Considering the switch to Direct

[msujohn]

I am considering switching over from dish and have a few questions. My set up will be for 3 HD TV's.

• Is there any advantage to get 2 HD DVR boxes vs. 1?
• How many coax cables do I need for each HD DVR Box 1 or 2?
• With the HD DVR for the whole house- does it need to be hooked up to the internet?
• Do I need my boxes hooked up to the internet to use on demand or set dvr from my computer?
• If I get the Whole house DVR – can I pause any tv in the house or just the one that is a HD DVR?
• Can I run 2 boxes from one coax cable that has been split?
• Can I mirror off a HD box? In other words one tv is feed by HDMI and the other by Component? (I know I will have to watch the same channel on both tv’s)
• How many TV’s can run on one dish, if I add TV's in the future?
• What is the best way to ensure I get a quality installer? Do I order directly from DirecTV or through a local retailer/installer?
• I’m looking at getting the Sunday Ticket/Premier package deal. Is it possible to get 2 HD DVR’s (HR24’s) and 1 HD H24 box – and only pay for 1?

 

[gadgtfreek]

I am considering switching over from dish and have a few questions. My set up will be for 3 HD TV's.

• Is there any advantage to get 2 HD DVR boxes vs. 1?
• 4 tuners...If you get MRV, it's even better because you have access to all recordings in 2 diff places
  
• How many coax cables do I need for each HD DVR Box 1 or 2?
• 1
  
• With the HD DVR for the whole house- does it need to be hooked up to the internet?
• IIRC, it does NOT have to be. You can get the MRV installed with HSI access if you want it
  
• Do I need my boxes hooked up to the internet to use on demand or set dvr from my computer?
• If I get the Whole house DVR – can I pause any tv in the house or just the one that is a HD DVR?
• You can only pause LIVE tv on the DVR in that room. If you are watching a recording off the DVR, but are in another room, you can pause the recording, but not live tv.
  
• Can I run 2 boxes from one coax cable that has been split?
• Yes
  
• Can I mirror off a HD box? In other words one tv is feed by HDMI and the other by Component? (I know I will have to watch the same channel on both tv’s)
• Yes
  
• How many TV’s can run on one dish, if I add TV's in the future?
• They have Single Wire Multiswitches up to 32, I think...
  
• What is the best way to ensure I get a quality installer? Do I order directly from DirecTV or through a local retailer/installer?
• Ive had good luck just ordering off the website
  
• I’m looking at getting the Sunday Ticket/Premier package deal. Is it possible to get 2 HD DVR’s (HR24’s) and 1 HD H24 box – and only pay for 1?
• Not sure, but you can get a good deal. Buddy of mine just signed up on Premier, and got this years ST for FREE
  

My answers above.

 

[ryotgz]

I am considering switching over from dish and have a few questions. My set up will be for 3 HD TV's.

• Is there any advantage to get 2 HD DVR boxes vs. 1?
• How many coax cables do I need for each HD DVR Box 1 or 2?
• With the HD DVR for the whole house- does it need to be hooked up to the internet?
• Do I need my boxes hooked up to the internet to use on demand or set dvr from my computer?
• If I get the Whole house DVR – can I pause any tv in the house or just the one that is a HD DVR?
• Can I run 2 boxes from one coax cable that has been split?
• Can I mirror off a HD box? In other words one tv is feed by HDMI and the other by Component? (I know I will have to watch the same channel on both tv’s)
• How many TV’s can run on one dish, if I add TV's in the future?
• What is the best way to ensure I get a quality installer? Do I order directly from DirecTV or through a local retailer/installer?
• I’m looking at getting the Sunday Ticket/Premier package deal. Is it possible to get 2 HD DVR’s (HR24’s) and 1 HD H24 box – and only pay for 1?

1 - Two DVRs you can record 4 shows at once instead of two.
2 - I have HR24 and only one line with SWM
3 - MRV does not need internet
4 - On Demand does require internet, but Stonecold posted somewhere that may not be needed sometime near future
5 - I think they need to be HD boxes with the exception of one maybe two SD receivers
6 - Probably not recommended, but free install will run another line
7 - Yes, I do this with my slingbox
8 - At least 8 with a 8 port SWM. I've seen posts for 16 I believe
9 - I would recommend an installer from my experience, but its a crapshoot
10 - Current deal is what it is. Someone posted Costco is a bit cheaper on the 2nd HD DVR

 

[msujohn]

Thanks for the responses. So, i'm guessing that I would also need to the internet connection service? Also, after I am a customer is it diffcult or costly to add new equipment (like a new HD box)?

 

[gadgtfreek]

It is more costly later, best to try and get what you need the first go around.

 

[ryotgz]

So, i'm guessing that I would also need to the internet connection service?

If you want MRV & On Demand that is recommended. There is an unsupported setup that requires an ethernet port at every receiver.

 

[ryotgz]

It is more costly later, best to try and get what you need the first go around.

:up