What is the difference between the Spaun 4x16 multiswitch and the Zinwell 616? Why is the Spaun so much more expensive? I have a Spaun 5x16 with my 3LNB dish now and I am trying to understand which one I should install when I upgrade to 5LNB.

What is the difference between the Spaun 4x16 multiswitch and the Zinwell 616? Why is the Spaun so much more expensive? I have a Spaun 5x16 with my 3LNB dish now and I am trying to understand which one I should install when I upgrade to 5LNB.They gave me the Zinwell WB68...

I recently installed a H20 in my new home theater room. I still have the 3lnb dish. I cannot get over how bad the picture quality is in SD and most of HD are ok but not what I would consider "now that is what HD ought to look like".

Can't wait for Fios to be available in my section of Long Island. I've had D** forever but I can't take the hideous pq on my new theater set up.

Just had my 5 lnb installed w/ new HR20. I have an existing H20, anyone in the Boston area seeing consistent hestitaion/quick video skip on NESNH. Happens on both H's.... Also, installer let me keep my current 5x8 multiswitch which he said will work, he left me the Zinwell for a backup.

Just had my 5 lnb installed w/ new HR20. I have an existing H20, anyone in the Boston area seeing consistent hestitaion/quick video skip on NESNH. Happens on both H's.... Also, installer let me keep my current 5x8 multiswitch which he said will work, he left me the Zinwell for a backup.

Your 5x8 multiswitch won't work once DirecTV10 starts transmitting (it's supposed to launch this week) because the diplexer built into the multiswitch will attenuate the b-band signals (they overlap OTA). So you need the Zinwell WB68.

I recently installed a H20 in my new home theater room. I still have the 3lnb dish. I cannot get over how bad the picture quality is in SD and most of HD are ok but not what I would consider "now that is what HD ought to look like".

Can't wait for Fios to be available in my section of Long Island. I've had D** forever but I can't take the hideous pq on my new theater set up.

The exisitng HD channels are in MPEG-2 and are compressed because of bandwidth limitations, sometimes they are still very good but sometimes not. And TNTHD is consistently terrible, nothing to do with DirecTV, it's the same here on Dish, cable and FIOS.
HD locals (MPEG-4) with the new 5-lnb dish are very good, it's difficult here in DFW to tell the difference betwen the OTA local and DirecTV. All the new HD will be MPEG-4 so we're all hoping the PQ will be up to the same standard.

Your 5x8 multiswitch won't work once DirecTV10 starts transmitting (it's supposed to launch this week) because the diplexer built into the multiswitch will attenuate the b-band signals (they overlap OTA). So you need the Zinwell WB68.
Thanks, I will swap it out then with the WB68. Think my exisiting could be causing the NESNH pauses/hesitation? All my other HD channels seem to be fine and NESNH is doign this on two separate receivers.

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???

Even though the sat isn't up yet, they have an equation to use to compensate for where it will be. My installer told me that probably 75% of the installers don't understand how to do it, even though they had classes for it. It is expected that there will be a rush of "realignments" needed once the new bird is operational.

Even though the sat isn't up yet, they have an equation to use to compensate for where it will be. My installer told me that probably 75% of the installers don't understand how to do it, even though they had classes for it. It is expected that there will be a rush of "realignments" needed once the new bird is operational.It appeared my installer knew what he was doing BUT... His appearance is another story...

Thanks, I will swap it out then with the WB68. Think my exisiting could be causing the NESNH pauses/hesitation? All my other HD channels seem to be fine and NESNH is doign this on two separate receivers.

No, your NESN HD problem is almost certainly channel-specific, nothing to do with your equipment, from time to time NESN HD does have problems. You should report it to DireCTV, but it may be fixed by now.

No, your NESN HD problem is almost certainly channel-specific, nothing to do with your equipment, from time to time NESN HD does have problems. You should report it to DireCTV, but it may be fixed by now.
Thanks for the help, I swapped out to the new Zinwell and will keep and eye open and report to D* if it continues.

Even though the sat isn't up yet, they have an equation to use to compensate for where it will be. My installer told me that probably 75% of the installers don't understand how to do it, even though they had classes for it. It is expected that there will be a rush of "realignments" needed once the new bird is operational.

Bigger question is, when they add all those HD channels, will they jack up the HD package price?

John Malone and Liberty Media just paid a bunch of money to acquire D*. They could easily come up with a price hike rationalization.

I don't have time to search for the link, but D* has made public announcements that the HD package price will NOT go up when the new satellite comes on line. Now in 6 months or a year who knows?

There was some discussion last year when the behemoth 5lnb dish was first available that D* was recommending ground level installs only. Is this still true with the slimline?

I have a 3lnb rooftop mount, will the installer simply swap out the 3lnb for the slimline on my roof? What happens to the DB2 OTA antenna installed to the J pole? Do they reattach it or will the tell me I don't need it with the HR20 and that OTA isn't supported any longer? I really want to keep my HR-250s for OTA.

I also have 12 coax runs, 6 to the family room (2 HD-Tivos and 1 SDTivo), 6 to the 2nd floor (2 D10s, 1 R15, and 1 leased HD-Tivo). I currently have 2 4x8 multiswitches supporting this cabling nightmare. Is the best approach to have the installer bring 2 WB68 Zinwell multiswitches to replace the current ones? Or is there another solution to avoid the cascade problem referred to earlier by Greywolf?

I am fairly certain the OTA coax homeruns to my family room because the installer could not get the diplexer to work for OTA during the initial install, gave up and ran coax to my familty room for OTA. Will there be any problem getting the OTA to continue to work if the switches are replaced with zinwells? Will the installer balk at getting OTA to work for my HD-Tivos because they don't support it any longer?

San Francisco area.
My HR20-700 works fine with my old 3-LNB dish. I did the install of the DVR myself, by phone with DirecTV.
A friend in the next block had problems installing the same DVR, and D* sent a rep, who changed out his 3-LNB to a 5-LNB dish, but with only 3 LNB's on it (I can see his dish).
So, what's the explanation. And do I need to upgrade to a new 5-LNB dish come late 2007 with all those 100 new HD channels?

Yes you will have to go to the 5lnb, and his looks like a 3, but there are a couple of dual lnb's on it with room for expansion. If I recall correctly.

San Francisco area.
My HR20-700 works fine with my old 3-LNB dish. I did the install of the DVR myself, by phone with DirecTV.
A friend in the next block had problems installing the same DVR, and D* sent a rep, who changed out his 3-LNB to a 5-LNB dish, but with only 3 LNB's on it (I can see his dish).
So, what's the explanation. And do I need to upgrade to a new 5-LNB dish come late 2007 with all those 100 new HD channels?All is going well with the new sat. Expect new channels to arrive in September...

When D* installs my new HR20 and the 5lnb dish, can I assume that they will give me a switch that will allow me to switch from my htpc to the output of the HR20?

Is this something that I can negotiate with them before I say go ahead and install it?

How custom will the installer go?

Is the cable that they use pretty good quality?

Your HTPC and the HR20 will be attached to different inputs on your TV. Use the TV remote to select the correct input. If you have a monitor with only one input, it will be up to you to get a switch. The stock cables are fine. The installer is paid for a standard installation. If you want anything non standard that will take more time, you'll have to pay for it. The installer my not have the time, tools or expertise to go beyond standard.

There was some discussion last year when the behemoth 5lnb dish was first available that D* was recommending ground level installs only. Is this still true with the slimline?

I have a 3lnb rooftop mount, will the installer simply swap out the 3lnb for the slimline on my roof? What happens to the DB2 OTA antenna installed to the J pole? Do they reattach it or will the tell me I don't need it with the HR20 and that OTA isn't supported any longer? I really want to keep my HR-250s for OTA.

I also have 12 coax runs, 6 to the family room (2 HD-Tivos and 1 SDTivo), 6 to the 2nd floor (2 D10s, 1 R15, and 1 leased HD-Tivo). I currently have 2 4x8 multiswitches supporting this cabling nightmare. Is the best approach to have the installer bring 2 WB68 Zinwell multiswitches to replace the current ones? Or is there another solution to avoid the cascade problem referred to earlier by Greywolf?

I am fairly certain the OTA coax homeruns to my family room because the installer could not get the diplexer to work for OTA during the initial install, gave up and ran coax to my familty room for OTA. Will there be any problem getting the OTA to continue to work if the switches are replaced with zinwells? Will the installer balk at getting OTA to work for my HD-Tivos because they don't support it any longer?

Yes, the slimline can be mounted on the roof (with support arms), however it will need it's own mast and mount (the 5LNB will not fit on the 3LNB mast).

Email about B Band converter:

I just got an email the reports to be from DirecTV. It says that I may need to get a B Band converter. Is this legit?

With the launch of D10, Directv will be transitioning their HD channels to the new satellite, which operates on Ka-low bandwidth - hence the requirement for the B Band converter.

These are supposed to be provided when a H20 or HR20 is installed (free). If you have or plan to have HD, and do not have the B Band converters, they can be requested online or call them. (I can't post links yet. :o )

Directv will send them to you free of charge.

This topic has gotten too big. I can't find what I am looking for and search is no help.

I am not in a market with HD locals. What are the chances of getting the 5-lnb dish? I think I read earlier in the post that some people were having trouble getting the new dish. I want to be ready for all things good that come in the fall.

Thanks
Jared

This topic has gotten too big. I can't find what I am looking for and search is no help.

I am not in a market with HD locals. What are the chances of getting the 5-lnb dish? I think I read earlier in the post that some people were having trouble getting the new dish. I want to be ready for all things good that come in the fall.

Thanks
Jared


It is very easy to get new dish installed. I called on a Monday and had the complete new system installed by Friday of same week. And the cost to me was a total of $20.
Directv wants to get as many 5 lnb dishes installed before this fall when the big rush will begin.

This topic has gotten too big. I can't find what I am looking for and search is no help.

I am not in a market with HD locals. What are the chances of getting the 5-lnb dish? I think I read earlier in the post that some people were having trouble getting the new dish. I want to be ready for all things good that come in the fall.

Thanks
Jared

Do you mean you can't get HD locals through DTV because you can get them OTA? From what I remember, there is nothing published about what locals will be offered. Several DTV reps have told me that they will be offered for my area with the new satellite, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Do you mean you can't get HD locals through DTV because you can get them OTA? From what I remember, there is nothing published about what locals will be offered. Several DTV reps have told me that they will be offered for my area with the new satellite, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I think he means that LiL in HD won't be in his area for a while, so would he still get the 5 LNB dish. The answer is YES. The 5 LNB will also provide the new national HD channels, and I believe there isn't another dish option available except the 5LNB at this time.

Deezul

I am moving to a new apartment complex and they are letting me set up my D* on the balcony. Where is the best place to pick up a slimline? Also, any recommendations on a tripod stand?

Thanks.

So what is the thinking about when to call D* to get the upgrade from HR10-250 to new MPEG 4 compatible hardware/dish? I have a 3LNB dish that will obviously need to be replaced as well, as well as a single other receiver (non HD, mirrored service). Should I be calling now, or waiting until there is different hardware available?

So what is the thinking about when to call D* to get the upgrade from HR10-250 to new MPEG 4 compatible hardware/dish? I have a 3LNB dish that will obviously need to be replaced as well, as well as a single other receiver (non HD, mirrored service). Should I be calling now, or waiting until there is different hardware available?

Call now. Since the new bird is up, there will probably start to be longer lead times for installation as the new HD channels start to become available (Sept?). Lead times now are still pretty good, but they are expecting 1 month waits as the time nears.

Call now. Since the new bird is up, there will probably start to be longer lead times for installation as the new HD channels start to become available (Sept?). Lead times now are still pretty good, but they are expecting 1 month waits as the time nears.Good point... Here in Virginia Beach there was a one week delay (could be slightly longer now) and HD LsIL are not available here...

So what is the thinking about when to call D* to get the upgrade from HR10-250 to new MPEG 4 compatible hardware/dish? I have a 3LNB dish that will obviously need to be replaced as well, as well as a single other receiver (non HD, mirrored service). Should I be calling now, or waiting until there is different hardware available?Get it as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the longer the wait time for installation will be. You don't get any benefit from waiting "until the last minute". I got mine last November (one of the earliest installs, AFIK). I just got the new software update the night before last. Now my HDMI output works correctly (I was having HDMI signal drop-outs before).

With the new 5-LNB dish and the B Band Converter (BBC) and the H20 (HR20 recorder) STB, you will be all ready for the new satellite (771) when it comes on-line in September. My installer didn't connect up the BBC (he is supposed to), I had to do it my self.

You can test the operation of the BBC by tuning to channel 499. If it's working, you should get a black screen and the message area should say "Searching for Satellite (771)". If it's not working, you will get a "No Signal" message bouncing around the screen. Apparently some delivered BBCs are defective (they're available free of charge - 1 for every H20/HR20 that you own). They will not work with older HD STBs, because those STBs are not MPEG 4 compatable (from what I've read).

My current configuration with the 3 LNB elliptical dish has 4 coax out to the multi-switch. With the new 5 LNB setup, can I still use the existing 4 coax out, but to the new multi-switch?

I performed my own install before and would like to keep the existing cable runs from the dish (encased in PVC) to the entry point into the house.

That will work just fine, the only potential issue depending on cable routing is if the cables will be long enough as the new dish is significantly bigger.

That will work just fine, the only potential issue depending on cable routing is if the cables will be long enough as the new dish is significantly bigger.
Does this hold true for the Slimline as compared to the old elliptical? Also, is there a PDF manual for the new dish?

You can download the manual from Solid Signal (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=02&CAT=&PROD=AU9-S) The Slimline is significantly bigger than the 3LNB, the cables route the same way but everything is a few inches longer.

After thinking about it it is really not an issue, worst case you make up some extensions and while I have obviously not tried it if you stagger the lengths a couple inches you could probably conceal the connectors and barrels inside the LNB arm.

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

the center one points at 99 , 101 , and 103. The two outside ones points at 110 and 119. :)

can anyone tell me the dimensions of the slimline and the weight. I seem to get conflicting numbers

Mine measures 32 3/4" x 22 1/2" for the dish portion of the antenna. The LNB extends appx 29 1/2" from the center of the mast, but this will vary with the elevation you set. The installation book used 30# for the weight, but believe it is closer to 25#.

Carl

thanks Carl.

Anyone using the slimline have an OTA antenna attached? Did the install include a off air antenna?

Anyone using the slimline have an OTA antenna attached? Did the install include a off air antenna?It really depends on where the slimline is installed relative to the direction of the HD broadcast towers from your residence in the Twin Cities. You do need a line-of-sight path between your OTA antenna and the towers.

I believe that that an attached OTA antenna may be included in the install, if it was ordered as part of the package. If the OTA antenna was not part of the package, its installation is not included. Once your order has been placed, check with the installer for details (they may attach the OTA but not hook it up - it requires a separate RG6 cable run from the OTA antenna to your DirecTV receiver - installation charges vary by installer).

In my case, an attached antenna won't work, due to obstructions and the distance to the HD towers being too far away. You need to check www.antennaweb.org for you zip code to double check the kind of antenna you may need. If you live in a condo, the building may be between you and the OTA towers and the attached OTA antenna won't work. Most of the HD broadcast towers are located North of St. Paul and the DirecTV dish is pointed to the South.

It really depends on where the slimline is installed relative to the direction of the HD broadcast towers from your residence in the Twin Cities. You do need a line-of-sight path between your OTA antenna and the towers.

I believe that that an attached OTA antenna may be included in the install, if it was ordered as part of the package. If the OTA antenna was not part of the package, its installation is not included. Once your order has been placed, check with the installer for details (they may attach the OTA but not hook it up - it requires a separate RG6 cable run from the OTA antenna to your DirecTV receiver - installation charges vary by installer).

In my case, an attached antenna won't work, due to obstructions and the distance to the HD towers being too far away. You need to check www.antennaweb.org for you zip code to double check the kind of antenna you may need. If you live in a condo, the building may be between you and the OTA towers and the attached OTA antenna won't work. Most of the HD broadcast towers are located North of St. Paul and the DirecTV dish is pointed to the South.Thanks for the info. I already have an attached OTA antenna which works perfect as I have line of sight to the towers to the north and also the opposite direction to the southern sky. I should have said that earlier but you make a good point because when I ordered a few years ago, I forgot to ask about OTA...but not this time. It took several weeks for the installer to come back and attach a J pole/DB2 antenna. I was about to call tonight and was just assuming they would reattach the antenna. I also found the "Undocumented HR20 Installation Tips" on dbstalk that has some great tips. Thanks again.

So what is the thinking about when to call D* to get the upgrade from HR10-250 to new MPEG 4 compatible hardware/dish? I have a 3LNB dish that will obviously need to be replaced as well, as well as a single other receiver (non HD, mirrored service). Should I be calling now, or waiting until there is different hardware available?

I'm in the TAMPA area. I called on a Friday and had the 5 LNB Dish and HD DVR installed the next Tuesday.

Do I ever hate the "new" DVR. Can somebody link me to the "bitch and rant" thread.

I'm in the TAMPA area. I called on a Friday and had the 5 LNB Dish and HD DVR installed the next Tuesday.

Do I ever hate the "new" DVR. Can somebody link me to the "bitch and rant" thread.


Can not understand why anyone would 'hate' the Directv DVR. It makes perfect recordings and is extremely easy to operate. It cost me $20 and well worth much more.

Can not understand why anyone would 'hate' the Directv DVR. It makes perfect recordings and is extremely easy to operate. It cost me $20 and well worth much more.I thought I would hate the HR20 but I'm OK with it. I think some features will be added in the (near) future to make it even better...

for anyone thinking about upgrading to the mpg4 dvr from the hd tivo dvr - I just upgraded for the cost of shipping and handling ($21.95). apparently they have summer specials going on now - it was offered to me, I didn't even ask.

Greg

I need some assitance. Can anyone point me in the direction for information on buying rather than renting a DirecTV STB? I am not interested in paying a monthly rental fee, but when I price out DirecTV on its web site, no other option is given. I don't need a DVR, but I guess I would take it if I can get one for comparable cost to a regular mpeg4 receiver.

They are very expensive to buy, around $700.00. I can't think of an advantage in owning one as the monthly fee would be the same.

Can not understand why anyone would 'hate' the Directv DVR. It makes perfect recordings and is extremely easy to operate. It cost me $20 and well worth much more.

I agree. I read all about people converting from the HR10 to the HR20.....and that you will never miss the HR10. I said, "no freakin way that's possible". 3 weeks later.....boy am I happy as hell with it. Greatest benefit.....the ability to plug in a 750gb external hard drive and have tons of storage.

I agree. I read all about people converting from the HR10 to the HR20.....and that you will never miss the HR10. I said, "no freakin way that's possible". 3 weeks later.....boy am I happy as hell with it. Greatest benefit.....the ability to plug in a 750gb external hard drive and have tons of storage.

I will keep at least one of my HR10-250s around for a LONG time. TiVo is the only PVR I've found that keeps closed captionioning on when watching something at the first FF. How does this help? A great way to catch up on a back log of shows. A one hour show can be watched in less than 20 minutes, if you FF2 or FF3 through commercials. And recording suggestions is also something I miss.

Deezul

for anyone thinking about upgrading to the mpg4 dvr from the hd tivo dvr - I just upgraded for the cost of shipping and handling ($21.95). apparently they have summer specials going on now - it was offered to me, I didn't even ask.

Greg

I just CALLED yesterday and asked to upgrade my H20 - they told me $200 plus S&H. Then again, I already had one HR20 and two HR10-250s, and I got the previous HR20 for free.

Deezul

Get it as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the longer the wait time for installation will be. You don't get any benefit from waiting "until the last minute". I got mine last November (one of the earliest installs, AFIK). I just got the new software update the night before last. Now my HDMI output works correctly (I was having HDMI signal drop-outs before).

With the new 5-LNB dish and the B Band Converter (BBC) and the H20 (HR20 recorder) STB, you will be all ready for the new satellite (771) when it comes on-line in September. My installer didn't connect up the BBC (he is supposed to), I had to do it my self.

You can test the operation of the BBC by tuning to channel 499. If it's working, you should get a black screen and the message area should say "Searching for Satellite (771)". If it's not working, you will get a "No Signal" message bouncing around the screen. Apparently some delivered BBCs are defective (they're available free of charge - 1 for every H20/HR20 that you own). They will not work with older HD STBs, because those STBs are not MPEG 4 compatable (from what I've read).


Why is the BBC necessary ? I would hope in the future it can be eliminated so it is removed from the signal path.

Why is the BBC necessary ? I would hope in the future it can be eliminated so it is removed from the signal path.It converts signals from the Ka B band, 250-750MHz to the Ka A band, 1650-2150MHz. If an SWM (single wire multiswitch now in testing) is used, the BBC will be in it. A BBC has to be in the signal path somewhere.

This thread is incredible , lots of info. Now my story , I had directv for a few years then switched to Comcast due to better HD a couple of years ago.

Now I stopped following the HD battles between Sat and cable , but recently saw the new progamming for directv , and dove right in . I ordered today and they will be here Monday am with the 5lnb dish , HR20 dvr , standalone dvr , and a standalone hd reciever. Some things I am worried about is this mpeg4 from D as good as the HD from Comcast. I must have read a few hundred post but am not sure what the verdict is for pic quality on D * HD channels. My bill from Comcast was $110 a monthf for 2 hd dvr with hbo . With D it will be below 70 for the first 10 months for hddvr package with sports and free premiums for 3 months . I like the feeling I am saving money even though I did fork up 400 for the RXers.

I cant wait until Monday , even more so waiting to see the new channels launch. I have been told three different time frames for new channels . Aug 1st , sometime in August and sometime in Sept. .

One last thing , any important gotchas while I have the installer here ?? I have 2 HD tvs and one SD tv. Starting to get a little nervous ......I just hope I can see all the sats from my roof ........

It converts signals from the Ka B band, 250-750MHz to the Ka A band, 1650-2150MHz. If an SWM (single wire multiswitch now in testing) is used, the BBC will be in it. A BBC has to be in the signal path somewhere.


Got it.

Thank you

I am confused about the discussions about the zinwell switches.

My installer ran two cables from the dish to the hr20. doesn't look i switch is at the dish. Is this normal for a single tv installation?

I am confused about the discussions about the zinwell switches.

My installer ran two cables from the dish to the hr20. doesn't look i switch is at the dish. Is this normal for a single tv installation?

Yes. The only reason to use a switch is if you need more than 4 runs. I have 7 right now; could be 8 but I need 1 of the 4 runs in my home theater room for OTA.

Deezul

I hadn't seen this posted yet:

http://hdtvmagazine.com/news/2007/05/directv_adds_el.php

Article listing the new HD lineup, mostly, for the fall. Personally, I bet we don't see it until Oct 1--but I have no inside info whatsoever.

Mark

I hope I am in the right forum.

I currently have Brighthouse Cable and am dissatisfiedwith it because of their lack of adding new HD channels. Now with Direct TV's new satellite I want to take the plunge because of the promised 100+ HD channels within the next couple of months, plus their $ promotions seem very good. My question is can I have both connected to my HD TV (component only) and switch between the two to see which has the better PQ?

I hope I am in the right forum.

I currently have Brighthouse Cable and am dissatisfiedwith it because of their lack of adding new HD channels. Now with Direct TV's new satellite I want to take the plunge because of the promised 100+ HD channels within the next couple of months, plus their $ promotions seem very good. My question is can I have both connected to my HD TV (component only) and switch between the two to see which has the better PQ?

Assuming you have multiple component inputs, it doesn't matter what you have connected.

Deezul

The beginning of this 36 page thread everybody was complaining about the HR20 now it seems to be getting good reviews? Are they working that good?

What are the biggest perks in the unit? Somebody mentioned attaching an Xternal drive for more storage - How is that done?

iS there another thread that talks about this?
thx
Rob

nikknightt --

Try http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=42 Top sticky is D* HR20 topic


Carl

Hi guys,

Just a quick and probably 'dumb' question: I used to have D TV with the 3 lg dish, if I sign up again would the coaxle cable set up from before be usable or would D* have to re-wire going to my TV? Every thing is still in place, currently I use the coaxle for a HD antenna on the roof.

Thank you

Hi guys,

Just a quick and probably 'dumb' question: I used to have D TV with the 3 lg dish, if I sign up again would the coaxle cable set up from before be usable or would D* have to re-wire going to my TV? Every thing is still in place, currently I use the coaxle for a HD antenna on the roof.

Thank you

If you have 1 tv, you are set to go with new MPEG4 system. Just call Directv and get the new system installed soon. Altho for me, the installer wanted to run a new cable which is always best. The cost for total system (to include new HD DVR) was $20. One thing, you must have separate runs for the dish and for the OTA antenna. And this is always the better way to go anyway.

I have two quick questions regarding my upgrade scheduled for Sunday morning (and no, neither question is, "Will they really show up on Sunday?").

First, my cables come in from the dish into the attic, and I would like to put the multiswitch there. Is there a problem with extremes in temperature for the multiswitch.

Second, do the BBCs need to go next to the receivers, or can they be placed anywhere in the signal path following the multiswitch. It would also be easiest when I am splicing in the multiswitch to just put the BBCs there next to it. Is this a problem?

TIA

SMK

Quick question. I am now needing 5 runs from the dish, so I was going to install a Zinwell WB68. I looked in the Zinwell website at the install manual, an I think I have answered my question. Does this switch have grounding blocks ( I think no) or am I going to have to run the coax to grounding blocks, then a short lead to the mutliswitch and then out? It would be nice not to need the extra 2 connectors.

TIA!

TPM

So are you guys calling customer retention to get the free/cheap upgrades, or are the regular customer service people doing this?

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger, and don't want to waste my time trying to figure out who to talk to.

First, my cables come in from the dish into the attic, and I would like to put the multiswitch there. Is there a problem with extremes in temperature for the multiswitch.

Second, do the BBCs need to go next to the receivers, or can they be placed anywhere in the signal path following the multiswitch. It would also be easiest when I am splicing in the multiswitch to just put the BBCs there next to it. Is this a problem?

TIA

SMKMy multiswitch is in my attic near Chicago with real temperature extremes and no problems. The BBCs may exhibit some difficulty with really long runs. Try it and see. It's usually not a problem. Just make sure they are in the correct direction and do not put them outdoors.


Quick question. I am now needing 5 runs from the dish, so I was going to install a Zinwell WB68. I looked in the Zinwell website at the install manual, an I think I have answered my question. Does this switch have grounding blocks ( I think no) or am I going to have to run the coax to grounding blocks, then a short lead to the mutliswitch and then out? It would be nice not to need the extra 2 connectors.

TIA!

TPMIt has a metal case. I mounted mine with a copper grounding strap bolted to the mounting holes. Don't let the lack of a screw put you off using it for a grounding block. A wet environment can lead to galvanic corrosion between aluminum and copper so keep it in a dry place and/or use the stuff designed for aluminum wiring to coat the connection.

So are you guys calling customer retention to get the free/cheap upgrades, or are the regular customer service people doing this?

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger, and don't want to waste my time trying to figure out who to talk to.

It appears you have to threaten to leave to get a free upgrade. Here's what happened when I called yesterday.

I called to see if I could get credit for the HR20 I ordered last week for $199 + $20. A former co-worker told me he is getting TWO HR20s for free. The first CSR I talked to said every six months you can get free equipment! She moved me up the chain as she did not have the ability to give me $199 credit for the equipment.

When I moved on, I told my story again. This CSR went to talk to his manager for a while to discuss what offer was available to me. He told me he can't say why my co-worker got 2 free ones, but all I could get was an HR20 for $100 off. That was the only current offer available to me.

I'm still getting it cheaper than I would have by going to Best Buy or even Costco, and a tech HAS to come install it. I don't really need that, but they didn't give me a choice. My dish is out of alignment a bit, so I'll get him or her to correct that.

It's possible they didn't want to give me a deal as I already have two HR10s and another HR20. This new HR20 is replacing an H20.

YMMV, but be careful if you say you want it free or you'll leave - I've heard of people who have had D* call their bluff and cancel their service.

Deezul

It has a metal case. I mounted mine with a copper grounding strap bolted to the mounting holes. Don't let the lack of a screw put you off using it for a grounding block. A wet environment can lead to galvanic corrosion between aluminum and copper so keep it in a dry place and/or use the stuff designed for aluminum wiring to coat the connection.

So, in effect, the multiswitch casing will act as the grounding blocks so I won't need to add the extra 2 f-connectors and blocks to each line.

Thanks!

TPM

I've got a new DVR coming Aug 10 w/5LNB dish. I did not upgrade all of my equipment yet to see how things work out with the new stuff. The customer retention guy of course tried to get me to upgrade everything(an RCA DTC-100, Sony HD300 & HR10-250 DVR) for $300 but I got him to swap out the RCA for a new DVR for only $20. He did warn me that the old HD equipment, hooked up to the 5LNB dish would only get the SD channels. Can anyone confirm this? Am I going to have to leave my old HD receivers hooked to my old 3LNB dish to still get the current MPEG2 HD channels on the old HD units?

I have an old HD-HTL (made by LG as your Sony HD300 is). Mine works fine with the current HD channels, which are MPEG 2 coded. I got my H20 & 5-LNB dish last November.

Unfortunately, when D* converts its HD programming to MPEG 4, my HD-HTL and your older boxes won't work & will have to be replaced. This is my guess, since the BBC is not supposed to work with the older models (including the H10s) either, AFIK (greywolf can you confirm? - it doesn't make sense to me, unless there is some RF handshaking or the older models don't tune the necessary converted frequencies).

I understand that the old boxes won't work when the current HD channels(DiscoveryHD,ESPN, HDnet, etc.) convert to MPEG4, but if the existing HD channels still coming off the old sats(not the new Ka band sats) are still coming as MPEG2, why would those channels not come through on the new 5LNB dish and still be available to the old HD boxes?

They do and they are. At least my old (MPEG 2) HD-HTL receives them just great.

So DirecTV lied to me when he said my old boxes wouldn't get the existing MPEG2 HD channels through the 5LNB dish. That sounds about right.

A D* installer will be here on Friday to install a 5 LNB dish with a D* HD DVR. Are there any watch outs? Should I ask him/her any specific questions? The CSR informed me the new dish may not be installed on the roof where the old one is now located since the 5LNB dish is larger and more sensitive to wind. Has anyone here had problems with a 5 LNB dish on the roof? If so, I will need to have a summit with the wife on where to put the new dish :eek: . Any advice appreciated


Thanks,

Barry

anyone know if D** will be revealing any 1080p STB's in the near future ?

anyone know if D** will be revealing any 1080p STB's in the near future ?Can't imagine why, as there are no 1080p broadcast sources.

I had an istall last summer with the AT-9 larger 5lnb--the new slimlines may be more flexible...

My old SD dish was mounted in a really slick location on the side of my house tucked behind the chimney: virtually invisible. No way to do 5lnb that way as the weight/size prevents secure mounting. (plus, as an aside, since I couldn't access the dish without a huge ladder, sticky snow was an occasional problem).

Installers wanted to put the new dish on the front eve or on a pole in the front yard, which would've been butt-ugly....and I'm not sure how secure, either. I insisted on roof and it has been fine (knock wood) through wind/rain/snow/ice. Signal loss only under significant weather conditions, and no position drift that I can determine. Installers also used some heat-sensitive sealant to patch the roof holes (mast and tripod) so that water doesn't get in. Seemed to work.

Good luck,
Mark


A D* installer will be here on Friday to install a 5 LNB dish with a D* HD DVR. Are there any watch outs? Should I ask him/her any specific questions? The CSR informed me the new dish may not be installed on the roof where the old one is now located since the 5LNB dish is larger and more sensitive to wind. Has anyone here had problems with a 5 LNB dish on the roof? If so, I will need to have a summit with the wife on where to put the new dish :eek: . Any advice appreciated


Thanks,

Barry

Hey all,

A friend of mine loves his new H20, but I don't like it because it only lets you pick out digital over-the-air stations from 2 markets...and only the ones D* has selected. Is there any hope of getting a channel-scanning option thrown in during a future software upgrade?

Can't imagine why, as there are no 1080p broadcast sources.

I don't know. I was asking assuming 1080p broadcast might be in the works for a future date.

So DirecTV lied to me when he said my old boxes wouldn't get the existing MPEG2 HD channels through the 5LNB dish. That sounds about right.


Older DirecTV receivers will continue to receive the MPEG-2 HD channels thru the 5-lnb dish. As far as the older receivers are concerned, it looks like a 3-lnb dish. But at some time (maybe 2008, no-one really knows) DirecTV will move all the HD channels to the new satellites at 99 and 103 and then older receivers will not receive any HD signals (except for OTA).
The b-band converters convert the b-band signals from the DirecTV10 satellite at 103 (expected to start transmitting in September) and the DirecTV11 satellite expected to launch at the end of 2007 into the 99 slot, into a-band signals that the HR20, H20, H21 and future HD receivers can receive. Since the older HD receivers can't receive signals from the 99 and 103 slots anyway, the b-band converters have no effect if used with older receivers.

Hey all,

A friend of mine loves his new H20, but I don't like it because it only lets you pick out digital over-the-air stations from 2 markets...and only the ones D* has selected. Is there any hope of getting a channel-scanning option thrown in during a future software upgrade?
I assume you mean the HR20. We live in hope that channel-scanning is included in a future software upgrade.

Anyone else notice a billiing problem. I just had the slimline and HR20 installed.
HD access for a year and dvr were to be free for a year.

Of course - this bill was 9.99 for hd access and 5.99 for dvr.

Its cleared up now - check your bill!

Other than that, I really like my new hr20-100s!

I assume you mean the HR20. We live in hope that channel-scanning is included in a future software upgrade.

Yes. OK, I will assume people have been contacting D* for that.

Unfortunately, when D* converts its HD programming to MPEG 4, my HD-HTL and your older boxes won't work & will have to be replaced. This is my guess, since the BBC is not supposed to work with the older models (including the H10s) either, AFIK (greywolf can you confirm? - it doesn't make sense to me, unless there is some RF handshaking or the older models don't tune the necessary converted frequencies).The new channels are on the Ka band using MPEG4 encoding. Older models cannot receive the Ka band or decode MPEG4 signals. They only do the lower frequency Ku band and MPEG2 decoding.

So DirecTV lied to me when he said my old boxes wouldn't get the existing MPEG2 HD channels through the 5LNB dish. That sounds about right.

I wouldn't exactly say they lied to you as when they switch all the HD over to MPEG 4 only probably some time next year your old boxes won't work. You'll be ok for now but will need to upgrade in the future.

I understand that in a little less than 2 years the federal law goes into effect [finally] that dictates all TV will be digital. Any ideas if they will start 'broadcasting' some channels in 1080p? And how would this event affect the MPEG2 vs. MPEG4 question?

I understand that in a little less than 2 years the federal law goes into effect [finally] that dictates all TV will be digital. Any ideas if they will start 'broadcasting' some channels in 1080p? And how would this event affect the MPEG2 vs. MPEG4 question?

Most of the stations are working to start broadcasting in 1080i. It's a big expense and will take quite a while to get most of them up in HD. I don't think they would turn around and scrap it all and start over anytime soon. I'm sure that it will happen but not in the near future.

I understand that in a little less than 2 years the federal law goes into effect [finally] that dictates all TV will be digital. Any ideas if they will start 'broadcasting' some channels in 1080p? And how would this event affect the MPEG2 vs. MPEG4 question?It's highly unlikely there will be any 1080p broadcasts in the foreseeable future, if ever.

As joed32 said, broadcasters have made a substantial investment in 1080i or 720p. They could have chosen 1080p (existing ATSC tuners can accept 1080p/24 or 30), but they decided not to. It would require they use bandwidth they prefer to employ for the additional revenue stream potential of sub-channels.

MPEG2 vs.MPEG4 decisions are made by non-broadcast providers (e.g. satellite or cable). Broadcasters must comply with ATSC standards so that their transmissions are compatible with existing OTA tuners.

The ATSC standard is 1080i or 720p for HD using MPEG2 compression. There are enough problems moving from NTSC to ATSC without going to something else.

I am sorry this is a long post, but the situation is a little complicated, and I would ask the experts' advice.

I had my Slimline 5-LNB dish installed Sunday along with a Zinwell multiswitch and a new H20 receiver and HR20 DVR. I kept my HR10 DVR, so I needed the 5 cable runs.

At the time of the install everything went very smoothly. The sat antenna went up easily where I wanted it with excellent numbers on all satellites, and the H20 has worked perfectly, but shortly after the tech left, I found that one of the OTA tuners on the HR20 was extremely weak barely picking up a signal on most stations, even if the other tuner was in the 90's. After over an hour on the phone with technical support, D* agreed to send a new HR20 without making me wait for a tech to come out for a "house call."

The DVR arrived yesterday and late in the evening when I got home I replaced the poorly-functioning HR20 with the replacement. I had not used any of the receivers since early the day before. Immediately on plugging in the power, the new HR20 seemed sluggish. It did eventually boot seemingly taking a long time to find the satellites, and to make a long story short, when it finally finished I found during setup that all the odd transponders on the 101 satellite were zero. I figured I had another bad HR20 until I checked the H20 and the HR10 and found they were all in the exact same situation. On all three receivers the odd transponders on 101 were zero.

Because it was late I couldn't do much except call tech support again who did nothing to help resolve the situation. They did arrange for a tech to come out early Tuesday morning. Early this morning I went up in the attic and took the multiswitch out of the equation. I ran two lines directly to the HR20 and the one line to the H20. Immediately the H20 was normal with excellent numbers for odd and even transponders, but I couldn't get the new or old HR20 to boot up due to "searching for satellite." I went back to the H20, and it was now acting strangely. When I tried to test the satellite signal now, everything was zero! I decided to go through initial setup with the H20 again and realized as I was doing so that it was set for the 6x8 multiswitch which I had taken out of the system. Resetting it to 4x4 got it working again perfectly. Then I tried the new HR20 again, and it booted up fine, even downloading the new software. Both units are working perfectly.

So, the question for the experts is, is it safe to put the multiswitch back into the system temporarily just to check for certain it was the problem? If I do so and the multiswitch is bad, do I risk harming the receivers in some way? Is it possible it is still a bad LNB which intermittently is losing the odd transponders on 101, and should I have a D* tech out and check out the whole system? Could a bad multiswitch affect all 5 lines at the same time, or does that have to mean it was the LNB?

I suspect it is the multiswitch, but I really don't want to push D* to send me a new one and have it turn out it was the LNB all along.

Thanks for any and all advice.

SMK

I was planning to buy my 1st HDTV so I called D* and was offered a HR20 for $299.99 and was told no offers are available right now. I asked for a better deal but the best she would offer me was $10 monthly credit for 12 months after I paid full price for the DVR. I emailed them and was told someone would call me but that was 2 days ago. Should I call back and ask for Retention and tell them I am prepared to switch to Dish for the free HD DVR and $200 credit for programming? Anyone tried upgrading in the past week and received a good deal on their new HR20?

I was planning to buy my 1st HDTV so I called D* and was offered a HR20 for $299.99 and was told no offers are available right now. I asked for a better deal but the best she would offer me was $10 monthly credit for 12 months after I paid full price for the DVR. I emailed them and was told someone would call me but that was 2 days ago. Should I call back and ask for Retention and tell them I am prepared to switch to Dish for the free HD DVR and $200 credit for programming? Anyone tried upgrading in the past week and received a good deal on their new HR20?

You can try retention, but be aware that they may actually take you up on your threats. Say "I'm considering switch to Dish, can you help me out with a better deal" rather than "If you don't give me a free HR20, I'm canceling". Also, be nice to the rep on the phone. If you argue, you won't get what you want.

I called last week and the first line rep from India (or wherever D* outsources) offered me the HR20/5LNB/Multiswitch for free. Just paid the shipping costs of ~$20. I didn't get any free premium channels or anything, but it was pretty painless.

Call back a few times if you have to, you'll probably get one for free. I had to call 3-4 times to get a free HR10 last year.

...I called last week and the first line rep from India (or wherever D* outsources) offered me the HR20/5LNB/Multiswitch for free. Just paid the shipping costs of ~$20. I didn't get any free premium channels or anything, but it was pretty painless...Same story. Exactly. Called Wednesday, receiver arrived today, installation scheduled for Monday AM.

Same story. Exactly. Called Wednesday, receiver arrived today, installation scheduled for Monday AM.
Add me to the list...I ordered on-line but the wife complained about the cost. I called back to cancel and they said, ok we'll cancel, but how about the system for the cost of processing? The installer comes on Monday...

Alright guys, here it goes...

When I first got Directv back in 1999, the installer put the obligatory dual LNB dish pointing at 101 on my roof. A few years ago, when Directv added the HD channels I called D* and they sent out an installer to upgrade me to a 3 LNB elliptical dish. When the installer arrived he said there was no way, given the tree line that surrounds the house, that I could get the lower 110 and 119 satellites from that location. We inspected the property and determined that there was no "1" location to get all 3 sats. A depressing asessment.

However, by researching the topic, I found that if I could find a location on my property were a 3LNB dish could hit the 110 and 119 birds, I could combine that with the original 2LNB dish hitting the 101 bird. A cascadable multiswitch combines the signal.

That's what I did. Now I have a dual LNB dish running both feeds down to a multiswitch and one feed off the 3 LNB dish (with built in multiswitch), running into the switch as well. It is an Eagle Aspen 5x8. The magic comes b/c the switch send the 22hz tone when I tune to a 110/119 channel, the rest of the time it pulls off the original dual LNB (which has much better signal strength to the primary 101).

It took some time and effort to get the current setup going, and now Directv adds another fold into the equation. I think that I can replace the original 2 LNB dish pointed at 101 with the 5 LNB slimline, but I am sure that although it will pickup 99,101 and 103 - I don't think it will be able to pick up 110 and 119.

My question is - Can I combine the signal from the new slimline 5 LNB with the existing 3 LNB dish and is there a multswitch capable of combining signals from 99,101 and 103 from one dish and 110 and 119 from another?

Complicated huh? You should have been there when I tried to explain it to a Directv CSR. But, we all know you guys are a hundred time smarter than those goons. What do you think? Thanks.

The combinations work as follows,
13V 0KHz for Sat A(101)and(99)MPEG4 Ka band odd transponders
18V 0KHz for Sat A(101)and(99)MPEG4 Ka band even transponders
13V 22KHz for Sat B(119)and(103)MPEG4 Ka band odd transponders
18V 22KHz for Sat B(119)/C(110)and(103)MPEG4 Ka band even transponders as all 3 Sat C transponders are even

103, 110 and 119 are together so combining via a multiswitch won't work. 110 and 119 LNBs are separate from the 99, 101, 103 housing so two 5LNB dishes has been made to work. The old AT-9 had external F connectors and would be easy to connect the 110 and 119 LNBs on one to the main housing on the other by replacing the short cable with long ones and connecting the two dishes. Somebody posted doing it with two Slimlines but gave no details. He said it was easy so the connections under the housing may be accessible.

Complicated huh? You should have been there when I tried to explain it to a Directv CSR. I could imagine...

Tony S

When I called and scheduled an installation they promised me that I owned the HR10-250 and I could keep it.. They also promised me a multiswitch.

The installer on friday said that they're instructed to collect all of the old boxes during an upgrade - He would have to write down that he relocated the old box to another room if I wanted to keep it. And I have to keep it activated if I wanted to watch programs existing on the HDD.

I wanted to connect both HR10 and HR20-100 to the new dish [slimline] and make them both functional - He said it couldn't be done with a multiswitch. I would lose HD capability on both.. [??]
It had something to do with the tones and volts mentioned above.

2 questions:
1. Is there a way to connect both receivers and receive HDTV? He did leave the old dish..
2. Do I need to keep the HR10 activated to watch saved programming?
I guess i could pull the card and find out.. Any danger in that?

also fyi.
He also said that the first satelite they launched in July didn't find it's orbit, they had to shoot another in it's place.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rob

1. Yes, you can hook up both receivers, the only limitation is the HR10 will not receive any of the new channels and eventually (years) all the HD will go to the new sats so the HR10 will be SD only at that time.

2. I dont know on that one.

The last statement has me ROFL, I'm sure they will send up a multi-million dollar piece of equipment and when it has a problem just casually send up another multi-million dollar piece of equipment. While an orbital insertion can fail, it would be quite some time before a replacement could be built (it is not just sitting on the shelf)

When I called and scheduled an installation they promised me that I owned the HR10-250 and I could keep it.. They also promised me a multiswitch.

The installer on friday said that they're instructed to collect all of the old boxes during an upgrade - He would have to write down that he relocated the old box to another room if I wanted to keep it. And I have to keep it activated if I wanted to watch programs existing on the HDD.

I wanted to connect both HR10 and HR20-100 to the new dish [slimline] and make them both functional - He said it couldn't be done with a multiswitch. I would lose HD capability on both.. [??]
It had something to do with the tones and volts mentioned above.

2 questions:
1. Is there a way to connect both receivers and receive HDTV? He did leave the old dish..
2. Do I need to keep the HR10 activated to watch saved programming?
I guess i could pull the card and find out.. Any danger in that?

also fyi.
He also said that the first satelite they launched in July didn't find it's orbit, they had to shoot another in it's place.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rob


Your installer was wrong on all accounts. When I signed up to get my HR20, I had my existing HR10 "relocate" moving it upstairs to replace a non-DVR D* receiver. I also had my Samsung 360 replaced with a H20. All three are working fine. YOu need to connect the 4 outputs of the slimline dish to a 6x8 multiswitch, which he should not only have known about but should have had with him. Then you can run as many as 8 cables from that switch to any combination of new/old receivers/DVRs. So, for your specific questions:

1) Yes you can run both DVRs from the slimline dish. I and thousands of others are doing this.

2) If you deactivate your HR10, you will be able to watch what is already recorded on the hard drive. You just won't be able to record anything, even OTA, else.

3) Pulling the card will result in no picture. Leave the card in, and just reboot the receiver. When it does not receive a satellite signal you can go to the Now Playing list and watch what is currently on the HDD.

SMK

Got the new DVR the other day and its working fine except that when I set up the locals through a UHF antenna, it doesn't download the information for the local Fox HDTV station at 25-1 out of Boston. Is this a liberal conspiracy or is there some way of adding extra stations.:-) ?

is the DirecTv HD20-700 the current HD DVR receiver?

I have Comcast and I use DirecTv for football but Im considering making the move over to DirecTv full time. I have two HD20's but if I make the move I would have to add a DVR and I remember hearing about the issues of the latest DirecTv HD DVR when it came out which was awhile ago and I wanted to know if those bugs have been corrected and if the model I mentioned is the latest model?

Thanks

out of the 11 posts with the word tree in this thread, none answer this question:

Will they mount the new dish on a tree? I cant see the 119 from where i am now and since it's a neighbors tree, i cant do anything. But based on what they said the issue is, i'm pretty sure if they mount the dish on a tree right near my house, I think i'd get the 119. I only bring up the 119 because last time ironwood wouldnt install because of no LOS even though I didnt care about it. I assume this policy didn't change and I still don't care about the 119 but I bet they do.

The extra wiring is perhaps 20ft from where my current dish is and the way I have one fence, it could be run right along top of the fence. I don't care much about the looks, just that it works.

And isnt a tree the most rock solid thing? (i'm talking it's about 50ft high and at least 12-18 inch trunk)

i dont know for sure but i dont think they will install on a tree...your best bet is to do it yourself or hire someone on the side to do it....i also dont know what the township would say about that, they could have a problem with it especially if a neighbor complains about it

I have seen dishes installed in the ground though, is there anywhere on the ground that has clear view?

Got the new DVR the other day and its working fine except that when I set up the locals through a UHF antenna, it doesn't download the information for the local Fox HDTV station at 25-1 out of Boston. Is this a liberal conspiracy or is there some way of adding extra stations.:-) ?

I live in RI and have no issues with getting the Fox 25 guide info on any of my three receivers.

SMK

Trees Grow...I do not think your dish would stay aligned very long...considering how sensitive the alignment is for all of the Sats from one dish...plus, how do you capture a signal through the leaves?

i dont know for sure but i dont think they will install on a tree...your best bet is to do it yourself or hire someone on the side to do it....i also dont know what the township would say about that, they could have a problem with it especially if a neighbor complains about it

I have seen dishes installed in the ground though, is there anywhere on the ground that has clear view?

no neighbor or twp worries here. I would do it myself except with all the free handouts they are giving now, i'd miss out on that. I dont think DTV gives self install credits anymore and I wont foot the entire bill for a few more stations.

Trees Grow...I do not think your dish would stay aligned very long...considering how sensitive the alignment is for all of the Sats from one dish...plus, how do you capture a signal through the leaves?


no leaves...base of tree is bare and any branches that may droop would be cut. And i didnt realize my tree was still growing...guess i just assumed after 50 years it stopped. yes even 1 centimeter would be bad bad bad

Trees Grow...I do not think your dish would stay aligned very long...considering how sensitive the alignment is for all of the Sats from one dish...plus, how do you capture a signal through the leaves?

Your dish won't grow "up" with tree; the screws would be grown "over." When people carve on a tree, it's always at the same height - it doesn't go up with the tree.

Deezul

Called D* and was able to get one HR20 and one H20 for a total of $29 with install of course. Unfortunately, the earliest install date is 8/31. The CSR was really nice and was pretty quick to offer me the deal without me having to threaten to go to Dish.

Your installer was wrong on all accounts. YOu need to connect the 4 outputs of the slimline dish to a 6x8 multiswitch, which he should not only have known about but should have had with him. Then you can run as many as 8 cables from that switch to any combination of new/old receivers/DVRs. So, for your specific questions:

2) If you deactivate your HR10, you will be able to watch what is already recorded on the hard drive. You just won't be able to record anything, even OTA, else.

3) Pulling the card will result in no picture. Leave the card in, and just reboot the receiver. When it does not receive a satellite signal you can go to the Now Playing list and watch what is currently on the HDD.

SMK

To be clear, Since I wanted both HR10 & HR20 on my main TV, I asked him if a multiswitch could be installed inside the house on the two cables leading to the TV.. [2 other cables run from the dish to the bedroom]
Does that change the equation? I wasn't too keen on running two new cables from my chimney to the TV. I would have to go under the house and all that crap.

On the 2nd part, You're saying to deactivate and then reboot? Then i'll have access to saved recordings?
Thanks for the help.
Rob

Unfortunately for your situation the multiswitch does need all 4 cables form the dish running into it. It doesn't have to be at the dish, if all 4 cables enter the house at one point it can be put there.

To be clear, Since I wanted both HR10 & HR20 on my main TV, I asked him if a multiswitch could be installed inside the house on the two cables leading to the TV.. [2 other cables run from the dish to the bedroom]
Does that change the equation? I wasn't too keen on running two new cables from my chimney to the TV. I would have to go under the house and all that crap.

On the 2nd part, You're saying to deactivate and then reboot? Then i'll have access to saved recordings?
Thanks for the help.
Rob

Longrider is correct that you need all 4 cables coming to one point for a multiswitch. At some point in the future when D* starts using SWM (single wire multiswitching), you will only need one line to any receiver (capable of using the SWM, which the HR20 is).

On the 2nd part, if you deactivate you don't need to reboot, but you can. Either way, what's on the hard drive can be viewed.

SMK

It is really amazing all of the technical information located in this thread....and all of u willing to share it.....and my realization that it does not matter......a good friend just rejected his 3rd 5lnb dish because of pq...what is the priority here? dont we want the best source to watch our latest and greatest displays? or do we want to talk endlessly about meaningless tech?.........is it just me or are we too caught up in the hr10-vs hr20 ...and not focusing on our pq........lets face it the 5lnb tech is flawed and cheap......they read this forum and we are buying it or trying to get for free because we know it suks..........just my two cents

It is really amazing all of the technical information located in this thread....and all of u willing to share it.....and my realization that it does not matter......a good friend just rejected his 3rd 5lnb dish because of pq...what is the priority here? dont we want the best source to watch our latest and greatest displays? or do we want to talk endlessly about meaningless tech?.........is it just me or are we too caught up in the hr10-vs hr20 ...and not focusing on our pq........lets face it the 5lnb tech is flawed and cheap......they read this forum and we are buying it or trying to get for free because we know it suks..........just my two cents

I've had one of the original 5LNB dishes installed since last October. No problems with mine. I'm happy with the picture quality. My cable provider is great for high speed internet, but I have no intentions of going with them for my television. I'm very satisfied with D*.

I've had one of the original 5LNB dishes installed since last October. No problems with mine. I'm happy with the picture quality. My cable provider is great for high speed internet, but I have no intentions of going with them for my television. I'm very satisfied with D*.

Me, too. I have no idea how the PQ is on Comcast, but they are far more expensive than D* and they don't get HDNet. The picture on D* is fine. Besides, I have Comcast for internet, they screwed up my bill and never straightened it out completely. I finally paid them so they would not report me to credit bureaus and the internet goes out way too much, far more often than the picture on D*. They are about to become history for internet and I don't care that they are faster than DSL.

They are about to become history for internet and I don't care that they are faster than DSL.

I'd drop them for Internet if I could. It's either cable modem or Satellite internet, so I have to stick with cable for that. :(

dhkinil -- My Comca$t charges the same for an internet connection as my local phone company did for my old DSL contract. I signed up for my phone company's latest higher speed DSL connection offer, reduced my DSL cost by $20/mo., and doubled my connection speed.

Right now D* offers all the channels I want to watch for the lowest monthly cost, period. My 5-lnb dish, installed last Nov., works great (it helps to get a good installer, though). My PQ for both SDTV and HDTV (D* and OTA) is very good to excellent. Therefore, I can live with the frustration (sometimes very) of the slow menu response.

dhkinil -- My Comca$t charges the same for an internet connection as my local phone company did for my old DSL contract. I signed up for my phone company's latest higher speed DSL connection offer, reduced my DSL cost by $20/mo., and doubled my connection speed.

Right now D* offers all the channels I want to watch for the lowest monthly cost, period. My 5-lnb dish, installed last Nov., works great (it helps to get a good installer, though). My PQ for both SDTV and HDTV (D* and OTA) is very good to excellent. Therefore, I can live with the frustration (sometimes very) of the slow menu response.


And I agree with you. But, as of lately, I am getting audio dropouts that last from 2-4 seconds. Also, last eve, got a video dropout as well. I reset the DVR; we shall see if that corrects the problem. If the annoying problems persists do persist, I will exchange my DVR for another one.

2) If you deactivate your HR10, you will be able to watch what is already recorded on the hard drive. You just won't be able to record anything, even OTA, else.
SMK

The first level of Tech Support has also told me that the HR10 needs to keep it's activation AND in the data stream to remain operable. It will stay operable only 30-60 days if not. [they said] They say it's a precaution against fraud.

Has anybody done it? Had it de-activated for over 60 days?
I'll try, I just don't want the Data on the HDD's to get corrupted in the process.
Rob

How have people had luck getting an HD tivo box replaced for free?

I tried the customer retention route and the best I could get was $50 + shipping. I honestly don't want to spend any more on DTV when they'll have to replace them for free at some point (right?).

Or I should just take it for $70 or so?

Since they mark these things on your account, does it do more harm to keep calling and trying?

How have people had luck getting an HD tivo box replaced for free?

I tried the customer retention route and the best I could get was $50 + shipping. I honestly don't want to spend any more on DTV when they'll have to replace them for free at some point (right?).

Or I should just take it for $70 or so?

Their pricing is all over the place - it all depends on what CSR you get evidently. A friend at work is getting the new dish and 2 HR20s for free, and this after I think threating to leave for cable. Another co-worker had all kinds of issues with his install, including the tech trying to tell him he need to pay $50 cash to the installer for him to run cable from the dish to a bedroom. Not through walls or anything, just run the cable. D* is giving HIM two free HR20s.

I called last month and was supposed to have ONE HR20 installed last weekend. I was given a price of $199 plus $20 S&H. I called a week before the install to try to see if they could give me a discount/credit/something, and they said no. I ended up cancelling it for other reasons, and I guess it was a good thing I did. I keep hearing of folks getting them way cheaper than I paid! I may wait until October when it will have been a year since I got my last HR20 for free and maybe they give me a deal. Heck, I would have gone with $99 plus $20 S&H if they would have offered it.

If you can get it for $50, you might be able to push them. But be warned, they might call your bluff!

I' m getting ready to upgrade my 3 lnb dish to 5 lnb...My dish is attached to the side of my vinyl sided house just under the 2 ft. eave...Since the new dish is is bigger can it still be mounted to the side of the house...will it have extra support arms...is it a clean looking mount....I really dont want to put it on the roof i already have a Wild Blue sat. there for internet....Istill have my pipe in the ground in back yard i used for my old 10 ft. dish but i would have to run new cables and would be bout 80 feet farther run...Does that much extra run cause quality loss...

Thanks....Rick

Help! I am trying to be a good AVS member and read and search but this thread is 38 pages long! Could some one quickly summarize. I have a HR10-250 in my current apartment. I am moving to a new house, and have D* coming out (through the movers connection) to install a new dish on Monday.

Which dish will they install?

Should I call and try to get them to Upgrade my HR10-250?

Can I use my HR10-250 with a 5 LNB dish and Upgrade the box later?

Any advice would be appricated, I have been out of the loop for a while.

Will

Help! I am trying to be a good AVS member and read and search but this thread is 38 pages long! Could some one quickly summarize. I have a HR10-250 in my current apartment. I am moving to a new house, and have D* coming out (through the movers connection) to install a new dish on Monday.

Which dish will they install?

Should I call and try to get them to Upgrade my HR10-250?

Can I use my HR10-250 with a 5 LNB dish and Upgrade the box later?

Any advice would be appricated, I have been out of the loop for a while.

Will


Get the MPEG4 system installed now. I paid $20 total for complete system to include Directv HD recorder.

The $20 S&H deal is still available for the Slimline Dish and HR20 DVR if you talk to the right CSR. Keep insisting that a friend received this offer recently.

The H10/HR10 STBs are not capable of receiving the new HD MPEG4 satellite signals - they won't work with the BBC adapter (BBC = B-Band Converter). You need the H20/HR20 STBs for that. This is the reason for upgrading your system to the new boxes.

TheJag -- The 5-lnb dish (and mount) is a larger copy of the 3-lnb version - it looks the same. The extra support arms are recommended for chimney mounts, I'm not sure if they are needed for side wall mounting, but I wouldn't think they'd be needed. However, it is aimed lower than the old dish, so you have to make sure that there are no trees in the line of sight.

Here is a picture of my 5-lnb chimney mount (no support arms):

I' m getting ready to upgrade my 3 lnb dish to 5 lnb...My dish is attached to the side of my vinyl sided house just under the 2 ft. eave...Since the new dish is is bigger can it still be mounted to the side of the house...will it have extra support arms...is it a clean looking mount....I really dont want to put it on the roof i already have a Wild Blue sat. there for internet....Istill have my pipe in the ground in back yard i used for my old 10 ft. dish but i would have to run new cables and would be bout 80 feet farther run...Does that much extra run cause quality loss...

Thanks....Rick

I had my install 10 days go. My original dish was mounted by me on the side of the house also with vinyl siding, even though D* at the time was recommending the dish not be mounted on vinyl siding. I never had a problem. When the installer came out I expected a fight that he wouldn't put the new dish there. When I asked him if he could, he said, "No problem." Mine is also just under the eave. I can tell you that mine is almost perpendicular to the wall, and it fits with no problems. He did tell me he would have to put up the support arms, and I actually wanted him to. The dish is bigger and the support arms add to some of the increased size, but they also give it a lot more stability. My wife hasn't complained about how it looks, so I guess it can't be all that bad looking.

SMK

Currently, my 3LNB dish is mounted at the bottom of my eave. If you can picture an upsidedown V ( ^ ) it's on the bottom right of that upside down V.

Will there be any problems with the new Slimline being attached to the same location?

I'm afraid I'll have some trees in the way as the last installer said I JUST cleared the trees with the 3LNB. From what I'm reading, the new 5LNB is mounted lower?

If that's the case, and I have trees in the way, will the installer complete the install and leave it there so I can trim some trees, or will he take everything and come back at a different time to finish the install once I trim the trees?

Solidsignal sells a adaptor which will slip over 2 or 3 LNB pipe mount and has two set screws to secure it. Haven't had high winds since install of 5 LNB but it simplifies install. Added weight of Slimline is almost all in mounting and adjusting unit not dish itself. While dish is larger there shouldn't be that much more wind loading. Here at least wind usually blows East/West somewhat parallel to dish surface.

Roy

Thanks for the replies ...if i decide to mount on the pipe will the extra 80 foot run matter on quality...

Rick

I'm getting pretty ticked off.

First time I called DTV, they eventually offered me a HR-20 for $100 + S/H. Knowing people are getting them free, I didn't take it.

Just called back today, and the rep wouldn't budge off of $300 + S/H, even though my account was supposedly "marked" with the "special" $100 deal already.

What is the trick to get these guys to just give you the HR-20 like they should be? Cable doesn't make you pay $300 to LEASE a stinkin' DVR. I'm going to be paying more money for the HD service AND a monthly DVR fee already.

I'm getting pretty ticked off.

First time I called DTV, they eventually offered me a HR-20 for $100 + S/H. Knowing people are getting them free, I didn't take it.

Just called back today, and the rep wouldn't budge off of $300 + S/H, even though my account was supposedly "marked" with the "special" $100 deal already.

What is the trick to get these guys to just give you the HR-20 like they should be? Cable doesn't make you pay $300 to LEASE a stinkin' DVR. I'm going to be paying more money for the HD service AND a monthly DVR fee already.

You said it. Now, say it to D* (My cable company gives me the HD DVR for free. I'm looking for the lowest out of pocket provider. WOW me!!!). If that doesn't work, ask to speak to Retention and tell them the same thing. If that doesn't work, tell Retention you will accept a Refurbished HR-20 as you've been told that those are definitely free (S/H only)

You said it. Now, say it to D* (My cable company gives me the HD DVR for free. I'm looking for the lowest out of pocket provider. WOW me!!!). If that doesn't work, ask to speak to Retention and tell them the same thing. If that doesn't work, tell Retention you will accept a Refurbished HR-20 as you've been told that those are definitely free (S/H only)


True, if I'm leasing the darn thing, what do I care if it is refurbished or not? If it breaks they have to replace it anyway. Good idea.

BTW, I DID say that to the guy. I asked him point blank "Cable will give me a box for free. How is it a good deal for me to stay with DirecTV?" Got dead silence on the phone for about 6 seconds. Eventually he gave me some crap about "the only way we can keep lease fees low is to charge $300. It's like leasing a car."

Yeah, whatever buddy.

True, if I'm leasing the darn thing, what do I care if it is refurbished or not? If it breaks they have to replace it anyway. Good idea.

I'm not so sure, My now Famous Installer told me that if something breaks or something needs re-installed ~ it's a $70 house call + materials.
it was during his 'you should buy extended coverage' spiel. Only $5.99 a month.

Not so sure about free replacement.
Rob

Why are they upgrading the software on the old tivos?

Great news for DIRECTV/TiVo customers—new features are on the way!

We know you love your DIRECTV/TiVo and we at DIRECTV are working with TiVo to make it even better. As a DIRECTV/TiVo customer, you'll soon have access to the latest innovations such as:
DIRECTV Remote Booking. Forgot to set up a recording before you left the house? From any computer with Internet access you can schedule recordings remotely by visiting [the web site]
Recently Deleted Folder. Quickly restore deleted programs to your "Now Playing" list.
Overlap Protection. Never worry about recording conflicts again. For consecutive scheduled recordings that overlap, TiVo will clip the ending of the first show or the beginning of the second (based on the higher priority), but will never cancel one of your recordings.
These new features are completely FREE and you don't need to do anything to get them. In early 2008 the enhancements will automatically download to your DIRECTV/TiVo receiver, if it is hooked up to a land-based phone line. DIRECTV and TiVo will continue to explore future enhancements to bring you the most robust TV viewing experience.

So sit back, relax and continue to enjoy the best television available.

Thank you for being a loyal DIRECTV customer.

I wouldn't mind if they came out with a new DVR which combined the UI speed of HR20, the MPEG4 along with some Tivo features, like the programming guide, 30-second skip and trick play modes, unlimited Season Passes.

I wouldn't mind if they came out with a new DVR which combined the UI speed of HR20, the MPEG4 along with some Tivo features, like the programming guide, 30-second skip and trick play modes, unlimited Season Passes.

Wait, the HR20 doesn't have 30-sec. skip? :eek:

Wait, the HR20 doesn't have 30-sec. skip? :eek:

My HR20 has a 30 second skip. The thirty second skip is a dedicated button on the remote, just can't recall which one as I use a Oneforall.

HR20 has 30-sec. slip, not skip.

Not quite the same thing.

Wait, the HR20 doesn't have 30-sec. skip? :eek:

The HR20 does have 30sec skip.

HR20 has 30-sec. slip, not skip.

Not quite the same thing.

You got to be kidding me.

You got to be kidding me.

It does the 30 seconds pretty quick and while it may not be instant, I really haven't thought about the difference. I am not a patient person....................

Oh, crap. A thirty second fast-forward, I presume? :rolleyes: No, that is not the same thing as a thirty second skip feature, at least not as far as I'm concerned. Ugh, I feel the regret of having to lose my Tivo weighing heavier on heart every second. :(

Yeah but it makes up for it by having much faster menus and doing operations like adding season passes.

I'm installing a slimline AU9 dish but don't have an HR20 receiver yet. Could someone with an H20 or HR20 be kind enough to look up the azimuth, elevation, and tilt for my zip code, 80123?

Thanks.

Yeah but it makes up for it by having much faster menus and doing operations like adding season passes.

Yes and no on this IMHO. It's fast in terms of how long you have to wait after you press a button, but a Tivo is much faster at looking up programs. I end up spending more time getting the HR20 to record what I want then I do with any of my tivo's. The 50 series link limiter adds allot of hassle. With tivo I set up SP for anything I remotely like and then prioritize everything. With the HR20 and the 50 SL limit I just can't do that.

I'm installing a slimline AU9 dish but don't have an HR20 receiver yet. Could someone with an H20 or HR20 be kind enough to look up the azimuth, elevation, and tilt for my zip code, 80123?

Thanks.According to DirecTV, the pointing is: Elevation = 44.1, Azimuth = 162.3 (they don’t give the Tilt/Skew). I think the Azimuth figure is “magnetic”, not “true”. BTW, it's not that simple - if I set my H20 to your ZIP code, it will screw up all my settings. When I checked the satellite pointing with my old STB, the numbers that I got weren't correct anyway (for my location).

I found this site to be fairly good: http://www.satsig.net/ssazelm.htm. It also provides links to determine your latitude and longitude (if you don't have a GPS or use Google Earth). Near the intersection of Main and Prince in Littleton, this site gives Azimuth = 176.84 true/170.32 magnetic, Elevation = 44.11, Tilt = -2.43, all in degrees for the 103 satellite (you need to cover the 101, 103, 110 and 119 satellites - I'm not sure about the 99 degree one). You need to determine your latitude and longitude for your exact address in order to get any closer.

NOTE: The 119 degree satellite is the new one that is coming on-line in Sept. and requires the H20/HR20 STBs (with the BBC) to get it.

AVS member greywolf recommends this:
“You can get line of sight to any satellite at http://monsterfm.com/engineering/pointdish.htm
Plug in your location and check satellites at 99, 101, 103, 110 and 119 degrees west longitude. The azimuths are true, not magnetic.”

Another recommendation is: http://www.datastormusers.com/lookangle.cfm

The basic problem is that without a Satellite Finder meter, it’s pretty hard to get it aimed (I tried with my round dish, one satellite, and a compass – I got absolutely nothing). The guy that installed my 5-lnb dish used a Birdog meter (see http://www.satpro.tv/) and he had it up and running in less than 15 minutes (after he had physically mounted the dish). It costs a lot less than the $400, or so, for the meter, to hire a professional installer (and DirecTV includes that in the “price of admission”). If you already have a Satellite Finder, then this comment doesn't appy, of course.

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

RE TIVO -- Tivo is now being supported by D*, according to the DirecTV web site (see their DVR info).

NOTE[/U]: The 119 degree satellite is the new one that is coming on-line in Sept. and requires the H20/HR20 STBs (with the BBC) to get it.The new satellite is at 103 rather than 119.

According to DirecTV, the pointing is: Elevation = 44.1, Azimuth = 162.3 (they don’t give the Tilt/Skew). I think the Azimuth figure is “magnetic”, not “true”. BTW, it's not that simple - if I set my H20 to your ZIP code, it will screw up all my settings. When I checked the satellite pointing with my old STB, the numbers that I got weren't correct anyway (for my location).Thanks. I didn't realize it would mess up your settings to look up a different zip code. I have access to a satellite finder, and have pointed multi-satellite dishes before. My setup is somewhat complicated, and I thought I would try pointing the dish myself before turning it over to a professional installer.

Guys,
I've tried searching, (including the Directv website), but without success, and I'm in a big hurry.

Can anyone give me the settings for my 5-lnb Slimline dish from these coordinates:?

38:59.59 N
95:45.17W

TIA,
Bish

Thanks Pat, I didn't know which one it actually was.
Guys,
I've tried searching, (including the Directv website), but without success, and I'm in a big hurry.

Can anyone give me the settings for my 5-lnb Slimline dish from these coordinates:?

38:59.59 N
95:45.17W

TIA,
BishAs I just posted - "I found this site to be fairly good: http://www.satsig.net/ssazelm.htm. It also provides links to determine your latitude and longitude (if you don't have a GPS or use Google Earth)." You have to convert all angles to decimal degrees.

According to that site: Azimuth = 191.43(true)/190.32(magnetic) degrees, Elevation = 44.22 degrees, Tilt = 8.86 degrees for the 103 satellite. This assumes that you are in the US. The numbers are for the 103 satellite only, you will get different results for the 101 and 110 satellites - these numbers have to be entered as negative numbers (-103) on that site. I do not guarantee that these numbers will work - DirecTV recommends Professional installation only.

Claus,
Thanks for your help.

I am in the USA btw; zip 66610.

Bish

Some of you may remember last week that I was able to score an HD DVR and the 5LNB dish for S&H ($19.95) as the HD DVR was a Refurbished Unit. Well, here is the rest of the story as today was "Supposed" to be my install date.

I ordered my dish and HD DVR on 8/6 with an install date of 8/16 between 8AM and 12PM. On 8/14, I called DirecTV to confirm everything was on schedule and to let them know that I had not received my HD DVR. I was told that all the equipment is shipped to a centralized warehouse for a given area. The guy I spoke with in Retention told me that it would be shipped directly to me, but the installers would bring the dish. I assumed that may be correct as it was possible they would send the HD DVR directly to me since it was a refurb. That's neither here nor there. The lady told me everything was on track for my install date.

I received a call last night around 7:30PM stating that the installers would be at my house today (8/16) between 8AM and 12PM.

I took a vacation day today to make sure I was home. This past weekend, I installed a 2nd Jack in the room where my HD DVR would go and ran a homerun Coax cable to the centralized location in my basement. I did this to speed things up, plus I didn't trust how the installers would install a 2nd Coax jack to support the double tuner HD DVR.

This morning, at 9:30, I received a call from the Installers. They were about 30 minutes from me and asked for detailed driving directions to my house. After they wrote them down, the installer asked me what I was having done. I said "I am having the new 5LNB Dish installed, along with a swap out of my existing Zenith HD box with the new HD DVR". Here is what I heard. "Ughghghghghgh". At that moment, I knew it was bad news (I seem to always have the worst luck with everything when an installer is involved....ALWAYS). The installer went on to say "The work order only says it's for a DVR, not an HD DVR. We have a problem as they don't have an HD DVR and there were none in the Warehouse". He then asked me to contact DirecTV and have the installation Rescheduled. I asked the installer to come out and install the Dish and I'd ask D* to send me the box and I'd take it from there. He said he couldn't as the Work Order had to match the work being done.

I immediately called D* and expressed my Frustration. She read the Work Order to me and it clearly stated "5LNB Dish and HD DVR". So, I called the installer back to be sure there was no confusion or misunderstanding, and he held firm that he didn't have an HD DVR, nor was there one at the Warehouse. I called D* back. I had to explain the ENTIRE story again, just to be sent to someone else. Then I explained the story AGAIN and she sent me to the INstallation department and gave me the number incase I was disconnected. And YES, I was disconnected. I then got ahold of someone who said I had to talk to someone from the installation department.

Finally, after about the 4th or 5th person, they transferred me to someone who could help. She said they'd make me PRIORITY for installation, but then said the earliest they can do is 8/22!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How is that Priority for failing to meet the 8/16 date. Anyway, after she gave me the new date, she asked if that's all she could do for me. I explained that I felt I should receive something for my troubles considering I took a Vacation day for the installation and utilzed my own time to call D* on Tuesday to confirm everything was on schedule. She gave me a $10 Credit for 6 months and Showtime free for 3 months. Big Whoopdee Doo!!!

I'm still very frustrated over this entire situation as I felt that I was on the ball by contacting D* Tuesday to confirm everything was on track and they still dropped the ball. I would LOVE to call them and tell them to take their service and SHOVE it. However, I'm in an area where the local cable company doesn't offer HD service, so I would like to stay with D* just for that, but that also upsets me.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do? Should I call back and ask to speak with the folks from Retention and express my disatisfaction with them and demand they have an installer come out tomorrow with an HD DVR? Problem is, I'll have to take ANOTHER vacation day next week for this install. Plus, that's an additional week I have to wait. Should I tell Retention that unless they give me something else to make up for my lost time and aggrevation, I'll drop them (even though I am 80% certain I'll keep them anyway, due to other issues)?? Currently, I have an old HD receiver, but dropped the HD package. Do you think it's worth my time to call and ask them to activate the HD Package on my current receiver so I can begin watching HD until they bring the new receiver?

I called D* back today and asked them if they could give me the "New Subscriber" deal of HD Package free for a year and the movie channels for 4 months (I think that's what it is). They couldn't do that, but did give me a $100 credit because my installer didn't show up. She told me that if an installer doesn't show up, they will credit the account by $100. Wonder why it took 2 days and about 12 calls to get this then? I don't have high hopes for my new install date of 8/22.

I have a feeling the installer gave my HD DVR to someone else, and then didn't have one for me.

When I called the Installer back, I got his voice mail. It went something like this: "This is Dave....leave a message if you want....or don't...I don't care....do whatever the hell you want to do...see ya". I'm thinking about calling D* back, giving them the Cell Number for them to call so they can see the type of folks representing them. I firmly believe the entire SCREW UP was the fault of the installer.

... I firmly believe the entire SCREW UP was the fault of the installer.
When I had similar problems that took FOUR install appointments before my new HR10-250 was "installed," the problem was not the installer but the installation company, somewhere between dispatch and management.

The sad thing is, the installer who did finally show up looked at my multiswitches (2) and was not sure where to start. I walked him through the whole install, got the new machine up and running and off he went, after thanking me. He was polite, considerate and nice, but not trained to handle a "multiswitch-in-the-house" scenario.

All I really wanted was to have them ship the new unit and would have done the rest myself. Then I tried to have them just drop off the unit, but they insisted on the installer coming to do the work.

The totasl span of time from first appointment to final installation was six weeks.

I had the 5-lnb Slimline dish installed yesterday with 2 HR20-700s. The tech was excellent, and did a great job.

I am receiving sat signal #'s on sats 101; 110 and 119 between 88-92 which I'm very happy with; but sat 99b shows 0 and sat 103a shows #'s of about 23. I live in a DMA that does not get mpeg4 local channels yet, and am assuming that is the reason why the signal on 103 is so poor, (as well as the new HD sat isn't broadcasting yet). Is my assumtion correct, or do I have a problem with the Ka band sats?

TIA,
Bish

I had the 5-lnb Slimline dish installed yesterday with 2 HR20-700s. The tech was excellent, and did a great job.

I am receiving sat signal #'s on sats 101; 110 and 119 between 88-92 which I'm very happy with; but sat 99b shows 0 and sat 103a shows #'s of about 23. I live in a DMA that does not get mpeg4 local channels yet, and am assuming that is the reason why the signal on 103 is so poor, (as well as the new HD sat isn't broadcasting yet). Is my assumtion correct, or do I have a problem with the Ka band sats?

TIA,
Bish


I have a question for you guys...i have an install date of sept 5, and i ordered the hd receiver w/o the dvr....i am concerned about pq...who can tell me about pq with receiver only....is there a certain version i should have? or should i order dvr? thanks for any advise

I have a question for you guys...i have an install date of sept 5, and i ordered the hd receiver w/o the dvr....i am concerned about pq...who can tell me about pq with receiver only....is there a certain version i should have? or should i order dvr? thanks for any advise

Domain,
I can't answer your question as I don't have an H20, just the 2 HR20's that were only installed Friday. So far the pq seems OK. I am coming from the HD-Tivo unit(s).

You can find a LOT of info on the H20 here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=598538

Personally I would strongly recommend the HR20 over the H20: once you've used the DVR function a few times you'll wonder how you managed to live without it for so long.

Bish

Hey guys,

I was hoping for a little help! I just got 2 HR20's and the 5 LNB just to get HD channels and sunday ticket. I also want to get the local HD's. Can anyone tell me what I need? Is the direct tv off air antenna all I need or do I need to install an antenna on my roof? If I need the antenna, do I need to run another coaxial line to my HR20s directly from the antenna?

Thanks

I had the 5-lnb Slimline dish installed yesterday with 2 HR20-700s. The tech was excellent, and did a great job.

I am receiving sat signal #'s on sats 101; 110 and 119 between 88-92 which I'm very happy with; but sat 99b shows 0 and sat 103a shows #'s of about 23. I live in a DMA that does not get mpeg4 local channels yet, and am assuming that is the reason why the signal on 103 is so poor, (as well as the new HD sat isn't broadcasting yet). Is my assumtion correct, or do I have a problem with the Ka band sats?

TIA,
Bish

I think you might have a problem with the dish alignment.
On 103a I have good signal on transponders 1 through 8 (ranging from 97 down to 86 on signal strength). I get zero signal on transponder 17.

On 99b, I get 97 on one of the transponders and signal strength of 33 and 47 on two others. I believe these are spot beams for local HD. So you might not get anything on 99b if your market is not carried. But you should get signal on 103a.

Depending on your location, DirecTV should offer your locals. If not, any off-air antenna suitable for your location will work, and you will need a separate line to your HR20 (it can be diplexed onto existing lines, but that comes with some gotcha's and workarounds that may not work after September)

Hey guys,

I was hoping for a little help! I just got 2 HR20's and the 5 LNB just to get HD channels and sunday ticket. I also want to get the local HD's. Can anyone tell me what I need? Is the direct tv off air antenna all I need or do I need to install an antenna on my roof? If I need the antenna, do I need to run another coaxial line to my HR20s directly from the antenna?

Thanks

D* Installer was showed up at 5PM last night (scheduled for 8AM - 12PM). They were close :rolleyes:

They couldn't mount the 5LNB Slimline in the same place as my existing 3LNB dish because it wouldn't hold on the eve. They mounted it on the peak of my roof with the leg braces. Because of this, I have two questions I am hoping someone can help me with:

1) Where they took down my old dish, there are holes in the flashing. What's the best way to correct that, fill it with white silicon?

2) When they installed the dish on top of the roof, I assume they mounted the pole to the roof by drilling through the shingles to the OSB board to secure it. Is that bad? Should I take some clear Silicon and go up there and seal all around the screw holes to make sure no water leaks in around the screws, under the shingle?

This question relates to the HR20-700, not the install.

While watching TV last night, I noticed my HR20 was 'LOUD'. Sounded like a hard drive churning. I know there is a HD in the thing, but should they be noticeably loud?

Hey Tony,

1. Silicone is probably your best bet unless you want to re-flash it.

2. The installer should have sealed it to begin with, if not call them back out. (They sealed mine )

3. Can't help you, don't have a HR20.

Hope this helps a little.

D* Installer was showed up at 5PM last night (scheduled for 8AM - 12PM). They were close :rolleyes:

They couldn't mount the 5LNB Slimline in the same place as my existing 3LNB dish because it wouldn't hold on the eve. They mounted it on the peak of my roof with the leg braces. Because of this, I have two questions I am hoping someone can help me with:

1) Where they took down my old dish, there are holes in the flashing. What's the best way to correct that, fill it with white silicon?

2) When they installed the dish on top of the roof, I assume they mounted the pole to the roof by drilling through the shingles to the OSB board to secure it. Is that bad? Should I take some clear Silicon and go up there and seal all around the screw holes to make sure no water leaks in around the screws, under the shingle?

This question relates to the HR20-700, not the install.

While watching TV last night, I noticed my HR20 was 'LOUD'. Sounded like a hard drive churning. I know there is a HD in the thing, but should they be noticeably loud?

Tony,
In a quiet room I can just barely hear the fans, etc. in my HR20. If it really is loud, I would have Directv replace it.
Bish

1) Where they took down my old dish, there are holes in the flashing. What's the best way to correct that, fill it with white silicon?

2) When they installed the dish on top of the roof, I assume they mounted the pole to the roof by drilling through the shingles to the OSB board to secure it. Is that bad? Should I take some clear Silicon and go up there and seal all around the screw holes to make sure no water leaks in around the screws, under the shingle?

This question relates to the HR20-700, not the install.

While watching TV last night, I noticed my HR20 was 'LOUD'. Sounded like a hard drive churning. I know there is a HD in the thing, but should they be noticeably loud?Silicone is not UV resistant. A tri polymer caulk or something that says for roofing on the container is best. The dish foot center needs to be lag screwed into a rafter. Sheathing is not good enough. Can you get into the attic to see how the screws penetrate? If they didn't use the proper sealant, you need to take the screws out, apply sealant in the holes and replace the screws one at a time so the mount doesn't move. A set of softer feet often stops transfer of vibration.

I just had my slimline dish, HR20, and, H20 installed for $99 with a $10 credit for 12 months. The install was scheduled betwen 12 and 5pm. I called at 11am to confirm because I had not heard anything from the installer as of yet. D* said everything was on schedule and sent me off with milk and cookies. At 4:30 still nothing, I called again. The CSR put me on a three-way with MASTEC. They said they would get an ETA from the installer and would call me back. The installer arrived 10 min later. I explained that I use to be a sub installer for another company and I wired the house myself while it was being built. I told him I would not want the dish on my roof, but next to the existing 3LNB on the wall. He said no problem. He was completed with the dish and multiswitch as I completed the receiver installs. Everything went like clockwork and was up and running within the hour. He then asked if I was interested in a job with them as he was impressed with my work. I told him "no way"! So far everything works great except for the lack of dual buffers on th HR20. My wife and I miss that feature.

I do have a question? The HR20 is an upgade from a leased HR10. Was the installer supposed to take it with him? I wasn't going to ask as I could use it elsewhere. I bet that someone wil contact me sooner or later. Thanks, as I just wanted to share my experience.

People are reporting that D* doesn't seem to care about taking back the old HR10's whether owned or leased. You can indeed use it elsewhere. I put it in my sitting room where I previously only had an old DTC-100 receiver. Just put it where you want and call D* to reactivate it. If you have other receivers you will need a multiswitch to make the additional runs of coax for the satellite feed.

SMK

RoyGib,
Thanks for the info on the HR10. I have my house pre-wired for 6 feeds to my J-Box as I did have Hughesnet until we were able to get DSL out here. I kept the 3LNB dish installed for that purpose so additional multiswitches should not be needed. I just need to run new RG6 down to the ground block that Hnet prev occupied. Thanks for the quick reply.

Tom

I posted this in the S&V forum I usually frequent, but I'm trying to see if other people are bothered by this. Is there anything we can do? Anyone hear rumors of updates for this? Read my post below and you'll see what I'm unhappy about.



I've had my HR10-250 HD DVR for a little over 2 years and I love it. It recently crapped out on me and I was excited to learn that I could upgrade to the new one for $19.95 and a 2 year contract w/ D* (as I've mentioned repeatedly this is not an issue to me). So they ship it out Friday morning and it arrives Saturday afternoon. EXCELLENT. I leave it alone until this evening during halftime of the Giants game and start setup. All good, mentions in the manual that I can record 3 SHOWS at once (2 on the separate tuners and one from OTA). Can't get this to work, but it mentions that it is possible. Sounds good, but we'll see. Anyway on to my actual issue w/ the new receiver...

1. You CANNOT pause one channel on tuner 1, switch to tuner 2...watch show, switch back to tuner 1 and pick up exactly where you left of. I repeat YOU CANNOT DO THIS!!! This was one of the greatest and most convenient things that I now have learned was part of Tivo, but not D* HD DVR's. My wife and I loved it. We would literally watch 2 shows at once. Watch show 1, pause at commercial, switch to show 2, pause at commercial, pick up show 1 at same point, wash, rinse, repeat. Once it hit the end of the time slot we would finish one show out then watch the last 10 minutes or so from the "list" of recorded shows. Excellent! During Football season this was THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD. I would never miss a minute of the Giants game (pause at commercial, switch to any close game/rival team/red zone/any game) switch back to the Giant game and not miss ANYTHING. NOW WHAT HAPPENS is you are UNABLE to even switch to the second tuner at any time. In order to do this you have to record whatever channel, then switch the channel (which is now on the other tuner). However, you do not have the ability to pause the show that is recording then come back to it at the same point. You can pause it, but once you switch channels the pause point is removed and the show continues. You would have to rewind to get to the same point.

2. on the new DVR the channel you are watching automatically has the last 90 minutes of the channel as long as you haven't changed the channel (which is nice). previously it was 30 minutes. on the new DVR it only does this on ONE tuner at a time. It does not occur on both tuners (as it did on the Tivo HD-DVR's).

According to the tech I was speaking with at D* my old Tivo HD-DVR will continue to get any current HD channel, but will not recognize any HD channels being sent from the new satellite. Which says to me that I will keep my "old" HD DVR and echoing one of our other members (forget who) you will have to pry that thing out of my cold dead fingers before I give it up. As it stands the "old" HD DVR is stuck in a reboot loop ("powering up" message, "few more minutes" message, back to "powering up", repeat). MatthewB has mentioned that reseting a couple times cleared it up. I plan to try this soon. Otherwise, who can I send my Tivo to to be fixed? I'll be contacting Tivo I guess...who services these things? D* says they don't, they'll just send out a replacement...

I also plan to send multiple emails to D* regarding this issue. They seriously need to update their code or have whomever makes these new DVR's update their code. I can't believe how annoyed I am about this. If I get my old Tivo working it will remain in my main system and the new one will be in the bedroom or something. UGH!!!

P.S. Anyone know where I can have my HR10-250 serviced? Do I call Tivo? or a local installer or something?

Well, you have hit on the main complaint people have about the new DVR; it only has one buffer. There are people who claim you can do essentially the same thing by recording both shows at one time and go back and forth to the "list" (D*'s version of "Now Playing"), but it doesn't help if you want to do exactly as you said: buffer one show, such as the Giants, and go to other channels in between plays or commercials. I guess you could record the show you want, such as the Giants game, and then go back and forth to live TV to watch other games. I agree it is a limitation, and I am wondering how much I will miss it. I've only had my HR20 a few weeks, and so far I haven't done a lot of "serious watching" with the NFL and NHL on hiatus. The real work around, of course, would be to have two HR20's and switch between them, pausing as you desire.

One other thing. Although the manual says you can record three programs at once, you can't. Like the TiVo, you can only record two at a time while watching a program you've already recorded.

I'm sorry that I don't know where to tell you to get your TiVo fixed. I can tell you that most of the time it turns out to be a hard drive issue. It is easy to replace the hard drive and get software from another company to format that drive for use in the TiVo. I have done this twice. If you know how to open a computer and replace your drives in the computer, it is not hard at all.

SMK

Heck have been at the airport when my ship came in, here's why live in the Detroit area and found out that Detroit was the testing or one of the testing area for Mpeg4 and I was not aware of it.

Now do not no what is available to a Direct TV customer that has the service for about 5 years and two HD display.

Have the HR20 and the Samsung receiver that I bought and the first Tivo that was released. So what would I need to get up to date with Direct TV, of course they will try to pass most of the cost to me, but could speak to the retention people, if they still listen, then their is Dish network and would be a new customer.

Well, that's it. I'm finally in, and I didn't even call DirecTV, they called me, yesterday evening. :o

I got a phone call right when I was about to sit down to dinner from a DirecTV rep. She wanted to know if 'I had the proper equipment to take advantage of the new HD channel we are going to be launching next month'. :D I knew exactly what was coming, so obviously I said no, which was true, because I only have one H20, which was a replacement for a crapped out H10, which was in turn a replacement for a previous RCA receiver that had died, and I only have 3-LNB dish. So, she asked what I needed, and I told her - Mpeg4 DVRsm Mpeg4 HD receivers, 5-LNB dish and B-band converters. I think she was a little taken aback that I knew EXACTLY what I wanted and needed, because she paused for a few seconds, and said 'uh, okay, sir, well, um, let me transfer you to a technician that can help you with your "problem". :D

Anyway, I got the 'tech' on the phone and she came on telling me that they would send me the BBC for my H20 and the 5-LNB dish, and I said 'okay, but, what about all my other receivers?' :confused:

'Well, what do you need?'

'I need to have two HR10-250's and two Hughes HTL-HD receivers replaced, and the BBCs for those.'

'Uh, okay, let me put you on hold for a minute, so I can go check on something.'

'Sure.'

So, when she came back on, she told me that normally, the HD DVRs went for $299 each, but she would send me the two HR20s and two H20s, plus the 7 BBCs, the 5-LNB dish (all including installation, obviously) for $429 including shipping. I think that's not too bad for two DVRs, two HD receivers, the 7 BBCs, shipping and installation, huh? They are scheduled to come out 8 September, between 1:00 and 5:00 for the installation.

She did tell me that I didn't need to change my multiswitch, is she correct about that?

She did tell me that I didn't need to change my multiswitch, is she correct about that?You need a wide band multiswitch and won't be able to diplex OTA into it. The Zinwell WB68 is the one for up to 8 outputs and it isn't powered.

I received a new HR-20 today and the HDMI output was bad. It appeared from this board the bad HDMI wasn't as much of an issue anymore.

I'm (finally) upgrading my existing HD receiver to an HR20 DVR and need to replace my 3-LNB dish with the new slimline unit. The existing two-wire install is on the side of my deck and this area is now a bit cramped for the new dish with additional bracing. Recent tree growth makes this a less than ideal position anyway.

My install began this past Saturday with the tech stating that roof-mounting is acceptable with the slimline dish. He mounted the unit on the backside of the garage roof - well hidden from the front of the house with a great view of the sats. I asked about needing to put some bracing between the trusses/etc. but he said not necessary. Anyway, the dish is now mounted braced with two monopoles near the eave of the roof. Unfortunately, the tech had to leave for a mandatory doctors appt. and rescheduled another install for later this week. <sigh>.

After reading more of this thread, I'm now curious how the new cables will be routed to the antenna. Going through the roof would be clean looking and allow routing through the attic before descending to my basement wiring area. I'm not keen on more holes being punched into my roof though. Will they go over the gutter and back up through the eaves? Run cables across the roof and into the nearest sidewall? I do expect a professional installation that does not jeopardize my roof integrity so would like to understand the options. I'd rather pay some $$ and get the job done right vs. having a sloppy look with potential damage.

Paul

I received a new HR-20 today and the HDMI output was bad. It appeared from this board the bad HDMI wasn't as much of an issue anymore.Bad in what way? What is the TV make and model? Some TVs don't allow 480i over HDMI and changing the output resolution works fine. The RES button on the front panel can be used to read the menu. Most HDMI connection difficulties are chipset or software HDCP communications problems.

The HDMI output works for a few minutes and then goes dead. A reset cures the problem, but also goes dead after a few minutes. The HD Tivo worked fine but perhaps it always output at 720p/1080i? I have the BenQ PE8700. Thanks.

You need a wide band multiswitch and won't be able to diplex OTA into it. The Zinwell WB68 is the one for up to 8 outputs and it isn't powered.

I don't put my OTA through my multiswitch. All of my OTA goes directly to the receivers. So, I DO need to get a new multiswitch? :rolleyes: I specifically asked about the multiswitch, more than once and she told me more than once no, I don't need to change the multiswitch, the current one will work. Damn it. I need to call them back. :mad:

EDIT: Right now, I have a Zinwell SAM-4803 powered 4x8 multiswitch.

I am going to call for upgrade to 5 LNB dish...I need 1 HR20 for my Front Projector....i have 2 SD T.V.'s...Do i use my D10 receivers on those or do they replace with something else...So i am thinking i need ...

1-5LNB Dish
1-HR20
1-B-Band converter
0-multiswitch (only 4 lines coming in Right ?)
Am i missing anything...

Thanks ...Rick

I have read and searched as many posts as possible, but have not seen a definitive answer. My house was built in '94, I moved in in 1999 and have had D* since. All receivers are antiques, but never (knock wood) had a lot of problems. Basic coax run to each room. Original owner was TW subscriber. I will be upgrading soon to 5 LNB and HR20's.

Do I need new R6 copper core runs? Multiswitch to furthest receiver probably75 feet. Thanks in advance

Steel is normally okay for under 100ft. If you have a problem, you can take care of it with a power inserter. http://www.sonorastore.com/510.html

if you don't mind.

I garher that all updates are now pushed via sat. Do I still need each unit plugged into a land line? Do you know if there are still (or ever were) issues with the HDMI connection from HR-20's to Samsung LCDs? Thanks again

A land line is a contractual requirement. It isn't a functional requirement if you forgo ordering PPV via the remote. Many Samsung TVs cannot handle 480i over HDMI so unchecking it in the HR20's TV supported resolutions list may be required.

I don't put my OTA through my multiswitch. All of my OTA goes directly to the receivers. So, I DO need to get a new multiswitch? :rolleyes: I specifically asked about the multiswitch, more than once and she told me more than once no, I don't need to change the multiswitch, the current one will work. Damn it. I need to call them back. :mad:

EDIT: Right now, I have a Zinwell SAM-4803 powered 4x8 multiswitch.

Won't work, you need the Zinwell switch that is designed for the 5LNB dish. The WB68 is the normal unless you need more than 8 outputs.



http://www.zcwc.com/tech_support/index_faq.shtml

Q9:Can I use SAM-4803 for AT9 dish (kaku 5 LNB dish)?

A: No, you can not because SAM-4803 is a narrowband produce. You can only use either WB68 or WB616 wideband multiswitch because AT9 is a KaKu wideband application.
For more Zinwell product information, please visit Zinwell Nultiswitch Official Website - ZCWC

Won't work, you need the Zinwell switch that is designed for the 5LNB dish. The WB68 is the normal unless you need more than 8 outputs.



http://www.zcwc.com/tech_support/index_faq.shtml

Q9:Can I use SAM-4803 for AT9 dish (kaku 5 LNB dish)?

A: No, you can not because SAM-4803 is a narrowband produce. You can only use either WB68 or WB616 wideband multiswitch because AT9 is a KaKu wideband application.
For more Zinwell product information, please visit Zinwell Nultiswitch Official Website - ZCWC

Yeah, I already called DirecTV yesterday and had them cancel the initial work order and put in a new one specifying that I needed a new 8 output multiswitch. The excellent part of the whole thing is, I somehow managed to get the same exact installation date and time with the new work order. :cool:

When she asked me what day I wanted, I asked for a Saturday, and she told me she had September the 8th, between 1 and 5, and the lady was surprised when I told her it was the exact same date and time I had before. :)

I had a 5 LNB Ka/Ku MPEG-4 dish installed last November in order to receive all the HD programing available in the my area. I have 2 coaxs , one to a standard Hughes box feeding a 1990 older CRT. The other feeds an H20 receiver hooked to a HD projector. When I returned from a 35 day trip I got the signal on the H20 that I needed authorization. I called Directv and they promptly sent a signal to the H20 to reauthorize. They said since the receivers had been turned off for more than 30 days this needed to be done. Voila, my premium channels came thru fine in HD. But when she had me check for reception on the local HD channels I got nothing. Standard came in fine but no local HD. Upon checking the signal strength it had gone down into the 40s. This was true for the older Hughes receiver as well. Thngs got worse. The signal degraded so badly that I could not receive enough data to pick up the guide. I checked and rechecked the coaxs and reconnected everything. Nothing worked. I had kept the older 3LNB dish which I installed next to the 5LNB and hooked the 2 coax lines into it. It works fine but of course I want the 5 LNB to work.

I'm fairly certain the alignment on the 5 LNB did not change. No obstacles in the way. Also, very strange that the signal would degrade steadily for 2 days, so much so that I cannot receive even enough data to complete the guide acquisition with the 5LNB.

Any ideas? Could it be the electronics package on the 5LNB dish?

I have a 3 LNB dish and now get the limited HD channels which includes both Espn's,etc. Last year I got the HD NFL Sunday ticket and Superfan and plan to get the same for this season. I don't need Hd local channels but want to get all the other new HD channels that DirecTV should offer soon. I have the H20 receiver. Sorry about the newbie type question. I appreciate your help.
Patrick

Do I need the 5 LNB dish ?

I have a 3 LNB dish and now get the limited HD channels which includes both Espn's,etc. Last year I got the HD NFL Sunday ticket and Superfan and plan to get the same for this season. I don't need Hd local channels but want to get all the other new HD channels that DirecTV should offer soon. I have the H20 receiver. Sorry about the newbie type question. I appreciate your help.
Patrick

Do I need the 5 LNB dish ?

Definitely. Call and schedule an install. I am not sure why you have an H20 without the LNB 5 but there is a satellite currently operational you cannot receive and another that will go live in a few weeks that you will have no access to.

I have the installers coming tomorrow with an HR20, an H20, and a 5LNB dsh to replace my 3 LNB dish that is aimed at satellites 101, 110, and 119. Does the new dish aim within this set of boundries or are the new satellites outside the 101 or 119? I ask this question because the desirable position of my 3 LNB, down low and out of the neighbors view, might be inadequate to handle the 5 LNB dish.

Jack

After reading all this, I decided to jump in. Called DTV today and got this deal:

2 HR20's HD DVR
2 HD receivers
5 LNB dish
+ installation/setup

only thing I have to pay for is shipping - BUT she said that she had to enter it in as 4 separate orders, so that meant $20 s/h X 4 = $80. Still a bargain in my mind. AND the install date is this Thursday - that's right, just 2 days today! I sure am a happy camper now! :)

Does the new dish aim within this set of boundries or are the new satellites outside the 101 or 119? The additional satellites are at 99 and 103. The 99 adds just a few degrees east of what you have now.

Thank you for that information. One more question. My existing MPEG2 second receiver is using old rg-59 house wiring and it works fine. When Dish came to install a week ago they refused to use it as their bandwidth was too high for the old cable. I canceled the install because of that. Is that the case with the MPEG4 H20? Is Direct going to insist on stringing new RG6?

Yes, I would imagine they would require RG6.

I ordered my upgrade to the HR20 DVR and 5 LNB dish. The installation date is set for tomorrow, 9/6. I think the CSR reads this forum because before I had a chance to ask he jokingly said I better give you a good deal because if I dont' you may want to drop NFL Superfan or NHL Center Ice. Anyway he charged $299 for the upgrade but gave me $100 credit on my account, 3 months of free HD service and 1 free year of DVR service.

A questions about the install:

With my present setup I have an OTA antenna for HD locals and the dish. There is one line coming in to the house. It has a diplexer on it that splits the line so that one conection goes to the "antenna in" and the other to "satellite in" on my Hughes receiver. I know the tech has to run a 2nd line for the HR20 DVR but will my present connection with the diplexer work so I can still use the OTA antenna? Also I am moving the Hughes receiver to another room. Does the HR20 come with a set of component cables or will I have to purchase them? Thanks.

Quick question about the HR20-xxx installs - when the installer comes to install the dish and the receiver does he have to connect it to a phone line immediately to activate the unit like the old HD TIVO HR10-250?

I have had D* for over 12 years, but have not had a land based phone line for the past 9 years - I have two HR10-250's and a SD Tivo and the time that I had to activate the HD Tivo with the installer there I had to convince him to leave the unit, so I could run a line from my neighbhors house (over 100') to activate it (without him knowing it).

Now that I will need at least 2 HR20-xxx am I going to have to do this all over again, or is D* more strict about their no phone policy?

Thanks

If you have an H20-100 (update 0x2021) and live in the Atlanta Metro Area,
please share your transponder values for Sats 99 and 103. Thanks.

Quick question about the HR20-xxx installs - when the installer comes to install the dish and the receiver does he have to connect it to a phone line immediately to activate the unit like the old HD TIVO HR10-250?

I have had D* for over 12 years, but have not had a land based phone line for the past 9 years - I have two HR10-250's and a SD Tivo and the time that I had to activate the HD Tivo with the installer there I had to convince him to leave the unit, so I could run a line from my neighbhors house (over 100') to activate it (without him knowing it).

Now that I will need at least 2 HR20-xxx am I going to have to do this all over again, or is D* more strict about their no phone policy?

Thanks

No phone line required for HR20 activation. No nag screens either.

No phone line required for HR20 activation. No nag screens either.

Thank you.

No phone line required for HR20 activation. No nag screens either.

Squid,

Thanks for the info. To further question, does this also include all other DirecTV reicevers (H20, DVR Plus, and standard)?

So if I understand it correctly, the only limitation of not connecting a phone line is Pay Per View correct? Even then, PPV can be ordered via online can it not?

Squid,

Thanks for the info. To further question, does this also include all other DirecTV reicevers (H20, DVR Plus, and standard)?

So if I understand it correctly, the only limitation of not connecting a phone line is Pay Per View correct? Even then, PPV can be ordered via online can it not?

I'm not sure about the others. I know the H20 (non DVR) doesn't require a phone line either - the DirecTV guy brought one of those by mistake the first time.

PPV is the only thing that the phone line would be used for. You can order PPV online or by phone. I would imagine that with the new VOD system for the HR20, which requires a network connection, you may be able to order PPV over the internet from your receiver at some point (only a guess, I haven't heard anything like this).

Can somebody please confirm the following:

1. The 5 LNB dish has 4 outputs.
2. I can use 2 of those outputs to go to a D* HD DVR (assuming I want to use both tuners in the DVR).
3. The 5 LNB dish along with the HD DVR will allow me to view all MPEG2 HD channels and all MPEG4 HD channels.
4. With the above setup, I can also receive the D* broadcast (MPEG4) of my local HD channels.
5. I cannot diplex in my OTA antenna input into one of the outputs of the 5 LNB dish.
6. The D* HD DVR does have an input for an OTA antenna. I would need to run a separate line from the antenna to the receiver.
7. NFL Sunday Ticket HD games are still being delivered as MPEG2 along with a handful of other national HD channels.

Thanks in advance.

6. The D* HD DVR does have an input for an OTA antenna. I would need to run a separate line from the antenna to the receiver.

Thanks in advance.

Not sure what you mean there - I have an input on my HR20 for OTA. I have two feeds from the Satellite and one from my antenna. You can't diplex with OTA to the HR20.

Thanks! You answered #5, #6, and probably #2.

How about 1, 3, 4, and 7? :D

Can somebody please confirm the following:

1. The 5 LNB dish has 4 outputs.
2. I can use 2 of those outputs to go to a D* HD DVR (assuming I want to use both tuners in the DVR).
3. The 5 LNB dish along with the HD DVR will allow me to view all MPEG2 HD channels and all MPEG4 HD channels.
4. With the above setup, I can also receive the D* broadcast (MPEG4) of my local HD channels.
5. I cannot diplex in my OTA antenna input into one of the outputs of the 5 LNB dish.
6. The D* HD DVR does have an input for an OTA antenna. I would need to run a separate line from the antenna to the receiver.
7. NFL Sunday Ticket HD games are still being delivered as MPEG2 along with a handful of other national HD channels.

Thanks in advance.

1. Yes, 4 output coax cables. If you need more than 4, there is a multiswitch, Zinwell WB68, which will provide 4 additional coax outputs. DirecTV provided my WB68 for free.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, assuming you are referring to the HR20 DVR. The TIVO HR10-250 DVR will not receive MPEG4 broadcasts.
4. Yes, same assumption as #3.
5. Sadly, this is true.
6. Yes.
7. Yes.

You seem to be very well informed...

Thanks much!

I currently own a TIVO HR10-250 and a 3 LNB dish (I was a D* subscriber up until 01/06). So, with my current setup (and a new D* card for my HR10-250), I could receive the NFL Sunday Ticket HD games, which are delivered in MPEG2. Correct?

What would be the minimum D* subscription/package I would need in order to get the NFL Sunday Ticket HD games? I don't really care about anything else besides the NFL Sunday Ticket HD games (at least for now). If the new D* HD channels (MPEG4) channels prove to be real HD, I may decide to upgrade to the 5 LNB dish and the HR20 DVR.

Can somebody please confirm the following:

1. The 5 LNB dish has 4 outputs.
2. I can use 2 of those outputs to go to a D* HD DVR (assuming I want to use both tuners in the DVR).
3. The 5 LNB dish along with the HD DVR will allow me to view all MPEG2 HD channels and all MPEG4 HD channels.
4. With the above setup, I can also receive the D* broadcast (MPEG4) of my local HD channels.
5. I cannot diplex in my OTA antenna input into one of the outputs of the 5 LNB dish.
6. The D* HD DVR does have an input for an OTA antenna. I would need to run a separate line from the antenna to the receiver.
7. NFL Sunday Ticket HD games are still being delivered as MPEG2 along with a handful of other national HD channels.

Thanks in advance.

Interesting...you need two RG6 to the back of the DVR...hmmm, need to have a wire run.

Interesting...you need two RG6 to the back of the DVR...hmmm, need to have a wire run.

If you would like to use both tuners you will need two lines ran to the DVR as of right now. Expected in mid-late fall 2007, DirecTV will have a SWM (single wire multi-switch) available that will allow you to run only one line to the DVR (HD or non-HD) and use both tuners.

Is there any point in keeping the old 3 LNB dish after the upgrade or should I just trash it?

Is there any point in keeping the old 3 LNB dish after the upgrade or should I just trash it?

Makes a nice birdbath. :D

Is there any point in keeping the old 3 LNB dish after the upgrade or should I just trash it?

It would still be good for stationary parking of a RV.

Makes a nice birdbath. :D
Mine went to the recycling center...

Concerning the ability to receive OTA on the new D* DVR box; as I understand it, there are two boxes - the HR20 and HR21. The HR20 has an antenna input, but the HR21, which can record 100 hours of HD, has no antenna input and thus cannot recieve OTA. I'm due to get the MPEG4 installation on 9/17 and will see which way to go then.

Alan

I've had my HR20 for a week now and I hear a constant whirring/spinning noise. I'm assuming it's the hard drive. It's pretty distracting and almost constant. Are the rest of you experiencing the same thing and is this normal?

Additional info posted on another forum by a D* installer.

DirecTV will launch a new HR-21 PRO by the end of the year. It can be rack mounted & depending on the model should be able to store 80-100 hours of purely HD content. ( that amounts to 500+ hours of Non HD content) It will operate much like the current HR-20 series but with many more bells & whistles. The beta model also allows you to download video & photos from your computer via cat 5 or a wireless connection to view on your TV. Also, the new HR-21 will have 1080P using an optical HDMI cable. It has optional RF remote capability as well.

Please advise I now have a 3 lnb dish 2 h20 receivers and 1 huges e86.I also have ota atenna running to one h20 .The installer 4 or 5 years back used 2
mcredip-1 spliter combiners for the ota one near the dish the other near the receiver.
will this work with the new 5 lnb dish.I i need new cable run will dish installer take care of this .

thanks

I'm (finally) upgrading my existing HD receiver to an HR20 DVR and need to replace my 3-LNB dish with the new slimline unit. The existing two-wire install is on the side of my deck and this area is now a bit cramped for the new dish with additional bracing. Recent tree growth makes this a less than ideal position anyway.

My install began this past Saturday with the tech stating that roof-mounting is acceptable with the slimline dish. He mounted the unit on the backside of the garage roof - well hidden from the front of the house with a great view of the sats. I asked about needing to put some bracing between the trusses/etc. but he said not necessary. Anyway, the dish is now mounted braced with two monopoles near the eave of the roof. Unfortunately, the tech had to leave for a mandatory doctors appt. and rescheduled another install for later this week. <sigh>.

After reading more of this thread, I'm now curious how the new cables will be routed to the antenna. Going through the roof would be clean looking and allow routing through the attic before descending to my basement wiring area. I'm not keen on more holes being punched into my roof though. Will they go over the gutter and back up through the eaves? Run cables across the roof and into the nearest sidewall? I do expect a professional installation that does not jeopardize my roof integrity so would like to understand the options. I'd rather pay some $$ and get the job done right vs. having a sloppy look with potential damage.

Paul

I wouldn't worry about punching holes in your roof. Take a look at your roof now--you'll probably see a number of vents punched through.

You are mounting the dish over the garage, and I assume it doesn't have a finished ceiling. It is very easy to seal around the four cables that would go through the roof--there are ferrules made for coax that will trim out the holes, and you can use roofing cement to seal around them.

I've had my dish mounted on my garage for 6 years. Not a drop of water has ever entered my garage from the entry point of the cables. I sure wouldn't want cables draped all over my roof--now that's a "sloppy look." If you drill the holes right next to the foot of the mast, you will have a very nice, neat looking installation. Don't fret about the holes--they won't leak if you do it right. And even if they did, how much damage would result? You can reseal them if it should ever become necessary.

Hi ...can i get some help from u guys?.....i tried to reset my remote to rf from the menu on my new non dvr receiever and it no longer works...it worked on my dvr.....and now i have no remote any suggestions? ty

I am supposed to take delivery of the R20 dvr and new dish on the 19th. After reading about the new HR21 with 1080p, 100 hours hd recording, why would I not wait? Of course I am not paying for the change from my hr 250 and I am sure their will be an upgrade charge for the new HR21. Any suggestions, other then cancel the install and see what the charge will be.
Gerry

The estimated cost of the new hr21 is 1000 or over, just read a review about them. Will be a super expensive unit. :eek:

Yes, the HR21pro is designed for sports bars and other multi-unit installations, it's not really a consumer box. And it only seems to be in prototype, if there is insufficient demand they might even not build it. You can always replace the internal disk drive in an HR20 with an external drive if you want increased recording capacity.

...After reading about the new HR21 with 1080p, 100 hours hd recording, why would I not wait?

1. Because you really don't know when the HR21 will be released. Rumors abounds from Nov, Christmas, Spring 2008. If you can wait, great. The rest of us will enjoy the extra channels in the next couple of weeks.

2. Because the "upgrade" price could possibly be anywhere from $500-$1000.

3. Because no one is broadcasting 1080p natively. When they do -which will take months if not years- there will be another DirecTV HD DVR box that probably be less expensive and more advanced electronics than the HR21.

4. Because technology advances on and there will always newer electronics on the horizon.

BTW, anyone wanting to read about the HR21 can do so here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96403)and here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96810).

If you have an H20-100 (update 0x2021) and live in the Atlanta Metro Area,
please share your transponder values for Sats 99 and 103. Thanks.

All but 5-6 points in the grids were na, but I noticed a high value of 73 on 99 and 92 on 103, so they're alive to some extent.
101 110 & 119 are nice and hot - all above 94. I'm 30341 with a clear line of sight. Unit & dish installed yesterday.

Ok Ok. Thanks all. I will take delivery of HR20 and wait to see. HR250 thru my Anthem D2 is just super. Do not want to miss out on the extra channels.
Gerry

I have an HR-10 w/3 LNB dish. I called D* to upgrade to HR20 and they would not do it for less than $299. I didn't accept this. I did agree to receive the new 5 LNB dish. I plan on calling back to get a better deal on the HR20.

1. Will my HR10 work with the 5 LNB dish? I currently use an OTA for my local HD chanels.

2. Will D* allow me to keep my HR10 when I eventualy get an HR20? I would like to move it to a different room.

3. Will the new dish allow me to run 4 DVRs with dual tuner capabilities?

thanks

I have an installer for D* coming next monday. Can I request an HR20-700 over the HR20-100? From what I can tell the -700 has a digital coax audio output while the -100 does not. I only have one optical input on my surround receiver and already have to switch the cable between the XBox 360 and the Denon DVD player. I don't want to have to switch it between the HD-DVR as well and I'm not buying some expensive selector switch either.

Hey Trendy, I have HR20 700 it dosen't use a digital coax. I wish it did. The 100 does! Been fighting w/ D* since my install last month, I too need the optional digital coax audio out. They tell me they have no control to which receiver you get, I say BS! Anyway, its 50-50 to which reciever you get, good luck.

I have an HR-10 w/3 LNB dish. I called D* to upgrade to HR20 and they would not do it for less than $299. I didn't accept this. I did agree to receive the new 5 LNB dish. I plan on calling back to get a better deal on the HR20.

1. Will my HR10 work with the 5 LNB dish? I currently use an OTA for my local HD chanels.

2. Will D* allow me to keep my HR10 when I eventualy get an HR20? I would like to move it to a different room.

3. Will the new dish allow me to run 4 DVRs with dual tuner capabilities?

thanks

1. Yes
2. Usually
3. No, you'll need a multiswitch.

I had the installation this past Saturday and it did not go smoothly at all. :mad: First, DirecTV completely screwed up my original order which was supposed to be two HD DVRs, two HD Receivers, a 5-LNB dish and a 6x8 multiswitch to replace two HR10-250s and two Hughes HTL-HDs, etc. The guy shows up with one HD DVR and a multiswitch - and that's it! That's all he had on his workorder; no dish, and none of the other receivers/DVRs.

So, I got on the phone with DirecTV, but that guy split after about 20 minutes. The CR put in a new order for all the right equipment and re-sheduled me for the 22nd, but 2-hours later 2 different guys showed up at my house to do the installation asking me what it was exactly I needed, so I told them that I'd called and yada, yada, yada, he said he could do it, but he'd have to wait for his supervisor to bring the equipment over. Here's the kicker - he get's on the phone with DirecTV and they STILL don't have the correct order for all the equipment in the system! :eek: :mad: Now, I'm thinking, that maybe it just didn't show up yet, but he said, it's real-time, so when I got off the phone with them, it should have updated immediately.

Anyway, he sorted it out and they did the installation - poorly. They disconnected my OTA coax from every receiver and did not reconnect (mine has always been run directly to each television, not through the multiswitch since I've been with DirecTV from the beginning, before they offered locals and way before we had HD, so we needed the antenna, and so it has remained all these years :)) So afterwards, I had to go back and reconnect the antenna and go through the OTA setup for every receiver, but I'm getting ahead of myself. On one of my televisions, he disconnected my DVD player (which was hooked up over component) and connected the receiver (H20) over component, because the TV only has DVI in, and the H20s only come with an HDMI cable in the box. And he left me DVD player disconnected. So, not only did he use (what I consider to be) the lesser quality connection to hook up the H20, but he disconnected my DVD player! :mad:

So, I had to go get one of my own numerous HDMI-to-DVI cables and go re-connect everything and reconnect my DVD player.

Now we come to the real kicker: one of the HR20s and one of the H20s do not work! By the time I discovered this, they were already gone, unfortunately. The HR20 is a real lemon - the screen goes black and the entire unit freezes up causing me to have to restart it all the time. As for the H20, I'm not sure what the problem is - it gives trouble tuning in OTA channels, it gives multiswitch errors, and it gives 727 access card errors. :confused: I have a suspicion that it could be the cabling for both the antenna and the satellite for that though, because, as oddly coincidental as it may seem, the previous Hughes HTL-HD that was in there behaved the exact same way, and I always thought it was the receiver itself that just died. I'd just pulled it out of the room and kept it active, but put a SD receiver in there instead that worked better, but would always lose the access card also and force me to restart it. :confused: Hmmm....

O, one other thing, I had to go through the satellite and antenna setup for the receivers, and on the HR20s (even the one that is working without any problems) when it gets to the 103 (b) satellite, it says something like 'failed you have 5-LNB dish selected but 5 satellites have been detected'. Why is that? :confused: I should probably say that the BBCs are installed and that I don't see this error message on the H20s, but the H20s allow you to select the multiswitch type (4x4 or 6x8) during the setup and the HR20 doesn't. Could that be why I'm getting that error?

Anyway, I called DirecTV on Sunday (yesterday) and they are sending someone out this Saturday with new receivers. I'm not sure if a new receiver will fix the problem with the H20, but it should with the HR20, I think. :rolleyes:

I just knew this wasn't going to go smoothly. :rolleyes:

EDIT:
I should add that, one good thing I supposedly got out of this ordeal is free HD programming for a year, or so I was told.

I am so having second thoughts about direct tv installing the hr20 a week from wednesday after this story. In fact, when I had my hr 250 installed two years ago my theater guy was here. The directv guy was worthless and my guy showed him how to do it.
He can not make it next week, and yes the D* guy could mess up what I have.
Gerry

thedeskE
Thanks for the reply.

We have just moved for IL. and I am setting up
the 5LNB antenna myself.

I suspect "Tilt" is the issue with some of the results I
am getting on 103(a). Here are my values by transponder:

1. 89
2. 30
3. 90
4. 25
5. 88
6. 20
17. 0

All others are n/a.

I am getting 0 on all 103(b) transponders.
If you would please, list your values for these transponders.

Thanks in advance.

I just knew this wasn't going to go smoothly. :rolleyes:


That's what I'm afraid of this Saturday. Currently, I have two separate dishes. One for the 101 & 110 sats and another for the 119 sat. I told the Customer Retention guy about this and asked that he noted that they may need multiple dishes. His response was that the installers would have everything that they need on the truck. My history with the local DirecTV installers is that they only things on the truck are exactly what they've been told that they need.

When my Sat C adapter was installed, the installer commented that he didn't understand why the first guy couldn't get a signal on the 119 sat from that location. So, I'm hoping that there was something wrong with the Sat B LNB and that they can do this with one dish. But things don't tend to go that way for me.

As far as the actual equipment is concerned, I have no intention of letting the DirecTV guy do the actual installation. While he's up on the roof, installing the dish(es), I'll be swapping out my two receivers myself.

What really stinks is that, even if things go well, I have to schedule a second visit. I need to convert an HD Tivo and a standard HD receiver. I'm having both of them done for free. (The original CSR quoted $398 ($299 + $99) and wouldn't budge, the Customer Retention immediately said "no charge"). When I asked what he could do for me if I wanted to upgrade my standard receiver to a DVR, he quoted $199. However, he wasn't able to get the conversion and the upgrade to the DVR into the system togeher. So he said that I would need to do the conversion first and then call back for the DVR upgrade. I asked if he could get the installer to run the wire for the second DVR during the first trip and just send me the new DVR and let me hook it up myself. But that didn't fly.

So, if the installer is able to get me up & running this weekend, he then has to come back in a few weeks to run a new wire for a new DVR.

thedeskE
Thanks for the reply.

We have just moved for IL. and I am setting up
the 5LNB antenna myself.

I suspect "Tilt" is the issue with some of the results I
am getting on 103(a). Here are my values by transponder:

1. 89
2. 30
3. 90
4. 25
5. 88
6. 20
17. 0

All others are n/a.

I am getting 0 on all 103(b) transponders.
If you would please, list your values for these transponders.

Thanks in advance.

I noticed a zero on my 103(a) 17 transponder and 119 31 transponder when I just tested, but then I realised that it's overcast with rain in the forecast today, so I might not be getting accurate readings at the moment, but the 103(b) has been completely at zero since they installed it on Saturday, and the weekend was all clear. :rolleyes:

That's what I'm afraid of this Saturday. Currently, I have two separate dishes. One for the 101 & 110 sats and another for the 119 sat. I told the Customer Retention guy about this and asked that he noted that they may need multiple dishes. His response was that the installers would have everything that they need on the truck. My history with the local DirecTV installers is that they only things on the truck are exactly what they've been told that they need.

When my Sat C adapter was installed, the installer commented that he didn't understand why the first guy couldn't get a signal on the 119 sat from that location. So, I'm hoping that there was something wrong with the Sat B LNB and that they can do this with one dish. But things don't tend to go that way for me.

As far as the actual equipment is concerned, I have no intention of letting the DirecTV guy do the actual installation. While he's up on the roof, installing the dish(es), I'll be swapping out my two receivers myself.

What really stinks is that, even if things go well, I have to schedule a second visit. I need to convert an HD Tivo and a standard HD receiver. I'm having both of them done for free. (The original CSR quoted $398 ($299 + $99) and wouldn't budge, the Customer Retention immediately said "no charge"). When I asked what he could do for me if I wanted to upgrade my standard receiver to a DVR, he quoted $199. However, he wasn't able to get the conversion and the upgrade to the DVR into the system togeher. So he said that I would need to do the conversion first and then call back for the DVR upgrade. I asked if he could get the installer to run the wire for the second DVR during the first trip and just send me the new DVR and let me hook it up myself. But that didn't fly.

So, if the installer is able to get me up & running this weekend, he then has to come back in a few weeks to run a new wire for a new DVR.

I had no plans of letting them connect anything to my televisions, but they started hooking up the receivers before they did the dish or the multiswitch, and there was two of them and I was running back and forth between four rooms and two floors and trying to keep an eye on them, and it was just me and my gf there, and she is completely clueless, unfortunately. :o

Direct TV and HD DVR

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

Direct TV and HD DVR

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

I have had Direct TV for a couple of years and now am moving to a new house. When I called Direct TV they said my HD DVR would need to be upgraded and I have two HD tv's so I ordered two new HD DVR receivers. Like my last receiver, I assume it will take two RG6 lines to each receiver. My question is this, I am running the lines myself and Direct TV is installing the dish. Do I need two lines from each going al the way to the dish, or can I split them in my basement with satellite spliters and it be okay? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Direct TV and HD DVR

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

Direct TV and HD DVR

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

I have had Direct TV for a couple of years and now am moving to a new house. When I called Direct TV they said my HD DVR would need to be upgraded and I have two HD tv's so I ordered two new HD DVR receivers. Like my last receiver, I assume it will take two RG6 lines to each receiver. My question is this, I am running the lines myself and Direct TV is installing the dish. Do I need two lines from each going al the way to the dish, or can I split them in my basement with satellite spliters and it be okay? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You only need 4 high quality RG6 lines from the dish to your multi-switch location in the basement, (or where-ever it might be). The multi-switch allows for 8 lines to be run from it, so run 2 lines of RG6 to each TV/HR20 location that you want to use, from the multi-switch.

Bish

You only need 4 high quality RG6 lines from the dish to your multi-switch location in the basement, (or where-ever it might be). The multi-switch allows for 8 lines to be run from it, so run 2 lines of RG6 to each TV/HR20 location that you want to use, from the multi-switch.

Bish

Three (3) RG6 runs to each HR20 drop. Two for satellite and one for your attic or roof mounted antenna for OTA. Next year you will be able to run all three of these signals over one RG6 but that might be 6 months or longer before it is available.

Just wondering if I did OK with direct TV or was I to easy have had DTV for a few years and currently have the Samsung HD box and a H20 HD and just got off the phone and upgrades to a new H20 and the Mpeg 4 Satellite dish for $50.00 with a 2 year commitment.
__________________

Just wondering if I did OK with direct TV or was I to easy have had DTV for a few years and currently have the Samsung HD box and a H20 HD and just got off the phone and upgrades to a new H20 and the Mpeg 4 Satellite dish for $50.00 with a 2 year commitment.
__________________

So you are just replacing one H20 with another H20? Or are you upgrading the old HD box to the new HD? And why didn't you go for an HR20, the HD DVR? I think H20s are more or less "free" if you ask. HR20s might cost you.

Hi, replacing the Samsung believe that is a Sir-TS360 manuf 3/2004, this recever will be replaced with a leased H20, the other is a H20 and they are installing the new satellite dish with the 5, what ever you call it.

As far as DVR have the old Tivo's really don't watch that much HD just have the HD basic's no movie channels do a lot of DVD watching on my HD DVD.

What would it cost to get a HDDVR? and wouldnt really use it. Hope that have explained my circumstance correctly.

Hi, replacing the Samsung believe that is a Sir-TS360 manuf 3/2004, this recever will be replaced with a leased H20, the other is a H20 and they are installing the new satellite dish with the 5, what ever you call it.

As far as DVR have the old Tivo's really don't watch that much HD just have the HD basic's no movie channels do a lot of DVD watching on my HD DVD.

What would it cost to get a HDDVR? and wouldnt really use it. Hope that have explained my circumstance correctly.

If you have TiVo you're already paying for the DVR fee, and with any HD box now, H20 or HR20, you HAVE to pay for the HD service. So there wouldn't be any additional monthly cost if you used the HR20 to replace one of you current H20s. There might be a cost up front for the HR20, anywhere from free to $300, depending on where Saturn and Jupiter are in orbit, if the sun rose before 7:00 AM, or some other reason that D* decides to pick that day. :D

So, does anybody know what the problem might be with the 103(b) sat? I'm getting all zeros. I'd like to get this figured out before these clueless idiots come back out here on Saturday. :rolleyes:

As for the dead HR20 and H20, I don't know. The H20 may need either new runs of cable or signal boosting in the lines, because every receiver that goes into that room gets a lot of access card/multiswitch errors and will not pick up all of the OTA channel that I get off the antenna. The HR20 is a lemon, because it just blacks out and freezes up all the time and forces me to restart it, while the other HR20 that was installed works flawlessly.

thedeskE
Thanks for the reply.

We have just moved for IL. and I am setting up
the 5LNB antenna myself.

I suspect "Tilt" is the issue with some of the results I
am getting on 103(a). Here are my values by transponder:

1. 89
2. 30
3. 90
4. 25
5. 88
6. 20
17. 0

All others are n/a.

I am getting 0 on all 103(b) transponders.
If you would please, list your values for these transponders.

Thanks in advance.

This morning around 10am (a)
1-89
2-12
3-91
4-15
5-90
6-8
17-0

na for the rest

(b) has 0 value for 1-15, 17 & 24 - na for the rest


Wish they'd fix the damn audio BS - I'm sick of switching my receiver out and back in to pulse Dolby Digital every time I change channels. Makes no difference if it's local or prems (hbo,showtime,etc)
I'll have to go back and read this entire string - I noticed this problem in the first few pages, but everyone blamed locals.

So, is everyone getting all 0's for 103(b)? Is that just normal? :confused: Maybe that satellite hasn't gone online yet? I haven't gone through the entire thread, but on one page alone, counting myself, there are three people getting nothing from 103(b), that can't just be a coincidence, can it?

If you have TiVo you're already paying for the DVR fee, and with any HD box now, H20 or HR20, you HAVE to pay for the HD service. So there wouldn't be any additional monthly cost if you used the HR20 to replace one of you current H20s. There might be a cost up front for the HR20, anywhere from free to $300, depending on where Saturn and Jupiter are in orbit, if the sun rose before 7:00 AM, or some other reason that D* decides to pick that day. :D

I know what you mean, depends on where the solar system is at. :D Would someone have to pay to upgrade from a 3 LNB dish to a 5 lnb? Suppose that would need a replacement for the Samsung since it might not be capable of receiving MPEG 4???

I know what you mean, depends on where the solar system is at. :D Would someone have to pay to upgrade from a 3 LNB dish to a 5 lnb? Suppose that would need a replacement for the Samsung since it might not be capable of receiving MPEG 4???

I don't believe the dish upgrade costs anything. My guess is that D* will eventually want EVERYONE to upgrade their dish so they can switch to MPEG4 for all their channels, HD or SD, thus freeing up some more bandwidth.

This morning around 10am (a)
1-89
2-12
3-91
4-15
5-90
6-8
17-0

na for the rest

(b) has 0 value for 1-15, 17 & 24 - na for the rest


Wish they'd fix the damn audio BS - I'm sick of switching my receiver out and back in to pulse Dolby Digital every time I change channels. Makes no difference if it's local or prems (hbo,showtime,etc)
I'll have to go back and read this entire string - I noticed this problem in the first few pages, but everyone blamed locals.

Looks like I don't need to worry about the low values
on the even transponders. Most are speculating the
103(b) transponders are related to the D10 bird.