What Is Mpeg4?

[cardpetree]

Can one of u veterans please explain what MPEG4 is, and help out with some of the lingo like OTA, and other things that I have know idea what you're talking about.

[jmarks2001]

I'm hardly a veteran, but MPEG4 is a more advanced compression scheme that, in the case of satellite tv, allows the same amount of data to be sent (as MPEG2 for instance), but using less bandwidth. This requires hardware on the other end of the transmission (your satellite receiver) to be able decode the MPEG4 encryption.

OTA = Over the Air. Simply put, its the traditional method of receiving television and radio broadcasts (as opposed to cable or satellite).

[cardpetree]

I'm hardly a veteran, but MPEG4 is a more advanced compression scheme that, in the case of satellite tv, allows the same amount of data to be sent (as MPEG2 for instance), but using less bandwidth. This requires hardware on the other end of the transmission (your satellite receiver) to be able decode the MPEG4 encryption.

OTA = Over the Air. Simply put, its the traditional method of receiving television and radio broadcasts (as opposed to cable or satellite).


What is the advantage? Should I be upgrading from my original samsung HD receiver and why?

[olgeezer]

What is the advantage? Should I be upgrading from my original samsung HD receiver and why?

Does your Samsung HD receiver pick up channels from anywhere other than an antenna?

[cardpetree]

Does your Samsung HD receiver pick up channels from anywhere other than an antenna?


I have DirecTV w/HD package and I get regular locals on sat and some local HD channels w/antenna.

[CCarncross]

At a bare minimum, you dont have to worry about MPEG4 at all until D* starts offering other national HD channels in MPEG4 only or until your locals are offered in HD whcih will almost certainly be MPEG4. Until then, based on the current info here that I have read, there is no reason to worry or even be concerned with MPEG4....Louisville is like #50 DMA so its'll be awhile b4 they get around to you for that...If they start adding new national HD's that require MPEG4 capable equipment, since you are already an HD customer, they will undoubtedly let you know...

[cardpetree]

At a bare minimum, you dont have to worry about MPEG4 at all until D* starts offering other national HD channels in MPEG4 only or until your locals are offered in HD whcih will almost certainly be MPEG4. Until then, based on the current info here that I have read, there is no reason to worry or even be concerned with MPEG4....Louisville is like #50 DMA so its'll be awhile b4 they get around to you for that...If they start adding new national HD's that require MPEG4 capable equipment, since you are already an HD customer, they will undoubtedly let you know...


Is there anything besides a D* HD DVR Tivo that I should upgrade to? Anybody know why CBSHD would work the whole summer and as soon as Fall comes around it just completely stops coming in?