View Full Version : Local channels on satalite
lindylou
09-16-2008, 11:17 PM
Is any RVer getting their local channels, or network channels on Direct . We purchased the converter boxes for our two sets and not having much luck. I have talked with Direct but get different answers, we are full time so just interested in network stations.
Any help would be appreciated.
whodo
09-17-2008, 12:01 AM
Yes you can get the national network stations (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, CW) from Directv. You can get East/West coast service. New York/Los Angeles. You are billed by what channels you sign up for. Directv web site has a list of additional charges for the extra channels.
Go to this link http://www.directv.com/learn/pdf/DNS_Vehicles_Aff.pdf
and print out the form, then fill it out and mail it in to the address on the bottom of the form, or if you have access to a fax machine, then Fax RV waiver and copy of Reg. to 1-303-483-6266.
utmtman
09-17-2008, 09:03 AM
I got the east west this year and I think its now 11 dollars a month. Plus we have our local channels from home when we can pick them up. Not available in all states. And you cannot get any local channels while you travel for where you are located unless you move your account there, that is the purpose of the east west programing system. You will have to download the affidavit that you are an rver with your rv info and mail it back to them. Good luck.
salit
09-17-2008, 04:56 PM
I have Dishnetwork with a High Definition receiver and dish and I have been getting my local home channels in HD all over the country, including Mexico & Canada without subscribing to any local service, except what I get at home!!!
I think the the catcher is HD, I cannot receive them in regular def.
Harry
lindylou
09-17-2008, 08:08 PM
Thanks for the help on our Direct TV. I don't really care if I get the local channels where I am at I just want the network channels so I can keep up with Grey's anatomy, etc.
I will try filling out the application and see where it goes from there.:)
riggsrepair
09-17-2008, 09:27 PM
Direct TV uses SPOT BEAM technology. Basicaly it means that local channels are shined down on the area the channels cover. Thats why you cant get your locals when way out of state. Dish Network does not use this.
donnie
09-19-2008, 08:50 AM
FWIW, We have Direct and DW is happy as a clam, for the fact that we are in Utah and 700 miles away from our home base, and she can get our local stations with no prob.
Direct claimed we could'nt.
BTW, thank you for the form.
Im sending it in when we get home.
whodo
09-19-2008, 08:20 PM
For those with Directv, here is a link to a Directv spot beam map. The coverages shown are fairly close to what the actual spot beam coverage actually is. http://www.scottandmichelle.net/scott/dtv.html
whodo
10-01-2008, 09:35 AM
Here is a update on Directv spot beams. Go to this link and then move cursor over map and click on enlargement arrows to be able to see map clearly.
This is the current spot beam coverage area for Directv as filed with the FCC on 8/08
http://wvjw.info/dbs-beam/dtv7s.gif
murffdog
10-09-2008, 06:59 AM
What's all the hub-bub over this HD "stuff", HD this, HD that and you still need the digital box.
onecountryboy
10-10-2008, 08:24 AM
Anyone aware of a spotbeam map like those sent by "whodo" for Dish Network ? I use dish. Thanks.
whodo
10-10-2008, 11:06 AM
Anyone aware of a spotbeam map like those sent by "whodo" for Dish Network ? I use dish. Thanks.
Dish network doesn't make anything easy, but one of these will give you what you want.
(The following was posted by JSK on another forum)
OK this is a little confusing, alright a lot confusing, but hope this helps:
1) Go to http://www.dishchannelchart.com/
2)Hit CTRL-F to do a search for a TV station (i.e. WMAR)
3)Note if it has the HDTV logo next to it. You can search again to find the SD station.
4)In the sixth column, it has the Transponder number (i.e. 9s15 for WMAR DT, 23s5 for WMAR TV). If the transponder number has a s in it, note the number after the s (this is the spotbeam number). If the number doesn't have an s in it, it is available to the entire US
5)In the seventh column is the orbital location (i.e. 61.5 for WMAR DT, 110 for WMAR TV)
6)In the eighth column is the satellite (i.e. E*12 for WMAR DT and E*10 for WMAR TV)
7)Find the correct maps: Go to http://jameslong.name/e-spots.html for 110 and 119
Now that you have the needed info for the station you want and have gone to above web site, locate station(s) in question in list an then click view. The view will show a actual spot beam map.
Now while your at " http://jameslong.name/e-spots.html " if you scroll to the bottom of the different list you will find this in very small print(ConUS/Spotbeam Summary Maps: CLICK HERE) If you click where it says click here you will be taken to another page with actual maps that you can then use with the spot beam coordinates that you have already have.
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OK next site that you can try; http://www.dishuser.org/ and click on( Spot Beam and Satellite footprint maps of select satellites ) then scroll to mid page and you will find links to PDF pages of info.
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Now you can also go to; http://www.dishuser.org/TVMarkets/ Now if this map doesn't leave you cross eyed & seeing things, you will have passed your color blindness eye exam test :eek:
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Hey I warned you "Dish network doesn't make anything easy".
donnie
10-12-2008, 10:48 AM
One question I have is how to tell if we need the converter box to use the batwing antenna on our MH?
We do have Direct and a satellite receiver on the MH.
The two tv s we have use remotes and without taking the sets out of the cabinets, I dont know if they will work right or not.
Thanks.
whodo
10-12-2008, 08:49 PM
One question I have is how to tell if we need the converter box to use the batwing antenna on our MH?
We do have Direct and a satellite receiver on the MH.
The two tv s we have use remotes and without taking the sets out of the cabinets, I dont know if they will work right or not.
Thanks.
There is a couple of different ways to tell;
1) Look in owners manual.
2) Look on the remote for either a (.) or a (-) if either of these are on one of the remote buttons the set should be digital ready.
3) Look on the face plate of TV's for the atsc logo or the hdtv logo.
4) There's a web site that you can look up your sets make and model # to determine if it is digital ready or not. (Sorry I don't have the web site address handy at the moment, if I run across it again I will post it.)
5) Last hope, pull the set out and look on the back of the set.