Advice on Upgrades

[coachdubya]

Have had Dish 500 since about '98. Receivers include a 501 and a 3700.....own both. Am thinking about adding another outlet in the game room. Would like to have DVR capability on another receiver since recording on the 501 in the den essentially locks down that tv.

I'm sure we'll want to make the switch to HD at some point (probably when the 9.5 yr old 35" Toshiba in the den dies) but have no immediate plans to do so.

Given all this what, if any upgrades would you do?

 

[griz_fan]

I'd go for the dual-tuner SD DVR, the 625, if I were in your situation. Since your upgrade to HD is still off in the vague future, not much point in committing to other HD equipment unless you have a firm plan to upgrade your TV, too.

 

[bhelms]

The move to HD will require some work on the "input" to your system. As a minimum you will need to move up from a 2-LNB D500 to a 3-LNB system, either all three on a D1000 or the current D500 plus a wing dish with a single LNB, depending on where you live and which sat. carries (or will carry) you HD locals if any. I'm guessing you'll need to upgrade the LNBs and with 3 or more receivers this will also requiire adding an "external" switch. So if for some reason you're doing anything with the dish now, make sure you provide at least 3 coaxes running to whereever a switch would be located. But like griz_fan said, that can all wait until you're ready for the HD upgrade.

In the meantime, when you add that extra location make sure you plan for this future expansion. I'd pull at least 3 coaxes to that location (RG-6) from your equipment central location, and make sure there's a phone line there. If you're planning on having an over-the-air antenna system, add at least one more coax for that. Also, future plans from E* will possibly include DVR networking capabilities (some receivers have an ethernet port now, but they're not yet enabled) so you might also want to consider pulling a cat. 5 network cable while you're at it.

Good luck with your upgrade. Welcome, BTW...!

 

[webbydude]

I'm with Griz on this one. The 625 upgrade seems the most viable. Just replace your Smithsonian Institute wannabe 3700 (hehehehe) with that and run the 2nd output of the 625 to another room. Voila! Two receivers...3 rooms. Not to mention you get a new LNB in the process.