BajaNomad - DirecTV Question

DirecTV Question

cathart - 4-26-2006 at 04:05 PM

I have a DirecTV system in Los Angeles. At the moment, we take one of our receivers with us down to Mexico, where we have a Dish, and we can get all of our LA channels. We are moving in June, and have bought a condo in San Diego. Of course, we will then call DirecTV to move us to San Diego. The problem, however, is that our Condo will not be ready to move into until September! That means that we will need to leave the old system hooked up at our old house until we are ready to move into the place in San Diego. My question is this: Since my DVR is hooked up to the phone line, do I need to keep the PHONE and the television the DVR receiver is hooked up to connected until September too? Otherwise, will DirectTV disconnect me?

cathart - 4-26-2006 at 04:07 PM

Oh, and BTW, the new owner of our house, who is a friend, has said that it would be fine to leave the stuff there until September.

Diver - 4-26-2006 at 04:10 PM

Call them and tell them your are remodelling and will have the phone disconnected for a few months. They will continue service.

bajaguy - 4-26-2006 at 08:16 PM

I have Dish Network here in Nevada and do not have a phone line connected. Works great

cathart - 4-26-2006 at 11:57 PM

That's a good idea, Diver--but if I the phone is actually disconnected, does the satellite still communicate with the receivers so that they will work in Baja, and will DirectTV know that I am using them in Baja?

Phone line

bajaguy - 4-27-2006 at 06:53 AM

I am not an expert (anybody who knows the details, please chime in), but when my system was installed I was told the phone line was used when you ordered movies/programs through your system.

comitan - 4-27-2006 at 07:13 AM

Cathart

You will be able to get your direct TV but will not be able to use the complete system DVR I believe is similiar to TIVO for watch shows at a later date.

Try unplugging the phone, now.....

neilm - 4-27-2006 at 08:26 AM

and see if everything works OK.... you can order movies by phone or online (I think).... I've used DirecTV for years w/out phone, (and all over the West) but don't have a DVR.

Neil

bajablue - 4-27-2006 at 10:07 AM

Cathart,
I am in Baja and use Directv with out a phone line. I just use am LA address for billing and get all the local channels. I think the phone line is used when you order movies/programs through your system. I am not sure on how the DVR works, because I do not have that. I would also love to know if that works without a phone line. Does anyone out there have Tivo/ DVR working in Baja without a phone line??..

comitan - 4-27-2006 at 10:31 AM

TIVO does not work without a phone line, I was told the earlier series would work so bought one, I have not been able to get it to work.

bajablue - 4-27-2006 at 10:44 AM

bummer..

cathart - 4-27-2006 at 01:29 PM

I know I had a new receiver installed for a television upstairs, which they did attach to a phone line in that room, but when I unplug that receiver from the phone line, the TV no longer works at all--I can't get any reception! Maybe that only happens with the new receivers, though--I'm hoping that's the case--because we have only one of those, and we can take that one, and the one with the DVR to San Diego in September when the Condo is finished.

BornFisher - 4-27-2006 at 02:35 PM

Works for me. Here at home (Encinitas) we have two Directtv recievers with Tivo, connected to the phone line. Down in Baja, I was using an old Sony Directtv reciever but loved Tivo so much, I decided to get another for Baja. BUTTTT..... DirectTv/Tivo had parted ways. BUTTTTT....... DirectTv had their own reciever with recording options and was giving them away!! Well I payed $99.99 and got a $100 rebate. Now that recorder is sitting happily down Baja way with NO phone line and works fine. System not nearly as good as a Tivo, but funcional enough for my needs (baseball, Jerry Springer, all fishing shows). Here`s a good link--

http://www.dbstalk.com/index.php

bajablue - 4-27-2006 at 03:01 PM

BornFisher,
so you are saying that you do not need a phone line for that new recorder? I have heard that when you initially set it up, you need it connected to a phone line. Then after that, you are good to go and do not need one. Please let me know..
Gracias

BornFisher - 4-27-2006 at 03:46 PM

I wish I could answer that but after I brought it home (Encinitas), I plugged it into a phone line. In fact about the only benefit over Tivo was it had Caller ID!! Very convient! Didn`t even have to move to see who`s calling.
I can see where you may need to hook it up initially to download info. But after that you`re home free with no line required.
Always an idea-- buy your gear at Circirt City where you can return anything for any reason for 30 days.
Also check
http://www.directtv.com/DTVAPP/global/secondaryIndex.jsp?ass...

Best $5.99 you can spend a month!!

bajablue - 4-27-2006 at 05:16 PM

Thanks again for the info. I will look into this and hopefully it work for me as well....

Dave - 4-27-2006 at 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cathart
when I unplug that receiver from the phone line, the TV no longer works at all--I can't get any reception!

Since Direct isn't in constant contact with the receiver this should tell you that receiver operation is dependent on imput line voltage. What you need to do is supply that specific voltage to the 'phone line in' on your receiver.

I won't attempt to tell you how but if you're at all familiar with electronics, you'll figure it out.

bajaguy - 4-27-2006 at 06:30 PM

My Dish Network works fine without the phone line connected...go figure

BCSTech - 4-30-2006 at 10:30 PM

We've used both current-model DirecTV and Dish Network receivers here with DVRs and no phone lines connected, _ever_. The receivers get their software updates/DVR info/Programming Guide downloaded from the satellites, not the phone line.

The phone line is only used by the receiver to call home to the Mother Ship to upload any Pay Per View charges. If the receiver holds this info for too long then it may become disabled so don't use your remote to order PPV. NeilM is right, you should be able to order PPV online or by phone.

Don't know about DirecTV but Dish Network occasionally uses the phone line connect to "audit" multiple receiver accounts to ensure that all receivers are still in the same location. If one or both don't answer, expect them to get deauthorized at some point. This is not a problem if you have only one receiver or a dual tuner model, or if you have certain types of VOIP setups.

Ordering Dish PPV Online

MrBillM - 5-1-2006 at 08:19 AM

Awhile back, I decided to order a Dish PPV online, BUT I found nothing in the ordering procedure to specify WHICH receiver I wanted authorized. After looking through all of the FAQs and finding nothing, I wrote an e-mail to tech support. Of course, I phrased the e-mail carefully and told them I periodically used one of my receivers in my RV and might want to direct a PPV to that receiver. Instead of answering my question regarding the possibility of doing so, they replied that I would need to set up a separate account for RV use. I am assuming, therefore, that the online procedure will default the PPV order to the primary receiver on the account. I realize that wouldn't be a problem for most of the Baja residents, but it wouldn't work for me.

Debra - 5-1-2006 at 08:54 AM

I have Direct TV with Tivo. I got the first Tivo about a year ago, at that time they would only let you buy 1 Tivo every 6 months (why, I have no idea) so I waited until after the 6 months and got a second one in the house....the first Tech. didn't seem to know what the heck he was doing and tried to feed me a bunch of BS, he told me that the system wouldn't work if not on a phone line, I new this was not true since the first system worked just fine..... NO PHONE hooked up (I didn't want a phone line across my room) ....so I sent him off and called again for a new Tech. Second Tech. admitted (when I questioned him with common sence) that the whole phone line thing was to send "Infomercials" and they want that phone hook up so you will be more apt to order Pay per view (I thought of it as those shelves at the grocery store check outs, in your face, you will buy. Why do you think the charge extra for Pay per view if you have to call it in, instead of just doing it from your TV with your phone hook up? They are playing the public, treating us like idiots. Many, Many folks have Direct TV/Dish in Baja and NO PHONE! And to the RV question, I first decided to get the system because I was in my Moho on a extended job in San Diego, no different account was needed when I came back to the "real world" , the trick is, that you just have to use the booklet that comes when you sign up for service (lot's of pactience needed here) and not rely on a Tech. to come and set it up for you, first time is a "B", after that it's a snap! I had to move about every 2 weeks for an 8 month period during that job, so I became an expert. First time took me hours, after that minutes.

Debra - 5-1-2006 at 09:00 AM

PS: One thing that is an issue, for your local channels, you have to tell them which you want, since my primary home is Seattle, I have those (want my local news), but, you can get whichever you want, and more than one if you chose (extra charge)

Debra - 5-1-2006 at 09:03 AM

PS,PS......Instead of local channels I should have said the networks, NBC, CBS, ABC......

BCSTech - 5-1-2006 at 09:58 AM

A note about receiving network channels on Dish Network. These are all on spot beams on a second satellite (110?)These spot beams cannot be picked up very far from their local markets and don't work at all in BCS. Only the LA and NY network packages are on the main DN 119? satellite, and can be seen from here.

This is a minor inconvenience and BCS subscribers can be set up for either the LA, NY, or both network packages.

Debra - 5-1-2006 at 10:06 AM

Interesting......I have to ask, is this something the company is doing to block them, It would seem that it's a satellite, so if you point it right it should pick up. :?:

Roberto - 5-1-2006 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Interesting......I have to ask, is this something the company is doing to block them, It would seem that it's a satellite, so if you point it right it should pick up. :?:

Yes, as the man said, they are on spot beams - very narrow and aimed at the local market area. They do this for various reasons, one of which being insufficient channels once they expand local market coverage to most cities in the entire country. They would not have enough bandwidth without doing this - plus, they can honor the non-compete agreements they have with the local stations this way.

BCSTech - 5-1-2006 at 02:59 PM

OK, everyone, get out your Mag lights and shine them on the floor. Turn the head and to narrow the beam. That's a spot beam just like what the satellite does. Further away along the floor you are, the less light there is.

In Baja, we could be clear off in the next room... :biggrin:

BCSTech - 5-1-2006 at 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Interesting......I have to ask, is this something the company is doing to block them...

Yes and no. Not intended to block them from us but more to block them from the other U.S. Markets as Roberto said. They keep the LA and NY bundles available nationwide to service the (U.S.) RV market.

SpotBeams

MrBillM - 5-1-2006 at 03:37 PM

The whole reason that the Spotbeams (approx 150 mile radius in any city) for local channel packages came about was complaints and lawsuits by the cable TV interests to force the FCC to stop allowing Satellite providers to broadcast out of market local stations that the Cable Companies could not. The theory behind the prohibition is that local advertisers are being deprived of the full value of their ad dollars. If you're in Phoenix watching a Chicago station, you're not about to go down to the local Chicago Chevy dealer to buy one of his cars.

BCSTech - 5-1-2006 at 03:58 PM

And if you're in Baja watching a Chicago station, you're also probably not about to go down to the local Chicago Chevy dealer to buy one of his cars... :biggrin:

BTW, I should have added earlier that you can get the Dish Network NY or LA locals if you sign the RV waiver OR if your listed residence is in a "blacked out" area of the U.S. where you can't receive any local networks using an off-air antenna...

Funny (but Sad) story

MrBillM - 5-1-2006 at 04:19 PM

I have had the NY-LA Network channel packages since 1995. A few years ago, ABC and Dish Network got into a spat because Dish was going to drop ESPN Classic and ABC Family after ABC raised the price on the offerings. The two had low ratings to begin with. As part of their food fight, ABC began challenging Zip Codes in various boondock areas, forcing Dish Network to take away the Distant ABC feed.

When I was notified I was losing ABC-NY I began a long battle with extensive research to convince Dish that I could not receive an over-air signal of the minimum strength for the required hours. I downloaded and read the FCC publications regarding the 1998 Communications act changes. I downloaded all three coverage area map models used by the FCC to determine signal reception and NONE showed Yucca Valley as receiving the L.A. affiliate signal. When I received negative response from Dish, I requested a reception test. To that request, I received a "Tough Caca" letter from Dish stating that it was their practice NEVER to make said tests and that my only recourse was a waiver from ABC-LA which I never got.

One of the disappointing changes made in the Act as passed by Congress which differed from the FCC staff recomendation was that a physical test (loser pays) would not be a "personal" right, but could only be requested by the Provider. Screwed Again.

After Dish and ABC settled their differences (with Dish caving) I wrote both asking to have my NY station restored now that they were buddies again. NO to that request also.

The one positive effect of that, though, was it cleared my conscience of any misgivings when, a short while later, Dish Net "Servicio Especial" was made available in San Felipe.

BCSTech - 5-1-2006 at 04:33 PM

Hey MrBillM,

What is that???

Is it part of one of these?:

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/espanol/index...

Mexican Service

MrBillM - 5-1-2006 at 07:22 PM

No, that was just an inside joke about the services we "used" to get through one of many people in San Felipe and elsewhere. It all came to a sad end with the advent of the "Yellow" Smart Cards, but it was glorious while it lasted. The choice of channels, including network feeds from around 20 cities all over the country, was truly amazing. During the last year. when reprogramming every few weeks was required, it was something of a pain but still worth the price.

Debra - 5-2-2006 at 12:17 AM

Mag light shining.........I'm learing,

Thank you BSCTech, and Roberto, you both put it into text what this computer dummy (also, satelitte) can wrap my brain around. Thanks

cathart - 5-2-2006 at 02:09 AM

I NEVER order PPV, so that isn't an issue for me at all! I do love the DVR, but I guess I could even live without that for the two or three months before we move the system to San Diego--as long as I can have it working without a phone line! I guess I should, however, keep one receiver and one TV conected to the satelite just to make sure that the whole system is functioning from Los Angeles, right? The idea of saying the phone is disconnected due to remodeling is a great one--I guess I could say I'm even living there, and using my cell phone for a while, or tell them I'm back and forth between friends, and have had my phone turned off, but want TV service, just in case I'm at the house to check on things for a couple of days on and off during July and August....

BCSTech - 5-4-2006 at 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cathart
I NEVER order PPV, so that isn't an issue for me at all! I do love the DVR, but I guess I could even live without that for the two or three months before we move the system to San Diego--as long as I can have it working without a phone line! I guess I should, however, keep one receiver and one TV conected to the satelite just to make sure that the whole system is functioning from Los Angeles, right? The idea of saying the phone is disconnected due to remodeling is a great one--I guess I could say I'm even living there, and using my cell phone for a while, or tell them I'm back and forth between friends, and have had my phone turned off, but want TV service, just in case I'm at the house to check on things for a couple of days on and off during July and August....

The receivers will lose their authorization if they've been unplugged long enough but it's a simple matter to get them running again once they're reconnected.

That DVR function... Yup, we use it all the time, too. We only have a few regular programs we like to watch, and it's great to come in at any time and there they are... :cool: