Upgrading older system


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Upgrading older system

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HuskerBug
Novice

Aug 20, 2006, 11:36 PM

Post #1 of 7 (513 views)
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Upgrading older system	Can't Post

First post here, hoping to learn lots from you more experienced folks!
I have an older system, approximately five years old. I'm not concerned with HD or Tivo, but would like to add a couple more receivers to my system. Currently, I have two receivers, but would like to go to four. I've gone through traditional channels to check into this and keep getting told that now you have to lease equipment from DTV. I don't want to do that. I know I can buy used stuff off e-bay, can I upgrade my dish, or do I need to replace it and buy a couple more receivers? Would I be better off bolting another dish to my house with a couple more receivers? How do I go about activating them? Please advise, I'd like to know what my best options are.
Thanks!
Mark

TANK1
Enthusiast

Aug 21, 2006, 8:55 AM

Post #2 of 7 (510 views)
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Re: [HuskerBug] Upgrading older system [In reply to]	Can't Post

First you do not need a new dish until you upgrade to HD.
But you will need a multi switch .The two coax cables go into the multi switch from the sat dish and up to 8 coax lines come out to the receivers.
This one from Zinwell is needed for the new Hd Receivers. So if you install this one now,it can used when you upgrade to HD. $59.95
http://www.2000networks.com/...inwell_wb68_6x8.html
But all you need for regular receivers this one from Zinwell for $19.95
http://www.2000networks.com/...ch_3x4_sam-3402.html
If you running new coax in your house, I would suggest two cables to each room in case you want to upgrade to a dvr later.
If you buy a used receiver from ebay , you own it. But you still need a new access card from Directv $20.And maybe a 1 year committment.
If purchase a new D10 from Circuit City $49 you are in a lease.
Personally unless you are buying a Hd Receiver or the New HD DVR there isn't much advantage to owning over leasing.
When Directv converts to mpeg 4 on all receivers in the coming years, everything will be leased and there will no resale value to the old receivers.

HuskerBug
Novice

Aug 21, 2006, 9:57 AM

Post #3 of 7 (505 views)
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Re: [TANK1] Upgrading older system [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you for the prompt reply, tank1. I appreciate it.
If you lease, don't you have to make that lease payment once a month, or does it not work like that? Awhile back, I ran the numbers on DTV's site and by leasing new equipment, my bill was going to almost double to get a four receiver system as opposed to my current two. If I'm going to spend that kind of monthly coin, I just as well go back to cable and I don't want to.

Mark

TANK1
Enthusiast

Aug 21, 2006, 11:28 AM

Post #4 of 7 (503 views)
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Re: [HuskerBug] Upgrading older system [In reply to]	Can't Post

You just pay the $4.99 for each receiver added.It used to be called the additional receiver fee , but now they call it a lease fee.

1st Receiver you just pay for Directv service

2nd - $4.99 additional receiver fee

3rd- another $4.99 fee

4th another $4.99 fee

5th another $4.99

So you adding two receivers- that will cost you $4.99 X 2 ( $ 8.98 ) per month on your bill .

HuskerBug
Novice

Aug 21, 2006, 1:12 PM

Post #5 of 7 (499 views)
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Re: [TANK1] Upgrading older system [In reply to]	Can't Post

I see, thanks. So really, at this point in time, I would be better off leasing additional receivers and letting DTV replace them when they upgrade format. I know it's pretty much a personal choice, but do you think it would be worth my while to get an entire new system, or just the additional receivers?
Mark

TANK1
Enthusiast

Aug 21, 2006, 4:09 PM

Post #6 of 7 (496 views)
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Re: [HuskerBug] Upgrading older system [In reply to]	Can't Post

Since you are an existing customer that does want HD now, there is no reason to get a whole new set up.

To just add two new receivers just run the two coax cables out from the dish into the inexpensive 3x4 multi switch.

Then you have two existing cables already connected to your existing receivers, just connect them to the multi switch on the out put side.

That leaves two out puts open , just run the coax from the out puts to the two receivers you added.

I would just go to Circuit City or best buy and buy them there.

After the new receivers are connected, just call Directv and ask to activate the two new receivers.

Total costs would be
$19.99 multi switch

$49.99 D10 Directv Receiver from Best Buy

$49.99 for second receiver

Coax Cable and connectors ( Lowes or Home depot )

HuskerBug
Novice

Aug 21, 2006, 9:59 PM

Post #7 of 7 (493 views)
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Re: [TANK1] Upgrading older system [In reply to]	Can't Post

OK, good... That's just what I'll do then. Thanks! I appreciate the advice.

Mark

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