Ever wondered just what you will do with your older Analog TV with the analog channels (NTSC) scheduled to disappear in 2009? That's right, these older sets will no longer pick up your local Off-Air TV channels once stations go full digital - without some help. Why you ask, would you need a solution if you have satellite system and a TV solution that already works? Well, you can still keep a basic standard programming package with DirecTv you may currently use - without the more expensive upgrade to a
HD Programming Upgrade. This will allow that older Analog TV, you may be using, to receive and view those new Digital Off-Air HD (ATSC) signals available from your local stations if you supply the Off-Air antenna.
No fancy DVR with this unit to get in my way - I just don't care about those added features. If you need to record, you will have to connect a recorder with the H20.
Okay, here's my story: I recently purchased a new
Sharp Aquos 32" HDTV for one bedroom in my home. That set has the Digital (ATSC) Off-Air tuner for my local channels. While I also receive Digital programming from a DirecTv receiver connected to it, I currently don't have the proper satellite dish installed to receive High Definition programming from DirecTv. That programming requires an additional fee, more LNBs (Low Noise Block amplifiers) at the dish to see the additional satellites, and have compatibility with the newer GHz. channel formats. Also, the satellites themselves are actually still in the process of being added and prepared for more channels - until the fall of 2007 when some 150 or more new HD channels are expected to be deployed.
Yes those are useful tidbits, but the point is; I have a TV in another bedroom that is only 5 years old, and I don't want to replace it any time soon. It too had a connected DirecTv receiver, but I wanted my local Off-Air Digital (ATSC) channels to appear on it as well. Digital free Off-Air channels, well there's just nothing like them for free and the new Sharp Aquos showed me just how many new ones I had available again (I also have the
Avermedia PCIe TV Combo installed to a computer). They come in crystal clear and even supply surround sound when available on the program. I'm even getting them from over 60 miles away due to the
antenna array I have mounted to a chimney. Those Analog channels are subject to the environment and offer the usual buzzing, hissing, and picture distortions, that most often occur right when your interested in something. With Analog being replaced with Digital (thank God), everyone will be able to view more on local Off-Air television than ever before. Multi-casting (multiple programs on the same channel) is just one reason, but that perfect picture and sound offered by Digital HD is the main thing - even if you only watch it in Digital converted to Analog, and not in HD.
Without going all technical on you with numbers and formats, much digitally sent programming is not HD. The actual programing has to be formatted from studio cameras and by sound engineers for full HD before this is utilized - and I will tell you, that will take some time to happen with all productions. You still want the Digital (ATSC) signals, even if they aren't full HD, because they offer such huge improvement over any Analog (NTSC) signal. With my digital stations now multicasting more than one program each, I definitely want all these as DirecTv only offers a few of my local channels by Digital satellite and none of the multicast programming these stations offer. For those enthusiasts who have jumped on the 1080p television bandwagon, I'll tell you the H20 only reaches 720p as with most other accessories at this time - and that is still very acceptable for the most discerning eye.
For a close look at the H20 features try this link:
http://directv.com/learn/pdf/System_Manuals/DIRECTV/DIRECTV_H20_UG.pdf
The Install: My installation is an older one, but I had previously checked and upgraded my connections long ago. You might first want to check to be sure RG-6 cabling has been used everywhere. Anything of lesser quality or poor terminal connections won't cut it for the proper install of any HD unit such as the H20. The higher frequencies and compressed signals also handled by these units require careful terminations and good connections throughout. Any splitters or multi-satellite receiver splitters will also need to be rated for all the frequencies - if the newer DirecTv
HD programing is to be purchased.
Signal diplexers used for combining Off-Air antenna signals and the satellite signal to one cable cannot be used as the frequencies from the two additional Ka LNBs will receive interference from Off-Air antenna frequencies in these newer HD antenna systems. Any crimp connectors should be replaced by sealed compression types such as the
ZDS5162 connectors I purchase at my local Lowe's. Fortunately, all my cables (Off-Air and Satellite) throughout my home are excellent if I do say so - I replaced them all myself.
(***UPDATE 4/28/08***
DirecTv offered me a free upgrade to the new Slimline antenna on Sunday when I called them about programming changes I recently noticed. Although everything was still in proper order with my old satellite antenna, I let them bring it out and do the install Monday. The contractor they sent out did what I can only say was one of the most thorough and neatest installs I've seen. He installed new outside wiring, new terminal connectors, and grounded the system to NEC code at the power entrance to my home. He also arrived right on time and DirecTv followed up with a call before he arrived and again after he was finished. I was also told a DirecTv representative would follow up to be sure all electrical connections, and the install, had been properly taken care of. All a nice touch, and showing DirecTv is interested in proper installation of their equipment for long service life. Actually, the antenna and cabling are the most critical components for good HD reception - and I'm sure DirecTv wants their customers to have troublefree service. Other than the antenna and cabling, the HD receiver only needs surge and spike free uninterrupted power for excellent operation. With the new antenna in place, the technician reset my HD satellite receiver, and the menu automatically found and added the new HD satellite channels.) For DirecTv HD programming, the new larger satellite antenna with specific Ka-band LNBs is required along with more precise aiming - but for the present I won't worry about installing it as my older Ku-band LNB antenna system will suffice for my own non-HD DirecTv programming package. However, DirecTv will install it with the receiver and a HD programming package for $99 plus shipping ($19.99) and tax. If I decide to upgrade to a full HD programming service, I can purchase it from DirecTv for an additional $9.99 per month. With only one of my sets a true HDTV 16X9 Widescreen, I don't see the need to pay an extra ten bucks per month to see true HD in only one room. The standard digital I receive still displays beautifully - even on the new Sharp Aquos Widescreen HDTV. I also don't wish to change my current Off-Air and Satellite antenna cable system which includes diplexers.
*Note* If you purchase the receiver and antenna package install, DirecTv will expect you to upgrade to a HD programming package to full-fill your service commitment. So be aware of your purchase options when you make them. Later on, I may purchase the DirecTv Slim-Line antenna and install it myself or just buy another receiver with the antenna install from DirecTv. I can still use the HD antenna with all my DirecTv receivers without the added KA-Band capability. Once I have changed the cable wiring, to eliminate the diplexers I have in use, I can install the required new antenna multi-switch and have DirecTv change my programming to HD when I want. Since the H20 receiver (Say, doesn't that remind you of water somehow - a necessary requirement of every living thing?) has an output for S-video and two for RCA video and audio, it supports older 4X3 (screen ratio) Analog sets and VCRs/DVDs using them. It doesn't have a IR blaster feature to turn any of them on, but it does allow recording by one product, using that products recording timer. No dual tuners, it also will not allow other than viewing the program being currently recorded. Other ports are Optical Dolby Digital, High Def. out (YPrPB), and HDMI, for connection to High Definition Televisions. I simply used one combined RCA cable to make the video and audio connections to the older 4X3 set I wanted to use.
Once I am ready and I decide to go to HD programing using the H20, I will need to install the heavier 5 LNB HD satellite dish required for the HD Programing Satellite Packages. As the beam width for Ka-Band is still narrower than Ku-Band was as compared to C-Band, aiming of this antenna is now exceptionally critical for performance of its KA-Band LNBs. This critical alignment requires using specialized equipment and proper setting procedure and technique. For this reason, many HD customers should and will prefer the added $5.99 service plan DirecTv offers. This also extends the 90 day warranty of the H20 and includes all equipment repair or replacement in the system indefinitely - it even covers any damage from electrical surge.
Note again: I have provided additional information here to help those who may experience problems with the H20, as it is a new breed of receiver over the standard types DirecTv offers. Frequencies and power concerns must be properly addressed in a full HD install, whereas my more simple non-HD install was adequate. With new additions to my cabling and a new HD satellite antenna, my H20 will receive and decode the MPEG HD Service Programing Packages without problems. While Service and delivery is off topic here, I have to mention DirecTV had the new HD receiver sitting inside my privacy gate the
day after I ordered it. The website was still showing processing when I picked up the package outside - now that's really fast service from an order the evening before. Within ten minutes I had installed the receiver, replacing an older Phillips DSX5353 model. That's two receivers I've replaced for a newer model in the last three years, and neither one of them had ever performed less than flawlessly. The first replaced was my Hughes E11 you can read about
here, and so far DirecTv has made a believer of me in their products and service from the first year of my service from them in 2001. DirecTv will let you upgrade a receiver every one to two years (depending on receiver model selected) for a nominal fee - and should one ever give a problem, I now have two perfectly good ones I can re-authorize with a new card. Since I mentioned models - I should also tell you DirecTv only supplies four models at this time and all of them are DirecTv branded. RCA, Phillips, and various other models are no longer available from them.
Yes the install was quick, despite I didn't bother to read anything. I just attached the antenna and satellite cables and connected the TV with the RCA cables. I was surprised to see an HDMI cable was also included - and I'll be sure to save that one as they are expensive. There is also a downconverter for the satellite line I'll hang onto - for whenever I decide to set up HD with a new dish. Once I plugged in the power cord, I saw two blue LEDs light and I went to the menu. In only a few moments the unit was self checking and downloading. I installed the new card when prompted and the receiver quickly found twenty local Off-Air Digital channels and added them into the DirecTv guide. Authorization took about four more minutes, per my phone call, and I was watching all the channels (subscribed and Off-Air). Of note, you cannot watch the free Off-Air local channels found until the unit authorizes.
Key features in use: Well pleased, I sat down and read the supplied manual for the new H20. The new unit will display up to twenty-five phone calls on-screen as they come in. Just have your phone line installed and caller ID on your phone account. When a call comes in, a message appears low on the screen which can be cleared by pressing "select" on the remote.
The unit is also RF-remote capable. That's to say the standard DirecTv RC-32 Infra-red remote comes with the unit, but the RF remote can be purchased separately for about $25 through DirecTv by their customers. Incidentally, the supplied Infra-red remote for the system is a powerful one that works very well. For a basic remote, this one is loaded with capabilities that work and the Infra-red model has the same look and features. A closer look at the sturdy remote, and all its features and codes, can be downloaded at: http://directv.com/see/pdf/RC32.pdf
The RF model is here: http://directv.com/see/pdf/RC32RF.pdf
Programming the remote can be done using the supplied booklet - or using the On-screen menu which will also list all codes for the large listing of compatible products. The menu will quickly walk you through the simple setup. Using the remote is also a quick and easy learning process due to the simple layout. The various colors used also make the buttons easier to use, and the white and gray body of the remote is attractive and easier to find than any misplaced black or dark colored remotes.
High Definition channels are intuitively programmed into the seven day On-screen guide - making their access easier. If you have Off-Air access to more than one broadcast market area, you can also program the Digital locals for it to appear in your channel selections as "secondary". With two Digital only tuners, the H20 does not tune Analog Off-Air channels. But who needs them, I sure don't - and no one else will after February 2008. This particular item saves me from subscribing to the handful of local channels offered at $5.99 per month by satellite - and the picture and sound is just as brilliant.
Electrical Protection is provided in this unit. Over-volt, surge, and low-volt conditions activate a shutdown in the H20. This does mean some will want to connect their unit to a UPS battery back-up power supply. Using a good UPS will prevent any interruptions due to power that could cause the system to cycle off and re-boot. With that said, an added UPS is excellent insurance for best performance and long life of any user components. So far, in my use, The H20 has not proved to be overly sensitive to varying line conditions and I haven't seen the need for a UPS. Power in my area usually varies between 115 and 123 volts. Where my computer UPSs have switched Off and On a number of times lately, the H20 hasn't seen the need to reboot.
Rain fade doesn't happen often with my system, but two badly needed storms in my area provided some relief to the over two month drought and did cause my satellite service to drop out. During this time, I merely tuned to an Off-Air channel on the H20 and continued watching TV. That means my local news can still be tuned in HD, despite any temporarily lost satellite signal. Some nine surges and dropouts during the second storm also did no harm to my H20, which was protected at the wall outlet by only a small surge protector and the protection it has internally.
The menu is similar to other DirecTv receiver menus and very close to those offered by previous DirecTv brand receivers. This means the TV channel guide and the info work very well, and as most DirecTv users are accustomed to. Menu settings are again very easy to work with and require only a very short familiarization for new users to use.
The ATSC tuner on this unit is a breeze to use and will quickly tune and program any number of multi-cast programs on the Off-Air digital channels in your area. I found its tuning ability excellent and very close in performance to the excellent tuner supplied in my new
Sharp LC32D50U television. The ATSC channel acquisition and lock may even be slightly faster than on the Sharp.
Available rear ports: Two RCA - Video and R/L audio outs
One Optical audio out
One HDMI out
One USB port (for future services - and to participate in special Online DirecTv activity)
R/G/B video out
S-video out
RF remote antenna in
Off-Air antenna in
Satellite antenna in
Phone
In the box: H20 receiver
B-band converter (for KU/KA antenna)
HDMI cable
R/G/B video cable
RCA cable (video and audio)
Remote and batteries (Infra-red only)
Activation card
Phone cord
User manual
Power cord
In summation: DirecTv continues to be superior in service and products over Dish. I know this from personal experience as I have had both services and their products - actually running them side by side over about a two year period before switching to DirecTv exclusively. All my DirecTv equipment and services continue to function properly, which was something none of my Dish equipment or service could accomplish.
The H20 has now shown itself to be reliable again, as were its predecessor standard receivers and my
first - while I continue using the same satellite dish antenna that came with it. Familiar now with the actual unit and its requirements for HD service programing, I intend to install the new SlimLine 5 LNB KU/KA-Band antenna with the needed additional cabling before long. I have no doubt my system will perform just as well again as it has continued and does now. Should a small inexpensive line amplifier be required on the long cable runs in my home, I know this will be no problem - again from my prior experience as I am a member of the electrical engineering community. This also allows me to tell you the H20 requires nothing more than good installation standards to be followed.
If you're looking for an upgrade or just want a very good TV programing solution - DirecTV has been and is the best solution available for reliability and excellence in your programing needs for consumers. Get the H20 for its simplicity and ease of use, you'll be glad you did - just as I am.
Need some help with Off-Air Digital reception or distribution? Try these links to past reviews of mine - all of these products will make definite improvements in Digital Off-Air signals: High gain antennas that work
http://www.epinions.com/content_191796448900 http://www.epinions.com/content_190043688580 http://www.epinions.com/content_190046834308 High gain antenna pre-amps
http://www.epinions.com/content_190084779652 http://www.epinions.com/content_192036441732 Distribution
http://www.epinions.com/content_212555763332 http://www.epinions.com/content_185426742916 Tuning and interference aids
http://www.epinions.com/content_190042771076 http://www.epinions.com/pr-Winegard_FT_7600_VARIABLE_FM_TRAP 
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