WEIRD HDTV QUESTION: How can I connect my non-hd directv receiver to my hdtv using an hdmi cable?
Here are the facts:
1) First, I got my HDTV mounted on my wall and had the installers connect two HDMI cables to it — one for my HD DVD player and one for my DirecTV receiver that I had yet to order. They told me to simply plug in my HDMI jack into my receiver and I’d be good.
2) The next day, when I had DirecTV installed, I was only able to get a standard definition DVR/receiver, not an HD receiver. Because of this, they were unable to plug that HDMI cable into the receiver because it didn’t have an HDMI hole in the back.
3) Instead, they got those standard RCA jacks (red yellow white) and connected it to my HDTV. Now I have an unsightly cable connecting the receiver to the TV (unlike those two HDMI cables that are nicely hidden).
My question:
How can I work around this? I don’t think there’s an option to run the RCA cables behind the wall because I don’t know how to do that. Can I take the HDMI cable and convert it to RCA somehow so it can plug into the receiver?
Why didn’t you demand the HDTV package from Direct TV?
Call them back and tell them what you want!!
When I had my HDTV brought to my home, I had already called Direct TV to install the HD Package.
They told me that they would have to install a new Satellite Dish – the larger one – plus the package I would get included the HD-DVR. Yeah they had an HD access fee of $10 per month, but I asked nicely if they had any specials, and the rep said I could get a rebate of that fee – the $10 per month for 12 months. So that saved me money.
Anyway, when the TV came, the guys hooked my regular box to the TV and I could only watch the standard TV through the HDTV set. Yuck – who wanted to do that with such an expensive set? (I had bought a Sony SXRD 60″ projection set). But I had to bear with it for two days until the Satellite installer came.
He took down my old satellite, put up the new one. Installed a second cable line from the satellite to the living room (because the HD-DVR can record two shows at once, it has to have two inputs), set up the HD-DVR Receiver then hooked it up with my HDMI cable to the TV. We waited through the satellite set up and
WOW! My socks were blown off by the High Definition picture being displayed. It was AWESOME!
So you need to call Direct TV back and tell them you have an HDTV and want their HDTV-DVR package. Get at least that package. You’ll be able to record two shows at once when you’re away or you’ll be able to record a show while you’re watching another. All in High Definition. Yes, it costs a bit more, but I’m sure you won’t be sorry.
For the latest in High Definition – that’s what you need for you new baby.
good luck,
Ken
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