Volunteers needed for a Special Project

[HB13DISH]

Volunteers are welcome to participate in a special project.
I would like to input in a spreadsheet (Excel file) the bitrate of video and audio and the resolution (in pixel) of ALL the TV channels in Hot Bird (FTA and Encrypted), using the plugin Bitrate Viewer 1.41 which can be installed in Dreambox receivers.
There are four value figures for:
-Current
-Minimum
-Average
-Maximum

I think that inputting the average would be a good indication for this purpose.

Here is a sample of what I have in mind:
http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellit...-hot-bird.html

As there are over 1500 TV channels, I thought that it would be great to make a team effort by assigning a number of channels to each member who would like to participate, instead of doing it all by myself which can take me ages to finish.
I am willing to do 200 channels within a week and the rest will be divided among the number of volunteers.
100 volunteers > 15 each
50 volunteers > 30 each
30 volunteers > 50 each
15 volunteers > 100 each
10 volunteers > 150 each
etc.
So the more hands raised, the less work for each one.
It really doesn't take that much time and effort once you do the first few.
Any volunteers?

[B16MCC]

Yep I'm in . Is it available from Gemini's blue panel ? Or do I need a manual install ?

[HB13DISH]

Yep I'm in . Is it available from Gemini's blue panel ? Or do I need a manual install ?

Great. Thanks.
Blue panel > Addons > Download (Gemini Server) > Plugins (35 entries) > Bitrate Viewer 1.4 -08.02.2008

[rolfw]

I'll do some this weekend.

[HB13DISH]

Thanks rolfw.
I think that it would be better to wait for a while and see how many participants we have. Then I will send each one (by PM) a file with a different channel list to fill in and when I get it back by PM, I would make a complete full list.
This way there will be a better control.

[Llew]

OK HB, I'll do a selection. (Don't need any plugin with my TD, bitrates are accessible in the menu).

Llew

[T_G]

I can do some, but I never used that plugin before. Is it straight forward or does it need tinkering?

[HB13DISH]

Thanks Llew and T_G
The plugin is quite straight forward, just read the average reading for the video bitrate and note the audio bitrate even for an encrypted channel (black screen).
The resolution reading is shown in the status bar and is not part of the plugin. As it is accurate only for an opened channel, then it would be better to leave it blank when inputting the data for an unopened encrypted channel.

Please don't start anything yet until we have at least 10 volunteers.
I will then send each one his list of channels to do.

An Excel file can have private personal information. So when you send me back the completed file, just make sure that you check
File > Properties and delete any personal data from the fields, save it and send it back.

We still need at least 5 more volunteers.

[HB13DISH]

Is it possible to attach files when sending a private message or is it only for text?
I can't see the usual attachments icon. Thanks.

[HB13DISH]

Here are the Excel files for BC16MCC, rolfw, Llew and T_G.
Each file has 100 channels listed.
Please fill in columns E, F and G.
If there are duplicate channel names, then please check it's frequency in column I, as different providers can have the same channel name.
e.g BBC World, BBC Prime, HBO Polska, etc.
Please take your time.
Thank you for your help.

We still need five more volunteers at least. Thank You.

[PCD]

For my curiosity - what is the purpose of this project ?

Also, bitrates can change from time to time.

[HB13DISH]

For my curiosity - what is the purpose of this project ?

Also, bitrates can change from time to time.

The purpose is mainly informative, to show the resolution of each channel and the quality of it's video and audio.
The changes in bitrates over time is not expected to change appreciably for the same provider.
When a certain package claims a "Crystal Clear" picture or "DVD quality", the information gathered from this project would put a quantitative measure to their claim.
A good quality channel makes the viewing more enjoyable.

[Analoguesat]

If you are still neding volunteers I'll help too - Ive been away on holiday

[Llew]

Just completed my 100 HB - only need now to pop them in the tables.

Llew

[HB13DISH]

If you are still neding volunteers I'll help too - Ive been away on holiday

Hello Analoguesat. Hope that you had a great holiday.
Thanks for the offer to help. Please use the attached file with 100 channels.
(You got MV )
The best way to do it is to use a laptop and two people. One doing the zapping and giving the readings and the other typing directly to the Excel file.
Please take your time. Ten days or two weeks would be fine. Thanks.
We still need four more volunteers.

[Llew]

Here's my list HB.

I notice one or two channels have gone to DVB-S2 now, and I don't have the facility to check their bitrates (encrypted anyway). Also a couple or so are not now on the TP's in your list, and I couldn't find them in my channel list.

Not much of interest in my batch, wouldn't have minded a few like Multivision, but then I would probably have lingered longer

Llew

[HB13DISH]

Thanks a lot Llew. Great help.

[CROSSBONES]

ill lend a hand if still required.

[HB13DISH]

ill lend a hand if still required.

Thanks CROSSBONES.
Please use the attached file with 100 channels.

Wow. Only three more files left to do.

[rolfw]

What do you want us to do if there are channels not on the list, add a line?

[HB13DISH]

What do you want us to do if there are channels not on the list, add a line?

Please leave them. I will add them in my final list.

[easysat]

I can spare 30 minutes to help fill in some channels if needed.

[HB13DISH]

I can spare 30 minutes to help fill in some channels if needed.

Thanks easysat.
It will take a bit longer I am afraid.

[Llew]

HB, with my TD, I noticed that some encrypted channels readily found the video bitrate, but not the audios. Does the Dreambox find them?

Llew

[HB13DISH]

HB, with my TD, I noticed that some encrypted channels readily found the video bitrate, but not the audios. Does the Dreambox find them?

Llew

Yes. I will fill them in.