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Jason S

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Mar 23, 2016 · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

Sometimes you have to shake your head and laugh...

I'm in a fringe location with one channel (two subchannels) that come in somewhat reliably... Planning to do some tests to see if there is a better location for my OTA antenna, I needed a converter box to go with my little 13" TV so I can do this all outside.

So make the 45 min drive to the former Radio Shack. They have one generic converter box, I decide to take it. I'm talking with whom I presume is the store owner about antennas, my testing plans, tell him what I have (Antennacraft Y-10-7-13) and what I receive. He describes the antenna he is using, I say '8-bay'. He pulls it up online, it's an 8-bay antenna... I ask how is it on UHF, he proceeds to tell me that it's specially designed for 'Digital' signals. At this point, I'm thinking I'm done with this conversation. He continues on with something about receiving stations from Arkansas (we're in SE KS so it may be possible) but I'm done listening.

I leave the Radio Shack and across the street is a TV/electronics shop. The sign on the store has 'Zenith' across the top, so I figure it's been established awhile. I haven't had a chance to visit this place yet and it's open. In the window is a Channel Master antenna rotator, it's an old store so I begin to think this may have promise. Go in and start talking with the owner. Ask about the antenna rotator and he says he'll only sell Channel Master because the others don't hold up. Then he says that the antenna rotators last a little longer now because the 'Digital' antennas are lighter and don't stress the motors... I thank the guy and leave.

Even though there may be some merit in the last guys statement, I'm thinking the antenna is not lighter because it's a 'Digital' antenna.

Should I expect more or is this really just how it is?

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FaT Air

Mar 19, 2016

Digital - the new 'buzz' word for advertising..
I'm afraid to say "that's the way it is today" but that IS the way it is today. I remember at a Rat Shak a long time ago, the salesman was trying to sell a package of 1/2 resistors to a guy that needed to slow down an AC motor.
About that rotator, CM had the best BITD. Have never had to replace any of them. Many other brands got replaced with a CM.
But I really doubt that's the case today.
Antenna design will be the same, no mater the modulation or frequency, until a different transport medium replaces radio waves.

Reactions: TNGTony

dhett

Mar 22, 2016

On my last visit to a (now former) Radio Shack, looking for a cheap set of rabbit ears to hook up to a TV stick that I plug into my laptop, the manager suggested to me that an amplified antenna would be my best bet. Both the store and my home are well within 10 miles of the South Mtn. antenna farm in Phoenix, and I'd already experienced signal overload from an amplified antenna back in the analog days (when I knew less than I do now), so I proceeded to tell the manager why it was a bad idea to be hawking amplified antennas from that location. It was news to him, but unlike many people, he listened to me politely and actually learned something. Still, it was a far cry from the days when you could walk into a place like that and the person at the counter actually knew something about what they were selling. I would have expected such ignorance from a pimply-faced 16-yo register jockey, but expected the 40-something manager to actually know better. I guess that's part of the reason that store is now closed, while another about 5 miles away is still open.

harshness

Mar 22, 2016

FaT Air said:
Antenna design will be the same, no mater the modulation or frequency, until a different transport medium replaces radio waves.

Thankfully, the inventors of fractal antennas didn't get the memo that there was no way to improve on the status quo sixty years ago.

harshness

Mar 22, 2016

dhett said:
I would have expected such ignorance from a pimply-faced 16-yo register jockey, but expected the 40-something manager to actually know better. I guess that's part of the reason that store is now closed, while another about 5 miles away is still open.

What separates a 16 year old from a 40 year old other than 24 years of beatdown at the hands of customers that want results without investment?

Radioguy41

Mar 22, 2016

harshness said:
Thankfully, the inventors of fractal antennas didn't get the memo that there was no way to improve on the status quo sixty years ago.

Depends on your definition of "improved". Smaller - yes, improved gain - no.

Reactions: Mr Tony and FaT Air

dhett

Mar 23, 2016

harshness said:
What separates a 16 year old from a 40 year old other than 24 years of beatdown at the hands of customers that want results without investment?

I'm not sure what is meant by the last half of your question, but I would expect experience with the product to separate the older manager from the younger clerk. That, and the position of manager vs. the entry-level position should also carry experience with the product. Nevertheless, the discussion was polite on both ends.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Peter Parker

Mar 23, 2016

I would think that the digital antennas are lighter mainly because the digital signals themselves consist of 0s and 1s and as any schoolchild knows those are lightest numbers. Once you get up to a 7 or 8 it takes a real heavy antenna to grab them from thesky and send them to your TV box.

Reactions: larrykenney, TNGTony, FTA4PA and 1 other person

harshness

Mar 23, 2016

dhett said:
I'm not sure what is meant by the last half of your question, but I would expect experience with the product to separate the older manager from the younger clerk.

Given that the lifecycle of a modern product is measured in months, you can only invest in so much familiarity. Every time Samsung or Apple release a new product, it all starts over again with new technologies being hyped and more bothersome, new buzzwords and terminologies being created.

The youngster has the advantages of not being jaded and a brain that is still soaking up knowledge at a pretty good pace. The elder perhaps has a better idea of what not to engage in and when to move on but a greater desire to get the last word. In the end, respect will probably win out over raw knowledge when it comes to customer service.

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply 3 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in "Kate & Allie," died Monday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 80.

variety.com

5 Replies · 72 views

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Bobby

Yesterday at 5:01 PM

Rest in peace.

sdfntx

Yesterday at 7:39 PM

Sorry to hear this. R.I.P.

FTA4PA

Yesterday at 8:53 PM

R.I.P.

dishstaller

Today at 10:09 AM

My Mom was a huge McMillan & Wife fan.

RIP

Reactions: dfergie

dfergie

3 minutes ago

Mcmillan and wife was where I remember her from, R.I.P. ...

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 11:31 AM · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM announces 25 Holiday Channels for 2026

Some of the channels start next week.

SiriusXM Delivers the Soundtrack to the Holidays with Its Festive Lineup of 25 Handcrafted Seasonal Music Channels

Lineup features channels produced and presented by celebrated personalities and iconic brands, including Jimmy Fallon, Hallmark,…...

investor.siriusxm.com

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Reactions: Mr Tony, Howard Simmons and comfortably_numb

comfortably_numb

Today at 10:59 AM

My favorite is probably Holiday Pops.

TRG

Today at 11:04 AM

It's not even Halloween yet.

Reactions: Howard Simmons

Scott Greczkowski

Today at 11:31 AM

I like the Jimmy Fallon channel. This will be its third year. I like that it's all fresh each year. Also fun when he pops on live from time to time.

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 11:24 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

At least 64 dead in Spanish passenger train collision

Terrible tragedy. You would think that they would have safe guards in place that would prevent something like this from happening. I guess if you are going to ride in a passenger train it might be best to get a car near the rear.

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

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Jimbo

Today at 11:24 AM

dishstaller said:
Terrible tragedy. You would think that they would have safe guards in place that would prevent something like this from happening. I guess if you are going to ride in a passenger train it might be best to get a car near the rear.

At Least 64 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Collide In Spain | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

They will have to look at the switching sections to determine WHY 2 trains were on the same track ... at the same time.

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 11:20 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....

68644 Replies · 2679545 views

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gms49ers

Today at 9:28 AM

Show Don't Tell - Rush

harshness

Today at 9:54 AM

Show and Tell - Al Wilson

sdfntx

Today at 10:24 AM

On with the Show - The Rolling Stones

gms49ers

Today at 10:41 AM

The Show Must Go On - Pink Floyd

Reactions: dishstaller

Bobby

Today at 11:20 AM

If Love Must Go - Dobie Gray

View all replies (68644)

TRG

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 10:07 AM · posted in Local Radio Discussion

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and

wabcradio.com

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Reactions: FTA4PA, Mr Tony, Howard Simmons and 2 others

dishdude

Sep 18, 2026

It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.

Reactions: reubenray and Jimbo

dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:41 AM

dishdude said:
Very rarely listen to FM any more

That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

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Jimbo

Yesterday at 11:03 AM

dishstaller said:
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

dishstaller

Yesterday at 12:29 PM

Jimbo said:
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

No, just regular FM stations. One is the country station I mentioned and the other is a Talk Radio station which used to get fantastic results but honestly, since the death of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio just doesn't do as well. There were two guys who had an early morning show which was hugely popular here in the southeast but one of them retired a couple years ago and the show just doesn't garner the same numbers as it used to.

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 5:35 PM

Haven't listened AM or FM in years

harshness

Today at 10:07 AM

Jimbo said:
If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

You knew the answer before you asked it.

I can't recall having encountered a local ad on Sirius, and I don't imagine it is any different on XM.

Reactions: dishstaller

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Gary Toma

Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 8:31 AM · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/21/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:

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

Additional tabs provide:

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

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

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions

DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261021.xlsx 1,876 KB

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Reactions: Zakdj, Mr Tony, Tom Speer and 3 others

dtv757

Monday at 7:33 AM

For those dazn nba channels are they sat only or sat & streaming

KyL416

Monday at 1:50 PM

Both, and they just made it official with a multiyear deal that also includes TV Everywhere authentication for the DAZN app, and commercial distribution.

DIRECTV, the premier provider of digital television entertainment in the United States, and DAZN, the world's leading sports entertainment platform, today announced a new multi-year distribution agreement for local telecasts of Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs games for DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers in each team's respective NBA-designated home territories.

These DAZN telecasts will be available to DIRECTV customers who subscribe to the Choice or higher packages and to U-verse TV customers who subscribe to the U200 or higher package. Each of DAZN's team services provides live pregame, postgame, and in-game coverage for the respective team.

In the coming weeks, customers who receive access to these teams via DIRECTV will also be able to login to the DAZN platform at no additional cost using their DIRECTV login credentials.

This agreement also provides distribution rights to each of the five NBA teams to all of DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS' thousands of sports bars, restaurants, fitness clubs, and other commercial venues located within each team's respective region.

Reactions: dtv757 and Mr Tony

doctor J

Today at 7:25 AM

DirecTV Satellite Transponder Updates for Oct 28 2026

Comparison of Transponder Data for Oct 28 2026 vs Oct 21 2026:

No changes in system tables for any transponder tuning parameters.

Changes to the use of defined transponders:

1 Transponder cleared of all Streams::
Net 15 TID 12 Beam NAT is a National Transponder on D12@103ca, TPN 13

2 Previously unused Transponders with current APG records::
Net 0 TID 28 Beam NAT + PR is a National Transponder on D16@101, TPN 29
Net 10 TID 126 Beam NAT is a National Transponder on D11@99cb, TPN 3

Stream (PID) counts:

LIVE Streams	National		Spot Beams
	Count	Change	Count	Change
4K	4
HD	264		1449
SD mpeg4	144	-1	194
SD mpeg2	434	1
RB
Audio	89
Push	26
Slate	19		1

TEST Streams	National		Spot Beams
	Count	Change	Count	Change
4K
HD			1
SD mpeg4
SD mpeg2
RB
Engr Work	38

The PID count Excel workbook provides much more count detail.

Newly updated tables of Streams on each transponder are available in the DataDigesters TPN Grids

More details of changes in individual channels will follow in the Weekly Analysis
and Gary Toma's Domestic TPN Map Excel files
A few remaps
Weekly Analysis soon
Enjoy
DataDigesters

doctor J

Today at 7:26 AM

Weekly Analysis for 10/28/2026:

Weekly_Analysis_261028.xlsx 16 KB

KyL416

Today at 8:31 AM

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

Some more reshuffles

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

An additional commercial PPV channel is now on 9530

View all replies (2168)

Booredatwork.com

Today at 8:12 AM · posted in BooredAtWork.COM

Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!

Time for another AWESOME video from BoredAtWork!

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

Direct YouTube Link - Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!
Booredatwork.com Website
Booredatwork on Facebook

0 Replies · 16 views

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TFLEV

Today at 7:02 AM · posted in TFLEV

Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-HYgO5Lpa8

Direct YouTube Link - Can You ACTUALLY Use the Mazda CX-90 PHEV As an Electric Commuter? | Baseline Challenge

0 Replies · 19 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:02 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Apple's All-New iPad mini

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtLJGwEtyT0

Direct YouTube Link - Apple's All-New iPad mini
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 24 views

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JSheridan

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:01 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

All DMA's now Western Arc

I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.

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Strega

Friday at 10:01 PM

Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Jimbo

Friday at 11:17 PM

Strega said:
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Mister B

Saturday at 7:35 AM

Jimbo said:
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

Reactions: gasman882001, Almighty1, savarese04 and 1 other person

slow_poke_pete

Monday at 10:40 AM

Mister B said:
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

can't forget the little blue m&m's

Reactions: Almighty1, charlesrshell and telstar_1

charlesrshell

Monday at 11:23 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
can't forget the little blue m&m's

That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

Reactions: Almighty1, slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05 and 2 others

telstar_1

Monday at 8:12 PM

Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 2:09 AM

charlesrshell said:
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh

Reactions: MikeD-C05, charlesrshell and HipKat

Almighty1

Yesterday at 4:04 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

He does not have the resources aka $$$ compared to Elon Musk as in reality, Elon can eat Charlie for lunch or even mop the floor with Charlie if he wanted to.

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 4:58 PM

ment to 20 yrs dam phone

Reactions: charlesrshell

BradleyD

Yesterday at 11:57 PM

Dish should use both satellite and internet like they do now for all channels. Use either or or both.... like now but subscribers could choose something like internet only, or sat only, or both.

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 1:01 AM

BradleyD said:
Dish should use both satellite and internet like they do now for all channels. Use either or or both.... like now but subscribers could choose something like internet only, or sat only, or both.

They have sling tv wich sucks ass it needs a major upgrade

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

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Sometimes you have to shake your head and laugh...

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

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Amazon Echo Show 16: Now this is it!

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Apple's All-New iPad mini

All DMA's now Western Arc