Lost HD Channels for the FOURTH and final time!

[Guitar Hero]

Well, that's it' No more D* HD for me. I've had it! In the past 6 months, my 5LNB dish has failed to deliver my HD channels for the fourth and final time. No more.

Since D* refuses to send somebody out to fix the problem, and since I refuse to spend another penny, (I've already spent an addition $100 to get this fixed), I no longer have HD channels. This is NOT why I purchased a $4,600 1080p HDTV set for. To sit shafted by the incompetence of the D* installers and D* themselves. I've canceled Showtime, HBO and the HD Package. Why spend for all that, when I cannot watch it in HD?

Has anybody else gone through this problem? What "lemon" laws apply here? This is the same dish that did not work two days (HD channels only) after I first got her. This is also the same dish that stopped working 10 days after that and three months after that. I had to pay twice for repair jobs and not once did they correct the problem properly, obviously.

The problem seems to be the Sat 119 transponder. I only get two readings and they're very low, (55 and 57). There's 9 more that read 0. What could be wrong? What can I fix do get better readings? Which of the five LNBs is the 119 sat LNB?

I think it's a bad dish. Can I demand for a new dish to be installed free of charge? I tried the "pretend to cancel my service" trick, but they didn't care. They said I'd have to pay $300 to get out of my contract. They didn't care that I canceled $408 a year of D* service. Does that really make sense to anybody here?

[VeniceDre]

Sounds like it could be a bad LNB or misalignment. What area of So Cal are you in and who isntalled it? It seems that they should just come out and fix it or swap the dish. Are you getting the same readings on both the H20 & HR20?

[Guitar Hero]

Sounds like it could be a bad LNB or misalignment. What area of So Cal are you in and who isntalled it? It seems that they should just come out and fix it or swap the dish. Are you getting the same readings on both the H20 & HR20?

Well, the two last techs said both, "The previous guy didn't know what he was doing! But, I fixed it for ya'!" Yeah, sure they did. It's been D* techs that have come out every time. Twice, I was charged an additional $50 for them to come out.

I'm in the Inland Empire, about 50 miles East of LA.

The H20 is no longer used. I only have the HR20. (Saves $5 a month on lease charge).

[dhaakenson]

No, it doesn't make sense. If they don't provide you with an ability to consistently receive the service you're paying and contracted for, and you decide to leave, I would contact your state attorney general's office and your area's Better Business Bureau to file a complaint and to seek information on lemon laws, which vary by state.

Since you haven't received what you contracted for, I'd seek the following: cancellation of the contract, refuse to pay the penalty, seek to be reimbursed for the cost of obtaining your receivers, service calls, etc, and a portion of your monthly programming and lease fees.

Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

[VeniceDre]

The H20 is no longer used. I only have the HR20. (Saves $5 a month on lease charge).

You can still hookup the H20 and get a signal from the sats and channel 200 even if it's deactivated. I'd be interested to see if the signal levels on the H20 are having the same problem.

I had a client recently who was lfrequently losing transponders from 101 on his HR20 recently... He had other boxes connected to the dish that were working fine. After some troubleshooting I swapped out the B Band converter and lo and behold he doesn't have any problems anymore.

It wouldn't hurt to hook up the H20 and see what the signal level for 119 is on that unit.

[Guitar Hero]

You can still hookup the H20 and get a signal from the sats and channel 200 even if it's deactivated. I'd be interested to see if the signal levels on the H20 are having the same problem.

I had a client recently who was lfrequently losing transponders from 101 on his HR20 recently... He had other boxes connected to the dish that were working fine. After some troubleshooting I swapped out the B Band converter and lo and behold he doesn't have any problems anymore.

It wouldn't hurt to hook up the H20 and see what the signal level for 119 is on that unit.

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. I'll need to dig in the garage for it, but that's a good idea. I wasn't sure if the problem could be with the receiver.

Any more ideas? Keep'm coming, dudes! :up:

[Mertzen]

Can you give me the complete readings for the 119.
I don't think any HD content comes on the 119 btw.

[veryoldschool]

Can you give me the complete readings for the 119.
I don't think any HD content comes on the 119 btw.
That's what I thought until proved wrong. 119 does & I think 101 has a couple too.

[jdspencer]

This web page shows what channels are where.
http://www.widemovies.com/dtvtransponders.html
ABCW, FOXE, ESPN2HD, HDN, DSHD, & NBCW are on 119.

[Pink Fairy]

119 does provide hd content. but only for channel 72, 76, and 79.

HD Locals...depends if you get them from LA...if you do, do you get the 80's? Or is it the actual local channel number, like 5, 7, etc..?

[veryoldschool]

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. I'll need to dig in the garage for it, but that's a good idea. I wasn't sure if the problem could be with the receiver.
Any more ideas? Keep'm coming, dudes! :up:
I've lost my "dude" status & become old fart.
I've got the same TV though & I did stay at a Holiday in last night. :lol:
So what the hell is really going on?
What do you have for all of your transponder powers on each SAT?

[kikkenit2]

119 does provide hd content. but only for channel 72, 76, and 79.

HD Locals...depends if you get them from LA...if you do, do you get the 80's? Or is it the actual local channel number, like 5, 7, etc..?Yes, SW LA and get 2,4,5,7, & 11 all HD and in the 80's too. Local ch. 9 (Lakers & Dodgers) is broadcasting in HD but not on D* yet.

[Pink Fairy]

Yes, SW LA and get 2,4,5,7, & 11 all HD and in the 80's too. Local ch. 9 (Lakers & Dodgers) is broadcasting in HD but not on D* yet.

Yep, I do know that...Was just trying to find out which ones he was having the problem with...2 different satellites involved there :)

[Coffey77]

Far as I knew, 99 was broadcasting the HD Locals. Some were on 103 as well. 119 had 70-78 and a few scattered... Not sure where 80 and 82 or 81 and 83 are off of but they are costal locals... MPEG2 right. HD ones are right in there somewhere too aren't they?

[veryoldschool]

Far as I knew, 99 was broadcasting the HD Locals. Some were on 103 as well. 119 had 70-78 and a few scattered...
You can "ask Earl" or just "know" that all of the SATs have "some" HD.

[Pink Fairy]

110/119 most generally carry all the hd NATIONAL channels...And locals from LA/NY (80's)

LA MPEG 4 locals come from the 103 :)

[Coffey77]

According to Lyngsat the Cali. Locals are on 103 (102.8 actually). Spaceway 1. (http://www.lyngsat.com/hd/space1.html)

[Pink Fairy]

Probably so, would have to know the zipcodes to know for sure...but it seems that way yes

[VeniceDre]

According to Lyngsat the Cali. Locals are on 103 (102.8 actually). Spaceway 1. (http://www.lyngsat.com/hd/space1.html)

San Francisco and Los Angeles MPEG4 sit on Spaceway 1 at 103

San Diego and Sacramento MPEG4 sit on Spaceway 2 at 99

[veryoldschool]

99= Sacramento (1), Las Vegas (3), Reno (5) DMAs
103= San Francisco (2), Fresno (6) DMAs

[bonscott87]

Sounds like you are ripe to get the protection plan, would have been a lot cheaper but that is water under the bridge. So sign up for it now and they'll come out as many times as needed to fix it and it won't cost you a dime more then the monthly cost of the protection plan. You can then drop it after a year if you'd like. You'd still come out ahead.

As for 119, do you have any trees or branches that might be blocking the signal?

And there will be plenty of zeros or low numbers on 119. 119 is mostly for SD locals on spotbeams with some HD on it.

And you should get your locals in HD off one of the new sats in MPEG4 which would be either 99 or 103. 119 isn't needed for that.

[Guitar Hero]

OK, I have a list of all the channels I'm not getting. Please note, since I've canceled some packages, I cannot check them all. I'm going from memory on some of them.

72, 76, 79, 83, 87 and 89. Gee, take a look which transponder is at fault. 119.

OK, so it is transponder 119, so what could be the problem? There are no trees, bushes or anything in the way of the dish. Could it be the receiver? How easy is it to realign it if it is out of position.

Again, anyone with possible SOLUTIONS are free to post their ideas.

[joesigg]

Sounds like a one bad lnb on the dish. Did the repair guys replace any when they were there? Or could just be a bad connection to one of the lnbs in the dish.

[Logan03CO]

Sounds like a one bad lnb on the dish. Did the repair guys replace any when they were there? Or could just be a bad connection to one of the lnbs in the dish.

I am having the exact same issue...119 is completly dead zeros all the way across..pretty high numbers on the other sats. They are coming out on Sunday to take a look, but my bet is that the LNB in bad on the dish.

[bonscott87]

OK, I have a list of all the channels I'm not getting. Please note, since I've canceled some packages, I cannot check them all. I'm going from memory on some of them.

72, 76, 79, 83, 87 and 89. Gee, take a look which transponder is at fault. 119.

OK, so it is transponder 119, so what could be the problem? There are no trees, bushes or anything in the way of the dish. Could it be the receiver? How easy is it to realign it if it is out of position.

Again, anyone with possible SOLUTIONS are free to post their ideas.

Sounds like just a replacement LNB is all that's needed. That should be near the first thing they try to do. If your signals on 101 and 110 are great then 119 should just fall in line with good signals as well.

Could have them replace it completely with a new 5 LNB model since you'll need it eventually anyway. Again, protection plan sounds like a good thing for you if they won't fix it free since it's been a while.

Could also be a bad multiswitch but my bet right now is bad LNB.

[rcoleman111]

119 does provide hd content. but only for channel 72, 76, and 79.


I was missing those 3 HD channels after my original installation. I wasn't getting the 119 satellite because the top of a pine tree was blocking it. The dish was re-mounted on the roof and I've been getting those channels ever since.

[veryoldschool]

72, 76, 79, 83, 87 and 89. Gee, take a look which transponder is at fault. 119.
OK, so it is transponder 119, so what could be the problem? There are no trees, bushes or anything in the way of the dish. Could it be the receiver? How easy is it to realign it if it is out of position.
Again, anyone with possible SOLUTIONS are free to post their ideas.
Minor correction: 119 is a SAT with several transponders [both even & odd].
What you look to be having is a dead 119 LNB.
If you have the AT9 dish, the LNB has a jumper wire to the main LNB assembly. This could be bad, loose, what ever & cause just what you're listing. I doubt it is much else as you would see other problems too.
"Dish time". FWIW

[Guitar Hero]

Minor correction: 119 is a SAT with several transponders [both even & odd].
What you look to be having is a dead 119 LNB.
If you have the AT9 dish, the LNB has a jumper wire to the main LNB assembly. This could be bad, loose, what ever & cause just what you're listing. I doubt it is much else as you would see other problems too.
"Dish time". FWIW

Yeah, I meant LNB, not transponder. Sorry.

I think it could be a loose nut that is supposed to hold the 119 LNB in place. I don't know which LNB is the 119. I have the 5 LNB dish. You seem like you might know the answer to this. I don't want to start moving all the other LNBs around, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the all the help, dude. I appreciate it. :)

[veryoldschool]

Yeah, I meant LNB, not transponder. Sorry.

I think it could be a loose nut that is supposed to hold the 119 LNB in place. I don't know which LNB is the 119. I have the 5 LNB dish. You seem like you might know the answer to this. I don't want to start moving all the other LNBs around, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the all the help, dude. I appreciate it. :)
If you look "face on" at the dish, the LNB is the one on the right.
If it is the "old" AT9 dish, the two LNBs [110 & 119[ are mounted on a bracket to the main LNB. The two LNBs have wires that connect them to the main. You shouldn't "need" to adjust "just" the 119. If the dish is aligned [which it sounded like] you can't do much for the 119 [alone]. Check the wires coming from it as they can/could be your problem.
IF you have a Slimline [newer] AU9 all of the LNBs are on one arm with no adjustments for each.
Let me know what you have as I have both which might let me help more. :)

[AnonomissX]

Has it been bad since install? You have been calling consistently to have them check it?

Has it been more then 90 days since the last tech came out?

If it was less than 3 months ago, the service call is under warranty. Call directv tech support.

[Ext 721]

Well, the two last techs said both, "The previous guy didn't know what he was doing! But, I fixed it for ya'!" Yeah, sure they did. It's been D* techs that have come out every time. Twice, I was charged an additional $50 for them to come out.

I'm in the Inland Empire, about 50 miles East of LA.

The H20 is no longer used. I only have the HR20. (Saves $5 a month on lease charge).

HUHHHHHHHHH???????

the installs come with a 90 day guarantee/waranty on them....who are you calling that charges $50 to repair?

I smell funny business with those $50 charges. What were they supposedly for?

[dtv_girl]

Sounds like you are ripe to get the protection plan, would have been a lot cheaper but that is water under the bridge. So sign up for it now and they'll come out as many times as needed to fix it and it won't cost you a dime more then the monthly cost of the protection plan. You can then drop it after a year if you'd like. You'd still come out ahead.


I was just going to suggest the protection plan. I WORK for D* and even I have the protection plan. Also on any new installs you should have a 90 day warranty. So if you call within that time because your dish is having problems it should be free to fix anyway. Also say for example you call in on day 90 and we come out and then a few days later it goes down again it should still be covered because you just had a service call and obviously the problem didn't get fixed. Now if you call in on day 90 and then it works fine for like 30 days and you call in again at that point with the same problem it probably wouldn't be covered unless you have the protection plan. Depends on the situation. I have set up plenty of no charge service calls for people who got bad dishes. I have no idea why any csr wouldn't because it isn't like 90 day warranty calls are considered claims on our record.

[Guitar Hero]

If you look "face on" at the dish, the LNB is the one on the right.
If it is the "old" AT9 dish, the two LNBs [110 & 119[ are mounted on a bracket to the main LNB. The two LNBs have wires that connect them to the main. You shouldn't "need" to adjust "just" the 119. If the dish is aligned [which it sounded like] you can't do much for the 119 [alone]. Check the wires coming from it as they can/could be your problem.
IF you have a Slimline [newer] AU9 all of the LNBs are on one arm with no adjustments for each.
Let me know what you have as I have both which might let me help more. :)

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I have the AT9. I checked the wires as best as I can (I'm in a wheelchair and cannot climb a ladder to check). It appears to be attached, but I'm going to ask a neighbor to check and make sure. Looking at it, I can tell I cannot adjust the 119 LNB, so I hope it's just a bad wire or connection. I think my neighbor can fix that for me, and perhaps all it'll cost me is a 12 pack of Heineken.

Has it been bad since install? You have been calling consistently to have them check it?

Has it been more then 90 days since the last tech came out?

If it was less than 3 months ago, the service call is under warranty. Call directv tech support.

Yeah, it's been bad since install, about six months ago. I've had D* for five years, or so. Spent over $100 a month, until recently. They didn't charge me for the first visit, but did for the next two. But, I got some "discounts" added to my bill, but I still had to pay. The last visit for the service tech was over 90 days, so they said I had to pay and I wouldn't being getting any discounts on service, either. The fourth time I called was recently, and they only wanted to sell me their protection service.

HUHHHHHHHHH???????

the installs come with a 90 day guarantee/waranty on them....who are you calling that charges $50 to repair?

I smell funny business with those $50 charges. What were they supposedly for?

It was DirecTV that charged me for a tech service fee. It was printed on my bill I get every month. I still have the bill, and just went over it. When I called recently, they didn't care what I paid for in the past. I paid $50, but now they wanted $60.


I was just going to suggest the protection plan. I WORK for D* and even I have the protection plan. Also on any new installs you should have a 90 day warranty. So if you call within that time because your dish is having problems it should be free to fix anyway. Also say for example you call in on day 90 and we come out and then a few days later it goes down again it should still be covered because you just had a service call and obviously the problem didn't get fixed. Now if you call in on day 90 and then it works fine for like 30 days and you call in again at that point with the same problem it probably wouldn't be covered unless you have the protection plan. Depends on the situation. I have set up plenty of no charge service calls for people who got bad dishes. I have no idea why any csr wouldn't because it isn't like 90 day warranty calls are considered claims on our record.

Not to be a jerk, but your offer sucks. Really, I think D* have no respect for their customers to think they need to pay for your faulty equipment.

For example, if your (D*) satellite in the sky goes out, do I have to pay for it? No. What if your sat dish that sends the info to the satellite went out? Do I pay for it? No, but as customers, we all pay. That's fair. Why should I be treated unfairly just because I had the misfortune of obviously receiving a bad dish? Is that really fair to me? No.

Like I said, this dish is YOUR equipment. It's not mine. Why then, do you expect me to pay for any service equipment problems? I pay you for a service to receive special channels. That's it. I didn't agree to pay for the equipment. I didn't pay for the HR20 I have. I got that from you for free, too. It's like a cab ride. I pay for the ride to my destination. That's it. I pay for my channels, and that's it. If the taxi blows a tire, do I have to pay for that tire? Hell no! So, why do I have to pay for a faulty piece of your equipment? I don't and I know I don't. Don't try to tell me I have to pay for it, because you'll never convince me. You might have convinced the other fools, buy you haven't me.

And, that brings us to your little "protection plan" scam. Yeah, it's a scam. A way to suck more money from your customers. Shame on you.

When the installers come out to install a dish, do you think they'll do a great job? No, they only need to care about the first 90 days. After all, they'll make more money if they do a half-assed job, because they know they'll get to come back out some other day past 90 days, and they'll get paid all over again. Either you have to pay, or the customer has to pay, it doesn't matter to installers one bit. But ah, they could get in trouble if it's under 90 days, but after that, they don't care because they don't need to. They know you pay them from funds you collect from either your protection plan funds, or by charging the customer for the service call.

So, they know you don't care if they do a good service call job, but with one important exception. If the service tech notices on the service call invoice that the customer has the "protection plan" coverage, he then knows to do the best job possible, because D* doesn't want them to come back out there again because then, you'll lose money. You will get mad if they do a bad job, now! But, other than that, you don't care. In fact, I bet you hope they do a bad job. That way, you can sell your protection plan scam to the customer who needs the service call. And if they don't go for it, no big deal to you because they have to pay for the service call, anyway. And again, the installers will do a bad job.

I don't like supporting your scam. I don't like paying for tech calls on YOUR equipment. I don't like the idea that I'll have to pay for each visit past 90 days. I don't like the idea of paying another $7.99 a month for decent installation when I should get it the first time they come to my house. I don't like the idea if I don't pay for the monthly protection fee, you wont care if the tech does a good installation job. I was told, that if I have your equipment, that you'll fix it whenever it goes bad. That's what I was told from the start, and now, it's not true. That's the reason I never purchased my receivers on my own. If I did, and they went bad, I'd have to pay for it.

I guess that was a lie, then? I don't like people lying to me. Again, I told you I'd cut my service by a lot per month which will hurt you in the long run, and that you'll lose me as a customer. You didn't care. That's about $650 less you'll be getting from me when my commitment is up. And then, you lose that money, too, when I'm gone. Does that make sense to you? Why can't your customer reps see this? Why it makes sense to you to lose me as a customer when I've paid you so much in the past several years, and could have in the future? So, your scam didn't work on me. Realize that, and come replace or fix my god damn dish!

[veryoldschool]

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I have the AT9. I checked the wires as best as I can (I'm in a wheelchair and cannot climb a ladder to check). It appears to be attached, but I'm going to ask a neighbor to check and make sure. Looking at it, I can tell I cannot adjust the 119 LNB, so I hope it's just a bad wire or connection. I think my neighbor can fix that for me, and perhaps all it'll cost me is a 12 pack of Heineken.
12 pack of Heineken....and what did you need? I'm on my way...:lol:

If the wire from the LNB on the far right [looking at it straight on] has come loose or can be "wiggled", maybe this will help. There is a posting [with pic] where the installer used a zip tie to secure this connection. As for alignment, the 119 uses [needs] the "tilt" setting, but also there are the two mounting bolts at the base of the [two] LNBs, that can also "add" some more adjustment. Only the AT9 has this.

[AnonomissX]

I call Baloney. The service call is $70 amd I agree with Directv girl, I have the plan too, and I worked for Directv. The leased equipment is not all that is necessary, the DISH and the CABLING and the INSTALLATION were required, and are NOT leased. If all that was necessary to be maintenanced or checked or fixed were the boxes, then the protection plan would NOT be necessary. BUT you OWN the dish and the cabling...Directv would have to charge EVERYONE more money, but instead charges a WHOLE $5.00 more as an OPTIONAL program. You went OFF on a multi-paragraph rant on a rather simple business proposition. My cable co doesn't give me the option to NOT pay rent on both the box and the remote :lol:

You got charged for the service call that _WAS_ $50 and is NOW $60 ??? :hurah: :hurah: :hurah: :hurah:

Oh, Directv must be raising and lowering the prices on something that has been $70 for years...that makes the rest of your post IMMEDIATELY suspect, dude.

[Guitar Hero]

12 pack of Heineken....and what did you need? I'm on my way...:lol:

If the wire from the LNB on the far right [looking at it straight on] has come loose or can be "wiggled", maybe this will help. There is a posting [with pic] where the installer used a zip tie to secure this connection. As for alignment, the 119 uses [needs] the "tilt" setting, but also there are the two mounting bolts at the base of the [two] LNBs, that can also "add" some more adjustment. Only the AT9 has this.

I had my brother-in-law over at the house, and he checked. All wires cannot be moved. They're all attached with a good connection, according to him. He used to be a car tech, so I guess he knows what he's doing. Maybe one of the inputs are loose. I play the guitar, if you couldn't tell by my account name, and often have TRS inputs that go bad. How would I fix a problem like that? I don't think I could, could I? I would think I would need a whole new dish.

[Guitar Hero]

I call Baloney. The service call is $70 amd I agree with Directv girl, I have the plan too, and I worked for Directv. The leased equipment is not all that is necessary, the DISH and the CABLING and the INSTALLATION were required, and are NOT leased. If all that was necessary to be maintenanced or checked or fixed were the boxes, then the protection plan would NOT be necessary. BUT you OWN the dish and the cabling...Directv would have to charge EVERYONE more money, but instead charges a WHOLE $5.00 more as an OPTIONAL program. You went OFF on a multi-paragraph rant on a rather simple business proposition. My cable co doesn't give me the option to NOT pay rent on both the box and the remote :lol:

You got charged for the service call that _WAS_ $50 and is NOW $60 ??? :hurah: :hurah: :hurah: :hurah:

Oh, Directv must be raising and lowering the prices on something that has been $70 for years...that makes the rest of your post IMMEDIATELY suspect, dude.

Yeah, it's real convenient for you to think this is crap and made up, since you work for D*, and all. I've got better things to do, dude. (I don't buy that 'worked' line one bit). So, it must seem to you that D* would never be this stupid, is that it? Well, you are.

Yes, I was charged $50 in the past, and now they want $60. If it's $70, well that shows how stupid the reps are. They quoted me $60. Or, were they trying to be "nice" and lowered the price? I think it's the former.

Like I said, YOU (D*) either can fix or replace my dish, or you can go to hell. Simple. At least I'm trying to seek help with my problem on the net since you guys wont help me.

Hey, but if you want make me upset and lose my business and lose a lot of my money before you lose my business over a part that cost you, what, $25 in China to make? Well, then that's your business.

But, getting my problem solved is now my business, so stay the hell out.

[veryoldschool]

I had my brother-in-law over at the house, and he checked. All wires cannot be moved. They're all attached with a good connection, according to him. He used to be a car tech, so I guess he knows what he's doing. Maybe one of the inputs are loose. I play the guitar, if you couldn't tell by my account name, and often have TRS inputs that go bad. How would I fix a problem like that? I don't think I could, could I? I would think I would need a whole new dish.
Since I too spent years with cars [before we were called "techs"] I'd guess he did know what he saw.
The AT9 has had a "troubled past", so you're right, you might need another dish. The LNB could have simply "died" or the multi-switch. Either way there isn't anything to do but replace it. You will get an AU9 [Slimline] as the AT9 has been discontinued.
If you've been with D* for some time, I'd call & explain "what's up". I've found with some "nice" talking that they can be very helpful with replacing "defective" hardware for free. If you don't "lose your cool" [which can be hard to do sometimes] they can work with you. If you "bump" into someone not that "helpful", just call back later & you can find the one that is.
It just never seems to be worth "fighting" with any of them, when a call back can get [me] what you want.
They "deal with jerks" all day, and if I can get them to laugh..you would be surprised how much they can do for you. FWIW

[cygnusloop]

I completely agree with VOS. If your above posts are any indication of how you treat the CSR's, then I am not suprised at your lack of success. Threats almost never work. I completely understand your frustration, and I think they should replace your dish. I just think you need to reevaluate your approach.

Is it "right" that you need to use this approach?
Probably not.

Is it "true" that you need to use this approach?
Yup.

[bonscott87]

I also would call DirecTV and calmly tell them the issues and that you just want the dish replaced. Since you don't have the protection plan they will want to charge you for a service call ($70). If you can't talk them out of it then I'd suggest signing up for the protection plan right then and there. It will take care of this issue and the cost will equal the same $70 over a year's time. If after a year you feel you don't need it you can drop it.

The cost of the protection plan is essentially the cost of one service call a year without it. If you don't think you'll need more then one service call a year then it's not worth it. If you do need more then one a year then it is worth it. For me since I have the ability to take care of it myself it's not worth it. For you, unless you have a friend or relative that can take care of this stuff for you, the protection plan sounds like a good idea. At least that way if they have to come out a dozen times to fix something it's not going to cost you a dime.

Cable can be the same way. Around here they charge $40 just to show up at the door and then $40/hr minimum to do any work. Phone company charges $80 to show up and nearly the same per hour to do any work. Both offer the same "protection plans" to avoid these fees.

It's just up to you to decide if the cost is worth it. Kinda like insurance. It can be a scam for some, not a scam for others.

Good luck!

[Guitar Hero]

I've called several times. I call this number... 1-800-824-9081 My notes indicate it's customer retention. One lady I spoke with was as dumb as toast. I had to explain the situation to her several times.

I'm calling again, right now. They keep passing me along. It doesn't look good. I've asked for a new dish and a free installation since I've had the same problem with this same dish ever since I got it. I'm overly nice; asking how's the weather, stuff like that. lol

[bonscott87]

Call the main number and at the prompt say "cancel service". It's the only way to get to retention anymore since there is no direct numbers to retention anymore unless they gave you a PIN number to use when you call.

[veryoldschool]

I've called several times. I call this number... 1-800-824-9081 My notes indicate it's customer retention. One lady I spoke with was as dumb as toast. I had to explain the situation to her several times.

I'm calling again, right now. They keep passing me along. It doesn't look good. I've asked for a new dish and a free installation since I've had the same problem with this same dish ever since I got it. I'm overly nice; asking how's the weather, stuff like that. lol
BTW: I like your TV. :lol:

To get to retention, if you need to, you need to ask to be transfered now. There is no direct number anymore. Even when there "I've" had a "dolt" or two, & calling back gets me where I want. Hell it ain't easy & why I come here...:D

[Guitar Hero]

Call the main number and at the prompt say "cancel service". It's the only way to get to retention anymore since there is no direct numbers to retention anymore unless they gave you a PIN number to use when you call.

Ahh, so that's what that PIN NUMBER prompt was for, gotcha.

Well, it's done. I talked with Matt, and he said he was very surprised that nobody offered me a new dish. He kept apologizing. Then, I told him, if he got me the new free dish with free installation setup, I'd get the HBO, Showtime and HD channel package right now. He said, "Sure. Not a problem." Awesome.

The installers are coming on Monday, the 2nd of April. It's not costing me a penny. That's the way it should have been the half dozen times I called last week!

Thanks for all those who helped! You guys rock! Very special thanks to VSO!

[veryoldschool]

Can I say "been there, done that" [with D*].
Glad you "got it done". Enjoy...:D

[Guitar Hero]

Can I say "been there, done that" [with D*].
Glad you "got it done". Enjoy...:D

Yeah, thanks. See, the problem was, the whole time I thought I was talking to customer retention, but it was just the regular reps, who are as dumb as toast and cannot offer any special deals. If I knew that, I'd would have never wasted my time with them.

Again, Matt more than made up for their stupidity and rudeness, yes, they were the ones who were rude, so all is well. It just shows how rude and stupid the regular reps are.

[veryoldschool]

Yeah, thanks. See, the problem was, the whole time I thought I was talking to customer retention, but it was just the regular reps, who are as dumb as toast and cannot offer any special deals. If I knew that, I'd would have never wasted my time with them.

Again, Matt more than made up for their stupidity and rudeness, yes, they were the ones who were rude, so all is well. It just shows how rude and stupid the regular reps are.
When you pay "burger flipping" pay, you're going to get..... :)
It ain't just D*....

[bonscott87]

Glad you got 'em to make good. Hopefully the new dish will do it.

[videojanitor]

99= Sacramento (1), Las Vegas (3), Reno (5) DMAs
103= San Francisco (2), Fresno (6) DMAs

Just found this thread while searching for some information. From what you posted, are you saying that if you're in California and check the signal meter, the level shown on the 99 satellite for transponder 1 is the Sacramento beam, transponder 3 is Las Vegas, and transponder 5 is Reno?

I'm curious about that because I'm in Northern CA and get transponder 3 at 98% -- that would mean the Las Vegas spot beam is pretty darned big.

[veryoldschool]

Just found this thread while searching for some information. From what you posted, are you saying that if you're in California and check the signal meter, the level shown on the 99 satellite for transponder 1 is the Sacramento beam, transponder 3 is Las Vegas, and transponder 5 is Reno?

I'm curious about that because I'm in Northern CA and get transponder 3 at 98% -- that would mean the Las Vegas spot beam is pretty darned big.
Well it's over 300 miles from me, but the SAT is 23,000 miles away, so I guess it's somewhat relative.

[AnonomissX]

Just found this thread while searching for some information. From what you posted, are you saying that if you're in California and check the signal meter, the level shown on the 99 satellite for transponder 1 is the Sacramento beam, transponder 3 is Las Vegas, and transponder 5 is Reno?

I'm curious about that because I'm in Northern CA and get transponder 3 at 98% -- that would mean the Las Vegas spot beam is pretty darned big.

The signal for the New York locals reaches the coast of Florida off the 101, so yeah, from 23k miles from space, those spot beams are big :)

[videojanitor]

Thanks for the reponses. The reason I was curious is because in many discussion threads, people have consistently said that the MPEG-4 spot beams are smaller than the MPEG-2, though I have no seen any concrete evidence to back that up.

I know that from my location, 400 miles north of L.A., the signal level of their MPEG-2 locals spot beam varies from 0 to 45 or so -- the reason for this is unclear to me, though I know that all satellites move slightly in their position, and have to be kept within a certain "box" by ground stationkeeping crews. Perhaps this slight movement is enough to change the signal level, since this distance is apparently on the fringe?

In any event, on the 103 satellite, I also see a 95 reading on transponder 4 -- any idea what that one is? And where did you find the information on what markets occupy the various transponders?

[veryoldschool]

Thanks for the reponses. The reason I was curious is because in many discussion threads, people have consistently said that the MPEG-4 spot beams are smaller than the MPEG-2, though I have no seen any concrete evidence to back that up.

I know that from my location, 400 miles north of L.A., the signal level of their MPEG-2 locals spot beam varies from 0 to 45 or so -- the reason for this is unclear to me, though I know that all satellites move slightly in their position, and have to be kept within a certain "box" by ground stationkeeping crews. Perhaps this slight movement is enough to change the signal level, since this distance is apparently on the fringe?

In any event, on the 103 satellite, I also see a 95 reading on transponder 4 -- any idea what that one is? And where did you find the information on what markets occupy the various transponders?
The ground foot print is large, but the "target" at the SAT is smaller so the dish needs to be aligned more precisely, because of the higher frequency of Ka.

Here is "some" help for where the spot beams are being used: http://www.sizethis.com/spotmap/index.php

[videojanitor]

The ground foot print is large, but the "target" at the SAT is smaller so the dish needs to be aligned more precisely, because of the higher frequency of Ka.

Here is "some" help for where the spot beams are being used: http://www.sizethis.com/spotmap/index.php

Thanks. I was aware of the smaller "target," but there are still many who insist that the actual beam footprint is smaller. An example of one such discussion:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10198899&&#post10198899

I've seen that "map" before as well, but it's hard to draw an conclusions from it. For instance, on transponder 1 of the 99 satellite, there's a "dot" in Sacramento, and also one in Las Vegas -- from that, how would you know that the signal being picked up in Vegas is the Sacramento beam? If they are small enough, they could be two different spot beams. That's why I am interested to know how you know what is on the individual transponders.

[veryoldschool]

Thanks. I was aware of the smaller "target," but there are still many who insist that the actual beam footprint is smaller. An example of one such discussion:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10198899&&#post10198899

I've seen that "map" before as well, but it's hard to draw an conclusions from it. For instance, on transponder 1 of the 99 satellite, there's a "dot" in Sacramento, and also one in Las Vegas -- from that, how would you know that the signal being picked up in Vegas is the Sacramento beam? If they are small enough, they could be two different spot beams. That's why I am interested to know how you know what is on the individual transponders.
"I know" because I got a mystery PM telling me what only the D* engineering knows [and asking me where I was]...:)

[videojanitor]

Ah, now THAT is what I wanted to know. :D The last mystery to me then is what's on transponder 4 of the 103 satellite. It's got a lot-o-signal, but there aren't any other DMAs nearby that haven't been accounted for. Perhaps SF is using two transponders, since they have five locals in HD, plus FOX Sports Net Bay Area?

[byron]

i went through a similar scenario.... if you're having problems with D* installers i highly recommend working with retention and asking them to give you a credit to cover the cost of contracting your own installer. i had 4-5 D*'s installers come try to get my adjusted and they were morons and had no clue.. i finally complained enough and they agreed to allow me to find my own installer and credit me the cost of having him come and do the alignment. since then, everything has been great.

[veryoldschool]

Ah, now THAT is what I wanted to know. :D The last mystery to me then is what's on transponder 4 of the 103 satellite. It's got a lot-o-signal, but there aren't any other DMAs nearby that haven't been accounted for. Perhaps SF is using two transponders, since they have five locals in HD, plus FOX Sports Net Bay Area?
103 #4 looks from the map not to be SFO but more like San Diego.
I would get some part of it if it was SFO.

BTW: one Transponder of MPEG-4 should handle 10 channels.

[videojanitor]

Interesting. If that turns out to be the case, then the MPEG-4 spot beams would be even LARGER than the MPEG-2, since as I said, at 400 miles to the north, the Los Angeles MPEG-2 beam is right on the edge -- at this very moment, it is reading in the mid-40s (that's transponders 18 and 28 on 101).

[veryoldschool]

Interesting. If that turns out to be the case, then the MPEG-4 spot beams would be even LARGER than the MPEG-2, since as I said, at 400 miles to the north, the Los Angeles MPEG-2 beam is right on the edge -- at this very moment, it is reading in the mid-40s (that's transponders 18 and 28 on 101).
What "I think" your are seeing is: the older MPEG-2 is a fixed antenna spot beam & the new Ka spot beams are from a phased array antenna [so are adjustable/controllable]

[captcab_99]

Well, that's it' No more D* HD for me. I've had it! In the past 6 months, my 5LNB dish has failed to deliver my HD channels for the fourth and final time. No more.

Since D* refuses to send somebody out to fix the problem, and since I refuse to spend another penny, (I've already spent an addition $100 to get this fixed), I no longer have HD channels. This is NOT why I purchased a $4,600 1080p HDTV set for. To sit shafted by the incompetence of the D* installers and D* themselves. I've canceled Showtime, HBO and the HD Package. Why spend for all that, when I cannot watch it in HD?

Has anybody else gone through this problem? What "lemon" laws apply here? This is the same dish that did not work two days (HD channels only) after I first got her. This is also the same dish that stopped working 10 days after that and three months after that. I had to pay twice for repair jobs and not once did they correct the problem properly, obviously.

The problem seems to be the Sat 119 transponder. I only get two readings and they're very low, (55 and 57). There's 9 more that read 0. What could be wrong? What can I fix do get better readings? Which of the five LNBs is the 119 sat LNB?

I think it's a bad dish. Can I demand for a new dish to be installed free of charge? I tried the "pretend to cancel my service" trick, but they didn't care. They said I'd have to pay $300 to get out of my contract. They didn't care that I canceled $408 a year of D* service. Does that really make sense to anybody here?

I'm having the same problem except my 101 fails but the 110 and 119 come in around 80-90. I believe it's a bad lnb and I just called to have them come out and replace what I have with the slimline au9. No charge and I don't have the protection plan. I refused to pay for their equipment. I bought the crappy HR-20 for 3 bills the least they can do is fix my dish at no charge.