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Charles Branch · 07-09-2009, 09:23 AM

After a couple of false starts, I now have the OTA channels working on my new VIP722K. Only problem is that the guide says only "Digital Service" for all the OTA channels. On my old DirecTV H20 and Sony Sat-HD200 the guide for OTA channels is totally integrated, and the pre-sales Dish reps told me the same would be true for the VIP722.

I have searched this issue a little, and I saw a previous post that says the guide will work only if you subscribe to local channels. But local channels are not available in my location. They were not available on DirecTV either, but the guide was fully integrated on those receivers.

I called Dish. The rep told me that this is primarily a technical issue. He said that the guide information for OTA is actually supposed to be received from the various local channels and not from Dish. He also said that the problem could be that in my 36832 ZIP the OTA signals may not be strong enough to receive that guide information from the various stations. He did say he would start a technical problem ticket to look into it.

Finally, he said that the reason Dish cannot currently provide locals (or the local guide to OTA channels) in 36832 ZIP is that the beam for locals is fairly narrow and that I am outside both the Montgomery and Columbus reception areas. He said that technically Dish could provide me with the national network feeds but not the Montgomery or Columbus feed. I had thought that this was all because restrictions of the Satellite Viewers Act, but he said it is a little more complicated than that. Since I am in the process of writing a letter to my representatives about needed changes in the law, I would really like to have a better understanding of all this before I start telling them what they need to do.

In general, is what the Dish rep told me correct, and did I describe the situation correctly? He came across as quite knowledgeable compared to the reps I am used to speaking with.

Feel free to educate me or point me a some URLs that would do so.
I'm beginning to think I should have made two separate posts, because I am really asking about two separate issues.

Thanks,

Charles

07-09-2009, 09:23 AM	#1
Charles Branch C-SPAN Junkie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: East Alabama Age: 69 Posts: 83	Guide with OTA channels on VIP722K After a couple of false starts, I now have the OTA channels working on my new VIP722K. Only problem is that the guide says only "Digital Service" for all the OTA channels. On my old DirecTV H20 and Sony Sat-HD200 the guide for OTA channels is totally integrated, and the pre-sales Dish reps told me the same would be true for the VIP722. I have searched this issue a little, and I saw a previous post that says the guide will work only if you subscribe to local channels. But local channels are not available in my location. They were not available on DirecTV either, but the guide was fully integrated on those receivers. I called Dish. The rep told me that this is primarily a technical issue. He said that the guide information for OTA is actually supposed to be received from the various local channels and not from Dish. He also said that the problem could be that in my 36832 ZIP the OTA signals may not be strong enough to receive that guide information from the various stations. He did say he would start a technical problem ticket to look into it. Finally, he said that the reason Dish cannot currently provide locals (or the local guide to OTA channels) in 36832 ZIP is that the beam for locals is fairly narrow and that I am outside both the Montgomery and Columbus reception areas. He said that technically Dish could provide me with the national network feeds but not the Montgomery or Columbus feed. I had thought that this was all because restrictions of the Satellite Viewers Act, but he said it is a little more complicated than that. Since I am in the process of writing a letter to my representatives about needed changes in the law, I would really like to have a better understanding of all this before I start telling them what they need to do. In general, is what the Dish rep told me correct, and did I describe the situation correctly? He came across as quite knowledgeable compared to the reps I am used to speaking with. Feel free to educate me or point me a some URLs that would do so. I'm beginning to think I should have made two separate posts, because I am really asking about two separate issues. Thanks, Charles