Dishnetwork - Russian channels

[bobb]

L will soon be here.  She does not watch a lot of TV and when she does she enjoys movies, mysteries, ballet, symphonies, etc.

Dishnetwork has several options a la carte and one possible package.

a la carte:

TVC1
TVC1000
NTV America

I just don't see the value of the Packages, but if we go that way the one I would consider would be:

RTV1 and RTV1 Plus

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions on what to consider?

Thanks,

[Sculpto]

Bobb have you picked up any of the Russian language newspapers?  There are usually 3 or 4 at Europaplus, and, the Russian yellow pages.  Seems like there are more TV options than what you listed.

BTW.. have you been to Samovar yet?  Lots of cool Russian culture stuff going on there regularly.

[bobb]

I suppose I should have added I already subscribe to Dishnetwork, love their DVR's, and see no reason to change to Direct or Comcast for possibly a better option.  With the ability to record anything at anytime I am sure we will amass a library to watch at her leisure.  There are a couple other packages at Dish but the only additional channel is NTV America.  A person I know here has suggested the first thing I do is turn on closed captioning to help her with the language.  With pause and changing to playback at 1/4 speed it will be convenient at times when she's heard something and not quite caught it. 

Sculpto,

Haven't been to Samovar.  I have a few nieces and nephews living in the city and I will remember to keep this in mind when we visit.  I can't wait to show her Golden Gate Park someday this fall. 

[Sculpto]

Haven't been to Samovar.  I have a few nieces and nephews living in the city and I will remember to keep this in mind when we visit.  I can't wait to show her Golden Gate Park someday this fall. 

Samovar is at Yerba Buena Center, above the MLK jr memorial.  I am glad they finally found something that works in that spot.. its cool architecturally but a bit disconnected from the rest of the park.  And man I know how you feel about GG Park.  The Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory, the Arboretum and the new DeYoung Museum will be fantastic with the lady.  I wish she was going ot be here in time for the Outsidelands Festival, but, I guess that will have to wait till next year.  Last year being in the middle of the park.. covered in fog with 65,000 other people and great music.. that was fantastic..

You know where else is fabulous if you and your lady like to hike at all.. Lands End.  The views up there are spectacular and there are surprisingly few people on those trails.  Great place to watch the Red Tail Hawk migration with a picnic.

I can't wait for the free summer concert in the park series also.. the lineup is kind of boring this year though so nothing really missed..

I forget the name of the shop.. but its on Clement.. they have a grocery/deli downstairs but upstairs they have an extensive selection of Russian language films and music CDs.. as I remember there is a decent book section also.  There is at least one other Russian language video shop in that are also but its kind of small, but, easier to find than the one on Clement.. the sign is in Cyrillic.  Its on a cross street between Geary and Clement.

[KenC]

L will soon be here.  She does not watch a lot of TV and when she does she enjoys movies, mysteries, ballet, symphonies, etc.

Dishnetwork has several options a la carte and one possible package.

a la carte:

TVC1
TVC1000
NTV America

I just don't see the value of the Packages, but if we go that way the one I would consider would be:

RTV1 and RTV1 Plus

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions on what to consider?

Thanks,

Bob,
I had the whole package before.  One is old Russian movies.  Another is Russian TV and news for Russians in America.  This also had some South American soaps and bizarre Russian game shows.  (A must have)  The third was Ukrainian MTV.  Not much difference in price between one or all three IIRC. 

Just a thought for you to consider.  Many here think it is not wise to get Russian TV in the beginning.  Force feeding American TV helps in the development of her English abilities.
KenC

[Vaughn]

I agree with KenC, what's the rush? My wife learned half her English from channels
like Food & Cooking, The Movie Channel, FOX and others...

Most of my wife's friends prefer Channel One, which unfortunately isn't available
on Dish Network. We suscribe to that single channel on DirecTV. A Russian pal of
mine scoffs regarding Channel One - says it's government run, which I can imagine
might be true.

Bobb, I know you've been diligent about preparing for her arrival, but this issue is
probably best left to discuss with her once she's settled in. I mean, most of these
channels can be turned on or off with a simple phone call. You might, however,
require a different dish, international capable.

Vaughn

[Kuna]

Just a thought for you to consider.  Many here think it is not wise to get Russian TV in the beginning.  Force feeding American TV helps in the development of her English abilities.
KenC

bobb,

My wife studied in Germany so she had experiences in a new country with a different language before moving to Oz.

When she came to Australia she specifically avoided Russian movies, TV, news, (even Russian friends to an extent) because she knew the quicker she improved her English the easier it would be for her to assimilate.

We're heading towards 2 yrs of marriage and now she's starting to ask about Russian TV - so we're looking for options.

I too think it's best to wait - just a bit.  I'm very impressed with the way your planning for your ladies arrival but as Vaughn said, It's best to wait for her arrival before doing some things so she can be involved in the decisions too.

I think the best attitude to adopt is one of readiness and willingness to let her take on more and more responsibility as she is ready for it.  It's a fine line of not rushing her and not babying her...  with your attention to detail I have no doubt you will do fine.

Kuna

[bobb]

Thanks for the good input. 

In my initial research with Dish I was told I will need my dish replaced.  The CSR said there would be no charge.  If we ever do decide on 1 of the stations I'll make sure I get the CSR's name and number, if they repeat that claim.  I was just doing more research with my question here and wasn't going to initiate any order until after she had arrived.  I'll just wait and see if she brings it up and then we'll discuss our options and if she really wants one station we'll do that.  As mentioned it only takes a phone call and about 15 minutes or less to try a different station.

She really doesn't watch much TV and I can figure out something where she can at least get some news on the Internet.  Maybe Google news in Russian would be adequate.

I'm going to have 'Moscow Does not Believe in Tears' from Netflix here at the house when we return at the end of August.  I saw it last year and she saw it many, many, years ago.  I think it will be very interesting and fun watching this with her. 

[KenC]

Bob,
Check out the listings for your international channel.  I have Time Warner and there is a regular showing of Russian news in Russian.
KenC

[Col HJ]

Another option - Though I can't recall the address offhand there is a website or 2 that allows you to watch actual Russian and maybe Ukrainian channels via the web, and even has a host of movies in an on demand format. Give me a day or to contact my friend with the info and I will post it back here for you.

[bobb]

Another option - Though I can't recall the address offhand there is a website or 2 that allows you to watch actual Russian and maybe Ukrainian channels via the web, and even has a host of movies in an on demand format. Give me a day or to contact my friend with the info and I will post it back here for you.

Thanks.  It's always nice to have several options.  There's nothing like being able to say, "Let's look at this, or this, or this, and this.  I have a good monitor and a nice pleasant view from my computer station at home.

[BillyB]

Bobb, to help your lady learn English, enroll her in an English class for immigrants that your local community colleges probably offer. She may make new friends while she's at it. Take her out occassionally and communicate with people you cross paths with. If she's bold enough and willing, find her a job as soon as possible. Dealing with co workers and customers will help her learn English fast. Don't turn her into a couch potato with a 500 channel tv package.

[bobb]

Bobb, to help your lady learn English, enroll her in an English class for immigrants that your local community colleges probably offer.

Already know what to do with this suggestion - thanks though.

She may make new friends while she's at it.

She has already made a few friends from the local RW community one day on Skype at my house.  I was very fortunate to meet many of the local RW community at Russian Easter in the park.  Since then I've been in contact with then regularly.  They are all excited and looking forward to meeting L.  Next week she'll met a couple more through Skype.  As you can imagine word of a new RW arriving travels like wildfire.  Especially after they have met me and approve!  The most recent arrival was two years ago.

If she's bold enough and willing, find her a job as soon as possible.

Trust me, it will be some time before she would be able to work here.  Remember she will be 58 in 3 weeks.

Don't turn her into a couch potato with a 500 channel tv package.

Never have been and never will be.  It's difficult for me to find anything worthwhile to watch on TV.  Everything I do watch is at my schedule as I don't watch live TV or commercials anymore.  The only thing I have ever watched regulary is NHL hockey (Redwings) with NHL Center Ice.  Next year I'll just watch when something is on Versus, and then I will forward through all stoppages in play and the two intermissions, as I have always done.  Watch a hockey game in just over an hour this way. 
[/quote]

[Muddy]

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/international/russian

[bobb]

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/international/russian

I previously stated:

see no reason to change to Direct

Maybe I should have been more specific and said DirectTV. 

Thanks anyway.

[Vaughn]

A Red Wings fan??  I raise my glass to you, Bobb...

Wasn't that last minute Game 7 Penguin stand in the crease a heartbreaker?

[KenC]

A Red Wings fan??  I raise my glass to you, Bobb...

Wasn't that last minute Game 7 Penguin stand in the crease a heartbreaker?

Yes! 

Sounds as if Bob is a displaced Michigander like me.  Don't be surprised if your lady is sitting next to you during the games.  Some of these women are real hockey fans.
KenC

[bobb]

Sounds as if Bob is a displaced Michigander like me.  Don't be surprised if your lady is sitting next to you during the games.  Some of these women are real hockey fans.
KenC

L knows all about my passion for the Red Wings.  When she was little they had one TV.  Father and two brothers would hijack it to watch hockey games.  She has told me hockey is OK if there is company visiting.  I will just have to record NHL on the Fly when the Wings are playing, check the box scores, and eventually explain to her the importance of watching the Stanly Cup Playoffs.  There is nothing in any other sport that equals the Stanley Cup Playoffs IMHO. The only sport I even watch on TV is hockey.  And a live hockey game?  TV just can't capture the same feel for the speed, and if it's a good game - unbeatable!

[groovlstk]

My wife catches up on her Russian TV at this free site:
http://www.corbina.tv/

I'm a big hockey fan and my wife previously had no interest until I took her to her first live game, an intense Rangers/Devils match. She loved it. One of my regrets in life until now is never catching the Canadiens play in the old Forum.

[jj]

Bobb- Marina found a couple of web sites for Russian movies.  "intv.ru"  and "onlyfilms.ru" .  Also google"russian t.v." and will also give several options.  I have never tried it but they say you can interface your computer onto flat screen tv to watch the movies.  Keep your anti -viral up to date with any computer movies channels, even state-side.   There is also a good book site including mysteries, etc. at "lib.rus.ec"  . This is free to read on-line. Or she can google Librusec to find it.  -jj
   

[jimz10]

You can also get Channel 1 Russia and other stations at this web site:
http://beelinetv.com/