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Bam Bam

Last reply Sep 16, 2007 · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Great Deal! -- Couple HD questions

First, let me say a big THANK YOU to satellite guys for the info that I was able to collect over the past few weeks in making my sat. tv decision. I have had D* for about 4 years. Contract ran out a couple months ago. Saw a Dish promo that sounded great - free hd/dvr, free hd programming for 6 months, free HBO for 3 months, no install fee, $50 credit, and price locked in til Jan of 08. I have had an HD compatible tv for about seven years, but I've never had HD programming. All I have had is standard def prog. - two standard receivers (no DVRs). I have got the total choice plus pkg.

I decided the time had come to take the leap and get HD, in light of the great deals and new HD content available. Anyway, in researching I came across this website - I am so glad I did. We were almost sold on Dish, but then I found about the HD channels coming soon to D*. So I called D* retention and told them about the Dish deal. Here is what I was offered the first time (after being polite and patient):

Free HD/DVR upgrade
$19.95 install fee
$100 retention credit
Free HD access for a year
Free DVR access for a year
Free HBO for 6 months

I could get this for a 2 year commit.
He told me to think about it, and I did. They still could not lock in the price. I did the math, and for a two year span, the cost was exactly the same between D*'s total choice plus with HD/DVR (with the above credits) and Dish's top 200 with HD/DVR (with their promo credits).

I called D* retention the next morning. Here is what I was told: "We cannot do that deal for you. We cannot give you the free HBO, or the $100 credit, or the free DVR access. We have given you too much already. The computer won't even allow us to give you all of this." I was shocked that they would go back on their deal within 24 hours. This lady's supervisor told me the same thing (these were different people than I had talked to the previous day).

I decided to call back a few minutes later. I spoke to another person. I gave her the details of the deal I was offered. She said that was no problem. She didn't know why I was told that they could not honor it. I was able to get all of the deal I was originally told, PLUS, she waived the $19.95 install fee, AND gave me the new subs deal for NFL Sunday Ticket! I had never had it before. So, I believe I got a great deal! For the next four months get NFL ST and premiere pkg. for just the cost of the ST. After the four months, I can go back down to the Total Choice extra plus HD/DVR. I still get the $100 credit, free install, Free upgrade, free hd for a year, and free dvr access for a year.

It seems to me like your deal depends on who you talk to. Also, I was polite to them. I knew what Dish was offering, and simply laid out those details to the D* retention dept. I am very pleased with the results.

The install was done today (1 week after the phone call). The installer was ok, but not too informative. He told me that I would not be able to hook up my vcr to record sat. content through my HD/DVR receiver, but I was able to after a few tries after he left. I had to do some re-wiring after he was gone. I am not overwhelmed by the HD pq, but it does look good. This may be due to the age of my HD tv (7 years). I do have a couple questions (sorry if they are dumb questions):

1. The installer has my HD receiver hooked to my tv through component cables (green, red, blue) using the "comp one" input. At the same time, I was also able to hook up the receiver to my tv using an S video cable and using "video one" input. (My tv is not equipped to do HDMI cables). My audio is hooked into my surround sound. When I toggle between "comp one" and "video one", I can see no difference in the pq, except that using the S video cable and video one input seems to make the picture brighter overall versus the component cable hookup. I don't know why. Which should I choose for best picture then - component hookup or S video hookup?

2. Along the same line, my audio is run to my surround sound mixer using component cables (red and white). Should I get a digital (I think it also says "optical") hookup for my audio? Right now the sound displays "analog" on my surround sound mixer display, but I can still switch between different surround modes (sports, movie, game, etc.) The installer said that HD didn't affect audio, but I thought that it did affect audio.

3. It seems like some of my standard def channels (ESPN and fox news for example) now look worse than they did before the install. Any reason for that? I tried switching the formats around on it, but that didn't seem to change anything for the standard def channels.

4. I now have two local channels (one HD, one standard def) of the same number - it seems unnecessary to have the standard def feed of a local channel if I have the HD feed of that channel. How will the new HD channels coming out be numbered? I know there is no more room in the 70's for them. Will I automatically pick them up since I have HD access? The installer said he heard that they were set to launch at the end of this month. I hope it is soon!

I apologize for being so lengthy, and if any of the above questions have been answered and I missed it. Again, thank you so much for all your help!

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LonghornXP

Sep 13, 2007

First I'm going to assume you have an HR20 HD DVR from DirecTV to start. Now on this model you should see a circle of blue lights towards the middle front of the unit. If you see these lights you have the correct HD DVR model for the upcoming HD channels. Now onto the HDTV stuff.

First the "ONLY" two connections this HD DVR has that can pass HDTV to your TV set is either component (red, green and blue cables) and/or HDMI. "NO" other output on that HD DVR can get you HD "period". Don't take this as sounding harsh I'm just making it very clear right up front to avoid confusion.

Now to see if the box is sending an HD signal to your HDTV set you can look on the right side of the front of your box for "four" little circle dots. Only "one" of those four will be lit. Each of these dots will have the resolution right below the light. From left to right the resolutions should be 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. To see true HDTV the light must be "ON" for either 720p "OR" 1080i and nothing else. If the light is on either 480i or 480p you "WILL NOT" see HDTV.

So if the light is on for either 720p or 1080i and you can see a picture your looking better now.

So once all the above is done we have two more key things to point out.

1. To watch HDTV you must be tuned into an HDTV channel but as you said the 70s I'm sure you know this part now.

2. Now even if your tuned into an HDTV station such as ESPN HD the picture can still look bad "if" ESPN HD at this specific time isn't broadcasting the show in HDTV.

Also nearly all new channels coming in HDTV will use the SD channels numbers. So whatever channel USA is on today you will see the channel twice on the same number just as your HDTV local channels via satellite work today.

You without a doubt should notice a big enough difference with true HDTV that in no way should you be saying it looks just like the digital feed.

If this doesn't work my next set of advice is to check your 7 year old HDTV set to see if its even a true HDTV set. Back in those old says I saw tons of sets that were only EDTV sets and an EDTV is nothing like HDTV. All of those EDTV sets could display a 480p signal at a max resolution of something like 640x480p "and" they could accept both 720p and 1080i signals but the TV set would downconvert it into its native resolution which is again 640x480p resolution. All EDTV sets have component inputs on them so I'm having this bad feeling this might be your problem but I'm hoping it isn't.

If you can please post your brand and model number for your HDTV set ASAP so I can check this for you.

Bam Bam

Sep 14, 2007

Longhorn,

Thank you for your input and answers! Let me try to answer some of your questions, so you can help me a bit more. I just got the install yesterday, and the installer was not much help. He told me that I couldn't hook up my VCR to record the satellite, and he said that HD didn't affect the sound. I knew he was wrong on both parts. He really was in a hurry to leave. I read through the set up book last night. I purchased optical cables last night too and hooked them up from the HR20 to my surround sound, replacing the red and white analog hookup (although that old hookup did put sound through all my speakers pretty well). Also, I made sure to turn the Dolby Digital to "on" in the setup menu. When watching an HD channel "DOLBY DIGITAL" displays on my surround sound receiver, but I cannot tell a big difference between it now and how it used to sound. Maybe that is because my sorround sound receiver did a good job of converting the analog feed.

MY receiver is definitely an HR 20 HD DVR. My tv is a 61 inch Panasonic, but I don't have the brand name with me here. It is definitely HD. It says on the front "HDTV 1080i compatible." I have the receiver hooked up to my tv through the component cables (red, blue, and green). I can definitely tell the difference between the HD pq and the sd. I know what you are saying about the four different blue lights indicating the various resolutions. The 1080i is lit up, and it also says 1080i when I hit the format button. I wasn't saying that I couldnt' tell the difference between the hd and my sd. The hd looks a lot better than the sd. Maybe I didn't state that clear enough. I was saying that I couldn't tell the difference between viewing my hd channels via the component cables or the s video cable. Both looked very good, and I couldn't tell the difference except that viewing the HD via the s video, the picture looked a little brighter. It seemed to me that I was getting HD through either hookup. When I viewed my HD channel through my "VIDEO 1" S video hookup, it looked like HD just the same as when I viewed my HD through my "COMPONENT 1" component cables hookup. It still said "1080i" using the format button, and the 1080i blue light on the receiver was lit.

I have noticed also, for example, this morning that the HD channels look better than the sd channels, even if the particular program is not said to be broadcasting in HD. ESPN HD looks better than regular ESPN, even when the particular program is not broadcast in HD. For example, this morning a women's soccer game was on. It did not say HD in the guide or info area. But it definitely looked better than the same broadcast on ESPN at the same time, and 1080i was lit up on the receiver.. Dr. Phil was the same way this morning (I don't watch Dr. Phil , I was just checking my setup).

Does it have something to do with the resolution or format options? I have "native" off right now. Is that best or not? Which resolutions should I check? 480i and 1080i, or just 1080i? When I have only 1080i checked, it still displays my standard channels (of course I can tell it isn't HD, but it doesn't look bad). I want to have the best picture and sound I can get for both my standard and HD channels.

Thank you so much!

jmrife

Sep 14, 2007

LonghornXP said:
If this doesn't work my next set of advice is to check your 7 year old HDTV set to see if its even a true HDTV set. Back in those old says I saw tons of sets that were only EDTV sets and an EDTV is nothing like HDTV. All of those EDTV sets could display a 480p signal at a max resolution of something like 640x480p "and" they could accept both 720p and 1080i signals but the TV set would downconvert it into its native resolution which is again 640x480p resolution. All EDTV sets have component inputs on them so I'm having this bad feeling this might be your problem but I'm hoping it isn't.

If you can please post your brand and model number for your HDTV set ASAP so I can check this for you.

Believe me, a 720p/1080i signal on an EDTV looks way, way better than an S-video feed. I like your idea about making sure he is using an HD feed. Oh, and the H20 has an S-Video out.

Bam Bam

Sep 14, 2007

My tv is a Panasonic 61HX40. I bought it at Circuit City in 2000, I believe. I have always liked the picture quality. I think the hd looks good on it. I have my audio hooked through a Pioneer surround sound system. I hope this info helps.

LonghornXP

Sep 14, 2007

Bam Bam said:
My tv is a Panasonic 61HX40. I bought it at Circuit City in 2000, I believe. I have always liked the picture quality. I think the hd looks good on it. I have my audio hooked through a Pioneer surround sound system. I hope this info helps.

Okay I'm sure this is indeed an HDTV set so just to make sure no mistakes are being made unplug all connections from just your HD DVR and your HDTV set "except" for the component connection. So if you have an S-Video connection from the HD DVR to your HDTV set unplug it. You only want to use a component connection. This will insure that I know your on the correct input on your HDTV set.

Now on your HD DVR press the "MENU" button on your remote control.

Now select the "Help and Settings" menu option.

Now select the "Setup" option.

Now select the "HDTV" option.

Now your viewing a screen which lists Native, Screen format etc.

Make sure that native is set as "OFF".

I would suggest you set the Screen Format as "STRETCH".

Now towards the top of the screen you will see three options in a row from left to right called the following below.

Video, TV Ratio and TV resolutions.

You should default in the Video section where you changed all the above options.

So use your up arrow keys until "TV Ratio" is highlighted in yellow and press "Select".

On the TV Ratio screen you have two options and they are Standard TV 4x3 and Widescreen 16x9.
Make sure that Standard TV 4x3 is selected.

Now move yourself into the TV resolutions section and you should see "four" boxes with four resolutions next to them.

They should be 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i.

Just make sure that a white dot within each box is only present in the box for 1080i. If any other boxes have the white dot highlight those boxes and press the select button until the box is clear.

The only box of the four that should have a white dot is the 1080i box.

Once this is done exit out of your menu and tune into an HDTV channel that is broadcasting in HDTV. I'd suggest you tune into either HDNet or HDNet Movies as both of these stations broadcast in HDTV 24x7. If you still don't notice a big difference between HDNet and say channel 242 you have some bigger problems than you think. HDNet without a doubt is a very big difference in quality compared to a normal digital channel such as 242.

Bam Bam

Sep 16, 2007

I have never said that I couldn't tell the difference between my hd and a regular channel (like 242 or something). I immediately could tell the hd, and I love it! What I was saying is that I had my HR20 hooked to my tv via component cables, and at the same time I had it hooked up to my tv via an s-video cable as well (using a different input). When I toggled inputs to compare the hd picture quality via the different hookups (component one vs. video one), I could not tell a difference. At the time, I had not read that an s-video cable could not do hd. Toggling back and forth between inputs (component vs. s video) and using an hd channel, both looked like hd to me, far better than the standard channels. I just didn't know why.

Now I have HR20 hooked to my tv via component cables only. I got a toslink optical cable for audio running to my surround sound receiver. I have my setup just like you said. The only resolution I have checked is 1080i. I have tried checking both 480i and 1080i to see how my standard channels look in both (I know my standard won't be true 1080i), and it seems that my standard channels look a slight bit better when I have my resolution set to 1080i. Is this the best to view my standard def channels? Just leave native off with 1080i checked only? That is the way I have it. It seems to me (and I don't think it is just because I have now seen HD) that my standard channels look a little bit worse now that I have my HD/DVR hooked up, than they did with my old standard receiver. Is that valid? What would be the reason? Is there a better way to view my standard channels?

Also, is there any reason that programs would look better on my HD channels (my locals for example) versus the simultaneous feed on my standard channels, when the particular program at the time is not broadcast in HD? I mean, I can tell it isn't HD, but even a 480i broadcast seems to look better over my HD channel versus the same thing on the regular companion channel. Why would that be, if they are both being broadcast in 480i?

Thank you very much for your help!

p.s. I like to watch hd content (especially football) in 1080i letterbox. I don't mind the black bars on the top and bottom, since I am watching the game without missing any action on the sides that I would miss with stretch or crop. I will switch to crop or stretch or change to a standard channel periodically to try to avoid burn-in of the black bars. Should that be alright with my projection tv? I love watching football games in hd 1080i letterbox now! It is awesome!

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 5 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

You can't even trust the cost per ounce info in grocery stores anymore

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

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Juan

Yesterday at 11:17 AM

dishstaller said:
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

When walmart set a price...they weigh the container and the product...the product label only shows the weight of the product...I am sure if you brought your own plastic baggies to bring the product home you could get the cheaper price

dishstaller

Yesterday at 11:47 AM

Juan said:
When walmart set a price...they weigh the container and the product...

Then they are stupid. Everyone knows that the price per ounce should be the price per ounce of actual product.

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Juan

Yesterday at 1:38 PM

dishstaller said:
Then they are stupid. Everyone knows that the price per ounce should be the price per ounce of actual product.

You are paying for the whole thing

telstar_1

Yesterday at 2:22 PM

Juan said:
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.

Juan

Yesterday at 3:07 PM

telstar_1 said:
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.

But a box can weigh more than an ounce..maybe 2...a can might weigh 5 ounces..a bag...not much

dishstaller

Yesterday at 3:13 PM

Juan said:
.a bag...not much

Well, according to the price per ounce on that first bag of coffee he mentions, that would mean the bag weighed over 6 ounces. That bag does NOT weigh 6 ounces. According to Google, an empty bag weighs half an ounce.

Jimbo

Yesterday at 6:23 PM

Juan said:
You are paying for the whole thing

When you go to a Deli, the weight of the container is removed, so you only pay for the weight of the product .... at least where I shop.

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Jimbo

Yesterday at 6:26 PM

telstar_1 said:
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

Yesterday at 6:41 PM

Jimbo said:
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.

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:09 PM

TRG said:
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.

All through high school I worked at the local home-owned grocery store. I never cease to be amazed at how packing has shrunk through the years. I worked 1978-end of school 1982 so I worked right through all the inflation that was taking place then. Taught me life-lessons that still are with me. My primary job on Saturdays was doing all the price changes....back then you used a price gun, so I had a front row seat. Sugar REALLY went through the roof which is why we now have high fructose corn syrup in just about everything we eat nowadays .

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Juan

Today at 7:06 AM

Jimbo said:
When you go to a Deli, the weight of the container is removed, so you only pay for the weight of the product .... at least where I shop.

It's a plastic bag at the deli....at the end of the day..the only thing that will happen is that walmart will increase there cost per ounce price...there is no way..no how they will reduce prices

Juan

Today at 7:09 AM

dishstaller said:
All through high school I worked at the local home-owned grocery store. I never cease to be amazed at how packing has shrunk through the years. I worked 1978-end of school 1982 so I worked right through all the inflation that was taking place then. Taught me life-lessons that still are with me. My primary job on Saturdays was doing all the price changes....back then you used a price gun, so I had a front row seat. Sugar REALLY went through the roof which is why we now have high fructose corn syrup in just about everything we eat nowadays .

Sugar went from 5 pound bags to 4 pound bags

Juan

Today at 7:13 AM

dishstaller said:
Well, according to the price per ounce on that first bag of coffee he mentions, that would mean the bag weighed over 6 ounces. That bag does NOT weigh 6 ounces. According to Google, an empty bag weighs half an ounce.

You need to weigh the actual bag...a deli bag weighs less than that but a thick coffee bag is gonna weigh around an ounce...an empty tin can has some weight

NYDutch

Today at 7:44 AM

Juan said:
You need to weigh the actual bag...a deli bag weighs less than that but a thick coffee bag is gonna weigh around an ounce...an empty tin can has some weight

Products sold by the ounce, pound, etc, should always be priced for the product only. Only the shipping weight should include the packaging.

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harshness

5 minutes ago

NYDutch said:
Products sold by the ounce, pound, etc, should always be priced for the product only.

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).

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 11 minutes ago · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

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rvvaquero

Tuesday at 11:33 AM

Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.

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Tuesday at 1:10 PM

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Jordan Elliott lasted just five games with the Titans.

sports.yahoo.com

Makes me think of the Javon Belcher murder suicide.

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HipKat

Yesterday at 8:10 PM

Week Six Balls and Goats and WTH is Going On in The NFL??

Browns. 1st place in the North. Yup. Believe it or not

Chiefs. Undefeated.

Titans. Won a game ! .... Colts I know, but still.

Saints. Won a game after a while.

Steelers. Having the same season they always have. They somehow find wins on their way to an unceremonial 1st round exit. Mike Tomlin is proud.

Cards. Won a game without scoring a single touchdown

Broncos. How they manage to win games with the dogshit offense they have should be studied.

Bears. Caleb's back and so is their mojo.

Goats

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Yespage

11 minutes ago

rvvaquero said:
Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.

Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 14 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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....

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iJustine

Today at 8:22 AM · posted in iJustine

Left handed Duo?

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cSIz5ZEDKaY

Direct YouTube Link - Left handed Duo?
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

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KAB

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 7:57 AM · posted in TV Shows

Slow Horses - Apple TV

Just finished S2. Watching Gary Oldman as deshvilved, dejected MI-6 agent, Jackson Lamb, is one of the best things streaming right now. Already 2 more seasons in the works. HIGHLY recommended. And yes, Mick Jagger sings the theme.

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Foxbat

Oct 8, 2026

Mrs. Foxbat and I are enjoying another great season so far. We only had to turn on the captions a few times.

KAB

Oct 9, 2026

Foxbat said:
Mrs. Foxbat and I are enjoying another great season so far. We only had to turn on the captions a few times.

I think this new season is a little too slow of a burn (as of ep #4, probably due to new show runner. However, I can't wait to find out what's up with Taverner!

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KAB

Yesterday at 4:31 PM

Well, the season finale went balls to the wall. Non stop action and several twisted twists. Gary Oldman at his best. Very well written and executed. Tavener owes Jackson big time. Only "if" was Jack Lowden's (River) cliffhanger, especially admin-st the buzz that he is the next James Bond in waiting.

klang

Yesterday at 5:35 PM

Planning to start the new season tonight.

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KAB

Today at 7:57 AM

I missed somewhere that it was renewed for season 8. That's quite something!

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 7:44 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Country singer John Anderson died today

He was 71 yrs old. One of my favorite songs is Seminole Wind....the violin is killer.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sh9P3X33w

6 Replies · 62 views

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mikew

Yesterday at 11:01 PM

I Wish I Could Have Been There is an amazing song. Rest in peace Mr Anderson.

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Bobby

Yesterday at 11:03 PM

Rest in peace.

Reactions: dishstaller

comfortably_numb

Yesterday at 11:04 PM

Hope you're out there Swingin', John.

Reactions: dfergie and dishstaller

dishstaller

Today at 12:02 AM

mikew said:
I Wish I Could Have Been There is an amazing song.

That's one of those songs that hits a little too close to home for me. I like the song but just can't listen to it. It's kinda like that song "Daddy never was the Cadillac kind".....reminds me too much of my Grandfather who died Feb 18, 1995.

dfergie

Today at 7:44 AM

R.I.P. I thought he was older…

View all replies (6)

MartyDe

Last reply Today at 7:43 AM · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available

www.tvtechnology.com

7 Replies · 246 views

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navychop

Tuesday at 12:03 PM

DEATH TO NEXGEN!

Reactions: primestar31, RaVo68, gms49ers and 1 other person

TRG

Tuesday at 12:12 PM

17 years ago the US turned off analog OTA signals in favor of digital broadcasting. Now the push is ATSC 3 "Nextgen TV". But nobody seems to be able to agree on DRM implementation protocols. People don't want to hook their TV up to the internet in order to watch over the air TV. At least I don't. With all the data they collect about your viewing habits the box should be given away at no cost.

Reactions: N5XZS, osu1991, slow_poke_pete and 1 other person

navychop

Tuesday at 12:27 PM

Comb your hair.

primestar31

Yesterday at 7:29 PM

navychop said:
DEATH TO NEXGEN!

It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

Reactions: FTA4PA and navychop

navychop

Yesterday at 10:37 PM

I truly hope you are right.

Reactions: FTA4PA

Mister B

Today at 7:43 AM

What bothers me is the total waste of broadcasting spectrum in this very crowded market. It has been almost three years now since KFOX converted their broadcast tower to ATSC 3.0 and moved all of their channels to other towers causing noticeable degradation of the picture quality.
I have a Sony TV with 3.0 capabilities but still use the 1.0 version of locals due to the fact that one or all of the 3.0 channels are often missing or unwatchable. In this city of 800K I doubt that more than a few hundred even know about ATSC 3.0.
The only thing that could motivate me to be interested in 3.0 would be if all of the minor networks (diginets) could be in at least 720P rather than blurry ultra-compressed 480i.
Three years is long enough to waste one of the few available RF frequencies in the area for this trial.
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

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TFLEV

Today at 7:22 AM · posted in TFLEV

I Drive the MOST POPULAR Chinese Car in the World: You Won't Believe What the Geely E2 Costs!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lIepOAbUWs

Direct YouTube Link - I Drive the MOST POPULAR Chinese Car in the World: You Won't Believe What the Geely E2 Costs!

0 Replies · 12 views

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SuperDish_Fan23

Last reply Today at 6:51 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Its crazy how the ViP922 is so rare for no reason.

Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!

21 Replies · 545 views

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Strega

Yesterday at 2:34 PM

That's not really unusual. Cable companies like to the provide the box too. The phone company provided the phones in until the government forced them to allow third-party phones.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Almighty1

Yesterday at 7:02 PM

Strega said:
That's not really unusual. Cable companies like to the provide the box too. The phone company provided the phones in until the government forced them to allow third-party phones.

Yes, the Western Electric phones that says "Bell System Property, NOT FOR SALE, Western Electric".

Reactions: AZ., Bobby and charlesrshell

Bobby

Yesterday at 8:30 PM

Almighty1 said:
Yes, the Western Electric phones that says "Bell System Property, NOT FOR SALE, Western Electric".

In my very early work life I installed and repaired those phones.

Reactions: charlesrshell, Almighty1, Foxbat and 1 other person

AZ.

Yesterday at 9:10 PM

Almighty1 said:
Yes, the Western Electric phones that says "Bell System Property, NOT FOR SALE, Western Electric".

someone is showing their age

Reactions: Almighty1 and charlesrshell

Almighty1

Yesterday at 9:38 PM

AZ. said:
someone is showing their age

LOL. It depends if the person saw it during the years when they were actually still available which is 1968 to 1983 meaning the person could be 43-58 years old or they can even be a few years old if they learned to read and write at a young age and actually saw a telephone with that label somewhere recently just like even here in San Francisco, payphone still exist physically in public places but whether they can be used or not is a different issue. It still looks like this even today:

Reactions: charlesrshell

dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:03 PM

I opened my Radio Shack in Sept 1984 and right about that time they did the whole deregulation thing with the phone companies. I bought TONS of those phones that had been refurbished with a new outer shell. You could throw one of those out of a 3 story high window and it would still work.
That was an interesting time in history. I would have older customers come in and ask about phones.....they were terrified that they were going to get into trouble hooking up a second phone without the phone company knowing about it. One of the funniest episodes of WKRP was the one where Johnny thought the cops were showing up because they had an unregistered phone. I guess younger folks can't conceive of a time when you were limited to the number of phones you could have in your house....and limited to the length of the cord

Reactions: navychop and charlesrshell

navychop

Yesterday at 11:01 PM

AZ. said:
someone is showing their age

You should hear his stories about when rocks were soft and pterodactyls were the new kid on the block!

Reactions: NYDutch, AZ., Foxbat and 2 others

dishstaller

Today at 12:04 AM

dishstaller said:
One of the funniest episodes of WKRP was the one where Johnny thought the cops were showing up because they had an unregistered phone.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA0yZ1nrm6M&pp=ygUPd2tycCBwaG9uZSBjb3Bz

Reactions: AZ. and charlesrshell

llokey

Today at 6:51 AM

Bobby said:
In my very early work life I installed and repaired those phones.

And I kept them working through the ESS offices.

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (21)

reubenray

Last reply Today at 5:34 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish vs Streaming Apps?

Every time my Dish contract comes up I weigh the options of keeping Dish or switch to streaming. Right now I can watch/record the OTA channels vis my HDHomerun. I also can stream CBS and NBC via the Paramount+ and Peacock apps. What I would need to find is how to watch the Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark channels, Great American Family, Lifetime channels plus a few more with an app or two. My current Dish bill is $118, so I should be able to get a few apps for a lot less.

Any suggestions? I would want the best picture quality and audio quality I could get.

5 Replies · 193 views

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Bruce

Yesterday at 1:17 PM

reubenray said:
Every time my Dish contract comes up I weigh the options of keeping Dish or switch to streaming. Right now I can watch/record the OTA channels vis my HDHomerun. I also can stream CBS and NBC via the Paramount+ and Peacock apps. What I would need to find is how to watch the Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark channels, Great American Family, Lifetime channels plus a few more with an app or two. My current Dish bill is $118, so I should be able to get a few apps for a lot less.

Any suggestions? I would want the best picture quality and audio quality I could get.

USA and SyFy content is on Peacock, you can receive the rest of those channels via Philo, only $25 a month.

Philo - Stream Live and On-Demand TV

Why pay more for TV? Start your Philo free trial and enjoy live TV plus on-demand content starting at just $25/month. Stream hit shows, movies, and more.

www.philo.com

Reactions: Bobby, osu1991, reubenray and 1 other person

Almighty1

Yesterday at 6:55 PM

reubenray said:
Every time my Dish contract comes up I weigh the options of keeping Dish or switch to streaming. Right now I can watch/record the OTA channels vis my HDHomerun. I also can stream CBS and NBC via the Paramount+ and Peacock apps. What I would need to find is how to watch the Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark channels, Great American Family, Lifetime channels plus a few more with an app or two. My current Dish bill is $118, so I should be able to get a few apps for a lot less.

Any suggestions? I would want the best picture quality and audio quality I could get.

This is what Google Search AI says, let's see how good AI can really solve problems.

To perfectly cover your specific channel checklist while saving significantly on your $118 Dish Network bill, you can leverage your existing HDHomerun setup alongside a live TV streaming service or app combination.
Since you require USA and Syfy, budget entertainment-only streaming apps like Philo ($28/mo) or Frndly TV ($7–$11/mo) will not work as standalone solutions because they exclude NBCUniversal networks. [1, 2]
Here are the best ways to get all your channels, optimized for high picture and audio quality:

Option 1: Hulu + Live TV (The All-In-One Match)
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99–$99.99/mo) is the most seamless replacement because its base tier natively carries every single channel on your list: [1, 2, 3]

Channel Checklist: Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Great American Family, Lifetime, and Lifetime Movies. [1]
Quality & Audio: Hulu + Live TV is widely praised by cord-cutters for its excellent high-bitrate 1080p video quality at 60 frames per second (fps) on compatible streaming hardware. It supports 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound on most live channels and compatible home theater systems.
Bonus Value: The price automatically bundles the entire on-demand libraries of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, which gives you a massive amount of additional content. [1, 2]

Option 2: YouTube TV (The Premium Interface Alternative)
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo) is highly regarded for its robust streaming stability, unlimited DVR, and highly polished user interface. [1, 2, 3]

Channel Checklist: It includes Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark channels, and Lifetime.
The Catch: Great American Family is not in the base lineup and requires the Sports Plus or Entertainment Plus add-on package, which increases the monthly cost.
Quality & Audio: It streams in 1080p/60fps with an advanced compression codec that minimizes buffering. It features native 5.1 surround sound audio across major streaming hardware platforms.

Option 3: The Maximum Savings "App Stack" Combination
If you want to maximize your financial savings by skipping a massive live TV guide, you can split your checklist across a few dedicated streaming apps. Because you already pay for Peacock, you can cross USA and Syfy content off your list, as Peacock hosts most of those networks' premium shows next-day or live.
By adding the following, you can build a highly customized tier:

Frndly TV ($6.99–$10.99/mo): This affordable live app brings you all 3 Hallmark channels, Great American Family, and the Lifetime networks with a classic cloud DVR.
Discovery+ ($4.99–$8.99/mo): This gives you the full, deep on-demand libraries and live feeds for Food Network and HGTV. [1]

Total Estimated Stack Cost: Around $12 to $20/mo combined on top of what you already pay.

Quality Note: Frndly TV maxes out at 720p/1080p high-definition with stereo audio, while Discovery+ supports highly optimized crisp 1080p and selective 4K video playback with strong digital audio depth on high-end streaming sticks. [1]

Cord-Cutting Tips for Peak Quality

Streaming Hardware Matters: To get the best possible image processing and audio passthrough, use dedicated streaming hardware like an Apple TV 4K or a high-end Roku Ultra rather than relying on the built-in smart TV operating systems.
Check Your Bandwidth: Ensure your home network has a stable downstream speed of at least 25–50 Mbps dedicated to your main television device to ensure the streaming apps auto-negotiate to their highest available bitrate and frame rates without dropping down to lower resolutions.

Reactions: dishstaller and charlesrshell

reubenray

Yesterday at 7:54 PM

Almighty1 said:
This is what Google Search AI says, let's see how good AI can really solve problems.

To perfectly cover your specific channel checklist while saving significantly on your $118 Dish Network bill, you can leverage your existing HDHomerun setup alongside a live TV streaming service or app combination.
Since you require USA and Syfy, budget entertainment-only streaming apps like Philo ($28/mo) or Frndly TV ($7–$11/mo) will not work as standalone solutions because they exclude NBCUniversal networks. [1, 2]
Here are the best ways to get all your channels, optimized for high picture and audio quality:

Option 1: Hulu + Live TV (The All-In-One Match)
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99–$99.99/mo) is the most seamless replacement because its base tier natively carries every single channel on your list: [1, 2, 3]

Channel Checklist: Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Great American Family, Lifetime, and Lifetime Movies. [1]

Quality & Audio: Hulu + Live TV is widely praised by cord-cutters for its excellent high-bitrate 1080p video quality at 60 frames per second (fps) on compatible streaming hardware. It supports 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound on most live channels and compatible home theater systems.

Bonus Value: The price automatically bundles the entire on-demand libraries of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, which gives you a massive amount of additional content. [1, 2]

Option 2: YouTube TV (The Premium Interface Alternative)
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo) is highly regarded for its robust streaming stability, unlimited DVR, and highly polished user interface. [1, 2, 3]

Channel Checklist: It includes Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark channels, and Lifetime.

The Catch: Great American Family is not in the base lineup and requires the Sports Plus or Entertainment Plus add-on package, which increases the monthly cost.

Quality & Audio: It streams in 1080p/60fps with an advanced compression codec that minimizes buffering. It features native 5.1 surround sound audio across major streaming hardware platforms.

Option 3: The Maximum Savings "App Stack" Combination
If you want to maximize your financial savings by skipping a massive live TV guide, you can split your checklist across a few dedicated streaming apps. Because you already pay for Peacock, you can cross USA and Syfy content off your list, as Peacock hosts most of those networks' premium shows next-day or live.
By adding the following, you can build a highly customized tier:

Frndly TV ($6.99–$10.99/mo): This affordable live app brings you all 3 Hallmark channels, Great American Family, and the Lifetime networks with a classic cloud DVR.

Discovery+ ($4.99–$8.99/mo): This gives you the full, deep on-demand libraries and live feeds for Food Network and HGTV. [1]

Total Estimated Stack Cost: Around $12 to $20/mo combined on top of what you already pay.

Quality Note: Frndly TV maxes out at 720p/1080p high-definition with stereo audio, while Discovery+ supports highly optimized crisp 1080p and selective 4K video playback with strong digital audio depth on high-end streaming sticks. [1]

Cord-Cutting Tips for Peak Quality

Streaming Hardware Matters: To get the best possible image processing and audio passthrough, use dedicated streaming hardware like an Apple TV 4K or a high-end Roku Ultra rather than relying on the built-in smart TV operating systems.

Check Your Bandwidth: Ensure your home network has a stable downstream speed of at least 25–50 Mbps dedicated to your main television device to ensure the streaming apps auto-negotiate to their highest available bitrate and frame rates without dropping down to lower resolutions.

WOW! Thanks for this info. I have Roku Ultra and I have a 300mbps internet plan.

Reactions: Foxbat, Almighty1 and charlesrshell

dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:13 PM

reubenray said:
WOW! Thanks for this info. I have Roku Ultra and I have a 300mbps internet plan.

You'll see the Friendly TV app on your Roku....it's preloaded. If you pay by the year it is under $100 for the entire year. Nice mix of channels.

Reactions: charlesrshell

HipKat

Today at 5:34 AM

Almighty1 said:
This is what Google Search AI says, let's see how good AI can really solve problems.

To perfectly cover your specific channel checklist while saving significantly on your $118 Dish Network bill, you can leverage your existing HDHomerun setup alongside a live TV streaming service or app combination.
Since you require USA and Syfy, budget entertainment-only streaming apps like Philo ($28/mo) or Frndly TV ($7–$11/mo) will not work as standalone solutions because they exclude NBCUniversal networks. [1, 2]
Here are the best ways to get all your channels, optimized for high picture and audio quality:

Option 1: Hulu + Live TV (The All-In-One Match)
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99–$99.99/mo) is the most seamless replacement because its base tier natively carries every single channel on your list: [1, 2, 3]

Channel Checklist: Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Great American Family, Lifetime, and Lifetime Movies. [1]

Quality & Audio: Hulu + Live TV is widely praised by cord-cutters for its excellent high-bitrate 1080p video quality at 60 frames per second (fps) on compatible streaming hardware. It supports 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound on most live channels and compatible home theater systems.

Bonus Value: The price automatically bundles the entire on-demand libraries of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, which gives you a massive amount of additional content. [1, 2]

Option 2: YouTube TV (The Premium Interface Alternative)
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo) is highly regarded for its robust streaming stability, unlimited DVR, and highly polished user interface. [1, 2, 3]

Channel Checklist: It includes Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, USA, Hallmark channels, and Lifetime.

The Catch: Great American Family is not in the base lineup and requires the Sports Plus or Entertainment Plus add-on package, which increases the monthly cost.

Quality & Audio: It streams in 1080p/60fps with an advanced compression codec that minimizes buffering. It features native 5.1 surround sound audio across major streaming hardware platforms.

Option 3: The Maximum Savings "App Stack" Combination
If you want to maximize your financial savings by skipping a massive live TV guide, you can split your checklist across a few dedicated streaming apps. Because you already pay for Peacock, you can cross USA and Syfy content off your list, as Peacock hosts most of those networks' premium shows next-day or live.
By adding the following, you can build a highly customized tier:

Frndly TV ($6.99–$10.99/mo): This affordable live app brings you all 3 Hallmark channels, Great American Family, and the Lifetime networks with a classic cloud DVR.

Discovery+ ($4.99–$8.99/mo): This gives you the full, deep on-demand libraries and live feeds for Food Network and HGTV. [1]

Total Estimated Stack Cost: Around $12 to $20/mo combined on top of what you already pay.

Quality Note: Frndly TV maxes out at 720p/1080p high-definition with stereo audio, while Discovery+ supports highly optimized crisp 1080p and selective 4K video playback with strong digital audio depth on high-end streaming sticks. [1]

Cord-Cutting Tips for Peak Quality

Streaming Hardware Matters: To get the best possible image processing and audio passthrough, use dedicated streaming hardware like an Apple TV 4K or a high-end Roku Ultra rather than relying on the built-in smart TV operating systems.

Check Your Bandwidth: Ensure your home network has a stable downstream speed of at least 25–50 Mbps dedicated to your main television device to ensure the streaming apps auto-negotiate to their highest available bitrate and frame rates without dropping down to lower resolutions.

I ran it by Chat, out of curiosity

There are actually some pretty good options here, especially since this person already has an HDHomeRun handling OTA channels and DVR recording. That eliminates one of the biggest reasons people pay for expensive live-TV streaming packages.

I'd narrow it down to three options: Philo, Sling Blue + Frndly TV, or DIRECTV MyEntertainment + Frndly TV.

The best options as of October 2026

Service	Monthly price	What's covered
Philo Essential	$25	Food Network, HGTV, all three Hallmark channels, Great American Family, Lifetime and LMN. Missing USA and Syfy.
Sling TV Blue	From $45.99	Food Network, HGTV, USA, Syfy and Lifetime. Missing some of the family/movie channels without add-ons.
Frndly TV Classic	$10.99	Hallmark channels, Great American Family, Lifetime, LMN and other family-oriented channels. HD and unlimited cloud DVR included.
DIRECTV MyEntertainment	$42.99	Food Network, HGTV, Syfy, Lifetime and many entertainment channels. Includes Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max ad-supported access.

Prices may vary by location and applicable taxes.

Notice that Philo covers almost everything for just $25, but USA and Syfy are the problem. Naturally, two channels manage to complicate an otherwise beautiful budget.

My recommendation

For the absolute lowest cost, Philo Essential at $25/month is hard to beat, provided they can live without live USA and Syfy. It even includes unlimited cloud DVR with recordings retained for one year.

If every channel matters, I'd compare these two combinations:

Sling Blue + Frndly Classic: Approximately $57–$66/month depending on Sling's local pricing, before taxes. Covers the entire requested channel list.
DIRECTV MyEntertainment + Frndly Classic: Approximately $54/month at the $42.99 DIRECTV price. Covers everything except USA, which is not on the currently published MyEntertainment lineup.

Picture and audio quality

This is where I'd offer one caution. Streaming isn't automatically better than DISH.

Sling generally delivers live TV in 720p, often with stereo audio, although some on-demand programming supports Dolby 5.1. Frndly's Classic plan offers HD, but not necessarily 1080p on every channel.

If picture and sound are major priorities, compare the actual services on the same television and streaming device during their trial periods. A dedicated on-demand app may deliver a better encode or surround soundtrack than the corresponding live channel, but availability varies by show and device.

The bottom line: I'd recommend trying Philo first. Their current $25 Essential package covers nearly the entire wish list and saves $93/month, or $1,116/year, compared with the $118 DISH bill. If USA and Syfy are must-haves as live channels, Sling Blue plus Frndly would be my next choice.

And one final distinction worth making on that message board: HDHomeRun recordings won't replace the cloud DVR for subscription channels. Those recordings stay within the streaming services' respective apps.

Reactions: reubenray and charlesrshell

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