[Grasschopper]

Ok so I am a current DTV customer and I currently have an H20 (I think...the non DVR HD receiver that would have been distributed this summer with a new hookup), a R15 and a std receiver.

The issue here is 2 fold: Currently I am throwing my money away on HD as we NEVER watch it (50" Sony GWIII is in the HT in the basement and the wife doesn't like watching TV in the HT ). We are about to move.

So I am thinking that there is space in the living room of the new home to put the HD set there...but we will want a DVR (thus the question here). So my questions are: How much will it cost me to upgrade from the H20 to the HR20? Also I assume the HR20 is dual tuner and needs 2 coax inputs...is this correct? Since I already have a DVR do I have to pay an additional DVR fee for having 2 DVRs or does my DVR fee cover me for both the R15 and the HR20?

And my final question is should I even bother? I have a thought that I can put this set in a place we will watch it and run both the current H20 through DVI input and run the R15 into it through the coax line. This would have the R15 remotely located (it is currently and we have the weeknees RF deal for the remote) and it would also be used on another set (sorry this part isn't really HR20 related...I am going off on a tangent here ).

 

[wakajawaka]

Cost of upgrading to the new DVR will range from virtually free to $299. It just depends on your level of service with DTV. The rest of your questions are rather subjective, but if I never watched HD, I certainly wouldn't pay extra for it.

 

[Tom Robertson]

...but we will want a DVR (thus the question here). So my questions are: How much will it cost me to upgrade from the H20 to the HR20?

The cost will depend on what deal you can arrange with Directv. Moving is an ideal time to negotiate to stay with Directv with new stuff. Should be no worse than $299 with a new two year commitment, but you should be able to talk them down somewhat.

Also I assume the HR20 is dual tuner and needs 2 coax inputs...is this correct?

Since the HR20 receives OTA signals, you might want a 3rd coax for the beauty of the OTA signals. The 3rd coax would go to an antenna appropriate for your location. If you are close to the broadcast towers, an indoor antenna my do.

Since I already have a DVR do I have to pay an additional DVR fee for having 2 DVRs or does my DVR fee cover me for both the R15 and the HR20?

Only 1 DVR fee covers all the DVR service. But there are still additional receiver fees. I am so used to the 6 or 7 sec. backup that I hav DVRs on all my TVs now. Why bother with a boring receive only box

And my final question is should I even bother? I have a thought that I can put this set in a place we will watch it and run both the current H20 through DVI input and run the R15 into it through the coax line. This would have the R15 remotely located (it is currently and we have the weeknees RF deal for the remote) and it would also be used on another set (sorry this part isn't really HR20 related...I am going off on a tangent here ).

The HD experience is so cool and picture so good, its a shame that you won't really be able to enjoy and record it unless you get a HD DVR. Preferably one that can do Over The Air (OTA), where you get the best picture quality from your local stations.

Remoting the R15 is very helpful. I often put the same show on in several rooms while I do chores.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Grasschopper]

Ok the 3rd coax line for OTA isn't going to happen. We are quite a ways from our local stations...like 40-60 miles and on the other side of a mtn range. There are claims that we can get then OTA here but the fact is you can't really.

But anyway...the issue with trying to negotiate the HR20 is that I just signed up for DTV in July...so that isn't going to work either.

I would REALLY hate to go back to cable...pay the fee to DTV...and pay more for my service. Grr

 

[Tom Robertson]

Ok the 3rd coax line for OTA isn't going to happen. We are quite a ways from our local stations...like 40-60 miles and on the other side of a mtn range. There are claims that we can get then OTA here but the fact is you can't really.

But anyway...the issue with trying to negotiate the HR20 is that I just signed up for DTV in July...so that isn't going to work either.

I would REALLY hate to go back to cable...pay the fee to DTV...and pay more for my service. Grr

The distance wouldn't be a problem, but the mountains sure can be. bummer.

Wouldn't be so sure that you can't talk to D*. If you've paid on time (A big plus for them!) and you are subscribed for more than TC bare minimum (whats the current name?) you have a fair chance of some negotiation.

Good luck,
Tom