Raymond_H

Built-In HDTV (RCAF38310) with Direct-tivo or DirecTV + Tivo?

Hi,

Ok, I have a RCA F38310, its the direct-view HDTV with a built-in HDTV/DirecTV reciever. The TV has no Video-Out (1 Component IN,4 S-Video Inputs, Audio Out) . I have no subscription to DirecTV or any other provider. Its strickly attenna right now for local channels.

My question,

What is the best cost effective solution and recommended set-up for me to enjoy HDTV through DirecTV with my built-in Reciever (HBOHD, ESPNHD,etc...) and be capable of using the Tivo for non-HDTV programs. Can it be done?

or do I have to do it this way,

DirectTV dish that goes into my built-in Reciever for HDTV programming, then a seperate stand-alone TiVo unit to record non-HDTV programs. Will this set-up work with a No Video Out on the T.V

Please any help is appreciated.

Raymond

Robert_J

Your cheapest and in my opinion best option is the DirecTivo. Get a multi-sat dish and run three coax cables to your TV. One goes to the built in HD receiver in your TV and two go to the DirecTivo. You have HD programming via your built in HD receiver and time shifted SD programming via the DirecTivo.

-Robert

Raymond_H

Thanks for your input.

I would buy a multi-sat dish (3 LNB), any specific model or what to look for?. Currently the DirectTivo is sold out from DirecTV, any other options to purchase the needed equipment elsewhere besides a major retailer (Best Buy, CC, etc...).

A newbie question here, how would I change from one input (HD DirecTV) to another (DirecTivo)?

Again, thanks

EDIT : Duh, I think switching it is rather easy. All I would have to do is run a S-Video Out from the DirecTivo to the S-Video In inside the T.V


Raymond

Raymond_H

I just spoke to a representative at Circuit City, and said in theory this solution would work but doesn't know because the TiVo may blow up. He said it might be too much information for the TiVo (DirectTivo) to handle. He also said this is the first time this situation has ever presented itself to him.

So, will it work? and will it work properly with no chance of a fire burning my apartment

Raymond

Robert_J

As with most CC employees, he's a complete idiot.

Yes. I am using a very similar setup with a Hughes E-86 high def receiver and a Hughes DirecTivo. One coax from the dish to the E-86 and two from the dish to the DirecTivo. Each receiver is connected to a different input of the TV. The ONLY difference is that your high def receiver is built into the TV. It works just like any other high def receiver except that you can't separate it from the TV.

When you order your DirecTivo, get the multi-sat dish option. It adds about $40 to the bill. They are $100+ when buying the dish alone. All multi-sat dishes built now function identically.

I use the remote control to switch inputs on my TV. The button is labeled "input".

-Robert