[tkrandall]

I'm just curious how Dish goes about populating the program guide data for the OTA channels (if you use those). For example the 622 receiver that my parents have can do a local OTA scan to pick up channels, and then the receiver will put them in the list. My question is how does Dish connect the dots so that you get guide data for these scanned channels and sub channels? Do they push guide data for the individual OTA channels? If so, they'd have to know of them all for each market even if they don't carry them (like the sub channels) via sat.

DirecTV handles OTA support differently, as they do not support OTA scanning for channels. Rather, they maintain a list of available channels for each market, and instead of scanning, you have to tell it your zip code (they will allow two for regions bodering two markets) and then the reciever receives a list of avaialbe channels for your market. This process requires DirecTV to stay vigilant of new subchannel launches, etc. I think they use a company called tribune to maintain this channel list and program guide info.

 

[Redlinetire]

DirecTV, TiVo and I assume Dish all use Tribune to get their guide data. So sub-channels, etc. are easy to get.

And I would guess that Dish knows what channels you can theoretically get based on the DMA you're signed up for. That's how you get authorized for regional sports networks and locals - I would assume that's how it also knows what OTA you should be able to receive. Of course that would make it more difficult for those that live near other DMAs and can pickup other stations...

But that's all speculation on my part...

 

[RASCAL01]

If you do not subscribe to locals for $5.00 a month you will not get any guide data for your OTA channels.

 

[Donp]

DirecTV, TiVo and I assume Dish all use Tribune to get their guide data. So sub-channels, etc. are easy to get.

And I would guess that Dish knows what channels you can theoretically get based on the DMA you're signed up for. That's how you get authorized for regional sports networks and locals - I would assume that's how it also knows what OTA you should be able to receive. Of course that would make it more difficult for those that live near other DMAs and can pickup other stations...

But that's all speculation on my part...

I watch the adjacent DMA stations and get the EPG data in my 211K guide as well , even the the EPG data for all the PBS OTA shows up. Not sure how they do it though.

 

[tonyd79]

I am going to ask a followup question.

When a new channel gets added locally, what happens? I have friends in the Springfield, MO, DMA and their ABC affiliate just went full power digital (I think they were cable only for a long time). I had them scan on their VIP622 to get the channel in the guide but there is no guide data. Will it populate over time or do they have to notify Dish that the data has to be added (I am assuming the channel got there via the PSIP data from the scan)?

Also, the VIP 622 remote has no way of entering a dash or period for digital OTA channels? (Sorry for the hijack and side question...)

 

[Redlinetire]

I am going to ask a followup question.

When a new channel gets added locally, what happens? I have friends in the Springfield, MO, DMA and their ABC affiliate just went full power digital (I think they were cable only for a long time). I had them scan on their VIP622 to get the channel in the guide but there is no guide data. Will it populate over time or do they have to notify Dish that the data has to be added (I am assuming the channel got there via the PSIP data from the scan)?

Also, the VIP 622 remote has no way of entering a dash or period for digital OTA channels? (Sorry for the hijack and side question...)

Assuming they have guide data in the stream, it will slowly populate the guide over a couple of hours. It scares you at first because you add the channel and it'll have NOTHING there. But after a few hours things start to populate. I don't know how long to put in the full set though.

As far as entering a dash, it doesn't have one (Assuming a 622 is like my 722). You simply pad with zeros. So for instance to enter OTA 7-1 you would enter 00701. You could also enter 0071 and it'll add the extra zero for you after a pause.

 

[tonyd79]

Assuming they have guide data in the stream, it will slowly populate the guide over a couple of hours. It scares you at first because you add the channel and it'll have NOTHING there. But after a few hours things start to populate. I don't know how long to put in the full set though.

As far as entering a dash, it doesn't have one (Assuming a 622 is like my 722). You simply pad with zeros. So for instance to enter OTA 7-1 you would enter 00701. You could also enter 0071 and it'll add the extra zero for you after a pause.

I just talked to them and they got guide data.

And the 0 trick worked. Thanks!