Temporary DNS Expansion Continues

[RobertE]

DIRECTV will soon be launching local channels in additional markets. In the interim until locals are available, DIRECTV will be providing Distant Networks where:

1. there is no local station or
2. where there is a local station available, but based on waivers granted by the local broadcasters, Distant Networks can be provided temporarily.

DirecTV will be providing Distant Networks to the following markets starting on June 30

• Abilene-Sweetwater TX- Available out-of-market signals: CBS-NY, NBC-NY and PBS
• Amarillo TX- Available out-of-market signals: FOX-NY, NBC-NY and PBS
• Billings MT- Available out-of-market signals: ABC-NY, FOX-NY and PBS
• Erie PA- Available out-of-market signals: ABC-NY, FOX-NY and PBS
• Hattiesburg-Laurel MS- Available out-of-market signals: ABC-NY, FOX-NY, CWe and PBS
• Lubbock TX- Available out-of-market signals: ABC-NY, CBS-NY and PBS
• Monroe LA-El Dorado AR- Available out-of-market signals: FOX-NY, NBC-NY and PBS
• Wichita Falls TX-Lawton OK- Available out-of-market signals: FOX-NY, NBC-NY and PBS

Important Notes:

• DNS will be delivered on the Ka band, and customers will need to have MPEG-4 equipment to receive them.
  
• Distant Network Services will either be from Los Angeles (West) or New York (East). The provider for PBS is out of Alexandria, VA. The provider for the CW Network is out of San Diego (West) or Washington, D.C. (East).
  
• Additional markets will also launch DNS in the next few weeks.

This list is subject to last minute changes and additions.

[hdtvfan0001]

Happy for all those folks....an interim step...but still some new HD viewing.

Wonder what the % national LIL coverage will be when these are in place.

[Rob]

I wonder what the precentage of those that get the DNS get upset when they are taken away for their local networks? Especially if they receive them already OTA.

[JosephB]

Originally Posted by Rob

I wonder what the precentage of those that get the DNS get upset when they are taken away for their local networks? Especially if they receive them already OTA.

Well since it's been said up front that this is not forever, so they shouldn't be upset.

[ronsanjim]

What surprises me is that D* is foregoing the revenue those DNS were generating from customers without the networks. I was paying $14 a month for the NY/LA stations, and during the Fall TV season, $20. for the networks, CW and PBS. Now I'm paying zilch.

[Indiana627]

My HD locals (Binghamton, NY) are scheduled to be launched this fall (we currently don't even have SD LIL). We do have all four of the major networks available here OTA (that's how I get them), but does this mean that we will be getting HD DNS up until the time D* launches our HD LIL this fall? Or will there be no changes for us here?

[hdtvfan0001]

Originally Posted by Indiana627

My HD locals (Binghamton, NY) are scheduled to be launched this fall (we currently don't even have SD LIL). We do have all four of the major networks available here OTA (that's how I get them), but does this mean that we will be getting HD DNS up until the time D* launches our HD LIL this fall? Or will there be no changes for us here?

I believe that only the listed markets in the first post are affected at this time. The good news is that any obstacles to you getting yours as planned have pretty much evaporated.

[xceebeex]

Originally Posted by Indiana627

My HD locals (Binghamton, NY) are scheduled to be launched this fall (we currently don't even have SD LIL). We do have all four of the major networks available here OTA (that's how I get them), but does this mean that we will be getting HD DNS up until the time D* launches our HD LIL this fall? Or will there be no changes for us here?

Yea, I was hoping that Binghamton would be added to the list since the antenna that I currently use is a little hit or miss with the OTA stuff. I am not currently an active DirecTV user, but scheduled install is next week and the lack of locals has me on the fence because I don't want to have to deal with a fussy antenna but I may do it anyway.

The other thing that I am thinking of doing is getting an AM21, but I would hate to buy that unit and then have them add these temporary DNS options for our area.

[hdtvfan0001]

Originally Posted by xceebeex

Yea, I was hoping that Binghamton would be added to the list since the antenna that I currently use is a little hit or miss with the OTA stuff. I am not currently an active DirecTV user, but scheduled install is next week and the lack of locals has me on the fence because I don't want to have to deal with a fussy antenna but I may do it anyway.

The other thing that I am thinking of doing is getting an AM21, but I would hate to buy that unit and then have them add these temporary DNS options for our area.

Perhaps they'll repeat this approach a bit further down, closer to the Binghamton launch.

[xceebeex]

Originally Posted by hdtvfan0001

Perhaps they'll repeat this approach a bit further down, closer to the Binghamton launch.

I wish they could tell me if that would be the case because I really don't want to buy the AM21 and then have no use for it (which technically will be the case anyway after the official launch of locals which is October).

[trainman]

Originally Posted by RobertE

[*]Billings MT- Available out-of-market signals: ABC-NY, FOX-NY and PBS.

A little surprised they're not getting the L.A. stations, since Billings is on Mountain time.

Of course, given the choice, I'd rather get my shows an hour early than two hours late.

Originally Posted by xceebeex

I wish they could tell me if that would be the case because I really don't want to buy the AM21 and then have no use for it (which technically will be the case anyway after the official launch of locals which is October).

With the AM21, you can receive digital subchannels that won't be carried as part of your locals by DirecTV, so it won't be completely useless even after October.

[erosroadie]

Originally Posted by xceebeex

I wish they could tell me if that would be the case because I really don't want to buy the AM21 and then have no use for it (which technically will be the case anyway after the official launch of locals which is October).

I have an AM21 with UHF antenna and live 40 miles west of Chicago. I receive the sub-channels from the OTA networks, which often leads to HD broadcasts where the D* locals are in SD. Further, when a strong storm is coming from the Southwest, I am able to pick-up Chicago locals, which are due East.

Not a hassle to install the antenna and the AM21 works well with my HR21. No downside to OTA even though I receive D* HD locals (for some channels). A worthwhile investment...

[joshjr]

Originally Posted by xceebeex

Yea, I was hoping that Binghamton would be added to the list since the antenna that I currently use is a little hit or miss with the OTA stuff. I am not currently an active DirecTV user, but scheduled install is next week and the lack of locals has me on the fence because I don't want to have to deal with a fussy antenna but I may do it anyway.

The other thing that I am thinking of doing is getting an AM21, but I would hate to buy that unit and then have them add these temporary DNS options for our area.

Here is what you need to do. Call and ask for a HR20 to be put on your work order as the requested reciever. Then when and if you dont get one then they activate you and you call and say I requested for the HR DVR that had the tuners in it but did not get it and request for a free AM21. They will more then likely send it free pretty easy. If you really want to increase those chances then when you call the day activated then call and at the prmopt ask for retention. Shouldnt be an issue getting a free AM21.

[RobertE]

This is just my speculation on what the rest of the year will look like. I believe that DirecTv will end up offering DNS in all markets that are missing 1 or more of the big 4 (or 5/6 if you coun't CW & PBS), until such a time that agreements and capacity are in place. The nice thing will be, I believe this will also put some pressure on the true locals to not be crazy with their retrans fees.

More markets are planned, just don't have any info on them yet.

[ciurca]

Originally Posted by RobertE

This is just my speculation on what the rest of the year will look like. I believe that DirecTv will end up offering DNS in all markets that are missing 1 or more of the big 4 (or 5/6 if you coun't CW & PBS), until such a time that agreements and capacity are in place. The nice thing will be, I believe this will also put some pressure on the true locals to not be crazy with their retrans fees.

More markets are planned, just don't have any info on them yet.

Robert....what happens in "short markets" like mine Salisbury MD. We have cbs, abc, pbs and fox (fox OTA is sd, due to being a sub channel of the cbs stream) When locals are available, do I still keep my NY DNS nbc, and what about Fox. Do I keep the NY DNS Fox since the local station broadcasts in SD?

[Michael Hilley]

Originally Posted by ronsanjim

What surprises me is that D* is foregoing the revenue those DNS were generating from customers without the networks. I was paying $14 a month for the NY/LA stations, and during the Fall TV season, $20. for the networks, CW and PBS. Now I'm paying zilch.

Has DTV actually stopped charging you, or told you that they would?
And if they did, would it be only during the interim period, until LI is available, that DNS is offered?

I'm interested because I'm stuck with the same $14 + $2.50 + $2.50 (well, $19 rather than $20) for the DNS add-on. I assumed that those of us that ordered DNS (from Pegasus days... SFO/SEA/PIT/CHAR mixed in with the LA/NY, and later), as opposed to those that are going to be getting it as an interim no-LIL fix, would still be charged for it, but to be honest, I haven't contacted DTV to ask. I'm not saying you're wrong... for obvious reasons, I hope you're right, but I am curious if you've gotten something in writing from DTV which confirms this. Also, unlike you, there are no plans for LIL in my area, maybe ever, so I don't think interim DNS is going to be offered, so I may still have to pay for it, for that reason.

[jdspencer]

When our locals become available, my DirecTV bill will actually go down.
I currently have DNS for the four networks. I get both coasts SD and HD from NY for $14/month. The locals will cost $3/month, so I'll be saving $11/month. I could remove DNS now, but OTA can be a bit quirky for me.

I'll probably keep the AM21 active so that I can receive The CW and My Network (both SD) and possibly PBS and it's subchannels.

[Michael Hilley]

Originally Posted by ronsanjim

What surprises me is that D* is foregoing the revenue those DNS were generating from customers without the networks. I was paying $14 a month for the NY/LA stations, and during the Fall TV season, $20. for the networks, CW and PBS. Now I'm paying zilch.

... forgot to also say...
I'm assuming that you didn't/aren't cancelling DNS, knowing that you would then get it for free. That really isn't an option for me, because I don't think they're offering it as a no-LIL interim substitution... and even if they WERE, though I would qualify to reconnect DNS after, I would lose grandpappying in the event LIL ever did come to fruition, and its worth $19 to me to avoid that.

[RobertE]

Originally Posted by ciurca

Robert....what happens in "short markets" like mine Salisbury MD. We have cbs, abc, pbs and fox (fox OTA is sd, due to being a sub channel of the cbs stream) When locals are available, do I still keep my NY DNS nbc, and what about Fox. Do I keep the NY DNS Fox since the local station broadcasts in SD?

I honestly have no idea. Don't know enough of the STELLA law and it's translation into regular speak to even form a guess.

Personally, I think D* & E*, should be able to light up DNS services for everyone in unserved markets until locals become available. At that time, the customer will get their locals, and if they wish to keep the DNS feeds, pay a nomial fee for them (part of which would go to the repsective locals for the "lost" viewership).

In a way I can see the desire for DNS feeds, but when it comes down to it, I like having my locals for the local news and other local events. However, there are times that I would like another feed to catch a show that was prempted by the locals or washed out due to weather. Win-Win for everyone. That's my personal take.

[jdspencer]

Any chance that DNS for The CW and My Network would go HD?

[freerein100]

Is anyone else in a recently announced market receiving the locals in the 60's range as well as the 380 and 390 range including the DNS channels not received in the 60's range... ie I do not get the NBC or FOX HD feed in the 60's but do get them in the 390 range

[Michael Hilley]

Originally Posted by jdspencer

Any chance that DNS for The CW and My Network would go HD?

* please excuse that I'm addressing PBS along with CW, because the issue is mostly common to both...

There's always a chance, however... When I've needed to contact DTV DNS (no more than once or twice a year), I've made it a point to ask about CW and PBS (DNS) going HD. The answer I used to get was that nearly everything else was transitioning to HD, and it would make sense that CW/PBS would as well, considering more of the CW/PBS locals were appearing in HD.

The last time I asked, I was told that there is a chance that it may never happen, and the reason given were the numbers.

[The 10E6 of us that were absorbed from Pegasus had a very high % of SD DNS subscribers, by virtue of being comprised of the rural segment, many of us with no OTA or cable. ]

Until D10, there was still only about half of the DTV subs that received SD LIL, and DNS still had significant numbers. If you now look at the current/planned beams, there are only 1% or 2% of the total DTV subs that are even eligible, and fewer electing to subscribe to SD/HD DNS, and a much smaller % of those electing to pick up SD CW/PBS. Because the numbers are smaller than even the PI channels, they may never go HD, even though the SD CW/PBS channels are available in HD.

PBS (national) is an ardent supporter of the local PBS affiliates, and really has not / does not support DTV or Dish broadcast of the HD feeds (PBS HD E & W from the Arlington PBS sat broadcasting facility, provided to their affiliates for simulcast via AMC21 and broadband). Up until a few years ago, they were delayed 24 hours (vs. affiliate programming) to discourage sat / encourage local programming viewing. Making for even fewer subs is that (like me) I pondered whether I even wanted / would purchase SD programming... so it's a chicken/egg thing... low viewership because it's not HD... and it won't go HD because of low viewership. I have 'em, but I rarely watch 'em...

Have to qualify this as merely one DNS CS opinion, he prefaced his staements as such, said that this seemed to be the prevailing opinion, that no decision had been made / communicated either way.

[Nitehawk^]

Originally Posted by jdspencer

Any chance that DNS for The CW and My Network would go HD?

Where I would welcome CW in HD, the DNS feed in HD as we do not have local OTA CW station. I was not even aware that My Network even had an HD feed, nor a DNS feed at all. I must say that I never looked up any local markets to see if there was an HD feed in any specific market for My Network, but I know of many HD LiL CW stations.

[ronsanjim]

Originally Posted by Michael Hilley

as opposed to those that are going to be getting it as an interim no-LIL fix, would still be charged for it, but to be honest, I haven't contacted DTV to ask. I'm not saying you're wrong... for obvious reasons, I hope you're right, but I am curious if you've gotten something in writing from DTV which confirms this.

No, D* never told me I wouldn't be charged for the retained DNS. I was going by my online billing.

I may have screwd myself when I called to order my new locals in Jonesboro. I told the CSR to cancel my DNS (NY/LA), except for the ABC DNS (NY/LA), which Jonesboro has, but no contract signed yet.

My online billing transactions show this for the kept ABC (NY/LA):

Network: ABC HD $0.00 Monthly_w/Local or DNS Pkg

And under the "Other" tab:

Network: ABC HD $0.00 Monthly_w/Local or DNS Pkg

[jdspencer]

The billing for HD DNS is a bit misleading.
You have to have the DNS SD channel before you can get the HD.
Therefore, the charge is shown as Network DNS: NY/LA $3.50
And the HD is shown as $0.00.
If you drop the SD version, you'll lose the HD one.