I recently switched from DirecTV to Dish Network to take advantage of HD only service. I did not elect local channel service since I have no problem receiving the local stations over the air. However, I'm informed by Dish Network that in order for my ViP722 to display a programming guide for the local over-the-air (OTA) stations, I have to subscribe ($5.00/month) to their local OTA channels via satellite. DirecTV provided the OTA guide regardless of the program package that I subscribed to.

Are there any known workarounds to this situation? Thanks

No. My locals magically appeared in the program guide two years ago or so, but then they went away a week or so later. I think this soooo lame. It makes programming OTA locals a real pain. HD locals are not even available in my local from Dish, even though I get all four nets OTA in HD, so in they want me to pay for something in SD that I already get in HD for free.

You can create manual timers without guide data but thats about the only workaround.

Thanks for the replys so far. Manual recordings seem a little archaic for this day and age though.

They're going out of their way to block something that's already out there. My dishless old DirecTV HD receiver brings in the guide data just fine.

This is DISH trying to squeeze every penny from it customers. Between this, the $5.00 no phone fee and the DVR charges it get old fast when your nickel and dimed to death. My 811 has the locals in the guide and my 622 does not nor did my 921 before that.

I have the DishDVR Advantage Plan, and two weeks ago they switched my locals to 129 and I can’t get 129. Fortunately, I have OTA and they still provide the local guide. Now I’m getting half of what I’m paying for.

This is DISH trying to squeeze every penny from it customers. Between this, the $5.00 no phone fee and the DVR charges it get old fast when your nickel and dimed to death. My 811 has the locals in the guide and my 622 does not nor did my 921 before that.

Add to that the "equipment protection plan" that comes back to haunt you ten or so months later even if you didn't want it in the first place, and dropping Voom with no notice and it all adds up to a pretty slimy company, IMO.