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vurbano

Supporting Founder

Last reply Sep 21, 2004 · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

If you like PQ it might be time to leave Directv

Recent reports on AVS indicate downrezzing to 1280x1080 on D*. And that Hdnet movies looks no better than DVD quality. Are the days of HDlite beginning for D*????

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Sean Mota

Sep 20, 2004

I do not think anyone of us would like to say to anyone change your service because it is not providing the best HD PQ on a certain channel (this is clearly up to each individual). In my opinion, D* subscribers should not drop their subscription because of this but be outspoken about it. D* went behind everyone's back and decided to do this and give free promotion of "HD Pack" without stating the real purpose. Could this change tomorrow or after NFL season is over? Yes, but not complaining to D* sends out a message. The message is quite clear: "more HD channels at the expense of PQ".

This is obvious with OTA network channels. My PBS-HD channel is always pixelated because of the sub-channels it carries. The same happens with NBC and now that Fox has gone the HD route, it is also happening to them. Yes, Over the air has nothing to do with satellite channels but the mentality is the same "more channels at the expense of PQ". I hope that not only D* subs but everyone gives feedback to D* that this is not acceptable for HD channels. We do not want to set a precedence such as what happened to the SD channels once satellite companies started carrying SD LIL.

P.S. the two channels in question are Showtime HD and HDnet Movies; Discovery-HD Theater is fine according to various reports.

Darin

Sep 20, 2004

Sean Mota said:
P.S. the two channels in question are Showtime HD and HDnet Movies; Discovery-HD Theater is fine according to various reports.

The reason I mentioned DiscoveryHD is because if you look at the bottome of Cheezmo's bitrate page, he's got DiscoveryHD listed 3/xponder with Bravo and a ST channel. If that is accurate, it would only be 3/xponder during a game, so it wouldn't be a constant difference like the movie channels currently are. But even outside of Sundays, DiscHD could take a slight hit with the ST changes... before ST, DirecTV combined one primarily video based HD channel with one primarily film based HD channel. Cheezmo's comparisons at that time showed the video channels taking the lion's share of the bandwidth. That is to be expected, and appropriate, because the combination of lower framerate (24fps) and inherently lower resolution of telecined film means that it can get away with much lower bandwidth than most video based HD. Now that DiscoveryHD is sharing a transponder with another video based channel, it doesn't have the advantage of being able to steal bandwidth as needed from a less demanding channel. I haven't watched much TV in the past week... not sure if I've even seen any DiscHD in that period. But based on the mapping shown on Cheezmo's site, I could see how it could be compromised too, probably just not to the extent of the movie channels.

FWIW, I also noticed that there's at least one ST channel on Cheezmo's transponder mapping listed in more than one spot. That could just be a typo, but I'm pretty sure what's shown there now isn't what it was too long ago. I think they are still juggling things around, so what may be bad today may be fine tomorrow. Hopefully they'll continue to juggle to minimize the compromises, and hopefully even limit them to Sundays.

Barney

Sep 20, 2004

I'm a newbee here. I had the 1st Cable Co here in Austin Texas, then it was Time Warner. (I need to find out when I got DirecTV). I have been soooooooo happy with D*. I think I had it for around 3-4 years at my old house, 18" round dish with 1 LNB. I sold the house & bought the house I have now & D* installed a new round dish with 2 LNB's and had me going for free. I'm an audio guy, don't watch TV, love music & love DVD's (D* had a concert by my favorite-Stevie Ray-audio may sux & video may sux, but remeber when this was & for SRV to be boo'ed off the stage-wonder what these folks are saying today). After a long hunt & research (hardest thing I ever did, looking for a HDTV-spent more time looking for speakers-which is fun-for me) I called D* and wanted their oval dish with 3 LNB's. Dish was free, install was free for one room but had 3 rooms wired (had to pay $75 for the two rooms-wall drops through the attic). I was set, got my HDTV ready monitor/STB/$14 indoor antenna for OTA....I will wait for D* to provide me with more HD. I don't care for their customer service, but.....I'm kind-of an informed customer. HD is a new thing out there, D* is doing it right. There are folks out there on a farm, ranch, or City with only 150 citizens that would love to have more than a few channels. D* is taking care of them 1st. I like it. While they are doing this, they are taking care of us early adapters as well. I'm not dropping D*. They remind me of a President we had that started Electric Co-Ops, so someones grandma out in the sticks could have electricy to her home (just like the City Folks) & have LIGHT in her home for the first time, so at night, she could cook her grandchild an apple pie & see doing it.
Give 'em some time my friends..........I will.

Barney

LOBO2999

Sep 20, 2004

Here is Another reason to love D I found this over at HDTVgalaxy , Total Choice Premier Free Preview weekend
I just got my October issue of Directv the guide and I seen that on October 15-17 Directv will be having a free preview weekend of the Total Choice Premier package.

Crazy 1

Sep 21, 2004

Cool I can watch the Showtime ch. Thats the only package I don't subscribe to except for the sports. And not a sports nut. Thanks for the tip LOBO2999. As for PQ on D* I've been pretty satisfied, I don't have HD yet but SD is ok by me at this time. As for E* I've been there and won't be going back in this life time. O'l Charlie will just have to do it with out my bussiness. Burn me once, shame on you, burn me again and you can kiss my A$$. Like the the old tuna commercial " Sorry Charlie" .

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply 58 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Gas Price Info With National Gas Temperature Map

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

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harshness

Sunday at 11:30 AM

I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

dishstaller

Today at 12:45 PM

Diesel is all over the place around here. Saw it yesterday from $5.37 to $6.17...not sure what the obsession was with ending in 7

dfergie

Today at 1:07 PM

$4.09 - $4.29, real gas $4.69...

harshness

Today at 5:32 PM

harshness said:
I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

Gavin Newsom somehow authorized the temporary move of the distribution date of the Winter blend to September 28th.

Foxbat

Today at 8:39 PM

harshness said:
It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

Gavin Newsom somehow authorized the temporary move of the distribution date of the Winter blend to September 28th.

Does that raise, or lower, the overall price? Our State Government has been doing everything it can to minimize the impact of the current situation and put a freeze on the State Taxes on fuel sales at the pump. That's why we're still under $4.00/gal. while across the border in Michigan it's much higher.

Bobby

58 minutes ago

Foxbat said:
Does that raise, or lower, the overall price? Our State Government has been doing everything it can to minimize the impact of the current situation and put a freeze on the State Taxes on fuel sales at the pump. That's why we're still under $4.00/gal. while across the border in Michigan it's much higher.

Winter blend is cheaper than Summer blend.

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jokeworm

Last reply Today at 9:01 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

What's for dinner ?

Ok, I'm bored .... actually - to be more precise - I'm bored of eating the same rotation of 9 or 10 meals that are currently my "go-to" meals. My wife works the long hours - I work from home as and when i feel like it ... which means i generally do most of the cooking ... and so by default - i also make out the shopping list ...

We cook at home 5 or even 6 nights a week - but we always seem to fall back on the same old tried and tested "quick and easy but tastes ok" meals. Week in week out.

Pot Roast - mash and Peas.
Spaghetti
Chicken Pasta in cheese sauce.
Curry & rice
(these are some of mine)

Now it's not that I'm not adventurous in the kitchen ... I'll try anything once or twice ... but we all do it. Unless your name is Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray .. we all eventually fall back on our 8-10 favorite "meals"

So i thought - if we shared some of our own go-to meals with each other ... we might be able to add a few "new" ones to our own arsenal of meals.

So again - I ask you ...

What's for dinner tonight ?

Please give me something new to add to my rotation ... its our weekly shop tomorrow - so i want to pull together a few idea's and try and eat a meal each day next week that I've never had before .. or at least something that is not on my current "go-to" meal plan.

What meal do you always seem to fall back on in your house ? Maybe its something that I've never tried or not had in a while. I need inspiration !! I've got a blank shopping list in front of me - and nothing sounds good .. HELP !

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Bobby

Oct 12, 2026

Chili Cheesebugers, Tater Tots.

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TRG

Oct 12, 2026

I made shrimp parmesan with spaghetti and a salad.

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slow_poke_pete

Sunday at 9:47 PM

venison lasagna

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dishstaller

Sunday at 10:03 PM

Smoked some salmon on the grill while enjoying some Blue Moon beer. Kinda cool tonight so I fired up the heaters. Here in FL, we fire up heaters once the temps get below 60 :cool

As for the salmon, I seared them first, then flipped them off to the side not over the coals and brushed on some lemon pepper marinade followed by some salmon seasoning. Threw some hickory chips on the coals and then closed the vents to about 10% airflow. Yum.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, dfergie and Bobby

TRG

Today at 9:01 PM

Light dinner tonight before fasting for blood-work tomorrow. Salad and a half turkey sandwich. Water.

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 8:33 PM · 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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Foxbat

Yesterday at 6:19 PM

I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Reactions: Mike0616 and rvvaquero

rvvaquero

Yesterday at 9:00 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Reactions: Howard Simmons, dfergie, Mike0616 and 1 other person

Foxbat

Yesterday at 11:25 PM

Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…

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b4pjoe

Today at 9:22 AM

rvvaquero said:
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Yes the Cowboys owner needs to fire the general manager (himself), co-owner, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Executive Vice President, Director of Player Personnel, and President of AT&T Stadium (his son) and then he should jump off of a cliff. Only then can they recover.

Reactions: osu1991, Foxbat, dfergie and 3 others

rvvaquero

Today 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.

Reactions: Mike0616, dfergie and b4pjoe

dfergie

Today at 1:10 PM

I was a devout Cowboy fan in the Landry era, grudgingly gave Jimmy his due, since then not so much, the Jones family took care of that...

Reactions: osu1991, Mike0616 and Foxbat

b4pjoe

Today at 8:33 PM

Nice knowing you Brian…

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 8:25 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Anyone making their own breakfast sausage? I've recently been trying different recipes, found some I like, some I've modified...

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navychop

Saturday at 8:14 AM

Bob Evans Sage.

reubenray

Saturday at 8:41 AM

navychop said:
Bob Evans Sage.

I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.

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TRG

Saturday at 6:19 PM

reubenray said:
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.

Kroger stores carry Bob Evans Sage Sausage. For me that means Smiths.

reubenray

Saturday at 6:38 PM

TRG said:
Kroger stores carry Bob Evans Sage Sausage. For me that means Smiths.

View attachment 194848

No Kroger's near me. I live in the heart of Walmart land. The only option besides Walmart is Harp's.

TRG

Saturday at 6:41 PM

reubenray said:
I live in the heart of Walmart land.

My deepest condolences.

reubenray

Saturday at 7:14 PM

TRG said:
My deepest condolences.

Surprisingly I moved here from the Gulf Coast due to the heat. But it has been hotter here due to the heat domes than it did down there.

slow_poke_pete

Today at 8:25 PM

make homemade dog food to

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 8:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Whiskey Pick: Loup River Nebraska Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBW7wHp14ho

Direct YouTube Link - Whiskey Pick: Loup River Nebraska Straight Bourbon Whiskey
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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Lon.TV

Today at 7:22 PM · posted in Lon.TV

Alexa Tablet 11 Review - Amazon's New Google Tablets?

Time for another AWESOME video from Lon Seidman of LON.TV!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hWHGOObqEk

Direct YouTube Link - Alexa Tablet 11 Review - Amazon's New Google Tablets?
The Official LON.TV Website
Lon on Facebook

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 6:31 PM · 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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dishstaller

Today at 12:48 PM

Detroit Rock City - KISS

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long_time_Dish

Today at 4:41 PM

We Built This City - Jefferson Starship

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sdfntx

Today at 4:44 PM

Built For Comfort - Omar & the Howlers

harshness

Today at 5:20 PM

On a Bicycle Built for Two [originally "Daisy Bell"] - Nat King Cole

long_time_Dish

Today at 6:31 PM

The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert

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klang

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:36 PM · posted in TV Shows

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy - Paramount+

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.

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klang

Jul 28, 2025

I'm sure I will watch at least the first episode but I am not optimistic.

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klang

Oct 11, 2026

klang said:
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

Oct 11, 2026

klang said:
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

Oct 13, 2026

MikeD-C05 said:
I kept thinking of how dirty her feet would get traipsing around shoe-less.

Where would this "dirt" come from? Dead skin and dandruff?

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MikeD-C05

Sunday at 12:51 PM

harshness said:
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.

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harshness

Sunday at 2:00 PM

MikeD-C05 said:
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.

MikeD-C05

Yesterday at 1:35 PM

harshness said:
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.

I don't know, but I still don't like her walking through the station or the academy with out her shoes. It looks unprofessional and very "hippy like" for someone of her status and I personally don't get off to feet, so there is that.

Reactions: long_time_Dish

osu1991

Yesterday at 1:59 PM

MikeD-C05 said:
I don't know, but I still don't like her walking through the station or the academy with out her shoes. It looks unprofessional and very "hippy like" for someone of her status and I personally don't get off to feet, so there is that.

Stay out of my office. I rarely have shoes or socks on in the office. My office and business is at home though :clapping

klang

Yesterday at 2:04 PM

I just thought her behavior, including the bare feet thing, was disrespectful to her position.

Reactions: long_time_Dish

harshness

Today at 5:36 PM

MikeD-C05 said:
I don't know, but I still don't like her walking through the station or the academy with out her shoes.

That is your right.

I couldn't buy hiding behind the dirty-feet argument.

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 4:42 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Security Now 1101

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

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

Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1101
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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