D* HR20 topic [Text View] - Page 12

Eddy13

06-03-07, 03:05 PM

Ok Guys Im looking to aquire the new Direct Tv Mpeg 4 Hd Tivo dvr+ the new big dish ... See the problem here is that roughly 2 years ago I bought the older hd tivo for my family room... I had a prof come and make a custom install in which I had him install a oval dish with 4 Lnbs I provided him with a multiswith 4x8 .. He ran 4 coax from the dish to my attic and he installed my antenna and ran the antenna coax to the same spot.. All 5 lines went into the powered multi swith and I had 6 runs go into my family room and 2 other into seperate rooms..... Now my antenna run was diplexed into the multi switch and then in my family room for instance I have them feed seprate.. Point blank is I invested alot fo money.. Now with direct tv adding more hd channels and mpeg 4 .... Now I need to call direct tv and have them send me a new mpeg 4 hd tivo with the bigger dish....

So heres my question with new bigger dish and the new mpeg 4 hd tivo... Do I call direct tv and demand the new box and dish install at no charge.. Offcourse I am going to have to go to customer retention.. Also what will I have to do from my previous set up to be able to have 6 sattelite feeds to my family room along with antenna feed and also 1 sattelite feed along with antenna feed 2 my other bedrooms.... Can I call direct tv and attempt to have them send me a installer in order to make my connections right.. After all I do see it as very unfair after all the money I spent in equipment and installation that now I have to fork up more money in order to rearrange my install just because direct tv changed there equipments and changed the way in which u know have to make the
installations.... What do I do....

Eddy13

06-03-07, 03:08 PM

Actually after thinking about it... For the most part I really dont think that Direct tv installers go into ur attic and run new wires in order to get ur set up right.. Also from what ive heard is that they will not take ur old sattelite dish down and put the new one up.. I may be wrong.. All I need is the new big dish with the new mpeg 4 hd receiver with 6 sattelite feeds going into the family room 1 going into the office and another going into the master bed room.. thats a total of 8.. I also need my local antenna feed to go into my family room and office and master bedroom... Now my current set up is 4 feeds from dish to multiswitch which is a 4x8 then my antenna feeds goes into that multiswitch in the attic from there I have 6 feeds going into family room 1 to office and 1 to master bed room.... How would Direct Tv be able to give me a new dish /sattelite receiver plus make all my current connections/feeds right by having to change it all... I dont think that Direct tv will provide to fix all that custom installtion..

veryoldschool

06-03-07, 03:57 PM

To start with "Tivos" and MPEG-4 don't go together. The HR-20 has nothing to do with Tivo.
The 5 LNB dish will use the same four coax to the multi-switch, but the multi-switch will need to be changed to a Zinwell WB68 [eight outputs].
Your OTA signals might be diplexed in for now but won't work in just a few months when the new SATs come on-line and start using the Ka-lo band as this will interfere with the OTA band, so no diplexing.
D* was understanding when I pointed out how much I'd invested in D* equipment than was now useless. What they will do for your will depend on many things.
Custom installs aren't free.

Eddy13

06-03-07, 07:18 PM

veryoldschool

06-03-07, 08:25 PM

OK sorry for making the tivo reference.. Its the Direct tv Mpeg 4 hd dvr.... Now what ur saying is that The only thing that the Direct tv installer has to do is add the new Multiswitch along with adding the new bigger dish.. Now as for my antenna connections.. Obviuosly I wont want to diplex them as in a few months they will intefere .. So what will I hav to do.. My antenna as of right now has only 1 run from my antenna to the attic that ends up at the multiswithc.. So what would I have to do in order to get antenna feeds to my family room and my other 2 rooms seperately.. Now my other question is will the direct tv installer take out my old dish add the new bigger one into the same location then go to my attic and add the new multiswitch.... Will he do anything about fixing my antenna feeds.... Will I have to pay the direct tv installer on the side for this.. What can I expect to get all my connections right.... The reason I want my antenna feeds into multiple locations is because in the future when i add hd capabilites into both those rooms i want to be able to hav those antenna runs... Beleive it or not Local over the air feeds will alwyas look a little better than direct tv hd local feeds... plus direct tv does not carry as of now fox and abc hd for miami....
The foot on the new dish is larger, so it seems that installers leave the foot in place [so not to cause a leak] and mount the new disk next to it.
For your OTA, you will need to add a splitter in the attic and then add coax runs from there to your locations. While OTA will always be "king", my local MPEG-4 are damn close [FWIW].
The HR-20 will need two coax SAT feeds for each [two tuners] & the OTA feed.
"This fall" D* will be coming out with a "Single Wire Multi-switch" that will reduce the number of coax feeds [and diplex OTA too] but it is "not now".
Here is a link to what's known so far [but you need to reg with the site]: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=78249
When you call D* make sure to mention you need a multi-switch so they put it on the work order. This should be done for free [along with the dish and most wiring].
As to your "extra" work, that will be between you and your installer. Reports vary from "nice ones" to real jerks, so YMMV from anything I post.

Eddy13

06-03-07, 08:40 PM

so wait can the directtv installer take down my old dish with mount and install the new bigger one.. Why would I want two dishes up.... Also im all up for the new multiswith.. which is 1 wire..... I would love to leave everythign the same the way I have it and have the installer put up the bigger dish and the new hd dvr... Maybe I should wait till the switch is out.....All I want is for everythign to be the same at practically free of charge.. Now one of the main things I need the guy to do is take down my old dish and mount the new one if its a little lower or to the side or wherever he wishes...but not to the side and him leaving my old dish up...

and last but not least ur telling me that the direct tv installer will take down my old dish pu tthe new one go to the attic add new multiswitch and get my antenna feed split it to 3 locations.... Now for the antenna part I might have to pay extra but is it possible for direct tv to cover 100 percent free of charge for this complicated install..

jlangner

06-03-07, 09:28 PM

veryoldschool

06-03-07, 09:41 PM

I have the HR20 and the new dish. Question is this, I have 2 lines going to the HR20, 1 to kids room, 1 to bedroom (4 total). I want to add 2 more. Will I have to have a multi-switch to do this? I can get a free reciever from DTV and free install (already have an extra TIVO-HD). Will DTV provide the multiswitch with install?

Thanks in advance.
Yes. The feeds [four] from the dish will then go into the multi-switch and then from there you have eight places to connect your receivers to. If you call D* and get it listed on the work order, they should [will] do it for free.

veryoldschool

06-03-07, 09:47 PM

jlangner

06-04-07, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the info.

yampan

06-06-07, 04:01 PM

veryoldschool

06-07-07, 06:40 AM

VOS,

I got a message today from MasTec/DTV, regarding the installation of BBCs on my HR20.

Do you agree I should go ahead and install them now and leave them on if they seem O.K.?

I was going to turn it off for this until you posted that it never really shuts off unless unplugged, so is it important to do that?

Thanks in advance.
Look at your levels for all of your transponders & tuners, then install the BBCs [no need to reset or power down the unit].
Then recheck your levels. If they're "close" to the same, your good to go. If you see a drop in power more than a few points, then you might/will want to see about getting another BBC.
They've had problems with some of them [or the small cable connected to them].

jamieh1

06-07-07, 04:06 PM

a one night only beta update Friday night. go to www.dbstalk.com
to the directv cutting edge thread for more.

Eddy13

06-10-07, 12:46 AM

Guys I have 2 questions.... I am upgrading to the new Direct tv Hd mpeg 4 DVR... Now in order for me to get the right connection to this receiver do I need 2 direct tv coax feeds to the dual tuners and 2 off the air antenna feeds to the atsc tuners.. I currently have the Hughes hd hr 10-250 tivo.. Now I think the way I have that connected is you just need the two feeds coming from ur multiswitch..into the dual tuners of the hughes.. now in this setup i have the off the air antenna feeds diplexed with the sat feed ... so with the new direct tv receiver will I need 2 seperate sat feeds and 2 sep antenna feeds in order to be able to record 2 ota channels at the same time or 2 direct tv channels hd at the same time.....

Also my other question is I have seen numerous bad reviews for this new direct tv hd receiver... Ive heard alot of locking up , freezing and people having to go through 3 or 4 swap outs.. Is this receiver better or worse than the hughes hd tivo receiver that I currently have...

Eddy13

06-10-07, 01:09 AM

UncD2000

06-10-07, 02:40 AM

You will need two sat feeds, but just one RF OTA feed, because there a splitter in the RF input.

There have been several update downloads during the 8 months I've had the HR20-700. At this point I prefer it to the HR10-250 Tivo. The OTA tuner is a weak point, especially if youi have multipath problems. Also, rewind mode on MPEG4 channels ofter freezes up and ypu must guess at the amount it has reversed before pressing the stop button.

Eddy13

06-10-07, 02:58 AM

Ok guys I am upgrading to the new Direct tv hd Dvr and the new Bigger Dish.. I called Direct tv because I had the smaller dish and the older Hughes hd tivo.. Now heres the thing.. When I called I told them that I needed a new Multiswith the 6x8 and the big dish and new mpeg 4 dvr.. Now heres the thing I need 6 sattelite runs into my family room 2 into my master bed room , 1 to my other bed room and another one to my office for a total of 10 runs... Also I need 1 seperate antenna run to each of those locations... I really dont need antenna in the office or my other bed room but its a must in the master and family room.. The reason I need 6 runs in family room is for my hd dvr and I connect 4 seperate receivers during sunday ticked to be able to see up to 5 games at a time with 5 tvs during football season... I did mention if 8 runs was th emost that i could do and direct tv answered with that is correct.. can th direct tv installer do the 10 runs.. Should I call back the installation departemnet and tell them i need 10 runs... Also on my work order should I ask the installation departement to add in the work order that the installer needs to secure my dish with monopoles and remove old dish... I currently have a older dish with 4 runs into a eagle multiswith in my attick thats a 4x8 and my antenna runs are diplexed there...

I know that to do all this work like the antenna runs seperately the installer will probably charge me custom work... What should I do and can the installer do 10 runs for sattelide feed...

joed32

06-10-07, 11:18 AM

You sound like me with Sunday Ticket. I do 5 games at once. What you will need is a second 6X8 multiswitch so that they can cascade them. When the installer came to my house he only brought one switch I called D* and they sent another installer with one switch. Called the installation dept at D* and they had the supervisor and a senior tech come out and show the installer how to do it. I'm telling you all this so you will be prepared. Tell them you need 10 outputs.

greywolf

06-10-07, 11:32 AM

A WB616 or two WB68 multiswitches in parallel will provide 16 outputs. The WB68 is not reliable when cascaded according to Zinwell so do not accept a 12 output cascade with four cables from one multiswitch feeding another. It may work most of the time but there will be some problems.

msmith198025

06-13-07, 11:00 AM

Guys I heard that there is a new vers out the 20-100 s.Is there any diff between the 20-700 and the 100s.... is the 100 s more stable.. I just ordered a upgrade today ... should I call back and find out what vers there sending me.. Should I ask them to send me the newer vers...

There is no functional diff. between the two. Just manufactured by different companies. The software updates are now the same.

veryoldschool

06-13-07, 11:12 AM

Thanks, just realized after posting that the thread title was H20.

FYI, resetting using the reset button on the front of the receiver did the trick.
Since this recorder has a hard drive, it is now recommended [B]NOT to use the red button, but go into the menu and use the "softer" reset: "reset recorder" option.

The red button reset is only to be used as a last option.

Milenkod

06-13-07, 11:29 AM

AWSOME!!! I just got my HR20-100 this week and I'm still figuring it out. Anyplace were there is a list of tweaks or tips???...especially for TiVo converts?

veryoldschool

06-13-07, 11:40 AM

AWSOME!!! I just got my HR20-100 this week and I'm still figuring it out. Anyplace were there is a list of tweaks or tips???...especially for TiVo converts?
There are at least two for you to check out here: http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=115

Milenkod

06-13-07, 01:33 PM

There are at least two for you to check out here: http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=115Great...i'm already a member there. I'll check it out.

veryoldschool

06-13-07, 03:09 PM

Great...i'm already a member there. I'll check it out.
Nobody needs to be a member to read those.
They are for anybody. Posting will require becoming a member [like here]. :)

DeanP66

06-13-07, 04:56 PM

All you have to do is add a regular splitter to your antenna feed and then run lines to each location. That's what I've done. I don't believe the installer will do this for you however, unless you pay him extra.

yampan

06-14-07, 09:52 AM

Since this recorder has a hard drive, it is now recommended [B]NOT to use the red button, but go into the menu and use the "softer" reset: "reset recorder" option.

The red button reset is only to be used as a last option.

Does the "reset recorder" menu function leave you settings as they were?

Smuuth

06-14-07, 10:07 AM

Does the "reset recorder" menu function leave you settings as they were?Yes. The "Restart Recorder" from the menu is basically the same as a "warm boot" of your computer.

veryoldschool

06-14-07, 12:33 PM

"Stolen from another forum":

Ok, here is what the various resets do:

Restart Receiver
• Same as pressing red RESET button on front
• Clears program guide

Reset Defaults
• Clears all settings to factory defaults
• Does NOT erase hard drive

Reset Everything
• Returns receiver to original factory settings, including parental controls
• Erases Hard drive
• DOES NOT Reformat Hard drive
• The orange record light is illuminated while the Hard drive is being erased.

Hard Disk Drive Reformat
• Reformatting the hard drive will erase and reformat the Hard drive. All settings and programs will be lost.
• This process ONLY clears and reformats the Hard drive and does NOT replace the “Reset Everything” procedure

This is from a D* Tech bulletin date 11/14/05

Juan

06-14-07, 01:15 PM

Anybody know if one can record from the HR20-700s to a DVD recorder? SD of course.

clevfandad

06-14-07, 02:35 PM

Anybody know if one can record from the HR20-700s to a DVD recorder? SD of course.

Yes, you can. I do it all the time. However, I must first reset my output to 480i.

veryoldschool

06-14-07, 03:15 PM

Yes, you can. I do it all the time. However, I must first reset my output to 480i.
:confused: since the signal is coming out of the S-Video or composite port, it already is 480i/p. Changing from "pillarbars" is needed to remove them, but isn't that all that's needed? :confused:

yampan

06-14-07, 03:36 PM

Anybody know if one can record from the HR20-700s to a DVD recorder? SD of course.

I record from an HR-20/100 to a DVR via S-video and don't reset anything to do it. S-video is always active at SD. If you plan to record something else on your HR-20, you must be sure that your visible tuner is set to the station you want for your DVR.

Smuuth

06-14-07, 03:39 PM

:confused: since the signal is coming out of the S-Video or composite port, it already is 480i/p. Changing from "pillarbars" is needed to remove them, but isn't that all that's needed? :confused:I can confirm what VOS is saying: no change in output resolution is needed as long as you have the picture mode set to "stretch". The composite and Svideo outputs are live all the time to feed a DVD recorder. You do want to make sure that no one plays with the remote while recording, though, because any menu or list or guide information displayed will be recorded.

yampan

06-14-07, 03:50 PM

(Originally posted by veryoldschool)
Since this recorder has a hard drive, it is now recommended [by D* engineering] NOT to use the red button, but go into the menu and use the "softer" reset: "reset recorder" option.

The red button reset is only to be used as a last option.

"Stolen from another forum":

Ok, here is what the various resets do:

Restart Receiver
• Same as pressing red RESET button on front
• Clears program guide

Reset Defaults
• Clears all settings to factory defaults
• Does NOT erase hard drive

Reset Everything
• Returns receiver to original factory settings, including parental controls
• Erases Hard drive
• DOES NOT Reformat Hard drive
• The orange record light is illuminated while the Hard drive is being erased.

Hard Disk Drive Reformat
• Reformatting the hard drive will erase and reformat the Hard drive. All settings and programs will be lost.
• This process ONLY clears and reformats the Hard drive and does NOT replace the “Reset Everything” procedure

This is from a D* Tech bulletin date 11/14/05

O.K. now I AM confused. Is "reset recorder" the same as "restart receiver" ?

In your first quote above you say that D* recommends the softer "reset recorder" menu choice over the red button reset.

The second quote which references a D* tech bulletin, says " Restart Receiver"
• Same as pressing red RESET button on front

:confused: :confused:

veryoldschool

06-14-07, 05:24 PM

alvarado6411

06-15-07, 06:11 PM

I don't know if you guys noticed but the new update doesn't show the media sharing anymore. I use to stream my music through my hr20 but now it doesn't show. Do I need to do something?

mgroups

06-15-07, 09:06 PM

I got home today and the HR20 was dead except the drive is still spinning. The reset button does nothing. When I unplug it, wait a few minutes than plug it back in, the small blue light on the Power button goes on for a couple seconds, then off. The ring light in the center of the unit and the lights on the right side do not light up. Should I call D* and ask for another one? It has behaved almost flawlessly until now and there are recordings on it that I would like to keep.

Update:
I pushed the left and right buttons in the center just to see if the ring light would go on (I keep it off) and the machine started rebooting. Right now it is working. I don't see why those buttons would make it boot. Any advice would be appreciated.

greywolf

06-15-07, 09:20 PM

mgroups

06-15-07, 09:45 PM

Back in August, mine was doing the same thing. I tried pressing the red reset button during that short interval the blue light came on after a replug. It rebooted and has been fine since. Pressing 02468 on the remote when the light first comes on can do a new software download if the box isn't toast also.
Interesting. Since it was now working, I unplugged it and reconnected my eSATA drive, which I had disconnected to see if that would help (it didn't; it was dead with or without the eSATA drive connected, but I left it disconnected), plugged the HR-20 back in and it acted dead again. I had not read greywolf's response (thanks for the quick response) so I didn't do anything right away. After two or three minutes, it restarted spontaneously. So for the moment, it is again working. I will see what happens over the next day or two before calling D*. I hope it makes it through the weekend.

jamieh1

06-16-07, 08:25 AM

Directv HR20-700 Cutting Edge Beta download night 2 Saturday night 11p-2:30a est.
A new ViiV user interface is introduced. Looks real good. Nice update!

Remember to get these CE updates you have to force update the software.
Go into the setup menu and restart recorder. Once the recorder powers back up to the welcome screen press 02468 on the remote, software will begin to update.
Dont do this unless there is a update available, because it will cause you to loose updates and revert you back to the prior NATIONAL update.
Recommeded that you visit the www.dbstalk.com
cutting edge thread and give feed back on the updates.

veryoldschool

06-16-07, 10:59 AM

Milenkod

06-17-07, 10:46 AM

I'm sure this has been discussed but I'm now sure how to exactly search for this subject (tried and can't figure out the proper search term) . How do I recored two different shows at the same time or record one channel while watching another? How do I set this up?
A reply or what to "search" for appreciated.
Thanks.

joed32

06-17-07, 11:36 AM

I never had to set anything up, just hit record. on the shows that you want. Is it not working for you? Tell us what is happening and I'm sure someone will help you.

samberger

06-17-07, 02:46 PM

just hit the orange "R" button on your remote for the program(s) you want recorded. if its 2 shows, and you try to watch another one live you will get a screen that will ask you if you want to stop one of the shows that is being recorded. otherwise you can just watch a show live while the other show is being recorded.

if you are getting that 2 shows being recorded message even if only one show is(which happened to me when i first got my unit) try restarting the unit, and that should fix it.

good luck.

Milenkod

06-17-07, 02:49 PM

I never had to set anything up, just hit record. on the shows that you want. Is it not working for you? Tell us what is happening and I'm sure someone will help you.
While recording, if I choose to change the channel, I get a message that the DVR will have to stop the recording in order for me to change....OR....
If I have a recording scheduled and try to schedule another recording during the same time-slot, it tells me to choose one or cancel the other. Something about the tuner being busy and can't perform the recording.

dhkinil

06-17-07, 03:00 PM

While recording, if I choose to change the channel, I get a message that the DVR will have to stop the recording in order for me to change....OR....
If I have a recording scheduled and try to schedule another recording during the same time-slot, it tells me to choose one or cancel the other. Something about the tuner being busy and can't perform the recording.

I assume you do have two satellite leads connected and that you know both work.

Milenkod

06-17-07, 03:40 PM

I assume you do have two satellite leads connected and that you know both work.No...that's what I needed to know. I assumed that one line could feed both tuners. What's the easiest way to get two lines to the reciever? Can I split the single line somehow?

dhkinil

06-17-07, 04:13 PM

No...that's what I needed to know. I assumed that one line could feed both tuners. What's the easiest way to get two lines to the reciever? Can I split the single line somehow?

There are a whole bunch of posts about zinwell 6x8 multiswitches on this thread, but they can be summarized as follows, D* is supposed to give you one when they put in the system or when they upgrade you. The leads come off the dish, usually enter your house in the basement or attic and then go to the multiswitch and the lines to your receivers come off of that. You can run the leads from the multiswitch yourself (and you might do a neater job) assuming you have the switch. You can buy them but D* will give you a free one if they come out. I could be wrong but I think they are somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 at Best Buy or Circuit City. You can not put a regular splitter from Radio Shack or similar at the wall behind the receiver mor where the leads come off the dish.

They are supposed to be developing an upgrade so that a single lead can feed both tuners, or at least they are according to some posts. I would not hold my breath, they have been known to slip a deadline or two. :)

veryoldschool

06-17-07, 04:22 PM

No...that's what I needed to know. I assumed that one line could feed both tuners. What's the easiest way to get two lines to the reciever? Can I split the single line somehow?
NO, you can't split the cables.
The dish has four outputs, so adding another coax cable is the easiest. Next if you need more than four, would be to use the Zinwell WB68 for eight outputs.

veryoldschool

06-17-07, 04:25 PM

They are supposed to be developing an upgrade so that a single lead can feed both tuners, or at least they are according to some posts. I would not hold my breath, they have been known to slip a deadline or two. :)
It is in testing now, & due out later this year [3rd-4th quarter].

dhkinil

06-17-07, 05:50 PM

It is in testing now, & due out later this year [3rd-4th quarter].

I am still not holding my breath :)

veryoldschool

06-17-07, 06:56 PM

I am still not holding my breath :)
I can't hold mine for months either. :)

Milenkod

06-17-07, 07:46 PM

There are a whole bunch of posts about zinwell 6x8 multiswitches on this thread, but they can be summarized as follows, D* is supposed to give you one when they put in the system or when they upgrade you. The leads come off the dish, usually enter your house in the basement or attic and then go to the multiswitch and the lines to your receivers come off of that. You can run the leads from the multiswitch yourself (and you might do a neater job) assuming you have the switch. You can buy them but D* will give you a free one if they come out. I could be wrong but I think they are somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 at Best Buy or Circuit City. You can not put a regular splitter from Radio Shack or similar at the wall behind the receiver mor where the leads come off the dish.

They are supposed to be developing an upgrade so that a single lead can feed both tuners, or at least they are according to some posts. I would not hold my breath, they have been known to slip a deadline or two. :)I'm sure I have a milti switch as I upgraded to an H20 a year ago. I'm now going from an H20 to the HR20. So I need to run another coax from the mutliswitch to the back of the receiver? This doesn't work like a di-plexer where I can put one just before the reviever and run two lines off it to the reciever?

dhkinil

06-17-07, 07:58 PM

I'm sure I have a milti switch as I upgraded to an H20 a year ago. I'm now going from an H20 to the HR20. So I need to run another coax from the mutliswitch to the back of the receiver? This doesn't work like a di-plexer where I can put one just before the reviever and run two lines off it to the reciever?

If you have a multiswitch itshould be where all of the coax lines meet, maybe in your basement of attic. it is a metal box about 3/4 inch thick, about 3 x4 inches in size. There are six ports on one side (that is where the wires come in from the dish and 8 ports on the other. The individual coax cables that run to each room are attached on the other side. There are a total of eight ports and you should be able to figure out which is tehr cable to the HR20. You want to bring up another coax cable right next to it, if possible through the same hole. Remove the wall plate and fish it up or down to the hole where the wall plate was. You can get wall plates that have multiple coax taps on them. Connect eachj wire to one tap on the back side of the wall plate and from there you are home free.

CPanther95

06-18-07, 02:34 PM

veryoldschool

06-18-07, 04:10 PM

Is there a problem using a x8 multiswitch to supply 4 feeds to each of two additional x8 multiswitches?

I currently have two dishes each feeding a multiswitch, but they are upgrading my dish on Wed. I would prefer they use only 1 dish, but the two multiswitches are located in different parts of the house and need to remain that way.

Stupid question, but an installer swore up and down I was wrong. There is no problem running the HR10-250s off of the 5-lnb Slimline dish - right?
Of course you can run any older D* equipment off of the Slimline dish.
Cascading multi-switches off each other can be a problem. It is better to use power passing SAT splitters and feed them in parallel instead.

danmen

06-19-07, 10:19 AM

veryoldschool

06-19-07, 01:18 PM

plus you need to make sure you put the depixiler in line just before you put the coax into the HR20- this will allow you to receive the new channels coming on board in September.
ps. is there some reason you didn't just let DTV come out and install this HR20 for free... they don't charge extra to run cables and add switches as needed.
:confused: Don't you mean the BBC? :confused:
It is a B Band Converter & not a diplexer [for the new SATs/channels], and all of this won't work if the multi-switch(s) aren't the wide band type [Zinwell WB68 etc.].

Milenkod

06-19-07, 02:00 PM

It is in testing now, & due out later this year [3rd-4th quarter].You have any more information on this single line solution?

Runnung another line down my 2nd story, under the house, up through the floorboard to my in-wall access panel, back underneath the house into a 25ft length of "smurf-tube", back up the wall on the opposite side of the room and into my other access panel is not only a MAJOR hassle, but an all-weekend job.

Kevin12586

06-19-07, 04:52 PM

veryoldschool

06-19-07, 05:28 PM

You have any more information on this single line solution?

Runnung another line down my 2nd story, under the house, up through the floorboard to my in-wall access panel, back underneath the house into a 25ft length of "smurf-tube", back up the wall on the opposite side of the room and into my other access panel is not only a MAJOR hassle, but an all-weekend job.
Nothing more than this. It is in testing, there are two versions [5 & 8 channel].
You can use your HR-20 with only one line, but not have the two tuners active. The OTA tuners will work, but only one SAT feed = one SAT tuner.
If there is more info, I'll post it.

Milenkod

06-19-07, 05:48 PM

You can use your HR-20 with only one line, but not have the two tuners active....... :confused: I don't get it. If you're not using two tuners, how can you record one chanel and watch another?

veryoldschool

06-19-07, 07:06 PM

:confused: I don't get it. If you're not using two tuners, how can you record one chanel and watch another?
Until you have two SAT feeds, you can't use two SAT tuners, but you can use one SAT tuner and both OTA tuners.
So you could watch/record one SAT channel & watch/record one OTA channel, or watch/record two OTA channels.

Milenkod

06-19-07, 08:49 PM

Until you have two SAT feeds, you can't use two SAT tuners, but you can use one SAT tuner and both OTA tuners.
So you could watch/record one SAT channel & watch/record one OTA channel, or watch/record two OTA channels.Oh...OTA is not an option for me. There's no OTA reception where I live.

That said, I gather that the single line solution (being tested) will not work for me then. Sounds like two physical lines from the multi switch to the back of the receiver.

veryoldschool

06-19-07, 10:07 PM

Oh...OTA is not an option for me. There's no OTA reception where I live.

That said, I gather that the single line solution (being tested) will not work for me then. Sounds like two physical lines from the multi switch to the back of the receiver.
SWM needs four coax from the dish to the SWM unit. Then single to the receiver. The Receiver then splits it internally.
Why no OTA in Dublin? Can't you get Sacramento from Walnut Grove?

danmen

06-19-07, 10:49 PM

veryoldschool

06-19-07, 11:12 PM

I just got my email from DTV stating new update in which I don't have to hit guide 2x and the fact you can turn the scroll feature off the guide... my question is, I have had the HR20-100 for about 14 days and it has not updated the software... will this happen autmatically, or do I need to "force" it? I have a phone connection on the receiver.
The phone has nothing to due with updates, as they come through the SAT data stream. The current software release for the -100 is 0x15C.
I'd guess that it is what you have & yes you can go into the setup menu and make the changes for one press to guide & turn animations off for the guide screen.

medicman

06-20-07, 04:48 AM

Just recieved the new update automatically. The new white, and i mean white background with the blue letters. Blinding :eek: At least we dont have to hit the guide button twice to get to the guide menu. Thats cool.

CPanther95

06-20-07, 08:11 AM

Cascading multi-switches off each other can be a problem. It is better to use power passing SAT splitters and feed them in parallel instead.

Can you expand on that?

I've got 4 lines running to each multiswitch from the dish location (2 dishes). If I want to get away with a single dish, what exactly would be the best way to feed both of those multiswitches?

Milenkod

06-20-07, 09:09 AM

SWM needs four coax from the dish to the SWM unit. Then single to the receiver. The Receiver then splits it internally. Boy...I'm confused now. :confused: Are you saying that I don't need two physical lines to be able to record one D* stream and watch another simultaneously?

Why no OTA in Dublin? Can't you get Sacramento from Walnut Grove? Before HD (several years ago), I was able to get a very "snowy" std feed from Sacto. I assume that it isn't enough strength to catch an HD feed, however I haven't tried for HD....I don't even have an antenna to give it a go.

dhkinil

06-20-07, 11:17 AM

Before HD (several years ago), I was able to get a very "snowy" std feed from Sacto. I assume that it isn't enough strength to catch an HD feed, however I haven't tried for HD....I don't even have an antenna to give it a go.[/QUOTE]

As HD is completely digital, it is essentially an all or nothing situation and most HD stations maintain their original vhf numbers but actually transmit in UHF so signal strength is generally much better.
:)

Ibanezwiz

06-20-07, 11:58 AM

dhkinil

06-20-07, 01:03 PM

I just received the new update menu colors for my HR20 and IMO they suck!

Nothing like lighting up the neighborhood when I press menu guide.
I feel like Tim the 'Tool Man' Taylor when he plugged in his Xmas lights.

Give me back my dark colors or at least the ability to change them.

I am not fond of the colors either. Someone at D* must have been using an illegal substance they day they came up with them. :)

veryoldschool

06-20-07, 01:35 PM

Can you expand on that?

I've got 4 lines running to each multiswitch from the dish location (2 dishes). If I want to get away with a single dish, what exactly would be the best way to feed both of those multiswitches?
Sometimes a picture is worth more:
http://www.sonoradesign.com/newpdfs/Sheet_HRPID1422_11.pdf

Now you might not need the Sonora "locker", or the amps shown, but this does give you a good idea of "the whole ball of wax" on page one.

veryoldschool

06-20-07, 01:38 PM

I am not fond of the colors either. Someone at D* must have been using an illegal substance they day they came up with them. :)
Well you should have seen the first test release. It was even brighter!
Over time it may seem to get toned down as you get used to it.

KenWH

06-20-07, 04:36 PM

danmen

06-20-07, 04:42 PM

You need two total coaxials going to each HR 20 - They did not charge me a dime extra to run this - I was replacing one SD Tivo for the HR20, and keeping one SD Tivo in the house. The 2 lines from the dish to my multiswitch were feeding all 4 SD Tuners (2 on each tivo), but the installer said I needed dedicated lines going to a multiswitch for the HDDVR (HR20) - so he ran the 2 lines. OTA feed should not be a problem, the HR20 has 2 OTA Tuners so in theory you can record 4 shows at once, 2 from the dish and 2 from your OTA.

veryoldschool

06-20-07, 04:44 PM

Hi guys,

I just placed an order with d* to upgrade my existing h20's to hr20's. Right now I have an ota antenne feed and a single sat feed going to each receiver. What, if any, additional wiring would be needed for the 2nd sat tuner in each rec. and would that be included in the "free" installation? btw...I want to keep my ota feed. ;)

Thanks,
Ken
Another coax SAT feed to each location. If you exceed the four from the dish, D* will provide a multi-switch to give you all you need. Unless there is something very strange, it should all be free.

veryoldschool

06-20-07, 04:47 PM

the HR20 has 2 OTA Tuners so in theory you can record 4 shows at once, 2 from the dish and 2 from your OTA.
This is just plain wrong. With all of the tuners active, you can record/watch two programs from anything, not FOUR.
You can watch a recording while recording from either the SAT or OTA, but you can ONLY record two programs at one time.

Kevin12586

06-20-07, 04:50 PM

curlyjive

06-20-07, 05:00 PM

Another coax SAT feed to each location. If you exceed the four from the dish, D* will provide a multi-switch to give you all you need. Unless there is something very strange, it should all be free.

Got my upgrade for free too (well just the $22.00 for installation and tax). I needed another sat line run from the Dish to the box. Though the installer was a moron, and I would have preferred to do it myself, there was no additional charge for the wiring.

KenWH

06-20-07, 05:08 PM

How much did they charge for the upgrade?

I've only been with D* for six months so no good deals for me. :rolleyes: Got one unit for $199.99 and the other was full price($299.99) with free install and no additional fees except for the $6/month dvr fee.

I've been wanting to do dvr's from the start but back during the holidays they were VERY hard to come by. With all I've read I was actually a bit surprised that D* would sell me two on one order.

Deezul

06-20-07, 05:19 PM

I'm considering either buying an HR10-250 off eBay to replace a H20 or calling D* and trying to get another HR20 for $199. I know the Tivo will theoretically useless come 2009, but until then I really enjoy the interface over the D* one. I currently have two HR10s, an HR20, and an H20. My wife likes the HR10, so it would go in the bedroom to replace the HR20 that's currently there. I'd then deactivate the H20 so I still only have 4 receivers.

Any opinions/thoughts? With the new channels coming in September, I want to move my HR20 I have now to my main TV so I can watch all the good stuff in HD. But since my wife almost strictly watches OTA, the HR20's extra channels are not so much a concern for her now.

Deezul

dhkinil

06-21-07, 08:44 AM

Well you should have seen the first test release. It was even brighter!
Over time it may seem to get toned down as you get used to it.

Well, the brightness would have been an issue, but the colors and how they are combined is awful, regardless of how bright. :eek:

veryoldschool

06-21-07, 09:07 AM

Well, the brightness would have been an issue, but the colors and how they are combined is awful, regardless of how bright. :eek:
Talk to D*, it wasn't my idea. :)

Kevin12586

06-21-07, 09:07 AM

I've only been with D* for six months so no good deals for me. :rolleyes: Got one unit for $199.99 and the other was full price($299.99) with free install and no additional fees except for the $6/month dvr fee.

I've been wanting to do dvr's from the start but back during the holidays they were VERY hard to come by. With all I've read I was actually a bit surprised that D* would sell me two on one order.

Thanks

spongebob

06-21-07, 09:40 AM

Well, the brightness would have been an issue, but the colors and how they are combined is awful, regardless of how bright. :eek:

I agree. Plus it's burning a hole in my Mits. plasma it's so dang bright!

bob

Marco33

06-21-07, 09:58 AM

First thing my wife said was "It's too bright".

and the second thing, and third and forth...

Ron Jones

06-21-07, 11:48 AM

What size hard drive is in the HR20-700?

dhkinil

06-21-07, 01:58 PM

What size hard drive is in the HR20-700?

What difference does it make, you won't be able to tolerate the colors in the graphics?

Actually 30 hrs OTA HD, 50 Hrs MPEG 4 (D*) HD and I think it is 250 hrs standard definition, or any combination. I am reasonably certain the "700" in the name is for 700 gigs, but some of that, perhaps a few too many lines to define colors, is taken up by the software it needs.

dhkinil

06-21-07, 02:00 PM

Talk to D*, it wasn't my idea. :)

That is not the word on this forum ;)

kmullen

06-21-07, 02:06 PM

What difference does it make, you won't be able to tolerate the colors in the graphics?

Actually 30 hrs OTA HD, 50 Hrs MPEG 4 (D*) HD and I think it is 250 hrs standard definition, or any combination. I am reasonably certain the "700" in the name is for 700 gigs, but some of that, perhaps a few too many lines to define colors, is taken up by the software it needs.
---------------
The Hard drive is a 300 GB Western Digital w/50 or so gb's reserved for PPV stuff...
the "700" stands for the box maker, in this case Pace electronics has nothing to do with H/D size(unlike the tivo)

danmen

06-21-07, 03:01 PM

---------------
The Hard drive is a 300 GB Western Digital w/50 or so gb's reserved for PPV stuff...
the "700" stands for the box maker, in this case Pace electronics has nothing to do with H/D size(unlike the tivo)
Who makes the HR20-100?

kmullen

06-21-07, 03:02 PM

Who makes the HR20-100?
Thompson/RCA

Aytand

06-21-07, 06:08 PM

Does anyone know if there is an advanced menu that you can access on the HR20? I am having some issues passing the 5.1 DD through my TV to my receiver through HDMI and someone in another forum suggested that I try to fool around with the sound output form the HR20. I know about the general choice between PCM and DD.

Thanks.

veryoldschool

06-21-07, 06:36 PM

danmen

06-21-07, 06:59 PM

Aytand

06-21-07, 07:04 PM

danmen

06-21-07, 07:50 PM

I bought a Samsung LN-T4661F which has an optical out. The manual and the specs on every web site say that optical out will pass through at 5.1.

I ran a long optical cable through the wall together with the three hdmi cables to the TV. I can just run optical cables to the receiver (and apparently I will have to) but the idea was to cut back on cables and actually make use of the HDMI.

HDMI although good for 1080P seems worthless to me generally if it is going to bring audio to the TV but not from the TV to the receiver.
I agree with your thoughts on HDMI, if the Samsung states it has pass thru capabilities, maybe you have to turn it on at the TV, but I am guessing that DTV only supports 5.1 thru the coax/toslink outputs, so it is more likely not the HDMI per se, but the equipment.

veryoldschool

06-21-07, 09:01 PM

"I thought" the same thing with my new TV [using HDMI for both], but the TV optical out was only for the TV receiver & not the "other" inputs it turns out. :mad:

mgroups

06-22-07, 12:23 AM

I am not fond of the colors either. Someone at D* must have been using an illegal substance they day they came up with them. :)Or maybe they just had a case of the blues (five shades of blue?). And the top of the screen is way too bright. Seriously though, I have trouble reading the white text on light blue background. That color combination on the guide was the only thing I disliked about the SD DirecTivo and for that reason I kept an ancient Hughes series E receiver on top of it, just for the guide. The medium blue text on slightly darker medium blue background on the Playlist isn't optimal either.

joed32

06-22-07, 09:42 AM

The newest Onkyo recievers do 5.1 over HDMI. 1st ones in the mid-price range I'm sure others will follow suit.

Spoonsx21

06-22-07, 10:02 AM

Spoonsx21

06-22-07, 10:14 AM

Milenkod

06-22-07, 10:49 AM

Nevermind on the HR20-700, the HR20-100 looks like a better model. Plus it looks like I can pick it up for about 200 on ebay, unless anyone thinks that unwise/had a bad experience.

But my previous questions about it being an HD receiver, as well as DirecTV allowing me to use it with my service still apply.

Thanks again,
-PaulIIRC the HR20-100 / 700 will work as an OTC reciever (I think it has 4 OTA tuners) as long as you have a valid /active D* account on that reviever.

What I don't know is if you have a std def (non-HD) package on your account, does the OTA HD still work?...I dunno.

Spoonsx21

06-22-07, 10:58 AM

Well, would you recommend the 700 or the 100?

Checking Amazon reviews, it looks like just about everybody hate the 100?

Has anybody experienced a lot of problems after buying their own hr20-100?

Spoonsx21

06-22-07, 11:11 AM

danmen

06-22-07, 11:42 AM

Also, is it possible to combine another type of HD DVR with D*'s service?

All of the reviews of the HR20 seem to really be bashing it as a receiver, and I don't want to drop 200 for a defective unit.

Any help is appreciated,
-Paul
Your best bet is to get the 100, it is an RCA model and has a tad fewer bugs than the 700. Keep in mind though that these are ALL leased receivers so you may be buying property that is not the sellers to sell. Just make sure your seller has a good feedback rating and promises to return your $ if you have any trouble activation from DTV, Costco carries the 700 model in some stores for $279, and it falls under their generous return policy. Breakage is not really an issue if you agree to the $5.99/mo plan that DTV offers, if anything breaks, fails, etc, they ship you a reaplacement quick.
The HR20's are all poorly reviewed because they have a much clunkier interface than what most reviewers were used to which was the Tivo based H10-250, which is now essentially obsolete as it will not decode mp4 signals which all new HD chanels will be and many local market HD chanels. If you sign up for a new account w/ dtv, they will come install any equipment you want for a minimal charge, if you want a standard def dvr in one room, i think they give you that free now, then just tell them when you place the order you have another hddvr that you want installed and activated as well, but you definately need to tell them so they bring the right (5lnb) dish. The HR20's are really not as bad as many make them out to be, especially if you are a first time dvr user and never had tivo, that is the root of many complaints (plus the 1st generation was awfully glitchy but most of that has been corrected)

jahgreen

06-22-07, 04:10 PM

IIRC the HR20-100 / 700 will work as an OTC reciever (I think it has 4 OTA tuners) as long as you have a valid /active D* account on that reviever.

What I don't know is if you have a std def (non-HD) package on your account, does the OTA HD still work?...I dunno.

2 OTA tuners that you can use.

DirecTV policy is that if you activate HD equipment, you must pay the HD access fee. How that would play out if you activated and then cancelled HD, I don't know, but if they're paying attention it should result in the receiver being deactivated.

jahgreen

06-22-07, 04:14 PM

Also, is it possible to combine another type of HD DVR with D*'s service?

All of the reviews of the HR20 seem to really be bashing it as a receiver, and I don't want to drop 200 for a defective unit.

Any help is appreciated,
-Paul

Nope, it's the HR20 or none.

I think if you read current reviews of the HR20 they would rate it as fair to good.

jahgreen

06-22-07, 04:19 PM

I'm pretty new to this DirecTV thing, I wanted to know if I bought an HR20-700 off of ebay for $230

1. Is this a decent price?
2. Can I use that HD DVR when I get my DirecTV service installed in a week, instead of having them lease out some stupid model to me? Will they install the service using my HD DVR?

Oh and does the HR20-700 function as an HD receiver as well?

All simple questions, I'm sure, I just can't find the answers using the search function, it's sending me in endless loops.

Thanks,
-Paul

You better look closely at the e_Bay offer. At $230, I suspect it's a leased machine. My understanding is that the price to own the HR20 is around $700. DirecTV's quoted price of $299 is for a LEASE.

Yes, the HR20 is an integrated receiver/DVR.

osx-addict

06-22-07, 04:29 PM

2 OTA tuners that you can use.

DirecTV policy is that if you activate HD equipment, you must pay the HD access fee. How that would play out if you activated and then cancelled HD, I don't know, but if they're paying attention it should result in the receiver being deactivated.

I've got the HR10-250 and we originally had the HD package when it was new and the package was well discounted.. However, after that initial period ran out (6 months?), I cancelled the HD package and only record HD programming via the OTA.. I don't believe there's anything in the HR10-250 that would keep DTV from allowing the user to record HD content from the OTA regardless of whether or not they've got the "HD" package.. At least this works fine for me..

jahgreen

06-22-07, 04:33 PM

I've got the HR10-250 and we originally had the HD package when it was new and the package was well discounted.. However, after that initial period ran out (6 months?), I cancelled the HD package and only record HD programming via the OTA.. I don't believe there's anything in the HR10-250 that would keep DTV from allowing the user to record HD content from the OTA regardless of whether or not they've got the "HD" package.. At least this works fine for me..

Perhaps you are "grandfathered" because you got your HR10 before the new pricing mode went into effect.

I'm speculating.

osx-addict

06-22-07, 05:09 PM

Perhaps.. That would really be a sucky feature if D* could keep you from using any HD feature if you weren't signed up for the HD package.. I'd almost be annoyed enough to switch out from using them.. Luckily I'm not planning on moving my service to the newer hardware anytime soon.. I'm in the early stages of a remodel and moved by machine down the street to a rental that already had a D* dish and in talking w/ the install guy that came out (long story), he suggested ditching the 10-250 for the newer one and the much bigger dish to receive all the new channels coming online later in the year.. My only downsight to that is that I'd be spending more $$ per month than I'm already doing.. I don't want to pay $70+/mo for D*.. I'm currently at about $50 -- that's enough for me!

Budget_HT

06-23-07, 09:26 AM

The DirecTV HD fee only affects satellite-fed HD channels. Many have reported being able to watch and record OTA HD channels without paying the HD fee (on their HR10-250 units--I don't know about the new HR20 units).

Milenkod

06-23-07, 10:59 AM

joed32

06-23-07, 12:48 PM

Well, would you recommend the 700 or the 100?

Checking Amazon reviews, it looks like just about everybody hate the 100?

Has anybody experienced a lot of problems after buying their own hr20-100?

If you look closely at those reviews, They are quite old from Oct. last year until Feb. this year. The 100 wasn' even out during that time period. I have a 100 and it's perfect! Have 2 700s and they are working well, I did have to replace one of them that was bad when I bought it. If you get a bad one you will know it, it's not like it's a little buggy, it will be awful. Just get it replaced for free. If you get a good one you will be happy with it.

veryoldschool

06-23-07, 01:01 PM

Well, would you recommend the 700 or the 100?
Checking Amazon reviews, it looks like just about everybody hate the 100?
Has anybody experienced a lot of problems after buying their own hr20-100?
As others have posted, the -100 came out a couple of months ago, While the -700 is almost [not quite] a year old.
The more -100s getting into user's hands, the more they are looking like the -700.
The build quality isn't 100% for either.
When reading "reviews", there will be more "feed back" from people having problems than those that don't.
The software version is the same right now for both. The -700 tends to lead the -100 by a week or two in new releases.
If there was a difference, the -100 might have a better working caller ID.
There are slight differences but not "major" ones.
[My two cents]

CalvinNHobbes61

06-24-07, 02:05 AM

veryoldschool

06-24-07, 03:04 AM

Okay, first post in here so please bear with me. Had an HD DVR installed (unsuccessfully)about 3 months ago, then had TV issues. Warranty finally replaced TV with a new one (Samsung 50 inch 1080i DLP) so I'm looking to solve my HD DVR issues as I set up the replacement TV in the basement. I had D* install this initially in this location, during which time they ran a second line from the multiswitch as well as my OTA line from the 'old style' skeleton type antenna (Which worked just fine with my 'replaced' Non DVR, HD receiver). When the installers completed their work, they informed me that the HD DVR I had just committed to would not work via the HDMI cord (they worked with a tech at Customer service for a couple hours) finally leaving after hooking it up via the component outputs. In addition, when they tried to attach the OTR line into the HD DVR, I had NO local channels at all, let alone HD ones. :eek:
I should back up and add that we're in an area where we have to have a 2nd dish installed to receive local SD stations and reiterate that when we had the original HD box with our original TV we were able to receive local's via SD and also Locals in HD via the OTA on the roof, Very clear HD signal virtually all the time. The two things I'm wondering are: Why won't the HDMI connection work between my HD DVR and the TV... and 2ndly... is there something I'm doing wrong that won't allow me to get my Locals through my DVR? I'm currently hooked up directly to the TV via the OTA Coax point which obviously precludes me from recording any network programs. (Anyone who has a wife understands the heat I'm getting for this) ;)
Sorry for the rambling post, but any help will be greatly appreciated.
Since this is the HR-20 forum I'll make the big leap that you have an HR-20.
You should be able to connect to your TV with the HDMI cable. Some TVs have/had problems, but most have been resolved. Make sure you DVR has the latest software [which is 0168]. This usually comes in about 15 min after connecting the system. Now go into the setup menu and setup just the 720p & 1080i resolutions [under TV then at the top is a tap for resolution]. After doing this change over to the HDMI connection. You should have a picture with the HD resolutions. Go back into the setup/TV/resolutions and check the 480p. the box will test the setting [as it did for the HD ones] and if you see the picture you have to press a button [forgot which] this is like a PC to make sure you see that setting. Now the TVs with HDMI "normally" have problems with the 480i setting, but try it too. My TV works with HDMI on all resolutions.
Now for OTA, your "old" antenna will work fine if it is an UHF/VHF type, as there is nothing "HD" about antennas [they work just like analog TV signals].
You might want to see what you TV will receive first. Then connect the same cable to the DVR and go into the setup menu and you will need to setup the OTA antenna there. The HR-20 will [with your zip code] look up the channels [HD or digital only] from the D* database. The HR-20 doesn't "scan for channels" but looks at the database and then say what channels you should get [whether you actually do or not is another story].
Call this a "starter" and please post what happened after doing this much & "we" will work you through anything else you may need.
Clearly, your installer doesn't have much understanding of the product installed. :)

CalvinNHobbes61

06-24-07, 11:49 AM

Andrew Hornfeck

06-24-07, 12:27 PM

The tuner in these HR20's is ATSC, hence it will ONLY receive "digital" OTA channels, NOT the old analog NTSC ones. Whether the local affiliate sends SD material or HD is not the issue, as long as the channel is digital. You say your TV had been receiving OTA, does it still? THAT would be your rooftop antenna feed! The error message seems to indicate you've unhooked the satelite feed instead of the OTA coax. Check your coax so you don't try receiving OTA from an old satelite dish feed. What's your ZIP code, look on antennaweb.org for your digital stations, and whether they're broadcasting in UHF or VHF -- but you SAID you had been receiving them just fine... hmmm....

veryoldschool

06-24-07, 12:44 PM

V.O.S.,
Okay, got one of the items to work, the HDMI cable is now funtioning, tyvm. Still nothing on the OTA issue though. I screwed the OTA cable into the 'Off Air In' location, went to the local station channel and got the error message "Searching for signal on Satellite ln 1 (771)" Does this help with a diagnosis for possible cure? Thanks in advance, the people here are lifesavers
One down and one to go.
As posted:
your zip code could help us.
771 for SAT 1 ???? something is fishy in Denmark.
Go back to the back of the receiver and check you cables.
Have you gone into the setup & done the ant setup for OTA channels?
Now you know that OTA channels in the guide will be the ones with the xx-1.
Say one of your local channel was channel 3.
You should see: 3 HD SAT, 3 SD SAT, & 3-1 HD OTA [this is for a guide set to "all channels".
Now it's your turn.....

KenWH

06-24-07, 01:40 PM

Lot's of good HR20 knowledge in this thread.

I had my two hr20-100's put in last Friday. Upgraded from H20's.
I have a couple problems and a tech is coming out tomorrow but I thought I'd run them past you guys.

First problem is my Memphis "locals" via satellite are now dropping out. They come in via the 103a bird and the highest reading transponder shows around 30 on signal strength. Both it and 99 even failed once during setup so there is something wrong. I didn't have this problem with the H20's so I'm hoping it's something simple like the tech may have bumped my dish when running the second tuner wire?.?.

Also now 2 of the 3 true locals I get from my ota now don't come reliably at all...yes they are digital (DT) stations. So again either the tech did something with the wiring or the HR20 tuners are not as sensitive as the H20's.

Finally my UHF remotes don't work worth a crap...I get the bounce, lag, double bump, etc where the command doesn't register then suddenly on the next press it doubles up the command.

Tech support said they are working on a software fix for the remote issue...she even said her personal HR20 does it. :o

When the tech installed the Slimline dish 6 months ago when I got the H20's he said 103 and 99 won't come in very strong in this part of TN. I believe I was getting in the mid 60's to low 70's after the initial install. I'm now seeing low 30's after fridays install and sometimes neither bird will show a signal at all.

I get the impression most D* techs have the "well it's good enough" attitude when it comes to aiming these 5lnb dishes. They don't want to take the time to maximize/tweak the signal. My old E* techs were the same way...I had to stay on them just to get a decent signal.

Does anyone know what kind of signal strengths I should be seeing for 103a and 99 in zip 38355 in western TN?

Thanks,
Ken

veryoldschool

06-24-07, 01:59 PM

Lot's of good HR20 knowledge in this thread.

I had my two hr20-100's put in last Friday. Upgraded from H20's.
I have a couple problems and a tech is coming out tomorrow but I thought I'd run them past you guys.

First problem is my Memphis "locals" via satellite are now dropping out. They come in via the 103a bird and the highest reading transponder shows around 30 on signal strength. Both it and 99 even failed once during setup so there is something wrong. I didn't have this problem with the H20's so I'm hoping it's something simple like the tech may have bumped my dish when running the second tuner wire?.?.

Also now 2 of the 3 true locals I get from my ota now don't come reliably at all...yes they are digital (DT) stations. So again either the tech did something with the wiring or the HR20 tuners are not as sensitive as the H20's.

Finally my UHF remotes don't work worth a crap...I get the bounce, lag, double bump, etc where the command doesn't register then suddenly on the next press it doubles up the command.

Tech support said they are working on a software fix for the remote issue...she even said her personal H20 does it. :o

When the tech installed the Slimline dish 6 months ago when I got the H20's he said 103 and 99 won't come in very strong in this part of TN. I believe I was getting in the mid 60's to low 70's after the initial install. I'm now seeing low 30's after fridays install and sometimes neither bird will show a signal at all.

I get the impression most D* techs have the "well it's good enough" attitude when it comes to aiming these 5lnb dishes. They don't want to take the time to maximize/tweak the signal. My old E* techs were the same way...I had to stay on them just to get a decent signal.

Does anyone know what kind of signal strengths I should be seeing for 103a and 99 in zip 38355 in western TN?

Thanks,
Ken
"your" local HD spot beam transponder "should be" 95+
If your locals come from 103, then at least [and maybe only] one will be 95+ with a properly aligned dish.
The OTA tuner can be a problem if you're comparing it to a H20-600. It's about the same as the H20-100, but doesn't scan for channels and looks at the D* database for them [whether you can really get them or not].

Andrew Hornfeck

06-24-07, 02:05 PM

...Say one of your local channel was channel 3.
You should see: 3 HD SAT, 3 SD SAT, & 3-1 HD OTA [this is for a guide set to "all channels"...IS this accurate? Does D* carry locals in ALL markets, and their HD broadcast as well? I thought capacity was the reason they've begun using mpeg-4 compression, and those aren't running just yet. Besides, if you can receive your locals OTA why pay D* for them! Not to mention they'll probably NOT carry the local sub-channels. I've been receiving my locals OTA for years with an attic-mounted antenna, booster and RG6QS coax.

Here's a question: When I read the HR20 has a "channels I get" function, I thought that was GREAT. I've not had that function since my Sony receiver I first bought back in 1997. I'm GREATLY disappointed to find their definition of what I get is everything they're broadcasting and NOT what I'm subscribed to :( I have to MANUALLY go through and purge ALL those channels I'm not paying for! Can someone elaborate on this, or is there a bug in the software? Even the menu says the channels I get will be highlighted/indicated, but they're ALL indicated! What am I missing?

What bird is ESPN-HD on? This -100s has pixelization that my old Samsung SIR-TS160 never had with my old 3-LNB dish. (Oh, I'm in 35806.) I'm guessing they have some bugs in these receivers -- they had to bring a second one JUST to get one to work! The first one wouldn't finish booting up -- it just cycled through the resolution LEDs.

What's it take to get a -100b, the Black model? I have my receiver in an equipment rack with my A/V receiver, DVD player, and such -- the Silver HR20 really sticks out!

veryoldschool

06-24-07, 03:12 PM

IS this accurate? Does D* carry locals in ALL markets, and their HD broadcast as well? I thought capacity was the reason they've begun using mpeg-4 compression, and those aren't running just yet. Besides, if you can receive your locals OTA why pay D* for them! Not to mention they'll probably NOT carry the local sub-channels. I've been receiving my locals OTA for years with an attic-mounted antenna, booster and RG6QS coax.

Here's a question: When I read the HR20 has a "channels I get" function, I thought that was GREAT. I've not had that function since my Sony receiver I first bought back in 1997. I'm GREATLY disappointed to find their definition of what I get is everything they're broadcasting and NOT what I'm subscribed to :( I have to MANUALLY go through and purge ALL those channels I'm not paying for! Can someone elaborate on this, or is there a bug in the software? Even the menu says the channels I get will be highlighted/indicated, but they're ALL indicated! What am I missing?

What bird is ESPN-HD on? This -100s has pixelization that my old Samsung SIR-TS160 never had with my old 3-LNB dish. (Oh, I'm in 35806.) I'm guessing they have some bugs in these receivers -- they had to bring a second one JUST to get one to work! The first one wouldn't finish booting up -- it just cycled through the resolution LEDs.

What's it take to get a -100b, the Black model? I have my receiver in an equipment rack with my A/V receiver, DVD player, and such -- the Silver HR20 really sticks out!
ESPN is on the 110 SAT.
Local MPEG-4 HD is currently coming from both of the new SATs @ 99 & 103 [but not all DMAs yet]. The newer SATs going up will carry national MPEG-4 HD.
I'm not sure there is a DMA that D* doesn't carry SD locals for.
Why pay for local HD? because some areas can't get OTA.
Channels I get still doesn't work [bug].
Black -100s were made in a very limited run. You would need to find one still in stock.

KenWH

06-24-07, 03:28 PM

In my case my true local area stations in Jackson,TN aren't carried by D*. The nearest large market they carry is Memphis about 80miles away from me and Memphis is too far for OTA reception. So I bought and use a D* ota antenna for the 3 local stations in Jackson and since going to the HR20-100 they don't come reliably like they did with the H20. The HR20 see's them and sometimes they come in but the signal strength is low according to the HR20.

veryoldschool

06-24-07, 04:47 PM

KenWH

06-24-07, 08:45 PM

Step one would be to get a better antenna.

Actually for getting the three nearby locals the D* antenna worked perfectly...with H20. The stations are only about 10miles from my house. I'm just trying to figure out why since swapping to HR20 receivers that the reception on those stations has become sketchy.

veryoldschool

06-25-07, 01:16 AM

Actually for getting the three nearby locals the D* antenna worked perfectly...with H20. The stations are only about 10miles from my house. I'm just trying to figure out why since swapping to HR20 receivers that the reception on those stations has become sketchy.
What model H20 did you have?
If it was the H20-100 I have no idea.
If it was the H20-600 I do know why.

RAVEN56706

06-25-07, 08:20 AM

i just got a replacement receiver and bam..... it all of a sudden stopped working... now it cant even pickup a signal...

msmith198025

06-25-07, 08:37 AM

ESPN is on the 110 SAT.
Local MPEG-4 HD is currently coming from both of the new SATs @ 99 & 103 [but not all DMAs yet]. The newer SATs going up will carry national MPEG-4 HD.
I'm not sure there is a DMA that D* doesn't carry SD locals for.
Why pay for local HD? because some areas can't get OTA.
Channels I get still doesn't work [bug].
Black -100s were made in a very limited run. You would need to find one still in stock.

There are several smaller DMA's Direct doesnt carry SD locals for. Its one of the reasons I cant talk my friend into dropping cable for Direct. Of course they say they are coming, but I doubt south mississippi is high on the list since they are trying to roll out the MPEG 4 stuff for the larger markets.

KenWH

06-25-07, 09:06 AM

What model H20 did you have?
If it was the H20-100 I have no idea.
If it was the H20-600 I do know why.

edit:
^^Please tell us why.^^:)

I'm not sure which h20's I had...I got them six months ago from D* when I first signed up if that helps. The tech will be here in about 2hrs and it's not looking good...he called this morning and was insistant my HD locals via D* are coming in on the 119 bird and that 99 and 103 aren't even active yet. :eek:

veryoldschool

06-25-07, 10:21 AM

edit:
^^Please tell us why.^^:)

I'm not sure which h20's I had...I got them six months ago from D* when I first signed up if that helps. The tech will be here in about 2hrs and it's not looking good...he called this morning and was insistant my HD locals via D* are coming in on the 119 bird and that 99 and 103 aren't even active yet. :eek:
For your "installer", show him this: http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_CITY.html

For your other:
The -100 is made by RCA and uses the third generation ATSC chips from LG.
The -600 is made by LG and uses the fifth generation ATSC chips [from LG].

Simply put, the newer chip design works much better.

No Clue

06-25-07, 11:00 AM

For your "installer", show him this: http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_CITY.html

For your other:
The -100 is made by RCA and uses the third generation ATSC chips from LG.
The -600 is made by LG and uses the fifth generation ATSC chips [from LG].

Simply put, the newer chip design works much better.

I noticed on the HD LIL list that my region (Norfolk, VA) is "announced". Has anyone actually heard a date or does this mean they have only announced that it is coming in the future?

KenWH

06-25-07, 11:10 AM

For your "installer", show him this: http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_CITY.html

For your other:
The -100 is made by RCA and uses the third generation ATSC chips from LG.
The -600 is made by LG and uses the fifth generation ATSC chips [from LG].

Simply put, the newer chip design works much better.

Thanks,

I found that list earlier and printed it out. Though I'm not sure the guy will believe it. When I told him D* tech support told me over the phone my locals were on 103 the tech coming to my house said they were wrong. So this guy seems pretty "stubborn" to the fact. :rolleyes:

He should get here any minute...should be interesting. :p

veryoldschool

06-25-07, 11:48 AM

I noticed on the HD LIL list that my region (Norfolk, VA) is "announced". Has anyone actually heard a date or does this mean they have only announced that it is coming in the future?
There seem to be a couple of thing D* is waiting on: bandwidth & MPEG-4 encoders.
If more bandwidth is what you're waiting for, then the new SAT will help.
If it's the encoders, they've been ordered.
Maybe by the end of the year?

VARTV

06-25-07, 12:18 PM

I noticed on the HD LIL list that my region (Norfolk, VA) is "announced". Has anyone actually heard a date or does this mean they have only announced that it is coming in the future?Noticed the same thing. I could care less about HD LILs right now. My home theater has the CM4228 antenna and a RF antenna is working like a champ for my daughter's H20... LOL.

klinecr

06-25-07, 02:22 PM

Hello,

Please let me in on the way to do a more selective search on the HR-20

I'm trying to setup the weekly Nascar races for my 77 year old dad, and it comes up with 40 programs to auto-record each week.

Thanks for any help.

Scott

No Clue

06-25-07, 04:51 PM

Noticed the same thing. I could care less about HD LILs right now. My home theater has the CM4228 antenna and a RF antenna is working like a champ for my daughter's H20... LOL.

I haven't tried that antenna but I have tried 3 others with a squarehooter giving me the best luck. I still have enough issues though that I would like to have them from D*.

rizzxx7

06-25-07, 08:52 PM

I haven't tried that antenna but I have tried 3 others with a squarehooter giving me the best luck. I still have enough issues though that I would like to have them from D*.

I would really like to have them through directv as well because its too unreliable at times.

osx-addict

06-25-07, 09:03 PM

Has anyone ever done any analysis to see if mounting a big OTA antenna in the attic is equal or worse than mounting one on the roof? I've got an odd Winegard model that D* gave me about a year ago and while it works for most channels, some UHF just aren't quite strong enough for HD and either freeze or pixelate badly at times -- not all times just occasionally. I bought a 10db signal amplifier at my local store after they didn't have any FM Traps and it's improved things a bit but the jury's still out.. That same electronics store has some really big Winegard HD antennas (73 elements) for about $150, but I'd rather not mount that on my roof if I didn't have to.. Also, I've read that you should have separate antennas for UHF vs VHF vs. FM -- comments on that would be nice -- perhaps this is the wrong forum though -- sorry for the OT.

veryoldschool

06-25-07, 10:26 PM

Huge antenna on top of the roof is the best.
Next would be under the roof, but now the roof will block some of the signal & if it's a metal roof, make that all of the signal.
A small antenna with an amp isn't the best way since: you need to get the signal first to then amplify it. A small antenna doesn't have the signal to amplify.
The elements for each band are what make a good antenna [more is better].
If it has the same number on a "combo" as the two "single band" antennas do, then both should have the same gain. FM is between VHF low and VHF high band so FM is not problem [either].

osx-addict

06-26-07, 12:22 AM

K4SMX

06-26-07, 03:28 AM

Thanks VOS! I guess I might see about mounting one or two antennas on the roof once our remodel is done. In the meantime I'll go poke around in one of the forums more attune to HD OTA signal reception..
You will only need a UHF antenna for OTA HD, unless you are unfortunate enough to have one or more of your desired OTA stations broadcasting their HD signal in the VHF band, CH 7-13. You can determine the answer to that question from the far right column of the NAB information on DTV Stations in Operation (http://www.nab.org/AM/ASPCode/DTVStations/DTVStations.asp).

I have used many different UHF antennas as I am 100 miles away from the stations, and much prefer the big corner reflector ChannelMaster Yagi, even though it's not particularly well-constructed. ChannelMaster has apparently reduced the size of their offerings, and I'm not sure they even still make the biggest one like I have, which I think was a #4288. But you can still get its little brother, the #4308 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANCM4308), which is a surprisingly effective antenna at 50 miles. I used it for quite a while, and it has the advantage of being small enough that it is end-mounted, so you can attach it to the side of a building. (Somewhat safer from a lightning perspective, but I would still run a piece of #8 ground wire to an 8' ground rod at a minimum.)

If you find you are stuck with having one or more VHF HD stations, I don't recommend the combo antennas. Because they cover Ch 2-79, they are huge compared to a UHF antenna plus a VHF high band antenna which only covers the needed CH 7-13. (You may be able to get by with one of the small, combo antennas (http://www.summitsource.com/outdoor-antennas-uhf-vhf-tv-antennas-c-47_57_58.html) specifically designed for HD, CH 7-13 + 14-79, which will be smaller, if you're relatively close to the transmitters.) You will need to get a "combiner" to connect the two separate antenna feedlines together for the run to the receiver. Radio Shack makes a good one of these, which I have extensively tested for insertion loss versus two separate cables and found the loss to be detectable on a signal meter, but not much more than that.

The VHF antenna I use is the Winegard #YA-1713 (http://www.summitsource.com/winegard-ya1713-yagi-tv-antenna-reception-aerial-prostar-1000-10-element-offair-vhf-broadband-ch-713-high-definition-signal-outdoor-local-cahnnel-blue-zone-part-ya1713-with-coax-cable-p-4589.html), although there are smaller models for less distance. VHF signals you will find are more easily received over varying terrain, and you may be able to use a smaller antenna than I do, although some of the HD VHF stations I have found use peanut whistle transmitters and antennas compared to the UHF stations, which almost all run high ERP. (See below for how to check this out.)

Yagi antenna designs have a narrow beam width and greater gain compared to the stacked "bow-tie/reflector screen" models, but you should consider the latter instead of the Yagi design if all of your TV stations are not co-located. (Yagi is the name of the Japanese RF engineer who invented this antenna design back in the 1930's, with its spaced, tuned, half-wave elements.) The bowtie models have about twice the usable front beam width. I have a situation where I have 4 stations in one direction, from 30-75 degrees, where I use a bow-tie type since they're close, and 10 stations at 240 degrees, where I use the big Yagi, since they're 100 miles away, but all in the same direction. The VHF antenna is co-mounted with the big Yagi, and I use a RS $10 switch to swap between the two directional sytems.

How do you find exactly where your OTA HD transmitters are located? The FCC database (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html) allows you to input the callsign of the TV station, and it will return all the info you need for this problem, including maps of different scales and polar plots of the radiation pattern and effective radiated power (ERP) of each transmitter. Just enter the call sign of the station, then scroll all the way down to the red bar and click on "Submit Data." A little delving around in the listings for the stations of interest, and you'll be able to put all the stations within 100 miles from you on a road map for further planning. You will only be interested in the info marked "DT" (digital transmitter) for each listing. Items in blue are href hotlinks to more detailed info.

Budget_HT

06-26-07, 10:37 AM

Thanks VOS! I guess I might see about mounting one or two antennas on the roof once our remodel is done. In the meantime I'll go poke around in one of the forums more attune to HD OTA signal reception..
Be advised that after the analog transmitters are shut down, some of your digital stations may end up in the hi VHF channel 7-13 range.

Macfan424

06-26-07, 11:15 AM

You will only need a UHF antenna for OTA HD, unless you are unfortunate enough to have one or more of your desired OTA stations broadcasting their HD signal in the VHF band, CH 7-13...If you find you are stuck with having one or more VHF HD stations, I don't recommend the combo antennas. Because they cover Ch 2-79, they are huge compared to a UHF antenna plus a VHF high band antenna which only covers the needed CH 7-13. Unless you live near Chicago, where CBS HD is broadcast on channel 3. :mad: There may be a few other places that suffer from a similar affliction.

osx-addict

06-26-07, 11:21 AM

Thanks guys for the great info.. In my case (I'm in the LA area), all of the transmitters for the area are located on top of Mt. Wilson -- there are a few other stations in outlying areas but I'm not horribly interested in getting them unless they're freebies (I'm not going to go out of my way to get them). Anyway, all of these transmitters are 30-31 miles away from my home and are all currently transmitting on UHF channels (lowest is 23, highest is 68), so I guess I'll go for a nice UHF antenna for now. Most of my signals are tagged as red in color on the Antennaweb site which indicates a medium directionable antenna -- which I gather might be satisfied by some sort of Yagi style model.. I'm currently using a double-bowtie unit which gets most signals in the 50-70% range according to my HR10-250 -- only one tuner is strong -- the other is ~15-20 pt's lower for some reason.. I might need to do the internal wiring upgrade I found on one of the Tivo forums yesterday... Anyway, I'll continue my search for a good UHF antenna that is directionable -- is there any problem if I get an antenna that is too big for my situation -- meaning too much gain I assume? Just thought I'd ask..

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 01:14 PM

osx-addict

06-26-07, 01:39 PM

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 02:05 PM

Thanks VOS! I'll check it out at my local store that carries antennas.. As for switching back to VHF freq's after analog is killed off, I guess I might have to get a different antenna when that happens -- I guess that won't be for a few years yet though if memory serves..
All of this is still "up in the air". "Most of us" thought the FCC was clearing out the whole VHF band for other uses, but we were mistaken, as they want to sell off the upper part of the UHF band that is closer to the cell phone frequencies.
The old VHF band is so archaic with the odd channel spacing & FM being right in the middle, but this is how TV started, one channel at a time, a very long time ago.
Once again what would "make sense" doesn't always drive change.

holl_ands

06-26-07, 03:55 PM

Thanks VOS! I'll check it out at my local store that carries antennas.. As for switching back to VHF freq's after analog is killed off, I guess I might have to get a different antenna when that happens -- I guess that won't be for a few years yet though if memory serves..
CM4228 8-Bay is more than enough at your distance....and will readily fit in attic.
You should be able to get it at Fry's (call ahead and ask at counter).

It also has "adequate" gain in upper VHF band when L.A. stations move in Feb2009.
[In all of California, only CH3 in Eureka elected to use low VHF band (CH2-6).]

PS: My son's CM4228 attic installation works just fine 70 miles away (East of Murrieta).

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 04:26 PM

CM4228 8-Bay is more than enough at your distance....and will readily fit in attic.
You should be able to get it at Fry's (call ahead and ask at counter).

It also has "adequate" gain in upper VHF band when L.A. stations move in Feb2009.
[In all of California, only CH3 in Eureka elected to use low VHF band (CH2-6).]

PS: My son's CM4228 attic installation works just fine 70 miles away (East of Murrieta).
While this is a good antenna, it may not be as good for multi-path signals [which is the weakness of the HR-20].

KCRA channel 3 and KVIE channel 6 in Sacramento were last heard to still be wanting to use their VHF frequencies too.

yampan

06-26-07, 05:48 PM

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 06:01 PM

VOS,

My HR-20/100 is corrupting our phone line. I traced an always busy signal back to it. When its phone line is disconnected, everything works fine; If someone dials our number it will ring until the Hr-20 is connected, at which point the line is interrupted and the caller gets a busy signal, which lasts until the machine is again disconnected.
Even unplugging its power cord does nothing as the phone jack of the Hr-20 remains "on" even when unplugged. Obviously restarting it did not solve the problem.

Any ideas?

Would a different kind of restart or reset likely clear the phone input/output?
Should I note my settings; will a different reset clear my settings.

I thought I'd ask before doing something stupid, since the machine is working ok with the new 1.6 firmware, but without the phone jack I can't get new updates.
Well let's see: the HR20-100 doesn't use the phone line for updates. They come from the SAT feed.
Your software is 0168.
Could the two phone wires be crossed?
Do you have a phone line tester?
a few bucks @ RS or home depot/lowes.
I can't think a reset of much more than "recorder" would do anymore.
I wouldn't lose all of my recording to "try" to fix something that I would at most need for PPV [can be ordered of the D* website].
So check the wires would be my "best guess".

holl_ands

06-26-07, 06:58 PM

While this is a good antenna, it may not be as good for multi-path signals [which is the weakness of the HR-20].

KCRA channel 3 and KVIE channel 6 in Sacramento were last heard to still be wanting to use their VHF frequencies too.
On the other hand, the CM4228 is probably BETTER against multipath,
cuz it has many bow-tie elements distributed both horizontally and vertically,
some of which are likely to be outside of a multipath null:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/siting.html
As usual, YMMV....

==============================
KCRA CH3 in Sacramento elected to use CH35.
This did not change in the Third Round.

Of course, they could change their mind and try to re-negotiate...

New stations could also pop up anywhere they can squeeze in....
especially after Feb2009 when analogs shut down...

yampan

06-26-07, 08:23 PM

Well let's see: the HR20-100 doesn't use the phone line for updates. They come from the SAT feed.
Your software is 0168.
Could the two phone wires be crossed?
Do you have a phone line tester?
a few bucks @ RS or home depot/lowes.
I can't think a reset of much more than "recorder" would do anymore.
I wouldn't lose all of my recording to "try" to fix something that I would at most need for PPV [can be ordered of the D* website].
So check the wires would be my "best guess".

VOS,

Thanks much. Shows what I don't know!

Actually, there is only one land line, so nothing is crossed ( and it was fine for the first 2 mos.) . But if I'm not missing anything by losing the phone connect, except PPV (which we never use) or the caller ID ( which duplicates our own phone system) them I'll stop worrying and just leave it disconnected.

greywolf

06-26-07, 08:51 PM

My HR-20/100 is corrupting our phone line. Make sure the phone line isn't plugged into the Ethernet port by mistake.

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 09:16 PM

On the other hand, the CM4228 is probably BETTER against multipath,
cuz it has many bow-tie elements distributed both horizontally and vertically,
some of which are likely to be outside of a multipath null:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/siting.html
As usual, YMMV....
==============================
KCRA CH3 in Sacramento elected to use CH35.
This did not change in the Third Round.
Of course, they could change their mind and try to re-negotiate...
New stations could also pop up anywhere they can squeeze in....
especially after Feb2009 when analogs shut down...
So that leave PBS channel 6 still "thinking" of going back.
"Bow-ties" seem to have less rejection from their back end than Yagis do. FWIW

Without an antenna range to measure this, "what ever works well for you".
I'm a Yagi man, so I'm biased.

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 09:19 PM

VOS,

Thanks much. Shows what I don't know!

Actually, there is only one land line, so nothing is crossed ( and it was fine for the first 2 mos.) . But if I'm not missing anything by losing the phone connect, except PPV (which we never use) or the caller ID ( which duplicates our own phone system) them I'll stop worrying and just leave it disconnected.
This may not be "it", but your "one land line" is made up of two wires. This was what I was questioning whether they were crossed. If I route mine through a modem, or UPS, the two wires will reverse coming out.

yampan

06-26-07, 09:25 PM

Make sure the phone line isn't plugged into the Ethernet port by mistake.

No, it actually worked fine for 2 mos., displaying the incoming calls onscreen. It just went bonkers one day and started simulating a "phone off the hook" syndrome. As VOS pointed out, since disconnecting it doesn't really affect anything critical, maybe I won't try to "fix what ain't broke".

yampan

06-26-07, 09:33 PM

This may not be "it", but your "one land line" is made up of two wires. This was what I was questioning whether they were crossed. If I route mine through a modem, or UPS, the two wires will reverse coming out.

Then why would it work fine for 2 mos. displaying the incoming calls onscreen, then suddenly going haywire? When I plug another landline phone into that same phone jack, everything reverts to normal, all phone work properly. Disconnect the landline phone and replug in the HR-20 and the phones line reverts to "busy" within a couple of seconds. ????

veryoldschool

06-26-07, 09:48 PM

Then why would it work fine for 2 mos. displaying the incoming calls onscreen, then suddenly going haywire? When I plug another landline phone into that same phone jack, everything reverts to normal, all phone work properly. Disconnect the landline phone and replug in the HR-20 and the phones line reverts to "busy" within a couple of seconds. ????
Clearly "something changed".
I was more trying to explain my first posting of crossed two wires verses "I have one land line so".
The Hr-20 has a modem, is it getting the right polarity, and would a "simple" reset correct the problem? I would look that far & then "figure" the modem chip is bad.

yampan

06-26-07, 09:55 PM

Clearly "something changed".
I was more trying to explain my first posting of crossed two wires verses "I have one land line so".
The Hr-20 has a modem, is it getting the right polarity, and would a "simple" reset correct the problem? I would look that far & then "figure" the modem chip is bad.

Thanks, I'll try a reset from the menu and report back.

K4SMX

06-27-07, 12:57 AM

Unless you live near Chicago, where CBS HD is broadcast on channel 3. :mad: There may be a few other places that suffer from a similar affliction.
Yeah, I'm aware there's a few of those out there, easily seen from reviewing the NAB list (http://www.nab.org/AM/ASPCode/DTVStations/DTVStations.asp). My experience is that unless you're more than 50 miles away, you'll probably get a strong enough signal on a hi-band VHF Yagi to negate the need for a full VHF band antenna. I even get a couple of the hi-band VHF signals on the UHF antenna. The hi-band VHF antennas are so inexpensive by comparison to the Ch 2-13 models, it's a good gamble.

K4SMX

06-27-07, 01:03 AM

This should work great: http://www.winegard.com/offair/antennas/hd9095p.htm

On another note:
Some HD is in VHF but NOT limited to channels 7-13 as those are just VHF-hi band.
VHF band covers 2-6 [VHF-lo] & 7-13 [VHF-hi].

After the analog signals are turned off, some stations are planning to move back to their VHF frequencies.
This is indeed a disgusting situation. I'm gonna jump off that bridge when I come to it...

Budget_HT

06-27-07, 01:41 AM

drgolf

06-27-07, 07:53 AM

I have had two problems with my HR20-700 in the last two weeks. One is that it will not power on with the remote or the power button. It takes a red button reset to get it going. (some delay before starting over to reload everything) This has happened 5 times in the last 7 days. Before this happened, I had a problem where I was changing channels and the picture would go away. Menu's would be there but no picture on any channel, just a black screen. About that time I also thought channel changes were getting slower. ( I did the red button reset, but now learn from reading several forums that I should have used the soft "restart recorder" menu option). My second problem is that I have seemed to have "lost" about 20% of my hard drive capacity. I checked last night and I had 17 hours recorded, mostly MPEG2 & MPEG4 stuff with an hour of SD thrown in but I had 30% available.

I work in the computer field so I have been thinking about doing a reformat on the hard drive as described in the HR20 undocumented tips. I know it will erase all my shows, etc but I am ok with that. Am I wasting my time? Having done a fair amount of trouble shooting problems in my career, I cringe at the thought of calling D* support unless my HR20 is a lost cause and I need to get a new one.

By the way stats from my HR20
Version 0x168
Temp 127
Native Off

joed32

06-27-07, 09:44 AM

It may well be a lost cause. I know what you mean about calling, it took me about 30 minutes to convince them that I needed a replacement. It was worth it though, the new unit has behaved perfectly.

K4SMX

06-27-07, 09:45 AM

I think that's about the only thing left to try. After the re-format and a thorough check out of the original problem, check your FW version. You may have to do a forced download of the most recent "national release." If that doesn't fix it, you have a hardware problem and need a new receiver. The best thing to tell them is, "It won't turn on at all." Nothing more!

K4SMX

06-27-07, 09:54 AM

BTW, on my most recent hardware exchange, they hit my autopay bill for $240, even though I returned the dead box FedEx Ground the very day the new one arrived, so make sure to retain shipping documentation through the next few billing cycles. They did process the credit, but on the following cycle. Nice!

drgolf

06-27-07, 10:39 AM

Thanks for the replies. Looks like a reformat this evening unless someone else has a different spin on this one.

drguava

06-27-07, 12:20 PM

veryoldschool

06-27-07, 12:59 PM

Thanks for the replies. Looks like a reformat this evening unless someone else has a different spin on this one.
Here is what I'd do: start with the "reset everything" after going through the setup guide [again], then do a front panel reformat.
If there is any problem after this, call for a replacement.
BTW: the current software will still be there so there is no reason to download it again. The software has a very good checksum before it installs.

veryoldschool

06-27-07, 01:01 PM

I have two HR20 that I got from Directv last year for $99 but they are also charging me rental fee of $4.99/month per box. My question is is every subscriber that got this deal paying the monthly rental fee and is there a way to get DTV to waive this. I've been a DTV subscriber for 12 years.
Your "$4.99" monthly fee is the same as they charged for an additional receiver that was owned. It was a mirroring fee then.
First receiver is free & every other is $4.99/month whether owned or "leased".

RAVEN56706

06-27-07, 02:46 PM

does anyone have two lines of directv going to the hr20... if so how does the dual tuners work?

Andrew Hornfeck

06-27-07, 03:20 PM

veryoldschool

06-27-07, 03:20 PM

does anyone have two lines of directv going to the hr20... if so how does the dual tuners work?
Ahh... yes I do.
There are two tuners. I can't select which one I want to use but I can use both.
If no recordings are going on, every time I change channels I switch tuners. If a recording is going on, then what ever is my "live" tuner will change channels as I "surf". When a second recording want to start, a message will pop up telling me it will tune to the channel for the recording to start.
You can only record two things at once. While doing this you can watch a recording, but not any other channel than the two being recorded.

veryoldschool

06-27-07, 03:24 PM

What do you mean? They each have access to the dish, so you can be recording one and watching another. Or recording on two and watching an OTA or a recorded show. The HR20 acts like a single-tuner box in the sense that you do not select tuners, or switch between them. You simply select shows to watch, or pick one from your Playlist of what you've recorded -- which tuner is used is transparent to the consumer. Is that what you're asking?
Excuse me but if two channels are recording you can ONLY watch a recorded program. It doesn't matter whether OTA or SAT channels are being used for recording. Two channels being recorded means no other channel can be viewed.

drgolf

06-27-07, 03:29 PM

Here is what I'd do: start with the "reset everything" after going through the setup guide [again], then do a front panel reformat.
If there is any problem after this, call for a replacement.
BTW: the current software will still be there so there is no reason to download it again. The software has a very good checksum before it installs.

Thanks I will try that. I have my MPEG2 tivo still hooked up to the tv so I don't have to worry about this taking all evening and taking away my viewing completely, only the MPEG4 stuff.

texasbrit

06-27-07, 07:58 PM

I thought I read that the low VHF channels (2-6) would not be available for TV after Feb, 2009. Only the VHF high channels (7-13) would be available for digital TV broadcasts.

Anyone with more knowledge please correct me if needed.

No, 2 thru 6 are still available. The FCC has been trying to persuade stations to move away from 2 thru 6 (particularly 6, because of interference with FM radio) but some stations have decided not to move. Very unfortunate, given that you need such a large antenna for the lower VHF channels.
I had heard a rumor that KVIE might be considering asking for channel 9 VHF-hi but I haven't seen any confirmation.

veryoldschool

06-27-07, 08:13 PM

No, 2 thru 6 are still available. The FCC has been trying to persuade stations to move away from 2 thru 6 (particularly 6, because of interference with FM radio) but some stations have decided not to move. Very unfortunate, given that you need such a large antenna for the lower VHF channels.
I had heard a rumor that KVIE might be considering asking for channel 9 VHF-hi but I haven't seen any confirmation.
Now "I don't know" but, channel 9 VHF is KQED PBS in San Francisco, so unless they give it up, KVIE PBS channel 6 Sacramento can't use it.

Sirluckyj

06-28-07, 04:43 AM

Will the HR20-700 work OK with the 3-LNB Dish? Do you get all the HD channels other than locals? Thanks.

Jim

Netmaster

06-28-07, 07:16 AM

Started having problems with my HR20 100 responding to my remote. I couldn't get anything to work. Resetting, switching batteries, the whole nine yards. I was at the end of my rope. I even went as far as to delete all my recordings by doing a complete reset. Nothing.

Then after some browsing the forums I finally learned what that little (and seemingly worthless at the time) antenna was for (the one that was shipped with my reciever). Switched to RF mode and now it works a hundred times better than it did before. Guess the IR sensor on the front of my HD DVR has burned out and failed already. Sheesh, I haven't had it that long. It's practically brand new.

TechoFobe

06-28-07, 08:22 AM

Ahh... yes I do.
There are two tuners. I can't select which one I want to use but I can use both.
If no recordings are going on, every time I change channels I switch tuners. If a recording is going on, then what ever is my "live" tuner will change channels as I "surf". When a second recording want to start, a message will pop up telling me it will tune to the channel for the recording to start. You can only record two things at once. While doing this you can watch a recording, but not any other channel than the two being recorded.

Hey VOS... Long time...

I might be all wrong but...

I tune to a channel, say the local CBS feed. Then I select to watch a previously recorded program. There are no programs being recorded (so both tuners should be free?). When I then stop watching the recorded program and return to the local CBS channel that I was initially watching, there is no buffer.

Maybe you can 'splain that so even I can understand? :)

Heck, maybe there's even a fix?

Ed

RAVEN56706

06-28-07, 08:39 AM

Ahh... yes I do.
There are two tuners. I can't select which one I want to use but I can use both.
If no recordings are going on, every time I change channels I switch tuners. If a recording is going on, then what ever is my "live" tuner will change channels as I "surf". When a second recording want to start, a message will pop up telling me it will tune to the channel for the recording to start.
You can only record two things at once. While doing this you can watch a recording, but not any other channel than the two being recorded.

i thought there was a switch that picks between two tuners... so if i am recording hbo and i change the channel... then i am still recording hbo but now that i changed the channel to showtime, i am using the two tuners

veryoldschool

06-28-07, 09:40 AM

Will the HR20-700 work OK with the 3-LNB Dish? Do you get all the HD channels other than locals? Thanks.

Jim
Yes it will but no MPEG-4 HD [local HD & the new channels coming soon].

veryoldschool

06-28-07, 09:49 AM

Hey VOS... Long time...

I might be all wrong but...

I tune to a channel, say the local CBS feed. Then I select to watch a previously recorded program. There are no programs being recorded (so both tuners should be fee?). When I then stop watching the recorded program and return to the local CBS channel I was initially watching, there is no buffer.

Maybe you can 'splain that so even I can understand? :)

Heck, maybe there's even a fix?

Ed
I thought you had fallen off the face of the earth. Everything OK?
Ahh yes the dumping of live buffer. This is one of those "some do and some don't".
There is no good reason for it to dump while watching a recording. Mine used to do it all the time. Then D* seemed to have fixed it, but others still had problems. I'm testing some beta software & found mine "did it again" this week.
You're running 0168 version software right?
About the only thing I can do is post a bitch to D* & hope they get it fixed [again].

veryoldschool

06-28-07, 10:01 AM

i thought there was a switch that picks between two tuners... so if i am recording hbo and i change the channel... then i am still recording hbo but now that i changed the channel to showtime, i am using the two tuners
Well yes, but you can't say "pick" tuner #1 for recording HBO and the pick tuner #2 for watching Showtime. HBO might be using tuner #2 to record and when you change to Showtimes then you're using tuner #1.
So yes there are two tuners that you can use, but you just can't pick "I want tuner #1 to do this & tuner #2 to do that".
To put it another way "I want "a tuner" to do this & the "other tuner" to do that."

TechoFobe

06-28-07, 10:08 AM

I thought you had fallen off the face of the earth. Everything OK?
Ahh yes the dumping of live buffer. This is one of those "some do and some don't".
There is no good reason for it to dump while watching a recording. Mine used to do it all the time. Then D* seemed to have fixed it, but others still had problems. I'm testing some beta software & found mine "did it again" this week.
You're running 0168 version software right?
About the only thing I can do is post a bitch to D* & hope they get it fixed [again].
Yo VOSman,

Everything's great! The rumors of my death (many will be disappointed to hear) were premature. Actually I just fell asleep watching the Super Bowl and just woke up. Did I miss anything? :D

For example, can the HR20 now receive OTA? (Sorry if this is general knowledge now.)

Yes, I just checked and the HR20 is running software version 0x168.

So, it sounds like NOT VERY MUCH has changed? The HR20 still doesn't work right. Well, I guess I shouldn't complain? Doesn't help any when I do... And, giving the D*evil his due --- the HR20 kicked right on with my saved programs when I re-joined the living. My new outlook on life? This D* crap really isn't all that important. ;)

I just called D* and told them that my H20 receiver hasn't worked for over nine months and they are going to have me send it back. Why pay the $4.99 if it doesn't work, right? I would have sent it back sooner - however - it's taken me this long to get up the energy to deal with the D* tech support. I was pleasantly surprised that it "only" took ten minutes to talk to a real-live person. After spending another five minutes of repeating "It doesn't work." and they said they will send me a box and a FedEx call slip. Whew. I'm really glad that's behind me! I was dreading that...

veryoldschool

06-28-07, 10:22 AM

Yo VOSman,

Everything's great! The rumors of my death (many will be disappointed to hear) were premature. Actually I just fell asleep watching the Super Bowl and just woke up. Did I miss anything? :D

For example, can the HR20 now receive OTA? (Sorry if this is general knowledge now.)

Yes, I just checked and the HR20 is running software version 0x168.

So, it sounds like NOT VERY MUCH has changed? The HR20 still doesn't work right. Well, I guess I shouldn't complain? Doesn't help any when I do... And, giving the D*evil his due --- the HR20 kicked right on with my saved programs when I re-joined the living. My new outlook on life? This D* crap really isn't all that important. ;)

I just called D* and told them that my H20 receiver hasn't worked for over nine months and they are going to have me send it back. Why pay the $4.99 if it doesn't work, right? I would have sent it back sooner - however - it's taken me this long to get up the energy to deal with the D* tech support. I was pleasantly surprised that it "only" took ten minutes to talk to a real-live person. After spending another five minutes of repeating "It doesn't work." and they said they will send me a box and a FedEx call slip. Whew. I'm really glad that's behind me! I was dreading that...
The world did change back in Feb/Mar...they fixed it with some good software!
OTA came in in Dec. The crappy lockups gone in Feb. I haven't miss a recording or had the "black screen" since then...While there is still work to be done [and I'm involved in the testing procedure myself] it can actually work as a HD DVR.
I do most of my work over at DBSTalk now as D* is working directly with that forum.
Since I last "saw" you I have been known to take the biggest piece of ...and turn them around to actually function.
You might want to go through my "recycling of a POS" program & give it a week before you ship everything back.
There just has been soooo muuuuuch that has really changed since the last time you were alive. :)
My post count here= 1k.
My count there= 6.5k
What/how can I help you old friend?

TechoFobe

06-28-07, 10:34 AM

The world did change back in Feb/Mar...they fixed it with some good software!
OTA came in in Dec. The crappy lockups gone in Feb. I haven't miss a recording or had the "black screen" since then...While there is still work to be done [and I'm involved in the testing procedure myself] it can actually work as a HD DVR.
I do most of my work over at DBSTalk now as D* is working directly with that forum.
Since I last "saw" you I have been known to take the biggest piece of ...and turn them around to actually function.
You might want to go through my "recycling of a POS" program & give it a week before you ship everything back.
There just has been soooo muuuuuch that has really changed since the last time you were alive. :)
My post count here= 1k.
My count there= 6.5k
What/how can I help you old friend?
Wow, now I know how Rip Van Winkle felt... :)

That H20 had died last year right before I nearly did. Hey, maybe I could sue and claim that the stress of dealing with that POS almost did me in... Pain & suffering and all that. :D

Where can I find the "recycling" program you speak of? Will it help the HR20 work better? Not that I have any real complaints with it other than its basic design-type short-comings.

That's great news that you are helping (beta?) test this equipment! You're definitely an asset.

Ed

Smuuth

06-28-07, 10:51 AM

Will the HR20-700 work OK with the 3-LNB Dish? Do you get all the HD channels other than locals? Thanks.

JimVOS gave you the short answer, but why would you want to use the HR20 with the 3-LNB dish? DIRECTV will install the 5-LNB dish for free when you get the HR20.

rizzxx7

06-28-07, 12:03 PM

veryoldschool

06-28-07, 12:35 PM

hey VOS, what does it mean when my area is in the annonce list in here http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_CITY.html I've been trying to figure out when we are suppose to recieve hd locals in my area. thanks
Can you give me an idea of what it is or which city you're talking about?

Maybe the answer will be "by the end of the year" as some DMAs will need the new SATs to have the room you need.

rizzxx7

06-28-07, 05:03 PM

Can you give me an idea of what it is or which city you're talking about?

Maybe the answer will be "by the end of the year" as some DMAs will need the new SATs to have the room you need.

I'm in the Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, VA area.

veryoldschool

06-28-07, 06:49 PM

I'm in the Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, VA area.
Announced means that D* has have it in their plans. I think you might find more on the D* website, but the D10 SAT and the delivery of more MPEG-4 encoders are what you're waiting for [I think].

rizzxx7

06-28-07, 07:14 PM

I just want hd locals, I hate messing with my antenna.

77engineer

06-28-07, 08:27 PM

Can the HR 20 output to two different devices. Such as can I send a component feed to on TV and a HDMI feed to a different TV?

Thanks

Smuuth

06-28-07, 08:36 PM

Can the HR 20 output to two different devices. Such as can I send a component feed to on TV and a HDMI feed to a different TV?

ThanksYes. All outputs on the HR20 are live all the time.

Sirluckyj

06-30-07, 08:24 AM

KenWH

06-30-07, 09:29 AM

Can't say much about how pq compares to the older receivers but comparing the HR20's to my 6 month old H20's imo I think the H20's had a bit better pq.

I just got my HR's a little over a week ago and they are 100series units.

The uhf remotes are ok but one of my boxes has a real bad "bounce"(hit a button on the remote and nothing happens then press it again and suddenly get double input). This really isn't a fault of the remote...it has more to do with the receiver and D* is supposed to be working on it.

Btw...I have noticed that the uhf remotes I bought for my old H20's(with the backlight) work better with my bouncing HR20 than the non-lit uhf remote that came with it.

veryoldschool

06-30-07, 10:38 AM

Well I finally decided to upgrade and get rid of my old Zenith SAT-520 receiver and 3-LNB dish. The installation by DirecTV is Tuesday. I have a couple of questions:

How does SD & HD PQ on the HR20 compare with the older receivers?

What is the latest software version for the HR20 and will I get an update if needed via satellite and if so do I have to request it?

How good is the remote? The Zenith remote was terrible.

Thanks.

Jim
PQ is so such subjective, that I would say: it's no worse & could be better.
PQ I think really is more determined by the program material than "a good receiver". TNT-HD can look worse than a Discovery's Mythbusters [SD] shown in letterbox format & "zoomed" [or crop format], to me.
The "latest" software may change by Tuesday. D* is constantly working on the software. I'm testing a new version about every week. Not all of these make it to a national release. You receiver will [should] update itself within about 10 min of being connected to the SAT feed automatically.
People's opinions of the remote varies. I don't have a problem and use the RF mode. Others hate RF & use IR. Still others have keybounce and hate that. Keybounce is something my test software is trying to address. D* is continually trying to improve the user's HD experience. Is it perfect..no. Is it light years better than when the box first was released....yes it is.

BTW: make sure everything is good with your installation before you sign off on the work order. You may have a great installer, or you may not. Some [a lot of] problems can come down to a poor install. Make sure all of the SAT levels are good. The 5LNB dish needs to be aligned more precisely than the 3LNB.

Sirluckyj

06-30-07, 11:08 AM

PQ is so such subjective, that I would say: it's no worse & could be better.
PQ I think really is more determined by the program material than "a good receiver". TNT-HD can look worse than a Discovery's Mythbusters [SD] shown in letterbox format & "zoomed" [or crop format], to me.
The "latest" software may change by Tuesday. D* is constantly working on the software. I'm testing a new version about every week. Not all of these make it to a national release. You receiver will [should] update itself within about 10 min of being connected to the SAT feed automatically.
People's opinions of the remote varies. I don't have a problem and use the RF mode. Others hate RF & use IR. Still others have keybounce and hate that. Keybounce is something my test software is trying to address. D* is continually trying to improve the user's HD experience. Is it perfect..no. Is it light years better than when the box first was released....yes it is.

BTW: make sure everything is good with your installation before you sign off on the work order. You may have a great installer, or you may not. Some [a lot of] problems can come down to a poor install. Make sure all of the SAT levels are good. The 5LNB dish needs to be aligned more precisely than the 3LNB.

Thanks for the input. I'll post Tuesday how it goes.

Jim

VARTV

06-30-07, 11:15 AM

Well I finally decided to upgrade and get rid of my old Zenith SAT-520 receiver and 3-LNB dish. The installation by DirecTV is Tuesday. I have a couple of questions:

How does SD & HD PQ on the HR20 compare with the older receivers?

What is the latest software version for the HR20 and will I get an update if needed via satellite and if so do I have to request it?

How good is the remote? The Zenith remote was terrible.

Thanks.

JimI think the PQ is slightly better. I'm not going to miss the swap tuner as much as I thought... I'll miss it but it's not the end of the world... Just several more steps to accomplish the same thing...

Season Pass... We'll see on this. Again its different on the HR20 than the H10-250 but if it ultimately does the same thing I'll be OK...

Native display... I like this feature but can make changing channels very slow. Not only do you need to wait for the HR20 to change resolution, your TV set could add to the delay too...

Jumpback after fastforward... Man, I really got use to fastforwarding thru commericals and the TiVo jumping back a few seconds. Now on the HR20, I press the fastforward button twice (2X) then as soon as I see the show I'm watching return, I hit the jumpback button three times! :rolleyes: The 30 second jump ahead on the HR20 isn't fool-proof. I've had better luck doing what I just described above for skipping thru commercials quicker...

I think I'm much more tolerant because I know it just has to be this way (losing the Tivo for the HR20). There are no other options right now so I have to deal with the HR20. If DirecTV will again start marketing new mpeg4 boxes with the TiVo interface, I could be itching the swap STBs...

veryoldschool

06-30-07, 11:23 AM

Jumpback after fastforward... Man, I really got use to fastforwarding thru commericals and the TiVo jumping back a few seconds. Now on the HR20, I press the fastforward button twice (2X) then as soon as I see the show I'm watching return, I hit the jumpback button three times! :rolleyes: The 30 second jump ahead on the HR20 isn't fool-proof. I've had better luck doing what I just described above for skipping thru commercials quicker...

I think I'm much more tolerant because I know it just has to be this way (losing the Tivo for the HR20). There are no other options right now so I have to deal with the HR20. If DirecTV will again start marketing new mpeg4 boxes with the TiVo interface, I could be itching the swap STBs...
There is hope! [No Tivo isn't coming back] D* is testing auto-correction in the latest test software. As it get refined [by old Tivo junkies] it should make it's way into a national release for you.

VARTV

06-30-07, 11:30 AM

keithl1967

07-01-07, 09:04 AM

TechoFobe

07-01-07, 09:16 AM

Hey guys--I'm hoping someone can help me out. Last week, I was watching a movie on TNT HD on D*TV with the HR20...when a show came on that was scheduled to record, A pop-up told me that the tuner must change to that channel. I was then unable to watch another HD cheannel (or any channel on the SAT). IN essence, it would not utilize the second tuner. I was able to tune to my local HD channels, which I get through the HR20 via off-air antenna (so clearly the ANT tuners were working). My question--why could I not watch something on the second SAT tuner (only one of them was recording at the time)?
Don't know why it would do that... I record one show and watch a second all the time. The only time I get that pop-up question is when I have two recordings scheduled and am currently watching a different channel.

You sure you only had one recording scheduled? Maybe you had over-lapping programs? That would explain it...

Ed

keithl1967

07-01-07, 09:32 AM

Don't know why it would do that... I record one show and watch a second all the time. The only time I get that pop-up question is when I have two recordings scheduled and am currently watching a different channel.

You sure you only had one recording scheduled? Maybe you had over-lapping programs? That would explain it...

Ed

Positive...checked numerous times--whenever I tried to change the channel to another SAT channel, it popped up a screen asking which recording I wanted to stop--with only the one choice (SAT1)...

When I looked in the settings, it showed:
Tuner 1 SAT, Record
Tuner 2 SAT
Off-air tuner 1, Record
Off-air tuner 2, Record

Not surewhay SAT Tuner 2 shows as "unable to record"
The only recording was Tuner SAT1...I was able to tune in on the off-air channels.

KenWH

07-01-07, 10:10 AM

veryoldschool

07-01-07, 01:22 PM

Positive...checked numerous times--whenever I tried to change the channel to another SAT channel, it popped up a screen asking which recording I wanted to stop--with only the one choice (SAT1)...

When I looked in the settings, it showed:
Tuner 1 SAT, Record
Tuner 2 SAT
Off-air tuner 1, Record
Off-air tuner 2, Record

Not surewhay SAT Tuner 2 shows as "unable to record"
The only recording was Tuner SAT1...I was able to tune in on the off-air channels.
This is a "known" problem usually related to a defective receiver.
SAT #2 seems to have a manufacturing problem causing it to go off line.
Reset your recorder and then see if it comes back.
Change SAT feeds [1 & 2] and then reset it again and see if it changes.
Monitor this and if #2 keeps going off line, you have defective hardware & need a replacement.
If on the other hand the problem changes to #1 with the cable swap, then it's not the receiver but your cabling, multi-switch, or dish.

veryoldschool

07-01-07, 01:24 PM

I was under the impression that we can only record/watch two sources at one time. You have three sources recording above.
You misunderstand the posting. That is in the system info screen and all should show they can record.
Yes only two can be used at one time, but all four should be capable of recording.

keithl1967

07-01-07, 01:32 PM

This is a "known" problem usually related to a defective receiver.
SAT #2 seems to have a manufacturing problem causing it to go off line.
Reset your recorder and then see if it comes back.
Change SAT feeds [1 & 2] and then reset it again and see if it changes.
Monitor this and if #2 keeps going off line, you have defective hardware & need a replacement.
If on the other hand the problem changes to #1 with the cable swap, then it's not the receiver but your cabling, multi-switch, or dish.

Thanks--I just went down to reset the device, but before doing so ran the settings again...this time, it shows SAT2, record, same as SAt1, and the two off-air antenna...odd.

Should I contact D* about a potential defect...I've had the machine for a little less than a year, and paid over $300.00 for the "lease upgrade"...will they give me a hard time about this "known defect"?

veryoldschool

07-01-07, 01:41 PM

Thanks--I just went down to reset the device, but before doing so ran the settings again...this time, it shows SAT2, record, same as SAt1, and the two off-air antenna...odd.

Should I contact D* about a potential defect...I've had the machine for a little less than a year, and paid over $300.00 for the "lease upgrade"...will they give me a hard time about this "known defect"?
"Will they...." this will all depend on who you talk to.
I'd start by keeping "an eye on it". If it returns then yes call them and explain this keeps coming back and you need to reset to get it back online.
They will [should] send you a replacement [which "might" do it too].
I have read where unlucky customers have had to get four or five replacements before they got one that worked. This was some time ago when there was a bad batch [which still might be around to some degree].
Check your cables to make sure it isn't them.

keithl1967

07-01-07, 01:52 PM

"Will they...." this will all depend on who you talk to.
I'd start by keeping "an eye on it". If it returns then yes call them and explain this keeps coming back and you need to reset to get it back online.
They will [should] send you a replacement [which "might" do it too].
I have read where unlucky customers have had to get four or five replacements before they got one that worked. This was some time ago when there was a bad batch [which still might be around to some degree].
Check your cables to make sure it isn't them.

Thanks for your help, and the advice! When I first got this box, it had quite a few issues--tech support told me that I wasn't even supposed to have it yet the first time I called them about a year ago! Since then, most of the bugs have worked ouot (I suppose through the numerous software upgrades). It is a great machine when it works as it is intended to...just worried about the "you must have broken it" mentality, and if I will get any of that...

veryoldschool

07-01-07, 02:05 PM

Thanks for your help, and the advice! When I first got this box, it had quite a few issues--tech support told me that I wasn't even supposed to have it yet the first time I called them about a year ago! Since then, most of the bugs have worked ouot (I suppose through the numerous software upgrades). It is a great machine when it works as it is intended to...just worried about the "you must have broken it" mentality, and if I will get any of that...
Calling D* and getting "help" can be like pulling teeth.
Do your "homework" first so "you know" and then call tier 2 tech support. Tell them what you know and most times they "understand".

markrubin

07-02-07, 10:33 AM

Smuuth

07-02-07, 11:03 AM

could someone help?

Saturday I had a new slimline dish and new H20's and 2 HR20's installed: everything fine

this morning both HR20's stop working: H20's still work

HR20's stop receiving sat info at about 25% and hang: both of them: I have rebooted numerous times

what is up?There is a normal pause in receiving the Satellite information at 25% (and several other points including 58% and 97%). Be sure you are waiting long enough for them to complete the information download.

If you feel you have waited long enough (hard to tell how long is enough - at least 10 minutes), the normal progression of events to try is first a menu reset, then a red button reset, then you can either try reset defaults or reset everything from the menu. At that point (or maybe before that point), the only thing to do is call DIRECTV and get the boxes replaced.

Sirluckyj

07-02-07, 12:20 PM

markrubin

07-02-07, 01:02 PM

I got one to work

both hang at 25% and then become unresponsive to any commands: just before I got to 25%, on one, I hit menu and got the signal strength: it continued to load and works OK

still wondering what happened [one is still giving me fits] one seems to have a bad hard drive :(

wellspd

07-02-07, 02:31 PM

There is hope! [No Tivo isn't coming back] D* is testing auto-correction in the latest test software. As it get refined [by old Tivo junkies] it should make it's way into a national release for you.

I can't believe it (auto-correction) wasn't in the initial product release. Since my HR10 died a couple of weeks ago I upgraded?? to the HR20. I can live with out the dual buffers but consider the auto-correction a must. At least I get my caller ID back. Had to give that up when I got the HR10, I thought they dropped the ball on that one too.

veryoldschool

07-02-07, 03:09 PM

I can't believe it (auto-correction) wasn't in the initial product release. Since my HR10 died a couple of weeks ago I upgraded?? to the HR20. I can live with out the dual buffers but consider the auto-correction a must. At least I get my caller ID back. Had to give that up when I got the HR10, I thought they dropped the ball on that one too.
Many have said that they did drop the ball & I'm not sure they've pickup all of the balls they should, but after almost a year of yelling, auto-correction is on the way it looks like.

markrubin

07-02-07, 07:05 PM

There is a normal pause in receiving the Satellite information at 25% (and several other points including 58% and 97%). Be sure you are waiting long enough for them to complete the information download.

If you feel you have waited long enough (hard to tell how long is enough - at least 10 minutes), the normal progression of events to try is first a menu reset, then a red button reset, then you can either try reset defaults or reset everything from the menu. At that point (or maybe before that point), the only thing to do is call DIRECTV and get the boxes replaced.

Thanks

I had some success and read that the network (Ethernet) cable connection may be causing the problem: fix seems to be remove the Ethernet cable prior to reboot (168 fw)

Both units up and running: I disconnected the network cable and reset the sat setup to 3 LNB dish for now: DirecTV is coming back Thursday so I am not going to mess with them til then

Smuuth

07-02-07, 09:33 PM

Thanks

I had some success and read that the network (Ethernet) cable connection may be causing the problem: fix seems to be remove the Ethernet cable prior to reboot (168 fw)

Both units up and running: I disconnected the network cable and reset the sat setup to 3 LNB dish for now: DirecTV is coming back Thursday so I am not going to mess with them til thenI had never heard of that, but if it worked for you, that is what matters. Glad you got them working. :) Likely you already know about this site: http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112 but if you don't, it is a good resource for HR20 information.

veryoldschool

07-02-07, 10:06 PM

I had never heard of that, but if it worked for you, that is what matters. Glad you got them working. :) Likely you already know about this site: http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112 but if you don't, it is a good resource for HR20 information.
under his name see: AVS Super Moderator

Yes, sometimes the network cable can cause the receiver to "hang".

Smuuth

07-03-07, 12:30 AM

under his name see: AVS Super Moderator Thus the smiley face in my post... :D

tokerblue

07-03-07, 12:34 AM

I just did a search for various terms without success. :(

Since the HR20 is now a lease, does that mean that D* will fix it if it has problems?

veryoldschool

07-03-07, 06:02 AM

I just did a search for various terms without success. :(

Since the HR20 is now a lease, does that mean that D* will fix it if it has problems?
When D* explained their change to lease [to me], this was the stated plus for the customer.

markrubin

07-03-07, 07:40 AM

Yes, sometimes the network cable can cause the receiver to "hang".

this is now a known issue with DirecTV: all is good now and I am back to enjoying the HR20: I first learned of the network cable fix on DBS.Talk forum

I will say I don't miss the HR10's: D* really did a good job with the HR20

just don't connect the network cable :)

veryoldschool

07-03-07, 11:27 AM

this is now a known issue with DirecTV: all is good now and I am back to enjoying the HR20: I first learned of the network cable fix on DBS.Talk forum

I will say I don't miss the HR10's: D* really did a good job with the HR20

just don't connect the network cable :)
I'm not networked for the simple reason that I have a MCE 2005 PC connected to my TV for that & HD.
But, many members over at forum "X" are networked and beating the crap out of it with each release [without any major problems].

NOTE TO ALL: If you're having a boot problem, disconnect the network cable if connected.

Sirluckyj

07-03-07, 01:59 PM

Just got my new 5-lnb dish and HR-20-100 hooked up. My OTA scan did not pick up analog channels. Am I doing something wrong or does it not pick up analog? Thanks.

Jim

petergaryr

07-03-07, 02:20 PM

Just got my new 5-lnb dish and HR-20-100 hooked up. My OTA scan did not pick up analog channels. Am I doing something wrong or does it not pick up analog? Thanks.

Jim

The HR20 only has an ATSC tuner, so no analog.

Sirluckyj

07-04-07, 07:55 AM

VARTV

07-04-07, 09:09 AM

The instaler mouned the dish in the ground so this winter I'll be able to clear off the snow. My old 3-lnb dish is still on the roof and could be used as a backup if needed. Did anyone have to change their TV settings after going to the HR20? Also, who makes the HR20-100? Thanks.

JimIt rarely snows in Virginia Beach but this year it did around Easter(!!) and snow actually was collecting on my dish, blocking the signal...

veryoldschool

07-04-07, 12:17 PM

After one day of watching, I feel the PQ is slightly less than my old Zenith SAT-520 receiver, which in its day was very highly rated on PQ. I'm watching all in 1080i and the HD material seems a little softer than what I have been watching and SD material is not quite as sharp. My Zenith was dying so not much of a choice. The installer mouned the dish in the ground so this winter I'll be able to clear off the snow. My old 3-lnb dish is still on the roof and could be used as a backup if needed. Did anyone have to change their TV settings after going to the HR20? Also, who makes the HR20-100? Thanks.
Jim
The HR-20-100 is made by RCA [Thompson].
The PQ should be the same or better than your Zenith. I haven't seen your Zenith but Hughes, Zenith & my Sony SAT HD-300 where all made by LG when I bought mine. My PQ "I think" looks better than my Sony, but this could be just what I want to think. Still it is no worse.
What are your connections & settings?

Sirluckyj

07-04-07, 01:22 PM

The HR-20-100 is made by RCA [Thompson].
The PQ should be the same or better than your Zenith. I haven't seen your Zenith but Hughes, Zenith & my Sony SAT HD-300 where all made by LG when I bought mine. My PQ "I think" looks better than my Sony, but this could be just what I want to think. Still it is no worse.
What are your connections & settings?

I have a Fujitsu P50(40) Plasma and am using HDMI. Since my ealier post I have improved the PQ by decreasing the color from +4 to -6 and increased the sharpness from -12 to -6. PQ is now close to what I had with the Zenith. I have left all other settings the same. It's too bad you cannot adjust settings with the HR20.

Jim

veryoldschool

07-04-07, 03:06 PM

It's too bad you cannot adjust settings with the HR20.

Jim
I don't remember any of my D* equipment having "adjustments".
Also I don't think digital [HDMI] can be.

joebbaseball

07-04-07, 09:29 PM

IJumpback after fastforward... Man, I really got use to fastforwarding thru commericals and the TiVo jumping back a few seconds. Now on the HR20, I press the fastforward button twice (2X) then as soon as I see the show I'm watching return, I hit the jumpback button three times! :rolleyes: The 30 second jump ahead on the HR20 isn't fool-proof. I've had better luck doing what I just described above for skipping thru commercials quicker...

I think I'm much more tolerant because I know it just has to be this way (losing the Tivo for the HR20). There are no other options right now so I have to deal with the HR20. If DirecTV will again start marketing new mpeg4 boxes with the TiVo interface, I could be itching the swap STBs...

Its good to hear there is hope for the jumpback function to return. I didnt see this in skimming through some previous posts but another thing I used to do with my old tivo was to jump from one show to the other. I was able to do this with the old tivo without it technically recording... However with the hr20 i can't seem to find a method to do this any more. Does anyone know if there is a button on the new unit where if you are recording say channel 73, you turn on the tivo and its on another channel. With the press of a button you could just jump the channel that is being recorded. In this case if you hit the button it would jump from whatever channel it was on to channel 73. Sorry if i'm a bit unclear. Hope this makes some sense.