DISH Network HD Configuration Questions

[odubman]

I’m currently a DISH network customer with one TV connected to a 3700 receiver and the other to a PVR501. I have a single Dish 500 and receive broadcasts from the 110 and 119 satellites (I believe two “legacy” dual output LNBs, a Y adapter, and either one SW44 or two SW21switches are currently installed). I plan to purchase an HD-ready RPTV fairly soon and have been trying to figure out how to upgrade my DISH network / connectivity to get the best possible picture/sound. From what I have read thus far, the PVR921 will have everything I want (dual HD tuners (supporting PiP), OTA tuner , and PVR features), but have seen varying timeframes for release. Based on the fact that I want to receive HD broadcasts, utilize my PiP on my new TV, and have PVR functionality, I’ll probably just wait on the 921 rather than the current solution of the 6000 receiver (single tuner, no PVR, etc.). Also, not too many HD programs being broadcast today. Sorry for all my thoughts here, but I do have some configuration / connectivity questions to follow:

Before getting the 921, I plan to move my PVR501 receiver to use with the new widescreen set. I’ll leave the other receiver with one of the remaining sets. I understand I will have to watch the same station on the remaining two sets due to only one receiver. What cabling / connectivity changes will be required (different switch, splitter, additional coax runs, etc.)? I think all I’ll need is just need a splitter to split the signal from the receiver before connecting into both sets (with one being a run to the 2nd set upstairs) or is there more to it? Still only two receivers, but one will provide signal to two sets, so I don’t think I’ll need to make any changes to the dish or cabling. I can then use an IR extender so I can use the remote in both locations to control the receiver (any recommendations on where to get this ?).

However, once the 921 receiver is available, I will then utilize it with the new television and move the other receivers so each set will have its own receiver (one 3700, one PVR501, and one 921). Was wondering what cabling / connectivity will then be required (my assumptions below)? I understand that I will need a separate dish with a dual LNB (pointed to 61.5 satellite) to receive HD broadcasts… will the other non-HD (SD) channels also be broadcast from this satellite via this new dish or will they still be from the 110 / 119 satellites? I think I will still need to keep existing dish / LNBs to receive non-HD broadcasts, but wanted to confirm. Therefore, I believe the changes will be to add a new dish and dual output LNB (pointed to 61.5), run this dual LNB (61.5) and the other dual LNBs (110/119) into a DP34 or SW64 switch, and add two additional coax runs to the inside of my house. Ultimately, I will have 3 receivers/TV sets – two will receive non-HD broadcasts (via 110/119) and the other will receive both HD/non-HD broadcasts. Since one of my receivers is a 3700, can I still use the current dual "legacy" LNBs (for 110/119) or will I need the newer DishPro LNBs and with what switches?

I know there are many questions here, but thought it would be better to consolidate into one thread than many. I appreciate any feedback from the users that are experienced with this so I can plan accordingly and don’t make any wrong assumptions.

Also, do you think DISH installers will include HD installation as part of a new 921 receiver purchase or not? I know this is probably unknown at this point, but thought I’d ask.

Thanks much. :confused:

[Mike123abc]

Right now you will need a switch 64 or dishpro switches because Dish carries the HDTV on the "wing" satellites at 61.5 and 148. So, will need to upgrade the switch and install another dish to point at the HDTV satellites. Also the 921 will require 2 satellite lines so you will need the 64 switch to get 3 satellites and 4 box connections (2 you already use with the 3700 and 501, and 2 more for the 921).

The receivers will automatically switch between the 3 satellites you hook up to change channels, you will not have to worry about where the STD and the HDTV come from if they move them around. The receivers can actually handle up to 4 satellites at this time, but only Philadelphia market really needs it (plus some western people that subscribe to sky angle and want to point to both wings at once)

[BobaBird]

You will need a new switch(es) to let the 921 select from the 3 orbital slots.

If you have an SW44 you can cascade 2 SW21s to feed the 921 ("two will receive non-HD broadcasts (via 110/119) and the other will receive both HD/non-HD broadcasts").

If you have SW21s, replace them with an SW64.

You can not use a DP34 with legacy LNBFs. You could consider switching to DishPro since you have to buy an LNBF and switch anyway but remember you will also have to replace the LNBFs on your Dish500 and buy a DishPro Adapter for the 3700.

All Dish receivers, legacy and DishPro, can use legacy LNBFs and switches. Converting to DishPro is a possibility, the DP34 is cheaper than an SW64 and installation is simpler, but in your case having to buy an adapter and replacing LNBFs would likely more than erase that. However, if you might ever go to 5 tuners, ponying up for DishPro now will save you from a complicated parallel SW64 installation later.

Oh, and welcome to DBSTalk:hi:

[odubman]

Thanks for the info..... doubt I will go with the DP34 switch since I'll have to replace my existing LNBFs and get an adapter. Plus, I have no plans to add a 5th tuner. Seems the easiest and least expensive option will be the addition of cascaded SW21s or a new SW64 (along with new dish / dual LNBF). Guess I have a little time to figure it out since I'm not sure when the 921 will be available.