upgrading to HD, but not really

[drummerguy]

I currently have a 622 and a 522, with the Classic Bronze HD package, plus the Platinum HD package (I think that's what they're called now). The 522 is serving two standard def TVs, and the 622 is serving an HDTV and standard def TV.

Anyway, I'm looking to save some money on programming and downgrade to the TurboHD Bronze package. I know I need to upgrade the 522 to a 622 or 722, but I don't want to buy a new HDTV yet (522 and TV1 are monopolized by my kids, and I don't want little fingers messing up a brand new HDTV).

So I'm wondering if I can still use a standard def TV with the 622 or 722 as TV1. If I get TurboHD Bronze, will the HD programming still be viewable on a standard def TV (understanding that it would be downrezzed) or will I only be able to watch the public service and shopping channels they still stuff into this so-called "all-HD" package?

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Lord_Vader]

I would think you could use the RCA or S-Video out? Can you take your existing 622 and plug it in to test?

 

[sgarringer]

I've used SDTV connected to both TV1 and TV2 outputs on my 722 without any issue. Deep in the menus there is an option to sync TV1s audio to HD output or SD output, you need to change that otherwise you might have a tiny bit of lipsync issue. Otherwise, it will work fine.

 

[theoak]

Actually the new satellite at 129 has a stronger beam ... so it can tell if you have an SD television connected to your 722 and will stop sending you the signal.

Okay ... joking ...

SD televisions work just fine on TV1 and TV2. All the HD content will just end up being letter boxed.

 

[GNASH]

I currently have a 622 and a 522, with the Classic Bronze HD package, plus the Platinum HD package (I think that's what they're called now). The 522 is serving two standard def TVs, and the 622 is serving an HDTV and standard def TV.

Anyway, I'm looking to save some money on programming and downgrade to the TurboHD Bronze package. I know I need to upgrade the 522 to a 622 or 722, but I don't want to buy a new HDTV yet (522 and TV1 are monopolized by my kids, and I don't want little fingers messing up a brand new HDTV).

So I'm wondering if I can still use a standard def TV with the 622 or 722 as TV1. If I get TurboHD Bronze, will the HD programming still be viewable on a standard def TV (understanding that it would be downrezzed) or will I only be able to watch the public service and shopping channels they still stuff into this so-called "all-HD" package?

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

You can use Composite (Red-Yellow-White) or the Coax and a regular splitter on the "Home Distribution Output to connect your TV1 and TV2 to the TV.

To use the Coax, you would need to turn the modulator on for TV1 (Menu, 6, 1, 5) and put the button on either Air or Cable (whichever you are using). This would also allow both TV's to see both Tuners simply by changing Channels on the TV.

Geoff

 

[drummerguy]

Thanks for the help and advice! I should do a test first (duh, why didn't I think of that! )

 

[Cold Irons]

My 722's TV1 is connected to a SD TV (awaiting my 2nd HD TV). Works fine - HD channels are downconverted, no problems.