Best package deal for DTV HD

Quote:
Looks like you copy and pasted the links without first going in to Edit mode. That means the longer links didn't copy over. Here they are again:
http://www.orbitsat.com/cyberstore/p...?PID=KTI-24X18
http://www.orbitsat.com/cyberstore/p...asp?PID=PV6110
http://www.orbitsat.com/cyberstore/p...p?PID=SIR-T165
http://www.orbitsat.com/Cyberstore/OffAir/TV55.asp (This one worked but here's for redundancy )


Now with that said I would recommend this.. Call DirecTV and ask them for an oval dish. Many people have reported success in either receiving the oval dish for free or a reduced cost. If you fail try again as each customer support representative is different. The other option is the movers plan, if you've recently moved they'll give you a free dish and install it for you: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/MoveProgramming.jsp


If those options fail you can always get an oval dish off of eBay for a relatively low price. DirecTV will also provide you with a Satellite C kit for $8 shipped to your door if you install it yourself. Otherwise I want to say it's a little bit more expensive (but still far cheaper then Orbitsat)


That covers the dish and DirecTV. Then you will need a HDTV receiver (also known as a STB or set top box) and you will need an antenna to get any over the air locals. (DirecTV doesn't offer high definition local channels, that's why the antenna is used.)


The receiver you linked to is only for over the air locals and doesn't include a DirecTV receiver. You'll want to get a receiver that does both.


Options are listed in "The Official AVS HDTV Forum STB Synopsis" at: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=179095


If you will use a component cable from your new receiver to your HDTV set then it really shouldn't matter if you get an old receiver or the new ones coming out. Older ones like the Hughes e86 can be found for $500 at BestBuy.com and newer ones can be found at places such as JandR.com. JandR.com does price match others, I believe people have been getting the Samsung SIR-T165 and Zenith 520 for around $100 less then their list price. (Searches should reveal more)


In terms of antennas people have been recommending the Radio Shack bow tie antenna (now discontinued) if you are close enough to receive the signal. Otherwise you can try places such as TitanTV.com and you can use their antenna selector tool. You may also find antennaweb.org helpful in positioning your antenna. The Terk antennas are generally considered junk here. I don't have any direct experience with them but that is the general consensus here.


If it were me I would go for a new high definition receiver with a DVI output to play it safe for future compatibility. The antenna can be hit or miss but those links should help you, just remember to try and buy it from a place you can easily return it to like Radio Shack. The rest DirecTV should be able to help you with if you get a polite enough CSR. Call during off hours when they are less busy and it may improve your chances. Once you finally get it make sure to thank the CSR, they did after all just save you quite a bit of money. (Assuming it works out.)


Good luck!

Update on my foray into HDTV.


Saw all the posts about free upgrades from DTV for the ellepitical dish. I called and got transfered to customer retention. They lady there wanted to charge me full price for everything. And wanted to sign me up for a year of premium. I declined and called right back. Asked to be transfered to customer retention. Complained that I had a HDTV receiver and wanted the same free upgrade a friend told me about. This guy said oh sure and set it up. They had to do two orders one for the dish $15 and one for the SatC $9.


Now to buy a HD receiver!

Seems like the best choices are the hughes e86 $499 or spend the extra and get the newer Samsung SIR 160

for $699

As I don't really watch that much TV the hughes unit seems a favorite. I have read all the multitude of posts and it seems to me the major difference between the Samsung and the Hughes is a DVI out. Am i missing something - should I be favouring the newer (samsung) model?

OK, I have 2 questions:


1) I have a Sony 34XBR800. For what reason would I want change the format to anything other than "Variable 2" or "Auto DVI":

480i/p-->480p and

720p/1080i-->1080i (it doesn't display 720p natively)


2) and to follow up 1), does the receiver or the monitor do a better job at the upconversion from 720p? In other words should I instead use "Variable 1":

480i/p -- 480p

720p --> 720p

1080i --> 1080i


Thanks,

6One