[iacas]

I currently have a DirecTV TiVo (series 2) without HD. I've tried to use a big TERK antenna to get local HD channels, but Erie, PA is an HD wasteland.

In doing some research on newer receivers (I ended up deciding I didn't need one), I dropped in again on DirecTV's HD/DVR page(s). So far as DirecTV knows, my service address is in Pittsburgh, and the DTV site told me that I could receive HD local channels. I saw the HR20 was only $299, looked around, and ordered one from Best Buy .com (the local store had none). Worst case I can return it.

I also found someone willing to install the 5-LNB dish for me for about $100. Just a labor charge, as he has plenty of unused, new 5LNBs sitting around from other Erie customers who opted for the smaller 3LNB dish.

I should be up and running on Wednesday. Which is fine, as I'll be playing my Wii during all of my spare time until then anyway. ;-)

I have a few questions I'm hoping people here can answer for me. I look forward to sticking around, too, and discussing things further after I'm set up.

1. I plan to hook this up via HDMI to my TV, but I'd like to use the optical audio out. I see it's "always on," which is good, but does it always put out sound or will I have to hook up the stereo plugs for non-5.1-channel sound? I presume I can do this (just use the optical, routed through my receiver), but I want to make sure.
2. The monthly cost is $5.99 (which basically gives you access to the software updates), you don't need a phone line if you never do PPV, and the network features don't currently work but may start in December, right? Is the $9.99 7-channel HD package worthwhile?
3. How loud are they really? I had heard that they were a little loud.
4. How should I go about forcing a software update as soon as possible after installing the unit? How long will it take? I'd probably like to do it as soon as possible, as I'm not sure how old my unit will be and what software it will have on it.

I've downloaded the TiVo mover's guide, the "tips and tricks," and another PDF that should help me through the transition. Any help with the questions above - or any other answers to questions I haven't asked - would be appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[LameLefty]

1. Optical-only works fine for all sound. I have mine routed that way through my Yamaha receiver.
2. Yes.
3. Loud? I don't think it's loud at all. I certainly don't hear mine at all, if you mean fan and hard drive noise.
4. It'll update itself automatically as soon as it detects that a new software update is available.

 

[iacas]

3. Loud? I don't think it's loud at all. I certainly don't hear mine at all, if you mean fan and hard drive noise.

The CNet review, I believe, said something about how loud it was.

Thanks for the answers. I appreciate it.

 

[hasan]

The CNet review, I believe, said something about how loud it was.

Thanks for the answers. I appreciate it.

Very few complaints on these forums about "loudness"...unless the HD was failing.

 

[Guindalf]

Couple of points here.

First, the prices you mention seem a little high to me. Call D* and ask them for an upgrade price. I'm sure you can do better - including a free dish install. So at worst, you'd be looking at $299 for the whole installed package. Many here have got HR20s for as little as $99 installed (I actually got TWO for that price) plus some programming credits, so it's well worth a call.

Second, whatever you do, DON'T buy your HDMI cables from the B&M stores! CC are offering a special at $99, but you can get them from monoprice.com (for example) for just $15 - and they are the same quality. This goes for the optical cable too.

As for loudness, I have one in the bedroom and have never heard it!

 

[LameLefty]

Many here have got HR20s for as little as $99 installed

Or free, plus programming credits.