HDTV conversion question for DirecTV customers.

[icehog3]

I have a standard definition TV with a standard box in the bedroom.

I have High Def in the basement, and therefore have the HD satellite dish from DirecTV.

I bought another HDTV for the bedroom. Can I order the HD box from DirecTV and just hook it up to the current wire (along with the necessary HD TV attachments), or do I need a different wire run to the bedroom?

I couldn't find the definitive answer on their website, although they imply that I can. Tried calling, held 15 minutes and was cut off.

Anyone definitively know the answer? Thanks for any help. I am off to hockey, I will check reponses and answer any follow up questions later.

[justonemorestick]

if you are talking the coax cable from the wall that the other receiver is WORKING with then it should just be a swap of the reciever and hooking an HDMI cable to the tv. if the other box is having problems with that cable run then it could get more complicated.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by justonemorestick

if you are talking the coax cable from the wall that the other receiver is WORKING with then it should just be a swap of the reciever and hooking an HDMI cable to the tv. if the other box is having problems with that cable run then it could get more complicated.

No problems with the current box, Warren.

[Barrythevic]

If you have a regular receiver, not a DVR, then it will have a single coax antenna feed.

The HD receiver should come with a dongle to interface with the coax antenna feed. The dongle is used to be able to switch the dish to the HD satellites.

If you get a DVR, then you will need two coax feeds from your dish. That will allow you to record one program while watching a second one.

Enjoy!

[poker]

This is a pic of the back of Directv Samsung HD receiver (no DVR). Should just be a simple plug & play I would think.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Barrythevic

If you have a regular receiver, not a DVR, then it will have a single coax antenna feed.

The HD receiver should come with a dongle to interface with the coax antenna feed. The dongle is used to be able to switch the dish to the HD satellites.

If you get a DVR, then you will need two coax feeds from your dish. That will allow you to record one program while watching a second one.

Enjoy!

So in other words, Barry, the one coax cable won't be sufficient with a DVR, and I will need to run another wire through the walls/floors in order to watch and record different channels? If so, I probably need the company to come out for the install?

Originally Posted by icehog3

So in other words, Barry, the one coax cable won't be sufficient with a DVR, and I will need to run another wire through the walls/floors in order to watch and record different channels? If so, I probably need the company to come out for the install?

Yes Tom, to watch and record different channels you'll need separate cable runs, one into each tuner on the back of the DVR

[icehog3]

Thanks Vic, Kelly, Barry, Warren and all.

Spoke to Directv, and decided I can live without the DVR in the bedroom, was looking at $199 for the DVR and $49 for the service call. They are sending me a HD receiver for free, and I can install it myself without running wires.

$0 fits much better into my year-end budget than $248.

[poker]

There is also the option of adding Directv's whole house DVR service as well. 1 DVR in the system and you can watch recorded programs on any tv with a Directv receiver. I have that at my fathers house.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/conten...logy/wholehome

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by poker

There is also the option of adding Directv's whole house DVR service as well. 1 DVR in the system and you can watch recorded programs on any tv with a Directv receiver. I have that at my fathers house.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/conten...logy/wholehome

Looks like that wouldn't cost me any more than a service call with the equipment I will have, plus $3 more bucks a month. Thanks, Kelly.