**Need advice re: D* HD in STL**

Jeff116 · 01-26-2006, 12:05 AM

I'm new to this forum, but given what I've been reading, I think someone can help... I live in St Louis (zip 63376) and need some advice on whether I should jump to D* HD or wait a few more months.

Here's the situation: I currently have D* SD (have had it since '98), w/ 5 TV's. I get locals thru D* - tried an OTA, but didn't like the picture quality (may have been a lousy OTA, but that's another story). I purchased a JVC HDTV a week or so ago and was ready to jump to D* HD, but when the installer came out, I backed off, thinking I needed more info. I know STL locals are not in HD via D* yet (prior threads indicate maybe Spring ??), and there are only a couple of sat channels avail on D*.

In addition, with 5 TV's, I'll need a 4x8 splitter coming off the dish, which the installer told me would need to be powered. I didn't mind that (although I'd have to re-arrange the location of the splitters), but he then told me that it's not certain that I could use the same dish (the new one he was going to install for the HD programming) for the locals - I might have to upgrade again in a few months!! Can anyone verify if this is true ? Given the limited # of HD D* channels and no HD locals (assuming an OTA will still not work), should I wait a few more months until the HD locals are avail via D* ? Will that potentially save me $$ (as I'm sure upgrading boxes/dishes will cost me) ??

Thanks !

bgoalie35 · 01-26-2006, 08:33 AM

It is true you will need the 5 LNB dish to get local HD channels from D*. If the installer was going to install the small oval dish with 3 LNBs, then he is right, you would have to upgrade again.

What do you mean when you say you did not like the picture quality of the local HD channels OTA? HD is really either on or off, and the strength of the signal should not effect quality. Was the picture pixellating out on you and going black? This would be a sign of a weak signal. The antenna forum might be able to help you find a better antenna that could get the job done for you.

It could potentially save you money to wait a few months. You may want to consider:

1. In a few months, D* will be under the lease model, instead of the current ownership model. Take your pick as to which you like better.

2. It has been reported that the upgrade to the 5 LNB dish costs $99, but many people have gotten around that by calling customer service and asking for a better deal. You may or may not get that deal. Even if you do, you will probably still pay something ($15 shipping and handling).

3. When HD locals are available in your area, it will be the 4 major networks only (FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS). If you want any other locals, you need to get an antenna.

4. If you call D*, they SHOULD be able to tell you when STL is going to get HD locals, if it is going to get them anytime soon.

Hope that helps.

01-26-2006, 12:05 AM	#1
Jeff116 What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1	*Need advice re: D HD in STL** I'm new to this forum, but given what I've been reading, I think someone can help... I live in St Louis (zip 63376) and need some advice on whether I should jump to D* HD or wait a few more months. Here's the situation: I currently have D* SD (have had it since '98), w/ 5 TV's. I get locals thru D* - tried an OTA, but didn't like the picture quality (may have been a lousy OTA, but that's another story). I purchased a JVC HDTV a week or so ago and was ready to jump to D* HD, but when the installer came out, I backed off, thinking I needed more info. I know STL locals are not in HD via D* yet (prior threads indicate maybe Spring ??), and there are only a couple of sat channels avail on D. In addition, with 5 TV's, I'll need a 4x8 splitter coming off the dish, which the installer told me would need to be powered. I didn't mind that (although I'd have to re-arrange the location of the splitters), but he then told me that it's not certain that I could use the same dish (the new one he was going to install for the HD programming) for the locals - I might have to upgrade again in a few months!! Can anyone verify if this is true ? Given the limited # of HD D channels and no HD locals (assuming an OTA will still not work), should I wait a few more months until the HD locals are avail via D* ? Will that potentially save me $$ (as I'm sure upgrading boxes/dishes will cost me) ?? Thanks !

01-26-2006, 08:33 AM	#2
bgoalie35 ATL HD viewer Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 283	It is true you will need the 5 LNB dish to get local HD channels from D. If the installer was going to install the small oval dish with 3 LNBs, then he is right, you would have to upgrade again. What do you mean when you say you did not like the picture quality of the local HD channels OTA? HD is really either on or off, and the strength of the signal should not effect quality. Was the picture pixellating out on you and going black? This would be a sign of a weak signal. The antenna forum might be able to help you find a better antenna that could get the job done for you. It could potentially save you money to wait a few months. You may want to consider: 1. In a few months, D will be under the lease model, instead of the current ownership model. Take your pick as to which you like better. 2. It has been reported that the upgrade to the 5 LNB dish costs $99, but many people have gotten around that by calling customer service and asking for a better deal. You may or may not get that deal. Even if you do, you will probably still pay something ($15 shipping and handling). 3. When HD locals are available in your area, it will be the 4 major networks only (FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS). If you want any other locals, you need to get an antenna. 4. If you call D*, they SHOULD be able to tell you when STL is going to get HD locals, if it is going to get them anytime soon. Hope that helps.