Newbie Questions

[codefree]

This (http://www.samsungelectronics.com/tv/projection_tv/index.html) is the HDTV I have. Which HDTV decoders would be the most compatable with it? Should I stick with the same brand or is another one better. I'd prefer to keep the cost under $500 if at all possible though. http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/ubb/wink.gif Also, for those with Time Warner cable, is there anything else I would need to receive HD broadcasts? Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some friendly advice.

[Gregg Lengling]

Your set has 2 sets of component video input...1 set is 480i/480p only designated basically for a DVD player, the other is a 1080i input...so just make sure any OTA STB you get upconverts 480p and 720p to 1080i for display as this unit will not display the 720p (or 480p) through the tuner input jacks. It's personal preferenced what you purchase but I'm sure there are a lot of suggestions you will get on this board regarding the different models and costs out there. As far as TWC goes, if you order their HighDefinition cable, the box they will rent you will have 1080i output so it will interface directly to the set you have.

Good luck and enjoy...you'll never go back after you've seen 1080i.

PS...what's the codefree...finally become a ham after they removed the Morse Code requirments...???

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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[This message has been edited by lummox (edited 10-14-2002).]

[codefree]

Thanks for the reply lummox.

Not sure what "OTA STB" means... something Set Top Box I'm guessing. Still need to learn much of the lingo. So in regards to my question about the decoder, should I not even bother buying one and instead rent the one TWC provides? As for my handle, I'm a huge DVD lover so much so that I've been collecting DVDs from all over the world. Thus, I own a regionfree aka codefree DVD player. I know a lot about that but not too much about HDTV... yet! http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/ubb/wink.gif

[Gregg Lengling]

OTA STB (Over the Air Set Top Box). This is basically a DTV ATSC (digital Television Advanced Television Standards Council) 8VSB receiver/decoder (8VSB is the transmission standard used over the air in the US and Canada). The box from TWC would be a QAM256 decoder box as cable uses a different format. At this time the only thing cable has in HD is HBO, Showtime, PBS and channel 4 soon.

Over the air we have the following channel 4 (digital 8) in the evenings, channel 6 (digital 33) very low power bad antenna no high def programming, channel 10 (digital 8) doing multicasting but some HD programming you have to watch their website for listings, channel 12 (digital 34) supposed to be on the air tomorrow (right), channel 18 and 24 digitals to be on air 11/1/02, channel 30 postponed, channel 36 (digital 35) next year, channel 58 (digital 46) has the most HD programming, entire primetime is HD (almost), best content.

All these channels have capability of multicasting (running 2 to 5 programs simultaneously). Channel 58's digital runs 3 programs...channel 58, 41 and 63. Channel 10's runs 5 programs...3 hour delay of channel 10 and 36, PBSuniversity and PBS Kids, plus a weather/music channel. So there is a great deal available there, also channel 58 has a deal where they run HDNET during the none primetime hours.

The best configuration in my humble opinion is what I have....Over the Air plus Directv. I get all the above plus HBO-High Def, Showtime High Def and HDNET.

Hope this helps...


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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[codefree]

Yes that helps a ton, thanks again! http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/ubb/smile.gif

[codefree]

Another question, all I need to receive local channel HDTV broadcasts is my HDTV and the HD Decoder right? In other words, the decoder works as some kind of antenna?? Or do I still need cable or satellite?

[Gregg Lengling]

The decoder also known as a settop box only needs a regular TV antenna to receive local off the air signals....no fee..no charge..just free like all other local tv (well free if you don't count all the advertising you have to watch.)


------------------
Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[StarvingForHDTV]

Originally posted by lummox:
Channel 10's runs 5 programs...3 hour delay of channel 10 and 36, PBSuniversity and PBS Kids, plus a weather/music channel. So there is a great deal available there, also channel 58 has a deal where they run HDNET during the none primetime hours.

That's pretty interesting. I didn't know that PBS digital ran a weather/music channel. I also didn't know that CBS digital ran HDNET during non-primetime. Good to know, thanks.

As far as the HD Decoders/Set Top Boxes under $500 you have a few options. If you want the "latest and greatest" technology available today, both Samsung and Zenith make Over the Air only STB's which sell for around $400 or less. These boxes will not allow you to receive DirecTV though. The "latest and greatest" Over the Air AND DirecTV set top boxes are made by Samsung and Zenith/Sony (Zenith is releasing it's box very soon and Zenith also made a box for Sony which is out right now). The newest combo Samsung box sells for about $579 and the newest Sony or Zenith sells for about $699 I guess that is out of your budget.

If you can settle for an older model, there are many to be found for less than $500 which allow you to receive Over the Air HDTV and DirecTV. Of course the tuners may be a little less sensitive, the menus and guides may not be as fast, etc. etc. but from what I hear the HDTV picture quality is usually very good, and that's perhaps what is most important to most people.

The AVS forum is a good spot to learn about current and past STB's for HDTV reception:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=25

Not to take anything away from this forum, which is wonderful, but AVS is a valuable resource as well.

Once you get your HD Decoder aka STB, you will need a means to get signals to it. If you want DirecTV signals, you will need a dish. If you want Over The Air signals, you will need an antenna. If you want both, you will need to get the dish and an antenna.

Good luck,

Starving

[Gregg Lengling]

Once you get your HD Decoder aka STB, you will need a means to get signals to it. If you want DirecTV signals, you will need a dish. If you want Over The Air signals, you will need an antenna. If you want both, you will need to get the dish and an antenna.
[/B]

Just remember when it comes to a dish you will need an oval dish (I have a Terks as the switch is hidden in the support arm). You will need 2 lnbs to get HB-High DEF and HDNET, if you want Showtime High Def you will need the third lnb.



------------------
Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[codefree]

Originally posted by StarvingForHDTV:
The "latest and greatest" Over the Air AND DirecTV set top boxes are made by Samsung and Zenith/Sony (Zenith is releasing it's box very soon and Zenith also made a box for Sony which is out right now). The newest combo Samsung box sells for about $579 and the newest Sony or Zenith sells for about $699 I guess that is out of your budget.

Thanks for your help. Can I ask where I might be able to find the Samsung for $579?
You wouldn't happen to know the model number would you? http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/ubb/wink.gif

[codefree]

Called a Circuit City and they said they have an RCA for $549 but it needs an adapter that costs another $130. Do any of the other STBs need adapters? I also was told by American TV about a Hughes STB for $599. I'd like to find and buy one Wednesday but I'm reluctant as I don't know if I need an adapter as well. Which local (Tosa, Brookfield, Waukesha, Milwaukee, West Allis) stores sell STBs at a decent price?

[This message has been edited by codefree (edited 10-15-2002).]

[mcq]

That adapter I believe is the breakout cable. It depends upon your TV. I know that I fell into the $130 trap before anyone could help me. I believe that there are cheaper solutions. In essence, what it does is convert a 15Pin VGA out to 5 BNC wires that then must have BNC to RCA gender menders. As I spent the $130, someone else may be able to help you with alternatives. I also spent over a $100 on a Monster fiber cable for digital sound. As far as I am concerned Flanner's found me an easy mark....If I knew then what I know now. I would now but it at GreatCables.com or somewhere else on the Internet.

[codefree]

Originally posted by mcq:
That adapter I believe is the breakout cable. It depends upon your TV. I know that I fell into the $130 trap before anyone could help me. I believe that there are cheaper solutions. In essence, what it does is convert a 15Pin VGA out to 5 BNC wires that then must have BNC to RCA gender menders. As I spent the $130, someone else may be able to help you with alternatives. I also spent over a $100 on a Monster fiber cable for digital sound. As far as I am concerned Flanner's found me an easy mark....If I knew then what I know now. I would now but it at GreatCables.com or somewhere else on the Internet.

Yikes, I was thinking of heading out to Flanners tomorrow. Thanks for the tip! Is
this (http://www.greatcables.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=185&item=VGABNC%2D10++++++&mscssid=4BTV2FJDQLG58KWV5BU7KHJ7414VBH80) the correct adapter I would need for my Samsung HDTV and a Hughes STB?



[This message has been edited by codefree (edited 10-15-2002).]

[Gregg Lengling]

pc-dtv.com has the adaptor cables for less than 20 bucks...I have a 25' long one that only cost me 30 or so.

[veyj]

As far as I know, the RCA DTC100 was the only STB that did not have component video out. It required the SVGA to Component Video Adapter ($130). The OTA only Samsung SIR-T150 and T165 have component video out as does the OTA/DirecTV receivers Samsung T160, Panasonic TU-HDS20, Hughes E86, Zenith HD-SAT520 and the Toshiba DST3000.

The newer Samsungs (T160, T165) and the Zenith have DVI. The Samsung T165 also has IEEE-1394.

Codefree - that is NOT the cable you need for the Samsung HDTV and Hughes STB. You would need standard component video cables. If you go with the Hughes STB, the component video cable is provided along with a digital optical audio cable. Don't count Flanners out just yet. If you're going with DirecTV, inquire about their $499 installed promo. Can't hurt to ask. Also ask if they have any demo models. Mike S. and myself were able to pick up the Hughes E86 with the full 2 year warranty from Flanners for $399. Haven't had a single problem.

Good luck in your search.

John

[codefree]

Originally posted by veyj:
Mike S. and myself were able to pick up the Hughes E86 with the full 2 year warranty from Flanners for $399. Haven't had a single problem.

Thanks for your help. I called Flanners just before they closed last night and they told me they have the Hughes on sale for $499. Were the $399 ones the demos? Anyway, I'll be heading out there later today.

[veyj]

I'm not sure if they were demo's, returns or just open boxes. Anyway, the one I got look brand new. Bill, the salesman I worked with, got me a brand new accessory pack that was still sealed. The accessories are the component and digital optical cables, RF/IR remote (Most STB's are only IR), RF antenna for remote, VCR control cable and manual. I also double checked to make sure it came with an access card.

Was the $499 quote for the receiver only? Or was it for Receiver, Elliptical Dish, 2 LNB's and installation? If you don't already have DirecTV and are going that route, the extra $100 is well worth it. And if you're thinking about adding ShowtimeHD now or sometime in the future, you can pick up the 3rd LNB from DirecTV for $8 shipping and install it yourself.

[Todd Wiedemann]

Codefree,

My 'guy' at Flanner's is Paul Hugdahl. He is excellent to work with and is a supporter of this group. If you can, and don't mind, please see him and mention the group !

PS - I'm 'codefree' too ... APEX AD-600A.

[codefree]

Originally posted by veyj:
Was the $499 quote for the receiver only? Or was it for Receiver, Elliptical Dish, 2 LNB's and installation? If you don't already have DirecTV and are going that route, the extra $100 is well worth it. And if you're thinking about adding ShowtimeHD now or sometime in the future, you can pick up the 3rd LNB from DirecTV for $8 shipping and install it yourself.

AFAIK, the $499 price he quoted was for the receiver itself with nothing else. Isn't an extra $100 a bit much for Direct TV installion as Best Buy (http://64.14.232.164/BestBuyInserts/WeeklyFiles/PDFs/1013_07AP1.PDF) has a deal going on right now for only $24.99 after rebate which sounds a lot more tempting.

[codefree]

Just got back from Flanners. Picked up the Hughes STB for $499 which came with satellite installion. Look forward to getting it all ready to go!

Thanks again to everyone for their help. http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/ubb/smile.gif

[veyj]

Don't think of it as $100 for the install. First of all, it's open vs. unopened merchandise. Secondly, try and find that $499 price for the E86 anywhere, including the internet. American TV, EBAY ... weren't even close. Add to that, it should be installed by Jeff Burback, who has been raved about on this forum. And finally, you know you'll be getting the right equipment (Elliptical Dish, 2 LNB's, Multi-Switch). The Best Buy advertisement you listed showed 2 low-end receivers installed with a Round dish and single LNB for $24.99. Upgrade that to DD 5.1 receivers and the install is $92.99. They don't even mention what an HD receiver install would run. Hard to compare apples and oranges.

The route I took was based on advice from Mike Sheahan. I got the free installation from Block Buster. This came with (1) low-end Hughes receiver GAEBO. I requested the Para Todos package even though I didn't want those channels. What that did was garauntee the Elliptical dish and Multi-Switch which is required to receive the spanish programming. The free install came with a bonus (1 year free DVD rentals/1 per week). The install was great. He brought duel RG6 down from the Dish/Switch to were it went into the house. He said they were doing this as a directive from DirecTV on all installs because a lot of people were upgrading to a second receiver. It worked great for me. I picked up the open Hughes from Flanners. Ran RG6 to the second line. Called DirecTV to activate and voila. 2 receivers installed for $399 and a boatload of DVD rentals.