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drboyddrboyd
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Trying to come close to cable TV

OK, I'm a reasonably handy and computer literate individual, and I'm willing to invest a couple bucks in FTA if it can be pretty close to as user-friendly as cable.

I figure if I can ditch the cable, I can afford to invest $600-$700 or so in a system.

Sound reasonable so far?

What I need, though, is something to keep The Sarge happy, and she will not put up with nine remotes and figuring azimuth readings and the geospatial circumnavigation quotient of the muffler bearings. Trust me when I say that I know this for sure. :rolleyes:

So, can I put together a system that won't need me to be up on the (two-story) roof twice a week, will get a couple hundred channels in HD (it's OK if some of them are in Latvian or whatever), and can be automated to the point where she selects a channel, pushes a button, and the motor tracks to the new sat and it tunes in badda-bing?

I'm assuming that whatever receiver I end up with will have PVR capabilities if I add a hard drive.

Is this just wishful thinking, or is this do-able?

Thanks!
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Wescopc
Wescopc
Take a look at:
FTAList.com - The easy list of North American free-to-air TV channels
and you will get an idea of what is available. You will not be able to get much HD in a format that would be easy for your wife to use. Most HD that is up there is in the form of unpublished feeds of sports events. The hobbyist searches them out and then enjoys the fruits of his labors.
Some folks love their motors - while others don't. Motorized systems should be mounted in such a way that they are easy to get to and work with. For instance, a motorized system on the peak of a two story house would be very frustrating.
Bob
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Anole
Anole
And for a guide, you'll probably have to rely on a computer, not the receiver.

I don't mention 4DTV, because it won't do much of what you requested.
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guapoharry
guapoharry
What the others said, but I will add a bit...

drboyddrboyd said:
OK, I'm a reasonably handy and computer literate individual, and I'm willing to invest a couple bucks in FTA if it can be pretty close to as user-friendly as cable.

I figure if I can ditch the cable, I can afford to invest $600-$700 or so in a system.

Sound reasonable so far?
Click to expand...

Not really, if you are firm about the "pretty close to as user-friendly as cable" part. There will be no Electronic Program Guide like you get on digital cable, or the schedule you get on basic cable.

You can get schedules online for some channels through Titan TV, (and other places) but you need a computer to see this...

drboyddrboyd said:
What I need, though, is something to keep The Sarge happy, and she will not put up with nine remotes and figuring azimuth readings and the geospatial circumnavigation quotient of the muffler bearings. Trust me when I say that I know this for sure. :rolleyes:

So, can I put together a system that won't need me to be up on the (two-story) roof twice a week, will get a couple hundred channels in HD (it's OK if some of them are in Latvian or whatever), and can be automated to the point where she selects a channel, pushes a button, and the motor tracks to the new sat and it tunes in badda-bing?
Click to expand...

After set up, it would be automated, so you select a channel with the remote, the motor tracks to the satellite and the receiver displays the channel. (after waiting for the dish to move)

But are the channels that are available something that either of you want to watch? (review that FTA List link wescopc posted) Much of the HD is sports feeds, so you have to scan for those - can't count on when and where they would be. (it's like fishing) A lot of the rest of the HD content is network-type TV, not cable channels. (there are some, though)

drboyddrboyd said:
I'm assuming that whatever receiver I end up with will have PVR capabilities if I add a hard drive.
Click to expand...

This is true, but you will end up programming times and channels into the recorder, not names of shows. (again, no program guide)

drboyddrboyd said:
Is this just wishful thinking, or is this do-able?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yes, and No...

Having said that, I spend as much or more time watching FTA as compared to my Dish Network subscription. I like searching for and finding unexpected stuff. Also, This is simply because there is so much junk on pay TV...:(

I have no desire to watch most of the channels I pay for. There is so much waste because of how they bundle the packages. They don't offer a-la carte programming for a reason....:dev
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LoTech
LoTech
FTA has some very good programming. That being said it's spread across many satellites on both C and KU bands. There are also different encryption methods; DVB, DVB S2, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, DC 2, etc... There are also linear and circular polarization methods. You want to make sure that the equipment you buy is compatible with what you want to receive.

It is possible to set up a combination C/KU system with receivers and LNB's that are capable of decoding all of these different methods, but it will take some doing. As stated earlier, though, it will not necessarily be a direct replacement for cable or pay satellite service. If you decide to proceed with FTA, I would also consider a good Over The Air antenna system for your locals, or a lifeline cable package that contains just local channels.
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concord
concord
As others have mentioned, supplementing with broadband access and a computer with Media Center (PVR), PlayOn, Boxee, etc and subscription to NetFlix may help. To extend it to another room, get a media extender (i.e. DLink 750). Otherwise you will have withdrawls :), especially if your viewing habits are mostly cable channels.
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TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV

This New Zeekr 7GT Is Bargain-Priced Taycan Alternative You've Never Heard Of!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVPpv2ZvbFU


Direct YouTube Link - This New Zeekr 7GT Is Bargain-Priced Taycan Alternative You've Never Heard Of!
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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

So let the game continue!

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

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

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

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

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

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
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sdfntx
Take It as It Comes - Steve Winwood
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Take The Money and Run - Steve Miller Band
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EatMyVolts
EatMyVolts
Run Joe -- Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five
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The Long Run - The Eagles
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ClarkGable
Long Train Runnin' - The Doobie Brothers
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meStevo
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

The Diplomat (Netflix)

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
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klang
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.
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meStevo
meStevo
One episode into season 4 that dropped today...

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

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

They do like to end each season with a Bang!
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Great ending, but it ran in circles most of the season.
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M
mheisen
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

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?
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Almighty1
Almighty1
mheisen said:
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?
Click to expand...
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
mheisen
Almighty1 said:
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?
Click to expand...
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
Almighty1
mheisen said:
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.
Click to expand...
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
slow_poke_pete
Almighty1 said:
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.
Click to expand...
Might be worth just to ditch the hopper plus. No issues here on h713
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S
slow_poke_pete
mheisen said:
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?
Click to expand...
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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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nKMpQ3UNenY


Direct YouTube Link - Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

AI Is Turning Wannabe Hackers Into Cybercriminals #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I_zmwUPcv50


Direct YouTube Link - AI Is Turning Wannabe Hackers Into Cybercriminals #shorts
TWIT's Website
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

AI in the NYTimes Cooking App

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGXuqH0DqDs


Direct YouTube Link - AI in the NYTimes Cooking App
TWIT's Website
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Responses to PHP Flash Alert

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psVDWmJn7e8


Direct YouTube Link - Responses to PHP Flash Alert
TWIT's Website
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Apple's Jump Into the Touchscreen Laptop Market

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLJZNojY-Os


Direct YouTube Link - Apple's Jump Into the Touchscreen Laptop Market
TWIT's Website
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Lon.TV
· posted in Lon.TV

Pre-CES Tech Dispatch! 14 Gadgets in 11 Minutes !

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


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYnl79ronhs


Direct YouTube Link - Pre-CES Tech Dispatch! 14 Gadgets in 11 Minutes !
The Official LON.TV Website
Lon on Facebook
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