East Coast Affiliates

drifterpilot wrote:
I am just now getting my satellite dome working again since COVID. In talking to ATT/DirecTV, they inform me that the affiliates, ABC,NBC,CBS and Fox are no longer available thru DirecTV.

Can anyone clarify this or what would be another option other than over-the-air antenna.

Should I consider dumping DirecTV and consider going with DISH?

Appreciate your responses.

At least here at home, we continue to have all of them on DirecTV. Maybe something is happening regarding the mobile systems.

I get them from Los Angeles just fine. Sometimes i wonder who DTV is hiring anymore. Forgot to quote.

Distant Network Services (DNS) is still available from DirecTV *IF* you have a mobile account (i.e. a separate account for your RV - not your home). You are limited to one DNS feed (all network channels) from either NY or LA depending on your billing address. There used to be a direct number to the DNS folks but the one I had no longer works. But try calling the Tech Assist folks at 800-676-3169. This is a direct line with no phone tree B.S to navigate. They may be able to help you with DNS.

Unless you are camping something like 100 miles from the nearest "affiliate" station try OTA..

DISH doesn't offer affiliates in HD and usually at a pretty low bit rate.

At least with OTA you can normally get all stations in HD..

I, just again, talked with an ATT/DirecTV representative and she informed me that I can get NBC, CBS, and Fox, but not ABC. I have to send an email to attdns@amcustomercare.att-mail.com to request a mobile DNS form and instructions. I am going to do this and see how it pans out.

I really want ABC as the wife watches "General Hospital" faithfully and has for over 20 years. She won't be happy to hear that we won't be able to get it.

Anyone know how I can solve this dilemma. I am not always going to be able to get ABC OTA.

Are you guys in CA getting ABC through the West Coast feed?

Thanks

drifterpilot wrote:
Are you guys in CA getting ABC through the West Coast feed?

Yes, KABC out of LA.

I gave up wrestling with Dtv and Dns years ago, and just set my service address to Los Angeles. Just doing that took 3 or 4 phone calls. I suspected that's the same as the DNS feed, and I was right. I get all those affiliates everywhere, including where I am in NM right now, but I can't say I've been to the East coast lately.

You may want to try setting your service address to New York city, and see if that works, as long as you are satisfied with one set of "locals".

I know that here in central NC there are several stations that have been removed. Fox, ABC, and at least 2 others

Getting all 4 on the Phoenix spot beam. Periodically one will be removed as they negotiate a new contract. It doesn't last long. That may be what your are experiencing or you are not in a spot beam.

If you're asking about DNS from NY or LA then AFAIK they are available. And this will be local content and time from NY or LA. NYC I believe.

In a week or so I'll be switching to the SF locals.

ABC was the last network to agree to be included in DNS after the 2020 rule change
https://tvanswerman.com/2020/06/01/directv-loses-distant-network-channels-under-new-law/ and recently they have had periods where one or another was not available. You receive a DTV message "721 - Not subscribed to this channel".

Today the NY feed is not working, but the LA one is. This is very frustrating as we record network shows (not too many, but enough) off the NY feed. I guess I will waste another 2-3 hours on the phone with their tech support to try and get it resolved.

Update: I double checked the ABC east feed (396) as I was getting ready to post this and surprise, surprise it was back. The mystery continues.