HR20 Install Coming Monday (HELP!)

[capnlando13]

I have tried to read as many threads as I can about my questions but I can't find exactly what I am looking for. Thanks in advance for your help:

I just moved to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and have been a HR10-250 (owner)for about a year. Because of the move I am being told that I cannot have a 3lnb dish installed but "must upgrade" to the 5lnb dish and I "may" get the HR20 (lease price) for $99. Apparently my area has no HD locals and has no forecast for them. I also apparently live 60+ miles from the nearest towers.

Here are my questions:
* I have been reading the forums and ignorantly did not realize it before but it seems there are different versions of the HR20. I see HR20-100 and HR20-700 threads. What model do you think I am getting and what should I want to get??
* Is the $99 upgrade comparable to what others are getting?
* What creative options do you think I could explore to get locals in HD? Major OTA options?
* What kind of dish should I be pushing for? I know it will be a 5lnb but what are these slimlines I am reading about? Can I ask for that?
* Can I get dual buffers on the HR20?
* Is it true that the 5lnb dish is more sensitive to weather?

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP! DTV is coming on Monday and I don't want to get screwed!

[Michael D'Angelo]

- HR20-700 is the main unit that almost everyone has. The HR20-100 is a new unit that is being done by someone else. I don't think it really matters what one you get. If I am wrong someone please correct me.

- $99 is a good price. Some have got them free. But I think most people have paid $199 or $299.

- Locals not sure.

- You will probably get the 5 LNB slimeline dish. If you get the other 5 LNB dish not a big deal. That is the one that I got.

- No dual buffers. Maybe down the road.

- The 5 LNB dish should get you the best signal on 101, 110, and 119 because it is so much bigger then the other dishes. 99 and 103 are a little sensitive but the 5
LNB dish is the only one that can get them SATS.

[capnlando13]

Thanks BMoreRavens. Although I am a diehard Jags fan, I thank you :)

Any additional comments from others are appreciated.

[harsh]

* I have been reading the forums and ignorantly did not realize it before but it seems there are different versions of the HR20. I see HR20-100 and HR20-700 threads. What model do you think I am getting and what should I want to get??You'll get what they have to give you. The RCA version isn't out in the wild yet AFAIK.* Is the $99 upgrade comparable to what others are getting?Better than most of late.* What creative options do you think I could explore to get locals in HD? Major OTA options?You'll have to give antennaweb.org a whirl. If you're truly in the white, you can probably get DNS out of New York.* What kind of dish should I be pushing for? I know it will be a 5lnb but what are these slimlines I am reading about? Can I ask for that?You'll get a Slimline behemoth unless they have an AT9 kicking around.

You'll find that most installers don't come loaded with options. If you get picky, it may take a lot longer to get installed.

[harsh]

Update: Apparently the HR20-100 is indeed available. Here's a thread from someone who has one: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=83378

[DonCorleone]

Thanks BMoreRavens. Although I am a diehard Jags fan, I thank you :)

Any additional comments from others are appreciated.

Those are the exact responses I would have given...I think you're all set. Let us know how you make out.

[cantfish2much]

I have tried to read as many threads as I can about my questions but I can't find exactly what I am looking for. Thanks in advance for your help:

I just moved to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and have been a HR10-250 (owner)for about a year. Because of the move I am being told that I cannot have a 3lnb dish installed but "must upgrade" to the 5lnb dish and I "may" get the HR20 (lease price) for $99. Apparently my area has no HD locals and has no forecast for them. I also apparently live 60+ miles from the nearest towers.

Here are my questions:
* I have been reading the forums and ignorantly did not realize it before but it seems there are different versions of the HR20. I see HR20-100 and HR20-700 threads. What model do you think I am getting and what should I want to get??
* Is the $99 upgrade comparable to what others are getting?
* What creative options do you think I could explore to get locals in HD? Major OTA options?
* What kind of dish should I be pushing for? I know it will be a 5lnb but what are these slimlines I am reading about? Can I ask for that?
* Can I get dual buffers on the HR20?
* Is it true that the 5lnb dish is more sensitive to weather?

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP! DTV is coming on Monday and I don't want to get screwed!


I live approximately 80 miles from Minneapolis and get the Twin Cities HD's all perfectly using a roof antenna. Not an expensive one either. Just connect it to your HD-20 and do the Antenna Setup. Unless you're in very hilly terrain, this should pull in the OTAs for you.

[capnlando13]

Thanks guys! This is greatly helpful info!

[capnlando13]

I live approximately 80 miles from Minneapolis and get the Twin Cities HD's all perfectly using a roof antenna. Not an expensive one either. Just connect it to your HD-20 and do the Antenna Setup. Unless you're in very hilly terrain, this should pull in the OTAs for you.

I have asked a few tech's about that and it seems the novice answer is that their is generally a 60 mile cut-off for most OTA antenna's. You seem to be proving them wrong. Can you give me the name of your antenna? Thanks!

[John4924]

I have asked a few tech's about that and it seems the novice answer is that their is generally a 60 mile cut-off for most OTA antenna's. You seem to be proving them wrong. Can you give me the name of your antenna? Thanks!

FWIW, I have a Radioshack U-75R in my attic (2 story). This antenna is pointed at Baton Rouge (from New Orleans) and is ~70 miles away. I pick the station up with 70% signal strength. This antenna was only $25, so I wanted to try it, and it works just great!

Cheers,
John

[carl6]

There are many factors that impact the usable range of an OTA antenna. There is no pat answer (for example 60 miles). It depends on terrain, broadcast power of the station, elevation of both the transmitter and your receiving antenna, etc.

For 60+ miles, you do need to put a bit of effort into getting the right antenna for your specific environment. To do that, spend some time at antennaweb.org

Carl