I understand the use of 61.5, that is why I also have that setup.
The real question is has anyone had any experience obtaining the 129 signal from this area? Not what dish recommends.
Makvet,
If you are looking for a ONE Dish solution then I suggest you FORGET it. The Dish 1000 (which can receive 129, 119, and 110) is a compromise Dish that will NOT maximize signal strength for ALL THREE Slots. In other words your signal strength will NOT be as high as with THREE separate Dish's for all three orbital slots.
Since you live in a FRINGE area for reception of 129, your signal strength for 129 with a Dish 1000 will be marginal especially when rain Fade becomes a problem.
Remember that 61.5 has all the National HD Programing available from 129 in addition to the Dish HD Demo Channel. None of the HD Local markets NOR any of the Regional HD sports feeds will be available to you anyway.
So my point is why are you so set on receiving 129 instead of 61.5? On the East Coast and Northeast 61.5 will provide you with VASTLY superior signal strength. 129 has no added programing you would be able to see from your location, unless you "MOVED" your service address to an address you do NOT actuall reside at, to qualify for a Local HD market channels you are NOT actually in.
The only other reason might be LOS, and since Elevation angle for 61.5 is fairly High on the East Coast this should not really be a problem. Remember that All DBS Dishes are Offset by 22 degrees, which means that the Satellite Signal is coming into the Dish at an angle of 22 Degrees HIGHER than the apparent Angle of the Dish's Reflector in relation to the ground. I've seen Dish's that seem to look directly into a Wall, Roof or Clump of Trees, and the Dish receives a Great Signal.
John