D10 Satellite - HD Anticipation and other posts

[lwilli201]

I don't see it on 510. I'm not using a custom channel list either. I'm using all channels.

They may be remaking the anouncement to take out the H21 and HR21. They may have gotten a bunch of calls wanting them.

[longrider]

Hummmmmm...most curious....I am using a MPEG2 only receiver(RCA DTC-100)
I wonder if only MPEG2 only equip. is "allowed" to receive it?? BTW if you are
thinking that the faux mention of a HR-21 has anything to do with this, you
would be wrong, as the video is the same "old" one that use to be running.
If others can "see" this channel(510) please post results in this thread?
Thanks, moonman:)

I am using an old DRD480RE at work and it does get 510. I couldn't stay on the channel as the receiver is our background music but I did see "DirecTV HD important announcement'

[longrider]

More info on 510: It's not an MPEG2 only issue. I got home and my old LSS3200 does not see 510, and as expected no luck on the H20.

[EaglePC]

kind of quiet here tonight.

[SubaruWRX]

any news?

[schlar01]

OK, so I didn't even try to read through this entire post but I talked to a DTV customer rep last night and they told me the new HDs would be live on 9/8.......of course, this is after the idiot promised me a free receiver, only to transfer me to someone who then told me it would be $70 and refused to give it to me for free. Nice.

[PoitNarf]

I talked to a DTV customer rep last night and they told me the new HDs would be live on 9/8

Certainly within the realm of possibility.

[Carbon]

I hope this is not to far off topic but what is CONUS? Continuous US or the lower 48 states whats the other word for that . . (sorry its early and I have not had coffee yet)

[Ken984]

Conus is contiguous US or lower 48.

[sp1dey]

Conus is contiguous US or lower 48.

OMG, that's so obvious yet I never knew. I've dun sum learnin today, thx! :D

[mattw]

Conus is contiguous US or lower 48.

The result is the same but I thought it was short for "continental" US.

[Ken984]

The result is the same but I thought it was short for "continental" US.
You may be right, I have always thought it was contiguous.

220, 221 whatever it takes:D

[PoitNarf]

Conus is contiguous US or lower 48.

I never knew what it meant either , thanks :D

[Carbon]

I am never afraid of asking questions hey if anyone mocks me it's just the internet . . .

[Sixto]

I am never afraid of asking questions hey if anyone mocks me it's just the internet . . .http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONUS

"To avoid confusion, people often use the term continental United States when including Alaska, and one of the following when excluding Alaska, i.e., referring to only those 48 states situated in central North America: contiguous United States, conterminous United States, lower 48 states, CONUS (a military abbreviation)"

[bobshults]

As a former Alaska resident I can tell you that continental US includes Alaska (49 states) and contiguous excludes Alaska and Hawaii (48 states). CONUS means CONtiguous United States (lower 48 states).

[Sirshagg]

Mystery solved. Now what I would like to know is why the "lower 48" refers to the same. Hawaii is the most southern (lowest state) so what's up with that?

[d max82]

CONUS may exclude Alaska, But they still pickup the same directv programming from 101 as I do down in Florida. Since they're installing 5lnb dishes in Alaska one would assume they will recieve the same signal as the other "CONUS" areas on the D10 bird.

Long story short, CONUS may exclude Alaska by definition, but in reality for DBS satellites does not.

[PoitNarf]

Hawaii is the most southern (lowest state) so what's up with that?

Perhaps because Alaska joined the US as the 49th state and Hawaii as the 50th?

[buzzdalf]

man, that satellite must not be doing much lately with these posts.

[EaglePC]

D* is playing US!

[FarNorth]

According to the Today Show, Alaska is a small island floating off of Mexico.

[EaglePC]

N o n e w H d y e t !

[syphix]

I don't know why I surf into this thread when I see EaglePC as the last post...I don't know what I'm expecting to read...:confused:

;)

[mhayes70]

I don't know why I surf into this thread when I see EaglePC as the last post...I don't know what I'm expecting to read...:confused:

;)

Same here.

[EaglePC]

EaglePC will leave this thread alone.
until n e w h d comes

[wilmot3]

I don't know why I surf into this thread when I see EaglePC as the last post...I don't know what I'm expecting to read...:confused:

;)
u and me both!!:nono:

[LameLefty]

N o n e w H d y e t !

Man, I know you mean well, but saying it two or three times a day won't bring it any faster.

[noneroy]

u and me both!!:nono:

Actually I think EaglePC brings a little bit of humor to an otherwise stagnant thread. Post on you crazy diamond....post on....
:grin:

[LameLefty]

I wouldn't be able to live with such a low eccentricity level.

Low eccentricity is a very good thing for satellites in GSO.

[M3 Pete]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONUS

"To avoid confusion, people often use the term continental United States when including Alaska, and one of the following when excluding Alaska, i.e., referring to only those 48 states situated in central North America: contiguous United States, conterminous United States, lower 48 states, CONUS (a military abbreviation)"You mean it's not: :confused:

[Firefighter]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.

I don't know how reliable his info is, but he said that is what he is being told, and that is what he is telling customers.

Just passing on what I was told.

[Steve Robertson]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.

I don't know how reliable his info is, but he said that is what he is being told, and that is what he is telling customers.

Just passing on what I was told.


I think he is misinformed

[krock918316]

OMG.......they should make the installers sit and watch a training broadcast once a week, that has a basic run-down of things going on in the company. They are the "Front Line" of D* and should have even this basic knowledge that HD is coming very soon.

[Ken984]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.

I don't know how reliable his info is, but he said that is what he is being told, and that is what he is telling customers.

Just passing on what I was told.

He is full of cr*p. Man where do these people get some of their info. The sat is literally there now, no way D* would wait for middle of 08, maybe he was referring to some LILHD channels. It would be great if they would just admit that they do not have a clue instead of guessing and misinforming a customer like that.:nono2:

[loudo]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.
Wonder what kind of meetings he was at.

[davidrumm]

Wonder what kind of meetings he was at.

Probably one for E*.:)

[Ken984]

Probably one for E*.:)

LOL now that is a good one!!:lol:

[1948GG]

He is full of cr*p. Man where do these people get some of their info. The sat is literally there now, no way D* would wait for middle of 08, maybe he was referring to some LILHD channels. It would be great if they would just admit that they do not have a clue instead of guessing and misinforming a customer like that.:nono2:

Good, reliable 'intel' is hard to come by, without all the wacky nutjobs out there :eek2:

But really, I'll repeat what I've said before: The number of HD channels that are available right now off C-Band digital feeds are simply only a handful (10 more than what they're carrying now on Ku?).

All those new channels need to be delivered to the Castle Rock uplink by fiber. The biggest 'chunk' that are active already (on the Ka spotbeams) are the Fox Sports Net HD channels from around the country. All the 'really new' stuff like TBS-HD are unknown as to when they'll be available, either by fiber (probably preferred) or by C-Band Digital (very little bandwidth there, and $$$ vrs. Fiber).

[uncrules]

Wonder what kind of meetings he was at.

AA meeting?

[JLucPicard]

My guess is he was talking about (though HE may not have known it!) some of the HD Locals that will be on D11. Launch in December, live sometime 1st qtr 2008? Then locals rolling out from there.

[Sirshagg]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.


I'd say that he needs to go to a third meeting because he certainly didn't understand the first two times. :grin:

[harsh]

Probably one for E*.:)The next new national HD programming from E* is due a week from Saturday.

[loudo]

I'd say that he needs to go to a third meeting because he certainly didn't understand the first two times. :grin:
Right, What part of "Available In September", doesn't he understand?

[harsh]

But really, I'll repeat what I've said before: The number of HD channels that are available right now off C-Band digital feeds are simply only a handful (10 more than what they're carrying now on Ku?).Fortunately, what is offered isn't limited to what is available on C-band.

[harsh]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.Here's a slightly different take: Some have suggested that the HD LIL are waiting for D11 to light up. Maybe that's what he's talking about.

Neither situation seems particularly reasonable, but the HD LIL delay seems more plausible.

[jasonblair]

I just had my HD upgrade installed today, and was talking to the installer, and he said he jus got back from 2 meetings, one in Houston, and one in New Jersey, and said the new HD channels probably won't be released until middle of 2008.I think I may understand his confusion. With the presidential primaries pushed up REDICULOUSLY, and all of the debates ALREADY going on, I keep thinking it's already 2008 myself! We've still got over a year until the election! Shoot me now!

[1948GG]

Fortunately, what is offered isn't limited to what is available on C-band.

To repeat what I said, it'll probably all be on fiber, just like the Fox RSN's. Vivx, AT&t, Williams, Qwest, and a host of others will gladly 'hook you up'. Presumably (if the programmers are smart...) they'll have that all in the works or already complete.

But, all speculation as to how quick, and who. My bet (if anyone wants to take it) is TBS-HD will be the first new non-sports HD channel. But it may be beat by HBOW, ShowtimeW, or one of the other movie channels.

[donshan]

....
But, all speculation as to how quick, and who. My bet (if anyone wants to take it) is TBS-HD will be the first new non-sports HD channel. But it may be beat by HBOW, ShowtimeW, or one of the other movie channels.

Considering that Liberty Media just acquired D* and Liberty Media also runs Starz movie channels, that gives Liberty Media's Starz-HD the inside track to be in the first batch.

[tgater]

Has D* even hinted what we will have by the end of next month or ar they gonna shoot in the air and see what falls down?

[PoitNarf]

Has D* even hinted what we will have by the end of next month or ar they gonna shoot in the air and see what falls down?

You mean which HD channels are going to launch? Here's the current projected list:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=87235

[purtman]

I don't know why I surf into this thread when I see EaglePC as the last post...I don't know what I'm expecting to read...:confused:

;)


He's had too much DDT. He's trying to get back on the "endangered list".

[purtman]

Right, What part of "Available In September", doesn't he understand?

I'm sure he was confused about the locals. It may have also been an answer to a specific DMA, he wasn't paying attention, and took it to mean the national HD channels.

[computersecguy]

Have there been any announcements yet of boeing turning over control of the bird to d* yet? Any new news on the request for 102.775?

[lwilli201]

Have there been any announcements yet of boeing turning over control of the bird to d* yet? Any new news on the request for 102.775?

Check Post # 1443.

[purtman]

LameLefty, your posts seem to have some edge to them. Remember, it's only TV. Don't get overly frustrated.

[wilmot3]

That was posted last night. Everyone, PLEASE read the previous posts since you last visited the thread. It would save everyone a lot of confusion.

WELL EXCUSE ME!!!!!!!!:mad:

[wilmot3]

LameLefty, your posts seem to have some edge to them. Remember, it's only TV. Don't get overly frustrated.

I'm glad someone else thinks so:)

[LameLefty]

I'm glad someone else thinks so:)

Yeah, well I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets tire of older information posted as new. You know, there are tools to let you see a thread starting as of the last time you visited instead of just clicking "Last Page" and posting outdated or incorrect info over and over again, people. It's annoying the crap out of me to check this thread for new info, finding two dozen new posts, very few of which have new, updated info. This thread has been going on for WEEKS and people are doing a disservice to and being very disrespectful of those who have been contributing to a useful source of information by burying it in page after page of nonsense, off-topic banter, and incorrect information.

Sorry if you don't like it but that's how I feel.

[oakwcj]

I completely agree with you, Lame Lefty. I've learned a lot by reading the on-topic posts. Unfortunately, the noise-to-signal ratio has been getting unbearable the last few days. I hope you keep posting. A lot has changed since I took Astronomy in college in 1966.

[raoul5788]

I completely agree with you, Lame Lefty. I've learned a lot by reading the on-topic posts. Unfortunately, the noise-to-signal ratio has been getting unbearable the last few days. I hope you keep posting. A lot has changed since I took Astronomy in college in 1966.

College in 1966? Man, I thought I was old! :p I graduated HS in 1972.

[tgater]

College in 1966? Man, I thought I was old! :p I graduated HS in 1972.

I was still in grade school in 1972.

[longrider]

College in 1966? Man, I thought I was old! :p I graduated HS in 1972.

You beat me to the joke, I was thinking the same thing reading the post :lol: And I was only in middle school in 1972...

[Hdhead]

Channels 71, 73, 75, 76, 78 have disappeared????

[kentuck1163]

Channels 71, 73, 75, 76, 78 have disappeared????

Nope. I'm watching channel 78 right now.

[Hdhead]

Channels 71, 73, 75, 76, 78 have disappeared????

That was weird. They all came back, one at a time, over the next 10 minutes.

[wheelswagz]

Sorry for the dumb question, but what company is " E* " ?? :confused:

[twaller]

E* stands for Echostar. AKA DishNetwork

[Ken984]

E* is Echostar DishNetwork.

[chopperjc]

Sorry for the dumb question, but what company is " E* " ?? :confused:

Dish Network

[chopperjc]

That was weird. They all came back, one at a time, over the next 10 minutes.

I did a CE last nigt and it happened to me as well

[kendall]

OK the new HD channels will be here soon, we all hope anyway :) so what do you want to see after they are all added? I would really enjoy a free week of the premier package or at least a LONG weekend. this would be a great way for HDirecTV to showoff all the new HD goodies & might even get some to upgrade to the premier package.

[petergaryr]

OK the new HD channels will be here soon, we all hope anyway :) so what do you want to see after they are all added? I would really enjoy a free week of the premier package or at least a LONG weekend. this would be a great way for HDirecTV to showoff all the new HD goodies & might even get some to upgrade to the premier package.

I wouldn't be surprised if they took the "Liberty" to push Starz HD.

[cb7214]

what happened the resto of this thread i only see 3 pages the last 3

[MattWarner]

As for what channels are first, I would think National Geographic is ready to go since DirecTV has been demo'ing that channel from time to time.

-Matt

[bobnielsen]

what happened the resto of this thread i only see 3 pages the last 3

The thread was split into two; this one and a "technical" one, http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=91383.

[John4924]

donshan had posted on the other "technical" thread about this. Presently in my guide data for channel 499, they show a "To be announced" starting at 5:00 am CDT this Monday morning. I believe donshan wrote that his is due to change tomorrow, Sunday, at 3:00 am pst.

Anyone have any ideas of what may be going on here? Do others have this change in the future guide listings? Just curious as to what others think may be going on here.

Cheers,
John

[Ed Campbell]

I think they're just going day-by-day on 499. I've been through a couple of TBA on my Guide [MDT] in the past few days. Same old, same old still pops up.

[cb7214]

The thread was split into two; this one and a "technical" one, http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=91383.

ok thanks

[donshan]

donshan had posted on the other "technical" thread about this. Presently in my guide data for channel 499, they show a "To be announced" starting at 5:00 am CDT this Monday morning. I believe donshan wrote that his is due to change tomorrow, Sunday, at 3:00 am pst.

Anyone have any ideas of what may be going on here? Do others have this change in the future guide listings? Just curious as to what others think may be going on here.

Cheers,
John

Channel 499 is the channel for testing that your BBCs are installed correctly and if so, you get a "Searching for Satellite" message. Technical discussions think channel 499 is looking for the first transmissions from D10 and some sort of "test" will appear on 499 when that first D10 transmission to our receivers is received.

Last week my Guide listing changed from "Broadband Testing Channel" to showing "To Be Announced" starting at 3AM Sat.Aug 25. This implied some news was coming soon about D10 startup. However yesterday the Guide listing changed back from the TBA message to BBC Test Channel again and pushed the TBA forward 24 hours to Sunday Aug 26 (3 AM PDT).

Again today the Guide listing did the same change. It has reverted back to the BBC Test Channel and again pushed the TBA to 3AM PDT on Monday- (the same time as you are getting with time zone corrections.)

My interpretation is that there is "news pending" on 499 soon, but those in charge of the Guide don't have it yet either or it is not ready for release yet. They, are taking the Guide listing one day at a time. We are getting closer each day so one day soon I expect that TBA to have some real info when they are ready, but we might see 499 stop searching and find a D10 signal first.

I am hoping that they put up live video test from D10 on 499 before the actual HD channels arrive , but that is just speculation now. Lots of people are checking 499 for D10 lighting up, however actual HD channels are should not be expected until after the FCC approves a "Special Temporary Authority (STA) allowing an early move of D10 to its final operational slot. This FCC STA gives permission for D10 to start the drift to its final operational slot "on or about September 1" with HD channels turning on after it gets to 102. 775 West Longitude and everything is ready ( D10 is still in its test location near 102.6 W +/- 0.05). :)

Edit added with additional possibility: D* requested a STA from the FCC on Aug 16 (see page 1 of the technical thread for link to request letter). These typically take about a week for FCC approval. It is possible D* was anticipating approval by this past Friday -thus the TBA on Sat. The FCC Public Notices published Friday had nothing listed about D*. With the FCC approval not yet received, it is possible D* is prudently delaying any announcements about early moves and startup of D10 based on that Aug 16 STA request, until they actually receive FCC approval.

[JLucPicard]

I sitll think the whole guide data thing on 499 is just someone at D* playing with people. I'd be looking at this thread and laughing my arse off! :D

[cb7214]

I sitll think the whole guide data thing on 499 is just someone at D* playing with people. I'd be looking at this thread and laughing my arse off! :D

wouldn't be the first or last time i imagine

[wilmot3]

I noticed yesterday on one of the PTNW stations it said "Update info for employees of d*" Of coarse the channel is blocked so i couldn't see what it was all about. Maybe some info on launch of HD channels?????

[Tom Robertson]

I noticed yesterday on one of the PTNW stations it said "Update info for employees of d*" Of coarse the channel is blocked so i couldn't see what it was all about. Maybe some info on launch of HD channels?????

Those happen all the time, but I sure could see that some would be geared for the new channels about now. :)

Cheers,
Tom

[Dolly]

Well I'm glad the thread was split :) Because I now can't even understand the least little bit of what they are talking about in the tech thread :blush:

[r1ga]

When I checked 499 this morning I did not get the "Searching for Satellite" message I was getting last week Instead it said I do not have the converters (which I do).

[Ken984]

Dbl check your converters, if they are older they could have a short in the cable...just to be safe I would get some new ones from D*, they are free.

[houskamp]

Well I had a few "extra" bbc's laying around (have SWM and don't need them) and I had a few minutes to play so I popped one open.. the reason the cable spins on some of them is the F connector is locktited 1/2 turn loose.. this would be very bad for carrying power to the dish..
YMMV

[r1ga]

Dbl check your converters, if they are older they could have a short in the cable...just to be safe I would get some new ones from D*, they are free.

Thanks. I will dbl check when I get home. However it is a brand new install, and everything seemed to be working fine last week.

[jrodfoo]

Thanks. I will dbl check when I get home. However it is a brand new install, and everything seemed to be working fine last week.

I had the same problem, I just did a reset, and then searching for sat came back. and everything was normal. I did order some extra BBCs though. :)

[donshan]

The day by day Guide changes on Ch 499 between BBC Test Channel and TBA seem to have now stopped with the decision for "BBC Test Channel" to be reincarnated again in my Guide until 3AM PDT Fri Aug 31 when TBA comes back yet once more.

Probably means nothing, but sooner or later they will do something.

Hollywood script writer is at work on the Guide to build suspense! Reminds me of the Movie "Terminator"- "BBC Test Channel" just keeps coming back, coming back, coming back!: :confused:

What is the ending!!Who will win BBC or TBA?:eek2:

[Madison Hawk]

The day by day Guide changes on Ch 499 between BBC Test Channel and TBA seem to have now stopped with the decision for "BBC Test Channel" to be reincarnated again in my Guide until 3AM PDT Fri Aug 31 when TBA comes back yet once more.

Probably means nothing, but sooner or later they will do something.

Hollywood script writer is at work on the Guide to build suspense! Reminds me of the Movie "Terminator"- "BBC Test Channel" just keeps coming back, coming back, coming back!: :confused:

What is the ending!!Who will win BBC or TBA?:eek2:

Interesting. I still have the standard TBA for 5:00 a.m. CDT Tuesday.

[longrider]

Interesting. I still have the standard TBA for 5:00 a.m. CDT Tuesday.
I have the same thing, TBA at 4AM MDT Tuesday

[Dolly]

The day by day Guide changes on Ch 499 between BBC Test Channel and TBA seem to have now stopped with the decision for "BBC Test Channel" to be reincarnated again in my Guide until 3AM PDT Fri Aug 31 when TBA comes back yet once more.

Probably means nothing, but sooner or later they will do something.

Hollywood script writer is at work on the Guide to build suspense! Reminds me of the Movie "Terminator"- "BBC Test Channel" just keeps coming back, coming back, coming back!: :confused:

What is the ending!!Who will win BBC or TBA?:eek2:
+1 That was funny :lol:

[donshan]

Interesting. I still have the standard TBA for 5:00 a.m. CDT Tuesday.

At 10:15 PM PDT I double checked my Guide again and it STILL shows TBA overcoming BBC test channel and replacing him in the wee hours at 3AM PTD Fri Aug 31. I had to scroll right all the way to Friday AM to get past the days of continuous "BBC test channel" Guide listings.

Now I know that D* has hired a Hollywood script writer to manage the Ch 499 Guide listings. Keep them in suspense! Be sure to plant false leads and misdirection of our attention! Then be sure the climax has a surprise twist or two when nobody expects it!

Sometimes things get so bad the only thing to do is laugh!:D :D :D

PS. Please post tomorrow what happens in the next episode of this program apparently showing only in Central and Mountain time zones. Will BBC make a surprise reappearance there or will we finally get some real information from TBA?

[Madison Hawk]

At 10:15 PM PDT I double checked my Guide again and it STILL shows TBA overcoming BBC test channel and replacing him in the wee hours at 3AM PTD Fri Aug 31. I had to scroll right all the way to Friday AM to get past the days of continuous "BBC test channel" Guide listings.

Now I know that D* has hired a Hollywood script writer to manage the Ch 499 Guide listings. Keep them in suspense! Be sure to plant false leads and misdirection of our attention! Then be sure the climax has a surprise twist or two when nobody expects it!

Sometimes things get so bad the only thing to do is laugh!:D :D :D

PS. Please post tomorrow what happens in the next episode of this program apparently showing only in Central and Mountain time zones. Will BBC make a surprise reappearance there or will we finally get some real information from TBA?

My Guide switched to the BBC test channel until Friday at 5:00 a.m. CDT when TBA appears. The fact that I am concerned about it is just a sign that I am way too excited about the new HD programming.

[longrider]

The suspense continues...

B-band Converter is back but only for 24 hours. It is TBA at 4AM Wednesday now

[upnorth]

The suspense continues...

B-band Converter is back but only for 24 hours. It is TBA at 4AM Wednesday now

Chances are this routine will continue untill the Bird moves to the 102.775 position.
Thens it time to get exited.;)

[John4924]

Chances are this routine will continue untill the Bird moves to the 102.775 position.
Thens it time to get exited.;)

Just wait till the rest of the USA realizes that SAT 103b is now showing up in their configuration! We will never get on this site later today! :D

Hope they have some back-up power to handle the traffic! :lol:

Cheers,
John

[Mavrick]

Just wait till the rest of the USA realizes that SAT 103b is now showing up in their configuration! We will never get on this site later today! :D

Hope they have some back-up power to handle the traffic! :lol:

Cheers,
John

And hopefully we won't hear this:

I giving her all she got captin but she can't take much more!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/James_Doohan_1980s.jpg

[Steve Robertson]

Just wait till the rest of the USA realizes that SAT 103b is now showing up in their configuration! We will never get on this site later today! :D

Hope they have some back-up power to handle the traffic! :lol:

Cheers,
John

No kidding I find late morning to late afternoon is the worst.

[John4924]

And hopefully we won't hear this:

I giving her all she got captin but she can't take much more!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/James_Doohan_1980s.jpg

!rolling !rolling !rolling

[purtman]

No kidding I find late morning to late afternoon is the worst.

So is productivity at work!:lol:

[Steve Robertson]

So is productivity at work!:lol:

I spoke to soon I have had the server message twice already it is going to be a tough day on here. Work???????????????? LOL

[spoonman]

I spoke to soon I have had the server message twice already it is going to be a tough day on here. Work???????????????? LOL

+1 With my current project on hold/canceled I have way too much time at work...and I maybe spending to much time here :lol:

[wilmot3]

for what it is worth I will post this here.........I had a problem with my HR20 getting the update this morning so I had to call d* to make a long story short after talking to a tech and not being able to fix the problem she transfered me over to a different dept. to get a new box sent out and she told me they would be lighting up the new bird on sept 19. Like i said for what it is worth??

[Ken984]

I hope that she was just looking at or remembering the original date this was set for around launch. But on the bright side she at least did know that they had a new sat to work with:-)

[skyviewmark1]

I personally don't believe that Even D* knows when they are going to light up the new stuff.. If they did, I think, that they would be shouting the date and time from the rooftops.. They are known for their marketing department..

[texasbrit]

See this post......no comment!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457

[donshan]

New server working, GREAT!:D

Well after teasing us for days I just noticed in my Guide that "BBC Test channel "now goes all the way out to 3AM PDT Tuesday September 11 when TBA reappears.

Several possible explanations ( take your choice or add others):

1. This is totally meaningless and they don't have a clue what is happening .

2. My theory that the Ch 499 Guide is now managed by a Hollywood Screen writer is now misdirecting our attention to September 11 in order to spring a surprise ending sooner.

3, Something has happened to plans for an early September 1 move to 102.775 W and startup with the new STA they requested but so far apparently not approved. Instead they are using the approved STA granted by the FCC to start a 30 day D10 test period on August 10, and then move to operational location at 102.8 W. That would mean the 30 days is up around Sept 9 with HD near Sept 11 or whatever:confused:

[Ken984]

Hopefully its all signed sealed and delivered and will be on SOON!!

[purtman]

See this post.....http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457

YES!!! The best part is it has FSN Midwest and FSN Pittsburgh

[cnmsales]

YES!!! The best part is it has FSN Midwest and FSN Pittsburgh

I agree on the FSN midwest.

[dbmaven]

I may not be thrilled about those particular channels, but some of the ones listed are quite interesting, to say the least.

I'm nearly in shock to see MSG listed - I was under the impression that the Dolans (Cablevision owners) would never let MSG HD out to competitors....

[syphix]

How can I turn my HR20 into "Engineering Mode"?

[EaglePC]

How can I turn my HR20 into "Engineering Mode"?

give directv a call ,tell them your so so badge#123123 :p

[purtman]

I also like that is NHL on there! That will be awesome!

[uncrules]

How can I turn my HR20 into "Engineering Mode"?
You can't. You have to have a special engineering card in your receiver. This allows you to see stuff that isn't available yet to us common folks.

[MIAMI1683]

Ok girlfrend watched deadliet catch today on a " test channel " and said she saw 2 more lit up in the after noon. Can anyone confirm this

[John4924]

Ok girlfrend watched deadliet catch today on a " test channel " and said she saw 2 more lit up in the after noon. Can anyone confirm this

OK, I'll bite, what is "deadliet catch"? and is there a channel number on this test channel?

[ajwillys]

OK, I'll bite, what is "deadliet catch"? and is there a channel number on this test channel?

Deadliest Catch is the show about crab fishing in the Bering Sea. It comes on Discovery Channel and is one of their more popular shows (after Mythbusters and Dirty Jobs, of course).

Other question... I have no idea.

[Smthkd]

Okay, its down to the wire!! 200k or HD channels!!! Its neck to neck! Swanni is reporting Mr. Mercer saying Sept 16th as the turn on date! So 3 weeks to settle this competition!

[Sixto]

Okay, its down to the wire!! 200k or HD channels!!! Its neck to neck! Swanni is reporting Mr. Mercer saying Sept 16th as the turn on date! So 3 weeks to settle this competition!200k

[tsciulli]

found this new article about new HD channels.

http://tvpredictions.com/directvhd082907.htm


DIRECTV: 20-40 New HD Channels Likely By Sept. 16
The satcaster should have 70 new HD channels by the end of September.

Edit by Doug Brott: removed article due to Copyright restrictions

[Ken984]

That seems like a long time, I think it will be sooner...but maybe not. Hopefully the fcc will approve the earlier move and that will translate into earlier channels as well.

[Tom Robertson]

OK, I'll bite, what is "deadliet catch"? and is there a channel number on this test channel?

Deadliest Catch, on the Discovery Channel. About Alaskan Crab fishing, very scary but cool show.

Cheers,
Tom

[purtman]

My thoughts on TV Predictions' article is that D* has to take the more conservative approach. D* hasn't got this amended application approved yet. Therefore, it can't really come out and say that it will be in the next week or so. Based on the whole Comcast issue, D* probably has to be careful with what it says in terms of its whole HD package. Now when the bird lights up, well, that will be a whole different story. I would be surprised if the new HD channels don't come out in the next week or so.

[1948GG]

* DIRECTV's existing lineup of HDTV channels will remain in the channel 70s and will stay for now on the current satellites, which transmit in MPEG2


But of course those will 'remain' on the Ku/Mpeg2 for a bit of time, perhaps at least 6 months.

BUT, I would expect simulcasting on Ka/Mpeg4 in fairly quick order, simply going by the number of subscribers (or potential subscribers, particularly in the east) who can't get the 110/119 sats due to 'trees' and such; the 99/103 'gap' being extremely small.

[Dolly]

That seems like a long time, I think it will be sooner...but maybe not. Hopefully the fcc will approve the earlier move and that will translate into earlier channels as well.
Oh well we have waited this long I guess we can wait a little longer ;) After all it will be well worth the wait :love1:

[skohly]

I may not be thrilled about those particular channels, but some of the ones listed are quite interesting, to say the least.

I'm nearly in shock to see MSG listed - I was under the impression that the Dolans (Cablevision owners) would never let MSG HD out to competitors....

I'm also extremely surprised by this. That would make this completely perfect for me to have MSG in HD.

[MIAMI1683]

Test channel was 497 and they list 496, 498 also last night and have for a while. She swears it was there and in HD. I wasn't home so I cannot confirm, but I told her today if she sees one light up and record and take a pic on the channel banner. She says I am tired of hearing about this hd sat thing, but then she asks " do you think it was that hd sat "

[purtman]

77 and 92 are back on the guide.

[donshan]

The "BBC Test Channel" listing has now moved to Wed Sept 12 where TBA reappears. However just about every channel in the Guide is "TBA" on September 12 because all the Guide listings are still being updated in that time period.

So I have concluded CH 499 Guide listing TBA is useless as a clue to when something might appear on Ch 499 besides the "searching for satellite" message. There will be NO Guide announcement on CH 499 about any test or new HD . If any change occurs in that "searching for satellite" message it will be sudden and without notice.

Clues to the timing of first HD will probably be Ken's tracking of D10 on the tech thread to see the drift to operational position (with 102.775 W or 102.8 W both possible). or some real numbers appearing on the new 103(b) transponder page or channel 499 finding a signal from D10 and the search stops.

I doubt we will see any "sneak previews" on odd HD channels until the D10's position moves west to a FCC approved operational slot.

I suggest watching the HBO movie "Light it up" starting tomorrow Fri Aug 31 instead of ch 499.!

[John4924]

77 and 92 are back on the guide.

have they removed references to h21/hr21?? :)

[purtman]

have they removed references to h21/hr21?? :)

I didn't watch. It just said "Are you HD ready?" in the guide.

[Herdfan]

* The new HDTV channels will be on DIRECTV's new satellite, launched in July, and will transmit in MPEG4. However, the NFL Sunday Ticket's lineup of HDTV games will remain on DIRECTV's current satellites and will transmit in MPEG2.

But Shanks said DIRECTV will not need to drop an existing HDTV channel from the lineup to make room for the high-def games each Sunday, as it did last year.

"We will do some shuffling to make room, but there will be no dropping of HD channels like last year," he said.

I would love to know how they plan on doing this.

Last year, FOX did 6 and CBS 3 for a total of 9. For the first week of the season, FOX is doing 6 and CBS 5 for a total of 11.

If they didn't have the bandwidth for 9 where did they find the bandwidth for 11?

[Herdfan]

have they removed references to h21/hr21?? :)
Nope, they are still there.:confused:

[donshan]

I didn't watch. It just said "Are you HD ready?" in the guide.

Thanks for the post on 77 & 92. They are again playing the same repeating video clip on both channels that they used last time that includes the H21/HR21 etc info.

[Ken984]

I would love to know how they plan on doing this.

Last year, FOX did 6 and CBS 3 for a total of 9. For the first week of the season, FOX is doing 6 and CBS 5 for a total of 11.

If they didn't have the bandwidth for 9 where did they find the bandwidth for 11?

Here is a decent guess on this. If they remapped the HD DNS channels during the football games instead of creating a whole new channel just for each ST HD game that would save some space and would allow them to do it without turning off more than the PPV channels. I have seen this discussed before and it makes sense from a bandwidth standpoint.

[Herdfan]

Here is a decent guess on this. If they remapped the HD DNS channels during the football games instead of creating a whole new channel
Possibly, but if they could have done that, why didn't they do it last year?

[Ken984]

I wish i knew, maybe a smarter guy is in charge this year LOL.

[chrisfowler99]

Here is a decent guess on this. If they remapped the HD DNS channels during the football games instead of creating a whole new channel just for each ST HD game that would save some space and would allow them to do it without turning off more than the PPV channels. I have seen this discussed before and it makes sense from a bandwidth standpoint.
What about game overlap?

[Ken984]

What about game overlap?

That doesn't happen as much as it used to, but it could be a fly in the plan for sure. It would still cut down by 2 the number of extra HD channels they need to put up. And if they were able to put up 4 different games on the 4 hd channels that would be a huge help.

[Smuuth]

D10 Channels are evidently being tested, according to this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457) on AVS Forum.

EDIT: Sorry, missed the thread where this was posted before.:blush:

[John4924]

D10 Channels are evidently being tested, according to this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457) on AVS Forum.

This was posted 2 days ago by someone else on several of these threads :)

[MIAMI1683]

Apparently testing right now. Full House in HD? My girl says its on chennel 435 and she has taped it on our hr20. So i will see when I get home later. I am told by next weekend some will start to be released. Again we'll see and by no means is that written in stone. Anyways look at the test channels cause apparently thats where some of the tests are being run.

[purtman]

What is Channel 435? I thought the 400s are all of the non-English channels? Then again, you're in Miami so you may have the Latino channels.

[EaglePC]

I thought the big ten network would launch as hd tonight at 8pm,there talk hd on ch 220 as of now.
I got like 1,000 people setup up call D*.now after watching ch 77 to see if they have the hr21 oh boy

[PoitNarf]

I thought the big ten network would launch as hd tonight at 8pm,there talk hd on ch 220 as of now.
I got like 1,000 people setup up call D*.now after watching ch 77 to see if they have the hr21 oh boy

I haven't the slightest clue of what you're saying here :confused:

[John4924]

I thought the big ten network would launch as hd tonight at 8pm,there talk hd on ch 220 as of now.
I got like 1,000 people setup up call D*.now after watching ch 77 to see if they have the hr21 oh boy

It is up in my guide right now, channel 220

"The Big Ten Network Launches at 8pm ET" :D

[EaglePC]

yes 219,220,or 221 will not broadcast in high-def ,even if its posted or announced on the air as off yet.

[purtman]

I haven't the slightest clue of what you're saying here :confused:

It's just an example of a "non-English" channel. :lol:

[EaglePC]

It's just an example of a "non-English" channel. :lol:
:confused:
The new Channel launch of the big ten network is on Ch 219,220,and221
I was watching a preview on ch 220 earlier today and they said are broadcast of this station will be in high-def....

[purtman]

This station will be in HD. But the preview may have been from the Big Ten Network. D* should have it in HD fairly quickly now that the new bird can move over.

[EaglePC]

oooof

me have to get back in school
me in the 5th grade level

[gulfwarvet]

oooof

me have to get back in school
me in the 5th grade level




:confused::nono2::confused:

Say-What????

[Jeremy W]

:confused::nono2::confused:

Say-What????
Just smile and nod.

[gulfwarvet]

Just smile and nod.


how's this:

:D:nono::nono2::nono::D:nono::nono2::nono::D

hehe

[Dolly]

Well I must admit having the U.S. Open to watch on D has helped me stay busy :) And the Open lasts until sometime in Sept. (shame on me I forgot exactly when it ends?) So I finger the end of the U.S. Open has to be at least fairly close to when we get the new HD channels :sunsmile:

[Ken984]

Finals will be Sept 8 & 9.

[John4924]

Finals will be Sept 8 & 9.

Ken, do you happen to know of a post that describes the configuration of D10 [number of transponders, capabilities, etc.] I am sure there is one here, but I cannot find.

Cheers,
John

[donshan]

Ken, do you happen to know of a post that describes the configuration of D10 [number of transponders, capabilities, etc.] I am sure there is one here, but I cannot find.

Cheers,
John

The Boeing pdf file "DirecTV 10, 11 and 12" has tables on page 2 and is a place to start and has some of that info:

http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/702/dtv10-11-12_factsheet.pdf

[John4924]

The Boeing pdf file "DirecTV 10, 11 and 12" has tables on page 2 and is a place to start and has some of that info:

http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/702/dtv10-11-12_factsheet.pdf

Thanks donshan, that is what I was looking for :)

Now, if I extrapolate this data, there are 32 active CONUS transponders (TWTAs) [and 55 spot beam] and I believe you can fit 4 HD channels on each transponder? So this means that D10 has the capability to handle 128 national HD channels. Am I thinking correctly here?

And if this is correct, can they fit full resolution and full bit rates at 4 per transponder?

I am just trying to understand the full capability here because I have been trying to explain this to some friends who are thinking of switching from cable to D* ;)

Thanks and cheers,
John

[Ken984]

You can't use all the transponders at the same time, D* and E* both use multiple sats in one location to load balance. There is simply not enough power available to run everything, some of the transponders are backups also, so if one fails they just move it to another. This also allows them to double power some transponders so the signal we get is stronger and is more rain fade resistant. D10 is setup now to do 16 national beams and spaceway 1 will handle the others although right now it only has 7 active transponders.

[Tom Robertson]

You can't use all the transponders at the same time, D* and E* both use multiple sats in one location to load balance. There is simply not enough power available to run everything, some of the transponders are backups also, so if one fails they just move it to another. This also allows them to double power some transponders so the signal we get is stronger and is more rain fade resistant. D10 is setup now to do 16 national beams and spaceway 1 will handle the others although right now it only has 7 active transponders.

Actually, there will be 14 national beams, the others are spares. Lots of info in this thread: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82295

Spaceway 1 has a very large number of active "transponders" as spot beams, but only on 7 frequencies.

Cheers,
Tom

[Tom Robertson]

Thanks donshan, that is what I was looking for :)

Now, if I extrapolate this data, there are 32 active CONUS transponders (TWTAs) [and 55 spot beam] and I believe you can fit 4 HD channels on each transponder? So this means that D10 has the capability to handle 128 national HD channels. Am I thinking correctly here?

And if this is correct, can they fit full resolution and full bit rates at 4 per transponder?

I am just trying to understand the full capability here because I have been trying to explain this to some friends who are thinking of switching from cable to D* ;)

Thanks and cheers,
John

One needs to take great care in trying to puzzle out how many HD channels per transponder. With Ku, there is some amount of standardization on the bandwidth per transponder, but with Ka there is none. Today Spaceway 1 and 2 use 62.5MHz wide transponders, 12 times that of a broadcast OTA channel. So without blinking, 12 HD channels should fit without even correcting for differences in modulation or encoding (MPEG2 vs. MPEG4).

Other transponders in the Ka band that DIRECTV will use are 36Mhz wide, 7x the usable bandwidth of a TV channel. I'm guessing that approximately 10 channels will fit without bit starving too much with good mpeg4 encoders and intelligent dynamic bit allocations.

Cheers,
Tom

[RandybinSC]

So I finger the end of the U.S. Open has to be at least fairly close to when we get the new HD channels :sunsmile:

How?
:)

[Ed Campbell]

Cripes! Here I am fixing a late breakfast, 5 minutes ago, and my cellphone rings. [No landline and Skype with no SkypeIn] - this is how anyone reaches me.

And it's an automated call from D* reminding me to check and be certain my BBC's are connected and working properly.

I'd say we must be getting close, for sure.

[coota]

Not sure if this is the correct thread for this question or not. I noticed a 103(a) and a 103 (b) when I look at the satellite transponders on my HR20-100. The 103(a) all have "- - " and the 103 (b) has 0's. What is the difference between the a and the b?

[dbmaven]

As discussed elsewhere, (a) is the existing Spaceway 1 satellite, (b) is for the new D10 sat when it "lights up".

[John4924]

One needs to take great care in trying to puzzle out how many HD channels per transponder. With Ku, there is some amount of standardization on the bandwidth per transponder, but with Ka there is none. Today Spaceway 1 and 2 use 62.5MHz wide transponders, 12 times that of a broadcast OTA channel. So without blinking, 12 HD channels should fit without even correcting for differences in modulation or encoding (MPEG2 vs. MPEG4).

Other transponders in the Ka band that DIRECTV will use are 36Mhz wide, 7x the usable bandwidth of a TV channel. I'm guessing that approximately 10 channels will fit without bit starving too much with good mpeg4 encoders and intelligent dynamic bit allocations.

Cheers,
Tom

Thanks for the info, Tom. So we can roughly say ~10 channels per transponder with 14 active would yield ~140 HD channel capability? And the other spot beams will be for locals?

Now when D11 lites up next year, will they "move" some of the HD channels to do some load sharing between the 2 birds? And I assume D11 will have a similar amount of spot beams for locals?

So I guess the bottom line I am driving at [to persuade my friends] is with D10 and D11 functional, D* will have a "metric butt-load" of HD capability :D And their capability will be far ahead of available content well into the future? ;)

And thanks for all of your posts. They are always informative.

Cheers,
John

[noneroy]

I've been lurking a bit and would like to add one point of pure random conjecture into the pool.

I'm thinking that they won't flip one switch and BOOM! all the channels will be on. I think they are going to do it slowly over the next month a few channels at a time. If you look at everything D* has done, it shows D* loves baby-steps (and with good reason). The HR-20? Limited to a small area before it went wide. VOD? Same thing.

I think that they'll be DONE by the time of that awards show, but I think we'll just see a few channels at a time start to pop up. It makes the most sense too. If you work in small batches you make it easier to fix any problems that crop up.

Oh well. I want it now, but in a month we'll all look back on this time and laugh....I hope..... :rolleyes:

[purtman]

"Someday we'll look back and this will all seem funny"
Bruce Springsteen
Thunder Road

Do you think Springsteen knew in 1974 about all of this?

[PWenger]

I've been lurking a bit and would like to add one point of pure random conjecture into the pool.

I'm thinking that they won't flip one switch and BOOM! all the channels will be on. I think they are going to do it slowly over the next month a few channels at a time. If you look at everything D* has done, it shows D* loves baby-steps (and with good reason). The HR-20? Limited to a small area before it went wide. VOD? Same thing.

I think that they'll be DONE by the time of that awards show, but I think we'll just see a few channels at a time start to pop up. It makes the most sense too. If you work in small batches you make it easier to fix any problems that crop up.

Oh well. I want it now, but in a month we'll all look back on this time and laugh....I hope..... :rolleyes:

That is a well reasoned, common sense arguement...and therefore probably won't be true. I personally expect feast or famine based on the fact that it makes no sense to do it that way.

I work with Medicare everyday...maybe its made me jaded.:rolleyes:

[Jeremy W]

it's an automated call from D* reminding me to check and be certain my BBC's are connected and working properly.

I'd say we must be getting close, for sure.
I've been getting those calls for months.

[Jeremy W]

I'm thinking that they won't flip one switch and BOOM! all the channels will be on. I think they are going to do it slowly over the next month a few channels at a time.
They're going to turn on 20-40 channels at launch, and then additional large groups of channels over the next few days. It's not going to take a month, and they're not going to do 1 or 2 channels at a time.

[purtman]

Jeremy, why do you say that? Are you aware of something we don't know?

[Herdfan]

Thanks for the info, Tom. So we can roughly say ~10 channels per transponder with 14 active would yield ~140 HD channel capability? And the other spot beams will be for locals?



No way will D* put 10 channel on a transponder at first. They will put a few and provide great PQ and get the buzz going about how great the PQ is. Then after they have gotten all the subs they can to convert over, they will very slowly over a couple of years reduce the PQ so that no one notices how bad it has gotten.

History tends to repeats itself.

[dragonbait]

There are also the content providers to consider. Contracts with those providers may stipulate specific dates and/or conditions before D* can offer the channel to the general customer base. A channel that is newly offered in HD might not let D* start broadcasting until it has completed its own testing.

[Jeremy W]

Jeremy, why do you say that? Are you aware of something we don't know?
I'm not aware of anything that hasn't been said publically. Eric Shanks said this a few days ago.

[bwaldron]

"Someday we'll look back and this will all seem funny"
Bruce Springsteen
Thunder Road

Do you think Springsteen knew in 1974 about all of this?

Isn't that from Rosalita, not Thunder Road?

:)

[Jeremy W]

Then after they have gotten all the subs they can to convert over, they will very slowly over a couple of years reduce the PQ so that no one notices how bad it has gotten.
Are you saying they'd reduce the PQ just for craps and giggles? That doesn't make any sense. Now, will they reduce the PQ when they start to run out of bandwidth? There's no doubt in my mind that they will. But as long as they have the bandwidth to offer great PQ, they gain absolutely nothing from just arbitrarily decreasing it.

[Tom Robertson]

I hear multiple approaches were discussed. Jeremy W might have been surprised. I hear a decision has been made and I heard what that was. BUT, I do not know what WILL actually happen as things change. :)

Bottom line, reports are by end of Sept. a good many will be turned up. And more will continue to be added as the providers switch to HD.

Cheers,
Tom

[purtman]

Isn't that from Rosalita, not Thunder Road?

:)

Now you have me thinking. Oh shoot! Now I'll have to listen to the CD again tonight. :) My wife won't be too happy about that, but ... I'll help her out ...

Hmmm ... I think you're right. Thunder Road has "It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win ... "

[Jeremy W]

I hear multiple approaches were discussed. Jeremy W might have been surprised. I hear a decision has been made and I heard what that was. BUT, I do not know what WILL actually happen as things change.
Shanks added that DIRECTV will add a minimum of 20 new HD channels on the first day of the expansion.

"It will be more in the 40 range if all goes well," he said. "It's still fluid so we can't say for sure."

After the first rollout, DIRECTV will add another group of channels soon thereafter and then another group until it reaches the 70 mark by the end of September.
Sounds pretty definite to me.

[Tom Robertson]

I hear multiple approaches were discussed. Jeremy W might have been surprised. I hear a decision has been made and I heard what that was. BUT, I do not know what WILL actually happen as things change.
Shanks added that DIRECTV will add a minimum of 20 new HD channels on the first day of the expansion.

"It will be more in the 40 range if all goes well," he said. "It's still fluid so we can't say for sure."

After the first rollout, DIRECTV will add another group of channels soon thereafter and then another group until it reaches the 70 mark by the end of September.
Sounds pretty definite to me.

As definitive as the part I bolded in your quote. :)

[Jeremy W]

As definitive as the part I bolded in your quote. :)
I just took that as meaning the initial rollout will consist of 20-40 channels, but they can't say exactly how many because it depends on how well it goes.

[Herdfan]

Are you saying they'd reduce the PQ just for craps and giggles? That doesn't make any sense. Now, will they reduce the PQ when they start to run out of bandwidth?
I guess I forgot the sarcasm smilie.:)

But once they add the 50 new HD shopping channels, they will run out of bandwidth quickly.:lol:

[purtman]

We also need to remember that these numbers could be tweaked. This really adds to this being fluid. When Shanks made this comment about the 16th and the number of channels, D* still hadn't received the go-ahead from the FCC for the earlier movement of the sat. So if we start getting the channels earlier, there may not be as many as there would have been had everything begun to launch on the 16th. I'm like everybody else. But then I realize that either way, we're very fortunate to have these new channels. We're not in Iraq or somewhere else. So if we can afford all these HD gadgets and the programming, we're all pretty fortunate and just be content whenever we should get the channels.

[Jeremy W]

we're very fortunate to have these new channels. We're not in Iraq or somewhere else. So if we can afford all these HD gadgets and the programming, we're all pretty fortunate and just be content whenever we should get the channels.
Sorry, but the world doesn't work like that. Someone in another thread told me that I can't complain about not having VOD, because things could be worse. No! It's good to be grateful for what you have, but that doesn't mean that you have to just be content with everything.

[purtman]

You're right. It could be worse. I could be in Detroit ... OOPS!!!! :lol:

[Jeremy W]

You're right. It could be worse. I could be in Detroit ... OOPS!!!! :lol:
I am in a suburb of Detroit, not the city itself. Thankfully.

[wheelswagz]

Is there any way of finding out what the actual channel numbers will be for these new channels when they go live? So we know where to look? :confused:

[1948GG]

Is there any way of finding out what the actual channel numbers will be for these new channels when they go live? So we know where to look? :confused:

According to the interview in TVPredicitions, the channel numbers will be associated with the original SD channels, i.e., CNN/202, CNN-HD/202, just like the HD/SD locals (actually, reverse that, so that the HD version comes up in the guide first, and if you punch it in on the remote, the HD comes up).

As far as which will be 'first', look at what's already 'backhauled' (via fiber or otherwise) to the Castle Rock uplink; over 20+ RSN's (regional sports networks) that are Ka/spotbeamed (via the Spaceways) into local areas are the easiest to 'go national'; basically flip a switch (almost). That's what I'd look for as being 'first'.

[Alan Gordon]

One needs to take great care in trying to puzzle out how many HD channels per transponder.

Just thought y'all might want some interesting reading...

Tandberg and others showcase advanced encoding at Amsterdam show (http://broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6368249.html)

Tandberg announces new MPEG4 encoders (http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-hd-discussions/76587-tandberg-announces-new-mpeg4-encoders.html)

These links are a year old, but are very cool none the less...

~Alan

[1948GG]

What's amazing about the new(er) Mpeg4 codecs is the physical size (1RU for the Tandbergs), compared to the original 1st generation SD Mpeg2 encoders (circa 1993-4) that were about 2-3 times the size of a small 'dorm' type refrigerator. And put out about the same heat as a small pottery kiln!

[Jeremy W]

They have 1RU MPEG4 encoders now? Wow...

[PoitNarf]

They have 1RU MPEG4 encoders now? Wow...

How many BTUs do those suckers pump out? :lol:

[1948GG]

They have 1RU MPEG4 encoders now? Wow...

The 'older' Tandberg EN5990's that DirecTV bought some 2 1/2 yrs ago were a whopping 2RU. Don't know what the 'mix' is now, but it'll only take about 3 full-height (7'+) racks to contain all the 70+ (for now).

The spec sheets don't list the btu or even the wattage requirements (although they do run on 120/240v plus the usual -48vdc). But the 'operating temperature' is pretty low (highs between 104-122degF). But I doubt it's very much.

[PoitNarf]

The 'older' Tandberg EN5990's that DirecTV bought some 2 1/2 yrs ago were a whopping 2RU. Don't know what the 'mix' is now, but it'll only take about 3 full-height (7'+) racks to contain all the 70+ (for now).

With at least a rack of backups I'd imagine.

[oldfantom]

Is this the technical thread?

[Tom Robertson]

While there often is Tecnical HD information, it is not the technical D10 location thread.

Cheers,
Tom

[purtman]

What in particular are you looking for?

[generalpatton78]

I'm not aware of anything that hasn't been said publically. Eric Shanks said this a few days ago.

I'm sure you probably know by now but many people hate this guy. I'm not a big fan myself. He posts old material all the time and acts like he broke a story. Just read the HR10 story he posted not to long ago. He basically takes common knowledge or lifts info from people in the know on the forums and passes it off as his own. So if you don't know already anytime you use him as your source get ready for somebody to point that out.

[Jeremy W]

I'm sure you probably know by now but many people hate this guy.
Eric Shanks is the EVP of Entertainment at DirecTV. You must be thinking of someone else, because I haven't heard very much Eric Shanks hatred around here.

[Newshawk]

I'm sure you probably know by now but many people hate this guy. I'm not a big fan myself. He posts old material all the time and acts like he broke a story. Just read the HR10 story he posted not to long ago. He basically takes common knowledge or lifts info from people in the know on the forums and passes it off as his own. So if you don't know already anytime you use him as your source get ready for somebody to point that out.

I think you have Eric Shanks confused with Swanni.

[bnash972]

Twas the Night Before HD....

Twas the night before HD, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a clicking mouse;
The posts were made by the users with care,
In hopes that DirecTV HD soon would be there;
The subscribers nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of brilliant pictures dancing in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long summer’s nap,
When out of DBSTalk there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed and ran to the computer to see what was the matter.
Away to my living room I flew.
Could it really be true?

The moon reflecting of my favorite show,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But posts a flying by impatient subscribers, is HD finally here?

With my computer, HR20 and eSata drive,
I knew in a moment it D10 must be live!

More rapid than eagles the signals they came,
And they whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Lefty! now, Sixto! now, RAD and Eagle!
On, Smthkd! on Harsh! on, Ken984 and syphix and all the others too!

The 5-LNB dishes on top of the roof so tall!
Now channel surf away! surf away! surf away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the entertainment center full of high-tech toys, and DirectTV HD too.

And then, in a twinkling, across the nation
The glistening and Dolby of each glorious HD station.
As I drew in my hand, and was surfing around,
And through the sky came DirecTV HD with crystal sound.
It was brilliant color on my DLP
The wonderful new picture was bright as could be;

A bundle of HD channels for all,
Just in time for NFL Football.
All the hardware updated.
Their eyes -- how they twinkled!
And oh, how they had waited, Spending endless hours explaining KA-band;
and other stuff we still don’t really understand.
But it didn’t really matter, the channels were so crystal clear,
All the viewers, they were finally happy;
Their days of waiting were through
All of the colors were now in perfect hue
After hundreds of thousands of posts, what next?
I guess its back to complaining about D* CSRs and install techs.

Its time to move on, bigger better things await
There’s still VOD, 1080p, more channels to create.
Laying their left hands on the remotes, their right hands on their mouse’s,
I don’t expect these guys will ever leave their houses.
In the living room they sit, planting themselves on the couch,
Sitting there for hours, even days, each one a big ol’ slouch.

And, then they all heard one lone lurker exclaim…
"HD for all, and to all a good-night."

[computersecguy]

great poem... now the real question is will there tomorrow be hd???

[Alan Gordon]

I haven't seen anyone talking about it, so I thought I'd bring it up... but lately, I've had times when I tried to change the channel, set something to record, or check satellite signals on 102 and it told me that it couldn't because it interfered with "Signal Testing". This has happened to me SEVERAL times in the last week or so at various times...

BTW, another interesting thing that was in the article I posted was that a satellite company (using MPEG4) could fit 27-32 SD channels on a single transponder using 8PSK and MPEG4...

~Alan

[EaglePC]

all sat 103 (b) are 0's still
give up

[viper8399]

just talked to a D* rep because I lost my locals after reverting back from the upgrade and was told we will have 36 channels this month with 25 coming in October and they are hoping for 75 by the end of the year.

[Sixto]

Twas the Night Before HD...Very nice.

Should be moving into place any day now.

[Sirshagg]

Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...
Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...

[generalpatton78]

I think you have Eric Shanks confused with Swanni.

Ya I really should have stated that better. I meant Phillip Swann aka Swanni who wrote the article. I really don't have that much of a problem with that article, but I do hate to see people post his stuff on the forums. He uses it like advertising all the time. I'll go to AVS,TCF, and DBStalk only to find somebody (himself usually) posting his material on all three forums. So in a way I view allot of his work basically as SPAM. It wouldn't be a problem if he sourced his material like Engadget does and stopped posting his own work on forums.

Edit- Oh and in the interest of full disclosure Jeremy W your not Joseph Whip are you???:confused:

[lwilli201]

Ya I really should have stated that better. I meant Phillip Swann aka Swanni who wrote the article. I really don't have that much of a problem with that article, but I do hate to see people post his stuff on the forums. He uses it like advertising all the time. I'll go to AVS,TCF, and DBStalk only to find somebody (himself usually) posting his material on all three forums. So in a way I view allot of his work basically as SPAM. It wouldn't be a problem if he sourced his material like Engadget does and stopped posting his own work on forums.

Touché

[generalpatton78]

Touché

Honestly not really. I've seen some guys go ape $H** over people posting his stuff on avs. For the most part I just view it as spam but occasionally he does break some news. I believe HDTVFan (I think that's his handle} hates the guy. To me usually I see a thread from one of his article's and I end up saying to myself "ya we knew that a month ago".

[lwilli201]

Honestly not really. I've seen some guys go ape $H** over people posting his stuff on avs. For the most part I just view it as spam but occasionally he does break some news. I believe HDTVFan (I think that's his handle} hates the guy. To me usually I see a thread from one of his article's and I end up saying to myself "ya we knew that a month ago".

I was agreeing with you. Touché is the award of a point in fencing. I was awarding you a point (a +1). I totally agree that Swanni over does his self promotion. His articles are included somewhere among all the advertising. :rolleyes: And he is not shy about putting his picture everywhere.

[Jeremy W]

Oh and in the interest of full disclosure Jeremy W your not Joseph Whip are you???:confused:
My username isn't Joseph W...

[BruceS]

I haven't seen anyone talking about it, so I thought I'd bring it up... but lately, I've had times when I tried to change the channel, set something to record, or check satellite signals on 102 and it told me that it couldn't because it interfered with "Signal Testing". This has happened to me SEVERAL times in the last week or so at various times...

BTW, another interesting thing that was in the article I posted was that a satellite company (using MPEG4) could fit 27-32 SD channels on a single transponder using 8PSK and MPEG4...

~Alan

Try re-booting your box.

Several people had this problem after some of the recent CE's and a re-boot seems to cure it.

[Ed Campbell]

I had the problem for the first time, this morning. And, yes, a menu reboot cured it.

[Alan Gordon]

Try re-booting your box.

Several people had this problem after some of the recent CE's and a re-boot seems to cure it.

I've had it on my HR20-100 which had been rebooted over and over (issues with the box), I've had it on my HR20-700 before and after several reboots (trying to get the CE last night).

It does not appear to be a problem with the box, but rather some sort of testing done by DirecTV...

~Alan

[donshan]

I haven't seen anyone talking about it, so I thought I'd bring it up... but lately, I've had times when I tried to change the channel, set something to record, or check satellite signals on 102 and it told me that it couldn't because it interfered with "Signal Testing". This has happened to me SEVERAL times in the last week or so at various times...


~Alan

I had the same problem when I first turned on D* this morning with a "signal testing 9.31a" message. A Setup menu reset cured it .

I have posted the details of other things I found during the problem in the HR 20-700 SW Ox-18a issues thread:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1080244&postcount=165

[hdtvfan0001]

I just thought it was interesting to see all those new transponders on the new Sat 103 (a) and Sat (b) in the setup..even though most are a 0 in signal strength right now...

The point is, there are more transponders ready to be activated on D*TV's command for the 103 sat.

[Alan Gordon]

I had the same problem when I first turned on D* this morning with a "signal testing 9.31a" message. A Setup menu reset cured it .

I have posted the details of other things I found during the problem in the HR 20-700 SW Ox-18a issues thread:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1080244&postcount=165

Yes, I've read that post, but I disagree with your assessment that it's a glitch... I believe it's some sort of code written into the HR20 to check the signal levels at various geographic locations so as to get a better understanding of the KA signal from D10... especially since I've only had this issue since DirecTV started getting D10 into it's general area.

As for your statement that it's not actually recording anything, it doesn't need to be to check signal strength.

I could be wrong, but I don't consider this to be a problem. If this conflicts with a recording, I will cancel the signal test, but if it doesn't, I'm going to let it be to allow DirecTV all the data it needs. A reboot is unnecessary in my opinion...

~Alan

[donshan]

Yes, I've read that post, but I disagree with your assessment that it's a glitch... I believe it's some sort of code written into the HR20 to check the signal levels at various geographic locations so as to get a better understanding of the KA signal from D10... especially since I've only had this issue since DirecTV started getting D10 into it's general area.

As for your statement that it's not actually recording anything, it doesn't need to be to check signal strength.

I could be wrong, but I don't consider this to be a problem. If this conflicts with a recording, I will cancel the signal test, but if it doesn't, I'm going to let it be to allow DirecTV all the data it needs. A reboot is unnecessary in my opinion...

~Alan

Thanks for looking it over. I too consider it possible they are actually testing reception, but if so the software is flawed. In my case the signal test left the transponder pages not functioning and a reboot was required to get them working again, so I called it a "glitch". In my case I only received the OX- 18a SW update Aug 22 so that is a recent change too. When I first saw the signal test I thought it could be a D10 related test just as you describe, but then when I had to reboot to get transponder data pages to list any number values I was not so sure. I was disappointed after the reboot not to find some D10 related changes of some kind.:(

As a clarification, I was checking for recordings since if two recordings were in progress, it is not possible to change channels, so I was checking that D* wa not recording some of those "promotional" items to the DVR using both tuners and blocking my use. They were not recording anything to the DVR eliminating that idea.

If they are running tests how do they get the reception data back- via the phone line? And one other item, the last channel I looked at last night was ch 499. Is it possible that leaving a tuner on ch 499 could be involved with this signal test issue?

Anyway, I posted this over at the HR20 software issue thread hoping the experts there could help me understand it. :confused:

[Alan Gordon]

Thanks for looking it over. I too consider it possible they are actually testing reception, but if so the software is flawed. In my case the signal test left the transponder pages not functioning and a reboot was required to get them working again, so I called it a "glitch".

Oh yeah, there is definately a glitch in the software as I have had the exact same problem, but since the channels still come in regardless of the signal strength page, I don't worry about it too much...


As a clarification, I was checking for recordings since if two recordings were in progress, it is not possible to change channels, so I was checking that D* wa not recording some of those "promotional" items to the DVR using both tuners and blocking my use. They were not recording anything to the DVR eliminating that idea.

Twice now, I have been watching OTA and when I tried to turn it to a satellite channel, it told me that it couldn't because tuners were in use, and gave me an option of choosing to cancel, or cancel one of the programs in use. One of them would be something I recorded... the other, would be the signal testing.

If they are running tests how do they get the reception data back- via the phone line? And one other item, the last channel I looked at last night was ch 499. Is it possible that leaving a tuner on ch 499 could be involved with this signal test issue?

No, I rarely check 499, and I have the signal check come up quite a bit... but yeah, the phone line is probably how...

~Alan

[donshan]

Twice now, I have been watching OTA and when I tried to turn it to a satellite channel, it told me that it couldn't because tuners were in use, and gave me an option of choosing to cancel, or cancel one of the programs in use. One of them would be something I recorded... the other, would be the signal testing.

~Alan

Thanks for the warning. I have not had that come up yet, but will be prepared if (when?) it does.:)

I probably have not encountered this before, since we usually watch DVR recordings 80 percent of the time to time shift things to our schedule. Thus I wouldn't have noticed if D* was using both tuners for testing. I will see if I can reproduce while I watch a network OTA game live this weekend and try test recording and switching to D* channels at times.

[Alan Gordon]

Thanks for the warning. I have not had that come up yet, but will be prepared if (when?) it does.:)

I probably have not encountered this before, since we usually watch DVR recordings 80 percent of the time to time shift things to our schedule. Thus I wouldn't have noticed if D* was using both tuners for testing. I will see if I can reproduce while I watch a network OTA game live this weekend and try test recording and switching to D* channels at times.

My HR20 is used mostly for recordings too (most of my live TV viewings are in other rooms with TiVos), BUT I have been having a local radar channel on a lot lately due to rain/storms. I've also been watching more live TV the last few days since I replaced a HR20-100 with a -700 after the -100 started having issues, setting up my Series Links again...

~Alan

[bnash972]

FSMW (647) has the "HD" icon by the NCAA football games today? Its broadcasting in SD, but the icon is there. Is this new or has that been there for awhile? Is this a sign of anything?

[cygnusloop]

FSMW (647) has the "HD" icon by the NCAA football games today? Its broadcasting in SD, but the icon is there. Is this new or has that been there for awhile? Is this a sign of anything?

It's a sign that FSMW is simulcasting in HD, just not (yet) on DIRECTV. You may be able to find the same thing happening on the Discovery Networks.

[Tom Robertson]

Let's leave Swammi bashing somewhere else and go :backtotop

Thanks,
Tom

[Hutchinshouse]

OK, I just got my second HR20 today. Another 700 :)

ATTN: D* - You have my approval to let the new channels fly :D

[Alan Gordon]

It's a sign that FSMW is simulcasting in HD, just not (yet) on DIRECTV. You may be able to find the same thing happening on the Discovery Networks.

Actually, over the years, DirecTV has had several channels in the guide have the HD logo (ESPN2, USA, FX, National Geographic Channel, regional sports networks, and a few others), but these were at times when the network didn't necessarily have a HD channel.

I can't speak for FSMW as I don't know anything about the channel, but just wanted to bring up the fact that it doesn't necessarily mean anything...

~Alan

[Sirshagg]

Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...
Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...

[hdtvfan0001]

Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...
Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...

:lol: :lol: :lol:

This could be almost like work here with 3 units... :D

[donshan]

Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...
Damn! 103(b) is still all 0's. Retest...

Here is an idea to make it easier for you. The 0s in 103(b) are meaningless too because that transponder screen page is not connected to any tuners yet and cannot measure any transponders.

On the software technical thread 1948GG discussed the idea that the 103(b) screen is not actually reading anything at all yet. The 0s are being put into the screen by the software. It will take another signal from D* to activate the tuners to receive D10 signals before 103(b) will measure anything- even 0.

I believe 1948GG is correct. Run this little test. Put up any other transponder page and note the time it takes for your receiver to read a transponder value and place a number in the table and then go to the next transponder. On 103(b) the 0s pop in quickly because they are simulated readings until the tuners are connected to the D10 signals and the software actually measures something.

In a few days that will change when D* sends a software signal to activate 103(b), but for now it is a waste of time to watch the 0s appear unless you enjoy watching software run. :)

Patience :D

[binkatl]

On 103(b) the 0s pop in quickly because they are simulated readings until the tuners are connected to the D10 signals and the software actually measures something.

This might be different for different people, but on my HR20-100, the 0's on 103(b) take the same amount of time to appear as the readings on other satellites.

Not saying you're wrong about the fake screen, I'm just saying that on my system, the readings don't come up quickly.

[Sirshagg]

Here is an idea to make it easier for you. The 0s in 103(b) are meaningless too because that transponder screen page is not connected to any tuners yet and cannot measure any transponders.

On the software technical thread 1948GG discussed the idea that the 103(b) screen is not actually reading anything at all yet. The 0s are being put into the screen by the software. It will take another signal from D* to activate the tuners to receive D10 signals before 103(b) will measure anything- even 0.

I believe 1948GG is correct. Run this little test. Put up any other transponder page and note the time it takes for your receiver to read a transponder value and place a number in the table and then go to the next transponder. On 103(b) the 0s pop in quickly because they are simulated readings until the tuners are connected to the D10 signals and the software actually measures something.

In a few days that will change when D* sends a software signal to activate 103(b), but for now it is a waste of time to watch the 0s appear unless you enjoy watching software run. :)

Patience :D

I have noticed that these 0's appear faster than the numbers on any other Sat. In any case I suspect there will be no new HD (for me) untill these 0's turn to something else.

[hdtvfan0001]

It will take another signal from D* to activate the tuners to receive D10 signals before 103(b) will measure anything- even 0.
This is the most likely situation.

The fact that these are now at least visible means they exist and the receiver/DVR can see something...D*TV controls its activation.

[Racer88]

Just talked to retention and they said the 16th or the 24th for the new channels to come online. :(

I did get me 10 bucks off for 6 months for all these tuner lockups tho. :D

[Jeremy W]

I just talked to the Advanced Products Group, and they said that some difficulties were encountered with the new batch of encoders DirecTV set up for the new channels, and they won't be coming online until October.

This is completely made up, but it may as well be true. CSRs, no matter what group they're with, are not an accurate source of information.

[M3 Pete]

I go away for a full week of no-television vacation, and you guys have not gotten the new channels on line yet? :nono2:

How disappointing! And now rumors of October? Oh noes!

[purtman]

I just talked to the Advanced Products Group, and they said that some difficulties were encountered with the new batch of encoders DirecTV set up for the new channels, and they won't be coming online until October.

This is completely made up, but it may as well be true. CSRs, no matter what group they're with, are not an accurate source of information.

Lame and no reason to keep the type small so the readers here won't see it. It will only help to get them upset.

[Sirshagg]

I just talked to the Advanced Products Group, and they said that some difficulties were encountered with the new batch of encoders DirecTV set up for the new channels, and they won't be coming online until October.

This is completely made up, but it may as well be true. CSRs, no matter what group they're with, are not an accurate source of information.

My dogs had a conference this morning and they unamously tell me it will be tomorrow.

[lwilli201]

My dogs had a conference this morning and they unamously tell me it will be tomorrow.

If you cannot believe your dogs, who can you believe. :lol: :lol: :hurah:

[donshan]

This might be different for different people, but on my HR20-100, the 0's on 103(b) take the same amount of time to appear as the readings on other satellites.

Not saying you're wrong about the fake screen, I'm just saying that on my system, the readings don't come up quickly.


It really isn't a fake screen as I understand it, just one that has not been activated yet to actually read the transponders and the 0s are not real readings. This issue did not appear on my HR20-700 until several days after I got the 0x-18a software update on Aug 22, but only noticed the faster 0s on 103(b) when troubleshooting the "signal testing" issue yesterday.

Since this appears to be a software issue, I noticed on the software issues thread that 0x-18a updates of HR20-100 began on Aug 29. Do you have 0x-18a? In any case different models may behave differently due to their internal processor speed, or as they say "your mileage may differ". :)

[Jeremy W]

Lame and no reason to keep the type small so the readers here won't see it. It will only help to get them upset.
It's no different than any of the other speculation that gets posted. At least I put a disclaimer on it.

[noneroy]

It's no different than any of the other speculation that gets posted. At least I put a disclaimer on it.

Actually, my tea leaves *AND* pig entrails both tell me it'll be next weekend. This was confirmed by 2 CSRs, a post on Satelliteguys, The Bible Code and Jimmy Hoffa's nephew. Hold your breath folks, I've got a good feeling about this. :sure:

But back to topic, have we speculated that the existing channels will be moved over to MPEG4 and mirrored there? I'd prefer to get away from all of these mpeg2 crap, if possible.

Also, has D* said anything about more HD-PPV? That'd kinda rock too.

[khoyme]

Interesting idea that the '0's on 103(b) are simulated. I had wondered how the channels could show up in the test channel range (talked about in other threads), without some signal energy showing up at everyone else's dishes.

Is the difference between 102.6 and 102.775 enough to show significant dB drop at the 103 LNA in a properly aligned dish? I would think the signal strength might be down, but not to the point of reading zero.

So, they could be testing on the transponders that are listed as n/a in the normal software, or they could be hiding the incoming signals until, as others have pointed out, then send out an enable signal to allow the regular receivers to display them.

Sorry for straying away from pure HD anticipation and back into tech. :sure:

On-topic: Are we there yet!!! :D :D :D

Ken

[Sirshagg]

But back to topic, have we speculated that the existing channels will be moved over to MPEG4 and mirrored there? I'd prefer to get away from all of these mpeg2 crap, if possible.

It's not really IF, but WHEN. Keep in mind all the folks who have not upgraded receivers/Dishes will loose channels when this is done.