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Last reply · posted in DIRECTV General Forum
I live in rural USA . The TV stations range from 55 to 120 miles away. I purchased my HD 65" TV in Nov. 2004 and signed on with Direct TV with OTA tuners with the STB and built into the TV. I used an outside antenna that consists of 6 Bow Ties mounted on a flat screen surface.

I immediately became disgusted with Direct TV and their lack of HD channels. So I signed on with VOOM with the intention of dropping Direct TV. Then I started hearing rumors about the future failure of VOOM. So I kept both systems and installed an additional outside antenna. THis antenna consisted of a high gain antenna with a rotator. This gave me the opportunity to compare both systems' OTA tuner.

The VOOM OTA Tuner outperformed the Direct TV tuner during stormy and rainy conditions using the high gain antenna. The tuner built into the Mitsubishi TV outperformed the Direct tv tuner and it was always connected to the Bow Tie antenna.

I found that during stormy weather I could move the High gain antenna as little as 10o and completely restore the picture. As you know with Digital you either receive an absolutely perfect picture or nothing at all. There is no compression so the picture is superior than any other source.

Another interesting fact is that most of these digital stations are operating on reduced power. I have no problems even with the ABC and one PBS affiliate over 120 miles away. The ABC affiliate is presently off the air installing a new antenna in order to increase their power. Over the past year there have been times when the digital signal was turned off for repairs. The stations will not inform you of their off air digital time . You have to send them an E- Mail to find our what is going on.

Another great feature is Multiple broadcasting. The two major network affiliates operate multiple digital channels. The second channel is devoted to weather with a real- time weather map. Both also operate full time 1080i.

The two educational channels multicast with one having 5 channels and one having 3 channels. Each station also has one full time HD channel.

The reason I wrote this is because I have had Direct TV servicemen that lived in my area and were not aware of what one can do with an outside 1950 technology antenna. One had an HD set and was going home and installing an antenna when he realized that he was missing out on 11 digital signals with more scheduled to go on -line soon.

A friend of mine lives in a Major city and he bought an antenna and had it laying on the floor behind the TV and it worked great. He was impressed most with the educational HDTV programs.

I feel fortunate that I do not have to depend on MR Murdock of Direct TV for the majority of my HD viewing. If it was not for ESPN i would cancel direct TV HD pkg.

I hope this info is helpful,

WOLJR
2 Replies · 1615 views
R
woljr said:
I have no problems even with the ABC and one PBS affiliate over 120 miles away.

Are you sure the PBS tower is 120 miles away? If so that may be a world record! I can get some stations at about 100 miles on certain nights, when the moon and planets all align, the wind is just right and I hold my remote in just the right position. But it never lasts more than an hour or two. My farthest "always there" stations are at about 60 miles distance.

I agree with what you say about the Directv tuner and I'd add that the PQ of the Direvtv tuner (at least the H-10 that I have) is not as good on OTA stations (or satellite stations for that matter) as the Voom tuner. I keep my Voom box ready if something comes on OTA that I'd really like to see with high quality, or just to keep reminding myself of how good HD can be with decent equipment. The Voom STB had issues, but PQ wasn't one IMO.
W
The PBS station never fails because it is operating at full power.
The ABC affiliate fails during bad weather but they are operating at reduced power. As stated they are presently replacing their antenna and going full power in the near future.

The local CBS affiliate is 15 miles but they are not going digital until 2009.

I have to depend on the CBS affiliate ovre 70 miles away. They are presently operarting at reduced power and the signal is still very strong.
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
This was actually one of the more disturbing videos I've seen on this channel. IF this guy hadn't been driving a Tesla which has 360 degree cams, he would probably become a felon and had his life ruined.....all because of a lying cop. The other officers in this video didn't impress me too much either, their whole mentality was how can we nail this guy.
This is a perfect example of why I'm always a bit nervous when I get below Perry, FL. There is a huge difference between north and south Florida and everyone who lives here knows this.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4Q8q0KQQ14
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Bruce
This was actually one of the more disturbing videos I've seen on this channel. IF this guy hadn't been driving a Tesla which has 360 degree cams, he would probably become a felon and had his life ruined.....all because of a lying cop. The other officers in this video didn't impress me too much either, their whole mentality was how can we nail this guy.
This is a perfect example of why I'm always a bit nervous when I get below Perry, FL. There is a huge difference between north and south Florida and everyone who lives here knows this.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4Q8q0KQQ14

Central is not any better, Polk County still does not have body cams.
Bruce
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum
I was reading this article


That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.

And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.


Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.

There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.

In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.

Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.

Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.

So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households

So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.

That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.

But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.

Imagine what 2024 will be like.
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Jimbo
But they ARE Streaming as well, so they Should be counted as both, which would make the Streaming numbers even More prominate.

Q.
Who does the Counting for Streaming ?

Neilson does the Broadcast/Cable ...
b4pjoe
But they ARE Streaming as well, so they Should be counted as both, which would make the Streaming numbers even More prominate.

Q.
Who does the Counting for Streaming ?

Neilson does the Broadcast/Cable ...
But they are basically airing a number of live channels just like Broadcast, Cable, and Others so that is why they are counted that way.
Bruce
But they ARE Streaming as well, so they Should be counted as both, which would make the Streaming numbers even More prominate.

Q.
Who does the Counting for Streaming ?

Neilson does the Broadcast/Cable ...
Same.

Ratings for streaming content is extremely accurate, since the service knows who is watching what and when, when we hit ok on our remotes.

Ratings for Broadcast/Cable shows has always been a estimate.
Jimbo
Same.

Ratings for streaming content is extremely accurate, since the service knows who is watching what and when, when we hit ok on our remotes.

Ratings for Broadcast/Cable shows has always been a estimate.
If I flip thru shows on an app, 3-4 in a few minutes, does that still show that I watched the whole episode ?


If I watch the Super Bowl for 5 minutes, does that count as watching the Super Bowl ?
Is it the same if I just watched the Commercials.
Bruce
If I flip thru shows on an app, 3-4 in a few minutes, does that still show that I watched the whole episode ?


If I watch the Super Bowl for 5 minutes, does that count as watching the Super Bowl ?
Is it the same if I just watched the Commercials.
Nielsen Streaming Ratings: Third-party measurement firm Nielsen tracks U.S. streaming viewership, releasing weekly reports that measure total minutes viewed across major television sets, broken down by program (such as original, acquired, and movie content) rather than minute-by-minute audience retention curves.
Gary Toma
Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum
The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
​
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
​
Additional tabs provide:​
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
​
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8​

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
2157 Replies · 937033 views
jamieh1
Now in the Hornets and Hurricanes markets we just get the TV promise screen. But Directv still charges sports fee I am assuming.
Luckily my DTV stream package doesn't have a rsn fee. Figure DTV that always says is the leader in sports would have come to an agreement by now.
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K
Now in the Hornets and Hurricanes markets we just get the TV promise screen. But Directv still charges sports fee I am assuming.
Greenville-New Bern is $11.99 for MASN (Orioles) and Nationals
Raleigh is $11.99 for MASN and Nationals
Charlotte is $12.99 for BravesVision, MASN, Nationals and Reds

The fee in NC also includes the higher in state rate they have to pay for ACCN. Down in SC the fee is $15.99 as they are also a SEC state.
I'm not sure if they're doing it with those teams, but in some markets they also use the fee to cover the additional cost they have to pay for independents and MyNet stations that picked up full season NHL and NBA rights.

If you go to the TVPromise site, you'll likely be able to get a credit for not getting the Hurricanes and additional Hornets games that air on WITN-D2

Figure DTV that always says is the leader in sports would have come to an agreement by now.
Part of the hold out might be the packaging and price for outer areas like how the Thunder needs sports pack for other states. Hopefully they are also pushing for a guarantee from the teams that they would require whoever wins their local broadcasting rights in 2028 to negotiate with MVPDs. Commercial distribution rights are probably a factor too.

I'm guessing they got a deep discount for the Clippers based on how long it took them to officially announce ClipperVision and their KTLA simulcasts after they were basically handed a multi-year draft death penalty.

The Predators and Pistons channels are using feeds supplied by Scripps Sports

The Heat likely depends on whoever they sign for the Fort Myers DMA, as there's no point in paying a high price for the Heat just for that DMA when WPLG is streaming it for free on their app and website for viewers in the Miami DMA, and they already carry the West Palm Beach station.
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cp2k
If you go to the TVPromise site, you'll likely be able to get a credit for not getting the Hurricanes and additional Hornets games that air on WITN-D2

I tried this with both the Hurricanes and Hornets since I'm in upstate SC, and wasn't offered any kind of credit by the site. It's not a huge deal to me as I can pick up WSOC/WAXN over the air at my location even though I'm outside the Charlotte market.
TheRatPatrol
I thought the NBA TV contracts were short term as the NBA is trying to get all of the teams into in an all in one streaming app?
K
649 GRZLLIES and 671 PACERS are now available.

The rest are still pointing to the TV Promise slate
K
660 CAVLIERS, 668 TWOLVES and 680 SPURS are now available
S
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
I haven't posted in almost 17 years. Over the air, sat, offline, anything-but-the-internet is still one of my avid pursuits. Been playing with offline tv viewing and offline web browsing. I have great appreciations for this site still being here. It's so hard to find public communities that haven't sold out to social media company.
3 Replies · 59 views
dishstaller
Got to admit, I had to look up "offline web browsing". I had never heard of it.
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Scott Greczkowski
Welcome back, as you can see we branched off into a bunch of things since Satellite is what it is now, so lots to talk about here. :)
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Jimbo
Got to admit, I had to look up "offline web browsing". I had never heard of it.
From what I understand, it's just saving a article or whatever, to Save it so you can read it later ....
Unless he's talking something entirely different ... the way I am looking at it, you Still need the Internet to load it originally.
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Bobby
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
This is a thread that will keep you apprised of 4K events that will be showing on Dish channel 540. Keep looking here for information.

As of today, 9-27-17, there are no scheduled events posted for the next 2 weeks. That is subject to change on a daily basis.
767 Replies · 167677 views
Bobby
CFB, Indiana at Michigan, Saturday 10-24, 9AM PDT, Channel 148-01.
CFB, BYU at UCF, Saturday 10-24, 12:30PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
Bobby
MLB, Rays at Brewers, Friday 10-23, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
Bobby
MLB, Rays at Brewers, Saturday 10-24, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
Bobby
MLB, Brewers at Rays, Monday 10-26, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
Bobby
MLB, Brewers at Rays, Tuesday 10-27, 5PM PDT, Channel 148-01.
Linus Tech Tips
· posted in Linus Tech Tips
0 Replies · 10 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 7 views
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV General Forum
The following is from Reddit. -
View: https://www.reddit.com/r/DirectvStream/s/orzHBkmqQW


gemini.webp

There appears to be a new DIRECTV Gemini OTT box, the C81KW-650.

The FCC listing is partially available, and a Geekbench entry confirms it uses an Amlogic S905X5, a solid SoC for a set-top box.

I also see 4GB of RAM, and the manufacturer is SEI Robotics.

DIRECTV C81KW OTT Box - Android TV Guide

Ok found a picture of the Box too on Reddit:


View: https://www.reddit.com/r/DirectvStream/comments/1twlex0/comment/opzeqi1/
22 Replies · 838 views
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GRB1959
A new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming possibly becoming available in January of 2027? That would be welcome news.

I have been exploring leaving Dish DBS ever since a software update around Aug. 10, version H711 and now H712, is causing problems with IR signals and the Dish Hopper 3. As a result my Sofabaton X2 universal remote no longer works perfectly as it did prior to the H711 and H712 Dish Hopper 3 firmware updates.

I have been a little leary of the current hardware available for DirecTV streaming as the Gemini Ospry box fits my needs, however they are getting a little long in the tooth and finding the 4GB RAM (SKU: 60233) Osprey box complete with remote and power cable is somewhat challenging. I see that the 2GB RAM Osprey boxes (SKU: 60164) can be found on Ebay and at Walmart online used, however a 4GB Osprey box is preferred.

Now I wonder if I should just wait it out until the new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming becomes available. I want a box with an Ethernet port and the Gemini Air is WiFi only. If the new Gemini box does become available in January of 2027 will it be lease only via DirecTV or will we be allowed to purchase them?
S
A new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming possibly becoming available in January of 2027? That would be welcome news.

I have been exploring leaving Dish DBS ever since a software update around Aug. 10, version H711 and now H712, is causing problems with IR signals and the Dish Hopper 3. As a result my Sofabaton X2 universal remote no longer works perfectly as it did prior to the H711 and H712 Dish Hopper 3 firmware updates.

I have been a little leary of the current hardware available for DirecTV streaming as the Gemini Ospry box fits my needs, however they are getting a little long in the tooth and finding the 4GB RAM (SKU: 60233) Osprey box complete with remote and power cable is somewhat challenging. I see that the 2GB RAM Osprey boxes (SKU: 60164) can be found on Ebay and at Walmart online used, however a 4GB Osprey box is preferred.

Now I wonder if I should just wait it out until the new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming becomes available. I want a box with an Ethernet port and the Gemini Air is WiFi only. If the new Gemini box does become available in January of 2027 will it be lease only via DirecTV or will we be allowed to purchase them?
there leased at 10.00 per box. unless you can find em at ebay or wally world where people have gotten em before. or you could get a roku apple tv firestick if you don't need the channel numbers
GRB1959
there leased at 10.00 per box. unless you can find em at ebay or wally world where people have gotten em before. or you could get a roku apple tv firestick if you don't need the channel numbers

I appreciate the reply. My wife will be using this as well so a numeric keypad to change channels that actually works is a must and I want it to have a hardwired Ethernet port so that leaves the Gemini box as my only real choice.
dishstaller
I want it to have a hardwired Ethernet port so that leaves the Gemini box as my only real choice.
The Roku Ultra series (the larger square box models that attach via hdmi) have ethernet ports
roku back.webp
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b4pjoe
The Roku Ultra series (the larger square box models that attach via hdmi) have ethernet portsView attachment 194992
This thread is about the new box for the DIRECTV Stream service. And yes it has an Ethernet port also.
dishstaller
This thread is about the new box for the DIRECTV Stream service. And yes it has an Ethernet port also.
I didn't just mention this for no reason.....see posts #10 and 11 where Roku was clearly brought into the discussion. I'm NOT trying to hijack a thread but ADD information to it.
Scott Greczkowski
I know a few people who have gotten one and I am told like most modern streaming boxes this one also has HDR on all the time.
b4pjoe
I know a few people who have gotten one and I am told like most modern streaming boxes this one also has HDR on all the time.
My guess it is like the 2 previous boxes where you can turn it off/on but requires a reboot once you make the change for the change to take effect. Not sure if there is some limitation in the hardware that won't allow it to change automatically to what is in the content like other devices do. Even DIRECTV satellites own C61K changes on the fly.
Tom Speer
I know a few people who have gotten one and I am told like most modern streaming boxes this one also has HDR on all the time.
I only noticed that as a problem on TVs that handle HDR poorly. They don't have enough peak brightness or enough dimming zones. For instance, TCL makes three lines of TV, sort of like the old Sears model of Good, Better, Best. On my 4 or 5 year end low price model, HDR looked awful (My neighbor likes the TV now). The midrange model from the next model year ithat I have at my Lake home now looks pretty good in HDR all the time. The midrange TCL QM7 model from last year at my other home looks spectacular, as I remember. I haven't seen it for 6 months.

If I had a TV that does HDR poorly, I would configure the Gemini to disable all HDR.
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b4pjoe
I only noticed that as a problem on TVs that handle HDR poorly. They don't have enough peak brightness or enough dimming zones. For instance, TCL makes three lines of TV, sort of like the old Sears model of Good, Better, Best. On my 4 or 5 year end low price mode, HDR looked awful (My neighbor likes the TV now). The midrannge model from the next model year ithat I have at my Lake home now looks pretty good in HDR all the time. The midrange TCL QM7 model from last year at my other home looks spectacular, as I remember. I haven't seen it for 6 months.

If I had a TV that does HDR poorly, I would configure the Gemini to disble all HDR.
I agree with that. The 2 LGs that we have Gemini's on looks far better with HDR enabled then it does with HDR off.
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
· posted in The Chit Chat Club
Didn't see a thread like this so I figured why not start one. This is about natural supplements. If you aren't into supplements, fine, but please let those of us who do want to discuss this discuss it.

The first one I wanted to mention has been a real life changer. I'm 62 and still do all of my own install work at my business....also do all the yard work at the house. A few years ago I started noticing that I was losing my range of movement, it was even getting hard to bend over and lace up my boots. Almost got stuck in an attic because I couldn't get turned around once the work was done. Didn't think much of it and figured with age comes stiffness that was only going to get worse as time went on.
It was then that I stumbled across a video which was discussing rotator cuff tears and why they were to prevalent these days. Turns out, the culprit is a simple deficiency in MANGANESE which is key in keeping your tendons flexible. Most anti-biotics strip your body of any manganese it might have had which is why certain anti-biotics, especially those in the Cipro family. I actually knew a man who had two tendons tear while on that stuff.
Went to Amazon and ordered some manganese. Now it took a while, it wasn't instant, but gradually I have regained all of my flexibility. I can bend over and touch my toes while standing with no pain and putting on my boots is no longer a chore.
Pretty cheap too. The bottle I ordered was a 200 ct for under $13. They said to take double the normal dose for the first month because most people are severely lacking, then go to one a day.
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