You have dreamt of HDTV for years. With prices dropping, you finally justified the expense and bought a beautiful LCD. Now all you need is HD service. You have been a customer of DirecTV for a while and intend to continue, but you're not positive what equipment you need and if you have the appropriate satellite dish. Here's a look at the essentials.
History
When satellite carriers like DirecTV first began carrying HD programming, there were problems with getting some channels broadcast to viewers in HD, particularly local networks, due to issues with limited bandwidth. Eventually, the carriers upgraded to an MPEG-4 signal that is able to compress more HD programming information into the same bandwidth. This new technology made it possible to offer a more complete selection of HD channels, but also necessitated the use of new satellite dishes.
Function
In order to receive all of the channels offered in high definition from DirecTV, you will need a 5-LNB satellite dish capable of receiving the MPEG-4 signal. While older models of satellite dishes like those with one or two LNBs will still be able to receive many of the HD channels available, they will lack the most recent additions made possible by MPEG-4 technology.
Identification
If you're not sure if you have the correct dish, consider that dishes installed after October 2005 are 5-LNB, while those installed prior are not. If your dish was installed around this cut-off or you simply aren't sure, follow the first link below for pictures of the 5-LNB dishes. The latest 5-LNB dishes have a horizontal LNB attachment and have "Slimline" written on the inside of the dish. Other older 5-LNB dishes can be distinguished by the two separate LNB attachments.
Considerations
Local DirecTV channels in HD are only available in certain metropolitan areas. If you don't reside in one of these areas the 5-LNB dish may not provide an advantage currently. Check with DirecTV for availablity information for your area.
Prevention/Solution
In order to get the appropriate dish, call DirecTV at (800) 531-5000. You'll need to have professional set-up of the new dish because it requires specific placement and adjustment. You'll need an unobstructed view of the southern sky.
Tags: 5-LNB dishes, made possible, MPEG-4 signal, need have, satellite dish