Directv HD reciever Compatability?

Question

I recently purchased an HD receiver (H20 Model) on ebay along with a 3 Lnb Satellite and wanted to upgrade to hd with my new tv. My question is; Do I need the 5 LNB dish or will the 3 work and also is the model of receiver sufficient now that directv has a newer version?

Answer 1

no, you will need the upgrade. The 3 LNB dish does not receive signals from the 103 and 99 satellites, which carry the bulk of the HD content (otherwise you'd only get a few channels).

I believe they're doing a free dish upgrade offer at this time. You can call and find out. Also, at the same time you will need to order a new access card (they will not activate the old one on your account) but also double check that the receiver is not leased (have the CSR look it up by the RID number). If it is, you need to get your money back as the seller did not own the receiver themselves and you WILL be locked into a commitment if you activate it.

Answer 2

You will need the 5 LNB dish to get most of the HD programming.  You will get less than 10 HD channels if you only have the 3 LNB dish.  With the 5 LNBs its around 100 HD channels.  The H20 model receiver is up to date for getting all of the HD channels available.  Depending on your account status and history, you can get the 5 LNB install done either for free or for $50.  Just be sure to let the rep you talk to know that you got the H20 yourself.  If you want the H20 install done, this also can be done for free or for $50 (2 separate orders).  You can still hook up the H20 and use it with your current dish until you get the 5 LNB put up.  I will warn you though, unless you have a satellite signal meter (what the installers use to pick to multiple satellites), you arent going to be able to align a 3 LNB dish on your own.  If you have a round single LNB dish, you wont be able to pick up any HD programming at all.