Steve_Klein

DirecTV Overcompression Problems?

Hi all:

Has anyone ever had any luck getting DirecTV to address overcompression problems with one of its SD channels? Ever since the 1st of the year VH1 Classic (channel 337) has been macroblocking horribly, and my hardware shows the average bitrate dropped from between 2 and 2.25 Mbps to around 1.75 to 2 Mbps (usually the lower end of that) at about the same time. Clearly too little bandwidth for such a visually dynamic channel; they're allocating it as much as a talking-head channel should get.

I've made a couple of calls to DirecTV customer service over the last couple of weeks with no response or follow-up (even though I requested and they promised the latter), so I don't think I'm getting through to the right people. Can anyone suggest a method to get this type of problem resolved? Two reps I've spoken with said at least 5 customers have to complain about such a problem before it will be addressed; maybe few people care about this channel but it's one of the few I consistently watch.

Out of curiosity, can anyone provide general insights into how DirecTV bandwidth is allocated? Is it done by channel or transponder? Is it automated or done manually by a technician? Does the type of content (motion, etc.) normally figure into the calculation? Does DirecTV spot check this sort of thing or do they just wait for complaints to come in and address them then? That sort of thing...

Any feedback would be appreciated!

ChrisClearman

Re: DirecTV Overcompression Problems?

they aren't going to change it. they compress all their channels, some much worse than others.

i'd be thrilled if they added a few new freakin' HD channels. in 2+ years we've gotten one new channel (TNT) and it isn't even on all the time (off on NFL Sundays).

Robert_J

Re: DirecTV Overcompression Problems?

Compression is done by channel and sometimes by show. If everyone on this forum called D* and complained, they wouldn't do anything. We are just a small fraction of their 10M customers. If the compression isn't visible on a 27", 10 year old, non-calibrated TV, then it passes their quality test.

They announced the non-local HD channels that will be added this year. HGTV, Food, MTV, etc. You just need an MPEG4 capable receiver and an AT9 dish. With the recent explosion at Sea Launch, it may delay the new satellites and push these new channels to later in the year.

-Robert

Mike Williams

Re: DirecTV Overcompression Problems?

I am moving and the DirecTV representative, accessing my account, said when the re-install me in the new place, they need to upgrade my HD receiver, my standard receiver and install a 5 LNB dish to accommodate the "MANY NEW" HD channels they will be adding this year that will cover 85% of the market. Since MTV, Food Network, etc., covers everybody, I'm wondering if perhaps they're going to also be adding Local HD channels as well.

ChrisClearman

Re: DirecTV Overcompression Problems?

locals are already being spot beamed to the major markets. there are several mid markets still remaining, but D* might be halting those to concentrate on other efforts. these locals are MPEG4 low bit rate compressed and look like the other HD-Lite channels they broadcast. You can tell a drastic difference compared to OTA HD.

they can CLAIM new HD channels all they want (they have the last 2 yrs), but until the birds are in geosynch I'll remain skeptical as hell.

Robert_J

Re: DirecTV Overcompression Problems?

And satellite delivered HD locals don't cover every channel that us usually available. For most DMA's, they are only broadcasting the Big 4 networks. Also, you don't get any sub-channels. I sometimes go to the local radar or catch a repeat of the 6pm news on the sub channels.

-Robert