Backward Compatibility

[george357]

In my process of upgrading to HD I am trying to do so with the least possible cost and without extending my contract. I have found a good deal on a ViP 722k and I am thinking about getting it. The issue I want to resolve is are the HD receivers backward compatible with regular SD antenna dishes. Can I hook the 722 to my current dish 500 and use it in SD mode for now?
Also does anyone know of a good place to buy dish pointing/install tools?

 

[TheKrell]

Yes; that works. When I did as you did, I had only SD channels on 110/119 and 61.5. So my 722 already received all HD channels for the cost of only $10/mo extra. Plus the cost of the 722 which I got from Ebay.

 

[Dah-Henny]

George, the 722k will function with all of Dish's reflectors. You'll even have access to a few HD channels using the 500 pointed at 110/119.

 

[george357]

Thanks to both of you for the replies and the information. I guess that all I need to do is to authorize the 722 with Dish and then just connect the coax that is coming into the house now?

 

[garys]

Run the coax first, you need to make sure the connections are correct so the receiver can download initial information before you activate the receiver. Activating first could cause problems if everything does not go well.

 

[george357]

I meant the coax coming from the already in use Dish 500, I know that all those connections are correct.

 

[Dah-Henny]

What Gary is saying, is that you ought to, before you call to activate the 722k, go ahead and hook the receiver up, so that it can download current software/updates.