Wow...that's an interestig point you make Kwondo. Are you sure the RA-985BX can't at least support a CC speaker in addition to the (front) L & R speakers? I know there are additional speaker hookups on the back - if not for such a CC speaker (or even rear speakers) what then?
I suppose I could just leave the systems separate and go with the smaller Paradigm Reference 60 models for the front, and their Reference shelf models for the back (on stands), the of course Refernce CC for that #5 slot (which I was going to have to get anyway). Perhaps a small velodyne for the ".1" and a good A/V receiver from Arcam or Rotel. I am absolutely partial to Rotel components; my amp and CD player are oustanding for their price.
I think some of the newer B&W shelf/stand speakers might be worth a look too. You taken a listen to any? I have a dealer nearby (which is more than I can say for Paradigm unfortunately...sucks).
Also can you hammer out the differences between all the buzzwords below?
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital
Dolby 5.1
DTS
THX
My guess is that the first is just a generic brand indentifier and that the other four are different surround standards, but I'd like to be more sure....
Also, all you guys who have participated (sizzle, etc) in this thread and know the HDTV scene, should fill out this survey done by the HDTV industry geeks. Might help to promote the 16:9 format, debunk digital cable and the rest...
Does Direct TV actually *require* a phone line to operate, or is that the same half-truth AT&T Digital Cable gives people so they are more likely to order PPV movies?
We were told some months ago when we installed out AT&T Digital Cable that we *had* to have a phone line hooked up in order for the system to work. Wrong. We've never used one and it hasn't stopped us from doing anything (other than ordering PPV perhaps - but even that doesn't make sense given how I am able to interract with the cable box (pulling down show info, etc).
We want to get a dish in order to get rid of AT&T and their BS service / billing (and lousy picture quality)...but we do not have a phone line anywhere near our main TV. So, can I still get the dish and boxes installed (without phone lines) and have it work for everything but PPV? My guess is yes, but I want to be sure.
Does Direct TV actually *require* a phone line to operate, or is that the same half-truth AT&T Digital Cable gives people so they are more likely to order PPV movies?
We were told some months ago when we installed out AT&T Digital Cable that we *had* to have a phone line hooked up in order for the system to work. Wrong. We've never used one and it hasn't stopped us from doing anything (other than ordering PPV perhaps - but even that doesn't make sense given how I am able to interract with the cable box (pulling down show info, etc).
We want to get a dish in order to get rid of AT&T and their BS service / billing (and lousy picture quality)...but we do not have a phone line anywhere near our main TV. So, can I still get the dish and boxes installed (without phone lines) and have it work for everything but PPV? My guess is yes, but I want to be sure.</strong><hr></blockquote>
ATTENTION!!!!
My friend had DishTV satalite system installed yesterday and all I can say is "OH MY GOD!" even platinum cable service is "shite" compared this DishTV! I Am canceling all my cable extras (I would cancel it altogether if it wasnt for the cable internet service, which I couldnt bare to be without) and getting this next week! Every dam picture is DVD quality and brilliant audio...
OH and you can order PPV stuff over the internet with it too... you dont need to use the phone if you have internet, we ordered a movie from on their website and walked back into the living room and BAM! instant... besides I think that DirectTV is being bought by DishTV anyway... Installation is soo easy... I thought it would have been difficult... but I was so wrong... I would get DishTV as soon as possible!
I more than highly recommend it, I am having it installed next week I am so impressed!!! Especially with the deals they have for multiple packs... even the most expensive package that "comes with" literaly 20 special channels like 4 HBO's and 5 Showtimes, cinemaxes, etc, etc, etc.!!!
At $70 ITS STILL CHEAPER!!!!! than the best cable digital platinum package and no fuzzy pictures, "NO FUZZY PICTURES!!!"
the equipment cost about $200 for one unit and $99 for each additional unit... but you can rent them too... which is cheaper! the install is FREE and the first 3 months are FREE too!!!
<strong> you can order PPV stuff over the internet with it too... you dont need to use the phone if you have internet, we ordered a movie from on their website and walked back into the living room and BAM! instant... besides I think that DirectTV is being bought by DishTV anyway... Installation is soo easy... I thought it would have been difficult... but I was so wrong... I would get DishTV as soon as possible! </strong><hr></blockquote>
Thanks for the input. So you're saying - it sounds like - that I do NOT need to have any sort of extra phone line running into the back of the satellite box, in order to watch whatever channel packages that I order as part of my monthly setup?
You mentioned internet ordering of PPV...you're not suggesting that I have to order their broadband service (or some other integrated net product) in order to do PPV, right? I would think with satellite, you could punch something on your remote, it sends a signal to the box, the box sends it to the dish and up to the satellite...or wait...no, the dish is probably a receive-only deal I suppose? Too small / not designed to send signals to LEO satellites.
<strong>You mentioned internet ordering of PPV...you're not suggesting that I have to order their broadband service (or some other integrated net product) in order to do PPV, right? I would think with satellite, you could punch something on your remote, it sends a signal to the box, the box sends it to the dish and up to the satellite...or wait...no, the dish is probably a receive-only deal I suppose? Too small / not designed to send signals to LEO satellites.</strong><hr></blockquote>
All you have to do after you get DishTV is go here -<a href="https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customercare/UserManagement/login.jsp"; target="_blank">User Login</a>- and create a online membership by clicking "Sign up now" and it will ask you for the serial number on the back of your DishTV box and the number of your program card that is inserted inside your box, and it will ask you for a User Nickname and a password and Whalla!
Search the programs on there site and if you see a PPV you want "click it" and it will show you how much it costs, then click "add to cart"... BAM! instantly your show comes on!
Note: Moogs? if I am to be a 100% truthful with you My friend ordered the playboy channel... He hasent ordered a single PPV show yet, but the page where you do it says you have to enter your phone number and your passcode that you made when you Sign up as a member... My friend didnt need to enter a phone number when he ordered the playboy channel so i dont know if its to contact your machine or confirm who you are...
I dont think its to contact your machine... becuase when he ordered his special channel there was no phone line and the box "just knew" to start showing it...
it would be kind of stupid to use the phone line when the box can already recieve info from the sky to start showing something....
So I wouldnt worry about it... like I said it was soo simple and ultra easy...
I dont see it, just cant see it even being neccessary to have to contact the machine thru the phone line... unless its a redundancy... in which case... if the satilite couldnt send the permission to the box... what would be the point of sending the data thru the phone lines... if you couldnt get data permisiion from the sky... yuo probably cant recieve any picture anyway...(but I digress)
the last paragraph is kind of useless and redundant itself...
I am sure its just for confirmation of your identity...
Heh - get Dish Network. They're going to buy DirectTV anyway, and they have more channels. Plus the service is much better. Also, if you get a DishPlayer, you get a hard disk to record movies onto, built right into the satellite receiver. Also, you can even play games on them, and use the infrared keyboard to search for movies in the TV listings. And Dish offers local channels for many cities, much better quality than you get over antenna (only if you're on the fringes or outside of the city the channels are coming from).
BTW - you don't have to have a phone line hooked up to the receiver unless you want to be able to get system updates for the receiver (basically updates the OS ).
Oh, and did I mention the DishPlayer does WebTV too?? that would look great on an HDTV!
I chucked that thing* along time ago - as soon as I could...
If you did ever use a Webtv you would know how much of a piece of "....... ..... .. ...." grrrrr, its a paperwieght... worthless... waste of money...
Any true Webtv'er knows this! the only reason people use it is becuase they cant afford a real computer...
*=insert profanity here
[/End Rant]
------------------------------------
E PLURIBUS UNIX
</strong><hr></blockquote>
**Covers his mouth in terror**
Sorry! Won't say that word again. And anyway, I forgot it's a M$ product (then again, most terrible things are ) And I was just mentioning that it had WebTV capability built-in. DishPlayer doesn't require that you have it though, and mine works just fine without it. :cool:
I will never EVER use that word again here! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
Also can you hammer out the differences between all the buzzwords below?
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital
Dolby 5.1
DTS
THX
[/B]
Okay, I'm not a home theater freak, but here's what I know. Feel free to nitpick about anything I missed...
Dolby Surround-it's the oldest version of surround sound (AFAIK). Also known as Dolby Pro Logic I. It supports four channels (left, right, front, and back). It can be transmitted over normal analog cables, which is a big advantage. Lots of normal TV shows are mastered in dolby surround.
Dolby Digital, Dolby 5.1-generally taken to mean the same thing. It's a digital signal that features 5 channels (left, right, front, rear left, and rear right) plus a special low-frequency channel (subwoofer). Dolby Pro Logic II is similar to this, but it goes over analog channels.
DTS-A digital signal type similar to Dolby Digital, but (arguably) better. Used on DVDs, not sure how many channels it offers.
THX-a certification (like the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval") that the audio and video of a DVD, VHS, LD or whatever meet acceptable quality standards as defined by Lucasfilm.
Comments
I suppose I could just leave the systems separate and go with the smaller Paradigm Reference 60 models for the front, and their Reference shelf models for the back (on stands), the of course Refernce CC for that #5 slot (which I was going to have to get anyway). Perhaps a small velodyne for the ".1" and a good A/V receiver from Arcam or Rotel. I am absolutely partial to Rotel components; my amp and CD player are oustanding for their price.
I think some of the newer B&W shelf/stand speakers might be worth a look too. You taken a listen to any? I have a dealer nearby (which is more than I can say for Paradigm unfortunately...sucks).
Also can you hammer out the differences between all the buzzwords below?
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital
Dolby 5.1
DTS
THX
My guess is that the first is just a generic brand indentifier and that the other four are different surround standards, but I'd like to be more sure....
Also, all you guys who have participated (sizzle, etc) in this thread and know the HDTV scene, should fill out this survey done by the HDTV industry geeks. Might help to promote the 16:9 format, debunk digital cable and the rest...
<a href="http://www.ptvdigital.org/take_the_dtv_survey.htm"; target="_blank">http://www.ptvdigital.org/take_the_dtv_survey.htm</a>;
[ 01-28-2002: Message edited by: Moogs ? ]
[ 01-28-2002: Message edited by: Moogs ? ]</p>
Does Direct TV actually *require* a phone line to operate, or is that the same half-truth AT&T Digital Cable gives people so they are more likely to order PPV movies?
We were told some months ago when we installed out AT&T Digital Cable that we *had* to have a phone line hooked up in order for the system to work. Wrong. We've never used one and it hasn't stopped us from doing anything (other than ordering PPV perhaps - but even that doesn't make sense given how I am able to interract with the cable box (pulling down show info, etc).
We want to get a dish in order to get rid of AT&T and their BS service / billing (and lousy picture quality)...but we do not have a phone line anywhere near our main TV. So, can I still get the dish and boxes installed (without phone lines) and have it work for everything but PPV? My guess is yes, but I want to be sure.
<strong>New question:
Does Direct TV actually *require* a phone line to operate, or is that the same half-truth AT&T Digital Cable gives people so they are more likely to order PPV movies?
We were told some months ago when we installed out AT&T Digital Cable that we *had* to have a phone line hooked up in order for the system to work. Wrong. We've never used one and it hasn't stopped us from doing anything (other than ordering PPV perhaps - but even that doesn't make sense given how I am able to interract with the cable box (pulling down show info, etc).
We want to get a dish in order to get rid of AT&T and their BS service / billing (and lousy picture quality)...but we do not have a phone line anywhere near our main TV. So, can I still get the dish and boxes installed (without phone lines) and have it work for everything but PPV? My guess is yes, but I want to be sure.</strong><hr></blockquote>
ATTENTION!!!!
My friend had DishTV satalite system installed yesterday and all I can say is "OH MY GOD!" even platinum cable service is "shite" compared this DishTV! I Am canceling all my cable extras (I would cancel it altogether if it wasnt for the cable internet service, which I couldnt bare to be without) and getting this next week! Every dam picture is DVD quality and brilliant audio...
OH and you can order PPV stuff over the internet with it too... you dont need to use the phone if you have internet, we ordered a movie from on their website and walked back into the living room and BAM! instant... besides I think that DirectTV is being bought by DishTV anyway... Installation is soo easy... I thought it would have been difficult... but I was so wrong... I would get DishTV as soon as possible!
GO HERE - <a href="http://www.dishtv.com/"; target="_blank">-DishTV.com-</a> <--- link
I more than highly recommend it, I am having it installed next week I am so impressed!!! Especially with the deals they have for multiple packs... even the most expensive package that "comes with" literaly 20 special channels like 4 HBO's and 5 Showtimes, cinemaxes, etc, etc, etc.!!!
At $70 ITS STILL CHEAPER!!!!! than the best cable digital platinum package and no fuzzy pictures, "NO FUZZY PICTURES!!!"
the equipment cost about $200 for one unit and $99 for each additional unit... but you can rent them too... which is cheaper! the install is FREE and the first 3 months are FREE too!!!
------------------------------------
E PLURIBUS UNIX
[ 02-16-2002: Message edited by: FERRO ]</p>
<strong> you can order PPV stuff over the internet with it too... you dont need to use the phone if you have internet, we ordered a movie from on their website and walked back into the living room and BAM! instant... besides I think that DirectTV is being bought by DishTV anyway... Installation is soo easy... I thought it would have been difficult... but I was so wrong... I would get DishTV as soon as possible! </strong><hr></blockquote>
Thanks for the input. So you're saying - it sounds like - that I do NOT need to have any sort of extra phone line running into the back of the satellite box, in order to watch whatever channel packages that I order as part of my monthly setup?
You mentioned internet ordering of PPV...you're not suggesting that I have to order their broadband service (or some other integrated net product) in order to do PPV, right? I would think with satellite, you could punch something on your remote, it sends a signal to the box, the box sends it to the dish and up to the satellite...or wait...no, the dish is probably a receive-only deal I suppose? Too small / not designed to send signals to LEO satellites.
[ 02-16-2002: Message edited by: Moogs ? ]</p>
<strong>You mentioned internet ordering of PPV...you're not suggesting that I have to order their broadband service (or some other integrated net product) in order to do PPV, right? I would think with satellite, you could punch something on your remote, it sends a signal to the box, the box sends it to the dish and up to the satellite...or wait...no, the dish is probably a receive-only deal I suppose? Too small / not designed to send signals to LEO satellites.</strong><hr></blockquote>
All you have to do after you get DishTV is go here -<a href="https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customercare/UserManagement/login.jsp"; target="_blank">User Login</a>- and create a online membership by clicking "Sign up now" and it will ask you for the serial number on the back of your DishTV box and the number of your program card that is inserted inside your box, and it will ask you for a User Nickname and a password and Whalla!
Search the programs on there site and if you see a PPV you want "click it" and it will show you how much it costs, then click "add to cart"... BAM! instantly your show comes on!
Note: Moogs? if I am to be a 100% truthful with you My friend ordered the playboy channel... He hasent ordered a single PPV show yet, but the page where you do it says you have to enter your phone number and your passcode that you made when you Sign up as a member... My friend didnt need to enter a phone number when he ordered the playboy channel so i dont know if its to contact your machine or confirm who you are...
I dont think its to contact your machine... becuase when he ordered his special
it would be kind of stupid to use the phone line when the box can already recieve info from the sky to start showing something....
So I wouldnt worry about it... like I said it was soo simple and ultra easy...
I dont see it, just cant see it even being neccessary to have to contact the machine thru the phone line... unless its a redundancy... in which case... if the satilite couldnt send the permission to the box... what would be the point of sending the data thru the phone lines... if you couldnt get data permisiion from the sky... yuo probably cant recieve any picture anyway...(but I digress)
the last paragraph is kind of useless and redundant itself...
I am sure its just for confirmation of your identity...
<a href="http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/ppv/order/index.shtml"; target="_blank">the afore mentioned PPV url link just if you want to see it...</a>
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[ 02-16-2002: Message edited by: FERRO ]</p>
BTW - you don't have to have a phone line hooked up to the receiver unless you want to be able to get system updates for the receiver (basically updates the OS
Oh, and did I mention the DishPlayer does WebTV too?? that would look great on an HDTV!
[ 02-16-2002: Message edited by: kHack ]</p>
<strong>WebTV...</strong><hr></blockquote>
[Begin Rant]
AAAAHH! You said that five lettered profanity...
I chucked that thing* along time ago - as soon as I could...
If you did ever use a Webtv you would know how much of a piece of "....... ..... .. ...."
Any true Webtv'er knows this! the only reason people use it is becuase they cant afford a real computer...
*=insert profanity here
[/End Rant]
------------------------------------
E PLURIBUS UNIX
<strong>
[Begin Rant]
AAAAHH! You said that five lettered profanity...
I chucked that thing* along time ago - as soon as I could...
If you did ever use a Webtv you would know how much of a piece of "....... ..... .. ...."
Any true Webtv'er knows this! the only reason people use it is becuase they cant afford a real computer...
*=insert profanity here
[/End Rant]
------------------------------------
E PLURIBUS UNIX
**Covers his mouth in terror**
Sorry!
I will never EVER use that word again here! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
Originally posted by Moogs
[
Also can you hammer out the differences between all the buzzwords below?
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital
Dolby 5.1
DTS
THX
[/B]
Okay, I'm not a home theater freak, but here's what I know. Feel free to nitpick about anything I missed...
Dolby Surround-it's the oldest version of surround sound (AFAIK). Also known as Dolby Pro Logic I. It supports four channels (left, right, front, and back). It can be transmitted over normal analog cables, which is a big advantage. Lots of normal TV shows are mastered in dolby surround.
Dolby Digital, Dolby 5.1-generally taken to mean the same thing. It's a digital signal that features 5 channels (left, right, front, rear left, and rear right) plus a special low-frequency channel (subwoofer). Dolby Pro Logic II is similar to this, but it goes over analog channels.
DTS-A digital signal type similar to Dolby Digital, but (arguably) better. Used on DVDs, not sure how many channels it offers.
THX-a certification (like the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval") that the audio and video of a DVD, VHS, LD or whatever meet acceptable quality standards as defined by Lucasfilm.