Waivers

[agima]

Hi all

I really hope someone can help me, this is driving me nuts!

First off - I've only just moved to the US from the UK, so I'm pretty new to all this local channel, distant network, SHVERA type stuff.

I live on the side of a mountain, and have had DirecTV installed. I cannot receive any local channels via an antenna because of the terrain. The DTV installer didn't even bother to put it up, he said it was a complete waste of time. DTV gave me the fee back for the antenna. I also can only see 2 of the 3 DTV satellites (so I can't get stuff like DSHD).

I have requested Waivers from CBS, ABC, FOX & NBC so I can receive the New York signal - they were all denied (except NBC, which I can now watch).

I wrote to Directv on the advice of a post I saw somewhere on here, asking them to carry out a signal strength test.

I received a letter from them today, and I just don't get it:

-------------------
Thank you for your letter requesting a signal strength test to determine if you are eligible to receive Los Angeles or New York networks, called distant network signals, from DIRECTV. We have some important information for you regarding recent changes in the law.

Under the terms of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act ("SHVERA"), 17 USC 119 passed in December of 2004, DIRECTV is not allowed to sell any new distant network signal service in areas where we provide local channels.

Because you live in a city where we offer local channels via satellite, and are not eligible to receive the distant network channels, we are no longer conducting these tests in your area.
-------------------

What on earth does this mean? If I could watch the local channels, why would I be applying for a waiver in the first place. I couldn't care less who I get my signal from, whether it be local, LA, New York, or Timbuckbloodytoo. But I am not receiving these stations at all!

This has been going on now since August!

I'm at my wits end, everytime I see a DirecTV logo, I feel the urge to deface it horribly.

Does anyone have some sort of legal obligation to make sure I can receive these channels?

Can someone please help?

Thanks
Paul

PS: I live in Callaway, VA (Zip Code 24067) if that makes any difference.
PPS: Sorry for the rant.

 

[Roger]

What that means is that you can get your locals through DTV. Here are the results:

Yes! Local channels are available in your area: Roanoke-Lynchburg VA 24067.

We've provided a complete list of local stations and channel numbers below.

You can receive these local channels using a DIRECTV® Multi-Satellite System. So sign up now for a package that includes local channels!





Available Channels

Network Affiliate Local
Channel # 3-Digit
Channel # (for older receivers)
WB WB 5
CBS WDBJ 7
NBC WSLS 10
ABC WSET 13
PBS WBRA 15
UPN WDRL 24
FOX WFXR 27


If you have a multi-sat dish hookup then you can call DTV and get your locals turned on through the dish.

 

[osu1991]

Directvs website shows your locals are available over the satellite, you just need to call Directv and have them turn your locals on. Unless they are coming from the satellite that you can not see.

 

[agima]

Unless they are coming from the satellite that you can not see.

Yeah, that's the problem. They do, and I can't

 

[Roger]

I don't know if it would do any good but try to call instead and work your way up the ladder and explain your dilemma.

 

[osu1991]

You might try a second dish in another location to see if you can get line of sight to the missing satellite.

 

[Tower Guy]

Hi all

I live on the side of a mountain, and have had DirecTV installed. I cannot receive any local channels via an antenna because of the terrain. The DTV installer didn't even bother to put it up, he said it was a complete waste of time. DTV gave me the fee back for the antenna. I also can only see 2 of the 3 DTV satellites (so I can't get stuff like DSHD).

I think that you got a lazy installer. He didn't even want to try the over the air antenna. The didn't find a place that saw all the satellites that you need. Yet, you have been told that you need a waiver to compensate for the installers inability to do his job properly.

Step one, find out where you can put the dish to see the missing satellite. A tripod on the roof is one possible solution. Can you cut a tree to open up a path to the other satellite?

If that doesn't work, consider a TV antenna that's better that the stupid bent trombone that DirecTV usually provides.

 

[agima]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

The idea of a second dish didn't occur to me at all - that may be worth trying, though after already giving them a truckload of $, I wanna avoid it. Also, I now have 2 dishes (Direcway too) right smack in the middle of our lawn, the wife will literally kill me if I end up with 3.

Re: lazy installer - yeah, I figured that too. I have had a seperate installer out who went right around my property and he couldn't find anywhere better. You see, not only am I on the side of a mountain, but the direction the satellites are in, are also through a forest (not just a couple of trees) on higher elevation than my house.

The second installer said the only way I was going to pick up all 3 birds was to install a 100ft mast, at significant cost (not to mention the impact on my wife's garden).

I've found the e-mail addresses for the engineering guys at the local network affiliates and I've sent them an e-mail asking them to approve a waiver for this exceptional case. I've even offered to pick up their costs in sending an engineer out to verify my situation if they wish. I'm hoping that might do something.

I thought getting a waiver would be a 100% success given my situation?

 

[Tower Guy]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I've found the e-mail addresses for the engineering guys at the local network affiliates and I've sent them an e-mail asking them to approve a waiver for this exceptional case. I've even offered to pick up their costs in sending an engineer out to verify my situation if they wish. I'm hoping that might do something.

I thought getting a waiver would be a 100% success given my situation?

Waivers have nothing to do with the ability to receive a satellite signal. Waivers depend on over the air reception only. A waiver might be appropiate if the local stations were the ones who decided to put your locals on a wing satellite, they're not. You're asking your local boys to compensate for DirecTV's poor design decisions. They may feel sorry for you and do as you ask, but they are not obligated to do so.

It is possible to recieve TV over the air with trees and hills in the way. You'll need a directional antenna with a preamp.

If the current dish is on the lawn, that 100 foot mast comment is just wrong.

 

[agima]

Waivers have nothing to do with the ability to receive a satellite signal. Waivers depend on over the air reception only.

I can receive NBC (the only one who granted the waiver) fine on 381 (or is it 382 - can't recall from memory), all I need is the 381-389 channels activating and then I'd be set without needing any new dishes, antennas, masts etc.