St. Louis, MO - HDTV *OLD* [Text View] - Page 67

DroptheRemote

10-20-06, 02:07 PM

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

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

In the past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information 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 3 years and approaching 600 pages.

So, in order to this introductory information more accessible, I post an advisory/reminder note similar to this every couple of weeks. The idea is to 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.

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

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=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=8523674&&#post8523674)

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

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

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

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

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

aspec2

10-20-06, 02:26 PM

Just don't get swept, I've got tickets to game 5. Anyone care to make an offer...

How many think there's going to be a game 5? :eek:

kdg454

10-20-06, 02:51 PM

How many think there's going to be a game 5? :eek:
Perhaps in 2007.

DroptheRemote

10-20-06, 04:06 PM

I think a Game 5 is at least as likely as Yadier Molina changing his batting stance AT LEAST one more time during the World Series.

kdg454

10-20-06, 04:21 PM

I think a Game 5 is at least as likely as Yadier Molina changing his batting stance AT LEAST one more time during the World Series.
Anything can happen.

"That's why we play the games"
--TLR

Mr_Bester

10-20-06, 04:35 PM

Just don't get swept, I've got tickets to game 5. Anyone care to make an offer...
If you give me the tickets, I WON'T stalk you ;) :p

deuces

10-20-06, 05:13 PM

"There is one word in baseball that says it all, and that one word is 'you never know'"

Joaquin Andujar

So let's play the games. I don't think my stomach has ever been in so many knots watching a game

StLouG

10-20-06, 05:52 PM

Of course there will be a game 5 who would have thought they would have made it to the World Series?

GO CARDS!!!!!!!!!

kdg454

10-20-06, 10:58 PM

Just a follow up....I rolled back my system to before I installed IE7. I found significant delays using the tab page views, especially lagging when using my biometrics (fingerprint) access for log-on to sites.

It was interesting to look at, but I'm sticking with FireFox.

Sudhakar2k

10-21-06, 12:46 AM

Sudhakar2k

10-21-06, 01:12 AM

Just don't get swept, I've got tickets to game 5. Anyone care to make an offer...

Out of curiousity,
Where are the seats and how much is the face value.

Joseph Clark

10-21-06, 01:15 AM

Couple of follow-ups from me, too.

Acronis True Image 9 has already saved me a lot of time. Had to restore a system twice (hard drive failure). Got back up and running in half an hour. First rate Windows disaster recovery software.

Hope all the Battlestar Galactica fans have been tuning in to the new season that started Oct. 6th. It just keeps getting better and better.

My new 622 seems to be working fine, and the fans Ken recommended came, so the unit is running a lot cooler than before. So far, HDMI has shown no sign of failing. Again, I really like this DVR.

On the Dish Network front, Discovery HD Theater seems to have regained some of its image quality. That's subjective. I haven't checked the bitrate yet, but I don't see nearly the amount of blocking I noticed in recent weeks. Here's hoping they step up the plate and give back some of what they've taken away.

Just in case some of you don't know, the Cardinals are going to the World Series. :eek:

That oughta do it for now.

kdg454

10-21-06, 02:11 AM

Just in case some of you don't know, the Cardinals are going to the World Series. :eek:
KSKD, the St Louis leader in irresponsible broadcasting is like watching 12 straight hours of Headline News.

It means as much to me, as anyone else. But, come on Beall, give it a rest!

DroptheRemote

10-21-06, 09:34 AM

OK, I said I probably wouldn't do this again, but someone sent me an eMail asking whether I was going to offer the same calibration special to AVS members that I did the last the Cardinals reached the World Series ($100 off).

I hadn't considered this, but after all the bad things I thought and muttered about this team during September, I guess it's a sort of penance that I need to make to get back into Baseball Heaven.

But just for record (and maintaining good baseball karma), I said it would be "a colossal fluke" for the Cards to win the World Series. :)

So, the "Colossal Fluke Calibration Special" is good from now through November 15. Bookings are possible on game days, but must start no later than 10 a.m. When you call or eMail, you need to mention "AVS" to qualify for the $100 discount.

tcfila

10-21-06, 10:20 AM

Out of curiousity,
Where are the seats and how much is the face value.

SRO $100

MoInSTL

10-21-06, 11:36 AM

Just don't get swept, I've got tickets to game 5. Anyone care to make an offer...

I hope there is a game 5 as there is nothing that beats going to a World Series game. I won tickets to the only game the A's won back in the late 80's. They were donated by a season ticket holder and I won the office raffle. I sat a mere 5 rows back directly behind home plate and it was incredible. I'm not an American League fan but like the TV commercial Lasorda is in, it was my duty Judy! I can't imagine what a World Series game with the Cards would be like. Hope you get a chance to see the Red Birds play. I am guessing we will win at least one or two. I just wish we had a better starter than Reyes for the opener.

StLouG

10-21-06, 11:45 AM

I hope there is a game 5 as there is nothing that beats going to a World Series game. I won tickets to the only game the A's won back in the late 80's. They were donated by a season ticket holder and I won the office raffle. I sat a mere 5 rows back directly behind home plate and it was incredible. I'm not an American League fan but like the TV commercial Lasorda is in, it was my duty Judy! I can't imagine what a World Series game with the Cards would be like. Hope you get a chance to see the Red Birds play. I am guessing we will win at least one or two. I just wish we had a better starter than Reyes for the opener.

I thought the same thing about Weaver when I heard he was pitching so you never know. This has been a crazy baseball season so just roll with it and keep your lucky troll at hand. I went to the World Series in 1968 and saw Gibby put the Tigers down.

GO CARDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DroptheRemote

10-21-06, 06:02 PM

jbrettz

10-21-06, 10:59 PM

kdg454

10-21-06, 11:17 PM

I was considering finally upgrading to the Dish HD package and 2 tuner receiver. Are you satisfied with Dish HD here in St Louis,?
How are the local channels in HD?
Any problems with the receiver?

I appreciate your feedback and recommendations.

Thanks
Brett

Go Cards!!
We're happy. HD quality both SAT and Locals is good. HD selection is good. We have 2 dual-tuner DVR's and one single TV HD receiver....no complaints.
The 622 is a great machine.

1-0

Joseph Clark

10-21-06, 11:35 PM

We're happy. HD quality both SAT and Locals is good. HD selection is good. We have 2 dual-tuner DVR's and one single TV HD receiver....no complaints.
The 622 is a great machine.

1-0

Ditto

StLouG

10-21-06, 11:38 PM

I thought the same thing about Weaver when I heard he was pitching so you never know. This has been a crazy baseball season so just roll with it and keep your lucky troll at hand. I went to the World Series in 1968 and saw Gibby put the Tigers down.

GO CARDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MO there will be a game five and like I said just roll with it and keep your lucky troll at hand because...you never know.

GO CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

deuces

10-21-06, 11:52 PM

MO there will be a game five and like I said just roll with it and keep your lucky troll at hand because...you never know.

GO CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does everyone always assume this? There still doesn't HAVE to be a game 5.

Joseph Clark

10-22-06, 12:01 AM

Why does everyone always assume this? There still doesn't HAVE to be a game 5.

I like your math skills. :)

Joseph Clark

10-22-06, 12:11 AM

kdg454

10-22-06, 12:47 AM

BTW, the game looked good on Fox tonight, except for the occasional odd solarization effect. I suppose they saved their best crews and equipment for the series.

I enjoyed Joe Buck's line about Reyes being offered up as the sacrificial lamb, or so everyone thought. This post season has been all about surprise pitching by the Cardinals so far.

Go, Cards!!!

Don't know if anyone noticed....Last night, on Joe Buck's appearance on Conan, one of the band players had on quite the flamboyant tie. Joe said if they give it to him, he would wear it during Game 1, and sure to his word, he did :D .

Joseph Clark

10-22-06, 12:51 AM

Don't know if anyone noticed....Last night, on Joe Buck's appearance on Conan, one of the band players had on quite the flamboyant tie. Joe said if they give it to him, he would wear it during Game 1, and sure to his word, he did :D .

Darn! I missed it both times.

Have to say the Holiday Inn commercials are some of my favorites, especially the Humpback whale one.

black_macleod

10-22-06, 01:09 AM

I like your math skills. :)

He's right -- Cards sweep, no Game 5. Its not rocket science.

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 01:20 AM

He's right -- Cards sweep, no Game 5. Its not rocket science.Tigers swept us in June. Time for revenge! :D

aspec2

10-22-06, 09:25 AM

Couple of follow-ups from me, too.

Acronis True Image 9 has already saved me a lot of time. Had to restore a system twice (hard drive failure). Got back up and running in half an hour. First rate Windows disaster recovery software.

Joe

I just missed getting 9 for $10.00. I've been using Acronis for years. I have V6 now. A question thought....do you still have to make a floppy to get your page file the correct size with 9? I don't install floppies (thumb drives) so I need to use a 2nd computer to back up drives with operating systems. This can be a PITA. :(

Walt

aspec2

10-22-06, 09:31 AM

How many think there's going to be a game 5? :eek:

How many still think there's going to be a game 5? :)

If the Tigers keep first pitch swinging against the Cards, there may not be a game 5. :D

Walt

Joseph Clark

10-22-06, 10:53 AM

Joe

I just missed getting 9 for $10.00. I've been using Acronis for years. I have V6 now. A question thought....do you still have to make a floppy to get your page file the correct size with 9? I don't install floppies (thumb drives) so I need to use a 2nd computer to back up drives with operating systems. This can be a PITA. :(

Walt

There are no page file worries at all with 9, and no floppies. I never used 6. You can use CD's or DVD's to boot for recovery. It recognizes all your hard drives except dynamic drives - even striped RAID. It allows you to create bootable CD's or DVD's. You can recover from within Windows if you can get there. You can also recover from a special partition that's invisible to Windows and you can access at boot by pressing F11. (Acronis repartitions the drive for you and then you back up your system drive to that special partition.) As long as your hard drive isn't trashed, that's the best option. You can do what's called a Snap Restore, where you can get into Windows and start using your system again within a couple of minutes, while it's restoring.

Windows used to be the OS from hell when it came to restoring your system.
All my PITA has disappeared since I started using Acronis. It's terrific.

Joseph Clark

10-22-06, 11:09 AM

How many still think there's going to be a game 5? :)

If the Tigers keep first pitch swinging against the Cards, there may not be a game 5. :D

Walt

This is, after all, baseball, where strange things happen all the time. If eveyone here in this country had to make their living predicting baseball games accurately, we'd be a third world country. I'd be wearing phony sun glasses and holding out a tin cup.

Go, Cards! o o o o o

MoInSTL

10-22-06, 12:13 PM

Had rather long audio drops again on OTA and had to switch to Fox East. I noticed that when on KTVI OTA my Dolby icon in the GUI on my DVR was not lit but it was on Fox East. :confused:

Reyes did a stunning job. That first inning made me nervous but Duncan was able to settle him down. I think he blew everyone away with his performance. He retired 17 in a row and kept his composure.

Go Cards! :D

DroptheRemote

10-22-06, 01:23 PM

Gotta keep up the Colossal Fluke karma here...it seems to have legs. :)

Game One's Colossal Fluke Award goes to So Taguchi, for his flailing, swinging bunt.

If So doesn't make contact there, Molina is out at second and the inning plays out very differently. Credit also has to go to La Russa there for putting on the hit and run. If Taguchi doesn't advance the runner or Molina's forced at second, it's a certainty that Molina doesn't score from first on the Duncan double (and probably only 60/40 that Taguchi would).

That scenario would set up second and third and one out with Pujols up. While it was pretty gutsy/dumb to pitch to Pujols with a man on second and first base open, I think it would be completely idiotic to pitch to him with men on second and third and one out. In that situation, even a fly ball puts the Cards ahead.

Ergo, the thrown-bat bunt makes all the difference.

If anyone here knows how to make contact with So Taguchi, let him know he qualifies for a free video calibration, redeemable at any point during the offseason.

Travel to Japan, not included. :)

Go, Cards!

tcfila

10-22-06, 01:26 PM

DroptheRemote

10-22-06, 01:35 PM

Further observations on the 6.3 HD TiVo update...

Last night toward the end of the game, I experienced major audio dropouts when I switched over to ESPN HD (73) between innings. The dropouts were of a semi-staccato nature and seemed to carry on without end. Switching channels momentarily cleared this up, but it returned after about 15 seconds. Didn't experience this later in the evening as I watched part of SportsCenter (73) and Baseball Tonight (72). Maybe it was a problem with ESPN, but I'm sort of doubtful.

If this is a sign of things to come, I'm going to be looking for a swapout or rollback to the earlier software version. Folders are nice, but the audio issues are looking to be deal-breakers.

DroptheRemote

10-22-06, 01:38 PM

tc,

I AM a baseball guy -- but not a football (or hockey) guy.

The only two sports I really follow are baseball and college basketball. I've found the best thing about paring back my sports obsessions to these two is that it gives me about 6 weeks "vacation" between the end of the baseball season and the start of college hoops.

It's nice to have that sort of break, especially after all the wasted hours dedicated to two fantasy baseball teams...

WinstonSmith

10-22-06, 01:41 PM

Here's the second part of the HDTV Magazine review of the new DirecTV HD DVR (HR-20).

This write-up falls well short of a positive review, but there's some interesting technical information on how the local channels are uplinked and how the receiver handles them.

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2006/10/eds_view_the_di.php

This guy didn't like the HD-TiVo either and hated the TiVo remote.

Personally, after reading that, I don't take anything he has to say about the HR20 as being worth anything.

kdg454

10-22-06, 01:50 PM

DroptheRemote

10-22-06, 01:52 PM

This guy didn't like the HD-TiVo either and hated the TiVo remote.

Personally, after reading that, I don't take anything he has to say about the HR20 as being worth anything.Fair point, I guess, though TiVo's not perfect and I also dislike the remote.

The main issue I have with the remote is that it's too easy to point it the wrong way as it "feels" the same whether it's right side up or upside down. Maybe it's just me, but this drove me crazy until I attached a small vertical piece of stick-on velcro at the top of the back side of the remote.

Now I almost never IR myself -- and it has the added benefit that I can file my fingernails with the remote control. :)

WinstonSmith

10-22-06, 01:56 PM

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love the peanut remote.

WinstonSmith

10-22-06, 02:02 PM

Deuces, or anyone else,

Any info regarding A-1 satellite out of Cahokia? I think I am going to go ahead and need the new 5-LNB DirecTV dish. I need HD channels on a TV upstairs and running the antenna in there would be too big of a pain, so I bought an HR20 through BestBuy and now I need the 5-LNB dish so I can get the HD locals through DirecTV on the HR20.

I loathe Premier. Now, DirecTV told me I could get the dish free if I found the HR20 somewhere and they'd install both free of charge. Again, I loathe Premier, so I'd be willing to pay a bit for the 5-LNB dish to have it installed by a company I trust.

I know I can buy 5-LNB dishes through eBay, but I've heard its really, really tough to align yourself. Anyone done this? What, if anything, do you know about A-1 Satellite in Cahokia?

deuces

10-22-06, 02:11 PM

tcfila,

I sent you a couple PMs. Do you still have those tickets? I am possibly interested.

Winston,

I went to A-1, I wanted to meet them not just make a phone call. It ended up being a somewhat fruitless visit for me. He told me he cannot do my install, because my account with Dish is attached to another dealer. I am currently working on getting that corrected. Therefore I didn't use them or learn a lot about them. I spoke with the owner he seemed fairly knowledgeable, not overly impressive. He reiterated what his website says about paying guys by the hour rather than by the job, which I think is a good thing.

GO CARDS

WinstonSmith

10-22-06, 02:14 PM

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 02:31 PM

On IE7....MS will be pushing it out to IE6 users during their November automated updates.
So, if you using IE, either become familiar with 7 now, or wait until you wake up one morning and have to use it, or disable/change automatic updates to customized.Or do the smart thing and use Firefox instead. Meaner, leaner, faster, safer. And it doesn't have a bizarre interface. :)

IE7 already has an identified security hole. :eek:

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 02:37 PM

Further observations on the 6.3 HD TiVo update...
I've been having a lot of problems too. I have 2-1 on now (some football game) while I sit in the next room working. Audio is dropping out frequently.

I wrote D* to complain. Hell, now I'm considering just going to the H20 if it fixes the audio and they would upgrade me free. They said the software rollout to enable the OTA tuner is due in November.

BTW: I also complained about them "robbing Peter to pay Paul" with the dropped HD channels for NFL-ST. They are giving me the HD package free for 4 months, which I think is fair.

kdg454

10-22-06, 03:07 PM

Or do the smart thing and use Firefox instead. Meaner, leaner, faster, safer. And it doesn't have a bizarre interface. :)

IE7 already has an identified security hole. :eek:
I've been using FF for some time now....I think everyone does :)

Interesting both Microsoft and Mozilla released their upgrades within 48 hours of each other....things that make me go Hmmm.

deuces

10-22-06, 03:10 PM

Thanks, deuces. I think I will give him a call on Monday just to see if he could even do it.

All things being equal, would you give this group a shot? I guess the biggest question is, did he seem professional?

Well their website says please come see our showroom. I wouldn't classify what I walked into as a "showroom". But he seemed honest and interested in helping me. He told me he couldn't do my install, as I said because it was attached to another dealer. Dish had told me to go to a dealer to have the 622 installed. A-1 guy said, "OK, let's give Dish a call." He called the dealer hotline right in front of me and got the name and number of the dealer attached to my account. Somehow they are out of Boise, ID. When I called them they said they don't do installs here. So he went out of his way to try to help me. He could have just sent me on my way. As far as his or his people's technical knowledge, I just don't know. I can't say anything good or bad about that. He seemed honest and helpful though. I just heard a Dish ad on 1380 that listed them.

DroptheRemote

10-22-06, 04:10 PM

I've been having a lot of problems too. I have 2-1 on now (some football game) while I sit in the next room working. Audio is dropping out frequently.

I wrote D* to complain. Hell, now I'm considering just going to the H20 if it fixes the audio and they would upgrade me free. They said the software rollout to enable the OTA tuner is due in November.

BTW: I also complained about them "robbing Peter to pay Paul" with the dropped HD channels for NFL-ST. They are giving me the HD package free for 4 months, which I think is fair.Dean,

Thanks for posting about this -- it reminded me to place my call to complain about the temporarily removed HD channel while it was actually missing. ;)

When I called in, I was directed first to the normal customer service bullpen. I explained the problem, the person I spoke with understood the problem, but went away to speak with a supervisor to see what they could do to address this. She was away from the phone just over 5 minutes and when she came back she started out very apologetic and I figured (uh oh) I was looking at a stone wall.

In fact, the supervisor had authorized the CSR to offer me a $5 monthly credit for a 6-month period. But, to her credit, even the CSR thought this was insufficient. I told her I completely agreed, thanked her for the effort and suggested that she transfer me to the Retention Desk.

When I spoke with Retention, the person I spoke with didn't immediately understand what my problem is. I explained again and she got it, checked some notes and immediately offered me $10 off per month for 12 months.

"Deal Done."

On the audio problem I had less success. After rebooting the box and making some changes to the audio settings with no improvement, the advanced technical service group person did offer me a no-cost replacement. I declined on that for now, partly because I don't want to give some of things I still have in the Playing List (mostly movies, but also some musical stuff).

However, I did ask the tech person to enter the details of my problem into my account file so that if I decide later to get a replacement, it should be a bit easier to "cut to the chase."

One additional interesting nugget: The tech person suggested that this problem isn't entirely related to the 6.3a update. She said these sort of intermittent problems with audio dropouts have been increasing in number for a while now -- with the previous software version -- and that something in 6.3a has accelerated the issue and made it come to the surface quicker than it would have otherwise.

Still, that sounds like a 6.3-specific issue, though I guess it is possible that it would have happened eventually with the earlier version. I do recall reading some reference to this either here or somewhere else in the past month.

kdg454

10-22-06, 04:31 PM

One additional interesting nugget: The tech person suggested that this problem isn't entirely related to the 6.3a update. She said these sort of intermittent problems with audio dropouts have been increasing in number for a while now -- with the previous software version -- and that something in 6.3a has accelerated the issue and made it come to the surface quicker than it would have otherwise.

This stands consistent with the multitude of reports on DBS. The audio issue with D* seems to be similar to the HDMI issue with E*, intermittent and inexplicable, at best. Though, it does seem more prevalent since 6.3, it surely was around prior to the software update.

WinstonSmith

10-22-06, 05:36 PM

I certainly never experienced anything as repetitive and continued w/ the old version. In fact, I never experienced any.

I'd like to go back to the old version.

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 05:38 PM

This stands consistent with the multitude of reports on DBS. The audio issue with D* seems to be similar to the HDMI issue with E*, intermittent and inexplicable, at best. Though, it does seem more prevalent since 6.3, it surely was around prior to the software update.Well, I had zero audio dropouts prior to the 6.3a update, and they began for me immediately after the update was applied.

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 05:46 PM

...
On the audio problem I had less success. After rebooting the box and making some changes to the audio settings with no improvement, the advanced technical service group person did offer me a no-cost replacement. I declined on that for now, partly because I don't want to give some of things I still have in the Playing List (mostly movies, but also some musical stuff)...If they offer me a no-cost replacement (presumably a HR20) I may take them up on it. Audio dropouts just aren't going to cut it for me, and I know my wife will be unhappy about it. Incidentally, while watching the Brazilian GP on Speed (TIVO'd) I suffered both audio and video dropouts. Don't know if this was related, or just a fluke...probably the latter.

WinstonSmith

10-22-06, 05:49 PM

You know, as annoying as these audio dropouts are during baseball playoffs and NFL games, that's all I've watched on FOX since receiving the 6.3a upgrade.

Losing 8-10 seconds of audio multiple times in an episode of PRISON BREAK, VANISHED, BONES, or eventually 24 is going to be incredibly frustrating.

black_macleod

10-22-06, 06:03 PM

*yawn* sounds like Charter is doing pretty well, comparatively ;-)

kdg454

10-22-06, 06:10 PM

My wife hates it when it happens. Fortunately, it's very rare now. She records everything, so switching to SD is not an option. A few weeks ago there were some prime-time issues on CBS. I think it was a CBS issue. The center channel dropped part-way through some shows.

It's funny how much she resisted the whole DVR/HD thing in the beginning, and now is the first to Scream :eek: when something doesn't work. We're going on vacation next week, on a week-long road trip, and all she keeps saying is, "all my timers better fire correctly....what if the disc fills up....what if a game runs past into overtime..."

Geeze!

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 06:10 PM

*yawn* sounds like Charter is doing pretty well, comparatively ;-)Except that we have customer service that we can reached by email or phone easily, is competent or ready to redirect you to someone who is, listens to your issue/problem like you really count, and offers alternatives and/or compensation for inconvenience. And this has been true consistently for me in the 8 years I've been a customer.

Can you say that about Charter on even one single point?

kdg454

10-22-06, 06:12 PM

Can you say that about Charter on even one single point?
They Never miss offering VoIP on EVERY call-in....that counts, yes?

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 06:18 PM

They Never miss offering VoIP on EVERY call-in....that counts, yes?Only if it works and they offer it free of charge. :)

black_macleod

10-22-06, 06:21 PM

Except that we have customer service that we can reached by email or phone easily, is competent or ready to redirect you to someone who is, listens to your issue/problem like you really count, and offers alternatives and/or compensation for inconvenience. And this has been true consistently for me in the 8 years I've been a customer.

Can you say that about Charter on even one single point?

My stuff works, so I never have to call. Sorry, I can't answer the question. And I was being sarcastic, so don't take it so personally :)

jimglobe

10-22-06, 06:45 PM

My stuff works, so I never have to call. Sorry, I can't answer the question. And I was being sarcastic, so don't take it so personally :)

He can't help himself. He is just wired that way.....or maybe still smarting over the fact that he HAS to call customer service so often!

John Kotches

10-22-06, 07:22 PM

I had another 8+ hour internet outage on Friday.

That follows the weeklong outage in August, which follows the 5 day late install in April.

Charter doesn't have a good record with me.

kdg454

10-22-06, 07:55 PM

Only if it works and they offer it free of charge. :)
"We can schedule your service call for the 7th Tuesday in May....while we're doing that, let's review your other services, shall we?"

RaceTripper

10-22-06, 08:00 PM

"... let's review your other services, shall we?"Must be using the same company as AT&T for training. :rolleyes:

Go Cards!!!

Hohlraum

10-22-06, 08:12 PM

deuces

10-22-06, 08:24 PM

Anyone noticing lip sync issues with Joe and Tim in the opening on OTA?

kdg454

10-22-06, 09:13 PM

Anyone noticing lip sync issues with Joe and Tim in the opening on OTA?
On the SAT HD local there was. OTA is/was OK here.

Looks like Joe's on the wrong end of some kind of necktie bet :D

tcfila

10-22-06, 09:18 PM

CROSS POSTED IN THE MOXI THREAD

st. louis, charter moxi (dvi -> hdmi) to my new sammy hls6188w.

for some reason on 480i brodcasts there is slight corruption of the video right down the center of the screen. its like a verticle dotted line that seems to be a color bleed of some kind.

1. it only occurs on 480i broadcasts
2. if i restart the moxi it goes away for quite awhile and the comes back later (not sure how long it takes)
3. if i turn off 480i the moxi will just upscale before sending to the tv but then the video looks blurry (probably cuz the tv is 1080p and scaling happens twice). so that option is pretty much out.
4. other than the wierd dotted line the rest of the screen looks good.

for st. louis people anyone having problems with KPLR and PBS HD not workin?

thanks guys.

This is a known issue for them. I think they call it Moxi measels or something like that. I don't watch much 480i broadcasts, so it isn't a very big issue for me.

Tim

Scott Tucker

10-22-06, 10:26 PM

I am getting very bad 10 second audio drops during the OTA Fox broadcast of tonights game. Earlier, my HR10-250 powered down and reset itself. Not sure if this has anything to do with it. Also, I have yet to receive the 6.3 update. Hold on...Actually, I just checked, and yes I do have the 6.3 update now. That explains it I guess. Oh, also, I noticed that my Tivo changed to dolby digital/pcm. I had to change it back to dolby digital to hear the game in 5.1 DD. Well, so far I am not happy with 6.3a. By the way, I don't see any folders, and I really could care less if I have any. I won't put up with serious audio problems if it persists however. Although, Directv with bad audio is a hell of a lot better than Charter.

Scott

aspec2

10-22-06, 10:34 PM

CROSS POSTED IN THE MOXI THREAD

st. louis, charter moxi (dvi -> hdmi) to my new sammy hls6188w.

for some reason on 480i brodcasts there is slight corruption of the video right down the center of the screen. its like a verticle dotted line that seems to be a color bleed of some kind.

1. it only occurs on 480i broadcasts
2. if i restart the moxi it goes away for quite awhile and the comes back later (not sure how long it takes)
3. if i turn off 480i the moxi will just upscale before sending to the tv but then the video looks blurry (probably cuz the tv is 1080p and scaling happens twice). so that option is pretty much out.
4. other than the wierd dotted line the rest of the screen looks good.

for st. louis people anyone having problems with KPLR and PBS HD not workin?

thanks guys.

I've been trying to get a Moxi since January. "It is not available in your area." is the usual response. Been taken off the list twice. Got back on the list 2 months ago. I have a friend that moved from next door to Alton. He has 2 Moxi boxes since the move. DVR is still advertised on their website. I AM getting P**SED even though I have no other problems with the service and I do like the PQ. I was thinking of going to E* but some of the installation stories on this board have made me think twice.

Hohlraum if you decide to turn that Moxi in, do it a my house.

Walt.

aspec2

10-22-06, 10:35 PM

Joe

I am going to find an upgrade for my Acronis. Thanks for the info.

Walt

Scott Tucker

10-22-06, 10:36 PM

6.3 update. Holy crap is my menu/guide faster. I can even switch to the grid guide and have it navigate quickly. It used to be so slow I couldn't use the grid guide, so I always used the list guide. The audio drop outs have slowed, so I hope it doesn't persist.

Scott

black_macleod

10-22-06, 10:36 PM

Although, Directv with bad audio is a hell of a lot better than Charter.

Scott

That makes little logical sense, but ok :) Game looks and sounds perfect here.

Look, I never meant to start another Charter vs The Sat war, cause it doesn't matter to me, I really was just being sarcastic. I do, however, find it funny that people who bashed Charter for as long as I've been on this board will defend their Sat companies to the death, even if their equipment doesn't function properly. I'd be just as mad at them as with any other provider. But your above statement just shows that its as ingrained in some people as the PC vs MAC platform wars.

I hope the Cards get something going here soon!

;) Peace

repair4man

10-22-06, 10:51 PM

Titan TV has it listed at 2AM. Unless KMOV recently aquired the technology, it will be in SD because they can't timeshift HD.
Maybe I've missed it in tnis thread before, but wny can't the locals timeshift HD? I can do it with my Fusion PC tuner card.

kdg454

10-22-06, 11:10 PM

Maybe I've missed it in tnis thread before, but wny can't the locals timeshift HD? I can do it with my Fusion PC tuner card.
I believe KSDK is the only affiliate/O&O that has the equipment capable of recording and playing back HD for broadcast. I guess it takes one beastly HD DVR to be able to do this.

IIRC, Jim from KDNL once mentioned they were "looking into it," but its cost was still not justified.

Scott Tucker

10-22-06, 11:13 PM

That makes little logical sense, but ok :) Game looks and sounds perfect here.

Look, I never meant to start another Charter vs The Sat war, cause it doesn't matter to me, I really was just being sarcastic. I do, however, find it funny that people who bashed Charter for as long as I've been on this board will defend their Sat companies to the death, even if their equipment doesn't function properly. I'd be just as mad at them as with any other provider. But your above statement just shows that its as ingrained in some people as the PC vs MAC platform wars.

I hope the Cards get something going here soon!

;) Peace

Yeah, I can see how my original comment would not make sense. However, in my personal experience anything is better than Charter, period.

Scott Tucker

10-22-06, 11:16 PM

On IE7....MS will be pushing it out to IE6 users during their November automated updates.
So, if you using IE, either become familiar with 7 now, or wait until you wake up one morning and have to use it, or disable/change automatic updates to customized.

I took your advice and just installed it on my new laptop. Hope I like it.

Scott

timbob

10-22-06, 11:29 PM

I'm getting the 8-10 second audio drop-out on my HD DirecTivo as well, and I have 6.3 as well. The thing is I am only getting them on 2-1 and not on any other channels (HD, SD, OTA, etc) just on 2-1. I did notice some slight audio stuttering tonight when I switched over to the NY feed, but they weren't dropouts.

kdg454

10-22-06, 11:52 PM

I took your advice and just installed it on my new laptop. Hope I like it.

Scott
The only negative thing I found was some lagging using the tabbed view function, but I had installed it on this desktop, and that may have been related to using biometrics. I particularly liked the pin-able/overlay favorites side bar. This machine is a 2.3, but it's also 5+ years old. I'd be interested in knowing how you find it to run on a newer machine...please update. :)
I'm the only one who uses FF, all our other machines use IE.

Hohlraum

10-23-06, 12:12 AM

I've been trying to get a Moxi since January. "It is not available in your area." is the usual response. Been taken off the list twice. Got back on the list 2 months ago. I have a friend that moved from next door to Alton. He has 2 Moxi boxes since the move. DVR is still advertised on their website. I AM getting P**SED even though I have no other problems with the service and I do like the PQ. I was thinking of going to E* but some of the installation stories on this board have made me think twice.

Hohlraum if you decide to turn that Moxi in, do it a my house.

Walt.

I've had a moxi since like the first week they released em. Just got my sammy on thursday. Why not go with dish network or somethin?

Hohlraum

10-23-06, 12:16 AM

This is a known issue for them. I think they call it Moxi measels or something like that. I don't watch much 480i broadcasts, so it isn't a very big issue for me.

Tim

ahh ok well atleast i'm not crazy. the thing that sucks is that other than the dotted line the picture quality for SD stuff is pretty impressive on this tv. just really weird that it seems to 'develope' the issue rather than have it all the time.

i'd just restart the moxi a lot if it didn't take 10 minutes to boot. :/ poor charter, used to be such a good company (IMO) and over the last few years have just taken a complete crap.

duvy56

10-23-06, 12:19 AM

aspec2

10-23-06, 08:52 AM

I received the 6.3 upgrade on Thursday and have had continious audio dropouts. Never had that problem before.
Well It's 1 - 1 with Carp and Soup on deck. Hope we can take at least 2 of 3 here.
The weather should be better here.
Anybody catch Satriani on HDNet tonight, AWESOME!

Carp and Soup.......is that a meal? Nona used to make Carp soup during lent. In Michigan, Carp are called Detroit Sewer Trout.

Yeah...I watched and listened to Joe on HDNet. I still think he SOUNDS a lot like Jeff Beck.

Walt

matth1138

10-23-06, 08:55 AM

CROSS POSTED IN THE MOXI THREAD

for st. louis people anyone having problems with KPLR and PBS HD not workin?

thanks guys.

Yeah, they were down via Charter w/ CableCard last night.I haven't checked this morning tho...

-Matt

Scott Tucker

10-23-06, 09:33 AM

Scott Tucker

10-23-06, 09:36 AM

The only negative thing I found was some lagging using the tabbed view function, but I had installed it on this desktop, and that may have been related to using biometrics. I particularly liked the pin-able/overlay favorites side bar. This machine is a 2.3, but it's also 5+ years old. I'd be interested in knowing how you find it to run on a newer machine...please update. :)
I'm the only one who uses FF, all our other machines use IE.

I haven't really had a chance to use it much yet as I'm trying to figure out why I can't copy picture files from my desktop computer to a cd. I do like the way the new favorites works I think. I'll update you more after I use it.

Scott

wmschultz

10-23-06, 10:35 AM

Deuces, or anyone else,

I know I can buy 5-LNB dishes through eBay, but I've heard its really, really tough to align yourself. Anyone done this? What, if anything, do you know about A-1 Satellite in Cahokia?

It is not hard. The azimuth goes back to pretty close what it was with the
single LNB head. I did mine myself and got 90's on all of them. When Premier came
out to screw up my install, they were suprised I got such a high reading on
everything and asked me if I had a satellite meter when I installed it. I said, nope,
just used my receiver.

I had Earl from DBStalk.com send me the pointing numbers since I didn't have a
5 LNB receiver yet.

The "professionals" only aim to 101, 119, and 110 and then tell you if you can get
101 good, you will be fine with 103 and 99.

If you need help, give me a shout.

DroptheRemote

10-23-06, 11:03 AM

AT&T U-verse Aims to Have HD in 15 Markets by End-Year

The following is from today's TV Predictions newsletter:
___________________________________________________

AT&T says it will offer High-Definition TV service in San Antonio and Houston next month.

The telco, which has been testing the "U-verse" service in San Antonio, hopes to eventually compete with cable and satellite TV operators nationwide. Verizon, another communications company, has also launched a new TV service.

AT&T has yet to offer high-def service in test markets. However, while releasing its third quarter financial reports, the telco said today that it will add HDTV service to Houston and San Antonio in late November.

The company said it expects to offer TV service to 15 markets by year's end, all of which will include HDTV. AT&T added that its penetration rate in San Antonio has reached 10 percent of homes marketed to.

However, the San Antonio Express-News has reported that the new Telco TV service is generating negative word of mouth among early users in the south Texas city. Customers there have reported that their picture often freezes up during viewing.
___________________________________________________

For more TV industry news, go to www.tvpredictions.com

duvy56

10-23-06, 01:47 PM

Carp and Soup.......is that a meal? Nona used to make Carp soup during lent. In Michigan, Carp are called Detroit Sewer Trout.

Yeah...I watched and listened to Joe on HDNet. I still think he SOUNDS a lot like Jeff Beck.

Walt

Don't think Carp Soup sounds very tasty but maybe some Tiger Soup.
I don't hear Beck, he has his own sound, but he does sound like Steve Vai.

Tried to get the $10 off for 12 months from D* like Doug did but could only get $5 off for 6 months. Oh well.

dweebe

10-23-06, 03:25 PM

Got a mass email from Miso, a sushi bar in downtown Clayton with the sunject line of "World Series in HD".

The main body of their message was pushing their Holloween party, but they did have this:

Just a reminder that we will be airing all World Series Games this week on our 5 television screens and in High Definition at the bar!

Cool to see.

DanGraney

10-23-06, 05:31 PM

Got a mass email from Miso, a sushi bar in downtown Clayton with the sunject line of "World Series in HD".

The main body of their message was pushing their Holloween party, but they did have this:

Cool to see.
Too bad they aren't doing a World Series of Sushi.

black_macleod

10-23-06, 07:09 PM

kdg454

10-23-06, 08:17 PM

Sports Conspiracy:

So the hockey season has just started, and the Blues have an entire week off? And it just SO happens its World Series Week, and what do you know, the World Series is in St. Louis 3 days this week. Oh, and the next game the Blues play on Saturday? Against Detroit!

You figure it out!
Coincidence....remarkable though....especially the Red Wings game next Saturday in DET.

Hopefully a coincidence that never plays out :D

hall316

10-23-06, 10:26 PM

I just signed up for a new package at charter today. Well it was a retention deal I assume. Anyway, I have every movie channel, mixi, all the hd channels and the new 10 meg internet for $152 which I'm locked into for 12 months but no contract. I honestly don't know why I need 10 meg internet, but I'm going to have fun finding out. I was paying $120 a month for all of that but on 3 meg internet. I was getting the 3 meg service for $19.99 a month and the deal was going to end at the end of the month.

kdg454

10-23-06, 11:07 PM

Realizing it's a waste to view HDTV on a display the size of a postage stamp, it appears as though Nanotechnology has combined TI's DLP technology.

"A silicon mirror suspended by carbon fibers can vibrate very quickly, scanning a laser across a surface fast enough to draw high-resolution images."

Full article HERE ( http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17395&ch=nanotech)

I guess in a few years, we won't need displays...the image will just be projected into the air space of our choice! :eek:

---if you've ever wondered what my sig meant...La Russa's long animated silent response to the question posed at a press conference....."what do you think that was on Roger's hand?"
sums it up perfectly.

jaymerkramer

10-24-06, 12:43 AM

kdg454

10-24-06, 12:51 AM

black_macleod

10-24-06, 01:35 AM

It is true that if you do business with a company, they can call you. Doesn't matter if they contract a call bank or not, if the business is on their behalf, its legal. They should have an opt-out program though, but those numbers can be hard to find, I think they legally must offer that option as well, but I may be wrong.

Joseph Clark

10-24-06, 02:59 AM

Was just watching back heroes tonight. KSDK forgot to flip the switch again for a about 15 minutes. I'm really starting to like this show. It's one of the few I look forward to every week. If only KSDK could get it right. They seem to screw it up every week.

I like Heroes, too, but my favorite show on Monday is Studio 60. Tonight's show had one of the richest pieces of writing I've seen in a long time on network television. Aaron Sorkin is a great talent. It's one of those rare shows in which you can get a lot from knowing back story, but still be richly rewarded even if you don't know characters or story lines.

Did anyone see Desperate Housewives Sunday? I just watched last night's show on the 622, and it looked as though whoever was flipping the switch had spasms - SD...HD...SD...HD. Very rare.

tstolze

10-24-06, 03:00 AM

I honestly don't know why I need 10 meg internet, but I'm going to have fun finding out.

I have had the 10 meg service for several months now, although I enjoy the download, what I am really into is the 1 meg upload. My wife loves to send hundreds of pictures to Sam's Club at a time. She used to complain about how long it took, so I told her I could make it better... ;) She is very happy now. My son and I also like to game at the same time, and with my weather station updating my website every 5 minutes I can burn some bandwidth up... :D

aspec2

10-24-06, 09:33 AM

I don't hear Beck, he has his own sound, but he does sound like Steve Vai.

I can see how you would think that. It should be that Vai sounds like Satriani as Joe was Vai's teacher.

Walt

Left Jeff

10-24-06, 09:51 AM

I received a call from Charter tonight trying to sell me their VoIP....good luck!

Anyway, I politely told the caller this number was part of the MO and FED DNC Registry. He responded by saying since I have a Pipeline account with Charter, so it does not apply, and they can call me anytime to offer additional services.

Anyone have knowledge of how the law works? I'm pretty sure the call came from an outside contracted call bank, and not directly from Charter employees.

In the 9+ years I've been with AT&T (SBC) or DISH, neither have ever called to offer additional services. My phone numbers have only been registered for 2+ years.

Back on August 13th, Charter Communications also pulled a full credit profile report on me. They requested, and received a Tri-Merge report containing private and confidential information. I sent a Certified letter to the address which received the credit report, to inquire as to why. Of course, I've received no response. I've since sent a second follow-up letter to the MO Attorney Generals office.

For any one who may think because its Charter, I'm responding this way, be it know, I'd be pro-active with any company under the same circumstances.

Anybody you have any type of service with is exempt from the "don't call" list.

RaceTripper

10-24-06, 09:58 AM

Anybody you have any type of service with is exempt from the "don't call" list.Agree. If you do business with them they can call. And if you don't do business with them, but have in the past 18 months, they can call until you tell them to stop.

kdg454

10-24-06, 03:11 PM

Thanks guys. The credit constraints I know intimately, it's my job. I can recite passages from ECOA.

For any interested, most companies who extend you credit, which contains the potential of any changes in terms, such as, fluctuation of APR, length of contract, etc., add your permission in the original contract agreement, for the creditor to obtain credit profile information throughout the time the account is open, and until it is paid in full.

OTOH, utility-type companies, like AmeranUE, Dish, Charter, AT&T, etc., must ask your permission to obtain credit profile information for qualifying origination of an account, but since the terms of the agreement never change (other than price increases, which are not considered terms of an agreement), such companies can only obtain Consumer Profiles (which they do, and sell), but are limited from receiving private and confidential credit information.

The inquiry Charter requested and received on me back on August 13th was a full credit profile. I know it violates ECOA, and several other laws. But, knowing that, and being able to do something about it...well, I suppose that's why they do it.

Perhaps they were seeing if I qualified for HD. Wait.....neither the HD tier or the Moxi are available in my area.

Just though someone may be interested :)

tcfila

10-24-06, 04:23 PM

kdg,

Have you thought about getting an attorney involved?

Tim

kdg454

10-24-06, 04:46 PM

kdg,

Have you thought about getting an attorney involved?

Tim
I'd like to find one willing.
Other than the MO Attorney General's office, I've mentioned it as a side-note to a couple of attorney's I've been in contact with, dealing with client mortgage issues....both seem to feel, "no damages, no other reason to proceed."

There really are no damages (that I know of), and if I wasn't so versed on the laws, I probably wouldn't know enough to care. But, I am, and I want to know why. I already have issues of how the credit reporting system discriminates in its structure. I tend to over-react when a company extends their abuse even further.

kdg454

10-24-06, 05:23 PM

"This array of red, green, and blue lasers is powerful enough to replace the white lamp in projection televisions. Novalux, the company that makes the lasers, claims that lasers can produce more vivid colors than projection and plasma displays."

http://www.sciencenewsden.com/images/array_laser.jpg

Full Article HERE (http://www.sciencenewsden.com/2006/ultracolorfultv.shtml)

jimglobe

10-24-06, 06:53 PM

I received a call from Charter tonight trying to sell me their VoIP....good luck!

Anyway, I politely told the caller this number was part of the MO and FED DNC Registry. He responded by saying since I have a Pipeline account with Charter, so it does not apply, and they can call me anytime to offer additional services.

Anyone have knowledge of how the law works? I'm pretty sure the call came from an outside contracted call bank, and not directly from Charter employees.

In the 9+ years I've been with AT&T (SBC) or DISH, neither have ever called to offer additional services. My phone numbers have only been registered for 2+ years.

Back on August 13th, Charter Communications also pulled a full credit profile report on me. They requested, and received a Tri-Merge report containing private and confidential information. I sent a Certified letter to the address which received the credit report, to inquire as to why. Of course, I've received no response. I've since sent a second follow-up letter to the MO Attorney Generals office.

For any one who may think because its Charter, I'm responding this way, be it know, I'd be pro-active with any company under the same circumstances.

If you do business with Charter they can call you. It is that simple. AT&T used to call me all the time. I guess they gave up because I have not heard from them in quite some time.

Credit report thing is kind of strange.

shaka

10-24-06, 08:56 PM

sandblaster

10-24-06, 10:42 PM

repair4man

10-24-06, 11:24 PM

I was filling up at QT tonight and saw a Ford Escort wagon with a ladder on top, magnetic Charter sign on the side, and a bad sounding exhaust system (not the good kind of bad, but the hole in the side of the pipe kind of bad). Not knowing the technician, I wouldn't want to judge capability from the visual cues I got, but I can't see how this would inspire a lot of customer confidence. Definitely did nothing me.

black_macleod

10-24-06, 11:57 PM

Scott Tucker

10-25-06, 12:11 AM

I was watching on FOX via Charter, looked fine to me ...

I was watching on 2-1 OTA via my D* HD Tivo. Looked very good, but due to the new 6.3 software I had numerous audio drop outs early on. The drop outs ended after about 15 minutes.

Scott

Scott Tucker

10-25-06, 12:17 AM

I received a call from Charter tonight trying to sell me their VoIP....good luck!

Anyway, I politely told the caller this number was part of the MO and FED DNC Registry. He responded by saying since I have a Pipeline account with Charter, so it does not apply, and they can call me anytime to offer additional services.

Anyone have knowledge of how the law works? I'm pretty sure the call came from an outside contracted call bank, and not directly from Charter employees.

In the 9+ years I've been with AT&T (SBC) or DISH, neither have ever called to offer additional services. My phone numbers have only been registered for 2+ years.

Back on August 13th, Charter Communications also pulled a full credit profile report on me. They requested, and received a Tri-Merge report containing private and confidential information. I sent a Certified letter to the address which received the credit report, to inquire as to why. Of course, I've received no response. I've since sent a second follow-up letter to the MO Attorney Generals office.

For any one who may think because its Charter, I'm responding this way, be it know, I'd be pro-active with any company under the same circumstances.

I work for Citibank, and even though we may do business with you on many levels, If you ask for us to stop calling we must. Not sure if it is some law, or simply Citibank guidelines however.

I test drove a car at Sapaugh in Herculaneum one time. Damn sales guy pulled my credit wihile I was driving the car. I never gave him permission, and it really pissed me off big time. Even if I wanted to buy the car I wouldn't have from that idiot.

Ken, ask to see Charter's Privacy Policy, or maybe you can access it online.

Scott

kdg454

10-25-06, 12:41 AM

I work for Citibank, and even though we may do business with you on many levels, If you ask for us to stop calling we must. Not sure if it is some law, or simply Citibank guidelines however.

I test drove a car at Sapaugh in Herculaneum one time. Damn sales guy pulled my credit wihile I was driving the car. I never gave him permission, and it really pissed me off big time. Even if I wanted to buy the car I wouldn't have from that idiot.

Ken, ask to see Charter's Privacy Policy, or maybe you can access it online.

Scott
Thanks Scott. I checked online. Either it's not posted, or I couldn't find it. The one I did find on Charter's Website was written by a 5 yr old, for a 5 yr old, is self-serving in its context, and doesn't address any real issues which come up in a real world.

I sent a written request to Charter asking for a copy of their ECOA registered Privacy Policy. The responded by saying they sent it to each of their customers once a year, and if I missed receiving it, I could view it at any of their offices. I called the local Farmington office to arrange to view the policy. The had no idea what I was talking about. They told me it is for consumers, not for Charter personnel. I sent Charter second request.

For anyone who may not know, it order to run your credit, the requester need only know your Name, DOB, and SSAN. Additional information is helpful, but that's all they need to pull your report...oh, and your written authorization, if it's a consumer-type product.

mjm76

10-25-06, 12:46 AM

Anybody notice the High-def picture looks like crap tonight? The field looks yellow and the picture grainy? All the other telecasts have looked good - and I invited my Dad over for tomorrow nights game. I've been raving about the picture quality and now this?

I'm going OTA and normally it looks fantastic?

I agree completely with you. Several of the Fox HD cameras sucked tonight IMO. Especially the one they used to zoom in on the hitter from the front that one was awful. Several others were bad also. Not all but some.

Fox should spend some money and replace those cameras.

Poor production tonight.

In being fair some of the HD camera shots of the stands and longer range shots were awesome!

Joseph Clark

10-25-06, 01:25 AM

Anybody notice the High-def picture looks like crap tonight? The field looks yellow and the picture grainy? All the other telecasts have looked good - and I invited my Dad over for tomorrow nights game. I've been raving about the picture quality and now this?

I'm going OTA and normally it looks fantastic?

Yes, the picture quality has been up and down. Tonight was pretty bad. I don't know what their problem is, but the image was definitely grainy and there were distinct MPEG artifacts throughout. Very disappointing.

kdg454

10-25-06, 08:12 AM

Yes, the picture quality has been up and down. Tonight was pretty bad. I don't know what their problem is, but the image was definitely grainy and there were distinct MPEG artifacts throughout. Very disappointing.
The audio was good....nice treat!

WinstonSmith

10-25-06, 08:41 AM

I didn't notice hardly any audio dropouts last night watching the game w/ my HD-TiVo and the 6.3a software.

In fact, I didn't notice any at all from the 2nd inning through the end of the game. My next dropout came during KTVI-DT's postgame show (which of course is SD and not DD5.1.)

I may have had a couple in the beginning, but I was FF'ing through in between pitches in the first inning.

Improvement or luck? I have no idea. What I would really find interesting is if all of us on 6.3a w/ the HD-TiVo get the same dropouts at the same time.

wmschultz

10-25-06, 10:46 AM

I switched back and forth between 88 and 2-1 on my Tivo to compare the picture and it was easier to detect the graininess on the 88 feed. As far as the audio drop outs go...I have noticed it starting to happen on other channels but if I just channel up, channel down it fixes
itself. It is almost like a timing thing within the buffer or something.

RaceTripper

10-25-06, 10:47 AM

I didn't notice hardly any audio dropouts last night watching the game w/ my HD-TiVo and the 6.3a software.I still had it just as bad. Mostly on FOX HD 2-1, but sometimes on other HD channels, incl sat.

jimglobe

10-25-06, 10:56 AM

jimglobe

10-25-06, 10:59 AM

Thanks Scott. I checked online. Either it's not posted, or I couldn't find it. The one I did find on Charter's Website was written by a 5 yr old, for a 5 yr old, is self-serving in its context, and doesn't address any real issues which come up in a real world.

I sent a written request to Charter asking for a copy of their ECOA registered Privacy Policy. The responded by saying they sent it to each of their customers once a year, and if I missed receiving it, I could view it at any of their offices. I called the local Farmington office to arrange to view the policy. The had no idea what I was talking about. They told me it is for consumers, not for Charter personnel. I sent Charter second request.

For anyone who may not know, it order to run your credit, the requester need only know your Name, DOB, and SSAN. Additional information is helpful, but that's all they need to pull your report...oh, and your written authorization, if it's a consumer-type product.

They are probably just screwing with you since you have posted so many negative comments on here about them.... :)

tstolze

10-25-06, 02:23 PM

I will be purchasing my first HD set this weekend. I currently use Charter and would like to stick with them, I have HSI and telephone also. I would appreciate any input about Charter and cable cards. They quoted me $1.50 a month rental. I have my 42" LCD picked out, just want to make sure the cards are working before I dismantle my current entertainment setup. Thanks! Tom

sheepdog111

10-25-06, 02:39 PM

I was watching the game on DirecTV channel 88 when the picture went out and I got the "searching for satellite" message when Wilson was hitting during the 5th inning. I've also lost several other HD channels, 72, 76 and 79. This happen to anyone else or did something in my set-up die?

I agree with you. The games aired from detroit and the ESPN football game on Monday night looked awesome. Last night was lousy. I thought my TV was having problems. The view from the center field camera was really bad. But, shots from the cameras by the dugouts looked great. Anybody else see it this way or was it just me.

Steve

black_macleod

10-25-06, 02:45 PM

I know some of you guys are pretty picky when it comes to PQ, but there was nothing last night the entire game that would have made me think something was wrong with my TV.

Mr_Bester

10-25-06, 02:56 PM

I agree with you. The games aired from detroit and the ESPN football game on Monday night looked awesome. Last night was lousy. I thought my TV was having problems. The view from the center field camera was really bad. But, shots from the cameras by the dugouts looked great. Anybody else see it this way or was it just me.

Steve

There's a lot of talk in the programming forum about the series having poor picture quality and bitrate. So you aren't the only one, and it's not just in St. Louis.....

shaka

10-25-06, 03:16 PM

I know some of you guys are pretty picky when it comes to PQ, but there was nothing last night the entire game that would have made me think something was wrong with my TV.

I definitely noticed something last night. I think my eyes are pretty much trained to what's "good" and "bad" HDTV. I remember that game 2 against the Mets looked real bad. Like it wasn't HD at all.

Last night, it just had a graininess to it. And the colors looked out of whack. At times the field had a yellow hue to it. The Cardinal Red also didn't look as vibrant.
I'll see if it looks any different tonight.

Of course, I'll take the Cards winning w/ inferior picture quality anyday.

Dan in St. Louis

10-25-06, 04:39 PM

the image was definitely grainy
I was wondering if the off-field lighting in Saint Louis is lower, so the cameras had to dig deeper into the noise to get an image? The well-lit field looked OK, but the walls and crowd were noisy (in the electronic sense).

shaka

10-25-06, 04:44 PM

I was wondering if the off-field lighting in Saint Louis is lower, so the cameras had to dig deeper into the noise to get an image? The well-lit field looked OK, but the walls and crowd were noisy (in the electronic sense).

Good point Dan. Especially the backdrop behind homeplate. But, I've seen crystal clear broadcasts from Busch throughout the playoffs. Except for last night.

I'm hoping tonight will look better. I'm sure the rain will come through loud and clear?

Go Cards!!!

WinstonSmith

10-25-06, 05:49 PM

I have never noticed an audio dropout on my HD-TiVo w/ 6.3a on anything other than FOX2-HD.

black_macleod

10-25-06, 07:47 PM

mgr_stl

10-25-06, 10:51 PM

I think there was pine tar on the lenses!

No. I checked into this and it was just dirt ;)

SHADO 1

10-25-06, 10:56 PM

My brother works with someone who is on the board in West county and they had a meeting with AT&T last week and it looks like they will be getting U-Verse soon. Has anyone else heard of this? Charter was also there and was raising all kinds of hell over this.

wmschultz

10-26-06, 02:45 PM

From STLToday.com (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/EA555C95C8BF78DA8625721300182451?OpenDocument) --

Charter, AT&T feud over video plan

10/26/2006

Creve Coeur — The City Council is considering a request from AT&T to allow it to provide video services in the city, which sparked concern from Charter Communications officials at a meeting this week.

AT&T officials said they would provide up to 35 connection boxes in unobtrusive or landscaped areas.

Charter officials said AT&T's proposed agreement contains provisions that are less burdensome for AT&T, making it unfair competition. They said all video service providers should be held to the same standards.

AT&T officials said the law does not define their company as a cable provider. They said the agreement with AT&T, which provides a two-way, interactive service, would enable residents to choose video programming.

Some on the council said the agreement would keep prices down while improving service, but the council decided to address Charter's concerns before making a final decision at its next meeting.

SHADO 1

10-26-06, 06:58 PM

GO CARDS!!!

aspec2

10-26-06, 07:39 PM

Hard to believe. Has this thread ever gone 15 hours and 49 minutes without a post?

Walt

kdg454

10-27-06, 12:53 AM

I'm not sure if it was in HD or not, and I'm not a gamer, probably because I have the hand-eye coordination of a beetle-on-its-back.....but...I thought Sony's PSP3 teaser, the one with the teary-eyed doll-baby and rising console - ///7, is very well done. Such ingenuity.

(Must have been very cool for you to have lived over there)

matth1138

10-27-06, 07:47 AM

I would appreciate any input about Charter and cable cards. They quoted me $1.50 a month rental. I have my 42" LCD picked out, just want to make sure the cards are working before I dismantle my current entertainment setup.

I'm using Charter Card currently, works great. You're gonna lose pay-per-view and TV on demand capabilities, and you most likely won't be able to record any digital channels with a cable card.

I've got my CC in a sony hd dvr so I can record; Charter couldnt get me a moxi in timely fashion. I'll probably pony up for a second card pretty soon to put in my TV so I can watch one channel while recording another, but the $35 install fee is way to high for me to justify for 3 minutes of Charters time. Insert card, call in the activation numbers. done. I'm pretty irate that Charter won't let me just pick up a card at a local office and install myself...

-Matt

DroptheRemote

10-27-06, 08:35 AM

There weren't any obvious candidates since Game One, but David Eckstein is the slam dunk winner of the second Colossal Fluke Award of the series.

Taking nothing away from one of the true "gamers," the "double" to center and the "missed it by that much" hit to left are a long way from the Pujols moonshot in Minute Maid last October.

But, in the end, even sweeter.

And yes, I'm old enough to remember Curt Flood slipping in centerfield on Northrup's routine flyball in the '68 Series. Flood was and is one of my all-time favorite Cardinals and it has always bummed me out that people who remember him think more about that Colossal Fluke missed fly ball than all the other great things he did on the field (and off).

The ledger is now even. :)

Go, Cards!

DroptheRemote

10-27-06, 08:48 AM

NBC CEO: Loss of HD Programming Not a Big Deal

Now we know who the patron saint of the kSDk control room is... ;)

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

NBC says it's dropping most scripted programs from the network's 8 p.m. time slot next season, replacing them with reality and game shows.

The unscripted fare, which is cheaper to produce, will not be broadcast in High-Definition TV. However, NBC Universal TV CEO Jeff Zucker says that's no big deal.
___________________________________________________________

To read the entire story, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/zuckerhd102606.htm)

tstolze

10-27-06, 10:28 AM

I'm using Charter Card currently, works great. You're gonna lose pay-per-view and TV on demand capabilities, and you most likely won't be able to record any digital channels with a cable card.

I've got my CC in a sony hd dvr so I can record; Charter couldnt get me a moxi in timely fashion. I'll probably pony up for a second card pretty soon to put in my TV so I can watch one channel while recording another, but the $35 install fee is way to high for me to justify for 3 minutes of Charters time. Insert card, call in the activation numbers. done. I'm pretty irate that Charter won't let me just pick up a card at a local office and install myself...

-Matt

Yes I tried to get the $35 charge waived, no luck. Were not big PPV or VOD users. I jumped ahead a few days, picked up my LCD yesterday... :D My tv has the OTA TV Guide, so far it appears to be working good, I will see as time goes on. I hooked up my old antenna that is strung up in the attic and I am receiving all the OTA locals with no problems.. :) Charter is supposed to be by this afternoon, I will probably be at work, but my wife will be here...Thanks!

MoInSTL

10-27-06, 11:58 AM

Called D* advanced tech support regarding the audio drop outs and losing the signal strength meter bar from time to time. The only way I can get it back is by re-booting. They said they will give me $10 off a month for 6 months. I have to call them 11/5 when my other credit runs out to get it applied.

Hmm, lookng like another rain out even if it stops by game time, the outfield is really going to be wet. Last night was a bit of a nail biter! I hope we can wrap it up here.

WinstonSmith

10-27-06, 01:41 PM

What are the odds I'm going to get my AT9 installed today?

kdg454

10-27-06, 02:48 PM

There weren't any obvious candidates since Game One, but David Eckstein is the slam dunk winner of the second Colossal Fluke Award of the series.
A few of months ago, I was invited, and attended a game in those special green club seats.
About a 1/2 hour before the game, David Eckstein was walking from BP to the dugout, and stopped to sign baseballs for two little boys. Their Dad was with them, and awkwardly leaned back over the seats in his attempt to capture a picture of his two sons and Eckstein.
Eckstein motioned to the dad with his index finger (just a sec), finished signing the balls, then grasped both boys by the shoulders, turned them towards dad's camera, put his head between theirs, and smiled for the picture.

Speaks volumes!

wmschultz

10-27-06, 02:57 PM

What are the odds I'm going to get my AT9 installed today?

I've been following your thread at DBStalk. I am interested in how it turns out.

Joseph Clark

10-27-06, 03:35 PM

A few of months ago, I was invited, and attended a game in those special green club seats.
About a 1/2 hour before the game, David Eckstein was walking from BP to the dugout, and stopped to sign baseballs for two little boys. Their Dad was with them, and awkwardly leaned back over the seats in his attempt to capture a picture of his two sons and Eckstein.
Eckstein motioned to the dad with his index finger (just a sec), finished signing the balls, then grasped both boys by the shoulders, turned them towards dad's camera, put his head between theirs, and smiled for the picture.

Speaks volumes!

David is a great guy, "you know what I mean?" We're lucky to have him in St. Louis.

cgh3rd

10-27-06, 05:10 PM

Hi everyone,

I don't post on here very often but am a regular reader. I just wanted to build on what everyone knows about Doug. He came over to my house today to calibrate my big screen. The picture quality he left me with flat out blew me away! Unbelievable clarity and color. It was truly a professional job and worth every penny. Thanks again, Doug.

Chuck

Shanew1289

10-27-06, 08:01 PM

Scott Tucker

10-27-06, 10:18 PM

Duncan is playing outfield why? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shanew1289

10-27-06, 10:30 PM

LOL, didnt realize on that last play it was Taguchi, till he was moving in on the ball. But thank God for that! Tony seen enough :)

Robert Simandl

10-28-06, 12:09 AM

Add me to the list that got the 6.3 update and acompanying audio dropouts.

Oh, and um..... HOW 'BOUT DEM REDBIRDS!!!!!!!!!

Joseph Clark

10-28-06, 12:27 AM

Add me to the list that got the 6.3 update and acompanying audio dropouts.

Oh, and um..... HOW 'BOUT DEM REDBIRDS!!!!!!!!!

Did they win?

:D

jdiehl

10-28-06, 12:46 AM

black_macleod

10-28-06, 12:50 AM

Sudhakar2k

10-28-06, 12:53 AM

Joseph Clark

10-28-06, 12:55 AM

Feb 04 - moved to Tampa, and the Lightning win a championship
June 05 - moved to Houston, and the Texas Longhorns win a championship
March 06 - moved back to St. Louis, and the Cards win a championship

Perhaps I could bribe a really rich Chi. Cubs or Arizona Cards fan to put me up in their city for '07? hehe

I want to thank you for not saying that before the Cards won tonight. As a matter of fact, I want to thank everyone here on the St. Louis thread for their remarkable restraint in not jinxing the Cardinals with risky posts before this game was played.

And I have to confess that I was personally responsible for the Cards being swept in '04 by some things that I said before the series began. I've had to live with that for two years. I feel so much better now.

kdg454

10-28-06, 01:02 AM

Lots to read.
I was at the game last night and my HR10-250 Re-freaking-booted in the second inning. Tivo didnt record after restart.
Is there a chance of a FOX-HD re-broadcast of the games, or on FOX SPorts MIDWEST HD - if that is availble somewhere,,,,
I CANT BELIEVE it didnt restart the recording after reboot.................
Go Cards!
Shanew,
I haven't heard of any re-broadcasts yet, but you can download any of the complete broadcasts of all the playoff games (any team, including the Cards), for free at MLB.com. It's available in either WAV or MPEG4 format. If you're not registered on MLB.com, you'll have to, but it's free, and they take no billing-type information.
Hope this gets you what you want :)
Here's a link:
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/enterworkflow.do?flowId=brandedlogin&brand=clincher_downLoads&forwardUrl=http%3A//www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/video/clincher_download_toc.jsp

kdg454

10-28-06, 01:04 AM

And I have to confess that I was personally responsible for the Cards being swept in '04 by some things that I said before the series began. I've had to live with that for two years. I feel so much better now.
OH...Great Joe! Here I've been beating myself up for two years and it was *YOU* the whole time!!! :eek:

Joseph Clark

10-28-06, 01:08 AM

OH...Great Joe! Here I've been beating myself up for two years and it was *YOU* the whole time!!! :eek:

Even worse, I knew you were beating yourself up and I didn't say anything. I'm shameless.

kdg454

10-28-06, 01:08 AM

I truly can't believe the Cards won it all after the season iwe had this year. It was amazing.

BTW is there anyone who was smart enough to record this game, in HD? If so anyway i could get a copy. Thanks

Sudhakar
I recorded it in HD Sudhaker, and still have it. But, when I burn it onto a DVD on my Sony burner, it will downrez to SD. It's decent...maybe very close to store-bought DVD's, but it's not HD.
I think Joe Clark may be able to handle such a request....besides, he deserves it for making me suffer for the last two years. :p

Joseph Clark

10-28-06, 01:13 AM

kdg454

10-28-06, 01:14 AM

Even worse, I knew you were beating yourself up and I didn't say anything. I'm shameless.
So...you *DO* know my wife!

wolverine5767

10-28-06, 01:43 AM

Shanew,
I haven't heard of any re-broadcasts yet, but you can download any of the complete broadcasts of all the playoff games (any team, including the Cards), for free at MLB.com. It's available in either WAV or MPEG4 format. If you're not registered on MLB.com, you'll have to, but it's free, and they take no billing-type information.
Hope this gets you what you want :)
Here's a link:
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/enterworkflow.do?flowId=brandedlogin&brand=clincher_downLoads&forwardUrl=http%3A//www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/video/clincher_download_toc.jsp

Pardon an off topic question, but if i download the mpeg 4, can that burn to a dvd, and what format am I looking to burn in?

thanks,

wolverine5767

Sudhakar2k

10-28-06, 02:23 AM

I recorded it in HD Sudhaker, and still have it. But, when I burn it onto a DVD on my Sony burner, it will downrez to SD. It's decent...maybe very close to store-bought DVD's, but it's not HD.
I think Joe Clark may be able to handle such a request....besides, he deserves it for making me suffer for the last two years. :p

I would like to get a copy of the game in HD if its possible, and not a hassle for you. If you have it on HD DVR i dont know if you can transfer it to a computer hard drive or not. Ofcouse on a computer its possible. But if you can, i definitely have a spare hard drive. Let me know if it possible, and if its not a hassle for you. Thanks.

kdg454

10-28-06, 02:51 AM

I would like to get a copy of the game in HD if its possible, and not a hassle for you. If you have it on HD DVR i dont know if you can transfer it to a computer hard drive or not. Ofcouse on a computer its possible. But if you can, i definitely have a spare hard drive. Let me know if it possible, and if its not a hassle for you. Thanks.
Sudhakar,
I don't have a HD DVD drive, either R or W, so it makes no difference, I cannot produce a HD DVD.

wolverine,
The last one I did, was a HD event captured on my Dish 622 DVR. I just output the DVR to the DVD burner's input, and recorded the DVD. I think the only setting I had to set was writing speed. I opted for the slowest, thinking it would provide the best quality. It clearly came out downrezed to SD.

Someone else here would be better suited to instruct you how to download the MGEG4 version, and then burn it onto a DVD. I'm sure I could figure it out for you, but it won't be until after the week of the 2nd, when I return back home.

kdg454

10-28-06, 07:53 AM

For anyone interested...tickets for the Cards Parade on Sunday, 2PM, will become available at 4PM/CST on Saturday, only on www.stlcardinals.com.
Here's the direct link: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=stl
There is probably a link on MLB.com also.

You need to have tickets to get into the stadium at the end of the parade.

Robert Simandl

10-28-06, 08:53 AM

Sudhakar,

The last one I did, was a HD event captured on my Dish 622 DVR. I just output the DVR to the DVD burner's input, and recorded the DVD. I think the only setting I had to set was writing speed. I opted for the slowest, thinking it would provide the best quality. It clearly came out downrezed to SD.

For your DVD recorder to even see the incoming signal, your 622 had to downrez it to SD before outputting it in the first place.

The only (legal) way to get an HD signal into a PC is to record it in HD with an HD tuner card... unless you get a satellite/cable box fitted with the R5000 mod or can hack a *D HR10-250.

I've looked at the howto files for hacking the HR10-250 and, even though I'm pretty tech-savvy, my eyes glaze over every time I try it.

duihlein

10-28-06, 10:10 AM

I recorded it in HD Sudhaker, and still have it. But, when I burn it onto a DVD on my Sony burner, it will downrez to SD. It's decent...maybe very close to store-bought DVD's, but it's not HD.
I think Joe Clark may be able to handle such a request....besides, he deserves it for making me suffer for the last two years. :p

I was also at the game last night and my recording on MCE didn't start until the 5th inning.
I would also like to get an HD copy and have plenty of spare HDD's. If anyone can supply me with a copy I would gladly make it worth your while. From the discussions of the women in front of us we may have been on TV somewhere around the 4th inning.

I moved from New England (Springfield, Mass) in '79. I was lucky enough to have tickets to game 4 both this year and back in '04. While '04 was bitter-sweet since I am a lifelong Red Sox fan, last night was nothing but sweet. What a great way to break in a ballpark!!!

Dave

jdiehl

10-28-06, 10:13 AM

I've looked at the howto files for hacking the HR10-250 and, even though I'm pretty tech-savvy, my eyes glaze over every time I try it.

Same here. I have two of them (both 6.3a now, I love it) and have the game recorded on each (planning on deleting them though). On the one I don't use as much, I turned to 2-1 (was recording on 88) and just grabbed the 9th inning and a little postgame... I figured that was enough to save on the Tivo to get me through to spring training rather than archiving the entire game and I'll just get the DVD when it comes out.

Dan in St. Louis

10-28-06, 11:11 AM

Feb 04 - moved to Tampa, and the Lightning win a championship
June 05 - moved to Houston, and the Texas Longhorns win a championship
March 06 - moved back to St. Louis, and the Cards win a championship
1982, bought my first big-screen TV (Mitsubishi front projection) -- Cards are World Champs.

2006, bought my second big-screen TV (Samsung DLP) -- Cards are World Champs.

I wonder if Tony would buy me a new TV every year?

BTW, the 1982 Mitsubishi still runs fine, and is available to some deserving charity (or For Sale Cheap.)

Shanew1289

10-28-06, 12:04 PM

I have Games 1,2,3 and 5 in HD. It does suffer an occasional audio drop out. (6.3 FOX OTA)

I was AT Game 4 and HOPE someone with an hr10-250 might have game 4 . PLEASE!

PM ME!!!!!!!

I plan to use an external USB2.0 HD to move them around.

Scott Tucker

10-28-06, 06:02 PM

WinstonSmith

10-28-06, 06:53 PM

How are you planning on getting them from the HR10-250 to your computer?

Shanew1289

10-28-06, 08:11 PM

How are you planning on getting them from the HR10-250 to your computer?

MFS_FTP and they play through a tyshow codec in WMP

WinstonSmith

10-29-06, 08:13 AM

I wonder if KSDK's coverage of the parade today will be in HD?

aspec2

10-29-06, 08:17 AM

Guys

Another way to get the game in HD is to find someone with a Moxi that recorded the game. You can then record with firewire to a computer with your spare hard drive in it. From there you can do with it what you will.

I do not find it hard to believe that the Cardinals are world champs. Remember they started the season 32-17 before the injury bug hit. They lost Edmonds, Rolen, Eckstein, Carpenter, and had Pojols limping for a lot of the season. When the post season started, they fielded the healthy 32-17 team, with the bench TOTALLY READY TO PLAY, not the one that finished the season. I wonder how many of the pitchers they will allow Walt to retain.

Walt

DroptheRemote

10-29-06, 09:15 AM

Well, I've finally swept away the last of the Cards World Series Championship hangover.

What an amazing run -- and now it should be safe (jinx-wise) to take it all back -- it wasn't a Fluke, Colossal or otherwise. Another great example of two things -- the games are played on the field, not on paper, and two (as Joaquin Andujar would say), there's one word that describes baseball -- "youneverknow."

I'm especially happy for La Russa, who will probably never get the full credit he deserves, managing in the shadows of local favorites. But now he has a ring with the Cardinals and we're all that much closer to the whingers and whiners finding someone or something else to complain about non-stop.

I think this is the sort of win that will only get better with age...

DroptheRemote

10-29-06, 09:34 AM

I was in my local Ultimate Electronics last week and I noticed that MovieBeam, the on-demand movie service, has been relaunched and is now available in St. Louis.

In case you're not familiar with MovieBeam, it was started a year or two ago by Disney, and it works via "spare" bandwidth that MovieBeam leases from local digital TV stations. The MovieBeam set-top box is sold with a hundred or so titles already stored on its internal hard disk, but new releases are delivered via the STB and an indoor antenna through broadcasts from one of the local stations.

The initial launch of MovieBeam went nowhere, so Disney put the service in dry dock for a year, working to line up more partners and to be able to deliver into more markets. Apparently the second rollout attempt is now in motion.

I recall reading, maybe 6 months ago, that MovieBeam had entered an agreement with local PBS stations for use of spare bandwidth for MovieBeam in a number of markets around the country. But it's hard to imagine that local station KETC-DT has any bandwidth to spare, seeing as it's been broadcasting an HD program stream (national PBS HD feed) and three standard-def PBS streams.

While I understand that MovieBeam's HD choices are limited, does anyone here have the MovieBeam service, or is anyone seriously considering it?

More to the point, does anyone know where MovieBeam is getting its local bandwidth? If it's not KETC-DT (and I'm not saying it definitely isn't), then who is providing this?

DroptheRemote

10-29-06, 10:46 AM

I don't post on here very often but am a regular reader. I just wanted to build on what everyone knows about Doug. He came over to my house today to calibrate my big screen. The picture quality he left me with flat out blew me away! Unbelievable clarity and color. It was truly a professional job and worth every penny. Thanks again, Doug.Chuck, thanks for the nice note -- I really appreciate it.

One interesting aspect to Chuck's TV and the calibration work I did is that it's an older CRT rear-projection display. Chuck mentoned to me that while he's never actually been unhappy with his TV, one of his friends recently purchased a DLP RPTV and he thought the picture quality on the DLP was a lot better. He just chalked this up to the fact that his own TV is nearly 4 years old and the DLP was newer and probably better as a result.

But now that Chuck has had his older CRT calibrated, he's seeing for the very first time the full potential of his JVC set.

The reason I mention this is that prior to contacting me Chuck was starting to think about upgrading his TV to a DLP or some other non-CRT technology, but really didn't want to spend that sort of money just now. Now that he's had his TV calibrated, upgrading isn't an issue for him.

While all TVs will benefit significantly from calibration, getting an older CRT RPTV calibrated -- especially if it's more than a year or two old -- will pay big-time dividends. While there are a lot of very good reasons that the days of CRT technology are winding down (size, heat, energy consumption, etc), there's really no reason that a well-maintained CRT can't look as good as (and in many cases, better than) the average plasma, DLP, LCoS or LCD display.

FWIW, there was an interesting discussion about CRTs recently started by another calibrator here on the Rear Projection forum at AVS. When I first saw this thread, I thought, "uh oh, this could get ugly," but the discussion was primarily positive, though most posters were CRT owners. Still, an interesting read.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=695922

For the record, I wouldn't recommend that someone buy a new CRT RPTV today (assuming you can even find one), and I wouldn't do that myself. However, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea that there's no reason to prematurely give up on a CRT display.

jdiehl

10-29-06, 11:21 AM

Will you please move to San Diego? :D

LOL, my brother-in-law was telling me that yesterday. He moved out there 2yrs ago (now a Chargers fan, but still bleeds Cardinal red) and actually flew in Friday afternoon on a whim (and $700 plane ticket) to be downtown around other Cardinals fans.

He was at Petco Park for game 1 in SD and had great seats behind the Cards dugout. It was funny, in that game Pujols hit the 4th inning HR and he and his buddy were the only ones standing up and cheering in the box seats behind their bench. Every time a RH batter was up I could see him (thanks to HD).

Back on topic though, I read in the paper this morning that KMOV will keep NFL coverage on their digital channel, while showing the parade on the analog station. I guess that makes KSDK the only real choice to watch the parade for anyone with a HDTV (even if they don't use their HD cameras). KTVI-DT will switch to Rams coverage at kickoff, so they probably won't be showing the entire festivities on their digital channel.

black_macleod

10-29-06, 11:36 AM

Guys

Another way to get the game in HD is to find someone with a Moxi that recorded the game. You can then record with firewire to a computer with your spare hard drive in it. From there you can do with it what you will.

Walt

Neither the USB nor Firewire ports on MOXI boxes are active to export digital video to an external source, so this won't work.

MoInSTL

10-29-06, 01:02 PM

I have one I no longer need. I bought it for my DVR at my old house. Can also be used for phone.

Please PM me for details.

rs691919

10-29-06, 05:39 PM

Shanew1289

10-29-06, 06:46 PM

I got audio dropouts with the H10-250 and new 6.3a software throughout the playoffs...and now during football, I continue to get them. Is there anything that can be done about this?

Not yet, I beleive Dtv is working on it cause a lot of people, including myself, have complained to them.

I have them during the world series, also got a reboot in Game 4 and lost the recording. Also rebooted during pre-game on Game 5. But was ok, with only audio dropouts, throughout Game 5.

Ugh, the errors are like such.

Oct 27 18:51:53 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 18:51:53 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:51:53 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:51:53 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:51:53 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:56:21 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 18:56:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:56:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:56:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 18:56:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:00:36 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 19:00:36 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:00:36 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:00:36 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:00:36 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:08:29 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 19:08:29 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:08:29 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:08:29 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:08:29 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:17:12 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 19:17:12 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:17:12 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:17:12 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:17:12 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:21:18 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 19:21:18 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:21:18 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:21:18 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 19:21:18 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:10:45 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 20:10:45 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:10:45 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:10:45 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:10:45 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:15:17 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 20:15:17 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:15:17 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:15:17 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:15:17 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:39:48 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 20:39:48 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:39:48 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:39:48 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:39:48 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:44:20 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 20:44:20 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:44:20 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:44:20 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:44:20 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:52:21 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 20:52:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:52:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:52:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:52:21 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 20:58:50 (none) kernel: received EIT for tuner 0 (length=204)
Oct 27 21:04:40 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:04:40 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:04:40 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:04:40 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:04:40 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:12:58 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:12:58 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:12:58 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:12:58 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:12:58 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:21:42 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:21:42 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:21:42 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:21:42 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:21:42 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:25:24 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:25:25 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:25:25 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:25:25 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:25:25 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:29:58 (none) kernel: StopTuner: ATSC_CMD_STOP (msg 0x10) (atscFd=62) tunerNumber = 1
Oct 27 21:29:58 (none) kernel: <BroadcomDirectvInputReinitialize> Set tuner mux pin state to DSS
Oct 27 21:29:58 (none) kernel: <BroadcomDirectvInputReinitialize> Set tuner mux pin state to DSS
Oct 27 21:34:07 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:34:07 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:34:07 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:34:07 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:34:07 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:38:16 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:38:16 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:38:16 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:38:16 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:38:16 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:42:26 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:42:26 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:42:26 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:42:26 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:42:26 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:51:34 (none) kernel: <updateRingBuffers> Hardware input buffer overflowed on audio stream; reason: ring buffer too full.
Oct 27 21:51:34 (none) kernel: <BroadcomAtscStreamGetData> updateRingBuffers() returns OVERRUN
Oct 27 21:51:34 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:51:34 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:51:34 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:51:34 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:55:52 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 21:55:52 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:55:52 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:55:52 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 21:55:52 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:00:00 (none) kernel: StopTuner: ATSC_CMD_STOP (msg 0x10) (atscFd=62) tunerNumber = 1
Oct 27 22:01:33 (none) kernel: <updateRingBuffers> Hardware input buffer overflowed on audio stream; reason: ring buffer too full.
Oct 27 22:01:33 (none) kernel: <BroadcomAtscStreamGetData> updateRingBuffers() returns OVERRUN
Oct 27 22:01:33 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:01:33 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:01:33 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:01:33 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:05:28 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 22:05:28 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:05:28 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:05:28 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:05:28 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:09:23 (none) kernel: <processAudioPackets> GetPtsAndNextPesHeaderPosition() failed.
Oct 27 22:09:23 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:09:23 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio stop --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:09:23 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> audio restart --> SUCCESS
Oct 27 22:09:23 (none) kernel: <restartAvProcessing> video restart --> SUCCESS

eyezen

10-29-06, 09:29 PM

Anyone know why CC and WAT is being preempted by the movie "four weddings and a funeral"? The wife was NOT happy!

The scrawl said it could be seen at 1:55 am (I'm sure not in HD) and we're sorry for the inconvenience then call some number during normal business hours if you have any questions or comments?!!?!

Anyone know what's going on?

aspec2

10-29-06, 10:39 PM

Neither the USB nor Firewire ports on MOXI boxes are active to export digital video to an external source, so this won't work.

I asked this question on the CRT forum a while back because I was experiencing drop out when recording from a Moto DCT6200. Clarence responded that he was recording from a Moxi with no issues. Now Carence lives near DC so this could be the difference but I don't doubt that he is doing it. I believe that the DVI and Firewire ports MUST be active by regulation.

Walt

jdiehl

10-29-06, 10:46 PM

rs691919

10-29-06, 11:01 PM

That's a shame...I hate seeing those East Coast ads! Why does 5-1 keep flipping the switch to SD during the football game?

Robert Simandl

10-30-06, 07:41 AM

Seems like DirecTV's been a baaad boooy here in Missouri, according to http://www.skyreport.com

DIRECTV Ordered to Pay For No-Call Violations

Four businesses - one being the country's largest satellite TV provider - have been ordered by the Missouri Attorney General to pay a total of $100,000 for calling residents on the state's No-Call list. AG Jay Nixon said Friday that DIRECTV will pay $50,000 of the fine for making the telemarketing calls to consumers that have registered not to be bothered with the cold calls.

According to reports, Nixon took up the case after residents began to complain that they were receiving telemarketing calls - a violation of the No-Call law. DIRECTV will pay its portion of the fine to the state of Missouri for making the calls marketing satellite equipment and programming packages.

"Five years into the Missouri No Call law, my office remains committed to the aggressive pursuit of those businesses that still violate it," Nixon said. "Thanks to our track record of tough enforcement of the law and collecting more than $1.8 million from telemarketers, more than 2.3 million Missouri families need not worry about annoying telemarketing calls."

In addition to the penalties, the orders from the St. Louis City Circuit Court require each business to obtain current copies of the No-Call list and comply with the law in the future. Since the No-Call law went into effect in July 2001, Nixon's office has collected $1,813,500 in penalties from businesses that violated the law.

DroptheRemote

10-30-06, 08:02 AM

Why does 5-1 keep flipping the switch to SD during the football game?Faulty DNA? :)

Scott Tucker

10-30-06, 08:18 AM

I got audio dropouts with the H10-250 and new 6.3a software throughout the playoffs...and now during football, I continue to get them. Is there anything that can be done about this?

I know of nothing to do other than let Directv know how unhappy you are. I find this completely unacceptable. D* has finally done something to make me unhappy after 12 years. I will definitely give them time to correct the issue, but I cannot live with this forever. Charter is way out of the question, but I may have to start looking into Dish Network. :(

Scott

Scott Tucker

10-30-06, 08:29 AM

LOL, my brother-in-law was telling me that yesterday. He moved out there 2yrs ago (now a Chargers fan, but still bleeds Cardinal red) and actually flew in Friday afternoon on a whim (and $700 plane ticket) to be downtown around other Cardinals fans.

He was at Petco Park for game 1 in SD and had great seats behind the Cards dugout. It was funny, in that game Pujols hit the 4th inning HR and he and his buddy were the only ones standing up and cheering in the box seats behind their bench. Every time a RH batter was up I could see him (thanks to HD).

Back on topic though, I read in the paper this morning that KMOV will keep NFL coverage on their digital channel, while showing the parade on the analog station. I guess that makes KSDK the only real choice to watch the parade for anyone with a HDTV (even if they don't use their HD cameras). KTVI-DT will switch to Rams coverage at kickoff, so they probably won't be showing the entire festivities on their digital channel.

That's so cool you could see him on TV. Also cool that he flew back for the celebration. Growing up in San Diego I am no doubt a Padres fan, however, I now know how much I really like the Cardinals since I really wasn't upset over them beating up on the Pad's. Cardinals rock! Now, I can't say the same thing about the Rams. I love the Chargers too much to ever convert. Gettin to see them on HD finally was sweet, and watching them kill the Rams was icing on the cake. Also, thanks to the Colts for beating Denver.

Back on topic,
My HR10-250 went dark during the Chargers game yesterday. No pic and no sound. The lights on the front panel were on, but pushing remote and front panel buttons did nothing. Finally, I just unplugged it. After rebooting all was fine, but that's the only time my Tivo has ever done that.

Scott

black_macleod

10-30-06, 08:40 AM

I asked this question on the CRT forum a while back because I was experiencing drop out when recording from a Moto DCT6200. Clarence responded that he was recording from a Moxi with no issues. Now Carence lives near DC so this could be the difference but I don't doubt that he is doing it. I believe that the DVI and Firewire ports MUST be active by regulation.

Walt

They are ACTIVE -- for stuff like importing photos into Moxi's waste-of-space "Photos" option and stuff like that. But there is no way to hook a computer or even an external HD to the ports for extra DVR storage. You can record out SD through VGA and re-encode, but it won't be HD.

DroptheRemote

10-30-06, 10:15 AM

On the DirecTV HD TiVo issues, I would suggest that if the problems are severe enough that you consider going through the process of getting a replacement TiVo.

Based on the discussion I had with advanced technical support last week, getting a TiVo replacement should be relatively straightforward, once you explain the problems you are having and allow the techs to take you through any troubleshooting drills they want to try (even though they'll probably be a waste of time).

Also, in my experience, getting a replacement is both relatively quick and hassle-free. When I had my HD TiVo replaced back in January, I called in the problem on a Monday evening at 8:30 pm and had the replacement by 10 am on Wednesday morning. The return process is straightforward, though it will involve a trip to the post office or some mailing center like a Kinko's, UPS Store or PakMail. Still, that's likely a better end-result than what you'd get with the average cable company, never mind via Charter.

I'd suggest that you request an HD TiVo that has the old software on it, but I suspect that's not going to be something that DirecTV will offer to do, largely because the automated process they have in place for updates will ultimately wipe that version out anyway. I asked about rolling back to the old software and I was told there's definitely no way to do that currently through the automatic upgrade process.

For all these reasons, I don't think a replacement will work out to be a viable fix for the currently faulty software version. Either DirecTV will have to do a systemwide rollback to the old firmware or decide to tough it out (the latter option assuming that the problems aren't universal for all customers).

Reportedly the new software is accelerating some issues with the core TiVo software, and I'm told that the current problems would have surfaced eventually anyway, even with the old firmware version. Not sure if that's true or not, but that's what I was told.

But I still think it's probably worthwhile to go through the replacement drill. If nothing else, should the problem recur, you've at least established that you're having the problem and that DirecTV's recommended solution did not fix it.

So, I think that going the replacement route will give you negotiating leverage for a free upgrade to the new HD DVR and the new dish. Of course, I understand that no one is going to be enthusiastic about throwing TiVo overboard, but unless DirecTV and TiVo work out an arrangement for a new TiVo MPEG-4 option, we're all going to have to upgrade at some point in the not-too-distant future -- so better to put the cost of that upgrade onto DirecTV.

FWIW, the problems with my TiVo aren't severe enough yet for me to follow through on the replacement process, but I expect that I will pursue that before the end of the year, likely sooner. I'm going to be out of town part of the month of November, and would prefer to deal with the replacement process (rebuilding Season Passes, etc) after hitting the road, not before.