Newbie with HD Questions

[wildcatman]

Hi Everybody,

I have been a Dish Network subscriber for about 3 years. I recently bought a 30 in Widescreen Real Flat HDTV - Model # 30PW850H99. It is on its way to me. I also ordered an 811 from Dish through the Dishin' It Up Program. The 811 is going to replace my 301 receiver, and I will have a 510 in the other room. I have a Super Dish and receive my locals through Dish. I also have a conventional outdoor antenna and can receive locals through it.

Dish Network has already added the HD Pack to my programming, so my questions are:

1. Once I get the 811, will my HD channels then show up (I cannot see them even in SD now)?
2. Will I need to purchase a separate HD antenna to receive my over the air locals in HD. If so, can anyone recommend a good set-top box antenna? I am not interested in installing another outdoor antenna.
3. Is there anything special that I should know about hooking up the 811? Will I receive all of the cables necessary for installation from Dish. Please note that my HD-ready tv will have componet connections, not HDMI.
4. How good is the included movie channel in the HD pack?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BobaBird]

1. Yes, the HD channels only show in the listings on HD receivers.
2. Your existing antenna should be fine.
3. The 811 comes with component, S-video, composite and RF but not DVI.

 

[redline65]

4. HDNet Movies? I never watch it. Ever. Mostly old movies it seems like. Some classics. You can get the listing here:

http://www.hd.net/movies_schedule_today.html

If you subscribe to HBO or Showtime you can get those channels (1 of each I believe) in HD as well. Sadly, no Cinemax HD.

 

[BrianMis]

The 811 does have a DVI connector.

That's how I have mine hooked up to my TV now.

 

[mdonnelly]

...
4. How good is the included movie channel in the HD pack?

Thanks in advance.

HD-NET Movies has some stuff occasionally that's worth watching, but not often. If you buy the HBO package, you'll get HBO-HD automatically.

 

[DarrellP]

Wait until next Monday night and tune in HDNET, "Guys Night In", Bikini Destinations will leave you speechless. On my big screen, it's like having a front row seat at the beach ;-)

 

[dfergie]

Wait until next Monday night and tune in HDNET, "Guys Night In", Bikini Destinations will leave you speechless. On my big screen, it's like having a front row seat at the beach ;-)

Wait till Hot Lines comes back on also...

 

[mike_johnson]

3. The 811 comes with component, S-video, composite and RF but not DVI.

The 811 has DVI - it does not have an RF out.

 

[BobaBird]

Yep I goofed, there is no RF output. The question was about cables so, to be more specific, the 811 has a DVI-D output but you have to supply your own cable.

 

[SimpleSimon]

BobaBird's answer to #2 could be wrong.

OTA reception WILL require a separate antenna. What kind depends on where you are in relation to the digital transmitter towers, which are not always in the same place as the old analog ones. Go to http://www.antennaweb.org for good advice.