DirecTV HR20 unit

[psubill78]

Does anyone within the Milwaukee market have one of these yet?

I called and threatened bloody murder to DirecTV and I'm on a waitlist now to get one in exchange for my HD DTV Tivo (HR10-250)

Seems I'm reading of alot of issues with the HR20 DVR box..

Any 1st hand on here?

[Blitzburgh]

I have one. Love it to death. Takes some getting used since I was using the HR10-250 for a couple years.

[sp44again]

Some people love it some people hate it. My wife and I hate it cause it is buggy as all get out. I'm on my 2nd box. These are things I've encountered-

-unit lockups doing mutliple tasks, not just one thing that causes it
-sometimes when you pause it the ticker will slowly advance by itself to the end of the show
-misses scheduled recordings
-FFWD sucks compared to Tivo

Directv has released a bunch of updates that have helped but then have popped up new problems. And some people that have had no problems got problems from an update. Still no OTA. Suppose to be available by Dec 1st. Really if I just recorded SD programs I'd have a lot less problems. Problem with that is most of the things I record are in HD! Mpeg4 has a ways to go.

[psubill78]

That is what I keep seeing. 50% love it, 50% hate it.

I, on the otherhand, have the HR10-250, with the 6.x code, and I"m getting the audio cutouts on the OTA side.... even shorted recordings and additional pixellation.

I'm in Kenosha, and getting the Chicago Locals via OTA....

[Blitzburgh]

Some people love it some people hate it. My wife and I hate it cause it is buggy as all get out. I'm on my 2nd box. These are things I've encountered-

-unit lockups doing mutliple tasks, not just one thing that causes it
-sometimes when you pause it the ticker will slowly advance by itself to the end of the show
-misses scheduled recordings
-FFWD sucks compared to Tivo

Directv has released a bunch of updates that have helped but then have popped up new problems. And some people that have had no problems got problems from an update. Still no OTA. Suppose to be available by Dec 1st. Really if I just recorded SD programs I'd have a lot less problems. Problem with that is most of the things I record are in HD! Mpeg4 has a ways to go.

Actually, if you use it right the commercial skipping is WAY better on the HR20-700S.

[sp44again]

Actually, if you use it right the commercial skipping is WAY better on the HR20-700S.

I don't consider using two buttons WAY better.

[Blitzburgh]

I don't consider using two buttons WAY better.


lol... Only one button my friend.

[sp44again]

I thought you were talking about something else cause the one button FFWD will always be worse than Tivo cause of the auto correction that Tivo had. I could stop when I see the show starting and it would go back a bit and be perfect. I know you know this since you have every Directv/Tivo box under the sun. :) Also I see you've had the HR20 for only a week or so. Give it time, it will hiccup somehow.

[Blitzburgh]

I thought you were talking about something else cause the one button FFWD will always be worse than Tivo cause of the auto correction that Tivo had. I could stop when I see the show starting and it would go back a bit and be perfect. I know you know this since you have every Directv/Tivo box under the sun. :) Also I see you've had the HR20 for only a week or so. Give it time, it will hiccup somehow.

It might. Have had great luck so far.

[sp44again]

Latest update definitely has helped the box overall. Faster guide, better FFW. Good job Directv.

[psubill78]

I got a call, my HD MPEG4 DVR is in...

Once this is done, I'll have the following gear - what type of multiswitch will they install?

4 DVRs, the HD20, the HR10-250, and 2 DSR7000's
1 Regular recevier

It would be a total of 9 cables from the multiswitch!!!!

[jf3233]

I agree with the bugs! I have had my 700 for 2 months. Its ok but routinely records local HD with audio sync problems. FYI if it happens to anyone do a reset on front of box and it actually corrected the recordings?

[Blitzburgh]

I got a call, my HD MPEG4 DVR is in...

Once this is done, I'll have the following gear - what type of multiswitch will they install?

4 DVRs, the HD20, the HR10-250, and 2 DSR7000's
1 Regular recevier

It would be a total of 9 cables from the multiswitch!!!!

You could use a Zinwell WB616.

The option they will be able to do on the spot is cascade 2 WB68's together but it is not a preferred thing to do.

[psubill78]

You could use a Zinwell WB616.

The option they will be able to do on the spot is cascade 2 WB68's together but it is not a preferred thing to do.

Well, the clowns came today, and gave the WB68, said he couldn't cascade them, and they don't carry the WB616.... so now what. Apparently "Primier Communications" that servers southern wisconsin doesn't offer the WB616...

errrrrr

The good news is, the HR20 isn't as bad as many have said, atleast, not yet :) After using tivo's for the past 4 years, I don't mind the change of GUI....

[sp44again]

Latest update definitely has helped the box overall. Faster guide, better FFW. Good job Directv.

I spoke too soon. Seriously, these updates are good for sh*t. They fix some things and then create new problems. Next one fixes those and then we have new problems. I had caller id, now I don't. Guide has got progressively slower. I've never seen new equipment like this that has received so many updates. Obviously this thing was rushed.

[Blitzburgh]

OK. Now mine is acting weird.

Before the latest update 0xFA mine unit was flawless.

Now since the update it is acting weird.

I started recording the CBS pregame last weekend and the Steelers game and I had 2 copies in my playlist. That's right 2 copies of the game and the pregame.

So I deleted one copy of the game and both pregames. And everything was good.

Then last nite I had Prison Break scheduled to record... I went to List and saw it showed it was recording so about 1/2 way thru the recording I decided to go in and start watching it so I could skip the commercials. But I could not watch it. It still showed it was recording so I figured for some goofy reason I would have to wait till it was done recording. Well... here is were the fun begins.

I went back to my playlist to start watching it and all I get is a delete or keep option.

So I figure I will reset the unit. So I did the red button reset and when it came back up Prison Break was gone from the playlist and the 2 CBS pregames were back

OMG I missed Prison Break, now I am ****ed.

[Blitzburgh]

Well, the clowns came today, and gave the WB68, said he couldn't cascade them, and they don't carry the WB616.... so now what. Apparently "Primier Communications" that servers southern wisconsin doesn't offer the WB616...

errrrrr

The good news is, the HR20 isn't as bad as many have said, atleast, not yet :) After using tivo's for the past 4 years, I don't mind the change of GUI....


Here is what you want:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=WB616

Call DTV and tell them you need this switch because of the number of runs you need and see if they will credit your account for what it cost you.

They are doing it for me.

[HDefinicktion]

Well, it has been a couple of months on this thread...any new developments with the box. I am considering moving from my directivo Standard Definition to the HR20...and from everything that I have read, I should stay away. With all the new software upgrades, has the time come to switch?

[Blitzburgh]

The unit is getting much better. Just take the jump it is fine.

[Bluto]

I agree. I've had an HR20 for two months. And at the risk of jinxing myself, I haven't had problems at all.

[HDefinicktion]

So if the time has come, where would you recommend buying it from. Should I get it from a local brick and mortar, or directly from D*? If for some reason something goes wrong and I want to return it, can I do that at BB or CC?

[murdoc]

So if the time has come, where would you recommend buying it from. Should I get it from a local brick and mortar, or directly from D*? If for some reason something goes wrong and I want to return it, can I do that at BB or CC?

If you buy it from BB or CC, they will tell you to call or ship the unit to D*. I would just call D* and try to get to the retention department. Make it sound like you are willing to drop them for cable unless they can give you a decent deal on a new HD DVR. There have been quite a few people that picked them up for $99 with a 2yr commitment. However, supplies have been low the last I checked and they were asking full price ($300 or so with commitment). Good luck and let us know what kind of deal you got.

[Talos4]

I'm also debating making the switch and am wondering, are the OTA tuners operational?

I prefer to record OTA programing when I can, Esp with the T-storm season rapidly approaching and rain fade issues.

[tywest]

Yes the OTA tuner work. I noticed not as good as my LCD's internal tuner, but it works.

Retention department is for sure they way to go. I would suggest not taking their first offer. Make them work to keep you as a customer. I got mine for $0 and a free year of the HD package and free install. I have had it for about 1-2 months now. The only issue i have are some audio cut outs on digital channels. ( 2-5 seconds each) Otherwise I like the thing.

[Talos4]

Cool Beans!

Now it's a call to DTV.


Thanks

[Bluto]

One advantage of buying at a B&M over going thru D* is that you can get the install done faster, if you can do the HR20 install yourself. I've heard of people waiting for over a month when ordering an HR20 from D* directly - the demand for the unit is quite high right now.

But, you will save money if you work retention at D*. You can't one for less than $300 at a B&M, unless you have a 10-12% coupon from Best Buy or you buy a TV with the unit.

Talos, I've been recording the D*-supplied HD locals when possible (4, 6, and 12). The MPEG4 locals from D* take up about 1/2 of the hard drive space of the MPEG2 OTA locals. And, to me, the picture quality is comparable between the two sources. Also, I've had much less rain fade with the new 5 LNB dish. I haven't lost channels at in the big rain/hail storms we've had in the past several weeks. YMMV, though.

[Talos4]

Oh, I agree about the rain fade with the new dish. Much better than the old setup.

I can't miss House or Bones though. Some of the best TV going right now.

[Blitzburgh]

Yup. I use my OTA to record all of my CRUCIAL network programming.

Works great. No weather related issues.

[davidrab]

How is the SD on this unit?

My Samsung TS-160 has terrible SD channels. A couple of months ago, I had TW
come in to try out cable. Cable has MUCH better SD, about the same HD, and I like
the DVR functionality of the 8300. It does have some problems. HD channels like
to cut out from time to time and I think D* is going to have more HD channels in
the near future.

I would like to stay with D* (and stop paying for two systems :)), so I need to
decide. Does anyone know if customer retention has a “money back” guarantee?
I would hate to get the HR20 in and decide that TW is better, but be locked in
to a 2 year contract.

On a side note, would there be any reason my TS-160’s picture would degrade
over the years? Seemed fine until last year, but the macroblocking got so bad
it was unwatchable (CBS 58 was the worst). Signal strengths were always >92.

Thanks,

Dave

[murdoc]

Are the locals over the dish the same as OTA. My interest is storm coverage. OTA when a storm pops up, the network drops to SD. Is this the same for the MPEG4 stations as well?

[Blitzburgh]

Yes. The locals are ideantical.

Just one is OTA MPEG2

The other is Satellite MPEG4

Same picture tho, if one has weather junk on it they both do :mad:

[Blitzburgh]

How is the SD on this unit?

My Samsung TS-160 has terrible SD channels. A couple of months ago, I had TW
come in to try out cable. Cable has MUCH better SD, about the same HD, and I like
the DVR functionality of the 8300. It does have some problems. HD channels like
to cut out from time to time and I think D* is going to have more HD channels in
the near future.

I would like to stay with D* (and stop paying for two systems :)), so I need to
decide. Does anyone know if customer retention has a “money back” guarantee?
I would hate to get the HR20 in and decide that TW is better, but be locked in
to a 2 year contract.

On a side note, would there be any reason my TS-160’s picture would degrade
over the years? Seemed fine until last year, but the macroblocking got so bad
it was unwatchable (CBS 58 was the worst). Signal strengths were always >92.

Thanks,

Dave

I think the SD is actually very good for the most part but it seems it might depend on what channel you are watching.

There are some that look amazing on a 62" DLP and some are a little fuzzy.

But overall they are very good, alot better then on the HR10-250.

[davidrab]

I decided to go with the HR20 (and D*). Man, it is a night and day difference with the
TS-160 (at least on SD, both D* and OTA HD were always great). The HR20 is a
pretty nice unit. I like the RF capabilities of the remote. It is also nice to be able to
listen to Satriani at "elevated" levels without fearing a signal glitch that produces an
ear piercing sound (like with the 8300). So far, the unit has been glitch free. Now
all we need is CBS 58 in HD.

[DBEX]

The HR20 is now shipping in black (HR20-100B)...has anyone seen one of these yet in Milwaukee?

[davidrab]

The HR20 is now shipping in black (HR20-100B)...has anyone seen one of these yet in Milwaukee?


Yea, I saw these in magazine ads. I would have paid extra for it:) From reading
different forums, it seems like people just get them by luck of the draw. I have some
friends who are getting theirs on Saturday, so we'll see.

Dave

[DBEX]

Yea, I saw these in magazine ads. I would have paid extra for it:) From reading
different forums, it seems like people just get them by luck of the draw. I have some
friends who are getting theirs on Saturday, so we'll see.

DaveCool! Let us know which model they get...

[davidrab]

Cool! Let us know which model they get...

It was a regular HR20-700 :( I know they would have LOVED a 100B.

[Ex Direcway]

Yea, I saw these in magazine ads. I would have paid extra for it:) From reading
different forums, it seems like people just get them by luck of the draw. I have some
friends who are getting theirs on Saturday, so we'll see.

Dave

I own my HR10-250 & the money paid for it I will wait till the HR20 is free for me. :cool:

[Tom Snyder]

I owned my HR10, and D* gave me a new HR20 for free (plus free install and a free upgrade to my RCA DTC-100, too)... and they let me KEEP both of the old old units to do what I want with... will probably sell them on ebay.

[DBEX]

I own my HR10-250 & the money paid for it I will wait till the HR20 is free for me. :cool:They let me have me HR20 for free as well. They did it with bill and programming credits. If you push them, they will relent and give me you to what amounts to a free one. I also get to keep my HR10-250.

[Ex Direcway]

They let me have me HR20 for free as well. They did it with bill and programming credits. If you push them, they will relent and give me you to what amounts to a free one. I also get to keep my HR10-250.

Do they charge a lease fee if you currently own? I guess if it is a lease at least if it breaks they should replace it even without insurance right? :confused:

[steve053]

I'm seriously considering switching back to D* from TWC. D*'s current add is $199 for the HR20. Does this mean that I would own it, or would I still have to pay a monthly lease on top of the $199?

[Talos4]

It means you lease it. but you also own it. it's a mess.

Also for FYI You will need a credit card in order to upgrade through D* themselves.

I do not have an HD DVR, only SD Tivo's.

I wanted to upgrade to a HR20.

They've changed they're policy. You can be an "A-list" or whatever customer and you will need the Credit Card. No credit card no upgrade through D*.

I do not have a credit card to use. so I am out of luck. I will purhcase mine through a retail store and activate it.

The "story" I received from 3 different levels of CSR's is that D* has been burned by people who upgraded and charged it to their accounts and then skipped with the gear without paying.

Plausible? I s'pose.

A DBS talk thread has confirmed the need for a CC for upgrades.

I was told that without a CC I would be better off to go retail. That way I could do whatever I wanted with the unit when I'm done with it. :huh?:

I was irritated and that's the first time in nearly 10 yrs. they've irritated me. Then it happened...

He flipped the card, {fart}

"well, sir be aware that the FCC has mandated that all televsion be "HD" by 2009 and by that time equipment prices will be alot cheaper".

I said good bye and hung up.

[Blitzburgh]

It means you lease it. but you also own it. it's a mess.

Also for FYI You will need a credit card in order to upgrade through D* themselves.

I do not have an HD DVR, only SD Tivo's.

I wanted to upgrade to a HR20.

They've changed they're policy. You can be an "A-list" or whatever customer and you will need the Credit Card. No credit card no upgrade through D*.

I do not have a credit card to use. so I am out of luck. I will purhcase mine through a retail store and activate it.

The "story" I received from 3 different levels of CSR's is that D* has been burned by people who upgraded and charged it to their accounts and then skipped with the gear without paying.

Plausible? I s'pose.

A DBS talk thread has confirmed the need for a CC for upgrades.

I was told that without a CC I would be better off to go retail. That way I could do whatever I wanted with the unit when I'm done with it. :huh?:

I was irritated and that's the first time in nearly 10 yrs. they've irritated me. Then it happened...

He flipped the card, {fart}

"well, sir be aware that the FCC has mandated that all televsion be "HD" by 2009 and by that time equipment prices will be alot cheaper".

I said good bye and hung up.

This is VERY wrong. IF you pay $299.0 (the going rate) for the HR20 you do not own it, matter of fact if you cancel any time down the road you have to send it back to DTV or be charged $800.00. IF you want to own it you will have to pay $800.00.

[Talos4]

As I said it's a mess,

I don't claim to be a D* CSR, I just relayed what I was told.

I don't know whether I own my gear or not? I bought a new H20 (retail) , returned it under the protection plan because of the heat and reset issues and replaced with a newer unit from D*.

Is the new one mine or theirs?

A mess.

[Blitzburgh]

As I said it's a mess,

I don't claim to be a D* CSR, I just relayed what I was told.

I don't know whether I own my gear or not? I bought a new H20 (retail) , returned it under the protection plan because of the heat and reset issues and replaced with a newer unit from D*.

Is the new one mine or theirs?

A mess.

Well I can make this easy. Anything purchased or recieved after March of 2006 is leased. You do not own anything.

[Talos4]

That's the thing.

I bought the original unit in February 2006 before the lease program started.

[Bluto]

Then you should own it. If you want to.

[vegasvic]

Some good info here. I've had DTV for about 6 years, I have 5 TV's hooked up, 3 HD and 2 SD. I'm ready to upgrade to the new dish and some HR20's (on 2 of the 3 HDTV's). I've been having some ongoing problems with them about not receiving my bill and I am going to parlay that with a call to customer retention to see what kind of deal I can hammer out.

[Blitzburgh]

Sell the units you own and when you call DirecTV and throw Comacast in there face and they will hook you up nicely.

Just being with them for 6 years will be a big help, they really like to take care of there customers especially there long time ones.