Want to Upgrade to HD

bman542 said:

1) Could I could go out and buy all the above equipment and install it all myself, call up and activate/deactivate the equipment?

Click to expand...

Sure. Obviously it won't be free but sure, you can buy anything you want and install it as you have for years. I bought my first HR20 myself at Value Electronics and when my LNB died I just bought a new slimline (from Solid Signal) and installed myself. All the receivers are leased though, even when you "buy" it a Best Buy or online retailer. But be sure to get your receivers from an authorized dealer. The upside to doing this is you'll know you have new receivers instead of a refurb.

2) Can I call Directv CSR and ask to be upgraded to HD with above mentioned equipment and do a SELF INSTALL?

Click to expand...

Most likely not. They will pretty much force a tech to come out and install. When I did my HD upgarde I had a tech out but told him to just replace the dish and I'll take care of the receivers, switch and wiring. He was more then happy to let me do most of his work for him. But that will all depend on the installer you get.

4) Everything is leased now?

Click to expand...

Yes, been that way for 3 or 4 years now.

5) 2 year commitment?

Click to expand...

Yes.

6) One last question, If I decide to just install a slimline dish this fall and wait until next spring for the rest my existing equipment should work with no issues, right?

Click to expand...

If you get a regular Slimline dish then any old receivers will work just fine. But if you get the SWMLine dish I don't believe you can use any non-SWM capable receivers with it. Since it looks like you plan to keep using some older receiver I highly recommend you just get a regular 5 LNB Slimline and a separate SWM8 switch if you want the SWM capability.

bman542 said:

Current setup:

No HD.....

1 - Phase 3 dish
1 - 1 LNB dish (locals)
1 - Zinwell SAM-6802
2 - R10's
1 - R15
1 - D10

By the end of the year my locals will be in HD. I also will be upgrading my family room tv to a HD LCD tv. (either winter 08 or spring 09) I've been with Directv for 5+ years.

What I want to do....

Upgrade to:

drop (1) R10 and the R15

add

5LNB Slimline dish

2 - HR21's
1 - SWM-8 with power supply
1 - WB-68

Click to expand...

This would leave you with:
2 - HR21's
1 - R10
1 - D10
If this is true you wouldn't need the WB68. The SWM8 has 3 legacy ports wich could feed the 3 tuners on the R10 and D10.

bman542 said:

Since I to went to sat's over 10 years ago (Dish and Directv) I've done my own installs. I would like it to stay this way. My questions are:

1) Could I could go out and buy all the above equipment and install it all myself, call up and activate/deactivate the equipment?

Click to expand...

Yes

bman542 said:

2) Can I call Directv CSR and ask to be upgraded to HD with above mentioned equipment and do a SELF INSTALL?

Click to expand...

I don't think they will let you do a self instal. however, you may be able to get everything you want cheaper through DIRECTV. The only thing is SWM's are tough to come by through DIRECTV. They are easier to get through retail channels.

bman542 said:

3) If I call and ask to be upgraded and I can do a SELF INSTALL, what equipment will I be charged for?

Click to expand...

You would most likely be charged for the HR21's and thats it. But like I said they might not be able to get you the SWM

bman542 said:

4) Everything is leased now?

Click to expand...

Yes

bman542 said:

5) 2 year commitment?

Click to expand...

Yes

bman542 said:

6) One last question, If I decide to just install a slimline dish this fall and wait until next spring for the rest my existing equipment should work with no issues, right?

Click to expand...

Yes

bman542 said:

thanks,

Bill

Click to expand...

You are welcome.