Direct TV/HDTV Signal Question

[RKelly]

Hello,

I am going to be purchasing Direct TV in the near future and had a question about their HDTV service. If I already own an HD Direct TV box (purchased from a friend) but only purchase a standard package from Direct TV without the HD upgrade, will I be able to watch HD programming on my HD Box? Or would I have to subscribe to the monthly HD feed from Direct TV and lease one of their HD Boxes?

Thanks for in advance for your input.

[usually_quiet]

Seeing as how it is legal to buy a DirecTV HD satellite receiver, it would not make sense for DirecTV to allow customers access to services they haven't paid for simply by virtue of having the right equipment installed. So the answer to your question is: You will only be able to watch the channels included in your package. If no HD channels are included, you won't be able to receive any, regardless of the equipment you have. If you have paid to get your locals, it's possible some of those could be HD, but you should ask DirecTV what you will have available, and if all your equipment is suitable for HD reception.

While it is legal to buy a used DirecTV HD satellite receiver, you had better be sure the person selling it actually owns it and has not leased it instead. The receiver must be activated before use, so if it was originally leased, DirecTV will know, and will not activate it. ...and you need to order a new access card for $20. See http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/265/p/447,992/r_id/104513

[edDV]

If it does work, you should get slightly better SD with the HDMI and analog component outputs. If HD doesn't work with the locals, they may be in violation of FCC rules. They are supposed to pass the signal as sent to them.

[RKelly]

Thank you for the information.

[mrswla]

While it is legal to buy a used DirecTV HD satellite receiver, you had better be sure the person selling it actually owns it and has not leased it instead. The receiver must be activated before use, so if it was originally leased, DirecTV will know, and will not activate it. ...and you need to order a new access card for $20. See http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/265/p/447,992/r_id/104513

I'd be more interested in his friend. If his friend sold him a leased hd receiver, then the friend will be charged a minium of $125.



http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/975/kw/non%20return%20fee/r_id/104513

[vhelp]

Believe me, you won't get the unit activated (they are very strick about these things and follow a rigorous and religious guide) until they have your ID numbers, the one from the unit, so that they can program it from their facility. I had a lot of trouble setting mine up. There are two sets of ID numbers they require, one from the access card (they need that--its like a key to them, they open your units features) and the second one is your units internal ID number, or stamped address. This is so they can access your device and make any necessary changes they see fit, like an IP address. My unit cost me $99 dollars but directv sells it for $399 and according to them, (even though I thought I purchased the unit a bestbuy, and I own it) I do not own fully the unit. I am leasing it. In a phone discussion with a rep, they said that they are stopping that all together and that you will have to obtain the units/devices through them, that means a installation visit, no matter what. I'm glad I got mine in the way I did that I did

-vhelp 5349