Tuning in OTA signals with a D* receiver?

[paulh]

Well, since D* announced they would rather serve 11 lesser DMA's :scratch: than mine (117, Peoria Bloomington/Normal) Yes, I understand limitations of spot beams, I'm wondering if any standard D* receivers can tune in OTA stations.
I've recently setup an old antenna, and am reasonably happy with my picture for the 3 major networks, but for 6+ years, I have switched to my VCR to tune in locals, and it is getting old.

Can it really cost much to integrate the same tuner a $40 VCR has?

I know the HDTV receivers can do OTA, but unless I can get a great deal ~$100, It would not be worth it for my old TV.

[Mike123abc]

The 6000 has a module you can add that will allow you to tune in analog cable/OTA NTSC/OTA HDTV. I use them in my 6000s and am pretty happy with them, especially now that my major nets are now simulcasting digital signals. You can also on the analogs get the guide information for ABC/CBS/NBC.

The 6000 will map the digital signal as specified by the local station's signal. So, for example even though channel 18's digital feed is 15, it shows up as 18-01.

[dishrich]

Mike - he's talking DirecTV, NOT DISH Network...

Paul - The ONLY D* receivers that can do off-air are all, ONLY the integrated HD receivers. (like the RCA DCT-100, Samsung 160, Hughes E86, etc) D* NEVER has made a standard def box that did off-air.

And, BTW what are YOU complaining about - WE didn't get picked either & we're much higher than you! (#82 market) :mad: :p :hi: :D :D :D

Have you given any thought to "moving" to Chicago - you WON'T have ANY problem with their spot beam in your location... ;) ;) :) :)

[Mike123abc]

Ooops that was my mistake. But, the same pretty much applies to DirecTV you have to go with HDTV recievers to get OTA ability.

I do not know why they standard definition recievers do not have this ability. It would be a pain to want to watch satellite on S-Video and then have to switch back to OTA on the TV to watch locals.

[paulh]

Honestly, I thought I'd left out of getting D* locals since we are "sandwiched" between the larger Champaign/Springfield and Moline/Rock Island DMA's.

I guess I'll have to hope I run into a great openbox find on a HDTV receiver (with standard VGA out so I could at least occasionally plug in my PC monitor)

I have give much thought of "moving" to Chicago, but with the extra traffic, and homes cost more... :) Actually, the wife vetoed the "moving" idea, so I'll just stay with TC instead of TC+locals, and D* will never get a PVR fee from me.

Why can't someone make a device that tunes in a local channel, then converts it to MPEG2 (like SA TIVO's) and diplexes it into satellite (ala sat C conversion kit) so any receiver could tune in locals?

[raj2001]

Originally posted by Mike123abc
I do not know why they standard definition recievers do not have this ability.

I think they didn't do it because it would probably make the boxes cost more, and they didn't see the need, since many people would be getting locals via the dish sooner or later.

Also, you already have a tuner in your SDTV receiver. Most HDTV sets do not.