WNEP's reply
Here is WNEP's reply and my original e-mail:
Subject: RE: WNEP HD Local Channels on Dish Network
From:"Morkavage, Mike"
Date:Mon, Nov 09, 2009 4:35 pm
To:"Josh W**", WNEP Engineering, "Morgan, Chuck">
Hi Josh.
We are aware and have been pushing to not mislead any subscribers. Dish has not been forthright in these cases. Our contract does not specifically mention "all of the DMA, either SD or HD".
We do continue to try and resolve this through their representatives but continue to be told they need another satellite launched and this will not happen in the near future.for what it's worth, DirecTV does not have these issues within our DMA.
Mike
From: josh@xxxx
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 3:35 PM
To: WNEP Engineering; Morgan, Chuck
Subject: WNEP HD Local Channels on Dish Network
Hello,
First of all, I feel I need to say that I love WNEP! It provides a great mix of local programming, along with the power of ABC's nationwide programming lineup. With that said, I need some help in obtaining access to WNEP HD..
I currently have Dish Network's "Turbo HD" package with local programming. I was told by the sales representative that I would receive my local channels, including WNEP, in HD. However, while being installed, the technician told me that while Dish Network carries our local channels in HD, the signal level of the spot beam that they are carried on is not strong enough to penetrate the Williamsport area. Subsequent phone calls to Dish Network customer service hasn't been helpful, with responses such as "it should work," and "we are unaware of any issues in your area." Most of the time they state the issue must be with my installation and attempt to schedule a technician out to come on site to check on it. However, the technician will always call me to cancel because of it being a "known issue on Dish's end." Dish has, up to this point, only made this situation right by providing various credits on my statement. While I appreciate the discount, it still doesn't fix my issue. I want to watch WNEP in high definition using my Dish Network service.
Is WNEP aware of this issue? Apparently dish Network is carrying your channel on a spot beam that doesn't even cover your entire viewing area. I understand that this is not directly the fault of WNEP, but surely there must be a contract between WNEP and Dish that states that coverage must be provided to the entire DMA? Do you know of any plans for Dish to fix this? Any insight or push from WNEP's side is appreciated. Please feel free to forward or disseminate this e-mail to anyone you feel necessary.
Thank you for your time,
Josh W****