Choices to make and I'm Confused - Any Recommendations?

[CrimsnTide]

I'll get right to the point. Current setup:

DirecTV package = Basic + HBO + Sports (FSN etc.) My contract/obligation ENDED 04/07 - 3 year customer w/autopay
4 rooms with DirecTV
3 out of 4 with DirecTV Tivos ("upgraded", Zippered and networked :) )
2 newly acquired Panasonic Plasma's (HDTV capable)
1 HR10-250 coming (not online - yet)

I am looking at possibly hooking up the HR10 (after upgrading) and replacing the non-Tivo receiver, so it looks like I will be paying for HD programming

Here are some questions I have:

1) What kind of "Package" should I be asking for? Maybe Customer Retention?

2)Should I ask to get the HR20 with a NEW dish? (Looking for BEST deal)

3) Since I will have the HR10 ready in a week or so, is it worth telling them NOW it will be put into the system?

4) Is there ADDITIONAL costs for 2 HD Receivers?

5) Is there ADDITIONAL costs for Tivo programming AND DirecTV's DVR Programming? (I don't even know if D* has a DVR program charge like I'm paying with/for Tivo.)

6)I have two feeds running to all 3 of my Tivos for dual tuners. Do I have to run any more cable for HD?

7) If "Multiswitch" is required, is it powered? (I currently have a 3x8 Terk powered. the power comes from a transformer type plug (110v) and is ran through a Coax line)
(7a) Any chance that I will be able to use this power setup if needed?

Thanks - Sorry to mention the HR20 :) , but I know I'm going to be renewing my contract, so I might as well get what I can, right?

[BruceShultes]

I'll get right to the point. Current setup:

DirecTV package = Basic + HBO + Sports (FSN etc.) My contract/obligation ENDED 04/07 - 3 year customer w/autopay
4 rooms with DirecTV
3 out of 4 with DirecTV Tivos ("upgraded", Zippered and networked :) )
2 newly acquired Panasonic Plasma's (HDTV capable)
1 HR10-250 coming (not online - yet)

I am looking at possibly hooking up the HR10 (after upgrading) and replacing the non-Tivo receiver, so it looks like I will be paying for HD programming

Here are some questions I have:

1) What kind of "Package" should I be asking for? Maybe Customer Retention?

2)Should I ask to get the HR20 with a NEW dish? (Looking for BEST deal)

3) Since I will have the HR10 ready in a week or so, is it worth telling them NOW it will be put into the system?

4) Is there ADDITIONAL costs for 2 HD Receivers?

5) Is there ADDITIONAL costs for Tivo programming AND DirecTV's DVR Programming? (I don't even know if D* has a DVR program charge like I'm paying with/for Tivo.)

6)I have two feeds running to all 3 of my Tivos for dual tuners. Do I have to run any more cable for HD?

7) If "Multiswitch" is required, is it powered? (I currently have a 3x8 Terk powered. the power comes from a transformer type plug (110v) and is ran through a Coax line)
(7a) Any chance that I will be able to use this power setup if needed?

Thanks - Sorry to mention the HR20 :) , but I know I'm going to be renewing my contract, so I might as well get what I can, right?
1) You will want to add the HD package to be able to receive HD
2) If you want to able to receive the new HD channels supposed to be available sometime this September, you will need either an H20 or HR20. They are the only current D* receivers capable of receiving MPEG4 signals.
3) It might be worth telling them about adding the HR10 as well, since it might make a difference on what multiswitch(s) they need to install.
4) No additional cost for two HD receivers. Like any other additional receiver on your account there is a $10 monthly equipment rental fee.
5) If you have the Premier package, then there is no dvr service fee. I am not sure about other packages.
6) Both the HR10 and the HR20 require two cables at this time. No more required for HD unless you also want them to receive OTA as well. OTA requires a separate cable with the dishes required for HD.
7) Yes a powered multiswitch will be required. Yours will need to be replaced since the HD setup required a different switch. I don't remember the model and I doubt that your current method of powering the switch will work with the new one.

As long as you tell D* about the HR10 or purchase an H20 or HR20 as well, they should install the required multiswitch and dish at no additional cost.

Note the HR10 requires a phone line to activate it.

[rminsk]

4) No additional cost for two HD receivers. Like any other additional receiver on your account there is a $10 monthly equipment rental fee.When did it go up to $10. My bill still has only a $4.95 mirroring fee and no rental fees.

[bonscott87]

Yea, it's $4.95 mirror fee.
I think the old Ultimate TV was $10 a month.

DVR fee is $5.95 a month and covers all your DVRs (Tivo and non-Tivo). However it is included in the Premier pack as well as the top Choice package (the one that includes HD and DVR fee).

And yes, if you are interested in HD with DirecTV for the future you will need to get an HR20. You can still get the HR10 some places online but it will only get SD, OTA HD and the current MPEG2 HD until it is shut down in a year or so. Then it will only be good for OTA HD and SD which may be all you need it for. But for HD going forward it won't be able to receive it.

[CrimsnTide]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I posted these eaxact questions over at DDB and pretty much got the same answers and so I will be calling DirecTV this week. However, there was one answer that was different. Is the multiswitch POWERED? It wasn't mentioned in the other form. The WB68 multiswitch was mentioned, so I've got a little searching to do on this. If I can "power" it the same way my Terk is powered now - no problems. But I cannot imagine where I would get 110v up in the attic or roof line for another type switch. Thanks again for the responses. They were very helpful...

[bonscott87]

WB68 is not powered.

The 16 port version is powered.