New subscriber and already a bit frustrated...

[HTneophyte]

Hello, I am new to the DBStalk community.

I recently ordered new DirecTV service through Verizon as they offered substantial savings for me given that I have DSL and phone service with them already. The rep was very pleasant but took over 45 minutes to place my order and had to be corrected several times. After speaking with an additional Verizon rep and two DirecTV reps, I realize that the order still isn't correct so I must now phone again.

I have two TVs. One is HD (50" Pioneer Elite KURO 101FD) and the other is a 27" CRT. The Pio Plasma is part of a home theater system using an Onkyo SR876 receiver.

I was thinking that I need two DVRs (one HD and one SD). I chose the Choice Extra HD package. I have tried multiple times to request contact information for the local installer that is used so I can request the HR23-700. D* said they cannot guarantee the model, which I find odd as to me it would be akin to leasing a car for a defined price but not knowing what car you will receive until you take delivery. Anyway, the D* rep told me they cannot tell me this until 24 hours prior to the install date. I prefer not to follow through on install unless I can have the HR23 installed. I'm willing to wait for this if necessary. I don't quite understand why they cannot provide contact information earlier so that I can call them to inquire and reschedule as needed. The reps are very friendly, though.

Currently, I am scheduled to receive the 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish. As I only have two TVs and would only add a possible third receiver, is this OK? To get my local channels, am I correct that I need the AM21? Should I request this for the install, too? Also, should I request a SWM8 or SWMLNB switch? I don't know if I really understand what this is used for. Anything else I need or should request?

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions that would help me with the install and enhance my new home theater. Thanks very much.

[veryoldschool]

Each install company's stock may vary, so "an HD DVR" is all they can set up.
If you need OTA reception, either the HR20 DVR or, yes you'll need the AM21 add-on tuner(s).
SWM8 or SWMLine is for single wire systems, but normally the SWMLine would be for 5 or more tuners [each DVR has 2].

[harsh]

The comparison is more like telling them you want to rent a Pontiac Vibe but you expect to be upgraded to a Toyota Matrix for free (they are essentially the same car). In the grand scheme, they are functionally "identical" from DIRECTV's perspective and to that end DIRECTV has little to no control over which model you get.

As two cables are pretty much as easy to install as one, the installer won't really care which way it goes.

Your setup doesn't warrant anything special so they'll likely go with what is least expensive (or more importantly, subsidized).

[Clark143]

You will need the Over The Air (OTA) AM21 only if you want to receive locals or addtional locals OTA.

I don't know where you live, but most areas have locals that are broadcast over the satelite.

For example, here in Charlotte, I get my local FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, etc just over the satelite. However, if I wanted to get some of the local's 3.2, 9.2 9.3, etc I would need the AM21 (if I didn't have the HR20 box - that has OTA built in).

These .2 and .3 channels around here are normally for weather etc. But when March Madness first comes on and games are being doubled up. My CBS shows a different game on the .2 channel than what is on .1

Hope this helps!

[RegGeek]

Regarding OTA, DirecTV may offer your locals in HD. You might only "need" the AM-21 if you want to access your local sub-channels. You can go here (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIFnorail.jsp?assetId=P4880022#h:586.757 )and find out which channels you will receive.

If you decide you want the AM-21, be aware that the installers do not generally have them and may not know much/anything about them. Once you have activated a receiver that will work with the AM-21, you can call DirecTV (or log on to your account online) and order them. If you want to have the AM-21 from day one, you can usually buy them from online retailers at ~$50. Your installer may or may not be willing to hook it up. Also, you should (ideally) have a separate line run for OTA. So to your HDDVR you'll need 3 lines.

[webby_s]

The differences between the HR-22 and -23 are you won't need any BBC's on the back (the 23 doesn't need them) and the difference between the -21 and -22, -23 is the 22, 23 have a little bigger hard drive....

So why are you so dead set on getting the 23?

[miketorse]

So why are you so dead set on getting the 23?

I would love to know this too. I can see really wanting a HR22/23 vs. a HR21 for the HD space, but I don't understand wanting a HR23 over a HR22.

[Mertzen]

If you really want SWM and SWM: DIY

[boba]

Some people just know enough to get themselves in trouble.

[BattleScott]

If you plan to update the SD TV at some point, consider getting 2 HD DVRs, not an HD and an SD. If you get an SD and then upgrade to an HD DVR later on you will reset your 2 year committment.

[Johnnie5000]

Some people just know enough to get themselves in trouble.

+1 :lol:

[speedy5662]

When I wanted to go with SWM, I was told by the D* that their system determines who is eligible for it and who is not; they said that they cannot order it and the technicians won't install it without the correct work order with SWM on it.

[webby_s]

If you really want SWM and SWM: DIY

That's what I did. Couldn't be happier! :)

[HTneophyte]

Perhaps I was incorrect in my assumption after reading posts on other sites that the HR23 offered some improvement in performance over the other models? I guess not.

I'll use more caution next time in posting questions for clarification so as to avoid getting myself into trouble.

[harsh]

Perhaps I was incorrect in my assumption after reading posts on other sites that the HR23 offered some improvement in performance over the other models?Those that have them say they do while those who don't have them insist there are no improvements to be had.

Choose and side.

[veryoldschool]

Perhaps I was incorrect in my assumption after reading posts on other sites that the HR23 offered some improvement in performance over the other models? I guess not.

I'll use more caution next time in posting questions for clarification so as to avoid getting myself into trouble.
Welcome to the forum. It a good place for "feedback", but you will need to use your own "filters". :lol:

[BattleZone]

When I wanted to go with SWM, I was told by the D* that their system determines who is eligible for it and who is not; they said that they cannot order it and the technicians won't install it without the correct work order with SWM on it.

This is absolutely correct, with the exception that in a FEW areas, installers have been given some leeway as to what they install, so if it makes sense to install a SWM LNB, they can. But in most areas of the country, the business rules must be strictly followed, and once again those are:

- NEW customers ONLY; no Movers or Upgrades.
- At least 1 HD receiver
- No International programming
- Between 5-8 tuners

If you meet that criteria, the system builds the work order with a SWM LNB. If you don't, you get a legacy LNB. CSRs have no way to change this; they can only order the proper number of receivers, and the system builds the work order automatically.

And external SWM8 modules are never supplied for residential installs; DirecTV considers them to be commercial items only. If you buy your own as a customer, the tech is usually happy to install it for you, but they won't have them on their truck or in their warehouse, and if your SWM8 dies, they will not replace it with another SWM8. It would have to be changed to a SWM LNB or to a legacy system, whichever would work best. Fortunately, SWM8s have proven to be very reliable.