HDTV FAQ Suggestion and Questions

[Lorax]

Someone needs to design a FAQ regarding setting up either E* or D* to HDTV ready formats....Not regarding a simple purchase of a new dish/hardware....How to use existing hardware. There are lots of ways to grab old, cheap dishes to complement existing dish setups. With the choices of multiswitches & aftermarket equipment, now is a GREAT time for users to convert cheaply. None of us DIY guys are happy buying new stuff when our existing stuff is fine :-) Just a "how to" and what is needed article.

The plethora of posts seem to be bit confusing to read and seem to cloud the issue.....

Dave

[Scott Greczkowski]

Hey Dave,

Good idea, its something we will have to work on. If you have any specific questions please post them in our HDTV area most of our admins have HDTV's and most of us are members of AVSforum and HomeTheaterForums

[Lorax]

Thanks....I also subscribe to both forums as well.....

a few things have cropped up that I have posted and waiting for responses....

1. Is a 22khz MultiSwitch backwards compatible with NON-HDTV setups? (Important to know in the case of future upgrading)

2. I see alot of postings where people (like Myself) have subscribed to both services over the years....What are the advantages/disadvantages to converting/using either system.

3. And of course, the SAT C thing - which dishes work with it and how it should be installed, etc...

4. The mysterious 110 D* satellite - this is tied to SAT C and seems to be the wild card - the unknown factor that has become an issue in HDTV......To some of us just getting into this - its a complete mystery....


Those are probably the most prevalent issues that could be a part of a FAQ.....

[Scott Greczkowski]

I am going to rename this topic and will move it to the HD area so that folks who have the same questions can find the answers.

To answer your questions

#1 I am assuming you have DirecTV with the mention of 22khz switches. The switch just passes the signal which is sent down it, it has no idea whats HD and whats not. So it will work fine with HD and Non HD setups.

#2 Really this is a personal Choice, I cant answer this one, some folks love DirecTV other love their Dish Network.

#3 You need a DirecTv Elipitical Dish (sometimes called a Para Todos Dish) There is a spot for a 3rd LNB in the center this is where the C Sat LNB goes, it then plugs into your switch.

#4 Yes 110 has been a mystery to most folks till now. It only had North Carolina locals on it till now. There is a lot of room over there which can be used for HD. The big problem is the C Kit LNB which is not a standard LNB. They are hard to come across.

Hope that helps!

[Lorax]

Thanks for the timely answers....just one more question (I think)

-- For viewing DISH Network in HDTV is all that needed is a 6000 HDTV receiver? Or is their additional DISH equipment over and above the DISH500 such as additional dish or multiswitches?

Thanks in advance....

[Scott Greczkowski]

To view Dish Network HD you will need another Dish Pointed at 61.5 or 148 (your local dealer can tell you which one you should be pointing at) You will need a Dish Network switch such as a SW-64 and you will need a Dish 6000 receiver.

If I may go off topic for a second I think its silly for DirecTV to put Showtime HD on 110. After the merger goes through (if it goes through) the C kit will be useless, as they will have control of all the transponders at 110.

Thanks for visiting.

[Mark Lamutt]

Too add to Scott's answer, you will also need the 8vsb module to plug into your 6000 to get any OTA HD channels you have in your area.

[DarrellP]

And an antenna to plug into that 8vsb module.

[Scott Greczkowski]

And you might need a power strip to plug everything in :D

Sorry figured I would throw that in as well since everyone else was adding something :D

[Lorax]

yup.....I would have to agree - I asked for that.....Took me all of 48 hours to make a total fool of myself in this forum......Not exactly something to be proud of for someone like myself....Spending years knee-deep in electronics & computers.....But DBS is not my forte....just a weanling....

[Scott Greczkowski]

Nah you didnt make yourself into a fool. Everyone here can be jokers. Its all in good fun.

Its great to have you here and feel free to ask any questions you have, we will do our best to answer them for you.

[terry]

How much should I budget for a DSS assuming I have the HDTV set (panny tau). TIA

[Scott Greczkowski]

Figure about $1000 (thats on the high side)

600 for a HD Receiver
150 for a additional or new Dish
100 for installation

Then is you want an antenna for Over the air stations is about $150. And if you get a Dish 6000 you will need a 8 VSB tuner for over the air HDTV this sells for $119.

[Mark Lamutt]

Depending on where you are, Terry, you may not need a $150 antenna. All you need (most likely) is a UHF antenna - I use the radio shack double bow tie that I picked up for $17.95, and it works great for me!

[DarrellP]

AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/hdtvfaq/HDTV-FAQ.htm) already has one going, check it out.

[Nick]

All the gear already mentioned: IRDs, modules, switches, and antenni will not work without the integration of appropriate lengths of adequate coaxial cable. :lol:

Be sure all connections are tight, and outdoor connects are waterproofed.

Nickster :smoking:

[toddjb]

All you need (most likely) is a UHF antenna - I use the radio shack double bow tie that I picked up for $17.95, and it works great for me!

Were you able to mount this internally near your set or did you plop this outside or on the roof?

I live NW of DC in the Maryland burbs. I think I have to hit Baltimore to pick up HDTV and wasn't sure what I could get away with.

Thanks,
-todd

[Mark Lamutt]

My double bow tie sits right next to the tv in my basement.