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Last reply · posted in Cable Television and Fiber Providers
Does anyone know if Charter's channels below 100 are being simulcast in digital yet in their area? Didn't the FCC give cable companies temp channels to do this? Locally these channels are lousy on my new HDTV. Figure it's because the set-top box is doing a poor job of upconverting from analog to digital. About to jump to dish.
6 Replies · 1744 views
L
Cozdiver said:
Does anyone know if Charter's channels below 100 are being simulcast in digital yet in their area? Didn't the FCC give cable companies temp channels to do this? Locally these channels are lousy on my new HDTV. Figure it's because the set-top box is doing a poor job of upconverting from analog to digital. About to jump to dish.

The FCC has nothing todo with this. Many cable companies are moving over to switched video hardware which will give them virtually unlimited bandwidth for VOD and HDTV services. Because they need this hardware for new HDTV channels they can offer digital customers their analog channels in digital with great ease so they are doing just that to compete with satellite companies.

Just remember that the FCC is only involved with digital TV/HDTV TV with OTA broadcasters. Cable and satellite companies aren't required to offer anything in digital nor HDTV even though most do offer digital/HDTV content.

Now the FCC does deal with cable and satellite companies in different ways but just be aware of what is being done and what to expect. Also when cable companies upgrade to switched video technology and upgrade their Internet to DOSIS 3.0 they can offer 100Mbps + internet speeds both down and UP without upgrading cable lines.
cableman265
I have heard that the switching technology is in the preliminary stages here, and they can really get moving on it once all the analog is gone. But it still looks to be 2-3 years away. But 100Meg + will be a real thing then.
S
After the conversion to digital, does Charter compare better to Dish or Direct quality?
L
shelto13 said:
After the conversion to digital, does Charter compare better to Dish or Direct quality?

In the very small comcast served area in the Tampa Bay Area that has gone all digital for digital cable customers I can say that analog channels are actually better than anything I've seen on both D* and Dish and Voom for that matter. Also I noticed a big increase in quality of the VOD and HDTV channels when they made the change. Also the channels above 100 look just as good as the analog ones and that is saying something because the analogs in digital have better picture quality than the old digital channels before the switch.

So with this review in mind I can say that at least this system gave much more bandwidth back to all channels when they made this switch but that doesn't mean every market will do the "right thing".

They also upgraded their internet speeds to 20Mbps down and 5Mbps UP as well. I'm thinking about buying a house in this area just for those speeds alone for cryin out load.

I'm saying this because I hope it gives you an idea of what this can do for us and also keep in mind that even with all these new upgrades they still offer the full analog lineup to customers without needing a box. I know this because of my co-workers lives in this area. He is also testing this cheap motorola box that a user on AVS was talking about and its very cool.

It seems that Comcast in this market will be rolling this out to all non digital customers within the next several months. The customers bills won't be increased at all unless they need more than 2 of these boxes in which they will be charged a rental of 1 buck per month per box beyond the 2nd one.

This box has a remote control with it and has these features below. For one its a two-way box as well.

It has the cable companies branded program guide which happens to be Moxi guide software and they will be rolling out Tivo software as soon as they get it from Tivo.

The box has a standard coax jack and s-video, composite and a coax digital audio port.

This box can access all digital cable channels the customers subscribes to and can access all VOD content as well. This includes Starz On Demand type VOD. Once they roll this box out they will get rid of the analog lineup for good and the system will be all digital.
P
shelto13 said:
After the conversion to digital, does Charter compare better to Dish or Direct quality?

I had digital Charter and it could not compare to Sat at all, I had to deal with dropouts on most stations and in fact TNT was unwatchable. Also ghosting on most stations, this was in the Los Angeles area.
Neutron
Supporting Founder
· posted in Computers and Gadgets
Does anyone here use Apple Home/HomeKit with HomePods or Apple TV to automate smart devices in their house? We have had Amazon's Alexa set up in our house for the last 10+ years and I have been waiting to switch them out to Apple for a few reasons; We are already in the Apple ecosystem with our phones, tablets, and computers. I have never liked Amazon's stance on privacy and I really like that Apple has pushed for privacy for a long time.

I bought 4 of the new HomePod Mini 2 speakers to go in various rooms in our house and we have one of the new Apple TVs on preorder that will be the start of me replacing our Rokus. I have the HomePod Mini 2s set up and have an RPi that is running HomeBridge for our legacy smart devices that worked natively with Alexa but don't work with Apple Home natively. I had trouble with the older smart bulbs not keeping the brightness or light color consistent with what our routines were with Alexa despite trying every setting in HomeBridge with the bulbs just not shining very bright. I ended up replacing them with updated versions that are Matter compatible so they work in Apple Home natively. That in and of itself has been interesting to set up because I have my home network segretated with the IoT devices on their own vlan and wifi and pretty locked down. Matter requires IPv6 and due to how my home network is designed I had to do some digging with AI to figure out how to make it all work correctly.

Apple Home definitely has some shortcomings that Alexa does much better with but I am hoping Apple will continue to improve their Home products and introduce features that will bring it closer to the functionality of Alexa.
0 Replies · 6 views
b4pjoe
Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in Computers and Gadgets
6 Replies · 169 views
harshness
Given that Tubi is one of the hottest FAST services out there, I don't expect it to go anywhere. Building up intolerance for ads takes a while, and as long as the advertisers are willing to foot the bill, why not?
osu1991

Surprise! Fox Corp. said Friday it has closed the acquisition of streaming platform Roku, a deal valued at $22 billion, well ahead of the expected 2027 date.
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Neutron
Another reason I'm glad we are swapping or Rokus out for Apple TVs. I was already planning on ditching the Rokus earlier this year and had been waiting on Apple to announce the new one last month. Our Rokus have had issues the last year or so with freezing video and reboots, and one with an HDCP issue randomly.
dishstaller
Building up intolerance for ads takes a while, and as long as the advertisers are willing to foot the bill, why not?
That is what I have to explain to customers all the time. They want it free with no ads :facepalm
dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Thought some might find this encouraging. It turned out good but I still feel a little bad about it.
Had to drop by Walmart on my way to the store this morning, I had enough time but no time to spare either. As I was walking across the parking lot I noticed an older gent pushing his buggy with a confused look on his face. I said hello as I passed but he didn't respond...something was bothering him. I kept walking and then stopped and chided myself for being in too much of a rush. I turned around and asked him if he needed some help. Turned out he had NO idea where he had parked his truck. He told what color and model and looked around...nothing. I asked him if he had tried his key fob, he wasn't sure what I was talking about and got it out and handed it to me. Hit the lock and listened for a horn like my F150 does. Nothing. Finally I hit the panic button and we heard his truck...it was on the complete other side of the parking lot. He thanked me and I went on about my business.

I felt bad however because I almost didn't stop. I was so focused on what I had to pick up that I almost just kept walking without seeing if I could help. Years ago I wouldn't have hesitated. It seems that as we age it is easy to focus more on ourselves and ignore others which is why you'll see footage of these muggings in big cities and people just walk by the wounded victim who is laying on the sidewalk.

Moral to the story: Don't let your humanity die just because so many others have allowed theirs to.
3 Replies · 48 views
T
Years ago you wouldn't have hesitated...What was your hesitation? In breaking stride to assess another's situation, which you wouldn't have done when younger? Usually it's younger people who are less observant or likely to break routine to help an old lady cross the street, etc.
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TRG
TRG
Kinda reminds me of a verse from an old John Prine song.

So if you're walking down the street sometime
And spot some hollow ancient eyes
Please don't just pass 'em by and stare as if you didn't care
Say, "Hello in there, hello"


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Jimbo
Thought some might find this encouraging. It turned out good but I still feel a little bad about it.
Had to drop by Walmart on my way to the store this morning, I had enough time but no time to spare either. As I was walking across the parking lot I noticed an older gent pushing his buggy with a confused look on his face. I said hello as I passed but he didn't respond...something was bothering him. I kept walking and then stopped and chided myself for being in too much of a rush. I turned around and asked him if he needed some help. Turned out he had NO idea where he had parked his truck. He told what color and model and looked around...nothing. I asked him if he had tried his key fob, he wasn't sure what I was talking about and got it out and handed it to me. Hit the lock and listened for a horn like my F150 does. Nothing. Finally I hit the panic button and we heard his truck...it was on the complete other side of the parking lot. He thanked me and I went on about my business.

I felt bad however because I almost didn't stop. I was so focused on what I had to pick up that I almost just kept walking without seeing if I could help. Years ago I wouldn't have hesitated. It seems that as we age it is easy to focus more on ourselves and ignore others which is why you'll see footage of these muggings in big cities and people just walk by the wounded victim who is laying on the sidewalk.

Moral to the story: Don't let your humanity die just because so many others have allowed theirs to.
Actually, I think it's a bit different ... as we age, we do what we need to ... I being retired, don't leave home as early as I would other wise have, some day I have a ton of stops to make, others just a few ...

I think the problem is the generations behind us are all about themselves and generally could care less about others ...

Thats not everyone behind us, but I would guess a majority ...

There comes a time in life that you decide your going to do whats Right, or not ...
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 10 views
K
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in TV Shows
'Rockford Files' Reboot Gets NBC Pilot Order

I grow tired of all the reboots. Most I don't bother with but will depend on the actor chosen.
22 Replies · 845 views
long_time_Dish

I wonder how they're/if they're going to do something like the answering machine message opening? It was always funny...
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Howard Simmons
I wonder how they're/if they're going to do something like the answering machine message opening? It was always funny...
I hope they can find enough Pontiac Firebirds to keep the show going.🤔
dishstaller
I wonder how they're/if they're going to do something like the answering machine message opening? It was always funny...
I had forgotten all about that part of the show. Used to really like it.
TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV
0 Replies · 16 views
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....
68763 Replies · 2686017 views
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harshness
Message in a Bottle - The Police
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dishstaller
Knights In White Satin - The Moody Blues
Bobby
The Topical Song - The Barron Knights
dishstaller
The Logical Song - Supertramp
sdfntx
From a Logical Point of View - Robert Mitchum
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Bruce
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum
Comcast is the first to report, with a massive 274,000 loss in video subscribers.

In the 3Q of 2016, Comcast had 21.42 million video subscribers and was the #1 provider, now at 10.39 million and is the #3 Provider, YTTV is #2 ( who also surpassed DirecTV-8 Million and Dish-under 5 Million), Charter/Spectrum is #1.

19 Replies · 753 views
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dishstaller
Got to admit I never thought I'd see the day that cable lost internet subs.
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Ronnie-
Got to admit I never thought I'd see the day that cable lost internet subs.
I think the cable companies didnt either, back when they had no real competition in their footprint.

But today, for many, maybe even most, cable isnt the only choice, or even the best.
NYDutch
I think the cable companies didnt either, back when they had no real competition in their footprint.

But today, for many, maybe even most, cable isnt the only choice, or even the best.
In my new apartment, my only choice is Spectrum due to the cost, just $30/mo for 100 Mbps service. And just the other day, I received a notice that I can have Amazon Prime at no cost through Spectrum. I already had Prime, but when I activated the Spectrum deal, I received a $75 refund on my annual subscription. I don't know how widespread the offer is being made, but it sure looks like they're trying to hang on to Internet subscribers.
ncted
All my parents had to do to get a discount on Spectrum Internet is say the words "Verizon Home Internet," and they cut the price by $30/month.
NYDutch
All my parents had to do to get a discount on Spectrum Internet is say the words "Verizon Home Internet," and they cut the price by $30/month.
I don't think they'll go below the current $30 price since it's part of a deal they have with the non- profit that owns the apartment building.
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ncted
I don't think they'll go below the current $30 price since it's part of a deal they have with the non- profit that owns the apartment building.
Yeah, I was just saying Spectrum suddenly wants to keep what customers they can.
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Tom Speer
Optimum, which bought up our previous cable company, Suddenlink (originally COX), replac ed all of their coax disdripution with Fiber several years ago. They ran new fiber links to the house, but installed RFOG (RF over glass) devices on the outside of the house, which makes the house coax system look like a cable system. They used DOCSIS modems and of course we had the same assymetric bandwidth of cable internet. When I called them a couple years ago, and said I had installed a connection to the local Fiber provideer, MetroNet, They panicked and offered me the 300 MBit "Fiber powered" cable service for $20 per month. They were bleeding customers. I cancelled my Metronet and went with the $20 deal for a year, even though I didn't like the old cable technology.

Then T-moble Fiber struck a deal with Metronet Fiber where T-mobile would take over the marketing, billing and customer relations for residential Customers. They offered a "Founders Deal" for 2 Gigabit service, symmetric speeds, for $70 per month for new customers. That included all taxes and fees and was guaranteed for 10 years. I couldn't resist. That deal is no longer offered, but I am set for 9 more years.

Now the successaor to the old local telephone company, Brightspeed has also installed a modern Fiber system in the neighborhood, but won't be getting my business. But their Fiber technology is also superior to Optimums cable based system.

With Fiber competition, the cable companies are eventually doomed.