"OTA only" STB with standard satellite or cable receivers?

[coorsman]

I already have a Samsung SIR-T165 (OTA only) HD receiver and am very happy with it.

However, I'm very interested in DirectTV for the sports on HDNet and upcoming HD-ESPN.

Do I need to buy one of the expensive HD capable HD receivers or is it possible to get a standard DirectTV receiver and somehow run the signal through my Samsung STB to pick up the DirectTV HD broadcasts?

Likewise, if cable in my area (Denver) ever starts doing HD (I'm not holding my breath), would I need to use the box provided by AT&T or could I continue to just run the cable through my Samsung and pick up the HD channels?

thanks,
- coorsman

[57U]

coorsman, Welcome to the forum.

1. You need to be able to actually "receive" HD (each HD channel), not simply take a standard definition signal from DirecTV and "magically" make it into HD with your Samsung STB.

2. Cable companies use "encrypted" digital signals, so again, you'll need to get a STB from AT&T to receive HD once it's available in your area.

The cable companies usually "activate" each box for each customer (that's how they "activate" various options on your STB remotely - you can typically call them, or order services using your STB remote control and "at the speed of light", the option you request is activated and added to your next cable bill). They usually rent the STBs for very little money.

[coorsman]

thanks for the response. I thought that was probably the case, but nice to have a knowledgeable confirmation. Guess it's time to pull out the old wallet again...

- coorsman