Buying a HD receiver to improve SD reception

[bigdog17]

I recently bought a 42 inch Sharp Aquos primarily to be used for gaming and blu-ray. When I hooked up my R15, the SD Picture was grainy. I am not overly interested in receiving a ton of HD channels, but I really want to find the cheapest way to improve my SD reception (without extending my current contract). Is a previously "owned" HR10 the only HDDVR that can be activated without a lease fee? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[P Smith]

Nothing will change - the source ( stream from sat ) will be same. If it come grainy, then HD upconversion will make it worst.

[bigdog17]

I will be moving in the next 4-6 months and I don't want to extend the commitment unless I have to. I only have one receiver, so I guess I shouldn't worry about a lease fee (thanks volcano). Thought about buying a used HR10-250 because I can use it with my current 3lnb. How much of a difference in SD picture does the connection make (hdmi/component vs. s-video) when the switch is made to an HD receiver?

[Supervolcano]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that activating ANY new receiver is going to require a contract commitment.

Do you plan to move into someone elses house soon, or something, that would create problems with a long term contract tied to you?

How long have you been a customer?
How much time is left on your current contract?

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As for the "lease fee", think you misunderstand what that's about.
Every account gets a $4.99 fee associated with each receiver.

If you own the receiver, they call it a "mirroring fee".
If you lease the receiver, they call it a "lease fee".
First receiver on the account always gets this fee waived.

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As for watching SD on a 42" Sharp Aquos, once you watch HD satellite, you'll never want to go back to a SD picture. The difference is huge.

However, once you get a HD capable receiver, (according to some recent posts) it seems you will probably be forced into paying the extra $9.99 HD Access package until the day you deactivate all your HD capable receivers.

[Supervolcano]

How in the heck did your response get placed above my post?
DBSTalk server must have rebooted and screwed up the time a touch.
:confused:
I will be moving in the next 4-6 months and I don't want to extend the commitment unless I have to.
If you plan to move in with someone else, and the account put in their name, then your right, you definately don't want to sign a new contract since commitments can't be transferred to someone else.

If you plan to get directv service activated at the new place in your name, then signing a new commitment shouldn't be a problem as that would be transferrable (if I'm not mistaken).

Thought about buying a used HR10-250 because I can use it with my current 3lnb.
But then when you move to the new place, you'd be screwed with that old receiver that can't get any of the new HD channels. Why spend good money to buy one of those today, just to turn around and buy another one after you move?

If you spend the $199 to buy the HR20 or HR21, they'll install the dish for free.

Only sticky part is what directv would say about their "mover's connection" deal if you move only 4 months after the new dish installation. Normally the mover's connection deal is you call them and they'll install a new dish at the new place for free, and you just leave the old one behind at the old place ... however I think there's a limitation that the move can't happen within the first year of a new dish installation ... HOWEVER I wonder what Directv would say if you explained that ahead of time.

If they won't install new dish at new place, you could always remove the new dish, take it with you, and put it up yourself at the new place.

How good are you at installing a dish? It's not really TOO complicated to put up and aim the dish (if you have a little patience, and a friend to yell signal strengths on a phone while your on your cell phone adjusting the dish). The toughest part is running the coax cables really.

How much of a difference in SD picture does the connection make (hdmi/component vs. s-video) when the switch is made to an HD receiver?
I can't really say.
Never tested that.
But if I had to guess, I'd agree with P Smith's post.

[LI-SVT]

I doubt an HR10 or HR2X will do anything to improve the SD channels. I have an R15, R10, HR10, HR20. On the same SD channels they all look pretty much the same.

[repulski]

I recently bought a 42 inch Sharp Aquos primarily to be used for gaming and blu-ray. When I hooked up my R15, the SD Picture was grainy. I am not overly interested in receiving a ton of HD channels, but I really want to find the cheapest way to improve my SD reception (without extending my current contract). Is a previously "owned" HR10 the only HDDVR that can be activated without a lease fee? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Have you tried turning the contrast down on your new set? These things come from the factory on "torch"setting to look good in the store,doesn't translate to looking good at home.

[photostudent]

SD was unwatchable on my 42" plasma until I switched from a TIVO to HR-21/HDMI. Now it is as good as it was on my 36" CRT. So your assumption is correct. When I added a yardsale Tivo to my system a couple years ago. D* automatically added a 2 year commitment but when I complained they took it off. Don't know if they have changed policy since then.

[photostudent]

Just found this on another thread:
Thank you for writing. Your email has been forwarded to me for resolution and I would be glad to address your concerns in regards to commitments.

So that all the information is clear, here is what you have previously asked as well as the question you have just asked. (Please note that all commitments are now 18 months for standard equipment, and 24 months for advanced equipment which includes DVR, HD, or HD DVR receivers. Before November 19th, 2007, the commitments were 12 and 24 months for standard and advanced Equipment.)

Owned Receivers:

-With no Protection Plan coverage - You can A) replace the receiver with an owned receiver at full cost and no commitment, or B) replace the owned receiver with a leased receiver, pay $19.95 for Delivery and Handling, with a commitment.
-With Protection Plan coverage - You will never pay for the replacement unless not covered by the Protection Plan, and it will not extend your commitment. The receiver should also be marked as Owned on your account.

An owned receiver that is replaced outside of warranty, unless with the protection plan, is leased, and has the commitment.

Leased Receivers:

-With no Protection Plan coverage - You will pay the $19.95 for delivery and handling, but the commitment should not be extended.
-With Protection Plan coverage - You will never pay for the replacement unless not covered by the Protection Plan, and it will not extend your commitment.

There is also the opportunity to have the $19.95 waived if you sign up for the Protection Plan when you replace the receiver.

Either way, a leased receiver, when replaced is not supposed to extend your commitment with DIRECTV. These policies that I have outlined are in reference to a receiver being replaced due to technical problems. Any receiver that is still covered by the 90 day warranty, whether leased or owned, does not extend the commitment on the account. If there is ever an instance where these policies are not correctly adhered to on your account, please let DIRECTV know immediately so that the situation can be rectified in a timely manner.

This does not apply to upgraded receivers. Unless you pay the full cost to own the equipment, there will always be the respective 18 or 24 month commitment associated with an upgraded or additional receiver.

I hope you find this information helpful and thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Anna D.
**** (redacted, Tom)
DIRECTV Customer Service



Hopefully, this will answer all questions regarding this issue. If a situation is not covered here let me know and I'll send a follow-up e-mail back to the CSR.

- Merg
__________________

[bigdog17]

Thanks everybody.