HD network eligibility confusion....

[terfmop]

I am currently with DISH, but I noticed that D* has more of the networks in HD. I called to see if I would be able to receive any of the networks in HD. I left the conversation more confused I think... Can someone clarify for me my HD viewing situation...

I live in Terre Haute, IN (D* does NOT offer local channels in my area)

I have an NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliate in my area, I don't have an ABC affiliate. The nearest ABC afiliate in in Indianapolis, 75 miles away.

At the last time I checked, only my CBS affiliate broadcasts in HD.

If I understood the D* rep correctly, then since D* does not offer locals in my area, I would not be eligible for any of the HD networks. Also, when D* does eventually offer locals for Terre Haute, I still would not be eligible for the ABC HD because I am not within 50 miles of an ABC affiliate.

Am I informed correctly?

Adam

[Link]

I am currently with DISH, but I noticed that D* has more of the networks in HD. I called to see if I would be able to receive any of the networks in HD. I left the conversation more confused I think... Can someone clarify for me my HD viewing situation...

I live in Terre Haute, IN (D* does NOT offer local channels in my area)

I have an NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliate in my area, I don't have an ABC affiliate. The nearest ABC afiliate in in Indianapolis, 75 miles away.

At the last time I checked, only my CBS affiliate broadcasts in HD.

If I understood the D* rep correctly, then since D* does not offer locals in my area, I would not be eligible for any of the HD networks. Also, when D* does eventually offer locals for Terre Haute, I still would not be eligible for the ABC HD because I am not within 50 miles of an ABC affiliate.

Am I informed correctly?

Adam

If you had Directv now, you could be receiving ABC analog and ABC-HD now from New York and LA (priovided you have an HD receiver). You should still be able to get ABC no matter what if you went with Directv because the market has no ABC affiliate.

Now if you live in Terre Haute, your HD/Directv receiver should receive local HD channels 2.1, 10.1, and 38.1. While all three are low power right now, but should be able to be picked up from within Terre Haute.

Only WTHI 10.1 is broadcasting CBS programs in true HD. WTWO 2.1 and WBAK 38.1 have digital signals but do not broadcast network programs in true HD and probably won't until 2006. My relatives in Robinson, IL can pick up these digital signals 50 miles south of Terre Haute with an outside antenna so you should be able to get them in Terre Haute.

As far as getting the HD distant signals from New York on satelite for NBC and Fox, email station@wtwo.com and see what they tell you (WTWO and WBAK are the same owners). I doubt WTHI will give any waivers as usual.

If you have more questions on this, send a private message.