View Full Version : Dircect TV and OTA channels
gordo80
05-22-09, 11:39 AM
I thinking of doing the switch from Dish Network to Direct TV. In dish network VIP series receivers you can scan your local, but can you do the same with Direct TV? The new model HD DVR from Direct TV in the description it says that has an internal RF antenna. I believe its the HR21 model. Sorry guys but I am new to Direct TV. Thanks for the help.
say-what
05-22-09, 11:44 AM
The DirecTV recievers get their OTA information from a database. The receivers use your zip code to determine what channels to tune.
The HR20 has internal OTA tuners, but is no longer in production.
The HE21, HR22 and HR23 use an external usb tuner, the AM21.
In either case, you have 2 OTA tuners.
The RF antenna has nothing to do with OTA reception, that's for an RF Remote.
EricJRW
05-22-09, 12:02 PM
Yep, no scanning (I use the AM21), but the list seems accurate. I would not be able to get all my subs with DTV locals and I like the fact even with rain-fade, I can still tune my locals. The AM21 does seem to do a decent job. Just keep in mind that although it does add 2 ATSC tuners, you can still only record (any) 2 channels at a time.
gordo80
05-22-09, 12:06 PM
Where do you get this AM21? Is this provided by the Direct TV or customer has to buy there own?
Mertzen
05-22-09, 12:08 PM
Where do you get this AM21? Is this provided by the Direct TV or customer has to buy there own?
Post install you can order it online or from a CSR for $50, self install. It's owned and is not covered under the protection plan.
It will show up onder 'kits and equipment' in your account page.
I have the H21-200, I ask them to send me one with the(ota) hookup but you know how that works, you get what they send you, after being with them 13 and 1/2 yrs. do you supposed I could get a free am21.
EricJRW
05-22-09, 12:12 PM
You are expected to buy it on your own, however if you are good on the phone you can either get it for free, or at a discount.
When I upgraded my Samsung receiver to an HD DVR, it was still unsure if I would get the HR20 or the HR21. When the 21 arrived (which does not have built in ATSC tuners) I called back and asked where do I plug my roof-top antenna in (I already knew the answer). Once the CSR realized I want my locals and the subs OTA, the AM21 came up, for $50. Then I politely mentioned that I lost features with this upgrade, and the compromise was to split the cot of the AM21. It's was $50, which was not that big of a deal, but at $25 it was a better deal.
Of course YMMV, but now you know the best and worse case scenario.
bonscott87
05-22-09, 12:51 PM
Check what stations show up for your zip code on Zap2It.com Whatever is showing up there is what will show up on your DirecTV. Also note you can enter in a secondary market as well if you can get OTA from another nearby market.
cktb2793
05-24-09, 05:25 AM
You are expected to buy it on your own, however if you are good on the phone you can either get it for free, or at a discount.
When I upgraded my Samsung receiver to an HD DVR, it was still unsure if I would get the HR20 or the HR21. When the 21 arrived (which does not have built in ATSC tuners) I called back and asked where do I plug my roof-top antenna in (I already knew the answer). Once the CSR realized I want my locals and the subs OTA, the AM21 came up, for $50. Then I politely mentioned that I lost features with this upgrade, and the compromise was to split the cot of the AM21. It's was $50, which was not that big of a deal, but at $25 it was a better deal.
Of course YMMV, but now you know the best and worse case scenario.
What features do you lose with the AM21?
Do you program the zip code into your HR21 or into the AM21 to tune the OTA channels?
I was told you don't need an antenna to get OTA when you have the AM21, is that correct? That doesn't sound right to me.
Sorry for the stupid questions.
cadet502
05-24-09, 06:23 AM
What features do you lose with the AM21?
Do you program the zip code into your HR21 or into the AM21 to tune the OTA channels?
I was told you don't need an antenna to get OTA when you have the AM21, is that correct? That doesn't sound right to me.
Sorry for the stupid questions.
You don't lose any features with the AM21, it plugs into your HR2X, and setup for the HR2X is what takes care of zip code input. OTA and Sat program guide are integrateed, with the OTA channels showing up with a dash, and in a different shade in the list.
You still need an antenna with the AM21, how good an antenna depends on your local conditions.
bonscott87
05-24-09, 07:11 AM
What features do you lose with the AM21?
Do you program the zip code into your HR21 or into the AM21 to tune the OTA channels?
I was told you don't need an antenna to get OTA when you have the AM21, is that correct? That doesn't sound right to me.
Sorry for the stupid questions.
The HR20's had the OTA tuners built in. The HR21/22/23 do not and thus the AM21 is simply the OTA tuners in a separate box that plugs in via USB. Functionality is the same either way.
Think of it this way:
HR20 = HR21 with AM21 plugged in.
And certainly you need an antenna to get OTA, whoever told you that you don't doesn't know what they're talking about.
gordo80
05-29-09, 02:40 AM
Help with someone in san diego, ca with the am21 tuner would be able to still get my mexicans stations from tijuana? Currently I do get them with dish with my ota. This the only thing that is holding me back see my wife likes watching her soap opera aka novelas. The main channels in tj are 12, 57 which is call canal de las estrellas. Any input will be appreciated. Thank you guys.
EricJRW
05-29-09, 05:49 AM
If you can get the digitals now, I see no reason why you would not also be able to get them with the AM21. Do keep in mind that the AM21 is ATSC only, no NTSC and you do need the HD programming (package) for the AM21 to work (at least that's what I was told, I've never been able to test that, but I do like to point it out - If true it means if you ever can the HD, you'd also loose the OTA functionality of the AM21).
For antenna selection, transmitter distance, and direction, this is a good place to start:
www.antennaweb.org
I have the H21-200, I ask them to send me one with the(ota) hookup but you know how that works, you get what they send you, after being with them 13 and 1/2 yrs. do you supposed I could get a free am21.I don't think the H series has been activated to use the AM21. I believe it still only works with the HR series.:)
The RF antenna has nothing to do with OTA reception, that's for an RF Remote.
But if you live close enough to the transmitting antennas, like I do, you can use the RF antenna for your OTA antenna.
Think of it this way:
HR20 = HR21 with AM21 plugged in.The way I heard it was HR21 + AM21 = sloooowwww. ;)
veryoldschool
05-29-09, 05:57 PM
The way I heard it was HR21 + AM21 = sloooowwww. ;)
I've got an HR21 & AM21 and it isn't that slow. "sightly" slower than my HR20, but by no means sloooowwww
veryoldschool
05-29-09, 05:58 PM
I don't think the H series has been activated to use the AM21. I believe it still only works with the HR series.:)
The H21/23 needs to wait for the next software update for the AM21 to work with them.
Currently I do get them with dish with my ota.Here's where the DIRECTV database is probably going to fail you: The Mexican channels aren't listed in the Zap2It.com listings for San Diego so there's a reasonable chance that DIRECTV doesn't provide guide data for them and you won't be able to tune them.
I would suggest that you call DIRECTV and ask them if these channels will be available.
Note that you may be able to get the shows as part of a Latino or Spanish language package from DIRECTV.
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