DISH Network Information - RV Products

DISH 129°W Solution for RV Owners

Products Affected: TracVision® R4SL, R5SL, TracVision R4, R5, L3, and S3 systems that have been upgraded with a Service Keys kit (KVH part #72-0317)
This problem does not affect TracVision R6DX or R6ST systems.

What the DISH 129°W Change Means to You

DISH Network’s change to the 129°W satellite frequency encoding only affects DISH 1000/129 mode. All other antenna operating modes, including DISH 1000/61, DISH 500, DIRECTV®, and Bell TV (formerly ExpressVu) service, are unaffected by this problem. This problem also does not affect the 119°W and 110°W satellites; customers will still be able to enjoy standard definition DISH Network programming from these two satellites without any issues.

KVH is pleased to offer two solutions for this issue should you own a TracVision system that is affected by this change.

The Solution:

Option #1 – KVH’s Master Receiver Selector

KVH has developed a new enhanced multiswitch called the Master Receiver Selector that will completely resolve any issues related to the 129°W satellite, while providing additional capabilities.

The Master Receiver Selector offers the following features:

• Automatic satellite switching in any DISH Network mode
• In-motion operation in any DISH Network mode (TracVision R5SL, R5, and L3 systems only)
• Support for multiple receivers
• Capability for the user to select, at any time, which “master” receiver will control satellite selection

This is the recommended solution for the DISH 129°W issue and provides full support both when you are parked and when your passengers are enjoying satellite TV while on the go. To purchase the Master Receiver Selector and have it installed, please contact your local authorized TracVision dealer.

Option #2 – Software Update

For customers who do not wish to purchase the Master Receiver Selector, a software update is available from your local authorized TracVision dealer. This software update modifies the DISH 1000/129 mode with a workaround solution for locating the 129°W satellite. Before selecting this software update, there are several things you need to know about this modified mode:

1. The process by which you will turn on the antenna and select your chosen satellites will be different from the process you currently use. Your local authorized TracVision dealer will provide detailed instructions on how to use your TracVision system with this modified software.
2. The modified DISH 1000/129 mode is limited to stationary use only. You will be able to switch among the 119°W, 110°W, and 129°W satellites while you are parked, but you will not be able to view the 129 satellite while your vehicle is moving, even if you have a TracVision R5SL, R5, or L3. If you move the vehicle, or the antenna becomes blocked for an extended period of time, you will need to park the vehicle and restart the antenna to restore DISH 1000/129 mode.
3. The modified DISH 1000/129 mode supports only one or two receivers. The Master Receiver Selector is required for installations of three or more receivers.
4. New TracVision R4SL and R5SL systems with serial numbers later than 091101238 already contain the modified software.

To arrange for the software update to be installed on your TracVision system, please contact your local authorized TracVision dealer.

Note: Changes by satellite TV providers are not covered by KVH’s warranty. Customers are responsible for purchased hardware and dealer installation/labor charges.