Direct TV and Channel 5

Some of us who have direct tv will be losing channel 5, and channel 50 soon. It looks like there is no chance of mediation because channel 5 is giving away antennas for those who live close enough to Raleigh. The area I live in has no cable and we have the choice of direct tv, or dish network, and I live too far from Raleigh for an antenna to receive a signal. Many of you maybe in the same situation as me, so I'm asking that you contact channel 5 and direct tv and express to them that you don't want to lose channel 5 and fox 50.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

Switch to Dish network. That will send a message.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

They remind me of two small siblings arguing over a toy. They're squabbling over pennies, and the customers will be the real losers (having to pay more) in the end.

Cuss, I think they will come to an understanding before it's too late. Seems like they always do. I have Dish, but, I'm pulling for you.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

I refuse to pay for TV just because of stuff like this. Fortunately though, I live close enough so that I can use an antenna for local stations. I sympathize for those that don't have that option. Again, here we have two multi-million dollar companies squabbling over what amounts to little or nothing for them and it's the average Joe that suffers. Hopefully those impacted can find an option that works or the knuckleheads in charge will come to their senses. I will but a bug in their ear though so hopefully it will help others keep their channels.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

The local Dish distributor is also a vendor for my company. You would be surprised how well the HD antennas work today. The manger of this location actually keeps his in his golf bag, in his garage, and picks up around 20 stations, including all the local ones. The downside is you get NONE of the cable stations, so you miss a lot.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

Some of us who have direct tv will be losing channel 5, and channel 50 soon. It looks like there is no chance of mediation because channel 5 is giving away antennas for those who live close enough to Raleigh. The area I live in has no cable and we have the choice of direct tv, or dish network, and I live too far from Raleigh for an antenna to receive a signal. Many of you maybe in the same situation as me, so I'm asking that you contact channel 5 and direct tv and express to them that you don't want to lose channel 5 and fox 50.
- Posted by cussmeoutmike2

radio shack sells an antenna that will pull in from 200 miles

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

The local Dish distributor is also a vendor for my company. You would be surprised how well the HD antennas work today. The manger of this location actually keeps his in his golf bag, in his garage, and picks up around 20 stations, including all the local ones. The downside is you get NONE of the cable stations, so you miss a lot.
- Posted by TB in NC

Not much on cable that I care about besides sports. I get plenty of football on over-the-air. If there is a game I have to see that isn't on, I go to a sports bar. Saves me ~$500 a year to not have cable. I also use a Roku box. Pretty good supplement if you have netflix or something similar.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

Q: I have read ads for an antenna that can pick up stations 200 miles away. Is this possible?

A: Under extremely rare circumstances, a television antenna could possibly pick up stations 200 miles away. However, rarely is, an antenna going to get terrestrial television broadcasts over such a distance.

Theoretically, it would be possible if you lived on top of a mountain and the broadcast towers were also on a mountain. At normal elevations, however, the curvature of the earth pretty much limits effectiveness to about 70 miles for UHF band signals. Low VHF band (2-6) can bounce further than this, but currently only about 7% of digital TV channels are on the VHF band. Most Digital TV channels are on the UHF band - which is line-of-sight transmission.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

I am sure it is frustrating. When I lived in the Rocky Mount area, WRAL was the "local station" on cable, not the local WNCT or WITN. It was almost impossible to get our local news other than to purchase a local newspaper whose quality left much to be desired.

RE: Direct TV and Channel 5

TWS, DIRECTV, DISH...they are all trash and all out for YOUR money. I have had all three and all of them have major customer service issues...you would think with all that money they make they could keep the customer happy. Geeeeezzzzusssss!

WRAL Sports Fan