Dish survey on local channels/OTA options

[Hall]

I rec'd a survey request from Dish recently that was titled "Flex no locals". It's not a coincidence that I have the Flex package and no local channels (started with them but then dropped them). They asked some questions that they certainly know the answer too

• Did you change programming packages with DISH within the last 3 months?
• Did you have local programming channels in your previous programming package with DISH?

as well as some more interesting ones

• How often did you watch local programming channels when you had your previous programming package with DISH?
• Do you currently watch local programming content on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CW?

If you answer ‘’No”, you get this question:

Are you aware that an over the air antenna may pick up free local broadcast signals and play them on your television?

If you answer ‘’Yes”, you get this question:

Our records indicate you do not purchase locals from DISH. Where do you get local programming from?​

• Are you aware that an over the air antenna may pick up free local broadcast signals and play them on your television?
• Do you know if an over the air antenna would work in your home?

They then go on to discuss OTA installation options that Dish may provide in the future (and quite pricey, in my opinion).

I think it's interesting that Dish is even considering this. In the case of local channels, they do have a back-up method in case they want to push back harder with the local stations when it comes to contract renewal time.

 

[Tampa8]

My interpretation is they want to divorce locals from all packages and make them a separate package. (again)

BTW nice post, we usually get I think it said this or that....

 

[DWS44]

Combined with the rumored new OTA adapter in the works, sounds like maybe Dish is thinking of making a greater push into OTA integration services, rather than backing away from OTA as some have hypothesized.

 

[Hall]

rather than backing away from OTA as some have hypothesized.

Let's see what the Hopper 2/3 software shows 'soon'. I am one of those that saw Dish dropping support for OTA, for years, in fact, but I'll gladly be wrong on that ! Then again, I think it's more accurate to say they may change direction because they clearly have gotten worse on OTA.

 

[comfortably_numb]

I hope the continue to support OTA and perhaps increase support. A lot of what we watch in my household comes from the local networks. I don't like the idea of paying more for them, but I guess the move to skinny bundles isn't a bad thing either. Only pay if you use them


Sent from my iPhone using the SatelliteGuys app!

 

[Hall]

I mentioned this before in another thread, but not having Dish-provided locals does have it's downsides - no more PTAT and only (1) OTA tuner.

 

[navychop]

Hmmm- wasn't there a stand alone OTA tuner, perhaps DVR, some time back that could be set up to command your OTA rotor to aim in a certain direction when each channel was selected?

Any such product available today?

 

[olfenite]

Combined with the rumored new OTA adapter in the works, sounds like maybe Dish is thinking of making a greater push into OTA integration services, rather than backing away from OTA as some have hypothesized.

I have not heard about this. I tried googling but I did not see anything. What exactly are you talking about because it sounds interesting.

 

[Tampa8]

I have not heard about this. I tried googling but I did not see anything. What exactly are you talking about because it sounds interesting.

Dish has not had an OTA adapter for the Hopper for quite sometime since they sold them all. Scott has reported there may be a new one in the works, perhaps to address the problem the Hopper 3 has with playing back recorded OTA material. Or, who knows some new advance in technology.

 

[Mister B]

At one time, I remember that there was no OTA guide data if one did not subscribe to the locals through satellite. Has this changed?

 

[jscud]

I mentioned this before in another thread, but not having Dish-provided locals does have it's downsides - no more PTAT and only (1) OTA tuner.

PTAT works with OTA locals.

 

[MikeD-C05]

At one time, I remember that there was no OTA guide data if one did not subscribe to the locals through satellite. Has this changed?

Changed. You get guide data on ota channels if DISH carries them on the satellite, regardless of whether you subscribe to locals pack or not.

 

[Hall]

PTAT works with OTA locals.

No it doesn't. You may be thinking of Autohop.

 

[Hall]

At one time, I remember that there was no OTA guide data if one did not subscribe to the locals through satellite. Has this changed?

Yes, a few months ago.

Now if only we could get Dish to update and maintain the OTA 'database' on their end.

 

[pattykay]

I rec'd a survey request from Dish recently that was titled "Flex no locals". It's not a coincidence that I have the Flex package and no local channels (started with them but then dropped them). They asked some questions that they certainly know the answer too

...

They then go on to discuss OTA installation options that Dish may provide in the future (and quite pricey, in my opinion).

This might explain why I did not receive the survey. I never subscribed to the Locals Pack since switching to Flex Pack, and Dish already sent me a free OTA antenna during the Tribune dispute. (which started before the Flex Pack was introduced)

 

[Hall]

This might explain why I did not receive the survey

You have to be 'signed up' for their surveys as well. I get them at least once a month. This was the first interesting one.