[mythtv-users] Channel 4 HD coming to freesat, really really this time.

[Andre]

On 2 Feb 2011, at 11:13, Robert Longbottom wrote:

> 
> On 2 Feb 2011, at 10:15 AM, Andre <mythtv-list at dinkum.org.uk> wrote:
> 
>> Good news for UK Myth people:
>> 
>> http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/c4hd-to-launch-on-freesat
>> 
>> If Channel 4 bought the BBC slot advertised a few months ago that will mean 3 useful FTA HD channels in on mux :-) If so I do hope the beeb use the deposit to upgrade to DVBS2!
>> 
>> Andre
> 
> Yes, that is good news.  Roll on April.  Hopefully they will be testing before the official go live date, so we can get it sooner :)

Well now that you mention it...

This transponder has it right now:
28.2°E	
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 Eurobird 1	12606.65	V	F4	Steerable 1	DVB-S2	QPSK	28250 3/4	 	NID:2	TID:2614

Looks reasonable quality, is currently full 1080i resolution with 384k DD & subtitles.

Input #0, mpegts, from '/var/lib/mythtv/R4/recordings/67300_20110212001500.mpg':
  Duration: 00:04:46.46, start: 1902.063344, bitrate: 9517 kb/s
  Program 1 
    Stream #0.0[0x901]: Video: h264, yuv420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 50 tbr, 90k tbn, 50 tbc
    Stream #0.1[0x904](eng): Subtitle: dvbsub
    Stream #0.2[0x902](eng): Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, s16, 384 kb/s

Unusual symbol rate but I have a theory that this is a temporary slot for Ch4 & BBC to get their stuff together in DVBS2 mode and then switch the current BBC transponder to DVBS2 without a break of service and to meet Freesat's 2 week burn in test period. The wacky symbol rate might be what they think will fit in the narrow Astra 2D transponder, or maybe it's just to wind up the Sky box crowd after all you don't normally need 3/4 FEC on Astra 2D but it's necessary on Eurobird 1 ;-) 

Maybe they will testing a few settings in the next week or two, would be nice to see some 8PSK at 28E too.

Andre