MPEG-2 HD Channels

[Horsefan]

I have one tv hooked up to an H-10 HD receiver. It is owned. I use DirecTv sporadically on just this one tv. I have a 3lnb set up with 101, 110, and 119 sats. In the summer time neighbor trees block the 119 (no signal) and partially block the 110 (signal 40-55). 101 is always clear (90+). In the winter, when leaves are off the trees, 110 and 119 come in fine as well.

I have the receiver hooked up to a small hd tv on my work desk in the home office. Watch mostly sports that I cannot get on cable. I am just watching in sd.

Now with the above said, there are a few channels in the 70's that I understand are MPEG-2 hd channels. Would I have to pay $10 bucks extra just to pick up those few channels? Would I be able to pick those up? What sats are they on?

I live in Hampton Roads, VA...any options on upgraded equipment given my tree situation to the southwest? I am not interested in programming commitments since DirecTV is not my primary tv viewing source. I probably use DirecTv 7 months out of a typical year. Thanks for reading.

Jim

[veryoldschool]

Yes $10 for HD.
"optons": would be to move to MPEG-4 receivers as most HD is now coming from the 99/101/103 SATs, so your issues with 110 & 119, shouldn't be a problem.
"2-year commitment", you'd kind of be stuck with that.

[RACJ2]

Your cheapest option that will not to extend your commitment is to find an owned HD Receiver or DVR on eBay or Craigs List. Prior to buying it, you need call D* with the receiver ID number, to verify with that it is owned and can be activated on your account.

[Horsefan]

Thanks for the replies. I presume I would need to get a new dish as well even though my current one is working okay if I were to upgrade my receiver? Will DirecTv charge me for that? I really hate programming commitments so I will need to decide if it would be worth it.

Back to the Mpeg-2 hd that is available. What sat do those few channels come from? It is possible I would make do with getting espn and espn-2 in hd for now. I realize those channels in the 70's will go away at some point although I dug up old posts here and it seems most thought they would go away a year ago. Any idea on why those few channels remain in Mpeg-2? I bet it has something to do with existing commerical establishments that have not swapped out equipment.

Jim