I have a Directv Plus System. The HDTV channels shows in the screen, but without any video or sound going out. I'll buy a Plasma TV (with HDTV capabilities). The question is: Do I really need another receiver to get the video and audio from these channels? Or my Plus System (RCA) will do the job?

If you only have a standard receiver, that won't receive HD signals. So yes you will need the HD receiver.

If you don't already have it, you'll also need the oval dish so you can point at both satellites. HD programming comes from a different sat (119) than most of the regular DirecTV programming.

Thanks for the input.
I have the oval dish and I can point at both satellites. That is why I can watch "para todos" programming, as well as the standard one. Then my Directv Plus system won't let me watch HDTV on a PLASMA TV? even though it is dolby digital? It is a standard PLUS system... I thought the HDTV directv systems were ment to be used in STANDARD TV'S, that if I had a HDTV ready TV (plasma) I wouldn't need that receiver, but a PLUS one...

If the hd tv you buy is hd and not just hd ready then it will work, but most tvs are only hd ready. The plus is only the oliptical dish.

Another question....Will a second, separate round dish pointed at the HD satellite work, or must it always be a single, oval dish?

Larry

Chris,

I am not a DirecTV expert, but I do not believe you are correct. I think the misconception comes from the RCA web site which states:

There are two ways to receive DIRECTV high definition programming. One is to purchase a DTC100 Digital Set Top Box that connects to your current analog TV for high quality standard definition programming or, can be connected to a RCA DTV ready set to receive the same pixel resolution as a true HDTV set. Another option is to purchase a new RCA HDTV television for the total HDTV viewing experience.

What they don't tell you is that the RCA HDTV (key letters "RCA") includes a built-in HDTV DirecTV system so this is why IT can recieve the DirecTV HDTV along with the off-air (since it also includes a DTV off-air tuner). This is true of a few other brands, Hitachi comes to mind, but NOT true of any plasma or most other HDTV TVs. The standard DirecTV receivers do not have the proper output connections (RGB or HDTV component), only composite, S-video and RF out. Neither of these outputs support HDTV. So, you will need an HDTV DirecTV receiver.

As clarification, HDTV "Ready" or "compatible" simply means that the TV has the capability (can handle the scan frequencies and resolution) AND inputs for an HDTV signal. True HDTV simply means that it meets the above and that it has a built-in tuner. Normally this means an off-air tuner, but in the case of RCA and Hitachi they also include an HDTV DirecTV tuner.

randy

Randy
You are correct,but I think you put it the same way as me except an analog TV will not accept HD in any way even with the correct dish and converter, although maybe what your saying is an hd receiver and 24 x 18 dish can be connected to a standard analog tv, but it will only broadcast in standard definition, The TV must be HD ready(need a HD receiver), or HD integrated(HD receiver built in)

Chris,

You lost me. I never mentioned an analog TV being capable of accepting ANY HDTV signal. The first paragraph is a quote off of the piss poor RCA web site. They ARE technically correct in what they say since they really say it is receiving the PROGRAMMING in STANDARD DEFINITION, it is just their wording can be misinterpreted like you apparently did.

What I was trying to say is that it is BRAND specific and your post did not indicate that. You can't connect a DSS dish ***DIRECTLY*** to most true HDTVs. Youre referral to "HD integrated" should be clarified to mean "HD DSS instegrated". As I stated before, the built-in tuner that is included with most brands of true HDTVs is simply an off-air one, NOT a DSS. Why? Because the DirectTV receiver is not the only choice and it has a monthly fee. DISH has more HDTV programming (SHOWE & CBS, not just HBOE and FULL TIME HDTV PPV).

randy

I added the word ***DIRECTLY*** for clarification on my edit. You would still need an HDTV version of the DirecTV or DISH receiver as clarified in Steve's message below!

This message was edited by randy on 10/20/01 15:18.52.

This has gotten confusing, let me see if I can sum it up.

Larry- Yes, you can use two round dishes instead of one oval. Many people do this to improve signal strength or deal with line of sight obstruction issues.

Here's what you need to receive HDTV.
1)A set top box (sat receiver) that is HD capable. For DirectTV that would be models such as the RCA DTC-100 or others made by Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony. For Dish network it would be the Model 6000 receiver. Some TV's do have a built in DirecTV HD receiver so that would eliminate the need for a stand alone box.
2) a HD capable TV. This is a TV that has the ability to display 1080i or 720p output.
3) For DirecTV, an oval (or 2 round)dishes. For Dish, two round dishes. The Dish Network sats are too far apart for one standard oval dish to pick up both sats.
Note: For both sat companies, the HD signal comes from a different sat then where most of their standard programming comes. That's why you need a way to "see" more than one sat.

Other info. A analog TV WILL display content from a HD channel if your HD set top box has the ability to downconvert the HD signal to 480i resolution. Of course, you wouldn't get the benefits of a great HD picture, but you could do it.

I hope this helps, and I hope I didnt' miss anything! :)

Steve,

Very good summary, however, you need an oval dish for Dish Network if you want to receive local programmnig and some of the "extra" channels offered in "America's Top 150" programming.

DISH was actually first with the oval dish (DISH 500) and using 4 LNBF multiswitches. They now support 6 LNBF multiswitches when adding the round dish for receiving HDTV, some international and business programming.

DirecTV sent a notice in September to it's dealers that they now advise running 6 coaxes in all new installations since future programming will require 6 LNBFs. However, they are doing it on a single dish.

randy