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spacebug42

Last reply Apr 19, 2009 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

need advice - getting fustrated

I've spent a week so far trying to get my FTA dish in line with my southern satellite - Echostar 9 / Galaxy 23. I had no idea how arduous it is to get it lined up with that satellite - even with the use of my Fortec Star Dynamic receiver's signal strength meter and the SF95LK satellite finder. I can't get the satellite finder meter to get above 1 and the receiver's signal strength meter still shows it as 40-41% with 0 to 1% quality. What I need to know is - How do I get the correct angles and azimuth to align the motor and dish? The reason why I ask this is that the directions that came with the DG280 motor, Dishpointer.com, and one other dish pointing calculator website (Geosat finder I think) all give me different angle and azimuth settings. For a newbie, this is getting to be a fustrating experience. This is especially true for setting the azimuth. I used a digital compass to aim the dish at 163.5-165 degrees (the variated settings from the sources listed above), but Dishpointer showed a satellite photo of my neighborhood with a green line overlay which shows the dish aimed towards my neighbors' house across the street and it's not at 163.5-165 degrees. I am about ready to call in a pro to come and do the alignment work for me. Does anybody have any ideas or suggestions to help me before I call in a pro?

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spacebug42

Apr 18, 2009

Yeah - I did it!!!!

This is an update on my status of the alignment of my dish. I set up my dish according to the DG280 manual and remembering what direction the Dishpointer web site told me to aim the dish. Forget the compass! I aimed it towards my neighbor's house, turned on the TV and the receiver and I heard a steady tone coming from the signal finder. I adjusted the meter to midscale and then adjusted the elevation of the dish. Interestingly, the satellite meter went a little past 10 when I elevated the dish angle, but the monitor still showed 40-41% on the TP. I exited out of the antenna setup menu and did an auto scan. The scan did confirm strong signals across several transponders. I then had an idea of choosing another transponder on that bird which was really putting out the signal. This time I got a 97% signal strength and 77% quality. I went back and tried to maximize the strength, but I couldn't do it anymore. By the way, the final dish elevation angle is just a whisker above 45 degrees, not 29 and yes, I aimed at the right bird. The satellite finder helped so much in peaking the signal strength. I turned off the monitor and receiver, removed the satellite finder meter, and connected the motor between the LNB and the receiver. I picked G19 as my next test for an alignment check. I started an auto scan and within a few seconds the screen was filling up with found TV and radio channels. After the scan was complete, I exited out of the menu and I flipped through the many TV channels on that bird. Yeah - I'm now locked in on the satellite belt! It's now 8:49 PM Pacific and I'm making a quick trip into the attic to temporarily drop the receiver antenna cable into the living room before I have dinner. I'm looking forward to staying up tonight to see what's on TV!

Lak7

Apr 19, 2009

Congrats!
Nothing like watching channels pop in.

I then had an idea of choosing another transponder on that bird which was really putting out the signal. This time I got a 97% signal strength and 77% quality.

Correct, the Quality meter is not a "sat signal" meter, it's a Transponder Signal meter, and will only light up if the TP selected is Live / Active.

I then had an idea of choosing another transponder on that bird which was really putting out the signal. This time I got a 97% signal strength and 77% quality.

I would just guess that you are not looking at the proper Elevation indicator, remember it is not the bolt.

To test your alignment, pick a Sat far to the east, like 74 west, scan that, you should come up with 1 Channel called "Service 1" it should be ONN (Ohio News Net)

Anole

Apr 19, 2009

dish elevatioin marker:

Here are pictures of what everyone is talking about, concerning how to set your elevation.
- on some dishes, you use the center of the bolt (no picture)
- on some dishes, there is a little indicator on the elevation bolt with a pointer
- on some dishes, you use the red line to set the elevation.
However, it's just a hint. Assume a couple of degrees of "play" or error.

AcWxRadar

Apr 19, 2009

spacebug42 said:
This is an update on my status of the alignment of my dish. I set up my dish according to the DG280 manual and remembering what direction the Dishpointer web site told me to aim the dish. Forget the compass! I aimed it towards my neighbor's house, turned on the TV and the receiver and I heard a steady tone coming from the signal finder. I adjusted the meter to midscale and then adjusted the elevation of the dish. Interestingly, the satellite meter went a little past 10 when I elevated the dish angle, but the monitor still showed 40-41% on the TP. I exited out of the antenna setup menu and did an auto scan. The scan did confirm strong signals across several transponders. I then had an idea of choosing another transponder on that bird which was really putting out the signal. This time I got a 97% signal strength and 77% quality. I went back and tried to maximize the strength, but I couldn't do it anymore. By the way, the final dish elevation angle is just a whisker above 45 degrees, not 29 and yes, I aimed at the right bird. The satellite finder helped so much in peaking the signal strength. I turned off the monitor and receiver, removed the satellite finder meter, and connected the motor between the LNB and the receiver. I picked G19 as my next test for an alignment check. I started an auto scan and within a few seconds the screen was filling up with found TV and radio channels. After the scan was complete, I exited out of the menu and I flipped through the many TV channels on that bird. Yeah - I'm now locked in on the satellite belt! It's now 8:49 PM Pacific and I'm making a quick trip into the attic to temporarily drop the receiver antenna cable into the living room before I have dinner. I'm looking forward to staying up tonight to see what's on TV!

Congratulations SpaceBug!

Persistence and patience really are required and do pay off in this hobby! Some nice cuss words sometimes help, in moderation! LOL

RADAR

Cadsulfide

Apr 19, 2009

Good deal putting one in the win column! Everyone who does FTA has had similar stories, but the payoff is worth the effort!

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niembre

Last reply 14 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

OTA no working after Update

My OTA is not working anymore. This started after the latest update. I have the OTA dongle with a OTA antenna that I've been using for years. My hopper does not recognize the dongle anymore and when I go to the OTA setting, it has a screen that says to plug a dongle into the USB. I tried unplugging and plugging back, in the same usb port and other ports. The Hopper does not recognize it. Anyone have same issue?

204 Replies · 5614 views

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dishstaller

Wednesday at 9:57 PM

Installed an off-air antenna a couple days ago for a customer who had just cancelled his Dish service. He had a dual off-air adapter and gave it to me. Cool. I'll keep it on the truck....might come in handy. Got to admit I don't watch anything as far as live tv goes anymore. Even if we have severe weather, our local channels will have a live feed on Youtube.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, navychop and charlesrshell

navychop

Wednesday at 11:21 PM

In other news, it was announced that the software fix for the two tin cans and a string will not be forthcoming. A hardware fix is required. However, that fix will let you receive stations from a gazillion miles away.

Truck roll charges may apply. Two year commitment required.

Reactions: Almighty1, Bobby, dishstaller and 1 other person

brittanygarden

Thursday at 6:24 PM

Hi all. If you were using a single tuner USB OTA adapter that is no longer working, please PM me. Thanks.

Reactions: dennispap, MikeD-C05, Foxbat and 2 others

Jim5506

Friday at 11:48 PM

brittanygarden said:
Hi all. If you were using a single tuner USB OTA adapter that is no longer working, please PM me. Thanks.

I have the dual tuner OTA adapter currently connected, but I have 2 of the single tuner OTA adapters that I can quickly connect - neither is seen by my H3.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Briant73

14 minutes ago

Got the dual tuner OTA adapter, was able to set it up and get back my OTA channels. Thanks to everyone and extra thanks to the DISH reps in this forum!

Reactions: charlesrshell

View all replies (204)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 6:33 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Security Now 1102

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK11O-VoMBU

Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1102
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 4 views

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 6:21 PM · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

128 Replies · 2395 views

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Reactions: Jimbo and dfergie

rvvaquero

Oct 20, 2026

Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.

Reactions: Mike0616, dfergie and b4pjoe

Yespage

Thursday at 9:15 AM

rvvaquero said:
Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.

Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.

Reactions: AZ. and b4pjoe

b4pjoe

Thursday at 9:53 AM

Yespage said:
Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.

Jerry made himself General Manager after he bought the team but make no mistake Jimmy engineered that trade. As well as a lot of others at the time.

Reactions: rvvaquero, osu1991 and Yespage

rvvaquero

Thursday at 11:50 AM

Jimmy Johnson is a football guy. Jerry Jones is a marketer (hustler).

When I see a football player get a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (like taunting) in a close game, I often wonder what he was thinking. Was he thinking, I'm doing everything I can to make this a better team and help win a championship? Or, was he saying to himself, I want everyone to notice how great I am?

Johnson inspires one, Jones the other.

Reactions: AZ., b4pjoe and Mike0616

meStevo

Thursday at 10:53 PM

View: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2113438192913588676?s=20

Reactions: AZ., Mike0616 and osu1991

meStevo

Sunday at 8:17 PM

Got to unfurl and hold the flag at Allegiant for the anthem today - amazing experience.

Reactions: AZ., RaiderPower, Howard Simmons and 3 others

HipKat

Today at 6:21 PM

Balls
Bears. Gave the Pats a good beatdown.
Bucs. Got Baker back and absolutely demolished the previously surprising Panthers.
Falcons. Took care of the 49ers and did so convincingly.
Vikings. I hate them. I do. I've never seen such a bad/good team. Know what I mean? I know their D is epic. But their O is insulting. How they remain undefeated is a mystery.
Rams. Finally looked the part. Mind you against the hapless Cards.
Cowboys. Fireworks performance from their O.
Dolphins. Finally logged in a W. There won't be many. Enjoy it, Miami fans.
Browns. Still atop the AFC North.
Giants. Epic OT win with Buffalo's very own Motor Singletary finishing it off.
Seattle. Dominated KC from start to finish.

Goats
Jets. Couldn't beat the winless Dolphins. Aaron Glenn is a dead man walking.
Eagles. Injured beyond repair
Ravens and Lamar. Has he ever played a full season? Honestly, dude is fragile. Of course he's back for the Bills game.
49ers. No longer undefeated.
Colts. A sh*t show. When are they gonna realize that Daniel Jones is ass?
Steelers vs Saints game. Ass, just ass all around. Those poor people in Paris have had enough lately, and on top of that, endure that game.
Chiefs. They looked terrible. Like really bad.
Pack vs. Detroit game refs. Some of the worst refereeing I've seen in a long time. And the sample is pretty large.

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 6:02 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

68634 Replies · 2679116 views

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gms49ers

Today at 1:17 PM

Dancing Days - Led Zeppelin

Reactions: dishstaller and FTA4PA

dishstaller

Today at 2:34 PM

Dancing in the Street - Van Halen

long_time_Dish

Today at 3:47 PM

Bakers Street - Gerry Rafferty

Reactions: gms49ers

Bobby

Today at 4:09 PM

long_time_Dish said:
Bakers Street - Gerry Rafferty

Let me fix that for you:
Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty

Reactions: long_time_Dish

EatMyVolts

Today at 6:02 PM

The 59th Street Bridge Song -- Simon & Garfunkel

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MartyDe

Last reply Today at 5:37 PM · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available

www.tvtechnology.com

10 Replies · 551 views

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navychop

Oct 20, 2026

DEATH TO NEXGEN!

Reactions: primestar31, RaVo68, gms49ers and 1 other person

primestar31

Wednesday at 7:29 PM

navychop said:
DEATH TO NEXGEN!

It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, FTA4PA and navychop

navychop

Wednesday at 10:37 PM

I truly hope you are right.

Reactions: FTA4PA

Mister B

Thursday at 7:43 AM

What bothers me is the total waste of broadcasting spectrum in this very crowded market. It has been almost three years now since KFOX converted their broadcast tower to ATSC 3.0 and moved all of their channels to other towers causing noticeable degradation of the picture quality.
I have a Sony TV with 3.0 capabilities but still use the 1.0 version of locals due to the fact that one or all of the 3.0 channels are often missing or unwatchable. In this city of 800K I doubt that more than a few hundred even know about ATSC 3.0.
The only thing that could motivate me to be interested in 3.0 would be if all of the minor networks (diginets) could be in at least 720P rather than blurry ultra-compressed 480i.
Three years is long enough to waste one of the few available RF frequencies in the area for this trial.
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

navychop

Thursday at 4:31 PM

Mister B said:
In this city of 800K I doubt that more than a few hundred even know about ATSC 3.0.

They might notice the hand going into their pocket for their wallet.

Reactions: FTA4PA

navychop

Thursday at 4:31 PM

Mister B said:
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

QFT. Of course, my preference involves a curb and some kicking.

Reactions: FTA4PA

slow_poke_pete

Today at 5:37 PM

primestar31 said:
It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

WHAT ABOUT THE INTERNET PART OF IT. NO ONE WANTS A BOX CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET EITHER.

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TRG

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:35 PM · posted in Local Radio Discussion

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and

wabcradio.com

21 Replies · 605 views

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dishdude

Sep 18, 2026

It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.

Reactions: reubenray and Jimbo

Jimbo

Today at 8:35 AM

I am 1 that wants the AM to Stay ....
That said, since '08 I have had Sat radio available to me ... I think I have turned on AM 3 or 4 times, just to see if its still there.

Fwiw, if theres a Major disaster or bad weather or whatever, the chances of me finding out about it by going to the AM side of the radio is SLIM and None.
Even FM, I haven't really had on since '13ish, I may turn it on from time to time, just to see if its still there.

harshness

Today at 10:10 AM

Jimbo said:
Fwiw, if theres a Major disaster or bad weather or whatever, the chances of me finding out about it by going to the AM side of the radio is SLIM and None.

Automation has seen to that. You can't get evening drive traffic reports where I live, much less disaster reports.

dishstaller

Today at 10:41 AM

dishdude said:
Very rarely listen to FM any more

That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Jimbo

Today at 11:03 AM

dishstaller said:
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

dishstaller

Today at 12:29 PM

Jimbo said:
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

No, just regular FM stations. One is the country station I mentioned and the other is a Talk Radio station which used to get fantastic results but honestly, since the death of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio just doesn't do as well. There were two guys who had an early morning show which was hugely popular here in the southeast but one of them retired a couple years ago and the show just doesn't garner the same numbers as it used to.

slow_poke_pete

Today at 5:35 PM

Haven't listened AM or FM in years

View all replies (21)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 5:02 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Security Now 1101

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ4Z4zafNLI

Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1101
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 8 views

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 5:01 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in "Kate & Allie," died Monday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 80.

variety.com

1 Replies · 15 views

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Bobby

Today at 5:01 PM

Rest in peace.

JSheridan

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 4:58 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

All DMA's now Western Arc

I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.

173 Replies · 4958 views

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Strega

Friday at 10:01 PM

Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Jimbo

Friday at 11:17 PM

Strega said:
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Mister B

Saturday at 7:35 AM

Jimbo said:
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

Reactions: Almighty1, savarese04 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 10:40 AM

Mister B said:
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

can't forget the little blue m&m's

Reactions: Almighty1, charlesrshell and telstar_1

charlesrshell

Yesterday at 11:23 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
can't forget the little blue m&m's

That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

Reactions: Almighty1, slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05 and 2 others

telstar_1

Yesterday at 8:12 PM

Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Reactions: charlesrshell

Foxbat

Yesterday at 9:01 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Because he didn't have a fleet of reusable rockets. Starlink works because SpaceX is able to launch hundreds (thousands?) of their Starlink satellites for what a single geostationary Internet satellite costs to build and launch on a disposable launcher.

Reactions: MikeD-C05, dishstaller, HipKat and 2 others

telstar_1

Today at 12:08 AM

But how is it reusable if it's disposable

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 2:09 AM

charlesrshell said:
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh

Reactions: MikeD-C05, charlesrshell and HipKat

Almighty1

Today at 4:04 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

He does not have the resources aka $$$ compared to Elon Musk as in reality, Elon can eat Charlie for lunch or even mop the floor with Charlie if he wanted to.

Reactions: charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Today at 4:58 PM

ment to 20 yrs dam phone

Reactions: charlesrshell

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Marques Brownlee

Today at 4:42 PM · posted in Marques Brownlee

This can SEE Sound!

Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ai1gIWacf0I

Direct YouTube Link - This can SEE Sound!
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store

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need advice - getting fustrated

OTA no working after Update

Security Now 1102

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Song Name Game Part 3!

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

Security Now 1101

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80

All DMA's now Western Arc

This can SEE Sound!