I still have the old 3 LNB dish with one old Zenith SatHD520 receiver, one D* Tivo (non HD), and one LG HD receiver (can't recall model# right now). One of the lines coming directly out of my dish is bad (I'm thinking it could some of the internal wiring to the dish) = meaning I have no signal when hooked up to that line but get the signal when moving the cable to any of the other 3 lines. Anyway, instead of repairing old school equipment should I go ahead and get my D* equipment (dish and receivers) upgraded? If so, can I buy the receivers (where?) or am I required to lease them (would prefer not to have to add to my monthly bill)?

Thanks

There is no additional cost for leasing, the current mirror fee you pay for your additional receivers becomes your lease fee. If the primary receiver is leased, there is no additional fee added. Basically if you replaced your 520 and LG model with leased H20's, your bill would remain the same.

You can buy H20's and HR20's at Costco now, but I don't see the point. As stated above there is no additional lease fee and if your equipment fails, Directv will send you a new box, you have to return the old box (thier dime)and pay $20.95 Fedex shipping fee to have the new box sent to you. If your bought box fails you would have to buy another one for the cost of the box.

Awesome - I had no idea it was this simple. So I guess I should get on board with all the others calling in to get a low or next-to-nothing price on the install of the new dish and receivers. Thanks!

What are you getting for low cost ? I just called D* about upgrading to HD and for an HD DVR it is $299 and that includes the new dish and installation. The rep did offer $5 off my bill for one year and FREE HD for one year.

I'm wondering if I can get a better deal out of them, and if I even want to get D* 's HD. From what I understand, cable is better !?

I suggest you start here if you are looking for a deal on the HR20 - http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=113

As for cable is better, lots of variables can change the answer to that question, it should be, is it better then your local cable.

Thanks for the link !! I am going to call them back today and say I am going to cancel.

I have another question (or two) - is it in my best interest to have it installed by D*? In the past we have always done the install/setup ourselves (only for older 3LNB dish). Plus, since the dish is supposedly much larger, will it be able to be mounted on the edge of my roof in the current location of the 3LNB dish (or should I just let the installer figure that out on install day)?

I just got off the phone with DirecTV. The CSR I spoke with was very nice and a pleasure to do business with.

Here is what I ended up getting:

FREE HR20 Receiver
FREE Shipping
FREE HD Programming for 1 year
FREE DVR Service for 1 year
$10 Credit on my bill for 1 year
$50 Credit for an Over-the-Air antenna. ( I get to buy any I want from anywhere
and they will install it for free)
Everything installed for free.
Install date is set for Friday Aug. 24th.

I think I did good !!!!

I need the OTA antenna because D*TV doesn't carry CBS HD and I want it for the Colts games. So I need to find an antenna that will pick it up here in Shelbyville, IN 46176. Any suggestions would be great!!

I think I did good !!!!

I need the OTA antenna because D*TV doesn't carry CBS HD and I want it for the Colts games. So I need to find an antenna that will pick it up here in Shelbyville, IN 46176. Any suggestions would be great!!

I think you did very good. Antenna:

http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/pr7042.htm

That should serve you well.