9 Messages
old guys confused by HD upgrade letter
Trying help an older friend who has a CRT television (circa 2004) with only coaxial, component, composite and DVI inputs. It's a Panasonic CT32HXC14J
We are confused about a letter he received from DirecTV asking him to upgrade his equipment to HD in order to keep his local channels and are wondering if it will require an HDMI connection which his TV does not have.
His current stb is D12-700 which seems to be connected to the TV via coaxial.
He is worried that he will either loose his service altogether if the new box is not compatible or have to pay more if he does not upgrade or if he delays upgrading.
As I try to research this topic I'm finding that this may be related to the MPEG2 to MPG4 conversion, which may also require a new satellite dish.
Basically, he is scared of the upgrade process in terms of cost, compatibility and intrusiveness and I am not sure how to bridge the gap between his old TV and the current technology.
Is there way to make this upgrade with his current TV?
p.s. He has no internet connection in his house and no smartphone and this is the only TV that is used with DirecTV.
Accepted Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
1 year ago
DirecTV is shutting down the MPEG-2/SD-only feeds. His D12 is the last SD-only non-DVR so must be replaced.
New boxes can connect by HDMI or A/V (Red/White/Yellow) plugs. So they can connect to older TVs. They just don't get the full benefit.
He should call DirecTV, preferably the customer support number they have used for years as there are some scammers out there trying to capitalize on this situation. Request a MPEG swap. Do not mention upgrading or changing to HD.
The MPEG swap is no cost or 24 month agreement. The $10 HD service is credited monthly. This is because it is a required swap. If it is placed as an optional upgrade then new agreement applies and no credit for HD service. Check the order confirmation received before installed and activated.
A direct swap would be for an HD non-DVR (i.e. H25). However, the swap might only be for a Genie or Genie-2 depending on stock. If so then there is $10 DVR and $3 Whole Home DVR which is not credited.
This would be tech installed, including a new receiving dish (also covered by the order). So when order is placed he will be scheduling an appointment. If no appointment is scheduled then the order was placed wrong as this is not self-install.
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(Included after every post)
I am a customer, not an employee. This is a public forum.
For official support call DirecTV 1-800-531-5000, DIRECTV STREAM 1-888-429-4023
www.directv.com
(AT&T has sold off their share in DirecTV)
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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Accepted Solution
shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21K Messages
1 year ago
You can use a component cable red/white audio with red,blue,green video.
(edited)
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
As I investigate the SD/MPEG-2 shutdown more, it is evident that directv only plans to currently remove local channel markets, not their actual nationwide networks.
In other words, local channels for presumably everyone (except for the New York, NY market likely) will be shut down in SD feeds. However, nationwide regular channels (100 and onward) will continue to broadcast and operate in SD on 101, as DIRECTV has no current plans to terminate these duplicate channels.
A quick listen of Stuart Sweet’s podcast illuminates this:
https://blog.solidsignal.com/podcasts/podcast-551-standard-definition-tv-really/
(edited)
DIRECTV SATELLITE support: 1(800)531-5000
DIRECTV STREAM support: 1(888)429-4023
DIRECTV for BUSINESS support: 1(800)388-2505
DIRECTV DEALER/INSTALLER support ONLY: 1(800)323-1994
For common errors, hit that RED reset button!
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21K Messages
1 year ago
AFAIK DTV will only be sending MPEG4 channels on the 101 and currently there are only 4, MPEG2 receivers will not get MPEG4 channels.
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
Correct. I was stating that the current nationwide MPEG-2/SD channels on 101 aren't planned to go anywhere at this time. This was stated by both Stuart Sweet in the podcast link I shared, as well as the OP's letter they attached from DIRECTV, Question 4.
(edited)
DIRECTV SATELLITE support: 1(800)531-5000
DIRECTV STREAM support: 1(888)429-4023
DIRECTV for BUSINESS support: 1(800)388-2505
DIRECTV DEALER/INSTALLER support ONLY: 1(800)323-1994
For common errors, hit that RED reset button!
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21K Messages
1 year ago
So why is DTV mandating that the dish be replaced with a slimline SWM dish?
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
@Juniper , @shannon02 thanks very much for the reassurance about a new STB supporting RCA component connections.
We will also be sure to follow your advice closely when calling to avoid any upgrade or contract extension pitfalls. Thanks again.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
@shannon02
I would assume because of the loss of locals.
DIRECTV SATELLITE support: 1(800)531-5000
DIRECTV STREAM support: 1(888)429-4023
DIRECTV for BUSINESS support: 1(800)388-2505
DIRECTV DEALER/INSTALLER support ONLY: 1(800)323-1994
For common errors, hit that RED reset button!
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
So, it sounds like the new DISH (in addition to the stb) is required as part of the conversion to receive the MPEG4 local channels?
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
1 year ago
New dish is required as the old one just like the boxes would be MPEG-2/SD-only. It is part of the MPEG swap program so no charge with standard install.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Included after every post)
I am a customer, not an employee. This is a public forum.
For official support call DirecTV 1-800-531-5000, DIRECTV STREAM 1-888-429-4023
www.directv.com
(AT&T has sold off their share in DirecTV)
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
@Juniper That makes sense that a new dish would be required to go along with the new box.
Let's say someone decides to keep their current D12 stb and dish and go without the local channels.
Is there any sense of a timeline for how much longer the national channels will be supported on the old SD equipment ?
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
@GrumpyOldMen
As far as I know, the D12 should last another several years with SD national channels. This has been confirmed by Stuart Sweet, a gentlemen who works at the third-party DIRECTV dealer, Solid Signal.
DIRECTV SATELLITE support: 1(800)531-5000
DIRECTV STREAM support: 1(888)429-4023
DIRECTV for BUSINESS support: 1(800)388-2505
DIRECTV DEALER/INSTALLER support ONLY: 1(800)323-1994
For common errors, hit that RED reset button!
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
So, I just talked to my friend after his SD->HD swap.
From what I can tell it sounds like they replaced the dish and the stb but now he says he lost the NFL Channel.
Apparently, it says 'channel not purchased.'
To say he is upset is an understatement...
I'm going to go over and to try to get more details.
Ideas and suggestion appreciated !
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21K Messages
1 year ago
DTV no longer has the rights to broadcast NFL Sunday Ticket that went to Youtube.
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
OK. So it turn out I was not understanding what was going on with the NFL Channel.
All is well.
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