HD Locals OTA Setup

[ekilgus]

I called Dish to ask where the local channels would be located if I installed an HD antenna (I found out I'm only 24 miles from the transmitters with no obstructions except for trees). They informed me that the HD local channels would be located in the same channel location as the local SD channels.
I asked them if the two feeds wouldn't intefere with each other and should I drop my SD local channels from my subscription. The rep put me on hold for a while then came back and told me it would be a good idea to drop the locals.
So it seems that all I need to do is put up a HD antenna, run some RG6 to my 622, and drop my SD local channels subscription. That sound about right?

 

[mdonnelly]

BS. The locals are identified with a -0 after the channel number. The digitals (which might or might not be HD) have -1/-2/... after the channel number.

Besides, you can use the guide button on the remote to just show HD, and your locals will be there after you've scanned them in.

If you drop the locals, you won't have EPG data for your digital channels. Not good when you want to DVR something in the future.

 

[Hall]

I asked them if the two feeds wouldn't intefere with each other and should I drop my SD local channels from my subscription. The rep put me on hold for a while then came back and told me it would be a good idea to drop the locals.

Great, sounds like the rep didn't know so they asked a "smarter" person who should and then you got 100% FALSE information. They will NOT interfere with one another. mdonnelly includes another vital reason NOT to drop them too.

 

[ekilgus]

I don't know if I understand these replies. Keeping the SD locals for DVR purposes makes good sense but I'm looking at the program guide right now and my locals don't have any -0 after the channel number. For example the ABC local in my area is on channel 6. In the program guide the channel number is listed at 6. there is no -0 after the number 6.

 

[mdonnelly]

...but I'm looking at the program guide right now and my locals don't have any -0 after the channel number. For example the ABC local in my area is on channel 6. In the program guide the channel number is listed at 6. there is no -0 after the number 6.

That should change after you attach the antenna and scan in your local digital channels.

I'm about 20 miles from my towers, also with fairly flat terrain. I get by with an indoor antenna that does UHF/VHF.

 

[Arcade]

A huge advantage to having both over the air and satellite locals is that you can use the over the air channels as a third tuner.
This will give you the ability to record three programs at once.
Two on the satellite and one over the air.
Keep your locals!!
Also as mentioned above you will lose your on screen guide info if you drop them.