MUST I get my HD satellite receiver from DirecTV?

[rudy45]

We are upgrading our DirecTV service to HD. We have one HD TV and two "regular" ones. Today, the DirecTV person is installing our HD satellite dish and is swapping one of our digital receivers for an HD receiver. The cost of the receiver is $99, plus $19.95 shipping and handling.

Question: if and when we get more HD TVs, I understand we will need HD receivers. However, MUST we get those receivers from DirecTV, or can we get "generic" HD receivers that might be less expensive? My google searches are inconclusive. Thanks.

[Doohickey]

Yes, you must get your satellite from DirectTV.

No, you do not have to change out your receiver if you get an HD set. You existing receiver will work fine sans HD content, obviously.

[craig_eddy]

Not sure what exactly you mean by “generic hd receiver” but you can buy a DirectTV HD receiver from places other than DirecTV. I’d recommend browsing around http://www.dbstalk.com forums.

[ovrtaxt]

Sounds like a monopoly that needs to be invaded. $$$

[rudy45]

thanks. I guess I had two questions, and you answered one: namely that I can buy a receiver with a DirecTV logo on it from someone/somewhere other than DirecTV.

The original question is this: can I buy a “no name” receiver that is compatible with the DirecTV HD signal, and will display HD images on my TV? I would hope it would be less expensive. Thanks.

[Filo]

I guess I had two questions, and you answered one: namely that I can buy a receiver with a DirecTV logo on it from someone/somewhere other than DirecTV.

No. Only DirecTV will sell items with their logo on the new market.

You might be able to find something used on eBay or Craigslist that'll cut your price.

The original question is this: can I buy a “no name” receiver that is compatible with the DirecTV HD signal, and will display HD images on my TV? I would hope it would be less expensive.

I don't think there's really a market for "no-name" producs.

DirecTV HD signals are typically MPEG-4 encoded and not a lot of folks are doing that these days.

What you can do is buy alternative products such as the TiVo HD DVR that will work fine with a DirecTV signal.

The difference there is that DirecTV leases their products now and TiVo would sell you a unit. It would depend on how long you plan on using the DVR as to whether or not it saves you money. . .

[holymoly]

The original question is this: can I buy a “no name” receiver that is compatible with the DirecTV HD signal,

No. You must have a "DirecTV" branded receiver, with the DirecTV access card. This is to prevent theft of their services.

I would hope it would be less expensive. Thanks.

You might be able to get a used DirecTV HD receiver somewhere.

BTW Here's a few forums you may find helpful:

Satelliteguys DirecTV Forum
High Def DirecTV Forum
DBSTalk DirecTV forum

[craig_eddy]

Weeknees seems to be selling one: http://www.weaknees.com/directv-hd-dvr/hr21-700-320-details.php

[steveo]

What you can do is buy alternative products such as the TiVo HD DVR that will work fine with a DirecTV signal.

The TiVo HD-DVR will only work with cable service, it does not receive satellite signals.

[rawhide]

eBay has DirecTV satellite receivers for sale. Just buy from a reputable online store over there.