HD TV and Satellite questions

[buck454]

New to iRV2 so appollogize if all my questions are discussed in previous post, I have looked back some and not found answers.

1. Anyone familiar with device (possibly Brite View) that allows for good HD reception through wireless HD. Older couches such as I am looking to buy can essentially not allow the running of new HDMI cables to replace older style, so I'm looking for device that allows transmitter plugin to my DISH receiver then receiving plugin to back of in my case a LG LED TV mounted over driver.

2. What is the most recommended RV mounted satelitte dish for HD( DISH network HD receiver, but not for recording). I want total automatic satelitte tuning and good HD. Any pros and cons on the in-motion models?

3. Unit looking to buy is 2006 so would that year roof antenna receive good digital signal for newer LCD TVs.

thanks for any help. My wife loves good digital (preferably HD) TV so whatever unit we choose needs to be upgraded to LCD TVs and good satelitte dish. We have DISH at home and are pleased with it.

Bill

[patmsp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck454 New to iRV2 so appollogize if all my questions are discussed in previous post, I have looked back some and not found answers. 1. Anyone familiar with device (possibly Brite View) that allows for good HD reception through wireless HD. Older couches such as I am looking to buy can essentially not allow the running of new HDMI cables to replace older style, so I'm looking for device that allows transmitter plugin to my DISH receiver then receiving plugin to back of in my case a LG LED TV mounted over driver. 2. What is the most recommended RV mounted satelitte dish for HD( DISH network HD receiver, but not for recording). I want total automatic satelitte tuning and good HD. Any pros and cons on the in-motion models? 3. Unit looking to buy is 2006 so would that year roof antenna receive good digital signal for newer LCD TVs. thanks for any help. My wife loves good digital (preferably HD) TV so whatever unit we choose needs to be upgraded to LCD TVs and good satelitte dish. We have DISH at home and are pleased with it. Bill

Hi Bill:

I'm going to make a stab at answering your question.

We have dish at home (DVR 622 & 722). Loved TIVO and HD so had to have it in the coach. Originally we just brought the receiver (622) plugged it in to an external dish and fed the front TV with TV1 outputs on the receiver and rear TV with the in house TV2 out coax plug on the back of the 622. Could watch two different programs, one in front, one in back.

This year we wanted true HD and we didn't want to mess with manually pointing a dish.

I bought a wineguard SK-1000 and had it installed on the roof. There is enough room so that they could run the cables to the 622 inside. Replaced front TV with HD TV and rear TV is still run off the original TV2 coax. Don't ever see having HD in the bedroom because we don't watch much in bed. Here is the link to my install:

Corner TV to Flat Screen in 3 hours

If I can answer any questions or if this doesn't make sense let me know.

Pat

[RickO]

Hi Bill and

I'm a big HD guy but have DirecTv so will let some of our Dish experts give you specifics there.

I'm not familiar with the wireless device you mention. Why do you consider a 2006 an older coach which won't allow routing of HDMI cables? I've run HDMI to all three TVs in my 2007.

One good thing about using Dish is that I believe an in motion dish is an option for you... not so with DirecTv. I've never owned a dome but understand that the pros are the obvious ones of having in motion and protection for the dish... no need to remember to stow it before moving. The cons include signal interruption if dew or rain forms on the dome and I believe a bit less ability to hold a weak signal due to the smaller size.

One of the most popular HD dishes (at least for DirecTv users) is the Winegard Slimline 3005. We love ours but I believe it has to be adapted for use with Dish(?)

Your batwing OTA antenna will work great for OTA HD signals. There's actually no such thing as analog or digita OTA antenna.

Best of luck...

Rick

[buck454]

Rick, the couch I am looking at is a Gulfstream G7 and I have talked with previous owner who installed the 42" LG LED in front (usual place). It was he who commented that a HDMI cable could not be snaked from receiver (located on center wall in kitchen area where I would really like to have the TV if the slide would allow). If you think it should be possible I will ask dealership where I plan to make the trade if they can do it. Maybe owner thought he was just not experienced enough. He did do a nice job in mounted the big 42" above driver area though.

Do you satelitte owners who have DISH believe the in-motion (not familiar with models) units believe them to be as good as standard auto units. How about in receiving HD.

For the time being I do not plan TIVO use and usually don't complain to have same program going on both TVs. I have also had success in my current 5th wheel that when in area with good antenna reception having satelitte reception on one TV and the other running off antenna. I am not the satelitte lover as my wife so what ever is local often pleases me (especially weather and news).

Please keep ideas coming. Waiting to hear from someone who has actually used wireless HDMI.

b

[FlyingDiver]

In-motion (domes) will never be as good as an open-face dish (automatic or manual), because (1) the reflector is much smaller and (2) they can only pick up one satellite at a time. If you only have one receiver with one tuner (not a DVR unit), then (2) might not matter to you. But if you have marginal weather conditions (heavy overcast, rain) then (1) will.

joe

[buck454]

Joe,


Yes, I will be running a singe receiver.

Do you consider the newer auto dome models acceptable for HD recieving? I assume not quite as good as open face.

Thanks.

b

[FlyingDiver]

Personally, since I have no interest in in-motion use, I would never consider a dome. The newer low-profile domes have an even smaller reflector than the older ones. I just think they're too limited in capabilities. The ONLY thing they have going for them (IMHO) is in-motion use.

joe

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck454 Rick, the couch I am looking at is a Gulfstream G7 and I have talked with previous owner who installed the 42" LG LED in front (usual place). It was he who commented that a HDMI cable could not be snaked from receiver (located on center wall in kitchen area where I would really like to have the TV if the slide would allow). If you think it should be possible I will ask dealership where I plan to make the trade if they can do it. Maybe owner thought he was just not experienced enough. He did do a nice job in mounted the big 42" above driver area though. b

I am not at all familiar with this particular coach but just can't see why you couldn't run HDMI cable anywhere in the coach. It certainly might not be easy but I wouldn't give up if you really want the equipment in a particular location. I ran HDMI from a single HD DVR (via amplified HDMI splitters) to all three TVs in our coach. All three TVs are located in two different slides. It took a lot of poking around but I learned a lot about my coach in the process. It probably involves drilling a hole or two in the floor or you might be able to sneak it through the existing cable pass throughs where all the other cables are routed. I'm not trying to make the case that HDMI would be the best solution for you... but it should be considered and can be done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver Personally, since I have no interest in in-motion use, I would never consider a dome. The newer low-profile domes have an even smaller reflector than the older ones. I just think they're too limited in capabilities. The ONLY thing they have going for them (IMHO) is in-motion use. joe

I feel the same way... although I've never owned a dome, it just seems to make sense. I know that I'm amazed many times when setting up in a new site that my open faced dish (Winegard 3005) can "see" the birds through trees I would have sworn would block the signals. I've wondered how well a dome would do in the same circumstances.

Good Luck

Rick

[kjburns]

Domes work fine with Dish for a single tuner receiver. They move from satellite to satellite depending on the channel, but it only takes a second. I've never had an in-motion dome, so I don't know how well they work while driving. As noted, domes aren't as good as an open face dish like the Winegard Trav'ler, especially in weather.

One thing to remember with Dish is to run check switch after the initial aiming is complete. Check switch is on the receiver. Use menu-6-1-1 to get to the signal meter. Check switch show up there. With a dome, it will move the dish to pick up the other satellites as it runs through the process.

I don't have any experience with the Brite-View Air SyncHD. It might do the job. You could try it, and if it's not any good, return it.

[wa8yxm]

From the sounds of this he's not so much worried about getting the signal from the satellite to the receiver as he is getting the video from the receiver to the televisions.

I've never seen a coach where you could not run new cable.. I do admit it may not be easy. But it can be done.

That said, he is looking for a HD video extender type product, NOT a "Satellite" type product. Can't help him there. never used anything but cable.

[buck454]

Actually, the two points are about equal, HDMI cable and satelitte, one is not much better without other.

What I will do before making deal is try to get dealer to insure me HDMI cables to possibly both TVs, front unit for sure. Now for satelitte I can see what difference I might need to pay for the better of satelitte.

Might I get a recommendation fromyou users as to better of open face satelittes to choose? How about domes? I know digital reception from RV batwings is very good in good areas and I certainly want equal in satelittes.

Thanks again all.

b

[Bill Adams]

HDMI cable can easily be run if the location of the receiver and the location of the destination TV are not in a slide out. The simple choice is to drill a hole up through the roof, run the cable across the roof and drill a hole there to drop the cable back in. You can likely do the same thing for many installation by drilling down and running the cable to the basement, up into the dash area and using as side post to get into an overhead cabinet. Your layout my be different, I am only saying you may need to think outside the concept that new cables must following the route of existing cables.

[Dick_Wins]

I believe what the OP is looking for is the application of wireless HD video instead of hardwire. This is a popular solution in homes to hide the messy wires required to connect a wall mounted TV. I am also interested in this since my bedroom HDTV is mounted in the full wall slide and it would be very difficult to run a cable to it from the front of the coach. Anyone use this in their RV?
Heres a link to a typical system.

Amazon.com: Brite-View BV-2500 Wireless HD Video Transmitter and Receiver Kits: Electronics

[buck454]

I'm sure thinking it can be done so will approach dealer about the installation before signing the dotted line. I am just going by what previous owner told me....the problem could also be that HDMI is limited to 30 ft cable. Although components are not 30 ft apart if one figures up and down getting from A to B that might be a concern.

I'll keep working on solution.
b