[rlongwell]

Hi,

Last week I upgraded from my dish 180 package to HD Gold, with a newly installed
(By Dish) dual antenna, one pointing at 61.5 and another for all the rest of my broadcasting. I also got a 622 Dish DVR HD receiver and love the reception.

One question though - I previously, and still do, subscribe to local channels in my area. What was previously in Standard Def. still is. I'm curious to know when DISH will be making local channels in my area available in HD.

I hooked up a cheapie "rabbit ears" and can get most if not all local HD channels,
although one or two channels constantly register signal strength in the 70 range, causing occasional "drops". Most towers are within 20 miles

I'm trying to decide whether its worth my effort now to purchase a better (and more expensive) antenna now, only to find that DISH may be making all my local HD channels (ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS) available within months - one word I had was that all existing local channels throughout the U.S. will be available within 12 months - another word I had was not so. Can anyone help me? The DISH rep
wouldn't confirm ANYTHING at all.

Also, I have very limited knowledge of antennas - how important is dbgain and power assist in antennas? Does it follow that the higher a dbgain, the more likely I can increase my signal strength to the point I can avoid the "once every two-four minute second-long drop of antenna signal?)

THANKS!

LOVE MY HD CHANNELS!!!

Richard Longwell

 

[saltrek]

If you look at the sticky post above "Dish Network HD Local cities... so far UPDATED 7/7/06" you will see a list of about 20 projected cities that were supposed to launch in '06 but haven't made it yet. Burlington is on the list. There has not been any further announcements - so nobody knows when they will be added.

Keep in mind that it will not be a waste of time to put up an antenna even if your HD locals get added. If you are using the 622, it will give you a third tuner to watch or record from (and a 2nd local HD option). Not to mention a backup in case of bad weather.

As far as the type of antenna, I can't help you. Every area is different. If you are that close, it shouldn't take much to get good results. Check out http://www.avsforum.com/ and look for a thread that deals with your area for some good info.

 

[Jim5506]

Here is the latest "word" on DishNetwork HDlocals.

http://ekb.dbstalk.com/hdlocal.htm

 

[Hunter Green]

Whereabouts are you? I'm in Orange (just east of Barre) and doubt it'd be worth it to get a rooftop antenna, but if you disagree, I might.

I think Dish will probably put Vermont on the list just after Antarctica.

 

[dblbkb]

I am in Newport VT area, and just had Dish installed yesterday, I have 2 dishes one for HD and one for others. I quickly tried last night to get the HD locals with an existing antenna, but could not get any reception at all. I hooked up the Co-ax to the back of one of the 622s and had no signal, then I tried the other 622 with the same result, I am sure I was missing something will need to review the manual again. My question, I have 2 622's that if I can get a signal will pull in local HD's, but I also have 2, 211's, can they do the same thing?

 

[Mikey]

...My question, I have 2 622's that if I can get a signal will pull in local HD's, but I also have 2, 211's, can they do the same thing?

Yes, the 211 also gets OTA digital channels (but not analog). After you connect the OTA antenna to the back of the receiver, you need to go to the menu, Setup -> Local -> Scan for Digital, and let the receiver find channels in your area.

 

[dblbkb]

Thanks, thats what I did on the 622's, and found nothing, so I guess maybe I am too far away.

 

[saltrek]

Looks like the digital broadcasts of the Burlington stations are at low power. Some have construction permits to increase their power (acording to the FCC site), so maybe in the future you will have better luck.

 

[roadrnnr]

Thanks, thats what I did on the 622's, and found nothing, so I guess maybe I am too far away.

You need a clear line of sight to Mount Mansfield. That is where they are all broadcasting from.

I Live in Fairfax and have a hill blocking me. I tried an indoor HD antenna and only got WCAX for a few seconds while moving the antenna around. I finally gave up and am now waiting for Dish also.

You need to program the channel numbers in and then adjust your antenna.

WETK-DT 33.1 PBS BURLINGTON VT TBD 163� 18.3 32
* WFFF-DT 44.1 FOX BURLINGTON VT TBD 163� 18.2 43
WCAX-DT 3.1 CBS BURLINGTON VT TBD 164� 18.2 53
* WVNY-DT 22.1 ABC BURLINGTON VT TBD 164� 18.2 13
* WPTZ-DT 5.1 NBC NORTH POLE NY TBD 264� 35.0 14

Go HERE This should tell you everything you need to know

 

[psnarula]

why not just "move" to boston for hd locals?