Emergency Alert System

[sjvirchow]

How does Dish Network handle the Emergency Alert system, especially for local information?

[reddice]

I hate the stupid EAS. That is one of the reasons why I don't have XM anymore. I hated having my music interrupted by a fax machine type sound screeching tests once a week at any random time. I think Dish does there EAS tests once a month in the middle of the night like it suppose too.

[TonyT@DISH Network]

I believe it bases the information itself on management areas (a group of zip codes where a Field Service Specialist would work) and DMAs.

I have seen it do the tests during the day (it has been a while since I have witnessed it personally). It will also interrupt DVR playback as well and basically "locks" the box on the EAS test, from my experience. As far as "testing the system", its Mission: Accomplished!

[sjvirchow]

So If I were watching Discovery Channel, and the state of Nebraska issue's a tornado warning (not rare in May-June) it would show up even though Discovery is broadcast nationally?

[gdarwin]

I have never seen a local emergency alert on Dish. My emergency alert radio always goes off....

[KAB]

I have never seen a local emergency alert on Dish.

Me either.

[navychop]

I don't think that part of the EAS has been implemented yet.

[n0qcu]

So If I were watching Discovery Channel, and the state of Nebraska issue's a tornado warning (not rare in May-June) it would show up even though Discovery is broadcast nationally?

NO. fortunately its just national alerts at this point. That's why I have Dish instead of cable.

[TonyT@DISH Network]

So If I were watching Discovery Channel, and the state of Nebraska issue's a tornado warning (not rare in May-June) it would show up even though Discovery is broadcast nationally?

That is what I have witnessed, personally. I was watching a recording of Ghost Hunters during one of them (which of course is a Syfy show) and I was watching something on a premium movie channel another time. My sister has a competitor and I noticed the same type of thing when I stayed with her.

From what I could research, the FCC requires that NATIONAL EAS interruptions MUST happen on all digitally broadcast content through a Pay TV provider, with a small waiver for remaining C-Band sat subscribers due to declining numbers of them.... That was 2006 from what I could see, so I assume it passed. It was a First Hearing and Order (I think is how it is put) and a "Notice of Proposed Ruler Making". I am sure if I researched further I could find more information. Being a "signal required message" through satellite, I would assume that with it, there could be a "hit" to stop operation of the box and display the information on any Pay TV service. It would not be hard to do, as we can send reset signals from DRA at this point. Local is voluntary by either the service provider or channels.

[reddice]

The FCC can shove it. It did not happen to me but if I watching or recording something important my receiver locked and it was interrupted for screeching fax machine sounds I will be pretty peeved off.