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http://www.tvpredictions.com/askswanni122106.htm
Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2006) -- I get scores of e-mails every week from readers asking everything from whether they should buy a new HDTV to when will their TV provider add new high-def channels.
So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, "Ask Swanni!"
Q. Should I get a DIRECTV HD DVR? I've heard some bad things about it. -- Mark S.
Should you get one? No. Let me repeat that: No!
The satcaster's new high-def recorder (HR 20) has more bugs than a hot summer night in Mississippi. I first got one about six weeks ago and I've had to reboot the thing about 25 times; make six different phone calls to DIRECTV customer service; and get four software upgrades -- all in a vain attempt to fix various recording gaffes and picture issues. (And it's not just me; many of our HD Observers have complained about the same problems.)
The biggest problem that I have is that when you record a program, it will frequently not playback at all. Instead, when you hit "Play," you get a message asking if you want to delete the show. Since you can't watch the recording, there's only one answer to that question.
Finally, yesterday, after my sixth call to DIRECTV customer service, they sent me a replacement HD DVR, which I installed immediately. This morning, I checked to see how my test recording of Criminal Minds looked.
And how did it look? Like a blank screen. Once again, it wouldn't playback. But I did get that nice message asking me if I wanted to delete the show.
In other words, DIRECTV sent me a replacement that had the same problem as the first unit.
What does this tell me?
DIRECTV's HD DVR is not ready for primetime. The satcaster launched the device too early, probably due to pressure from customers and Wall Street. (Rival satcaster EchoStar and many cable operators have offered HD DVRs for years; DIRECTV has used a TiVo HD DVR in the past, but the two companies have ended their marketing agreement.)
Consequently, there is an untold number of DIRECTV HD DVR "lemons" out there. If you're lucky, you'll get a recorder that works. But if you're not, you'll get one that sucks like a lemon.
Until you hear otherwise from me, I can't recommend that you get a DIRECTV HD DVR. In addition, I am removing CNET's favorable review of the HR 20 from our HD Product Review page.
Q. Will Time Warner show the NFL Network preview in HD? -- Mary S.
For those who don't know, Time Warner has agreed to air the NFL Network's free preview next week, which includes the December 28 Texas Bowl between Rutgers and Kansas State. (Time Warner has not added the full-time channel due to a disagreement with the NFL Network over compensation.)
I checked this week with Time Warner. And, as of now, no decision has made on whether it will carry the Texas Bowl in HD. I hope to have more information by week's end.
Also, Cablevision now says it will not carry the free preview next week.
Q. Any plans for CNN to go high-def? -- Baruch E.
I thought that the news network would switch to HD by now. But like many other basic cable networks, they are waiting for cable and satellite operators to expand their bandwidth capability so they can add more high-def channels. What's the point of launching a HDTV channel if no one carries it?
Q. Hey, I looked at channel 95 on DIRECTV's (on-screen) guide for Thursday (today) and there was no listing for the NFL Network's broadcast of the Packers and Vikings. What gives? -- Ford K.
DIRECTV last week did not add the Thursday night HD game listing to its on-screen guide until a few hours before game time. So don't worry. It will be there.
Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2006) -- I get scores of e-mails every week from readers asking everything from whether they should buy a new HDTV to when will their TV provider add new high-def channels.
So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, "Ask Swanni!"
Q. Should I get a DIRECTV HD DVR? I've heard some bad things about it. -- Mark S.
Should you get one? No. Let me repeat that: No!
The satcaster's new high-def recorder (HR 20) has more bugs than a hot summer night in Mississippi. I first got one about six weeks ago and I've had to reboot the thing about 25 times; make six different phone calls to DIRECTV customer service; and get four software upgrades -- all in a vain attempt to fix various recording gaffes and picture issues. (And it's not just me; many of our HD Observers have complained about the same problems.)
The biggest problem that I have is that when you record a program, it will frequently not playback at all. Instead, when you hit "Play," you get a message asking if you want to delete the show. Since you can't watch the recording, there's only one answer to that question.
Finally, yesterday, after my sixth call to DIRECTV customer service, they sent me a replacement HD DVR, which I installed immediately. This morning, I checked to see how my test recording of Criminal Minds looked.
And how did it look? Like a blank screen. Once again, it wouldn't playback. But I did get that nice message asking me if I wanted to delete the show.
In other words, DIRECTV sent me a replacement that had the same problem as the first unit.
What does this tell me?
DIRECTV's HD DVR is not ready for primetime. The satcaster launched the device too early, probably due to pressure from customers and Wall Street. (Rival satcaster EchoStar and many cable operators have offered HD DVRs for years; DIRECTV has used a TiVo HD DVR in the past, but the two companies have ended their marketing agreement.)
Consequently, there is an untold number of DIRECTV HD DVR "lemons" out there. If you're lucky, you'll get a recorder that works. But if you're not, you'll get one that sucks like a lemon.
Until you hear otherwise from me, I can't recommend that you get a DIRECTV HD DVR. In addition, I am removing CNET's favorable review of the HR 20 from our HD Product Review page.
Q. Will Time Warner show the NFL Network preview in HD? -- Mary S.
For those who don't know, Time Warner has agreed to air the NFL Network's free preview next week, which includes the December 28 Texas Bowl between Rutgers and Kansas State. (Time Warner has not added the full-time channel due to a disagreement with the NFL Network over compensation.)
I checked this week with Time Warner. And, as of now, no decision has made on whether it will carry the Texas Bowl in HD. I hope to have more information by week's end.
Also, Cablevision now says it will not carry the free preview next week.
Q. Any plans for CNN to go high-def? -- Baruch E.
I thought that the news network would switch to HD by now. But like many other basic cable networks, they are waiting for cable and satellite operators to expand their bandwidth capability so they can add more high-def channels. What's the point of launching a HDTV channel if no one carries it?
Q. Hey, I looked at channel 95 on DIRECTV's (on-screen) guide for Thursday (today) and there was no listing for the NFL Network's broadcast of the Packers and Vikings. What gives? -- Ford K.
DIRECTV last week did not add the Thursday night HD game listing to its on-screen guide until a few hours before game time. So don't worry. It will be there.
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7987 views
You can block it on the Hr10-250 Tivo, nothing gets downloaded that I do not want. There are also no statistics uploaded without a phone line. My unit is hacked and hasnt seen a phone line in over a year. The discussion was about the HR20-700 which is not a Tivo.
You can block it on the Hr10-250 Tivo, nothing gets downloaded that I do not want. There are also no statistics uploaded without a phone line. My unit is hacked and hasnt seen a phone line in over a year. The discussion was about the HR20-700 which is not a Tivo.
Sooooo, who's gotten programming they did not schedule ? Who's had programming dumped onto their disk which they did not request?
I've yet to see anybody actually discover any bonus programming on their HR20. But then again, vurb, you don't have an HR20, do you? So where's your basis of information?
Even *if* D* was pushing programming onto a reserved portion of my disk, what exactly obligates anyone to watch it?
Who really gives a rat's ass, as long as the disk has sufficient space for a reasonable amount of scheduled HD content?
Why not quit the drama-queen complaints?
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....
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2672800 views
The new curated multiview is now live.
While on many of the sports channels and non sports channels there is a multi view option button. It will pull up a side bar with many different multi view options.
While on many of the sports channels and non sports channels there is a multi view option button. It will pull up a side bar with many different multi view options.
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335 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!
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52 views
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 
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11011 views
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.
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.
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
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
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
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460658 views
Here in Indiana, the difference between Regular and Premium is usually a dollar, but some charge even more:
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 !
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 !
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331189 views
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 
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.
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.
Pub Member / Supporter
America’s Fastest-Growing EV State Isn’t California—Not by a Long Shot
New data shows electric vehicle adoption is increasingly driven by state policies, electricity prices and charging access—not federal incentives
www.autoweek.com
The number-one US state for EV growth, according to the June 22 Yardi report?
Oklahoma.
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.
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905 views
tomwellborn3rd (@wellborn.net)
This author has chosen to make their posts visible only to people who are signed in.
bsky.app
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.
US EV sales are rising again. Here’s why the recovery is set to last.
Even though sales tanked last year after the end of federal incentives, the American EV sector is on the mend as drivers face sky-high gasoline prices.
www.canarymedia.com
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO_nW-BTlv4
Direct YouTube Link - Microsoft Defender Arriving on Linux
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO_nW-BTlv4
Direct YouTube Link - Microsoft Defender Arriving on Linux
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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32 views
Ham Radio 2.0
Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDeuQ1SLkQU
Direct YouTube Link - LIVE!
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDeuQ1SLkQU
Direct YouTube Link - LIVE!
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
0 Replies
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25 views