Directv: I get local channels but why cant I get channels from less than 40 miles away?

Question

Living in Baltimore, I get Baltimore stations. I would like to get DC stations, 39 miles away. I cant

Answer 1

DirecTV uses very narrow spot beams for local channels, so you have no control over what local channels you get.

The DirecTV website has this info on it. You put your zip code in and it will tell you what locals you will get. If you aren't in the spot beam, you just will not get it from the satellite.

However, if you are that close, you should be able to connect an over the air antenna to your TV or your receiver and get the locals that way.

Answer 2

Basically with satellite, you get the local channels they give and you can either deal with it or switch to cable. Not trying to be rude, that's just how satellite is.

Answer 3

It's a legal thing called the "must carry" law.  The law requires a cable or satellite system to carry the local channels for the area they serve (market area).

You get the locals for your market area.  If you live in Baltimore, your cable or satellite company must carry the Baltimore stations.  Bringing in "distant" signals would create all sorts of problems, not the least of which is fees the cable / satellite company would have to pay to the "distant" stations.  The cable / satellite companies are irritated enough because they are forced to devote channel space to the locals, anyway.

I hope this helps.  Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.