hdtv

[bennefit]

Hi can someone tell me what ird to get to get hdtv? first my tv is an Toshiba 43 inch got it at best buy 1 year ago, the sales guy said it was hd compatiable but that i need to get a tuner to make it hd. will the hd-ird be my tuner? and also if i buy one at best buy can i use my hu card that has a friends bin on it.Thanks for any help.

[maharg18]

Yes, all you need is a HD ird...The newest models such as the Sony HD200 will NOT work with the HU card..Older models such as the Toshiba DST-3000 and RCA DTC-100 will work just fine with it...I'd imagine there are some new ones still floating around somewhere out there.

[robb]

Buy an RCA DTC-100. It works well and has an HD decoder for using a rooftop antenna.

[maharg18]

I have the DST-3000, the main thing I like about it over the RCA is that the Toshiba has component outputs, while the RCA requires a converter to go from VGA to component, which is required for most HDTV's.

[antonio c]

I like the hughes hird e86. It blends the over the air menu with the dtv menu.

[azphi]

Originally posted by antonio c
I like the hughes hird e86. It blends the over the air menu with the dtv menu.

Also the new in the box Hughes E86 that I just bought from BestB not even a month ago came factory sealed with a P4 but, it still works with the HU. Now I have a beatiful ird plus P4 on the shelf.
LouPenya

[buffalobill99]

I have and like the Hughes E86. But it looks like Rat Shack is getting rid of their DTC-100s. I saw one at the Eastern Hills Mall for 349.00.

[larryk]

I would look at the Hughes made IRD's (Hughes, Mits, and Toshiba)they offer more features than the RCA. I think that the RCA is far to limiting in a HD setup.

[Blaster]

The DCT100 is a DINOSAUR!!

When it was all that was available, it was OK but things have changed ALOT since then...

Hughes E86 puts it to shame in all respects.

[blazingtv]

I presently use the Mitsubishi HDTV reciever it works fine with the HU card and also has the digital audio output for the 5.1 ..it requires the triple LNB dish to get the HDTV from Dave and the roof top antenna to get the Local broadcasted HDTV shows ...

[ddm]

Originally posted by Blaster
The DCT100 is a DINOSAUR!!

When it was all that was available, it was OK but things have changed ALOT since then...

Hughes E86 puts it to shame in all respects.

Blaster: Do you know if a "test HU" gets all the channels on the E86? The reason I ask is because I had a DTC-100 that only got random channels and no locals yet my regular RCA DRD515RB got everything.

[buffalobill99]

The E86 will allow you to test all channels.

[Blaster]

ddm - there must have been something wrong with your DCT100, it should have worked for you as well as given you locals in HiDef (OTA).

BUT, the Hughes is particularly well suited for all locals. The "SAT IN" is internally diplexed so if you are useing a multi-s/w and mixing in a cable signal it automatically puts those channels on its guide so you can view cable channels by selecting them within the satellite guide.

Also, if you put an Off-Air antenna, for HiDef reception, into its "ANT IN" input it will recognize them and include THEM into its giude.

So, in my area CBS is on channel 11. In the Hughes guide I have 3 channel 11's.

1 from the satellite
1 from the cable
1 from the OTA HiDef antenna

Marked CBS, CBS Cable, & CBS Local and I can tune to each one through the Hughes.

Pretty kewl :) , and that's just one of its features. It really is a pretty friendly receiver and coupled with the component outputs (instead of the old VGA) is much better suited to the current line of HiDef sets.

[ddm]

Blaster:
Thanks. I bought the DTC100 from EBAY. Couldn't call Dave of course. Sounds like I'll get the Hughes E86. So far I haven't been able to get a signal with my eliptical 3 LNB dish so the round dish is still in place. Is there a difference in the "Platinum" version of the E86 versus the regular E86 or are they one in the same?
Thanks again for your help.

[blazingtv]

DDM
If your not getting a signal with your triple LNB you dont have it positioned right on the satelite..one of the LNBs picks up the satelite your on now ..one willp ick up the satelite for the SHOWTIME hd channel 543 ..the other will get you the satelite for HD NET and HBO HD channel 509 ...you need to take great care to adjust this dish correctly ..I use the Mitsubishi hd 500 which is almost exactly like the hughes and I have o problem ..

[ddm]

Blazingtv: Thanks. Yes I understand about what points to what. I have put up many round dishes. I even bought a signal finder which doesn't seem to work. I have the bubble right in the middle, the tilt is set right where it should be and the angle (whatever it's called) is set correctly too. I've tried everything. I sold the DTC100 so I going to buy a Highes E86 and then try again.