Thoughts for Local Diginets, sub-channels on DirecTV

[Uriah1969]

I recently helped my parents with their DirecTV system by adding AM21 turners to their DirecTV boxes. They live between two TV markets and receive around 50 OTA channels. The AM21 box didn't add every sub-channel for various reasons as I have researched on this forum. I wanted to toss out a few suggestions about improving the availability of local sub-channels.

1) DirecTV could research and develop a way to include these sub-channels in an premium programming package, like one of the top packages, much like cable providers are doing by including these channels in their "digital" tier packages. The channels could be marketed as "Extra Locals" or something to that effect.

2) If DirecTV doesn't want to maintain the database system they created for the AM21 turner, then allow for customers to select between using the current database setup or using the AM21 as a turner so it scan any available channels. The latter option could include a disclaimer that not all channels will show program guide information.

3) DirecTV could keep the current system with help from the local channels supplying information to the database and/or volunteers from this forum. The point being make a system that would help make the management of the database system more realistic as I am sure it is a lot to manage.

 

[twizt3dsist3r]

I love it... but you know what they say.. wish in one hand and ...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[JohnL]

In the past the Genie's would allow all local sub-channels to be listed in the guide and you could tune to them. I really didn't care that the guide data was blank.

One work around is if you have one or several sub-channels that will NOT list using your local market is to locate another US city which uses similar ota channel lineups. Use a zip code for that city and you will likely see that sub-channel added to your guide, although it will be listed as the wrong network, and the guide data will be wrong.

I just changed my secondary market zip code (on my AM21) to another city so I could add the subchannel 31-3 from my local market so I could access CometTV on my DirecTV receiver.

 

[dishrich]

I recently helped my parents with their DirecTV system by adding AM21 turners to their DirecTV boxes. They live between two TV markets and receive around 50 OTA channels. The AM21 box didn't add every sub-channel for various reasons as I have researched on this forum. I wanted to toss out a few suggestions about improving the availability of local sub-channels.

There is actually another solution that I did - screw trying to do this crap thru the AM21 altogether & get a cheap Tivo Roamio OTA DVR w/lifetime service! (note that this also applies to E* receivers, since they stopped providing EPG updates on new subchannels these days...although their receivers DO at least allow OTA scanning, but even it doesn't work the best, either)

While there is the obvious upfront cost (they were going for $300 a couple months ago) you would have 4 completely separate OTA tuners that would leave ALL of the D* tuners available for satellite channels, which would obviously cut down on potential recording/viewing conflicts thru the D* receivers. You would have an EPG that would be always be properly updated w/out having to resort to all the goofy fake-out tricks people are doing w/the AM21, & you wouldn't have to worry about D* deciding to change things one day on the AM21 & causing more issues. (like they did when they removed the OTA scanning feature on the HR34's )

Honestly if you're in a market that really has THAT many OTA channels, IMO it would be money well spent.

 

[peds48]

In the past the Genie's would allow all local sub-channels to be listed in the guide and you could tune to them. I really didn't care that the guide data was blank.

One work around is if you have one or several sub-channels that will NOT list using your local market is to locate another US city which uses similar ota channel lineups. Use a zip code for that city and you will likely see that sub-channel added to your guide, although it will be listed as the wrong network, and the guide data will be wrong.

I just changed my secondary market zip code (on my AM21) to another city so I could add the subchannel 31-3 from my local market so I could access CometTV on my DirecTV receiver.

Worth mentioning that this work around only last until the receiver is rebooted.

 

[Mr Tony]

There is actually another solution that I did - screw trying to do this crap thru the AM21 altogether & get a cheap Tivo Roamio OTA DVR w/lifetime service! (note that this also applies to E* receivers, since they stopped providing EPG updates on new subchannels these days...although their receivers DO at least allow OTA scanning, but even it doesn't work the best, either)

While there is the obvious upfront cost (they were going for $300 a couple months ago) you would have 4 completely separate OTA tuners that would leave ALL of the D* tuners available for satellite channels, which would obviously cut down on potential recording/viewing conflicts thru the D* receivers. You would have an EPG that would be always be properly updated w/out having to resort to all the goofy fake-out tricks people are doing w/the AM21, & you wouldn't have to worry about D* deciding to change things one day on the AM21 & causing more issues. (like they did when they removed the OTA scanning feature on the HR34's )

Honestly if you're in a market that really has THAT many OTA channels, IMO it would be money well spent.

so true!

 

[Stephen Henson]

After a person's username what is the blue diamond with a v in it for

 

[Jimbo]

After a person's username what is the blue diamond with a v in it for

Haven't seen it yet.

 

[twizt3dsist3r]

I see a few v heart things

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[HoTat2]

There is actually another solution that I did - screw trying to do this crap thru the AM21 altogether & get a cheap Tivo Roamio OTA DVR w/lifetime service! (note that this also applies to E* receivers, since they stopped providing EPG updates on new subchannels these days...although their receivers DO at least allow OTA scanning, but even it doesn't work the best, either)

While there is the obvious upfront cost (they were going for $300 a couple months ago) you would have 4 completely separate OTA tuners that would leave ALL of the D* tuners available for satellite channels, which would obviously cut down on potential recording/viewing conflicts thru the D* receivers. You would have an EPG that would be always be properly updated w/out having to resort to all the goofy fake-out tricks people are doing w/the AM21, & you wouldn't have to worry about D* deciding to change things one day on the AM21 & causing more issues. (like they did when they removed the OTA scanning feature on the HR34's )

Honestly if you're in a market that really has THAT many OTA channels, IMO it would be money well spent.

+1

Ditched my AM21 early this year, which on top of all the problems dishrich list, turned into a real wipeout mess on the Genie anyway. Using an OTA TIVO Roamio now, though still on the monthly fee option. However it is well worth it here in the LA market that has a 170+ OTA diginets.

Sent from my SGH-M819N using Tapatalk