Can I purchase my own HD DVR?

[jeffschell75]

Hello--

I have a house with 3 HD-TVs and 1 SD-TV.

I've spoke with Dish Network sales reps, and they said they would be able to give me:

- 1 HD DVR to connect to 1 HD-TV and 1 SD-TV via dual mode
- 1 HD DVR to connect to the other 2 HD-TVs via dual mode

However, from what I've read, I'd prefer to have a 3rd HD DVR so the other 2 HD TVs can each receive HD programming, and have full DVR capabilities. (I believe that I'd have to run a coax cable to the 2nd TV, which negates HD, correct?)

So, my question is -- can I purchase a 3rd HD DVR? And if so, will a single satellite dish support 3 HD DVRs?

Thanks! -Jeff

[Hall]

Dishstore.net sells them, http://www.dishstore.net/index.php?cPath=66

"a single satellite dish" doesn't give enough information. A multiswitch will properly split the signals from the dish to any number of TVs.

[jeffschell75]

"a single satellite dish" doesn't give enough information. A multiswitch will properly split the signals from the dish to any number of TVs.

Thanks for the fast response. Is a multiswitch something I would need to buy separately? Or would the installer know to have that?

The Dish Network sales rep seemed to say they wouldn't sell more because of limited availability -- but do you think that's the reason? I'm worried there's some technical threshold that I'll exceed if I get 3 HD DVRs. (Like I can't get that many incoming feeds, etc.?)

[Michael P]

Since all current DVR's use DishPro Plus ("DPP") LNB's you should not have any problem hooking up 3 HD DVR's. Each DVR would only need one feed from the dish/switch. A DPP splitter is used at each DVR to feed the 2 satellite inputs.

If OTOH you still have "legacy" LNB's you should first swap out the LNB's with DPP LNB's. Dishstore sells everything you need if you feel confident in doing the installation yourself.

[Hall]

The installer will usually only hook up, or provide the means of hooking up, the equipment that's part of his/her work order. They could install a purchased 622 that you provide just to be nice or if you "tip" them or whatever but if they needed to provide a multiswitch, which costs $$$, I doubt they would. They won't be reimbursed for it because according to the work order, it's not necessary.

[jeffschell75]

Each DVR would only need one feed from the dish/switch. A DPP splitter is used at each DVR to feed the 2 satellite inputs.

Thanks again, gang. Okay, I'm slowly learning. (I don't own any current dishes or LNBs. I'm a cable customer hoping to convert.)

I checked back with Dish reps and they said for my setup above, I could get 1 HD DVR, and 1 HD receiver included in my package. If I wanted a second HD DVR, I could purchase one for $499. (or around that price)

So, my setup would then be:

* 1 HD TV and 1 SD TV connected to the first HD DVR. (The SD would be coax via the "2nd TV mode" of the HD DVR.)

* 1 HD TV on my own purchased HD DVR for $500.

* 1 HD TV on the free HD receiver included in my pkg.

Given this, would I still need a multiswitch? I looked at The Dish Store, and I see they sell an Eagle Aspen 8-way, but they only mention for DirectTV.

Any thoughts? Thanks for all the help everyone! -jeff

[scooper]

No, you'll have to get Dish specific LNBs / switches.

Probably the DishPro Plus LNB, and the DPP44 switch.

[boba]

Since all current DVR's use DishPro Plus ("DPP") LNB's you should not have any problem hooking up 3 HD DVR's. Each DVR would only need one feed from the dish/switch. A DPP splitter is used at each DVR to feed the 2 satellite inputs.

If OTOH you still have "legacy" LNB's you should first swap out the LNB's with DPP LNB's. Dishstore sells everything you need if you feel confident in doing the installation yourself.
A DPP Twin can only feed 2 dual tuner receivers so if 3 VIP622a are going to be used a DPP44 switch(multiswitch) will be needed. There is no DPP splitter it is a separator, cable and OTA use splitters, satellite uses multiswitches and separators.:)

[boba]

Thanks again, gang. Okay, I'm slowly learning. (I don't own any current dishes or LNBs. I'm a cable customer hoping to convert.)

I checked back with Dish reps and they said for my setup above, I could get 1 HD DVR, and 1 HD receiver included in my package. If I wanted a second HD DVR, I could purchase one for $499. (or around that price)

So, my setup would then be:

* 1 HD TV and 1 SD TV connected to the first HD DVR. (The SD would be coax via the "2nd TV mode" of the HD DVR.)

* 1 HD TV on my own purchased HD DVR for $500.

* 1 HD TV on the free HD receiver included in my pkg.

Given this, would I still need a multiswitch? I looked at The Dish Store, and I see they sell an Eagle Aspen 8-way, but they only mention for DirectTV.

Any thoughts? Thanks for all the help everyone! -jeff
Reread what you posted and check with DISH. Originally you said 2 622 receivers in this post you say HD receiver. The VIP 622 is a DVR with dual tuners, the VIP211 is a single tuner HD receiver be sure you know what you are getting.:)

[Michael P]

A DPP Twin can only feed 2 dual tuner receivers so if 3 VIP622a are going to be used a DPP44 switch(multiswitch) will be needed. There is no DPP splitter it is a separator, cable and OTA use splitters, satellite uses multiswitches and separators.:)

Sorry about that - I could not think of the word "separator" when I posted. I know it's not a splitter but it looks like one.

[harsh]

If you live more than a few hundred miles from the East Coast of the US, you'll likely be set up with a Dish 1000.2. It will drive three receivers.

[putabengali]

also, if you purchase it directly from dish over the phone, they will sell to anybody, there's no qualifying for it if you're purchasing it outright. When you buy it, it includes installation. So if your switch situation isnt that good, this will be your best option because their price includes nedessary switches and lnb