ok, what satellite box/service to get?

[merrypig]

Right, it's almost time for me to forego the antenna and switch to satellite (or cable... boohiss).

I've a pretty open choice of who/what to get so ... any advice;

I resisting the urge to go overboard and buy one with all the hdtv/ota etc built in. I want something primarily so I can get a better local channel reception. Don't really care about 123001230 channels ... just the local's will do.

So I'm happy with svideo output from the box.

I believe I want a low speed serial connection (usb/rs232 etc) so I can drive directly from the htpc/btv.

I don't really want to get into all the hassles of IR repeaters/blasters etc etc if I can avoid it -

so whats do yall recommend?

[Cayars]

Who is your local cable company? Do they offer digital as well as cable?

Carlo

[gadutchman]

I've been with DirecTV for about six years and love it. In my area at least they are about the same price as Cox normal cable, a bit cheaper than Cox digital. These days they are almost giving the hardware away for new subscribers (three receivers & dish for $100). The down side is that you mainly want local channels and unless you live in a major metro area you will not be able to get local channels (you can call DirecTV and give them your zip and they'll verify local channel coverage or not).

[Cayars]

This thread/poll might be of some assistance Merrypig.

http://discuss2.snapstream.com/vb/sh...t=Dish+directv

Carlo

[TomZ]

I have a snapstream cable pack and the config shown below. I have never missed a show due to equipment malfunction (knock on head). The receiver seems widely available and cheap (seems to me that it was around $100).

[V_D_O]

While we're at it, could someone recommend a DVB-S box and a DVB-T box I can use with serial cables to change channels? The only reason I'm hanging onto this bloody useless analogue cable service instead of getting far superior 'cable' by digital terrestrial is because I don't have an IR Blaster, and can't buy one here. I'm already unable to use my satellite box properly with BTV because I can't change channels.

Surely there must be *someone* outside the US who uses digital TV!

[Cayars]

I still haven't done the sat upgrade either as I want to go DishNet and find a receiver(s) that can be used by serial control.

I do seem to rember reading somewhere that some people have Dishnet working with serial but I haven't been able to find it recently. Then again, I haven't exactly been looking as I've been playing with a few other things.

Comcast just released their On Demand (not PPV) service here for Digital Cable subscribers that allows you to watch movies you have on the Premium shows. So at the touch of a couple buttons I can access all the current movies playing on HBO, Showtime, Starz, Movie Channel, Max, etc... without having to schedule them. It kind of threw a monkey wrench in to my plans...

Carlo

[TomZ]

If you are unable to receive local stations using a roof top antenna, then DirectTv can sell you network feeds from both NY & LA.