View Full Version : Major LiL Issue (Flint, MI DMA)
For the past two weeks the Flint, MI DMA LiL's have been absolutely abhorrent. I had four service calls today, and all four were for this same issue. It's occurring only on the SD feeds (all from the 119), no trouble if you're viewing in HD. Pixelation in faces, motion etc. One of the channels (ABC12) freezes entirely and is completely unwatchable. As of now, this is an Approved Directv Field Issue. Which basically means, "We're working on it".
I understand that these things happen, and that it's going the be resolved eventually. My only MAJOR gripe is that even after our HSP goes to the exhaustive lengths to file enough FPR's to get "Known Issue" status, CSR's are still completely uninformed about the issue. And as such, are still scheduling truck rolls to these complaints! :bang
Out of curiosity, what might cause such an abrupt and problematic disturbance in the LiL's of one particular DMA?
Coca Cola Kid
12-26-09, 06:43 PM
For the past two weeks the Flint, MI DMA LiL's have been absolutely abhorrent. I had four service calls today, and all four were for this same issue. It's occurring only on the SD feeds (all from the 119), no trouble if you're viewing in HD. Pixelation in faces, motion etc. One of the channels (ABC12) freezes entirely and is completely unwatchable. As of now, this is an Approved Directv Field Issue. Which basically means, "We're working on it".
I understand that these things happen, and that it's going the be resolved eventually. My only MAJOR gripe is that even after our HSP goes to the exhaustive lengths to file enough FPR's to get "Known Issue" status, CSR's are still completely uninformed about the issue. And as such, are still scheduling truck rolls to these complaints! :bang
Out of curiosity, what might cause such an abrupt and problematic disturbance in the LiL's of one particular DMA?
It has been snowing alot here, maybe there's buildup on your dish?
Easy way to solve this problem is get an antenna.
longrider
12-26-09, 06:50 PM
It has been snowing alot here, maybe there's buildup on your dish?
Easy way to solve this problem is get an antenna.
I took it as he is a tech being dispatched when there is nothing he can do. The snow you are getting could definitly still be an issue, it would just be in the chain between the broadcaster and the DirecTV uplink facility. If all the locals are doing it that cuts it down to the local reception center and the link to the main processing/uplink facility
jefbal99
12-26-09, 06:57 PM
It has been snowing alot here, maybe there's buildup on your dish?
Easy way to solve this problem is get an antenna.
I think this would affect the KA signals to the HD more than the KU signals for the SD from 119. He did state that the HD feeds are fine.
longrider
12-26-09, 07:05 PM
I missed the part about HD being fine , only SD is bad. I am not a DirecTV engineer or have any inside knowledge of their local reception practice but I would assume as there now is only one feed from the station (in HD) that they downrez and crop that signal for the SD feed. That pretty much points to the hardware that does the downrez processing.
I missed the part about HD being fine , only SD is bad. I am not a DirecTV engineer or have any inside knowledge of their local reception practice but I would assume as there now is only one feed from the station (in HD) that they downrez and crop that signal for the SD feed. That pretty much points to the hardware that does the downrez processing.
This makes a lot of sense. There are still two LiL's in this DMA that do NOT have HD feeds period. Those channels seem to have no pix/ff problem.
Coca Cola Kid
12-26-09, 07:19 PM
This makes a lot of sense. There are still two LiL's in this DMA that do NOT have HD feeds period. Those channels seem to have no pix/ff problem.
Which 2 are you referring too? Every channel in Flint has an HD feed (OTA anyway) last I checked.
Which 2 are you referring too? Every channel in Flint has an HD feed (OTA anyway) last I checked.
NBC & PBS. This isn't an OTA issue. Disconnect your AM21, and select "Hide HD channels" in the display setup. Then tune to 5 or 12. You'll see what I'm talking about.
ThomasM
12-26-09, 08:08 PM
If it's a dish/spotbeam issue, how come the OTA stations that don't have HD feeds are OK but the stations carried by DirecTV in both HD and SD pixelate? :confused:
RobertE
12-26-09, 08:15 PM
Most likely an uplink issue with the SD feeds. In many cases, the HD & SD feeds are actually uplinked from different facilities. Thre's a link around here somewhere as to where they are.
Most likely an uplink issue with the SD feeds. In many cases, the HD & SD feeds are actually uplinked from different facilities. Thre's a link around here somewhere as to where they are.
I'd love to see that chart! Very interesting stuff :D
RobertE
12-26-09, 08:37 PM
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P1400108
Flint-Saginaw Bay City, MI
SD
1961 Delta Road
University Center, MI 48710
HD
2302 Lapeer Rd
Flint, MI 48503
So drive on over and brush the snow & ice off the uplink dish. Be sure to wear a lead lined speedo for safety though. :p
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P1400108
So drive on over and brush the snow & ice off the uplink dish. Be sure to wear a lead lined speedo for safety though. :p
Children Shmildren!
:hurah:
Shades228
12-27-09, 02:31 AM
For the past two weeks the Flint, MI DMA LiL's have been absolutely abhorrent. I had four service calls today, and all four were for this same issue. It's occurring only on the SD feeds (all from the 119), no trouble if you're viewing in HD. Pixelation in faces, motion etc. One of the channels (ABC12) freezes entirely and is completely unwatchable. As of now, this is an Approved Directv Field Issue. Which basically means, "We're working on it".
I understand that these things happen, and that it's going the be resolved eventually. My only MAJOR gripe is that even after our HSP goes to the exhaustive lengths to file enough FPR's to get "Known Issue" status, CSR's are still completely uninformed about the issue. And as such, are still scheduling truck rolls to these complaints! :bang
Out of curiosity, what might cause such an abrupt and problematic disturbance in the LiL's of one particular DMA?
Perhaps those people come here and read the "get around the tech run around" threads and lie to get a service call.
Most likely an uplink issue with the SD feeds. In many cases, the HD & SD feeds are actually uplinked from different facilities. Thre's a link around here somewhere as to where they are.
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P1400108
So drive on over and brush the snow & ice off the uplink dish. Be sure to wear a lead lined speedo for safety though. :p
But those are actually "Local Receive Facilities" (LRFs) which act as signal collection points for a market's local channels which then in turn may or may not be back-hauled to one of DirecTV's broadcast centers via satellite. Probably to Castle Rock in this situation, for processing and eventual uplink to the satellite network.
For the Flint Michigan SD feed to DirecTV 7S at 119° in this case.
I'm also not sure what purpose the SD LRFs are really serving these days since the transition with the SD analog signal now extinct.
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