HD Upgrade at my parent's house

[dirtyblueshirt]

Well, for christmas (a few days early), my parents got a new 47" LG 47LH40, wall mounted, and a new media cabinet to replace the SD system they've had since 2001 (yeah, this is a present I'll be paying for for some time to come ;) ). So believe it or not, we were able to get an installer out next day :eek2: and we are getting a HR22-100 for the living room, keeping the R22-100 in my sister's room, and moving the D11 box to the downstairs bedroom (my old room)

So, I'm reading here, and the D* phone rep told me that as of the latest NR, the R22 can actually receive HD content. Good! So that gives us two HD DVRs and a SD receiver. Everybody's happy.

The bummer: SWMs are still relegated to new installs, so extra lines had to be run to the DVR rooms. So, 4 lines from the dish into the house, into a splitter to 6 lines total (the master bedroom is wired too, though no longer has a TV).

Latest update: The tech is still here. the HR22 accidentally was activated on someone else's account. Back to the truck for a new box.

The old 3LNB Oval, trusty since 2001:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/4209284828_5ce5a989c1.jpg

Off the roof:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/4208672137_2361936594.jpg

The Slimline is installed:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4209439912_7f94d4f036.jpg

Battle of the Setup:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4209445104_ed4817a2ee.jpg

[dirtyblueshirt]

So, here's a question... The latest info I have is that as of NR (0x34C) is capable of outputting the HD channels. Our R22-100 has software version 0x368 (the same software our HR22-100 is downloading as I speak). However, I cannot tune to the HD channels, in the guide options it had "Hide HD channels" grayed out and unchangeable. The HDTV menu option only lets us set 4:3 or 16:9 ratios. What needs to be done to get this R22 cooperating?

[litzdog911]

The R22 can't become an HD DVR if it's the only HD equipment on their account. They must add at least an HD Receiver and HD Package subscription to their account, then the R22's HD features are enabled. That's DirecTV policy.

[BattleScott]

So, here's a question... The latest info I have is that as of NR (0x34C) is capable of outputting the HD channels. Our R22-100 has software version 0x368 (the same software our HR22-100 is downloading as I speak). However, I cannot tune to the HD channels, in the guide options it had "Hide HD channels" grayed out and unchangeable. The HDTV menu option only lets us set 4:3 or 16:9 ratios. What needs to be done to get this R22 cooperating?

I'm not certain, but I think you have to call and have them "authorize" the box for HD.

[dirtyblueshirt]

The R22 can't become an HD DVR if it's the only HD equipment on their account. They must add at least an HD Receiver and HD Package subscription to their account, then the R22's HD features are enabled. That's DirecTV policy.

Ok, I understand that part, but we did just have an HR22 installed today in the living room, and HD is active on our account. Still no dice on the R22 though. Is this something we have to call DirecTV about and they have to 'flip a switch' per se?

[dirtyblueshirt]

I'm not certain, but I think you have to call and have them "authorize" the box for HD.

I'll give them a call then, thanks. I'll post a reply with my findings.

[samrs]

The R22 would need BBC's, run dish setup for SL3, resend authorizations and then maybe reboot the R22.

[dirtyblueshirt]

Okay, it's working now, authorized and re-did the satellite setup (the tech had installed BBCs as well) so life is good!

[dirtyblueshirt]

And the finished product, complete with a new TV bench from Ikea:

(except for the wall hangings, paint, and carpet. Those have yet to be redone.)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4208985135_ee3c5605a1.jpg

[litzdog911]

Very nice. Enjoy!

[dirtyblueshirt]

A question out to the installers here... The install looks good, but I'm wondering if it's all in line with standards. All he did was replace the dish and attach it to the existing 4 wires, but there are no (and never were) any drip loops or anything, it's just straight down the side of the house and into the wall. Here's pics of the install:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssbn737rm/4217132106
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4217132106_daf89d45a0.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssbn737rm/4217132712
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/4217132712_2e7416e70f.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssbn737rm/4217133622
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4217133622_0615ce9b39.jpg

[BattleScott]

Not an installer, but with that short of an eve on the roof, I would be a little concerned about the lack of drip loops on the cables. I would check them during a good rain and see if you get any water coming down the cables towards those boxes.

[eandras]

Call them back as they need to install drip loops and possible service loops near the the dish. Make sure they grounded within 6 feet of entry to a cold water pipe as well.

[Davenlr]

I still dont understand why they run new cables (expensive and time consuming) instead of using a SWM and a splitter. Seems like they are wasting the installers time and their money.

[BattleZone]

I still dont understand why they run new cables (expensive and time consuming) instead of using a SWM and a splitter. Seems like they are wasting the installers time and their money.

First of all, the cables between the dish and the ground block are too short, but the tech didn't want to waste his time or money to re-run those lines. He should have, and needs to. If the tech left his phone number, call it. If not, call DirecTV. You need service loops and drip loops and a neat cable run. That will take 10 minutes to fix.

Second, DirecTV doesn't care about wasting an installer's time and money.

Third, SWM LNBs can't be used with legacy receivers, and are more expensive than non-SWM LNBs.