Standard definition going away?

The standard definition satellite signal will be turned off soon(September). Thereby forcing customers to the HD signal. I can't access the HD signal as I have too many trees in the way. Just curious because I would have thought there would be a bigger announcement.

@bjsmithinc , yes mpeg2 is going away very soon, it's unfortunate if you don't have line of site (los) to the hd sats at 99° and 103° but if you did you would need to do the mpeg "swap" asap. Make sure it's setup as a swap and not an upgrade. The swap has no committment and waives the hd fee. I would setup an order anyway just to make sure you have no los 

@bjsmithinc 

The MPEG-2 feed that only carries SD is in the middle of a complete shutdown. Going forward MPEG-4 equipment is needed as that carries both SD and HD. So SD channels will still be available, but unknown for how long as those old TV sets haven't been made in a decade.

DirecTV is not shutting off everyone at once, but in stages. So customers are supposed to be getting notified when their group is coming up. 

What are the models of the boxes you have?

The tag says Model; D12-100. Manufactured 12/12/2008. I called about the "upgrade" Thursday 8/13/20 and they had a tech out the next day (yesterday). Very helpful. He was going to install a Genie and two mini genie's. He said he couldn't due to tree blockage. And the current satellite is at end of service so I would be without a signal soon. Basically forcing everyone to the HD satellites. Appreciate the information regarding the designation between an upgrade and a swap. They were in fact going to have me sign a new two year agreement according to the appointment email they sent. Just odd to me that they didn't make more of an effort to reach out. I guess I miss the customer service of Prime Star. Thanks all! 

The D12 is the very last MPEG-2 non-DVR DirecTV made. That absolutely will need replacing.

You wouldn't replace 1 box with 3, so what are the models of your other 2 boxes (or are all 3 D12s)? Or were you adding additional TVs? Mini Genie Clients shouldn't replace any compatible boxes, but some agents just go for a full replacement to keep it simple.

Everyone is so used to "upgrade" but the MPEG swap is a bit different (optional vs required). They prefer upgrade as you stay with them longer (service agreement) and you get more services to use. But a good agent will verify if optional upgrade or required MPEG swap is your best option.

However, if tree blockage prevented him from getting proper line of sight with the new receiving dish, then you will either need to get those trimmed or find another service.

Tech moves forward, so MPEG-2/SD-only is extremely outdated and cannot keep being supported. When SD TVs were on the way out (10 years ago or s), DirecTV had planned for end-of-life for the very old MPEPG-2 satellite feeds for 2019. They started the shutdown in April 2019 (so on time), but per some difficulty (including Covid) it hasn't completed just yet which gave some people a little more time to prepare.

Replacing three D12 receivers. With one genie and two mini genies. At least according to the email.

What AT&T help posted seems to be in line with the messages I received on my satellite "mail."

But I am having some trees cut down in a week or so to eventually access the HD Satellites.

Thanks all!

Ok with 3 D12s that now makes sense. Though you go from 3 tuners to 5 with the Genie, I would consider using a later upgrade to replace a Mini Genie with an HDDVR. That way you get 2 tuners, 500GB recording space, can work even if the Genie doesn't, and no difference in monthly cost.

For 3 d12's the  "swap" offer should be 3 h25's (non dvr hd) not a genie system. Going with a genie (hddvr) is actually an upgrade of your current setup and as such would add $23.00 to your bill. 

$10.00 dvr fee

$10.00 hd fee

$3.00 whole home dvr fee

Going with the h25's instead would be a "swap" and would waive the hd fee and the 24 month committment. The order has to be setup as a swap and not an upgrade.