Hello, folks. I just ordered DTV and I have a few questions.

[brlan]

I'm new here. Thanks in advance for any answers/input.

I live in Knoxville, TN if that's relevant to anything.

1) I just ordered a non-DVR HD box and one SD box.
I would like to know the model number of the HD box I am likely to receive. Are there different models? I would like to start learning as much as possible about my equipment before it arrives. There were no model numbers on my order confirmation.

2) What are my possibilities for Picture-in-Picture with either box, if any?

3) Will my HD box likely have both optical and coaxial digital audio outs?

Thanks.

[Greg Alsobrook]

I'm new here. Thanks in advance for any answers/input.

I live in Knoxville, TN if that's relevant to anything.

1) I just ordered a non-DVR HD box and one SD box.
I would like to know the model number of the HD box I am likely to receive. Are there different models? I would like to start learning as much as possible about my equipment before it arrives. There were no model numbers on my order confirmation.

2) What are my possibilities for Picture-in-Picture with either box, if any?

3) Will my HD box likely have both optical and coaxial digital audio outs?

Thanks.


:welcome_s to DBSTalk!

you will likely receive an H21 for your HD box. there are a couple different models. the main thing with the H21 is that it doesn't have an input for an OTA antenna. they are working on a solution... so if you have one... you will be able to use it in the (near) future.

currently none of the boxes support picture in picture and probably will not in the future.

the HD box will have both optical and digital coax outputs.

[brlan]

Thank you, AirRocker.

I kind of guessed I might be out of luck on the picture in picture. I will probably run a composite cable from my SD box (bedroom) to the living room so I can keep up with a second sporting event on a second, smaller TV.

and thanks for the welcome!

[joed32]

If your TV supports PIP then as long as you you use 2 different inputs from your receivers you could use it.

[Rakul]

If your TV supports PIP then as long as you you use 2 different inputs from your receivers you could use it.

The only problem with this is DirecTV receivers only output one signal at a time so if you used two outputs from the same box you'd be looking at the same program in both windows. Brlan I don't know how bad you want PIP what some of us have is a second box going to another input on our TV to get this. Personally I have an old Tivo box I never deactivated going to an CATV in slot on my Sammy.

Oh and :welcome_s

[Milominderbinder2]

First,

:welcome_s

Your are on step 5 of the ordering tips. The last steps are the most important.

From the HD DVR FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=817199#post817199): What do I need to know about HD DVR ordering and installation?
→ Ordering Tips (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=839938#post839938)
→ Installation Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=67769)

What will I be asked to sign once the installation is complete?
→ Installation Checklist (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=1030383#post1030383) ● Agreement (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P400042)

I guess my bigger question is, will you probably have this box for what, 4 years?

In the next 4 years, you are sure you will never want to PAUSE or replay?

You will never be out when a game or favorite show is on? Nothing you really want to see will ever come on while you are at work or at 3 am?

The different in cost between the H21 you will probably get and the HR21 is about $200. If you follow the steps in the Ordering tips it could be less.

Let's say you don't know what to do and you pay full price. Divide the extra $200 over 48 months and you are saving 4 bucks a month?

I have quite a bit invested in my HDTV so at this point saving $4 does not seem like that much.

- Craig

[spartanstew]

The only problem with this is DirecTV receivers only output one signal at a time so if you used two outputs from the same box you'd be looking at the same program in both windows. Brlan I don't know how bad you want PIP what some of us have is a second box going to another input on our TV to get this. Personally I have an old Tivo box I never deactivated going to an CATV in slot on my Sammy.

Oh and :welcome_s

I'm pretty sure this is exactly what Joe meant (so, actually there isn't a problem). That's why receivers was plural (combined with the OP's statement about running another line from the second receiver to a seperate TV)

[brlan]

Craig,
Thanks for pointing those things out. Truth is, I'm feeling kind of cheap right now. I've just dropped a lot of money on gear and want to get a new HD or BD player. I thought long and hard about the DVR and decided to wait awhile. I don't mind the monthly fee, but the upfront hardware cost put me off for now.

I still have this thing plugged in that's called a VCR. :lol: and I'll use it if I have to. I'm ususally home for most of the things I want to watch and with sports I go out of my way to be home to watch something live as it happens, if it matters at all to me.

Thanks for all the repsonses. You guys are great.
I look forward discussing things here. Thanks.