Local channels not available on DirecTV anymore?

I've been a DTV customer for over 20 years.  I first started with DTV back in 2003 and I've had the same satellite, if that helps.

I know it's not an HD satellite dish.  

Is DTV shutting down local channels that are not HD?

Hi there, we came across your post. We apologize that you're not getting any local channels. What is your zip code so we can check the available channels in your area?

You need to replace your old dish with a newer Slimline HD dish. 

DirecTVHelp,

Is there a way for me to give you my zip code directly and in private so I don't post my personal info publicly on this forum?

Sure, let's meet in a PM to assist you further.

No need to provide them your zip code. Just request the free HD dish swap. 

DTV is moving all local channels to the 99/103 sats so they can continue using the 101 sat for broadcasting in MPEG4 the nationwide wide channels.

I was on the Direct Messenging (Chat) app with a DTV customer support person on this website last night.  Spent an hour on chat with them.

Customer support investigated my account and said:

1) There is no local outage for local channels in my area

2) There is no carrier fare disagreement with the local channel networks so all local channels should be available.

3) My area did not switch the local channels to only HD satellite feeds yet.  SD satellites should still get local channel feeds in my area.

4) I still don't get local channels.  Need to call DTV again but I dislike having to deal with the tech support people offshore.  They don't know what they're doing and just make me repeat steps I've already done.  They're no help in resolving problems.

Hi, there. We're sorry you're still not getting your local channels. We're sending you another DM to further investigate and get this fixed.  Aljoy, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Customer support is likely wrong. You need to replace your satellite dish. DirecTV should do that for free. 

You're probably right, @Juniper 

The key point is that the advice they're getting from DirecTV is not very helpful. They simply need that dish replaced. 

Juniper,

I have an SD dish.  Can't replace the dish.  I've been a DTV customer for 20+ years and my original receivers were the DirecTivo SD-DVR40 receivers.  

A few years ago, DTV told me that the SD-DVR40s were being discontinued and they would no longer work.  But DTV customer support said that the HR24 receivers were hybrids that worked with either SD dishes or HD dishes and I got the SD-DVR40s replaced with HR24 receivers.

If DTV continues to disable SD feeds, then I can't upgrade the dish to HD so I will be forced to close my DTV account and go to cable, which I prefer not to do.  I only stuck with DTV for this long because of NFL Sunday Ticket, which DTV no longer offers so I'm not tied to DTV anymore.

Yes, the HR24s like all DTV current receivers can use both HD and SD dishes.  If DTV can't mount an HD dish on a sled mount or pole in the ground or on the roof edge then there is no other option to continue with DTV.

@shannon02 ,

Can a Genie receiver work with both an SD and HD satellite dish?

No, those are SWM only, sorry I forgot about them.  Your SD dish will still get the MPEG4 channels on the 101 but there will be no local channels.