E8 at 77 Local into Local

[nelson61]

I've been reading up on the Eastern Arc and need a little clarification from the old wise ones regarding the capabilities of E8.

First, Scott's document link for the Eastern Arc showing what will be on each satellite.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-ne...rc-dish-info-install-guide-6.html#post1488366


Reviewing the file, I noticed that 77 looks like it is going to be used for Local into Local.

So then I went back to the application to operate E8 at 77.

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/servlet/ib.page.FetchAttachment?attachment_key=-149780

The tech section provides the details and includes the Conus Footprints along with an explanation the "Two" antennas. One covers Conus US, and the other Mexico.

Does E8 have spot beam capability or will the Local into Local at 77 be on a Conus beam?

 

[kstuart]

You have as much solid information as anyone outside of EchoStar.

The following is my best guess:

E*8 has some spot beams. However, they were designed for 110, so they will end up covering different areas. Since it is impossible to accurately predict satellite footprints in advance even for satellites designed for that location, it seems clear that E* is going to wait for E*8 to arrive at 77 West and then test to see where the spot beams hit and whether that result is worthwhile. They would then submit a new request to the FCC to use the spot beams if they work out.

Otherwise, they'll just use E*8 as CONUS HD & SD Locals for Eastern Arc, just as E*5 does at 129.

And, they will replace E*8 with a spot beam satellite designed for 77, since E* must add many more HD local channels to compete.