H21 with SD Service?

[TAC763]

First time post...long time reader.

Question please:

I have SD Directv service (Self installed about 7 years ago). I have an old RCA reciever connected to a new 42" LG HD TV using an s-video cable. The picture is not the best, I'm assuming due to the limitations of the s-video feed.

If I buy an H21 receiver and connect it to the TV using component or HDMI cables will I see an improvement in picture quality? And, will Directv allow me to do this? I understand that this setup will not give me an HD feed, I'm just hoping for a better picture with the modern reciever and cable.

I have ordered an HD service upgrade, but between the terrible Chicago winter weather and a flakey installer, I don't think it is going to happen any time soon!

Any and all advise is appreciated!

 

[jdspencer]

It should work. I think the SD picture should be a bit better based on the H21 upconverting the picture. But, I'll let others verify this. Of course, the picture is only as good as what is sent by DirecTV.

 

[Zynergi]

It will look a tad bit better, but not anywhere near HD quality, actually it will look about the same as a SVid. Your best bet is to just go for a Full out HD upgrade and wait out the weather or pray for a competent installer. If you acquire a HD box on your own you will still have HD Access (9.95$) added to your bill.

 

[TAC763]

Wow, thanks for the info. That's good to know. I didn't realize I would have to pay for HD service simply because I had an H21 reciever.

What about an R22? I read on the Best Buy site that I can get a 480p signal from that box. I don't even know what type of signal the old RCA boxes that I have put out. The R22 has component and HDMI outs to the TV. Would this be an improvement?

 

[boba]

The only way to see a real improvement on your new HDTV is to send it a HDTV signal. The R22 isn't HDTV and it has a $5.99 DVR fee unless you already have a DVR on your account. I'd rather pay the additional $4 and get HDTV.

 

[TAC763]

Thanks guys, it looks like I'm sol.

After a three week wait, my installer came out last Saturday afternoon (one of the nicer days we have seen around here in a long while) and declined to do my HD install. His reason? "It's too windy outside". The HD dish upgrade was going on a one story garage roof. I was speechless.

I haven't seen the guy since and honestly don't care to see him back at my shack. I'm just looking for alternatives to having to play games with these people.

 

[boba]

Can you switch to cable?

 

[TAC763]

Our cable provider is MediaCom. They are supposedly one of the lowest rated cable providers in the country. I've heard nothing but bad things about them. I think the town is trying to get rid of them. We'll see.

I'm gonna go see if I can find my rabbit ears! This sucks.