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gadgtfreek

Last reply Oct 22, 2009 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Little surprised, but the Dish HD lils seem to look better than OTA

Normally I record OTA as much as possible, but I've noticed my Fox Fringe sat recordings looked great in HD and I decided to swap a few more over.

I figured if I like the look, it'll save me space on the EHD (mpeg sat 1080i hour on CBS is 4gb's, as opposed to 7.9 for the OTA).

What Im seeing on CBS and Fox is just as good color, and what appears to be a sharper image, especially the edges. It has a tad more of the 3d look, and I wonder if Dish uses some kind of edge enhancement.

Maybe some of the OTA in my market just has too many subchannels (most have none or 1-2; CBS channel Im comparing has no subchannels).

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KKlare

Oct 15, 2009

Aren't most of the Dish LIL converted to 720p to use slightly less bandwidth? If so, is your set 720p or 1080i? A match is likely to give a better picture. Of course, ABC and Fox are already 720p, generally.
-Ken

wolfjc

Oct 16, 2009

KKlare said:
Aren't most of the Dish LIL converted to 720p to use slightly less bandwidth? If so, is your set 720p or 1080i? A match is likely to give a better picture. Of course, ABC and Fox are already 720p, generally.
-Ken

When I was looking to buy an HD set the research that I did said that there were NO broadcasters who were sending out any 1080 they were all using 720p.
So is this still true?

harshness

Oct 16, 2009

wolfjc said:
When I was looking to buy an HD set the research that I did said that there were NO broadcasters who were sending out any 1080 they were all using 720p.
So is this still true?

Your research was horribly flawed. It wasn't true when you were shopping and it still isn't true.

Typically, the Disney family (including ABC and ESPN) and Fox channels use 720p and most everyone else is 1080i. There are exceptions on both sides.

BuddyBoy

Oct 19, 2009

harshness said:
Typically, the Disney family (including ABC and ESPN) and Fox channels use 720p and most everyone else is 1080i. There are exceptions on both sides.

A&E is 720p - I guess because Disney owns a bigger piece of it than NBC (37.5% vs 25%).

Fitzie

Oct 19, 2009

Unless I am mis-remembering, all Dish signals from the satellite are 1080i, with the 720P signals down (or up?) converted prior to transmission. For those that have 720P TVs, the signal is then converted in the box (receiver) to the correct format.

A clean OTA signal of 1920x1080i should be better than Dish's 1440x1080i, but as we know many stations like to break up their capacity and piggy-back a weather station and a secondary SD program (such as CW) to their HD signal. When stations do that, they may be broadcasting in something like 1280x1080i (or even 1080x1080i) for their main signal, and their signal quality is noticably less.

I think there are a couple of threads on the forum that discuss this "breakage" issue.

Regards,
Fitzie

Jim5506

Oct 21, 2009

Dish uplinks both 1080i and 720p, depending on what the provider sends them, they do not do any swapping of 720p or 1080i.

There is some loss of vertical resolution, but that is not the same animal.

ESPN is and always has been 720p, The weather channel is 1080i.

whatchel1

Oct 21, 2009

bits change

Fitzie said:
Unless I am mis-remembering, all Dish signals from the satellite are 1080i, with the 720P signals down (or up?) converted prior to transmission. For those that have 720P TVs, the signal is then converted in the box (receiver) to the correct format.

A clean OTA signal of 1920x1080i should be better than Dish's 1440x1080i, but as we know many stations like to break up their capacity and piggy-back a weather station and a secondary SD program (such as CW) to their HD signal. When stations do that, they may be broadcasting in something like 1280x1080i (or even 1080x1080i) for their main signal, and their signal quality is noticably less.

I think there are a couple of threads on the forum that discuss this "breakage" issue.

Regards,
Fitzie

Resolution isn't changed on OTA like you are trying to state just the bit rate for the individual channels in the stream.

DishSubLA

Oct 22, 2009

Fitzie said:
Unless I am mis-remembering, all Dish signals from the satellite are 1080i, with the 720P signals down (or up?) converted prior to transmission. For those that have 720P TVs, the signal is then converted in the box (receiver) to the correct format.

A clean OTA signal of 1920x1080i should be better than Dish's 1440x1080i, but as we know many stations like to break up their capacity and piggy-back a weather station and a secondary SD program (such as CW) to their HD signal. When stations do that, they may be broadcasting in something like 1280x1080i (or even 1080x1080i) for their main signal, and their signal quality is noticably less.

I think there are a couple of threads on the forum that discuss this "breakage" issue.

Regards,
Fitzie

No. Dish does not down convert the vertical resolution: if they are sent 1080, they send out (uplink) 1080; if they are sent 720, they send out (uuplink) 720. However the horizontal resolution is down-resed, but it still looks GREAT.

I think you are confusing the fact that the Dish HD boxes do not have Native Resolution output, and that we are required to set our Dish boxes to send out to the HDTV a fixed resolution of either 1080i or 720P for HD output (SD resolutions can also be chosen). This means that if you pick one output resolution the other must be converted to match the output you've set it to just before output of the box to the TV. And, of course, all the SD has to be up-converted to your chosen HD resolution output. All this conversion does degrade the PQ somewhat, although some people would never see the difference, but the PQ is not at optimum, and I'm certain that some TV's do a better job than the Dish box of converting if they are handed native resolution.

That's the problem. Too many broadcasters are cramming in a lot of sub-channels because of real world economic considerations that lead them to sacrifice the main channels HD quality for some sub-channels. and so, the promised and supposed knock your socks off OTA HD is not the reality, today in far too many places. Still impressive, but not the blow you away HD at full bit-rate.

OTA broadcasters can still broadcast in full 1080i resolution, but it is the bit-rate that is decreased to make room for the sub-channels, and that is why the OTA's main HD may not looking as good as it could. But even 12Mbs OTA HD can still look great. Full bandwidth with a great source and an engineer at the station who knows what he is doing, and a lot don't, especially in smaller cities, is STUNNING.

I do have to close by asking those who remember how utterly knock your socks off great Dish's HD feed of the Democratic National Convention was last year. Man, watching that made it clear the sacrifices to the HD PQ Dish was making on all its other HD channels. The DNC HD feed must have been full resolution and full bit-rate. I still have it on my external HDD, and it is still how HD should be done. Overall I am satisfied with Dish HD, but I do wish Dish could uplink full HD resolution at full bit-rate, or equivalent to full bit-rate using their 8PSK and Turbo Coding technology.

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Linus Tech Tips

22 minutes ago · posted in Linus Tech Tips

I Doubled My GPU’s Memory…

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Cnyj0I62c

Direct YouTube Link - I Doubled My GPU's Memory…
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply 25 minutes ago · 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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vazhog

Yesterday at 4:05 PM

that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

meStevo

Yesterday at 4:52 PM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

Even sarcastically it's wrong. Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls." The immigrant-related pieces are a small part of the ~$1 trillion. They cut the federal match for emergency care from 90% to the state's regular rate and end eligibility for some lawful immigrants like refugees. Most of the "savings" come from work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and provider tax limits, which hit citizens.

Either way, the cost doesn't disappear. It shifts to states, hospitals, and everyone else's premiums and will only serve to make issues like those raised in this thread worse.

Reactions: primestar31 and osu1991

dishstaller

Yesterday at 5:05 PM

meStevo said:
Undocumented immigrants already weren't eligible for federal Medicaid, so there's no one to "get off the rolls."

That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

- California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]
- Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]
- New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]
- Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]
- Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]
- Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

meStevo

Yesterday at 5:55 PM

dishstaller said:
That's only part correct. Actually I had to look it up to make sure. There is NO Federal money going to Medicaid for illegals but there ARE some states that use State money to pay for Medicaid for illegals. Here's the list

California: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Colorado: Covers specific adult demographics (with upcoming budget caps in 2027). [1]

Illinois: Covers specific adult age brackets. [1]

New York: Covers specific adult demographics. [1]

Oregon: Covers all income-eligible undocumented adults. [1, 2]

Washington: Covers specific adult demographics. [1, 2]

Washington, D.C.: Provides adult coverage through the D.C. Health Care Alliance. [1, 2]

Fair point, but it's consistent with what I said: no federal Medicaid money goes to undocumented immigrants. Those programs are state-funded, so the federal ~$1T cut can't touch them. Whatever states decide to do with their own programs is a separate budget decision.

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vazhog

Yesterday at 8:18 PM

The feds give money to the states for them to use - Cutting the fed funding only means the taxpayer savings will passed onto the states that need to make up the Fed dollars cut -See the list above for those states affected

harshness

Today at 2:37 AM

vazhog said:
that cut is only for illegals to get off the rolls and I was being sarcastic before -

That's not who it is for. The cut is for those who won't work (though you typically had to prove that you couldn't work to get it in the first place).

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Foxbat

Today at 12:33 PM

Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit? This is why there is a Pit, and why I rarely use the Chit Chat Club. But someone said, "The Pub is Elitist since you have to pay dues to enter, so please post in the Chit Chat forum so more guests can read and participate."

harshness

25 minutes ago

Foxbat said:
Why isn't this Political thread over in the Pit?

Because health care shouldn't be a political issue?

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 27 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 9:13 PM

Lakeside Park - Rush

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hwkn

Today at 2:43 AM

Another PARK Another Sunday-The Doobie Brothers

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ClarkGable

Today at 6:33 AM

Another One Bites The Dust - Queen

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Bobby

Today at 11:01 AM

Oh Susanna, Dust off the Old Pianna - Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra

harshness

27 minutes ago

Garden Party - Ricky Nelson

Reactions: RaiderPower

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 40 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Claude's site is still up and running. New link required

I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 5:34 PM

If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

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Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:29 PM

dishstaller said:
I figured some of the guys would be looking here for an answer. You'll need to use this link

DishRetailer

America's Oldest Satellite Forum!

satelliteretailer.com

I'll mention what happened over there. I don't want to cause Scott any issues or put him in a bad spot.

Now I have to go check out what happened now. Lol!

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Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:31 PM

Went and looked, not too bad...

Just let people know the address is satelliteretailer.com as DishRetailer.COM is not working.

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(((Garyd)))

40 minutes ago

dishstaller said:
If any of you know some of the guys from the board and you have their contact info, please reach out to them....many failed to update their contact info and some even had starband email addresses.

Your old link triggered my Bitdefender today.

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ewindowman

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 43 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Bankruptcy - Business as Usual

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

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Almighty1

Oct 7, 2026

EchoStar fixes some of its mess, but there's much more to mop up

EchoStar's satellite TV and Sling TV services have exited Chapter 11, but clouds still hover above Dish Wireless, which faces a multitude of lawsuits.

www.lightreading.com

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

Bruce

Today at 7:11 AM

News about the tower's dispute-

Towercos now own Dish's 5G radios – and SpaceX might be a buyer

Tower companies now own Dish's deserted 5G gear, says American Tower CEO Steven Vondran. This could feed into SpaceX's mobile ambitions, analysts say.

www.lightreading.com

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comfortably_numb

Today at 9:50 AM

Bruce said:
News about the tower's dispute-

Towercos now own Dish's 5G radios – and SpaceX might be a buyer

Tower companies now own Dish's deserted 5G gear, says American Tower CEO Steven Vondran. This could feed into SpaceX's mobile ambitions, analysts say.

www.lightreading.com

So does this mean the churches and businesses that Dish owes back payments to are going to get paid now?

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navychop

Today at 10:53 AM

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nelson61

43 minutes ago

"
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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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 12:40 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Gas Price Info With National Gas Temperature Map

Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

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harshness

Oct 18, 2026

I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.

harshness

Oct 20, 2026

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

It turns out I was justified in my suspicion.

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

Foxbat

Oct 20, 2026

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

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

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

Bobby

Oct 21, 2026

Regular$5.839
Premium$6.299
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

harshness

Oct 21, 2026

Foxbat said:
Does that raise, or lower, the overall price?

Winter blend is reportedly 10-30 cents cheaper, but I would point out that prices have dropped as much as 62 cents at RP.

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Bobby

Today at 11:03 AM

Regular$5.699
Premium$6.199
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

osu1991

Today at 11:26 AM

Was just out running errands and saw $3.69 at most places

dfergie

Today at 12:40 PM

$4.04 most places, Diesel $5.85...

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Van

Last reply Today at 11:26 AM · 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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TRG

Sunday at 1:40 PM

Breakfast Quesadillas. Grilled flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, hash browns, chopped green chile, cheddar & Jack cheese and bacon. Coffee.

Bobby

Wednesday at 1:53 PM

Taco omelette. 3 eggs, taco meat from yesterday, diced green chilis, cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, avocado, black olives, chopped tomato, La Victoria Salsa Brava.

This one was really, really good!

Reactions: TRG and dfergie

dfergie

Wednesday at 3:35 PM

Thought I was getting a Chorizo and egg burrito (marker had rubbed off)but was a roast beef/potato I made up before hunting this morning.
Btw every morning at camp I cooked my homemade Chorizo and scrambled eggs plus sausage side while my brother brought bacon. (they liked both the beef and pork versions)

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TRG

Wednesday at 5:06 PM

dfergie said:
Thought I was getting a Chorizo and egg burrito (marker had rubbed off)but was a roast beef/potato I made up before hunting this morning.
Btw every morning at camp I cooked my homemade Chorizo and scrambled eggs plus sausage side while my brother brought bacon. (they liked both the beef and pork versions)

I had a chorizo and egg burrito for you. With lots of green chile and cheese of course.

Reactions: dfergie

dfergie

Today 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)

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 9:42 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Club TWiT: AI User Group #21 - Superpowers With Jesse Vincent

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDUacUpCR04

Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: AI User Group #21 - Superpowers With Jesse Vincent
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 3:27 AM · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

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

129 Replies · 2545 views

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rvvaquero

Oct 22, 2026

Jimmy Johnson is a football guy. Jerry Jones is a marketer (hustler).

When I see a football player get a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (like taunting) in a close game, I often wonder what he was thinking. Was he thinking, I'm doing everything I can to make this a better team and help win a championship? Or, was he saying to himself, I want everyone to notice how great I am?

Johnson inspires one, Jones the other.

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., b4pjoe and 1 other person

meStevo

Oct 22, 2026

View: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2113438192913588676?s=20

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., Mike0616 and 1 other person

meStevo

Sunday at 8:17 PM

Got to unfurl and hold the flag at Allegiant for the anthem today - amazing experience.

Reactions: dfergie, AZ., RaiderPower and 4 others

HipKat

Tuesday at 6:21 PM

Balls
Bears. Gave the Pats a good beatdown.
Bucs. Got Baker back and absolutely demolished the previously surprising Panthers.
Falcons. Took care of the 49ers and did so convincingly.
Vikings. I hate them. I do. I've never seen such a bad/good team. Know what I mean? I know their D is epic. But their O is insulting. How they remain undefeated is a mystery.
Rams. Finally looked the part. Mind you against the hapless Cards.
Cowboys. Fireworks performance from their O.
Dolphins. Finally logged in a W. There won't be many. Enjoy it, Miami fans.
Browns. Still atop the AFC North.
Giants. Epic OT win with Buffalo's very own Motor Singletary finishing it off.
Seattle. Dominated KC from start to finish.

Goats
Jets. Couldn't beat the winless Dolphins. Aaron Glenn is a dead man walking.
Eagles. Injured beyond repair
Ravens and Lamar. Has he ever played a full season? Honestly, dude is fragile. Of course he's back for the Bills game.
49ers. No longer undefeated.
Colts. A sh*t show. When are they gonna realize that Daniel Jones is ass?
Steelers vs Saints game. Ass, just ass all around. Those poor people in Paris have had enough lately, and on top of that, endure that game.
Chiefs. They looked terrible. Like really bad.
Pack vs. Detroit game refs. Some of the worst refereeing I've seen in a long time. And the sample is pretty large.

meStevo

Today at 3:27 AM

Pretty great story.

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zjrCABzVWzQ?feature=share

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Ham Radio 2.0

Today at 3:02 AM · posted in Ham Radio 2.0

Reticulum Off-Grid Comms with @TheTechPrepper

Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY2iPzOyH6Q

Direct YouTube Link - Reticulum Off-Grid Comms with @TheTechPrepper
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook