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MalibuRacing
06-07-07, 11:14 AM
I bought a HR20 today since I had some BB Reward Zone cash built up and also the 10% off for Father's Day coupon. I'm upgrading from a H20. Anyway, I don't have local HD channels available at this time through D*. But, I do have high speed internet from my local cable company that I split to my TV and receive my HD locals. :joy:

So, I have a few questions:

Can I connect my digital cable to the OTA antenna input on the HR20 to receive the HD locals? Is it the correct signal format?

If yes, will I be able to record those channels?

Currrently we have 2 SD Tivo's, and really love the interface and ease of use. I'm hoping it's not going to be too much of a pain adapting to the D* DVR setup. Especially for my wife's sake. She has gotten spoiled using Tivo. :feelbette
cb7214
06-07-07, 11:16 AM
I bought a HR20 today since I had some BB Reward Zone cash built up and also the 10% off for Father's Day coupon. I'm upgrading from a H20. Anyway, I don't have local HD channels available at this time through D*. But, I do have high speed internet from my local cable company that I split to my TV and receive my HD locals. :joy:

So, I have a few questions:

Can I connect my digital cable to the OTA antenna input on the HR20 to receive the HD locals? Is it the correct signal format?

If yes, will I be able to record those channels?

Currrently we have 2 SD Tivo's, and really love the interface and ease of use. I'm hoping it's not going to be too much of a pain adapting to the D* DVR setup. Especially for my wife's sake. She has gotten spoiled using Tivo. :feelbette

you won't be able to view your any cable channels via the HR20 OTA tuner
MalibuRacing
06-07-07, 11:25 AM
Crap....

Oh well, hopefully I'll have HD locals through D* soon after the new sat launch.
cb7214
06-07-07, 11:26 AM
Crap....

Oh well, hopefully I'll have HD locals through D* soon after the new sat launch.

which television market do you live in?
MalibuRacing
06-07-07, 11:43 AM
Huntsville, AL
cb7214
06-07-07, 11:58 AM
Huntsville, AL

I would venture to guess it won't be until the end of this year or next year there are a bunch of markets still ahead of you, i would say a dozen or so at least, but best advice is to watch the forums because when others will post when word comes out about the next markets coming.
Radio Enginerd
06-07-07, 12:00 PM
Crap....

Oh well, hopefully I'll have HD locals through D* soon after the new sat launch.

Is an OTA antenna (indoor or outdoor) an option for you?
MalibuRacing
06-07-07, 12:10 PM
Is an OTA antenna (indoor or outdoor) an option for you?


Unfortunately, no.... I live at the foot of a large hill (or small mountain, varies by opinion) that is about 900 ft in elevation that is in direct line of sight of the local broadcast stations. I borrowed and tried an 8 bay antenna with no luck. I could barely pick up analog signals, definitely not acceptable. No digital signals at all.

I do get NY NBC and Fox network feeds through D*. Unfortunately, the other local networks will not give the waiver unless I pay an "expert" to come out and certify that I cannot pickup their HD broadcasts. Since I can pick up HD locals through cable, and hopefully sometime in the next year or so D* will possibly carry them, I'm not willing to spend money on an "expert" to tell me I cannot pick up their signal...
Ken S
06-07-07, 01:44 PM
Unfortunately, no.... I live at the foot of a large hill (or small mountain, varies by opinion) that is about 900 ft in elevation that is in direct line of sight of the local broadcast stations. I borrowed and tried an 8 bay antenna with no luck. I could barely pick up analog signals, definitely not acceptable. No digital signals at all.

I do get NY NBC and Fox network feeds through D*. Unfortunately, the other local networks will not give the waiver unless I pay an "expert" to come out and certify that I cannot pickup their HD broadcasts. Since I can pick up HD locals through cable, and hopefully sometime in the next year or so D* will possibly carry them, I'm not willing to spend money on an "expert" to tell me I cannot pick up their signal...

So, I guess a 950' mast is out of the question? Sheesh! :)

Seriously, sorry to hear about your problem. I tried what you're talking about with my Comcast cable feed and had no luck.
carl6
06-07-07, 04:27 PM
Unfortunately, no.... I live at the foot of a large hill (or small mountain, varies by opinion) that is about 900 ft in elevation

Heck, 900 feet probably counts as a hill. I was absolutely amazed at how flat the entire south-east US was when I travelled through it a few years ago.

But back to topic on your problem. How far are you from the base of the hill? What is at the top? Has anyone tried putting a passive TV antenna re-transmission system up there (basically two directional antennas, one aimed at the sations, the other aimed at your house)?

There's more than one way to conquer an obstacle.

Carl
MalibuRacing
06-08-07, 08:08 AM
I live in the northern most part of Alabama. We are at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. So we have *some* mountainous terrain.

I'm not interested in spending money on the situation. Especially since I have access to HD locals through my cable connetion and I get East Coast feeds of Fox and NBC on my D* system. I'll be happy to wait out until I get all HD locals in my area. Just gotta' be patient....:(