We just signed up for DirecTV and were assured that using it in our RV would not be an issue. However, when we started to shop for a Satellite antenna, almost all except the most expensive state that they will not work with DirecTV HD. My probably dumb question is, will we still get the HD channels in SD or will we lose all the channels that are in HD? (BTW, customer service at DirecTV can not answer this question and it does not make me feel very comfortable with the company in general.)

Buy a tripod setup from tv4rv.com. It's a good tripod. Make sure you get the same dish you have at the house so you don't have to change setup when you take a box with you. I also recommend getting the Dishpointer app for you smartphone. You can "see"' the sats in the sky. Find someone to show you. I can setup in a few minutes. The rooftop system is blocked by trees often.

For a signal strength meter I use the meter in the sat setup section of the DirecTV receiver. To see it while I'm out at the dish I use a wireless baby monitor. Just aim the camera at the TV screen and take the monitor outside.X2 on the tripod from TV4RV.com. I have been using mine full time for the past 4+ years and I can set it up in seconds.

Easy way, skip the tripod and trying to set it up. Get a PORTABLE Winegard G2 Carryout and it finds the satellite for you! You won't be standing outside forever trying to point the tripod mounted setup! If it's windy, you're scre**d with a tripod mount just about all the time!$579.98 Free Shipping No TaxEverything available on HD DirecTV will be available on SD, except for the few stations that are HD only (Smithsonian MGMHD SONYHD and about 3 other channels - they are available only in HD - at least I think so)

This will solve your problem. The BEST!Amazon $1,279.71 & FREE Shipping. -Tom

Tom M. Isn't that antenna about $2,000? (never mind, sorry, I didn't see your whole post)

DirecTV | Good Sam Community

Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2014
Buy a tripod setup from tv4rv.com. It's a good tripod. Make sure you get the same dish you have at the house so you don't have to change setup when you take a box with you.

I also recommend getting the Dishpointer app for you smartphone.
You can "see"' the sats in the sky.

Find someone to show you. I can setup in a few minutes.

The rooftop system is blocked by trees often.
edatlanta
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
For a signal strength meter I use the meter in the sat setup section of the DirecTV receiver. To see it while I'm out at the dish I use a wireless baby monitor. Just aim the camera at the TV screen and take the monitor outside.

X2 on the tripod from TV4RV.com. I have been using mine full time for the past 4+ years and I can set it up in seconds.
FrankShore
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
Easy way, skip the tripod and trying to set it up. Get a PORTABLE Winegard G2 Carryout and it finds the satellite for you! You won't be standing outside forever trying to point the tripod mounted setup! If it's windy, you're scre**d with a tripod mount just about all the time!

$579.98 Free Shipping No Tax

Everything available on HD DirecTV will be available on SD, except for the few stations that are HD only (Smithsonian MGMHD SONYHD and about 3 other channels - they are available only in HD - at least I think so)
Tom_N
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
This will solve your problem. The BEST!

Amazon $1,279.71 & FREE Shipping.

-Tom
karmi
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
Tom M. Isn't that antenna about $2,000? (never mind, sorry, I didn't see your whole post)
karmi
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
Along the same DirecTV lines, I just read on the DirecTV website that you can't take your home receiver with you in your RV, but you have to buy a special mobile receiver and also a mobile plan? Is this true? Not at all what the salesman told us.
FrankShore
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
No, you can take a D12 "SD receiver" with you (buy one on eBay that is new - about $79.00) and it will cost you an extra $5.99/mo (or $6.99/month) They don't care where you place the receiver. If you have a HD receiver at home, you wouldn't be able to use that afaik.

No special "mobile units" needed

Here is a D12 Receiver for $99.00

D12 DirecTV Standard Def Box & Remote

I see where you're reading the bunk DirecTV says about their "mobile packages" Ignore what you read there and do as I mentioned.

DirecTV Bunk & Nonsense
Tom_N
Explorer
Dec 28, 2014
karmi wrote:
Tom M. Isn't that antenna about $2,000? (never mind, sorry, I didn't see your whole post)

Amazon $1,279.71 & FREE Shipping.
Lou_Pat
Explorer
Dec 28, 2014
We have a D12 receiver with a VuQube. Use the compass on the iPhone to face the Qube south. The Qube finds the signal and we're all set. HD Channels come in on SD. Great easy and relatively inexpensive system. Receiver purchased from www.solidsignal.com and Qube on sale at CW. Trying our Hd24 DVR receiver from home this year. Plus you can get the locals for price stated.
FrankShore
Explorer
Dec 28, 2014
It should also be mentioned that the Winegard G2 can also be switched to use DishNetwork in HD, if you find that you're not happy with DirecTV in the future! Just take off the dome and flip a switch and you're good to go with Dish HiDef. Also the G2 works with Bell in Canada

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