Has anyone had a problem with their HR10-250 doing reboots? Since my upgrade to 6.3 two weeks ago it's rebooted 3 times by itself while I'm watching TV. I've noticed it's done it right when it gets ready to start a recording. I never had this problem before the upgrade.

I tried resetting the dolby choices, etc., nothing helps so far. Is your tivo hooked up by hdmi or components. Since I have one of the original hdmi problem machines, I am plugged into my Denon 4806 via components & optical out. I'm screwed. I bet I'm going to lose all my hi-def movies (Matrix(s), LOR, Starship Troopers, Star Wars III, ID4, etc., and the opening ceremony to the Greek Summer Olympics. Sucks...

My setup is not too different from yours. I have components going straight into the tv and a digital connection for audio to my receiver (a Denon 3803). I quit using the component switch on the Denon a couple of months back when I started to believe the component switch on the Denon was failing/starting to fail.

Don't start to panic yet about losing anything. Just start from the very beginning, simplify connections, and find out where the problem is really occuring. One rather obscure thing that has happaned on a rare, few occasions is that my Denon seems to need a reset of the input "Mode" setting to "Automatic". With any other setting, I get no sound whatsoever from my Tivo. I can switch to DVD and it works great - the setting is specific to each individual input so everything else on the receiver will work fine except for the DBS input - and it only effects the sound. I'm not saying that's going on in your situation, I'm just illustrating how settings on devices which you haven't even touched in months can be the source of a difficulty.

If you can, eliminate the receiver and connect directly to the TV. If that works, then there is something going on with the receiver's settings. If that doesn't work then you know, absolutely, that the problem IS with the Tivo. You might also give your HDMI output a second chance - new firmware can sometimes work magic on inputs/outputs that previously performed poorly.

The one thing I'm fairly certain about is that your previously recorded programs are still there and the audio portion of those programs are still there. If the firmware change failed or caused disc corruption, the nature of your problems would be much greater than simply lossing your audio. Don't automatically assume that your receiver isn't the "source" of the "problem" - at least in the sense that there could be a configuration issue with the receiver. You might even try using another digital audio input and going into the receiver's configuration to tie the new input together with your composite connection.

My HR10-250 has messed up video output now, and I'm wondering if this could be from the software upgrade? It was working fine last night, but today I just get a messed up green screen, even though I can hear the audio. I tried unplugging it twice, to no avail.

Oh well, I guess I need to place a call to customer service. :mad:


Good news, I fixed my own problem, though I'm positive it was caused by the upgrade. (My DVR says I got 6.3 about 5:45 this morning) To fix my screwed up green screen problem, I pushed the video FORMAT button on the front of the DVR, and that seemed to fix it for some reason. Before I pushed the Format button the 10801 light was lit up, which is where I normally set it. One push of the button to 480i and I had a clear picture, 480p looked good too, (720p is not accepted by my RPTV), and then back to 1080i and an excellent clear picture. Problem solved.

I had already called the DirecTV customer service prior to fixing this problem myself. They were no help, but did set up a service visit which they said would cost me $70! I will of course call and cancel this visit now. :D

I have the HR10-250 box made by manufacturer "400" and have had nothing but trouble with it since receiving 6.3a weeks ago. After numerous fix attempts by D*, they sent me a replacement box: another "400" machine that also quickly failed after upgrading to 6.3a. They have just sent me yet another replacement box that I should receive later today. I have had all the problems listed on the thread shown below. A real mess! The only things I am sure about: the "400" box will not work with 6.3a (personal experience - twice); when D* sends out replacement boxes they have no idea which company made them (since they are already packed for shipping without any identifying markings on the outside) and that they are all refurbished vice new (D* statements to me over the phone). From looking at various web postings, it also seems that 6.3a has a problem with audio drops on OTA digital signals from FOX stations (I know I certainly do since it happens with my 6.3a box, but not with my TV's internal tuner.).

Recommend this site to get the thread about all the latest on the 6.3a problems: www.tivocommunity.com

...the "400" box will not work with 6.3a...
I don't pretend to know why different people are having different experiences with 6.3a, but there must be other variables involved than just the manufacturer. My "400" HR10 has had no problems at all (so far, at least) since the installation.

I had to go back and reset a few settings that were returned to their defaults, but other than that minor inconvenience, I have experienced nothing but good things from the upgrade. The only other negative for me is that it came without instructions, so I've had to stumble around to find and implement some of the new features, and may not yet have discovered them all.

I am staying with 3.1 for the duration. If the bomb'ing ever stops, I will upgrade. Phone line is disconnected going on 4+ weeks now. Over and out.

Widespread reports in all forums re 6.3a upgrade causing DD5.1 audio dropouts especially on Fox OTA stations.

Hope they can fix this soon, as the HR20 units have OTA disabled, and now they have f'd up the HR10 OTA audio.

I am staying with 3.1 for the duration. If the bomb'ing ever stops, I will upgrade. Phone line is disconnected going on 4+ weeks now. Over and out.

It has been 23 days since my HR10 last phoned home. Given all the trouble reports, you'd think the feeding frenzy would have died down by now, but no there seem to be many still begging to get in on the pain. :confused:

It has been 23 days since my HR10 last phoned home. Given all the trouble reports, you'd think the feeding frenzy would have died down by now, but no there seem to be many still begging to get in on the pain. :confused:
It's like upgrading your computer's OS. There is always an element of risk as well as the promise of reward. Invariably, some people have problems, but the majority just enjoy the improvements. The former tend to be vociferous as they seek solutions. The latter tend to quietly move on to the next subject.

It's always impossible to know what percentage of users of a new system have difficulties at first, but it's usually well under 10%. It just seems like more because they report their issues. I'm not suggesting anyone is wrong to not want to take the risk (better safe than sorry, etc.), but it isn't like the upgrade is a disaster for everyone. Many of us are well pleased.

My HR10-250 was upgraded last week. So far its been great. I also believe the picture quality has improved as well, on both HD and SD material.

Is it just wishful thinking or have others seen am improvement?

BTW - Its connected via HDMI.

Mike

Can the hard drive contents be transferred to a computer. I tried connecting the unit via USB to my computer hoping to be able to transfer my files. My computer didn't recognize the HR10. Any special requirements need.

thx.

marty

My HR10-250 was upgraded last week. So far its been great. I also believe the picture quality has improved as well, on both HD and SD material.

Is it just wishful thinking or have others seen am improvement?

BTW - Its connected via HDMI.

Mike
No noticeable difference in SD/HD for me. I don't think the upgrade addressed any PQ issues, did it?

I did a "Clear and Erase everything" before the 6.3 upgrade after having some problems with a hard drive, and of course I lost the station identifier icons. I thought after an upgrade or system repair, those icons would return? I noticed they have not. Any chance we'll see a 6.3b that returns them?

I did a "Clear and Erase everything" before the 6.3 upgrade after having some problems with a hard drive, and of course I lost the station identifier icons. I thought after an upgrade or system repair, those icons would return? I noticed they have not. Any chance we'll see a 6.3b that returns them?

Try forcing another Daily call, then rebooting.
Some, if not many, have reported the logos not being there after the initial 6.3a reboot, but subsequent phone call/reboot made them apear.
(except for CW, it still is on the missing list)


Jerry

Has anyone had a problem with their HR10-250 doing reboots? Since my upgrade to 6.3 two weeks ago it's rebooted 3 times by itself while I'm watching TV. I've noticed it's done it right when it gets ready to start a recording. I never had this problem before the upgrade.

Me too, 2 reboots after 6.3 while watching TV so far. One Saturday night, and one Sunday night. Just before the reboot the HR10-250 stops responding to the remote, the screen flashes, and the reboot process starts. It didn't reboot last night so maybe it will correct itself. Perhaps it learned I'm scheduled for an HR-20 install Friday. Ghost in the machine?

Can the hard drive contents be transferred to a computer. The USB port is not functional with the present software. It's designated for future use.

Well add me to the list of 6.3 upgrade problems. I am getting audio drops while using DD output through my receiver on all OTA channels, especially ABC. I wasn't sure if it was a local network problem or not. Also, I am getting periodic video pixelating and breakup on the OTA channels. Not to mention, the annoying searching for signal message. All of this occurs on live and recorded shows.

Does the HR10-250 output HDMI and component video simultaneously?

Does the HR10-250 output HDMI and component video simultaneously?
Short answer is no, however, there was a thread at TCF where someone claims to have figured out a way to make the two outputs active simultaneously.

Do a search in the HD DVR forum on the topic over at TCF (www.tivocommunity.com) for more info.

The USB port is not functional with the present software. It's designated for future use.

You mean future non-use. :(

Been getting a lot of sound drop outs across the board on all the locals. Ten second losses a lot during shows. Can't tell if it may be the antenna or even my HR10-250. About a month or two ago the HR10-250 had some major updates, seems since then I've had this problem.

Anyone notice this with their HR10-250?

Orlando FL area.

Been getting a lot of sound drop outs across the board on all the locals. Ten second losses a lot during shows. Can't tell if it may be the antenna or even my HR10-250. About a month or two ago the HR10-250 had some major updates, seems since then I've had this problem.

Anyone notice this with their HR10-250?

Orlando FL area.
Only occasionally. So far, only noticed on Fox though.

Dropouts arrived with the 6.3a software. A fix is in the works.

I scanned through this thread real quickly and I didn't find anything on the problem I am having. Last night when I went to Tivo menu I got a message saying that my Tivo has not dialed out in 14 days. I ran through the troublshooting steps and when it attempts to dial out I get a message saying "directv busy" (or something along those lines, I'm at work now and can't check for sure). I tried switching dial in numbers and still get the same message. Can anyone tell me what this means and what I can do to fix? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, and I dont know if this is related, but the wife reports that for the last few mornings no programming can be viewed. When everything is turned on there is just a blank screen. You can even go into the tivo menu. The yellow light is also on. Can anyone shed some light on the matter before I get home and start resetting things and checking all the wiring?

Been getting a lot of sound drop outs across the board on all the locals. Ten second losses a lot during shows. Can't tell if it may be the antenna or even my HR10-250. About a month or two ago the HR10-250 had some major updates, seems since then I've had this problem.

Anyone notice this with their HR10-250?

Orlando FL area.

*** Yes, it is happening to everyone. It is due to a software bug ***

DirecTV where is the fix ????

I had mine "reboot" or something on me last night while watching a recorded show. The screen just went blank and all the leds went off. Shortly after the 480i and power led came on but was unable to switch output (via remote or front panel) to see what, if anything was happening. The record led would come on for a while and then both the power and record led would go off. I cycled power a few time with the same results.
Since my projector won't accept 480i via component I moved the box to another TV. There it showed a powering up message on the screen. Then several minutes later a DTV logo appeared with some massage indicating something (which I forgot) and to please wait. I have never seen either of these screens when cold booting before. It eventually came back alive but in took a very long time.

Sadly, during this time I came to realize what life would be like without it... what a scary thought!

edit *figured it out ...

Tivo 10-250 download kills DD5.1...

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

Apparently Directv performed some 6.something upgrade that has totally disabled the 5.1 DD playback and DD5.1 audio record capabilities of the Tivo 10-250 units on any HDTV source (theirs or OTA). Now, all DD stuff is now converted to PCM (stereo). I called Directv last night and they said "...we know. We're trying to find a remedy. We'll call you back in a couple of days". Oh well...


Any success with this issue Jack? I mistakenly allowed my 10-250 to upgrade the other day and I've had some serious audio issues. It seems only some of the stations are transmitting their audio in Dolby Digital and it varies. I had absolutely no problems prior to the upgrade. Now, I'm getting only some stations to process in 5.1 surround through my Yamaha (via optical cable, HDMI to my Pioneer Elite). The others are handled as PCM even though I've changed the audio settings to Dolby Digital in the settings menu.

Frustrating.

I couldn't search the old thread, but didn't find it in this thread. I hope someone can help:

My unit will lock up at the :28 mark every Friday night (I record NUMB3RS). It also does this at "random" times throughout the week in addition to the :28 mark in some other programs (I say "random" since I can't seem to find another pattern). It will do fine at recording some stuff (e.g., 60 minutes of "Studio 60", an entire NFL game, 30 minutes of "The Office").

When it locks up, it sometimes recovers, but usually ends up rebooting itself after about 3 minutes (the reboot then takes another 3-5 minutes).

I thought that I might have a bad hard drive, but the regularity of this on Friday nights has me thinking it isn't that.

I tried a complete reset of the unit (where it deleted everything, etc.). This didn't help.

Any ideas?

I'm betting this is another 6.3 problem, as my set does the exact same thing.

Anybody else having a lot of partial programming problems lately? Starting about a week ago, my unit started cutting off recording of a show before it was over. I'd get the first 10 minutes of ER. Then, one of my favorite shows, Prison Break, has a partial length of 0 minutes. I was sick. Happened again tonight with the Simpsons new episode. It's there but it's 0 minutes.

I've reset the unit a couple times but to no avail. I just unplugged / replugged tonight. I'm desperate here. Anybody know what's going on here? Thanks.

Anybody else having a lot of partial programming problems lately? Starting about a week ago, my unit started cutting off recording of a show before it was over. I'd get the first 10 minutes of ER. Then, one of my favorite shows, Prison Break, has a partial length of 0 minutes. I was sick. Happened again tonight with the Simpsons new episode. It's there but it's 0 minutes.

I've reset the unit a couple times but to no avail. I just unplugged / replugged tonight. I'm desperate here. Anybody know what's going on here? Thanks.

there's allot of funny stuff going on since the update. some are affected allot worse than others for some reason.

all you can do is keep your eyes and ears open for the next update which should fix your problems, Superbone.

A week ago, on Sunday morning, I noticed that my 10-250 would freeze momentarily, jump ahead and then freeze again, etc. It made watching any program impossible. I checked the System Information and found that it said my access card was invalid and that my DirecTV account was closed. I also saw a message stating that my account needed to be activated. I called D* customer service and went through the usual process of rebooting, etc. but it did not help. They put me through to "Level II" support who finally claimed I needed a new access card. The access card finally got here but it does not help. The problem has gotten much worse. Usually, all I get is a blank screen. If any picture at all comes up, it is frozen. Often, it freezes while it says it is retrieving data from the satellite. I has attempted to reboot on its own several times. It will not even play back programs recorded before this problem occurred. Could this be a problem from the update? I had the update several weeks ago but did not notice any problem until last Sunday. I have no confidence that D* will fix this any time soon and don't want to be without my HD Tivo over the holidays. Thanks.

Add me to the list of people now having odd issues since the update. Up until this past weekend it's been smooth sailing with the 6.3a update. This weekend, I lost all audio on OTA stations ONLY. HD and SD stations via satellite came in just fine. I putzed around with the Dolby Digital setting on teh HR10-250, but that didn't solve anything. I wasn't planning on watching any OTA that day anyway and I was going to dinner with the family, so I filed it under "play with it more later". We got home about 2 hours later and I flipped the tv on to finish watching a program I had been recording from satellite earlier. To my surprise, I heard audio, but saw no picture at all other than the green letters that tell me which input is active on the tv. Thinking the Sony might be on the fritz, I toggled through all the inputs and then checked to see if the DVD player still worked through the tv. It did. So i played around with the inputs a few more times, unplugged and replugged the HDMI cable from the box and the tv a few times and still nothing. Finally I just said screw it and unplugged the damn thing to let it reset. Ten minutes later, all was well again. No clue what the heck went on, but it appears to be working ok for the time being.

Later,
Jeff

Go here:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=36

if you want all the news about the poor 6.3a update. Audio dropouts OTA, reboots, and short recordings are the norm, not the exception. I have called D* more than once and they do acknowledge the audio problems at least.

After the upgrade, one of my HR10s wouldn't start up due to a 'thermal' problem, which was not caused by high temps. They sent a replacement HR10 for free with the old 3.15 release on it. I swapped the Tivos, got the replacement activated and unplugged the phone line so the update would not happen. No problems at all. I am thinking of calling D* again and asking for the second HR10 to be swapped out so I can leave it at 3.15 also.

D* really doesn't have their act together on this... either with testing beforehand or quickly finding a fix for real problems.

I have a problem that I haven't heard of before on these forums.
My DVD recorder (Pioneer) remote now sends commands to the HR10-250.
When I hit the power button on the DVD remote the TiVo goes into standby mode (since there really is no 'off' button)
When I hit the UP key on the DVD remote the TiVo starts changing output format (1080i to 480i, etc.).
When I am recording a DVD (playing a TiVo program as the source) and hit the PAUSE button it also pauses the TiVo program.
However, the commands from the HR10-250/TiVo remote do not affect the DVD recorder. Strange.

This is very frustrating and never happened before the software update. That upgrade is the only thing that has changed in my system since this problem started.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix this?

I never used the feature but I recall that the old software (3.1xx) had an option to change the TiVo remote code. I do not see any such feature in the new software. However, in the system information screen it does list a value for "remote address" which currently reads: "not set (0)".
I think that my problem would be fixed if I could change the 'remote address' but I see no way of changing it.

Any ideas would be appreciated, this is very frustrating.

A week ago, on Sunday morning, I noticed that my 10-250 would freeze momentarily, jump ahead and then freeze again, etc. It made watching any program impossible. I checked the System Information and found that it said my access card was invalid and that my DirecTV account was closed. I also saw a message stating that my account needed to be activated. I called D* customer service and went through the usual process of rebooting, etc. but it did not help. They put me through to "Level II" support who finally claimed I needed a new access card. The access card finally got here but it does not help. The problem has gotten much worse. Usually, all I get is a blank screen. If any picture at all comes up, it is frozen. Often, it freezes while it says it is retrieving data from the satellite. I has attempted to reboot on its own several times. It will not even play back programs recorded before this problem occurred. Could this be a problem from the update? I had the update several weeks ago but did not notice any problem until last Sunday. I have no confidence that D* will fix this any time soon and don't want to be without my HD Tivo over the holidays. Thanks.
These symptoms sound a lot like mine. If I hook mine up via HDMI, I get the "access card invalid" error. This just started this past Sunday. No Sunday ticket recording :mad: If I hook up via component, it just freezes on startup while trying to get satellite information (either at 0% or 9%). Basically, mine is just dead, and I have no idea what killed it. They are sending me a HR20, since it doesn't seem like they have any HR10s left in stock. I'm not horribly opposed to the upgrade (I've had a lot of problems with my HR10), but I was hoping to wait until the bugs were worked out.

I have a problem that I haven't heard of before on these forums.
My DVD recorder (Pioneer) remote now sends commands to the HR10-250.
When I hit the power button on the DVD remote the TiVo goes into standby mode (since there really is no 'off' button)
When I hit the UP key on the DVD remote the TiVo starts changing output format (1080i to 480i, etc.).
When I am recording a DVD (playing a TiVo program as the source) and hit the PAUSE button it also pauses the TiVo program.
However, the commands from the HR10-250/TiVo remote do not affect the DVD recorder. Strange.

This is very frustrating and never happened before the software update. That upgrade is the only thing that has changed in my system since this problem started.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix this?

I never used the feature but I recall that the old software (3.1xx) had an option to change the TiVo remote code. I do not see any such feature in the new software. However, in the system information screen it does list a value for "remote address" which currently reads: "not set (0)".
I think that my problem would be fixed if I could change the 'remote address' but I see no way of changing it.

Any ideas would be appreciated, this is very frustrating.

I am not sure that this is the best way, but as long as you had no problems before the software upgrade it should work.

Obtain a copy of InstantCake. It is available from www.dvrupgrade.com and probably from other sites as well.

This will restore your software to 3.1.5f and set a flag so that it will not be upgraded, but it does require taking the hard drive out of the HR10-250, connecting it to your computer to install the software, and then re-installing it in the HR10-250. If your decide to try this, I would also suggest getting the PTVNet software to add network capability to your HR10-250. The last time I looked the price was around $20 a piece for the software.

If you do not feel comfortable doing the work yourself, I believe that www.weaknees.com will do it for you, but they are not cheap.

Note: I am not assoiated with either of these sites, just a satisfied customer of both.

If your decide to try this, I would also suggest getting the PTVNet software to add network capability to your HR10-250.
Can transfer recorded shows to another networked computer as mpeg2 file?

Sorry for this newbie question but I have had my HR10-250 for over a year now and it has been a good unit. It has some annoying quirks on it like taking forever for the DirecTV menu to come up and audio and video dropouts after being on a channel for too long (only fix is switching channels). After reading through these forums I decided to check the sofware version. It is 3.1.5e-01-2-357

Would I benefit from upgrading the sofware on it? I don't want to make anything worse since it is pretty much working except for the annoying things mentioned earlier. Can I even update it since mine is not connected to a phone line? After hearing people complainging about audio issues on the newest version maybe I should just leave it alone. Is there a way to download previous versions? Please Help!

Doesn't it just update automaticaly?

Im assuming it does it automatically but over the phone line and mine is NOT connected to a phone line.

My unit is current, only problem I've seen is an audio drop out about once per 1 hour of recorded show.

Sorry for this newbie question but I have had my HR10-250 for over a year now and it has been a good unit. It has some annoying quirks on it like taking forever for the DirecTV menu to come up and audio and video dropouts after being on a channel for too long (only fix is switching channels). After reading through these forums I decided to check the sofware version. It is 3.1.5e-01-2-357

Would I benefit from upgrading the sofware on it? I don't want to make anything worse since it is pretty much working except for the annoying things mentioned earlier. Can I even update it since mine is not connected to a phone line? After hearing people complainging about audio issues on the newest version maybe I should just leave it alone. Is there a way to download previous versions? Please Help!
Tommy - as for a benefit - it all depends. Personally I like the folders & speed the upgrade brought, but on the downside many people are having many more audio dropouts with this new version. So you're watching a show with your family and during a critical scene the audio drops out- they'll be looking at you for solutions. It's happened a few times for me & it was annoying. Personally, if I could go back & not have the upgrade done, I'd probably opt for that. It is annoying, but not enough to do what BruceS has done - rolling back by using InstantCake. Again, this is a personal decision, but knowing what I know now I'd opt for a slower unit assuming that D*/TiVo is working on a fix for the audio dropouts.

...Would I benefit from upgrading the sofware on it?...
It's a calculated risk.

Overall, I like my HR10-250 much better since the upgrade, and I wouldn't go back. But when the dropouts occur, they are very annoying. Their frequency seems to be, at least in part, a function of how each local stations' equipment interacts with the HR10-250, so not everyone has the same experience.

In my case, the dropouts are infrequent. I can go days without any. When they occur, they tend to happen soon after a new station is tuned in (usually Fox, but not exclusively). Commonly, it is during the recap of previous episodes sequence, so nothing of consequence is lost. If it happens during a critical piece of dialog, I rewind the segment and watch it again with the closed captions on (not an great workaround, but a functional one).

If you prefer to be on the safe side, you are probably better off waiting to upgrade until TiVo/D* provides a fix, which is supposedly in the works.

After 10 years as a loyal DirecTv customer, I moved from LA to San Antonio and decided to give Time Warner cable a try. I am not so happy with the HD DVR from Time Warner, but that's another story. I still have HR10-250, that I purchaced for $1000 when it first came out. Time Warner in San Antonio doesn't carry Fox in HD, so I figured I would put an antenna in the attic and record the OTA signal with my HR10-250. I got everything set up and then discovered that DirecTv disabled the DVR functionality of my HR10-250! I called and was told unless I have an active acount the DVR function of my HR10-250 won't work, even for OTA channels! This really upsets me because one of the options when setting up the HR10-250 is to use it for OTA recording only. There is no reason I should pay DirecTv for the right to use my $1000 DVR to record programs OTA.
Please help. Does anyone know of a workaround or hack so I can use my HR10-250 to record programs OTA? Any help is really appreciated.

After 10 years as a loyal DirecTv customer, I moved from LA to San Antonio and decided to give Time Warner cable a try. I am not so happy with the HD DVR from Time Warner, but that's another story. I still have HR10-250, that I purchaced for $1000 when it first came out. Time Warner in San Antonio doesn't carry Fox in HD, so I figured I would put an antenna in the attic and record the OTA signal with my HR10-250. I got everything set up and then discovered that DirecTv disabled the DVR functionality of my HR10-250! I called and was told unless I have an active acount the DVR function of my HR10-250 won't work, even for OTA channels! This really upsets me because one of the options when setting up the HR10-250 is to use it for OTA recording only. There is no reason I should pay DirecTv for the right to use my $1000 DVR to record programs OTA.
Please help. Does anyone know of a workaround or hack so I can use my HR10-250 to record programs OTA? Any help is really appreciated.

i'm afraid your SOL, jrimmer.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=280991

I have a problem that I haven't heard of before on these forums.
My DVD recorder (Pioneer) remote now sends commands to the HR10-250.
When I hit the power button on the DVD remote the TiVo goes into standby mode (since there really is no 'off' button)
When I hit the UP key on the DVD remote the TiVo starts changing output format (1080i to 480i, etc.).
When I am recording a DVD (playing a TiVo program as the source) and hit the PAUSE button it also pauses the TiVo program.
However, the commands from the HR10-250/TiVo remote do not affect the DVD recorder. Strange.

This is very frustrating and never happened before the software update. That upgrade is the only thing that has changed in my system since this problem started.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix this?

I never used the feature but I recall that the old software (3.1xx) had an option to change the TiVo remote code. I do not see any such feature in the new software. However, in the system information screen it does list a value for "remote address" which currently reads: "not set (0)".
I think that my problem would be fixed if I could change the 'remote address' but I see no way of changing it.

Any ideas would be appreciated, this is very frustrating.
I had this same problem. I have 2 Pioneer DVD recorders and 4 DirecTiVo's (2 HD and 2 SD).

The solution was to reset the remotes on the Pioneer DVDRs to "Recorder 2" and "Recorder 3" remote settings. "Recorder 1" is the only one that interacts with the DirecTiVo's.

My Pioneer DVDRs are the 520H and 210 models. I have heard that the newer x31 and 640 series Pioneers also offer the 3 remote settings. Check your owners manual in the Initial Settings Chapter (near the end of my manuals) for instructions.

BTW, I had this problem long before the 6.3 upgrade became available.

Good luck!

These symptoms sound a lot like mine. If I hook mine up via HDMI, I get the "access card invalid" error. This just started this past Sunday. No Sunday ticket recording :mad: If I hook up via component, it just freezes on startup while trying to get satellite information (either at 0% or 9%). Basically, mine is just dead, and I have no idea what killed it. They are sending me a HR20, since it doesn't seem like they have any HR10s left in stock. I'm not horribly opposed to the upgrade (I've had a lot of problems with my HR10), but I was hoping to wait until the bugs were worked out.

They are still telling me that the problem is the access card. The only thing I get on satellite channels now is a "Data Corruption" message on a blank screen. On OTA channels I get a picture, but it freezes, starts, stops, etc. constantly making it unwatchable. Most of the programs recorded before the problem started are watchable, they just have a "Insert Access Card" message flashing intermittently across the screen. They are sending me another access card. I think the problem is more serious, but this card is bad as I get the "Data Corruption" message if I insert it into another receiver. D* offered to give me a $200 credit if I wanted to buy another unit, but I went to BB and CC last weekend and they did not have any DirecTV HD DVRs in stock. I would rather have the 10-250 if it works anyway.

They are still telling me that the problem is the access card....
Got the new access card and it did not fix the problem. This was the 2nd new card. Picture and sound are still freezing, stopping, starting, etc. and the "Insert Valid Access Card" message is still flashing intermittently across the screen. The "Data Corruption" message is gone, however. The level 2 support guy agreed it was not the card and said he would transfer me to whoever I needed to talk with to get a new HD Tivo, but that guy had me do a complete delete and reformat on my hard drive, instead. That was over an hour ago and I am still waiting for it to finish. I think my problem is a faulty card reader and I do not expect reformatting the hard drive to fix it. Almost 3 weeks without a working HD Tivo and I bet I am still dealing with this at Christmas.

Is there any retailer (other than EBay) that is still selling(or leasing) the DirecTV HR10-250 TiVo? I don't need or want the HR20.

The level 2 support guy agreed it was not the card and said he would transfer me to whoever I needed to talk with to get a new HD Tivo, but that guy had me do a complete delete and reformat on my hard drive, instead. That was over an hour ago and I am still waiting for it to finish. I think my problem is a faulty card reader and I do not expect reformatting the hard drive to fix it.

The Delete and Reformat took almost 4 hours and afterward I had to go through the setup all over again. Afterwards, it seemed to work okay for about 2 minutes and then the freezing up, etc. started all over again. I called D* back and finally got someone to agree to send me out a new unit. They could not say whether it would be a 10-250 or a HR20. Afterwards, just playing around with it, I disconnected the HDMI and connected it with component cables.
It worked great for over 2 hours and I was able to watch both SD and HD programs without any problem. However, it eventually started the freezing up, blank screen, pixilating, etc. problems like before. What is going on here? Is this an update related problem?

Is there any retailer (other than EBay) that is still selling(or leasing) the DirecTV HR10-250 TiVo? I don't need or want the HR20.
Not many, it seems, and all expensive. Weaknees (http://www.weaknees.com/hd-tivo.php) still lists some upgraded units.

What is going on here? Is this an update related problem?

Sounds like the dieing hard-drive syndrome. The update may have exposed a pre-existing condition.

Is there any retailer (other than EBay) that is still selling(or leasing) the DirecTV HR10-250 TiVo? I don't need or want the HR20.

I was in COMPUSA today and they had it for $299. I have seen it at Best Buy also a while ago.

I was in COMPUSA today and they had it for $299. I have seen it at Best Buy also a while ago.

Really? I haven't seen HR10-250s anywhere in the past few months. I've only seen the D* branded boxes at fine retailers near me. :-)

Deezul

Is there any retailer (other than EBay) that is still selling(or leasing) the DirecTV HR10-250 TiVo? I don't need or want the HR20.
Costco still had 'em, last time I checked.

Problems just started for me 3 days ago on my H10-250.

First 2 programs did not record when they were supposed to.

A couple days later, I found the box unresponsive. Rebooted. 2 days later, same thing. A day later (today), same thing.

I just checked and I am running 6.3 software. Not sure when I got it.

Called DirecTV and they suggested a re-format and if that doesn't help they will send me a new one. Of course they cannot guarantee the H10-250, it may be the H20.

I have a few questions about what I've read in this thread:

1. I am getting my locals HD OTA. Does the H20 really not support locals OTA like the H10-250? That would be a killer for me.

2. Is there anything I can do to save my dying H10-250? Should I try pulling the hard drive, as mentioned a few posts back, and taking the software back to version 3?

3. If this is a hardware problem with the hard drive, is there any way to replace it (can you copy the image or get the software somewhere)?

4. Is there anything else I can try (I read something about disabling and clearing suggestions, but the reformat should take care of that)?

5. If none of this works and I am forced to go the H20, will they give me a free 5lnb dish so I can get my HD locals?

I'm bummed about this. As if I don't already have enough to do before Christmas!

D* just started rolling out a 6.3b version that is supposed to fix some of the bugs introduced by 6.3a. Hopefully once that comes down some of these things will go away.

Problems just started for me 3 days ago on my H10-250.

First 2 programs did not record when they were supposed to.

A couple days later, I found the box unresponsive. Rebooted. 2 days later, same thing. A day later (today), same thing.

I just checked and I am running 6.3 software. Not sure when I got it.

Called DirecTV and they suggested a re-format and if that doesn't help they will send me a new one. Of course they cannot guarantee the H10-250, it may be the H20.

I have a few questions about what I've read in this thread:

1. I am getting my locals HD OTA. Does the H20 really not support locals OTA like the H10-250? That would be a killer for me.

2. Is there anything I can do to save my dying H10-250? Should I try pulling the hard drive, as mentioned a few posts back, and taking the software back to version 3?

3. If this is a hardware problem with the hard drive, is there any way to replace it (can you copy the image or get the software somewhere)?

4. Is there anything else I can try (I read something about disabling and clearing suggestions, but the reformat should take care of that)?

5. If none of this works and I am forced to go the H20, will they give me a free 5lnb dish so I can get my HD locals?

I'm bummed about this. As if I don't already have enough to do before Christmas!

Just my 2 cents: I have both the HR10 and the HR20. While it is true that general OTA isn't enabled on the HR20 nationally, a controlled release of the software update that enables OTA has happen in California. A national rollout is not that far in the future.

Instead of trying to repair the H10, and given the fact that new birds are going up next year to support the expanded MPEG4 programming, you may want to re-consider the H20. I will admit that there are still some software bugs to work out on it, but each software release makes it a much better box.

At the moment, I am still using the HR10 as the main DVR with the HR20 as the "backup", but that may soon change.

Just my 2 cents: I have both the HR10 and the HR20. While it is true that general OTA isn't enabled on the HR20 nationally, a controlled release of the software update that enables OTA has happen in California. A national rollout is not that far in the future.

Instead of trying to repair the H10, and given the fact that new birds are going up next year to support the expanded MPEG4 programming, you may want to re-consider the H20. I will admit that there are still some software bugs to work out on it, but each software release makes it a much better box.

At the moment, I am still using the HR10 as the main DVR with the HR20 as the "backup", but that may soon change.

Thanks for the advice.

I caught my box in the act overnight. I was recording off some programs and caught it rebooting 3 times in succession. It came back on the first 2 times to live TV, and never came back the third time. I am going to try formatting and see if that helps, but I'm afraid it is probably failing hardware. I still might try backing up the hard drive and replacing with a new one (just because I can).

Thanks for the advice.

I caught my box in the act overnight. I was recording off some programs and caught it rebooting 3 times in succession. It came back on the first 2 times to live TV, and never came back the third time. I am going to try formatting and see if that helps, but I'm afraid it is probably failing hardware. I still might try backing up the hard drive and replacing with a new one (just because I can).

I hope the format helps.

Out of curiosity, you have have the H10 on some form of UPS? I discovered that even a slight brownout would cause mine to reboot.

It still sounds like either a re-format is needed, or truly the HD is on its last legs.

Does anyone know if the DirecTV HR10-250 would function without an access card, acting as a standalone OTA DVR? If not, would a "terminated" access card work with it to get OTA only?

Does anyone know if the DirecTV HR10-250 would function without an access card, acting as a standalone OTA DVR? If not, would a "terminated" access card work with it to get OTA only?
Without a subscription, the HR10-250 will not record.

I don't know if this has been covered, but as with all high end components, sporadic rebooting and freezing is often caused by heat issues. Make sure you check that fan in the back and blow out the insides. Not sure if this will address your problems, but its just another troubleshooting solution. Try putting a fan on it and see if it works better. If so, get a new fan for the back of the system.

patrick

Does anyone know what improvements came with this update? I have yet to see anything different from 6.3a to 6.3b.

~Allan

Bug fixes only. Many are experiencing audio dropouts on 5.1DD, especially on OTA.

Bug fixes only. Many are experiencing audio dropouts on 5.1DD, especially on OTA.
...are or were experiencing audio dropouts? Any reports as to whether the update has fixed these dropouts for most people?

...are or were experiencing audio dropouts? Any reports as to whether the update has fixed these dropouts for most people?
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=333791

One thing I noticed is that when keying channel numbers, I can't seem to just enter one number at a time. Another word, if I press number 5 once, I get 55 or sometimes even 555, no matter how quickly I let go of the button. The number buttons are too sensitive???

~Allan

One thing I noticed is that when keying channel numbers, I can't seem to just enter one number at a time. Another word, if I press number 5 once, I get 55 or sometimes even 555, no matter how quickly I let go of the button. The number buttons are too sensitive???

~Allan
I noticed that right away when I got 6.3. It happens with other buttons too. I thought my remote control was going bad. At least now I know it's not just me. Now if they would fix it.

Well, 2 of us at least. I haven't seen others mention this one. I too thought my remote was going haywire. The irony is that prior to the update, my remote was not responsive at times, and I was seriously comtemplating replacing it with Harmony but now it is way too responsive. Both issues are annoying but I am not sure which is worse.

While I'm at it . . . when I change to local OTA channels (picking up via antenna), I get a blank screen with "searching for signal" message for a split second before picture comes on. It wasn't like that before.

I like the folders and less frequent pink screen when tv is turned on are nice. Pink screen is still there occasionally whereas it used to be there every powerup.

~Allan

While I'm at it . . . when I change to local OTA channels (picking up via antenna), I get a blank screen with "searching for signal" message for a split second before picture comes on. It wasn't like that before.

I've gotten the same thing since the 6.3 upgrade. Glad to see it wasn't just me. Well, not really GLAD that it's happening elsewhere, but that my experience isn't unique.

Deez

Bunch of TVs
Bunch of D* receivers
Bunch of AV equipment
Bunch of Xboxes

I've gotten the same thing since the 6.3 upgrade. Glad to see it wasn't just me. Well, not really GLAD that it's happening elsewhere, but that my experience isn't unique.

Deez

Bunch of TVs
Bunch of D* receivers
Bunch of AV equipment
Bunch of Xboxes

It has been that way with 6.3a and 6.3b. It doesn't harm anything....it is just annoying.

I have never upgraded my HR10-250's software but my HR20 does the exact same thing with the buttons and it can be pretty annoying. It takes a gentle touch sometimes to get to the right channel.

I'm having a strange problem with one of my HR10-250. I've got about 10 season passes set up. Only 1 of the 10 has a program set to record. When I go into the season pass setup for the remaining 9, it's says that there are no programs to record. But if I go to the guide and select one of these programs I can record it manually. For some reason the season pass isn't seeing any of my programs.

I've had the same setup for each of these season passes since the start on the fall season and haven't had any problem since the fall season started.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance.

Without a subscription, the HR10-250 will not record.

Are you sure? The manual for the HR10-250 says that if you set it up as "OTA only", it will not download program information. I've read other reports that say you don't get program info, but you can record "manually." (Just set the date and time to record?)

I'm having a strange problem with one of my HR10-250. I've got about 10 season passes set up. Only 1 of the 10 has a program set to record. When I go into the season pass setup for the remaining 9, it's says that there are no programs to record. But if I go to the guide and select one of these programs I can record it manually. For some reason the season pass isn't seeing any of my programs.

I've had the same setup for each of these season passes since the start on the fall season and haven't had any problem since the fall season started.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance.

Many many threads over at tivocommunity.com, both in the SD DirecTiVo forums and the HD DirecTiVo forums.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=7
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=36


Jerry

Are you sure? The manual for the HR10-250 says that if you set it up as "OTA only", it will not download program information. I've read other reports that say you don't get program info, but you can record "manually." (Just set the date and time to record?)

It will not record without an active DirecTV subscription, DVR functions are completely disabled.

You can only use it as a tuner, and the buffer may function, but no recording.


Jerry

I'm having a strange problem with one of my HR10-250. I've got about 10 season passes set up. Only 1 of the 10 has a program set to record. When I go into the season pass setup for the remaining 9, it's says that there are no programs to record. But if I go to the guide and select one of these programs I can record it manually. For some reason the season pass isn't seeing any of my programs.

I've had the same setup for each of these season passes since the start on the fall season and haven't had any problem since the fall season started.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance.
I haven't referenced the tivocommunity.com threads mentioned earlier, but can tell you I had almost exactly the same experience.

Mine was "cured" (for the time being, at least) by forcing a call, which resulted in a very large download that seemed to restore normal operations (but didn't get me 6.3b, which is the real reason I tried forcing the call).

There was apparently a guide problem which was fixed.

I guess fixed is a relative term. I'm still seeing this after forcing a call and rebooting.

Thanks for the info. Seems that we are all experiencing the same problem. I'll try forcing a call or removing and restarting all of my season passes.

Thanks again for the help!!!

Bill

Due to our unit not having a phone connection, we haven't received any of the updates.
If we connect a temporary extension phone line now, will we receive both or just the latest? What is the procedure for requesting the updates? Thanks for the help on this.

If we connect a temporary extension phone line now, will we receive both or just the latest? What is the procedure for requesting the updates? Thanks for the help on this.It depends on where your DVR is at in the rollout. I don't have 6.3b yet so my serial number would either get 6.3a or nothing until it was cleared for 6.3b. Just wait until after 1/12 when all units should be cleared. Connect the line and make the phone call. It should download permission and give you a pending message. Then a reboot will download the new software via the dish.

I guess fixed is a relative term. I'm still seeing this after forcing a call and rebooting.

Seems to be a whole lot better, but I'm hesitant to call it fixed yet.


Jerry

It depends on where your DVR is at in the rollout. I don't have 6.3b yet so my serial number would either get 6.3a or nothing until it was cleared for 6.3b. Just wait until after 1/12 when all units should be cleared. Connect the line and make the phone call. It should download permission and give you a pending message. Then a reboot will download the new software via the dish.Thanks, greywolf.

Just got 6.3b yesterday. Zip is 339xx.

I'll test it during the National Championship game tonight to see if the Fox OTA audio dropouts have been fixed.

Peace,

DM

Permission is not done by location in this case but by a database of serial numbers or access card numbers.

Well, I have watched an hour of the National Championship game on Fox (OTA) and not a single audio drop out. Nice.

We'll see if I get truncated recordings as some have had w/ 6.3b.

Peace,

DM

Big audio dropout (~30 sec) during House last night (on ch88, FoxE from NY); I think there was a little glitch in the video at the same time. Had to turn on CC and back up to see what was being said. The audio dropout was persistent. [Running 6.3b since 8 January.]

Ran a phone line to the unit this morning and tried to get it to call in so that we could get the updates, but when it reached the "connecting" step, "negotiating" appeared and nothing happened beyond that point for maybe 20-30 minutes. Finding that none of the buttons on the remote worked, we finally pulled the plug for a few seconds to cause a reboot. Later, we ran system test, and the same thing happened when it reached the phone test. Couldn't get past "negotiating." This time, however, after about 5 minutes, "test failed" was posted and normal operation was possible.

Could anyone offer any advice? I am wondering if the phone modem has gone bad. It worked initially when new in September 2005, but hasn't had a phone line attached to it again until today. Perhaps we are better off without the updates. I just read that there are defects in 6.3b and that it has been withdrawn. Evidently some owners are purchasing a device that will reset the HD Tivo to 3.1.5f so I am not sure if we want to take a chance with the recent updates.

I got 6.3b last night. Do you have a regular analog phone line? Do you have DSL and, if so, did you use a filter?

I've had two shows now not show up when I do a Title search. "Dirt" on FX and "24" on Fox don't show. I've had to go to the Show by Channel option. And even then when I find them, I open up one show and select "Show Upcoming episodes" and nothing shows. In fact, I'll set up a season pass from an episode, and it won't mark anything. Has anyone else had this problem? I also had it decide one day that it wasn't getting any signal from the satellite and I had to reboot it to get it to work correctly.

Deezul

Thanks, greywolf. Yes and no on your questions about DSL. We will have to give this another try with a filter. I'm not sure at this point if we want the updates, but at least it would be nice to know if the phone modem on the HR10 is working.

I guess fixed is a relative term. I'm still seeing this after forcing a call and rebooting.
So am I, I deleted every SP I had and re-did a few and the unit still is not picking up on new episodes. I set a SP for Rome and it gets next week and beyond, but not the first one tomorrow, same for a few other shows....annoying...never had this problem before.

I get mine connected Thurs.

The guide messup was fixed. Now it looks like Tivo has found another problem that's causing even causing rebooting so more software changes are coming.

Truncated 24 and Rome SP recordings tonight!!! Frozen box yesterday and did not record Rangers/Bruins game yesterday, unplugged and replugged in to reboot box yesterday.....is this all due to the 6.3b update I received early Fri. AM???? If so, WTF is D*TV doing????? The HR20 fiasco is bad enough, now there messing up the HR10-250's too!!!! :eek: :mad: :mad:

The info on the guide upload has been expanded. It still meets the spec and all the other DVRs except the HR10 handle it fine. Tivo is working on a software fix.

Edit: Make that except all Tivos, not just the HR10.

The info on the guide upload has been expanded. It still meets the spec and all the other DVRs except the HR10 handle it fine. Tivo is working on a software fix.

Correction: ALL of the DTiVo models -- SD and HD -- are getting reports of problems. Check http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=332166

jdg

You're right. I misread it. The other receivers unaffected were not Tivos. http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=790172&postcount=4

Posted on the other forum also.

Has anyone else lost their Sat 2 input?

Sat 1 is just fine, but I can only watch OTA and local SD channels on Sat 2. Everything else is a black screen, not even a "call ext. XYZ". Noticed it Monday.

Posted on the other forum also.

Has anyone else lost their Sat 2 input?

Sat 1 is just fine, but I can only watch OTA and local SD channels on Sat 2. Everything else is a black screen, not even a "call ext. XYZ". Noticed it Monday.

i just checked and i don't have that problem, DubC.

what software version are you using?

i just checked and i don't have that problem, DubC.

what software version are you using?
Got the 6.3b upgrade. Everything was working fine for about a week, then this happened. At first I thought it was ice and/or snow on the dish, but I'm still having the problem and everything has melted.

Two or three others have reported the same thing, just thought I would ask over here as well.

Got the 6.3b upgrade. Everything was working fine for about a week, then this happened. At first I thought it was ice and/or snow on the dish, but I'm still having the problem and everything has melted.

Two or three others have reported the same thing, just thought I would ask over here as well.
Check your connections from the Sat B input working your way back to the multiswitch/dish. Anything outside could be wet after the "melt."

Ok, I finally got 6.3 b but I'm still getting very brief rapid fire drop outs on OTA stations. I reset the recorder and still no improvement. It looks (or sounds rather!) like the short dropouts that were happening on non OTA stations with DD. I'm really ready to give up on this box! Any suggestions?

Posted on the other forum also.

Has anyone else lost their Sat 2 input?

Sat 1 is just fine, but I can only watch OTA and local SD channels on Sat 2. Everything else is a black screen, not even a "call ext. XYZ". Noticed it Monday.

I had the same issue. I swapped the 1 and 2 cables, and even added in a third cable attached to my H20 and still have the no signal on Sat 2. I rebooted and it came back. So it's not a bad satellite or bad cable issue, it's a problem with the software.

Deezul

Anyone have problems with fast forward? Not sure if it was before or after 6.3b, but only the 2nd or 3rd steps work now. When trying the 1st step it just pauses. Anyone else?

I had the same issue. I swapped the 1 and 2 cables, and even added in a third cable attached to my H20 and still have the no signal on Sat 2. I rebooted and it came back. So it's not a bad satellite or bad cable issue, it's a problem with the software.

Deezul

that's why i was asking DubC what software he has. i've stayed with 6.3A because of the numerous problems with 6.3B.

Posted on the other forum also.

Has anyone else lost their Sat 2 input?

Sat 1 is just fine, but I can only watch OTA and local SD channels on Sat 2. Everything else is a black screen, not even a "call ext. XYZ". Noticed it Monday.
Finally got it working. A rough visual inspection of the cables was not enough. After all other trouble shooting methods (reboots, restarts, multiswitch, etc., etc.) I finally found an area where a mouse/rat/squirrel had chewed through the outer shielding of the coax. It was not much but I guess with all the rain and freezing temps it was enough.

... I finally found an area where a mouse/rat/squirrel had chewed through the outer shielding of the coax...
It happens. A squirrel took out my phone line recently the same way. :eek:

Why do they do that? :confused:
Coaxial cable doesn't sound very appetizing to me. :eek: But, then again, I'm not a mouse/rat/squirrel.

Any word on fixes for reboots and not respnding to remote commands? I am having pretty regular problems now. Thanks.

FYI: Did my monthly call early this morning (already had 6.3b) and was surprised to pull down 6.3c!

Nothing obviously different so far (my audio dropouts stopped with 6.3b).

FYI: Did my monthly call early this morning (already had 6.3b) and was surprised to pull down 6.3c!

Nothing obviously different so far (my audio dropouts stopped with 6.3b).
Please keep us updated if you notice any improvements/problems.

I too recently received 6.3C.
Haven't noticed any changes so far.

My understanding is that 6.3c makes an adjustment for the earlier start for Daylight Savings Time on March 11.

Peace,

DM

Any word on fixes for reboots and not respnding to remote commands? I am having pretty regular problems now. Thanks.
Myself as well. Trying to watch the latest 24, which I had recorded, it rebooted 3 times during the 1st 5 minutes of the show. I gave up and went to bed. Next day I successfully watched the whole hour without problems. My HR10-250 is booting once a day now...at minimum. Its to the point I don't even bother enabling the 30-second skip any more; it gets reset before I even get a chance to use it. Sad that DirecTV has turned a very impressive piece of electronic hardware into such a piece of sh*t!!! :mad:

Myself as well. Trying to watch the latest 24, which I had recorded, it rebooted 3 times during the 1st 5 minutes of the show. I gave up and went to bed. Next day I successfully watched the whole hour without problems. My HR10-250 is booting once a day now...at minimum. Its to the point I don't even bother enabling the 30-second skip any more; it gets reset before I even get a chance to use it. Sad that DirecTV has turned a very impressive piece of electronic hardware into such a piece of sh*t!!! :mad:
I got 6.3c last week. Hasn't helped the rebooting either. It reboots regularly around 4:25 pm every day. It also hangs up once in a while while changing channels. I have to unplug it and restart.

Not bragging here, but I'm glad to say that I have never had these 'reboots'. What else do we know about them?

I too am curious about why some people are seeing many reboots and others are not.

I have 2 HR10-250's and one had a few reboots over several months when running 6.3a.

There has to be some other difference that is not yet apparent.

My older HR10-250 (made in USA) that never reboots (except after a software update) is powered through a UPS. My newer (made in Mexico) unit experienced about 8 reboots over 2-3 months, but none recently (no UPS on this one yet).

My advice if you're experiencing multiple re-boots is to try a 'Clear and Delete'. It worked for me after 6.3a. No re-boots lately.
Bish

Change of topic, slightly: My HR10-250 is almost always full with stuff that I want to keep. I'm considering the Weaknees TIVO add-a-second-big-drive capacity upgrade. Any good or bad experiences with this? Thanks in advance.

Part of me thinks this will be a waste because I expect to be forced to upgrade to MPEG-4 to receive new content in the not too distant future... :o

Part of me thinks this will be a waste because I expect to be forced to upgrade to MPEG-4 to receive new content in the not too distant future... :o

Consider how much OTA recording you do (or not.) I, for one, expect to get quite a bit of use out of the HR10 even in the MPEG4 age.

Change of topic, slightly: My HR10-250 is almost always full with stuff that I want to keep. I'm considering the Weaknees TIVO add-a-second-big-drive capacity upgrade. Any good or bad experiences with this? Thanks in advance.

Part of me thinks this will be a waste because I expect to be forced to upgrade to MPEG-4 to receive new content in the not too distant future... :o
What's the expected forced mpeg4 date anyway (as if anyone ever knows this kinda stuff for D*)? Can't imagine it'd be before the end of the year, esp since they're continually sending updates on the 10-250. If so, you'd get a decent amount of use out of an upgrade I think.

The weaknees 10-250 upgrade prices seem quite a bit lower than when I last looked (maybe 6mo ago), so I too may consider an upgrade. Let us know what you do in the end & how things go. All I've ever read is that their upgrades are quite painless to install.

Consider how much OTA recording you do (or not.) I, for one, expect to get quite a bit of use out of the HR10 even in the MPEG4 age.

Agreed. With the exception of a movie once or twice a month on HBO and the occasional PPV fight, most of my recording is OTA network shows. I do find it nice to have both the HR10-250 and the HR20 set to record my can't miss shows - HR10 for OTA and HR20 for the Sat. There have been a handful of times where the OTA was bad and I went with Sat and vice versa. I have two HR10s now, but once the big MPEG4 switch comes I'll probably switch one to an HR20 and just keep one HR10. Then either take out the HD and use it myself or sell it on eBay.

Deezul

:mad: First, can you tell how p*ssed off I am right now?!?

My first HR10-250 died (yes, it literally turned into an electronic paperweight) a mere 11 months after I purchased it. DirecTV mailed me another one (that I received in a short 5 days) at no charge. I did have to pay for shipping to return the original worthless unit (probably so that they could refurb it and charge someone else for a lease of the unit until it cr*pped out on them too) or they threatened to charge me $1300 on my account. The only thing I wanted to do with it is throw it off of a cliff, but I sent it back. Did I mention that I lost everything I had stored on it over the 11 month period (inlcuding the live HD broadcast of the Texas Longhorns National Championship victory)?

Well, guess what happened Sunday morning. Yep, HR10-250 unit #2 also couldn't make it a full year in service without completely crashing. It had been rebooting multiple times per day over the past few days. I didn't think much of it. Then, I woke up Sunday morning and all it would display is the DirecTV logo and the message "Almost there. Just a few minutes more...". Well needless to say, it wasn't just a few minutes more. I unplugged the unit completely. Let it sit and then rebooted, but it would never get past this screen (even after 5 hours of waiting). There went another entire hard drive full of shows that I DID NOT WANT TO LOSE!!!

It gets better, guess what was scheduled to be broadcast last Sunday (last night)? You got it, about the only show that the wife wants to watch in HD, the Academy Awards. Of course, again, DirecTV offered to have me a replacement (probably a refurbished HR10-250) unit in 3-5 business days. Wow, that really helps. Thanks.

So, to make a long story short, I discovered that there was not 1 single HR20 receiver available for purchase at any BM store in the entire DFW metroplex. I was lucky enough to find a very generous salesman at a local boutique shop that "borrowed" a unit from 4 that he had on hold for a custom install job. A mere $325 later, and I had HD programming again by 5pm. Thanks to my OTA antenna, the wife even got to see Oscars handed out in HD.

Now I just have to wait 46 days for DirecTV to have my 5 LNB dish installed.

I hate DirecTV! :mad:

There's always Dish. My 622 is working just fine!

:mad: First, can you tell how p*ssed off I am right now?!?

I hate DirecTV! :mad:

Wow - sorry such a bad experience, man! :(

The last two weeks I have not been able to watch NASCAR on fox OTA. My HR-10 seems to have a problem with that station. Never really had trouble before. My regular HD reciever recieves the channel just fine.

I guess my question is:

Is the reciever better in my Samsung T-451?

Can the H10 have a problem recieving one channel?

I have a new weird problem. I updated to a large boom antenna that is mounted in my attic this weekend. I can now pick up the channels alot better without dropping them much (except for my problem). WKRG is my strongest channel. WKRG is peaking at 95 and staying constantly from 92 to 95. Next is ABC at 92 to 88 and then FOX at 85 to 81.

My problem is when I switch over to watch WKRG (even though I have an excellent signal) it acts like it is dropping the signal. Now for the weird part, I can turn both of my tuners into WKRG is it works perfect! Then I can change either tuner to another channel from WKRG then and it continues to work for the rest of the day. Then the next day, I might have to do this again. Which is a real pain if I am trying to TIVO something.

My next problem is that since I upgraded antenna, the receiver box resets itself once everyday or so that I know about. I could be resetting itself more that I am not home.

My first guess was the my antenna might be overdriving my HR 10-250 but, my old antenna that I used to use has an active pre-amp for it. My new antenna has such a strong signal that I do not even have the pre-amp hooked up.

I am open to any suggestions because it has me stumped!

D* can't provide a fix for my problem so they are replacing my HR10 but still upgrading me to the HR20.

I guess I'll go with the D* local HD rather than the antenna, should I use both...?

D* can't provide a fix for my problem so they are replacing my HR10 but still upgrading me to the HR20.

I guess I'll go with the D* local HD rather than the antenna, should I use both...?
Depends on your eyes and your TV, I suppose. OTA offers the best available quality, but some people don't see any significant difference versus watching D*'s locals.

Since you presumably already have an OTA antenna, I'd have the HR20 connected to it. There is no downside. It won't (shouldn't, at least) cost you anything, and gives you more options. Even if you wind up not using OTA regularly, it would be there as a backup against rain fade or temporary satellite signal disruptions, rare as those my be.

Depends on your eyes and your TV, I suppose. OTA offers the best available quality, but some people don't see any significant difference versus watching D*'s locals.

Since you presumably already have an OTA antenna, I'd have the HR20 connected to it. There is no downside. It won't (shouldn't, at least) cost you anything, and gives you more options. Even if you wind up not using OTA regularly, it would be there as a backup against rain fade or temporary satellite signal disruptions, rare as those my be.

Is it easy to tell one channel from the other on the guide. Like my SD FOX says 35 but my HD FOX says 35-1. What does the D* FOX channel say and which channel is it actually on since the SD is already on 35.

Is it easy to tell one channel from the other on the guide. Like my SD FOX says 35 but my HD FOX says 35-1. What does the D* FOX channel say and which channel is it actually on since the SD is already on 35.
I can't speak from experience as I still use an HR10, but IIRC I've read that if you receive them OTA, you will see two of one of those (35 or 35-1, most likely the latter) in your guide, one of which is the D* HD channel. I'd guess you will probably find it easy to tell which is which, as, of all the various complaints I've seen about the HR20, I don't recall any about that issue.

I'm not sure this is what you were asking about, but the channel a digital station "actually" broadcasts on usually has no relationship to the designation used (e.g 35-1 might "actually" be broadcast on 24 or 52 or something else in your market, it varies by locality). Using an embedded signal, the tuner converts the channel number to the -1 version for consumer convenience, so most people don't care about the "actual" channel.

By the way, I forgot to mention another reason to hook up your OTA antenna to the HR20, in many markets (I don't know about yours) there are some digital stations D* doesn't offer, which you'll still be able to access using the HR20's OTA capability.

The HDMI output on my HR10-250 recently started distorting colors, like a palate shift - really horrible looking. I have verified it is not the TV, that is is the TiVo. Reboots to not fix the problem. Has anyone else experienced this or heard of it happening? Thanks.

My HDMI on the HR10-250 went out completely several months ago but since I had open component connections and cables I just switched. Didn't want to have to send the unit back for repair (or replacement) just for the HDMI even though it is annoying to me (on principle, at least) but don't notice any difference in quality.

I might have done something about it if I knew that I wouldn't be forced to move to the Mpeg4 box at some point.

The HDMI output on my HR10-250 recently started distorting colors, like a palate shift - really horrible looking. I have verified it is not the TV, that is is the TiVo. Reboots to not fix the problem. Has anyone else experienced this or heard of it happening? Thanks.
Check out the hr10-250 thread at tivocommunity forums for HDMI info. Also, try changing the output resolution on the hr10-250, sometimes that fixes this issue. Also, try changing the input on your TV to something besides the HDMI, then switch back.

just upgraded to an hdtv and bb/dtv told me i had to get the hr20 to have an hd dvr. i reluctantly switched from tivo, but after seeing ebay auctions for the hr10, i decided to poke around here more.

they installed a 5 LNB dish so i'm assuming i'm getting all my HD signals thru the sat. it's connected to a samsung 7178. component connection for now and i'm troubleshooting the hdmi, obviously the preferred connection.

i'm wondering what i need to consider before trying to switch to an hr10. i read about the forced migration some time in the future, but i really prefer the tivo interface.

Downloaded 6.3d (as in Delta) last night - no significant change(s) noted.

BUT - I tried to buy/record the HD PPV of Casino Royale, and it bombed. I have 1 hour 24 minutes of the D* logo on a blue background. Customer service had no clue. I will try again tonight.

peugenio1914, the HR10-250 has no MPEG4 capability and will not be able to receive any of the new HD channels that will start appearing when the new sats are launched this year. I have an HR10 - it's a nice piece of equipment - but I have had an HR20 for 7 months, and despite its occasional quirks, it gets the job done quite well.

Dual buffers are where it's at. Can't do without them.

Got Casino Royale with no issues last night. :)

peugenio1914, the HR10-250 has no MPEG4 capability and will not be able to receive any of the new HD channels that will start appearing when the new sats are launched this year. I have an HR10 - it's a nice piece of equipment - but I have had an HR20 for 7 months, and despite its occasional quirks, it gets the job done quite well.

Same here. Especially now that Jacksonville has finally gotten the MPEG4 LIL.

Dual buffers are where it's at. Can't do without them.

Yes and no. The ones on my HR10 are convenient, I'll grant that. It would be nice if the HR20 had them, but it doesn't. However, the simple workaround is just to hit the record button for each show and then you can toggle back and forth if you need.

I recently started getting the on screen message that Sat B was not working. Thinking it was my cable feed, I swapped the cables between Sat A and Sat B. I've now narrowed it down to a bad tuner.

Is this a frequent occurence having one bad tuner? If anyone has gotten it repaired, what measures have you taken to do so?

If a reset doesn't fix things, first remove the B Band converter attached to the Sat 2 input to check if it has gone bad. They go bad much more often than tuners and are not necessary until the new satellites go up. If yours is bad, you can go without it until a new one can be installed.

If a reset doesn't fix things, first remove the B Band converter attached to the Sat 2 input to check if it has gone bad. They go bad much more often than tuners and are not necessary until the new satellites go up. If yours is bad, you can go without it until a new one can be installed.

Pat:

Where might the B-Band converter, you're referring too, be located? And by "reset", you mean pulling the plug and letting the receiver reboot itself?

I just realized that I may have an extended warranty through N.E.W that might be in force. Therefore, I'd be reluctant to break any seals to get inside the unit.

If a reset doesn't fix things, first remove the B Band converter attached to the Sat 2 input to check if it has gone bad. They go bad much more often than tuners and are not necessary until the new satellites go up. If yours is bad, you can go without it until a new one can be installed.

Many don't have a converter - yet.

Many don't have a converter - yet.

That may partially explain why I don't even know what a B Band converter is. :(

I lost track of what thread I was in. BBCs are only used with HR20s or H20s. HR10s don't have them and cannot use them.

I lost track of what thread I was in. BBCs are only used with HR20s or H20s. HR10s don't have them and cannot use them.

No problem. BTW, in relation to my original post (Sat B not working) a reset cured it, and now everything is the way it should be. :)

If the unit can't output over hdmi and component simultaneously can it do it sequentially? That is, can I switch the output between the two using the remote?

Jack

If the HDMI cable is connected and handshaking, the component output is deactivated. Otherwise the HDMI output is deactivated. Most TVs handshake even when turned off. The ones that don't can be a bear to start up again.

I've found out that I can run both projectors out of the same Tivo using DVI and Component, just not simultaneously. Since I don't need them on at the same time this will work great.

I've found out that I can run both projectors out of the same Tivo using DVI and Component, just not simultaneously. Since I don't need them on at the same time this will work great.


this is news to me. :confused:

After I hooked them both up I turned on the Sharp with Component cables. Got a picture. Then I powered up the NEC with DVI cable. The Sharp went to blue screen but the NEC showed a picture. Then I powered down the NEC. The Sharp picture came back. I haven't tried any other sequence.

Jack

Well, after thumbing thru this forum, and hoping for a definitive answer, I guess this newbie's just gotta ask:

Should I try and ebay my way to an HR10-250, or lease a newer DVR from DirecTV?

I really like the TiVo interface, but going forward, it is sounding like a lost cause...?

Opinions? Feedback?

DirecTV is totally committed to MPEG4 for HD. Since the HR10-250 has only MPEG2 capability, its future is limited. It will always have its OTA tuners and Tivo features however.

Thanks for the reply! I guess it breaks down to either TiVo HR10-250 for now, or HR20-700 for future (in a DirecTV world)...

Thanks for bottom lining it for me.

I was just wondering about this so the timing is perfect. I use the component cables for one set that is hardly used so I was wanting to connect an hdmi cable to another set. Don't need to watch both at the same time so hope this works.

After I hooked them both up I turned on the Sharp with Component cables. Got a picture. Then I powered up the NEC with DVI cable. The Sharp went to blue screen but the NEC showed a picture. Then I powered down the NEC. The Sharp picture came back. I haven't tried any other sequence.

Jack

Problem with HR10-250. I have had zero problems with this unit up until 2 weeks ago. I noticed that the HD movie channels (HBO, Showtime) and all of the HD channels in the 70-80 range were not coming in at all. It would either say call x721, be a gray screen or say searching for Sat. 1 or Sat. 2. Called D* and they first tried pushing the signal and that did not work, then made me re-boot a dozen times and that did not work. We checked the signal and I am in the 90's on everything. One rep wanted to send a tech out and I said "no the signal is perfect" . I really think it is a software issue or something on D* end.
Finally one rep said that the tuners are shot and that I need a new unit. Any thoughts if this is true or is their something that I can do to fix this. To add to the mystery the local HD channels that are supplied by D* come in fine, it's just the 70-80 range.

The HR10-250 cannot receive HD locals via the dish. Your locals are either not HD or are OTA from local broadcasters. There is not widespread problem with channels in the 70s and 80s. Do you have any other receivers? Try channels 490-494 to check your dish and cabling. If the 22KHz tone the receiver puts out isn't working or isn't being read, you can get good test numbers but no HD programming.

The HR10-250 cannot receive HD locals via the dish. Your locals are either not HD or are OTA from local broadcasters. There is not widespread problem with channels in the 70s and 80s. Do you have any other receivers? Try channels 490-494 to check your dish and cabling. If the 22KHz tone the receiver puts out isn't working or isn't being read, you can get good test numbers but no HD programming.

Greywolf. I do get HD local channels. I'm in the NY local area and receive 80 CBS HD, 82 NBC HD etc... I also receive via OTA local HD cbs, nbc, ABC etc.. from Philly as well. I have the New dish and MPEG 4 recievers in my basement and 70-80 work just fine.

The real issue is the channels in the 70 range. What exactly am I looking for on 490-494? That part I don't understand.

Thanks

Problem with HR10-250. I have had zero problems with this unit up until 2 weeks ago. I noticed that the HD movie channels (HBO, Showtime) and all of the HD channels in the 70-80 range were not coming in at all. It would either say call x721, be a gray screen or say searching for Sat. 1 or Sat. 2.

That's the same exact thing that's happening to me, except on my HR20-100.
Not sure if that's relevent or not, but it is perculiar.

Frank

Greywolf. I do get HD local channels. I'm in the NY local area and receive 80 CBS HD, 82 NBC HD etc... I also receive via OTA local HD cbs, nbc, ABC etc.. from Philly as well. I have the New dish and MPEG 4 recievers in my basement and 70-80 work just fine.

The real issue is the channels in the 70 range. What exactly am I looking for on 490-494? That part I don't understand.

ThanksChannels in the 80s are MPEG2 national channels. They just happen to be locals in NY and LA. True locals are MPEG4 channels that have the same channel numbers as your OTA analog channels. It takes an H20 or HR20 to get them though. 490-494 are test channels. If they result in a blue banner, your receiver's ability to pull in all the combinations of odd and even transponders for satellites at 101, 110, and 119 is verified. If that is the case, the receiver that can't handle the 70s has a programming authorization problem or a hardware problem. You can resend authorization your self by registering at the DirecTV website and logging on at https://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/mydirectv/mysystem/mySystemResendAuthorization.jsp
You can also call to have a reauthorization done. If you get banners on 490-494 and a reauthorization doesn't work, the receiver probably needs to be replaced. You can also try switching places between a working and non working receiver to see if the problem is in the receiver or in the feed.

I'm at the verge of purchasing a Slingbox Pro and I have a few questions for those who have experience with the products. I know that when your HDMI output is being used on the HR10-250, it disables the component out. Is this also true when the TV (Sony KDS-R60XBR1) is turned off? I read someone's comment here that certain TVs still are "handshaking" even if it is turned off. Is my Sony the same?

My goal basically is to connect the Slingbox Pro using the optional HD cable to the HR10-250 while keeping the HDMI cable connected to the Sony TV. It would be a pain if I have to manually unplug the HDMI cable from the DVR every time I head out and remotely use the Slingbox Pro.

Thanks in advance!

I'm at the verge of purchasing a Slingbox Pro and I have a few questions for those who have experience with the products. I know that when your HDMI output is being used on the HR10-250, it disables the component out. Is this also true when the TV (Sony KDS-R60XBR1) is turned off? I read someone's comment here that certain TVs still are "handshaking" even if it is turned off. Is my Sony the same?

My goal basically is to connect the Slingbox Pro using the optional HD cable to the HR10-250 while keeping the HDMI cable connected to the Sony TV. It would be a pain if I have to manually unplug the HDMI cable from the DVR every time I head out and remotely use the Slingbox Pro.

Thanks in advance!


somebody said here recently that his HR10 was producing video through HDMI and component simultaneously.

i remember telling him that it was news to me.

That was me. The 250 handshakes with the TV only when the TV is turned on. Once it is off the other output is active when that TV is turned on. It works perfectly. There is a problem only if both are turned on at the same time.

Jack

Hi Jack.

Thanks for that info. Then the Slingbox would work for me.

Since it looks like MPEG4 is going to be needed this year for something other than locals, I think it's time for me to step up and upgrade. I checked eBay and it looks like the HR10-250 goes for a decent amount of money.

My question is about selling my HD-Tivo. Should I remove my access card before selling it? Is there anything I should do before selling it like clearing everything out and restoring things to factory default?

That was me. The 250 handshakes with the TV only when the TV is turned on. Once it is off the other output is active when that TV is turned on. It works perfectly. There is a problem only if both are turned on at the same time.

Jack
Same for me.

HDMI TV on, component out from HD TiVo is off.

HDMI TV off, component out from HD TiVo is on.

I had the same problem. I tried a soft reboot but got an error. I called DirectTV and they had me do some things that did not work and scheduled a tech call. As a last resort, I unplugged the receiver for 1 minute and did a hard reboot. It worked and all missing channels came in. Some how I think that DirectTV does not update their guide in it's entirity

I have had some strange happenings over the years involving my D* service, but today's experience may top the list. I have 3 HD dvrs connected to my Samsung HD DLP set via Monoprice HDMI switcher. This includes 2 H10-250 TIVO HD dvrs and 1 HR20 HD dvr. I have the latest 5LNB dish which has been giving me outstanding reception on all units.

Earlier this afternoon at virtually the exact time, my 2 HD TIVO dvrs began having flashing green screens (perfectly clear, non-pixilated picture for a fraction of a sec. followed by a green screen for a fraction of a second, repeated continuously. I switched to my HR20 dvr and had perfectly clear video without green flashing screens. My first thought was that I could be having a problem with my HDMI switcher so I switched cables and tested. The HDMI from my HR20 worked perfectly in each of the 5 ports and the HDMI cables from both TIVO units exhibited the same flashing green screen in each port of the switcher. Just to be sure, I connected the HDMI cable from each TIVO directly into the back of my television with the same flashing green screen results.

Next, I decided to restart each TIVO from the on-screen menu. Btw, the flashing screen was the same whether I was on live tv or Directv Central or Now Playing List. So I restarted both of the H10-250s. The first screen to come up was the gray "Powering Up" screen which was steady without any flashing. Next came the black screen with the D* Logo and message "Almost there... just a few minutes more"... again with steady screen and no flashing. As soon as the screen with progress bar appeared the flashing green screen returned for both units. At this point I called D* to speak to technical support.

I explained my problem and what I had done to eliminate possible explanation for it. I also gently inserted my opinion that the odds of 2 different H10-250s of different ages simultaneously having the exact same problem at exactly the same time would probably be longer odds than winning the Texas lottery. Anyway, the technician who attempted to help me said she had never before heard of such a problem. Even though I had already gone through the motions earlier, I agreed to do all the checks asked of me - restarting units, plugging HDMI cable directly into back of set, etc. Always came back with same end results... flashing green screens. But I only had to switch over to my HR20 and the video was perfect as usual.

One other point worth noting... I considered switching my sat inputs from the HR20 to each of the H10-250s to see if that had any effect. But when I ran the system test as requested, the sat inputs checked out great: Sat 1-100% and Sat 2- 95% signal strength on first unit and about the same on the second.

The tech had me go ahead and clear and reformat one of the dvrs. Once I had started that operation she went ahead and set up a service call for next Fri saying that someone would come out and check out the problem and would also bring 2 new HR20s to replace my existing H10-250s.

Just now after approx 4 hours of clearing and reformating, the one TIVO being reset has finished the operation and is now flashing between D* welcome screen and the green screen. The tech had said she thought it could be a hard drive problem, but I don't think a hard drive failure should have anything to do with flashing green screens (alternating with clear video image) for D* Central or Live TV or guide. In the past when I have had a hard drive failure with a TIVO unit, it would always start with hangups during playback or freezes or major pixilation problems. Nothing like that has happened with either of these units.

I told the tech as nicely as possible that while I am usually not a conspiracy advocate, it seemed extraordinarily bizarre that both my TIVOs failed at exactly the same time on exactly the same day. I know D* wants to get the TIVO units out of circulation and get them replaced with HR20s which use their own DVR service, but would they do something at their end to speed up the process?

One thing I have not tried yet and will be doing later tonight is to swap out the HDMI cable of one of the units with Component video cables to see if the HDMI connection could be the root of the problem. I will post a followup here once I find out about that.

So, does any tech-savvy member have some ideas about why I suddenly started having this problem? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Harvey

Harvey: i wish i had an answer for you, but i don't.

like you said, the odds of both HR10's failing at the same time are off the hook, no way. if both didn't die at the same time, my first guess would have been the HDMI card, because it's pretty common with these units.

as for the conspiracy theory, i just can't see that. nobody loves a good conspiracy as much as me but really, can you imagine what would happen to directv if they did this?

i'm as stumped as stumped gets on this one, please come back and let us know what it was. ;)

After trying everything mentioned in my previous post to figure out this rather bizzare problem, I decided to change out my HDMI connections with component video cables for my video from each of the 2 H10. It sounds like such an easy task but with all the various components (dvd players, audio sync device, A/V receiver and receiver for my Pioneer wireless surround sound headphones and the 3 dvrs) it was anything but quick and easy. However, once I got the HDMI cables replaced with my component video cables the flashing green screen was gone and all my saved programs on the dvr which had not been reset was still there.

Joe, you mentioned the unlikelihood that the HDMI cards on both H10s would go bad at the same time, and i fully agree. The odds of that happening must be incredibly low. Still, that is evidently what happened. If there had been a new software update that might have been a more likely explanation, but no software updates for the H10s in recent memory.

While working with changing out the cables, I became aware of some of the components feeling unusually hot to the touch (the cases). I know my Onkyo receiver puts out considerable heat. Does anyone know if the HDMI cards used in the H10s are particularly sensitive to heat? Btw, one of the H10s had been in service for about 18 months and the other one for about a year. My newer HR20 has been in service about 10 months and sits right next to the H10s. So far, I have had no HDMI difficulties with it.

I suppose all is well that ends well, though this hasn't actually ended yet. This next Friday a D* installers will bring out 2 new HR20s to replace my 2 HDMI-defective H10s. I had planned to eventually change out the H10s with HR20s, but wanted to wait until the bugs in the HR20 software were mostly cleared. In recent months I have become very pleased with the software updates and think it's probably time to make the upgrade considering the new HD programming coming later in the year will need the MPEG4 capable units.

Now, I think I will go call D* and update them on what I found out by changing cables. The techs seem to act as if nobody had ever heard of such a problem before.

After trying everything mentioned in my previous post to figure out this rather bizzare problem, I decided to change out my HDMI connections with component video cables for my video from each of the 2 H10. It sounds like such an easy task but with all the various components (dvd players, audio sync device, A/V receiver and receiver for my Pioneer wireless surround sound headphones and the 3 dvrs) it was anything but quick and easy. However, once I got the HDMI cables replaced with my component video cables the flashing green screen was gone and all my saved programs on the dvr which had not been reset was still there.

Joe, you mentioned the unlikelihood that the HDMI cards on both H10s would go bad at the same time, and i fully agree. The odds of that happening must be incredibly low. Still, that is evidently what happened. If there had been a new software update that might have been a more likely explanation, but no software updates for the H10s in recent memory.

While working with changing out the cables, I became aware of some of the components feeling unusually hot to the touch (the cases). I know my Onkyo receiver puts out considerable heat. Does anyone know if the HDMI cards used in the H10s are particularly sensitive to heat? Btw, one of the H10s had been in service for about 18 months and the other one for about a year. My newer HR20 has been in service about 10 months and sits right next to the H10s. So far, I have had no HDMI difficulties with it.

I suppose all is well that ends well, though this hasn't actually ended yet. This next Friday a D* installers will bring out 2 new HR20s to replace my 2 HDMI-defective H10s. I had planned to eventually change out the H10s with HR20s, but wanted to wait until the bugs in the HR20 software were mostly cleared. In recent months I have become very pleased with the software updates and think it's probably time to make the upgrade considering the new HD programming coming later in the year will need the MPEG4 capable units.

Now, I think I will go call D* and update them on what I found out by changing cables. The techs seem to act as if nobody had ever heard of such a problem before.


wow, that's just bizarre.


good point about having to change hardware soon anyway, to pickup all the new HD programming, Harvey.

All the new HD programming they've been talking about forever but still have not added a single channel in how long? Is anyone else getting tired of hearing them talk about it?

The new satellites have to be launched and deployed before they can actually add the new HD channels. Launch is scheduled for Friday and the new channels are supposed to appear in early September. Tired of them talking about it? No, just anxiously awaiting them on my HR20.

I just bought an HR10-250 and have it all activated and it made its daily call in. it currently has the 3.1.5 sw in it. I have manually dialed in about a dozen times hoping it would grab the 6.3d software but it doesn't. Why? The other HR10 I bought did right away.

Any Ideas?

took mine a couple weeks to grab it

thank you for the quick response! I looked around a bit and found somebody who knew how to "force" an update. Seemed like a great idea but didn't work. It involved goint to the System information, changing the "dial in configuration from "000,TFA=1" to "206" by entering "clear clear enter enter 0" which allows changes to the line there. Then enter "206 enter". Two test callse, disconnect phone line and unit is supposed to start downloading files fromSAT ,,but didn't. Oh well it was fun trying it.

Any other ideas? Ireally don't want to drag this HR-10-250 out in a few weeks and try it again,,,no phone line in the Bar,, lol.

thank you for the quick response! I looked around a bit and found somebody who knew how to "force" an update. Seemed like a great idea but didn't work. It involved goint to the System information, changing the "dial in configuration from "000,TFA=1" to "206" by entering "clear clear enter enter 0" which allows changes to the line there. Then enter "206 enter". Two test callse, disconnect phone line and unit is supposed to start downloading files fromSAT ,,but didn't. Oh well it was fun trying it.

Any other ideas? Ireally don't want to drag this HR-10-250 out in a few weeks and try it again,,,no phone line in the Bar,, lol.

When I activated my H10-250 the first update was done by phone line. Later updates were by satellite. I believe that only the current update is available by satellite. Units without the most recent previous version are by phone line. This reduces the satellite data bandwidth requirement.

vfr0092 I was in the same situation, I had to drag mine up to work like three times but it finally worked. I'm pretty sure the updates are downloaded from the satellite but they will not install until you make the call. So first you have to wait for the box to get the update before a call will work.

After trying everything mentioned in my previous post to figure out this rather bizzare problem, I decided to change out my HDMI connections with component video cables for my video from each of the 2 H10. It sounds like such an easy task but with all the various components (dvd players, audio sync device, A/V receiver and receiver for my Pioneer wireless surround sound headphones and the 3 dvrs) it was anything but quick and easy. However, once I got the HDMI cables replaced with my component video cables the flashing green screen was gone and all my saved programs on the dvr which had not been reset was still there.

Joe, you mentioned the unlikelihood that the HDMI cards on both H10s would go bad at the same time, and i fully agree. The odds of that happening must be incredibly low. Still, that is evidently what happened. If there had been a new software update that might have been a more likely explanation, but no software updates for the H10s in recent memory.

While working with changing out the cables, I became aware of some of the components feeling unusually hot to the touch (the cases). I know my Onkyo receiver puts out considerable heat. Does anyone know if the HDMI cards used in the H10s are particularly sensitive to heat? Btw, one of the H10s had been in service for about 18 months and the other one for about a year. My newer HR20 has been in service about 10 months and sits right next to the H10s. So far, I have had no HDMI difficulties with it.

I suppose all is well that ends well, though this hasn't actually ended yet. This next Friday a D* installers will bring out 2 new HR20s to replace my 2 HDMI-defective H10s. I had planned to eventually change out the H10s with HR20s, but wanted to wait until the bugs in the HR20 software were mostly cleared. In recent months I have become very pleased with the software updates and think it's probably time to make the upgrade considering the new HD programming coming later in the year will need the MPEG4 capable units.

Now, I think I will go call D* and update them on what I found out by changing cables. The techs seem to act as if nobody had ever heard of such a problem before.


I had an issue with my HR10-250 and a green screen. Component looked fine but the HDMI output was green. I could still see the shapes but it was mostly a big green screen.

I have the direct tv protection plan and called up wanting to get the new DVR. the tech told me I needed to recalibrate my tv. All of my other HDMI sources looked fine. to make a long story short, I got switched to customer retention and got the new DVR and kept the HR10-250 too. I think a lot of these units have had HDMI issues.

I had an issue with my HR10-250 and a green screen. Component looked fine but the HDMI output was green. I could still see the shapes but it was mostly a big green screen.

I have the direct tv protection plan and called up wanting to get the new DVR. the tech told me I needed to recalibrate my tv. All of my other HDMI sources looked fine. to make a long story short, I got switched to customer retention and got the new DVR and kept the HR10-250 too. I think a lot of these units have had HDMI issues.I had these same symptoms along with a "Please Insert your Access Card" message. I changed from HDMI to component and it worked for a couple days, then went back to flashing the green screen. After some research, some folks reported these symptoms indicated a bad power supply. To have both power supplies get zapped at the same time is a likely scenario (e.g. power spike, lightning strike, cabinet overheating etc.). I replaced my power supply last week and it works great.

Hi All,
My 11 month old HR10-250 is rebooting itself after about 45 minutes of use. It displays a message saying that a serious error has occurred, it then restarts, and after about 45 minutes it repeats.

I've checked the fan and it appears to be working.

Is there anything else I should look at before calling DirecTV?

Thanks!

Any one have any advice on the upgrade to the new hd dvr?

Any one getting good deals through customer retention?

Any one have any advice on the upgrade to the new hd dvr?

Any one getting good deals through customer retention?

A friend told me his boss called and got 2 HR20s for free, installed. I also believe the guy needed the dish as well.

Of course all the great deals came after I agreed to one for $200! I tried calling back today but "the computers are down" so I'll try again tomorrow. Even I only get $20 in credits spread over 10 months I'm happy. Just something. It just ain't fair!

Well, yes, I DID get an HR20 and H20 free last year, but who's counting? :-) And they get the H20 back anyway now.

Deezul

Need this as well - might as well start working the CSR's...

Does the following announcement mean DirecTV is putting new life in the HR10-250? I have one. I love mine I like it better than the new DVRs (HR20).

in an 7-31-07 article in engadet, I read...

DIRECTV to Introduce Additional TiVo Features

I am not allowed to post the URL.


Mark

Does the following announcement mean DirecTV is putting new life in the HR10-250?

Or does it mean that TiVo's trying to get folks not to dump the HR10s on the eve of expanding HD programming? I don't know if the new features are for certain on the HR10 though. The SD DIRECTV with TiVos got the 6.x kernel a long time before the HR10s.

The announcement is about the Series 2 SD DVRs. Nothing will change regarding the HR10s. Some reports read much more into the statement than it meant. There is no way to get the HR10 to read the Ka band or decode MPEG4 signals with a software change alone for example.

Well the picture on Engadget is of a HR10-250. While it doesn't mention whether or not it applies to the HD DVR, how are you so sure it doesn't?

I only have the HR10-250, so why would they send me this if the HR10-250 does not apply?
Great news for DIRECTV/TiVo customers—new features are on the way!

We know you love your DIRECTV/TiVo and we at DIRECTV are working with TiVo to make it even better. As a DIRECTV/TiVo customer, you'll soon have access to the latest innovations such as:
DIRECTV Remote Booking. Forgot to set up a recording before you left the house? From any computer with Internet access you can schedule recordings remotely by visiting [the web site]
Recently Deleted Folder. Quickly restore deleted programs to your "Now Playing" list.
Overlap Protection. Never worry about recording conflicts again. For consecutive scheduled recordings that overlap, TiVo will clip the ending of the first show or the beginning of the second (based on the higher priority), but will never cancel one of your recordings.
These new features are completely FREE and you don't need to do anything to get them. In early 2008 the enhancements will automatically download to your DIRECTV/TiVo receiver, if it is hooked up to a land-based phone line. DIRECTV and TiVo will continue to explore future enhancements to bring you the most robust TV viewing experience.

So sit back, relax and continue to enjoy the best television available.

Thank you for being a loyal DIRECTV customer.

These are just sw upgrades for the user interface and recording options. They cannot decode MPEG4 channels with the current hardware.

The announcement is about the Series 2 SD DVRs. Nothing will change regarding the HR10s. Some reports read much more into the statement than it meant. There is no way to get the HR10 to read the Ka band or decode MPEG4 signals with a software change alone for example.

If it's true that this upgrade only applies to the SD DVR's D* really screwed the pooch on this one since I recently received not only the email that others mentioned but I also noticed yesterday that they had an announcement on my HD TiVo (HR10-250) itself. It showed up on the main menu and in the 'showcases' section. It didn't say anything about these only applying to the SD TiVo's.

I agree that this does not mean anything in relation to the Mpeg4 channels and eventually having to switch to the new HD dvr but unless D* really screwed up their communication strategy these new features should appear on our HD TiVo's as well. Albeit not until 'early 2008'.

... these new features should appear on our HD TiVo's as well. Albeit not until 'early 2008'.I'm sure you're right. They are just bringing D* TiVo's in line with features that have been available on standard non-D* for some time.

Unfortunately, to really get the most out of D*, you'll still need an MPEG4 receiver. The extra features are nice, but they don't make up for the missing channels. I just resigned myself to this, and now my trusty HR10 sits, disconnected, replaced by a HR20 (which isn't so bad after all, BTW).

...and now my trusty HR10 sits, disconnected,.

Want to sell it?

Mark

If so, do it now before the market bottoms out in September.

What's happening in September that would affect the resale value of HR10-250's?

D* will be starting up a number of new HD channels The HR10-250 can't get. They will be Ka band MPEG4 channels and the HR10 can't handle either.

D* will be starting up a number of new HD channels The HR10-250 can't get. They will be Ka band MPEG4 channels and the HR10 can't handle either.

But that won't render the HR10-250 useless. It will just be unable to receive some new channels that no one wants to watch anyway. Correct?

Besides, D* has been promising these new channels for over a year. Just because they have the satellites up, don't mean they will work. Correct?

But that won't render the HR10-250 useless. It will just be unable to receive some new channels that no one wants to watch anyway. Correct?

I would say "Not correct" due to the fact that for a lot of people it means getting HD locals and RSNs full time in addition to the new HD channels.

Besides, D* has been promising these new channels for over a year. Just because they have the satellites up, don't mean they will work. Correct?

They're going to be deployed ~ a month from now.

My HR10-250 is on 3.1 software. How do I get 6.3 software or has Directv stopped upgrading them?

You need to have the HR10-250 dial in using a phone line to enable the actual software update. You can force a daily call if you have to.

But that won't render the HR10-250 useless. It will just be unable to receive some new channels that no one wants to watch anyway. Correct?

Yeah, I sure don't want USA, FX, Sci-Fi, MHD, CNN, Weather Channel, Food Network, A&E, or any of the other "new" channels in HD no one else wants. :p

Just got off the phone with D* to see about swapping out my HR10-250 dvr for a reciever that can handle the new channels that are coming out. The girl told me that it would cost me $300.00 for a new reciever, I thought that was crazy. I have been a D* customer from the beginning and have 6 recievers in my house, and order NFL Ticket every year.

Anyway she stated that if I didn't want the new Reciever and Sat. Dish, she could send me out a converter that would allow me to get all the new channels that are coming out???????? Why would I want to get a new reciever for $300.00 when I could keep the one I have and get all the new channels? It doesn't add up.

Is the new 5 LNB needed for the new recievers to recieve all the new channels?

She told me this converter would hook into the Sat. Cable between my 10-250 reciever and the wall. Has anyone heard of this? Has anyone received an upgrade to the new DVR Recievers for a better price?

Thanks in advance!

Unbelievable! :eek:

Yes, you need a 5 LNB dish. No, there is no magic converter. :rolleyes:

Just two weeks ago I made the same transition with no fuss. Like you have have been with D* since the beginning, and when I asked to upgrade from my HR10 to an HR20, they did so willingly and free (except for their standard $20 S&H charge). They didn't even ask for a new 2 year commitment. This included the new dish and installation.

It appears that D*s infamous CSR roulette is still in effect. I'd suggest you call again. I doubt you'll get the same absurd answers, but if you do, ask to be transferred to customer retention. They usually straighten out the messes created by the first line CSRs.

I've already decided if they don't upgrade my HR-10 in the bedroom for free once they start adding the new channels I am canceling my service and getting Verizon Fios TV.

Thanks a lot Macfan, I am going to call back now. Will let everyone know what happens.

I hear you Tommy; if they don't upgrade me for free I will be looking for new service.

Thanks a lot Macfan, I am going to call back now. Will let everyone know what happens.You're welcome.

BTW, there are little boxes called BBEs that hook up between the receiver and the wall to enable all the new channels to be received. They only work with the MPEG4 receivers like the HR20s though. They do not work with the HR10.

I hear you Tommy; if they don't upgrade me for free I will be looking for new service.That's what customer retention is there to prevent.

Good luck!

On the phone now having a problem; they state that I am a good customer but not good enough to get the box for free. I am on hold now with customer retention. We shall see!

It went from $300 to $200 now it's $60. When they said $200 they told me I also have an h10 non dvr that also needs to be swapped out so $200 was a deal; that is when I asked to talk to customer retention.

Customer retention took it down too $60 for an HR20DVR,H20 Non DVR, and the 5 LNB with installation. I thought it was fair so I went for it. Thanks for all the help.


We customers are on a ranking system; if someone just signed up in the last couple years you might not get this type of deal but I would still talk to customer retention because it's just not fair. I guess because I signed up about 6 months after D* started I am not at the top of the list so I had to pay $60.

I was just thinking about all of this and it blows my mind, I am renting these dam boxes from them anyway, why the hell would they make me go through all of this with them!!!

I am definitely NOT looking forward to this. The fact that I actually OWN all of my receivers outright and don't rent them is a major factor. (yes, I own the HR10-250, which I paid through the nose for a few years ago) Of course, in hindsight, I should have rented the darn thing.

BTW, does anyone have an actual lineup for the 100 hd channels that DTV is going to offer? I'm curious to how many of these will be "premium" channels which require an additional subscription. (Starz, for exmple)

That's what customer retention is there to prevent.

Good luck!

In all honesty I am probably canceling anyway because I am a little fed up with them. I am just waiting for my contract to run out.

I am keeping my HR10-250 as it actual has a decent user interface. The non-TIVO ones absolutely suck! (I have two of them.)

I have only been a DirecTV customer for less than two years, after a switch from DISH. I too own my hr10-250. After seeing this story: http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivoupgrade080307.htm
I called D*TV and requested the 99.00 upgrade quoted by their spokesman. Initially, I was quoted 300.00. I told them about the story, and was transferred to someone else within a couple of minutes. The next person knew exactly what I was talking about. She said the upgrade is available, but is not in the computer system yet, so CSR's don't know about it. 10 minutes later I was scheduled for a free dish upgrade, the new HR20, and free moving of my HR10-250 to the bedroom, for TIVO SD all for 99.00. A good deal in my opinion........and in my case.....

They just try and get as much money as they can from people who don't know any better and that is criminal in my book. Just think of all the people who have paid what they first quoted them for.

Glad you recieved what you wanted Wildbill.

I have only been a DirecTV customer for less than two years, after a switch from DISH. I too own my hr10-250. After seeing this story: http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivoupgrade080307.htm
I called D*TV and requested the 99.00 upgrade quoted by their spokesman. Initially, I was quoted 300.00. I told them about the story, and was transferred to someone else within a couple of minutes. The next person knew exactly what I was talking about. She said the upgrade is available, but is not in the computer system yet, so CSR's don't know about it. 10 minutes later I was scheduled for a free dish upgrade, the new HR20, and free moving of my HR10-250 to the bedroom, for TIVO SD all for 99.00. A good deal in my opinion........and in my case.....

I dropped D* a few months ago when I got my S3. I was debating reactivating my HR10-250 for OTA HD channels. I know you also have to have D* service so I called and asked about the minimum package. I was told the Family package at $29.99 a month AND the HD package at $9.99. I didn't think about it at the time but why would I need the HD pack if I'm only looking for the OTA HD channels? Does anyone else sub to the Family pack only?

I am keeping my HR10-250 as it actual has a decent user interface. The non-TIVO ones absolutely suck! (I have two of them.)

Do they charge you monthly TiVo service fees in addition to their DVR fees along with additional receiver fees?

I haven't made the switch from the HR10-250 to the new H20 but when I do I may just move the HDTiVo to the bedroom (for SD programming anyway) but not if I have to pay 2 DVR subscriptions in addition to the additional receiver fees. I already experienced those types of double charges in the past when I had both the TiVo and Ultimate TV on at the same time.

I dropped D* a few months ago when I got my S3. I was debating reactivating my HR10-250 for OTA HD channels. I know you also have to have D* service so I called and asked about the minimum package. I was told the Family package at $29.99 a month AND the HD package at $9.99. I didn't think about it at the time but why would I need the HD pack if I'm only looking for the OTA HD channels? Does anyone else sub to the Family pack only?

If you want to activate and HD box, you have to pay for the HD package. Dems da rules now.

I have only been a DirecTV customer for less than two years, after a switch from DISH. I too own my hr10-250. After seeing this story: http://www.tvpredictions.com/tivoupgrade080307.htm
I called D*TV and requested the 99.00 upgrade quoted by their spokesman. Initially, I was quoted 300.00. I told them about the story, and was transferred to someone else within a couple of minutes. The next person knew exactly what I was talking about. She said the upgrade is available, but is not in the computer system yet, so CSR's don't know about it. 10 minutes later I was scheduled for a free dish upgrade, the new HR20, and free moving of my HR10-250 to the bedroom, for TIVO SD all for 99.00. A good deal in my opinion........and in my case.....

A very good deal. I'm gonna let their computers percolate a little bit and then try the same request; dish upgrade, new HR20 (that was the DVR model, right?) and move the HR10-250. Let you know how D* CSRs react.

Do they charge you monthly TiVo service fees in addition to their DVR fees along with additional receiver fees?

They only charge you once for the DVR fee no matter how many DVR's you have in your home. They will charge you the extra receiver fee. Its (_NOT_) funny how it is the same whether you lease a receiver from them or own your own.

They only charge you once for the DVR fee no matter how many DVR's you have in your home. They will charge you the extra receiver fee. Its (_NOT_) funny how it is the same whether you lease a receiver from them or own your own.

I know they will only charge you one dvr fee if you have multiple boxes of the same type of dvr but my question is do they consider the HDTiVo and the new HD dvr under the same dvr fee?
As I said in my earlier post I know they didn't when I had both the HR10-250 and UltimateTV boxes on in my house. They charged me $10 for the UTV AND $5 for the TiVo (in addition to the additional receiver charge, even though I own both boxes). I really liked my UltimateTV for SD programming in my bedroom but couldn't take the additional $10 charge.
Am I going to be in the same boat AGAIN if I upgrade to the new HR20 and move the HR10-250 to the bedroom?

Am I going to be in the same boat AGAIN if I upgrade to the new HR20 and move the HR10-250 to the bedroom?

No. You are charged once for DVR, regardless of who you use. SD TiVo, HD Tivo, SD D*, HD D*. One fee covers all four.

I am selling my HR10-250 and would like to copy some HD programs I have saved over the years to my new E* DVR using a disk-to-disk concept. I know this is probably impossible but I just thought someone might have figured out how to do it? Otherwise I have to keep the HR10-250, which I can do as I own it.

Anyone know how this might be done?

I still have a HR10-250 which I don't want to swap for a HR20. I have nearly 80 season passes and the HR20 can't deal with more 50.

Really? That's lame. I'm usually hovering in the high 40's but when the new shows start it spikes up for a while until I delete the ones that aren't worth keeping (which is usually a lot!).

Why would they limit the number?
If that's true then it's another reason to hold off 'upgrading'. Guess the spotty OTA reception of mine will continue for quite a while.

The permutations and combinations of programming greatly increase with higher numbers. Speed and reliability were given more importance than a higher limit to begin with.

Channels in the 80s are MPEG2 national channels. They just happen to be locals in NY and LA. True locals are MPEG4 channels that have the same channel numbers as your OTA analog channels. It takes an H20 or HR20 to get them though. 490-494 are test channels. If they result in a blue banner, your receiver's ability to pull in all the combinations of odd and even transponders for satellites at 101, 110, and 119 is verified. If that is the case, the receiver that can't handle the 70s has a programming authorization problem or a hardware problem. You can resend authorization your self by registering at the DirecTV website and logging on at https://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/mydirectv/mysystem/mySystemResendAuthorization.jsp
You can also call to have a reauthorization done. If you get banners on 490-494 and a reauthorization doesn't work, the receiver probably needs to be replaced. You can also try switching places between a working and non working receiver to see if the problem is in the receiver or in the feed.

Greywolf,
I found out what my issue was. When the installer came he installed " jumper cables" from the MPEG 4 approved multi switch to my old MPEG 2 multi switch because I had OTA with a diplexer set up. He did this so that he did not have to run new cables to the MPEG 2 receiver. The new MPEG 4 receivers had their own separate line and OTA. The MPEG 2 receiver HD-Tivo was diplexed, everything worked perfectly for over a year but then D* must have changed something in their signal format that prevented a diplexed signal to be received on the MPEG 2 receiver. I finally had the time to re-route the wiring to the correct multi switch and run an additional cable and now all is fine.
Of course I don't understand why they could not tell me this over the phone that they changed their signal output.
Thanks for your assistance.

Greywolf,
I found out what my issue was. When the installer came he installed " jumper cables" from the MPEG 4 approved multi switch to my old MPEG 2 multi switch because I had OTA with a diplexer set up. He did this so that he did not have to run new cables to the MPEG 2 receiver. The new MPEG 4 receivers had their own separate line and OTA. The MPEG 2 receiver HD-Tivo was diplexed, everything worked perfectly for over a year but then D* must have changed something in their signal format that prevented a diplexed signal to be received on the MPEG 2 receiver. I finally had the time to re-route the wiring to the correct multi switch and run an additional cable and now all is fine.
Of course I don't understand why they could not tell me this over the phone that they changed their signal output.
Thanks for your assistance.


They have not changed anything for the MPEG-2 receivers. I have been diplexing fine to my MPEG-2 receivers just like I always have. I have been using an old BMS-58 multiswitch stacked below a Zinwell WB68, old receivers connected to the BMS-58 and new ones to the WB68. Recently I have been part of the trials of the Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM) so my BMS58 has been disconnected. However I connected it up yesterday (for a different reason) and everything is still working fine, including diplexing.

For some reason, after early 2 years of working ok, my HR10-250 remote works fine on adjusting volume, power, input, and channels on my TV but STOPPED working on the DVR itself, forcing me to using only the buttons on the front panel. Thoughts????

For some reason, after early 2 years of working ok, my HR10-250 remote works fine on adjusting volume, power, input, and channels on my TV but STOPPED working on the DVR itself, forcing me to using only the buttons on the front panel. Thoughts????

Sounds like you need to reset the remote address number.

For some reason, after early 2 years of working ok, my HR10-250 remote works fine on adjusting volume, power, input, and channels on my TV but STOPPED working on the DVR itself, forcing me to using only the buttons on the front panel. Thoughts????Mine has done that a few times.

A power down/up fixes it for me every time. But I would still like to know why it is happening.

Since I have been on 6.3e, it has not failed, but more time will tell.

Called D* today to confirm my Sunday Ticket. CSR mentioned that my HR10-250 won't be able to get the new HD channels and that by early next year, all HD channels including HBO and ESPN will be on new sat. My daughter has both models and hates the non-tivo software - put the HR20 in the bedroom. It looks like the us D* Tivo fans have our days numbered. Anyway, this gets me to my question. When I bought my second 250 2 or 3 years ago, D* was giving written assurance to free updrade from HR10-250's. I'm still looking for this letter/email. Does anyone else have this or recall this? Thx.

D* told me that they would switch out all of my HD MPEG 2 receivers/DVR's for 19.95 shipping. That also included the new dish install. This sounded like policy rather than just getting lucky with a particular CSR. They were specific that they would all have to be done at the same time. And they let me keep the HR10-250.

I don't believe that is accurate info regarding this years HD sunday ticket. You should receive all the channels on superfan just fine.

Superfan was just the reason for the call. CSR said there would be no problem with current equip.

D* told me that they would switch out all of my HD MPEG 2 receivers/DVR's for 19.95 shipping. That also included the new dish install. This sounded like policy rather than just getting lucky with a particular CSR. They were specific that they would all have to be done at the same time. And they let me keep the HR10-250.

I guess I'll try a new tact with them to get a "free" HR20. They told me when I called to replace my H20 that it was going to be $200 + $19.95. Guess I should call and just "replace" one HR10-250, and when the installer comes, swap out the H20 instead. CSR told me D* will ship out a separate box for me to send back the H20, as it is a leased box, so I would think they'd still send the box to me.

Called D* today to confirm my Sunday Ticket. CSR mentioned that my HR10-250 won't be able to get the new HD channels and that by early next year, all HD channels including HBO and ESPN will be on new sat. My daughter has both models and hates the non-tivo software - put the HR20 in the bedroom. It looks like the us D* Tivo fans have our days numbered. Anyway, this gets me to my question. When I bought my second 250 2 or 3 years ago, D* was giving written assurance to free updrade from HR10-250's. I'm still looking for this letter/email. Does anyone else have this or recall this? Thx.
I asked them when I ordered my HR10-250 about upgrading to the HR20 when it was available because I knew it was coming out. 2 weeks ago, I called to get the HR20 and told them that. They transfered me right away to customer retention and I got it for free. Actually, I had to pay $99 now, and I got free HD Access for a year, so I made $20. The only problem was, they can't install it until Sept. 18. Apparently, so many people are switching to D* from Comcast, because Comcast doesn't have the BigTen. There were alot of pissed off fans that couldn't see Penn States first game. So hopefully the installer will be on schedule.

Are they signing you up for another 2 year agreement when they upgrade your box?

Are they signing you up for another 2 year agreement when they upgrade your box?

Yes, I've been with them from the beginning, 15 years, so that doesn't bother me

Yes, I've been with them from the beginning, 15 years, so that doesn't bother me

eek . . . I think I will hold off then until I see if all the hype is really worth it before I sign away another 2 years. I hardly watch TV in the bedroom anyway.

Hey Guys. Are any of you using your 250 to get OTA signals? I just hooked up a channel master 4221 and I have some problems. I am no longer getting any confirmation in my setup menu that I am receiving a OTA signal, however I am getting the broadcast. I was told that my 4221 may be too close to the station broadcast antennas (which im in the 10 mile range) and that the signal may be blowing out the tuner. Is this possible?

I looked all over the OTA forum and cant find anything similar. Any insight is appreciated

I'm not sure if this question is in the right place or has already been answered - sorry if I'm repeating - here you go. I've upgraded my HR10-250 to an HR20. Is there a way to copy the recordings from the HR10-250 (they're almost all recorded in HD) to the HR20 or to copy them to a DVD or to my computer hard drive and play them back in HD resolution (same as I would from the HR10-250) on my plasma? Otherwise, I'm stuck with switching cables back and forth between the 2 units since all the inputs on the plasma are being used. Thanks for your help!

steweygatz,

It seems less than likely that you could "blow" your tuner by too much RF signal. I think something else is going on. Also not likely, but if the problem is simple overload, that is easily fixable by an RF attenuator available at most places that sell splitters and line amplifiers. I haven't looked but Radio Shack probably sells them. Or if you have a rotor or easy access to the antenna you could try turning it 90 degrees to the station antenna, just to confirm that is not the problem. I have a 10-250 and a high gain yagi fairly close to a high power station and also aimed close to it and have had no problem. :)

I'm not sure if this question is in the right place or has already been answered - sorry if I'm repeating - here you go. I've upgraded my HR10-250 to an HR20. Is there a way to copy the recordings from the HR10-250 (they're almost all recorded in HD) to the HR20 or to copy them to a DVD or to my computer hard drive and play them back in HD resolution (same as I would from the HR10-250) on my plasma? Otherwise, I'm stuck with switching cables back and forth between the 2 units since all the inputs on the plasma are being used. Thanks for your help! Sorry, but the answer is no. You can only copy them in SD.

I just made the same conversion, and now have both DVR's hooked up to the TV, the HR10-250 in a temporary spot until I've watched everything that is on it. Fortunately, my new TV has plenty of inputs.

I just started experiencing bad audio dropouts on my HR10-250. It's been happening for several days now, on HD and SD playback, live tv and recorded.

I checked my optical cable to make sure it was well seated on both sides. I also switched from DD5.1 to stereo PCM playback, and nothing helped.


Is anyone else having audio problems, or is it just me?