Dish 6000- Help please?

[cameron991]

I recently purchased a high def ready rptv, and ordered the Dish 6000 reciever and the additional dish will be installed 1/18. I have 2 questions: Will I also need a separate antenna to recieve local HD stations or will the reciever tune them in? Also, I currently have a PVR 508 reciever for the tv in question. Will I need to move that reciever or can I still use it for recording purposes. I realize that I cannot record HD programs, but the others?

[scooper]

Separate antenna - yes. Tune OTA directly - not without the 8vsb module, but the module can tune both analog and digital TV stations. You'll need to pull another run of cable from your dish(es) to where the 6000 is going (you can't "share" the current one going to the 508). There is also nothing preventing you from putting both the 508 and the 6000 in the same room - but they each require their own cable run. (you'll probably need another one for the OTA antenna for the 6000 as well).

[Chris Blount]

You can also use Diplexers which combine the satellite and OTA signals together on the same cable. You will need 2 of them. 1 out at the Dish to combine the signals and then 1 inside to split them back out again.

There are many good brands but I have been using the Diplexers purchased at Radio Shack with no problems at all.

Like Scooper said though, you will need the 8VSB tuner that plugs into your 6000 receiver to receive and view any local digital or analog broadcasts.

[Mark Lamutt]

Just exactly what scooper said:

You will need an antenna to receive local OTA stations. You will need the 8VSB module for your 6000 to tune to your local OTA stations.

You will need a separate coax line running from your switch for your 6000 - you can't use the same line for both your 6000 and your 508. The 6000 and 508 can be in the same location with no problems. You'll want to change the remote address on one of them, though.

So, to summarize, you'll need AT LEAST one additional coax line run into your tv area for your receiver, and another one for your antenna unless you want to use diplexors to bring your antenna signal into the room on the same cable as your satellite signal. This method works for some people, but isn't recommended.

[cameron991]

Thank you for the prompt response. I thought that is what I would need. I did order the 8vsb tuner also, and I do have an antenna currently installed in my attic left from the previous user, hopefully that will work. We shall see. If not, would a set top amplified type antenna do the trick?

[normang]

Cameron go to http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp

Enter your location and it tells you which stations are in your area, what direction they are from you and an appropriate antenna type for your OTA reception to the 8VSB.. With this info, you should be able to determine whether the antenna in your attic is adequate and aiming in the correct direction.

[DarrellP]

Take their recommendations with a grain of salt. I had to go through 3 different antennas based on their site till I found one that worked well.

If you will put your location in your profile, it really helps people give you the proper info. Someone who lives in your area can answer questions better than a website can.

[normang]

While Antennaweb isn't perfect, its better than nothing and gives you basic information about your location. It may take more than one antenna to get what you want unless you go top of the line out the gate.