View Full Version : Just got a HR10-250, now time to do the HD thing!
Hi everyone... I've got a few questions.
I recently signed up with D* and initially got the R15 DVR because I didn't have an HDTV at the time. Now I do have an HDTV, so I've been looking for a HD DVR... I found a local guy selling a HR10-250 for $100 cash on Craigslist so I went as fast as possible to his house to get it. Now that I have it, I called up D* to activate it.. No problems there, but they did automatically add HD to my service without me asking for it or approving it.
When I had originally everything installed I begged D* to install the 5LNB as I was looking at TVs and planning to get one, but they refused if I wasn't signing up for HD right then, so they put up the single LNB.
I called them last night and they are going to come out and install the 5LNB for free... Will they put it on my chimney? The first installer really didn't want to put it my single LNB up there, and only did it when he noticed I already had a panel up there specifically to mount a dish mast to from the previous owners. Also, should I call D* and have them warn the installers that the dish is on the chimney of a 2 story house? I've seen braces and straps and all kinds of things for that 5lnb dish... Should I tell them to bring that stuff or will they actually be prepared when they come?
Also, are they going to try and take my HR10 and stick me with their piece of junk? I'm worried that they will think it's a leased receiver, even though the previous owner bought it straight up and I bought it from him. Do I need to do something to make sure they don't screw me there?
Thanks for listening to my somewhat long-winded questions!
Jeff
Hi jfosut, if you haven't already, here's the videos for the 5LNB dish(es) installation.
www dot solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp (i can't post a url yet)
Yes, it would be a Good idea to call DTV, or their local installer, and explain your mounting situation so they can be prepared. The bigger 5LNB dish needs a stronger mount, hopefully the chimney mount is anchored well enough.
Personally I'd hang on to your HR10-250 until the HR20 becomes universally better, and it's getting there. You won't be able to get MPEG4 local HD channels on the HR10 ( I use a $40 Channel Master CM-4228 antenna on the roof to pull in HD locals. Use an RG-6 cable, it also plugs right into the back of the HR10.)
Other peeps here will have good advice too
Thanks for the advice, Rex... I do have an OTA antenna hooked up and it works great so far! I'll have to check out the video a little later and see if that sheds any light on the install. I think I will call D* and give them the heads up on the install and see if they can put me in touch with the installers.
I definitely want to keep my current box, and don't want to get it taken by D* this Friday!
Jeff
Sounds like you'll be ready-to-go come Friday. The OTA tuner on our HR10-250's isn't too bad, better than my Pan plasma set anyway. Here in the woods surrounded by firs 40 miles from the broadcast towers i still get most of the local HD channels.
Lol, HD is so good that my eyes hurt trying to focus on the Standard channels now.
Sign me "spoiled by high-def"
Sounds like you'll be ready-to-go come Friday. The OTA tuner on our HR10-250's isn't too bad, better than my Pan plasma set anyway. Here in the woods surrounded by firs 40 miles from the broadcast towers i still get most of the local HD channels.
Lol, HD is so good that my eyes hurt trying to focus on the Standard channels now.
Sign me "spoiled by high-def"
That would be me too! I can't stand SD broadcasts! The OTA tuner works great on both my Samsung TV and the HD10 and I'm out in the tall pines about 35 miles south of Atlanta. I've got the big square Terk antenna in my attic, but after I get the 5LNB mounted, I'll probably put the antenna outside next to the dish. I've been very pleased with the OTA stuff so far, especially now that I'll be able to record it!
Will they put it on my chimney? The first installer really didn't want to put it my single LNB up there, and only did it when he noticed I already had a panel up there specifically to mount a dish mast to from the previous owners.What you get depends largely on the installer and/or his company's policies. Some install companies have a blanket prohibition on chimney mounts. Others don't like doing tile roofs or facia mounts. Where I live, Ironwood doesn't seem to like mounting dishes at all and will wander off while you're not looking.
The 5LNB dishes are decidedly larger and heavier than what you currently have. That's why they have a 2" OD mast. Many argue that a proper mounting involves additional stabilizing struts.
DishDog
01-24-07, 11:12 PM
Ironwood mounted my AT9 to the chimney with masonry anchors and four bolts. We had 50 mph winds a couple of weeks ago and no problems.
Ironwood mounted my neighbor's 5 LNB dish on the chimney of his two story house, right where his old dual LNB dish was mounted. Also mounted the two stabilizer brackets without asking. We watched him for a little while and it looked like he used masonry anchors.
I second the opinion to hang on to your HR10. When DirecTV switches over to all-MPEG4 HD, it will still record your OTA channels in HD and will also provide lots of storage for recording SD channels. I have both an HR10 and an HR20 and they pretty much mirror each other. I still don't trust the HR20 enough to be my primary DVR. Having both also helps for those time slots where you may have 3- or 4-way conflicts.
I'm keeping my HR10 too -- I don't subscribe to the HD package, and I won't unless they make me. If they do, I'm going to do everything I can to get out of my contract as I'm pretty much through with Sunday Ticket and don't really care for any of their current HD content or the HR20. The HR20 may be fine, but I don't really see how it's any better than what cable or Dish can give me, whereas I really like TiVo and am used to it, not that it's any better than anything else -- I just know it works.
snickerrrrs
02-03-07, 11:33 PM
If they give any problems about a lease, tell them you paid cash for it and have a receipt and that will be the end of it. Also don't let them try to force you into a contract extension. Enjoy Directv while it works well for you, after a while the Series 3 Tivos will come down in price and you can switch to one of those if you like. I'll never go back to watching tv without a Tivo.
They'll have to pry the peanut remote from my cold dead hand. :lol:
vBulletin® v3.7.6, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.