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Satellite Reception
Vermont Public Television (VPT) and other local channels are available on DISH Network (Echostar) and DirecTV to subscribers who opt for the local channel package. On DISH Network, we're listed by our Burlington channel call letters, WETK. On DirecTV, we are listed as VPT. On either satellite system, press "33" to see Vermont Public Television.
With VPT, you receive the PBS national programs as well as local VPT productions like Outdoor Journal, Profile, coverage of state government and Vermont This Week, and non-PBS shows like BBC World News, Saturday and Sunday British comedies and our movies.
Local channel packages that include VPT are available in all Vermont counties; in Clinton, Franklin and Essex Co. of New York; and Grafton and Sullivan of New Hampshire. The exception (see below) is that DISH Network in southern Vermont carries VPT but does not yet carry other Vermont channels.
In January 2006, DirecTV began carrying VPT and other Vermont channels in Windham and Bennington counties, making Vermont programming available statewide to their subscribers. Subscribers will not pay extra for the Vermont channels, nor will they lose Boston or Albany market channels they already receive. They do need to call DirecTV (1-800-347-3288) to schedule a free installation of a second satellite dish to get the Vermont channels.
Although the other satellite company, DISH Network, does not yet carry the Vermont commercial channels, VPT is available on DISH Network as an a la carte option, whether or not you subscribe to the local channel package. Subscribers in Windham and Bennington counties should contact DISH via the web or call 1-800-333-DISH. To receive VPT, give your zip code and ask for "statewide a la carte channel WETK, DISH Channel 8941." DISH Network has not announced when it plans to carry all the Vermont channels.
If you have any questions about anything related to satellite reception, please contact us at view@vpt.org or (802) 655-8059.
VPT would be glad to have the satellite companies carry our high definition channel, as some cable services do. The satellite companies have not yet announced plans to carry the HD services of local channels like VPT. If you'd like to see our HD programming via your satellite service, please contact your satellite carrier. We'd be glad to know if you receive a response.
Neither of the two satellite companies serving Canada (Bell ExpressVu or Star Choice), carries Vermont Public Television. They carry PBS channels from Boston, Buffalo or Seattle. Because of satellite regulations and limitations in bandwidth, neither satellite company plans to add VPT or other local PBS channels.
For those who cannot receive Vermont Public Television by antenna, cable is the best option. VPT is available on cable in Montreal and much of southern Quebec. VPT is also available on the wireless service LOOK TV in the Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa areas.
For more information about cable service, please contact us at view@vpt.org or (802) 655-8059.
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