[dkyork]

Ok, so I bought a TS360 off the internet for 260 bucks and free shippnig a while back. I didn't know DTV wouldn't give you a cheap install unless your bought the HD receiver from them. Now they want 150 bucks for the 5 by 8 switch? They say I have 4 connections already and would need the the 5 by 8 to hookup the HD receiver. My big thing is I'm using one of those connections for the HD, do I still really need the 5 by 8 switch? I was going to unplug on the the Tivo cables and use it for the HD receiver. Then if I record something, I can switch inputs on the tv to tivo to record and switch back to the HD input to wawtch tv. Is that feasible? Also, they want to use a terk clip on, which I've read is garbage. I'm thinking about going and buying a 4228 and doing this myself.


My other confusion is do I need to pay Directv for HD service to get the local channels in HD? I would think I could get this all free and only need to pay them for their own HD channels.


I feel DTV is really shafting me as they have done in the past. They want 500 bucks for the HD install, but includes the HD receiver. Can someone point me in the right direction? Any help appreicated.


Dale from Yorktown Virginia


I'm 28 miles from all the towers according to antenna.org

 

[bfdtv]

Quote:

Then if I record something, I can switch inputs on the tv to tivo to record and switch back to the HD input to wawtch tv. Is that feasible?

Sounds very troublesome to me.


Did you call DirecTV customer retention to complain?

Quote:

Also, they want to use a terk clip on

The Terk clip-on isn't likely to get you anything.

Quote:

My other confusion is do I need to pay Directv for HD service to get the local channels in HD?

No, you don't. You don't need any sort of DirecTV subscription to get locals in HDTV from an off-air antenna.

 

[dkyork]

Thanks for the quick reply. I've talked to customer service at Directv and they tend to treat me like I'm asking too much and there is nothing they can do. I've been a sub for 5 years now, but I look football so I'm stuck.


So you think the Tivo and HD STB on one tv would be to troublesome? What if I hooked the HD STB in the DVI input and the Tivo in the S-video. Then I would just need to hit the input button the remote and set the tivot o record my shows and click back to the DVI to watch tv. I don't know if that works or if anyone has done it before.


Also, I've been reading bad revies on the TS-360 with picking up certain channels. Am I better off returning it for another brand? I currently have a Samsung HLP5063w. My screen is a little crooked, but I have a tech coming out to try and fix it.


thanks again,


Dale

 

[bfdtv]

dkyork,


I was answering multiple posts simultaneously, so I misread your post. I was under the impression you were going to switch one of your satellite line inputs between the boxes on a regular basis.


Still, do you really want to give up one of the tuners on your Tivo? I would still call DirecTV customer retention at 800-600-8977 to try and get that multiswitch install; threaten to cancel if you have to. Also ask for a programming credit toward the purchase of the DirecTV HDTV receiver..

Quote:

What if I hooked the HD STB in the DVI input and the Tivo in the S-video. Then I would just need to hit the input button the remote and set the tivot o record my shows and click back to the DVI to watch tv. I don't know if that works or if anyone has done it before.

This wouldn't be a problem at all. Moreover, since the HLP supports discrete inputs, with a separate IR code for every input, you could buy a remote like the Harmony 659 and switch between the two instantly (i.e. nothing to select from a menu) just by pressing one button.

 

[dkyork]

Called again and got a different rep this time. Much better! Here's the deal I got.


$350 for complete install(Was $400 with off-air antenna, but he took 50 bucks off)

- Samsung TS360

- New cable pulled to the unit, so it doesn't interfere with my Tivo cables

- Off-air antenna installed with diplexer

- 5 x 8 switch free with installation

- 6 months free HD progamming



I'm a happy camper now, little worried about the local signal strength, but it fit's bad I'll try a 4228 or something.


Thanks for the help!


Dale

 

[dkyork]

Harmony 688 looks even better.

 

[bfdtv]

Be sure you look at the Harmony 680 and 676, which are replacing the 688. The 680 in particular works much better with the Tivo than the 688.


The $350 sounds like an 'OK' deal, but it's far from great. Many on this forum were getting HDTV receivers from DirecTV for $99-$199 with installation of all necessary equipment from customer retention.


Many on this forum have also received a $200-$300 programming credit to put toward their own purchase of a HDTV receiver.


The six months of the free HDTV package is nothing special -- every customer gets that if they call, without having to buy or order anything.