Can I DVR OTA HD when only SD locals are avail

[uabcar]

I've got the 211 right now and do not subscribe to the locals (already have TWC) and get them all in HD OTA.

I'm considering upgrading to the 622. Based on what I've found, I can record OTA without subscribing to locals- but it's a PITA so the consensus is that it would be easier to pay the addl $5.99. Is this correct?

Several local stations are available (via their zip lookup page) but none are listed in HD. How does the channel guide and DVR handle the OTA HD channels. Will recording from the OTA channels still be a pain or does the guide know to populate the data for them?

BTW- if I upgrade and have them ship me the box, what happens to the old one. I assume I send it back?

Thanks for the help

[Hall]

On the 622, the guide data will read "Digital Service" for your local, OTA channels unless you subscribe to the SD locals from Dish. Subscribing basically flips a switch in the 622 that turns on the proper guide data.

You can still record shows from OTA but you'll have to do so manually. That is, you can't go to the guide and tell it to record ER, on NBC, at 10pm, on Thursdays. You have to create a manual timer for the channel, time, and date.

I presume you're leasing your 211 and if so, yes, you must return it. They're "swapping" the 622 for your 211.

[caam1]

It is worth the money to get the guide information. If Dish has has the SD version of a local channel, the HD OTA information will appear in the program guide along with the SD version. If Dish does not offer the SD version then the guide will say "Digital Service" and you will have to set timers for that channel manually. This is the case for all digital sub-channels.

[Scott Spillers]

I've got the 211 right now and do not subscribe to the locals (already have TWC) and get them all in HD OTA.

I'm considering upgrading to the 622. Based on what I've found, I can record OTA without subscribing to locals- but it's a PITA so the consensus is that it would be easier to pay the addl $5.99. Is this correct?


It's definately worth while IMHO to subscribe to the local channels. In addition to getting all of the local guide listings, you will also be able to watch one channel while you record another - or two others if you like :) .

[uabcar]

Thanks for the quick response.

re: the 211, yes I'm leasing it. If I have them ship me the 622 (vs having them come out), do I just return the old one via the box they send- or do I am I on my own and have to pay the shippig ect.

[Ron Barry]

uabcar, The other factor in getting guide information to populate your OTA is that Dish is providing it. This is not always the case, we have started an OTA support forum and part of its purpose is to document what channels have it for what DMAs.

Might want to check it to see if your DMA has been added. If there is no info, One thing you could do is add your locals while you still have your 211 and see what mapping your 211 provides you. If you do, please add your DMA to the OTA support forum if it is not already there. The more people that do it the more coverage and information we can provide to others.

[Hall]

Believe it or not, they'll probably want to have an installer come and "install" the 622. If so, he/she will take your 211 back for you.

[AlexT]

On the 622, the guide data will read "Digital Service" for your local, OTA channels unless you subscribe to the SD locals from Dish. Subscribing basically flips a switch in the 622 that turns on the proper guide data.

You can still record shows from OTA but you'll have to do so manually. That is, you can't go to the guide and tell it to record ER, on NBC, at 10pm, on Thursdays. You have to create a manual timer for the channel, time, and date.


So without subscribing to locals from Dish, there is no method for getting guide data for the OTA channels on the 622.

"Digital Service" is not very informative as guide data. surely that "Digital Service" can somehow be descirbed and segmented into program data.

is the only solution to subscribe to the package of locals from Dish in order to get that switch in the 622 to be flipped to display proper guide data?

i don't mind having to do that manual timer recording on the 622 for the OTA without subscribing, but I would think there would be a work-around to get the program info OTA and have that displayed on the 622 guide menus without subscribing to locals from Dish.

maybe i'm wrong and/or naive about this.

[Ron Barry]

:welcome_s AlexT.

Not naive and the fact of making one subscribe to Locals for OTA EPG information is a business decision not a technical one. There is no way around it. If you want OTA EPG information with your OTA channels you must subscribe to your locals. For me I also get DishHD locals and the ability to recorded 3 HD locals (2 Dish HD and 1 OTA HD) is a big plus and worth the 5 bucks a month.

[Geronimo]

S
"Digital Service" is not very informative as guide data. surely that "Digital Service" can somehow be descirbed and segmented into program data.

i



It can be done and it has been done. but as others have said they made a business decision to only make that available to those who pay for locals. FWIW even when you pay some subchannels may just say "Digital Service".

[Ron Barry]

Good point Geronimo. One thing you might want to check out is the OTA support forum. One of the Main purposes of this forum was to have the community help out in documenting OTA mappings that Dish receivers provide and also to discuss OTA related Issues since in a lot of cases these issues are cross receiver.

[AlexT]

Thanks for the welcome and info.

So if I do decide to pay the $5/month, the EPG will include the locals (but perhaps only certain locals and not the sub-channels).

Does Dish have a limit on the number of local HDs they provide? I think I heard that they only provide 4 HD local channels.

is the EPG info the SD or the HD program info? i know that for the major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, the SD=HD program info, but for PBS in my area the HD program line-up does not match the SD (analog) schedule for a majority of the day.

there's no method for getting the 622 to pass-through the OTA PSIP data onto the EPG, without subscribing to locals to get the EPG data at a fee from Dish?

i guess it's a long shot and I may have to settle for the EPG locals guide at the $5/month.

Thanks again for your answers and info.

[tomcrown1]

Thanks for the welcome and info.

So if I do decide to pay the $5/month, the EPG will include the locals (but perhaps only certain locals and not the sub-channels).

Does Dish have a limit on the number of local HDs they provide? I think I heard that they only provide 4 HD local channels.

is the EPG info the SD or the HD program info? i know that for the major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, the SD=HD program info, but for PBS in my area the HD program line-up does not match the SD (analog) schedule.

there's no method for getting the 622 to pass-through the OTA PSIP data onto the EPG?

i guess it's a long shot and I may have to settle for the EPG locals guide at the $5/month.

Thanks again for your answers and info.

In the Bay Area our PBS station Kqed shows all its sub stations along with the guide for what is on the substation(guide is for ota) the Kqued HD channel also show the guide

[Ron Barry]

Alex,

Here is a link to a discussion on using PSIP data within a DVR context.
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=62939

As for Dish HDs. Yes if dish supports them then you will only get the 4 majors at most. I know in some areas, you may not even get all 4 at the moment. The Dish HD locals are still in a state of flux.

As for mapping, well like I said. Go over to the OTA support forum. Take a cruise through different areas and you should get an idea of the mapping situation. I believe that if you get PBS mapping, it will be the PBS mapping of the PBS HD transmission. At least that is what it is in SoCal.

Not sure if DC has been added to the list. If not and you do go with EPG and your 622, feel free to create a thread and fill in your guide mapping so others from your area can benefit.

[plasmacat]

Believe it or not, they'll probably want to have an installer come and "install" the 622. If so, he/she will take your 211 back for you.

I had this done. No the installer won't take the 211 back. Dish will send you a box and mailing label and you need an RA from them.