikely.

First of all, I think the Cardinals have totally screwed the pooch with the defection from KMOX to KTRS. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a dyed-in-the-wook traditionalist and I recognize that anything that makes more money for the franchise should ultimately be a positive for the quality of the team on the field.

But the KTRS fiasco is an incredible balls up, not just for the far-flung corners of Cardinal Nation, but for anyone who wants to listen to the game while driving more 30 miles across the metro area. I say to those out-of-towners who are nostalgic for the fading in/fading out signal of KMOX during Cardinal games that they can recapture the fully glory of that experience by driving to and through St. Louis while listening to a Cardinal broadcast.

Man, it's just like living in West Cornflake, Nebraska.

My point on the KTRS harangue is that advertising sales can't be going well, because the signal is not reliably received. I understand that one of the Cardinal execs used to work in radio, and I can only assume it's been a long while since that was the case, because he and the organization have obviously overlooked the first rule of radio: more listeners equal higher ad rates.

In addition, the whole presentation of KTRS is a joke. Being loud and dumb might be a drunken fan's perogative, but as a radio format, it's a complete loser.

As far as Cardinal media projects go, fixing radio has to be the number one priority. The whole radio network is broken in a fundamental way, and maybe that will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it can't go on much longer. It needs serious, adult attention.

But getting back to your point, I'm not ruling out an eventual move to some sort of St. Louis team-owned sports network, but I think it's a long shot, partly because the KTRS project is a disaster and partly because I don't think two sports (baseball and hockey) are enough. If NBA basketball comes here at some point, it seems more viable.

Also, I don't think that Charter and the sports teams would be able to create a network that was not offered to satellite. I believe there are FCC regulations against that going forward with new sports networks, and even if it weren't, the Cardinals are in no position to alienate the fan base that subscribes to DISH and DirecTV.

dweebe,

I suppose a dedicated sports channel for St. Louis sports is possible, and if it meant an A/V oasis where Dan McLaughlin and Al Hrabosky could no longer torture me, I'd even welcome it; but I think it's unlikely.

First of all, I think the Cardinals have totally screwed the pooch with the defection from KMOX to KTRS. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a dyed-in-the-wook traditionalist and I recognize that anything that makes more money for the franchise should ultimately be a positive for the quality of team on the field.

But the KTRS fiasco is an incredible balls up, not just for the far-flung corners of Cardinal Nation, but for anyone who wants to listen to the game while driving more 30 miles across the metro area. I say to those out-of-towners who are nostalgic for the fading in/fading out signal of KMOX during Cardinal games that they can recapture the fully glory of that experience by driving to and through St. Louis while listening to a Cardinal broadcast.

Man, it's just like living in West Cornflake, Nebraska.

My point on the KTRS harangue is that advertising sales can't be going well, because the signal is not reliably received. I understand that one of the Cardinal execs used to work in radio, and I can only assume it's been a long while since that was the case, because he and the organization have obviously overlooked the first rule of radio: more listeners equal higher ad rates.

In addition, the whole presentation of KTRS is a joke. Being loud and dumb might be a drunken fan's perogative, but as a radio format, it's a complete loser.

As far as Cardinal media projects go, fixing radio has to be the number one priority. The whole radio network is broken in a fundamental way, and maybe that will be tolerated for a short period of time, but it can't go on much longer. It needs serious, adult attention.


I agree: the KTRS experiment is a disaster. Hopefully it will end soon.

But getting back to your point, I'm not ruling out an eventual move to some sort of St. Louis team-owned sports network, but I think it's a long shot, partly because the KTRS project is a disaster and partly because I don't think two sports (baseball and hockey) are enough. If NBA basketball comes here at some point, it seems more viable.

Also, I don't think that Charter and the sports teams would be able to create a network that was not offered to satellite. I believe there are FCC regulations against that going forward with new sports networks, and even if it weren't, the Cardinals are in no position to alienate the fan base that subscribes to DISH and DirecTV.

Thats good to hear. Wasn't it New York City where up until recently only Cablevision subscribers could get the YES channel? D* and /or E* owners were out of luck?

I didn't either. What's 86? I only have 88.

Thanks.

Mo

Edit: I just tried 86 and for a brief moment it said ABC-E. How in the heck did you get them to allow ABC East Scott?

I guess we'll cross our collective fingers then. Although I get 2-1 just fine OTA, it's nice to have the D* backup, especially when setting up my Tivo Season Passes.

About the new HD Tivo software... that's GREAT news. The only thing I hate about my HD Tivo's are the slow menu's and lack of folders. When we get folders and faster response in the menu/guide, it will be perfect! Glad I snagged a 2nd one last month.

Jon (or anyone else who's familiar with the benefits of this TiVo upgrade),

When you talk about slow menus, are you talking about the delays that occur after certain operations? With both of the TiVos I've owned, making a change to the Season Pass Manager can take anywhere up to 10 minutes to completely process (as it figures out the conflicts or revised scheduling implications). Not sure why that takes so long, and more to the point, why there isn't the option of having it done in the background on a CPU-available basis.

That's is my single biggest peeve with the HD TiVo. My other big complaint is the lack of an Info window in the Now Playing List, so that I can see the program description and other details. But it doesn't sound like Folders is going to fix that.

St. Louis Guide to HD Programming Updated

With the official release of the major network digital locals on DISH, I've updated the St. Louis HD Programming Guide and am attaching it here as a PDF file.

No other major changes since the June 12 update.

As always, if anyone spots any errors or omissions, let me know.

July 18 Revision: Updated to include Charter additions of TNT and MTV HD services.

I didn't either. What's 86? I only have 88.

Thanks.

Mo

Edit: I just tried 86 and for a brief moment it said ABC-E. How in the heck did you get them to allow ABC East Scott?

I think I am grandfathered in or something. I have been with D* since day one back in '94 or whenever it was. I also get east and west coast SD channels. Not sure why I can't get CBS and NBC HD channels however.

Scott

Jon (or anyone else who's familiar with the benefits of this TiVo upgrade),

When you talk about slow menus, are you talking about the delays that occur after certain operations? With both of the TiVos I've owned, making a change to the Season Pass Manager can take anywhere up to 10 minutes to completely process (as it figures out the conflicts or revised scheduling implications). Not sure why that takes so long, and more to the point, why there isn't the option of having it done in the background on a CPU-available basis.

That's is my single biggest peeve with the HD TiVo. My other big complaint is the lack of an Info window in the Now Playing List, so that I can see the program description and other details. But it doesn't sound like Folders is going to fix that.

Yes. The upgrade is going to not only give us folders, but also speed up everything (not just menu's)..... including remote response, overall system performance, browsing the guide, the time it takes for it to respond after hitting "record" and then get back to being able to use the remote... Season pass management, etc...

Finally, after what seems like eons, Charter is adding two new HD channels. Starting July 18th, TNTHD (Channel 797) and MHD (Channel 799) will be available (I have never heard of MHD before is this new?). We charter customers are still way behind Dish and DirecTV but its an improvement, except for the rate hike for the HD service. Atleast i can watch the NBA All-star game in HD next year.

Sudhakar

"Great News! On July 18, 2006, Charter will be adding two new high-definition channels to our HD line-up: MHD and TNT HD. MHD (Channel 799) will entertain you with music videos, events, music festivals, concert series and special concerts from your favorite music channels: MTV, VH1 and CMT. You'll see and hear it all in vivid high-def picture and surround sound, from the world of pop, rock, country, hip hop, reggae, soul, and more. TNT HD (Channel 797) has an incredible array of dramatic programming from Law & Order to award-winning original movies, original series and blockbuster films, in addition to great sports action like NBA basketball, NASCAR racing and PGA golf. The HD Pack will be discontinued and replaced with the HD Tier. The price for the HD Tier will be $6.99 per month as of July 18, 2006. At Charter, we continue to strive to offer our customers the latest High-Def programming available. We appreciate your continued business. For questions, please contact our Customer Care"

It's 2006. Why can't NBC broadcast the finals of a major championship in HD?
Does the overseas location have anything to do with it? I would guess not because the World Cup is in HD.


My sources tell me that Wimbledon was broadcast in HD by BBC in england this year. So NBC could do it if they really wanted to do it, except they don't want too. Its probably too much to expect NBC to carry Wimbledon in HD since they can't even carry the Men's Quarterfinals and Mens Semifinals LIVE! Its a such a same.

I believe MHD is MTV-HD.

Great, Just what we needed :(.

Hey Charter, will we be getting ESPN2HD before QVC-HD? ? ?

Tom,

Just reading between the lines here, but I suspect that Charter chose to add MTV HD instead of ESPN2 on the basis of cost.

While ESPN can command top dollar for any of its various channels, MTV HD is going begging for carriage right across the country, both for cable systems and satellite -- not even DISH, which carries more HD channels than anyone, has taken on MTV.

I wouldn't be surprised if Charter is paying zilch for MTV, which would be just about what Charter can afford. Or maybe Charter is being paid to carry MTV HD?

Completely OT, but along the Cards radio theme. I attend more than my share of games and watch or record most others on TV. Therefore the radio isn't a huge issue for me personally, but it comes into play sometimes and I understand why it is an issue for many.

But my point is, does ANYONE enjoy listening to John Hadley? He reminds me of that annoying uncle that thinks he knows everything about sports and states opinions as facts.

I called E* on Saturday and I am scheduled to get my 1000+ or 500+ upgrade so I can get the HD locals broadcast from Dish. It was pretty quick they are coming out on Thursday between 12 and 5pm. I'd call now if you want these channels. Once the word is out they will be pretty busy.

I called mine in yesterday, and the install is next Tuesday. That ain't terrible; but unil then I don't get guide info for my locals.

Best,

I think I am grandfathered in or something. I have been with D* since day one back in '94 or whenever it was. I also get east and west coast SD channels. Not sure why I can't get CBS and NBC HD channels however.

Scott

Thanks, I called the HD Dept, and the cut-off was December. I got my set in January. The rep. said folks were in fact grandfathered in. She also wrote up a waiver request for ABC with an interesting spin. I doubt I'll get it, but who knows. The one channel I still do not get reliably is ABC OTA.

Anyone know when the D* H10-250 update will actually take place?

Mark me down as a "NO" on John Hadley.

Another proverbial curse upon the ears. It seems that St. Louis sports radio has taken a long, hard dive from the days of Caray, Buck, Costas, etc., though I'm sure there were turkeys then, too.

Just a lot more of them, with more airtime than ever, today.

Anyone know when the D* H10-250 update will actually take place?

At DBS Talk (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=60321) and the Tivo Community (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=306758) forum, it's "soon".

Mark me down as a "NO" on John Hadley.

Another proverbial curse upon the ears. It seems that St. Louis sports radio has taken a long, hard dive from the days of Caray, Buck, Costas, etc., though I'm sure there were turkeys then, too.

Just a lot more of them, with more airtime than ever, today.

/rant on
I don't know who calls the local games. But there is one announcer who bugs me so much. He thinks he could do a better job than Tony and is the longest winded jerk it makes the game less enjoyable. He goes on and on about old stories which should be done over a beer rather than over the air. I mean, the game is in progress and he still won't shut up so his partner can call the game. Ugh! I was so excited about moving back to STL so I could once again hear games called for the hometeam and I have to listen to two of the worst announcers.

I'll have to pay attention to their names so I can write the one announcer a nasty email telling him to STFU and call the game!
/rant off

Sorry guys. :o

Costas I can live without too. I still miss Harry.

Mo

Lets' see, you are either talking about Mike Shannon or Rick Horton.

Mike Shannon just needs to do the color because as an announcer, I have no clue
as to what is going on in the game.

I still miss Harry.

Mo

Racecar spelled backwards is racecaR.

Steve and Harry were the best for TV. I liked Jack Buck on radio.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecaR.

Steve and Harry were the best for TV. I liked Jack Buck on radio.

I forgot to do a thumbs up for Jack.

I don't think it's Mike Shannon. I saw him play right-field when I was a kid and I recognize his name. It's one of the guys on Fox Sports (or whatever it's called).

Hi all.
I am usually lurking in the shadows, but rarely post.
These questions are prolly aimed at Doug.
I turned on my TV this morning to find a faint ESPN logo in the upper left corner of my plasma. It was from watching the homerun derby last night. So I went into the menu and enabled the whitescreen. I also see a faint channel 2 bug in the lower left corner.
I turned on the white pixel shift screen and let it run for about an hour per the manual. The ESPN is gone and the 2 is better.
I have a Samsung HPR4252. It is about 1yr old. I have never noticed ANY burn before. This is a first, and I dont think it is bad, and I think it will fade away.

My question is it too late to have it calibrated?
If not will the calibration help prevent future burn in problems?
Is there anything I can do better than I am doing now to 'fix' it?
What do I tell my wife? :) heheh
Thanks
Fastman

Hi all.
I am usually lurking in the shadows, but rarely post.
These questions are prolly aimed at Doug.
I turned on my TV this morning to find a faint ESPN logo in the upper left corner of my plasma. It was from watching the homerun derby last night. So I went into the menu and enabled the whitescreen. I also see a faint channel 2 bug in the lower left corner.
I turned on the white pixel shift screen and let it run for about an hour per the manual. The ESPN is gone and the 2 is better.
I have a Samsung HPR4252. It is about 1yr old. I have never noticed ANY burn before. This is a first, and I dont think it is bad, and I think it will fade away.

My question is it too late to have it calibrated?
If not will the calibration help prevent future burn in problems?
Is there anything I can do better than I am doing now to 'fix' it?
What do I tell my wife? :) heheh
Thanks
Fastman

Doug calibrated my DLP. It looks awesome. I'm sure he can still calibrate your set. It may be overly bright which accelerates burn-in.

Mark me down as a "NO" on John Hadley.

Another proverbial curse upon the ears. It seems that St. Louis sports radio has taken a long, hard dive from the days of Caray, Buck, Costas, etc., though I'm sure there were turkeys then, too.

Just a lot more of them, with more airtime than ever, today.

It was amazing to listen to KMOX last year when they were replaying some of their classic Cards games from the vault. I'm only 36 so I only remember Harry Carey as the buffoon doing games on WGN-TV during the 80's. But listening to Harry do some of the games back in the 50's and 60's you can see how great he was during that stretch.

I'm also not a big fan of Hadley. His worst offence is not knowing how to judge fly balls. I've heard him act like a ball is goign to fly out of the new Busch and end up all the way on Clark street or maybe even in the empty lot, only to have Rolen take a few steps back and make an easy catch.

At least Hadley and Shannon talk. Listening to Hagin and Shannon never address each other last year reminded me too much of my parents marriage.

Jack Buck set the bar so high for St. Louis Cardinals coverage, it may be a long time before we get anyone even close. I like Mike Shannon and his stories, but he no longer has Jack to keep them in check. Sometimes he becomes so engrossed in his own story telling that he almost forgets there's a game TODAY.

John Hadley has to be the worst homer in the history of St. Louis radio. I was on a long walk one day this summer, and we were listening to him and another KTRS host. I remember going about 15-20 minutes where absolutely nothing of consequence was said, not even opinion about the game, the players or the Cardinals organization. I switched the radio off KTRS, and I specifically remember that feeling of wanting to listen to Cardinals talk but thinking, THIS sure isn't it.

I also remember thinking that one of the reasons St. Louis has had well informed baseball fans in the past was the intelligent, balanced, honest coverage we got about St. Louis baseball from KMOX (and especially Jack Buck). I'm sure some of you remember when McGwire was here and had a meltdown over a strike call. He got pitched out of the game. Jack Buck, later, after he had a chance to think about it, asked St. Louis fans to give the umpires a standing ovation at the next game. And they did.

Cardinals owners may have done even more serious damage to this organization in the long run than it appears now with this KTRS move. They poisoned the well. Maybe that's why I felt so sick that day.

It was amazing to listen to KMOX last year when they were replaying some of their classic Cards games from the vault. I'm only 36 so I only remember Harry Carey as the buffoon doing games on WGN-TV during the 80's. But listening to Harry do some of the games back in the 50's and 60's you can see how great he was during that stretch.

I'm also not a big fan of Hadley. His worst offence is not knowing how to judge fly balls. I've heard him act like a ball is goign to fly out of the new Busch and end up all the way on Clark street or maybe even in the empty lot, only to have Rolen take a few steps back and make an easy catch.

At least Hadley and Shannon talk. Listening to Hagin and Shannon never address each other last year reminded me too much of my parents marriage.


You may be confusing two people. Hadley does not do any play by play to my knowledge. I believe he is still strictly a studio host. John Rooney and Mike Shannon do the game calls. As far as Hagin and Shannon last year, I thought Wayne was great. I like Mike Shannon but I feel a lot of their not getting along was on Shannon.

Sorry I started such an OT rant, I was just adding to what Doug had to say about the radio.

You may be confusing two people. Hadley does not do any play by play to my knowledge. I believe he is still strictly a studio host. John Rooney and Mike Shannon do the game calls. As far as Hagin and Shannon last year, I thought Wayne was great. I like Mike Shannon but I feel a lot of their not getting along was on Shannon.

Sorry I started such an OT rant, I was just adding to what Doug had to say about the radio.

You're right, my bad: I meant Rooney. Hadley's the studio guy that sounds drunk.

Doug: any word back from your source inside Fox Sports Midwest as to why D* is not adding a HD spot feed for them?

I called mine in yesterday, and the install is next Tuesday. That ain't terrible; but unil then I don't get guide info for my locals.

Best,
Ketterman called Sunday and pushed mine back to NEXT Monday. Apparently the + units are just arriving in the area this week.

John--the guide info for locals went off during the time the tech was building the w/o, but then came back on after it was scheduled. He told me he had to turn off locals to order the upgrade.

I have read that D* is giving LA area HD subcribers free upgrades to H20 and the AT9 dish.

Has anyone gotten a free upgrade to MP4 in the STL area? I currently have a standard def. Tivo unit and an HD MP2 box (H10?) with a 3 sat dish.

You're right, my bad: I meant Rooney. Hadley's the studio guy that sounds drunk.

That's funny. I was watching FSN postgame one night and Hadley was yammering on about something and they switched back to the studio. The guy asked a question when Hadley thought he was done so he started lighting a smoke. They switched back to him in mid-light and he threw the butt away like a kid that had just been caught in the bathroom. It was hilarious. I've talked to a lot of people and haven't heard one person that said they liked him. I don't know how he stays on the air.

Personally, I love Shannon even if he does get sidetracked. Every game he'll say something or tell a story that makes me laugh. My Grandma couldn't stand him. Jack will always be #1 in my book. I really like John Rooney though.

For the record, below are the broadcast teams:

Radio (KTRS):
Mike Shannon (play-by-play/color)
John Rooney (play-by-play/color)
Tim Montemayor (studio)
John Hadley (studio)

TV (FSN):
Joe Buck (ply-by-play for about 20 games a year)
Dan McLaughlin (play-by-play)
Al Hrabosky (color)

TV (KPLR):
Wayne Hagin (play-by-play)
Rick Horton (color)
Rich Gould (roaming reporter)

I spoke with a tech named Richard. He's a L3 at AHD TS in VA, 800-969-4388. He did say he had to build the w/o manually, that the normal option to add the upgrade was not available, but he got it done.
I'm sending you a PM with some addl info.


I talked to a different guy, but that phone number is a godsend. I tried twice with the regular csr's and they were more than confused about this even when I explained how it should work to them...

Took about 8 minutes of being on the phone and being put on hold, but the tech did the same thing - built the work order manually to get it started and no charge. Thanks for the phone number.

Personally, I remain skeptical towards the quality of the coming HD Locals on Dish.
Given the widespread issues in other markets, mostly audio sync, and mostly during HD events, and the fact this will be Dish's first transmission of broadcast TV via a FSS band satellite, to me, is a formula for disaster.

Is it possible all that time the spent uplinked, Dish did their own Beta testing this time?

Safe to say, I won't be listing my OTA antenna on CL or eBay anytime soon.

Hi all.
I am usually lurking in the shadows, but rarely post.
These questions are prolly aimed at Doug.
I turned on my TV this morning to find a faint ESPN logo in the upper left corner of my plasma. It was from watching the homerun derby last night. So I went into the menu and enabled the whitescreen. I also see a faint channel 2 bug in the lower left corner.
I turned on the white pixel shift screen and let it run for about an hour per the manual. The ESPN is gone and the 2 is better.
I have a Samsung HPR4252. It is about 1yr old. I have never noticed ANY burn before. This is a first, and I dont think it is bad, and I think it will fade away.

My question is it too late to have it calibrated?
If not will the calibration help prevent future burn in problems?
Is there anything I can do better than I am doing now to 'fix' it?
What do I tell my wife? :) hehehFastmans,

Sorry to hear about your burn-in scare, and hopefully this will fade over time. It sounds like that's already happening and hopefully it fades further still. Are you sure that the burn-in from the ESPN logo is just from last night, rather than cumulative wear? It's unusual that the burn-in would have happened all of sudden. The fact that you can see a FOX logo is another possible indication that this is a result of long-term use.

As Mo indicated, burn-in is more likely to occur as a result of contrast being set too high. So the best thing you can do short term, is to back off the contrast (and definitely not watch in Dynamic mode, which further pushes the picture level).

Having the tools to measure peak light levels makes it relatively straightforward to set contrast at the safest, maximum level on a plasma or CRT display. This adjustment, along with properly setting black level, is helpful not only to reducing burn-in risk, but also providing the optimal contrast ratio, which is a key ingredient in picture quality/accuracy. Contrary to popular belief, the brightest picture, in most cases, is not the best picture -- and not just for plasma displays.

Like most things in life, it's ultimately about balance.

Of course, you'd also gain some other important benefits from calibration, including neutralizing your grayscale and getting correct color balance. FWIW, of the handful of Samsung plasmas I've calibrated, they've mostly been in excess of 10,000K color temperature, rather than the D6500 standard. That's a seriously blue tint.

Drop me a note via private message, or give me a call on either of the numbers in my signature if you want to discuss this further.

Doug: any word back from your source inside Fox Sports Midwest as to why D* is not adding a HD spot feed for them?Nope -- I haven't heard anything back yet, which is unusual. Geoff usually gets back to within a couple of hours.

However, I didn't get my eMail to him until last night after 5 pm, so I wasn't expecting and immediate reply. But I'll definitely pass on anything I hear...

Ketterman called Sunday and pushed mine back to NEXT Monday. Apparently the + units are just arriving in the area this week.

John--the guide info for locals went off during the time the tech was building the w/o, but then came back on after it was scheduled. He told me he had to turn off locals to order the upgrade.

Thanks for the info, Ken. I just got an install scheduled for next Tuesday. He said the St. Louis locals were not officially up yet on 118.7. Is that your understanding?

Joe:

They were released on the 6th of July for public consumption.

Cheers,

I have read that D* is giving LA area HD subcribers free upgrades to H20 and the AT9 dish.

Has anyone gotten a free upgrade to MP4 in the STL area? I currently have a standard def. Tivo unit and an HD MP2 box (H10?) with a 3 sat dish.

Free upgrade - technically no, however after credits it will come out free. I went from a H10 with a 3 LNB to H20 with the AT9. You will need to talk to retention in order to get the upgrade free. The interesting part was Directv actually told me to keep my H10 to replace my standard receiver(old RCA). I now have both a H10, and H20 hooked up. They don't tell you which model of the H20 you will received. I received the one that runs really hot. My recommendation is to be very firm and very nice to the CSR.

In terms of picture quality, the locals appear almost as good as the OTA Broadcast, however I do have some pixelation issues with Fox 2 feed and sometimes the other channels. I am not sure whether the dish is slightly out of alignment. I have the protection plan, so I just need to figure out a time when I can have someone at home for a tech to come out and look at the dish alignment.

Good luck,
Stephen

Thanks for the info, Ken. I just got an install scheduled for next Tuesday. He said the St. Louis locals were not officially up yet on 118.7. Is that your understanding?
As John said, Joe, that is absolutely incorrect. Midnight, July 6th, and anyone who happened to have an old FSS Dual Band LNB sitting in their garage could have watched them then :rolleyes:

They were uplinked on to 118 back in late May-early June. In Dish's defense, my understanding is the + antennas did arrive in the Detroit market (also launched 7/6) last week, but did not get to ours until today. I'm going to do some digging tonight (after the AL wins) and see if I can find any initial reports on the quality of the HD Locals in DET. Pass them along if I do.

Curious Joe, were you able to arrange the + antenna upgrade through the regular CSR's, or did you also call HD TS?

This last Charter rate hike put me (and more importantly, my wife) over the edge. E* here I come. From reading here, it seems a lot of people are using Ketterman. I think they're in Illinois, are they the preferred local dealer (I live in Kirkwood/Glendale)? Should I just order direct from Dish?

As John said, Joe, that is absolutely incorrect. Midnight, July 6th, and anyone who happened to have an old FSS Dual Band LNB sitting in their garage could have watched them then :rolleyes:

They were uplinked on to 118 back in late May-early June. In Dish's defense, my understanding is the + antennas did arrive in the Detroit market (also launched 7/6) last week, but did not get to ours until today. I'm going to do some digging tonight (after the AL wins) and see if I can find any initial reports on the quality of the HD Locals in DET. Pass them along if I do.

Curious Joe, were you able to arrange the + antenna upgrade through the regular CSR's, or did you also call HD TS?

I called the HD tech support number you provided me some time ago. It's in my PDA-phone and it's the only one I intend to use from now on. :)

Fastmans,

Sorry to hear about your burn-in scare, and hopefully this will fade over time. It sounds like that's already happening and hopefully it fades further still. Are you sure that the burn-in from the ESPN logo is just from last night, rather than cumulative wear? It's unusual that the burn-in would have happened all of sudden. The fact that you can see a FOX logo is another possible indication that this is a result of long-term use.

As Mo indicated, burn-in is more likely to occur as a result of contrast being set too high. So the best thing you can do short term, is to back off the contrast (and definitely not watch in Dynamic mode, which further pushes the picture level).

Having the tools to measure peak light levels makes it relatively straightforward to set contrast at the safest, maximum level on a plasma or CRT display. This adjustment, along with properly setting black level, is helpful not only to reducing burn-in risk, but also providing the optimal contrast ratio, which is a key ingredient in picture quality/accuracy. Contrary to popular belief, the brightest picture, in most cases, is not the best picture -- and not just for plasma displays.

Like most things in life, it's ultimately about balance.

Of course, you'd also gain some other important benefits from calibration, including neutralizing your grayscale and getting correct color balance. FWIW, of the handful of Samsung plasmas I've calibrated, they've mostly been in excess of 10,000K color temperature, rather than the D6500 standard. That's a seriously blue tint.

Drop me a note via private message, or give me a call on either of the numbers in my signature if you want to discuss this further.


Thanks Doug for all your info.
I have now confirmed the ESPN is gone. Im sure it was only from last night. Im not a huge sports fan, so I rarely watch ESPN. That was prolly the first time in a year I have watched it for any length of time.
I use the component imputs from my cable box to my tv. This TV doesnt support the user changing any of the color levels. It also doesnt let me change the brightness or contrast.
I look forward to talking to you soon.

This last Charter rate hike put me (and more importantly, my wife) over the edge. E* here I come. From reading here, it seems a lot of people are using Ketterman. I think they're in Illinois, are they the preferred local dealer (I live in Kirkwood/Glendale)? Should I just order direct from Dish?
Glendale,
Ketterman Communications is not a Dish retailer. They are the Dish O&O service/installer in the STL/IL area, however, they do not service all areas. For example, I am serviced from their location in Cape, others from their location in Pittsfield IL.

You cannot call Ketterman to schedule any Dish work orders. You can only request Dish send your w/o to Ketterman when you schedule it with Dish. However, if Ketterman does service your area, that is where it will go. Obviously Dish prefers to use their O&O for service. When a O&O does not service a customers area, the w/o is then sent to a network of available local retailers in a sequential order. If you do not live within Ketterman's area, the only way you can be assured of who will do your install/service is to place your order with a retailer of your choice, who will then do the install.

You can call Ketterman to find out if they service your location. 800-664-2602.

I just got off the phone with E* for the 1000+ upgrade and am scheduled for July 22, as I'm only home on the weekends. I did talk them into waiving the fee. When will the locals re-appear for guide data?

REAL QUICK EXPLANATION FOR AN AVS NOVICE

I believe that E* and D* stand for DirecTV and DishNet. Which is which and why those symbols?

Thanks!

REAL QUICK EXPLANATION FOR AN AVS NOVICE

I believe that E* and D* stand for DirecTV and DishNet. Which is which and why those symbols?

Thanks!

E* for Echostar (Dish Network) and D* for DirecTV. Why? Forums love abbreviations.

Earlier today, during the discussions of the HD RSN's, something was mentioned about the possibility of the Cards and Blues developing their own network.

Someone here may know more about this, but IIRC, Dave Checketts was the Knicks owner and a key ingredient when the MSG network was developed.

Joe:

Well E* is a lot easier on the fingers and keyboard than Echostar ;)

I'm still agog with your home network. Most impressive!

Best,

Well, I finally won an EBay auction for a Samsung T-451. $145, including shipping. Hopefully, that should resolve my KPLR reception problem. I'll let y'all know as soon as I test the unit.

Joe:

Well E* is a lot easier on the fingers and keyboard than Echostar ;)

I'm still agog with your home network. Most impressive!

Best,

It's a sickness. Empty drive bays cry out to me in their loneliness, then the computers whimper for bigger power supplies.

Looking forward to seeing your 1080p theater. I'll be so jealous.

USDTV Headed for the Rocks

The story excerpt below is from today's SkyREPORT newsletter.

I think this is good news, as USDTV was another potential leech preying on the HD bandwidth of local stations.
____________________________________________________

Is USDTV, the terrestrial broadcast attempt to compete with cable and satellite TV, going off the air?

TV Newsday reported that the service is in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which usually leads to a quick dissolution of assets. Nonetheless, the service is still on the air and management is in "serious discussions" with a bankruptcy trustee to permit continuation of service until assets are sold, said the publication.

On Tuesday, the USDTV Web site ran a message that stated "due to circumstances beyond our control we are currently unable to respond to inbound telephone calls and emails. Please monitor our website for updates."

And calls to USDTV were not returned.
____________________________________________________

For anyone unfamiliar with USDTV and how the service works, click here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USDTV) for its Wikipedia entry.

FWIW, Comcast has also recently reached an agreement with MTV to carry MHD, beginning in August.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/mtvcomcast071006.htm

Yesterday I added a second HR10-250 (D* HDTivo) to my account. After everything was setup and activated on my account, I noticed I had lost FOX HD E (East coast feed for Fox HD, channel 88). So I called D* to get it turned back on. I went thru a CSR, a Supervisor, and finally a rep that handles broadcast waivers.

They all said the same thing. The rules (laws) have changed such that if I can receive the locals in HD (i.e. with the new MPEG4 HD STB) I cannot get the network out-of-market feeds, even though St. Louis is a Fox O&O. So I did not get my D* channel 88 back.

It's not a real big deal since I do receive 2-1 just fine. And as a consolation, I did get them to throw in the Sunday Ticket Superfan (NFL HD channels), on top of my NFL Sunday Ticket (which I ordered to get my HDTivo free).

This last Charter rate hike put me (and more importantly, my wife) over the edge. E* here I come. From reading here, it seems a lot of people are using Ketterman. I think they're in Illinois, are they the preferred local dealer (I live in Kirkwood/Glendale)? Should I just order direct from Dish?

Glendale - You have a PM.

Earlier today, during the discussions of the HD RSN's, something was mentioned about the possibility of the Cards and Blues developing their own network.

Someone here may know more about this, but IIRC, Dave Checketts was the Knicks owner and a key ingredient when the MSG network was developed.


I could be wrong but when the Cardinals were starting on building the new stadium didn't FSN sign a long term TV broadcasting contract. I thought it was for about 10 years.

AT&T U-verse on the way....

For those looking for an alternative to Cable or Dish, AT&T has deployed IPTV packages in San Antonio (headquarters.) We are in the process of training managers and CSRs on the product and ordering software. I don't have much detail that's available for public knowledge, but the link below has some good information about it.

In a nutshell, it's IPTV and HSI (high speed internet) over a fiber connection. VOIP (voice over internet protocal) will be available over the same connection.

http://www.sbc.com/gen/u-verse?pid=7871&cdvn=custom

Here are a few pros that I see:

- IPTV only broadcasts the channel you choose to watch = Better picture quality.
- You'll be able to program your DVR via your cingular phone.
- 4 TV's supported before additional equiptment fees kick in.
- Fiber speeds for surfing the internet.

Here are a few cons that I see:

- HD is not yet available for IPTV (Expected to be available 4th quarter 2006, free HD receiver upgrade for subscribers when available.)
- 4-8 hrs to install. (Depending on size of home and workload.)

When I get more information I'll gladly share it.

;) Ice Skating/Dancing & Major Sports Conspiracy Theory

Has anyone else noticed that whenever there's a "major" sporting event on TV, such as last night's All-Star Game on FOX, that ice skating/dancing is suddenly appearing on other broadcast outlets used by that same sport.

For example, last night during the All-Star Game, ESPN2 was airing skating. The same thing seems to happen during the NFL playoffs and particularly the Super Bowl, where the football broadcasters not airing that year's games air skating against the NFL programming.

Maybe it's just coincidental, but it seems like all the major sports are keen to minimize TV competition during their big events. Maybe it goes something like this:

"OK ESPN, if you want Monday Night Football, you need to agree to air ice skating on at least one of your main channels during those times when it isn't your turn to broadcast the Division Championships, the Super Bowl or the Pro Bowl..."

Or maybe it's just that market research shows that skating is effective counter-programming to football and baseball showcase events.

But it does occur, like clockwork...

Here are a few cons that I see:

- HD is not yet available for IPTV (Expected to be available 4th quarter 2006, free HD receiver upgrade for subscribers when available.)djear,

Thanks for sharing this.

Needless to say, the fact that U-Verse doesn't support HDTV makes it a non-event for most participants here. I personally think it's a big mistake to launch a competing subscription TV service without HD. It's not like HDTV is something that suddenly came out of the blue to surprise AT&T.

1998 and counting...nearly half of all TVs sold in 2006 will be HD-capable.

IPTV needs to be better than cable or satellite if it has any chance to succeed. Starting out with zero HD, creates a very negative impression with the market segment that would probably be among the most likely to give AT&T a shot.

We've all spent too long WAITING for HD to proliferate. No one is going to take five giant steps backward in order to WAIT some more for stuff that's already been delivered elsewhere.

;) Or maybe it's just that market research shows that skating is effective counter-programming to football and baseball showcase events.

But it does occur, like clockwork...


I think it gives the people who don't want to watch (wives) an alternative without losing a viewer.

Walt

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 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=7979699&&#post7979699)

New! Cardinals HD Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786)

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

;) Ice Skating/Dancing & Major Sports Conspiracy Theory


Or maybe they just are just conceding the market share to the bigger event...knowing that not many will be tuning in anyway.

Dave

[QUOTE=DroptheRemote]
HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7979699&&#post7979699)

New! Cardinals HD Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786)

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.infoQUOTE]


Doug,

Would it be possible to put the other links on the first post, I've had to go looking for them in the past, and I think they also would help newcomers when they first visit.

Keep up the great work.

Dave

Speaking of Charter... I'm about to move to St. Louis and Charter is realistically the only option for me (I'm in an apartment, and there's nowhere to mount a dish that's allowed in my lease), at least until AT&T gets their butt in gear for U-Verse in St. Louis.

First, what are Charter's real (after promotions expire) rates? - I can't find these anywhere on Charter's website.

Second, are there any deals that aren't advertised on the web? I need HD and high-speed Internet; I don't care about premiums or a DVR (I've got TiVo), but if they're going to give them away for a 1-year contract I could reconsider.

If geography matters, I'll be in Clayton around the Galleria area.

Warning Sign? Charter Fees to Cities Late & Short

I've been seeing more and more reports of Charter being in dispute with various municipalities about underpayment of franchise fees as well as concerns about late payments.

This may be nothing more than local governments pushing back hard in the hope that they can squeeze a few more dollars out of their cable partners, or it may be something bigger. There's definitely a growing amount of press on this, so I would expect that Charter payments are likely to be more scrutinized by all local authorities over the next few years.

If this snowballs and underpayment claims are legit, this could end up amounting to "death by a thousand tiny cuts."

The following excerpt is from the Rhea County (Tennesee) online web site, which is part of the local newspaper's online presence:
____________________________________________________

...the next item on the council’s agenda was Charter Communications.

For the past year, the council has been making efforts to obtain $42,000 that it says the local cable TV provider owes the city for franchise fees.

Last Thursday, however, Nick Pavlis, state director of government relations for Charter Communications, called The Herald-News and said, “We are absolutely not withholding anything that’s due the City of Dayton.”

On Monday evening, Welch said Charter is now two years behind in paying franchise fees and owes the city $84,000 for fiscal years 2004-05 and 2004-06.
____________________________________________________

I think it gives the people who don't want to watch (wives) an alternative without losing a viewer.

Walt

Walt! C'mon, it's 2006. Stop being so 20th century. :eek:

Dave,

I've thought about including some of the other info in those first posts, but I didn't do that because I thought they were pretty long and near unwieldy already. But I'll take another look at this to see if there's a good way to do that.

One tip that might help -- whenever I update the "housekeeping" thread, I just use the "Search This Thread" feature at the top of each page for the word "interrupt" (as in "We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming") and this takes me to a link for the last time the resource guide was posted. So, that shortcut might help you track down these items more quickly.

Of course, that tip won't work as well now the next time I go looking for it... ;)

Speaking of Charter... I'm about to move to St. Louis and Charter is realistically the only option for me (I'm in an apartment, and there's nowhere to mount a dish that's allowed in my lease), at least until AT&T gets their butt in gear for U-Verse in St. Louis.

First, what are Charter's real (after promotions expire) rates? - I can't find these anywhere on Charter's website.

Second, are there any deals that aren't advertised on the web? I need HD and high-speed Internet; I don't care about premiums or a DVR (I've got TiVo), but if they're going to give them away for a 1-year contract I could reconsider.

If geography matters, I'll be in Clayton around the Galleria area.

I had Charter phone and high-speed. At the end of the $19.99 six month promo for high-speed it jumped to $43 and some change for 3 down. Forgot the up speed.

I switched to DSL.

Good luck on your move.

Speaking of Charter... I'm about to move to St. Louis and Charter is realistically the only option for me (I'm in an apartment, and there's nowhere to mount a dish that's allowed in my lease), at least until AT&T gets their butt in gear for U-Verse in St. Louis.

First, what are Charter's real (after promotions expire) rates? - I can't find these anywhere on Charter's website.

Second, are there any deals that aren't advertised on the web? I need HD and high-speed Internet; I don't care about premiums or a DVR (I've got TiVo), but if they're going to give them away for a 1-year contract I could reconsider.

If geography matters, I'll be in Clayton around the Galleria area.I can't provide you anything on current deals or promotions (maybe someone else can help on that count), but here's a link to some information about Charter pricing going back just over a year.

Be wary of the fact that prices have certainly changed, but I do think that the structure and overall philosophy behind Charter pricing for HD remains valid.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5757498&&#post5757498

One thing to bear in mind is that DVR prices have risen dramatically, but then there's a multiple-week waiting list for that hardware anyway.

Dave,

One tip that might help -- whenever I update the "housekeeping" thread, I just use the "Search This Thread" feature at the top of each page for the word "interrupt" (as in "We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming") and this takes me to a link for the last time the resource guide was posted. So, that shortcut might help you track down these items more quickly.

Of course, that tip won't work as well now the next time I go looking for it... ;)

Doug,
Thats exactly how I searched fo it before. ;)

Dave

djearl,

We've all spent too long WAITING for HD to proliferate. No one is going to take five giant steps backward in order to WAIT some more for stuff that's already been delivered elsewhere.

I hear ya loud and clear Doug. Personally, I won't switch to U-verse until they get HD programming either. I like watching my sports and just about everything else in HD and have paid too much for my equiptment to justify a jump backward in TV programming.

Currently U-Verse is only available in one city and it's still newer than brand new. Trust me, AT&T has invested too much into the project to overlook HD content. I'd expect a similiar channel lineup to that of Dish Network when it makes it too St. Louis later this year. (Due to the current partnership they have together.)

Time will tell. I think I'm just excited to see the next step in comminucation. :)

One thing to bear in mind is that DVR prices have risen dramatically, but then there's a multiple-week waiting list for that hardware anyway.

Funny you should bring this up. I am a new Charter subscriber. I had D* for about 2 years, then we moved and decided to get everything (cable, internet, phone) through charter. When I signed up, I was very happy when the Charter representative told me I would receive two of the Moxi DVRs at installation. However, when the installers showed up at my place, they came with only 1 Moxi. Needless to say I was more than upset. It took about a week of constant calls, some yelling, some well placed threats, but eventually, we had another Moxi brought out. So the morale of the story is that it can be done.

I could be wrong but when the Cardinals were starting on building the new stadium didn't FSN sign a long term TV broadcasting contract. I thought it was for about 10 years.

I forgot about that.

Maybe they'll do some sort of merger with a new company co-owned by the Blues and Cards. Some of the Fox Sports Nets are co-owned with other entities:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Sports_Net

FWIW, I've still not heard anything back from FSMW.

Based on previous communication, I'm thinking that my contact is probably out of the office or on holiday. Again, I'll report back when I hear from him.

Thanks Doug for all your info.
I have now confirmed the ESPN is gone. Im sure it was only from last night. Im not a huge sports fan, so I rarely watch ESPN. That was prolly the first time in a year I have watched it for any length of time.
I use the component imputs from my cable box to my tv. This TV doesnt support the user changing any of the color levels. It also doesnt let me change the brightness or contrast.
I look forward to talking to you soon.

That would be the only TV in the last 10 years that I've heard of that would not let you adjust the "USER" settings. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't he be able to at least turn the contrast setting lower?

Scott

That would be the only TV in the last 10 years that I've heard of that would not let you adjust the "USER" settings. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't he be able to at least turn the contrast setting lower?

ScottWhen I was growing up, the user settings were little plastic recessed knobs on the back of the TV. :rolleyes:

So Charter is still sucking my blood... I called today to cancel my cable service (I'll keep the high-speed internet for now) and was informed that I would be "breaking my contract". I retorted "No, every time last week that Charter decided not to show up for their service calls, they broke the contract. Every time I was promised that someone would be there within the hour, they broke the contract. Every time I lost service, they broke the contract." Ladies and gentlemen, this company is pushing me in all the wrong ways.

Man, nobody sticks up for Charter on this forum anymore!

I am actually impressed that they are adding two new HD channels. I believed there was not enough bandwidth on that little cable. Charter is also the only way to get HD FSN. Charter has the only "On Demand" service. You can hook up as many SD sets as you want and get basic cable channels with no extra charge. Charter has the only local government and education channels...some good entertainment those city board of alderman meetings. ;)

Once you get past the horrible CSRs and get everything installed and working then Charter is not a bad deal....just don't move the cables around or they might break and you have to talk to a CSR. :eek:

Man, nobody sticks up for Charter on this forum anymore!

I am actually impressed that they are adding two new HD channels. I believed there was not enough bandwidth on that little cable. Charter is also the only way to get HD FSN. Charter has the only "On Demand" service. You can hook up as many SD sets as you want and get basic cable channels with no extra charge. Charter has the only local government and education channels...some good entertainment those city board of alderman meetings. ;)

Once you get past the horrible CSRs and get everything installed and working then Charter is not a bad deal....just don't move the cables around or they might break and you have to talk to a CSR. :eek:
Hey, I was big advocate... just check those posts from less than a year ago. They just stopped caring. All they had to do was come out once, ONCE, to fix the problem, and they chose not to. And now they want to charge me for this? Brother, I think not. I was a big zealot of the Moxi/Mate setup... again, they just had to fix it. They ignored me. And they ignored me. And then, yes, they ignored me again.

Counting to ten, and logging off.

I will say that I am quite happy with my Charter setup. I get WAY MORE value than I would if I were using a dish, but that is only because I signed a 2-year introductory deal (which I would renew in a heartbeat, but I don't think they will let me). I'm also looking forward to seeing the Cardinals in HD tomorrow. Plus I only have 1 HDTV, but have 3 other TVs that I use periodically. Getting the expanded cable on these TVs for no additional monthly fee is huge. I would being paying at least twice as much per month as I am now if I had either dish service (and I can't afford that).

I know that Charter is lagging far behind the dishes in HD programming, but I'm willing to take that hit for the significant savings I'm experiencing. And I will say that "on demand" is really an amazing feature, especially if you have movie channels.

As far as Charter internet, I think it is a HUGE ripoff (and have never had it). I can't see how anyone can justify paying more than twice as much as DSL for pretty much the same service.

Finally, I've had great luck with their customer service (GASP). But recently that has been largely thanks to Wolverine.

Chalk one up for Charter (I know that I made 96% of the posters here just CRINGE).

Joe:

They were released on the 6th of July for public consumption.

Cheers,

I called E* to upgrade to the silver package and I was told the St.Louis HD locals were not available. From reading this thread it my understanding that they are available correct or not? Also they are wanting to charge me a upgrade fee of $49.00 for the vip211 even with a 18 month commitment. Is that correct also?

I will say that I am quite happy with my Charter setup. I get WAY MORE value than I would if I were using a dish, but that is only because I signed a 2-year introductory deal (which I would renew in a heartbeat, but I don't think they will let me). I'm also looking forward to seeing the Cardinals in HD tomorrow. Plus I only have 1 HDTV, but have 3 other TVs that I use periodically. Getting the expanded cable on these TVs for no additional monthly fee is huge. I would being paying at least twice as much per month as I am now if I had either dish service (and I can't afford that).

I know that Charter is lagging far behind the dishes in HD programming, but I'm willing to take that hit for the significant savings I'm experiencing. And I will say that "on demand" is really an amazing feature, especially if you have movie channels.

As far as Charter internet, I think it is a HUGE ripoff (and have never had it). I can't see how anyone can justify paying more than twice as much as DSL for pretty much the same service.

Finally, I've had great luck with their customer service (GASP). But recently that has been largely thanks to Wolverine.

Chalk one up for Charter (I know that I made 96% of the posters here just CRINGE).

I agree with you on the pricing with Charter. $47.99 for 2 years for EVERYTHING is crazy and I love it. Of course I added HD, and another tier for a whopping $8 more total.

Your comment on Charter internet would hold true for all those in SBC (AT&T) territory that can get DSL. However, I live in CenturyTel (aka - CenturyHell) area. Their DSL is not cheap and was never what they promised. I had the 3mb service with them and was paying $50 per month. They are still $40 for 1.5m. So now you know why I have Charter internet at 3m for $29.95. I had the 5m service but needed to save more money.

Rich

I will say that I am quite happy with my Charter setup. I get WAY MORE value than I would if I were using a dish, but that is only because I signed a 2-year introductory deal (which I would renew in a heartbeat, but I don't think they will let me). I'm also looking forward to seeing the Cardinals in HD tomorrow. Plus I only have 1 HDTV, but have 3 other TVs that I use periodically. Getting the expanded cable on these TVs for no additional monthly fee is huge. I would being paying at least twice as much per month as I am now if I had either dish service (and I can't afford that).

I know that Charter is lagging far behind the dishes in HD programming, but I'm willing to take that hit for the significant savings I'm experiencing. And I will say that "on demand" is really an amazing feature, especially if you have movie channels.

As far as Charter internet, I think it is a HUGE ripoff (and have never had it). I can't see how anyone can justify paying more than twice as much as DSL for pretty much the same service.

Finally, I've had great luck with their customer service (GASP). But recently that has been largely thanks to Wolverine.

Chalk one up for Charter (I know that I made 96% of the posters here just CRINGE).

Yeah except DSL suffers from 2 lame faults. PPoE that sucks up stupid overhead. & most importantly the requirement of a land line. Something I don't need. I use VoIP phone not because its just as reliable or anything as a regular, but because I don't talk much and its a good line to give out to any business who requests my number so that they are not bugging me on my cell. As soon as DSL without phone cost less than Charter then I'd consider switching back to DSL that I haven't used in many many years. Otherwise I already have a cable line coming into my house because of the 'need' for TV. So it makes since to just stick with Charter for Internet. Not to mention with DSL you never really know what speed your going to get because of distance/line issues until they have the service hooked up.

-Phatty

Yeah except DSL suffers from 2 lame faults. PPoE that sucks up stupid overhead. & most importantly the requirement of a land line...
Wasn't the requirement for a land line supposed to go away as a result of the ATT/SWB merger? I still have ATT phone and DSL, but have been thinking about dropping the phone for Vonage. My phone service is still over $50 and it seems going to Vonage should cut that in about half.

Wasn't the requirement for a land line supposed to go away as a result of the ATT/SWB merger? I still have ATT phone and DSL, but have been thinking about dropping the phone for Vonage. My phone service is still over $50 and it seems going to Vonage should cut that in about half.


I think I Heard something along those lines, but it may have just been a requirement in California or something funky. Also I think I heard that the SBC pricing on a naked DSL line saves little to no money because they charge a higher rate for the naked line. I believe Covad charges like 5 more a month for naked line, but there every day prices are a lot higher than SBC's.

-Phatty

I called E* to upgrade to the silver package and I was told the St.Louis HD locals were not available. From reading this thread it my understanding that they are available correct or not? Also they are wanting to charge me a upgrade fee of $49.00 for the vip211 even with a 18 month commitment. Is that correct also?

Don't call CSRs for the HD locals; call advanced tech support.

I agree with you on the pricing with Charter. $47.99 for 2 years for EVERYTHING is crazy and I love it. Of course I added HD, and another tier for a whopping $8 more total.

Your comment on Charter internet would hold true for all those in SBC (AT&T) territory that can get DSL. However, I live in CenturyTel (aka - CenturyHell) area. Their DSL is not cheap and was never what they promised. I had the 3mb service with them and was paying $50 per month. They are still $40 for 1.5m. So now you know why I have Charter internet at 3m for $29.95. I had the 5m service but needed to save more money.

Rich


Rich, is $29.95 your ongoing, regular price? When my promotion went away my cost was $42.99 for high-speed. I have D* so I only needed phone & Internet bundle. My last bill for those two was $71. Included call-waiting and caller ID. No LD charges btw, use my cell for that.

Glendale,
Ketterman Communications is not a Dish retailer. They are the Dish O&O service/installer in the STL/IL area, however, they do not service all areas. For example, I am serviced from their location in Cape, others from their location in Pittsfield IL.

You cannot call Ketterman to schedule any Dish work orders. You can only request Dish send your w/o to Ketterman when you schedule it with Dish. However, if Ketterman does service your area, that is where it will go. Obviously Dish prefers to use their O&O for service. When a O&O does not service a customers area, the w/o is then sent to a network of available local retailers in a sequential order. If you do not live within Ketterman's area, the only way you can be assured of who will do your install/service is to place your order with a retailer of your choice, who will then do the install.

You can call Ketterman to find out if they service your location. 800-664-2602.

Pulled the trigger on E* yesterday. Install set for 8/4 (I'm going to be out of town for a couple of weeks). My installer is American Digital Systems. I'm hoping that the woman calling to confirm appointments isn't representative of the quality of their installers - she had no idea how to work the phone, and hung up on me twice. I guess we'll see.

I called Charter yesterday to see what they could do about my high-speed internet price (currently $34.95 per month for 384k down, I know, its terrible). In speaking with retention, my options were to sign a six-month contract, agree to automatic withdrawal, and then I could get 3mb down for $29.95. I told him I'm not signing anything. The only other option was to drop all my TV service, and keep just the pipeline, and then he could give me 384k down for $19.95. Needless to say, that was a no-brainer for me (DSL may be a better option, but the wife might divorce me if I change her channel numbers and her email address in the same week).

I've been with Charter forever, and have never had a problem with the Moxi, or anything else, but it just got to the point where E*'s offerings and price were a better option for my particular needs.

EchoStar, DirecTV team up for auction;
Rivals form joint bid (http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6352079.html) to land share of wireless airwaves

I was wondering if anyone who currently has a Dish1000 or one of the new 1000+ models can relate their rain fade experiences.

I have a Dish 500 now. I have not had a lot of issues with Rain (t has to rain pretty hard) and I am about to order the 921->622 upgrade with HD locals.

I think I would really rather keep my existing 500 and add a 500+ for the HD stuff.
Is this possible. My concern is cramming all things onto one dish will reduce the margin of error for good reception.

On a related note, how does the 622 deal with RF while recoding OTA locals. Will the 622 keep recording/displaying OTA when the sat looses contact?

If I upgrade and it causes reception issues my wife will force a move to Charter.

Thanks
Dave

I will say that I am quite happy with my Charter setup. I get WAY MORE value than I would if I were using a dish, but that is only because I signed a 2-year introductory deal (which I would renew in a heartbeat, but I don't think they will let me). I'm also looking forward to seeing the Cardinals in HD tomorrow. Plus I only have 1 HDTV, but have 3 other TVs that I use periodically. Getting the expanded cable on these TVs for no additional monthly fee is huge. I would being paying at least twice as much per month as I am now if I had either dish service (and I can't afford that).

I know that Charter is lagging far behind the dishes in HD programming, but I'm willing to take that hit for the significant savings I'm experiencing. And I will say that "on demand" is really an amazing feature, especially if you have movie channels.

As far as Charter internet, I think it is a HUGE ripoff (and have never had it). I can't see how anyone can justify paying more than twice as much as DSL for pretty much the same service.

Finally, I've had great luck with their customer service (GASP). But recently that has been largely thanks to Wolverine.

Chalk one up for Charter (I know that I made 96% of the posters here just CRINGE).

I would have kept Charter if any of the channels actually came in... or they showed up for one service call. I was quite happy with the Moxi and the Mate (except for every time someone moved in or out of my building). Then the Mate stopped working. Then 99% of the channels stopped coming in (I literally had only the 2 options of watching the 5,234th showing of "Emmanuelle In Space" or a show on Barracudas last week.) I tried, I really did... they abandoned me.

I was wondering if anyone who currently has a Dish1000 or one of the new 1000+ models can relate their rain fade experiences.

I have a Dish 500 now. I have not had a lot of issues with Rain (t has to rain pretty hard) and I am about to order the 921->622 upgrade with HD locals.

I think I would really rather keep my existing 500 and add a 500+ for the HD stuff.
Is this possible. My concern is cramming all things onto one dish will reduce the margin of error for good reception.

On a related note, how does the 622 deal with RF while recoding OTA locals. Will the 622 keep recording/displaying OTA when the sat looses contact?

If I upgrade and it causes reception issues my wife will force a move to Charter.

Thanks
Dave
Dave,
I, like most others, experienced more rain-fade with the 1000 over the 500. There is no information available on the 1000+ yet, as the first installs in the STL area begin next week. I never....hardly ever, had any rain-fade with the 500 (6+ years), but do get it now in moderate-heavy rain with the 1000.

The 1000+ has a larger reflector, though also needs to pull in an additional satellite, so I guess we'll see how it does in rain.

Dish does make a 500+, which would give you the same satellites you now have, with the addition of 118 for the STL HD locals. If you want to receive the Voom HD's, you would either need to add a second dish, or use the 1000+.

Dave,
I, like most others, experienced more rain-fade with the 1000 over the 500. There is no information available on the 1000+ yet, as the first installs in the STL area begin next week. I never....hardly ever, had any rain-fade with the 500 (6+ years), but do get it now in moderate-heavy rain with the 1000.

The 1000+ has a larger reflector, though also needs to pull in an additional satellite, so I guess we'll see how it does in rain.

Dish does make a 500+, which would give you the same satellites you now have, with the addition of 118 for the STL HD locals. If you want to receive the Voom HD's, you would either need to add a second dish, or use the 1000+.

So I could get the 500+ for HD locals and swing my current 500 to pick up VOOM?
I think this is the way I'm going to proceed. I assume I can make that request to the CSR. I plan to call the Advanced TS number posted earlier in this thread.

Thanks for the feedback

Mo

My wife and daughter still don't watch football, baseball, golf or auto racing with me. They are watching ice skating in the other room.

GlendaleHDTV

Charter doesn't offer 384 DOWN. I believe the slowest DOWN is 3 meg. They do have 384 UP.

For anyone who's interested, I pay $154.00 with no promotions, no moxi, no phone for everything else from Charter. I have 2 digital boxes and one Moto 6200 with 6 TV's and 3 computers hooked up for TV. I have 6 computers networked for internet not counting the 3 notebooks that can be connected, wired or wireless.

Everytime D* calls to give me a better deal, and I tell them what I have hooked up, they hang up on me. I assume they can't compete with this price. I would like to have Sunday ticket though.

Walt

$154?!?!! That's my electric and phone bill *combined*.

So I could get the 500+ for HD locals and swing my current 500 to pick up VOOM?
I think this is the way I'm going to proceed. I assume I can make that request to the CSR. I plan to call the Advanced TS number posted earlier in this thread.

Thanks for the feedback
Yes on the 500+. I'm not completely certain you can use your current 500 to pick up either 129 or 61.5. I'm getting 61.5 on the basic Dish300 antenna, which is just a single LNB unit.
Wait until Moman reads this, I'm fairly certain he will know if you can get 61.5/129 off your current dual LNB 500.

When you call ATS, and ask for the STL HD locals and Voom, their initial process will be for a single dish solution, using the 1000+. You are going to have to explain why you want the 500+ and Voom, and explain you want to use a dual dish solution. Just tell them you have known line-of-site issues at your home, and you cannot receive 129. (it's a common issue, resolved with a dual dish solution using 61.5 to replace 129) Even if you cannot use your current 500, I'm fairly certain Dish will replace it with a single LNB 300 so you can receive Voom on 61.5.
May just take a bit more "coaching" on your part.

Yes on the 500+. I'm not completely certain you can use your current 500 to pick up either 129 or 61.5. I'm getting 61.5 on the basic Dish300 antenna, which is just a single LNB unit.
Wait until Moman reads this, I'm fairly certain he will know if you can get 61.5/129 off your current dual LNB 500.

When you call ATS, and ask for the STL HD locals and Voom, their initial process will be for a single dish solution, using the 1000+. You are going to have to explain why you want the 500+ and Voom, and explain you want to use a dual dish solution. Just tell them you have known line-of-site issues at your home, and you cannot receive 129. (it's a common issue, resolved with a dual dish solution using 61.5 to replace 129) Even if you cannot use your current 500, I'm fairly certain Dish will replace it with a single LNB 300 so you can receive Voom on 61.5.
May just take a bit more "coaching" on your part.

Sweet. Thanks again for the info...
now I have a gameplan.

Just recently I had reception problems with a digital receiver and added HD receivers and changed some programming with Charter. I actually had two CSRs who were competent and knew what they were doing!!!! They fixed my problem. Also, the tech who came out for the HD install knew what he was doing and everything work out OK.

Maybe there is hope for Charter (if they can pay off the debt and control the corruption at the top). ;)

$154?!?!! That's my electric and phone bill *combined*.

My electric bill is $194.00 per month on the budget plan. Of course, I have no gas so that is for everything. Gas is not available in my area. I want you to know that this sure beats Michigan where 20 years ago I paid $48.00/month for hot water, $99.00/month for electricity and in the winter, $384.00/month for gas. I had NO AC in Michigan like I have here.

D* still can't beat that price. Remember now, I get all the premium channels, HD, VOD, 5 mps internet, and NINE connected televisions (although I only get premium channels on 3 of them). If I ever have need of a DVR, it would cost me another $16.00 per month, with NO up front charges, and if it breaks, they pay. With D* you pay up to $400.00 up front plus the monthly. If it breaks, you pay, even though you are a renter. The other way is to purchase Sunday Ticket. That's $229.00 plus $99.00 for HD. Now you can make some deals around this but it is still at least $229.00 and if it breaks you pay.

If Charter ever sinks, I will go with E* simply because of the amount of HD.

Walt

I am new to the board and would like to find out the story of why charter does not carry local ABC HD. With E* and D* now carrying local HD will charter move faster.
Thanks

I am new to the board and would like to find out the story of why charter does not carry local ABC HD. With E* and D* now carrying local HD will charter move faster.
Thanks
ffctas,
Charter and Sinclair Broadcasting, the owner of the local ABC affiliate, KDNL, do not see eye-to-eye, which extends to other Charter/Sinclair markets other than STL.
I believe the general consensus would be the fact that Direct and Dish are now carrying the ABC DT signal is unlikely to effect any earlier outcome of their disputes.
If you search this thread for Charter and Sinclair, I'm sure you will find much additional information.

GlendaleHDTV

Charter doesn't offer 384 DOWN. I believe the slowest DOWN is 3 meg. They do have 384 UP.



All I know is my last bill says:

7/09-8/08.....384k Down/128k Up.....$34.99

Now whether or not that is the actual speed I'm getting, I have no idea.

All I know is my last bill says:

7/09-8/08.....384k Down/128k Up.....$34.99

Now whether or not that is the actual speed I'm getting, I have no idea.
Here's where you find out, it's free
http://www.dslreports.com/stest

Wasn't the requirement for a land line supposed to go away as a result of the ATT/SWB merger? I still have ATT phone and DSL, but have been thinking about dropping the phone for Vonage. My phone service is still over $50 and it seems going to Vonage should cut that in about half.


New here, this will be my first post.

From what I understand ATT/SWB has untill November to offer "naked" or "dry" DSL, that is DSL without a phone line. They may slowly be phasing it in, though I have heard that in other markets you end up paying a "surcharge" for naked DSL, which may be equal to a POTS (plain old telephone service) line.


Anyway, I recently bought a Hitachi 51" HDTV and have found the forums here invaluable. I'm also in the process of moving, one apartment complex in Oakville to another pretty much just across the street. I currently subscribe to Charter for Cable and Internet and pay about $120 a month. I use my cell phone as a home phone cause I don't use my phone a whole lot. My company reimburses most of my cell phone bill anyway, as I'm a Net Admin and am kind of on call quite a bit.

When I move I will no longer be able to get Charter, due to the apartment complex having some deal with D* so it looks like I'm going to have to get them and DSL. I figure in the end, I'll end up paying around the same price for everything. I will miss Charter's On Demand service. I've had Charter for 4 years and only had one problem, and that was a internet speed issue that got fixed as soon as I called in.

All I know is my last bill says:

7/09-8/08.....384k Down/128k Up.....$34.99

Now whether or not that is the actual speed I'm getting, I have no idea.

If you are paying $34.99 for 384k down that is a MAJOR ripoff. I pay $29.99 for 3MB down.

So I originally thought that Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were recently being distributed in HD and that our local leader in HD just wasn't showing them. But now I find out that the shows will finally be distributed in HD starting in September. So, two questions:

Does KSDK have the equipment to capture and time shift this programming?
Does anyone think our local leader in HD will actually show them in HD?

I was setup to get my new 500+ or 1000+ system upgrade through E* today but my wife just called me at work and told me that they called yesterday evening to reschedule and she forgot to tell me. I am now scheduled for Monday from 8am to 12pm. They said they will be receiving the new dishes Friday.

Does KSDK have the equipment to capture and time shift this programming? Does anyone think our local leader in HD will actually show them in HD?

They are currently time shifting Saturday Night Live and, I believe, the Tonight Show. So, they should be able to do the same with the game shows. Whether they will or not is anyone's guess.

I was setup to get my new 500+ or 1000+ system upgrade through E* today but my wife just called me at work and told me that they called yesterday evening to reschedule and she forgot to tell me. I am now scheduled for Monday from 8am to 12pm. They said they will be receiving the new dishes Friday.
Same here, originally scheduled for this past Monday, called Sunday and rescheduled for this coming Monday 8-Noon.

Hopefully peaking this new FSS/DBS LNB is not rocket science.

Yes on the 500+. I'm not completely certain you can use your current 500 to pick up either 129 or 61.5. I'm getting 61.5 on the basic Dish300 antenna, which is just a single LNB unit.
Wait until Moman reads this, I'm fairly certain he will know if you can get 61.5/129 off your current dual LNB 500.

Sorry, but, I really don't know if you can use your 500 to pick up 61.5. I have a Legacy 300 and it works great with my 500. What may be the limiting factor is the switch that you use. Some 500s have TWIN LNBs while others have DUAL LNBs. I would guess that either would work to pick up a single satellite if aimed correctly, but I am unsure as to whether either or both would be compatible with the 500+ LNB and whatever switches it might connect into.

I'd like to join in on the charter discussion--i pay approx $130 for cable (including movie channels) and internet. it seems like a lot, especially given some of the deals i'm hearing now around here. should i call charter and try to get the price down, or am i stuck at this?

also, they told me that i cannot get charter phone in my area (central west end). i would like to do this as sbc is much more expensive. has anyone heard when charter phone is expanding their service? if it won't be for awhile, i may consider vonage.

thanks again for the help!

brian

My electric bill is $194.00 per month on the budget plan. Of course, I have no gas so that is for everything. Gas is not available in my area. I want you to know that this sure beats Michigan where 20 years ago I paid $48.00/month for hot water, $99.00/month for electricity and in the winter, $384.00/month for gas. I had NO AC in Michigan like I have here.

D* still can't beat that price. Remember now, I get all the premium channels, HD, VOD, 5 mps internet, and NINE connected televisions (although I only get premium channels on 3 of them). If I ever have need of a DVR, it would cost me another $16.00 per month, with NO up front charges, and if it breaks, they pay. With D* you pay up to $400.00 up front plus the monthly. If it breaks, you pay, even though you are a renter. The other way is to purchase Sunday Ticket. That's $229.00 plus $99.00 for HD. Now you can make some deals around this but it is still at least $229.00 and if it breaks you pay.

If Charter ever sinks, I will go with E* simply because of the amount of HD.

Walt


My house in Webster Groves is also all-electric, BTW.

Wally.

That would be the only TV in the last 10 years that I've heard of that would not let you adjust the "USER" settings. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't he be able to at least turn the contrast setting lower?

Scott
I have verified that you can only adjust the color/contrast/brightness on non [digital] component or HDMI inputs. You CAN change it if you use OTA or composite or s-vid.
Their thinking is that if its a digital connection, there is no reason to adjust it; it is exactly the picture that was intended at the source. (except in my case it is too bright.)
Also I can now declare that I am showing no signs of burnin. I think we caught it in time. My all white test screen shows no imperfections at all.
I have talked it over with my wife, and we are saving our pennies as fast as we can so that we can have Doug over. :)

Here is how to get the deals with Charter. This is exactly what I did.
I already had established service.

Call them up 636-207-7011.

Once you have them on the phone, tell them your neighbor just signed up for the Biggest package for $47.99 with a 2 yr contract commitment and you want to switch to that. I added a MoxiMate setup and the HD tier and one other family tier. My total went to around $70 with tax.

I also was able to get the 3mb for $29.95 if I committed to a year and auto withdrawl. A week later I went online and turned off the auto pay feature myself. I was told the normal rate was 34.95.

For phone service I got unlimited local and LD with caller ID, call waiting, and a couple other options for $19.95 a month for the first year. I later dropped this after about 4 months since I found I wasn't using it.

Rich

Slightly OT but all this talk about the different providers and their cost got me to look at my bill to compare what I'm paying...I realize its a necessary evil but taxes and fees make up 25% of my total bill ($22.24). I have CenturyTel and live in Lincoln County...is this typical for telephone/dsl service?

Note: The low-power digital (LD) TV station applications are in. The most interesting one in STL is WPXS (CH 13/51, analog), which has filed for CH 10. This will be the only VHF-High digital station in the STL DMA, if the application goes through. More details on the LD thread, if interested.

I'd like to join in on the charter discussion--i pay approx $130 for cable (including movie channels) and internet. it seems like a lot, especially given some of the deals i'm hearing now around here. should i call charter and try to get the price down, or am i stuck at this?

also, they told me that i cannot get charter phone in my area (central west end). i would like to do this as sbc is much more expensive. has anyone heard when charter phone is expanding their service? if it won't be for awhile, i may consider vonage.

thanks again for the help!

brian

I looked into Charter phone service when I got high speed Internet, but it wasn't in my area at the time. So, I went with Vonage. It was cheaper and had more features (free long distance and all the bells and whistles). Recently, they added free calling to 5 European countries, with no rate increase. It's about $27 a month with all taxes. I've been very happy with it.

ESPN to "Letterbox" SD College Football Broadcasts

This is an interesting way to promote HD, but I suspect that it will be intensely disliked by sports fans who haven't made (or resist) the jump to widescreen/HD.

In any event, this is another good example of ESPN "leading" the digital/HD transition.

The following story excerpt is from TVWeek.com:
_________________________________________

In a sports programming first, ESPN will add letterbox bars to its Thursday Night Football series of standard-definition college telecasts to promote the high-definition experience to viewers who lack HD service.

The weekly program will add black bars on the upper and lower portion of the screen to simulate the expansive picture ratio familiar to viewers with widescreen HD sets. Though standard-definition viewers will not be able to see a true high-definition picture-which has up to 1080 lines of resolution versus standard definition's 480-the image will hint at a more exclusive viewing experience.
_________________________________________

To read the complete story, click here. (http://www.tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=179)

Joe,
Couple of quick ?'s
--Vonage & Charter are IP based for phone communication, correct?
Are there ever any outages? We rely very heavily on phone usage, have had 100% reliability using SBC/ATT land based, and simply cannot have any outages, however, our 4 lines + 1 inbound 866 line is currently 200+/mo.
--Do you know if current phone numbers be ported over? Another must have.
I'd like to look into it, but if there are any outages, or current numbers cannot be ported, it's done before it gets started.
tia

Joe,
Couple of quick ?'s
--Vonage & Charter are IP based for phone communication, correct?
Are there ever any outages? We rely very heavily on phone usage, have had 100% reliability using SBC/ATT land based, and simply cannot have any outages, however, our 4 lines + 1 inbound 866 line is currently 200+/mo.
--Do you know if current phone numbers be ported over? Another must have.
I'd like to look into it, but if there are any outages, or current numbers cannot be ported, it's done before it gets started.
tia

Yes, both are IP and I have had some outages. Of course, outages caused by power failure are preventable with a UPS. But Charter Pipeline has gone away on a few occasions. It's far from 100% reliable. Phone numbers can be ported over, and you can add multiple lines, but I'd say Vonage and Pipeline both definitely aren't mission critical.

I'm still a go for my Dish 1000+ receiver on Tuesday.

My big problem with Vonage is its support of SPYWARE and VIRUSES.

Last summer I got hit with the Aurora trojan, and the popups slowed my server to a crawl. Had to reformat the OS drive to get rid of it... cost me a whole day that could have been used for something else.

Vonage appeared several times a day in those popups.

If Vonage is going to be sponsoring Aurora/Ceres/180solutions/DirectRevenue, and/or other trojans, spyware, or viruses, I want nothing to do with 'em.

Joe:

I wonder if the tech is coming to my house then yours. I have my 1000+ install scheduled for Tuesday as well.

On a side note, can you remind of the thread that discusses burning HD-DVD content to DL DVD-Rs?

Best,

My big problem with Vonage is its support of SPYWARE and VIRUSES.

Last summer I got hit with the Aurora trojan, and the popups slowed my server to a crawl. Had to reformat the OS drive to get rid of it... cost me a whole day that could have been used for something else.

Vonage appeared several times a day in those popups.

If Vonage is going to be sponsoring Aurora/Ceres/180solutions/DirectRevenue, and/or other trojans, spyware, or viruses, I want nothing to do with 'em.

I've never had an issue like that, Bob. Maybe it's because I use Hotmail and it screens such e-mails. I don't know. I do know that since I started using Hotmail I've had next to no spam issues. In the old days of DSL, spam hit me at some 75-100 unwanted e-mails a day. I do use a weird e-mail address now, to try to avoid the automatic generators.

Joe,
Couple of quick ?'s
--Vonage & Charter are IP based for phone communication, correct?
Are there ever any outages? We rely very heavily on phone usage, have had 100% reliability using SBC/ATT land based, and simply cannot have any outages, however, our 4 lines + 1 inbound 866 line is currently 200+/mo.
--Do you know if current phone numbers be ported over? Another must have.
I'd like to look into it, but if there are any outages, or current numbers cannot be ported, it's done before it gets started.
tia


I can share my experience. A large tree a few blocks away went down during that bad storm early this summer. It took the nieghborhood electrical lines with it. My power was off for 22 hours. The Charter phone has (supposedly) an 8 hour back-up. I wasn't paying close attention to how long it was able to stay up, but not very long. I relied on my cell phone until it died too.

Granted, since most phone lines are above ground here, a tree could have easily taken out ATT as well.

When I tried to port my Charter number over, I couldn't. ATT no longer has room for their oddball numbers. I didn't push hard to keep mine as it sounded like it was not an option. It may be easier to move ATT numbers to Charter rather than vice versa.

Joe:

I wonder if the tech is coming to my house then yours. I have my 1000+ install scheduled for Tuesday as well.

On a side note, can you remind of the thread that discusses burning HD-DVD content to DL DVD-Rs?

Best,

Here's a link

Creating your own HD DVDs. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=667462&page=29&pp=30)

Take a look at post #868. It's the guide I've been working on and it explains the basic process for HD DVD creation in detail. I have a couple of additional things to add to it and it will become a sticky at the top of the AVS section on HD DVD Software.

If you're interested, I'd be happy to provide more info. If you have a computer and DVD burner, as well as a way of capturing HD files (MyHD, R5000), it doesn't cost much to do the authoring - $50 for the authoring program and $50 for the MPEG2 editor. I just did a two-part HD DVD of Forbidden Planet (from HDNet) last night.

I have to say I'm liking this HD DVD player from Toshiba more and more. For a first generation product, Toshiba has really delivered. The former Blu-ray camp supporters here on AVS continue to blast away at Sony's blunders with their rollout, but there just aren't too many bad things to say about the Toshiba. It works and they've already come out with 3-4 firmware upgrades. I'm beginning to think that most of what Toshiba had to say about doing HD DVD the way they did was not just marketing hype. Sony, on the other hand, has had enormous problems delivering on their promises. Even some of the most ardent Blu-ray supporters have done a 180 on the issue.

Mo

My wife and daughter still don't watch football, baseball, golf or auto racing with me. They are watching ice skating in the other room.

GlendaleHDTV

Charter doesn't offer 384 DOWN. I believe the slowest DOWN is 3 meg. They do have 384 UP.

For anyone who's interested, I pay $154.00 with no promotions, no moxi, no phone for everything else from Charter. I have 2 digital boxes and one Moto 6200 with 6 TV's and 3 computers hooked up for TV. I have 6 computers networked for internet not counting the 3 notebooks that can be connected, wired or wireless.

Everytime D* calls to give me a better deal, and I tell them what I have hooked up, they hang up on me. I assume they can't compete with this price. I would like to have Sunday ticket though.

Walt

I never said it was 384 down. I had Charter high-speed and was pleased with the service and know how fast it was. I don't have 384 DSL either. To me, that's as bad as dial-up. It still depends how far one is from the CO that determines the speed. I am *way* past the 3 down limit, but I got it. It was spotty so I had them knock it down to 2.5. The limit is 9K feet for 3 and I'm at 11, 800. I'd still have Charter if they weren't so greedy. $39 is my price point for cable. Heck, my first non-promo bill said it had a rate increase. No thanks!

I'm not a football fan, but women now out purchase men for NFL merchandise that is marketed for women like women's tops, etc. They are the fastest growing fan base and the NFL has noticed.

I watched the game last night and there sure are a lot of female faces in the stands. My grandmother's love of baseball must be in my DNA. :p

I need help finding some wall plates.

I am looking for 8 port binding wallplates that are black. I was at Ultimate Electronics
yesterday but could only find Bone and White. I am going to put them in a double gang box
so I will need the double gang face plate also.

I was going to use leviton products but the max hole amount on their double gang is 12
and I need at least 14.

Basically I'm looking for anywhere that would actually carry a wide variety of A/V wall plate,
connector type things. Home depot has some black inserts for the leviton stuff, but no
black face plates...make sense.......

Thanks for any help.

Try "The Sound Room", Ask for Tim, he will get you straightened out...

I got rid of Charter highspeed after being with them for a long while.

The problem was that I live in the DeMun neighborhood of Clayton and I thinks it's just too dense with lots of users in the area. Cable internet slows down with more users in the area and you could tell things got bad during the evening. Most of my speed tests dropped below 200kbps even with the 3 Meg service.

With the 1.5 Meg DSL I hover around 1.0 Meg speeds. Connection has been rock solid for 4 months.

I need help finding some wall plates.

I am looking for 8 port binding wallplates that are black. I was at Ultimate Electronics
yesterday but could only find Bone and White. I am going to put them in a double gang box
so I will need the double gang face plate also.

I was going to use leviton products but the max hole amount on their double gang is 12
and I need at least 14.

Basically I'm looking for anywhere that would actually carry a wide variety of A/V wall plate,
connector type things. Home depot has some black inserts for the leviton stuff, but no
black face plates...make sense.......

Thanks for any help.

The most I've seen is what Leviton has, which is 12u in a 2-gang space. For 14, you're going to need to goto a triple gang solution.

I did see a 7 channel wallplate (See this page (http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=366&CFID=2023138&CFTOKEN=12535372#avdist) at parts express); with 2 subwoofer connections as well. That requires ... wait for it...

A triple gang opening.

Cheers,

Anyone else notice any issues with the audio during FOX's HD broadcast of the All Star Game? For me, the surrounds were often much louder than the center, to the point of drowning out the commentators.

It was much like a "volume-up/volume-down" type movie. There was also more than normal difference between the broadcast and commercials, to the point, the volume required adjusting going into, and coming out of each break.

It reminded me a lot of the HD broadcast FOX did during the playoffs last season of the Padres at Petco Park.

As for the video, I thought the camera angles and PQ was well done.

And, one final OT note, Garner should be fired for acting stupid in public :mad:

I'm considering dropping Charter's HD tier and going with a used DirecTV H10 for OTA of the locals. Anyone have opinions on the H10 for OTA?

Thanks,
Terry

I'm considering dropping Charter's HD tier and going with a used DirecTV H10 for OTA of the locals. Anyone have opinions on the H10 for OTA?

Thanks,
Terry

No idea what an H10 is. I'm a Dish customer and I use a non-subscribed D* Samsung SIR-TS360 I picked up on Ebay only for OTA HD. It works amazingly well. Make sure you have the card though.

I called Dish on Wednesday, and had my Dish 1000+ install scheduled for today 12-5, then got busy at work and had to cancel last night. I am rescheduled for Monday 12-5. Darn, if only I could have kept today, I could have a weekend to look 'er over. I had the 622 installed about 3 months ago, so when I asked for a waiver of the upgrade charge, my rep didn't flinch.
I'm in O'Fallon, MO, and they seemed to have every day open including saturday and sunday this weekend for installs. The company Dish tapped to install my Dish is Frey Communications, FYI. I think they're in Festus.

Try "The Sound Room", Ask for Tim, he will get you straightened out...

I went to the Sound Room. They don't carry anything, but could probably
order it for me if I want them to. Tim wasn't in.

This is still quite frustrating.

Thanks for the information though.

If anyone here works for Charter, please send me a PM, tia.

I need help finding some wall plates.

I am looking for 8 port binding wallplates that are black. I was at Ultimate Electronics
yesterday but could only find Bone and White. I am going to put them in a double gang box
so I will need the double gang face plate also.

I was going to use leviton products but the max hole amount on their double gang is 12
and I need at least 14.

Basically I'm looking for anywhere that would actually carry a wide variety of A/V wall plate,
connector type things. Home depot has some black inserts for the leviton stuff, but no
black face plates...make sense.......

Thanks for any help.

Where I needed colored plates I found the Leviton plates take interior paint quite well. I used basic primer for first coat then topcoat in final color. The dark colors took two color coats as I didn't tint the primer.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/dancaesar/story/F3463B35B099D22A862571AC000D6FB8?OpenDocument
(at bottom of story)
Double exposure

Monday's Cardinals-Atlanta game will be carried locally by ESPN (and ESPNHD) as well as on KPLR (Channel 11). ESPN's Diane Lamb said the network's contract with Major League Baseball allows it to compete with the local telecast in each big-league market on two Mondays during the season.

This is the first one involving the Cards that ESPN has picked this year.

bailorg,

Thanks for passing on the info about the ESPN HD game on Monday...

Fourplay? Charter's Allen Readies Wireless Bid

The following story excerpt is from the online site GigaOm:
_______________________________________________

Gabelli isn’t the only one looking for licenses in the upcoming FCC spectrum auction, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is also looking to bid. According to FCC records, a company called Bend Cable Communications, backed by Paul Allen and his firms, Vulcan Spectrum and Charter Communications, has filed for the upcoming spectrum auction in partnership with a local Bend, Oregon cable company called Bend Broadband.

The spectrum auction will be held in August and is a major rebid of valuable licenses that could bring the FCC between $8 billion and $15 billion dollars. Allen’s plans to run a broadband provider started when he bought a major share in cable company Charter Communications in 1998 and the company now provides service to 5 million subscribers. Allen has bought spectrum before and was reported to have purchased $15.1 million worth of spectrum in 2002 through Vulcan and Charter. Interestingly, Bend Broadband was one of the first companies to deploy Moxi, Paul Allen’s media service combined with a set-top box. We called Allen’s firms and Bend Broadband and are still waiting to hear back.

Allen seems to have the same idea that the other cable companies are pushing–use wireless to fight the phone companies in the great subscriber acquisition race. A consortium called SpectrumCo., is backed by Comcast CEO and Chairman Brian Roberts, as well as Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, and Time Warner among others. A bid from Dolan family Holdings is backed by Charles Dolan, Cablevision’s Chairman, and Cable One bid under its own name. Allen’s bid was registered as “incomplete,” as was the cable group SpectrumCo., and Cable One’s applications...
_______________________________________________

To read the complete story, click here. (http://gigaom.com/2006/07/14/paul-allens-wireless-dreams/)

I went to the Sound Room. They don't carry anything, but could probably
order it for me if I want them to. Tim wasn't in.

This is still quite frustrating.

Thanks for the information though.


There's a little store just south of 370 in St. Charles called Alltronics. I usually purchase AV hardware from them. I don't know if they have what you're looking for but they have a pretty good selection for such a small place.

Walt

Last night's Cards game on FSN sure didn't look like HD to me but it was in the schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786) Doug compiled from KDG. The game looked awful last night and Thursday night. I'm a D* sub and isn't it just channel 647?

Man, nobody sticks up for Charter on this forum anymore!

I am actually impressed that they are adding two new HD channels. I believed there was not enough bandwidth on that little cable. Charter is also the only way to get HD FSN. Charter has the only "On Demand" service. You can hook up as many SD sets as you want and get basic cable channels with no extra charge. Charter has the only local government and education channels...some good entertainment those city board of alderman meetings. ;)

Once you get past the horrible CSRs and get everything installed and working then Charter is not a bad deal....just don't move the cables around or they might break and you have to talk to a CSR. :eek:


Are the two new HD channels up and running on Charter?

Last night's Cards game on FSN sure didn't look like HD to me but it was in the schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786) Doug compiled from KDG. The game looked awful last night and Thursday night. I'm a D* sub and isn't it just channel 647?
Mo,
IIRC, FSNMW was not one of the RSN's added to the D* lineup.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7977750#post7977750