I'm a current DirecTV subscriber. I found a DTC-100. Now comes the fun part:

I was told that I will need a 3-LNB oval dish, as the HDTV channels (HBO, to which I do subscribe, Showtime, to which I do not currently subscribe, and HDNet, which I don't know if I would get) are on 3 different satellites, so I need to ask: which channels are on which satellites?

I have 2 dishes now, and can get a third one if I need to, so how do I know what I will need. I can get the 3-LNB oval for $110 shipped, but I don't mind having 3 rounds instead. But, do I need 3?

Also, how does the "free Sat-C" equipment I've heard about fit in in these questions?

Thanx,
Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Sat C (110) Showtime HD, some locals?

Sat B (119) HBO HD, HD net, Para Todos, local programming.

Sat A (101) All of your standard programming


Hope that helps,

JJP

Currently HBO HD is on 101. It's rumored to be moving back to 119 in December.

-Robert

So (Spanish aside), the whole reason to get a Hi-Def tuner is for 3 channels: HBO HD, ShowTime HD, and HDNet, plus maybe one local channel, and even then, only some of the time? Hardly seems worth it.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Oh no, of course there's more than that. There's NASA channel on 119, also. I think the locals on 110 moved onto 101 where they belong. Same goes for the 119 locals, I think they moved to 101. Somewhere on DirecTV's site is this info. Seems impossible to find sometimes.

Hardly seems worth it is right. Except that your HD receiver should be able to receive local channels from an antenna as well.

BTW, the Sat-C is the middle LNB on an oval dish (for the 110 sat). IF you already have an oval dish with no middle LNB, you need the "Sat-C upgrade". If you simply acquire an oval dish now, it will probably have all 3 LNBs already. Check with DirecTV, they may have deals (esp if you whine) where you can get the dish cheaper than what you mentioned. Although...

Also, if you missed the implication: you already have 2 dishes and if you don't feel like adding Showtime, you don't need anything more. (maybe a multiswitch) Since Showtime HD is all that's on the 3rd sat right now, just skip the new dish for now. Point your 2 dishes at 101 and 119 and you'll get all the channels you might care about.

Larry,
also there has been conflicting info as to whether the SAT C LNB is different from the other two. The last two I put in had adaptor kits; the C LNB looked different and was labeled 'to be used for Sat C only.' That means you will have to get the adaptor kit, then get a third dish that will properly hold the LNB and throw out the LNB that comes with that dish. Unless I were in Minnesota (did I remember that right from that other thread?) where rain fade is a huge problem, I would just go get a multidish.

Ernie, the Sat C kit LNB is different than a regular LNB to maximize the signal for an oval dish setup.

If you were using a 3 round dish setup, you would use regular LNBs and tune each one for it's respective bird individually. Which would give you the best signal on all 3 birds.

JJP

I have RCA DTC-100 Sony HD200 (which is wonderful) but I decided to get the DISH sat just for HD since it is all on one SAT. I keep DSS because it is where football is.