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tryinghard
Last reply · posted in General Home Theater Equipment

HDMI cheap cables

HDMI cheap cables

Since this is a tip "Theater Advice, Tips and Discussion" I have seen many fallen into the HDMI cable trap of buying big money HDMI cables in stores mostly after buying HD equipment, or someone listening to their expert friend, it's sad !

Please keep this in mind when buying HDMI cables, not other types of cables such as component that is a different story there are not built too a "owned Spec" HDMI since link is not allowed try org HDMI


Any HDMI cable made by anyone must adhere to the HDMI "Spec" meaning a 3 ft cable at a cost of $3.00 will deliver the same video and audio quality as a $80 HDMI, take this to the bank !

When one is buying a more costly HDMI cable for is only for a better feel meaning quality of the casing the gold connector, etc. but that dose nothing to add to the quality of video or audio, I chose to pay approx $15 to $20 for a cable but I know that $3 HDMI cable will do just as well, but being a Electrical designer I like the quality of the outside casing, but don't take my word on this, take CNET

CNET strongly recommends cheap HDMI cables widely available from online retailers instead of the expensive counterparts sold in your local electronics store. same here just search CNET on HDMI cables
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jayn_j
jayn_j
Tryinghard, I know I should just walk away from this one, but I can't let this be the last word, as others may misunderstand. You know you are right, and there is probably little I can say to change your opinion here.

A specification just isn't the holy grail of authority. It is only as good as the people who wrote it, and the people who enforce it.

Over the years, I have been involved in writing a number of standards for the T&M industry, including the VXI system specifications, VXIplug&play, SCPI, IEEE-488 and IEEE-1451. There are a number of things that will weaken a standard to worthlessness.

First, the word 'should' in a specification translated to 'is recommended'. That is translated by users to "I don't gotta do this and you can't make me". SHALL is the word that has proven to stand up to court challenges and is generally specified in standards. I can quote paragraph from the IEEE standards guidelines if you want.

Second, specifications that reference vague and non-measureable criteria are useless. If the spec says, must pass a 1080P signal, how do you prove that it doesn't. Is it good enough to say the picture comes through clean on a single hand picked set, or does there need to be a torture test set that it must work with. That set wasn't specified, so nobody has to go there.

Third, a standard without complience criteria and a certification lab are useless. HDMI does have a pretty good certification process, but from what I see, most cable manufacturers simply submit for the lowest level certification.

Fourth, the standard is only as good as its enforcement. This gets to be a tricky area. Sueing someone who didn't join the marketing alliance is a drop kick, but what do you do with a paying member who is releasing non-compliant or misleading product, especially if it is coming out of China or somewhere else where it is difficult to mount litigation?


Here are the logo guidelines for cables, in their entirety:
hdmi logo guidelines said:
5. Cables
Cables are categorized based on the performance capabilities and compliance testing of the cable. There are two categories of cable:
• Category 1: tested to carry a 74.25MHz (standard HD) signal
• Category 2: tested to carry up to a 340MHz signal
We recommend that Category 1 cables be marked as: "Standard HDMI™ Cable" We recommend that the following description be used to describe the qualities of a standard cable: Standard HDMI™ cables are tested to carry a standard HD 720p or 1080i signal. You will need a High Speed HDMI™ Cable if: - your home theater/television is capable of increased resolution (1080p at 60 Hz refresh rate or higher) -your home theater/television supports resolutions greater than 1080p - your home theater/television supports Deep Color for resolutions of 720p, 1080i and higher.
Category 2 cables should be marked as: "High Speed HDMI™ Cable" The following description should be used to describe the qualities of a High Speed cable: High Speed HDMI™ Cables are tested to carry an HD signal up to 1080p and higher.
Use a High Speed Cable also for 720p/1080i signals that are capable of increased refresh rates (above 60Hz) or Deep Color.
High Speed HDMI™ Cables will also support applications that only require a Standard HDMI(TM) Cable. All cables should reasonably indicate on both the cable itself (on the cable and/or the cable over mold) and on the front of cable packaging, whether it is a High Speed HDMI™ Cable. High Speed cables and front packaging should include the "HDMI" mark followed by the designation "High Speed" in equivalent size and font. The spacing and other usage requirements applicable to the Adopted Trademarks and HDMI Logo shall apply to all such usages.
Click to expand...

First, does anybody see any "shalls" other than the one about hijacking the trademark? They seem to be more concerned with making sure everybody joins the alliance and that they don't abuse the logo than making sure that the products actually work. Second, what does "carrying a 74.25MHz signal" mean. How many dB of loss is acceptable? What is the phase shift requirement? I assume this is in the testing criteria that they don't publish to the public.
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T
tryinghard
jayn_j said:
Tryinghard, I know I should just walk away from this one, but I can't let this be the last word, as others may misunderstand. You know you are right, and there is probably little I can say to change your opinion here.

A specification just isn't the holy grail of authority. It is only as good as the people who wrote it, and the people who enforce it.

Over the years, I have been involved in writing a number of standards for the T&M industry, including the VXI system specifications, VXIplug&play, SCPI, IEEE-488 and IEEE-1451. There are a number of things that will weaken a standard to worthlessness.

First, the word 'should' in a specification translated to 'is recommended'. That is translated by users to "I don't gotta do this and you can't make me". SHALL is the word that has proven to stand up to court challenges and is generally specified in standards. I can quote paragraph from the IEEE standards guidelines if you want.

Second, specifications that reference vague and non-measureable criteria are useless. If the spec says, must pass a 1080P signal, how do you prove that it doesn't. Is it good enough to say the picture comes through clean on a single hand picked set, or does there need to be a torture test set that it must work with. That set wasn't specified, so nobody has to go there.

Third, a standard without complience criteria and a certification lab are useless. HDMI does have a pretty good certification process, but from what I see, most cable manufacturers simply submit for the lowest level certification.

Fourth, the standard is only as good as its enforcement. This gets to be a tricky area. Sueing someone who didn't join the marketing alliance is a drop kick, but what do you do with a paying member who is releasing non-compliant or misleading product, especially if it is coming out of China or somewhere else where it is difficult to mount litigation?


Here are the logo guidelines for cables, in their entirety:


First, does anybody see any "shalls" other than the one about hijacking the trademark? They seem to be more concerned with making sure everybody joins the alliance and that they don't abuse the logo than making sure that the products actually work. Second, what does "carrying a 74.25MHz signal" mean. How many dB of loss is acceptable? What is the phase shift requirement? I assume this is in the testing criteria that they don't publish to the public.
Click to expand...


"jayn_j"
"Tryinghard, I know I should just walk away from this one, but I can't let this be the last word, as others may misunderstand. You know you are right, and there is probably little I can say to change your opinion here."

I am right, NOT because I invented the Spec for HDMI cable, the cable that how many companies sign on too ? I counted 50 page downs on hdmi org just look for "HDMI Adopters"

And jayn_j, this technology wasn't invented by someone in a garage here is the list of founders

HDMI Founders

Hitachi, Ltd.
Panasonic Corporation
Philips Consumer Electronics International B.V.
Silicon Image, Inc.
Sony Corporation
Thomson, Inc.
Toshiba Corporation

I run into people like you all the time, please don't take that as bad, it just your too much into the tech to see the common sense of a fact that if the cable has a Spec and must be made to that Spec to achieve the results of that Spec, even with all them "shalls" the cable will work as specified and to even suggest that two cheap 6 ft hdmi cables don't bring the best and same possible signal one can get, too me this is a common problem of the insane IMO : - )), because if one of them is off (seeing and sound) it can not be in spec, one can have all the little debate points in the world, doesn't mean anything when watching and hearing with an in spec cable, if we were talking about component cables, well that would be a totally different but we wouldn't be having this little tit for tat ? why would one care if two cables getting different reading in lab equipment, but give the same results in the seeing and sound department just how is that a big deal ?? I don't watch HD through lab scopes ? maybe some do, I know it makes pages on some web sites but to the viewing public I am sure it's no big deal ?

If we also were talking about the difference between 60 hz and 120 hz that would be something, because all is fair in that discussion, I have a 120 and see no difference at all, do I don't have a ps3 or x-box hook up to it, no that might be the difference, that would come down to seeing not lab scopes and the people who pay more for it and that is the reason why some people think, yeah I see it : - ))

Again no hard feelings, but until we start seeing the $3 hdmi cable giving bad results in real life then we can have at it, but CNET doesn't buy into your slant either, as I have posted in this topic : - )

jayn_j,

You never did like Kenny Rogers did you ?

The Gambler

[You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when youre sittin at the table.
Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done.}
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jayn_j
jayn_j
Sigh. You are seriously misquoting me.

I am not arguing against $4 cables. I have never argued against $4 cables. I buy from monoprice. I buy from the bargain bin at Frys. The only time I have EVER bought Monster was when they were closed out for $5/ea on woot.

I would really only worry about cables that were longer than 10 ft, and I don't have any of those in my system.

I am only arguing that simply placing an HDMI name and logo on a package pretty much proves nothing about quality and compliance. The list of adopters really means nothing in this case. It only shows that the standard is popular. In my experience, the more popular a standard is, the more likely there are lots of escape holes. Also, the standards I have worked on are not "garage" standards. They were sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, Fluke, Racal, National Instruments, Boeing, NIST, etc.

My whole point was that the standard itself has some serious holes, and appears to be pretty much a marketing focus, rather than a serious technical focus. There is some serious restrictions on the connector, but the bandwidth requirements are vague.

I also think I am being patient here, and I see your frustration. Please don't shoot the messenger when you think he disagrees, especially when I don't.
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Paul Wozniak
Paul Wozniak
jayn_j said:
Tryinghard, I know I should just walk away from this one, but I can't let this be the last word, as others may misunderstand. You know you are right, and there is probably little I can say to change your opinion here.

A specification just isn't the holy grail of authority. It is only as good as the people who wrote it, and the people who enforce it.

Over the years, I have been involved in writing a number of standards for the T&M industry, including the VXI system specifications, VXIplug&play, SCPI, IEEE-488 and IEEE-1451. There are a number of things that will weaken a standard to worthlessness.

First, the word 'should' in a specification translated to 'is recommended'. That is translated by users to "I don't gotta do this and you can't make me". SHALL is the word that has proven to stand up to court challenges and is generally specified in standards. I can quote paragraph from the IEEE standards guidelines if you want.

Second, specifications that reference vague and non-measureable criteria are useless. If the spec says, must pass a 1080P signal, how do you prove that it doesn't. Is it good enough to say the picture comes through clean on a single hand picked set, or does there need to be a torture test set that it must work with. That set wasn't specified, so nobody has to go there.

Third, a standard without complience criteria and a certification lab are useless. HDMI does have a pretty good certification process, but from what I see, most cable manufacturers simply submit for the lowest level certification.

Fourth, the standard is only as good as its enforcement. This gets to be a tricky area. Sueing someone who didn't join the marketing alliance is a drop kick, but what do you do with a paying member who is releasing non-compliant or misleading product, especially if it is coming out of China or somewhere else where it is difficult to mount litigation?


Here are the logo guidelines for cables, in their entirety:


First, does anybody see any "shalls" other than the one about hijacking the trademark? They seem to be more concerned with making sure everybody joins the alliance and that they don't abuse the logo than making sure that the products actually work. Second, what does "carrying a 74.25MHz signal" mean. How many dB of loss is acceptable? What is the phase shift requirement? I assume this is in the testing criteria that they don't publish to the public.
Click to expand...

This is all "geek" to me.:D
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T
tryinghard
jayn_j said:
Sigh. You are seriously misquoting me.

I am not arguing against $4 cables. I have never argued against $4 cables. I buy from monoprice. I buy from the bargain bin at Frys. The only time I have EVER bought Monster was when they were closed out for $5/ea on woot.

I would really only worry about cables that were longer than 10 ft, and I don't have any of those in my system.

I am only arguing that simply placing an HDMI name and logo on a package pretty much proves nothing about quality and compliance. The list of adopters really means nothing in this case. It only shows that the standard is popular. In my experience, the more popular a standard is, the more likely there are lots of escape holes. Also, the standards I have worked on are not "garage" standards. They were sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, Fluke, Racal, National Instruments, Boeing, NIST, etc.

My whole point was that the standard itself has some serious holes, and appears to be pretty much a marketing focus, rather than a serious technical focus. There is some serious restrictions on the connector, but the bandwidth requirements are vague.

I also think I am being patient here, and I see your frustration. Please don't shoot the messenger when you think he disagrees, especially when I don't.
Click to expand...


jayn_j, sorry I am late getting back to you had a busy weekend

"jayn_j,"

"Sigh. You are seriously misquoting me."

I did ? please list that ? or is it more of the tangle webs getting in the way ???

"jayn_j,"

"I am not arguing against $4 cables. I have never argued against $4 cables. I buy from monoprice. I buy from the bargain bin at Frys. The only time I have EVER bought Monster was when they were closed out for $5/ea on woot."

I know your into cheap hdmi cables everyone here is (except newbees), nothing wrong with that, so am I ?

"jayn_j,"

"I would really only worry about cables that were longer than 10 ft, and I don't have any of those in my system."

And it looks like I didn't cover all bases in my original post, I made a general statement about low cost cables being equal and didn't specify any length so I take responsibility for that.

I didn't think I would run into this kind of thing about simple typical hdmi cables, where two 6 ft long cables were of different grades this is how all this started, some people trying to hang on to the last word started to bring up "hdmi cable length" it's a non-issue to me, I would also buy a better "long cable" if I was in that position, the thing on cable length was face facing at best, IMO.

"jayn_j,"

"I am only arguing that simply placing an HDMI name and logo on a package pretty much proves nothing about quality and compliance. The list of adopters really means nothing in this case. It only shows that the standard is popular. In my experience, the more popular a standard is, the more likely there are lots of escape holes. Also, the standards I have worked on are not "garage" standards. They were sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, Fluke, Racal, National Instruments, Boeing, NIST, etc."


A couple of things here
First I disagree with your statement of:

"simply placing an HDMI name and logo on a package pretty much proves nothing about quality and compliance."

That IMO is a very weak statement I stated so much about that I woun't do it all over again, that logo has very thing to do with it, it states that the hundreds of makers of HD equipment adopted the Spec it speaks volumes, and how on hdmi site state that they go after non compliance makers of cables.

"list of adopters really means nothing in this case. It only shows that the standard is popular"

Well that is some progress you did call it a "standard" and it is popular considering how many sign on and how many makers had that little jack in the back of equipment : - ))

"jayn_j,"
"Also, the standards I have worked on are not "garage" standards. They were sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, Fluke, Racal, National Instruments, Boeing, NIST, etc."

Go back and re-read that statement of mine, never mind I will copy it below…

["And jayn_j, this technology (hdmi Spec) wasn't invented by someone in a garage here is the list of founders"]

As anyone can tell after I listed that above I listed the industry trade names that invented this hdmi Spec, I never called your references ""garage standards" I wouldn't be so lame.

"jayn_j,"

"My whole point was that the standard itself has some serious holes, and appears to be pretty much a marketing focus, rather than a serious technical focus. There is some serious restrictions on the connector, but the bandwidth requirements are vague."

Q. What's new in the HDMI 1.3 Specification?

Higher speed: Although all previous versions of HDMI have had more than enough bandwidth to support all current HDTV formats, including full, uncompressed 1080p signals, HDMI 1.3 increases its single-link bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps) to support the demands of future HD display devices, such as higher resolutions, Deep Color and high frame rates. In addition, built into the HDMI 1.3 specification is the technical foundation that will let future versions of HDMI reach significantly higher speeds.

New HD lossless audio formats: In addition to HDMI's current ability to support high-bandwidth uncompressed digital audio and all currently-available compressed formats (such as Dolby® Digital and DTS®), HDMI 1.3 adds additional support for new lossless compressed digital audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™.

"jayn_j,"
"and appears to be pretty much a marketing focus, rather than a serious technical focus"

Q. What is HDMI?
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. By delivering crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable, HDMI dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide consumers with the highest-quality home theater experience. HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable.

…." pretty much a marketing focus…." ??????????????? WTH ?

"jayn_j,"

"I also think I am being patient here, and I see your frustration. Please don't shoot the messenger when you think he disagrees, especially when I don't."

Friend your mistake here is you think I am frustrated and as for the messenger please this cable supports everything out there without a hint of user seeing anything different from video / audio, you see this is where you and others don't get it, you and some others hang everything on lab scopes : - )

Please hdmi is the greatest invention that ever came out to transport HD signals in "uncompressed 1080p signals" no one out there is seeing a problem in there signals only some people just trying to hang on to some very weak debating points the points that some writers use to fill up dead spaces in trade magazines and some web sites, if there was a problem out there instead of the lousy 2% of the cables that "don't pass the Spec" then and only then would people like you have center-stage and as for any lab test that would shown a difference between two 6 ft long hdmi cables and didn't state "this was a very rare problem ? if indeed there was a seeing and audio difference, well I better not state how I feel about that, well I may have, it's dishonest at best !

All this because I said as long as a hdmi cable passes Spec there are no difference in them and that little true statement has just a few all upset ? and the stuff started to fly all the way now too

"and appears to be pretty much a marketing focus, rather than a serious technical focus"

Now just start to hum that tune I told you about : - )))
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b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in Computers and Gadgets

Fox Is Buying Roku in $22 Billion Deal

Fox Is Buying Roku in $22 Billion Deal
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harshness
harshness
Given that Tubi is one of the hottest FAST services out there, I don't expect it to go anywhere. Building up intolerance for ads takes a while, and as long as the advertisers are willing to foot the bill, why not?
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osu1991
osu1991
variety.com

Fox Closes $22 Billion Roku Takeover, Says Streaming Platform Will Remain ‘Open Ecosystem’

Surprise! Fox Corp. has closed its acquisition of streaming platform Roku, a deal valued at $22 billion, well ahead of the expected 2027 date.
variety.com variety.com

Surprise! Fox Corp. said Friday it has closed the acquisition of streaming platform Roku, a deal valued at $22 billion, well ahead of the expected 2027 date.
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Neutron
Neutron
Another reason I'm glad we are swapping or Rokus out for Apple TVs. I was already planning on ditching the Rokus earlier this year and had been waiting on Apple to announce the new one last month. Our Rokus have had issues the last year or so with freezing video and reboots, and one with an HDCP issue randomly.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
harshness said:
Building up intolerance for ads takes a while, and as long as the advertisers are willing to foot the bill, why not?
Click to expand...
That is what I have to explain to customers all the time. They want it free with no ads :facepalm
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primestar31
primestar31
Neutron said:
Another reason I'm glad we are swapping or Rokus out for Apple TVs. I was already planning on ditching the Rokus earlier this year and had been waiting on Apple to announce the new one last month. Our Rokus have had issues the last year or so with freezing video and reboots, and one with an HDCP issue randomly.
Click to expand...
Lol, I'm watching an Apple Tv ON my TCL Roku tv set... I use it as a client for my Channels DVR.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

A Google Partner Intentionally Installed Malware on their Android Set-Top Boxes

According to this article on The Verge, Videostrong Technologies based in Shenzen, China, placed a backdoor into 1.3 million of their devices and used this to deploy a botnet:
The infected devices were used without owners' knowledge for "malicious activity," like ad fraud, data exfiltration, and routing unauthorized network traffic. Google claims the "backdoor and botnet were intentionally developed, deployed, and operated for financial gain"
Click to expand...
www.theverge.com

One of Google’s Android partners turned 1.3 million set-top boxes into a botnet

A manufacturer intentionally hijacked its Android TV devices.
www.theverge.com www.theverge.com
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b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Another reason to never trust Google devices.
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N5XZS
N5XZS
Someone's, need to neuter the red China's junk they keeps spewing out... :p :hatsoff2
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Jimbo
Jimbo
b4pjoe said:
Another reason to never trust Google devices.
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Or any Other Companies device.
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Jimbo
Jimbo
N5XZS said:
Someone's, need to neuter the red China's junk they keeps spewing out... :p :hatsoff2
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How about they just neuter China ...
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N5XZS
N5XZS
Only, If they can make a coup on the Chinese government! :cool: 👍 :hatsoff2
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Looks like this was just the latest in Android TV-based botnets. From last year on The Register:
www.theregister.com

Google sues 25 alleged BadBox 2.0 botnet operators

: Ads giant complains of damage to its reputation and finances ... and crime, too
www.theregister.com www.theregister.com
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comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
Foxbat said:
Looks like this was just the latest in Android TV-based botnets. From last year on The Register:
www.theregister.com

Google sues 25 alleged BadBox 2.0 botnet operators

: Ads giant complains of damage to its reputation and finances ... and crime, too
www.theregister.com www.theregister.com
Click to expand...

"It's unlikely the suit will see any of the accused held to account, as they're in China and the Middle Kingdom seldom allows extraditions to the USA."

Just like all the other scams happening, they're overseas and beyond our juris-my-diction.
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · 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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Bobby
Bobby
The Topical Song - The Barron Knights
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dishstaller
dishstaller
The Logical Song - Supertramp
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sdfntx
sdfntx
From a Logical Point of View - Robert Mitchum
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long_time_Dish
Point Of Know Return - Kansas
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ClarkGable
To Know Him Is To Love Him - The Teddy Bears
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Gary Toma
Gary Toma
Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 11/04/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
​
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
​
Additional tabs provide:​
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
​
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8​

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
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DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261104.xlsx 1,879 KB
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jamieh1
jamieh1
Now in the Hornets and Hurricanes markets we just get the TV promise screen. But Directv still charges sports fee I am assuming.
Luckily my DTV stream package doesn't have a rsn fee. Figure DTV that always says is the leader in sports would have come to an agreement by now.
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K
KyL416
jamieh1 said:
Now in the Hornets and Hurricanes markets we just get the TV promise screen. But Directv still charges sports fee I am assuming.
Click to expand...
Greenville-New Bern is $11.99 for MASN (Orioles) and Nationals
Raleigh is $11.99 for MASN and Nationals
Charlotte is $12.99 for BravesVision, MASN, Nationals and Reds

The fee in NC also includes the higher in state rate they have to pay for ACCN. Down in SC the fee is $15.99 as they are also a SEC state.
I'm not sure if they're doing it with those teams, but in some markets they also use the fee to cover the additional cost they have to pay for independents and MyNet stations that picked up full season NHL and NBA rights.

If you go to the TVPromise site, you'll likely be able to get a credit for not getting the Hurricanes and additional Hornets games that air on WITN-D2

jamieh1 said:
Figure DTV that always says is the leader in sports would have come to an agreement by now.
Click to expand...
Part of the hold out might be the packaging and price for outer areas like how the Thunder needs sports pack for other states. Hopefully they are also pushing for a guarantee from the teams that they would require whoever wins their local broadcasting rights in 2028 to negotiate with MVPDs. Commercial distribution rights are probably a factor too.

I'm guessing they got a deep discount for the Clippers based on how long it took them to officially announce ClipperVision and their KTLA simulcasts after they were basically handed a multi-year draft death penalty.

The Predators and Pistons channels are using feeds supplied by Scripps Sports

The Heat likely depends on whoever they sign for the Fort Myers DMA, as there's no point in paying a high price for the Heat just for that DMA when WPLG is streaming it for free on their app and website for viewers in the Miami DMA, and they already carry the West Palm Beach station.
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KyL416
KyL416 said:
The Heat likely depends on whoever they sign for the Fort Myers DMA, as there's no point in paying a high price for the Heat just for that DMA when WPLG is streaming it for free on their app and website for viewers in the Miami DMA, and they already carry the West Palm Beach station.
Click to expand...
WINK-D3 (Weather) for Fort Myers

https://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat-...st-partnership-with-wink-in-southwest-florida
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KyL416
KyL416 said:
WINK-D3 (Weather) for Fort Myers
Click to expand...
WINK-D3 Fort Myers is testing on the stream server
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Redbullsnation
KyL416 said:
WINK-D3 Fort Myers is testing on the stream server
Click to expand...
Could be for the Heat since they have the rights to that.

Its always a surprise to see DTV carry subchannels...
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KyL416
KyL416 said:
WINK-D3 Fort Myers is testing on the stream server
Click to expand...
It's now live on channel 654 as HEAT on sat and stream for the Fort Myers DMA, and it looks like it's only going to only be active for the Heat games and redirect to the No Broadcast slide when it's showing the WINK radar loop.

If they are also using this feed for Heat games on satellite's League Pass, you'll probably be seeing Fort Myers ads and a WINK top of the hour ID instead of Miami ads.
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dishrich
All 3 Circle City broadcasting local channels 6-ABC, 8-CW & 23-MNTV in Indianapolis, IN are being added to both sat & stream, if not already there:

thedesk.net

Circle City Broadcasting stations return to DIRECTV | TheDesk.net

The deal restores WRTV, the Indianapolis ABC affiliate, and two other stations that have been unavailable on DIRECTV's platform since 2019.
thedesk.net thedesk.net
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KyL416
Nothing testing on stream yet for WISH/8 (CW) or WNDY/23 (MNT), but WRTV/6 (ABC) returned at around 11:37am ET.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

What supplements have you found that really helped your overall health

Didn't see a thread like this so I figured why not start one. This is about natural supplements. If you aren't into supplements, fine, but please let those of us who do want to discuss this discuss it.

The first one I wanted to mention has been a real life changer. I'm 62 and still do all of my own install work at my business....also do all the yard work at the house. A few years ago I started noticing that I was losing my range of movement, it was even getting hard to bend over and lace up my boots. Almost got stuck in an attic because I couldn't get turned around once the work was done. Didn't think much of it and figured with age comes stiffness that was only going to get worse as time went on.
It was then that I stumbled across a video which was discussing rotator cuff tears and why they were to prevalent these days. Turns out, the culprit is a simple deficiency in MANGANESE which is key in keeping your tendons flexible. Most anti-biotics strip your body of any manganese it might have had which is why certain anti-biotics, especially those in the Cipro family. I actually knew a man who had two tendons tear while on that stuff.
Went to Amazon and ordered some manganese. Now it took a while, it wasn't instant, but gradually I have regained all of my flexibility. I can bend over and touch my toes while standing with no pain and putting on my boots is no longer a chore.
Pretty cheap too. The bottle I ordered was a 200 ct for under $13. They said to take double the normal dose for the first month because most people are severely lacking, then go to one a day.
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(((Garyd)))
(((Garyd)))
dishstaller said:
Didn't see a thread like this so I figured why not start one. This is about natural supplements. If you aren't into supplements, fine, but please let those of us who do want to discuss this discuss it.

The first one I wanted to mention has been a real life changer. I'm 62 and still do all of my own install work at my business....also do all the yard work at the house. A few years ago I started noticing that I was losing my range of movement, it was even getting hard to bend over and lace up my boots. Almost got stuck in an attic because I couldn't get turned around once the work was done. Didn't think much of it and figured with age comes stiffness that was only going to get worse as time went on.
It was then that I stumbled across a video which was discussing rotator cuff tears and why they were to prevalent these days. Turns out, the culprit is a simple deficiency in MANGANESE which is key in keeping your tendons flexible. Most anti-biotics strip your body of any manganese it might have had which is why certain anti-biotics, especially those in the Cipro family. I actually knew a man who had two tendons tear while on that stuff.
Went to Amazon and ordered some manganese. Now it took a while, it wasn't instant, but gradually I have regained all of my flexibility. I can bend over and touch my toes while standing with no pain and putting on my boots is no longer a chore.
Pretty cheap too. The bottle I ordered was a 200 ct for under $13. They said to take double the normal dose for the first month because most people are severely lacking, then go to one a day.
Click to expand...
Chia Seeds
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dishstaller
(((Garyd))) said:
Chia Seeds
Click to expand...
Kinda the whole idea is to mention something and explain WHY it is something we might want to add to our daily routine.
This is what I got from google. Looks like I'm going to be adding them, thanks

Key Health Benefits
    • Digestive Health: One ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds provides nearly 10 grams of fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and helps prevent constipation. [1, 2]
    • Heart and Cardiovascular Support: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—an essential plant-based omega-3 fatty acid—chia seeds can help lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and improve cholesterol profiles. [1, 2, 3]
    • Blood Sugar Regulation: The combination of soluble fiber and protein slows down carbohydrate digestion, preventing sharp blood sugar spikes after meals. [1, 2]
    • Weight Management: When soaked in liquid, chia seeds absorb up to 10 to 12 times their weight in water. The resulting gel expands in the stomach, increasing feelings of fullness and curbing appetite. [1, 2, 3]
    • Bone Strength: They contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining bone density. [1, 2, 3]
    • Antioxidant Protection: Compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid help fight cellular damage from free radicals and reduce chronic inflammation. [1, 2, 3]
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(((Garyd)))
(((Garyd)))
dishstaller said:
Kinda the whole idea is to mention something and explain WHY it is something we might want to add to our daily routine.
This is what I got from google. Looks like I'm going to be adding them, thanks

Key Health Benefits
    • Digestive Health: One ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds provides nearly 10 grams of fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and helps prevent constipation. [1, 2]
    • Heart and Cardiovascular Support: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—an essential plant-based omega-3 fatty acid—chia seeds can help lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and improve cholesterol profiles. [1, 2, 3]
    • Blood Sugar Regulation: The combination of soluble fiber and protein slows down carbohydrate digestion, preventing sharp blood sugar spikes after meals. [1, 2]
    • Weight Management: When soaked in liquid, chia seeds absorb up to 10 to 12 times their weight in water. The resulting gel expands in the stomach, increasing feelings of fullness and curbing appetite. [1, 2, 3]
    • Bone Strength: They contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining bone density. [1, 2, 3]
    • Antioxidant Protection: Compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid help fight cellular damage from free radicals and reduce chronic inflammation. [1, 2, 3]
Click to expand...
Andy it builds your bones if I had used it in my food all my life I would not have the joint issues I have there is 3 types of calcium only the one from real foods build better bones


View: https://youtube.com/shorts/YjZfw6WPvGs?si=TPlK6UZxxKa3a3na
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dishstaller
(((Garyd))) said:
if I had used it in my food all my life I would not have the joint issues
Click to expand...
I have taken this stuff for years to help my joints. Over 20 yrs ago my shoulder sounded like it had gravel in it when I rotated it. Started taking this and after a few months I had my range of motion back. I mentioned this product to a doctor and told him the results I had and he totally blew it off....said it was just a coincidence. This has no shellfish like most joint supplements.

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dishstaller said:
I have taken this stuff for years to help my joints. Over 20 yrs ago my shoulder sounded like it had gravel in it when I rotated it. Started taking this and after a few months I had my range of motion back. I mentioned this product to a doctor and told him the results I had and he totally blew it off....said it was just a coincidence. This has no shellfish like most joint supplements.

Click to expand...
IT FIXED my wife's shoulder and knee pain, I only wish I took it before I got into Sat in 83, that beat my body up, I'm still here I turn 85 on the 31th
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reubenray
dishstaller said:
I have taken this stuff for years to help my joints. Over 20 yrs ago my shoulder sounded like it had gravel in it when I rotated it. Started taking this and after a few months I had my range of motion back. I mentioned this product to a doctor and told him the results I had and he totally blew it off....said it was just a coincidence. This has no shellfish like most joint supplements.

Click to expand...

This would be good for me being I am allergic to shellfish. I have arthritis bad in my right sholder.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
reubenray said:
This would be good for me being I am allergic to shellfish. I have arthritis bad in my right sholder.
Click to expand...
I have tried the pill form and this liquid form and found the liquid to be far superior. It wasn't immediate, my joints slowly improved over time.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Another supplement I wanted to mention was Luteolin. This has two major benefits
1) it helps improve your memory
2) it has a unique anti-greying affect. Saw a Daily Mail news story about a year ago I guess and they were testing different antioxidants on black mice and found that the ones they gave luteolin to barely greyed at all where the control group greyed normally. Has something to do with this stuff preventing the hair roots from becoming damaged which is one of the causes of going grey.

Now I've been taking this supplement for a long time and at 62 I barely have any grey hairs at all.
If it would only help improve my ability to remember NAMES!!
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reubenray
dishstaller said:
Another supplement I wanted to mention was Luteolin. This has two major benefits
1) it helps improve your memory
2) it has a unique anti-greying affect. Saw a Daily Mail news story about a year ago I guess and they were testing different antioxidants on black mice and found that the ones they gave luteolin to barely greyed at all where the control group greyed normally. Has something to do with this stuff preventing the hair roots from becoming damaged which is one of the causes of going grey.

Now I've been taking this supplement for a long time and at 62 I barely have any grey hairs at all.
If it would only help improve my ability to remember NAMES!!
Click to expand...
It's too late for me. My hair is all gray.
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

4 ft LED tube bulbs now come with color selector

I bought the fixed color version of these bulbs for my store several years ago...work great and no more replacing ballast. Finally had one go out and when I went back to Amazon I saw that now they come in selectable versions so no more guess work as to what color light would do best in a certain area. They are now double OR single ended...used to be strictly one way or the other. If any of you are looking at replacing the old style 4 or 8 ft bulbs, you might want to give these a try. The 8 footers are BRIGHT. I put 5 in my shooting/target shed and you can get a decent tan if you are in there long enough.

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Foxbat
Foxbat
When we re-lamped my in-Laws' house for sale last year, we were able to get all the Edison bulbs and a few fixtures with switch-selectable Color Temperature. We tried a few and settled on 3000°K as the best fit for the house. Matching the lighting in all the rooms made for an inviting experience. The Shop was the only place that we went with 4000°K for the LED 4' fixtures.

The house was sold within a month of going on the market, so we must have done something right.

The other advantage is if the new owners decide that they prefer a warmer light, they can unscrew the bulbs (I think it was close to 70 bulbs) and set them to the 2500K/2700K settings.

I'll have to check these out. Thanks!
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Wanted to come back and update this. Had to send them back.
The housing is about 3/16 of an inch longer than a standard housing and the fixture I was putting them in had no wiggle room. Going to try another brand
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Jimbo
Jimbo
dishstaller said:
I bought the fixed color version of these bulbs for my store several years ago...work great and no more replacing ballast. Finally had one go out and when I went back to Amazon I saw that now they come in selectable versions so no more guess work as to what color light would do best in a certain area. They are now double OR single ended...used to be strictly one way or the other. If any of you are looking at replacing the old style 4 or 8 ft bulbs, you might want to give these a try. The 8 footers are BRIGHT. I put 5 in my shooting/target shed and you can get a decent tan if you are in there long enough.

Click to expand...
That will be great, I won't have to remember what Color they are that way ... I use the Non Changeable ones in the garage and they normally work great ... when it comes time to replace, lets hope they still have them ...
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Jimbo
Jimbo
dishstaller said:
Wanted to come back and update this. Had to send them back.
The housing is about 3/16 of an inch longer than a standard housing and the fixture I was putting them in had no wiggle room. Going to try another brand
Click to expand...
Keep us updated ... wonder how they expect them to work universally if they are longer ?
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Marques Brownlee
· posted in Marques Brownlee

Meta VR Glasses: What Vision Pro 2 COULD Have Been!

Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x58r9TBois


Direct YouTube Link - Meta VR Glasses: What Vision Pro 2 COULD Have Been!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store
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TheForce
TheForce
Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Phone & Tablet Zone

Apple Event September 2026

Apple Fall Hardware Event takes place today, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. It marks the debut of new CEO John Ternus and the expected reveal of Apple's first foldable phone.
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harshness
harshness
Gone are the days when Apple "perfects" what debuted years earlier on an Android phone.
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comfortably_numb
comfortably_numb
harshness said:
Gone are the days when Apple "perfects" what debuted years earlier on an Android phone.
Click to expand...

Or better yet, innovate something "completely revolutionary!"
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slow_poke_pete
comfortably_numb said:
Or better yet, innovate something "completely revolutionary!"
Click to expand...
when was the last time they innovated something:rolleyes:
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Foxbat
Foxbat
slow_poke_pete said:
when was the last time they innovated something:rolleyes:
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I'd probably say when they came up with their M-series of processors with integrated memory. That allowed Apple to get away from the inefficient Intel CPUs that were limiting their notebook computers.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Well, Munro and Associates are now a go-to for mobile device teardowns! Who knew? They have an idea what may be causing the iPhone Duo's inside folding screen to fail 40% up from the bottom:
​
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Apple's Q4 2026 Earnings Report

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6UJXAJfomcE


Direct YouTube Link - Apple's Q4 2026 Earnings Report
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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Neutron
Neutron
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Computers and Gadgets

Apple HomePod Home Automation

Does anyone here use Apple Home/HomeKit with HomePods or Apple TV to automate smart devices in their house? We have had Amazon's Alexa set up in our house for the last 10+ years and I have been waiting to switch them out to Apple for a few reasons; We are already in the Apple ecosystem with our phones, tablets, and computers. I have never liked Amazon's stance on privacy and I really like that Apple has pushed for privacy for a long time.

I bought 4 of the new HomePod Mini 2 speakers to go in various rooms in our house and we have one of the new Apple TVs on preorder that will be the start of me replacing our Rokus. I have the HomePod Mini 2s set up and have an RPi that is running HomeBridge for our legacy smart devices that worked natively with Alexa but don't work with Apple Home natively. I had trouble with the older smart bulbs not keeping the brightness or light color consistent with what our routines were with Alexa despite trying every setting in HomeBridge with the bulbs just not shining very bright. I ended up replacing them with updated versions that are Matter compatible so they work in Apple Home natively. That in and of itself has been interesting to set up because I have my home network segretated with the IoT devices on their own vlan and wifi and pretty locked down. Matter requires IPv6 and due to how my home network is designed I had to do some digging with AI to figure out how to make it all work correctly.

Apple Home definitely has some shortcomings that Alexa does much better with but I am hoping Apple will continue to improve their Home products and introduce features that will bring it closer to the functionality of Alexa.
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b4pjoe
b4pjoe
I tried HomeKit to be able to see my Ring cameras on my Apple TV as they are not supported natively on Apple devices. The best I could get was to be able to view the cameras live but I could not view any recordings. After the last major update version of HomeKit I could not even view the live cameras anymore. I gave up on it after that. If I were going to do it again I would only buy devices that can work on Apple devices natively as HomeKit didn't work well at all for me.
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Neutron
Neutron
b4pjoe said:
I tried HomeKit to be able to see my Ring cameras on my Apple TV as they are not supported natively on Apple devices. The best I could get was to be able to view the cameras live but I could not view any recordings. After the last major update version of HomeKit I could not even view the live cameras anymore. I gave up on it after that. If I were going to do it again I would only buy devices that can work on Apple devices natively as HomeKit didn't work well at all for me.
Click to expand...
That's what I started doing after seeing legacy devices work hit or miss using the HomeBridge. At least Apple is following a standard now with Matter which is unusual for Apple. Looks like HomeBridge does allow you to see the live views but I haven't seen how to view past recordings. I'd really like to ditch Ring altogether due to their stance on privacy and if I had my choice I'd go with UniFi since that's what I use for my network and I like the idea of my camera recordings being all local and not in the cloud. UniFi doorbells and cameras are quite pricey though.

I'll try to access the Ring doorbells in Apple Home for now but I'll see if it's useful any.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
I found that the IoT devices need to see the Apple TV to be able to use it as the HomeKit Hub. Unfortunately, that means being in the same IPv4 subnet.

I was thinking of getting a HomePod Mini for my Mother-in-Law to play music and set up HomeKit scenes, as well as make FaceTime Audio calls. When Apple announced their price rises due to RAMageddon, I kicked myself as they went up 50% in cost. I'll be curious to see the HomeView in person as this might not be a bad way to get her started on automation.

She asked about it because her friends have Alexa and they use it to control lights. But like you, I feel better putting in a HomePod or HomeView that's listening for commands instead of Amazon or Google.
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b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Neutron said:
That's what I started doing after seeing legacy devices work hit or miss using the HomeBridge.
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Homebridge is what I meant when I said HomeKit. Forgot the name of it.
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