I've updated my original post to include answers and tips from the helpful folks here at DBSTalk, and will continue to update as any new suggestions come in ...
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Questions about the first time you plug in an HR20:
Q: In the sticky for Insallation Tips, I'm surprised that HDMI is still listed as "bad" for the TV connection type, because I thought I read other threads that said it's not really a factor?
A: HDMI is still an issue with some tv sets. Only way to find out in your case is to try it.
Q: What can I expect regarding the software version?
A: Probably not the current version.
Q: Will the box automatically detect it has an old version and download the newest, or do I have to initiate this download?
A: Plan to download the latest software during setup. (The receiver will detect that it doens't have the current version if you let it set for about half an hour and it will download and install on it's own. Or you can force the download to get the latest now. If you want to setup OTA right away you will need to force the download since it was added in a later version that what is probably on the box from the factory.)
Q: Also, does the box have to be activated using whatever old version is on it before it can get a new version? Or does it download the newest version and reboot before activation is completed?
A: It does not need to be activated (as in activated on an account). You probably will bring it all the way through startup, check signals and make sure everything is working right with whatever software is on it. Then do a reset and force a new software download.
Given the above questions, here's your first time setup:
Q: How long should it take to complete the above steps, assuming it needs to download a new version?
A: 20 minutes to half-an-hour after good dish setup
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Questions about the first time you plug in an HR20:
Q: In the sticky for Insallation Tips, I'm surprised that HDMI is still listed as "bad" for the TV connection type, because I thought I read other threads that said it's not really a factor?
A: HDMI is still an issue with some tv sets. Only way to find out in your case is to try it.
Q: What can I expect regarding the software version?
A: Probably not the current version.
Q: Will the box automatically detect it has an old version and download the newest, or do I have to initiate this download?
A: Plan to download the latest software during setup. (The receiver will detect that it doens't have the current version if you let it set for about half an hour and it will download and install on it's own. Or you can force the download to get the latest now. If you want to setup OTA right away you will need to force the download since it was added in a later version that what is probably on the box from the factory.)
Q: Also, does the box have to be activated using whatever old version is on it before it can get a new version? Or does it download the newest version and reboot before activation is completed?
A: It does not need to be activated (as in activated on an account). You probably will bring it all the way through startup, check signals and make sure everything is working right with whatever software is on it. Then do a reset and force a new software download.
Given the above questions, here's your first time setup:
- Connect HR20 to TV/AV system
- Plug in satellite lines
- Plug in power
- Force download (or) Wait for new software to be downloaded
- Activate Receiver (time spent on hold will vary - maybe 10 minutes - then less then 5 to actually activate)
- Confirm local channels are activated
- Confirm premium channels are activated
- Confirm DVR service is activated
- Review sat signal strength on all 5 sats
Q: How long should it take to complete the above steps, assuming it needs to download a new version?
A: 20 minutes to half-an-hour after good dish setup