I have a Direct TV HR20 DVR, and I set the output resolution at 720p. I own a 1080p Sony XBR TV. I just bought a new Denon 3808 receiver which can upconvert video signals from HDMI to 1080p.

What would be the best way to take advantage of my new set-up?

1. Continue to have the HR20 convert the video to 720P and just pass through the receiver?

2. Set the HR20 to 720p, or 1080i resolution, and then have the receiver up convert the video to 1080p?

3. Set the HR20 to native, and have the Denon receiver up convert everything to 1080p?

Thanks,
Mark

I have the HR20-700, occasionally the unit will not turn on at all and I have to reset the unit. I've noticed this twice and it happend right after a software/firmware update.

Anybody else experience this issue? :D

I have a Direct TV HR20 DVR, and I set the output resolution at 720p. I own a 1080p Sony XBR TV. I just bought a new Denon 3808 receiver which can upconvert video signals from HDMI to 1080p.

What would be the best way to take advantage of my new set-up?

1. Continue to have the HR20 convert the video to 720P and just pass through the receiver?

2. Set the HR20 to 720p, or 1080i resolution, and then have the receiver up convert the video to 1080p?

3. Set the HR20 to native, and have the Denon receiver up convert everything to 1080p?

Thanks,
Mark

Since you are passing everything through the Denon anyway, I'd set the HR20 to native and let the receiver do all of the scaling and de-interlacing.

Since you are passing everything through the Denon anyway, I'd set the HR20 to native and let the receiver do all of the scaling and de-interlacing. I agree.

I am getting the HR20 next week...I have my current HD receiver hooked to my projector with a 25 ft. male/male dual link dvi cable and my DVD player hooked via component..what would be best hook-up for HR20...can i just get a female dvi to hdmi male adapter...If so would the local radio shack adapter work fine...

Thanks.....Rick

I just had my Tivo HR10-250 (which I loved) switched out for the new HR20-700 from DirecTV. I have to say that, contrary to what many Tivo loyalists think, the new HR20 is very impressive. It's only been 10 days, so take this with a grain of salt, but my OTA picture is great, the interface is surprisingly nice, and I like the way this unit "lists" my recorded programs better than my old Tivo. I especially like the "available hard disk space" status bar on the list menu, and the BOLD red R that comes up when I opt to record a program from the guide. There's no wondering if it "heard me," and thus far no waiting and waiting for the task to register.

In no way do I feel as though I'm giving up on anything by going away from Tivo.
the only tivo feature i miss is/are the dual live buffers.

So far, the only HD-Tivo function I miss was skipping to the tick marks on a recorded episode. The HR20 has the feature, but you have to hold down the FF button for a few seconds and then press it again. It's quite inconvenient if you have to do it more than a few times.

I have a Sony Dolby Digital Receiver. In order to use the HR20 remote control with it, I have to program it on the AV1 setting because it won't work with the TV setting. That is annoying because each time I want to adjust the volume, I have to switch from DirecTV to AV1. Is there anyway to program it so the volume control automatically jumps to AV1 instead of TV? Thanks.

I have a new HR20-700 and I am trying to set it up to record live broadcasts of the Georgia Tech (and Atlanta Braves). On my TV, I did a keyword wishlist with "Georgia Tech" and Show Types - Live.

When I do that on the HR-20, for Saturday's game it shows up 3 times (NBCE, NBCW, and my local NBC). The local is the one I want since I can't get the national feeds. How can I filter these out in my search and record on the appropriate channel for future games?

I chose Custom 1 and deselected the channels I don't get (such as the National feeds or sports packages). The D* CSR on the phone also suggested doing parental blocks on these channels. None of this has worked. It still puts the record "R" by the channels I don't have.
Any suggestions?

It is never "off" unless you unplug it. It will record programs, and buffer 90 minutes of the last station you were tuned to.

However, if it goes through a complete reset, most likely you have either lost power...or a software download has happened. I always turn it off, and dim the lights to their lowest setting. That way I know that if it is suddenly "on" and the lights are at full brightness, a S/W download has happened.

So if I turn it "off" and all the lights go out on it, will it still record? I've changed from a Tivo (no off button) to the HR20 yesterday and I was curious about the ability to turn it off.

So if I turn it "off" and all the lights go out on it, will it still record? I've changed from a Tivo (no off button) to the HR20 yesterday and I was curious about the ability to turn it off.
- It will still record when you turn it "off". It simply turns the video and audio output off, the HR20 still functions as normal. You'll even see the orange record light come on. The HR10 also had a similar "off" mode if you put the unit into standby. The On/Off button was also available on universal remotes.

Any suggestions what to do if you can't get the HR20 remote to work your TV? I have a Pioneer 5070 and while I can control the power/volume, I can't get the remote to control the TV inputs.

I also have a 42" Visio VP42, and none of the remote codes seem to work.

Any ideas other than buying a universal remote? Thanks.

I've been getting an intermittent "Searching for Satellite 771" pop-up error since Thurdsday. Along with that, I get a signal that goes in and out.
I did a quick search and read about tuning to channel 499 to test the BBC (I assume that's what its for). I get a blank screen but the "Searching for Satellite 771" message stays on-screen constantly. What to do now?

I've been getting an intermittent "Searching for Satellite 771" pop-up error since Thurdsday. Along with that, I get a signal that goes in and out.
I did a quick search and read about tuning to channel 499 to test the BBC (I assume that's what its for). I get a blank screen but the "Searching for Satellite 771" message stays on-screen constantly. What to do now?

If you have the bbc in the line and installed correctly, when you tune to 499 the searching for satellite 771 message means it is working. :)

If you have the bbc in the line and installed correctly, when you tune to 499 the searching for satellite 771 message means it is working. :)I think I solved my problem. The coax connected to the BBC was loose. Tightening it seemed to solve the issue but I'm still testing it out.

BTW, anyone know when the added HD channels will come on-line.

The rumor mill says 9/16.

- It will still record when you turn it "off". It simply turns the video and audio output off, the HR20 still functions as normal. You'll even see the orange record light come on. The HR10 also had a similar "off" mode if you put the unit into standby. The On/Off button was also available on universal remotes.

Thank you.
Should I have my Harmony turn it off or keep it on? Does turning it off conserve energy?

Thank you.
Should I have my Harmony turn it off or keep it on? Does turning it off conserve energy?

I'm going to take a non-educated guess and say probably very little since the hard drive is still spinning and buffering the last 90 minutes of whatever channel you have it tuned to.

VOS, what is your source? You seem very knowledgeable on the subject but I've never heard the -100 was designed to answer -700 shortcomings. The extra Ethernet port and coaxial digital audio output are the only changes I know of. The -100 does run cooler but I've not heard of the -700s having a heat problem. The -100 has an external RF antenna for the remote control while the -700 has an internal one.

Sorry, but the best I can says is it came from an insider over a lunch [but not with me].
BTW: the "extra" Ethernet port was because the boards came that way and it was cheaper to leave on than to remove.
Also was a request to improve CID.

Out of respect [for you] I pass this along, but due to imitations, I can't say much more.

Thanks. At least it wasn't something posted that I missed.

I have an HR20-100. In my area (north Texas), HD channels for ESPN2 and ESPN, respectively, are 72 and 73. I've tried over and over again to record SportsCenter on the HD channel for ESPN (73), and the channel goes in and out all day. Usually I end up with 90 minutes of black screen.

I had a tech over and he showed me a reset involving the remote. Unplug the DVR, wait a couple of minutes, plug back in, do something (I forget what), press (I *think*) 3 5 7 9 and then something else, and it does a software reset.

So, two questions:

1) Has anyone had problems with the HD versions of stations going in and out? Any fixes?

2) Can someone tell me the exact reset sequence I cannot fully remember, as outlined above?

Thanks,

Paul M.

[QUOTE=gte747e;11490026]I have a new HR20-700 and I am trying to set it up to record live broadcasts of the Georgia Tech (and Atlanta Braves). On my TV, I did a keyword wishlist with "Georgia Tech" and Show Types - Live.

When I do that on the HR-20, for Saturday's game it shows up 3 times (NBCE, NBCW, and my local NBC). The local is the one I want since I can't get the national feeds. How can I filter these out in my search and record on the appropriate channel for future games?

I chose Custom 1 and deselected the channels I don't get (such as the National feeds or sports packages). The D* CSR on the phone also suggested doing parental blocks on these channels. None of this has worked. It still puts the record "R" by the channels I don't have.
QUOTE]

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've been getting an intermittent "Searching for Satellite 771" pop-up error since Thurdsday. Along with that, I get a signal that goes in and out.
I did a quick search and read about tuning to channel 499 to test the BBC (I assume that's what its for). I get a blank screen but the "Searching for Satellite 771" message stays on-screen constantly. What to do now?Nevermind aout being fixed. The error message and problem came back with a vengance today. It's worse than before. It first started out by messing-up on HD channels only. Now it's on every channel that I tune to...... HELP !!!!

Nevermind aout being fixed. The error message and problem came back with a vengance today. It's worse than before. It first started out by messing-up on HD channels only. Now it's on every channel that I tune to...... HELP !!!!Searching for Satellite Signal is what you should see on 499 - but as for the rest, it sounds like your dish may have become misaligned. Try doing a menu reset of your receiver - if that does not help you may need a service call to check the dish alignment.

DTV just came out to put in the new 5 lnb dish, but refused because I have di-plexers to receive OTA HD. They said I would have to run cable from the antenna to the receivers. I just installed new siding on the house and buried the original cables under the new siding. The wife does not want to have "ugly " cables again on the outside of the house. Certainly there must be other people with the same problem. Does anybody ahve any suggestions?

Searching for Satellite Signal is what you should see on 499 - but as for the rest, it sounds like your dish may have become misaligned. Try doing a menu reset of your receiver - if that does not help you may need a service call to check the dish alignment.

Weird, I just got my HR20-700 this week, and am having similar random 771 errors across all satellite channels, but only on one of the tuners. It seems like I either have a bad tuner #1, or a bad BBC on tuner#1. I'll try swapping cables and see if that helps, but I'm wondering if it's something that more people are experiencing.

Weird, I just got my HR20-700 this week, and am having similar random 771 errors across all satellite channels, but only on one of the tuners. It seems like I either have a bad tuner #1, or a bad BBC on tuner#1. I'll try swapping cables and see if that helps, but I'm wondering if it's something that more people are experiencing.I only have one line connected and the error does mention that "771" is on Sat-In 1.

Is there a way to alternate between 2 live feeds like on the Tivo?
I miss that feature with my new HR20. I know both of the live recordings are on the list.....but I just wish I could toggle back and forth easier.

Wayner3,

The conflicting frequencies are on the B band. The B band converter normally on the back of the receiver can usually be moved farther away and the diplexer put into the satellite cable after the converter. The BBC moves the B band signal to the higher A band which can coexist with OTA frequencies. The BBC is directional so it can't be turned around and it isn't weatherproof so it needs to be protected from the elements. There is also a Single Wire Multiswitch coming out soon. It has a built in BBC and can feed both tuners on an HR20 with one cable as well as accept diplexing. It is weatherproof but needs a cable for power and four cables to the dish.

gte747e,

See if the workaround at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65736 appeals to you.

I have an HR20-100. In my area (north Texas), HD channels for ESPN2 and ESPN, respectively, are 72 and 73. I've tried over and over again to record SportsCenter on the HD channel for ESPN (73), and the channel goes in and out all day. Usually I end up with 90 minutes of black screen.

I had a tech over and he showed me a reset involving the remote. Unplug the DVR, wait a couple of minutes, plug back in, do something (I forget what), press (I *think*) 3 5 7 9 and then something else, and it does a software reset.

So, two questions:

1) Has anyone had problems with the HD versions of stations going in and out? Any fixes?

2) Can someone tell me the exact reset sequence I cannot fully remember, as outlined above?

Thanks,

Paul M.
Reset options are:
1- "soft" reset through the setup menu for "reset recorder"
2- if you can't get to the setup menu, under the card access door is the red button reset [same as above but a bit harder on the hard drive]
3- unplugging the power cord for 5-10 min. Sometimes this will let the voltage bleed off and clear a glitch in the chips that [above] doesn't clear.
4- restarting [any of the above] and at the welcome [hello] screen pressing 0 2 4 6 8 on the remote will download the national software to the recorder.
5- under the setup is "reset everything" which will wipe out the drive and all setting, returning the box back to factory default settings [with current software still in place].

Something new
I just read on another forum from a HR-20-100 users that if you are past the startup screens [and in regular TV] that if you go to the front panel and press the record & the down arrow [at the same time] and hold for about 30 sec until the record light turns GREEN, that the receiver will reinstall the current software [and reboot], which had cleared up his problems with his -100. I believe this is part of the service menu and came from D* tech support. I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS, so I don't know if this will work on the -700.
These are the same steps to REFORMAT the drive at the boot screen, so PLEASE understand the risk if you try this.
I pass this along only to try to help and it is sometime new [to me], that might only work with the -100 [I don't know at this time] but did help cure the problems that user had. FWIW

It seems, for a week or so, my DVR will not bring a channel in for me. This can be most any channel. Also, all of a sudden the video will freeze on the display while the audio continues. This freeze will go on for 'minutes'. I called Directv and will get a tech over this week bringing with him a new DVR. Anyone else have these annoying problems? I have tried to reset, etc. These things work for a day or so but, then again, the problems persist.

Thanks greywolf. I think that will work.

There is also a Single Wire Multiswitch coming out soon. It has a built in BBC and can feed both tuners on an HR20 with one cable as well as accept diplexing. It is weatherproof but needs a cable for power and four cables to the dish.

The power inserter goes on the output of the SWM, so there is no "extra" power cable. FWIW
SWM mounted at the dish, PI inside then feeds receivers. Pretty simple and easy.

There was a software download for some last night. I think it was 0x18A.
Sometimes the HR-20 will "hang" after an upgrade [not always]. If this does happen then nothing will record until a reset [re-boot].
Some of these upgrade are making some major changes to the DVR that may cause it to "hiccup" more than normally.
Like Tony, I found my HR20 locked up the other day. I suspect that it's from the software update.

I've reset it, pulled the plug (and plugged it back in! :)) and it's still hung at the "Checking Sat Settings" screen.

Any other ideas? (sigh...)

My old Series 1 TiVo in the bedroom is just fine, so this isn't an issue with the sat signal.



EDIT: Downloading now via 0-2-4-6-8 trick. THANK YOU!

Like Tony, I found my HR20 locked up the other day. I suspect that it's from the software update.

I've reset it, pulled the plug (and plugged it back in! :)) and it's still hung at the "Checking Sat Settings" screen.

Any other ideas? (sigh...)

My old Series 1 TiVo in the bedroom is just fine, so this isn't an issue with the sat signal.

EDIT: Downloading now via 0-2-4-6-8 trick. THANK YOU!

Reload is done, box rebooted, result is the same... Hanging at the "Checking Sats" screen.

bummer.

The last few weeks channels 74-79 have been pixelating with audio droputs real bad, sometimes every 6-10 seconds. Analog channels are fine and sig strength is high 90's (no rain)

Analog channels are fine and sig strength is high 90's (no rain)

:confused: And what analog channels would those be from DIRECTV?

:confused: And what analog channels would those be from DIRECTV?I would suspect that he's referring to the non-HD channels.

I have the HR20, B-band converters, and the new dish...

Is Channel 499 operational? Any other things I have to set?

I have the HR20, the B-band converter(s), and the new dish...

I do not see channel 499 listed in my guide. Also, my guide did show channel 77 two days ago and now this doesn't show...

Anything I need to do with my settings....

I would suspect that he's referring to the non-HD channels.


Sorry, non-HD :)


bob

just punch in 499

Reload is done, box rebooted, result is the same... Hanging at the "Checking Sats" screen.

bummer.Getting closer...

A long power off (dunno what it "needed", but this ending up being about an hour) and I can now get past the 1st Checking Sats screen ("This will take a few minutes") and into the 2nd one (still "Step 1 of 2", but the bottom line reads "Almost Done").

I wish I could get into this thing like the Series 1...



UPDATE: I can't repro the success of a long unplug. I'm back to hung on the first Checking Sats page.

The last few weeks channels 74-79 have been pixelating with audio droputs real bad, sometimes every 6-10 seconds. Analog channels are fine and sig strength is high 90's (no rain)Same here, SD fine adn sig at 95+. I'm just down the road (25 mins down hyw680) from you. However, I'm getting severe drop-outs on HD and the MPEG-4 HD locals. All SD stations are fine, however.

Getting closer...

A long power off (dunno what it "needed", but this ending up being about an hour) and I can now get past the 1st Checking Sats screen ("This will take a few minutes") and into the 2nd one (still "Step 1 of 2", but the bottom line reads "Almost Done").

I wish I could get into this thing like the Series 1...



UPDATE: I can't repro the success of a long unplug. I'm back to hung on the first Checking Sats page.

So you have the BBC installed? if so remove it [them] and make sure the cables to dish are tight.

I have the 750 gig Seagate external drive.

Has anyone disconnected the original drive?

So you have the BBC installed? if so remove it [them] and make sure the cables to dish are tight.Yeup, the BBC's are there, cables are tight at the dish and at the DVR. The TiVo upstairs is very happy, so I know the dish is okay.

I have an update though... With repeated attempts at unplugs, reboots _and_ resets have gotten me to "Step 2 of 2", and... 97% complete... and...

I'm live.

WHEW!


That was VERY weird.

The power inserter goes on the output of the SWM, so there is no "extra" power cable. FWIW
SWM mounted at the dish, PI inside then feeds receivers. Pretty simple and easy.Even better. I'd like to get my hands on one to play with.

Even better. I'd like to get my hands on one to play with.

Sorry, but I'm still using my SWM8 :D

here is the best I can do: http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1054558&postcount=1

Is there anyway to get the HR-20 box and not be stuck with a 2 year contract? If I bought the box from Best Buy would I still need to be locked into a contract?

Sorry but yes.

Is there anyway to get the HR-20 box and not be stuck with a 2 year contract? If I bought the box from Best Buy would I still need to be locked into a contract?The activation of an advanced receiver (HR20, H20) will incur an automatic 2 year obligation.

Well that sucks, thanks for the info. Two years locked into Satellite is way too long for me, especially without knowing what the future might hold with local cable companies.

With my HD DVR from Directv I am having several problems. Very often my video will lock up and audio goes on. Also, at times, can not tune in an individual channel. It will just not come in. Signal strength is very high. The main problem is the channel hanging up. I have a date with tech coming this Friday..hope he is bringing a new DVR.

Well that sucks, thanks for the info. Two years locked into Satellite is way too long for me, especially without knowing what the future might hold with local cable companies.That's certainly your right. With me, it's all about the program content. During the next year, DIRECTV will be the industry leader in HD programming. Of course, I have been with DIRECTV since 1995, so contract obligations don't bother me, I am not looking at any other providers.

Can anybody tell me why Directv is ending their contract with Tivo in 2008/2009? :mad:

That's certainly your right. With me, it's all about the program content. During the next year, DIRECTV will be the industry leader in HD programming. Of course, I have been with DIRECTV since 1995, so contract obligations don't bother me, I am not looking at any other providers.

I guess I don't want to have to be worried with being stuck in a contract and then having reception problems or just being unhappy with picture quality. I also don't like the fact that they charge $75 just to come out to fix any problems, that is pretty ridiculous. I do really want all of those HD stations they are going to be starting soon though. :(

I guess I don't want to have to be worried with being stuck in a contract and then having reception problems or just being unhappy with picture quality. I also don't like the fact that they charge $75 just to come out to fix any problems, that is pretty ridiculous. I do really want all of those HD stations they are going to be starting soon though. :(

I have been with Directv for many years and am very satisfied. I have never paid for any service and have received nearly all the equipment without cost as well. Just recently upgraded to MPEG4 with a HD DVR, switcher, new slimline dish and install..all for $20. A 2 year contract means nothing to me.

I have been with Directv for many years and am very satisfied. I have never paid for any service and have received nearly all the equipment without cost as well. Just recently upgraded to MPEG4 with a HD DVR, switcher, new slimline dish and install..all for $20. A 2 year contract means nothing to me.

Well as a new subscriber I wouldn't have those luxuries. I would be stuck paying over $200 for equipment (possibly more if I wait for the HR21), and from what I have read, my chances of receiving service calls for free are pretty slim, at least while I am a new customer. My main concern is simply the quality of HD (and of course the upcoming HD stations) along with reception. I don't want my feed breaking up any time there is a rain shower.

Can anybody tell me why Directv is ending their contract with Tivo in 2008/2009? :mad:

Where did you hear that?

Are they going to replace the DTivos? The SD ones, not the HD-250?

Well as a new subscriber I wouldn't have those luxuries. I would be stuck paying over $200 for equipment (possibly more if I wait for the HR21), and from what I have read, my chances of receiving service calls for free are pretty slim, at least while I am a new customer. My main concern is simply the quality of HD (and of course the upcoming HD stations) along with reception. I don't want my feed breaking up any time there is a rain shower.

Well Flash......then your choice is really simple. You don't want D* or Dish*! ;) There is no "wiggle room" in your last sentence.

I don't want my feed breaking up any time there is a rain shower.

Mine certainly does not break up whenever there is a rain shower. It takes a pretty bad storm to disrupt my service, and the disruption usually lasts for only a few minutes.

Exactly...as opposed to your cable being out for days at a time until they get around to sending people out to fix it.

But this thread isn't about debating D* vs. others...it is about the HR20 which to my knowledge is only made by D*.

Just got my HR20 hooked up today...do I still need to hook a phone line to it, and is there any reason to hook it to my network with the provided ethernet port?

Thanks.

Just got my HR20 hooked up today...do I still need to hook a phone line to it, and is there any reason to hook it to my network with the provided ethernet port?

Thanks.A phone line is only necessary for Caller ID and PPV ordered with the remote. If you don't care about Caller ID, and you order PPV via the website, you can do without a phone connection as all updates come down via the satellite.

Networking is necessary only if you want to share media (pictures, music) from your computer to your HR20. A network connection will also be necessary when they implement VOD (Video On Demand) nationwide (VOD is currently being tested) and may be required when they implement remote booking of recordings via the DIRECTV website.

A phone line is only necessary for Caller ID and PPV ordered with the remote. If you don't care about Caller ID, and you order PPV via the website, you can do without a phone connection as all updates come down via the satellite.

Networking is necessary only if you want to share media (pictures, music) from your computer to your HR20. A network connection will also be necessary when they implement VOD (Video On Demand) nationwide (VOD is currently being tested) and may be required when they implement remote booking of recordings via the DIRECTV website.

Excellent, thanks for the info. :)

Where did you hear that?

Are they going to replace the DTivos? The SD ones, not the HD-250?

This is old news, announced a year or two ago. D* wants to keep the DVR money in house, thus the roll out of the HR20 and R15s. There hasn't been anything posted that's clear as to what will happen to the TiVos once the contract is over.

This is old news, announced a year or two ago. D* wants to keep the DVR money in house, thus the roll out of the HR20 and R15s. There hasn't been anything posted that's clear as to what will happen to the TiVos once the contract is over.

Yeah actually I've known about it for a while, once their contract is up with DTV they are going to C*mc*st :)

i have the hr20 with those little adapters on the back that the cable runs through is that all you need to get the mpeg4.

I just had my sixth HR20 installed yesterday by the tech. It wouldn't boot up for about 40-60 minutes, including trying the fourth and fifth units which I hadn't yet returned to DTV. I asked the tech whether he thought power might have anything to do with it, since my house is poorly built. He said it was worth a try, so we ran an extension cord from an area of the house that was original construction.

Finally, it booted up and was running properly. I then bought a Monster Power HT PowerCenter HTS850 and connected to an outlet in the viewing room. Nothing. The blue swirl of death. Ran the extension cord again and still saw the blue swirl of death, so I hooked up again in the viewing room. An hour later it was still trying to boot up.

Then this morning the blue swirl was solid, so I tried to access the Guide. Nothing. Frozen. I reset and it came up in five minutes. I tried to change a channel and it started to switch, then froze. I reset and it wouldn't boot up for twenty minutes, so I called DTV and we tried all the things I've tried in the past. Thirty minutes later it still hasn't booted up, so I'm scheduled to receive my seventh unit next week.

This has been going on for a year! It will work one day, not the next, then not boot up for literally weeks. I probably haven't had reception more than five weeks total, to the point that we stopped watching TV in the family room and just watch the SD Tivo in the bedroom -- without any problems over that time. By the way, my signal strength is generally in the 90's.

So here's the gist of my post. Either these machines are absolute pieces of junk, or some people are able to use this machine without any problems. If that is the case, then there is something wrong with my set up, with the only thought I have being bad power. If that is the case, what are some suggestions, since this Monster Power Center doesn't seem to have any affect?

i have the hr20 with those little adapters on the back that the cable runs through is that all you need to get the mpeg4.

You need the 5lnb dish as well.

I just had my sixth HR20 installed yesterday by the tech. It wouldn't boot up for about 40-60 minutes, including trying the fourth and fifth units which I hadn't yet returned to DTV. I asked the tech whether he thought power might have anything to do with it, since my house is poorly built. He said it was worth a try, so we ran an extension cord from an area of the house that was original construction.

Finally, it booted up and was running properly. I then bought a Monster Power HT PowerCenter HTS850 and connected to an outlet in the viewing room. Nothing. The blue swirl of death. Ran the extension cord again and still saw the blue swirl of death, so I hooked up again in the viewing room. An hour later it was still trying to boot up.

Then this morning the blue swirl was solid, so I tried to access the Guide. Nothing. Frozen. I reset and it came up in five minutes. I tried to change a channel and it started to switch, then froze. I reset and it wouldn't boot up for twenty minutes, so I called DTV and we tried all the things I've tried in the past. Thirty minutes later it still hasn't booted up, so I'm scheduled to receive my seventh unit next week.

This has been going on for a year! It will work one day, not the next, then not boot up for literally weeks. I probably haven't had reception more than five weeks total, to the point that we stopped watching TV in the family room and just watch the SD Tivo in the bedroom -- without any problems over that time. By the way, my signal strength is generally in the 90's.

So here's the gist of my post. Either these machines are absolute pieces of junk, or some people are able to use this machine without any problems. If that is the case, then there is something wrong with my set up, with the only thought I have being bad power. If that is the case, what are some suggestions, since this Monster Power Center doesn't seem to have any affect?


I've had the HR20-700 and the HR20-100 since last year without one bit of trouble on either machine. Each successive software update has improved their functionality even more.

If you've gone through that many boxes, something is definately wrong. I had the HR10-250 TIVO based unit before getting the HR20s, and in comparison, the HR20s have been much more reliable and stable.

I just had my sixth HR20 installed yesterday by the tech. It wouldn't boot up for about 40-60 minutes, including trying the fourth and fifth units which I hadn't yet returned to DTV. I asked the tech whether he thought power might have anything to do with it, since my house is poorly built. He said it was worth a try, so we ran an extension cord from an area of the house that was original construction.

Finally, it booted up and was running properly. I then bought a Monster Power HT PowerCenter HTS850 and connected to an outlet in the viewing room. Nothing. The blue swirl of death. Ran the extension cord again and still saw the blue swirl of death, so I hooked up again in the viewing room. An hour later it was still trying to boot up.

Then this morning the blue swirl was solid, so I tried to access the Guide. Nothing. Frozen. I reset and it came up in five minutes. I tried to change a channel and it started to switch, then froze. I reset and it wouldn't boot up for twenty minutes, so I called DTV and we tried all the things I've tried in the past. Thirty minutes later it still hasn't booted up, so I'm scheduled to receive my seventh unit next week.

This has been going on for a year! It will work one day, not the next, then not boot up for literally weeks. I probably haven't had reception more than five weeks total, to the point that we stopped watching TV in the family room and just watch the SD Tivo in the bedroom -- without any problems over that time. By the way, my signal strength is generally in the 90's.

So here's the gist of my post. Either these machines are absolute pieces of junk, or some people are able to use this machine without any problems. If that is the case, then there is something wrong with my set up, with the only thought I have being bad power. If that is the case, what are some suggestions, since this Monster Power Center doesn't seem to have any affect?

If I get the gist, you do have an AC power issue. I'm not sure "monster" is going to add voltage to a below minimum voltage supply line.
Do you have a voltmeter to measure your supply voltage?

I just had my sixth HR20 installed yesterday by the tech..... I asked the tech whether he thought power might have anything to do with it, since my house is poorly built. He said it was worth a try, so we ran an extension cord from an area of the house that was original construction.

Finally, it booted up and was running properly. I then bought a Monster Power HT PowerCenter HTS850.... is something wrong with my set up, with the only thought I have being bad power. If that is the case, what are some suggestions, since this Monster Power Center doesn't seem to have any affect?Buy an APC Smart UPS or something similar. It effectively ISOLATES your 'bad' house power with its boost/trim capability.

It's a bit hard to imagine the problem is power supply related. Most CE devices today are designed to operate within a fairly decent range of voltages, say 90-130 volts. Now if the power is completely cutting out that would be a problem, but if that's the case I'd say you have larger issues than a DVR not working correctly.

How many devices do you have on the circuit?

I'd agree but he DID SAY using the power from the original construction allowed it to operate. ISOLATING the DVR from any power system will farrett that out. On a broader perspective, could the BBCs be poorly installed/defective and thus intermittently losing the download from the satellite? The HR20 won't boot if it doesn't have the proper satellite connection/reception, right? It'd be a good check to take his "bad" HR20 to a neighbor's house (assuming a 'good' dish) and try it there... to eliminate power and reception as the culprit.

Check the power to see if the polarity is correct, I mean the hot wire is truley connected to the correct pin on the outlet and the neutral is correct.

With a meter measure the voltage between ground and the hot side and then between ground and neutral. There should be very little if any voltage between ground and neutral and 110-120v between ground and the hot side. If you have 5 or more volts between ground and neutral, that may be your problem.

"The box has performed magnificently in tests," he said. "It's going to be a fantastic product."

Uh, huh. Sure.

Where's that 30-second skip button again? How am I supposed to watch football without 30-second skip?
Thats the button that simulates holding down the fast forward button. Can you say ****** rigged half a$$ed Polish engineering? :rolleyes:

What is the best way to skip ahead to near the end of a recorded show?

Sometimes I want to skip ahead 2.5 hours in a 3-hour show. Trying to get this thing to skip 30 minutes once is a pain...but several times in a row is horrible. Any suggestions?

I hope they improve this feature soon.

At the end of some recordings, I see like 10 minutes left. I go to list and have to highlight the movie and hit - key twice.

Is there any other quicker shortcut with less keystrokes?

TIA

It's a bit hard to imagine the problem is power supply related. Most CE devices today are designed to operate within a fairly decent range of voltages, say 90-130 volts. Now if the power is completely cutting out that would be a problem, but if that's the case I'd say you have larger issues than a DVR not working correctly.

How many devices do you have on the circuit?

I have a Sony HT receiver, Sony DVD player and GE TV in addition to the HR20. The tech connected the HR20 directly to the TV, to remove the receiver from the equation, yet it still wouldn't boot up until we ran the extension cord.

That implies bad power is the main suspect, but then it wouldn't boot up in twenty minutes when I ran the extension from the same outlet later in the evening.

I'll try to measure the volts, as some have suggested, but I'm going out of town tomorrow for a few days.

I have a Sony HT receiver, Sony DVD player and GE TV in addition to the HR20. The tech connected the HR20 directly to the TV, to remove the receiver from the equation, yet it still wouldn't boot up until we ran the extension cord.

That implies bad power is the main suspect, but then it wouldn't boot up in twenty minutes when I ran the extension from the same outlet later in the evening.

I'll try to measure the volts, as some have suggested, but I'm going out of town tomorrow for a few days.

Pick up a polarity tester like the one below to check your lines. They're cheap and effective. Should be able to get them at Home Depot type stores, probably Radio Shack as well.

http://www.smarter.com/gardner_bender_receptacle_tester_and_circuit_analyzer_grt_50 0a---pd--ch-32--pi-887476.html

I'd agree but he DID SAY using the power from the original construction allowed it to operate. ISOLATING the DVR from any power system will farrett that out. On a broader perspective, could the BBCs be poorly installed/defective and thus intermittently losing the download from the satellite? The HR20 won't boot if it doesn't have the proper satellite connection/reception, right? It'd be a good check to take his "bad" HR20 to a neighbor's house (assuming a 'good' dish) and try it there... to eliminate power and reception as the culprit.

Yes, swapping things out is a good way to isolate the culprit. I don't know about the boot requirement, I would think it would boot up even without any sat feeds to it. In fact, mine was going through the setup sequence before we had any lines connected, although that's not say it would boot without them, I'm not sure.

What is the best way to skip ahead to near the end of a recorded show?

Sometimes I want to skip ahead 2.5 hours in a 3-hour show. Trying to get this thing to skip 30 minutes once is a pain...but several times in a row is horrible. Any suggestions?

I hope they improve this feature soon.

If you press and hold the FF or RW key for a few seconds, it skips ahead/back to the next tic mark, usually 15 minutes. This is the fastest way forward/backward. I don't believe there is a beginning/end skip as there was on Tivo.

At the end of some recordings, I see like 10 minutes left. I go to list and have to highlight the movie and hit - key twice.

Is there any other quicker shortcut with less keystrokes?

TIA

- Afterthe last update, you can hit the RED button from the list now to delete. Still no Tivo tick skip.

I ordered D* yesterday with an HR20 and an H20, but have since cancelled the order after I found out that you are unable to diplex the sat signal and OTA signal. So do I really need 3 runs of RG6 to where my HR20's would be (2 for SAT and 1 for OTA). This causes me a major problem as my plasma sits on an interior wall, and I only have one coax termination.

Browerjs,

yes, you will need 3 runs, 2 for SAT and 1 for OTA.

I am having some problems with my MPEG4 locals on my HR20. They are not coming in on a consistent basis and ABC-(WFAA in Dallas) comes in rarely if at all. I get the searching for satellite signal message. I have an H20 in another room and I dont have any issues with the same channels. I had a technician come out and he checked everything from the dish to the STB and he says it is likely the box and that I could get D* to change it out. Before I go and lose my saved programs...anything I can try aside from changing the box out?

I am having some problems with my MPEG4 locals on my HR20. They are not coming in on a consistent basis and ABC-(WFAA in Dallas) comes in rarely if at all. I get the searching for satellite signal message. I have an H20 in another room and I dont have any issues with the same channels. I had a technician come out and he checked everything from the dish to the STB and he says it is likely the box and that I could get D* to change it out. Before I go and lose my saved programs...anything I can try aside from changing the box out?Try swapping the BBC, but I doubt it will help. My reciever started doing the same shortly after the last update. It started out only on the Mpeg 4 locals, then the other HD channels and now after a week, all channels are affected. Infact, I can't even get the guide to pull up any channels.

My Series1 DirecTivo in the bedroom functions fine and the signal strngth is 95+ so the problem lies in the reviever. D* is comming out on Sunday to swap out my reciever and run some diagnostics.

Can someone point me to or give me info on how to transfer a few recorded shows to my computer (Mac OS X)? I have a few recorded shows that I want to save and D* is comming out this weekend to swap-out a devective HR20 that has those shows I want.
Thanks.

Can someone point me to or give me info on how to transfer a few recorded shows to my computer (Mac OS X)? I have a few recorded shows that I want to save and D* is comming out this weekend to swap-out a devective HR20 that has those shows I want.
Thanks.Can't be done.

The only way to save recorded shows is to hook up a DVD Recorder or VCR to one of the available outputs and record them as you play.

actually with a slingbox you can do it...

actually with a slingbox you can do it...

I too was going to ask about sending programs to a computer. What is a slingbox?

I ordered D* yesterday with an HR20 and an H20, but have since cancelled the order after I found out that you are unable to diplex the sat signal and OTA signal. So do I really need 3 runs of RG6 to where my HR20's would be (2 for SAT and 1 for OTA). This causes me a major problem as my plasma sits on an interior wall, and I only have one coax termination.

Well, they are coming out with a Single Wire Multiswitch which will allow you to use both sat runs on one coax wire, but I don;t know if it will take OTA also so you might still need to run 2 lines. Or you could just get your HD Locals from DirecTV and use only one wire, but you would miss out on subchannels. Check over at www.dbstalk.com for more info on the SWM.

When the SWM comes out, you will be able to diplex your OTA in after the SWM, and, in fact, if you get an SWM-8, it has a diplex input for OTA right on it. First look here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=78249)
Unfortunately, no one yet knows when the SWM will be available to the public.

I am having the exact same problem! I am in a wheelchair and can't move around so I really hate the whole plug and unplug it thing... need to have somebody here so I make sure we do that before he talked to anybody as that of their first line of defense. When I ran the satellite test I got failures on the 99 b and 103 b satellites. However, after the set up the locals worked again. I sure hope this isn't a problem because crap

In my manual it says if you are going to use your remote in the RF mode that you need to order that type of remote...I tried the one that came with my HR20 and it worked...Model RC64R...Just got my DVR last week so i dont know if this is common knowledge or not

Rick

I did get my defective Directv HD DVR replaced by the way. And the new DVR is doing Ok so far. Just one little problem..when the telephone jack is inserted in slot on back of the DVR, my whole telephone system (4 phones) goes silent. I have tried it on 3 occasions and same result. So, of course, no telephone is plugged into the HR 20. I can see no occasion when I would need the phone connected anyway. Just a very strange happening I wanted to mention.

In my manual it says if you are going to use your remote in the RF mode that you need to order that type of remote...I tried the one that came with my HR20 and it worked...Model RC64R...Just got my DVR last week so i dont know if this is common knowledge or not

Rick

It seems, on the back of my HR20-700 there is no jack in which to plug the RF antenna. Can this be? To me, it seems that RF would be the way to go..period.

I did get my defective Directv HD DVR replaced by the way. And the new DVR is doing Ok so far. Just one little problem..when the telephone jack is inserted in slot on back of the DVR, my whole telephone system (4 phones) goes silent. I have tried it on 3 occasions and same result. So, of course, no telephone is plugged into the HR 20. I can see no occasion when I would need the phone connected anyway. Just a very strange happening I wanted to mention.


Check the jack that it is plugged into. I had the exact same problem and discovered I had it plugged into the very similar looking network jack.

It seems, on the back of my HR20-700 there is no jack in which to plug the RF antenna. Can this be? To me, it seems that RF would be the way to go..period.The HR20-700 has an internal RF antenna for the remote.

The HR20-700 has an internal RF antenna for the remote.

Thank you for the info. From my experience, an external antenna will always do a better job than an 'internal' antenna. I have noticed another shortcoming of the HR20-700; it runs at a temp of 124 degrees F while the HR20-100 ran at a temp of 104 degrees F. This heat will tend to break down some components within and cause operating problems. The cooler a piece of equipment runs at, the better. It makes for a longer life and less problems along the way. One thing for sure..get the HR20-700 (and the HR20-100) 1-2 inches off whatever it is resting on so that air make circulate more freely.

Check the jack that it is plugged into. I had the exact same problem and discovered I had it plugged into the very similar looking network jack.

..could well be the solution. Thanks, my friend. Altho, as I said, it seems there is no practical use (for me) to have the line attached. Actually, the Directv serviceman set up the HR20-700. Must be, with his install, many have lost telephone service for a day or so.

I have the 700 and the remote works good 1 floor up from receiver...

Rick

Is there a list somewhere of menu shortcuts for the HR20? For example, to get to my scheduled list I have to make about 5-6 key punches. On a TiVo you just hit "Menu" and then "2" and you're at the list. Anything like that with the HR20?

Thanks.

Thank you for the info. From my experience, an external antenna will always do a better job than and 'internal' antenna.Your experience notwithstanding, based on reports from users at DBSTalk.com, the HR20-700 has performed better than the HR20-100 when using the remote in RF mode.

Your experience notwithstanding, based on reports from users at DBSTalk.com, the HR20-700 has performed better than the HR20-100 when using the remote in RF mode.

With the HR20-100 in mind, I agree with your conclusion.

Is there a list somewhere of menu shortcuts for the HR20? For example, to get to my scheduled list I have to make about 5-6 key punches. On a TiVo you just hit "Menu" and then "2" and you're at the list. Anything like that with the HR20?

Thanks.

Hit "List" and then the Yellow Button.

Is there a list somewhere of menu shortcuts for the HR20? For example, to get to my scheduled list I have to make about 5-6 key punches. On a TiVo you just hit "Menu" and then "2" and you're at the list. Anything like that with the HR20?

Thanks.

See this thread at DBSTalk where there is a link to the "Tips and Tricks" list of undocumented or poorly documented ways to get the HR20 to do what you want. There is even a list to help those of us who used to use a TiVO get familiar with the HR20.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=72648

SMK

Thanks, found those last night. :)

I like the alternate guide format on my hr10-250 with a column of channels on the left and a column of the shows for the highlighted chanel on the right. Does the HR20 have this guide option or just the "grid' style? Also, did I read where you can't pause 2 live TV channels at once and flip between those channels? thx.

I like the alternate guide format on my hr10-250 with a column of channels on the left and a column of the shows for the highlighted chanel on the right. Does the HR20 have this guide option or just the "grid' style? Also, did I read where you can't pause 2 live TV channels at once and flip between those channels? thx.

If you highlight the channel, that iis move the cursor all the way to the left and hit info you can do the same on the HR20 and also on the H20. As for the pausetrick, sadly no. :)

Not meaning to complain but, as stated before I just replaced (2 days ago) my HR20-100 DVR with a HR20-700 unit. The same trouble now begins. At will, a channel (video) will freeze up (with the audio going on). Also, when turning to a channel (at times) the channel will not come in unless tried several times. I do not like the 124 degrees F this 700 unit is operating at (compared to 104 temp of the 100 model). We will never know but I believe very strongly this high temp contributes to some of the problems with these units. My installer says he has to replace (at times) 50 percent of the units he installs. My old Sony and Zenith units were built so much better and lasted years. These present Directv units are built down to a price and it definitely shows. In the long run, I believe this does not save any money for Directv. Cable begins to look very good to me. Our local company has spent much money updating its' system for 6 months now. And HD channels are coming onstream quite fast now. I have been with Directv from its' beginnings but these shortcomings in its' equipment is talking a toll on the patience of our family.

Not meaning to complain but, as stated before I just replaced (2 days ago) my HR20-100 DVR with a HR20-700 unit. The same trouble now begins. At will, a channel (video) will freeze up (with the audio going on). Also, when turning to a channel (at times) the channel will not come in unless tried several times. I do not like the 124 degrees F this 700 unit is operating at (compared to 104 temp of the 100 model). We will never know but I believe very strongly this high temp contributes to some of the problems with these units. My installer says he has to replace (at times) 50 percent of the units he installs. My old Sony and Zenith units were built so much better and lasted years. These present Directv units are built down to a price and it definitely shows. In the long run, I believe this does not save any money for Directv. Cable begins to look very good to me. Our local company has spent much money updating its' system for 6 months now. And HD channels are coming onstream quite fast now. I have been with Directv from its' beginnings but these shortcomings in its' equipment is talking a toll on the patience of our family.



My HR20-100 just starting doing the same missing or frozen video, I reset it once and it worked OK for 2 days.
Perhaps the last software update has bugs?
It's been fine for 6 weeks before this.

My HR20-100 just starting doing the same missing or frozen video, I reset it once and it worked OK for 2 days.
Perhaps the last software update has bugs?
It's been fine for 6 weeks before this.

Yes, my HD DVR from Directv is getting worse in freezing video and blank screens when you tune a channel. Will call and get another receiver. These problems came on after having this DVR for only 2 days. Seems there is more problems with the DVR than the non-HD receiver. I will try one more time with a HD DVR. Probably heat or updates bring on these problems. I wish I had the option of not accepting 'updates'. All I need is a DVR that works; I do not need nor want updates.

Can anyone that is currently using both the hr10-250 and the hr20 on the same tv comment on differences in sd and hd pq between the 2 receivers. Thanks.

I ordered D* yesterday with an HR20 and an H20, but have since cancelled the order after I found out that you are unable to diplex the sat signal and OTA signal. So do I really need 3 runs of RG6 to where my HR20's would be (2 for SAT and 1 for OTA). This causes me a major problem as my plasma sits on an interior wall, and I only have one coax termination.

There is a new switch coming out from dtv in Q4, called an SWM (single wire multi switch). It will do what you need perfectly. Not available yet, but beta testing is complete.

Can anyone offer advice on recordia via a search.
I have done searches based on key words in order to record my favorite sports teams ("Atlanta Braves", "Georgia Tech", and "Atlanta Falcons"), but some of the recordings are missed. I've selected automatic record, etc. and there are no conflicts in my To Do List. Why is my HR-20 having such problems? Is this a common bug?

Can anyone that is currently using both the hr10-250 and the hr20 on the same tv comment on differences in sd and hd pq between the 2 receivers. Thanks.
- I did not see any noticeable difference in PQ between the HR10 and HR20. The HR20 does pass native resolutions though. It doesn't require you to switch them manually like the HR10.

- I did not see any noticeable difference in PQ between the HR10 and HR20. The HR20 does pass native resolutions though. It doesn't require you to switch them manually like the HR10.

But I've found that using native slows channel changes, so I disabled it.

Check the jack that it is plugged into. I had the exact same problem and discovered I had it plugged into the very similar looking network jack.

me too, I even checked 3x, then realized it was in the CAT45 port instead of the phone port.

I can't seem to figure this one out... If I am recording a football game, hit pause, then switch to a DVD and power the HR20 off (still recording tho) - is there a way to get back to my paused point instead of live? Would it help if I recorded game, then went into my LIST and hit play to watch the game instead of watching it without 1st going to my List? Also, say I am recording something and can't remember the exact channel it is on and want to change to the recoded show - on the Tivo I could hit the down arrow and it would toggle to the other tuner which would already be tuned to the recording show... one other ?... on the old Ultimate TV which this thing seems to be modeled after, you could toggle between your live and recorded show by just going back to channel 999 on the tuner... anything similar here?

I can't seem to figure this one out... If I am recording a football game, hit pause, then switch to a DVD and power the HR20 off (still recording tho) - is there a way to get back to my paused point instead of live? Would it help if I recorded game, then went into my LIST and hit play to watch the game instead of watching it without 1st going to my List? Also, say I am recording something and can't remember the exact channel it is on and want to change to the recoded show - on the Tivo I could hit the down arrow and it would toggle to the other tuner which would already be tuned to the recording show... one other ?... on the old Ultimate TV which this thing seems to be modeled after, you could toggle between your live and recorded show by just going back to channel 999 on the tuner... anything similar here?

There is no double live buffer so no switching between tuners.
As for your recording "don't hit pause", but [almost and other key] stop works where you can then go into the play list and "resume" the recording.

I understand that the front panel light glows amber when the unit is recording, but what is it doing when it glows red? I couldn't find this in the manual, although I could have easily missed it. Can anyone help me on this?:confused:

But I've found that using native slows channel changes, so I disabled it.
- That depends on how fast your TV can re-sync with a resolution change. You can also minimize the amount of switching by disabling 480i and 480p. This way it will only switch between 720p and 1080i.

I understand that the front panel light glows amber when the unit is recording, but what is it doing when it glows red? I couldn't find this in the manual, although I could have easily missed it. Can anyone help me on this?:confused:

I haven't seen it on mine, but other posters have said the red color means it is using the phone to dial home, like ET.

SMK

Can someone tell me how to dim the blue circle? My installer failed to leave me the instruction book (but did manage to leave my old round dish lying in the yard in pieces). LOL

Will dimming it have any adverse affect on its performance? Thanks.

Can someone tell me how to dim the blue circle? My installer failed to leave me the instruction book (but did manage to leave my old round dish lying in the yard in pieces). LOL

Will dimming it have any adverse affect on its performance? Thanks.

Use the <> arrows on the front panel [press both at once] and it will step through three dims and then off.
"Adverse".... no.

Just switched over from my older Toshiba 3000 receiver, to a new HR20 yesterday, with the full install. Few things I noticed and could use some help.
And if some of this is reduntant to some of you, my apologies. Try and make this simple for me, please.
1.
Installer hooked up my OTA attenna feed, even though the HR20 doesnt have an input, like my Toshiba. Guess D wants your $4.99/mo for locals. Anyways, he wired it up with a switcher. Seems to work ok, but (Detroit area here) can get all the locals, but channel 50 (50-1). Realize this is UHF, but I am getting 62 (CBS) ok, and 56 (PBS), but for some reason it wont pick up 50, and yes I have move the attenna around (outside attenna with rotor).
Other thing I noticed, on old Toshiba, I would get 3 local channels (for instance channel 4-NBC) I wouldnt get the 1st channel 4 (which was D's local over the satellite) which was expected since I dont pay for local thru D, but rather use my OTA attenna. I would also get channel 4, SD (OTA), and then
4-1 (HD-OTA).
Now I only get 4-1, and not the SD OTA channel?

2. I am having the freezing up problem alot too. THought it might just be new, let it go for a few days. Is this normal? Break in period? I believe the tuning in of the dish was running about 95% level. Any thoughts?

3. The remote, talks about RF, but am I wrong that the remote that comes with the HR-20 only IR? Or am I missing something here? How does one to RF?

4. First simple thing: How does one speed up the channel changing and speed up the channel coming on, when you change channels? Any quick way to speed the changing of channels quicker?

Thanks.

I noticed a weird problem with my HR20. I turned on my Bud Light neon sign, and the HR20 refused to receive IR signals from my Harmony remote. The neon sign is on the left side of the room, HR20 on the right side, and it wouldn't receive signals even if I was right up on the HR20.

All other equipment works fine with the light on.

Turn off the neon sign, bam, the HR20 receives the IR signal. Kind of annoying.

At least networking the HR20 to my HTPC worked without a hitch. Wish I could play video over it.

Just switched over from my older Toshiba 3000 receiver, to a new HR20 yesterday, with the full install. Few things I noticed and could use some help.
And if some of this is reduntant to some of you, my apologies. Try and make this simple for me, please.
1.
Installer hooked up my OTA attenna feed, even though the HR20 doesnt have an input, like my Toshiba. Guess D wants your $4.99/mo for locals. Anyways, he wired it up with a switcher. Seems to work ok, but (Detroit area here) can get all the locals, but channel 50 (50-1). Realize this is UHF, but I am getting 62 (CBS) ok, and 56 (PBS), but for some reason it wont pick up 50, and yes I have move the attenna around (outside attenna with rotor).
Other thing I noticed, on old Toshiba, I would get 3 local channels (for instance channel 4-NBC) I wouldnt get the 1st channel 4 (which was D's local over the satellite) which was expected since I dont pay for local thru D, but rather use my OTA attenna. I would also get channel 4, SD (OTA), and then
4-1 (HD-OTA).
Now I only get 4-1, and not the SD OTA channel?

2. I am having the freezing up problem alot too. THought it might just be new, let it go for a few days. Is this normal? Break in period? I believe the tuning in of the dish was running about 95% level. Any thoughts?

3. The remote, talks about RF, but am I wrong that the remote that comes with the HR-20 only IR? Or am I missing something here? How does one to RF?

4. First simple thing: How does one speed up the channel changing and speed up the channel coming on, when you change channels? Any quick way to speed the changing of channels quicker?

Thanks.

1) SD OTA channels are NTSC and the HR-20 has only an ATSC tuner so it only gets digital channels.
2) no "freezing" shouldn't be happening. Many things can be causing it.
3) some HR-20 are shipped with the wrong remote [like the RC-32] that is only IR. Call D* and "bitch", since other HR-20s do [or did] ship with RF/IR remotes.
4) turning off "native" should speed up the channel changing.

I noticed a weird problem with my HR20. I turned on my Bud Light neon sign, and the HR20 refused to receive IR signals from my Harmony remote. The neon sign is on the left side of the room, HR20 on the right side, and it wouldn't receive signals even if I was right up on the HR20.

All other equipment works fine with the light on.

Turn off the neon sign, bam, the HR20 receives the IR signal. Kind of annoying.

At least networking the HR20 to my HTPC worked without a hitch. Wish I could play video over it.

Your neon sign is emitting enough IR to mask the signal from the remote. Changing to RF should work [other than not turning on the light].

My TIVO HR10-250 started acting up... lot's of A/V dropouts and freeze frames on OTA and Satellite channels. Based on what I've researched, my TIVO hard drive was probably failing or has a problem. So I call DirecTV, and they try various BS things that I know will not solve the problem. In the end, they decide to send me a new TIVO unit for only a $19.99 shipping charge. I ask them what to do with my old TIVO, and was told to simply keep it and there was no need to return it.

I get the new unit and low behold it is not a TIVO HR10-250 but a DirecTV HR20-700. So I go about the install myself. Don't want to jack with having DirecTV send in someone to do the install, especially after reading this forum and all the issues people have with installers.

The install went as smooth as silk. The HR20-700 booted up without issue, installed a new SW upgrade, and has run without and freeze frame issues or dropouts. Getting OTA and satellite HD channels without issue. Still trying to adapt to a new DVR format over the TIVO, but all appears to be working fine. Was surprised to read in the literature that it will record 2 SAT and 1 OTA channel simultaneaously. This is better than TIVO for it is limited to 2 shows at once.

I'm still using a 3-LNB dish for now. Don't want to upgrade to 5-LNB until the new SWM is available and perfected. BTW, when I was talking to the DirecTV rep to activate my DVR service on the new unit, she asked if I wanted to deactivate the TIVO unit I was replacing. I said NO, and told her that I wanted to try and repair it. I will be sending the TIVO HD to DVRUpgrade.com to have it reconditioned or recertified or replace using the hard drive warranty. Hopefully, when it is all said and done, I will get the TIVO repaired and will have a functioning HR10-250 TIVO and an HR20-700 for $19.95 and repair charges from DVRUpgrade.com.

Not a bad deal? I'll keep my fingers crossed that the HR20-700 will not develop any issues, but to date all is well.

VOS: are you referring to going to :
Press Menu, click Help & Settings, going to Setup, going to Display, going to Native Off?

Paul

VOS: are you referring to going to :
Press Menu, click Help & Settings, going to Setup, going to Display, going to Native Off?


2nd thing: are you saying my older Toshiba 3000 had both an ATSC and NTSC, and that is why I was able to get the SD with the Toshiba?
Paul

VOS: are you referring to going to :
Press Menu, click Help & Settings, going to Setup, going to Display, going to Native Off?


2nd thing: are you saying my older Toshiba 3000 had both an ATSC and NTSC, and that is why I was able to get the SD with the Toshiba?
Paul

Yes to both

Was surprised to read in the literature that it will record 2 SAT and 1 OTA channel simultaneaously. This is better than TIVO for it is limited to 2 shows at once.

You will be surprised again when you find out that was a miss print.
You can only record two shows at one time. It doesn't matter if they are SAT or OTA. Two recording and watching a pre-recording is the maximum.

You will be surprised again when you find out that was a miss print.
You can only record two shows at one time. It doesn't matter if they are SAT or OTA. Two recording and watching a pre-recording is the maximum.

Surprised me as well when I found that out.

1) SD OTA channels are NTSC and the HR-20 has only an ATSC tuner so it only gets digital channels.

My HR20-100 seems to have an NTSC tuner. The owner's manual lists an NTSC tuner as standard (page 44).

I'm just having my hr20-700 installed today. I thought I'd be getting the hr20-100 because its a newer build but the directtv tech said they're being recalled for not taking the software properly. Anyone else hear about this?

I'm just having my hr20-700 installed today. I thought I'd be getting the hr20-100 because its a newer build but the directtv tech said they're being recalled for not taking the software properly. Anyone else hear about this?

It looks like D* will be sending someone to install the new dish and replace my
10-250 with the HR20..exactly what version HR20 unit is the lastest and where is this info found?

How do I force the SW update if needed?

thx

My HR20-100 seems to have an NTSC tuner. The owner's manual lists an NTSC tuner as standard (page 44).

You will find 2 or 3 channels with similar numbers but none of them in the HR20 realm will be NTSC. For example, channel 9 will appear once or twice if all channels are selected in favorites, not a custom list. The first (lower) channel will be the HD local off the satellite, if available in your area.

Press channel up to the SD off the satellite (still says channel 9 on the display). Channel 9-1 is the ATSC OTA channel if your antenna setup has been finished. But none of these are NTSC.

I'm just having my hr20-700 installed today. I thought I'd be getting the hr20-100 because its a newer build but the directtv tech said they're being recalled for not taking the software properly. Anyone else hear about this?

The -100 model is sent the newest software on a later schedule than the -700's. There haven't been any reports in dbstalk.com about trouble getting the automatic downloads.

It looks like D* will be sending someone to install the new dish and replace my
10-250 with the HR20..exactly what version HR20 unit is the lastest and where is this info found?

How do I force the SW update if needed?

thx

The HR20-100 is newer but virtually identical to the -700. Dbstalk.com (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112) has a lot of info about these.

To force new software, go through the menu -> help & settings -> setup -> reset -> restart recorder. Confirm with the dash (-) key. At the first blue screen (says "hello" or "welcome") press 0 2 4 6 8.

What is the latest software version?

What is the latest software version?

It's 0x18a for both models. I just checked because I was wrong the first time.

My few year old pana HD TV has DVI but I'm assuming the replacement HR20 will be HDMI,is it possible to get a convert cable or switch hopefully..what are you guys doing?

I'm not ready to buy another 50" quite yet ;)

You can get a cable with HDMI on one end and DVI on the other. That's how I have my HR10-250 hooked up.

EDIT: Check out this link for some reasonably priced cables: http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi/index.htm

I just noticed that..thanks

It's 0x18a for both models. I just checked because I was wrong the first time.

Thanks. :)

You will find 2 or 3 channels with similar numbers but none of them in the HR20 realm will be NTSC. For example, channel 9 will appear once or twice if all channels are selected in favorites, not a custom list. The first (lower) channel will be the HD local off the satellite, if available in your area.

Press channel up to the SD off the satellite (still says channel 9 on the display). Channel 9-1 is the ATSC OTA channel if your antenna setup has been finished. But none of these are NTSC.

Ooops. You are correct. I picked up the wrong manual.:o

I just had tech out today to install my new HD DVR and 5lnb dish.

I have a 50" Samsung DLP. After waiting for the HD DVR to boot and numerous phone calls, the tech said they have problems with compatability with samsung TV's ?!?!?

The only picture we could get on the screen was with a s-video cable. :P

I told him that was no good and to take back the DVR.

Anbody have any issues with the D* plus HD DVR?

Help!

I just had tech out today to install my new HD DVR and 5lnb dish.

I have a 50" Samsung DLP. After waiting for the HD DVR to boot and numerous phone calls, the tech said they have problems with compatability with samsung TV's ?!?!?

The only picture we could get on the screen was with a s-video cable. :P

I told him that was no good and to take back the DVR.

Anbody have any issues with the D* plus HD DVR?

Help!I just had a HR20 installed last week and had no problems. Were you using HDMI or component? I use the HR20 with component and it works fine with my 46" Samsung DLP. I am using it at 1080i because the HR20 drives 2 TVs and the other TV only does 1080i (no 720p). Good luck.

Jay

I just had tech out today to install my new HD DVR and 5lnb dish.

I have a 50" Samsung DLP. After waiting for the HD DVR to boot and numerous phone calls, the tech said they have problems with compatability with samsung TV's ?!?!?

The only picture we could get on the screen was with a s-video cable. :P

I told him that was no good and to take back the DVR.

Anbody have any issues with the D* plus HD DVR?

Help!

I have a samsung LED DLP with a D* DVR - the samsung will not accept 480i over hdmi - all other resolutions work well. I have not had any issues with handshaking at 480p, 720p or 1080i.

Greg

I just had tech out today to install my new HD DVR and 5lnb dish.

I have a 50" Samsung DLP. After waiting for the HD DVR to boot and numerous phone calls, the tech said they have problems with compatability with samsung TV's ?!?!?

The only picture we could get on the screen was with a s-video cable. :P

I told him that was no good and to take back the DVR.

Anbody have any issues with the D* plus HD DVR?

Help!

We had to use the component cables to set up the HR20-700 when it was first attached to my Sammy DLP. Once the DVR was configured by the installer, we switched to HDMI and then it worked fine.

OK Thanks!

I figured it was just a bad box or lazy installer.

I'll get them to send another DVR box.

I'm running component cables 35' from my AV closet to the TV. I have heard of some HDMI issues, but that sounds like you just need to boot and configure.

Mike

My TIVO HR10-250 started acting up... lot's of A/V dropouts and freeze frames on OTA and Satellite channels. Based on what I've researched, my TIVO hard drive was probably failing or has a problem. So I call DirecTV, and they try various BS things that I know will not solve the problem. In the end, they decide to send me a new TIVO unit for only a $19.99 shipping charge. I ask them what to do with my old TIVO, and was told to simply keep it and there was no need to return it.

I get the new unit and low behold it is not a TIVO HR10-250 but a DirecTV HR20-700. So I go about the install myself. Don't want to jack with having DirecTV send in someone to do the install, especially after reading this forum and all the issues people have with installers.

The install went as smooth as silk. The HR20-700 booted up without issue, installed a new SW upgrade, and has run without and freeze frame issues or dropouts. Getting OTA and satellite HD channels without issue. Still trying to adapt to a new DVR format over the TIVO, but all appears to be working fine. Was surprised to read in the literature that it will record 2 SAT and 1 OTA channel simultaneaously. This is better than TIVO for it is limited to 2 shows at once.

I'm still using a 3-LNB dish for now. Don't want to upgrade to 5-LNB until the new SWM is available and perfected. BTW, when I was talking to the DirecTV rep to activate my DVR service on the new unit, she asked if I wanted to deactivate the TIVO unit I was replacing. I said NO, and told her that I wanted to try and repair it. I will be sending the TIVO HD to DVRUpgrade.com to have it reconditioned or recertified or replace using the hard drive warranty. Hopefully, when it is all said and done, I will get the TIVO repaired and will have a functioning HR10-250 TIVO and an HR20-700 for $19.95 and repair charges from DVRUpgrade.com.

Not a bad deal? I'll keep my fingers crossed that the HR20-700 will not develop any issues, but to date all is well.


I think you should buy a lottery ticket, you are very lucky.
I have been a DTV customer for 6 years, I had installed my Own 5 lnb dish.
They charged my $225 for the receiver and insisted on sending someone with it, who watched my hook it up!!!

Needles to say when fios catches up on the HD content, which they will, it's goodbye DTV.

BTW, you older HR10-250 will not receive the two new sats and not decode Mpeg4.

1) SD OTA channels are NTSC and the HR-20 has only an ATSC tuner so it only gets digital channels.

SD OTA channels are NTSC (analog, until 2/17/2009) and ATSC (digital). Digital SD OTA is 480i and 480p...

ED is 480p, 16:9 (some say 4:3 too...)
HD is 720p or 1080i, 16:9

References:
CEA (http://www.ce.org/Press/683.asp)
dtvmax (http://www.dtvmax.com/dtv.htm#DTV_SETS)

Per our discussion on here yesterday or day before:
To speed up channel changing you stated go to:

Menu
Help & Settings
Set Up
Display

did that, and forgive me for being dumb, but it just brought up:

Scrooling Effects On
Banner Time 2 secs
Language English
Guide Grid or ?

So I am not sure what to change to bring it to "native" to speed up the channel changing?? Please help me out here.

What I am finding is that this HR20 , once it goes to the channel I enter, then locks in (screen goes black) , then takes somtimes 6-7 secs before teh actual video kicks in. Maybe its not so much the channel changing speed I am trying to increase, but more the reception of the actual channel.
Whoa, this is slow, compared to the Toshiba. Is this normal , or is this just a defective HR20.

Paul

...BTW, your older HR10-250 will not receive the two new sats and not decode Mpeg4.

Yeah, I know... But, I currently get all local HD channels OTA and I also get FOXE, CBSE and NBCE HD from DirecTV on a waiver, so I don't have an immediate need for MPEG-4 HD, yet. This will change of course when DirecTV releases the new HD MPEG-4 channels from their latest satellite. I will hang for a while, read the forums and wait until all the new MPEG-4 HD channels are released and SWM bugs worked out before I switch over to 5-LNB dish. I'm mostly waiting on the SWM switch to come out.

The TIVO may not record MPEG-4 HD but it still record lots of HD content of which I have a lot of interest. I also now have an HR20-700 that will record MPEG-4 once I upgrade to a 5-LNB dish. I think I have the beset of both worlds. A TIVO HD unit which I really like with lots of great recordable HD content available and a HR20-700 that can record the newest MPEG-4 HD channels when they are released. Just want to hang tight for SWM switch and then upgrade to a 5-LNB dish.

Per our discussion on here yesterday or day before:
To speed up channel changing you stated go to:

Menu
Help & Settings
Set Up
Display

did that, and forgive me for being dumb, but it just brought up:

Scrooling Effects On
Banner Time 2 secs
Language English
Guide Grid or ?

So I am not sure what to change to bring it to "native" to speed up the channel changing?? Please help me out here.

What I am finding is that this HR20 , once it goes to the channel I enter, then locks in (screen goes black) , then takes somtimes 6-7 secs before teh actual video kicks in. Maybe its not so much the channel changing speed I am trying to increase, but more the reception of the actual channel.
Whoa, this is slow, compared to the Toshiba. Is this normal , or is this just a defective HR20.

Paul

On the set up, go to 'HDTV' to bring up option of: 'native'..or or off. have found it better to keep 'native' off. Once a channel number is entered, it takes about 3-4 seconds to bring the requested channel in.

Called home, had my wife check it out, the Native was already set in off mode.
Like I said, maybe its not so much the time frame going from channel to channel, but more the time it takes for the video pic to come on, after you change to a channel. Seems sometimes it takes from 5-10 secs. I was interested if others have the same problem, if this is normal for this receiver?

Paul

Called home, had my wife check it out, the Native was already set in off mode.
Like I said, maybe its not so much the time frame going from channel to channel, but more the time it takes for the video pic to come on, after you change to a channel. Seems sometimes it takes from 5-10 secs. I was interested if others have the same problem, if this is normal for this receiver?

Paul

I use native "on" and don't have the delay you seem to be seeing.
Turning Native Off, should keep the resolution fixed so remove the delay of changing it to each channel.
I'm not sure why you have the delay you seem to have. You might try a soft reset [from the setup menu "restart recorder"].
Both the HR-20 and your TV need to buffer the new channel, before you can see it.
Does it really take 5-10 sec?
Or does it "just seem that way"?

Called home, had my wife check it out, the Native was already set in off mode.
Like I said, maybe its not so much the time frame going from channel to channel, but more the time it takes for the video pic to come on, after you change to a channel. Seems sometimes it takes from 5-10 secs. I was interested if others have the same problem, if this is normal for this receiver?

Paul

What make and model TV do you have connected? Sorry if I missed this in an earlier post.

Yes, it actually does take 5-10 secs at times. Sometimes the channel doesnt ever "click" in. This morning, my wife couldnt get the NBC channel (channel 4 for us) to come in. It just went black, then that light grey. Didnt even do the normal "searching for channel" mode it sometimes does.
Well now I am confused. You said that you kept the native on?
WHen my wife checked, she stated it was in the "off" mode.
You suggesting trying the "on" mode?

Paul

I use native "on" and don't have the delay you seem to be seeing.
Turning Native Off, should keep the resolution fixed so remove the delay of changing it to each channel.
I'm not sure why you have the delay you seem to have. You might try a soft reset [from the setup menu "restart recorder"].
Both the HR-20 and your TV need to buffer the new channel, before you can see it.
Does it really take 5-10 sec?
Or does it "just seem that way"?
Mitsubishi, CRT, 55" think the model # is 55055 or something like that.

Paul

I have just received my HR20-700 yesterday (Sept 11).
I am coming from the HD TIVO HR10-250 also as many others.
I am using the HDMI out set to 1080i pillar boxed, NATIVE OFF.
I also don't see the delay you are referring to. If I enter the channel number manually, it takes about 3 seconds for the video to appear.

I have a question for someone.
I have read the "Tips & Tricks" and "Survival Guide" PDF's where is says" Press the REC button 2 times to set up a season pass (Series Link they call it)
When I press the "R" button 2 times, I get a screen asking if I want to stop the recording.
How is the easiest way to set up a season pass while viewing the program guide?
I was watching a program last night that was 20 mins into the show. I pressed the "R" button and it immidiatly started recording...and fast !!. Now I wanted to record all episodes of this show, but I can't seem to find it.
How stupid can I be?

Thanks in advance for the easy answer

Yeah, I know... But, I currently get all local HD channels OTA and I also get FOXE, CBSE and NBCE HD from DirecTV on a waiver, so I don't have an immediate need for MPEG-4 HD, yet. This will change of course when DirecTV releases the new HD MPEG-4 channels from their latest satellite. I will hang for a while, read the forums and wait until all the new MPEG-4 HD channels are released and SWM bugs worked out before I switch over to 5-LNB dish. I'm mostly waiting on the SWM switch to come out.

The TIVO may not record MPEG-4 HD but it still record lots of HD content of which I have a lot of interest. I also now have an HR20-700 that will record MPEG-4 once I upgrade to a 5-LNB dish. I think I have the beset of both worlds. A TIVO HD unit which I really like with lots of great recordable HD content available and a HR20-700 that can record the newest MPEG-4 HD channels when they are released. Just want to hang tight for SWM switch and then upgrade to a 5-LNB dish.

I have been in the exact same boat as you. As an FYI, reading over at dbstalk, it seems pretty likely that a fair number of the new HD channels will be up and running next week.

Yes, it actually does take 5-10 secs at times. Sometimes the channel doesnt ever "click" in. This morning, my wife couldnt get the NBC channel (channel 4 for us) to come in. It just went black, then that light grey. Didnt even do the normal "searching for channel" mode it sometimes does.
Well now I am confused. You said that you kept the native on?
WHen my wife checked, she stated it was in the "off" mode.
You suggesting trying the "on" mode?

Paul

Some prefer the 'native' on and some prefer it off. Try it both ways and see which works for you better. The HD DVR I had before this one would not lock a channel in and also the screen would go black. You may also begin to get freezing of a channel as far as video is concerned while the audio merrily goes on.

That is exaclty what is going on, the receiver is not "locking in". And alot of times when it is locked in, and I am getting the video, it will freeze up, (not pixilize) and the audio will continue.
This sounds like the same problem you were having. I take it you had them come out and replace the HR20 that was doing such?

Paul

I have just received my HR20-700 yesterday (Sept 11).
I am coming from the HD TIVO HR10-250 also as many others.
I am using the HDMI out set to 1080i pillar boxed, NATIVE OFF.
I also don't see the delay you are referring to. If I enter the channel number manually, it takes about 3 seconds for the video to appear.

I have a question for someone.
I have read the "Tips & Tricks" and "Survival Guide" PDF's where is says" Press the REC button 2 times to set up a season pass (Series Link they call it)
When I press the "R" button 2 times, I get a screen asking if I want to stop the recording.
How is the easiest way to set up a season pass while viewing the program guide?
I was watching a program last night that was 20 mins into the show. I pressed the "R" button and it immidiatly started recording...and fast !!. Now I wanted to record all episodes of this show, but I can't seem to find it.
How stupid can I be?

Thanks in advance for the easy answer

In the guide you can press it twice, but since you are watching it, press info and that should take you to where you can setup a series link.

Yes, it actually does take 5-10 secs at times. Sometimes the channel doesnt ever "click" in. This morning, my wife couldnt get the NBC channel (channel 4 for us) to come in. It just went black, then that light grey. Didnt even do the normal "searching for channel" mode it sometimes does.
Well now I am confused. You said that you kept the native on?
WHen my wife checked, she stated it was in the "off" mode.
You suggesting trying the "on" mode?

Paul

"Something" doesn't seem to be correct. Many don't use native as it can cause more of a lag than not using it. I use it [maybe 3 sec lag].
I don't know what all you have in your system [multi-switch, dish type, etc], but something isn't acting as it should for you to have the delay, or black screen, that you are posting. [I couldn't find anything about your TV]

Mitsubishi, CRT, 55" think the model # is 55055 or something like that.

Paul

I'm not sure from that description that I'll find useful information from the web, but let me suggest something anyway. :p

Check the resolution settings on the HR20, through the setup menu. If you have more than a couple of resolutions enabled, switch off some of them. For instance, if your TV, like mine, can't handle 1080i, turn it off. HDMI doesn't support 480i so make sure that's off.

HDMI doesn't support 480i so make sure that's off.

Maybe your TV doesn't but mine does, so it isn't a HDMI issue.

Maybe your TV doesn't but mine does, so it isn't a HDMI issue.

It wouldn't be the first time I goofed. :o

It wouldn't be the first time I goofed. :o

What I like about forums like this is "everybody" learns. :D

That is exaclty what is going on, the receiver is not "locking in". And alot of times when it is locked in, and I am getting the video, it will freeze up, (not pixilize) and the audio will continue.
This sounds like the same problem you were having. I take it you had them come out and replace the HR20 that was doing such?

Paul

Yes, I replaced the defective HD DVR '100' with a model '700'. During the first hours of operation, had the same problems again (blank screen on some channels and freezing of video). I reset with red button once and, so far (3 days) all is fine. But I do expect the problems to come back..just have my fingers crossed now. As of today (Wednesday) it is operating A-OK.

VOS: sounds to me like I need to have the installer/tech come back out with a new HR20.

Just talked with the wifey, she stated its about 3 secs now, little bit better.
But she says, there has been alot of freezing up on channels. Daughter was watching Nick this am, and it kept freezing up.
Do I sense the brand new (as of 9-10-07 install date) HR20 needs to be replaced?

Paul

In the guide you can press it twice, but since you are watching it, press info and that should take you to where you can setup a series link.

Thanks alot oldschool.
I will try that when I get home.

BTW. My HR20 did a software update last night to 0x018A. I think I read here the 0x017A was the latest, so now it looks like 0x018A.

Thanks to everyone here for making this a great forum.

Just talked with the wifey, she stated its about 3 secs now, little bit better.
But she says, there has been alot of freezing up on channels. Daughter was watching Nick this am, and it kept freezing up.
Do I sense the brand new (as of 9-10-07 install date) HR20 needs to be replaced?

Paul

Three seconds is about as fast as it will get.
Freezing up, it shouldn't be doing.
Try a reset [setup menu restart recorder]
and then the "Reset Everything" [which will wipe out your recordings and ALL of your settings].
If you still have problems, yes call D* to have it replaced, or have a service call.
You have 90 days of free service calls to get everything "Right" [use it].

Three seconds is about as fast as it will get.
Freezing up, it shouldn't be doing.
Try a reset [setup menu restart recorder]
and then the "Reset Everything" [which will wipe out your recordings and ALL of your settings].
If you still have problems, yes call D* to have it replaced, or have a service call.
You have 90 days of free service calls to get everything "Right" [use it].

I concur with above info. Just be sure the install man has a new HD DVR with him. As I mentioned above, I reset my second DVR and it has corrected the problem..to date. Give it some time to correct itself..but not to much.

Originally Posted by keenan View Post
Is there a list somewhere of menu shortcuts for the HR20? For example, to get to my scheduled list I have to make about 5-6 key punches. On a TiVo you just hit "Menu" and then "2" and you're at the list. Anything like that with the HR20?

Thanks.
Hit "List" and then the Yellow Button.

I took this a step further. I use a Harmony 880 and the Harmony software allows you to build a "mini-macro" they call a "Sequence". Using "List" and then "Yellow" I created a "To Do List" button. Works great, thought I would pass it along. :)

Yes, it actually does take 5-10 secs at times. Sometimes the channel doesnt ever "click" in. This morning, my wife couldnt get the NBC channel (channel 4 for us) to come in. It just went black, then that light grey. Didnt even do the normal "searching for channel" mode it sometimes does.
Well now I am confused. You said that you kept the native on?
WHen my wife checked, she stated it was in the "off" mode.
You suggesting trying the "on" mode?

Paul

I've had my HR20 for a couple weeks and everything has been fine. While reading some were getting signals on 103(b) today, I checked mine. Possibly coincidence, but it started locking up on me when trying to read signal strength. Ever since around 4PM today, my HR20 has been doing EXACTLY what yours is. I can't even get it to lock in on channel 71 (ShoHD). It just says looking for Sat 771 or something. I also cannot get it to lock in on my local SD channels. It takes 10 to 15 seconds to lock on to ESPN.

I unplugged the unit and let it sit for a few minutes, then plugged it back in. When I plugged it in, I heard the HD start up, and the power light was very dim, then went off. The HR20 now will not turn on at all.

Anyone have a clue?

EDIT: It took a LONG time, but finally powered on and went through the normal cycle when restarting. The channels now come up as quickly as before, and SHOHD and Local SDs work now.

I took this a step further. I use a Harmony 880 and the Harmony software allows you to build a "mini-macro" they call a "Sequence". Using "List" and then "Yellow" I created a "To Do List" button. Works great, thought I would pass it along. :)

Where in the software is the option to build a sequence? I want to do something similar but can't find it anywhere. Thanks.

Where in the software is the option to build a sequence? I want to do something similar but can't find it anywhere. Thanks.

On the main page for your remote, click Customize Buttons and then the Add Sequence button. Create the sequence you want and give it a name, I chose TDL for To Do List.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/SP32-20070913-004839.gif

Go back to the Customize Button page and select "Sequence" for the device and then the associated Command. In my case the only one I've done is TDL. This is for the soft buttons on the 880. I don't know if it works with other models, but any that have soft buttons I believe it would work.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/SP32-20070913-005113.gif

I tried to view my signal strengths at 3:38 am this morning. At first it said something about NFL Blitz & asked if I wanted to interupt. Then at 4:01 it said it was performing a signal test & asked if I wanted to interupt? I'll try again later & if I get another message, I'll interupt see what happens. Anyone else ever see this? Thanks.

Jim

On the main page for your remote, click Customize Buttons and then the Add Sequence button. Create the sequence you want and give it a name, I chose TDL for To Do List.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/SP32-20070913-004839.gif

Go back to the Customize Button page and select "Sequence" for the device and then the associated Command. In my case the only one I've done is TDL. This is for the soft buttons on the 880. I don't know if it works with other models, but any that have soft buttons I believe it would work.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/SP32-20070913-005113.gif

I've been toying with the idea of getting an 880. To make it work with my system I need to be able to program one or more pauses in the sequence. Do you know if this is possible?

Burt

FYI, like several others, I had problems getting HD channels. First it was just my ESPN HD, which was frequently black with "can't find satellite" messages. Then it was other channels. Last week, I noticed more stuttered images, where people moved across the screen as if they were in an old movie. I have the HR20-100.

Two D* techs came. The first was useless, but the second replaced 3-4cables with another that he said were compatible with HD, and he did a slight dish reposition. After a reset, and 2 days later, all is well. So, if you are having issues like these, consider asking your techs to replace the wall-to-DVR cables. Oh, yeah, and pray you get someone with half a brain. :D

On the main page for your remote, click Customize Buttons and then the Add Sequence button. Create the sequence you want and give it a name, I chose TDL for To Do List.

Go back to the Customize Button page and select "Sequence" for the device and then the associated Command. In my case the only one I've done is TDL. This is for the soft buttons on the 880. I don't know if it works with other models, but any that have soft buttons I believe it would work.

Got it! Thanks for the help.

I tried to view my signal strengths at 3:38 am this morning. At first it said something about NFL Blitz & asked if I wanted to interupt. Then at 4:01 it said it was performing a signal test & asked if I wanted to interupt? I'll try again later & if I get another message, I'll interupt see what happens. Anyone else ever see this? Thanks.

Jim

Ah yes that bug.
I've seen it as others have and a reset is called for.

Ah yes that bug.
I've seen it as others have and a reset is called for.

Thanks VOS. I reset and all is OK.

Jim

Is there currently any way to search all programs but only HD, I have tried all the search features?

I've been toying with the idea of getting an 880. To make it work with my system I need to be able to program one or more pauses in the sequence. Do you know if this is possible?

Burt

I'm not positive, never had the occasion to need it but I believe so. There are a number of speed/delay settings with the remote, I'm just not sure how they work in conjunction with a Sequence.

I would contact Harmony and ask them, every time I've needed info/help(which was only once BTW) they are very responsive, and you can try Remote Central, they seem to have a large section on Harmony remotes.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/list.cgi

I'm not positive, never had the occasion to need it but I believe so. There are a number of speed/delay settings with the remote, I'm just not sure how they work in conjunction with a Sequence.

I would contact Harmony and ask them, every time I've needed info/help(which was only once BTW) they are very responsive, and you can try Remote Central, they seem to have a large section on Harmony remotes.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/list.cgi

I followed your advice and called Logitech. The tech I spoke to said that a 5 to 30 second pause can be programmed into a sequence. This is perfect for my needs. (I need a 5 second delay between turning on my TV and turning on my Denon receiver. Otherwise I get severe color distortion on the TV.) Think I'll get one.

Thanks for the response.

Burt

I followed your advice and called Logitech. The tech I spoke to said that a 5 to 30 second pause can be programmed into a sequence. This is perfect for my needs. (I need a 5 second delay between turning on my TV and turning on my Denon receiver. Otherwise I get severe color distortion on the TV.) Think I'll get one.

Thanks for the response.

Burt

Cool, did he tell you how to do it?

Cool, did he tell you how to do it?

No, and I'm beginning to wonder if I was getting straight information. I checked the online manual, and there is no mention of this functionality. I just posted a request for information on the Harmony FAQ thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654853&page=49

I hope I can get additional information there.

Burt

Ah yes that bug.
I've seen it as others have and a reset is called for.

Just out of curiosity (I just got finished doing a reset on an HR20-100), do we know what is causing it?

No, and I'm beginning to wonder if I was getting straight information. I checked the online manual, and there is no mention of this functionality. I just posted a request for information on the Harmony FAQ thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654853&page=49

I hope I can get additional information there.

Burt

Wow, that thread is huge. I'm pretty sure it can be done, when setting up the individual device there are menus to adjust response speed and I believe somewhere in there is a delay setting. So if that is set on the AVR then it will be active when the AVR is used in a Sequence command.

Just out of curiosity (I just got finished doing a reset on an HR20-100), do we know what is causing it?

It seems to be [duh] a software bug that is started by going into the setup menu and looking [or trying to] the signal levels.
It has been traced back a bout of software revisions [depending on what version you are using].

It seems to be [duh] a software bug that is started by going into the setup menu and looking [or trying to] the signal levels.
It has been traced back a bout of software revisions [depending on what version you are using].

....and I thought I was obsessive yesterday looking at transponder 11 on D10!

Thanks for the info!

Wow, that thread is huge. I'm pretty sure it can be done, when setting up the individual device there are menus to adjust response speed and I believe somewhere in there is a delay setting. So if that is set on the AVR then it will be active when the AVR is used in a Sequence command.

I have begun an exchange with David at

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11614503#post11614503

It begins at post #2916. He says that delays can be set with 500msec increments.

I don't want to get too far off topic on this thread, so I'm continuing my search on the other forum.

Thanks again for your input.

Burt

I just had my sixth HR20 installed yesterday by the tech. It wouldn't boot up for about 40-60 minutes, including trying the fourth and fifth units which I hadn't yet returned to DTV. I asked the tech whether he thought power might have anything to do with it, since my house is poorly built. He said it was worth a try, so we ran an extension cord from an area of the house that was original construction.

Finally, it booted up and was running properly. I then bought a Monster Power HT PowerCenter HTS850 and connected to an outlet in the viewing room. Nothing. The blue swirl of death. Ran the extension cord again and still saw the blue swirl of death, so I hooked up again in the viewing room. An hour later it was still trying to boot up.

Then this morning the blue swirl was solid, so I tried to access the Guide. Nothing. Frozen. I reset and it came up in five minutes. I tried to change a channel and it started to switch, then froze. I reset and it wouldn't boot up for twenty minutes, so I called DTV and we tried all the things I've tried in the past. Thirty minutes later it still hasn't booted up, so I'm scheduled to receive my seventh unit next week.

This has been going on for a year! It will work one day, not the next, then not boot up for literally weeks. I probably haven't had reception more than five weeks total, to the point that we stopped watching TV in the family room and just watch the SD Tivo in the bedroom -- without any problems over that time. By the way, my signal strength is generally in the 90's.

So here's the gist of my post. Either these machines are absolute pieces of junk, or some people are able to use this machine without any problems. If that is the case, then there is something wrong with my set up, with the only thought I have being bad power. If that is the case, what are some suggestions, since this Monster Power Center doesn't seem to have any affect?
As some of you suggested, I set up a UPS on Monday. According to its display, the voltage has been averaging about 115V. That seems like enough, but the unit still hasn't booted up in four days and about four resets.

Somebody suggested checking the polarity, which I'll do, although I'm not quite sure how to do so.

A second thought is, since the power appears to be okay, could faulty cabling be causing my problem? The signal strengths are outstanding, but perhaps that might not be a true indication of faulty cables.

Thanks.

As some of you suggested, I set up a UPS on Monday. According to its display, the voltage has been averaging about 115V. That seems like enough, but the unit still hasn't booted up in four days and about four resets.

Somebody suggested checking the polarity, which I'll do, although I'm not quite sure how to do so.

A second thought is, since the power appears to be okay, could faulty cabling be causing my problem? The signal strengths are outstanding, but perhaps that might not be a true indication of faulty cables.

Thanks.

I went through four of those before I got one that worked for more than a few hours. They clearly had some lemons, and maybe like me you got more than your fair share of them. Keep insisting that they send you new ones until one finally works. I would be suprised if your problem is related to anything other than faulty units.

Hope this is helpful.

fafner

Can someone tell me how to dim the blue circle? My installer failed to leave me the instruction book (but did manage to leave my old round dish lying in the yard in pieces). LOL

Will dimming it have any adverse affect on its performance? Thanks.

After you turn the circle off, it will stay off until you get a new software update. So if you see it on again, it either lost power or got a new update.

Wow, that thread is huge. I'm pretty sure it can be done, when setting up the individual device there are menus to adjust response speed and I believe somewhere in there is a delay setting. So if that is set on the AVR then it will be active when the AVR is used in a Sequence command.

it can be done for sure. if you call logitech cs they will open your account and do it for you right on the phone. I have an eight second delay to switch inputs after my Tosh powers up. The tv power save mode keeps the panel from instantly accepting commands at "power on."

Per our discussion on here yesterday or day before:
To speed up channel changing you stated go to:

Menu
Help & Settings
Set Up
Display

did that, and forgive me for being dumb, but it just brought up:

Scrooling Effects On
Banner Time 2 secs
Language English
Guide Grid or ?

So I am not sure what to change to bring it to "native" to speed up the channel changing?? Please help me out here.

What I am finding is that this HR20 , once it goes to the channel I enter, then locks in (screen goes black) , then takes somtimes 6-7 secs before teh actual video kicks in. Maybe its not so much the channel changing speed I am trying to increase, but more the reception of the actual channel.
Whoa, this is slow, compared to the Toshiba. Is this normal , or is this just a defective HR20.

Paul
Turn Scrolling effects OFF
Turn Native ON
Turn 480i and 480p OFF (all your SD content will be converted to 720p) and if your TV is only 720p - turn off 1080i as well. The fewer resolutions you select, the faster your TV will accept the change via HDMI.

I have just received my HR20-700 yesterday (Sept 11).
I am coming from the HD TIVO HR10-250 also as many others.
I am using the HDMI out set to 1080i pillar boxed, NATIVE OFF.
I also don't see the delay you are referring to. If I enter the channel number manually, it takes about 3 seconds for the video to appear.

I have a question for someone.
I have read the "Tips & Tricks" and "Survival Guide" PDF's where is says" Press the REC button 2 times to set up a season pass (Series Link they call it)
When I press the "R" button 2 times, I get a screen asking if I want to stop the recording.
How is the easiest way to set up a season pass while viewing the program guide?
I was watching a program last night that was 20 mins into the show. I pressed the "R" button and it immidiatly started recording...and fast !!. Now I wanted to record all episodes of this show, but I can't seem to find it.
How stupid can I be?

Thanks in advance for the easy answer

Hit record 2x while in the Guide - it will add three orange dots next to your show title. Or, hit info, more info, record series.

Anyone out there who recorded Rescue Me this week? If so, go to the 15 min mark and watch the scene where Tommy and Sheila are talking... Mine had about an 8 second portion where it looked like I was watching youtube quality video... then it went back to normal... was wondering if it was my box or a weak signal - which I doubt as I have seen this a few times over the last few weeks on various channels...

^^^ No video issues but there were a couple minor audio dropouts.

Anyone out there who recorded Rescue Me this week? If so, go to the 15 min mark and watch the scene where Tommy and Sheila are talking... Mine had about an 8 second portion where it looked like I was watching youtube quality video... then it went back to normal... was wondering if it was my box or a weak signal - which I doubt as I have seen this a few times over the last few weeks on various channels...


Same as Vegas for me. I had some audio drop outs but no video problems.

Noted you post of today. Will try turning off the Scrolling effects, turn native on.
The one thing I am confused about with the 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i- When you go to each one, you come across 480i crop, stretch, pillar box, then
480p same thing, then 720p, then 1080i. Now maybe I am missing something here, but where I am at in this part of the set up, it doesnt appear to allow you to turn off certain one, and turn on certain ones. It just lets you pick crop, stretch, pillar.
You must be referring to another area of the set up, to turn on and off?

Paul

Noted you post of today. Will try turning off the Scrolling effects, turn native on.
The one thing I am confused about with the 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i- When you go to each one, you come across 480i crop, stretch, pillar box, then
480p same thing, then 720p, then 1080i. Now maybe I am missing something here, but where I am at in this part of the set up, it doesnt appear to allow you to turn off certain one, and turn on certain ones. It just lets you pick crop, stretch, pillar.
You must be referring to another area of the set up, to turn on and off?

Paul

Under the HDTV menu the Native mode can be turned on or off. This way if you are watching ESPN HD, it will output 720p since it is broadcast as 720p or if you switch to HBOHD, it will go to 1080i. Most of the pillarbox, stretch, zoom, etc does not apply to 16:9 HD shows on a 16:9 screen, I use it when I am watching stuff on a SD Set in the other room so I can get a 4:3 picture or if I want to stretch a 4:3 SD show for the kids on the cheap Vizio set I have for them - it won't stretch as well as the DTV Box.

Danman

I kind of figured that, but what messes things up is when you are channel surfing, go to an OTA HD channel, and during commercials and even sometimes the programming (which is suppose to be in HD, and usually is) I have noticed you can still change form cropped to stretch to pillar still. I thought just about all of the commericals were in HD/16:9, but maybe not.
So, are you saying that turning the Native mode on or off, will automatically pick the correct resolution?? which way is it, on or off for it to pick the correct one? Or is that a stupid question?? lol
What goes on with the fairly new HD sets with 1080p? Are the HR20's not able to go to that?

Native "on" will have the HR-20 send the program in the same resolution as it was from the supplier.
With it off, your resolution is selectable with the remote.
Turning scrolling off will only help with the guide.
Selecting native on and then only having one resolution checked in the setup menu, is the same as having native turned off since you need to select the resolutions your TV supports for the HR-20 to output each of them.
The HR-20 doesn't have a chip that can output 1080p, nor are there any programs recorded in 1080p

Wonder why the push on 1080p TV's then? I guess for Blu Ray? Or they upconvert 1080i stuff?
Always wondered, can one go more resolution than 1080p? 1620i or 1620p? 2430i or 2430p? What are the limitations? The human eye have a limitation?

Paul

For the forseeable future 1080p is only a PC, BluRay and newer HDDVD player resolution.
The push is so that when/if you ever get a BR or HDDVD, you can get the max effect.
wtbb19, you should read the info on this link. It explains aspect ratios quite well. It will not answer any questions you have asked but it is interesting to know that "widescreen" means loads of things - not just 16:9..
http://www.widescreen.org/aspect_ratios.shtml

Just swapped my HR10-250 for the HR20-700S. Hoping an experienced user(s) can answer a few quick questions:

1. How do you toggle between the two tuners as I used to be able to do with the down arrow button on the HR10-250?

2. It's probably in this thread somewhere, but what's the significance of the "S" at the end of this model number?

3. A knowledgable contact within DirecTV engineering told me that the HR20-100 has a better ATSC tuner than the HR20-700. However, my installer told me that his company no longer stocks the HR20-100. Can anyone here attest to these assertions, one way or the other?
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

Just swapped my HR10-250 for the HR20-700S. Hoping an experienced user(s) can answer a few quick questions:

1. How do you toggle between the two tuners as I used to be able to do with the down arrow button on the HR10-250?

2. It's probably in this thread somewhere, but what's the significance of the "S" at the end of this model number?

3. A knowledgable contact within DirecTV engineering told me that the HR20-100 has a better ATSC tuner than the HR20-700. However, my installer told me that his company no longer stocks the HR20-100. Can anyone here attest to these assertions, one way or the other?
Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

#1 - can't be done. You have to record each show for that to sort of work
#2 - don't know
#3 - don't use the OTA tuner so I don't know, but the 100's and 700's were both on my installers truck last month.

Tips for Tivo converts
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=69404

1. You can't there is only one live buffer. A workaround is at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65736

2. S=Silver, B=Black for the outer color.

3. I have one of each. I don't see much difference between them. They each receive a channel my Hughes E86 doesn't.

1. You can't there is only one live buffer. A workaround is at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65736

2. S=Silver, B=Black for the outer color.

3. I have one of each. I don't see much difference between them. They each receive a channel my Hughes E86 doesn't.

How did you get a black unit? I want one too.

fafner

Wonder why the push on 1080p TV's then? I guess for Blu Ray? Or they upconvert 1080i stuff?
Always wondered, can one go more resolution than 1080p? 1620i or 1620p? 2430i or 2430p? What are the limitations? The human eye have a limitation?

Paul

A 1080p display will de-interlace and/or scale the 1080i signal. Fixed pixel displays are progressive and need a progressive signal.

If i am watching a live show and recording it and want to pause it to check the score of a game and then go back WHERE I LEFT OFF, how do I do this? I tried hitting pause, then previous - got the score - then previous, then I was taken back to the right show, but it was already in real time, not where I paused it.

If i am watching a live show and recording it and want to pause it to check the score of a game and then go back WHERE I LEFT OFF, how do I do this? I tried hitting pause, then previous - got the score - then previous, then I was taken back to the right show, but it was already in real time, not where I paused it.

Basically with the HR20 you can't because of the way its buffers work. If you are recording the show you have to be watching the recording. Then I believe you will be able to hit pause and then previous channel to go to the other channel to see a score.

SMK

Basically with the HR20 you can't because of the way its buffers work. If you are recording the show you have to be watching the recording. Then I believe you will be able to hit pause and then previous channel to go to the other channel to see a score.

SMK

I tried going to my list, FF all the way to where I was, then "pause" then - channel 72 (ESPN2HD), then previous, and it put me at the live point in my show.

1. You can't there is only one live buffer. A workaround is at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=65736

2. S=Silver, B=Black for the outer color.

3. I have one of each. I don't see much difference between them. They each receive a channel my Hughes E86 doesn't.

Is the HR20 OTA tuner supposed to be better than the HR10-250? Lately, my HR10-250 has been having trouble getting a couple of stations. I have my OTA antenna connected directly to my XBR960 too, and those stations come in fine on the TV. My TV will soon be 3 years old, so I would have thought that the HR10 would have a newer tuner in it. The signal meter on the one station I was having trouble with was a solid 76 all the time on the TV. The HR10-250 signal meter was jumping all over the place from 76 down to 10 and back up. I haven't tried switching the cables. My HR20 is supposed to be installed next Tues., but I haven't had a phone call from the installer. Do they usually call first?
Thanks

Is the HR20 OTA tuner supposed to be better than the HR10-250? Lately, my HR10-250 has been having trouble getting a couple of stations. I have my OTA antenna connected directly to my XBR960 too, and those stations come in fine on the TV. My TV will soon be 3 years old, so I would have thought that the HR10 would have a newer tuner in it. The signal meter on the one station I was having trouble with was a solid 76 all the time on the TV. The HR10-250 signal meter was jumping all over the place from 76 down to 10 and back up. I haven't tried switching the cables. My HR20 is supposed to be installed next Tues., but I haven't had a phone call from the installer. Do they usually call first?
Thanks
My HR10-250 was doing the same thing on one channel (CBS 3-1)
I have an attic mounted CM4228 antenna. It was so irritating during the NFL games.
I just recently got the HR20 installed with the new Slimline 5LNB dish.
I simply unplugged the HR10-250, and plugged in the HR20 into the same SAT and OTA coax cables.
All of my troubles with channel 3-1 are gone with the new HR20! And all other channels are also trouble free (we have 8 stations). I have not touched the OTA antenna.

Yes, the installer (MasTec) called me 1st. And an automated call from D* came 2 days prior to the scheduled date to have me "Press 1" to confirm the installation.
I am glad I was home to answer that call. Did anyone else get such a call?

I am happy so far but do indeed miss the dual tuner feature which allows pausing one tuner, switching to the other tuner (with the LIVE TV button), and switching back, and the other tuner is still paused.
Why did they take that away???

Why did they take that away???

Was this feature actually present before, and then removed? I've only had my HR20 for a week or two and don't know the history.

Was this feature actually present before, and then removed? I've only had my HR20 for a week or two and don't know the history.

Yes it was present in the HD Tivo HR10-250 DVR

Was this feature actually present before, and then removed? I've only had my HR20 for a week or two and don't know the history.

Double Live buffer was never "taken away". It has never been part of the HR-20.

My HR10-250 was doing the same thing on one channel (CBS 3-1)
I have an attic mounted CM4228 antenna. It was so irritating during the NFL games.
I just recently got the HR20 installed with the new Slimline 5LNB dish.
I simply unplugged the HR10-250, and plugged in the HR20 into the same SAT and OTA coax cables.
All of my troubles with channel 3-1 are gone with the new HR20! And all other channels are also trouble free (we have 8 stations). I have not touched the OTA antenna.

Yes, the installer (MasTec) called me 1st. And an automated call from D* came 2 days prior to the scheduled date to have me "Press 1" to confirm the installation.
I am glad I was home to answer that call. Did anyone else get such a call?

I am happy so far but do indeed miss the dual tuner feature which allows pausing one tuner, switching to the other tuner (with the LIVE TV button), and switching back, and the other tuner is still paused.
Why did they take that away???

That sounds good, maybe my reception problem will clear up too. I get 14 OTA stations. I live 10 miles north the the MD border in PA and get stations from 3 different 'areas', Harrisburg, Lancaster,York PA, and Baltimore, and Washington. I get more stations that are out of 'my area' than I get from PA.

Double Live buffer was never "taken away". It has never been part of the HR-20.
I agree that the HR20 never had double live buffers, but the average person is going to say the only other HD DVR had it, and now DirecTV is forcing us to get a new HD DVR that doesn't have it. People don't really care that one was a Tivo and one wasn't, but just that both are the ONLY HD DVRs that DirecTV offered, so to replace the HR10 with the HR20, nothing should have been taken away. It was really stupid for DirecTV to not know how important that feature was, and they should have made sure it was in the specs for the HR20. As more and more people switch from Tivo to the HR20, more and more people are going to be pissed. I actually like the HR20 now that most of the bugs are out, but for them to not include two live buffers was just lame.

How did you get a black unit? I want one too.

fafnerYou don't unless you can find one somewhere from a private party (Caveat emptor on that because all HR20s are leased). The black HR20-100 was a limited production run. All the current HR20s being produced are silver.

but for them to not include two live buffers was just lame.

I agree. If I never had Tivo then I wouldn't know what I'm missing. But I did and I hate this new DVR. They force us to "upgrade" to get the new channels and then lease us this crappy DVR with less features than I had before. I'm just not happy with them at all. If any other provider had the NFL ticket I'd be gone!

Does anyone know if the new Tivo 3 is mpeg4 and works with the 5 LNB satelite?

The HR20 doesn't have the ability to skip forward like a TiVo does it? The only thing I've been able to do is fast forward in 30 secs increments. Is that the extent of that feature? Must be pressure from the advertisers...

Thanks.

The HR20 doesn't have the ability to skip forward like a TiVo does it? The only thing I've been able to do is fast forward in 30 secs increments. Is that the extent of that feature? Must be pressure from the advertisers...
- There's a 30 second "slip" function. It doesn't skip like the HR10 does.

- There's a 30 second "slip" function. It doesn't skip like the HR10 does.

Yes, I guess "slip" is another term for fast forwarding a 30 sec segment.

I agree. If I never had Tivo then I wouldn't know what I'm missing. But I did and I hate this new DVR. They force us to "upgrade" to get the new channels and then lease us this crappy DVR with less features than I had before. I'm just not happy with them at all. If any other provider had the NFL ticket I'd be gone!

Does anyone know if the new Tivo 3 is mpeg4 and works with the 5 LNB satelite?

When I had the HR10-250, the only thing I used DLB for was to toggle between two shows.

On the HR20, you can do that by hitting "record" on each show. Then you can toggle between them the same say you could with DLB.

Yes, I guess "slip" is another term for fast forwarding a 30 sec segment.

I too was dimayed by the seemingly inferior slip over the jump of the tivo. But my tune has changed big time. The slip lets you see what's going on. In most football plays, 30 sec is exactly the amount of time between the end of a non penalty, non injury play and the time the ball is lined up and ready to snap. But there are times where a hurry up offense can get ready in about 26 seconds. You can see this happening in the slip and come out early using the jump back button and cheat the 30sec to about 25 seconds... plus it lets you see if you favorite commerical is on :eek:

On the HR20, you can do that by hitting "record" on each show. Then you can toggle between them the same say you could with DLB.

This is much more cumbersome than the HR10. You just hit the down button to toggle between tuners, it couldn't be any easier. you didn't have to record. Recording adds several steps to the process. and it takes away the ease of channel surfing on one tuner while building up time on another.

Tried a search and could not find mention of this issue, but I do not think this is a new issue.

Anyone have issues with getting a speaker static burst when switching from non-dolby digital programs to dolby digital programs on this sat receiver? The AV receiver (pioneer elite) disables the speakers when the speaker static occurs and I have to switch from satellite to another source, then switch back to satellite for the sound to come back. On the satellite receiver, if I turn the dolby digital sound option off, then this issue goes away completely, but then you either have to manually go into the menu for each DD program and turn it on or ignore the DD sound feature all together which is a serious comprimise. It only happens about 50% of the time when switching to a DD program, but it is seriously annoying. Any thoughts or fixes for this?

Tried a search and could not find mention of this issue, but I do not think this is a new issue.

Anyone have issues with getting a speaker static burst when switching from non-dolby digital programs to dolby digital programs on this sat receiver? The AV receiver (pioneer elite) disables the speakers when the speaker static occurs and I have to switch from satellite to another source, then switch back to satellite for the sound to come back. On the satellite receiver, if I turn the dolby digital sound option off, then this issue goes away completely, but then you either have to manually go into the menu for each DD program and turn it on or ignore the DD sound feature all together which is a serious comprimise. It only happens about 50% of the time when switching to a DD program, but it is seriously annoying. Any thoughts or fixes for this?
Do you have a 700 or 100?
If you have the 100, try using the coax instead of optical or vice versa.

3743 posting here and I'd bed half of them are complaining about why the HR-20 isn't a TiVo.
It's not, and most likely never will be.
Sorry.

They should have bought a Tivo...

What does the option "Record as Set" mean?

Burt

I'm finally about to make the DTV HD plunge. I was going to switch to Fios, but DTV made such a great offer, I decided to go ahead and stay. My wife is a Tivo/DVR addict, so I want to be sure there aren't any major changes I can't warn her about.

It seems like the two big ones are the dual live buffering and the 30 second skip. The first one probably won't bother her too much (I use it more during sports - most of what she watches is recorded) and she doesn't use the second feature at all. Is there any other 'major' shortcomings of the HR20 box?

Also it sounds like the HR20 was initially pretty buggy and some people are still having issues. Are the problems pretty much resolved or is the software still a problem. Obviously the old Series2 box we have is rock solid. As long as the new box doesn't have my wife questioning this decision, it'll all be good!

With the HR20 can I link multiple eSATA hard drives together?

With the HR20 can I link multiple eSATA hard drives together?You can connect a RAID array via the eSATA port.

What does the option "Record as Set" mean?

Burt
If you are at that point in the record menu, you look to the middle of the screen and see you options for start and end times, etc. Once you like your options, you "record as set". If you don't plan on monkeying with any overruns, just hit record while you are either wathcing the show or from the TV guide and you will bypass that screen.

Greetings all,

Several months ago, I posted about a problem with using HDMI to connect my HR20-700 to my Olevia 537H TV. Back then I had the following problem:

Turn on TV - watch HD programming with HDMI - no problem

Turn on TV - watch SD with HDMI - no problem

Switch from SD to HD - no problem

Switch from HD to SD - doesn't work.

I got around this by using component cables for watch SD and HDMI for HD. Now HDMI doesn't work at all - it seems to have gone out with the last firmware update, although I can't prove that. I've tried the following:

Different cable - didn't work
Attached upconverting DVD player - works fine
RBR'ed receiver twice - didn't work
Removed all other output cables except HDMI - didn't work.

I contacted D* customer service - they ran me through the RBR routine and had me turn native off and turn off all SD resolutions. Neither of those things worked and they refused to consider the possiblility of problems with the receiver unless I paid $70 for a service call. I don't want to pay that just to have somebody tell me it doesn't work, so they gave up and told me to just use component.

I've seen a lot of posts on the D* technical support forums about this subject, but never any solid solutions. Apparently, D* has just been saying "try the next firmware upgrade" since at least January 2006, but has never fixed the problem. I get good results with the component cables, but it would be nice if the HR20-700 worked as advertised.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

JT01