One thing I like to do is run a test tone within the set up menu. If the sound of the center speaker is not the same as the rest, you may need to turn the volume up on the center channel. The test tone also allows you to be sure the rest of your speakers are hooked up properly and calibrated to...
If you diplex an off air signal with a Directv signal it will not degrade the quality. I have done this many times on installations and never had any problems, ironically I have done this in the Pittsburgh area as well.