HR10-250 and OTA on 2nd set

[eddiwill]

I already have DirecTV in my house. One HR10-250 and two standard DVRs. Currently, on my "main" television, I get my HD locals OTA into the HR10-250. The antenna is diplexed into the sat line (at least, that is how I understand it).

I now would like to add HD DVR capabilities to one of the sets that currently has a standard dvr (I am upgrading that TV set to an HD model).

I have 2 questions about this:

Will the current diplexing set-up work on this tv as well, or will I have to have some one go up on the roof (not me!) and do something more?

And, maybe even more important, does anyone know if D* even HAS any more HD10-250s in stock? I read that they are really hurting for them at this point.


Thanks much!

[cheer]

The diplexing should work, but HR10-250s are no longer available from DirecTV.

[eddiwill]

So I guess I could get the HR20 :-(

But I would really, really not like to...

So, I wouldn't have to do any additional diplexing-- the signal is already available to all the sets from the initial diplex? (Sorry to be so dense, I have VERY little knowledge of this kind of thing!)

[AccidenT]

I'm pretty sure diplexing won't work w/ an HR20 if HD locals are available in your area. The OTA antenna frequencies overlap w/ the frequencies used for the new satellites.

[eddiwill]

Currently, I don't have my locals in HD via the satellite. I have to use an antenna for those (and I don't think my market is coming on-line anytime soon).

I'm just trying to see if I can maintain my set-up "status quo" when I add another HD DVR (be it the Tivo, which I hope to somehow get, or the HR20). Basically, I don't want to have to go up on the roof and do any more with the whole diplexing issue. Just would like to plug and play the additional box and have it work like my current one.

[bpratt]

Since the HR20 won't allow you to diplex an OTA signal and you don't want to mess with the current diplex setup, it looks like your only option is another HR10-250. The only place I know where you can get one is EBAY. You can split the OTA signal where it comes into your house and run one cable to each of the two HR10-250s.

[eddiwill]

I'm confused (as usual!). Is it that the NEW DISHES have a signal conflict with diplexing, or is it that the HR20 has the conflict?

If it's the new dishes, and not the DVR, then I can go ahead and use what I have, since I have the old dish. And I'll get locals from the new sat when it's time (whenever that is), so I won't need the OTA connection at that point.

If it's the DVR itself, then I am up the creek, unless I can get a Tivo unit off of eBay.

Is that correct?

[rlj5242]

So, I wouldn't have to do any additional diplexing-- the signal is already available to all the sets from the initial diplex? (Sorry to be so dense, I have VERY little knowledge of this kind of thing!) It depends. You stated that you have 3 DVR's so that means you have an additional multi-switch in the system. Was your antenna run into the multi-switch or was the signal put on the coax to the HR10-250 with a diplexer? If it was run into the switch, you will need a diplexer at the new TV to split the OTA from the satellite signal. If it was not run into the switch you will have to add the OTA signal to the coax to the new TV.

-Robert

[eddiwill]

Thanks Robert; crystal clear!

I guess I still need to know if the HR20 (if that's what I get stuck with) has some sort of issue with diplexing.

Also, will the D* installer do either of those operations standard, or would there be a fee?

[bpratt]

I'm confused (as usual!). Is it that the NEW DISHES that have a signal conflict with diplexing, or is it that the HR20 has the conflict?

If it's the new dishes, and not the DVR, then I can go ahead and use what I have, since I have the old dish. And I'll get locals from the new sat when it's time (whenever that is), so I won't need the OTA connection at that point.

If it's the DVR itself, then I am up the creek, unless I can get a Tivo unit off of eBay.

Is that correct?
The old 3 LNB dish won't pick up the new locals, you need the 5 LNB dish and a HR20 to get them. The conflict with the HR20 and the diplexed OTA is because the OTA signal and D* MPEG 4 signals use the same frequency. Maybe the HR20 will work with a diplexed 3 LNB, but you won't be able to receive locals from D* without the 5 LNB dish, and the HR10-250 will never be able to see the new MPEG 4 locals.

[eddiwill]

Thanks bpratt! I think I would be OK, as I don't think they are rolling out the locals in my area for some time. Plus, if I'm already getting the locals OTA, I won't be in any hurry to change things over anyway.

So...it looks like I can definitely use an HR10-250 and "possibly" use an HR20 (WITHOUT The new dish and MPEG 4 signal).