EAS on Directv???????

[ChaseW]

I have a question I was watching the Hallmark Channel and while I was watching a EAS Graphic for Directv came up testing the Emergency Alert System and I was just wondering is that something new because I have had Directv for nine years and I have never heard them test the EAS?

 

[jal41]

As of mid 2007 FCC rules require DBS sateilite systems (DirecTV and Dish), SDARS (the now Sirius XM), and other packaged systems (DMX, Muzak) to participate in the national EAS. They join cable systems and broadcast TV and radio in the requirement.

Sateilite systems do not participate in state or local EAS systems (currently impossible without making a lot of people angry), but participate in presidential-activated EAS alerts. Like with broadcast and cable, all programming on all channels must be suspended to make way for the president when activated.

They also must be tested on a periodic basis, but not to the standard broadcast outlets and cable systems are (weekly on all channels).

 

[ssetta]

It's interesting you mention this, because in my area there was this Amber Alert for this girl named Reigh Rockefeller, which I believe aired on every TV and radio station, and I think it may have gone national. I've wondered if the DJs or the people at the station know about this, and how they cut over to it. I've even seen a clip where there was a mistake with an Amber Alert:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LHp5F1cwe4

 

[jc]

As of mid 2007 FCC rules require DBS sateilite systems (DirecTV and Dish), SDARS (the now Sirius XM), and other packaged systems (DMX, Muzak) to participate in the national EAS. They join cable systems and broadcast TV and radio in the requirement.

Sateilite systems do not participate in state or local EAS systems (currently impossible without making a lot of people angry), but participate in presidential-activated EAS alerts. Like with broadcast and cable, all programming on all channels must be suspended to make way for the president when activated.

They also must be tested on a periodic basis, but not to the standard broadcast outlets and cable systems are (weekly on all channels).

When you mean periodic basis, do you mean monthly?

 

[JayR]

When you mean periodic basis, do you mean monthly?

Are you the twin of DToTheJ?

:

 

[azumanga]

When you mean periodic basis, do you mean monthly?

For cable and local stations, there's usually a weekly test (on the local scale, to test the station's capability to transmit EAS alerts) and a monthly test (on a regional or statewide scale, to test the relay of EAS alerts from a central station). I don't know what the testing protocol is for satellite services, though they are obligated to answer to national emergencies.

 

[DToTheJ]

When you mean periodic basis, do you mean monthly?

Are you the twin of DToTheJ? :

Did someone send out the Batsignal earlier this morning?

Don't have satellite radio, satellite TV, satellite anything, so I can't comment on the topic at hand.

 

[jc]

When you mean periodic basis, do you mean monthly?

Are you the twin of DToTheJ?

:

No, of course not

 

[jc]

For cable and local stations, there's usually a weekly test (on the local scale, to test the station's capability to transmit EAS alerts) and a monthly test (on a regional or statewide scale, to test the relay of EAS alerts from a central station). I don't know what the testing protocol is for satellite services, though they are obligated to answer to national emergencies.

Thanks. I was just curious. I must say though that since getting DirecTV I have yet to see a EAS test, although I knew they had to participate