Upgrading to HD with 2 older dishes

Hey guys.

I've been enjoying your forum since I got an HD set for Christmas. Anyway, I can use some advice.

Currently I have Directv with standard definition. I've had this service for almost three years. I have two dishes, as I cannot get the local channels with just one dish.

Local HD channels are not available in my area yet, but may be in the near future (I'm in market 99, Altoona-Johnstown). I am debating whether to upgrade to HD now, or wait until the local channels come in HD, which may not be until the Fall (or possibly later).

I am going to need a new dish to pick up HD, as I have the older model of dishes from 3 years ago. If I were to order HD service now, I am concerned that the installers would only replace one of the dishes, and not the local channels dish, as these channels are not available in HD at the moment. I am afraid that this would necessitate having them come out again (at my expense) to replace the local dish when the locals finally arrive in HD.

So here are my questions:

1. If I order HD service, will the installers come out and upgrade my dishes for free?

2. Will I still need two different dishes when my locals are finally available in HD?

3. If so, will the installers replace both dishes with an eye toward the future?

I greatly appreciate your input. Thanks!!

1. If I order HD service, will the installers come out and upgrade my dishes for free?
The dish replacement should be free, unless you need a custom install (like a pole mount).


2. Will I still need two different dishes when my locals are finally available in HD?

You will only need one dish (5-lnb Slimline) to get all the national sat channels plus HD locals.


3. If so, will the installers replace both dishes with an eye toward the future?

If you upgrade to HD service before your HD locals are available, they will replace your main dish with the 5-lnb Slimline dish and leave the local channel dish in place. Then when your HD locals become available, you could have someone take the local dish down (or leave it up).

:)

Hey man,

Thanks for answering my question. I might just go ahead and order HD now then, so that I can enjoy the glory of the new season of Dr. Who as God intended. :)

When I upgraded to the 5lnb dish I became infatuated with the new HD offerings, and proceeded to buy a 52 inch LCD to enjoy all of the new programming, and then a Blu-ray disc player for even more HD content. Once you go to the HD side it is a extremely slippery slope that costs you BIG TIME! Beware of really enjoying what you are viewing. It was quite intoxicating for me!