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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jun 2005
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I'll open up with a few thoughts.
A few years ago I experimented with not using any DirecTV and seeing what I could find online. I thought I got maybe 60% there. News is no problem at all. CNN, FOX and all the broadcast networks are online all the time. I use my big screen TV as my computer monitor so pic quality is important to me. If the online video isn't up to the standards of a cable/sat picture then what's the point of having a good quality big screen any more?
But lately things are much better to the point that good YT vids are full hi def and look great and so do the online news shows.
The big problem is still live sports. Baseball, the NFL and NBA are all locked up and not available via live streaming for home games from what I can tell. If you're not with a big provider it's the radio or nothing.
Then I found out about Windows Media Center, and using a cable card along with an HD HomerumPrime 3 tuner box going through my computer. I dropped DirecTV, switched to Verizon (for their cable card) and saved about $30 a month. Not a lot but I had unlimited storage on my hard drives and no DVR to mess with or pay for.
Now I have Win 10, MS killed Media Center so I'm back with Verizon, (now Frontier) with the usual DVR set up.
Like everybody else I only watch a few shows but I'm paying for all the stuff I never use so "cutting the cord" is very appealing.
So, what's new in this area?
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Great topic.
You already taught me new things, Bob. I think someone would have to be in a more urban area than I am to even have choices.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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A month prior to the Olympics, NBC announced their affiliate stations were permitted to broadcast ALL of NBC's Olympic coverage on secondary channels. Concurrently, ChannelMaster reported a sales boost of 1200% for outside antennas to receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts so obviously many people want to watch sports for free.
In 2006 I spent about $200 for over the air antenna components and my wife and I assembled and erected the 30 feet high antenna system. During NFL football season I can watch OTA games in three markets (Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins or Atlanta Falcons). Without using the rotor my system receives about 27 secondary channels; using the rotor that number rises to over 50.
My satellite provider, DISH, had a receiver that include space for an optional, built-in over-the-air tuner. The over-the-air channels are intermingled with the satellite channels so secondary channels can be selected as well as satellite channels. Unfortunately DISH's program listings do not include OTA secondary channels. DISH is having a contract dispute with Tribune Broadcasting so DISH is not rebroadcasting the FOX network affiliate. That dispute does not affect my ability to receive the station over-the-air.
Free over the air broadcasts is alive and well for those willing to invest in an antenna system. My experience is an antenna system is well worth the investment.
Unfortunately, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) appears to be intent on eliminating or minimizing over the air broadcasts. The frequency spectrum space for UHF channels 50 to 75 has been reallocated from broadcasters and is being sold by auction for other uses. The FCC has issued an advisary notice that it is evaluating reallocating the frequency spectrum space allocated for channels 36 to 50.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Yes wonderful topic Bob.
I was paying 185.00 for internet and TV we rarely watched. We cut everything but internet, which saved us 100.00 per month. We went to Apple TV (it was a Christmas gift)then subscribed to Netflix and Hula both run around 30.00 combined, added a 30.00 indoor antenna for local channels/news with no monthly cost so combined savings is around 850.00 per year.
I have also learned a lot from your post Bob.
Thanks again,
PS: I found I now watch shows I never new existed i.e. many of the music documentaries on Netflix and Hulu.
Last edited by Danny C.; 08/25/16 07:08 AM. Reason: PS
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Yes, there is a lot of cool stuff online. I find myself watching YT more than anything else right now.
BUT...for me I'm a big Lakers fan and now that my original hometown team, the LA Rams are back in town I'll be watching them too. Live local games are blacked out from any free services whether it's OTA or online. That's how the big sat/cable companies are fighting the cord cutters. I have heard a few rumblings that may change but I'm guessing if it does, the cost of local game packages will be pretty high.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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I'm not saying I know of any current operational sites (but I DO know they exist) but fans of team X do watch a game(s) together virtually.
One member has cable/dish and he shares the link to his slingbox or web server or whatever. If he gets cut off another member sends a new secure link.
All the while everyone can chat online during the game ("can u believe that call?? We got robbed").
If you search you can find them. I ain't interpreting the law here, just sayin'; it's not THAT hard to see the games online if you are determined to .. I had to travel during a couple games. Good luck finding a Lions game on TV when you are in Packers/Bears area .. unless they are playing each other, even then the commentary stinks.
<grin>
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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FOOTBALL!! That's what keeps me on the wire.... Now that my original hometown team, the LA Rams are back in town I'll be watching them too. A lot of bitter folks still coping in St. Louis on that one.....  Luckily I'm a Dallas fan. Good luck finding a Lions game on TV when you are in Packers/Bears area .. unless they are playing each other, even then the commentary stinks. <grin> I grew up in NW IL, complete 50-50 Bears/Packers fan base. Yucccckk.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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A lot of bitter folks still coping in St. Louis on that one..... smile Oh, boo hoo, they can cry me a river. Those lucky $**&%@! got the Rams best years in decades. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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FOOTBALL!! That's what keeps me on the wire.... Now that my original hometown team, the LA Rams are back in town I'll be watching them too. A lot of bitter folks still coping in St. Louis on that one..... Luckily I'm a Dallas fan. Good luck finding a Lions game on TV when you are in Packers/Bears area .. unless they are playing each other, even then the commentary stinks. <grin> I grew up in NW IL, complete 50-50 Bears/Packers fan base. Yucccckk. A Dallas fan, sorry . . . I will keep you in my prayers, LOL! Laster,
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Oh, boo hoo, they can cry me a river. Those lucky $**&%@! got the Rams best years in decades. Awesome! You had Dickerson though....  Dallas fan, sorry . . . I will keep you in my prayers, LOL! Yeah, Romo down for the count again, broken bone in his back. It's the new rookie Dak show now.....
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Here's something that's interesting for sports fan cord cutters: http://www.cutcabletoday.com/sports/nba/lakers/I specifically searched for the Lakers but it sounds like all the other NBA teams are part of this too. Not 100% of the way there but it's closer than I thought. I'll see what I can find for football. I don't have to be able to watch every single game plus I go to friends houses and sports bars too. If I can get a decent percentage for 20 bucks a month plus a few other subs I just might be there. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Thanks Bob! I end up going to local sports bars for some Cowboys games since they are not on STL TV very much. This may be a good alternative.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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On their main page you will find all of the sports that you can watch: http://www.cutcabletoday.com/sports/Unfortunately for me my Buffalo Sabres (NHL) are not listed  Thanx Bob for bringing this to our attention.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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There's a similar thread to this on Keyboard Corner and several guys have tried Sling with completely different experiences. A few said it was good while a few more say it was almost useless. Depends on your internet service I guess. One potentially big deal is one guy said his problem was "Inability to record and a terrible user interface". Lots of things we take for granted with our TV viewing have to considered here.
One thing for sure I learned from my few years with Windows Media Center, you have to be a bit of a nerd to work with stuff like this. Willing to accept tech challenges and work through them. Once I went to Win 10 and lost WMC, I admit I felt some relief at the dead simple reliability of my Verizon (now Frontier) STB. But the cost still really bugs me...
The quest continues.
Bob.
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Hey Bob, after researching Sling from my side on Dallas Cowboys football, I found that I cannot view their games from St. Louis. Fox has regional networks for its sports and Cowboys are part of Fox Sports South or South West. I'm in Fox Sports Midwest. As a result looks like that option is out. Looks like I'll be at the sports bar this coming Sunday.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Yeah, and speaking of football I was excited to see the first LA Rams game in 20 years and they stunk up the place losing 28 to ZERO on Monday night. ZERO!? Couldn't even manage a field goal? There's always next week...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Cord-cutting is a bit of a taboo topic for me since I used to work at one of Canada's top telco companies. I always got a bit weary in the meetings when they said prices were going up up up, so I understand people's dismay with TV.
That being said, TV has its usefulness in some regards (live events, etc).
Canada's a bit limited in our cord-cutting options since Netflix's content is a bit lacking (they just cracked down on people using VPNs), and Shomi is now out of the picture. Unauthorized streaming hasn't been made illegal here yet, but you can bet something's going to happen there pretty soon.
I hope Google will negotiate to have an on-demand service for YouTube soon. If anyone has the infrastructure for it, they do.
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
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I still keep reading articles about this but nothing that gets my heart started yet. The holy grail of cord cutting is to have the companies drop the gazillion channel bundles and just sell us whatever we want ala carte. Everything I read about that business says they would go out of business if they did that but that's only because the network broadcasters charge them so much.
Everybody knows that all of us DVR everything and skip through commercials yet the networks still charge huge money for ads on their shows. It's a dirty little secret in that business that nobody talks about. They're all tiptoeing past the graveyard. Because of that they can charge the sat/cable companies big bucks to carry all that content which forces them to force us to eat these huge bundles of channels we never watch. Eventually all that is going to collapse and a whole new model emerges. Maybe.
At least the Rams made a big comeback from that first game...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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In Canada, the CRTC (Canada's FCC) has called for change in the Canada cable industry.
In March of this year, it was determined that cable companies had to have a "skinny basic" package ($25 limited TV option) and smaller bundles (more choice for the customers. More choice unfortunately causes more confusion though).
By December of this year in Canada, cable companies must have a plan in place to sell channels à la carte. The problem with this method though is that yes, you can order the channels you want separately, but how much will it cost? More choice doesn't necessarily mean cheaper bill. Do you need to have a minimum of the $25 package? Will equipment be free like it was before (Probably not)? Etc. There's a lot of factors that go into it.
Shaw, for instance, did not allow you to get sports channels on that $25 skinny basic package except for one package that did not have the two sports channels that people absolutely wanted.
The long story short is that à la carte is coming but I personally don't think it's going to fix anything, and will probably just cause more issues.
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
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Live sports is the big anchor that most of us can't let go of. I lived in Calgary for 12 years and I became a hockey fan fast. Unfortunately for the Flames this was when Gretsky was earning that statue in Edmonton...
I would go for a basic, basic package plus sports but like you I doubt that's gonna happen or if it did it would be as costly as the full boat packages are now.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
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Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
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Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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