Social Feed

dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Nov 26, 2014 · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

AT&T Weighs In On Net Neutrality

CEO Randall Stephenson seemed to fire a noisy warning shot at the FCC this morning as regulators consider President Obama's appeal for them to adopt tough net neutrality rules. "We can't go out and invest that kind of money deploying fiber to 100 cities not knowing under what rules those investments will be governed," the AT&T chief told investors at the Wells Fargo Technology, Media and Telecom Conference according to a Reuters account.

Is this an example of the chilling effect on investment that broadband companies warned would follow if the government claims the power to oversee Web practices?
Possibly not. "AT&T's fiber investments weren't particularly impressive to begin with," Broadband DSL Reports' Karl Bode notes. What's more, AT&T "has used network investment as carrot on a stick with regulators for most of the last decade, promising to withhold or accelerate network infrastructure investment only if government does their bidding." AT&T and DirecTV promised in May — when they announced their merger plan — that "AT&T will use the merger synergies to expand its plans to build and enhance high-speed broadband service to 15 million customer locations, mostly in rural areas where AT&T does not provide high-speed broadband service today." (The deal is being reviewed by the FCC and Justice Department.)

Source & More at deadline.com

110 Replies · 9065 views

Load Replies (110) Reply Legacy View

NGeorge

Nov 16, 2014

What I find hilarious about the whole argument that the phone companies have is that Comcast (of all the evil companies) and most all major cable companies strung fiber up along their entire networks YEARS AGO. Comcast bought up AT&T Broadband in late 2002, and then immediately after for most of 2003 into 2004 had trucks everywhere in the streets as they were putting up fiber -- consequently you can now get a 50 meg Comcast connection practically anywhere in their footprint for $60 per month, and 100+ megs if you pony up for it -- they just doubled it from 25 megs at that price point, and now they are in trials in some markets of making 100 megs the 60 buck plan and 200 megs the expensive one.

The phone companies have wider networks, better facilities, better rights-of-way, more revenue (especially from all the business customers -- we pay over a grand a month for Metro Ethernet at work -- I somehow doubt the phone company isn't making a pretty penny) and could bring fiber to the curb (it doesn't HAVE to be to the premises -- although Verizon proved that they can actually pull that off and the results are pretty sweet) if they wanted to the same way the cable guys have -- but they'd rather whine about how providing a basic service they way they made their billions off phone service just doesn't bring them enough money.

As much as I love to hate on Comcast, their internet service is pretty good considering the competition I have -- which is Centurylink, who loves to send me fliers saying that 40 meg internet is available for $29.99 for the first year -- except it's actually only 1.5 megs here, it tops out at 8 megs in the middle of the city (Olympia, WA), and the only 20 and 40 meg connections to be had are in the surrounding suburbs of Seattle and parts of Tacoma -- their latest marketing scheme on radio and TV is that they offer GIGABIT internet -- and plaster advertising about it everywhere... which would be cool, except it's basically only in limited neighborhoods near downtown Seattle, even less available than their 20 and 40 meg VDSL... but from hearing and seeing the ads you'd think it's practically everywhere. Really the only way to get "decent" phone-system based internet here is if you were lucky enough to be in a GTE area... Verizon picked them up, really did a good job pushing FIOS out to most of the area -- but then sold off all their markets in the NW to Frontier Communications. In other words you now have a mid-sized ISP who owns an amazing network -- it's like having all the benefits of Verizon's massive wallet, without having to deal with Verizon.

So I have absolutely no love for phone companies... I have very little love for Comcast, but at least they provide me with a reasonable connection -- and lately they've gotten MUCH better about not dropping down considerably during prime time (I get my full 50 megs now, and drop to around 30 during heavily congested times... it's much better than when it was supposed to be around 25 megs but peaked at 14 and dropped as low as 2). But AT&T in particular has absolutely no excuse -- from what I understand UVerse is a network that was done on the cheap, has limited bandwidth for multiple DVRs and shares the TV bandwidth with the internet. At least Verizon tried with FIOS, and did their fiber network right the first time... as for CenturyLink, they are absolutely worthless to me -- except I can call up Comcast like clockwork and say "CenturyLink sent me a flier that says 40 meg service is now in my area" and I get $15 bucks off for 6 months...

The internet is a UTILITY just like phone service. No one can say at this day and age that it isn't -- it should be regulated the same way phone service is. Tack on $5 for a "universal broadband service charge" the same way the phone service has, and require that at least the minimum standard of "broadband" (I think it's 6 megs now) across the entire network -- which means even if you live in the middle of nowhere you'll still get 6 megs -- in the areas where they have to compete with cable (who gets franchise fees) that's the incentive to provide faster service. Whoever it was at the FCC that let them change internet service from "common carrier" to "information service" was an idiot.

I'm not a huge "government regulation" type of guy either -- but even I can see that the internet is right up there with phone service as far as an essential utility. In fact since you can actually use the internet as phone service without actually subscribing to phone service means it might even be a little more useful and essential than phone service at this point. I'm all for a USF fee for the internet -- the phone companies LOVE their USF money because even though it's a large capex up front, it's money they get from everyone continually... with everyone dropping their landlines, it's a great way to ensure they continue to get their USF money -- and that (selfishly) I can find a nice place in the country where I would actually have a reasonably priced option and not have to choose between satellite internet (never again) or dropping $250 a month on a T1 line that, although only 1.5 megs would be rock solid (I'd take the T1). When real estate agents are now being asked "What sort of internet can I get out here?" (and it's not just I who ask this question) I'd say you've crossed into "essential utility" territory...

Reactions: dalyew

dalyew

Nov 22, 2014

NGeorge said:
What I find hilarious about the whole argument that the phone companies have is that Comcast (of all the evil companies) and most all major cable companies strung fiber up along their entire networks YEARS AGO. Comcast bought up AT&T Broadband in late 2002, and then immediately after for most of 2003 into 2004 had trucks everywhere in the streets as they were putting up fiber -- consequently you can now get a 50 meg Comcast connection practically anywhere in their footprint for $60 per month, and 100+ megs if you pony up for it -- they just doubled it from 25 megs at that price point, and now they are in trials in some markets of making 100 megs the 60 buck plan and 200 megs the expensive one.

The phone companies have wider networks, better facilities, better rights-of-way, more revenue (especially from all the business customers -- we pay over a grand a month for Metro Ethernet at work -- I somehow doubt the phone company isn't making a pretty penny) and could bring fiber to the curb (it doesn't HAVE to be to the premises -- although Verizon proved that they can actually pull that off and the results are pretty sweet) if they wanted to the same way the cable guys have -- but they'd rather whine about how providing a basic service they way they made their billions off phone service just doesn't bring them enough money.

As much as I love to hate on Comcast, their internet service is pretty good considering the competition I have -- which is Centurylink, who loves to send me fliers saying that 40 meg internet is available for $29.99 for the first year -- except it's actually only 1.5 megs here, it tops out at 8 megs in the middle of the city (Olympia, WA), and the only 20 and 40 meg connections to be had are in the surrounding suburbs of Seattle and parts of Tacoma -- their latest marketing scheme on radio and TV is that they offer GIGABIT internet -- and plaster advertising about it everywhere... which would be cool, except it's basically only in limited neighborhoods near downtown Seattle, even less available than their 20 and 40 meg VDSL... but from hearing and seeing the ads you'd think it's practically everywhere. Really the only way to get "decent" phone-system based internet here is if you were lucky enough to be in a GTE area... Verizon picked them up, really did a good job pushing FIOS out to most of the area -- but then sold off all their markets in the NW to Frontier Communications. In other words you now have a mid-sized ISP who owns an amazing network -- it's like having all the benefits of Verizon's massive wallet, without having to deal with Verizon.

So I have absolutely no love for phone companies... I have very little love for Comcast, but at least they provide me with a reasonable connection -- and lately they've gotten MUCH better about not dropping down considerably during prime time (I get my full 50 megs now, and drop to around 30 during heavily congested times... it's much better than when it was supposed to be around 25 megs but peaked at 14 and dropped as low as 2). But AT&T in particular has absolutely no excuse -- from what I understand UVerse is a network that was done on the cheap, has limited bandwidth for multiple DVRs and shares the TV bandwidth with the internet. At least Verizon tried with FIOS, and did their fiber network right the first time... as for CenturyLink, they are absolutely worthless to me -- except I can call up Comcast like clockwork and say "CenturyLink sent me a flier that says 40 meg service is now in my area" and I get $15 bucks off for 6 months...

The internet is a UTILITY just like phone service. No one can say at this day and age that it isn't -- it should be regulated the same way phone service is. Tack on $5 for a "universal broadband service charge" the same way the phone service has, and require that at least the minimum standard of "broadband" (I think it's 6 megs now) across the entire network -- which means even if you live in the middle of nowhere you'll still get 6 megs -- in the areas where they have to compete with cable (who gets franchise fees) that's the incentive to provide faster service. Whoever it was at the FCC that let them change internet service from "common carrier" to "information service" was an idiot.

I'm not a huge "government regulation" type of guy either -- but even I can see that the internet is right up there with phone service as far as an essential utility. In fact since you can actually use the internet as phone service without actually subscribing to phone service means it might even be a little more useful and essential than phone service at this point. I'm all for a USF fee for the internet -- the phone companies LOVE their USF money because even though it's a large capex up front, it's money they get from everyone continually... with everyone dropping their landlines, it's a great way to ensure they continue to get their USF money -- and that (selfishly) I can find a nice place in the country where I would actually have a reasonably priced option and not have to choose between satellite internet (never again) or dropping $250 a month on a T1 line that, although only 1.5 megs would be rock solid (I'd take the T1). When real estate agents are now being asked "What sort of internet can I get out here?" (and it's not just I who ask this question) I'd say you've crossed into "essential utility" territory...

That has been my thinking from a layman's point of view, the Internet so resembles the function of telecommunications which is already regulated so why not just adopt those same regulations by just classifying these providers as public utilities? I & several people I know, even bookmark these sites as "Utility Bills"! These utility regulations seems to have worked for the consumers over the decades but not for the companies that saw their ridiculous super profits disappear to only making good, solid profits, which is always a no no for greedy companies like AT&T & Comcast.

mike123abc

Nov 22, 2014

dalyew said:
That has been my thinking from a layman's point of view, the Internet so resembles the function of telecommunications which is already regulated so why not just adopt those same regulations by just classifying these providers as public utilities? I & several people I know, even bookmark these sites as "Utility Bills"! These utility regulations seems to have worked for the consumers over the decades but not for the companies that saw their ridiculous super profits disappear to only making good, solid profits, which is always a no no for greedy companies like AT&T & Comcast.

Most opponents fear what has happened to the phone bill... Your line may only be $30/month, but with taxes and regulatory fees it manages to be $75. I know that taxes and fees are not required to be put on regulated "utilities", but once they start, they just keep adding them slowly over the years, all seemingly good causes.

NGeorge

Nov 22, 2014

mike123abc said:
Most opponents fear what has happened to the phone bill... Your line may only be $30/month, but with taxes and regulatory fees it manages to be $75. I know that taxes and fees are not required to be put on regulated "utilities", but once they start, they just keep adding them slowly over the years, all seemingly good causes.

I think a lot more of this has to do with how the phone companies market their plans -- since more people are moving to broadband, it is very hard to get a clear "basic line" rate from them... it almost always includes "unlimited long distance" for a $20 upcharge, "line protection", calling features etc... which is what leads to inflated bills when you call up and just say "I want phone service".

If you know what your asking for, it's completely possible to get just a regular phone line... You just need to be adamant that you just need a BASIC LOCAL LINE. My mom has her basic local phone line, it's $18 for the basic charge, about $25 and some change after taxes and fees. She doesn't care about caller ID, has an answering machine built into her phone (remember those? It's much easier for her to use than voicemail), and has a local calling area that has expanded widely over the years ("local" calls are now about 40 miles in every direction), and a 5 cent/minute long distance plan from Sprint when she actually needs to call long distance (which isn't that much).

So I don't think it's so much a case of all the fees increasing as much as it is the phone companies trying to bundle in higher margin products and marketing these packages as the "basic" line if you don't really need them all -- but, due to the regulations, they HAVE to offer you a basic line. You just have to ask for it...

N

dishcomm

Nov 23, 2014

NGeorge said:
I think a lot more of this has to do with how the phone companies market their plans -- since more people are moving to broadband, it is very hard to get a clear "basic line" rate from them... it almost always includes "unlimited long distance" for a $20 upcharge, "line protection", calling features etc... which is what leads to inflated bills when you call up and just say "I want phone service".

If you know what your asking for, it's completely possible to get just a regular phone line... You just need to be adamant that you just need a BASIC LOCAL LINE. My mom has her basic local phone line, it's $18 for the basic charge, about $25 and some change after taxes and fees. She doesn't care about caller ID, has an answering machine built into her phone (remember those? It's much easier for her to use than voicemail), and has a local calling area that has expanded widely over the years ("local" calls are now about 40 miles in every direction), and a 5 cent/minute long distance plan from Sprint when she actually needs to call long distance (which isn't that much).

So I don't think it's so much a case of all the fees increasing as much as it is the phone companies trying to bundle in higher margin products and marketing these packages as the "basic" line if you don't really need them all -- but, due to the regulations, they HAVE to offer you a basic line. You just have to ask for it...

N

$26 per month for basic POTS...That's absurd.

NGeorge

Nov 24, 2014

dishcomm said:
$26 per month for basic POTS...That's absurd.

How much is it where you're at? It's always ran about that much here... its went up about $6 over 20 years -- and every time it goes up it's because Centurylink has added interchange agreements with local independent phone companies for local calling. Mom's local area gets expanded which may or may not be a direct benefit to everyone (although when TDS's areas were added in it was a huge savings for our entire family--some of the others, not so much) -- but it's a HUGE benefit for those on TDS as well as the truly independent companies we have around here if those people haven't moved to a cell phone only.

When TDS added local calling to CenturyLink areas about 12 years ago a number of people griped because their bill went up from around ~$11 total to ~$23 total, and it was all-or-nothing (we had to write our local representatives to support it) -- but in the case of my grandma, my dad and uncle they were ecstatic because their long distance went down from ~$100 a month to a few bucks for any "true" long distance they made. Since telephones came to their area, their local area had previously been 3 exchanges in the middle of BFE from a company called McDaniel Telephone before TDS bought them out. A number of those still stuck with truly family ran independents were even worse with their local exchange being the only local area (we still have a number of these in some truly tiny cities). I think mom's CenturyLink (er Qwest er USWest at the time) bill went up around $2.50. Since then, CenturyLink has even added some more since they merged with CenturyTel who had some of the tiny little cities before they merged with Qwest as were previously isolated as well, and all of the little companies who used to have just their own exchange as "local" have got interchange with them over the years.

Not that I defend it much -- I'm just saying that to me it doesn't seem too unreasonable -- especially when it's your only option (in the case of my mom, she lives in a true cell phone dead area -- if she had service she'd drop the landline just like everyone else seems to be doing, including myself).

N

George_T

Nov 24, 2014

CenturyLink customer here. Is Comcast still throttling down speeds during congested periods? Are they capping data? I get 10 megs here in East Tennessee, which is plenty fast enough to stream high definition content to my Roku or tablet. If Comcast didn't throttle down or cap data and didn't charge me an arm and a leg for internet only, I would consider them. But, if there's data caps and throttling down, it makes no sense to me, because I don't have either of these issues with CenturyLink.

NGeorge

Nov 25, 2014

George_T said:
CenturyLink customer here. Is Comcast still throttling down speeds during congested periods? Are they capping data? I get 10 megs here in East Tennessee, which is plenty fast enough to stream high definition content to my Roku or tablet. If Comcast didn't throttle down or cap data and didn't charge me an arm and a leg for internet only, I would consider them. But, if there's data caps and throttling down, it makes no sense to me, because I don't have either of these issues with CenturyLink.

I don't think it's ever been a case of them purposefully capping data -- it's just that cable is set up in a "trunk and branches" sort of way, usually by neighborhood -- if everyone is online downloading, it can pull bandwidth down to the entire "branch". That's why it can seem like you are being throttled during peak times -- it's just a matter of the cable company increasing the overall bandwidth to support their number of subscribers. Comcast has been really great about this lately... they seem to keep on top of it. This will usually happen for a few months, they fix it, it works great for a year then slows down and they increase it again -- I'm currently getting the full 50 megs, 30 during peak times. Not too bad -- when they first increased it from 25 to 50, I got around 30 / 15 but they fixed that in a couple months...

DSL is "direct to the central office" so if you pay for 50, you'll get 50 no matter what... problem is, the areas where they offer higher speeds are so limited... I can get 1.5 meg here. I checked again the other day when I first noticed this, and their online tool actually said I could now get 7... I figured I'd follow their checkout through since $19.99 for a year seemed like a great deal and I'd try it... well, I got to the end of the checkout, and on the very last screen it said there was an errorand I'd have to call in -- called in and they said nope, I can only get 1.5 and their online system malfunctioned... so I'm still sitting on Comcast; even if it's "up to 50" I'll still take it since Centurylink can't even offer 7... let alone 10, 20, or 40...

N

coolman302003

Nov 25, 2014

George_T said:
Is Comcast still throttling down speeds during congested periods? Are they capping data? I get 10 megs here in East Tennessee, which is plenty fast enough to stream high definition content to my Roku or tablet. If Comcast didn't throttle down or cap data and didn't charge me an arm and a leg for internet only, I would consider them. But, if there's data caps and throttling down, it makes no sense to me, because I don't have either of these issues with CenturyLink.

You said your in East Tennessee, well that does cover a rather large area but if your Comcast market is considered part of the Knoxville system then yes they are one of the handful of markets trialing the caps. 300GB included with additional gigabytes in increments/blocks of 50 GB for $10 each. 3 courtesy months where you can exceed in a 12 month period and not pay the additional charges.
More info:
http://customer.comcast.com/help-an...trials-what-are-the-different-plans-launching

http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/data-usage-trials/

http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/data-usage-trials-exceed-usage

Huntsville and Mobile, Alabama; Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, Georgia; Central Kentucky; Maine; Jackson, Mississippi; Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee; Charleston, South Carolina; Tucson, Arizona are the markets listed

Oh and yes they still charge a rather large premium for having internet only. Usually ~$15-17 more and that is if you purchase your cable modem.

dishcomm

Nov 26, 2014

NGeorge said:
How much is it where you're at? It's always ran about that much here... its went up about $6 over 20 years -- and every time it goes up it's because Centurylink has added interchange agreements with local independent phone companies for local calling. Mom's local area gets expanded which may or may not be a direct benefit to everyone (although when TDS's areas were added in it was a huge savings for our entire family--some of the others, not so much) -- but it's a HUGE benefit for those on TDS as well as the truly independent companies we have around here if those people haven't moved to a cell phone only.

When TDS added local calling to CenturyLink areas about 12 years ago a number of people griped because their bill went up from around ~$11 total to ~$23 total, and it was all-or-nothing (we had to write our local representatives to support it) -- but in the case of my grandma, my dad and uncle they were ecstatic because their long distance went down from ~$100 a month to a few bucks for any "true" long distance they made. Since telephones came to their area, their local area had previously been 3 exchanges in the middle of BFE from a company called McDaniel Telephone before TDS bought them out. A number of those still stuck with truly family ran independents were even worse with their local exchange being the only local area (we still have a number of these in some truly tiny cities). I think mom's CenturyLink (er Qwest er USWest at the time) bill went up around $2.50. Since then, CenturyLink has even added some more since they merged with CenturyTel who had some of the tiny little cities before they merged with Qwest as were previously isolated as well, and all of the little companies who used to have just their own exchange as "local" have got interchange with them over the years.

Not that I defend it much -- I'm just saying that to me it doesn't seem too unreasonable -- especially when it's your only option (in the case of my mom, she lives in a true cell phone dead area -- if she had service she'd drop the landline just like everyone else seems to be doing, including myself).

N

Windstream basic POTS is $16 plus taxes and fees.
Unlimited POTS is $40....LD, caller ID, etc

View all replies (110)

Bruce

Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 30 minutes ago · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

DirecTV’s Subscribers Number

Thanks to Fitch Ratings ( who gives the ratings on Credit and debt, as approved by the SEC, so they have accurate numbers) we have the totals.

DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.

The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.

It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.

https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-rates-directv-proposed-senior-secured-debt-offering-bb-rr2-11-05-2026

8 Replies · 393 views

Load Replies (8) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Miller426, dhpeeple1 and Gary Toma

raoul5788

May 19, 2026

They have one less as of May 15th. I just couldn't justify almost $150 a month any more. I went to Fubo. Edit: And I've been a Directv customer for 30 years!

Reactions: harshness

b4pjoe

May 19, 2026

raoul5788 said:
They have one less as of May 15th. I just couldn't justify almost $150 a month any more. I went to Fubo.

Fubo would be a non starter for me. Missing channels:

NBCUniversal Channels: NBC local affiliates, USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, E!, Syfy, Telemundo, and the Golf Channel.
NBC Sports: Regional sports networks like NBC Sports Bay Area, Boston, California, and Philadelphia are also off the air.
Warner Bros. Discovery Channels: TBS, TNT, TruTV, CNN, Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, and Animal Planet.
A&E Networks: A&E, History, Lifetime, and Vice.
AMC Networks: AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv

Plus most of its live TV channels and sports broadcasts are currently delivered in 720p.

Jimbo

May 19, 2026

b4pjoe said:
Fubo would be a non starter for me. Missing channels:

NBCUniversal Channels: NBC local affiliates, USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, E!, Syfy, Telemundo, and the Golf Channel.

NBC Sports: Regional sports networks like NBC Sports Bay Area, Boston, California, and Philadelphia are also off the air.

Warner Bros. Discovery Channels: TBS, TNT, TruTV, CNN, Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, and Animal Planet.

A&E Networks: A&E, History, Lifetime, and Vice.

AMC Networks: AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv

Plus most of its live TV channels and sports broadcasts are currently delivered in 720p.

YouTube TV

raoul5788

May 19, 2026

b4pjoe said:
Fubo would be a non starter for me. Missing channels:

NBCUniversal Channels: NBC local affiliates, USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, E!, Syfy, Telemundo, and the Golf Channel.

NBC Sports: Regional sports networks like NBC Sports Bay Area, Boston, California, and Philadelphia are also off the air.

Warner Bros. Discovery Channels: TBS, TNT, TruTV, CNN, Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, and Animal Planet.

A&E Networks: A&E, History, Lifetime, and Vice.

AMC Networks: AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv

Plus most of its live TV channels and sports broadcasts are currently delivered in 720p.

Understandable. It's always a choice of price vs channels. The $60/month difference made my choice easier.

Reactions: dhpeeple1

Arctic_fox

Today at 12:41 AM

Jimbo said:
YouTube TV

YTTV don't carry the Regional sports channels

dishrich

Today at 1:20 AM

Arctic_fox said:
YTTV don't carry the Regional sports channels

It does still carry the NBC Sports branded RSN's, but obviously in those limited markets...

Jimbo

Today at 7:35 AM

Arctic_fox said:
YTTV don't carry the Regional sports channels

RSN's ... are they still Alive ?

Unless your looking for the Non Major sports,,they are pretty pointless.

b4pjoe

30 minutes ago

raoul5788 said:
Understandable. It's always a choice of price vs channels. The $60/month difference made my choice easier.

I see Fubo is getting the NBC Universal channels back. That will help them.

NBCUniversal Channels Like Telemundo and Bravo Are Returning to Fubo

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 7:31 AM · 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....

67111 Replies · 2662414 views

Load Replies (67111) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

long_time_DNC

Yesterday at 3:37 PM

Help Is On Its Way - Little River Band

Reactions: FTA4PA, ClarkGable and RaiderPower

sdfntx

Yesterday at 6:00 PM

Little Band of Gold - Sonny James

RaiderPower

Yesterday at 9:13 PM

Band Of Gold - Freda Payne

Reactions: FTA4PA and ClarkGable

long_time_DNC

Today at 12:33 AM

Heart Of Gold - Neil Young

Reactions: FTA4PA and ClarkGable

ClarkGable

Today at 7:31 AM

Gold - John Stewart

View all replies (67111)

Yespage

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 7:29 AM · posted in The Sports Section

FIFA World Cup of Horrors

Mexico takes on South Africa to open the World Cup Final (it is called the Final... this just isn't the World Cup Final... Final). The tournament has been plagued with rife malfeasance as FIFA has been committing all sorts of fraud with the ticket sales. Hotel rooms have gone unfilled as the prices to attend a game and stay somewhere are through the roof. I swear this is impacting Mansfield, OH hotel rates which are higher than average for the Indycar race. And there is a broadening VAR presence which will ruin things as nothing worse now when scoring a goal and knowing you can't quite celebrate yet as they check to see if a player was offside by a pixel a half-hour ago.

The Group Stage used to mean something, but now 32 of the 48... yeah, 48 teams are going to the Knockout Round. Getting into the Knockout Round used to be a big deal, even for the US. But now... if you don't lose all of your group stage games, you get to move on. Oi! And this is avoiding all the political stuff!

I have never been so unexcited for a World Cup before. Every game used to matter. But FIFA be darned if they don't try to squeeze out every dime they can out of the players, refs, and fans.

2 Replies · 57 views

Load Replies (2) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: osu1991

osu1991

Yesterday at 6:54 PM

I have no interest in watching it this year.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Yespage

Today at 7:29 AM

Mexico resolvingly man handle South Africa. Three red cards. I think the second one was a bit soft, more like a very cynical yellow.

The US play Paraguay today, which to me is the critical game for this group stage. Paraguay is currently 40ish in the FIFA rankings. Their friendlies since qualification have been mixed, but they come out of South America, so, they can't be ignored.

The US team is ranked 17th. I'm uncertain why. They are 2-0-3 in their last five games.

A win for the US would be critical as it would be a message that they kind of belong in the tournament. We'll be finding out if Pochettino was indeed the right manager for this squad. He has done well with higher end mid-majors.

BlackHitachi

Supporting Founder

Last reply Today at 6:26 AM · posted in Movie Talk

Last & Next Movie Watched

Since the Reds have there thread we should too!

Last watched Nine inch Nails
Next 3:10 to Yuma

5347 Replies · 509353 views

Load Replies (5347) Reply Legacy View

osu1991

Saturday at 9:48 PM

Rooster Cogburn.

Keep forgetting the free movies on youtube are ad free with my premium subscription.

Reactions: "MysteryMan", dfergie, long_time_DNC and 1 other person

dfergie

Sunday at 8:42 AM

osu1991 said:
Rooster Cogburn.

Keep forgetting the free movies on youtube are ad free with my premium subscription.

There are some really good movies on youtube.
Saving Private Ryan 4k, Dolby Atmos...

Reactions: "MysteryMan", long_time_DNC, Foxbat and 1 other person

harshness

Tuesday at 9:58 AM

dfergie said:
Saving Private Ryan 4k, Dolby Atmos...

These are severely limited. Getting better than stereo audio is improving, but still has a long way to go.

dfergie

Tuesday at 10:07 AM

harshness said:
These are severely limited. Getting better than stereo audio is improving, but still has a long way to go.

I went with my 4k disc after checking out that version.

osu1991

Wednesday at 9:56 PM

View: https://youtu.be/I68627xyDPA?is=gUZB0Yv_08pE0DR3

Tonight revisiting one of my favorites. Ranks up there with Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Hunt For Red October.

Reactions: Foxbat, long_time_DNC and dfergie

dfergie

Wednesday at 10:45 PM

Watching Monterey Pop, been awhile, had the DVD, but probably lost in the fire 10.5 years ago. HBOmax

"MysteryMan"

Yesterday at 6:26 AM

Reactions: long_time_DNC and dfergie

"MysteryMan"

Today at 6:26 AM

View all replies (5347)

teachtom

Last reply Today at 6:19 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Problem when I switch from Bonus View channels back to regular Dish channels

Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks

7 Replies · 123 views

Load Replies (7) Reply Legacy View

HipKat

Yesterday at 5:07 PM

teachtom said:
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks

First off, great TV. I'm torn between the 77C5 or the 77G5.
It sounds like the handshake between the Receiver and the TV is having a problem. Are you using the free cable that came with the Joey or a higher speed HDMI cable?? That's the f irst place I'd look

Reactions: Foxbat, TheKrell, charlesrshell and 1 other person

RJT79

Yesterday at 5:17 PM

teachtom said:
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks

First off, The analog to digital switch, also known as the digital television transition, is the process of converting older analog television broadcasting technology to digital broadcasting. It's used through coaxial cable for the an antenna during the mandatory switch from Analog to Digital on June 12, 2009. You either had to get a converter for your analog (Tube TV) or use a converter box that has the analog or digital tuner or an HDTV which your is and has the tuner built in. Your TV is HD and using an HDMI Cable and nothing is connected by coaxial cable so this wouldn't apply.

In my theory it probably means a new TV. I had a TV go out on my switching between the Smart Screen from the HDMI inputs before because they went faulty. Sometimes electrical surges can cause this. If you have an older home or rent an older home or apartment sometimes the electrical outlets are not grounded and these days HDTV's need a ground which can cause them to malfunction and go bad quicker. Never plug it directly in an outlet. It will damage the TV.

Hope I could be of some assistance.

RJ T.
From Illinois

Reactions: charlesrshell

teachtom

Yesterday at 7:33 PM

RJT79 said:
First off, The analog to digital switch, also known as the digital television transition, is the process of converting older analog television broadcasting technology to digital broadcasting. It's used through coaxial cable for the an antenna during the mandatory switch from Analog to Digital on June 12, 2009. You either had to get a converter for your analog (Tube TV) or use a converter box that has the analog or digital tuner or an HDTV which your is and has the tuner built in. Your TV is HD and using an HDMI Cable and nothing is connected by coaxial cable so this wouldn't apply.

In my theory it probably means a new TV. I had a TV go out on my switching between the Smart Screen from the HDMI inputs before because they went faulty. Sometimes electrical surges can cause this. If you have an older home or rent an older home or apartment sometimes the electrical outlets are not grounded and these days HDTV's need a ground which can cause them to malfunction and go bad quicker. Never plug it directly in an outlet. It will damage the TV.

Hope I could be of some assistance.

RJ T.
From Illinois

Thank you for the information. I do keep the TV plugged into a surge protector, but we have had pretty strong thunderstorms/lightning in the last month so that have contributed to my problem.The house was built in 2009 so everything seems to be grounded correctly. We have had a power surge also. Seems like no one fixes anything any more, so just get a new one or live with the problem. Thanks

Reactions: charlesrshell

teachtom

Yesterday at 7:39 PM

HipKat said:
First off, great TV. I'm torn between the 77C5 or the 77G5.
It sounds like the handshake between the Receiver and the TV is having a problem. Are you using the free cable that came with the Joey or a higher speed HDMI cable?? That's the f irst place I'd look

I think the HDMI cable is good, i used one of my own from my 4K atmos system, i'll switch it with another just to check. Also I have a bid in at Greentoe for 77" G5. Thanks

Reactions: HipKat and charlesrshell

HipKat

Yesterday at 8:17 PM

teachtom said:
I think the HDMI cable is good, i used one of my own from my 4K atmos system, i'll switch it with another just to check. Also I have a bid in at Greentoe for 77" G5. Thanks

I hope that works. I'm waiting til Black Friday sales

Reactions: charlesrshell

Darrell S

Yesterday at 9:21 PM

I've had this problem with my older Sony TV. It happens when I just punch in a regular channel number. The only way it works right for me is to push guide and select a regular channel from the guide screen.

Reactions: charlesrshell

teachtom

Today at 6:19 AM

Darrell S said:
I've had this problem with my older Sony TV. It happens when I just punch in a regular channel number. The only way it works right for me is to push guide and select a regular channel from the guide screen.

Thanks, I'll try that

Reactions: charlesrshell

so2344

Last reply Today at 12:36 AM · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Came back to DirectTV Satellite - Gemini question

Recently came back to DirectTV Satellite service and have two boxes, Gemini and a main HR54.

DirecTV is charging me two "TV access fees" of $10 each, but can only watch TV on the one without the server. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

24 Replies · 950 views

Load Replies (24) Reply Legacy View

FHSPSU67

Apr 25, 2026

First receiver should be free. It is for me.

b4pjoe

Apr 25, 2026

FHSPSU67 said:
First receiver should be free. It is for me.

It is for me too. Back when they merged DIRECTV via Internet and DIRECTV Stream into one service they raised the TV access fee from $7.00 to $10.00 from both streaming and satellite and they eliminated the first receiver free for new customers only. Existing customers weren't affected by the new price and the elimination of the first receiver free policy.

Reactions: harshness and FHSPSU67

so2344

May 11, 2026

b4pjoe said:
It is for me too. Back when they merged DIRECTV via Internet and DIRECTV Stream into one service they raised the TV access fee from $7.00 to $10.00 from both streaming and satellite and they eliminated the first receiver free for new customers only. Existing customers weren't affected by the new price and the elimination of the first receiver free policy.

All of this makes me want to cancel satellite again! Customer service said we were getting billed for an old receiver but the call got cut off.

Will call back and try to get this resolved. As of now, only one TV can access satellite service. Would hope they can send another Gemini to be co-located w the main HR54.

so2344

May 28, 2026

Update: after 20 mins on phone with a non North American call center agent, they are sending a tech out. The tech support couldn't understand that the HR54 was at a different TV than the Gemini.

Arctic_fox

Today at 12:36 AM

so2344 said:
Update: after 20 mins on phone with a non North American call center agent, they are sending a tech out. The tech support couldn't understand that the HR54 was at a different TV than the Gemini.

this is why we canceled support and the csr's are garbage even the american ones. it's still under the att system!!!

View all replies (24)

zippyfrog

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:07 AM · posted in The Phone & Tablet Zone

Purchasing New iPhone

I feel like this was discussed in another thread, but I can't find it. I have T-Mobile and my last iPhone upgrade was in 2020. I want to get a new iPhone, but what is the best way to go about doing it? Should I order the iPhone from T-Mobile directly, or should I buy from the Apple Store? I feel like there are pros/cons to each option.

2 Replies · 49 views

Load Replies (2) Reply Legacy View

navychop

Yesterday at 11:48 PM

I know of no reason to buy from a cell company.

Buying from Apple gets an unlocked phone.

PS- New models come out in Octoberish.

Reactions: Foxbat

Foxbat

Today at 12:07 AM

I got a carrier-locked iPhone once, and it was a pain after they got bought by Sprint and I decided to go to T-Mobile and they dragged their feet to unlock the phone. I have been trading in my iPhones since and buying from the Apple Store since then.

Reactions: navychop

Cactus Jack

Last reply Yesterday at 11:50 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Three Tuners?

I have a Hopper with Sling. (Don't know exact model.) A couple nights ago, I went into the DVR screen, and noted that it was recording three programs. Yet I was able to view live TV (that was not one of the channels being recorded.) Did something change? In the past, it would only let me watch one of the channels being recorded, or any recording in the DVR menu. Maybe it was streaming, although there was no indication of that?

Apologies if this has been covered; I searched and didn't find anything.

Thanks.

9 Replies · 370 views

Load Replies (9) Reply Legacy View

Cactus Jack

Jun 3, 2026

So I tested.

Started recording three non-network shows and tried to watch live TV, would not do it, because all three tuners were in use.

Started recording two non-network shows and one network show. Still would not let me tune live TV.

Started recording one non-network show and two network shows, then it allowed live TV.

I would assume then that previously I was recording two or three network shows when it allowed live TV; I honestly don't remember what it was doing, and I didn't think to check.

Thanks for replies, everyone.

PS - How does one know whether a program is streaming? Is there a way to force streaming?

Reactions: charlesrshell

Bobby

Jun 3, 2026

Cactus Jack said:
So I tested.

Started recording three non-network shows and tried to watch live TV, would not do it, because all three tuners were in use.

Started recording two non-network shows and one network show. Still would not let me tune live TV.

Started recording one non-network show and two network shows, then it allowed live TV.

I would assume then that previously I was recording two or three network shows when it allowed live TV; I honestly don't remember what it was doing, and I didn't think to check.

Thanks for replies, everyone.

PS - How does one know whether a program is streaming? Is there a way to force streaming?

There is no way to force streaming. It is a satellite channel or streaming channel except for the rare occasion that the satellite signal fails. If that happens some, not all, channels will automatically change to streaming. You can tell if the channel is streaming by pressing guide on the remote. if it is a streaming channel the guide will clearly show it that way.

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

navychop

Jun 3, 2026

Cough, cough, Hopper3!

Reactions: dennispap, MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

Cactus Jack

Jun 5, 2026

Bobby said:
There is no way to force streaming. It is a satellite channel or streaming channel except for the rare occasion that the satellite signal fails. If that happens some, not all, channels will automatically change to streaming. You can tell if the channel is streaming by pressing guide on the remote. if it is a streaming channel the guide will clearly show it that way.

Thanks, Bobby.

Reactions: Bobby, MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

Arctic_fox

Yesterday at 11:50 PM

chokes hopper 3 all the way... 16 tuners vs 3 tuners is a night and day difference. along with a faster processor. i would call in and see if they would upgrade me or you can buy a hopper 3 from solid signal.

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (9)

iJustine

Yesterday at 10:52 PM · posted in iJustine

Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC 🥹

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YJjxjYvmQ8s

Direct YouTube Link - Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC

The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 12 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

Smuuth

Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge

Last reply Yesterday at 10:15 PM · posted in SatelliteGuys Classifieds

WANTED DirecTV LCC

Anyone have a DirecTV Local Channel Connector that you'd like to get rid of at a reasonable price? DirecTV is currently in a contract dispute with owner of my local ABC affiliate.

12 Replies · 318 views

Load Replies (12) Reply Legacy View

b4pjoe

Jun 2, 2026

Smuuth said:
Anyone have a DirecTV Local Channel Connector that you'd like to get rid of at a reasonable price? DirecTV is currently in a contract dispute with owner of my local ABC affiliate.

You should ask DIRECTV for one if you are affected by the dispute. I know in the past they have given them out during a dispute. Not sure if they still do that but it is free to ask.

Reactions: Smuuth

Smuuth

Jun 2, 2026

b4pjoe said:
You should ask DIRECTV for one if you are affected by the dispute. I know in the past they have given them out during a dispute. Not sure if they still do that but it is free to ask.

I already asked, but the CS agent said they wouldn't do it. They said the only thing they could do is $10/month bill credit.

Reactions: harshness and b4pjoe

Jimbo

Jun 3, 2026

Smuuth said:
I already asked, but the CS agent said they wouldn't do it. They said the only thing they could do is $10/month bill credit.

Take the $10 and Call Back ...

Reactions: Smuuth

Smuuth

Monday at 10:22 AM

Jimbo said:
Take the $10 and Call Back ...

I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results.

Reactions: Jimbo

Jimbo

Monday at 10:39 AM

Smuuth said:
I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results.

Could be out of them I guess ... I'd keep trying, every 3-4 days.

If they are not out of them as them WHY you can't get one, seeing Your in a Dispute. Thats what they are for.
I would make them give you a real answer, don't let them off the hook.

I had one, and it worked well, but I believe I gave it to another D* friend (also had a AM21), I know I gave them away ...

Reactions: Smuuth

Smuuth

Monday at 10:44 AM

Jimbo said:
Could be out of them I guess ... I'd keep trying, every 3-4 days.

If they are not out of them as them WHY you can't get one, seeing Your in a Dispute. Thats what they are for.

According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit.

Jimbo

Monday at 10:45 AM

Smuuth said:
According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit.

I'm not sure your going to find any Refurbished ones as D* doesn't ask for them back.

Reactions: harshness and Smuuth

Smuuth

Monday at 10:48 AM

Jimbo said:
I'm not sure your going to find any Refurbished ones as D* doesn't ask for them back.

Yeah, I know. At one point, I even had 3 AM21s but gave them away when I got rid of my last HR54 and switched to the HS17.

Arctic_fox

Yesterday at 10:00 PM

Good luck they haven't made them in years. you could poke around on ebay and see if there's any on there. if not why not a tablo or a zapper box with an antenna connected to it

Reactions: navychop

Smuuth

Yesterday at 10:09 PM

Arctic_fox said:
Good luck they haven't made them in years. you could poke around on ebay and see if there's any on there. if not why not a tablo or a zapper box with an antenna connected to it

I have my OTA antenna connected to my television directly already so watching is not the issue. The reason I want the LCC is so I could record programs if I'm not at home to watch them live, especially since ABC is carrying both the NBA and NHL playoffs.
I have an active search on eBay and there is one there but he wants $180 plus shipping and I am not going to pay that.

Arctic_fox

Yesterday at 10:12 PM

Smuuth said:
I have my OTA antenna connected to my television directly already so watching is not the issue. The reason I want the LCC is so I could record programs if I'm not at home to watch them live, especially since ABC is carrying both the NBA and NHL playoffs.
I have an active search on eBay and there is one there but he wants $180 plus shipping and I am not going to pay that.

a tablo box is cheaper

Amazon.com

Reactions: navychop

Arctic_fox

Yesterday at 10:15 PM

why invest in hardware that's going to be boat anchors in a few years?

Top

Back

Search

Search

Social Feed

AT&T Weighs In On Net Neutrality

DirecTV’s Subscribers Number

Song Name Game Part 3!

FIFA World Cup of Horrors

Last & Next Movie Watched

Problem when I switch from Bonus View channels back to regular Dish channels

Came back to DirectTV Satellite - Gemini question

Purchasing New iPhone

Three Tuners?

Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC 🥹

WANTED DirecTV LCC