Here's my Directv question

[MaineDem]

(I know I should dump it because of Murdoch but in any case...)

I'm getting local channels within a few months but they say I need "new Equipment". Does anyone know if that means a new dish or just an additional LNB or a second dish or an upgraded receiver or what?

I could call them and ask but have you tried to get any information from them? You guys are all-knowing so I'm sure someone will have the answer for me. THank you kindly. :)

[AmericanErrorist]

1. The Merger hasn't been completed yet

You still have time.

[madfloridian]

2. I think if you have had it a while you need new equipment.

We had Direct for ages, and we changed to Dish recently. There are more satellites now, and that is one issue.

The quality now is much better, the speed of channel change, the menu, everything.

If you stay with Direct you will probably need to upgrade.

To get local channels though, we did not have to do anything.

[IggleDoer]

3. Usually when you need "new equipment" to get new locals

I think you'll need both a new dish and LNB. The equipment inside should work though.

Most new cities come off a different satellite from the mainstream satellite.

[MR. ELECTABLE]

4. Depends on your dish...

Usually the local channels are located on one of the additional satellites-- DirecTV has three of them. So you'll need to install one LNB for for your "local" satellite in addition to the one pointed at the "main" satellite. You'll need to have the dish that is oval-shaped, because the smaller circular one can't support more than one LNB.

BTW, I'm not exactly thrilled about this proposed merger, either. I WORK for Hughes...

[myomy]

5. Take a good look at Dish Network.

I got local channels some months ago and needed no more equipment. Also there are neat stations like Free Speech TV among others.