DirecTV Plus HD DVR information
 

Just sharing some information...

For all DirecTV customers (Or new)...

If you plan on purchasing the new DIRECTV PLUS HD DVR receiver make sure you get a 5 LNB satellite dish.

This receiver can be purchased at CIRCUIT CITY, BEST BUY, etc ... however, they will only provide you with a 3LNB satellite dish. (The receiver is compatible with 3 LNB/5 LNB dish.)

There's a HUGE difference between the 3 and 5 LNB dishes.

For starters, the 5 LNB dish:

1. Receives HD signals from 2 additional space satellites. The signals will start coming in late 2007-2008. When completed you will have an additional 100-150 HD channels.
2. Receives new KU/KA frequency.
3. MPEG-4 compression
4. max 2100MHZ compared to the 500 max on the 3 LNB.
5. Bandwidth Increased.

= CRISP, CLEAR, DIGITAL picture.


I'm not a "pro" when it comes to DIRECTV (or any similar service) ... I'm just an NFL fan who desperately wants the best possible picture on a 1080p HDTV. I did the above research after I purchased a receiver at CIRCUIT CITY ... it's a good thing I didn't open the package - 'cause it's going back today!

I now upgraded my package directly with DIRECTV ... not really what I wanted to do 'cause installation is after the SUPER BOWL. :( Oh well, at least now I know that all future NFL games and TV shows will be CRISP, CLEAR, DIGITAL picture.


I hope this info helps others.

Another note. When purchasing the HD DVR, you'll automatically be given the DirecTV HR20. This is a DVR, it is not a TiVo. If you want a TiVo, you'll need to beg and plead for the HR10-250 (which they only have a limited supply of, as they no longer have a partnership with TiVo).

And yes, for the TiVo 'hackers' out there -- the HR10-250 is upgradable and networkable. :)

Also, keep in mind that DTV does not broadcast in 1080p. They downconvert HD content to "HD-Lite", which is about 1/3 less resolution. You can still get full resolution, however, from local OTA (off-the-air) channels with a mounted HD antenna.

Simple. Take a note from my comment above. Go pick up an HDTV antenna (you can get indoor antennas, if necessary), plug it into your TV and use the TV's internal tuner to get the Super Bowl in full resolution HD. :)

Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception

Samsung TV5.4 SAX Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna

I doubt they'd have to bandwidth to do that even if they wanted to. I've noticed my picture (SD) has gotten worse over the years as they compress things more and more to fit more channels in. Our equipment is old though so I'm guess that's got a lot to do with it.

One of our receivers just gave out on us so I'm in the market for a new one. Are the new receivers better at handling the (aggressive) compression DTV uses these days?

I'm not looking to upgrade to HD yet, don't even own a set. :( I'm planning on holding off on that until I move and have cable installed (plan on getting internet with them anyway, plus I like the on demand content).

We're all still invited to watch the game at your house though right!? :D I'm sure your picture will be better than ours, for the last 3 years we've watched the super bowl at a friend's place. No cable, no sat, just bunny ears wrapped in tin foil. :D