[bigskyirish]

Here is my situation: I recently received a 50" Panasonic plasma as a gift. I have never had HD before, but want to take full advantage of the new tv. In my area, Direct TV offers far and away the most HD channels. However, I am in an area where Direct TV does not offer local channels. I have done a fair amount of research on this and other forums about some of my setup questions, but I'm hoping someone here can help me fill in the gaps.

Here is what I would like to do:

First I would like to hook up Direct TV to 2 tvs - the Panasonic plasma and an older 27" Phillips. Because Direct TV doesn't have local channels in my area, I will also need to get an OTA antenna (I'm assuming either an attic one or a roof one).

For the Panasonic, I would like to be able to record in HD, so my plan is to just get Direct TV's dual tuner HD DVR. I understand that Direct TV's DVR does not have a ATSC tuner, which presents a problem for connecting the OTA antenna. However, it appears that Direct TV is offering a product called the AM-21, which will allow me to also record local HD channels received over the air on Direct TV's DVR.
My only real question about this setup is how to install the OTA antenna. Is this something Direct TV will do for me or do I need to do it myself? I'm not adverse to trying to do it myself, but I'll be honest. I have no idea how to install a rooftop or attic antenna and then run the cable into my basement.

For the Phillips (which will be in a bedroom), I'm not all that concerned about HD. I do, however, have a lifetime subscription to a Series 2 single tuner Tivo that I would like to continue to use. What I would like to do is have Direct TV on this tv as well, but use my Tivo to record. I assume that this would not be a huge problem. I could just get a Direct TV receiver (instead of a DVR) and hook up the Tivo like I would to a cable box and use a serial or IR connection to change channels. Does anyone know if this would work? My bigger concern is again the fact that Direct TV does not have the local channels in my area.
Is there a way that I can connect the tv, Direct TV receiver, OTA antenna, and Tivo so that Tivo will be able to record both the Direct TV channels and the OTA local channels? (Again, HD isn't really an issue and a Series 2 won't record in HD anyway).

If someone could help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Mike

 

[tcusta00]

As far as the antenna install, no, DirecTV won't do this. The installer may do it on the side, but not as part of a regular install. You may want to try it yourself, isn't that hard. Have you been to a site like antennaweb.org to find out what type of antenna you need based on your local geography? Depending on your proximity to the towers you may be able to get away with a smaller antenna inside or mounted on your chimney.

If the installer offers to do this antenna install as a side job make sure he's qualified to do it and he knows what he's doing.

Not sure about your TIVO question... someone will come along and be able to answer that I'm sure.

 

[msmith]

If you have an existing OTA (over the air - "regular" TV) antenna it should work fine for digital stations if you are close enough to the transmitter. It would be worth trying with the Panasonic's tuner to see. If it works on the Panasonic, it should work on the DirecTV receiver.

How far are you from the transmitter? (see antennaweb.org)

 

[bigskyirish]

It looks like I am fairly close to most of the transmitters, but antennaweb.org says that I will need a medium directional antenna with a pre-amp if I want to get the local FOX station. I am just over 21 miles from that transmitter.

 

[curt8403]

Here is my situation: I recently received a 50" Panasonic plasma as a gift. I have never had HD before, but want to take full advantage of the new tv. In my area, Direct TV offers far and away the most HD channels. However, I am in an area where Direct TV does not offer local channels. I have done a fair amount of research on this and other forums about some of my setup questions, but I'm hoping someone here can help me fill in the gaps.

Here is what I would like to do:

First I would like to hook up Direct TV to 2 tvs - the Panasonic plasma and an older 27" Phillips. Because Direct TV doesn't have local channels in my area, I will also need to get an OTA antenna (I'm assuming either an attic one or a roof one).

For the Panasonic, I would like to be able to record in HD, so my plan is to just get Direct TV's dual tuner HD DVR. I understand that Direct TV's DVR does not have a ATSC tuner, which presents a problem for connecting the OTA antenna. However, it appears that Direct TV is offering a product called the AM-21, which will allow me to also record local HD channels received over the air on Direct TV's DVR.
My only real question about this setup is how to install the OTA antenna. Is this something Direct TV will do for me or do I need to do it myself? I'm not adverse to trying to do it myself, but I'll be honest. I have no idea how to install a rooftop or attic antenna and then run the cable into my basement.

For the Phillips (which will be in a bedroom), I'm not all that concerned about HD. I do, however, have a lifetime subscription to a Series 2 single tuner Tivo that I would like to continue to use. What I would like to do is have Direct TV on this tv as well, but use my Tivo to record. I assume that this would not be a huge problem. I could just get a Direct TV receiver (instead of a DVR) and hook up the Tivo like I would to a cable box and use a serial or IR connection to change channels. Does anyone know if this would work? My bigger concern is again the fact that Direct TV does not have the local channels in my area.
Is there a way that I can connect the tv, Direct TV receiver, OTA antenna, and Tivo so that Tivo will be able to record both the Direct TV channels and the OTA local channels? (Again, HD isn't really an issue and a Series 2 won't record in HD anyway).

If someone could help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Mike

another thing to consider is that Directv will be adding more locals when the new satellite goes live.

 

[bigskyirish]

another thing to consider is that Directv will be adding more locals when the new satellite goes live.

True and that's something I'm hoping for. Then getting the local channels over the air would not be an issue for the smaller tv (although I would probably still need an antenna to get them in HD for the bigger tv - I'm sure Direct TV won't have my locals in HD for at least a few years). Any idea on when the new satellite goes live (I know it was launched in March) or when Direct TV will announce what new markets get locals?

 

[msmith]

It looks like I am fairly close to most of the transmitters, but antennaweb.org says that I will need a medium directional antenna with a pre-amp if I want to get the local FOX station. I am just over 21 miles from that transmitter.

You might be good with a cheap internal antenna. The Silver Sensor works pretty well for me at those distances. It's VERY directional - so if your stations are in different directions it might not work.

It's worth a try, from someplace that will let you return it.

 

[msmith]

True and that's something I'm hoping for. Then getting the local channels over the air would not be an issue for the smaller tv (although I would probably still need an antenna to get them in HD for the bigger tv - I'm sure Direct TV won't have my locals in HD for at least a few years). Any idea on when the new satellite goes live (I know it was launched in March) or when Direct TV will announce what new markets get locals?

Rumor says it could be this month. DirecTV has announced September in the past.

 

[bigskyirish]

Rumor says it could be this month. DirecTV has announced September in the past.

That would definitely solve some of my problems. As far as directional antennas, the four stations I care about receiving are at 84, 99, 103, and 107 degrees and are between 6 and 21.8 miles away. Is it worth a shot to try an indoor antenna?

 

[msmith]

That would definitely solve some of my problems. As far as directional antennas, the four stations I care about receiving are at 84, 99, 103, and 107 degrees and are between 6 and 21.8 miles away. Is it worth a shot to try an indoor antenna?

If you can return it, why not?

You've already got a tuner in the Panny.