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pendragon

Last reply Feb 22, 2010 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Another 4:2:2 Option (SageTV STB)

I've been using SageTV for the past few years to integrate OTA, DN, FTA and recently SD throughout our house. For those unfamiliar with this approach, a Sage server controls all the tuners as a pool and uses them to play live to networked Sage clients and record requested programs from an integrated guide, available to all clients. Recordings and imported media are also accessible to the clients. This makes the management of thousands of channels and recordings imminently possible, although there is some effort to getting it all set up. The nicest part is the operation is intuitive, even for non-rocket scientists.

One can use properly configured HTPCs to perform as Sage clients. This has been the traditional Sage method and is only limited by the amount of effort and money one wants to invest into a PCs and codecs for each room/screen. A few years back Sage started selling a STB called the HD100 which was a low-power, networked device that easily integrated into home theater system. Being hardware decoders, the quality was good and they were able to decode almost all audio and video formats one could throw at them, at a much lower price than any HTPC. However 4:2:2 video playback was limited to standard definition.

Recently we decided to add a couple of Sage clients, and I looked at the newer Sage HD200 STB. When I discovered the video decoder in this unit was the same as used in the AZBox, I wrote to Sage to ask whether the HD200 could decode HD 4:2:2. They didn't seem particularly aware of this format, but gamely asked for sample video. I was all too happy to oblige with very high rate cuts from FTA. A week or so later, Sage reported they had been able to get the HD200 to work with HD 4:2:2 and this would be released in their next version of firmware.

I picked up a couple of HD200s and noticed yesterday that a new firmware version had been posted. Today I finally got around to testing it, and it worked beautifully. That pretty much checks the boxes for me, except for Dolby E

I realize this is not a solution for most people, but for die hard addicts this is a very complete and affordable alternative for a whole house implementation.

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pendragon

Feb 20, 2010

Don't get me wrong. I have a long list of reasons for PIP and use it wherever I can. I wish more displays and components would support it. Nevertheless the lack of it doesn't seem to be a deal breaker for most people.

What appears the most common PIP implementation is on a display, rather than a STB or AV processor. That kind of makes sense because it puts the burden on the user to figure out how to supply two or more simultaneous video streams. The Sage UI is very state oriented, which would make a dual video output or PIP from a Sage client STB a bit awkward. On first blush this would either be a monumental hack or a substantial UI redesign for them. Much easier for a user to take a PIP-capable display and string a couple of video cables.

I haven't had time to work through the Sage HD200 STB capabilities, but the HD100 was only intended to output video through one port at a time. In some cases one could get two working if they both were capable of supporting the same resolution, e.g. HDMI and component with 1080i. It would have been nice if the composite/S-video outputs would downscale like many satellite/cable receivers, but the HD100 wouldn't do it.

There are many things I would like to see done differently in the world, but from a practical point-of-view I think Sage has done a pretty good job focusing their resources on what matters. There's always MythTV and Linux for those who want to try their hand at system design.

zamar23

Feb 21, 2010

This discussion reminded me one story.

At some point I briefly had Sonicview 360 Elite - a dual tuner SD DVB-S STB. This was a very refined receiver hardware wise, but was apparently supplied with FW having limited FTA capabilities. It however sent pic-in-pic easily via HDMI and Component Outs, and output via all ports in parallel properly scaled pics with PG over each.

Unfortunately, to cut costs and make room for their oncoming premium models, SV blocked synchronous output from 2 tuners to different ports: I was unable to get one channel via HDMI, and another via Component or Composite port. I contacted their office asking to fix it in FW if possible. A tech support guy who seemingly knew nothing about its hardware told they are busy with other fixes "more important for our customers". I also asked him a few questions on motor install, and he suggested to contact Rick... as their official support point - it never worked that way either.

The resume is, may be SageTV guys never thought about their new client boxes outputting pic-in-pic via the same or different ports, because nobody asked them about it at HW / FW development stages, or they didn't get a grounded marketing hint on sale numbers dependency on these features, if any.

pendragon

Feb 22, 2010

Frankly if I were Sage and a customer wanted two video outputs, I'd tell them to buy two clients. Complicated people should pay extra rather than the 99% who are content with the primary functionality. Gold-plating in engineering development can easily cause a competitive product to miss the market or overprice it.

I thought asking for 4:2:2 was already on the edge, but it was a small enough incremental improvement that it was apparently deemed worthwhile. If I'd asked for the moon I would have been wasting oxygen.

zamar23

Feb 22, 2010

I don't know about Sage users, you may be right, but based on various forum posts, many people asked SV to separate dual tuner output to different ports as a feature, since SV products appeared to target lower income buyers. But the coders team they hired locally seemed to be consumed by other goals. Again, SV had big marketing plans at earlier stages turned out to produce nothing.

pendragon

Feb 22, 2010

If the Sonicview was marketed as a dual tuner box and failed to deliver on its promises, I can understand your frustration. But this is completely OT. Sage has never advertised the HD100 or HD200 as being capable of providing more than one output at a time (or PIP) and this is clearly documented in the manuals and in their support forums.

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 3 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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sdfntx

Yesterday at 4:54 PM

Take It as It Comes - Steve Winwood

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 5:26 PM

Take The Money and Run - Steve Miller Band

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EatMyVolts

Yesterday at 6:15 PM

Run Joe -- Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five

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long_time_Dish

Today at 12:44 AM

The Long Run - The Eagles

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3 minutes ago

Long Train Runnin' - The Doobie Brothers

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 14 minutes ago · 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.

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klang

Oct 21, 2025

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

Oct 15, 2026

One episode into season 4 that dropped today...

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meStevo

Yesterday at 5:57 PM

Renewed for season 5.

klang

Yesterday at 6:02 PM

Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!

KAB

14 minutes ago

klang said:
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.

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mheisen

Last reply Today at 3:43 AM · 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

Yesterday at 2:50 PM

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?

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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mheisen

Yesterday at 6:11 PM

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?

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

Yesterday at 6:33 PM

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.

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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slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:38 AM

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.

Might be worth just to ditch the hopper plus. No issues here on h713

slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:43 AM

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?

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!!!

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:22 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

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Today at 3:22 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

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Today at 3:22 AM · posted in Lon.TV

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

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

Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 12:19 AM · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/28/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:

National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)

Additional tabs provide:

OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders

Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions

DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261028.xlsx 1,878 KB

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doctor J

Wednesday at 7:26 AM

Weekly Analysis for 10/28/2026:

Weekly_Analysis_261028.xlsx 16 KB

KyL416

Wednesday at 8:31 AM

ElectionHQ mixes testing with BBC News, CNBC, CNN, FBN, FNC, MSNOW, NewsMax and NewsNation

Some more reshuffles

Updating the TMSIDs for KSBI and KQCW to use the cable feeds with Thunder games instead of the OTA feeds

An additional commercial PPV channel is now on 9530

coolman302003

Yesterday at 5:38 PM

Monday 11/2 is a full slate for NBA League Pass as all 30 teams are playing and 14 out of 15 total games are on NBALP. Only one national TV game on Peacock/NBCSN (Thunder @ Cavs).

DirecTV is even having to use several MLB EI channels (from 745-748) and a NHL CI (770) channel to fit all of them in the guide close together. 5 games at 7:30 ET, 3 games at 8 ET, 2 games at 8:30 ET, 1 game at 9 ET, 3 games at 10 ET. Luckily NHL CI is light on Monday (3 games on CI).

DirecTV is providing both broadcast feeds for all League Pass games except Hornets, Magic, Bucks & Raptors that night. These are all teams that have local broadcasts via a OTA channel which is on spotbeams and have streaming deals (DTC) that are not exclusive DAZN teams which DirecTV just signed a deal with (à la Spurs, Grizzlies, Cavs, Pacers & T'Wolves). Its also very common that we don't get Raptors broadcast very often from TSN or Sportsnet Ontario on League Pass.

11/2/26 (MON) EASTERN	7:00 PM	7:30 PM	8:00 PM	8:30 PM	9:00 PM	10:00 PM
Peacock/NBCSN	Thunder @ Cavaliers
NBA League Pass	None	Pistons (745) @ Hornets	Kings (755) @ Mavericks (756)	Celtics (760) @ Rockets (761)	Trail Blazers (764) @ Nuggets (765)	Suns (769) @ Warriors (770)
		Hawks (746) @ Pacers (747)	Pelicans (757) @ Grizzlies (758)	Jazz (762) @ Spurs (763)		Raptors @ Clippers (766)
		Nets (748) @ Knicks (751)	Bucks @ T'Wolves (759)			Heat (767) @ Lakers (768)
		Wizards (752) @ Magic
		Bulls (753) @ 76ers (754)
		*No Hornets, Magic local broadcasts	*No Bucks local broadcast			*No Raptors local broadcast

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KyL416

Yesterday at 6:56 PM

Only the Knicks, Nets, Wizards, Bulls, Celtics, Rockets, Lakers, Warriors, Avalanche, Sharks and Bruins feeds will be using remaps of 24/7 RSNs that night. The rest will be relying on the part time feeds, including the Nuggets, Blackhawks and Kings who will be on their alt/overflow channels, and MSG Western NY will be live on channel 635-1 to carry Buffalo area ads during the Knicks game.

The NHL Network alternate will be live on channel 215-1 with Red Wings @ Panthers for those blacked out of Golden Knights @ Bruins on the main feed.

The Thunder @ Cavaliers game will be on one of Peacock Game Pass channels that night for commercial customers, they'll also have the back to back U-Conn Women's and Men's Basketball. One of the part time feeds will also be in use for WWE Raw via Joe Hand promotions.

Reactions: Mr Tony and Nate.O’Brien

dtv757

Today at 12:19 AM

I could be wrong but the only RSN we dont have is NBC SN Philadelphia .

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Another 4:2:2 Option (SageTV STB)

Song Name Game Part 3!

The Diplomat (Netflix)

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts

AI Is Turning Wannabe Hackers Into Cybercriminals #shorts

AI in the NYTimes Cooking App

Responses to PHP Flash Alert

Apple's Jump Into the Touchscreen Laptop Market

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

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/28/2026