Local channels on DTV

[Robert-W]

I will be in Arzona from Jan.1st to Apr 10 2009. My Directv programs here in Indy include the most inclusive program available except the special packages. I wonder if Directv would let me suspend my programs here and transfer my programs including the local channels in the Arizona area. I am interested in getting their local channels through the satellite. Last year I could not get good reception through the air antenna. Has anyone done this?

[Robert-W]

I will be in Arzona from Jan.1st to Apr 10 2009. My Directv programs here in Indy include the most inclusive program available except the special packages. I wonder if Directv would let me suspend my programs here and transfer my programs including the local channels in the Arizona area. I am interested in getting their local channels through the satellite. Last year I could not get good reception through the air antenna. Has anyone done this?

[Bill Adams]

You just need to tell DTV that you are moving to AZ and they will change your service address. With this done you will receive those local Network channels instead of the Indy locals. This programming may or may not be as inclusive as Indy but it will be the best that is available.
You may or may not need to use the new 5-LNB Slimline antenna depending upon where DTV is broadcasting the local Networks but you certainly will within next year or so.

[KayLarGo]

We have our receiver in the coach registered as a mobil RV and we call them at various points along the way to give them a new address. Within seconds we have local channels for that area. We are receiving the Phoenix channels as we speak. Our home is the Seattle area.

Larry A

[LindaH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bill Adams:
You just need to tell DTV that you are moving to AZ and they will change your service address. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
"Service address" is the operative term here...do NOT have them change your "billing" address.

[Robert-W]

Thank everyone for the quick response. I received a letter from DT concerning a DNS (distant network service). Must fill out some papers. It seems it will be easier just to ask them to change my service to AZ. I don't think I will need the 5-LNB antenna because last year my Wineguard Dome was sufficient. I hope ther are not too many changes from last year.

[Bill Adams]

I checked here and it shows the Phoenix local channels on the 101 satellite so your dome should work just fine.
If you fill out the DNS waiver you will NOT be able to get local programming but rather you would always receive the Network programming from both NY and LA where ever you travel.

[MikeT]

I am trying to decide whether to drop cable and go sat. TV. Called Direct, they say you cannot switch locals in the RV, and their receivers can only feed one TV, not separate programing to second TV. I know it depends on who you talk to at Direct.
Dish can feed two TV's, but no locals at my home, and no DNS. I know someone else can provide locals or DNS for Dish.

My main concern is to feed different programing to 2 TV,s in the RV. I don't need HD. I understand the DVR setup and limitations.

I prefer Direct, but their receivers do not seem to output two different TV signals.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The satellite receiver is the tuner - you generally need two receivers to view two different stations, which means two outputs from the dish or dome so that two receivers can be connected.

Receivers with a DVR built in can usually tune two different shows - one to the DVR and one to the tv for viewing. And on some you can watch a previously recorded show on one tv while watching live on the other. Not sure if Direct's DVP Plus system does that or not. I don't have one, so will have to yield to somebody who does for the details. Bill Adams probably knows the answer, so I'll stop conjecturing.

[LindaH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MikeT:
Called Direct, they say you cannot switch locals in the RV,and their receivers can only feed one TV, not separate programing to second TV. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
As stated above, all that is necessary is to call DirecTV when you get to your new location and change your SERVICE address. DirecTV *may* only allow this a certain number of times each year.

If you want to watch 2 different programs on 2 different TVs, why not just get a second receiver? That's what we have and it works very well.

[Bill Adams]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">and their receivers can only feed one TV, not separate programing to second TV. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is true. Dish has a receiver with 2 tuners and 2 outputs and DirecTV does not. If you want to watch 2 different channels on 2 different TV you will need 2 receivers.

Dish and DirecTV must follow the same rules about local Network programming so which ever service you choose you will have similar problems. Most folks who travel simply sign up for the Distant Network Services and you get your Network programming from the East and West coasts no matter where you stop.
The roof top antenna works very well in most cases if you need a local weather forecast. If you are only moving from one place to another and staying there for a number of months then changing your service address is a logical procedure.

[MikeT]

Thanks Bill,

Decided to wait a little while before changing to Sat. service. While on the road we'll check out how well the change to digital works. So far, digital locals have been good, but in a couple of places we don't get all the networks. Maybe some haven't gone full power yet. One local here in MA is going full digital Dec 1.

Dish seems my choice for now due to dual tuner in DVR and two RF outputs to TV along with composite, etc. Since the DVR's have two tuners, I don't see the need for two receivers.

[wagonmaster2]

Has anyone been told by Directv how many times a year they will change your Service Location? Have you been refused when you requested the Service Location be changed? I have changed mine maybe a couple times in one year but no more than that. Have also found out that the taxes on your bill will be charged according to your service location. Arkansas is probably the highest I've run into, while Colorado has no tax at all.
Wagonmaster2

[Robert-W]

This is what is stated on the DNS application that I received. "You may suspend the residential account or Mobile Vechicle account up to 4 times per calendar year. Each suspend request must be for a minimum of 30 days and cannot exceed 6 nonths".

From all of the good information I received from the individuals from this web site, I am just going to call after I arrive in Phoenix and change my service address.