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C
crab
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Please help with a little info.

Hi guys. I'm currently trying to get my system upgraded to MRV HDDVR and have a couple questions. First off, I know I have no LOS to the 119 satellite. I already have dtv service and had to sign a waiver for no locals/no 119 access. No problems there. Recently an installer came to my place, told me I have no los to 119, and said it was impossible to install anything for me. I understand, from what he told me, that the receiver(s) would not activate unless all five satellites were receiving acceptable signal levels. My first question is: Is it possible to install the SWM 5 lnb, and have the activation still take place with no 119? Can it be overridden to allow activation? I also know that my other option is to have a SWM 3 system installed, which only looks at 101, 99, and 103 satellites. This is the system my next door neighbor had installed about a year ago. The installer noticed my neighbors dish and said he doubted he would be allowed to install that for me. Shouldn't I be able to sign a waiver like I did six years ago and get this stuff installed? My understanding from researching this site is that the reason my market doesn't "allow" the SWM 3 is because my SD locals are beamed from the 119 satellite. BUT....since I'm already waived off of that satellite anyway, why can't they install it for me? I wouldn't mind signing the waiver again, but he said they would only grant waivers for weak signal; not no signal, and only for "adverse weather", but not LOS issues. I understand fully (I think) the implications of no 119. 1. No SD locals. (I would still get HD locals right?) and 2. Program guide problems. I also know how to work around the program guide problems by keeping tuner on on a 101 satellite channel at night, or scheduling it to record from the 101 sat every night.

My next, and perhaps biggest obstacle is trying to find out what local company is doing the install so I can call and make sure that the proper equipment (swm3) is brought on my second opinion appointment. When I call DTV's 800# they say they have no way of knowing what local agency is doing my install and that I'm just SOL as far as that goes. I did do a search for local retailers and came up with 3 numbers to try, but all 3 said they did not have my appointment. I'm located in Chapmanville, WV and the installer that came said his office was in Charleston, WV. Does anybody know others places I can try calling to see if they have my appointment? Or know a way I can find out? Please help.

Here's the 3 I've already called.
7 STAR COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
4305 SALINES DRIVE
CHARLESTON, WV 25306
(304) 421-1655

DIGITAL CONCEPTS
4008 KIRBY ST
CHARLESTON, WV 25309
(304) 415-3396

SOUTH CHARLESTON ELECTRIC
1011 F ST
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV 25303
(304) 744-3407
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Bodo Fenrirsson
Bodo Fenrirsson
Why do you not have LOS for 119,is it trees?
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C
crab
royrdsjr said:
Why do you not have LOS for 119,is it trees?
Click to expand...

It's just the terrain in my neighborhood. There is a mountain directly behind my house. And no, I'm not under contract. The second opinion is scheduled for tomorrow. I think that fact that I'm now educated about the whole shebang now will probably cause the installer to push it through. But then again his higher-ups might not allow it, because he did say that he was paid per job, so he should already be motivated to make it work. If they don't install it for me tomorrow then I'll probably just switch to DN. I think the installer was planning to use old, possibly refurbished boxes for me as well. I mentioned self install to him and he said "the receivers would have to be an H23 or higher DVR, and a H21 for the secondary receiver", and then said that's what he was going to install for me.
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raoul5788
raoul5788
crab, this is how it works with Directv. You were able to get a waiver several years ago, but I don't think they are granting them anymore. Since your sd locals are on 119, according to Directv you have to have an sl5. There really isn't any way around that when dealing directly with them. The local independent installer is the only way to go. Since you have already contacted them to do the install, you should be good to go. One caveat, they may not have the sl3 with them and may have to order it since they aren't normally used in your area. If worst comes to worst, go online to the Directv website and contact the office of the President. They are very good about resolving sticky issues like yours and they will get back to you very quickly. Good luck and let us know how it all works out!
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C
crab
raoul5788 said:
crab, this is how it works with Directv. You were able to get a waiver several years ago, but I don't think they are granting them anymore. Since your sd locals are on 119, according to Directv you have to have an sl5. There really isn't any way around that when dealing directly with them. The local independent installer is the only way to go. Since you have already contacted them to do the install, you should be good to go. One caveat, they may not have the sl3 with them and may have to order it since they aren't normally used in your area. If worst comes to worst, go online to the Directv website and contact the office of the President. They are very good about resolving sticky issues like yours and they will get back to you very quickly. Good luck and let us know how it all works out!
Click to expand...

First off, to answer Roy's last post; I have wireless internet in my home, and I don't know if my current cable is true RG6, but I think it is. Although, the installer would have ran new cable. I think they we're just installing the cheapest minimum solution for what I've ordered.

Raoul, this is pretty much the conclusion I have come to also. That's exactly why I was trying to reach someone at Skylink to ensure that they bring an SL3, and discuss any kind of waiver I could potentially sign and so on. However, Skylink refuses to return a call, and the receptionist refuses to let me speak with anyone else. I've read that other's have had major trouble dealing with Skylink too.
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Jimbo
Jimbo
crab said:
It's just the terrain in my neighborhood. There is a mountain directly behind my house. And no, I'm not under contract. The second opinion is scheduled for tomorrow. I think that fact that I'm now educated about the whole shebang now will probably cause the installer to push it through. But then again his higher-ups might not allow it, because he did say that he was paid per job, so he should already be motivated to make it work. If they don't install it for me tomorrow then I'll probably just switch to DN. I think the installer was planning to use old, possibly refurbished boxes for me as well. I mentioned self install to him and he said "the receivers would have to be an H23 or higher DVR, and a H21 for the secondary receiver", and then said that's what he was going to install for me.
Click to expand...

Dish Network would actually be worse as thier Sats cover an even wider array of the sky.
Tell them that you want HD and that your neighbor has a SL3 set up next door.
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Jimbo
Jimbo
crab said:
I've read that other's have had major trouble dealing with Skylink too.
Click to expand...

Do you mean in your area ?

Skylink is the company that does the installs in my area as well, I have had nothing but GREAT service from them.
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C
crab
Well, I finally got my system installed. Got the waiver for nlos on 119 without any trouble at all. I'm 100% sure that my research helped with that because the installation support services rep said that he normally never gives that waiver, but in my case since I completely understood what no 119 would mean and how to work around the program guide issues that he would grant it for me.

The whole installation almost didn't go down at all though but my persistence and foresight paid off. Here's what I mean. I knew that I was scheduled for a second opinion for nlos. I knew that I would need a SWM3 lnb, or a waiver from ISS. I tried over and over to reach someone at Skylink to discuss these matters before hand and on the second day of trying I was finally able to talk to a Skylink supervisor, if not for this I wouldn't have got my installation.

I take half the day off work, just as I did last week, to be there for the installer who was supposed to show up before 4pm. Last week on the day of my scheduled install I got a call saying the tech was going to be a little late. Later that night around 7pm, the tech himself called and said he was not going to be there until at least 10pm. He was hoping I would cancel or reschedule, but instead I said "fine, I'll be here". Well, 30 minutes later he showed up at my door since basically I called his bluff. Needless to say he didn't install my dish for the nlos issues. He also said there was no way I would be able to get a waiver, even though I already had DTV, and had to sing the no 119 waiver when I first got service over 6 years ago. I didn't know about the various satellite's respective positions and what channels they each carried at that time, so I lacked the education to convince him to do the install.

Yesterday, before time for my "second opinion" to show, I finally reached a supervisor at Skylink who assured me that; #1. they were not allowed to install a SWM3 in my area under any circumstances, and #2. I could get the waiver. He said it might depend on luck of the draw as to who answers the call at ISS, but if I was persistent, asked to talk to the ISS supervisor if necessary, kept calling back ISS if necessary (in hopes of getting a different CSR who will work with me), that it should be granted. He also said he himself had recently secured a waiver for a customer in a similar situation to mine.

I got home at 11:45am yesterday. I received a call just before noon from the tech, saying he was going to be late. I told him about the previous tech being late as well and asked if he could shuffle things about to get me in sooner since I had already been put off before, but he insisted that the other jobs before me were top priority. More on this later. I asked where he was at the moment, and as it would turn out he was just minutes away from my house. I was much, much closer than all the other places he named off that he needed to go to before me. Well apparently he looked at the work order and seen it was just a nlos second opinion. He must have thought he could take care of that in a couple minutes and go on with the rest of his route. What he didn't yet know was that I had talked to his supervisor already and that the plan was to install my dish instead of just "confirming" nlos. Well, the tech was none to please at the revelation of this new information, and flat out said "oh, no, I can't install it". Despite me telling him about talking to his sup., he still insisted that he couldn't do it, because he and other appointments to make. Imaging how I felt at this point. I have a directv rep in my driveway, saying he cannot and will not install my dish because his other appointments were more important than me. He even said "I just shouldn't have came here". Well, what he later revealed to me, in hopes that I would take pity on him and let him go, was that his other appointments were DTV service calls, and that mine was a Skylink appointment. He then said that for every one of the DTV calls he misses that he is fined $50. I guess since my appointment isn't a DTV service call I should only be able to get my appointments handled late at night while the super important people who take priority over me are peacefully sleeping.

The tech sees that I'm not budging on my stance, and finally starts reluctantly throwing around equipment in the back of his van. He says "I'm just going to do it, when it don't work they can deal with it". He was thinking it was going to be a big hassle to get the waiver and everything. He was very upset thinking that I was going to eat too much of his precious time that rightfully belonged to the other, more important customers. In reality though the whole process went very quickly and without a hitch.

I know the tech did and said some very unprofessional things in my case, but I also understand that his job is probably very frustrating. He probably gets more work orders than he can possibly fill every day, meaning one or more of his appointments are always going to get shafted. I'm sure he has to deal with less than reasonable customers on a daily basis. I guess what I mean is that even though he acted out of line, that I can still sort of sympathize with his situation a little bit. I dread when the DTV calls to do the customer satisfaction survey, because I'm torn on how I should answer them. I don't want to be honest and cause trouble for this guy. But on the other hand, it's going to take some strong discipline on my part to make myself lie of his behalf. Please advise me on this moral conundrum. Thanks to everyone who's followed this thread and offered advise so far.
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raoul5788
raoul5788
I think you have handled it all pretty well, actually. You seem to understand the pressure they can be under, especially the overbooking aspect. If pressed, I wouldn't go into his attitude, but rather focus on his installation. Did he do a good job on the installation? Yes. That's what really matters.
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Jimbo
Jimbo
Crab,
Now what you should do is go get yourself a SL3 LNB and do the swap so you don't have to deal with the lack of los on the 119 and you wouldn't have the guide issues to deal with either.

I think you did a fine job with all that went on, I was just wondering how well he did the job seeing he clearly didn't want to be there.

Btw, take a look at your Signal Strength and see how it looks.
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dfergie
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed
clear.gif

Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
clear.gif

The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.

Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
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reubenray
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?
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osu1991
osu1991
pluto.tv

Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV

Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.
pluto.tv pluto.tv
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
reubenray said:
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?
Click to expand...
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.
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reubenray
long_time_Dish said:
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.
Click to expand...
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
reubenray said:
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.
Click to expand...
If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.
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reubenray
long_time_Dish said:
If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.
Click to expand...
Those are the episodes I am looking for. They are referred to a lot in the episodes I just recently watched.
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TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV

2027 BMW iX5 Walkaround & Review // They Have To Get This One Right!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ca9w7HnuXg


Direct YouTube Link - 2027 BMW iX5 Walkaround & Review // They Have To Get This One Right!
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T
TVHabit
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Hybrid Dish setup

Picked up a sweet directv dish, mount, twin lnbs and a short cable.
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...
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Brct203
would probably also work well for NHK on 101W and possibly for PBS on 99W. I used one for a while on 30W. Just keep in mind that because it's undersized for those satellites, it might work fine in clear weather but won't have much margin to account for signal degradation during rain/snow
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one_db_compression
If you can find one, the Shaw / Star Choice 75e ellipticals are great for use on 97, 99, and 101W. They are really just rebranded ChannelMaster 75 cm reflectors and use linear LNBFs by default out of the box.

Everyone else's mileage may vary.
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TVHabit
I have read that some have converted this type dish but after giving it a good look, it's the lnb conversion that is the bottleneck. Does anyone have a picture of their attempt to configure the lnb? I watched a video on youtube from the save it for parts guy and he used duct tape! Guess it worked but I'm thinking something a bit more permanent!
Thanks to all for your interest and replies...
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Titanium
Titanium
Many of us have used a universal LNBF mount (or get creative with L brackets and plumbers tape - perforated metal strapping). Use a few inches of aluminum tube (or a piece of 1x2" lumber) to extend the support arm (replacing the plastic mount used by DirecTV and Dish) to place the LNBF throat opening at the correct distance from the reflector, the correct height and at the correct angle. Nothing magical... simply place the new linear LNBF in the center at the same distance, height and angle as the current combo.
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2
LNBF mount.webp
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k4otl
k4otl
To add: 101W Ku seems to be (one of if not the) strongest for me, and if I only had Ku I definitely want 101W for the music mux, it's robust FEC and strong signal help a lot. I've thought about using a used Dish/DirectTV dish at my Dads to supplement his OTA (mainly for my benefit when I visit :) )
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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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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Give A Little Bit - Supertramp
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
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long_time_Dish
With A Little Luck - Wings
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hwkn
LITTLE Willy-Sweet
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ClarkGable
Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys
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meStevo
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
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meStevo
Foxbat
Foxbat
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com www.colts.com
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rvvaquero
rvvaquero
Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com www.colts.com
Click to expand...
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.
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M
Mike0616
Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com www.colts.com
Click to expand...

Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…
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Peter Parker
Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

No idea what improvements might be involved.
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N
naptime
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
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jsmit86
jsmit86
naptime said:
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
Click to expand...
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
jsmit86 said:
They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Click to expand...
Oh, you mean "soon"? :biggrin
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Almighty1
Almighty1
jsmit86 said:
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Click to expand...
I guess they will be busy when lots of people start asking for rollbacks to H708 now that you mention that downgrades of software does exist because it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner and the IR Remote problems in H710-H713.
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navychop
navychop
Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner
Click to expand...

:popcorn
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner
Click to expand...
🤣

Oh....you were serious
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iJustine
· posted in iJustine

This is iPhone Duo!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P4_TzYKwcNY


Direct YouTube Link - This is iPhone Duo!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-O2iLThF4z8


Direct YouTube Link - Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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teachsac
teachsac
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

S.W.A.T. Exiles (Starz)

Hondo is back with a new squad 9/25 only on Starz.


View: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/b0gPzA8KHEQ
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klang
Never watched the previous shows, so doubtful.
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dfergie
teachsac
teachsac
Started watching yesterday. Not too bad.
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Wife likes it.
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teachsac
I like Zyra from La Brea (one with the prosthetic).
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TvMind
Last reply · posted in C-BAND Satellite Discussion

SES 1 101° W Horizontal "Issues" a.k.a "I want my M(e)TV"

Howdy folks long time no write.

Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.

What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.

I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.

What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)

In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).

Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).

Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )

Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).

So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?

Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.

p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.

Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)

[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]
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cyberham
cyberham
With the microHD connected this afternoon and tuned to the Weigel mux, I can receive the mux well.

My conclusion is that the sensitivity of the receivers in descending order of sensitivity is as follows:
  • V9 Prime (best)
  • microHD
  • Edision osmio4k+
Either the V9 or the microHD could be used to watch Weigel but the Edision really could not with my given dish situation, at least during the daytime. At night, the signal is stronger here and then maybe the Edision could be used.

Weigel mux.webp
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Titanium
Titanium
What is the SNR readings for these transponders? Is the signal breaking up due to low SNR or interference?

Did you inspect the feedhorn throat and wave guide for wasp nest or other blockage? Good SNR with frequent drops in decoding ( loss of SQ readings) could indicate interference from 5G.
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T
TvMind
Appreciate you checking. I should be picking these up with the tenner so still not done tuning up the bud - fell off ladder last week and hit my head!

Started over from scratch, N/S alignment, El/Decl extreme West sat, played with feed f/d checking everything and getting nice signals but still 101 west is PIA. New lnb was defective and returned it. My old one is fine but would have liked to A/B with a better lnb.

Thought it was the servo there because I was out and set everything up by the dish and flipping to HOR made a strange noise -BUT ONLY on 101 W ! All other sats skew is fine..hmm ( I have the skew almost perfect, use "Arrow" template on Zenith Sat (well nothing on 74 W to check with but Nimiq 5 at 72.6 W is closest and luckily picking up R- Pol channel from Canada to test with. Anyway picking up a new servo to try (the obvious polarity culprit).

Q. Back in the day PAS9 (74 W) was used but now I have to use closest zenith sat (Nimiq 5). I can't perfectly peak on that one which is 1 degree off (N/S alignment error). I used my trusty Brunton compass and even true noon shadow off pole to hit south.

I did have to peak extreme west by rotating mount ever so slighty so tracking extreme pretty good, but top and middle can use an elevation tweak (esp. Ku) to bring them back to where they were. No fun as the weather has been miserable and still dizzy from fall.

Oh and the Freesat V8 is crap (the tuner pixelates when the uHD is solid!) but love that SCART connector for S-Video out ! (I record to my Pio DVR and burn to DVD classic tv shows).

Stay tuned

cyberham said:
With the microHD connected this afternoon and tuned to the Weigel mux, I can receive the mux well.
Click to expand...
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T
TvMind
Titanium said:
Did you inspect the feedhorn throat and wave guide for wasp nest or other blockage? Good SNR with frequent drops in decoding ( loss of SQ readings) could indicate interference from 5G.
Click to expand...

Thanks for chiming in here. No wasps (or hornets nests) but good suggestion.

I am getting 70 and over Quality on uHD which is good but as you say the signal drops out (70 to 0 ) occasionally and much worse by day (even JTV which I used to get solid is a mess in the day. Again Daystar (VER) is fine but still not what it used to be.

I will will either have to get a BPF or go VHF/UHF for these channels but not giving up just yet!

p.s. Isn't there something between your feedhorn/lnbf BPF model and Norsat's 1500$ BPF and 5G filtering lnb's? Heck almost ready for a diy (reverse engineer) job here (microwave BPF hack) Ah where is Radio Electronics when you need it! If it wasn't for losing Ku I'd buy your lnbf in a heartbeat! Are these hard to add Ku to?
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Titanium
Titanium
Our LNBFs are integrated with the feedhorn and no KU option. Maybe install an inline waveguide BPF such as:

www.ebay.com/itm/158077455896
www.ebay.com/itm/960059145385
www.ebay.com/itm/158007483799
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B
brownsfan1
TvMind said:
Howdy folks long time no write.

Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.

What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.

I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.

What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)

In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).

Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).

Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )

Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).

So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?

Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.

p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.

Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)

[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]
Click to expand...
I had the EXACT same problem happen to me with 101w, MeTV mux (Weigel). Working great when about 3 weeks ago I started to get the pixelating, especially at night. Sometimes Jewelry TV would also do it, sometimes not. Tweaked my dish. I have a Titanium 240 feed with the 5G filter 4.0-4.2 band pass. Every other satellite is working fine. Something on their end for sure. Power reduction? My signal seems fine like always. Running a Winegard 8.5 ft dish using a GT Media UHD V8. I'm sure my receiver isn't maybe sensitive enough for lower signal levels. Frustrating here too. I'm in the Canton, Ohio area. Thanks!
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