iml said:
When I look up my locals on dishnetwork it does not show ABC and it doesn't show any of them as digital. However, antennaweb shows all 3 major broadcast as digital here.
So I was wondering if I get the 622 do I need to subscribe to the local package still? Also, if I want to get them in HD will I need to buy a different antenna and does that hook into the 622. I have never tried to get them over the air. I really want the DVR to record them in HD though.
We cant give specific answers without knowing where you live as Dish may not have HD locals in your area.
Generic answers are:
Not showing an ABC local could be because Dish has not yet (or will not be able to) work out a "contract" with your local ABC. Also there are SD & HD locals. If Dish has not picked up your ABC local in SD then it is likely they will not make the HD available either. Antennaweb is giving you the OTA digitals and that has nothing to do with whether Dish has them in HD.
If you hook up an outdoor or indoor antenna (depending on your location from the stations) you can MOST LIKELY get your OTA HD (digital) locals. This depends on how far you are, etc. A general rule is you do not need a special antenna. DO NOT get conned into the "HD antenna" thing. If you can get OTA analog now you will probally get the digital also. The only reason for a special antenna would be because of something like you being far from the digital towers and needing something like an amp. A lot of digital channels are UHF and a standard antenna will do fine. Antennaweb will also give you your location from the towers and antenna suggestions.
If you subscribe to your locals, from Dish, you will get your local OTA guide info and I believe that if you subscribe to a HD pack and locals you will automatically get your HD locals when and if they are available in your area (someone who knows for sure can correct me please). Also you will get the availible SD local programing.
Keep in mind that if antennaweb indicates that you can get all HD OTA locals then you would not lose anything, but the price of an antenna install, to get them. You CAN record OTA HD on the 622, the guide info is subject to the locals subsrciption.
I would suggest that you at least go for the OTA, with an antenna. My experience has been that the OTA usually looks better, is free and not as likely to go out in a storm as the satelite signal. I do not think you will regret it.
Good Luck
