Thread: New FTA service with 20 english channels

I don't think that most of us want to be critical of FreeDBS; we're just anxious. It's like being a kid, and having your parents tell you in March that you are going to get a great present at Christmas.

You go through the whole range of thoughts. First it's "Gimmie gimmie". Then it's "How many months until December". Later it's "I wonder what it is and where it's hidden." After you can't find it you think "It's probably no good anyway." Maybe even "I wish they'd asked me what I wanted". Then you forget about it for a while. Later you remember it and start wishing all over again.

I'm just as guilty as anyone about being over-anxious. I want my FDB, but I guess I'll just have to wait.

I agree that their communication has been spotty as of late. It really would be nice if they would have an open forum where they would take questions, let prospective viewers comment on topics, and address many of our questions and concerns (good or bad). Perhaps they might even consider starting a thread here on SatelliteGuys to do so. I for one would like to extend them the invitation to do so.

My last post I agree was or appeared to very negitive

Personally I haven't really seen anything that I can consider negative

Nor do I intend to knock anyone or imply that anyone is stupid

I've been following this thread for a while. I am anxiously awaiting something we can watch from these guys. Patience is not one of my virtues. I hope they broadcast something soon. I hope that they always have some channels available to mpeg2 boxes because if they do I will use it as a way to introduce others to fta.

Ironsides-I did a search for other threads you post in on the site. YOU are not stupid. YOU are not a jerk. Your posts are generally polite and well thought out.

I think we all want them to start broadcasting free channels as soon as possible to as many people as possible and stay free as long as possible.

So far I have gotten my money's worth.

Ironsides-I did a search for other threads you post in on the site. YOU are not stupid. YOU are not a jerk. Your posts are generally polite and well thought out.

I agree. Very levelheaded indeed.

There are two sides to this. Either launch in MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. Benefit of launching in MPEG-2 is that there are several receivers on the market already supporting this while with MPEG-4 it would be more expensive. MPEG-4 would support more channels though and that is the whole purpose of it. If they are going to MPEG-4 anyways then maybe they should just launch in MPEG-4 especially if they have agreements with enough channels to where they would not have enough room using MPEG-2 to launch them all.

why not both?
broadcast 1 mpeg2 barker channel. pick 1 program from each channel/day and fill the remainder with infomercials for mpeg4 receivers and teasers for programming on the mpeg4 channels
possible?

FreeDBS has a new update, Networks removed. Bummer!

Big bummer for those who live out of range of these broadcast towers.

Originally Posted by Santa Clause

FreeDBS has a new update, Networks removed. Bummer!

Originally Posted by ForestKlown

Big bummer for those who live out of range of these broadcast towers.

yes, but at least it shows that they are working on this still, and being realistic about it.
i feel a little relieved that they did post this, it shows that they are making an effort still, and also that they were not too skiddish to tell us some bad news, which makes me think that other channels might be working out

Greetings all,
I know its all speculation. But AMC-4 had alot of its FTA recently cleared with the launch of the new AMC-4. And AMC-4 is received by most GLORYSTAR installed systems. I am curious with AMC-4 kinda bare right now if it would be the home for that FREEDBS service? Regarding FTA HD or WIDESCREEN, they could use the MPEG-2 DVB format and just use ANAMORPHIC squeeze to send the WIDESCREEN video out (with a slightly higher bitrate) rather than use MPEG-4 for the FREE stuff. If done right, it can look good. And all DVB MPEG-2 receivers would receive it. And the viewer would only have to use the WIDESCREEN mode of their TV for picture size.

They claim they will have 2-million viewers when they launch. That number could be met if it were AMC-4 with all of the GLORYSTAR systems already having access to AMC-4.

The other possibility would be Galaxy 3C at *95 with some of its FTA assets already in place. If their numbers of 2-million is in anyway accurate.