Ok today was the big day that I jumped into the fire of what we call High-Definition! Was waiting 2 weeks for this H20 install and hoped all would go well. I've read many horror stories about botched installs and the like so I was a little nervous from the start. Here's my findings.
*My install was scheduled between 10-12 noon. I called on monday to make sure all was ok. 12 noon came and went..no installer. Around 1:45 I hear the door bell. He's here. A little late but here none the less. After a few minutes I confirm he knows the AT9 install very well. After a little surveying we pick a spot on the roof over the eve and he mounts the dish no problem. Before I can ask about the support arms I see him unwrapping them. One small in front and the longer one in back. The J-mount is now solid. He tells me they are mandatory for the AT9. It takes him about 15 minutes to align the dish with the signal meter. Almost done on the roof.
* This is new to me. 4 coax leads coming out of the LNB's but only one is required since I only have one reciever? So we wrap the other 3 leads and connect one to my existing coax that runs into the house. Its already solid copper so no worries. I thought a switch was used to gather the four leads then one comes out the switch to the recs? either way works I guess. We are done on the roof.
* I connect the H20 and go thru all the setup info. We get the basic info screen and now waiting for Directv to activate the new receiver. About 20 minutes later we're viewing the Hd channels and all is looking good. My installer is getting ready to leave. I felt he did a great job so I rewarded him with a Pepsi! haha!!
* So far the H20 is excellent. The OTA tuner is terrific finding all my local HD channels. I'm using the Terk indoor silver sensor type, but I have it on my roof with excellent results!
* After a few minutes of customizing...it wanted to update the software. It changed the channel and started the d/l. About 20 minutes later it finished with version 0f06. It seems mine already had one update and only required the newer one. After the update I thought it was caught in the reset loop. I could see it come on then turn off. the led's on the front panel were flashing and then it stopped and a channel appeared. update complete.
* I watched my local HD channels along with Disc HD and I cannot tell if there is an audio lag or not. I will give it more time. I'm using componet and optical by the way.
* As far as heat. My H20 runs pretty warm but not hot. Its hot in one spot (you can rest you're hand no problem) but thats it. I will leave it on at night for a few days and recheck it.
* Guide does need some help with the multiple button presses but its not that bad. Time between channels is ok. its quicker if you have native turned off. It could be faster on scrolling though. I find myself using the channel up and down more.
* All sumed up the H20 is not that bad after all. With continuous updates I think directv will work out the bugs. We can only hold our breaths and wait. Exsqueeze me but I'm off to view HD channels I've heard so much about.
*My install was scheduled between 10-12 noon. I called on monday to make sure all was ok. 12 noon came and went..no installer. Around 1:45 I hear the door bell. He's here. A little late but here none the less. After a few minutes I confirm he knows the AT9 install very well. After a little surveying we pick a spot on the roof over the eve and he mounts the dish no problem. Before I can ask about the support arms I see him unwrapping them. One small in front and the longer one in back. The J-mount is now solid. He tells me they are mandatory for the AT9. It takes him about 15 minutes to align the dish with the signal meter. Almost done on the roof.
* This is new to me. 4 coax leads coming out of the LNB's but only one is required since I only have one reciever? So we wrap the other 3 leads and connect one to my existing coax that runs into the house. Its already solid copper so no worries. I thought a switch was used to gather the four leads then one comes out the switch to the recs? either way works I guess. We are done on the roof.
* I connect the H20 and go thru all the setup info. We get the basic info screen and now waiting for Directv to activate the new receiver. About 20 minutes later we're viewing the Hd channels and all is looking good. My installer is getting ready to leave. I felt he did a great job so I rewarded him with a Pepsi! haha!!
* So far the H20 is excellent. The OTA tuner is terrific finding all my local HD channels. I'm using the Terk indoor silver sensor type, but I have it on my roof with excellent results!
* After a few minutes of customizing...it wanted to update the software. It changed the channel and started the d/l. About 20 minutes later it finished with version 0f06. It seems mine already had one update and only required the newer one. After the update I thought it was caught in the reset loop. I could see it come on then turn off. the led's on the front panel were flashing and then it stopped and a channel appeared. update complete.
* I watched my local HD channels along with Disc HD and I cannot tell if there is an audio lag or not. I will give it more time. I'm using componet and optical by the way.
* As far as heat. My H20 runs pretty warm but not hot. Its hot in one spot (you can rest you're hand no problem) but thats it. I will leave it on at night for a few days and recheck it.
* Guide does need some help with the multiple button presses but its not that bad. Time between channels is ok. its quicker if you have native turned off. It could be faster on scrolling though. I find myself using the channel up and down more.
* All sumed up the H20 is not that bad after all. With continuous updates I think directv will work out the bugs. We can only hold our breaths and wait. Exsqueeze me but I'm off to view HD channels I've heard so much about.
