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General discussion

Dish TV HDTV Recievers

Mar 29, 2005 11:00PM PST

I am about to get my HDTV. I already have Dish TV.

I assumed that I would need to get one of the Dish TV HDTV recievers - but it looks like that may not be true.

Dish TV's offerings of HDTV programming are pretty limited. I plan on relying on an antenna for my local HDTV programs. I don't plan on ordering any of Dish TV's HDTV packages.

Given all of this - it sounds like I can use my old (standard) Dish TV reciever - and simply connect my off-line antenna to this reciever.

Does this all sound correct - or am I missing something?

Discussion is locked

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dish
Mar 30, 2005 12:29AM PST

You still need a dish hdtv receiver or another brand receiver that is capable of pulling in the hd signal and processing it for your tv. If you use your old dish receiver for antenna use you'll only be able to get the analog feeds. Motorola and Samsung both make receivers for antenna use, but if you plan to keep dish you may be better off swapping out your old unit for one of their hd ones. That way you can hook up an antenna to it get your local hd stations, and if you decide to order the dish hdtv package at some point you'll already be set.

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Do I need a Dish HDTV tuner
Mar 30, 2005 4:03AM PST

Bummer - is that true.

I am getting a Sony KD-34XBR960 - which has a built in HDTV tuner. I was hoping that meant I wouldn't have to plunk down the $500 for the Dish Tuner/Recorder combo. At least not yet.

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Dish TV tuner
Mar 30, 2005 5:05AM PST

Actually - I was just over in the Cnet HDTV bootcamp section.

It sounds like - with the pending arrival of the new MPEG 4 format - now is the absolutely WRONG time to buy any new satalitte tuners (DishTV or Direct TV)

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Since you are not subscrbing the HD pkg.
Mar 30, 2005 5:58AM PST

You don't need the HD box from Disk. At least that how DirecTV works.

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no
Mar 30, 2005 3:04PM PST

If your tv has a built in hdtv tuner then all you need is an antenna that is capable of recieving your local channels. HDTV is broadcast on the uhf frequency, so make sure your antenna has a uhf element on it. Then go to antennaweb.org and type in your address. You'll find out what channels are available in your area and what direction you have to point the antenna. HDTV signals are very directional, you either get the signal or you don't. Move a little to the right or left and you can lose the signal. You might want to get a rotator if the antenna is on the roof. It can save you a lot of trips up and down the ladder.

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Dish DVD
Mar 30, 2005 6:37AM PST

Dont attach the antenna to the standard receiver...it will convert the signal back to analog and won't give you any HD. You need an HD receiver to transmit the HD antenna signal. Although satellite is advertised as "all digital", only the signal is transmitted in digital...it is converted to analog before the signal is delivered to your set via composite or S-video outputs...neither of which offer a digital signal.So it will convert your antenna signal back to analog before it reaches your set. You want to hook the HD antenna directly to the antenna input on the back of your TV set...that's how I have mine. As to getting an HD receiver, I think you will be rather dissapointed...I already tried that route and went back to the standard receiver. The 811 gave me a worse picture than my standard receiver on the regular channels...and Dish's HD programming is garbage right now...trust me..you won't even watch it for the 10 bucks a month. Your best programming right now is free with the antenna. They will soon have better mpeg 4 technology available (which will outdate your current HD receiver you will receive) and more hd programming selections at better prices...I would save your money and wait.....

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thanks
Mar 30, 2005 9:12PM PST

Yes - this is the same conclusions I had reached. Thanks to all for the helpful responses.

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811-->watching SD
Apr 30, 2005 2:16AM PDT

Hi,
<<The 811 gave me a worse picture than my standard receiver on the regular channels...>>

I had an 811, gave it away after one year and now have Time-Warner's 8300HD. Fantastic. Anyhow with the 811 all I did was watch SD channels using its S-video output. Since there was only one audio optical out I simply had to listen using my home stereo system. SD on 811's digital out was pathetic!!
Raja

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you didnt hook uo the 811 correectly
Jul 7, 2005 9:34AM PDT

When dish installed my 811 system the used componit vidio cables and as you say s.d. looked terrible and if you used s vidio it would really look nasty. the next day I replaced my componit vidio cables with a d.v.i. cable and now s.d. and hi-def channels look awsome I also replaced my d.v.d. player with a DENON 2910 with d.v.i. output and a GIFFEN d.v.i. switcher now the 811 and d.v.d. picture is stunning please reply iam stewart norrie in this chat room good luck

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take another look at the 811
Jun 22, 2005 1:52AM PDT

When I had the dish 811 installed to my new Sony 65" widescreen I found the picture nasty. using the componit vidio supplied , So I installed a D.V.I cable and problem solved Now I have a stunning hi-def picture For some reason the componit vidio interface wont give a hi-def picture . Right now I have the basic plus hi-def and I just added voom. for $5.00 a month more, also I added a cheap outside antenna to the 811 off air hi-def tuiner and living 70 miles from San Francisco I receive 19 digital channels 9 of which are in hi-def, anyway good luck and please respond to me stewart norrie

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problem solved cheap guy
Jun 11, 2005 7:11AM PDT

no. no. call dish network and get the dish 811 bvox it should be free to you or thay may charge you $49.00 witch they would credit you on your billing I pay $39.00 per month for basic and the Hi-Def package and its well worth it awsome hi-def programming This unit also has a over the air tuner digital + hi-def I receive 18 local digital stations 9 of which are in hi-def Just make sure you hook it up using a d.v.i interface cable dish network only supplies componit vidio cables and you will have to buy the d.v.i cable for hi-def also I just added VOOM for an extra $5.00 and its awsome also good luck in closing would love to hear from you cadillacstew@aol.com

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Dish TV HDTV Recievers
Jun 16, 2005 7:24AM PDT