Thinking about local channels...

[BearsFan]

So I'm thinking about getting the Jacksonville, FL locals through D*...

Problem is, I don't have the oval dish or the D* Plus receiver needed to receive the channels from the 119 bird.

Called D*, and they are "offering" $49.99 for the 18"-24" dish -AND- the receiver, plus "free installation."

My question: is there a deal cheaper than that? (Yes, I am a cheapskate.)

I've seen a local add or two, offering "free installation with a 1-year committment" (I don't need free installation...I've always installed my dish myself), and other various charges for the dish/ for extra receivers which I don't need or want. It equals more than $49.99 bottom line.

I also asked the D* CSR, "If I go with a local retailer, is there an activation fee for the new access card too in addition to the $49.99?" She said "No." :confused:

Is there a way to get a "better deal," or is $49.99 the best I can get? I've only called D* once, and plan to call again/ask for a manager/ask for a deal...

Bottom line:

1) Don't want/need any kind of TiVo unit
2) Don't want any "1-year committment"
3) Don't want to switch to E* or AT&T Cable (God FORBID!!!!) for locals
4) Don't need any installer coming over...I can do that myself
5) Want the cheapest/lowest price possible

Any suggestions/thoughts?

--MfS

[Curtis0620]

$49.99 is an excellent deal. A dish alone at a retailer runs $100-$150 plus a new receiver is $50-$80, then add installation. The elliptical dish is much harder to install than the round one.

Take the deal, you will not find one better.

[BearsFan]

Originally posted by Curtis0620
The elliptical dish is much harder to install than the round one.


This is what worries me. I have my 18" dish already "leaning" up against the screen of my appartment. My landlords didn't have a problem with me drilling holes in the facade of the outdoor utility closet on the tiny "balcony" I have. I'm wondering if this new, bigger dish will even fit. I'm sure it'd be too big to attach with the same holes...

I'm guessing I'd need to get a tripod/other apparatus and "back the dish up" away from the screen to even get a signal.

Dumb question, only because I've never installed an elliptical dish before:

Is it pointed in the same direction as the standard 18" dish? Is there a lot of leeway needed?

--BearsFan

[Tom_S]

I installed the oval dish and it's easy. You don't need alot more space but I'm not sure what exactly is leaning against the screen.

It's a bit wider and (when viewed from the front) slightly tilted counter-clockwise. It's pointed in basically the same direction. 119 is to the right and lower in the sky.

At one time I had DirecTV and Dishnetwork running off the one oval dish. It was pretty neat.

The deal sounds good though.. Take it.

[BearsFan]

I'm not exactly sure what is leaning against the screen.

The actual LNB of the small dish I have now is "leaning"/making a "dent" in the plastic screen that the dish shoots through. I'm hoping that the bigger dish can be set up farther "back" on my balcony with a tripod or something, and still get a signal. I'm not sure if it will...

Should I decide to get the bigger eliptical dish, would it be possible to just keep the wiring layout, or is there something additional to the bigger dish?

Thing is, I'm awfully happy with the way the wiring is "buried"/hidden in my apartment, and I'm hoping that all I'd have to do is take the coax out of the old dish/LNB, and just reattach it to the new elliptical dish LNB.

Is that possible, or is there more to it than that?

Anyone?

--BearsFan

[Karl Foster]

The oval dish has a built-in multiswitch. The coax's from the LNB's will go into the multiswitch and then your existing wiring will go into the outgoing side of the multiswitch. You won't have to change anything as far as that goes. Don't know what to tell you about the balcony, though.

[Tom_S]

Not exactly built-in. The multiswitch get screwed to the back or tucked under the roof of my house in my case. Mine came with a 4x4 which I think is standard.

The arm with the LNB's on it is considerably wider and will probably make a bigger dent(or a hole) in the screen. I don't know the exact measurements but you can probably find them somwhere on the net.

Good luck.

[spanishannouncetable]

Originally posted by BearsFan
Bottom line:

1) Don't want/need any kind of TiVo unit
2) Don't want any "1-year committment"
3) Don't want to switch to E* or AT&T Cable (God FORBID!!!!) for locals
4) Don't need any installer coming over...I can do that myself
5) Want the cheapest/lowest price possible

Any suggestions/thoughts?

--MfS

1) Yes you do. You just don't know it yet :D
2) If you take this deal, they may tell you that a 1-year contract is required. Since you've had Directv a while you can probably pout and stomp your feet and get out of it, but if you plan to keep Directv why bother ? Just tell them "okay", a year goes by fast.
3) Good for you :righton:
4) Directv will insist on an installer. He will bring the equipment as Directv doesn't ship stuff directly to the customer. When he shows up he has to call Directv and tell them the equipment is connected. Let him do that, then ask him to leave the stuff then sign his documents so he gets paid. It will make his day :)
5) This IS the best deal you will get. Take it.

[Mark Holtz]

Why no DirecTivo? Everyone who has a 50x/721/DirecTivo/UltimateTV loves it.

[BearsFan]

Originally posted by Z'Loth
Why no DirecTivo? Everyone who has a 50x/721/DirecTivo/UltimateTV loves it.

I understand, and I'd "like" one, but it's not what I need right now. I don't want ANOTHER monthly bill. I have enough of those as it is. TiVo is a extra "luxury" to me, and when I can afford it, I'll look into it. But too pricey for me (up front & monthly).

Besides, my VCR works just fine, and tapes are uber-cheap. I know, I'm "so 20th Century." :blush: :lol: