Any receiving dish and DirecTV box must be MPEG-4 compatible going forward. Specifically for DirecTV as there are some out there that can receive Dish HD, but not DirecTV HD as they are different broadcasts.
The sat-go were based on DirecTV's D11. DirecTV no longer activates units once deactivated (recent change with their new account system), part of which is to avoid old MPEG-2 boxes from being turned on as they are being shutdown.
I haven't seen any info about if there would be MPEG-4 sat-go units. Even if there were, you would need to get new as used is not allowed to be reactivated.
The Sat-Go unit has a receiver built in so does need an access card.
However, even if it is new, DirecTV will not activate it if it is MPEG-2 (SD only). This is because they are shutting down the MPEG-2 feeds which turn those boxes into a expensive paperweight. Do not buy the unit unless it is DirecTV MPEG-4 (HD) capable and new. I've been researching as units like this for built in receiver an screen are a great idea for traveling, but haven't found any that aren't the old MPEG-2 based on the outdated D11.
Thanx Shannon Last question, if I purchase a used functioning Go Sat Suitcase Unit, how do I connect it with my Directv account? EXtra subscription charge?
I have found some new stock for sale. My understanding is if you have a used former activated unit, it can’t be reactivated. This is just for the sake of enjoying some good historical technology. I will keep my current subscription for daily use. Last question: Does the Portable Suitcase Directv Unit need a card?
Glad yours is still working. However, be prepared that it will stop working in the near future. DirecTV is working on their complete shutdown of the MPEG-2 feeds and using MPEG-4 going forward. There has been no mention of a MPEG-4 version of those old Sat-Go models.
Accepted Solution
Official Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
22.4K Messages
5 years ago
Any receiving dish and DirecTV box must be MPEG-4 compatible going forward. Specifically for DirecTV as there are some out there that can receive Dish HD, but not DirecTV HD as they are different broadcasts.
The sat-go were based on DirecTV's D11. DirecTV no longer activates units once deactivated (recent change with their new account system), part of which is to avoid old MPEG-2 boxes from being turned on as they are being shutdown.
I haven't seen any info about if there would be MPEG-4 sat-go units. Even if there were, you would need to get new as used is not allowed to be reactivated.
0
Accepted Solution
Official Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
22.4K Messages
5 years ago
The Sat-Go unit has a receiver built in so does need an access card.
However, even if it is new, DirecTV will not activate it if it is MPEG-2 (SD only). This is because they are shutting down the MPEG-2 feeds which turn those boxes into a expensive paperweight. Do not buy the unit unless it is DirecTV MPEG-4 (HD) capable and new. I've been researching as units like this for built in receiver an screen are a great idea for traveling, but haven't found any that aren't the old MPEG-2 based on the outdated D11.
0
lizdance40
ACE - Sage
•
301 Messages
5 years ago
Moving to TV forum
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
20.6K Messages
5 years ago
Only until DTV removes the SD MPEG2 channels that was started in April and expected to be completed by the end of the year.
0
0
GO-SAT
Tutor
5 years ago
So do you think the Portable Go Sat Briefcase units will not be operational after 2029?
They are SD.
THANX
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
20.6K Messages
5 years ago
They will still work but there will be no programs to receive unless DTV shuts down the transponders.
0
0
GO-SAT
Tutor
5 years ago
Last question, if I purchase a used functioning Go Sat Suitcase Unit, how do I connect it with my Directv account? EXtra subscription charge?
0
0
GO-SAT
Tutor
5 years ago
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
20.6K Messages
5 years ago
DTV doesn't care about the dish so there is nothing to do, but don't know why anyone would buy an obsolete dish.
0
0
GO-SAT
Tutor
5 years ago
Last question: Does the Portable Suitcase Directv Unit need a card?
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
20.6K Messages
5 years ago
No dish needs an access card only the receivers.
0
0
litzdog911
ACE - Sage
•
46.1K Messages
5 years ago
Yes.
0
0
jonbudge
New Member
4 years ago
Mine still works. Just gotta remember to refresh authorization before you head out to use it in the mountains.
0
0
shannon02
ACE - Expert
•
20.6K Messages
4 years ago
DTV is shutting down the MPEG2 SD channels when finished it will be obsolete.
(edited)
0
0
Juniper
ACE - Expert
•
22.4K Messages
4 years ago
@jonbudge
Glad yours is still working. However, be prepared that it will stop working in the near future. DirecTV is working on their complete shutdown of the MPEG-2 feeds and using MPEG-4 going forward. There has been no mention of a MPEG-4 version of those old Sat-Go models.
0
0