Cnn and msnbc get error 771 everday

99% of the time this is a dish alignment problem, there are video on youtube if you want to try it yourself otherwise you need to call DTV 1 800 531 5000 to set up a tech visit.

Also make sure dish is not being blocked by trees that have grown up.

Just called support..explained the problem to him a million times..he finally wanted to send someone out for $99.  I said thanks for nothing and hung up.  Just went to my dvr settings and chose show all channels sd and HD.  Surprise surprise..sd is working fine..while cnnhd is scrambled. So I am thinking g my $180 per month payment is NOT enough for their greedy pockets.  And he never suggested I try sd cnn channel. Whatever.

Hd channels are from the 99 and 103 satellites have you checked the signals on 99 and 103 ?

Plus DTV is shutting down the MPEG2 SD channels.  The SD channels are on a wider beam then the HD channels so you lose HD first.

$99 is the standard fee for a service call as you own the dish and everything but the receivers, there are videos on youtube if you want to try it yourself.

I am not climbing up on a 2 story roof..nor am I sending them any more money.  Been with them since 1996..whatever..I will just watch the news some other way

When I go to channel 9504..satellite test channel for 99 a odd and even...they all say correct dish setup..and same for 103 odd and even

@gmiles the test channels just check to see if you're getting that satellite it doesn't check the signal strength, there are 32 transponders on each satellite certain channels are on different transponders so if some of the transponders have a low signal you won't get channels from that transponder

DTV is no longer allowed to leave the ladder per new OSHA rules so they will have to place a new dish where it can be serviced.  The CSRs can't check anything about what signals readings you are getting but can only refresh the authorizations.

@shannon02 csrs can walk him through checking sat signals 

DirecTV is shutting down the MPEG-2/SD-only feeds. Though SD channels can come on MPEG-4, they are on borrowed time. It is an HD world now. As such, suggesting to switch your channel/guide selection to SD channels is not a normal consideration for a customer service rep.

HD channels are on a tighter beam than SD. So when you have an alignment issue, the HD channels get affected before SD ones.

We own everything but the boxes. So sending a tech out costs. Your time with DirecTV doesn't change the $99 cost. There is the optional Equipment Protection Plan that covers that cost, but I don't suggest it as you pay more in the long run.

You mention climbing on the roof. Per updated OSHA regulations, DirecTV techs to stay compliant are not allowed to leave the ladder. That means they don't climb on the roof either. This would require them installing a new dish in a servicable location.

If you don't want to pay to maintain equipment that you own, then that is your choice. You accept going without the service you want. Use it in reduced capacity or cancel it and go to locals only as you can manage a TV antenna I assume (unless you need a roof antenna then I guess no TV at all).