Major HD Networks

[brabus]

Here's the problem, I live in OK and so far the OK locals (Fox, CBS, ABC, NBC) are not HD on Dish. So I called them and asked if I could just get some other city's locals, west/east coast, etc...I don't care from where, just want HD networks (mostly for football). Of course they gave me some bull story about "oh no, you cant' get other HD channels because the satellite can't broadcast those locals outside of the city"...yeah sure. So, any ideas? Is there absolutely no way to get Charlie to give me HD networks in OK, or am I just screwed until these bastards actually start providing HD? I've read some about HD OTA antennas...anyone have any insight into how well they work in OK? What kind is the best to use? I'd rather not have to do that, but will if I have to. This is driving me insane having to "put up with" SD football for some games and just hoping the ones I really want to see are on ESPNHD. Man HD has really spoiled me :D.

[BigSwifty]

Not sure of your testing methods, but, why not tap onto the 129 bird?

h++p://www.lyngsat.com/packages/dish129_sid.html will show you the locals in HD (green)

Hope this helps!

[brabus]

I'm not testing right now, fully legit 622 (who would have thought I'd say that one). Any way to get these legit, and if not, what is my option for testing to get them? I'm not exactly excited to have to buy another HD receiver just to have it go tits up a few months down the road...i already narrowly missed the latest mishap w/ mili's subs. What are my options? Thanks for the quick reply.

Edit: Also, it's very obvious that the 129 sat can indeed give me HD networks from all over the country (opposite of the BS story I got from DN over the phone)...is there any way to get DN to open some of these channels up to me since I can't get HD through my local affiliates?

[Dave411]

If you are somewhere within 40 miles(the nearer, the better) of Tulsa or OKC, you should be able to get the HD channels with an OTA antenna. If you are not close enough for OTA, probably out of luck with a legit receiver unless you can get waivers from your local stations to get distant stations. Not very likely though.

[brabus]

I'm about 50 mi from OKC as a crow flies, maybe less, maybe more. Is there a website that I could find out? Also, is there a way to get a waiver from DN? Should I call them and say, "I KNOW the 129 broadcasts HD major networks, so I KNOW I can receive them, you're just not letting me. Give me a waiver to receive them since i have no other HD options." Would something like that fly? What HD receiver would work to get all the HD majors on 129 if I decide to go the testing route? Thanks for the help.

[Dave411]

Try antennaweb.org That will give you an idea if you can receiver the channels OTA. All the HD locals on 129, except for LA, are in MPEG4, so you can only get them with an MPEG4 receiver, but MPEG4 receivers are not testable. Kinda catch22. LA HD locals can be received using a 6000, my preference, or an 811.

[brabus]

Looked on antennaweb...apparently I'm 65 mi...didn't think it was that far away as a crow flies. So OTA will probably suck at best. And of course I have a 622, so I can't test...seems pointless to get a 6000/811 just to see LA locals, and then probably not after a while when they go to MPEG4. Is it worth it to call DN and tell them to give me a waiver for the major 4 since they don't provide them in HD or am I screwed since they will give them to me in SD?

[Dave411]

One thing about OTA digital signal is that you either have a great picture or no picture, but 65 miles might be pushing it. Just depends on how badly you want to try. DN does not issue the waivers, you have to contact the individual stations to try to get a waiver and, in all honesty, they are unlikely to give you one. DN is unable to give you any other locals by law without the waiver and may even have to quite offering them even with a waiver because of a lawsuit by the networks. Sorry I dont have better news for you. Good luck.

[brabus]

Does DN have the ability to give me the major networks from some national feed or something? I could care less about local news, etc., just want to watch football and other shows in HD. Thanks for the info, even if it's not good :).

[Dave411]

I understand the HD addiction, but unfortunately, no.

[brabus]

Damn! Oh well, maybe Tulsa or OKC locals will go HD in the near future...do you know where that info could be found, as far as when they are projected to go HD if at all? College football is just so damn addicting in HD...I almost can't stand to watch SD now...he he! Appreciate the help dave, thanks for the info.