New encoders= More channels?

[Renard]

I read somewhere that Directv bought some new encoders MPEG 4, MPEG 2 from Tandberg (not sure about the brand) that could improve the bandwidth by 50% for SD channels. So if that's the case Directv could add more channels on a sat TP, hence more channels for us?
Am I right?

[Earl Bonovich]

Yes, they could.
They cold also use the improvement in efficeny to increase the PQ of the SD channels.

I don't expect many more SD channels, until some of the HD's are moved off the core 101 sat

[PoitNarf]

I'd much prefer better SD PQ right now as opposed to more SD channels.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I'd much prefer better SD PQ right now as opposed to more SD channels.

+100,452

[Renard]

I'd much prefer better SD PQ right now as opposed to more SD channels.

Agree, a better PQ for the infommercial channels would be welcome :D

[n3ntj]

I'd much prefer better SD PQ right now as opposed to more SD channels.

Ditto.

[bhelton71]

I think I have read here that the basic problem with the MPEG2 channels that there are too many channels per transponder ? I think it was in relation to making room for the locals.

So even if channel x is encoded 50% (doubt it but I'll play along ;) ) more efficiently - does that mean same number of channels per transponder - with maybe a 10-20% in bitrate on each ? And will that be noticeable ?

[Indiana627]

+100,452
+100,453

[Xaa]

I can't think of any SD channels I would want, but I could surely use improved PQ for those that are there now. +100454

[curt8403]

Yes, they could.
They cold also use the improvement in efficeny to increase the PQ of the SD channels.

I don't expect many more SD channels, until some of the HD's are moved off the core 101 sat

??? I thought that HD channels were on 110, 119, 99 and 103 not 101:confused:

[jdspencer]

Conus FoxW (ch 89) and ABCW (ch87) are on 101.
At least per this page.
http://www.widemovies.com/dtvtransponders.html
Which may be out of date.

[bobnielsen]

Conus FoxW (ch 89) and ABCW (ch87) are on 101.
At least per this page.
http://www.widemovies.com/dtvtransponders.html
Which may be out of date.

That agrees with the Lyngsat site. I believe that these will be the first MPEG2 channels switched to MPEG4 (presumably on D10) which is why Directv is trying to get everyone who receives L.A. locals to convert to the newer receivers and dish. It won't pick up enough bandwidth to noticeably improve SD picture quality.

[1948GG]

I read somewhere that Directv bought some new encoders MPEG 4, MPEG 2 from Tandberg (not sure about the brand) that could improve the bandwidth by 50% for SD channels. So if that's the case Directv could add more channels on a sat TP, hence more channels for us?
Am I right?

The Tandberg's were bought when the Spaceway sats first were brought on-line; They have since gone to Harmonic for the roll-out of the national HD channels.

The Tandberg's continue to exhibit problems (from what I see every day), primarily the 'stuttering' sound effect, and occasional video blanking/resetting as well. Problems I've never seen on any of the Harmonic encoders.

I wonder when, or if, the Tandberg's will perhaps be replaced, as several major s/w loads have not completely 'fixed' the boxes.

[tonyd79]

That agrees with the Lyngsat site. I believe that these will be the first MPEG2 channels switched to MPEG4 (presumably on D10) which is why Directv is trying to get everyone who receives L.A. locals to convert to the newer receivers and dish. It won't pick up enough bandwidth to noticeably improve SD picture quality.

No, but it may pick up enough to improve the HD ones until they move to MPEG4.

[CKNAV]

The Tandberg's were bought when the Spaceway sats first were brought on-line; They have since gone to Harmonic for the roll-out of the national HD channels.

The Tandberg's continue to exhibit problems (from what I see every day), primarily the 'stuttering' sound effect, and occasional video blanking/resetting as well. Problems I've never seen on any of the Harmonic encoders.

I wonder when, or if, the Tandberg's will perhaps be replaced, as several major s/w loads have not completely 'fixed' the boxes.

Thank god that Harmonic is making MPEG4 encoders and that D* is using them. MPEG2 Harmonic encoders are considered the best by far, and I am sure that will be the case with MPEG4. Tandberg encoders are actually considred to be one of the worst.

[Alexandrepsf]

+100,452

I want two channels so:

+100,450 + TV5 France + BBC :D

[jasonblair]

I would like to see MTV Jams, VH1 country, etc.... Music video stations

[Pinion413]

I'd much prefer better SD PQ right now as opposed to more SD channels.

Amen to that. :D

[kevinwmsn]

How about improving the quality of the SD National Channels that don't have an HD Channel?