Local network channels in San Angelo (DIRECTV)

[CottonEyedHorn]

So, I see San Angelo has the affiliates for the major networks in HD, and PBS in SD. I'm really wanting to go with Direct, esp. with the free NFL ticket they are promoting right now. But they do not offer the local channels (for comparison, Dish Network does). How do I work around this? HD Antenna?

 

[texascoder]

Here in the Austin area, I used a cheap ($20 or less) antennae to pick up the local digital channels over the air before I got local channels from Directv. Crystal clear picture...

 

[14tokihorn]

If you're dead-set on DIRECTV, sounds like an antenna is all you can do - But:

There are neat ways of mounting an antenna to the mast (which the satellite dish mounts on).
You'll need to ask DIRECTV if the dish is capable of 'multiplexing'. i would think that this shouldn't be too much of an issue, more than likely.

What that does is coalesce both the Satellite signal and the over-the-air signal onto a single cable-feed (at the dish), which runs down into your house.
Then you'll need a (small) box behind the TV (a 'de-multiplexer'). that will separate the signals back to 2 separate cables... suitable for the connection/inputs of your TV setup.

Only other thing would be the antenna and an extra mast, with hardware to bolt to the dish. (easy)

Multiplexers are common items, and a tried-and-true method. I had DIRECTV over a decade ago, with a roof mount, and it this was the solution for local channels. At the time, local channels were not in the offering.

 

[texascoder]

I'm not sure why a roof-mounted antenna would be needed. I simply used a simple antenna that sat right under my TV on the TV stand. I hooked it up to the "antenna" port on my TV and I was able to get all the local digital stations in HD. I now just get my local stations through the Directv receiver, but I could easily hook up that antenna and get them that way as well.

 

[14tokihorn]

I'm not sure either... maybe folks in San Angelo can pull in Abilene, Odessa/Midland (/) - with a little extra installation.

 

[CottonEyedHorn]

Turns out for a little extra $$, Direct will install an antenna for you. Seems the best route to go. My choices are DishNetwork, Directv, and crappy local cable. Directv seems the winner for several reasons including HD content, DVR technology, free NFL ticket,etc. A little extra work to get network TV seems worth it to me.

 

[texascoder]

I've had Directv for close to 10 yrs now. Started with Time Warner cable, then switched to Dish and ended up with Directv. I'm very happy with them, especially their customer service. I know it's fair game to complain about the customer service dept at pretty much any company, but I've never had a bad experience with Directv's customer service people. And no, I don't work for Directv

 

[hlaustin]

If I can help you out getting switched over to Direct TV, send me a pm or email and would be more then happy to get you in touch with my Direct TV installer and get you taken care of. Can usually get you a little better deal and much better install then going through DTV directly.
[email protected]

 

[l00p]

I use an over the air antenna for local stations and it's a fantastic picture. Somebody told me it is the best quality and better than cable or satellite. It was a one time cost too, not monthly. Consider that to save money on your monthly cable/satellite bill if they charge extra. The one downside for you is if you record a lot of shows that are on network tv.

I don't have a dvr any longer so I watch them via computer and an hdmi cord.