KVH R5 Sl Tracvision Upgrade to HD

[chiefdave]

Has anyone upgraded or is using their R5 SL system with Direct TV HD? I think the R5 will work with HD (Ku band only) programming. I am considering upgrading to HD and would like any information. Thanks and Happy New Year.

[Jim_L]

My understanding is that all or nearly all HD channels are on the KA band now for Direct TV, so you may want to verify that such a conversion would work for you. I believe that there were some HD on the KA a couple years ago but they have migrated them all to the KU which cannot be accessed with any KVH domed satellite.
Jim

[FlyingDiver]

Other way around, Jim. You were right in the first sentence, but then reversed them in the second.

Ku is the older technology, which DirecTV uses for all their SD channels. Ka is the newer one, and they use it for HD. They USED to have some HD on Ku band from 110 (and maybe 119), but that's all gone now. HD on Ka is all on 99 and 103.

I know of no dome antennas of any kind (upgrade or otherwise) that will get Ka. Well, there is a unit meant for marine use, but it's way to tall for most RVs, and outrageously expensive to boot.

You CAN use a dome for Dish HD, since they're still using Ku for it, from 129 west and something else on the east side.

joe

[Jim_L]

FlyingDriver - you're right. I was too quick with the keys. Thanks for straightening it out for me.

Jim