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

It doesn't matter when the H20 was manufactured. All of them are capable of receiving the MPEG4 channels.

SMK

barbie... glad you got all sorted out...

And yeah, the splitter is likely a good thing to dump too... its odd in that it can appear all is working fine with the splitter in place (as is the case now)... and if you only ever watched one tv at a time, then you may never see an issue. It really only starts being a problem when multiple receivers are trying to send conflicting signals back to the lnb/dish over the same line... I had a similar problem a few years ago with a small (wrong) multiswitch... it 'worked' for months, before I actually hit the issue...

I hope this is the proper place for this. I searched but came up empty. I had a HDR20 and the 5-band satellite installed yesterday. I can't find an option to scan for local channels. I can enter my zip and it downloads the info for the locals from the satellite. There's a local HD station not listed yet that I would like to pick up. The manual says I should be able to scan. Is it there and I can't find it or did they remove it from these receivers?

Hey everyone. I am in the process of building a pretty good sized home and the time for prewiring is coming up. I am trying to figure out exactly how many coaxs I need to be running. I am going to have 12 rooms wired for directv with HD DVRs. Now I am not going to have all 12 tvs set up initially but over the course of a couple of years that is the plan and to have HD DVRs in all the rooms. How many coax lines do I need to each tv site? Will I need 24 total lines run? What kind of multiswitch? THANKS !!

Hey everyone. I am in the process of building a pretty good sized home and the time for prewiring is coming up. I am trying to figure out exactly how many coaxs I need to be running. I am going to have 12 rooms wired for directv with HD DVRs. Now I am not going to have all 12 tvs set up initially but over the course of a couple of years that is the plan and to have HD DVRs in all the rooms. How many coax lines do I need to each tv site? Will I need 24 total lines run? What kind of multiswitch? THANKS !!

Wow
Must be a nice house
To do it right, you need 2 sat lines and 1 OTA line to each DVR receiver.
Unless you don't need OTA broadcast on every TV. But you still need 2 SAT lines to every DVR.
You can't diplex the current 5LNB dish to combine OTA with SAT over one coax line.
I can't recommend a multiswitch with 24 outputs. Maybe someone else can.

It doesn't matter when the H20 was manufactured. All of them are capable of receiving the MPEG4 channels.

SMK I have an old H20-600 from about the same time frame. It was a little quirky at first but it has had several software updates and runs just like my newer H20-100 now. I just got the 5lnb dish and have two H20's and one HR20-100. Everything is working great...couldn't be happier! The only thing is the old H20-600 runs hot. Always has.

I would call myself a tech neophyte, so please bear with me on my questions. Also, sorry if there are responses to my questions elsewhere here, I've done some browsing and haven't found what I need.

I recently purchased my first HDTV (Sharp LC-42D64U) and signed up for D* (couldn't bear to give Charter anymore money). They came out to install it Monday night but the guys that came couldn't do it (I live in a condo, they didn't have long enough ladders, and they couldn't put it on my balcony like I thought I wanted, so they wanted a separate auth. from my condo association for the roof), so they are re-scheduled for this Saturday. While they were here, they mentioned I had to have a "switch" which would cost about $50 from them. What exactly is this, and is it something I can buy online or in a store and not from them (and why isn't this included in the "startup" costs online)?

I'm getting the HD DVR, and on their website it says that you need a phone line connected to be able to record two shows and watch a recorded third show. Is this true? I have read multiple places that the only reason for the phone line connection is for PPV orders with remote, but haven't seen anything on needing it for this feature.

Thanks in advance.

The phone line is not needed, except to order PPVs with the remote. ALL software updates are download over the satellite - not the phone line. If the installer insists on a phone jack, politely tell them you'll connect one later yourself. Then forget about it.

If you're connecting 4 tuners or less (e.g. four single tuner receivers or two 2-tuner DVRs), you don't need an external multiswitch.

Probably the most important thing to ask the installer(s) is to have them show you the satellite strength on the 103b satellite in the setup menu. The 103b sat requires precise aiming and may be low, even when the other sats are showing strong signal strength. The signal strength for most of the active transponders on the 103b should be in the 90s to 100 range.

The phone line previously was necessary for software updates but I think the phone line is only used for ppv ordering via remote(for the HR20 DVR). You can still order ppv online without a phone line. It's too bad the installers weren't better informed. If you have plans for just one HD DVR (HR20), you'll only really need 2 coax coming directly from the dish(but since the instal sounds complicated I'd really ask them to run 4 coax from the dish into the house - even though you only really need 2 for your DVR). That way you can add more receivers Much easier later.

If they were talking about a multi-switch, you don't need one for only one DVR. The multi-switch (Zinwell WB68) takes 4 coax from the dish and gives you 8 outputs(4 DVRs). I wouldn't let them charge anything extra(except a nice tip if they do a good job). After our instal, DirecTv called me and ask me if the installer asked for more money than already setup with Directv. They're not supposed to charge you anything. Especially for a multi-switch you don't need... ^_^

We've been recording 2 shows and watching a 3rd (already recorded) show without a phone line.

Let us know how it goes on Saturday.

Thanks for the info. I should have mentioned I am having them install 2 additional receivers, but they are just standard receivers with no DVR or HD capabilities. So I will have 4 lines, correct (2 for HD DVR, 1 each for the addtional receivers)?...and there would therefore be no need for the switch?

The phone line is not needed, except to order PPVs with the remote. ALL software updates are download over the satellite - not the phone line. If the installer insists on a phone jack, politely tell them you'll connect one later yourself. Then forget about it.

If you're connecting 4 tuners or less (e.g. four single tuner receivers or two 2-tuner DVRs), you don't need an external multiswitch.

Probably the most important thing to ask the installer(s) is to have them show you the satellite strength on the 103b satellite in the setup menu. The 103b sat requires precise aiming and may be low, even when the other sats are showing strong signal strength. The signal strength for most of the active transponders on the 103b should be in the 90s to 100 range.

I agree with everything said. One added benefit (for me) in connecting the phone line is to see on the screen who is calling on Caller ID so I don't have to get up from the chair if it's an unwanted call.

Dana

Thanks for the info. I should have mentioned I am having them install 2 additional receivers, but they are just standard receivers with no DVR or HD capabilities. So I will have 4 lines, correct (2 for HD DVR, 1 each for the addtional receivers)?...and there would therefore be no need for the switch?

Correct.

Dana

Thanks!

Thanks!

Also, I saw above that this thread was your first post. Welcome to the AVS Forum and this particular thread! I'm a returnee to D* (a common abbreviation for DirecTV) and just had a four room install (two HD receivers, two standard receivers). The first attempt misfired but I'm now all hooked up properly.

I got my first HD set in 2004. You'll love it. It's almost like the difference between B&W and color. Enjoy! :)

Dana

Thank you. This forum has been great, I've got a lot of great information on it the past couple months. I am REEEAALy excited for the D* install, I've had my new TV for three weeks now with no HD - I was a little bummed when they couldn't do the install on Monday night, but hey, I've waited this long, I can wait a few more days. :)

not sure if this is the right thread but:
I'm sick of comcast and there whoping ~15HD channels and I'm thinking about switching to Dtv.
My first question, can you use your existing cable? I have an older house and I ran the cable to all the rooms myself and I think I have a 4 or 6 port splitter up in the attic.
sounds like the splitter would have to go and Id need something else.

another Q: so if you want a dvr you need 2 cable lines to it?
sounds like I need to redo some wireing..?

so does the weather make the signals looks bad? or is that more hype from cable companys..?

thanks

not sure if this is the right thread but:
I'm sick of comcast and there whoping ~15HD channels and I'm thinking about switching to Dtv.
My first question, can you use your existing cable? I have an older house and I ran the cable to all the rooms myself and I think I have a 4 or 6 port splitter up in the attic.
sounds like the splitter would have to go and Id need something else.

another Q: so if you want a dvr you need 2 cable lines to it?
sounds like I need to redo some wireing..?

so does the weather make the signals looks bad? or is that more hype from cable companys..?

thanks

I just bailed from a small cable co. that Comcast acquired from SusCom. No MLB playoffs in HD, no WS in HD and no SuperBowl in HD? No thanks. I switched back to D* and I'm loving it.

!. You can use your existing inside cable for HD if it is RG6 and all connectors are 3GHz capable. Standard def boxes can use RG59 and ordinary connectors. No splitters AFAIK.

2. DVRs need two cables run to each; receivers need one cable connection per box. All home runs to the sat dish. More than four connections means a special multi-switch. Four lines from the dish to it and I think as many as eight or more out.

3. I had D* from 2004 to 2006 and am now back again. I live on the coast of Maine with every weather event imaginable. The weather factor in my experience is a non-issue. What the cable industry fails to mention when they bash DTV is that they use big dishes for signal access themselves. Check out the dishes at the head end of your cable co. sometime. Also, broadcast stations access network programs by satellite feed. Yes, they are bigger but the technology is similar. A non-factor in my experience. I had some pixel blurring while watching a football broadcast on D* recently and a friend watching the same game on local cable said he did, too. ;)

Dana

not sure if this is the right thread but:
I'm sick of comcast and there whoping ~15HD channels and I'm thinking about switching to Dtv.
My first question, can you use your existing cable? I have an older house and I ran the cable to all the rooms myself and I think I have a 4 or 6 port splitter up in the attic.
sounds like the splitter would have to go and Id need something else.

another Q: so if you want a dvr you need 2 cable lines to it?
sounds like I need to redo some wireing..?

so does the weather make the signals looks bad? or is that more hype from cable companys..?

thanks

1. Most likely, unless it's total crap cable, which is unlikely.

2. You don't NEED two lines but you'll be happy you ran another one.

3. With a properly aligned dish, signal loss is rare. The newest Slimline dish is high-gain and suffers the least loss yet. You may miss 30 minutes of programming per year in an average location.

Many cable lines (around here) suffer more weather problems than dishes. And, have you ever seen how the cable companies get their signal from the networks? Drive by the cable company some time and count the satellite dishes.

cool. glad to hear. Its not like comcast doesnt have its issues. watching some hd it pauses and pixelates like a slow pc when you dump a huge file to it or something. I'm liking the dtv more and more. I might have to call soon.

so I'd have to have the cables run from each room to the dish? (up to 4)
they wouldn't be lnog enough now so I'd have to run new cable. if I understand right. I wouldn't want to extend the existing cable would I?

right now I have a tv in the basement, plasma in the LR and LCD in kitchen and a SD in the bedroom. I'd want HD DVR in LR. so I'd need a multi switch.

thanks!

!. You can use your existing inside cable for HD if it is RG6 and all connectors are 3GHz capable. Standard def boxes can use RG59 and ordinary connectors. No splitters AFAIK.

Dana

How can I tell if my existing cables are RG6 and the connectors are 3GHz capable? The guy that was at my place the other night told me I would need new wiring without ever looking at my cables...

cool. glad to hear. Its not like comcast doesnt have its issues. watching some hd it pauses and pixelates like a slow pc when you dump a huge file to it or something. I'm liking the dtv more and more. I might have to call soon.

so I'd have to have the cables run from each room to the dish? (up to 4)
they wouldn't be lnog enough now so I'd have to run new cable. if I understand right. I wouldn't want to extend the existing cable would I?

right now I have a tv in the basement, plasma in the LR and LCD in kitchen and a SD in the bedroom. I'd want HD DVR in LR. so I'd need a multi switch.

thanks!DTV = Digital Television
D* = DirecTV

It would be best to go ahead and eliminate any barrel connector splices by running new, unspliced RG6 coax cables. Solid copper (not copper-clad steel) center conductor. D* specifies that is the only acceptable cable to use for MPEG4 service. Splices are a source of signal loss and alway a potential for trouble. You would need a multiswitch with over 4 tuners connected. Each DVR has two tuners and requires 2 coax feeds for D*. An additional one is needed for OTA.

If your dish is properly installed and aligned, you should rain fade very rarely with the newest 5LNB dish. Cableco's dire warnings of signal loss on D* is just comcrap FUD.

ahh. I think I got it.

would the installers run it all or should I?

the stuff I got was from home depot, I'm not sure if its rg6. probably not.
not sure on the connectors either. and where do you get those good cable crimpers? the ones HD had were crap.

It was suggested to me to try and move the BBC modules to the output of the multiswitch and then use a diplexor after the BBC module to combine OTA signal with the satellite feed and then of course use a diplexor at the HR20 receiver to segregate OTA and satellite signal.

- I first moved the BBC converters from the input of my HR20 to the the immediate output of the 6x8 multi-switch in my attic. I checked the satellite signal on the HR20 and signal bars were still at 97%. Checked on MPEG-4 channels and all was good. :)

- I then installed a diplexor immediately after the BBC converter and combined an OTA signal from my attic antenna. Also added a diplexor to the input of my HR20 and ran satellite side to one of the Sat tuner inputs and the OTA to the antenna input. I checked the satellite signal on the HR20 and signal bars were still at 97%. Checked on MPEG-4 channels and all was good. :o

- I then checked on my OTA channels and I only got 1 channel to come in. All other OTA channels were no longer detected by the HR20. Thus my experiment to run diplexed OTA and MPEG-4 Satellite on a single coax post BBC module did not work. The MPEG-4 frequency still interfered with all but 1 of my OTA channels. :(

DTV = Digital Television
D* = DirecTV

It would be best to go ahead and eliminate any barrel connector splices by running new, unspliced RG6 coax cables. Solid copper (not copper-clad steel) center conductor. .


is solid copper not something usually found around (ie rare?) ? When i did a self install from VE years ago he sold me cable..then for all the little connections i needed for my setup, i went to home depot.

this weekend directv is supposed to put in an hr20 and if that guy must replace the wire under my home, i'm sure he will leave as access is very difficult.

I was thinking he could just use the 4 wires i already have run and put the zinwell right behind my tv since the 2 hdtivos and 1 hr 20 will just be stacked there.

is solid copper not something usually found around (ie rare?) ? When i did a self install from VE years ago he sold me cable..then for all the little connections i needed for my setup, i went to home depot.

this weekend directv is supposed to put in an hr20 and if that guy must replace the wire under my home, i'm sure he will leave as access is very difficult.

I was thinking he could just use the 4 wires i already have run and put the zinwell right behind my tv since the 2 hdtivos and 1 hr 20 will just be stacked there.

The solid copper core coax is what the D* installer will use. But, DIY'ers might be attracted to steel core copper clad coax because it's cheaper.

Dana

It was suggested to me to try and move the BBC modules to the output of the multiswitch and then use a diplexor after the BBC module to combine OTA signal with the satellite feed and then of course use a diplexor at the HR20 receiver to segregate OTA and satellite signal.

- I first moved the BBC converters from the input of my HR20 to the the immediate output of the 6x8 multi-switch in my attic. I checked the satellite signal on the HR20 and signal bars were still at 97%. Checked on MPEG-4 channels and all was good. :)

- I then installed a diplexor immediately after the BBC converter and combined an OTA signal from my attic antenna. Also added a diplexor to the input of my HR20 and ran satellite side to one of the Sat tuner inputs and the OTA to the antenna input. I checked the satellite signal on the HR20 and signal bars were still at 97%. Checked on MPEG-4 channels and all was good. :o

- I then checked on my OTA channels and I only got 1 channel to come in. All other OTA channels were no longer detected by the HR20. Thus my experiment to run diplexed OTA and MPEG-4 Satellite on a single coax post BBC module did not work. The MPEG-4 frequency still interfered with all but 1 of my OTA channels. :(

The setup you describe should work fine. The BBC moves the frequency band for the new HD channels away from the the OTA band and into the a-band, which your receiver can process. If you are not receiving all your OTA channels, the most likely problem is that the losses in the two diplexers are reducing the signal levels for OTA to the point where you can't receive them.

The losses in some diplexers are very high - I have seen posts that the best diplexer for minimum OTA signal loss is the Channel Master 4001, there was an independent test but I can't find the link right now.

One added benefit (for me) in connecting the phone line is to see on the screen who is calling on Caller ID so I don't have to get up from the chair if it's an unwanted call.

Dana

Thx for adding the Caller ID benefit. I'll have to hook one up to see how it works.

Thx for adding the Caller ID benefit. I'll have to hook one up to see how it works.

It works rather well. You can dismiss it with the remote. You can also turn it on or off with the remote. That's a good feature if one has a DVR. I don't think it would be cool to be recording a football game unattended for example, and have the screen suddenly report/record receipt of a phone call. But, I have an H21 so no problem.

Dana

...You can also turn it on or off with the remote. That's a good feature if one has a DVR. I don't think it would be cool to be recording a football game unattended for example, and have the screen suddenly report/record receipt of a phone call...Calls that come in during a DVR recording do not display during a replay of the recorded program.

Calls that come in during a DVR recording do not display during a replay of the recorded program.

Cool. I didn't know that since I don't use a DVR. Thanks.

Dana

The Zinwell WB616 will cascade. Two of them will get you to 24 drops

It works rather well. You can dismiss it with the remote. You can also turn it on or off with the remote. That's a good feature if one has a DVR. I don't think it would be cool to be recording a football game unattended for example, and have the screen suddenly report/record receipt of a phone call. But, I have an H21 so no problem.

Dana

--phone connected. Where's a sales call when you need it...? :) (we got at least 6 yesterday)

--phone connected. Where's a sales call when you need it...? :) (we got at least 6 yesterday)

You can have mine. ;)

(I have my phone on the Do Not Call list, etc., but I still get them. When I complained to one caller whose identity was "Unknown" - for good reason - she rather rudely told me that the Do Not Call list didn't apply to charities. But many so-called national "charities" I'm afraid are run by professional fund-raisers where the real charity only gets a small percentage of the take. :mad: )

Dana

You can have mine. ;)

(I have my phone on the Do Not Call list, etc., but I still get them. When I complained to one caller whose identity was "Unknown" - for good reason - she rather rudely told me that the Do Not Call list didn't apply to charities. But many so-called national "charities" I'm afraid are run by professional fund-raisers where the real charity only gets a small percentage of the take. :mad: )

Dana

It also doesn't apply to businesses with whom you've had a "previous business relationship." Pretty broad, eh?

The Zinwell WB616 will cascade. Two of them will get you to 24 drops

extravagant and true :) - explains it here on pg. 4 http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/WB616manual.pdf

I think I remember the highest reading I have on my 103b is about 86 with some transponders as low as 72. 101, 110 and 119 are all way up in the 90 to 100 range on each transponder. If these three have very good readings how can you get the 103b to be stronger? The 5lnb dish may not be perfect or one of the LNB's might be not perfectly centered. I don't think you can adjust the individual LNB's. Any thoughts?

Ron

We were D* customers but decided to go with FiOS last April. Love the internet speeds, etc., but the Packers are playing much better than I expected and Big Ten Network is carrying 20 of the Wisconsin men's basketball 30 or so games and FiOS is apparently uninterested in making a deal with BTN anytime soon.

So, we're very interested in going back to D* but I have a couple questions that I hope the wisened ones here could answer:

1. We have a D* TiVO DVR that we'd like to re-use in the bedroom on a SD TV. Can we do that? Should we do that (including TiVO subscription)? We "own" the DVR, as far as I know, so D* can't charge us to have it on our set-up can they?

2. We have a HDTV in our living room and we would like to set that up using the newer H20DVR. Compared to TiVO interface, what's the skinny on ease of use for the D* DVR?

3. Has anyone on here returned to D* after migrating elsewhere? If so, what sorts of deals, if any, can we expect from D* to come back?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!!

The Zinwell WB616 will cascade. Two of them will get you to 24 drops28 actually. 16+16-4.

We were D* customers but decided to go with FiOS last April. Love the internet speeds, etc., but the Packers are playing much better than I expected and Big Ten Network is carrying 20 of the Wisconsin men's basketball 30 or so games and FiOS is apparently uninterested in making a deal with BTN anytime soon.

So, we're very interested in going back to D* but I have a couple questions that I hope the wisened ones here could answer:

1. We have a D* TiVO DVR that we'd like to re-use in the bedroom on a SD TV. Can we do that? Should we do that (including TiVO subscription)? We "own" the DVR, as far as I know, so D* can't charge us to have it on our set-up can they?

2. We have a HDTV in our living room and we would like to set that up using the newer H20DVR. Compared to TiVO interface, what's the skinny on ease of use for the D* DVR?

3. Has anyone on here returned to D* after migrating elsewhere? If so, what sorts of deals, if any, can we expect from D* to come back?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!!

I just returned to D* for the same sort of reason. My dinky little cable co. wasn't offering MLB playoffs, the WS or even the Super Bowl in HD. They weren't competitive - except that their rates were just as high as D*.

I'm probably more wizened than wisened. I took a Welcome Back offer that D* offered last month. I'd call D* and tell them you just heard about that offer and you might be interested in coming back if that offer still applied. My recollection - I don't have the offer sheet - is that it was one HD receiver free (They lease it to you at $4.99/mo but no upfront charge which is usually $100.) or $100. off the upfront charge for the D* HR20 DVR; and two $100. off programming offers. One was a $100. rebate. Three months free for the premium channels. Standard def receivers free of any upfront charge. If it is still available, they'll read it off to you. If the rep says no, ask to be connected to the Win Back team.

I don't use DVRs myself so can't comment on them.

Good luck. I'm glad I'm back. Everything seems better than when I left about 18 months ago.

Dana

I think I remember the highest reading I have on my 103b is about 86 with some transponders as low as 72. 101, 110 and 119 are all way up in the 90 to 100 range on each transponder. If these three have very good readings how can you get the 103b to be stronger? The 5lnb dish may not be perfect or one of the LNB's might be not perfectly centered. I don't think you can adjust the individual LNB's. Any thoughts?

Ron

On 103b I am getting 91 to 97 on transponders..average of 95. Channels have held ok so far even in light to moderate rain. your readings are somewhat low but maybe alright in the real world of reception. Time will give you the answer. It is somewhat a little strange that you are getting very high readings on the other sats and only fair on the 103b. It could be lnbs are not 'centered' correctly. Bottom line..wait and see how your programming comes in....

We were D* customers but decided to go with FiOS last April. Love the internet speeds, etc., but the Packers are playing much better than I expected and Big Ten Network is carrying 20 of the Wisconsin men's basketball 30 or so games and FiOS is apparently uninterested in making a deal with BTN anytime soon.

So, we're very interested in going back to D* but I have a couple questions that I hope the wisened ones here could answer:

1. We have a D* TiVO DVR that we'd like to re-use in the bedroom on a SD TV. Can we do that? Should we do that (including TiVO subscription)? We "own" the DVR, as far as I know, so D* can't charge us to have it on our set-up can they?

2. We have a HDTV in our living room and we would like to set that up using the newer H20DVR. Compared to TiVO interface, what's the skinny on ease of use for the D* DVR?

3. Has anyone on here returned to D* after migrating elsewhere? If so, what sorts of deals, if any, can we expect from D* to come back?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!!

1 $4.99 mirroring fee.

On 103b I am getting 91 to 97 on transponders..average of 95. Channels have held ok so far even in light to moderate rain. your readings are somewhat low but maybe alright in the real world of reception. Time will give you the answer. It is somewhat a little strange that you are getting very high readings on the other sats and only fair on the 103b. It could be lnbs are not 'centered' correctly. Bottom line..wait and see how your programming comes in....

We had rain the other day. I never had any drop outs with the 103b Mpeg4 channels. Signal strength dropped into the mid 50's during heavy rain and wind but the channels all worked fine. Winter is coming so snow will tell the real story. During the rain the 101, 110 and 119 sats only dropped slightly from the mid 90's to the high 80's.

Need some help. I'm looking to switch to D* putting a HD DVR box in my one room and a regular receiver in another room, however I want to be able to get a hd receiver later and switch my HD DVR box to a 3rd room(waiting on another hd tv). My question is when the installer comes i want him to run 2 lines for hd dvr box in room 1 and 3 . room 2 will still have regular receiver. Well that's 5 lines going to new slimline dish and I think I read in hthe forums that you can only have 4 lines ? What are my options ?
Thanks

Just got Hr20-100 installed yesterday. Totally new setup with 2 wires running from the 5lnb to the HR20. Even got my troubling 119 in with some success but not perfect. Had issues with 110. Never had issues with the 3lnb dish, which is still mounted on the other side of the house and hooked up to HDtivos independently. But i had troubles getting in some channels in the 70s so here are my readings.


AS means after i swapped cables on the tuners, kept bbc same place
[code]
101

1: all over 90
1AS: all over 90

2: all over 90
2AS: all over 90

110

1: 96, 92, 96
1AS 96, 92, 96

2: 0, 0 47
2AS 0, 0, 60
2AS: 92, 89, 96 AFTER REBOOT
2 went back to original cabling and now is zero (so this varies constantly)

119

1: 77, 71, 74, 0, 73, 79, 77, 41, 80, 0, 79
1AS: 77, 73, 72, 0, 81, 82, 79, 43, 77, 0, 80
1AS: 76, 74, 76, 40, 78, 82, 81, 42, 80, 82 AFTER REBOOT

2: 65, 68, 68, 0, 69, 74, 70, 0, 69, 0 , 76
2AS: 75, 69, 74, 0, 82, 77, 76, 0, 88, 0, 84
2AS: 79, 76, 77, 44, 82, 84, 82, 50, 80, 0, 83 AFTER REBOOT


99b

1: 100, 0, 100, 14, 81, 69
1AS: 100, 0, 100, 14, 81, 65
1AS: 100, 0, 100, 0, 78, 63 AFTER REBOOT

2: 100, 0, 0, 6, 82, 69
2AS: 100, 0, 0, 6, 83, 68
2AS: 0, 0, 100, 6, 78, 62 AFTER REBOOT
2: 100, 0, 100, 0, 80, 64 Swap BACK TO ORIGINAL TUNER

103a

1: 95, 94, 0, 99, 94, 92, 0
1AS: 95, 94, 0, 99, 94, 91, 0
1AS: 95, 95, 0, 99, 92, 95, 0 AFTER REBOOT

2: 95, 95, 0, 0, 0, 90
2AS: 0, 94, 0, 99, 94, 0
2AS: 95, 95, 0, 100, 92, 95, 0 AFTER REBOOT

103b

1: all over 90
1AS: all over 90

2: all over 90
2AS: all over 90


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seems like 110 tuner 2 can be in the 90s or zero, depending on the minute in the day i check. However note that the 101, 119 and 103b are always consistent. 103a and 99b zeros may have been me making a mistake typing in the numbers..unsure.

But given the consistency of some of the satellites even on tuner 2, this cant be a tuner can it? I just dont want to get some refurb in place of it.

Has anyone who has received the national networks via "moving" been able to keep their networks after having the new equipment installed? Currenlty as a Sacramento resident I receive both the San Francisco local stations (in SD) plus the west nationals in HD and would like to maintain them. When I registered for the HD stations about three years ago, the zip code I had "moved" to was in a city where the Directv.com web site zip code guide said I was eligible for the national networks. That same site on Directv.com web site now says I am not eligible although I still recieve the networks stations. Thanks.

Need some help. I'm looking to switch to D* putting a HD DVR box in my one room and a regular receiver in another room, however I want to be able to get a hd receiver later and switch my HD DVR box to a 3rd room(waiting on another hd tv). My question is when the installer comes i want him to run 2 lines for hd dvr box in room 1 and 3 . room 2 will still have regular receiver. Well that's 5 lines going to new slimline dish and I think I read in the forums that you can only have 4 lines ? What are my options ?
Thanks

I'm not confident that you will be able to get more lines at a time than your installation order requires. You may have to wait to get room 3 wired until you have a box to put in it.

But, to answer your more specific question, up to four lines can come from the dish to a multi-switch at a central point inside the house. It can provide many more lines out.

Coming early next year will be a Single Wire Multi-switch (SWM). It will only need one wire input from the dish to provide multiple outputs.

Dana

Need some help. I'm looking to switch to D* putting a HD DVR box in my one room and a regular receiver in another room, however I want to be able to get a hd receiver later and switch my HD DVR box to a 3rd room(waiting on another hd tv). My question is when the installer comes i want him to run 2 lines for hd dvr box in room 1 and 3 . room 2 will still have regular receiver. Well that's 5 lines going to new slimline dish and I think I read in hthe forums that you can only have 4 lines ? What are my options ?
Thanks

You might have to ask very nicely for the installer to run coax lines that aren't needed for the receivers(DVRs) you have now but I'm sure it's possible(hint: big tip).

You're right, for more than 4 lines, you'll need the Zinwell WB68 multiswitch (accepts 4 lines from Slimline dish and gives 8 coax outputs).

It's almost always a good idea to run all 4 lines from the dish into the house even if you're not using all 4 right now -- it'll make adding receivers Much easier later.

I'm not confident that you will be able to get more lines at a time than your installation order requires. You may have to wait to get room 3 wired until you have a box to put in it.

But, to answer your more specific question, up to four lines can come from the dish to a multi-switch at a central point inside the house. It can provide many more lines out.

Coming early next year will be a Single Wire Multi-switch (SWM). It will only need one wire input from the dish to provide multiple outputs.

Dana
Does that mean you can use your current home cabling and connect the new MPEG4 dish up to where your main cable goes into the house, and it will now work in all of the rooms that you have coax plates in, using just a single coax run? And if this is true, can a diplexer also be used with it for OTA?

Does that mean you can use your current home cabling and connect the new MPEG4 dish up to where your main cable goes into the house, and it will now work in all of the rooms that you have coax plates in, using just a single coax run? And if this is true, can a diplexer also be used with it for OTA?

The only change when the SWM becomes available is that only one RG6 coax line is needed from the 5 LNB SlimLine dish to the SWM location inside the house. The need for one RG6 line from the multi-switch to each HD receiver and two RG6 lines from the multi-switch to a HD DVR doesn't change. No diplexer can be on the same coax line as the satellite feed; the frequencies overlap. You'll need a separate coax run from the antenna for OTA.

SD receivers can use RG59 cable. Using what wire you have already installed for cable depends on what quality it is.

Dana

Does anyone know how to tell RG59 vs. RG6 other than the labeling on the cable?
Mine is labeled, but does not say either on it.

Does anyone know how to tell RG59 vs. RG6 other than the labeling on the cable?
Mine is labeled, but does not say either on it.

RG59 tends to be thinner and more flexible than RG6. If you have a Radio Shack, Lowes or Home Depot nearby, you could examine both types of cable and get some idea of what is installed in your house.

Dana

You might have to ask very nicely for the installer to run coax lines that aren't needed for the receivers(DVRs) you have now but I'm sure it's possible(hint: big tip).

Yep. I gave the second installers a $20 tip and they ran all the lines just the way I wanted. I didn't want extra lines for future additions, but they gave me their cell number for any issues at all.

Yep. I gave the second installers a $20 tip and they ran all the lines just the way I wanted. I didn't want extra lines for future additions, but they gave me their cell number for any issues at all.

That's a good experience and a good investment. I think most installers are well informed and do a good job - although, it's fun to hear about those crazy instals that go all wrong too.

That's a good experience and a good investment. I think most installers are well informed and do a good job - although, it's fun to hear about those crazy instals that go all wrong too.

The extra line was more than $20. I priced a 100' roll at about $40-$70 at Lowes, plus the crimpers, etc, would have been about $80- $100.

I just wanted the my existing lines to go into the attic, then down into the crawl space.

YMMV.

That's a good experience and a good investment. I think most installers are well informed and do a good job - although, it's fun to hear about those crazy instals that go all wrong too.

I would like to know how to get the best installer. Is it best to go through DirecTV and get a local installer or is it better to go through an authorized DirecTV dealer like Best Buy or others?

general install question. if your install calls for m/s, 4 lines of 125 ft and it's all on the workorder and they don't use that, does the installer make more money if they dont need to do all that and just, say, run 2 50ft lines and no m/s?

just a few questions about the 5lnb dish.....

1. how much bigger is it than the 3lnb dish?

2. I heard it requires a tripod to mount it to your roof, is this true?

3. How complex is it to switch to this dish? Will it just go in the same spot as the old dish?

thanks

just a few questions about the 5lnb dish.....

1. how much bigger is it than the 3lnb dish?

2. I heard it requires a tripod to mount it to your roof, is this true?

3. How complex is it to switch to this dish? Will it just go in the same spot as the old dish?

thanks

1. The SlimLine 5 LNB dish is 22.5 in. x 32.5 in. and weighs 25 lbs (including J-mount mast, dish surface, LNBs, arm and pole attachment). The 3 LNB dish is 18 in. x 24 in. and weighs 14 lbs.

3. It will require a heavy duty tripod, a sled mount or other special attachment for a roof mount. This is the equivalent of a big metal sail.

3. The SlimLine dish mast is 2" O.D. The old dish mast was smaller. Neither the old dish mast nor mount will accommodate the new mast and mount. Further, the SlimLine requires one or more Monopoles to be attached for stability.

AU9-S SlimLine DIRECTV Dish Installation Manual http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf

Dana

thanks. Does the HR20 require two cables from the sat like the HR10-250 does? I mean to use the two tuners.

Yes...

general install question. if your install calls for m/s, 4 lines of 125 ft and it's all on the workorder and they don't use that, does the installer make more money if they dont need to do all that and just, say, run 2 50ft lines and no m/s?

They will try and run as short a line as possible.

There's no money in saving a MS and a few feet of wire. They do what they need to do to get you going. It's another story, though, if you actually NEEDED the MS and extra lines\feet...

general install question. if your install calls for m/s, 4 lines of 125 ft and it's all on the workorder and they don't use that, does the installer make more money if they dont need to do all that and just, say, run 2 50ft lines and no m/s?

There's no money in saving a MS and a few feet of wire. They do what they need to do to get you going. It's another story, though, if you actually NEEDED the MS and extra lines\feet...


It's best to get that straight right when they show up, as they can do it any way they want, then your only option is to re-do it all yourself.

Had I not intervened, I would have had each line going off each side of the house, and through my new automatic foundation vents.

Don't let them out of your sight.

Well D* just left and 119 couldn't get a signal :( , so they are sending a lead tech out tomorrow.

There's no money in saving a MS and a few feet of wire. They do what they need to do to get you going. It's another story, though, if you actually NEEDED the MS and extra lines\feet...


i do 'need' it if i want my 2 hdtivos hooked up to the 5lnb as well. And that was in the work order. I just worry down the road if they get the 110 issues on the HR20 fixed, i would want get the same channels 110/119 on my 2hdtivos (i am paying for them after all). I currently cannot get 119 on the 3lnb so having the tivos hooked up to the new dish would be good for me.

he only needs to drop 2 more wires, give me a m/s and then make 6 short cables to run to the 3 stacked units

he's coming back saturday to try to figure out my 110 issue on the new dish so should i ask him to do what he should have done the 1st time?

There's no money in saving a MS

Ok i didnt know if that i didnt take it mean they can take 'mine' and sell it on ebay?

Well, with a better understanding of your install, I would certainly insist he do what was on the work order to start with, including the MS.

I suppose they could keep the MS and sell it on Ebay, but that would catch up to them eventually, all for $20 a pop (typical Ebay price).

i do 'need' it if i want my 2 hdtivos hooked up to the 5lnb as well. And that was in the work order. I just worry down the road if they get the 110 issues on the HR20 fixed, i would want get the same channels 110/119 on my 2hdtivos (i am paying for them after all). I currently cannot get 119 on the 3lnb so having the tivos hooked up to the new dish would be good for me.

he only needs to drop 2 more wires, give me a m/s and then make 6 short cables to run to the 3 stacked units

he's coming back saturday to try to figure out my 110 issue on the new dish so should i ask him to do what he should have done the 1st time?

My installer told me that his employer - Direct Tech in this area - had conducted several truck inventories recently. The rumor he heard is that it's because D* may be buying E*. But, for whatever reason, the contractor doesn't just hand off the equipment to the installer without inventory control.

Dana

interestingly ironwood left a quality control inquiry on my answering machine. Perfect time to say i want what i was supposed to get :)

Any retailers who give the 5-lnb dish with the HR-20 as a self-install alternative? I can't have "professional" installation for obvious reasons.

I don't want to have to buy the new dish off Ebay. Circuit City gave me the 3-lnb one when I originally bought my system but I don't think they do it anymore.

Any retailers who give the 5-lnb dish with the HR-20 as a self-install alternative? I can't have "professional" installation for obvious reasons.

I don't want to have to buy the new dish off Ebay. Circuit City gave me the 3-lnb one when I originally bought my system but I don't think they do it anymore.

There are online dealers who will sell you the SlimLine dish. An example: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=02&CAT=&PROD=AU9-S
They also "sell" the HR-20.

Dana

I would like to know how to get the best installer. Is it best to go through DirecTV and get a local installer or is it better to go through an authorized DirecTV dealer like Best Buy or others?

You can receive the correct instal by calling either but you might get a better deal by calling D* to setup a receiver/instal deal.

I think it's a good idea to plan out where you want the cables and dish to be placed and know pretty much what you need beforehand, that way when the installer shows up, you can be a part of the instal and be confident it's done right. Most installers are well informed and won't leave until everything works perfectly anyway. ....no worries, have fun. :)

Any retailers who give the 5-lnb dish with the HR-20 as a self-install alternative? I can't have "professional" installation for obvious reasons.

I don't want to have to buy the new dish off Ebay. Circuit City gave me the 3-lnb one when I originally bought my system but I don't think they do it anymore.

I purchased 2 slimline dishes and 2 8 way switches on ebay for $100.

Installed myself since I have installed professional KU uplinks. Had my own meters and analyzer. So got the dishes right on.

DTV still insisted sending an installer, who sat while I connected the receivers. They charged me $225 for this.
Still angry since all the labor is really installing the dishes.....

They insisted on having an installer come even though everything was already installed? Were you a new or existing customer? You got the receivers from them or from a local retailer?

They insisted on having an installer come even though everything was already installed? Were you a new or existing customer? You got the receivers from them or from a local retailer?

I already had the 5 LNB dish installed and only wanted to swap out a H20 for an HR20. I already had a second line run, so I did not need an installer. But D* CSR said an installer HAD to do it. Since he was there, I did get him to re-aim my dish for the 103 sat as it was a bit off.

There's no money in saving a MS and a few feet of wire. They do what they need to do to get you going. It's another story, though, if you actually NEEDED the MS and extra lines\feet...

well today the 2nd tech that came admitted he didnt have the knowledge to diagnose my intermittant 110 issue but did drop 2 more lines and make up 6 cables from the m/s so now all my 3 stacked units are running off the 5lnb, which gets the previously unattainable 119 just perfectly.

then he made my sign the usual work order and gave me a copy..makes me wonder why the 1st installer didnt give me a copy of his order.

Well, glad it ended up well for you !

They insisted on having an installer come even though everything was already installed? Were you a new or existing customer? You got the receivers from them or from a local retailer?

Been with them 5 yrs. Purchased the HR20-100 from them...

Hey all, I have some questions regarding my DirecTV install coming next weekend. In short, I am renting a family member's house for 4-5 years while they relocate for a job. Their house is around 2 years old and they had Dish Network installed when the house was finished. Since the homeowner will be taking their Dish Network receiver with them and canceling service, I have decided to take on DirecTV for many personal reasons. What I am wondering is what I have to look forward to come installation day?

The current DishNet service is HD and I was under the impression the installer can use the same cabling to hook up to the DirecTV sat, is that correct? The problem is, I ordered the HD DVR, which from reading these forums says you need 2 cable runs. Will the installer just take out all of the cabling from the get-go and re-run? Also, the house has a central media hub where you can control which coax outlet is being used. Needless to say, I'm kind of nervous about the install! Can anyone make me feel more at ease?

Thanks :)

The installer will want to spend as little time as possible. Whatever is in place that he can use, he will use. What his skill level is will be a large variable.

I just checked the media hub wiring and there are two R6 cables coming into the hub from the existing Dish Network setup. I assume those cables can be used. Question is, since I am getting HD DVR, can the guy just put a switch there? And in the great room, where my HDTV is, there is only one coax outlet right now but there is also a hard plate right next to the outlet. Can he just use that hard plate as the 2nd coax outlet and I'm set?

Thanks for the info!

Well, apologies if this isnt the correct place to put this, Im somewhat new to the forums and this seemed like the best place to ask my question.

My folks have Directv and Comcast both running through a TV, the reception through Comcast is fine but the reception through Directv leaves faint lines scrolling the screen, is there anyway to get those lines to go away? Comcast and Directv are coming through into the house through the same wall plate and when I unscrew the connection for Comcast the faint lines vanish, but this isnt really a long term solution for obvious reasons. Ive thought of a signal booster for Directv but Im not really sure if thats it, I thought it might have been a ground loop at first but that wasnt it either, so Im left with more questions then answers at this point. If anyone can shed some light on this it would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

EDIT- To maybe be a little more specific, the lines are horizontal in nature, approx. 2 on screen at a time that slowly scroll from bottom to top and the tv is a older tube TV. Im probably forgetting a specific piece of information that might help and if so please ask since I cant think of anything else at this point.

Been with them 5 yrs. Purchased the HR20-100 from them...

OK, so if I pick one up from Best Buy or Circuit City they won't bug me or refuse to activate it until they install it?

I called customer retention last week and I finally bit the bullet to upgrade my dish. I ended up getting them to agree to two HD DVRs (one for 19.95 since I have the HR10-250 and purchase another one for $199.) This was also to include the dish upgrade which I was very clear about. I was also clear about the need for OTA tuners since CBS HD is not available via D* in my market. The installer shows up today with "The New Toy" as he puts it. I then say and a new dish and multiswitch. He says no there is no mention of that on the work order. Uggh. So I have him "install" the new DVR. I get a look at the New DVR and it is black and I immediately realize this is the new HR21 WITHOUT the OTA tuner. I am so angry. The second DVR is coming tomorrow via Fed Ex. It better be the HR20. when I complained to directv they told me they have no way of telling if I am going to get the HR21 or HR20. So now my "upgrade" has caused me to have 100% standard definition network channels until my dish gets installed next weekend and I will have lost CBS HD unless I run cable directly to my TVs tuner which is less that Ideal since it is wall mounted and I will have to tear the place apart again.

Hi: I searched in vain for answer to this question: will D* let me keep my old e8 which has a 169time firewire mod that works quite well for DVHS recording as a second receiver if I go with a new 5L dish and new MPEG4 receiver? I don't want to divulge this to them on the phone as the real reason for keeping both. Apparently there is an adaptor plug that goes on back of some old MPEG2 boxes which lets a 5L dish work with old box. But e8 box is not among those, I am told by D*. Is anyone else in the same position and know the answers? Thank you. --Tom in AZ

Well, apologies if this isnt the correct place to put this, Im somewhat new to the forums and this seemed like the best place to ask my question.

My folks have Directv and Comcast both running through a TV, the reception through Comcast is fine but the reception through Directv leaves faint lines scrolling the screen, is there anyway to get those lines to go away? Comcast and Directv are coming through into the house through the same wall plate and when I unscrew the connection for Comcast the faint lines vanish, but this isnt really a long term solution for obvious reasons. Ive thought of a signal booster for Directv but Im not really sure if thats it, I thought it might have been a ground loop at first but that wasnt it either, so Im left with more questions then answers at this point. If anyone can shed some light on this it would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

EDIT- To maybe be a little more specific, the lines are horizontal in nature, approx. 2 on screen at a time that slowly scroll from bottom to top and the tv is a older tube TV. Im probably forgetting a specific piece of information that might help and if so please ask since I cant think of anything else at this point.

Since what you describe is a classic symptom of ground loop, please tell us how you know "that wasn't it."

Dana

Hi: I searched in vain for answer to this question: will D* let me keep my old e8 which has a 169time firewire mod that works quite well for DVHS recording as a second receiver if I go with a new 5L dish and new MPEG4 receiver? I don't want to divulge this to them on the phone as the real reason for keeping both. Apparently there is an adaptor plug that goes on back of some old MPEG2 boxes which lets a 5L dish work with old box. But e8 box is not among those, I am told by D*. Is anyone else in the same position and know the answers? Thank you. --Tom in AZ

Unless D* financially participated in the original purchase of your older receiver before March 1, 2006 (I'm not familiar with an e8.) you own it. D* has no claim to it. I bought a Samsung SIR-TS360 receiver from D* in November 2004 and then I bought an H20-600 in January 2006 from a dealer with a D* instant rebate. I sold my SIR-TS360 since I owned it outright. When I left D* in May 2006 (a big mistake that I have now rectified by returning) I had to return the H20 to D* because of the rebate terms. On and after March 1, 2006 all D* boxes are leased as I'm sure you know.

Dana

No reason they won't let you keep it. However, it won't be able to decode the new MPEG4 data streams from the new satellite.

Hi: I searched in vain for answer to this question: will D* let me keep my old e8 which has a 169time firewire mod that works quite well for DVHS recording as a second receiver if I go with a new 5L dish and new MPEG4 receiver? I don't want to divulge this to them on the phone as the real reason for keeping both. Apparently there is an adaptor plug that goes on back of some old MPEG2 boxes which lets a 5L dish work with old box. But e8 box is not among those, I am told by D*. Is anyone else in the same position and know the answers? Thank you. --Tom in AZ

Since what you describe is a classic symptom of ground loop, please tell us how you know "that wasn't it."

Dana

Well I went off of what I was told by someone else so it could be very likely that they were incorrect in their evaluation. If it is a ground loop, which is what I thought it was in the beginning since I had something similar happen with my PS3, what do you reccomend to fix it?

Well I went off of what I was told by someone else so it could be very likely that they were incorrect in their evaluation. If it is a ground loop, which is what I thought it was in the beginning since I had something similar happen with my PS3, what do you reccomend to fix it?

You need to determine how all of your devices are grounded. I speak from experience, having just had my house ground wire system completely evaluated by a master electrician. Start with your electrical service entrance. Determine just how is that grounded. Don't make any assumptions. Ideally, have an electrician do the review. Then, all electrical devices and incoming coax lines need to be tied to that electrical entrance single point ground. Do not allow anyone to drive multiple ground rods into the earth unless they are also connected/bonded to the main service entrance ground.

Dana

Hi: I searched in vain for answer to this question: will D* let me keep my old e8 which has a 169time firewire mod that works quite well for DVHS recording as a second receiver if I go with a new 5L dish and new MPEG4 receiver? I don't want to divulge this to them on the phone as the real reason for keeping both. Apparently there is an adaptor plug that goes on back of some old MPEG2 boxes which lets a 5L dish work with old box. But e8 box is not among those, I am told by D*. Is anyone else in the same position and know the answers? Thank you. --Tom in AZ
I am guessing that your old "e8" is actually a Hughes E-86, modified for FireWire output for recording.

As someone stated earlier, the E-86 will only receive MPEG-2 channels, so you won't get any new MPEG-4 channels.

But most any DirecTV HD or SD receiver can be connected to a new 5-LNB dish or to a multiswitch fed from the new dish. The old receiver will only "see" the 101, 110 and 119 satellites and will effectively "ignore" the 2 new satellites at 99 and 103.

If you are diplexing your OTA antenna feed with your satellite feed cable, you will need to revisit how and where you can still diplex. You cannot diplex anywhere in the path from the new dish through a new multiswitch to an MPEG-4-capable receiver. But you can still diplex in the path that directly feeds only MPEG-2 receivers. The issue is frequency overlap between the OTA signals and the signals from one of the new satellites (I forget which one off hand).

The overlap is from 103(b) right now. In the future, there will be even more transponders using the lower Ka or B band from 250-750MHz.

I have my installation scheduled for Thursday and wanted to find out what to look for.

I have read that we should make sure the installer checks the103(b) sat for an 85% or higher signal. And something about dithering (have no clue what that is)

can somebody please explain to me what that means?

anything else I should look for?

Dithering in general is the tendency of any translating device to have trouble deciding which of two closely spaced signals or values it will embrace. Worst case scenario is the receiver would toggle back and forth rapidly between the satellite signal and OTA on close channels. That would be hard to watch if in fact the receiver did not just blank out pending its final decision.

Dithering a Ka dish aim is a fine tuning operation. Coarse tuning involves finding a high signal strength by moving the dish mount. Fine tuning is a matter of moving from that coarse adjustment with a few turns of the fine adjuster and recording the lower signal strength. Then the fine adjuster is turned in the other direction, counting the turns, until the signal strength matches the mark from the first fine setting. Then that number of turns is divided by two to go back the number of turns that will result in a finely tuned, precisely centered peak signal.

Dithering a Ka dish aim is a fine tuning operation. Coarse tuning involves finding a high signal strength by moving the dish mount. Fine tuning is a matter of moving from that coarse adjustment with a few turns of the fine adjuster and recording the lower signal strength. Then the fine adjuster is turned in the other direction, counting the turns, until the signal strength matches the mark from the first fine setting. Then that number of turns is divided by two to go back the number of turns that will result in a finely tuned, precisely centered peak signal.

An interesting use of the word as etymology. I was thinking it had to do with electronics. But, your explanation suggests it relates to dithering meaning indecisive, i.e., turning one way and then the other. :cool:

By the way. My compliments to you. Your contributions on many threads are knowledgeable, brief, and incisive.

Dana

greywolf is a man who knows this game and helps on many levels, I've learned and been helped solve many of my own problems from his insite. A long overdue thanks .

I have been reading greywolf since he first arrived on this forum. I see him as a model citizen here. He is definitely knowledgeable and credible, along with being respectful and polite to anyone and everyone. Even his warnings and caution statements are worded in reader-friendly ways.

It appears that being factual and accurate are far more important to him than imparting his opinion or agenda on anyone else.

Pat, my thanks to you for keeping the quality very high in the AVS Forum. For me it would be a pleasure to meet and know you in person.

Wow! Thanks guys. Usually, service is its own reward. This is a nice change from getting called a shill at the DirecTV forum though.

I too have been helped by Greywolf in the past with his recommendation of the CM4228. Now I need more advice from Greywolf or others. I am finally biting the bullet and upgrading my 3LNB to the 5 LNB. My market still doesn't have CBS offered in HD through D*. My OTA receiption is stellar but I am diplexing OTA right now and my understanding is that cannot be done as stated above. I did read some time ago that there my be a way though not approved if you put the BBC after the Multiswitch but before the diplexor. If I understood it correctly it was like this: Multiswitch=>BBC=>Diplexer=>Diplexer=>receiver. This was all before the new sats went live. Now that we are live does this work?? I also read the Single Wire Multiswitch would solve some of my trouble in this zone but talking to my installer (who failed to show up with a dish BTW last weekend) they don't the SWM so I either need to run another OTA cable or try to diplex with the method I just stated. Does this non approved method work and do I understand it correctly.

Thanks

The diplexing method in the above post DOES work....but I think you are limited by cable length. We tried it in a home with approx. 300+ feet per run, and it didnt work....but today, we did 3 H20 with this method with maybe 70+ RG6 and everything worked fine...so dont take this as concrete science, but it appears that it will work...at least certain conditions.

Pace is working on a one wire "stacker" solution that will support MPEG4 and the Ka/Ku satellites.....its not finished yet though.

WThis is a nice change from getting called a shill at the DirecTV forum though.

The truth is never easy, is it? :D

That would be funny if I ever recommended DirecTV to anyone. I don't believe I have. It just happens to be the system I know about.

Anyhow, one of the big limits to how far the BBC can be placed from the receiver is it's need for power. It is powered by the coax. I did an experiment with my 50ft run to the multiswitch and placing the BBC by the multiswitch worked with an all copper center wire RG6 cable and did not work with copper coated steel. It would be interesting to see if a Sonora power inserter and a BBC on each line before the multiswitch would work for a really long run. That would be dish - BBC - Sonora - Multiswitch - Receiver. There is some wave theory involved that could bring up problems but I don't think it's ever been tried. The power problem was always the limiting factor. I really got egg on my face before when investigating the Sonora at http://www.sonorastore.com/510.html because I didn't look at the diagram and support documentation and didn't realize it had to be used with a multiswitch even if it only had one receiver in the system.

Pat,

While we have you on this thread for a moment, is it the case that the new SWM will allow just one coax from the 5 LNB SlimLine dish to the interior SWM location, but will still necessitate two coax lines to a compatible (HR21) HD DVR and one coax run to a HD compatible (H21) receiver? I've seen claims elsewhere that it allows just one coax to a HD DVR but I think that's erroneous.

Dana

. . . . is it the case that the new SWM will allow just one coax from the 5 LNB SlimLine dish to the interior SWM location, but will still necessitate two coax lines to a compatible (HR21) HD DVR and one coax run to a HD compatible (H21) receiver? I've seen claims elsewhere that it allows just one coax to a HD DVR but I think that's erroneous.
Dana

The SWM requires all four lines from the Slimline LNB as input. The display units can be fed from a single coax output from the SWM (which can be split if needed). Both the HR20 & HR21 have one of their two inputs terminals marked for this single coax line.

SWM-5 & SWM-8 refers to "tuners" not sets, thus the SWM5 will support two DVRs ("2" inputs each) & an H20/H21, or 1 DVR and 3 H20/H21s. Am not sure if the H20 software has been upgraded to support the SWM yet, however.

Carl

Carl is correct. My understanding is the present H20 software is SWM aware and software in testing has some improvements in that area.

I endured a six hour nightmare with DirecTV yesterday over install of MPEG4 upgrade. If you previously had the cheapest family package with HD overlay, WATCH OUT! When they de activate your old box and start the new one, you lose ground! ESPNHD was taken away unless I spent an extra $13 monthly to get back what I enjoyed for years. The old plans terminate and are not grandfathered in when you "upgrade." I had to threaten total cancelation to get concessions. At one point, they said all sales of the upgrade are final. But when aggressively challenged, they backed down to a "three day grace period" which I used to make them reactivate my old E86. They promised to send me empty box to return the H20 and they are letting me keep the new 5L dish. The only "happy ending" aspect is I got a huge discount for one year on the new mystery "select" package which is nowhere on their website that does restore ESPNHD x2. If you have the old family package with HD upgrade, keep it and cancel your MPEG2 scheduled changeover while there is still time! Otherwise you will go backwards, increase your blood pressure and never figure out the horrible menu structure of the H20. It was the longest and worst six hours in front of my TV in five years trying to maneuver around that thing. Cherish your E86 for as long as they will let you and spread the word. Thank you for listening. --Tom in Tucson

I lost all my new HD chanels on directv last week. It took them originally four times tell they got it running.
I just checked and it seems they are all back except the local channels. I am just going to let them come in the am.

Newbie question here :

Planning to get DirecTV with an HD DVR soon but not sure how many receivers will be needed :-(

We have one SDTV and one HDTV. Ideally, we'd like to view DVR recordings on both TVs.

I know that Dish Network can support this setup with a single receiver box.

Does the DirecTV HD DVR work the same way ?

Thanks.

My friend has dish HD DVR with a SDTV in another room. I personally witnessed a remote playback of a SD movie on the other TV while we watched HD on the living room live. All this at least controlled through the main single box in the LR. I have no idea what he pays for these features, but my recent bad experience with DirecTV suggests you avoid their product.

Greywolf.
The great advisor. What an experience with directv. I did cancel the repair today, since I confirmed with them that all is working.
Yes, in order to keep all the hidef you have you have to pay the $10 plus another $5 per month. Crap. They gave me a concession of three months free showtime.
So with the HR20 in the theater room I cannot get any of .1 and up chanels since no off the air allowed.
The menu on the hr20 stinks, nothing like the Tivo. Search is where you find the recording stuff. Somebody from old Japan instruction manuels must have designed it.
Anyway to get the OTA to work on the HR20?
Gerry

Greywolf.
The great advisor. What an experience with directv. I did cancel the repair today, since I confirmed with them that all is working.
Yes, in order to keep all the hidef you have you have to pay the $10 plus another $5 per month. Crap. They gave me a concession of three months free showtime.
So with the HR20 in the theater room I cannot get any of .1 and up chanels since no off the air allowed.
The menu on the hr20 stinks, nothing like the Tivo. Search is where you find the recording stuff. Somebody from old Japan instruction manuels must have designed it.
Anyway to get the OTA to work on the HR20?
Gerry

We've never been able to receive our local NBC (digital low vhf 2) but all other channels including upper vhf work well via ota on the HR20.

I'm in the Chicago area and get OTA fine on 3 HR20s. I just got the third because the HR21 does not have OTA capability and it looks like the HR20 may be a thing of the past before too long. See the Chicago OTA thread in the local HDTV information and reception forum.

I just had a new HR21 installed yesterday and I'm not sure if the record light on the front panel is working properly. Shouldn't it light up when recording? It did light up once (mysteriously), but has not come back on since. Can't find anything in the manual.

Thanks, Mike

Is the HR21 a direct replacement for the HR20?

I was under the impression that both models would be offered and the 21 being slightly more costly.

Is the HR21 a direct replacement for the HR20?

I was under the impression that both models would be offered and the 21 being slightly more costly.

You are mixing the HR21 up with the HR21 pro (which has not yet come out). The HR21 is a "simplified" version of the HR20 in that it has no OTA tuner. Otherwise they are the same.

SMK

In addition, I beleive the H21 and the HR21 are black, not silver. I'm also told that they run a lot cooler than the H20/HR20 700 series.

Ben Music

Thanks,

As of now I take it that if you order a new HD DVR it will be hit or miss if you get the 20 or 21. I have a HR20 now and am thinking of replacing my HR10.

Maybe I should just wait.

Hi, I am looking to upgrade to the new 5LNB satellite and HR21. But my 55" Mitsubishi TV doesn't have a built in ATSC tuner. My old Samsung TIS-360 handled this.

I have a Channelmaster 4228 mounted on a $600 Rohn Tower. All this is less than 3 years old.

What options do I have as far as an OTA tuner since the HR 21 doesn't support this. My Channelmaster is on it's own runs and splitter so I just need to know what tuners if any are available? I guess I could use my old TS 360?, but would have to pay the extra $5/month receiver fee? Is that going to be my most cost effective solution? Would something like this work http://cgi.*********/NIB-ATSC-QAM-Digital-TV-Tuner-Receiver-FREE-HD-Channels_W0QQitemZ160172838130QQihZ006QQcategoryZ61396QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks

I plan on upgrading to HD and will need an antenna to pull in locals from a nearby market (I get Providence locals but want Boston).
D* told me that they sell antennas for $49 and will install it when they upgrade my dish. However, they can't tell me what kind of antennas they sell. Does anyone have any insight on this? I need to pull in stations ~20 miles away.
Thanks!

Go to antennaweb.org and follow the prompts. It will tell you exactly what is needed at your address. I have used it many times and find it to be somewhat conservative and pessimistic; in other words you will get at least as good as they suggest maybe better. Good luck.

Go to antennaweb.org and follow the prompts. It will tell you exactly what is needed at your address. I have used it many times and find it to be somewhat conservative and pessimistic; in other words you will get at least as good as they suggest maybe better. Good luck.

I have done that (great site) but am wondering what type of antenna is sold by D* and if I get one from them if it will serve my needs. I was hoping others have experienced this.

Hi, I am looking to upgrade to the new 5LNB satellite and HR21. But my 55" Mitsubishi TV doesn't have a built in ATSC tuner. My old Samsung TIS-360 handled this.

I have a Channelmaster 4228 mounted on a $600 Rohn Tower. All this is less than 3 years old.

What options do I have as far as an OTA tuner since the HR 21 doesn't support this. My Channelmaster is on it's own runs and splitter so I just need to know what tuners if any are available? I guess I could use my old TS 360?, but would have to pay the extra $5/month receiver fee? Is that going to be my most cost effective solution? Would something like this work http://cgi.*********/NIB-ATSC-QAM-Digital-TV-Tuner-Receiver-FREE-HD-Channels_W0QQitemZ160172838130QQihZ006QQcategoryZ61396QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Thanks

Why don't you just ask for an HR20? They have dual ATSC tuners built-in.

Bish

My experience is they use a strap-on clamp-on affair across top of their own dish. This is not optimum since it is somewhat directional and cannot be optimized for your vectors. You might get lucky, but if you are off kilter there is no hope. If you are really 20 miles line of sight and not down in a hollow, you can put your own radio shack $40 array in your attic and be likely good. The strap on thing from them is roughly equivalent to the lowest sensitivity category used by antennaweb; though as I said, you might get lucky.

Why don't you just ask for an HR20? They have dual ATSC tuners built-in.

Bish

it was my understanding that they wouldn't guarantee what you received

Hey folks...

Wanted to double check here before I have to give D* a call...

Based on my initial conversation with D* about upgrading to mpeg4 equipment, I understood there to be no 'new' charges expected on my bill. If anything, my bill will be lower for some time due to credits offered as part of the upgrade. Seems from my searching here, this is consistant with what others were promised/are getting...

However, I finally got my first post-upgrade bill from D* today... What's up with the "leased receiver" fees? I understood that those would be embedded within either the dvr fee (for my HR20) or the additional receiver fee (for my H20) that I was/am already paying? On my bill however, I'm being charged all three fees with no credits to offset them. To be more explicit, I'm being charged a $5.99 dvr fee, a $4.99 additional receiver fee AND two $4.99 leased receiver fees.

This isn't what I expected... just wanted to see if this is normal? I'm hoping its just something simple, like maybe they didn't fully remove my two old receivers or something.

Thanks,
-James

it was my understanding that they wouldn't guarantee what you received

We've had good luck with 2 HR20s receiving ota digital signals except for the lowest VHF(channel 2). If you already have an antenna installed it should work great and the guide combines both satellite and ota. The installer might have both the HR20 and HR21. If you need ota accept only the HR20.

each receiver adds a fee of 4.99 in addition to the dvr monthly fee.

I just had a new HR21 installed yesterday and I'm not sure if the record light on the front panel is working properly. Shouldn't it light up when recording? It did light up once (mysteriously), but has not come back on since. Can't find anything in the manual.

Thanks, Mike

I have the exact same problem, no idea why it doesn't work, can anyone help?

Thanks

Lloyd

I got a call (recorded) from D* today offering a "free" upgrade to the new HDTV etc. I have an HR10-250 and guess that's it finally about time that I upgrade. I've been following this thread and I'm still confused about the different models of receivers. I know its all here but it would sure help if someone can point me to a simple explanation or table of the differences among the HR20, HR21, -100, -700 and I don't know what else. The key thing is that I need OTA to get the local HDs that D* doesn't broadcast. Once I know what I need, I can call D* back and find out what their definition of "free" is. Thanks for your help and I apologize for asking something that I'm sure is already here.
Jerry

it was my understanding that they wouldn't guarantee what you received

I ordered D* last week, was installed yesterday. I made the HR-20 a condition of my signing up, and that's what I received. Connected the simple OTA antenna that I had been using for OTA CBS-HD (station not provided by Charter) and the HR-20 added the OTA channels like a champ.

I'm a very happy camper. :D

Just ordered DIRECTV HD service. I only ordered one HD receiver being the cheap bastard I am. Just a few newbie questions.

1) What is the model number of the HD (non-DVR) receiver DirecTV is handing out these days?

2) What satellite do I get? It says 5 LNB. I've heard of a new Slimline satellite. Will I receive that?

3) I'd like to order more receivers in the near future. What are the prices affiliated with upgrading to a HD DVR or getting a DVR?

I think that's it. Thanks.

I got a call (recorded) from D* today offering a "free" upgrade to the new HDTV etc. I have an HR10-250 and guess that's it finally about time that I upgrade. I've been following this thread and I'm still confused about the different models of receivers. I know its all here but it would sure help if someone can point me to a simple explanation or table of the differences among the HR20, HR21, -100, -700 and I don't know what else. The key thing is that I need OTA to get the local HDs that D* doesn't broadcast. Once I know what I need, I can call D* back and find out what their definition of "free" is. Thanks for your help and I apologize for asking something that I'm sure is already here.
Jerry

The HR20-100 and HR20-700 have the same features but are manufactured by two different DirecTV suppliers. Both units have two SAT inputs plus over-the-air antenna capabilities.

The HR21 lacks the OTA tuners, so you'll want either of the HR20s.

I got my free upgrade from TripleLNB/HR10-250 last Saturday. I had told D* I'd only accept an HR20 but the installer only had an HR21, which I refused (as promised). I had to go buy an HR20 retail and got a $250 D* credit.

D* wasn't charging me for the 5LNB or HR21, so keeping OTA ended up costing me about $50 more than had I accepted the installers HR21 (HR20-700 $269.99+8.25% tax @ Costco). It was the last HR20 at Costco and it was sitting next to a giant stack of HR21s.

it was my understanding that they wouldn't guarantee what you received

Sam,

When you order, just tell them you will need OTA also, so they'll have to supply you with an HR-20.

Bish

Regarding the installer showing up with a receiver that you don't want...

I'm getting an HD-DVR on Tuesday. I want an HR20 since two of my favorite HD shows are Smallville and Supernatural which air on CW - a channel that DirecTV doesn't have.

However, I understand that they may show up with an HR21. What happens if I tell them to just keep it and I go buy the HR20 at a retail store?

Will the installers still give me and mount the new 5 LNB dish?

Will I get to keep my $100 credit and programming credits that retention gave me? (Seems like I should since I still had to commit to 2 years and I'll have to pay the same amount for the hardware at the retail store).

Any advantage to me going to buy the HR20 ahead of time just in case they show up with an HR21 (that I can take back later if they do have an HR20?)

Similar question to haddock/James, but I've a basic Hughes /RCA TiVO. So I would need to pay $4.99 for each add'l HD receiver, plus $10.99 for HD service.

If I get a HD TIVO, would I still need to pay for the "box" at $4.99? I understand that I need to pay TIVO directly for the monthly service since D* no longer has a HD-TIVO, but just a HD-DVR.

Thanks in advance.

What retail stores carry the HR20?
Is the warranty/lease the same as purchasing from DTV?

I need another for another room which has OTA and I want to record from the OTA when possible.

Best Buy carries the D* DVR.

Question about the HR20; Does it output audio over HDMI, or is optical still needed(coming from an HD Tivo)?

Question about the HR20; Does it output audio over HDMI, or is optical still needed(coming from an HD Tivo)?

HDMI on the HR20 carries both audio and video, just like on the Tivo.

For those who have posted that you can just ask for an HR20 because you have OTA, you might have gotten lucky that there were HR20s to be had in your area. I was scheduled for install on 10/31 and specifically asked for the HR20 so I could record locals in HD OTA. The tech showed up, we picked a spot out in my yard to place post, and after the hole was dug he says he brought an HR21. After a bit of a discussion, he states that he saw the note on my work order requesting HR20 for OTA recording, but his warehouse doesn't have any.

I spent an hour on the phone with install service, D* csr, his warehouse, and D* will not garauntee what equipment you will get. If the warehouse doesn't have any HR20s you can't get one. You could always purchase an HR20 from a retailer, but if you need to replace it sometime in the future they may not be available.

As far as my research, it seems as if the HR20s are still being manufactured but they are a very hot commodity. The local warehouse advised that they received a shipment of receivers last week and they were given 250 HR21s and had no idea if they would ever get HR20s again.

In the end, I had the tech fill in the hole and cancelled my install. I have emailed D* customer service and the only reply is that my original e-mail did not include my account# or phone#. As I am not actually a customer, I do not have an account# and I replied that my phone# was clearly visible in the forwarded part of the reply he sent. So I copied and pasted my number at the end of my 2nd response and have not heard from them in 2 days.

I picked up the last HR20 they had at the local Costco today.

When the installer shows up on Tuesday I can tell him to keep the HR21 if that is what pulls out of the truck. Actually, I think I will try to call DirecTV tonight and see if I can cancel the HD-DVR part of the order get them to leave the dish install - because the box was $30 cheaper at Costco than they were selling it to me.

Had my new install last week, everything works great including OTA What's the diff between the 100 and 700 and how do I tell which one I have? Didn't see anything definitive when browsing the menus. Thanks.

Had my new install last week, everything works great including OTA What's the diff between the 100 and 700 and how do I tell which one I have? Didn't see anything definitive when browsing the menus. Thanks.

One way to know for sure whether you have the HR20-100 or -700 is look on the back at the digital audio outputs. The -100 has both coax and optical & the -700 has just the optical.

Ah, just optical, thus I have the HR20-700. It's otherwise equivalent to the 100?

Ah, just optical, thus I have the HR20-700. It's otherwise equivalent to the 100?

It might be a good thing you have the -700 if you're using ota. Neither of our HR20-100s will pick up low vhf channel 2 but the other channels (upper VHF and UHF) work well.

The 700 receives the updates first and some have reported it runs warmer than the 100.

Also, the RF receiver/antenna is built-in(100 has RF antenna connected to back).

How is your ota reception?

OK. I'll try to pick up the HR20 at a retail store. Can someone confirm that it comes with the "BBC adapters" included in the box? I'll be getting the dish off so i can self-install so I just want to make sure I'll have everything I need.

Also, can someone confirm that the receiver can now memorize local digital channels that are not included in the "local networks" list, and that the receiver can read the PSIP guide data and integrate it next to the other digital channels that are getting the data via satellite? Finally, is it possible to manually set the HR20 to a different timezone than the actual service address (like the HTL-HD and the H10)?

BBCs come in the box. OTA channels must be present in the DirecTV database to be tuned. They do not scan for channels. If a station's PSIP data is giving an incorrect channel mapping, it won't be receivable. It does have a time zone setting. Why?

OTA channels must be present in the DirecTV database to be tuned. They do not scan for channels.

Oh no! I thought they had fixed this with a firmware upgrade. :(

It might be a good thing you have the -700 if you're using ota. Neither of our HR20-100s will pick up low vhf channel 2 but the other channels (upper VHF and UHF) work well.

The 700 receives the updates first and some have reported it runs warmer than the 100.

Also, the RF receiver/antenna is built-in(100 has RF antenna connected to back).

How is your ota reception?

OTA is strong and flawless, all channels. Picture quality is at least as good as what D* provides, and while I've heard OTA should be better, I can't tell the difference.

Got the new dish and HR20 installed. Happy with the added channels, but the audio drops out all the time on every channel. Lasts less than half a second, but its annoying. Is this happenning to anyone else? Is there a fix? It's not my television, as the sound is perfect with other sources. Same HDMI cable and input I was using with my 10-250 and there were no problems. Please advise.

It might be a good thing you have the -700 if you're using ota. Neither of our HR20-100s will pick up low vhf channel 2 but the other channels (upper VHF and UHF) work well.

The 700 receives the updates first and some have reported it runs warmer than the 100.

Also, the RF receiver/antenna is built-in(100 has RF antenna connected to back).

How is your ota reception?
You should not have any problem getting VHF-lo channel 2 on your HR20-100. That usually means your antenna does not receive VHF-lo. What's your zip code, and what antenna do you have??

Currently I have a Motorola DVR that has dual tuners with dual buffers. Can anyone tell me if the HR20/HR21 has dual buffers. I think I would really miss this feature.

You should not have any problem getting VHF-lo channel 2 on your HR20-100. That usually means your antenna does not receive VHF-lo. What's your zip code, and what antenna do you have??

My thoughts exactly (the HR20-100 Should be able to receive ch. 2) but it's a bug others have experienced as well. Our HR10-250s and the Zenith SAT-520 receive ch. 2 with the antenna(Winegard HD8200P). Thx for posting.

My thoughts exactly (the HR20-100 Should be able to receive ch. 2) but it's a bug others have experienced as well. Our HR10-250s and the Zenith SAT-520 receive ch. 2 with the antenna(Winegard HD8200P). Thx for posting.
The bug with the HR20 for VHF-lo was fixed a long time ago. Which channel (callsign) is it that you can't receive?

Currently I have a Motorola DVR that has dual tuners with dual buffers. Can anyone tell me if the HR20/HR21 has dual buffers. I think I would really miss this feature.

There are dual tuners, but no dual buffers on the HR20. I just switched over from a Charter Moxi box, and that was the biggest thing I missed, but got over it pretty quickly.

There are dual tuners, but no dual buffers on the HR20. I just switched over from a Charter Moxi box, and that was the biggest thing I missed, but got over it pretty quickly.


I suppose if we recorded the 2 programs on each tuner it would be just like having a buffer. Or at least I would think that would work. Then when we swap tuners we would still be able to go back as far as we wanted. I like to pause one tuner and then go to the other one, then pause that one and go back to the other. Works great for catching 2 football games or Nascar.:D

The bug with the HR20 for VHF-lo was fixed a long time ago. Which channel (callsign) is it that you can't receive?

WKYC 3 in Cleveland(digital position 2)

ebr, mentioned earlier DirecTv might have an add-on service for ota reception in the future. I agree this might be a better solution if they charge a few $$ because then they'll have the necessary incentive to make it work well. I never got back to you on that ebr, thx for posting.

texasbrit, hopefully you're correct and they know about it and are fixing it but just checked both the HR20s and neither are able to receive ch. 2. It just shows 'searching for signal'. (our CBS (digital position 10 upper VHF), works fine as well as the others on UHF).

Is there any way to skip the filter part of the channel guide with the H-20? I am able to do it with the HR-21 DVR but this option is apparently missing on the H-20 when I go into setting, display, etc.
Thanks,
Mark

WKYC 3 in Cleveland(digital position 2)

ebr, mentioned earlier DirecTv might have an add-on service for ota reception in the future. I agree this might be a better solution if they charge a few $$ because then they'll have the necessary incentive to make it work well. I never got back to you on that ebr, thx for posting.

texasbrit, hopefully you're correct and they know about it and are fixing it but just checked both the HR20s and neither are able to receive ch. 2. It just shows 'searching for signal'. (our CBS (digital position 10 upper VHF), works fine as well as the others on UHF).

When you check the signal strength meter is it zero?
One thing to do would be to post at dbstalk and see if anyone with an HR20-100 is receiving a channel 2 digital signal anywhere. That would help to see if there is a problem with channel 2 in general, or just something about your station. I am not sure how many digital channel 2 stations there are.

I'm considering ordering a new HD-DVR from Direct. Can I use one reciever to watch two TVs in HD and if so, on different channels? Thanks for the feedback.

no, you can't. This DVR sends the same video to all outputs.

I'm considering ordering a new HD-DVR from Direct. Can I use one reciever to watch two TVs in HD and if so, on different channels? Thanks for the feedback.

When you check the signal strength meter is it zero?
One thing to do would be to post at dbstalk and see if anyone with an HR20-100 is receiving a channel 2 digital signal anywhere. That would help to see if there is a problem with channel 2 in general, or just something about your station. I am not sure how many digital channel 2 stations there are.

The meter reads zero for 3-1(WKYC-DT NBC 3) and between 70-90 for the others. I'll check on dbstalk for others with the same issue. I doubt there are many stations on digital 2 because of the interference on low VHF. WKYC has plans on moving to digital 17 in 2009 which might help. Thx.

DirecTV is looking at this one. Yes, there aren't many digital stations on VHF-lo channel 2 but people in Las Vegas who have a digital station on channel 2 are reporting the same problem.

Got the new dish and HR20 installed. Happy with the added channels, but the audio drops out all the time on every channel. Lasts less than half a second, but its annoying. Is this happenning to anyone else? Is there a fix? It's not my television, as the sound is perfect with other sources. Same HDMI cable and input I was using with my 10-250 and there were no problems. Please advise.
Have you tried using a different audio connection to see if the HDMI is the culprit?

DirecTV is looking at this one. Yes, there aren't many digital stations on VHF-lo channel 2 but people in Las Vegas who have a digital station on channel 2 are reporting the same problem.

I checked both HR20s this morning after they both received the update (Ox1be) but no change on 3-1. That's good to hear they know about it, thx for the info.

I checked both HR20s this morning after they both received the update (Ox1be) but no change on 3-1. That's good to hear they know about it, thx for the info.

One suggestion was you might be getting signal overload in the front-end of the tuner; see if you can get a variable attenuator (Radio Shack) and put this in the cable from your antenna. I suspect it is not that but it might be worth a try.

I had posted earlier that my local sat supply warehouse had no HR20s in stock and that they had no idea if they would ever get any more. I spoke to the warehouse manager (Exceptionally helpful and friendly) and he advised that new shipments came in on Mondays. He said I could call and ask for him by name and he would tell me if he receieved any HR20s. As luck would have it, I called on 11/13 and Frank said he received 2 pallets of HR20s Monday afternoon. I then called D* and scheduled an install on 11/17. I then called Frank back and told him I couldn't get installed until 11/17. He said there should be plenty of HR20s left. If the tech came with the wrong receiver, I was to refuse it and call the warehouse.

It seems that the OTA capable receiver is surviving the rollout of the HR21s.

IF I decide to buy a new receiver from someone like solidsignal will I still be charged a $4.99 lease fee each month from D*?

Yes

IF I decide to buy a new receiver from someone like solidsignal will I still be charged a $4.99 lease fee each month from D*?

Yes, because you are not "buying" it. Solid Signal is a DirecTV distributor and are just a conduit for you to lease the receiver.
And even if you did own a receiver, you would pay the additional receiver fee which is the same as the lease fee so you would not save anything.

Hi, I have a question. I currently have a Triple LNB dish. Can I just go buy an HD DVR receiver, connect it and activate it? I imagine I might need to change the connections on the LNB's, what would I need to do to get the HD working? Will it still support Dual Tuners? After I get the HD receiver up, how many SD connections will I still be able to have?

Thanks!

You need a 5LNB dish to get all the new channels. It and the 3LNB dish are cabled the same. Each has four outputs from an internal multiswitch. It doesn't matter whether a tuner is HD or SD as far as wiring is concerned. Each DVR has two tuners and each non DVR has one. Each tuner needs a cable to a dish or external multiswitch. An external multiswitch is needed to serve more than four tuners. The Zinwell WB68 for 8 outputs or WB616 with 16 would be required if a multiswitch is used. Either would require four cable to the dish.

Ah ok great. So basically, I can go out right now and buy the HD DVR and at least have SOME HD channels while I wait for someone to come out and replace my 3LNB with a 5LNB dish? Since I already have a 3LNB dish mounted, can they simple just replace the actual dish?

Thanks!

Unless you have copper coated steel center wire cable over 75ft long, a dish replacement is all you'll need. The spec for 5LNB dish cabling is 100% copper to provide enough current for the larger number of LNBs. The 5LNB dish is bigger in the mast and foot also so the entire assembly will be replaced.

Are there any issues to be had with Homeowners Associations by going to the larger dish... or has the FCC resolved that the larger dish is still ok?
tia,
Ron

Ok, thanks for the help. I bought the HD DVR today and got it hooked up. Everything is working fine and at least for now I have access to the old MPEG2 HD channels. They were able to schedule me in for this Tues for the Dish install so looks like I'll be all set after Tues! They waived the first year of the HD access charges so at least I saved 120 bucks which helps with the cost of the receiver a bit.

OK, I bit the bullet and ordered the HDDVR upgrade. The installer came out today and put up the 5LNB dish and installed the HR-20. I only have two coaxes into the room where the HR-20 is and I wanted to reserve one for the OTA signal. But the receiver keeps trying to ping-pong between Sat1 and Sat2 inputs when I change channels. Running the test it says it is OK, but is 0% acquired. My daughter's non-HD D* DVR would operate just fine on one input, you just couldn't watch one channel and record another at the same time. When I hooked up two cables, one to Sat1 and the other to Sat2, operation is normal.

**Is there a way to tell the receiver that Sat2 is not hooked up?**

Thanks for any help.

Al

OK, I bit the bullet and ordered the HDDVR upgrade. The installer came out today and put up the 5LNB dish and installed the HR-20. I only have two coaxes into the room where the HR-20 is and I wanted to reserve one for the OTA signal. But the receiver keeps trying to ping-pong between Sat1 and Sat2 inputs when I change channels. Running the test it says it is OK, but is 0% acquired. My daughter's non-HD D* DVR would operate just fine on one input, you just couldn't watch one channel and record another at the same time. When I hooked up two cables, one to Sat1 and the other to Sat2, operation is normal.

**Is there a way to tell the receiver that Sat2 is not hooked up?**

Thanks for any help.

Al

Hook up just the cable to sat 1. Then go thru the menu to setup, reset, and do a restart receiver. The HR20 should now detect there is only one tuner connected. If not, try the reset again. It can take a couple of resets before the HR20 detects just the one cable.

Are there any issues to be had with Homeowners Associations by going to the larger dish... or has the FCC resolved that the larger dish is still ok?
tia,
Ron
The Slimline or the older AT-9 5-lnb dish are both within the FCC regulations for sat dishes.
The Slimline, which is the one now being installed by everyone, is 32.5 in across and the FCC rulings allow dishes of up to one meter (39.37 inches)

Thanks, texasbrit, but I must have done a dozen resets today. I spent 2 1/2 hours total on the phone with D* and the install company. We reset the receiver every way possible, front panel, menu, power unplugged. It keeps trying to use the Sat2 tuner. I even unplugged the antenna from Sat1 and the results in the test were the same - the tuner shows OK but shows 0% acquired.

Should I try leaving it on a long time with only one cable connected? It was plugged in and on from about 10 AM until about 9 PM when I gave up and hooked up the other cable.

Thanks,

Al

The Slimline or the older AT-9 5-lnb dish are both within the FCC regulations for sat dishes.
The Slimline, which is the one now being installed by everyone, is 32.5 in across and the FCC rulings allow dishes of up to one meter (39.37 inches)

Thanks for the info... dish is being installed in the morning

The Slimline or the older AT-9 5-lnb dish are both within the FCC regulations for sat dishes.
The Slimline, which is the one now being installed by everyone, is 32.5 in across and the FCC rulings allow dishes of up to one meter (39.37 inches)

This is correct. I believe it comes from a 1997 ruling from the FCC. One meter seems to be the outside dimension at this time. As we progress and new sats go up with new points to acquire it could become interesting.

I have dealt with this issue as a homeowner association president for the past few years.

The other issue is that residential homeowners have a right to place the dish anywhere on their property, outside of rights of way, that allows them to enjoy access to sat signals. So forget the idea that they can not be in full view from the front of their homes.

Then there is the deal with roof top antennas and ATSC reception and what is allowed.

Back to the Future.

Joe

Thanks, texasbrit, but I must have done a dozen resets today. I spent 2 1/2 hours total on the phone with D* and the install company. We reset the receiver every way possible, front panel, menu, power unplugged. It keeps trying to use the Sat2 tuner. I even unplugged the antenna from Sat1 and the results in the test were the same - the tuner shows OK but shows 0% acquired.

Should I try leaving it on a long time with only one cable connected? It was plugged in and on from about 10 AM until about 9 PM when I gave up and hooked up the other cable.

Thanks,

Al

Did you disconnect the OTA cable and try it? With the OTA cable connected, both OTA tuners have signal and that might be causing the problem.
Then try a software reload, just in case. Do a reset and when the first blue screen appears key 02468, no other keys and only once, then wait for the software and the sat data to load. It may seem to stick a couple of times but it will get there in the end.
If that does not work, try a reset everything. You will lose anything you might have recorded but it will do a complete disk reformat.

I checked both HR20s this morning after they both received the update (Ox1be) but no change on 3-1. That's good to hear they know about it, thx for the info.

There are nine stations in the U.S. transmitting their digital signal on channel 2 in VHF-lo. I posted in all the local threads and in a couple of other forums and the results of the survey won't make you very happy. It's only a very small sample but so far I have found four people receiving their VHF-lo channel 2 stations OK and none with the problem you are having.
WTWC in Tallahassee, WWMT in Grand Rapids and KVBC in Las Vegas all coming in OK. No other reports from Cleveland.

Joe,
Could you by any chance post a link to the sat and OTA regulations please... I've been having a problem with my Home Owners Association and they seem to think that there rules overide anything the FCC says (it woyld be nice to be able to showthem some proof).
Tia,
Ron
This is correct. I believe it comes from a 1997 ruling from the FCC. One meter seems to be the outside dimension at this time. As we progress and new sats go up with new points to acquire it could become interesting.

I have dealt with this issue as a homeowner association president for the past few years.

The other issue is that residential homeowners have a right to place the dish anywhere on their property, outside of rights of way, that allows them to enjoy access to sat signals. So forget the idea that they can not be in full view from the front of their homes.

Then there is the deal with roof top antennas and ATSC reception and what is allowed.

Back to the Future.

Joe

There are nine stations in the U.S. transmitting their digital signal on channel 2 in VHF-lo. I posted in all the local threads and in a couple of other forums and the results of the survey won't make you very happy. It's only a very small sample but so far I have found four people receiving their VHF-lo channel 2 stations OK and none with the problem you are having.
WTWC in Tallahassee, WWMT in Grand Rapids and KVBC in Las Vegas all coming in OK. No other reports from Cleveland.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to check into the HR20 not receiving digital 2. rlb in Cleveland is also receiving no signal on digital 2.

Is it possible the 4 who are able to receive low 2 are using the HR20-700 (opposed to the HR20-100s)?

Thx,
Tom

Thanks for taking the time and effort to check into the HR20 not receiving digital 2. rlb in Cleveland is also receiving no signal on digital 2.

Is it possible the 4 who are able to receive low 2 are using the HR20-700 (opposed to the HR20-100s)?

Thx,
Tom

No, it is definitely the HR20-100; I specifically checked. I can't think they are all mistaken.

Joe,
Could you by any chance post a link to the sat and OTA regulations please... I've been having a problem with my Home Owners Association and they seem to think that there rules overide anything the FCC says (it woyld be nice to be able to showthem some proof).
Tia,
Ron

Her'e the original FCC ruling http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html This also might be useful http://www.associationtimes.com/articles2005/FCCsatAnt1105.htm Also http://condolawyers.com/articles/fcc.htm
and http://condolawyers.com/articles/newfcc.htm These last three are interesting because they are written as advice to HOAs and community associations.

As well as being a DirecTV customer and posting on many of the forums, I am also on the board of our HOA so can address this issue from both sides of the fence, as it were.
First, an HOA cannot prevent you installing satellite dishes if they are less than one meter in diameter. If you want to receive signals from multiple satellites, you can install as many dishes as you want. Similarly, an HOA cannot prevent you from installing OTA antennas outside your house provided that you conform to any local (city, not HOA) regulations limiting the height of antenna poles or requiring permits for these structures. And the HOA cannot require you to place these dishes and antennas in locations that would interfer with your ability to get a decent signal, or will impose unreasonable costs on you.
This does not mean however that you can put your dish anywhere you want to. An HOA can require you to put a dish at the back of your house, and you must do this unless you will not be able to get satellite reception there, or it will cost you significant expense to do it.

A few examples. Suppose my HOA says the dish needs to be at the back of the house. The satellite installer comes out and says I can't get line of sight to all the satellites by putting the dish there. Under the FCC rulings, I can place the dish at the front of the house. Or the satellite installer says he can get line of sight at the back by moving the dish 200ft from the house and putting it on a pole - this would incur the cost of running the cables underground, extra (expensive) cable, potentially a signal locker and maybe in-line amplifiers. So I can place the dish at the front of the house. But if putting the dish on my roof or a pole, at the back of the house, with no significant additional expense, would work OK, I must follow the HOA rules.
Similarly an HOA rule that requires the dish must be painted a specific color would be an acceptable HOA regulation.
The HOA also cannot require a permit from the HOA, any sort of fee, or anything else that would interfere with the homeowner's rights to install dishes and antennas. The HOA can require notification that an antenna or dish is being installed, but nothing else.
Basically the same rules apply to OTA antennas also. If you need to have more than one antenna pointing in different directions, you can do so.
There are very few exceptions to these rulings. HOAs or associations in historic districts can have regulations that seriously limit the installation of both satellite dishes and OTA antennas, and legitimate restrictions for safety reasons are also allowed. To quote from the FCC rulings,

QUOTE: Clearly-defined, legitimate safety restrictions are permitted even if they impair installation, maintenance or use provided they are necessary to protect public safety and are no more burdensome than necessary to ensure safety. Examples of valid safety restrictions include fire codes preventing people from installing antennas on fire escapes; restrictions requiring that a person not place an antenna within a certain distance from a power line; and installation requirements that describe the proper method to secure an antenna. The safety reason for the restriction must be written in the text, preamble or legislative history of the restriction, or in a document that is readily available to antenna users, so that a person who wishes to install an antenna knows what restrictions apply. Safety restrictions cannot discriminate between objects that are comparable in size and weight and pose the same or a similar safety risk as the antenna that is being restricted.

Restrictions necessary for historic preservation also may be permitted even if they impair installation, maintenance or use of the antenna. To qualify for this exemption, the property may be any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure or object included in, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, restrictions necessary for historic preservation must be no more burdensome than necessary to accomplish the historic preservation goal. They also must be imposed and enforced in a non-discriminatory manner, as compared to other modern structures that are comparable in size and weight and to which local regulation would normally apply. UNQUOTE

Your HOA needs to know that the FCC rulings have the force of law, and that it does not matter how the HOA restrictions are written, whether they are or are not in covenents or any other sort of legal document, they are invalid. Two other points: first, if a homeowner puts the dish at the front of the house, in conflict with the HOA covenants, and says this is because he can't get line-of-sight at the back of the house, the burden of proof (and any expense associated with this) is on the HOA. Second - although some HOAs have taken legal action against some homeowners and attempted to overturn the FCC rulings, almost all have lost in the courts, with the HOA incurring the legal fees of the homeowner. The only case I can remember an HOA winning recently is one where a homeowner installed a separate OTA antenna for every TV in the house, and the court ruled that this was not required to get good TV reception and ruled in the HOAs favor.

All of this is on the assumption this is a single-family home community with an HOA. If you are in a condominium or apartment, things are more restrictive. I am not going to go into all the details - you can read the FCC rulings and other comments yourself - but in principle the FCC rulings give you the same rights as a homeowner provided you install the dish in an area under your exclusive control, which can sometimes be a very grey area..

Was just installed today and I'd like to know

1) Is there any slow motion playback ?

2) I tried holding left & right arrows to change brightness of front panel LED but did not work. What should I do ?

3) My TiVo could advance to the next tick mark (15 min each) on recorded programs. Is there a way to do that on the HR20 ?

Thanks

1. Yes. Someone will tell you how, I never used it.
2. Push them both in at the same time 4 times.
3. Yes. Hold down the 30 second slip button. I think? Don't use that either.

Enjoy your new receiver!

Slo mo= hold the play button down for 3 seconds. For real slow, press pause and click the FF button for frame by frame advance. Skip to tick by holding the FF button down for 3 seconds. Skip to end by holding the slip button down for 3 seconds. http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=747592

Had a D* upgrade last week.

When I spoke to D* customer service I specifically requested a new multi-switch.

New receivers arrived with nothing but receivers and remotes in the boxes.

No B-band converters.

Installers arrived 4.5 hours late and still claimed that we were their first stop.

Installers insisted that HDMI was not appropriate for HDTV. They wanted to use RCA jacks.

They left without verifying that everything was working.

We called D* to ask why we are still not getting the mpeg 4 channels and they said that it was the lack of B-band converters.

Waited 3 days for the converters.

Still no mpeg 4 channels.

Checked everything. Found that installers used my old Eagle Aspen 4X8 switch.

Called D* to have installers come back and make everything right.

They insist that I don't need a new multiswitch and that I just need my dish re-positioned.

I asked for a different installation team. I was told that there is only one team in the area.

I guess that Chicago is too small of a market to have more than one, three-man crew.

Was just installed today and I'd like to know

2) I tried holding left & right arrows to change brightness of front panel LED but did not work. What should I do ?

Thanks

Not sure, but I think I saw a reference that indicated it is the buttons on the unit -- not the remote that you hold down. Wasn't clear which you were using.

It is the buttons on the unit. I was pushing and holding. That did not work. Push and release does.

The slow motion, the step thing, the tick thing, and the move to end thing I get now too.

How come they don't put those in the manual ?

Thanks

I was suppose to have the 5LNB HD upgrade done and they said they would send a new HD-DVR at no charge with the new dish at no charge because I was a "A" list customer whatever that is.... The sub contractor/install guys came out said they had no dish and where here just to relocate my current dish? Huh? Well they ripped it off my roof stuck it in a poll and left... Called a few days ago and DTV said they where sorry and gave me Showtime 3 months for free because the install guys screwed up, and then I get a charged for a relocation fee of $49 bucks, they said sorry for this and gave me credit tonight. I asked the girl on the phone when they where coming with my new receiver and dish and she said what receiver.... ARGH!!! Well I started getting mad and said I was thinking of canceling my service, I calmed down and then she started to try to fix the problems... Well a half way through the conversation she stated that she could sell me a new receiver for $199, I said what? She said well I canceled your account per your request...... Very angry at this point so I hung up... Called back and other girl said they were having a system update and she couldn't access my information and would have a supervisor call me... WTF kind of service is this? I would have been better served calling Dells Tech Support in India and asking them of a cup of coffee and a Donut.. While they ask me if I have my computer plugged in... LOL Long story short, I hate to see how DTV treats there "B" customers. I mean the girl on the phone was nice but she created more problems then what she is worth!!!!

You guys are depressing me. I am supposed to have them install the new dish and receiver this week. Like Randy, I live in Chicago, and the D* installers have not shown up twice. In addition, I was planning on having them connect one receiver to my Infocus projector through a HDMI to DVI cable. It sounds like I better order the cable tonight, since there appears to be no chance that they will have it with them. I am also concerned by the lack of alternative manufacturers of the receiver. Since my Infocus displays at 720p and lacks HDCP, I am sure this is gonna be a nightmare.

bmarr, agrred.

I cancelled my basic cable due to lwo quality and kept my D*. Was thinking to upgrade to HD, but really not ready to deal with D* installers during the holidays.

Several years ago when I ordered D*, I went with one of the avs sponsors but could not recall which one - that was a very pleasant installation, and very professional.

Anyone has recommendation?

You guys are depressing me. I am supposed to have them install the new dish and receiver this week. Like Randy, I live in Chicago, and the D* installers have not shown up twice. In addition, I was planning on having them connect one receiver to my Infocus projector through a HDMI to DVI cable. It sounds like I better order the cable tonight, since there appears to be no chance that they will have it with them. I am also concerned by the lack of alternative manufacturers of the receiver. Since my Infocus displays at 720p and lacks HDCP, I am sure this is gonna be a nightmare.

They showed up today and replaced my multi-switch and swapped out a buzzing receiver. All is well.

Anyone know of any dish installers in the ny/nj area?

I am a returning customer to D* after leaving for Dish. I Just had my install yesterday. (I'm in New Mexico)

The installer arrived on time. He brought the new Dish, all the correct switches, and the HR21 and H20 (Both had HDMI and B-Band converters in the box).

The installer ran all new wiring, mounted the dish to my existing poll and anchored it, and even ran a dedicated line from my OTA antenna to my H20. He followed direction very well, and I tipped him well for it.

The only error seemed to be on D* side. The woman I spoke to at time of order assured me I would receive a DVR with OTA tuner. That did not happen, and the installer said they did not expect any more in with the OTA tuner. It's ok because I really like the look of the HR21. I am still going to call and make a fuss. I now have to go buy a new tuner for that setup (Panasonic 10uk series has no tuner).

I paid $99.99 for the Equipment. I also got two $10 credits to my account; one for 10 months and the other for 12.




Anyway...a good way to start off, and I'm, so far, happy with the PQ.

The DVR's with tuners are still being made and available. That being said, it doies not appear to be in the installers control as to what he has available to him. If you can find one at BestBuy or such, you can get one there and ask DirecTV to possibly reimburse you.

Ok. Swapped out Hughes HR10-250 with HR21-700. I still have the old 3-LNB dish. Can not get HR21 to sync up. I thought it would work until I get the 5-LNB dish is installed. Am I doing something wrong?

Paul

Just a thought.

Make sure in the satellite setup that you have selected the 3 LNB dish and not the 5LNB.

Disclaimer: I do not have the HR21 and am assuming you can do this.

When I said "sync up" it does not get past the setup screen on the HR21.

FYI: I'm an existing D* customer with 3LNB dish and H10 receiver and here's the deal I just got for upgrading:

New 5LNB dish, switch, converter (the stuff they offer for free) and a new mpeg4 capable receiver (H21 I assume?) for $21.55 added to my next bill (s/h on the receiver) but also with a $10 monthly credit for the next 12 months. 2 year commitment.

The first offer did not include the credits. I had to balk at that to get the credits.

I'm a low end (no premium channels, no DVR) customer, so I figured this was the best offer I'd get.

To get through the automated phone system, say "speak to a human".

Greg

Ok. Here is the deal. Got 5LNB dish installed. HR21-700 would not work with my existing high end HDMI cable. Attached cheapo DTv HDMI cable and works perfectly. What is going on here?

I got the HR20-700 from CC since DTV was only able to supply the HR21... I was told by the rep that I would still get the $100 rebate but when I called back up after the install I had to fight to get it. The install took 5 attempts as DTV and the installers were getting confused install messages. After all of this I managed to get the 5 lnb dish 8x4 multiplexer, $100 rebate, $50 Visa rebate, $50 upgrade refunded, 6 months of all the premium for free and $20 off each month for a year.

Ok. Here is the deal. Got 5LNB dish installed. HR21-700 would not work with my existing high end HDMI cable. Attached cheapo DTv HDMI cable and works perfectly. What is going on here?

There is no such thing as "a high end" HDMI cable.
There is such a thing as extremely over priced HDMI cables.
These cables are not like the old analog cables where higher priced cables brought you better shielding techniques, gold or silver connectors, and proper impedance, for a 75 ohm connection.
In HDMI, its a digital world. The only difference between all the HDMI cables is conductor size and shielding.
Any cable found at monoprice.com will be sufficient. $20 for a 6' HDMI is all you need.

I would take the high end cable back and stick with the "cheapo DTv HDMI cable"
You will see NO DIFFERENCE between a $100 HDMI cable and a $20 one.

Agreed.

There is no such thing as "a high end" HDMI cable.
There is such a thing as extremely over priced HDMI cables.
These cables are not like the old analog cables where higher priced cables brought you better shielding techniques, gold or silver connectors, and proper impedance, for a 75 ohm connection.
In HDMI, its a digital world. The only difference between all the HDMI cables is conductor size and shielding.
Any cable found at monoprice.com will be sufficient. $20 for a 6' HDMI is all you need.

I would take the high end cable back and stick with the "cheapo DTv HDMI cable"
You will see NO DIFFERENCE between a $100 HDMI cable and a $20 one.

Just received an H21-200 to replace my TS-360. I do not have a install scheduled yet for the new 5 LNB dish. Until the install happens, was wondering if I could hook up the H21 to the older multi dish? I do have a new access card and the BBC connectors. I thought I would get it all hooked up, then all the installer would have to do is install the dish. Will this work? Thanks.

Just received an H21-200 to replace my TS-360. I do not have a install scheduled yet for the new 5 LNB dish. Until the install happens, was wondering if I could hook up the H21 to the older multi dish? I do have a new access card and the BBC connectors. I thought I would get it all hooked up, then all the installer would have to do is install the dish. Will this work? Thanks.

As a 12 year customer of D* and knowing the variance of the install crews abilities my suggestion would be to apply the KISS principle and let them swap out everything and do their thing. That way there can be no finger pointing if the result has a problem.

I enjoyed the old days when we were responsible for the install. Running RG6 and aligning the old SD dishes. Those days are gone.

One question: why would you not want a D* DVR at this point?

Joe

Thanks, you're probaby right... just let them do everything than clean up the mess later!! I didn't want the DVR due to all the issues posted here, figure I have done without one for years, what's another year or so till all the bugs are worked out. Am actually hopeful with the acquisition of DTV by Liberty Media from News Corp, that a MPEG-4 Tivo unit may be around the corner.

Thanks, you're probaby right... just let them do everything than clean up the mess later!! I didn't want the DVR due to all the issues posted here, figure I have done without one for years, what's another year or so till all the bugs are worked out. Am actually hopeful with the acquisition of DTV by Liberty Media from News Corp, that a MPEG-4 Tivo unit may be around the corner.You may be waiting a long time. http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20071213/tbs-d-m-directv-7318940.html

obxdiver/JeffBower,

You missed my point. I have several DTV receivers. They all work with my existing assortment of "over priced" HDMI cables. The HR21 will only get HDMI using the supplied DTV cable. None of my other receivers will work with the supplied DTV cable. Pinout issue?

I've owned 2 HR-20's for several months (I got one last winter when they first came out and the other one in September).

For some reason BOTH of them experience lip synch issues with my HD LOCAL channels only. :confused:

I have both of them hooked up via HDMI only through AV receivers. One is a new Sony and one is a Pio Elite 84 that is 1 year old.

Upstairs is a new Mitsu 40" 1080P LCD and downstairs is my Panny Front LCD projector.

This does NOT happen on the SD local channels which are also through D* (not OTA) or on the other HD channels (ESPN, HBO, etc.).

I've tried re-setting both by pressing the red button, but no luck.

Suggestions before I break down and deal with customer service?

Thanks!

That's weird. I never heard of a proprietary HDMI cable - a standard is a standard is a standard. I'm afraid I have no answers to your specific situation, as I don't have an H\HR21 to test.

obxdiver/JeffBower,

You missed my point. I have several DTV receivers. They all work with my existing assortment of "over priced" HDMI cables. The HR21 will only get HDMI using the supplied DTV cable. None of my other receivers will work with the supplied DTV cable. Pinout issue?

I've owned 2 HR-20's for several months (I got one last winter when they first came out and the other one in September).

For some reason BOTH of them experience lip synch issues with my HD LOCAL channels only. :confused:

I have both of them hooked up via HDMI only through AV receivers. One is a new Sony and one is a Pio Elite 84 that is 1 year old.

Upstairs is a new Mitsu 40" 1080P LCD and downstairs is my Panny Front LCD projector.

This does NOT happen on the SD local channels which are also through D* (not OTA) or on the other HD channels (ESPN, HBO, etc.).

I've tried re-setting both by pressing the red button, but no luck.

Suggestions before I break down and deal with customer service?

Thanks!


Check out dbstalk.com. There are a lot of people having this issue right now (me included). It doesn't look like there is anything you can do at this point, except for calling D* and complaining.

Yep, exactly. It's the offense du-jour, for people who like to take offense at the slightest thing. See: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=112291

It's a real problem, but the non-understanding and overreaction is amusing.

Check out dbstalk.com. There are a lot of people having this issue right now (me included). It doesn't look like there is anything you can do at this point, except for calling D* and complaining.

I've owned 2 HR-20's for several months (I got one last winter when they first came out and the other one in September).

For some reason BOTH of them experience lip synch issues with my HD LOCAL channels only. :confused:

I have both of them hooked up via HDMI only through AV receivers. One is a new Sony and one is a Pio Elite 84 that is 1 year old.

Upstairs is a new Mitsu 40" 1080P LCD and downstairs is my Panny Front LCD projector.

This does NOT happen on the SD local channels which are also through D* (not OTA) or on the other HD channels (ESPN, HBO, etc.).

I've tried re-setting both by pressing the red button, but no luck.

Suggestions before I break down and deal with customer service?

Thanks!

Unfortunately this problem is very widespread. Don't know if it is D*s problem or the Networks HD broadcast. My AV receiver can be adjusted for timing and that helps but every show is not the same either.

I've never experienced any sync issues that pressing the pause button for a couple of seconds wouldn't fix.

I hope they fix this.
Rob

Yep, hit pause and then play, has always worked for me. And btw it occurs on old sd DVR's in fact I think I see it more on my ancient Sony T-60.

Life is too short to sweat the easy stuff.

As a 12 year customer of D* and knowing the variance of the install crews abilities my suggestion would be to apply the KISS principle and let them swap out everything and do their thing. That way there can be no finger pointing if the result has a problem.

I enjoyed the old days when we were responsible for the install. Running RG6 and aligning the old SD dishes. Those days are gone.

One question: why would you not want a D* DVR at this point?

Joe


You can still install your dish yourself. I had my 5 LNB dish installed recently by a local guy here and called Directv to activate my HR20's.

No problem.

You can still install your dish yourself. I had my 5 LNB dish installed recently by a local guy here and called Directv to activate my HR20's.

No problem.

"Yourself" and "Installed by a local guy" eh?

Certainly one can purchase the equipment outside of D*. Then what? I attempted to help out a friend with a slimline dish install. How hard can it be? I've aimed a dozen or more dishes over the years. Well without proper tools it is really hard to acquire all the birds for mpeg 4 and below. A compass, protractor and level does not do it anymore

To give some historical perspective, back in the old days circa 1995, DirecTv did not sell the hardware or schedule installs. You were on your own. It is, thinking back, amazing that it worked for that start-up. The first IRD's were RCA units. Sony had to wait to release their SAT-A1 with RF Remote until the 1,000,000 RCA unit had been sold.

Many of us early adopters were glad to hang on and wait for the sony unit. We were, think about this, happy to spend on the order off $750USD for a Standard Definition box without any DVR function. Want two IRD's so two different "channels" can be watched in the same home? Pony up another $750. And then install the dish, run RG6 cable, perhaps replace RG59 to distribute in the house. Don't forget the splitters and distribution amps., all to run an rf signal, unless you went further and had runs of line level audio/composite video.

Oh, and forget local network affiliates over sat that was not even a thought.

Things change. But you would think us original guys would hear from D* with an offer for an upgrade from a 10-250.

Joe

"Yourself" and "Installed by a local guy" eh?

Certainly one can purchase the equipment outside of D*. Then what? I attempted to help out a friend with a slimline dish install. How hard can it be? I've aimed a dozen or more dishes over the years. Well without proper tools it is really hard to acquire all the birds for mpeg 4 and below. A compass, protractor and level does not do it anymore

To give some historical perspective, back in the old days circa 1995, DirecTv did not sell the hardware or schedule installs. You were on your own. It is, thinking back, amazing that it worked for that start-up. The first IRD's were RCA units. Sony had to wait to release their SAT-A1 with RF Remote until the 1,000,000 RCA unit had been sold.

Many of us early adopters were glad to hang on and wait for the sony unit. We were, think about this, happy to spend on the order off $750USD for a Standard Definition box without any DVR function. Want two IRD's so two different "channels" can be watched in the same home? Pony up another $750. And then install the dish, run RG6 cable, perhaps replace RG59 to distribute in the house. Don't forget the splitters and distribution amps., all to run an rf signal, unless you went further and had runs of line level audio/composite video.

Oh, and forget local network affiliates over sat that was not even a thought.

Things change. But you would think us original guys would hear from D* with an offer for an upgrade from a 10-250.

Joe

In 1994, I purchased my first D* equipment from a local dealer....this was Oct. 24th....I paid ~$600 for a single receiver and 18" dish (single LNB)..The dealer would NOT allow me to take the boxed equipment home - even though I'd paid cash for it - saying D* mandated the installation be "professionally done"....The install came on Oct. 31st - IIRC, the first "official" day the average Joe could have this done (prior to this, there were only a few select test markets in the U.S. - again, with ALL installs done by "professionals".
The idea was to make absolutely certain all installs would be done in the same manner, with minimum room for error(s), which would have reflected poorly on D*'s initial roll-out....
Now perhaps this was a policy unique to the Northeastern U.S., but it was my understanding from the guys who did my install (in the business for nearly 40 years at that time.....) that the D* install policy included the whole country.

"Yourself" and "Installed by a local guy" eh?

Certainly one can purchase the equipment outside of D*. Then what? I attempted to help out a friend with a slimline dish install. How hard can it be? I've aimed a dozen or more dishes over the years. Well without proper tools it is really hard to acquire all the birds for mpeg 4 and below. A compass, protractor and level does not do it anymore

l

Not Exactly. I travel around in my RV with a HR20 and Slimline dish. I install it myself in 10 to 15 minutes wherever I go. Yes the more I do it the easier it is. Most of the time, not all, I can do with just the settings the receiver tells me to use and a simple compass. I did buy off eBay a very basic satellite meter reader for 12 bucks for the times that I have some issues.

It is by no means rocket science to align a dish. Yesterday sitting on Asseteague Island on the Atlantic coast I watched two college basketball games and the Division III football championship all in high definition using a generator and battery power. It's not that hard. :)

I have been with with D* since 1995 and have set up dishes while living in 3 differents states and traveling in a RV during that time.

does anyone have this problem:

I have an HR21 hooked up to a Mitsubushi Hc155 Projector. When I turn the equipment on with my Harmony remote, everything comes on fine, except the HR21 displays a blank green screen. I can hear the audio, but no picture. I then turn the HR21 on and off again, and everything works fine. It seems the problem is only at start up. Any ideas ?

Are you hooked up with HDMI? If so it sounds like a hand shake problem. Can you live with it?

It seems the problem is only at start up. Any ideas ?
Don't turn the HR21 off -- then you won't have to start it up.

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes, it is HDMI. I thought of leaving it on as I don't think it would hurt it.

Regarding the handshake issue, wouldn't the same problem appear at other times as well? The unit functions perfectly other than the start up

Hey,

I just got a new Panny TH 42PZ700U TV. I now want to upgrade my D*(We can't say their name???) to their HD programming with DVR. This is a VERY long thread with many specifics discussed: Is there FAQ for my situation?
D* said I'd be getting an HR2100. Am I better off with a different receiver bought on my own?(Cheaper,better, etc)

Basic question- are HD channels the exact same content as their SD counterparts but just with a better picture?
Thanks for any insight!

Signal Strength Question on 103b.

I searched the thread and saw a few comments from people saying you should have signal strengths of 85+ on 103b. I have not been real happy with my picture on my new HD channels and looked at my signals. All signals except those on 103b were in the upper 80's to upper 90's, but those on 103b were in the mid 70's to mid 80's. I called Directv and talked with tech. They told me that was normal, and that anything over 70 was good. Is this true? If not, what would I need to do to get better reception (I don't think D* will send anyone out as they feel 70+ is fine)?

I recently hooked up my HR20-700 to my router. I have successfully been able to view the Beta Video on Demand Content. I also can stream pictures and MP3s from a PC using Windows Media Player 11 to share the content to the HR20-700. However I have some AVI and Quicktime MPEG 4 Videos that don't show up on the HR20. Has anyone been able to successfully stream video content from a PC to the HR20. My PC is a Pentium 4 (non ViiV) running Windows XP.

Signal Strength Question on 103b.

I searched the thread and saw a few comments from people saying you should have signal strengths of 85+ on 103b. I have not been real happy with my picture on my new HD channels and looked at my signals. All signals except those on 103b were in the upper 80's to upper 90's, but those on 103b were in the mid 70's to mid 80's. I called Directv and talked with tech. They told me that was normal, and that anything over 70 was good. Is this true? If not, what would I need to do to get better reception (I don't think D* will send anyone out as they feel 70+ is fine)?

The signal strength will not affact the quality of your picture, and 70s is good enough for DirecTV not to send out someone to realign the dish. The only difference between 70s and 90s will probably be a few seconds extra reception during rainstorms. The 80s/90s number is what you should be looking for in a new installation, a decent installer should be able to get that without too many problems, but unless you want to do your own alignment mid 70s to mid 80s on 103(b) is certainly OK.

Agreed - it is a digital stream, you get it or you don't get it. And as Tex points out, a stronger signal buys you only extra protection against rain-fade, not a better picture.

The signal strength will not affact the quality of your picture, and 70s is good enough for DirecTV not to send out someone to realign the dish. The only difference between 70s and 90s will probably be a few seconds extra reception during rainstorms. The 80s/90s number is what you should be looking for in a new installation, a decent installer should be able to get that without too many problems, but unless you want to do your own alignment mid 70s to mid 80s on 103(b) is certainly OK.

First of all, let me say that I am a brand-new member, and have exactly 0 hands on experience and have not signed up for D* yet. If this is the wrong place for these questions, please direct me elsewhere.

I pretty much spent most of the last weekend reading through this forum and DBSTalk. Given location, I am going to have to hack a multi-dish set up together. I am comfortable with that, technically.

My basic questions primarily include one may set up dishes on your own. What are the preferred tools or instruments? It sounds as if the receiver gives you guidance with regard to location -- does this mean azimuth and elevation?
Direction to a step-by-step explanation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your patience and assistance.

LenV

Hi folks, add another HD newbie to the mix - had D* from 97-00, and E* from 00-06. Now I'm going back to D*.

I'm scheduled to have my D* hooked up on the 24th.

Just a few questions so that I know I have all my ducks in a row.

I'm going with 2 HD-DVR boxes and 2 regular boxes. So far I figure that I will have to run 3 coax lines to the HD-DVR boxes (2 for D* and 1 for OTA), and only 1 line for the regular boxes (I suppose I could run 2 if I wanted OTA).

My wiring is taken care of except for 1 box downstairs (2 level house). I have only 1 line (which I will use for OTA). All of the other wiring terminates in the attic. Is this going to be a "non-standard" install if I have them run the feed for 3 of the boxes to the attic and the 4th feed to an exterior wall? I already have the jacks on the exterior wall (from a previous cable/sat install).

Other major question is about the D* HD-DVR boxes. I remember reading something about differences between the HR20 and HR21 - some sort of difference in functionality. Which one is better? I searched and tried to find that information, but I'm not having any luck.

Are the HR20 and HR21 the only 2 choices out there for the HD-DVR? Do they do 1080p? Does anybody broadcast in 1080p yet?

Thanks!

Agreed - it is a digital stream, you get it or you don't get it. And as Tex points out, a stronger signal buys you only extra protection against rain-fade, not a better picture.


Thanks to both you and Tex:)

My wiring is taken care of except for 1 box downstairs (2 level house). I have only 1 line (which I will use for OTA). All of the other wiring terminates in the attic. Is this going to be a "non-standard" install if I have them run the feed for 3 of the boxes to the attic and the 4th feed to an exterior wall? I already have the jacks on the exterior wall (from a previous cable/sat install).

A standard install includes all lines necessary to make the DVR functional, but wall fishes are extra cost. In my opinion, your install does not fall out of the bounds of standard, although be prepared to argue with the installer about the existing line you want to use for OTA - they wanted to use mine for DirecTV, and I had to make them understand they were not to touch it.


Other major question is about the D* HD-DVR boxes. I remember reading something about differences between the HR20 and HR21 - some sort of difference in functionality. Which one is better? I searched and tried to find that information, but I'm not having any luck.

The main difference is the HR21 does not have an OTA tuner, and the HR20 does. Other than that, the differences are minor, although the H20-600 is said to have a better OTA tuner than the H20-100. I have no personal experience with the HR21 series. The installers typically have no choice as to what they have to bring you, I am not aware of anyone having much luck specifying one or another.


Are the HR20 and HR21 the only 2 choices out there for the HD-DVR? Do they do 1080p? Does anybody broadcast in 1080p yet?

They are the only two current choices for DirecTV, and they do not do 1080p, nor are there any broadcasters offering 1080p (it's not even in the HD spec for TV)

The receiver will tell you all the info you need to point, and you may want a BirdDog signal meter. That being said, I have seen people point the dish using only the signal meter built into the receiver. Others with more experience in this than I can offer you more details.

First of all, let me say that I am a brand-new member, and have exactly 0 hands on experience and have not signed up for D* yet. If this is the wrong place for these questions, please direct me elsewhere.

I pretty much spent most of the last weekend reading through this forum and DBSTalk. Given location, I am going to have to hack a multi-dish set up together. I am comfortable with that, technically.

My basic questions primarily include one may set up dishes on your own. What are the preferred tools or instruments? It sounds as if the receiver gives you guidance with regard to location -- does this mean azimuth and elevation?
Direction to a step-by-step explanation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your patience and assistance.

LenV

The receiver will tell you all the info you need to point, and you may want a BirdDog signal meter. That being said, I have seen people point the dish using only the signal meter built into the receiver. Others with more experience in this than I can offer you more details.
Thanks Jeff.
I have learned so much in the last 5 days.
I'm going to find a way and get it done. This a.m. I found both detailed instructions and an inexpensive meter with battery power to get in the ballpark, before I start with the receiver ( which I won't have at first.

LenV

Excellent. These guys are also a great resource, with a video, even, on how to install. http://dbsinstall.com/ I never did it myself, figured DirecTV does it for free, I'll let them do it while I sit back and have a cocktail.

Hello everyone, don't know if this is the right section but my D* has been installed today on my panasonic TH-42PX75U plasma via HDMI but my question is everytime i flip from one channel say espn hd to showtime hd the screen goes black for a second or so and then it picks up the signal why would this be happening? is their a fix? and i also noticed in espn that the audio sometimes mutes for a second or whenever i press a button any clue?

fianly my tv is 720p native and theirs a native option on the menu should i do it as native on? i want to display the best possible picture but quite confused because i can turn on anywhere from 480i to 1080i :confused: any help comments suggestions? thanks theirs also a software update it just doing as we speak.....

new software found (4016) any thoughts ? on the top right it says 5F/0012/4009/02/0102

The delay on changing channels is HDMI handshaking, and is usually associated with a resolution change. If this bothers you, you can turn native OFF, and set the dtv box to output 720p only. Whether this results in a better, worse, or no difference in picture quality will be your eyes alone to tell you.

No idea about the muting, never noticed. As for the new software found, the DirecTV receiver will automatically receive any available updates and handle it without any intervention on your part.

so your saying the toggle in res is related because i have it set to native? therefore it changes res all the time? then if i set it in one res it might not be gettin the best signal (1080i) right? or when sd content shows up it might be worser runnin in 720p then 480i

is that what your saying that by leaving it in native it will go to the best res wheather its sd 480i or hd 1080i?

Hello everyone, don't know if this is the right section but my D* has been installed today on my panasonic TH-42PX75U plasma via HDMI but my question is everytime i flip from one channel say espn hd to showtime hd the screen goes black for a second or so and then it picks up the signal why would this be happening? is their a fix? and i also noticed in espn that the audio sometimes mutes for a second or whenever i press a button any clue?

fianly my tv is 720p native and theirs a native option on the menu should i do it as native on? i want to display the best possible picture but quite confused because i can turn on anywhere from 480i to 1080i :confused: any help comments suggestions? thanks theirs also a software update it just doing as we speak.....

new software found (4016) any thoughts ? on the top right it says 5F/0012/4009/02/0102

gus: i have 3 panny 50" commercial plasma's and they have a native resolution of 768P, i think you'll find yours does too.

i have my HR20's set to 1080i, i find it gives me the best PQ possible. i went through the same thing you did with the "native resolution" option and then shut it off for good.

You should also know, Gus, that even with native resolution off, it does that a second or two for your receiver to tune the correct channel. Remember, ever time you change channels, it has to select between 5 satellites, multiple transponders on each satellite, and then positive or negative polarity. It takes some time for the switcher to physically make the change and send the correct signal to your receiver, which then takes a second or so to lock on and display the correct picture. I have a 50" commercial Panasonic plasma which is connected to my receiver via component with native off. It takes 1.5 to 2 seconds for most channel changes to occur, especially if tuning to the new satellite to watch HD programming.

Others have reported a slight muting when pressing certain buttons. It seems to relate to HDMI as people using component have not had it. It should not be a significant issue.

SMK

The channel change delay has many causes, as RoyGBiv notes (what do you want to bet he went to school in the 70's....), but turning native off does help minimize that portion of the delay. I take from your posting that your TV only handles 720p - in that case, it will take whatever signal you feed it, and process it down or up to 720p. Your choice is to let the TV do that processing (native ON on your DirecTV box, and all resolutions selected), or let the DirecTV box do the processing to 720p and turn native off and select only 720p (or 1080i) output. You will just have to experiment and see which works best for you, it seems to vary from TV to TV and connection to connection, and even personality to personality

I am finally switching over from TWC. My installation is on Saturday and I am signing up for the HD w/HDDVR package. I have HDMI cables with my current 50" Panny 500U; what Dish/DVR unit should I be hoping for? I qualify for the DNS channels so is my OTA tuner a factor? Thanks

I hate to ask because I'm sure it's been answered somewhere before (but I can't find it). With the HR21, how do you set it to hide SD duplicate channels (when an HD version is available)?