Set top box question

[StarvingForHDTV]

If you sign up for DirecTV but don't purchase the HD package, can you buy a HD capable set top box and use it for OTA HD and SD DirecTV?  This would be with the round dish which is not HD capable.

If that is possible, can someone recommend an inexpensive new or used DirecTV HD capable set top box?

If this is not possible, can someone recommend an OTA only inexpensive set top box?

Thanks in advance.

[AndrewP]

Old Voom box will work fine. I gave two of them to my friends. Search eBay. It will not be more then $25. Cons: no guide data, no analog OTA, box should been activated with Voom.

[Ralph Kramden]

Why don't you get the HD receiver from Directv? Or are they too expensive? I've got HD with Dish Network and I know nothing about Directv's prices. I also use an OTA antenna to get the programming from Milwaukee.

[StarvingForHDTV]

Just to be clear.  My Dad wants OTA HD but he also wants DirecTV, preferably using the same set top box.  He has a round dish that can't be swapped out for an oval one at his current location.

I'm going to check with him to see if his HDTV has a built in digital OTA tuner.

[murdoc]

I know you can use the Samsung SIR-TS360 D* box without an access card to pull in OTA HD signals.  I'm also pretty sure you can use any D* HD box without subscribing to D* HD package.  That being said, I would recommend the RCA DTC210.  Both can be found on ebay at $50 or less.

[StarvingForHDTV]

Thanks Murdoc.