The dw and I were discussing the possibility of getting satellite for our new fiver. I was explaining the pros and cons of the fixed verse portable satellite systems. The question came up about what channels we would receive where we were located. Since we already have Dish I assume what channels included in our programming bundle. My question is what about the local channels in the area you are in? Can you get local channels where you are setup at? The other question is about satellite internet We would have more use for that with my wife's business. I get tired of going to places that promise wifi and it is pathetic at best.
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edited 05/03/12 10:48pm by turbopilot51 *
Local channels for both Dish and DirecTV are broadcast with spot beams so your home's local channels are only available in a radius of ~200 mi. Some folks who don't move all that often call their provider each time they move and declare that location to be their current service address. Many (most?) people who full-time or move a lot pay for Distant Network Services which permits access to the NY or LA network signals regardless of where you are.
With respect to internet access, more and more folks are using the cellular network to provide it. We have a 4G Droid on the Verizon network that can operate as a hotspot. We have had usable internet service everywhere we wanted it. If we really needed absolute certainty that we would have internet service everywhere we would consider a Motosat dish, but our current cellular equipment and service has proven adequate so far.
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If by fixed, you mean, attached to your RV, then I would vote for portable. With the appropiate amount of coax, you have the liberty of moving toward multiple available "line of sights" for a sattelite signal. It may take a few minutes longer to grab a signal but I have seen many 'fixed' satellite RVr's abandon any hope of a signal due to their campsite obstructions.
Also, I am a HUGE Directv fan over ANY provider. Especially Dish.
New feature for DirecTv, if you have internet connction, you can pick up any channel you recieve via your smartphone, iPad, or laptop.
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edited 05/03/12 10:42pm by seattlefirervr *
If you are outside of the range of your local channels then you cannot get them via satellite. If it is a problem for you OFTEN you could apply for DNS service from either carrier and get the network channels west coast or east coast feed but still NOT the local channels. You may be able to get the local channels for the area you're in by simply toggling the "input" button on the remote and select Air so you can receive them via your antennae. That's how we do it when traveling outside of our home area.
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Another vote for the Tailgater. I don't have it because it was not available when I purchased my equipment but If I were buying now I would get the 30 day RV plan with the tailgater package.
I don't know if this is 100% factual but I read you can not get HD channels with an automatic searching portable dish with Direct TV.
If this is true I see it as a big negative
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