Satellite reception problem with Channel 256 - Turner Classic Movies

Was it during a time when your satellite signal switched to “streaming “ due to signal reception?

@westway 

That only occurs on model HR44 or above with a receiver that is connected to the Internet. So unless both of this criteria is met by the OP then they will not see such a message. An error code would be helpful though. Error codes like 771 mean signal loss.

DVR: Model R16-300; It does not connect to internet.

The R16-300 is now considered obsolete since it only receives SD/MPEG2 content on 101 which is being phased out as we speak. You can request a FREE SD SWAP. Don’t say ‘upgrade’ to the agent as that triggers a two year contract. What are your other receiver models? I can suggest a receiver that you should ask for based on your current equipment.

Additionally, if you have an older 18 inch dish or 18x20 inch dish that cannot receive Hd, a technician can come free of charge to upgrade the dish to HD. The new dish is a SLIMLINE SWM SL3 dish. 

By the way, the problem I was having with satellite reception switching over to streaming was due to a broken bolt in the vertical mast that supports the dish.  Depending on wind direction, mast would become non-vertical.

Thank you for reply. To be compatible with my older equipment,

I want a receiver that has both of following video-outputs:

1) S-Video; 2) Composite-yellow plug;

Am not currently interested in HD.

What model DirecTV Satellite SD-Receiver should I request?

Newer HD equipment like the H24 also has those outputs. S-VIDEO is quite old, no modern receivers have that. Request that receiver if they have it in stock. As stated before, say you what an MPEG SWAP.

SD is being phased out. You can no longer have SD equipment nor is DIRECTV providing anything of the sort anymore. ALL SD RECEIVERS ARE AFFECTED.

Just to let you know, if your TV needs those outputs, you are living on obsolete equipment. It would be good at some point to upgrade. HD TVs are not too expensive and eventually SD will be left behind quickly and abruptly, and so will your R16 and your SD-only TV set. 

I talked with several DirecTV Customer Support Agents over past month,

and they all said were unable do an "SD / mpeg Swap" for me.

If I wanted solve my Channel reception / recording problems,

would need change to HD equipment.

Thinking about what you mentioned,

they confirmed the change to HD would involve 2-year contract.

So after being with Primestar & then DirecTV for over 25 years,

I decided cancel Satellite TV Service.

The person I talked with on canceling service said I didnt need return the DVR-Receiver. But as its been over 7 business days since canceling service, and still not getting written-confirmation on that,

will plan going thru DirecTV-website to recycle Receiver;

Hopefully that will be proof enough if they ever come back trying to charge me for that equipment?

Yes, I have a 4K TV, and the HD resolution is nice for the few newer films am interested in.

But my main A/V interests are ad-free music & older-films;

Having SD / Satellite TV-Service with S-Video output directly from the Receiver seemed to work best with my old Hauppauge-PVR (have already tried HD converters).

Was convenient DVR-recording 8 hour blocks of the different commercial-free MusicChoice Channels.

And for my tastes the older films dont require higher HD resolution.

I'll probably now use the streaming services more.

Not as convenient for me as satellite, but still get TCM and appears better music variety.

.... Thanks again for your feedback, glad I found these forums.

Sadly, you got bad information. The swap from old obsolete to modern HD boxes and satellite dish should be free. 

To CFJEM1:  I too am an old movie TCM Fan. The old b&w movies are amazingly better in HD.