Now that I'm stick with "my" locals only...

[aquaman67]

Now that I'm stuck with "my" locals only...

I lost my distant networks and had my locals turned on for me for a free preview. I was checking out what is offered in Nashville and CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox offer HD channels on sat 129.

What would I need equipment and programming wise to get the HD channels. I just have one 500 dish now so I'm assuming I'd need a new dish pointing at 129?

Also, is it worth the trouble? Is there much difference over SD?

I have the Everything pack now, would one of the "Metal" packages be better? I really don't understand how the HD packages work at all.

I'm new to HD and today is the first day I've even considered it so be gentle.

I have a 47" Panasonic that is HD ready and I want to get either a Plasma or LCD when I get home from the desert next year.

Any advice would be great...thanks in advance.

 

[TNGTony]

The Metal Packages are much easier than they sound:

Bronze = America's top 60 + HD pack
Silver = America's top 120 + HD Pack
Gold = America's top 180 + HD pack + National Geographic HD
Platinum = America's Everything + NatGeo HD + HBO HD + Showtime HD + Starz HD.

Does HD make a difference... if you have a regular, non-HD set you will notice some improvement, but not much. If you have an HD TV, you will be blown away with how clear the picture is.

To receive these channels you need a 211 or 622 receiver. If you get one of these from Dish, they will force an installer on you so you can discuss your needs at that time. The 211 can lease for as low as $49 up front cost and the 622 as low as $199 for existing subscribers. To buy outright the price is about 150-200% higher.

See ya
Tony

 

[JH1949]

I receive Nashville HD locals on a second Dish 500 aimed at 129. They have a signal strength of 96. Frequent pixellation on CBS HD. Other HD locals are fine.

The CBS HD problem may be from the station instead of from Dish. When my local installer tried a preamplified large OTA antenna, CBS HD had the same pixellation compared to the other three stations.

 

[aquaman67]

Thanks for the info.

I'm still not clear on the networks. Can I get just the HD networks or do I have to get one of the HD packages? Or do I already have them with my locals, I just need a dish for 129 and one of the new receivers mentioned above?

 

[RandallA]

"Or do I already have them with my locals, I just need a dish for 129 and one of the new receivers mentioned above? "

Yes, you will need to subscribe to the locals, a dish for 129 and a 211 or 622 receiver to get your HD locals. If you have HBO or Starz, you will also get the HD version of those channels without subscribing to a Metal Package.

But you get hit with a $6.00 HD enabling fee for not having the Metal Package.

 

[r_childress]

The HD locals are included if you subscribe to your SD local package.

 

[AlexTheOne]

You can only subscribe to "Local Package" which will get you SD Nashville locals and if you have HD receiver (like: 211 or 622) you will then automaticly get locals in HD as well.

If you already have America Evertyhing Pack you may be better in moving to "PlatinumHD" pack + "Locals" and that would give you all the channels you have now+20 some HD channels+Locals in SD and HD.
Right now E* is offering $100 rebate for existing customers which move to any metallic package. Also you should be able to get free install and newer Dish 1000 (110/119/129) with move to 211 or 622.

 

[navychop]

In TN, I'd suggest you try for a second antenna aimed at 61.5, rather than 129. Much better signal- but you end up with 2 dishes. Both these satellites carry the HD programming.

 

[fs2685]

In TN, I'd suggest you try for a second antenna aimed at 61.5, rather than 129. Much better signal- but you end up with 2 dishes. Both these satellites carry the HD programming.

Except that the Nashville HD Locals come from 129, not 61.5.