New Directv Dish for local channels

[tallcool1]

Hi
I have moved to zip code 54729 (about 50 miles from previous zip) with my receivers (standard DVR and standard regular receiver) and round 18" dish.
I set every thing up and called Directv to change addresses. Everything went smoothly but I didn't get the locals.
I learned that the locals in this zip code requires new upgraded equipment.
Now I want to install the new dish and cables myself.
I need to know what dish they are using and if any new switches are needed.
Now, if I buy a dish myself, can I hook up my old receivers to the new dish to fine tune the signal before I request the new receivers?

Any assistance is appreciated!!

[litzdog911]

I'm guessing you're in a city with locals beamed from the 99 or 103º Ka-band satellites. You'll need a SlimLine HD dish to receive those, along with MPEG4-compatible HD Receivers and DVRs.

[LarryFlowers]

Depending on how much equipment you will be using, you might find letting DirecTV upgrade you way cheaper and easier. HD equipment requires a lot tighter adherence to spec and careful aiming of the dish.

[HoTat2]

I'm guessing you're in a city with locals beamed from the 99 or 103º Ka-band satellites. You'll need a SlimLine HD dish to receive those, along with MPEG4-compatible HD Receivers and DVRs.

Correct;

Your zip code places you in the "La Crosse-Eau Claire" area according to DirecTV's locals finder which has HD MPEG-4 only locals with the exception of your CW outlet channel 14 which is SD at 101 and TFT (Telefutura) channel 408 at 119.

Your going to need a Ka/Ku band ODU (SlimLine) and MPEG4 capable receivers such as the R22 or an H/HR2X series with HD access enabled.

[ndole]

Correct;

Your zip code places you in the "La Crosse-Eau Claire" area according to DirecTV's locals finder which has HD MPEG-4 only locals with the exception of your CW outlet channel 14 which is SD at 101 and TFT (Telefutura) channel 408 at 119.

Your going to need a Ka/Ku band ODU (SlimLine) and MPEG4 capable receivers such as the R22 or an H/HR2X series with HD access enabled.

No HD access required.
Just needs to be Ka capable.

[HoTat2]

No HD access required.
Just needs to be Ka capable.

I was only referring to the H/HR2X HD receivers. I thought they require HD access for activation as opposed to the R22 which is permitted to operate without it as an SD only receiver with it's HD capabilities disabled.

[Cats#8]

I was only referring to the H/HR2X HD receivers. I thought they require HD access for activation as opposed to the R22 which is permitted to operate without it as an SD only receiver with it's HD capabilities disabled.

The H/HR's will work with out HD access. But as I found out the other day they will not work with two 18" ODU's.

[tallcool1]

OK

So I need the Slimline with 3 LNBs

DirecTv will supply the receivers.

What about a switch? Can I use existing cables and switch already installed for pre-digital?

Also, will the new Slimline dish work on my existing equipment Model R16-300?

Thanks!

[dishrich]

So I need the Slimline with 3 LNBs

DirecTv will supply the receivers.

yes to both

What about a switch? Can I use existing cables and switch already installed for pre-digital?

If you require MORE than 4 tuners, they supply a new one. Otherwise, you do not even need a switch. Existing cables are fine.

Also, will the new Slimline dish work on my existing equipment Model R16-300?

It will work with the dish, but you would NOT get your locals, since it is NOT an MPEG4 DVR. They'll upgrade it to an HR2x DVR free. (D* is NO longer installing new R22's)

[HoTat2]

OK

So I need the Slimline with 3 LNBs

DirecTv will supply the receivers.

What about a switch? Can I use existing cables and switch already installed for pre-digital?...

You should have all cable runs as RG-6. The dish will supply up to four outputs, but if you need more you are going to need a Ka/Ku band capable multiswitch such as WB68 which has up to eight or there are much more expensive multiswitch, the WB616, that can supply even more. Or you can use a SWiMLNB which can supply up to eight tuners as well.

... Also, will the new Slimline dish work on my existing equipment Model R16-300?

Yes, but the R16-300 is only a MPEG-2 capable receiver and will not be able to receive your local channels, however it will work with a SWiMLNB if you choose one.

[joe diamond]

AND

As a proud new HD customer you get the monthly HD fee.

AND

Your new advanced equipment qualifies you for a two year contract extension.

Bon appetit !

Joe

[harsh]

No HD access required.HD Access remains a requirement of an HD receiver lease.

If there are any receivers in the mix, they would need to be HD as their are no MPEG4 capable SD receivers.

[HoTat2]

The H/HR's will work with out HD access. But as I found out the other day they will not work with two 18" ODU's.

Thanks;

I stand corrected, and I guess that is obviously the major reason at least, they discontinued the R22 then...

[HoTat2]

AND

As a proud new HD customer you get the monthly HD fee.

AND

Your new advanced equipment qualifies you for a two year contract extension.

Bon appetit !

Joe

HD Access remains a requirement of an HD receiver lease.

If there are any receivers in the mix, they would need to be HD as their are no MPEG4 capable SD receivers.

Wait a minute...:confused:

Is HD access always mandatory on a H/HR2X series receiver or not?

I thought it was earlier but Cats#8 corrected me, plus I read his post about installing an HR2X DVR in a two dish (101, 72.5) household without HD access.

[joe diamond]

Wait a minute...:confused:

Is HD access always mandatory on a H/HR2X series receiver or not?

I thought it was earlier but Cats#8 corrected me, plus I read his post about installing an HR2X DVR in a two dish (101, 72.5) household without HD access.

The point here is that the locals are on 99 & 103 in some markets so you need HD equipment to use those sats.
Your equimpent will work without HD access...just no 99 or 103 without the correct dish / LNB eq.

Joe

[HoTat2]

The point here is that the locals are on 99 & 103 in some markets so you need HD equipment to use those sats.
Your equimpent will work without HD access...just no 99 or 103 without the correct dish / LNB eq.

Joe

OK;

So are you saying that when this two round dish customer mentioned in Cats#8 post has the upgrade to a Ka/Ku band ODU when the locals eventually move off MPEG-2 at 72.5 to MPEG-4 at 99 or 103 they will now need to start paying for HD access on that HR2X if they want to still receive their locals?

[joe diamond]

OK;

So are you saying that when this two round dish customer mentioned in Cats#8 post has the upgrade to a Ka/Ku band ODU when the locals eventually move off MPEG-2 at 72.5 to MPEG-4 at 99 or 103 they will now need to start paying for HD access on that HR2X if they want to still receive their locals?

That is my reading of the way it will work. Perhaps someone with DTV inside knowledge can confirm or deny that this will be the case. It could be an unintended consequence of getting rid of the 72 degree satellite.

Joe

[raoul5788]

I thought in the areas that had sd locals on 99/103, they needed mpeg4 capable receivers, not necessarily hd. If they were given hd receivers, then they didn't have to have hd access if they didn't want it.

[harsh]

I thought in the areas that had sd locals on 99/103, they needed mpeg4 capable receivers, not necessarily hd. If they were given hd receivers, then they didn't have to have hd access if they didn't want it.This is the magic of DIRECTV and their seemingly arbitrary application of fees.

The Equipment Lease Addendum clearly states that HD Access is a requirement. To wit:HD Access fee ($10/mo.) required for HD Receiver leases; and, both DVR service and HD Access fee payment required for HD DVR leases.If there are circumstances where HD Access isn't a requirement for leasing HD Equipment, they are at odds with the Equipment Lease Addendum.

[BattleZone]

There are indeed circumstances where HD Access isn't required, and the OP is one of those: in an area where the locals are on Ka-band satellites. The customer will be given HD receivers, but will NOT receive HD programming unless he opts to pay for HD service. Otherwise, his receivers will only be authorized for SD programming.

And the OP's commitment should NOT be extended in this circumstance, unless he is adding a receiver. This is NOT considered an "upgrade", as it is DirecTV who will be initiating the equipment change, not the customer.

[joe diamond]

There are indeed circumstances where HD Access isn't required, and the OP is one of those: in an area where the locals are on Ka-band satellites. The customer will be given HD receivers, but will NOT receive HD programming unless he opts to pay for HD service. Otherwise, his receivers will only be authorized for SD programming.

And the OP's commitment should NOT be extended in this circumstance, unless he is adding a receiver. This is NOT considered an "upgrade", as it is DirecTV who will be initiating the equipment change, not the customer.

That seems a reasonable and honest solution.......is Directv gonna do it?

Joe

[HRJustin]

There are indeed circumstances where HD Access isn't required, and the OP is one of those: in an area where the locals are on Ka-band satellites. The customer will be given HD receivers, but will NOT receive HD programming unless he opts to pay for HD service. Otherwise, his receivers will only be authorized for SD programming.

And the OP's commitment should NOT be extended in this circumstance, unless he is adding a receiver. This is NOT considered an "upgrade", as it is DirecTV who will be initiating the equipment change, not the customer.

Thank You!!! I am glad someone finally corrected the misinformation spewed by harsh.

I am in a local 72 swap market just as the OP. I had an R15 and three D11s without HD access of course. Directv required me to swap out all receivers. I already had a slimline5 from the original install with a 18inch 72 dish on the side for locals. When the receivers were swapped the tech just removed the 18inch side dish.
I now have an R22 and three H21s HD receivers all without HD access. All swaps in these areas after sometime in June IIRC get HR2x DVRs instead of an R22. The current software for the HR2x defaults and locks to the "hide HD channels" option without HD access.

Now to the OP I would say just have DirecTV come out and swap out all of your equipment. Your dish and all of your receivers need to be replaced. After the swap all of your receivers will be HD capable. This is all free of charge and commitment since its required by DirecTV not by you. If you have an HDTV you can CHOSE to add the $10 HD access at YOUR request. HD access will not be added to your account automatically.

you can visit www.directv.com/localswap for more information.

[RobertE]

One thing to consider.

The free replacements/swaps will not last forever. There will be a time where the "you snooze, you lose" phrase will come into play.

So, if DirecTv is willing to do a free swap, do it, don't push it off and wait until the last minute.

[HRJustin]

One thing to consider.

The free replacements/swaps will not last forever. There will be a time where the "you snooze, you lose" phrase will come into play.

So, if DirecTv is willing to do a free swap, do it, don't push it off and wait until the last minute.

I was just thinking about this also and I looked at the localswap website. Under the "how much time do I have?" tab it lists dates now. Before it just had the top part about the appointments will fill quickly. I would imagine there will be some time for free swaps after those dates in the corresponding areas. There is bound to be some people that still dont know about the local swap. They will surely call and complain once their locals get turned off:lol:.

The transition will happen in late 2009. Below is a list of markets and the transition date in which your equipment MUST be updated. If your equipment is not updated by the date listed below, your local channels cannot be viewed. Due to the volume of customers needing an equipment exchange, we are encouraging customers to make their equipment exchange installation appointment as soon as possible. Installation appointments will fill up quickly.

November 4,2009
Fort Wayne, IN

November 18,2009
Columbia - Jefferson City, MO
Peoria - Bloomington, IL
Youngstown, OH

December 9, 2009
Burlington, VT - Plattsburg, NY
La Crosse - Eau Claire, WI
Lincoln - Hastings, NE
Traverse City - Cadillac, MI
Waco, TX

[raoul5788]

This is the magic of DIRECTV and their seemingly arbitrary application of fees.

The Equipment Lease Addendum clearly states that HD Access is a requirement. To wit:If there are circumstances where HD Access isn't a requirement for leasing HD Equipment, they are at odds with the Equipment Lease Addendum.

I think that was written before there were mpeg4 sd locals.

[dishrich]

There are indeed circumstances where HD Access isn't required, and the OP is one of those: in an area where the locals are on Ka-band satellites. The customer will be given HD receivers, but will NOT receive HD programming unless he opts to pay for HD service. Otherwise, his receivers will only be authorized for SD programming.

And (contrary to harsh's incorrect info :rolleyes: ) this policy applies to both NEW customers & upgraders/movers in ALL of these markets. Just had a new client get 2 HR23's & has NO HD access. The boxes are locked down to 480p & ALL the HD channels are hidden out of the guide. When he gets a new HD set later, all he has to do is call & enable HD access & he's all set on BOTH DVR's for HD.

Also, D* is NO longer installing new R22's in ANY of these markets; all new DVR's are now HR2x units. Matter of fact, a couple of techs have told me that they are now even replacing existing broken R22's with HR2x's.

[harsh]

And (contrary to harsh's incorrect info :rolleyes: ) this policy applies to both NEW customers & upgraders/movers in ALL of these markets.My information came from the currently posted DIRECTV Equipment Lease Addendum. If you don't like it, don't blame me. Do you have other authoritative information to the contrary that you can link to?

[dishrich]

If you don't like it, don't blame me. Do you have other authoritative information to the contrary that you can link to?

I could care less what some "boiler plate" lease doc says - I ONLY care about what D* tells it's techs, as well as what they NOW send subs in markets like mine. It means about as much as what D* puts on several docs or brochures that they REQUIRE a phone connection to EACH receiver. (which the new SD sub I just mentioned that got 2 HR23's, does NOT have, either)

And what several others besides myself telling you you're wrong NOT good enough for you? :rolleyes: :confused:

OK here ya good - suit yourself:

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10531394

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10544512

Be advised of the upcoming transition of R22 receivers to HD DVRs in the following markets: 29 72.5 markets (listed below) and 8 KA Local markets (listed below). Effective June 17th , all New Installs and Upgrade Activities in these markets will be built with HD DVR equipment rather than R22. Furthermore, all pending Activities in these markets will be changed from R22s to HD DVRs. After June 17, R22s must only be used for service call swaps in these markets.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=157678

And NO, D* does NOT now force people in these markets to pay for HD access.

[joe diamond]

I could care less what some "boiler plate" lease doc says - I ONLY care about what D* tells it's techs, as well as what they NOW send subs in markets like mine. It means about as much as what D* puts on several docs or brochures that they REQUIRE a phone connection to EACH receiver. (which the new SD sub I just mentioned that got 2 HR23's, does NOT have, either)

And what several others besides myself telling you you're wrong NOT good enough for you? :rolleyes: :confused:

OK here ya good - suit yourself:

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10531394

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10544512



http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=157678

And NO, D* does NOT now force people in these markets to pay for HD access.

Ya just have to watch them! Trust (listen to them talk) and verify ( ask another source).....is a good practice.

It may be true that Directv does not now or ever has forced a customer to take HD service to receive local programming.

Glad to be wrong.

Joe