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Tech Chat Recap 2-9-04
Hosts are Mark Jackson, Sr VP E* Technology Corp and Dave Kummer, VP Engineering.
AGENDA
Technical questions only, please.
Highlights from CES
Consumer Electronics Show, largest trade show in the US, held in Las Vegas. They give a brief view of the Dish display and the 111, 311, 510, 322, 522, 811 and 921 receivers. HDTV was a major theme of the show and the 2-story tall Cable Pig was a big hit.
HDTV
16x9 vs 4x3 lets you see the whole movie and more sports action
2 million pixels vs 350000 gives about 6 times as much detail
Dolby Digital 2.0 or 5.1 sound vs analog
Guest: Oren Williams from Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Digital (DD) brings the sound design from the studio or live event to your home.
Dish offers HBO E&W, Showtime E&W, STARZ! E&W, 10 PPVs, and HDTV channels.
With DD2.0 you will also want to use Dolby Pro-Logic (DPL).
DD is very flexible, allows 2.0 up to 5.1 channels.
Dynamic range can be compressed by user choice (Midnight Mode) to limit loud sounds.
Real-life sound is in 3 dimensions, from infinite number of sound sources. The current trend is to more channels including 7.1. DPL IIx gives 7.1 from 2.0, 5.1 and 5.1EX sources. The extra speakers are placed directly behind the listener.
Simulated surround is OK for minimal spaces or for "trimmed-down" surround in an extra room.
THX puts its brand on equipment that meets its standards.
DD Q&A
Q: Broadcasts sometimes have squeaks and pops between programs and commercials.
A: Broadcasters have to learn how to do digital cuts. There is nothing wrong with your audio or Dish receiver.
Q: Odd sound from some programs that don't have DPL encoding.
A: DPL II does a better job. Can just turn off surround for problem programs.
Q: Wireless speakers?
A: The technology is growing, coming along. Audition some for yourself.
Mark: has 7.1 system, will Dish support it?
A: There is no original 7.1 content, it is simulated by the decoders so should work today.
Jeffrey: Will 5.1 decoder work with the new formats or is it on the way out?
A: Not on the way out. There are many sources including DVD, satellite, HDTV, game consoles, PCs.
Mike: How important is the rear-center channel and how do I choose one?
A: Speakers should all match. DD-EX was introduced in Star Wars Episode I.
Pat: Normally uses DPL all the time. Any problems with programs that are not surround encoded?
A: DPL and DPL II both designed to make more than 2 channels from 2.
Betty: Better to mount speakers on stands or brackets?
A: Either way can be used, whichever you prefer for your home.
Q: Any benefit to the much more expensive optical cable?
A: Start with what you can afford. "The main thing is get that Dish Network receiver hooked up, get the optical output hooked up to your DD decoder so that you can start enjoying what Dish Network is bringing to broadcast and to TV entertainment." Sound quality is excellent either way.
Optical output is on the 501/8/10, 721, 921, 811, 6000, 4900. (Also 522, D-VHS, 7100/7200, and with adapter on the 4000 and 5000.) Audio receivers have a mix of optical and coaxial digital inputs but tend to have more optical.
Dish DVRs record and play back DD.
Giveaway
Prize: Home Theater in a Box: Samsung integrated receiver/DVD player, Klipsch speakers.
Question: What bit-rate does Dish transmit DD?
HD Receivers
811 and 921 both:
811 Bundle: $999. 921 Bundle: $1599.
Features and updates
They are continuously adding new features, support for new satellites, and sending bug fixes. Updates are not announced and could come at any time. Updates are:
New game service PlayJam.
Giveaway
Prize: 811 Bundle
Question: What was the full name of the first Dish receiver with integrated DD output?
HTIB winner: Richard in MI. A: 384Kbps.
Q&A
Dana: 811 std def dark pictures and aspect modes? 2-day EPG?
A: Dark picture software fix coming in March. End of February for the 2-day cached EPG. Aspect fix probably in March, working on an interface for SD and HD outputs.
Larry: EPG Search on 811?
A: End of March
Ronnie: Can't create timers from PIP guide on 811 (not sure I understood the Q. -ed.)
A: VCR timer out will be fixed end of February.
George: Can't get to ch 100 (Dish Home)
A: Must have older receiver that doesn't support OpenTV.
Alan: Has 921, schedule for bug fixes like OTA recording and aspect modes?
A (Rene Darby, software program mgr): End of next week to fix a lot of instability and stretch issues.
Brent: Wants a 322 so he can record a channel while watching another.
A: It's not a DVR but can connect a VCR. Available for lease only.
Brent: Dish 500 upgrade?
A: $99.95 - or - Free with AT60 commitment and Credit Card Auto-Pay
Russell: Difference between DLP, LCD and Plasma? Which is best?
A: DLP = Digital Light Processor, created by Texas Instruments, light is deflected by tiny mirrors on silicon. Great contrast, no burn-in, great resolution, bright.
Plasma is expensive, has great picture, starts to buzz at high altitude, has fan to dissipate heat.
LCD is similar to flat panel PC monitors. Slow refresh, action pictures can smear. Bulb is replaceable unlike plasma screen which gradually fades.
Reginald: What is DD-ES?
A: Confusing with DD-EX which refers to the back center or could be referring to another technology. Jan Johnson from the gallery guesses he could be thinking of the Sony high-end "ES" line. No mention of DTS-ES.
Paul: Can the 510 be programmed to not record? Mine is connected through a PC.
A (Dan Minnick, VP s/w engineering): Not possible, it is always recording. People buy DVRs to be used as DVRs. Use something like a 301 or 311.
Paul: Name-based recording?
A: Will start rolling out in mid-year to all DVR products.
Paul: Why can't a weekly show be protected after you record it?
A: Will add at same time as name-based recording.
Yees: Add external storage to 501/508 using expansion port?
A: Have never supported adding hard drives, no way to ensure quality of the drive.
Michael: Interactive on 522?
A: Within a few weeks. All OpenTV apps have to be tested on every receiver.
Jim: Has DPL and 3-stereo. Is it worth investing in DD?
A: It's available at all price points but what you have now is a great way to listen to 2-channel content.
Giveaway Winners
811 Bundle goes to Jeffrey Novak.
A: JVC D-VHS HM-DSR100
Q&A
Larry: DPP44 switch?
A: The DishPro Plus 4 to 4 switch is in very limited production, they just got 100. Full production should be up by April/May.
Next Charlie Chat is Mon March 8, 9:00pm Eastern
Hosts are Mark Jackson, Sr VP E* Technology Corp and Dave Kummer, VP Engineering.
AGENDA
- Highlights from CES
- HD: What is it and how you can get it
- Features and updates
- Guest from Dolby Laboratories
- Giveaway
- Q&A
Technical questions only, please.
Highlights from CES
Consumer Electronics Show, largest trade show in the US, held in Las Vegas. They give a brief view of the Dish display and the 111, 311, 510, 322, 522, 811 and 921 receivers. HDTV was a major theme of the show and the 2-story tall Cable Pig was a big hit.
HDTV
16x9 vs 4x3 lets you see the whole movie and more sports action
2 million pixels vs 350000 gives about 6 times as much detail
Dolby Digital 2.0 or 5.1 sound vs analog
Guest: Oren Williams from Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Digital (DD) brings the sound design from the studio or live event to your home.
Dish offers HBO E&W, Showtime E&W, STARZ! E&W, 10 PPVs, and HDTV channels.
With DD2.0 you will also want to use Dolby Pro-Logic (DPL).
DD is very flexible, allows 2.0 up to 5.1 channels.
Dynamic range can be compressed by user choice (Midnight Mode) to limit loud sounds.
Real-life sound is in 3 dimensions, from infinite number of sound sources. The current trend is to more channels including 7.1. DPL IIx gives 7.1 from 2.0, 5.1 and 5.1EX sources. The extra speakers are placed directly behind the listener.
Simulated surround is OK for minimal spaces or for "trimmed-down" surround in an extra room.
THX puts its brand on equipment that meets its standards.
DD Q&A
Q: Broadcasts sometimes have squeaks and pops between programs and commercials.
A: Broadcasters have to learn how to do digital cuts. There is nothing wrong with your audio or Dish receiver.
Q: Odd sound from some programs that don't have DPL encoding.
A: DPL II does a better job. Can just turn off surround for problem programs.
Q: Wireless speakers?
A: The technology is growing, coming along. Audition some for yourself.
Mark: has 7.1 system, will Dish support it?
A: There is no original 7.1 content, it is simulated by the decoders so should work today.
Jeffrey: Will 5.1 decoder work with the new formats or is it on the way out?
A: Not on the way out. There are many sources including DVD, satellite, HDTV, game consoles, PCs.
Mike: How important is the rear-center channel and how do I choose one?
A: Speakers should all match. DD-EX was introduced in Star Wars Episode I.
Pat: Normally uses DPL all the time. Any problems with programs that are not surround encoded?
A: DPL and DPL II both designed to make more than 2 channels from 2.
Betty: Better to mount speakers on stands or brackets?
A: Either way can be used, whichever you prefer for your home.
Q: Any benefit to the much more expensive optical cable?
A: Start with what you can afford. "The main thing is get that Dish Network receiver hooked up, get the optical output hooked up to your DD decoder so that you can start enjoying what Dish Network is bringing to broadcast and to TV entertainment." Sound quality is excellent either way.
Optical output is on the 501/8/10, 721, 921, 811, 6000, 4900. (Also 522, D-VHS, 7100/7200, and with adapter on the 4000 and 5000.) Audio receivers have a mix of optical and coaxial digital inputs but tend to have more optical.
Dish DVRs record and play back DD.
Giveaway
Prize: Home Theater in a Box: Samsung integrated receiver/DVD player, Klipsch speakers.
Question: What bit-rate does Dish transmit DD?
HD Receivers
811 and 921 both:
- receive SD and HD
- receive off-air analog and digital
- have analog and digital HDTV outputs
- have std definition inputs and outputs
- 250GB hard drive for recording up to 25 hours HD or 180 hours SD
- records OTA digital
- 2 tuners
- PIP for SD
811 Bundle: $999. 921 Bundle: $1599.
Features and updates
They are continuously adding new features, support for new satellites, and sending bug fixes. Updates are not announced and could come at any time. Updates are:
- Free
- Delivered via satellite, not phone
- Receiver must be off but still connected
- With receiver off, timers will still engage, hard drive life will be preserved.
New game service PlayJam.
Giveaway
Prize: 811 Bundle
Question: What was the full name of the first Dish receiver with integrated DD output?
HTIB winner: Richard in MI. A: 384Kbps.
Q&A
Dana: 811 std def dark pictures and aspect modes? 2-day EPG?
A: Dark picture software fix coming in March. End of February for the 2-day cached EPG. Aspect fix probably in March, working on an interface for SD and HD outputs.
Larry: EPG Search on 811?
A: End of March
Ronnie: Can't create timers from PIP guide on 811 (not sure I understood the Q. -ed.)
A: VCR timer out will be fixed end of February.
George: Can't get to ch 100 (Dish Home)
A: Must have older receiver that doesn't support OpenTV.
Alan: Has 921, schedule for bug fixes like OTA recording and aspect modes?
A (Rene Darby, software program mgr): End of next week to fix a lot of instability and stretch issues.
Brent: Wants a 322 so he can record a channel while watching another.
A: It's not a DVR but can connect a VCR. Available for lease only.
Brent: Dish 500 upgrade?
A: $99.95 - or - Free with AT60 commitment and Credit Card Auto-Pay
Russell: Difference between DLP, LCD and Plasma? Which is best?
A: DLP = Digital Light Processor, created by Texas Instruments, light is deflected by tiny mirrors on silicon. Great contrast, no burn-in, great resolution, bright.
Plasma is expensive, has great picture, starts to buzz at high altitude, has fan to dissipate heat.
LCD is similar to flat panel PC monitors. Slow refresh, action pictures can smear. Bulb is replaceable unlike plasma screen which gradually fades.
Reginald: What is DD-ES?
A: Confusing with DD-EX which refers to the back center or could be referring to another technology. Jan Johnson from the gallery guesses he could be thinking of the Sony high-end "ES" line. No mention of DTS-ES.
Paul: Can the 510 be programmed to not record? Mine is connected through a PC.
A (Dan Minnick, VP s/w engineering): Not possible, it is always recording. People buy DVRs to be used as DVRs. Use something like a 301 or 311.
Paul: Name-based recording?
A: Will start rolling out in mid-year to all DVR products.
Paul: Why can't a weekly show be protected after you record it?
A: Will add at same time as name-based recording.
Yees: Add external storage to 501/508 using expansion port?
A: Have never supported adding hard drives, no way to ensure quality of the drive.
Michael: Interactive on 522?
A: Within a few weeks. All OpenTV apps have to be tested on every receiver.
Jim: Has DPL and 3-stereo. Is it worth investing in DD?
A: It's available at all price points but what you have now is a great way to listen to 2-channel content.
Giveaway Winners
811 Bundle goes to Jeffrey Novak.
A: JVC D-VHS HM-DSR100
Q&A
Larry: DPP44 switch?
A: The DishPro Plus 4 to 4 switch is in very limited production, they just got 100. Full production should be up by April/May.
Next Charlie Chat is Mon March 8, 9:00pm Eastern
11 Replies
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4466 views
They have actually had name based recording working on Engeneering boxes for a long lone time. I was told that name based recording was almost easier to setup then time based recording. 
Although last nights announcement even surprised me.
Although last nights announcement even surprised me.
R
It should be 10x easier than timer based recording. I assume this means that the OTA channels will finally have info like DirecTV APG has had for 2+ years?
Scott Greczkowski said:They have actually had name based recording working on Engeneering boxes for a long lone time. I was told that name based recording was almost easier to setup then time based recording.
Although last nights announcement even surprised me.
It should be 10x easier than timer based recording. I assume this means that the OTA channels will finally have info like DirecTV APG has had for 2+ years?
Staff member
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot 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
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
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
2160 Replies
·
937226 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
I'm surprised Walmart hasn't banned this guy from all of their stores. He has been on their CASE the past few months.
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f3zr37ekgKM?feature=share
35 Replies
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391 views
Unless the specific product or its packaging is known at the time of weighing, estimating the tare weight for a PoS system is a tall order.
I'm pretty sure that produce bags can't get any thinner.
You certainly don't want to put unbagged produce on a belt, scale, or in a clerk's hands (gloved or not).
I would think that all the packaging would already be accounted for ... they weigh the container, subtract that from the scale, then add the product , so its weighing the Product onlyUnless the specific product or its packaging is known at the time of weighing, estimating the tare weight for a PoS system is a tall order.
I'm pretty sure that produce bags can't get any thinner.
You certainly don't want to put unbagged produce on a belt, scale, or in a clerk's hands (gloved or not).
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8XjBdqOb-0
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Day at The Apple Store Los Angeles!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8XjBdqOb-0
Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo Day at The Apple Store Los Angeles!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
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4 views
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!
32 Replies
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890 views
I remember this in the news too...
www.nbcnews.com
$14,000 spent on rented rotary phone
A widow rented a rotary dial telephone for 42 years, paying what her family calculates as more than $14,000 for a now- outdated phone.
www.nbcnews.com
That is a misnomer. In the old days you subscribed to telephone service. That included the telephone line and one telephone. An extension cost $1 a month extra. So that $14,000 over 42 years was for the service not the leased telephone. There is no way they paid $28 a month for 42 years for a leased telephone.I remember this in the news too...
$14,000 spent on rented rotary phone
A widow rented a rotary dial telephone for 42 years, paying what her family calculates as more than $14,000 for a now- outdated phone.
Lifetime Supporter
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.
145 Replies
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3727 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yn1fIBkbJDQ
Direct YouTube Link - Glenn's Pick of the Week: The Vevor Automatic Tape Dispenser
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yn1fIBkbJDQ
Direct YouTube Link - Glenn's Pick of the Week: The Vevor Automatic Tape Dispenser
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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8 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
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....
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....
68585 Replies
·
2676510 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
This thread is a place to discuss the 4K events that appear on channel 540. We are getting, at this point, one college football game a week. Let's hope there is more coming.
1932 Replies
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299526 views
Hmmm, I'm not seeing anything like those events in our Hopper 3 guide for tonight or Saturday.
I went into the Tools menu and requested a Guide Update. I'll try looking at it after the update completes.
edit — I now have the 148-01 4KFox events for Saturday, but not anything for 148-02 or 148-03 which don't even show as available channels. I do have 148-04 4KUSA.
As I recall you have the Flex package. Do you sub to multisport? -02 is FS1 and -03 is ESPN. -01 is Fox so you would get that if you sub to locals.Hmmm, I'm not seeing anything like those events in our Hopper 3 guide for tonight or Saturday.
I went into the Tools menu and requested a Guide Update. I'll try looking at it after the update completes.
edit — I now have the 148-01 4KFox events for Saturday, but not anything for 148-02 or 148-03 which don't even show as available channels. I do have 148-04 4KUSA.
Even though it didn't work out for the Hoosiers, this event recorded and I was able to watch it in full 4K HDR.
Timer is set to Record the Series. Thanks, Bobby!
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.
4 Replies
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83 views
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.