View Full Version : Experience with DishNetwork and OTA HD
Wolfpacker96
07-30-2008, 12:26 PM
I was thinking about canceling paying for my local HD channels and adding an antenna to grab the OTA signal. I'm sure some of you out there are doing this and I was curious as to how the experience has been. I have the DVR and I know I can record OTA, but how is the interface? Are the locals integrated into my channel guide or do I have to manually set up recording times (such hard work!! :) ). I'm a bit spoiled by the DVR and don't want to lose that functionality, but it would nice to get more than just the 4 major networks in HD. Also, I don't get any of the multicast channels. Finally, how hard is it to hook up? Is it just a matter of adding a couple of splitters or do I have to run a new coax? Looks like I need a medium directional antenna. Thanks for any help!
Ratman
07-30-2008, 01:37 PM
How much is the monthly sub fee for "locals"?
Why not hook up an indoor antenna first and see how it works?
Just consider that a good antenna/setup may be an expense:
Antenna
rotor
coax
mounting hardware
connectors/tools/etc.
Also, don't get excited about multicasted channels, there's no HD and usually weather and news.
IMO... I'd experiment first and test the waters before diving in. ;)
kevinw
07-30-2008, 01:45 PM
Yes they work seemslessly. In the menu there is an option for OTA ot DISH in the guide. I have both OTA and DISH locals in case of bad weather.
Wolfpacker96
07-30-2008, 02:13 PM
Oh, it's just $5 for the locals. It just bugs me that I can't get but the major 4 in HD. PBS has some good things on HD and I can't get that. And none of the local independents in HD that sometimes carry college basketball and football. I have about 5 local HD channels that I can't get with Dish.
Good suggestion on the test. I know for a fact that I can get some channels with just rabbit ears. That surprises me that the locals work seamlessly. Since Dish isn't making any money on the OTA I'm surprised they go to the trouble of adding that to the guides (not that I'm complaining! :) ). So, did you have to run a separate coax for the OTA feed or did you just add a splitter on both ends?
kevinw
07-30-2008, 04:51 PM
Separate coax
Wolfpacker96
07-30-2008, 05:43 PM
That blows and makes it much harder!
Ratman
07-30-2008, 05:58 PM
Although not the best way to go, you could look into using a pair of diplexers.
http://www.prosatellitesupply.com/SATELLITE_DIPLEXERS_and_SPLITTERS.htm
oljim
07-31-2008, 12:19 PM
If you drop the locals from dish you will no longer get the EPG, you can use diplexers but it will cost you signal, go with a new coax it will give better signal and less chance of problems if you need to add an amp some time
Wolfpacker96
07-31-2008, 12:47 PM
If I have to run a new wire (which I'd rather not do if I'll have signal loss), then it just isn't worth it. I don't have a crawl space, so I'd likely have to drill holes in the side of the house, and I'd rather not do that.
Wolfpacker96
07-31-2008, 01:34 PM
And on the EPG, are you positive about that? I was going through the dish website and it has instructions on how to add the locals to your program guide when you're using off-air signals. From the dish website:
Ok, I understand that you have an off air antenna and want to add local off air channels to your Electronic Program Guide.
Models DISH 411, ViP211, ViP222, ViP622 DVR, ViP612, and ViP722 DVR
1. With the DISH Network remote in SAT mode press the Menu button to open the Main Menu.
2. Select the System Setup option then select Local Channels.
3. Select Scan Locals to scan for channels, or select Add Locals to add manually.
4. Select Done to save.
Does this not then look the same on the EPG as when you buy the locals?
Ratman
07-31-2008, 02:01 PM
Choices:
1) leave as is and pay $5 per month
2) add an indoor antenna, pay $5 per month and get a few more channels that aren't offered in the Dish package.
3) cancel "local" sub for $5 per month savings. Spend ~ $100+ in hardware, add an outdoor antenna, rotor and add new coax run
4) cancel "local" sub for $5 per month savings. Spend ~ $100+ in hardware, add an outdoor antenna, rotor and use diplexers
I know for a fact that I can get some channels with just rabbit ears. That surprises me that the locals work seamlessly.
So, if you have an indoor antenna, test and see how the EPG works. Perform a cost analysis/comparison, work effort and go from there to make an informed descision.
kevinw
07-31-2008, 05:06 PM
dish will be 46.0, antenna will be 46.1 and sub channels wil be 46.2 etc
oljim
08-01-2008, 12:36 PM
I know it is a fact, a buddy I know has 622, was getting local HD channels via OTA when he dropped is locals from dish, he lost the EPG for OTA channels.He got his EPG back when a put dish locals back on his acct.
oljim
08-01-2008, 12:40 PM
The listing for OTA were still in EPG but they just have ditigal service and no program info
Wolfpacker96
08-01-2008, 02:40 PM
The listing for OTA were still in EPG but they just have ditigal service and no program info
That makes sense. So you can record, but you have to put a time frame like an old VCR. I wish Dish would allow me to control the box over the internet. I have it networked to stream movies on demand, so it wouldn't be hard for them to do I'm sure. I could just use TitanTV to control it like you would for a PC tuner.
