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Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: 4DTV Override Password
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 1997 00:01:08 -0800

Spoke with Next Level today. Had a problem with my system concerning passwords.

For some reason or other, my VCRS and 4DTV passwords got scrambled. Called for support and SVC cleared out all of my VCRS and parental control passwords, which I reset. Then I tried to fine tune in a digital picture and couldn't get passed the request for a password here. Surprised me, as I never entered one in the first place, and it was never requested in the past. Anyway, Next Level tech support gave me the override password to enter. For anybody with a similar problem, the override password is:

92121 (which is their Zip Code)

Entered a new 4DTV password. The system accepted it, but it still doesn't work properly. I'll talk to them again Monday.
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From:4dtv@nlvl.com Mon Oct 06 15:56:58 1997
Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv, rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: 4DTV Frustrations
From: 4dtv@nlvl.com
Date: 6 Oct 97 23:56:58 GMT

> In June we were told to expect STARZ/Encore and Showtime feeds in August.
> In August we were told that we would get these feeds in September.
> Now there are only 5 or 6 days left in September and still none of these
> feeds are available.
>
> Next Level has not been responsive to my enquiries by E-Mail.
> My receiver works great. But so did my previous Houston Trakker.
> Basically I have paid about $800 for something that I already had.
> The HBO and Cinemax digital is nice but they are very little more than feeds from different time zones of the same content
>
> I am tired of the word "SOON". It has no meaning.Also the phrase"within
> a few weeks". They totally evade the issue.
>
> Also I do not accept the concept that it has taken 10 to 12 weeks to get
> the contracts negotiated.

Believe me, we all share your frustration. No one wants these channels to launch more than we do.

When we went to the SBCA show in July, Showtime and Starz/Encore unscrambled their programming and allowed us to put it in the guide for demo purposes at the show. It was everyone's expectation at the time that the contractual and technical issues would be resolved within weeks, not months. However, as you know, that did not happen.

The reason we can not definitively answer the question "When?" is because we are not in control of the process of making the signals available. In C-band, the programmers control their own signals and they determine what encryption technology to use and when to make the programming available to consumers. We have been working with them for months trying to negotiate the contracts. I'm not at liberty to disclose the current status, but look for some announcements this week.
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Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: questions for G.I./NextLevel or anyone who knows
Date: 26 Dec 1997 14:33:45 GMT

>>1. Can the 4DTV rec. be controlled by infrared universal remotes?

4DTV is both infrared & UHF remote. I was able to program it into my Marantz RC2000.

>>2. Can the program guide be made Translucent like on
>>the latest generation of Sony dss receiver.

No

>>3. Is it possible to get 6 discrete audio output channels from the
>>4DTV unit using my Dolby Digital 5.1 a/v receiver?

No. The 4DTV does have Dolby Digital but it is not 5.1. Remember, the Dolby Digital designation on a product does not necessarily mean 5.1.
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To: 4dtv@nlvl.com
Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: questions for G.I./NextLevel or anyone who knows
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 1997 15:36:31 -0500

> >The word is that the 4DTV will handle 5.1 DD audio by outputting the data through
> >its digital port when 5.1 audio becomes available with the arrival of HDTV.
> >Apparently no one is currently broadcasting 5.1 audio on C-band.

> I don't think you are correct. It will take the next generation
> to be able to send the 5.1 channel bitstream to an external decoder.
>

My understanding, based largely on posts from 4DTV, is that DD 5.1 is the audio standard used by the forthcoming HDTV broadcasts, and that digicipher II is fully capable of handling HDTV when HDTV broadcasts and televisions become available. When that happens, we will be able to hook a cable from the digital port on the 4DTV to a digital input on an HDTV set and the set will decode the HDTV signal, including the DD 5.1 audio. I don't know if there is yet any standard set for digital TV connections (like the composite video and S-video standards for analog signals), or if the data port on the 4DTV conforms to that standard.

> There may be a way to hack the current version to get the bitstream
> out, but so far there is no service which transmits it.
>

If my information is correct, it should be a relatively simple task to extract the DD 5.1 audio bit stream from the data port and send it to an external DD 5.1 decoder if and when there are digital NTSC broadcasts that use DD 5.1 audio. I don't know if the DD audio is available as a separate signal at the data port, or if an external processor would be required to extract the digital audio data from the combined audio/video digital data stream. I strongly suspect the latter. Even so, this is far from an impossible task.

> 4DTV will confirm this,

I'm sending a copy of this to 4DTV, so he can clarify this for everyone in the news group.
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Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: questions for G.I./NextLevel or anyone who knows
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 00:18:29 GMT

ALL processing of DD (especially 5.1) needs to be done in an external processor, (Yamaha, Lexicon, etc) NOT in the 4DTV or in the HDTV. If the TV sound electronics are anything like todays, you might as well listen with an AM radio!!!

Surely 4DTV can see this! but then they didn't make provision for this in the current version, so perhaps not.

The "answer the Tech Question" in next weeks Satellite TV Week, said the reason there is no DD bitstream output on the current 4DTV is:

"No digital satellite programmers have announced any plans to transmit DD (AC-3/5.1). Until they do, including an AC-3 coaxial or optical output on 4DTV receivers would only increase the cost, without serving a purpose."

Well there you have it, we saved $3.46US by not having the bitstream brought to the rear panel!! Lets hope 4DTV provides both digital and optical outputs in the next generation.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro, alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: New channels, 4DTV
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 16:01:45 GMT

>>4DTV wrote:
>
>> >Check out three new channels on G7:
>> >580 Bloomberg
>> >601 Kaleidoscope
>> >800 The Box
>>
>> Is anyone getting these channels right now? We're trying to track down this
>> problem (of some units receiving and others not receiving), but all of the
>> IRD's I checked today do not receive these nor the GEMS channels. I'm
>> wondering if the problem now is with the configuration at the uplink and no
>> one can receive these channels.
>
> Here's what I can receive:
>
>GE-1 (W1)
>
> 750, 751 GEMS
> 752 Color bars
> 753 'Please wait a moment..., We are processing your request' screen.
>Authorization status: MP
> 754 Outdoor Life Network
> 755 Hero Productions Teleport - Miami color bars
> 756 Spanish audio
>
>G7
>
> 580 'Please wait a moment..., We are processing your request' screen.
>Authorization status: MS
> 600 'Please wait a moment..., We are processing your request' screen.
>Authorization status: ZK
> 601 Brief flash of 'The Box', then blank screen. Authorization status: FP
> 602 'Please wait a moment..., We are processing your request' screen.
>Authorization status: US
> 603 Bloomberg TV. Authorization status: FP
>
>Before on G7, I was receiving:
>
> Bloomberg TV - VC 580
> Kaleidoscope - VC 601
> The Box - VC 800
>
>My unit had v43 software out of the box, and now has v61. I'm showing 1517
>channels.
>
>Also, VC 400 is now Kaleidescope, Authorization status: FP. IPG still lists this
>as Classic Sports.

I'm getting the exact same thing here . Except that my udated version 43 is showing 1586 channels.
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To: 4dtv@nlvl.com
Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: Incorrect IPG Info
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 1997 13:20:55 -0500

> Anyone else having problems with the IPG giving the wrong name of the
> movie on TMC nad some of the Showtime channels? It seems to occur on
> the Digital channels. The IPG said Meatballs II and some other movie
> was playing this afternoon. It would be interesting to find out what is
> going on.
>

I've noticed that the program information on the Showtime Mountain feed (C3/105) is wrong. It lists programming as being two hours behind the Eastern schedule, when it's really one hour behind Eastern.
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Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: A few 4DTV questions...
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 15:26:29 -0600

>I've been a C/Ku band user for about 9 years now, and my Chaparall
>Sierra3 has held up well over the years, but its probably time to
>consider an upgrade. I have recently installed a nice home theater setup
>with a 50inch Hitachi TV and a Dolby digital AC-3 receiver with surround
>speakers, etc. 4DTV looks like an interesting addition, but I have a few
>questions maybe someone can help me with:
>
>1. Does the 4DTV unit provide AC-3 digital outputs?

Not the 6 RCA jacks that will line up with the inputs to AC-3 inputs. Its outputs are through left and right jacks. The output is Dolby Pro Logic (if the source is). GI is licensed to use the AC-3 logo, but says they will no longer claim AC-3 in their adds. The standards for AC-3 were not (some say still are not) set in concrete when the design was locked in for manufacture. What the receiver will do is "accept" the AC-3 and re-encode it to Dolby Pro Logic for output.

>For that matter, do any of the content providers support it?

No.

>2. I noticed that the 4DTV has the capability for widescreen TV, will this
>work with a >regular 4x3 TV? Does it "letterbox" it? My Hitachi has the
>capability of 800 lines of reslolution; will 4DTV take advantage of this in any way?

All I have is a standard 31" tube, everything comes across looking like standard format to me, unless it is listed in the guide as letterbox, when it displays with black bar at top and bottom. These broadcasts have been available to you on analog, so you should already know how they come out on your set.

>3. How will the 4DTV handle HDTV? Will I be able to receive the signal
>and display it on my Hitachi system?

GI says that the HDTV will exit the receiver via the high speed data port on the rear of the unit. You won't be able to hook this output up to your set without some kind of decoder box, I have no idea what the regular output signal will be like if tuned to a HDTV broadcast, as there are none of them to try out. As to whether you will need a seperate decoder box for your HDTV set, or can plug it straight in, ask the guy selling you the $20,000 TV set why you need a seperate decoder if it ain't built in. For that price they should have the 4DTV receiver and a beer keg built in too.

>4. If I already subscribe to a service via
>VC2RS, will I automatically receive the same content via DC2 at no extra
>charge? (I assume I can move my VC2 module into the 4DTV and still pick
>it up in analog).

Yes you take your module out of the Chapparral and slip it in the 4DTV. Some of the digital is covered by your analog subscription, but this is strictly at the mercy of the programmer. We got the digital of HBO and MAX because we subscribe to analog. We also subscribe to Starz & Encore which has digital, but nobody seems to be able to get the digital added on for free, if the programmer can authorize you at all.

5. Does the 4DTV have an RF remote like the Chaparral?

Yes. It is a 3 way remote, can also control TV and VCR (IR mode only) if they are compatible.
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Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: 4DTV question
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:00:31 -0500

How can I erase blinking star in right upper corner of the screen (notification about info from Digicipher 2 or programing provider) using 4DTV remote ? Thank you
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Newsgroups: alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: 4DTV question
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 23:20:09 -0800

I believe this indicates mail through the VC module as opposed to mail through the digital side of the 4dtv. Go to a Video Cipher transponder, press options then 9 then check mail (2 I believe).

>
> How can I erase blinking star in right upper corner of the screen
> (notification about info from Digicipher 2 or programing provider) using
> 4DTV remote ?
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: Why Canadians Aren't Welcoming StarChoice
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 19:13:41 GMT

It is not a matter of having much choice. Either you play with the major Canadian players or the government will try o screw you. Although one judge said it was both to bee a subscriber to american services by the use of the grey market if one chose or even by the way of hacking the services the next judge declares all american dishes and services illegal.

The idea that the Government is concerned about Canadian Culture is a out and out lie. Their only concern is to keep the guys like Shaw and Rogers happy ( money in their pockets) . There has not been an orginal idea for programming coming out of Canadian networks for years, all the programs have been poor quality spin off's of shows that have done well and then forced upon the canadian public as Canadian content so we will tell ourselves that we are just as good. As soon as one of the networks produce a show that don't look like crap and will make me interested enough to tune in each week then I will watch. I have tried to watch the new Canadian productions each year hoping for something new but it just doesn't happen.

There should be nothing wrong with the idea of maintaining Canadian Culture if in fact it existed at all, but thanks to the likes of Trudeau who will be best remembered for telling the opposition to "f--- off" our culture was flushed down the toilet with the idea that we can be a multicultural society. What does that mean? Simply put it means that the ways of life that any mid aged Canadian grew up with must be put aside so that some immigrant can force their ways down my throat. So what does that say about Canadian culture? It simply means that there is no "Canadian Culture" per say but a mish mash of other cultures thrown together to produce a multicultural stew therefore how can the CRTC protect something that does not exist.

I know that when I am ready to purchase a small dish to replace my BUD it will not be receiving signals that will be putting money back into the likes of Shaw Cable or Rodgers Cable.

>
>Yes, as a matter of fact they are (indirectly). It's either
>StarChoice, Expressvu, cable, or antennae if you want to watch tv. And
>that IS the problem.
>
>We can't get ESPN, SportsChannel New York, HBO, and countless other
>channels because of arcane and unjustifiable rules that our CRTC
>watchdog has set in place. Who benefits? The cable monopoly initially.
>Lower programming costs. Who owns StarChoice? Shaw CABLE. Who's the
>major stakeholder in Expressvu? BCE (Bell Canada). Hints of
>megamonopoly here...
>
>Obviously the crap about fostering Canadian content is just that:
>crap. Look at how many US programs are simulcast on Canadian stations.
>Check out Global's lineup. 90% American. If you want to watch the
>programs, you have to watch them on Canadian channels (even on the US
>channels they're usually simulcast so that you're watching Canadian
>ads on US channels).=20
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Star Choice 941
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 1997 23:55:05 -0800

Can anyone here explain the different incrytion methods of the 4DTV and the Star Choice 941 4DTV receiver? Could the 941 be activated by Next Level before getting activated by Star Choice? Is there a way to modify the 941 for 4DTV programming? Does the software downloads for 4DTV also affect the 941?

I am interested in both technologies and need information to make a sound choice. I don't want to buy both.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: 4DTV upgrade
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 1997 17:32:30 -0500

Other than in the IPG, yes, other than in the SIT (satellite information table), no.

> Is the 4DTV receiver able to tune channels other then the program guide yet?
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From :4dtv@nlvl.com Tue Dec 23 20:13:43 1997
Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: HDTV Signal & C Band ?
From: 4dtv@nlvl.com
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 20:13:43 -0800

> My understanding is that the Dolby Digital the 4DTV has is not 5.1.
>Dolby has several digital standards less than 5.1

The 4DTV can process full AC-3 audio, but it does not have a 5.1 digital channel output. Instead, it converts the audio to analog surround mode, which can be processed by a Dolby Surround processor.

If/when HDTV becomes available via 4DTV, the digital HDTV signal (datastream) will be passed (unprocessed) out the high speed data port on the back of the receiver, so it will be up to the HDTV Television set (or set top box) to process the HDTV signal including the AC-3 (5.1) audio.
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From:4dtv@nlvl.com Wed Dec 24 13:15:30 1997
Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: HDTV Signal & C Band ?
From: 4dtv@nlvl.com
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 1997 13:15:30 -0800

> How does this compare to analog stereo processed through a Dolby
>Pro-Logic decoder (without AC-3 capability) from standard stereo TV,
>videotapes, laserdiscs...? Does it sound the same, thereby negating
>the advantage of having it?

I'm not an audio person, but I would guess they are the same. You can't make Dolby Pro-Logic do more than it is capable of even if the source material may have more capabilities. I believe we stopped using Dolby Digital in our advertizing to avoid this confusion (even though we are licensed to do so).

> Similarly, if this is the case,--I could crush a Mercedes-Benz into
>a heap of metal to make metal cans. I don't have a Benz, I've got
>plain old metal cans, that just cost alot.

Even without this feature, the IRD is still more than a bunch of plain old metal cans, so I don't think this analogy quite fits. Perhaps a better analogy would be a Mercedes-Benz without a CD Player. It's still a Mercedes and it still has great sound, but just not Digital sound.

> Is anyone broadcasting in AC-3 and are there any receivers/IRD's
>available that can take advantage of this surround mode? That is,--to
>be able to watch video broadcasts in AC-3 audio. If so, I'm buying.

No, no programmer is using this at this time. No C-Band IRD has 5.1 audio output. I think I heard something about the DISH or DSS receivers adding it to a newer receiver, but I'm not sure (maybe someone else on the NG knows more).
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: Western Canada being Ripped off by Starchoice and Expressvu
Date: 23 Dec 1997 21:41:54 GMT

>>Just noticed the two new satellite offerings in Canada offer 4 movie
>>channels to eastern Canada and 1 movie channel to western Canada for
>>the same price.
>(same with cable)
>>
>>
>Eastern Canada gets TMN1 (24hrs); TMN2, TMN3, TMN4-prime time only. The
>western parts of Canada get SuperChannel. French get Super Ecran 1 & 2.
>I don't know why there isn't a SuperChannel 2-4.
>
>
Despite TMN 2-4 (and probably SE2) being part-time only, I don't think it's fair for eastern Canada to have 6 movie channels while the west only has one. Until a few years back, each half of Canada only had one channel, and their satellite beams aim only at their half (at least, recently). During the years, the owners of TMN and SE added extra channels to supplement their main channel, but Super Channel did not make any additions. When Star Choice and ExpressVu became available, they decided to keep TMN, SE, Super Channel, and a few other channels on regional beams, rather than make all these channels available nationwide. In the US, most regional networks on both coasts are available via satellite (small and large dish) coast-to-coast, while it's not the case for many channels in Canada (like the above example). My suggestion is to contact Star Choice, ExpressVu or the networks and ask why they're restricting the channels to Eastern or Western Canada.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: Western Canada being Ripped off by Starchoice and Expressvu
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 21:01:52 GMT

>Just noticed the two new satellite offerings in Canada offer 4 movie
>channels to eastern Canada and 1 movie channel to western Canada for
>the same price.

So they still play that dumb game of 'you can't see what we see'. How typically Canadian, which is THEE precise reason I do gray market HBO on my C band dish.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.4dtv, rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Recommendations on getting a new dish, 4DTV?
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 02:48:25 GMT

After leaving my beloved Paraclipse Hydro, and Chaparral Monterey 55 IRD, TVRO setup behind with the house we sold in SLC, UT., we're now getting ready to buy a small home in the Silicon Valley area of CA. As a result, I was all set to get a DBS system given the fact that I could probably get the whole package easily mail order, and installed easily too.

However I read some postings saying that to get the best of all worlds (I still don't like ONE programming source for my dish no matter how many channels there are), that I should consider a 4DTV TVRO setup.

So my question is this, what would be a good setup with this IRD given the fact that I'm starting from scratch? Specifically what would be recommended dishes, mounts, feedhorns, LNBs, and I assume there is only one model of 4DTV receiver? Also if anyone knows of reputable sources supplying an entire package or individual components I would be interested in that info too.

Lastly, do you agree with the point that if you have the space, going with this type of setup would be more advantageous than going with a straight DBS setup?
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.4dtv, rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: Recommendations on getting a new dish, 4DTV?
Date: 24 Dec 1997 13:11:58 GMT

You'll want a 10' dish. I think getting anything smaller may not get you the clearest picture.

I have an Astrotel "Gold - Digital Ready" feedhorn and LNB. Pictures come in bright and strong at 17 degrees Kelvin at C-band and .6db at Ku-band.

I have a 4DTV and if you are getting one, you'll need to have your provider enable digital channels as well. Give them the unit id. My provider is NPS at http://www.cssnps.com/.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.4dtv, rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: 4DTV: What Components to get with a new system?
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 17:48:07 -0500

I am satisfied with my system but always looking to improve even though I get excellent reception on almost all satellites/channels (weak channels on some of C-1 and S-4). I have a General Instruments 4DTV receiver (I believe newer versions are Next Level instead of GI). My previous receiver was a Toshiba 1520. The dish is a "Unimesh" 10' with a C-band (25 degree LNB), KU-band .7 degree and "ADL" feedhorn. The actuator is Venture Maxi.

Santa is bringing a Norsat Gold 15 degree C-band LNB. I can't wait!!!!

>Even though the 4DTV web site info says that it'll work with any
>C-Band setup, since this is an all new installation, I would like
>people's recommendations for building a sat system around this IRD.

>I'm looking for any and all recommendations for: dishes, mounts,
>actuators, feedhorns, and LNBs.
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From :4dtv@nlvl.com Tue Dec 23 22:46:22 1997
Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: ATTN: NextLevel/G.I.
From: :4dtv@nlvl.com
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 22:46:22 -0800

>I read the article in Sat Weekly, and it seemed to paint a dim picture of
>your plans for future C-band products.
>
>Can you give us any further information on this?

I haven't seen this article, so I can not comment on it at this time. Please provide more information about where the article was printed, so I can find it.

>What about licensing the 4DTV technology to R.L. Drake and/or Toshiba?

As for the question on licensing the 4DTV technology to other manufacturers, we have already licensed the DCII technology to other receiver manufacturers (including Panasonic, PACE, SA, HP, & others), so this is not a licensing issue. The issue is a business decision each manufacturer has to make.

Which markets do they want to spend R&D dollars to go after (DSS, DISH, P*, 4DTV, Cable)? Which markets are large enough to support multiple receiver manufacturers? Unfortunately, the reality is that new C-Band receiver sales have significantly declined, so other receiver manufacturers have stopped making analog receivers and are not interested in making a 4DTV (analog/digital) receiver. The only way they will consider making one is if 4DTV is very successful. Only then will they see a market opportunity worth going after. However, right now everyone is quite pessimistic about opportunities in C-Band.

So, as you can see, the anti-GI people are in a catch-22 situation. If you don't support 4DTV (and thus support GI/NL), then 4DTV will not be successful and no other receiver manufacturers will start making 4DTV boxes.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are mine and not an official communication from the company. These are my personal thoughts on this issue.
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From :4dtv@nlvl.com Wed Dec 24 13:39:41 1997
Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: ATTN: NextLevel/G.I.
From: :4dtv@nlvl.com
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 1997 13:39:41 -0800

>Does this mean it is less likely that Next Level will develop a (hardware)
>upgrade 4DTV version which would include both HDTV and AC-3 within the
>receiver (i.e., not as add on boxes)?

I can't comment on GI/NL's plans for future receivers. That's not my area. I will say that GI/NL is a for profit company that is run by businessmen just like most other companies out there, and so they will make decisions on new products based on perceived market opportunities. If there's a market, GI/NL will build it. In the case of the first generation 4DTV, we spent many millions of dollars on R&D to integrate the analog and digital technologies into one box. We did this despite nearly everyone else in the industry talking about the "Death of C-Band" and many others leaving the category altogether. I'm sure others (in this NG) would disagree with this statement, but GI/NL has always supported the C-band industry and will continue to do so.

As for HDTV, there is no need to put it in the box because the technology will already be in the HDTV sets. Why duplicate the technology in the IRD?

PS: In case you're wondering why I use GI/NL in my writing, it's because we are changing our name back to GI, but it is not official until Feb, so I am using both GI and NL until then.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: New channels, 4DTV
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 1997 19:21:09 GMT

>>> > Check out three new channels on G7:
>>> > 580 Bloomberg
>>> > 601 Kaleidoscope
>>> > 800 The Box
>>>
>>> Are these in the clear or do you have to pay for them?
>>
>> They are in the clear.
>
>Am I the only one not getting these channels? I'm not getting GEMS either.

It may help, when you post about not getting a channel to put down what version of software you had, before the new version 61, which can be found on diagnostic screen A. Also put down how many channels you have when you hit options 6,5.

So far I have not heard one person who had a version 43 before the download have a problem with receiving the channels, only version 27. Many version 27's do receive these channels and the ones that do not seem to have a different channel count than the receivers that do receive these channels. It's a strange one.

It seems that it may be a quirk on only some receivers, and from the sounds of it from people in this NG, this does not affect too many people.

I have heard that this does affect some receivers at Next Level also.
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Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro, alt.video.satellite.4dtv
Subject: Re: New channels, 4DTV
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 1997 23:40:11 GMT

>>It may help, when you post about not getting a channel to put down
>>what version of software you had,
>
>Thanks for the response.
>
>I did have 27 before the upgrade
>
>I called GI this morning and they said they would ask the engineers when they
>got in and to call back later on. I did call back and while I was on the phone
>I checked out the satellite and the channels were all coming in just fine. I
>don't know if its a coincidence or not but I do believe that they are doing all
>they can to support this technology. It seems to keep getting better.

It would be nice to know just what is causing this and if the correction is something that we must do on our end or their's. I agree though that they have been helpful in getting these things worked out to make this a decent receiver. Lets face it, this is the only game in town for C-band and we are some of the most critical people around. I guess that's why we have a big dish instead of the 18" one. Anyone who was thinking of getting one now should be happy that the early-on bugs have been taken care of.


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From "4DTV" <4dtv@nlvl.com> Mon Dec 29 23:12:50 1997
Newsgroups: rec.video.satellite.tvro
Subject: Re: New channels, 4DTV
From: "4DTV" <4dtv@nlvl.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 23:12:50 -0800

>Check out three new channels on G7:
>580 Bloomberg
>601 Kaleidoscope
>800 The Box

Is anyone getting these channels right now? We're trying to track down this problem (of some units receiving and others not receiving), but all of the IRD's I checked today do not receive these nor the GEMS channels. I'm wondering if the problem now is with the configuration at the uplink and no one can receive these channels.
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