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stuvwxyz99

Last reply Mar 3, 2009 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Newbie Advice

I am looking to update our existing receiver, hopefully with a PVR. We have a very basic need: the receiver is set up in our sports bar and is used only to watch European Pay Per View sports on Setanta Sports (we have a legitimate subscription). The receiver will need a slot to accept the smart card.

We would like the ability to record games so PVR functionaility looks interesting, but since a reasonable number of people will be using the receiver, ease of use is a big plus. The usual modern PVR features of watching from the begining while recording, pausing live tv, recording one channel while watching another, etc would be great. We would also like to be able to watch the recordings on a PC and perhaps record to DVD. Maybe we would be better off with a DVD Recorder instead?

Setanta seem to move their channels around so a system that makes scanning for new channels easy would be a help.

We also need to send the feed to 3 or 4 TVs via component or HDMI. I guess we need a separate Distribution Amp for that (we currently just send the signal over coax). The Setanta signals are SD so HD capability is not a requirement.

I'd be happy to hear any recommendations you might have.

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Anole

Feb 27, 2009

That's a good idea.

I looked up who they provide service through in the USA, and found this list.
I'm pretty sure you cannot use the provided smart card in any FTA receiver, if your subscription comes through:
- Dish Network / Dish Latino
- DirecTV / WorldDirect
- WorldTV
Because they all use subscription cards that require use in the provider's receiver.

The DFH web site was not in English, so good luck.

Home2USA seemed inexpensive for a subscription, but it was unclear if you must use one of their receivers or not.

stuvwxyz99

Feb 27, 2009

Thanks guys.

It's not the Setanta USA channel that is available through retail channels. They have two Pay Per View (Closed Circuit) channels that are branded as Setanta Premium. These are only available to bars and pubs and are subscribed to directly with Setanta.

Here are the technical pages from the Setanta website that give more details: (actually, due to low post count, I can't post the link. If you google for [setanta technical help] you will get the page I am talking about that shows you how to add the channels from the G25 satellite.)

DJ Rob

Feb 27, 2009

Since you say you subscribe directly through Setanta, what receiver options do they tell you?

meinename

Feb 27, 2009

stuvwxyz99 said:
Thanks guys.

It's not the Setanta USA channel that is available through retail channels. They have two Pay Per View (Closed Circuit) channels that are branded as Setanta Premium. These are only available to bars and pubs and are subscribed to directly with Setanta.

Here are the technical pages from the Setanta website that give more details: (actually, due to low post count, I can't post the link. If you google for [setanta technical help] you will get the page I am talking about that shows you how to add the channels from the G25 satellite.)

You mean this link:
Technical Help | Setanta
Looks like they use these receivers:
satellite receivers, UAE, Satellite Accessories, Dubai, Analog Receivers,Middle East, Digital Interface, UAE, Free To Air, Digital, Analog, Positioner, Common Interface, VIACCESS Common Interface,UAE, IRDETO Embedded satellite receivers,Dubai,Satelli

stuvwxyz99 said:
We would like the ability to record games so PVR functionality looks interesting, but since a reasonable number of people will be using the receiver, ease of use is a big plus. The usual modern PVR features of watching from the beginning while recording, pausing live tv, recording one channel while watching another, etc would be great. We would also like to be able to watch the recordings on a PC and perhaps record to DVD. Maybe we would be better off with a DVD Recorder instead?

I would ask SatelliteAV (contact via Contact Information - SatelliteAV, LLC.) and ask them if the Geosatpro DVR-1100c supports the version of IRDETO that Setanta uses.

The DVR-1100c will do the recording to a hard drive and allows for playback on a PC but it's a one tuner box, so you will need multiple receivers and another smartcard in every solution I'm going to suggest.

I have yet to use a set-top DVR/PVR that is as fluid as a Windows Media Center or MythTV box. But getting guide data, let alone accurately, or reliably will definitely be an issue...

I take that back, a Sky+ box was and I believe that was a re-branded, slightly-customized Tivo (ala DirecTV Tivo's) but you won't be getting recording off of them to watch elsewhere.

stuvwxyz99 said:
Setanta seem to move their channels around so a system that makes scanning for new channels easy would be a help.

G25 was replaced by G19 and channels got moved to different transponders for better or equal coverage. I believe everything is settled in now.

I do know Setanta like to move games around and on their 3 different channels.

stuvwxyz99 said:
We also need to send the feed to 3 or 4 TVs via component or HDMI. I guess we need a separate Distribution Amp for that (we currently just send the signal over coax). The Setanta signals are SD so HD capability is not a requirement.
I'd be happy to hear any recommendations you might have.

I've been looking at these requirements and there is no "off-the-self" or "out-of-box" one-size-fits-all solution that's not subsidized by a month to month subscription.

Well the requirement for component or HDMI is overkill in my opinion and quite a money-waste just for a SD channel.

I personally think you just need a coax distribution amp and maybe a UHF modulator, if you're have simple problems like static on TV's with farther cable runs.
(I'm learning on this part, little to no experience on anything more than very basic distribution)

If your looking forward to wire up for HD in the future you'll probably want to take that to AVSForums.com They specialize in HD wiring.

Typed first not quite as relevant but still informational:

Code:
I'm assuming you want 1 source fed to 3 or 4 TV's

To start off I'd sink money into RG-6 Quad-shield and a 24+dB distribution amplifier. Add a High quality splitter and off you go to your TV's on Ch. 3 or 4, or add a UHF modulator and put it on a CATV channel to minimize interference.

Code:

Sub-receiver => (modulator) => AMP => 4-way Splitter => TV's

Or run it around the area:

Code:

Sub-receiver => (modulator) => AMP => Splitter => Splitter ==> Splitter | | | | TV TV TV TV

Oh and do tell over the results of if the DVR-1100c will accept the Setanta smartcard. I'd love to know...

stuvwxyz99

Mar 3, 2009

Thanks Meinename for the great advice. SatelliteAV told me "The DVR1100c and the DSR100c both will accept IRDETO CAS."

However, I was in touch with Setanta and they said they will send us a new receiver. They said it would be a Homecast. Doubt it has PVR so I guess I will hook-up a DVD Recorder instead.

I suppose I could ignore the receiver they send us and buy our own reciever anyway. Seems like as long as it accepts their type of smartcard, it should work?

Thanks again for all the advice.

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MorCowbell

Last reply 15 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Saved OTA list on Dish can't be appended

I have Dish with Hopper3. I choose to get local channels OTA and had a "guide list" established at my previous home. Having moved a few miles away, I wanted to update the list by appending a couple new stations via a rescan. As many would know, some stations come in with the UHF/VHF antenna aimed in one direction, while others come in better with a different direction.

Unfortunately, when a scan is done (bringing in 25-30 stations for that particular antenna aim), the dialog screen does not present the established guide list; it presents an empty field to the right that the scanned stations may be selected one by one and added to the empty guide. But because of antenna aim, some stations originally saved are missing, and would have to be retrieved with a different antenna aim. But as I explain, if a 2nd scan is done with a different antenna aim, the stations saved from the first scan are lost.

It troubles me that Dish didn't develop software that would allow a user to simply append only 1 or 2 channels to the established list.

Any thought on this? Has anyone experienced this or heard of this from others?

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 9:59 PM

I hear complaints from customers each and every day. I chose not to install OTAs with a doggle for a reason.

BTW, I like your user name

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MXNU6pQFkok

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rvvaquero

Today at 7:49 AM

MorCowbell said:
It troubles me that Dish didn't develop software that would allow a user to simply append only 1 or 2 channels to the established list.

So, you want the ability to, for example, scan while your antenna is pointed to the east and save those channels to your list. Then, you want to scan again with the antenna pointed to the west, and add some of those channels to the list also while retaining the original channels you added from the east?

How would that work? If you move the antenna and some of your channels are no longer are accessible, there's no point in having them on the list. Unless, you want to re-point the antenna each time you switched from an east channel to a west channel and vice versa.

I suppose you could have one of those remote controlled antenna mast like we had back in the 60's. In that case, I can see your point. I think DISH has just designed the system to fit what the vast majority of users actually have. I'm guessing your situation is a pretty narrow use case scenario. I'm just really happy to be able to have my locals without having to pay the $17 month for them.

I just wish DISH would fix the remote control issue that the last few software downloads screwed up. I use the 54 remote and my Hopper is jumping around from off to on, from live to recording.......................like a Kangaroo.

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MorCowbell

Today at 11:18 AM

To Dishstaller, I appreciate your compliment. That was an epic SNL skit !!

To RVvaquero, I appreciate your coments but everything you mention has been considered:

Firstly, I use OTA very rarely - mainly for sporting events.
Secondly, I'm well aware that, since certain channels may scan from one directon while others from another directions, and remembering the difference, for certain stations I will point the antenna in a suitable direction. Some stations come in for almost any direction. In my original list (which has now been discarded), I had about 18 OTA stations and all of them were scanned from the same antenna direction. Even so, the Dish receiver was very particular about ABC (local KOAT 007-01). In the new geographic setting, it gets KOAT easier. Several months ago, due to a contract dispute, CBS (formerly local KRQE on 013-01) was dropped; it hooked up with KOAT as KOATCB (007-04) which is the one station I really needed. But I had to rescan to get it ...

All of ths points to the flaw in Dish's OTA software that prevents scanned stations from simply being appended to a master saved list. The user should be left to manage antenna pointing per OTA station since in many areas (like mine), they don't all come in from the same direction.

Reactions: charlesrshell, rvvaquero and dishstaller

Bobby

Today at 11:35 AM

MorCowbell said:
To Dishstaller, I appreciate your compliment. That was an epic SNL skit !!

To RVvaquero, I appreciate your coments but everything you mention has been considered:

Firstly, I use OTA very rarely - mainly for sporting events.
Secondly, I'm well aware that, since certain channels may scan from one directon while others from another directions, and remembering the difference, for certain stations I will point the antenna in a suitable direction. Some stations come in for almost any direction. In my original list (which has now been discarded), I had about 18 OTA stations and all of them were scanned from the same antenna direction. Even so, the Dish receiver was very particular about ABC (local KOAT 007-01). In the new geographic setting, it gets KOAT easier. Several months ago, due to a contract dispute, CBS (formerly local KRQE on 013-01) was dropped; it hooked up with KOAT as KOATCB (007-04) which is the one station I really needed. But I had to rescan to get it ...

All of ths points to the flaw in Dish's OTA software that prevents scanned stations from simply being appended to a master saved list. The user should be left to manage antenna pointing per OTA station since in many areas (like mine), they don't all come in from the same direction.

As rvvaquero mentioned, you are in a very small population who actually need to move their antenna to receive various TV channels. There are a few reasons why it is not advantageous for Dish to do what you are asking for. First and primary, there are anomalies in the software that can cause issues when you have scanned channels in the mix that have little or no signal. You get error pop ups and cannot watch any channel, OTA or satellite. I have seen these even with my antenna pointed to one direction. Second, you are asking Dish to adapt their software to your needs while the very vast majority don't need that. This is an expense that everyone is going to have to pay for while few gain any advantage.

Have you thought about adding a second antenna so that you are pointing at both directions to fulfill your needs. There are ways to do this and it would fulfill your individual need.

Google Search

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Foxbat

15 minutes ago

Televes makes an antenna signal combiner that will support two different antennas pointing towards two different locations, and has filters to drop the signals from the channels that interfere with the 2nd antenna channels. This produces a signal that would contain all your receivable channels in one feed. It would probably cost less than a single antenna on a rotor controlled by a smart box that would relocate the antenna mast towards the TV station you wanted to tune in, plus it's instantaneous, without waiting for the antenna to slew towards its target.

Why Choose the Televes SmartKom?

SmartKom combines filtering, combining, and amplification in one outdoor preamplifier. Its three inputs and 32 programmable digital filters allow installers to select, combine, and level channels from different antenna sources, while the included ASuite app supports both automatic and advanced Bluetooth programming.

Key Benefits

Three VHF/UHF antenna inputs
32 programmable digital channel filters
Automatic channel scan, filtering, and level balancing
Advanced per-channel programming through the ASuite app
Bluetooth programming through the included power supply interface
Automatic gain control on each filter
LTE/5G out-of-band filtering
Compatible with HDTV, UHD 4K, and supported ATSC 3.0 signals
Configuration retained after power loss
12V, 750mA power supply included

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

51 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Why Sam Altman Hates Local AI Models on Your Computer

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YnXg9hlrfg

Direct YouTube Link - Why Sam Altman Hates Local AI Models on Your Computer
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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Van

Last reply Today at 1:27 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

Whats for breakfast?

Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?

Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.

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dfergie

Saturday at 11:26 AM

Mixed one egg, one tablespoon cottage cheese with a small fine grated potato, salt and pepper, made 3 waffles in the small waffle iron... Bacon, sausage and milk. (next time will add grated cheese to mix)

TRG

Yesterday at 12:54 PM

Breakfast Sandwich. Over hard eggs, fried deli ham and a thick slice of sharp cheddar cheese on sourdough toast. Coffee.

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dfergie

Today at 11:15 AM

Buttermilk waffles, butter, maple syrup... Milk

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TRG

Today at 12:08 PM

Bagel and cream cheese. Coffee.

osu1991

Today at 1:27 PM

French toast, sausage and eggs at the diner across the street from the dealer after I turned in my leased EV9 this morning

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:27 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Kia EV9

I had been wanting to get an EV for a couple of years but really couldn't justify it as my Yukon was nearly new and had only 50k miles. Last year we moved my mother into my home and she was having trouble getting into the Yukon, so I decided it was a good time to a vehicle a little easier to get into. The EV 9 had just recently hit dealer lots a little earlier in 2024 and I had been watching them. So in 3 weeks it will have been a year since I got my 2024 Kia EV 9 Light Long Range.

I really enjoy driving it. It's nearly the same size as my 2017 GMC Yukon. I think the Kia has more interior room. It definitely has more rear leg room for the 2nd and 3rd row. It's not the fastest EV out there, but it has plenty of power for normal day to day driving. Made several trips to the lake house this summer. That's usually my longest regular trip. Its 198 miles round trip and the EV9 does that easily even driving 85-90mph on the interstate. Usually charge up to 100% the night before and get back with 20-25% remaining depending on how fast I drive. It was raining and I drove closer to 75mph a few weeks ago and got back with 26%, but was at 20% last week after driving 90mph on a sunny 90F day. Overall I average 2.6m/kWh. Feature wise it's a step up from my 2017 GMC Yukon , which is a nice vehicle but I really hate having to drive it much anymore. The Emporia EVSE in my garage knows my electric rate and logs all the charging. It's been costing me an avg of $20 a month to drive 700-800 miles a month. Less for the year than what it cost me just to change the oil and service the Yukon a couple of weeks ago.

I wouldn't want to go back to a combustion vehicle. The driving experience is just so much better with the EV.

Picture is from the day I picked it up the first week of Nov 2024.

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osu1991

Oct 4, 2026

Dang it's easy to get used to 4 motors and 900HP. Drove the EV9 today instead of the Rivian and could really tell there was 700HP missing.

. Still really like the EV9 and will miss it.

Reactions: navychop and meStevo

meStevo

Oct 4, 2026

lol, the sales arm of the Kia dealership is starting to ping me 'want to make plans or move on from your EV9?'

I tell them that I'd be open to anything that doesn't involve anything out of pocket, ends my lease and puts me in a new EV9 at same or better trim - and admitting up front that I'm not in a position to expect anything to happen and respecting everyone's time I don't think it's worth pursuing.

Then they send me a EV9 Short Range deal for $550/mo - a downgrade from my LLR - while mentioning Kia Financial is pretty strict on lease options, as if I didn't just tie them both together as needing to be dealt with.

el oh el.

I didn't respond. Fed it into Muse and even it had a laugh.

I've got Muse tracking EV prices and some of the vehicles I'd consider.

meStevo

Oct 6, 2026

Got my EV9 back, they replaced the front wiring harness. It wasn't super weird going from the EV9 to the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee... the Jeep just felt so jerky and kinda loud but didn't bother me much - certainly didn't feel like a $30k+ car. But going the other way, what a jarring experience. I had forgotten that feeling of going from ICE to EV, how smooth the ride is and how quiet it is.

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osu1991

Oct 11, 2026

Most likely the last time I'll charge the EV9 before turning it back in. Was down to 37% and I was driving it to pick up some thing's this morning since my flat rivian tire is taking up half the bed on it. I was near the EA station and thought I might as well use some more of the free charging up that came with the lease. Still have 250ish kWh left of free charging. Get it up to 80% and it should be good for 2.5 weeks unless something comes up requiring a long drive.

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osu1991

Today at 1:27 PM

My EV9 is no longer mine. Lease ends this week. Turned it into the dealer this morning. Did a short video to document it and took pics along with pics of the tire tread depth with a depth gauge just in case anything comes up. I was surprised the dealer didn't do anything. Just took the keys and pics of the vin and said I was good to go.

View: https://youtu.be/_dzl_xeJsQU

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ewindowman

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:25 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Bankruptcy - Business as Usual

Looks like dish is Bankrupt. Filling tomorrow Tuesday June 30th

434 Replies · 14726 views

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nelson61

Saturday at 1:01 PM

"
They note that the Dish Wireless radios at issue support the 2GHz and 800MHz spectrum SpaceX is acquiring from EchoStar and Grain.

"Buying compatible equipment already installed on towers could give SpaceX a head start on its wireless terrestrial network build and throw a big bucket of cold water on Verizon's four-to-six-year timeline and $300-$500 billion estimate for SpaceX's buildout," said the analysts."

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reubenray

Yesterday at 5:36 AM

nelson61 said:
"
They note that the Dish Wireless radios at issue support the 2GHz and 800MHz spectrum SpaceX is acquiring from EchoStar and Grain.

"Buying compatible equipment already installed on towers could give SpaceX a head start on its wireless terrestrial network build and throw a big bucket of cold water on Verizon's four-to-six-year timeline and $300-$500 billion estimate for SpaceX's buildout," said the analysts."

Back when Dish was installing antennas everywhere for their internet service I mapped several of the tower locations around me. One is less than a mile away from me and several more about three miles away in several different directions. If SpaceX does something with these I may be in a prime spot.

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slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 6:57 PM

Amazon to acquire Globalstar and expand Amazon Leo satellite network

Globalstar satellites, radio frequency spectrum, and operational expertise will enable Amazon Leo to add Direct-to-Device (D2D) services to future generations of its low Earth orbit satellite network.

www.aboutamazon.com

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slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 7:07 PM

SpaceX reportedly seeks 80,000 cell sites to become a wireless carrier | Fox News

SpaceX is reportedly pursuing 80,000 cell sites to turn Starlink into a wireless carrier that could compete with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for cell coverage.

www.foxnews.com

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

nelson61

Today at 12:22 PM

Washington Post

SpaceX has held talks with Boost's parent company EchoStar in recent months about launching its own signature wireless service through a deal with the company, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.
Musk, the SpaceX CEO, has discussed the deal personally, meeting with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen last month, according to the people. The potential deal may result in SpaceX acquiring Boost Mobile or SpaceX gaining access to its network, which it leases from AT&T and T-Mobile US, the people said.
Access to those lease agreements would be a coup for SpaceX. The back door would allow Musk to make a play for a U.S. wireless market that equity research firm MoffettNathanson estimates is worth $235 billion. But the proposed service may need consent from those carriers for the service to actually launch, the people said.

Reactions: Foxbat, charlesrshell and slow_poke_pete

Scott Greczkowski

Today at 1:25 PM

nelson61 said:
Washington Post

SpaceX has held talks with Boost's parent company EchoStar in recent months about launching its own signature wireless service through a deal with the company, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.
Musk, the SpaceX CEO, has discussed the deal personally, meeting with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen last month, according to the people. The potential deal may result in SpaceX acquiring Boost Mobile or SpaceX gaining access to its network, which it leases from AT&T and T-Mobile US, the people said.
Access to those lease agreements would be a coup for SpaceX. The back door would allow Musk to make a play for a U.S. wireless market that equity research firm MoffettNathanson estimates is worth $235 billion. But the proposed service may need consent from those carriers for the service to actually launch, the people said.

Can't remember where or who I saw predict this.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Elon soon own all of DISH / Echostar in the future.

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Linus Tech Tips

Today at 12:42 PM · posted in Linus Tech Tips

My F-You To Sam Altman

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDmjw-c_R2k

Direct YouTube Link - My F-You To Sam Altman
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

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reubenray

Last reply Today at 11:54 AM · posted in Computers and Gadgets

New Laptop?

After having continuing trouble with my eight+ year old Dell Inspiron laptop I am looking to hopefully catch a good deal on new one. My options to buy is Costco and Sam's Club. It seems like a lot of new laptops are 2 in 1 which I do not need. I use the laptop to mainly surf the web and keep up with my finances, money and bills. I would like to have at least a 15" screen and having a touchscreen is a plus. The keyboard would need to lighted also. I don't game any. It would have to be Windows instead of and not Mac. The brands I see the most are Asus, Dell and HP. My two last laptops has been Dell's. Of these brands are there any standouts over the other brands. My budget (hopefully) is $600+-. Also while researching I noticed that do not have ethernet ports.

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EarDemon

Yesterday at 10:46 AM

Why not do a CTO directly through the manufacture? Get exactly what you want. Plus It's quite common to find 10%% (or higher) discount codes for Dell and HP.

Backlit keyboards are pretty much standard, and in the constant effort to try to make devices and thin and dainty as possible ethernet ports are becoming rarer, if not a normal ethernet port, you may be able to find a laptop with drop-jaw style one.

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arlo

Yesterday at 12:16 PM

Can't really help with an exact set of suggestions. I can say that if you have a set budget. And $600 these days wont get you much. One thing I can say is check out Dell Refurbished.
I've suggested and even configured, ordered a few for friends who were a bit iffy in deciding what they needed and wanted.
Refurbished doesn't mean that they came back defective and were repaired. Companies and organizations who order quantities of the same computers often cancel or modify their requirements.
Dell builds usually on demand. Their direct refurbished line will be brand new, unused. Perhaps not exactly the "today" specifications of the latest-greatest. And you can get a nice pc for quite a bit less with full warranty.
Just a suggestion.
"I use the laptop to mainly surf the web and keep up with my finances, money and bills. I would like to have at least a 15" screen and having a touchscreen is a plus".

As far as Asus, HP goes. And others you may consider. I'd think $600 (new) would get you a laptop. A quality, long lasting one? Not so sure. Now. If you could get a $1000 lappy for $600. Good deal, don't you think?
Surf the web doesn't need a killer Nvidia graphics chip. Nor a pinnacle, top of the line Intel, AMD processor.
12-16 gigs of memory will get you by just fine.
I'm personally an Asus fan. Brands aside. The one thing is the batteries. We discussed that here someplace else.
I repair these critters. Batteries. Cheap laptops have cheap batteries. Asus suggests that you don't keep the charger plugged in all of the time to make them last. Like you see on phones where 85% vs full charge is suggested to preserve battery life.

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harshness

Yesterday at 2:16 PM

EarDemon said:
Why not do a CTO directly through the manufacture?

Because there are fewer economies of scale with custom products. Savings come from giant contracts with major retailers.

RAM and GPUs make buying a computer now financial suicide. In 2023, I bought two 16GB RAM modules for my lone Windows machine. The cost was under $100. Now that equivalent RAM goes for $260.

One can opt for an on-CPU GPU, but you can't opt out of RAM. While Microsoft goes on and on about Windows 11 eventually being happy with 8GB of RAM, we know how that always ends.

Foxbat

Yesterday at 9:56 PM

GB is the new MB (remember when Windows used to be happy with 8 MB of RAM?)

I had great experiences with Dell's Refurbished systems in the past. I ended up getting Business desktops instead of the Home PCs since they didn't come loaded with bloatware and the one Desktop I got for Mrs. Foxbat even had a license for MS Office Professional included.

arlo

Today at 3:58 AM

arlo said:
Can't really help with an exact set of suggestions. I can say that if you have a set budget. And $600 these days wont get you much. One thing I can say is check out Dell Refurbished.
I've suggested and even configured, ordered a few for friends who were a bit iffy in deciding what they needed and wanted.
Refurbished doesn't mean that they came back defective and were repaired. Companies and organizations who order quantities of the same computers often cancel or modify their requirements.
Dell builds usually on demand. Their direct refurbished line will be brand new, unused. Perhaps not exactly the "today" specifications of the latest-greatest. And you can get a nice pc for quite a bit less with full warranty.
Just a suggestion.
"I use the laptop to mainly surf the web and keep up with my finances, money and bills. I would like to have at least a 15" screen and having a touchscreen is a plus".

As far as Asus, HP goes. And others you may consider. I'd think $600 (new) would get you a laptop. A quality, long lasting one? Not so sure. Now. If you could get a $1000 lappy for $600. Good deal, don't you think?
Surf the web doesn't need a killer Nvidia graphics chip. Nor a pinnacle, top of the line Intel, AMD processor.
12-16 gigs of memory will get you by just fine.
I'm personally an Asus fan. Brands aside. The one thing is the batteries. We discussed that here someplace else.
I repair these critters. Batteries. Cheap laptops have cheap batteries. Asus suggests that you don't keep the charger plugged in all of the time to make them last. Like you see on phones where 85% vs full charge is suggested to preserve battery life.

Just an edit. I did look on Dell's refurb site. To me I didn't really see anything approaching the six-hundred dollar range that I'd even consider owning. That's me though. Marginally in the $700 range.
Upwards of $1000, sure. Me? I'd save up a little more. I think their warranty is 100 days. Not that you'll need it. Square Trade is a viable option too.
The other guys replies after my first post here are viable. All I can say is that my friends and folks who chose refurbished over new have been entirely happy.

Just beware of cheap. It might just bite you. We do have tariffs now since when you bought your lappy 8 years ago.

Harshness' comment of on-cpu gpu. Intel Integrated Graphics is usually accompanied with and Nvidia gpu also.
Low power drain, good graphics and when needed, the Nvidia kicks in.

2 in 1 goes along with touch screen. Fold the display over and use it as a tablet. They go hand in hand. The keyboard shuts off. Normally open, the touch screen works as is should. I never use the touch screen when opened normally on mine. Kind of clumsy. In tablet configuration, does as it should.

harshness

Today at 10:44 AM

In a world where Chromebooks are retailing for upwards of $600, that probably isn't enough for a self-respecting Windows laptop.

Come to think of it, it is barely enough for a reasonable mini PC with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse these days.

If a laptop is a mandate, you're looking in the used market, and that's a complete crap shoot unless you can get a factory refurb with a >90-day warranty.

reubenray

Today at 11:54 AM

After checking on new laptops and not liking the prices I checked to see when I replaced the battery in mine. It was about five years ago. I also installed a bigger 1TB SSD drive a few years ago. It already has 12GB of RAM which was more than most new laptops I looked at. I plan on replacing the battery to see what happens. The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 5570. Is there anything else I need to replace?

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Ramy

Supporting Founder

Last reply Today at 11:48 AM · posted in The Sports Section

2026-27 NCAA College Football

Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.

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osu1991

Saturday at 11:05 PM

..I hate playing in Ames.

Foxbat

Yesterday at 7:38 PM

osu1991 said:
..I hate playing in Ames.

My in-Laws came from Iowa, she was a graduate of ISU. Unranked Iowa teams beat the #24 and #25 teams on Halloween.

And I heard that your QB made a poor choice after scoring the tying touchdown, leading to a fifteen yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff. The Cyclones were then able to take advantage of the resulting field position to get close enough to score the winning field goal.

In a NCAA Football season of bizarre endings, this has to rank right up there.

osu1991

Yesterday at 7:47 PM

Foxbat said:
My in-Laws came from Iowa, she was a graduate of ISU. Unranked Iowa teams beat the #24 and #25 teams on Halloween.

And I heard that your QB made a poor choice after scoring the tying touchdown, leading to a fifteen yard penalty on the ensuing kickoff. The Cyclones were then able to take advantage of the resulting field position to get close enough to score the winning field goal.

In a NCAA Football season of bizarre endings, this has to rank right up there.

Yep, but wasn't the QB. Was WR. Offense had a great game but defense didn't show up at all. I don't think they were even in the State.

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meStevo

Yesterday at 9:24 PM

View: https://x.com/CSOonX/status/2117053113781698800?a=-y87e7mFcfr7a6ptnjc&s=20

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osu1991

Today at 9:15 AM

View: https://youtu.be/b9vzhHLNUcQ?si=iNzfZTeZ3m9UKyKw

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Yespage

Today at 10:31 AM

Parity is growing in College Football. Making it even harder to tell who is better than each other.

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rvvaquero

Today at 11:48 AM

Yespage said:
Parity is growing in College Football. Making it even harder to tell who is better than each other.

I agree to a point. The transfer policy is creating parity, but only for the top 20-25 teams. The other 110+ teams in the FBS are just breeding grounds for the bigger schools which have more money and more recruiting appeal.

If a smaller school recruits, trains, and matures a quality player, they can't keep them past their sophomore year because the bigger schools snatch them up. Example: LSU didn't cultivate Sam Leavitt, they just harvested him from other schools. LSU is a top contender, in large part because of Leavitt. Michigan State and Arizona State.................are not. If either of those schools had been able to retain his services, who knows where they would be now.

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 11:31 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Retro looking camcorder

Saw this in Sams yesterday. I thought this was a really cool idea. Having a new grandbaby I almost bought one. I saw a lot of these back in the day.

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Bobby

Today at 11:15 AM

dishstaller said:
Saw this in Sams yesterday. I thought this was a really cool idea. Having a new grandbaby I almost bought one. I saw a lot of these back in the day.

View attachment 195195

You do know that phones actually take pretty good movies too don't you.

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dishstaller

Today at 11:22 AM

Bobby said:
You do know that phones actually take pretty good movies too don't you.

Yeah...I heard something like that

I just thought it was cool for the retro aspect of it. I still prefer taking video with my camcorder because I then have the video on a physical memory card which I can back up and put in my safe.

navychop

Today at 11:26 AM

No image stabilization. Fatal mistake.

dishstaller

Today at 11:31 AM

navychop said:
No image stabilization

I've still got my old Sony Mavica....the camera that put the files on 3.5 mini disk. That sucker had the best image stabilization on the market and probably still does. It had a fluid filled prism system. I could, while holding it in my hands, take a pic of a mountain stream and leave the shutter open for 2 seconds with no blur. Absolutely amazing camera.

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 11:29 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

USA Healthcare Costs are Ridiculous

Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs

My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.

Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.

After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.

I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.

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osu1991

Yesterday at 7:39 PM

Such a scam. Healthcare.gov shows me cheaper individual plans available for 2027 from ambetter that ambetter doesn't show on their website. Looked it up. I've spent $68,000 in premiums the last 5 years and got nothing out of it except a few doctors visits and labs.

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 8:15 PM

osu1991 said:
I've spent $68,000 in premiums the last 5 years

That's why I cancelled ours and just started saving the money. We're about to do the same thing with our home insurance.....not cancel it outright but do away with the portion which covers wind damage. We're paying over $5k right now and that is AFTER I dumbed things down...and it keeps going up. Got a couple trees I want to have taken down first before I do that however. After we do that, it will knock about $3k off our annual premium.

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b4pjoe

Yesterday at 10:12 PM

My wife and I use the same Medicare Advantage plan from United Healthcare. (Yes I have heard the horror stories about Medicare Advantage plans but we have used it for the last 5 years). We are both pretty healthy so it works for us. It costs $0.00 per month for both of us and it pays part of our Medicare part B premium. Next year it will be paying $170 per month of the $220 monthly part B premium for both of us. We also each get $90 per quarter to use on OTC products. $0.00 copay for Dr. visits and $55 copay for specialists. Includes dental and hearing coverage. Never have had an issue with it although I don't really use mine other than for the dental, Part B payments and the OTC benefit as I am a veteran and use the VA for all of my medical needs. I just had a kidney that had a cancer mass removed last month and they allowed me to use a non VA surgeon at a non VA hospital through the VA Community Care program. For all of the doctors visits, exams, tests, surgery, hospital stay, meds etc…was around $60,000 and the the VA paid for it entirely. I did have to pay $16 for the Oxycodone pain pills when I left the hospital that I got from my local CVS instead of waiting for a week for the VA to ship them to me from the VA pharmacy.

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 11:46 PM

b4pjoe said:
$0.00 copay for Dr. visits

And THAT is one of the big issues causing a lot of the problems. If the minimum copay for Dr. visits was at least $100 then a LOT of folks would opt out of those visits. If it cost the individual nothing then why should they care. All of my older family members are constantly going to doctor visits.....to them it is an adventure.....an outing that allows them a reason to go out to eat at a restaurant. IF they had to pay one cent out of their own pockets a lot of that crap would stop asap.

Sorry...rant off.

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meStevo

Yesterday at 11:57 PM

dishstaller said:
And THAT is one of the big issues causing a lot of the problems. If the minimum copay for Dr. visits was at least $100 then a LOT of folks would opt out of those visits. If it cost the individual nothing then why should they care. All of my older family members are constantly going to doctor visits.....to them it is an adventure.....an outing that allows them a reason to go out to eat at a restaurant. IF they had to pay one cent out of their own pockets a lot of that crap would stop asap.

Sorry...rant off.

You're not wrong that some people treat free visits like a social outing. But it has to be a balance. Put a $100 barrier on a doctor visit and people don't just skip the pointless ones, they skip the important ones too. Then the stuff that would've been a cheap catch at a checkup shows up later in the ER, sicker and way more expensive. The shift we need is from sick care to actual healthcare.

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dishstaller

Today at 9:08 AM

meStevo said:
But it has to be a balance.

Unfortunately, humans tend to suck at finding a balance in just about anything.

reubenray said:
They go to the Doctor for everything.

I see a LOT of that. And yes...they DO go to the doctor for EVERYTHING.

I was sick a couple months ago, either light flu or cold. First thing my Mom asked me when I told her was "You need to go to the doctor". I said WHY......I know what to do....it'll last a few days and I'll be fine.

The biggest problem with paying nothing out of pocket is that people quickly don't want to pay a penny for anything. Had an older customer in the store the other day. He mentioned that he had just come from CVS and I guess he wanted to rant. He said he went to pick up his prescription and "they changed my plan and wanted $4, they used to be free...I told them to stick them somewhere and walked out". BTW, he was in the store buying a new remote. So he HAD money for a remote but not $4 for this medicine that somebody somewhere thought he needed.

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Jimbo

Today at 9:28 AM

dishstaller said:
Unfortunately, humans tend to suck at finding a balance in just about anything.

I see a LOT of that. And yes...they DO go to the doctor for EVERYTHING.

I was sick a couple months ago, either light flu or cold. First thing my Mom asked me when I told her was "You need to go to the doctor". I said WHY......I know what to do....it'll last a few days and I'll be fine.

The biggest problem with paying nothing out of pocket is that people quickly don't want to pay a penny for anything. Had an older customer in the store the other day. He mentioned that he had just come from CVS and I guess he wanted to rant. He said he went to pick up his prescription and "they changed my plan and wanted $4, they used to be free...I told them to stick them somewhere and walked out". BTW, he was in the store buying a new remote. So he HAD money for a remote but not $4 for this medicine that somebody somewhere thought he needed.

My prescription before Medicare took over was $30 for 90 days, Medicare took over, now it was $375 last January and $150ish after that 90 days worth.

Jimbo

Today at 9:29 AM

dishstaller said:
Unfortunately, humans tend to suck at finding a balance in just about anything.

I see a LOT of that. And yes...they DO go to the doctor for EVERYTHING.

I was sick a couple months ago, either light flu or cold. First thing my Mom asked me when I told her was "You need to go to the doctor". I said WHY......I know what to do....it'll last a few days and I'll be fine.

The biggest problem with paying nothing out of pocket is that people quickly don't want to pay a penny for anything. Had an older customer in the store the other day. He mentioned that he had just come from CVS and I guess he wanted to rant. He said he went to pick up his prescription and "they changed my plan and wanted $4, they used to be free...I told them to stick them somewhere and walked out". BTW, he was in the store buying a new remote. So he HAD money for a remote but not $4 for this medicine that somebody somewhere thought he needed.

Priorities ...

dishstaller

Today at 9:34 AM

Jimbo said:
Priorities ...

I guess so. Obviously he didn't really need those pills....or at least HE didn't think so.

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harshness

Today at 10:51 AM

dishstaller said:
not cancel it outright but do away with the portion which covers wind damage.

Other than fire, what other kinds of damage do you guys get down there?

harshness

Today at 10:54 AM

Jimbo said:
My prescription before Medicare took over was $30 for 90 days, Medicare took over, now it was $375 last January and $150ish after that 90 days worth.

My Ozempic went from almost $400 every four weeks to $11 with a $0 Part D plan. That plan will be $5.63/month in 2027.

Make sure you've shopped around this open enrollment season.

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dishstaller

Today at 11:26 AM

harshness said:
Other than fire, what other kinds of damage do you guys get down there?

Not much else. Fire is the only thing I really worry about. I honestly didn't know I could remove wind coverage until someone told that they had....dropped their annual rate from $6,500 to $1,800. I'm currently paying $5,160.

navychop

Today at 11:29 AM

dishstaller said:
So he HAD money for a remote but not $4 for this medicine that somebody somewhere thought he needed.

Sounds like a self correcting situation.

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