Do I need to subscribe to D* HDTV package to integrate OTA?

[chupacabra]

Hi,
I am considering D* sony receiver with the DVI output. I have a rooftop antenna and currently use an OTA only HD STB connected on it's own TV input. (so I have to switch inputs to watch HDTV then switch back to watch cable).

When I subscribe to D*, without subscribing to the HDTV package, will my OTA channels fully integrate with the D* channels when I connect the Sony STB to the DVI?

Or is this intergrated functionality only available if you subscribe to the D* HDTV package?

And how will I connect my rooftop antenna coax AND the D* coax into the Sony STB?

Thanks!

[ProntoProgramming]

Chupacabra,

Your D* HD Receiver will have an input for your D* signal, your Antenna signal, and your cable signal. You do not need to subscribe to the HDTV package to view OTA broadcasts. If you are looking to subscribe to D*, I would look at the new HDTiVo coming in March/April of this year. ValueElectronics.com is taking preorders for the units and giving a $100 discount to anyone who preorders. Here is the link, http://www.valueelectronics.com/avsTC.htm
The only problem is that it does not have a cable tuner, but if your subscribing to D* why would you keep cable?

Glenn

[chupacabra]

ProntoProgramming,
Thanks, I thought about the HDTivo, too. I will look into that.

So what you are saying is that I will benefit from full channel integration via DVI?
For example, when I hit channel up, I will see my OTA NBC, then a D* channel without switching inputs?

Thanks.

[bdraw]

ProntoProgramming,
Thanks, I thought about the HDTivo, too. I will look into that.

So what you are saying is that I will benefit from full channel integration via DVI?
For example, when I hit channel up, I will see my OTA NBC, then a D* channel without switching inputs?

Thanks.

Yes in the guide it will look just like another channel that you are recieving from D*.

You don't even have to subscribe to D* you could just use it as an OTA tuner. It would still get the guide info for you from D* if you have a dish hooked up to it.

[chupacabra]

Awesome!

Then all I have to do is wait for Best Buy to carry the HDTIVO so I can buy it with my gift cards!

Thanks!

[LonghornXP]

Good thinking there and the estimated timeframe for the HDTivo is around March. Also just so you know the HD boxes DirecTV offers have an actual antenna in jack and all your local HD channels it scans it will merge with your APG so you would see for example channels 8(satellite) than 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3 and you can just channel up and down and you can also set up your box to skip certain channels during channel up and down. So if you don't watch say 8-2 and 32-1 you can set it up so when you are on channel 28-1 when you press the up key it will go directly too 38-1.

Also the new HD Tivo has 4 total tuners (only 2 will work at the same time). It has 2 DirecTV tuners that can record both DirecTV SD and HD programming. It also has two OTA tuners it can record from and just so you know you only have to plug in one OTA antenna cable because the box can split it internally to two tuners.

So you can record say CSI in HD on 10-1 and even get a season pass for it and it will record it with 5.1 surround and everything and what is good about the DirecTivo HD unit is that it records the stream unchanged so what you see live is exactly the same as what you would playback once recorded.

Just trust me you will love this box. From what I read this box can record about 250 hours of SD or 35 hours of HD or some of both.

[bdraw]

Longhorn
You forgot to mention that you can record two shows while watching a third, in limted combinations.

For example.

you record one show OTA and one D* and watch one from either.

But not record two shows OTA and watch a third OTA.
Cool stuff, now where is ReplayTV when i need them?

[ProntoProgramming]

BDraw,

I don't think you will have the "record two shows and watch a third live" option. I believe it will work just like the current DirecTivo where you can record two shows at once and watch a previously record show, but not a third live show. Although it would be possible in theory to record two shows from two tuners and still have two more tuners to use, but that would just confuse the hell out of non-techies when you run in to the situation you mentioned.

Glenn

[chupacabra]

Oh man, I can't wait for this box!

What do you think D* will charge for HDTivo subscription?

[ProntoProgramming]

Chupa,

I imagine it will be covered under the current pricing of $4.99 per month, per account not per TiVo receiver, for the TiVo service, which is great since I already have one DirecTiVo

Glenn