I'd thought it was time to start a separate thread (from the HR20/21/22) in anticipation of the new DirecTV DVR hitting supply lines in the next few weeks.

this is obviously a real popular unit:) I was originally going to upgrade from an old tivo to the hr22 but became aware of the soon-to-be hr23. seems odd that you cannot locate a manual for the hr22 or hr23. I wanted to order a rack shelf (middle atlantic) and cannot find dimensional data for either of these units?

Love the idea of wideband tuners and no external BBC required. waiting on someone to carry this unit....

It may be real popular, but the only ones to show up so far are the half-dozen that went to testers. Perhaps DirecTV decided to unload the substantial number of HR21/22 units they have on hand before considering release of the improved HR23-700.

An Installer in Seattle just got a truckload of HR23-700 units so they are starting to roll out.

That's great news. I guess we just need to be patient.

I just had a new HR23-700 installed today and it replaced my HR20. What are the differences?

I just had a new HR23-700 installed today and it replaced my HR20. What are the differences?See this preview (PDF) (http://hr20.dbstalk.com/HR23-700%20First%20Look.pdf) of the HR23-700. To summarize the differences:

The HR23 simplifies installs by eliminating the need to have separate B-Band Converters (BBCs). The HR23 has this functionality built-in.

The HR23 is also DirecTV's first consumer DVR with 500GB hard drive. Previously, you had to pay $600 for the HR21PRO to get 500GB.

See this preview (PDF) (http://hr20.dbstalk.com/HR23-700%20First%20Look.pdf) of the HR23-700. To summarize the differences:

The HR23 simplifies installs by eliminating the need to have separate B-Band Converters (BBCs). The HR23 has this functionality built-in.

The HR23 is also DirecTV's first consumer DVR with 500GB hard drive. Previously, you had to pay $600 for the HR21PRO to get 500GB.

Actually, the HR22 also has a 500GB HDD but it does require B-Band Converters.

Actually, the HR22 also has a 500GB HDD but it does require B-Band Converters.Thanks for the correction. I'm not sure why I thought the HR23 was the first with 500GB.

For what it's worth, I had a new install today in Phoenix, the HR 23 was installed.

See this preview (PDF) (http://hr20.dbstalk.com/HR23-700%20First%20Look.pdf) of the HR23-700. To summarize the differences:

The HR23 simplifies installs by eliminating the need to have separate B-Band Converters (BBCs). The HR23 has this functionality built-in.

The HR23 is also DirecTV's first consumer DVR with 500GB hard drive. Previously, you had to pay $600 for the HR21PRO to get 500GB.

I have had a lot of problems with receivers, and the guy who finally fixed everything made a good point, internal b band converters can't be replaced when they go and a lot of the external ones have gone bad.............. so there is no reason to assume the internal ones won't go either.

I have had a lot of problems with receivers, and the guy who finally fixed everything made a good point, internal b band converters can't be replaced when they go and a lot of the external ones have gone bad.............. so there is no reason to assume the internal ones won't go either.

The Internal Broadband Tuners are much better in quality than the cheaply made BBC cables and will last much longer.

That is why Directv went that way because they were having so much trouble with the cheaply constructed BBCs.

The Internal Broadband Tuners are much better in quality than the cheaply made BBC cables and will last much longer.

That is why Directv went that way because they were having so much trouble with the cheaply constructed BBCs.

i purchased an hr22-100 from BB to ensure that; a) it would be a new unit; b) it would be an hr22-100. so why am i posting in the hr23 thread?:)

hr23 supply from Direct is "spotty" to say the least and i needed a dvr to replace an old tivo unit. after 4 separate attempts with Direct the hr22 will NOT work...:mad: error code 711 & Direct can't figure this out? now forwarded to tech dept.

either of the 2 cables with bbc's (new) can be connected to the existing hd stb and work flawlessly...hr22 no go.

question: i doubt(?) if enough of these units are in the field to develop any firm conclusions but wonder why the hr23 has been released so soon after the release of the hr22? could it be that the hr22 is crap? the thread for the hr20/21/22 has very little data for the hr22.

question: has anyone located a pdf manual for either the hr22 or hr23?

i ordered/received a shelf and faceplate (middle atlantic) for the hr22. if i request an upgrade to hr23 i would like to know if these models are dimensionally equivalent. any help would be greatly appreciated

If your HR22s will not work I would look at the connector going into the dish to ensure that they are compression connectors with compression fittings. Alot of times these have been found out to be the suspect weak link that causes the 771 message. Also, improper grounding or no grounding can cause these issues. Also, "static electricity buildup" can cause problems such as this so I would have the Directv techs look at these things.

If your HR22s will not work I would look at the connector going into the dish to ensure that they are compression connectors with compression fittings. Alot of times these have been found out to be the suspect weak link that causes the 771 message. Also, improper grounding or no grounding can cause these issues. Also, "static electricity buildup" can cause problems such as this so I would have the Directv techs look at these things.

the installation has been working perfectly for 2-years (with h20-100 receiver). all connections are TB compression and I personally ran the feeds from dish, in 1.5" conduit to wb68 multi-switch. all wiring (homerun) is less than 2-years old, Belden 1694a. no ground issues; 10ga solid copper to main ground-rod (no grnd-loop issue) all interior connections are digicon gold compression.

also, the error code is 711, not 771. no matter how many times the csr sends signal...nothing changes (i.e. error 711). i can remove the hr22 and re-install the h20 and works perfectly. sat signals have been rock solid since day one.

csr concluded that access card was bad and sent new one...no change. sure as the damn world...the tech will come out...hookup and it will work and I will look like a fool....:) and i would be ok with that...

The HR23 is not the same size as the HR22 but are closer to the HR21. I am in the same boat that I want a MA RSH shelf for a HR23 but DTV won't send me one ahead of time so I can send it to Middle Atlantic, or even measure it. They will only send it out with the installer.

I have a thread over on DBStalk and one of the guys measured his HR23-700 for me and it seemed closer to the HR21 but when I called MA they would not give me the dimensions to their faceplates. Told the MA rep what I was trying to do and he said he gets this complaint all the time and most of the DTV boxes are all slightly different. He said even the 3 models of HR21 (100, 200, and 700) all use a different faceplates.

Also lots of threads on DBStalk about the 711 error.

The HR23 is not the same size as the HR22 but are closer to the HR21. I am in the same boat that I want a MA RSH shelf for a HR23 but DTV won't send me one ahead of time so I can send it to Middle Atlantic, or even measure it. They will only send it out with the installer.

I have a thread over on DBStalk and one of the guys measured his HR23-700 for me and it seemed closer to the HR21 but when I called MA they would not give me the dimensions to their faceplates. Told the MA rep what I was trying to do and he said he gets this complaint all the time and most of the DTV boxes are all slightly different. He said even the 3 models of HR21 (100, 200, and 700) all use a different faceplates.

Also lots of threads on DBStalk about the 711 error.

thanks for the heads up for dbstalk. i used to frequent that site...haven't in a while. i will be happy to provide measurements for the hr22 faceplate. don't know if that helps you though? MA doesn't have the hr23 in database (as you know). not real happy with them either due to incorrect (14") shelf depth dimension for avr (i.e. vsx-03TXH should be 17.5"). needless to say my new yrs day plans went to hell in a hurry:)

just a quick followup...the people at StayOnline and Middle Atlantic have resolved my issue (with flying colors) and are correcting the database.

during final correspondence I requested that the HR23-700 be added to the MA database. just a WAG but I believe the HR22-100 will go away soon. makes no real sense to keep in the product offering when HR23 eliminates external bbc's.

The Internal Broadband Tuners are much better in quality than the cheaply made BBC cables and will last much longer.

That is why Directv went that way because they were having so much trouble with the cheaply constructed BBCs.

You are correct. The problems with external BBCs are primarily associated with cable connections. I had two defective ones, and fortunately repaired them by cutting off the connectors and replacing them. Had the problem been internal, I would have been SOL.

I'm getting a new install of D* on the 31st. Any way I can request an HR23 or is a crapshoot?

I'm getting a new install of D* on the 31st. Any way I can request an HR23 or is a crapshoot?

When you Request your DVR you must Specify an HR23-700 and then tell them that you need your installer's telephone number so you can call them and verify that they have an HR23-700. I have my installer's number and in fact I just talked to him and he is trying to find out if they have any in stock yet in their warehouse.

If he does I can get one if not I am going to wait until he can verify that he has one and then he will put it on the truck for installation at my house.

I just called DirecTV and the CSR said there's no way I can specify a model to be installed but he did give me the name and number of the company doing the install (Direct Tech).

Just got a HR23-700 installed yesterday in Tampa, for what it's worth.... I didn't even have to ask. :)

I just had the HR23-700 installed on thrusday without asking for it. I was having problems with my old HR20 and they simply installed the new HR23. What I am not happy with is losing my local HD changes as it does not have an OFF Air Tuner. I have lost access to about 20 local HD channels here in Minny. The installer was telling my son about the on Demand programming - what Wireless adapter works best? Also - how long does it take to load the Guide for more that a few days? Most of the non HD channels were populated last night but not the Network HDs?

Live in Naugatuck, CT. Anyone in the Waterbury, CT area seen a HR23? Does anyone know who does the installs in my area?

I just had the HR23-700 installed on thrusday without asking for it. I was having problems with my old HR20 and they simply installed the new HR23. What I am not happy with is losing my local HD changes as it does not have an OFF Air Tuner. I have lost access to about 20 local HD channels here in Minny. The installer was telling my son about the on Demand programming - what Wireless adapter works best? Also - how long does it take to load the Guide for more that a few days? Most of the non HD channels were populated last night but not the Network HDs?

Call and complain to DirecTV. You may be able to convince them to give you the AM21 for free so you can get your channels back.

I am going to call my area installer before I order D*. Have E* right now but am planning to go back to D* and this new receiver would sure be nice. If they do not have one, I will wait to order D* until they get them.

I live near Augusta GA and I got a HR23-700 on Friday. I am happy with it so far.

A saw a review that said the picture quality and sound quality was better with the HR23 versus the previous DirecTV DVRs. Has everyone found that to be true?

A saw a review that said the picture quality and sound quality was better with the HR23 versus the previous DirecTV DVRs. Has everyone found that to be true?

Yes, the half dozen testers that DirecTV sent units to for evaluation, reported this. That's why I want this model and not the HR22.

Yes, the half dozen testers that DirecTV sent units to for evaluation, reported this. That's why I want this model and not the HR22.
How do you get one? DirecTV will not send you one if you request it. The big box places like Best Buy don't have it. How do you get one? Just wait I suppose.

The difference is very subjective and not the reason to buy this unit even if the PQ & AQ might be jacked up a little but it may have the new BCM7335 Broadcam Chipset in it that will render a little better AQ & PQ with maybe a bit more speed.

Will this thing send the DD signal over hdmi? When I hooked it up directly to my tv, then used the optical out of the tv to the receiver, I was not getting DD. When I use the optical out on the hr23 directly to the receiver, it works fine. :confused:

Will this thing send the DD signal over hdmi? When I hooked it up directly to my tv, then used the optical out of the tv to the receiver, I was not getting DD. When I use the optical out on the hr23 directly to the receiver, it works fine. :confused:

DD over hdmi...Yes.

Need to make sure the hdtv will pass dd out via optical. not sure why you want this unless for 5.1 ota? best setup (imho) is:

stb=>hdmi=>hdtv; for watching tv without avr
stb=>optical=>avr for watching tv with avr surround

other say...why buy hdtv if not going to use avr surround? then...

stb=>hdmi=>avr; avr=>hdmi=>hdtv

It seems like the tv is converting the DD sound to pcm and my old receiver cannot handle a 5.1 pcm signal. When the optical is hooked up directly from the sat box, it gets bitstreamed and the receiver decodes the signal like normal.

Most TVs will only output Dolby Digital from an internal ATSC tuner. Anything input over HDMI will get downmixed before it is sent out of the TV.

Most TVs will only output Dolby Digital from an internal ATSC tuner. Anything input over HDMI will get downmixed before it is sent out of the TV.

Thanks, I did not realize that but it makes sense. Good to know.

(cross posted from the Onkyo 606 thread)

Does anyone use the Directv HD receiver (HR23-700) remote to control their Onkyo 606? I have a little question. I'm trying to program the Directv remote to control the 606, and I've tried all the available codes and I can get a couple of them to work...almost. The Directv remote will control the volume on the Onkyo and turn the Onkyo off, but it won't turn it back on. (wth?) I was just curious if anyone else noticed this and if there was a fix.

We did just get a harmony remote, but if I can get this one last button to work on the directv remote, then I think I might like the feel of it better. Thanks!

edited to add: I guess this is a new receiver, so I might not get a lot of feedback, eh? I guess I got lucky getting a new one. It was just installed a couple of weeks ago.

for what its worth dept...the 2 tech(s) that came today to replace my malfunctioning hr22 said that many changes were on the horizon at D*. they are moving away from refurbed stbs and sub-contractors, also bird changes. they had 15 to 20 hr22's in the van...all new. the replacement unit was hr22 and was doa (no lights on front) second unit worked flawlessly. neither tech had seen an hr23...birmingham, al. they said they would call me when hr23's showed up.

Has anyone seen one at Best Buy yet?

No but I have seen one at my house and it is GREAT!!!

They are slowly creeping out into the marketplace.

I got one a few weeks ago with my new install without asking :D

I had a tech out to investigate an issue with signal breakup I have been having. Had the dish replaced and a refurbed hr20 already tried, but still not right. So the guy brings a new box and finds a cracked coax line. So he tells me I won't need the BBCs with the new box. SO while he is running a new line I start setting up the box and see that it is an HR22. I thought, ok no big deal. I asked when he came back if he was sure I didn't need the bbc's with the new box. HE said "isn't this an HR23?" I said no it's a 22. He said, "Oh I know I had a 23 on the truck." SO I asked if there was any way to swap it. He said, " you want the 23?" Of course I said sure! He swapped it for me! Awesome guy! Good thing I already had an AM21 stashed away just in case.

I really like the 23 and there is a slight PQ improvement. The GUI response is a bit slower than my old HR20. I attribute this to it being new and needing more software revisions. The AM21 is WAY better than the OTA tuner in the HR20.

Hard drive crapped out on my old 20-700 they sent me this one as a replacement. It is nice. Way more storage. excellent picture. I didn't notice any quicker time to boot up though.

I have to ask wht is the AM21 mentioned above?

Hard drive crapped out on my old 20-700 they sent me this one as a replacement. It is nice. Way more storage. excellent picture. I didn't notice any quicker time to boot up though.

I have to ask wht is the AM21 mentioned above?
Tuner for Off Air Channels if you have an antenna. HR20 had one built in.

Has anyone compared the HDMI and component outputs? I have an ISF calibrated set and both inputs are calibrated as well. I find HDMI to be maybe a bit sharper, but component to have richer colors.

Anyone one else compared them? What did you stick with?

Has anyone compared the HDMI and component outputs? I have an ISF calibrated set and both inputs are calibrated as well. I find HDMI to be maybe a bit sharper, but component to have richer colors.

Anyone one else compared them? What did you stick with?

You are Very Astute in your observations and correct. I am an ISF Calibrator and that is exactly what I have observed and verified.

You are Very Astute in your observations and correct. I am an ISF Calibrator and that is exactly what I have observed and verified.

Thanks:) So that being the case, what do you recommend going with? Or if it ends up being a "wash" what's your personal choice?

I'm having a tough time deciding.

The difference is very subjective and not the reason to buy this unit even if the PQ & AQ might be jacked up a little but it may have the new BCM7335 Broadcam Chipset in it that will render a little better AQ & PQ with maybe a bit more speed.
Has anyone been able to verify whether the HR23-700 actually does have an improved chipset and, if so, are there really any demonstrable differences in picture and audio quality?

It is suspected that it uses the BCM7401 Chipset but it is not readily apparent or visible if you open up the box so it may be under the heatsink and no one has been willing to take it apart to find out.

Thanks:) So that being the case, what do you recommend going with? Or if it ends up being a "wash" what's your personal choice?

I'm having a tough time deciding.

I go with HDMI as the Component is a little too jacked up and not as Natural looking as the HDMI. Some people liked the Jacked Up appearance or as we refer to it in the trade it is "cartoonish" in appearance. It is a very subjective viewpoint.

I go with HDMI as the Component is a little too jacked up and not as Natural looking as the HDMI. Some people liked the Jacked Up appearance or as we refer to it in the trade it is "cartoonish" in appearance. It is a very subjective viewpoint.

I agree with you about wanting a natural image and not one that is showroom showy. Even though I am very used to a calibrated image, it still can be hard to tell which is more accurate just by looking and not having a way to measure. Now that you mention it, i would agree that the colors on component probably are a bit too much. I do feel that HDMI looks a bit washed out, probably the same degree that component is jacked up. But I also get a slight scrolling band visible only on certain dark backrgounds with component. I have tried isolated the cables, but it still exists. I rarely ever notice it. But that is enough to push me to use HDMI. Both inputs are calibrated and I have a discrete HDMI and component soft button on my harmony one for switching between if I feel like

It is suspected that it uses the BCM7401 Chipset but it is not readily apparent or visible if you open up the box so it may be under the heatsink and no one has been willing to take it apart to find out.

There is a PDf out there with the unit open and the chip identified as a Broadcom 5325 chip. Do a google search for "HR23-700 first look" I believe it is on the dbsforum website.

That BCM5325 Chipset is for the Ethernet Port.

If you go with HDMI you can always adjust your color and contrast upwards to give you a little more jazzy look.

That BCM5325 Chipset is for the Ethernet Port.

If you go with HDMI you can always adjust your color and contrast upwards to give you a little more jazzy look.

Ah, that makes much more sense about the chipset. Sorry about that. The PDF file I referred to might be useful for anyone interested in more info on the HR23-700 anyway.

Yeah, I could pump up the color. But I don't like to touch anything after spending the money to have a professional calibrate everything. Plus, I don't want what looks jazzy, just what is more accurate overall which seems to be HDMI. I think I am just used to seeing the component output from my old HR20. It's not an issue for me, just still flip back and forth from time to time and look for small differences.

Just write down your settings and then play around with them slightly because you can always go back to the original settings that he calibrated.

I have been looking at Costco, Best Buy, etc. and have not seen any HR23s. The HR22s I have seen only seem to have 320GB HDDs, despite people here and over at DBSTalk claiming that they have 500GB HDDs (maybe some HR22s do and some do not??). In any event, I would like to wait until HR23s are available.

Has anyone sighted any? Any available online?

I just got one of these Friday, but today it went poof. I get a dim blue power light and nothing else, reset doesn't work, unplugging doesn't work. When it happened my wife said she heard a pop, and smelled burning. So I called and they are sending out a new one. I hope it's not a preview of things to come, I enjoyed the HD for the 3 days I had it.

Switched from Dish to DTV in mid-Jan. SWM5 dish and 2 ea HR23-700's. Picture and sound is great except on playback we get occasional freezing and blanks. Twice now, part way through playback it says end of recording and there is no recovery. HR23 has been reset per DTV. Second HR23 has little use so far, but appears OK, going to start recording more on second unit. Primary HR23 has many shows recorded already and wife would hate losing them. DTV suggested next step would be to reformat hard drive. I think HR23 unit is defective. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks

Update 2/09/09 All satellite signal strengths checked out OK. Found one coax connection at power inserter (for SWM) required tightening. This was the coax going to the primary HR23. Will test future recordings on primary and also have started more recordings on the second HR23.

Hi, I had a few questions for those of you familiar with this unit and HD content on Directv.

1. How does the HD content look compared to Dishnet? I have found a lot of the content on Dishnet to suffer from a lot of artificating.

2. Is there more HD content on Directv than Dish?

3. Are all the majour networks available, or do you only get the Networks local to your area?

3. I am considering purchasing one of those premiere packages with all the extra options for HD content, I would like to have it all. What kind of dish would I need to bring in all of the HD content available? Would it have to be one of those new Satellites that I read about that brings in feeds from 5 Satellites, or will me older Triple LNB eleptical Directv Dish that I have lying around suffice? The triple LNB ones can receive from Satellites 101,110,119, while the 5 LNB one can receive from 99,103,110,119.

4. Has anything change in recent technology in order to use the dual tuner recording on these new receivers, or will I still require two seperate feeds from the dish to the receiver in order to get dual feeds?

Thank you!

Check out this Post in this Thread!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058081

Hi, I had a few questions for those of you familiar with this unit and HD content on Directv.

1. How does the HD content look compared to Dishnet? I have found a lot of the content on Dishnet to suffer from a lot of artificating.

2. Is there more HD content on Directv than Dish?

3. Are all the majour networks available, or do you only get the Networks local to your area?

3. I am considering purchasing one of those premiere packages with all the extra options for HD content, I would like to have it all. What kind of dish would I need to bring in all of the HD content available? Would it have to be one of those new Satellites that I read about that brings in feeds from 5 Satellites, or will me older Triple LNB eleptical Directv Dish that I have lying around suffice? The triple LNB ones can receive from Satellites 101,110,119, while the 5 LNB one can receive from 99,103,110,119.

4. Has anything change in recent technology in order to use the dual tuner recording on these new receivers, or will I still require two seperate feeds from the dish to the receiver in order to get dual feeds?

Thank you!

The HR23-700 will use both tuners off a single cable with SWM.
The new SWM5 will feed up to 8 tuners over one cable. Do a google search:
"DIRECTV SL5-SWM SlimLine Single Wire Ka/Ku Five LNB"
Go to Solid Signal's site.
Watch the video for a good primer on the technology.
The AVS forum would not allow me to post the link since I am a new member.

Yes, I am loving my HR23-700 with a 2 TB Internal Hard Drive which gives me 2000 Gigabytes of Capacity. Rock On!!!

so, I am getting DirecTV installed Friday and I really want this reciever. Should I just call them up and tell them to use it when they do my install?

I would get the phone number from Directv of the installer and tell them some BS that you to coordinate the time better with them or whatever but get the Name of the Installer and the phone number and then call the installer and let them know what you want. They will check to see if they indeed have it in stock and if so they will bring it out for you. If not they will tell you what they have in stock and you can then approve that DVR such as an HR22 if they don't have the HR23.

Yes, I am loving my HR23-700 with a 2 TB Internal Hard Drive which gives me 2000 Gigabytes of Capacity. Rock On!!!

Surely you jest. It's a 500 Mb drive just like the HR22.

Nope, I opened it up and took out the 500Gb Drive and installed a WD20EADS 2 TB Hard Drive in it and it is working like a Champ!!!

Nope, I opened it up and took out the 500Gb Drive and installed a WD20EADS 2 TB Hard Drive in it and it is working like a Champ!!!

I see. Good going!

Was having a problem with my old receiver, called Dtv and they said they would send a replacement, but he noticed that I "qualified" for a updated dish. I said that a new 5lnb was just installed last year, but he insisted, so I accepted. The technician came with a brand new unopened HR23-700NC (no cables) and installed a new single wire SWM-Slimline. This is the best picture I have ever seen on my new Samsung LN46A650 besides watching a Blu-ray movie on my new PS3. The tech said that the hr23s had better processors and most people experience improved PQ and improved sound. I can't say for sure, but in my limited experience it looks and sounds slightly better so far. Maybe I can use the 500gb drive in my ps3 and get a 2TB drive for my hr23 like plasmiac!!!!


Edit: Whoops, HR23s have 3.5" drive and PS3 has 2.5" drive, oh well...

hi guys...have an Integra dtr5.9 receiver, dtv 23-700, and Pioneer pdp5020. All works great.
Except...
Programmed all components into the Integra remote..no macro capability-but no biggy...when i go to turn off, i hit TV off, DTV off, and Integra off and all goes to sleep.
BUT when i turn either the TV or DTV off first, the Integra off second, and the remaining TV or DTV off 3rd, the darned Integra turns back on. Why?
thanks,
alan

Does anyone know who might now be selling the HR23-700?

Does anyone know who might now be selling the HR23-700?

Your best bet is to schedule an install through DirecTV and have them give you the number of the installer. Call them and confirm that they have HR23-700s in stock.
Also, from mike 7's post above, you may be eligible to get a dish upgrade to the SWM technology at no charge. I have the original 5 LNB sidecar dish, which require those pesky external BBCs, and will upgrade it if I can.
good luck.

Anyone has success trying to set the receiver to output 1080p instead of 1080i?

1080p is only available on some OnDemand programming. The box does not scale anything to 1080p.

Also the 1080p is at 24 frames per second, many TVs don't accept that framerate so the box won't be able to turn that option on if your TV doesn't accept it.

to carl.066

fyi...I used to install for D* in PA. It was our policy that any customer who had a service issue of ANY kind was to have the older side car dish replaced free of charge with the newer high def. dish. The customer was not aware of this.

Of course installers tried their best to not do the work because they were on a service call and got paid peanuts. Replacing the entire dish, although not a new install, was still quite a bit more work depending on where the dish is installed (high roof, peak slant etc). In addition they still had to repair the service issue.

just fyi....

also have a question. Does anyone know if the WD15EADS will work in a D* hr21-700 dvr? I took the original 320GB hd out and threw in an 80GB hitachi sataII just for gags cause thats all i had in sata3 size. It worked for 2 weeks (but the % counter always stayed on 100%) Then I was recording a college basketball game in HD with only 30 minutes of sd programming on the drive and every minute or so the game would black out for about 5 seconds and come back on etc etc. I re-installed the original 320GB hd and the HR is back to normal. Now I'm in the market for the 1.5 TB drive but am afraid that because its not AV rated for DVR, surveillance etc that it may not work FLAWLESSLY, albeit, for different reasons than the 80GB drive.
Any responses thanks in advance!
Regards

to carl.066

fyi...I used to install for D* in PA. It was our policy that any customer who had a service issue of ANY kind was to have the older side car dish replaced free of charge with the newer high def. dish. The customer was not aware of this.

Of course installers tried their best to not do the work because they were on a service call and got paid peanuts. Replacing the entire dish, although not a new install, was still quite a bit more work depending on where the dish is installed (high roof, peak slant etc). In addition they still had to repair the service issue.

just fyi....

also have a question. Does anyone know if the WD15EADS will work in a D* hr21-700 dvr? I took the original 320GB hd out and threw in an 80GB hitachi sataII just for gags cause thats all i had in sata3 size. It worked for 2 weeks (but the % counter always stayed on 100%) Then I was recording a college basketball game in HD with only 30 minutes of sd programming on the drive and every minute or so the game would black out for about 5 seconds and come back on etc etc. I re-installed the original 320GB hd and the HR is back to normal. Now I'm in the market for the 1.5 TB drive but am afraid that because its not AV rated for DVR, surveillance etc that it may not work FLAWLESSLY, albeit, for different reasons than the 80GB drive.
Any responses thanks in advance!
Regards

If you check plasmamaniac's post above, you'll see that he replaced his origianal drive with a WD20EADS, and it is working flawlessly.

If you check plasmamaniac's post above, you'll see that he replaced his origianal drive with a WD20EADS, and it is working flawlessly.

hey carl thx much. Yeah apparently I didn't read all the posts...I should get my 1.5 TB drive any day now. I called WD and spoke to level 2 tech about my plan to install it as an internal. He couldn't give me any definitive answers as to whether it will work. From the prior posts looks like it has a real good chance.

I'll also be using the gparted method to copy all the programs from the original HD to the new 1.5tb drive....
regards...

Waiting has paid off. After a nearly endless series of calls to DirecTV about specifying an HR23 for my next DVR, I broke down and took a chance ordering one. As has been reported here many times, no guarantee from them on what model I'd get. When the installers arrived, they had two HR23NC-700s in the truck. Oddly, there were two external BBCs in the box. I tried to convince them that they weren't needed, but they wouldn't listen. Finally, on one of the installation screens was the warning "DO NOT INSTALL B-BAND CONVERTERS".
After they left, I critiqued video quality compared to my HR20-600, and can see a little improvement on my 60" Sony SXRD.
I'm a happy camper!

Waiting has paid off. After a nearly endless series of calls to DirecTV about specifying an HR23 for my next DVR, I broke down and took a chance ordering one. As has been reported here many times, no guarantee from them on what model I'd get. When the installers arrived, they had two HR23NC-700s in the truck. Oddly, there were two external BBCs in the box. I tried to convince them that they weren't needed, but they wouldn't listen. Finally, on one of the installation screens was the warning "DO NOT INSTALL B-BAND CONVERTERS".
After they left, I critiqued video quality compared to my HR20-600, and can see a little improvement on my 60" Sony SXRD.
I'm a happy camper!

hey carl. I have to laugh when I hear people say they called D* and asked them to bring a certain type of equipment. You just got lucky and good for you. These "technicians" did not even know not to install BBC's. The way it works is thus. The installer gets his jobs in the morning. The work order will only say to install or upgrade etc a HD IRD. It doesn't say the model.

The HSP has a person in charge of inventory. Whatever receivers he has in the warehouse, thats what the tech gets. So if they just got a pallet of HR22's delivered then thats what gets installed. Sometimes we get refurbs. If a tech installs a receiver and its not in its original box its a refurb. In addition techs will swap equipment from truck to truck. So if I have 1 hr22 and 1 hr23 and my buddy needs one of them he'll get what I give him since the work order doesn't specify a specific model. The tech is supposed to know the other parts he'll need to install a specific receiver. Just throwing this out there. Knowledge is power.
Regards...

I've heard 23 has better pq and aq than 20 but 20 faster response - comments?

Will probably want to increase storage. Understand could add free standing e-sata but see where others have replaced internal drive - less clutter and power consumption. Is there a link to clone software and instructions? Advantage/Disadvantage of additional ext. versus replacement with larger?

Will be covering 8 or 10 locations with 4 boxes. I have IR to Radio repeaters and remotes from X10 working well. Been told taking coax from standard boxes to remote TV's no problem. Is it possible to take coax from either of my two, new 23 units? If possible would I be limited only to Standard signals and recordings or can HD signals and recordings go through coax to a remote TV? I'm hoping that recorded programs that would reside on the HD DVR could be viewed on remote TV's. I'm suspecting HD source wouldn't work but what about standard material recorded on the HD box. Would that work through coax to a remote TV?

I've heard 23 has better pq and aq than 20 but 20 faster response - comments?

Will probably want to increase storage. Understand could add free standing e-sata but see where others have replaced internal drive - less clutter and power consumption. Is there a link to clone software and instructions? Advantage/Disadvantage of additional ext. versus replacement with larger?

Will be covering 8 or 10 locations with 4 boxes. I have IR to Radio repeaters and remotes from X10 working well. Been told taking coax from standard boxes to remote TV's no problem. Is it possible to take coax from either of my two, new 23 units? If possible would I be limited only to Standard signals and recordings or can HD signals and recordings go through coax to a remote TV? I'm hoping that recorded programs that would reside on the HD DVR could be viewed on remote TV's. I'm suspecting HD source wouldn't work but what about standard material recorded on the HD box. Would that work through coax to a remote TV?

Yes, others have replaced the internal drive with success. We know the WD20EADS works internally. but I'll mount mine in an external MX-1 enclosure. No warranty issues, and I can move the 2T drive to other devices easily.
The HR23 outputs SD and HD simultaneously to the appropriate connectors. None of the DVRs have coax outputs, so you need an inexpensive RF modulator. Connect it to the DVR A/V output. I haven't checked, but an HD recorded program will probably come out the SD in letterbox mode. No biggie.

Nope, I opened it up and took out the 500Gb Drive and installed a WD20EADS 2 TB Hard Drive in it and it is working like a Champ!!!

I was wondering if you could elaborate on how hard this was to do. I have a HR21-700 that I modded to 1TB, and I am thinking of upgrading to a HR23 (so that I do not have to use BBC converters) anyway, with the HR21-700 the front face plate has to be removed to get to the HDD carriage, is it the same way with the HR23-700?
Thanks

I was wondering if you could elaborate on how hard this was to do. I have a HR21-700 that I modded to 1TB, and I am thinking of upgrading to a HR23 (so that I do not have to use BBC converters) anyway, with the HR21-700 the front face plate has to be removed to get to the HDD carriage, is it the same way with the HR23-700?
Thanks

Hopefully, plasmamaniac will answer your specific questions. As far as my decision to go the external route, I am adverse to opening up a box in warranty and voiding it. Also, I am assuming that with an external drive, the total capacity is nearly the sum of the two devices. The HR23 has a 500 GB internal drive. Couple that with 2 TB and you're up to nearly 2.5 TB!

Also, I am assuming that with an external drive, the total capacity is nearly the sum of the two devices. The HR23 has a 500 GB internal drive. Couple that with 2 TB and you're up to nearly 2.5 TB!

Sorry to provide bad news, but your assumption is wrong. If you hook up an external drive it overrides the inernal drive and you can only use the external one. So you'll only have 2TB either way.

I am with you on the preference of not opening up the box and possibly voiding the warranty though.

Sorry to provide bad news, but your assumption is wrong. If you hook up an external drive it overrides the inernal drive and you can only use the external one. So you'll only have 2TB either way.

I am with you on the preference of not opening up the box and possibly voiding the warranty though.

Yes, I discovered my incorrect assumption by reading further in the forums. But it was said that the files already on the internal drive remained intact, and you could re-access them by disconnecting the external drive connection and rebooting. Is that your understanding?

Yes that is the way I understand it.

There is a 2 TB Kernel Limitation on all of the HR2X DVRs whether it is Internal or an External Drive. It is an either or situation with the drive. You either get what is on the Internal or if it is deactivated by your activating the External Drive than you go with that space limitation and requirement. You do not add them together because it is either one or the other but not both at the same time.

It was very simple to open the HR23-700 up (voiding the warranty of course unless you own it like I do) by unscrewing 5 Torx Security Screws and then the 4 screws that hold the drive in place. You don't have to take off the front panel. The hardest part is that these screws have rubber mounts around them and you have to get the screw and the rubber mount lined up just right which is the biggest PITA but after that you are good to go.

There is alot of people who do not believe that Directv really cares about your opening the box and replacing the drive as long as you know what you are doing and avoid getting shocked by static electricity buildup but if you have ever done it on a PC then it is a Piece of Cake.

There is a 2 TB Kernel Limitation on all of the HR2X DVRs whether it is Internal or an External Drive. It is an either or situation with the drive. You either get what is on the Internal or if it is deactivated by your activating the External Drive than you go with that space limitation and requirement. You do not add them together because it is either one or the other but not both at the same time.

It was very simple to open the HR23-700 up (voiding the warranty of course unless you own it like I do) by unscrewing 5 Torx Security Screws and then the 4 screws that hold the drive in place. You don't have to take off the front panel. The hardest part is that these screws have rubber mounts around them and you have to get the screw and the rubber mount lined up just right which is the biggest PITA but after that you are good to go.

There is alot of people who do not believe that Directv really cares about your opening the box and replacing the drive as long as you know what you are doing and avoid getting shocked by static electricity buildup but if you have ever done it on a PC then it is a Piece of Cake.

As I said before I used to be employed by D*. I don't think D* is much different from state but in PA they have no idea whats going on. I would actually go as far to say that if you returned or traded up your dvr and forgot to put the original HD back in no one would be the wiser. Thats how messed up they are. While that might be a stretch I think you get my point.
regards...

Can someone point me to a link with instruction on swapping out the HR23 HD? From what I've read you just take the old one out and put the new one in, but I find this hard to believe after having to "Bless Tivo" to upgrade my previous receivers. Can it be just this easy?

2TB! Wow and I thought slapping in a Seagate 1.5TB drive might be extreme!

Can someone point me to a link with instruction on swapping out the HR23 HD? From what I've read you just take the old one out and put the new one in, but I find this hard to believe after having to "Bless Tivo" to upgrade my previous receivers. Can it be just this easy?

2TB! Wow and I thought slapping in a Seagate 1.5TB drive might be extreme!

To take this the wrong way, but why not just plugin a 1.5TB eSATA drive. I have not done this but might in the future.

From what i have read though is it uses either the internal HD or the eSATA, not both.
Check out this link. http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=146461

Can someone point me to a link with instruction on swapping out the HR23 HD? From what I've read you just take the old one out and put the new one in, but I find this hard to believe after having to "Bless Tivo" to upgrade my previous receivers. Can it be just this easy?

2TB! Wow and I thought slapping in a Seagate 1.5TB drive might be extreme!

No "bless Tivo" needed. It is that easy. I haven't done it, but it is the same as adding an external drive. You don't need to do anything to prepare the drive, and there is no software needed. Take out the old drive, and put in a new one. Hook everything up, and you are good to go.

SMK

All of the System & Profile Info it needs is stored on an internal memory chip that is downloaded to the Internal Drive after it is formatted. The Internal Drive is Quicker & Quieter (unless you buy a cheap drive) and you don't have anything hanging off of it or a wire to come unplugged and the eSATA Drives seem to bog down after about 30% Capacity left for reasons unknown to us that the Internal Drives don't seem to experience. I think it has to do with the eSATA Controller but I am not an expert at those things just a hunch.

ughh, I had a install appt today, free rcvr upgrade -hoping to get the hr23, and they bring a refurb HR20. wtf

I have an HR20, had it for 2.5 years. why would they think to bring the same rcvr? Mastec is my installer. I need a way to get the HR23 here. the installer said they have plenty at the warehouse. I just need him to get me one.

how are you guys getting em?

ughh, I had a install appt today, free rcvr upgrade -hoping to get the hr23, and they bring a refurb HR20. wtf

I have an HR20, had it for 2.5 years. why would they think to bring the same rcvr? Mastec is my installer. I need a way to get the HR23 here. the installer said they have plenty at the warehouse. I just need him to get me one.

how are you guys getting em?

I got DirecTV to give me the phone number of the installer that they had lined up to come out. They did so reluctantly. I called them and they confirmed that they had lots of HR23s. The video is definitely crisper than my other HD STBs and the audio is louder and (to me) clearer.

Does the hr 23 have the same design flaw as the 21,22 that when paired with the optional AM21 OTA dual tuner, you can use only 2 of the available 4 tuners at any given time?

^^ thanks Carl. After talking to the installer before hand and alot of haggling, he finally was able to locate one on another truck, go get it and install it. I tipped him 20 bucks for all his trouble.

so far so good. now If i could just get a SWM...

Does the hr 23 have the same design flaw as the 21,22 that when paired with the optional AM21 OTA dual tuner, you can use only 2 of the available 4 tuners at any given time?

what design flaw?

it is designed and will only record 2 channels at one time. 2 sat or 2 ota or combo of 1 sat and 1 ota, if you have a directv hd dvr setup with dual sat tuners and ota tuners. just because it has 4 tuners does not mean it was designed to record all four of them at the same time. you may want it to and maybe they will in the future but for now they do not. the Tivo HD dvr has 6 tuners (2 qam, 2 atsc, 2 ntsc) but only record 2 at a time. if you need 4 or more you might look into a PC with 4+ multiple tuners. or easier to just get another box and pay the ~$5/month extra receiver fee

did anyone tell you that a directv hd dvr could record all 4 tuners (2 sat/2 ota) at one time? whether it had the ota internal or added on with the AM-21.

I have a 20 foot top quality HDMI cable running from my DirecTv HR23-700 to my Sammy PN50A550 and think I have a weak signal.

- Every time I change channels, I get a brief "searching for signal" message on the tv before the picture comes up.

- When I try to add a HDMI "L" adaptor between the HDMI cable and back-panel HDMI input (so that my cord can fit into the narrow area better), the tv says I have no signal.

Are these indications of a weak signal?
How do I measure my signal, and what should it be?
Can I amplify this signal, and if so, is this done on the coax cable (between the dish and the HR23-700) or on the HDMI signal?
What equipment is needed to amplify this signal?

Have you checked the signal strength area of your setup menu? I was seeing the same warning for the first two weeks after my install ( with good signal strength across the board) until the HR23 performed a 20+ minute update and reset. No problem since- unless you count the intermittent sluggish tuner command response.

All 32 transponders are at 95 or better with 98% on both tuners. Ran a System Test and that is fine.

So if both of the HR23 tuners are receiving a strong signal, I assume the weakness happens along the 20 foot HDMI cord - from the HR23 to the tv(?)

Is there anyway to boost this signal?

All 32 transponders are at 95 or better with 98% on both tuners. Ran a System Test and that is fine.

So if both of the HR23 tuners are receiving a strong signal, I assume the weakness happens along the 20 foot HDMI cord - from the HR23 to the tv(?)

Is there anyway to boost this signal?

The connection from receiver to TV will not give you a "searching for signal" error message. That happens at the DVR. You report high signal strength on "all 32 transponders." That sounds like just the 101 satellite. Did you check all the satellites? There are either 3 or 5 (depending on your setup) that need to be checked, and two of them have Ka as well as Ku band tests. If you have tested all satellites, and your signal strength is as high as you say, there is either something wrong with the receiver's tuners, the LNB at the dish, one (or more) of the RG6 cables from dish to receiver, or the multiswitch (if you have one). If this is not something you feel comfortable troubleshooting, you should have D* come out and check everything.

SMK

Certainly change the cables to test, but my installer also noted that a poor ground to the dish will also cause problems. How long have you had the receiver? Has it performed an update?

So I do another check on all the sats, another system test of the DVR, plug the HDMI cable back into the L adaptor and finally the L adaptor into the back of the tv and everything works fine. Go figure.

Thanks for your help.

The connection from receiver to TV will not give you a "searching for signal" error message. That happens at the DVR.


FWIW, the "searching for signal" message was coming from the tv messaging system.

Sorry, I was assuming you were getting the D* searching for signal message and did not realize that the HDMI input failure on your TV would give you a similar signal.

SMK

ughh, I had a install appt today, free rcvr upgrade -hoping to get the hr23, and they bring a refurb HR20. wtf

I have an HR20, had it for 2.5 years. why would they think to bring the same rcvr? Mastec is my installer. I need a way to get the HR23 here. the installer said they have plenty at the warehouse. I just need him to get me one.

how are you guys getting em?
same here withe HR20, exactly 2.5 yrs. So were you able to get the freee upgrade? I asked them but they said no because nothing is wrong with mine.

So is the HR23 the current 'choice' dual tuner HD DVR for DirecTV?

Some earlier posts suggested that Middle Atlantic had sorted out the physical dimensions of the HR23-700, and updated their database, but that doesn't seem to be the case on their web site....the search finds zero records for hr23 or hr23700. Has anyone successfully bought a face plate for a HR23-700 from Middle Atlantic?

Thanks for the help!

Does anyone know if I turn the power off on the DVR will it still record my shows? On the other boxes that are not DVR's I just use the DTV & TV power button to turn them on and off and it works great, just not sure if it will still record on the DVR. Thanks.

It'll still record when turned off as long as it's plugged in.

I am new to this thread and might have missed where I can purchase an internal hard drive upgrade. I saw the Model Number WD20EADS 2 TB mentioned, but no specific details as to price or availability.

Anyone using their Onkyo 705 remote with an HR-23? I am having a hard time getting the remote to work with the sat box. I can't get any commands working at all, I had similar issues with my HR-20 except the only thing that didn't work was the 'Guide' button on the remote. The remote model is RC-693M. I have tried all codes provided in my Onkyo owner's manual and on their website.

Is there any way to lock out the buttons on the front of the unit?

My 18 month old son loves pretty colors and the buttons that accompany them. There is no where practical for me to put the unit so that it is out of his reach, he is pretty tall for his age. (nearly 3ft.)

Anyone using their Onkyo 705 remote with an HR-23? I am having a hard time getting the remote to work with the sat box. I can't get any commands working at all, I had similar issues with my HR-20 except the only thing that didn't work was the 'Guide' button on the remote. The remote model is RC-693M. I have tried all codes provided in my Onkyo owner's manual and on their website.

Nevermind, I had the remote receiver in RF mode. Duh. Changed it back and no problem now.

I upgraded to this DVR from an old Tivo/DirecTv R10 a few months ago. The old R10's software seemed to look/run much better in the following areas:

- Could pause one show, switch to the 2nd tuner and watch that, then later go back and unpause/watch the first show. Can't do this with the HR23.

- The first level fast forward/reverse was much smoother on the R10 vs. the HR23.

Either I'm missing some things, or the old Tivo-based software on my R10 is just superior in these areas to the DTV software that runs the HR23 (?).

...

Either I'm missing some things, or the old Tivo-based software on my R10 is just superior in these areas to the DTV software that runs the HR23 (?).

As you perhaps know, TiVo has won a major law suit against Dish Network for patent infringement (http://gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/2009/06/03/tivo-has-no-beef-with-cox-comcast-and-directv-but-everyone-else/14989/). The fear of litigation may be one reason for D* (the abbreviation on the AVS Forum for DirecTV) to avoid mimicking the features of TiVo software too closely. D* and TiVo have a signed agreement which may result in a TiVo box for D* being available later this year.

Dana

- Could pause one show, switch to the 2nd tuner and watch that, then later go back and unpause/watch the first show. Can't do this with the HR23.



D* is testing a software upgrade now which will have two buffers similar to TiVo, but they will each be 90 minutes, not 30. It should be released nationally later this summer.

SMK

I had the HR21-100 in my bedroom die last week and DirecTV sent a technician out on Saturday. He replaced it with an HR23-700. Performance-wise, it's a huge improvement. I am now secretly hoping the HR21-100 in my Living Room fails so that, too, can be replaced with an HR23-700.

After dealing with R15s a few years ago, I got used to the quirks of DirecTVs DVRs, so I wasn't surprised when I upgraded to HD last year, that the HR21s were just as sluggish. I am shocked at how lag-free the HR23 experience has been, so far.

I'll also be using the gparted method to copy all the programs from the original HD to the new 1.5tb drive....
regards...

Could you elaborate? I currently have the HR20-700 but am using an external eSATA 1TB drive. There are still some programs I recorded on the internal drive that I would like to transfer to the external drive.

TIA

The technician came with a brand new unopened HR23-700NC (no cables) and installed a new single wire SWM-Slimline. This is the best picture I have ever seen on my new Samsung LN46A650 besides watching a Blu-ray movie on my new PS3. T.

is the single wire SWM-slimline replacement for the RG6?

I'm wanting to upgrade my HR20-700 to one of the new HR23-700's but I just read on the Weakknee's website that certain HD channels are only available on the HR20/21's. An example is A&EHD on channel 265. I find this very hard to believe but would like to hear from other HR23 owners before I make the purchase. I sent an email to Weakknee's asking for clarification, but no reply as yet.

Also, has anyone heard when the software is supposed to be released that will allow 2 tuner buffering on the DTV dvr's?

Thanks....:)

I'm wanting to upgrade my HR20-700 to one of the new HR23-700's but I just read on the Weakknee's website that certain HD channels are only available on the HR20/21's. An example is A&EHD on channel 265. I find this very hard to believe but would like to hear from other HR23 owners before I make the purchase. I sent an email to Weakknee's asking for clarification, but no reply as yet.

Also, has anyone heard when the software is supposed to be released that will allow 2 tuner buffering on the DTV dvr's?

Thanks....:)

I get A&E in HD on channel 265 just fine with my HR23-700.

Dana

As an old Series 2 Tivo user, how dissapointed will I be with the HR23?

You will be disappointed with the remote, command lag and the 15+ minute rebuild/reboot time. I would recco a ups.

Thanks for the info...I just got an email from Weakknees and they said that their website was in error.....

For some reason, my HR 23-700 is not outputting video through its S-Video connection to my SD DVD recorder. I get audio from the analog output, but no video. I have tried changing the format to 480i and 480p, but still nothing. Any advice?

I just started noticing a problem with my HR23 on recording live TV. I will be watching live tv and then go to rewind and the status bar comes up and shows that it is rewinding but the picture doesnt move. It just stays paused and doesnt rewind. If I hit play it just stays paused. The only way to get it going again is to forward all the way up to live TV and it starts working again till I try to rewind. I am not having a problem with it recording shows in advance, just on live tv. Anyone have any ideas?

For some reason, my HR 23-700 is not outputting video through its S-Video connection to my SD DVD recorder. I get audio from the analog output, but no video. I have tried changing the format to 480i and 480p, but still nothing. Any advice?

S-Video is a standard def connector as you know so you won't get a progressive (480p) signal. Does your recorder have the same number (4) of S-Video pins as the S-Video output on the HR-23-700? (There are different variations of the S-Video connector.) Is one of the pins bent?

Dana

I just started noticing a problem with my HR23 on recording live TV. I will be watching live tv and then go to rewind and the status bar comes up and shows that it is rewinding but the picture doesnt move. It just stays paused and doesnt rewind. If I hit play it just stays paused. The only way to get it going again is to forward all the way up to live TV and it starts working again till I try to rewind. I am not having a problem with it recording shows in advance, just on live tv. Anyone have any ideas?

It shows that you are rewinding the green portion of the progress bar that is the live buffer? (If you switched channels and then came back, you will have lost the live buffer that holds up to 90 minutes of the channel content.)

Dana

Yes, it shows the green bar showing the last half hour or so of the live buffer. That is the part I can not access. When I go to rewind, the recording time on the bottom moves backwards but the image freezes and doesnt change till I get back to real time. It's getting real annoying and football season is coming up!

Just watching the All Star game and paused the game to go take a leak and come back and the play button wouldnt work. The screen was frozen till I forwarded it all the way to real time and missed Buerhle pitch a lights out inning. I called Directv and the lady told me to reset the box which I did and I think it might of fixed the problem. Of course, my warranty on the box ends on July 17th so I am hoping that fixed the problem.

I just got the HR23-700 on ebay and it is matte black is this a fake i have not seen it in this color online only the high gloss i hope i didn't get the HR22 switcharoo plz respond thanks.

I just got the HR23-700 on ebay and it is matte black is this a fake i have not seen it in this color online only the high gloss i hope i didn't get the HR22 switcharoo plz respond thanks.

Mine is matte black. Look behind the flip down door where the access card slides in. It should tell you it's a HR23-700. You did get an access card with it, right?

Dana

Yes i have the access cards, I thought they only came in piano black. I received my second HR23-700 today it is also matte black they were from two different retailers on ebay, so looks like they are ok "had me scared for a moment" And I also got my 5 LNB SWM Slimline dish & LNB I have to set this up this weekend any tips on this dish are the SWM lnb's hard to set-up thanks.

Yes i have the access cards, I thought they only came in piano black. I received my second HR23-700 today it is also matte black they were from two different retailers on ebay, so looks like they are ok "had me scared for a moment" And I also got my 5 LNB SWM Slimline dish & LNB I have to set this up this weekend any tips on this dish are the SWM lnb's hard to set-up thanks.

Yes, they are hard to set up. Why are you avoiding the obvious and having a setup through D*?

Dana

I can get a "no contract no obligation way cheaper online", and i own my own equipment. Don't really want a 2 year obligation this just seems like a better option for me, plus i can pick my own equipment not what the installer has on his truck that day .

I can get a "no contract no obligation way cheaper online", and i own my own equipment. Don't really want a 2 year obligation this just seems like a better option for me, plus i can pick my own equipment not what the installer has on his truck that day .

I was afraid you'd say that. All D* equipment is leased - no exceptions apply to the HR23 - and you will incur a two year obligation once you activate.

But, don't believe me. Call and ask D*.

Dana

I dont understand i paid for these they are my property explain again plz.

I dont understand i paid for these they are my property explain again plz.

ALL D* consumer equipment acquired on and after March 1, 2006 is LEASED. No matter how you acquired the HR23s, you did not gain ownership; they are owned by D*. There are no exceptions. If someone represented to you that you obtained title to the STBs, they have perpetrated a fraud.

Don't accept my opinion. Call D* and ask them. You will have to do so anyway when you activate them.

Dana

So i have to give these HR-23 back after my contract is up if lets say i decide to go to cable. "wow why would any one purchace this stuff on ebay then".

So i have to give these HR-23 back after my contract is up if lets say i decide to go to cable. "wow why would any one purchace this stuff on ebay then".

The only reason would be to get the particular model instead of taking whatever is on the installer's truck. The same with "buying" one at BestBuy. It's a down payment on a lease and you also will get charged a monthly fee for any STBs after the first/primary one.

If you received your HR23s in factory boxes, it is all explained on the outside of the box.

Dana

I did call d* and they told me;" the equipment i buy on ebay is indeed mine" but if i bought it through them as a lease i would be eligible for upgrades to a new receiver and if the receiver stopped working they would replace it free of charge but i would still have to pay a 5 dollar additional room fee even if i own it but i do not have to return the receiver if i cancel service i had the person transfer me to a manager to confirm and he did as well. thanks i feel better now

I did call d* and they told me;" the equipment i buy on ebay is indeed mine" but if i bought it through them as a lease i would be eligible for upgrades to a new receiver and if the receiver stopped working they would replace it free of charge but i would still have to pay a 5 dollar additional room fee even if i own it but i do not have to return the receiver if i cancel service i had the person transfer me to a manager to confirm and he did as well.

thanks i feel better now

That's just fine. But, before you get feeling too good I suggest you read this document. Equipment Lease Addendum (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P500014).

... YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NOT PURCHASED THE DIRECTV EQUIPMENT, YOU DO NOT OWN THE DIRECTV EQUIPMENT AND THE DIRECTV EQUIPMENT MUST BE USED AND RETURNED TO DIRECTV STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THIS EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM AND THE DIRECTV CUSTOMER AGREEMENT...

Have a nice night.

Dana

So, do most people replace or add a external hard drive?

Called and ordered a HD DVR from D*, I asked to please but a note that I want the hr23. I was told they can not do this as the installer goes to the wharehouse and they get what they get. I asked for the installers contact info. I was advd it will be installed by one of there own technicians and they can not give out a phone #.

I wont be home for the install, but my mother is coming over when they install the new dish and receiver. Was thinking about telling her to ask if it is hr23 if they say no, possibly have them call me and I can s/w the installer at that time?

Think this will work?

Should I even be worried about receiving the hr23? I'm in southern california about 40 minutes from LA.

Thanks!

What worked for me was to find the install appointment on the D* web site. There is room to add 'Notes." I said "Customer requests HR23." The installer saw it and made sure he had one on the truck. That was after I had refused the original DVR upgrade because the installer didn't have one on his truck. He was the one who told me how to get one.

Hope it works for you.

Dana

Thanks for the heads up. I went on the website and it looks like the only way to give a note to the installer is to reschedule? I tried to reschedule but it says it is unavailable at this time.

Thanks for the heads up. I went on the website and it looks like the only way to give a note to the installer is to reschedule? I tried to reschedule but it says it is unavailable at this time.

Possibly because it's Sunday. Try again tomorrow.

Dana

That's just fine. But, before you get feeling too good I suggest you read this document. Equipment Lease Addendum (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P500014).

Have a nice night.

Dana

From WeaKnees' website FAQ:

Can I purchase / own the HR20/HR21 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, or will any order from weaKnees be considered a lease?
Background: On March 1, 2006, DIRECTV instituted a program under which receivers are leased by default. This change had no impact on customers' bills, and in fact there were many advantages for customers: DIRECTV will provide a dish and installation for customers with new leased receivers. They will also provide support, after the warranty period, at reduced prices vs. the cost of acquiring a new unit. On the other hand, leased receivers cannot be re-sold and DIRECTV will replace them with refurbished units if they require service.

If you order an upgraded HR20/HR21 from weaKnees, you may be able to have DIRECTV characterize the unit as being owned. To do that, you must call 800-DIRECTV and ask for the access card department. Tell them that you ordered an HR20/HR21, give them the price and tell them that you want it to be characterized as being owned. In some cases, the price alone will be enough to have DIRECTV characterize the unit as purchased. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a unit characterized as owned, you will NOT be able to get the unit (or a dish) installed for free or at a discounted price. In addition, you will NOT be entitled to any discounted replacement equipment should the unit fail. See below for additional information.

Can I purchase / own the HR21 Pro HD DVR, or will any order from weaKnees be considered a lease?
The HR21P (HR21 Pro) will be considered owned, not leased.

Should I even bother trying to have my HR20/HR21 characterized as owned?
If you need an HR20/HR21 installed, or if you need a dish, then you should probably have the box characterized as being leased. Doing so will enable you to take advantage of DIRECTV's installation promotions for newly-activated equipment. In addition, if your upgraded HR20/HR21 fails in the future, you may be eligible for a reduced-price replacement unit if the upgraded HR20/HR21 is leased. You will likely not want to send the upgraded HR20/HR21 to DIRECTV in exchange for the replacement, but weaKnees can help get a working hard drive moved. If you successfully have your HR20 characterized as owned, you will not be entitled to any discounted replacement unit and you will be responsible for paying to have your unit (and dish) installed.

Since this is finally starting to be rolled out in a staggered national release, it's time to let the cat out of the bag.
Double play [aka DLB] is part of 0x034B for the HR2x and R22

Release notes:

The Contents of this Release: (Differences based on last National Release)

New features
Faster restarts
DoublePlay
Subtitling
Hide HD Channels
TVMail
Live Extension
DIRECTV Cinema - now available without broadband

Improved/Updated
video and audio performance
1080p/24 TV compatibility
GameSearch
UI Polishing
Increased cast information
Series Link deletion from To Do List
Additional Detail in History
Conflict Information on To Do List
Parental Controls

A new national firmware is being rolled out on a staggered regional basis, as reported by VOS on the HR20, HR21 & HR22 thread. Also, Slimoli has posted a link that provides more info and makes clear it applies to the HR23, too.

Take a look at this:

http://hr20.dbstalk.com/docs/Fall%2009%20First%20Look.pdf

Dana

I have a couple question if someone with experience wouldn't mind answering. I am thinking of switching to DirecTV, mostly for the NFL ticket, but I am worried I will strongly dislike the HR23 compared to the Dish VIP722 I am currently using.

I already know that the HR23 doesn't have dual buffers and I think I can live without that. You can record from one tuner and buffer the other one, right? I would also assume that I can start a playback of a recording in progress. Is that correct?

One of my other concerns is I currently use the 722 in my bedroom as well as my living room. I don't need the 2nd, seperate tuner option (veiwing the same thing on both TVs is fine) but I do need to be able to have HDMI output and standanrd coax output as well. Is that possible? If that's the case then I can get a 2nd RF remote and it will be pretty similar to my current setup.

Thanks for any help.

I have a couple question if someone with experience wouldn't mind answering. I am thinking of switching to DirecTV, mostly for the NFL ticket, but I am worried I will strongly dislike the HR23 compared to the Dish VIP722 I am currently using.

I already know that the HR23 doesn't have dual buffers and I think I can live without that. You can record from one tuner and buffer the other one, right? I would also assume that I can start a playback of a recording in progress. Is that correct?

One of my other concerns is I currently use the 722 in my bedroom as well as my living room. I don't need the 2nd, seperate tuner option (veiwing the same thing on both TVs is fine) but I do need to be able to have HDMI output and standanrd coax output as well. Is that possible? If that's the case then I can get a 2nd RF remote and it will be pretty similar to my current setup.

Thanks for any help.

If you check the link to the pdf on the bottom of the previous page, you'll see that the new firmware being rolled out nationally for the D* DVRs does activate dual buffers. That publication may give you more info to compare with the Dish DVR you have.

One final note. E* (= Dish Network on the AVSForum) is in litigation with TiVO and the latter has won the decisions up to now, which cast a shadow over the future of the Dish DVRs. They apparently infringe on the TiVo patents. Some say all this will go away when E* settles the case with $$$. I'm not so sure because the monetary amount involved including contempt of court penalties is mounting.

Dana

Thanks for the reply. I have been distracted for the past couple of days and haven't checked back. I will probably call DTV and see what they say but does anyone know if they'll send you the equipment and let you do your own install? My uhm, physical address and shipping address are 20 miles away from each other and I want it shipped to my shipping address so I can bring it to my physical address and install it myself... Uh, yeah. Plus, I would feel more comfortable installing it myself I think anyway.

Thanks for the reply. I have been distracted for the past couple of days and haven't checked back. I will probably call DTV and see what they say but does anyone know if they'll send you the equipment and let you do your own install? My uhm, physical address and shipping address are 20 miles away from each other and I want it shipped to my shipping address so I can bring it to my physical address and install it myself... Uh, yeah. Plus, I would feel more comfortable installing it myself I think anyway.

The installation of the new Slimline 5 LNB antenna is no easy matter and requires special equipment. I doubt D* will let you do it yourself. Plus the installation is free!

Dana

The installation of the new Slimline 5 LNB antenna is no easy matter and requires special equipment. I doubt D* will let you do it yourself. Plus the installation is free!

Dana
That won't work for me, since if they install it I won't get local channels and that would be a deal breaker. I was trying to be subtle about that with the whole my physical address is 20 miles away thing...

I do have a satellite meter and experience working on Satellite equipment, going way back, but I am not familiar with the slimline.

Why won't you get local channels if they install it?

Why won't you get local channels if they install it?

Because unfortunately you can live in one area and not be eligible for locals, yet 5 miles down the road you're eligible. I still don't understand why, the cable company offers the same locals in both counties so it really makes no sense.

Because unfortunately you can live in one area and not be eligible for locals, yet 5 miles down the road you're eligible. I still don't understand why, the cable company offers the same locals in both counties so it really makes no sense.

You can determine what locals are available by zip code on the D* web site. Perhaps you've already done so.

Dana

You can determine what locals are available by zip code on the D* web site. Perhaps you've already done so.

Dana

Yeah, man I was trying to be subtle at first but I might as well draw a picture with crayons. I can not get locals in my area, I can get it at my "physical address", but not my "shipping address".

To really spell it out, I was hoping to use another address to get around the restriction on locals, however, if they install it they will have to install it at my "shipping address" and therefore I won't be eligible for my locals without getting waivers, etc. Unless the installer was willing to play along, but why chance it?

Regardless, if they don't allow self installs I think I am screwed.

Oh yeah, I am not in WPB, FL any more. I should probably change that...

Alright you guys want to know what true frustration is like? we have 2 HR20 refurbs in the house. I've been trying for the past yr or so to get at least an HR21/22. They kept sending HR20 refurbs.

I immediately see that on the label and gave it right back to the fed ex guy. Then I call D* and say wtf is going on here? I ask for the updated models and you guys keep sending old crappy refurbs HR20's. So I said why don't just buy an HR21 at bb and you guys reimburse me with credit to my bill. The rep manager sd ok so I was happy for the time being.

Now this week our 2nd HR20 goes whacko and I ask for a repl because we have the equipment protection ins and emphatically tell them pls send me an HR23. I told them that everyone here on avs been getting new HR23s so why is it Im the only one here in so ca deprived of them. He sd we cannot guarantee but he'll make a note to send out an HR23. Yesterday the package arrive and I was like a kid on xmas morning rec the package and lo and behold a mother fraken HR20. I called them sd that's it Im moving to Dish and went to retention dept and this time they didn't try to stop me and cancelled out contract.

As best I can determine from my own experience, HR23NC-700 units are being sent to local install contractors. (The NC stands for No Cables meaning no HDMI or other cables in the box.) Retailers such as BB were stocked with HR22s when I last checked. Some mail order/internet retailers (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HR23) do have the HR23s as well as other models.

All of the above is subject to change.

It is well documented that D* telephone reps have no control over what units are dispatched directly to customers. The post by zoey67 just confirms it.

Dana

I just ordered a new HR23 from Amazon, as I had a credit there I wanted to burn and the price was great ($178). I don't have an SWM and only have a single line run into the house where the HR23 will reside. I'm a 5-year subscriber, with a 3 yr old AT9 dish. Will DTV do a free install of some kind on this thing if I ask for it when I activate it? I was looking at my dish today (pole mounted by some VERY shady characters that were subcontracted by Ironwood) and I don't even see any kind of ground wire anyplace. Is that a no-no and can I parlay that into a free visit?

I just ordered a new HR23 from Amazon, as I had a credit there I wanted to burn and the price was great ($178). I don't have an SWM and only have a single line run into the house where the HR23 will reside. I'm a 5-year subscriber, with a 3 yr old AT9 dish. Will DTV do a free install of some kind on this thing if I ask for it when I activate it? I was looking at my dish today (pole mounted by some VERY shady characters that were subcontracted by Ironwood) and I don't even see any kind of ground wire anyplace. Is that a no-no and can I parlay that into a free visit?

Very likely, especially if you talk with Customer Retention. They may have a direct line now. 1-800-824-9077. Tell them just what you wrote. Ask them to reimburse you for the HR23 and that you need a free installation of a dish and cable system to support it.

This also will extend your commitment which is why you'll likely get what you ask for. :)

Dana

Typ53b,

Just a note on grounding your system. Not to be an alarmist but the reality is your present system is grounded. Absent a direct connection to the earth, a lightning strike, static electricity, etc., on your dish will follow the coax cable into your house and pass through whatever is connected to it to get to your whole house ground. Think about it. The electrical current has no other place to go to get to the earth.

In this neck of the woods, the installers will put a grounding block on the cables outside to permit the system to be grounded outside but they will not ground the system themselves. (For liability reasons. They are not electricians.) I hired an electrician to do a proper job of it and I'm glad I did. He found that my entire house was not properly grounded!

Long story which I won't bore you with here but a happy ending. I'd encourage anyone with an antenna outside to have a licensed electrician ground it according to the latest NEC requirements. (They have recently changed.)

Dana

Wow.. thanks Dana. Lightning can be a problem in my area, especially right at THIS time of year. When my HR23 shows up (likely Friday) I'll call DTV and see what they'll do for me as far as an install and possible reimbursement credit. I'll also look into properly grounding the dish. Thanks for your input. I'll update this with results of my luck with DTV.

On the previous page I posted a note about a forthcoming national firmware release OX34B. Apparently it was never intended to be a national release (according to a discussion thread on the D* web site). It was released to a few who thought it was. Now the word is that the national release is 0x034C with the same content as previously posted.

Receivers included in this release:
HR20-100 • HR20-700
HR21-100 • HR21-200 • HR21-700 • HR21Pro
HR22-100 • HR23-700
R22-200 • R22-100

Release notes:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=163484

Dana

Hi,
I plan to buy the HR23 from Amazon.
The former owner of the house we live in left his DirecTV 3 LNB dish mounted on the side of the home.

I keep hearing about the newer "slim" dishes....

WILL THE 3 LNB dish work with the HR23?

If not, what is the best HD DVR I should consider getting to utilize with the existing dish on my house?

(No, I'm not getting DirecTV to send an installer over with a new dish; long story).

Thanks in advance folks. :)

Hi,
I plan to buy the HR23 from Amazon.
The former owner of the house we live in left his DirecTV 3 LNB dish mounted on the side of the home.

I keep hearing about the newer "slim" dishes....

WILL THE 3 LNB dish work with the HR23?

If not, what is the best HD DVR I should consider getting to utilize with the existing dish on my house?

(No, I'm not getting DirecTV to send an installer over with a new dish; long story).

Thanks in advance folks. :)


DirecTivo HD

Hi,
I plan to buy the HR23 from Amazon.
The former owner of the house we live in left his DirecTV 3 LNB dish mounted on the side of the home.

I keep hearing about the newer "slim" dishes....

WILL THE 3 LNB dish work with the HR23?

If not, what is the best HD DVR I should consider getting to utilize with the existing dish on my house?

(No, I'm not getting DirecTV to send an installer over with a new dish; long story).

Thanks in advance folks. :)

No current D* HD DVR will work properly with the old 3 LNB dish which only pulls in MPEG2 channels that are being phased out. The new Slimline has five LNBs and pulls in the MPEG4 channels including locals.

That also applies to the DirecTivo HD.

Dana

To really spell it out, I was hoping to use another address to get around the restriction on locals, however, if they install it they will have to install it at my "shipping address" and therefore I won't be eligible for my locals without getting waivers, etc. Unless the installer was willing to play along, but why chance it?

Regardless, if they don't allow self installs I think I am screwed.

Talk to a commercial directv installer instead of a residential installer. Companies that install in hotels & restaurants.

I just added an HR23 to my setup; purchased from Weaknees. I have it my bedroom, hooked up to a Sony 32" XBR9. Only one tuner is hooked up.

My first impressions are that this unit has it all. I also have an HR20 and an HR22. This new unit looks good (matte black), runs much quieter than the others, changes channels quicker (with native mode on or off). PQ and AQ seem a bit better, as well.

I'm extremely pleased with it. My only tiny gripe is that with native mode on, when switching to a channel with a different resolution (such as from CBS to ABC or ESPN) there is a small audio pop.

However, I see no difference, and maybe a small improvement with native mode off on this unit, and turning it off eliminates the pop.

I'd like to replace my other 2 DVRs with these units in the near future, if I can.

I came from a tivo to the hr-23 and I don't really miss the tivo. The directv dvr has come a long way :) Also, the funny thing is I had the audio pop when changing channels w/the tivo but no longer with the hr-23.

Yeah, man I was trying to be subtle at first but I might as well draw a picture with crayons. I can not get locals in my area, I can get it at my "physical address", but not my "shipping address".

To really spell it out, I was hoping to use another address to get around the restriction on locals, however, if they install it they will have to install it at my "shipping address" and therefore I won't be eligible for my locals without getting waivers, etc. Unless the installer was willing to play along, but why chance it?
I have a similar problem and have had to pay for all my equipment upgrades and installs for several years. Most installers do not care where you are as long as they get paid, but you will have to set everything up through them and not DirecTV, and you will not be getting any free upgrades or installs.

Alright you guys want to know what true frustration is like? we have 2 HR20 refurbs in the house. I've been trying for the past yr or so to get at least an HR21/22. They kept sending HR20 refurbs.

I immediately see that on the label and gave it right back to the fed ex guy. Then I call D* and say wtf is going on here? I ask for the updated models and you guys keep sending old crappy refurbs HR20's. So I said why don't just buy an HR21 at bb and you guys reimburse me with credit to my bill. The rep manager sd ok so I was happy for the time being.

Now this week our 2nd HR20 goes whacko and I ask for a repl because we have the equipment protection ins and emphatically tell them pls send me an HR23. I told them that everyone here on avs been getting new HR23s so why is it Im the only one here in so ca deprived of them. He sd we cannot guarantee but he'll make a note to send out an HR23. Yesterday the package arrive and I was like a kid on xmas morning rec the package and lo and behold a mother fraken HR20. I called them sd that's it Im moving to Dish and went to retention dept and this time they didn't try to stop me and cancelled out contract.

There is nothing wrong with HR20s, just a smaller drive.

Very likely, especially if you talk with Customer Retention. They may have a direct line now. 1-800-824-9077. Tell them just what you wrote. Ask them to reimburse you for the HR23 and that you need a free installation of a dish and cable system to support it.

This also will extend your commitment which is why you'll likely get what you ask for. :)

Dana

How do you get D to reimburse for an Amazon purchase?

How do you get D to reimburse for an Amazon purchase?

It was the OP who proposed buying the HR23 from Amazon. I haven't done so. But, D* had no problems reimbursing me for a D* box I bought at BB.

Dana

:confused:Are all the HR23s HIGH GLOSS black?

I just added an HR23 to my setup; purchased from Weaknees. I have it my bedroom, hooked up to a Sony 32" XBR9. Only one tuner is hooked up.

My first impressions are that this unit has it all. I also have an HR20 and an HR22. This new unit looks good (matte black), runs much quieter than the others, changes channels quicker (with native mode on or off). PQ and AQ seem a bit better, as well.

I'm extremely pleased with it. My only tiny gripe is that with native mode on, when switching to a channel with a different resolution (such as from CBS to ABC or ESPN) there is a small audio pop.

However, I see no difference, and maybe a small improvement with native mode off on this unit, and turning it off eliminates the pop.

I'd like to replace my other 2 DVRs with these units in the near future, if I can.

Mike25690 said that his new unit is matte black, as is mine, also from Weaknees.

Rick

Mike25690 said that his new unit is matte black, as is mine, also from Weaknees.

Rick

I deleted my previous post claiming that they are all gloss black. A close look at mine - on my hands and knees - indicates that it is matte black too. I got mine from a D* installer.

Dana

Just got mine today from NewEgg and its Matte black. Manafacture date o3/09. I realy wanted the gloss:mad:

I deleted my previous post claiming that they are all gloss black. A close look at mine - on my hands and knees - indicates that it is matte black too. I got mine from a D* installer.

Dana

MIke, why did you only hook up one tuner on your DVR:confused:?

I just added an HR23 to my setup; purchased from Weaknees. I have it my bedroom, hooked up to a Sony 32" XBR9. Only one tuner is hooked up.

My first impressions are that this unit has it all. I also have an HR20 and an HR22. This new unit looks good (matte black), runs much quieter than the others, changes channels quicker (with native mode on or off). PQ and AQ seem a bit better, as well.

I'm extremely pleased with it. My only tiny gripe is that with native mode on, when switching to a channel with a different resolution (such as from CBS to ABC or ESPN) there is a small audio pop.

However, I see no difference, and maybe a small improvement with native mode off on this unit, and turning it off eliminates the pop.

I'd like to replace my other 2 DVRs with these units in the near future, if I can.

My contract is now up with DTV as of this month and I'm thinking about calling them to get something from them by threatening to leave. Any chance I can score both a free HR23 and a discounted programming rate by doing this? I currently have the premier package with HD/DVR/etc and am paying out the nose for it.

MIke, why did you only hook up one tuner on your DVR:confused:?

At least for now, I only have one line coming into the bedroom. In the future I may add an additional one. I actually have 3 DVRs, running off of 4 lines, so 1 of them is fully connected; the other two use only one tuner.

My contract is now up with DTV as of this month and I'm thinking about calling them to get something from them by threatening to leave. Any chance I can score both a free HR23 and a discounted programming rate by doing this? I currently have the premier package with HD/DVR/etc and am paying out the nose for it.

Well, it's unlikely you'll get anything if you don't ask (although not unheard of). As I noted to a similar question on the previous page, talk with Customer Retention. They apparently have a direct line now. 1-800-824-9077. Tell them what you want and see what kind of a deal they offer you.

Dana

Well, it's unlikely you'll get anything you want if you don't ask.

Fixed! :)

Thank you for the number.

Gentlepeople and lurkers -

I've been running an HR21-700 the better part of 2 years, no problems, reasonably nice picture compared to blu-ray (compression and banding artifacts aside) through a decent 720p projector.

Any thoughts on upgrading to the HR23-700 to achieve a better viewing experience? I wouldn't mind springing the $200 if the difference was visibly significant.

Thanks!

Gentlepeople and lurkers -

I've been running an HR21-700 the better part of 2 years, no problems, reasonably nice picture compared to blu-ray (compression and banding artifacts aside) through a decent 720p projector.

Any thoughts on upgrading to the HR23-700 to achieve a better viewing experience? I wouldn't mind springing the $200 if the difference was visibly significant.

Thanks!

When it first came out, the reviewers said it had better PQ than any other D* HD receiver/DVR they'd ever seen. High praise based on a big sample. All I can say is that it has the best PQ I've ever seen from a smaller sample.

Dana

Anyone notice a update that happend about 2AM last night to version "c"?:D

Anyone notice a update that happend about 2AM last night to version "c"?:D

That's the latest national release that is being phased in regionally.

Dana

Thanks, I just installed by new 23 two days ago and it updated to "b", then today it went to "c".



That's the latest national release that is being phased in regionally.

Dana

When I turn my unit off (front switch or remote), after about 30 minutes it will not turn back on without hitting the reset switch!! Anyone else have this issue

Im using component out to a 720 and DVI out to a 1080P

HELP!

When I turn my unit off (front switch or remote), after about 30 minutes it will not turn back on without hitting the reset switch!! Anyone else have this issue

Im using component out to a 720 and DVI out to a 1080P

HELP!

The HR23-700 has no DVI connector. Do you mean HDMI?

As regards your problem getting the unit to turn back on, try pulling the power cord and letting the unit sit for a while before reattaching the power cord.

Dana

Sorry, yes HDMI. yes I can get it to turn on with the reset or power cord pull, but it happens EVERY time I turn the unit off!! Anyone else have this issue.

Of course all works well if I never turn it off - but it should not be that way? could it be becasue Im running both HDMI and component out?

The HR23-700 has no DVI connector. Do you mean HDMI?

As regards your problem getting the unit to turn back on, try pulling the power cord and letting the unit sit for a while before reattaching the power cord.

Dana

I haven't checked whether I've received the update on my HR23-700, but I did get an update about a week ago on my HR22-100. What's it supposed to do, anyway?

I haven't checked whether I've received the update on my HR23-700, but I did get an update about a week ago on my HR22-100. What's it supposed to do, anyway?

As reported here: (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=163484)

HR2x and R22: 0x034C
Receivers included in this release:
HR20-100 • HR20-700
HR21-100 • HR21-200 • HR21-700 • HR21Pro
HR22-100 • HR23-700
R22-200 • R22-100

0x034C Staggered release began 8/28/09.
---
The Contents of this Release: (Differences based on last National Release)

New features

* Faster restarts
* DoublePlay
* Subtitling
* Hide HD Channels
* TVMail
* Live Extension
* DIRECTV Cinema - now available without broadband


Improved/Updated

* video and audio performance
* 1080p/24 TV compatibility
* GameSearch
* UI Polishing
* Increased cast information
* Series Link deletion from To Do List
* Additional Detail in History
* Conflict Information on To Do List
* Parental Controls

Sorry, yes HDMI. yes I can get it to turn on with the reset or power cord pull, but it happens EVERY time I turn the unit off!! Anyone else have this issue.

Of course all works well if I never turn it off - but it should not be that way? could it be becasue Im running both HDMI and component out?

When you say "Reset," do you mean you download the firmware again?

Dana

The issue is (before and after the "upgarde), I have HDMI and Component out, I can NOT turn off the receiver, otherwise it will not turn on with the power button. The only way to get it back on is with the red reset or plug pull. Anyone else have this problem

I think it may have to do with having both HDMI and Componet hooked up becasue if I have just one it works, but when I do finally get it powered up (and dont turn it off) I get both HDMI and Component

When you say "Reset," do you mean you download the firmware again?

Dana

The issue is (before and after the "upgarde), I have HDMI and Component out, I can NOT turn off the receiver, otherwise it will not turn on with the power button. The only way to get it back on is with the red reset or plug pull. Anyone else have this problem

I think it may have to do with having both HDMI and Componet hooked up becasue if I have just one it works, but when I do finally get it powered up (and dont turn it off) I get both HDMI and Component

You may get better responses if you post your question in the 'DirecTV HD DVR - HR20/HR21/HR22 Master Topic' thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17199761#post17199761) It's much longer with more folks reading it than this one.

One final thought from me. Occasionally "when all else fails," it helps to pull the plug on the box and let it set overnight. This discharges all the capacitors. Sometimes a trace of electricity in the box won't let it fully reset.

Good luck!

Dana

So, I got my update the other night and was looking forward to using the new dual-buffer feature. I had thought it would be activated simply by toggling the "Previous" button on the remote to switch between the two different programs being received on the two live tuners. On my old DirecTV Tivo, at least, that kept 30-minutes of program material in the buffer on both tuners. However, it's still working exactly as before, whereby I lose whatever's in the buffer as soon as I change channels. Can anyone here tell me how to utilize DLT, or whatever it's called?

So, I got my update the other night and was looking forward to using the new dual-buffer feature. I had thought it would be activated simply by toggling the "Previous" button on the remote to switch between the two different programs being received on the two live tuners. On my old DirecTV Tivo, at least, that kept 30-minutes of program material in the buffer on both tuners. However, it's still working exactly as before, whereby I lose whatever's in the buffer as soon as I change channels. Can anyone here tell me how to utilize DLT, or whatever it's called?

DirecTV DoublePlay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jb87jiFE7c)

DirecTV DoublePlay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jb87jiFE7c)
Thanks. That was helpful. Essentially, the only differences between this new feature and what was previously available on the D"TV Tivo are that you use the "down" arrow instead of "previous" and that the feature disengages itself after two hours of non-use, rather than having separate live buffered feeds coming into each tuner at all times. Right?

Thanks. That was helpful. Essentially, the only differences between this new feature and what was previously available on the D"TV Tivo are that you use the "down" arrow instead of "previous" and that the feature disengages itself after two hours of non-use, rather than having separate live buffered feeds coming into each tuner at all times. Right?

I still have three DirecTiVos in service and they all switch tuners via the down arrow, although I believe the 'Live' button can also be used to do this. The 'Previous' button has always been used to switch between two channels on the same tuner.

Regarding the second part of your question, yes, DoublePlay needs to be activated by pressing the down arrow a 2nd time and automatically turns itself off after 2 hours of non-use. And the other big difference with DoublePlay is that you get 90 minutes of buffering on each tuner instead of the 30 minutes the DTiVos get.

The video was great! A flyer inside my monthly D* bill I just received has an illustrated explanation of how to use DoublePlay as well as some other Tips and Tricks.

Dana

I scheduled an upgrade to an HR-23 for Tuesday to replace a standard DVR. I plan to move the standard to an old TV and use the HD-DVR on my HDTV. I asked the guy on the phone and he said they have the HR-23 model. The owner told me that if I didn't have the HD dish setup, it would be $199 for the box and dish upgrade, but since I am supposed to have the HD dish he would knock $120 off the cost. Does this sound reasonable to anyone, or could I possibly get a better deal? Is there anything else I should know about Directv HD-DVR?

I scheduled an upgrade to an HR-23 for Tuesday to replace a standard DVR. I plan to move the standard to an old TV and use the HD-DVR on my HDTV. I asked the guy on the phone and he said they have the HR-23 model. The owner told me that if I didn't have the HD dish setup, it would be $199 for the box and dish upgrade, but since I am supposed to have the HD dish he would knock $120 off the cost. Does this sound reasonable to anyone, or could I possibly get a better deal? Is there anything else I should know about Directv HD-DVR?

Who is "the guy on the phone," who said "they" (?) have the HR-23. Who is "the owner?" In other words, what company are you dealing with?

As to whether it's the best deal out there, you can always call Customer Retention at 1-800-824-9077 and see what they will do for you.

Dana

Sorry for not being clear. I talked to a Directv retailer (Direct Communications, out of Austin, Minnesota), the same company that originally hooked me up last June. The salesman I talked to on the phone physically looked at the boxes the company had in stock, and he told me they were all HR-23 models. I plan on talking to the manager of the company to ensure I receive the HR-23 model if for some reason they would have backstock of older models.

When the techs were here for my initial installation, one of them mentioned I had an HD-capable dish, but could something have changed since June 08 that I would indeed need a dish upgrade to use an HR-23? Also, would contacting customer retention do me any good since I still have 9 months or so on my original two year commitment?

Thanks,

John

Sorry for not being clear. I talked to a Directv retailer (Direct Communications, out of Austin, Minnesota), the same company that originally hooked me up last June. The salesman I talked to on the phone physically looked at the boxes the company had in stock, and he told me they were all HR-23 models. I plan on talking to the manager of the company to ensure I receive the HR-23 model if for some reason they would have backstock of older models.

When the techs were here for my initial installation, one of them mentioned I had an HD-capable dish, but could something have changed since June 08 that I would indeed need a dish upgrade to use an HR-23? Also, would contacting customer retention do me any good since I still have 9 months or so on my original two year commitment?

Thanks,

John

Thanks for giving us more info. The latest and greatest D* Slim Line HD dish looks like this one. (http://images.solidsignal.com//iview.asp?p=AU9-S&xzoom=Large#xview)

It's hard to know what you might get from Customer Retention. Either way, if you upgrade, it will extend your commitment to D*. I am partial to keeping local independent dealers/installers in business since there are so few of them left. (In these parts anyway.) But, there's no harm calling Cust Retention to find out what they can do for you.

Dana

The picture from your link looks like that's what I have installed. Thanks.

I'm new to this, so I was wondering what the benefit of a B band converter is that I see brought up so often. Also, does anyone else not get local channels in HD? I always thought I would upgrade when my local NBC, CBS, FOX, etc. became HD available, but all are still unavailable in the Rochester, MN market. Does anyone have any ideas how I could get around this to get the basics in HD?

The picture from your link looks like that's what I have installed. Thanks.

I'm new to this, so I was wondering what the benefit of a B band converter is that I see brought up so often. Also, does anyone else not get local channels in HD? I always thought I would upgrade when my local NBC, CBS, FOX, etc. became HD available, but all are still unavailable in the Rochester, MN market. Does anyone have any ideas how I could get around this to get the basics in HD?

The B Band converter is needed by HD receivers and HD DVRs prior to the HR23 as explained here. (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=SUP-2400&mc=02&d=Zinwell-DIRECTV-SUP2400-B-Band-Converter-Module-BBC-(SUP2400)&sku=SUP-2400&source=googleps) The B Band converter isn't needed on the HR23-700 because it has the electronics built in.

If your local network stations are not yet broadcasting in HD, then you may be eligible for Distant Network Stations (DNS) as described here. (http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2450/session/L3NpZC9lUG9fYUxJag==)

In markets where DIRECTV offers LIL only in standard definition, it cannot provide new subscribers with standard definition DNS, but may be able to provide subscribers with HD DNS. In markets where DIRECTV does not offer LIL service, eligibility for DNS is determined by a subscriber's physical address.

So, you may be eligible to receive the HD feed from the east or west coast networks that you can't get locally.

Dana

Thanks for giving us more info. The latest and greatest D* Slim Line HD dish looks like this one. (http://images.solidsignal.com//iview.asp?p=AU9-S&xzoom=Large#xview)



I just upgraded to HD last week and they installed what I guess is the 3-LNB version of the slimline dish. I've seen my slimline and also the larger slimline (as linked above) in my general area. Is one more capable than another? Am I missing out on anything?

BK

I just upgraded to HD last week and they installed what I guess is the 3-LNB version of the slimline dish. I've seen my slimline and also the larger slimline (as linked above) in my general area. Is one more capable than another? Am I missing out on anything?

BK

My Slim Line dish looks like it has only 3 LNBs but in fact it has five. If your dish works, that's all that matters.

Dana

My Slim Line dish looks like it has only 3 LNBs but in fact it has five. If your dish works, that's all that matters.

Dana

Works great! Thanks for the info.

BK

I'm new to this, so I was wondering what the benefit of a B band converter is that I see brought up so often.
Do not use B Band Converters with the HR-23. They are built in to the unit. Sometimes they are in the box but ignore them. If you use them, you will not be able to receive some of the satellites. I found this out the hard way.

If I upgrade to an HD-DVR and I have the dish, what do the installers need to do? I basically want to know if I were to go pick up the box could I install the unit myself or do they need special privileges to activate it and make it viable.

If I upgrade to an HD-DVR and I have the dish, what do the installers need to do? I basically want to know if I were to go pick up the box could I install the unit myself or do they need special privileges to activate it and make it viable.

The HD DVRs including the HR23-700 need two coax connections, one for each tuner, run from the dish to the box. So, if you are replacing an HD receiver with an HD DVR, a second coax cable will have to be run from the dish to the HD DVR. There are exceptions to this statement depending on your setup, but that is the general rule.

Dana

I currently have a SD-DVR installed, so I have the two lines. I just wanted to ensure that I could plug in the box and it would be ready. Is there any type of activation that they need to do, or could I pull it out of the box and be ready to go?

I currently have a SD-DVR installed, so I have the two lines. I just wanted to ensure that I could plug in the box and it would be ready. Is there any type of activation that they need to do, or could I pull it out of the box and be ready to go?

You have to call and have D* activate the box. D* will send a "recovery kit" - a padded box with prepaid label - for you to return the box you now have. (Unless you bought it before March 1, 2006.)

You can also activate the new HD DVR on line apparently, but I have never done so.

Dana

I called customer retention today and told them a local retailer offered me an HD-DVR upgrade for $80. They offered me 12 months of free HD service, so I'm pretty happy about that. It really does pay to call them and at least see what you can get.

I called customer retention today and told them a local retailer offered me an HD-DVR upgrade for $80. They offered me 12 months of free HD service, so I'm pretty happy about that. It really does pay to call them and at least see what you can get.

Thanks for telling us about it so others will be encouraged to do the same thing.

Dana

I just swapped out a HR21 with the new HR23 and there is a noticeable change in picture quality. The picture is now alot sharper/brighter to the point that it looks like the TV is set to a vivid/dynamic mode. I have it hooked up via HDMI to a Pioneer 6020. I have had to crank down the sharpness on the Pioneer to get it back under control. Anyone else seeing this?

TX

all you really need is one coax into sat one along with the use of an swm lnb and swm splitter. 2 coax not needed and if you have this setup, no BBC required in any case.

I just swapped out a HR21 with the new HR23 and there is a noticeable change in picture quality. The picture is now alot sharper/brighter to the point that it looks like the TV is set to a vivid/dynamic mode. I have it hooked up via HDMI to a Pioneer 6020. I have had to crank down the sharpness on the Pioneer to get it back under control. Anyone else seeing this?

TX

Yes, the HR23-700 has gained a reputation for the best PQ of any D* HD-DVR model.

Dana

anybody else have a problem getting the active channel to load data? it's just blank...I have it hooked up to the internet and this seems to be the only channel I can't get to work...any ideas on how to force an update?

anybody else have a problem getting the active channel to load data? it's just blank...I have it hooked up to the internet and this seems to be the only channel I can't get to work...any ideas on how to force an update?

well resolved this

notes here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=167093

VOS posted this Heads Up on the HR20-21-22 thread. Here's what's in it (from his link):

Receivers included in this release:
HR20-100 • HR20-700
HR21-100 • HR21-200 • HR21-700 • HR21Pro
HR22-100 • HR23-700
R22-200 • R22-100

The Contents of this Release: (Differences based on last National Release)

New features

* Left Menu appearance
* Support for Linksys WET610N Wireless Adapter
* New Playlist and Playlist sorting persistence
* DIRECTV On DEMAND program detail screen facelift

Improved/Updated

* Playlist touch ups
* Prioritizer renamed "Series Manager"
* "Rec. Once" and "Rec. Series" text now more user friendly in To Do List and Guide
o In the TO DO LIST for upcoming recordings:
+ Rec. Once is now Episode Options
+ Rec. Series is now Series Options
o In the TO DO LIST for programs currently recording:
+ Rec. Once... is now Recording...
+ Rec. Series... is now Series Options
o In the GUIDE for non-series-link programs:
+ Rec. Once is now Record Once
+ Rec. Series is now Record Series
* Under the hood


Just a reminder. A staggered national release means just what the term implies. It will be available in any given part of the country on a schedule known only to D* technicians and is beyond our control to determine or influence.

Dana

im not sure if I have the release update or not...but I can't download anything anymore...I tested the cable with my laptop and internet works fine so I know it's something in the box. and I d/l'd fine for the first couple of weeks I had the box

im not sure if I have the release update or not...but I can't download anything anymore...I tested the cable with my laptop and internet works fine so I know it's something in the box. and I d/l'd fine for the first couple of weeks I had the box

Is your comment in regard to the national firmware update? The firmware updates from D* are downloaded by the STB from a satellite, not from a broadband connection.

If you're talking about program access such as DirecTV on Demand, (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/on_demand) that does involve a broadband internet connection.

Dana

Just logged into "my account" on the D* site and noticed that they are offering me a "HD DVR Receiver" for $99 due to my "excellent payment history". Wondering what my chances are of getting a new HR23 via this option?

Just logged into "my account" on the D* site and noticed that they are offering me a "HD DVR Receiver" for $99 due to my "excellent payment history". Wondering what my chances are of getting a new HR23 via this option?

Why not? The better question may be how? Ask if you can obtain one yourself (via internet from an authorized dealer (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=02&p=HR23&d=DIRECTV-HR23-High-Definition-DIRECTV-PLUS-MPEG4-DVR-(HR23)-HD-DVR&c=DIRECTV Receivers&sku=185463000481) is one possibility) and have them reimburse you. I did that with a HD receiver model I wanted.

You can't depend on them shipping you one. I was able to access the installation order on the D* website and wrote my request on the work order. But, that depends on the installer having one on his truck.

No reason not to insist on getting an HR23 if you want one. (Apparently, BB is stocking the HR22.)

Dana

Right, I realize I can obtain one myself. I don't need an install. I have an HR21 already. Just looking to swap out one of my old SD Tivo-based boxed in preparation for another HDTV w/ the least trouble and cost.

I'll probably give them call. I agree I can't depend on a HR23 via their web ordering process.

Right, I realize I can obtain one myself. I don't need an install. I have an HR21 already. Just looking to swap out one of my old SD Tivo-based boxed in preparation for another HDTV w/ the least trouble and cost.

I'll probably give them call. I agree I can't depend on a HR23 via their web ordering process.

You might try calling 1-800-824-9077. That's the direct line to Customer Retention. Since an upgrade for $99. will commit you to another 12 months (I think) subscription, Cust Retention will very likely cooperate with you. They are easier to work with than front line reps. They have more authority to make deals.

Good luck!

Dana

More alternatives for acquiring an HR23 can be found here. (http://www.amazon.com/DirecTV-HR23-Plus-HD-DVR/dp/B002ANRUXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1256725623&sr=8-1)

Dana

weaKnees has them as well...

http://www.weaknees.com/directv-hd-dvr.php#hr21

Is your comment in regard to the national firmware update? The firmware updates from D* are downloaded by the STB from a satellite, not from a broadband connection.

If you're talking about program access such as DirecTV on Demand, (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/on_demand) that does involve a broadband internet connection.

Dana

Na I realize the updates come via satellite...My timeline was like 1.5 mos ago got Dtv service....plugged in cat5 cable and on demand worked great....then it randomly stopped working for about a week. (hence my post)

looked last night and received update and the items I had in my queue had downloaded and showed up in my "list" now...so I am not sure what happened but just happy it's fixed :)

Just as an FYI.. I am recieving a new Panny 65V10 on Friday an dI want to upgrade my HD Direct TV DVR.. Well I called DTV to make the switch and they offered a $99 change out.. So at that point I inquired that is for an HR23 right?? And the moron on the phone indicated they could not guarantee anything..

Why would I do that? So after the guy on the phone and his supervisor I called DTV in CA and asked to speak to the EVP of Operations.. Got someone who was very nice and they credited me $100 so I could go buy it at BB or some other retail outlet.

Just as an FYI.. I am recieving a new Panny 65V10 on Friday an dI want to upgrade my HD Direct TV DVR.. Well I called DTV to make the switch and they offered a $99 change out.. So at that point I inquired that is for an HR23 right?? And the moron on the phone indicated they could not guarantee anything..

Why would I do that? So after the guy on the phone and his supervisor I called DTV in CA and asked to speak to the EVP of Operations.. Got someone who was very nice and they credited me $100 so I could go buy it at BB or some other retail outlet.

The "moron on the phone" actually did you a favor by being truthful. Telephone reps have no control over what model ships. The arrangement you worked out is the only reliable one.

Dana

Just got the same $100 credit via 1-800-824-9077. No tricks needed. Just told the rep I really wanted a HR23.

I have been a customer for 8-10 years w/ NFL Sunday Ticket the last few years, so that might have helped.

Just checked my "activity since last bill"... the credit is already showing... sweet...

11/04/2009 PLUS HD DVR - Gen Reten CR ($100.00)

It pays to ask.

I dont quite understand the 100 dollar credit thing. The hr23's cost at least 200 bucks online from what ive seen. How is $100 on the bill helping? Its not actually paying for the unit when you buy it elsewhere. Do they actually send you the hr23 if you call that number and ask for it, along with a $100 credit?

you can easily find HR23s for less then $200 online... try pricegrabber.com...

the $100 credit just makes the net cost under $100... less than it would have been if i would have bought it directly from DirecTV, plus i'm guaranteed getting a new HR23...

i got the HR23 incoming.

can i expect an increase in picture quality going from the H20?

my display is a sony 60a3000 connected with HDMI through Harman Kardon's new 7550hd receiver.

i got the HR23 incoming.

can i expect an increase in picture quality going from the H20?

my display is a sony 60a3000 connected with HDMI through Harman Kardon's new 7550hd receiver.

I noticed it in my setup, as compared with the H21 I was using. Reviewers mentioned it as compared with prior HR2x models. The AVR I have does not process any HDMI video so any improvement cn be traced directly to the source.

You tell us what you see after you get it! ;)

Dana

Yes, the Audio and Video is better!!! Then if you own it you can take out the internal hard drive and install a WD20EADS 2 TB drive and have plenty of recording capacity as you can never have too much space.

our HR 23 has been awesome except for one thing.

for some reason (Im assuming its the receiver) when I hit a button on the remote control, the receiver takes about 3-5 seconds to process it, especially when typing a channel number. HAppens when I use my Harmony One also.
Often it times out before Im even able to enter a 3 digit channel.

Anyone else have this issue?

It is a Software Issue that will be Resolved by the next Download of the NR Software!!!

This has been posted and talked about many times at DBSTALK.COM. DIRECTV is aware of the problem and has fixed it.

seems like alot of people are having this issue, even with HR 20,21 and 22.

Intersting in that when I turned Native on, the channel numbers respond fast but the actual channel changing flickers for 20 seconds before I get a picture.
So that doesnt really help my cause.

I hope there is a software fix for this soon