1999 Satellite News

• All sports channels that are available on satellite currently will be going digital at the year end. Currently these channels won't be available to the 4DTV users as these channels will only be available to cable head-ends (though channels will be in DCII format). As were told its not profitable enough to set up a DCII encryption system for these channels at this time as the number of 4DTV users is very limited. Therefor it doesn't look good for sports on the 4DTV units.
• Starz-Encore movies leaving S4 for G6 on Dec 20th
• move -> XXXCITE on T7 24
• new maps added to satellite C3 -> Food Network on 600 and DYI on 601 (some receivers have problems receiving these new maps)
• GI de-unannounces the D2 This was to be an add-on box to old analogue receivers; causing them to receive DCII channels that the 4DTV currently receives. This product would be to complicated for the average user and too many other problems therefor it has been called off.
• GE4 Launched Nov 13/99 and was successful ->to replace S4 at 101 degrees by year end
• Satellite T7 is in Test Mode on transponder 10 (Test ID T7 Logo) and on transponder 5 you can get a digital light (lock)
• Also on the Ku-Band side of T7 transponder 10 also has a Test ID Logo
• This might be old but to receive Diag K screen you press power on receiver and hold ^ and < at the same time
• New software upgrade coming soon to the 4dtv ->will have more timers, and upgraded IPG (that's all we know at this time) This is a different upgrade than the one that is currently taking place (below)
• Channel count has gone up to 4444 from 4440 ->new channels on C3 860-864 (Music Choice)
  • most people are having major problems receiving this update this is what you can do to check your status of the upgrade
  • note the upgrade takes 7 to 10 days to receive
  • go to options 6-0-5 Diag. Screen A
  • on the right side of the screen look down two lines (below the channel number) you'll see one of the following ID's
  • ID = receiver has not gotten the preamble for the firmware download
  • AO = receiver as gotten the preamble
  • AFAIK =download should occur that next night (after receiving the preamble)
  • GI says its taking most people 7-15 days to get this software upgrade ->if you'd like to talk to GI call them at 1-800-976-5174
  • also some channel names might go away why ?? don't know but GI says the update software is always being sent
• Successful launch of satellite T7 (c/ku bands) This launch meant that GI had to remap the satellites in the 4DTV and many are experiencing problems receiving this update successfully. This is what has changed:
  • T7 is now L4
  • T8 is now L5
  • W6 is now K1
  • W8 is now K3
  • T7/L7 is between G5 and C3
  • Your channel count should read 4440
• Rumors have it that the fox sports channels could be uplinked (in DCII mode) later this year after the leases on C1 expire. There are to be about 16 channels that could be uplinked in DCII mode at a cost of about $130-135us ...just rumor & not set in stone yet
• Showtime gets new channel Beyond -West feed is now at G9 105
• Showtime HDTV feeds will come sometime this January
• Rumor has it that a new 4DTV unit is scheduled for sometime next year (GI source)
• The new HDTV adapter will up convert all signals to HDTV and provide Dolby Digital 5:1 outputs. More information here.