HDTV - What's a guy to do?

[Tuxedo]

Well, I bought a Sony Widescreen HDTV and have a 501 hooked up to it.  Now, to add HDTV.  I have a nice antenna on the roof and OTA will not be a problem, but receiver options are the problem.  I could look for a 6000 on eBay with 8VSB and buy an 8PSK if I add a second dish (hoping E* moves HD programming to 110/119), or buy a Samsung SIR-T151 and use OTA only, or wait for the 921, but I am not sure I can afford the $1000 projected price.  If I get a 6000, I will have two receivers on the TV, still have PVR, and will need to figure out what switches I need (I have a Legacy TWIN LNB).  This is like a 721 with HD, kinda cool, but an extra $5 per month, but I'd save that by dumping locals by satellite and using OTA only.  With a T151, I have no ability to get premium HD stuff.  921, well... I'd have to sell the 501, and recable everything, and be out a lot of cash.  Another option is to switch to DirecTV, get an HD tuner and dual-tuner PVR tuner for the Sony and a basic receiver for my second TV (currently using a 2700 on that).  DirecTV offers fewer premium channels and is missing some key channels my wife likes. 

 

What would you do?  The 6000 has a lame interface, but while keeping the 501, I still have PVR, and can watch one channel while recording another.  A Samsung box goes for about $300.  What would I expect to pay for a 6000 with 8VSB?  DirecTV offers a one-dish solution, and as a new sub, I get all new stuff for a good price.  I need to do something in March, so any suggestions are welcome.:hi:

[Chris Blount]

Hi Tuxedo and welcome to DBSTalk! :hi:

Even though it will be a large chunk of change I would go for the 921 and sell off your 501. A 6000 with an 8VSB will cost you close to $500 right now. Trust me, after watching Hi-Definition channels, you will want to have the ability to "PVR" them. That way you will be able to enjoy more programming since some of the stuff runs at weird times especially on the premium channels. Also, since the 921 will be able to record digital locals and standard def, you will be future proofed for a long time to come.

[1]

Agree with Chris. Buy something cheap off EBay now to tied you over til 921 out. Then resell item on EBay.

You can buy a used DirecTV HD receiver and use as OTA tuner without hookup to satellite or subscription to DTV.

[JayeDVXIII]

Hey Tuxedo

I'll buy your 501! :-)

<wishfulthinking>

[dmodemd]

We all know that once the 921 comes out eBay will be flooded with 6000s and 501s, don't expect much for them!!! You are better off finding a friend who wants Dish and selling to him!

[Jerry 42]

Any one have idea what the resale price range would / should be on the 6000u models. I am on a wait list for the 921 and will want to sell one of my 2 6000u boxes. The stated "trade -in" value (dishdepot site) without the OTA module is $ 200. My guess is 225 - 250 considering that a new 6000u is about 450 - 500. Of course it is still whatever the going market price is at the time. Maybe it is just $ 200 - just looking for other opinions

[dmodemd]

Current going prices on eBay:

6000 with 8VSB - about $530
501 - about $230

I didnt see any with the 8PSK but given they are going for $49 new now, then assume a $30 bump for it.

Sell NOW and you can get most of your 921 investment back!
Sell later and you will probably be down around $200-300 for the 6000 and $100 for the 501

I would be tempted to sell my 6000 now but several months without HDTV? NOOOooooooo....

I got $150 for my 5000 (no addons) about 9 months ago but probably could have gotten more.

Lee

[Tuxedo]

The part that bothers me about the 921 is that no hard date has been announced, and that there were still some significant bugs to be worked out. We've seen thus far a non-functioning box. I am leaning to the Samsung to get at least OTA and then sell that and the 501 to get a 921, but still would need a separate dish. E* needs to get a one dish solution for HDTV or risk losing more subs to D*, which has a one dish solution. Ultimately, CATV will win out as they will always have more available bandwidth to work with. With 8PSK, how many channels can fit on a transponder? There seems to be ample room to fit what HD programming there is at 61.5 on the CONUS slots. It is ridiculous to treat HDTV like foreign niche programming. I'd say that with the prices of widescreen HDTV monitors dropping, more and more households are adopting now. Time for Echostar to do what's right. As far as equipment goes, I am on my second 501 now, and after the mess regarding the 721, I just am not sure what to think about shelling out $1000 to beta test this new unit. From the other forum place, there is talk that the TiVO-HD will be about $750. Both providers really stick it to their current and loyal subs when it comes to equipment. They should just price them with added programming commitments, and satisfy the bulk of us.

[Tuxedo]

bump... just for the heck of it... :D