Uplink Activity Report - 10/22/2008 1:02pm - 176 changes

[Bobby H]

unless there is another uplink coming later today they lied about my HD locals being put up today.

I feel your pain. I'm currently watching World Series Game 1 in the glory of SD on KJTL while wishing it was broadcast on TBS where I would at least be seeing it in HD.

E* has missed "Spring 08," "Summer 08," "July 30" targets for adding the HD locals in the Wichita Falls / Lawton, OK market. I guess missing yet another target date (10/22) doesn't really matter. We'll get used to being teased at some point.

 

[AKGolf]

5502 - USA [MPEG4 HD] added to EchoStar11 110W TP 17 ConUS beam (NA)
5503 - SCIFI [MPEG4 HD] added to EchoStar11 110W TP 17 ConUS beam (NA)

Does this mean that AK and HI may soon get these two channels?

I hope so, although I just signed up for Direct TV. I'll find out Nov 1 if I can see the satellites.

 

[Fitzie]

After reading the comments in this thread about Charlie's promises, I thought I would go back and do a quick scan of the latest Charlie Chat (which I have on DVR) to see what he actually promised in that broadcast. Based on that refresher, here are some of the promises (paraphrased):

--Charlie: "...Echostar 11 gives us more capacity for HD and we hope to give you that going forward."

--Charlie: "...we will continue to add to our HD programming throughout the year."

--Charlie: "...we now have HD in 67 local markets. We hope to have 16 additional local markets on-line in 30 to 45 days [the list of 16 was shown], and to have upwards of a hundred local HD markets on-line by the end of the year."

--Sahl: "...we are in negotiations with Fox to possibly add FX and SpeedHD, and hope to have that done by the end of the year. We are also in negotiations with Viacom for some of their properties and hope to have an agreement with them for some of their stuff..." (soon or in the near future or by the end of the year, however he phrased it).

Charlie outlined his negotiating parameters as this: "They must give us a fair deal; if they refuse to give us the same deal they give other customers [carriers] negotiations can take a long time, months or even years. We don't plan to carry properties that would require us to raise our rates; our customers have told us they don't want rate increases. We don't plan to carry a bunch of channels that no one watches. That said, we hope to have most of the most watched HD channels by February 2009 by which time most of the popular channels will probably have an HD version."

Unless I misunderstand the situation, most of the 16 HD locals listed in the Charlie Chat went live Wednesday the 22nd, which is within the 45 day time frame mentioned since the Charlie Chat was on 9-9-08 (I think). (I noted that Wichita Falls was on Charlie's list, but apparently has not gone live for whatever reason.)

If I am in error concerning the above, please correct me. For sure, the one thing I did not hear Charlie say was that any national programming was coming in 30 days or any other specified time other than "throughout the year." Also, while additional PPV and NHL HD programming doesn't thrill me, it surely will some people.

Best regards,
Fitzie

 

[ComcastOgre]

I find it hard to believe that at least half of those 8 aren't actual new HD channels since DirecTV has been steadily adding here and there. I REALLY hope one of them is Crime & Investigation Network HD because I want that channel (SD or HD, don't matter). I am betting that it's probably the Viacom channels and maybe a few others. CMT HD, MTV HD, VH1 HD and Spike TV HD (Viacom) wouldn't be bad...especially Spike. Maybe Nickelodeon HD? I honestly wouldn't mind some entirely unique programming too. MavTV HD and Wealth TV HD both intrigue me, and I know I'm in the minority but Soundtrack Channel HD does too. Let the speculation begin, but I believe at least 4 of those 8 are REAL national basic channels.

 

[HDRoberts]

After reading the comments in this thread about Charlie's promises, I thought I would go back and do a quick scan of the latest Charlie Chat (which I have on DVR) to see what he actually promised in that broadcast. Based on that refresher, here are some of the promises (paraphrased):

Though not on your DVR, you may want to check out the last earnings conference call. That's where Charlie promised more HD with E11 in operation, which he accurately predicted was the end of the month (August).

 

[RandallA]

Exactly where and when did he say that ?

Watch the Turbo HD commercial on TV, it says 150 HD Channels by years end. You may have to pause it to see it, it goes fast.

 

[toadfannc]

Watch the Turbo HD commercial on TV, it says 150 HD Channels by years end. You may have to pause it to see it, it goes fast.

Actually, it says "up to 150 HD channels by years end". That could mean 0 and it could mean 150 (or anything in between). In other words, if they do not add anything-- it could still technically equal "up to 150 ...". All of these providers (cable and sat) play word games.

 

[RandallA]

Actually, it says "up to 150 HD channels by years end". That could mean 0 and it could mean 150 (or anything in between). In other words, if they do not add anything-- it could still technically equal "up to 150 ...". All of these providers (cable and sat) play word games.

Thanks for the correction.

 

[cosmo_kramer]

Actually, it says "up to 150 HD channels by years end". That could mean 0 and it could mean 150 (or anything in between). In other words, if they do not add anything-- it could still technically equal "up to 150 ...". All of these providers (cable and sat) play word games.

I'm not saying that I believe them, but RandallA is correct about the wording. I don't see the words "up to" there. From their web site:

DISH Network will now offer over 100 HD Channels! with 150 by the years end.This breaks down to 85 national HD channels, 25 Regional Sports Networks,

DISH Network Satellite HD TV High Definition Movie Packages

 

[waltinvt]

Watch the Turbo HD commercial on TV, it says 150 HD Channels by years end. You may have to pause it to see it, it goes fast.

Actually, it says "up to 150 HD channels by years end". That could mean 0 and it could mean 150 (or anything in between). In other words, if they do not add anything-- it could still technically equal "up to 150 ...". All of these providers (cable and sat) play word games.

You guys should know by now that Charlie is the master of leaving the back door open.

Basically what "E" does in regards to adding new HD or even the quality of their HD is in direct proportion to what "D" is doing and the hype Charlie spews is usually whatever he needs to say to counter what "D" is announcing but with his usual disclaimers like: "soon", "up to", "possibly including", etc. added.

 

[dmendenjr]

From their web site:
DISH Network Satellite HD TV High Definition Movie Packages

That is from one of the Dish resellers "Dish Network.ws Satellite" (from their about us: We're not Dishnetwork LLC otherwise known as Dishnetwork.com. In fact, We're DISHNETWORK.WS! We are a group of certified Satellite Technicians that started our own Satellite service and Dish Network Authorized sales center just over five years ago." - Source: DISH Network Satellite TV Sign up today and get a FREE DishNetwork MP3 MP4 IPOD).

On Dishnetwork's FAQ for Turbo they rephrased it, "With over 100 HD channels available and 150 projected by the end of the year, you can expect a lot of choices when it comes to sports, movies, and news. We offer three outstanding packages – TurboHD Bronze ($24.99/mo), Silver ($32.99/mo) and Gold ($39.99/mo) – PLUS our $10/mo 7-channel add-on, PlatinumHD." (Source: DISH Network -- Dish HD)

When Turbo was first announced, I remember them saying 150 in a very concrete manner.

Basically what "E" does in regards to adding new HD or even the quality of their HD is in direct proportion to what "D" is doing and the hype Charlie spews is usually whatever he needs to say to counter what "D" is announcing but with his usual disclaimers like: "soon", "up to", "possibly including", etc. added.

Guess we can add "Projected" to that list of disclaimers.

 

[jlhugh]

I feel your pain. I'm currently watching World Series Game 1 in the glory of SD on KJTL while wishing it was broadcast on TBS where I would at least be seeing it in HD.

E* has missed "Spring 08," "Summer 08," "July 30" targets for adding the HD locals in the Wichita Falls / Lawton, OK market. I guess missing yet another target date (10/22) doesn't really matter. We'll get used to being teased at some point.

well i get them in HD OTA. i am getting tired of having to choose what i want to watch in HD and SD. I sometimes have 3 recordings going on at the same time on the local channels and i have to make a choice which of those shows i want to watch in HD. that is the reason i am whinning about it. i know WF is not even in D* sights right now for SD or HD locals, but E* better hope D* does not beat them to the punch getting my HD locals, because my 11 year relationship with E* will be ending if that happens. i dont bitch about a lot on here, but this is starting to get frustrating.

 

[Bobby H]

I wish I could get the three Wichita Falls major network stations OTA in HD. Their signals just aren't strong enough up here in OK. All I get OTA in HD is KSWO in Lawton.

If I plunked down $200 on a really good, brand new outdoor antenna setup I might be able to pick up those Wichita Falls stations in HD. I signed up for the Dish HD Absolute package thinking our HD locals would be turned on pretty soon (this was back in April). If I knew outright I would be waiting half a year through numerous, missed target dates I would have bought that new antenna back in April. Unfortunately, with not knowing what's going to happen or when I'm just stuck sitting on my hands.

It would have been better for E* to say nothing at all and only announce the new HD local markets immediately before they were 100% ready to truly add them. This whole "we're going to add them...wait, no we're not...oops, we deleted your market's uplink...now it's back on...it's going to be added...ah, no it's not" garbage is aggravating.

Part of good customer service is saying exactly what you mean and doing exactly what you say.

 

[jlhugh]

i am going to give them the benefit of doubt for now and say maybe they are having some trouble getting them for some reason. you are right, they need to quit saying they are going to have it, if they are not. i'd rather them not say anything than to lie all the damn time.

 

[huskerpat]

Actually I'm in Lincoln, too. They're coming out next week to install my wing dish, but I have an antenna already so it's not a really big deal. Just would be nice to have all the channels in HD for those times when I want to record more than one show at a time...

Not sure what they'll install, but my understanding is that it won't take too much, since I have a 1000.2 install, and all they'll have to do is plug the new LNBF into the 1000.2 and it'll be ready to go (once it's aimed, of course).

Are you having to pay for the wing dish?

Interesting there's no WOWT for Omaha.

 

[Opusnbill7]

Are you having to pay for the wing dish?

Interesting there's no WOWT for Omaha.

Nope. Did have to sign up for 2 more years, but since it overlaps with my existing 2 and I'm only 6 weeks into my commitment, I didn't think it was a big deal. Thought about making a stink with Dish, but decided it wasn't worth my time to have to deal with their CSR's to get it done...

I'm really surprised that KLKN is the only one here in Lincoln. If there was only one, I would have been POSITIVE that it would have been KOLN. Oh, well...hopefully the others for both of us will be coming along in HD soon (they're already being spot beamed in SD so they should just have to change the "type" once they have the signal ready I would think...)

 

[BSUGrad]

Are you having to pay for the wing dish?

Interesting there's no WOWT for Omaha.

I just called last night, and I am scheduled for Friday afternoon to get the wing dish installed. I am in the Des Moines area. They wanted to charge me, although I never could get them nailed down on how much. I got them to do it for free for extending our contract out to 24 months from now. Not a big deal as we had over a year left anyways.

 

[Mr. Clark]

Please be gentle... I'm a newbie

I'm trying to figure out what all the uplinks mean. This morning, I noticed that one of my locals ended up on the Channel Package Flag Changes list.

The line reads...
WAAY [MPEG4 SD] - Echostar12 61.5W TP 11 Area 9 beam changed to Available

What does this mean?

WAAY is the only "big four" local that isn't HD in my area on Dish. (They DO broadcast an HD signal.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Opusnbill7]

I'm trying to figure out what all the uplinks mean. This morning, I noticed that one of my locals ended up on the Channel Package Flag Changes list.

The line reads...
WAAY [MPEG4 SD] - Echostar12 61.5W TP 11 Area 9 beam changed to Available

What does this mean?

WAAY is the only "big four" local that isn't HD in my area on Dish. (They DO broadcast an HD signal.)

Thanks in advance.

Looks to me like WAAY is available in SD (not HD) on 61.5, if you have a dish that points at that bird. That doesn't preclude them from putting an HD signal up later, but right now it appears to be SD (as 3 of the 4 major networks are also being broadcast on 61.5 in my DMA too).

 

[Mr. Clark]

Looks to me like WAAY is available in SD (not HD) on 61.5, if you have a dish that points at that bird. That doesn't preclude them from putting an HD signal up later, but right now it appears to be SD (as 3 of the 4 major networks are also being broadcast on 61.5 in my DMA too).

Yeah, we get it in SD now. I just didn't know if it appearing on the list might mean that it's about to go HD.