Directv Setup

[MattJackson86]

If I get the basic HD receiver from directv, Im going to need 1 receiver for each channel I want to record? So I want to record 2 shows at a time, I need 2 receivers?

If so, any cheaper way to do this rather than $100 a reciever? I ideally want 4 shows at a time recording. Coming from basic cable thats 2 PVR-500s and im done. Now I can keep the 2 PVR-500's but I need 4 receivers from Directv?

On the new HD boxes can you use firewire recording instead of svideo?

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by MattJackson86

If I get the basic HD receiver from directv, Im going to need 1 receiver for each channel I want to record? So I want to record 2 shows at a time, I need 2 receivers?

Correct.

If so, any cheaper way to do this rather than $100 a reciever? I ideally want 4 shows at a time recording. Coming from basic cable thats 2 PVR-500s and im done. Now I can keep the 2 PVR-500's but I need 4 receivers from Directv?

Yes.

On the new HD boxes can you use firewire recording instead of svideo?

There is no firewire. Only component and HDMI deliver HD out of a satellite box.

[MattJackson86]

OK then....kinda blows, but I understand why. Will any of the new H21/22/23 boxes be good?

[stanger89]

One comment I'll make is consider how many simultaneous recordings you really need. I think many people go "overboard" with analog cable because of how easy it is to add tuners. I think most can get by with fewer tuners than they are used to.

For example most cable channels seem to rerun primtime programming twice over the night, so even if two networks air two shows at the same time, one tuner can catch both with the delayed airing.

Also an OTA, ATSC tuner (or multiple) can mitigate the need for many sat boxes by handling locals without a box.

For example I used to have 3 analog tuners connected to analog cable, plus one, maybe two ATSC tuners. When I switched to Dish, I've only got two tuners (one HD PVR, one SD) connected to Dish, and one HDHR (two OTA), and rarely even use the SD Dish tuner.

Of course I'm single so I've got somewhat less requirements than some housholds but I think it addresses the theory.

[MattJackson86]

I agree. I would go 1 HD, 1 SD, and 2 via the HDHomerun. Unfortunatly my apartment just about blows for anything entertainment wise.

I cant point my antenna at anything to get OTA HD. The position I have to point it at is unobtainable from my balcony.

I dont get any QAM through my cable company (no digital tv what so ever, only basic available).

So im stuck with basic cable or directv. I just looked at directv website and it looks like I can add up to 4 SD receivers for free, 1 HD receiver for free, and pay for 1 HD at $99. So i could get 2 SD & 2 HD for only $99 down + monthly fees.

I need at least 3 for the basic channels...i could go 1 or 2 for the others. Most of what I record is the basic local.

[SWKerr]

If you can get QAM or OTA HD just add a hauppauge 2250 or an HDHomerun. That would give you all the HD locals with two a a time recording. You could then probably get away with just one HD receiver attached to an HD-PVR. Because most extended channels play the same show several times a day or week even if there is a current conflict Sage will reschedule it for later and you miss nothing. It is really just the Locals that dont repeat things all the time. The only time you would have a problem is if you want to watch two live extended basic shows at the same time but once you have a good selection of TV I doubt you will want to watch much live TV at all. You could always add another STB and HD-PVR later if necessary.

[MattJackson86]

Yes. My issue is the fact I can get neither OTA HD or QAM.

[SWKerr]

In that case you will need at least one more receiver and HD-PVR. Even then the argument for not needing one for each TV is valid. Once you have a library of shows you are probably good with just two. I have a problem with Multi-path in my area and my OTA signal is not reliable in the spring and summer. I still don't have issues with just two receivers and would dump the second if I ever got OTA 100% reliable but short of clear cutting my woods that will never happen.

How far are you from OTA?

[MattJackson86]

Im 40 miles, but the direction I have to aim is behind me and to the left. No way to point my antenna that way as im in an apartment block. OTA would be great...

[sdsean]

Where does you internet access come from (cable perhaps?) here's why i ask


OK I have DirecTV and here's my setup

1 HD-PVR via component from DirecTV STB H21 via serial cable control
---This one is used for all non-local/in the clear channels


1 HD-HR via my cable internet.
---This one is used for all local clear qam. I don't pay for cableTV at all, but b/c I have cable internet I can still tune the in the clear qam channels.

1 H20 directv STB that's just hooke up to the TV, not to sage at all.
---This way people can watch TV without being force to use the DVR unless they want too.

So this means I can record up to 3 shows at one time, but 2 of them have to be from local channels.

This keeps me in line with wife factor while still being able to record. . .

Also keep in mind that if you just use DirecTVs DVR service you still have to have 2 lines run from the dish to the single DVR, so it really doesn't matter if you just have 2 STBs hooked up to sage, or one DirecTV DVR hooked up to the TV b/c you still have to have 2 lines run into that room.

Also keep in mind that a directv H20, H21, or H22 is only $99 leased, not bought and paid for.

Agreed that you can take the easy way out and just Pay DirecTV indefinitely for recording but you lose the flexbility.

[GKusnick]

Originally Posted by MattJackson86

Im 40 miles, but the direction I have to aim is behind me and to the left. No way to point my antenna that way as im in an apartment block. OTA would be great...

My building has a single antenna on the roof, with feeds from there to each unit. Granted this is a condo and not an apartment, so the politics are a bit different. But maybe you can make a case to your landlord that the value of his property is enhanced by having one shared rooftop antenna instead of a forest of tenant-installed antennae sprouting from the balconies.

Or maybe not. Just a thought.