How can I get American television in Venezuela?

Criollo · 03-17-2006, 05:04 PM

Hi guys!

This is my first post and am a complete rookie in terms of satellite tv.

I am now living in Venezuela, and am dying to get american tv channels here in Venezuela. I have a DirecTV dish, but I only get the DirecTV programming for South America. This means that there are always subtitles on the HBO channels, and I don't get NBC, CBS, FOX, etc...and well, it's a pain!

So, is there any way that I can get the US version of DirecTV programming here? Or should I go for a Big Dish with 4DTV?

Thank you so much for your help!!!
-Lost in Venezuela

Will.Spencer · 03-18-2006, 04:57 AM

That's a very interesting problem.

The obvious first thought is that you can only receive signals that are broadcast in your region and Venezuela is outside the standard North American satellite footprint.

People in the Carribean can receive American satellite signals, even if the satellite television vendors refuse to sell them service. Those folks just subscribe using a Florida address and then take their dishes to the Carribean. You're just too far South for that strategy to work.

I believe that you are being serviced from a satellite called Star One C1. That bird is also sometimes called "Simon Bolivar F1." C1 is at 67 degrees West and carries 44 Ku-band transponders.

If I were you, I would call DirecTV and ask them if they have any options for you.

Other satellites with transpoders which cover Venezuela include PAS1R, PAS3R, and NSS 806, and SatMex 5. I don't know of any English-language programming beamed from them into Venezuela. Lots of Spanish-language programming though! :lol:

Criollo · 03-18-2006, 10:01 AM

Hi Will,

Thank you for your reply.

Thinking a little bit about, wouldn't there be a DirecTV satellite that carries American programming to Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico is much closer to Venezuela than the rest of the US. What do you think?

I'm going to give DirecTV a call anyways and find out...

Thanks!

Will.Spencer · 03-18-2006, 01:17 PM

It seems that Puerto Rico is being covered from the DirecTV Latin American footprint.

Criollo · 03-26-2006, 03:31 PM

Hello again Will,

Thanks for all your help in this matter.

I've been doing some research here and talked to a satellite tech guy here that told me that there is a way to get the Puerto Rican DirecTV signal here. He has a hacked card that "unlocks" the channels from Puerto Rico.

Also, he told me that if I wanted to get the Miami DirecTV signal, I could buy a decoder with the programming in Miami, bring it all here, and then hook it up to my old big dish antenna (which is like 14ft in diameter). All I would have to replace is the LNB and put in the DirecTV LNB on the dish.

Is any of this true or even possible???

Thank you once again!!! I will be travelling to Miami in two weeks and I am considering buying the decoder...worst case scenario I can just return it. But I just wanted to hear your feedback first...

THANK YOU!

Will.Spencer · 03-26-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Criollo

I've been doing some research here and talked to a satellite tech guy here that told me that there is a way to get the Puerto Rican DirecTV signal here. He has a hacked card that "unlocks" the channels from Puerto Rico.

When in doubt, the guy on the ground is always right. 8)

From the satellite footprint map, it looks like you should be able to receive signals aimed at Puerto Rico.

I would recommend against using hacked cards, as DirecTV (and Dish Network) are constantly finding ways to turn them off. It is also illegal here in the U.S. -- but may not be illegal in Venezuela. It certainly does violate your contract with DirecTV.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Criollo

Also, he told me that if I wanted to get the Miami DirecTV signal, I could buy a decoder with the programming in Miami, bring it all here, and then hook it up to my old big dish antenna (which is like 14ft in diameter). All I would have to replace is the LNB and put in the DirecTV LNB on the dish.

From the footprint, I can't see how you could receive the Miami signals. But, once again, if local people are doing it -- then it can be done.

Of course, a 14' dish can work wonders that are simply not possible with the tiny little dishes that are popular these days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Criollo

Thank you once again!!! I will be travelling to Miami in two weeks and I am considering buying the decoder...worst case scenario I can just return it.

Be careful to make sure that the return policy also lets you cancel service with no cancellation fees!

michelwh · 05-04-2006, 10:28 PM

Hi,
I live in Caracas, Venezuela.
I am looking to solve this problem.
You can see the Networks with Dish Network, Directv Puerto Rico or C-Band now digital.
I am trying to find the way through Puerto Rico, but must have an address in Puerto Rico.
If I find I will let know how.
Please do the same.
Michel.

Will.Spencer · 05-06-2006, 01:01 AM

You can get an address in Puerto Rico by renting a box at Mailboxes, Etc.

Mail Boxes Etc. # 2837
667 Ponce de Leone Ave
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907-3201
Phone: (787)722-3570

Mail Boxes Etc. # 3696
2434 Loiza Street
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00913-4745
Phone: (787)268-1270