Source:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1133&mid=134377#M134377

This date has been confirmed by Earl over on DBSTalk. An unofficial poster indicates channels will light up by Labor Day.

This date has been confirmed by Earl over on DBSTalk. An unofficial poster indicates channels will light up by Labor Day.

Unfortunately, he means the channels will lite up by Labor Day.

Unfortunately, he means the channels will lite up by Labor Day.
:D :D ROTFLSTC

Battle of who gets the most bandwith now with E* announcing 2 new sats going up in Dec07 to the 97 and 113 slots with only a 18" needed.
On these two satellites they will be able to offer the following:200 LIL Cities in SD, HD LIL to 100 Cities,1000 SD Channels, 200 International Channels. I guess every E* channel will be Mpeg4 and new subs will be going on theses slots.

The wired part is Universal and Tennis channel announced yesterday that their newer HD channels will not be ready till Q2 2008, and Weather channel annouced their HD channel will be stretched in HD on D* till they go fulltime in early 08.

looks like it will be a while till national HD channels start up looks like delays on all providers.

Maybe with MPEG4 bandwidth won't be as much of an issue as now?

Maybe with MPEG4 bandwidth won't be as much of an issue as now?

While others have disagreed, I find that the MPEG4 LIL we are getting here in Jacksonville are virtually identical to the PQ I get OTA. This for me is a good sign.

Me too, jsut had an HR20 and H20 installed this weekend and with OTA still connected very difficult to tell the difference.

The one's here in Boston could be better as I think OTA still has them beat.

Here in Chicago, the mpeg4 looks as good as OTA.

In fact the only reason why I have the antenna still hooked up is for pbs, emergencies and the weather subchannels.

I hope this could potentially mean MLB Playoff races in HD!

Depends on the station here in Charlotte.

New channels by labor day (even if unconfirmed) is good news. I'm strongly thinking about getting my HR20 now instead of later. I'd hate to have football season roll around at the same time as the MPEG4 channels launch only to see D* run low on HR20 units. I imagine a lot of HR10-250 owners will want to upgrade to (or just flat out add) a HR20 to get all the new channels. I also assume eBay prices for used HR10-250 units can only fall from here on out... might be wise to switch soon.

New channels by labor day (even if unconfirmed) is good news. I'm strongly thinking about getting my HR20 now instead of later. I'd hate to have football season roll around at the same time as the MPEG4 channels launch only to see D* run low on HR20 units. I imagine a lot of HR10-250 owners will want to upgrade to (or just flat out add) a HR20 to get all the new channels. I also assume eBay prices for used HR10-250 units can only fall from here on out... might be wise to switch soon.

I would make the switch now if I were you I did it a couple of months ago and have no regrets i actually like the box better than the Tivo box which I thought would never happen.

New channels by labor day (even if unconfirmed) is good news. I'm strongly thinking about getting my HR20 now instead of later. I'd hate to have football season roll around at the same time as the MPEG4 channels launch only to see D* run low on HR20 units. I imagine a lot of HR10-250 owners will want to upgrade to (or just flat out add) a HR20 to get all the new channels. I also assume eBay prices for used HR10-250 units can only fall from here on out... might be wise to switch soon.

The HR20 was pretty frustrating early on, but has gotten to the point where it's quite stable/reliable in my experience. I do miss dual live buffers occasionally (when I'm trying to watch two games at once), and the Tivo units have much better wishlist/search functionality. Also, if you use suggestions (I don't), you'll miss that. On the other hand, the interface is faster for many operations, and I like having native mode and all outputs active simultaneously.

Battle of who gets the most bandwith now with E* announcing 2 new sats going up in Dec07 to the 97 and 113 slots with only a 18" needed.

The question I have about this is what two satlllites are going to 97 and 113?

I was also very leery of switching.

But I ended up taking the plunge and switching my hr10 for an hr20 and got an additional hr20 for my basement.

The HD channels look better.

The machine itself is much much faster.

Native passthrough and the capacity meter are great features.

But then I never used the dual buffers, or the suggestions.

All in all I am very happy I made the switch. One thing I miss is the "backup" feature on the tivo. I am always having to rewind because I fast forward too far!

I like the hr20 better than the hd tivo too.

the improved picture quality on hd locals is just to great to ignore.

Still I use the hd tivo in the bedroom, but I'm considering selling it. It'll be worthless once the new channels are up and everyone is selling em on ebay.

But then again, a new hr20 will cost me $300 right now. Mabe I should just keep the hd tivo till the cost for an hr20 goes down? who knows....

The HR20 was pretty frustrating early on, but has gotten to the point where it's quite stable/reliable in my experience. I do miss dual live buffers occasionally (when I'm trying to watch two games at once), and the Tivo units have much better wishlist/search functionality. Also, if you use suggestions (I don't), you'll miss that. On the other hand, the interface is faster for many operations, and I like having native mode and all outputs active simultaneously.
I'll agree with this....my wife and I were abt to throw our 2 HR20's out the door when we got them around x-mas '06. They are much better right now, but their interfaces are not as user-friendly as the Tivos.

bump. Any news?

PS: The most important thread ever on AVS forum.

Looks like the launch is July 6 EDT now.
http://spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html

There is a Soyuz rocket launching July 23rd from the same place as D* and it is for the int'l space station. With all the problems going on, they may want to bump that flight up. I hope not, but just throwing out the possibility.

Test
Kmplayer

Shouldn't the title of this thread be changed to the actual projected launch date? I got all excited for a moment thinking that it was back on schedule for the 20th.

Launch blog

http://www.ilslaunch.com/blog/

updated title launch date

There is a Soyuz rocket launching July 23rd from the same place as D* and it is for the int'l space station. With all the problems going on, they may want to bump that flight up. I hope not, but just throwing out the possibility.
I don't think that is going to be a problem. From dbstalk.com

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=972040&postcount=5

Originally Posted by cb7214
... Aren't they launched from the same launch complex??The same complex, yes...just as Delta and Atlas/Centaur launches, like the Space Shelter, all launch from Cape Canaveral. But just like the Cape, there are commercial and governmental sections. The ILS facilities are not the same ones used for ISS resupply launches.

updated title launch date

Thank you!

i'm currently using an h10 ird with triple lnb dish, if i upgrade to the new h20 will i pick up any of the new hd channels with my triple lnb dish, thanks.

i'm currently using an h10 ird with triple lnb dish, if i upgrade to the new h20 will i pick up any of the new hd channels with my triple lnb dish, thanks.


You'll pick up more channels when the new channels go live this Fall. If you are in an area that has Local HD over D*, using MPEG4, then you will pick those up for now. If not, you'll have the same channels as you currently do until the addition this Fall.

i'm currently using an h10 ird with triple lnb dish, if i upgrade to the new h20 will i pick up any of the new hd channels with my triple lnb dish, thanks.No. Not with the triple LNB dish. You'll need the 5LNB dish for local MPEG4 and new national MPEG4 HD channels.

Anyone else like me, waiting to make sure the launch goes ok before ordering a HR20?!

Anyone else like me, waiting to make sure the launch goes ok before ordering a HR20?!
Well, there is a thought out there that if you wait for the new HD channels to go live there may be a large demand and then you'll be faced with a delay of available equipment/installers.

Anyone else like me, waiting to make sure the launch goes ok before ordering a HR20?!

I am waiting: I have several receivers and 2 DVR's that need to be changed out

Anyone else like me, waiting to make sure the launch goes ok before ordering a HR20?!

Why wait? It is just a matter of time I would think you would want to get it done and be ready for when the channels launch

there are 3 issues for me:

-D* will not promise me a Slimline dish: I would hate for the installer to show up with anything else: I figure the longer I wait, the more certain he will bring a Slimline dish

-I have no way to archive some HD movies on my HR10-250's I want to save

-I am thinking I can get a better price if I wait?

there are 3 issues for me:

-D* will not promise me a Slimline dish: I would hate for the installer to show up with anything else: I figure the longer I wait, the more certain he will bring a Slimline dish

-I have no way to archive some HD movies on my HR10-250's I want to save

-I am thinking I can get a better price if I wait?


I just got one for the price of shipping. 20 dollars.

Also I think that the slimline is the only 5 lnb dish they are using now.

there are 3 issues for me:

-D* will not promise me a Slimline dish: I would hate for the installer to show up with anything else: I figure the longer I wait, the more certain he will bring a Slimline dish

-I have no way to archive some HD movies on my HR10-250's I want to save

-I am thinking I can get a better price if I wait?

I believe you will get the Slimline dish

You can still use your Tivo box

Price that one you will have to call in a few times to get your best deal

Well, there is a thought out there that if you wait for the new HD channels to go live there may be a large demand and then you'll be faced with a delay of available equipment/installers.

I would suspect that to be true. I've swapped out my HR10 for the HR20, plus bought another one for the bedroom.

These days, the HR20 (with the latest software), is a fine performing machine...I couldn't say that when I first got the first one last year.

While there are still some tweaks needed for it, overall it has become quite reliable.

These days, the HR20 (with the latest software), is a fine performing machine...I couldn't say that when I first got the first one last year.

While there are still some tweaks needed for it, overall it has become quite reliable.
I agree. I've had mine since January and I haven't had single missed recording or lost any series links or had previous recorded programs suddenly disappear. I know others have had those sorts of problems but I have not. I've had a few red button resets but those don't hurt as much as the other potential problems I listed.

The loss of "Tivo suggestions" is a killer. Everything else seems fine so far, but I'll still be holding on to my other HR10-250s as long as possible because of that.

Why wait? It is just a matter of time I would think you would want to get it done and be ready for when the channels launch

My feelings, exactly. And after 3 months, I like my new box better than my TIVO. Comorting to know when the new channels launch, I will be ready- to- go and not have to worry about supply and service backorders. Bring 'em on. :)

My feelings, exactly. And after 3 months, I like my new box better than my TIVO. Comorting to know when the new channels launch, I will be ready- to- go and not have to worry about supply and service backorders. Bring 'em on. :)

I did the same thing....... scheduled an install last Friday for tomorrow. I didnt want to wait for the bird to be up and a backlog of installs/upgrades holding me back from getting the new channels when they light them up. Getting the HR20 for shipping fees + tax.

Also, to CPanther..... do you really get anything decent out of your suggestions? I hated that feature of the Tivo when I used it.

Absolutely. There's always 50 - 100 hours of programming waiting to be viewed in the Tivo suggestions, and I may like 10% of it. It means your hard drive is always full of programming. The HR20 can't really be filled up with stuff because if you setup a bunch of season passes for marginal shows to build your library, you have a bunch of potential conflicts with the shows you really like and want. There also is no way to know on the HR20 if there is a scheduling conflict unless you happen to stumble on it in the guide with the little icon.

My dishes are getting upgraded on Wednesday. I also wanted to get it done before any rush/shortage that might occur at the end of the year.

there are 3 issues for me:

-D* will not promise me a Slimline dish: I would hate for the installer to show up with anything else: I figure the longer I wait, the more certain he will bring a Slimline dish

-I have no way to archive some HD movies on my HR10-250's I want to save

-I am thinking I can get a better price if I wait?

I can't imagine them showing up with antyhing else than a slimline dish they have been out for a while now.

I guess you are swapping your HR10?

There also is no way to know on the HR20 if there is a scheduling conflict unless you happen to stumble on it in the guide with the little icon.
The latest national software release fixes that. They've added a display of conflicting programs in the To Do List.

Here's the release notes.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=89420

I can't imagine them showing up with antyhing else than a slimline dish they have been out for a while now.

I guess you are swapping your HR10?

they want to replace 4 boxes (with H20's I guess) plus 2 HR10's, install a new dish all for $335.00 plus some programming credits for 6 months

present boxes are Sony HD200/HD300 which I like for the front panel display: I have one H20 now which works well

Mark, you of all people who was first with the Sonys, first with 45" Sharp, first with a Dell 24" monitor [just to name a few] and you don't have a HR20? Just kidding. After all, back in 2001 you helped me buy my first plasma.

Mark:

They replaced one of my HD-Tivo's with an HR20 under the Protection Plan. It was constantly rebooting. If they don't upgrade my others when I want to swap them out, I have a feeling they are going to start rebooting. Even D* doesn't expect their service techs to stay at the jobsite for 24 - 48 hours to verify the reboot. ;)

I also upgraded an old Sammy TS-160 to an MPEG4 HD receiver with no charge and that includes a dish (any MPEG4 STB includes a 5lnb dish and installation). About every 6 months you can get an HD receiver or SD DVR at no charge, so I've been gradually converting my house under their standard retention policy.

Anyone else like me, waiting to make sure the launch goes ok before ordering a HR20?!

I wanted to wait, but couldn't... I won't even be getting any additional channels where I live, but my contract was up, so I thought I'd negotiate. Got the new H20 Tivo, new dish, 4 months of HD, and 6 months of the sports pack for $20. And they called me back like I asked them to, so I ended up staying for the additional 2 yr contract. I was worried the deals may not be as good in Sept. with there being a higher demand with the new channels. They come for the install this friday. We'll see how it goes.
Joe

I got a better deal and signed up: new dish, 4 HD receivers and 2 HD DVR's for a total of $235.00 plus $20.00/month programming credit for 6 months

they are coming this Sat morning

Are they letting any of you keep your hr10-250s? Mines modded and I dont really want to give it up, and they dont need it, so might as well let me keep it.

Are they letting any of you keep your hr10-250s? Mines modded and I dont really want to give it up, and they dont need it, so might as well let me keep it.

They're letting me keep mine (as well they should). I bought it vs leasing the HR20.

Are they letting any of you keep your hr10-250s? Mines modded and I dont really want to give it up, and they dont need it, so might as well let me keep it.

Nope, sold it for a few hundres $'s.

I stil Have my HD Tivo box they said they would take it but the installer didn't want it

DirecTV doesn't want the old HD TiVos, which is great. They still are a great OTA recording resource, as well as a DirecTV backup.

I've had one of mine upograded to 100 HD hours and until I figure out how to (easily) add a massive hard drive to the HD20, I'll be keeping my two HD Tivos whirring happily away.

DirecTV doesn't want the old HD TiVos, which is great. They still are a great OTA recording resource, as well as a DirecTV backup.

I've had one of mine upograded to 100 HD hours and until I figure out how to (easily) add a massive hard drive to the HD20, I'll be keeping my two HD Tivos whirring happily away.

Go over to www.dbstalk.com and check out the thread on adding eSATA drives to the HR20.

Thanks rad. If it appeared to be a little simpler I would probably give it a whirl.

I am waiting for the day when material either on the HR20 OR the external drive will be readily available without having to turn one or the other off.

Or perhaps when I work my way down and finish watching everything on the HR20 I'll just hook up an external drive and go from there.

D* replaced my HR10-250 with a HR20 about a month ago. They didn't charge me anything (not even shipping), and told me to keep the HR10-250.

I still need to get the old DTC-100 swapped out.

Why wait? It is just a matter of time I would think you would want to get it done and be ready for when the channels launch

because I thought one of the things you had to do to get the basically free swap for the hr20 and the hdtivo was to make a two-year commitment? i don't want to do that and then have the launch blow up (as a recent one just did!) or not get in orbit correctly or whatever.
Plus I want these installers in my area to put in a few of the new dishes before they get to me! when they put in the hd dish I have now, the guy had no idea what he was doing! I was giving him suggestions and did a lot of it myself!

because I thought one of the things you had to do to get the basically free swap for the hr20 and the hdtivo was to make a two-year commitment? !

Free swap, $750 owned, doesn't matter ... you'll still get slapped with the 2yrs. It really makes no sense to own (unless you're planning "unauthorized" activities.)

I want to upgrade to the HR20, but does it have an OTA connection on the back? My locals are not offered in HD yet! I currently have the H10, and it's acting up so I got to do something soon!

I want to upgrade to the HR20, but does it have an OTA connection on the back? My locals are not offered in HD yet! I currently have the H10, and it's acting up so I got to do something soon!

The HR20 has OTA.

THX for the info!

Unfortunately, he means the channels will lite up by Labor Day.


Oh well, looks like I'm going to have to early terminate my dish contract...anyone get the scoop on how many HD channels DTV will have?...I need to do the math and see if it's worth it.

because I thought one of the things you had to do to get the basically free swap for the hr20 and the hdtivo was to make a two-year commitment?
One way around the 2 year commitment is if your HDTivo starts *cough* having a hdd issue *cough*. But if you need the slimline you will have to commit to the 2 year agreement.

Free swap, $750 owned, doesn't matter ... you'll still get slapped with the 2yrs. It really makes no sense to own (unless you're planning "unauthorized" activities.)

it's the commitment to D* I'm concerned about, not owning or not. If the launch doesn't go right but E*'s does, I'll jump to them..

it's the commitment to D* I'm concerned about, not owning or not. If the launch doesn't go right but E*'s does, I'll jump to them..

Why not wait till the dust settles? Don't listen to those who try to scare you into an early commitment because there will be a shortage or installation delay, first off shortages usually happen only on brand new first shipment items when the production is not in full capacity, secondly even if there is going to be some crunch time it will be short.

Most people who switch to the new HDDVR are already D* subs and most of them can't leave D* because they need those sports packages.

I just called D* and they offered me a new HR20 for shipping cost. I figured I would upgrade now to beat a possible spike in demand and sell my HD-Tivo on eBay while it is still worth some money. I know I'll probably miss the interface, but I won't have much of a choice due to MPEG4.

I just called D* and they offered me a new HR20 for shipping cost. I figured I would upgrade now to beat a possible spike in demand and sell my HD-Tivo on eBay while it is still worth some money. I know I'll probably miss the interface, but I won't have much of a choice due to MPEG4.
Yeah I got the same deal you did 2 weeks ago. My installation in the Memphis area coulda been the next day. I'm sticking with D* because they carry HDNet and BabyFirstTV. Last time I checked E* didn't and my local Comcast doesn't carry either.

I'm one of the many counting on a successful sat launch. It would be nice if D* could cover this in HD. ;)

One way around the 2 year commitment is if your HDTivo starts *cough* having a hdd issue *cough*. But if you need the slimline you will have to commit to the 2 year agreement.
If D* replaces an owned (not leased) HDTivo, on the protection plan, with an HR20 do you then own the HR20 and do they extend your 2 year commitment?

If D* replaces an owned (not leased) HDTivo, on the protection plan, with an HR20 do you then own the HR20 and do they extend your 2 year commitment?

Unless you buy an HR20 for $700+ then you are leasing the machine and a 2 year commitments are required.

If you want to compare deals, or best way to get one, you might want to visit thread http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=62089 over at the sister site.

If D* replaces an owned (not leased) HDTivo, on the protection plan, with an HR20 do you then own the HR20 and do they extend your 2 year commitment?
If D* replaces an owned HDTivo thru the protection plan with an HR20 then you will then own the HR20. Trust me, I've dealt with this. It took a few calls and speaking to the access card group but I was able to switch the replaced HR20 and H20 (for E86) from leased to owned, no commitment.

We have had our HR-20 for about a month now and I dont miss the TIVO at all. Well the dual buffers are missed slightly, but I can live with that. The MPEG 4 looks just as good as OTA. I'm glad I made the move when I did, cant wait for September!

I got a better deal and signed up: new dish, 4 HD receivers and 2 HD DVR's for a total of $235.00 plus $20.00/month programming credit for 6 months

they are coming this Sat morning

beware of DirecTV deals you negotiate on the phone

I went on line this morning and was astounded to see they billed my account for $635.00: the list price of the upgrade: they neglected to credit me the $400.00 discount

I recall they did a similar thing a few years ago when I NFL cancelled Sunday Football package: even though I cancelled it they continued to bill it: it took several calls to resolve it

Beware...

We have had our HR-20 for about a month now and I dont miss the TIVO at all. Well the dual buffers are missed slightly, but I can live with that. The MPEG 4 looks just as good as OTA. I'm glad I made the move when I did, cant wait for September!

You may know this already, but if you want to toggle between 2 shows, just set both to record. It naturally isn't the same a dual buffers, but it works fairly well as a workaround.

why arent there dual buffers? Is this something that will be resolved?

why arent there dual buffers? Is this something that will be resolved?
HOPEFULLY!!!!!!!!!

The latest national software release fixes that. They've added a display of conflicting programs in the To Do List.

Here's the release notes.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=89420
- Can you explain the conflict resolution briefly? I know the HD-Tivo will instantly notify you if you already have two programs already scheduled to record.

1. Are you saying that the HR20 doesn't let you know if two programs are scheduled at the same time unless you go into the To Do list?

2. If it doesn't let you know about conflicts, which program does it decide to record?

3. Does the HR20 have "Season Pass" type of priority that the HD-Tivo has?

I haven't seen the "fix" yet, but there is a prioritizer that lets you rank the season passes. It will also alert you if a program that you want to record has a conflict - when you set up the recording.

The problem I have is without Tivo suggestions, there's a need to record a bunch of series in which you have moderate interest if you want plenty to choose from when you access your list. With all these added season passes, if the conflict doesn't exist when you set up the pass, you may not realize that the priority is not correct until you miss a show.

Is this thread every going to get back to the subject matter???

1. Are you saying that the HR20 doesn't let you know if two programs are scheduled at the same time unless you go into the To Do list?
Yes it does

2. If it doesn't let you know about conflicts, which program does it decide to record?
It lets you choose which program you want to delete, or not create the series link.

3. Does the HR20 have "Season Pass" type of priority that the HD-Tivo has?
It's called series link

For any further questions about the HR20 I think those should be asked in the hardware forum or over at dbstalk.

You can buy an HR20 from http://www.*********************/ for $299.

You can buy an HR20 from http://www.*********************/ for $299.

That's the lease price.

Please explain. Will the HR20 record two shows simultaneously? Can you record one show while watching another live? If either of those is true, it must have dual buffers, by definition. Help me understand the problem in functionality.

..........Will the HR20 record two shows simultaneously? Can you record one show while watching another live? .........
Yes

Please explain. Will the HR20 record two shows simultaneously? Can you record one show while watching another live? If either of those is true, it must have dual buffers, by definition. Help me understand the problem in functionality.

Come on...even the COWS know how to use it by now... ;) Name that movie.

From what I understand you can record a channel and watch another simultaniously.
Two leads from the dish to the HR20....I don't have one, but from what I've seen/read that is the case. Correct me if I am wrong.

Come on...even the COWS know how to use it by now... ;) Name that movie.

From what I understand you can record a channel and watch another simultaniously.
Two leads from the dish to the HR20....I don't have one, but from what I've seen/read that is the case. Correct me if I am wrong.


It can record two shows at once, however it does not have dual buffers like the Tivo. If you are watching a channel using the buffer, the other tuner is not automatically buffering. Thus, unless you are actually recording two channels at once, you cannot flip back and forth between two channels and keep the buffer on both. This makes it hard to watch 2 live football games the way I used to with the Tivo. Implementation of dual live buffers is said to be forthcoming at some point in the future.

You can record two things at once and also watch a previously recorded program at the same time.