Social Feed

murmur

Last reply Jan 31, 2007 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Newbie looking for PC vs Receiver advice

Hi Folks,

Having wanted to play with FTA for years, I've finally moved out of NYC to Ohio, where I can actually see a a chunk of the sky. I see that neighbors have Dish and DirecTV setups, so I'm assuming other birds are in the same general direction. My goals: Catch "wild feeds" (what's left of them); create a temporary, inexpensive setup; view and record on my PC. From what I've read so far, blind scans are a must when searching for non-published feeds. At the same time, blind scans aren't well supported via PCI tuners (exception being specific versions of the Skystar 2, which doesn't seem to be a beginner's card). So I'm thinking that I should start out with an inexpensive standalone receiver (i.e. Neusat SP-6000 seems to be cheap but fully featured - opinions on this receiver?) and see what I can get. As for a temporary, inexpensive dish, would I be shooting myself in the foot if I went for a tripod mounted dish w/o a motor? I'm on the ground floor of an apartment building, and would prefer not to dig/drill/mount anything. And as for the dish and LBA, is this something I can pick up used (i.e. old Dish/DirecTV equipment off craigslist)?

As you can see, I'm trying to initially invest as little as possible until I see what's out there and accessible from my location. I'd really like to put in no more than $200 at first, but if the equipment I'll get from being that cheap will make for a disappointing experience, that's important to know as well.

Thanks for any advice you can provide!

5 Replies · 1727 views

Load Replies (5) Reply Legacy View

Tron

Jan 30, 2007

You will need to use a set top box (receiver) for blind scan in addition to the PCI (or USB) card for your PC. If you want to go the cheap route, but still want the receiver to control the motor correctly, avoid the Viewsats and look into the cheaper Pansat units (such as the older 2500 and 2700) as well as the Fortec Lifetime Ultra (basically the same unit as the Pansat 2500). Both manufacturers have blind scan capability.

Anole

Jan 30, 2007

As for a temporary, inexpensive dish, would I be shooting myself in the foot if I went for a tripod mounted dish w/o a motor?
I'm on the ground floor of an apartment building, and would prefer not to dig/drill/mount anything.
And as for the dish and LBA, is this something I can pick up used (i.e. old Dish/DirecTV equipment off craigslist)?

If you find a suitable tripod (or something you make out of pipes) that should get you a feel for things.
I like a 5 gallon bucket, filled with 60 lbs of cement, and a 5' pole made of conduit.
In fact, I've spent the last few nights out in the back yard with a Fortec Star 36" dish and the above-mentioned bucket.

Go with what fits your situation.

You don't want any Direct nor Dish equipment for real FTA work.
I think you'd be wasting your time, money, and effort watching the 1..2..few channels you could get.
IceBerg has a very comprehensive thread discussing what you can get on the little dishes.

On the other hand, a 30-36" dish (and linear LNB) will get you most everything on these two lists.
FTAlist - now sorted by satellite name, satellite location, and viewing language
Global - sorted by satellite location.
The choice is yours.

See any of the advertizers on this site for deals on appropriate dishes and LNBs (and receivers, of course).

murmur

Jan 31, 2007

Anole said:
I like a 5 gallon bucket, filled with 60 lbs of cement, and a 5' pole made of conduit.

So I just go do home depot, grab some PVC, a bucket, some cement, and a level. Set the PVC straight, wait a few mins for the concrete to start to harden, and mount the dish on top. As for positioning the dish -- do you just grab a compass and twist the bucket left/right with one of those cheapie signal meters attached? Surely, I'm missing something.

You don't want any Direct nor Dish equipment for real FTA work.

Okay -- how about an old Primestar elliptical dish? I had a friend put one away for me a couple of years ago, for just such an occasion. As far as I know, it's just the dish -- IIRC, a lightning strike took out the LBA, and I don't know if she saved any of the mounting equipment. So assuming it does still have the arm attached, would I (theoretically) be able to buy a new LBA from one of the FTA vendors and mount it to this thing?

dem0nlord

Jan 31, 2007

Not PVC, but you can use rigid steel conduit, or chain link fence posts. Both can be gotten at home depot. I keep a couple of bucket mounts around, one 1 5/8" pole for DTV/DN dishes and those cheap FTA dishes take that size pole too. One 2 3/8" pole for CM dishes from Primestar/Starband. I know some CM dishes like Starchoice and Globecast take a 2" pole, but I don't have any of those. Probably going to fill up a trash can with concrete and a 3" pole here next for temporary work with things a little bigger. Anything with a motor, it's nice to get everything set up on the ground and tracking the arc well, then move it up to the roof and just have to set the azumith, otherwise, way too much time spent on the roof.

Oh, and for Primestar LNBs, check ebay, always some on there.

Anole

Jan 31, 2007

Find a level place to set up the bucket for the concrete job.
Mix up and pour.
Put a large bolt through the end of your METAL fence post so it won't twist and shove it into the cement.
You'll want the correct diameter (see above), and I though I used conduit, but whatever it was, it's pretty solid.
You might have 10..15 minutes working time before it begins to set up so don't diddle around.
Use your level and make sure the post is plumb 'till it begins to cure.

Next day, it's safe to use.
Set in place and drop the dish's mount on top.
The mount will let the dish spin around on the pole for azimuth adjustment.
So, once you have the bucket in place and the pole plumb , you leave it alone.

Pay attention to everything DemonLord said.
Your other comments appear to be right on track.

I made some comments in another thread about using the circular DBS satellites as aiming-stars for practice.
Up to you. If you have a circular LNB and want to try, the cheap sat meter will show you the way.
For aligning on the real FTA birds, I'm not sure it's of a lot of help.

JSheridan

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 16 minutes ago · 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.

164 Replies · 4572 views

Load Replies (164) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: That American Girl, MikeD-C05, AkaDoubleG and 6 others

MikeD-C05

Sep 26, 2026

I don't know why DISH doesn't just start a streaming version of DISH and then if you can't see the western arc you go with streaming versions and then they could keep customers if they had good internet speeds. I mean Sling TV could be changed to Streaming DISH TV if they wanted since both companies are under Echostar. Then you would still be able to use your ota antenna with Air TV devices like I do with Air TV Anywhere with 4 ota tuners.

Reactions: That American Girl, Foxbat, dishdude and 2 others

Scott Greczkowski

Sep 26, 2026

MikeD-C05 said:
I don't know why DISH doesn't just start a streaming version of DISH

I have the same wish.

Reactions: JSheridan, MikeD-C05, dweber and 6 others

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: Almighty1, savarese04 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today 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: charlesrshell and telstar_1

charlesrshell

Today 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: slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05, NYDutch and 1 other person

bnewt

Today at 3:30 PM

Scott Greczkowski said:
I have the same wish.

Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite

Reactions: telstar_1 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:49 PM

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

i wouldn't know

Reactions: charlesrshell

osu1991

Today at 3:54 PM

bnewt said:
Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite

Doesn't mean that satellite would have to go away. Dish is already in the game with Sling which needs a good overhaul

Reactions: charlesrshell

JSheridan

56 minutes ago

Dish Anywhere has gotten a lot better but still has no Pause/Play/Skip Trick Play controls on the national channels that stream from Dish and that don't come from you Hopper. DirecTV Stream doesn't have that limitation.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Scott Greczkowski

16 minutes ago

bnewt said:
Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite

They keep the satellite service too. But have. Full streaming version of dish. As sling tv sucks eggs.

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (164)

TheForce

Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply 36 minutes ago · posted in The Phone & Tablet Zone

Apple Event September 2026

Apple Fall Hardware Event takes place today, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. It marks the debut of new CEO John Ternus and the expected reveal of Apple's first foldable phone.

133 Replies · 1525 views

Load Replies (133) Reply Legacy View

comfortably_numb

Oct 10, 2026

Can't remember if I've posted this yet..

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfL5seXJyWU

Reactions: slow_poke_pete

Foxbat

Saturday at 11:47 AM

If you ponied up for an iPhone Duo, keep it away from anything other than your soft, fleshy fingertips. No fingernails, no dust, sand, dirt, or other particulate matter. And don't bend it more than it needs to. Zack has destroyed $2,000 of Apple hardware to get those views, which should cover his expenses.

Reactions: comfortably_numb

comfortably_numb

Saturday at 11:56 AM

Foxbat said:
No fingernails, no dust, sand, dirt, or other particulate matter

And definitely no medieval chain armor!

Reactions: Foxbat

harshness

Yesterday at 12:18 PM

comfortably_numb said:
medieval chain armor

Aka "mail" or "maille".

Reactions: Foxbat and comfortably_numb

Foxbat

Yesterday at 7:05 PM

IFixIt has published their Teardown and they had some positive things to say about the iPhone Duo. It still showed some dust ingress into the hinge assembly but seemed otherwise well-sealed.

But with a considerable number of reports of the main screen dying with similar failures, AppleCare+ should be a no-brainer for this phone.

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 8:31 PM

comfortably_numb said:
Can't remember if I've posted this yet..

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfL5seXJyWU

most carriers do. that's why they send updates that slow phones down!! i buy unlocked phones no effect to me

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 8:32 PM

Foxbat said:
IFixIt has published their Teardown and they had some positive things to say about the iPhone Duo. It still showed some dust ingress into the hinge assembly but seemed otherwise well-sealed.

But with a considerable number of reports of the main screen dying with similar failures, AppleCare+ should be a no-brainer for this phone.

hope you have apple care a screen job is 1000.00

. can we say over priced garbage!!!

slow_poke_pete

36 minutes ago

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0BssMerjA

View all replies (133)

vlad_

Last reply Today at 4:10 PM · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Thinking of switching to DirecTV

I'm thinking of switching to DirecTV and wanted to know what equipment I should be asking for.

I'm wanting wired satellite due to that fact that I live in the sticks and there is no reliable, decent speed internet for streaming available.

What would be the correct equipment for three 4K tvs in the house?

59 Replies · 1053 views

Load Replies (59) Reply Legacy View

navychop

Sep 28, 2026

I'm having trouble with the posit that StarLink is not available. You do not appear to be in an oversubscribed area

Why do you think you can't get StarLink?

vlad_

Sep 29, 2026

navychop said:
I'm having trouble with the posit that StarLink is not available. You do not appear to be in an oversubscribed area

Why do you think you can't get StarLink?

I never said that Starlink is not available. The Starlink app shows obstructions for every category, so I have not researched it further.

slow_poke_pete

Sep 29, 2026

vlad_ said:
I never said that Starlink is not available. The Starlink app shows obstructions for every category, so I have not researched it further.

The HR-54 is the hardwired genie 5 tuners 1TB HDD the HS--17 the 7 tuner 2TB hdd is only a wireless setup now. dtv csr's are crap also

Tom Speer

Sep 29, 2026

slow_poke_pete said:
The HR-54 is the hardwired genie 5 tuners 1TB HDD the HS--17 the 7 tuner 2TB hdd is only a wireless setup now. dtv csr's are crap also

If they are requiring all clients on a new HS17 install to be wireless, that is not a technical requirement. It saves their techs from having to pull coax all over the house. It makes installations cheaper.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, Mr Tony and Jimbo

Jimbo

Oct 2, 2026

JSheridan said:
The DirecTV order entry work flow doesn't allow wired clients with an HS17. Does that clear it up for you?

Yet the C61k (4k unit) was wired only ?
That was the only unit available for the HS17 if you wanted 4K

How does that work ?

Or do I havwe that flip flopped ?
It's been awhile for me now.

slow_poke_pete

Oct 3, 2026

Jimbo said:
Yet the C61k (4k unit) was wired only ?
That was the only unit available for the HS17 if you wanted 4K

How does that work ?

Or do I havwe that flip flopped ?
It's been awhile for me now.

the hs 17 only gets the wireless geminis no more hardwiring.. i think dtv is trying to ween people offf of the teat satellite

JSheridan

Oct 3, 2026

slow_poke_pete said:
the hs 17 only gets the wireless geminis no more hardwiring.. i think dtv is trying to ween people offf of the teat satellite

I think Dish might be the only service that still wires houses. The cable company has gone wireless, Verizon is switching all their copper line customers to wireless, DirecTV Stream, even most surveillance and alarm systems are going wireless.

slow_poke_pete

Oct 4, 2026

JSheridan said:
I think Dish might be the only service that still wires houses. The cable company has gone wireless, Verizon is switching all their copper line customers to wireless, DirecTV Stream, even most surveillance and alarm systems are going wireless.

our hopper and joey 4's are all hard wired

b4pjoe

Oct 5, 2026

slow_poke_pete said:
our hopper and joey 4's are all hard wired

So is my 2 Gemini's and my 4 HR24's.

Reactions: "MysteryMan" and slow_poke_pete

JSheridan

Oct 5, 2026

b4pjoe said:
So is my 2 Gemini's and my 4 HR24's.

And I'm guessing they've been that way for quite a while. The future of DirecTV is no wires. Actually, the future of DirecTV is probably a merger with Dish, and IMHO if Charlie is smart he'll use the DirecTV brand.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete

slow_poke_pete

Oct 5, 2026

JSheridan said:
And I'm guessing they've been that way for quite a while. The future of DirecTV is no wires. Actually, the future of DirecTV is probably a merger with Dish, and IMHO if Charlie is smart he'll use the DirecTV brand.

why not just do a rebranding of the two :what

JSheridan

Oct 5, 2026

slow_poke_pete said:
why not just do a rebranding of the two

As they pivot away from using dishes and more toward streaming, the DirecTV brand would make much more sense.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, Mr Tony and Jimbo

b4pjoe

Oct 5, 2026

JSheridan said:
And I'm guessing they've been that way for quite a while. The future of DirecTV is no wires. Actually, the future of DirecTV is probably a merger with Dish, and IMHO if Charlie is smart he'll use the DirecTV brand.

Yes mine was wired years ago. However you can still order satellite service with wired receivers on the DIRECTV website. I guess you cannot if you call to order the service.

Jimbo

Oct 6, 2026

I would take an HR54 over a HS17 ANY day of the week ... The HR54 Looks like a recvr, works in your set up fine ...
The HS17 is a large triangle that looks stupid in your equipment, often they try to Hie in behind something ... just a poor design over all.

If you got an HS17 they Forced you to give up you Stand alone Recvrs ... just a poor idea ...
I had my HR54 to the end, along with my HR24's ...

At least I could still enjoy D* when traveling in the Motor home when I kept the HR54 set up at home, as well as at the lake.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Nominal

Oct 6, 2026

Jimbo said:
I would take an HR54 over a HS17 ANY day of the week ... The HR54 Looks like a recvr, works inn tour set up fine ...
The HS17 is a large triangle that looks stupid in your equipment, often they try to Hie in behind something ... just a poor design over all.

It's not a poor design when you factor in that it has a Wireless Video Bridge built-in. It's shaped like a router or gateway for a reason.

JSheridan

Oct 6, 2026

b4pjoe said:
Yes mine was wired years ago. However you can still order satellite service with wired receivers on the DIRECTV website. I guess you cannot if you call to order the service.

We're a DirecTV retailer and there is no where in the order entry flow to have wired clients with an HS17. I heard that when it's ordered on the website the installer shows up with only HS17's and wireless clients. I don't know how reliable that info is as it came from a dubious source but it makes sense.

b4pjoe

Oct 6, 2026

JSheridan said:
We're a DirecTV retailer and there is no where in the order entry flow to have wired clients with an HS17. I heard that when it's ordered on the website the installer shows up with only HS17's and wireless clients. I don't know how reliable that info is as it came from a dubious source but it makes sense.

Yeah that would not surprise me but they do have the option on the website for wired installs. I would guess when they show up with wireless clients most people won't object. I would but a lot of people probably would not.

Reactions: JSheridan

slow_poke_pete

Oct 7, 2026

Nominal said:
It's not a poor design when you factor in that it has a Wireless Video Bridge built-in. It's shaped like a router or gateway for a reason.

i do agree with jimbo on wanting to hide the HS-17 :biggrin

been there

slow_poke_pete

Oct 7, 2026

JSheridan said:
As they pivot away from using dishes and more toward streaming, the DirecTV brand would make much more sense.

agree to a certain point!!! is charlies pockets gonna get tight and will he cancel channels because he don't want to pay for them??? a hopper 3 on dtv channel lineup would be amazing and every mans dream come true lol :what

robjlevin

Oct 7, 2026

Jimbo said:
I would take an HR54 over a HS17 ANY day of the week ... The HR54 Looks like a recvr, works in your set up fine ...
The HS17 is a large triangle that looks stupid in your equipment, often they try to Hie in behind something ... just a poor design over all.

If you got an HS17 they Forced you to give up you Stand alone Recvrs ... just a poor idea ...
I had my HR54 to the end, along with my HR24's ...

At least I could still enjoy D* when traveling in the Motor home when I kept the HR54 set up at home, as well as at the lake.

Well, different strokes and all that. I've had that HS17 sitting quietly doing its job for almost a decade. As I mentioned earlier, at one point I had two wired and two wireless receivers. Now, just one C61K.

Even before that I had a HR44 with an HR24 and two wireless minis. Back then, which was years ago, I would have agreed with the need for individual receivers, but at this point, I stream almost everything, including shows I used to record.

It'll be moot soon enough anyway. Wired receivers/DVRs are going the way of the POTS landline. You can't stop progress.

Reactions: Jimbo

slow_poke_pete

Today at 4:10 PM

Tom Speer said:
If they are requiring all clients on a new HS17 install to be wireless, that is not a technical requirement. It saves their techs from having to pull coax all over the house. It makes installations cheaper.

they still won't do it if there's coax from dish in the home!!

View all replies (59)

Comptech

Last reply Today at 4:07 PM · posted in SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Base antenna for SiriousXM

Squirrels have eaten my antenna wire on my home unit that is a car radio running of the 12 volt side of my solar system. I need a new antenna and would like to add something to one of my existing masts. The reason I am looking at this that I am also covered in trees which has not been a problem, but something mast mounted would future proof me. Thanks in advance.

7 Replies · 167 views

Load Replies (7) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: comfortably_numb

cp2k

Jul 5, 2026

The Pixel Radio Pro-500 and Pro-600 are the best home antennas for that type of setup. I sent you a PM, as I actually have one I was planning to list in the Classifieds when this heat wave subsides in the South.

Reactions: Howard Simmons

comfortably_numb

Jul 5, 2026

Reactions: Howard Simmons, Bobby and Foxbat

Arctic_fox

Jul 6, 2026

cpalmer2k said:
The Pixel Radio Pro-500 and Pro-600 are the best home antennas for that type of setup. I sent you a PM, as I actually have one I was planning to list in the Classifieds when this heat wave subsides in the South.

We have the pro-500 and it's a beast pulling in the signal!!! always full bars no matter how much it rains. it's worth every penny

Reactions: Foxbat, comfortably_numb, cp2k and 1 other person

Comptech

Jul 6, 2026

comfortably_numb said:
I am a animal lover, but this year I gave up gardening. Even moved it to potted plants on the second story deck last year. Can't tell you how much use my Ruger 10-22 got, but it was a losing battle for me. Never got any food. So now they eat coax instead! 20 acres of dense woods behind me and my stuff tastes better, either veggies or wires!

Reactions: Howard Simmons and comfortably_numb

Comptech

Jul 7, 2026

Last year they ate through my times microwave LMR400 for my CB! had to cut it back and put male and female connectors on it. So much for having a pristine run of LMR400.

Reactions: Arctic_fox

Arctic_fox

Jul 16, 2026

i might think about running cables through some conduit to prevent the Squirrels from chewing em all to hell

Reactions: Foxbat and Howard Simmons

slow_poke_pete

Today at 4:07 PM

these are good for travel

osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 3:37 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Walter Koenig, Chekov on Original ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 90

Walter Koenig, Chekov on Original ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 90

Walter Koenig, who memorably played Chekov in the original "Star Trek" series and seven "Star Trek" feature films, died Sunday in Los Angeles.

variety.com

3 Replies · 31 views

Load Replies (3) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Keith Brannen, long_time_Dish, Jimbo and 2 others

Bobby

Today at 2:03 PM

Rest in peace. Together again with Spock, Doc, Uhura, and Scotty...

Reactions: Keith Brannen, long_time_Dish, TRG and 1 other person

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:32 PM

Rest in peace, Checkov, and Bester too...

Reactions: Keith Brannen

FTA4PA

Today at 3:37 PM

Rest In Peace

Ramy

Supporting Founder

Last reply Today at 3:30 PM · posted in The Sports Section

2026-27 NCAA College Football

Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.

161 Replies · 2297 views

Load Replies (161) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Mike0616

Yespage

Today at 1:27 PM

The playoff told us rankings are pointless. Lesser ranked teams were winning playoff games. Ranking the top 24? Rank it the same way as normal. It'll consist of at least four or five of each cartel's teams, other conference winners. The field will be fine, the sorting will be problematic and arbitrary, but in the end does it matter?

It'll matter when OSU or Alabama have to face a decent upstart squad due to being ranked midway in the listing, or goodness help us, each other. But thanks to arbitrary rankings, that should be easily avoided by design. Then the cartels will need to fix the rankings a bit so the top dogs can have a bye or three to help prevent those untimely eliminations from the playoff.

Reactions: AZ.

osu1991

Today at 1:32 PM

For better or worse, NIL and the transfer portal have evened the field. NCAA will be pretty much like the NFL with records being kind of meaningless and anyone can make a run and win it all.

Jimbo

Today at 2:16 PM

Yespage said:
The playoff told us rankings are pointless. Lesser ranked teams were winning playoff games. Ranking the top 24? Rank it the same way as normal. It'll consist of at least four or five of each cartel's teams, other conference winners. The field will be fine, the sorting will be problematic and arbitrary, but in the end does it matter?

It'll matter when OSU or Alabama have to face a decent upstart squad due to being ranked midway in the listing, or goodness help us, each other. But thanks to arbitrary rankings, that should be easily avoided by design. Then the cartels will need to fix the rankings a bit so the top dogs can have a bye or three to help prevent those untimely eliminations from the playoff.

As for meeting each other, you say they automatically avoid ... not really, if I recall, when Ohio State won in 2 years ago, they had the toughest route to win it all .... they played Tennessee, then it was the #1 team Oregon, in round 2 then Texas in round 3 then Notre Dame in the Finals .... thats hardly avoiding the tough match ups.

Personally, I don't want to see 42- 10 blowouts in the first 2 rounds ....

Not sure where you found lesser teams beating higher ranked teams ... (outside of the Top teams, which any could beat each other (1-8).

Which in my opinion is where the Playoffs should be teams 1-8 .
Team number 64 has ZERO chance to win 4-5 games against top teams.

Btw, whens the last time a (in basketball) 32-64 ranked team WON it all, or even got to the Final 2 ?????

I'll wait.

Yespage

Today at 3:04 PM

You mean other than Miami being in the final last year... and Indiana being the only bye team to win a game?

Ronnie-

Today at 3:26 PM

I see alot saying nobody is good because several have a loss or two. I disagree. I think more teams are good now, and even.

Its made for some more competitive games imo.

Ronnie-

Today at 3:30 PM

osu1991 said:
For better or worse, NIL and the transfer portal have evened the field. NCAA will be pretty much like the NFL with records being kind of meaningless and anyone can make a run and win it all.

The NIL and tranfer portal definitely need some work, or guidelines, but it has evened stuff out somewhat.

Even the expanded playoff. While it does make a single regular season game less relevant in the overall picture, its added a different level of interest imo. Losing a game, or two even, doesnt mean your season is over. The teams still have ALOT to play for.

I am not as against this (as a whole that still needs tweaking) as I thought I would be. More competitive football, I think that is a good thing.

View all replies (161)

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 3:30 PM · 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....

68619 Replies · 2678230 views

Load Replies (68619) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

dishstaller

Today at 12:33 PM

Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban

gms49ers

Today at 12:44 PM

Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) - The Hollies

Reactions: long_time_Dish, sdfntx, Bobby and 2 others

sdfntx

Today at 2:09 PM

Cool Jerk - The Mindbenders

dishstaller

Today at 2:53 PM

Cool Change - Little River Band

Reactions: FTA4PA and long_time_Dish

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:30 PM

Change Of The Guard - Steely Dan

View all replies (68619)

dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 2:53 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

What's For Lunch?

We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...

Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...

5447 Replies · 335855 views

Load Replies (5447) Reply Legacy View

TRG

Oct 10, 2026

Two Chicago style hot dogs and a Fanta orange soda.

Reactions: Bobby and dfergie

dfergie

Oct 12, 2026

TRG said:
Fanta orange soda.

Sitting in fridge cooling off, bought 1 along with 2 Mexican Cokes at La Tienda... (I keep a few cokes stashed as well as in fridge and camper fridge)

Reactions: TRG and Mr Tony

Mr Tony

Oct 19, 2026

Garlic cheese bread
Green beans
Apples
Chocolate Milk
Some weird noodles.

(They have salad and a couple other fruits if wanted)

Reactions: dfergie

TRG

Oct 19, 2026

Club sandwich and corn chowder. Iced tea.

Reactions: Bobby, Mr Tony and dfergie

dfergie

Oct 19, 2026

Chili dog bowl, water… (homemade chili)

Reactions: TRG, Bobby and Mr Tony

TRG

Today at 2:53 PM

Leftover wanton soup and pork fried rice. Water.

View all replies (5447)

Linus Tech Tips

Today at 2:22 PM · posted in Linus Tech Tips

How to Switch to Linux

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6pcTK0wTYA

Direct YouTube Link - How to Switch to Linux
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

0 Replies · 7 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

iJustine

Today at 2:22 PM · posted in iJustine

iPhone Duo-Maxxing

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1Rssb396iQ4

Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo-Maxxing
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

Search

Search

Social Feed

Newbie looking for PC vs Receiver advice

All DMA's now Western Arc

Apple Event September 2026

Thinking of switching to DirecTV

Base antenna for SiriousXM

Walter Koenig, Chekov on Original ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 90

Walter Koenig, Chekov on Original ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 90

2026-27 NCAA College Football

Song Name Game Part 3!

What's For Lunch?

How to Switch to Linux

iPhone Duo-Maxxing