What are the procedures for migrating to HDTV?

[Commatoze]

I'd like to upgrade to HDTV and have a bunch of questions. I'm a long time subscriber to DirecTV and have been using my Hughes HDVR2/TiVo for nearly 4 years and when you step away for only a little bit, you really drop out of the loop technology-wise.

OK...
-I'm wondering how do I initiate the upgrade procedure?
-Should I contact the company (who I really liked) that installed my original dish, or should I contact DirecTV?
-Do the 2 coax runs on the house side of the multi-switch stay the same?
-What will I need on the dish side of the multi-switch equipment-wise?
-I'm out in the boonies, too far for terrestrial HD signals. Does the Boston spot beam that I presently receive broadcast in HD?

I have a lot more, but I don't want to wear out my welcome! Thanks in advance for the help.

[HiDefGator]

I'd like to upgrade to HDTV and have a bunch of questions. I'm a long time subscriber to DirecTV and have been using my Hughes HDVR2/TiVo for nearly 4 years and when you step away for only a little bit, you really drop out of the loop technology-wise.

OK...
-I'm wondering how do I initiate the upgrade procedure?
-Should I contact the company (who I really liked) that installed my original dish, or should I contact DirecTV?
-Do the 2 coax runs on the house side of the multi-switch stay the same?
-What will I need on the dish side of the multi-switch equipment-wise?
-I'm out in the boonies, too far for terrestrial HD signals. Does the Boston spot beam that I presently receive broadcast in HD?

I have a lot more, but I don't want to wear out my welcome! Thanks in advance for the help.


step 1. call directv.

You'll need a new dish and new dvr. they will be happy to install both for you.

[classicsat]

My basic understanding is:

If you need a multiswitch, you will need four lines from the dish.
You will need a special multiswitch capable of handling the signals from the Ka satellites, as well as the Ku signals. You cannot diplex antenna or cable on the satellite lines anymore; you will need to run a separate line to your receiver(s) for that signal.

You would probably be getting a Ka spotbeam for HD locals. I don't know of its coverage for any area.

[phox_mulder]

You may not even need a multiswitch anymore, depending on how many receivers you have, the 5lnb dish required for HD programming has a built in 4 output multiswitch.

DirecTV HD DVR's require 2 lines for full functionality, you'd still have 2 lines for other receivers.

Another issue you might run into is line of sight for the new satellites.

I would guess the KA spotbeam for Boston HD locals would cover the same area as the current spotbeam for Boston SD locals.


phox

[bigpuma]

-I'm wondering how do I initiate the upgrade procedure?

Call DirecTV and ask if they can give you a deal on upgrades. Worst case it should cost about $199 for the HR21 with installation of any new equipment included.

-Should I contact the company (who I really liked) that installed my original dish, or should I contact DirecTV?

Call DirecTV directly.

-Do the 2 coax runs on the house side of the multi-switch stay the same?


The new dish will have 4 coax running either directly to your equipment or through a new multiswitch if you need more than 4 inputs. There is a possibility of using a Single Wire Multiswitch instead depending on your setup. All of this should be included in the $199 (or less if you negotiate) price.

[stevel]

Step 0 - buy a HDTV.

[John T Smith]

You will also need to get used to a different forum, for the new equipment

http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=82