Stupid Noobie HD Receiver Question

[Signal34]

I realize this may be a "duh" type question, but I was thinking about buying an HD receiver, with the thought of getting HD programming in the far future. My question(s):

Can I use the receiver without paying for HD service -- can I just use it as a "normal" receiver to receive non-HD programming?

Can I use the component video in a non-HD TV set (of course, as long as it has component inputs)?

I don't want to buy an HD receiver and HAVE to have HD programming right now.

Thanks for any and all responses.

[LOBO2999]

I would think if you got it through a deal for an HD receiver with D then you would have to have the HD pack , as of right now you can get the HD pack for free for 6 months through D . Now if you went out to like say CC or BB you would of course have to activate the receiver, I think it's like with in 30 days but I don't see why you would have to get the HD pack just because you got a HD receiver but you might want to call and make sure before you buy it. The answer to the 2nd Q , I wouldn't see why not I have a DVD player in BR and it is not a PS DVD player and it has component video and so does the TV and it works fine.

[miami580]

I realize this may be a "duh" type question, but I was thinking about buying an HD receiver, with the thought of getting HD programming in the far future. My question(s):

Can I use the receiver without paying for HD service -- can I just use it as a "normal" receiver to receive non-HD programming?

Can I use the component video in a non-HD TV set (of course, as long as it has component inputs)?

I don't want to buy an HD receiver and HAVE to have HD programming right now.

Thanks for any and all responses.

I'm no expert, but you are probably better off waiting. The prices will only come down and the receivers will get better. No reason to spend the extra money until you actually need the HD receiver. I just got a TIVO and another new basic receiver. I'm planning on upgrading to an HDTV next year, and getting the HD receiver at that time.

[Signal34]

I'll check into it. Thanks for the replies.

[n8dagr8]

I realize this may be a "duh" type question, but I was thinking about buying an HD receiver, with the thought of getting HD programming in the far future. My question(s):

Can I use the receiver without paying for HD service -- can I just use it as a "normal" receiver to receive non-HD programming?

Can I use the component video in a non-HD TV set (of course, as long as it has component inputs)?

I don't want to buy an HD receiver and HAVE to have HD programming right now.

Thanks for any and all responses.

-Yes, you can use a HD receiver without paying for HD service. It is also capable of getting all the other channels that your dish can receive. In fact, if any of your local stations broadcast HD over the air then you can use a HDTV, receiver and an antenna and get free HDTV.

-I see no problem with this. However, if you try to watch standard definition programming in HD mode with an HD receiver (sometimes you have to have the receiver in HD mode to "turn on" the component outputs) then the picture looks "seperated".

-You don't...I agree though, if you don't have the HDTV then I would wait. The price of the TV's and receiver will go down soon. Also, the amount of programming will have gone up, a lot.

[durl]

I imagine that most HD satellite receivers are like mine and allow you to view non-HD signals via component cables.

I've heard that sometime soon, Directv will manufacture receivers themselves which might mean that our choices will be limited. You should do some more research on that to make sure, though.

[Signal34]

I imagine that most HD satellite receivers are like mine and allow you to view non-HD signals via component cables.


Can I ask what type of receiver you use? I've been trying to find an HAH-SA receiver with the component video inputs to no avail. That's why I've succumbed to finding an HD receiver.

Thanks much.

[beasst37799]

all hd recievers will down convert the signal to 480I. youll just need to set resoultion to that when u set it all up