Considering E* to replace D-TV

[mr yuk]

12 year Direct TV user with 1 HD receiver (Zenith520) connected to a 34" XBR800 (yep - a CRT) and a D10 mulitplexed to 3 other sets. My wife bought another 26" 720p LCD HD set for the bedroom and the picture sucks due to the 70' run of RG6 coax and LCD. OTA HD is borderline with only 3 locals coming in clear due to the attic antennae and 25 miles. Our needs are pretty simple - minimal package that includes Turner Movie Classics and locals. DVR isn't required, but I've been told it's life changing tech. So...

E* announced HD locals in Richmond paper and I call them. The guy sells me a $55/mo DVR Advantage package with 1 dual tuner HD/DVR receiver and 1 standard HD receiver. Waved all other fees for a two year contract. I would replace the Zenith with the dual tuner DVR and send the SD signal to the basement TVs and multiplexer. The standard HD receiver would go in our bedroom for a better picture and no sharing with the kids. All at about the same price we are paying now. Install is scheduled for Saturday.

He said it included everything the America's Choice 200 would once I added the locals - basically getting the DVR for free. He also said the HD locals were included. Is this true?

It looks like I'll need two dishes (one for 119 & 110, and another for 61.5) instead of one. Is that correct? If so is there a calculator for me to determine what trees have to come down to point it (we're in the middle of 8 acres and I have a chainsaw and know how to use it)

I appreciate any help with my questions or insights before I make this move. For a CRT guy change is hard.

[boba]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

[southofi-10]

You will definately need 2 dishes. Get the chain saw gased up..............

[jal]

Just call Directv and let them know you need to upgrade They'll probably do it for free You may need to mention what Dish is offering.

[mr yuk]

Just call Directv and let them know you need to upgrade They'll probably do it for free You may need to mention what Dish is offering.

Boba - Thank you for your expert advice. I'm certain your customers appreciate your brevity.

Jal - Is DirectTV that much better? I've gotten free equipment (the D10) in the past when they moved our locals to 119 and made us get a triple LNB - but the quality of the receiver is suspect. Do they offer the dual tuner receivers now? I guess some more homework is in order.

[Stoneyguy]

DirecTV no longer carries the boxes that have OTA HD tuners. A week ago I tried to upgrade my HD equipment with them and found out their new boxes no longer had the tuners. They wanted to charge me 50 bucks for a break out OTA HD tuner box, but refused to throw it in for free even with a 2 year contract (actually the guy at retention tried but couldn't order it).

Since then I've signed up with Dish because their VIP 722 does still have the OTA HD tuner (no issue here for you since they have HD local). Awaiting the install. Like you I am also getting the HD DVR and regular HD box.

[inkahauts]

DirecTV no longer carries the boxes that have OTA HD tuners. A week ago I tried to upgrade my HD equipment with them and found out their new boxes no longer had the tuners. They wanted to charge me 50 bucks for a break out OTA HD tuner box, but refused to throw it in for free even with a 2 year contract (actually the guy at retention tried but couldn't order it).

Since then I've signed up with Dish because their VIP 722 does still have the OTA HD tuner (no issue here for you since they have HD local). Awaiting the install. Like you I am also getting the HD DVR and regular HD box.

That would be because the HD DVR with the OTA tuner and box purchased together is $50 less than the HD DVR with with the OTA built in. Yeah, its cheaper when they are separate.

[Ernest_T]

DirecTV no longer carries the boxes that have OTA HD tuners. A week ago I tried to upgrade my HD equipment with them and found out their new boxes no longer had the tuners. They wanted to charge me 50 bucks for a break out OTA HD tuner box, but refused to throw it in for free even with a 2 year contract (actually the guy at retention tried but couldn't order it).

In case folks aren't familiar, the OTA tuner box being referred to is the AM21. I had to reschedule my D* install for this Friday. My installer is telling me I will probably be getting an HR21, so I got on the phone with D* to order an AM21, trying to be sure I have everything needed lined up for Friday. They told me that I couldn't order it because I didn't have an HR 21 active on my account. I guess they're trying to minimize incidents where people order equipment, then find it won't work with the receiver they have. It looks like I'll have to wait until after the install to place my order. Kind of irritated me at the time, but I'm actually returning to D* (with Comcast in between tenures), and was actually fairly happy with them before. So I'm hoping this will turn out to be just a small bump in the road.

[FitzAusTex]

You might consider if the HD Only package meets your needs. ($29.99 + $5 for locals + $5.98 DVR fee = $40.97). Also E* has announced a new 1 dish solution supposedly in September.

Link to HD Only package : http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/programming/index3.shtml