Again, on average, 75-80 on the sats is a very good reading. This will give you a good signal; if problems still are present, it is probably due to something else not being right. And, always remember, heat tends to break down the components within the cabinet. Keep the air free and flowing all 6 sides of the cabinet.

I'm having my H20-600 replaced. All is functioning pretty well but the 480 modes (i and p) do not work correctly. In pillar-box mode it looks "squished" and when I set it to stretched mode it looks like it should in pillar-box mode. The 720 and 1080 modes are fine.

I know this is no big thing, but I can't use native mode and I figure if this is bad, perhaps more will go bad in future and I should get replaced while still under warranty. I sure hope I get an H20-100.

Right now I'm pretty upset. I called Directv about my problem and they said they would send tech out from 12:00 - 5:00 yesterday afternoon. I figured the guy would arrive with a new H20 in hand. Well, I kept getting calls all afternoon (and evening) long telling me he was delayed but would DEFINITELY be coming. Well, he arrived at my doorstep at 10:30pm - I kid you not. Came into my living room, looked at the box and said, "oh, thats a DVR." I said, "No, its an H20, high-def receiver." I knew I was in trouble at this point. He said, "I've not been trained on those, and am clueless how they work." Well, after I showed him the problem, he filled out a form and told me, VIOLA, he thought the receiver should be replaced - but he only had D11s in his truck.

So, now I have to wait again for another tech....

Kentuck,

I decided after my last experience with a so-called D* technician that in the future if they say they are sending a tech out I will politely decline their generous offer. "Thanks, but NO thanks!"

No way Jose or Hose-B...

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more...

Your experience sounds eerily familiar... Yours might even be a bit worse? My tech was promised to arrive between noon and 5pm. No calls from anyone at all - just a no-show. When I called D* at 5:30pm they tried to contact the tech but he wasn't answering his cellphone. D* called me back at 6:30 and said that their tech should be here soon. A few minutes later a man drove up in a little compact car. No tools or replacement receivers. Very unprofessional... He also had such a strong Jamaican accent that I could hardly understand a thing he said. I don't think he could understand me either? :)

He first told me that the problem was with my new Denon A/V receiver... It was defective! He suggested I contact Denon about getting it serviced... Then he changed his mind and said the problem was a bad cable. After I suggested he swap that cable with another one that I was using and Knew was good, it took him almost 30 minutes to figure out how a HDMI cable plugs in. He'd never seen a HDMI cable before???

Eventually he tried to blame everything else, including the fact that my H20 was using Mpeg4 and now the new Mpeg5 was what it needed in order to work...

That broke the camel's back... I told him to either get me a replacement receiver or "else". (Homicidal thoughts danced in my head.) So he called D* and "tried" to explain what the situation was. Obviously the D* representative couldn't understand him either, but eventually he managed to get a replacement H20 receiver sent to me...

I had waited five days to get that tech to come out; he knew absolutely nothing and did absolutely nothing. As he was leaving he said (I think(: "You know Mon, that H20 is a real piece of $hit!"

So, if I ever find myself in your position, I will tell D* to either send me a replacement receiver or lose my $150+ per month account. Did I mention that I am their "best customer". ;) Had D* service since the first year it came out (1994?).

Personally, I wouldn't wait for another tech... For that matter, I wouldn't even allow a D* "tech" touch my equipment...

I don't think that it really makes any difference to D* anyway... They generally just send a replacement out and let you swap it out. Happens quite frequently with the H20-600 too?

"...the reason that the H20 gets 71-78% signal is the satellite is sending "Low" band signal at this time. In June when the new satellite is turn on , the signal will be amplified "quite a bit". If the replacement doesnt give me a better signal , I guess I'll have to live with the pixeliation until at least the new Sat comes on line in June or switch to cable. :( "
Hey Eric, if you believe that, let me sell you some prime real estate down here in Florida... It's high-and-dry waterfront property!" :D

Define: "QUITE A BIT"

Go PURDUE! ;)

Right now I'm pretty upset. I called Directv about my problem and they said they would send tech out from 12:00 - 5:00 yesterday afternoon. I figured the guy would arrive with a new H20 in hand.

That was your first mistake. As soon as they said that they would send a tech out, that's when you interrupt the CSR and tell them that this is not acceptable and you'd like a replacement sent. If they won't do it, get them off the phone and call back. On the next call, tell them it's reboots by itself when you change channels, and that the unit itself is FIRE hot, even though there's nothing sitting on it. That will get them to replace it ASAP and not send a tech out to make sure you're not just another dumb sub that doesn't know how to work their equipment.

There has not been a Directv tech to my house in years. I just deal with Directv directly and they have always treated me fair. There are a few local people around who have been installing antennas for many years and do satellite dish work as well. They generally know much more than any tech working for Directv.

Define: "QUITE A BIT"
That was the exact words he used. I just wish someone could tell me why I get pixel at 68% if 70-73% is the norm? Also mine runs fire hot too.I forgot to tell the tech when he was here.

I'm getting tired of having this be such a issue. I'm ready to get out of that dam 2 year contact I had to sign to get the H20 and go to cable.

Eric: Call Directv and have them exchange your present receiver for a h-20-100. They will pay shipping both ways.

The only reason a tech has been to my house since I got D* was to install my 5LMB dish.
I did everything else & when I called about trhe trouble with my H20 they just sent me another, never tried to send a tchc out.

After going through the CSR pecking order ...

I would advise anyone wishing to possibly switch the HD20 600 for the 100 if you call in to ask for Advanced Technical Support and explain what we're all noting to be the issues... overheating, reboots... whatever ...

At this level they are at least hep to the issues and while they still can't guarantee that the "new" unit will be a 100 they are stating that it is highly likely since they are getting so many recalls on the 600s.

This will help filter out at least a couple of tiers of CSRs that are relatively clueless.

As mentioned above they are sending me out a "new" unit this week to switch out with a return shipping provided for my current unit.

Also of note I "bought in" on my HD20 before the leasing program kicked in and they are also saying I will still own the replacement unit.

steve: Might be better if you leased the receiver, if possible. The warranty, otherwise , is 90 days. If you lease, Directv will replace/repair receiver in the future.

steve: Might be better if you leased the receiver, if possible. The warranty, otherwise , is 90 days. If you lease, Directv will replace/repair receiver in the future.

I hear that... but for me this is just a pit-stop until the new HD DVRs are available ...
I'll trade up and lease at that point.
This Advanced Tech that I spoke with speculated a June release on those ...
BUT also added a caveat that it would probably be better to wait until like December to make sure they work out all the potential bugs on those :rolleyes:

I got this HD20 upgrade initially with an instant rebate + the free upgrade and install of the 5 LNB Dish for only the $14.95 shipping ... and of course 2 year commitment ...
But I've had DirecTV service for over 6 years so far and have been pretty satisfied... so I wasn't planning on switching anytime soon ... and hopefully these newer satellites and added HD Programming like TNT is just starting to evolve. :cool:

I don't think I'll bet the farm on the speculations of any D* CSRs. I have yet to hear of one who is truly credible...

It will be WONDERFUL though when the Mpeg4 HD-DVR is finally available. Can't wait! :)

I am curious though, what's the deal with HTPC and Mpeg4? Has anyone heard any speculation about that from a CSR? :D

Just noticed a cute little D* trick on my 4/14 bill. My H20, erroneously carried as "leased" (I thought I had corrected this, but it switched back again), shows tax of 43 cents on the 4.99 fee. My owned receivers and HD Tivo, of course, are not charged tax. Doesn't seem like much, I know, but over time it adds up, particularly where an account has multiple leased units.


ok here's how i can explain that:

FEDERAL LAW (all states) Require 'physical' rented equipment that requires
a fee to have a Tax on it. so the tax is based off what you "paid" to rent it.

Basically the value of the rental is 4.99, so you HAVE to pay the Tax on it.
but the 4.99 itself is credited back to you.

if there is no Tax in your State then you would want to Avoid that tax by
swapping your LEASED equipment from "PRIMARY" to "SECONDARY"

if your equipment is a combination of LEASED/OWNED, you can still avoid
the Tax on the "PRIMARY" by having it Swapped to "SECONDARY"

i know this doesn't make sense to you, but if you saw how the software
that manages your account works...

if your equipment is all LEASED you cannot avoid the tax... sorry.

-Brine

FEDERAL LAW (all states) Require 'physical' rented equipment that requires a fee to have a Tax on it. so the tax is based off what you "paid" to rent it.


Brine,

Who TOLD you this? "FEDERAL LAW"? :eek:

You've GOT to be joking, right? Well, great job... That's totally hillarious! :D (ROTFLMAO)

Tell everybody the one about Mpeg5... I love that one too! :rolleyes:

Why not just order a replacement H20 from D*? Your odds of getting a 100 series would be significantly greater, since most satellite dealers still have -600s in their stock.

They send you a replacement and a paid return shipping label.

Brine, thanks for the explanation, but my H20 is already secondary, and in addition, it is owned, not leased. It was mysteriously changed to leased a few days ago when my statement was generated, just in time to catch the 43-cent tax. I'll be e-mailing D* today. I still have the case number from last month when they changed it from leased to owned after I called the initial error to their attention. Like TechoFobe, I want to stay with all equipment owned until the MPEG4 DVR appears, at which point I will start "renting."

Wow, a total tax of 43 cents? :eek:

I checked my last statement online just now and my sales (communications) tax for one month's D* service totalled $22.14. More than 5100% higher tax than you pay? :eek: :eek: :eek:

So, please excuse me if I don't cry for you, Missouri. :)

I feel your pain. I moved from St. Louis to Tampa in 2004 and had some major sticker shock on my D* bill when I saw all of those new taxes that I hadn't been paying before. However, I'll take your $20 in D* taxes anyday over having to pay state income tax. ;) I miss that most about Florida.

Why not just order a replacement H20 from D*? Your odds of getting a 100 series would be significantly greater, since most satellite dealers still have -600s in their stock.

They send you a replacement and a paid return shipping label.

Hate to be bearer of bad news. I just received a replacement refurbished 600. According to them they are shipping only refurbs as replacements. I asked how come I received a 100 last week. It was defective due to a bad OTA tuner
This company is really going downhill fast!!
I hate cable but I may have to go to them.

...I just received a replacement refurbished 600.

...I hate cable but I may have to go to them.
Cable uses refurb equipment too.

Just lucky, I guess. Have never received any piece of equipment but new from Directv. I would just send back a used receiver. There are probably so many refurbished 600 receivers and all of them operating at too high a temperature. Wondering why Directv would not just destroy these defective units. The design of the '100' cabinet shows Directv has leanred about the heat problem.

Just ordered another replacement. Hopefully it will be a 100 series.

Brine, thanks for the explanation, but my H20 is already secondary, and in addition, it is owned, not leased. It was mysteriously changed to leased a few days ago when my statement was generated, just in time to catch the 43-cent tax. I'll be e-mailing D* today. I still have the case number from last month when they changed it from leased to owned after I called the initial error to their attention. Like TechoFobe, I want to stay with all equipment owned until the MPEG4 DVR appears, at which point I will start "renting."
UncD2000,

What part of Brine's explanation helped you? :confused: Didn't make any sense to me, but maybe that's my fault?

I never said that I wanted to stay with "owned" equipment... Fact is, leasing seems far preferable due to the fact that if (when?) the equipment fails --- D* will replace it for no charge. In the past twelve or so years, I've had (only) a few D* satellite receivers die. But I did have to buy new receivers to replace them. Usually happened after one of our killer lightning storms.

Have you stopped and really thought about this whole TAX thing? Forty-three cents a month? Let me see --- in just over four years you will have paid what I pay every month in taxes to Florida... If you want to talk about something adding up in time, think about it: instead of your $5.16 per year --- my annual tax on D* is more than $250. And I'm not complaining either... I'm not willing to shovel snow to save $250 a year. :)

For that matter, I'd happily pay 43 cents a month just for the free replacement warranty instead of the 90-day warranty...

D* has already switched me over from "owning" my H20 to "leased" status. I didn't REALLY pay for the H20 in the first place. The rebate offset the "purchase price". The only downside that I can see to leasing is that if I suddenly decide to stop subscribing to D* (which I seriously doubt) I would then have to return the H20. But who cares? I don't need another door-stop. :)

How much aggravation are you willing to suffer for a measly $5.16 a year? That's about the cost of two drinks down at the American Legion... or the tip I give to the pizza deliveryman :D

We DO agree that the Mpeg4 DVR can't get here soon enough! But, I figure that I'll ADD the new HD-DVR receiver when it's finally available and keep my H20... Record two programs and watch a third "live" program at the same time! ;)

I just had a H20-600 installed last week, and the next day I called D* to say it was running very hot (indeed it was). They sent out a replacement (free with prepaid return address label) but said they could not specify whether I would get a H20-100 or H20-600. It arrived and was a 100 :D . I called to activate it, and was told that when you replace faulty equipment, they always send you the latest model. Of course, they should discontinue the 600 altogether :mad: , but this is the next best thing.

I just called D* and they are sending an H20 replacement to me as well. Hopefully it will be a 100 - but they said they couldn't specify it. I think I deserve a little special treatment after my 10:30pm service call from their tech....

I called to activate it, and was told that when you replace faulty equipment, they always send you the latest model.
Dichtegs,

Deep sigh... :(

Well, congratulations. You have been officially "TOLD" official information by an official D* CSR... :)

The CSR that you spoke to, like many other CSRs, simply doesn't have a clue. The "information" you were given is simply wrong... Or, maybe not? Depends on your definition of what "latest" is? I suppose if D* "officially" declares that the H20-600 is the latest model then what you were told is "officially" correct.

But, evidently the CSR forgot to mention that the "latest model" which is sent to you could in fact be a refurbished unit? And, no matter what lame justification they try to use, I do NOT believe that the H20-600 (refurbished or not) is the latest model. The H20-100 is the latest model. :rolleyes:

But, what IS the big deal about getting a refurbished unit? I don't care if I get a refurbished unit, just so long as it WORKS! If it doesn't, D* will send me another unit for me to swap out... Sure, if it happens over and over and over again (ad infinitum) --- eventually I'll get fed up and switch to watching high-definition smoke signals or use rabbit ears, or <gasp> subscribe to cable. :D

Note: I wouldn't believe anything a CSR tells you until you verify it from other (more reliable) sources, such as posts on this forum. :p

Have you stopped and really thought about this whole TAX thing? Forty-three cents a month? Let me see --- in just over four years you will have paid what I pay every month in taxes to Florida... If you want to talk about something adding up in time, think about it: instead of your $5.16 per year --- my annual tax on D* is more than $250. And I'm not complaining either... I'm not willing to shovel snow to save $250 a year. ;)

How much Florida state income tax did you pay in 2005? I'll take D* taxes any day over state income taxes. Wanna trade?

How much Florida state income tax did you pay in 2005? I'll take D* taxes any day over state income taxes. Wanna trade?
I try to evade taxes whenever possible... And as soon as I get out of prison I hope to steal one of them there purty plasma monitors... :D

Nope, I don't want to trade. Not if it means I'd have to move NORTH... :)

I also try to ALWAYS complain about taxes --- all taxes... Taxes are unAmerican! :D

Eric: Call Directv and have them exchange your present receiver for a h-20-100. They will pay shipping both ways.


i HAVE TO PAIED $19.95 FOR BOTH WAYS SHINPPING...?????

5555: "They" meaning Directv will pay shipping both ways. You send defective receiver back in the carton the new receiver comes in and Directv includes a prepaid FEDX mailer. Generally, you get very fast service.

What jhas happened to the advantage DTV had over cable. I do not see it anymore. I have been anti-cable for over 20 years. I had a BUD and then switched to DTV,
Receivers by Sony were great.
Since DTV started making their own brands; it has been nothing but a nightmare

Do you mean DirecTV (aka D*)?
DTV is Digital Television

What jhas happened to the advantage DTV had over cable. I do not see it anymore. I have been anti-cable for over 20 years. I had a BUD and then switched to DTV,
Receivers by Sony were great.
Since DTV started making their own brands; it has been nothing butb a nightmare

i'm sorry to hear that.

(yes DTV = directv)

We actually don't MAKE them we just have our engineers design the software
and hardware requirements, we still have top name designed manufacturing
the hardware for us. (ie philips, thompsin/RCA, etc etc...)

i'm sure if you explain your situation and go through 100% of the troubleshooting steps,
you'll get some kinda of relief from a 19.95 s&H charge ;)

-Brine

wondering if the designers/engineers at Directv actually designed the h-20-600. It is a very bad box! We all know heat breaks down the components within the cabinet and the 600 runs far too hot! The design of the 100 model is much better by the way. We do need more open space underneath the cabinet. Of course, any owner can place objects under the chassis to raise it 1-2 inches of a shelf. It is just that the majority of owners do not. Bottom line, the cooler a receiver can operate, the better.

Dichtegs,
Note: I wouldn't believe anything a CSR tells you until you verify it from other (more reliable) sources, such as posts on this forum. :p

"More reliable sources such as posts from this forum"???
That is the funniest thing I've heard this year!!!!!

"More reliable sources such as posts from this forum"???
That is the funniest thing I've heard this year!!!!!


Finally a post that tells the 'experts' here exactly where it's at!!!!!!!!!

Cheers

As someone who has poured my life into the H20-100 for the past 18 months, lots of 12 - 16 hour days/6 day weeks :eek: , I can't express enough to you folks how wonderful it is to read the posts on this thread :) . I passed this thread on to other members of the satellite development and test teams today and it was a huge moral booster for everyone. It is great to see that the effort has paid off. :D

While it's not perfect, the H20-100 is the best that a dedicated team of professionals could make it in the time allotted for it's development and test. I wish I could answer questions for you folks, but I don't speak for the company let alone DirecTV.

I have been a viewer of this fourm for many years. Whenever I'm going to buy something a/v I come here to see what you folks are saying about it. Keep on posting, this forum is powerful!!!!!!

nippertest

"More reliable sources such as posts from this forum"???
That is the funniest thing I've heard this year!!!!!
Glad you liked it. :)

All I know is that I find this forum immensely helpful. I think a lot of other people do too... On the other hand, it seems to me that all you usually get when calling D* for tech support is misinformation.

I think that the funniest thing I've heard in a long time was when the D* tech explained to me that the problem I was having with the H20-600 was due to my unit having the "old Mpeg4 firmware"... He said I needed the new Mpeg5 if I wanted it to work...

Now THAT'S funny! :D

Seriously, you don't find this forum helpful and informative?

Whoa....
Just wanted to chime in with a pretty pleasant D*TV CSR experience...
As I am waiting for my replacement HD20 receiver ... (hopefully the 100)
I was checking my account status and noted that I am as of this cycle now getting the charge for the HD package ...
Which I had been getting the 3 month promo on ....
I called a D*TV billing dept. CSR and explained the problem with my receiver ... heating, rebooting. pixelation, sound drop/ audio synch issues etc. and that I was getting the new unit sent out that will "hopefully" correct these issues ... but in the meantime I had been unable to fully get the advantage of the initial promo...
THEN
With a very sweet apology ... she offered to both extend the HD promo package for another 3 months as well as take an additional $5.00 OFF my bill for the next six months for the "inconvenience".

Sweet ;)

Whoa....
Just wanted to chime in with a pretty pleasant D*TV CSR experience...
As I am waiting for my replacement HD20 receiver ...
I was checking my account status and noted that I am as of this cycle now getting the charge for the HD package ...
Which I had been getting the 3 month promo on ....
I called a D*TV billing dept. CSR and explained the problem with my receiver ... heating, rebooting. pixelation, sound drop/ audio synch issues etc. and that I was getting the new unit sent out that will "hopefully" correct these issues ... but in the meantime I had been unable to fully get the advantage of the initial promo...
THEN
With a very sweet apology ... she offered to both extend the HD promo package for another 3 months as well as take an additional $5.00 OFF my bill for the next six months for the "inconvenience".

Sweet... ;)

That is sweet! :D

Fact is, in my opinion, D* CSRs are extremely friendly and polite and try their hardest to help! Much better than the average company's representatives? It's just that their level of techical knowledge is very bad... I've learned not to expect to get technical support from them. Being nice is better anyways though!

One thing's for sure --- hopefully D* never outsources their tech support! :)

Glad you liked it. :)
Seriously, you don't find this forum helpful and informative?

Yes I do after you weed out the Trolls, B.S., know it alls that know nothing, haters & cheerleaders.
If you can sift out the crap there is some nuggets of gold in here.

But honestly no internet forum is perfect & when you are talking cutting edge tech there are a lot of opinions but very few answers.

I agree D* CSR's may not know all the answers but they are freindly & try to please.
They have tried to duplicate problems with receivers they have at thier disposal & in my case have duplicated them & sent the info to the engineers.
Hopefully there will be some new software soon to fix some of the problems.

My biggest gripe with D* receivers is they are rather "plain jane".
By giving away receivers they have driven companies like Sony out of the Sat buisness & taken the high end user interface with them.

... One thing's for sure --- hopefully D* never outsources their tech support! Don't know about tech support, but they already outsource some of their non-tech calls. When I get one I can't understand, I hang up and call the direct cust. retention number.

I agree. Until someone with a 100 chimes in with a firmware version other than 003E 020E, B00000113 there is nothing else to do.

I have the H-20 - 600 and was able to force the Firmware update thanks to the directions given by the posters here. Does anyone know if there is a way to force updates for my other 2 HD receivers and my old RCA that's non-HD?

RCA DTC-210
Hughes - HTL-HD
RCA DRD435RH

Again, thanks in advance.

... While it's not perfect, the H20-100 is the best that a dedicated team of professionals could make it in the time allotted for it's development and test.
http://www.rca.com/images/ct100nipper_media_lg.jpg
Welcome to the board, nippertest.

Excluding the horrible GUI on both boxes (D*'s fault?), the 100 is a major improvement in design and performance over the 600 in every way except OTA tuner performance. At least that's my experience with the 100 I got as a replacement for a dead 600.

My 600 dealt with weak signals much better than the 100 I got. I am so disappointed because I lost my favorite station, which always came in with the 600, but seldom even locks on the 100. Why the weaker tuner? Is it a design weakness of the 100, or did I just get an individual box with a poor OTA tuner?

much[/i] better than the 100 I got. I am so disappointed because I lost my favorite station, which always came in with the 600, but seldom even locks on the 100. Why the weaker tuner? Is it a design weakness of the 100, or did I just get an individual box with a poor OTA tuner?

Or is it a different RF front end chipset that has different demod techniques and DSP?

Someone at dbstalk reported a firmware update on his H20-600 - can anyone confirm this? I am out of town on buisness so I can't check mine until late tomorrow evening.

Thanks

I am glad to find this forum - I just got my new 5LBN dish and two H20's setup day before yesterday. I'm still learning the ins and outs, but one thing struck me immediately - some in my family like closed captioning, some don't. On all of our old tuners there was a button on the remote to turn CC on and off with one click, or at least one I could program on my Universal MX500. The H20 seems to require you step through a dozen menu clicks to simply turn CC on and off. Would anyone here by chance know of a code, or a shorter way to CC on and off ?

Thanks
Jeff

Someone at dbstalk reported a firmware update on his H20-600 - can anyone confirm this? I am out of town on buisness so I can't check mine until late tomorrow evening.

Thanks

I just checked and still on 0f06 loaded 2/21 with nothing new scheduled

I have a model 600 and a model 100 h-20 and have compared both receivers for sensitively on OTA. It is really quite close. On a given 100 meter reading on a local digital station on the '600' I get 97-98 signal strength on the '100'. I have the antenna aimed directly at the transmitter. Distance is around 30 miles. I am located in the center of 3 markets sending out digital signals. One group is around 30 miles; the second group is around 40 miles; and the third group is upwards of 60 miles. Of course, I usually opt for the first and closest group.

Note: An honest mistake (as an error was made on my bill) but do watch your months' invoice after you have exchanged receivers. Be sure the next months' bill is 'the same' as the previous months' bill (if programming was not changed).

Jeff, seems you do have to go thru a number of steps to turn captioning on and off. I find no shortcut. By the way, with my captioning turned 'on' I get nothing. No big thing as I never use captioning.

Note: An honest mistake (as an error was made on my bill) but do watch your months' invoice after you have exchanged receivers. Be sure the next months' bill is 'the same' as the previous months' bill (if programming was not changed).

I have swapped my H20 out twice so far. I will probably have to do it once more since my SD quality does not seem to be equal to the 600 it replaced. Each time they send a replacement receiver they bill me for another receiver plus tax and then remove the charges on the next line item. It is a net zero.

Also, they charged me $14.95 plus tax for 'delivery and handling'. I assume this is for at least one of the swap outs. Has anyone else seen this charge?

bill: You should not be charged for shipping and handling. They have shipped receiver to me, prepaid and included a prepaid FEDX label back to Directv. As I said, watch your bill with all this exchanging going on. Your total bill should not increase if programming costs remain the same.

Good news on my problem.
I had a tech come out on tuesday and he knew my H20 was bad because of the LOW signal I was getting. I had the 600 series and boy did that thing run Hot .Today got my 100 series in the mail and hooked her up. It is raining here right now and I got a 75% signal on 3 or the 4 Sat's. I'll post back later if anything wrong.

We just installed an H20 series 600. It works fine except on HD channels in the 70s the audio is popping. It seems to get worse if you leave the channel active for awhile. It seems that 74 UHD does not have the popping problems. It is the only channel in the 70s that works
The signal on all transponders on all three sats is in the 70s. Other receivers on the same dish are working fine.
We did update the dish to an AT9. I have a feeling that the receiver is defective. Any input is appreciated.Thanks

ddingle: Lots of problems with h-20-600. If the problems continues contact Directv and see about getting an exchange for a h-20-100.

From what L 2 DTV tech told me Popping in the audio is a sure fire sign of a bad receiver. But what do tech's know.

Eric: A reading of 75 is 'good'. Hope your problems are behind you.

Eric: A reading of 75 is 'good'. Hope your problems are behind you.

OK Here is my signals
101 (net 0 ) 73%
103 (net 14 ) 46%
110 (net 2 ) 65%
119 ( net 3) 80%

Why such a wide variety of signal's?

Eric

I was charged !9.95 for shipping a new unit. Rep never told me about that. I called care and charge was removed

Eric: I get: 101 (32 transponders) average 79
110 (3 transponders) average 73
119 (11 transponders) average 80

As I would gain nothing, at this point in time, to get the 5lnb dish, I do not have 103 active.
I am holding out for, just maybe, a smaller dish.

The transponders vary in strength, I would imagine,depending how long they have been in operation. Newer sats are more powerful than older sats. The variation in signal strength is completely normal. I have one round dish (24 inches) aim at one satellite..total of 3 dishes.

rlock: As I said before, monitor your bill each month; there are some mistakes being made with all this exchanging and shipping.

Found error by checking activity since last statement online. Charge was posted yesterday. Rep posted credit and I was able to see it on my online statement. Pretty neat!

Nope. It doesn't matter if you lease or own. The monthly cost is the same.

This is no true in all cases, see Directv policy for current customers. Only same cost if you change all your receivers to lease. My most recent bill was changed to lease on one receiver without my consent and the bill is higher now because my second receiver is not leased. I'll be on the phone today!!!! They did remove the two year comittment line off my bill unless it is just another DIRECTV screw up.

"MONTHLY LEASE FEE. For a new DIRECTV customer, you will be charged a monthly lease fee in the amount of $4.99 per 2nd and each additional receiver leased by you in your household. For a current customer, you will be charged a monthly fee in the amount of $4.99 for each receiver leased by you in your household, unless you replace all of your owned-equipment with leased equipment, in which case, the monthly lease fee will be waived for the 1st receiver. Applicable taxes will apply. LEASE FEE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME"

Putinbay: From my understanding, the $4.99 charge is only for the second receiver. There has always been a charge of $4.99 for a second receiver. I believe this remains at $4.99. Your bill should remain the same..month to month..if your programming remains the same. As I said, be sure to check out your bill.

This is no true in all cases, see Directv policy for current customers. Only same cost if you change all your receivers to lease. My most recent bill was changed to lease on one receiver without my consent and the bill is higher now because my second receiver is not leased. I'll be on the phone today!!!! They did remove the two year comittment line off my bill unless it is just another DIRECTV screw up.

"MONTHLY LEASE FEE. For a new DIRECTV customer, you will be charged a monthly lease fee in the amount of $4.99 per 2nd and each additional receiver leased by you in your household. For a current customer, you will be charged a monthly fee in the amount of $4.99 for each receiver leased by you in your household, unless you replace all of your owned-equipment with leased equipment, in which case, the monthly lease fee will be waived for the 1st receiver. Applicable taxes will apply. LEASE FEE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME"
putinbay,

You might be getting confused... Easy enough to do, that's for sure. :)

Not sure why they even bring up whether you are a current customer or a new customer, maybe just to be more confusing? They charge the same... Besides, if you were a new customer THIS month, then next month you would be a current customer. Right? :)

Maybe this will help? If you have just one unit (leased OR owned) you will not be charged a lease fee OR a mirroring fee, Zero, zip, nada...

But, if you have more than one unit there is a $4.99 fee charged for the additional unit (for each additional unit) --- but no charge for the first unit. Leased or owned or a combination of the two, there's no difference. $4.99 for each additional unit...

Example #1: I have three units. Two that I own, and one leased unit. In addition to my regular monthly charge for service --- I pay $4,99 for the second unit and $4.99 for the third unit. Total extra fees that I pay each month are $9.98. It's just that they call one of the $4.99 fees a mirroring fee and the other $4.99 a lease fee. $4.99 = $4.99 anyway you look at it.

Example #2: If I had one unit that I own, there would be NO $4.99 fee... Or instead, if I had only the one unit and it was a leased unit, there still would be no $4.99 fee.

Exactly how many units are you currently using and how many are leased and how many are owned?

If you are being charged differently, that might be a simple billing error?

Would someone please start a topic about D* leasing and billing practices?

I had my H20-600 (ran extremely hot) replaced with the H20-100. What is the latest software level on the H20-100? I installed it on Tuesday and it has not updated yet. System test says phone connection is OK.

..as far as upgrades on software. The current upgrade is 003e 020e b00000113. There are no upgrades on the horizon.

By the way, do you get captioning ok? I turned mine on and..nothing..Not that I use it but was just wondering about the situation.

Bottom line on the charges..The first receiver you have you pay..zero. On each additonal receiver, you pay $4.99. It is really quite simple but do watch your bill as there are errors with billing. Directv tends to make it complicated and, sometimes, confusing.

I had my H20-600 (ran extremely hot) replaced with the H20-100. What is the latest software level on the H20-100? I installed it on Tuesday and it has not updated yet. System test says phone connection is OK.

Phone line has nothing at all to do with upgrading the receiver.

ddingle: Lots of problems with h-20-600. If the problems continues contact Directv and see about getting an exchange for a h-20-100.

Has anyone posted the footprint differences between the two receivers? The -600 fits snugly in the space I have and if the -100 is any wider then I' ve got location issues.

Thanks!

If any receiver (especially the model h-20-600) fits snuggly in a given space, then the receiver will operate at high temps and problems within may happen. The model 100 is deeper (front to back) than the model 600 (and has many more holes in top for ventilation). Even the 100 should have open sides and 6 inches clearance above its' top cover. It should also be, at least, 1 inch above the shelf it is sitting on. Heat is a killer with these receivers and the unit needs lots of 'free air space' on all 6 sides to operate at 'cool to slightly warm' temperatures.

putinbay,

You might be getting confused... Easy enough to do, that's for sure. :)

Not sure why they even bring up whether you are a current customer or a new customer, maybe just to be more confusing? They charge the same... Besides, if you were a new customer THIS month, then next month you would be a current customer. Right? :)

Maybe this will help? If you have just one unit (leased OR owned) you will not be charged a lease fee OR a mirroring fee, Zero, zip, nada...

But, if you have more than one unit there is a $4.99 fee charged for the additional unit (for each additional unit) --- but no charge for the first unit. Leased or owned or a combination of the two, there's no difference. $4.99 for each additional unit...

Example #1: I have three units. Two that I own, and one leased unit. In addition to my regular monthly charge for service --- I pay $4,99 for the second unit and $4.99 for the third unit. Total extra fees that I pay each month are $9.98. It's just that they call one of the $4.99 fees a mirroring fee and the other $4.99 a lease fee. $4.99 = $4.99 anyway you look at it.

Example #2: If I had one unit that I own, there would be NO $4.99 fee... Or instead, if I had only the one unit and it was a leased unit, there still would be no $4.99 fee.

Exactly how many units are you currently using and how many are leased and how many are owned?

If you are being charged differently, that might be a simple billing error?


No confusion here. I have two receivers, primary is considered leased, Directv billed $4.99 for the lease on that receiver and $4.99 for my additional receiver (not leased). My bill is exactly $4.99 higher, not counting the new sales tax of $1.87 on my bill. They are doing exactly what their policy reads except for I was never told of the change and never accepted the lease terms. DIRECTV QUOTE: "you will be charged a monthly fee in the amount of $4.99 for each receiver leased by you in your household, unless you replace all of your owned-equipment with leased equipment, in which case, the monthly lease fee will be waived for the 1st receiver."

Thanks for the feedback on captioning. Mine works fine, but the font is awful - it is HUGE. I suppose CC problems make up a tiny fraction of a fraction of users, so it is something I'll have to live with. By the way, I looked and my two new H20's are the 600 make. They do feel pretty warm, but I have all kinds of space around both of mine, and they seem to be running fine thus far.

Phone line has nothing at all to do with upgrading the receiver.Correct.

Nothing is ever downloaded to the H20 via the phone line. The phone line is only used for uploading PPV billing information to D*.

All firmware updates are downloaded via satellite, regardless of if you have the H20 connected to a phone line or not.

Thanks for the feedback on captioning. Mine works fine, but the font is awful - it is HUGE.
Change it in Setup/Display/Captioning/Font Size.

arxaw - believe me, I have tested and viewed every font combination offered, they are all huge.

arxaw - believe me, I have tested and viewed every font combination offered, they are all huge.
Font changes are only for the digital captioning. The analog captioning is fixed.

BEWARE of H20-100 OTA Issues

I tried to replace my 600 with a 100. The 600 received channels 3-1 and 3-2 at 100%
The 100 could not scan them in to system.
DTV sent me another 100 and the same problem
The 600 must have a better OTA tuner
Line is being diplexed and I tried a different diplexer at receiver end. Even tried to run line in directly.

JJaret. Yes, I understand this. I have been wearing a hearing aid since I was 6, long before closed captioning ever even existed outside specialized spots. I am very familiar with many CC implementations. The one in the H20 is awful, font size is HUGE, as if they expect deaf people to also be blind.

NOTICE...This this thread is not for billing issues with DirecTV or costs/prices paid. It is a thread on the hardware. Please be so kind to keep it as such.

Thank you

Ok, it took a long time, but I finally read through the entire thread. Yowza, that was a long haul!

Two questions:
1. Are people still having issues with their H20 repeatedly rebooting on certain OTA channels? I am in Milwaukee, and have that issue whenever I attempt to tune channel 6.1.

2. I bought a H20 600 just before the no lease deadline. Other than the constant reboot on 6.1 (which I've gotten around by 'delisting' the channel), I've had no problems with the Model 600. It's warm, but not hot. But from what I read, it seems to make sense to try to get it replaced with a Model 100, correct?

Thanks for your input....

Ok, it took a long time, but I finally read through the entire thread. Yowza, that was a long haul!

Two questions:
1. Are people still having issues with their H20 repeatedly rebooting on certain OTA channels? I am in Milwaukee, and have that issue whenever I attempt to tune channel 6.1.

2. I bought a H20 600 just before the no lease deadline. Other than the constant reboot on 6.1 (which I've gotten around by 'delisting' the channel), I've had no problems with the Model 600. It's warm, but not hot. But from what I read, it seems to make sense to try to get it replaced with a Model 100, correct?

Thanks for your input....

Maybe not. I tried. Read my earlier post. I lost 2 channels due to the different OTA tuner. Be careful. Also, there is no guarantee that you will get a 100 on the exchange. I received a refurbished 600 and returned it
Rebooting will happen on the 100 also

In my experience, with the H20, a SIRS-T160, another major brand stand-alone OTA HD tuner, and a couple of built-in HD tuners in some of my TV's, a reboot for a particular channel has usually been because of bad PSIP info being sent by the broadcasting station.

It has now been 4 weeks and, to my eyes/ears, the operation of my h-20-100 was been flawless. There are a few irregularities in the menu but, from standpoint of video/audio all has been smooth sailing.

I rehooked in the 600 and channel was back at 100%. It must be the OTA tuner does not like the channel being diplexed
I will stick with the 600. It has a better tuner. I have the Sammy 160 also and it works fine there

Bluto: It is up to you as far as exchanging the 600 for a 100. If you can keep the 600 operating at a less than warm temp, it is a fine receiver with a OTA section somewhat more sensitive than the 100. I have one 600 and one 100 and, so far, the 600 is running just fine. I sit it completely out in the open so as to keep it as cool as possible. The only thing is..perhaps..one day Directv will not exchange a owned receiver that is long past its' warranty deadline. Then, again, maybe they always will if they want that persons' continued business (money).

BEWARE of H20-100 OTA Issues

I tried to replace my 600 with a 100. The 600 received channels 3-1 and 3-2 at 100%
The 100 could not scan them in to system.....
Amazing how these things vary so.... My -100 scanned just fine Bryan / College Station's 3-1 and 3-2 just fine. Gorgeous signal, about 93% and I'm a bit of a distance away from the tower.

... I tried to replace my 600 with a 100. The 600 received channels 3-1 and 3-2 at 100%
The 100 could not scan them in to system.
DTV sent me another 100 and the same problem
The 600 must have a better OTA tuner
It does.

The 600 has the "LG 5th generation" OTA tuner chipset. The 100, made by RCA has a different OTA tuner that hasn't worked as well for me, either. Very disappointing.

Nippertest, care to comment?

Larry_Rymal,

Your 3-1 & 3-2 are on RF channel 50 and rlockshin's 3-1 & 3-2 are on RF channel 2. It may be the 100's tuner doesn't like lowband VHF channels.

rlockshin,
3-1 & 3-2 have applied (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=73195) to move out of lowband VHF to UHF channel 17, due to an interference conflict on VHF 2. If they move, that may help your reception problem.

Ok, it took a long time, but I finally read through the entire thread. Yowza, that was a long haul!

Two questions:
1. Are people still having issues with their H20 repeatedly rebooting on certain OTA channels? I am in Milwaukee, and have that issue whenever I attempt to tune channel 6.1.

2. I bought a H20 600 just before the no lease deadline. Other than the constant reboot on 6.1 (which I've gotten around by 'delisting' the channel), I've had no problems with the Model 600. It's warm, but not hot. But from what I read, it seems to make sense to try to get it replaced with a Model 100, correct?

Thanks for your input....


I've had the 600 model since December with out a single issue.

Same here with an H20-600 (Korea). In service since late January 2006. No problems. OTA reception much better than with the Sammy 360.

Dana

PS. Bought from **************** with a five year warranty.

It's a close call, but I guess I'll stay with my 600 for the better handling of multipath. Mine has no issues in two months.

As noted above, mine is owned, so I didn't appreciate the 43-cent tax this month when D* started listing it as rented for some reason. Since I have a 5-year free warranty from Value Electronics, changing to rental has no benefits for me. They have now changed it back to "owned" and rescinded the tax after my complaint. My H20 will wind up in a bedroom when the new DVR's arrive. That's what happened when we got the HD Tivo last year, and likewise with the Comcast 6412 DVR.

Same here with an H20-600 (Korea). In service since late January 2006. No problems. OTA reception much better than with the Sammy 360.

Dana

Its a tough call. I traded in my 600 with caller ID not working and 106 degree operating temperature for a 93 degree 100. The 100 fixed the caller ID problem and switches channels much faster. The 100 also has a poorer receiver but I am just barely able to receive all the channels I want locally so that is not an issue. What is more difficult to take is that the PQ on the 100 is not as good as the 600 I have, particularly the SD channels. It is softer and less vibrant. Next week I will probably swap my current 100 out for another, assuming I will get another 100 in return.

i installed the AT-9 dish a couple weeks ago with my TS360 and am getting signals in the high 80's and low 90's on all transponders on all spots.

Yesterday my friend brings over his H20 and i test the signals on it, and i pretty much max out at 70 if not lower in the mid 60's!!

i have read the previous posts and understand that this box typically runs lower on signal strength, but 30 points???

that seems like too much!


and one more question for the do-it-yourselfer's like myself, when setting up your AT9 did you use the H20 or another receiver to try to get the highest ratings??

i hate to try to re-align my dish specifically for the H20 when my other receivers are just about perfect!

I just got my replacement H20 (which was an H20-100, YAY!!!). However, I have a question for those of you who have also done this replacement thing. The instructions say to not include the remote when I send the replacement in - but the new receiver came with a complete set of everything - remote, remote antenna, cables, etc. What do I need to send back? What did you do?

Same here with an H20-600 (Korea). In service since late January 2006. No problems. OTA reception much better than with the Sammy 360.

Dana


My experience as well. It would've been nice to see the NFL on Fox in HD this past year but the 360 was never able to pull it in OTA. I am able to get a strong signal on Fox OTA now with the H20-600. My family does enjoy American Idol in HD though :D

I've had the 600 model since December with out a single issue.
Ditto since November - after 6 months, the H20-600 is neither too hot nor any real problem. The reception is significantly better than the last generation on all fronts.

I just got my replacement H20 (which was an H20-100, YAY!!!). However, I have a question for those of you who have also done this replacement thing. The instructions say to not include the remote when I send the replacement in - but the new receiver came with a complete set of everything - remote, remote antenna, cables, etc. What do I need to send back? What did you do?

I exchanged the receiver and B Band Converter, everything else I didn't touch. My original remote was already setup for my HDTV and such, so I didn't send that back, I sent back the unopened one that came with the new H20-100

I am also disappointed over my H20-100's OTA tuner performance vs my H20-600. I receive 6 OTA channels with the -600 vs 5 OTA channels with the -100.

I just got my replacement H20 (which was an H20-100, YAY!!!). However, I have a question for those of you who have also done this replacement thing. The instructions say to not include the remote when I send the replacement in - but the new receiver came with a complete set of everything - remote, remote antenna, cables, etc. What do I need to send back? What did you do?
I only sent the receiver back & kept everything else.

koudo: Signal meters are all different. The signal meter on the h-20 reads about 20 points lower than on most other receivers. If your previous receiver (signal meter) was reading from 90 on Directv channels, the one on the h-20 will read about 70. Below 70 is somewhat low. 80 is excellent.

I just wanted to update everybody on my 2nd (new) H20.
As you may know from my earlier post's, I got a New in box 600 series H20 and had the typical HOT running box. Plus my signal strength would not go above 67% on any sat or transformer. Well I got my 2nd (new) series 100 and it is preforming flawlessly ( Knocks on wood). No audio dropouts and a good signal strength. I hope that more techs on DTV service people learn that the majority of the 600 series are crap. My two credits.

I wonder if many of the problems people have experienced (myself included) with the H20-600 were a matter of problems with individual receivers --- more than an issue of a poorly designed/engineered unit?

There are MANY posts here reporting that their -600s are performing fine with no overheating problems. If the -600 was poorly designed then wouldn't all of them be overheated and operate improperly?

Maybe it's more of a quality control issue with them?

The same could be true of the -100 models? Which would explain why some people are reporting that their -100s don't work well... FWIW, so far, my -100 is working great...

YMMV? :)

Because Directv bought the receivers 'at a price', quality control was not a major item in the total scheme of things. The 2 units, '100' and '600' seem to vary from unit to unit. Whereas a quality receiver (such as Sony 300 and Zenith hd520) was produced with a bit of proud and lots of quality control. Also, the price was much higher. Heat, in general, is a problem with the h-20-600. So far, with the h-20-100, there has been no apparent problem from over heating. Both receivers have good design (except for a sort of flaky menu) (except for heating problem with '600'). Directv took notice of this heating problem and designed the cabinet of the '100' so as to cut down on this problem. At least, Directv seems to be learning. Both units are capable of excellent audio and video. Overall, the OTA section seems to be somewhat better on the model 600 and the Directv tuner section somewhat better on the model 100. I find these differences slight and am comparing both units on same display. By the way, the menu sort of grows on a person and is really OK. As mentioned before, for one month with the model 100 I have seen flawless images on the screen. In all fairness I have had almost no problems with the model 600. I keep both units completely out in the open. Even then, the 600 runs quite a bit warmer. In time, this tends to break down components inside the cabinet. You begin to notice dropouts on the screen and audio dropouts as well. On balance, I am happy with both receivers but lean toward the h-20-100 as a slightly better receiver.

...The same could be true of the -100 models? Which would explain why some people are reporting that their -100s don't work well... FWIW, so far, my -100 is working great...
The -600 that I swapped in for the -100 gave me no real problems and the top was under 110F degrees, which is more than acceptable for equipment such as this.

But, the compelling reason for me to go ahead and swap was that the -100 has a "cleaner" design (logic board design) evidenced by the fewer chips and no heat sinks on chips. My OTA has never been marginal on signal strength, so I decided to risk that and I couldn't tell any difference: 93% average on both receivers.

So, regarding the -600 and -100 that I have experienced, both were good, with the -600 needing some major firmware updating that hasn't been released yet. For both receivers, I'm on the "good end" of the spectrum.

Jeff, seems you do have to go thru a number of steps to turn captioning on and off. I find no shortcut. By the way, with my captioning turned 'on' I get nothing. No big thing as I never use captioning.

Not sure how many people have a problem with this and I never use the feature but it works fine on my 100. With the font selection set to 'small' a black box sits at the top of left corner of my screen and scrolls. Is a live human being actually typing that stuff or is it speech recognition software? Or is it a combination?

BEWARE of H20-100 OTA Issues

I tried to replace my 600 with a 100. The 600 received channels 3-1 and 3-2 at 100%
The 100 could not scan them in to system.
DTV sent me another 100 and the same problem
The 600 must have a better OTA tuner
Line is being diplexed and I tried a different diplexer at receiver end. Even tried to run line in directly.


I've posted this before, but I've had the exact opposite. I have one 100 and an older Samsung. Both have better signal strength than the 2 600's I've had and both are able to tune in a few channels the 600 could not.

I am also disappointed over my H20-100's OTA tuner performance vs my H20-600. I receive 6 OTA channels with the -600 vs 5 OTA channels with the -100.


This is really odd to me. So many seem to get better results with the 600. I've had better OTA and Sat numbers with my current 100 than the 2 600's I've had(still have one).

Perhaps someone smarter than me can answer this, is it possible that the performance varies for each receiver based on the type of OTA one has?

I have a Channel Master 4228. Ths is a large directional UHF antenna.

i have read the previous posts and understand that this box typically runs lower on signal strength, but 30 points???

i hate to try to re-align my dish specifically for the H20 when my other receivers are just about perfect!

There is no realignment to do. THE SIGNAL STRENGTH METER JUST READS LOWER. Get used to it. (sorry for the shouting).

"Perhaps someone smarter than me can answer this, is it possible that the performance varies for each receiver based on the type of OTA one has."
You're probably smarter... but, I'd say that it's safe to say that different H20 receiver's performances vary widely based upon MANY and sundry reasons. :)

After rust reading a few posts here, it's pretty obvious --- I've heard a wide range of varying experiences with different -600 models, different -100 models and differences between the -600 & -100 models. Some good, some bad --- but not even close to any kind of a consensus of opinion --- for sure.

YMMV is definitely true when it comes to these receivers?

There is no realignment to do. THE SIGNAL STRENGTH METER JUST READS LOWER. Get used to it. (sorry for the shouting).

Sigh. :(

I understand your frustration. There must be 100 posts in this thread about the fact that the H20 satellite SS meter readings are not absolute, and are RELATIVELY lower but exactly the same as other models. I bet it will be said another 100 times in the next 60 days as well.

... is it possible that the performance varies for each receiver based on the type of OTA one has?
... I have a Channel Master 4228.
By "OTA", do you mean the different channels in use in each area (like UHF and/or VHF)? If so, it could be possible the 600s & 100s vary in reception from channel to channel.

BTW, I also have the CM 4228 antenna and I get worse reception with the 100 on it than the two 600s I had previously.

YMMV...

Ok, it took a long time, but I finally read through the entire thread. Yowza, that was a long haul!

Two questions:
1. Are people still having issues with their H20 repeatedly rebooting on certain OTA channels? I am in Milwaukee, and have that issue whenever I attempt to tune channel 6.1.....

You are experiencing a PSIP problem that originates from the OTA station. Its sends out a signal that messes up the H20 OTA tuner and causes it to reboot. I had the same problem here in Detroit back in January (look up the post in the Detroit HD programming thread or do a search on my username).

Bottom line...keep calling the local station and talk to their engineer. Let them know their PSIP table generator needs to be updated/corrected. Once a bunch of us from Detroit called our local Fox affiliate back in January, the problem was corrected.

You are experiencing a PSIP problem that originates from the OTA station. Its sends out a signal that messes up the H20 OTA tuner and causes it to reboot. I had the same problem here in Detroit back in January (look up the post in the Detroit HD programming thread or do a search on my username).

Bottom line...keep calling the local station and talk to their engineer. Let them know their PSIP table generator needs to be updated/corrected. Once a bunch of us from Detroit called our local Fox affiliate back in January, the problem was corrected.

Unlikely. I had a 600 that did the same thing. The other 3 H20s I have installed did not do this. Swap the unit.

Impressions of my replacement H20-100.

Fit and Finish: Advantage H20-600

The H20-600 cabinet just has a better quality look and feel to it - IMHO. The outside of the 100 exudes "RCA" to me -- and thats not a compliment.

Size: Advantage H20-100

Usually smaller is better, but not in this case. The 100 runs SO MUCH COOLER than the 600. Much of the difference is probably due to the MUCH larger cabinet with many more vent holes. Also, the 100 has some rubber feet that raise it about a 1/2 inch or so higher than the 600.

Menu System: Advantage H20-100

MUCH faster menu than the 600. Not even close.

Color of lights on Front: TIE

The H20-100 has blue lights on the front, while the H20-600 has green lights.

OTA Tuner: Advantaqe H20-600

I don't use the OTA tuner, so I'm taking the word of others here. The 600 seems to have a much more sensitive OTA tuner than the 100.

Other Differences:

The H20-100 doesn't seem to require the RCA cables in the audio out to enable stereo sound through the optical out. That quirk on the 600 bothered me.

Also, the reason I exchanged for the 100 in the first place -- the 480 modes didn't work on my 600 (they looked "squished" - and in the stretch mode they looked normal -- not right). So, I couldn't use native mode on the 600. Now I am using native mode on the 100. Also, it could have been because something was wrong with my 600, but the SD channels look better on the 100, in my opinion (probably because I am letting the TV convert them to 720p rather than the H20 ).

Perhaps someone smarter than me can answer this, is it possible that the performance varies for each receiver based on the type of OTA one has?I think it comes down to whether a given location has problems with multipath degrading certain channels. Where this is the case, the 600, with its LG 5th gen chip, will clean up those channels. In locations with no multipath problem, the tuner in the 100 will probably perform a bit better.

As you can read above, I am quite happy with my new H20-100. A much better experience than I had with the H20-600.

Anyway, I have a question. I bought my H20 on the last possible day to buy a receiver instead of leasing one. Well, I just went to check on my account information on the DirecTV site and they show my H20 now as a "leased receiver." Is this a good thing and I should keep my mouth shut? Because, it seems to me that its a good thing that they will cover problems beyond the warranty period if it is a lease - correct? And there is no additional charge to me beyond what I was already paying right?

If I am off on all this and should ask them to correct it, please let me know.

Anyway, I have a question. I bought my H20 on the last possible day to buy a receiver instead of leasing one. Well, I just went to check on my account information on the DirecTV site and they show my H20 now as a "leased receiver." Is this a good thing and I should keep my mouth shut? Because, it seems to me that its a good thing that they will cover problems beyond the warranty period if it is a lease - correct? And there is no additional charge to me beyond what I was already paying right?

If I am off on all this and should ask them to correct it, please let me know.

My H20 says the same thing now that I have swapped the original out a few times. I still 'own' my other two receivers. I am considering it a wash. As far as I can tell the cost is identical and I plan to utilize the liberal swap policy. The only issue is who owns the receiver when you quit D* and at that point who cares?

It is better to lease than to own. The warranty is only 90 days on the receiver you own. There is no way to tell how long Directv will continue its' generous policy of free exchange if a receiver is beyond these 90 days. There is only one valid reason for keeping (owning) your current model '600' and this is if you are convince it is a better receiver than the model 100 (one most likely to be leased.

I have sold all my old hd receivers(HD and NON-HD) on ebay. I like that more than returning it to D for nothing.

Please see post 2581 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7527004&&#post7527004) by moderator David Bott.

I have sold all my old hd receivers(HD and NON-HD) on ebay. I like that more than returning it to D for nothing.

Ok - let's see. 2 years ago I paid over 600 for my Hughes E86, over a year ago I paid a little more for my Hughes HD HTL. How much can I get for those receivers now (maybe $100 each?). Sounds like I lose money on the deal doesn't it? So what is the big deal about owning?

If the upfront charge for a new HD box is ONLY $99 but you have to give it back, that's a FAR BETTER deal than what I described, isn't it? Now that I have upgraded to 2- H20's, those 2 older boxes are door-stops. Pretty expensive door-stops aren't they?

I currently own an H20-600 (Korea) since November. no problems except for the heat issue.
What would be an unacceptable temperature? Mine averages about 105 degrees wether on or off.
I'm thinking about getting an H20-100 as a replacement.
I can also get a used H10 since I am in the NY area and my 3LNB is good for the locals in HD.
Any problems with the H10?


dave

I currently own an H20-600 (Korea) since November. no problems except for the heat issue.
What would be an unacceptable temperature? Mine averages about 105 degrees wether on or off.
I'm thinking about getting an H20-100 as a replacement.
I can also get a used H10 since I am in the NY area and my 3LNB is good for the locals in HD.
Any problems with the H10?


dave

When I had a D* tech come to check out my H20-600 he said he could smell burning parts in it even after it had been unplugged all day. That thing is just asking to break down.

Most h-20-600's operate at temps that are too high. If you like the receiver, just keep lots of open space around the unit and do some praying. It is a very good receiver but the cabinet is too small and not enough ventilation. Even the h-20-100 needs many more holes in the bottom of the cabinet, in my opinion.

Just what you wanted to read... another rant post...

I have the H20 (i think the 100 but not even sure - it has the green light in the front so I think I have the 100). So tonight I called D* and talked to some of the nicest people. I also talked to a guy who had an entire candle stuck in his ears. This guy would not listen to me.

So I tell him that my H20 keeps cycling.

He says that this a know issue and it is not a problem with D*tv.

I said what? are you kidding me?? I was watching the game ON TNT one minute and then BOOM! I'm not and this is not your problem?

He says that this is a local OTA issue.

?????? WHAT? I told him that when I called earlier, and was told to remove my OTA cable, it worked but that I never plugged it back in. Now my box keeps cycling through POST. (ha ha ha - why did I call it P.O.S.T.) He said that this is a problem with my local channels and will need to remove them from my favorites :eek:

Again I REPEATED : BOX NO WORKY.... how do you expect for me to do that :confused:

He tells me... ok I will have someone look into this for you... I can't tell you when this will be fixed IF EVER!

:eek: I finally had the guy 24-48 hrs for a call back from a supervisor on this issue. Of course... this so happens to be the TV that I watch the games on... "my special spot - no girls aloud (incase my wife reads this - I LOVE YOU HONEY)"

Ok that is the end of my rant... I will post again when IF EVER I have my issue resolved. :rolleyes:

Sounds like your typical CSR idiot. While the reboot when tuned to an OTA signal with bad PSIP data is a known problem, it only happens when tuned to that station. Watching TNT off the satellite is so obviously D*'s problem I cant believe he said that

..as to above 2 posts....all I can say is I have a model 100 and a model 600 and both have worked great with no problems. I prefer the 100 because it does operate cooler and this is a plus, in the long run. If you do not get near perfect operation on your h-20 receiver, be sure to check out everything. Then, if problems still exists, call Directv and arrange for an exchange. This should cost you zero. By the way, green lites for 600 and for the 100, blue lites. And I have had no problems with TnT by the way.

It is better to lease than to own. The warranty is only 90 days on the receiver you own. There is no way to tell how long Directv will continue its' generous policy of free exchange if a receiver is beyond these 90 days. There is only one valid reason for keeping (owning) your current model '600' and this is if you are convince it is a better receiver than the model 100 (one most likely to be leased.

Please give as your opinion instead of fact, as this is not true in ALL cases and for ALL people.

I live in the Northeast, and in late spring I open my pool and my screen room, and I activate receivers for both areas every year just for 3-4 months. I do not have to committ to additional years of service, as I own the boxes and they have been activated and de-activated many times before. I can't even imagine having to deal with D* CSRs to do this in a leasing scenario. Would I have to send back my receivers every September? Would I have to committ to stay with D* every time I asked for new boxes for the summer season?

Also, I gotta tell you I believe that D* will always continue to exchange receivers that are owned - they have been converting them at that point to lease according to every post I read. In the past, long before this new leasing model, they also always were very accomodating in exchanging boxes even though I NEVER had the protection plan.

However, that all being said, leasing does have many advantages also. Just not for everyone, and not in all cases.

Scobuck: My friend, of course, things I say here are MY opinion. And I accept the comments of others here as their opinions..nothing more, nothing less. Afterall, we are here to exchange ideas, comments, opinions..etc.

Kewl brother. I am sure you see though that way too many 'experts' here just keep saying things as though they are FACTS - and have NO tolerance for peeps with differing opinions.

..can not think of anything here as FACT (absolute truth). Afterall, this is satellite tv!..lots of great images on the display and lots of fun talking about the subject.............

would anybody be so kind as to take a pic of their -100? i'd like to see it.

would anybody be so kind as to take a pic of their -100? i'd like to see it.

Looks almost identical to the -600. Just a little deeper, but the front is basically the same (the LED colors are slightly different, I think. I had the -600 for such a short time, it's hard to remember).

Impressions of my replacement H20-100.

Fit and Finish: Advantage H20-600

The H20-600 cabinet just has a better quality look and feel to it - IMHO. The outside of the 100 exudes "RCA" to me -- and thats not a compliment.

Size: Advantage H20-100

Usually smaller is better, but not in this case. The 100 runs SO MUCH COOLER than the 600. Much of the difference is probably due to the MUCH larger cabinet with many more vent holes. Also, the 100 has some rubber feet that raise it about a 1/2 inch or so higher than the 600.

Menu System: Advantage H20-100

MUCH faster menu than the 600. Not even close.

Color of lights on Front: TIE

The H20-100 has blue lights on the front, while the H20-600 has green lights.

OTA Tuner: Advantaqe H20-600

I don't use the OTA tuner, so I'm taking the word of others here. The 600 seems to have a much more sensitive OTA tuner than the 100.

Other Differences:

The H20-100 doesn't seem to require the RCA cables in the audio out to enable stereo sound through the optical out. That quirk on the 600 bothered me.

Also, the reason I exchanged for the 100 in the first place -- the 480 modes didn't work on my 600 (they looked "squished" - and in the stretch mode they looked normal -- not right). So, I couldn't use native mode on the 600. Now I am using native mode on the 100. Also, it could have been because something was wrong with my 600, but the SD channels look better on the 100, in my opinion (probably because I am letting the TV convert them to 720p rather than the H20 ).

Good info...thanks for the post. One other comparison if you don't mind.... regarding the110 deg signal and "rain fade"....Does the -100 seem to hold out longer than the -600 or are they the same.

The reason I ask, is I remember my DTC-100 (upstairs) holding on to the signal a bit longer than my TS360 (downstairs) during heavy rains.(same channel and cable lengths were similar).

Good info...thanks for the post. One other comparison if you don't mind.... regarding the110 deg signal and "rain fade"....Does the -100 seem to hold out longer than the -600 or are they the same.

The reason I ask, is I remember my DTC-100 (upstairs) holding on to the signal a bit longer than my TS360 (downstairs) during heavy rains.(same channel and cable lengths were similar).

Good question. I am inclined to think that the H20 has superior rain fade tolerance but I am not sure that is it. I have a 360, a D* SD Tivo box, and the H20 on the same 5LNB dish now. They ALL have improved rain fade tolerance now that they are all connected to the 5LNB. On my old 3LNB the 360 and the Tivo box would drop out anytime heavy rain was to my south at approximately the same time. Since I swapped to the 5LNB I have had one rain fade in the DFW area since November that I know of for about 20 seconds. It happens so infrequently now that its hard to make a comparison between the boxes. I have had H20 100s and H20 600s and they don't fade enough to draw a conclusion.

Hi All

I had purchased H20 receiver from compusa for $99. I already had DirectTv service at the time I purchased this receiver. I can currently view OTA availble in my area.

I am thinking of switching to DishNetwork becoz they have Ethnic programming available at better price than DirectTV.

My Question is: Is it possible for me to still keep receiving OTA using H20 without DirectTv subscription. Do Have to plug off the reciver or take out the satellite in cable so that my receiver does not get deactivated... blah blah..

This question might have been answered before but this H20 official thread has almost 60 page (40 post each page) to read. I appreciate all your effort.

Thanks In Advance.

Regards
Dhabud

Hi All
My Question is: Is it possible for me to still keep receiving OTA using H20 without DirectTv subscription.

No, the H20 requires a satellite signal for the OTA tuner to work.

Is anyone aware of *new* Directv HD boxes being available the middle of this year? I spoke with D* retention yesterday and today and both times they made reference to new HD equipment that will be available, close to when they roll-out their new HD DVR boxes. I own a H-20 (600) and like it, but there are still quite a few areas of opportunity, and I'm not sure a 100 series is my solution (fyi - this retention rep was very nice and said he was cross trained in HD - but had no clue there were 100 and 600 series.)

From American Heritage.....FACT......Information presented as true and accurate.

I have 5 HD STBs in my house and only 1 is a H20. Thats a fact.
The H20-600 was the only one with OTA drop-outs. Thats a fact.
D* replased it with a H20-100 two weeks ago and there are no more OTA drop-outs. Thats a fact.
The PQ on the H20 is better than any HD box that I have had over the last 6 years and that includes my two Sony HD200s that I still love. Now thats a fact.
D* gave me back $200, so all I have in it is $10.Thats a fact.
My H20-600 never ran hot. Thats a fact.
richard korsgren seems to be a nice and helpful person. Thats a fact.

Ok, I had my 5 lnb dish installed last week. Outside of occassional lip sync issues, the video and sound quality is very good on every channel except the cbs mpeg 4 station from boston. I see strange artifacts on the screen and what I would call minor screen tearing (usually minor and limited to one portion of the screen) frequently during all types of programming on this channel and about every 20 minutes the picture will freeze completely and go black for several seconds before coming back. The problems are remarkably consistent so far, they aren't really any worse or better at any particular time or to be related to the weather. As I said, I see no problems at all on any of the other mpeg 4 networks or mpeg 2 hd channels or any sd channels for that matter, including the sd version of cbs 4 boston. When the picture goes black it never says searching for signal, or on any channel.

Could this be a signal stength issue or is this a problem a lot of people are having with cbs out of boston, considering all the other channels are fine? I generally have signal strength on two transponders on the 103 satellite ranging from 84-90, which from what I have read should be strong enough. I am only concerned because I may be as far away from the boston spot beat as you can be without having to change your service address to get them lol, I am not sure how the mpeg 4 spot beam compares to the standard beam we have maps for.

Otherwise, I have forced a software update on the h20, the same problem occurs whether I am using hdmi or component on my plasma or with various sound hookups. Any insight? I guess 3 out of 4 networks isn't bad.

rcaigiii: I would imagine we will fill in the spots between '100' amd '600'; perhaps, mext, with a 500 or a 200. All the receivers will be the same and different at the same time. Directv probably gives the indivual manhfacturers a little leeway in bringing forth a 'new' model.

I believe Directv is also coming out with a small self contain receiver with a small display screen that will probably sell around $600. It would be intended for areas like bathroom/kitchen. But do not hold me to this!

TV Bob. Can not honestly help you with CBS, Boston problem. Have you checked Boston in the reception section of The Forum?

...TV BOB I believe you not can force an update on the receiver. There has been no new update in weeks. These updates are automatic, far as I know.

I imagine the Boston spot beam covers a relative large area.

The problems you are having directly from the local digital cbs station (local news, etc) AND when they are passing on the national cbs programming, yes?

I had a H20 - 600. It ran hot and ota channels would drop and come back on. I had to replaced the 600 for a 100. The 100 now runs a lot cooler and no more OTA drop outs. BUT now every once in a while if i go to a HD channel it would stay lock on it. I cannot change channels and no picture. I try to turn it off and back on but no luck. have to reset the H20 by pushing the red button. Any ideas?

trich: am happy for you that your h-20 100 is operating without any flaws. But very surprised your model 600 never ran hot. That is a big exception. Mine runs very warm and it is completely in the open. I have one of each, by the way. ...and that is a fact.

Yes it happens during local and national programming. I'll try posting in the boston dbs thread but it doesn't seem to get much traffic.

You can force an update by punching a 5 digit code when the receiver is starting up, but I believe it upgraded to an old software version that it had already automatically done a few days ago.

cosmos: Ya, that does happen once in a awhile with the h-20-600. Nothing is perfect, it seems. I am sort of playing around when that happens; will keep you posted on a quick solution.

TVBOB: The latest update now on receiver is many weeks old..nothing newer at this point.

I know, but I wasn't sure if my new h20 had updated or not, I now see the info screen that has the version number. It is newer than the version the receiever had come stocked with.

Yes it happens during local and national programming. I'll try posting in the boston dbs thread but it doesn't seem to get much traffic.

You can force an update by punching a 5 digit code when the receiver is starting up, but I believe it upgraded to an old software version that it had already automatically done a few days ago.

FACT - The 100 still has the original firmware version.
FACT - There is no update available at any price for a 100
FACT - Punching codes in while starting up has no effect on a 100
OPINION - If you don't like the way your 100 is operating the only choice is to call D* and just swap the thing. They are very accommodating about this issue.
OPINION - The term 'hot' is a relative term

Maybe now would be a good time to say I have a 600, not 100. And yes punching 026 I forget the exact code I read on another thread made it do a software update when it was resetting, I saw it myself.

TVBOB: Both the 100 and the 600 models have had same update for many weeks. They will come to your receivers automatically.

Yes yes, forget the update, I don't think it made much difference with my issue. My point was though you can force the 600 to update, whether or not the software is new. I was anxious to see if it helped my issue with that one channel, so I didn't want to wait for it to update overnight.

TVbob, I'd call D*tv and get them to swap recievers....if your leasing, you got nothing to lose.
Also, keep in mind, I had quite a few issues with the Mpeg4 channels and still get the occasional "sound drop" when the program goes from a TV show to my local news on Fox. it's like clockwork, happens everytime....the picture is rock solid but sound is gone for about 3-5 seconds.

I may have to do that, but I found a thread about the boston cbs on the directv tech help forums today, apparantly a lot of people have had similiar issues with this channel, though I cant be sure my issues have the same cause as theirs. They are waiting for some sort of further response about the problem, though directv has been made aware. It has been going on for several weeks already.

Here is the thread if anyone is in the same boat:

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaypost?postID=10139611&returnExpertiseCode=

If anyone is not having issues with this channel, please let me know

At the risk of being perceived as a complete idiot, I have a question. I have a H20-100. I just replaced a 600 with it yesterday. I am pretty sure that I saw a screen with the firmware version and update history on it at one point. This morning I tried to find that screen. After 15 minutes of going through what I think were all of the menus, I could not find it. Would someone be so kind as to remind me how to get to that screen so I can see if the unit updated the firmware last night?

Thanks,
Phil P.

At the risk of being perceived as a complete idiot, I have a question. I have a H20-100. I just replaced a 600 with it yesterday. I am pretty sure that I saw a screen with the firmware version and update history on it at one point. This morning I tried to find that screen. After 15 minutes of going through what I think were all of the menus, I could not find it. Would someone be so kind as to remind me how to get to that screen so I can see if the unit updated the firmware last night?

Thanks,
Phil P.

There is a trick to it. After you go to 'setup' you must press 'select' one more time with the cursor on the top menu selection. The software version will be displayed along with other information about the receiver and the card. It is confusing because some information is displayed on the top menu screen without hitting select so there is no intuitive reason to press the button to display more info.

At the risk of being perceived as a complete idiot, I have a question. I have a H20-100. I just replaced a 600 with it yesterday. I am pretty sure that I saw a screen with the firmware version and update history on it at one point. This morning I tried to find that screen. After 15 minutes of going through what I think were all of the menus, I could not find it. Would someone be so kind as to remind me how to get to that screen so I can see if the unit updated the firmware last night?

Thanks,
Phil P.

Why would you want to replace a 100 with a 600? Should be the other way around.

Bill thanks!! I will try that this evening!

TV Bob
"I have a H20-100. I just replaced a 600 with it yesterday"

Oh, I see, English is a strange language.

I'm not too concerned with the fact the original firmware is the latest release for the H20-100. After all, it appears to work really well.

The only thing they have to add is to get the ACTIVE button to work. I use this all the time on the D11 to get local weather and its a pain to have to run back to the bedroom to check.

I want to have the discrete power on/off IR codes to work, as they do on the D10...and on the latest firmware for the D20-600.

Phil P.

REmembering Channel 95

Earlier there have been comments that the H20 would not "remember" channel 95 in favorites lists. I'm using both an H20-600 and an older HIRD-E86. Neither will keep 95 in memory. Conclusion: this isn't a problem of the newer software, and it hasn't been fixed yet.

Help my HD sucks on the new box it looks much better on my old sony HD100
I'm looking for the signal level on the sat and or transponder for the HD wich one is it thanks. :confused: :confused:

Like many of you, I made the switch from 600 to 100 before the 90 day warranty because of the heat problem (and the 480p lock problem). I asked the CSR for a 100 and got a 100.

The only differences I notice are that the 100 is much cooler and 480p is no longer locked. I do not use OTA so I have no comment about it. Everything else seems to be the same. I actually had no problems with the 600 except heat and 480p as mentioned above.

I would recommend anyone with a hot 600 to make the switch.

Quirky H20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I bought an H20 receiver from DirecTV. This particular model was made in Korea. The picture it provides on my Panasonic 26" LCD is extremely good. But it does some funny things. Randomly, it will reset itself. There is no pattern, it just does it. And occasionally on one of my OTA channels, it will put the channel information banner up for just a few seconds and then it will disappear. I called DirecTV and they offered to send me a new unit, which they did. I just received it on Monday and noticed immediatly that it not only was a different size (bigger) but that it was made in Mexico. I don't really care where they are made as long as they work. But after hooking the new one up, I noticed that the picture was not even close to the original unit. By comparison, it was very grainy. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm tempted to hook the old one back up and live with the quirkiness. By the way, the Korean made unit is a 600 and the Mexican unit is a 100.

Maddog: There has probably never been a better box than the h-2-100 as far as audio/video quality is concerned. Chances are something else in your system may not be operating correctly.

beachrez: just loaded channel 95 in 'favorites 1' and it is remaining as a favorite. The phillies/pittsburg contest is next game to be seen.

mosyin: Can not comment on the small quirk you are experiencing (banner, etc.) but the h-20-100 should never be 'grainy'. The picture on your display should be clean and clear IF everything is working connectlly. In fact, from my experience it is very difficult for a picture to be grainy in digital.

has anyone who's contacted D* regarding the NFL Sunday Ticket deal, or who's had the superfan package in the past, know whether the superfan features will work on the H20? I would assume they will, but I was just wondering if anyone knows for sure.

I know I don't post much, but you guys and gals on these boards have really helped me with the issues on the H20 from reading all your posts. So, thanks for that and I look forward to a reply.

Drew

It may just be my perception since I'm unable to do an "a" "b" comparison. But when comparing any station that comes in 720i like ESPN, I noticed a difference. All my connections were good. It's probably a mental thing.

dre: The h-20 receiver is both MPEG2 and MPEG4 so it would have to work for Sunday ticket (super fan). Afterall, it is THE receiver for Directv now. To be postive, try contacting Directv.

mostin: To my eyes, whether it is 1080i or 720p (HD) it is all seamless and looks 'about the same'. Of course, the content (source) at times can make a difference.

dre: The h-20 receiver is both MPEG2 and MPEG4 so it would have to work for Sunday ticket (super fan). Afterall, it is THE receiver for Directv now. To be postive, try contacting Directv.

I think he is specifically asking about the features which require the ACTIVE button (if some of those Superfan features do). I'm new to ST (and Directv) so this will be my first time trying ST.

Its my understanding that only the D11 presently supports those Active services - so your question is a good one. My own interest in Superfan is really purely for the HD games - the other features don't really concern me so much and I haven't really paid any attention to them.

beachrez: just loaded channel 95 in 'favorites 1' and it is remaining as a favorite. The phillies/pittsburg contest is next game to be seen.


The question is whether or not 95 will be in your favorites list the next time you turn your unit on. 95 can be put in a favorites list, but it won't stay there. At least that is my experience and that of other posters earlier in this thread.

Channel 95 remains in favorites list. Will let you know Saturday if it remains. By the way, I never turn off my h-20.

Hoping that someone out there can explain this. I live in the NY DMA, I have a H20-600 and a H20-100. Last evening, I went back to check signal meters, and on the H20-600, I saw that there were 24 transponders turned on - on the 99 bird (SW2). Only 2 were giving me readings the other 22 were at 0. I repeated my sat set-up and it did in fact 'see' all 5 satellite locations.

However, my H20-100 only showed 13 transponders turned on, ALL at 0 reading, and when I tried to repeat sat set-up, it said it only 'saw' 4 birds.

How could this be? Do I need to do a red button reset on the H20 for it to see the 99 bird?

mosyin: Can not comment on the small quirk you are experiencing (banner, etc.) but the h-20-100 should never be 'grainy'. The picture on your display should be clean and clear IF everything is working connectlly. In fact, from my experience it is very difficult for a picture to be grainy in digital.

That really depends on the source material! Garbage in, garbage out.

In any case as mentioned above, I just got a H20-100 to replace a flaky -600. I no longer have some of the quirks of the -600, but my OTA HD picture is not nearly as good. There is a softness, perhaps lack of definition, that was not there with the 600. The -100 also does not seem to do as good a job on upconverting.

ppasteur; I have a 100 and 600 (h-20) and the quality of image on the screen is 'about the same'. Definitely NO softness here with 100 compared with the 600.

I find some hd on directv grainy....especially with most fox and some abc programs (both channels broadcast at 720, programs look noticeably smoother to me on nbc and cbs, especially nbc). Most of the rest hd channels I wouldn't say are grainy except for those that are showing older movies or shows.

ScoBuck: I would start by clearing everything and starting from the beginning.

However, my H20-100 only showed 13 transponders turned on, ALL at 0 reading, and when I tried to repeat sat set-up, it said it only 'saw' 4 birds.

How could this be? Do I need to do a red button reset on the H20 for it to see the 99 bird?

This is a good question. I would like to hear the answer as well. I have the same thing with my -100. Running the satellite setup results in an error. It reports only being able to "see" 4 birds, when it thinks it should see 5.

I have reset it and run setup several times. I am doubtful that this will fix your situation.

Second level CSR at D* told me not to worry, that I was getting all channels. This did not give me a warm fuzzy at all!! My other STB a -600 does not report the error and seems to "see" all 5 birds.

Phil P.

I am just as curious as to why I am picking up good signals from 2 transponders from SW2 on my H20-600 (both very strong BTW). My H20-100 doesn't even get a reading from those same transponders. Doesn't really make any sense does it?

And yes, I am getting all of the same channels on both, but it is rather curious. If it remains this way I will be calling in to D* to get their spin on it tomorrow.

This is a good question. I would like to hear the answer as well. I have the same thing with my -100. Running the satellite setup results in an error. It reports only being able to "see" 4 birds, when it thinks it should see 5.

I have reset it and run setup several times. I am doubtful that this will fix your situation.

Second level CSR at D* told me not to worry, that I was getting all channels. This did not give me a warm fuzzy at all!! My other STB a -600 does not report the error and seems to "see" all 5 birds.

Phil P.

All 3 of my 100s have given me an error on setup because of one satellite. I just press 'continue' on the setup and get every channel I am supposed to. I thought one of the satellites was indeed not yet on line and is for future expansion with HD LiLs. Is that not correct?

Help my HD sucks on the new box it looks much better on my old sony HD100
I'm looking for the signal level on the sat and or transponder for the HD wich one is it thanks. :confused: :confused:


Depends on which HD you are referring to. Most local HD is on sat 103.

http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/america.html

To confirm, this site will tell you which channels are on each Sat.

All 3 of my 100s have given me an error on setup because of one satellite. I just press 'continue' on the setup and get every channel I am supposed to. I thought one of the satellites was indeed not yet on line and is for future expansion with HD LiLs. Is that not correct?

Spaceway 2 went live on April 19th.

As far as getting an error in set-up, here is what I have now:

On my H20-600, it shows an error, that's because it is missing one of the networks from 103 slot, and one of the networks from the 99 slot. However, it says it is receiving signals from all 5 satellites.

On my H20-100 it shows an error, it says it is not receiving signals from either 99 slot network. It states it is receiving signals from only 4 satellites.

So - until D10 and D11 are operational the setup will continue to give an error code I guess.

Channel 95 remains in favorites list. Will let you know Saturday if it remains. By the way, I never turn off my h-20.

I have the H20-600 and channel 95 has been on my favorite list the entire time. It has never dissapeared.

It may just be my perception since I'm unable to do an "a" "b" comparison. But when comparing any station that comes in 720i like ESPN, I noticed a difference. All my connections were good. It's probably a mental thing.ESPN is 720p, not 720i.

Do you have the H20 set to Native output, or is it set to the resolution of your monitor? YMMV, but most people have better results by turning Native OFF and converting all channels to either 720p or 1080i.

Also, make sure your monitor's (artificial) sharpness control is turned at least halfway down, or preferably lower. Adding artificial sharpness to an HD image isn't needed, and may add ghosting or graininess to the picture.

Help my HD sucks on the new box it looks much better on my old sony HD100
I'm looking for the signal level on the sat and or transponder for the HD wich one is it thanks.Different HD channels are received on different transponders.

Low signal strength only shows up as no picture, dropouts or dropouts during rain (rain fade). Other than that, it would not affect HD picture quality at all.

PLEASE help.

I received a H20-600 and it worked great but was HOT and I was concerned about a fire hazard in my enclosed shelf. I called and they shipped me a H20-100, but during setup it could not locate satellites #2 and #3 (but sat #1 had decent strength, in the 70's), and the picture was very pixilated (picture is unwatchable) and no HD channels.. A D* tech came to my house, declared this receiver faulty, and they sent me yet another replacement (another H20-100). Same problems with setup and same pixilation problems and still no HD pictures. So, I know the wiring is ok because the H20-600 worked fine, and it's not a 'faulty' H20-100 because the same problem has occurred on both. So why can't the H20-100 pick up a good signal?? This has been an incredible time sink!!!

Thank you!

PLEASE help.

I received a H20-600 and it worked great but was HOT and I was concerned about a fire hazard in my enclosed shelf. I called and they shipped me a H20-100, but during setup it could not locate satellites #2 and #3 (but sat #1 had decent strength, in the 70's), and the picture was very pixilated (picture is unwatchable) and no HD channels.. A D* tech came to my house, declared this receiver faulty, and they sent me yet another replacement (another H20-100). Same problems with setup and same pixilation problems and still no HD pictures. So, I know the wiring is ok because the H20-600 worked fine, and it's not a 'faulty' H20-100 because the same problem has occurred on both. So why can't the H20-100 pick up a good signal?? This has been an incredible time sink!!!

Thank you!


...also, could I just return this leased received to D* and buy another model (Samsung?) with HDMI out? Must I lease from D*? Thanks again.

PLEASE help.

I received a H20-600 and it worked great but was HOT and I was concerned about a fire hazard in my enclosed shelf. I called and they shipped me a H20-100, but during setup it could not locate satellites #2 and #3 (but sat #1 had decent strength, in the 70's), and the picture was very pixilated (picture is unwatchable) and no HD channels.. A D* tech came to my house, declared this receiver faulty, and they sent me yet another replacement (another H20-100). Same problems with setup and same pixilation problems and still no HD pictures. So, I know the wiring is ok because the H20-600 worked fine, and it's not a 'faulty' H20-100 because the same problem has occurred on both...
Your problem could be borderline substandard coax or connectors (see this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7394212&&#post7394212)). All coax should be solid copper center conductor RG6, NEVER copper-clad steel conductor RG6, and NEVER RG59 coax. All connectors should be compression type fittings, NEVER crimp or screw on connectors.

If the coax and/or connectors are borderline quality, it's very possible that they might work on receivers from one mfg (e.g. H20-600 from LG), but not work on another brand (e.g. H20-100 from RCA).

In addition to the thread above, watch install video Part 4 HERE (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp) on the importance of using the correct coax and connectors with a 5LNB Ka/Ku dish.

dich: From my experience, not being directly 'on' a satellite is cause of many problems. Sometimes, it takes time and patience to receive the highest signal possible. All dishes, except a round one (for one satellite) are a compromise but it is very important to get the highest signal possible. This helps in maintaining your picture during storms (winds). I do understand you were getting a good signal with your model 600, Both the 100 and 600 are similar with a slight edge going to the 100 on Sats and a slight edge going to OTA with the 600. This has been my experience.

dich: you may use any receiver you choose with Directv. You do not have to lease. Only thing, then, you will be spending your money for a new receiver. And, in total, the Samsung is certainly no better than the H-20.

Your problem could be borderline substandard coax or connectors (see this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7394212&&#post7394212)). All coax should be solid copper center conductor RG6, NEVER copper-clad steel conductor RG6, and NEVER RG59 coax. All connectors should be compression type fittings, NEVER crimp or screw on connectors.

If the coax and/or connectors are borderline quality, it's very possible that they might work on receivers from one mfg (e.g. H20-600 from LG), but not work on another brand (e.g. H20-100 from RCA).

In addition to the thread above, watch install video Part 4 HERE (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp) on the importance of using the correct coax and connectors with a 5LNB Ka/Ku dish.

Thank you very much! Can you recommend a link for a 50' cable with terminators that meet these specs?

dich: I do understand you were getting a good signal with your model 600, Both the 100 and 600 are similar with a slight edge going to the 100 on Sats and a slight edge going to OTA with the 600. This has been my experience.

Thats been my experience. Although I don't use the OTA tuner, my 100 shows consistently higher signal strengths from the satellites then the 600 did.

Quick story.

went into best buy today looking for an h20-100 and as usual they had a stack of 600's sitting there.

when i look to my left, there is an open box H20-100 sitting there selling for 89.99 instead of the normal 99 the go for new.

i figure sweet, this is my lucky day (the first H20-100 ive seen in a retail store) so i ask the sales guy if he can cut the best buy tape on the box so i can check out the inside and low and behold, its a 600 with an access card that didnt match it!!!

the guys says "thats odd" and i said "i'll check back in a couple weeks when you get another shipment!

Just figures the have like 10 600's and zero 100's!

loudo: ..To date, you have to lease a h-20-100 from Directv directly.

Quick story.

went into best buy today looking for an h20-100 and as usual they had a stack of 600's sitting there.

when i look to my left, there is an open box H20-100 sitting there selling for 89.99 instead of the normal 99 the go for new.

i figure sweet, this is my lucky day (the first H20-100 ive seen in a retail store) so i ask the sales guy if he can cut the best buy tape on the box so i can check out the inside and low and behold, its a 600 with an access card that didnt match it!!!

the guys says "thats odd" and i said "i'll check back in a couple weeks when you get another shipment!

Just figures the have like 10 600's and zero 100's!

I am not sure of your strategy. If you are an existing D* subscriber and live in a market where MPEG4 is activated the H20 is free from D*, they will ship it overnight for free and install it for free. Why would you pay anything for it?

Honestly, im a "mover"

and im not sure if D* will send one to my billing address!

Richard, are you saying that the 100 will never be in stores??

loudo: Directv is planning on going to a lease program. I have no way to know if this program is 100 percent. With the heating problems of the h-20-600, I imagine Directv is phasing these receivers out. Of course, there are several other manufacturers that will probably make Directv receivers in the future. If Directv receivers continue to be for sale in stores, I imagine the 100 may be the next model. Still, everything about leasing is free and worry-free.

Even if you move 2 or 3 times per year I would imagine you can be a customer of Directv. Of course, you would have to contact Directv on this matter.

Honestly, im a "mover"

and im not sure if D* will send one to my billing address!

Richard, are you saying that the 100 will never be in stores??

They won't, but just move your service address to your billing before or when you call for the replacement receiver, and when its safely in the hands of fedex being delivered (shouldn't take long) to where you want it to, just call and move your service address again.

Honestly, im a "mover"

and im not sure if D* will send one to my billing address!D* sends all correspondence, access cards and equipment to your mailing address. Service tech calls are dispatched to your service address.

I'm a "mover" and I've received several receivers and a new access card from D*, all mailed to my mailing (billing) address. The latest one was an H20-100 to replace a dead H20-600, about a month ago.

Thank you very much! Can you recommend a link for a 50' cable with terminators that meet these specs?Most satellite dealers will make and sell you a specified length of solid copper RG6 coax with compression connectors on the ends.

Last night i bought the h-20-600 at Best Buy. I am replacing my HTC100 with this unit. My question is i am a mover,, i have been receiving the Chicago locals for the past 3 years, i MOVED with a Chicago address, but
i live on the border of ILL. & IOWA, the spotbeam bleeds out that far. Directv is now brodcasting the Chicago
locals in HD, my question is will i be able to pick up the HD locals. Does the Ka/Spaceway beam bleed out of Chicago like the SD-LOCALS ? Or is it more pinpoint for radius of city. ? I didn't want to go and buy the new 5 lnb dish if i wouldn't be able to pick up the HD locals. I am not sure if AVS allows moving talk, i also have this posted at DBSFORUMS in which they allow. THANKS,,,,,,

What's everyone's feelings on the following situation:

- I called into D* retention
- I asked to be transferred over to HD/2nd level support
- I explained the multiple issues I was having with my H20 (600)
- The rep kindly agreed to ship me a brand new unit and told me that I will need to return the existing H20 (with the enclosed return label)
- That was it - end of story!

Today I log onto directv.com and see that I was charged $19.95 and I now see the reference to leasing in my current activity. The rep said NOTHING about this. I am a long time Directv customer and we spend some pretty decent money with them (wrestling ppv's, nhl ci. mlb ei, nfl st, etc). I've called retention so many times they probably cringe when they see me on their caller id. I always push the issue when things aren't right and I expect to be compensated accordingly .... which Directv has always graciously done. Would other's feel a little blind-sided if this happened? Does Directv have an obligation to explain their leasing program? Just seems a tad shady to me. I personally am aware of what's going on thanks to these forums, but again, I think D* has an obligation to inform me ... they can't assume that I frequent this site! :-)

rc: All I can say I talked my way down to -zero- as far as cost. They have no set policy. Be nice to them, the customer relations people. The charge may have been for FedX shipping; afterall they send a receiver to you with a pre-paid FEDX label to send your unit back. The leasing program is same cost as you owning a receiver; difference is Directv will repair/replace the leased receiver. One day, they may stop their generous program of exchanging receivers a customer owes.

bbullock: For me and many, the changeover to 5lnb dish and new receiver, etc. has been free. Call Directv and get an install; then you will know for sure if you can get locals. Directv is now shipping model 100 (h-20) which runs much cooler and seems to present many less problems.

It may not be that easy. bbullock's special circumstances may require a self-install of the AT9. I haven't seen any coverage maps for the MPEG4 spotbeams. Without that reference, it's trial and error as to how far the Chicago HD LIL reaches, but you would think the coverage would be similar to the SD MPEG2 spotbeam.

rkorsgren,
bbullock is a "mover". "Movers" cannot call and order a dish install because the tech would be dispatched to the "service" address, not the mailing address.

bbullock,
IIRC, the MPEG4 local xpndrs are tighter spots. You can probably get more info over at dbsforums.com or satelliteguys.us

What's everyone's feelings on the following situation:

- I called into D* retention
- I asked to be transferred over to HD/2nd level support
- I explained the multiple issues I was having with my H20 (600)
- The rep kindly agreed to ship me a brand new unit and told me that I will need to return the existing H20 (with the enclosed return label)
- That was it - end of story!

Today I log onto directv.com and see that I was charged $19.95 and I now see the reference to leasing in my current activity...
Politely call retention back and explain that you were not told about the S & H charge and don't feel you should have to pay it.

As for the switch to leasing, if your H20-600 is still in the 90 day warranty period, tell them you bought and installed that receiver under the pre-lease plan and would like to be switched back to non-lease. If your H20 is out of warranty, I wouldn't bring up the subject of leasing at all, since they are under no obligation to replace cust-owned equipment that's out of warranty.

As flakey as HD receivers are, I think leasing is a better deal than owning, since the monthly costs are the same and D* will replace leased boxes @ no charge.

A note: Directv had sent me a h-20 last November (I owned it) and just recently replaced it (free) with a leased H-20. They did not even ask me when I bought it. Directv just wants the customer to have a working receiver so they will buy programming; that is where the profit lies. If they have to give up some equipment along the way, so be it. As mentioned before, I have not had to pay out anything to Directv (for equipment and installs) for a number of years.

As far as moving and getting Directv, seems there must be a way (except if you are constantly on the move). I would certainly give it a good try if I were a mover. Of course, the word, 'mover', could mean a number of things. Actually my billing address and physical address are not the same. But this means nothing.

A "move" is when you change your service address with a satellite company in order to pay for and view programming from another market. Your billing/mailing address stays where you "really" live. All correspondence and any equipment you order are sent to your mailing address. But service calls are dispatched to your service address.

People usually "move" because their local stations aren't available in HD OTA (low power and/or SD only), because their local stations just suck in general or because they're on the edge of a market boundary and would rather watch locals on satellite from a nearby town they have more in common with.

In my case, I live in Arkansas, but our county is lumped into a DMA in Missouri. So I "moved" to a town that qualifies for Arkansas TV (and also happens to qualify for NY big 4 HD networks).

arxaw: See, I thought 'to move' was to actually move. Thanks for explaining. Seems, here in Michigan, I am lucky being in the 'center' of 3 OTA HD markets. One is 25 miles distant, the second one is about 35 miles, and the third market is 55 miles. So, it seems, I shall never have to 'move'.

After searching the forum, I didn't find anything about this: What's the liklihood of eventually being able to use a Home Theater PC with D*'s H20 receiver?

I "think" that current HTPC tuners work only with "standard" (NTSC?) OTA receivers; but what about recording using the Mpge4 local HD signals received with the H20?

I apologize for asking such a speculative question, but I'm not asking when this might be possible, but rather, IF it is likely to be possible or impossible. I would really like to have a HTPC but at this point, since HTPCs don't interface with the H20 it doesn't make much sense to me.

How much will content protection play into this? Will HDCP block the ability to record HD programming to a HTPC?

Sorry if these are really dumb questions...

While I'm at it: "Why did the chicken cross the road?" :)

When directv sends you a replace receiver they send it to your billing address not service? I don't think that is the case.

Hoping that someone out there can explain this. I live in the NY DMA, I have a H20-600 and a H20-100. Last evening, I went back to check signal meters, and on the H20-600, I saw that there were 24 transponders turned on - on the 99 bird (SW2). Only 2 were giving me readings the other 22 were at 0. I repeated my sat set-up and it did in fact 'see' all 5 satellite locations.

However, my H20-100 only showed 13 transponders turned on, ALL at 0 reading, and when I tried to repeat sat set-up, it said it only 'saw' 4 birds.

How could this be? Do I need to do a red button reset on the H20 for it to see the 99 bird?

ScoBuck - It is my understanding that the 99 satellite (the 5th satellite) is not up and running yet. It is intended for local HD channels (like coming to my area in May) and future national HD MPEG 4 (like NGC, HGTV, etc.).

Your problem could be borderline substandard coax or connectors (see this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7394212&&#post7394212)). All coax should be solid copper center conductor RG6, NEVER copper-clad steel conductor RG6, and NEVER RG59 coax. All connectors should be compression type fittings, NEVER crimp or screw on connectors.

If the coax and/or connectors are borderline quality, it's very possible that they might work on receivers from one mfg (e.g. H20-600 from LG), but not work on another brand (e.g. H20-100 from RCA).

In addition to the thread above, watch install video Part 4 HERE (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp) on the importance of using the correct coax and connectors with a 5LNB Ka/Ku dish.

Well, I bought some copper RG6 coaxial cable from Circuit City and used it to connect directly from my D* box to the receiver, and no luck. D* is sending out a "Level 1" tech on Monday, so we'll see.

When directv sends you a replace receiver they send it to your billing address not service? I don't think that is the case.
That is the case. I recently had them send me a replacement H20. It was sent FedEx to my mailing address, not my service address. They have also sent me replacement access cards in the past - always to my mailing (aka billing) address.

Now, if I had requested a tech visit, D* would have sent the tech to my service address.

That is the case. I recently had them send me a replacement H20. It was sent FedEx to my mailing address, not my service address. They have also sent me replacement access cards in the past - always to my mailing (aka billing) address.

Now, if I had requested a tech visit, D* would have sent the tech to my service address.

Hmmm, I looked at my order history online for my h20 replacement and the address it was mailed to says "service address" above it.

That is the case. I recently had them send me a replacement H20. It was sent FedEx to my mailing address, not my service address. They have also sent me replacement access cards in the past - always to my mailing (aka billing) address. Now, if I had requested a tech visit, D* would have sent the tech to my service address.
Why does it matter where they send them as long as we get them? Anyway, that was NOT the case in my experience.. I also recently had D* send me a replacement H20(-100). It was sent FedEx to my SERVICE address, not my billing address.

Maybe that was because MY billing address is a P.O. Box, and FedEx does not deliver to P.O. Boxes.

Apparently, D* does not always follow hard and fast rules in this regard? ;)

Does this really surprise anyone? It seems to be another case of YMMV...

...I also recently had D* send me a replacement H20(-100). It was sent FedEx to my SERVICE address, not my billing address.

Maybe that was because MY billing address is a P.O. Box, and FedEx does not deliver to P.O. Boxes.No "maybe" to it. You explained the reason they didn't ship to your mailing address. FedEx doesn't ship to USPS PO Boxes.

But normally D* does ship to your mailing/billing address. Many people have separate mailing addresses because they don't have or can't get mail delivery at their service address. For instance a lake cabin, etc.

I will just add, FEDX has to deliver to a physical address (for obvious reasons). Our mailing address is a the local post office where I pick up our mail. It is a postal box number, of course. This all makes perfect sense. My billing address is my mailing address. The address for FEDX deliveries is where I live. As Techo has said, all this means little; just as long as I receive my mail at the post office and deliveries at my front door.

By the way, over a month now and my h-20-100 is performing flawlessly. It does have a few quirks in ts' menu but is nothing to me. And the Model 600 (which is not used as often) is going along very well after many months now. I still have not traded it for a 100, as yet. The OTA tuner is outstanding on the model 600. I have the 600 completely in the open with nothing around it and it is raised about 2 inches off a shelf. It still runs quite warm, but so far, so good. I am confident I can exchange it for a new receiver from Directv at any time in the future. Perhaps, they will be coming out with a model 200 or a model 500 one day soon. I always like to try out new equipment.

No "maybe" to it. You explained the reason they didn't ship to your mailing address. FedEx doesn't ship to USPS PO Boxes. But normally D* does ship to your mailing/billing address. Many people have separate mailing addresses because they don't have or can't get mail delivery at their service address. For instance a lake cabin, etc.
I respectfully disagree with you... Is there ever anything "normal" about the way D* operates. :D Just kidding! "MAYBE."

Because, when you said (quote) That IS the case (unquote) --- it sounded like you were saying it was "always" the case --- which it clearly isn't.

But again, who cares? Why does it matter where they ship it, unless someone is using a phony service address in order to get programming they aren't "supposed" to get?

Which brings me to another point. At the risk of getting way off topic (sinful?) I still don't believe that D* can't legally allow anyone to watch any channel they want to pay for on their H20 receivers. For example, if I really want to see the east or west coast network feeds I ca not unless I have special permissions (exemptions). Why not charge me extra and kick that money back to the local network in my area that I am not watching... Should offset any potential advertising revenue loss or even be more profitable for the local affiliates? Also, it sure would be great to be able to watch the local Indianapolis stations during May. The Indy 500 coverage is extensive on the local stations. Charge me for it and I'd pay. :D Maybe even offer it as PPV?

But, the Congress has a law forbidding this practice... Bull Hockey, I say. Illegal restraint of trade, I say. Political lobbyists?

Okay, okay. Enough of that.

Let's talk about FedEx some more. :D

Does anyone have an H20-100 that refuses to pick up certain OTA digital channels that previous receivers you've had received with ease? In my case, it's RF channel 18 (remapped to 5-1 thru 5-3, but I would think the remapped sub channels would be irrelevant).

If you have a similar OTA reception problem with an H20-100, please list the actual RF channel number the station is on (available at antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/)).

arxaw: No problems here with picking up all the digital stations both on the model 100 and model 600 (H-20). If I remember correctly, the h-20 picks up 44 digital stations.

No problem here. I pick up two stations, one is 33 miles away on channel 3.1 with a freq of 50 (channel 3.1, Bryan/College Station), picked up via a Wineguard 2000 Squareshooter. I can pick up most of the Houston stations as well, but they are over 70 miles away. I use an old towered amplified URF directional antenna for those. Freqs are all in the UHF range for those, including the channel assigned 8.1 and 2.1. (KUHT and KPRC).

Am using the H20-100.

Does anyone have an H20-100 that refuses to pick up certain OTA digital channels that previous receivers you've had received with ease? In my case, it's RF channel 18 (remapped to 5-1 thru 5-3, but I would think the remapped sub channels would be irrelevant).

If you have a similar OTA reception problem with an H20-100, please list the actual RF channel number the station is on (available at antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/)).


My H20-100 only receives 6 ota channels vs my H20-600 picks up all 7. Both are
using the same outside antenna.

Does anyone have an H20-100 that refuses to pick up certain OTA digital channels that previous receivers you've had received with ease? In my case, it's RF channel 18 (remapped to 5-1 thru 5-3, but I would think the remapped sub channels would be irrelevant).

If you have a similar OTA reception problem with an H20-100, please list the actual RF channel number the station is on (available at antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/)).

All three of my 100s pick up the same stations equally well. I use an 80" attic mounted boom antenna, 30 miles from the transmitters behind a hill, with 100' of RG6 and a 7777 pre amp. However I did get higher signal strength levels on my 600.

The problem I have with the H20 is that it picks up phantom channels. DFW has only 19 digital channels (give or take a few strange ones). The 100s I have installed all pick up 40 - 45 digital channels. :confused: I have to go into the setup menu and edit them out. The 600 did not pick up any undocumented channels like the 100 does.

No luck setting up H20 remote with other equipment. I have H20 remote on RF. It must still send a IR signal at the sames time. Makes no diffrence if I am in RF or IR. None of my gear will detect remote, Maybe codes are old?

My H20-100 only receives 5 ota channels vs my H20-600 picks up all 6. Both are using the same outside antenna.
Do you know the RF channel number or call letters of the station the H20-100 won't receive?

... The problem I have with the H20[-100] is that it picks up phantom channels. DFW has only 19 digital channels (give or take a few strange ones). The 100s I have installed all pick up 40 - 45 digital channels. :confused: I have to go into the setup menu and edit them out. The 600 did not pick up any undocumented channels like the 100 does.
I have noticed the same thing.

Also, the 100 uses PSIP to find stations that aren't in D* downloaded guide, which is based on ZIP Codes entered in setup menu, but the 600 would only receive stations based on the ZIP codes I entered. Those phantom channels are out of market stations strong enough for the 100 to find the PSIP data, but can't get a lock on the a/v.

Does anyone have an H20-100 that refuses to pick up certain OTA digital channels that previous receivers you've had received with ease? In my case, it's RF channel 18 (remapped to 5-1 thru 5-3, but I would think the remapped sub channels would be irrelevant).

If you have a similar OTA reception problem with an H20-100, please list the actual RF channel number the station is on (available at antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/)).

I had 2 100 series receivers that refused to pick up 3-1 and 3-2 here in Cleveland Ohio market. Thery come in on my 600 at 100%
Both 100's would not scan the channel
I kept my 600

I have tried several retailers and all they have in stock is the 600 series. Anyone know where I can get a H20-100. Is DirecTv shipping only 100 series now or is it a hit or miss to what the installer brings.

rfeng: It seems, probably because of the over heating problems with the 600, Directv is sending only 100s at this time. The 100 has prove to be a fine receiver for me. Of course, I also own a 600 that is performing ok. You must locate both receivers so they get a good air flow around them. The 100 does run cooler than the 600 because of design. Most installers have 600s; you can get 100 directly from Directv and it should be with zero cost.

FYI. Last week, I called D* and requested a new H20. I said my existing H20 (a 600) was running hot. (Both the 1st level and 2nd level support contact asked me if the fan on my H20 was working, but that's another story...) I got my new H20 over the weekend. It was a refurbished H20-600. The refurbished H20-600 is running cooler than the H20 I had, so I'm going to run it a while and see what happens.

I just wanted to let you know that if you return a H20-600, you very well may get a refurbished 600 in exchange.....

FYI. Last week, I called D* and requested a new H20. I said my existing H20 (a 600) was running hot. (Both the 1st level and 2nd level support contact asked me if the fan on my H20 was working, but that's another story...) I got my new H20 over the weekend. It was a refurbished H20-600. The refurbished H20-600 is running cooler than the H20 I had, so I'm going to run it a while and see what happens.

I just wanted to let you know that if you return a H20-600, you very well may get a refurbished 600 in exchange.....

Bluto, let us know what you find out. While the 100 I have is more stable, faster, and caller ID works. However I miss my 600 which has a superior PQ for both SD and HD, as well as a better OTA sensitivity.

bill: I have both a 100 and 600 in the house and to my eyes there is very little difference in the video (or audio). It is difficult to do an exact comparison as you would have to have 2 exact displays side by side. I do believe, if you have a model 600 and can keep it running not to warm, it is probably a keeper. If it runs hot, in time the heat will break down the components within. Of course even then, Directv will probably replace it with another unit.

Bluto: Directv has probably gotten many defective 600s back; have had time to look them over and send them back to consumer. The heating problem will still exist and somewhere down the road problems will arise. But, as said above, nothing to lose if you keep a working one for as long it is working good. Wish they could take the guts of the 600 and put it in a 100 box. As I run my hand over top of 100, it is somewhat cool over 75 percent of the top and slightly warm in one corner (about 25 percent). The 100 box needs many more holes in its' bottom.

Will do, Bill. So far, it's running cooler, I still have all my OTAs that I had with the old 600, and - myabe it's just my imagination - the guide seems to move along a little faster.

I just have a 46-inch Samsung DLP, but the PQ looks the same to me, too.

... Is DirecTv shipping only 100 series now or is it a hit or miss to what the installer brings.It's hit or miss with both D* and local installer stock (see Bluto17's post above). But I would guess if you have an installer bring one out, it's more likely you'll get another 600 instead of a 100.

... I got my new H20 over the weekend. It was a refurbished H20-600...
Do you notice on the box where it was shipped from? My last one (a 100) was shipped from Atlanta, GA.

Similar story here - I was "promised" that I would receive a new H20 last Thursday, but this morning a refurbished H20 (600) showed up. I could tell that I didn't get the pick of the litter in terms of Customer Retention reps this morning, so I asked to speak to a manager. She told me there was no way to get a new H20 (mine was out of warranty), which definitely didn't go along with what Chuck (2nd level support) told me last week. After I pressed a little harder, she said that she could get me a new H20, but a technician would have to bring it out. It turns out that he will also be bringing out a 5LNB dish (i'm in Orlando), so all in all, maybe this will work out. The net cost will be $19.99 for a new H20 (100 or 600???) and a 5LNB dish ... and now I am under their leasing program. This is fine with me. I could care less about owning them and would much rather have the ability to get new/updated equipment.

rcraig: Many, including me got the 5lnb, 1 or 2 receivers, etc. for zero cost. If an installer brings your receiver it most likely will be a model 600. As you say, leasing is ok.

Hi Richard - yeah, I'm with ya! I have received so many credits and free programming from D* over this HD experience that I'm well into the free side. On this last round of issues (which has happened outside the warranty), I agreed to eat the $19.95. My main goal now is to get a new H20 (this will be my 4th) and be under leasing so I can have the latest and greatest HD receiver at all times. If this H20 isn't right, it will be a boomerang like the rest of them and end up back on Directv's doorstep.

rcraig: As mentioned before I have both the model 600 and model 100 (h-20) and no problems. I did exchange 1 600 (too hot) for a 100. Because it runs cool, I have faith this 100 is gonna be a keeper, for a year or 2 anyway. The menu is really OK after a person gets used to it. And my 100 is really quite fast in its' operation. I am waiting on the 5lnb dish because I already receive local HD stations via OTA. I am hoping for a smaller dish in the future.

I recently upgraded to the AT9/5LNB dish to pair up with my H20-600 receiver (this receiver runs cool and is excellent OTA, so no complaints there.)

Unlike many, who have had problems with audio (sync issues), I am seeing a stuttering picture when watching my local HD channels (via MPEG4). The audio matches up fine, but the picture "jumps" and doesn't flow. This doesn't happen on all the "Big 4" locals, but its very noticeable on the local CBS and NBC stations.

I am lucky I can watch these stations OTA, but it would be nice to be able to watch them via the dish/receiver without this issue. My dish is aligned correctly (good signal strength from all LNB's), so that is not the problem.

With this in mind....

-Is this a fixable situation? Is it something that the H20-100 does better than the 600?

-Will a firmware upgrade for the box eventually help?

-Is the H20-600 just not going to process the MPEG4 LIL feeds like they should?

D* really needs to get on the ball. With all the MPEG4 locals rolling out, if they can't get the picture and/or audio straight, how are they going to roll out MPEG4 nationals next year?

So is there an upfront cost on the new lease program, other than the recurring monthly fee?

I am seeing a stuttering picture when watching my local HD channels (via MPEG4). The audio matches up fine, but the picture "jumps" and doesn't flow. This doesn't happen on all the "Big 4" locals, but its very noticeable on the local CBS and NBC stations.

Is the H20-600 just not going to process the MPEG4 LIL feeds like they should?

D* really needs to get on the ball. With all the MPEG4 locals rolling out, if they can't get the picture and/or audio straight, how are they going to roll out MPEG4 nationals next year?
In the "For What It's Worth" department, my H20 units never have had this problem. With my original H20-600, my local channels via Mpeg4 lost the picture entirely on a frequent basis --- but never "stuttered". My current -100 receiver doesn't stutter either. I don't remember anyone reporting this issue either?

I can't speak for all H20 receivers, but my H20 does process the Mpeg4 local signals like it should. Quite well in fact?

So, whatever IS causing your stuttering video probably isn't a systemic problem with the H20? Or, maybe it is? It is new technology I guess... Sometimes I forget that this stuff is on the bleeding edge. :)

Hope you figure out what is causing it and can fix it.

My neighbor just got a replacement h20, and its a 600. It seems they are sending out more and more of these as opposed to a few weeks ago....too bad.