Upgrading a DirecTV Receiver

[crokett]

The receiver upstairs is not finding a satellite signal. The one downstairs works fine. When I swap receivers and assuming the bottom one works upstairs, then I have a busted receiver. Looking on craigslist I can get an HD and/or DVR receiver for a lot less than a basic one new. If I got either HD or DVR, do I need to pay DirecTV extra to use it?

[pelligrini]

When you swapped them, did you try thr upstairs one in the downstairs location too? If it works downstairs, it might just be a weak signal upstairs possibly due to a bad connection, wiring, etc. Can't answer your question, I've always done cable.

If DirectTV is like any other TV franchise I've dealt with, I bet they'll want some sort of fee.

[Kristofor]

The access cards are married to the receivers so you cannot just swap it into a new device, they'll want a transfer fee (may be able to get them to waive it). edit: this was in regard to buying a new one at a garage sale or something, obviously you can physically move them in your own house without an issue (though you still can't swap the cards)

However, if you've had service for a while there's a good chance they'll just give you the replacement/upgrade if you logon or call and ask them. You can see what standard deals they have on the website if you login to your account (right now I can get a free HD non-dvr receiver, free SD DVR, or up to 3 more SD non-dvr receivers) on the website), but they will often do better than that if you call them and tell them you're planning to cancel.

Frankly, the SD Tivo DVRs were much nicer in some ways than the new HD DVRs, but the new ones are getting better. They have working Video on Demand (if your demand is to start downloading, and watch later), and the remote scheduling has been nice on a couple occasions where I could set something up to record for LOML when we weren't going to be home in time. Also, they can already play streaming video from a uPnP server, and apparently have a new firmware release coming which lets them act as server as well allowing you to view that content from your PC/consoles/other enabled devices.

There would be an extra montly charge for HD service if you don't have it already, and/or for DVR service if you don't have that. They also change their packages periodically, so if you've had the same service for a long time you may not be able to change it without going to a new plan.

[poolhound]

I used to have DTV but switched to DISH a couple of years ago (better HD choices and cheaper). DTV will charge you extra for the HD capabilities.

Be aware that to recieve HD you usually need a different dish as the HD signals come from a different satelite. If you have one of the old round ones it probably would need to be upgraded.

[twistsol]

DirecTV charges 9.99 / month for HD access, plus you need to replace your 18 inch 2 LNB round dish with an oval one that has 4 LNB's.

TiVO or DirectDVR costs another 5.99 per month. In order to fully utilize a DVR, you need two cables to the DVR so you can record one and watch another or record two shows at the same time. If you then add a second receiver somewhere in the house, you'll need to insert a multiplexer; I use a TERK BMS58 which costs about $150 online. The BMS58 does not support HDTV.

Your account is tied to the access card, but the cards can be swapped between receivers without problem. You shouldn't need to pay a fee if you keep the access card from the failed receiver and use it in the new receiver regardless of whether you buy new from DirecTV or used on eBay or Craig's list.

[cwithboat]

The receiver upstairs is not finding a satellite signal. The one downstairs works fine. When I swap receivers and assuming the bottom one works upstairs, then I have a busted receiver. Looking on craigslist I can get an HD and/or DVR receiver for a lot less than a basic one new. If I got either HD or DVR, do I need to pay DirecTV extra to use it?

I upgraded to HD, so I have a standard receiver with TiVO sitting, unused, in the garage. Pay the freight and I will ship it to you. There is a charge for TiVO, but I am told if you don't sign up you can still record. You just don't get the scheduling and automation wich is really what its all about.
My guess is that you can use the card out of your broken receiver.
PM me if you want the unit.

[crokett]

I forgot to update this thread.

When in doubt, reboot. Before I left for work I unplugged the receiver. When I came home and plugged it back in, it found the signal and started working again. I guess it needed to be off for longer than the minute or two I had it off yesterday morning. Oh well. I was looking for an excuse to upgrade.

[jussi]

I forgot to update this thread.

When in doubt, reboot. Before I left for work I unplugged the receiver. When I came home and plugged it back in, it found the signal and started working again. I guess it needed to be off for longer than the minute or two I had it off yesterday morning. Oh well. I was looking for an excuse to upgrade.

The keys probably rolled and your receiver didn't.