Albuquerque Locals

[DaveF]

I just plugged in my zip code on the DirecTv website for locals (I've been doing this once a week for some time now) and it stated that locals were coming to my area soon! Finally, I will have a choice between Dish and DirecTv! My question, does anyone know when Albuquerque is scheduled to be turned on? Thanks. DaveF

[paulh]

I was also briefly hopeful (Being in the 117 DMA) at the news from Direct TV's web site.

Direct TV stated earlier this year that they were adding about 50 markets this year

After checking the Zip Codes from much lower DMA's, however, I found Bend Oregon (DMA#201) and Fairbanks AK (DMA 203) also said the same Locals avaialable message

And many others I checked between also said available soon. (Other than some Zip code typos and Pegasus cities) I think there might be a bug on the web site, or else Direct TV is launching some Huge, really precice spot beam bird!

[AJ2086]

Yea D* is launching some huge spotbeam sat soon. D* 7s (I think thats the name) Its going up at 119 and will support there 50 additional markets. The sat is launching in August I think and will be online bye November.

[paulh]

I knew a spot beam capable satelite was being launched to allow 50 new markets

I was attempting to point out that according to Direct Tv's web site even the 203rd smallest DMA will be getting locals! That would mean they expect the new satellite to carry the locals for 150 markets, or 3x's as much as their statement earlier this year.

[AJ2086]

It doesnt mean they will carry 150 DMA's they are spreading it out. The lower DMA's barely have all 4 networks and many of them can fit on spots compared to the larger DMA's.

[paulh]

It is certainly possible of the additional capacity (but what about smaller markets that may have cable only affiliates (like WB in Peoria) if they provide must carry and a signal)

I really hope that D* website is correct! I'd love the convenience of not switching to the VCR tuner for locals! Also, without locals a PVR is pointless, so I never considered one. And if a multi-satelite dish is given, then I'd finally get NASA.

Earlier this year, I created a spreadsheet listing DMA's, and whether E* and/or D* carried them, and figured with the 50+ stations getting added, I am out of luck.

Today, I checked the zip codes of 25 random DMA's not offered and the only 3 not showing Local's not available were a Pegasus area. I just take that widespread locals soon to be available message to be a mistake, like the time my receiver showed locals were available (since they just turned on Indianapolis)

[dfergie]

I get the east and west feeds for all but abc, I hope I do not lose them as a result of the albquerque channels coming on line. They are the only reason I keep my direct systems alive. I get them already on dish.

[Mike123abc]

If you want to see D-7s coverage check out: http://wvjw.info/dbs-beam/dtv7s.gif

or look at all the spots: http://wvjw.info/dbs-beam