What is the DIRECTV “Advanced Receiver Service” Fee? Do I need it?
One of DIRECTV’s more vexing fees is explained.
Read MoreNovember 2015
DIRECTV using RDBS? What does it mean?
Remember almost two years ago… when I told you all about Reverse DBS, the technology that could let DIRECTV get a lot more use out of its bandwidth? By using the frequencies it’s reserved for sending…
What is 5G?
It’s nothing. At least not today. It seems like all the hype about mobile internet speeds has died down a little bit. Back when we all talked about speeds of 256kbps over a mobile connection…
DIRECTV makes it easier to diagnose those error codes
As you know, The Solid Signal Blog has the most comprehensive online list of DIRECTV error codes. (Didn’t know that? Check them out here.) If your receiver gives you a three-digit code, we can help you understand…
WAY OFF TOPIC: I hate “artisanal” light bulbs
Yeah, you know these. You’ll find them in restaurants that call themselves “gastropubs” or some other made up thing. They look like they were hanging in a barn in 1910, and are most often found today…
DIGITAL TRENDS says: Don’t go with Windows Phone. Just don’t.
As if you needed convincing. With market share well under 5%, it’s a safe bet you don’t even see anyone with a Windows Phone in an average day. It’s Apple and Android, Android and Apple all…
Is the era of quality TV dead?
It’s been called the second golden age of TV. Led by premium channels and streaming services, the last 5-7 years have seen a massive increase in so-called “quality TV.” While the 2000s gave us a steady…
Anyone else notice that routers are getting really big?
I thought maybe it was just me, but when you look at this year’s crop of high-end routers (like this Linksys EA8500) the one thing that strikes you is, they’re really large. As in, about twice the…
Latest trends in cutting the cord
Cutting the cord is a full-fledged phenomenon. There are still plenty of people picking up cable and satellite subscriptions — in fact even companies like Comcast that have been shedding subscribers have picked up a few…
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Transistors and Minecraft
So if you know someone under the age of 18 you’ve doubtless come to know about Minecraft. Simply put, Minecraft is to today’s kids what Legos were to older generations — a limitless tool for building whole worlds…
Wait, maybe the internet of things isn’t really necessary.
About, oh, 15 years ago the more forward thinking and geeky among us started putting the pieces together. What if you could combine wireless networking, low power, cellular technology, and basic information in a really durable…
DIRECTV adds another HD Channel
HD Completists rejoice… DIRECTV has added Aspire TV to its lineup! The channel is also available for U-Verse customers as well, and you should expect from now on that whenever you see a channel add on…
Is a satellite tax really fair?
The subject of satellite taxes comes up over and over. If you’re in Massachusetts, Florida, Utah, or one of the seven states that currently have a satellite tax, you see it on your bill. You may…
Gain, Loss, and Noise Figure
I was looking at the “Understanding CEA Antenna Marks for Outdoor Antennas” page on the Solid Signal site, located here: Understanding CEA Antenna Marks for Indoor/Outdoor TV Antennas when I read what seemed to me to…
New to DIRECTV? Start watching live TV BEFORE the install
DIRECTV does it again. They’ve made it even easier to watch all that great content… and you don’t even have to wait for installation. You can be watching on your PC or mobile device the day…