Hi Gang,

A quickie note before I go back to getting data & pics together for Airmarks new web site.

Jim & I have a DSS system also. Our is a Hughes Network System - Digital Satellite System. FYI - their web site is: www.directv.com ALSO something that might be handy to ya'll whether you're on the road at the time or not is their NEW On-line Program Guide - it's at: http://www.directv.com/misc/pgm_guide/guide.html.

Not only do we have the DSS system for our TV we also run it on our computer in the evening (after 6:00p.m. & all day weekends and Holidays - "Moon Surfer Plan") - DirecDuo.

Anyway, when we got everything hooked up & called, etc., (ya'll know the routine! :|). Because of where our home is located, we too qualified and received "waivers". Of course, via DSS we were able to receive only the National feed of the Network stations. (Does zip when you are trying to track Tornado Watches & Warnings in Tulsa/Catoosa, when you are only receiving "local" news & weather out of LA, Tenn. & NY! ) About 3 weeks ago, we received a notice from DSS that our "local" networks had DEMANDED, (yes, the letter said Demanded!) our "waiver" be revoked!.

According to DSS - the "local" networks receive the names & addresses of those persons who have received "waivers" and if the Networks say revoke the waivers - DSS HAS to Revoke them - NO questions asked! Talk about a "Bummer"! And it doesn't matter whether we are on the road with our DSS system or not. Nor does it matter, that our location does not permit any type of "viewable" reception with ANY kind of roof antenna system!

When I spoke to the local Networks & tried to explain the situation about our "location" and the fact that we use it when we are on the road, they in short told me that, "to bad, it is our policy to have ALL waivers revoked. If seeing ANY news is that important to you, we suggest you move!" (Click).

So EVEN on the road - our account records reflect the "Revoked" waivers. Luckily, on the road - MOST of the time (not always, though) we can receive the "local" network channels NOT using the DSS! I STILL don't think the "Networks" should be able/allowed to control what stations we can/can not receive. It doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to figure out that if we COULD get "viewable" local stations via a roof antenna set-up, we wouldn't have asked for the "waivers" to being with! Have I missed something? I MUST have, because it makes absolutely NO sense to me!

Thank goodness for RADIO!

Enough ranting & raving for now - back to work,

Sharon