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riffjim4069
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Cable Television and Fiber Providers
Source

Based on this article, DirecTV and Dish Network should be afraid...HD-Lite does matter.

Verizon's FiOS Broadband and TV service is widely believed to be kryptonite for Cable Companies. Add satellite companies to the list, according to a study conducted by OneTrak, a market research firm. They looked at 34 Massachusetts towns and came up with interesting conclusions. In the first 90 days of the FiOS availablity, this is how the losses stack up:

1. Comcast lost 5,216 subscribers across a base of 204,160, a drop of 2.6%.

2. RCN lost 1,813 subscribers, or 7% off its base of 25,895 subscribers.

3. 4,594 FiOS TV subscribers came from DirecTV/DISH, or about 40% of their total subscriber base.

4. Verizon's gain was 11,982 subscribers.

OneTrak believes that "Verizon will likely continue to see double-digit penetration gains in markets where it launches FiOS TV service." No wonder Verizon is so bullish on FiOS and is betting the farm on the fiber.

Our good friend Cynthia Brumfield explains the satellite-to-FiOS swtich

Verizon is trying to convert its video subscribers that come through its DBS partnerships over to FiOS because that's a very easy switch. Moreover, it has the added benefit of allowing Verizon to keep 100% of the video service revenues instead of sharing those revenues with DirecTV. So, a good chunk of Verizon's FiOS TV customers ARE coming from DirecTV because they were part of the DirecTV customer base Verizon had anyway.
6 Replies · 2816 views
Aqualung812
That's great for wealthy, densely populated places. However, the #1 advantage DBS has is that it gets to all of the remote areas that cable and FIOS just won't spend the $$$ to reach.

Cable has every right to be shaking, but even if DBS does nothing to compete they will still have a large section of the country who can only choose between Dish and Direct if they want HD.
G
Source

Based on this article, DirecTV and Dish Network should be afraid...HD-Lite does matter.

Verizon's FiOS Broadband and TV service is widely believed to be kryptonite for Cable Companies. Add satellite companies to the list, according to a study conducted by OneTrak, a market research firm. They looked at 34 Massachusetts towns and came up with interesting conclusions. In the first 90 days of the FiOS availablity, this is how the losses stack up:

1. Comcast lost 5,216 subscribers across a base of 204,160, a drop of 2.6%.

2. RCN lost 1,813 subscribers, or 7% off its base of 25,895 subscribers.

3. 4,594 FiOS TV subscribers came from DirecTV/DISH, or about 40% of their total subscriber base.

4. Verizon's gain was 11,982 subscribers.

OneTrak believes that "Verizon will likely continue to see double-digit penetration gains in markets where it launches FiOS TV service." No wonder Verizon is so bullish on FiOS and is betting the farm on the fiber.

Our good friend Cynthia Brumfield explains the satellite-to-FiOS swtich

Verizon is trying to convert its video subscribers that come through its DBS partnerships over to FiOS because that's a very easy switch. Moreover, it has the added benefit of allowing Verizon to keep 100% of the video service revenues instead of sharing those revenues with DirecTV. So, a good chunk of Verizon's FiOS TV customers ARE coming from DirecTV because they were part of the DirecTV customer base Verizon had anyway.


LOVE your signature block.:eureka
G
That's great for wealthy, densely populated places. However, the #1 advantage DBS has is that it gets to all of the remote areas that cable and FIOS just won't spend the $$$ to reach.

Cable has every right to be shaking, but even if DBS does nothing to compete they will still have a large section of the country who can only choose between Dish and Direct if they want HD.

Auqalung, do you have phone service at your home? Fios is something that is replacing phone lines in many areas. I suspect that as more metropolitan areas show the mass interest in Fios Verison will start to replace the aging copper infrastructure in the rural areas. There are already government incentives for them to upgrade the infrastructure, without which this whole project would not have ever started. I suspect that in order to keep our national infrastructure up to snuff more incentives will come to allow for remote penetration.
Claude Greiner
This is no different when DIRECTV and DISH started rolling out their services and they started to take away subscribers from Cable with double digit penitrations.

Ofcourse they are going to show strong numbers because they are giving away the farm to sign people up.

The key is what will happen once all the special deals are over and customers are expected to pay regular price!
G
This is no different when DIRECTV and DISH started rolling out their services and they started to take away subscribers from Cable with double digit penitrations.

Ofcourse they are going to show strong numbers because they are giving away the farm to sign people up.

The key is what will happen once all the special deals are over and customers are expected to pay regular price!

Actually there is a difference.

1) Fios is not giving anything away and people are flocking to sign up
2) Fios is an infrastructure upgrade rather than just more equipment to put in your home
3) Once fiber is paid for the costs for maintenance is minimal compared to satellite which must put new million dollar birds up every few years
4) Fiber has virtually unlimited bandwidth. Satellite is limited. Even with compression there is a limit to how much data can be transmitted on their signal.
5) Fios offers true HD content
6) Fios, for the most part, HAS customer service
7) Fios is capable of carrying much more than TV, Internet, and Phone
8) In relation to #7 above, Fios is a 2-way service. Satellite is unidirectional

I could go on and on about the technical aspects. If you read my other post, you will also notice that the US government has given them incentives to upgrade the infrastructure to fiber. Satellite will never get this type of break meaning their costs will always trend upwards. While I expect Fios to do the same, I also expect the rate of increase to be much slower than satellite making satellite much less attractive as time goes on.

I feel your pain. I also spent money on satellite gear only to feel stupid when Fios came along. I ended up oosing my 250.00 investment in my Dish gear, but after months of costs savings I have recouped it and have a better service.

One last thing. Fios offers Internet AND phone service. Satellite will always be TV only. Of course you can get their Internet, but it will cost you dearly.
mdonnelly
When FIOS gets to my semi-rural neighborhood, I'll take a good look at it. I haven't seen any downside to FIOS yet, other than the fact that it's just not available outside of the urban neighborhoods. But hey, I stand a good chance of getting fiber to the house before at&t gets their u-verse product out here.
TheForce
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Phone & Tablet Zone
Apple Fall Hardware Event takes place today, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. It marks the debut of new CEO John Ternus and the expected reveal of Apple's first foldable phone.
128 Replies · 1311 views
TheForce
Heard a story from one of the Apple influencers on YT that the 18PM has a bug where it stops connecting to AT&T service. Doesn't affect Verizon or T-Mobile. Apple is replacing the phones. Anyone else hear of this? Defective Modem?
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harshness
Defective Modem?
It seems the phone gets locked into Sat mode. A software patch is coming to avoid that pitfall, but it comes too late for those who already fell in.

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comfortably_numb
Can't remember if I've posted this yet..


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfL5seXJyWU
Foxbat
If you ponied up for an iPhone Duo, keep it away from anything other than your soft, fleshy fingertips. No fingernails, no dust, sand, dirt, or other particulate matter. And don't bend it more than it needs to. Zack has destroyed $2,000 of Apple hardware to get those views, which should cover his expenses.
​
comfortably_numb
No fingernails, no dust, sand, dirt, or other particulate matter

And definitely no medieval chain armor!
T
· posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion
IS Amiko MIRA 3 any good ???
Can you recommend the best to cover all bases. NO BEEPS on certain channels 101w (NEWSMAX ,NEWS NATION), a clock that keeps working STEADY for timed recording ,solid unit with good lifespan. My Amiko died AND my Linkbox has NO Favorites Button and BEEPS on many channels. Picking up 105 west with a NEW SHED IN THE Way with 6 foot Cband ..95 percent quality ...unbelievable.
0 Replies · 6 views
Bruce
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum
Comcast is the first to report, with a massive 274,000 loss in video subscribers.

In the 3Q of 2016, Comcast had 21.42 million video subscribers and was the #1 provider, now at 10.39 million and is the #3 Provider, YTTV is #2 ( who also surpassed DirecTV-8 Million and Dish-under 5 Million), Charter/Spectrum is #1.

6 Replies · 183 views
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dishstaller
Losing 144,000 internet customers surprises me more.
S
Losing 144,000 internet customers surprises me more.
people are moving to fiber, which is better up and down and also not Comcast.
dishdude
people are moving to fiber, which is better up and down and also not Comcast.
Losing 144,000 internet customers surprises me more.

Cord cutting 2.0. Not just fiber, 5G is really taking a toll on the cable companies.
AZ.
AZ.
Cord cutting 2.0. Not just fiber, 5G is really taking a toll on the cable companies.
I agree, for $35 it aint perfect but just as reliable as my cable was. And that was twice as much and still rising
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ncted
Comcast called fiber pricing "irrational" because the ROI is over three years. What is irrational to me is Comcast internet is based on lines they put in the ground decades ago at this point, for the most part. Is copper that much more expensive to maintain?
B
Comcast called fiber pricing "irrational" because the ROI is over three years. What is irrational to me is Comcast internet is based on lines they put in the ground decades ago at this point, for the most part. Is copper that much more expensive to maintain?
yes. even copper lines in a house degrade over 70 years, I doubt coax would last that long. Fiber Optic on the isp side will last over 70 years with very dedgration
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
68592 Replies · 2677021 views
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long_time_Dish
Don't Take Me Alive - Steely Dan
H
TAKE On ME-A-Ha
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ClarkGable
On Broadway - George Benson
Bobby
Stay In Time - Off Broadway USA
harshness
Just In Time - Tony Bennett
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
I'm surprised Walmart hasn't banned this guy from all of their stores. He has been on their CASE the past few months.


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
56 Replies · 553 views
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T
You are paying for the whole thing
Well, the bag can't weigh that much, right? But by law food product packaging must display the actual net weight of the product, i.e., the contents of the container, so by any logic, if not law, a store's stated per-ounce cost should reflect that figure. But since there's not any law regulating shelf statements, a store can say whatever it wants without violating any rules. So I guess the answer is more consumer legislation. Or simply caveat emptor.
Jimbo
Well, the bag can't weigh that much, right? But by law food product packaging must display the actual net weight of the product, i.e., the contents of the container, so by any logic, if not law, a store's stated per-ounce cost should reflect that figure. But since there's not any law regulating shelf statements, a store can say whatever it wants without violating any rules. So I guess the answer is more consumer legislation. Or simply caveat emptor.
I would think that the Vendor/Maker of the product would have a say in it, showing the Correct weight ...
You would think it would be in the contract.

I do look at the ounces of items, but unless its way off, I don't check the math, may have to start now.

Remember when you use to get a 13.5 oz bag of Chips .... Thats a PARTY Size now.
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TRG
TRG
I would think that the Vendor/Maker of the product would have a say in it, showing the Correct weight ...
You would think it would be in the contract.

I do look at the ounces of items, but unless its way off, I don't check the math, may have to start now.

Remember when you use to get a 13.5 oz bag of Chips .... Thats a PARTY Size now.
I remember when a pound of coffee was 16oz. Now its 12oz, they don't call it a pound anymore and its three times the cost of the 16oz pound.
Jimbo
I remember when a pound of coffee was 16oz. Now its 12oz, they don't call it a pound anymore and its three times the cost of the 16oz pound.
Well, they don't call it a pound anymore ....

Ice cream is that way too, use to be a half gallon, now its 1.5 quart or some say 48 oz
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NYDutch
Well, they don't call it a pound anymore ....

Ice cream is that way too, use to be a half gallon, now its 1.5 quart or some say 48 oz
We have a regional ice cream company here that advertises that their ice cream containers are still a full half gallon.
Jimbo
We have a regional ice cream company here that advertises that their ice cream containers are still a full half gallon.
Now check and see if any of them (probably a few) are actual Ice Cream ...

Most Ice Creams are Not actual Ice Cream.
Bryers for example, call Most of thiers "Frozen Dairy Dessert"
Jimbo
Unless the specific product or its packaging is known at the time of weighing, estimating the tare weight for a PoS system is a tall order.

I'm pretty sure that produce bags can't get any thinner. ;)

You certainly don't want to put unbagged produce on a belt, scale, or in a clerk's hands (gloved or not).
I would think that all the packaging would already be accounted for ... they weigh the container, subtract that from the scale, then add the product , so its weighing the Product only
harshness
I would think that all the packaging would already be accounted for ... they weigh the container, subtract that from the scale, then add the product , so its weighing the Product only.
You would be thinking wrong when it comes to goods that are sold by weight (meat, produce, nails). Those items typically go on the scale wrapped without an associated tare. The weight only excludes the sticker because it hasn't been printed yet.
Jimbo
You would be thinking wrong when it comes to goods that are sold by weight (meat, produce, nails). Those items typically go on the scale wrapped without an associated tare. The weight only excludes the sticker because it hasn't been printed yet.
Thats ridiculous ....

Thats not how Deli does it, I know your talking pre packaged.
They need to CHANGE that.
harshness
Thats not how Deli does it, I know your talking pre packaged.
Perhaps only for sliced meat and cheese. Salads and similarly "shifty" or "drippy" items are typically weighed in deli cartons of some sort.

My monster burritos (up to two lbs.) are weighed in their foil jackets or paper mache take-out trays, and the jacket/tray is then "sealed" with the printed label as it comes off the printer.

Precision has to give way to practicality in situations like that.
TRG
TRG
Now check and see if any of them (probably a few) are actual Ice Cream ...

Most Ice Creams are Not actual Ice Cream.
Bryers for example, call Most of thiers "Frozen Dairy Dessert"
I only buy Tillamook and Alden's ice cream. The first ingredients are milk and cream.
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Jimbo
Perhaps only for sliced meat and cheese. Salads and similarly "shifty" or "drippy" items are typically weighed in deli cartons of some sort.

My monster burritos (up to two lbs.) are weighed in their foil jackets or paper mache take-out trays, and the jacket/tray is then "sealed" with the printed label as it comes off the printer.

Precision has to give way to practicality in situations like that.
What ever I get out of the Deli is put into a container when I ask them for it, they weight the container and then add the deli product, thats the way its suppose to be, if the rest of the world is screwing you, you should try the place down the street.
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Jimbo
I only buy Tillamook and Alden's ice cream. The first ingredients are milk and cream.
$7.50 a 1/2 gallon, thats worse than Bryers price wise.
Jimbo
I only buy Tillamook and Alden's ice cream. The first ingredients are milk and cream.
1st Big Question is ... How Much Sugar is in it and Sodium and Carbs ...
I' m really not suppose to have Ice Cream, or at least Moderately ....
Depending on the amount of sugar and sodium (don't think theres sodium in it, but Carbs probably is.)
Jimbo
$7.50 a 1/2 gallon, thats worse than Bryers price wise.
I'll give that a try next time, if I can find some in the right sugar areas.
Juan
What ever I get out of the Deli is put into a container when I ask them for it, they weight the container and then add the deli product, thats the way its suppose to be, if the rest of the world is screwing you, you should try the place down the street.
They are probably cheating you by swapping store brand product for name brand...those store deli's are very sketchy
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Bobby
I'll give that a try next time, if I can find some in the right sugar areas.
22g per serving.
Juan
22g per serving.
How much is a serving?
Bobby
How much is a serving?
2/3 of a cup, a large scoop.
Jimbo
They are probably cheating you by swapping store brand product for name brand...those store deli's are very sketchy
They are made every day at this place ... it's a little Ma and Pop store ...

When ever I order something, they weigh the container (like everyone is suppose to) then weigh the product, so you actually get what your paying for lb wise ...
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Juan
They are made every day at this place ... it's a little Ma and Pop store ...

When ever I order something, they weigh the container (like everyone is suppose to) then weigh the product, so you actually get what your paying for lb wise ...
I apologize...I was thought you were talking about a supermarket deli
Jimbo
I apologize...I was thought you were talking about a supermarket deli
Well, it is a Super market deli, just not a MAJOR one .
navychop
2/3 of a cup, a large scoop.

Awwww. You missed your chance to say "22 grams."
navychop
don't think theres sodium in it

According to "Miss A"" there is. Especially for higher end ones.
Jimbo
According to "Miss A"" there is. Especially for higher end ones.
I did look into that ... the ones I get have about 65mg, which is very little ... but then I wouldn't expect much to be in Ice Cream.
Carbs are more than I would have liked ...
Bobby
I did look into that ... the ones I get have about 65mg, which is very little ... but then I wouldn't expect much to be in Ice Cream.
Carbs are more than I would have liked ...
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dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
I've always been super interested in things space related so this is a pretty cool event coming up. Nov 18, 2026 early in the morning, Voyager 1 will reach the distance of one full light day from Earth. Took almost 50 yrs. I was 13 when it launched.


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gjHK3clOwIw?feature=share
4 Replies · 100 views
Foxbat
So, 1/1596th the way to Alpha Centauri (if it were headed that way). 79,800 years to go…
Bruce
So, 1/1596th the way to Alpha Centauri (if it were headed that way). 79,800 years to go…
IMG_2175.webp
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b4pjoe
So, 1/1596th the way to Alpha Centauri (if it were headed that way). 79,800 years to go…
Thanks for that info. I will mark it on my calendar! 🤣
Jimbo
Will the Jupiter 2 make it in time ....
Stay tuned ...
jamieh1
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV Programming Forum
Looks like DTV made a deal. I'm now getting it on ch 650. The tv promise slate is gone.
1 Replies · 24 views
M
A few teams got a deal. Was posted yesterday in the Directv update thread
JSheridan
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.
151 Replies · 3937 views
navychop
Years down the road
R
Years down the road
Looks like Charlie Ergen will never give up satellite TV. The reason Echostar 25 the most poweful DBS satellite ever built at 110 location already. Also Echostar 26 another super satellite on order for 119 orbital location will be ready in 15 months. he will have 110/119 for another 20 years. Dish will be the only satellte company left. The reason for rural areas and some people like satellite easy to operate and change channels in seconds.
Mister B
Looks like Charlie Ergen will never give up satellite TV. The reason Echostar 25 the most poweful DBS satellite ever built at 110 location already. Also Echostar 26 another super satellite on order for 119 orbital location will be ready in 15 months. he will have 110/119 for another 20 years. Dish will be the only satellte company left. The reason for rural areas and some people like satellite easy to operate and change channels in seconds.
I hope these new "most powerful" satellites will mean that DISH can provide every channel that can be sourced in HD in HD. I do not like the fact that two of my favorite channels (Start and H&I) are SD. I was also very disappointed after installation that METV has to be streamed from my internet connection. Finally, I dropped the locals upon seeing that my local CW channel is in blurry letterboxed SD when it has been HD OTA for years.
zippyfrog
I hope these new "most powerful" satellites will mean that DISH can provide every channel that can be sourced in HD in HD. I do not like the fact that two of my favorite channels (Start and H&I) are SD. I was also very disappointed after installation that METV has to be streamed from my internet connection. Finally, I dropped the locals upon seeing that my local CW channel is in blurry letterboxed SD when it has been HD OTA for years.
This piece gets me - the fact that Dish has removed SD channels from satellite completely in the name of "HD upgrades". I pay for satellite TV, not streaming...I don't see why they couldn't leave the SD version of the channels on Satellite then put the HD streaming version like they have for other channels.
navychop
This piece gets me - the fact that Dish has removed SD channels from satellite completely in the name of "HD upgrades". I pay for satellite TV, not streaming...I don't see why they couldn't leave the SD version of the channels on Satellite then put the HD streaming version like they have for other channels.

CONTRACTS!
T
CONTRACTS!
At this point one can only ask whether any live ch's are still distributed in SD. Other than maybe "classics" ch's that run only older stuff
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S
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.
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Jimbo
At this point one can only ask whether any live ch's are still distributed in SD. Other than maybe "classics" ch's that run only older stuff
Personally, I would HATE to see a SD Channel at this point.
Jimbo
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.
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Mister B
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.
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Jimbo
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.
Oh Yes, the Genaric Commercials .... have you seen the DR Trimmer commercials lately (and accessories )
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Jimbo
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.
Not many are watching.
Majority are watching the same shows in HD or 4K
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