Down graded package and lost signal

Ok lets keep our feet grounded.

The receiving dish cannot be zapped. That is not how the TV service works. And you have owned it since install. Only the receiver/client boxes are still owned by DirecTV, everything else you own.

So how about we address the actual issue.

What models are your boxes?

What is the problem (symptoms, error message, etc.)

Are all boxes affected, or just certain ones.

Have you tried anything to resolve the issue?

Ok. So HD dish and receiver fine. Older dish and two receivers no signal. Please help. Think I need new antenna  part. Unsure where to get fast. Cranky without tv!

Need specifics please.

What are the models of every box?

Of those, which ones are having a problem?

Exact symptoms and/or error messages?

You mention two dishes, where is the 2nd "older" dish? (RV, detached garage, etc.)

What type is the "older" dish?

If the "no signal" is the exact error message, then that is a message from the TV so a few things to check. First verify TV is tuned to the correct input (power interruption would reset TV back to default input which is usually the old fashion antenna, not the input DirecTV is plugged into). Check that the DirecTV box is powering on to begin with. Verify cord between TV and DirecTV is secure and free of debris on both ends. Try another port on the TV if available (make sure to change input of course), and even another cord if you have one.

One concern is if the "older" dish and/or boxes are MPEG-2/SD-only, then that cannot be used for much longer (if not already). DirecTV has been completely shutting down those outdated feeds so going forward we all need MPEG-4 equipment.

Error 771. Zero on test satellite. Boxes d12 100 2009. I hate to change! Dish 18inch.

One address two separate living spaces. Each has own antenna.

The 18 " dish and d12 need replaced because very soon, if not happening already, that standard definition only equipment will no longer function. DirecTV is offering a "swap" to mpeg4 (high definition) equipment which includes the dish and receiver. It's a free swap with no committment. It's very likely that this is the reason for the 771 message 

DTV will probably not install a new  dish as they already have one.

So should I cancel order for antenna  part I just ordered? Help please.

Yes.

We'd be glad to help with this, @sandidge. We get cranky without TV too, so we'll make sure we get this fixed.

A 771 message means your dish has lost signal to the satellites. It's entirely a hardware issue, nothing to do with changing your programming. This is typically caused by weather, but can also be caused by tree growth, construction, or even a critter nesting in the dish (we’ve run into sunbathing lizards). If you do not have bad weather, we’d recommend reaching out to us to schedule a field technician. Your dish may be out of alignment.

And actually @sandidge, since you also mentioned you have SD equipment, we would recommend reaching out for a free equipment upgrade specifically. We will send a field tech to update your receivers to HD, and update the dish if needed. While the tech is doing the upgrade, they will also make sure your dish is fully aligned. This has no cost, no commitment, and no change to your monthly bill: going SD to HD is purely free. We're doing this because we'll soon be ending SD local channels in your market, and want to make sure you keep your locals, so this has no charge. This would have been communicated on your bill over the past two years.

Please let us know if you have any other questions @sandidge!

Genevieve, AT&T Community Specialist

@sandidge 

Error 771 is normally an alignment issue. But based on the box and dish there are other concerns.

D12 is the last MPEG-2 non-DVR made and the 18" round would be MPEG-2 only. So those are required to be replaced.

As 2 living spaces on one residential address (not separate address on one account which is a violation), it will be at your own cost to replace the dish with an updated one. For the boxes you need a MPEG swap, not an upgrade. The difference is one is required so no new agreement. You will need to call DirecTV and make sure they place the order for non-DVRs, not Mini Genie Clients as this is a separate dish/cabling setup.

MPEG-2/SD-only is very outdated. Non-HD TVs haven't been made in over a decade. The MPEG-4 feeds carry both SD and HD, though it is expected that one day SD would go away completely. It is time for change as neither that box or dish can use DirecTV's MPEG-4.

Dear people that helped me get thru  last night. I give my humblest  apologies.  Found out today my dear friend bumped  a shoulder into cemented antenna  pole twisting head. Yes it was an alignment problem. Sorry for the bad behavior. I GOT TV!! Thank you all.

But not for long as DTV will shut down the MPEG2 channels.

Glad it was just the alignment. That will give you some breathing room until you are ready to update the setup.

Be prepared the closest swap would be a H25 (or H24 if any left in stock) for a non-DVR. An exact time-frame for the MPEG-2 shutdown to complete is unknown, only that it started April 2019 and has taken a bit longer than expected (plus Covid affecting businesses of course). When you do place the order for the box, make sure to check the order confirmation to verify it is as expected.

We're glad to hear that, @sandidge! Thanks for letting us know your TV is up and running again. Hope you have a fantastic rest of your day!

Genevieve, AT&T Community Specialist