I’m on the phone ordering a DirecTV package, one of those two rooms free (after rebate) deals. And I think to ask if it works with HDTVs. The guy has to put me on hold, and comes back to tell me it doesn’t.

What’s the deal?

They wouldn’t sell me a DirecTivo, either.

You have to either have two dishes, or one of the new dishes that can receive two signals. They use two satellites for the HDTV, so as not to clog up the bandwidth of the one.

DirecTV DOES support HDTV. You will need not only to subscribe to the HDTV service, but also have a DirecTV HDTV receiver (not a regular DirecTV box)

Others will kinow more about it, that's all I know.

The regular receivers they install for free are just that - regular Directv receivers. If you want a HD Directv receiver, you have to pay for it whether you are a new customer or an existing sub. They go for about $500 minimum.

Directv gets in DirecTiVos for sale once in a while. They recently got in a few (a friend of mine got a Sony this way), but have apparently run out again. You could wait for their next shipment, or go to Best Buy or Circuit City and get one and install it yourself. You might want to call Directv and see if they will dispatch an installer to do it for you since you wanted one from them and they didn't have any when you signed up.

If you backed out during the call and didn't sign up, go to CC (online or B&M) and get Directv there. You can get a DirecTiVo + a regular receiver installed for $320, then get a $100 cash rebate + a $25 CC gift card. If going online, remember to use the dvdtalk link to CC above

So, if I get a regular receiver, and get an HDTV, I'll still be getting non-HD programming?

That is correct.

Then what's the friggin point?

That you need an HD receiver to view HD content.

You'll also need a dish that can receive HDTV due to the two satellites used instead of one. I think that dish is pretty much teh standard, now, though.

AND you'll have to order the HDTV channels, which are extra. haha

So, I’m hearing an extra 500 bucks to get HD, which would mean enough of a cut into the budget for the TV itself that I wouldn’t be getting it for a while.

Or, I could just get the regular DirecTV, buy the HDTV and pretend I’m getting HD signals.

Does that about sum it up?

Well, call me Joe 6 pack, but I’m failing to see the benefit of HDTV, other than bragging rights.

HDTV is a myth, yes?

Myth? No. You can receive HD via antennae (free) along with Satellite.

It's no big deal really. I know when my dad bought his HDTV they gave him the HD directv receiver and satellite as part of the package. Also you get HDHBO free as long as you subscribe to HBO and also HDNET is free with basic package.

Seriously it's not that big a deal. And it looks great!

Yep, if you get an HDTV (as opposed to an HDTV ready tv, which doesn't include a tuner) then you are all set to get over-the-air HDTV. Major networks in most big cities are broadcasting HDTV.

And in a few years (less than 5) when the FCC pulls the plug on analog TV broadcasts and everything has moved to HDTV, you won't have to worry about any of this extra expensve for HDTV, as it will all be standard.

One of the drawbacks to being an early adopter is that it costs $$$.

Yeah, we're still in the early adopter phase.

Essentially, it's going to cost you about $500 to get HD signals. Whether you get the tuner integrated into the TV or get an external receiver, you're going to have to pay for that technology. I don't know how the new models are structured, but when I bought mine, I just got an HD ready TV (about $700 cheaper than one with an integrated tuner) and then a $500 combo OTA/DirecTV HD receiver so I could get broadcast HD networks and DirecTV HD stations.

Don't look at is as "cutting into" the TV's budget. It's part of the whole system. As with all the new technology, everything is components. You need a TV to display the image; you need a receiver to process it. It's like that for HD OTA, HD Dish/DirecTV, SD Dish/DirecTV, Digital Cable, etc. Unfortunately, because it's relatively new, it's expensive. But my first DVD player cost $700 and sucked ass. That's the way it works.

Oh, and HDTV is so amazing that it makes everything else look like complete ****. Don't get it if you have a weak heart.

das

It’s a myth to me. (Read on.)

(Well, as usual, I’m being unclear/obtuse, whatever. I guess I assumed that by avoiding mention of OTA, it was understood I wasn’t considering it.)

Due to the placement of buildings around here, OTA is not an option, and because of it I’ve been tied to the cable’s teat since 1978. Thus it’s a myth. And I have trouble getting my mind around an HD signal surviving a classic aluminum-tube antennae. (But that's obviously a personal problem. )

I was given an eye opener a few months ago when a friend gave me a tape of Farscape to replace the one I misprogrammed. I couldn’t believe the difference in quality, especially the sound. SciFi, and lately Fx have signal drops that may last a few seconds or a miinute. (As Murphy would have it, always during a critical point in the program.) The sound on SciFi must be turned up somewhat to reach the same level as the rest of the channels, and TNN is, on normal settings, just a whisper. Forget to reset the sound before changing channels and it’s, “Have you seen the dog lately?”

In essence, the quality sucks, and SAT is my only other option. But I’d also like to have a system that can take advantage of the HD broadcasts available. Seems most of the quality stuff I watch these days is in HD.

So, here’s my current thinking:

• Get the DirectTV system (it’s already shipped)
  
• Forget the HDTV and go for a Tivo and a hack kit
  
• Maybe get a 16x9 (non-HD) for the living room, move that 36” to the bedroom, replacing the aging 50” RCA projection TV there and sell it before it dies
  
• Put any remaining $$ in my 401k Naaa. Not a good time for that…

They GAVE him an HD receiver? As in no extra charge over the usual deal? (I don’t mean to question you on semantics. It’s just that I can’t seem to find me a “deal.”)


Please, folks, your opinions mean a lot to me. Just remember that I can’t do HDTV AND HDSAT both at this time. At least not with the situations mentioned so far.

das, you of all people should know how important it is to rescue me from the clutches of the E-vil cable company. C'mon. Pal. I know you've got the answers...

No one has really pointed this out yet, so you probably are not aware that DTV only broadcasts 3 HDTV channels at this time. Showtime HD, HBO HD, and HD Net. I believe they have plans to add ESPN HD soon. Your friends tape of Farscape was just standard DTV resoultion. In fact it was still not as good as how he watches it because the process of taping it on VHS loses about half of its resolution. I think you will be really happy with the picture quality of DTV it is a huge improvement over cable. As far as OTA, you may be able to get them in. They are generally stronger signals than analog. The antenna I have hooked up in my attic only gets a decent signal on 2 of my 4 analog local networks, but it brings in all of our digitals.

If you decide to go with HDTV DTV get the Phase III dish by Terk. It has an integrated 4 output multiswitch, has LNB's to reach all three birds, and only costs about 100 bucks. The wide 18x24 dishes are more expensive, 150 bucks, and you must add a sat c kit for the HD channels. An additional 50 bucks. Don't buy the RCA version of the phase III. It has known defects operarting in temps beneath 20 degrees.

This might save you a few bucks as well. My father-in-law decided he wanted a 16x9 HD ready tv in Novemebr. He decided he wanted to go with the Sony 46 inch model that was brand new at the time. So I went to mysimon .com and found the online retailer who sold it for the cheapest, printed off the page and took it to Circuit City. CC was selling it for 1850. The online retailer was selling it for around 1600 bucks. CC price matched it with out a problem. It is definitly worth checking into. It probably all depends on the manager.

As was already mentioned, DirecTV does not now (and is not likely to for a LONG time) transmit local channels in HD. Try somewhere like www.antennaweb.com to see how viable it is to get them OTA. You'd be surprised what the right antenna can do.

As for SAT equipment, don't "buy" anthing from DirecTV (except the TiVo). Bitch and complain about everything else until they give it to you free. You'll likely have to sign a 12-month contract, but I think it's worth it. They just want your monthly fee and should be willing to give you a dish and installation and all that stuff for free (or very low cost).

das

This is the biggest problem with HDTV and the satellite services. They have been very slow to impliment HD, most likely due to bandwidth considerations. The networks are broadcasting a surprising amount of HD content, but most people don't even realize it's out there yet.

Hopefully the economy will rebound soon, and this can really take off.

Once you've tasted HD you never go back..

Well, if I’m going to “cut the cord” [pun obvious], I guess I’m gonna have to bite the bullet.

I don’t see how there can be a difference between HD OTA and regular broadcasts. The assigned frequencies and bandwidths have been there for ages. Does one have to tune into a different channel to get HD from broadcast TV?

I just want to get the HD broadcasts from those regular stations that offer them. (And, again, OTA is not an option because of the rather tall buildings in my area.)

At least I can save some money by deferring my HDTV purchase until it’s more appropriate (and cheaper), and spend the money on a BIGGER upgrade for the Tivo I’ll be getting.

As always, I appreciate the input, even if it doesn’t make me happy.
And yet these's this HUGE banner announcing it at the beginning of many shows...

• Quoth Wizdar •<HR SIZE=1>Does one have to tune into a different channel to get HD from broadcast TV? <HR SIZE=1>

One does.

das

NOW it makes sense.

Thanks, das.

I'd do HDTV, but I have a couple problems with it. The local stations here .. well only a couple have DTV/HDTV. The other problem is I watch very little programming on those stations, so I cannot justify spending $500 for an HDTV tuner (my set is HDTV-ready). Also even if I had a tuner for Dish Network, only the premium stations have HDTV, right? Furthermore I'm in love with TiVo and my Dishplayer for recording my favorite shows, so I think it is best for me to wait until HDTV-PVR-Tuners start hitting the mainstream and become more affordable. I would hate to watch television live again.

I believe I read in the TiVo Community forum that DirecTV won't have ESPN HD immediately available upon the channel's launch. It didn't give an estimated date either.


Edit to add direct link: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=104173

Since 03/30 is the date of the channel launch, I guess some people already knew ESPN HD wasn't available.

So if I have an HDtv compatible t.v. and I want to get over the air network HD telecasts can someone explain how I can get them? Does anyone know if Digital cable offers any HD programing?

Here's how I went to HD/DirecTV for under $200. Being a new subscriber, you won't be able to do this exactly as I did. Telling them you won't subscribe without the credit, and will go with cable instead should do it.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=280111