9 Messages
old guys confused by HD upgrade letter
Trying help an older friend who has a CRT television (circa 2004) with only coaxial, component, composite and DVI inputs. It's a Panasonic CT32HXC14J
We are confused about a letter he received from DirecTV asking him to upgrade his equipment to HD in order to keep his local channels and are wondering if it will require an HDMI connection which his TV does not have.
His current stb is D12-700 which seems to be connected to the TV via coaxial.
He is worried that he will either loose his service altogether if the new box is not compatible or have to pay more if he does not upgrade or if he delays upgrading.
As I try to research this topic I'm finding that this may be related to the MPEG2 to MPG4 conversion, which may also require a new satellite dish.
Basically, he is scared of the upgrade process in terms of cost, compatibility and intrusiveness and I am not sure how to bridge the gap between his old TV and the current technology.
Is there way to make this upgrade with his current TV?
p.s. He has no internet connection in his house and no smartphone and this is the only TV that is used with DirecTV.
Accepted Solution
shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.6K Messages
1 year ago
You can use a component cable red/white audio with red,blue,green video.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
As I investigate the SD/MPEG-2 shutdown more, it is evident that directv only plans to currently remove local channel markets, not their actual nationwide networks.
In other words, local channels for presumably everyone (except for the New York, NY market likely) will be shut down in SD feeds. However, nationwide regular channels (100 and onward) will continue to broadcast and operate in SD on 101, as DIRECTV has no current plans to terminate these duplicate channels.
A quick listen of Stuart Sweet’s podcast illuminates this:
https://blog.solidsignal.com/podcasts/podcast-551-standard-definition-tv-really/
(edited)
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.6K Messages
1 year ago
AFAIK DTV will only be sending MPEG4 channels on the 101 and currently there are only 4, MPEG2 receivers will not get MPEG4 channels.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
Correct. I was stating that the current nationwide MPEG-2/SD channels on 101 aren't planned to go anywhere at this time. This was stated by both Stuart Sweet in the podcast link I shared, as well as the OP's letter they attached from DIRECTV, Question 4.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.6K Messages
1 year ago
So why is DTV mandating that the dish be replaced with a slimline SWM dish?
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
@Juniper , @shannon02 thanks very much for the reassurance about a new STB supporting RCA component connections.
We will also be sure to follow your advice closely when calling to avoid any upgrade or contract extension pitfalls. Thanks again.
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
@shannon02
I would assume because of the loss of locals.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
So, it sounds like the new DISH (in addition to the stb) is required as part of the conversion to receive the MPEG4 local channels?
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
@Juniper That makes sense that a new dish would be required to go along with the new box.
Let's say someone decides to keep their current D12 stb and dish and go without the local channels.
Is there any sense of a timeline for how much longer the national channels will be supported on the old SD equipment ?
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detuch254
ACE - New Member
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5.2K Messages
1 year ago
@GrumpyOldMen
As far as I know, the D12 should last another several years with SD national channels. This has been confirmed by Stuart Sweet, a gentlemen who works at the third-party DIRECTV dealer, Solid Signal.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
So, I just talked to my friend after his SD->HD swap.
From what I can tell it sounds like they replaced the dish and the stb but now he says he lost the NFL Channel.
Apparently, it says 'channel not purchased.'
To say he is upset is an understatement...
I'm going to go over and to try to get more details.
Ideas and suggestion appreciated !
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.6K Messages
1 year ago
DTV no longer has the rights to broadcast NFL Sunday Ticket that went to Youtube.
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GrumpyOldMen
9 Messages
1 year ago
OK. So it turn out I was not understanding what was going on with the NFL Channel.
All is well.
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