Direct TV and over-the-air HDTV info, please

[Epicurus8a]

I'm a total Noob when it comes to Direct TV, and I'm hoping someone will be kind enough to point me in the right direction because I don't even know where to start.

I purchased a Direct TV receiver (with an over-the-air HDTV tuner) from someone at eBay, intending to use it to pick up over-the-air HDTV only. The receiver was sold without an access card, but I figured that wouldn't be a problem, since I don't care about satellite reception. I hooked up the receiver but discovered it wouldn't work until I borrowed an access card from a neighbor. So, obviously, I need to obtain a card of my own. Does this mean I will need to subscribe to Direct TV or can I just stick in any old card and pick up over-the-air HDTV? (Previously I had read that a subscription is not necessary for over-the-air HDTV.)

Thanks and regards in advance.

[edDV]

Why not call DirecTV and ask?

All of their HDTV reception will soon switch to MPeg4 so there will be many of these boxes available.

[Epicurus8a]

Thanks edDV,

I thought I'd check here first as it would probably be faster and less frustrating than dealing with someone who only wants to sell me a subscription.

Also, if I'm not mistaken (and I probably am) Direct TV is switching to Mpeg4, not local over-the-air broadcaters. So, an older (over-the-air HDTV capable) receiver should work fine in my case.

[Epicurus8a]

I just got an eMail response from Direct TV. The person replying didn't understand that the receiver I'm asking about (Samsung SIR TS-160) has a built in terrestrial tuner in addition to the satellite tuner. Furthermore, she didn't understand a dish connection isn't necessary to receive local broadcast channels. Nimrods!

[edDV]

...

Also, if I'm not mistaken (and I probably am) Direct TV is switching to Mpeg4, not local over-the-air broadcaters. So, an older (over-the-air HDTV capable) receiver should work fine in my case.

True, OTA (ATSC) should work from that box so long as it can be operated without an account. There are many dedicated DirecTV forums about. Someone should know.