TVBOB: What it means they have been over-run with returned h-20-600s. The main problem with these, my opinion and experience, is the running too hot problem. And I doubt they have fixed this problem (unless they put all contents of 600 into a new box. A few say they have a somewhat cool running 600. I do not doubt their word but very difficult to see how this could be. I have a 600 (and a 100) and the 100 runs much cooler and just gives me more confidence for the long run. It makes little sense to exchange one 600 for another 600 unless your 600 is 'beyond all hope'. Of course, you could get lucky. It does happen.

Only cost is the $4.99 charge per month. This is same cost you have been experiencing with 2 h-20 receivers that you have owned in the past.

So is there an upfront cost on the new lease program, other than the recurring monthly fee?
For HD and DVR receivers there is an upfront cost. There is zero difference in monthly cost between own and lease. They just rename the mirror fee, it is now a lease fee.

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.

If I get if figured out I most certainly will report back on what the cause is. The MPEG4 feeds for CBS/FOX/ABC/NBC were fine for the first week or so. However, since last Friday, both CBS and NBC have had video issues. I mentioned "stuttering", but that is probably misleading. The audio is fine. The video feed seems like it will "jump" from frame to frame and only on these two stations. I've scanned all the boards around and there seems to be no concise answer as to whether it is the receiver, the actual MPEG4 or something else. As mentioned, the first week or so, I was impressed with the local MPEG4 feeds, so I don't know what happened to change it on these two stations.

If I get if figured out I most certainly will report back on what the cause is. The MPEG4 feeds for CBS/FOX/ABC/NBC were fine for the first week or so. However, since last Friday, both CBS and NBC have had video issues. I mentioned "stuttering", but that is probably misleading. The audio is fine. The video feed seems like it will "jump" from frame to frame and only on these two stations. I've scanned all the boards around and there seems to be no concise answer as to whether it is the receiver, the actual MPEG4 or something else. As mentioned, the first week or so, I was impressed with the local MPEG4 feeds, so I don't know what happened to change it on these two stations.
The first thing I would try is a reset and see ifit clears up. There is a reset button next to the access card slot.

I just got an H20-600 and DirecTV for the first time a couple of weeks ago. How do you know if your locals (or non-locals) are coming in as MPEG4? I'm in Phoenix. Thanks.

I just got an H20-600 and DirecTV for the first time a couple of weeks ago. How do you know if your locals (or non-locals) are coming in as MPEG4? I'm in Phoenix. Thanks.
You would see 2 channels each for NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX. 3 each if you get them over the air as well. For example CBS is channel 5, I beleive so you would see two channel 5s in the guide, plus if you get it OTA you would have a 5-1. Phoenix has not been turned on yet but should be soon.

P.S. Do you have the 5LNB dish? If not you will need to get one installed to receive the MPEG4 locals when they are turned on.

I just got an H20-600 and DirecTV for the first time a couple of weeks ago. How do you know if your locals (or non-locals) are coming in as MPEG4? I'm in Phoenix. Thanks.
I looked on the D* website under local channels for the 85001 zipcode.

See: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/see/LocalChannels.jsp?_requestid=239608

Phoenix currently isn't listed as having HD locals activated, but I read a press release that said starting in April D* would be adding 24 more markets to the list of cities getting Mpeg4 local channels. Phoenix was on the list.

Calling D* is probably a waste of YOUR time since CSRs generally are the last to know such things. Maybe check the D* website regularly? With a lot of luck it might be sooner rather than later. :)

Don't hold your breath though...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=665100
has a deployment schedule.

Phoenix is scheduled for May 2006. Wait until some days pass before you call D* a failure. On a nicer note, I applaud D* for their aggressive deployment to date. Even though Im in Miami, and last on the current list, I understand the decision to not go live across the country in one swoop. I also applaud their decisions to launch satellites for future growth. They are indeed investing for their/our futures. Those who critisize aren't seeing things through the eyes of a business, which in the end D* is.

You would see 2 channels each for NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX. 3 each if you get them over the air as well. For example CBS is channel 5, I beleive so you would see two channel 5s in the guide, plus if you get it OTA you would have a 5-1. Phoenix has not been turned on yet but should be soon.

P.S. Do you have the 5LNB dish? If not you will need to get one installed to receive the MPEG4 locals when they are turned on.

Yes, I have the 5LNB dish.

I have an ext. antenna that I hooked up to the receiver, and once I did the Antenna scan, I got 5-1, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, etc., but I didn't see multiple channels before.

Is this something that I'm going to have to re-scan channels for again through the satellite setup or will they show up automatically?

Thanks for the help.

Yes, I have the 5LNB dish.

I have an ext. antenna that I hooked up to the receiver, and once I did the Antenna scan, I got 5-1, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, etc., but I didn't see multiple channels before.

Is this something that I'm going to have to re-scan channels for again through the satellite setup or will they show up automatically?

Thanks for the help.
You won't have to do anything. When the MPEG4 channels go live they should just appear in you channel lineup.

Do you know the RF channel number or call letters of the station the H20-100 won't receive?


RF 24

Do you notice on the box where it was shipped from? My last one (a 100) was shipped from Atlanta, GA.

Sorry, I did not. And I've already sent the old one back. I'll pay closer attention next time.

Sorry, I did not. And I've already sent the old one back. I'll pay closer attention next time.
"Next time"? :D

In response to a post on the previous page, I sent my h20-600 back, because it was running way too hot. I received as a replacement an h20-100. I also ordered a second box for my second hd tv, and it was an h20-100.

The h20-600 had no problem picking up OTA 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3, and had signal strength of about 90%. When I had a Dish 942, the 942 picked up these stations as well. Neither h20-100 can lock on to these stations. For those interested, I'm in Cleveland, and these stations are Channel 3, NBC. While this is somewhat frustrating, I decided to keep the 100's, as they run much cooler, and the guides are much faster. Perhaps Directv can fix this with software updates? Who knows? Also, Cleveland is set in June to have MPEG 4 networks, so the wait isn't that long.

"Next time"? :D

*L* Oh, I just know there is going to be a 'next time'.
Besides, area goes MPEG4 later this month - I'll need to replace my H10 with an H20 soon.

*L* Oh, I just know there is going to be a 'next time'.
Besides, area goes MPEG4 later this month - I'll need to replace my H10 with an H20 soon.
Gotcha Bluto!

I can't wait (well, I guess I have to) until I can get the D* Mpeg4 DVR... I just wish TiVo would offer an Mpeg4-capable DirecTiVo PVR! <deep sigh>

D* installer came out today and replaced my 3lnb dish with a 5lnb. Also swapped out my H20 (600) with another H20 (600).

Still having a small problem: My miniguide is shifted to the right. Meaning, it doesn't go all the way across the screen. It's like just the miniguide is shifted, but not the picture. This happened to my other H20 a few weeks ago. Anyone have any insight? H20 issue? Issue with my Samsung DLP?

If you can not read all of the guide (on 2 receivers) it could be fault of the Samsung DLP> On my plasma display I can move the 'picture' up or down and left or right. Can you with the Samsung? It is certainly not a common issue with the h-20 and to happen on 2 receivers is unlikely.

...Is this something that I'm going to have to re-scan channels for again through the satellite setup or will they show up automatically?
If you've setup and use a custom guide, you may have to manually add new additional channels to that custom guide.

If you find out the channels have been added to D*, but you can't find them, hit the red reset button next to the access card. That will reload the guide.

I just spoke with D* and the technician went to their H20 (also with a Samsung tv) and the mini-guide was shifted to the right just like mine. He stated that he'll open up a ticket for it and *hopefully* it will be corrected in a near future software upgrade. I'm still curious to see if anyone else is experiencing this behavior. It's a minor nuisance, but still not right.

OK, I decided to check on the mini-guide with my setup. Never really noticed an issue before and after looking it over, figured I never saw the off-centering because it just looks like a cosmetic layout design. The monitor is a Sony KV-32HS420 CRT HDef.

So, I went into the DISPLAY option on the H20 -100 receiver, and moved the CENTERING all the way to the left. Sure enough the mini-guide is a bit off. It is wider than the display and is several points off-centered in relation to the content on the monitor.

In spite of this, it just isn't that noticeable unless one is looking for it.

P.S. Do you have the 5LNB dish? If not you will need to get one installed to receive the MPEG4 locals when they are turned on.


I live in the Phoenix area too and I get the locals OTA OK, so I wasn't in any rush to get MPEG-4. If my MPEG-2 receiver dies down the road and they make me get a MPEG-4 receiver to replace it, could I keep my current 3LNB dish to get all the MPEG-4 signals minus the local HD channels?

I don't want the bigger 5LNB dish if I don't have too because I might have to stick the bigger dish in the ground to give it more support. I'd rather just avoid the hassle of getting a bigger dish if I don't need the local HD channels through DirecTV.

I live in the Phoenix area too and I get the locals OTA OK, so I wasn't in any rush to get MPEG-4. If my MPEG-2 receiver dies down the road and they make me get a MPEG-4 receiver to replace it, could I keep my current 3LNB dish to get all the MPEG-4 signals minus the local HD channels?

I don't want the bigger 5LNB dish if I don't have too because I might have to stick the bigger dish in the ground to give it more support. I'd rather just avoid the hassle of getting a bigger dish if I don't need the local HD channels through DirecTV.

No, only the older 4:3 feeds will be mpeg2 on 101/110/119. You will need the 5 lnb dish to get the HD feeds from 99/103. Odds are great you could put up the big dish without the 110/119 side LNBs in 2 years and not worry about them - however, as this is still in the footprint of the Big Dish, it won't reduce the size or windload.

No, only the older 4:3 feeds will be mpeg2 on 101/110/119. You will need the 5 lnb dish to get the HD feeds from 99/103. Odds are great you could put up the big dish without the 110/119 side LNBs in 2 years and not worry about them - however, as this is still in the footprint of the Big Dish, it won't reduce the size or windload.

Crap!!! Not what I wanted to hear, but I appreciate the input. At least now I know what to expect and what to prepare for. Thanks.

I know most probably already know this, but since you need the H20 for them, here is the list of the next 14 markets to get HD LIL sometime in 3rd Q 2006.

-- Cincinnati
-- Madison, Wis.
-- Austin, Texas
-- Memphis, Tenn.
-- Albuquerque, N.M.
-- Portland, Maine
-- Grand Rapids, Mich.
-- Portland, Ore.
-- Green Bay, Wis.
-- Providence, R.I.
-- Greensboro, N.C.
-- Reno, Nev.
-- Las Vegas
-- San Antonio

Everything looks fine on my display as far as centering of everything

Thanks, foxeng, for info on upcoming MPEG4 locals.

I hold out hope that, one day, we may get a smaller dish (again) from Directv. A number of people, I know, do not want this current 5 lnb on their roof; me included, I might add.

I have the latest very small antenna for XM radio; now that is a small antenna. I realize it only carries audio but, maybe in future, sats (transponders) will become much more powerful so that, one day, we can mount a much smaller dish on our roof. Afterall all, I began with a 12 foot dish some 15 years ago.

Sorry, for off subject a bit.

I hold out hope that, one day, we may get a smaller dish (again) from Directv. A number of people, I know, do not want this current 5 lnb on their roof; me included, I might add.

I have the latest very small antenna for XM radio; now that is a small antenna. I realize it only carries audio but, maybe in future, sats (transponders) will become much more powerful so that, one day, we can mount a much smaller dish on our roof. Afterall all, I began with a 12 foot dish some 15 years ago.

The LNB5 antenna does not bother me so much. Replacing antennas and making more holes in my roof bothers me. I still have the foot and mast from the LNB3 sitting up there. If they come out with another antenna I will have two skeletons up on my roof.

Regarding the XM antenna, not only is it just audio but it is a single satellite. You do not need as much gain, or fade margin, or the wide view of multiple satellites in the sky that D* does.

bill: I understand sending audio only is a lot less demanding than sending audio plus video. But then, I began with a 12 foot dish and down, now, to 24 inches for dish size. We know things will change and it is difficult to realize the changes (in reception of audio/video) in the next 20 years or so. What is amazing about audio only satellite is that anywhere in USA (and into Canada) you can receive all this entertainment from one satellite.

As far as making holes in a roof, never a good idea. I have never made a hole in our roof.

foxeng,

Is the list you posted of the next 14 markets to get HD LIL sometime in 3rd Q 2006 official? I hadn't seen Portland, Maine so listed until you did so.

Dana

Odds are great you could put up the big dish without the 110/119 side LNBs in 2 years and not worry about them - however, as this is still in the footprint of the Big Dish, it won't reduce the size or windload.There was some advance info last year about a 25" x 29" prototype that will receive only 99,101,103. It is expected to be 5 lbs. lighter than the AT9 and will replace the 5LNB when 110 and 119 are reassigned to other duty.

foxeng,

Is the list you posted of the next 14 markets to get HD LIL sometime in 3rd Q 2006 official? I hadn't seen Portland, Maine so listed until you did so.

Dana


Read for yourself: From the DirecTV website

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=

Read for yourself: From the DirecTV website

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=850780&highlight=

Thanks. I'll let those who read the Portland, ME thread know.

Dana

Interesting that the press release indicates one has to purchase an H20 receiver. " Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations..."

That must be a PR writer's error.

Dana

Interesting that the press release indicates one has to purchase an H20 receiver. " Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations..."

That must be a PR writer's error.

Dana

IMO I don't think its a mistake. I 'paid' $200 (I think) for my first H20. They just gave me 'instant rebates' worth $200 for a net zero. The press release is just setting expectations for the public i.e. underpromise and overdeliver.

I think drbonbi is referring to the word "purchase," as opposed to the rental requirement that started March 1.

I think drbonbi is referring to the word "purchase," as opposed to the rental requirement that started March 1.

Correct.

Dana

Correct.

Dana

Ok I see what you mean. If an H20 is 'acquired' from a retail store like CC or BB and activated isn't that a purchase? I would think H20s are purchased from retail stores and leased from D*. If that is the case maybe they didn't want to bury the lead in the PR with confusing terminology and explanations?

You can buy your equipment from a retail store or lease the equipment from Directv, at the time being. In my opinion, it is better to lease as Directv will repair or replace any defective equipment. I have a feeling Directv would rather lease all the equipment at some point in the future.

Greetings
As you can see I am new to this forum.
I have a question about the guide on my H20-100 but first I'd like to apologize if it has been answered somewhere else in this thread....2800 posts are just too many for me to read without missing something.
Here's the question.
I've setup my receiver several times and selected satellite only. I do not have an OTA.
When I apply the HDTV channels filter of the guide my locals do not show up. I'm in the Chicago area and I do see them in the guide without filters applied. Is this normal or is it my machine?
Is there any way I can customize the preexisting filters to?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Ok I see what you mean. If an H20 is 'acquired' from a retail store like CC or BB and activated isn't that a purchase? I would think H20s are purchased from retail stores and leased from D*. If that is the case maybe they didn't want to bury the lead in the PR with confusing terminology and explanations?

If you look carefully at the CC web site, you will see that what you're buying is a lease, subject to a 100% refund by D*. My understanding is that D* went to a lease only plan as of March 1 to better compete with cable. No upfront cost for the box.

Dana

Ok I see what you mean. If an H20 is 'acquired' from a retail store like CC or BB and activated isn't that a purchase? I would think H20s are purchased from retail stores and leased from D*. If that is the case maybe they didn't want to bury the lead in the PR with confusing terminology and explanations?
I'm almost certain that people who got their H20 receivers after 2/28/2006 have leased units-- no matter where the people got them from.

That "mistake" in the D* press release is not too surprising to me. I was told by a D* CSR who admitted he knew nothing (before the March 1st transition from owned to leased) that the switch-over process from owned to leased was very confusing and that "no one at D* really knows what is going on".

So, the press release probably was simply an oversight? No big deal...

But, I still don't GET it. Who cares if their "owned" unit is listed as being leased by D*? If you "BOUGHT" it --- it is not leased no matter what the D* statements might indicate. And, for that matter, why even worry about not owning it. If you happen to "own" a H20-600 its value is almost nil... Unless you want to use it as a pancake griddle. :) (H20-100's were not available until after March 1st.)

I legally own my H20. Bought it before 3/1/2006. Never agreed or opted to lease it since then. But, it's listed as being a leased unit on my D* statement. :eek: Haven't lost a second of sleep either. In fact I [prefer leasing my D* equipment. Especially if the unlimited warranty claims are proven to be true. :D

As an update to a post I made last week. My H20-600 now is now 'seeing' all 5 orbital positions. My H20-100 says it 'see's only 4 (not SW2) satellites, even though I am getting a reading of 80 on transponder 4 and 100 on transponder 9 at the 99 degree slot. These readings are virtually identical to the SW2 readings I am getting on my 600 model.

Anyone have an explanation?

I have done numreous resets on setup, all to no avail.

This is standard when you have a plasma or lcd for say a 42" flat screen..all your locals will show as 4:3 unless the program is in HD, of course...this will be for all your HBO, STARZ channels also unless you program your H20 for stretch and this will fill your screen but the figures are somewhat distorted as they are wide-stretched acroos the screen...hope this helps..

Greetings
As you can see I am new to this forum.
I have a question about the guide on my H20-100 but first I'd like to apologize if it has been answered somewhere else in this thread....2800 posts are just too many for me to read without missing something.
Here's the question.
I've setup my receiver several times and selected satellite only. I do not have an OTA.
When I apply the HDTV channels filter of the guide my locals do not show up. I'm in the Chicago area and I do see them in the guide without filters applied. Is this normal or is it my machine?
Is there any way I can customize the preexisting filters to?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
My original H20-600 did not do this. But my H20-100 "HD" guide does the same thing yours does. D* said they would make a note of that "bug" and suggested I use one of the two custom guides until (or if ever) it is fixed...

The guide seems to behave a bit weirdly sometimes? But I really don't pay that close of attention to it. Might just be me who is weird? :)

OK, now, no more talk on whether equipment is owned or leased!

Now that I understand my menu it is really very good. And quite fast. Talking about model 100 here. It is really quite flexible (for lack of a better word). I am gaining confidence each day in both the 100 and 600 (h-200). One thing. for sure, the video is great on both receivers. I hope Directvs' upcoming HD recorder is as good on video/audio.

I moved, and DTV replaced my old Sony HD-200 with an H20-600. I already have an HR10-250 Tivo. I can't get the remote for the H20-600 to work the HR10-250. Does anyone know if it should? It says it will work with nerwer models only. I don't know if the HR10-250 is a "newer" model .

Another question. When set to RF does the remote output IR for the other devices?

BTW, so far, 2 days now, the H20-600 seams to work fine. That is what the installer brought with him. It downloaded new firmware on boot up. It does get hot and that will pose a furniture problem as I won't be able to put it where I wanted to.

... It [h20-600] does get hot and that will pose a furniture problem as I won't be able to put it where I wanted to.
If it's running hot, I would call D* and request a replacement.

You should leave plenty of space around any HD STB to allow good airflow. Top of the equipment stack is best.

Can you guys do a quick check of what transponders you see active on 103 - Net 11?

I am trying to narrow down something that seems like it might be interesting to you all, but I'd like to confirm it first.

If you could post the transponders that look hot, the transponders that you might have a weaker signal on and the Television Market DMA, it would be appreciated.

I am particularly curious as to T-21 and T-29 and need to eliminate one of the 2 from the equation.

I have a new H20-600 and receive the local OTA major networks fine. I was looking at the local CBS picuture on the HD from satellite and saw artifacts in the image. I receive the same station OTA and that shows no artifacts.

Are the artifacts a characteristic of the MPEG 4 coding or is there something else going on.

HDTVFanAtic,
You might want to post your question over in the MPEG4 Installation/Hardware thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501777).

HDTVFanAtic,
You might want to post your question over in the MPEG4 Installation/Hardware thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501777).

Thanks, but I have tried in several places that too many peeps with no info (and probably no H20) chime in. I *assume* most here this deep into this thread probably have a H20, the only unit you could check this on, so I thought I might attempt to ask it here and see if I could get some responses.

Thanks, but I have tried in several places that too many peeps with no info (and probably no H20) chime in. I *assume* most here this deep into this thread probably have a H20, the only unit you could check this on, so I thought I might attempt to ask it here and see if I could get some responses.
Sorry I can't help you... But, I really have no idea what you are talking about.

My advice? Make sure the receiver is plugged in! :D

Someone lurking probably can help you though... Seems like a perfectly appropriate question to me. But, then, what do I know? :)

I hope Directvs' upcoming HD recorder is as good on video/audio.
I'll second that! Hopefully we will find out soon too? :)

Now then, getting back to leased vs. owned... :D

jgro: The picture from h-20 receiver (MPEG4) should be 'about the same' as the picture from OTA. It should be clean and clear. If you see something that should not be there, the incoming signal may not be as strong as it should be. Check out the signal strength on the HD transponders. Even my SD signal (from locals) (Directv) is 'about the same' as SD locals over OTA. This is the MPEG2 system and the MPEG4 system should be of same quality.

hello all,
I'm new to this HDTV thing. I just bought an HDTV last month. My satellite provider is D*. My satellite receiver is Samsung SIR-S300W non HD. Before the purchase of my HDTV my local channels was thru D*. But after reading some post around different forum, I decided to get an outdoor antenna for my local channels (the picture quality is amazing compare to the one that I subscribing from D*) and cancel my local channels subscription thru D*. Now my question are, what benefit I can get if I buy the HD receiver like the H20-600? If I get the H20 receiver I'm not planning on subscribing on HD package because I think its not worth paying $10.00/mo for like 7 channels. And my other question is I have an HBO subcription from D*, can I get the HBO HD with this subscription, or still need to get the HD package? Thanks for any info. The more I read the more I get confuse.

If you get an H20, you can receive the HD locals you get OTA (OverTheAir with antenna) through the H20. That means you won't have to switch between sat & TV inputs to watch local OTA or sat channels. The H20 also has a built in program guide for local OTA channels that is integrated into the regular D* program guide.

Another possible advantage is improved picture quality on all D* channels. And if you subscribe to HBO, HBO-HD will automatically be added to your channel list on channel 70, regardless of whether you subscribe to the HD package or not.

If you have a single LNB dish now, you will need a 3LNB dish to receive HBO-HD. And if you want your HD locals from D* (if avail now or if added later), you'll need a 5LNB dish. See this link (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/directv_dish_antenna_types.asp) for types of dishes.

Call 800 824-9081 and ask D* what kind of deal they can give you on an H20 receiver (and dish upgrade if needed). If you tell them you're considering switching to cable, they will usually give you a better deal - especially if you currently $ubscribe to extra programming like HBO, etc. They don't like to lose their best customers.

A good deal on an H20 will require a 2yr subscription to TotalChoice package and you may have to sign up for the HD package. It's usually free for 3 months and there's no commitment to keep it. Just unsubscribe online after the free period ends.

jgro: The picture from h-20 receiver (MPEG4) should be 'about the same' as the picture from OTA. It should be clean and clear. If you see something that should not be there, the incoming signal may not be as strong as it should be. Check out the signal strength on the HD transponders. Even my SD signal (from locals) (Directv) is 'about the same' as SD locals over OTA. This is the MPEG2 system and the MPEG4 system should be of same quality.

Poppycock. There are numerous persistent problems with audio/video drops, flickering, artifacts, with mpeg 4 stations in various markets. I have a signal strength in the 90s for the hd locals satellite, yet it doesn't help when cbs 4 out of boston has had technical problems affecting PQ for the last month. And I still think you can see evidence of compression moreso than with OTA.

I don't have MPEG4 locals yet, but has anyone determined if D* is downrezzing them from 1920x1080i to 1280x1080i like they do on MPEG2? If so, I'm not going to bother w/ the MPEG4 dish upgrade if the resolution is as low as their MPEG2 HD channels. I'll just keep OTA.

Poppycock. There are numerous persistent problems with audio/video drops, flickering, artifacts, with mpeg 4 stations in various markets. I have a signal strength in the 90s for the hd locals satellite, yet it doesn't help when cbs 4 out of boston has had technical problems affecting PQ for the last month. And I still think you can see evidence of compression moreso than with OTA.
Poppycock? :D I love it...

I have to agree with you that my reception of Mpeg4 is definitely NOT flawless... Many glitches, twitches, artifacts and drop-outs in both audio and video... Otherwise though, the PQ is fantastic!

But then again, my D* satelite reception has NEVER been flawless. Over the years it has, at times, even been terrible... even before the advent of Mpge4. Is the new Mpeg4 unacceptably poor quality? Not in my opinion. :)

It might even get better some day?

Thanks for your reply. I like the idea of my local OTA channels will be integrated into the regular D* program guide. And getting the HBo-HD. Right now my dish is 3LNB. Walmart has D* HD20 receiver for $98.74 + tax to be exact. If I buy this receiver and activated it, this is consider my receiver not a lease, right? I went to D* website and they talking about leasing the equipment for $4.99/mo.

If you get an H20, you can receive the HD locals you get OTA (OverTheAir with antenna) through the H20. That means you won't have to switch between sat & TV inputs to watch local OTA or sat channels. The H20 also has a built in program guide for local OTA channels that is integrated into the regular D* program guide.

Another possible advantage is improved picture quality on all D* channels. And if you subscribe to HBO, HBO-HD will automatically be added to your channel list on channel 70, regardless of whether you subscribe to the HD package or not.

If you have a single LNB dish now, you will need a 3LNB dish to receive HBO-HD. And if you want your HD locals from D* (if avail now or if added later), you'll need a 5LNB dish. See this link (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/directv_dish_antenna_types.asp) for types of dishes.

Call 800 824-9081 and ask D* what kind of deal they can give you on an H20 receiver (and dish upgrade if needed). If you tell them you're considering switching to cable, they will usually give you a better deal - especially if you currently $ubscribe to extra programming like HBO, etc. They don't like to lose their best customers.

A good deal on an H20 will require a 2yr subscription to TotalChoice package and you may have to sign up for the HD package. It's usually free for 3 months and there's no commitment to keep it. Just unsubscribe online after the free period ends.

My original H20-600 did not do this. But my H20-100 "HD" guide does the same thing yours does. D* said they would make a note of that "bug" and suggested I use one of the two custom guides until (or if ever) it is fixed...

The guide seems to behave a bit weirdly sometimes? But I really don't pay that close of attention to it. Might just be me who is weird? :)
Thanks :)
As long as I know it's not my receiver I can live with it. And my 600 like yours did not do this.
I do wish the standard guide filters could be customized tho!!

If I buy this receiver and activated it, this is consider my receiver not a lease, right? I went to D* website and they talking about leasing the equipment for $4.99/mo.
Oh no, here we go again. :) Hope this helps...

I'd strongly recommend first checking with D* before paying for a unit at Walmart (or anywhere else). I got mine directly from D*. After rebates my NET cost was something like $14.95? Forget exactly... Not sure what the pricing is now. No charge for the receiver itself? Maybe?

D* considers all units acquired after March 1, 2006 to be leased. IMHO, leasing a unit is best anyways. Even if you had a choice, which you don't, leased units have a lifetime replacement warranty. Owned units had a 90-day warranty. I think... :)

The actual monthly cost is the same either way. No extra charge if you have only ONE unit. Or, if you have more than one receiver, there is a $4.99 lease fee. Used to be that owned units had a monthly $4,99 "mirroring" fee, It's a wash.

Another 600 vs 100 story here:

Got my 5 LNB Dish and a H20-600 about a month ago, connected to my new HD Samsung. During the initial installation, I bought an HDMI cable off the truck of the installer for $40.00. Seemed like a good deal.

Over time, the 600 box started to just sort of "turn off" and give a message that there was an invalid access card. A simple turn off and turn on would resolve the issue, but there was no telling when it would happen, and since I like to record things when no one's home, you can't have that, so I called and requested replacement. The 600 ran very hot by the way, but the picture was good. HDMI worked great.

Got my new box yesterday, an H20-100. Replaced cables exactly as they were, and called D* to activate. We were having some issues with activation, but got through it with one problem: Over HDMI, the picture would start, stop, start, stop etc, every 2 seconds. I was on with tech support by this point. I had a set of component cables in close proximity, so we used those, and it performed flawlessly.

The tech suggested the cable might be bad, that they were very brittle, and that he doesn't like them.

Well, that was enough to get me off the phone, but I am wondering how a cable goes from good to bad that fast, It seems to me there is a strong chance that the HDMI output on the box is no good. I intend to find out this weekend, by testing the HDMI Cable on my brothers set up.

Anyone else have an issue with the HDMI out on their H20?

BTW, I should point out that I have a background in Call Center management, and D* does a very nice job of answering calls quickly and politely. Tech guy was also very good, knowledgeable and easy to work with. I'm just not sure if he's right about that cable. But then, D* doesn't supply those cables....

And the 100 is MUCH cooler running...and the menus are faster.

...Walmart has D* HD20 receiver for $98.74 + tax to be exact. If I buy this receiver and activated it, this is consider my receiver not a lease, right?Wrong.

It would be a leased receiver. Bit of you only have ONE receiver on your account there is no lease fee. For each additional receiver except the first one, there is a $4.99/month extra charge. In the past, it was called a "mirroring" fee. Now, it's called a "lease" fee. Same cost as before. Only differences: D* will replace a defective leased receiver at no charge, and you must return all leased equipment if you terminate service.

Call D* at the number I posted above for a better deal.


[please bottom post like the majority do in this forum]

Another 600 vs 100 story here:

The tech suggested the cable might be bad, that they were very brittle, and that he doesn't like them. Well, that was enough to get me off the phone...

Tech guy was also very good, knowledgeable and easy to work with. I'm just not sure if he's right about that cable. But then, D* doesn't supply those cables...
You're right to question the tech's suggestion... Sounds "questionable" to me too. He "could" be correct, but...

Why not go buy a horribly expensive Monster Cable and try it? If it fixes your problem --- great. If it doesn't return it.

I bought my HDMI cable from a forum sponsor (MonoPrice.com) and it cost less than half what you paid for yours. MThe monoprice cable is terrific. Leastwise it hasn't given me trouble, yet! :D

I might well be wrong, but it seems to me that ocassionally tech support reps tell you anything just to "solve" their problem. Their problem being that you called them. ;)

But, having said that, the trouble you're having could be caused by many different things... Even a bad cable...

The CSRs at D* are some of the friendliest I've ever dealt with. And they try hard to help, usually...

Wrong. It would be a leased receiver.

[please bottom post like the majority do in this forum]
Wanna make a small wager on that? :D

Who told you that? If you check, you'll discover that as of March 1, 2006 when people "buy" a unit at a retail store, they are actually just buying the right to lease the unit from D*. You have to read the small print... ;)

And, what exactly is a "bottom post"?

You're right to question the tech's suggestion... Sounds "questionable" to me too. He "could" be correct, but...

Why not go buy a horribly expensive Monster Cable and try it? If it fixes your problem --- great. If it doesn't return it.

I bought my HDMI cable from a forum sponsor (MonoPrice.com) and it cost less than half what you paid for yours. MThe monoprice cable is terrific. Leastwise it hasn't given me trouble, yet! :D

I might well be wrong, but it seems to me that ocassionally tech support reps tell you anything just to "solve" their problem. Their problem being that you called them. ;)

But, having said that, the trouble you're having could be caused by many different things... Even a bad cable...

The CSRs at D* are some of the friendliest I've ever dealt with. And they try hard to help, usually...

To be fair, he got me up and running with cables supplied by D*. I will test my cable.

Seems to me that a cable that worked at 5:15 pm on one box and doesn't work at 5:20 on the other would point to the box as much as the cable.

It would be a hassle to change boxes again (channels lists, parental controls, etc) but I'd like to have that Component output available for other uses. If the cable works on my brothers machine, I'm afraid another change is in order.

Wanna make a small wager on that? Fobe, I was referring to meg3020's post, not yours, re the walmart box: "If I buy this receiver and activated it, this is consider my receiver not a lease, right? "

It would be a leased receiver, not an owned one.

Bottom posting is posting your reply at the bottom of quoted text you're replying to. It is the usual reply format for most BBS forums. meg3020 was top posting (reply above the quoted post).

Originally posted by jgrobertson

I moved, and DTV replaced my old Sony HD-200 with an H20-600. I already have an HR10-250 Tivo. I can't get the remote for the H20-600 to work the HR10-250. Does anyone know if it should? It says it will work with nerwer models only. I don't know if the HR10-250 is a "newer" model .
Yes, download the Directv Universal Remote Control manual from the D* webite (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/Manuals.jsp) . Use code for HNS DVR's 01442 on either AV1 or AV2. Note there are no Live TV or clear buttons on the new remote. everything else works.

I guess I don't have a choice but lease the receiver (unless I buy it from an individual that switch to different provider). Did I understand it correctly, that my monthly bill will be same if I only have one receiver in the house? I'm not going to see that $4.99/mo lease fee? Another question, how can I connect my 2 std tv to this receiver? I don't mind watching the same channel in all the tv. We all watch in the same room anyway. Again thanks for all the info. Great forum.

By the way I called D* for upgrade(HD receiver), they want $99.00 + $14.95 S+H. NO rebates, nothing. No consideration if you are a loyal customer for more than 10yrs.

Oh no, here we go again. :) Hope this helps...

I'd strongly recommend first checking with D* before paying for a unit at Walmart (or anywhere else). I got mine directly from D*. After rebates my NET cost was something like $14.95? Forget exactly... Not sure what the pricing is now. No charge for the receiver itself? Maybe?

D* considers all units acquired after March 1, 2006 to be leased. IMHO, leasing a unit is best anyways. Even if you had a choice, which you don't, leased units have a lifetime replacement warranty. Owned units had a 90-day warranty. I think... :)

The actual monthly cost is the same either way. No extra charge if you have only ONE unit. Or, if you have more than one receiver, there is a $4.99 lease fee. Used to be that owned units had a monthly $4,99 "mirroring" fee, It's a wash.

...
By the way I called D* for upgrade(HD receiver), they want $99.00 + $14.95 S+H. NO rebates, nothing. No consideration if you are a loyal customer for more than 10yrs.

Call again and get a better informed CSR. Here's what D* says on its web site http://www.directv.com/see/landing/hdrebate_prosp.html

"The ultimate entertainment experience is within your reach. Get a FREE lease upgrade to an HD Receiver after $99 instant online rebate. Requires 2 year programming commitment. Subscription to the DIRECTV® HD Package required. Equipment return required upon disconnect."

Dana

How can I tell if this offer apply for an existing customer?

Call again and get a better informed CSR. Here's what D* says on its web site http://www.directv.com/see/landing/hdrebate_prosp.html

"The ultimate entertainment experience is within your reach. Get a FREE lease upgrade to an HD Receiver after $99 instant online rebate. Requires 2 year programming commitment. Subscription to the DIRECTV® HD Package required. Equipment return required upon disconnect."

Dana

You have a point. Various fine print indicates the rebate offer is for "new" customers. Reports earlier on this thread indicate that D* interprets this to mean "new to leasing" and has offered the rebate to existing D* customers who are upgrading.

Call cust retention at 800-824-9081 and ask what they can do for a loyal 10 yr. D* customer in good standing. My guess is you'll get the rebate.

Dana

You have a point. Various fine print indicates the rebate offer is for "new" customers. Reports earlier on this thread indicate that D* interprets this to mean "new to leasing" and has offered the rebate to existing D* customers who are upgrading.

Call cust retention at 800-824-9081 and ask what they can do for a loyal 10 yr. D* customer in good standing. My guess is you'll get the rebate.

Dana

Exactly correct. After reading all these threads, I did just that. I had the "lease" upgrade and was charged $99. After speaking to customer care they just credited my account $100. (they commented I had been a loyal customer in good standing).

How can I tell if this offer apply for an existing customer?

You don't, but everything is negotiable, particularly if you have been with them a while, pay your bill on time, and spend more than the basic $45 package. Give them a call and ask for a free upgrade to HD. If they try to charge you more than $15 after you make your best points, hang up politely and call back again. You will likely not be able get the 2 year commitment waived however.

Ok, I will going to call the customer rentention and ask for a free ugrade. I will update you. thanks again for all the good advice.

As mentioned many times, your upgrade to MPEG4 from MPEG2 should cost you -zero-. That is exactly what I paid (for 2 receivers). It may take a little 'doing'; that is true. And you may have to go thru 3 or 4 Customer relations people. But zero cost, to me, is well worth it.

I have a new H20-600 and receive the local OTA major networks fine. I was looking at the local CBS picuture on the HD from satellite and saw artifacts in the image. I receive the same station OTA and that shows no artifacts.

Are the artifacts a characteristic of the MPEG 4 coding or is there something else going on.

That is one of several issues people are seeing.

Fobe, I was referring to meg3020's post, not yours, re the walmart box: "If I buy this receiver and activated it, this is consider my receiver not a lease, right? " It would be a leased receiver, not an owned one. Bottom posting is posting your reply at the bottom of quoted text you're replying to. It is the usual reply format for most BBS forums. meg3020 was top posting (reply above the quoted post).
Ahhh, I see now... Must be my bad eyesight? :) Think I'll go finish the rest of that bottle of wine now. :D

HDTVFanAtic...also sent this PM...will post in case anyone is interested.

Here in Motown...

103 Network 14 as follows:

Transponders:
3 (53) 5 (80) 7 (55) 9(85) 13 (85) 15 (54)

103 Network 14 None
----------------------------------------------
99 Network 10 None

99 Network 11 as follows:

Transponders:

15 (35) 19 (45)

-Darren (proc)

I guess I don't have a choice but lease the receiver (unless I buy it from an individual that switch to different provider). Did I understand it correctly, that my monthly bill will be same if I only have one receiver in the house? I'm not going to see that $4.99/mo lease fee? Another question, how can I connect my 2 std tv to this receiver? I don't mind watching the same channel in all the tv. We all watch in the same room anyway. Again thanks for all the info. Great forum.

By the way I called D* for upgrade(HD receiver), they want $99.00 + $14.95 S+H. NO rebates, nothing. No consideration if you are a loyal customer for more than 10yrs.
You obviously didn't call the number everyone has been telling you to call. Call CUSTOMER RETENTION. The number is in several posts. Tell them how long you've been w/ D* and threaten to switch to cable or dish. They'll very likely give you the H20 and a 5LNB dish at little or no cost.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE RECEIVER, YOUR MONTHLY BILL IS THE SAME WHETHER YOU OWN OR LEASE THE RECEIVER

[jeez]

meg2030: Run another line from your switch box to the second receiver. Might as well be able to get different programming on that second receiver.

Hello all,
I called the number that everybody told to me call, got the receiver for free and 3mos HD package for free. I only pay the S+H. Also they will upgrade my 3LNB to 5LNB. Is it possible to hook up 2 STD tv and 1 HDTV to this receiver? Also I have an outdoor antenna for my local channels. Can I ask the installer to hook up all my tvs to the receiver and antenna so I can use the tv in any room. Is this included in the installation? Again many thanks for the good advice.

Hello all,
I called the number that everybody told to me call, got the receiver for free and 3mos HD package for free. I only pay the S+H. Also they will upgrade my 3LNB to 5LNB. Is it possible to hook up 2 STD tv and 1 HDTV to this receiver? Also I have an outdoor antenna for my local channels. Can I ask the installer to hook up all my tvs to the receiver and antenna so I can use the tv in any room. Is this included in the installation? Again many thanks for the good advice.
Congrats meg... The AVS forum comes through again... :)

Did they tell you about the free toaster? ;)

Not sure about connecting tv sets in different rooms... If you have satellite receivers in different rooms they would connect those, but I wonder about connecting TV's without individual receivers. In my case, I have three receivers and they installed a multiswitch that allows all three receivers to be connected to the new 5LNB dish.

I think the idea is that D* would "like" for you to have a different sat receiver for each TV. Which is where the fee for additional receivers comes in. For an extra $4.99 per month you can add an additional receiver (or three or four, etc) to your account. Then you can watch different programming at the same time on different TVs. Not mandatory but what the heck? It's ONLY $4.99. :D

If you subscribe to any premium channels like HBO etc, those channels are available at each separate sat receiver. No extra charge for that. I'm anxiously waiting for the D* HD personal video recorder (PVR) to be available from D*. That'll be an additional receiver to what I currently have and cost me $4.99 more per month BUT worth every penny of it.

Something you might want to consider? Or maybe not...

The installer should hook up your outside antenna too. You probably have the coax run from your antenna to your TV already, anyways? So no biggie there.

If you ask nicely maybe the D* tech will even mow your grass? YMMV. :cool:

hmmm, I forgot to ask the free toaster!!! :D :D :D And thanks for reminding me to ask the tech if he can cut my grass :p . In my situation 1 receiver is enough, but I told the rep to tell the tech to install my other receiver to another room in case I needed it. Now the only thing I need to know is if it is possible to hook up all my tvs in different room to the new HD receiver and my outdoor antenna. Bravo AVS forum ;)



Congrats meg... The AVS forum comes through again... :)

Did they tell you about the free toaster? ;)

Not sure about connecting tv sets in different rooms... If you have satellite receivers in different rooms they would connect those, but I wonder about connecting TV's without individual receivers. In my case, I have three receivers and they installed a multiswitch that allows all three receivers to be connected to the new 5LNB dish.

I think the idea is that D* would "like" for you to have a different sat receiver for each TV. Which is where the fee for additional receivers comes in. For an extra $4.99 per month you can add an additional receiver (or three or four, etc) to your account. Then you can watch different programming at the same time on different TVs. Not mandatory but what the heck? It's ONLY $4.99. :D

If you subscribe to any premium channels like HBO etc, those channels are available at each separate sat receiver. No extra charge for that. I'm anxiously waiting for the D* HD personal video recorder (PVR) to be available from D*. That'll be an additional receiver to what I currently have and cost me $4.99 more per month BUT worth every penny of it.

Something you might want to consider? Or maybe not...

The installer should hook up your outside antenna too. You probably have the coax run from your antenna to your TV already, anyways? So no biggie there.

If you ask nicely maybe the D* tech will even mow your grass? YMMV. :cool:

hmmm, I forgot to ask the free toaster!!! :D :D :D And thanks for reminding me to ask the tech if he can cut my grass :p . In my situation 1 receiver is enough, but I told the rep to tell the tech to install my other receiver to another room in case I needed it. Now the only thing I need to know is if it is possible to hook up all my tvs in different room to the new HD receiver and my outdoor antenna. Bravo AVS forum ;)
The problem is the H20 does not have an RF out . That is somewhat logical considering the application but I think as least some of it has to do with people doing what you (and I) want to do. You can put an RF modulater on the analog outputs of the H20 but that still doesnt get your antenna signal on the line. (no pass through)

... Is it possible to hook up 2 STD tv and 1 HDTV to this receiver? Also I have an outdoor antenna for my local channels. Can I ask the installer to hook up all my tvs to the receiver and antenna so I can use the tv in any room.
The easiest way to run the H20 to additional SDTVs is to connect the extra A/V jacks to a VCR, then run coax from the VCR's "out to TV" (ch3/4 RF OUT) jack daisychained to the other TVs. Then tune those TVs to ch 3 or 4 to view the HD receiver's programming. You'll need to turn the VCR on to enable the RF modulator in it.

The installer may (or may not) connect your outdoor antenna, depending on the difficulty. They may also charge extra to connect it to additional TVs. You'll just have to ask them.

I bought my HDMI cable from a forum sponsor (MonoPrice.com) and it cost less than half what you paid for yours. MThe monoprice cable is terrific. Leastwise it hasn't given me trouble, yet! :D

.

Thanks to your post, I checked out MonoPrice.com. They have great prices. What is your opinion of the various cable qualities?

Joe

While I don't own any monoprice cables myself, they are highly praised on a couple of other AVS threads I follow. In one instance, a user cut a couple of them apart to compare with other, much higher cost cables. Monoprice was their equal if not superior. Apparently, OPPO Digital uses them as OEM cables.

Dana

Thanks to your post, I checked out MonoPrice.com. They have great prices. What is your opinion of the various cable qualities? Joe
Glad my post helped... Not only are they great cables, but they're sold by AVSforum sponsors... Always nice to support the people who help support this forum.

As is generally the case with me, I opted for over-kill and got the highest priced (best quality?) Monoprice cables... They're the thicker cables with the woven jackets...

I am most impressed. Other than the D* service trying to blame the H20-600 malfunctions on my HDMI cable --- I couldn't be happier. By the way, the service tech blamed my problems on eveything but the receiver --- including my septic tank! :eek: :D

I can't say for sure that better quality cables are all-important (although I do believe so) but, I can say that in my opinion, it would be tough to beat the monoprice cables. (Now then, where's my kickback ;) )

Can you guys do a quick check of what transponders you see active on 103 - Net 11?

I am trying to narrow down something that seems like it might be interesting to you all, but I'd like to confirm it first.

If you could post the transponders that look hot, the transponders that you might have a weaker signal on and the Television Market DMA, it would be appreciated.

I am particularly curious as to T-21 and T-29 and need to eliminate one of the 2 from the equation.

Mine is Satellite 103 (Net 14) with 5 transponders pulling in numbers.
t-21 and t-29 are both at 0
t-3 is at 94, t-6=86, t-7=95, t-14=94, t-15=100
I don't know what a DMA is though.

From Wikipedia "A Designated Market Area (DMA) is a group of counties in the United States that are covered by a specific group of television stations. The term was coined by Nielsen Media Research, and they control the trademark on it. There are 210 DMAs in the United States."

I'd like to know what HDTVFanAtic has in mind with all this research.

Dana

Maybe he's trying to figure out what MPEG4 xpndrs serve particular DMAs (http://www.truckads.com/licensed_affiliates1.asp#usamap).

For what its worth, I know they really like the term DMA on this forum. It is a term coined and used by Nielsen Media Research. However, the FCC does not use the term or this map, even though they refer to it. Instead they use MTA (Major Trading Area), BTA (Basic), TMA (Television Market Area), CMA (Cellular), and several others. These area maps are used in the process of licensing for radio spectrum. Licenses are purchased and/or granted based on these maps. Each one is derived from a different data source for different needs.

See maps of them all here.

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/maps/areas/

Hi all,

I have all my own equipment. H20 receiver and at9 dish.My question is when i log onto my account it says that I am leasing the equipment. How can they say that when I own it? Is there a number I can call to get them to change my status to owner? Thanks for any information you can provide me.

Hi all,

I have all my own equipment. H20 receiver and at9 dish.My question is when i log onto my account it says that I am leasing the equipment. How can they say that when I own it? Is there a number I can call to get them to change my status to owner? Thanks for any information you can provide me.

Unfortunately nope. Dtv owns your box and you're required to pay a $4.99/month to lease it (additional room).

Thats not true at all. It depends on when you received the equiptment and under what circumstances. I have an H20 also and I own it.

Hi all,

I have all my own equipment. H20 receiver and at9 dish.My question is when i log onto my account it says that I am leasing the equipment. How can they say that when I own it? Is there a number I can call to get them to change my status to owner? Thanks for any information you can provide me.They made the same mistake on my account. It took 2 e-mails, but they finally corrected my account listing. I got a free 5-year warranty when I bought my H20 from Value Electronics, so there is no reason I would want to start "renting" it.

... I have all my own equipment. H20 receiver and at9 dish.My question is when i log onto my account it says that I am leasing the equipment. How can they say that when I own it? Is there a number I can call to get them to change my status to owner? When did you activate your H20? If it was after March 1, you are in the lease program, if it was before March 1, you own the H20. Monthly cost is the same and leased receivers will be replaced at no charge, if defective. Only other difference is if you cancel service you'll have to return leased receivers (not dishes) to D* when service is disconnected. If you own them, they're yours to keep as a nice doorstop.

If you activated your H20 before March 1 but D* shows you leasing, call Customer Retention at:
800 824-9081
if you want to be switched back to owned equipment.

Can the H20 be used as just an OTA HD tuner if you don't subscribe to DirecTV or have a sat dish hooked up to it? Thanks.

Can the H20 be used as just an OTA HD tuner if you don't subscribe to DirecTV or have a sat dish hooked up to it? Thanks.


No.

OK, thanks. Any suggestions for ones that can or a cheap OTA HD tuner only?

OK, thanks. Any suggestions for ones that can or a cheap OTA HD tuner only?
http://www.epvision.com/

Another 600 vs 100 story here:

Got my 5 LNB Dish and a H20-600 about a month ago, connected to my new HD Samsung. During the initial installation, I bought an HDMI cable off the truck of the installer for $40.00. Seemed like a good deal.

Over time, the 600 box started to just sort of "turn off" and give a message that there was an invalid access card. A simple turn off and turn on would resolve the issue, but there was no telling when it would happen, and since I like to record things when no one's home, you can't have that, so I called and requested replacement. The 600 ran very hot by the way, but the picture was good. HDMI worked great.

Got my new box yesterday, an H20-100. Replaced cables exactly as they were, and called D* to activate. We were having some issues with activation, but got through it with one problem: Over HDMI, the picture would start, stop, start, stop etc, every 2 seconds. I was on with tech support by this point. I had a set of component cables in close proximity, so we used those, and it performed flawlessly.

The tech suggested the cable might be bad, that they were very brittle, and that he doesn't like them.

Well, that was enough to get me off the phone, but I am wondering how a cable goes from good to bad that fast, It seems to me there is a strong chance that the HDMI output on the box is no good. I intend to find out this weekend, by testing the HDMI Cable on my brothers set up.

Anyone else have an issue with the HDMI out on their H20?

BTW, I should point out that I have a background in Call Center management, and D* does a very nice job of answering calls quickly and politely. Tech guy was also very good, knowledgeable and easy to work with. I'm just not sure if he's right about that cable. But then, D* doesn't supply those cables....

And the 100 is MUCH cooler running...and the menus are faster.

To follow up on my own post:

My HDMI cable worked flawlessly on my brothers D* TV setup - H20-600.

To summarize, it worked flawlessly on my original H20-600 until that box was replaced by a H20-100. It works flawlessly on another set up.

I've unplugged everything, power included in box and TV, and reconnected. No go on HDMI.

Seems to me the box is the problem here, and unless there's another way, I'll have to call D* and get another one.

To follow up on my own post:

My HDMI cable worked flawlessly on my brothers D* TV setup - H20-600.

To summarize, it worked flawlessly on my original H20-600 until that box was replaced by a H20-100. It works flawlessly on another set up.

I've unplugged everything, power included in box and TV, and reconnected. No go on HDMI.

Seems to me the box is the problem here, and unless there's another way, I'll have to call D* and get another one.
It would be a lot of trouble, but is it possible to bring your brother's H20-600 to your house and test the cable using his receiver and your TV?

It would be a lot of trouble, but is it possible to bring your brother's H20-600 to your house and test the cable using his receiver and your TV?

Well, "It would be a lot of trouble". ;)

I'm not sure if I'll get the chance. His set up is not as accessible as mine is, nor is he as adventurous.

Query for you all.

I finally finished my basement and stocked it with some new electornics. One piece that was not new was my STB, as I await the new MPEG4 DVR. So I moved my H20-100 and it began to acquire sat. It went until about 37% or so and then quickly jumped to 100%. The channel banner appeared at the top of the screen(listing 9-1 for my OTA). I could get no picture or sound anywhere. So, I reset, same thing. Unplugged, same thing. Took it back to the TV I had it on before it got to the 37% mark or so and did the same thing, EXCEPT everything was fine. All my channels, video and audio etc.


So I move my H20-600 down to my new set up and it downloads the first time and is working fine(and of course hot).

Can anyone explain what's going on?

Is it just OTA channels you're having trouble with using the H20-100 in the basement?

No, I can't get any picture or sound at all. From the SAT or over the air.

How is the receiver connected to the TV?

How is the receiver connected to the TV?


Via HDMI. However, I assumed since I was getting the acquiring data screen and then the channel banner on the top that HDMI wasn't the problem. Like I said, I hooked up the H20-600 and it was fine.

Via HDMI. However, I assumed since I was getting the acquiring data screen and then the channel banner on the top that HDMI wasn't the problem. Like I said, I hooked up the H20-600 and it was fine.
Yeah I see that now. I missed it before, sorry. So you have 2 TV's and 2 H20's, the 600 works fine on both TV's and the 100 works OK on 1 TV and on the other it gives you just a black screen with no audio Am I seeing your problem correctly? I assume you use HDMI connections on both TV's, right?

Via HDMI. However, I assumed since I was getting the acquiring data screen and then the channel banner on the top that HDMI wasn't the problem....
To rule out some weird HDMI problem, try connecting via component cable and see what you get. If still no luck, it could be a borderline bad coax or connector between the dish and the basement TV.

Yeah I see that now. I missed it before, sorry. So you have 2 TV's and 2 H20's, the 600 works fine on both TV's and the 100 works OK on 1 TV and on the other it gives you just a black screen with no audio Am I seeing your problem correctly? I assume you use HDMI connections on both TV's, right?


Yes that is correct. The only difference is that the TV that the 100 works on is via DVI, so I have a DVI/HDMI adapter.

To rule out some weird HDMI problem, try connecting via component cable and see what you get. If still no luck, it could be a borderline bad coax or connector between the dish and the basement TV.


Yeah, I'll give that a try the evening. I also plan on redoing the coax connectors this weekend.

Hi all I have D-tv coming out tomorrow to install a H20 and I was really hoping to get a HD DVR 10-250 but they were not as accomidating as I had hoped. Anyway is the H20 as good as the 10-250 as far as reception and upconverting SD channels? How much of a hasstle will it be to retain a standard tivo unit hooked up as well? Should I wait for the fall and get the new DVR and make do with the H20 or just bite the bullet and get the 10-250? Thanks

The H20-600, made by LG has one of, if not the best OTA tuners available. It uses the LG 5th generation OTA tuner chipset. The tuner in the H20-100, made by Thomson/RCA, is good, but not as good as the LG model. I've had both and there is a difference in tuner sensitivity between the two. It's a crap shoot as to which one you'll get...

I've never had a 10-250, but I've heard it has an older type OTA tuner chipset that isn't as sensitive at the H20s.

I've had my H20 for about 6 weeks now and experiencing a persistant problem. A couple of times a week when I click onto a OTA HD station it is no longer there. I go into the menu and bring up my custom list and the box is no longer check marked. I re check mark the box and all is fine for a few days and then it happens again. All local HD channels are effected randomly. I called D twice and they are clueless.

Thanks for the reply, well I got my H20 today and its a 600 model. I was happy to see that and the PQ is awesome. Looking forward to a few more HD channels.

I've had my H20 for about 6 weeks now and experiencing a persistant problem. A couple of times a week when I click onto a OTA HD station it is no longer there. I go into the menu and bring up my custom list and the box is no longer check marked. I re check mark the box and all is fine for a few days and then it happens again. All local HD channels are effected randomly. I called D twice and they are clueless.
This is caused by your local stations. Whenever there is a glitch in their signal the D* box drops it from the custom menu and it would need to be manually reinserted. The H20 is very intolerant of glitches it receive from OTA.

I have the same problem with a certain station. it broadcasts 3 sub channels and one of the three channels is missing from the channel guide almost every day.

it's a station problem (PSIP).

Yeah, I'll give that a try the evening. I also plan on redoing the coax connectors this weekend.
You could check signal strength at each location using the 600 and compare the two. This might tell you if you have coax problems.

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, the update you requested: It's been ten days and my refurbished H20-600 has been working very well. And it's not as hot as the original 600 I had. I have no intentions or returning it at this time.

Bill, the update you requested: It's been ten days and my refurbished H20-600 has been working very well. And it's not as hot as the original 600 I had. I have no intentions or returning it at this time.
Is the guide just as slow??

Bill, the update you requested: It's been ten days and my refurbished H20-600 has been working very well. And it's not as hot as the original 600 I had. I have no intentions or returning it at this time.
Did they fix the sluggish menu on your refurb -600?

My opinioin - it's faster, but still sluggish.

My opinioin - it's faster, but still sluggish.

When you get a chance let us know which firmware version you have, just to make sure.

Is there an update yet for H20 100?

Is there an update yet for H20 100?

Not that I know of. My 100 is still running the original firmware. I even keep my 100 on all the time now, just so it won't miss one if it is broadcast.

As good as my -100 is working, I could easily get along without any updates.

Is there an update yet for H20 100?

I don't think so. My H20-100 still has the original firmware.

Not that I know of. My 100 is still running the original firmware. I even keep my 100 on all the time now, just so it won't miss one if it is broadcast.
As long as the receiver is plugged in and connected to the 101° sat, it will receive firmware updates, regardless of whether you have it "on" or "off"...

As long as the receiver is plugged in and connected to the 101° sat, it will receive firmware updates, regardless of whether you have it "on" or "off"...

I suspect that might be true but had no way to confirm if the CPU is still running and monitoring the satellite network. How were you able to determine that the 100 does this?

I suspect that might be true but had no way to confirm if the CPU is still running and monitoring the satellite network. How were you able to determine that the 100 does this?
Just the nature of the receiver.... Part of its specifications/design. As long as the unit is receiving power, it is active for tuning and messages. READ THE MANUAL on page 17...

Just the nature of the receiver.... Part of its specifications/design. As long as the unit is receiving power, it is active for tuning and messages. READ THE MANUAL on page 17...

Part of the design spec? Can you post your copy of the design spec or notes from the product development meetings?

How another reference in the manual?

Page 68 of the H20 manual: "Your DIRECTV HD Receiver is able to receive upgrades or modifications to some of its features and functions. These modifications will occur automatically, usually at times when the receiver would likely be turned off . . . . . Your receiver must be plugged in to AC power to receive any upgrades."

Part of the design spec? Can you post your copy of the design spec or notes from the product development meetings?
NOPE.

I'm not getting into this... Goodness! Just enjoy your receiver.

I suspect that might be true but had no way to confirm if the CPU is still running and monitoring the satellite network. How were you able to determine that the 100 does this?
All DirecTV receivers can download updates when turned off (but plugged into 110v and aimed at the 101 sat). They've always have had this capability since D* began in 1994.

And I would think that turning the STB off when not watching TV might be slightly easier on the CPU. When off, the processor is probably not decoding MPEG video 24/7.

Hi, Does anybody know if the H20 puts out OTA hd on the component Jacks? TIA

It outputs 480i on the composite and S-video jacks.
It can output 480i, 480p, 720p or 1080i on the component and HDMI jacks. All of these jacks are "hot" simultaneously.

So, yes, if the station is broadcasting OTA HD, it will display HD on the component jacks.

Rebooting has started to happen again. Receiver was quiet for awhile but problem on channel 3-1 reoccured the past 2 days
This problem was caused by DTV on their last firmware update and they have not rectified their mistake.
Anybody heard anything about when this problem will be fixed?
I know the fix is to remove the station, but it is a dumb solution. I miss out on HD on NBC

Rebooting has started to happen again. Receiver was quiet for awhile but problem on channel 3-1 reoccured the past 2 days
This problem was caused by DTV on their last firmware update and they have not rectified their mistake.
Anybody heard anything about when this problem will be fixed?
I know the fix is to remove the station, but it is a dumb solution. I miss out on HD on NBC
No such problem here. First try to reset your zipcode in the setup menu, then do a local channel re-scan, then do a power-off restart for 30 seconds (cold boot). That should clear up any issues.

This has nothing to do with the recent firmware - there is no update (yet) needed for the 100 version - your receiver may have something going on unique to it, and you should just try to clear the data out and reset everything on the antena/channel setup with the aforementioned process.

If that doesn't resolve things, you may, indeed, have a bad box.

Now moving into the H20 STB from my old Tivo. I want to record SD programs. What is the best way to connect the VCR ? The VCR only has RF/RCA.
TV Panasonic plasma
STB Directv H20

Originally Posted by rlockshin
Rebooting has started to happen again.....

Talked with "Tier 2" tech support about a similar problem last night (mine is not limited to a single local, which confused him!) He verified they do not yet have a fix, but expect one - date of release unknown. Said the problem had been referred to the "NCC" (No Correction Committee?). He did agree that removing 4 of 6 locals was not an acceptable solution.

Suspect problem is related to an error in the PSIP data the station transmits, but the H20 is not tolerant of 'minor' errors in the data stream.

Rebooting has started to happen again. Receiver was quiet for awhile but problem on channel 3-1 reoccured the past 2 days
This problem was caused by DTV on their last firmware update and they have not rectified their mistake.
Anybody heard anything about when this problem will be fixed?
I know the fix is to remove the station, but it is a dumb solution. I miss out on HD on NBC


One of my units rebooted its self yesterday twice. Its still on 0F06 from 2/21/06.
I havent turn on my 2nd unit yet.

The H20-100 models do not have the reboot problem.

Now moving into the H20 STB from my old Tivo. I want to record SD programs. What is the best way to connect the VCR ? The VCR only has RF/RCA.
Since the H20 doesn't have RF-out, your only choice is RCA.

Talked with "Tier 2" tech support about a similar problem last night (mine is not limited to a single local, which confused him!) He verified they do not yet have a fix, but expect one - date of release unknown. Said the problem had been referred to the "NCC" (No Correction Committee?). He did agree that removing 4 of 6 locals was not an acceptable solution.
Hello Newman!

Sounds like you received typical D* support. :eek:

Suspect problem is related to an error in the PSIP data the station transmits, but the H20 is not tolerant of 'minor' errors in the data stream.
That has been a problem in select areas for some time (until a fix at the station is implemented). That would impact OTA reception for just that station.

The H20-100 models do not have the reboot problem.

The latest production H20-600 LG made receivers do not have the re-boot problem. Of course, they have LG's 5th generation ATSC tuner.

-Robert

The latest production H20-600 LG made receivers do not have the re-boot problem. Of course, they have LG's 5th generation ATSC tuner.

-Robert

Robert, Is the power supply cooler on the new H20-600 units?

DR

And did LG fix the slow-as-molasses guide?

Just got an H20 - activated it, that went fine, worked well for the few minutes i had to play with it, had it out of commission (unplugged) for a few days, plugged it back in, it tried to download a software update (which takes 20 minutes or so - and curser never advances past 0% although it goes through all those numbers) - says software update failed, and gets stuck on that screen- reset it, goes through the software update - same thing?? tried unplugging, resetting, reset 0,2,4,6,8

any other suggestions? is this a dead receiver? I purchased it off ebay, will DTV warranty it or will I have to contact the seller?

Just got an H20 - activated it, that went fine, worked well for the few minutes i had to play with it, had it out of commission (unplugged) for a few days, plugged it back in, it tried to download a software update (which takes 20 minutes or so - and curser never advances past 0% although it goes through all those numbers) - says software update failed, and gets stuck on that screen- reset it, goes through the software update - same thing?? tried unplugging, resetting, reset 0,2,4,6,8

Sounds like you may have the H20-100, it does the same exact thing to me, it won't do a forced update like the H20-600 does. Most likely, your receiver is fine.

Just got an H20 - activated it, that went fine, worked well for the few minutes i had to play with it, had it out of commission (unplugged) for a few days, plugged it back in, it tried to download a software update (which takes 20 minutes or so - and curser never advances past 0% although it goes through all those numbers) - says software update failed, and gets stuck on that screen- reset it, goes through the software update - same thing?? tried unplugging, resetting, reset 0,2,4,6,8

any other suggestions? is this a dead receiver? I purchased it off ebay, will DTV warranty it or will I have to contact the seller?

Just curious, is it an H20-600 or H20-100? Look at the model number inside the access card door.

If you're in the lease program, D* will replace a defective box free via FedEx and they will include a prepaid return label. If you own the receiver, you're on your own, unless you can talk D* into switching you to a lease plan.

Login to your account at DirecTV.com and see if they show you leasing or owning that receiver. If their records show you own it, it will show "mirrored" receiver on the equipment page.

Sounds like you may have the H20-100, it does the same exact thing to me, it won't do a forced update like the H20-600 does. Most likely, your receiver is fine.

how do I get it out of the software update mode? It seems to be stuck in that screen

Just curious, is it an H20-600 or H20-100? Look at the model number inside the access card door.

If you're in the lease program, D* will replace a defective box free via FedEx and they will include a prepaid return label. If you own the receiver, you're on your own, unless you can talk D* into switching you to a lease plan.

Login to your account at DirecTV.com and see if they show you leasing or owning that receiver. If their records show you own it, it will show "mirrored" receiver on the equipment page.

not sure if it is a 600 or 100, not at home right now-
i'll check and let you guys know tomorrow...
any other toughts in the mean time?

it shows mirrored not lease FYI

... any other toughts in the mean time?
Don't buy used D* receivers on ebay.... :-)

Don't buy used D* receivers on ebay.... :-)

brand new, sealed, in a box (supposedly with warranty/exchange, we'll find out)

I didnt want to lease the equipment (although after reading on here that the H20 is useless without DTV service, i guess it didnt matter, I thought it would be like my old lss3200 and still work for OTA w/o subscribing)

If D* shows it still under the new equipment warranty, they will send you a replacement receiver FedEx at no charge, and w/ a prepaid return shipping label. I had a non-leased H20 receiver that was in warranty, and that's how they handled its replacement.

Call 800 824-9081

If D* shows it still under the new equipment warranty, they will send you a replacement receiver FedEx at no charge, and w/ a prepaid return shipping label. I had a non-leased H20 receiver that was in warranty, and that's how they handled its replacement.

Call 800 824-9081

so am I assuming this is a defective receiver then?

Yes, if it keeps trying to auto-download an update on its own and the receiver is unuseable.

But if it's only failing when you try to force an update (reset + 02468) and a second reset makes functional again, then there's nothing wrong with the receiver.

Now moving into the H20 STB from my old Tivo. I want to record SD programs. What is the best way to connect the VCR ? The VCR only has RF/RCA.
TV Panasonic plasma
STB Directv H20
Make sure you check the audio outputs. I don't think the RCA audio outs work if you're using the digital optical out. I don't know about HDMI and RCA audio.

The RCA audio (& video) jacks are always hot.

Don't buy used D* receivers on ebay.... :-)
I would even go so far as to recommend not buying D* receivers anywhere...

Why buy when you can lease?

Why pay for what you can get (basically) for free and with an unlimited warranty?

Hodag: Out of curiosity, how much did you pay for that receiver? Since your H20 is "stuck" trying to perform an upgrade, I would contact D* and beg them to replace it... Or, maybe just discard that receiver and get a leased unit directly from D*? Have you had D* service for a long time? Are you considered to be a "good" customer by D*? If so, the charge to lease a receiver is quite low (nearly free). Unfortunately, it sounds to me like the receiver that you just got off eBay is defective. :(

Good luck getting everything worked out...

To follow up on my own post:

My HDMI cable worked flawlessly on my brothers D* TV setup - H20-600.

To summarize, it worked flawlessly on my original H20-600 until that box was replaced by a H20-100. It works flawlessly on another set up.

I've unplugged everything, power included in box and TV, and reconnected. No go on HDMI.

Seems to me the box is the problem here, and unless there's another way, I'll have to call D* and get another one.

More on my saga:

I finally called D* back and said I was pretty sure the box was at fault in my HDMI problem. Tech agreed and Fed Ex'd a new box to my door in under 24 hours.

This time, it was an H20-600 again. It appears to have solved the problem, as HDMI is working flawlessly.

Note: I got a refurbished 600 box (it has a sticker saying so). It does not seem quite as hot as my other 600, but it's definately hotter than the 100, by a lot. The menu is more sluggish than the 100, but I think it's better than my first 600, again, by a lot.

Not sure what they do to refurbish, but it seems improved.

More on my saga:

I finally called D* back and said I was pretty sure the box was at fault in my HDMI problem. Tech agreed and Fed Ex'd a new box to my door in under 24 hours.

This time, it was an H20-600 again. It appears to have solved the problem, as HDMI is working flawlessly.

Note: I got a refurbished 600 box (it has a sticker saying so). It does not seem quite as hot as my other 600, but it's definately hotter than the 100, by a lot. The menu is more sluggish than the 100, but I think it's better than my first 600, again, by a lot.

Not sure what they do to refurbish, but it seems improved.

Thanks. Any PQ comparison comments between your 600 and 100?

Question for h20 owners:
How does it tune subchannels? Does it require the 'dash' or can you type in 0021 to get '2-1' ?
Alternatively, can you remap the subchannels manually, i.e. inputting '2' will always get you 2-1 ?

My ts160 doesn't play nice with my Replay TV in this regard....I have to manually program the channel guide in the 160 to get the subs. The Replay's IR blaster doesn't speak 'hyphen'.

Question for h20 owners:
How does it tune subchannels? Does it require the 'dash' or can you type in 0021 to get '2-1' ?
My H20-100 (made by RCA) always tunes to the first sub channel from a OTA station. Example: hitting the "2" key takes me to OTA digital channel 2-1. To get to 2-2 thru 2-4, I have to CH UP or key it all in (e.g. 2 dash 2). YMMV if you get your locals from D* in MPEG4. Not sure....

On satellite channels, all that's needed is the 3 digit channel number.
Example: to get to the weather channel, key in 3 6 2.

Not sure how the H20-600 (made by LG) tunes sub channels. It's been a while since I owned a -600 and I think the latest ones have been improved.

Thanks. Any PQ comparison comments between your 600 and 100?

No real significant difference to me. I think the PQ on each channel is so differnt, it's really hard to compare boxes.

Here's one difference I noticed: With the 600, when using the parental lock, I would tune to a channel with an R rated movie for example, the lock would kick in, and I would unlock the parental control. It would stay unlocked until the next time i turned it off and on.

With the 100, if I unlocked one channel, then flipped to another R rated offering, I would have to re-unlock each channel, each time. Annoying. Made me turn off the Parental control for the week I had the 100.

The RCA audio (& video) jacks are always hot.
I have received enough conflicting information about this that I decided to test it myself today. You're right!! All audio and video outputs are "hot" all the time. Thanks for straightening that out for me. Now maybe I'll connect my VCR.

My H20-100 (made by RCA) always tunes to the first sub channel from a OTA station. Example: hitting the "2" key takes me to OTA digital channel 2-1. To get to 2-2 thru 2-4, I have to CH UP or key it all in (e.g. 2 dash 2). YMMV if you get your locals from D* in MPEG4. Not sure....

On satellite channels, all that's needed is the 3 digit channel number.
Example: to get to the weather channel, key in 3 6 2.

Not sure how the H20-600 (made by LG) tunes sub channels. It's been a while since I owned a -600 and I think the latest ones have been improved.

Can anyone with a 600 chime in on this?

On the H20-600, you need to use the "dash" button (bottom left button on the numeric pad) to go to 2-1. Punching in 02 takes you to channel 2, not 2.1 (2-1). Which is better than my T-351, which did not have a "dash" or "dot" key and required the "Channel Up" to tune to 2-2, -3, etc.

On the H20-600, you need to use the "dash" button (bottom left button on the numeric pad) to go to 2-1. Punching in 02 takes you to channel 2, not 2.1 (2-1). Which is better than my T-351, which did not have a "dash" or "dot" key and required the "Channel Up" to tune to 2-2, -3, etc.

What happens if you type in 0021?

I may have to try to find an h20-100. How difficult are they to come by?

What happens if you type in 0021?
Where I live, that tunes the H20-100 to digital OTA (antenna) channel 21-1. The leading zeros are ignored and not necessary, and they aren't necessary on D* channels either. Keying in "76" takes me to D* channel 76 (Discovery HD) and entering 204 takes me to Headline News, etc.

...I may have to try to find an h20-100. How difficult are they to come by?
Only way to know for sure you're getting an H20-100 or H20-600 is to find one at a local store or D* dealer, or contact an online dealer that you trust and ask which model they're selling. Example: right now, **************** dot com is selling H20-600s. They will tell you if you email them.

If you just call D* and order an H20, it's a crap shoot. They'll send you whatever is in stock from wherever they ship to your house. Unfortunately, D* has become like cable; you no longer have much choice in receivers :-(

Late2Bass,

Did they fix the bug in the H20-600 resolution options, that wouldn't let you turn off 480p?

All DirecTV receivers can download updates when turned off (but plugged into 110v and aimed at the 101 sat). They've always have had this capability since D* began in 1994.

And I would think that turning the STB off when not watching TV might be slightly easier on the CPU. When off, the processor is probably not decoding MPEG video 24/7.

Nope. The Samsung 360 could not.

NOPE.

I'm not getting into this... Goodness! Just enjoy your receiver.

Touchy.

No problem. You were just so authoritative in your 'insider' response I wanted to know just a small fraction of what you know.

the receiver appears to be working now-
i'll let you know if I run into any other problems -
overnight it worked out the Download of the software I guess.

the receiver appears to be working now-
i'll let you know if I run into any other problems -
overnight it worked out the Download of the software I guess.
Great news!

Congrats! :)

I may have to try to find an h20-100. How difficult are they to come by?
I'll sell you my H20-100, but I'll want a fortune for it. :D

Getting a -100 is indeed a crapshoot. No way that I know of to specify whether you get a -100 or a -600... If a refurbished -600 worked I wouldn't care that I didn't have a -100. Even if it runs a bit hotter and has slighty less frisky guide displays...

But, I'm glad that I have a -100. ;)

Late2Bass,

Did they fix the bug in the H20-600 resolution options, that wouldn't let you turn off 480p?

Responded to your PM. During set up, this h20 would fail in setting up 480i. I am not at home now and can not doublecheck, but my memory tells me is was i, not p that failed set up.

haven't been in this thread for awhile, but what's the current firmware version for the -600, and what specifically does it fix? i haven't done a forced firmware update since i got the -600 in feb and i don't even know what version i have since i'm at work, but i'll be sure to check when i get home.

Hi guys was wondering what your opinions on using the h20 as my tuner for OTA or the one built into my hitatchi 51f710a? will there be and difference in p/q?

Hi guys was wondering what your opinions on using the h20 as my tuner for OTA or the one built into my hitatchi 51f710a? will there be and difference in p/q?
You'll just have to try both and see which one looks better. If you can't tell the difference on your setup, use the H20 because it has the integrated guide for both DirecTV and OTA local channels you get w/ antenna.

Also, there are two H20s. The H20-100 is made by RCA and the H20-600 is made by LG. PQ may vary slightly between the two, and also vary depending on the monitor it's connected to and what connection you use.

Tuner sensitivity varies between the two models. My H20-600 (became defective) had a better OTA tuner than the H20-100 I have now. Others have reported just the opposite (YMMV). But if you live where stations are close and all of them are full power, this should not be an issue.

thank you for the fast response I now have it running thrugh the box I will have to check it out going right to the tv tonight :)

I just recently (4 days ago) got hooked up with the D* H20-600 receiver. I've been noticing some audio synch issues and also when watching shows with dolby digital it goes in and out. I've been reading through this thread and noticed that alot of people experienced these problems. I also think that my receiver has the latest firmware since it did an update as soon as it was connected. I guess my question is will switching to the H20-100 definitely fix these issues, or are the 100s having the same problems? I am aware that calling D* and asking for a new receiver is a crap shot as to which model will be sent.

Sorry if this has already been answered, tried reading through alot of this post for the answer.

DAVEMEC, I have the -100 and I think it is more stable in all issues than the -600. But, in regard to the audio issues that you are referrencing, the problem may or may not be your -600, or DirecTV for that matter.

When digging around in the HDTV reception avsforums in which folks are receiving their signal via antenna, as opposed to satellite, they often complain of similiar and identical problems.

HDTV is in a birthing stage in the community. Lots of rough edges exist in all implimentations of it.

But, the -100 receiver would be a good move, if you can get your hands on one.

I had a new H20-100 installed and I hooked it up with a HDMI to DVI cable (Monster $100) to my Hitachi 57X500 RPTV. We had the Samsung and the picture was great. The other night my wife felt the picture was not as good and so did I. I hooked it up again using component cable that came with the H20 and the picture quality is back. Very good picture, a little darker but very sharp. Anyone else seen this on their box?

DAVEMEC, I have the -100 and I think it is more stable in all issues than the -600. But, in regard to the audio issues that you are referrencing, the problem may or may not be your -600, or DirecTV for that matter.

When digging around in the HDTV reception avsforums in which folks are receiving their signal via antenna, as opposed to satellite, they often complain of similiar and identical problems.

HDTV is in a birthing stage in the community. Lots of rough edges exist in all implimentations of it.

But, the -100 receiver would be a good move, if you can get your hands on one.

Thanks for the quick response. I guess I'll give D* a call to see about swapping for a 100.

I had a new H20-100 installed and I hooked it up with a HDMI to DVI cable (Monster $100) to my Hitachi 57X500 RPTV. We had the Samsung and the picture was great. The other night my wife felt the picture was not as good and so did I. I hooked it up again using component cable that came with the H20 and the picture quality is back. Very good picture, a little darker but very sharp. Anyone else seen this on their box?

I noticed something similar with my 100. I have a DVI input on my Panny plasma and was not totally satisfied with the HDMI PQ. I hooked up the component out cable to the Panny as well. I flipped back and forth on the monitor input to see which was better, since both outputs are always hot. It turns out that it varies by program and whether it is SD or HD content. Most of the time the differences are slight or unnoticable. Sometimes the HDMI out to DVI in looks better. Sometimes the component out looks better. I left it that way and flip back and forth on occasion.

I also notice that my HDMI/DVI convertor does not mechanically seat very well in the jack on the back of the H20. You may want to check it closely.

What's the easiest way to tell the 100/600 apart?

What's the easiest way to tell the 100/600 apart?

Part number on back of unit or LED color on front. 100s have blue LEDs.

haven't been in this thread for awhile, but what's the current firmware version for the -600, and what specifically does it fix? i haven't done a forced firmware update since i got the -600 in feb and i don't even know what version i have since i'm at work, but i'll be sure to check when i get home.

anyone?

What's the easiest way to tell the 100/600 apart?Open the access card door (lower right-front of receiver) and look at the sticker there. It will have a 100 or 600 in the number.

Last time my H20 downloaded software was Feb 21, 2006. Version 0F06. No other updates sent or scheduled by D*.

haven't been in this thread for awhile, but what's the current firmware version for the -600, and what specifically does it fix? i haven't done a forced firmware update since i got the -600 in feb and i don't even know what version i have since i'm at work, but i'll be sure to check when i get home.

X0F06

Same one since late February.

And it's apparently a bad idea to do a forced upgrade on a H20 from what I have been told. Better to let it update by itself if it needs it - which it will do fairly quickly if needed.

I looked at my D* order history online to see if there was a difference in the details for reconditioned -600 versus new -100 receiver replacements. The two reconditioned -600's I was sent both had "ERP_H20_R" listed in the order description, but the new -100 I got had only "ERP_H20." At least in my case, the appended "_R" on the order details appears to be an indicator that a reconditioned unit was on the way.

I depend on a couple of very distant OTA channels for network HDTV. The -600 receivers had a more stable signal than the -100 on those channels, and gave me a watchable picture where the -100 would not. But YMMV.

I've got a problem with my HD20 where it locks up, screens goes black, and eventually (usually) resets. DTV is telling me there is a known problem like this when you have an OTA antenna hooked up. Anybody else having this problem? Any resolution short of disconnecting the OTA antenna, which is what they suggest?

That can happen if an OTA station is outputting bad PSIP data. The box will only reset if tuned to that station. The OTA line will need to be temporarily removed to allow the reboot to work as it will stay tuned to that station and keep rebooting. If that is your situation, avoid that station until it's fixed. If not, tell the CSR the cause does not fit that scenario. If the box works after a reboot or reboots while tuned to a satellite channel, bad OTA PSIP is not the problem.

I've got a problem with my HD20 where it locks up, screens goes black, and eventually (usually) resets. DTV is telling me there is a known problem like this when you have an OTA antenna hooked up. Anybody else having this problem? Any resolution short of disconnecting the OTA antenna, which is what they suggest?
Croussel,

Does it do this when viewing ANY OTA channel? Does it do this when watching non-OTA channels? Greywolf's comments are pertinent...

I'd suggest that before you disconnect the antenna and just give up on the OTA, that it might be a wise idea to replace the receiver? That might not help if it's a bad PSIP issue, but...

Good old D* customer service... If you call back and talk to additional CSRs, you should be able to eventually get in touch with one that will help you solve your problem. :)

I believe that if you will read a few of the approximately 3,000 messages in this thread you will discover that MANY people who also have H20 receivers do in fact rave about the OTA tuner and how well it works... Your mileage shouldn't vary? :rolleyes:

Oh no...Is this the beginning of a problem? I was watching TV this AM on the h20 and out of no where there was a message stating "aquiring guide data" then underneath that it stated "please make sure there is nothing blocking the signal...press the red reset button if guide is not aquired...." I had to reset the reciever. I hope this junk does not happen again...I put up with lock ups and freeze ups on my 2-TS360's for 6 months....Before I blow a gasket, is this a known problem or the beginning of "pre-mature failure?"

I looked at my D* order history online to see if there was a difference in the details for reconditioned -600 versus new -100 receiver replacements.arkeng,
If you have the phone line connected, next time you're at the D* web site, look at the last line of "My Profile" You might want to check the privacy option:
" Do Not Allow Data Collection
Your receivers do not collect information about viewing habits (and send it to D*)."

I depend on a couple of very distant OTA channels for network HDTV. The -600 receivers had a more stable signal than the -100 on those channels, and gave me a watchable picture where the -100 would not. But YMMV.I have the same problem with one low power local (you know the one). I can no longer receive it since D* sent me a -100 to replace a dead -600.

I've got a problem with my HD20 where it locks up, screens goes black, and eventually (usually) resets. DTV is telling me there is a known problem like this when you have an OTA antenna hooked up....PSIP data errors from one or more OTA stations are causing the lockup. This only affects early model H20-600s (made by LG).

If you demand a replacement H20 from D* you'll get either an H20-100 made by RCA, or a new or refurb H20-600 by LG. H20-100s and new/refurb H20-600s ignore the PSIP errors that caused earlier models to reboot. Replacement receivers are sent out FedEx, and include a prepaid return shipping label for the bad receiver.

If they won't send you a replacement, ask to speak to Customer Retention.

Croussel --

Greywolf is spot on. The PSIP problem only affects that one station - disconnecting the antenna breaks the lock on that station. From you description, don't think that is your problem.

My H20 has a problem similar to yours (when watching OTA video/audio quit, remote inop, sometimes reboots itself). D* had no solution when I talked to them -- other than remove the OTA antenna/channel, which of course, has no effect. Finally convinced them it was different (???) & they are "studying the problem". As arxaw said, probably best solution is to replace receiver.

Oh no...Is this the beginning of a problem? I was watching TV this AM on the h20 and out of no where there was a message stating "aquiring guide data" then underneath that it stated "please make sure there is nothing blocking the signal...press the red reset button if guide is not aquired...." I had to reset the reciever. I hope this junk does not happen again...I put up with lock ups and freeze ups on my 2-TS360's for 6 months....Before I blow a gasket, is this a known problem or the beginning of "pre-mature failure?"

This happened to me this morning, must be something directv is doing widespread. I wouldn't worry, its not like it happens very often.

FWIW. multipath issues with a particular OTA DTV channel cause PSIP lockups on my ts160 as well.


Can the h20-600 be configured to map the subchannels like the 100 can? If the OTA tuner of the LG 600 is better, I'll get one of those, but only if I can get it to work with my ReplayTV.

Oh no...Is this the beginning of a problem? I was watching TV this AM on the h20 and out of no where there was a message stating "aquiring guide data" then underneath that it stated "please make sure there is nothing blocking the signal...press the red reset button if guide is not aquired...." I had to reset the reciever. I hope this junk does not happen again...I put up with lock ups and freeze ups on my 2-TS360's for 6 months....Before I blow a gasket, is this a known problem or the beginning of "pre-mature failure?"

This same thing happened to me last night when I turned on the H20. I have the model 600 version. Which model do you have?

This same thing happened to me last night when I turned on the H20. I have the model 600 version. Which model do you have?


I had this same thing happen last night. I turn it on and get acquiring guide data. I was only able to watch my OTA channels. So, I shut it off and turned it back on and everything was fine. Since a few of us had this at the same time it would seem that it was just D* updating something and I doubt it is a symptom of a bigger or recurring problem.

Can the h20-600 be configured to map the subchannels like the 100 can? If the OTA tuner of the LG 600 is better, I'll get one of those, but only if I can get it to work with my ReplayTV.


Neither will work with Replay. U need to install a new patch to the Replay software that will update the IR codes to include the D10 codes. The D10 codes will work with the H20.

U can find out more about this in the Replay forum. Someone's already written a patch for downloading. If u have a 3000 series or later, it shouldn't be a big problem, but if u'r like me with an earlier series, w/o an ethernet port, it's a bigger pain. U have to remove the hard drive & connect it to u'r PC to install the patch. I hope to do this in the next few months since IMHO the Replay machine is worth its weight in gold notwitstanding its INability to record in true HD. Given its analog connections, pic quality is not HD . . . but it's damn good to keep around so long as it works.

This same thing happened to me last night when I turned on the H20. I have the model 600 version. Which model do you have?


I have the H20-600 heating my house...;)

Oh no...Is this the beginning of a problem? I was watching TV this AM on the h20 and out of no where there was a message stating "aquiring guide data" then underneath that it stated "please make sure there is nothing blocking the signal...press the red reset button if guide is not aquired...." I had to reset the reciever. I hope this junk does not happen again...I put up with lock ups and freeze ups on my 2-TS360's for 6 months....Before I blow a gasket, is this a known problem or the beginning of "pre-mature failure?"

Help... My H20 receiver is locking up 5 to 6 times a day. The screen goes black, the led colors through each of the resolution indicators on the H20, until eventually the screen goes to "acquiring guide data." This always happens when i'm watching an HDTV channel, most notably ESPN HD or TNT HD. I can't tell you how many times in the past week or two I've been watching a basketball game only for the screen to go out. What could the problem be? I have an H20-600 receiver and get all my locals via the receiver, no antenna whatsoever.

Croussel --

Greywolf is spot on. The PSIP problem only affects that one station - disconnecting the antenna breaks the lock on that station. From you description, don't think that is your problem.

My H20 has a problem similar to yours (when watching OTA video/audio quit, remote inop, sometimes reboots itself). D* had no solution when I talked to them -- other than remove the OTA antenna/channel, which of course, has no effect. Finally convinced them it was different (???) & they are "studying the problem". As arxaw said, probably best solution is to replace receiver.

I had the reboot issue here in Motown back in January (again, thank you to Greywolf for his insight back then).

The problem most definetely was a PSIP issue. After enough phone calls to the local Fox station's engineering department from many of us who kept dealing with this frustrating issue, the PSIP generator/tables, etc. must've been updated/fixed because the problem hasn't surfaced since that time.

Call the station and explain the PSIP issue. The engineer will know what you are talking about.

Do a search on my username here on AVS to see my posts about it or on the same username on http://www.satelliteguys.us to see how it played out.

Help... My H20 receiver is locking up 5 to 6 times a day. The screen goes black, the led colors through each of the resolution indicators on the H20, until eventually the screen goes to "acquiring guide data."...

Call DirecTV and request a replacement receiver for your defective H20. 800 824-9081

Neither will work with Replay. U need to install a new patch to the Replay software that will update the IR codes to include the D10 codes. The D10 codes will work with the H20.

U can find out more about this in the Replay forum. Someone's already written a patch for downloading.


Yeah I'm working on doing flipflop's .iso to upgrade my 5040's blaster codes.
Someone mentioned that their h20-600 wouldn't tune OTA subs without the 'dash', and AFAIK, Wirns won't help that. In that case I have to find a 100, or look into a different model entirely.

Bizarre incidents last night...

My H20-600 locked up completely two times last night while watching the HD MPEG4 CBS and the local HD MPEG4 NBC broadcasts. The picture and receiver completely froze up. I had to unplug and replug in the receiver twice. This is the first (and right after second) time this has happened.

My H20-600 has acted up lately. Picture disappears while getting audio o.k. Twice it was this way when I turned it on. Once while watching tv. Nothing would solve problem but to reset. When I was getting audio only noting came through on the HDMI cable..just the componet connection.

Called Directv tech this morning and was told they would swap it out. Told them this was a purchased unit not 3 months old and did not was a refurbished one. We'll see.

Anyone else have this problem? I am sure others have as I have not read all post.

Does the H20-100 have "panoramic" mode in lieu of stretch mode? I miss the panoramic mode for watching 4:3 material.

My H20-600 has acted up lately. Picture disappears while getting audio o.k. Twice it was this way when I turned it on. Once while watching tv. Nothing would solve problem but to reset. When I was getting audio only noting came through on the HDMI cable..just the componet connection.

Called Directv tech this morning and was told they would swap it out. Told them this was a purchased unit not 3 months old and did not was a refurbished one. We'll see.

Anyone else have this problem? I am sure others have as I have not read all post.
Kyguy,

You bet... It is a very common problem! I believe that it has a lot to do with the high temperature that "most" H20-600s run at? If the receiver doesn't fail immediately, it sure seems like it is likely to at some point. High heat and sensitive electronic circuits? Hmmmmm.

I got a replacement for my original H20-600 receiver. The replacement receiver was luckily a H20-100. I say luckily because people cannot specify whether a replacement unit will be a certain model OR even a refurbished unit.

It's possible, based upon some reports here, that the refurbished H20-600s are actually much improved and not the little furnaces that they were originally? But I don't know that for a fact.

I think you just takes your chances as to which model receiver you end up with? In any case --- the main thing seems like it doesn't actually matter so long as the replacement receiver works properly... :)

Does the H20-100 have "panoramic" mode in lieu of stretch mode? I miss the panoramic mode for watching 4:3 material.
As far as I know it does not. :( But if you find out otherwise, please let me know.

My H20-100 just started acting strange,
On my local NBC HD channel it won't tune it & the signal strength meter shows it's bouncing around between 0% & 40% signal strength.
I change it over to the SXRD's internal tuner & I get the picture with a signal strength of 87%.
It just started doing this last night.

Hey Folks,

Yes, the people working on this stuff do drop by and read these forums from time to time. As much as I would like to answer all your questions, I can't do that and keep my job. Keep on posting your concerns. It helps make current and future products better in the end! :cool:
I will say this though..... Forcing a download by using key presses gets you nowhere. If there is a code update available for the H20, -600 or -100, the unit will automatically download the new version. If your receiver is plugged in and on signal, in active (displaying video) or standby (turned off via the power button), it will download any new code available that your unit needs. You gain nothing by doing this. There is absolutely no reason to do this unless you are directed by a DirecTV representative to do so.

nippertest

Hey Folks,

Yes, the people working on this stuff do drop by and read these forums from time to time. As much as I would like to answer all your questions, I can't do that and keep my job. Keep on posting your concerns. It helps make current and future products better in the end! :cool:
I will say this though..... Forcing a download by using key presses gets you nowhere. If there is a code update is available for the H20, -600 or -100, the unit will automatically download the new version. If your receiver is plugged in and on signal, in active (displaying video) or standby (turned off via the power button), it will download any new code available that your unit needs. You gain nothing by doing this. There is absolutely no reason to do this unless you are directed by a DirecTV representative to do so.

nippertestI believe you NipperTest! :)

Great to know you're out there listening to me piss and moan... :D It's very encouraging to hear from you! Bingo.

nippertest,

Thanks for keeping up with the thread. I guess you can't comment on why the H20-100's OTA tuner doesn't work as well as the -600 does on low power or fringe OTA stations....?

nippertest,
Could you confirm a posting in another thread that the long awaited HR20-250 is now in beta testing and is aiming at a late August delivery date?

nippertest,
Could you confirm a posting in another thread that the long awaited HR20-250 is now in beta testing and is aiming at a late August delivery date?

Sorry, I can't comment on anything. :(

If anyone needs to access the H20-100 service menu for something like adding a dial prefix to the modem, you can do so by:

Turn on the H20.
On the receiver (not the remote), hold down the MENU & DOWN arrow keys for about 5 seconds. This will get you into the service menu where the dial prefix is added, among other things.

nippertest. Where is the pip function on D* stuff? Those of us with projectors would like this.

Bug/annoyance#1: Station information is truncated. Pull up the guide and look at a station's info (Left arrow key). If it runs over so many words, the station description is truncated and there's no way to pull up the rest of the station description.
XM radio station channel descriptions are nearly all truncated.
http://i4.tinypic.com/108a548.jpg

On other receivers (example Samsung TS 160 or 360), pressing INFO shows the rest of the truncated station info, but the H20-100 gives you "Tune Now" options.
http://i4.tinypic.com/108b711.jpg


.
Bug/annoyance#2: The clock is omitted in the one-line guide (blue button).


.

Bug/annoyance#1: Station information is truncated. Pull up the guide and look at a station's info (Left arrow key). If it runs over so many words, the station description is truncated and there's no way to pull up the rest of the station description. XM radio station channel descriptions are nearly all truncated. On other receivers (example Samsung TS 160 or 360), pressing INFO shows the rest of the truncated station info, but the H20-100 gives you "Tune Now" options.

Bug/annoyance#2: The clock is omitted in the one-line guide (blue button).
Arxaw old fellow,

How annoying is #1 to you? I never even noticed this bug until you pointed it out just now. But, I do get your point! (GuideInfo-O-Phobia?) :)

Solution to your bug/annoyance #2: Hang a clock next to your TV/display/monitor... :D I would never suggest wearing a watch because I detest wearing watches on your wrist. Wrist-Watch-O-Phobia? I can't really trust people that wear watches --- unless they are wearing a big hunka gold just to impress people with how wealthy they are. That's okay, I suppose. :cool: Pocket watches are fine too. Big Ben is Mega-Cool!

I don't have any obsession with wall clocks though... I have numerous wall clocks strategically placed all around my castle. Makes it lotsa fun when it's time to spring forward and fall back. Many of my clocks are "Atomic" and reset automatically for daylight savings time... Now, THAT's cool! :cool:

Daylight savings time? A PIA...

Some people believe that TIME is an illusion. I might too, except when it's time for Boston Legal to be on. Which is why I love my TiVo so much and am anxiously awaiting the D* HD Mpeg4 DVR.

My pet pieve #1: No HD DVR for Mpeg4 yet. :mad:

Pet pieve #2: When I get off on a tear like this... :o

The truncation has existed for years on various DirecTV boxes. Ummm..., well the clock doesn't annoy me, either.

I don't think of these as bugs..., though. Design sloppiness, but not bugs.

I held menu and down for way over 5 seconds... nothing happens.... this work for anyone else?

By the way, where can I buy an AT9 so my Samsung SIR160 can get the new local hi def channels (excuse me if way off topic)

Regards, Greg

I held menu and down for way over 5 seconds... nothing happens.... this work for anyone else?

By the way, where can I buy an AT9 so my Samsung SIR160 can get the new local hi def channels (excuse me if way off topic)

Regards, Greg
Go here for the AT9 (one vendor of many, but I like it). It is also a good site for nearly anything else you need. Not particularly a good discount site, but they have everything and the descriptors are a help in understanding things. They are also a good vendor for RG6 coax---again, slightly pricey:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AT59&main_cat=2&CAT=

The menu thing with the H20 -100 works for me on my receiver. Not sure why they hid this menu. One could mess a few things up, but they are recoverable.

Does anyone know how to get rid of the analog channels? They don't come in, I get channel not available. I don't want them but I haven't found away to get rid of them on the guide or when I channel change.

They don' show up when I scan for off air channel (just the digitals), but they are there in the guide and when changing channels.

Does anyone know how to get rid of the analog channels?
Remove them from your favorites & they won't show up in the guide.

I've been told that the extra blank channel is for the MPEG4 channel when you have an AT9 or 5 LNB dish with the H20 receiver. When you have the 3 LNB dish, it shows up as not available, but labeled as your local channel number. So far, there is no way to eliminate them, other than setting up a Favorite List and not checking that channel. Then, when you hit the guide button, only the viewable channels are shown.

I held menu and down for way over 5 seconds... nothing happens.... this work for anyone else?
It works for the H20-100, made by RCA.

Which model do you have? Open the access card door and look.

Thanks for the information guys. A bit annoying that there isn't a more direct way. I have the AT9 dish, but Direct TV doesn't have our local market in HD yet, I use OTA for them.

Bug/annoyance#2: The clock is omitted in the one-line guide (blue button).


Actually, its there....sort of. If you look at the thin line separating the guide times from the program information you'll notice a small blue dash imbeded in that dividing line. Its position is the approximate time. Sort of an coarse analog clock. Actually pretty useful.

Solution to your bug/annoyance #2: Hang a clock next to your TV/display/monitor... :D I would never suggest wearing a watch because I detest wearing watches on your wrist. Wrist-Watch-O-Phobia? I can't really trust people that wear watches --- unless they are wearing a big hunka gold just to impress people with how wealthy they are. That's okay, I suppose. :cool: Pocket watches are fine too. Big Ben is Mega-Cool!

My solution to this lies in a piece of obsolete/usless hardware located just below my DVD player that displays the current time (and auto-adjusts for DST :D ). It contains a large opening on the front with the letters V.H.S on the door covering the opening.

Guess I'm just too lazy to remove it from its resting place. :D

H20-600...on Friday night, we were watching Nickelodeon and the reciever went blank 4-times for about 2-3 seconds then it showed the channel (banner at top of screen) then came back on. It's been fine since then, but I'm really getting fed up with this. I put up with this nonsense on the TS-360 for about 8 months now the H20-600 is starting this.
I'm ready to go with cable or Dish....I love Directv, but these blackouts are really starting to tick me off. I put out countless $$ and wasted countless hours with CS. Any suggestions? Is this box going bad? Anyone else experiencing this?

H20-600...on Friday night, we were watching Nickelodeon and the reciever went blank 4-times for about 2-3 seconds then it showed the channel (banner at top of screen) then came back on. It's been fine since then, but I'm really getting fed up with this. I put up with this nonsense on the TS-360 for about 8 months now the H20-600 is starting this.
I'm ready to go with cable or Dish....I love Directv, but these blackouts are really starting to tick me off. I put out countless $$ and wasted countless hours with CS. Any suggestions? Is this box going bad? Anyone else experiencing this?Many/most of the H20-600 receivers have a well-deserved reputation as blast furnaces. Hot, hot, hot... Some worse than others, and some not very hot at all? But, if you happen to have one of those H20-600 "toaster" units --- you shouldn't be too surprised if it starts behaving badly... Mine went south the first week I had it... D* sent me a replacement receiver (H20-100) and it has worked fine for a coupla months now... Cool, literally. As with any electronic device, over-heating is never a "good" thing?

Maybe you should check into getting a replacement for your H20-600? You'll likely get a H20-100 or a refurbished H20-600. Either way, it "should" run cooler and work better, maybe. :)

something i noticed in the audio options when i bring up the menu screen. i have English 1 DD and English 2. English 2 sounds like the someone cranked up the volume when i select it, but i can't discern any difference. If english 1 DD is just DD, why can i turn off DD in the menu and select PCM? can someone clear up the difference?

H20-600...on Friday night, we were watching Nickelodeon and the reciever went blank 4-times for about 2-3 seconds then it showed the channel (banner at top of screen) then came back on. It's been fine since then, but I'm really getting fed up with this...

...I'm ready to go with cable or Dish....Any suggestions? Is this box going bad?
Good luck with your cableco or dish. Browse the avsforum threads and other a/v sites and you'll find that they aren having STB problems, too. I also have friends with dish or cable that are not satisfied at all with their receivers or DVRs.

It sounds like there may be something wrong with your H20 and you should request a replacement.

Got the replacement receiver Monday. H20-600R refurbished. Should I not be happy with this refurbished one? One that was replaced was purchased by me in Feb.
Have I read that the refursbished one might be more stable...kinks worked out?

Will follow up on details of how the new one is working.

Got the replacement receiver Monday. H20-600R refurbished. Should I not be happy with this refurbished one?...If it works, you should be pleased. The refurbs should be thoroughly tested before sending them out.

My H20-600 refurb runs cooler than my first one, and the menu seems a bit quicker. Problem free since I installed it 10 days ago.

Many/most of the H20-600 receivers have a well-deserved reputation as blast furnaces. Hot, hot, hot... Some worse than others, and some not very hot at all? But, if you happen to have one of those H20-600 "toaster" units --- you shouldn't be too surprised if it starts behaving badly... Mine went south the first week I had it... D* sent me a replacement receiver (H20-100) and it has worked fine for a coupla months now... Cool, literally. As with any electronic device, over-heating is never a "good" thing?

Maybe you should check into getting a replacement for your H20-600? You'll likely get a H20-100 or a refurbished H20-600. Either way, it "should" run cooler and work better, maybe. :)

I think this is post #3000...woopee. Anyway, I paid for this H20-600 and now I have not had a problem since last Friday night. So I wonder if it's a Directv thing or the box. I know motherboards on computers run about 105-110 deg f....I'm assuming this is running about the same.

How are the H20-600 refurbs running cooler? Did they add a fan? More slots or are the using the -100 internals? Also, If I got a replacement would they want my h20-600 that I bought? Is PQ just as good?

Why are there so many problems with these boxes all of the sudden...The ts-360 did the same (freeze ups,etc), the H10 and now the h20....It seems the boxes of old (DTC-100, Toshiba's,etc) would not experience the lock up, freeze up problems on this scale of magnitude that we are experiencing now.