2015 Predictions: The Year in Internet
You know, that internet thing seemed like it was finally catching on. My predictions for 2015 are pretty dire. The internet came to most homes about 20 years ago, and at least in the United States,…
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2015 Predictions: The year in cellular
This will be the year cell boosters go mainstream. It’s my biggest and least risky prediction so far. The big problem with cell boosters in 2014 was that we didn’t have inventory… because of some hangups…
2015 Predictions: The year in pay-TV
Should be interesting. 2015 may be remembered as the year of the two biggest mergers in pay-TV history, or it may just be remembered for one of them. Comcast is, of course, trying to absorb Time…
2015 Predictions: The year in broadcast TV
The 2010s have not been kind to broadcast TV. Even though antennas are hotter than they’ve ever been, broadcast TV as a whole has continued on a disappointing spiral. The Primetime Emmy awards continue to reward…
2015 Predictions: The year of 4K?
It won’t be the year of 4K. There, see how much time I’ve saved you in reading this article? Well, I hope you continue reading anyway, since there’s a little bit more to the story. We’ve…
What is digital signage, anyway?
It’s a pretty fair question, and a term a lot of people haven’t heard. Digital signage is the biggest thing in business-to-customer advertising, and there’s no doubt you’ve seen it, but maybe you didn’t know what…
BREAKING: DISH adds Netflix to Hopper
This changes everything. Today, DISH becomes the first major pay-TV provider to integrate Netflix streaming into its products. According to a press release dated today, Hopper users will be able to access their Netflix content through the familiar…
EDITORIAL: Are we using the right icons?
It’s not as easy as you think to get your point across in pictures. The modern science of iconography goes back to the early 20th century when modernists tried to create an international language of pictures….
Use your smartphone to check for line of sight issues
If you plan to install your own dish, you need to know that you’ll have a clear line of sight before you start. Luckily you have a tool that will help you, and it’s already in…
EDITORIAL: Why TV’s latest trend is flopping HARD
A To Z, Manhattan Love Story, Marry Me, Selfie … Broadcast TV seemed fairly awash in romantic comedies just a few weeks ago and each one promised adorable, slightly nerdy but good-looking young people in urban environments,…
DIRECTV Beats everyone else to 4K – and only we have the facts
DIRECTV put out a press release confirming that On Demand Content will be available today for select Samsung 4K televisions. We didn’t comment, because like you, we wanted the facts. What does this mean? What televisions will work?…
THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Which satellite service is better for RVs?
OK, let’s get it out in the open: Solid Signal, the folks who keep the lights on at this blog, are both DIRECTV and DISH dealers. So we’re not going to tell you that either provider…
Quick reminder — don’t forget to ground!
In much of the country, this is the last chance you’ll get to climb up on that roof for several months (at least safely.) That means you have one more chance to make sure your dish…
NICE AND EASY: What DIRECTV remotes work with what receivers?
There sure have been a lot of DIRECTV receivers since the service started in 1994. If you’re looking for a remote, however, you’ll want to know that the remote you choose will work with the receiver…
What do all the reset options mean on a DIRECTV receiver?
It’s pretty rare when a DIRECTV receiver acts up… but when it does you have four options for resetting it. How do you know which one to use? Option 1: The Red Button This is the…