I recently wrote D* about their upgrade. They wrote back with the usual, it's coming soon, by the end of the year, yada, yada..

So I get on their site and see it cost $99 for a new box and dish..

So I don't have to flip through all 42 pages of this thread. Is that the going rate? Or are there 'deals' if you call them. Thats been D* MO in the past. If you call and haggle sometimes you can get a good rate, especially if you mention the 'I'm switching to cable' threat...

Thx

You are correct sooner or later every one who has HD will have to get the 5 LNB dish, or drop the HD package and they sure don't want that. Getting a new HD box and the 5 LNB dish for a $20.00 fee, installed.:o

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.

What's the deal with the D10? Is it not active yet or something? Is that why everything is coming up as 0 or NA for the 103(b)?

What's the deal with the D10? Is it not active yet or something? Is that why everything is coming up as 0 or NA for the 103(b)?
Not active yet; maybe as early as tomorrow and no later than a week from friday according to multiple threads over on DBSTalk.

What's the deal with the D10? Is it not active yet or something? Is that why everything is coming up as 0 or NA for the 103(b)?


If everything is working as it should be you should see 'searching for satellite signal' when you tune to channel 499.

Bish

103(b) is the new DirecTV10 satellite which is why everyone is seeing zero for signal strengths.
The 99(b) and 103(a) satellites are only transmitting HD locals via spotbeams. Typically a city gets its HD locals from either one or two transponders on one of the satellites. So if you are in a city getting DirecTV HD locals, you should see one or two transponders on either 99(b) or 103(a)with signal strengths in the 90s, if your dish is aligned properly. All other transponders on both 99(b) and 103(a) are for other cities, and their signal strengths are not relevant to you.
If you are in the east, where the spotbeams are close together, you will often see some signal on many transponders and on both satellites, because you are in the spotbeam for several cities (they are typically hundreds of miles wide). If you live in the central or western part of the country, the spotbeams are much further apart and so it's not unusual to see only one of the two satellites, and in the northwest for example, sometimes only one transponder in total.

thebishman, texasbrit - thanks, that's what I'm reading as well.
Other posts are hinting at the 19th or so for the first channel set.
We'll see.

There has been some activity on 103(b) this morning. Most users are reporting between 88 and 98 for signal strengths on TP11. None of the other transponders are active yet, but it appears as though D10 is in a testing phase.

As far as Texasbrit's comments about 103(a), that is correct. For example, here in denver, I only get any response at all from TP4.

There has been some activity on 103(b) this morning. Most users are reporting between 88 and 98 for signal strengths on TP11. None of the other transponders are active yet, but it appears as though D10 is in a testing phase.

As far as Texasbrit's comments about 103(a), that is correct. For example, here in denver, I only get any response at all from TP4.
Got new HR20-700 today installer was surprise when he saw signal strength of 33 on sat 103b maybe HD is coming very soon

Anyone have a link to a diagram indicating the relative position on the Sat locations in the sky? I thought I saw one on the D* site but can't find it now.

thanks,

CD

Of the total number of D* subscribers (12 million??), does anybody know a) the number of HD subscribers, b) the number of MPEG4 converts? Just interested in light of all the hype about the new satellite.

Not active yet; maybe as early as tomorrow and no later than a week from friday according to multiple threads over on DBSTalk.

If everything is working as it should be you should see 'searching for satellite signal' when you tune to channel 499.

Bish

103(b) is the new DirecTV10 satellite which is why everyone is seeing zero for signal strengths.
The 99(b) and 103(a) satellites are only transmitting HD locals via spotbeams. Typically a city gets its HD locals from either one or two transponders on one of the satellites. So if you are in a city getting DirecTV HD locals, you should see one or two transponders on either 99(b) or 103(a)with signal strengths in the 90s, if your dish is aligned properly. All other transponders on both 99(b) and 103(a) are for other cities, and their signal strengths are not relevant to you.
If you are in the east, where the spotbeams are close together, you will often see some signal on many transponders and on both satellites, because you are in the spotbeam for several cities (they are typically hundreds of miles wide). If you live in the central or western part of the country, the spotbeams are much further apart and so it's not unusual to see only one of the two satellites, and in the northwest for example, sometimes only one transponder in total.


Thanks for those replies guys. I suspected as much, but with as much problems I was having with this installation, who knows? :rolleyes:

Is there a list, thread, or URL with the channels that they will be launching when the new sat. goes live?

Anyone have a link to a diagram indicating the relative position on the Sat locations in the sky? I thought I saw one on the D* site but can't find it now.

thanks,

CDPage 7 at http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/12/127160/pdf/DTVPdfVersion.pdf

Hey all,

I'm getting the HD upgrade done in a couple weeks and wanted to know a few things...

1. Do I need to buy my own hdmi cable before they get here or does the HD DVR come with one?

2. Should I hook up the DVR myself and just let the installer do the dish upgrade? (just bought a new sammy 5084 :)

3. With my old Hughes Tivo/DTV dvr, I was able to 'pause' 1 station, and flip to the other tuner and watch another, thereby keeping 30 min in flash memory(i guess) so I can basically keep flipping back and forth without having to record a show. This was great during football season. Is there any way to do this with the new boxes? (I upgraded a few months ago to a newer std dvr box when my Hughes died and I couldn't do this with that new one.)

3. With my old Hughes Tivo/DTV dvr, I was able to 'pause' 1 station, and flip to the other tuner and watch another, thereby keeping 30 min in flash memory(i guess) so I can basically keep flipping back and forth without having to record a show. This was great during football season. Is there any way to do this with the new boxes? (I upgraded a few months ago to a newer std dvr box when my Hughes died and I couldn't do this with that new one.)

I do this all the time as well with my HR10-250/SAT-T60.

Anyway I am reading this thread(it will just take awhile), I had avoided it do to me being very happy with what I have. But now D* is calling for the "upgrade" so:
1. What is the Best Tivo solution right now.
2. I have Lifetime Tivo from my SAt-T60, it carried over to the HR10-250, will it continue with the new stuff?
TIA,
Jeff

Well got the new dish installed today, now have to wait like all of us to see when the new HD channels come in.:D

The HR20 does not have dual live buffers. A workaround is at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65736
It does come with an HDMI cable. How you can work with the installer will depend on what the installer is comfortable with. Tivo subscriptions do not apply to the HR20. There is a $5.99 monthly DVR fee for any number of DVRs in the house.

The HR20 does not have dual live buffers. A workaround is at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65736

Thanks grey. Good to know others watched sports the same way I did....

I remember asking cust.svc about it and they had no idea what I was talking about.

I have a couple newbie questions I was hoping somebody could help me with. I am finally considering going high def. First question is that the room in which I plan to have the High Def receiver does not have a phone jack. I do not want to buy the HDDVR if I cannot use it because of the missing phone jack. I have heard conflicting things about using a wireless phone jack. Any thoughts? Second is that my dish will need to be replaced. When replacing the dish will the current coax be used and just unplug the current dish and plug in the new 5 lnb? Is the swap out of the dish that simple? Thanks in advance.

Tivo subscriptions do not apply to the HR20. There is a $5.99 monthly DVR fee for any number of DVRs in the house.

Thanks, even if it was not what I wanted to hear. But I still have hope:

Come 2008, DirecTV's TiVo users will get a major update to their DVRs. The message from DirecTV HQ appears to be "don't bail on us yet, TiVo users.".....

Nevertheless, a big problem still looms for HD TiVo users on DirecTV. Whenever DirecTV gets around to activating their newest satellites with local channels in HD, those channels will be broadcast in MPEG4, which is incompatible with the existing HR 10-250. So, while these upcoming updates do scratch some itches, they don't scratch one of the biggest, namely that the existing HD TiVo cannot handle the additional HD channels that DirecTV has planned.

The big question is, could we see a new TiVo unit from DirecTV around that time? A year ago I would have laughed, but now I'm not so sure. (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070801-updates-show-more-signs-of-new-love-between-tivo-directv.html)
Click on quote for link to complete story.

I have a couple newbie questions I was hoping somebody could help me with. I am finally considering going high def. First question is that the room in which I plan to have the High Def receiver does not have a phone jack. I do not want to buy the HDDVR if I cannot use it because of the missing phone jack. I have heard conflicting things about using a wireless phone jack. Any thoughts? Second is that my dish will need to be replaced. When replacing the dish will the current coax be used and just unplug the current dish and plug in the new 5 lnb? Is the swap out of the dish that simple? Thanks in advance.

I'm no expert but I've had DTV for 4 yrs and have never had it hooked up to a phone jack without any problems.

The dish is only a receiver so the phone is for transmitting info from the receiver/dvr. To my knowledge, there are are only 2 reasons to transmit:

1. Order PPV which you can do either online from DTV website or over the phone.

2. Sending DTV a log of what you've been watching and recording which is totally unnecessary.

They called me a few times the 1st yr because they really wanted the viewing logs and told me that I wouldn't be able to get the viewing guide w/o hooking the phone line. It was total bs.

Bottom line: it will work perfectly fine w/o a phone. Just use the web to order PPV.

I'm no expert but I've had DTV for 4 yrs and have never had it hooked up to a phone jack without any problems.

The dish is only a receiver so the phone is for transmitting info from the receiver/dvr. To my knowledge, there are are only 2 reasons to transmit:

1. Order PPV which you can do either online from DTV website or over the phone.

2. Sending DTV a log of what you've been watching and recording which is totally unnecessary.

They called me a few times the 1st yr because they really wanted the viewing logs and told me that I wouldn't be able to get the viewing guide w/o hooking the phone line. It was total bs.

Bottom line: it will work perfectly fine w/o a phone. Just use the web to order PPV.

I also have had standard DTV for the past three years without phone line hooked up but I was under the impression that maybe this was needed for the DVR to operate correctly.

I'm no expert but I've had DTV for 4 yrs and have never had it hooked up to a phone jack without any problems.

The dish is only a receiver so the phone is for transmitting info from the receiver/dvr. To my knowledge, there are are only 2 reasons to transmit:

1. Order PPV which you can do either online from DTV website or over the phone.

2. Sending DTV a log of what you've been watching and recording which is totally unnecessary.

They called me a few times the 1st yr because they really wanted the viewing logs and told me that I wouldn't be able to get the viewing guide w/o hooking the phone line. It was total bs.

Bottom line: it will work perfectly fine w/o a phone. Just use the web to order PPV.

I also have had standard DTV for the past three years without phone line hooked up but I was under the impression that maybe this was needed for the DVR to operate correctly.



I have been a customer for 10 years and never had a phone line, I just had two HD DVRs installed (09/12/07) and no phone line is required.

Tivo subscriptions do not apply to the HR20. There is a $5.99 monthly DVR fee for any number of DVRs in the house.
FWIW I just checked my bill and I show's DIRECTV DVR Service Lifetime 0.00
So it is not tied to the TIVO anymore.:D

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.

I had the HR20 installed yesterday and have a similar issue..HDMI would not
handshake but works fine with the 10-250..what do I need to get this addressed?

I had the HR20 installed yesterday and have a similar issue..HDMI would not
handshake but works fine with the 10-250..what do I need to get this addressed?

Try turning off 480i output. That seems to work for a lot of people (including me). In fact, I turned off everything but 1080i.

Hi to all the HR-20 experts out there,

I had my HR-20 and 5 lnb dish upgrade done a few days ago. I have a couple of questions about the install. The dish was the newer slimline version, but only had three lnb's on it. I was expecting to see five. I asked the installer about it and he said that two of the three were actually duel units that could track two satilites at the same time. (2+2+1=5) Is that correct or should there be 5 seperate lnb's on the dish.

My second question is, how can you tell if you have bad B-Band converters. I went to ch-499 to check them and it does say it's serching for signal (771) and I understand that's the normal response until they light up the new 103b. Another thread mentioned that was a bad batch
out there. When I do a signal check on all the sats, 101, 110, and 119 are all great. When I check 99b,103a, and 103b, all transponders say 0 signal.
When I called Directv they told me that my Cleveland dma should be showing 4 HD (mepg-4) locals. I get none.

So, if anyone can figure out what my problem is, let me thank you in advance for your replies.

Ben Music

Hi to all the HR-20 experts out there,

I had my HR-20 and 5 lnb dish upgrade done a few days ago. I have a couple of questions about the install. The dish was the newer slimline version, but only had three lnb's on it. I was expecting to see five. I asked the installer about it and he said that two of the three were actually duel units that could track two satilites at the same time. (2+2+1=5) Is that correct or should there be 5 seperate lnb's on the dish.

My second question is, how can you tell if you have bad B-Band converters. I went to ch-499 to check them and it does say it's serching for signal (771) and I understand that's the normal response until they light up the new 103b. Another thread mentioned that was a bad batch
out there. When I do a signal check on all the sats, 101, 110, and 119 are all great. When I check 99b,103a, and 103b, all transponders say 0 signal.
When I called Directv they told me that my Cleveland dma should be showing 4 HD (mepg-4) locals. I get none.

So, if anyone can figure out what my problem is, let me thank you in advance for your replies.

Ben Music

I not 100% sure (because I just had the Slimline installed) but my dish is like yours and I am getting all satelites, sounds like you don't have the bbc -- they are attached to the receiver and the RG-6 is connected to it. See a picture on D* website

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4310204

Could someone with an H20 or HR20 confirm the coords for my zip code (46825)? I don't have the receiver yet but the internet pointing sites appear to give the opposite tilt as my phase III.

For my exact lat/long of 41.154/-85.152 the sites return

>>>>>> 101 110 119
ELE: 39.8 36.1 31.3
AZI: 203.4 215.2 225.6
TILT: 17.4 25.7 32.5


My phase III dish has a tilt of 64.5 so I'm guessing the angles are just backwards and I should use the 110 coords?

Thanks.

Is it safe to say if they installed the old 5 LNB dish ( with the side car) versus the new model dish Slimline, that the PQ and the Hd channels will be the same on the MPEG 4? :D

Gator99,

Thanks for the reply. I guess i do indeed have the correct slimline dish.
It just seemed strange that everyone kept calling it a 5lnb dish, but you can only see 3lnb's mounted on it.

Now, that leaves me with only one probllem. Why no signal on any of the transponders from sats 99b or 103a/b? I do in fact have both b-band converters hooked up correctly on the two cables coming from the zinwell 6x8 multiswitch, to the inputs on the HR-20. Like I mentioned before, 101, 110, and 119 all come in great, but I should be getting my 4 hd Cleveland locals, but i'm not. That's what is making me wonder if the b-band converters are defective. Does anyone know if this could be the cause of my problem?

If anyone can help, please advise.

Ben Music

Just had my hr20 and slimline dish installed yesterday. Both the 99 and 103 aren't active yet, thus no signal, that is normal. I asked my installer that exact question and he told me that.

Gator99,
Now, that leaves me with only one probllem. Why no signal on any of the transponders from sats 99b or 103a/b? I do in fact have both b-band converters hooked up correctly on the two cables coming from the zinwell 6x8 multiswitch, to the inputs on the HR-20. Like I mentioned before, 101, 110, and 119 all come in great, but I should be getting my 4 hd Cleveland locals, but i'm not. That's what is making me wonder if the b-band converters are defective. Does anyone know if this could be the cause of my problem?

If anyone can help, please advise.

Ben Music

If you're not getting locals and should be, that's a problem. One thing you should do is repeat the satellite setup and make sure your receiver is set to the 5-lnb dish. Go into setup and click on satellite/antenna then repeat satellite setup. See if it is set for the correct dish.

SMK

Just had my hr20 and slimline dish installed yesterday. Both the 99 and 103 aren't active yet, thus no signal, that is normal. I asked my installer that exact question and he told me that.


that is not entirely true, if you are suppose to get HD locals they will come from one of the 103 (spotbeams) sats.

Gator99,

Thanks for the reply. I guess i do indeed have the correct slimline dish.
It just seemed strange that everyone kept calling it a 5lnb dish, but you can only see 3lnb's mounted on it.

Now, that leaves me with only one probllem. Why no signal on any of the transponders from sats 99b or 103a/b? I do in fact have both b-band converters hooked up correctly on the two cables coming from the zinwell 6x8 multiswitch, to the inputs on the HR-20. Like I mentioned before, 101, 110, and 119 all come in great, but I should be getting my 4 hd Cleveland locals, but i'm not. That's what is making me wonder if the b-band converters are defective. Does anyone know if this could be the cause of my problem?

If anyone can help, please advise.

Ben Music

Were you paying for and receiving your local stations prior to the install? If you weren't you won't be getting them now either.

If you are seeing 'searching for satellite' on channel 499, the BBCs should be fine.

Bish

What a waste of time yesterday was. I had an appointment to get a new dish installed and have two receivers swapped out. The appt was scheduled for 1-5. The installer showed up at 10:15 while it was raining a little.

I currently have two dishes on my house. One (round) on the front part of the roof, which can be seen from the street and a second 3 LNB mounted on the back of the chimney, which can't be seen from the street. When the 3 LNB dish was installed (it was actually a 2 LNB dish at the time), it was before I had my first HD receiver and he couldn't check the signal of Sat B with a receiver.

When I bought the HD receiver, I had a problem with SAT B and the same guy came back and installed the second dish. Later, when the SAT C adapter was installed, the installer said that there was no reason that I shouldn't have been able to receive SAT B from the location of the oval dish and that there may be something wrong with the LNB. But since I was getting a signal strength of 95 using the other dish, there was no reason to make the change.

Yesterday, when the installer came out, he looked a the location of the round dish and said that he thought that there would be a problem. I told him about the other dish and told him what I wrote above. He grabbed his ladder and went up near the location of the round dish for about 2 minutes. He never left his ladder to get anywhere near the location of the dish, which is near the peak of the roof, nor did he go anywhere near the existing 3 LNB dish.

He told me that he needed someone else to come out to do the install and that they would be come yesterday during the scheduled 1-5 time frame. At about 6:45, when nobody had showed up, and it was getting too dark for them to work, even if they had shown up, I called DirecTV. After 20 minutes of trying to bypass the automated phone system, I ended up talking to a person, who then transferred me the installation department.

When he looked up the status of my installation, it said that the installer did a survery and couldn't get a signal on 119 or 110 and canceled the installation. I replied, "If that's the case, how is it that I'm current getting signal strengths of 95 & 85 on those two satellites and that I've been receiving HD programming from DirecTV for over 7 years?"

He then tried to setup a conference call with the installation company, but they were closed. So he setup an escalation appointment for next Saturday, where the supervisor is supposed to come out to do the work.

Something gives me a feeling that, next week, I'm going to be forced to become a Cablevision customer again. I spent $1400, buying DirecTV equipment, thirteen years ago because I hated Cablevision so much. I can't think of many things that I want less than to become a customer of theirs again.

I may have to sell my house and move.

RoyGBiv,Gator99, and thebishman:

Thanks to all for your comments,
I have run the complete setup 3 or 4 times for the 5lnb. My results are always the same. 101 pass, 110 pass, 119 pass, 99b fail, 103a fail, 103b fail.
My 10 std def Cleveland locals come in fine, but my 4 HD Cleveland locals
don't come in at all. Directv told me that my 4 HD locals should come in
on sat 103a. My guide shows them, but the signal meter shows 0 signal.
Is this something that Directv can hit a button on their end, and fire it up on my box? What do you guys think?

Ben Music

Ben Music -- didn't you say that 499 didn't have 'searching for satellite' on that channel -- if not that probably indicates that you bbc(s) are bad - have them send you new ones?

My theory might be incorrect if your receiver is able to read the signals from 99/103 without the bbc - this I am not sure of.

Gator99,

Yes, I do see searching for signal. So I guess the b-band converters are
Ok.

Ben Music

not sure what to say unless they did not poperly align your dish
keep in mind I am in NE Florida and I am getting the following:
99b 0 51 0 54 0 54
103a 87 8 92 97 88 97 ...... 0
103b 0 0 0 97 95 92 95 94 96 89 95 95 95 92 NA NA 95 ........ 99

Ben Music - one quick item - is your receiver set up to receive the 5 lnb or is it set to 3 lnb?

There have been a whole load of questions, so I will try to answer most of them in one post.
To get the new channels, you need an H20/21 or an HR20 and the 5-lnb dish, and to have the BBCs connected. If you have a multiswitch, it needs to be the Zinwell WB68 or WB616. You need to have done satellite setup, selecting the 4x4 multiswitch (if you don't have an external multiswitch - this is the one built into the dish) or the 6x8 (for either the WB68 or WB616) and making sure the 5-lnb dish is selected.
First, when you are looking at signal strengths on 99/103, if you have an HR20 the signal strengths will appear pretty quickly, but if you have an H20 receiver they are VERY slow coming in. Don't assume that because you see zero signal strength that you don't have a signal, you may not be waiting long enough.
There are three satellites now at 99/103 - the two Spaceway satellites at 99(b) and 103(a) only transmit spotbeams aimed at individual cities. The third satellite, 103(b), is the new DirecTV10 satellite, about to begin delivery of the new HD channels. Today on 103(b), you will probably see many of the transponders with signals, although there is no programming yet. Occasionally, since D10 is under test, the signals will reduce in strength or go to zero.
If your city gets HD locals, they will come from one or two transponders on either 99(b) or 103(a), but not both. You should see at least one transponder on "your" satellite with a signal strength in the 90s. All other transponders on 99(b) and 103(a) are spotbeams directed at other cities so their signal strength isn't relevant. If you don't get HD locals yet, none of the 99(b) or 103(a) signals are relevant to you. As I said in an earlier post, if you are in the east, where the spotbeams are close together, you will often see some signal on many transponders and on both satellites, because you are in the spotbeam for several cities (they are typically hundreds of miles wide). If you live in the central or western part of the country, the spotbeams are much further apart and so it's not unusual to see only one of the two satellites, and in the northwest for example, sometimes only one transponder in total.

If you need to know which satellite delivers your HD locals, go to http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65321 it is probably the most up to date list. Cleveland is on 103.

If your local HD channels are in the guide, but you get 771s and the one satellite (99(b) or 103(a))delivering your HD locals has zero or poor signals on ALL transponders, it's almost certainly a dish alignment issue.

If you have the bbc(s) connected, you should see "searching for satellite signal" on channel 499. If they are not connected, or not working, you will see a slide telling you to connect them.

If you have bbc installed and have a 3lnb dish will you see searching for signal on ch 499

thanks

If you have bbc installed and have a 3lnb dish will you see searching for signal on ch 499

thanks

You mean the 5 lnb dish.

Bish

Bish
i have the bbc installed now with my 3lnb dish should i get a searching for signal i know i
will need the new dish to pick up the new satelites.

Yep you will need the new dish to get the channels because they are MPEG4 and the 3lnb dish won't receive them. You need to 2 extra lnb's to pick up the other sats.

Bish
i have the bbc installed now with my 3lnb dish should i get a searching for signal i know i
will need the new dish to pick up the new satelites.


Which dish do you really have?

Remember the new Slimline dish only appears to have 3 lnbs at the feed horn, but it is the one you need for the MPEG 4 channels.

Bish

texasbrit,

Thanks for taking the time to sum up all my questions into one answer. Not only
did you help me, I'm sure you helped a lot of others to.

I've done everything you mentioned, and narrowed down my problems to a point
that only leads to one thing, and that's dish realignment. I have a directv tech
coming on wednesday, which is also the day they may lightup the new D10 HD.
With a little dish tweeking, I think i'll will be all set.

Thanks again,
Ben Music

Here's the deal I just got. I currently have a HR20, H20, and two HR10s. I called to see about simply getting an "upgrade," saying the cable company was going through with a deal. The first offer I was given was a charge of $200 to upgrade my HR10s, and I could keep them as well. Not really want I wanted. She went through my account and since I am a "valued customer since 2004" she gave me an offer of $100 charge to replace my H20. Two months ago I was told $220 to replace my H20, so I guess it was worth it to wait. She also told me that Wednesday, September 19th is the day the new satellite goes live. I won't get an install for another two weeks, October 2nd, but I'm sure that it will be really hard to get a early date after Wednesday when the new channels are up. I'm fairly satisfied with the deal I got. I can't push too hard as I do NOT want to switch to cable as I really like the older HR10 TiVos and the number of channels D* now offers blows away Comcast's offer. Now if only the install goes this smooth!

I currently have a Samsung 360 that locks up about once a week, plus I've been getting more and more interested in having a DVR. I was thinking about geting a TiVo (from TiVo), but it doesn't work with D*, if I understand correctly. So it looks like the best option is the HR 20. I currently have two coaxes to my main watching area. One is down from the OTA antenna, the other is down from the dish antenna, diplexed with a signal up to the attic which is obtained by combining the OTA signal with a modulator on C37 which is fed with the output of the 360. That way I can watch OTA and whatever the 360 is set for anywhere in the house (NTSC).

I read here that diplexing is not possible on the HR20 feeds, and I really want to retain my OTA even though most (but not all) of my HD locals will be on the dish. So, can I just run one feed from the dish to the HR20? Do the two feeds just connect to two tuners? Seems like if I was OK with not watching one channel and recording another that would work. I'm mostly interested in time shifting.

Since I'm a "loyal customer" I've been offered three deals, none of which include HD-DVR. Looks like I may be able to get the HD DVR for $200 plus a credit of $5 per month for 12 months, netting the HD DVR at $140. I haven't played the cable card yet, but it has worked in the past....

Summarizing,

1. Can I use only one dish feed to the HR20 if I'm OK with watching or recording only one channel at a time?

2. Have I missed anything regarding the options, like the TiVo can record from video in?

3. Any reason to wait for some new unit to come out, or will the HR20 be viable for the forseeable future?

4. Can I take an output from the multi-switch and diplex it with OTA to run to non-HD receivers in other rooms to get D* and OTA?

Thanks,

Al

Hi all, I need some advice. Just got my HR20 installed on Friday and discovered this weekend that I am not receiving some of the HD channels, including HDnet. I should get this as part of the Total Choice package. What's odd is that I get most of the others. I get up to 78 but not 79! I checked all the cables and reset the box. No good, the channel even disappeared from the guide. I called customer service and we did another reset, checked all the signal strengths (which were ok), did a guided satellite setup and she resent the authorization for HD Acess 2 times. Still no channel, but it is now listed int he guide again. The screen is black and I get the "771 searching for signal" error message. Now I have to have a tech come to my house again (my third appointment) to check things. Does anyone know of something else I can try to fix this without the tech coming out? I completely missed Torchwood in HD last night!

Thanks,
Tom Berman

I am planning to upgrade fto HD and have a question about swapping my dish. I am contemplating doing it myself. Would all I need to do is remove old dish and mount new dish and then plug in existing coax to new dish and aim? Is there any difference in coax for the new dish that I may be missing?

I live in southern California and I am getting 0 signal strength on 103 (b). I can see the transponders are turned on, but every time I check the signal strength is ZERO! Other sats are between 80 and 95. Any suggestions, or should I wait till tomorrow morning?

Jeff

I live in southern California and I am getting 0 signal strength on 103 (b). I can see the transponders are turned on, but every time I check the signal strength is ZERO! Other sats are between 80 and 95. Any suggestions, or should I wait till tomorrow morning?

Jeff

Jeff,
My situation is identical to yours.

I have the 5 lnb with 2 HR20-700s; the BBCs are working fine, (in that it says seaching for satellite signal on channel 499); my reception on 101/110/119 averages approximately 90; I have 95 on 2 transponders on 99b even though I don't receive any HD LILs, BUT I've never seen any reading on 103b.

Are we both just unlucky with our timing re: checking the output on 103b when the testing is not active, OR do we have a problem that a tech needs to look at?

I swear I read that if 101/110 and particularily 119 was 'zeroed in' correctly, with the 5 lnb dish you should have good readings on 99/103.

Any suggestions/guidance?

Bish

Bish,

Are you also in socal?

If you find any answers please post here. I will too as soon as I find anything out.

I am planning to upgrade fto HD and have a question about swapping my dish. I am contemplating doing it myself. Would all I need to do is remove old dish and mount new dish and then plug in existing coax to new dish and aim? Is there any difference in coax for the new dish that I may be missing?The same coax will work, however, you need to replace the mounting pole along with the dish. (The new dish uses a larger pole.) If you have a multiswitch, that will also need to be replaced.

Pointing the new dish is not simple, but it can be done yourself (I installed mine). You will need an inline signal meter, however, because the signal strength readout on a receiver is not granular enough to peak the dish adequately.

I would check out the AU9 installation manual first to see if you are up to the task:
http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf

Summarizing,

1. Can I use only one dish feed to the HR20 if I'm OK with watching or recording only one channel at a time?

2. Have I missed anything regarding the options, like the TiVo can record from video in?

3. Any reason to wait for some new unit to come out, or will the HR20 be viable for the forseeable future?

4. Can I take an output from the multi-switch and diplex it with OTA to run to non-HD receivers in other rooms to get D* and OTA?

Thanks,

Al

1) Yes, you can have only one feed to the HR20, and then it will record only one channel at a time or you can watch something live. You will be able to record something and watch something else you've already recorded. You should also know that within the next few months D* will be rolling out something called a single wire multiswitch (SWM), which will allow you to run only one cable to the HR20, which you will also be able to diplex again with OTA, and then record two shows at a time.

2) I don't know what you mean that the TiVo can record from video in. There is no video in on the HR20, just the inputs for two satellite and one OTA antenna signals.

3) Although there are rumors of an HR21 and HR21pro, the HR20 is it for the foreseeable future.

4) You can take one output from the multiswitch, diplex the OTA signal to it, and run it to a non-HD D* receiver and get exactly the same programming you were getting before.

SMK

I have a HR20 receiver. I am searching for the 103 satellite for the new HD channels but I am only getting 72.5, 101, 110, and 119. Through tuner 1 or 2. I have a 5 LNB dish with B Band converters set up. How do I configure the receiver to the 5 LNB dish, someone in another thread said it may be set up as the 3 LNB still. Also, how do I assure the BBC's are set up right? Any other tips for me?

I have a HR20 receiver. I am searching for the 103 satellite for the new HD channels but I am only getting 72.5, 101, 110, and 119. Through tuner 1 or 2. I have a 5 LNB dish with B Band converters set up. How do I configure the receiver to the 5 LNB dish, someone in another thread said it may be set up as the 3 LNB still. Also, how do I assure the BBC's are set up right? Any other tips for me?

I would recommend resetting the receiver through the menu and performing the quided setup again. When I did my initial guided setup I had only one sat line connected. I could not get it to see line 2 but performed the guided setup and everything was OK. Once you've completed guided setup, go to channel 499. If you see 'Searching for signal on satellite..." your BBC's are working.

I have a HR20 receiver. I am searching for the 103 satellite for the new HD channels but I am only getting 72.5, 101, 110, and 119. Through tuner 1 or 2. I have a 5 LNB dish with B Band converters set up. How do I configure the receiver to the 5 LNB dish, someone in another thread said it may be set up as the 3 LNB still. Also, how do I assure the BBC's are set up right? Any other tips for me?

Menu->settings->setup->(at the bottom of the screen it will tell you if you're setup for a 3 or 5 LNB dish)if 3 LNB run ->Sat & ant->repeat satellite setup...

It was still setup for the 3 LNB dish. But now I am getting mostly 0's on 99b, 103a,

for 103(b) I am getting the following:
Tuner 1---58 0 56 0 59 16 58 19 61 24 62 26 65 31
Tuner 2---51 0 59 0 60 0 56 0 62 21 58 24 65 31

OK the setup failed for 99b and 103a. The setup now says error deteced
-Your dish type is set to 5 LNB multi-Sat but the recorder detected 6 satellites. Please fix error

I am now getting a message that says my BBC is not connected. But I am looking at the back of my receiver and there is one on each cable going into the back...

It was still setup for the 3 LNB dish. But now I am getting mostly 0's on 99b, 103a,

for 103(b) I am getting the following:
Tuner 1---58 0 56 0 59 16 58 19 61 24 62 26 65 31
Tuner 2---51 0 59 0 60 0 56 0 62 21 58 24 65 31

OK the setup failed for 99b and 103a. The setup now says error deteced
-Your dish type is set to 5 LNB multi-Sat but the recorder detected 6 satellites. Please fix error

Do you get any readings on 103a? [FYI, 99b and 103a are spotbeams for locals HD LiL] Do you get locals in HD from D?

You can go here...

http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_DMA.html

to see which sat your locals would be on

Do you have a multiswitch? if so which one?

Looks like in any case you may need a dish realignment

My H20 did that too when I went from 3LNB to 5LNB dish. If you seean option "Fix Later" choose that. All should be OK. It was for me.

I am now getting a message that says my BBC is not connected. But I am looking at the back of my receiver and there is one on each cable going into the back...

If you can get to them, I would remove and re-tighten everything myself. I have seen some of these with some sort of lock-tite that would only allow them to turn 1/4 turn. Need to make sure they are threaded all the way on.

Currently, I don't get my locals in HD

Currently, I don't get my locals in HD

OK, then you should not be getting any readings on 99b or 103a unless there is a DMA close by to you that is getting them

It is really odd that some of the transponders are zero. Do you have a multiswitch, and if so which one?

I don't know of any multiswitch

I had the 95 degree dish checked as installed. I fixed that and resetting now

Bish,

Are you also in socal?

If you find any answers please post here. I will too as soon as I find anything out.

Jeff,

I just figured out my problem.

When I installed my original satellite system, I used the passive signal boosters in-line with all 4 feeds from my then 3 lnb dish to my multi-switch. I remembered that they were still there so I've just removed them. Guess what? Readings of 85 - 95 on 103b.

If you have them to, take them out and see what happens.

BTW, I am 1500 miles away from you right in the middle of the country.

Bish

Looks like I got everything fixed. Thanks guys

I don't know of any multiswitch

Are you in KS?

The 4 coax cables from your dish should run to a Zinwell multi-switch installed when your 5 lnb dish was installed; it's probably there since you are showing some readings on 103b.

Unless you are in Kansas City, or perhaps Wichita, (assuming you're in KS), you will not see anything on 99b or 103a as those birds are for beaming HD LILs on spot beams. You can go to Directv's web site and enter your zip code to see if HD LILs are sent to your area. If so, you should see something on either 99b or 103a.

If you have the 5 lnb dish with the Zinwell multi-switch installed and then have coax to your receivers, with functioning BBCs, (channel 499 should say searching for satellite if they're working), you should have good readings on 101, 110, 119 and 103b. From your earlier post showing the readings from 103b, it looks as if you need a dish re-alignment as those numbers are very low. I'm in KS and am getting 85 - 95 on the TPs on 103b.

Bish

Looks like I got everything fixed. Thanks guys

Glad to see everything worked out for you. Now hopefully we will see some new HD channels tomorrow. :)

The tech guy from DirecTV said they will be there tomorrow morning

sorry if already discussed, but just trying to confirm. I read that the multiswitch should be the zinwell wb-68. I have the Zinwell SAM-6802, which appears to be an older version of the wb68. I have signal readings on 103b and channel 499 gives the appropriate message.

Please tell me I am good to go with this multiswitch.

I received and hooked up my H20, and the b-band... All is working well. But my 5 LNB dish won't be installed for another 2 weeks.

It's no big deal but will I see any of these new HD channels that are going to be rolling out over the next week with my 3 LNB dish? Or are all of the new HD channels on the birds the 3 LNB dish can't 'see'....

You need to change the multiswitches though and cannot diplex without special attention. One of the Ka bands, the B band, occupies 250-750MHz which overlaps OTA frequencies. .

Sorry for resurrecting this topic yet again, but I don't think this has been covered...

What about non-Mpeg4 HD receivers paired with the 5-sat dish? If I diplex OTA in after the multiswitch, do I need to insert a BBC before those diplexers as well? I'm guessing that, if OTA interferes with b-band sat signal, the reverse must also be true. Is that correct?

If you have a non-Mpeg4 HD receive you don't need the BBC and I beleive you would be fine diplexing the OTA/D* signal.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Is there any disadvantage to mounting the dish to a pole as long as line of sight is good?

I don't see why not as long as that pole doesn't sway with the wind - that would not be good.

I don't see why not as long as that pole doesn't sway with the wind - that would not be good.

Yep - these new dishes are taking on the shape of a plane from skunkworks. Big and able to create lots of lift in the wind.
Better be a strong pole.

If you have a non-Mpeg4 HD receive you don't need the BBC and I beleive you would be fine diplexing the OTA/D* signal.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Gator, you are absolutely correct. Also, I have read of success in other setups over on dbstalk about subs installing the bbc upstream of the diplexer[s], and this appears to work on the mpeg4 units.

Cheers,
John

So if I upgrade from a 3LNB dish my existing spaun multiswitch won't work?

gimp - if you go to a 5lnb and want Mpeg4 hd today you will not be able to use the spaun ms.

they will give you a new 6x8 multiswitch, also I understand there is a SWM (Single wire Multiswitch) that they are beta testing that will allow for 1 wire with both sat signals and a diplexed OTA and no BBC needed to be available sooner than later - not sure when though - do a search on SWM or single wire multiswitch over at DBStalk.com

Is there any disadvantage to mounting the dish to a pole as long as line of sight is good?There are two actual advantages:

1) It's much safer from lightning strikes!!! You will need a 2" O.D. pole, about 120 lbs. of Sakrete, and make sure it's dead plumb with a level as it "sets." It should be grounded with an 8' ground rod as well.

2) It's much easier to install and aim, once your back recovers from lugging and mixing the Sakrete.

Just checked everything here in ATL and tested the satellites & signal strength - all is working and gettin 85+ on all transponders.

Also getting the correct message on 499 with the BBCs connected. UPdated the guide and no new channels yet.

Anyone have any luck? Maybe they haven't gone active yet. :confused:

Just checked everything here in ATL and tested the satellites & signal strength - all is working and gettin 85+ on all transponders.

Also getting the correct message on 499 with the BBCs connected. UPdated the guide and no new channels yet.

Anyone have any luck? Maybe they haven't gone active yet. :confused:
I've been watching this bird since 5 min's after they turned on tp 11 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11604959&postcount=348) last week. They've had all 16 tp's lit up since yesterday, although I continue to see signal strength variations in some them, indicating they are still doing adjustments. Yesterday afternoon and last night they had 'em all cranked up full bore for quite a while, but never quite as strong as tp11 on the day it first appeared.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=908393

sorry if already discussed, but just trying to confirm. I read that the multiswitch should be the zinwell wb-68. I have the Zinwell SAM-6802, which appears to be an older version of the wb68. I have signal readings on 103b and channel 499 gives the appropriate message.

Please tell me I am good to go with this multiswitch.

The 6802 does not support the bandwidth necessary for the new channels, you need to replace it with the WB68. If you had your install done by DirecTV they should have replaced your multiswitch free of charge. You should call them.

thanks Tex, that is what I was afraid of. D* did do the install, and I specifically asked the installer about the multiswitch and he assured me it would work. Looks like I have a call to make before these things actually go live.

I just talked to Tech SUpport and she had to check with "her tech support" but said that as long as I am getting signals on 103 then the old switch should be fine as long as it was 6x8

She also said the channels will go live NEXT WEEK

Do I need solid Cu core RG6 for a 140 ft cable length to support power to the LNBs? When I installed my 3 LNB dish several years ago I found that the voltage drop for Cu clad Steel RG6 wouldn't support the LNBs. As I prepare to move to a 5 LNB dish, folks tell me that solid Cu core should not be necessary. Perhaps something else was the problem.
Thanks

I have a preamp in-line to a 3-LNB dish due to a long coax run feeding a Samsung 360. It works fine except that the auto dish detect in the installation menu doesn't work. I'm thinking of upgrading to an HR-20 with a 5-LNB dish.

1. How long can the coax be to a 5-LNB antenna, assuming RG-6?
2. If there's a multi-switch in line, does that change anything?
3. For long runs, is there an in-line amplifier that works like the ones for the older systems?

I checked the D* site under manuals, but they don't have the 5-LNB dish or the HR-20 manuals available.

Thanks,

Al

do i need a new multiswitch? i am guessing yes. i currently have the aspen s 4180 five in eight out. i get the correct message on channel 499, and a 93 reading for my local hd channels but on 103b all the readings are zero.

do i need a new multiswitch? i am guessing yes. i currently have the aspen s 4180 five in eight out. i get the correct message on channel 499, and a 93 reading for my local hd channels but on 103b all the readings are zero.

What message are you getting on 499? It should be just a "searching for signal" error.

If you are getting zeros on 103b then that's a problem.

You have to have the Zinwell 6x8 or the 16 port version multiswitch. Any older switch will not work with D10 or D11. So you will not get any of the new HD until you replace your switch (which DirecTV should have done already for free when you got the upgraded dish).

What message are you getting on 499? It should be just a "searching for signal" error.

If you are getting zeros on 103b then that's a problem.

You have to have the Zinwell 6x8 or the 16 port version multiswitch. Any older switch will not work with D10 or D11. So you will not get any of the new HD until you replace your switch (which DirecTV should have done already for free when you got the upgraded dish).

i am getting the searching for signal message on channel 499, but zero readings for 103b. my switch is vintage 2003 and was put in by a local installer rather than directv. i guess i'll need it switched out for the zinwell.

I just talked to Tech SUpport and she had to check with "her tech support" but said that as long as I am getting signals on 103 then the old switch should be fine as long as it was 6x8

She also said the channels will go live NEXT WEEK

If you read all the posts here and on the other forums you will find your multiswitch is not approved for use with the new signals, its bandwidth is too narrow. All the CSRs at DirecTV have been told that it MUST be the Zinwell WB68 or WB616 (or the two new Spaun wideband switches, although I have not seen one). You may be seeing the signals but that does not mean you will not have problems in the future. Since it is free of charge I suggest you call DirecTV again.

If you read all the posts here and on the other forums you will find your multiswitch is not approved for use with the new signals, its bandwidth is too narrow. All the CSRs at DirecTV have been told that it MUST be the Zinwell WB68 or WB616 (or the two new Spaun wideband switches, although I have not seen one). You may be seeing the signals but that does not mean you will not have problems in the future. Since it is free of charge I suggest you call DirecTV again.

I know Tex, I emailed after talking with them and got info that I needed a wideband switch. He did not know if my switch would work but told me to call tech support because they were trained to know what I needed (yeah right!). I called again and they don't know anything, but are sending an installer tomorrow to "look at it".

2 dish setup with a 5 LNB and 3 LNB combined (due to line of sight issues/trees), I have a 3 lnb setup that is used for the 110 and 119 at a remote location, and a 5 LNB on my roof for the 99/101/103, the 2 feeds from each are feeding a zinwell 6x8. I get strong signal on all birds EXCEPT the 103 a and b, What is wrong and how do i fix it? thanks

I know Tex, I emailed after talking with them and got info that I needed a wideband switch. He did not know if my switch would work but told me to call tech support because they were trained to know what I needed (yeah right!). I called again and they don't know anything, but are sending an installer tomorrow to "look at it".

You need to tell them exactly what you need. Don't let them try to "troubleshoot" it for you. You just need to tell them that you need the new Zinwell WB68 multiswitch to replace your old one so you can get the new HD. They will know exactly what that is.

I have the DirecTV installer at my house as I type to install the new 5 lnb dish and HR20. Are there any specific instructions I should give him to ensure that it is properly aligned with the new satellite before he leaves?

Make sure you have at least 90 across the board on most transponders on all sats, including 103b.

I went to 498 an 99 and I dont see a thing, I have a h10 reveiver. Can somenone please tell me whats going on? Also, why are there no new channels to date.

Witnessing jmvaughn's and challenger's posts above adding to the pile of newbies asking things that have been well covered in this thread, it would be great if somebody could collect the knowledge about how to get 498 to display, post it here, and then maybe mx6bfast could add it to his first post. Things like:
- 498 is a test channel that everyone (?) should be able to get; slide with no audio
- tune to 72 then 73 then 498 to force the tuners
- start two recordings, then stop one and try 498, then stop the other and try 498, to isolate if the problem is in one tuner or the other
- what it looks like if the receiver doesn't see 103b at all
- what it looks like if you aren't authorized or have HD charges or wahtever you call it

And so forth. Keep it short.

Doing this would help you all lead more quickly to a possible pattern in the problem (e.g. only happens in hardware A with firmware B), or would help rule that out. It might even help D* isolate any problems for them!

H10 receivers are not compatible. You need to get a H20 or HR20, along with a five-line DNB.

anyone know why I get the thing on channel 498 on two of my receivers, but not the third?

Don't know; but put it on 498 on the one that doesn't work. Hit "pause" once or twice. Slide/picture should appear. At least it did on the one of my two that hadn't previously worked.

Problem is that each time you return to a tuner, including having cycled the receiver (off-on), you must hit pause once or twice.

Obviously, won't work long term. But it is a step forward.

I get channel 498. Northern California here.

How do you check both channels?

Also how do you check signal strength? Is it in the Help and Settings menu of the HR20?

Am I the only one who is not getting channel 499? I have all the correct equipment--HR20, B-Band converter, the new sat dish--but the channel does not exist for me. I understand I am suppose to see a signal meter which indicates I will be able to view the new HD channels when they go live.

I figured out what the problem was. Although everything was properly setup, I still had to go into the menu and tell the receiver that I was using a 5-LNB dish. Now that I updated the setup info, I am able to view the message on channel 498.

jmvaughn1

Same here, HD Rec. receives the message on 498, HD DVR does not. Tried the suggestions listed through out this thread, still the same result. Was on with D* for over an hour. They did not even know 499 was turned off and 498 was up and running. What a waste of time.

Well my issue for this is the fact those sources told him it was this morning as well. I'm not saying his sources didn't tell him what they though was true, but rather his sources were wrong or the plan changed again. Any way you look at it KNOWBODY knows when the new HD channels will be on.

I might also point out many and I mean MANY people are having problems with 498. I know I am and I get 103b just fine. So I'd rather see people check for 103b signals then go to a channel that doesn't work the way its suppose to.

I know I am. I get it downstairs (Off a split signal!!) but not upstairs!:confused:

I know I am. I get it downstairs (Off a split signal!!) but not upstairs!:confused:
I think it is a function of having an OTA signal diplexed on the satellite signal. I get 498 on my newly installed upstairs HR20 (which needs an external antenna to get OTA digital signals) and don't get it on my older H20 which has the UHF signals piggybacked on the same coax as my satellite signal. Bottom line is I'll have to make a choice based on whether D* will expand its local HD to cover PBS and other local digital choices.

My H20 shows "Congrats" on 498. My HR20 shows a black screen (no message). I have no OTA connected to either one.

My H20 shows "Congrats" on 498. My HR20 shows a black screen (no message). I have no OTA connected to either one.

I have the same thing. H20 in bedroom Congrats on 498...Black screen on HR20
Maybe this is part of the reason for the delay. All HR20's not working??

I think it is a function of having an OTA signal diplexed on the satellite signal. I get 498 on my newly installed upstairs HR20 (which needs an external antenna to get OTA digital signals) and don't get it on my older H20 which has the UHF signals piggybacked on the same coax as my satellite signal. Bottom line is I'll have to make a choice based on whether D* will expand its local HD to cover PBS and other local digital choices.
Not true, I just put my bbc before the diplexer in my attic and I get channel 498 and my OTA. My OTA signals are decreased however

I have the same thing. H20 in bedroom Congrats on 498...Black screen on HR20
Maybe this is part of the reason for the delay. All HR20's not working??

My HR20 works fine.

My HR20 works fine.

So much for my theory

I have the same thing. H20 in bedroom Congrats on 498...Black screen on HR20
Maybe this is part of the reason for the delay. All HR20's not working??

My HR20 tunes in 498 fine.

Neither of my HR20's work consistently on 498; but I can get the slide/picture on either of them.

Following makes either work:
1) Go to 498. 2) If screen is blank, hit pause once or twice (any of trick play keys should work) 3) Then I get the screen/slide

However, if I change tuners (e.g., 498 to 72 to 73 to 498) I won't have it again; or if I turn off the TV and turn it back on I can't get 498. However, the "pause key trick" returns the picture.

This sounds weird and obviously something isn't working (maybe inherent in a static image). I'm hoping everything works when we have "real" channels.

My HR20 works fine as well for 498.

498 works on mine hr20, OTA work fine too

signal strenght on 103b in the mid 60s outside of Chicago

Hummmm
Pause trick NOT working for me
Just a black screen
Also, I can no longer tune to 499.
Channel not Available.

Hummmm
Pause trick NOT working for me
Just a black screen
Also, I can no longer tune to 499.
Channel not Available.Don't worry... DirecTV is working on the issue. Probably a software push or two to happen before the national launch...

:eek:
It is that H20 on HDMI,has compatibility issues with all kind of TV's.
The problems can present themselves in many different ways: broken picture, noise in audio, loss of signal (which sometimes mascarades as pixelization).
H20 - piece of junk - demand replacement for something that has working HDMI.
Most of people get steamrolled into using Component connection instead - do not let them do it to you. Demand a receiver that has working HDMI with your TV.

You wonder why they only give 90 days warranty on their equipment.
Rebel already!

HELP
Has anyone heard of a problem with reception on HD local channels only, on H20 receiver? I have 5LNB dish.
All my local HD stations have alot of pixelization. Several tech's have tried to fix it. I have good signal strength. Last tech replaced every part down to dish, switch, wiring, receivers and cables. No change. Has anyone heard of anything that could cause this kind of interference?

I've been watching the English Premier League (soccer) yesterday and today, and i can definitely see a difference from just yesterday in picture quality. Both fox soccer channel and Setanta sports seem to have a slower framerate than yesterday. Is this possibly a result from compression to MPEG4? its really noticeable on sports in SD.

Is there a list somewhere that lists which channels on Direct tv are on which voltage (13 volt, 18 volt, 22 KHZ, etc) and which LNB on the 5 LNB slim line dish are used for each. I have several channels that are gone. D* says it is my equipment. Am trying to troubleshoot. I think I have a LNB going bad.

How do I confirm my eSATA drive is actually being used? The first time I set it up it was flashing yellow, I figured that was bad, so I powered everything off and then back on and now it is steady yellow. But I don't know how to confirm the extra 500GB has been added to my storage.

Is it extra storage or will it replace what is used by the STB?

Thanks in advance,

I am not exactly sure how to tell if your external is being used except to watch to usage meter once you start recording shows.

Also both drives are NOT used together at least not now and I am not sure if they ever will. If you have recorded material on your internal drive it will still be there but you will not be able to acess it unless you remove the external.

HDMI on the H20 would result in the signal going out, once the tech even reset the receiver and the setup screen would go on and off. He just set me up with component once again. He was new to the job, i guess that's why he blamed it on my DLP. Is it just me or is the H20 thinner now? I could swear my last one was taller/wider :confused:

How do I confirm my eSATA drive is actually being used? The first time I set it up it was flashing yellow, I figured that was bad, so I powered everything off and then back on and now it is steady yellow. But I don't know how to confirm the extra 500GB has been added to my storage.

Is it extra storage or will it replace what is used by the STB?

Thanks in advance,

It replaces it. So if it is working, anything you had recorded will disappear as well as many of your settings like favorites and series to record. Also, a 500G will about double capacity. I guess its worth it, but for a few bucks more for a 750G you could have tripled capacity.

Ernie

Test channel 490 is intermittent on a system a friend has. 6x 8 multi switch, 3 recievers all D20, 5 LNB slimline dish. Problem comes and goes. All the other test channels work fine. 490 is the odd transponders on sat 101 I think. I am voting for an intermittent LNB. Anyone out there got a better idea? All of the other test channels 480,481,491,492,493,494, & 494 work fine.

Have 2 HD DVR Plus boxes coming. Is the 3lnb or 5 lnb preferred over the other. Any other things I should watch out for?????

Cant wait.

Have 2 HD DVR Plus boxes coming. Is the 3lnb or 5 lnb preferred over the other. Any other things I should watch out for?????

Cant wait.

I am not quite sure about your question, but if you want the new HD channels you must have the 5LNB dish.

Also have them install a new Multiswitch (6x8) if you need it

Have 2 HD DVR Plus boxes coming. Is the 3lnb or 5 lnb preferred over the other. Any other things I should watch out for?????

Cant wait.

u need the 5lnb dish for mpeg4 (all of the new HD channels)

sorry let me clarify even though you answered. I was asking because I heard the 5lnb is pretty big but it sounds like I have no other choice. Also, what does the new multiswitch do to benefit me?

sorry let me clarify even though you answered. I was asking because I heard the 5lnb is pretty big but it sounds like I have no other choice. Also, what does the new multiswitch do to benefit me?

If u want the new channels, u have no choice on the dish. It must be the 5LNB.
The multiswitch will give u 8 sat. outputs and is normally free with the dish install.

I have the h20-100 and get channel 498, but do not get 480 or 481. And I don't get the two test channels. I have a hr20-700 and get the messages on 480 and 481, I get the sound and slide on 498, but i only get 9301 and not 9300. I don't know what is wrong?

9300 was on the NFL HD channel for a while. A lot of us who were not subscribed got 721 errors. That would be normal for many people.

Jeff,
My situation is identical to yours.

I have the 5 lnb with 2 HR20-700s; the BBCs are working fine, (in that it says seaching for satellite signal on channel 499); my reception on 101/110/119 averages approximately 90; I have 95 on 2 transponders on 99b even though I don't receive any HD LILs, BUT I've never seen any reading on 103b.

Are we both just unlucky with our timing re: checking the output on 103b when the testing is not active, OR do we have a problem that a tech needs to look at?

I swear I read that if 101/110 and particularily 119 was 'zeroed in' correctly, with the 5 lnb dish you should have good readings on 99/103.

Any suggestions/guidance?




Bish

Sorry if I missed the answer to this, but I have the same situation. Zeroes on bothh HR20's for 103b......(and "Searching for Signal" on channel 498 plus the new HD Mpeg4 channels....).

I started checking 498 last week, and it had the 771 searching for satellite message. My signals on 99b and 103b were mostly 0's. Called DirecTV support who went through some things and sent me new B-band converters. Received and installed the new BBC's yesterday. No change. Talked to DirecTV support again last night, who scheduled a service call for tomorrow (Thursday).

Strangely I get my Cincinnati local HD channels. I wonder if the problem could be in the multiswitch, which was originally installed by DirecTV when I first signed up in 2003. They didn't replace it when they installed the new 5LNB dish in August. We'll see. I sure would like to see those new channels.

I am also getting the 771 message. the earliest that they could come out was Oct 4th. I couldn't do it that day so they are coming Oct 6th. I think that I get 3 of the 21 channels. on my H20-100 . I think my issue is in the multiswitch or diplexers.

Do any of you still getting 0's on 103b have anything in line between your dish and Zinwell multi-switch? I had the old 'passive amplifiers' still in-line from when I installed my old 3 lnb set-up. When I removed those, I immediately received readings in the low 90's to high 80's on the TPs on 103b. Also, ensure that you do not have an OTA antenna diplexed into the RG-6 feeds from the dish to the multi-switch; this apparently also will block the signals from 103b.
Bish

Your post is old but I just had a tech out today for a weak signal only on HD local through Directv. We poured concrete to stabilize post, no help. We replaced the LNB and dish to slim line, no help. Replaced the HR20 receiver, no help. Finally replaced the multiswitch and problem fixed.

I'm considering the switch from cable to D* - and wanted to know whether I should consider running my own inside cable for the four rooms that will have receivers. Many of the "professional installs" I've seen in other homes appear to have optimized the installer's convenience rather than aesthetics.
The existing cable runs through the two story house are mostly RG-59, and rife with splitters, so new RG-6 (quad?) cable will have to be fished through the walls anyway.
Also, if I want to provision for DVR, does that require a two cable run from the multiswitch to the room with the DVR?
And finally, would my existing OTA antenna somehow be tied into the satellite system, or does that remain a separate path to the TV?

Dumb questions, but this dummy needs answers! :)

PA_MainyYak,

Long story short... run three RG6 (2 for SAT DVR, 1 for OTA antenna) cables to every location you want a DVR in. Run two RG6 cables to each room that will only have a single SAT tuner and single OTA antenna. Or do like I did and run 4 to each room, just in case. :)

D* installers "suck the suck out of 'suck'". In fact, I think that's spray painted on the side of their trucks.

Later,
Jeff

PA_MainyYak,

Long story short... run three RG6 (2 for SAT DVR, 1 for OTA antenna) cables to every location you want a DVR in. Run two RG6 cables to each room that will only have a single SAT tuner and single OTA antenna. Or do like I did and run 4 to each room, just in case. :)

D* installers "suck the suck out of 'suck'". In fact, I think that's spray painted on the side of their trucks.

Later,
Jeff

So I have heard, hence my desire to DIY as much as possible.
Thanks for the knowledge.

I started checking 498 last week, and it had the 771 searching for satellite message. My signals on 99b and 103b were mostly 0's. Called DirecTV support who went through some things and sent me new B-band converters. Received and installed the new BBC's yesterday. No change. Talked to DirecTV support again last night, who scheduled a service call for tomorrow (Thursday).

Strangely I get my Cincinnati local HD channels. I wonder if the problem could be in the multiswitch, which was originally installed by DirecTV when I first signed up in 2003. They didn't replace it when they installed the new 5LNB dish in August. We'll see. I sure would like to see those new channels.

Bluegrass Satellite tech came out ON TIME this morning. Confirmed good signal from the dish, and even through the old multiswitch, but still no joy on the new channels. Replaced the old multiswitch with a 4x8 switch, and I was able to tune in all but two of the new channels--definite progress. He called a tech buddy who told him that a 6x8 has to be used. He re-replaced the switch with a 6x8, and all was, and currently is, well. Looking forward to some History Channel HD.

A wide band multiswitch is necessary for installations using multiswitches. Thet means a Zinwell WB68, WB616 or an unnecessarily expensive wideband Terk (rebadged Zinwell) or Spaun.

What message are you getting on 499? It should be just a "searching for signal" error.

If you are getting zeros on 103b then that's a problem.

You have to have the Zinwell 6x8 or the 16 port version multiswitch. Any older switch will not work with D10 or D11. So you will not get any of the new HD until you replace your switch (which DirecTV should have done already for free when you got the upgraded dish).

thanks to bonscott and the other posters who explained the need for a zinwell switch. i had an older aspen model and could not receive the new channels. i called two of the largest installers in kansas city, but neither of them were aware of the issue with switches. one of them had a zinwell 6x8 in stock and sent a tech out to install it. as of this morning, i am receiving everything perfectly. the tech said that they had received two other calls this morning from d* customers who weren't getting the new channels. he was wondering if they might have the same issue. i wound up referring him to this thread for more information.

again, thanks for the help.

A wide band multiswitch is necessary for installations using multiswitches. Thet means a Zinwell WB68, WB616 or an unnecessarily expensive wideband Terk (rebadged Zinwell) or Spaun.

You'd think the initial installer that was here a month ago, who installed the new 5LNB dish and HD DVR, would have known that.

DirecTV just lost a customer! I wanted to go back, but it's just not worth the hassle! I'll have to live with my Brighthouse crap. The installation was scheduled for today from 1-5 and the guys finally show up at 6:30 completely unprepared to do the job. They claimed it was too difficult to run a second cable for my DVR location even though all other receiver locations already had cables and all they needed to do was run an additional cable to an existing location. To make matters worse, neither guy spoke English so it took a while to explain how I thought they could run the cable. To be honest, I think it had just gotten too late in the day and they just didn't want to fool with it. They suggested I call DirecTV and ask for a lead tech to come out. I just don't know if it is worth it. In the past, I've done all my own installations and there's no excuse on this one: it's pretty standard stuff. Is there any way to get these idiots to just send me the equipment so I can just do it myself? That's about the only other option I'll entertain. While I was waiting for these two today, I could have probably finished the job myself. I'm still on hold right now to request a lead tech to see what they say but I don't have much hope. If they can't drop one more cable down a wall, is a lead tech really going to do any better?

:(

OMG! I've been on the phone 1 hour now and have been transferred SIX times! On the sixth time, I got a "please wait"... 30 second pause... "please wait" and they hung up on me. I will never get mixed up with these bunch of idiots again, I don't care how many HD channels they have!!!

Mike

DirecTV just lost a customer! I wanted to go back, but it's just not worth the hassle! I'll have to live with my Brighthouse crap. The installation was scheduled for today from 1-5 and the guys finally show up at 6:30 completely unprepared to do the job. They claimed it was too difficult to run a second cable for my DVR location even though all other receiver locations already had cables and all they needed to do was run an additional cable to an existing location. To make matters worse, neither guy spoke English so it took a while to explain how I thought they could run the cable. To be honest, I think it had just gotten too late in the day and they just didn't want to fool with it. They suggested I call DirecTV and ask for a lead tech to come out. I just don't know if it is worth it. In the past, I've done all my own installations and there's no excuse on this one: it's pretty standard stuff. Is there any way to get these idiots to just send me the equipment so I can just do it myself? That's about the only other option I'll entertain. While I was waiting for these two today, I could have probably finished the job myself. I'm still on hold right now to request a lead tech to see what they say but I don't have much hope. If they can't drop one more cable down a wall, is a lead tech really going to do any better?

:(

OMG! I've been on the phone 1 hour now and have been transferred SIX times! On the sixth time, I got a "please wait"... 30 second pause... "please wait" and they hung up on me. I will never get mixed up with these bunch of idiots again, I don't care how many HD channels they have!!!

Mike

this isn't as hard as it might seem right now. some of the local installers that directv uses can only do the basics. i had a similar issue as yours with a directv installer who said replacing my 3 lnb dish with a 5 lnb model was too difficult. i called directv, and once i explained what happened, directv sent me the equipment and let me use a different installer.

in your case, it sounds like you can run the cable yourself. so if you do that and have the directv installers just hook everything up, there shouldn't be a problem.

just an update on my problem. i was not recieveing any of the starz hd channels. everything else came in fine. after a 24 hr wait to see if it corrected itself (what they suggested) i called and requested taking me off line and just re-booting me. that did - all of the starz come in fine. sooooo, i know there were others out there with the same problem...it just took taking my premier package off and then bringing it back up. by the way, i'm very happy with the roll out and as soon as cinemax joins the line-up i'll be completely satisfied. other then the nfl package i only watch the movies. my final request would be for TCM...have you seen how great casablanca looks in HD?

alan

It's strange, but the HR-20 recently installed required nothing from me (assume installer must have preconfigured it) as it immediately found everything with no setup run. The H20s were a different story. I have two; unit one refused to find the new stuff at all, got the no find message on 498. Unit two found it after I correctly config'ed the dish for 5 LNBs with 4X6 splitter. Unit one persisted in being ornery. I then unplugged one and took it upstairs, plugging it in where Unit Two lives - it came alive after running setup. Sooo.... I took it back downstairs, and now it works down there.

All I can figure is the cable runs are longer, possibly lower in quality (I was using a short RG-59 jumper when first trying to setup One, but now that it's setup, I'm still using it and getting high 80s and 90s on 103b, so, go figure) and it seems any slight mismatch (slight impedence variance) between two cables in series causes the receiver to not "find" the sat. Once it's found, maybe it ignores small mismatches, etc. I dunno, just more grist for the mill here.

Anyway, it sure is nice, after all these years of relative paucity, to have LOTS of HD to choose from. Color me thrilled!

I started checking 498 last week, and it had the 771 searching for satellite message. My signals on 99b and 103b were mostly 0's. Called DirecTV support who went through some things and sent me new B-band converters. Received and installed the new BBC's yesterday. No change. Talked to DirecTV support again last night, who scheduled a service call for tomorrow (Thursday).

Strangely I get my Cincinnati local HD channels. I wonder if the problem could be in the multiswitch, which was originally installed by DirecTV when I first signed up in 2003. They didn't replace it when they installed the new 5LNB dish in August. We'll see. I sure would like to see those new channels.

I think that is your problem....Im in Florida and having similar issues. Had the multi switch replaced a couple of times and each time different programming showed up. Still not getting everything I am paying for so have another appointment tomorrow

I also had the exact same problem and issues as Virgil001 and it was the multi-switch. The directv tech said no it couldn't be that, but there was no other cause I could think of thus I personally changed the multi-switch to the zinwell 6X8 and all works fine now.

DirecTV talked me into giving them one more chance to install at my house. The first set of guys were a couple of cry babies who, because they got there late (6:30pm), just didn't want to fool with running one additional cable for the DVR. I went into the attic after they left and the guy didn't even walk over to where the wire needed to be dropped! The blown insulation had not even been disturbed so you can tell he just stood there for a few minutes and came down. If the second guy is as reluctant as the first, does anyone know if DirecTV will agree to send me the equipment only so that I can install it myself? I've done several other DirecTV installations including multi satellite installations and it's really not very difficult. Most of these installers seem barely capable of getting themselves out of their own vehicle much less doing AV work or running wires in an attic. I've done that stuff all my life and if I had the equipment, could get the job done in about 3 hours. I just don't know if DirecTV would send me the equipment but I suspect they might if they find out that's the only way they'll get me as a customer. Anyone have any experience with getting them to send equipment? I don't want to have to buy it myself from a forum vendor when the dish and the SD boxes (and even the cabling up to 125 ft per box) should be free for a new customer.

Mike

I just tried working out a deal with DirecTV to upgrade my (3) HD DVR/Tivo units. The best offer they gave me was a free replacement DTV HD DVR unit, free HD package for a year and then an additional (2) yr commitment! All new boxes of course lease, no more ownership. So what happens in about a year when all is MPEG4? Will I be forced to upgrade to their boxes and at what costs???

HELP!?

All new boxes are MPEG4 capable now, and DirecTV has been sending MPEG4 signals on certain channels for some time already.

System Info:
HR20-700 (HD DVR)
5 LNB Dish + International Dish
Zinwell WB68 Multi-Switch

Heres the problem I'm having with my system. I'm getting all the new HD channels that I'm supposed to be getting (except NFL HD), however I get "Searching for satellite on Tuner 2" message everytime I try to access it on Tuner 2. So I would have to switch to Tuner 1 to watch that the new HD channel. This only happens with the new channels. Initial HD channels and everything else works fine.

I even got a new BBC from directv and that didnt work. I swap the good line over to the other tuner and it works. But then I would get the searching for signal on tuner 1. After testing, I figure that only one of the cable line was able to get the new HD channels.

The way directv did the installation is as follows: two jack in the wall. one goes directly to tuner 1. the other jack has a cable going into a splitter, one line goes to tuner 2 and one line goes to my cable modem (i have road runner cable for internet).

What I also tried was connecting the good line that had no splitter into the other jack on the wall, and I was able to get the new HD channels. So what I'm guessing is, mabye theres something wrong with the jack or something on the multiswitch that isnt allowing me to get the new HD channels on both tuners at the same time.

Pretty confusing eh? lol .. I guess this is something I would have to call in about .. but just wondering if anyone has come across similar issue or have any suggestions? in the meantime, ill just have to switch over to tuner 1 to watch those new channels :D

You can not use splitters with D* The multiswitch should go directly to the tuners.

2nd I do not understand why a cable system is hooked up to your D* system?

If there is some sort of diplex gong on get rid of it and run a separate line for your cable system.

You can not use splitters with D* The multiswitch should go directly to the tuners.

2nd I do not understand why a cable system is hooked up to your D* system?

If there is some sort of diplex gong on get rid of it and run a separate line for your cable system.

yea beats me. thats how the DTV installer had done it. i was looking at all the cables outside the other day of all the lines going into the multiswitch box and its a mess. hard to tell what goes where

I am getting 0 signal strength on 103b. The tech came out yesterday, and said the problem was my dish. I have a 5 LNB dish (it's about 9 months old) and I am getting my locals in HD.

Does that sound right? I tried to point the tech to a diplexer or multiswitch issue and he insisted it was the dish and LNB. I thought if you had HD locals you were set for 103b.

Thoughts?

I am getting 0 signal strength on 103b. The tech came out yesterday, and said the problem was my dish. I have a 5 LNB dish (it's about 9 months old) and I am getting my locals in HD.

Does that sound right? I tried to point the tech to a diplexer or multiswitch issue and he insisted it was the dish and LNB. I thought if you had HD locals you were set for 103b.

Thoughts?

It could also be a bad BBC, the easiest thing to check. A bad LNB is a remote possibility, but one of the other three problem areas is more likely. Also, these are things you can check yourself. The correct way to do diplexors and the correct multiswitch models are in numerous posts here and on dbstalk.com

Ernie

OK, thanks. I tried swapping out the BBC but that didn't help. I will try the diplex route next.

yea beats me. thats how the DTV installer had done it. i was looking at all the cables outside the other day of all the lines going into the multiswitch box and its a mess. hard to tell what goes where

A4 short is right, it is the diplexer for your cable modem that is causing the problem. The 103(b) signals are in the same band as OTA/cable and the diplexers filter these signals out when they add the cable modem signals. You need to run a separate cable for your cable modem.

When installing a Slimline 5lnb dish,(replacing the 3lnb) have the installers been using the original mast for the 3lnb dish?

The guy who installed mine yesterday replaced everything. New mount and mast with the 2 securing arms for the mast.

The new 5lnb Slimline dish requies a new mast - the 3lnb one isn't strong enough.

ok, thx. I was hoping to use the existing mast because it's attached to the roof so well with silicone and it doesn't leak.

I kept getting a 'Searching for signal on Satellite in 1' error when trying to access the new HD channels and would have to reset the receiver (HR20-700) to get anything to work from that point on. I replaced the BBC (I have a whole bunch of them because since I did the upgrade a few weeks ago, I've already had to replace 3 receivers including an HR20-700 twice). Since replacing the BBC, I have yet to see this error occur again. On my other HR20-700, I get another problem where going to the new HD channels will sometimes result in the signal just going crazy and giving me just green static flickering. Usually I'll have to turn the unit off and on again to stop this. I think I'll try replacing the BBCs to see if that helps. :rolleyes:


BTW, does anybody know if HBO HD and Showtime HD are being broadcast from the new sats. in MPEG-4 yet? IF so, which channel? Or are they just mirroring the MPEG-2 on all channels, because that's what it looks like to me. I could not see any difference in quality between any of the HBOs last night, and I was seeing some serious macroblocking.

GoldenBoy

Sorry to hear you are having receiver problems.
The new channel's have been rock steady for me.
You might be having "signal leakage" from your
local broadcast stations into the coax leading to
your receiver. I am too far away from Atlanta to
receive local signals without a LARGE antenna.

My tests show that only Showtime West HD and the
Starz HD are on the new Sat.

Good luck fixing your problem.

Y'know what's cool? When I record "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and I can't watch it because of all the drop outs and signal loss...I can only get every 4th word!

So I am switching from fios to D*, keeping the money internet though.

Here are my questions:

Rep on the phone said they were rolling out the H21 and that if the installer didn't have it I could postpone a couple of weeks and get it. She said that it had a multiswitch or something like that and only needed one cable.

Now I have only had experience with the fios motorolla hd dvr and currently out of my wall I have two jacks, one with a line going to my super bulky action tech router and the other going to the MOTO hddvr. SO if I get the HR20, how are they going to hook up another cable and hook it up when I have one jack? Are they going to have put another hole in the dry wall?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

i have hr20 box with everything running through my yam 2700 to pio pro1140hd. my question is what do you guys have the native set for on the sat box native on or off. i am not quite sure how that works. thanks mike

Do any retailer currently sell all of the equipment needed to get the new HD Channels.
Thanks
Mike

So my 3lnb dish is getting swapped out for the 5lnb on Friday... figured with the extra channels coming on, it was finally worth the swap... and D* is doing it for free... trying to get myself set up to 'oversee' the install, since I've done all my own in the past and would prefer to do it now too... tho D* says that isn't an option...

Anyway, I've seem mention that the new dish needs a larger mast, and that typically the new mast also has two additional support straps attached.

Anyone know the diameter of the new mast? And anyone know whether the two strap system will work with a corner install? My current mast is mounted to the wall so that one edge of the mounting plate is pretty much flush with the wall edge... would it work for example to use one additional strap to one side?

I'm basically torn between mounting the new dish in the same location or moving it up onto the roof itself... so just trying to understand how mounting the new dish is an isn't different from my old dish mounting. If I do go to the roof, I'd like to attach a mast to an existing vent pipe or something instead of drilling any new holes.

Also, I have an existing 5x4 multiswitch mounted near the dish that I used to diplex in my OTA antenna... ignoring the issue of diplexers and BBCs and such for the new sat signal... say I leave out the OTA input... will my current HD capable multiswitch work for the 4 feeds coming from the 5lnb sat or will I need to make sure they install a new one?

Thanks,
-James

The new mast is 2" outside diameter.
They will no longer allow the dish to be mounted to the side of the house. See picture of my old dish location
It either must be pole or roof mounted. I went for the roof mount option
There are 2 leg straps that attach to the mast for additional support.
I have attached a pic for you.
I don't think they will go for mounting it to a vent pipe.

The new mast is 2" outside diameter.
They will no longer allow the dish to be mounted to the side of the house. See picture of my old dish location
It either must be pole or roof mounted. I went for the roof mount option
There are 2 leg straps that attach to the mast for additional support.
I have attached a pic for you.
I don't think they will go for mounting it to a vent pipe.

I mounted the suppost mast to the concrete foundation of my house prior to the installer getting here. Absolutely no problem, and the installer was very grateful for my labours! LOL.
Bish

My mast is mounted vertically on the porch cornerpost.

Thanks for the pic obxdiver...

I'm sensing this won't be too much fun as I may not end up liking any of the new mounting options... but we'll see. Looking at the picture tho, I would think it would be possible to mount the mast on the wall, much the way mine is now... then use the extra support piece 'below' the mast to provide additional vertical support for the weight. But I couldn't say for certain until I see the whole setup...

Anyone have an opinion (informed or otherwise) about whether I can use Rain-X on my dish? The slickness of the stuff definitely helps keep snow and ice from piling up. But I was wondering -- might the "beading" of rain drops work against me in above-freezing conditions? Could something that small have a diffusing effect?

So my 3lnb dish is getting swapped out for the 5lnb on Friday... figured with the extra channels coming on, it was finally worth the swap... and D* is doing it for free... trying to get myself set up to 'oversee' the install, since I've done all my own in the past and would prefer to do it now too... tho D* says that isn't an option...


Also, I have an existing 5x4 multiswitch mounted near the dish that I used to diplex in my OTA antenna... ignoring the issue of diplexers and BBCs and such for the new sat signal... say I leave out the OTA input... will my current HD capable multiswitch work for the 4 feeds coming from the 5lnb sat or will I need to make sure they install a new one?

Thanks,
-James

Our install took place on Tuesday which included the Zinwell WB68 for sat signals. We kept our old multiswitch to use just for ota and it works great. We also were replacing the 3lnb for the new 5lnb. I tried hard to use the old mast for the new dish as well to make it easier but when you see the 5lnb, you'll agree it needs a taller pipe and both stabilizing arms.

Any idea what's going on here:

I'm getting most of the second wave of channels (USA, SCIFI, MHD) but now I'm not getting the first wave (Starz, History, TBS) etc. Tried moving stuff around, using the shortest runs of cable, unhooking the other STB's, etc... pretty much everything mentioned on this forum. On 103(b) I'm getting no signal except on transponder 14-15 where I'm getting about 30%.

Are they using the same MPEG-4 format? Is it a bad BBC? I've got a new one on it's way but should I just go ahead and send out DirecTV?

To say I'm slightly annoyed is an understatement. I've had nothing but trouble.

Any idea what's going on here:

I'm getting most of the second wave of channels (USA, SCIFI, MHD) but now I'm not getting the first wave (Starz, History, TBS) etc. Tried moving stuff around, using the shortest runs of cable, unhooking the other STB's, etc... pretty much everything mentioned on this forum. On 103(b) I'm getting no signal except on transponder 14-15 where I'm getting about 30%.

Are they using the same MPEG-4 format? Is it a bad BBC? I've got a new one on it's way but should I just go ahead and send out DirecTV?

To say I'm slightly annoyed is an understatement. I've had nothing but trouble.

Are you receiving the same readings of 103(b) on both tuners? I checked Starz and History 519 and 269 and they're both ok.

Have you tried a reboot by unplugging, wait a few mins., then replugging?

They did my install today..

First a question: I'm getting all the new and old HD channels, except the locals( more on that later)..I get no signal on sat 99 or 103a..The other 3 ,110,119 and 103b read fine...Are these readings normal right now...

When the installer got here he immediately noticed that my old dish( installed 8 years ago) was on a platform D*( on a flat part on my roof) provided and that this new slim line will NOT fit on the old platform.. The mask/pole and the foot on this new dish is much bigger than the old dish..

To make a long story short, between my help and some of my tools we got the old platform to work. He didn't have a new one, nor did the shop, and I got the idea D* would rather not use this type of installation anymore. He hinted the only type of installations D* wants them to do anymore are directly mounted to the house, or on a pole.

I posted my lack of locals in another thread and was advised to call D* and have them reset my HD package.. Which I plan on doing..

But I thought I'd post it here too just in case my lack of signals on 99 and 103a have something to do with my locals reading 771..

Are you receiving the same readings of 103(b) on both tuners? I checked Starz and History 519 and 269 and they're both ok.

Have you tried a reboot by unplugging, wait a few mins., then replugging?

No dice on the reboot. Still the same problem. By the way, I should have mentioned I have a HD20. Only one tuner.

So I am switching from fios to D*, keeping the money internet though.

Here are my questions:

Rep on the phone said they were rolling out the H21 and that if the installer didn't have it I could postpone a couple of weeks and get it. She said that it had a multiswitch or something like that and only needed one cable.

Now I have only had experience with the fios motorolla hd dvr and currently out of my wall I have two jacks, one with a line going to my super bulky action tech router and the other going to the MOTO hddvr. SO if I get the HR20, how are they going to hook up another cable and hook it up when I have one jack? Are they going to have put another hole in the dry wall?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

I picked up on a "Welcome Back" offer from D* this month and left Comcast cable for all except cable internet, for good I think. I've been reading as much as I can absorb to catch up on current developments since I left D* 18 month ago.

What the rep has reference to is that the soon-to-be-available H21 receiver (not the HR21 DVR which is rumored to be in development but may not be available until early 2008) is SWM compatible. (I've seen a picture online of the back of the H21 which says so on the coax input.) SWM is an acronym for "Single Wire Multi-switch." It will permit a single wire from the 5 LNB SlimLine dish to a central distribution point in the house. When the SWM is available, it will no longer be necessary to bring four separate coax cables into a house to feed four or more separate STBs.

What the rep failed to mention - maybe didn't know - is that the SWM is still in development and won't be available until early 2008. My understanding from what I've read is that once the SWM is installed at a central point in a building, you'll still need two coax connections per DVR; one cable run per non-DVR receiver. That won't change, AFAIK. The big feature of the SWM is that it eliminates multi-wire runs from the external dish to the internal distribution point.

This is not firsthand info but I believe what I have reported from other sources is correct.

Dana

PS. The latest "cutting edge" firmware for the H20 (aka beta trial firmware) provides SWM support for the H20, too. So the H20 won't be left behind when the SWM becomes available. http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=103091

It is possible to mount a 5lnb dish on the wall.

It is possible to mount a 5lnb dish on the wall.

Yes. I just had one installed Monday on the side of my house. But, the novice installer said it wasn't supposed to be installed on a wall. He wanted to put it on my roof. He said it weighs 36 lbs. and would be yanked off the wall in a strong wind.

This directly contradicts previous installation guidance from D* which at one time said roof installs of the 5 LNB dish were to be avoided unless a last resort and then, mounted on a special sled with concrete block weights, etc.

Anyway, I live in a high wind area and the roof is the last place to install what amounts to a big sail. The installer's supervisor came and we discussed the wall's construction which is sturdy and while wood shingled on the exterior, has a substantial wood substrate. He approved the wall install with two support arms and 3" lag screws. Furthermore, it's in a sheltered southern exposure not likely to get any wind.

But, apparently wall installs are issues now.

Dana

I live in Florida. Note the accordian hurricane shutters next to the dish. The wall is concrete block stucco (CBS) however.

Direct tv... what can I say.
They came out two weeks ago to replace the hr250(move upstairs to other hidef tv) with the HR20 in my theater room. My regular theater installer could not make when they came, and said it is ready for them. He could not even count the number of cables correctly. wanted to run new ones down the house. I said no and set up and appt for yesterday.
They spent the morning here after screwing up the install on the roof and moving it. It turned out it was bad box.
Four hours later they came back with a new one that worked. I asked where the new chanels were, they said must not be on yet.
I called this morning, got transfered twice and then ran thru the setup again. No luck, now they are coming back on Saturday.
Good luck...

Anyone? Am I suppose to get any signal on 103b?

Anyone? Am I suppose to get any signal on 103b?

We're getting 16 transponders of signal strength mid-90s on 103(b). When checking 103(a), it receives 7 transponders but it took a loong time and 2 were 0 strength this might be normal though. We're receiving the new channels.

Anyone? Am I suppose to get any signal on 103b?

yes
Thats where all the new MPEG4 channels are
you definitely need 103b

I'am not getting anything on 103b and therefore no new HD for me. It would not be such a big deal if it were not for the MLB playoffs on TBS. Does anyone have any ideas about how to aquire a signal, or what could be causing this? I have removed all diplexers from the sat system and only have the HD DVR's connected to the 5x8 multiswitch. All OTA is seperated from the multiswitch as well. Could this be a LNB issue? If so how do I check?
Rick

I'am not getting anything on 103b and therefore no new HD for me. It would not be such a big deal if it were not for the MLB playoffs on TBS. Does anyone have any ideas about how to aquire a signal, or what could be causing this? I have removed all diplexers from the sat system and only have the HD DVR's connected to the 5x8 multiswitch. All OTA is seperated from the multiswitch as well. Could this be a LNB issue? If so how do I check?
Rick

Is your receiver set up for 5lnb?

Well, now I'm really confused...

101=95
110=95
119=83
99b=0
103a=0
103b=92

Earlier I had a signal on all birds except 103b...

And I was getting all new and old HD's, except locals(2,4,5,7)

Then about an hour ago I was watching History HD, and the signal went out..I got 771 on History, TBS and TNT for about 10 mins...All came back and now I check the signals and I get the above readings..

Something is weird either on my end or D*'s..

Thanks Alan(Oldfart) and Dana(drbonbi) for confirmation and info on the wall install. I'll be pushing for that tomorrow when the installers show up to do my dish swap. Wind is actually the primary reason for the install being where it is now, since the dish is mounted on the downhill side of the house... and we get some pretty fierce winds coming down the hill most evenings in fall and spring. So in its current position, the dish is shielded rather nicely from the brunt of those winds.

Another question... I was just looking at my order online just to make sure everything is set and I see "Swap Replace" entries for all the items (HR20, H20 and dish). When I'd talked to D*, they had initially said they'd "swap" the new receivers for the ones I have now. But after further deliberation, and then confirmed later when I actually placed the order in a second call, I was assured that because I already own both my existing receivers outright, there would be no swapping, just installing new receivers. I'd be free to do as I wish with my old ones. Anyone run into any issues in this regard, namely installers expecting to take old receivers with them? That's not gonna happen for me, so just want to know if I should be prepared to be calling D* tomorrow during the install.

Thanks...
-James

I'am not getting anything on 103b and therefore no new HD for me. It would not be such a big deal if it were not for the MLB playoffs on TBS. Does anyone have any ideas about how to aquire a signal, or what could be causing this? I have removed all diplexers from the sat system and only have the HD DVR's connected to the 5x8 multiswitch. All OTA is seperated from the multiswitch as well. Could this be a LNB issue? If so how do I check?
Rick


You need a newer 6x8 multiswitch to get all of the new HDTV channels.

fafner

Thanks Alan(Oldfart) and Dana(drbonbi) for confirmation and info on the wall install. I'll be pushing for that tomorrow when the installers show up to do my dish swap. Wind is actually the primary reason for the install being where it is now, since the dish is mounted on the downhill side of the house... and we get some pretty fierce winds coming down the hill most evenings in fall and spring. So in its current position, the dish is shielded rather nicely from the brunt of those winds.

Another question... I was just looking at my order online just to make sure everything is set and I see "Swap Replace" entries for all the items (HR20, H20 and dish). When I'd talked to D*, they had initially said they'd "swap" the new receivers for the ones I have now. But after further deliberation, and then confirmed later when I actually placed the order in a second call, I was assured that because I already own both my existing receivers outright, there would be no swapping, just installing new receivers. I'd be free to do as I wish with my old ones. Anyone run into any issues in this regard, namely installers expecting to take old receivers with them? That's not gonna happen for me, so just want to know if I should be prepared to be calling D* tomorrow during the install.

Thanks...
-James

If you bought your "old" equipment outright before Mar. 1, 2006 without any rebate or other financial involvement by D*, then you own the boxes. Those online order confirmations aren't worded very well; I had to call to confirm that "HD Rec." meant receiver (which I wanted) and not recorder. (It did.) Your order should probably have said box replacement.

In any event, the installers won't pick up your old boxes, trust me. They aren't employees of D* but work for contractors.

In the event D* wanted the boxes back, they'd send prepaid shipper cartons to you to be sure the boxes were received and processed at the proper D* facility and that you got credit for returning them.

I think you're all set. It may be too late but it wouldn't hurt to try to identify and make contact with the local office of the outfit doing the install. I did, both to confirm my order and later, to get a supervisor involved. I found that local people are more responsive than the national "Installation Support" staff.

Good luck!

Dana

My 103b shows nothing and I am not getting any of the new hd chanels meg4. I guess I may need the newer 6x8 multiswitch.
Gerry

To add to my good times, which include only getting some of the second wave (USA, MHD, SCIFI) and none of the first, my roomate's cell phone interferes with all the second wave HD's. My cell doesn't though.

Could this be helping to answer the main issue - no first wave HD channels. Could something be interfering? WIFI maybe?

I'd like to get the MPEG 4 D* HD-DVR for the new channels. I'm currently using the HD-Tivo box. I already have the 5 LNB dish on my roof.

1) Will I be able to get D* to send me the box to connect myself (since the dish is already on the roof)?
2) If I have to use an installer, will I have to have a land line nearby?
3) If I have to have a land line nearby, can I have a cord running around the room until the installer leaves?

For everyone with a multiswitch. If is not the Zinwell WB68 or WB616 you will have a problem with 103(b). If it is a 5x8 it will remove ALL the 103(b) signals because of its built-in diplexer. Other multiswitches will usually give you some signal on some transponders but that's all. Call DirecTV and get them to install a WB68 or WB616.

I think for DVRs they require an installer. I typically walk the installer to where I want to connect the DVR, let him hook it up temporarily, let him call D* to activate (so he can get his money) and then walk him out the door after offering a soda or drink of his preference.

None of the ones I've worked with have ever mentioned a phone line :D

I'd like to get the MPEG 4 D* HD-DVR for the new channels. I'm currently using the HD-Tivo box. I already have the 5 LNB dish on my roof.

1) Will I be able to get D* to send me the box to connect myself, or do I have to work with an installer?
2) If I have to use an installer, will I have to have a land line nearby?
3) If I have to have a land line nearby, can I have a cord running around the room until the installer leaves?

They did my install today..

First a question: I'm getting all the new and old HD channels, except the locals( more on that later)..I get no signal on sat 99 or 103a..The other 3 ,110,119 and 103b read fine...Are these readings normal right now...

When the installer got here he immediately noticed that my old dish( installed 8 years ago) was on a platform D*( on a flat part on my roof) provided and that this new slim line will NOT fit on the old platform.. The mask/pole and the foot on this new dish is much bigger than the old dish..

To make a long story short, between my help and some of my tools we got the old platform to work. He didn't have a new one, nor did the shop, and I got the idea D* would rather not use this type of installation anymore. He hinted the only type of installations D* wants them to do anymore are directly mounted to the house, or on a pole.

I posted my lack of locals in another thread and was advised to call D* and have them reset my HD package.. Which I plan on doing..

But I thought I'd post it here too just in case my lack of signals on 99 and 103a have something to do with my locals reading 771..

First, if you have an H20 the signal readings for 99(b) and 103(a) are very slow, you have to wait...and wait.
Second, the HD locals come from one of those two satellites, which one will depend on where you are (post your zip code).

I'd like to get the MPEG 4 D* HD-DVR ...
1) Will I be able to get D* to send me the box to connect myself (since the dish is already on the roof)?No. You may be able to buy one from a local dealer though. That's what I did. I talked D* into a $100 bill credit to buy locally, so $269 minus the $100 credit came to $169 total.

2) If I have to use an installer, will I have to have a land line nearby?No. And it is not needed either, except to send D* PPV billing info from your receiver. It is not needed for software updates, although some installers may try to convince you otherwise.

Thanks for the quick responses, y'all. Will I need B-Band converters for the box as well? And will DirecTV send these automatically with the HR-20?

They are included in the box with the DVR (they come with it)

Thanks for the quick responses, y'all. Will I need B-Band converters for the box as well? And will DirecTV send these automatically with the HR-20?

I currently only have an HR10-250 (HD DirecTiVo) and 3LNB. I want to ADD an HR20 and swap my 3LNB for a new 5LNB. I currently get SD LIL's and the national network HD feeds (west coast ABC, CBS, NBC). Will D* allow me to keep the national network HD feeds since I'm keeping the HR10-250 (and won't be able to receive HD LIL's on that box)?

First, if you have an H20 the signal readings for 99(b) and 103(a) are very slow, you have to wait...and wait.
Second, the HD locals come from one of those two satellites, which one will depend on where you are (post your zip code).

Poughkeepsie NY...12603..

I've always got my locals from NYC.. As I'm writing this I am getting my locals on 2,4,5,7 in HD for the first time since the installation yesterday..

But now twice today I lost HD for History, TBS, TNT, etc.

I am checking now as I write this.. I have a signal on all the birds except 103b..

It 'seems' like I either get 99b and 103a and not 103b, or i get 103b and not 99b and 103a....

I'm going to keep an eye on this for a few days.. I've lost History channel HD, TBSHD, etc a few times since the install yesterday.. Then when I check the signals I am not getting 103b. When I am getting them channels I get 103b but not the other 2 birds.. I doubt it's an alignment problem because the weather here has been perfect and when the signals come in they are in the 90's for all 3 birds...

Thx

Install was just completed a bit ago... Chris the installer seemed quite competant actually and somewhat exceeded my expectations. The dish basically went into the exact same spot as the old one. Chris is actually the one who asked me if that was what I wanted to do, so didn't seem at all concerned about the wall mount.

Since the mounting plate for the new mast has same footprint as the old mast, it was almost as simple as unbolting the old mast and putting the new mast in the same holes. The only extra was a single additional brace to the wall perpendicular to the mast.

So far reception off all new and old HD channels seems to be working fine, tho I haven't yet checked to see what kinds of signal levels I'm getting or anything tho.... I even still get the one 'national' HD local (CBS west) that I had gotten before since my programming package hasn't changed. gimp, this may imply you'd have both the true locals and national locaks in HD, but not sure...

One oddity I've noticed so far on the new channels... ie TLC and Discovery... they are still pillar boxed, but not as wide as normal 4:3... basically I have a mostly full screen picture, but with thin (1 inch-ish on my 32" tv) black borders at the vertical edges. All other HD channels seem to have proper full screening. Haven't researched this, so not sure if its expected or just perhaps something in my settings I haven't gotten around to tweaking yet... but overall the move is a positive one so far...

Oh... meant to say the one disappointing aspect of the install is that I didn't get a new multi-switch. I'd asked about this when placing the order and was assured a new multiswitch would be part of my install. However, when Chris arrived he told me this wasn't part of the workorder.

It doesn't matter really because I don't necessarily need on as I'm currently using just 4 sat feeds. My old multiswitch was primarily a diplexer to bring in OTA. I'd wanted the newer multiswitch tho to make it easier for me to add a new receiver (or keep using one of my old ones).

For the time being tho, my old multi was replaced with a bunch of barrel connectors (one each on the 4 lines). If I do add another receiver, I suppose they'll just add the new multiswitch then and swap it back in place of the barrel connectors.

Cheers,
-James

Yep..1/2 hour of so later and my HD locals on 2,4,5,7 are gone.. So is my signal on 99b and 103a...

BUT my History HD, TBS etc. is back and so is the signal on 103b...

So that pretty much confirms it.. I am getting either a signal on 99b and 103a OR a signal on 103b...Not both..

Unless someone here has any ideas I'll have to give D* a call next week...

I do have another b-band converter ordered. It's not here yet, when I comes I can try and replace that.. Not sure why that would cause this issue though.. Not sure whats going on...:)

One oddity I've noticed so far on the new channels... ie TLC and Discovery... they are still pillar boxed, but not as wide as normal 4:3... basically I have a mostly full screen picture, but with thin (1 inch-ish on my 32" tv) black borders at the vertical edges. All other HD channels seem to have proper full screening. Haven't researched this, so not sure if its expected or just perhaps something in my settings I haven't gotten around to tweaking yet... but overall the move is a positive one so far...

Some of the TV programmers (TLC, DISC, HIST, TBS) stretch or crop 4:3 SD to try and fill the screen and are calling it HD !!!
Read this thread.
Others, such as USA-HD and SCI-FI are doing it correctly. A 4:3 SD show is sent to us as 4:3...not stretched.
Please sign the partition if you are against this practice.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=914099

Steve... thanks for the cross reference... I had actually been checking out that thread off and on too... so am aware of the 'stretching' issue in general...

To be honest, I'm actually on the fence about the issue itself... I stretch everything anyway, so don't necessarily mind it being prestretched. In fact to me, my options for 'stretching' a 4:3 image sent as a 16:9 image with black bars aren't that appealing to me. So if they don't stretch, its to me the same as forceing me to watch 4:3. Since I haven't concluded which way I stand for sure, I haven't added to the petition...

Anyway, in my previous post, I was only commenting on the fact that the 'stretch' isn't actually a full 16:9 stretch, or at least doesn't appear to be on my screen for TLC and Discovery in particular. All other HD channels (stretching or true HD) fill the full screen. So it was this incomplete stretching I found odd, not the stretching itself.

Cheers,
-James

Correct.
TLC & DISC seem to zoom the 4:3 image but not enough to fill a 16x9 screen.
It leaves about a 2" side bar on my 65"

OK... so if there is a petitiion to stop the incomplete stretching... I'll sign that one immediately... that really is annoying... I can understand stretching (to 16:9) or not stretching at all (4:3) but what is the point of stretching to something in between? Who is the idiot that thought that was a good idea? Yeeesh...

OK... so if there is a petitiion to stop the incomplete stretching... I'll sign that one immediately... that really is annoying... I can understand stretching (to 16:9) or not stretching at all (4:3) but what is the point of stretching to something in between? Who is the idiot that thought that was a good idea? Yeeesh...

http://www.**************.com/sillyhd/

Steve... thanks again for the link... and sorry for my somewhat sarcastic post before...

I was actually referring to a petition (which doesn't exist) specifically to stop the partial stretching (ala TLC and Discovery)... as in general I'd be fine with either no stretching or full stretching... this in between thing is beyond whacked tho...

Haven't done it yet, but I'll likely sign the petition in your link to deal with stretching in general as a no no... I personally don't mind one way or the other (except for the partial stretching) but can see why adhering to original format is likely the best overall option...

gimp, this may imply you'd have both the true locals and national locaks in HD, but not sure...

Thanks, got similar response over at dbstalk.

I just got one of the new HD DVR's by DirecTV and I am actually pretty happy with it especially with all the new HD channels now available. I connected it to my network and I noticed under the music/photo section there is a place for video. I got it to connect with one of my computers and it actually saw the folders for videos, however it did not see any of the actual video files. Does anyone know what file types it supports, ie WMV, MPEG2, etc.? I have a lot of videos in the WMV format which my XBOX360 can see and playback and I was wondering if the new HD DVR can do the same. Anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks,
Kemical

Yep..1/2 hour of so later and my HD locals on 2,4,5,7 are gone.. So is my signal on 99b and 103a...

BUT my History HD, TBS etc. is back and so is the signal on 103b...

So that pretty much confirms it.. I am getting either a signal on 99b and 103a OR a signal on 103b...Not both..

Unless someone here has any ideas I'll have to give D* a call next week...

I do have another b-band converter ordered. It's not here yet, when I comes I can try and replace that.. Not sure why that would cause this issue though.. Not sure whats going on...:)

What tuner do you have and how many lines into the back?

I'm having the same problem. The installer only put one line in.

I'm getting the "searching for satellite" at times on most of the HD.

Sometimes the 103b tuner 2 has a reading, sometimes zeros.

Although you seem a lot less frustrated with this than I am.

One of the service reps said their HD tuner had two lines, but the tech dept simply made the installer return next week.

I had an extra BBC in the box for the second line connection but this didn't change anything.

What tuner do you have and how many lines into the back?

I'm having the same problem. The installer only put one line in.

I'm getting the "searching for satellite" at times on most of the HD.

Sometimes the 103b tuner 2 has a reading, sometimes zeros.

Although you seem a lot less frustrated with this than I am.

One of the service reps said their HD tuner had two lines, but the tech dept simply made the installer return next week.

I had an extra BBC in the box for the second line connection but this didn't change anything.

H20.. Only one line because from what I read here and what the installer said I only need one line. No DVR's on any of my TV's...

I'm not frustrated YET because most of the times I get a reading on 103b so I'm getting all my HD channels except my locals.. But since I get my locals on the 80 channels AND I get them OTA I really don't care if I get HD locals on 2,4,5 and channel 7..

Even when the installer was here I didn't get those locals in HD, but I told him not to worry about it for the above reasons.. But now the last few days my signal is jumping back and forth between 99b/103a and 103b.. I either get a signal on 99b and 103a OR 103b...If I can figure out how to keep it locked on 103b all the time I'd be happy because again I don't really care if I get my HD locals on 2,4,5 and 7..

H20.. Only one line because from what I read here and what the installer said I only need one line. No DVR's on any of my TV's...

I'm not frustrated YET because most of the times I get a reading on 103b so I'm getting all my HD channels except my locals.. But since I get my locals on the 80 channels AND I get them OTA I really don't care if I get HD locals on 2,4,5 and channel 7..

Even when the installer was here I didn't get those locals in HD, but I told him not to worry about it for the above reasons.. But now the last few days my signal is jumping back and forth between 99b/103a and 103b.. I either get a signal on 99b and 103a OR 103b...If I can figure out how to keep it locked on 103b all the time I'd be happy because again I don't really care if I get my HD locals on 2,4,5 and 7..

I have the HR20. But one of the support people said she only had HD and had 2 lines.

I'm also receiving half of the readings for 103b tuner 1 all the time. (half are zeros)

The 103b tuner 2 gets a reading sometimes, then sometimes all zeros. And there is no second line.

I'm thinking there is a cross over in there.

Hopefully someone knows more about this than me.

But if you aren't getting any 103b on tuner 1 then you may have a bad BBC.

I didn't get any MPEG4 without the BBC connected. (for some reason the installer left it sitting on top)

DTV customer service also requested that a senior tec be here when the installer comes back. This way I wont be going in circles forever.

Thats my dilemma though.. Most of the time I AM getting a signal on 103b.. But sometimes it drops, then I get a signal on 99b and 103a..

I did order another BBC.. When that comes I'm going to swap it with the BBC I have on now..

It's worth a try...Who knows?

BTW.. How are the new HD channels showing up on others here H20 guide?

Example: HistoryHD on my guide shows up as 269, the same as History channel SD channel. So when I push 2-6-9 on my remote it changes to 269 SD. To get to HistoryHD then I have to push the channel button once UP to get to the HD. Same with 245 and 247..

Does this sound right?

I just got one of the new HD DVR's by DirecTV and I am actually pretty happy with it especially with all the new HD channels now available. I connected it to my network and I noticed under the music/photo section there is a place for video. I got it to connect with one of my computers and it actually saw the folders for videos, however it did not see any of the actual video files. Does anyone know what file types it supports, ie WMV, MPEG2, etc.? I have a lot of videos in the WMV format which my XBOX360 can see and playback and I was wondering if the new HD DVR can do the same. Anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks,
Kemical

You cannot watch videos with the HR20, only still images (JPEG files). You can also listen to MP3 files. There is speculation you will be able to watch videos in the future.

SMK

Oh... meant to say the one disappointing aspect of the install is that I didn't get a new multi-switch. I'd asked about this when placing the order and was assured a new multiswitch would be part of my install. However, when Chris arrived he told me this wasn't part of the workorder.

It doesn't matter really because I don't necessarily need on as I'm currently using just 4 sat feeds. My old multiswitch was primarily a diplexer to bring in OTA. I'd wanted the newer multiswitch tho to make it easier for me to add a new receiver (or keep using one of my old ones).

For the time being tho, my old multi was replaced with a bunch of barrel connectors (one each on the 4 lines). If I do add another receiver, I suppose they'll just add the new multiswitch then and swap it back in place of the barrel connectors.

Cheers,
-James

I had my new 5lnb installed a couple days ago and all I needed was 4 feeds. The new slimline dish doesn't need an external multiswitch. If you need more than 4 feeds than yes you will need the 6x8 multiswitch.

My install went very well and my HR20 and two H20's are working great. It's awesome to have all these new HD channels.

BTW.. How are the new HD channels showing up on others here H20 guide?

Example: HistoryHD on my guide shows up as 269, the same as History channel SD channel. So when I push 2-6-9 on my remote it changes to 269 SD. To get to HistoryHD then I have to push the channel button once UP to get to the HD. Same with 245 and 247..

Does this sound right?

barbie845 - if you have a H20, which from your previous post idicates you do (not a HD DVR) then yes that is correct, they are suppose to have an upgrade coming soon to fix that (not sure when)

If you have an HR20-xxx (HD DVR) then no that is not what it is suppose to do.

barbie845 - if you have a H20, which from your previous post idicates you do (not a HD DVR) then yes that is correct, they are suppose to have an upgrade coming soon to fix that (not sure when)

If you have an HR20-xxx (HD DVR) then no that is not what it is suppose to do.

Yes I have a H20.. So there will be a firmware upgrade?

OK, I'll be on the lookout for that..

THX...

BTW For all here who have the H20..When the installer was here he told me if you want to check and see if there is a software/firmware update available:

Push the receiver reset button..In a few seconds the receiver will shut off, then as soon as it starts back up, using the remote, very quickly push....0-2-4-6-8...If you pushed the buttons quick enough you will get a screen saying it is checking for software upgrades..

The receiver should do this automatically, but I guess sometimes it doesn't. So using the above method checks manually... Not sure if this works with the HR20..

Yes I have a H20.. So there will be a firmware upgrade?

OK, I'll be on the lookout for that..

THX...

BTW For all here who have the H20..When the installer was here he told me if you want to check and see if there is a software/firmware update available:

Push the receiver reset button..In a few seconds the receiver will shut off, then as soon as it starts back up, using the remote, very quickly push....0-2-4-6-8...If you pushed the buttons quick enough you will get a screen saying it is checking for software upgrades..

The receiver should do this automatically, but I guess sometimes it doesn't. So using the above method checks manually... Not sure if this works with the HR20..It works with both the H20 (receiver) and HR20 (DVR). The boxes periodically download updates, but usually very late at night. You can also force beta (aka "cutting edge") software updates with the 02468 code, but those are only available during limited time windows, on certain weekends. See dbstalk.com for info on getting those updates.

my installation is next tuesday.
getting the new HD DVR .
this will be a 1 receiver install.getting the PREMIER PACKAGE
what should i ask for?
what should i look for?
I am in zip code 33414 south florida
should be an easy install right?



thanks

It works with both the H20 (receiver) and HR20 (DVR). The boxes periodically download updates, but usually very late at night. You can also force beta (aka "cutting edge") software updates with the 02468 code, but those are only available during limited time windows, on certain weekends. See dbstalk.com for info on getting those updates.

Because my receiver(H20) won't see a signal on all the sats, either 99b and 103a OR 103b, hoping for a fix I've been forcing software updates all morning.. I've done 6 of them so far and everytime it says it's found new software. So either my receiver is screwed up and seeing the software but not installing it, OR it's D/L'ing these updates one at a time...

If you do the 02468 code sequence, the box will force a download of the latest software. BUT, if no newer software is available, IT WILL RE-DOWNLOAD THE EXISTING SOFTWARE YOU ALREADY HAVE. You are wasting your time.

If your receiver can't see all the sats, you likely have a problem with:
The dish antenna alignment or an LNB problem
The multiswitch (if applicable)
The coax & connectors
The B-Band converter

If you do the 02468 code sequence, the box will force a download of the latest software. BUT, if no newer software is available, IT WILL RE-DOWNLOAD THE EXISTING SOFTWARE YOU ALREADY HAVE. You are wasting your time.

If your receiver can't see all the sats, you likely have a problem with:
The dish antenna alignment or an LNB problem
The multiswitch (if applicable)
The coax & connectors
The B-Band converter

My problem is I either see one or the other sat. Either 99b AND 103a but not 103b... Or it sees 103b but not 99b and 103a.... It never sees all of them at the same time..And this problem switches back and forth at random...

When it does see either/or sat my signal strength is in the 90's on all the sats it seeing so I doubt it's an alignment problem..

I only have 3 TV/receivers( no DVR's) so the installer used the built in 4X4 multiswitch on the dish..

Coax/connectors..Again since when these sats are being seen my signal is in the 90's, so the cables etc. shouldn't be the problem..

BBC..I ordered aother a few days ago.. So when it gets here I will swap it with the one I'm using now...

Thx for the info on the software updates..

Replace your multiswitch to the new 6x8, or 6x16 if needed, and it will work like a dream. For some odd reason directv installers have not been upgrading the multiswitch when installing the new 5lnb dish. Or at least they did not at the time when mine was done in April of 07. So if you have and old multiswitch with a built in diplexer or you have diplexers running to your receiver those must be removed as well.

Rick

Replace your multiswitch to the new 6x8, or 6x16 if needed, and it will work like a dream. For some odd reason directv installers have not been upgrading the multiswitch when installing the new 5lnb dish. Or at least they did not at the time when mine was done in April of 07. So if you have and old multiswitch with a built in diplexer or you have diplexers running to your receiver those must be removed as well.

Rick

OK, walk me through this...

The multiswitch the installer used( my installation was last Thursday) was the built in 4x4 multiswitch on the Slim Line dish he installed.. I thought the 6x8 switch was only needed if the customer has more then 4 receivers. I only have 3 receivers...


So anyway the wires from the dish go into one side of the multiswitch and then a cable comes off the multiswitch to a splitter...Then 3 cables come off the splitter to the 3 receivers.

BTW..Am I using the correct terminology? The multiswitch I'm referring to is on the dish. The splitter is a simple splitter like you'd buy at radio shack..The main cable from the dish goes into one side, and then 3 cables come out the other side to the receivers..

Thx in advance...

Barbie,
From your dish there should be 4 coax lines to a 6x8 multiswitch then from there your should have 2 coax to each receiver carrying the sat. signal. If you need an antenna feed then you need to add a third coax. You cannot split the sat coax or it won't work, you cannot diplex or it won't.

Rick

P.S. Directv will send an installer out to do this for you, if you wish, as this should have been part of your install.

Barbie,
From your dish there should be 4 coax lines to a 6x8 multiswitch then from there your should have 2 coax to each receiver carrying the sat. signal. If you need an antenna feed then you need to add a third coax. You cannot split the sat coax or it won't work, you cannot diplex or it won't.

Rick

P.S. Directv will send an installer out to do this for you, if you wish, as this should have been part of your install.

OK.. So you're saying from the switch on the dish there should be another switch. A 6x8? And then from there coax goes to the receivers.. The splitter( which was there from my 3 LNB dish before they upgraded to the 5LNB dish) won't work with this new dish?

And why 2 coax to each receiver? I have no DVR's...

Sorry for all the questions.. Thx again...

Basically the splitter in your system should be a 6x8 multiswitch. Then 1 coax out to each receiver if its not a DVR. There should not be any splitters or diplexers in the sat feeds.

Rick

Basically the splitter in your system should be a 6x8 multiswitch. Then 1 coax out to each receiver if its not a DVR. There should not be any splitters or diplexers in the sat feeds.

Rick

OK...In a few days I am getting another BBC.. I'm going to change that AND get a new multiswitch( I'll call D*).. I think you have a point. That splitter is probably causing problems so I'm going to get rid of it...

Thx

my installation is next tuesday.
getting the new HD DVR .
this will be a 1 receiver install.getting the PREMIER PACKAGE
what should i ask for?
what should i look for?
I am in zip code 33414 south florida
should be an easy install right?

thanks

Hi, you could ask for the Slimline 5lnb dish, and be sure the installer runs at least 2 coax to your HR20 HD DVR from the dish(you might ask him to run 4 coax into the house from the dish for future).

After activating your DVR, be sure to check sat signal strength and be sure all the new HD channels are coming in like 244, 267, 512, 521(I think you'll need the HD access for $9.99 with Premier to get all HD channels).

Let us know how it goes and have fun. Our installer last Tues. was very well informed and did a great job. Hopefully yours goes as well.

Does anyone know what the normal operating temp should be for an HR-20? Mine seems to run very hot. It even runs hot in standby. Also, what is the maximum signal strength on your OTA meter? On mine, all my locals come in at about 77. Does anyone get a higher reading than 77
for OTA locals, or is that the maximum reading?

Thanks in advance,
Ben Music

Does anyone know what the normal operating temp should be for an HR-20?What °temp does the info menu screen show yours is running?


Also, what is the maximum signal strength on your OTA meter? On mine, all my locals come in at about 77...18 OTA channels from 2 distant markets are all @ 100% signal strength on my HR20-700 DVR's signal strength meters. Stations range from 45 to 70 miles away.
Using a Channel Master CM4228 outdoor antenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) + CM7777 VHF+UHF preamp (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/7777.htm).

Does anyone know what the normal operating temp should be for an HR-20? Mine seems to run very hot. It even runs hot in standby.
Ben Music

The typical interior operating temperature for the HR-20 depends on which one you have. The HR20-700 has a typical temperature of 125 degrees and can be as hot as 130 and be OK. The HR20-100 is much lower, usually in the upper 90's. Most people think the higher temperature of the 700 is much of a factor to be concerned about.

The HR-20 can never be turned off. In standby all that is happening is the front lights are off and the audio/video outputs are disabled. Everything else is still "on" so that you can record shows on timers or receive satellite guide info, updates, etc.

SMK

barbie,

Basically it sounds like you have a similar setup to mine, except that you don't have a DVR... just regular receivers... And since you only have 3 receivers, you don't need an external multiswitch...

You can/should just run 3 cables total from the dish with one going to each of your receivers. Based on the setup you described with one cable coming from the dish into a splitter... I'd suggest the easiest thing to do is run two more cables from the dish to the point where the splitter is. Then remove the splitter and instead use simple barrel connectors to connect each line from the dish to on of the lines to your receivers.

You _could_ have an external multiswitch in place of the splitter or barrel connectors but you would need to go ahead and run the 4th line from the dish to the multiswitch as has been suggested... but this is overkill since the multiswitch is giving you 8 (or more) outputs and you only need 3...

By the way i did solve the "searching for satellite" issue by force downloading the software updates, then set up everything myself. The installer only added 480i to my receptions, and left out 480p, 720p and 1080i.

I also installed an OTA on the HR20. Works great! Now I can get them to remove the small dish.

I'm so disappointed with the first installer. I asked him if I needed 2 lines, and if there was some way to only have one dish on the roof.

Oh, well, at least it is going to work out.

Hang in there if you are having the same problems! It's worth it!

I have an H20 that I bought early last year. It was manufactured on 11-03-05. Is this model already MPEG 4 compatable, or do I need a new H20 to get the new HD programming? Thanks

barbie,

Basically it sounds like you have a similar setup to mine, except that you don't have a DVR... just regular receivers... And since you only have 3 receivers, you don't need an external multiswitch...

You can/should just run 3 cables total from the dish with one going to each of your receivers. Based on the setup you described with one cable coming from the dish into a splitter... I'd suggest the easiest thing to do is run two more cables from the dish to the point where the splitter is. Then remove the splitter and instead use simple barrel connectors to connect each line from the dish to on of the lines to your receivers.

You _could_ have an external multiswitch in place of the splitter or barrel connectors but you would need to go ahead and run the 4th line from the dish to the multiswitch as has been suggested... but this is overkill since the multiswitch is giving you 8 (or more) outputs and you only need 3...

I got my NEW B-Band converter today and swapped it with the one that was on my receiver. And this problem went away.. Now I get all HD channels and locals..And when I check my signal strength I am getting a signal on all the sats..

So in my case it was the B-Band converter. But I am going to get rid of that splitter. There's been too many people here, and from what I've read on D*'s site that say a splitter is/will cause problems. So I'm going to do a preemptive strike and replace it before it causes problems when it's 5 degrees and snowing out...

Thx for all the advice..