Dish tv for RV

Bill.Satellite wrote:

jackquontee wrote:
On a related note, I believe there is a "coverage area" that ranges approximately 150 mi. I assume this means I can watch my local programming up to that range?

In addition the the correct "Yep" answer, the spot beams can be as large as to cover as much as 500-1000 miles. You may still receive the signal but it would not be "local" any longer. It's just a matter of checking to see if the signal is available at the new location and then making the call (chat appears to be even better).

As Bill said, the coverage can be quite large depending on the particular spot beam that transmits your locals. The range for each of us though, also depends on where in the spot beam footprint we start, and which direction we travel. The spot beam footprints are not necessarily perfect circles.

For Dish network subscribers, go to this link, select the state, then select the closest market city, and then click on the spot beam link for a given station and satellite to see the spot beam foot print.

I also call Dish when I move and want the new local channels. I would suggest to those who do this (or do it via chat) to keep an eye on your 'billing address'. For some reason, the Dish folks tend to change both addresses. This has happened to me several times, even when I tell them to ONLY change my service address.

Tim.

jackquontee wrote:
On a related note, I believe there is a "coverage area" that ranges approximately 150 mi. I assume this means I can watch my local programming up to that range?

In addition the the correct "Yep" answer, the spot beams can be as large as to cover as much as 500-1000 miles. You may still receive the signal but it would not be "local" any longer. It's just a matter of checking to see if the signal is available at the new location and then making the call (chat appears to be even better).

jackquontee wrote:
On a related note, I believe there is a "coverage area" that ranges approximately 150 mi. I assume this means I can watch my local programming up to that range?

Yep.

I change my stations by using the "CHAT" feature on the Dish website. I locate an address at a major city between stops and don't have to contact them again at intermediate stops. Example: Cincinnati OH to South Bend, IN .. I chose an Indianapolis service address, works as long as you are within about 200 miles of the service address due to the spot beam. These addresses have been saved in my document files to speed up the process by cutting and pasting the main dialog. An example as follows:

"I am full-time Rver, who lives in and is traveling in my motorhome.

I need to change my Dish Network service address to:

00001 Main Street
Charleston, WV 25304

My Billing address remains in South Dakota."

Sunday night once I waited in the "que" for a rep..4.5 minutes and I was number 22, it took all of 2 minutes for the chat and about 5 minutes for the channels to show up.

On a related note, I believe there is a "coverage area" that ranges approximately 150 mi. I assume this means I can watch my local programming up to that range?

Dutch_12078 wrote:

djgarcia wrote:

RRodda wrote:
Do I understand it correctly, with Dish TV for RV programming, the only way to receive local channels is via an OTA antenna?

NO, you tell Dish to send you local signals of the area of you are currently in. Then pay $5 per month.

Dish includes the locals in all of their packages at no extra charge. There is also no charge to change your service location as you travel to update the locals. We do it as often as daily.

X2

I call to change my service location. Done. NO ADDITIONAL COST!! Receive local channels based on local of nearest major city of zip code and area.

TechWriter wrote:

Bill.Satellite wrote:

RRodda wrote:
Do I understand it correctly, with Dish TV for RV programming, the only way to receive local channels is via an OTA antenna?

What Dish does not offer is the Distant Network Services (DNS) where you receive the E and/or W Network programming (i.e. NY and LA) no matter where you travel. This option is still available from DirecTV for $15-$20/month. Since I use a DVR to record what I want when I want so I can watch what I want when I want, changing the locals every time I moved would not be an acceptable option as I would also have to re-program my DVR. I am a full timer (and move often) so my requirements will differ from those who travel part time or only relocate a few times per year or those who don't want/need a DVR.

That's why many DISH full timers get Hoppers -- PTAT (Prime Time Any Time) . . . CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX recorded auto-magically on 1 tuner wherever you go.

In addition to PTAT on the Hopper, the Dish VIP211 series receivers have the "PASS" feature that records programs by name rather than channel. Using that feature, there's no need to reprogram the DVR when moving from place to place, since the programs will be found no matter what channel and/or time they're on.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Actually, DirecTV DOES let you change local stations on the fly. It's just much harder to find the right folks that know that this is allowed.

Really? I keep hearing this, but when pressed, changing "local stations on the fly" becomes "once or twice".

Regardless, for DISH users, it's a lot easier to change locals.

Actually, DirecTV DOES let you change local stations on the fly. It's just much harder to find the right folks that know that this is allowed.
The Hopper also requires an open faced antenna (portable or roof mounted automatic) which many people either don't want to hassle with or can't afford. Yes, technology is great but it's not as simple as some would make you believe.