HDTV or HD receiver - what to get first?

[jim200]

I'm finally going to start replacing my 4 tubed televisions with LCD TVs, and will need to replace my 4 DirecTivos with HD DVRs. I will be doing these one at a time, starting with the family room.

Do I need to have the HDTV in order to have the HD DVR installed, or can they install it on a tubed tv?
If I get the TV first, what kind of picture quality can I expect with the SD signal?

Also, I should expect to pay $199 each time I upgrade a DVR to HD, correct?

Thanks

[davring]

The HD DVR's can be installed on any TV, although I understand some installers prefer intsalltion to a HDTV only, not sure why. Your best bet would be to call D* and advise them of your situation and your plans, ask them what they can do for you. The initial installation could be done in a manner that would allow future expansion easily.

[cdizzy]

Also, I should expect to pay $199 each time I upgrade a DVR to HD, correct?


That depends on how long you have been with DirecTV and your payment history.

I'd imagine you could get the first one upgraded free.

[BattleZone]

The HD DVR's can be installed on any TV, although I understand some installers prefer intsalltion to a HDTV only, not sure why.

The reason is because there's no way for the installer to verify that the HD outputs work and no way for him to configure the receiver's resolution and screen format for the TV. If the customer gets an HDTV and calls in for help with any of these issues within 90 days, the tech will very likely get charged back for "failing to complete the job."

I understand DirecTV's reasoning; sloppy techs often would just hook up receivers with coax, activate, and leave. Customers might have their receivers for months before they figured out that they weren't actually getting HD, and another tech would have to come out and fix it and listen to a furious customer.

But now even good techs are made to suffer if they try to do what the customer wants (install HD rcvr on non-HDTV), so most installers/contractors have figured out that the only protection from these chargebacks is to require HDTVs when installing HD receivers.

[motovet]

The LCD will look fairly bad with SD content, though some are better than others at that. Plasma will give you a better SD picture, wide viewing angle, and will be easier on the checking account. If it were me I would research and buy that TV first while prices are low, and you know the SD is only for a while. You can also just leave the tubes hooked up untill the switch as nothing beats those for SD viewing.

[Tallgntlmn]

Just MHO, SD looks like utter crap on a HD set. However HD looks great on a SD set. At a bar I go to, they couldn't get the HD feed on one of the MMM channels. It looked like such crap that I couldn't watch it.

Now, I just did what you are thinking about. Still have SD and went with the HD receiver. The bad: it's not a TiVo, still trying to figure out the best picture format for me (liking letterbox now). The good: no more cropped locals, picture as clear as a DVD (IMHO), DD sound.

[MrLatte]

I'd say get the HD DVR first and then the HDTV. That's what I did and the picture looked way better on my SD tube TV until I got the new LCD HDTV.

I'd bet that the installer won't set the resolution or aspect ratio correct anyway so that shouldn't be the driver here. Start recording those HD shows then when you get the TV you'll have content to view!

Also, after the first HD DVR upgrade which gives you the compatible dish you can just buy additional HR22 HD DVRs at Costco for only $169. Just throw it in your cart and take it home. No additional monthly fee if you're replacing SD receivers in additional rooms.

[carl6]

If you do get it set up with an SD television initially, then get the HD TV, please don't call to have the installer back out to make it work properly with the new TV. That will result in a charge back to the initial installer, and possilby a service fee to you for the service call. Figure out how to make it all work yourself, or ask for help here.

[Tallgntlmn]

I'd say get the HD DVR first and then the HDTV. That's what I did and the picture looked way better on my SD tube TV until I got the new LCD HDTV.

I'd bet that the installer won't set the resolution or aspect ratio correct anyway so that shouldn't be the driver here.I agree, the HD-DVR picture looks better on my SDTV. Mostly because I don't have to deal with cropped pictures anymore. And I don't mind letterbox.

My installer did not set the resolutions or aspect ratio. He just skipped all the way through the menus. I got his card in case I need anything. I won't be calling D* for anything other than possibly moving. Or if they screwed up my package which could be possible.