What do I need for HDTV with DirecTV? (1 Viewer)

[Bernie_A]

Man, do I have a lot of questions......I have a HD ready TV. I know I need the DirecTV upgraded HD satalite box to recieve HDTV but is that it? Do I also need a converter box for the TV or is the HD Satalite box all I need and that's it? I am confused?

 

[LexusN]

you will also need 3LNB oval dish inorder to pick up HD channels...

 

[Michael Reuben]

Moving this to Audio/Video Sources and changing the title, so that you have a better chance of getting input from other DirecTV experts.

M.

 

[Lew Crippen]

All you need is a different DirecTV receiver (I assume from your post that you already have DirecTV) and probably a different dish (unless you already have the elliptical one).

But wait—there is more. DirecTV does not offer HD local stations, so you will probably also need an antenna to get HD locals—this assumes that you live in an area where your local stations have HD channels.

Right now you can upgrade to HD for about $350 or so. DirecTV is offering the elliptical dish, an HD receiver and installation as a package—you have to sign up for another year of service. And you can getthe package plus an antenna plus installation for about $450.

The receiver is the Samsung (T160) or the new Hughes (I can’t remember the model number—but it is not the old E80)—I’d check out my local conditions before agreeing to the antenna—but otherwise this is a pretty good deal.

 

[Robert_J]

A lot of people are getting the Winegard "Square Shooter" antenna. The antenna experts have concluded that this antenna has less gain than the $15 Radio Shack Double Bow Tie.

-Robert

 

[WallyBal]

Hi

I can't put a dish up. I live in a apartment house.
I have cable. Do I need digital cable to get HDTV?
I'm getting ready to buy a new TV. (about time)

Walt

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[John S]

You would have to call your cable company, as regionally the HD Cable offerings can be quite different.

Here in the Denver area you get Digital Cable with an HD Cable box as I understand it.

 

[Chip E]

I have Comcast High def cable here in south Jersey (Cherry Hill area). All you need is a HD ready tv and a high def digital cable box. Locals in high def are included.

 

[WallyBal]

Thanks John

I'm within 25 miles of Manhattan. I guess the cable company
can handle the questions ok. I'll call them

 

[WallyBal]

Thanks Chip

Do I have to rent the "box" from the cable company?
Or can I buy my own.

 

[Dave Mark]

In regards to the antenna question, what would people recommend? I live in an area where I have tried to use a Jensen amplified indoor antenna which was about $40(townhouse, serious outdoor antenna not an option) with fairly poor results for non-HD TV. I too am considering the cable vs. DirecTV debate for HD. Does the Terk or another option work fairly well or should I try another indoor antenna for non-HD? I assume if an antenna works well for non-HD reception, it will work well for HD.

 

[Robert_J]

Most of the time, yes. Not always. Most of your non-HD will probably be VHF while most (maybe all) of your HD will be UHF. Second is ghosting on the SD channels. Ghosting is caused by multi-path signals. HD doesn't ghost, you just get a strong signal but no picure. It is caused by large objects (buildings, towers, etc.) near you antenna that cause the signal to bounce around and your antenna will pick up the main signal and the reflected ones.

-Robert

 

[Bernie_A]

Hell, I have DirecTV and DirecWay Satellite internet service.....I should get the upgrade for free considering how much I have spent with them :frowning:

Thanks for the leads....I will be calling for an upgrade

 

[Robert_J]

Depending on the DirecWay dish, you may only need an adapter that holds 3 LNBs instead of the multi-sat dish. The only problem is you have to know which DirecWay satellite you are pointed at to determine whether or not the adapter will work. Your average installer will be clueless.

-Robert

 

[Bernie_A]

That's interesting because the DirecWay internet sattelite dish is elliptical .....and big!!! Really big compared to the standard DirecTV dish. I wonder if it's the same dish for HD.

 

[Lew Crippen]

No, the HD dish is considerably smaller.

 

[Chip E]

You rent the HD cable box. They aren't for sale as of now. At least with Comcast they aren't.

 

[Shane Martin]

To my knowledge(I work in this industry), nobody sells cable boxes for HD. They are all rented.

 

[WallyBal]

ok

Thanks guys