7200 and Dc locals

[Geronimo]

I now have a recurring problem that I saw refeenced at another forum. I was wondering if people here have experienced and what they have done. The CSRs tell me that tehre ae no other instances but the other thread tells me this is not so.

My guide is correct and lists all the DC locals. However if I try to tune them through the guide, by surfing, or by inputting a channel number I get a particular channel each and every time.

the first time a switch check solved it. Or at least it went away then. But it has recurred and witch checks, card pulls and Option 32768 have done nothing but tie up the receiver. It just comes and goes as it pleases.

[TNGTony]

Gironimo,

I've had this problem now for a few months and it's driving me batty! It seems to happen during the 3am download. Each time I "fix" the problem with a 30 minute procedure, the next day it's back.

I have locals, supers, NYC and LA nets. The problem used to be confined to all my locals showing KWGN (the next lowest channel in the guide) even though the EPG was fine. But over the last few weeks or so, it jumps from locals showing KWGN to the NY nets showing KTLA in the 8000 range and showing the next lower channel in the 240 range.

It's only one or the other. When the NY nets are screwed up, the locals are okay. When the locals are goofy, the NY nets are okay.

I called tech support no less than 5 times about this. They even replaced the receiver over my objections. I told them this was a system problem and only started happening when they updated the software a few months back. Well, the new receiver does the same thing and has other issues. (little almost imperceptible vertical lines that dont quite match the rest of the picture.)

Anyway, my last call on this problem essentially ended up with the tech person saying, "tough luck, buddy." It was worded better, but the result was the same. The tech person said it was a software issue and I'd have to wait for new software to be released. He had no other info to give me. I was very close to cancelling my service on the spot! They did give me a credit for my locals for two months. I am now in the process of buying another receiver and will probably sell the 7200 eventually.

See ya
Tony

[Geronimo]

Yes Ia m disappointed. In my case it does NOT happen at download time. I will fix it in the ecvening and it still records the local news for me at 6 (I watch without comemrcials as I get ready to leave). Then later in the day it reappears. In my case the odd local is in the middle of the mix not the top or bottom.

And it is frustrating as all golly gosh get out to be told I am the only one who has ever reported it when I know I am not.

[Bill R]

The problem can occur after the DishPlayer updates its channel map which could be several times a day. The channel map is also updated after a switch test and after the 3 AM download. The engineering staff is very aware of this problem (and the tech support people should be too, all they have to do is find it in the computer). As for a fix, I was told that the problem is in MSN's part of the code and has to do with table size allocations and will require a "major" re-write of some of the code. As to when that will happen, or even IF it will happen, I don't know. I did hear in March that there was a "major security update" planned for the DishPlayers (it will allow them to use the new, more secure, yellow smartcards) but I haven't heard anything lately about that either.

Since the class-action (and even months before that) it has been quite difficult to get information about upcoming plans for the DishPlayer. Echostar employees are not allowed to comment on the class-action but, off the record, I've got some comments like "I don't think you will see many fixes coming for the DishPlayers" and "We should have swapped them all out years ago".

[TNGTony]

Well, I officially gave up on the Dishplayer last night and it was confirmed today. I'm headed over to another software disaster :) I just got a 721. It's on its way! Should get it next week.

See ya
Tony

[jwhite]

Yes, I posted this in another forum. A workaround for me to avoid this problem is to reduce the guide size. I did this by disconnecting my 61.5 satellite at the switch. Then did a switch check and guide update then reconnect the wires, but don't do another switch check. Since it thinks you only have two satellites, the guide at 3am doesn't seem to go over the limit. You only need to do it once. Of course, this only works if you have nothing on the side sat you want to view or record. I guess you could do this for a side sat or 119 but not 110 where the guide comes from.

Hope they do a software update for this problem and can get this fixed in that code update for the smartcards. If not, I would also take a refurbed 501 or 508 for it.

Jay

[Geronimo]

Well I remember all the threads from people that woudl NEVER take anything less than a 721 as an exchange but a refurb 508 seems fair to me.

[jwhite]

I am not greedy. Just want something comparable and without a DVR fee and not a lease. I own this one, I want to own its replacement. Besides, my SW64 is full. :-)

Jay

[Geronimo]

I was unable to get my locals at all today---except for the one independent (non PBS) public station. On a whim I went through the list of channels and blocked out all kinds of international channels etc that I do not sub to and had blacked out before., I ran a switch check and I got my locals back.

Let's see if it lasts.

[Geronimo]

The 3 AM download cane and brought me back to the situation in which I cannot see my locals.