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Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV General Forum
As I mentioned earlier in the week Big Things are happening at DirecTV.

I have recieved a copy of a letter from DirecTV which will be sent out to all dealers over the upcoming week.

I will be posting a full copy of the letter when I have a chance to scan it in, but some items of interest from this letter

In programming, we will introduce interactivity in sports, news, and other areas. Specially tailored content will downloaded to DVR's. New Channels will be launced for our customers. A new electronic programming guide will have exciting new compabilities. Our high definition programming will incresae by two or three times including the expansion of local HD centent We will agressively expand our international program offerings to compete in those important niches. We are also launching 70 local markets in the next year.

DVR will be one of the cornerstones of our plans and an area of focus and energy in 2004. Our DVR must be the market leader in ease of use and capabilities. We plan to have more storage capacity, sped, flexability, reliability and unique content that our competitors. We also must make sure we fully develop the opportunities created by a hard disk in the home to develop exciting new experiances for our customers.

Update I have scanned and placed this document online for your enjoyment. :) You can download it for clicking here
58 Replies · 21718 views
mike123abc
The 1500 channel was calculated based on the projected max data transfer rate of the spaceway satellites. There is still a ton of issues that would have to be solved before they could be used for reliable delivery of HD LIL.

If Ku band were to be used for HD LIL to all markets it would take a lot too:

Assuming they use spot beams and really make them high powered they could probably get upwards of 53 mbit/sec or 3 channels of HDTV average bandwith of 17.7mbit/sec and just hope that all three do not peak simultaniously to 19.2 or there will be some loss of resolution (8PSK 7/8FEC 22msymbols).

Assume they can get an average of 5x reuse on transponders. Each transponder frequency could then deliver 15 HDTV LIL via spots. This would mean that they would have to have 100 transponders to deliver all the 1500 or so LIL. Each satellite has 32 transponders, so they would need about 4 satellite slots.

DIRECTV has the most advanced spot beam satellites with 44 spots on 6 transponders. There is a limit to the number of spots/satellite because of all the power. Lets just round this out to 5 satellites/slot. With 4 slots and 5 satellites/slot they would need 20 satellites at a cost of 200mil+ each. We are looking at a $4billion+ price tag. Not to mention the need of in orbit spares and satellite replacements.

I would believe that it probably would not be done via Ku because of the costs mentioned above. Now if a new technology like the spaceway satellite works, it could be a big breakthrough.
ramcm7
I am not a tech expert, but I am sure there are plenty here who are and could address this possibility.

Could D* "seamlessly" integrate local HD's into the service? Install HD OTA ant along with sat dish; integrate local HD's into program guide; and allow DVR recording of SD & HD D* signals, along with OTA HD signals? Does the new HD DTiVo do all this? Does the SHVIA or other legislation that covers LIL also cover HD signals? If not, could D* then offer the OTA locals where available and offer distant nets for networks not served in that area, and not run afoul of the Waiver process?

If this is the case, all D* needs to do then is offer deals on HD receivers and/or HD monitors (i.e. E* HDTV in a box) and we'll have a nice little offering war (price and product) on our hands. (I have been drooling over the new HD TiVo for the past week or so, and this has led me to researching HD sets.) Let's hope the sat consumer wins.
:yes
A
ramcm7 said:
Could D* "seamlessly" integrate local HD's into the service? Install HD OTA ant along with sat dish; integrate local HD's into program guide;

DirecTV already does this to a certain extent, the only problems is some people's stations are too far away. I suspect I'll probably be able to pick up my FOX and NBC just fine, but my CBS and ABC is more than likely too far away to pick up with an antenna. I have tried to get waivers for the SD versions of CBS and been turned down, I currently have ABC, but Pegasus recently sent me a letter telling me my request for a waiver from ABC and FOX were turned down (which I didn't ask them to in the first place), so I may never get to watch ABC or CBS in HD for years until HD starts making money for the affiliates to go to full power. I'm sure a lot of other people are in the same boat. If you live in a rural area, HD locals are important.


~Alan
Juan
Maybe Charlie jealous because Rupert laid more people off ;) ;) :shocked :shocked
D
EdV said:
...each satellite carries only around 24 ku band transponders. A single transponder can carry only one HD channel using D*'s older qpsk modulation, or two using E*'s newer 8psk modulation.

If a typical local market has 4 channels, D* providing local HD to just 6 cities would consume the entire bandwidth of a single satellite. And they only have three satellites in the main 101-119 slots. So HD locals in the traditional sense is out of the question for the foreseeable future.
No, each Ku band DBS satellite carries 32 transponders. Depending on the encoding and other variables, you can get between 30-50Mbps usable out of one transponder. DirecTV is currently running mostly with two HD channels per transponder. Dish is also moving towards stat-muxing HD. As others have mentioned, the Spaceway satellites will likely be used for HD LIL. While the 1500 channels is a theoretical number simply based on total aggregate bandwidth capacity, it's moot anyway. Even if the number is only half that, it's still plenty to provide HD locals for most or even all of the major markets. There's only something like 1500 channels period. The number of those that are HD is quite a bit smaller.

Between that, and their untapped FSS capacity, I really don't think you need to worry about their bandwidth. Just watch over the next year or two. I think you'll see that the "we can't compete with cable unless we merge" line was just a bunch of BS.
SuperDish_Fan23
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!
2 Replies · 15 views
dishdude
They didn't sell many, they were pricey and not out long. Quickly got replaced by the Hopper.
T
They were high-end specialty, somewhat buggy and the 612/622/722 just overwhelmed it in popularity.
Former member 208119
Last reply · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio
My year was almost up and we got the new bill for a year of service for $ 360.00 insane sat radio is becoming like cable!!! i logged into my acct and hopped onto chat and told the rep that i wanted to cancel. she understood my concern and went quiet for a few minutes. i figured that she was canceling my service. she comes back and said that she seen that i have been a sub since 07 and then offers me the same package for a year for 120.00 with taxes and fee's!!! i grabbed it. after almost having a stroke :biggrin
237 Replies · 10991 views
B
What i noticed with my last renewal XM is now billing me $4.99 monthly instead of one time yearly payment.
Jimbo
What i noticed with my last renewal XM is now billing me $.99 monthly instead of one time yearly payment.
Did you accidentally get on the wrong plan ?
I still do the once a year plans.
B
Did you accidentally get on the wrong plan ?
I still do the once a year plans.
I have to think maybe more people dont keep track of the monthly XM bill. Every time i renew i put a reminder on my calendar week before its time to renew. My wife told me the other day not to renew her and then i told her you are not going to be able to listen to XM at home. Then she changed her mind...!!
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TRG
TRG
I have to think maybe more people dont keep track of the monthly XM bill. Every time i renew i put a reminder on my calendar week before its time to renew. My wife told me the other day not to renew her and then i told her you are not going to be able to listen to XM at home. Then she changed her mind...!!
I get an e-mail every month reminding me that X amount will be charged to my credit card. If I see it go up I get on chat or pick up the phone. But I also remember that my year is up in December.
B
I get an e-mail every month reminding me that X amount will be charged to my credit card. If I see it go up I get on chat or pick up the phone. But I also remember that my year is up in December.
yea i don't understand WHY, like you I get a notice each month. Mine is also up in December.
Jimbo
yea i don't understand WHY, like you I get a notice each month. Mine is also up in December.
You get an email every month to let you know they are billing you for the next month.
Foxbat
Mrs. Foxbat reminded me it's that time of the year to do the Cancel Tango💃🏽

The A.I. agent appears to be better than in the past. It got to the acceptable price quicker than previous years, no human operator involved. $5/mo and I still have over $50 in SiriusXM credit from my FordPartner benefits.
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
68527 Replies · 2672624 views
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dishstaller
Can't You See - Marshall Tucker Band
sdfntx
See You in September - The Happenings
long_time_Dish
You Look Like You Love Me - Ella Langley
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dishstaller
See Me Feel Me - The Who
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long_time_Dish
Take It Easy On Me - Little River Band
Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
No idea what improvements might be involved.
19 Replies · 810 views
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bookworm370
Has anyone noticed an FF stutter with 713? I used to be able to hit FF a few times and skip smoothly. After 713 (maybe 712), when I skip forward, there is a definite stutter for as many times as I have pressed FF.

Can anyone check on this and report back? Recorded programs and then press skip forward a few times to see if it's smooth? Normally, it just jumps to the right place after the skips.
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N
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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R
Has anyone noticed an FF stutter with 713? I used to be able to hit FF a few times and skip smoothly. After 713 (maybe 712), when I skip forward, there is a definite stutter for as many times as I have pressed FF.

Can anyone check on this and report back? Recorded programs and then press skip forward a few times to see if it's smooth? Normally, it just jumps to the right place after the skips.
My wife mentioned that her remote is acting strange this morning. She hit FF and it went to 15x FF.
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Bobby
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.
This has been an ongoing issue. A fix is coming, probably in the next software version.
Foxbat
Wife bought me a t-shirt that has "have you tried turning it off and on again?"
Here's the one I need:
1792365258110.webp
dishstaller
Here's the one I need:
Just ordered one....that's great.
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

5552 Replies · 460624 views
Bobby
Regular$5.999​
Premium$6.399​
Diesel$7.999​
at Costco, Rohnert Park.​
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harshness
I wonder if California is getting into the Winter formula.
dishstaller
Regular$5.999​
Premium$6.399​
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.

Last night it was about $4.17 gas, $6,19 diesel.
harshness
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.
On the West Coast, a 40-cent differential is common. It used to be 30 cents before the prices rose above $3.

A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic), which is a whole different discussion.
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Foxbat
Here in Indiana, the difference between Regular and Premium is usually a dollar, but some charge even more:
1792374072446.webp
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dishstaller
A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic),
Both non-ethanol and prem run about the same....buck more. When we were up in TN it was a buck more up there as well.
jokeworm
Last reply · posted in What's Cooking?
Ok, I'm bored .... actually - to be more precise - I'm bored of eating the same rotation of 9 or 10 meals that are currently my "go-to" meals. My wife works the long hours - I work from home as and when i feel like it ... which means i generally do most of the cooking ... and so by default - i also make out the shopping list ...

We cook at home 5 or even 6 nights a week - but we always seem to fall back on the same old tried and tested "quick and easy but tastes ok" meals. Week in week out.

Pot Roast - mash and Peas.
Spaghetti
Chicken Pasta in cheese sauce.
Curry & rice
(these are some of mine)

Now it's not that I'm not adventurous in the kitchen ... I'll try anything once or twice ... but we all do it. Unless your name is Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray .. we all eventually fall back on our 8-10 favorite "meals"

So i thought - if we shared some of our own go-to meals with each other ... we might be able to add a few "new" ones to our own arsenal of meals.

So again - I ask you ...

What's for dinner tonight ?

Please give me something new to add to my rotation ... its our weekly shop tomorrow - so i want to pull together a few idea's and try and eat a meal each day next week that I've never had before .. or at least something that is not on my current "go-to" meal plan.

What meal do you always seem to fall back on in your house ? Maybe its something that I've never tried or not had in a while. I need inspiration !! I've got a blank shopping list in front of me - and nothing sounds good .. HELP !
4332 Replies · 331166 views
TRG
TRG
Beef and vegetable stew with buttermilk biscuits. Water.
It seemed appropriate on an unusually cold and wet evening in New Mexico.
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Bobby
Chili Cheesebugers, Tater Tots.
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TRG
TRG
I made shrimp parmesan with spaghetti and a salad.
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S
venison lasagna
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dishstaller
Smoked some salmon on the grill while enjoying some Blue Moon beer. Kinda cool tonight so I fired up the heaters. Here in FL, we fire up heaters once the temps get below 60 :cool As for the salmon, I seared them first, then flipped them off to the side not over the coals and brushed on some lemon pepper marinade followed by some salmon seasoning. Threw some hickory chips on the coals and then closed the vents to about 10% airflow. Yum.
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osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club

The number-one US state for EV growth, according to the June 22 Yardi report?
Oklahoma.


:eek


It has no ZEV mandates and "minimal" incentives, Yardi says, but also has cheap electricity, high multi-car household rates (so, for example, a non-Lightning Ford F-150 pulls their trailers), and a consumer base willing to switch.
112 Replies · 904 views
navychop
Servant's problem.
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meStevo

Never realized that Tesla is losing to BYD at manufacturing too, which IMO is Tesla's biggest accomplishment and area of innovation. Nice writeup about the state of play and how we got here though. I have no faith that we're moving any productive direction though sadly, most changes and efforts feel reactionary rather than rooted in making use of the time being bought by tariffs, with few exceptions.

So: how are the cars so cheap, and what is being cut to get there? The best public accounting comes from the Rhodium Group, which compared BYD, Geely, and Leapmotor against Tesla's Chinese operation, a fair comparison because it removes labor costs and shipping from the equation entirely. Their estimate is that BYD builds a car for about $4,700 less than Tesla builds a Model 3 in Shanghai, roughly 15 percent of the Model 3's price. The breakdown is the interesting part. Direct government grants account for about $292 per vehicle, which is 5 percent of the gap. The biggest single factor is vertical integration: BYD makes about 80 percent of its top-tier components in-house, against 37 percent for Tesla, and that eliminates roughly $2,369 per vehicle in supplier markups. Lower overhead, meaning cheaper engineering talent and administrative cost spread across enormous volume, accounts for another $1,719. And BYD pays its suppliers on 155-day terms, against Tesla's 60, which is worth about $214 per car in float. When people say the Chinese advantage is subsidies, the per-vehicle number says otherwise. When people say it is slave wages, the Tesla Shanghai comparison says otherwise too. The advantage is mostly that BYD decided, twenty years ago, to make its own batteries, its own motors, its own power electronics, and its own semiconductors, and Western automakers decided the opposite.​
harshness
The EV company to watch out for is SAIC. They seem likely to take over Government Motors at some point.

GM originally struck a JV deal with SAIC to gain access to China. Now SAIC has taken China back with the substantial library of technology GM shared and they're looking to export to Mexico, South America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
osu1991
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 23 views
Ham Radio 2.0
· posted in Ham Radio 2.0
0 Replies · 18 views
Ramy
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
148 Replies · 1747 views
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Foxbat
They ought to have fun with this… :devilish
osu1991
They ought to have fun with this… :devilish
Was thinking same thing. It should be a good week for sec shorts and roll call
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R
A lot of upsets yesterday, but my LSU Tigers won.
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Foxbat
Best fan sign I saw during the ND-BYU game: "Bear ate your Lucky Charms!" (Bear being the Cougars' QB). I was going to suggest, "Have you or your team been involved in a Carr crash?"
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