Must you have HDTV to order a HR20??

[Cynaburst]

I have regular tv sets, but am planning to order an HR 20 to avoid having to upgrade equipment when we do get a HD TV. I read somewhere on these boards that DTV won't install an HR20 if you dont have a HDTV. Is this true?

[RAD]

I have regular tv sets, but am planning to order an HR 20 to avoid having to upgrade equipment when we do get a HD TV. I read somewhere on these boards that DTV won't install an HR20 if you dont have a HDTV. Is this true?
While I do have HDTV's I was never asked that question when I ordered mine.

[HDTVsportsfan]

I haven't seen where they require you to have a HDTV.

[skessel]

I have regular tv sets, but am planning to order an HR 20 to avoid having to upgrade equipment when we do get a HD TV. I read somewhere on these boards that DTV won't install an HR20 if you dont have a HDTV. Is this true?

I'm not sure but I wouldn't recommend doing this. Since they activate an HR20, they'll start tacking a $10/month HD access fee onto your bill... you'll probably end up paying more than if you upgraded later.

SK

[CEaton]

You don't have to have the $10 hd package to order the HR20, you will still get locals and premiums in HD without the pack, I am living proof.

[skessel]

You don't have to have the $10 hd package to order the HR20, you will still get locals and premiums in HD without the pack, I am living proof.

That's good, I read somewhere that with the new packages they'll automatically add this fee every time they activate an HD-receiver. Either you were grandfathered into the new system (very likely) or I misread the article (almost as likely :) ). Maybe Earl or some other pious soul can let us know.

SK

[CEaton]

Well I am grandfathered, I have TC+ no hd pack, have HBO SHOTIME, and Starz

[Car1181]

That's good, I read somewhere that with the new packages they'll automatically add this fee every time they activate an HD-receiver. Either you were grandfathered into the new system (very likely) or I misread the article (almost as likely :) ). Maybe Earl or some other pious soul can let us know.

SK

The new lease agreement states you are required to pay the HD access fee(9.99) with activation of any leased HD equipment and the DVR fee (5.99) with activation of any leased DVR. So you would be charged both for the HR20.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P500014

[carl6]

The HR20 will work just fine without an HD TV, and I don't think DirecTV really cares if you have one or not, but the catch is they will make you subscribe to the HD service now when you activate an HD unit.

I've got two HR20's, one with an HD set and one with an SD set. I really like using the HR20 with the SD set as opposed to an R15 (also have one of those). It gives me the ATSC tuner and all of the HD channels even though I am only outputting in SD.

Carl

[DonCorleone]

When I called, they said I had to have the HDTV there so that the technician could make sure the HD piece was working properly. If they ask, you might just lie and then when he gets there he's not going to care.

Something important to keep in mind, though: the HR20 does NOT have a coaxial OUT jack. So unless your 4:3 TV has an IN other than coaxial, you won't be able to connect it.

[bonscott87]

You don't have to have the $10 hd package to order the HR20, you will still get locals and premiums in HD without the pack, I am living proof.

Not anymore. Any new HD receiver activations since early Feb now require the $10 HD Access fee.

[skessel]

The new lease agreement states you are required to pay the HD access fee(9.99) with activation of any leased HD equipment and the DVR fee (5.99) with activation of any leased DVR. So you would be charged both for the HR20.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P500014

Good to see that my brain is still connected to my eyes... barely. :lol:

SK

[Cynaburst]

Help!!!

What is the solution then? I don't want to pay $10/month for nothing. Should I get the HR 15 now and then upgrade when we get a HD set???

What is involved in upgrading the equipment?

[carl6]

Well, you wouldn't really paying for nothing. If you do not already have a digital (ATSC) tuner, you will gain that with the HR20, and that will give you a bunch of over the air channels you are not currently getting, and will probably never get on satellite. These are the sub-channels that your various local channels are broadcasting.

You would also be getting a much better DVR than the R15 (no H in it) in my personal opinion. I have both, the HR20 wins hands down. Recording only standard def, you would get twice as much recording capacity (200 hours versus 100) than the R15.

Whether or not those are sufficient differences to justify paying for HD is something only you can decide. If you think HD is in your near future, I would go for the HR20 now. If it is a year or more away, I would probably get the R15 now.

Upgrading will require a new dish and a different DVR. Right now, some people are having to wait as much as 4 to 6 weeks to get someone out to do the upgrade, while others can get it in a week or so. Depends a lot on where you are located.

Carl