Hello All,
I have been with Direct TV since 1996 and have a SD Tivo DVR from 2001 that works like a champ.
I want additional programming + HD so I am leaning to Dish as my new service provider. I am thinking about America's Top 250 and adding HBO when the 3 month promo ends.
My question are both technical about connectivity and also price conscious.
Connectivity:
Currently have a SD Tivo output using the house's RG-59 to feed all TV. Also connected to the Tivo is our roof top antenna that distributes HD local programing to our HD TVs through the same RG-59 cable network.
Entrance level - I have (1) HD TV next to the TiVo and one SD TV approximately 20 feet from the Tivo.
2nd Floor - I have (1) HDTV receiving Direct TV Tivo signal and OTA HD local programming on it's RG-59 coax cable. I also need at least (1) if not (2) other RG-59 cable run to 2 other bedrooms to pipe TV where there is currently none. I am told Dish will run the cable for no charge????
Basement - I have (1) SD connected to the RG-59 network to receive SD Tivo output.
So all in all, all of my HD TVs can watch either OTA programing while the SD watch Tivo or everyone watches the same programing.
My Tivo has only phone line connectivity. No internet connectivity.
So what receiver should I choose if I switch to Dish?
From what I can tell, the 722 makes the most sense if I want to keep my current TV similar as I could output the HDMI output to the TV right next to the 722 and connect the RG-59 output to my existing RG-59 network. And this DVR would only cost me $6/month in fees, right? Does the 722 have OTA connectivity and the ability to pipe it to other TVs using the RG-59 output? So this limits everyone using the RG-59 network to watch the same show while the HDMI can watch something different, right?
If I choose the Hopper, there is no OTA connectivity, right? I guess I can get around this by using one of the RG-59 cables (A/B) strictly for the OTA and the other one for Dish. How many Joeys would I need and how much would they cost? I have read that a RF modulator can be used to send HD signals to the RG-59 network so additional Joeys are not needed. Is this right?
In the ling run, which DVR am I better off with and which is the cheapest? I hate paying a montly fee to each TV and might be willing to settle for just SD at most of the TVs. Also, should the insurance plan be added due to unreliable hardware?
As the Hopper is the newest DVR out there, I assume it is going to have the best interface, features and will be what Dish designs future features and services for.
Any thoughts which direction I should go?
Thanks...
Neil
