upgrading HD Question

[rheuett]

Howdy!

Current D* customer w/ Tivo DVR that lets me record 2 shows at once

New TV/surround sound comes this week, HD install comes next week and I am getting the HR20 DVR.


My Question is, I know they are putting up a new satellite on my roof for HD programming...but can anyone tell me if they have to run new cable down the side of my house?

Reason I ask is, I would love to set up all of my equipment/sourround sound before the guy gets here, so I can simply plug in the HDMI cable and be ready to go...

Or, does he have to put in new cable, meaning I have to pull my entertainment center from the wall and let him have room to install it etc. (my direct tv was installed last year for SD chanells.)

anyone help me?

thanks!
ryan

[Michael D'Angelo]

Howdy!

Current D* customer w/ Tivo DVR that lets me record 2 shows at once

New TV/surround sound comes this week, HD install comes next week and I am getting the HR20 DVR.


My Question is, I know they are putting up a new satellite on my roof for HD programming...but can anyone tell me if they have to run new cable down the side of my house?

Reason I ask is, I would love to set up all of my equipment/sourround sound before the guy gets here, so I can simply plug in the HDMI cable and be ready to go...

Or, does he have to put in new cable, meaning I have to pull my entertainment center from the wall and let him have room to install it etc. (my direct tv was installed last year for SD chanells.)

anyone help me?

thanks!
ryan

:welcome_s to DBStalk

As long as you already have two lines to that location they will not need to run new lines.

[xandor]

I don't think that they would need to run new cables (though I'm sure VOS or Earl can help confirm that). I didn't when I recently got upgraded to the slimline and HR20.

Be sure to have him change your multiswitch to the Zinwell WB68 (if you're using a multiswitch, doubtful since you only mentioned the one tivo recorder).

Welcome to the boards!

[rheuett]

:welcome_s to DBStalk

As long as you already have two lines to that location they will not need to run new lines.

woohooo!!

thanks for the quick reply!



just found this site, love it!

[rheuett]

I don't think that they would need to run new cables (though I'm sure VOS or Earl can help confirm that). I didn't when I recently got upgraded to the slimline and HR20.

Be sure to have him change your multiswitch to the Zinwell WB68 (if you're using a multiswitch, doubtful since you only mentioned the one tivo recorder).

Welcome to the boards!


thanks for the headsup...we only have 1 tv setup going on (for now!)

[JLucPicard]

rheuett,

Let me add my most hardy Welcome! :welcome_s

One thing to maybe decide on - your new TV most likely will have multiple inputs available. If you wanted to keep your current TiVo in addition to the new HR20, I don't see that there would be a problem with that as far as D* is concerned. It would require two additional lines be run from the dish to your current location and would cost you an additional $4.99 a month for the "additional" receiver, but it would also give you more flexibility. You could use your current TiVo to record SD programming leaving more drive space on your HR20 for HD recording, for example.

It would need to be reflected as such on your work order for the tech to run the additional lines. If keeping the additional box active isn't something you want to do, then you should be good to go!

(Please realize that this is coming from someone who has 5 SD TiVos, 3 HD TiVos and 4 HR20s all connected to one HDTV! :D)

[rheuett]

rheuett,

Let me add my most hardy Welcome! :welcome_s

One thing to maybe decide on - your new TV most likely will have multiple inputs available. If you wanted to keep your current TiVo in addition to the new HR20, I don't see that there would be a problem with that as far as D* is concerned. It would require two additional lines be run from the dish to your current location and would cost you an additional $4.99 a month for the "additional" receiver, but it would also give you more flexibility. You could use your current TiVo to record SD programming leaving more drive space on your HR20 for HD recording, for example.

It would need to be reflected as such on your work order for the tech to run the additional lines. If keeping the additional box active isn't something you want to do, then you should be good to go!

(Please realize that this is coming from someone who has 5 SD TiVos, 3 HD TiVos and 4 HR20s all connected to one HDTV! :D)

hmm, you got me thinking!!! Not sure if I'll end up doing what you are talking about....but....


for some odd reason (I'm a HD noobie!)I was under the impression my new tv would not accept my current SD feed..

So what you are saying.... as soon as I get my new tv, I can plug in my current tivo box into it my tv for a few days while I wait for my new HD install and HD DVR??

Granted, I know the quality won't be optimal, but this is something I can at least do to start playing w/ my setup for my xbox/dvd player and sourround sound on my new TV (samsung 4065f)

does this make sense?

[bobnielsen]

Yes. Your new TV probably has HDMI, component, composite and S-video inputs (and multiples of some of these).

[JLucPicard]

If it is something you're considering and can get it added to the work order (I think they call it a "relocation" of your current TiVo [even though it will be in the same spot]), it would be included for free with your install. If you decide to do it later, there may be a service charge for them to come back out and run the two additional lines.

That being said, I would imagine your new TV would have S-Video inputs and composite connections for the sound (the red/white RCA plugs) in addition to HDMI and/or componentconnections for HD. If so, you can connect your current TiVo and you would just need to select the appropriate input on your TV.

For example, my TV has 2 HDMI inputs (#s 7 & 8), 2 component inputs (#s 5 & 6), I think 4 S-Video inputs (#s 1-4) and a coax input (using TV channel 3). In your situation, you could plug the SD TiVo into input #1, for instance, and choose to view that input on the TV, thus getting the feed from your SD TiVo. Then when you get your HR20, you could connect that to input #7, then view that DVR by choosing input #7 on your TV.

You should absolutely be able to run your current TiVo on your new TV until (and even after) you get the HR20 connected.



(Or what bobneilsen said - I was still typing :D)

[rheuett]

thanks for the info!

[Radio Enginerd]

woohooo!!

thanks for the quick reply!



just found this site, love it!

Welcome! Glad to have you along.