This is a CONTINUATION of

DirecTV MPEG4 Installation & Hardware - Master Topic!

The original Master thread Starts Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5071263&&#post5071263
) and Ends Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7859392&&#post7859392)

dturturro - I think you misunderstood my point. I was trying to point out that neither is providing its customers the right thing right now - goes back to 'lesser of two evils'. IMO, at the very least, they BOTH should be able to open enough bandwidth to give the HD locals in full, magnificent rezz, after all these are by far the most desired and most watched channels. Gosh, let them get rid of some of the complete BS stuff they now have that ALMOST no one watches.

This was not a defense of D* nor a bash of E*, rather a thumbs down on both.

If you run high frequency splitters before the switches you can run them in parallel and get 16 outputs.


Is this what you would recommend? All of this stuff is just going to hang on a wall near the electrical panel, so how it all looks is really not all that important.

Solid Signal recommends against cascading 6X8 multiswitches as it creates signal loss (but only on the MPEG 4 satellite). They recommend waiting for a new Spaun switch that will have 16 outputs. My thought is that will probably be a pricey option - much pricier than using high frequency splitters to utilize two independent 6x8's in parallel. Does anyone have experience with this - is it a viable option?

Has anyone gotten a recent install of HDtivo and not been given a 5lnb dish? I thought I read a report that all new installs get one but then read of installs where they wont give out anything but 3lnbs.

I dont care per se, just trying to get the fact straight.

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

plenty have heard of problems with the HD Locals (but only if you have real HDTV that can actually do 1080i natively without downcoverting it to 720p or lower....but I digress).

It helps if you state the city you are in (VA might be a good assumption for state).

You might also check your local threads - but for now, yes, HD Local channels have touchy, the true 1080i NBC and CBS more so than Fox or ABC.

plenty have heard of problems with the HD Locals (but only if you have real HDTV that can actually do 1080i natively without downcoverting it to 720p or lower....but I digress).
.

This is such a thing? Why would someone get that? :)

plenty have heard of problems with the HD Locals (but only if you have real HDTV that can actually do 1080i natively without downcoverting it to 720p or lower....but I digress).

It helps if you state the city you are in (VA might be a good assumption for state).

You might also check your local threads - but for now, yes, HD Local channels have touchy, the true 1080i NBC and CBS more so than Fox or ABC.
OK,
I am in Fairfax Virginia. I have a Pioneer Elite Pro 1110 50" Plasma connected with a HDMI cable. I get the Washington DC locals. And yes it does happen always on CBS and much more on NBC than Fox or ABC, although during the NBA game last night it occurred quite often.

Has anyone gotten a recent install of HDtivo and not been given a 5lnb dish? I thought I read a report that all new installs get one but then read of installs where they wont give out anything but 3lnbs.

I dont care per se, just trying to get the fact straight.

I am getting it in 6 days. Should I ask for the 5lnb? demand it? Either way, I'll let you know what happens.

Has anyone gotten a recent install of HDtivo and not been given a 5lnb dish? I thought I read a report that all new installs get one but then read of installs where they wont give out anything but 3lnbs.

I dont care per se, just trying to get the fact straight.
A dealer recently told me that D* penalizes him financially if he does not install a 5 LNB dish. Poses a problem for him (the dealer) as many people object to that monster, but if he doesn't install it, he loses money.

OK,
I am in Fairfax Virginia. I have a Pioneer Elite Pro 1110 50" Plasma connected with a HDMI cable. I get the Washington DC locals. And yes it does happen always on CBS and much more on NBC than Fox or ABC, although during the NBA game last night it occurred quite often.

I have an H20 and I have problems on the MPEG4(Washington DC) locals. My problems are pixelization and audio sync issues. Sometimes ABC's Good Morning America's audio is so out of sync it is unwatchable and we wil have to switch to the SD version of ABC and all is right.

I noticed the picture breakup also on ABC so I would guess that most of my issues are with ABC. Once in a while on the other networks (MPEG4)I will get picture blackout for a brief period.

Has anyone gotten a recent install of HDtivo and not been given a 5lnb dish? I thought I read a report that all new installs get one but then read of installs where they wont give out anything but 3lnbs.

I dont care per se, just trying to get the fact straight.

I had a trusted, independent installer upgrade my GainMaster to the 5LNB dish. I wouldn't risk being at the mercy of a random installer sent by DirecTV. I also didn't get anything free, but I know the dish was aligned with a spectrum analyzer. There are few if any unknowns if you go this route (assuming you can find someone you can trust). Look for someone who has been in business for many years if not decades, does TV antennas and other work, and owns a spectrum analyzer.

I haven't had any issues with rain fade like I did before the GainMaster was installed, so I think the bigger dish is on par with the GainMaster, even the the GainMaster was slightly wider.

On a separate note, my HD Tivo died :(, the recorded programs would play very choppy as well as live TV. I figured my disk drive was going. DirecTV replaced the Tivo (same HR-250), but mistakingly sent me two. I called and asked if I could upgrade my non-DVR RCA receiver to the 2nd HD Tivo, and return the RCA instead and they let me do it. :) Kind of made up for my paying for the dish upgrade and H20! The new Tivo is leased. Now I can upgrade the leased one and hold on to the original when I eventually upgrade to the MPEG4 DVR.

A dealer recently told me that D* penalizes him financially if he does not install a 5 LNB dish. Poses a problem for him (the dealer) as many people object to that monster, but if he doesn't install it, he loses money.

goes to show u the lack of communication...i've read some people beg for the new dish to be installed so there's only one install (as you know they dont remove old dishes).....so obviously all dealers and also DTV dont even know their own policies

one guy even agreed to a 2 year commitment so they would install one now instead of when he really needed it (though i dont know why he did that)

goes to show u the lack of communication...i've read some people beg for the new dish to be installed so there's only one install (as you know they dont remove old dishes).....so obviously all dealers and also DTV dont even know their own policies

one guy even agreed to a 2 year commitment so they would install one now instead of when he really needed it (though i dont know why he did that)
Yes, I've read the same, which is why I found the dealer's comments interesting.

I wonder how much this depends upon which market one is in. D* may be insisting on the 5 LNB dishes in some areas, but not (yet) in others. (?)

one guy even agreed to a 2 year commitment so they would install one now instead of when he really needed it (though i dont know why he did that)
I'm not sure what part of my explanation you didn't understand---but when you asked me, I explained as well as I knew how that I was led to believe by the CSR I spoke to when setting up the new receiver that a 2 year commitment would be required whenever I got the new dish. I didn't pay anything out of pocket for the dish or the installation. I didn't pay anything for the receiver (which replaced a refurbished samsung360, which replaced my original Hughes e86, bought on sale a few years back from a now defunct retail chain called good guys, when it died).
As I think I also explained, my other options, should I leave D* in the next 2 years, are Comcast Cable and E*, neither of which I find any more appealing than D*.
I'm fairly certain I would have remained a D* subscriber for at least two more years, and probably would have paid to upgrade both the receiver and dish if/when it became necessary. So it didn't seem like a big deal to me.
Have I explained myself more clearly this time?

it's not you i didnt get..it's dtv that i dont believe...if they send you something involuntarily (for example everyone's current forced h20 switch), i dont really think there is an extension of commitment required.

in other words, i think you were suckered

Has anyone gotten a recent install of HDtivo and not been given a 5lnb dish? I thought I read a report that all new installs get one but then read of installs where they wont give out anything but 3lnbs.

I dont care per se, just trying to get the fact straight.

I had a H10-250 installed Tuesday and they didn't install the 5lnb dish they left me with my 3lnb dish.

"in other words, i think you were suckered"

Nope,he wasnt ,D tried to get me to extend my contract also,which I agreed to before the new dish install.
After a 4.5 hour install and still having problems with the new dish,I called D and complained.They waived the 2 year contract due to my 7 years with them(well that and I threatened to cancel and go with E ).

I'm finally going to take the plunge. I'm a bit confused and hope to get some insight.

I want to upgrade to a HD DVR. I live in Jersey and get NY Locals. Should I order up the H10-250 or wait for the H20-250? I hear from some of these posts that, with some haggling, I may be able to work out some magic deal for the H10-250 (not a ST sub).

1. If I order the H10-250, which dish should I request/demand they install in order to insure I have the latest equipment?

2. Do I need the off air ant (I'm about 60 miles from NYC).

3. Would I be able to record my locals with the H10-250?

4. What benefits would I get if I waited for the H20-250?

5. If I ordered the H10-250, any idea what DTV plans on doing to upgrade their HD customers if they want the H20-250? My concern is when the H20-250 finally does come out, I'm sure the lease deal will be in excess of $500. However, if I order the H10-250 now, the upgrade to the H20-250 may or may not be easier on the wallet

Thanks in advance for any help. Unfortunately, calling DTV and trying to get answers from a CSR that using the phrase "ummm....ummm" more than once in a conversation is enough to drive me crazy!!! :eek: :eek:

1. I would still get teh AT9 since that makes you future-proofed. All HD will be going to the new birds in a couple years.

2. If you are officially in the NY, NY DMA then your big 4 locals (HD) will be available from D* If you want the other stations in HD you will need an OTA antenna

3. OTA locals can be recorded by the H10-250, and again if you are in the NY, NY DMA then you can record the MPEG-2 channels.

4. None that I can really see.

5. Who knows?? I would think there will be some kind of upgrade special but cant say for sure.

are you telling me that forced upgrades such as the H20 and 5lnb dish will extend your commitment? It's nuts that if someone takes no action on their own part that they can just unilaterally force you to extend the commitment. I guess if they mailed us new Hdtivos every 2 years they'd have us forever.

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

I just had it installed and only got a 3LNB.

I just had it installed and only got a 3LNB.
I was told local HD channels are available only with 5 LNB Dish.

I was told local HD channels are available only with 5 LNB Dish.

over satellite that's correct (excluding the NY/LA feeds).

However Hdtivo and the new mpeg4 receiver both can accept on OTA feed.

What do you want to bet the newbie is only counting 3 feed horns on the AT9?

but the size difference between old and new dishes is clearly ascertainable. :)

but the size difference between old and new dishes is clearly ascertainable. :)

You are assuming a newbie has ever paid attention to a dish before one went on their roof.

AWESOME HD/MPEG 4 INFO!!


YES! - will be in HD!

Fox Sports Network

Regions: Prime Ticket, West, Bay Area, Southwest, North, Northwest, South,
Detroit, Florida, STO (sports time ohio, go cleveland!), Arizona, Rocky Mtn
and TurnerSouth

Note: - this will be "games only" so my interperitation is "only the live feeds will be on the HD, no
pregames, post games, commentaries, reruns etc. etc..."

ALSO NESN will be 24/7 HD - r0x0rz!

i bet you're all like when!? it will be like in october.... or August... or NOVEMBER @_@ *bites fingernails*



actually its saturday july first....



we're planning on eventually having them all 24/7 but live games is a great start.


coming in August '06: Comcast sportsNet Chicago,Comcast sportsNet Mid-Atlantic
SNY (SNNY)(mets)

Coming mid October '06: Madison Square Garden, FSN NY, Sun Sports, FSN Ohio, HD Net(Sports)

Can You believe it ?

Note: 5 LNB Dish Required, MPEG 4 Hardware required, all info and release dates are tentative and subject to change. please call 1-800-531-5000 for more info.


-Brine

Old news I'm afraid (starting at post 139):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=683293&page=5&pp=30

But its GREAT to hear from ANOTHER source exactly as I got it last week. And it is GREAT news!!!!!!!

The actual start date is news isn't it? I'm a little confused at these last couple of postings, are you saying this was announced in a different thread?

Actual dates have been posted in 2 threads here is the other:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=690611

got the news on the 22nd.

AWESOME HD/MPEG 4 INFO!!


YES! - will be in HD!

Fox Sports Network

Regions: Prime Ticket, West, Bay Area, Southwest, North, Northwest, South,
Detroit, Florida, STO (sports time ohio, go cleveland!), Arizona, Rocky Mtn
and TurnerSouth



Is FSNBA verified as being one of the nets to be carried? If so that would be very good news as it's only available from Comcast in the SF bay area currently.

Is FSNBA verified as being one of the nets to be carried? If so that would be very good news as it's only available from Comcast in the SF bay area currently.

It is there in the posting, isn't it? I mean, until its lit I am sure it could change.

There is some additional info on these (not on Brine's post), but on the info I received last week:

These channels WILL NOT be available CONUS, only available in the local channel market. For example, NESN will be available only for customers who can get Red Sox as a part of there regular RSN.

To receive the HD RSN channel, you must be in a 'lit' HD lil market (Spaceway spotbeam into market), and it must be one of your 'regular' RSNS. MLB extra innings subs will not receive all the HD games, they are on local SPOTBEAMS!

It is there in the posting, isn't it? I mean, until its lit I am sure it could change.

There is some additional info on these (not on Brine's post), but on the info I received last week:

These channels WILL NOT be available CONUS, only available in the local channel market. For example, NESN will be available only for customers who can get Red Sox as a part of there regular RSN.

To receive the HD RSN channel, you must be in a 'lit' HD lil market (Spaceway spotbeam into market), and it must be one of your 'regular' RSNS. MLB extra innings subs will not receive all the HD games, they are on local SPOTBEAMS!
Yes, thanks, too many threads to keep track of, spend too much time here anyways.. :p

Reason I ask about FSNBA-HD is it has been a "locked up" exclusive of Comcast's since inception so I'm rather surprised/happy to see it listed above.

coming in August '06: Comcast sportsNet Chicago...
That's great news to me. :D

I'd seen your posts on this, ScoBuck, but hadn't seen a date for Chicago, only a vague reference to it being one of the earlier RSNs to be offered by D*. (Maybe I just missed the date somewhere.)

Guess it's time to start rethinking my lack of enthusiasm for the HR20-XXX. ;) Now that all the Sox, Cubs and Bulls home games can be seen in HD — not just the half or so currently available OTA — I have some reason to care about MPEG-4 after all. :p

Hope the new DVR is actually available by the end of October, when the Bulls season starts. Of course, there is still that monster 5 LNB antenna to worry about. :eek:

Just so that I am clear, all of these new HD channels will be MPEG 4 only? I mean that kinda screws everyone that has a HR10-250 until they put out a MPEG4 DVR. Oh well, I guess we had to start seeing the begining of the forced transition to MPEG4 even if DirecTV isn't ready for it.

Kemical

Just so that I am clear, all of these new HD channels will be MPEG 4 only? I mean that kinda screws everyone that has a HR10-250 until they put out a MPEG4 DVR. Oh well, I guess we had to start seeing the begining of the forced transition to MPEG4 even if DirecTV isn't ready for it.

Kemical

All in MPEG 4.

It's not like they took something away, I mean the SD channels are still on, aren't they?

All in MPEG 4.

It's not like they took something away, I mean the SD channels are still on, aren't they?

Yes they are, of course getting them in HD and being able to record them in HD would be nice. Of course, it's not like anyone else has a DVR that can record all of the HD channels they offer, unless you count Verizon, Comcast and Dish. Maybe I am just being silly asking that if they are going to offer new channels then how about the equipment to record it also or better yet, make it MPEG2 until they do have the equipment, one or the other is all I ask.

Kemical

You are not being silly....it's a joke there will be no way to record all of their hd programming for several more months at least.

You are not being silly....it's a joke there will be no way to record all of their hd programming for several more months at least.


I am glad I am not the only one that feels this way. Thanks for the support TVBob.

Kemical

i thought it timely to post this reply from directv from a few months ago....believe it ...or not... :)

Dear Mr. ,

Thank you for writing. The programming that we currently offer in HD, not including locals, will continue to broadcast in MPEG-2 format until all of our customers have been converted to MPEG-4 technology. For customers that currently have MPEG-4 technology will still be able to view TNT HD just in the MPEG-2 format.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest in news and information about our service.

Sincerely,


DIRECTV Customer Service

i thought it timely to post this reply from directv from a few months ago....believe it ...or not... :)

Dear Mr. ,

Thank you for writing. The programming that we currently offer in HD, not including locals, will continue to broadcast in MPEG-2 format until all of our customers have been converted to MPEG-4 technology. For customers that currently have MPEG-4 technology will still be able to view TNT HD just in the MPEG-2 format.

I hope this information has been helpful to you. Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest in news and information about our service.

Sincerely,


DIRECTV Customer Service

Unless I'm reading it wrong they are still adhering to this policy. I am unaware of any CURRENT HD programming being switched from MPEG2 to MPEG4 - have I missed a post about this happening?

ScoBuck should have the nickname bulldog. There is no retreat or surrender there even when it is dismal.

ScoBuck should have the nickname bulldog. There is no retreat or surrender there even when it is dismal.
Maybe, but he is absolutely right on this issue.

ScoBuck should have the nickname bulldog. There is no retreat or surrender there even when it is dismal.

But at least I'm consistent! There is nothing wrong with stating both sides of an argument. I don't mind reading about the 'other' side, the 'other' side should have no problem reading about opposing views either.

An unless you can show me any current HD programming switched to MPEG4 from MPEG2, why would YOU want incorrect info posted? How does that further the discussion?

BTW what is dismal - posting incorrect info, or correcting incorrect info?

Yes they are, of course getting them in HD and being able to record them in HD would be nice. Of course, it's not like anyone else has a DVR that can record all of the HD channels they offer, unless you count Verizon, Comcast and Dish. Maybe I am just being silly asking that if they are going to offer new channels then how about the equipment to record it also or better yet, make it MPEG2 until they do have the equipment, one or the other is all I ask.

Kemical

I have to agree with your premise - it would be NICE to get them AND be able to record them.

However, since the bandwidth is NOT there for that many MPEG2 HD channels to be added, would you rather they did NOTHING NEW until the new DVR comes out?

I think you have to weigh the reality of the situation, not only the wish list. The wish list has you 100% correct, the reality unfortunately IMO does not.

I know this is probably been covered, but I'm crazed at work so I'll just ask--I've currently got a Terk dish with the built in multiswitch with four lines out. I've got the four lines (along with an OTA antenna line) going into a Spaun 5X16 multiswitch. Everything works great. When I upgrade to the five LNB dish and MPEG-4 receivers am I good to go with the current multiswitch, or have I got to change that too? I'm really hoping for the former!

Thanks!

But at least I'm consistent! There is nothing wrong with stating both sides of an argument. I don't mind reading about the 'other' side, the 'other' side should have no problem reading about opposing views either.

An unless you can show me any current HD programming switched to MPEG4 from MPEG2, why would YOU want incorrect info posted? How does that further the discussion?

BTW what is dismal - posting incorrect info, or correcting incorrect info?
Sorry ScoBuck, I was just making light of the situation.
Some of us are very frustrated with the Mpeg4 release in general.
We do not know the question that was asked to warrant the reply posted or when the reply was sent. But it seems the sentence that could have been innocently omitted but D* would read something like this" BUT you will not be able to receive ANY of the channels we launch or convert to Mpeg4 unless you pay to upgrade your equipment and recommit"
Since I made the conversion to Mpeg4 my system has not worked completely.(Not to mention no DVR) I will say that D* has been very diligent in trying to trouble shoot the problems. I have seen 11 techs over 7 visits to try to find the problem.
The last visit was a team of 4 including management. They still have not found the reception problem. They are working very hard to correct this!

Sorry ScoBuck, I was just making light of the situation.
Some of us are very frustrated with the Mpeg4 release in general.
We do not know the question that was asked to warrant the reply posted or when the reply was sent. But it seems the sentence that could have been innocently omitted but D* would read something like this" BUT you will not be able to receive ANY of the channels we launch or convert to Mpeg4 unless you pay to upgrade your equipment and recommit"
Since I made the conversion to Mpeg4 my system has not worked completely.(Not to mention no DVR) I will say that D* has been very diligent in trying to trouble shoot the problems. I have seen 11 techs over 7 visits to try to find the problem.
The last visit was a team of 4 including management. They still have not found the reception problem. They are working very hard to correct this!

Sorry you have a problem, I have had my 5lnb and have 2 H20s installed first week of January. I have had no specific problems with MY installation, but have had to weather the typical audio synch and pixelation problems as most have.

I asked for a replacement for one of my original H20-600s as it felt too hot, but it NEVER had a problem, and it was replaced with a H20-100 - and both work equally as well IMO.

Install problems are however not isolated with DirecTV, there are horror stories on these boards from ALL the sat and cable providers in some shape or form.

BTW, I received ALL of the hardware (new receivers and new dish) for no charge, not even shipping. It was before the leasing model took effect, but I think that they are still cutting deals with 5 hearts customers. I have 8 receviers, sub to TC+, get MLB, HD, etc.

I see no problem with them wanting at least a time committment for upgrades, they do have a business to maintain.

Sorry you have a problem, I have had my 5lnb and have 2 H20s installed first week of January. I have had no specific problems with MY installation, but have had to weather the typical audio synch and pixelation problems as most have.

I asked for a replacement for one of my original H20-600s as it felt too hot, but it NEVER had a problem, and it was replaced with a H20-100 - and both work equally as well IMO.

Install problems are however not isolated with DirecTV, there are horror stories on these boards from ALL the sat and cable providers in some shape or form.

BTW, I received ALL of the hardware (new receivers and new dish) for no charge, not even shipping. It was before the leasing model took effect, but I think that they are still cutting deals with 5 hearts customers. I have 8 receviers, sub to TC+, get MLB, HD, etc.

I see no problem with them wanting at least a time committment for upgrades, they do have a business to maintain.
I am a 5 heart customer. I have all premiums, ST, SF, HD. Everything but Adult.
3- HD H20 2- Std DVR and 1 HD-DVR in a box new because it would not work.
They initally made me pay $99.00 each for the H20 to upgrade from HD Samsung and $499.00 for the HD-DVR that doesn't work.
Since I have had all the problems they have credited most of it back.
The problem they can not get rid of is serious pixelation on NBC and CBS.
THe CBS is contiuous and the NBC is every 1-5 min.
I waited until April for the conversion. I have had H20-600s and H20-100s and the problem exists on both. Several have been traded out.

The problem they can not get rid of is serious pixelation on NBC and CBS.
THe CBS is contiuous and the NBC is every 1-5 min.

This sounds like the same problem Dish is having with 1080i channels, apparently the MPEG4 encoders being used are not dealing with 1080i very well. The 720p channels don't have the same issues. I can't say the problem is the same with every market and both D* and E*, but from what I've read here and elsewhere there are some definite problems still being worked out with the new MPEG4 equipment.

Spaun 5X16 multiswitch. ...five LNB dish and MPEG-4 receivers am I good to go with the current multiswitch, or have I got to change that too? I'm really hoping for the former


you're going to have to discard the 5x16 ms... my personal reccomendation is:

have 2 sat dishes ( if you have a big home / multiple receivers that require more
than 8 lines )...

this way the MPEG 4 Lines (x8) can be independant of the ones that are run into
the 5x16... you can move the lines from the 5x16 into the 6x8ka/ku multiswitch
the ones that goto your HD that is ( with the Exception of OTA ) - you won't be
able to use a Diplexer....keep that in mind...
so 2nd/3rd lines running Parallel (3rd for HD DVR) will need to be run if you want
more HD locals than just the Major 4 networks.(they will still intergrate VIA OTA-off air in connection) which those lines can be intergrated into ( run from ) the 5x16
which they then can be diplexed out...

the best install would be how you want it, plan for the future: " do i want DVR or non DVR in this room ? " "Do i want OTA HD locals when i upgrade to Mpeg 4 DVR ?"

i hope this info is useful.

-Brine

I know this is probably been covered, but I'm crazed at work so I'll just ask--I've currently got a Terk dish with the built in multiswitch with four lines out. I've got the four lines (along with an OTA antenna line) going into a Spaun 5X16 multiswitch. Everything works great. When I upgrade to the five LNB dish and MPEG-4 receivers am I good to go with the current multiswitch, or have I got to change that too? I'm really hoping for the former!

Thanks!


The new dish will not allow you to combine the OTA with the MPEG 4 feeds and therefore you would need to run seperate OTA lines. If you are just wanting to get the new dish and not worry about MPEG 4 currently then you can combine the signals, however I did this and ran into problems even though theoretically I shouldn't have. My advice would be to figure out which TV's need the OTA and just run them seperately. If you have D install it then you can have them run them seperately for you for free a lot of the time. They just came out and ran three lines to each of my HD DVR's as part of the install of my secod HD DVR that I just got. Two for the sat and one for the OTA signal.

Kemical

Ugh! I was afraid of that. Thanks guys. I guess that's just more reason to wait until they start adding programming that I want that requires the MPEG 4 gear.

Will the AT9/H20 work ok if I didn't use it to hit all the satellites? I can't get anything west of 110 from the location that I'd like to set it up (would have to go on the roof to get better but I rather wait till 2007 and "move" home). It would be a temporary setup that would allow me to pick up NESN HD (if it's added as rumored). I can use my previous setup for all other D* channels.

I live in an MDU and I have a H20-600. The dish that is on my roof belongs to a company that does the installs in my building. I live in Los Angeles and up to this point I did not care weather or not I got the MPEG 4 channels sense I get locals anyway. Now with the RSN's in MPEG 4 I have a reason. My question is, how do I get the company to put up a dish that can receive the MPEG 4 channels? Do they HAVE to?

I live in an MDU and I have a H20-600. The dish that is on my roof belongs to a company that does the installs in my building. I live in Los Angeles and up to this point I did not care weather or not I got the MPEG 4 channels sense I get locals anyway. Now with the RSN's in MPEG 4 I have a reason. My question is, how do I get the company to put up a dish that can receive the MPEG 4 channels? Do they HAVE to?

Yes you have to. Odds are they do not have a multiswitch in the MDU that will handle it (I doubt one exists) so you might be SOL.

Net17, I'll plead ignorance to what an MDU is, but assuming its something like an apartment building or group of condominiums, I'd say it would depend on how many people there have the new HD receivers.

Since D* is now giving new mpeg4 receivers to every HD subscriber in the LA area that doesn't already have one, I'd guess that inquiries to D*, the company that does the installs in your building, and whoever is in charge of the overall care of building itself would be the places to start.

JIFISH, an MDU is exactly that, a large apartment building (Multi Dwelling Unit). Everyone in the apartment shares one dish. The current dish is the 3 LNB. I have no idea what it looks like. Weather it is a regular 3 LNB dish, or some big type dish, I have no idea. I am going to call the company and see if they can put up a 5 LNB dish.

They are now upgrading the Baltimore area and I'm scheduled for next Thursday 7/6. However, after reading all the horror stories, I'm wondering if I should wait? Is anybody's equipment working ok, the pixcellation issues sound ridiculous.

I have 3 sets, HD only on one.

Any advice on waiting or going thru with it, or specific requests I should make?

They are now upgrading the Baltimore area and I'm scheduled for next Thursday 7/6. However, after reading all the horror stories, I'm wondering if I should wait? Is anybody's equipment working ok, the pixcellation issues sound ridiculous.

I have 3 sets, HD only on one.

Any advice on waiting or going thru with it, or specific requests I should make?
I have had 7 visits since the 5LNB Dish install. Still is not right. They are persistent. I have another appointment on Saturday for a team to visit.
I would suggest that you make the tech stay for the 20 min. he is required to after he has adjusted the dish. Make sure the HD unit is on the whole time.
Adjust the channels on your local HD channels. Do not let them show you a HDnet channel and tell you it is OK.
If you have problems it is going to be on the HD locals.

No problems so far, although I did take the advice someone posted here and put rubber legs on the HD20-600 I was sent. They do run hot. But I've actually gotten better reception of OTA locals since I got this unit, and that's with my indoor silver sensor antenna. But each situation is going to be different, depending on where you live and how many trees there are, etc.

I know this has been covered numerous times, but I just got off the phone with Directtv and they told me the opposite of what I expected to hear. I am moving. I live in the NY metro area. They wanted to install the 5lnb at my new house. When I asked if my HDTivo would still be able to record local HD channels, they said no. After repeated questions, they insisted I couldn't record local HD's (other than OTA). I told them just to give me the 3 LNB dish then. Are they wrong, and should I get the 5LNB. Also, would I then need to get all new equipment. Thanks.

I've been doing a lot of reading on the RSN's that will supposedly be HD tomorrow - from what I gather, you will only get the RSN in your local market? I think that's a load of crap - I pay for all the RSN's and all the sports packages - I should get the games I'm paying for in HD when they're available.

I have many close friends in NY, where I'm from originally - I plan on one of them activating a box in my house on their account so I get the NY RSN's in HD. Has anyone else done this? It seems like a pretty easy loophole to exploit.

The regional RSN's may be on spotbeams from 103, at least until the 2 new Spaceway sats are launched next year.

I am a 5 heart customer. I have all premiums, ST, SF, HD. Everything but Adult.
3- HD H20 2- Std DVR and 1 HD-DVR in a box new because it would not work.
They initally made me pay $99.00 each for the H20 to upgrade from HD Samsung and $499.00 for the HD-DVR that doesn't work.
Since I have had all the problems they have credited most of it back.
The problem they can not get rid of is serious pixelation on NBC and CBS.
THe CBS is contiuous and the NBC is every 1-5 min.
I waited until April for the conversion. I have had H20-600s and H20-100s and the problem exists on both. Several have been traded out.

A newbie question: what is a 5 heart customer? Long time customer? One who gets all the packages?

5 Hearts = you have had 5 heart attacks thanks to they way D* has treated you and through it all you continue to support them.

I know this has been covered numerous times, but I just got off the phone with Directtv and they told me the opposite of what I expected to hear. I am moving. I live in the NY metro area. They wanted to install the 5lnb at my new house. When I asked if my HDTivo would still be able to record local HD channels, they said no. After repeated questions, they insisted I couldn't record local HD's (other than OTA). I told them just to give me the 3 LNB dish then. Are they wrong, and should I get the 5LNB. Also, would I then need to get all new equipment. Thanks.


It depends on whether they have switched the CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC NY feeds over to MPEG4. To my knowledge and since I am still receiving them they have not made that switch. However, I will caution the use of a 5LNB dish with the HR10-250 if you are going to try and do OTA. If you are then run seperate lines for the OTA, DO NOT USE DIPLEXERS, you will have issues.

Call DirecTV back and talk to a supervisor or tech and get them to get you the 5LNB dish if you want it. You don't need it unless you want the MPEG4 feeds, which are the LIL HD for everywhere but NY and I believe LA. If you are thinking that this will save you time and effort later on, keep in mind that when you eventually do upgrade to MPEG4 that they will send an installer out with the equipment whether you want them to or not. Plus, by the time you need to switch over they probably will have a different dish. Anyway, call them if you wat the bigger dish or not, your choice.

Kemical

For years I have had 2 directivos w/ directv and sunday ticket.

I recently(may) bought a HD set and went with comcast+dvr - didn't want to pay $499 for an end-of-life hr10-250.

At any rate, I just called to cancel one if the directivo's, and NFL Sunday Ticket. They offered me a free HR10-250 with a 2yr extension, 3mo hd fee waived, if I stuck with sunday ticket.

The rep stated they expect the new DVR to be out aug/sep timeframe. I asked if they would upgrade the one they are giving me in the deal, and she said "we hope so, but that has not been decided. you should get a discount if it isn't free".

I ended up cancelling the receiver and 86'ing the NFL sunday ticket. I'm sure they will have some kind of great fabulous new offer when their dvr shows up.

I might be about to go away from comcast(comcraps) 6412 Ph III Moto STB for the Sunday Ticket Package. Not so sure after reading all of the dedicated posts to D*TV and all their equipment fiascos & scams. Let me tell you first I've recently gone from Adelphia's MOXI to Comcraps 6412 and now possibly, initially, a H20 with eventually a HR20 DVR when available thru D*TV. All of 'em had QC issues, I mean the 2 previous, that I ran into & sounds like that'll continue with the D*TV hardware. The only good thing about MOTO's 6412 was the fact it had an active FIREWIRE port for recording of non-5C implementation channels, which were mainly my local HD channels and PBS programming. I'm now scared on giving up that functionality for the bug prone D*TV hardware.

The D*TV subcontractor/installer is scheduled to come out on the 5th. I was supposed to get a H20 HD Receiver and I'm assuming a 5LNB Dish. My apartment only has line-of-sight to the direct south with trees on the horizon up to about a 30/40 degree angle. Where is the location of the D*TV satellite? If it's SE it'll be a no-go or if its above the horizon anywhere between 0-40degrees. But maybe that'll be a blessing, if there's no line-of-sight, with all the pitfalls the 5 Hearted D*TV peeps have been suffering. I'm in the Dallas North Metroplex area.

You should be OK on line of sight, I dont have the exact numbers handy but here in central Colorado elevation is just under 45 degrees and azimuth is just a few degrees east of due south. I would think in Texas it should be over 45 and about due south.

I might be about to go away from comcast(comcraps) 6412 Ph III Moto STB for the Sunday Ticket Package. Not so sure after reading all of the dedicated posts to D*TV and all their equipment fiascos & scams. Let me tell you first I've recently gone from Adelphia's MOXI to Comcraps 6412 and now possibly, initially, a H20 with eventually a HR20 DVR when available thru D*TV. All of 'em had QC issues, I mean the 2 previous, that I ran into & sounds like that'll continue with the D*TV hardware. The only good thing about MOTO's 6412 was the fact it had an active FIREWIRE port for recording of non-5C implementation channels, which were mainly my local HD channels and PBS programming. I'm now scared on giving up that functionality for the bug prone D*TV hardware.

The D*TV subcontractor/installer is scheduled to come out on the 5th. I was supposed to get a H20 HD Receiver and I'm assuming a 5LNB Dish. My apartment only has line-of-sight to the direct south with trees on the horizon up to about a 30/40 degree angle. Where is the location of the D*TV satellite? If it's SE it'll be a no-go or if its above the horizon anywhere between 0-40degrees. But maybe that'll be a blessing, if there's no line-of-sight, with all the pitfalls the 5 Hearted D*TV peeps have been suffering. I'm in the Dallas North Metroplex area.

Just out of curiousity, why didn't you get the HR10-250?

Where is the location of the D*TV satellite?
Select the satellite, and put your zip code and it will give you the info you need. I'd select DirecTV-1 from the drop down list.

http://emantechnology.com/lookangle.asp
Azimuth and Elevation Calculation for Your Satellite Dish

YES, THIS IS MPEG4 AND KA RELATED!! THE KA COMES INTO THE STORY NEAR THE BOTTOM

Since I've been tired of hoping that DirecTV would offer SD-LIL here, and wanting the ability to DVR NBC, FOX & The CW (come Fall) programming in SD (I have CBS and ABC via DNS), I took advantage of Circuit City's free Stand-Alone TiVo (after rebates)... but now I need to figure out how to hook my antenna up to the stand-alone... and wanted some help figuring out if my thinking is correct.

Currently, I have a Channel Master 4228 antenna hooked up to a CM Pre-Amp (I forget if it's a 7775 or 7777) sitting about 13 feet off of the ground... the RG-6 coax goes down from the antenna to a grounding block under the house, and then from the grounding block straight into the Den where it's plugged into a Surge Protector (we've had several antenna rotors get struck by lightning before), and then into a power splitter where it feeds an HD-TiVo, the TV, etc...

I also have a DirecTV Phase III dish hooked up to a 4x8 Powered Multi-Switch... which powers two DirecTiVo's and my HD-TiVo (as well as a single SD receiver which is currently deactivated, and hopefully will stay that way).

After I purchased my Stand-Alone TiVo on Saturday, I hooked it up to my SD big-screen in the living Room, and hooked it up to the phone line. Since my antenna has not been run to this room, I hooked it up to an indoor antenna which allows me to watch two channels with varying degrees of PQ, and a few others which cuts in and out. This week, I'd like to run the line, AND activate service (which I'll do even if I can't run the antenna this week). Here's my plan:

What I'd like to do is cut the antenna coaxial line coming from the the grounding block a little before it comes into the house and to my HD-TiVo, and then put a splitter to to send an additional line to my multi-switch. Now, before anyone brings up the fact that once I need to swap my Phase III out for a AT-9 dish, the diplexing won't work, this is one of my questions. If I take the line coming FROM the multi-switch going TO the (SD) DirecTiVo in the room with the Stand-Alone TiVo, clip it, and put a diplexor on it, will I have issues once I need the AT-9 dish even though I didn't diplex using the multi-switch and the DirecTiVo unit is an SD unit, or am I safe?!

Also, if this works, do I need to use a power splitter to send the new line going TOWARDS the multi-switch and my current line going to the HD-TiVo?

The power supply to my Channel Master Pre-Amp is in the Den near my HD-TiVo. Will the power supply in the Den allow me the reception in the Living Room, or will I need an additional part or item in the Living Room?

If all of this works, can anybody tell me a good brand of cheap Diplexors and where to buy them?!

~Alan

YES, THIS IS MPEG4 AND KA RELATED!! THE KA COMES INTO THE STORY NEAR THE BOTTOM

Since I've been tired of hoping that DirecTV would offer SD-LIL here, and wanting the ability to DVR NBC, FOX & The CW (come Fall) programming in SD (I have CBS and ABC via DNS), I took advantage of Circuit City's free Stand-Alone TiVo (after rebates)... but now I need to figure out how to hook my antenna up to the stand-alone... and wanted some help figuring out if my thinking is correct.

Currently, I have a Channel Master 4228 antenna hooked up to a CM Pre-Amp (I forget if it's a 7775 or 7777) sitting about 13 feet off of the ground... the RG-6 coax goes down from the antenna to a grounding block under the house, and then from the grounding block straight into the Den where it's plugged into a Surge Protector (we've had several antenna rotors get struck by lightning before), and then into a power splitter where it feeds an HD-TiVo, the TV, etc...

I also have a DirecTV Phase III dish hooked up to a 4x8 Powered Multi-Switch... which powers two DirecTiVo's and my HD-TiVo (as well as a single SD receiver which is currently deactivated, and hopefully will stay that way).

After I purchased my Stand-Alone TiVo on Saturday, I hooked it up to my SD big-screen in the living Room, and hooked it up to the phone line. Since my antenna has not been run to this room, I hooked it up to an indoor antenna which allows me to watch two channels with varying degrees of PQ, and a few others which cuts in and out. This week, I'd like to run the line, AND activate service (which I'll do even if I can't run the antenna this week). Here's my plan:

What I'd like to do is cut the antenna coaxial line coming from the the grounding block a little before it comes into the house and to my HD-TiVo, and then put a splitter to to send an additional line to my multi-switch. Now, before anyone brings up the fact that once I need to swap my Phase III out for a AT-9 dish, the diplexing won't work, this is one of my questions. If I take the line coming FROM the multi-switch going TO the (SD) DirecTiVo in the room with the Stand-Alone TiVo, clip it, and put a diplexor on it, will I have issues once I need the AT-9 dish even though I didn't diplex using the multi-switch and the DirecTiVo unit is an SD unit, or am I safe?!

Also, if this works, do I need to use a power splitter to send the new line going TOWARDS the multi-switch and my current line going to the HD-TiVo?

The power supply to my Channel Master Pre-Amp is in the Den near my HD-TiVo. Will the power supply in the Den allow me the reception in the Living Room, or will I need an additional part or item in the Living Room?

If all of this works, can anybody tell me a good brand of cheap Diplexors and where to buy them?!

~Alan

Alan,
Are you currently using a diplexer to combine the HD DirecTV signal and OTA? If you are, then yes you will have a problem when you switch to MPEG4 as the MPEG4 and OTA signals will not travel down the same line. If, however you are not running an HD DirecTV signal down that line then you will not have an issue. The isssue comes into play with the MPEG4 HD signals and OTA, so if your setup follows that rule then you shouldn't have any issues. One other note, do not use twist on connections as they may cause an issue being exposed to the weather.

The second question about the splitter may or may not be an issue depending on how far the line runs. To my knowledge, the amplifier for your den will have no affect on your OTA in the Living room and therefore you will need a seperate amplifier there.

As far as purchasing diplexers, you can get some on the internet at a lower price than if you went and got them from Lowes, Home Depot, Radioshack, etc. It really depends on how quickly you need them. Just do a google for diplexers and you will find plenty of places to get them on the net.

Kemical

I originally had the single LNB dish, and then the 3LNB dish and now in March I have the AT-9 dish. Slowly over the last 2 months I am losing the signal strength to the point where now I get a lot of pixelation and searching for satellite. The signal strength is mostly in the 30's and 40's. Whenever there is a cloud in the sky or even a light breeze I loose the satellite signal. Considering I have had the previous dishes for a couple years each and never had to realign the dish, have other people had problems with their AT-9 dish alignment. I have called D* and they have told me that I am out of the 90 day installation warranty. It ended in June. Does anyone have any advise on how to deal with D*? I have them scheduled to come out and fix the problem, however I have the feeling they will charge me for it. :(

Once I know the answer it will make sense to me, however what is CW? I have seen a couple of posts refering to it and did not see an explanation for it.

thanks,

Kemical

As in The CW Network? It' s the new combined UPN and WB that's putting out a full slate of primetime HD in the fall.

As in The CW Network? It' s the new combined UPN and WB that's putting out a full slate of primetime HD in the fall.


Crap, this is definetely a double edged sword. On one hand we lose a station and on the other we will probably get some good programming. Oh well, maybe we will get to keep WB and UPN and also get CW,

...............Mmmm, donuts

I mean that would be good.

Kemical

Crap, this is definetely a double edged sword. On one hand we lose a station and on the other we will probably get some good programming. Oh well, maybe we will get to keep WB and UPN and also get CW,

Kemical
It is the WB and UPN networks that are combining to form the new CW network. Once CW is up and running, there will be no more WB or UPN, whether it be OTA, via Cable, or via Satellite.

It is the WB and UPN networks that are combining to form the new CW network. Once CW is up and running, there will be no more WB or UPN, whether it be OTA, via Cable, or via Satellite.


Like I said, "Crap!!!"


But hey, if we get better HD programming out of it then it will be worth it.

Kemical

I originally had the single LNB dish, and then the 3LNB dish and now in March I have the AT-9 dish. Slowly over the last 2 months I am losing the signal strength to the point where now I get a lot of pixelation and searching for satellite. The signal strength is mostly in the 30's and 40's. Whenever there is a cloud in the sky or even a light breeze I loose the satellite signal. Considering I have had the previous dishes for a couple years each and never had to realign the dish, have other people had problems with their AT-9 dish alignment. I have called D* and they have told me that I am out of the 90 day installation warranty. It ended in June. Does anyone have any advise on how to deal with D*? I have them scheduled to come out and fix the problem, however I have the feeling they will charge me for it. :(


If you haven't already, call Customer Retention at 800-824-9081. Be nice, but be prepared to play hard ball.

HELP
Has anyone heard of a problem with reception on HD local channels only, on H20 receiver? I have 5LNB dish.
All my local HD stations have alot of pixelization. Several tech's have tried to fix it. I have good signal strength. Last tech replaced every part down to dish, switch, wiring, receivers and cables. No change. Has anyone heard of anything that could cause this kind of interference?
Yes! I have had nothing but trouble since I changed in Feb 06 to the H20 box and a 5LNB Dish through DirecTV, on local channels.The Techs have been out to the house 4 times to no avail. They have no idea and neither does directv,because they keep blowing smoke,saying they don't know of any problem.I threatened to quit and they gave me a month free( I am a preferred customer,so I hate to see the service a non-perferred customer gets) They said they were in the process of updateing their software, to give them a week, that was in june 06, its now july 06, and still the same problems ( Pixelization, Sound Outage, Going to Black, Loss of Signal etc.) I am tired of hanging on the phone, telling my problem to ten different people, who either pass you along or give you answers just to get rid of you. They say they can't call you back to check on the progress, of your problem, because their phones don't call out, Plus everytime you call them you are getting a different part of the country. After the 2nd tech came to the house, they said they were going to send a supervisor, they've been out two more times, still no supervisor. The real reason I got DirecTV is for the football package - But in most cases the good games are usually on the local channels. I'am just about, to go back to comcast. I pay a lot of money for what I have, I don't need the hassel.

mred18951,

Where are you located? What city are your DirecTV HD local channels from?

Yes! I have had nothing but trouble since I changed in Feb 06 to the H20 box and a 5LNB Dish through DirecTV, on local channels.The Techs have been out to the house 4 times to no avail. They have no idea and neither does directv,because they keep blowing smoke,saying they don't know of any problem.I threatened to quit and they gave me a month free( I am a preferred customer,so I hate to see the service a non-perferred customer gets) They said they were in the process of updateing their software, to give them a week, that was in june 06, its now july 06, and still the same problems ( Pixelization, Sound Outage, Going to Black, Loss of Signal etc.) I am tired of hanging on the phone, telling my problem to ten different people, who either pass you along or give you answers just to get rid of you. They say they can't call you back to check on the progress, of your problem, because their phones don't call out, Plus everytime you call them you are getting a different part of the country. After the 2nd tech came to the house, they said they were going to send a supervisor, they've been out two more times, still no supervisor. The real reason I got DirecTV is for the football package - But in most cases the good games are usually on the local channels. I'am just about, to go back to comcast. I pay a lot of money for what I have, I don't need the hassel.

I will say that D* is making an effort to correct the problem. I have 52 man hours as of now (Not including my 64 hours waiting and spending time with them). Last weekend I had 3 tech supervisors and a regoinal operations manager out for the 2nd time to no avail( This marks the 9th home visit for this problem since April). D*'s regional manager could not believe the results and photographs and had to see for himself on Sunday. As always the response was "We have never seen that!"
My opinion is that D* is just trying to buy time while they figure out what is causing the transmission problem or can dedicate the bandwith needed to transmit the signal large enough for the high end HDTV units to display it.
I have given them until September 1st to clean this up and deliver the HD DVR Mpeg4 they sold me last November or I too will be switching to the local cable company. (Plus a refund of the $1,200 plus I have spent on D* hardware and acessories the past 9 months)
I am in the Washington DC Market.

I'm moving from a VA suburb of DC to a MD suburb, and the representatives I spoke to indicated that because I have the HD-Tivo they will only install the 3LBN dish. I've seen some discussion of it, but it seems to vary by area. Based on the issues with signal through the new dish, it seems like the best course for now may be to wait until things are sorted out.

However my question is this -- with the 3LNB dish and HD-Tivo you need a separate OTA antennae for the HD locals. Can you do the same thing with a 5LNB dish and an OTA antennae? Putting aside the transmission issues for a minute, can/should I push for the new dish so I can upgrade my non-HD receivers to the newer models and receive the locals on them through the single dish.

I'm moving from a VA suburb of DC to a MD suburb, and the representatives I spoke to indicated that because I have the HD-Tivo they will only install the 3LBN dish. I've seen some discussion of it, but it seems to vary by area. Based on the issues with signal through the new dish, it seems like the best course for now may be to wait until things are sorted out.

However my question is this -- with the 3LNB dish and HD-Tivo you need a separate OTA antennae for the HD locals. Can you do the same thing with a 5LNB dish and an OTA antennae? Putting aside the transmission issues for a minute, can/should I push for the new dish so I can upgrade my non-HD receivers to the newer models and receive the locals on them through the single dish.
Yes you can,
The way I have endured the reception issue on local HD's is thru my OTA antenna.
I have a H20 w/ 5LNB dish. It does require a 2nd coax from your OTA to your receiver.

I'm moving from a VA suburb of DC to a MD suburb, and the representatives I spoke to indicated that because I have the HD-Tivo they will only install the 3LBN dish. I've seen some discussion of it, but it seems to vary by area. Based on the issues with signal through the new dish, it seems like the best course for now may be to wait until things are sorted out.

However my question is this -- with the 3LNB dish and HD-Tivo you need a separate OTA antennae for the HD locals. Can you do the same thing with a 5LNB dish and an OTA antennae? Putting aside the transmission issues for a minute, can/should I push for the new dish so I can upgrade my non-HD receivers to the newer models and receive the locals on them through the single dish.

I also have the AT9 dish with two HR10-250 units with no problem. You do have to run a seperate line for the OTA otherwise you will run into issues on both the OTA HD and DTV HD channels.

I did have to fight for it even though I live in Dallas and we get our HD LIL's via DTV now. Their reasoning was that I did not have an MPEG4 receiver and therefore didn't need it.

Kemical

Yes! I have had nothing but trouble since I changed in Feb 06 to the H20 box and a 5LNB Dish through DirecTV, on local channels.
I have had no problems at all so far, and actually found it to be an improvement over the Samsung T360 receiver that replaced by orginal Hughes E86. I lost OTA reception of my local PBS HD station when I got the T360.

With the H20, I have it back, using only a Silver Sensor indoor antenna on top of my tv. My set is one of the early Sony Wega XBR Hybrid HD models, so maybe it's because I don't have state of the art equipment. But for my modest needs, the H20 works well.

I do have the unit sitting on top of my AV cabinet, and have four rubber legs that lift it about an inch above the cabinet, because the unit runs so hot. Oh yeah, and I switched from the 3 LNB dish to the 5 LNB. It's only been a few weeks, but so far, no complaints.

I did have to fight for it even though I live in Dallas and we get our HD LIL's via DTV now. Their reasoning was that I did not have an MPEG4 receiver and therefore didn't need it.

Kemical


wish i knew the cost for them to put it on 'free' later. Sounds like they would save money but just upgrading everyone and ditching the 3lnbs. Now you will have another dish on your roof or holes to fill in. good way to get customers happy

I'm new to posting, but long time lurker...just got through talking to D* installer of 5lnb dish. He told me that this far south (florida keys) I might get only one local channel (the Miami NBC affiliate). He said he has put up several dishes in the Keys and that it is "common" for some of the locals to not be received. He also told me I had to pay $200 for installation of a pole for the larger dish (Customer Retention is making sure that I do not have to pay!) so I let him leave without doing anything. The installer also told me has the new dish at his house in Miami and he doesn't receive the Fox (7) on his dish, even though he put it in himself and adjusted it. He even suggested that if I really want HD locals, I should switch to Comcast! I called Retention, they were helpful and said that D* wouldn't offer service here if they didn't expect everyone to be able to get all that they offer in that area. Can anyone shed some light on this? Could it be that the latitude or the spot beam could be a problem?

Does anyone know on which TPs I should be seeing signal from the 99 and 103 birds, if I'm aiming the AT9 in the Baltimore/DC area? (Lyngsat doesn't seem to be any help.)

Also, for those in that area, what kind of numbers are you reading? I know that the AT9/ H20 combo yields lower numerical values on the signal meter than I'm used to on sats 101-119, but I don't know what's normal for the other birds.

Thanks.

Also had a dish problem with the signal weakening over a six month period of time. Do have the service contract with them so they came free of charge. Turns out the dish was instlled improperly with only one large arm when it should have that plus two smaller side arms. Had drifted considerably so they remounted it properly. Took about an hour and all is well now.
On the other hand if they don' get mor hi def stations before FIOS becomes availabel, they'l lose this long time customer.

Bill

First, I have a few questions on the current sat dish and hd receiver for the mpeg4 reception.
1) Would the 5 LNB Dish replace my current 3 LNB Dish used with the d* HDTivo? I think so, since I would hate to have two dishes up on my roof...but, I am not thrilled with some of the feedback on the new new dish.
2) Would my current d* HDTivo's work with the 5 LNB Dish (I know it will not work with new mpeg4 local channels, I receive them with OTA anyway, but would like to still be able to record other d* hd and standard channels with it)?
3) a. I currently run a 5x8 multiplexor using diplexors out to the tv's for sat and ota (similar to 5x8_install attachment) and I understand that the diplexors (cannot diplex sat & ota) will not work for the mpeg4 hd receiver, but will it still work as it does today for the hdtivo using the 5 LNB Dish (I would think so, but want to confirm)?
b. Also, if I can use the the hdtivos (I would run them to three tv's using diplexors which would leave five openings) - I would run an extra cable to my main tv to connect a mpeg4 hd receiver (for any added d* hd channels - I know I wouldn't be able to record with tivo, but will be able to receive them until the new hddvr comes out). I would also run two cables to a 4th set (no current receivers) and hook up a new mpeg4 receiver (which I'm hoping I can get both sat and ota with it since I would be running two cables fromt the multiplexor and not using a diplexor - correct?) - does this setup sound correct and/or is there a better way (not too expensive)?

Next, is there any new announcements or information (or site to check - directv site doesn't shed any light) on new hd channels coming out on DirecTV? Is the only way to get new d* hd channels going to be by using the new 5 LNB Dish and mpeg4 receiver?

Thanks for any input!

BrettRyan, quick answers to most of your questions:

1) Yes.

2) Yes, but some D* CSR's will tell you otherwise.

3) Yes, as long as you are only trying to receive MPEG-2 satellite channels.

b) I'll leave that to the resident techies, as I don't need multiplexers and haven't tried to learn much about them.

Next, is there any new announcements or information (or site to check - directv site doesn't shed any light) on new hd channels coming out on DirecTV?D* is pretty tight lipped about what they will do until they are ready to make an announcement. You'll get the latest rumors pretty quickly by watching various related threadsin this forum. Some are only conjecture, but real news shows up here promptly, too.

Is the only way to get new d* hd channels going to be by using the new 5 LNB Dish and mpeg4 receiver?Probably. They may manage to add one or two more national HD channels via MPEG-2 by juggling bandwidth, but it doesn't seem likely. Many people thought they were at their limit before they added TNT HD.

Also had a dish problem with the signal weakening over a six month period of time. Do have the service contract with them so they came free of charge. Turns out the dish was instlled improperly with only one large arm when it should have that plus two smaller side arms. Had drifted considerably so they remounted it properly. Took about an hour and all is well now.
On the other hand if they don' get mor hi def stations before FIOS becomes availabel, they'l lose this long time customer.

Bill

I think I have the same problem. My signal strength is in the 30-40 range and I loose the signal whenever a cloud is in the sky. I've had the new dish about 4 months and it is also mounted on a single arm on my roof. Does anyone have a link to these 2 smaller arms? D* will be out on Saturday to fix my problem and if I should have these extra arms I want to show the installer the proper way to install this dish.

I think I have the same problem. My signal strength is in the 30-40 range and I loose the signal whenever a cloud is in the sky. I've had the new dish about 4 months and it is also mounted on a single arm on my roof. Does anyone have a link to these 2 smaller arms? D* will be out on Saturday to fix my problem and if I should have these extra arms I want to show the installer the proper way to install this dish.

they are called monopoles.

solid signal (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/AT9_install_manual.pdf)

this installation manual from Solid Signal has pics of various installs with monopoles

they are called monopoles.

solid signal (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/AT9_install_manual.pdf)

this installation manual from Solid Signal has pics of various installs with monopoles

CCBREW,

Thanks for the info.

First, I have a few questions on the current sat dish and hd receiver for the mpeg4 reception.
1) Would the 5 LNB Dish replace my current 3 LNB Dish used with the d* HDTivo? I think so, since I would hate to have two dishes up on my roof...but, I am not thrilled with some of the feedback on the new new dish.
2) Would my current d* HDTivo's work with the 5 LNB Dish (I know it will not work with new mpeg4 local channels, I receive them with OTA anyway, but would like to still be able to record other d* hd and standard channels with it)?
3) a. I currently run a 5x8 multiplexor using diplexors out to the tv's for sat and ota (similar to 5x8_install attachment) and I understand that the diplexors (cannot diplex sat & ota) will not work for the mpeg4 hd receiver, but will it still work as it does today for the hdtivo using the 5 LNB Dish (I would think so, but want to confirm)?
b. Also, if I can use the the hdtivos (I would run them to three tv's using diplexors which would leave five openings) - I would run an extra cable to my main tv to connect a mpeg4 hd receiver (for any added d* hd channels - I know I wouldn't be able to record with tivo, but will be able to receive them until the new hddvr comes out). I would also run two cables to a 4th set (no current receivers) and hook up a new mpeg4 receiver (which I'm hoping I can get both sat and ota with it since I would be running two cables fromt the multiplexor and not using a diplexor - correct?) - does this setup sound correct and/or is there a better way (not too expensive)?

Next, is there any new announcements or information (or site to check - directv site doesn't shed any light) on new hd channels coming out on DirecTV? Is the only way to get new d* hd channels going to be by using the new 5 LNB Dish and mpeg4 receiver?

Thanks for any input!

I would caution using the diplexers with the 5lnb dish period. I have the 5lnb and two HD TIVO's and when I diplexed in the past I had problems with my DTV HD channels even though they were MPEG2. If I remember right other people have posted similar problems, so I would suggest a seperate line for OTA, plus you will get a better signal that way for the OTA channels.

Kemical

I would caution using the diplexers with the 5lnb dish period. I have the 5lnb and two HD TIVO's and when I diplexed in the past I had problems with my DTV HD channels even though they were MPEG2. If I remember right other people have posted similar problems, so I would suggest a seperate line for OTA, plus you will get a better signal that way for the OTA channels.

Kemical
So if diplexers are an issue with the 5lnb, I would need run an additional cable from the 5x8 multiplexor to each tv for OTA transmission. For three HR10-250's that would mean running three cables from the 5x8 mulitplexor to each HR10-250 which isn't possible - I could run three cables to two of the HR10-250 and live with two going to the third (just not use OTA)...would that be correct? Sounds like the 5x8 multiplexor is too small for this configuration - do I have other options with the 5lnb dish?

Hi, all:

After months and months of agonizing, I decided to switch to D* from cable ONLY because of Sunday Ticket. Now, I am getting the run-around on HD capability and equipment compatibility. Here is the e-mail that I sent to D* today:

Hello -

I live in Southern California, about 50 miles south of Los Angeles.

When I signed up for DirecTV, I was told that I would be able to receive local channels in HD. I also read on the DirecTv website that I need a 5 LNB dish to fully enjoy the Sunday Ticket SuperFan package.

I was scheduled for installation this morning at 10:00 a.m. I was to have a HR10-250 (HD TiVo), a standard-def DVR and a standard box installed.

The technician brought the 3 LNB dish and I told him that I wanted the 5 LNB dish. He then told me to contact DirecTv and the local installer, have the correct equipment ordered and reschedule the appointment.

DirecTv told me that the 5 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. The local installer told me that the 3 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. I have read in various forums online that the 5 LNB dish is, in fact, compatible and will be the dish of choice once the HR20-700 arrives in a few months.

I need to know which equipment is correct, so that I can order it and have it installed now.

Here is what I want to accomplish:
1. Receiving all available local and premium channels in HD.
2. Full utilization of Sunday Ticket SuperFan.

Here is what I would prefer to further accomplish:
1.Recording local channels in HD.

Please review this e-mail and let me know which dish will work with the HR10-250. I know that the HR20-700 should be out in a few months and that that will work with the 5 LNB dish with full HD capability. In the meantime, however, I'd still like to maximize HD channels.

I do not know if I can add an OTA HD antenna to my house (set up is already going to be rather complex) nor if I even need to since I hear that D* carries local HD feeds.

Would someone please answer the questions above as well as explain what local HD channels are available through D* in LA.

Thanks in advance. :D

Hi, all:

After months and months of agonizing, I decided to switch to D* from cable ONLY because of Sunday Ticket. Now, I am getting the run-around on HD capability and equipment compatibility. Here is the e-mail that I sent to D* today:

Hello -

I live in Southern California, about 50 miles south of Los Angeles.

When I signed up for DirecTV, I was told that I would be able to receive local channels in HD. I also read on the DirecTv website that I need a 5 LNB dish to fully enjoy the Sunday Ticket SuperFan package.

I was scheduled for installation this morning at 10:00 a.m. I was to have a HR10-250 (HD TiVo), a standard-def DVR and a standard box installed.

The technician brought the 3 LNB dish and I told him that I wanted the 5 LNB dish. He then told me to contact DirecTv and the local installer, have the correct equipment ordered and reschedule the appointment.

DirecTv told me that the 5 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. The local installer told me that the 3 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. I have read in various forums online that the 5 LNB dish is, in fact, compatible and will be the dish of choice once the HR20-700 arrives in a few months.

I need to know which equipment is correct, so that I can order it and have it installed now.

Here is what I want to accomplish:
1. Receiving all available local and premium channels in HD.
2. Full utilization of Sunday Ticket SuperFan.

Here is what I would prefer to further accomplish:
1.Recording local channels in HD.

Please review this e-mail and let me know which dish will work with the HR10-250. I know that the HR20-700 should be out in a few months and that that will work with the 5 LNB dish with full HD capability. In the meantime, however, I'd still like to maximize HD channels.

I do not know if I can add an OTA HD antenna to my house (set up is already going to be rather complex) nor if I even need to since I hear that D* carries local HD feeds.

Would someone please answer the questions above as well as explain what local HD channels are available through D* in LA.

Thanks in advance. :D
I can not speak for what HD locals are available in LA but in Washington DC the major networks are all on local HD.
To answer your question directly, the 3LNB dish will not receive your local channels unless you get a waiver from each network. (doubtful).
The HR10-250 is technically compatible with either dish but will not receive or record your locals in HD. You must have a HR20-700 to receive and record locals in HD.
Finally, the broadcast thru D* for HD locals is no where near as clear as the OTA, period!

Unfortunately it isn't that easy and definitely not as easy as cable...but, here you goes...

"DirecTv told me that the 5 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. The local installer told me that the 3 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. I have read in various forums online that the 5 LNB dish is, in fact, compatible and will be the dish of choice once the HR20-700 arrives in a few months."

Both are compatible with the HR10-250 as I have read, but with the 5 LNB you need to make sure you have proper installation (depending on if you want SAT and OTA or just SAT). Also, you will not be able to get the MPEG4 HD with the HR10-250 let alone record it. The 3 LNB doesn't get the MPEG4 stuff, just the MPEG2 stuff so the HR10-250 works perfectly with it. Of course you still don't get the MPEG4 HD (which for now is the local HD channels), but you can get an OTA (over the air antenna) and pick up the local channels that way and be able to record them using the HR10-250 as well.

"Here is what I want to accomplish:
1. Receiving all available local and premium channels in HD.
2. Full utilization of Sunday Ticket SuperFan."

1. For d* local in HD you will need the 5 LNB and the H20 (I think that is what it is) receiver (you will not be able to record though) and review above for OTA. I think all of the premium HD channels are currently MPEG2 so both 3 LNB and 5 LNB will work, but any new channels coming out using MPEG4 will require the 5 LNB and the H20 or whatever new MPEG4 receiver/dvr they come out with.

2. Currently the sunday ticket superfan is all over MPEG2 so this shouldn't be an issue at all. Next year...who knows?

"Here is what I would prefer to further accomplish:
1.Recording local channels in HD."

As stated above, you need the OTA antenna and HR10-250 to accomplish that today or wait for the HR20-700 to come out and use with 5 LNB dish...

Hi, all:

After months and months of agonizing, I decided to switch to D* from cable ONLY because of Sunday Ticket. Now, I am getting the run-around on HD capability and equipment compatibility. Here is the e-mail that I sent to D* today:

Hello -

I live in Southern California, about 50 miles south of Los Angeles.

When I signed up for DirecTV, I was told that I would be able to receive local channels in HD. I also read on the DirecTv website that I need a 5 LNB dish to fully enjoy the Sunday Ticket SuperFan package.

I was scheduled for installation this morning at 10:00 a.m. I was to have a HR10-250 (HD TiVo), a standard-def DVR and a standard box installed.

The technician brought the 3 LNB dish and I told him that I wanted the 5 LNB dish. He then told me to contact DirecTv and the local installer, have the correct equipment ordered and reschedule the appointment.

DirecTv told me that the 5 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. The local installer told me that the 3 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. I have read in various forums online that the 5 LNB dish is, in fact, compatible and will be the dish of choice once the HR20-700 arrives in a few months.

I need to know which equipment is correct, so that I can order it and have it installed now.

Here is what I want to accomplish:
1. Receiving all available local and premium channels in HD.
2. Full utilization of Sunday Ticket SuperFan.

Here is what I would prefer to further accomplish:
1.Recording local channels in HD.

Please review this e-mail and let me know which dish will work with the HR10-250. I know that the HR20-700 should be out in a few months and that that will work with the 5 LNB dish with full HD capability. In the meantime, however, I'd still like to maximize HD channels.

I do not know if I can add an OTA HD antenna to my house (set up is already going to be rather complex) nor if I even need to since I hear that D* carries local HD feeds.

Would someone please answer the questions above as well as explain what local HD channels are available through D* in LA.

Thanks in advance. :D

Unfortunately it isn't that easy and definitely not as easy as cable...but, here you goes...

"DirecTv told me that the 5 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. The local installer told me that the 3 LNB dish was not compatible with the HR10-250. I have read in various forums online that the 5 LNB dish is, in fact, compatible and will be the dish of choice once the HR20-700 arrives in a few months."

Both are compatible with the HR10-250 as I have read, but with the 5 LNB you need to make sure you have proper installation (depending on if you want SAT and OTA or just SAT). Also, you will not be able to get the MPEG4 HD with the HR10-250 let alone record it. The 3 LNB doesn't get the MPEG4 stuff, just the MPEG2 stuff so the HR10-250 works perfectly with it. Of course you still don't get the MPEG4 HD (which for now is the local HD channels), but you can get an OTA (over the air antenna) and pick up the local channels that way and be able to record them using the HR10-250 as well.

"Here is what I want to accomplish:
1. Receiving all available local and premium channels in HD.
2. Full utilization of Sunday Ticket SuperFan."

1. For d* local in HD you will need the 5 LNB and the H20 (I think that is what it is) receiver (you will not be able to record though) and review above for OTA. I think all of the premium HD channels are currently MPEG2 so both 3 LNB and 5 LNB will work, but any new channels coming out using MPEG4 will require the 5 LNB and the H20 or whatever new MPEG4 receiver/dvr they come out with.

2. Currently the sunday ticket superfan is all over MPEG2 so this shouldn't be an issue at all. Next year...who knows?

"Here is what I would prefer to further accomplish:
1.Recording local channels in HD."

As stated above, you need the OTA antenna and HR10-250 to accomplish that today or wait for the HR20-700 to come out and use with 5 LNB dish...

I can not speak for what HD locals are available in LA but in Washington DC the major networks are all on local HD.
To answer your question directly, the 3LNB dish will not receive your local channels unless you get a waiver from each network. (doubtful).
The HR10-250 is technically compatible with either dish but will not receive or record your locals in HD. You must have a HR20-700 to receive and record locals in HD.
Finally, the broadcast thru D* for HD locals is no where near as clear as the OTA, period!

These answers are not correct. If you live in the LA DMA you can get the 4 major networks in HD with a 3lnb dish and a HR10-250. The LA locals are broadcast in mpeg2. You do not need the 5lnb dish for sunday ticket because your locals are available with the 3lnb dish.

These answers are not correct. If you live in the LA DMA you can get the 4 major networks in HD with a 3lnb dish and a HR10-250. The LA locals are broadcast in mpeg2. You do not need the 5lnb dish for sunday ticket because your locals are available with the 3lnb dish.
You are correct - I don't live in LA, but aren't they starting to pull those or will they continue to be in mpeg2?

And locals being available has nothing to do with the sunday ticket superfan hd content...



1. Receiving all available local and premium channels in HD.

Also, you only get the major 4 in HD, not all locals...best option is the OTA for this.

Furthermore, if you want new hd such as the regional sports networks you'll need the 5 lnb and the h20...

You are correct - I don't live in LA, but aren't they starting to pull those or will they continue to be in mpeg2?

And locals being available has nothing to do with the sunday ticket superfan hd content...

No, they will leave the mpeg2 versions up for several more years. The locals being available does have to do with the sunday ticket superfan hd content. The reason D* says that you need the 5lnb dish to get superfan is because games available on your local channels will be blacked out on the sunday ticket channels. Thus they tell you that you need the 5lnb dish to get those games in HD but that is not the case for people in the LA and NY DMAs, they only need the 3lnb dish to get their locals in HD.


Also, you only get the major 4 in HD, not all locals...best option is the OTA for this.

Furthermore, if you want new hd such as the regional sports networks you'll need the 5 lnb and the h20...

True, you only get the 4 majors in HD without an OTA which is the best option for locals. And yes, if you want the regional sports networks you'll need the 5 lnb and the h20.

The locals being available does have to do with the sunday ticket superfan hd content. The reason D* says that you need the 5lnb dish to get superfan is because games available on your local channels will be blacked out on the sunday ticket channels. Thus they tell you that you need the 5lnb dish to get those games in HD but that is not the case for people in the LA and NY DMAs, they only need the 3lnb dish to get their locals in HD.

See your point, but this has to do with local channels hd content...you can still get the "superfan" with the 3lnb dish which is my point. It is confusing (to me anyway) to say you need the 5lnb dish (and the H20 btw) to get "superfan".
Maybe better to say "you need the 5lnb (and H20) to get the local games in hd (unless you have an OTA antenna) because they will be blacked out on the sunday ticket channels." Plus the original poster I believe was from LA and will be able to get the locals in HD with the 3lnb so this is mute (for him anyway) and he can get all the HD offered in the "superfan" package...see not that easy!

Thanks, all!

A follow up question -

Assuming that I do not install an OTA antenna, since I am in the LA DMA (direct market area??), will the 5 LNB/HR10-250 work the same as the 3 LNB/HR10-250 combo, or will I only be able to pull local channels in HD through D* with the 3 LNB dish (b/c the HR10-250 will not decode MPEG4)?

If the answer is yes, then I guess that I might as well go with the 5 LNB dish now so that I don't have to upgrade later. If no, then I will go with the 3 LNB dish and have them swap it out when the HR20-700 arrives.

Thanks again.

Thanks, all!

A follow up question -

Assuming that I do not install an OTA antenna, since I am in the LA DMA (direct market area??), will the 5 LNB/HR10-250 work the same as the 3 LNB/HR10-250 combo, or will I only be able to pull local channels in HD through D* with the 3 LNB dish (b/c the HR10-250 will not decode MPEG4)?

If the answer is yes, then I guess that I might as well go with the 5 LNB dish now so that I don't have to upgrade later. If no, then I will go with the 3 LNB dish and have them swap it out when the HR20-700 arrives.

Thanks again.
Based on the comments from this board and from dgordo a few post ago, you are fortunate to be in LA an have the mpeg2 local HD for the four major stations so it doesn't matter which dish you get...the HR10-250 should work the same. I have the 3 LNB and recently thought about moving to the 5 LNB to get the MPEG4 HD content, but there seems to be mix messages on how it is working with the HR10-250...some have good results, but others have had issues so I'm holding off for now (also hoping they come out with a better/smaller dish).

See your point, but this has to do with local channels hd content...you can still get the "superfan" with the 3lnb dish which is my point. It is confusing (to me anyway) to say you need the 5lnb dish (and the H20 btw) to get "superfan".
Maybe better to say "you need the 5lnb (and H20) to get the local games in hd (unless you have an OTA antenna) because they will be blacked out on the sunday ticket channels." Plus the original poster I believe was from LA and will be able to get the locals in HD with the 3lnb so this is mute (for him anyway) and he can get all the HD offered in the "superfan" package...see not that easy!

I agree but I believe that D* says that so people with the 3lnb dont call complaining that they cant see (insert team here) game in HD.

Thanks, all!

A follow up question -

Assuming that I do not install an OTA antenna, since I am in the LA DMA (direct market area??), will the 5 LNB/HR10-250 work the same as the 3 LNB/HR10-250 combo, or will I only be able to pull local channels in HD through D* with the 3 LNB dish (b/c the HR10-250 will not decode MPEG4)?

If the answer is yes, then I guess that I might as well go with the 5 LNB dish now so that I don't have to upgrade later. If no, then I will go with the 3 LNB dish and have them swap it out when the HR20-700 arrives.

Thanks again.


The 5 LNB/HR10-250 work the same as the 3 LNB/HR10-250 combo.

Thanks, guys!

Thanks, guys!

No problem. Dont let them tell you it wont work. It will. :)

Just got off the phone with them (continued from my other thread), let me know if THIS sounds kosher:

I've got the 3LNB and I'm looking to get the H10-250, for approx $100 after a rebate. She told me that they have offers to upgrade to the 5LNB, free of charge and swap out devices that aren't mpeg4 compatible with devices that are.

The girl last night said that I could get another H20 added + the 5LNB for $100. If I want to upgrade to the new DVR once it's out, I'd be on my own since the H20's are mpeg4 compatable (not eligible for the swap).

But if I get the H10-250, I could swap it with the new one (plus have the 5LNB installed) at a discount. She said they're shooting for a $250 price for the new DVR and that the mpeg4 conversion/rollout should begin around January.

So what do you guys think? By the time January comes out, they should have more of the bugs ironed out (not holding breath) and even she admitted it's a better deal to get the current HD DVR for $100 and wait out the mpeg4 stuff.

No problem. Dont let them tell you it wont work. It will. :)

I lied, sorry. :) Two more questions -

1. Is there any advantage to getting the 5 LNB dish now, in light of the HR10-250's limitations?

2. Do we know if the HR20-700 box will require the 5 LNB dish?

I lied, sorry. :) Two more questions -

1. Is there any advantage to getting the 5 LNB dish now, in light of the HR10-250's limitations?

2. Do we know if the HR20-700 box will require the 5 LNB dish?
You won't need to have it installed later when the HR20-700 is available, which will require the AT9 to record local sat-fed HD.

You won't need to have it installed later when the HR20-700 is available, which will require the AT9 to record local sat-fed HD.

Hmm. . . I think that i'll stick with the 3 LNB for now. I am concerned about the sensitivity of the 5 LNB dish, the issues that have been mentioned in the forum and the likelihood that the HR20-700 box will not be fully consumer ready until early next year.

Hmm. . . I think that i'll stick with the 3 LNB for now. I am concerned about the sensitivity of the 5 LNB dish, the issues that have been mentioned in the forum and the likelihood that the HR20-700 box will not be fully consumer ready until early next year.


Ce-

One thing to keep in mind, you probably won't be able to get OTA from san clemente without a seriously huge antenna. You're roughly 60 miles from san diego's towers and 60 miles from LA's towers (I live in san juan capo and am in the same boat)

the three LNB dish and HD TIVO will work fine for you and take care of all the same ST and Superfan programming. I can't picture any difference in the situation with the 5 LNB dish, so ask for it if you can get it. It'll save you the trouble of a new install when you swap out your hd tivo for the new dvr. IF it is installed correctly (the big fear with newer technologies) you shouldn't have many/any issues since we don't really get inclement weather here.

If you do try to set up an OTA and have any success, let me know how it goes.

Thanks -

In response to my email to DirecTV, here is what I received --

Thank you for writing. I am sorry to hear that you were misinformed about our HD equipment. Because you live in the Los Angeles area your local channels are available in HD with a 3-LNB dish. You do not need a 5-LNB to fully enjoy the NFL Sunday Ticket SuperFan. There is no need for us to install a 5-LNB dish, because you would not receive any programming that you cannot get from the 3-LNB dish. Currently, there would be no reason for you to upgrade to the HR20. We do not even install 5-LNB dishes in your area, because you cannot utilize them.

Thank you again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

I guess that settles that. . . :)

...DMA (direct market area??)...
Designated Market Area, in case anyone cares. ;)

Thanks -

In response to my email to DirecTV, here is what I received --

Thank you for writing. I am sorry to hear that you were misinformed about our HD equipment. Because you live in the Los Angeles area your local channels are available in HD with a 3-LNB dish. You do not need a 5-LNB to fully enjoy the NFL Sunday Ticket SuperFan. There is no need for us to install a 5-LNB dish, because you would not receive any programming that you cannot get from the 3-LNB dish. Currently, there would be no reason for you to upgrade to the HR20. We do not even install 5-LNB dishes in your area, because you cannot utilize them.

Thank you again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

I guess that settles that. . . :)


Hrmmm, I guess my parents, who live in San Clemente, won't be losing their LA HD feeds after all -- since they are MPEG2...duh! I was thinking they were DNS feeds for Orange County for some reason...

However, I think your email from D* is wrong...wouldn't you need a 5-lnb dish and the H20 or coming soon HR20 DVR to receive the RSN HD feeds? Like FSN West and FSN Prime Ticket...those are MPEG4 and thus require a 5-lnb dish. That way you would be able to see the LA Kings, Ducks, Lakers, Dodgers, Angels games in HD.

However, I think your email from D* is wrong...wouldn't you need a 5-lnb dish and the H20 or coming soon HR20 DVR to receive the RSN HD feeds? Like FSN West and FSN Prime Ticket...those are MPEG4 and thus require a 5-lnb dish. That way you would be able to see the LA Kings, Ducks, Lakers, Dodgers, Angels games in HD.

Great point. Although D* is saying they don't even supply the 5 LNB dish in this area??? I know I've seen reviews in the LA area of mpeg4, so that can't be right.

THe best setup to get the maximum features would be (IMO)

5 lnb dish (without it you won't get the mpeg 4 locals and the sports channels.)
HD Tivo
Mpeg 4 box (for watching live Mpeg 4)
OTA (if it'll work, for recording OTA locals which would presumably have better PQ than the mpeg 2 locals you'll receive with the Tivo)

Then when the Mpeg 4 DVR is available, it'll be up to you if you want to get it, the only difference at that point would be that you could record the Mpeg 4 sports channels.

Is there supposed to be a "New" dish type coming out for Mpeg4 content? Like a smaller one as compared to the A9...I thought I heard some rumors...

Is there supposed to be a "New" dish type coming out for Mpeg4 content? Like a smaller one as compared to the A9...I thought I heard some rumors...
Yes, its call "slim line". There is a pic: on a thread some where on this board.

http://www.longhornxp.net/directvnews.pdf
Go to page 34, there is the pic:

http://www.longhornxp.net/directvnews.pdf
Go to page 34, there is the pic:

Thanks! Now I am definitely going to wait for the 5 LNB dish.

http://www.longhornxp.net/directvnews.pdf
Go to page 34, there is the pic:

Cool...thanks!

That was an interesting .pdf (powerpoint presentation)...I ended up reading the whole thing! Some very interesting facts and upcoming programming options. Me thinks that D* didn't want that presentation to land in the hands of consumers...;)

Not sure where to post this. I received a letter today from Directv stating they would be shutting off my HD DNS feeds NBC82 and Fox88 on August 2nd. My question is: Is this only for the MPEG 4 Receivers? What about us who have HD-DVR's that are still MPEG2, are they shutting those off as well. My reception on OTA is not that great for Fox or NBC. Sorry, I live in Washington, DC metro area.

Thanks!

http://www.longhornxp.net/directvnews.pdf
Go to page 34, there is the pic:
Much thanks. I didn't look through the it all, but I will...nice to see what they are committing to (idea wise anyway) to investors.

Not sure where to post this. I received a letter today from Directv stating they would be shutting off my HD DNS feeds NBC82 and Fox88 on August 2nd. My question is: Is this only for the MPEG 4 Receivers? What about us who have HD-DVR's that are still MPEG2, are they shutting those off as well. My reception on OTA is not that great for Fox or NBC.

Thanks!

Hey elove, not sure where you live, but it appears that D* has now added your locals in HD via MPEG4 format...so your HD DNS feeds will be shut off. You will need to get a H20 MPEG4 HD receiver & A9 5-lnb dish to get your locals that D* now offers...or wait until the new HD DVR comes out in about 3-4 months so you can record MPEG4 content.

You will no longer have the 4 major networks in HD starting August 2..unless you call D* and get a H20 Reciever before then...but you won't be able to record any programming from the 4 major networks until the HD DVR comes out this fall...

Or...if you can receive OTA HD, then get an HD UHF Antenna and get your HD locals that way...your HD-TiVo can record these OTA feeds..

Hey elove, not sure where you live, but it appears that D* has now added your locals in HD via MPEG4 format...so your HD DNS feeds will be shut off. You will need to get a H20 MPEG4 HD receiver & A9 5-lnb dish to get your locals that D* now offers...or wait until the new HD DVR comes out in about 3-4 months so you can record MPEG4 content.

You will no longer have the 4 major networks in HD starting August 2..unless you call D* and get a H20 Reciever before then...but you won't be able to record any programming from the 4 major networks until the HD DVR comes out this fall...

Or...if you can receive OTA HD, then get an HD UHF Antenna and get your HD locals that way...your HD-TiVo can record these OTA feeds..

Thanks, I have an H-20 receiver and the new dish. However, I am concerned because I have the Tivo HD-DVR as well and the OTA reception is not the greatest.
I have been recording the shows I like on NBC82 and Fox88, instead of the local channels in the area because their reception is spotty at best with the TIVO receiver. Oh well! I hope the new MPEG HD-DVR comes out before the start of the new fall TV season.

Cool...thanks!

That was an interesting .pdf (powerpoint presentation)...I ended up reading the whole thing! Some very interesting facts and upcoming programming options. Me thinks that D* didn't want that presentation to land in the hands of consumers...;)

it was shown to the public and also posted on directv.com

however...you didnt see the original one though....I reported and posted that they had a real customers name and phone number and account number on one of their exhibits *wont repeat it and get deleted again lol*..someone actually called the customer after reading my post and let them know their info was out.

all PDFs were pulled from forums and dtvs site and it took another day to get it edited out.

feel the joy...also note it just said 170 channel capacity for HD, not 170 channels next year :)

Hi Mike, I live in Key Largo and am waiting for the HR20 but found a spot map of Miami coverage that includes all of the Keys. I am playing with a high gain UHF OTA antenna with a preamp to get channels 2,4 and 6 with great results in my attic. I ordered a high gain VHF antenna to see if I can get 7 and 10 because they have VHF digital signals. I will send you the site if you like to show the spot coverage. Doug

Hi Mike, I live in Key Largo and am waiting for the HR20 but found a spot map of Miami coverage that includes all of the Keys. I am playing with a high gain UHF OTA antenna with a preamp to get channels 2,4 and 6 with great results in my attic. I ordered a high gain VHF antenna to see if I can get 7 and 10 because they have VHF digital signals. I will send you the site if you like to show the spot coverage. Doug
Where did you find the spotbeam map?

No problem. Dont let them tell you it wont work. It will. :)


I am sorry to say this as I know this has been hashed over and over again, however there is a difference when using the diplexers with the 5lnb dish. If you try to use a diplexer with the 5 lnb dish and OTA HD channels, you may run into issues even if you are not trying to get the MPEG4 HD channels. This issue has been stated several times on this and other forums. If you use the 5 lnb dish and want the OTA HD channels then you should be prepared to run separate lines for the OTA signal. This could be an issue for some as BrettRyan is running into this issue. I am not trying to rehash this issue, but people should know about this issue, especially if they have a complicated install. Thats all I am saying.

Kemical

So if diplexers are an issue with the 5lnb, I would need run an additional cable from the 5x8 multiplexor to each tv for OTA transmission. For three HR10-250's that would mean running three cables from the 5x8 mulitplexor to each HR10-250 which isn't possible - I could run three cables to two of the HR10-250 and live with two going to the third (just not use OTA)...would that be correct? Sounds like the 5x8 multiplexor is too small for this configuration - do I have other options with the 5lnb dish?


Actually, what you would want to do is go from the OTA to a 3 way splitter and then to each HR10-250. If it goes through the 5x8 switch then it is being combined with the DTV signal and hence the problem of the interference. Where you split the signal does not matter, so if you had two receivers near each other you could split it right where they are located. Keep in mind that each time you split, diplex a signal it becomes weaker, so you may find you need an in-line amplifier to correct the issue. Also, you might fine that an indoor antenna will work for your situation. I hope this makes sense and that it helps clarify it for you.

Kemical

Actually, what you would want to do is go from the OTA to a 3 way splitter and then to each HR10-250. If it goes through the 5x8 switch then it is being combined with the DTV signal and hence the problem of the interference. Where you split the signal does not matter, so if you had two receivers near each other you could split it right where they are located. Keep in mind that each time you split, diplex a signal it becomes weaker, so you may find you need an in-line amplifier to correct the issue. Also, you might fine that an indoor antenna will work for your situation. I hope this makes sense and that it helps clarify it for you.

Kemical
Thanks Kemical. So simple...I already have the antenna in my attic running a long cable to the 5x8 and then out to the TVs...so I'll just split it there I think and then out to the TV's. I have decent reception now even with using the diplexors on two of the tv's...

Keenan, Since I am new here they won't let me post a web site url so I sent you a PM. Doug The spotbeam map was the best I could find of Fla.

Keenan, Since I am new here they won't let me post a web site url so I sent you a PM. Doug The spotbeam map was the best I could find of Fla.
Thanks, go it.

Here's the map bubbers44 sent to me. Courtesy of SatelliteGuys.US

I'm not sure exactly what or who's spot beams they are.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/spots2.png

http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=9285&d=1148425064
attachment.php (PNG Image, 700x693 pixels)

The AT9 manual at solidsignal is not an approved one, it has wrong or missing info. Don’t know why they won’t update it. There is a current version available on some of the forums, I have the .pdf but it’s larger than this forum allows.
Bob


this installation manual from Solid Signal has pics of various installs with monopoles

Thanks, go it.

Here's the map bubbers44 sent to me. Courtesy of SatelliteGuys.US

I'm not sure exactly what or who's spot beams they are.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/spots2.png

http://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=9285&d=1148425064
attachment.php (PNG Image, 700x693 pixels)

Is this the OLD SB map used on the OLD sats? Or a new map used w/ the new SW sats?

Has anyone gotten a recent install of HDtivo and not been given a 5lnb dish? I thought I read a report that all new installs get one but then read of installs where they wont give out anything but 3lnbs.

I dont care per se, just trying to get the fact straight.

I had HDTivo installed on 7/10/06 and my existing 3 lnb dish was not replaced. I used this as leverage for the CSR to include an OA antenna for free. I asked about the 5 lnb, but was told that one would be installed if and when I went with the upcoming MPEG 4 DVR.

Grant

Is this the OLD SB map used on the OLD sats? Or a new map used w/ the new SW sats?
I'm pretty sure it's for MPEG2 SD locals. I've emailed the creator of the map for verification. They are DirecTV spotbeams though so it could be a rough representation of MPEG4 coverage. I've seen a couple of threads at other forums where members are trying to create a map by entering there local data but so far there doesn't seem to be a definitive resource yet. Here's the link to where the map came from. Again, thanks to bubbers44 for forwarding it to me.

http://www.scottandmichelle.net/scott/dtv.html
DTV Spots Map

I'm pretty sure it's for MPEG2 SD locals. I've emailed the creator of the map for verification. They are DirecTV spotbeams though so it could be a rough representation of MPEG4 coverage. I've seen a couple of threads at other forums where members are trying to create a map by entering there local data but so far there doesn't seem to be a definitive resource yet. Here's the link to where the map came from. Again, thanks to bubbers44 for forwarding it to me.

http://www.scottandmichelle.net/scott/dtv.html
DTV Spots Map

From what I recall, the SW sats allow for reconfiguration of the spotbeams as necessary. Therefore, simply because the spotbeams have a particular size and shape now, means very little as to what the size and shape will be in 2 mos. or even 2 years, especially when more and more LiL's are added.

I also requested info from Scott as to MPEG4 coverage. I tried search modes and can't find anything. Most folks think the MPEG 4 will be close to this map in coverage, maybe a little larger. Mike, down here in Key Largo is having D* reinstall his AT9 dish today so hopefully he will get all of the Miami HD stations. Doug

The green circle is transponder 26 for Miami covereage. The purple one is for Tampa, West Palm Beach for 12 and 20. Now that I have 5 posts I will try to send the entire US map with more info.

http://www.scottandmichelle.net/scott/dtv.html

Go to FAQ then scroll down to more info on spot beams. A color coded chart shows what city locals use what transponder. I agree these probably were done before MPEG 4.

Mike just emailed me and his Key Largo installation is done and everything works. I guess I graduated since that url went through.

As bubbers44 said, my install is in... but that is not the whole story! Not to be another D* basher, but it took 3 weeks, 4 visits, uncounted phone calls to Retention to get up and running. In the process, I was told to install my own pole (they gave me the wrong dimensions!), dig it out, and then finally the new 5LNB dish was put on the house where the old 3LNB dish was! Could have been done on first visit, 6/30! This has dominated my waking hours for the entire time... rarely did a day go by without a phone call to or from D* and most of them contained some erroneous information. To D*'s credit, they gave me over $200 in various incentives for my frustration.

Now that it is in, I've had one evening of viewing... Results: no pixilization on locals or our RSN, Ch96. Signal strength on the new bird are 44, 15, 45, 10, which seem low to me, but no problems so far. One thing I've never seen before was on NBC local broadcast of the Tonight show. Colors to the left of faces ghosted over the face and there were color shadows from the faces also ghosted to the right. I switched to the DNS HD broadcast for comparison and the picture was perfect, free of these defects. Can anyone shed some light on this? I'm guessing it had something to do with the local station's uplink... haven't see this on any of their other SD or HD broadcasts so far.

I love all the info I receive on this forum. I have been pondering leaving D* instead of making the MPEG 4 switch due to the size of the A9. Today I saw this pic of the "Slim Line" dish. It looks much better. Does anyone know the dimensions and/or when it will be available? I believe my MPEG 4 locals go live next month (however since I get great OTA receiption I am more interested in going MPEG 4 for the RSNs and future HD.

Just thought I would add to this thread;

I live in Coral Springs FL.

D* came out last weekend and installed two AT 9 dishes on the house. I need two for wiring reasons.

They also gave me two free H20's and I leased a new HD Tivo for the bedroom to replace my old UltimateTV.

Installation was smooth, both dishes are mounted to the exterior walls. Very nice and very sturdy install, imo.

Locals are working fine on the H20's.

I look forward to the release of the HR20's so I can replace the HD Tivo's and one of the H20 receivers.

Anyway, a D* success story.

Btw; I am a 5 heart customer and been with D* since 94.

Later

Thanks -

In response to my email to DirecTV, here is what I received --

Thank you for writing. I am sorry to hear that you were misinformed about our HD equipment. Because you live in the Los Angeles area your local channels are available in HD with a 3-LNB dish. You do not need a 5-LNB to fully enjoy the NFL Sunday Ticket SuperFan. There is no need for us to install a 5-LNB dish, because you would not receive any programming that you cannot get from the 3-LNB dish. Currently, there would be no reason for you to upgrade to the HR20. We do not even install 5-LNB dishes in your area, because you cannot utilize them.

Thank you again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

I guess that settles that. . . :)
FWIW, I live near the Grove and the Beverly Center, which I would consider to be Los Angeles (at least that's what it says on my checks and the mail I receive), and I was sent, unsolicited, an H20 receiver by D*, and, when I called for a question about installation, I was told that I didn't need the 5 LNB, and wouldn't need it for a couple of years, but if I wanted one, they could send someone out to install it in exchange for a two year commitment. And that Sunday someone came out and installed a 5 LNB dish. So when they say "we do not even install 5 LNB dishes in your area because you cannot utilize them," I'd have to say, based on my own personal experience that this is incorrect.

FWIW, I live near the Grove and the Beverly Center, which I would consider to be Los Angeles (at least that's what it says on my checks and the mail I receive), and I was sent, unsolicited, an HR20 receiver by D*, and, when I called for a question about installation, I was told that I didn't need the 5 LNB, and wouldn't need it for a couple of years, but if I wanted one, they could send someone out to install it in exchange for a two year commitment. And that Sunday someone came out and installed a 5 LNB dish. So when they say "we do not even install 5 LNB dishes in your area because you cannot utilize them," I'd have to say, based on my own personal experience that this is incorrect.
Was it a H20 or a HR20. The HR20 is the Mpeg4 DVR that has not been released yet?

Was it a H20 or a HR20. The HR20 is the Mpeg4 DVR that has not been released yet?
Oops! Sorry about that. It is the H20 that I was sent, the receiver without the recorder. But the point I was trying to make was that, if you request it, they do in fact install the 5LNB dishes in the Los Angeles area, contrary to the information in he email. And the guy that installed it seemed very familiar with it, so I'm pretty certain I'm not the only one.

I don't know if this is the right forum for this, but I just recently upgraded to the 5 LNB dish and the H20 HD receiver. Prior to that, I had the 3 LNB dish and the Hughes HTL-HD receiver. I've got my H20 connected via DVI (using a HDMI->DVI converter) and have set it to Native mode. I was flipping through the channels the other night and noticed that when I tuned CBS (which is WFSB in Hartford for me), the resolution on the front panel changed from 480i to 1080i, and the picture looked high def. How is this possible, based on the fact that I do not have the HD LIL yet? I'm just curious, but it seems like this is the only non-HD station that does that.

Do you have an OTA antenna? The H20 will tune OTA HD, the way to tell is inthe channel label. If it says something like HA 6 (assuming HA for Hartford and channel 6) then you have the D* SD feed, if it says something like WFSB-DT 6 then you have an OTA channel. Once LiL HD is offered, that channel will say WFSB 6

Do you have an OTA antenna? The H20 will tune OTA HD, the way to tell is inthe channel label. If it says something like HA 6 (assuming HA for Hartford and channel 6) then you have the D* SD feed, if it says something like WFSB-DT 6 then you have an OTA channel. Once LiL HD is offered, that channel will say WFSB 6
No, I don't have an OTA antenna hooked up. That's the mystery. The box switches to 1080i automatically when I tune to CBS (just plain old channel 3 in the guide, not 3-1 or anything like that.

Just had the new, smaller version 5-LNB dish installed, along with an upgrade from an old slow DTC-100 to the new MPEG4 capable H20-100.

Very easy install for the tech, put the new dish on the roof and replaced my DTC-100. A few buttons here and there and we were up and running.

I get all the same OTA's that I had before (about 42 total) as well as the SD "normal" locals, plus the new "HD locals".

It can be confusing seeing BA-2, WMAR-2, and WMAR-DT 2-1 all listed for the local Baltimore ABC station, but a little time spent editing the channel line-up solved it quickly.

Haven't compared the "sat HD locals" to the "OTA locals" yet, but I will report back tonight after seeing some HD broadcasts for comparison.

H20 has been on for approx 3 hours, no real "heat" issues as of yet (how long does it take to get really hot?).

Happily, I'm now all set for the beginning of broadcasts of Comcast Sports Net-Mid Atlantic in August.

One small item - the installer did NOT remove the old 3-LNB dish, so it looks like I'll be on the ladder later this week to remove it. :(

Oops! Sorry about that. It is the H20 that I was sent, the receiver without the recorder. But the point I was trying to make was that, if you request it, they do in fact install the 5LNB dishes in the Los Angeles area, contrary to the information in he email. And the guy that installed it seemed very familiar with it, so I'm pretty certain I'm not the only one.

I suspect that they are starting to install the 5-LNB dishes for any H20 installations since most future HD additions will be MPEG4. I believe the HD RSNs are MPEG4 and that will affect the L.A. users.

Just had the new, smaller version 5-LNB dish installed, along with an upgrade from an old slow DTC-100 to the new MPEG4 capable H20-100.

Very easy install for the tech, put the new dish on the roof and replaced my DTC-100. A few buttons here and there and we were up and running.

I had not heard of any Slimline dish installations yet. I am scheduled for next Monday so maybe it will also be that model.

Just had the new, smaller version 5-LNB dish installed, along with an upgrade from an old slow DTC-100 to the new MPEG4 capable H20-100.

Very easy install for the tech, put the new dish on the roof and replaced my DTC-100. A few buttons here and there and we were up and running.

I get all the same OTA's that I had before (about 42 total) as well as the SD "normal" locals, plus the new "HD locals".

It can be confusing seeing BA-2, WMAR-2, and WMAR-DT 2-1 all listed for the local Baltimore ABC station, but a little time spent editing the channel line-up solved it quickly.

Haven't compared the "sat HD locals" to the "OTA locals" yet, but I will report back tonight after seeing some HD broadcasts for comparison.

H20 has been on for approx 3 hours, no real "heat" issues as of yet (how long does it take to get really hot?).

Happily, I'm now all set for the beginning of broadcasts of Comcast Sports Net-Mid Atlantic in August.

One small item - the installer did NOT remove the old 3-LNB dish, so it looks like I'll be on the ladder later this week to remove it. :(

The H20-100 does not run hot, the H20-600 does.

I had not heard of any Slimline dish installations yet.

Maybe I have the old, big one? The installer said that this one is the latest, smallest 5-LNB dish.

Does anyone have a picture of BOTH for comparison?

http://www.longhornxp.net/directvnews.pdf

Page 34 showes the new slimline.

http://www.longhornxp.net/directvnews.pdf

Page 34 showes the new slimline.

Ah, thanks.

Don't have that one. :( I got the old one.

Is it possible to obtain the new slimline model from anyone other than Directv? I'd rather buy the dish myself and hire my own installer than deal with whomever Directv wants to send out to do the install.

Is it possible to obtain the new slimline model from anyone other than Directv? I'd rather buy the dish myself and hire my own installer than deal with whomever Directv wants to send out to do the install.

Since they aren't out yet it is too soon to tell but I doubt if they will be available elsewhhere until some time has passed.

I'm scheduled for an installation next Monday.

Although I don't expect to get a Slimline, I plan on watching the installers very carefully*and if I don't like something I'll redo it after they leave. They can't use the location of my current round dish since there is a tree which will probably block the 119 slot.

from the above post, can i assume the H20 automatically switches resolutions?

from the above post, can i assume the H20 automatically switches resolutions?
Yes, the H20 will automatically switch resolutions based on what is tuned. You need to set the H20 to Native mode in order for it to do this. The easiest way to do this is in the on-screen menu.

Ah, thanks.

Don't have that one. :( I got the old one.

I thought I read that the newer, slimline dish required some satellite/transponder consolidation that wouldn't be happening for a while?

The new HD-DVR will start hitting the shelfs next month (beginning in L.A.)

http://www.tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=202


Way to go D*.

Man, I hope that's true.

I called Retention this morning and spoke to Marlene about the whole NFL/DVR giveaway. She knew what I was talking about and offered it to me without delay.

As I started to ask her questions, I learned about some substantial sacrifices I'd be making to get the old DVR. (These things are probably common knowledge to many of you, but I'm a newb, and they were news to me, so I'm sharing just in case.) Because of MPEG-4 incompatibility, and because OTA won't work where I live, she said I was flat-out not going to receive half of the affiliates in my market (Seattle) in any form, standard or HD, on the new DVR. Their idea of a solution was for me to get the free receiver instead of the free DVR. I said no. Then she started checking on whether they could give me both (and I would use the receiver just for viewing the affiliates the DVR couldn't handle). After 5 minutes on hold I hung up, deciding that even if the answer was yes, I wasn't willing to give up the ability to record half the networks.

I should add that another of her suggestions was that I wait a month for the MPEG-4 DVR to become available. When I pressed her on this point (having not read ScoBuck's news above), she laughed and said "Well, they keep saying end of summer, and that to me means end of August. But who knows."

The new HD-DVR will start hitting the shelfs next month (beginning in L.A.)

http://www.tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=202


Way to go D*.
Full article posted at below link,

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8087823#post8087823
DirecTV Delays HD DVR Again - AVS Forum

...Because of MPEG-4 incompatibility, and because OTA won't work where I live, she said I was flat-out not going to receive half of the affiliates in my market (Seattle) in any form, standard or HD, on the new DVR...
Maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but you certainly would be able to receive and record your standard (i.e. SD) local channels on the HR10-250. They are still transmitted via the old MPEG-2 signals. MPEG-4 only affects your local HD channels.

I can't seem to link it, but you can see the entire list on the D* web site. They only list two HD locals for Seattle though. Possibly that's the source of the confusion.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but you certainly would be able to receive and record your standard (i.e. SD) local channels on the HR10-250. They are still transmitted via the old MPEG-2 signals. MPEG-4 only affects your local HD channels.

I can't seem to link it, but you can see the entire list on the D* web site. They only list two HD locals for Seattle though. Possibly that's the source of the confusion.
Where do you find that list at DirecTV?

I wish the new thread started off with a summary of where things stand with the new upgrades. OK, I've ben browsing the two threads for an hour or so but with over 3000 posts I having trouble sorting it all out.

I am not in the top 10-12 markets, I have 2 hdtvs and several other tvs, I have 1 HDDVR and 2 SDDVR boxes, I plan to add 3 or more HDTVs in the next year and would like to have HDDVR capabilities for all.

What is the state of things? How do things sum up now? What does D* have in store for me? How can I prepare for it?

Also, from the first post in the old thread: The Home Media Center, or Home Gateway as we may refer to it, is being developed in-house by DirecTV. It will provide whole-house connectivity with all multimedia systems with mobility for devices outside the home....

the Home Gateway will provide, HDTV, DVR and other home media services throughout the house... We also expect to save on installation costs when we are able to connect the system wirelessly.... And finally we are designing the system to be very flexible and easily upgradeable.

When can we expect this? This was what I got excited about in 2005!!

Where do you find that list at DirecTV?
DirecTV >Packages and Programming>Local Channels. (All from the menu on the left.)

Enter the zip code and it gives you the list, SD and HD. (I used a downtown Seattle ZIP from the USPS to verify they were there before posting.)

DirecTV >Packages and Programming>Local Channels. (All from the menu on the left.)

Enter the zip code and it gives you the list, SD and HD. (I used a downtown Seattle ZIP from the USPS to verify they were there before posting.)
Okay, yes, I thought they had a master listing somewhere. :)

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something, but you certainly would be able to receive and record your standard (i.e. SD) local channels on the HR10-250. They are still transmitted via the old MPEG-2 signals. MPEG-4 only affects your local HD channels.

That didn't make sense to me, either, so I repeated it back to her in those very terms. "You're telling me that I won't get four affiliates in any form, high def or standard?" She repeated "No." Now, admittedly, she could be a complete tool. I'm sure you're right, but the confluence of that and today's announcement led me to kill the deal.

That didn't make sense to me, either, so I repeated it back to her in those very terms. "You're telling me that I won't get four affiliates in any form, high def or standard?" She repeated "No." Now, admittedly, she could be a complete tool. I'm sure you're right, but the confluence of that and today's announcement led me to kill the deal.
Assuming the info D* posts on their site is correct, the new DVR (whenever it becomes available to you) isn't going to help you too much. Apparently D* is having a problem with your local FOX and ABC affiliates, so at this time all you can get via D* is CBS and NBC in HD.

You do have about 12 SD local channel available (including FOX and ABC), which is just as true with the existing HR10-250 as it will be with the new HR20-XXX.

If you read through the various AVS threads on D*, you'll see that D* CSRs are often well meaning, but misinformed. These threads might be only half as long if it weren't for all the bad info received from D* CSRs. ;)

Assuming the info D* posts on their site is correct, the new DVR (whenever it becomes available to you) isn't going to help you too much. Apparently D* is having a problem with your local FOX and ABC affiliates, so at this time all you can get via D* is CBS and NBC in HD.

You do have about 12 SD local channel available (including FOX and ABC), which is just as true with the existing HR10-250 as it will be with the new HR20-XXX.

If you read through the various AVS threads on D*, you'll see that D* CSRs are often well meaning, but misinformed. These threads might be only half as long if it weren't for all the bad info received from D* CSRs. ;)

I saw on another forum that Dish isn't getting Fox HD in Seattle either because the owners (Tribune) want KMYQ HD carried also. This is currently WB, but will be MyNetwork in September. The funny thing about that is that I can get the WB station OTA (also NBC, CBS, PBS, UPN and an independent) just fine (its transmitter is in Seattle while the Fox station is near Bremerton). I don't know what is up with the ABC station (which Dish carries) but plan to look into the situation with both of them after my AT9 dish is installed next week. I figure if a bunch of viewers complain they might see the light and sign agreements--it can't hurt in any case.

I considered trying to get the free HR10 but decided to go for the H20 and keep my HDVR2 for recording SD until the HR20 is available.

Addition (7/28):
I found out that My Network is also controlled by News Corp, so I doubt that DirecTV would have any problems carrying it.

Yes, the H20 will automatically switch resolutions based on what is tuned. You need to set the H20 to Native mode in order for it to do this. The easiest way to do this is in the on-screen menu.

well hopefully it's built into the new receiver too. I dont have H20 but someday will get the mpeg4 dvr. Though everything looks great on the crt at 1080 so i just leave it on that.

Back on topic, had the 5lnb dish installed today after having the H20 since February. Everything seems to be working smoothly. For others who are taking the plunge, I was able to bet the H20 for free in February (after rebate). I was able to get the 5lnb dish and installation today for no cost, plus have the fee for Superfan (NFL Sunday Ticket) waived. So the whole thing cost me $0, or in actuality I came out $49 ahead. Call Customer Retention and get the same deal when you're ready to make the move to MPEG4.

Called D* earlier today and was told I would have to pay 750 for the HR10-250. Asked for manager told 2 yr commitment I could get it for 399.99. Told them thanks but no thanks. Called retention tonight. Told them I want directv for nfl package, but its not worth 1000 dollars for hdtv. Told them the current deals cablevision and E* offered. D* then asked me what I wanted ideally. I told him dvr with local channels and all future mpeg4s. He offered a HR10-250 + H20 for same tv for 99 dollars with 2 yr commitment. Told him Im hesitant cause HR20-250 upgrade could be expensive, and Ill be locked in for 2 yrs. Also asked about OTA antenna and 5LNB dish. He then cut my cost to 50 dollars, threw in OTA antenna, 5 LNB dish, 10 dollar discount for 1 yr., superfan, and 10 dollar off hbo for 6 months. Im happy with this package for now. I just have to cross my fingers they dont try to rape me on the H20R upgrade. Total savings

HR10-250 $400
H20 50 off $50
1 yr 10 off $120
10 off hbo 6 mo. $60
free superfan $100
5 LNB dish $50
----------------------------
Total savings $780

of course 50 is not really savings as I only need H20 because H10 does not do mpeg4, and it will cost me an additional 5 dollars a month.

Called D* earlier today and was told I would have to pay 750 for the HR10-250. Asked for manager told 2 yr commitment I could get it for 399.99. Told them thanks but no thanks. Called retention tonight. Told them I want directv for nfl package, but its not worth 1000 dollars for hdtv. Told them the current deals cablevision and E* offered. D* then asked me what I wanted ideally. I told him dvr with local channels and all future mpeg4s. He offered a HR10-250 + H20 for same tv for 99 dollars with 2 yr commitment. Told him Im hesitant cause HR20-250 upgrade could be expensive, and Ill be locked in for 2 yrs. Also asked about OTA antenna and 5LNB dish. He then cut my cost to 50 dollars, threw in OTA antenna, 5 LNB dish, 10 dollar discount for 1 yr., superfan, and 10 dollar off hbo for 6 months. Im happy with this package for now. I just have to cross my fingers they dont try to rape me on the H20R upgrade. Total savings

HR10-250 $400
H20 50 off $50
1 yr 10 off $120
10 off hbo 6 mo. $60
free superfan $100
5 LNB dish $50
----------------------------
Total savings $780

of course 50 is not really savings as I only need H20 because H10 does not do mpeg4, and it will cost me an additional 5 dollars a month.

Awesome bit of negotiating. ;)

Does anyone know if Directv can replace my 3lnb to the slimline 5lnb ?

Is it even available yet ?

Called D* earlier today and was told I would have to pay 750 for the HR10-250. Asked for manager told 2 yr commitment I could get it for 399.99. Told them thanks but no thanks. Called retention tonight. Told them I want directv for nfl package, but its not worth 1000 dollars for hdtv. Told them the current deals cablevision and E* offered. D* then asked me what I wanted ideally. I told him dvr with local channels and all future mpeg4s. He offered a HR10-250 + H20 for same tv for 99 dollars with 2 yr commitment. Told him Im hesitant cause HR20-250 upgrade could be expensive, and Ill be locked in for 2 yrs. Also asked about OTA antenna and 5LNB dish. He then cut my cost to 50 dollars, threw in OTA antenna, 5 LNB dish, 10 dollar discount for 1 yr., superfan, and 10 dollar off hbo for 6 months. Im happy with this package for now. I just have to cross my fingers they dont try to rape me on the H20R upgrade. Total savings

HR10-250 $400
H20 50 off $50
1 yr 10 off $120
10 off hbo 6 mo. $60
free superfan $100
5 LNB dish $50
----------------------------
Total savings $780

of course 50 is not really savings as I only need H20 because H10 does not do mpeg4, and it will cost me an additional 5 dollars a month.


I don't understand the initial quoted price. ($750.00) Since D* has moved to a leasing structure, they shouldn't be selling you a box. The only thing you would need to pay for barring any deal would be the shipping and/or installation charge. You would then be charged a monthly lease fee. Some say it replaces the mirror charge, but so far on my bill it looks like it's a separate charge. What everyone who is getting the deals on the DVR and H20/5 LNB are getting for free is the shipping and installation charges.

I'm getting the H20, the Directv guy came to install it, and told me the shabby piece of 1X6 hanging off my apartment wouldn't support it. He also told me there were 3 mounting arms coming up to the dish itself off the wall.(?) The building manager won't allow me to mount it to the roof, so I have to reinforce the lip off the roof. Not a problem cause I have friends in construction. My problem is how much supported surface area do I need? I mean I can't redo the whole side of the building, and all my research shows there are not 3 mounting brackets with 3 arms. Can some one help me clear this up. I will be getting the 5 LNB Dish.
TIA
dobbler

I don't understand the initial quoted price. ($750.00) Since D* has moved to a leasing structure, they shouldn't be selling you a box. The only thing you would need to pay for barring any deal would be the shipping and/or installation charge. You would then be charged a monthly lease fee. Some say it replaces the mirror charge, but so far on my bill it looks like it's a separate charge. What everyone who is getting the deals on the DVR and H20/5 LNB are getting for free is the shipping and installation charges.

I have never heard of HR10-250s being given away in the new leasing paradigm. They "give away" the H20s to markets where MPEG4 is on the air to facilitate the customer swap outs. This swap out accelleration benefits them tremendously. Even still, if you don't know what you are doing they will ask $99 for an H20 in an MPEG 4 market.

When the new MPEG4 DVR comes out all of them will be leased and I would bet they come with a discounted up front fee and another 2 year committment. My guess is that it will be about $200-$300, but who knows. They have to do that to cover their sunk costs of development, manufacturing, and distribution. Air time rates alone are too long of an ROI.

I have never heard of HR10-250s being given away in the new leasing paradigm. They "give away" the H20s to markets where MPEG4 is on the air to facilitate the customer swap outs. This swap out accelleration benefits them tremendously. Even still, if you don't know what you are doing they will ask $99 for an H20 in an MPEG 4 market.

When the new MPEG4 DVR comes out all of them will be leased and I would bet they come with a discounted up front fee and another 2 year committment. My guess is that it will be about $200-$300, but who knows. They have to do that to cover their sunk costs of development, manufacturing, and distribution. Air time rates alone are too long of an ROI.

In some cases, they will give a free HR10-250. It helps if one is a Sunday Ticket subscribers (supposedly there are exceptions, however).

I just got a H20. They didn't offer any deal, but the CSR said I could save the shipping charge if I bought it at Best Buy instead of from DTV.

D* told me all of my new equipment is "leased" however there is not a monthly fee. Basically it just means you pay less up front, but if you leave or upgrade you have to give it back to D*. They are selling the HR10-250 for 750, and leasing it for 399 with 2 yr agreement. The H20 is being leased for 99 dollars, but this fee can of course be waived.

I have never heard of HR10-250s being given away in the new leasing paradigm.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=303111

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=303111

What I was responding to was whether a new subscriber, or an existing non-HD DVR customer, can call up and EXPECT a free HR10-250 under the new leasing policies. The answer is that there is no such effort under the leasing policy and it ain't happening without a lot of skill, negotiation, and patience, per the post by NYUPIPE.

If there is such a policy NYUPIPE would have gotten one without any problems. If you read the tivo forum closely you must already have a HR10-250 AND you must subscribe to NFLST. The hardware cost recovery is hidden in the ST profit margin.

When is the 5LNB slimline dish comming out?

When is the 5LNB slimline dish comming out?

I haven't seen any reports of them being used yet. I had an AT-9 installed today and it isn't really THAT big!

Can anyone compare the size of the AT-9 to the large Voom dish?

Can anyone compare the size of the AT-9 to the large Voom dish?

I haven't seen a Voom dish, but I estimate the AT-9 is about 30 in. wide by 25 in high (eyballing it from my deck). The feed horns for 110 and 119 hang off the side of the main (99, 101, 103) feed assembly. It is much more solidly built than the round dish with precise AZ and EL adjustments.

Is there anyone with a off air antenna picking up SD channels with their MPEG 4 system? What I am asking is, if I am purchasing a off-air antenna, to get my local HD channels that D* does not currently offer, wouldnt I also pick up those analog signals? Therefore I can get rid of my local channel package!! When I do a scan with the MPEG 4 box, wouldnt it lock in those analog channels also? Or does the box only lock in Digital channels? Also, what about any analog channels you pick up that are in addition to the analog that D* is offering me. Say the next city over or something. Will I be able to view this with my MPEG 4 receiver?

When can we expect this? This was what I got excited about in 2005!!

Rumour has it that the HMC is still being developed, we may hear more after the HR20 has launched and rolled-out.
As the HR20 will not give me anything of interest which is not available on the HR10 I am still patiently waiting for either the HMC or for Verizon FIOS multiroom to be available. If FIOS come first it will be goodbye to D* and low bit rates.

Is there anyone with a off air antenna picking up SD channels with their MPEG 4 system? What I am asking is, if I am purchasing a off-air antenna, to get my local HD channels that D* does not currently offer, wouldnt I also pick up those analog signals? Therefore I can get rid of my local channel package!! When I do a scan with the MPEG 4 box, wouldnt it lock in those analog channels also? Or does the box only lock in Digital channels? Also, what about any analog channels you pick up that are in addition to the analog that D* is offering me. Say the next city over or something. Will I be able to view this with my MPEG 4 receiver?

The H20 (MPEG4 STB) does not have an analog OTA tuner. It only has a digital OTA tuner.

The H20 (MPEG4 STB) does not have an analog OTA tuner. It only has a digital OTA tuner.
It may be different in New Orleans, especially given the past year's events, but all the stations here broadcast the same programming digitally that they do in analog. Those that don't transmit HD signals send digital transmissions in 480i SD, the same as their analog equivalents.

So, while you won't be able to watch SD analog OTA, you most likely can get it in digital form, at least from the larger stations. 50 miles might be a stretch for some stations OTA, though.

The locals are now included in the standard DTV packages, so you can't drop them to save money. Those who live in areas with no locals get a slight discount, but the rest of us cannot do that.

The locals are now included in the standard DTV packages, so you can't drop them to save money. Those who live in areas with no locals get a slight discount, but the rest of us cannot do that.
I don't know how this works, but I don't get locals from D* and they do give me a discount. I live near Chicago, so it's not a question of their availability. I had SD locals and then dropped them when I got my HD DVR last year. I don't recall how this came about, but I think a CSR asked whether I wanted them.

I don't know how this works, but I don't get locals from D* and they do give me a discount. I live near Chicago, so it's not a question of their availability. I had SD locals and then dropped them when I got my HD DVR last year. I don't recall how this came about, but I think a CSR asked whether I wanted them.

Before, you added them for a price. Now, you drop them for a discount.

What I was responding to was whether a new subscriber, or an existing non-HD DVR customer, can call up and EXPECT a free HR10-250 under the new leasing policies. The answer is that there is no such effort under the leasing policy and it ain't happening without a lot of skill, negotiation, and patience, per the post by NYUPIPE.

If there is such a policy NYUPIPE would have gotten one without any problems. If you read the tivo forum closely you must already have a HR10-250 AND you must subscribe to NFLST. The hardware cost recovery is hidden in the ST profit margin.


Bilt,
If you read the forum regarding the free HR10-250, you will read that many non-ST subscribers have gotten the HR10-250 deal. I have even read some subcribers that were less than 6 months old getting it. The reality is that it all depends on the status of your account, meaning; Have you gotten any freebies lately? Are you on a 2yr commitment already? What is your monthly bill? Etc...

And just to clarify this, the word "Free" just means no upfront costs. DirecTV does not sell the receivers anymore, they only lease after you pay an upfront cost which can be waived. I know of a few websites that you can still buy the unit from that you are actually buying the unit, one is Newegg.com. Otherwise, you are leasing after paying an upfront cost of $0 to $400 roughly.

Kemical

All:

Please call and email Directv with the following questions. The more people who inquire the quicker we will get results.

1. When we new national HD channels be added Dish and Cable are adding National Geographic, Food Network, MTV, and etc.

2. When will Directv raise the bitrate for HD to match Dish. Why does Directv provide the lowest bitrates and therefore quality of all providers.

3. Why does Directv plan on cutting the bitrate in half for MPEG4 feeds instead of maintaing the MPEG2 rates to increase quality.

All:

Please call and email Directv with the following questions. The more people who inquire the quicker we will get results.

1. When we new national HD channels be added Dish and Cable are adding National Geographic, Food Network, MTV, and etc.

2. When will Directv raise the bitrate for HD to match Dish. Why does Directv provide the lowest bitrates and therefore quality of all providers.

3. Why does Directv plan on cutting the bitrate in half for MPEG4 feeds instead of maintaing the MPEG2 rates to increase quality.I don't buy the premise. The result will be longer waits for more uninformed CSRs and more form e-letters. The answer to the numbered questions is bandwidth, bandwidth, bandwidth. It needs to be there first.

The bandwith is already there. They have two satellites up that are nearly empty. Next year they have two more going up.

The outgoing bandwidth is there because of MPEG4, #3 on your list. Now all the people with HD receivers need to get the dishes and receivers to use it. The bandwith added by the Ka band, MPEG4 satellites cannot be used until then. The HR20 DVR needs to be out as part of the MPEG4 rollout too. Only then can national HD programming go to MPEG4 to make use of the new bandwidth. Also, the Ka band programming needs to get past its teething problems. Pixellization and lip synch problems are widely reported.

Well what came first the chicken or the egg? Everyone will need to have MPEG4 compatible hardware sooner or later. You cant wait on everyone to get H20/HR20s and 5 LNB dishes before providing new content. If D* does then no one would upgrade. I think the reason it is taking so long is Directv is trying to suck as much money out of each sub as possible. If they force subs to upgrade they cant justify a charging for the hardware. However if they provide a few RSNs the hardcore Sport fans will bite the bullet and shell out 100 dollars for the upgrade. This however is a long drawn out process which is costing D* all of their not sports fans sub base. LA already has MPEG4 locals. NY locals are live on MPEG4, but the MPEG2s will not be turned off until the HR20 is out to avoid customers going berserk. What I dont understand is why D* doesnt pump out new National Geographic, Food TV, MTV HD, and any other HD feed available via MPEG4 since the bandwith is just sitting there. If they arent going to use the bandwith for anything else the least they could do is up the bitrate on the channels being provided via MPEG4

Well what came first the chicken or the egg? Everyone will need to have MPEG4 compatible hardware sooner or later. You cant wait on everyone to get H20/HR20s and 5 LNB dishes before providing new content. If D* does then no one would upgrade. I think the reason it is taking so long is Directv is trying to suck as much money out of each sub as possible. If they force subs to upgrade they cant justify a charging for the hardware. However if they provide a few RSNs the hardcore Sport fans will bite the bullet and shell out 100 dollars for the upgrade. This however is a long drawn out process which is costing D* all of their not sports fans sub base. LA already has MPEG4 locals. NY locals are live on MPEG4, but the MPEG2s will not be turned off until the HR20 is out to avoid customers going berserk. What I dont understand is why D* doesnt pump out new National Geographic, Food TV, MTV HD, and any other HD feed available via MPEG4 since the bandwith is just sitting there. If they arent going to use the bandwith for anything else the least they could do is up the bitrate on the channels being provided via MPEG4

Not so. I got the H20, the 5lnb dish and installation for a grand total of $0. And regarding new HD channels, D* simply does not have the bandwidth on the national MPEG2 satellites to add anyhting right now.

The outgoing bandwidth is there because of MPEG4, #3 on your list. Now all the people with HD receivers need to get the dishes and receivers to use it. The bandwith added by the Ka band, MPEG4 satellites cannot be used until then. The HR20 DVR needs to be out as part of the MPEG4 rollout too. Only then can national HD programming go to MPEG4 to make use of the new bandwidth. Also, the Ka band programming needs to get past its teething problems. Pixellization and lip synch problems are widely reported.
Isn't the problem with the pixellization on the HD local channels related to the bandwidth allocated?

MPEG4 satellites are being utilized to less than 5 % right now. D* has bandwith to add channels here. This is really simple. They are currently concentrating on the HD locals for major markets. However they could make alot more customers happy if they simply added a few 2-5 HD nationals via MPEG4.

MPEG4 satellites are being utilized to less than 5 % right now. D* has bandwith to add channels here. This is really simple. They are currently concentrating on the HD locals for major markets. However they could make alot more customers happy if they simply added a few 2-5 HD nationals via MPEG4.
I believe the current Ka sats are spotbeam only. They can't put CONUS channels on them because of the hardware configuration of the sats.

66stang this would actually make sense. So assuming this is true. D* will not add any new content until 2007 when the new conus satellite is up, or they move the NY locals over freeing up room on the old conus satellite for a few extra channels.

I believe the current Ka sats are spotbeam only. They can't put CONUS channels on them because of the hardware configuration of the sats.


Can anyone confirm this? If this is correct then this is huge. That means they cannot add any additional HD channels, HD football or any HD sports or any HD payper view. If this is correct, then DirecTV has made a huge mistake or at the very least miscalculation thinking that people are going to wait 2 more years for additional HD content while cable companies role them out right and left at a lower cost to the customer. Somebody please tell me this is not true.

Kemical

Can anyone confirm this? If this is correct then this is huge. That means they cannot add any additional HD channels, HD football or any HD sports or any HD payper view. If this is correct, then DirecTV has made a huge mistake or at the very least miscalculation thinking that people are going to wait 2 more years for additional HD content while cable companies role them out right and left at a lower cost to the customer. Somebody please tell me this is not true.

Kemical

Not really a mistake. The Spaceway satellites were designed with spotbeams for communications (high-speed internet, etc.), not TV, and the market for that really wasn't there, as I understand. DirecTV got permission from the FCC to do some reconfiguration to the satellites so they could be used for DirecTV. Two new CONUS satellites are under construction and scheduled for launch early next year.

DirecTV COULD pick up some bandwidth by switching everything to MPEG4 now, but that would be a messy transition and have its own set of problems and complaints.

The issue of added channels, which all of us would like, is definitely secondary to the picture quality issues... which are many. It is hard to worry about, as some are, higher bit rates, when the jerky pictures, pixilization, and audio sinc issues of MPEG4 are not being addressed. Who really needs the new DVR with only a (can I say crappy?) product to record? I am not pleased with what I am seeing NOW, and I am on my fourth H20 due to the "rebooting" problem. I think I'm starting to sound like the whiners, so I'll stop!

The issue of added channels, which all of us would like, is definitely secondary to the picture quality issues... which are many. It is hard to worry about, as some are, higher bit rates, when the jerky pictures, pixilization, and audio sinc issues of MPEG4 are not being addressed. Who really needs the new DVR with only a (can I say crappy?) product to record? I am not pleased with what I am seeing NOW, and I am on my fourth H20 due to the "rebooting" problem. I think I'm starting to sound like the whiners, so I'll stop!


First, you are not whining, just re-stating what has been said several times over about PQ. You would think that this would have been resolved after almost a year of being in service.

Second, I totally agree with you that the PQ issues need to be fixed before releasing a product that will just record crap.

Kemical

Sorry for asking a dumb question. I searched for an asnwer.

What's the schedule for Columbus, Ohio to turn up the locals in MPEG4?

Once the new conus satellites are up. Will they require a new 7 LNB dish 100 LNB dish, or will the 5 LNB dish be capable of recieving everything? Directv is putting the 5LNB on my roof as I type this. Its freakin 40 lbs, and the my roof is 30ft up.

Once the new conus satellites are up. Will they require a new 7 LNB dish 100 LNB dish, or will the 5 LNB dish be capable of recieving everything? Directv is putting the 5LNB on my roof as I type this. Its freakin 40 lbs, and the my roof is 30ft up.
The 5lnb dish will be adequate to receive the 2 sats going up next year. They will be parked right next to the 2 that are putting out the spot beams.

Can anyone confirm this? If this is correct then this is huge. That means they cannot add any additional HD channels, HD football or any HD sports or any HD payper view. If this is correct, then DirecTV has made a huge mistake or at the very least miscalculation thinking that people are going to wait 2 more years for additional HD content while cable companies role them out right and left at a lower cost to the customer. Somebody please tell me this is not true.

KemicalA buddy of mine worked for Hughes, and was involved in building the Spaceway satellites. The sats that were launched this year were supposed to be for Hughes' new internet over satellite replacement for DirectWay. They were going to call it Spaceway.

After Hughes got sold and things shuffled around, the powers that be decided that Spaceway was not going to be viable against other internet service providers. The thing is, the company had already paid to have the sats built and launched into space. So rather than let them sit in space and rot, they decided to reconfigure them for use with DirecTV.

And yes it is true... the Spaceway satellites that were launched CANNOT broadcast to the entire continental United States. They were designed to send localized signals. As part of their reconfiguration, DirecTV widened the signal range as wide as they could, but the widest they could go are regional. That's why they are using these satellites for the HD locals... they aren't much good for anything national.

The 2007 sats will be the first ones designed from scratch to use for DirecTV, so they will be able to broadcast CONUS.

Rumour has it that the HMC is still being developed, we may hear more after the HR20 has launched and rolled-out.
As the HR20 will not give me anything of interest which is not available on the HR10 I am still patiently waiting for either the HMC or for Verizon FIOS multiroom to be available. If FIOS come first it will be goodbye to D* and low bit rates.


Sigh... I wish we would get an update on the status of this. By first quarter 07 I will have the need for HD- DVR access in 6 rooms of my house on 3 different floors. I would love to know if and when the HMC will be implemented, as well as how (tech/wiring). I have to make some wiring decisions soon with regards to the remodeling.

And yes it is true... the Spaceway satellites that were launched CANNOT broadcast to the entire continental United States. They were designed to send localized signals. As part of their reconfiguration, DirecTV widened the signal range as wide as they could, but the widest they could go are regional. That's why they are using these satellites for the HD locals... they aren't much good for anything national.

The 2007 sats will be the first ones designed from scratch to use for DirecTV, so they will be able to broadcast CONUS.

So if I understand you, the AT9 dish is useless to me right now since I can already get ALL of my HD locals from OTA. What other possible HD offerings will there be once the new CONUS birds are launched? I saw Voom and if that's what all this hullabaloo is about, then count me out.

By the way, I have some newly acquired reception problems with the 101 sat since the AT9 was put up. D* has been back twice to check alignment and say the almost 20% signal loss on 101 is "normal".

So if I understand you, the AT9 dish is useless to me right now since I can already get ALL of my HD locals from OTA. What other possible HD offerings will there be once the new CONUS birds are launched? I saw Voom and if that's what all this hullabaloo is about, then count me out.

By the way, I have some newly acquired reception problems with the 101 sat since the AT9 was put up. D* has been back twice to check alignment and say the almost 20% signal loss on 101 is "normal".
They are also starting to carry some of the Regional Sports Networks in HD on the new spotbeams. Mostly just when games are on. If you are refering to the signal strength displayed onthe H20 when you mention "signal loss", it is all relative. The H20 consistantly shows a lower number than most older receivers even when conected to the same dish. This does not mean there is any signal loss it is just a different scale being used.

The H20 consistantly shows a lower number than most older receivers even when conected to the same dish. This does not mean there is any signal loss it is just a different scale being used.

Understood. But then how does that explain the much lower (101) readings on our 3 other receivers starting since the AT9 was installed? And how does the more "scotch" signal meter in the H20 explain that signal readings on the 119 (as seen on the H20) are not similarly reduced? It's just on the 101 where I'm having trouble and I didn't have this trouble before.

Understood. But then how does that explain the much lower (101) readings on our 3 other receivers starting since the AT9 was installed? And how does the more "scotch" signal meter in the H20 explain that signal readings on the 119 (as seen on the H20) are not similarly reduced? It's just on the 101 where I'm having trouble and I didn't have this trouble before.
I don't have the new dish yet, but from what I have read on this forum it is not normal to have a reduced signal on your existing STBs after installing the AT9. Most users on here have reported no change to the readings on their old STBs.

I don't have the new dish yet, but from what I have read on this forum it is not normal to have a reduced signal on your existing STBs after installing the AT9. Most users on here have reported no change to the readings on their old STBs.

Being something of a "tekkie" I periodically check obscure things like signal levels, especially when we all of a sudden start having problems after installing something new or changing out a piece of equipment.

The wife is not too pleased with "my" new satellite dish. Ever since it was installed we've experienced rain fade (on 101) every single time it's rained anything more than a light drizzle. That represents something of a significant change from the way things used to be. It used to take a pretty good storm to wipe out our 101 spot beam locals (transponder 28) but not any more.

We've had all sorts of satellite dishes on the roof over the years, including 3 discreet individual dishes (101-110-119). We had somehow hoped that the new AT9 would eliminate this need and its large 25 x 30" surface area would drag in enough signal to compensate so the neighbors would stop pointing at our chimney and mumbling to themselves and making the "Sign of the Cross" everytime they walked by.

Being something of a "tekkie" I periodically check obscure things like signal levels, especially when we all of a sudden start having problems after installing something new or changing out a piece of equipment.

The wife is not too pleased with "my" new satellite dish. Ever since it was installed we've experienced rain fade (on 101) every single time it's rained anything more than a light drizzle. That represents something of a significant change from the way things used to be. It used to take a pretty good storm to wipe out our 101 spot beam locals (transponder 28) but not any more.

We've had all sorts of satellite dishes on the roof over the years, including 3 discreet individual dishes (101-110-119). We had somehow hoped that the new AT9 would eliminate this need and its large 25 x 30" surface area would drag in enough signal to compensate so the neighbors would stop pointing at our chimney and mumbling to themselves and making the "Sign of the Cross" everytime they walked by.
Sounds like the dish is not aligned properly. The signals on your old STB's should be at least the same or higher on all of the satellites with the AT-9. A light rain should not wipe out your signal, especially a spotbeam.

Sounds like the dish is not aligned properly. The signals on your old STB's should be at least the same or higher on all of the satellites with the AT-9. A light rain should not wipe out your signal, especially a spotbeam.

You're preaching to the choir, Wolfman.
However, the D* tech (DirectTech...yeah, I know) has been back twice and yesterday swapped the dish. I went up with him and put a Drake TSM 1000A on it to check his work and both the 101 and 119 birds are right-on.

However, even on the sig strength meter on the Drake the 119 was showing 6 db hotter levels than the local spotbeam (TP28) was on 101.

Sumpin's wrong here.

I am a sports bar with a commercial D* account, so I have to do my own installs, or pay someone to do it.
I have a 3 LNB dish U-bolted to a 3 1/2" pipe that used to have our C band dish mounted to it. I am going to put a new AT-9 dish on the pole also, so I have to swing the 3 LNB around to make room for both of them.
I can't find any info on using the Acutrac 22 Pro Meter to retune the 3 LNB dish when I move it.
There is plenty of info on using it on the new At-9.


At-9 Dish tutorial (https://www.perfect-10.tv/EquipManuals/A3-KaKuInstallationTrainingFinal.pdf)

Any help is appreciated!

Need advice quickly on the following situation:

I just moved to West Palm Beach, FL. I have DirecTV scheduled to "move" my old service to my new house (old house was in the Atlanta area) on Wednesday. I used to have a 3LNB dish plus OTA into several HD receivers, including one HDTivo (H10-250). At my old house, I installed everything: Dish and antennas in attic, as well as wiring to my basement theater to have two sat feeds to my HD TiVo. I want to keep my HD TiVo, so I'm resigned to not recording any of the MPEG4 broadcasts. I don't care (yet) about FL RSN's, so I don't yet care about MPEG4 RSN's -- but I probably will in the future.

I have gotten into the attic and placed a small antenna up there to discover that I can easily get all digital locals OTA (compared to Atlanta, this was amazingly easy).

The problem that I'm anticipating is that there is currently only ONE coax feed to each of the rooms in which I will want HD reception. In the past, this was not a big issue, since I would diplex OTA into the coax with the SAT feed and reverse at each tuner. My reading of this thead is that this will no longer work when/if DirecTV puts up a 5LNB dish. I have not and will not pay DirecTV for locals that I can so freely (and easily) receive OTA.

Questions:
1. Will the DirecTV installer drop (for free?) additional coax lines into the rooms that are being installed so that I can keep my OTA?
2. Will the DirecTV installer drop (for free?) additional coax lines into the rooms where I want dual-tuner TiVo service?
3. Are most DirecTV techs capable enough to trust with this task? Or, will they be messing something up that I'll have the hassle of having to get fixed?
4. (advice) Given that I have to commit to a 12-month contract to get DirecTV to install a new dish, should I just order a new 3LNB dish and install it myself to hold myself through the Comcast/Adelphia buyout to see how Comcast service does here?


House is 1-story, so attic should access all walls. While I'm a fairly handy DIY'er, I don't relish the idea of crawling around in an attic in the South Florida heat. It isn't an easy attic to get around in -- I've already tried -- otherwise, I would have taken care of most myself. The D* tech is due Wednesday AM, so thanks in advance for the quick replies!

I am a sports bar with a commercial D* account, so I have to do my own installs, or pay someone to do it.
I have a 3 LNB dish U-bolted to a 3 1/2" pipe that used to have our C band dish mounted to it. I am going to put a new AT-9 dish on the pole also, so I have to swing the 3 LNB around to make room for both of them.
I can't find any info on using the Acutrac 22 Pro Meter to retune the 3 LNB dish when I move it.
There is plenty of info on using it on the new At-9.


At-9 Dish tutorial (https://www.perfect-10.tv/EquipManuals/A3-KaKuInstallationTrainingFinal.pdf)

Any help is appreciated!
It is simple, hook up 2 lines from the dish to the meter and one from a receiver that is powered up, or run from the battery on the meter if this isn't possible. Go into the menu and select 22kHz and turn it on. Then adjust the dish until you get the best signal possible. As long as the pole is plumb both before and after you move it all you should have to do is adjust the azimuth because the tilt and elevation are already set. Of course it wouldn't hurt to check those and make adjustments as necessary.

It is simple, hook up 2 lines from the dish to the meter and one from a receiver that is powered up, or run from the battery on the meter if this isn't possible. Go into the menu and select 22kHz and turn it on. Then adjust the dish until you get the best signal possible. As long as the pole is plumb both before and after you move it all you should have to do is adjust the azimuth because the tilt and elevation are already set. Of course it wouldn't hurt to check those and make adjustments as necessary.

Thanks, 66stang351, this is very helpful. I can check my 3 LNB dish at home also, until D* switches out all of them when they shutoff Mpeg 2 in So Cal.

Questions:
1. Will the DirecTV installer drop (for free?) additional coax lines into the rooms that are being installed so that I can keep my OTA?
Typically they will run the cable on the outside of the house and come through an outside wall. If they are a good installer then you can probably work it out where he does the drops in wall for additional money.



2. Will the DirecTV installer drop (for free?) additional coax lines into the rooms where I want dual-tuner TiVo service?
Same as above.



3. Are most DirecTV techs capable enough to trust with this task? Or, will they be messing something up that I'll have the hassle of having to get fixed?
Hit or miss on this one. Some are, some aren't.


4. (advice) Given that I have to commit to a 12-month contract to get DirecTV to install a new dish, should I just order a new 3LNB dish and install it myself to hold myself through the Comcast/Adelphia buyout to see how Comcast service does here?
A 3LNB dish would allow you to combine the OTA and the D signal on one line making it easier to install. You would still need to run additional lines for the second tuner on the TIVO.

As far as Comcast goes. Here is the simple answer. If you have TIVO and like it, you probably will not like Comcast or any other cable company DVR. I had both and it just didn't compare. Price wise and installation wise then Comcast will win hands down. You only need one line for their dual tuner DVR and new customer packages are pretty cheap. However, NO SUNDAY TICKET with anyone but DTV.


House is 1-story, so attic should access all walls. While I'm a fairly handy DIY'er, I don't relish the idea of crawling around in an attic in the South Florida heat. It isn't an easy attic to get around in -- I've already tried -- otherwise, I would have taken care of most myself. The D* tech is due Wednesday AM, so thanks in advance for the quick replies!
I have a similar attic and it's a pain to get around, so I ran the lines on the outside wall.

I'm scheduled to receive the new 5 LNB DirecTV dish (to hopefully take advantage of the MPEG 4 compression scheme). Will this result in less artifacts on certain HD channels? Not sure if it matters, but I'm in the Atlanta region.

FANTASTIC NEWS!!, the new MPEG 4 HD DVR is...

=3

lets just say i know when its coming out...
the "good news" is its not being sold in retail,
and the only people who will be able to order are
existing HD(DVR) subscribers who wish to swap out receivers.
(owned VS. Leased - both options will be availble...*more info/specifics TBA*)

also there is more info available but unfortunately this info
cannot be released at this time...

and HD fan is going to say something like " lower end CSRs don't know"
but nah the specific reason i'm with holding the release date is
because of his harrassment, we all know CSR's are just a thorn
in board members' sides...

-Brine

more info to come stay tuned.

i'm pretty sure nothing directv sends out is in both mpeg2 and mpeg4 (someone will chime in very soon if i'm wrong).....If that is true, then nothing you see now will change (unless the receiver itself changes it of course)

i'm pretty sure nothing directv sends out is in both mpeg2 and mpeg4 (someone will chime in very soon if i'm wrong).....If that is true, then nothing you see now will change (unless the receiver itself changes it of course)
Sure they do, the LA and NY HD stations are in both MPEG2 and 4 and so are some of the RSNs games, like when YES is on ch 95 CONUS and also on the local MPEG4 spotbeam.

I'll probably take the MPEG-4 plunge once they have the HR20 out.

I'm scheduled to receive the new 5 LNB DirecTV dish (to hopefully take advantage of the MPEG 4 compression scheme). Will this result in less artifacts on certain HD channels? Not sure if it matters, but I'm in the Atlanta region.


Simple answer is "No". The long answer is "Maybe". Seriously, some people have complained about issues with the new HD mpeg4 receiver having audio and artifacts. If I remember right this came down to which series you got, whether it was a 100 or 600 series. If you go back through the posts you will find more information about it.

I think the biggest issue with the 5lnb dish is that you cannot combine an OTA signal with a DirecTV signal and run it on one line. So if you are going to rely on OTA for your remaining local HD channels, then you will need to run a seperate line for it.

Kemical

I'll probably take the MPEG-4 plunge once they have the HR20 out.


This will depend on the interface they use and how closely it resembles TIVO for me. If it is close, I may just do it.

Here is a curiousity question, if the DVR records in MPEG4 and this is more compression than MPEG2, then theoretically we should be able to record more shows on the new HD DVR vs. the old HD DVR depending on how much MPEG4 we record, correct? This is assuming that all things are equal such as the size of the hard drive. If anyone knows the answer to this I am interested in hearing it.

thanks,

Kemical

This will depend on the interface they use and how closely it resembles TIVO for me. If it is close, I may just do it.

Here is a curiousity question, if the DVR records in MPEG4 and this is more compression than MPEG2, then theoretically we should be able to record more shows on the new HD DVR vs. the old HD DVR depending on how much MPEG4 we record, correct? This is assuming that all things are equal such as the size of the hard drive. If anyone knows the answer to this I am interested in hearing it.

thanks,

Kemical
You are correct. The articles written about the HR20 stated 30 hours of MPEG2 HD, 50 hours of MPEG4 HD and 200 hours of SD.

...the interface they use and how closely it resembles TIVO for me....

... if the DVR records in MPEG4 and this is more compression than MPEG2, then theoretically we should be able to record more shows on the new HD DVR vs. the old HD DVR depending on how much MPEG4 we record, correct?...

the interface is identical to the R15... how ever there are more "features" that will
make it similar ( but not the same ) to tivo, and more features that will make it
"better" than tivo....

and yes the Ratio of compression to storage capcity is:

STD-MPEG2 > HD-MPEG4 > HD-MPEG2

of course at this time only certain channels will be in MPEG4.... and i don't see
MPEG4 mirrors of national HD(MPEG2) Broadcasts becoming mirrors.... but if they did... =3

-Brine

Thought everyone might be interested in this:



By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 8/9/2006 5:34:00 AM

El Segundo, Calif. – DirecTV’s efforts at attracting and retaining higher-quality customers, combined with newfound savings and efficiencies in hardware and installation costs, helped send second quarter profits soaring 184 percent to $458.7 million for the three months ended June 30.

Revenue for the period grew 10 percent to $3.5 billion year-over-year, the company reported.


In a conference call, president/CEO Chase Carey also announced a pending partnership that will put DirecTV into the wireless broadband business, but declined to disclose details before the agreement is finalized.

Carey said that while gross subscriber additions declined 10 percent to 863,000 for the quarter and net additions of 125,000 also fell below expectations, the company added 11 percent more higher-quality gross subscribers than it did during the prior-year period. The higher-quality subscriber base led to top- and bottom-line improvements as customers bought more premium services such as HD programming and DVRs – leading to average revenue per user (ARPU) growth of 5.6 percent, to $71.59. Conversely, the monthly churn rate fell from 1.69 percent to 1.59 percent, bad debt expenses were reduced, and subscriber acquisition costs declined, he said. Acquisition cost per subscriber declined both sequentially and year-over-year as set-top box cost reductions of some $20 per box offset the higher sales of advanced HD and DVR boxes.

Earnings were also aided by the March 1 launch of a set-top receiver lease program that allows DirecTV to reclaim and reuse boxes from deactivated customers. Under the program, which is designed to increase future profitability, set-top receivers are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives of three years. The company paid $253 million for leased equipment during the second quarter, including $153 million for subscriber acquisitions and $100 million for upgrades and retention.

Carey noted that the company is attaining higher-quality customers through refinements in its credit policy and a restructuring of its dealer network. “We transitioned to a dealer base that compliments our direct sales initiatives,” he said. As a result, dealer sales fell from 50 percent to 36 percent of total revenue during the quarter while direct sales grew from 22 percent to 33 percent.

Looking ahead, Carey said the company will:

·launch its new HD-DVR box later this month in Los Angeles and roll it out nationwide in the following weeks;

·offer HD in 25 additional local markets by year’s end for a total of 61 markets or 75 percent of all U.S. TV households;

and will launch several new products and services prior to the holiday season, including an enhanced NFL Sunday Ticket package that features new interactive services and more HD games.

the interface is identical to the R15... how ever there are more "features" that will
make it similar ( but not the same ) to tivo, and more features that will make it
"better" than tivo....Could you elaborate on that a bit, please?

From my testing back in November, before I sent it back, and from reading the current discussions over at dbstalk.com, it seems to me that the r15 is far inferior to the tivo boxes it replaced, in just about every way. If the hr20 is identical to the r15, then it, too, will be far inferior to the box it's meant to replace.

No need to elaborate ad301, it will be inferior to the tivo interface.

I current have a 3lnb dish with TERK 5x8 going to 8 receivers. I currently do not have any HD programming from D*. Now when I call later to get HD added, they are going to install a 5 lnb dish and a new HD receiver. My question is will they replace my TERK 5x8 switch with the new Zinwell switch needed or should I go ahead and purchase my own on a web site at my price. My old switch is in the attic, will they install the new one?

PS - I am an "A" customer (whatever that means) and a subscribe to the NFL ST, MLB extra innings, and NCAA tournament packages... Maybe I can hold that over there head for a free one.

I current have a 3lnb dish with TERK 5x8 going to 8 receivers. I currently do not have any HD programming from D*. Now when I call later to get HD added, they are going to install a 5 lnb dish and a new HD receiver. My question is will they replace my TERK 5x8 switch with the new Zinwell switch needed or should I go ahead and purchase my own on a web site at my price. My old switch is in the attic, will they install the new one?

PS - I am an "A" customer (whatever that means) and a subscribe to the NFL ST, MLB extra innings, and NCAA tournament packages... Maybe I can hold that over there head for a free one.

Don't buy one. D* will provide you with what's needed, including a new multiswitch. Whether the D* installer will have one with him on the first try is another matter.

Don't buy one. D* will provide you with what's needed, including a new multiswitch. Whether the D* installer will have one with him on the first try is another matter.


A few weeks ago, D* did a HD Local upgrade with H20 receiver and AT9 (5LNB) dish. When ordering the upgrade I made a point of requesting that a note be placed on my install to provide a Zinwell 6x8 mpeg4 compatible switch. On the day of the upgrade 2-Directv vans showed up for the work and provided eveything needed...including the Zinwell 6x8. So it's worth mentioning when you place the order.

regards,
sgibson