OT: HDTV questions

[DP]

OK so I'm one of those-I just don't see buying a brand new TV while the old one works just fine. However, with the prices falling I have been tempted. I called Dish and asked what the cost would be to add an HD DVR (controls two TV's) and connect to an additional kitchen TV (requiring it's own box) and it would just about double what I'm paying now.
But I got to thinking that the OTA network broadcasts are in HD mostly so if buy a new TV but don't get the HD upgrade from Dish then wouldn't the network show come over Dish as HD anyway? Does this make sense?

[deckeda]

DP wrote:
if buy a new TV but don't get the HD upgrade from Dish then wouldn't the network show come over Dish as HD anyway? Does this make sense?

You need an HD box from Dish to get the locals in HD if coming by way of Dish. If there's a box that has an antenna passthrough and you install an antenna for local stations, then "yes."

[rgG]

DP wrote:
OK so I'm one of those-I just don't see buying a brand new TV while the old one works just fine. However, with the prices falling I have been tempted. I called Dish and asked what the cost would be to add an HD DVR (controls two TV's) and connect to an additional kitchen TV (requiring it's own box) and it would just about double what I'm paying now.
But I got to thinking that the OTA network broadcasts are in HD mostly so if buy a new TV but don't get the HD upgrade from Dish then wouldn't the network show come over Dish as HD anyway? Does this make sense?

I understand your thinkimg, but unless you get Dish HD, all your channels will be in standard definition. You might be able to pick up many of the network channels in HD with a OTA antenna. We have Dish with the HD upgrade package, but I added it later, and can it really is worth the extra cost.


Edit: the Dish receivers do have a passthrough for an OTA antenna and we have one hooked up that way. We get several HD channels over the air.

[Wailer]

I pay under $40/mo for dish HD with locals. I have the VIP722 which I have connected to my HDTV an 4 other TVs via coaxial (I have all the cable jacks pulled to one closet).

I can record 3 things at once (2 over the satellite and 1 OTA) all in HD. Simultaneously, I can watch 1 thing (either what I'm recording or what is on the DVR) in HD and someone else can watch something in SD on any of the other 4 TVs. All from 1 DVR. We have 2 remotes; an IR one and a UHF one that can be used anywhere in the house. If 3 people want to watch different things, someone has to wait their turn.

My plan doesn't have the regional sports, but I get ESPN, Bravo, TNT, TBS, CNN, Comedy, a bunch of 2nd run movie networks in addition to CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, WB etc. all in HD. We used to have 5 cinemax channels for $0.01/yr, but they canceled that promotion.

Shameless plug: let me know if you have any other questions or need a referral. We both get $50 off or something.

[DP]

Thanx all.