A Sea Of Red

I'm moving in a few weeks to a place where DirectTV doesn't offer local channels. Has anyone tried DTV without the local channels? How did it work out?

You might want to call the local cable company where you'll be living...to see if they offer a basic package that only includes locals (Adelphia/Comcast used to offer that in Lynchburg).

ANOTHER option is getting an antenna to pull in the locals. I use one here in Lynchburg to pull in the HD signals on the local channels.

TDDance234 wrote:I'm moving in a few weeks to a place where DirectTV doesn't offer local channels. Has anyone tried DTV without the local channels? How did it work out?

That doesnt make sense that you wont get local channels but if that is the case it's no big deal b/c you'll still get all of the "local stations" it just wont be "WSET" but rather ABC East, etc


No different then what everyone had back in the day with Primestar and the other blasts from the past

Hold My Own wrote:

TDDance234 wrote:I'm moving in a few weeks to a place where DirectTV doesn't offer local channels. Has anyone tried DTV without the local channels? How did it work out?

That doesnt make sense that you wont get local channels but if that is the case it's no big deal b/c you'll still get all of the "local stations" it just wont be "WSET" but rather ABC East, etc


No different then what everyone had back in the day with Primestar and the other blasts from the past

You have to pay extra for that though.

jcmanson wrote:

Hold My Own wrote:

TDDance234 wrote:I'm moving in a few weeks to a place where DirectTV doesn't offer local channels. Has anyone tried DTV without the local channels? How did it work out?

That doesnt make sense that you wont get local channels but if that is the case it's no big deal b/c you'll still get all of the "local stations" it just wont be "WSET" but rather ABC East, etc


No different then what everyone had back in the day with Primestar and the other blasts from the past

You have to pay extra for that though.

I dont believe so...they went through a law suit several years ago and they have to give you either ABC East/West or your local channels...if you want both then you need to pay but by law you get one of the 2 (local or ABC E/W) for free

Have you tried Dish Network.

Hold My Own wrote:

jcmanson wrote:

Hold My Own wrote:
That doesnt make sense that you wont get local channels but if that is the case it's no big deal b/c you'll still get all of the "local stations" it just wont be "WSET" but rather ABC East, etc


No different then what everyone had back in the day with Primestar and the other blasts from the past

You have to pay extra for that though.

I dont believe so...they went through a law suit several years ago and they have to give you either ABC East/West or your local channels...if you want both then you need to pay but by law you get one of the 2 (local or ABC E/W) for free

Maybe so. I just remember when I lived in Florida we had to pay extra for the local channels. That was almost 10 years ago though. It still doesn’t make sense why you can’t get your locals.

it doesnt make sense...but yeah, I think this was within the last 4-5 years...

You won't be able to get the "East" or "West" networks without a waiver from your local channels...and if you can pick them up with an antenna...they won't budge on it.

try dish network

Have you seen where you can get on Directv.com on the computer or m.directv.com on your phone and tell your DVR to record something???


This is great...I always forget to record something and while I'm out I'm mad b/c I know I wont be back in time...gotta love the computer age

I'm only interested in Direct TV for the NFL Sunday Ticket...otherwise, I'd go digitial cable.

But if I can't get local channels...it's probably not worth it.

TDDance234 wrote:I'm only interested in Direct TV for the NFL Sunday Ticket...otherwise, I'd go digitial cable.

But if I can't get local channels...it's probably not worth it.

Do you have an HDTV with a tuner?

I have SDTV w/ a tuner. I don't know the difference, honestly. I was able to get HD feeds during my time at LU with a simple antenna -- so, I should be able to get the same feeds anywhere else with a higher power dish.

if you can get them with your antenna in HD then why does it matter if Dtv offers them?

AT&T U-verse offers control of your DVR via mobile as well. I haven't used it yet.

JDUB wrote:if you can get them with your antenna in HD then why does it matter if Dtv offers them?

I've only ever been able to get them in Lynchburg and on Campus East. I could never get them while I lived on Main Campus. So, upgrading to a more powerful antenna is my only option.

SInce you are moving you might want to check out what DishNetwork has to offer Sometimes the programming is different. Otherwise, dont pay a monthly fee, just drop 40-50 bucks on a good old fashioned "rabbit ear" antennae. That is how I pick up HiDef at Rancho Haizo

If you are looking for HD, then realize that the new DirecTv HD tuners DO NOT have the over the air (OTA) tuner built in. If the HD tuner is built into your TV, then all you need are the rabbit ears or other antenna capable of pulling in the signal.

Just wanted to drop in on this thread and post a note:

I'm in the process of becoming a DirecTV customer. I noticed in the process of signing up that they don't offer the local stations (here in Lynchburg) in HD. That was a problem for me as I was planning on using their HD DVR and really need DVR functionality for all networks.

Then I discovered the AM21! If you use DirecTV's current HD DVR (the HR22), you can get the AM21 accessory which connects to the HR22. It receives the local digital broadcasts OTA, lets you record them with the HD DVR and integrates the information for those stations into the HD DVR guide data. In my opinion, this is the perfect solution because receiving the major networks OTA means they avoid the compression necessary for satellite transmission.

The AM21 is supposed to be a $50 accessory for those who prefer to receive their local broadcasts OTA. However, I'm told that if you're in an area where DirecTV doesn't offer the locals in HD, you can talk customer service into giving you one at no cost. Definitely worth a shot.

Just thought I'd share that for anyone who uses DirecTV's HD DVR in an area where they don't have the locals in HD.

Good call, Scorcho. The AM-21 is supposed to be a very good tuner...hopefully you live in a location where you can pick up the signals with an antenna that will run in to the AM-21. I am sure you have already found the best website for info:
http://www.dbstalk.com/index.php?

Interesting.

Would I have to buy the AM-21 through DTV or would it be something I could pick up at RadioShack?

Fumblerooskies wrote:Good call, Scorcho. The AM-21 is supposed to be a very good tuner...hopefully you live in a location where you can pick up the signals with an antenna that will run in to the AM-21. I am sure you have already found the best website for info:
http://www.dbstalk.com/index.php?

According to TVfool.com, I should get all of the locals with nothing more than a standard indoor antenna. Bonus.

And yes, thanks for the link. I had just found DBStalk.com yesterday. The folks at AVSForum.com are also incredibly smart and helpful. There's a lot of industry people on there, but also a lot of AV hobbyists who are pretty willing to help out with questions if you've done your research.

TDDance234 wrote:Interesting.

Would I have to buy the AM-21 through DTV or would it be something I could pick up at RadioShack?

It's a DirecTV device made specifically as a companion to the HR22. It's mainly useful for HD, though. I noticed you weren't originally interested in HD when the thread started.

I've missed you man! I've looked for you every LU game with no luck! I cant seem to find anyone, I looked for LUconn too but no luck either...I guess I'll never find that treasure in Bedford

Hold My Own wrote:I cant seem to find anyone.

Thanks, HMO, Smoothy & I appreciate it.