Network channels

[Willybme]

Hi all,

I have a question concerning broadcast network feeds. Our Directv was just installed today. We bought it under the NFL Sunday Ticket special deal, wherein you pay for the Sunday Ticket and get the Premier Package at no charge for 4 months.

We had thought that somewhere in all those stations would be the nationally broadcast SD versions of ABC, CBS, and NBC, but all we can find are the HD versions, which are not available to us because we didn't buy the HD package... since we don't have HD TV's.

Anyhow, some of the documentation mentions that network feeds are available if you qualify... something about not being able to get them through the air and getting a waiver from the local stations. We don't really want "local" channels, but we do want to get the network broadcasts, so we can watch things like Jeopardy, etc.

So, since all we want are the SD versions of the major network broadcasts (hopefully from the east coast... which is our time zone), can anyone tell me if they should be available to us, or if they're just hidden somehow, or how we go about requesting them from Directv?

Thanks!

 

[charper1]

Network channels and NFL Sunday Ticket have nothing to do with each other. You will need to quality for you locals or DNS services. Also, you can get HD service and the receiver can downconvert to a standard TV, not that its a big deal.

 

[Willybme]

More info...

Thanks for your reply charper1. Bourbon testing must be a real drag... wonder how you unwind from a hard day of bourbon testing?

I do understand that there is no relationship between my NFL package and network channels. I just threw that in to describe my situation.

Again, I'm new to this arena, but I had assumed that SD network broadcasts coming out of the big cities were included with all Directv packages. I wasn't expecting the true "local" channels, however.

So, my question was two-fold:

1.) Since I don't want to have to pay for HD (not having HD TV's) just to get the network broadcasts, can I just get the SD versions activated for free somehow?

2.) If I can, how do I do it? As in, are the SD versions really there already and I just don't know how to get at them, or do I have to put in a request to Directv?

Thanks again!!

 

[ClemSole]

The major SD networks come from LA and NY. To be able to get them you have to get a waver from your local channels stating that you can not receive their broadcasts due to your location. Each channel will cost $1.50 per month. You can get Directv to help you get the wavers if you live in a remote location. The HD channels if you are able to get the ok for them you will only get the West or East coast not both, due to the FCC ruling.

 

[Willybme]

Thanks ClemSole. I don't know if we would be considered remote here or not. But, since I just switched from a local cable provider to Directv, and I don't have an antenna, I don't receive any other kind of broadcasts, so I hope I qualify.

Our cable provider carried a channel from our town, as well as other channels from some of the bigger cities within a 80-100 mile radius, so I'm confused as to who it is that needs to issue the waiver. Surely you don't have to get a waiver from each channel that is carried in your area, but by the same token, I can't imagine going to the cable companies for it either. I can't see them being real excited about helping you out with your new Directv setup.

In any case, I guess my next step would be to contact Directv and try to get them to help me with the waiver. Wish me luck... their CSR's are at times "challenging" to say the least.

 

[dennispap]

Willybme
What is your zip code?

 

[Willybme]

To dennispap,

My zipcode is 26104.

 

[dennispap]

To dennispap,

My zipcode is 26104.

Unfortunately the directv website isnt working to see if you qualify for the national networks. For your zip It does show
""Our information shows that you live in an area that cannot receive local channels (i.e., NBC, CBS, ABC) from our DIRECTV satellite. However, if you're able to receive these channels over the air with an off-air antenna (rooftop antenna), DIRECTV can offer you a seamless solution. Simply upgrade your receiver(s) to a receiver with a built-in tuner. By connecting your off-air antenna to the receiver, you'll be able to access your local channels within DIRECTV's interactive program guide, as you do with the rest of your channels.""

No help to you, unless you can get ota. I would try to call someone @ directv they should be able to help you, if you qualify, which i think you would.

 

[goober22]

Again, I'm new to this arena, but I had assumed that SD network broadcasts coming out of the big cities were included with all Directv packages. I wasn't expecting the true "local" channels, however.

Well, you ASSUMED wrong. That's the easy answer. NFLST does not include national channels, only the ST game channels. You would need to be able to receive your own local stations or have waivers for distant networks. Sorry if you did not understand fully.

1.) Since I don't want to have to pay for HD (not having HD TV's) just to get the network broadcasts, can I just get the SD versions activated for free somehow?

No. You will need an antenna or cable setup until D* adds your locals. (per the FCC, not D*)

 

[jcrandall]

You can call D* and ask them to apply for waivers, depending on how far you are from each station in your area, you may be able to get access to the NY networks.

Other than that, you may need to get an antenna, they haven't been adding many markets of late, just upgrading markets to HD.

 

[Willybme]

Thanks for all the input folks.

I finally found the link on the D* website that allowed me to view the SD DNS's that were available. The only channel I need a waiver on is NBC, because of a local carrier in my home town. D* says they will notify the local station and try for a waiver.

I can get the Eastern DNS service for these networks for $1.99 each. I guess that's the best deal I can get if I want these channels.

Some of this stuff is kind of confusing for a first-timer. The info on this forum is really tremendous and I greatly appreciate all the help.

Thanks again!