OTA + E*, is it free?

[varaonaid]

Hi there,

I'm investigating whether or not OTA (SD and HD) will be available where I'm moving to, hoping I may be able to pull in a few extra HD channels that way. However, in looking at the Dish website, I found where it says in reference to the 722's capability of an OTA connection:

"3 Requires an optional over the air antenna to receive local high-definition over the air digital broadcasts; additional fees may apply."

What??? More fees for using an OTA antenna? I hope this isn't true and they're just making a generalization. I'm looking at getting the AT250 with locals and one of the HD packs (not sure yet if I'll go with Essentials or Ultimate), if that makes any difference on whether or not I'm charged "additional fees". I'm just trying to get some idea what the actual cost will be for E* and D* so that I can make an informed decision. Right now I'm heavily leaning towards E* but I don't like hidden fees being slipped in there.

Thanks in advance!

 

[CJPC]

Well, the fees can apply to the antenna, also if I recall correctly If you do not sub to a HD pack, to use the OTA antenna they charge an "enabling" fee!

However since you plan on subscribing to a HD pack, and as long as you dont have them install your antenna, there should be no extra fees!

 

[kg4ozx]

To my knowledge, there is no fee for OTA reception. In order to get the guide data for your OTA channels, you will need to subscribe to your locals.

 

[tsduke]

The additional fees would only be for OTA equipment if you had E* install it.

 

[varaonaid]

OK, so with HD pack and locals, I should be able to get OTA in the programming guide w/o extra fees provided I add the antenna after the initial E* install. So is installing simply a matter of setting up an antenna and plugging it in to the receiver?

 

[tsduke]

OK, so with HD pack and locals, I should be able to get OTA in the programming guide w/o extra fees provided I add the antenna after the initial E* install. So is installing simply a matter of setting up an antenna and plugging it in to the receiver?

You do need sub to local to get programming info. The channels will show without subbing, but to program info. Meaning you would have to use timers to dvr anything.

 

[GNASH]

OK, so with HD pack and locals, I should be able to get OTA in the programming guide w/o extra fees provided I add the antenna after the initial E* install. So is installing simply a matter of setting up an antenna and plugging it in to the receiver?

Yes. Once you get the antenna plugged in, you will need to go into the setup menus and scan for the locals (so the 722 will know what channels it will be getting from the antenna), but then once that is done, you will have all your locals OTA channels (plus their sub channels) for free (they will all show up in Yellow on your program guide).

Geoff

 

[varaonaid]

Yes. Once you get the antenna plugged in, you will need to go into the setup menus and scan for the locals (so the 722 will know what channels it will be getting from the antenna), but then once that is done, you will have all your locals OTA channels (plus their sub channels) for free (they will all show up in Yellow on your program guide).

Geoff

Awesome! I wouldn't have known to do that...thanks!

 

[GNASH]

Awesome! I wouldn't have known to do that...thanks!

No problem. Any other questions, just ask.

Geoff

 

[adamwilkes20]

depends on where you live too if they will install an OTA, they wont do one in my area, they wont sell or install...I just bought a Philips MANT410..works REALLY good for a set top OTA and I am 30 miles from the towers

 

[ksbuie]

I use the TERK set-top HDTV antenna, and it works great.

 

[langlin]

I have found that tvfool is more accurate than antenna web.

TVFOOL

 

[adamwilkes20]

thats what I used , TVFOOL, antennaweb told me I would need a medium directional with preamp, but TVFOOL didnt say I needed to go that route...glad I went with tvfool...they ended up saving me about $120.00

 

[varaonaid]

Oh! You've all given me hope... I used antennaweb and they said I needed some medium directional etc, etc antenna. I was really depressed thinking of some uber expensive monstrous metal gadget that I'd crawling up on the roof to try to mount and run bunches of cable down walls etc. Not very appealing especially with 18" of snow still on the ground. So it sounds like a set-top antenna might work then?

I just tried out tvfool and ended up kinda confused as to whether or not the signal strengths in my area were OK or not but I'm guessing it was not. Their wording confused me. Which numbers are better the -30 direction or -110 direction (sorry, newbie here )

Again, thanks so much for all the input - it's been such a help!

 

[adamwilkes20]

I just looked at what color of the graphs my main locals fell into...they were all green on tvfool, which means it was a good strong signal and a set top antenna would work. I did have one in the yellow because that transmitter is 32.5 miles away from my house...but that channel comes in great like the rest of them...I definatly recommend the philips MANT410, if you are in set top range...hey if it doesnt work for you, take it back...it only costs $27.99...but -30 is better I believe, but like I said, I just went went the color of the line the channels were in

 

[varaonaid]

Thanks. I searched it under all digital and better understood the results. Doesn't look overly promising... But your idea of trying the Philips MANT410 and returning it if it doesn't work it a great one. I had no idea how much one would cost or a good model so that sounds super! Again, thanks for your help!