Availability of Eastern Arc

[mwedward]

I live in Mahomet, IL and had an install scheduled last week and found out even though I have a perfect view of the Eastern Arc satellites (and no view of the old arc) that I can't get activated or installed on the Eastern Arc yet...

Does anyone know if there is a schedule of availability or anyone I can bother so see if I can get added?

Thanks!

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Why would you want the Eastern Arc?

Your locals might be on the Western Arc and that could be why...

 

[Dgenx321]

I don't see why people want EA??

It's not any better than the western side. Plus, 129 now blows 61.5 out of the water...

 

[mwedward]

Trees trees trees. I have a view of the other sats right now but once the trees green up I'm SOL.

I was an original VOOm subscriber and attempted to swap to DISH a few years ago, but couldn't get the install done then because of trees - Eastern Arc is pretty much my only hope for getting either of the satellite providers installed here. Our cable company (mediacomm) has very poor HD selection and they gouged us pretty well (although I just checked and they've added a bunch of HD.... must resist...)

 

[Laddyboy]

I think the OP said he doesn't have a WA LOS ("no view of the old arc).

I think there may be a form the installer can submit to get an EA install for LOS purposes. Have you actually had E* come out to do a site survey? Unless you are in a forest, a pole mount on the other side of trees or through a gap in the trees is sometimes possible. You can always purchase your own EA antenna and install it. It isn't that difficult. Probably $80 or so for the antenna and LNB assembly plus shipping and handling from places like Dishstore (see banner at top of page). You won't get the C-D-S locals though as they are only on 129W on the western arc. Also you would need all mpeg4 capable receivers (Vip 211, 211k, 222, 612, 622, 722, 722k). It would be to your advantage to try for a WA install using a chainsaw if need be.

 

[mwedward]

Yeah chainsaw isn't an option If its not my trees blocking it's my surrounding neighbors. We've gotten quotes to remove them and they're between $2000-2500 each - I have 19 of them in my yard

I had a survey by E* - they confirmed full EA line of sight and said there was no way in hell for the WA, they could get it in right now but in a few weeks I'd be calling them up and yelling

Thanks for the quick replies.

 

[cparker]

For me.... near Niagara Falls... WA sats are lower elevation (19, 26, and 31 degrees)
EA are 37, 39 and 40 degrees elevation. I have a much cleaner shot to EA and the birds are higher. For me to get 129 at 19 degrees elevation might not even be possible.

Buffalo, NY DMA. Currently using 110, 119, 61.5. I think there are stations on 110 that aren't on an EA bird.

 

[Laddyboy]

For me.... near Niagara Falls... WA sats are lower elevation (19, 26, and 31 degrees)
EA are 37, 39 and 40 degrees elevation. I have a much cleaner shot to EA and the birds are higher. For me to get 129 at 19 degrees elevation might not even be possible.

Buffalo, NY DMA. Currently using 110, 119, 61.5. I think there are stations on 110 that aren't on an EA bird.

I think the only differences in english langiage programming between arcs is locals, RSNs, and maybe some public interest channels.

 

[cparker]

My HD locals are all on 61.5. My SD locals are on 110. They actually show on The List as being on 61.5 as well but not available.

If I'd ONLY be missing out on SD locals, I'd really like to go EA and one dish on the new house. I have great OTA. Really don't need my locals 3 ways.

 

[Laddyboy]

Yeah chainsaw isn't an option If its not my trees blocking it's my surrounding neighbors. We've gotten quotes to remove them and they're between $2000-2500 each - I have 19 of them in my yard

I had a survey by E* - they confirmed full EA line of sight and said there was no way in hell for the WA, they could get it in right now but in a few weeks I'd be calling them up and yelling

Thanks for the quick replies.

Did they not say they could file an application for a LOS exception? If I were you, I'd just do it myself if E* won't grant an exception. They'll likely charge you $99 or so with no commitment and do it for free with a 24-month commitment. Did you go through E* or a local installer? You might try contacting Claude at DishStore and see if he can get E* to order up an EA install for you. He knows his way around E*. He's one of their sales partners and a site sponsor.

The Dish Store - Powered by Metro25

 

[mwedward]

No mention of a LOS exception, I just went through Dish's online store. The installer had talked to his Field Services Manager and tried to figure something out (not exaclty sure what...) I'll try giving the guy's at DishStore a ring next week when I've got some time and see if they can navigate the waters for me

Then I'll have to join the legions waiting for SpeedHD - stupid F1.... oh well there are other ways to get that..