Wiring question - 2nd HD receiver

[ccorey123]

I did some searches/scans on other threads, but didn't find anything that answered my question conclusively, so here goes:

Been a D* customer for 10 years. Last August, I finally upgraded one of my 3 receivers to a HD DVR. The installer came out and installed the new dish and HD DVR in my living room. I didn't upgrade the other 2 receivers at that time since I had older TVs and didn't see the benefit.

Yesterday, I purchased a new HDTV to replace an older tube TV. My very old D* receiver (model B65) does not provide a very good picture on the new TV, so I want to get a new HD receiver (probably not a DVR since I'd have to run another line to watch and record at same time).

My question is this - should I expect to plug a new HD receiver in where the old SD receiver is located and get HD signals or will wiring/cables also need to be upgraded? Since I didn't upgrade everything last August, I'm wondering whether I can order a new receiver and just "plug it in", or whether there's additional install issues that will need to be handled?

Thanks in advance for any advice/responses. If I forgot to provide any pertinent information, let me know.

Chris

ps - anyone have luck getting a deal on 2nd HD receiver (better than the $99 offer on the web site)?

[HDTVsportsfan]

You should just be able to replace your SD receiver w/ the HD receiver without needing any new cable.

I have one caveat. Depending on your length of the run and whether it is RG6 cable.
Ideally you would like to have RG6 cable instead of RG59. You can use RG59 for shorter runs without a problem though.

[Rockaway1836]

You can order an H-21 from Solid Signal. It's still $99, but no tax no shipping. Or you can get an H-20 at Costco for about $85. If you order from D there will be tax and shipping.

[doctrsnoop]

ps - anyone have luck getting a deal on 2nd HD receiver (better than the $99 offer on the web site)?

Should have no problems with directly replacing the unit unless you have outrageously long runs to the unit.

Directv has been pretty uptight about the deals lately, some people say there's been a corporate mandate to keep the deals down.

Some people have had success via pestering them, or even threatening to cancel, though I wouldn't advise it.

I've bought an H20 on Ebay for 26 dollars and had it activated with the previous owner's card without any problems. A lot of people have had activation problems, though. Sometimes they don't let the old card get activated and it costs 20 dollars more.

They also may have them at Costco for 79

[HDTVsportsfan]

Stay away from resellers or dealers that are not DirecTV Authorized dealers. There have been quite a few threads of late about receivers not being activiated for a variety of resaons for example bought off of Ebay.

[ccorey123]

Thanks to all for the advice/suggestions. I may go with the H21 based on what I've read in this forum, so I'll look at Solid Signal. On the D* web site, when I choose "add new receiver", it lists the different receiver types but no model number. Is that by design (i.e., they don't want to guarantee a specific model)?

One more question - what is general consensus on how long a "long run" is? All of the house cabling was done by the original owner but I could probably make some assumptions and ballpark how many feet from the basement box to the room with the new receiver.

Thanks!
Chris

[HDTVsportsfan]

They will not specify the model. No guarantee of what they will send. Some have said they had luck specifying thru some "special" dept. But those posts are far and few in between and I wouldn't count on it. There is nothing in there system to allow a specf "H21-XXX" model.

DirecTV specs is 125 feet. Many will report they have runs longer than that with no problems. YMMV becasue of many variables.

[veryoldschool]

ccorey123
New Member
Join Date: Aug 15, 2007
Location: Tinley Park, IL

Could this be a Earl in stealth mode? :lol:

[ccorey123]

ccorey123
New Member
Join Date: Aug 15, 2007
Location: Tinley Park, IL

Could this be a Earl in stealth mode? :lol:

I wish!!! Maybe if I track Earl down and buy him a beer, he can come over to the house and evaluate my setup.

:D

BTW, this place is invaluable, whether you asking a dumb question or trying to tweak your system in some intricate way.

Chris