DirecTV Launches 21 New HD Channels

[regman]

akirby is absolutely right - the diplexer has to go. I ran a separate cable for the OTA antenna and it all works great. The DVR set up the guide for it right away. My signal strength is so hot here that regular splitters don't seem to make a difference. Right now I have 4 devices sharing the OTA - 2 DVR's and 2 VCRs's.

I also noticed the SD broadcasts of the of the so-called HD channels. I just updated my "favorites" in "custom 1" yesterday so I'll have to take a closer look. I am also going to compare the regular SD broadcast and see which upconversion is the best.

I've been far busier fine tuning my Logitech Harmony 1000 to get rid of all of the remotes and it's really coming together. It takes some tweaking to get all of the buttons customized just how you like them. I like the simplicity of the sequencing function. So far it does seem better than my Harmony 880. They are reasonably priced on Amazon for about $327 as I recall (MSRP is $499.99). It's always complicated setting up a universal remote but Logitech has great support and a database of 175,000 devices. Once you get used to the software it's fairly easy to tweak.

[dwightward]

In my set up I have a multiswitch on the dish that feeds four lines to another multiswitch in a home run box in an interior closet. That switch is 5 by 8. The four feeds from the dish and the one antenna feed are connected to the five inputs. I use seven of the outputs. The first to an HD20, another to another HD20, 2 too a HR20-700 HD DVR, and 2 to a HD 10-250 DVR, and the last to an old DVR.

I unplugged the antenna input and took the diplexer out of the. I plugged the this line into the B band converter and directly to the TV. I am still having the same problems. Could this have someting to do with the second in line multiswitch?

Thanks for every ones input.

[akirby]

The old multi-switches won't work. You need the new 6x8 multi-switch. It doesn't have an OTA input.

[regman]

Echoing what akirby said. the 6x8 multiswitch system is strictly for the satellite. You will need a separate distribution system for the OTA antenna.

[jgg1]

Echoing what akirby said. the 6x8 multiswitch system is strictly for the satellite. You will need a separate distribution system for the OTA antenna.

I have a Spaun Mult-swtich with 4 Satellite inputs, one OTA input, and 8 outputs. I do have a separate OTA antenna distribution system. I am and have always been a subscriber to DIRECTV HD Package.

I had the new DIRECTV antenna installed by a DIRECTV technician, and I installed the B-Band converter on both of my HR-20 DIRECTV HD boxes, and I still am not receiving any signal on Transponder 99. This resulted in my receiving the local HD channels now being received on my DIRECTV receiver. However, the remaining new DIRECTV HD channels(CNNHD, A&EHD, etc) only display the '771- 'signal not found' notice.

When I contacted DIRECTV's technical help line, they indicated that their installer may not have correctly positioned the antenna when he installed the new 5 transponder antenna. However, I believe that not to be the case, since all the rest of the channels, including the new local HD DIRECTV channels come in as clear as a 'bell'.

I tend to believe that I may have a bad '99' transponder, or worse yet, the new satellite has 'issues' not yet worked out by DIRECTV and it' satellite communications service provider.

All comments welcome.

[akirby]

I have a Spaun Mult-swtich with 4 Satellite inputs, one OTA input, and 8 outputs. I do have a separate OTA antenna distribution system. I am and have always been a subscriber to DIRECTV HD Package.

Your multi-switch is not Ka compatible. The Spaun Ka compatible multi-switches are either 4x12 or 4x16 - they do not have an OTA input. You need to upgrade to a Ka compatible multi-switch.

[jgg1]

akirby, Thanks for your response.

Based on your response, you are telling me, and all of the other unsuspecting 'legacy'(meaning older than 3 year) satellite multi-switch owners, that they will have to upgrade to a new multi-switch to receive the new HD satellite, non-local HD, feeds from DIRECTV?

Is it possible that DIRECTV could have omitted this bit of information when they stated that 'all existing customers have to do;

1. Upgrade your antenna to a 5 LNB antenna
2. Install the B-Band converter in line to your existing HR-20 HD DIRECTV boxes.

Is it possible that DIRECTV could have 'forgotten' the small detail of telling their subscribers of HD services that, in addition to Satellite dish, and B-Band converters, they will have to upgrade their multi-switch' too? Hmmm, multi switches are pretty expensive.

Be interesting to understand their posiion on this.

All that being said, the DIRECTV technician is due out to the house today to see if the transponder or dish position are the 'culprits'. If he is unable to effect a repair, i will inquire about the multi-switch. If he is able to effect repair, all is well.

i will update the forum either way, and thanks again for your prompt reply.

[akirby]

The installers are supposed to install new Zinwell 6x8 or 6x16 multi-switches at no extra charge (I think). These are less expensive than the Spauns. I installed a 6x8 Zinwell myself before I got the 5LNB dish and paid $75. The new 6x8 switch is only $44 : http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=WB68 . But ask the installer and you should get one for free.

[jgg1]

Hmm, never a mention of that when the installer replaced the antenna. Well, to be sure, when the installer returns today, I will inquire about this new fact and let you know the outcome.

Thanks again.

[regman]

Sounds like a visit from the local Direct TV technician to me. Talk to the "advanced products group" and maybe they will even pay for it.