well I have an older Directv H20 box. starting a few days ago my box would randomly restart. a few time I had to hit the red reset button next to the card as well as pull the power cord.

well this morning the box rebooted and just went to a blank screen and locked up (no control responce via the faceplate controls or remote). I tryed reseting the box via the button about 10 times now as well as polling the the cord for several minnites. I stiill just get a blank screen.

when I reset the box the 4 lights go thew the stages before switching to 480p and frezzing at a blank screen. I've seen the blue welcome to directv only once before it frezzes and gos to a blank screen.
also tryed removing the sat line and resarting with out it. didn't make a difference. it doesn't apear anything is wrong with the sat line as its been the same line for a few years. it apears to be ok at all the connectins.

I also have a older RCA SD box in the basement which works fine

I'm very disapointed as this model has the OTA ATSC in as well as RF remote. I've read some of the newer models don't have this.

I may go to best buy thursday morning aferwork and get a new box. but having to buy a new box stinks.

Have you considered calling Directv and asking for a replacement?

Sounds like an overheat problem, not uncommon with the H20. When that happens it is usually caused by lack of venilation as these receivers usually run pretty hot and they eventually cook themselves. If it is a leased receiver *D usually exchanges them.

Like the others said the H20 should be a leased receiver, so it should be replaced for free if you call DirecTV. They may however charge you for a tech visit if they send a person out to install it and you don't have the service plan. You may have a problem getting another H20 with the ATSC tuner. If you get a model without the ATSC tuner you can call and complain to customer service and they will most likely send you the AM21 add on for free so you can still get your locals.

now the ATSC tunner isn't real important as my TV has one already. I have the HD Locals via the dish as well.

I own the H20, I think I will still just buy a new box as I just don't want to want for one to ship or have some D* installer over. I was thinking about the HD-DVR as a posibility. when they installed the KA/KU dish they ran all four lines to the Ground block so running a 2nd line would be easy as I did the original installs for the single LNB and when I Upgraded to the 3LNBs to get the first HD channels via the H10 which I still have around somewere it been deactivated.

well I took apart my H20 as it was shoot anyway. on the inside of the box was 2 red reset style buttons 1 by the card and one behind the heat sinks. the one next to the card apears to be a secondary for the one next to the card door. the one behind the heat sinks didn't seem to do any thing. although if the box booted all the way prehapps it would.
well when I get off work at 6:30am it off to Best Buy At 10am for a new box.

well I took apart my H20 as it was shoot anyway. on the inside of the box was 2 red reset style buttons 1 by the card and one behind the heat sinks. the one next to the card apears to be a secondary for the one next to the card door. the one behind the heat sinks didn't seem to do any thing. although if the box booted all the way prehapps it would.
well when I get off work at 6:30am it off to Best Buy At 10am for a new box.

Directv knows the H20 is hosed and was replacing them several months ago. Just call them.

My H20 is still running strong, but it is my second one this year. The first one had the same thing happen. The second one that I got has a larger case, It may improve the heat dissipation. My HR21 however, is a different story. It is shot. The next two days while I wait for a new one is going to seem like forever.