[Evelyn]

So, I got my new HDTV. I use Directv. I know I need to have my dishes upgraded. How about my DVR? Can I use the one I've been using? I realize what I record won't be in hi-def. But, I keep reading how the Directv HD DVR (HR-20) has 'issues'. Is there any other Directv compatible machine I should be looking at if I can't just use what I've got? Thanks.

[OTB]

So, I got my new HDTV. I use Directv. I know I need to have my dishes upgraded. How about my DVR? Can I use the one I've been using? I realize what I record won't be in hi-def. But, I keep reading how the Directv HD DVR (HR-20) has 'issues'. Is there any other Directv compatible machine I should be looking at if I can't just use what I've got? Thanks.

You want the DirectTV HR-20 or HR-21 receiver if you want to record in Hi-Def. You can use your old DVR, assuming its a DirecTivo or a standard def DirectTV DVR, but it will only work on 2 of the 5 LNB elements on your new dish, the ones for the standard def channels on satellite 101 (DirecTV 10). Most of the the Hi def content is transmitted on DirecTV satellite 103c (DirecTV 11) and also on a recently enabled satellite, DirectTV 12 (99). Each of your LNB elements point independently at each of these satellites.

The HR-20 and HR-21 have a lot less issues since they were launched 2 years ago. I was an early adopter, I can now say that they are perfectly good machines provided that your DirecTV installer does a proper verification of your new dish assembly and LNBs. They now have to go through a multi point installation verification process when they do a new HDTV dish and receiver install. I didnt have the benefit of that 2 years ago. I recently had some serious problems due to a malfunctioning dish but I would consider that to be an anomaly and not the norm. The problem was getting it resolved by their shitty customer service, not the technology itself. I had to go to the DirecTV equivlalent of eGullet or Mouthfuls before we were able to determine what the hell exactly went wrong and I could get an installer onsite that could fix the problem.

I wrote an article on this recently if you really want to read it, its kind of technical.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/perlow/?p=9176

[Evelyn]

Thanks, Jason.

That is a tad over my non-tech savvy head.

So, one more question. The other older receivers will still work, they just will not 'recognize' any of the HD channels. Is that correct (I'm guessing here since I have no clue what an LNB element is ).

[OTB]

Thanks, Jason.

That is a tad over my non-tech savvy head.

So, one more question. The other older receivers will still work, they just will not 'recognize' any of the HD channels. Is that correct (I'm guessing here since I have no clue what an LNB element is ).

Yes, they will work. However there is no point in changing your dish to a 5LNB from a 2LNB f you are just going to watch standard def content on your DVR on your new HDTV. The existing dish will continue to work because the signal is still digital. There is no forced "switchover" as compared to Over the Air TV. You could have stuck with your old TV set and your old DVR and things would be fine.

You could get non-DVR HD receivers but you'd have no way to record any of the channels unless you went out and bought a HD Tivo, which is totally counterproductive because its not integrated with the receiver. You'd have to use the non-DVR receivers "live" and have the DVR receiver on the RCA inputs and switch back and forth.

The one thing I will say is standard def channels look like utter crap on a HDTV set. The pixelation makes it look like you are watching a crappy YouTube video blown up.

[Evelyn]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I've ordered the new HD DVR to go with the dishes and the new HD tv. There are other tvs in the house, that are CRT and RPT. My thought was to hook the old dvr receiver to one of those sets in another part of the house since they are not HDTV...

[OTB]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I've ordered the new HD DVR to go with the dishes and the new HD tv. There are other tvs in the house, that are CRT and RPT. My thought was to hook the old dvr receiver to one of those sets in another part of the house since they are not HDTV...

Yes, that will work fine.

[Melonious Thunk]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I've ordered the new HD DVR to go with the dishes.

I've heard of coordinating tableclothes with the dishes, but, E, this is going a bit far, in'it?

[TheMatt]

And, in a surprise to me (since I'm not an insider), there is the sorta-soon-to-be-released HD DirecTV Tivo.