DTV-Appeal for Distant Networks

[DaveO]

Have you pestered your local stations about granting a waiver?

I got refusal letters from all local stations in 2004. Actually at that time I don't think D* carried Springfield, MA locals.

Today, I did write to the CBS affiliate explaining where I live and the terrain, and plan to do the same for the others. Gotta try.

 

[digiblur]

WOW... going full out. I have to commend you on your persistence I would have given up by now and "moved". Please keep us up to date as I'm curious how this will unfold.

 

[DaveO]

Good news on getting DirecTV to agree to the request for a signal strength test. Keep us up to date.

Here is the latest update:

Dear Mr. xxxxx,

Thank you for taking the time to write about the Signal Strength Test. I am sorry for the delay in responding to your email; I can assist you.

I have sent you a Signal Strength Test Letter and a Test Request Form that will explain the next steps. The Signal Strength Test measures local signals from off-air (rooftop) antennas, not satellite signal strength. It doesn't guarantee you will receive LA/NY network service. The test doesn´t evaluate picture quality or consider if off-air (rooftop) antenna is installed. The test is performed for each local TV station. (You may qualify for one network, but often not all four networks.)

The test time depends on availability of a tester in your area. An update letter will be sent by mail within 45-90 days, after form is received, advising you of the status of your request.

I apologize for this being such a complicated process.

Thanks again for writing, we appreciate your patience and understanding.

*********************'
So, I have no idea where this will end up, but it's worth the try.

 

[Greg Bimson]

I don't think either of those links I provided was the report or order for the signal test. However, I recall with passage of the SHVERA into law in 2004, the FCC had to do some rulemaking. As I recall, if locals are available to you, then no one needs to do the signal test. So if you are trying to request analog locals, you will probably be denied the test. If you are trying to request the HD/digital distant network, you may have a shot.

 

[DaveO]

If you are trying to request the HD/digital distant network, you may have a shot.

Correct, that's what I'm trying to do. Funny, (not really) but I just checked AntennaWeb and after putting in my name and street address the result is: "There are no digital stations predicted to serve this location".
And for analog stations, there is only one listed (with the purple antenna code), channel 3 Hartford, CT. Unfortunately, while viewable in the Winter (most days), even with that "purple" antenna I can't receive that analog station in a viewable condition most days.

 

[Jhon69]

Correct, that's what I'm trying to do. Funny, (not really) but I just checked AntennaWeb and after putting in my name and street address the result is: "There are no digital stations predicted to serve this location".
And for analog stations, there is only one listed (with the purple antenna code), channel 3 Hartford, CT. Unfortunately, while viewable in the Winter (most days), even with that "purple" antenna I can't receive that analog station in a viewable condition most days.

Make sure you print that out and make copies.Right there is evidence in your favor.

 

[Bob Nielsen]

Antennaweb is a bit pessimistic in its predictions (formerly it was over-optimistic). There is some good data at TV Fool - Home, as well.

 

[DaveO]

Antennaweb is a bit pessimistic in its predictions (formerly it was over-optimistic). There is some good data at TV Fool - Home, as well.

Thanks. I checked out TVFool and using my address their charts which go from grey rows on the bottom to pink and then other colors, my channels are all listed on the bottom row except for one that is the next row up.
That means according to their test that I most likely will not be able to receive HD signals.

Anyone know if there is a location online for the test that Directv uses for distant networks: Longley-Rice prediction model?

 

[charper1]

I think they are sent a database of zip codes that already has a pre-determined Y or Nbased on the DMA; they do not make determinations themselves; they are told what to enforce by law.

 

[DaveO]

I think they are sent a database of zip codes that already has a pre-determined Y or Nbased on the DMA; they do not make determinations themselves; they are told what to enforce by law.

Probably correct. The problem is that my (and many) zip codes have vastly different topographical variations and there is no way that putting in a zip code will reveal that. Antennaweb, based on my zip code shows no hd channels available at the zip code level or at my address.

 

[charper1]

Dave what is you physical zip code?

 

[charper1]

Well after some research based on the zip you sent me; having the test outcome in your favor might be your best bet if you say you can't receive signal. It seems based on a small amout of research, you should be able to get everyone, but FOX via OTA. One local affiliate denying you is owned by LIN.

I really wish I could see your topography and your OTA setup. I have seen some really inexpensive OTA setup done in the CA mountains pull digital OTA very reliably from 35+ miles away and just can't ID why your will not.

Let us know how it all works out, be sure to document and post so others can learn from your process; post screen shots IF you get the to provide waivers.

 

[DaveO]

Well after some research based on the zip you sent me; having the test outcome in your favor might be your best bet if you say you can't receive signal. It seems based on a small amout of research, you should be able to get everyone, but FOX via OTA. One local affiliate denying you is owned by LIN.

I really wish I could see your topography and your OTA setup. I have seen some really inexpensive OTA setup done in the CA mountains pull digital OTA very reliably from 35+ miles away and just can't ID why your will not.

Let us know how it all works out, be sure to document and post so others can learn from your process; post screen shots IF you get the to provide waivers.

Ok, from the get go I have told them I have NO HD signal and NO SD channels except for one CBS channel, and that is a fair picture, in winter when the trees are bare.
There is nothing inexpensive here. I've got over $500. (materials only) into my antenna system. Top of the line Channel Master deep fringe vhf/uhf antenna, Top of the line Channel Master UHF antenna, both with antenna amplifiers and a digital Channel Master rotor, 30' mast on my barn, guy wires, dual down leads, etc etc.

I'm going to try to enclose a url showing my antenna system as I was putting it up. If you get the first picture you'll see I was interrupted by 3 bears, a 3 legged mother and two cubs. I have to look out all the time. I was working under my truck one day and I almost asked a bear to hand me a wrench.

Fox is a total no signal at all here.

Now, imagine a 1400ft hill, that goes down to 1050ft or so and then back up to 1400ft on the opposing ridge about a mile away. Also, to the North another ridge approximately the same height, and to the South, not quite as bad but I'm in the middle of a very large forest (1,000 acres looking SSW).

My house is located 1/2 way down the first ridge I mentioned, at 1250ft elevation. All I see, looking in any direction is hills or trees. The picture of the "road" is hard to show perspective. The pic is looking straight across to the other ridge and 1/3 of the way down the hill where the picture was taken.

Anyone got a spare 200+ tower they want to lose?

 

[Tower Guy]

Just not true at all. The waiver request is for HD channels.

DaveO is right. HD signal tests are not the same as analog signal tests. There is no "loser pays" opportunity for HD signal tests. The customer must pay, win or lose. I don't know if that's the law or just the way that DirecTV does it.

Based on Dave's statement that he has SD locals suggests that he's located in the Springfield DMA.

Western Massachusetts waivers can get very complicated. For instance, Southern Berkshire County is not served by DirecTV at all. Berkshire County is in the Albany DMA. Albany SD locals are on DirecTV 7S. DirecTV claims to have a spot beam problem in Southern Berkshire County and won't sell LiL service there. The Albany HD stations are now on DirecTV 10, but DirecTV won't give you HD locals in Southern Berkshire County either.

It gets further complicated because two CBS stations can be received in Southern Berkshire County. There is a full power ABC satellite station in Berkshire county.

 

[harshness]

Laws? Changed soon? You are kidding right? LOL!

Even happier is that the SHVIA provision for DNS sunsets this coming August unless it is renewed.

 

[DaveO]

Based on Dave's statement that he has SD locals suggests that he's located in the Springfield DMA.

Right, Chester, MA. From the top of the "hill" I can probably see Boston, but I'm far from there.