New subscriber question

[suicidal2af]

I just ordered DirecTV with DVR, since I'm at my wits-end missing Flyers games and it's the only way I'll be able to see any. Talked to my Mom about paying the difference between standard cable and Digital, but once you take into account that, the cost of a Tivo box, and the still very-limited amount of NHL games available on Comcast digital, DTV/NHL Center Ice work out to be a better value for me.

My question is, with a one-room package, do they ship a single or dual LNB dish? I'd really like to be able to take advantage of the dual-tuner capability on the R10/R15 without having to spend a few hundred on fancy gadgets that I don't even remember the name of.

Anyone have some insight?

[cheer]

I don't think the single LNB dishes are even available anymore. You'll get a dual LNB dish, so you're set.

--chris

[suicidal2af]

Thanks!

[pez2002]

sweet hope you like it i was a directv sub for 3 years and loved it

[jdspencer]

In order to use the dual tuner feature of a DirecTV DVR, you have to have at least a dual output LNB. In fact, they will probably install the Phase III triple LNB dish with an integrated four output multiswitch. I suggest that they run all four lines now regardless if you need them now. It makes it easier to upgrade later.

[cheer]

In order to use the dual tuner feature of a DirecTV DVR, you have to have at least a dual output LNB. In fact, they will probably install the Phase III triple LNB dish with an integrated four output multiswitch. I suggest that they run all four lines now regardless if you need them now. It makes it easier to upgrade later.
I doubt that very seriously -- in fact, a buddy of mine just got signed up on D* and he got the round dual LNB dish.

Unless he's getting HD or some other service that requires the triple/oval, I doubt he'll get one.

[jdspencer]

It may just depend on what the installer has in stock. I'm just saying that if the Phase III is installed make sure all four lines are run.

[stupid0g]

depends on location and avail of the dishes. in cali area the installers tend to installer the old rnd 1/2 outlet dishes still unless it's a hd/spanish customer, whereas in alot of other areas they tend to just install the 3lnb ovals as commonplace

[johnzim63]

Just to add another data point:

December of 2004 I was a new cable-to-Directv customer and ordered a full D* standard install. I made no mention of HDTV or DVR or any special programming packages, and I got a triple LNB antenna from the installer. And that was a year ago. :D

[TheRatPatrol]

I don't think the single LNB dishes are even available anymore. You'll get a dual LNB dish, so you're set.

--chris

Are you talking about a dual output LNB, as in 2 cables coming out of the LNB? Or does your friend have Dish network with a dual LNB dish?

D* doesn't have a dual LNB dish. They have a single LNB, triple (3) LNB, and now a 5 LNB dish, but I've never seen a dual LNB dish. Unless you're talking about the original 3 LNB dishes that started out with 2 LNB's and were upgradable to 3 LNB's.

But otherwise theres no dual LNB dish from D*.

[carl6]

The "Single LNB" dish you are referring to from DirecTV is a DUAL LNB dish. The dual LNB's are in a single enclosure, but there are TWO coax connectors available. Several years ago, there was a SINGLE LNB dish from DirecTV (I have one). It has only one connector available.
-
The single LNB and dual LNB dish look exactly the same. The only way to tell them apart is to remove the LNB head from the arm, pull it out a couple of inches, and look to see how many coax connectors there are.
-
Carl

[CCarncross]

@carl6, that is just a common mistake in labelling..That dish I think you are referring to is actually a single LNB dish, with dual outputs. Over teh past few years it just got shortened to dual LNB, which isnt actually what it is...The LNB is the white plastic cylinder that points back to the dish, it does not refer to the coax outputs...by the same token a Phase III has 3 LNBs but 4 coaxial outputs, but its not called a quad LNB dish....There was a dish that had dual LNB's, and the ability to add the SAT.C kit to make it a triple LNB, but I have no idea what those were called or referred by today....I dont think there are probably alot of those around anymore...

[carl6]

The differentiation I was making between single and dual LNB has to do with the ability of the dish to support more than one receiver. A true single LNB dish can only support a single tuner, as there is no ability within the dish or lnb to do both polarizations at the same time. Early dishes from DirecTV are truly single LNB, and are not capable of being multiswitched to feed more than a single receiver. Those early single LNB dishes have only a single coax connection on them.
-
Dual LNB dishes (within a single physical housing) have two connections. They are capable of handling both polarizations simulataneously, and can therefore feed multiple tuners or receivers at the same time. They look the same from the outside, there is still only a single physical LNB housing at the end of the arm. The only noticeable difference without disassembling the LNB itself is the appearance of 2 coax connections rather than one. This dish can support two receivers, or both inputs to a dual tuner DVR. With an external multiswitch, it can support multiple receivers or tuners. A single LNB dish can't.
-
Now perhaps there is truly a single LNB that is capable of handling both polarities simultaneously. If so, then I stand corrected - I am referring to that as a dual LNB, which I think you will find it really is, even though both are within the same housing (white knob at the end of the arm).
-
Carl

[HIPAR]

Is this the simplest DISH?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_displayDTV.asp?CAT=&PROD=DTV-DCD10DS-KT&rooms=1&systype=

If I understand correctly, it receives Ku band and it has two coax connectors so it can service two standard definition receivers without any switches.

--- CHAS

[TheRatPatrol]

Is this the simplest DISH?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_displayDTV.asp?CAT=&PROD=DTV-DCD10DS-KT&rooms=1&systype=

If I understand correctly, it receives Ku band and it has two coax connectors so it can service two standard definition receivers without any switches.

--- CHAS

Yes that is the simplest Dish, but I disagree with the add they have posted with it. It says

• (1) DIRECTV® Approved 18" Round Dual LNB DIRECTV Multi-Satellite Dish Antenna capable of receiving 101°W and 119°W DIRECTV® programming

I don't see how that dish can pick up 2 satellites when it only has one LNB on it??