Social Feed

comfortably_numb
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info
60 Replies · 6259 views
jayn_j
From what I've read, UHD channels may consume an entire channel frequency.
1080i was supposed to consume the entire channel in ATSC 1.0. It didn't stop broadcasters from softening the picture in order to squeeze in a subchannel or 2. I recall in the early days when HD broadcast was just as sharp as a BluRay. Not so much these days.
harshness
1080i was supposed to consume the entire channel in ATSC 1.0. It didn't stop broadcasters from softening the picture in order to squeeze in a subchannel or 2. I recall in the early days when HD broadcast was just as sharp as a BluRay. Not so much these days.
But is there any point at all to a UHD image that is diminished in such a way? Given that 4K is beyond most of our viewing situations to begin with, I have my doubts that they'll even bother going beyond 1080p (that in an of itself doesn't seem to occupy as many PPV channels as many imagined).
  • Like
Reactions: jayn_j
jayn_j
But is there any point at all to a UHD image that is diminished in such a way? Given that 4K is beyond most of our viewing situations to begin with, I have my doubts that they'll even bother going beyond 1080p (that in an of itself doesn't seem to occupy as many PPV channels as many imagined).
Agree. Most people can't see the 4k advantage, and the reduced bandwidth with subchannels, they are willing to accept 'HD' -- broadcasts.
When I was down in Rockford Ill a few years ago, I had COMCAST install a HD DVR. I laid out an HDMI cable, already plugged into the receiver. The installer used the antenna channel 3 connection instead. When I called the office to ask, I was told it was standard policy. I spent the rest of my time down there hooking up HD connections to those HD cable boxes for friends.

I think when and if ATSC 3.0 rolls out (still not convinced it will happen), the stations will choose to add subchannels instead. With the repack, there is going to be a lot of pressure to do channel sharing. It may reach the point where the signal quality may not improve. I think that the main channel will most likely be a reduced bandwidth 4k, so they can claim '4K', but the rest will be what they already provide, just more per frequency.
  • Like
Reactions: comfortably_numb
harshness
I think when and if ATSC 3.0 rolls out (still not convinced it will happen), the stations will choose to add subchannels instead.
I'd like some clarification on what you mean by "instead". The Order says that the stations have to simulcast on ATSC 3.0 so they can't just shift their subchannels to Next-Gen and drive everyone there with the content that they whacked from DTV (at least as I understand the Order).
navychop
I'd like some clarification on what you mean by "instead". The Order says that the stations have to simulcast on ATSC 3.0 so they can't just shift their subchannels to Next-Gen and drive everyone there with the content that they whacked from DTV (at least as I understand the Order).

That simulcast applies only to the primary channel, no?

ATSC 1 tower can have 2, or Lord save us, 3 "HD" channels for say, channels 5, 9 and 26.

The ATSC 3 tower can have those 3 channels in "better" HD, plus all of their sub channels. And throw in the "Basics of Basket Weaving" channel.

Then, after ATSC 1 goes away and all broadcasters have their own ATSC 3 tower, maybe the odd UHD broadcast.

I have doubts about what the incentives are to make this move to ATSC 3, but I suspect it's gonna happen in a few years. Heck, maybe my next TV will have an ATSC 3 tuner. And maybe there'll be something to watch in five years, and some incentive to actually do so.

I hope to be retired then, so my next TV may well be my last.
  • Like
Reactions: comfortably_numb
harshness
That simulcast applies only to the primary channel, no?
I don't think this is true. My reading suggests that they have to carry the whole payload (the simulcaster can't pick and choose what they want to simulcast) and carry everything under the terms of the original broadcaster's franchise agreements. Like most FCC documentation, they use industry special terminology so I can't be certain.
I hope to be retired then, so my next TV may well be my last.
You're on dope if you have any hope of that. Remember the life expectancy of modern CE equipment continues to shorten.

We'll see at CES if more TV manufacturers are moving towards an upgrade path business model.
Trip
I don't think this is true. My reading suggests that they have to carry the whole payload (the simulcaster can't pick and choose what they want to simulcast) and carry everything under the terms of the original broadcaster's franchise agreements.

No idea where you picked that up from. Paragraph 13 of the R&O is pretty clear, I think.

"We apply our local simulcasting requirement only to the primary video programming stream aired by Next Gen TV broadcasters on their ATSC 3.0 channels. Next Gen TV stations may be able to transmit multiple streams of programming in ATSC 3.0, as many do today in ATSC 1.0. Although we encourage those Next Gen TV broadcasters that elect to air multiple streams of ATSC 3.0 programming to also simulcast more than a single programming stream, we will require them to simulcast only their primary stream in ATSC 1.0 format. Commenters generally agree that any local simulcasting requirement should apply to a Next Gen TV station's primary stream. Because broadcasters have a strong incentive to provide continuity of service to existing viewers, we believe they will elect to simulcast the programming stream that viewers expect to be able to receive, such as a stream containing network programming or the stream that has the largest number of viewers for non-network stations. We will monitor the deployment of ATSC 3.0 and the effectiveness of our local simulcasting requirement in protecting viewers and will reconsider our approach if necessary."

I'm not sure what "industry special terminology" you were having trouble with.

- Trip
  • Like
Reactions: comfortably_numb
navychop
My belief is, if we don't see ATSC 3 tuners in many 2019 TVs (remember how we used to distinguish between TVs by saying "HDTV?"), then I'd say ATSC 3 adoption is going to have a very long row to hoe, indeed.
harshness
No idea where you picked that up from. Paragraph 13 of the R&O is pretty clear, I think.
Spoken like someone who is on the inside. I was reading paragraphs 17-19 where they seemed to be arguing with someone about what was and wasn't necessary. In re-reading it, I see that they disagreed with or dismissed some of these arguments. Admittedly, I didn't read the whole document nor most of its 70+ footnotes that they used to rationalize something. It seems like it there should be an explicit order and a separate document for those who want to understand the motivations and live for reading footnotes.

Whacking subchannels before a new standard is officially adopted seems a little like the Wild West. Given that some of the "secondary" channels are developing a bigger following than the "primary" channels (I'm thinking CW), it seems like this could do some serious damage if there isn't some sort of designated hierarchy for the networks to make business decisions on.
harshness
My belief is, if we don't see ATSC 3 tuners in many 2019 TVs (remember how we used to distinguish between TVs by saying "HDTV?"), then I'd say ATSC 3 adoption is going to have a very long row to hoe, indeed.
As I said previously, the proponents have attached the term "Next-Gen" to their ATSC 3.0 standard. It worked for Star Trek, it can work for this.

I don't understand how the congressional directive to identify a new and more efficient broadcast standard doesn't get better support from the FCC.
Trip
Spoken like someone who is on the inside.

Yes, nobody would read the section labeled "Local Simulcasting Requirement" when looking for specifics on the simulcasting requirements unless they were on the inside. :rolleyes

- Trip
  • Like
Reactions: comfortably_numb
harshness
Yes, nobody would read the section labeled "Local Simulcasting Requirement" when looking for specifics on the simulcasting requirements unless they were on the inside.
The more I read, the more the Order seems like it might be contradicting itself.
harshness
PREFACE: As I type this CES hasn't opened yet so much of the information is incomplete.

I made the rounds of the tech sites reporting on CES and thus far, none of them has made any mention of ATSC 3.0 or Next-Gen TV. Most advanced technology sets appear to support HLG, but that's only a small part of the equation.
comfortably_numb
Pearl TV, Sony Collaborate on 3.0 Program Navigation

Pearl TV, Sony Collaborate on 3.0 Program Navigation
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Some of the channels start next week.

3 Replies · 18 views
comfortably_numb
My favorite is probably Holiday Pops.
TRG
TRG
It's not even Halloween yet.
  • Haha
Reactions: Howard Simmons
Scott Greczkowski
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 · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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.

1 Replies · 18 views
  • Sad
Reactions: Jimbo
Jimbo
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.

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 · 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....
68644 Replies · 2679533 views
  • Like
Reactions: c-spand
gms49ers
Show Don't Tell - Rush
harshness
Show and Tell - Al Wilson
sdfntx
On with the Show - The Rolling Stones
gms49ers
The Show Must Go On - Pink Floyd
  • Love
Reactions: dishstaller
Bobby
If Love Must Go - Dobie Gray
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
4 Replies · 69 views
Bobby
Rest in peace.
sdfntx
Sorry to hear this. R.I.P.
FTA4PA
R.I.P.
dishstaller
My Mom was a huge McMillan & Wife fan.

RIP
TRG
TRG
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Local Radio Discussion
22 Replies · 694 views
dishdude
It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.
  • Like
Reactions: reubenray and Jimbo
dishstaller
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.
  • Like
Reactions: Mr Tony
Jimbo
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
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.
S
Haven't listened AM or FM in years
harshness
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.
  • Like
Reactions: dishstaller
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
2168 Replies · 943793 views
dtv757
For those dazn nba channels are they sat only or sat & streaming
K
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.
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: dtv757 and Mr Tony
D
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
D
Weekly Analysis for 10/28/2026:
K
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
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 23 views
JSheridan
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
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.
175 Replies · 5142 views
S
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
Jimbo
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.
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
Mister B
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.
S
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
charlesrshell
can't forget the little blue m&m's
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!
T
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
S
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!
My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh
Almighty1
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.
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
S
ment to 20 yrs dam phone
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
BradleyD
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.
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
S
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
  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell