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Which after yesterdays news Dish HD Channels will increase.
VBR, MPEG-4 Implementations Already Define HD Distribution Lead > Screenplays Magazine > Flash Points
VBR, MPEG-4 Implementations Already Define HD Distribution Lead
Cable operators, currently lagging in HDTV offerings, have reason to envy two technologies in the hands of competitors. Satellite and DVD purveyors use variable bit rate multiplexing, and IPTV telcos have raced ahead with MPEG-4 compression.
In the first half of 2007, those technologies--and cable's lack of them--produced a competitive field that looks like the following, according to Marc Tayer, senior vice president, business development, for digital distribution equipment supplier Imagine Communications:
Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS):
• EchoStar – 36 HD channels
• DirecTV – 16 HD channels plus NFL Ticket in HD
Telco TV:
• AT&T – 28 HD channels
• Verizon FiOS – 21 HD channels
Cable:
• Typical Operator – 10 to 20 HD channels
That tally is not lost on operators like Cox, whose CEO Patrick Esser has asked his engineers to make space for 50 HD channels by year's end. Other suppliers, cable programmers and the operators themselves know the winning edge is no mystery either: bandwidth efficiency.
In this regard, the cable operators may be thankful that their competitors are proving out and lowering the costs of the two key bandwidth efficiency tools in the field.
In the case of variable bit-rate (VBR) multiplexing, direct broadcast satellite operators (DBS) are squeezing more HD data into less bandwidth, and DVDs employ VBR to squeeze more HD bits onto a disc.
In the case of MPEG-4, system on a chip (SoC) set-top boxes began this past spring to enable AT&T U-verse and other switched IPTV services to offer HD even over relatively slow DSL connections. Some programmers are sold on MPEG-4 efficiency and maturity for their own wholesale costs and quality. As reported last week in FlashPoints, HBO revealed in June that it will use MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding) compression to deliver the HDTV versions of all 26 HBO and Cinemax channels to cable and telco headends by year's end.
While AT&T and other telcos hit the video services starting line with MPEG-4, sunk costs in MPEG-2 set-top boxes will provide a stumbling block for both cable and DBS operators. New set-tops can incorporate dual MPEG-4/2 decoders, but unlike AT&T, neither Comcast or DirecTV can instantly offer reams of MPEG-4-enabled HD channels to any and all subscribers.
However, Comcast and other MSOs can fairly rapidly employ VBR at headends, where they already receive satellite feeds from programmers in VBR form. Suppliers including BigBand, Cisco/Scientific-Atlanta EGT, Imagine and Tandberg Television presented one or both technologies as ready for cable at the mid-summer Cable-Tec Expo, and VBR clearly made the hotlist with operators, many of whom already are accelerating plans to deploy switched digital video (SDV) equipment later this year.
Operators like Comcast are aware of the pressure. To set benchmarks for the quality that consumers will expect, Comcast Media Center has made a comprehensive study of HD offerings from a long list of sources, including DBS, DVD, HD camcorders, Xbox, Playstation, AppleTV, iTunes, U-verse, Akimbo and CinemaNow, says Ren Finley, director, advanced engineering. In addition to the fact he says, "When people see the quality of HD camcorders, they are going to notice" that $700, 42-inch HDTVs now widely available "are really good at showing flaws."
VBR, MPEG-4 Implementations Already Define HD Distribution Lead > Screenplays Magazine > Flash Points
VBR, MPEG-4 Implementations Already Define HD Distribution Lead
Cable operators, currently lagging in HDTV offerings, have reason to envy two technologies in the hands of competitors. Satellite and DVD purveyors use variable bit rate multiplexing, and IPTV telcos have raced ahead with MPEG-4 compression.
In the first half of 2007, those technologies--and cable's lack of them--produced a competitive field that looks like the following, according to Marc Tayer, senior vice president, business development, for digital distribution equipment supplier Imagine Communications:
Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS):
• EchoStar – 36 HD channels
• DirecTV – 16 HD channels plus NFL Ticket in HD
Telco TV:
• AT&T – 28 HD channels
• Verizon FiOS – 21 HD channels
Cable:
• Typical Operator – 10 to 20 HD channels
That tally is not lost on operators like Cox, whose CEO Patrick Esser has asked his engineers to make space for 50 HD channels by year's end. Other suppliers, cable programmers and the operators themselves know the winning edge is no mystery either: bandwidth efficiency.
In this regard, the cable operators may be thankful that their competitors are proving out and lowering the costs of the two key bandwidth efficiency tools in the field.
In the case of variable bit-rate (VBR) multiplexing, direct broadcast satellite operators (DBS) are squeezing more HD data into less bandwidth, and DVDs employ VBR to squeeze more HD bits onto a disc.
In the case of MPEG-4, system on a chip (SoC) set-top boxes began this past spring to enable AT&T U-verse and other switched IPTV services to offer HD even over relatively slow DSL connections. Some programmers are sold on MPEG-4 efficiency and maturity for their own wholesale costs and quality. As reported last week in FlashPoints, HBO revealed in June that it will use MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding) compression to deliver the HDTV versions of all 26 HBO and Cinemax channels to cable and telco headends by year's end.
While AT&T and other telcos hit the video services starting line with MPEG-4, sunk costs in MPEG-2 set-top boxes will provide a stumbling block for both cable and DBS operators. New set-tops can incorporate dual MPEG-4/2 decoders, but unlike AT&T, neither Comcast or DirecTV can instantly offer reams of MPEG-4-enabled HD channels to any and all subscribers.
However, Comcast and other MSOs can fairly rapidly employ VBR at headends, where they already receive satellite feeds from programmers in VBR form. Suppliers including BigBand, Cisco/Scientific-Atlanta EGT, Imagine and Tandberg Television presented one or both technologies as ready for cable at the mid-summer Cable-Tec Expo, and VBR clearly made the hotlist with operators, many of whom already are accelerating plans to deploy switched digital video (SDV) equipment later this year.
Operators like Comcast are aware of the pressure. To set benchmarks for the quality that consumers will expect, Comcast Media Center has made a comprehensive study of HD offerings from a long list of sources, including DBS, DVD, HD camcorders, Xbox, Playstation, AppleTV, iTunes, U-verse, Akimbo and CinemaNow, says Ren Finley, director, advanced engineering. In addition to the fact he says, "When people see the quality of HD camcorders, they are going to notice" that $700, 42-inch HDTVs now widely available "are really good at showing flaws."
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Lifetime Supporter
Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.
Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.
You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.
www.usgs.gov
View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4
Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.
View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.
You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.
Monitoring Data for Kīlauea
For more information on how electronic tiltmeters and GPS receivers help monitor the deformation of Kīlauea volcano, see the HVO Deformation page.
View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4
Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.
View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
118 Replies
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3215 views
Oooo, quite the show now. All three vents have doming and overflows. The cone that built up around the North vent lost its upper quarter at 02:50 Oct 17 and is now spewing lava at a healthy rate. Don't know if I would say it's a fountain, but it's close.
edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:
Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice
Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii
Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:
Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice
Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii
Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
- All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, lighter ash and Pele's Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
Ham Radio 2.0
Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4zC_3Blkjus
Direct YouTube Link - Military grade antenna for your off-grid setup #hamradio #satcom #offgrid
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4zC_3Blkjus
Direct YouTube Link - Military grade antenna for your off-grid setup #hamradio #satcom #offgrid
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
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Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?
Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.
Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.
6629 Replies
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379357 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Anyone making their own breakfast sausage? I've recently been trying different recipes, found some I like, some I've modified...
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3552 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dw_V2FYKRUk
Direct YouTube Link - AI Model Poisoned: Uncovering Hidden Dangers #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dw_V2FYKRUk
Direct YouTube Link - AI Model Poisoned: Uncovering Hidden Dangers #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1R9ZVnuUpw
Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: Mikah's Crafting Corner #25 - Ray Gun Papercraft Part 6
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1R9ZVnuUpw
Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: Mikah's Crafting Corner #25 - Ray Gun Papercraft Part 6
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68508 Replies
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2671497 views
Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.
I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
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214750 views
Tony as the director.
Would you rather have LaRoche ???Tony as the director.
No. Bring in someone new.
Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...No. Bring in someone new.
Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)
Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.
Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.
It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n43A0sNukCg
Direct YouTube Link - SpaceX Seeks to Conduct 450 Starship Launches a Year in Texas!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n43A0sNukCg
Direct YouTube Link - SpaceX Seeks to Conduct 450 Starship Launches a Year in Texas!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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Marques Brownlee
Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scwlR0QHGOk
Direct YouTube Link - The NEW Tesla Roadster: My Honest Reaction
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scwlR0QHGOk
Direct YouTube Link - The NEW Tesla Roadster: My Honest Reaction
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
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12 views