Sprint TV - Updated 11/3 - ONLY WORKS ON SPRINT TOUCH NOW

[bilson]

Is it possible that certain areas or regions have or don't have that capabilities of Sprint TV. While in Minneapolis and St. Paul I had no problems with Sprint TV. I drove to St. Cloud about 60 miles away and all I got was 7000 errors. All cities had EVDO.

[slightlyevolved]

I would like to confirm this. An error 7000 is a channel not found error. Same as 404 for HTTP. I've gotten that more than a few times since I've been using streaming back in the day when a Sanyo 8300 was a hot, brand new phone. It'll pop up, then it'll pass. I can't think that I've ever seen the error for more than an hour. If that.

Also, for those of you with VZW using this, I can't say for sure if you'll be charged or not, but FYI;

Although it says SprintTV, the service is actually provided by Mobi (as in, MobiTV). I'm not sure how deep the similararities between the systems are (although SprintTV almost duplicated the MobiTV channels perfectly), and as Mobi is independant of any carrier, it is possible that they could bill VZW for the service as a MobiTV service. They may not know the difference without Sprint being an intemediary.

I'm just taking a wild guess on the situation, so take that as you will. The error 7000 is not a guess though

BTW, showed it to our Sprint Rep at work. He made me install it on his MotoQ. Surprisingly, it worked, but we weren't able to get video.... we aren't EVDO though, so I think that may have something to do with it. I can't use it on my Apache without a WiFi connection or it buffers every few seconds.

[syrguy1969]

Originally Posted by slightlyevolved

Although it says SprintTV, the service is actually provided by Mobi (as in, MobiTV). I'm not sure how deep the similararities between the systems are (although SprintTV almost duplicated the MobiTV channels perfectly), and as Mobi is independant of any carrier, it is possible that they could bill VZW for the service as a MobiTV service. They may not know the difference without Sprint being an intemediary.

BTW, showed it to our Sprint Rep at work. He made me install it on his MotoQ. Surprisingly, it worked, but we weren't able to get video.... we aren't EVDO though, so I think that may have something to do with it. I can't use it on my Apache without a WiFi connection or it buffers every few seconds.

I don't see HOW they could charge VZW users, they do not have any info on us, it isn't like we filled out a form to download or anything, but the next bill will answe that for all of us...I used it a bit (but not too much just in case), and will report back with my first bill (in about a week)!!

As far as the wi-fi thing...I don't have the buffer problem on 90% of channels with my EVDO, so I think it is more based on the device/signal that wi-fi vs. other connections!!!!
I do agree, this is a great streaming program, I am loving playing with it !!

[canospinach]

Originally Posted by syrguy1969

I don't see HOW they could charge VZW users, they do not have any info on us, it isn't like we filled out a form to download or anything

Sorry man but this is a completely naive comment.

They absolutely have info on you the minute you fire up the app and begin streaming content. In order to make the connection certain handheld info is logged on the server. Keep in mind your PPC has unique info like your MIN and ESN which could certainly be used to aid in your identification. Not to mention if you "Subscribe" it is absolutely documented. A simple demonstration of this is why you dont need to re-subscribe once you have done the initial subscription (even if you re-flash and reinstall - this is NOT like OTA broadcast reception only TV).

[soapbox]
All web access leaves a papertrail, regardless of how you get there. If you use a device which gets assigned an IP (again no matter if its BT, EvDO or WiFi) you leave an identifying trail. You are not anonymous online unless you take specific steps to protect yourself and even then its no guarantee.
[/soapbox]

As i posted earlier the "un-official" comment i got from the Market Manager was that "it will be dealt with". He was not clear on a timetable he mentioned they are super preoccupied prepping for the holiday sales push and other issues (WiMax?).

But as many have said, only time in billing will tell

[syrguy1969]

I will agree with that, even I have admitted to waiting for the next billing, my question (if you know, you seem to know more about this app than most of us) would be HOW??? I just don't see how they can bill us with no information other than our MIN and ESN from our phones. Do you have any ideas on that? You really have my curiosity going now....I kinda like learning things like that!!!!!

Thanks for the info, it is really interesting stuff!

[canospinach]

Thanks for the info, it is really interesting stuff!

No worries, i am having a great time sharing and learning too. This is by far my favorite PPC site

my question (if you know, you seem to know more about this app than most of us) would be HOW??? I just don't see how they can bill us with no information other than our MIN and ESN from our phones

Its still a little grey on my end too. I have not had a chance to speak with anyone who is formerly a "technical" person yet. Although i may not easily be able to explain how, i can absolutely assure you its possible.


First off forget about it being "Sprint" branded.

The "opt-in" which you pointed out (think authorization for service, or you mentioned filling a form) happens when you install the app and authorize it to connect for service (there is a "data connection" reminder at startup). The formal billing "subscription" is triggered from within the app itself.

What i can say is think of the billing like a ringtone webpage you visit which just bills your Carrier as opposed to making you whip out a CC via SSL online. Or Handmark on sprint who bills your Carrier Account as oppose to making you pay via CC for apps, and media.

Its actually preferred by a vendor to bill your Carrier Account (cell account) opposed to CC billing because you cannot easily dispute the charge at the Carrier level and due to keeping your service from being shut off you are more likely to pay the bill. So its a far higher collection success issue. Its my understanding The Carrier (Verizon, Sprint, Alltel, etc) pretty much has to accept the billing when the vendor shows your IP (or whatever specific info) accessed and authorized the charge - Remember...your accepting the billing when you choose "Subscribe". Text message purchases although different medium work much the same way (buy ringtone, buy subscription to horoscope etc.).

[slightlyevolved]

To determin who you are, there are a few ways that the program could announce you.

1.) IP address, usually is not a DHCP assigned address, but is static by carrier. They can easily find who has what service by looking at the first three octects of an IP address.

2.) ESN information transmitted along with the stream. ESN id's phone model, make, AND carrier if it is a locked phone. Which all VZW and Sprint ones are. Not sure how this'd work on a GSM unlocked phone.

3.) Phone number transmitted along with the stream. Yes, the program CAN have access to your phone number, assuming security certificates and such are in good order.

[wickedklown]

Well what it comes down to, its a service so expect to be charged, if your not willing to take the chance then uninstall it. I'm on the vision plan but who knows they might come back and charge me anyways since the mogul is not an "approved" TV phone. lol i just hope they dont send me a bill a year from now when theyve "dealt with it" as a previous poster mentioned.
Either way I dont think its worth the extra 20 a month for the extra channel, which i subscribed to and plan to cancel, personally I'd rather watch TV on a plasma.

[rambrush]

But I can not fit a plasma in my work truck.

Friday I had to head out to a job site and wait on a contractor to show.

So while I waited I propped the mogul up on the dash and I was able to watch the latest news.

So yes its good for me.

[jay2dar]

Can you watch through wi-fi connection instead of Sprint Vision?