OTA will not work on a box not sub'd to D* and connected to a dish.

Order a Samsung DTB-H260F online for $170 and free shipping from ABT Electronics dot com. Or look here (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=samsung+dtb-h260f).

OTA WILL work on any non-DVR D* box. I've watched it myself without an antenna hooked up. You just won't get programming information.

Deezul

Unless you subscribe to D*, OTA will not work on the latest D* models:
H20 (non-DVR)
HR20 (DVR)

OTA will not work on the H20 without a subscription. Only the units older than the H10 will work. The $299 and $99 prices are up front lease fees on subsidized receivers. Those are not purchase prices and you will not own the receivers. They must be activated and must be returned if leaving D*.

The old Sony's like the HD300 will tune ATSC & NTSC OTA, as well as NTSC unencrypted cable, without a D* subscription. If connected to a dish, they will get the guide as well plus a few info-type D* channels. All signal strength readings are available too.

True, UncD2000. I also have an old Samsung TS160 and a Samsung TS360 and both work with no D* sub. And you still have a guide on these receivers, if your local channels are providing guide data via PSIP. Just tell the box in the dish setup: "NO DISH." These two models do require that an access card be inserted in the receiver, but the card doesn't have to be an active card.

OTA no longer works on ANY new model D*/OTA HD tuners.
You must sub to D* to get them to work for OTA.

True, UncD2000. I also have an old Samsung TS160 and a Samsung TS360 and both work with no D* sub. And you still have a guide on these receivers, if your local channels are providing guide data via PSIP. Just tell the box in the dish setup: "NO DISH." These two models do require that an access card be inserted in the receiver, but the card doesn't have to be an active card.
OTA no longer works on ANY new model D*/OTA HD tuners.
You must sub to D* to get them to work for OTA.
Gee, could this be because they"re made by D*, while the others are made by someone else [with their name on them]?

I must have aimed that new 5 lnb well. We had a huge rain storm and the locals never missed a beat. I did follow the directions carefully....but it can't hurt to get a bit lucky....

Gee, could this be because they"re made by D*...?D* doesn't make receivers.

Got an automated phone call from D* tonight stating that the HR10-250 HD Tivo needs to call in to be updated for the early arrival of DST Sunday. The HR20 should take care of this automatically.

D* doesn't make receivers.
Your right, but they do "have them made" for themselves [meaning the unit don't say: PACE, LG, or Thompson on them].

Well okay then, so much for the HR-20 idea.

"The $299 and $99 prices are up front lease fees on subsidized receivers. Those are not purchase prices and you will not own the receivers. They must be activated and must be returned if leaving D*. "

Rent. Sheesh. "You must comply. Resistance is futile." Sheesh.

I won't have anything in my home that I don't own and won't be throttled by any company whose job *should be* to serve the customer.

Well la-te-da for those swines. Not me. I had D* 6 or 7 years ago - 9 movie channels and 31 music channels only - $14.95 a month. I called and had them suspend (but not cancel) my account for a year or two as I was building a new house (myself) and temporarily moved in with my fiancee. Well, 3 years later when I called to re-connect they said I owed them $300+ in unpaid charges and penalties. Tried to explain their screw up and got collector threats - told them gth.

"While I may link to and mention products as examples, I don't recommend specific products. "

No worries there, just looking for some friendly suggestions.

"The old Sony's like the HD300 will tune ATSC & NTSC OTA, as well as NTSC unencrypted cable, without a D* subscription. If connected to a dish, they will get the guide as well plus a few info-type D* channels. All signal strength readings are available too. "

"I also have an old Samsung TS160 and a Samsung TS360 and both work with no D* sub. And you still have a guide on these receivers, if your local channels are providing guide data via PSIP. Just tell the box in the dish setup: "NO DISH." These two models do require that an access card be inserted in the receiver, but the card doesn't have to be an active card."

The $170 Samsung tuner I was looking for evidently has a problem displaying info on anything less than HDTVs - which I've been barred from buying (less I ensure 1/marital bliss) until I finish the house I'm building now. Plus, they're on backorder at ABT for 6 weeks.

Do any of these older rigs listed above rate an ebay search? I do need a fairly sensitive tuner and component / s-video out.

I've also recently found out that the mandate includes "All vcr or dvd recorders with tuners will have ATSC tuners after March 1st 2007" or something to that effect. Maybe I should just wait a month or two until BB, CC and others give up on selling their stocks of NTSC rigs?

Maybe I'll stop by and tell them resistance is futile.

KC

Rent. Sheesh. "You must comply. Resistance is futile." Sheesh.

I won't have anything in my home that I don't own and won't be throttled by any company whose job *should be* to serve the customer.

If you sub to D*, leasing is really the way to go, considering that many of their latest boxes are not reliable at all and require periodic replacement. With leasing, any time a box malfunctions (including power surges or lightning strikes), you just call D* and they FedEx you a replacement at no charge. And the replacement includes a prepaid return shipping label for the old box. If you own the box and it goes belly-up, you're SOL. And since the new boxes now become doorstops if you end your D* subscription, there's no reason to own one.

The monthly cost of leasing is the same as owning. D* does not charge an extra fee for the first box. And the lease fee for each add'l box is the same as the "mirroring" fee charged for add'l boxes you own.

If you sub to D*, leasing is really the way to go, considering that many of their latest boxes are not reliable at all and require periodic replacement. With leasing, any time a box malfunctions (including power surges or lightning strikes), you just call D* and they FedEx you a replacement at no charge. And the replacement includes a prepaid return shipping label for the old box. If you own the box and it goes belly-up, you're SOL. And since the new boxes now become doorstops if you end your D* subscription, there's no reason to own one.
The monthly cost of leasing is the same as owning. D* does not charge an extra fee for the first box. And the lease fee for each add'l box is the same as the "mirroring" fee charged for add'l boxes you own.
"IF" there was a "downside", it would be the "up front" cost for the "privilege" to lease. Some have used this argument to get the units for free.

VOS, got the HR20 today. I like it except for the OTA tuner, which is lame, compared to the H20-600. With the H20-600, I could get stations from two DMAs without having to move the antenna rotor. But no-can-do with the HR20.

VOS, got the HR20 today. I like it except for the OTA tuner, which is lame, compared to the H20-600. With the H20-600, I could get stations from two DMAs without having to move the antenna rotor. But no-can-do with the HR20.
The weakest part is the OTA tuner. I found this out back in Dec. when it first became active. Didn't I PM you about it? It isn't as good as the H20-600 & maybe just below the H20-100.
Hasan on DBStalk is a wiz for squeezing the max out of this dynamically challenged tuner. He has tweaks for attenuator setting, line lengths, etc. He spent hours with all of his "tricks" to find the "sweet spot" [more like a dot]. Good guy that's "done all of the homework" for this & likes to help [like us].
Here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=81500

VOS, yes, you mentioned in the past that the OTA tuners were the weak link in this product. I had also read about poor OTA tuner performance in fringe areas.

But I was hoping it wouldn't affect my reception....<sigh>

Thanks for the Hasan link!

NOTE: Unless one lives a long way from the TV transmitters, this shouldn't be an issue.

NEW BETA SOFTWARE UPDATE - SAT and SUN 11p-2:30aEST

visit www.dbstalk.com
and the cutting edge thread for more info.
The last update gave the option to have the guide scroll or just instant change, choose # of frames in scroll, one touch guide option, play list sort options remembered upon exit.

Guide data saved after reboots, does not have to reuild as in the past.

This update is touch up of the last update.

NEW BETA SOFTWARE UPDATE - SAT and SUN 11p-2:30aEST
visit www.dbstalk.com
and the cutting edge thread for more info.
The last update gave the option to have the guide scroll or just instant change, choose # of frames in scroll, one touch guide option, play list sort options remembered upon exit.
Guide data saved after reboots, does not have to reuild as in the past.
This update is touch up of the last update.
While "we" welcome anybody to participate in CE releases, "we" do ask that if you do that you do it completely & list any issues, bugs, etc. that you find. This is the point of CE releases & not to just "have the newest" toys.
Your welcome to join, please go "whole hog" if you do.... :)

Where is my Program Grid!! I want it NOW!!!!
[tyro breaks down in tears of frustration]

Where is my Program Grid!! I want it NOW!!!!
[tyro breaks down in tears of frustration]

If you ,move the cursor all the way to the left, that is highlight the channel so that the information channel says, for instance, CNN has lots of news or however it describes that channle, and press "INFO" you will get all of the upcoming programs for that channel, not quite as neat as on the real TIVO's, but it is effective.

:)

While "we" welcome anybody to participate in CE releases, "we" do ask that if you do that you do it completely & list any issues, bugs, etc. that you find. This is the point of CE releases & not to just "have the newest" toys.
Your welcome to join, please go "whole hog" if you do.... :)

Any idea when the latest beta is going to become the new alpha???
:)

Any idea when the latest beta is going to become the new alpha???
:)
You must mean "national" release as alpha testing is done before beta testing.
What I think their waiting on is: a week or so to see if there are any bugs to show up & where they want to put "our secret menu".
D* had some releases that would show the defects after about a week.
The last two have been pretty good, so maybe not this Tuesday, but maybe next Tuesday, would be "a" guess. :)

You have that right. It wasn't active until a software up date in Dec. & then we found the tuner is "weak" compared to others...Is the HR20 made by several different companies? If so, is one "better" than the others??

Is the HR20 made by several different companies? If so, is one "better" than the others??
PACE is the sole manufacturer at this time.

PACE is the sole manufacturer at this time.Many thanks!

The weakest part is the OTA tuner. I found this out back in Dec. when it first became active. Didn't I PM you about it? It isn't as good as the H20-600 & maybe just below the H20-100.
Hasan on DBStalk is a wiz for squeezing the max out of this dynamically challenged tuner. He has tweaks for attenuator setting, line lengths, etc. He spent hours with all of his "tricks" to find the "sweet spot" [more like a dot]. Good guy that's "done all of the homework" for this & likes to help [like us].
Here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=81500

How does the OTA tuner compare to the HR10-250? That box is known to have a super-weak tuner so I was going to get the HR20 to improve my OTA reception...

How does the OTA tuner compare to the HR10-250? That box is known to have a super-weak tuner so I was going to get the HR20 to improve my OTA reception...No problems with my HR10 but I'm very hesitant about what I'm hearing with the HR20's OTA tuner. Almost all of my TV viewing is OTA. If I can get all my locals with the HR20 then I'm fine. I'm 25 miles away from the antennas in my area. ALL the station antennas (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, PBS, MNT, Ion) are within 2 degrees of each other from my home... :D

How does the OTA tuner compare to the HR10-250? That box is known to have a super-weak tuner so I was going to get the HR20 to improve my OTA reception...
I don't have [or have had] the HR10-250, so ???
I can say that the HR20 is about the same as the H20-100.
I would "venture" a guess to say it was. What is going on is: HDTV OTA tuners are improving. Now some, like my new Sony, & the H20-600 are using the newest 5th generation tuner, and others aren't [yet].
I live 62 miles from the towers, with a mountain in between, None of my HD tuners get signals all of the time. The HR-20 & my H20-100 seem to lose signal first, while my Sony & H20-600 will still pick it up.
So it would/does come down to where you are, what kind of antenna, & where the towers are to you.
I've read posting that say the HR-20 is better than...x,y,z
Maybe not the answer you want/need, but is as "factual" as I can be.

No problems with my HR10 but I'm very hesitant about what I'm hearing with the HR20's OTA tuner. Almost all of my TV viewing is OTA. If I can get all my locals with the HR20 then I'm fine. I'm 25 miles away from the antennas in my area. ALL the station antennas (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, PBS, MNT, Ion) are within 2 degrees of each other from my home... :D
Unless there is something more that what you've posted, you shouldn't have a problem with the HR-20 and OTA.
It's "weakness" could be multi-path, where it isn't as good as the LG chip tuners for this. Tall buildings, mountains, all can give a reflection [and trouble].
Good signal strength, not too much signal strength & the reports are good.
Over driving, under driving, multi-path signals, all can have an effect on this tuner. FWIW from an "old RF guy".

No problems with my HR10 but I'm very hesitant about what I'm hearing with the HR20's OTA tuner. Almost all of my TV viewing is OTA.

My street level map on AntennaWeb looks like a freakin' asterisk, so my stations are all over the place from my house. I just had to pick the two I watch most (Fox & CBS) and hope for the best. HD signal strength for Fox (38.2 miles away) is showing an average of about 41% on my HR20, and I've had no problems with dropouts or freezing. I just ran to CC, bought this (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Indoor-Antenna-MANT510/sem/rpsm/oid/158312/catOid/-15609/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) and it works just fine. Temporary since rumor has it HD locals will go live mid-April in my market (we'll see if that actually happens).

My street level map on AntennaWeb looks like a freakin' asterisk, so my stations are all over the place from my house. I just had to pick the two I watch most (Fox & CBS) and hope for the best. HD signal strength for Fox (38.2 miles away) is showing an average of about 41% on my HR20, and I've had no problems with dropouts or freezing. I just ran to CC, bought this (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Indoor-Antenna-MANT510/sem/rpsm/oid/158312/catOid/-15609/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) and it works just fine. Temporary since rumor has it HD locals will go live mid-April in my market (we'll see if that actually happens).Not to rub it in... :D

http://www.vartv.com/images/dtv_plot_vartv.gif

Is the HR20 made by several different companies? If so, is one "better" than the others??
RCA will be manufacturing the HR20 soon. It should be a HR20-100 as opposed to the current PACE HR20-700.

RCA will be manufacturing the HR20 soon. It should be a HR20-100 as opposed to the current PACE HR20-700.Thank you, VOS...

I hope they improve the OTA tuners over the ones they put in their H20-100s. If not, they won't be any better than the Pace tuners.

When the Thomson/RCA HR20-100 arrives it is likely to have a few software issues as with any new DVR. It may be best to wait a few weeks/months and see what the issues/improvements are rather than being the beta tester

I waited a while to get the HR20-700 and *still* feel like a beta tester!

When the Thomson/RCA HR20-100 arrives it is likely to have a few software issues as with any new DVR. It may be best to wait a few weeks/months and see what the issues/improvements are rather than being the beta testerMy plan, that could be flawed, was to get the new SlimLine dish installed after the TV season. My daughter has the H20 and we use the HR10-250. We would get the new HR20 (-100) as late as possible. My thinking is DirecTV will be making a really big deal out of their new HD offerings. It'll be the Fall TV season plus the Christmas shopping season would be right around the corner. Could be quite busy for installers and low inventories for the HR20 boxes...

I waited a while to get the HR20-700 and *still* feel like a beta tester!Hehehe...

I just got my HR20 installed on Wednesday and I love it so far. Granted, this is my first dvr so I think it would be hard for me not to like it. I do have a question that I could not find the answer for in the manual. I have House set up to record the whole season, first runs only. But it shows tomorrow night's episode in my to record list, and it is a repeat. Will it put all the episodes in my to record list but then only record the new ones? Just wanted to get some clarification on this. Thanks.

I looked for this answer but could not find.

I'm looking at getting a HR20 but I do not have a phone line in the location where is will be.
Is this going to be a problem? as the tivo drv I have now doesn't require one.

jetski,
NO.

Just make sure that all of your STBs are disconnected from the phone line.

If you want to order PPVs, use the internet. It's better anyway, because it turns on the PPV on all your receivers, not just one if you ordered w/ the remote.

If you have the DVR installed, if the installer tries to insist on running a phone line, tell them, no thanks, I'll do it later. Then, forgetaboutit.

I looked for this answer but could not find.

I'm looking at getting a HR20 but I do not have a phone line in the location where is will be.
Is this going to be a problem? as the tivo drv I have now doesn't require one.

The installer should be able to run a new line for you. They did it for me at no charge and I think they even list it as part of the service.

I just got my HR20 installed on Wednesday and I love it so far. Granted, this is my first dvr so I think it would be hard for me not to like it. I do have a question that I could not find the answer for in the manual. I have House set up to record the whole season, first runs only. But it shows tomorrow night's episode in my to record list, and it is a repeat. Will it put all the episodes in my to record list but then only record the new ones? Just wanted to get some clarification on this. Thanks.
It is "common" for your recordings of "first run" shows to record reruns after an install or a reset. The guide info can take a few days until what the recorder uses to be "back filled". What you see in the guide isn't what the recorder uses.
It should "sort itself out" within a couple of days. FWIW

No phone line required for the hr20

No phone line required for the hr20


How does it receive software updates?

My direct tv tivo requires a phone line for updates.

How does it receive software updates?

My direct tv tivo requires a phone line for updates.
-------------
Software updates come down via D*'s Satellites. If you are curious, you can
get "Beta" releases during "special cutting edge downloads" There is one tonight
To see what changes it will include, please read the info at this link.....
http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=872698&postcount=1
Be sure to understand the conditions of these "special CE downloads, as explained in the link......... :)

it gets them from the dish - you can even join the cutting edge club and get updates before the rest of the population - see this link -

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82547

If you're going to use the CE read this first:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=79021

And more to the point, understand that D* will not support you if you have troubles with it...
http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=821178&postcount=1

but if you have trouble you can wait a couple of hours and force a roll back to the old version

but if you have trouble you can wait a couple of hours and force a roll back to the old version
And [since you"re a CE user] you should post any problems [there] where members can try to help before you "give up on" the software. This is all part of the CE process.
READ, UNDERSTAND, AND FOLLOW, the instructions before using. :)

What VOS said....

No phone line required for the hr20


Thanks, That is what I wanted to here!

but if you have trouble you can wait a couple of hours and force a roll back to the old version
----------------
In the case of the last CE release for the H-20, (non-DVR) the version was a
"one-way" release, meaning you could not revert to the last National release
unless you risked making a "brick" out of your box. There were a few panic posts
over at DBS over this caution which turned out to be true as per this post
from Earl..quote: Again... Sorry to have to repeat it, but it is significant.

ONE WAY UPGRADE
If you have any reservations... I would wait.
DO NOT attempt to go back to the previous version.

Report your issues in the appropriate threads...unquote
-----------------------------------
They were finally able to resolve a way to return to the previous version...This
is why you should not take these CE downloads lightly. There COULD come a time
when you cannot reverse a D/L CE version.
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=81338

----------------
In the case of the last CE release for the H-20, (non-DVR) the version was a
"one-way" release, meaning you could not revert to the last National release
unless you risked making a "brick" out of your box. There were a few panic posts
over at DBS over this caution which turned out to be true as per this post
from Earl..quote: Again... Sorry to have to repeat it, but it is significant.
ONE WAY UPGRADE
If you have any reservations... I would wait.
DO NOT attempt to go back to the previous version.
Report your issues in the appropriate threads...unquote
-----------------------------------
They were finally able to resolve a way to return to the previous version...This
is why you should not take these CE downloads lightly. There COULD come a time
when you cannot reverse a D/L CE version.
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=81338
You are correct, but the HR-20 has never been this way.
This was only the H20, that you couldn't "go back".
Tonight's shouldn't "brick" your receiver & it's a "polish" of the last and not "the first" as with the H20.

You are correct, but the HR-20 has never been this way.
This was only the H20, that you couldn't "go back".
Tonight's shouldn't "brick" your receiver & it's a "polish" of the last and not "the first" as with the H20.
Never meant to specify the HR-20-700......just "saying" you know? Trying to
impress that you can't always "reverse" these things.

Do the National Release upgrades for the HR-20 self install without you having to know about them in advance?

once the release is tested by the coders and the CE group it is normally released to the general population - sometimes the releases come so fast the general population misses a release and gets the next one - but it will happen automatically when it is released. If you turn of the blue ring in the front of the box you will know you got one because the blue ring will be lit up again after rebooting.

The installer should be able to run a new line for you. They did it for me at no charge and I think they even list it as part of the service.

The rule is 25 feet before you start incurring additional charges. The installer will run a phone line for up to 25 feet free of charge.

once the release is tested by the coders and the CE group it is normally released to the general population - sometimes the releases come so fast the general population misses a release and gets the next one - but it will happen automatically when it is released. If you turn of the blue ring in the front of the box you will know you got one because the blue ring will be lit up again after rebooting.

Good to know. Thanks much.

Dont forget night 2 of the 0x13e softwate update CE. 11p-2:30a East, dont forget to go to www.dbstalk.com
and the cutting edge thread for more on the cutting edge releases.

Recently one of my directivos started rebooting intermittently (about every 10 minutes or so). After scouring the web, it was clear that my problem was due to a software update that was downloaded a few days prior.

I called DirecTV and asked how they were going the fix the problem. Apparently they had a fix that would be downloaded at some point, however my Tivo was in no shape to download anything. They offered to upgrade me to a new DirecTv DVR. I would consider that a downgrade but I entertained the idea. The catch? Well I had to sign a 2 year extension. I was pissed, so I asked to be transferred to customer retention.

After telling the new rep this with the addition of how pissed I was that my DirecHDTivo was unable to receive Boston HD he offered the following:
- New HR20
- New Standard DVR
- Free Upgrade of my 3LNB to the new 5LNB
- 10 bucks off my bill for 2 years.

Plus I got to keep my other HDTivo.

So I accepted this deal. After all I have no other choice (NFL).

Anyway after the first installer doing a crappy job and my dish almost being blown off the house, the second installer came a week later and its now working like a charm.

Oh an I forgot to mention that they charged me for all of the previous items as well as no 10 dollar credit on my first bill. I had to call them and bitch before they made the adjustments.

I am regretting signing up for this deal. DirecTV use to have primo customer service. Now they are on par with Comcast.

So anyway, after 1 month with the new DVR I am relatively happy. My review of the HR20 to follow.

Anybody got a black one?

I just assumed they were all silver, but saw an ad in the latest Home Theater magazine for the HR20 (specifically) but in the picture it's black.

No big deal to me--my equipment rack is about 50/50 black vs. silver anyway. I'm just curious. Or, perhaps the new RCA version will be black?

~Mark

A quick list of likes and dislikes of my new HR20.

Likes:
1. The speed at which the unit responds to the record button. My HDTivo is slowwww. Like minutes slow. The HR20 is like sub second.
2. The disk capacity indicator - I understand why tivo left this out, but its kinda nice to see the room left on the dvr
3. Much quicker menu system then the HDTivo
4. Hell the season pass (series) feature isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Not as good as Tivo but I'm not really missing the tivo season pass features.
5. Picture Quality is on par with the HDTivo. The Boston HDs look a little better then the NY feeds.
6. Love the 30 second advance button
7. The mix channels can be interacted with. The HDTivo does not support the ability to jump to channels from the mix channels.
8. Decent disk capacity

Dislikes:
1. No tuner switch feature - With the tivo I could press down and it would flip to the other active tuner. I loved this for switching back and forth between two football games I was recording.
2. Display format - I wish I could just pass the native format of the stream right to my TV. Why I have to choose the format (i.e. 72op) for the dvr to convert to is beyond me. HDTivo didn't do this either.

[edit] OK so I have now tried to set to native but my tv has a hell of a time when swithcing from one channel (720p) to another (1080i). It takes like 10 seconds for the pic to show. So I am back to good old 720p.

3. Buggy - It has frozen up a few times. Not to the point where I had to unplug the unit but where I have to go back to the menu or something like that. Its been a minor nuisance to this point.
4. No way to jump forward to the next tic. The tivo allowed me to jump ahead to the next tic mark.

[edit] holding the forward button down for a good 3 seconds works. But I have two problems with this. 1. 3 seconds is a long time, 2. I have an mx-700 and this just doesn't program well, i mean at all, into the mx.

7. Fast forward and rewind are very jumpy. Plus it doesn't have the auto correct like the tivo did when rewinding.
8. Interactive features are worthless (doesn't even save my zip code). I haven't plugged this into my ethernet network yet though, is that even supported?
9. Deleting a program is a chore. Two clicks on the Tivo.

[edit] Two dashes "--" works like a charm. No prompt or anything. This is better than the HDTivo. I take this neg back and throw it into the positive column.

So far I am quite happy. Well worth the additional HD content. As far as the menu system goes: I prefer the Tivo but I am not as disappointed with the HR20 as I thought I would be.

Anybody got a black one?

I just assumed they were all silver, but saw an ad in the latest Home Theater magazine for the HR20 (specifically) but in the picture it's black.

No big deal to me--my equipment rack is about 50/50 black vs. silver anyway. I'm just curious. Or, perhaps the new RCA version will be black?

~Mark

I'd love to have a black one. My rack was all black until the little baby came along. The silver is a bit noisy. Oh, and I hate that big blue lit circle on the front. My rack sits right next to my TV and its kind of obnoxious watching movies in a dark room. All of my other components are either completely unlit or at least much more subtle.

I'd love to have a black one. My rack was all black until the little baby came along. The silver is a bit noisy. Oh, and I hate that big blue lit circle on the front. My rack sits right next to my TV and its kind of obnoxious watching movies in a dark room. All of my other components are either completely unlit or at least much more subtle.
On the front panel: press both the < &> buttons four times turns it off, three dims it.

Heres some things you could try to improve your use of the HR20.

A quick list of likes and dislikes of my new HR20.


Dislikes:
2. Display format - I wish I could just pass the native format of the stream right to my TV. Why I have to choose the format (i.e. 72op) for the dvr to convert to is beyond me. HDTivo didn't do this either.

You can go to SETUP>DISPLAY>NATIVE>TURN ON
Then go to TV TYPE>TV RESOLUTIONS>SELECT RESOLUTIONS OF YOUR CHOICE
This will automatically change the resolution that is coming from the provider.

4. No way to jump forward to the next tic. The tivo allowed me to jump ahead to the next tic mark.

Hold the >> or << fw rv keys and it will jump to the next tick mark. Hold the key until it jumps, takes about 3 secs.

9. Deleting a program is a chore. Two clicks on the Tivo.

While in the play list, hit (-) dash key 2 times and it does quick delete.

A quick list of likes and dislikes of my new HR20.


Dislikes:

2. Display format - I wish I could just pass the native format of the stream right to my TV. Why I have to choose the format (i.e. 72op) for the dvr to convert to is beyond me. HDTivo didn't do this either.



You can select native mode from the menu. It will slow down channel changes and there is general agreement that the HR-20 scaler is a good one.

You omitted my biggest complaint: no back track when hitting play from FF. You can hit the replay button instead of play, but the first press does not retrack, it takes one or two more to get a decent retrack.

A quick list of likes and dislikes of my new HR20.

Dislikes:
1. No tuner switch feature - With the tivo I could press down and it would flip to the other active tuner. I loved this for switching back and forth between two football games I was recording.I use the swap tuner quite a bit. This will be hard to get use to in not having that feature... :(

To skip to the next tick mark hold >> or << until it skips, takes about 3 secs.

To have a correction during FF scan with X2 speed then hit instant replay button.

Dont forget the cutting edge beta software update tonight.11p-2:30aEST.
go to www.dbstalk.com
cutting edge thread for more on the new features and updates with this version.
Heres some
SOUND EFFECTS ENABLED
SEARCH OPTIONS UPDATED
GUIDE DATA CACHED SO YOU WANT LOOSE AFTER REBOOTS.
GUIDE ANIMATIONS OPTION
AMOUNG OTHERS...

To have a correction during FF scan with X2 speed then hit instant replay button.


I find that doing this does not work unless the replay button is pressed 2 or 3 times. If there is any backtrack after the first press, it must be very small.

Heres some things you could try to improve your use of the HR20.

Great info! is this documented? I must confess that I don't read documentation.

Thanks!

Chris

Great info! is this documented? I must confess that I don't read documentation.
Thanks!
Chris
Try here for some "good stuff": http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=72648

VOS....

I noted in a previous post that you said the "eSATA" is active for the HR20. I have ordered one that should be installed this Tuesday, 20-Mar. I have D*tv, and will be replacing a Sony HD300.

I would like to have additional hard drive space for HD recording. Where can I buy the SATA drive that will work with this?

Also, when they install, will all software updates be downloaded automatically?

And I have been reading comments that the OTA tuner may be weak? I live in New Orleans (very flat :) ) and all NO stations are within ~25 miles, so I don't think that will be a problem. However, I have installed a separate UHF antenna pointed at Baton Rouge to receive an NBC affiliate in HD (33.1). This station is ~60 miles away. I have these antennas combined and running through a CM 7777. Everything works really well right now with the Sony HD300, and my H20 receivers. Does anyone think the tuner in the HR20 is weaker than either of these two? I will be really disappointed if this does not work.

Thanks in advance,
John

An eSATA drive added externally will replace the internal drive rather than add to it. I believe the internal is a 300GB drive so you'll need a bigger drive to get more time. Check online prices. The "weak" tuner is normally mention as a comparison to the H20-600 which has an outstanding tuner. Combining antennas creates multipath problems which the H20-600 with its 5th generation tuner handles better than earlier generations like the HR20's. Since your HD300 works, you may be fine though. You'll need to include a Baton Rouge secondary zip code to get any channels there. The HR20 gets its channel list from a zip code based database and does not scan OTA channels. Baton Rouge sounds so much more classy than Red Stick, LA.

Well said....Greywolf
If you have the H20-100, the HR-20 should work the same.

An eSATA drive added externally will replace the internal drive rather than add to it. I believe the internal is a 300GB drive so you'll need a bigger drive to get more time. Check online prices. The "weak" tuner is normally mention as a comparison to the H20-600 which has an outstanding tuner. Combining antennas creates multipath problems which the H20-600 with its 5th generation tuner handles better than earlier generations like the HR20's. Since your HD300 works, you may be fine though. You'll need to include a Baton Rouge secondary zip code to get any channels there. The HR20 gets its channel list from a zip code based database and does not scan OTA channels. Baton Rouge sounds so much more classy than Red Stick, LA.

Thanks so much for the answer, Greywolf (& vos). I am feeling much better that my OTA setup will work now.

So if I understand correctly, this tuner does not "scan" for channels like my SD300 and H20s? And it will just populate the guide with channels from a certain zipcode?

And do y'all think that future HR20s (or its replacement) will have the capability to "add on" storage space and not replace what is there?

So if I understand correctly, this tuner does not "scan" for channels like my SD300 and H20s? And it will just populate the guide with channels from a certain zipcode? yes from their database

And do y'all think that future HR20s (or its replacement) will have the capability to "add on" storage space and not replace what is there?
Hard to say, as it isn't that easy to do. Having a drive "added" isn't like doing it to a PC [and even then Microsoft really changes the disk format to do it]. Another thing to think about is what happens if there is a failure? Not so easy...

Hard to say, as it isn't that easy to do. Having a drive "added" isn't like doing it to a PC [and even then Microsoft really changes the disk format to do it]. Another thing to think about is what happens if there is a failure? Not so easy...

Out of curiosity, I e-mailed D* about the USB ports, and the following is their response:

Thanks for your email about the DIRECTV HD-DVR. I'm sorry but the USB ports on our current DVR models are not available for networking, the TiVo Home Media Option or TiVo ToGo. Today, these features are only available on the TiVo Series 2 standalone models.

However, as you may have heard, we're preparing to launch a new advanced technology system called the DIRECTV Home Media Center. Our new Home Media Center will allow you to share, move and view content from room to room, throughout the house. It will also have DVR functionality and the capability to support both standard-and high-definition signals. We expect to have more information about this new advanced receiver soon, so please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest updates.

Our goal is to continue to expand our programming and technology offerings, in order to bring you the best television entertainment experience available. Thanks again for writing to us!

Didn't they announce this Home Media Center over 2 years ago? Is this still a fantasy? This sounds like exactly what I would love to have! What do you guys know about this?

John, their response was an old form letter we have seen in the past in reference to questions about USB ports on DirecTV with TiVo units. Some CSR clearly does not understand your question about USB ports on an HR20 HD DVR unti.

Dave, my question was really about "Home Media Center". Is there any truth to this coming soon?

John

Dave, my question was really about "Home Media Center". Is there any truth to this coming soon?
John
I think it IS the HR-20.
It is still D* "flagship" & is to be around for some time still.
There is a beta function of the network connection, where you can watch photos & play music. There is something call a "Slingbox" that I think uses the USB, & you can use it to interface with commands from a HTPC.

I think it IS the HR-20.
It is still D* "flagship" & is to be around for some time still.
There is a beta function of the network connection, where you can watch photos & play music. There is something call a "Slingbox" that I think uses the USB, & you can use it to interface with commands from a HTPC.

I hope you guys don't mind me asking lots of questions, because I have plenty :D

Now that I am getting the HR-20, and the eSata port works, I have a question. I have a 500GB Lacie USB 2.0 external hard drive just sitting around. Is there some sort of "converter" available to link these two together? Or is this even possible? :)

Cheers,
John

I hope you guys don't mind me asking lots of questions, because I have plenty :D
Now that I am getting the HR-20, and the eSata port works, I have a question. I have a 500GB Lacie USB 2.0 external hard drive just sitting around. Is there some sort of "converter" available to link these two together? Or is this even possible? :)
Cheers,
John
With some cables: http://www.addonics.com/products/io/aau2esa.asp
I haven't used or tried it so "I don't know" if it works.
Now understand: there will be 100 GB of storage "wasted" [used by] D* so your 500 will only use 400 for programs.
Also the internal will become "unused".

I hope somebody can help me ....I`m tryng to get it so the TV automatically switches aspect ratios when I change between HD and SD channels. The TV is a Sony A10 Grand Wega and its set up so Hd is in full and SD is in wide zoom. The problem is that with the HR20 set up in 16:9 it keeps getting "stuck" in Full the only way I can get it to automatically switch is to set up the HR20 in 4:3 mode. The picture looks right but I wonder if I`m missing out on something by setting it up in 4:3? Is there any other way to do it. Any help would be appreciated!

With some cables: http://www.addonics.com/products/io/aau2esa.asp
I haven't used or tried it so "I don't know" if it works.
Now understand: there will be 100 GB of storage "wasted" [used by] D* so your 500 will only use 400 for programs.
Also the internal will become "unused".

OK, I have sent an e-mail to their tech department. And if I understand you correctly, the HR20 has a 300GB drive, so only 200GB is usable for recording?

Another question: Can I use diplexers (like I do for my H20 receivers) to get OTA on the HR20 DVR? I thought I read on another forum that diplexers will not work on the HR20. Will I need a separate line from the antenna all the way to the HR20? If so, WHY did they do this?

I hope somebody can help me ....I`m tryng to get it so the TV automatically switches aspect ratios when I change between HD and SD channels. The TV is a Sony A10 Grand Wega and its set up so Hd is in full and SD is in wide zoom. The problem is that with the HR20 set up in 16:9 it keeps getting "stuck" in Full the only way I can get it to automatically switch is to set up the HR20 in 4:3 mode. The picture looks right but I wonder if I`m missing out on something by setting it up in 4:3? Is there any other way to do it. Any help would be appreciated!
Automatically would need the "native" set to "ON" in the HR-20, and then it will send the signal to your TV for it to "do the work". Also you will need to have one of the 480 [i or p] set in the resolution setting of the HR-20.

OK, I have sent an e-mail to their tech department. And if I understand you correctly, the HR20 has a 300GB drive, so only 200GB is usable for recording?
Another question: Can I use diplexers (like I do for my H20 receivers) to get OTA on the HR20 DVR? I thought I read on another forum that diplexers will not work on the HR20. Will I need a separate line from the antenna all the way to the HR20? If so, WHY did they do this?
#1 right
#2: diplexing can work for now, but when the new SATs come on-line, they will use Ka lo which will be sent down the SAT feed coax in the same frequency band as the OTA, so it will be useless.
#3 when this happens, you'll have the same problem with your H20 too.

#1 right
#2: diplexing can work for now, but when the new SATs come on-line, they will use Ka lo which will be sent down the SAT feed coax in the same frequency band as the OTA, so it will be useless.
#3 when this happens, you'll have the same problem with your H20 too.

Boy, this is getting complicated. I have no idea what "Ka lo" is. Is this for locals in HD? Is there any way to avoid this? Because I do not want the locals in HD thru D*. I wonder if D* will tell all their customers that the diplexers will not work? They are the ones that installed them in my home! :mad:

Boy, this is getting complicated. I have no idea what "Ka lo" is. Is this for locals in HD? Is there any way to avoid this? Because I do not want the locals in HD thru D*. I wonder if D* will tell all their customers that the diplexers will not work? They are the ones that installed them in my home! :mad:
OK: the "old SATs use Ku band from the SAT to your dish. The current MPEG-4 SATs [99 & 103] use Ka hi for the local HD channels. The "New" SATs being launched will carry the new HD programing & use Ka lo [maybe hi too] so all of the programing and get to you dish [the 5LNB] AT/AU 9 type. It has to come in on some frequency & since the "old" is being used, it has to be somewhere else in the spectrum. If you don't want any of the "new stuff", then you can stay will a 3LNB dish and get your OTA the old way, otherwise, you will need to simply use a separate coax for your OTA.

The add that D* sent me must be out of date. It says the antenna function on the H-20 would not work till the end of the year.

What year?.... good question.

So, in talking to D* today they wanted to know if I wanted to upgrade my H-10 to the H-20. I own my H-10 so I get the H-20 installed for $99... and the catch is?

Will my H-10 become obsolete within the next year or so anyway?

Does the HDMI Cable come in the HR20-700 box or do I have to buy it separately? If I need to get one myself where is a good online source to find one? Thanks

Does the HDMI Cable come in the HR20-700 box or do I have to buy it separately? If I need to get one myself where is a good online source to find one? Thanks

Buy it separately. Monoprice.com, who advertises on here, is recommended by most folks on here.

On the front panel: press both the < &> buttons four times turns it off, three dims it.

Thanks. Worked like a charm. Now only a couple less obnoxious lights on the console.

Does the HDMI Cable come in the HR20-700 box or do I have to buy it separately? If I need to get one myself where is a good online source to find one? Thanks

I just switched to D*, and had an HR20 installed about 10 days ago. My HR20 had an HDMI cable in the box, which surprised the heck out of me.

I just switched to D*, and had an HR20 installed about 10 days ago. My HR20 had an HDMI cable in the box, which surprised the heck out of me.

I kept my HDMI cables from my HR10-250, as they were hooked up to TVs with DVI connectors. It's been nice that when the HR20 was hooked up to a new Plasma I got, I was able to salvage that HDMI cable.

Maybe D* got smart and started throwing them in. But if they do there will be those tha are upset that the DVI-HDMI cable is not in there instead.

Deezul

Automatically would need the "native" set to "ON" in the HR-20, and then it will send the signal to your TV for it to "do the work". Also you will need to have one of the 480 [i or p] set in the resolution setting of the HR-20.


Thanks for the response...yeah I have native on and it works fine for the resolution, however aspect ratio doesnt change to what I have 4:3 set for on my TV..when I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel. It stays stuck on full. The only way around this is to put the HR20 in 4:3 under settings and tv type...I`m wondering if thats the "correct" way to do it and if i`m losing some information by having the box set to 4:3 on a 16:9 TV?

Does the HDMI Cable come in the HR20-700 box or do I have to buy it separately? If I need to get one myself where is a good online source to find one? Thanks


The one I got installed yesterday had one included, the H20 i got in november also included one

Wow! I got an H20 back in August and an HR20 in January with none either time. In fact, I even hid my own cables so that the installer would see how much I needed one.....didn't work.

(don't get the idea that I'm that cheap, though, I was paying full price becuase I didn't have much leverage or time to play CSR roulette--I just figured I could get a cable out of the deal if I was paying full fare. Guess not.)


The one I got installed yesterday had one included, the H20 i got in november also included one

Thanks for the response...yeah I have native on and it works fine for the resolution, however aspect ratio doesn't change to what I have 4:3 set for on my TV..when I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel. It stays stuck on full. The only way around this is to put the HR20 in 4:3 under settings and tv type...I`m wondering if thats the "correct" way to do it and if i`m losing some information by having the box set to 4:3 on a 16:9 TV?
When I set the HR to a 4:3 TV: the "pillarbox" option becomes "letterbox". While SD doesn't "care" I do think you would be "losing" something on the HD side. FWIW

Wow! I got an H20 back in August and an HR20 in January with none either time. In fact, I even hid my own cables so that the installer would see how much I needed one.....didn't work.

(don't get the idea that I'm that cheap, though, I was paying full price becuase I didn't have much leverage or time to play CSR roulette--I just figured I could get a cable out of the deal if I was paying full fare. Guess not.)


Yeah i think its kind of hit and miss, I had heard that they didnt come with them to begin with but started putting them in later. Maybe i just got lucky?

Thanks so much for the answer, Greywolf (& vos). I am feeling much better that my OTA setup will work now.

So if I understand correctly, this tuner does not "scan" for channels like my SD300 and H20s? And it will just populate the guide with channels from a certain zipcode?

And do y'all think that future HR20s (or its replacement) will have the capability to "add on" storage space and not replace what is there?


Thats correct, it doesnt scan for channels, which is the only thing ive found that i dont like about it. But i can live with it until or if they decide to change that function

It also seems to populate the guide with channels I don't actually receive. I suppose there is no way to hide channels with the HR20-700 like there was with the Zenith HD-SAT520 and other receivers, I'm sure?

It also seems to populate the guide with channels I don't actually receive. I suppose there is no way to hide channels with the HR20-700 like there was with the Zenith HD-SAT520 and other receivers, I'm sure?
edit your custom channel list, or edit your OTA channels in the OTA setup menu.

Look for a new national release coming tonight.

Look for a new national release coming tonight.

That's a good thing, since I can't stand when "The" is the first word in a show I'm trying to find. At least now it will be at the end.

Isn't that about the only thing changed in this release though?

edit your custom channel list, or edit your OTA channels in the OTA setup menu.

veryoldschool,

Thanks. I will try that when I get home tonight. Oddly enough, the OTA setup resulted in the perfect population of channels, so I will try the Custom Channel List feature on the D* locals they think I receive but actually don't.

That's a good thing, since I can't stand when "The" is the first word in a show I'm trying to find. At least now it will be at the end.
Isn't that about the only thing changed in this release though?
one button press guide, animation on/off, sounds on/off...

I recently got my new HR20 installed. Every now and then it breaks up into green lines for 4 or 5 seconds. Do I have a bad unit? Thanks.

I recently got my new HR20 installed. Every now and then it breaks up into green lines for 4 or 5 seconds. Do I have a bad unit? Thanks.
Probably not.
What channels?
What signal strength?
ETC....

one button press guide, animation on/off, sounds on/off...

I got the download, but can't figure out how to get to one button guide. Also, will they do this for the H20?

Thanks,

dhkinil

I got the download, but can't figure out how to get to one button guide. Also, will they do this for the H20?
Thanks,
dhkinil
From the H20 thread:
The "one press guide" IIRC: on the front panel, press guide & then press both guide & info. release. Then exit with remote. press guide on remote should now take you to the guide grid.

And yes someday the H20 will follow, but the last beta test crashed & burned pretty bad.

To access the screen that allows one button guide and the guide scroll option, and the play list sort remembered option do this...

SEARCH BY KEYWORD-IAMANEDGECUTTER
CATEGORY-ALL
WHEN IT FINDS NO MATCHES-ON THE FRONT PANEL OF THE HR20, PRESS MENU AND INFO AT THE SAME TIME THEN RELEASE.

THEN YOULL SEE THE OPTIONS SCREEN.

ANIMATIONS-SCROLLING AND PAGING
GUIDE KEY- SHOW GRID SCREEN FIRST OR CHANNEL FILTER FIRST
PLAYLIST SORT- DEFAULT SETTINGS

You will only have to do the keyword search one time, future only have to hit menu / info on front panel.

From the H20 thread:
The "one press guide" IIRC: on the front panel, press guide & then press both guide & info. release. Then exit with remote. press guide on remote should now take you to the guide grid.

And yes someday the H20 will follow, but the last beta test crashed & burned pretty bad.

Thanks

To access the screen that allows one button guide and the guide scroll option, and the play list sort remembered option do this....
What happens in CE STAYS in CE. :)

There isn't a D* CSR that could give someone any help for this.

From the H20 thread:
The "one press guide" IIRC: on the front panel, press guide & then press both guide & info. release. Then exit with remote. press guide on remote should now take you to the guide grid.

And yes someday the H20 will follow, but the last beta test crashed & burned pretty bad.


So I tried it and it did not work, but then I did the "IAMANEDGECUTTER" method and that worked. Thank you Directv for easing the pressure on my thumb. Couldn't they have thought of this like before they developed these receivers???
:rolleyes:

So I tried it and it did not work, but then I did the "IAMANEDGECUTTER" method and that worked. Thank you Directv for easing the pressure on my thumb. Couldn't they have thought of this like before they developed these receivers???
:rolleyes:
"Could they have"? sure, but it was "added" from the testing group's Wish list. FWIW
Reminds me of an engineer at Boeing and the mods to the B-17, "sure and if we knew that we could have built a B-52". A bit dated, but hindsight is everything.

"Could they have"? sure, but it was "added" from the testing group's Wish list. FWIW
Reminds me of an engineer at Boeing and the mods to the B-17, "sure and if we knew that we could have built a B-52". A bit dated, but hindsight is everything.


But all non D* brand receivers I have had did have one touch guides. Filter option added later would have fallen into the hindsight category???

But all non D* brand receivers I have had did have one touch guides. Filter option added later would have fallen into the hindsight category???
My Sony alsways worked that way.
I don't work for or have any connection to D* & if they'd asked me....well you can guess...
I don't know why they did it that way, but they are listening to us. FWIW

Going to get the HR20-700 installed next week and wondering if a HDMI cable comes with the box. If not I will order one online but need a definitive answer to get this done. Thanks

Look for a new national release coming tonight.

Got it. What "improvements" were included?
TIA

Yes, the HR20-700 comes with the HDMI cable, and component cable as well.

Going to get the HR20-700 installed next week and wondering if a HDMI cable comes with the box. If not I will order one online but need a definitive answer to get this done. Thanks

As I said before, my HR20 came with the HDMI cable and component cables as well. I was all ready to buy the HDMI cable separately, but wanted to ask they installer if he's seen a major difference in PQ before I ordered one. He immediately responded that there was one in the box, so that was a nice surprise. When I had signed up for HD with Charter, they tried to charge me $15 or $20 for the "HDTV starter kit" (aka: a cardboard box with component video cables in it).

.....I don't know why they did it that way, but they are listening to us. FWIW

Well, if they are listening, how about;

- Dual Live Buffers
- Caller ID

I know this thread will be a good resource. Hopefully we can get someone "listening" about those two important omissions from the original design.
Some flagship. Seems more like a pole-bearer or poser wanna-be, to me.

Regards,
Frank

Well, if they are listening, how about;

- Dual Live Buffers
- Caller ID

I know this thread will be a good resource. Hopefully we can get someone "listening" about those two important omissions from the original design.
Some flagship. Seems more like a pole-bearer or poser wanna-be, to me.

Regards,
Frank

Caller ID works fine on m HR20.

Deezul

Caller ID works fine on m HR20.

Deezul



Mine too.

Re: Caller ID

Ok, my bad. I won't have my unit until Monday and was basing my opinion on what I recalled from my very early research data.

Now if someone says that their Dual Live Buffers "work fine", I'll feel like an a$$.

Well, if they are listening, how about;
- Dual Live Buffers
- Caller ID
I know this thread will be a good resource. Hopefully we can get someone "listening" about those two important omissions from the original design.
Some flagship. Seems more like a pole-bearer or poser wanna-be, to me.
Regards,
Frank
Frank: it will never, ever become Tivo. If that's what you want, better get one.
Now for the HR-20 [non Tivo HD DVR]:
Caller ID [for the most part] is working.
DLB is on almost everybody's wish [or hit] list.
Improvement with 013e?
The "usual" improved stability, etc. There are a few added: sounds, one press guide, search improvement [the xxxx is now xxxx the], and you can turn animations off when using the guide.
There already is a posting about how to get into the "secret" menu. This menu will become easier to find as "the release" is straight from beta testing & in the next national D* should have found a place to put it in the menu.

Since I don't work for D*, I'm off to DBStalk to find out what's up or "new" today.

DLB is on almost everybody's wish [or hit] list.Including mine!!!

Re: Caller ID

Ok, my bad. I won't have my unit until Monday and was basing my opinion on what I recalled from my very early research data.

Now if someone says that their Dual Live Buffers "work fine", I'll feel like an a$$.
So you already don't like the new unit even though it hasn't arrived yet? Might be a dumb question, but if you've already passed judgment, why did you order one?

So you already don't like the new unit even though it hasn't arrived yet? Might be a dumb question, but if you've already passed judgment, why did you order one?

I haven't passed judgement. I figured I'd get that kind of 'knee-jerk' response (not calling you a jerk, or a knee for that matter) from someone sooner or later. I was just commenting on what I knew about the DLB. The caller ID was news to me and I'll recant.
I did a fair amount of research early on, before the units were even available, and I knew that the DLB were not available and the Caller ID wasn't addressed.
In my area, the only way for me to get HD locals is to get them in the Mpeg4 format, and of course, the H10-250 is only Mpeg2. I'm too far away for OTA and cable isn't even available. With my addiction to Time Shifting technology, the only device available is the HR20-700.
So, with that said, my only real concern was the DLB. After using the Tivo unit for some time now, it is a feature I use just about as much as the 30 second skip.

In my original response, as to "they're listening to us", I was just pointing out that if they were, the DLB would be done already. That discussion, as you may know, has been going on before the units were even released. Seems to me enough people were "talking" about DLB that it would be a bigger concern than adding some "new sounds" or "animations". That's all.

Irregardless, I'm sure the HR20 will be a nice piece, but to call it a "Flagship" (read Top of the Line) product just seems a little brazen to me. I guess since it's the only one in it's class, you can call it anything you like. Add the DLB and I'll shut up.

Regards,
Frank

I haven't passed judgement. I figured I'd get that kind of 'knee-jerk' response (not calling you a jerk, or a knee for that matter) from someone sooner or later. I was just commenting on what I knew about the DLB. The caller ID was news to me and I'll recant.
I did a fair amount of research early on, before the units were even available, and I knew that the DLB were not available and the Caller ID wasn't addressed.
In my area, the only way for me to get HD locals is to get them in the Mpeg4 format, and of course, the H10-250 is only Mpeg2. I'm too far away for OTA and cable isn't even available. With my addiction to Time Shifting technology, the only device available is the HR20-700.
So, with that said, my only real concern was the DLB. After using the Tivo unit for some time now, it is a feature I use just about as much as the 30 second skip.

In my original response, as to "they're listening to us", I was just pointing out that if they were, the DLB would be done already. That discussion, as you may know, has been going on before the units were even released. Seems to me enough people were "talking" about DLB that it would be a bigger concern than adding some "new sounds" or "animations". That's all.

Irregardless, I'm sure the HR20 will be a nice piece, but to call it a "Flagship" (read Top of the Line) product just seems a little brazen to me. I guess since it's the only one in it's class, you can call it anything you like. Add the DLB and I'll shut up.

Regards,
Frank
Not meaning to be a jerk either, I was just curious why you ordered that unit if you had so many concerns about functionality.

Just to clarify though, D* and the HR20 may not be the ONLY option for you. If you are able to receive DishNetwork programming, they have a very similar HD DVR which rivals the HR20, in fact, i would say the two receivers are pretty even. From what i've heard, they probably blow all cable company HD DVR's out of the water.

P.S. irregardless isn't actually a word- oh and i'm not trying to be a jerk here, i just heard someone say "irregardless isn't a word" recently, and thought, but i've never heard anyone use that before. :p

A couple more points behind my situation, regardless of my grammar :)

Not sure if DLB and Caller ID equals "so many" concerns, which now is really only the one (DLB) it wasn't enough of a deterrent to not get one, especially given the following (and preceeding for that matter).

I've been a D* customer since the beginning, with USSB and all, and despite (I think that's a word) all of their idiosyncrasies, I'd prefer not to switch to Dish. Although I do appreciate you pointing that out as an option.
Another point, and most key, is the fact that the HR20 cost me $20. Actually, with other incentives they actually gave me $10 to take one off their hands (but that is for another thread).
Not sure if Dish would give me the equivelant of an HR20-700, H10-250 Tivo, an UltimateTV and a Sony Sat B3 (or whatever it is in the motorhome) for free, as I'd have to replace those too in order to make the switch.

Sorry for the off-topic. Felt a little more definition was required. "Now back to your regular HR20 programming"

Regards,
Frank

A couple more points behind my situation, regardless of my grammar :)

Not sure if DLB and Caller ID equals "so many" concerns, which now is really only the one (DLB) it wasn't enough of a deterrent to not get one, especially given the following (and preceeding for that matter).

I've been a D* customer since the beginning, with USSB and all, and despite (I think that's a word) all of their idiosyncrasies, I'd prefer not to switch to Dish. Although I do appreciate you pointing that out as an option.
Another point, and most key, is the fact that the HR20 cost me $20. Actually, with other incentives they actually gave me $10 to take one off their hands (but that is for another thread).
Not sure if Dish would give me the equivelant of an HR20-700, H10-250 Tivo, an UltimateTV and a Sony Sat B3 (or whatever it is in the motorhome) for free, as I'd have to replace those too in order to make the switch.

Sorry for the off-topic. Felt a little more definition was required. "Now back to your regular HR20 programming"

Regards,
Frank
Sounds like you got a pretty sweet deal considering you're a current D* customer.

I'm a 'knee" & a "jerk', but while "they" are listening, DLB is going to be hard for them. They've been working on such menial things as having it record what you want, when you want, & be able to watch it. They've made leaps & bounds towards this & someday DLB may be a new feature.
As I've said, if you need this, then you should look else where for the present time, as there is no "set date" for DLB. Flagship or not.

My HR10 was having a problem recieving OTA programming on one of the tuners. I have the service coverage so the tech comes out, tries to slip me the HR15. "We are not alowed to cary the DVR's" he says. Not my problem, I say.

Anyway, since I have the coverage they are going to hook me up with a new HR20 and a new dish for free. Although, the box will now be a lease unit. I'm not realy upset by this just seemed odd.

Question:

Does anybody here lease a unit and if so, is there a fee for it?

Irregardless is not a word ;)

Does anybody here lease a unit and if so, is there a fee for it?
Everybody leases now. The "fee" is the same as an owned receiver. The first is free & $5 for each additional.

Irregardless is not a word ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irregardless
http://www.bartleby.com/61/84/I0238400.html
Tell them it isn't.

Everybody leases now. The "fee" is the same as an owned receiver. The first is free & $5 for each additional.

Thanks


sniff sniff bye HR10, we've been through 4 Superbowls, hundreds of football games, couple of hockey games, countles Dramas and more HD-lite than I can remember.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irregardless

Tell them it isn't.

Simple. Don't believe everything you read in wikipedia.org. All it takes is for me to go through and say it's not a word, and if that's the link you hit, bingo. I win. :p

Deezul

Simple. Don't believe everything you read in wikipedia.org. All it takes is for me to go through and say it's not a word, and if that's the link you hit, bingo. I win. :p

Deezul

Regardless of whether or not irregardless is a word, regardless works just as well. So why use irregardless? I suppose it sounds twice as negative. So I suppose irregardless wasn't a word until people starting saying "irregardless" when what they really meant was regardless. And then someone created a wikipedia entry to prove to the world that irregardless was an actual word. And now I suppose it is an actual word because this spell checker says so. Regardless of all that nonsense, regarding the HR20...

After turning off animation, setting the guide to single click, and turning persistence on sort order my machine started freezing intermittently. I had to reboot 3 times last night. Anyone else seeing this?

Chris

... Regardless of all that nonsense, regarding the HR20...
Chris
Did you mean to say, ... irregarding the HR20... ?

Wow, I don't know when I got the latest update but the menu literally flies rght now, the jump back is instantaneous and multiple pushes work great. the 30 second slip seems even quicker not sure if it is or not. I'll know when i watch a football game. I'm stoked! Haven't had a problem with the recorder in months.

The box is pretty much perfect now IMOl. (since I don't really care about dual buffers)

...
After turning off animation, setting the guide to single click, and turning persistence on sort order my machine started freezing intermittently. I had to reboot 3 times last night. Anyone else seeing this?

Chris

No. Quite the opposite. The box is now much more stable and those exact same change I did make the guide much easier and faster to use.

Wow, I don't know when I got the latest update but the menu literally flies rght now, the jump back is instantaneous and multiple pushes work great. the 30 second slip seems even quicker not sure if it is or not. I'll know when i watch a football game. I'm stoked! Haven't had a problem with the recorder in months.

The box is pretty much perfect now IMOl. (since I don't really care about dual buffers)

I agree the only problem I have from time to time is switching channels and having to hit the enter button but that is it. I never thought I would like this over the Tivo box but I do.

I just reset my antenna setup. Started it from the beginning and now Im pulling in channels I could not get before.

Simple. Don't believe everything you read in wikipedia.org. All it takes is for me to go through and say it's not a word, and if that's the link you hit, bingo. I win. :p
Deezul
I spent about 30 sec. & found two links. You picked one.
I learned that "the word" is non-standard. It's been in use for decades.
You learned what?
Nothing about language & it's nature or origins.
You didn't win...
As you didn't gain anything from this & I did.
In five min I understood more. That was worth it.
You?

More Beta testing to continue starting tonight:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=83279

VOS, I think you misunderstood Deezul. I believe he was just pointing out that anyone can make an entry in Wikipedia. You don't have to be an authority. So sometimes misinformation is posted there.

(I learned nothing from their entry, either, but only because I knew that "irregardless" is nonstandard, and have known it for decades. Whether it is a "word" under those circumstances is a matter of definition. But the entry did seem to be accurate.)

What I find amusing is how this became an issue on a forum that regularly uses "install" as a noun. :rolleyes:

Anyway, back to the topic of this thread. I'm still lurking here hoping you guys will convince me that the HR-20 is not a downgrade from my trusty HR-10. :p It does sound like its getting closer all the time, but I'm still not ready to switch. When the new HD channels finally start rolling out, I guess I'll have to join in, but so far there doesn't seem to be any reason to do so.

What I find amusing is how this became an issue on a forum that regularly uses "install" as a noun. :rolleyes:
Haha, i think that was my fault. :p

I'm quite surprised at how often wikipedia seems to be accurate due to the fact that ANYONE, as you said, can post and edit an entry as they please.

VOS, I think you misunderstood Deezul. I believe he was just pointing out that anyone can make an entry in Wikipedia. You don't have to be an authority. So sometimes misinformation is posted there.
(I learned nothing from their entry, either, but only because I knew that "irregardless" is nonstandard, and have known it for decades. Whether it is a "word" under those circumstances is a matter of definition. But the entry did seem to be accurate.)
What I find amusing is how this became an issue on a forum that regularly uses "install" as a noun. :rolleyes:
Anyway, back to the topic of this thread. I'm still lurking here hoping you guys will convince me that the HR-20 is not a downgrade from my trusty HR-10. :p It does sound like its getting closer all the time, but I'm still not ready to switch. When the new HD channels finally start rolling out, I guess I'll have to join in, but so far there doesn't seem to be any reason to do so.
Since I gave two links & the "other one" wasn't addressed....
Point #2, I now learned that anyone can post to Winkipedia.
As for #3: I'm not going to "convince" [or try to], anybody to get the HR-20.
I have no "vested interest" & it can end up being a "crap shoot". Some love it & some hate it.
Mine was crappy & now it's not.
This doesn't mean anything about what someone else would get or their experience with one.
I try to work with facts. I can test them, beat on them, prove them, etc.
Opinions aren't even in the same ball park. Everyone's got one, just like we all have of something else.... Hard to quantify, test, prove, etc... :)

Since I gave two links & the "other one" wasn't addressed....
Point #2, I now learned that anyone can post to Winkipedia.
As for #3: I'm not going to "convince" [or try to], anybody to get the HR-20.
I have no "vested interest" & it can end up being a "crap shoot". Some love it & some hate it.
Mine was crappy & now it's not.
This doesn't mean anything about what someone else would get or their experience with one.
I try to work with facts. I can test them, beat on them, prove them, etc.
Opinions aren't even in the same ball park. Everyone's got one, just like we all have of something else.... Hard to quantify, test, prove, etc... :)

Very well put, VOS... I agree completely. I've had no major problems with my HR20-700 since it was installed in November of last year, and have had nothing but improvements in the minor irritations.

Well, I didn't really mean "persuade" in the sense that VOS or anyone else should try to "cause (me to 'upgrade') through reasoning or argument" but rather that the collective reports on the board would "provide a sound reason" for me to switch. ;)

I know many are happy with their HR-20, but I'm happy with my reliable HR-10, too. I'm fortunate enough get very good OTA HD reception, so the HR-20 doesn't seem to offer me any benefits... yet. Still, I am one who always wants the "latest-and-greatest," so I'm just looking for an excuse to switch to the HR-20. So far, all the reported bugs have dissuaded me, although, as I said, slowly but surely it does seem to be approaching parity with the HR-10. :)

Well, I didn't really mean "persuade" in the sense that VOS or anyone else should try to "cause (me to 'upgrade') through reasoning or argument" but rather that the collective reports on the board would "provide a sound reason" for me to switch. Still, I am one who always wants the "latest-and-greatest," so I'm just looking for an excuse to switch to the HR-20.
I don't have a HR10-250 to compare with.
I have read MANY posts where users have changed so the HR-20 is their primary & the HR-10 is off in the bedroom now.
Now if you want DLB, naw.
If you want the same GUI, naw.
If you like [a change] a better PQ, yep.
If you want some things not in the HR10, yep.
Maybe it's time for more searching of posts/threads/forums.
I can guarantee you'll find both sides, as they are quite vocal.

Is the HR20 made by several different companies? If so, is one "better" than the others??
The RCA made HR20-100 is starting to show up in homes.

...I don't have a HR10-250 to compare with...I knew that. I wasn't asking you to make the comparison. Further, many of the people who switched did so before the recent HR10 software upgrades (making it more like a "real" TiVo), so their comparisons are a little bit of apples and oranges. I know I'm on my own with this, which is why I lurk and learn. ;)
...I have read MANY posts where users have changed so the HR-20 is their primary & the HR-10 is off in the bedroom now...I have, too, although their reasons vary and don't seem to relate to my circumstances. Of course, I've also noted posts by those who use the the HR10 as a backup because they don't have complete confidence in their HR20. Not that this is necessarily a valid view, but it has been mentioned more than once. As you said, there are all kinds of opinions out there.
...If you like [a change] a better PQ, yep...That seems to be a matter for debate. Like many things in this hobby, it's an opinion, not an objectively proven fact. I wouldn't want to take a position one way or another. I can only say it would be hard to improve on my HR10, which gives me a picture indistinguishable from live OTA through the TV's tuner.
...If you want some things not in the HR10, yep...I guess I missed those, or, more likely, they are features I don't care about, perhaps since I've never experienced them. I'm not saying they might not be desireable to others, just that they are unimportant to me, just like DLB, which I rarely use now.
...Maybe it's time for more searching of posts/threads/forums...Oh, I've been lurking in them since the HR20 was merely a rumor. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be living up to some early hopes (a much better OTA tuner than the HR10, for example).
...The RCA made HR20-100 is starting to show up in homes.Now, that's good news. :cool: Or at least it might be. Too early to tell, I suppose. But it is something I've been hoping to see.

I have no doubt I will make the switch sometime. I've been a D* customer since the dark ages of USSB and primitive first generation receivers, and I've been generally well satisfied over all those years. I also like my TiVo, but not so much that I won't switch when something better comes along. I'm just waiting for the HR20 to become "better."

I'm just waiting for the HR20 to become "better."

Welcome to "now" :D

I've got both and I use both. I'll take the improved pq of the hr20 over the dual buffers on the tivo.

Now I don't have OTA... If I did, it'd be a toss up.

BUT. With the new channels coming up, and the ridiculous wait times to get the hr20 and the 5lnb dish installed, I'd prefer to be proactive and have everything ready to go.

Both posts said well.
Didn't I say it was a "crap shoot"?
If I flipped a coin... it would land on it's edge. :)

Welcome to "now" :D

I've got both and I use both. I'll take the improved pq of the hr20 over the dual buffers on the tivo.

Now I don't have OTA... If I did, it'd be a toss up.

BUT. With the new channels coming up, and the ridiculous wait times to get the hr20 and the 5lnb dish installed, I'd prefer to be proactive and have everything ready to go.
Points well taken. :)

I am especially encouraged to hear you believe the PQ is better on the new box, although, as I mentioned, it's hard for me to imagine how it could get significantly better in my usage.

However, I am hoping/gambling/wishing that the newer hardware will be better in some way (maybe the ATSC tuner, at least).

Okay, slim chance. :rolleyes: But since 90% of what I watch is OTA and is likely to remain that way until Sci-Fi, FX, Comedy Central and a couple of others come online in HD, I don't see much downside in waiting it out, since, as you said, it's no more than a toss-up right now.

At some point, I know D* will push me to "upgrade" ("sidegrade" ?), but for now I'll continue to watch with interest as you guys act as advanced beta testers. ;) I've done more than my share of that over the years.

push, push, push...
You won't know what you're missing until to see it. :)

The RCA made HR20-100 is starting to show up in homes.Any comments on it out there??

Any comments on it out there??
"It's out."
no more [yet].

push, push, push...
You won't know what you're missing until to see it. :)
:D Hard to dispute that!

Mac,if you're in no hurry, I'd justc all retention every few weeks and see if you can get a free or cheap one and 5lnb dish. You'll be allowed to keep your tivo (just hide it when the installers show up) ANd you can keep using whichever you prefer.

You have that luxury since you're in no rush.

I've been noticing a lot of stutter or judder (most noticeable on slow camera pans to the left or right) while watching Battlestar Galactica on Sci Fi (ch. 244).

I can't tell if it is the feed, the HD DVR, or the display. I've seen it on both my Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 and my Pioneer PDP-5016HD, so I'm inclinded to rule out the display. I'm generally either watching recorded BSG or recording while watching it, so I am suspicious of the DVR. When watching ch. 244 after recording stop, it seemed to get better or disappear.

Any thoughts?

I've seen stutter or audio dropouts still on HBO HD and also MPEG4 channels.

Can't recall if I've seen it on any SD recordings.

But I saw some of it live. So that could be the feed or maybe the buffer of the HR20 is having problems that other set top boxes wouldn't have.

Mac,if you're in no hurry, I'd justc all retention every few weeks and see if you can get a free or cheap one and 5lnb dish. You'll be allowed to keep your tivo (just hide it when the installers show up) ANd you can keep using whichever you prefer.

You have that luxury since you're in no rush.
Thanks. That is my plan when I finally move on this.

I did get my HR-10 free, with no hassle, and I hope/expect to eventually get the HR-20 that way too. An advantage of being virtually a charter D* subscriber, I suspect, although it might have been just dumb luck.

Initially I planned to make the change after OTA was activated on the HR-20, then after the "slim-line" dish became standard, and now after determining if the RCA box might be better. Don't know if I'll find another excuse after that. :rolleyes:

Along the way, I concluded that I need be in no rush because the HR-20 was still going through growing pains that I had no reason to endure since it currently would do nothing for me that my HR-10 doesn't do (except provide my RSN in HD, which is nice, but not the biggest deal given the lackluster performance of our local teams and their frequent availability in HD OTA/ESPN/TNT).

Anyway, the weather is improving, so I no longer have to worry about an installer sliding off the roof (not a concern where you live, I know! :p ) so I'm likely to move to "the dark side" within a couple of months. Maybe after D* seems to be past the software du jour phase. When those new birds get launched, for sure.

Something smells fishy.

I have the HR10 with the monthly coverage. It's broke so they set an apt to upgrade me with the HR20 with a new dish for free. And sent me a replacement box (refurb) of the HR10 for free. Of which I recieved already.

Sounds like what I would expect them to do but... something is rotten in Denmark.

I better play the lottery.

Quote:
Originally Posted by VARTV
Any comments on it out there??

"It's out."
no more [yet].

I guess that's what mine is, the label in the card slot says: "HR20-1008. I haven't done anything exotic with it yet, but it time records & produces a fine picture. The remote is the "34" model & it works well either in IR or RF mode. If anyone has any specific questions about it I will try to answer. :)

Btw thanks, VOS for the help on the remote & for the "welcome" on the DBS forum. I've been lurking on that thread for a long time & finally decided to join. I also have an HR10-250 which I have used for over a year; I think I will enjoy the layout on the HR-20 even more, especially the simplicity of adding a "season pass".

John

I guess that's what mine is, the label in the card slot says: "HR20-1008. I haven't done anything exotic with it yet, but it time records & produces a fine picture. The remote is the "34" model & it works well either in IR or RF mode. If anyone has any specific questions about it I will try to answer. :)

Btw thanks, VOS for the help on the remote & for the "welcome" on the DBS forum. I've been lurking on that thread for a long time & finally decided to join. I also have an HR10-250 which I have used for over a year; I think I will enjoy the layout on the HR-20 even more, especially the simplicity of adding a "season pass".

John
So yours is a BLACK one huh?

So yours is a BLACK one huh?

Nope, it's silver- does the -1008 indicate it's made by RCA? (that's an "eight" on the end,but the installer said it was an HR20-100 when he called it in).

Could that be "S" instead of "8"? I've seen reference to an HR20-100S. That would seem to fit, since yours is silver.

Could that be "S" instead of "8"? I've seen reference to an HR20-100S

8ure enough, it's an "S" (had to use a magnifying glass to see the breaks). :D

Black is out:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=83503

And:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=83509

Nope, it's silver- does the -1008 indicate it's made by RCA? (that's an "eight" on the end,but the installer said it was an HR20-100 when he called it in).
Looks like you have a HR20-100S, made by RCA [Thompson].

Thanks

A quick list of likes and dislikes of my new HR20.

Likes:
1. The speed at which the unit responds to the record button. My HDTivo is slowwww. Like minutes slow. The HR20 is like sub second.
2. The disk capacity indicator - I understand why tivo left this out, but its kinda nice to see the room left on the dvr
3. Much quicker menu system then the HDTivo
4. Hell the season pass (series) feature isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Not as good as Tivo but I'm not really missing the tivo season pass features.
5. Picture Quality is on par with the HDTivo. The Boston HDs look a little better then the NY feeds.
6. Love the 30 second advance button
7. The mix channels can be interacted with. The HDTivo does not support the ability to jump to channels from the mix channels.
8. Decent disk capacity

Dislikes:
1. No tuner switch feature - With the tivo I could press down and it would flip to the other active tuner. I loved this for switching back and forth between two football games I was recording.
2. Display format - I wish I could just pass the native format of the stream right to my TV. Why I have to choose the format (i.e. 72op) for the dvr to convert to is beyond me. HDTivo didn't do this either.

[edit] OK so I have now tried to set to native but my tv has a hell of a time when swithcing from one channel (720p) to another (1080i). It takes like 10 seconds for the pic to show. So I am back to good old 720p.

3. Buggy - It has frozen up a few times. Not to the point where I had to unplug the unit but where I have to go back to the menu or something like that. Its been a minor nuisance to this point.
4. No way to jump forward to the next tic. The tivo allowed me to jump ahead to the next tic mark.

[edit] holding the forward button down for a good 3 seconds works. But I have two problems with this. 1. 3 seconds is a long time, 2. I have an mx-700 and this just doesn't program well, i mean at all, into the mx.

7. Fast forward and rewind are very jumpy. Plus it doesn't have the auto correct like the tivo did when rewinding.
8. Interactive features are worthless (doesn't even save my zip code). I haven't plugged this into my ethernet network yet though, is that even supported?
9. Deleting a program is a chore. Two clicks on the Tivo.

[edit] Two dashes "--" works like a charm. No prompt or anything. This is better than the HDTivo. I take this neg back and throw it into the positive column.

So far I am quite happy. Well worth the additional HD content. As far as the menu system goes: I prefer the Tivo but I am not as disappointed with the HR20 as I thought I would be.

I haven't spent a whole lot of time with the HR-20 that replaced our 10-250, so I may be missing something. BUT with the 10-250 I would use the Hitachi stretch mode on SD stuff and liked the results. Now with the HR -20 the only way I've found to get 4.3 stuff to fill the screen is with the HR's stretch mode....and it looks awfull compared to Hitachis stretch. Am I missing somethig?

I haven't spent a whole lot of time with the HR-20 that replaced our 10-250, so I may be missing something. BUT with the 10-250 I would use the Hitachi stretch mode on SD stuff and liked the results. Now with the HR -20 the only way I've found to get 4.3 stuff to fill the screen is with the HR's stretch mode....and it looks awfull compared to Hitachis stretch. Am I missing somethig?
About 200 posts on the "other" forum is what you've missed.
You're using native "on" right? If not then do.
Go into the "format" and set it to stretch [I know that's not what you want but...]

Received my unit today. It turns out that it is the HR20-100 in silver finish.
Not ever having the 700 model I can't compare, but it seems to work ok.
I'm going to verify the software version to see if it's the latest. The installer said that it would be but I'm wondering.
I'll write more later as I get used to it.

Regards,
Frank

About 200 posts on the "other" forum is what you've missed.
You're using native "on" right? If not then do.
Go into the "format" and set it to stretch [I know that's not what you want but...]

I would rather have my Hitachi plasma do the stretch for me though....
The way it's set now the entire picture looks compressed, not just the edges.

This is my first post, so if this has been discussed please forgive me, but there are too many posts to go through!

I seem to have a tough problem for the techs! Local HD channels only were pixilating and/or breaking up. I am located 50 miles north of Denver, so am well within that service area. A tech came out and replaced the LMB assembly, relocated the dish, checked out all cables, and peaked the signals. I have a 95 reading on the transponder (103 degree satellite, transponder 3 is where I think they told me the local HD channels were). He thought it must be the HR20, so I called and they sent me out another one. While waiting for it to come, I did a little trouble shooting to try and get a better idea of where the problem was, switching cables, etc. Here is what I found:

Satellite input 1 is the problem. It does it with either cable. If I remove input 1 and switch channels until it uses Satellite input 2, then it works fine. I found by selecting an HD channel I wasn't going to watch when it is breaking up, and setting that channel to record to "lock it" on Sat in 1, then the other 3 local HD channels work fine off of input 2.

I received a new receiver today and installed it, but have the same problem with it! This is the 3rd one, but I hadn't done the above debug with the first unit, only replaced it.

They are sending another tech out tomorrow, a senior one, with another new box, so it will be interesting to see what results he gets.

Looks to be a problem with input 1 on the HR20 to me, but don't know if it is cronic or with a build lot, or what. Anyone else ever see this problem?

Thanks,
Larry
Windsor, Colorado

My unit is freezing up intermittently ever since I messed with the single menu click feature. Since I entered this config it freezes at least once a night. I have to do a cold boot to get the thing going again. I tried going back to filtered guide but I still get this problem. Anyone else seeing this?

I would rather have my Hitachi plasma do the stretch for me though....
The way it's set now the entire picture looks compressed, not just the edges.
Duh, If you must read the 200 posts, then go for it.
OR you can get what you want by: setting the HR-20 to native on AND the format to stretch.
THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT for what you're asking for.
Come back and yell at me if I'm wrong, but don't do it before you have tried it, as I know it works that way even if it doesn't sound like it should.

This is my first post, so if this has been discussed please forgive me, but there are too many posts to go through!

I seem to have a tough problem for the techs! Local HD channels only were pixilating and/or breaking up. I am located 50 miles north of Denver, so am well within that service area. A tech came out and replaced the LMB assembly, relocated the dish, checked out all cables, and peaked the signals. I have a 95 reading on the transponder (103 degree satellite, transponder 3 is where I think they told me the local HD channels were). He thought it must be the HR20, so I called and they sent me out another one. While waiting for it to come, I did a little trouble shooting to try and get a better idea of where the problem was, switching cables, etc. Here is what I found:

Satellite input 1 is the problem. It does it with either cable. If I remove input 1 and switch channels until it uses Satellite input 2, then it works fine. I found by selecting an HD channel I wasn't going to watch when it is breaking up, and setting that channel to record to "lock it" on Sat in 1, then the other 3 local HD channels work fine off of input 2.

I received a new receiver today and installed it, but have the same problem with it! This is the 3rd one, but I hadn't done the above debug with the first unit, only replaced it.

They are sending another tech out tomorrow, a senior one, with another new box, so it will be interesting to see what results he gets.

Looks to be a problem with input 1 on the HR20 to me, but don't know if it is cronic or with a build lot, or what. Anyone else ever see this problem?

Thanks,
Larry
Windsor, Colorado
So, since you have "just" four cables: it is either the dish & then you say you can swap cables and it still stays on input one as being bad. [B]If you've removed the BBC [the small "boxes" on the cable input] and it still doesn't change. It most likely is the HR-20, but two units shouldn't act the same.

My unit is freezing up intermittently ever since I messed with the single menu click feature. Since I entered this config it freezes at least once a night. I have to do a cold boot to get the thing going again. I tried going back to filtered guide but I still get this problem. Anyone else seeing this?


Where do i set the single menu?


bob

Where do i set the single menu?
bob
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=704067&page=71&pp=30

I'm a long time Tivo user, and I'm still using an old series 2 Tivo with my HD set. I recently tried Time Warner's DVR. I wasn't expecting much, but I was absolutely shocked at how horrible this thing was. The main flaw in my eyes was a complete lack of any sort of management/prioritizing for season passes.

How does managing recordings on the HR-20 compare to a Tivo? Does it have something similar to the season pass manager on a Tivo?

Duh, If you must read the 200 posts, then go for it.
OR you can get what you want by: setting the HR-20 to native on AND the format to stretch.
THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT for what you're asking for.
Come back and yell at me if I'm wrong, but don't do it before you have tried it, as I know it works that way even if it doesn't sound like it should.
That's where it's at now, and has been since I initially messed with it. But at any setting I can't get the standard 4.3 aspect to enable the Hitachis 4.3 expanded mode that looks ten times better than the boxes stretch.

That's where it's at now, and has been since I initially messed with it. But at any setting I can't get the standard 4.3 aspect to enable the Hitachis 4.3 expanded mode that looks ten times better than the boxes stretch.
Now I'm assuming your Hitachi fundamentally functions as my Sony does.
If the HR-20 is in native and the format is set to stretch, then if I'm tuned to a SD channel, I can then use my TV's remote to change the format of the TV to display "it's" stretch format.
There have been many, many users that have wanted to have their TV do the scaling & not the HR-20. "We" beat this up for days, to find out what the HR-20 would and wouldn't do to a signal.
ANY HD signal or resolution setting in the HR-20 WILL NOT let the TV do the scaling.
ONLY the 480i or 480p output, in stretch format will. Then you can use the TV's format for stretch, full, wide zoom, etc.
If this doesn't work for you as it has for at least six makes of TV, I would look at why your TV doesn't do what it should. This has been proven that the HR-20 does work with these setting, to give [output] a "normal" SD 4:3 480i/p signal.
I would guess that you don't have either 480i or 480p selected for one of the resolutions supported by your TV in the HR-20 setup menu. If you haven't selected a 480 resolution in the setup, the HR-20 will never let your TV scale the image.
Have I said 480 enough times now?

I currently have the standard H20 and love it except for the fact that it runs hot enough for me to cook toast on. I have a separate D* SD received hooked to an old Series 2 Tivo, but would love to watch my recorded shows in HD.

Generally speaking, is the HR20's interface, remote control, and overall use for just watching TV the same as that of the H20?

Hey SLV77, have you been seeing audio dropouts on any of the HD channels on your H20?

It could be HBO HD or any of the HD Locals, either MPEG2 or MPEG4?

Curious if these dropouts, which are for a few seconds per hour of programming, is an HR20 thing or it's a Direct TV thing with their channels.

I currently have the standard H20 and love it except for the fact that it runs hot enough for me to cook toast on. I have a separate D* SD received hooked to an old Series 2 Tivo, but would love to watch my recorded shows in HD.

Generally speaking, is the HR20's interface, remote control, and overall use for just watching TV the same as that of the H20?


what model h20 do you have? some have been reported to run hotter than others.

Yes the general layout of the interface is the same. The remote is the same with the exception that the numbers are a little bigger, although i got to keep the old remote too, they both work.

what model h20 do you have? some have been reported to run hotter than others.

Yes the general layout of the interface is the same. The remote is the same with the exception that the numbers are a little bigger, although i got to keep the old remote too, they both work.
H20-600 run "hot" & H20-100 doesn't. OTA is MUCH better with the -600 than ANY other H/HR-20 to date.
Remote buttons changed size from the RC-24 to the RC-32 & up.

Hey SLV77, have you been seeing audio dropouts on any of the HD channels on your H20?

It could be HBO HD or any of the HD Locals, either MPEG2 or MPEG4?

Curious if these dropouts, which are for a few seconds per hour of programming, is an HR20 thing or it's a Direct TV thing with their channels.


I have not experienced any audio drop outs on HD channels with the H20. It has worked flawlessly for the 6 months that I have had it.

what model h20 do you have? some have been reported to run hotter than others.

Yes the general layout of the interface is the same. The remote is the same with the exception that the numbers are a little bigger, although i got to keep the old remote too, they both work.

I have the H20-600. Extremely hot to the touch after only 10 minutes of power on.

Thank you for the information on the interface...exactly what I was hoping to hear. Looks like I'll be making the call to my friends at D* for the upgrade.

I have the H20-600. Extremely hot to the touch after only 10 minutes of power on.

Thank you for the information on the interface...exactly what I was hoping to hear. Looks like I'll be making the call to my friends at D* for the upgrade.


If im not mistaken the 600 was the model that had a heat problem. I had the 100 and it was pretty cool to the touch.

I think you will be pleased. Ive had mine a few weeks and no problems at all until this point.

H20-600 run "hot" & H20-100 doesn't. OTA is MUCH better with the -600 than ANY other H/HR-20 to date.
Remote buttons changed size from the RC-24 to the RC-32 & up.


Im suprised about the OTA tuner. The 100 i had was pulling in stations from over 100 miles most of the time. I live in south eastern mississippi almost on the bama line and could get fox out of new orleans with it.
Pulled in signal from 60-70 miles all day and night. 80-90% signal strenghth.

I have a HR20-700 and could swear the (mostly OTA) HD recordings are noticeably softer than when watching live. Could this be? On my old UltimateTv (sd) unit, there was no difference.


bob

Im suprised about the OTA tuner. The 100 i had was pulling in stations from over 100 miles most of the time. I live in south eastern mississippi almost on the bama line and could get fox out of new orleans with it.
Pulled in signal from 60-70 miles all day and night. 80-90% signal strenghth.
Ahh...the lack of multi-path is why. If you have mountains around to bounce off the same signal to your antenna, you would then know what is good about the -600 and not so good with the -100.
Also the -600 seem to get even weaker signals than the -100.

If you want to discuss the H20 go here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=598538&page=166&pp=30

I never would have thought it was needed as the HR-20 seems to always come up over there....but there is a forum for each.

I have a HR20-700 and could swear the (mostly OTA) HD recordings are noticeably softer than when watching live. Could this be? On my old UltimateTv (sd) unit, there was no difference.
bob
:confused: I can't see how this could be. What you watch "live" goes through the hard drive [the live buffer] before you see it. What you record comes from the same....what could be different?

I have a HR20-700 and could swear the (mostly OTA) HD recordings are noticeably softer than when watching live. Could this be? On my old UltimateTv (sd) unit, there was no difference.


bob

I've never noticed this it all. It's digital, so it should be exactly the same quality.

:confused: I can see how this could be. What you watch "live" goes through the hard drive [the live buffer] before you see it. What you record comes from the same....what could be different?

you "can" see, or you "can't" see? :confused:

:confused: I can see how this could be. What you watch "live" goes through the hard drive [the live buffer] before you see it. What you record comes from the same....what could be different?

I know. I'm just seeing a difference :p


bob

How does managing recordings on the HR-20 compare to a Tivo? Does it have something similar to the season pass manager on a Tivo?

The equivalent on the D* DVRs is "Series Link" and they can be prioritized.

you "can" see, or you "can't" see? :confused:
I can see, just not type as it should have been "I can't" see...

Since the HR10 does not do MP4 and the HR20 does I now get the following stations that I previously could not get:

NESN - New England Sports Network - This was key for Red Sox games
CBS - Boston
NBC- Boston
Fox - Boston
ABC - Boston

I received the Fox and CBS feeds from NY on the HR10 and continue to get these feeds on the HR20.

And apparently 50+ more HD channels later this year that the HR10 won't be able to receive.

Ahh...the lack of multi-path is why. If you have mountains around to bounce off the same signal to your antenna, you would then know what is good about the -600 and not so good with the -100.
Also the -600 seem to get even weaker signals than the -100.

Thats one of the only gripes i have about the HR-20 vs the H-20. the OTA tuner was much better in the H-20. Plus the scanning for channels thing that has been covered before

Thats one of the only gripes i have about the HR-20 vs the H-20. the OTA tuner was much better in the H-20. Plus the scanning for channels thing that has been covered before
Well there is now out the HR20-100 and we have yet to see what the OTA tuners is like in it. It can't be worse, must be better than the HR20-700, but will it be as good as the H20-600? We don't know yet.

Let's hope the HR20-100 tuner can at least receive low VHF, which as far as I know, the HR10-700 still can't do. :eek: I'm not ready to give up CBS OTA in HD, which is transmitted on channel 3 here. :(

I think I read that channels 2 & 3 are the only channels the HR20-700 is unable to tune.
It's incredible that a product with a defect like this could have been released. If this could be remedied by a firmware update, it would probably have been done by now.

I think I read that channels 2 & 3 are the only channels the HR20-700 is unable to tune.
It's incredible that a product with a defect like this could have been released. If this could be remedied by a firmware update, it would probably have been done by now.
I thought I'd seen that, too, but I haven't paid close attention to anything except 3.

I keep reading about fixes in the works for this "known problem" in the HR20-700, but, like you, I suspect it would have been corrected by now if it weren't inherent in the hardware. Which is why I'm hoping the HR20-100 might have a tuner that works on all digital channels. :rolleyes:

Now I'm assuming your Hitachi fundamentally functions as my Sony does.
If the HR-20 is in native and the format is set to stretch, then if I'm tuned to a SD channel, I can then use my TV's remote to change the format of the TV to display "it's" stretch format.
There have been many, many users that have wanted to have their TV do the scaling & not the HR-20. "We" beat this up for days, to find out what the HR-20 would and wouldn't do to a signal.
ANY HD signal or resolution setting in the HR-20 WILL NOT let the TV do the scaling.
ONLY the 480i or 480p output, in stretch format will. Then you can use the TV's format for stretch, full, wide zoom, etc.
If this doesn't work for you as it has for at least six makes of TV, I would look at why your TV doesn't do what it should. This has been proven that the HR-20 does work with these setting, to give [output] a "normal" SD 4:3 480i/p signal.
I would guess that you don't have either 480i or 480p selected for one of the resolutions supported by your TV in the HR-20 setup menu. If you haven't selected a 480 resolution in the setup, the HR-20 will never let your TV scale the image.
Have I said 480 enough times now?

I'll have to spend more time with it....been a bit busy. I do have the 480i & P selected, and everything should work as the old 10-250 did. For some reason though when on SD channels my TV only allows 16.9 normal and 16.9 zoom. 4.3 aspect is not available to me as with the old tuner when tuned into SD channels....

I'll have to spend more time with it....been a bit busy. I do have the 480i & P selected, and everything should work as the old 10-250 did. For some reason though when on SD channels my TV only allows 16.9 normal and 16.9 zoom. 4.3 aspect is not available to me as with the old tuner when tuned into SD channels....
I don't know "your TV", but I do know the HR-20 fairly well. With 480 i/p selected as an output, native "on", & the format set to stretch [which doesn't make any sense] the output to your TV will be 480 i/p and in 4:3 format. What your TV will do with it is then up to your TV settings.
Why the HR-20 in native needs to be set to stretch falls under the WTF list, but it does work...good luck, as this is all I can give to help. "We" beat this to death for a couple of days over on the "other" forum. :)

ok, i've searched and can't find the answer. just got a hr20-700s today. i have both tuners activated, getting signal on both tuners, but can't figure out how to switch between tuners. when recording a show, and i try to change the channel, i get a screen that says "available tuners are recording, select one of them to tune to (the new channel). and all it shows is one tuner with the show that im recording. what am i doing wrong?

ok, i've searched and can't find the answer. just got a hr20-700s today. i have both tuners activated, getting signal on both tuners, but can't figure out how to switch between tuners. when recording a show, and i try to change the channel, i get a screen that says "available tuners are recording, select one of them to tune to (the new channel). and all it shows is one tuner with the show that im recording. what am i doing wrong?
Well this isn't Tivo, so you can't select a tuner. You can have two record or one record and the other you can use for live TV.
Live TV should/will let you change channels.
Now if you're not recording and change channels it does seem to switch tuners back and forth, but you can't say tuner #1 do this & tuner #2 do that.

thanks. also turned out that while i was getting readings on both tuners, one hadn't been activated yet, so a restart was in order. once done, all is well.

appreciate the reply.

Anyone else experiencing HR20 lockups after recording Nat Geo HD programming? Both parts of "Galapagos" recorded fine overnight, but a reset was needed in the morning. Then there was another lockup with 2 minutes remaining in the Bulls-Pistons game tonight.
This is the 2nd time I have had problems related to Nat Geo HD recording. The first time, it was on Ch. 77 - this time on Ch. 98.

new software download tonight 0145 is going national. It's there now & you should all see it in the morning.

Forgive me for this total newbie question...does the HR20 allow you to pause two shows at once like my current tivo setup does? I don't have an HR20 yet but will probably get one soon. I will really miss the ability to pause two football games at once if that's not a feature of the unit.

Yes and No.

It does not have dual buffers like your TiVo does and only buffers one tuner at a time. However, if you are watching a show that you have previously recorded and a current viewed show, you can do it.

The majority of people in this web-site have been begging for the dual buffer function since the HR20 came out. It appears they are working on correcting the "bugs" in the program before they will even consider making a dual buffer upgrade change to the software.

Release notes for 0x145 now up on www.dbstalk.com

new software download tonight 0145 is going national. It's there now & you should all see it in the morning.

I hope it is more stable than the last national update. It worked for a few days then my box froze. Upon re-boot, lost some functionality eg. 1 push favorite - needs 2 pushes again.
:mad:

I hope it is more stable than the last national update. It worked for a few days then my box froze. Upon re-boot, lost some functionality eg. 1 push favorite - needs 2 pushes again.
:mad:
Strange, as I set mine to the "one push guide" once, and haven't needed to redo it.
Still haven't needed, but had an RBR this morning after the download last night, when I power it up. FWIW

New cutting edge beta download Sat and Sun night by force update, 02468 after reset,
go to dbstalk.com for more.

Please read: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=79021
And: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=83916

About the CE software download

Strange, as I set mine to the "one push guide" once, and haven't needed to redo it.
Still haven't needed, but had an RBR this morning after the download last night, when I power it up. FWIW

I thought the 1 push guide was automatic - and I don't remember seeing an option in Setup.
TIA

I thought the 1 push guide was automatic - and I don't remember seeing an option in Setup.
TIA
On the receiver itself do the following:
Press and hold the "Guide" button
While still holding the Guide button, press the "Active" button
Release both buttons

Using the remote:
Press the "Exit" button to back out of the guide.
Now Press the "Guide" button on the remote to go straight to the programming guide.
Once in the programming guide, a second press of the guide button will bnring you to the filter list.

New cutting edge beta download Sat and Sun night by force update, 02468 after reset,
go to dbstalk.com for more.
This release is probably not going to happen........
http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=892012&postcount=2

Well my "upgrade" was thrust upon me today. Had to replace a Tivo that was rebooting once or twice a day, and they only had the HR-20 as a replacement. Boy, this is really going to be a major adjustment.

I'm afraid to get the answer to this, because I have a feeling it is bad news - can I program the remote so that the volume controls the receiver instead of the TV? If I have to move the stinking switch every time I have to tweak the volume, that ain't gonna cut it.

Well my "upgrade" was thrust upon me today. Had to replace a Tivo that was rebooting once or twice a day, and they only had the HR-20 as a replacement. Boy, this is really going to be a major adjustment.

I'm afraid to get the answer to this, because I have a feeling it is bad news - can I program the remote so that the volume controls the receiver instead of the TV? If I have to move the stinking switch every time I have to tweak the volume, that ain't gonna cut it.
What happens if you leave it in the AV1 or 2 position? Can you still work the HR-20?
I know the on & off for the TV & HR-20 [upper right buttons] will work in this position.

If you leave it in AV1 the D*/DVR buttons are disabled (assigned to the AV1 component).

This is a no-brainer feature for an HD-DVR. What percentage of HD-DVR owners have a DD receiver incorporated into their system - and - how frequent is "Volume" adjusted?

That's a significant number not to accomodate with a simple remote software option. 47 buttons on the remote, and you can't find a way to use Volume+ and Volume- without switching over to a fresh set of 47 buttons.

Wow, I'm really disappointed, CP95. You don't have a universal learning remote?

Well my "upgrade" was thrust upon me today. Had to replace a Tivo that was rebooting once or twice a day, and they only had the HR-20 as a replacement. Boy, this is really going to be a major adjustment.

I'm afraid to get the answer to this, because I have a feeling it is bad news - can I program the remote so that the volume controls the receiver instead of the TV? If I have to move the stinking switch every time I have to tweak the volume, that ain't gonna cut it.
look in manual under programming remote.you can program to work when you slide switctch to position or change it to control receiver volume in any position like it does as default with tv.
program remote to device > stereo to AV1
with switch in av 1 position hold down mute and select >light blinks 2x
Enter 9 9 3
hit select
volume will work receiver volume in any position.

In order to advance to the next major tick while forwarding or rewinding you need to hold the ff or rw button down for over 2 seconds. Why don't they have a separate button or single remote code that enables this feature. My MX-700 universal won't repro the long hold operation.

Anyone have a workaround for this?

Chris

My primary HR10-250 died for the 4th time - I've had d* send 3 replacements over the last couple of years. My first HR-10 is still going strong. Anyway, before I call d* for a replacement, I've tried to read though multiple pages about the HR20 but have some questions.

1. what are all these models - 100, 600, 700?
2. it looks like it's not tivo software - is this a major drawback? As I like to pause between 2 tuners and go back and forth, it looks like you can't do this.
3. what are the advantages of HR20 over HR10. I do get OTA HD locals and get HD feeds of networks from NY and SD feeds of networks from LA. Am I better off with a reconditioned HR10?

Thanks.

Anyone know if there going to increase the capacity of the Prioritizer (Season Passes in Tivo lingo) over 50?

look in manual under programming remote.you can program to work when you slide switctch to position or change it to control receiver volume in any position like it does as default with tv.
program remote to device > stereo to AV1
with switch in av 1 position hold down mute and select >light blinks 2x
Enter 9 9 3
hit select
volume will work receiver volume in any position.

Thank you, I owe you a beer. ;)

I tried that after reading the manual, but it didn't "take". Since it didn't work, I interpreted the function as the volume would always control TV volume unless you entered the 993 code - then the individual components would be controlled based on the slide switch position.

Please disregard previous rant.

But I will say that the lack of Tivo Suggestions means the product will not stay in the living room, and will likely go to one of the kids. Not a chance of converting the whole house - half her viewing (and a good chunk of mine) comes from Tivo suggestions. Wouldn't really mind the loss of the extra buffer if there was a library of programs to choose from, but to lose both, it is a major change in our viewing habits.

Wow, I'm really disappointed, CP95. You don't have a universal learning remote?

I've got a Pronto collecting dust that was used up until I got the Tivo. Once I got used to the Tivo remote (very friendly to use blind) - I never bothered to go back to the Pronto.

After spending countless hours on here, I've learned enough to confuse me much more than I had known was possible. Rather than pull another all-nighter scanning threads, thought it was time to ask those who know what they're doing.

Since cancelling my cable for DirecTV, I've still been able to hookup from my cable jack directly to the DTV input on my Vizio for quality OTA signals. However, when instead running this cable directly from wall jack to OTA input on HR20, I can't receive any signals. Does the TV have the ability to tune these signals why the HR20 doesn't? My TV doesn't have a DTV output so can't go that route.
Can someone offer any insight or suggestions? I'm cool with just buying an antenna but want to understand the logic behind my dilemma.

After spending countless hours on here, I've learned enough to confuse me much more than I had known was possible. Rather than pull another all-nighter scanning threads, thought it was time to ask those who know what they're doing. Since cancelling my cable for DirecTV, I've still been able to hookup from my cable jack directly to the DTV input on my Vizio for quality OTA signals. However, when instead running this cable directly from wall jack to OTA input on HR20, I can't receive any signals. Does the TV have the ability to tune these signals why the HR20 doesn't? My TV doesn't have a DTV output so can't go that route.
Can someone offer any insight or suggestions? I'm cool with just buying an antenna but want to understand the logic behind my dilemma.
First: what you get from the cable is : CABLE TV and since you've discontinued their service, it's basic analog cable.
Second: the HR-20 doesn't receive analog TV signals.
Third: you will need an antenna to pickup the digital OTA signals to use with the HR-20.

After spending countless hours on here, I've learned enough to confuse me much more than I had known was possible. Rather than pull another all-nighter scanning threads, thought it was time to ask those who know what they're doing.

Since cancelling my cable for DirecTV, I've still been able to hookup from my cable jack directly to the DTV input on my Vizio for quality OTA signals. However, when instead running this cable directly from wall jack to OTA input on HR20, I can't receive any signals. Does the TV have the ability to tune these signals why the HR20 doesn't? My TV doesn't have a DTV output so can't go that route.
Can someone offer any insight or suggestions? I'm cool with just buying an antenna but want to understand the logic behind my dilemma.
The HR20's OTA input directs the cable feed to an internal ATSC digital OTA tuner. Cable signals are broadcast using a different standard, NTSC or CATV. Although the cable signal is giving you "OTA" content, it isn't actually OTA because it's not "OVER THE AIR," it's coming from your cable head end in a completely different format. The only signals that the HR20's OTA tuner can decrypt come from an antenna.

The HR20's OTA input directs the cable feed to an internal ATSC digital OTA tuner. Cable signals are broadcast using a different standard, NTSC or CATV. Although the cable signal is giving you "OTA" content, it isn't actually OTA because it's not "OVER THE AIR," it's coming from your cable head end in a completely different format. The only signals that the HR20's OTA tuner can decrypt come from an antenna.

Quality explanation, appreciate the feedback.

Quality explanation, appreciate the feedback.
I'm sorry my reply wasn't up to your expectations.
I thought I'd given you the answer.

I'm sorry my reply wasn't up to your expectations.
I thought I'd given you the answer.

Sorry VOS, both explanations were helpful. thank you.

In order to advance to the next major tick while forwarding or rewinding you need to hold the ff or rw button down for over 2 seconds. Why don't they have a separate button or single remote code that enables this feature. My MX-700 universal won't repro the long hold operation.

Anyone have a workaround for this?

Chris

I have found on my MX-700 that if you hold the button down for 2-3 seconds and then release and immeditly tap the button again it works. Don't ask me why, it just does. The same thing for the advance button to go to the end of a show. Hold it down 2 or 3 seconds, release, tap the button again and it works.

Try it, you'll like it. :)

Anyone?
My primary HR10-250 died for the 4th time - I've had d* send 3 replacements over the last couple of years. My first HR-10 is still going strong. Anyway, before I call d* for a replacement, I've tried to read though multiple pages about the HR20 but have some questions.

1. what are all these models - 100, 600, 700?
2. it looks like it's not tivo software - is this a major drawback? As I like to pause between 2 tuners and go back and forth, it looks like you can't do this.
3. what are the advantages of HR20 over HR10. I do get OTA HD locals and get HD feeds of networks from NY and SD feeds of networks from LA. Am I better off with a reconditioned HR10?

Thanks.

100 and 700 are two different manufacturers. There is no 600, that's a non dvr. I think you have answered your other questions yourself.

Sorry VOS, both explanations were helpful. thank you.
Thanks, for some reason, I felt slighted last night. :)

Is there a way to change the default options for the quick record function (i.e. from Both/5 to First Run/All)?