Local CBS gone- upgrade or switch

Hello all! First time poster, long time reader.

I've searched the forums extensively, but no clear answers yet.

My dilemma-
My local CBS is gone (we all know why), so it's time to finally switch service, or upgrade to a new receiver (HD- probably ViP 622). I have a nice antenna in the attic, so I was hoping to pull my locals from that into the 622. I'm only about 18 miles away from the towers, so my reception is pretty clean. I noticed that the 622 has a tuner it which will allow me to get my locals in HD and record them. Is this correct?

Also, my current DVR/receiver is the 522, and I have to pay the $5 charge for not being hooked up to a land line (cell phone use here). I read that I could hook up the 622 to my broadband network and wipe out the $5 charge. Is this also correct?

Thanks to any and all ahead of time for your answers. I feel that I will get a more clear answer here than trying to talk to a CSR at Dish.

Great forum, BTW.

Hi Jim,

I live in Meridian and have the 622 and the 722. My antenna is located in my attic and I get great local HD reception. Both dvr's record my local HD channels and I am still getting channel 2.1. The only difference is the Dish guide does not show me the programing it just says check here for important information but I click and get the station anyway. For your infomation we also have a local HD website http://www.boisehd.tv/. Check it out.

OK, well I answered my own questions. I just got off the phone with a really helpful (no, really!) tech support guy. By switching over to HD, I will only have to pay an extra $5 a month (wiping out the $5 access fee). Plus, I will now be able to get my locals in HD from my antenna (not currently offered through Dish in my area), and record them.

Also, I asked him about the TurboHD offer to existing customers (Feb. 1), and he said that it's not set in stone yet, but it is a good possibility. And, he said I could switch my programming over to that if I choose, and will only have to pay a one time $5 programming charge.

Getting installed on Monday the 29th. Hope all goes well.

Hey Al-
Thanks for the info. Going to check that link now.