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SatelliteAV
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion
Your feedback on the GEOSATpro firmware releases is welcome!

We are considering adding a new feature on the next release and want your feedback.... We are ready to offer a user selectable, automatic weekly or manual channel update feature available by satellite OTA updating from Galaxy 19 KU for hobbyists who have activated the receiver in the Advanced mode during installation. Initially, we can provide an update for all Galaxy 19 KU channels, but would like to quickly expand if there is a demand to include all C and KU band channels on all satellites visible to North America. This will mainly target new viewers and the casual viewer who just wishes to power up the receiver, enjoy programming and not worry about channel management, blind scanning, deleting, etc.

Input?

The next step...... We have prototyped a newbie KU-band installation process, and am interested in your feedback.

In an initial automatic set-up, the viewer only selects if the system is linear (LO 10750/22Khz off/DiSEqC #1) circular (LO11250/22Khz on/DiSEqC #2), motorized or fixed. If fixed, the viewer selects the desired satellite and the install process jumps over the motorized steps. If the system is motorized, either the longitude and latitude or zip/postal code is entered into the receiver and the receiver sorts the list of available satellites and channels based on the install location. In either motorized of fixed the receiver then selects the strongest TP on the satellite and displays a signal strength and signal quality meter along with corrected compass reading, fixed LNBF skew setting, fixed elevation setting or motor latitude setting then the motor automatically swings to the southern satellite.

Once the initial channel is found and the dish is peaked, OK button is selected and if fixed, a secondary weaker channel is displayed to peak. If fixed, the install is complete and the viewer presses exit to view available channels. If motorized the dish swings to a second satellite located midway in the western arc. The strongest TP is automatically tuned and the motor/dish is adjusted and peaked. The left arrow is pressed and the motor swings back to southern satellite to confirm tracking. If not tracking, the motor/dish is slightly adjusted. Press left or right arrow to select the previous western satellite or go to new eastern satellite located midway on eastern arc. The motor/dish is peaked then press the right arrow to return to the southern satellite. The left and right arrows will continue to track between these three positions until the OK button is pressed to permit the motor to stop on all available satellites and tune strongest channel to verify tracking, pressing the down arrow places the receiver on the weakest channel on the satellites. Once the tracking is confirmed, the exit button is pressed to exit the installation menu and allows channel viewing of any satellite in standard viewing mode.

Input?

FYI..... Yes, these features are in development for both the current MPEG2 receivers and also the next generation of MPEG4 SD and MPEG4 HD units (and we are being tight lipped about a production date)! :eek:
50 Replies · 6061 views
R
Wow, what an interesting thread. I find myself excited, frustrated, and a little disappointed in reading the comments here.

First, I want to commend Brian on his endeavors to improve the products he sells. If he was purely a marketing troll I would be suspicious about his motives. However, Brian offers help and support to many people here - especially in his Glorystar forum. Likewise, Sadoun offers a lot of help to people. I don't recall anyone taking him to task when he wrote about the new bandstacked LNB he offered...

There are some really great folks here who have helped me over the years as I have struggled to learn about programming, receivers, dishes, and other equipment. The list is long, but includes Iceberg, Anole, Stogie, Mike G, Brian, and many others. I don't have the time or resources to embrace the hobby as they do, but live a bit vicariously through them and many others here. And I do putter a bit with my mini-dishes and bandstacked LNBs. ;)

I would describe myself as a newbie with aspirations. Maybe this is why the GEOSATpro equipment is so appealing. Someday I will own a GSp receiver, but for now am using used receivers I picked up at auction. All this to say that while I aspire to the advanced hobbyist side of things, the reality is that I probably fit the customer profile for SatelliteAV much more closely.

I have been a member here at SatGuys for quite a while now and truly value the resource and try to contribute when I can. Perhaps it is just my perception, but it seems to me that the general trend is to be less "friendly" to the newbies - unless they are wholeheartedly embracing the extreme hobbyist approach - than in years past.

Even if Brian's request for ideas does not match your personal needs, isn't there something you have picked up in your discussions with potential FTA folks that would be helpful? (The concerns about WUT programming and such are very valid, but I think Brian addressed them fairly.)

It seems to me that Brian is looking to bring more people into FTA at a basic level that is relatively pain-free for the purposely open programming. These are the types of users who may look to become more of a hobbyist if their initial experience is positive. If my interpretation is correct, then that should be a good thing. How could we not welcome that? Saying that we are here to help new users while also lamenting the potential loss of programming if too many users start viewing it is conflicting.

Now, I have defended Brian in his request for information. In fairness, I have to also concede that he is not always interested in the input he receives. I have responded to past solicited and unsolicited requests for features. From that experience I can conclude that he places a much different value on certain features than I do! I don't always like the answers I get from him, but respect his position as a knowledgeable person in the field with a business to run. In fact, while frustrating, these differences are part of what makes this hobby and site interesting and I am very glad that we have our differences.

In airing and discussing our differences, though, let's be sure to not create an environment where someone feels unwelcome to seek or offer input.

Respectfully,
Red

PS: I sure hope the future MPEG4 receivers are capable of many of the features debated here in other threads. Maybe I will finally be able to purchase a GSp receiver when they are released. Keeping my fingers crossed for my own personal wishlist of features... :D
zamar23
Wow, what an interesting thread. I find myself excited, frustrated, and a little disappointed in reading the comments here.
Well, may be after such interesting introduction you would want to add some feature suggestions to your post, even risking repeat yourself? ;) As to your frustration, sure you understand position of some FTA fans who see such open invitation for brainstorming a one way street that may provide for free significant fiscal benefits only to the OP, but for the rest of FTA fans may only result, as other voiced concern, in further truncated FTA channels choice. I felt, true outcome if any as always will be mixed, and hence posted own suggestions. :)

However, recalling recent open Sadoun's invitation for anyone to test his new products that never materialized with regards to anyone, except traditional very narrow ad testers pull (I doubt this either), some will think twice about posting personal data and valuable technical suggestions in reply to such invitations. For some there is no personal or public gain to do it any way they look at it.
SatelliteAV
Red,
Sorry if I have given the impression that we are not interested in feedback and suggestions. I should nod my head and say yes a lot more ..... rather than explain the rational behind implementation or declining projects. I would love to incorporate many more of the suggestions, but alas, one must often make difficult choices based on time and $$$. :mad:

Took us a while longer than we anticipated, but we finally released the DiSEqC 1.1 switch support that you requested! :D The units now support switch types, 22khz, DiSEqC 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, Dish Network 21, 42, 44 and 64.

Larry1,
The recorded file naming is best when used with an EPG, but without the program name, the receiver defaults to naming by the channel name and date/time. We will see what renaming and sorting options could be implemented for non-EPG recording. Most USB receivers don't support subfolders, unfortuantely that is not possible. Interesting observation regarding deleting recordings and changing the displayed file ordering. We will look at the file table to determine if the list could sorted in a different manner.

Really like the idea of multiple record button presses changing the manual record timing! Should be able to be easily implemented. :up
Anole
Really like the idea of multiple record button presses changing the manual record timing! Should be able to be easily implemented. :up
I have a stand-alone DVD recorder that does that.
At first, I thought it was a silly idea.
But, in the heat of battle (noticing that your show is coming on NOW and you have no time to fiddle with a timer), it really does work well!

With each press, the record time came up on the display for a few seconds.
I think the times were: 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes (?)
You might want to think what happens for the fifth press of the button. :)
I believe it went back to 30...?
Larry1
With each press, the record time came up on the display for a few seconds.
I think the times were: 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes (?)
You might want to think what happens for the fifth press of the button. :)
I believe it went back to 30...?

No go to a non-timed record for the 5th press, then back to 30 for the 6th press.
R
Well, may be after such interesting introduction you would want to add some feature suggestions to your post, even risking repeat yourself? ;) As to your frustration, sure you understand position of some FTA fans who see such open invitation for brainstorming a one way street that may provide for free significant fiscal benefits only to the OP, but for the rest of FTA fans may only result, as other voiced concern, in further truncated FTA channels choice. I felt, true outcome if any as always will be mixed, and hence posted own suggestions. :)

However, recalling recent open Sadoun's invitation for anyone to test his new products that never materialized with regards to anyone, except traditional very narrow ad testers pull (I doubt this either), some will think twice about posting personal data and valuable technical suggestions in reply to such invitations. For some there is no personal or public gain to do it any way they look at it.
Fair enough!

My wishlist is rather long and driven by some desires that are not exactly "hobbyist".

That said, the first one that comes to mind are modular tuners. Brian has explained his differing view on this, but I would really like the ability to mix and match DVB and ATSC tuners. My view is that the FTA viewer prefers to watch free television, whether via satellite or terrestrial broadcast. I acknowledge that this can be done with multiple pieces of equipment, but prefer the integrated approach.

I would also like ethernet support. This opens up possibilities for streaming television, sharing recorded material within the home network, and NAS. I would not rate WiFi as a high priority since bandwidth is less and bridges are easily added to an existing box with ethernet port (for those who absolutely want a particular flavor of 802.11).

Along with the ATSC modular tuner, I would like to see PSIP EPG data. Brian says that PSIP data is poor, but my LCD TV seems to get it okay. Apparently this is a technical difficulty that exceeds my understanding. Having ethernet support could solve this, though, if a source such as TitanTV (or similar) could be accessed by the box to display EPG data. Heck, this may even be a part of the EPG solution for satellite.

Other features such as blind scan, 4:2:2, 8PSK, and others would be interesting for hunting feeds. However, for a mainstream box I would not rate these as highly.

So there you have it! In a nutshell, I would like a single box that allows easy viewing of FTA and OTA programming - with DVR capability. I guess this is a good a place as any to make a distinction between the FTA installer and the FTA viewer. On the installer side of things messing with dishes, motors, switches, and so on are not an issue for me since I enjoy the technical nature of the hobby. However, a lot of my comments here reflect my desire for a high WAF for FTA viewing. (I'm technical, she's not... :D)

Cheers,
Red
R
Red,
Sorry if I have given the impression that we are not interested in feedback and suggestions. I should nod my head and say yes a lot more ..... rather than explain the rational behind implementation or declining projects. I would love to incorporate many more of the suggestions, but alas, one must often make difficult choices based on time and $$$. :mad:

Took us a while longer than we anticipated, but we finally released the DiSEqC 1.1 switch support that you requested! :D The units now support switch types, 22khz, DiSEqC 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, Dish Network 21, 42, 44 and 64.
Brian,

I respect your position, we just don't see things exactly the same (I'm okay with that!). :cool:

I did see the recent release notes about 1.1 support in the latest firmware! I've kinda been hoping for a holiday sale like you did two or three Christmases ago, but in these economic times... Anyway, thanks for adding this feature, it will be very helpful when I am able to order a GSp receiver. When I move next summer I should be relatively stable for 4 years or more, so my dream of planting "real" dishes at various orbital slots may finally materialize!

Right now I am using three stacked linear LNBs and a circular LNB through a DPP34 switch (see sig). Would it be safe to assume that this is also supported?

Thanks again,
Red
Tron
Most USB receivers don't support subfolders, unfortuantely that is not possible. Interesting observation regarding deleting recordings and changing the displayed file ordering. We will look at the file table to determine if the list could sorted in a different manner.

The Visionsat IV-200 can do subfolders, but there are bugs that can cause serious issues. Firstly, if your recording goes over the 4 GB limit and a .1 file is created, that file will not be moved to the subfolder when the master file is moved. Also, the .1 file (and any subsequent files, for that matter) will not be renamed when the master file is renamed. Annoying bugs like this aside, however, the Visionsat was (is) a great little receiver. Since the Geosat DVRs have many of the same features, I find them very interesting.
SatelliteAV
The Visionsat IV-200 can do subfolders, but there are bugs that can cause serious issues. Firstly, if your recording goes over the 4 GB limit and a .1 file is created, that file will not be moved to the subfolder when the master file is moved. Also, the .1 file (and any subsequent files, for that matter) will not be renamed when the master file is renamed. Annoying bugs like this aside, however, the Visionsat was (is) a great little receiver. Since the Geosat DVRs have many of the same features, I find them very interesting.

We worked on the IV-200 recording feature development and agree that the subfolder issues are similar with the DVR1100c. These file naming issues are not easily addressed and is why subfolders are not supported. No known workaround. :o
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
It states the average amount they are under water is OVER $7,000. :eek

Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.

2 Replies · 62 views
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Juan
I guess America can't afford 10 year autoloans
harshness
I guess America can't afford 10 year autoloans
I'm pretty sure the most you can get is seven.

What America can't afford is the payments on $80,000+ pickups and SUVs and $40,000+ crossovers.
Neutron
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Patrick Stewart died yesterday, October 28th at the age of 86. We lost yet another great actor. :(

10 Replies · 119 views
M
R.I.P.
mc6809e
Rest In Peace
sdfntx
R.I.P., Jean-Luc.
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
· posted in The Chit Chat Club
This should hit a lot of folks with a dose of reality. I can only imagine how much more common this will get as AI progresses.

I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.

0 Replies · 0 views
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
68665 Replies · 2680723 views
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long_time_Dish
Take The Money and Run - Steve Miller Band
EatMyVolts
Run Joe -- Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five
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long_time_Dish
The Long Run - The Eagles
ClarkGable
Long Train Runnin' - The Doobie Brothers
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dishstaller
Midnight Train to Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips
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meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows
Starting a thread klang !

After an amazing first 2 seasons and an 8 episode 3rd season still coming this year, season 4 has now been greenlit.

Keri Russell Wow GIF by NETFLIX
12 Replies · 1037 views
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K
Finished season 3 last night. Still one of my favorite shows.

Anyone else wonder if there might be something else going on with Callum? Seems to me he has too much access to Russian intelligence.
meStevo
One episode into season 4 that dropped today...

Jon Stewart Popcorn GIF
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meStevo
Renewed for season 5.
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K
Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!
KAB
KAB
Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!
Great ending, but it ran in circles most of the season.
M
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?
5 Replies · 228 views
Almighty1
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?
I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?
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M
I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?
I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.
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Almighty1
I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.
Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.
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S
Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.
Might be worth just to ditch the hopper plus. No issues here on h713
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S
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?
Buy a roku and dump the hopper plus you'll be better off. If you have a smart tv you don't need either one. No hopper plus here and no issues!!!
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