What do I need??

[SMS]

Hi Guys. I'm new here and have a few questions. I am a former Directv subscriber and dropped them in anticipation of getting Dish Networks HD pack, VOOM and the top60 package. Problem is the screen reading zombie at Dish can't tell me what dish(es) I need, just keeps rambling about HBO etc. All I do know is I need 2. Can I use my existing dual LNB Directv dish as 1 of them? Which one do i need for the other? Thanks
Steve

 

[SimpleSimon]

Don't try to mix D* and E* equipment - more trouble than it's worth.

You do NOT necessarily need two dishes, but we can't advise you without knowing what DMA (city your local channels come from) you are in.

 

[SMS]

Sorry, I would get my locals from South Bend, IN. Thanks

 

[str8poolbanger]

Don't try to mix D* and E* equipment - more trouble than it's worth.

You do NOT necessarily need two dishes, but we can't advise you without knowing what DMA (city your local channels come from) you are in.

Simon,

Could you explain this further? I have the dish 500 dish on my rooftop and believe that I have heard that I can get my locals via another dish. I also have access to OTA antenna's as I am a D* installer. My locals come from Philladelphia, PA. My zip is 18020.
TIA

 

[SimpleSimon]

D* equipment is equivalent to E* "Legacy" gear. Modern E* gear is "DishPro". They are NOT generally compatible (certain VERY rare exceptions for limited transponder selection do exist).

E* Legacy gear is VERY difficult to go multi-satellite, multi-receiver beyond 3x4, and that requires an old SW64 which is usually a fussy box.

SMS: Per http://www.dishchannelchart.com your locals are on 105. You're going to need a SuperDish. The standard way to add Voom to that is with a second dish pointed at either61.5 or 129. You will also need to either replace the DP34 with a DPP44, or add a DP21 or two cascaded with the DP34. That decision involves even more considerations.

str8poolbanger: "Dish 500" doesn't mean any more than a dish that can receive 110 & 119. It says NOTHING about the types of LNB involved. Again per http://www.dishchannelchart.com most of your locals are on 110. There's a few "garbage" must-carry channels on 61.5. The good thing about that is that if you want them, E* MUST install the 61.5 dish for free, and just by coincidence, that will also give you access to the Voom channels. Just do NOT ask for Voom until AFTER they've given you the 61.5 dish.

 

[SMS]

What if i don't want locals from the dish? Can I use just 1 dish then? If so, which one? I have a good antenna, so i really dont want dish locals.Sorry for the questions, but this info is hard to get anywhere else!
Steve

 

[BobaBird]

A Dish1000 will get you AT60 from 119, HD Pak from 110 and Voom from 129.

 

[SMS]

Thank you very much!

 

[str8poolbanger]

str8poolbanger: "Dish 500" doesn't mean any more than a dish that can receive 110 & 119. It says NOTHING about the types of LNB involved. Again per http://www.dishchannelchart.com most of your locals are on 110. There's a few "garbage" must-carry channels on 61.5. The good thing about that is that if you want them, E* MUST install the 61.5 dish for free, and just by coincidence, that will also give you access to the Voom channels. Just do NOT ask for Voom until AFTER they've given you the 61.5 dish.

Simon, again being a big newb to the dish HD thing let alone installing it with OTA's for my D* custys.... If I get this other free dish installed...will that allow my locals to be received in HD or being that it is E*, will i need the OTA?

TIA and for your patience.

 

[mikethedishguy]

The Philly locals are on 61.5 and they will include Allentown. This market will also be in the 61.5 dish for HD. So you will want both dishes put up.

 

[SimpleSimon]

This market will also be in the 61.5 dish for HD.

That's pure speculation at this point.

However, getting a free dish for 61.5 is still a good thing.

 

[BobaBird]

...will that allow my locals to be received in HD or being that it is E*, will i need the OTA?

Dish does not offer any locals in HD (other than CBS in NY and LA) so you will need the extra dish for Voom and you will also need an OTA antenna for digital locals.