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An AVS chat with DirecTV about the MPEG4 rollout  

post #1 of 146
10/31/05 at 8:50pm
Thread Starter 
I thought this information was interesting enough to have a topic of it's own. It comes from a well placed DirecTV representative.

- The initial MPEG4 roll out in the Detroit area is a soft rollout. Thus, no ads from DirecTV, no big push, little CSR info available, for now. As the bugs get worked out, and full rollout occurs, we'll see a completely different approach. After all, they aren't spending billions to hide their light under a barrel.

- All available local HD channels will be carried in each MPEG4 market. In Detroit for example, all 7 HD channels on the air (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, The WB, UPN) will be available from DirecTV. The issues are connectivity and contractual. Be assured they are working on both diligently, and patience will probably not be needed in either case.

- The big holdup right now is the new AT9 dish. This is consistent from every source I've spoke with.

- It's not carved in stone, but the belief is that with all the bandwidth available, whatever the local station transmits is what DirecTV will provide. We shall see.

- Decisions regarding national HD channels, the timing of their availability, and MPEG2 or MPEG4 transmission, are still being formulated. The well known issue of limited MPEG2 bandwidth is being considered in this process.

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post #2 of 146
11/1/05 at 5:24am
Thanks for the info Ken. The seven channels per market is close to 1,500 locals in total, which is the figure that DirecTV have always quoted.
post #3 of 146
11/1/05 at 6:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H
I thought this information was interesting enough to have a topic of it's own. It comes from a well placed DirecTV representative.

- The initial MPEG4 roll out in the Detroit area is a soft rollout. Thus, no ads from DirecTV, no big push, little CSR info available, for now. As the bugs get worked out, and full rollout occurs, we'll see a completely different approach. After all, they aren't spending billions to hide their light under a barrel.

- All available local HD channels will be carried in each MPEG4 market. In Detroit for example, all 7 HD channels on the air (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, The WB, UPN) will be available from DirecTV. The issues are connectivity and contractual. Be assured they are working on both diligently, and patience will probably not be needed in either case.

- The big holdup right now is the new AT9 dish. This is consistent from every source I've spoke with.

- It's not carved in stone, but the belief is that with all the bandwidth available, whatever the local station transmits is what DirecTV will provide. We shall see.

- Decisions regarding national HD channels, the timing of their availability, and MPEG2 or MPEG4 transmission, are still being formulated. The well known issue of limited MPEG2 bandwidth is being considered in this process.


Ken - I know this has been talked about before, but I have never seen a definitive answer (maybe because there isn't one yet). But where do the regional HD channels fit in all of this. For example in the NY market - FSNY-HD, MSG-HD, YES-HD etc...

Sorry if that is repetitive.
post #4 of 146
11/1/05 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H
- Decisions regarding national HD channels, the timing of their availability, and MPEG2 or MPEG4 transmission, are still being formulated. The well known issue of limited MPEG2 bandwidth is being considered in this process.
Regarding the national HD programming in MPEG4. Are they considering using the Spaceway spot beams to broadcast national HD rather than expanding HD LIL to all markets?
post #5 of 146
11/1/05 at 9:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMMHouston
Regarding the national HD programming in MPEG4. Are they considering using the Spaceway spot beams to broadcast national HD rather than expanding HD LIL to all markets?
No. That would require waivers from the local stations that are O&O. Which is why they need 1,500 channels rather than just 7.
post #6 of 146
11/1/05 at 9:38am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMMHouston
Regarding the national HD programming in MPEG4. Are they considering using the Spaceway spot beams to broadcast national HD rather than expanding HD LIL to all markets?
My comment about national HD channels is not in reference to broadcast networks.

I'm referring to HD channels not already carried by DirecTV, for example INHD, TNT HD, Voom, etc.
post #7 of 146
11/1/05 at 9:42am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mulesqb
Ken - I know this has been talked about before, but I have never seen a definitive answer (maybe because there isn't one yet). But where do the regional HD channels fit in all of this. For example in the NY market - FSNY-HD, MSG-HD, YES-HD etc...

Sorry if that is repetitive.
Good question. It's my understanding that regional sports networks also will be available via DirecTV MPEG4, but availability is a longer term project.
post #8 of 146
11/1/05 at 11:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew_J_M
No. That would require waivers from the local stations that are O&O. Which is why they need 1,500 channels rather than just 7.
I was referring to the ESPNs, TNTs, etc.

I was asking if there is an internal D* debate about reconfiguring the Spaceway sats to a CONUS configuration to allow for an expansion of national HD programming before the CONUS birds go up in 2007. It may not even be technically feesible, but it could give them a leg up to expand programming nationally (including RSNs).
post #9 of 146
11/1/05 at 1:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H
Good question. It's my understanding that regional sports networks also will be available via DirecTV MPEG4, but availability is a longer term project.

Thanks - that would be great if they are able to include it. In my market area, that would make D* extremely attractive to sports fans that have been sitting on the fence. All HD locals, Sports channels, Sunday ticket -- that's pretty impressive.
post #10 of 146
11/1/05 at 2:47pm
Hi Evrybody,

My first post in this forum. Great website by the way.

I just decided to roll to HDTV Tivo from my regular Tivo and am planning to switch to MPEG4 when available in my area.

I have a question: For the installation of the new 5 LNB dish, does anybody know if I will have to replace the pole that holds the dish, or is the upgrade process just a replacement of the old Oval 3 LNB with the new 5 LNB one?

I live in a Condo, and the HOA has a lot of regulation, I had so much problem to convince them to let me install the DirecTV in first place, if now I need to replace the poles with new one I have to go through the same pain that I would rather avoid.

Thanks for your help.
Alex
post #11 of 146
11/1/05 at 2:49pm
Yes, the pole for the new 5 LNB dish is 2 inches in diameter. The existing pole is probably 1 5/8 inches.
post #12 of 146
11/1/05 at 2:51pm
Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I am going to prepare for another battle with my HOA. :O)

Cheers,
Alex
post #13 of 146
11/1/05 at 3:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alexandrepsf
Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I am going to prepare for another battle with my HOA. :O)

Cheers,
Alex
If your dish is an exclusive use area, it shouldn't be much of a fight.

They cannot do anything to prevent you, delay you, or restrict location if it has an impact on reception.

Just put the new dish up and wait for them to complain and show them this:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Quote:
The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes.

...

Q: What types of restrictions are prohibited?

A: The rule prohibits restrictions that impair a person's ability to install, maintain, or use an antenna covered by the rule. The rule applies to state or local laws or regulations, including zoning, land-use or building regulations, private covenants, homeowners' association rules, condominium or cooperative association restrictions, lease restrictions, or similar restrictions on property within the exclusive use or control of the antenna user where the user has an ownership or leasehold interest in the property. A restriction impairs if it: (1) unreasonably delays or prevents use of; (2) unreasonably increases the cost of; or (3) precludes a person from receiving or transmitting an acceptable quality signal from an antenna covered under the rule. The rule does not prohibit legitimate safety restrictions or restrictions designed to preserve designated or eligible historic or prehistoric properties, provided the restriction is no more burdensome than necessary to accomplish the safety or preservation purpose.
I've fought the HOA fight several times and they have always backed down when I showed them the FCC rules.

Now, I'm an HOA president, so I don't think anyone else in my building will have any problems.
post #14 of 146
11/1/05 at 3:32pm
Thanks kdb209,

I will keep a print out of this, but I have to install the dish on the roof and I am living on the first floor, so not exclusive area.

Anyway it will be a little while before I switch to MPEG4 as I would only take it if they offer a DVR box with the dish.
post #15 of 146
11/2/05 at 1:26pm
The LA market must be soon because I saw an H20 on the floor of a local store. They have a "truck load" full of these things. $199, but no word about a MIR. If anyone knows if it will have a rebate, let me know and I will pick it up on my way home tonight!
post #16 of 146
11/2/05 at 1:28pm
Thread Starter 
The H20 should be selling for $200, and when you activate you get a form sent to you for a $200 rebate. The dish and install are $49.
post #17 of 146
11/2/05 at 4:02pm
Ken H: I last week Directv last week and the installer came today. it was late in day so he in stalled the 2 H-20 only. He said the new dish was somewhat 'touchy' to install and suggest I wait a few weeks before installing same. I agree because, at this time, I would gain no new national channels. I now receive the networks (plus PBS) from 3 markets. A fter one hour, the new H-20 seems quite nice. I am going to check out features tonite. The 2 receivers plus complete dish/install will cost me nothing. May be better to go thru Directv than buy one in a store if, in fact, it will cost you $49 for the dish/install. No mention was made of taking my receivers in return. I would not have parted with my very good Zenith HD520 anyway. So far, everything OK with H-20.
post #18 of 146
11/2/05 at 4:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken H
- It's not carved in stone, but the belief is that with all the bandwidth available, whatever the local station transmits is what DirecTV will provide. We shall see.
Ken, what exactly are you refering to when you said the above? Do you mean D* won't overcompress the local signals or they will carry multi-cast sub channels or what?
post #19 of 146
11/2/05 at 8:43pm
I'm in the Washington, DC area....Northern. VA and have heard nothing yet on the new box and dish. I've always installed my own equipment. I guess I will be able to get the box and dish from Directv and do my own install.

I'm really looking forward to the local HD channels because I'm in the flightpath of Dulles Airport and I get multipath interference from the planes with my OTA reception.
post #20 of 146
11/2/05 at 9:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cawgijoe
I'm in the Washington, DC area....Northern. VA and have heard nothing yet on the new box and dish. I've always installed my own equipment. I guess I will be able to get the box and dish from Directv and do my own install.
Probably not the dish, at least for now.
post #21 of 146
11/3/05 at 7:03am
I was reading on another site that this new dish requires all copper center conductors to be able to pass enough DC current to the unpowered multiswitch.

So for anyone who has had one installed: Did they use your existing runs into your house or did they install a new run from the dish to the H20.

Thanks.
post #22 of 146
11/4/05 at 8:21am
Sooo, I just called D* and got the following response (paraphrasing, mind you).

The rebate is only good in Detroit MI right now (I live in SoCal and the local BB & CC already are selling H20) and the $200 back is good only one per household per single D* account.

In other words, if you are like me and have multiple HDTVs in the house, You can only replace one through the rebate. The cost of the other receiver is on your nickle...lots of nickles I guess.

Oh btw, it also commits you to reup the service for the next two years....

I hope someone in the marketing dept at D* reads this forum and take note of their lack of commitment to customer satisfaction. Yes if I call customer retention, they may do something else but, you know, its like haggling for car price at the dealer - I hate it and don't do it anymore thanks to many on-line and wholesale services.

D* should do the right thing and not only to those who bark and complain the loudest... I'll wait and see how all this rolls out for a bit and if it stays like what I was told today, I will probably be saying adios to D*.
post #23 of 146
11/4/05 at 9:39am
mgkg3:..Please note: Once Directv is ready to upgrade your area to MPEG4, just call Direct as I did. Set up installation. I have 2 receivers and got 2 new receivers..H--20. Did not surrender my present receivers. Install should be done within the week. Installer will bring new recieivers and other equipment and make the install. Call back the installer if you are not 100 percent satisfied. Cost for all of this is...zero. Of course, you must give Diectv around $2,000 for 2 years programming.
post #24 of 146
11/4/05 at 9:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by herdfan
I was reading on another site that this new dish requires all copper center conductors to be able to pass enough DC current to the unpowered multiswitch.

So for anyone who has had one installed: Did they use your existing runs into your house or did they install a new run from the dish to the H20.

Thanks.
They used my existing runs, both from the dish to the multi-switch, and from the multi to the H20 (which were only installed about 6 months ago).
post #25 of 146
11/4/05 at 9:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mgkg3
Sooo, I just called D* and got the following response (paraphrasing, mind you).

The rebate is only good in Detroit MI right now (I live in SoCal and the local BB & CC already are selling H20) and the $200 back is good only one per household per single D* account.

In other words, if you are like me and have multiple HDTVs in the house, You can only replace one through the rebate. The cost of the other receiver is on your nickle...lots of nickles I guess.

Oh btw, it also commits you to reup the service for the next two years....

This is correct. One $200 rebate and one $100 rebate (TIVO) per account, plus a 2 year commitment. The dish upgrade also comes with an H20 receiver, so you can upgrade 2 receivers for free.
post #26 of 146
11/4/05 at 9:42am
After several years, it is best to have new wire with the new install. Wire tends to wear out after a few years. New is always better. Insist on new wire and you will receive it.
post #27 of 146
11/5/05 at 9:57am
Thank you richard korsgren and oktoberrust11,

Will remain patient until its rolled out in my area and will see.

If I got both of your comments right, there is one upgrade with $200 rebate (take care of 1 HD unit), and there is another receiver included in the dish upgrade (~$50 installed, which takes care of second HD unit and a new dish).
post #28 of 146
11/5/05 at 4:02pm
mgkg3: From Directv (thru installer) I received 2 H-20's with no trade. There was zero cost for dish (and other equipment) in the install. If you purchase a H-20 at a retail outlet, you will be out the state tax. Unit will cost $200 up front and you will get a rebate of $200 on your next billing from Directv. Actually, there is only a 90 day warranty on the unit, so, it might be best to order from Directv. But, I would suppose Directv will take care of a customer even after the 90 days has come and gone.
post #29 of 146
11/7/05 at 9:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by richard korsgren
mgkg3: From Directv (thru installer) I received 2 H-20's with no trade. There was zero cost for dish (and other equipment) in the install. If you purchase a H-20 at a retail outlet, you will be out the state tax. Unit will cost $200 up front and you will get a rebate of $200 on your next billing from Directv. Actually, there is only a 90 day warranty on the unit, so, it might be best to order from Directv. But, I would suppose Directv will take care of a customer even after the 90 days has come and gone.
Hi Richard,

Thank you for further clarification. I will expect some kind of notice and offer from D* with installation as they roll the mpeg4 for SoCal.

Regards.
post #30 of 146
11/9/05 at 7:27am
Not sure if this is the correct forum to ask this, and if not, please point me in the direction of the correct one. My question is: I am having a new house built and was thinking over switching to Comcast Digital HD, although I have been a Directv user for many years because of the switch to Mpeg4 and higher cost of HD recorder. The
builder allowed ten connections for cable and phone to be pre-wired thoughout the house, and I assume that there will be some type of main box that houses all of these wires. Do I have to get Comcast or can Directv be hooked up to that box as well ? I am confused in that they said "cable" connections, does that mean only Comcat, or can any sevice be hooked up and transmitted over said wiring ? The quandry is, do I get Comcast initially <moving Dec 7> and then switch back to Direectv later ?
Any help aprreciated.

MikeF
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