Thaigreg

Yes, I agree that 3BB is now limiting torrents downloads. I have 6Mbps package. I normally get downloads of between 650Kbps and 720Kbps with utorrent.

Utorrent version 2.0.1 have some probleme with download speed, check in option - advanced "net.calc_overhead" have to be false, version 2.0.2 have false by default

My current version is 2.02.

Yes, I agree that 3BB is now limiting torrents downloads. I have 6Mbps package. I normally get downloads of between 650Kbps and 720Kbps with utorrent. Speedtest shows 5.73Mbps local and 5.89Mbps international (USA). My download speed right now with utorrent is between 20 and 26Kbps. Speedtest with my proxy server shows 0.11Mbps local and 0.33Mbps international. I also notice today that my ISP was changed to 180.183.23.180 normally it is 117.xxx.xx.xxx or 112.xxx.xx.xxx. I wondering if changing packages or Internet provider will help.

Greg

Thanks for the info!

Seems neither carry CNN, is that correct?

You are correct. You can stream CNN live at: live.cnn.com, but all they are showing is the BP oil spill. Like watching paint dry!

For reasons I keep being reminded we're not allowed to discuss here, satellite TV is currently not an option for me.

I have two options for cable, Sophon and TMN. Which is least crappy? I'm mostly after English language news channels and stuff like Nat Geo and Discovery.

Edit for making the question a bit more specific:

To those who have Sophon & TMN: Please, would you mind listing the English language channels you have + eventually stuff like Nat Geo and/or Discovery (but afaik none of them show anything like that, prolly would cause the Thai viewers to think too mutt)

Hi Phil,

You are right no English Nat Geo or Discovery, but their are a couple of what I call Nature channels in Thai. Here are some of the English channels on Sophon:

News/Business: Bloomberg Tv, BBC International, Aljazeera, Channel News Asia, Fox News, Pattaya People News Televison.

Some channels offer a combination of news,business news and entertainment/documentary/nature features: Australia Network, NHK World (programs are a mixture of English and Japanese. Also KBS World same a mixture of English and Korean.

Sports: Eurosport, 2 astro Supersport channels

Movies: 3 Movies channels in English. You can view or download a program guide for the movies at :www.pattayamail.com/stv/

Entertainment: Universal Channel and SciFi.

Kids: Boomerang and Kids Co.

Hope this is of some help.

Greg

Bought a JetBook Lite for $99.00. Postage and insurance $38.00. No Customs fee.

I didn't get the Kindle because of uncertainty over customs duty if I have it sent to Thailand. How about you?

Hi,

In addition to 21.00 for postage Amazon charges $50.17 for customs fee. This bring the total to $260.15.

Greg

Finally got in contact with Sophon on their mobile number and it seems that someone cut the cable at the trunk in my area. They say it should be fixed later this afternoon.

Greg

Hi,

I have had no picture since around noon yesterday. Tried contacting them (038423777) and got a message on cell that the "network is busy". Then tried an hour later and no one answers the phone. Does anyone else have the this problem? Thanks.

Greg

On a related subject, can you rent a dvr (digital video recorder) or similar device from your cable company in order to record or pause programs? I am addicted to mine here in the US and almost never watch a program live. The cable company charges me an extra $10 per month, which is about the best $10 I have ever spent. I will be a part-time (a few months a year) resident there so I really don't want to have to buy one and then deal with it when I leave.

Also, do any of the channels carry American football (gridiron) there?

Thanks.

Hi,

Yes, but not on the local cable TV. You have to subscribe to satellite TV (Truevisions) to receive NFL games. We received 4 games per week ( 2 regular Sunday afternoon games, plus the Sunday and Monday Night games.) Also all playoff games and the Super Bowl.

Greg

Got connected yesterday as a replacement of UBC. UBC dishes aren't allowed on our building.

TMN has got 92 channels; the first 40 mainly in Thai language (Thai and foreign channels) the rest is a good mix of:

English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, French, Japanese, Indian and Russian.

Plenty of Sports Channels

Cost: entrance fee THB 1500 and THB 400 per month if you pay per 6 months.

Quality (after a quick chack): Reasonable. The status bar on my tv shows in most cases "reasonable/fair" and even "good"

have they got offices in Pattaya/jomtien

I've been using them for more than 6 months now, after I sacked BTV for incompetence and generally providing a lousy service. TMN has been much better and I have had no issues with them. Unfortunately, because of the decision by DSTV Africa to re-allocate its satellites, we have lost some of the more useful channels - Sky News; Zone Reality; MNET Movies I and 2 and probably many others that I don't normally watch. This problem is going to affect all the cable providers I believe.

TMN has an office at the top of Soi Boonsampham (Khao Noi), not far from the German bakery and near the junction with Soi Khaotalo. There was and maybe still is another office where Soi Nernplabwan (or maybe it's Soi Country Club, can't remember) crosses the Sukhumvit relief road, along the railway.

I'm only paying 1000 Baht per 3 months by the way!

DM

Hi,

If you go down Soi Nernplabwan till it ends at the WAT. Take a right at the 7/11 and go down about half a kilo, it's right across from the small park next to the Nernplabwan Government area.

Pistachio Pistachio

What time locally?

10:00 am Monday?

03:00 am Monday!

Greg

you can get kindle's from thaikindle.com if your prepared to pay his ridiculous prices.

Otherwise no. But easy to order from amazon to shipito.com then to thailand for about 2000thb cheaper all in than what thaikindle.com is charging

Hi namoo,

Thank you for the info. I've bookmarked SHIPITO for future reference and possible use.

Greg

ASN is on the Platinum and Silver packages only.

Hi,

Check out MyP2P(http://myp2p.eu/index.php?part=home) you can stream live colleges games every week.

Greg

DCO about 200m up from Sukhumvit on Chaiyapruek2 left side.

Hi,

Try WATTANA acroos from FOODLAND ON Pattaya Klang.

Greg

I have the same problem in Rayong, TT&T have big problem whit the DNS server, but if you type in 156.154.70.1, and 156.154.71.1 as DNS in your computer it works much better.

It is a free service and make it much faster than you have today.

Good luck

Sorry can you elaborate on what you mean by switching DNS to 156.154.70.1, and 156.154.71.1? Where do I do this and what is the effect?

Hi ChiangMaiThai,

Thanks. My internet connection stopped on Friday afternoon and I new it had something to do with the data entered in my router. I had previously been using OpenDSN with good results, but since Friday no web pages would load. Just know I used the DNSs you provided and everything is back to normal again. Thanks again for your info.

Greg

Hope this is ok, Ive also posted this in the computer section, but though I may also get some answers here,

My friend is looking at buying a new laptop computer, and is trying to find out which Brands of Computers

actually have a Service Centre situated in the Pattaya area... do you know of any ...?

Thanks

TL

Hi,

Try WATTANA computer shop on Pattaya Klang across from Foodland. They sell and service many brands including Acer, Sony, HP.

Greg

Does anybody of you know if there are any good gym's on "the dark side" preferably with a lot of treadmills.

The one I use now only have two treadmills and I have been told that I have to limit my exercise to 30 minutes at a time.

I have gone through a coronary bypass operation recently and my doctors advised me that an 1 hour daily walk would be good for me.

So if you have any advise regarding gyms around Khao Talo area where there are no restrictions in regards to treadmill usage I would be very happy.

Hi hbert,

I had a heart procedure (Angioplasty) last June and started jogging/walking at a park next to the Nongprue Office, which is next to the Wat Suthawaad School. I start my workout around 6am as it is cooler and would enjoy the company if you would like to join me.

Greg

Hi George,

I changed from the Gold package to Knowledge on the 1st. Much of TrueV's programing is old, that includes Movies and TV shows. I can get more recent movies and tv shows from local cable (Banglamung and Sophon) or the internet. The inclusion of the ASN channel is great, but they put it in their Platinum package. Going from approx 450 baht per month to 2100 for that is quite expensive, but they offer more NFL games and NCAA sports including March Madness. I have to ponder that over the next 3 months.

Greg

I fully understand your position, Greg. Our lifestyles are a bit different, so the Platinum package is worth the investment for me. Sad to say, TV is darn near my only form of entertainment here. I'm married, and have literally NO "nightlife". The only times I go out at night are for shopping or dinner with my wife. Most nights, it's TV at home.

In addition to that, I have been an NFL addict for more years than I care to count. When I moved to Thailand in 2006, the reduction in NFL game coverage, and off-field news programs, was my greatest "loss". (Yes, sick addict!) I subscribed to the NFL's "Game Pass" internet package last season; and will renew this year, to ensure that I can see EVERY game played by my team, The New England Patriots.

For me, the cost of the TrueV Platinum package, and the $230 per year for the NFL "Game Pass" package, are nearly my total "entertainment" costs. When you look at it in that light, it's not that much money - even when I add in the liquor bill!

I don't think are lifestyles are that much different as aside from the internet I also watch a lot of TV and definitely enjoy the NFL, NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA football and basketball. You probably have convinced me to upgrade this fall to the Platinum package.

Greg

Truevisons (UBC) To Cancel BBC Entertainment From 1st June

So who has actually changed to an alternative system? lots of people saying that they will cancell and this is the end of True, but I'm sure that was said a few years ago, when they cancelled MTV. What are you using to replace it with?? how good is it?

I have no financial data to support my theory. However, I strongly believe that BBCE must have been charging a large license fee. I can see no other reason why TrueV should drop a network that was clearly so popular with the many Brit expats in Thailand.

I'm American. Frankly, I never watched BBCE, as I prefer the American TV series and comedies carried on Star World, AXN, and True Series. I, along with every American sports fan I've talked with, was ELATED at the launch of the new Hong Kong based sports network, ASN, and at TrueV's decision to add it to it's lineup. Likewise, I applaud, though less enthusiastically, the addition of the 'AXN Beyond' network, giving me more options for some programs that I enjoy.

I mention all of that only to point out that I'm not an "angry Brit" who's pissed off about losing something that I enjoyed. I'm clearly on the 'plus' end of these changes. The simple fact is that there are at least a dozen relatively useless channels; not mention the 3 or 4 identified as "future channels" that are still empty. Why wouldn't TrueV cut one of those channels, as opposed to BBCE, which was popular with so many of its' subscribers? HAS to be money, doesn't it?

If so, that is, objectively, a much more understandable decision; and one which is difficult to criticize too strongly. If they can't afford it; they can't afford it.

I leave it to the Brits who are losing a favorite to consider that calmy for a moment; then tell us if they'd acknowledge that as a fair point.

Hi George,

I changed from the Gold package to Knowledge on the 1st. Much of TrueV's programing is old, that includes Movies and TV shows. I can get more recent movies and tv shows from local cable (Banglamung and Sophon) or the internet. The inclusion of the ASN channel is great, but they put it in their Platinum package. Going from approx 450 baht per month to 2100 for that is quite expensive, but they offer more NFL games and NCAA sports including March Madness. I have to ponder that over the next 3 months.

Greg

Is there a free way to listen to an American, English speaking news radio station from my computer while in Thailand? Thanks, Lee

Hi Lee,

Try http://www.radio-locator.com/.

Greg

Can anyone point me in the direction of a satelite instalation company here in Pattaya who can provide me with a fixed dish system and a card that can pick up the Multichoice package from South Africa, as I want to get rid of my Truevisions dish and package.

On Sukhumvit just North of Index furniture on the East side of the Road, is PSA Satellite company. I think they might have the package you are looking for. I have the Dynasat system which works very well. What programming does the Multi choice package from South Africa offer?

Barry

Their premium package has all of the BBC Channels,Entertainment,Lifestyle,CBBC,News, plus all of the Supersport channels 1 to 6 plus Gold and Extra,Sony entertainment, Mnet series, Sky News, ALJazera, four Movie Channels plus Hallmark plus music and local African channels, all in all a better package than True anyway but you have to source the card from a Thai agent and pay one year in advance for the card.

But, from what I could see on the website, they have no American sports at all, and very little American programming. Nothing wrong with that for them. It IS a South African service. I'm just noting that for anyone who, like me, prefers sports and entertainment from my own cultural background.

Hi George,

Their sports channels include ESPN and ESPN Classic, also many of the US TV programs can be seen(24, Without a Trace, Dexter, SNL, Prison Break, etc.).

Greg

why not use some P2P TV Live software via internet,

any program, TV series or movies are free then

Hi,

Shiny has is right! If you have a half way decent internet connection go to a P2P site like www.surfthechannel.com/ and download your favorite tv shows and movies. I just downloaded the final episodes of 24 and the latest episode of CSI Miami. No cost.

Greg