Tutor
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4 Messages
Will they install HD DVR if I don't have an HDTV yet?
I was told by the DirectTV rep that if I didn't have an HDTV, the installer would install my HD DVR and additional HD Receiver.
I was previously told that they would install, but I would just not be able to watch the HDTV channels on my SD device.
Has anyone else heard of them refusing to install HD equipment/service if you didn't have an HD TV yet?
litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
15 years ago
It's hit-or-miss. They typically insist on having the HDTV already there so that the installer can properly connect and configure everything for you. It has nothing to do with being able to view HD channels on an SDTV because that works fine. Those HD channels are simply displayed at the 480i resolution of your SDTV.
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djdicetn
Professor
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1.5K Messages
15 years ago
litzdog911,
Along the same line of questions, I have a HR24 connected via an RF modulator to a SDTV(that "only" has a coax Antenna In connection) and I set the HR24's Native "Off" and checked only the 480p resolution. The picture seems to display fine but am I just kidding myself(the S-Video-to-RF Modulator and subsequent RF Modulator coax-to-TV is "only" capable of displaying 480i)???? Of course, some of the later model SDTV's had a "Component" connection on the TV and supported up to 480p input over that connection for a Progressive Scan DVD player/recorder and that connection indeed may provide better picture quality from setting the HR24 to 480p. Does all this sound correct?
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testerx
Professor
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4.2K Messages
15 years ago
With the S-video to RF, RF to TV connection you'll get 480i regardless of how you setup the receiver. The Composite and S-video outputs are always 480i because that's all they're capable of.
Before I upgraded to HD I had an R22 SD DVR connected to an HD TV via HDMI. That delivered 480p resolution, but I could barely see a difference between 480p and 480i.
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Mileskb
Tutor
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4 Messages
15 years ago
I'm not shooting the messenger here, I appreciate the feedback, but it's not unlike the 4 people I talked to in the process of placing the order, or the website, in that information on specifics seems to be sketchy.
I guess I'll just wait until Saturday morning and see what happens. I do have an HD monitor they can hook up to for testing if needed I guess.
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testerx
Professor
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4.2K Messages
15 years ago
Unfortunately, since we're just other customers like you, those are the best answers we have to give. I'm not sure what DirecTV's official stand is, but in any case reports from other users would suggest that it is up to the individual installer and whether he wants to risk a call-back when the customer does get an HD TV and can't get it connected right, or is unhappy with the quality of the HD picture on his SD TV.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
15 years ago
It's "hit or miss" because it often depends on what the installer feels like doing. While the "official policy" may be very clear, installers can certainly "fudge" things. A tip for the installer can help swing things your way, too.
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Mileskb
Tutor
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4 Messages
15 years ago
I'll let'ya'll know how it goes on Saturday...
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Mileskb
Tutor
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4 Messages
15 years ago
I'll let'ya'll know how it goes on Saturday...
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bob_nielsen
Guru
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646 Messages
15 years ago
I have a HR21 connected to a SD television (self-installed). With the HD DVR, having HD access is required ($10/month) except for those whose local channels are only available in MPEG4. When viewing a HD channel on my SD television, the picture (480i) is still sharper than the equivalent SD channel so you should see a benefit. Good luck on the installation.
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