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

You will almost certainly get an HR21 - that's the DVR without the OTA tuner. Almost all new installations are HR21; some people have managed to argue for an HR20 and eventually got one but since you are in an area which in theory can't get signals OTA (that's why you have DNS) that would be a difficult argument for you to win.

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.


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.


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)


Thanks!

I don't think the existing run will be a problem. I ran the 3rd line for the upstairs (master). For the downstairs, they will have no choice but to run from the outside in - I only have 1 existing drop and will need 2 for the DVR. Had I known, I would have ran additional lines, but we just finished drywalling. I can possibly snake the additional wires down the HVAC soffit, will just have to drill another hole through the attic.

I called Directv to verify the installation time/date and asked about the difference in the tuners. The girl I spoke to did not seem to have any info - she also said that it would depend on the local installer and what they have in stock. I guess in the grand scheme it really doesn't matter - I can just hook OTA to the TV tuner.

I guess I will lose the ability to DVR, although I'm not sure if I can DVR OTA channels? I will get all local digital channels except for PBS and ION via D* - unfortunately those are the channels that have 24 hour children programming for the kiddies.

I didn't think anything did 1080p at the moment. Guess I really didn't need to buy the 1080p TV. That will give me an excuse to buy an upconverting DVD player!


One last question: I noticed on the CC/D* order that it specified an 18" dish. I signed up for HD service and was under the impression that it would require a larger dish - is that correct?

They didn't give me the local installer information so I can't call to check with them, but I'm going to be a little upset if they show up on Xmas eve to do the install and give me some line about not having the correct equipment!

Sorry, short answers tonight - 18" dish is wrong, you need an AT9 or an AU9, hope that the order is a typo, I don't think they even do 18" dishes anymore, but if they show up with a small, round 1-3LNB dish, reject it.

You can DVR OTA, I do a lot.

My order says: 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish Kaku-Compatible. Is that slimline?

My order says: 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish Kaku-Compatible. Is that slimline?

Yes, or at least it should be.:)

Sorry if this post is in the wrong area, but wanted to pass along this info.

Called DTV today and spoke with the CSR. Said 'Cancel' twice at the automated voice prompts, but not sure if I was truly dealing with the Customer Retention department. Not important, I guess

I've been DTV customer for over six years, and own both of my Tivo boxes.

Here's the deal they cut with me:

$0 New 5LNB dish delivered/installed
$0 Leased HD HR20 or HD HR21 delivered/installed
HR20 or HR21 will be replacing my DirecTV Tivo HD HR10-250 - Tivo will be sadly missed. Sniff.

-$120 Credit of $10/mo for 12 months off my basic package
-$120 Credit of $10/mo for 12 months off my HD package (which costs $10/mo so basically HD package for free for one year)

Install scheduled for 12/26 - pretty fast if you ask me, though I may refuse the install and reschedule if they show up with the HD HR21 because I want to keep my OTA antenna (and need HR20 to do so). BTW, this is per DTV instructions. Apparently, they can't simply tell the installer what model to bring. I have to refuse install, request different HD HR20, and reschedule. Ridiculous IMHO.

Additional notes:

$299 IF I wanted to upgrade my second DirecTV NON HD HR10-250 to HD HR20. Passed on this for now as I do not have 2nd HD TV and apparently this deal is available anytime I want it.

OR

$99 IF I wanted to upgrade my second DirecTV NON HD HR10-250 to NON HD HR20. Not sure why I would want to do this?? I asked the CSR and she told me MPEG2 for standard channels would NOT be going away, and thus my older Tivo would continue to function for years to come. Is this accurate? I thought I read that ALL DTV programming would be moving to MPEG4?? Also, she said there is no firm date for the cutoff of HD channels via MPEG2.

Sadly, I still got stuck with the 2-year commitment :^( . However, I could NOT justify going back to Cox Communications for cable. Hope this info helps.

I didn't think anything did 1080p at the moment. Guess I really didn't need to buy the 1080p TV. That will give me an excuse to buy an upconverting DVD player!
Haywood.Jablomi, instead of a DVD player, you should look into either a Blu-ray or HD DVD player. Both support 1080p, and will upconvert DVD disk.

Has anyone heard if they are instituting the OTA option to the HR21 soon?

I asked the CSR and she told me MPEG2 for standard channels would NOT be going away, and thus my older Tivo would continue to function for years to come. Is this accurate? I thought I read that ALL DTV programming would be moving to MPEG4??

She was correct. SD will stay MPEG2 for a long time. They would have to swap out every receiver for every subscriber to switch and the cost would be prohibitive.

I asked the CSR and she told me MPEG2 for standard channels would NOT be going away, and thus my older Tivo would continue to function for years to come. Is this accurate? I thought I read that ALL DTV programming would be moving to MPEG4??

She was correct. SD will stay MPEG2 for a long time. They would have to swap out every receiver for every subscriber to switch and the cost would be prohibitive.

OTA DTV and HDTV will also stay MPEG-2 for a long time.

So my HD DirecTiVo units will be around for a long time, whether or not I add an HD non-TiVo unit.

What a letdown! The installers showed up but apparently the technician could not determine if we could receive the signal. Within 72 hours, his supervisor will come out and do a "line and sight" to let us know the options. Anyone have any experience with this?

What a letdown! The installers showed up but apparently the technician could not determine if we could receive the signal. Within 72 hours, his supervisor will come out and do a "line and sight" to let us know the options. Anyone have any experience with this?

yes, you will never know if the super really comes unless you are looking outside, i had the same thing and they said no LOS years ago with 3lnb. They dont knock on the door and usually they just follow the lead of the 1st guy. I honestly dont think they come out otherwise they would tell you that you have to be home to talk to them

MIRACULOUSLY the same house, with higher trees (mine) does have LOS to 5lnb dish on the front 3 years later! Amazing. how would higher trees mean better LOS? Hmmmmm...

point is it really depends on the tech...i got lucky this time for sure. Great signals. Dont accept no unless you believe you really dont have LOS.

What a letdown! The installers showed up but apparently the technician could not determine if we could receive the signal. Within 72 hours, his supervisor will come out and do a "line and sight" to let us know the options. Anyone have any experience with this?

You might have lucked out with the delay. It's been noted that, since you own your TiVo boxes, you can keep then (upgrade instead of swap). This way you can keep the HR10 for OTA HD and DirecTV SD going into the future. IIUC, your second TiVo is a NON HD.

I'd suggest you give them a call and have this noted on the order. Worst case is you have a backup TiVo in case one the the boxes dies.

jdg

Sorry, short answers tonight - 18" dish is wrong, you need an AT9 or an AU9, hope that the order is a typo, I don't think they even do 18" dishes anymore, but if they show up with a small, round 1-3LNB dish, reject it.

You can DVR OTA, I do a lot.

Thanks! They did bring the correct dish - order was just a typo.

Unfortunately they had to install the dish on the roof :( $4000 for a new roof earlier this year - was hoping to keep it dish free.

Previous D* install was able to install from the 2nd floor closet overhangs (in between 1st and 2nd level) in a nice little weather protected area. New larger dish wouldn't fit in that area (only 2ft overhang).

Still is a nice looking install - much better than E* did! Will have to keep an eye on the attic and make sure I have no leaks.....yes, I'm slightly paranoid!

Ended up with two HR21 - no chance to DVR OTA for me. Good thing the TVs have tuners. No I just need to spend some time figuring out the remotes and figuring out the display settings.

Thanks to everyone for the answers and advice.

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some advice from anyone about what I should know before DTV comes out to install my dish for watching stations in HD on a new TV I'm having delivered on the same day. I am just switching to HD and my main concern is being able to enjoy the full capabilities of my 1080p whether watching t.v. or blu-ray movies. Thanks for any advice. I just don't want to be completely ignorant when installation of my dish and t.v is going on and end up just letting the delivery guys hook it up the way they say is best. Samsung LNT-4665F, Playstation 3 40G, Directtv, 2 HDMI cables to go brand cables.

I have an HR20-700 and I am getting an intermittent Searching for Satellite 771 message on the new MPEG4 Channels. Anyone else getting this. I actually have a buddy at work who mentioned he is having the same problem. Is is possible my BBC is going bad. I should mention I have one of my BBCs outside wrapped in Duct Tape in order to Diplex OTA into my system. I have been doing this for months though and just now getting the "Searching" problem. Anyone else getting this or heard of this problem.

Just a thought. If you have the BBC located outside, even if it is duct tape for protection, I believe that condensation could be the problem.

If the BBC has any kind of moisture inside it will only be a matter of time before it dies off.

I suffer from the exat same thing and both of my BBCs are inside. I hope it's a bad BBC that I can get replaced.

BTW, anyone have the Directv web link so that I can order new BBCs online?

TIA,
Bish

I suffer from the exat same thing and both of my BBCs are inside. I hope it's a bad BBC that I can get replaced.

BTW, anyone have the Directv web link so that I can order new BBCs online?

TIA,
Bishhttp://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=900036

My problem. Can not record and watch live channels at same time on HDR21. Connected directly from 5lnb to back of HDR21 with single cable. My guess is I need an SWM to do this. Am I right? DTV dish installer would not install this switch with the new dish. Said it was not needed. I knew better.

My problem. Can not record and watch live channels at same time on HDR21. Connected directly from 5lnb to back of HDR21 with single cable. My guess is I need an SWM to do this. Am I right? DTV dish installer would not install this switch with the new dish. Said it was not needed. I knew better.
If you mean record while watching a second channel live, than yes, that's the problem. You need two separate lines. However, you should be able to tune to the channel being recorded.

My problem. Can not record and watch live channels at same time on HDR21. Connected directly from 5lnb to back of HDR21 with single cable. My guess is I need an SWM to do this. Am I right? DTV dish installer would not install this switch with the new dish. Said it was not needed. I knew better.


The installer should have installed a second line as part of the install. He probably did not have an SWM anyway, they are on installer field trials in just a few areas, or are being delivered to companies doing MFH2 apartment installations.

I prefer to run a 2nd line myself. I have a basement and it would only take about 30 minutes.

I prefer to run a 2nd line myself. I have a basement and it would only take about 30 minutes.
All the better. I find a lot of installers do a poor job of seating the connectors on cables they build and I end up having to redo the ends. They seem to always either fail to put the connector on far enough or they don't fully crimp the sleeve. I think they either rush through them too fast or they just don't care.

As a result, I build my own.

I am getting the "searching for signal" on ESPN and others too. I called and went through every possible scenario- the satellite 110 is not reading, except sometimes on transponder 8. They tried to get me to sign up for an installer to come align the dish for $70- I checked the alignement and even got the thing lined better than it was, but still not getting those transpnders. I think they "are down for the count" and Directv techs are not working this week.

They did manage to sell me channels I formerly had(74,78) for free under the old HD package (9.95) which are not part of the new HD pack for 9.95.
I would appreciate honesty from Directv instead of getting screwed and old about it later.

I am sure many will disagree, but I would have gladly kept the 10 channels I had before in HD at $5 less than get MTV, LearningtodresswithstyleHD and CookingHD. . .

I currently have 2 separate receivers on my account from 04/2005.

One is a SD box and the second is a HD box.

I just upgraded my SD box to an MPEG-4 capable HD box (H21) for $49 and my HD box to an MPEG-4 capable HD DVR box (HR21) for $199. There was a $20 shipping charge that the guy would not budge on, but all-in-all, I managed to upgrade 2 rooms to MPEG-4 and add DVR for a total of about $270+tax.

On top of my Premier/Premium programming sub, I hope I am now good to go for HD in both my rooms that have HDTVs.

Wow, i was about ready to give in when I made one more call to retention. Got a new upgraded DVR plus a regular HD receiver for the new format for a total of $187...plus got $300 of credits in total over 12 months. Net gain of $113 plus the two new receivers and free install/new dish. My lucky day.

I have the 721 problem too, its on MOST of the non premium mpg4 channels, there are a couple of exceptions. Noticed my dvr recorded one program on a channel that was and currently is down but must have been up at one time. Have made a coupla ph calls, they got it working for about 5 mins on first call, then they went down again. On second call they switched my programming to the all inclusive $99 one (w/o my permission) but still no luck. They are sending a tech out in 2 days.

I had a similar problem a few years ago, the guy ended up driving 4 hrs to make a 2 min ph. call to whoever, his inside people or something and fixed it right away. I also bit on the 5 hd channels for $5 'cause I like the music videos on ,,, 335? They gave me 3 mos free, woopee. Will see what happens on Friday. Seems like growing pains with the new channels to me.

My 99b satellite readings are low, in the 20s and 30s. My 110-8 is fine fwiw.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=900036

Loren,

Thanks for the link. I just ordered 2 new BBCs. I hope it takes care of my intermittent 771 problem on some of the new MPEG4 channels.
Bish

I got my BBCs today, rev 3, they unfortunately did not fix my 721 problem.

Hi I just had a HR21-700 installed tonight all is working great but how do I get rid of channels in the guide that I do not want?

Also is there a way to set the HDMI out to RGB instead of YCbCr?

Thanks
JT

1. Go to menu, favorites, edit favorites, custom 1 then go through the channels and uncheck the ones that you don't want. Then use Custom 1 as your default favorites list and not all channels.
2. Why? You can use HDMI or Component (RGB ) they are both active all of the time.
Hope that helps, if not some other users may be able to explain it better.

1. Go to menu, favorites, edit favorites, custom 1 then go through the channels and uncheck the ones that you don't want. Then use Custom 1 as your default favorites list and not all channels.
2. Why? You can use HDMI or Component (RGB ) they are both active all of the time.
Hope that helps, if not some other users may be able to explain it better.


Thanks

As for the second both the HDMI and Component out are sending YCbCr and my tv Samsung 4665 has a setting that is grayed out when receiving YCbCr instead of RGB. Not a huge deal but if I could switch it I would.

I too have the 771 problem for the last 1.5 days where I do not get some of the new HD channels (get 247, 284 and some premium but not others like 242, 244, 504, 518 and 520).

I've switched BBC's although the 771 message appears for both Satellite inputs 1 and 2, reset the HR20, checked the zinwell multi switch and had DTV resend the signal. I notice that I only have a signal strength of mid-30's on satellite 103 b (which failed the system setup) and a signal strength of 65% on 99b (which passed). Perhaps something happened with 103b (anyone else)?

The DTV dish (5 LNB) has no snow or ice, the skies have been clear, and there are no obstructions so I don't see how the dish could be impacted. Had the same equipment for 1 year with no problems other than occasional weather-related outages.

Anyone got an idea what's going on since others have also posted a similar problem (of course, DTV doesn't know what is going on)?

Chuck and others with channels missing... My service call did not go well today, did get the channels back finally after the tech was here 2 hours, (i won't even start with the details, but it was ridiculous) but I also now have the Premium package on my acct.

Do you guys by chance have old grandfathered packages? I had total choice limited before this fiasco. Would seem they are forcing us to updated packages even tho their website clearly says "If you have an older package not listed here, you may keep it as long as you'd like"

I'm getting ready to call yet again.

Now that I have analyzed my account charges I see they also have 'forgotten' about my 12 months hd credit and my 3 mo dvr credit promised when I upgraded. This is turning into a nightmare unequalled by any of their previous shenanigans.

UPDATE:

For anyone that cares, I hope I can help someone else with this. I got my situation fixed (I think) no more 721's.

Rep I spoke with said a lot of programming chgs have been happening recently. He said my HD access had expired and it had to be taken off and re-added. Other reps did essentially the same thing but the guy I finally got seemed to know exactly what to do. I think the others kept readding the OLD package. Keep calling until you get a knowledgeable person it would seem is the technique (as always)

They insisted on sending out a tech, and also swapped my receiver, none of which addressed the issue. It's too bad they have such expenses, probably why I have to pay $5/mo for HD extra pack now, so they can pay for all their incompetentedness.

A 721 error is programming authorization. A 771 error is hardware, usually dish aim.

A 721 error is programming authorization. A 771 error is hardware, usually dish aim.
I never understood why they can't just say that, instead of all that code nonsense.

Error codes are silly nonsense derived from a time when saving memory any way you could (and computer displays consisted of blinking light patterns) was commonplace due to technology limitations. Now it's just programmers being lazy and making themselves "indispensable".

I never understood why they can't just say that, instead of all that code nonsense.

Error codes are silly nonsense derived from a time when saving memory any way you could (and computer displays consisted of blinking light patterns) was commonplace due to technology limitations. Now it's just programmers being lazy and making themselves "indispensable".

Trust me, numbers are better. As someone who has been on the phone with field personal, I can tell you that people unconsciously "translate" when encountering unfamiliar text. Many times that translation is to a another legitimate error message. So, after not getting anywhere for a while, we had to go back to the beginning, and have them read the error message word for word.


Ernie

Trust me, numbers are better. As someone who has been on the phone with field personal, I can tell you that people unconsciously "translate" when encountering unfamiliar text. Many times that translation is to a another legitimate error message. So, after not getting anywhere for a while, we had to go back to the beginning, and have them read the error message word for word.


Ernie
I don't mind the number - I agree that when someone is calling, it makes things quicker and clearer. It's the lack of anything else that's the issue. Personally, if I know it's something can fix myself, I'm less likely to need to call to sort it out.

Will the HDR21 output 480i over HDMI or RGB?

Thanks
JT

Select 480i and all outputs will produce 480i. Whether you TV can manage it is another story. The chipsets in many Korean TVs, like most Samsungs for example, cannot handle 480i over HDMI.

I'm just about to order some hdmi cables in preparation for my new D* installation next Monday. Two of the receivers are the HR-21s, and I was wondering if it's "standard procedure" for the D* installer to provide hdmi cables. Do they do that?

An HDMI cable comes with each HD receiver in the box.

An HDMI cable comes with each HD receiver in the box.

true but the cables provided are really cheap quality.

An HDMI cable comes with each HD receiver in the box.

I only received HDMI cables in my HR10s. The two HR20s I got did not have them, and the H20 I had did not come with one either.

true but the cables provided are really cheap quality.


They are perfectly OK. There is no point in paying for expensive HDMI cables when your cable run is only 6ft. The picture quality will be exactly the same using the DirecTV-supplied cables as it will be using $100 cables from the A/V store.
If you need longer cables than the ones DirecTV supplies, get them from one of the internet sources such as Monoprice or Blue Jeans Cable. Great cable without the stupid prices.

I have 5 and all came with HDMI cables. They all work very well too, I do a lot of switching with 5 DVRs and 2 HDTVs so that all 5 go to both TVs, all of the extra cables come from Monoprice at about $6 each. Quality is fine, either they work or they don't. It's digital !

true but the cables provided are really cheap quality.
Actually, the supposedly "good" cable I bought (no, I didn't buy a Monster cable :D ) was causing handshaking issues with my TV. The "cheap" cable that came with the DVR works perfectly.

I'll take free and working over purchased and not working any day.

An HDMI cable comes with each HD receiver in the box.
My old set has DVI. Do the installers bring hdmi to dvi adapters, or hdmi to dvi cables?

My old set has DVI. Do the installers bring hdmi to dvi adapters, or hdmi to dvi cables?

No they don't, go to monoprice.com and order an HGMI/DVI cable. One end has a DVI connection and the other HDMI, works the same as a converter and about the same price. They ship very fast.

hey, if you guys wanna use that crap they supply, go ahead and good luck, honestly. the PQ will degrade slowly, leaving you thinking everything is cool, when it's not.

whatever turns your crank. :)

No, they don't, you'll need to buy these.

My old set has DVI. Do the installers bring hdmi to dvi adapters, or hdmi to dvi cables?

:D I assume you are joking (Lord, I hope so)

hey, if you guys wanna use that crap they supply, go ahead and good luck, honestly. the PQ will degrade slowly, leaving you thinking everything is cool, when it's not.

whatever turns your crank. :)

:D I assume you are joking (Lord, I hope so)

no, no i'm not, Jeff. I assume YOUR joking, "Lord I hope so", LOL. :rolleyes:

So you really think expensive cables make any difference, and that cheap cables will degrade your picture over time ? I seriously thought you were kidding.
You are Monster cables target consumer then, and it is unfortunate you buy into their hype. Your money can be better spent elsewhere, truly, and I don't say this condescendingly, even though your reply to me was both condescending and ungrammatical.

no, no i'm not, Jeff. I assume YOUR joking, "Lord I hope so", LOL. :rolleyes:

So you really think expensive cables make any difference, and that cheap cables will degrade your picture over time ? I seriously thought you were kidding.
You are Monster cables target consumer then, and it is unfortunate you buy into their hype. Your money can be better spent elsewhere, truly, and I don't say this condescendingly, even though your reply to me was both condescending and ungrammatical.

buddy, no need to get your panties in a knot, take a cramp pill and chill out.

do i buy monster cables?

yes. monster and ultralink.

do i pay retail prices?

hell no. just the other day, i bought a monster ultra s-video 1000 4' cable on ebay for 8.99

the same cable here goes fgr 99.99

i buy quality cables for the same price(s) as you pay for crap. :)

It's been well documented that Premium video cables (espicially for digital signals) do not provide any improvement in quality. I have read more articles than I can count, and test after test it's the same results. And as for degrading over time, perhaps after 15-20 years in a humid environment.

If you can buy "quality cables" for the prices joetoronto is getting it for (note it was only an s-video he purchased) go for it.

If you can buy "quality cables" for the prices joetoronto is getting it for (note it was only an s-video he purchased) go for it.
Why "go for it"? Is it okay to get taken for a sucker so long as it doesn't cost too much?

What is going on around here?

A discussion concerning "S" cables and mpeg4? As Mr. Spock Would have said to Bones: "Your logic is inaccurate".

Been strange around here lately.

Why "go for it"? Is it okay to get taken for a sucker so long as it doesn't cost too much?

how does buying high quality cables at the same price as cheap cables constitute "getting taken as a sucker:, Greg?

by the way, i bought 4 sets of monster component video cables (MV2CV-2M) for 40.00 on ebay last week.

one set alone here costs 113.00 :eek:

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10034065&catid=23215#

how does buying high quality cables at the same price as cheap cables constitute "getting taken as a sucker:, Greg?



It's true if, and only if, you still believe that the "high quality" cables actually perform better than "cheap" cables.

Obviously, you are in the minority with this group. :(

:D HD and S-Video should not be in the same sentence (dang, I just violated my own edict).

I know on some video-phile forums, even to this day, there will be a rabid minority pushing expensive cables, making statements that violate the very laws of physics, but I have to admit, this is the first time I have seen this up here. Super-premium cable claims have been debunked for awhile now. If you could see wholesale prices on some of these monster cables ($5 on a $99 retail cable for instance), you would realize what is going on, even if the physics of their claims don't make a dent in your logic.

What is going on around here?

A discussion concerning "S" cables and mpeg4? As Mr. Spock Would have said to Bones: "Your logic is inaccurate".

Been strange around here lately.

hey, if you guys wanna use that crap they supply, go ahead and good luck, honestly. the PQ will degrade slowly, leaving you thinking everything is cool, when it's not.

whatever turns your crank. :)
Wait....what?! Where the heck do you get your information from? That's the most ridiculous (and wrong) thing I've heard in a long time. :rolleyes:

Well, I just got off the phone with DirecTv, scheduling an upgrade to an MPEG4 box/5 LNB dish.

This is after my 4 year old Hughes HD box crapped out on me two days ago.

I will be using Monster components as my TV doesn't have HDMI.

Can't wait!

Well, I just got off the phone with DirecTv, scheduling an upgrade to an MPEG4 box/5 LNB dish.

This is after my 4 year old Hughes HD box crapped out on me two days ago.

I will be using Monster components as my TV doesn't have HDMI.

Can't wait!
If you haven't opened the package for your component cables, take them back to the store and get just about anything else. Aside from being leary of the bargain bin $3.99 analog cables from the discount store, there is no benefit from paying the Monster Cable ransom. Even Radio Shack branded cables are just as good and 1/2 the price.

Clearly, I'm in the wrong business. I need to get into selling "Dihydrogen Oxide Protected" cables with a cool name, like "Venom Linking Technologies" or something. ;)

I stopped into Staples the other night and they had the nerve to want $40 for a 6ft RGB extension cable. I went elsewhere and got a better quality 10ft. model for $12 - and that was brick and morter pricing. I'm still shaking my head at the whole thing.

If you haven't opened the package for your component cables, take them back to the store and get just about anything else. Aside from being leary of the bargain bin $3.99 analog cables from the discount store, there is no benefit from paying the Monster Cable ransom. Even Radio Shack branded cables are just as good and 1/2 the price.

Clearly, I'm in the wrong business. I need to get into selling "Dihydrogen Oxide Protected" cables with a cool name, like "Venom Linking Technologies" or something. ;)

I stopped into Staples the other night and they had the nerve to want $40 for a 6ft RGB extension cable. I went elsewhere and got a better quality 10ft. model for $12 - and that was brick and morter pricing. I'm still shaking my head at the whole thing.

Ouch! Sorry to hear that, but you're right about being in the wrong business (let me know if you need a business partner)!

All of my HDMI, Components, Opticals, PowerCenter, speaker wire, is Monster. I LOVE my Monster products ... the way they look, feel, and perform ... although I must admit I would NEVER pay full retail for them (I'm a great bargain shopper).

Wait....what?! Where the heck do you get your information from? That's the most ridiculous (and wrong) thing I've heard in a long time. :rolleyes:

regarding component cables: you can't begin to compare the bite do you get from quality cables to the bite you get, or don't get, from cheap cables.

a lack of bite, or an uneven bite, makes a difference in PQ, especially over time.

regarding HDMI or DVI: if you guys are using a 1080P source, ditch the cheap cables. they can't carry the bit rate consistently without signal failure.

signal failure with digital cables mean no signal at all at times. remember, with digital, either you have the signal or you don't.



oh ya, your welcome. :rolleyes:

regarding component cables: you can't begin to compare the bite do you get from quality cables to the bite you get, or don't get, from cheap cables.

a lack of bite, or an uneven bite, makes a difference in PQ, especially over time.

regarding HDMI or DVI: if you guys are using a 1080P source, ditch the cheap cables. they can't carry the bit rate consistently without signal failure.

signal failure with digital cables mean no signal at all at times. remember, with digital, either you have the signal or you don't.



oh ya, your welcome. :rolleyes:

The only part of your post that was correct was this part:


signal failure with digital cables mean no signal at all at times. remember, with digital, either you have the signal or you don't.

That means, when it comes to digital, cheap cables will produce an image just as faithfully as an expensive one.

Seriously, I don't know where you come up with this stuff, but it's absolute nonsense. Do you work for Monster, Bose or one of those other companies that makes outlandish claims that defy the laws of physics?

The only part of your post that was correct was this part:



That means, when it comes to digital, cheap cables will produce an image just as faithfully as an expensive one.

Seriously, I don't know where you come up with this stuff, but it's absolute nonsense. Do you work for Monster, Bose or one of those other companies that makes outlandish claims that defy the laws of physics?

hey man, i'm not gonna do the dirty work for you. the info is out there, if you want to spend the time.

the loss of signal is in the form of pixels that lose signal over and over on the screen. it's known as "sparklies".

i don't work for an A/V company, by the way.

Please!!

Anyone have current info on the availability of the HR-20 receiver? Still being manufactured?

Thanks

Anyone have current info on the availability of the HR-20 receiver? Still being manufactured?

Thanks
The HR20 100 is still being made - the HR20 700 is not.

Odds are, you'll get the HR21 from D*. If you really want to be sure of getting the HR20, you'll have to get it from another outlet. Some D* CSRs say they can dictate which will ship, but their computers only indicate "HD DVR". You can also call your area installer and see if they have any HR20's, but even that may not guarantee you'll get one.

I finally gave up trying to get one and I figure I'll get the OTA tuner when it comes out for the HR21.

hey man, i'm not gonna do the dirty work for you. the info is out there, if you want to spend the time.

the loss of signal is in the form of pixels that lose signal over and over on the screen. it's known as "sparklies".

i don't work for an A/V company, by the way.
First, the term is "drop outs", not "sparklies". It's an empty pixel that is lit with no information in it. Basicly, the video has "dropped out" and you're seeing empty space. "Hits" are the opposite. Those are the spots where you see black noise or even full lines that are not lit. Either one can be caused by multiple elements, including the source video (tape damage), the transmission, electrical interference (including along the lines leading to your equipment, such as coax) and, yes, a bad HDMI cable. Drop outs can also be caused by a bad ground. Your TV itself can cause them when line interference hits it through the electrical plug.

While drop outs can occur with a bad cable, bad cables can happen with even the most expensive (or overrated) stock. If a cable is working, it will continue to pass good signal provided you don't do something to screw it up - like tug on it and break something. All HDMI cables have more than enough headroom to pass all current video signals with no difficulty. A better quality cable (read: not necessary more expensive) will prevent interference from electrical sources, allow longer cable runs and be less likely to be damaged by rough handling. For most applications, most runs are so short, even a bargain basement cable will pass signal with no effort.

The thing is, if you aren't seeing any problems from the start, you it's highly unlikely you'll see them later. Cables don't "go bad" unless something was wrong with them in the first place - which would cause issues right from the start.

Can cables fail? Sure, but it's usually due to rough handling, spikes and surges or excessive temperature ranges. Heat from a connection can also agrivate a "Cold Solder" connection, but this would likely be noticed in short order. This means anything that will go wrong will nearly always happen within even the shortest warranty period.

In the end, use what makes you happy. Just don't go preaching that inexpensive cables (like the one included with the D* DVR) are crap. They work fine. In some cases, they work better than other options. In addition, it's a FREE CABLE. Worst case, you get a bad one and have to go out and buy one. However, if the cable works, why not use it? A cable works when it provides a clean signal. The cable I got with my DVR does that.

BTW: I didn't ask you if you worked for an A/V company. I asked if you worked for Monster or Bose - as in snake oil salesmen. Those guys are into the "11 is higher than 10, so it's better" method of selling. Feel free to look up that reference.

The HR20 100 is still being made - the HR20 700 is not.

Odds are, you'll get the HR21 from D*. If you really want to be sure of getting the HR20, you'll have to get it from another outlet. Some D* CSRs say they can dictate which will ship, but their computers only indicate "HD DVR". You can also call your area installer and see if they have any HR20's, but even that may not guarantee you'll get one.

I finally gave up trying to get one and I figure I'll get the OTA tuner when it comes out for the HR21.

Thanks,

Sounds like I may have to live without OTA. Will miss picking up signals from the adjacent market.

Hope mpeg4 locals look as good as OTA.

What's this about an OTA add on tuner for the HR-21? Must have missed the discussion here.

What's this about an OTA add on tuner for the HR-21? Must have missed the discussion here.

Yes, what does than mean anyway?

An OTA tuner module was shown at CES for the HR21. It plugs into the USB port. Estimated availability is predicted to be around March 2008. As for cables http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,121777,pg,1,00.asp

WTF is everyone talking about no OTA?

Am I going to have to sacrifice my OTA antenna with my new MPEG4 box?! NOOOOOO!!! Say it ain't so!!!

Don't know if I'm getting the H20 or H21 ... we'll see when the tech gets here next week ...

First, the term is "drop outs", not "sparklies". It's an empty pixel that is lit with no information in it. Basicly, the video has "dropped out" and you're seeing empty space. "Hits" are the opposite. Those are the spots where you see black noise or even full lines that are not lit. Either one can be caused by multiple elements, including the source video (tape damage), the transmission, electrical interference (including along the lines leading to your equipment, such as coax) and, yes, a bad HDMI cable. Drop outs can also be caused by a bad ground. Your TV itself can cause them when line interference hits it through the electrical plug.

While drop outs can occur with a bad cable, bad cables can happen with even the most expensive (or overrated) stock. If a cable is working, it will continue to pass good signal provided you don't do something to screw it up - like tug on it and break something. All HDMI cables have more than enough headroom to pass all current video signals with no difficulty. A better quality cable (read: not necessary more expensive) will prevent interference from electrical sources, allow longer cable runs and be less likely to be damaged by rough handling. For most applications, most runs are so short, even a bargain basement cable will pass signal with no effort.

The thing is, if you aren't seeing any problems from the start, you it's highly unlikely you'll see them later. Cables don't "go bad" unless something was wrong with them in the first place - which would cause issues right from the start.

Can cables fail? Sure, but it's usually due to rough handling, spikes and surges or excessive temperature ranges. Heat from a connection can also agrivate a "Cold Solder" connection, but this would likely be noticed in short order. This means anything that will go wrong will nearly always happen within even the shortest warranty period.

In the end, use what makes you happy. Just don't go preaching that inexpensive cables (like the one included with the D* DVR) are crap. They work fine. In some cases, they work better than other options. In addition, it's a FREE CABLE. Worst case, you get a bad one and have to go out and buy one. However, if the cable works, why not use it? A cable works when it provides a clean signal. The cable I got with my DVR does that.

BTW: I didn't ask you if you worked for an A/V company. I asked if you worked for Monster or Bose - as in snake oil salesmen. Those guys are into the "11 is higher than 10, so it's better" method of selling. Feel free to look up that reference.

oh i know the reference, buddy. i don't work for monster or any other cable company. not ANY type of A/V related company either.

now that that's out of the way, all i just did was google "sparklies cheap cables 1080P" and pages of exactly what i'm talking about popped up.

this is a fact and the term commonly used is indeed "sparklies".
http://www.google.com/search?q=sparklies+cheap+cables+1080P&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enCA177CA248

WTF is everyone talking about no OTA?

Am I going to have to sacrifice my OTA antenna with my new MPEG4 box?! NOOOOOO!!! Say it ain't so!!!

Don't know if I'm getting the H20 or H21 ... we'll see when the tech gets here next week ...

watch out buddy, the HR20 and HR21 are PVR's. if there's no "R", it's an HD box but not a PVR.

and it's true, there's no OTA with the HR21.

What's this about an OTA add on tuner for the HR-21? Must have missed the discussion here.
Here's a link to the Engadget article about it:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/09/directv-intros-two-atsc-tuner-am21-to-piggyback-hr21/

The OTA tuner (AKA, the AM21) is sitting on top of the HR21 in the photo.

Joe in Toronto has got himself convinced. Once it becomes such an emotional issue, the mind closes, and even mathematical models and physics lessons have no impact. I give up. This forum is still a bastion of common sense, so Joe can have his delusion, and nobody is harmed for it.
One thing I can say about Monster cables and the like - they are a physically beautiful cable, and more often than not, well constructed to take physical abuse. That, however, has no bearing whatsoever on signal performance in the home theatre. AV Cables are basically copper wire and insulation. Copper to carry the signal, and insulation to prevent a short. That's the very simplified basics of the cables behind your television set.

First, the term is "drop outs", not "sparklies". It's an empty pixel that is lit with no information in it. Basicly, the video has "dropped out" and you're seeing empty space. "Hits" are the opposite. Those are the spots where you see black noise or even full lines that are not lit. Either one can be caused by multiple elements, including the source video (tape damage), the transmission, electrical interference (including along the lines leading to your equipment, such as coax) and, yes, a bad HDMI cable. Drop outs can also be caused by a bad ground. Your TV itself can cause them when line interference hits it through the electrical plug.

While drop outs can occur with a bad cable, bad cables can happen with even the most expensive (or overrated) stock. If a cable is working, it will continue to pass good signal provided you don't do something to screw it up - like tug on it and break something. All HDMI cables have more than enough headroom to pass all current video signals with no difficulty. A better quality cable (read: not necessary more expensive) will prevent interference from electrical sources, allow longer cable runs and be less likely to be damaged by rough handling. For most applications, most runs are so short, even a bargain basement cable will pass signal with no effort.

The thing is, if you aren't seeing any problems from the start, you it's highly unlikely you'll see them later. Cables don't "go bad" unless something was wrong with them in the first place - which would cause issues right from the start.

Can cables fail? Sure, but it's usually due to rough handling, spikes and surges or excessive temperature ranges. Heat from a connection can also agrivate a "Cold Solder" connection, but this would likely be noticed in short order. This means anything that will go wrong will nearly always happen within even the shortest warranty period.

In the end, use what makes you happy. Just don't go preaching that inexpensive cables (like the one included with the D* DVR) are crap. They work fine. In some cases, they work better than other options. In addition, it's a FREE CABLE. Worst case, you get a bad one and have to go out and buy one. However, if the cable works, why not use it? A cable works when it provides a clean signal. The cable I got with my DVR does that.

BTW: I didn't ask you if you worked for an A/V company. I asked if you worked for Monster or Bose - as in snake oil salesmen. Those guys are into the "11 is higher than 10, so it's better" method of selling. Feel free to look up that reference.

Joe in Toronto has got himself convinced. Once it becomes such an emotional issue, the mind closes, and even mathematical models and physics lessons have no impact. I give up. This forum is still a bastion of common sense, so Joe can have his delusion, and nobody is harmed for it.
One thing I can say about Monster cables and the like - they are a physically beautiful cable, and more often than not, well constructed to take physical abuse. That, however, has no bearing whatsoever on signal performance in the home theatre. AV Cables are basically copper wire and insulation. Copper to carry the signal, and insulation to prevent a short. That's the very simplified basics of the cables behind your television set.
Fully agreed on all points - including the look of Monster cables. However, I'd rather gaze at the images on my TV than the cables running behind it.

The fact is, I've run miles of cable for various television outlets over the years. I've also worked on both SD and HD editing gear for almost two decades using that same wiring so I see the results on pro gear. The only problem I've ever had with any cabling is when some joker can't terminate them properly. I've used bulk stock of all types, and it's all fine. The only think I like better about the premium stuff is it's usually smoother and coated to make it slide through pulls better.

Well stated. The part about terminating a cable is so true. Years ago I watched an installer attempt to splice a run of RG6, using a swiss army knife to cut away the jacket and a 99 cent needle nose plier to crimp and then bury the result with no wrap.

Did not even get into it with him. Just redid it after the guy left.

Here's a link to the Engadget article about it:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/09/directv-intros-two-atsc-tuner-am21-to-piggyback-hr21/

The OTA tuner (AKA, the AM21) is sitting on top of the HR21 in the photo.

Wow. More CRAP to spend money on?

Wow. More CRAP to spend money on?
Only if you have an HR21 and want (or need) OTA.

Here's a link to the Engadget article about it:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/01/09/directv-intros-two-atsc-tuner-am21-to-piggyback-hr21/

The OTA tuner (AKA, the AM21) is sitting on top of the HR21 in the photo.

Cool, thought I had waited too long to pull the trigger on the switch from my HR10-800. I was bummed that there was no OTA on the HR21.

-TPM

Just got my first widescreen 1080p TV (Sony KDS-60A3000), and a D* HR-21 will be installed next week. If I'm not going to be using HDMI for audio (I will be using toslink from HR-21 to AV Receiver) is it still a better choice for video than component?

Also, is it better to set the HR-21 to "Native Resolution" so that the tv is upconverting the 480i SD and 1080i HD channels to 1080p or set it to "1080i Resolution" so that the HR-21 upconverts the 480i SD channels to 1080i, and have the tv upconvert them to 1080p?

Just got my first widescreen 1080p TV (Sony KDS-60A3000), and a D* HR-21 will be installed next week. If I'm not going to be using HDMI for audio (I will be using toslink from HR-21 to AV Receiver) is it still a better choice for video than component?

Also, is it better to set the HR-21 to "Native Resolution" so that the tv is upconverting the 480i SD and 1080i HD channels to 1080p or set it to "1080i Resolution" so that the HR-21 upconverts the 480i SD channels to 1080i, and have the tv upconvert them to 1080p?

1. 1 cable vs. 3 cables. I've watched my HR20 via component and HDMI; Looks good from either one.

2. Depends on your TV. Some TVs hate the resolution switching, and there is often a 3-4 second pause when changing the channel. Othter TVs are fine with it. My HP plasma does OK. I have my HR20s set to only show 1080i and 720p, so that might make it easier; I don't ever "drop" to 480p.

Just got my first widescreen 1080p TV (Sony KDS-60A3000), and a D* HR-21 will be installed next week. If I'm not going to be using HDMI for audio (I will be using toslink from HR-21 to AV Receiver) is it still a better choice for video than component?

Also, is it better to set the HR-21 to "Native Resolution" so that the tv is upconverting the 480i SD and 1080i HD channels to 1080p or set it to "1080i Resolution" so that the HR-21 upconverts the 480i SD channels to 1080i, and have the tv upconvert them to 1080p?

As noted above, you really shouldn't see any difference at all in image quality between the two cable types unless something is wrong with the cables or the inputs on your TV. In addition, HDMI can occasionally have handshaking issues with some TVs or cables, which is not a problem with Component. HDMI cables are a bit more limited in length and are a bit less durable than component, but for most users it's not a problem. By connecting via component, it saves your HDMI port(s) for HD disc players, which can benefit from HDMI if your TV supports 1080/24p video (or multiples of 24hz) - but only over HDMI. It's also more likely that HDM will eventually enforce HDCP than D*, so you're certainly safer having the DVR on component than an HD Media player. In the end, do what works best for you. Neither option is a bad one, in this case.

I let my TV scale between resolutions. It does a good job of it, so I let it have at it. Some TVs don't do as well. Try it both ways while viewing resolutions other than your TVs native one to see how either method works for you. FOr most people, native mode should work fine, though.

I posted this in the HR-21 forum, and thought I'd give it a try here.

I had four D* receivers installed today, two HR-21 and two D12. They all appear to come with the same remote control. Whether I use them in IR or RF mode, is there anyway to address them differently?

In RF mode, yes. I do not think so in IR mode, but I have not tried that myself

In RF mode, yes. I do not think so in IR mode, but I have not tried that myself

I've looked through the menu and can't find a way to do it. I must be missing something. Please let me know if you have the "menu path" to this feature.

Thanks!

I'll have a gander at home tonight. As I recall, it was somewhere in the options when you were in the midst of setting the remote to RF

Over at dbstalk there is a remote control guru. I was able to set 2 of mine with IR using the slide on top to switch to AV1 and back. I set the 3rd one to RF, So far so good but the 4th one is an HR21 and I haven't figured it out yet. If you go to Setup then Remote there are on screen instructions, I can't vouch for them but give it a try.

Over at dbstalk there is a remote control guru. I was able to set 2 of mine with IR using the slide on top to switch to AV1 and back. I set the 3rd one to RF, So far so good but the 4th one is an HR21 and I haven't figured it out yet. If you go to Setup then Remote there are on screen instructions, I can't vouch for them but give it a try.

Thanks for the info.

I was hoping to be able to get the HR-21 to accept BOTH ir and rf at the same time (like my old E* receivers). This way I could use my ir universal remote in the main room with the HR-21, and use the D* remote (via rf) to control the HR-21 in the other room.

If this is not possible I was hoping for a workaround with the HR-21 in ir mode, and getting one of the remotes to control the D12 in standard mode, and the HR-21 in AV1 mode.

The install was for two HR-21 and two D12 receivers, and I've got a few questions:

1) The installer told me it was NOT a good idea to connect the cable lines from the dish (actually from the switchbox) into a coax surge suppressor, then out of the surge suppressor into the D* receiver (that's how I had my old E* receivers connected). The D* installer said it could lesson the pq. Is he correct or should I add this extra level of protection? (the dish is grounded)

2) The HR-21 manual says that recorded PPV movies will "auto-delete" after a pre-determined time. That can't be right, can it? (I built a nice library of PPVs on my E* harddrive that remained unless I chose to delete them.)

3) The HR-21 manual also says that while watching a recorded show, and another show starts to record, the pq of the recorded show you're watching can deteriorate. You must hit Pause, Play, then Exit to clear it up, and start playback of the recorded show you were watching from the beginning. Please tell me this does not happen often.

4) Last thing from the HR-21 manual: There's a "RES" key on the front of the receiver, but NOT on the remote. Does the Format button on the remote handle the "RES" function? If not, is there a standard setting for the "RES" button that most people use? (I can't see having to go to the receiver everytime you need to adjust the resolution.)

Sorry for all the dumb newbie questions.

The install was for two HR-21 and two D12 receivers, and I've got a few questions:

1) The installer told me it was NOT a good idea to connect the cable lines from the dish (actually from the switchbox) into a coax surge suppressor, then out of the surge suppressor into the D* receiver (that's how I had my old E* receivers connected). The D* installer said it could lesson the pq. Is he correct or should I add this extra level of protection? (the dish is grounded)

2) The HR-21 manual says that recorded PPV movies will "auto-delete" after a pre-determined time. That can't be right, can it? (I built a nice library of PPVs on my E* harddrive that remained unless I chose to delete them.)

3) The HR-21 manual also says that while watching a recorded show, and another show starts to record, the pq of the recorded show you're watching can deteriorate. You must hit Pause, Play, then Exit to clear it up, and start playback of the recorded show you were watching from the beginning. Please tell me this does not happen often.

4) Last thing from the HR-21 manual: There's a "RES" key on the front of the receiver, but NOT on the remote. Does the Format button on the remote handle the "RES" function? If not, is there a standard setting for the "RES" button that most people use? (I can't see having to go to the receiver everytime you need to adjust the resolution.)

Sorry for all the dumb newbie questions.

As far as 1, the plug strip can strip frequencies that the programming is sent on in the course of conditioning the line. If you get all your channels, though, it shouldn't affect picture quality unless it lowers the signal strength to the point where the DVR loses a lock on the channels. This should only happen if signal strength is already low.

Regarding 2 and 3, my HR21 manual doesn't say any of those things, that I can find. Do you have specific page numbers?

As far as number 4, you shouldn't have to worry about resolution if you choose native output. It will switch automatically. The only reason you would want to change the resolution setting is to force the DVR to scale all resolutions to your TV's native resolution. There is no need to switch it manually for each source type. The only thing the format button does is change how SD programming appears on the screen (cropped, zoomed, pillar barred, etc.).

Regarding 2 and 3, my HR21 manual doesn't say any of those things, that I can find. Do you have specific page numbers?

As far as number 4, you shouldn't have to worry about resolution if you choose native output. It will switch automatically. The only reason you would want to change the resolution setting is to force the DVR to scale all resolutions to your TV's native resolution. There is no need to switch it manually for each source type. The only thing the format button does is change how SD programming appears on the screen (cropped, zoomed, pillar barred, etc.).

I found those items in the troubleshooting section, both are on page 47:

"If you record a pay per view program, but did not watch it, the time which you are allowed to purchase or watch it may have expired. To avoid in the future, check your pay per view recordings in the My Playlist screen for expiration dates."

I can understand an "all day" ppv that you would only be available to watch for 24 hours, but once it's recorded on the harddrive there can't be an "expiration date", can there? Sounds crazy to me, and could be a deal breaker.

"When I am watching a recorded program, and the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR starts to record another program, my image quality deteriorates.

Press PAUSE, then PLAY
Press EXIT to return to live TV, then press LIST. SELECT the program you were watching from the My Playlist screen and press PLAY.

Regarding the RES button, my Sony TV does not do a great job of upscaling 480i sources, so I'm not sure that setting the HR-21 to "Native" would be the best choice. In that case, even though my tv will accept 408i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p (it will upconvert all to 1080p), should I set the HR-21 to 1080i as the ONLY resolution?

In which setting, "Native" or a single 1080i setting, would the time between channel changes be less?

I found those items in the troubleshooting section, both are on page 47:

"If you record a pay per view program, but did not watch it, the time which you are allowed to purchase or watch it may have expired. To avoid in the future, check your pay per view recordings in the My Playlist screen for expiration dates."

I can understand an "all day" ppv that you would only be available to watch for 24 hours, but once it's recorded on the harddrive there can't be an "expiration date", can there? Sounds crazy to me, and could be a deal breaker.

"When I am watching a recorded program, and the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR starts to record another program, my image quality deteriorates.

Press PAUSE, then PLAY
Press EXIT to return to live TV, then press LIST. SELECT the program you were watching from the My Playlist screen and press PLAY.

Regarding the RES button, my Sony TV does not do a great job of upscaling 480i sources, so I'm not sure that setting the HR-21 to "Native" would be the best choice. In that case, even though my tv will accept 408i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p (it will upconvert all to 1080p), should I set the HR-21 to 1080i as the ONLY resolution?

In which setting, "Native" or a single 1080i setting, would the time between channel changes be less?

It will be faster with native off. Try it different ways and whatever looks best to you is the correct setting.

I found those items in the troubleshooting section, both are on page 47:

"If you record a pay per view program, but did not watch it, the time which you are allowed to purchase or watch it may have expired. To avoid in the future, check your pay per view recordings in the My Playlist screen for expiration dates."

I can understand an "all day" ppv that you would only be available to watch for 24 hours, but once it's recorded on the harddrive there can't be an "expiration date", can there? Sounds crazy to me, and could be a deal breaker.
In regards to the PPV, that just pertains to a program you recorded, but never watched. It seems to me it's an authorizing thing. If you never watch it, it probably deletes itself when it is no longer being shown as a PPV event. It's no longer in the system to purchase. It doesn't say anything about deleting previously viewed PPV content.

As far as the other issue, I haven't encountered it.

It will be faster with native off. Try it different ways and whatever looks best to you is the correct setting.

So if I set "Native" to off, what settings do I use for "Resolution"? Mt tv accepts everything from 408i up to it's native res of 1080p, but the tv doesn't do a great job of upconverting 480i. So of I were to turn off all resolutions except 1080i on the HR-21, I assume it will do the upconverting, and will only send 1080i to the tv. Is that correct?

In regards to the PPV, that just pertains to a program you recorded, but never watched. It seems to me it's an authorizing thing. If you never watch it, it probably deletes itself when it is no longer being shown as a PPV event. It's no longer in the system to purchase. It doesn't say anything about deleting previously viewed PPV content.

As far as the other issue, I haven't encountered it.

You're right about that NTV. It's a different method from E* that I'm used to. You can record any ppv, but you don't actually pay for it until you watch it, and as long as you watch it before it's gone from the schedule it will remain in your "Play List" as long as you want it.

With E*, you pay for it as soon as you select it in the guide, and then you can record it.

Thanks for your help.

I have connected a basic D12 receiver via s-video to a 15" LCD TV in my kitchen. It's an old "ED" 480p TV with component inputs. The picture I'm getting from s-video is pretty bad. The heavily compressed channels are the worst.

I was wondering if upgrading to a HD receiver (is that the H20?) with component out set to 480p would be a significant upgrade in picture quality from s-video's 480i? Would it be worth the cost for the hd receiver?

Hello,

I am sure this has been asked before, but I can't remember the answer.

I would like to record 2 shows at one time tonight. I have the HR21. If I set the recorder to record both shows and set my receiver on one of the channels and then flip my input over to my BD and watch a movie, will both stations record at the same time?

Thanks for any help.

If I knew what a BD was, I could answer better. When this situation happens to me, I set the HR to record them both, then switch the TV to its separate OTA input and watch that.

If I knew what a BD was, I could answer better. When this situation happens to me, I set the HR to record them both, then switch the TV to its separate OTA input and watch that.

BD = Blu-Ray Disc Player

Last night I noticed that in full screen view when I changed channels up or down the channel banner at the top of the screen DIDN'T change. For example, I could be on CH 501, press CH UP button to go to channel 502, and the channel changes, but the channel banner pops up and still has the channel 501 info. Sometimes I pressed the CH UP or CH DOWN button three consecutive times, allowing the new channel picture to display between channel changes, and the channel banner continued to pop up with the same info from three channels earlier.

The only thing I changed on this HR-21 was to create a Custom Guide (I just deleted all the duplicate SD channels, along with Season Pass and spanish language channels).

Has anyone had this experience? Could the Custom Guide be causing it (I wasn't changing channels in the guise, I was in full-screen mode)?

Hello,

I am sure this has been asked before, but I can't remember the answer.

I would like to record 2 shows at one time tonight. I have the HR21. If I set the recorder to record both shows and set my receiver on one of the channels and then flip my input over to my BD and watch a movie, will both stations record at the same time?

Thanks for any help.

Sure. The DVR doesn't care if you are looking at it or not. Watching a movie while it is recording is no different than if your TV/receiver were turned off.

Sure. The DVR doesn't care if you are looking at it or not. Watching a movie while it is recording is no different than if your TV/receiver were turned off.
Heck, even if you tuned to a completely different channel than the ones you wanted to record on, the unit would ask if you wanted to switch channels to record on both tuners. If you aren't actually watching and able respond, it will automatically assume you want to switch to the show you asked it to record. Since tuners tuners are allocated in order of the priority you give to shows, it will give you the option to not record the lower priority show. Again, though, if you don't respond either way, it will assume you want to switch to the show you programmed to record and do so on your behalf.

So, if you break both your arms, you'll be stuck watching one of the shows you are in the process of recording...unless you have good dexterity with other....appendages ;)

Last night I noticed that in full screen view when I changed channels up or down the channel banner at the top of the screen DIDN'T change. For example, I could be on CH 501, press CH UP button to go to channel 502, and the channel changes, but the channel banner pops up and still has the channel 501 info. Sometimes I pressed the CH UP or CH DOWN button three consecutive times, allowing the new channel picture to display between channel changes, and the channel banner continued to pop up with the same info from three channels earlier.

The only thing I changed on this HR-21 was to create a Custom Guide (I just deleted all the duplicate SD channels, along with Season Pass and spanish language channels).

Has anyone had this experience? Could the Custom Guide be causing it (I wasn't changing channels in the guise, I was in full-screen mode)?

I have noticed the same problem on occassion with the HR20.

RE: Monster Cables for HDTV.

I too am skeptical of claims that expensive cables are any better than ordinary copper and insulation.....but

I recently read an article that in a A/B test 3 video experts could handily pick out the Monsters from the run of the mill cables. I have tried an A/B myself and think I see tiny differences when running 1080P and with highly detailed BlueRay generated pix.

Any way the Monster Cables are rugged and look impressive.

With regard to high powered audio speaker cables the Monster have enormous conducters and that will improve the damping factor and just might improve the sound a little bit. Ed

RE: Monster Cables for HDTV.

I too am skeptical of claims that expensive cables are any better than ordinary copper and insulation.....but

I recently read an article that in a A/B test 3 video experts could handily pick out the Monsters from the run of the mill cables. I have tried an A/B myself and think I see tiny differences when running 1080P and with highly detailed BlueRay generated pix.

Any way the Monster Cables are rugged and look impressive.

With regard to high powered audio speaker cables the Monster have enormous conducters and that will improve the damping factor and just might improve the sound a little bit. Ed

With analog cables there are all sorts of arguments and I won't go into those. With digital cables like HDMI it's very different. Even a set of tests defined and supervised by Monster showed no differences in HDMI cables (of the correct gauge) until you tried sending 1440p signals over longer distances, and that at very long distances HDMI was problematic anyway without using an equaliser. ....The conclusion of the reviewer was that if you were running long HDMI cables inside walls on new construction and were trying to "future-proof" your installation in case HD goes to 1440p it might be worthwhile.

Just got a Pioneer Plasma last week, and a HR-20 from Dtv to go with it. Since Plasmas are susceptable to image retention, especially when new, Pioneer recomends avoiding any format that does not entirely fill the screen.(NO black bars top or sides.) So, I've been experimenting with various format settings both on HR-20 and on the Pio. When I switch to Crop on HR-20 the image gets fuzzy-almost out of focus. I expect geometrical distortion, but not loss of focus. Anybody else have a problem like that? The HR-20 they sent me was reconditioned-for a mere $199. Could it be malfunctioning?

My "Crop" setting is fuzzy too.
I just skip it, I don't have any use for it.

Just got a Pioneer Plasma last week, and a HR-20 from Dtv to go with it. Since Plasmas are susceptable to image retention, especially when new, Pioneer recomends avoiding any format that does not entirely fill the screen.(NO black bars top or sides.) So, I've been experimenting with various format settings both on HR-20 and on the Pio. When I switch to Crop on HR-20 the image gets fuzzy-almost out of focus. I expect geometrical distortion, but not loss of focus. Anybody else have a problem like that? The HR-20 they sent me was reconditioned-for a mere $199. Could it be malfunctioning?
Crop blows up the whole image and cuts off the top and bottom to fill the sides instead of stretching left and right. That's why it gets fuzzy.

Ok,
So I know DTV has been talking about being able to stream music, photos and eventually video too their new DVR's. Everyone knows that you can stream photo's and music, but apparently you can now stream video to it. I just started playing with it and so far the only thing I can get to play is a standard def MPEG2 file. I tried a DIVX file, an AVI file and a High Def MPEG2 file. The High Def begins to play, but I get an error message stating it cannot access the video file. The others will not play at all.

So, my question to everyone is, has anyone else tried this or know anything about it?

If they add support for divx and avi that would be pretty cool.

Thanks,
Kemical

Do HD stations like NBC still send 1080i when there programing is SD?

Do HD stations like NBC still send 1080i when there programing is SD?
Yes, the SD is upconverted (essentially repeating lines to make enough video information to fill the vertical frame).

Directv removed my old dish when they installed the 5lnb.There was no issue, they just took it down and gave it to me. However, they added 1 run from the dish and I got the HR20 at the same time. Later I ordered an H20 from them. It won't receive the new mpeg 4 channels. They say it needs solid copper coax from the multi-switch. No other solid copper in my system, 2 other HD boxes that work fine and 1 non-HD. Ever hear of this one?

Directv removed my old dish when they installed the 5lnb.There was no issue, they just took it down and gave it to me. However, they added 1 run from the dish and I got the HR20 at the same time. Later I ordered an H20 from them. It won't receive the new mpeg 4 channels. They say it needs solid copper coax from the multi-switch. No other solid copper in my system, 2 other HD boxes that work fine and 1 non-HD. Ever hear of this one?
Pretty much all coax is solid copper with a braided shield and rubber jacket.

The five questions I need to ask are:

1) Are you splitting the signal anywhere?
2) Are you diplexing in an antenna signal on the line leading to the new receiver?
3) Did you set up the correct dish tupe in the receiver?
4) Have you tried connecting that line to another dish/multiswitch output?
5) Have you or D* reset the box?

Directv removed my old dish when they installed the 5lnb.There was no issue, they just took it down and gave it to me. However, they added 1 run from the dish and I got the HR20 at the same time. Later I ordered an H20 from them. It won't receive the new mpeg 4 channels. They say it needs solid copper coax from the multi-switch. No other solid copper in my system, 2 other HD boxes that work fine and 1 non-HD. Ever hear of this one?

Not sure about your issue, but they left me my old dish, too. Not to mention, the (big) box the new 5LNB came in. The trash collector didn't pick it up, because it didn't fit in the trash can. What a pain. I would think the installers could take the box back ... :sigh: oh well ...

I strongly disagree. Almost all rg6 out there is copper clad conductor.

I have reset, rebooted, unplugged, changed multi-switch ouputs and swapped receivers to different rooms. My HR20 works in my H20 location. My H20 will not get the new HD lineup in any location. D has updated my account 3 times so far. A very helpful person on another forum had me test to see if my rg6, installed by DirecTV, was copper, not clad. It is not, the conductor is magnetic, copper is not. Dish is set to 5lnb, no splitters, homeruns from switch.

What multiswitch do you have? A Zinwell WB68 or WB616 is needed. The WB68 takes power from the coax too so adds to the load. Steel normally is good to about 75 feet. If you have longer runs, a power inserter can be added to a WB68. http://www.sonorastore.com/510.html It is marketed to provide enough power for two multiswitches but works fine with one in situations where enough power is not supplied.

I have the WB68. If I could find copper core RG6 locally I would buy it and just jump it from the switch to see if that is the problem. My run is about 60' max.If I order cable online returns are more difficult. I really think that if DirecTV tells me, as they have, that I need copper core, they should run it. They did all the terminations on the initial runs. I pulled the cable they supplied so it would be inside and where I wanted it. I worked with the installers. They loved it. I honestly didn't feel they should have to go in my crawl space and attic so I did that part. And the runs from the dish to the switch are at least 25'. They even coiled the cable to the switch so it may be longer. Won't that affect it, it's all copper clad steel ?

Resistance is about total length of run and quality of connections as well as steel v. copper. Powering the WB68 doesn't help. I've found some all copper at Lowe's but a small percentage of it. Take a magnet to check. The last coil I bought was labeled Magnavox and had a messenger wire.

In my runs, I have solid copper. I buy spools direct from the manufacturer since I can often put an order in along with the company supply to get a volume discount. I run enough cable for other people (in return for my cost of the cable) to keep it on hand. For me, it works out well.

However, a friend of mine has clad. He has no issues at all. His runs are at least as long as mine (two are over 75 feet) and he has two HR20 DVRs going on it.

If clad works for you, there's no reason to change anything. If it doesn't, then get the good stuff.

I have a basic DirecTV 5 LNB dish question. Can an older HD receiver (sony) be used with a 5 LNB dish? I've been using a sony HD receiver for a few years now but am moving to a place that has a 5 LNB dish. I don't plan on upgrading my receiver right away but want to be sure my old receiver will continue to work with the new dish. Any issues I should know about?

Advice please... Thanks in advance!

Yes.

I have a basic DirecTV 5 LNB dish question. Can an older HD receiver (sony) be used with a 5 LNB dish? I've been using a sony HD receiver for a few years now but am moving to a place that has a 5 LNB dish. I don't plan on upgrading my receiver right away but want to be sure my old receiver will continue to work with the new dish. Any issues I should know about?

Advice please... Thanks in advance!
Any D* receiver will work fine with the 5 LNB dish. My 8 year old UltimateTV unit is working great with it as a second receiver.

Thanks for the helpful info.

Resistance is about total length of run and quality of connections as well as steel v. copper. Powering the WB68 doesn't help. I've found some all copper at Lowe's but a small percentage of it. Take a magnet to check. The last coil I bought was labeled Magnavox and had a messenger wire.
Well, I ran copper conductor to the H20 and surprise, it still will not pick up the mpeg 4 channels. My HR20 works on all my original cable runs and on the new run. Sooo, it can't be a bad receiver, it's my imagination.

Well, I ran copper conductor to the H20 and surprise, it still will not pick up the mpeg 4 channels. My HR20 works on all my original cable runs and on the new run. Sooo, it can't be a bad receiver, it's my imagination.

When you say the H20 "can't pick them up", do you mean you get 771 searching for signal messages on all the new channels?

I just upgraded my av receiver to a Denon 3808, which does video upscaling/upconverting, and I'm wondering how people who have upconverting receivers setup their HR-20/21 as far as resolution is concerned. Do you set the HR-20/21 to "Native" and let the av receiver (and/or the TV) do the upconversion or do you set it to output just 1080i so that the HR-20/21 is upconverting the SD channels?

When you say the H20 "can't pick them up", do you mean you get 771 searching for signal messages on all the new channels?
I get an unviewable totally abstract picture on HD channels 269, 271,504,etc. All the later releases.The original HD channels always worked fine and still do.

Well, I finally got signed up for D* (moving up from Insight cable). The installer was supposed to be here between 12-4PM today, and he finally showed up at 7PM. It's a good thing he didn't have to put the dish on the roof, because an inch of snow had fallen between 5:30 and 7. Unfortunately, I didn't get one of my HD DVRs, because it was a HR21, and it wouldn't work with my SDTV in the bedroom. I was really hoping for HR20s, but he said they didn't carry them anymore. He took it off my account, and I'll have to add an SD DVR. I wasn't aware that the HR21 needed two cables though, so he had to drill a hole through my house and run a cable from the outside into the living room. After a few hours, I was all set up with my HR21 in my living room. It sure is nice, and I'll enjoy the extra HD channels that I now get. He was a nice guy though, I tipped him $20, it sure was cold out there.

Hi All -
will soon be setting up an AU9 slimline, was wondering if anyone knew of a Windows based software that emulated a signal meter (like the accutrac 22 pro). Before I invest $125 on a meter, I'd like to make sure there is not a less expensive (but still accurate and precise) option.
Thanks

I get an unviewable totally abstract picture on HD channels 269, 271,504,etc. All the later releases.The original HD channels always worked fine and still do.

What signal strengths do you see on the 103(b) satellite, all transponders? What TV do you have and how is the H20 connected?

FWIW got my HR21 and new dish installed on Friday and it died on Saturday. Tried troubleshooting on the phone, but when the receiver was reset(or un/replugged) it would give me the 2 powering up screens then locked up with a blank screen could not even get the drive to reformat. Left it unplugged for a couple of hours and it booted up long enough to record the Budweiser shootout. I watched it later that night and it was dead again on Sunday morning. Next time for a tech is 2 weeks from today. Time to call customer retention.
Any suggestions?

I've lived with my HR10-250 and an OTA antenna for almost 2 yrs now. I live about 15 miles SE of Charlotte, NC and the OTA HD locals are not reliable at all. I can rarely count on them to not mess up during a broadcast. So I have to schedule recordings on the SD channels. I can't stand it any longer. So I'm looking to upgrade to the HR20/21 and the 5LNB dish so I can get HD locals via the satellite.

I have a few questions that I was hoping this group could help answer, but the big one is:

1) What's the simplest way to get a good $$$ deal from D*?

Looks like the "retail" price is $199 with installation extra. I have a local guy who has done all of my previous D* installs/upgrades and I would prefer to let him do this one as well.

2) Also, if D* takes this opportunity to force me into an extended agreement or new channel package, what should I go for? I'm currently on the old Choice Plus package with HD & HBO. I know they recently redid all of their packages.

3) Why are the new HD DVR's "leased"? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? If it means they will replace one if it goes bad at no charge, that's cool.

4) I read about bugs and problems when the D* DVRs were first released. Are the latest HR20/HR21's reliable?

5) Are there any big differences between my HR10 TiVo service/software and the D* HR20/21's? In other words, are there things that I could do with or might have liked about the TiVo software that the D* service can't do?

Thanks for any help with these ?'s.

I've lived with my HR10-250 and an OTA antenna for almost 2 yrs now. I live about 15 miles SE of Charlotte, NC and the OTA HD locals are not reliable at all. I can rarely count on them to not mess up during a broadcast. So I have to schedule recordings on the SD channels. I can't stand it any longer. So I'm looking to upgrade to the HR20/21 and the 5LNB dish so I can get HD locals via the satellite.

I have a few questions that I was hoping this group could help answer, but the big one is:

1) What's the simplest way to get a good $$$ deal from D*?

Looks like the "retail" price is $199 with installation extra. I have a local guy who has done all of my previous D* installs/upgrades and I would prefer to let him do this one as well.

2) Also, if D* takes this opportunity to force me into an extended agreement or new channel package, what should I go for? I'm currently on the old Choice Plus package with HD & HBO. I know they recently redid all of their packages.

3) Why are the new HD DVR's "leased"? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? If it means they will replace one if it goes bad at no charge, that's cool.

4) I read about bugs and problems when the D* DVRs were first released. Are the latest HR20/HR21's reliable?

5) Are there any big differences between my HR10 TiVo service/software and the D* HR20/21's? In other words, are there things that I could do with or might have liked about the TiVo software that the D* service can't do?

Thanks for any help with these ?'s.

1) Being an existing customer, you should be able to upgrade at little or no cost - definitely under $100. Some people can sweet talk better deals than others.

2) I'd go with the minimum package that gets you the channels you want. While it's a little different, there is a similar package to what you have now. However, as long as you don't change your overall package (i.e., you only add or subtract optional services), D* will let you keep the package you have. For example, I have a package that hasn't been offered for several years now. I just had to re-up for the same package when I upgraded my DVR.

3) The DVRs are leased because buying them has gotten too expensive. Given the choice between paying $700+ dollars to own vs. around $100 up front on a lease, the incentive to lease becomes greater for those who don't want to pay as much for their receiver as they did for their TV. Not only that, the D* TiVo situation has shown that at any time D* may make your owned DVR a doorstop.

4) The current software is pretty stable. I haven't encountered any "deal killer" type of bugs. There a few minor glitches, but nothing fatal. To give some perspective, the worst bug I've encountered with my unit is the "broken aspect ratio" bug. It's easy to fix, though, just by changing the channel.

5) The TiVo "season pass" feature is much better than the "series link" feature in the D* DVR. For example, on the HR20/21, you can only set up to record a show based on a title search if the show actually is in the guide. It means you can't set up a title search to automatically record a show that may air a few months down the road. Other issues I personally have, with a couple that other people do:

- Having to click on items in the "To Do", "Search" or "History" lists in order to get a program description instead of showing it when you hover on it like in the recordings list.

- Not being able to adjust the recording properties for a show unless one is coming up to select it in the "To Do" list.

- The unit goes to live TV when you stop playing back a recorded show.

- The guide date is a bit sparse.

- No PIP (though I never use it, some people hate not having it)

- No dual buffering on both tuners. Any time you change the channel, you lose the buffered video up to that point (again, I don't use that feature).

Some of the good:

- The recordings use a folder system, like TiVo. So, newest shows are at the top of the list and multiple episodes appear grouped in a folder.

- You get a window for your video instead of menus and the guide being overlayed.

- Like TiVo, the unit will "record from the past" if the beginning of a show was being buffered and you hit record later on.

- Right now, many units have a 30 second "slip" (the unit quickly FFs in 30 second increments), but the latest software adds a 30 second "skip" (the unit jumps ahead 30 seconds in buffered or recorded programming). You do have to turn it on, though.

- You'll be able to access the new On Demand content via broadband.

- While I hate the lack of an "auto-padding" feature, at least you can pad the beginning and end of a recording by quite a large amount.

- Remote scheduling of recordings is currently rolling out.

- Once it fully rolls out, you'll be able to view photos and other content contained on your networked computers.

Some comments:



- The unit goes to live TV when you stop playing back a recorded show.

- No PIP (though I never use it, some people hate not having it)


When I'm done watching a recorded show, it waits for me to select DO NOT DELETE or DELETE. It doesn't go to live TV. I guess you mean it doesn't return to the menu like TiVo does.

Regarding PIP, I'm not sure what you mean. With the HR2X, if I review the recorded shows list or the guide, I get the live TV window in a small window in the corner. The HR10 does NOT do this, but the newer Series 3 TiVos do. I use it A LOT and have come to really like it.

Just something else that the HR2Xs do I just remembered - the ability to delete an entire folder of one show, instead of having to delete each one. For example, I had a series link with 3 shows recorded. After watching a bit of the first show, I didn't like it, so after quickly cancelling the series, I press RED on the main folder, and all the shows were deleted.

Some comments:



When I'm done watching a recorded show, it waits for me to select DO NOT DELETE or DELETE. It doesn't go to live TV. I guess you mean it doesn't return to the menu like TiVo does.
That's kind of what I meant. However, it only gives that option if the recording stops on its own. If you hit stop, that option in the lower right area doesn't appear. I prefer an info screen as opposed to Billie Mayes hawking cleaning products pumping out of my speakers following viewing a quiet movie.

Regarding PIP, I'm not sure what you mean. With the HR2X, if I review the recorded shows list or the guide, I get the live TV window in a small window in the corner. The HR10 does NOT do this, but the newer Series 3 TiVos do. I use it A LOT and have come to really like it.
I mean Picture in Picture - as in a second channel in a little corner box within the window of the channel you are watching. I don't mean live TV in a window in the menus.

Just something else that the HR2Xs do I just remembered - the ability to delete an entire folder of one show, instead of having to delete each one. For example, I had a series link with 3 shows recorded. After watching a bit of the first show, I didn't like it, so after quickly cancelling the series, I press RED on the main folder, and all the shows were deleted.
I believe TiVo also has a bulk delete function. However, you can also do it with several unrelated shows - not just with a folder of the same series. That's a feature I really liked on my UTV. You could also bulk delete upcoming recordings listings.

The 103 signals are all high 80's to high 90's. The H20 is used with a Toshiba crt HD set and connected via HDMI. I tried it with component and got the same thing. No difference at all. As mentioned, my HR20 works fine when I move it to the run where the H20 normally would be, and the H20 does not get the same MPEG4 channels if I changed it's location. I have had many many calls in to customer service and I have reset, rebooted, unplugged, twirled a chicken over my head multiple times without success. After my last complaint, direct sent a refurb H20 that was dirty, banged up and scratched. It would not even receive anything at all. They said I had bad cable. I switched to copper core with no improvement.

I mean Picture in Picture - as in a second channel in a little corner box within the window of the channel you are watching. I don't mean live TV in a window in the menus.


I believe TiVo also has a bulk delete function. However, you can also do it with several unrelated shows - not just with a folder of the same series. That's a feature I really liked on my UTV. You could also bulk delete upcoming recordings listings.

My HR10 doesn't have picture in a picture - I didn't think it was a function of the TiVo but of the television. I know my TV won't show the "main" input as the secondary when I have PIP on.

Tivo has the CLEAR button for an instant delete on one show, but when I've tried it for a folder, I get the BONG.

Deezul

My HR10 doesn't have picture in a picture - I didn't think it was a function of the TiVo but of the television. I know my TV won't show the "main" input as the secondary when I have PIP on.

Tivo has the CLEAR button for an instant delete on one show, but when I've tried it for a folder, I get the BONG.

Deezul
It's not a function of the TV when you're dealing with a DVR. Several DVRs offer it, but not all. For example, my SD UTV offers it. It shows whatever the second tuner is doing. You can place the second channel in any corner with it. I believe E*'s DVR does this, as well.

Like I said, the mass delete feature was referring to selecting several individual items to delete at once, NOT a folder. TiVo doesn't let you delete a folder. However, as far as I know, some TiVo software (and again, my UTV) offers a menu where you can select several items and hit delete once to get rid of them.

Certain features were different on various TiVos - including those offered by D*. Just because yours doesn't do the stuff, doesn't mean it wasn't on others. As I said earlier, I don't use either feature, but the lack of PIP and dual buffers has annoyed several folks who came over from other boxes.

It's not a function of the TV when you're dealing with a DVR. Several DVRs offer it, but not all. For example, my SD UTV offers it. It shows whatever the second tuner is doing. You can place the second channel in any corner with it. I believe E*'s DVR does this, as well.
{SNIP}

Now there's a product I miss, Ultimate TV, I have not had PIP since I took that out of service in the HU card days. I wonder if I dusted that off if D* would activate?

Now there's a product I miss, Ultimate TV, I have not had PIP since I took that out of service in the HU card days. I wonder if I dusted that off if D* would activate?
Certainly. However, I would do a tuner test before you do. They tend to fail easily.

Existing D* customers should have an issue, but new customers, I believe, need to call a separate number.

I currently use my UTV as a backup for "must see and death to my DVR if it fails to record it" type shows. I also use it to prevent tuner conflicts with lower priority shows that only have one showing or are only in SD. Finally, since it lets me program in title searches for items not yet in the guide, I use it to ensure I don't forget about a show that will air months later down the road. I'd rather watch stuff in SD than not at all.

By the way, they really ramped up the software on that thing in the last few upgrades. However, you still have to pay $10/month for the service...

Certainly. However, I would do a tuner test before you do. They tend to fail easily.

Existing D* customers should have an issue, but new customers, I believe, need to call a separate number.

I currently use my UTV as a backup for "must see and death to my DVR if it fails to record it" type shows. I also use it to prevent tuner conflicts with lower priority shows that only have one showing or are only in SD. Finally, since it lets me program in title searches for items not yet in the guide, I use it to ensure I don't forget about a show that will air months later down the road. I'd rather watch stuff in SD than not at all.

By the way, they really ramped up the software on that thing in the last few upgrades. However, you still have to pay $10/month for the service...

well, I may give them a call and see what the story is...after I plug it in and test the tuners as you mention. I'm likey many revisions behind on the software, I wonder if it would update unsubscribed if I put it in the stream (probably not)
so just how many DVRs are you running?

well, I may give them a call and see what the story is...after I plug it in and test the tuners as you mention. I'm likey many revisions behind on the software, I wonder if it would update unsubscribed if I put it in the stream (probably not)
so just how many DVRs are you running?
It has to be active to upgrade.

I have two: one HR21 and one UTV.

I'm about to switch from Time Warner Cable (NYC) to DirecTV. The only reason for this is that TWC's HD lineup is terrible so I've got an HR20 HD DVR lined up for D*. Before I make a mistake though, can someone answer this for me?

I've heard DirecTV uses a lot of compression on their SD channels, and I'll still watch a few of them so I'm worried about the tradeoff. How good or bad do those SD channels look using the HD DVR? Has anyone compared the PQ against TWC's SD feeds, which actually look quite good? Thanks.

I'm about to switch from Time Warner Cable (NYC) to DirecTV. The only reason for this is that TWC's HD lineup is terrible so I've got an HR20 HD DVR lined up for D*. Before I make a mistake though, can someone answer this for me?

I've heard DirecTV uses a lot of compression on their SD channels, and I'll still watch a few of them so I'm worried about the tradeoff. How good or bad do those SD channels look using the HD DVR? Has anyone compared the PQ against TWC's SD feeds, which actually look quite good? Thanks.
SD channels through D* are a bit more compressed, but since they have more HD channels, you won't need to view them as often.

What channels are you currently watching in SD that D* doesn't have in HD?

SD channels through D* are a bit more compressed, but since they have more HD channels, you won't need to view them as often.

What channels are you currently watching in SD that D* doesn't have in HD?


Off the top of my head, I watch MSNBC a lot, as well as Fuse, MTV2, Comedy Central, IFC. Also some local channels that I hope to be able to receive OTA in HD but I'm not sure if I'll get them all, including WPIX 11, WWOR 9 and three PBS stations, WNET NYC, WLIW Long Island and WNJN New Jersey.

I think they look fine, although some are better than others. It will only improve as more HD comes online, and more SD bandwidth becomes available for the remainders.

I'm about to switch from Time Warner Cable (NYC) to DirecTV. The only reason for this is that TWC's HD lineup is terrible so I've got an HR20 HD DVR lined up for D*. Before I make a mistake though, can someone answer this for me?

I've heard DirecTV uses a lot of compression on their SD channels, and I'll still watch a few of them so I'm worried about the tradeoff. How good or bad do those SD channels look using the HD DVR? Has anyone compared the PQ against TWC's SD feeds, which actually look quite good? Thanks.

Just got a second directv 5-LNB sat for our outdoor kitchen and noticed the AZ/EL back bracket (with multiple azimuth adjustments) was not in the box.

Does anyone know where I can get this piece w/o having to buy ANOTHER whole sat kit?

I've lived with my HR10-250 and an OTA antenna for almost 2 yrs now. I live about 15 miles SE of Charlotte, NC and the OTA HD locals are not reliable at all. I can rarely count on them to not mess up during a broadcast. So I have to schedule recordings on the SD channels. I can't stand it any longer. So I'm looking to upgrade to the HR20/21 and the 5LNB dish so I can get HD locals via the satellite.

I have a few questions that I was hoping this group could help answer, but the big one is:

1) What's the simplest way to get a good $$$ deal from D*?

Looks like the "retail" price is $199 with installation extra. I have a local guy who has done all of my previous D* installs/upgrades and I would prefer to let him do this one as well.

2) Also, if D* takes this opportunity to force me into an extended agreement or new channel package, what should I go for? I'm currently on the old Choice Plus package with HD & HBO. I know they recently redid all of their packages.

3) Why are the new HD DVR's "leased"? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? If it means they will replace one if it goes bad at no charge, that's cool.

4) I read about bugs and problems when the D* DVRs were first released. Are the latest HR20/HR21's reliable?

5) Are there any big differences between my HR10 TiVo service/software and the D* HR20/21's? In other words, are there things that I could do with or might have liked about the TiVo software that the D* service can't do?

Thanks for any help with these ?'s.

I am going thru the upgrade now. One of my receivers died and they said I need to upgrade. They gave me a new hd(supposed to be H20), 2 standard receivers, and installation of 5 LNB dish for $20. The guy came to install and even though I was promised an H20(noted on my order) he only had the H21 and said that was all they could get.Be aware the H21 doesn't have OTA. I sent him away and called Direct. They said I could no longer get the H20, I said forget the install then. They finally offered the AM21 box for free when it becomes avaliable. So I guess the installation is back on. They didn't try to make me change to another package(I have total choice plus and hd) but did push their new choice package saying it had locals included and I wouldn't need OTA.

I think they look fine, although some are better than others. It will only improve as more HD comes online, and more SD bandwidth becomes available for the remainders.
Is this based on an actual promise by DirecTV, or is it just a guess?

Since my original question I've learned that DirecTV's SD channels are encoded at 480x480i, as compared to TWC which is encoded at 528x480i. Both are apparently downconverted from 704x480, but it seems DirecTV is worse.

DirecTV launched a new satellite last year, and added 90 or so HD channels. Another satellite was delivered to the launch prep area last week, and should be up and running by June. They are converting much of the MPEG2 to MPEG4, and they have considerable additional bandwidth to play with. Many SD channels I watch have improved as I have seen them either convert to MPEG4 or gained additional bandwidth. So, this is based on what I have seen in the 10 years with DirecTV, especially the last year, AND what I know of DirecTV's plans. Of course, while DirecTV is doing all this, your content providers aren't sitting still, either - improvements at the source will be coming as well (witness WPB channel 5 going HD with their news, for instance).

As for 480i encoding, I don't really know, it changes, and I don't really care - look at it on your TV with your own eyeballs, and don't worry so much about the absolute numbers. 480i is 480i, I don't care if it is 480x480 or 528x480, it's not HD, it only gets so good, and you are not going to notice that kind of difference - I don't, and I blow my picture up on a 65" HD TV.

Is this based on an actual promise by DirecTV, or is it just a guess?

Since my original question I've learned that DirecTV's SD channels are encoded at 480x480i, as compared to TWC which is encoded at 528x480i. Both are apparently downconverted from 704x480, but it seems DirecTV is worse.

Is this based on an actual promise by DirecTV, or is it just a guess?

Since my original question I've learned that DirecTV's SD channels are encoded at 480x480i, as compared to TWC which is encoded at 528x480i. Both are apparently downconverted from 704x480, but it seems DirecTV is worse.

Not quite. Standard SD resolution is 640x480. I don't know what resolution DirecTVs SD channels use, but remember there is no such thing as "TWC", the various local cable companies use different equipment, different services and provide very different picture quality, even though they may do business using the same name. And the cable companies are still generally delivering SD as an analog signal, which is subject to all sorts of problems. Although some of the DirecTV SD channels are pretty bad, my local TWC delivers SD that is usually much worse, it's sometimes like watching through a fog with multiple images because of equipment/cable issues.
The most consistent SD quality in my area is Verizon FIOS, although they sometimes have issues also.

Have D* (1) HR21 and (2) H20 and (3) standard def receivers hooked up and operating since November 2007.

Just got 720P HDTV to replace old analog CRT that was presently used with D* standard def receiver in bedroom.

Can I (a) purchase a H20 via ebay for little bucks and activate via D* with the monthly $4.99 fee instead of (b) paying D* or BB or CCity a premium purchase price for the H21 and then have to pay the same monthly fee?

Does D* refuse to activate a used H20 if I purchase one from Ebay or others?

Are there any special comments needed with D* customer service to assure D* activation of used/new 'non BB/Ccity/D*' HDef receivers?

Can I install the H20 myself without a visit (& possibly fee) from the D* installer? The existing systems are all up and running already.

Do I need to make sure the H20 comes with a "D* card" or not?

I want to get a H20 since it will do OTA and my bedroom HDTV is only 720P in any event.

Many thanks for any feedback.

Terry
(Atlanta)

Have D* (1) HR21 and (2) H20 and (3) standard def receivers hooked up and operating since November 2007.

Just got 720P HDTV to replace old analog CRT that was presently used with D* standard def receiver in bedroom.

Can I (a) purchase a H20 via ebay for little bucks and activate via D* with the monthly $4.99 fee instead of (b) paying D* or BB or CCity a premium purchase price for the H21 and then have to pay the same monthly fee?
Yes you can.


Does D* refuse to activate a used H20 if I purchase one from Ebay or others?
They will force you to buy a new access card from them, I believe it's $11.00 or so.


Are there any special comments needed with D* customer service to assure D* activation of used/new 'non BB/Ccity/D*' HDef receivers?
No, other than getting the new card.


Can I install the H20 myself without a visit (& possibly fee) from the D* installer? The existing systems are all up and running already.
Yes


Do I need to make sure the H20 comes with a "D* card" or not?
won't matter...


I want to get a H20 since it will do OTA and my bedroom HDTV is only 720P in any event.

Many thanks for any feedback.

Terry
(Atlanta)

I have done all that from both ends, you should not have a problem IMO.

Last week, I purchased a HR21-700(black) and added it to my Master Bedroom. I have had a HR20-700(silver) in the family room since May, 2006. When the HR20-700 was installed in May of 2006, a new 5 LNB dish was also installed then. Well, since i installed the HR21-700 in the Mater Bedroom, we have not been able to get Satellite 99 and 110 on that box. 99 & 110 come in perfectly on all the other boxes in my house. DirecTV came out today to do a service call and the guy could not figure out what the problem was. He changed the Multiswitch and the new HR21-700 and that didn't' correct the problem. I then suggested that he take my old HR20-700 and place it in the Master Bedroom to see if he was able to get 99 & 110, and it worked.

Turns out that the new HR21-700 boxes do not like the older 5 LNB dishes. He is coming back on Wednesday to replace dish to a newer one. Has anyone ever experienced a similar problem with the new HR21 boxes being used with a older (1 1/2 years) satellite.

Last week, I purchased a HR21-700(black) and added it to my Master Bedroom. I have had a HR20-700(silver) in the family room since May, 2006. When the HR20-700 was installed in May of 2006, a new 5 LNB dish was also installed then. Well, since i installed the HR21-700 in the Mater Bedroom, we have not been able to get Satellite 99 and 110 on that box. 99 & 110 come in perfectly on all the other boxes in my house. DirecTV came out today to do a service call and the guy could not figure out what the problem was. He changed the Multiswitch and the new HR21-700 and that didn't' correct the problem. I then suggested that he take my old HR20-700 and place it in the Master Bedroom to see if he was able to get 99 & 110, and it worked.

Turns out that the new HR21-700 boxes do not like the older 5 LNB dishes. He is coming back on Wednesday to replace dish to a newer one. Has anyone ever experienced a similar problem with the new HR21 boxes being used with a older (1 1/2 years) satellite.

yup, i had the same problem when i had mine installed, about 3 months ago. the first dish didn't work with my HR20's but the newer style did.

What do you mean you purchased an HR21?

You got it from another source than D*?

Does that mean you own it instead of leasing it through D*?

Also no commitment?

What do you mean you purchased an HR21?

You got it from another source than D*?

Does that mean you own it instead of leasing it through D*?

Also no commitment?

I call it Purchase, DirecTV calls it a lease. I got it from Value Electronics, a Forum sponsor along with a new Pioneer PRO 950HD, and a Panasonic BD30. DirecTV already has a commitment for other boxes i have received in the past. They never asked for an additional commitment last week when i hooked up this new HR21. I have Been with DirecTV for almost 5 yrs.

I'd heard that they were being sold at Best Buy and Costco?

But presumably, when you buy them there, they will charge you a higher price than the lease price D* charges?

Actually, they're long overdue for a new design. Especially with Rupert no longer controlling D* maybe we can get a design which doesn't use NDS tech.

Ive been a D* customer for almost 7 yrs now. No min 2 yrs contract or anything like that. Want to upgrade but not get jacked on price for an existing customer (new customers get the best deals which is opposite of the way it should be!) other wise I will switch to Dish but really want D* since they have more HD content than Dish

My current plan is the old S/Def Total Choice package with add on HBO and Sports Pack and its getting signal from I believe an old single LNB dish

Currently own (purchased myself/not leased) following equipment:

Main Room (Living Room with Plasma TV):
- D10 S/Def receiver connected to a ...
- Tivo Series 2 DVR
I want to upgade this room to have a High Def DVR that can do OTA so I can record HD and OTA. I can get OTA now by hooking up antenna to my plasma tuner now and it looks great but dont get a guide of course on OTA now and cant record OTA in HD.

2nd room (kids room):
- original S/Def Phillips DirecTV receiver with Tivo built in (wish they still made them this way)
I dont need to upgrade this room to HDef as its only for the kid

Questions -

1) How much can I expect to pay to have them come out and upgrade the dish and do wires for the new HD setup?

1a) How much are the HD DVRs going for with D* ? is that buy or lease?

2) Can I keep using the SDef receiver in the kids room or I cant if I get the new HD dish ? and just keep paying Tivo for the extra monthly fee for the DVR service on just that 1 unti? Can they split the signal on the new 5 LNB HD dish so that the HD goes to my living room for the plasma and the SD signal goes to the kids room? or not possible? and if not do I need to have 2 dishes on the roof or just 1?

3) Which HD DVR do I need? The HR20 or HR21? to be able to get OTA and maybe home networking capabilities so I can get back some of my Tivo Home Media functionality when I switch and give up my Tivo box

4) Which one lets you add on extra storage space (external HDD) to save programs?

5) Do both the HR20 and 21 have HDMI cable connection or only component?

6) Are both MPEG4 capable or only one of them?

7) Which dept should I call when I do this existing customer upgrade for best chance of success? Regular rep or customer retention dept? etc?

8) Anything else I should know about?

Thanks all for your help

My other equip is:
Panasonic TH50PZ700U Plasma
Pansonic DMPBD30 BluRay player
Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR receiver
Sony PS3
Sony PS2
Nintendo Wii
and the aforementioned Tivo2 DVR

Panasonic

Ive been a D* customer for almost 7 yrs now. No min 2 yrs contract or anything like that. Want to upgrade but not get jacked on price for an existing customer (new customers get the best deals which is opposite of the way it should be!) other wise I will switch to Dish but really want D* since they have more HD content than Dish

My current plan is the old S/Def Total Choice package with add on HBO and Sports Pack and its getting signal from I believe an old single LNB dish

Currently own (purchased myself/not leased) following equipment:

Main Room (Living Room with Plasma TV):
- D10 S/Def receiver connected to a ...
- Tivo Series 2 DVR
I want to upgade this room to have a High Def DVR that can do OTA so I can record HD and OTA. I can get OTA now by hooking up antenna to my plasma tuner now and it looks great but dont get a guide of course on OTA now and cant record OTA in HD.

2nd room (kids room):
- original S/Def Phillips DirecTV receiver with Tivo built in (wish they still made them this way)
I dont need to upgrade this room to HDef as its only for the kid

Questions -

1) How much can I expect to pay to have them come out and upgrade the dish and do wires for the new HD setup?

1a) How much are the HD DVRs going for with D* ? is that buy or lease?

2) Can I keep using the SDef receiver in the kids room or I cant if I get the new HD dish ? and just keep paying Tivo for the extra monthly fee for the DVR service on just that 1 unti? Can they split the signal on the new 5 LNB HD dish so that the HD goes to my living room for the plasma and the SD signal goes to the kids room? or not possible? and if not do I need to have 2 dishes on the roof or just 1?

3) Which HD DVR do I need? The HR20 or HR21? to be able to get OTA and maybe home networking capabilities so I can get back some of my Tivo Home Media functionality when I switch and give up my Tivo box

4) Which one lets you add on extra storage space (external HDD) to save programs?

5) Do both the HR20 and 21 have HDMI cable connection or only component?

6) Are both MPEG4 capable or only one of them?

7) Which dept should I call when I do this existing customer upgrade for best chance of success? Regular rep or customer retention dept? etc?

8) Anything else I should know about?

Thanks all for your help

My other equip is:
Panasonic TH50PZ700U Plasma
Pansonic DMPBD30 BluRay player
Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR receiver
Sony PS3
Sony PS2
Nintendo Wii
and the aforementioned Tivo2 DVR

Panasonic

In for answers as my Zenith 520 failed for good tonight after endlessly looping through programming (PSIP) updates. Won't even show the amber power icon anymore - she's a gonner.

Ive been a D* customer for almost 7 yrs now. No min 2 yrs contract or anything like that. Want to upgrade but not get jacked on price for an existing customer (new customers get the best deals which is opposite of the way it should be!) other wise I will switch to Dish but really want D* since they have more HD content than Dish

My current plan is the old S/Def Total Choice package with add on HBO and Sports Pack and its getting signal from I believe an old single LNB dish

Currently own (purchased myself/not leased) following equipment:

Main Room (Living Room with Plasma TV):
- D10 S/Def receiver connected to a ...
- Tivo Series 2 DVR
I want to upgade this room to have a High Def DVR that can do OTA so I can record HD and OTA. I can get OTA now by hooking up antenna to my plasma tuner now and it looks great but dont get a guide of course on OTA now and cant record OTA in HD.

2nd room (kids room):
- original S/Def Phillips DirecTV receiver with Tivo built in (wish they still made them this way)
I dont need to upgrade this room to HDef as its only for the kid

Questions -

1) How much can I expect to pay to have them come out and upgrade the dish and do wires for the new HD setup?

Usually installation is free with your upgrade.

1a) How much are the HD DVRs going for with D* ? is that buy or lease?

Top price is $199 what deal you get will depend on who you get when you call, you might get lucky and you might not.

2) Can I keep using the SDef receiver in the kids room or I cant if I get the new HD dish ? and just keep paying Tivo for the extra monthly fee for the DVR service on just that 1 unti? Can they split the signal on the new 5 LNB HD dish so that the HD goes to my living room for the plasma and the SD signal goes to the kids room? or not possible? and if not do I need to have 2 dishes on the roof or just 1?

All receivers are compatible with the 5lnb dish, they can bring up to 4 feeds into your house, if you need more they will add a multiswitch.


3) Which HD DVR do I need? The HR20 or HR21? to be able to get OTA and maybe home networking capabilities so I can get back some of my Tivo Home Media functionality when I switch and give up my Tivo box

For right now you need the HR20 to get OTA, an option will be available for the HR21 very soon. The HR20s are hard to get unless you can find one locally (retail).

4) Which one lets you add on extra storage space (external HDD) to save programs?

Both.

5) Do both the HR20 and 21 have HDMI cable connection or only component?

They both have HDMI and component.

6) Are both MPEG4 capable or only one of them?

Both.

7) Which dept should I call when I do this existing customer upgrade for best chance of success? Regular rep or customer retention dept? etc?

Retention is good if you can get through to them.

8) Anything else I should know about?

I have 3 HR20s and 2 HR21s and love the glossy black finish on the 21s,but if you want OTA it may cost $59 extra for the HR21 add on box. When you call, be nice and if you don't feel you are getting anywhere with the CSR you are talking to, thank them and hang up and call back, CSR roulette. If they won't discount the DVR ask for programming credits to help offset the cost.

Thanks all for your help

My other equip is:
Panasonic TH50PZ700U Plasma
Pansonic DMPBD30 BluRay player
Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR receiver
Sony PS3
Sony PS2
Nintendo Wii
and the aforementioned Tivo2 DVR

Panasonic

Good Luck!

i managed to find one of the very last HR20-100S receivers the other day on ebay, giving me 4 now.

might as well buy em while i still can.

I guess I'm not that desperate for recording OTA, but the price of the HR20s has skyrocketed. march will be here pretty soon, along with the OTA solution for the HR21. A little coaxing the D* rep will get the OTA for the HR21 for shipping cost or less.

The HR20's are still being made, and an OTA add-on box is already available for the HR21's.

{SNIP}an OTA add-on box is already available for the HR21's.

I thought it was March...where can I find it?

My apologies, you are correct, the AM21 - ATSC Tuner Add-On for the HR21 is supposed to be publicly available at the end of March.

damn, you had me excited for a minute...maybe I am more desperate for OTA recoding than I thought:)

i managed to find one of the very last HR20-100S receivers the other day on ebay, giving me 4 now.

might as well buy em while i still can.

How much did you pay?

There are a lot of listings for HR21 Kaku units. What are those?

Can you use the access card which comes with the unit you buy on eBay or will D* require you to get another?

Will they somehow try to make you extend your contractual commitment even if you don't get the DVR through them?

How much did you pay?

There are a lot of listings for HR21 Kaku units. What are those?

Can you use the access card which comes with the unit you buy on eBay or will D* require you to get another?

Will they somehow try to make you extend your contractual commitment even if you don't get the DVR through them?


1. i paid 250.00 with "buy it now".

2. Yes.

3. No, same rules apply, nothing more.

(moved post to new thread)

I didn't want to read through 1,900+ posts....my HR-20 & HR-21 using HDMI cables has sporadic audio drops. Also sometimes the audio gets what sounds like "digitized" hits........Do other people get this???? Is this common for HR-20's & HR-21's ???? (I have one of each)...Thanks.

Got off the phone with the DirecTv upgrade guy. Claims I'll get a DVR to replace my beloved HD Tivo and that I will own it. I suspect he's mistaken, but how do I clairfy it?

He also claimed that since I currently have/want/demand over the air I'd get the HR-20 (I think he's guessing/hoping). Any ideas on how to figure this out before they show up?

Mark

Got off the phone with the DirecTv upgrade guy. Claims I'll get a DVR to replace my beloved HD Tivo and that I will own it. I suspect he's mistaken, but how do I clairfy it?

He also claimed that since I currently have/want/demand over the air I'd get the HR-20 (I think he's guessing/hoping). Any ideas on how to figure this out before they show up?

Mark


mark, for your sake, i hope it all comes true, i really doubt it though and there's no way to find out in the meantime.

Got off the phone with the DirecTv upgrade guy. Claims I'll get a DVR to replace my beloved HD Tivo and that I will own it. I suspect he's mistaken, but how do I clairfy it?

He also claimed that since I currently have/want/demand over the air I'd get the HR-20 (I think he's guessing/hoping). Any ideas on how to figure this out before they show up?

MarkThe guy is clueless. DirecTV has no system in place to specify the HD-DVR model and ownership goes for something like $750. Insist on getting the details in writing, signed and on letterhead paper.

I'm thinking of switching to DirecTV as I'm fed up with Time Warner. I know a little about D* because I used to sell it years ago (I worked in the electronics department of my hometown Montgomery Ward before it closed down.) I have some questions about getting an HD setup installed.

First of all, how does installation work when you sign up? If you have your own box(es) but no dish will they still send someone out to install just the dish? I want to get the HR20 box. Is it better to find and buy my own from a third party or get one from D* directly? Do you fully own the box you get from D*? Also, I have an old Hughes SD box. If I get the HR20 with the 5LNB dish, is the Hughes box compatible with the dish and if so, is it possible to hook them up simultaneously? Will they charge any extra on the service for the second box? I'm sure the customer service people will be able to answer most of this but I wanted to know going into the order how I want to setup installation.

I ordered the HD_DVR upgrade from DTV, but am having installation problems. My house is surrounded by tall trees so I am having a devil of a time finding a line of sight to the DTV highdef satellite. They sent an installer out and he seemed young and a bit clueless, so I had them send out a site supervisor and he seemed older and clueless. I asked to use his little compass sighting instrument and finally was able to find a semi-clear path between trees from a spot about 75 ft from the house to the coordinates he said the satellite was located (Durham, NC, 220 degrees, 40 deg elev). It looks like the trunk of one pine tree might be in the way and I may have to cut it down.

Here are my questions:
How long can the cable be from the 5LNB Dish to my house before it is a problem?

Can I have them come out and set up the dish and try it somehow moving it a foot this way and a foot that way to see if the tree needs to come down?

Anyone know how to hide a dish? This single workable loc is smack dab in the middle of the little triangle where my long driveway splits into a circle, so this dish will be the first thing you see when you come up my drive. Not that big of a problem, but anything that can hide it yet let the signal through?

Thanks in advance for any help you might have.

Got off the phone with the nicest and fairly knowledgeable CSR I have ever spoken with, Silvia(FWIW). They deleted my Lifetime DVR Service from the account, she dug and dug for over 30 minutes to find that I had paid Direct and not TIVO for the subscription so I am still good. So keep trying and you might get a good one.

Got off the phone with the nicest and fairly knowledgeable CSR I have ever spoken with, Silvia(FWIW). They deleted my Lifetime DVR Service from the account, she dug and dug for over 30 minutes to find that I had paid Direct and not TIVO for the subscription so I am still good. So keep trying and you might get a good one.

Point of Clarification:

I originally paid TiVo for my DirecTiVo Lifetime subscription and it was transferred successfully to DirecTV when the customer support was moved from TiVo to DirecTV. Anyone who paid either TiVo or DirecTV for Lifetime DVR service should have it for all DVRs on their account until that account is terminated. Actually, there is some limit of the total number of DVRs covered, but I can't recall the exact number--I think it might be eight DVR boxes, whether TiVo or non-TiVo.

First of all, how does installation work when you sign up? If you have your own box(es) but no dish will they still send someone out to install just the dish?

Yes

I want to get the HR20 box. Is it better to find and buy my own from a third party or get one from D* directly? Do you fully own the box you get from D*?

Usually get a better deal from Directv and all boxes are leased now.

Also, I have an old Hughes SD box. If I get the HR20 with the 5LNB dish, is the Hughes box compatible with the dish and if so, is it possible to hook them up simultaneously?

Yes

Will they charge any extra on the service for the second box?

$4.99 mirroring fee on each extra receiver

I bought a WB68 on Ebay, and connected it as shown in the diagrams into my system. I am currently running a HR20-100, HR20-700 and a H20, so I need the WB68 for my 5 necessary sat inputs. I am having a problem, however. I can't seem to consistently get signals on any of the MPEG-4 channels. What might be causing that? Does anyone have any input for me?

I bought a WB68 on Ebay, and connected it as shown in the diagrams into my system. I am currently running a HR20-100, HR20-700 and a H20, so I need the WB68 for my 5 necessary sat inputs. I am having a problem, however. I can't seem to consistently get signals on any of the MPEG-4 channels. What might be causing that? Does anyone have any input for me?

I suggest rerunning the guided set-up on one receiver so that it recognizes the multiswitch, if that resolves the issue, run it on the others too.

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

I'm assuming you have the correct 5lnb dish and that you could see these channels prior to installing the WB68

I'm assuming you have the correct 5lnb dish and that you could see these channels prior to installing the WB68

Yeah, I had no problems before installing the WB68. I received everything just fine. After the restart, I lost all of the MPEG-4 channels from my guide, and I received the "Searching for Satellite Signal" a few times during the guide setup. I wonder if something is wrong with the Multiswitch itself.

Yeah, I had no problems before installing the WB68. I received everything just fine. After the restart, I lost all of the MPEG-4 channels from my guide, and I received the "Searching for Satellite Signal" a few times during the guide setup. I wonder if something is wrong with the Multiswitch itself.

if you cut your existing rg6 to put in the miltiswitch, you should check those new connections, may be a short or loose. If you ran new cable from the switch to the lnb, you may have moved the dish, it is quite sensitive. Just removing the lnb and reinstalling could (small chance) also pose a problem.
Quick check would be to bypass the multiswitch and go back to your original set-up of direct connect from receiver to dish...then rerun guided setup and see if you still have the problem.
as you said, could be the multiswitch too.

Okay, I'm finally breaking down and posting after reading threads for about an hour or so.

First, DTV is set to upgrade my antenna from the trip-LNB to the slimline 5 for free and will give me a HR21 DVR in exchange for one of my old receivers. I'm set with that and wouldn't bother y'all with a question except for my "extras" (the reason I switched to DTV).

I run 2 42" LCD screens at my college football tailgates. Currently running them on two HD10s. My questions are:

1. Any idea how long I would continue to receive HD signals that these receivers can handle (such as ESPN and ESPN2) without upgrading my tailgate setup?

2. If I do choose to upgrade my tailgate setup, I presume (from reading this forum) that I'd get a slimline 5 LNB dish and 2 H20s (?). Is that correct and would eBay be a good option for something like this? To be clear, all I'd be looking for is a simple MPEG4 receiver and trying not to spend too much.

Thanks for the help guys. I appreciate this forum and the HUGE service it provides to people like me.

Just an update for anyone interested in the resolution...
The problem was in one faulty line. I still get the searching for signal sometimes when I switch to a MPEG-4 channel, but it resolves itself very quickly. Thank you all for your help.

1. Any idea how long I would continue to receive HD signals that these receivers can handle (such as ESPN and ESPN2) without upgrading my tailgate setup?

2. If I do choose to upgrade my tailgate setup, I presume (from reading this forum) that I'd get a slimline 5 LNB dish and 2 H20s (?). Is that correct and would eBay be a good option for something like this? To be clear, all I'd be looking for is a simple MPEG4 receiver and trying not to spend too much.



No-one knows exactly how much longer ESPN etc will continue to be transmitted from the old satellites in MPEG-2 but if the launch of DirecTV11 goes well this month I would guess the channels will move by early fall at the latest.
You will need the slimline dish, a new tripod to mount it on, and two H20/H21 receivers. I assume you have an installation at home also? If so, you could probably get an HD upgrade from DirecTV on your home system, for an installed slimline dish and a couple of H21s, and then just buy a separate slimline dish either on ebay or somewhere like solidsignal. Buying DirecTV receivers on ebay is a bit of a lottery. First, they may have outstanding payment on the account in which case DirecTV won't activate them. Second, if they are "leased" receivers, and most are, then the "seller" does not have the right to sell them, and again, DirecTV may (and often does) refuse to activate them.

Just upgraded to D* after I purchased a new 50" HDTV. That one looks great but the other TV's don't. The three bad ones are coax connected and have veriticle scrolling ghost lines. When I had comcast (not digital) they didn't have any problems. Why can't these TV's handle this new signal??

Just upgraded to D* after I purchased a new 50" HDTV. That one looks great but the other TV's don't. The three bad ones are coax connected and have veriticle scrolling ghost lines. When I had comcast (not digital) they didn't have any problems. Why can't these TV's handle this new signal??
Does each of the three "bad ones" have a separate DirecTV STB/tuner? If the TVs have composite video (yellow jack) or s-video, you will get better results using them instead of the coax, plus with separate L+R audio cables you can get stereo audio (if the TVs support it).

I assume you have chosen whichever of channel 3 or 4 is not used in your area for the output from the DirecTV boxes to the TV inputs.

Your coax connections could be picking up either some cable signal or OTA signal (leakage). This can be minimized by using higher-quality RF cables. Worst case would be an older TV with inadequate internal shielding picking up some OTA interference.

If all three of the "bad ones" are fed by a single DirecTV STB using a splitter, you likely would be better off with an amplified splitter. The STB output is designed to feed a single TV and probably does not have enough signal power to overcome the combination of losses in the spliter and the downstream cables feeding the other TVs.

With more information about your setup, more specific suggestions could be provided.

Does each of the three "bad ones" have a separate DirecTV STB/tuner? If the TVs have composite video (yellow jack) or s-video, you will get better results using them instead of the coax, plus with separate L+R audio cables you can get stereo audio (if the TVs support it).

I assume you have chosen whichever of channel 3 or 4 is not used in your area for the output from the DirecTV boxes to the TV inputs.

Your coax connections could be picking up either some cable signal or OTA signal (leakage). This can be minimized by using higher-quality RF cables. Worst case would be an older TV with inadequate internal shielding picking up some OTA interference.

If all three of the "bad ones" are fed by a single DirecTV STB using a splitter, you likely would be better off with an amplified splitter. The STB output is designed to feed a single TV and probably does not have enough signal power to overcome the combination of losses in the spliter and the downstream cables feeding the other TVs.

With more information about your setup, more specific suggestions could be provided.
Thanks for the reply . The connections in my basement consist of a powered (something is plugged in to the power) SWM box and a 8 way splitter (4 in use). I only have one HDDVR and the other 4 are just standard boxes. I tried switching the channel to 3 and 4 but nothing. In the 3 service calls we tried different cables but nothing. Just talked to the tech at D* and she suggested trying to get an RCA converter??? Something to connect component to coax on the back of my TV.

Thanks for the reply . The connections in my basement consist of a powered (something is plugged in to the power) SWM box and a 8 way splitter (4 in use). I only have one HDDVR and the other 4 are just standard boxes. I tried switching the channel to 3 and 4 but nothing. In the 3 service calls we tried different cables but nothing. Just talked to the tech at D* and she suggested trying to get an RCA converter??? Something to connect component to coax on the back of my TV.


If you are using an SWM then what type of receivers are the "standard" ones? As budget says, the type of problem you are seeing is analog interference of some sort. Could be coming in from the power system, or could be poor grounding of the dish. What type of connection are you using from the receivers to each of the "faulty" TVs?

If you are using an SWM then what type of receivers are the "standard" ones? As budget says, the type of problem you are seeing is analog interference of some sort. Could be coming in from the power system, or could be poor grounding of the dish. What type of connection are you using from the receivers to each of the "faulty" TVs?
The D* boxes are D12-100's. The only connection on the back the "faulty" TV's is coax.

looking for some thoughts on my setup. customer since 2002 and currently out of contract. i am still running the old 3lnb dish, sony tivo and samsung hd boxes. recently had my basement finished and its time to upgrade the tv service.

anyone have luck getting two 5 lnb dishes from D*? i ask cause the main two levels of my house have the home run spot for the coax outlets in the attic (dumb builder). the dish is on the roof, multi switch in the attic and single runs feed the main two levels from there.

with the basement i see it best to have a second dish on the ground with the wiring running directly into the basement. i have a home run spot in the basement with my lines already ran to each outlet.

so, i need two 5 lnb dishes, three HD DVR boxes and one regular box. of course, i dont want to pay for any of it :)!

later.

The D* boxes are D12-100's. The only connection on the back the "faulty" TV's is coax.

Coax is the worst picture quality connection, and the most susceptible to interference. Use s-video if you can, otherwise try using composite video and RCA audio (yellow/red/white) connections. If you can't do that, change your DirecTV box so it outputs on the other available channel (I guess you probably have the choice between channel 3 and channel 4).

Coax is the worst picture quality connection, and the most susceptible to interference. Use s-video if you can, otherwise try using composite video and RCA audio (yellow/red/white) connections. If you can't do that, change your DirecTV box so it outputs on the other available channel (I guess you probably have the choice between channel 3 and channel 4).
Thanks for the input. Unfortunately these old TV's only have a coax connection. We tried the 3 and 4 channel switch too with no difference. Maybe someone could explain the difference between our old comcast connection and the D* connection. Why would I get so much more interference with the D* connection???

I'd alos check that you have RG6 coax (not RG59) and that you are properly grounded

I'd alos check that you have RG6 coax (not RG59) and that you are properly grounded


Exactly what I was going to suggest. Great minds stink alike! :)

Regs,
Jeff

RG6/RG59 should not make any difference. This is an interference problem of some sort. If changing from channel 3 to channel 4 does not change anything, then it's most likely a grounding problem - the dish is not correctly grounded. It could also be a problem in the splitter you are using to divide the signal from the SWM. Remove the splitter and connect two of your D12 boxes directly to the outputs of the SWM, and see if that changes anything.
By the way, you shouldn't really be using an 8-way splitter with only four outputs active, you are throwing away signal strength, which might not be a major issue but it makes the signal more susceptible to noise. I guess you have one SWM output for your DVR, and then the other one split for your standard receivers. Get a four-way splitter instead.

I'm all upgraded to the 5LNB and HR21. Is there any use for the old 3lNB dish or are they pretty much junk now?

check ebay, you may be able to get $20 for it...if it sells among all the others. Shipping for a reasonable rate may be difficult though, I've disassembled mine and it's still going to take quite a large footprint box to ship to someone.

thanks jwciv. are people using these for directv or can they use them for other means?

thanks jwciv. are people using these for directv or can they use them for other means?

I don't know. I'm sure the dish could be repurposed, but I'm not sure about the LNBs

thanks jwciv. are people using these for directv or can they use them for other means?
Some geekier types use them as WiFi antennas just because they can.

Some geekier types use them as WiFi antennas just because they can.

I represent that remark
:)

I represent that remark
:)
You betcha! :D

just throw the friggin thing out and move on. aye carumba. :rolleyes:

I live near Atlanta and got the new dish and receivers last Friday (the day of the tornado). I'm getting a very good signal on 101, 110, and 119. I'm not getting a signal on 99 and one of the 103 satellites. AeroSat is coming back to tweak the alignment. But as far as I can tell, all of my HD channels are working fine.

My question is: is there a list that shows what satellites each channel comes from?

I've tried to find an answer to this question but haven't been able to.

...My question is: is there a list that shows what satellites each channel comes from?

I've tried to find an answer to this question but haven't been able to.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_DirecTV_channels

I live near Atlanta and got the new dish and receivers last Friday (the day of the tornado). I'm getting a very good signal on 101, 110, and 119. I'm not getting a signal on 99 and one of the 103 satellites. AeroSat is coming back to tweak the alignment. But as far as I can tell, all of my HD channels are working fine.

My question is: is there a list that shows what satellites each channel comes from?

I've tried to find an answer to this question but haven't been able to.

The 99(s) (your receiver may show 99(b)) and the 103(s) (might be 103(a)) screens show only spotbeamed locals so you may see lots of zero or low signals. If you are only seeing dashes then you are not waiting long enough, these two screens take a very long time to populate with numbers.
All the new HD channels come from 103(c) (might be listed as 103(b). You should have signals in the 80s or above on all the active transponders on 103 (c)/(b)..

The 99(s) (your receiver may show 99(b)) and the 103(s) (might be 103(a)) screens show only spotbeamed locals so you may see lots of zero or low signals. If you are only seeing dashes then you are not waiting long enough, these two screens take a very long time to populate with numbers.
All the new HD channels come from 103(c) (might be listed as 103(b). You should have signals in the 80s or above on all the active transponders on 103 (c)/(b)..

I have been unable to get from DIRECTV exactly which transponder from Sat 99 my locals come from? First it was 6. Now it is 2 or 4. I continue to have
" Searching for signal" issues with one or more local channels while the signal strength remains strong. My DVR21 won't find the channel sometimes for minutes and sometimes for hours. Only on HD

woke up this AM to watch RedSox on NESN (623), got searching for satellite signal. checked signal strength and was 0 on some of the odd transponders, but evens were OK. Happening on both HR21 and DSR7000, (both only have one cable input).
Have a 5lnb slim, wb68.
any thoughts why only certain odd transponders would be down?
another example: I can get 201 (D* info channel) but not 500 (previews)

Thanks

I have been unable to get from DIRECTV exactly which transponder from Sat 99 my locals come from? First it was 6. Now it is 2 or 4. I continue to have
" Searching for signal" issues with one or more local channels while the signal strength remains strong. My DVR21 won't find the channel sometimes for minutes and sometimes for hours. Only on HD
DirecTV moves the HD locals around, even from satellite to satellite. I am not sure which satellite the Portland locals are coming from (I assume those are the ones you are trying to receive - I know some people in southern Maine have put their service address in the Boston DMA and if you have done that you are probably out of the new Boston spotbeam). What is your actual zip code? What are your signal strengths on all the transponders on 103(c), on both tuners?

woke up this AM to watch RedSox on NESN (623), got searching for satellite signal. checked signal strength and was 0 on some of the odd transponders, but evens were OK. Happening on both HR21 and DSR7000, (both only have one cable input).
Have a 5lnb slim, wb68.
any thoughts why only certain odd transponders would be down?
another example: I can get 201 (D* info channel) but not 500 (previews)

Thanks
Are you getting zero signal on all the odd transponders on 103(c) and on 119? If so, you almost certainly have a cable problem, in the cable/connectors from the WB68 connector marked "13v 103/110/119" to the dish. This cable carries all the odd transponders from the three satellite slots, and 110 does not have any odd transponders.
Just for info, what are your even signals on 103(c), both tuners?
EDIT: Also apparently there was a national DirecTV outage issue overnight, many people are reporting loss of channels. Not sure this caused the same symptoms you are reporting but wanted to mention it.

Are you getting zero signal on all the odd transponders on 103(c) and on 119? If so, you almost certainly have a cable problem, in the cable/connectors from the WB68 connector marked "13v 103/110/119" to the dish. This cable carries all the odd transponders from the three satellite slots, and 110 does not have any odd transponders.
Just for info, what are your even signals on 103(c), both tuners?
EDIT: Also apparently there was a national DirecTV outage issue overnight, many people are reporting loss of channels. Not sure this caused the same symptoms you are reporting but wanted to mention it.

thanks for the reply.
well, strange, but now it's working. But, here's my signal strengths (I only have one tuner attached):

101: 95-100 (all 32 transponders)
110: 95, 97, 98 (only transponders 8, 10 and 12; all others are N/A)
119: 92-100 (transponders 22-32 only; all others are N/A)
99(s):95, 0, 100, 98, 100, 99 (transponders 1-6 only; all others are N/A)
103(s): zeros for transponders 1-6. For transponders 15-24 I'm getting 92, 0, 93, 100, 39, 0, 0, 0, 94, 96
103(c): 89-95, transponders 9-14, 17, 22
72.5: even transponders only, zero on 4 and 6, 85-93 on all others

Edit: 480, 481, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 496 all show a test message at the bottom of the screen, I assume that is all I need to see there. 80&81 confirm bbc is working

With the HR20 I could connect component to a projector and view at 1080i and connect composite to a modulator and view 480i on a TV upstairs at the same time.

Will I be able to do that with an HR21?

texasbrit - looks like my issue was a result of D*'s outage, however, while I'll have my signal posted - - anything look out of the ordinary to anyone?

Thanks

With the HR20 I could connect component to a projector and view at 1080i and connect composite to a modulator and view 480i on a TV upstairs at the same time.

Will I be able to do that with an HR21?

Yes.

thanks for the reply.
well, strange, but now it's working. But, here's my signal strengths (I only have one tuner attached):

101: 95-100 (all 32 transponders)
110: 95, 97, 98 (only transponders 8, 10 and 12; all others are N/A)
119: 92-100 (transponders 22-32 only; all others are N/A)
99(s):95, 0, 100, 98, 100, 99 (transponders 1-6 only; all others are N/A)
103(s): zeros for transponders 1-6. For transponders 15-24 I'm getting 92, 0, 93, 100, 39, 0, 0, 0, 94, 96
103(c): 89-95, transponders 9-14, 17, 22
72.5: even transponders only, zero on 4 and 6, 85-93 on all others

Edit: 480, 481, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 496 all show a test message at the bottom of the screen, I assume that is all I need to see there. 80&81 confirm bbc is working


I get almost the same readings as you on 101,110 and 119, but my readings on 99(s) are 0,86,46,86,60,87. My readings on 103 tend to be 10 to 20 points below yours What town are you located in and what are your local channels.

texasbrit - looks like my issue was a result of D*'s outage, however, while I'll have my signal posted - - anything look out of the ordinary to anyone?

Thanks

Your signals are excellent, you have a very well-aligned dish.

I get almost the same readings as you on 101,110 and 119, but my readings on 99(s) are 0,86,46,86,60,87. My readings on 103 tend to be 10 to 20 points below yours What town are you located in and what are your local channels.
If you are getting 70s on 103(c) then that just means your dish is not as well aligned as the other poster's dish, and so the signal strengths on 99(s) and 103(s) will not be as high either. With good alignment, signals on 103(c) should be in the 90s across the board. But with signals in the 70s, you should not have any problems. You might lose the channels because of rain fade a few seconds earlier than if you have 90s.

I was wondering if anyone knows a "workaround" for this one.
I have a total of 4 current DirecTv receivers. 3 are mpeg 4 and I still have 1 remaining mpeg 2 RCA receiver. I have been in contact with customer service 3 times in the past month or so. They initiated the contacts via both phone and e-mail. As we all know the mpeg 2 units are being phased out. D* keeps offering to swap out the RCA for a new mpeg 4 receiver, at no cost to me, H21 most likely, but they don't want to drop ship it. They say an installation is required. Don't really want this, so when I ask them to check my account activity and past installs, they acknowledge that I have swapped out all my old gear myself. They say the computer won't let them order a drop ship, only an installation. They have all said this does not makes sense, and they will get back to me.
They never do. This is not a big deal, I'm in no really hurry. The RCA is in my son's room who is away at college. Any thoughts on how to avoid staying home for an install?

I get almost the same readings as you on 101,110 and 119, but my readings on 99(s) are 0,86,46,86,60,87. My readings on 103 tend to be 10 to 20 points below yours What town are you located in and what are your local channels.

This system is in VT, locals are out of Burlington and are on the 72.5

Your signals are excellent, you have a very well-aligned dish.

sweet, thanks for the diagnosis!!

I was wondering if anyone knows a "workaround" for this one.
I have a total of 4 current DirecTv receivers. 3 are mpeg 4 and I still have 1 remaining mpeg 2 RCA receiver. I have been in contact with customer service 3 times in the past month or so. They initiated the contacts via both phone and e-mail. As we all know the mpeg 2 units are being phased out. D* keeps offering to swap out the RCA for a new mpeg 4 receiver, at no cost to me, H21 most likely, but they don't want to drop ship it.

I don't think its D* calling; it's folks who bought a list from D*. I got a call last week, saying they want to "upgrade" my receivers AND install a new dish. I already have two HR10s and two HR20s and got the 5LNB dish about 15 months ago. When I pressed them to find out what I would be getting new, I was told H2Xs. So how is that an upgrade? Sure, I'll drop recording MPEG2 only for viewing MPEG4.

Call D* directly, and you can try asking for a credit so you can buy it yourself. They did that for me three times before.

Your signals are excellent, you have a very well-aligned dish.

what about the 39 on 103(s) - - that's OK?

what about the 39 on 103(s) - - that's OK?

103(s) and 99(s) only contain spotbeams, delivering HD locals to different cities. That means that only one of these two satellites, and only one or two of the transponders on "your" satellite, are relevant to you. All the other transponders on 99(s) and 103(s) can be low or even zero. In the eastern states, where the cities are close together, it is quite common to see signals on spotbeams other than your own. In the central and west of the country, where the cities are far apart, you may see only a few transponders on 99(s) and 103(s) and in some locations you may see zero signal on EVERY transponder on one of the satellites (often on 99(s)) where it is not delivering HD locals to you or an adjacent city.

103(s) and 99(s) only contain spotbeams, delivering HD locals to different cities. That means that only one of these two satellites, and only one or two of the transponders on "your" satellite, are relevant to you. All the other transponders on 99(s) and 103(s) can be low or even zero. In the eastern states, where the cities are close together, it is quite common to see signals on spotbeams other than your own. In the central and west of the country, where the cities are far apart, you may see only a few transponders on 99(s) and 103(s) and in some locations you may see zero signal on EVERY transponder on one of the satellites (often on 99(s)) where it is not delivering HD locals to you or an adjacent city.

once again, thanks for the detailed explanation:)

Hi folks. I hope this message is not a burden to the community. I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who installs Directv dishes and equipment and what he told me was troubling. I figured this was the best place to come and seek advice. I would really appreciate one of the experts on the board to help me out with a quick post if you have the time. It seems I am in a bind.

I have an SD dish mounted on a pole outside our house, about 50 feet from the house. It currently runs two cables from the dual-LNB dish into the house and from there, into a 2x4 multiswitch that gives us four TVs in the house.

What I want to do is put up the AU9 Slimline dish with the five LNBs. My first reaction is that I should be able to just run two cables from two of the five LNBs on the dish and then use those same two cables to plug into the existing multiswitch in the house. However, my installer says I cannot do that. He says I have to run four cables directly from the dish into the house and then to the four TVs. This poses a large problem because the existing two lines are entrenched to the house, then run through two walls in the house before getting to the existing multiswitch. We would have to rip open the walls to get more cables in there.

I am wondering if he might be mistaken and if I can just use two of the five LNBs on the new AU9 dish and use the existing, entrenched and wired cables inside the house. I don't mind purchasing a new multiswitch if that is necessary, but to have to wire new cables and rip open the walls, that will be a real mess.

Will somebody please clear this up for me?

Also, since there are five LNBs on the new dish, and this is a farm site, I thought maybe I could run another cable from the dish to a second house on the farmsite. Right now, that's my Grandma's house and she just uses an antenna, but with the DTV switch coming next winter, I am thinking we might just want to plug her house into our dish.

Will somebody please help me out here? If I posted in the wrong place, I am very sorry. I really appreciate the help!

Unfortunately your friend the installer is correct. With the current Slimline dish you cannot run only two cables to an old multiswitch and get all the satellite signals to all the receivers. You need four lines coming into the switch which can then provide up to 8 signals out to receivers. You can put the multiswitch outside, so that you could run a line to your second house from the multiswitch, but you will need to have more cables running into the house.

That is with the current equipment. In the near future there will be a new dish which will have a "single wire multiswitch" (SWM) built in. This dish will allow you to run only one or two lines into your house where plain splitters can be used to send the signal to different receivers. Currently there is a SWM available (not from D* but from some other retailers) which still requires four lines in, and then you can send out lines that can be split to the other receivers. I am not sure if that SWM can be mounted outside, because it requires a "power inserter," and I am unsure if this needs to be protected from the elements.

SMK

Thanks, Roy.

Huh. That may be a deal killer. We pretty much wired in those walls thinking two RG6 coax cables would be enough.

How long do you think it will be before this new dish comes out? This summer?

I live in MN and installing dishes in winter is not really practical. We really want to get this done and prepared to put in HD receivers next winter around Christmas time. But this is ridiculous. If this is how Directv expects its customers to handle its content, then we may be better off either waiting a year for a better dish or better equipment.

I can't see us switching to Dish Network, either. We've been with Directv since 1994, among the first customers.

What do you think we should do? Again, we're not going to rip open those walls. I guess it depends on when this new dish will be available. If you have any speculation on when that may be, that would help out a lot.

Brad

Thanks, Roy.

Huh. That may be a deal killer. We pretty much wired in those walls thinking two RG6 coax cables would be enough.

How long do you think it will be before this new dish comes out? This summer?

I live in MN and installing dishes in winter is not really practical. We really want to get this done and prepared to put in HD receivers next winter around Christmas time. But this is ridiculous. If this is how Directv expects its customers to handle its content, then we may be better off either waiting a year for a better dish or better equipment.

I can't see us switching to Dish Network, either. We've been with Directv since 1994, among the first customers.

What do you think we should do? Again, we're not going to rip open those walls. I guess it depends on when this new dish will be available. If you have any speculation on when that may be, that would help out a lot.

Brad

I haven't been following this closely but it's a multiswitch that can handle the 2 signals with 1 wire, not a new dish.

The SWM is a single wire solution, and is designed to be able to be installed outside. If you can get ahold of one, you can install it at the dish, and utilize your existing wires just fine. There are some folks here who can set you up http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12 , your situation is not as bleak as you make it sound.

Jeff:

Yeah, I have been poking around, including at DBS Talk.

The SWM switch would be a solution, except that it requires power. It cannot be put outside without a power line run to it and it also needs protection from the elements. So it is not a practical solution.

The sort of convenience I am asking for is not much. If Directv cannot accommodate my needs with my current setup - two RG6 cables running into the house - then it might be time to check with another provider. Having to run four cables into the house from a single dish is absolutely ridiculous.

The new dish I referenced is coming from Directv and will include the SWM switch built-in. So that may be a solution for me. According to Solid Signal (solidsignal.com), this new dish is very promising, but likely won't be available for another two-three months (according to their technician, with whom I spoke with this morning).

So I will wait at least three months before doing anything else. I definitely will not be implementing the AU9 dish and definitely will not be mounting the existing SWM switch outside, complete with power. Solid Signal sells these switches right now, in case you are wondering. They are roughly $300.

Don't forget that the current 5-LNB dishes mount on a larger diameter pole than the older 2- or 3-LNB dishes.

I haven't been following this closely but it's a multiswitch that can handle the 2 signals with 1 wire, not a new dish.

I am not an expert, but according to the info I have seen at dbstalk, there will be a new dish out with a SWM built in, and it is expected that this dish will be available for general use more quickly than the SWMs themselves will be.

SMK

I am not an expert, but according to the info I have seen at dbstalk, there will be a new dish out with a SWM built in, and it is expected that this dish will be available for general use more quickly than the SWMs themselves will be.

SMK

That could be true too. Thanks.

Jeff:

Yeah, I have been poking around, including at DBS Talk.

The SWM switch would be a solution, except that it requires power. It cannot be put outside without a power line run to it and it also needs protection from the elements. So it is not a practical solution.

The sort of convenience I am asking for is not much. If Directv cannot accommodate my needs with my current setup - two RG6 cables running into the house - then it might be time to check with another provider. Having to run four cables into the house from a single dish is absolutely ridiculous.

The new dish I referenced is coming from Directv and will include the SWM switch built-in. So that may be a solution for me. According to Solid Signal (solidsignal.com), this new dish is very promising, but likely won't be available for another two-three months (according to their technician, with whom I spoke with this morning).

So I will wait at least three months before doing anything else. I definitely will not be implementing the AU9 dish and definitely will not be mounting the existing SWM switch outside, complete with power. Solid Signal sells these switches right now, in case you are wondering. They are roughly $300.

The SWM can be mounted outside. The power comes along the coax from a power inserter which has to be mounted inside, so using the SWM outside is a perfectly workable solution. In fact, depending on the distances involved, you can mount it at the dish, connected to the dish with four short cables and then with a single cable running to the house with the power inserter in the house. This is essentially what the new SWM dish will be, except I believe the SWM itself will be integrated into the LNB. It is also possible that the LNB from the SWM dish will be available separately and be able to be used on a regular AU9 slimline dish, but until it appears, we can't confirm that.

I was wondering if anyone knows a "workaround" for this one.
I have a total of 4 current DirecTv receivers. 3 are mpeg 4 and I still have 1 remaining mpeg 2 RCA receiver. I have been in contact with customer service 3 times in the past month or so. They initiated the contacts via both phone and e-mail. As we all know the mpeg 2 units are being phased out. D* keeps offering to swap out the RCA for a new mpeg 4 receiver, at no cost to me, H21 most likely, but they don't want to drop ship it. They say an installation is required. Don't really want this, so when I ask them to check my account activity and past installs, they acknowledge that I have swapped out all my old gear myself. They say the computer won't let them order a drop ship, only an installation. They have all said this does not makes sense, and they will get back to me.
They never do. This is not a big deal, I'm in no really hurry. The RCA is in my son's room who is away at college. Any thoughts on how to avoid staying home for an install?
Just got off the phone with D* and a supervisors in their customer resolution team. They are telling me to get the new dish and new HD receiver upgrade, I MUST USE their installer. Non-negotiable. Not even with the threat of going to FIOS. After years of screw ups from our D* installers where my own trusted installer has fixed their mistakes, and D* has reimbursed me, I now have to go right back to the installer that has a 0-4 record on doing anything right. Has anyone gotten around this?

Hey everyone, I'm new to this mpeg4 thing. I've been reading a lot about it but I can't seem to wrap my head around it. The new 5 LNB dishes were installed to take advantage of this new format, correct? But then you also need a receiver to handle the format as well. Will any HD receiver handle it? I currently have a H10 and 3 D11's. When they installed my new 5 LNB dish a few months ago, they didn't upgrade my H10 as some of you said has happened. On their website, it says I have an H20 but that's a lie. I just got some new TV"s and want to switch 2 of the D11's to HD receivers. Do you think I would be able to call and complain about the lack of upgrade to HD receiver and maybe get them to throw in the 2 new HD receivers?

-Plum

They won't upgrade your standard receivers because they don't need to be upgraded.