I know some of the new HD channels are up .. but my wife got upset when I was using the SlingBox to check out the new channels from work as she was re-watching American Idol...


So I was not ablt to check all of them...


Ted...

6530(2) - KQTV [MPEG2 SD] added to Ciel-2 129W TP 08 Spotbeam 29 (http://www.satelliteguys.us/thelist/index.php?search=dn129&sub=true&beamMap=CIEL2_SB29.jpg&sort=TP&order=) (NA)(St.joseph, MO-ABC (http://maps.google.com/maps?&hl=en&q=St.joseph, MO))

How likely does this mean St. Joe is going to be added? Since I don't have locals available for purchase, I cannot get guide channels for my OTA. This would be big for me.

yeah i don't get the 5000 range, does that mean i would need a new dish or will they just keep the one i have since i already get all those channels? I get the hundreds and the 9000s.

No. They put the HD Latino package in the 5000 range, don't ask me why because it makes no sense to me. If you have 129 or 72.7, then you should be OK.

yeah i don't get the 5000 range, does that mean i would need a new dish or will they just keep the one i have since i already get all those channels? I get the hundreds and the 9000s.

To make the Guide smaller, they do not show channels from other packages, so people who are not Dish Latino subs do not have 5300s in their guide.

Yes, DL does not include all the Discovery channels, but many Discovery programs rotate through most of the channels. For example, some of the Science-HD programs have later shown on Discovery-HD channel.

Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, HD Theater and National Geographic are all included in HD.

As Randall mentioned, Spike is included at 5303 and the others you cited are indeed not included.

Again, everything from 5300-5405 is included, in HD.

No. They put the HD Latino package in the 5000 range, don't ask me why because it makes no sense to me. If you have 129 or 72.7, then you should be OK.

yeah, i have 72.7. I'll check up on this next week to see what i need to do, hopefully they won't charge a lot to switch if they need to put in a new dish, i still have the 9 months of free service plan. But losing nfl and msnbc to save $25 a month ($20 till November since we have $15 discount now and it looks like max only gets $10 off 1st year) will definitely be worth it, that will basically pay for the hbo/showtime/starz package we have. Will they still continue the year discount price if I switch packages?
Glad i read this post, this will save me a good amount of money :)

I have absolute and am gettting "Indie", "Retro", and the olympic channels

Called this morning as i have the 110, 119, 61.5 config and customer service told me $99 after I complained they passed me along to some other dept who quoted me $15 if I added a $8 per month maintenance charge. It will cost me $25 to cancel the maintenance. So I guess the total dish upgrade is $48. I'm a little disappointed after being a customer for almost 15 years that they could not do it for free but I really want FSC and BBC HD. They will install tomorrow so I am happy.

BZZZT! No one will call if they don't know it's there Juan..............
bzzzz they are calling all ready for the 8 new HD channels lets see what happens when put very popular channel up

bzzzz they are calling all ready for the 8 new HD channels lets see what happens when put very popular channel up

The only people calling are a couple of hundred or so on this website and maybe from the other site.....the general public has no clue...it would be the same if it were ESPNU

How are you getting your locals now, do you have an oversized 61.5? How about non-EA; i.e. 1000.2 = 110/119/129 and your existing 61.5 dish?

I'm getting SD locals off of 110 or 119, I forgot which. I'm not getting HD locals because Dish put them on a beam on 61.5 that doesn't cover my part of the DMA. So if I switched to EA I wouldn't have any locals at all.

My locals are on 61.5 and this area is simply buried in snow at this time - almost paralyzed. It would be a good bet that the Federal Government (FCC) will be closed the rest of this week and Monday is the President's Day holiday.

The bottom line: It's going to be while before we see the new channels :(

I'm getting SD locals off of 110 or 119, I forgot which. I'm not getting HD locals because Dish put them on a beam on 61.5 that doesn't cover my part of the DMA. So if I switched to EA I wouldn't have any locals at all.

Can you see 129 from where you are? If so then it costs you (in terms of channels lost) absolutely nothing to do 110/119/129, regardless of whether you have a 61.5. But I'm probably not telling you anything you didn't already know. :)

Called this morning as i have the 110, 119, 61.5 config and customer service told me $99 after I complained they passed me along to some other dept who quoted me $15 if I added a $8 per month maintenance charge. It will cost me $25 to cancel the maintenance. So I guess the total dish upgrade is $48. I'm a little disappointed after being a customer for almost 15 years that they could not do it for free but I really want FSC and BBC HD. They will install tomorrow so I am happy.

tried the same with several different csr/techs....no deal, unless i fork up $99

Just got off a chat with Tech support and they will be out tomorrow to upgrade me to EA. Painless, easy, 15 bucks... I got no complaints here IF they install goes as planned!

why was the new hd channels not put on 61.5 instead of 72,Most people that have 61.5 did so because 129 is to low to receive from their area. Mine included. Why didnt they put them on 119 or 110. And move the nonhd channels to 61.5 or 129. I feel like I am getting shafted. Does anyone know if this going to corrected at least 61.5 can get these channels. The only I get is SMC . Which I am not a sports fan. So I wont subs to it anyway.

tried the same with several different csr/techs....no deal, unless i fork up $99
Like a said quite a few times already, dont call them yet as these channels are not officially available until Tomorrow. :)

No. They put the HD Latino package in the 5000 range, don't ask me why because it makes no sense to me. If you have 129 or 72.7, then you should be OK.

yeah, actually 72 would be better for us for the hd since we get a higher signal off that sat. FSC has it in the 50s, the 61.5 channels have it in the 30s to 40s. And its snowing right now, not sure if that is affecting it. Are locals are off 61.5 too.

I may be wrong, but I'm thinking we'll get taken care of when they get the new sat up and tested. I was really looking forward to BBCA HD.

Hope you're right...I'd really like to see the HD version of all the premium movie channels given to us (instead of just the core ones).

285 - SMC [MPEG2 SD] - EchoStar11 110W TP 16 ConUS beam (http://www.satelliteguys.us/thelist/index.php?search=dn110&sub=true&beamMap=E11_CONUS.jpg&sort=TP&order=) changed to Available
285 - SMC [MPEG4 SD] - Nimiq5 72.7W TP 09 ConUS beam (http://www.satelliteguys.us/thelist/index.php?search=dn72&sub=true&beamMap=NIMIQ5_72.jpg&sort=TP&order=) changed to Available

This is the Sportsman Channel! I have the AT250 and I am getting this channel.

I don't care for hunting, but this channel should make a lot folks happy with the AT250 pack.

Wouldnt this channel be better placed with the sports channels and not above the movie channels?

Thats BELOW the movie channels Bob...

Movie channels start at 300, Sportman channel is at 285. :)

WOW - PQ on BBCA-HD is insanely good. Actually, all of the new channels are super pretty. Is E* using some kind of new compression technology, or are these signals just especially high quality?

To make the Guide smaller, they do not show channels from other packages, so people who are not Dish Latino subs do not have 5300s in their guide.

Yes, DL does not include all the Discovery channels, but many Discovery programs rotate through most of the channels. For example, some of the Science-HD programs have later shown on Discovery-HD channel.

Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, HD Theater and National Geographic are all included in HD.

As Randall mentioned, Spike is included at 5303 and the others you cited are indeed not included.

Again, everything from 5300-5405 is included, in HD.

Do you guys get Big ten network HD or is it like in 250 where you only get it if you are in certain areas? I am in RI. That is actually a channel I like that i had on fios since they show wrestling in hd.

WOW - PQ on BBCA-HD is insanely good. Actually, all of the new channels are super pretty. Is E* using some kind of new compression technology, or are these signals just especially high quality?

I don't think they have as many channels as normal on those transponders yet. Give them time...

Can you see 129 from where you are? If so then it costs you (in terms of channels lost) absolutely nothing to do 110/119/129, regardless of whether you have a 61.5. But I'm probably not telling you anything you didn't already know. :)

I'm not sure, I'd have to get on the roof and see where the trees are, and that's not happening right now :) But if I re-pointed at 129, I think the dishes would collide because of the way they're mounted.

Thats BELOW the movie channels Bob...

Movie channels start at 300, Sportman channel is at 285. :)


Sorrry, inverted guide :D Anyhow this channel should be placed in the 400's. I think dish needs to realign chanels and place the non SD HD channels at the end of the 200's such as HD NET and MGM, ect.

Wouldnt this channel be better placed with the sports channels and not above the movie channels?
Yes I agree but if you look at the Outdoor channel on 153 there really isn't any vacant channel spaces for any new channels to go there in that area.

ok when will we see PHASE TWO? and what will that be? is new sat. supposed to be up in early march?

why was the new hd channels not put on 61.5 instead of 72,Most people that have 61.5 did so because 129 is to low to receive from their area. Mine included. Why didnt they put them on 119 or 110. And move the nonhd channels to 61.5 or 129. I feel like I am getting shafted. Does anyone know if this going to corrected at least 61.5 can get these channels. The only I get is SMC . Which I am not a sports fan. So I wont subs to it anyway.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/2101395-post4.html


Basically folks with 110/119 w/ 61.5 wing dishes will need to upgrade to 61/72/77(1000.4) or 110/119/129 (1000.2) setups to get these channels.

Why did they do this?

1. E-3 has had more failures in the past few months. They don't want to put up more HD then have to take it down. They have filed to move E-6 to E-3 incase of another failure at 61.5.

2. They have a bunch of room at 72.7 with the new Nimiq5 bird with more transponders on the way as DirecTV vacates them.

3. 129 has the room to support the channels for WA customers.

4. Why not just put it on 119? They had room before! Correct. They have room at 119, but this room is needed for the E-14 shuffle coming up when E-14 is in orbit. Plus E-14 actually requires more transponders for efficient beam utilization. This will come more into play during the 8PSK WA conversion.

So basically the E-3 life and E-14 shuffle probably forced their hand at this, and they figure most of the customers have LOS to either WA or EA.

Okay, I keep waiting for the 922 to come out so that I can upgrade and move over to the Eastern Arc -- These new channels are killing me!! Any idea when the 922 is coming to market? And can I just move my 110/119 over to 72/77?

Okay, I keep waiting for the 922 to come out so that I can upgrade and move over to the Eastern Arc -- These new channels are killing me!! Any idea when the 922 is coming to market? And can I just move my 110/119 over to 72/77?


First, I like your avatar.

I've been playing with one and although it's coming along, there are still features that aren't implemented yet. Not sure if we can talk about them here, but there are threads in the 922 forum. I have no idea when it'll be available, but they need to get the main features working reliably.

Just thinking about watching Top Gear has me at half mast.

BBC America shows a lot of older episodes (like right now).

Only the most recent season was in HD.

However, like most UK shows, it is 16x9 and 576i resolution.

So, when it is upconverted to HD, it looks a lot better than US SD - just short a little resolution, and lacking that color accuracy of HD.

I'm currently checking out this showing of Top Gear to see how much of it is removed by BBC America. Previously, US showings of Top Gear removed some equally entertaining material from the show, such as "The News" which sometime had UK references, and "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" which often featured various UK pop stars who might be unknown to Americans.

So, since I have seen the entire 59 minute version of this episode (on that Interweb thingy), I'll let you know what is missing.

PQ on this not-yet-HD ep looks equal to the source, though. :up

I am located in Rochester, NY. Bundled with my telephone company for the last 4 years. I have 2 - 500's pointed at 110/119 and 61.5.

Signed on to chat, asked what could be done about getting me access to the new HD channels. Without any question or begging, someone will be here Friday to do whatever they need to do for a cost of $15 installation.

Your mileage may vary depending on your situation, how much sleep the CSR got the night before and the phase of the moon.

Thanks,

Brian

Your mileage may vary depending on your situation, how much sleep the CSR got the night before and the phase of the moon. And your DHPP status. ;)

Hmm... the Top Gear episode showed the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", although this time the Star was American.... they did not show "The News"....it is hard to say what else was missing without going back to the original, but either they dropped another whole segment, or else they shortened all the segments...

Any word on the Pbs hd Channels that were uplinked a weak or so ago? WUSI!!!

I have tried calling four times to get upgraded to eastern arc.These CSR arent trained for new info. The last one tried to kept telling me BBCA was only in standard def . Then he kept telling me I am going to see what I can do to get you the 129 orbital location. He kept repeating this over and over. Even after I kept telling him I cant receive it from location this signal is too low. Live in condo and association will not let you put dish on the roofs. You cant get EA because you live in ga. Well my sister in law lives 1 1/2 hrs away and she gets the EA. The last two I told them politely I was going to hang up which I did. Only 1 person was aware of the New Hd channels and he couldnt help because the system was down .Call back in 1/2 hr which I have twice. Neither one of them knew what they were talking about.I wished I had written down his name and ID number he might have got me the dish upgrade. He was in Colorodo and the Last one in the Philipines. Is there any where online you can check from my zipcode can I get EA. CS is like play russian roulette and getting the bullet most of the time . LOL. BTW 3 out 4 were in the US. The first one tried to tell me I couldnt get EA but she put in a request for the techs to put the new channels on 61.5.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/2101395-post4.html
I dont see why they dont put them up in 61.5 too. Then if they have to take them down so be it. At least we would have them. Or least send out letters to the Customers before adding new hd to the 72.7. having the 110/119/61.5. Would have to upgrade the dish and offer a free upgrade. If they offered a free upgrade. I might be willing to stay for another 2yr committment. But I cant get these CSR to offer me an upgrade at all. See above post

Seriously?

Ok. I feel stupid. I wasn't reading all the way to the right of each line of the report to see the channel names. Duh!!!!:o:D


I hope this helps you....
114 E! HD
135 BBC America HD
149 Fox Soccer Channel HD
185 Hallmark HD
204 Tru TV HD
285 Sportsman Channel
319 Showtime West HD
363 Indieplex HD
365 Retroplex HD

There seem to be some temporary Olympic channels:
550 Olympic 1
551 Olympic 2
552 Olympic 3

Thank you.

I have tried calling four times to get upgraded to eastern arc.These CSR arent trained for new info. .First thing you need to do is get transfered to the Technical Department . They are the only ones that can help you with satellite dish upgrades,and channel / satellite lists. Everyone else is clueless.
Customers with the protection plan are getting upgrade for $15, customers without Protection planvare getting charged the standard $95 technition service fee.

BUT if your not Eastern arc at your location, They will not give you an Eastern arc setup.
They will only give you the required setup for your area. (It just may be the 129, just because you live in the eastern USA,doesn't mean your eastern arc)

If you want something thats not required by Dish, then you must upgrade yourself at your own expence.

Here is a list of HD locals,and the satellite that they are on.
The ones with the EA are Eastern Arc citys.
EKB: Dish HD Locals (http://www.dishuser.org/hdlocal.php)

Is there any where online you can check from my zipcode can I get EA. Try this. (http://www.dishretailer.com/dmalookup.html)

It is interesting that Dish would only bring up Indie and Retro and not MoviePlex, which seem to be advertised on Ind/Ret as a NEW 3 pack of channels....

And WHY does it take Dish SOoooooo long to negotiate channels? Where is Epix?! The friggin CEO of Epix was talking how Dish would have it soon. Do they still use Paper cups and string to communicate?!?!

First thing you need to do is get transfered to the Technical Department . They are the only ones that can help you with satellite dish upgrades,and channel / satellite lists. Everyone else is clueless.
Customers with the protection plan are getting upgrade for $15, customers without Protection planvare getting charged the standard $95 technition service fee.

Hemi:

As I stated previously, I am getting the upgrade to EA for FREE. I do not have the protection plan and they are waiving the 90 something dollar fee for me. No contractural obligation as well.

I must have been the first one to talk to person I got about all of this. She asked for one example of one of the new channels and I mentioned E!. I read the real channel number right off the screen from this site and where it was mapped down to. She put me on hold for a couple of minutes then came back and gave me the good news.

I am surprised she didn't offer me a job as well. :D

Hmm... the Top Gear episode showed the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", although this time the Star was American.... they did not show "The News"....it is hard to say what else was missing without going back to the original, but either they dropped another whole segment, or else they shortened all the segments...

They've been showing the 'Star in a reasonably priced car' segment on BBCA versions for quite some time now. Each episode I usually just skip through the interview to get to their run, since I usually don't know who these people are anyway. I watch for the cars and antics, not interviews. :)

They usually don't show 'The News', but will occasionally do some short segments on new cars coming out, and the 'Cool board'.

Here is a list of HD locals,and the satellite that they are on.
The ones with the EA are Eastern Arc citys.
EKB: Dish HD Locals (http://www.dishuser.org/hdlocal.php)

The EKB chart needs to be updated because Cleveland HD locals are on both 61.5 W and 129 W.

The EKB chart needs to be updated because Cleveland HD locals are on both 61.5 W and 129 W.

Yeah, that chart is a little of date. There's always TheList for instant up to date info.

It is interesting that Dish would only bring up Indie and Retro and not MoviePlex, which seem to be advertised on Ind/Ret as a NEW 3 pack of channels....

And WHY does it take Dish SOoooooo long to negotiate channels? Where is Epix?! The friggin CEO of Epix was talking how Dish would have it soon. Do they still use Paper cups and string to communicate?!?!

Epix website needs updating to handle Dish Network customers
email address so Dish Network customers will be able to watch
movies on the Epix website that is the reason for the delay
according to Scott's source.

It is interesting that Dish would only bring up Indie and Retro and not MoviePlex, which seem to be advertised on Ind/Ret as a NEW 3 pack of channels....

And WHY does it take Dish SOoooooo long to negotiate channels? Where is Epix?! The friggin CEO of Epix was talking how Dish would have it soon. Do they still use Paper cups and string to communicate?!?!

Although I would not mind MoviePlex, my guess is that Dish did not add it because I believe that MoviePlex shifts the movies that are placed on the Encore theme channels (Encore Love, Encore Drama, Encore Mystery, Enocre Westerns, Encore WAM, Encore Action). Basically, MoviePlex seems like later broadcasts of what is shown on those channels on the same day. I could be wrong, though. Sometimes I miss a movie that I wanted to watch; so, I would not mind MoviePlex. However, I like that they added IndiePlex HD and RetroPlex HD. MoviePlex would also be nice for those who do not have the Encore add-on or the Gold 250 pack. It could be like a preview of what they could have by upgrading their package. Just a thought, though.

I was hoping to see Epix, too.

Yeah, that chart is a little of date. There's always TheList for instant up to date info.

Digi, is there a list that clearly shows which package each channel landed in, for instance turbo, absolute, gold silver etc?

Although I would not mind MoviePlex, my guess is that Dish did not add it because I believe that MoviePlex shifts the movies that are placed on the Encore theme channels (Encore Love, Encore Drama, Encore Mystery, Enocre Westerns, Encore WAM, Encore Action). Basically, MoviePlex seems like later broadcasts of what is shown on those channels on the same day. I could be wrong, though. Sometimes I miss a movie that I wanted to watch; so, I would not mind MoviePlex. However, I like that they added IndiePlex HD and RetroPlex HD. MoviePlex would also be nice for those who do not have the Encore add-on or the Gold 250 pack. It could be like a preview of what they could have by upgrading their package. Just a thought, though.

I was hoping to see Epix, too.

All of the Movieplex channels are part of the Starz/Encore family and carry basically identical movies. Starz has the first run flicks, but all of the Multiplex/Encore channels draw from the same pool of films. They're just themed slightly differently.

Just FYI.. while no official confirmation the word I am getting is the new HD channels are NOT going to be moved to 61.5 even if Echostar 6 is moved into place. :(

MoviePlex used to show Encore Westerns one day, Encore Love Stories the next, Encore (insert name here) the 3rd, etc. and cycle through a 7 day week and then back to Encore Westerns...

Epix website needs updating to handle Dish Network customers
email address so Dish Network customers will be able to watch
movies on the Epix website that is the reason for the delay
according to Scott's source.

Really... That's interesting..... Ya'd think a NEW COMPANY might think that maybe, JUST maybe they'd have...... Customers. :)

Well hopefully they get around to fixing this issue soon, I watched Epix one day online and truly enjoyed it. :cool:

Epix website needs updating to handle Dish Network customers
email address so Dish Network customers will be able to watch
movies on the Epix website that is the reason for the delay
according to Scott's source.

That's rather stupid. They could give us the channel now and access to the website later. Or, they could just forget about website access. Having Sirius on Dish doesn't give you access to Sirius online!

Having Sirius on Dish doesn't give you access to Sirius online!

Neither does having a Sirius radio and subscription. The online listening is a separate service and separate charge.

Just FYI.. while no official confirmation the word I am getting is the new HD channels are NOT going to be moved to 61.5 even if Echostar 6 is moved into place. :(

Kinda figured that. The old legacy hybrid EA/WA setups were a pain in their side to support on the uplink layout. And after all they did file to use E6 only if E3 has another failure, not to add capacity.

Neither does having a Sirius radio and subscription. The online listening is a separate service and separate charge.

I don't know where I got the idea that it did. Was it ever that way?

Just FYI.. while no official confirmation the word I am getting is the new HD channels are NOT going to be moved to 61.5 even if Echostar 6 is moved into place. :(

I suppose this is why I had no trouble upgrading to EA for free.

But why Scott, do you suppose others are being charged?

I did not have to fight for this at all. All I did was be very clear about everything I learned here.

But why Scott, do you suppose others are being charged?

.I was told I was being charged because it involves a service call for the upgrade.
I'm not going to bitch about $15, I rather pay this ,get a good job and not piss off dish for future credits and promotions.
I've gotten plenty of free equipment ,programming and credits in the past year, That $15 is the least I could do.
No if it was $100, I might complain!:)

Just FYI.. while no official confirmation the word I am getting is the new HD channels are NOT going to be moved to 61.5 even if Echostar 6 is moved into place. :(
And what is E* going to do with subs in the Northeast that have both SD and HD receivers? EA only works with VIP receivers. 129 is very low (19.3 degrees) from my location for reliable reception.:(

I don't know where I got the idea that it did. Was it ever that way?

It used to be free with the subscription. They changed it when they merged with XM, probably to try to get more money out of their subscriber base. (Gee that sounds familiar)

Since you're in NJ, is there a reason you're not upgrading to a 1000.4 to pick up the EA?

I'm not sure what they are sending me..... Tech is coming tomorrow and I'll let everyone know what they are upgrading me to....

Newbie here in South Jersey - thanks to this site I just got a FREE upgrade from two 500's to a 1000.4 with the new Fox Soccer Channel in HD.
Tech was here 8am sharp today and in official DISH van and very professional etc.

Newbie here in South Jersey - thanks to this site I just got a FREE upgrade from two 500's to a 1000.4 with the new Fox Soccer Channel in HD.
Tech was here 8am sharp today and in official DISH van and very professional etc.

OK so I am not alone. The installers left a few hours ago. My similar upgrade was free as well.

Due to snow on the roof and my 2 dishes being up there, they left them behind along with the LNB's.

Newbie here in South Jersey - thanks to this site I just got a FREE upgrade from two 500's to a 1000.4 with the new Fox Soccer Channel in HD.
Tech was here 8am sharp today and in official DISH van and very professional etc.

Excellent! :welcome: to SatelliteGuys! :D

Scott,

Have you heard anything official and final yet as to whether there's really never going to be any new national HD at 61.5?

The reason I'm asking is, if 119/110/61.5 is indeed a deprecated configuration now, what does this mean for the plans that they told someone about a month or two ago to fix the Scranton local HD spotbeam problem by putting the local HD channels on the new bird going to (what is it, 119 or 110?)

I really need to get all this sorted out before I pay to upgrade my dishes (not that I should be having to pay at all, mind you.)

I wouldn't expect new HD at 61.5 anytime soon with this current change that happened. I would expect quite the opposite to happen and HD move off of 61.5 to 72 as customers are upgraded to pure EA and pure WA setups.

A few other options...if HD is moved off 61.5 they could possibly create more spotbeams but that doesn't help out your DMA's problem.

Now here's the issue with your DMA. If they put the HD locals on the new beam on E-14 at 119 they will have to remove the locals from 61.5 or your receiver will try to get them off of 61.5 sometimes. Now what happens to the pure EA folks in your DMA that can get the signal? They will have to add wing dishes to their 1000.4 for 119.

It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out for Scranton.

A local installer had started putting up bigger dishes (I'm not sure how big, I haven't seen one up close yet) for 61.5 to solve the spotbeam problem. But this was before the current debacle. If 61.5 as a wing dish is no longer a valid setup, how's that going to work if they don't move the locals somewhere else? If the EA LNB cluster has a port for an extra LNB, a small dish could be pointed at 110 (or is it 119?) for the locals in SD, but that would leave customers without HD locals again. Could an EA LNB cluster be mounted on a bigger dish, or would the focal point be too tight?

I've got 'em now! :) It was a decent enough day today so I climbed up on the roof after work with a long line from my "sat-beeper" hooked to the 61.5 dish line. I was able to point the 61.5 dish to 129 (VERY LOW ON THE HORIZON - 19deg angle) and get a decent signal!

Did a check switch and there they all are! I may need to move the dish come summertime to clear some currently foliage-free trees but it may just be possible to stick with this set-up permanently. I should move it regardless as it's almost pointed directly into the back of the Dish500 pointing at 110/119. I think the signal could improve slightly just by eliminating that little issue but forget that until the snow is gone http://www.dbstalk.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Right now I'm actually getting a higher signal meter reading for the 129 than I did for the 61 but I don't know if they work on the same scale. Odd since the 61.5 has a perfectly clear line of sight very high up on the horizon.... unexpected.

FSC HD and BBCAHD look OUTSTANDING!!! I'm a happy camper again.

And what is E* going to do with subs in the Northeast that have both SD and HD receivers? EA only works with VIP receivers. 129 is very low (19.3 degrees) from my location for reliable reception.:(

Any elevation is just as reliable as any other elevation.

If there is no obstruction between your dish and 129 at 19.3 degrees elevation, then it should work all the time.

A low elevation simply means that there is more chance of an obstruction (tree, hill or building).

Note that another post in this thread reports that 129 is actually stronger than 61.5 (which is undoubtedly due to the satellite at 129 being brand new, and the 61.5 being old and failing).

I've got 'em now! :) It was a decent enough day today so I climbed up on the roof after work with a long line from my "sat-beeper" hooked to the 61.5 dish line. I was able to point the 61.5 dish to 129 (VERY LOW ON THE HORIZON - 19deg angle) and get a decent signal!

Did a check switch and there they all are! I may need to move the dish come summertime to clear some currently foliage-free trees but it may just be possible to stick with this set-up permanently. I should move it regardless as it's almost pointed directly into the back of the Dish500 pointing at 110/119. I think the signal could improve slightly just by eliminating that little issue but forget that until the snow is gone http://www.dbstalk.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Right now I'm actually getting a higher signal meter reading for the 129 than I did for the 61 but I don't know if they work on the same scale. Odd since the 61.5 has a perfectly clear line of sight very high up on the horizon.... unexpected.

FSC HD and BBCAHD look OUTSTANDING!!! I'm a happy camper again.

Remember the dish isn't really picking up the signal on where it is "looking" due to the 22 degree offset on the LNB, so it can fool you very easily.