Opinions vary (surprise!) The HR20 has had some problems, but Directv has been updating the software and it is getting better. The HR10 doesn't decode MPEG4, so it won't work with HD locals or RSNs (except for LA and NYC locals) nor with the new HD channels to be added later this year. There have been issues with the latest software for the HR10 also.

rdn: Thanks for the info, I think the latest software update for my HR10 friend my hardrive, well I should say friend. I had to do a clean install now it is up and running again and running much better. I will give the HR20 a shot tomorrow, ah today and see if it works any better..... Thanks for the input....

I am in NJ and get NY locals in HD on channels in the 80's. I currently have an HR20 and a H20 with a 3 lnb dish. My question is will I gain any benefit from moving to a 5lnb dish (extra channels in HD, etc)? I can upgrade free but not sure if there is any benefit.

-NJJ

At this point in time the only possible benefit would be a RSN in HD (if offered) . However I would do it for future proofing as once the new sats go up this summer the new channels will all need the 5LNB dish, plus eventually the NY locals will go to the new sats

I am in NJ and get NY locals in HD on channels in the 80's. I currently have an HR20 and a H20 with a 3 lnb dish. My question is will I gain any benefit from moving to a 5lnb dish (extra channels in HD, etc)? I can upgrade free but not sure if there is any benefit.

-NJJ

I'll add a bit to what longrider said.

* Eventually there will be new sats that require the 5lnb setup.
* Also, the 5lnb (at least the slimeline version) is very much more resistant to rain fade than the 3lnb dish was.
* The change to the new STB (H20s for me) is a mixed bag.

The bad stuff: The new receiver is considerably slower to respond to user input than any of my 5 previous STBs (Toshiba HD 3000, Sony HD100, Samsung HD360, Sony Sat A50, Sony Sat B50). It is slower in every activity except search which is faster than my Samsung 360's search was. To pull up the guide requires two key presses.

The good stuff: The OTA is much better. I now get more OTA stations than any of my previous STBs would pull. Although the guide requires two key presses, there are a number of guide options (movie channels, sports channels, etc.) which is kind of nice.

Also, your previous STBs will continue to work fine with the new dish (seeing only the 3 sats they saw before of course).

For me, even if I wasn't needing the local HD channels, I'd still do the free upgrade on the dish since it is much better in the rain.

Make sure they install monopole support struts in addition to the main support pole. They probably won't by default, but D* will have them do it at no charge if you insist on them (especially if you get the AT9 dish which I would recommend against based on feedback on these forums. The slimline works a bit better and looks a ton better).

HTH

Thanks guys. I'm getting the 5lnb dish installed tomorrow. Lets hope it's the AU9 and not the AT9. If he shows up with the AT9 I will probably just cancel and reschedule for a later date.

-NJJ

NJ Jackals,

Don't be mislead on the subject of the AT9. The only negative that has been stated more than once is that it is "larger" than the other dishes and is much harder to align properly. Some people feel it looks to big. I guess that is all in the eye of the beholder.

I have been with D* since 1995. Have installed 6 dish in three different states, at four different locations. 1 LBNs, 3 LBNs, and now my current 5 LBN. What I am stating to you is coming from someone who has actually had/have the different dish, not someone who has hear this or that about them. The only dish I have not had is the new slimline.

My point is my current AT9 is drawing the strongest signals on all transponders than I have ever had before. All reading 95 and higher. All of the other dish average between 75 and 90. Remember that a larger dish will pull in a stronger signal and is LESS susceptible to rain fade. I have had the AT9 now for 5 months have not seen any rain fade yet. Can't say what goes on while I am sleeping.

Just my .02 worth.

Thanks for the input. I have my 3 LNB mounted on the roof and Id like to keep the 5 LNB there as well. From what I can gather from other posts the slimline is about 7 pounds lighter than the AT9 (25 lbs vs 32 lbs). That is certainly a consideration as well. 9am here. No installer yet. My window is 8-12.

-NJJ

You may be better off with the slimline since it will be mounted on the roof.

My AT9 is pole mounted and cemented into the ground. I live out in the country with plenty of room.

Good luck today.

How can you tell which the difference between the two dishes? Is there a link to the two to compare? Are they marked as such?

http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/directv_dish_antenna_types.asp

http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/directv_dish_antenna_types.asp


Thanks. :cool:

How can you tell which the difference between the two dishes? Is there a link to the two to compare? Are they marked as such?

AT9
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AT59&xzoom=Large#xview

AU9 (Slimline)
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AU9-S&xzoom=Large#xview

vonzoog- Installer is here and he has the slimline. Tried to tell me I was going to need to pay for a new switch. Got that one resolved quickly. You should have seen the relief on his face tohugh when I said there are already 4 drops from dish to the house and the inside is completely wired already. Since it is on the roof he suggested adding the monopoles which I agree with. Installation is now complete. I see my locals in HD on 2, 4, 5, 7 but they are the same as channels in the 80s. I guess now I just sit and wait for more HD channels in the coming months.

-NJJ

AT9
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AT59&xzoom=Large#xview

AU9 (Slimline)
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AU9-S&xzoom=Large#xview

vonzoog- Installer is here and he has the slimline. Tried to tell me I was going to need to pay for a new switch. Got that one resolved quickly. You should have seen the relief on his face tohugh when I said there are already 4 drops from dish to the house and the inside is completely wired already. Since it is on the roof he suggested adding the monopoles which I agree with. Installation is now complete. I see my locals in HD on 2, 4, 5, 7 but they are the same as channels in the 80s. I guess now I just sit and wait for more HD channels in the coming months.

-NJJ

I agree that you should get the monopoles. They originally installed my Slimline dish without, but I complained to D* and they sent the installer back out to put them on.

Here is my install:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/354105191_25e155d9a8_o.jpg

Another angle:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/354105148_3f3337fec6_o.jpg


I'd love to see how the roof installation looks...

I'll try to snap some pics. My neighbor has the AT9 so maybe I'll run next door and get some pics of his too for comparison.

I felt important, the installer, Mike, asked me to hold the ladder for him. :rolleyes: At first I thought he was singing to himself but I quess he was counting turns while aligning the dish. After about 20 min he decides to yell down to me:

Mike: How you doing down there?
Me: OK, how are you doing up there?
Mike: I'm freezing my ass off!
:D

It was cold this morning and I'm sure it was windy up on the ladder. He kept complaining that he was only going to get $10 for my job since it was only a dish and I wasn't activating any receiver. He said normally he would get $45. I don't know if the guy was just telling me a sob story or looking for a hand out.

Got a good signal though. Mostly in the mid to high 90s. I never saw a 100 before. I have 100 on transponder 18 from 101.

Question for you guys, he left the foot of the 3 LNB dish on the roof. He said he was not allowed to remove and that a roofer needed to do it. Is that accurate? Secondly, he left the parts of the 3 lnb dish behind. Is he supposed to take it? I think I read in this or another thread that he was supposed to take it with him.

-NJJ

I'll try to snap some pics. My neighbor has the AT9 so maybe I'll run next door and get some pics of his too for comparison.

I felt important, the installer, Mike, asked me to hold the ladder for him. :rolleyes: At first I thought he was singing to himself but I quess he was counting turns while aligning the dish. After about 20 min he decides to yell down to me:

Mike: How's you doing down there?
Me: OK, how are you doing up there?
Mike: I'm freezing my ass off!
:D

It was cold this morning and I'm sure it was windy up on the ladder. He kept complaining that he was only going to get $10 for my job since it was only a dish and I wasn't activating any receiver. He said normally he would get $45. I don't know if the guy was just telling me a sob story or looking for a hand out.

Got a good signal though. Mostly in the mid to high 90s. I never saw a 100 before. I have 100 on transponder 18 from 101.

Question for you guys, he left the foot of the 3 LNB dish on the roof. He said he was not allowed to remove and that a roofer needed to do it. Is that accurate? Secondly, he left the parts of the 3 lnb dish behind. Is he supposed to take it? I think I read in this or another thread that he was supposed to take it with him.

-NJJ
I recently had the AT9 dish installed and although the installer did take the old dish away, he also left the foot from the old 3 lnb dish on the roof. I guess that they can't go around leaving holes in people's roof. BTW, what's the advantage of the slim line dish over the AT9? My signals are in the high 70s and 80s with the new dish. With the 3 lnb dish, the signals were higher.

I recently had the AT9 dish installed and although the installer did take the old dish away, he also left the foot from the old 3 lnb dish on the roof. I guess that they can't go around leaving holes in people's roof. BTW, what's the advantage of the slim line dish over the AT9? My signals are in the high 70s and 80s with the new dish. With the 3 lnb dish, the signals were higher.

I think the only real differences I can tell are appearance and that the slimline is 7 lbs lighter. Functionally I think they are almost identical. I read somewhere that the AU9 has a higher gain but I cna not confirm or deny that claim.

Neighbor's AT9 (side of his house off chimney):

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid222/p75657558a14e630d57624f3c370b73b3/eb206593.jpg

My AU9 (back of my roof so can't be seen from street):
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid222/p72b84b03d34b38fe4929d3196c83aacf/eb206555.jpg

Thanks for posting the roof mount (and your neighbor's) pictures.

As far the the AT9 vs. the AU9, what I have read it that the slimeline dish (AU9) is designed such that each LNB gets a larger area of the reflector than the AT9 does and this allows for a bit higher resistance to rain fade. I do not know if signal strength is any different.

rdonahue6: As for your lower readings with the AT9, did you get the new mpeg4 receiver at the same time? These receivers have lower signal readings than previous receivers.

My H20 shows 82 to 100 depending on which satellite and which transponder.

I have also read that D* is not allowed to remove a roof mount. I would not remove it either without a good roofer taking a look (or have the roofer do the whole job including re-sealing the roof in that area).

They did remove the old 3LNB mount for my wall mount...

I am sorry but, I don't have time to read through 26 pages on this post. Did Directv send a firmware upgrade down to enable the OTA signals?

Yes, about three weeks ago. Go into setup and look for antenna setup. If it's greyed out you don't have the upgrade yet - do a red button reset, at the "hello" screen key in 02468 on your remote, WAIT !! (do not try to put the code in again), after a while the new software will start to download.
If it's not greyed out, select it, connect your antenna, key in your zip and the OTA stations will populate the guide.

I had a slimline installed today. I see 3 LNBs installed, is that how it is supposed to look? The picture shown above by Roger Clark appears to have 3 LNBs as well. I guess I was expecting to see 5 of those things. The installer did not have a clue when I asked. He said that was all I needed. Perhaps they are internal? Sorry about the noob question.

I had a slimline installed today. I see 3 LNBs installed, is that how it is supposed to look? The picture shown above by Roger Clark appears to have 3 LNBs as well. I guess I was expecting to see 5 of those things. The installer did not have a clue when I asked. He said that was all I needed. Perhaps they are internal? Sorry about the noob question.

The dish you got has everything you need to see all the current satellites. It does look like the arm could support even more LNB devices if needed...

vonzoog- Installer is here and he has the slimline. Tried to tell me I was going to need to pay for a new switch. Got that one resolved quickly. You should have seen the relief on his face tohugh when I said there are already 4 drops from dish to the house and the inside is completely wired already. Since it is on the roof he suggested adding the monopoles which I agree with. Installation is now complete. I see my locals in HD on 2, 4, 5, 7 but they are the same as channels in the 80s. I guess now I just sit and wait for more HD channels in the coming months.

-NJJ

NJJ

Was the installer talking about a new multiswitch? I thought a multiswitch was part of the install. How did you resolve it?

Does anyone know if DirecTV has caught up on the back log of HR20's or is there still a waiting list? Also, anyone know if they are doing any specials currently? Just trying to get an idea of what to expect when I call.
Thanks,

Kemical

Is the wiring of the AU9 identical to the old 3 lnb dish? I've got two dishes, each feeding a 5x8 multiswitch - but additional wire runs would be a PITA.

Been waiting for the Slimline before upgrading to MPEG4, so I guess I can now start considering it - assuming I can get myself to part with my Tivos, and as soon as D* has a feasible upgrade plan for 4 HD Tivos and 1 other HD STBs.

Is the wiring of the AU9 identical to the old 3 lnb dish? I've got two dishes, each feeding a 5x8 multiswitch - but additional wire runs would be a PITA.

Been waiting for the Slimline before upgrading to MPEG4, so I guess I can now start considering it - assuming I can get myself to part with my Tivos, and as soon as D* has a feasible upgrade plan for 4 HD Tivos and 1 other HD STBs.


I'm doing the same. I have 2 HD tivos and a Hughes HTL HD and I don't want to have to pay a bunch of money so that I can watch a few extra channels.

I don't count on the announced channels until they are seen by those on this board.

Is the wiring of the AU9 identical to the old 3 lnb dish? I've got two dishes, each feeding a 5x8 multiswitch - but additional wire runs would be a PITA.

Been waiting for the Slimline before upgrading to MPEG4, so I guess I can now start considering it - assuming I can get myself to part with my Tivos, and as soon as D* has a feasible upgrade plan for 4 HD Tivos and 1 other HD STBs.

Well, I had the "old" 3lnb dish to which I attached a 4x4 multi-switch. The "newer" 3lnb dishes came with the 4x4 switch integrated as does the new AU9 dish. I do not know if you can go through your existing 5x8 switch from there or not, but I do know that D* will provide a switch to allow dual runs to your rooms that have a DVR receiver.

My neighbor has DVR units and the intaller ran the 4 wires from the AU9 into his attic to the new switch and then dual runs to each room from there. The switch was included in the install.

Is the wiring of the AU9 identical to the old 3 lnb dish? I've got two dishes, each feeding a 5x8 multiswitch - but additional wire runs would be a PITA.

Been waiting for the Slimline before upgrading to MPEG4, so I guess I can now start considering it - assuming I can get myself to part with my Tivos, and as soon as D* has a feasible upgrade plan for 4 HD Tivos and 1 other HD STBs.The dish wiring for satellite is identical. You need to change the multiswitches though and cannot diplex without special attention. One of the Ka bands, the B band, occupies 250-750MHz which overlaps OTA frequencies. You'll need a multiswitch with a wide bandwidth and no built in diplexer. For 8 outputs, the Zinwell unpowered WB68 is all there is. They also have a powered WB616 with 16 outputs. It may be a good bet since you would only have to replace one dish and 5LNB dishes need more power. The new spec is for all copper RG6 rather than the usual copper coated steel center wire stuff for better power conduction. Steel runs under 100ft seem to do okay though.

Quick question on DirecTV HD DVRs, I have the HR10-250 which just took a dump, thought it could have been more than the hard drive etc.. But it was bad data on the hardrive which is usually the case, well I called DirecTV and they where very quick to say not a problem send us your HR10-250 HD DVR Tivo unit and we will replace it with a HR20 no charge, I said I would love th have the new HR20 and she said go ahead and send it in when the other one arrives... Well I called back and I told them "I own it" DirecTV said no problem the new unit is on us.

Now finally to my question; Is the HR10-250 a better than the new HR-20 HD DVR? Just trying to pick what one goes into my main HT. Thanks for any help.....
Completely opposite of my experience, which is why I'm no longer a subscriber. When I cancelled they wanted the bad HR20 back and my HR10-250. Their reasoning was they sent a replacement, the bad HR20 for which I was obligated to send the Hr10-250 back and since I was cancelling had to send back the bad HR20. I argued for about 30 minutes with customer retention. They also refused to send me a new, not refurbished HR20. The CR said that for a swap out they could only send refurbished units, even though they have about a 50% failure rate. I am now a happy FiOS customer and paying less for more programming.

Anyone heard when the new satellites will be launched? Also when will the new 70+ channels be launched?

Thanks,

Kemical

The dish wiring for satellite is identical. You need to change the multiswitches though and cannot diplex without special attention. One of the Ka bands, the B band, occupies 250-750MHz which overlaps OTA frequencies. You'll need a multiswitch with a wide bandwidth and no built in diplexer. For 8 outputs, the Zinwell unpowered WB68 is all there is. They also have a powered WB616 with 16 outputs. It may be a good bet since you would only have to replace one dish and 5LNB dishes need more power. The new spec is for all copper RG6 rather than the usual copper coated steel center wire stuff for better power conduction. Steel runs under 100ft seem to do okay though.

Unfortunately I have the two dishes feeding multiswitches in different parts of the house - one for the downstairs, and one in the attic to feed the upstairs. So I'd definitely need two of the 8 output switches. My antenna feeds are isolated and aren't tied into my 5x8 multiswitches.

If it makes a difference, I actually have one of the old 3 lnb dishes (3rd lnb was an addon) and one of the newer ones.

Anyone heard when the new satellites will be launched? Also when will the new 70+ channels be launched?

Thanks,

Kemical

Nothing definitive. Lyngsat was saying April for Directv 10 and third quarter for Directv 11, but now shows June for both. Of course what they show isn't authoritative and not necessarily what will transpire. The channels will be added a few months after the launch.

150 channels by the end of 07, yeah right

The first round of Ka satellite (Spaceway) launches were delayed 3 times before they finally made it up there. After the new DirecTV 10 & 11 launch, Boeing will maneuver them into orbit, unfold the arrays, start the systems and run a series of tests. The new birds will then be turned over to D* who will run their own tests and configure the transponders the way they want them. The time it will take from rockets firing until MTV-HD shows up on your screen will be 6 to 8 weeks IF they have programing contracts in place already and their uplink center is set up to receive, re-encode and retransmit the new HD feeds. If that part follows the launch it could be 6 more months before some of the new HD networks come online.

I predict that all major cable networks will be broadcasting their primary offerings over HD channels by the end of 2008. However, it may take a decade before all original programming switches over to HD and all film is remastered to HD. In the mean time you will see a lot of SD programs with bars on the sides on these new HD networks.

Eventually, English language programming will be removed from the 110 & 119 slots and everything the typical English speaking household needs will be on the 99, 101 and 103 slots, allowing them to return to an even slimmer dish for customers who do not need international programming (which will be moved to the 110 & 119 slots)

My current setup is zinwell wb68 fed by at9 dish outputting 4 leads to a 5x16 multiswitch with ota as well. The other 4 outputs from the zinwell go to 2 hr 20s. Can I place 4 bbc modules between the zinwell 6x8 and the 5x16 ms and connect mpeg4 receivers downstream of that (5x16) multiswitch? The ota would be diplexed in after the bbc modules (in the second ms) and back out at the receivers (h20s.)

No. One of the Ka bands will be cut off by a 5x multiswitch when the new satellites go up. Your best bet is to put a Zinwell WB616 6x16 multiswitch in parallel with the WB68. http://www.sonoradesign.com/newpdfs/Sheet_HRPID1422_11.pdf shows two WB68s in parallel. The WB616 is powered so the power inserter/polarity locker may not be needed. Just put the shortest runs on the WB68 to check. Use splitters with a 250-2150MHz range and then some, probably at least 40-2300MHz. The BBCs will have to be after the multiswitch and before both diplexers. If you put the BBC before the multiswitch, it will prevent receivers from getting the 1650-2150MHz upper Ka band.

Thanks for the quick reply Greywolf. I'm just looking for an easier way to diplex ota into the system. If I switch to a 6x16 zinwell powered ms and place the bbcs right after the switch but before the diplexors, and diplex back out at the receivers, there will be no blocked frequencies?

Thanks for the quick reply Greywolf. I'm just looking for an easier way to diplex ota into the system. If I switch to a 6x16 zinwell powered ms and place the bbcs right after the switch but before the diplexors, and diplex back out at the receivers, there will be no blocked frequencies?That will work. Just make sure the BBCs don't get turned around as they are directional. They are also not weatherproof. Watch. Just after you do all this work, the frequency translation module will come out to simplify everything.

Don't want to beat a dead horse but why can't a multiswitch take the place of several diplexors? It's just that i already have that in place and it would save rewiring. The bbc modules have already stepped the freq back up.

I was reading an article about (cable) set top boxes

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/17/business/box.php

which states that the FCC has a July 1 deadline for cable companies to make their systems compatible with third party boxes. Does this apply to sateliete? It seems that cable is going open source and DTV has closed down third parties. Without competition the only thing you will get is junk boxes!

It seems their are many (cable) users that are disatisfied with junk Motorola and SA boxes. In particuliar the response times. Response time is a big issue. It is impossible to channel surf when you have to wait 5 seconds for a channel to lock up!

Does anyone know if DirecTV has caught up on the back log of HR20's or is there still a waiting list? Also, anyone know if they are doing any specials currently? Just trying to get an idea of what to expect when I call.
Thanks,

Kemical

I placed 2 orders on December 12, 2006 (one for me and one for a family member), family member had an install date of 1/11/07. They received a call the day before and were told they would call back with a new install date when units became available. Gave $5 off bill for 6 months for any inconvenience. For mine, they would not give an install date due to a shortage of equipment in my area (Trenton, MI). Called again yesterday, still no install date given. DIRECTV installation group (where I was transferred to) said there is such a demand that they stopped taking orders for this box. This is what they say but I do not believe it. My guess is if you do not have DIECRTV currently, you get to the top of the list, if it is an upgrade you go to the bottom of the list. My sister was a new customer in December and got installed in a week.

I have the 46" XBR2 and HD DirecTV receiver. What setting for the TV and the Receiver should I use; Native on, all resolutions checked, 16:9 ratio, stretch or crop. What's the normal display setting for the TV, wide full?

DirecTV serviceman told me that the receiver doesn't recognize or distinguish the aspect ratio oh the TV being used and turned off by native option and choose the 4:3 ratio enough though it is a HD wide screen TV.

The whole AT9/AU9 and multiplexer installation preparation is a confusion to me. I am going to switch to an HR20 later this spring (from my original single LNB dish), and want to prep the house myself. Is there a friendly tutorial available that lays iut all out in layman's language? Much appreciated.
Nick

Does anybody know if I can feed the 119 and 110 LNB inputs on the AT9 99-101-103 LNB with two RG6 cables that come from a 119 and 110 dishes mounted in different positions on my properties? Currently I have the 101, 110 and 119 dishes all mounted at difference positions in my yard with the output RG6 leads coming together at a multiswitch located in my garage. I have to do this because I have one small hole in the trees surrounded my house and I have each dish mounted to align with the different satellites through the same hole but in order to achieve this they are installed at different positions. I would like to mount the main AT9 dish in the same position of my current 101 and feed the existing outputs of my 110 and 119 dishes into the inputs on the side of the 99 101 103 AT9 LNB. Would this work?

It has been done and worked fine. Just make sure you get dishes with the proper connections. Some early models had tiny push on connectors.

How do I know which version of AT9 to get with F connectors and not push on?

I've never seen a distinction in ordering online. Perhaps this is one time to order by phone and ask that question.

You may have difficulty in obtaining a AT-9. The Slimline (AU-9) seems to have replaced it completely, although some installers may still have AT-9s in inventory. The Andrew and Calamp models have F connectors, while the Wistron (WNC) models have SMB (push-on) connectors.

When Directv launches it's two new satellites this year will I need to update my AT-9 dish to a new one to receive these new satellites?

nope AT9 is good.

nope AT9 is good.
Thanks.

I am confused what am I going to need to get ota Hd through my new directv boxes? I am getting the HD DVR HR-20 and a regular mpeg4 hd receiver, they are replacing my old ones. will I still be able to easily get my ota signal?

When I called D* they told me some areas where waiting over a month for installation, so it sounds typical I suppose, my install date is in 2 weeks from when I set it up. I asked D* how much extra it would cost for the new HD channels, some said they didn't know, some said it wouldn't be any extra, some said they were making $10.99 starting in March. Anyone know the truth?

When I called D* they told me some areas where waiting over a month for installation, so it sounds typical I suppose, my install date is in 2 weeks from when I set it up. I asked D* how much extra it would cost for the new HD channels, some said they didn't know, some said it wouldn't be any extra, some said they were making $10.99 starting in March. Anyone know the truth?
I called this week and it was $9.95 or $9.99 a month I can't remember which for the HD package. I also have heard that it is going up for new customers to about $10.99 on Feb 6th.

How are the tuners on the HR20 in comparison to the HR10? Are they any better at bringing in the signals? Sorry if this is off topic.

For me, the HR20 tuners are a major disappointment. Maybe future updates will help, but I fear it is a hardware problem.

For me, the HR20 tuners are a major disappointment. Maybe future updates will help, but I fear it is a hardware problem.

:( That's not what I wanted to hear. I am more and more not wanted to switch over to these new MPEG4 boxes, but all those HD channels they will be carrying are too tempting. :rolleyes:

For me, the HR20 tuners are a major disappointment. Maybe future updates will help, but I fear it is a hardware problem.

I know that individual boxes and subscriber experiences will vary. However I have an H20 and two HR20s. I cannot see a significant difference in their receiver sensitivity at all. I currently receive 30 digital stations in a fringe area of DFW on all three boxes. In fact, I have never dropped a single pixel on either of my HR20s while watching OTA. All the signal strengths are constant and reliable, showing a very good rejection of multipath.

Your situation, at least with respect to the Cedar Hill transmitters, is far superior to what we have in Chicago with signals coming from 2 downtown buildings. Every OTA HD tuner I have ever owned, including the old RCA DTC-100, does a better job than the HR20. The H20 does fine here, as does the HR10-250 HD Tivo.

I got my HR20 in early October, so the latest ones may do better on OTA. I am pleased with the unit overall, but just a bit disappointed with OTA.

I have the 46" XBR2 and HD DirecTV receiver. What setting for the TV and the Receiver should I use; Native on, all resolutions checked, 16:9 ratio, stretch or crop. What's the normal display setting for the TV, wide full?

DirecTV serviceman told me that the receiver doesn't recognize or distinguish the aspect ratio oh the TV being used and turned off by native option and choose the 4:3 ratio enough though it is a HD wide screen TV.

Here is a link to a good reference for calibration. I have the same TV. Along w/DTV and just got off the phone with them. I have NO HD reception tonight and will receive my third HD20 in a months time along with a Sr Tech to install & troubleshoot my system on Saturday... As a seven year customer I am less than satisfied with this system. I want my Tivo back...Sorry tried to post the link but i need to have more posts before I am allowed to post links..... PM me amd Ill get you the link....this is my 1st post here

I know that individual boxes and subscriber experiences will vary. However I have an H20 and two HR20s. I cannot see a significant difference in their receiver sensitivity at all. I currently receive 30 digital stations in a fringe area of DFW on all three boxes. In fact, I have never dropped a single pixel on either of my HR20s while watching OTA. All the signal strengths are constant and reliable, showing a very good rejection of multipath.

I replaced a H20-600 with the HR20-700 about a month ago. I have a Winegard SS2000 on a chimney mount of a two story house aimed at Baltimore (27.4 miles away). With the H20 I received all the Baltimore channels strong (100 signal strength) and off the backlobe of the antenna I received the Washington DC channels (13 miles away) with 80 to 90 signal strength (solid and very watchable). When I installed the HR20 (nothing else changed) the Baltimore channels continued to come in strong. All of the DC channels became intermittant and unwatchable with significant dropouts. As I understand it the HR20 contains a splitter in the front end of the ATSC tuner to provide two inputs to that tuner and that might be the difference in performance between the two receivers.

Regards,
Gunner

The H20-600 has a 5th generation LG tuner. It's the best in the D* lineup. The HR20's isn't as good besides having the split.

I just had the HR20-700s installed today.....well I hooked it up, the tech just opened the box for me. I think he's never seen a girl hook up wires before, lol. Silly boys technical stuff is for girls :)

OK, so here the problem. If I go to the OTA signal strength meter for and OTA local HD channel on my H20 & the HR20-700s there is a huge difference as the HR20-700s doesn't pick up the signal nearly as well. What's the deal?

The tech said both these receivers have a signal booster in them.
The HR20-700s replaced my HR10-250 which got better signal strength than the HR20-700 it seems. The H20 was a lot better than the HR10-250 though.

I have a channel master 4228 antenna and an amp which gave me all my locals in HD at 90 to 100%. Now the new receiver is having problems. It did snow last night and we have had a lot of wind so maybe the OTA antenna needs readjusted again.
But no matter the signal strength on the HR20-700s should be just as good as the H20 or better I think. The HR20 doesn't have any more splitters on it than the H20. The only difference is the OTA antenna cable since they are two different cables.

Later today I may swap the boxes and see if the signal strength improves. If it does then at least I know it's the cable. If it doesn't then it's the new receiver and then we know the OTA part of the new receivers stink right?

Any other ideas as to why the signal strength is lower on the Hr20-700s?

Thanks.

See Greywolf's post just before yours. The HR20 is not in the same league as the H20 (at least the H20-600)...

Thanks Roger. I read that but it still doesn't address the 700 and if there are any differences or workarounds other people have.
By the way, is it possible to shut of the annoyingly bright blue light on the front of the 700? Jesus H. Allah! That light is burning out my retinas! lol

Thanks for the post though.

HELP!!!

After months of researching for a new HD TV, then another month waiting for DirecTV to get me the equipment and installation appointment, my heart was broken today when I was told that I don't have an adequate shot to receive signals from all three of the DTV satellites. I live in a wooded area, and am able to receive the old school Round dish for non-hd programming (sorry, I can't keep the dish numbers straight...) but there's too many trees obscuring the sky for the others. There is a ledge behind my house and atop it is a clearing that may work. My question is: What is the maximum distance away from the receiver that the dish can be without losing the required resolution? and... Is it possible to amplify the signal in order to resolve any signal loss? The distance is about 175 feet to the clearing, and I currently have the Slimline dish....

Please help! $2,000 on a TV doesn't make much sense since I only watch the networks for news and sports....

Thanks in advance,

Michael

Upgrade install question:

I've got a HR20 and a 5LNB dish coming in Feb 6 and currently have the regular 3LNB dish pole mounted on their standard issue pole. What size pole does the 5LNB need? Do I need to go buy a 2" pole for this thing and install it? DirecTV wanted to charge $100 for a pole and a bag of quik-crete 3 months ago when I built the house. I could've DIY'ed for around $20 and want to have my bases covered this time. (I wish they would have believed me when I told them to just install the 5LNB back then) Worst case can anybody just get the outside diameter of their 5LNB pole mount?

Thanks Roger. I read that but it still doesn't address the 700 and if there are any differences or workarounds other people have.
By the way, is it possible to shut of the annoyingly bright blue light on the front of the 700? Jesus H. Allah! That light is burning out my retinas! lol

Thanks for the post though.My previous post addresses exactly the difference between the HR20-700 and the H20-600. The HR20 needs a better antenna to get the same signal strength as the H20. Simultaneously press the buttons on both sides of the ring. Each additional press will lower the intensity until it finally goes out. The side lights need to be covered.

Upgrade install question:

I've got a HR20 and a 5LNB dish coming in Feb 6 and currently have the regular 3LNB dish pole mounted on their standard issue pole. What size pole does the 5LNB need? Do I need to go buy a 2" pole for this thing and install it? DirecTV wanted to charge $100 for a pole and a bag of quik-crete 3 months ago when I built the house. I could've DIY'ed for around $20 and want to have my bases covered this time. (I wish they would have believed me when I told them to just install the 5LNB back then) Worst case can anybody just get the outside diameter of their 5LNB pole mount?

The pole is exactly 2". D* install a 5 lnb, pole and a HR20 a few weeks ago for me and it was all free. The guy put 1 and 1/2 bags of quick-crete in the hole. You should not have to pay a dime for this. I now have two HR20s.

Dang, I just went through my whole system today (AT9 on a pole in the backyard) - I have 2 ground blocks and 3 barrel connectors between my dish and my consolidation point in the attic on any one cable. And that overall cable run is approximately 125feet, PLUS whatever the run to the box inside is (15 to 50 feet). I replaced all the ground blocks and barrel connectors with 3ghz rated ones. The system tunes fine, rain fade has not been much of an issue, so I guess I will leave well enough alone for now. I wonder how much fudge is built into that 100 foot spec, or if I will need to get a signal booster of some sort before the new birds go up. Any comments ?

I have Directv coming out Sat As of now I have a hd/dvr in my basement that will be replaced with new HD/dvr. I have in my living room a regualr sat recevier that will be replaced with a dvr/receiver The other 2 rooms will have regular receivers Will this require a multiswitch or wil the 4 outputs of new dish handle this?

Two DVRs (2 connections each) and 2 non DVRs means 6 lines total for satellite feeds. A Zinwell WB68 multiswitch will be required.

Called D* today to order the HD DVR... Tried to feed me a line about there being a 40 day delay for an installer in my area and that "the system won't let us ship it directly to you." This, depsite the fact they're at Costco and a dozen online places, ready to come to me. For being a so-called "A List" customer (biggest load of marketing fudge I've heard all week) they sure won't lift a finger to make a buck... But I guess its too much to just put the stuff in a box and collect $200. I don't need an installer. You'd think they'd appreciate having to do less work than usual. Interseting that customer retention was even less helpful that the 2nd guy I talked to (The first guy passed me off to tech support so he could let me know if my HD TV was really an HD TV).

FYI, my online account thingy wants $199, no shipping, just tax for the thing, including a 5LNB dish. Of course the phone reps "knew nothing of this new off" and tried to steal an extra 100 bucks from me. Gee, I recall seeing this offer in January.... Why do I stay with this company?? I guess I will wait another 6 months for HD. Saves me $310 :) Or just go elsewhere. Too bad there's no where decent else to go. Except maybe FIOS. :mad:

You say you don't need an installer, and Costco and some other dozen places have what you need ready to go, then help me understand something - why don't you just order from one of these places and be done with it, then ?

You say you don't need an installer, and Costco and some other dozen places have what you need ready to go, then help me understand something - why don't you just order from one of these places and be done with it, then ?

Cause direct from DTV is $100 less... and is suppose to include the dish... To do it myself probably cost $200 more as I'd also need a 6x8 switch...

Well, that makes more sense. Sorry for your troubles. I did the HD upgrade the day it was available in my area early last year, and I waited all of 3 days. Guess it is just timing.

Yeah... I'll just end up waiting... prices always drop. Plenty of time to reterminate my coax with some better connectors. Glad I ran 6 lines to the roof years ago tho!

One question... I just read somewhere on the site here that some dishes come with push-on, not F, connectors? Or are they just push on style Fs? Of course now I can't find that post!

One question... I just read somewhere on the site here that some dishes come with push-on, not F, connectors? Or are they just push on style Fs? Of course now I can't find that post!
That was for the interconnects between the main LNB and the two off to the side. It was also only one manufacturer of the AT9 that used those connectors. All the connections to go to the house were regular f connectors

I was wondering if I would get any advantages if I plugged my HDTV silver sensor antenna to the SD DirecTV's "off air in" plug in the back of the satelite box?

Million dollar question. I have had horrible reception via the HR20 tuners for OTA. I have rock solid reception using my TVs tuner. And this is despite having literally sight, not line of, actual sight of my OTA transmitters here in Chicago. They just don't seem to be quality tuners at the moment. I hope it's sofware related and thus fixable, but none of the supposed updates in past weeks have helped in my experience.

I just had the HR20-700s installed today.....well I hooked it up, the tech just opened the box for me. I think he's never seen a girl hook up wires before, lol. Silly boys technical stuff is for girls :)

OK, so here the problem. If I go to the OTA signal strength meter for and OTA local HD channel on my H20 & the HR20-700s there is a huge difference as the HR20-700s doesn't pick up the signal nearly as well. What's the deal?

The tech said both these receivers have a signal booster in them.
The HR20-700s replaced my HR10-250 which got better signal strength than the HR20-700 it seems. The H20 was a lot better than the HR10-250 though.

I have a channel master 4228 antenna and an amp which gave me all my locals in HD at 90 to 100%. Now the new receiver is having problems. It did snow last night and we have had a lot of wind so maybe the OTA antenna needs readjusted again.
But no matter the signal strength on the HR20-700s should be just as good as the H20 or better I think. The HR20 doesn't have any more splitters on it than the H20. The only difference is the OTA antenna cable since they are two different cables.

Later today I may swap the boxes and see if the signal strength improves. If it does then at least I know it's the cable. If it doesn't then it's the new receiver and then we know the OTA part of the new receivers stink right?

Any other ideas as to why the signal strength is lower on the Hr20-700s?

Thanks.

Million dollar question. I have had horrible reception via the HR20 tuners for OTA. I have rock solid reception using my TVs tuner. And this is despite having literally sight, not line of, actual sight of my OTA transmitters here in Chicago. They just don't seem to be quality tuners at the moment. I hope it's sofware related and thus fixable, but none of the supposed updates in past weeks have helped in my experience.I agree. After the months of waiting for the OTA activation, the tuners are a big disappointment. Even the old 1st generation RCA DTC100 does a better job. I can employ OTA on the HR20 for Ch. 5-1, 7-1, & 11-1 in Chicago with only occasional problems, but the MPEG4 HD locals do better on the others.

I agree. After the months of waiting for the OTA activation, the tuners are a big disappointment. Even the old 1st generation RCA DTC100 does a better job. I can employ OTA on the HR20 for Ch. 5-1, 7-1, & 11-1 in Chicago with only occasional problems, but the MPEG4 HD locals do better on the others.

You're missing the point. The reason for the poor signal is not the quality of the tuner itself, it's the fact that the HR20 splits your incoming OTA signal from the antenna input. This gives you the ability to record/watch two OTA programs simultaneously, but significanlty weakens your OTA signal. I lost almost all channnels from my secondary market after installing the HR20.

That's interesting - a single split should not weaken your signal that much, unless it is already very marginal. In that case, you may benefit from putting in a distribution amp upstream, assuming you already have a pre-amp.

I want to hook up my HR20-700 DVR to my Onkyo receiver via the HDMI output, but I don't receive video/audio signal. An HDMI hookup will work with my TIVO HD10-250. Is this a software issue with the HR20?

I want to hook up my HR20-700 DVR to my Onkyo receiver via the HDMI output, but I don't receive video/audio signal. An HDMI hookup will work with my TIVO HD10-250. Is this a software issue with the HR20?

You need to post here regarding the HR20: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=704067.

I would be very grateful if someone would tell me the center-to-center distance between the two anchor screw/bolt slots in the monopole bracket where it connects to the roof or wall. Also the bolt spacing on the main connection bracket for the slimline dish connector. Before the installer comes I want to make a bearing plate about five or six inches square to go between the roof and the monopoles so the bottom of the monopoles won't be digging into my composition roof shingles. Depending on it's size, I may want to do something similar for the main connection. I assume they will install a slimline dish.

If someone will measure those dimensions for me they will have my undying gratitude.

The monopoles telescope. Their length is adjustable. The main bracket needs to be lagged to a rafter for a roof mount. All connections should sit in pitch pads. If you put a plate on the roof, water can get in between the plate and the shingles and find the screw penetration.

Live in NH. Presently have 1 MPEG 2 DVR in main media room and two MPEG 4 receivers for other high def TV's., with on roof OTA antenna. Get all of the OTA local HD channels without problem and all HD channels Direct has. Am almost at the end of my 2 year contract.
Would there be any advantage or disadvantages adding the 5 LNB dish and getting the MPEG 4 DVR's.
When is Direct going to catch up with DISH for HDTV channels?

Thansk.

Bill

The monopoles telescope. Their length is adjustable. The main bracket needs to be lagged to a rafter for a roof mount. All connections should sit in pitch pads. If you put a plate on the roof, water can get in between the plate and the shingles and find the screw penetration.
Thanks, greywolf. Pitch pads are useful for sealing but they are the same small size as the bottom of the monopoles so they won't spread out the load over a larger area. The same goes for the mast mount. My current mount is on a plate, and to prevent water from getting under it there is an aluminum flashing piece that slides under the shingles above the plate and overlaps the plate. The support and bolts are sealed with pitch on top of the plate. It has been there for 9 years with no leaks.

So I still hope somebody will provide me with the bolt spacings for the 5-lnb antenna mount and monopoles.

By the way, will the installers routinely have pitch plates when they arrive?

Assuming they will install the 5 lnb dish in a new location, which I will request, do I have a choice as to whether the installer will remove the old 3 lnb dish? It gets windy around here and it might be good to keep it for backup.

odds are they wont remove it as they dont like to do roof work on your old setup

I've been searching but I can't find a discussion thread on the HR20 as on the H20, is there a thread someone can direct me to with detailed descriptions of the device and the new non-TIVO UI

thanks!

Over 1800 posts on that subject here, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=704067&page=1&pp=30) twinpeaks.

Lots of reading here. I didn't find what I was looking for in searches though. So DTV will upgrade me to the new 5 lnb for free....no service call charge? And for one of my installs I will want to mount a new 5 lnb myself replacing an existing 3 lnb....can't let DTV know where this dish is mounted if you know what I mean...wink...wink. Is the post size the same on the 5ver than the 3, and is all I have to is plug in my existing coax from the old dish and all is well after proper aiming?

Lots of reading here. I didn't find what I was looking for in searches though. So DTV will upgrade me to the new 5 lnb for free....no service call charge? And for one of my installs I will want to mount a new 5 lnb myself replacing an existing 3 lnb....can't let DTV know where this dish is mounted if you know what I mean...wink...wink. Is the post size the same on the 5ver than the 3, and is all I have to is plug in my existing coax from the old dish and all is well after proper aiming?
Motovet......
The post for the 5LNB is 2" O.D. (outside diameter) vs (I think) 1 3/8" for the 3LNB...
There are pipe adapters you can buy to slip over the existing mount, but IMHO, you're probably safer just remounting the 5 with all new hardware....the slide-over adapters MAY collect moisture over time and oxidize if not properly installed....
As for the coax....yep....assuming you've got the 5 aligned correctly, just connect the coax, do a channel scan.....and you should be good to go...BTW.....the coax RECOMMENDED for the 5LNB install is SOLID COPPER (vs copper-clad) inner conductor; this is to offset potential DC power loss from the receiver to the LNBs vs any real RF signal degredation......Try to keep the (unspliced) coax run(s) to around 150' or so.....Good luck!

Folks, I need a bit of advice. I have just moved to Northern VA and would like to use the move as a reason to upgrade my DirecTV HD DVR. I currently have a Hughes HR10-250 with TiVo. I had been living in the Norfolk area and used an over-the-air antenna to get local channels in HD. With DirecTV moving to MPEG4 to support their forthcoming HD lineup, will I need (or should I get) a new receiver? If so, what is the latest and greatest option out there? Many thanks in advance for your kind advice!

You will need a new receiver for the MPEG4 channels. If you want the locals in HD now, you will also need an MPEG4-capable recevier. If you just want the tuner you'll need the H20. The MPEG4HD DVR, the HR20, would replace your Tivo. You should be able to get a low or no cost trade from D* for switching from the HDTivo to the HR20. There are other threads on this site specific to the H20 and HR20.

I was reading an article about (cable) set top boxes

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/17/business/box.php

which states that the FCC has a July 1 deadline for cable companies to make their systems compatible with third party boxes. Does this apply to sateliete? It seems that cable is going open source and DTV has closed down third parties. Without competition the only thing you will get is junk boxes!

This is a good question. Did you get any answers? Seems like there would be a market for upscale boxes, but I wonder if D* has legally blocked out any competition.

Thanks for the reply... I now have the fiver installed and all lined up. I will soon transfer cables from the old dish to the new one, (new location), but now realize the TIVO box in the main room won't benefit....bummer. Bedroom set will, but untill I upgrade the main box, no hurry.

Anyone notice the new channel 77, NGC. Looks like D is adding a few more HD channels. Pretty cool.

Kemical

Newbie HDTV enthusiast here. I'm a Time Warner customer now and I'm looking at going Directv to get more HD content. My house has a single RJ6 coax running to the outlet in the bedrooms, family room, and bonus. I want an HD DVR in the family room. I want a standard DVR in the master bedroom, and one more standard receiver in the bonus room. Will I need another coax run from outside the house to the family room and master bedroom for DVR? My house is built on a slab foundation so pulling another wire anywhere inside the house will be a royal PITA. Can I simply choose not to pull extra wires and simply use the DVR only to record programming while I am away (95% of it's use anyways)? Is it not possible to split the coax inside the house near the reciever to avoid running the second coax through the walls?

I'm assuming the slimline 5LNB dish is the dish I need? I live in Raleigh where they do broadcast local channels in HD which I want of course. Are most installers ok with putting this dish on the roof? I saw some earlier threads where installers refused to install the earlier AT9 dishes on roofs due to weight and wind load. Thanks.

Cables cannot be split between receivers. Each Sat input requires its own cable to a dish or multiswitch. The dish has 4 outputs. If more up to 8 are needed, a Zinwell WB68 multiswitch is required. It takes 4 inputs from the dish and provides up to 8 outputs. DVRs need two and receivers one each.

There is a Single Wire Multiswitch in testing. It will require four inputs from the dish and allow CATV style splitting including a single line to HR20 DVRs. It is not yet available.

Is the ONLY difference between the two dishes is their looks? Does the 5-LNB capture sat signals better than the SlimLine?? I have a great shot of the southern/southwestern sky...

Is the ONLY difference between the two dishes is their looks? Does the 5-LNB capture sat signals better than the SlimLine?? I have a great shot of the southern/southwestern sky...

I have read that the slimline dish is a later and better design that actually is better than the somewhat larger original 5LNB. I never had the large one so cannot make a direct comparison, however I can say that the slimline is way better against rain fade than the 3lnb it replaced.

I have read that the slimline dish is a later and better design that actually is better than the somewhat larger original 5LNB. I never had the large one so cannot make a direct comparison, however I can say that the slimline is way better against rain fade than the 3lnb it replaced.Roger, many thanks! Anyone else hear anything?

I have read that the slimline dish is a later and better design that actually is better than the somewhat larger original 5LNB. I never had the large one so cannot make a direct comparison, however I can say that the slimline is way better against rain fade than the 3lnb it replaced.

Same for me. Also I was able to achieve a stronger signal with the fiver over the 3 lnb.

Same for me. Also I was able to achieve a stronger signal with the fiver over the 3 lnb.Thanks guys...

I have the 5er also and I am in the wide open. Not a tree near me. I can't remember the last time that I had rain fade.

A larger dish will be less susceptible to rain fade.

I have the 5er also and I am in the wide open. Not a tree near me. I can't remember the last time that I had rain fade.

A larger dish will be less susceptible to rain fade.Is the SlimLine larger than the 3 LNB?

The Slimline is slightly larger than the 3LNB and is slightly smaller than the 5 LNB.

Did that make sense?

PS: I don't believe that D* installs the 5 LBN anymore. It may be out of production.

Unless you can purchase a 5 LBN elsewhere, this all may be a mute point.

The Slimline is slightly larger than the 3LNB and the is slightly smaller than the 5 LNB.

Did that make sense?Yep! I hate to lose my H10-250. I just want to prepare for all the new HD channels launching this Fall and Winter. I'm thinking of getting the new dish installed AFTER May sweeps BUT keep my H10-250 as long as I can. My daughter as the H20 in her room...

PS: I don't believe that D* installs the 5 LBN anymore. It may be out of production.

Unless you can purchase a 5 LBN elsewhere, this all may be a mute point.Ah, OK. This could be all moot...

The Slimline is slightly larger than the 3LNB and is slightly smaller than the 5 LNB.

Did that make sense?

The slimline is a 5-lnb dish. There are two 5-lnb dishes, the AT-9 (the original one) and the AU-9 (the "slimline"). I assume when you say "5-LNB" you mean the AT-9.

DirecTV was installing the AT-9 until the current stock ran out. I think that's pretty well the case now, just about everywhere, so if you have a new 5-lnb dish installed it's almost certainly going to be the AU-9 "slimline". The AU-9 is slightly smaller and lighter than the AT-9 but not by much. The dish performance is about the same. The AU-9 is not as susceptible to water entering the LNBs or connectors as the AT-9, the LNB assembly is just a better design.

I called DirecTV in late January to schedule an upgrade from my 3 LNB dish/HR10-250 setup. I ordered two HR20 DVRs and a new 5 LNB dish and scheduled installation for March 2. No one showed up on March 2 and when I called DirecTV they informed me that someone had canceled the appointment on the same day it way made. I told them I certainly had not canceled it and they rescheduled for today. Well, today the installer showed up with the dish and two HD receivers (not DVRs). I explained that I had ordered the HR20's, but he showed me a copy of the order that showed just the two receivers.

So, when I called DirecTV to complain, they told me that the order had originally been placed for receivers not DVRs. I assured them that not only had I ordered DVRs, I specifically asked the rep to confirm the order to make sure she got it right. When I asked them to change the order to HR20's, I was informed that I'm not allowed to order two HR20's. After the customer service rep put me on hold for 5 minutes, he said that demand was so high that they limit customers to one HR20 order every six months. Does that sound right? I just read back through the last 10 pages of this thread and didn't see any reference to this one per 6 month policy.

I called DirecTV in late January to schedule an upgrade from my 3 LNB dish/HR10-250 setup. I ordered two HR20 DVRs and a new 5 LNB dish and scheduled installation for March 2. No one showed up on March 2 and when I called DirecTV they informed me that someone had canceled the appointment on the same day it way made. I told them I certainly had not canceled it and they rescheduled for today. Well, today the installer showed up with the dish and two HD receivers (not DVRs). I explained that I had ordered the HR20's, but he showed me a copy of the order that showed just the two receivers.

So, when I called DirecTV to complain, they told me that the order had originally been placed for receivers not DVRs. I assured them that not only had I ordered DVRs, I specifically asked the rep to confirm the order to make sure she got it right. When I asked them to change the order to HR20's, I was informed that I'm not allowed to order two HR20's. After the customer service rep put me on hold for 5 minutes, he said that demand was so high that they limit customers to one HR20 order every six months. Does that sound right? I just read back through the last 10 pages of this thread and didn't see any reference to this one per 6 month policy.Any problems with your 5 LNB dish? Did you get a SlimLine?

I called DirecTV in late January to schedule an upgrade from my 3 LNB dish/HR10-250 setup. I ordered two HR20 DVRs and a new 5 LNB dish and scheduled installation for March 2. No one showed up on March 2 and when I called DirecTV they informed me that someone had canceled the appointment on the same day it way made. I told them I certainly had not canceled it and they rescheduled for today. Well, today the installer showed up with the dish and two HD receivers (not DVRs). I explained that I had ordered the HR20's, but he showed me a copy of the order that showed just the two receivers.

So, when I called DirecTV to complain, they told me that the order had originally been placed for receivers not DVRs. I assured them that not only had I ordered DVRs, I specifically asked the rep to confirm the order to make sure she got it right. When I asked them to change the order to HR20's, I was informed that I'm not allowed to order two HR20's. After the customer service rep put me on hold for 5 minutes, he said that demand was so high that they limit customers to one HR20 order every six months. Does that sound right? I just read back through the last 10 pages of this thread and didn't see any reference to this one per 6 month policy.
I have an appointment on 3-13. I wanted 2 HD DVR, and was told I would need 2 separate work orders, so I just got 1.

I was told the same thing about ordering 2 HR20s in February. I also had the same thing happen where DirecTV scheduled installation, but then mysteriously cancelled it. It was irritating, and when the local installer said that they would be installing the old AT-9 dish, I cancelled the whole thing.

I just ordered the slimline dish through other channels and will arrange for installation myself.

I have the 5er also and I am in the wide open. Not a tree near me. I can't remember the last time that I had rain fade.

A larger dish will be less susceptible to rain fade.

I f I didn't loose signal last night....I don't think it's possible with this new dish. It was coming down in sheets, and HD was good to go. I called DTV yesterday for the new HR-20 to replace our 10-250 in the main veiwing room. I keep my 10-250, $99 for reciever, and 6 months free HD package. Supposed to be here 3/22....we shall see...

I called DirecTV in late January to schedule an upgrade from my 3 LNB dish/HR10-250 setup. I ordered two HR20 DVRs and a new 5 LNB dish and scheduled installation for March 2. No one showed up on March 2 and when I called DirecTV they informed me that someone had canceled the appointment on the same day it way made. I told them I certainly had not canceled it and they rescheduled for today. Well, today the installer showed up with the dish and two HD receivers (not DVRs). I explained that I had ordered the HR20's, but he showed me a copy of the order that showed just the two receivers.

So, when I called DirecTV to complain, they told me that the order had originally been placed for receivers not DVRs. I assured them that not only had I ordered DVRs, I specifically asked the rep to confirm the order to make sure she got it right. When I asked them to change the order to HR20's, I was informed that I'm not allowed to order two HR20's. After the customer service rep put me on hold for 5 minutes, he said that demand was so high that they limit customers to one HR20 order every six months. Does that sound right? I just read back through the last 10 pages of this thread and didn't see any reference to this one per 6 month policy.

At the end of January I made an inquiry into upgrading one of my 10-250's to the new HR20 and was actually told I needed to upgrade both of my 10-250's to HR20's. Of course I wasn't going to do that since I actually own one of the 10-250's and after speaking with someone else they said they could upgrade just one of the units. I would imagine that they want to get all of the 10-250's replaced with HR20's as soon as possible due to the loss of revenue to TIVO, which means if you have two 10-250's they will offer to replace both and if you have one or less then they probably would limit you to just one unit. Just a guess on my part.

Kemical

I f I didn't loose signal last night....I don't think it's possible with this new dish. It was coming down in sheets, and HD was good to go. I called DTV yesterday for the new HR-20 to replace our 10-250 in the main veiwing room.This is good news...

Cables cannot be split between receivers. Each Sat input requires its own cable to a dish or multiswitch. The dish has 4 outputs. If more up to 8 are needed, a Zinwell WB68 multiswitch is required. It takes 4 inputs from the dish and provides up to 8 outputs. DVRs need two and receivers one each.

There is a Single Wire Multiswitch in testing. It will require four inputs from the dish and allow CATV style splitting including a single line to HR20 DVRs. It is not yet available.


Do we know when the new multiswitch will be available?

Do we know when the new multiswitch will be available?

No, but I suspect it will be soon. This one will feed 5 FTM-compatible tuners via a single coax and splitters (there is one internal splitter and two output ports) plus 2 tuners fed with separate cables from "legacy" ports. There is another model in the works which has 8 FTM outputs (probably other larger ones, as well). The HR20 only requires a single cable to feed both tuners (both count against the 5 tuner total, however).

I'm moving into a new house that has DISH network installed with one cable to living room and one cable to the master bedroom.

Being a Directv customer I called the Moving dept. and they said the installer will install the new dish and add another cable to each room so I can use my HR20's.

I have a crawl space where the cable is ran, so will the installer pull the new cables or will they try only the easy way of going through an exterior wall?

At my other house the installers refused to go in the crawl space so he just left the cable and I ended up doing it myself!

NHLFAN,

I think you probably hit the nail on the head when you said they'd take the easy way. I've had these schmucks in my home on numerous occasions, and without fail, they took every shortcut in the book... or tried to... On more than one occasion, I threw them out of my home. You have to understand, these guys are paid per house call... the more calls, the more money. They want to get in, get out, pass go... collect $200. Spending 3 hours at you house to "make it look pretty" is not in their language (and if you live in Houston, neither is English, but I digress). If at all possible, just tell them to leave the equipment and you will do the work yourself. For a new install, that's sometimes a hard thing for them to do, since they are required to stay until you are getting actual signal and viewing images on your tv. You might just try hooking the damn thing up temporarily with a cable hanging off the dish down to the ground... set it up with the phone call to D* and then disconnect it. Then they can leave because the box is all setup and you can play "NHLFAN the groundhog" and snake cables through the crawlspace and whatnot. But I wouldn't get my hopes up about them doing any type of job other than a poor and expedient one.

That being said, I wish you best of luck. Maybe you'll get really lucky and get installers that actually give a damn. My experience has been that those guys don't exist... at least here in swampland.

Regs,
Jeff

OK, I am on the fringe of the spotbeam that carries my locals, I also want to be able to receive HD on the KA band. My plan is to install a slimline dish, and also a larger dish for the 119 sat that has my locals. How do I combine the signals? I currents get the locals I want and do not want to officially move from that market, its a small market and probably won't ever get switched to HD locals. Does channel master have a dish that is bigger and offer me a one dish solution? Thanks!

103 and 119 share the same multiswitch cabling so the signals have to be combined before the internal multiswitch. It might be possible to use a large dish for 119 with an AT9 dish that uses F connectors to attach the outboard 119 and 110 LNB to the 99, 101, 103 housing but I'm not sure how it's wired. The Slimline has all the LNBs inside a single housing so it would be very tricky.

Just got our new HR20-700 D* DVR installed yesterday. Dish was a Slimline AU9 with 5LNB and is definitely bigger that our old 3LNB HD dish. Installer was from Bluegrass contract company and was top notch (really knew his stuff and was very professional). Now we have to get used to the new HR20-700 format since we have been using (and are still using) our HR10-250 Tivo. All in all a good experience.

I had the 5 LNB dish installed about four months ago. Sometime yesterday, I could no longer receive the local HD channels through any of my three receivers. (I'm receiving OTA locals, but not D* locals -- all other D* channels are okay). 99 sat shows about 30-35% strength. 103 sat is even less. Called D*, and they're going to have to do a service call. They think the dish might be out of alignment --which is very surprising in that the weather been calm and it hasn't been particularly windy. I suppose it could be a switch or cable problem, too. If anyone has any insight into the cause of this reception problem, I would appreciate some feedback so I can better deal with the technician. Thanks.

I was on the DirecT* website yesterday and saw a link about the new 150 channels coming and additions necessary for the HR-20.
It showed details (and pictures) of adding a small box between the cable and the unit. On the DVR model, it showed 2 (one hooked up to each input).

Today, I searched for it on their site and I could not find it.

Does anyone know any information about this?
Also, are they going to come out with a new HD-DVR this year?

That's the B Band Converter. The HR20 should have come with 2 of them and they should have been attached to the two Sat inputs. They will be needed to get all the HD channels when the new satellites start working. The HR20-100 from RCA/Thomson was just released so I can't see anything other than the HR20 series coming out for a while.

HR-20 install
had new dish and stb installed yesterday. intaller brought two hr20-100 and both failed to work. hooked old 10-250 to new dish and works fine. what is the most current model of STB? called d tv and made them commit to send 700 box in a recovery kit. why do they keep sending out old equipment and try to get it to work. both the 100's tried were refurbished; they were not in sealed bags with the cards attached to the bottom. both units hade phone line issues; when plugged in all the dial tones in the house were lost and my security system posted trouble with a zone fault. tried to boot without phone line hooked up and still no luck. installer was good kid and tried hard; said that the hr-20 is a piece of crap.

Not sure if I read you right. It appears that you requested a HR20-700 thinking that you will be receiving a unit that is newer than the HR20-100. If this is what you meant, then you are wrong in your beliefs. The 100 model is the NEW release and the 700 is the OLD model. The 100's have just started showing up in the last couple of weeks. It would be hard to believe that they are refurbished units.

Also, this may or may not be your case, most of the time when the phones in your house lose their dial tone when something new (or additional) is hooked up is because you have too many items hooked to one phone line. How many phones, etc., do you have hooked up in your house?

I know that it is frustrating to have new "toys" not work as they should, but you may be over reacting and the problem(s) lie elsewhere.

Just my .02 cents worth.

D*tv is coming out to install a new HDTV dish and HR20 receiver tomorrow AM. I have been lurking here for a while to determine whether to continue our subscription with D*tv or go to FiOS. While I heard many good things about FiOS, the lack of NFL ST and March Madness package swung it for me. That, and the fact that my loving gf seemed quite skeptical about changing over from her beloved D*tv (although I'm not sure she understands just how different the new DVR will be from her current TiVO-based DVR - she's been warned, however).

Anyway, I have a few questions that perhaps the wise old hands here might be able to help me with in preparation for tomorrow's install (we are in Alexandria, VA):

1. Is the "angle," or whatever it is called for the new Slimline dish lower than the original? We have our dish mounted in a 5-gallon paint bucket on a 3-foot pole which peers just over the fence at the back of our townhome. It's unobtrusive and seems to work well, but I am concerned our "angle" might be blocked if it's lower than now.

2. Has anyone had any luck with a dish-mounted OTA antenna for the new Slimlines? If so, are they good performers? If not, what might you recommend?

3. My gf had her original D* install about three or four years ago. The installer ran new coax at that time, but I am wondering whether they may have to run a "newer" coax tomorrow?

4. I have seen a number of condo/townhomes with the dishes mounted on the roof and that is my preference. Essentially, only the condo/townhome community owns the roof - the individual owners simply own everything "inside" the walls. How difficult have people found it to be to inspire the installer to put the dish on the roof?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have. Looking forward to checking out our new HDTV with D*tv.

msnflier -- The new HDTV dishes are 5-LNB units and are larger than the older "oval" dishes (and a lot larger than the round dishes, mine was installed last Nov. 20th, with an H20-100 STB). These dishes do point slightly lower than the older ones (the newer HD satellites are further west = lower in the sky). In your case, you may have to have a longer pole (3.5' or 4') in your bucket. My installer used my old cables.

Installers, in general, will not roof mount on a condo without written permission from the roof owner.

I can't use a dish mounted OTA antenna because I'm about 50 miles from the towers and would have trees in the way (UHF is "line-of sight"). I've had a roof top antenna on a 20' mast (on my house roof) ever since I bought my house (before I got cable, and then D* - 5 years ago). After I got a new roof, I replaced the 30 year old antenna with a new CM-4228 UHF antenna (same mast), and it works great - I don't even have to use the rotator for the off-axis, closer, PBS towers.

PS -- You might want to check out this antenna for OTA signals: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10117710&&#post10117710. You need to check http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Welcome.aspx for where your OTA towers are, and how far away.

Don't think you're going to have a problem with elevation angle on the Slimline. But it is heavier than your current antenna and I'm not sure the 5 gal bucket will be enough. Might have to brace it somehow.

I tried the "clip-on" type antenna for locals a few years ago. Even though I'm less than 20 miles from the transmitters, it did not work for me. By design, it is an omni-directional antenna so it gives up directional sensitivity to work in all directions.

Your "locals" may well be included in the D* programming package - at least some of them.


Carl

First, thank you for your replies to my questions.

I tried two OTA antennas from Radio Shack yesterday and I think one of the two will work for me if I'm able to get permission from the condo asses to put the new dish on the roof (it appears they've given it to many others because that's where most of the dishes appear to be located in our development).

Unfortunately, the D*tv installer called this AM and informed us that, yes, they have no HD DVRs so our install was canceled. The upside of this is that we will now pursue permission from the condo asses for a rooftop install. The downside is that we will probably have to wait another two, probably three, weeks to get it installed.

Now that Verizon FiOS has finalized their installation in our neighborhood I am tempted to just go that way because it's probably an easier install...but then again, they don't have NFL ST...then again, sometimes it's more fun to watch those games with others at bars. And...no March Madness.

Hmmm...

Thanks again to all. :-)

You learn something new everyday....the new HD Satellites @ 99W and 102W are further West than 101W, 110W and 119W - I'm Glad Christopher Columbus didnt use that type of naviagtion :rolleyes:


And they are lower than the old satellites - except if you are in a circle containing Florida, DC, New York, Maine, Toronto, Chicago, Cheyenne, Denver, Texas and Louisiana - or about 85% of the USA :eek:

Must be the California view of the world.

You learn something new everyday....99W and 102W are further West than 101W . . . .Must be the California view of the world.

Three of the four "HD" satellites are west of the original D* satellite - only 99W is east of it (102W is west of 101W).

The satellite with the highest elevation will be the one closest to your longitude - not a circle enclosing most of the US. If you live in San Francisco, it is 119W; if you live in Bangor Maine, it is 99W.

Carl

My Dad has been a D* customer for about 10 years. TC+ plus HBO and now HD DVR (he already purchased a couple months ago at retail.) He has yet to call D* about the cost of upgrading to the 5LNB. What are others being charged. Since he has been a long standing customer what do you think his shot is of getting this for close to free.

My Dad has been a D* customer for about 10 years. TC+ plus HBO and now HD DVR (he already purchased a couple months ago at retail.) He has yet to call D* about the cost of upgrading to the 5LNB. What are others being charged. Since he has been a long standing customer what do you think his shot is of getting this for close to free.

It should be a free upgrade, mine was and all I've seen for long time subscribers have been.

HI,

I live in Long Island, New York. I have a Directv HD HR20 Box. I have had directv here plenty of times trying to fix the pixelation and audio reverb problem on the Local HD Channels Fox5 & WABC7. They tried everything. I had the new 5LNB Slimeline dish and new cable lines put in, I went through 4 boxes. The satelite signal test for 99 and 103 are in the 90's and 100's. I get pixelation about 4 or 5 times during a show. I get audio reverb on Fox5 all the time. All the other Hd Channels are great. Has anyone experienced this and does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!

Maybe somebody knows a quick fix for this: I just got the 5LNB Slimline installed - when I view Local HD channels, it shows up as a smaller picture surrouded by a black box. Almost like a letterbox but all the way around the picture. I have it set as a widescreen TV on the setup for the HR20, but it still just shows up like that. On the other hand, the other HD channels like DiscoveryHD and INHD and HBOHD all show up full screen. How do I go about fixing this?

Maybe somebody knows a quick fix for this: I just got the 5LNB Slimline installed - when I view Local HD channels, it shows up as a smaller picture surrouded by a black box. Almost like a letterbox but all the way around the picture. I have it set as a widescreen TV on the setup for the HR20, but it still just shows up like that. On the other hand, the other HD channels like DiscoveryHD and INHD and HBOHD all show up full screen. How do I go about fixing this?

You don't. :confused: It's probably because the particular show you were watching was not in HD so the channel adds the black boxes. Watch DiscoveryHD for a while and wait for the commercials. I'm sure one or two won't be in HD, and you'll see the black bars. Until more shows and commercials are HD, you just have to deal with it.

It's also possible your local channels are not yet broadcast in HD by D*. What is the metro area your receive your channels from?

You don't. :confused: It's probably because the particular show you were watching was not in HD so the channel adds the black boxes. Watch DiscoveryHD for a while and wait for the commercials. I'm sure one or two won't be in HD, and you'll see the black bars. Until more shows and commercials are HD, you just have to deal with it.

It's also possible your local channels are not yet broadcast in HD by D*. What is the metro area your receive your channels from?

You're probably right on that. I was checking the Locals during midday when I doubt there is HD programming. I am in the Orange County,CA area, so Los Angeles I guess.

Hopefully that's the issue - just a bit lost right now because the install wasn't pretty. He tried drilling through the wall and wasn't able to go all the way through, so had to use flat cables, which now don't let the silding door close. :(

You're probably right on that. I was checking the Locals during midday when I doubt there is HD programming. I am in the Orange County,CA area, so Los Angeles I guess.

Hopefully that's the issue - just a bit lost right now because the install wasn't pretty. He tried drilling through the wall and wasn't able to go all the way through, so had to use flat cables, which now don't let the silding door close. :(

LA has the locals in HD, so you'll just have to watch during prime time. Since the West Coast National Feeds are from LA, check the in the 80s for KABC, KNBC, etc. Those are the MPEG2 feeds, but are still HD. The lower channel numbers should be there as well as the MPEG4 feeds.

Go into format on the remote and you can strech it.

The D* tech is gonna be by tomorrow to upgrade my current HD to the HD locals that recently went active in my area. I have been waiting for at least a year for this. I am really excited but I am very nervous that I won't be able to get the HD locals. He had to go back far enough on my property to be able to pick up the current HD channels. I live at the base of a mountain and he had to get over some trees. I get those just fine without a lick of problems. I only worry that I won't be able to get the new locals because I know they come off a different sat (and that is why I need the new 5LNB dish). I'm gonna get the newest HD DVR of course. With all that great Hd content I decided that the greater selection with the 4 big networks would finally justify the upgrade to the HD DVR. The upgrade to locals was free but I had to pay $233 for the DVR. I hope everything goes alright with the install. I live just outside of Asheville, NC.

Well, looks like we'll stay at our house for at least another year due to job situation and not looking to downsize yet. With more HD channels coming to D* in 2007, giving more money to cablevision just galls me, so it's not an option.

Currently we've an old RCA (Hughes) TIVO SD with Total Choice and local channels, costing about $48 before taxes. The unit is in my wife's family room; my PJ in the living room has no Directv service.

Based on the latest 12-month package, it looks like $59.95/month with HD DVR, plus another $199 for the box. BTW, wife will not give up her TIVO which adds $5/month. While upgrading, I'll add the HD box while keeping her old box. Does my new bill total $64.95, not inlcuding taxes? Are there any other hidden cost? Could I do any better (don't care about HBO and others)? The dish will be replaced by the latest 5-LNB. Her Tivo is in the FR, adjacent to my PJ and the future HD DVR in the LR. Could I use the same HD DVR and run an extra line to her TV so I do not pay extra for her TIVO? Somehow I recalled that I could still use her TIVO to record from my cable which I've never tried before.

One other thing, I was very happy with my old installer who used to advertised in the forum, unlike most of the other cable or D* guys. Does it matter whether I go with D* or other vendors?

Thanks in advance.

The D* tech came and upgraded my setup to the new local HD channels yesterday and brought my new HD DVR. I can confirm that my HD DVR is the newest model of HR20-100S. This particular one happens to be silver but I have heard that they manufacture a black one as well. Personally I much prefer the very sharp looking silver, plus it goes great with my silver Philips DVD recorder. Once everything was set up, I was actually able to keep myself from just playing around with it because I wanted to completely understand the features and functions it has. I set mine to record "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC that aired in High Definition on my new local HD channel, and "The New Adventures of Old Christine" with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, that also aired in High Definition on my new CBS local while at the exact same time recording "The Lake House" that aired on HBOHD (in HD of couse). I was completely blown away at how spectacular the image quality of the recorded programs are Vs Live TV. I swear it is so sharp and crystal clear you could not
ever possibly tell the difference between a recording and the original broadcast. I am very very very particular when it comes to HD and I notice every single detail. When it comes to attention to detail not even the smallest and most insignificant detail ever gets past me. This HD DVR is simply amazing. I also tested out the ability to rewind live TV this morning on my local news when I had missed todays local weather report. Well I just rewinded the broadcast and watched the weather report that I missed. Again the video was so sharp, it's unreal, and an exact match to the original live broadcast signal. You could not tell the difference if your life depended on it. It completely blew me away. There are DVD recorders and other Tivo sets that I have seen but personally I think this model is on a whole new level. It's simply amazing. the guides and browsers look at first glance to be the same as a normal reciever so it didn't take me too long to get used to that, but it did take me a little while to learn the vast amount of other options that you have with this HD DVR. I did not know at first if I could completely turn off the box (without a single light on at all) and still have it record and I could not find that answer in the manual either. Well that was also a pleasant surprise for me. You can turn it completely off and it still records everything you set it to record because even though it looks like it is off, it really isn't. As far as the local HD channel quality goes, in my particular setup, my locals come in fantastic quality. They are every bit as sharp, vibrant, and clear as my other HD channels are. They are right on the level of HBOHD and ShowtimeHD. Simply amazing. Only one day, and I'm already spoiled. No crappy cable Co. reception or fiddling around with antennas for me EVER!!!!
Well I got to set my prime time programming to record while I'm off to work. This is one very pleased D* customer. Dragonbud0 I'd definitley stick to D* if I were you. Far better service (in my experience at least) and better quality equipment that they provide you, as well as better channel offerings. That's just my two cents.

... I was completely blown away at how spectacular the image quality of the recorded programs are Vs Live TV. I swear it is so sharp and crystal clear you could not ever possibly tell the difference between a recording and the original broadcast. ... Again the video was so sharp, it's unreal, and an exact match to the original live broadcast signal. You could not tell the difference if your life depended on it. It completely blew me away...
The reason that you cannot see a difference between the original and the recording is because there is no difference. Your DVR is recording the incoming digital stream, be it from satellite or OTA. There is no conversion of anything until viewing time.

With a DVR, there really is no "live" viewing because the incoming program is written directly to the hard drive and then read from the hard drive for viewing. Even so, the only difference is a slight time delay, not any difference in picture or sound quality.

I have had the same experiences with my 2 HR10-250 HD TiVo's.

I am glad you are so pleased with your new toys. I am spoiled by my slightly olders toys that are similar to yours. Now days it is difficult for me to watch non-HDTV programs.

Netmaster,

Good to hear. Plan to find out more in the next couple of weeks while taking off between jobs.

Thanks.

So, Directv and MDU will NOT upgrade or install a 5 lnb dish. I have decided to just purchase a dish on my own and pay someone to install it.

However, my concern is that I may not receive any of the HD channels with this new dish because of where my apt is located. I have patio on the third floor, but my apt building (9 floors) surrounds me as I am in the middle of a courtyard basically with walls all around. WIll I be able to receive the HD signals?

Hi all!

Does DirecTV have a new HD DVR than the HR10-250? The latter, as I understand, only accepts MPEG-2. The reason I ask is that I'm moving to the DC area where DirecTV offers local stations in HD. However, I also understand that you need an MPEG-4 capable receiver. I have tried non-Tivo DVRs (e.g. from Cox) and they are no substitute. Basically, I want the latest/greatest DirecTV DVR but can't live without the Tivo interface!

Thanks to all,
James

Hi all!

Does DirecTV have a new HD DVR than the HR10-250? The latter, as I understand, only accepts MPEG-2. The reason I ask is that I'm moving to the DC area where DirecTV offers local stations in HD. However, I also understand that you need an MPEG-4 capable receiver. I have tried non-Tivo DVRs (e.g. from Cox) and they are no substitute. Basically, I want the latest/greatest DirecTV DVR but can't live without the Tivo interface!

Thanks to all,
James

They you'll need to move somewhere with Cable and buy a Series 3 TiVo. The newest DVR from D* is the HR20. It's not TiVo. I've used it for about 7 months now, and I have used TiVos since 2000. It's got it good points and bad. If you want the locals via a Satellite, then your only choice is the HR20. If you can put up an antenna, you can find an HR10-250 on eBay and use the OTA tuner.. But you won't get any of the new MPEG4 channels coming later this year nor will you get the locals in HD.

OTA coverage is pretty good in the DC area; I'm about 45-50 miles as the crow flies from the towers, and with a chimney mounted Antenna, I get the networks and a few other channels as well.

So, Directv and MDU will NOT upgrade or install a 5 lnb dish. I have decided to just purchase a dish on my own and pay someone to install it.

However, my concern is that I may not receive any of the HD channels with this new dish because of where my apt is located. I have patio on the third floor, but my apt building (9 floors) surrounds me as I am in the middle of a courtyard basically with walls all around. WIll I be able to receive the HD signals?

It's not a question of DirecTV/MDU not wanting to upgrade to the 5-lnb dish; right now they can't, the MDU equipment won't support it. Once the new DirecTV SWM (Single Wire Multiswitch) technology is available later this year then there will be MDU systems that support the 5-lnb but old systems will need to be replaced to get this capability.

Unless the courtyard is very large and you are on the northern side with your patio pointing south your chances of getting a line of sight to the satellites are very small.

I've had my HR20 for close to three weeks now. It seems like lately the HD PQ has seriously degraded. I'm seeing a ton of macro blocking during the TNT HD playoff broadcasts that were crystal clear before.

Am I just going nuts or has anybody else noticed this?

I've had my HR20 for close to three weeks now. It seems like lately the HD PQ has seriously degraded. I'm seeing a ton of macro blocking during the TNT HD playoff broadcasts that were crystal clear before.

Am I just going nuts or has anybody else noticed this?

See the HD Programming Forum. There were major problems during the Orlando/Detroit game last night on TNT. This was not a D* problem.

Can anyone speak to the differences in the HD DVR's for E* vs D* (current offerings only pls)? Also I'm confused, which is the new one for D* the 100 or 700?

I'm trying to decide which service to get and I've been told the DVR's have different strengths and that might sway my decision. Any help would be great!

Thanks,
D

The 100 is made by RCA and the 700 by Pace both are made to the same DirecTV specs. The 100 came out later but that does not mean better. It's been playing catch up with software releases.

Can anyone speak to the differences in the HD DVR's for E* vs D*...

I'm trying to decide which service to get and I've been told the DVR's have different strengths and that might sway my decision. Really? I wouldn't sweat this. Many other more important differences... :)

I had my HR20-700 for maybe two months. Not a lick of trouble. Then it just died. I called DirecTV and they are sending me a new unit by FedEx. Should come tomorrow.
Should I be expecting the HD20-100s or the HD20-700? Should I care? What does the HD20-100s provide that the 700 doesn't?

I'm also going to get a new LCD for another room. Should I care whether the set-top box is the 700 or the 100?
Thanks. :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10429425#post10429425

I just had dish upgraded to 5lnb. I receive a ok on 99 from my HR20 but a fail from my h20 installer says he has been having same problem. Is this right? Am I suppose to be receivng anything off of 99 at this time, HD Locals are on 103 here in L.A.

The H20 has a software bug that misreports 99.

That's the B Band Converter. The HR20 should have come with 2 of them and they should have been attached to the two Sat inputs. They will be needed to get all the HD channels when the new satellites start working. The HR20-100 from RCA/Thomson was just released so I can't see anything other than the HR20 series coming out for a while.

Greywolf,

When are those Sats going to be active? Can I order some of the B Band Convertors from Directv? (I have three new receivers, but only 4 convertors). When hooked up do they dilute the signal? Thanks for your great, detailed answers. You have saved me hours and $$ over the last few years.

Every HR20 should have two and every H20 should have one. Other receivers cannot use them. If any are missing or not working, get replacements from D*. Working BBCs should have no effect on the signal strength. New HD programming is scheduled for September and October of this year. I'm happy to be useful as well as decorative.

I am doing an upstairs addition to my home and will have a Directv HD recorder (preferably a HR-20). I thought i read somewhere that there is an HD recorder that only requires one cable from the multiswitch to the receiver that would allow dual tuners to operate. Is this correct and, if so, what type of receiver is it?

I've been reading the last few pages and noone seems to be complaining about the HR20 software issues anymore. Have they been corrected? Can I finally upgrade? I am getting the new dish installed next week.

Thanks

I am doing an upstairs addition to my home and will have a Directv HD recorder (preferably a HR-20). I thought i read somewhere that there is an HD recorder that only requires one cable from the multiswitch to the receiver that would allow dual tuners to operate. Is this correct and, if so, what type of receiver is it?
Not yet. SWM is still in beta testing but I think the HR20 will be compatible once SWM is released. There is a lengthy discussion of it over at DBStalk.com

I've been reading the last few pages and noone seems to be complaining about the HR20 software issues anymore. Have they been corrected? Can I finally upgrade? I am getting the new dish installed next week.

My problem is not so much with the software. It always does what it is designed to do, at least for me. But the real problem is that in my bedroom I have an older unit still run by Tivo software and I almost hate using the living room DVR for general watching. I love having two live caches to switch between, especially when watching sports.

Hey folks,

In arranging to move my Directv service to a new apartment, the CSR I spoke to mentioned a couple of things--

1) the roughly scheduled launch for the expanded mpeg-4 channel line-up is July 1. It's not in stone, but looks good.

2)There MAY be an adapter for Directv Tivo users to get mpeg-4 broadcasts because Directv has found so many people who don't want to give up their Tivos.

Does this square with what others are hearing? If there's a thread around that's more specific than this one, please point the way...

2. Never heard this from any other source and I believe it is highly unlikely. DirecTV seems to want everyone to migrate away from their HD TiVos. I, for one, would be interested in keeping my HD TiVos and avoiding their non-TiVo DVR boxes, but my more realistic plan is to add one of their HR20 HD DVRs and retire one of my SD DirecTiVo's.

Most folks experience with DirecTV CSRs is that they are misinformaed or not informed about things coming in the future.

Well I've been thinking of upgrading my bedroom TV to HDTV and give up my last SD DTivo.

I'm mostly satisfied witht eh HR20 in the living room but before I'd commit to another 2 years, I'd like to see a second-gen HD DVR from D*.

Two main things I'd like to see are greater than 50 season passes and better trick play. I can live with the 30-sec slip but the advance by 15-min increments HAS to be done better.

Maybe at CES they will show something. Or maybe they plan to amortize this HS20 design for several years.

Hey folks,

In arranging to move my Directv service to a new apartment, the CSR I spoke to mentioned a couple of things--

1) the roughly scheduled launch for the expanded mpeg-4 channel line-up is July 1. It's not in stone, but looks good.This seems very unrealistic. My understanding is that the satellite will launch next month and won't be "turned over" to D* until late August, early September...

September is the target and just about everything will have to work as planned to achieve it. There is no reasonable way to get receivers to handle Ka band MPEG4 signals other than to build them to do so. Older receivers will not be upgraded. It isn't feasible.

I have a DirecTV HD Tivo 10-250. I got a new 5 LNB Slimline dish I am going to put on the pool house and I was wanting know if I need to use the same Azimuth, Tilt, and Elevation as a triple LNB dish?

NO. The 3 LNB points at 110 while the 5 LNB points at 101. I don't know if there is an online tool to get the settings, if not you will have to get someone with a H20 or HR20 to punch in the zip to get the settings.

I have a 4 LNB dish running through a 5 X 8 multiswitch (with OTA and diplexer/splitters) to 2 H10s and 2 HR 10-250s. I am very reluctant to change my setup as everything is working well now. However, if I give in to DirecTV and change to the 5 LNB dish and the H20 and HR20 units, will I also have to change the multiswitch? Can OTA be diplexed over the same lines as MPEG4? Do you need different diplexers? Any suggestions? Thanks.

I live in a depression, and it will be hard to get OTA locals, so I had D* install the slimline dish with an H20. Everything works fine except the HD locals - extreme pixelization. Have reset H20 several times. original installer came back and changed some cable ends, no change. Installer wants to move dish to get away from some trees (I already spent $$$ cutting trees). Installer never returned to do work. New guy coming from D* tomorrow AM, we will see what he says. He will probably repeat work of first guy (replacing many connectors, check dish aiming). H20 runs hot, hot, hot, even though I keep it turned off most of the time.
Any thoughts, suggestions?

This seems very unrealistic. My understanding is that the satellite will launch next month and won't be "turned over" to D* until late August, early September...

Late August/Early September is what the CSR told me. Trees block access to the 110 and 119 so I'm HD-less until then (other than locals). He was pretty confident (even checked that date with his 'manager'). They gave me free HD for a year to keep me happy.

My biggest concern is that IF the MPEG4 rollout happens in September, will sunday ticket HD be broadcast in that format?

Late August/Early September is what the CSR told me. Trees block access to the 110 and 119 so I'm HD-less until then (other than locals). He was pretty confident (even checked that date with his 'manager'). They gave me free HD for a year to keep me happy.

My biggest concern is that IF the MPEG4 rollout happens in September, will sunday ticket HD be broadcast in that format?

You need to post your question here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=704067

I've been out of the country the last couple years on a work assignment and am now moving back to my old house in the Chicago area.

Can anybody give me a quick update on Directv and HD?

My old house currently has a 3LNB dish and an old double LNB RCA dish. I have several old SD only boxes and 2 of the older MPEG2 HD boxes.

If I have a new 5 lnb dish installed, get 2 new HD boxes, and remove the 3LNB dish I assume my 2 new boxes will get HD Locals and any furture mpeg4 HD programming while my 2 older HD boxes will still work and get the old programming but will not get HD locals or any future HD programming. For the two older boxes I can get HD locals OTA since I installed an ant in my attic.

My older SD boxes can still be hooked up to the old double LNB dish and will continue to get all of the same channels I got before moving.

Does that sound right or am I missing anything? Do I call Dtv to get the 5 lnb dish installed and to get the 2 new HD boxes? When I originally bought my equipment it all came from Best buy or similar stores and I installed the dishes myself.

Looking forward to some real tv again.

You seem to have it covered, zachman.

At present, the only HD programming you will get from D* that you can't get on your old MPEG 2 boxes is Comcast SportsNet Chicago, assuming you get good OTA reception on all stations. (CBS/WBBM HD OTA is a problem for many here.) However, that should change before the end of the year, so getting the 5LNB dish and MPEG4 boxes now will help avoid what may become a rush when additional MPEG4 HD channels come on line. You should still plan to use your antenna, though, because many local stations (including PBS/WTTW HD) are not yet available from D*.

You may be able to get your upgrades free or at very low cost if you call D*. It may take a couple of calls, though, as D* has what is referred to here as "CSR roulette." Try often enough and you will find one that gives you a good deal. :rolleyes: By the way, they now lease their equipment, so the new gear remains their property. Doesn't have a whole lot of practical effect -- they service/replace defective boxes free and the equipment has to be returned if service is discontinued -- but thought I'd mention it if you had missed the policy change.

I am making a move in a couple of weeks and have scheduled my installation. My current LG HD receiver, used with my Mits WS-65413 HD RPTV, is to be replaced. Upon inquiry, I was told that I will be getting an H20. I knew enough to ask which version, but would not have known whether it were the "right" version had the CSR actually known. He told me that I could call the installer and ask which unit they were going to bring me. When doing so, is there a version which I should "firmly request"? I've heard H20-100, H20-600, etc., etc.

OPINIONS? Thanks. I may not have a choice, but I'd like to try.

By the way, they now lease their equipment, so the new gear remains their property. Doesn't have a whole lot of practical effect -- they service/replace defective boxes free and the equipment has to be returned if service is discontinued -- but thought I'd mention it if you had missed the policy change.


Lease? As in a monthly charge? Or you pay up front but at the end have to return it?

I am making a move in a couple of weeks and have scheduled my installation. My current LG HD receiver, used with my Mits WS-65413 HD RPTV, is to be replaced. Upon inquiry, I was told that I will be getting an H20. I knew enough to ask which version, but would not have known whether it were the "right" version had the CSR actually known. He told me that I could call the installer and ask which unit they were going to bring me. When doing so, is there a version which I should "firmly request"? I've heard H20-100, H20-600, etc., etc.

OPINIONS? Thanks. I may not have a choice, but I'd like to try.

There may be other differences, but these are the two I know of:

First, both units work fine as far as just watching TV, changing channels, etc. However there are two differences I've seen (and experienced in one case) that you might want to know about.

1) The H20-100 run quite a bit cooler than the -600, so if you have a very enclosed/warm environment for it, you might want to ask for the -100 or apply the USB powered fan fix found in another thread here.

2) The H20-600 has a bug in the auto-tune function where if the receiver is off when the scheduled time arrives, it just cancels the scheduled event. The -100 receiver executes this function correctly by turning itself on, switching to the desired channel and staying on until the schedule ends, then switching off. This is how it's supposed to work for those recording on a VCR.

There may be other differences, but these are the two I know of:

First, both units work fine as far as just watching TV, changing channels, etc. However there are two differences I've seen (and experienced in one case) that you might want to know about.

1) The H20-100 run quite a bit cooler than the -600, so if you have a very enclosed/warm environment for it, you might want to ask for the -100 or apply the USB powered fan fix found in another thread here.

2) The H20-600 has a bug in the auto-tune function where if the receiver is off when the scheduled time arrives, it just cancels the scheduled event. The -100 receiver executes this function correctly by turning itself on, switching to the desired channel and staying on until the schedule ends, then switching off. This is how it's supposed to work for those recording on a VCR.

Thanks. Now I see a H20-700! Talk about confusing. Sounds like I should be asking for the 100 based on your kind comments - but are there yet OTHER versions which are preferable still?....

Lease? As in a monthly charge? Or you pay up front but at the end have to return it?Option B.

For all practical purposes it's the same as before, except you have to return the equipment when you are no longer using it, whether you've discontinued the service, had to have the box repaired, or upgraded to a newer model. As in the past, you pay for the equipment in advance (often a nominal amount) and there is no additional monthly equipment charge.

Thanks. Now I see a H20-700! Talk about confusing. Sounds like I should be asking for the 100 based on your kind comments - but are there yet OTHER versions which are preferable still?....


There is no H20-700, the HR20-700 is a DVR. The only two H20 receivers are the H20-100 and the H20-600. The -100 means manufactured by RCA, the -600 manufactured by LG.
Other differences between the two.
As already mentioned by Roger Clark, the -600 can have temperature-related issues if it's in a confined space. This can cause random reboots and even cook the receiver completely. Some people use laptop cooling pads powered by the USB port. I've had an H20-600 for about 18 months with no problems but it is in the open.
The -100 has more HDMI compatibility issues than the -600 (such as HDMI does not work with most Samsung TVs), although at least some of these seem to be corrected in the latest software on test (not yet available as a national release).
The -600 has a much better OTA tuner than the -100, the -600 is one of the best OTA tuners around, so if you are using OTA and you are in a fringe area the -600 is a better choice.

But as you say, you may not get a choice, it will be whatever the installer brings...

The -600 has a much better OTA tuner than the -100, the -600 is one of the best OTA tuners around, so if you are using OTA and you are in a fringe area the -600 is a better choice.


While I haven't tried the -100, I would certainly agree with this statement based on all the receivers I've owned. This -600 brings in everything OTA in my area better than anything I've ever used (Sony Sat A50, B50, HD100, Toshiba HD, Samsung 360HD).

What irks me most is the lack of an IR blaster for controlling a VCR. I don't expect the DVR versions to have one, but the non-dvr should as did all the receivers I owned previous to this one. I have no use for a pay per month dvr when I record maybe 4 programs per month. D* really wants you to get the DVR. IMO that is why the IR blaster was left off.

While I haven't tried the -100, I would certainly agree with this statement based on all the receivers I've owned. This -600 brings in everything OTA in my area better than anything I've ever used (Sony Sat A50, B50, HD100, Toshiba HD, Samsung 360HD).

What irks me most is the lack of an IR blaster for controlling a VCR. I don't expect the DVR versions to have one, but the non-dvr should as did all the receivers I owned previous to this one. I have no use for a pay per month dvr when I record maybe 4 programs per month. D* really wants you to get the DVR. IMO that is why the IR blaster was left off.

What's a VCR? :) Just breaking your b*lls.

I have a question I couldn't find an answer to - has anyone seen these yahoo's on ebay claiming to have coupon books for discounts on DVR's? Are they just selling the free advice you can get here about speaking with customer retention?

I need a new HD DVR or two and was just snooping around when I saw that.

I'm thinking about making the move from Time Warner to D*. I currently have three HD-DVR's but I can get away with only using two if I go with D*. I only have one run of cable currently running from multiswitch to each room. Will I need an additional run for the D* DVR to the two locations?

Thanks

I currently have a 3 LNB (Phase III) antenna mounted to my roof facia. I have fabricated a mounting pad with a 1x6 lagged into the facia and roof stringer. I have attached a photo of my setup.

I am interested in converting to the Slimline antenna. Since I have my current mounting pad clad (maintenance free aluminum) along with my facia/overhang , I do not want to move my current antenna mount point.

I have done a bit of research, and discovered the Slimline uses a 2" mast, while the 3 LNB uses a 1 5/8" mast - meaning I am going to have to replace the entire antenna assembly.

I have been unable to determine how (if) the mast mounting foot dimensions (and bolt hole pattern) compares between the Slimline and the 3 LNB.

Also, I believe I will need at least 1 monopole for stabilization. However, I do not want to anchor the monopole in my roof. The only option I see is to anchor the monopole to the facia.

Feedback and/or suggestions from anyone with knowledge or first hand Slimline experience is appreciated!!

Thanks

I may be in the wrong post but....

I recently had the Slimline dish installed and upgraded three of my receivers to H20's. The H20's all hum along ok but occasionally they just go dark and come right back up again.

Also the 4th receiver is an old Sony which works ok except for the 500 series channels which show up pixelated most of the time.

Any thoughts?

Ok I need help on this matter.. 2 years ago I bought the older hd tivo for my family room... I had a prof come and make a custom install in which I had him install a oval dish with 4 Lnbs I provided him with a multiswith 4x8 .. He ran 4 coax from the dish to my attic and he installed my antenna and ran the antenna coax to the same spot.. All 5 lines went into the powered multi swith and I had 6 runs go into my family room and 2 other into seperate rooms..... Now my antenna run was diplexed into the multi switch and then in my family room for instance I have them feed seprate.. Point blank is I invested alot fo money.. Now with direct tv adding more hd channels and mpeg 4 .... Now I need to call direct tv and have them send me a new mpeg 4 hd tivo with the bigger dish....

So heres my question with new bigger dish and the new mpeg 4 hd tivo... Do I call direct tv and demand the new box and dish install at no charge.. Offcourse I am going to have to go to customer retention.. Also what will I have to do from my previous set up to be able to have 6 sattelite feeds to my family room along with antenna feed and also 1 sattelite feed along with antenna feed 2 my other bedrooms.... Can I call direct tv and attempt to have them send me a installer in order to make my connections right.. After all I do see it as very unfair after all the money I spent in equipment and installation that now I have to fork up more money in order to rearrange my install just because direct tv changed there equipments and changed the way in which u know have to make the installations.... What do I do....

Eddy13, you shouldn't have to "demand" the upgrade, you should be able to get it without too much difficulty and little or no cost. It may take a couple of calls, though, since different CR's give different answers. :rolleyes:

I don't know the technical details of what needs to be done to restore your service to it's present level with MPEG-4 gear. Maybe someone will answer that. It probably be will entail some new wiring, as the new channels cannot not share a coax with your antenna. In any case, many members here have had their equipment upgraded, and D* has handled the installation. So all you should have to do is give them a call (or two... or three ... :( )

well For the most part I really dont think that Direct tv installers go into ur attic and run new wires in order to get ur set up right.. Also from what ive heard is that they will not take ur old sattelite dish down and put the new one up.. I may be wrong.. All I need is the new big dish with the new mpeg 4 hd receiver with 6 sattelite feeds going into the family room 1 going into the office and another going into the master bed room.. thats a total of 8.. I also need my local antenna feed to go into my family room and office and master bedroom... Now my current set up is 4 feeds from dish to multiswitch which is a 4x8 then my antenna feeds goes into that multiswitch in the attic from there I have 6 feeds going into family room 1 to office and 1 to master bed room.... How would Direct Tv be able to give me a new dish /sattelite receiver plus make all my current connections/feeds right by having to change it all... I dont think that Direct tv will provide to fix all that custom installtion..

I'm sure there are limits, but I've read about some fairly complex installations they have updated. Changing the dish, upgrading multiple receivers, and installing new multiswitches does not seem to be uncommon.

It makes sense that they would be wiling to do this, since they want you to upgrade your service and created the problem in the first place by adding/switching to MPEG-4. Their customers would have been happy enough to stick with MPEG-2, if D* had gotten them the additional HD channels that way. D* made a business decision to move to MPEG-4, and they do seem to be interested in migrating their customers as painlessly as possible.

On the other hand, I'll admit that I'm a simple one DVR guy with no first hand knowledge of multiple receiver installations, only what I've read here and elsewhere. Can't see how it would hurt to ask D*, though.

I agree.. but perhaps people with more first hand experiences with this transition can give me some input that way I know what to expect and ask for with direct tv...

It's up to the installer to get all of your equipment up and running including any wiring needed. Custom installation is not included.

I agree.. but perhaps people with more first hand experiences with this transition can give me some input that way I know what to expect and ask for with direct tv... If you don't get a response from one of those here, try this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10694149#post10694149) It tends to be more active than this one. Just rephrase the question to emphasize the DVR so you are on topic. A couple of guys who hang out there are very knowledgeable about technical requirements.

custom installation is what I had to do before but now since direct tv requires a new big dish and new receiver plus a rearranging of my custom installations I shouldnt have to pay for that...

I installed a 5 LNB Slimline dish on the roof of my parent's pool house this weekend. I can get signal strength in the 90s from 101 110 but nothing from 119. Could there be some interference from power lines blocking the signal from that location? I am using an 10-250 DirecTV HD Tivio box.

It seems to me the biggest issue is 'blocking' or macroblocking when there is flashing and motion in the picture. Not sure the solution (faster bitrate?) Only hope is better transcoding or codecs to eliminate this IMO.

But we really have no choice here, you have to upgrade if you hope to see any new HD (lite) content from sat companies.

Found this:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1840502/posts?page=65

http://www.cable360.net/technology/strategy/23790.html

Transcoding
But how does the content get turned into MPEG-4? Broadcasters transmit their HD content in MPEG-2 and have not yet recognized any strong incentive to upgrade their systems to MPEG-4. Converting the HD MPEG-2 programs into MPEG-4 requires the operator to transcode the video into the new advanced format. Operators' recent experiences with transcoding show that video quality takes a hit when the HD content is transcoded to MPEG-4, suffering up to 1 dB of quality degradation, a significant and visible loss. The reason for this loss is that although the algorithms are similar, they're not similar enough.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I may be in the wrong post but....

I recently had the Slimline dish installed and upgraded three of my receivers to H20's. The H20's all hum along ok but occasionally they just go dark and come right back up again.

Also the 4th receiver is an old Sony which works ok except for the 500 series channels which show up pixelated most of the time.

Any thoughts?

I am upgrading to the new Direct tv hd Dvr and the new Bigger Dish.. I called Direct tv because I had the smaller dish and the older Hughes hd tivo.. Now heres the thing.. When I called I told them that I needed a new Multiswitch the 6x8 and the big dish and new mpeg 4 dvr.. Now heres the thing I need 6 sattelite runs into my family room 2 into my master bed room , 1 to my other bed room and another one to my office for a total of 10 runs... Also I need 1 seperate antenna run to each of those locations... I really dont need antenna in the office or my other bed room but its a must in the master and family room.. The reason I need 6 runs in family room is for my hd dvr and I connect 4 seperate receivers during sunday ticked to be able to see up to 5 games at a time with 5 tvs during football season... I did mention if 8 runs was th emost that i could do and direct tv answered with that is correct.. can th direct tv installer do the 10 runs.. Should I call back the installation departemnet and tell them i need 10 runs... Also on my work order should I ask the installation departement to add in the work order that the installer needs to secure my dish with monopoles and remove old dish... I currently have a older dish with 4 runs into a eagle multiswitch in my attic thats a 4x8 and my antenna runs are diplexed there...

I know that to do all this work like the antenna runs seperately the installer will probably charge me custom work... What should I do and can the installer do 10 runs for sattelide feed...

The Zinwell WB616 can handle 16 runs. The more typical WB68 can handle 8 and are sometimes cabled in parallel to handle 16. A power inserter is then a very good idea for any thing more than short runs as in http://www.sonorastore.com/510.html

September is the target and just about everything will have to work as planned to achieve it. There is no reasonable way to get receivers to handle Ka band MPEG4 signals other than to build them to do so. Older receivers will not be upgraded. It isn't feasible.


Pat:

I currently have the 3 LNB dish with the HD programming. What channels will the 5 LNB include other than the local channels which I already get from channels 80-88 ?

Pat:

I currently have the 3 LNB dish with the HD programming. What channels will the 5 LNB include other than the local channels which I already get from channels 80-88 ?

All the new channels that have been annouced by D*, including the Discover Channel HDs, National Geographic, Sci Fi, USA, the Weather Channel, regional sports networks, and many others. My guess? At least 25 will be available immediately when the new satellite is launched, if not 50. The others to get to 100 will include Sunday Ticket HD channels, MLB HD channels, and probably more than one PPV channel. It's also possible that HBO 2, Showtime 2, etc. or the other coast feed will be included as additional channels.

Deezul

so does that mean that I won't be able to get them with my current dish, even if I am paying for the HD programming package ?

so does that mean that I won't be able to get them with my current dish, even if I am paying for the HD programming package ?

Correct. Only the 5 LNB dish and one of the new MPEG4 receivers, either the H20 or HR20, will receive the signals. HD TiVos will be good until at least 2009, but will not be able to receive the new signals, and their is no upgrade to them that would allow them to receive the signals.

There is "hope" that with the sale of D* to Liberty Media, a new MPEG4 TiVo will be made available, as John Mahone has stated his is a TiVo fan.

Deezul

Thanks Deezul.

I currently use an H20 and HR10-250, so naturally I thought I could still get what HD programming they offer with my H20.

They should have gotten a free dish install with the H20.

It's also possible that HBO 2, Showtime 2, etc. or the other coast feed will be included as additional channels.

DeezulThat could be a pretty good guess! This was just announced today... TV Week (http://tvweek.com/news/2007/06/hbo_makes_all_channel_feed_hig.php).

I had a similar question to another poster on this thread, and didn't see the answer posted:

I have a 5 LNB dish, with an HD antenna as well. These 2 cables run to a switch outside the house, and from there, combines into 1 cable that runs into the house, where I split the signal at the H20 box (one SAT, one OTA).

Can OTA be diplexed over the same line as MPEG4? Do you need different diplexers? Any suggestions? Just wondering if I need to change my setup for the upcoming MPEG4 channels...

Thanks!

My HR20 stopped recording on the 2nd tuner for some reason. I can no longer view and simultaneously record another program. Any ideas?

when will D**** offer 1080p output on their HD programming ?

when will D**** offer 1080p output on their HD programming ?

Not for a long time. The only sources of 1080p content for the near future will video games and HiDef video discs.

I have a 5 LNB dish, with an HD antenna as well. These 2 cables run to a switch outside the house, and from there, combines into 1 cable that runs into the house, where I split the signal at the H20 box (one SAT, one OTA).

Can OTA be diplexed over the same line as MPEG4? Do you need different diplexers? Any suggestions? Just wondering if I need to change my setup for the upcoming MPEG4 channels...

Thanks!OTA cannot be combined/diplexed with present equipment. A single wire multiswitch is being tested that will allow diplexing. See http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=78249

Until it is working and in distribution, antenna and satellite cable will have to be separated. The B Band MPEG4 signals occupy 250-750MHz which overlaps the 54-860MHz OTA band.

My HR20 stopped recording on the 2nd tuner for some reason. I can no longer view and simultaneously record another program. Any ideas?Try a reset. If that doesn't work, unplug and switch the cables and see if the problem moves to the other tuner. If it does, the problem is in the dish or cable. If the problem stays on the same tuner, the tuner is likely bad.

OTA cannot be combined/diplexed with present equipment. A single wire multiswitch is being tested that will allow diplexing. See http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=78249

Until it is working and in distribution, antenna and satellite cable will have to be separated. The B Band MPEG4 signals occupy 250-750MHz which overlaps the 54-860MHz OTA band.

Wow. Thanks for that link...I learned a whole lot of things that I was pretty clueless about. Almost makes me want to switch to cable :)

But seriously, I think I understand the new SWM technology, but still have a question. Let's say these new MPEG4 channels have arrived and the SWM module is not publicly available. What will happen to people like me that are diplexing antenna and satellite on one cable? (I've got the H20). I'm guessing I'll be able to continue watching all of my previous channels (including OTA), but not be able to access any MPEG4 channels until I run 2 separate cables?

And when I do upgrade to the SWM module, my other 3 receivers (all old Hughes standard definition receivers) sound like they will be useless. According to that article, everything in the SWM "line" needs to be SWM compatible.

Man, this upgrade is going to be tough for some of us. And I thought I was prepared by getting the new 5LNB dish and H20 ahead of time...

The SWM has legacy ports for the older equipment. SD receivers don't access Ka band MPEG4 channels so aren't a problem anyway. Your present equipment will keep the same function it has now if you don't make any changes.

Apolgize if this has been asked before, i've read through most of this thread. Is there a way the HR20-700 can pause one tuner and flip to the other tuner as my old tivo unit was capable of this. thanks in advance

My HR20 stopped recording on the 2nd tuner for some reason. I can no longer view and simultaneously record another program. Any ideas?

this happened to me today. I unplugged and rebooted and it was able to record and watch other programming

Is there a way the HR20-700 can pause one tuner and flip to the other tuner as my old tivo unit was capable of this. thanks in advanceNo...

Apolgize if this has been asked before, i've read through most of this thread. Is there a way the HR20-700 can pause one tuner and flip to the other tuner as my old tivo unit was capable of this. thanks in advance

No, but the "work around" is to record one channel and then watch another. Then if you flip between them you'll have the 90 minute buffer for one and the other show from when you started recording or sooner if it was already in progress.

Deezul

I have a HD receiver and a triple LNB dish on the roof. I also have an abundance of trees in my yard and my neighbor's yard. I'm getting _some_ HD material to include HBO and the sports on say Channel 95. But I don't get local HD. I'm on the road a lot (I inspect houses) and I see houses with two sat dishes pointed in different directions but they are both for one service provider. My question is that can I rig up two dishes on the roof to help me get more channels and more specificlly... more HD material? Do I have to take a step back and use the old LNB deal that had three (3) separate LNBS and feed in the signal from a dish pointed in another direction and somehow gut the rest? Or will the 5 LNB dish resolve all my problems? And with the 5 LNB dish, can you incorporate a new feed into it?

I have a HD receiver and a triple LNB dish on the roof. I also have an abundance of trees in my yard and my neighbor's yard. I'm getting _some_ HD material to include HBO and the sports on say Channel 95. But I don't get local HD. I'm on the road a lot (I inspect houses) and I see houses with two sat dishes pointed in different directions but they are both for one service provider. My question is that can I rig up two dishes on the roof to help me get more channels and more specificlly... more HD material? Do I have to take a step back and use the old LNB deal that had three (3) separate LNBS and feed in the signal from a dish pointed in another direction and somehow gut the rest? Or will the 5 LNB dish resolve all my problems? And with the 5 LNB dish, can you incorporate a new feed into it?

Local HD reception requires a new receiver as well as the new 5LNB dish. This is due to the locals (and future HD) coming down in the new mpeg4 compression. Existing HD was mpeg2 and your old HD recievers/dish would work fine.

D* has been upgrading for free with the new dish, installation and one receiver. I got them to issue a 2nd H20 for 19.95 for myself so some talking can get you more.

If you have DVRs, I believe there is a bit more charge there.

I'm on the road a lot (I inspect houses) and I see houses with two sat dishes pointed in different directions but they are both for one service provider.

I believe those are the Asian and Hispanic channels on the 72 degree satellites. I believe there is also one or two SD locals in the US on 72.

Deezul

72.5 carries some SD locals. The International programming from a second dish is on the 95 satellite position. There were a lot of old Dish Network installations with two dishes.

Local HD reception requires a new receiver as well as the new 5LNB dish. This is due to the locals (and future HD) coming down in the new mpeg4 compression.

I think that the original question was more about whether the abilty to utilize multiple dishes to receive signals from all of the satellites still exists with the new MPEG-4 satellites.

I'm in the same boat as Ironhorse is. My 3 LNB dish, mounted on my chimney, can only see Satellites A & C. I have a separate round dish, located on the roof, about 25 feet from the 3 LNB dish for receiving channels on Satellite B.

I don't know whether there will be issues seeing the new satellites from a dish located on the chimney. But I'm positive that there is no location on my house from which I can receive signals from Sats A, B & C. So, regardless of the location of the new dishes, I'm going to need a multi-dish arrangement.

apologize if already discussed:

getting a new 5 LNB slimline dish installed from D*: their order includes a KA6X8 multiswitch

However the way my house is set up: I use 2 multiswitches: has to do with limited cable runs in the house

Question: can I use existing 4X8 multiswitch (no OTA involved)

If no: can someone point me to a source to buy a second switch?

I am hoping the installer will just have an extra switch on the truck and agree to give it to me, but I am thinking of buying one to have handy if they are not too expensive


Thanks in advance for any help

The 5LNB dishes require wide band multiswitches to handle the required 250MHz to 2150MHz signals. The Zinwell WB68 6x8 and the WB616 6x16 are the ones to look at.

I think that the original question was more about whether the abilty to utilize multiple dishes to receive signals from all of the satellites still exists with the new MPEG-4 satellites.

I'm in the same boat as Ironhorse is. My 3 LNB dish, mounted on my chimney, can only see Satellites A & C. I have a separate round dish, located on the roof, about 25 feet from the 3 LNB dish for receiving channels on Satellite B.

I don't know whether there will be issues seeing the new satellites from a dish located on the chimney. But I'm positive that there is no location on my house from which I can receive signals from Sats A, B & C. So, regardless of the location of the new dishes, I'm going to need a multi-dish arrangement.

Your options are pretty limited, especially with the slimline dish.
If you use one version of the older AT-9 5-lnb dish, the LNBs are connected together by coax with standard f-connectors (the other type of AT-9 has different connectors so its not as easy) so you can have a separate dish for 110/119 (or even two dishes, one for 110 and one for 119, since they can be combined). So one dish could be 99/101/103 and a second, connected into the first dish, 110/119.
With the slimline there's only one dual dish option, since the 99 and 101 have to be on the same cables and 103/110/119 on another set. So one dish can handle 99/101, and a second can handle 103/110/119, with the signals being integrated at the WB68 multiswitch.

My DTV receivers are only 6 months old and both the regular and the HD ones have the DVR built-in. My questions are:

1. Can you use multiple dishes to get _all_ available English language programming (including HD locals) by using some sort of multi-switch and dual dish setup?

2. Is the new, larger 5 LNB dish receptive to being connected to a second dish to supplement it? (IOW, should I spend the money on the new dish?)

3. Can anyone recommend a private installer (in the Springfield, MA area) who understands all this and could make it work? The guys from DTV told me that they don't do double dish setups and it would take too long to even figure out if I had a shot at the necessary satellite.

apologize if already discussed:

getting a new 5 LNB slimline dish installed from D*: their order includes a KA6X8 multiswitch

However the way my house is set up: I use 2 multiswitches: has to do with limited cable runs in the house

Question: can I use existing 4X8 multiswitch (no OTA involved)

If no: can someone point me to a source to buy a second switch?

I am hoping the installer will just have an extra switch on the truck and agree to give it to me, but I am thinking of buying one to have handy if they are not too expensive


Thanks in advance for any helpThe CSR told me that when upgrading to the 5LNB dish, a new multiswitch is automatically sent out with the installer. I get installed today...

My DTV receivers are only 6 months old and both the regular and the HD ones have the DVR built-in. My questions are:

1. Can you use multiple dishes to get _all_ available English language programming (including HD locals) by using some sort of multi-switch and dual dish setup?

2. Is the new, larger 5 LNB dish receptive to being connected to a second dish to supplement it? (IOW, should I spend the money on the new dish?)

3. Can anyone recommend a private installer (in the Springfield, MA area) who understands all this and could make it work? The guys from DTV told me that they don't do double dish setups and it would take too long to even figure out if I had a shot at the necessary satellite.It has been done. Basically it works best if one dish picks up 99, and 101, while the other dish picks up 103,110 and 119. The first dish gets two lines to the first two inputs of a Zinwell WB68 or WB616 multiswitch and the second dish gets two lines to the third and fourth inputs.

Usually though, the need is for one dish to get 99, 101, and 103 and maybe 110. The second dish would get 119 and maybe 110. This has been done with the older AT-9 model dishes that had outboard 110 and 119 LNBs with external F connectors by connecting one or both of those outboard LNBs on one dish to the central housing of the other dish. One person reported using the now common Slimline to do the same thing but had no details as the job was done for him. I can only surmise the housing on the Slimline can be entered and the proper connections made.

My DTV receivers are only 6 months old and both the regular and the HD ones have the DVR built-in. My questions are:

1. Can you use multiple dishes to get _all_ available English language programming (including HD locals) by using some sort of multi-switch and dual dish setup?

2. Is the new, larger 5 LNB dish receptive to being connected to a second dish to supplement it? (IOW, should I spend the money on the new dish?)

3. Can anyone recommend a private installer (in the Springfield, MA area) who understands all this and could make it work? The guys from DTV told me that they don't do double dish setups and it would take too long to even figure out if I had a shot at the necessary satellite.


I think I answered most of this in my post #985 just above yours.
You dual dish options are very limited.
1. You can use two slimline 5-lnb dishes, one for 99/101 and another for 103/110/119, two cables from each dish to a WB68 multiswitch.

2. If you can find one, you can use an older AT-9 5-lnb dish, the version with the coax connecting the LNB assemblies, and use this for 99/101/103, and then a second dish for 110/119 (or two dishes one for 110 and one for 119) and combine the dishes at the AT-9. With the other version of the AT-9, with the smaller black cables connecting the LNBs, it's the same electrically as the "coax" AT-9 but people have had problems finding connectors that can go on the coax from the other dish(es).

Any other solution would involve electrical modification of the internals of the LNB assembly, or adding individual LNBs to multiple round dishes, essentially building custom dishes - as far as I know no-one has even tried that.

here's a long thread on this specific topic http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=62223

My DTV receivers are only 6 months old and both the regular and the HD ones have the DVR built-in. My questions are:

1. Can you use multiple dishes to get _all_ available English language programming (including HD locals) by using some sort of multi-switch and dual dish setup?

2. Is the new, larger 5 LNB dish receptive to being connected to a second dish to supplement it? (IOW, should I spend the money on the new dish?)

3. Can anyone recommend a private installer (in the Springfield, MA area) who understands all this and could make it work? The guys from DTV told me that they don't do double dish setups and it would take too long to even figure out if I had a shot at the necessary satellite.

Regarding professional installation: The guy who did my install 12 years ago is still around. He's definitely the "go to guru" around here. He does installs for several of the better Home Theater companies around here also. He is based in Marlboro and I don't know if he will go to Springfield but you can give him a call. His name is Bruce Cromarty and phone is 508-481-4481. His company is Northern Satellite systems. Even if you have to wait for him, it's well worth it. He knows his stuff !! Good Luck

I posted the following in a forum more specific to H10-250 TIVO HDVRs but thought perhaps it wouldn't hurt to post it here as well, since my system does include a D* HR20.

I have had some strange happenings over the years involving my D* service, but today's experience may top the list. I have 3 HD dvrs connected to my Samsung HD DLP set via Monoprice HDMI switcher. This includes 2 H10-250 TIVO HD dvrs and 1 HR20 HD dvr. I have the latest 5LNB dish which has been giving me outstanding reception on all units.

Earlier this afternoon at virtually the exact time, my 2 HD TIVO dvrs began having flashing green screens (perfectly clear, non-pixilated picture for a fraction of a sec. followed by a green screen for a fraction of a second, repeated continuously. I switched to my HR20 dvr and had perfectly clear video without green flashing screens. My first thought was that I could be having a problem with my HDMI switcher so I switched cables and tested. The HDMI from my HR20 worked perfectly in each of the 5 ports and the HDMI cables from both TIVO units exhibited the same flashing green screen in each port of the switcher. Just to be sure, I connected the HDMI cable from each TIVO directly into the back of my television with the same flashing green screen results.

Next, I decided to restart each TIVO from the on-screen menu. Btw, the flashing screen was the same whether I was on live tv or Directv Central or Now Playing List. So I restarted both of the H10-250s. The first screen to come up was the gray "Powering Up" screen which was steady without any flashing. Next came the black screen with the D* Logo and message "Almost there... just a few minutes more"... again with steady screen and no flashing. As soon as the screen with progress bar appeared the flashing green screen returned for both units. At this point I called D* to speak to technical support.

I explained my problem and what I had done to eliminate possible explanation for it. I also gently inserted my opinion that the odds of 2 different H10-250s of different ages simultaneously having the exact same problem at exactly the same time would probably be longer odds than winning the Texas lottery. Anyway, the technician who attempted to help me said she had never before heard of such a problem. Even though I had already gone through the motions earlier, I agreed to do all the checks asked of me - restarting units, plugging HDMI cable directly into back of set, etc. Always came back with same end results... flashing green screens. But I only had to switch over to my HR20 and the video was perfect as usual.

One other point worth noting... I considered switching my sat inputs from the HR20 to each of the H10-250s to see if that had any effect. But when I ran the system test as requested, the sat inputs checked out great: Sat 1-100% and Sat 2- 95% signal strength on first unit and about the same on the second.

The tech had me go ahead and clear and reformat one of the dvrs. Once I had started that operation she went ahead and set up a service call for next Fri saying that someone would come out and check out the problem and would also bring 2 new HR20s to replace my existing H10-250s.

Just now after approx 4 hours of clearing and reformating, the one TIVO being reset has finished the operation and is now flashing between D* welcome screen and the green screen. The tech had said she thought it could be a hard drive problem, but I don't think a hard drive failure should have anything to do with flashing green screens (alternating with clear video image) for D* Central or Live TV or guide. In the past when I have had a hard drive failure with a TIVO unit, it would always start with hangups during playback or freezes or major pixilation problems. Nothing like that has happened with either of these units.

I told the tech as nicely as possible that while I am usually not a conspiracy advocate, it seemed extraordinarily bizarre that both my TIVOs failed at exactly the same time on exactly the same day. I know D* wants to get the TIVO units out of circulation and get them replaced with HR20s which use their own DVR service, but would they do something at their end to speed up the process?

One thing I have not tried yet and will be doing later tonight is to swap out the HDMI cable of one of the units with Component video cables to see if the HDMI connection could be the root of the problem. I will post a followup here once I find out about that.

So, does any tech-savvy member have some ideas about why I suddenly started having this problem? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Harvey

You could try the HR10s directly to the TV to check if their outputs work without the switch. One thing I do know is most HR10s have delicate HDMI board connections. The ones with a build date on the back died easily except for January dates. They started coming without build dates after that and had a board design change just before that.

Gotta question for you'ns out there. When the installer setup my new HR20/Slimline dish/WB68 multiswitch, he "told" the HR20 that I have a 3LNB dish and not a 5LNB dish. He said folks have had some problems with telling the STB that there is a 5LNB dish because the new sats aren't up yet. How does the installer know the best line-up for my dish if the new sats are in the sky yet. A gut feeling tells me they might need to come back out for a realignment later. Any thoughts/comments???

After trying everything mentioned in my previous post to figure out this rather bizzare problem, I decided to change out my HDMI connections with component video cables for my video from each of the 2 H10. It sounds like such an easy task but with all the various components (dvd players, audio sync device, A/V receiver and receiver for my Pioneer wireless surround sound headphones and the 3 dvrs) it was anything but quick and easy. However, once I got the HDMI cables replaced with my component video cables the flashing green screen was gone and all my saved programs on the dvr which had not been reset was still there.

The odds of HDMI cards on 2 different H10s of different ages going bad at the same time on the same day must be incredibly low. Still, that is evidently what happened. If there had been a new software update that might have been a more likely explanation, but no software updates for the H10s in recent memory.

While working with changing out the cables, I became aware of some of the components feeling unusually hot to the touch (the cases). I know my Onkyo receiver puts out considerable heat. Does anyone know if the HDMI cards used in the H10s are particularly sensitive to heat? Btw, one of the H10s had been in service for about 18 months and the other one for about a year. My newer HR20 has been in service about 10 months and sits right next to the H10s. So far, I have had no HDMI difficulties with it.

You could try the HR10s directly to the TV to check if their outputs work without the switch. One thing I do know is most HR10s have delicate HDMI board connections. The ones with a build date on the back died easily except for January dates. They started coming without build dates after that and had a board design change just before that.

Pat, thanks for your input. Btw, I did try connecting my HDMI cables from each of the H10s directly to my set and still had the flashing green screens. I do wonder why D* tech support doesn't have something in their help screens or manuals associating flashing green screens with defective HDMI cards. The 2 techs working with me said they had never heard of such. One even went to talk with a tech supervisors and came back and said he hadn't heard of the problem before either. It would have saved considerable time and aggravation if one of the first suggestions would have been to swap out the cables if possible.

I suppose all is well that ends well, though this hasn't actually ended yet. This next Friday a D* installers will bring out 2 new HR20s to replace my 2 HDMI-defective H10s. I had planned to eventually change out the H10s with HR20s, but wanted to wait until the bugs in the HR20 software were mostly cleared. In recent months I have become very pleased with the software updates and think it's probably time to make the upgrade considering the new HD programming coming later in the year will need the MPEG4 capable units.

Now, I think I will go call D* and update them on what I found out by changing cables. The techs seem to act as if nobody had ever heard of such a problem before.

had my install today: everthing went well :)

Gotta question for you'ns out there. When the installer setup my new HR20/Slimline dish/WB68 multiswitch, he "told" the HR20 that I have a 3LNB dish and not a 5LNB dish. He said folks have had some problems with telling the STB that there is a 5LNB dish because the new sats aren't up yet. How does the installer know the best line-up for my dish if the new sats are in the sky yet. A gut feeling tells me they might need to come back out for a realignment later. Any thoughts/comments???

Y ou should go back through setup and try it, you will need to do it eventually, better to find out now than in September.

Y ou should go back through setup and try it, you will need to do it eventually, better to find out now than in September.Good point... The main reason I took the plunge now was to make sure everything was working correctly BEFORE Fall and the new HD channels come online...

Gotta question for you'ns out there. When the installer setup my new HR20/Slimline dish/WB68 multiswitch, he "told" the HR20 that I have a 3LNB dish and not a 5LNB dish. He said folks have had some problems with telling the STB that there is a 5LNB dish because the new sats aren't up yet. How does the installer know the best line-up for my dish if the new sats are in the sky yet. A gut feeling tells me they might need to come back out for a realignment later. Any thoughts/comments???

I just had my HR20 and Slimline dish installed Saturday and the installer did the same thing with mine. I was a little skeptical as well, and asked the installer about it. I got a similar response. I have not gone back through setup yet to see if it will work when the HR20 is "told" it is a 5LNB.

I hope that I won't need any realignment of the dish, but then again, I didn't have the best installer either.

A couple things - if you are in a city without HD locals offered there is nothing on the new sats YET for you to get. The installer was still wrong but it might not matter.

Second, if you are receiving all your channels the dish has to be aimed right. The 5LNB points at 101 while the 3LNB points at 110. I think if you aimed a 5LNB at 110 while it would show on the signal meter since there is a sat there you would receive nothing since the switching would be all messed up and the core info on 101 would not be coming in

A couple things - if you are in a city without HD locals offered there is nothing on the new sats YET for you to get. The installer was still wrong but it might not matter.

Second, if you are receiving all your channels the dish has to be aimed right. The 5LNB points at 101 while the 3LNB points at 110. I think if you aimed a 5LNB at 110 while it would show on the signal meter since there is a sat there you would receive nothing since the switching would be all messed up and the core info on 101 would not be coming inYeah... No HD LIL here in the Norfolk DMA...