DVR Question(s)

jstrait · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 09:39 AM

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Hi Everyone! I'm posting this for a friend who is having trouble signing up (site says he's a 'bot).

<Ringfinger asks:>

Quickie. I have an HD DVR upstairs. It is hooked to the DTV router that plugs into the wall outlets. One coax comes in, no problems.

I have a HD receiver in the basement. TV is SD but used the old HD for it. It has one coax coming in.

I want to swap out the HD receiver in basement for a SD DVR. Does that need one or two coax input? Also, want to to On Demand for that, can I just get the plug in for that and not another router? Also, I hear I need a specific model (R22) can I get that at Best Buy?

So many questions...

</Ringfinger asks:>

Thanks for any help you can give!
Jeff

dishrich · #2 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 11:13 AM

Well even though you say the HD DVR has no problems with the 1 coax, are BOTH tuners working now on it? Also, have no idea what you mean by "DTV router"?
If both tuners ARE working with the 1 coax, then he must have an SWM dish, which means you only need 1 coax to make both tuners work on DVR's. If both are NOT working, then he has a legacy feed dish, which requires 2 coaxs to each DVR.

Also, you ARE aware that in your market, since your locals are transitioning from the 2 dishes for locals (2nd dish f/locals@72.5), D* ONLY installs HD receivers now. (either H2x or HR2x DVR's) The R22 was discontinued some time ago & is hard to find now.

If I was your friend, I'd have him call D* to see about how much they'd charge to install that 2nd DVR. If he needs any additional parts on his dish to make both tuners work, they'll install those as part of the upgrade at no added charge.
A tip: if you ask D* to just install an SD DVR, he WILL actually end up getting an HD DVR anyway for the SAME price, due to the transitioning I just explained above. Since he is already paying the HD & DVR fees on his 1st receiver, getting a 2nd HD DVR will NOT cost him anything additional monthly-wise. He will be getting a better receiver than the R22, & if he ever gets an HD TV in that room, he'll be all set to go!