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Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
I started noticing this in the last week, so I don't know if it is new or an old problem... I just got a 722 w/new Dish service a couple weeks ago.

Anyway - the SD channels are much louder than the HD channels... are there any workarounds? I have the receiver connected via toslink to my receiver.
17 Replies · 8744 views
Tom Bombadil
In order to provide the full dynamic range of a Dolby Digital soundtrack, the average volume level is set a bit lower. This enables peaks to go higher without potentially damaging your audio system.

It has been this way since the inception of Dolby Digital sound. It is built into the source signal. E* has nothing to do with it.

Typically the average volume level is 6dB lower on a DD channel.
MikeD-C05
My ota local Digital /hd station is in dolby digital and they have the sound turned up louder than the analog station. IT is quite loud and it has to be turned down every time I tune to it. My DISH HD NBC station is in dolby digital and it is turned down so low that you have to turn it up full blast to hear it. So it is up to the actual channel how loud that they set it at. DISH should work on an equalizing software that puts out all sound in an equal tone or volume. LIke smart sound and smart picture does on my old Magnovox tv.
griz_fan
My ota local Digital /hd station is in dolby digital and they have the sound turned up louder than the analog station. IT is quite loud and it has to be turned down every time I tune to it. My DISH HD NBC station is in dolby digital and it is turned down so low that you have to turn it up full blast to hear it. So it is up to the actual channel how loud that they set it at. DISH should work on an equalizing software that puts out all sound in an equal tone or volume. LIke smart sound and smart picture does on my old Magnovox tv.

Actually, most home theater receivers have that functionality, its often called the midnight mode. Basically, it flattens out and compresses the sound range. You looks a lot of the "boom" in movies, but you don't blow out the ears when doing quiet listening. The nice thing about handling it this way is that you are in control, I'd much prefer that to having Dish alter the audio before it even hits my system. There are times when I want that wide dynamic range for the full home theater effect.
skottey
Actually, most home theater receivers have that functionality, its often called the midnight mode. Basically, it flattens out and compresses the sound range. You looks a lot of the "boom" in movies, but you don't blow out the ears when doing quiet listening. The nice thing about handling it this way is that you are in control, I'd much prefer that to having Dish alter the audio before it even hits my system. There are times when I want that wide dynamic range for the full home theater effect.

Neither of my sound systems have such a mode but it sounds nice. I think I must have a hearing problem because I find myself constantly turning the volume up during movies when people are talking, while I turn it down during action scenes and music transitions. Then again my wife and 10 year old child expect a volume increase too so maybe it is all our equipment.

The bottom line is, I would like a balance. I feel like the provider should do this. I shouldn't have to have fancy equipment or constantly up and down my volume. This goes for all devices... DVD players, cable, satellite, VHS, Xbox and Wii.... etc....

NOBODY enjoys the sound getting really loud during action scenes and low during talking. Why don't they take a hint and fix this. This crap happens at movie theaters all the way down to OTA. I hate it. I just want to put the remote control down and enjoy the sound.
griz_fan
Neither of my sound systems have such a mode but it sounds nice. I think I must have a hearing problem because I find myself constantly turning the volume up during movies when people are talking, while I turn it down during action scenes and music transitions. Then again my wife and 10 year old child expect a volume increase too so maybe it is all our equipment.

The bottom line is, I would like a balance. I feel like the provider should do this. I shouldn't have to have fancy equipment or constantly up and down my volume. This goes for all devices... DVD players, cable, satellite, VHS, Xbox and Wii.... etc....

NOBODY enjoys the sound getting really loud during action scenes and low during talking. Why don't they take a hint and fix this. This crap happens at movie theaters all the way down to OTA. I hate it. I just want to put the remote control down and enjoy the sound.

I hate to say it, but what you describe is a classic symptom of low-quality A/V equipment. When you mentioned having to turn up the sound to make out dialog, then getting blasted by action scenes or music, that was the exact symptoms I had when I used to have Bose speakers. Bose speakers, and most super-cheap home-theater-in-a-box systems have some significant gaps in their frequency range, typically in the range of most dialog. The nice thing is, you don't have to spend a ton to get good sound, I've heard $500 dollar home-theater-in-a-box systems produce really nice sound. Sure, they can't match systems in the 5-figure range, but they can at least reproduce a relatively flat, complete frequency range. The cheap systems and most Bose systems do a poor job at certain ranges, typically where dialog is.

Again, you could spend more, but I dropped about $750 on an Onkyo receiver, a Velodyne sub, and a set of Athena speakers (center, 2 fronts, 2 rears). The difference was shocking. Center channel dialog had what I can only describe as a "presence". The whole range seemed more balanced. Sure, I still get blasted on occasion when my local HD channel switches from 5.1 to crappy audio for a local car dealer, but overall, I'm much happier now, and the improved sound really adds a dimension to the HD programming we get. Sports (especially on FOX) is amazing, and movies on HDNET, etc... are great, not to mention DVD. Heck, even our Wii's Dolby Pro-Logic II sounds great (Metroid Prime Corruption sounds amazing considering it isn't even digital).

If you've spent the money on the HDTV and the service, look into a decent sound system. If you're on a tight budget, look into the Onkyo HT-SR800 at Shop Onkyo. You can get the refurb for $400, shipped.
K
There's a setting that will change this on the receiver (), but I left it as is since all it does is compress the volume range into a smaller range (that is, the soft whisper and loud crash would be closer in volume than the makers of the show intended).

Note this only changes the sound on HD programs, not SD, so it would result in them being the same approximate volume. But I preferred to leave it as is to receive the full volume range on the HD channels despite having to adjust the volume when changing between HD and SD.

If you want to play with it, go to System Setup-->Dolby Digital, and switch between the RF and Line modes.
Tom Bombadil
Yep, if you switch your Dolby Digital setting to LINE mode, then that lessens the quality by compressing the dynamic range. It can be handy for late night viewing.
Tom Bombadil
A decent A/V receiver will have "Dialogue Normalization" which enables it to adjust the volume level depending upon the recording level in the source. When a DD program begins, my receiver's readout will display something like "Dialog +3" or "Dialog -2". So this does even out the volume levels when switching between DD-encoded programs or commercials.

But a stereo program or commercial would not do the same thing.

The average volume level of a DD recording is -31 dbFS. That is lower than what is normally used for stereo.

If Comcast or others had their DD programs at the same levels as stereo, then that is them tweaking the sound to be out of spec. They shouldn't be doing that. If they are raising the average volume level, then they are likely also compressing the dynamic range and thus degrading the overall quality of the DD audio track.
O
In order to provide the full dynamic range of a Dolby Digital soundtrack, the average volume level is set a bit lower. This enables peaks to go higher without potentially damaging your audio system.

It has been this way since the inception of Dolby Digital sound. It is built into the source signal. E* has nothing to do with it.

Typically the average volume level is 6dB lower on a DD channel.


While I understand the reason why there is a difference, on the receiver, I wish I could lower the output of analog channels to match the DD5.1 output. This way I'm not adjusting the 5.1 part of the audio, but the stereo.
T
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion
Picked up a sweet directv dish, mount, twin lnbs and a short cable.
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...
5 Replies · 141 views
Titanium
Yes, many have hacked a DirecTV or Dish Network dish before. Quite undersized, but would receive the 97w KU stations with an LNBF swap. Make a template to set the LNBF face angle and distance from the reflector. Remove the current circular polarity LNBFs and make a bracket to hold the replacement linear LNBF in the correct centered position. Remember to set the polarity skew.
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B
would probably also work well for NHK on 101W and possibly for PBS on 99W. I used one for a while on 30W. Just keep in mind that because it's undersized for those satellites, it might work fine in clear weather but won't have much margin to account for signal degradation during rain/snow
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O
If you can find one, the Shaw / Star Choice 75e ellipticals are great for use on 97, 99, and 101W. They are really just rebranded ChannelMaster 75 cm reflectors and use linear LNBFs by default out of the box.

Everyone else's mileage may vary.
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T
I have read that some have converted this type dish but after giving it a good look, it's the lnb conversion that is the bottleneck. Does anyone have a picture of their attempt to configure the lnb? I watched a video on youtube from the save it for parts guy and he used duct tape! Guess it worked but I'm thinking something a bit more permanent!
Thanks to all for your interest and replies...
Titanium
Many of us have used a universal LNBF mount (or get creative with L brackets and plumbers tape - perforated metal strapping). Use a few inches of aluminum tube (or a piece of 1x2" lumber) to extend the support arm (replacing the plastic mount used by DirecTV and Dish) to place the LNBF throat opening at the correct distance from the reflector, the correct height and at the correct angle. Nothing magical... simply place the new linear LNBF in the center at the same distance, height and angle as the current combo.
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2
LNBF mount.webp
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....
68524 Replies · 2672327 views
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dishstaller
Mississippi Squirrel Revival - Ray Stevens
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Bobby
Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town - Charley Pride
harshness
Delta Dawn - Tanya Tucker
dishstaller
Can't You See - Marshall Tucker Band
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sdfntx
See You in September - The Happenings
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

5550 Replies · 460524 views
Bobby
Regular$6.099​
Premium$6.599​
Diesel$7.999​
at Costco, Rohnert Park.​
Bobby
Regular$5.999​
Premium$6.399​
Diesel$7.999​
at Costco, Rohnert Park.​
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harshness
I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.
dishstaller
Regular$5.999​
Premium$6.399​
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.

Last night it was about $4.17 gas, $6,19 diesel.
harshness
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.
On the West Coast, a 40-cent differential is common. It used to be 30 cents before the prices rose above $3.

A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic), which is a whole different discussion.
K
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows
Season 2 order already in hand:

'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Renewed for Season 2, Tatiana Maslany to Guest Star in Season 1

I've not been optimistic about this show based on what I've read so far. Seems to be aimed at a younger audience. Interesting though that Tatiana Maslany will have some sort of role.
80 Replies · 3151 views
K
I'm sure I will watch at least the first episode but I am not optimistic.
K
I'm sure I will watch at least the first episode but I am not optimistic.
Here i am over a year later and just finished season 1. Not great but not as bad as I was expecting. Did not care for the barefoot captain stuff but overall ok. Actually looking forward to see what they did for season 2.
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MikeD-C05
Here i am over a year later and just finished season 1. Not great but not as bad as I was expecting. Did not care for the barefoot captain stuff but overall ok. Actually looking forward to see what they did for season 2.
Yeah, the foot stuff was just nasty. I kept thinking of how dirty her feet would get traipsing around shoe-less. Funny, I love being shoe less at home and never wear shoes indoors in my home for long, but seeing her laying on all her furniture with her bare feet hanging out just kind of grossed me out.
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harshness
I kept thinking of how dirty her feet would get traipsing around shoe-less.
Where would this "dirt" come from? Dead skin and dandruff?
MikeD-C05
Where would this "dirt" come from? Dead skin and dandruff?
There would still be dirt ,dust in the future I am sure. So walking around the station like she did she would get stuff on her feet. I am sure the robot vacuum is still going to miss stuff, with all those different alien species running around there.
harshness
There would still be dirt ,dust in the future I am sure.
Where is it going to come from -- specifically?

Why do you think cleaning technology won't improve in the next few hundred years? HEPA filtration was invented as part of the Manhattan Project.
J
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
This started a couple months ago. I have 2 H3s on one network, both with 2 EHD identical 3 TB seperately powered so all recordings are accessible by all 4k & J4s (8 of them).

On one H3 (not the main one that controls the MOCA network), after it reboots, it doesn't recognize it has two EHDs plugged into it. Rebooting the EHD by their power source doesn't fix it. Resetting the network doesn't. Software h3 reset doesn't fix it. Rebooting MOCA h3 doesn't fix it but so far, after 3+ cold boots (unplug pwr to H3 with unrecognized EHDs), it finally it figures out they are plugged into it. BUT.... Then when you open a program it only partially shows series and episodes, but instead of showing recordings, it only shows upcoming airings. HELP!!!!
25 Replies · 415 views
navychop
It'll only see two EHDs at a time.
Almighty1
JohnGalt1234 - So you basically have 2 Hopper 3's. The CasinoH3 is the one that is Hopper 3 only while Master Bedroom is a Hopper 3 with Hopper Plus setup.
Master Bedroom uses Android TV (ATV) software so the DISH part is actually a app and will behave differently as you can probably tell the Guide's are different on the Master Bedroom which will resemble the same guide used on other ATV devices such as the Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4. If I am correct, the CasinoH3 is the one with the problem since you did say the one dated 09/05/2026 is the naughty one while 08/15/2026 named Master Bedroom is the nice one. Usually I would expect the CasinoH3 to be the one without the problem because it's Hopper 3 only and Master Bedroom would be the one with problems because it has the Hopper Plus involved. That is why they behave differently because CasinoH3 is running the native Hopper 3 software while Master Bedroom is running the Android TV software and also it runs a app called DISH known as package com.dish.atv.launcher, the version for mines is P15403 2026100917 so it's probably the same version as the Hopper Plus software version with the date of October 9, 2026, not sure what the 17 means except maybe revision 17?

This explains it better than I can. Sorry, had to take all the ads out.

1792279578261.webp
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J
JohnGalt1234 - So you basically have 2 Hopper 3's. The CasinoH3 is the one that is Hopper 3 only while Master Bedroom is a Hopper 3 with Hopper Plus setup.
Master Bedroom uses Android TV (ATV) software so the DISH part is actually a app and will behave differently as you can probably tell the Guide's are different on the Master Bedroom which will resemble the same guide used on other ATV devices such as the Joey 4 and Wireless Joey 4. If I am correct, the CasinoH3 is the one with the problem since you did say the one dated 09/05/2026 is the naughty one while 08/15/2026 named Master Bedroom is the nice one. Usually I would expect the CasinoH3 to be the one without the problem because it's Hopper 3 only and Master Bedroom would be the one with problems because it has the Hopper Plus involved. That is why they behave differently because CasinoH3 is running the native Hopper 3 software while Master Bedroom is running the Android TV software and also it runs a app called DISH known as package com.dish.atv.launcher, the version for mines is P15403 2026100917 so it's probably the same version as the Hopper Plus software version with the date of October 9, 2026, not sure what the 17 means except maybe revision 17?

This explains it better than I can. Sorry, had to take all the ads out.

View attachment 194857
As I understand it, the android is just the display signal from the hopper+. I can disconnect the H+ and plug the hdmi directly into the master hopper3.
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Almighty1
As I understand it, the android is just the display signal from the hopper+. I can disconnect the H+ and plug the hdmi directly into the master hopper3.
It is not just a display signal as explained above. When you have the Hopper+ connected, it uses Android TV for pretty much everything except for the satellite signal which is why it uses the DISH app for the standard Hopper 3 functions. But that should not matter because in your case, CasinoH3 is the Hopper 3 with the EHD which is what you call the naughty one based on the dates you mentioned and Master Bedroom which has the Hopper Plus connected to the Hopper 3 that does not have the problem. So one way to test the theory is disconnect the Hopper Plus from that Hopper 3 and then use the EHD's connected to CasinoH3 currently to see if the same issue exists. That way you will know if the problem is there without a Hopper Plus connected or if CasinoH3 is just a bad hopper to begin with.

Normally when you disconnect the Hopper Plus, it will be 30 minutes or more before you can use the Hopper 3 again.

What you want to do is:
hold the POWER button in, not the red reset button, for about 45 seconds or so while disconnecting the power to the Plus and moving the HDMI cable and it will reboot to the normal Hopper only immediately.
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bookworm370
It'll only see two EHDs at a time.
Yes, I have only two online at a time.
One comes online, the other one consistently will not come online
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bookworm370
Yes, I have only two online at a time.
One comes online; the other consistently won't. Also, when I connect the EHD, the USB Detected status light on the EHD itself changes from Red to Green. But the Hopper (713) does not start the EHD read process. The light changes to indicate that the EHD has detected a valid USB cable, but the Hopper does not recognize it.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 8 views
Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
No idea what improvements might be involved.
16 Replies · 709 views
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bookworm370
Has anyone noticed an FF stutter with 713? I used to be able to hit FF a few times and skip smoothly. After 713 (maybe 712), when I skip forward, there is a definite stutter for as many times as I have pressed FF.

Can anyone check on this and report back? Recorded programs and then press skip forward a few times to see if it's smooth? Normally, it just jumps to the right place after the skips.
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R
I got the 713 update yesterday.
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N
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
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R
Has anyone noticed an FF stutter with 713? I used to be able to hit FF a few times and skip smoothly. After 713 (maybe 712), when I skip forward, there is a definite stutter for as many times as I have pressed FF.

Can anyone check on this and report back? Recorded programs and then press skip forward a few times to see if it's smooth? Normally, it just jumps to the right place after the skips.
My wife mentioned that her remote is acting strange this morning. She hit FF and it went to 15x FF.
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Bobby
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
This has been an ongoing issue. A fix is coming, probably in the next software version.
T
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
I have Dish Hopper and Hopper Plus and also have Alexa Echo. I link the Alex skill to Dish and it asks me to enter the pairing code shown on the TV. I go into Dish Settings and there is no Alexa shown. Not sure what to do.
16 Replies · 706 views
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HipKat
Guys,
Android is Google. Google is Android. Android OS and Google TV are the same thing.
The Hopper+ and Joey 4's run Android TV, which is Google's television version of Android.
That means under the hood, you have:
  • Linux kernel
  • Android framework
  • Google TV / Android TV interface
  • Google Play Store for TV apps
Alexa is the competition. Google is not going to host their competition.
The old Hopper Carbon UI is NOT Google so that's why Alexa was on there.
H
Understood. But here's the rub - Google Assistant setup is ALSO missing from the Hopper Plus setup. I'm a paraplegic.and need to use voice controls as much as possible but I can't press a button on the remote to activate Google Assistant. I prefer ALEXA (or ALEXA+) but I have one older google device and will go that route IF they make it available. BTW calling Dish Customer Service is no help- they just say they have no info on if/when there will be an update.
navychop
Ungood.
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R
What is the purpose of connecting Alexa and the H3?
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navychop
Tell Alexa verbally what to do.