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DirecTV to carry CBS-HD (and Superbowl!) in O&O markets
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Posted by: bonscott87

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/nyw077_1.html

Posted by: bonscott87

All I can say (as I have posted elsewhere) that I am glad I was partialy wrong. The Superbowl will be available in HD on DirecTV if you live in an O&O (owned and operated) CBS market and/or get a waiver. This is basically the same deal as Dish has. You can check on the Dish website to see the qualification for CBS-HD and what the O&O markets are.

Also a good thread on AVS about this: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=347953

Posted by: tfederov

For us slow people.... I get locals via D*. Do I qualify? Will it cost extra like a PPV?

Posted by: bonscott87

If you live in an O&O market you automatically qualify. Otherwise you need a waiver. It's just like the national CBS already available to those not served by a local station.

I'm sure DirecTV will have details on cost and how to get it on their web site in the next few days. See the AVS thread for a complete breakdown by Ken H on qualification and read up on the Dish site as well.

Basically my local station is NOT and O&O so I will not qualify or be able to get it unless I can get a waiver (doubtfull).

Posted by: djbrown

I'm an HDTV idiot (tm), but I'm in the DFW market and get the locals via DirecTv. As I understand it, the national CBS-HD feed will now be available to me, right? How about the regular national CBS feed?

Posted by: charlz092270

Now, it's time for him to announce the same deal for Fox-HD.

Posted by: Zathrus

If you're wondering about O&O (I was), here's the rundown from Dish:

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/...shd/index.shtml

Based on my reading of that, you'll be getting CBS-HD djbrown.

Posted by: dswallow

Somewhat off-topic, I always liked the "Viacom" banner with the deep voice saying "Viacom". :D

Posted by: genearch

What great news! I live in Camarillo, CA (60 m North of LA) on the side of a hill where, according to Antennaweb.org, all I can get is ABC out of Santa Barbara so it's not worth it. I was bummed because I'm having a SuperBowl party..

Looks like I'm in! LA Market, I already get the locals.. I have a HiDef tuner... pow!

Posted by: Oknarf

This is great news, and if it holds true my SuperBowl party worries are over. I'm in an O&O area and get locals via my SAT. One down only a few more to go.

FrankO

Posted by: Archangel

I have a friend in California...that due to the mountains or something...I can not remember exactly the cause...but he has had waivers for some time now...well over three years....he gets his CBS on channel #381...NBC #383...ABC #387...will these national feeds also be High Definition ?

If not normally....will it be for the Super Bowl on the CBS national feed ?

Posted by: smak

A few questions.

1. No mention of which bird CBS-HD will be on yet, right. Is it possible it could go on the main bird?

And if so, what equipment would you need to receive it?

2. There's not going to be 17 HD CBS's, which feed will it be?

3. If it's a timeslot with a non-HD show what will be on CBS-HD?

4. Everything except the HD channel is the same right. When they say they are carrying all the MTV channels, and CBS and UPN analog, that's just a re-upping of the deal, no new channels right?

-smak-

Posted by: tfederov

Another question.... what about us Pegasus people?

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by smak
A few questions.

1. No mention of which bird CBS-HD will be on yet, right. Is it possible it could go on the main bird?

And if so, what equipment would you need to receive it?

2. There's not going to be 17 HD CBS's, which feed will it be?

3. If it's a timeslot with a non-HD show what will be on CBS-HD?

4. Everything except the HD channel is the same right. When they say they are carrying all the MTV channels, and CBS and UPN analog, that's just a re-upping of the deal, no new channels right?

Here's what I infer from the press release and general knowledge about CBS-HD.

1. No idea; there's room on them all though. I'd guess one of the main satellites since this might not require full-time bandwidth devoted to HD.

2. WCBS (NY) and KCBS (LA) are provided on Dish Network. I'd expect they'll use WCBS and I'd further not expect they'll have both feeds.

3. If it's just the WCBS digital feed, it'll probably be upconverted SD programming unless they've made some provisions to identify HD material in the feed so the bandwidth can be conserved.

4. From the press release: "Additionally, MTV Networks' Nicktoons will be launched to customers who subscribe to DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICEŽ PLUS package. Nicktoons will be available on DIRECTVŽ channel 302."

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by tfederov
Another question.... what about us Pegasus people?

I wouldn't expect there to be any issue there, though it may require you subscribe to the HD package to get this station, or maybe you have to buy CBS distant networks, or a combination. They didn't say much about that. I'd lean towards it being part of the HD package. Does Pegasus let you buy the HD programming package?

Posted by: jpenneck

Any idea when 302 will be added ? The press release didn't seem to give an "effective" date, and it's not in my guide yet...

Posted by: smak

Ok, if it's on the main dish, I still need the HD receiver and the triple LNB?

-smak-

Posted by: jdk

quote:
Originally posted by smak
Ok, if it's on the main dish, I still need the HD receiver and the triple LNB?

-smak-

DirecTV only uses one dish. If you have a dish with 3 LNBs for DirecTV, you're receiving all the satellites DirecTV has.

See the FAQ for the different dish, LNB and satellite combinations.

Posted by: smak

But the triple LNB dish is designed to be able to get programming from all 3 satellites, and is needed because all HD programming is not on the main satellite (it's on 119 right). If CBS-HD is on the main satellite, can it be gotten with a non 3 LNB dish?

-smak-

ps. The confusion is I meant on the main BIRD, or SATELLITE, not main DISH

Posted by: jdk

The main DirecTV satellite location is at 101 degrees.

So, yes, assuming DirecTV puts the CBS-HD program on at 101, you could receive it with just one round dish pointed at the 101 degree slot. Also, round dishes can only have one LNB "block", as they receive only one satellite location.

But, that's a very big assumption - all HD programming so far has been on the 110 or 119 satellites (except for a short time with HBO-HD was moved to 101 while some channels were being moved around).

Someone with knowledge of the current transponder/satellite loading would have to chime in with the specifics, but I was under the impression that the 101 satellite was currently loaded up with lots of extra local markets. These locals are slated to move to 119 after a new satellite launches in a few months - leaving space on 101 - but that wouldn't be in time for a February 1st Superbowl.

We should know more specifics tomorrow - although I don't think DirecTV usually gives out specifics of their satellite/transponder assignments. The official answer from them is "you need a three-satllite oval dish to receive HD programming".

Posted by: Oknarf

I hope you're sitting down. Fired off an email to D* CS and got a response back this morning. Got back the usual form letter regarding future enhancements and the infamous Sargeant Schultz "We know nothing..."

I asked them to get back to me when the info worked its way down to them.

The question is: will the channel just magically show up before the CSR's get wind of this or do you think I'll actually hear back from someone in India first?

;)

FrankO

Is it 2:00 yet?

Posted by: rcwalters

I'm a newbie on all this, and I thought I understood it all, but now I'm confused. :(

I live in the Atlanta area where local stations are available on satellite. I'm on cable now, but with the new HDTiVo, I plan to switch to D* in the next six months or so, depending on when the magic device is actually available.

Now, as I thought I understood it, I could get D*, pay $10.99, and get HD feeds of ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox national, plus then I could get the SD feeds of the same for locals.

Or I could save the $10.99 and use an OTA antenna to get HD locals, but not ESPN HD.

But now this CBS-HD SuperBowl thing makes me wonder what can I get on D* that is in HD? Some of these posts cause me to think that because I get locals over D*, I lose the HD feeds of the same networks. What's the real deal here? Do I get two channels each of the networks, one national HD and one local SD, or do I just get local SD via D*?

Posted by: JTAnderson

quote:
Originally posted by Oknarf
The question is: will the channel just magically show up before the CSR's get wind of this or do you think I'll actually hear back from someone in India first?

Here are some rules of thumb regarding DirecTV CSRs.

1. They know nothing about DirecTV's plans for the future. If they seem to know something, they are making it up.

2. If you would like to be told to power cycle your receiver, you should definitely call a CSR.

3. If you want to change your programming, you can call a CSR, but you are probably better off doing it from the DirecTV web site.

4. If you have determined that the time on your TiVo is incorrect when you are tuned to a local station, you're only hope is to convince a "TiVo specialist" that there is a problem. (Or, come here and try to get TiVoBill to kick some butt.)

Posted by: JohnTivo

quote:
Originally posted by rcwalters
I'm a newbie on all this, and I thought I understood it all, but now I'm confused. :(

I live in the Atlanta area where local stations are available on satellite. I'm on cable now, but with the new HDTiVo, I plan to switch to D* in the next six months or so, depending on when the magic device is actually available.

Now, as I thought I understood it, I could get D*, pay $10.99, and get HD feeds of ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox national, plus then I could get the SD feeds of the same for locals.

Or I could save the $10.99 and use an OTA antenna to get HD locals, but not ESPN HD.

But now this CBS-HD SuperBowl thing makes me wonder what can I get on D* that is in HD? Some of these posts cause me to think that because I get locals over D*, I lose the HD feeds of the same networks. What's the real deal here? Do I get two channels each of the networks, one national HD and one local SD, or do I just get local SD via D*?

As of right now, there are NO network feeds available in HD. CBS-HD is coming soon (based on the press release today) for those who live in CBS owned and operated cities. This service will be free of charge if you sub to the Local Channels in your area. The release did not mention whether or not you can pay for this service if you do not live in a O&O city.

Posted by: rcwalters

quote:
As of right now, there are NO network feeds available in HD. CBS-HD is coming soon (based on the press release today) for those who live in CBS owned and operated cities. This service will be free of charge if you sub to the Local Channels in your area. The release did not mention whether or not you can pay for this service if you do not live in a O&O city.

I'm stunned. You mean that if I wanted HD networks, I have to either go with cable, or an OTA tuner. Why would anybody be on D* now then??

The only reason I would go to satellite is for the HD TiVo that doesn't work on cable...and now it turns out I still would only get ESPN HD and Discovery HD anyway, huh?

I'm simply amazed at the ridiculous disarray of the whole televisioning landscape right now.

If I want TiVo, I can't have HD. After March, If I want TiVo and HD, I have to get DirecTV, but that doesn't provide network HD, so I have to get an antenna, which is what I could be doing already except as already mentioned, no TiVo for that.

Well, I guess that solves my whole dilemma of should I replace my fuzzy ten-year-old 52" with a snazzy 65"....heckles no! There's NOTHING to be gained right now. What a bummer.

Why is it so complicated...my cable delivers HD, so make a SA HD TiVo for cable, all problems solved. </rant>

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by rcwalters
I'm stunned. You mean that if I wanted HD networks, I have to either go with cable, or an OTA tuner. Why would anybody be on D* now then??

The only reason I would go to satellite is for the HD TiVo that doesn't work on cable...and now it turns out I still would only get ESPN HD and Discovery HD anyway, huh?

I'm simply amazed at the ridiculous disarray of the whole televisioning landscape right now.

If I want TiVo, I can't have HD. After March, If I want TiVo and HD, I have to get DirecTV, but that doesn't provide network HD, so I have to get an antenna, which is what I could be doing already except as already mentioned, no TiVo for that.

Well, I guess that solves my whole dilemma of should I replace my fuzzy ten-year-old 52" with a snazzy 65"....heckles no! There's NOTHING to be gained right now. What a bummer.

Why is it so complicated...my cable delivers HD, so make a SA HD TiVo for cable, all problems solved. </rant>

HD networks (and other local channels) are available to a significant number of people over-the-air; which is how the DirecTV HD TiVo unit can obtain them, and record them. Similarly that's how the Dish Network 921 DVR unit works, too.

The bandwidth does not exist to provide HD feeds of all local channels via satellite... yet.

Posted by: forecheck

quote:
Originally posted by rcwalters

If I want TiVo, I can't have HD. After March, If I want TiVo and HD, I have to get DirecTV, but that doesn't provide network HD, so I have to get an antenna, which is what I could be doing already except as already mentioned, no TiVo for that.

The new HD DirecTV TiVo will record from both the satellite and digital broadcasts from an antenna. And like their current HD receivers, all the guide data and channels will be in the same guide, so you can seemlessly surf from your local channels from the antenna and the satellite channels without even knowing where the source of the channel is coming from.

Posted by: rcwalters

quote:
Originally posted by forecheck
The new HD DirecTV TiVo will record from both the satellite and digital broadcasts from an antenna. And like their current HD receivers, all the guide data and channels will be in the same guide, so you can seemlessly surf from your local channels from the antenna and the satellite channels without even knowing where the source of the channel is coming from.

Yes, I see that I can still have HD and TiVo together by going with the OTA antenna.

I guess it just rubs me the wrong way that I would be switching to D* so that I can TiVo the HD programs OTA off a damn 1960's-seeming antenna...unless of course the HDirecTiVo doesn't require a D* subscription...but it has to get the guide data somehow.

There's some sort of irony there if in order to TiVo off your antenna, you have to get a satellite subscription that fulfills zero of your needs.

Suddenly $10.99 looks ridiculously expensive to get one channel that I'm interested in (ESPN HD) which only broadcasts selected programming in HD.

Posted by: Warp

Welcome to the bleeding edge, rcwalters.

Posted by: shaydj

As I see it now:
4 HD channels (ESPNHD, DISHD, HDNET, HDNETM) = $10.99.
I can still get HBOHD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy HBO service.
I can still get local channels in HD using OTA without paying $10.99 as long as I have an HD antenna.
I can now get CBS HD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy directv's local channels package.
Is this all true?

If so why in the world would I pay $10.99 for crappy programming like HDNET and 6 hrs per week of HD programming on ESPN?

Posted by: kas25

quote:
Originally posted by shaydj
As I see it now:
4 HD channels (ESPNHD, DISHD, HDNET, HDNETM) = $10.99.
I can still get HBOHD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy HBO service.
I can still get local channels in HD using OTA without paying $10.99 as long as I have an HD antenna.
I can now get CBS HD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy directv's local channels package.
Is this all true?

If so why in the world would I pay $10.99 for crappy programming like HDNET and 6 hrs per week of HD programming on ESPN?

I agree and think what you said is true. They have to add more to make this package worthwhile.

Posted by: rcwalters

quote:
Originally posted by shaydj
As I see it now:
4 HD channels (ESPNHD, DISHD, HDNET, HDNETM) = $10.99.
I can still get HBOHD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy HBO service.
I can still get local channels in HD using OTA without paying $10.99 as long as I have an HD antenna.
I can now get CBS HD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy directv's local channels package.
Is this all true?

If so why in the world would I pay $10.99 for crappy programming like HDNET and 6 hrs per week of HD programming on ESPN?

Ah, a concise listing of what I was trying to say....except as I now understand it, you can now get CBS HD without paying $10.99...and until just now, you couldn't even if you DID pay $10.99.

Posted by: rcwalters

quote:
Originally posted by Warp
Welcome to the bleeding edge, rcwalters.

Thanks. But that's just it--in my opinion, this ought not to be the bleeding edge by now. It's 2003....my bad...2004, and this ought to be standard-fare offerings by now. TiVo has been aware that HD monitors and HD programming was available for how long now ? Why hasn't the cable HD TiVo been out for a while already? As I understand it, there are non-TiVo DVR's for cable already.

Posted by: JohnTivo

quote:
Originally posted by rcwalters
Thanks. But that's just it--in my opinion, this ought not to be the bleeding edge by now. It's 2003....my bad...2004, and this ought to be standard-fare offerings by now. TiVo has been aware that HD monitors and HD programming was available for how long now ? Why hasn't the cable HD TiVo been out for a while already? As I understand it, there are non-TiVo DVR's for cable already.

The non-TIVO DVR's were developed directly for the specific cable providers. You cannot take a comcast HD recorder and use it on Adelphia... There is no open Digital cable standard for TIVO to develop their offering from.... Untill the FCC requires the Digital Cable standard to be uniform and open to all, a HD TIVO for cable will never be released.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by rcwalters
As I understand it, there are non-TiVo DVR's for cable already.

For specific cable systems, contracted by those cable systems, utilizing specific decoding mechanisms for that cable system, probably protected by the set-top manufacturer that's making the PVR in the first place.

Posted by: cneth

quote:
Why hasn't the cable HD TiVo been out for a while already?

Because it's not as easy to do as the SD one, mostly because of DRM issues.

The HD signal sent over a cable system is not the same as the one sent over the airwaves by a broadcaster, for various reasons, but the main one has to do with authorization - the cable company only wants you to see the channels you're paying for.

The HD bits in an HD Cable system are 'encrypted' just like DirecTV. But there are numerous different systems out there for doing it, and for authorizing access to the content. Tivo would have to make a box for each different type of system out there. (And then your cable company would have to agree to support it on their system, etc).

But the bigger problem is that the companies that currently provide cable equipment (Scientific Atlanta, Motorola, etc) are all trying to make their own PVRs. They make their money selling cable boxes. An HD Tivo for Cable would be a competitor - they'd lose money. Long term, TiVo hopes to convince the makers of cable boxes to license TiVo software to put in their cable boxes.

Maybe someday there will be a common standard for cable boxes and their authorization systems, but so far that hasn't happened...

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by cneth
Maybe someday there will be a common standard for cable boxes and their authorization systems, but so far that hasn't happened...

There is now, and the FCC is requiring cable companies to comply with it. It won't happen overnight, but that is the direction everything is headed. See http://www.opencable.com/ for info.

Posted by: bonscott87

quote:
Originally posted by shaydj
As I see it now:
4 HD channels (ESPNHD, DISHD, HDNET, HDNETM) = $10.99.
I can still get HBOHD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy HBO service.
I can still get local channels in HD using OTA without paying $10.99 as long as I have an HD antenna.
I can now get CBS HD without paying $10.99 as long as I buy directv's local channels package.
Is this all true?

If so why in the world would I pay $10.99 for crappy programming like HDNET and 6 hrs per week of HD programming on ESPN?

And of course this is all just a matter of opinion. I find lots of things to watch each week (if not every night) in HD. $10.99 has been well worth it so far. There is almost always something cool to watch on Discovery or HDNet (IMO). Of course I want more and they will add more, but for me there's plenty of stuff out there. If you don't, fine, these channels just aren't worth it to you. But don't claim it's not worth it overall, it's just not worth it to you. ;)

Posted by: Mark W

quote:
Originally posted by rcwalters
I'm stunned. You mean that if I wanted HD networks, I have to either go with cable, or an OTA tuner. Why would anybody be on D* now then??

The only reason I would go to satellite is for the HD TiVo that doesn't work on cable...and now it turns out I still would only get ESPN HD and Discovery HD anyway, huh?

I'm simply amazed at the ridiculous disarray of the whole televisioning landscape right now.

If I want TiVo, I can't have HD. After March, If I want TiVo and HD, I have to get DirecTV, but that doesn't provide network HD, so I have to get an antenna, which is what I could be doing already except as already mentioned, no TiVo for that.

Well, I guess that solves my whole dilemma of should I replace my fuzzy ten-year-old 52" with a snazzy 65"....heckles no! There's NOTHING to be gained right now. What a bummer.

Why is it so complicated...my cable delivers HD, so make a SA HD TiVo for cable, all problems solved. </rant>

Ah, it's nice to hear fresh voices. Yes RCWalters, DirecTV is at a big disadvantage over cable regarding HDTV right now. Because it's still early, it hasn't hurt them too badly yet. Many poeple here think that an antenna is a fine solution for local HD. The fact is, most people don't. And once a significant amount of those people start really wanting HD, DirecTV better have a solution, or they will lose customers to cable. They will figure something out, I hope sooner rather than later.

Posted by: bonscott87

Not going to lose anyone to cable around here. Discovery-HD for $8 a month. Only local ABC-HD and NBC-HD available (ALL the local networks broadcast in HD). No ESPN-HD or HDNet's. HBO and Showtime for those packages. Oh, must sub to the $60+ digital tier to be eligible for HD and $11 a month for HD box rental.

And my area is lucky to have any HD at all!

Cable may have the bandwidth but they aren't delivering but in very few markets. By the time the majority of them have their act together (i.e. 2-3 years, maybe) both Dish and DirecTV will be far ahead of them in HD.

Posted by: GadgetFreak

quote:
Originally posted by smak
A few questions.

2. There's not going to be 17 HD CBS's, which feed will it be?

-smak-

Customers in Pacific and Mountain time zones will get KCBS from LA, and customers in Central and Eastern zones will get WCBS from NY.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by GadgetFreak
Customers in Pacific and Mountain time zones will get KCBS from LA, and customers in Central and Eastern zones will get WCBS from NY.

That's sort of annoying, really. I hope it turns out to be a generalization and in reality those of us already getting and paying for CBS-East and CBS-West distants will get both of them.

Doesn't matter all that much really since I have ExpressVu which offers Boston & Seattle HD networks, but still, it'd be cute to list among those I receive so many CBS channels:

HD CBS-NY over-the-air
HD CBS-Philadelphia over-the-air
HD CBS-Boston ExpressVu
HD CBS-Seattle ExpressVu
HD CBS-NY DirecTV
HD CBS-LA DirecTV
SD CBS-NY DirecTV locals
SD CBS-LA DirecTV distant networks
SD CBS-Boston ExpressVu
SD CBS-Seattle ExpressVu
SD CBS-NY DirecTV
SD CBS-LA DirecTV

There's not a lot of chance for me to miss CBS programming.

Posted by: JTAnderson

quote:
Originally posted by GadgetFreak
Customers in Pacific and Mountain time zones will get KCBS from LA, and customers in Central and Eastern zones will get WCBS from NY.

Are you sure about this, or just guessing? (I was hoping it would be WCBS-DT for everyone since I can already get KCBS-DT just fine. Only WCBS also makes sense from a bandwidth point of view.)

Posted by: jdk

It's in the press release:

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/about...?id=01_08_2004D

Both KCBS and WCBS. With the shipping of the HD-DVR, I think the bandwith is better saved by just sending out an east coast feed.

Note they specifically state that you will get one channel depending upon where you live. At least with CBS-HD on Dish, you can choose to watch one or the other (just point your dish to the different wing satellites), or both if you've got enough dishes...

Posted by: lornehosman

quote:
Originally posted by jdk
It's in the press release:

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/about...?id=01_08_2004D

Both KCBS and WCBS. With the shipping of the HD-DVR, I think the bandwith is better saved by just sending out an east coast feed.

..

Why would you think that?
The bandwidth would be better saved by sending out the west coast feed, since (by my count) 18 of the 22 O&O stations are east/central time (which in TV land are the same time zone).

Edit - technically, it would be better to send out a feed from Mountain time, due to population distribution, but I digress.

Posted by: jdk

My point is that with a DVR, if you're going to just send one feed of programs, it doesn't matter what feed you send out - it could theoretically be the Bandladesh Time Zone - just as long as I can set my DVR to record it.

But if its the East Coast Feed, an 8:00 showing will always be at 8:00 or earlier anywhere in the country. As long as your DVR is set, you can sit down after 8:00 and be sure to have the program ready for you to watch.

If there was only a West Coast feed, people on the East coast would have to wait until 11PM for that 8:00 show to start...

Posted by: dswallow

CBS owned & operated market areas, # of households:

code:
Eastern
 1,083,030  0.999% #23  Baltimore, MD
 2,391,830  2.206% #6   Boston, MA
 1,923,230  1.774% #10  Detroit, MI
 1,510,740  1.394% #17  Miami, FL
 7,376,330  6.804% #1   New York, NY
 2,874,330  2.651% #4   Philadelphia, PA
 1,175,410  1.084% #22  Pittsburgh, PA
----------------------
18,334,900 16.912%

Central
   577,740  0.533% #54  Austin, TX
 3,399,460  3.136% #3   Chicago, IL
 2,255,970  2.081% #7   Dallas, TX
    89,600  0.083% #178 Marquette, WI
 1,635,650  1.509% #14  Minneapolis, MN
   426,820  0.394% #68  Green Bay, WI
----------------------
 8,385,240  7.736%

Mountain
 1,399,100  1.291% #18  Denver, CO
   786,030  0.725% #36  Salt Lake City, UT
----------------------
 2,185,130  2.016%

Pacific
 5,402,260  4.983% #2   Los Angeles, CA
 2,440,920  2.252% #5   San Francisco, CA
----------------------
 7,843,180  7.235%


TOTAL
----------------------
36,748,450 33.899%

DMA data from http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html

Posted by: Dean Martin

I live in the suburubs outside of Chicago and have a heck of a time getting a consistent CBS HD signal without drop-outs and have spend a few hundred bucks in the attempt.

My signal would be coming from an owned and operated CBS affiliate so does that mean I will automatically get CBS HD, or will I still need a waiver of some sort?

Posted by: smak

Well i'd love to get an East coast feed for conflicts sake.

Recording a lot of prime time at 5 or 6 would help out a lot.

-smak-

Posted by: JimSpence

I guess my pestering my CBS affiliate finally got to them. I just received a waiver from them granting me access to the network feeds for CBS. This was previously denied because I'm supposed to be in a Grade A reception area. In fact Direc TV got the letter before I did. I called DirecTV about getting CBS activated and the CSR told me that they had done it already yesterday. :p

So now let's hope that DirecTV and CBS do as promised. :)