Organize an HMO request

[PeteyBoy23]

Just signed up... #6455. Wonder if this will make a difference? Think someone at DTV is going...

"6,455 @ $99 each = $639k. Maybe we should look into this?"

[cnsf]

More like the monthly fee would be the kicker.....

6,455 * $9.99/month = $64,485/month * 12 = $773,825 as an annualized base on fees...... figure there wil also be MANY more who get it than the 6,455 who bothered to sign a petition.

Rounded $1 million/year in revenue is worth some minimal investment and marketing.

[Oknarf]

Hard to believe a company would just ignore an opportunity to make an additional 600k+ annually. Hello DirecTV?

FrankO

[apollo8fan]

Hope I'm not too late. I just signed it. #6,481

[ufo4sale]

Originally posted by Oknarf
Hard to believe a company would just ignore an opportunity to make an additional 600k+ annually. Hello DirecTV?

FrankO

HMO is a one time fee.

[Fireaxe]

Hey all, long time no post.

I'm one of the folks who paid extra for the "High Bandwidth Data Port" DirecTV box back when the service was first rolled out. DirecTV sold two boxes back then, one with a low speed data port and one with a high speed data port. Neither box's data ports actually did anything, but someday they were going to offer services using those ports and boy wouldn't you feel stupid if you didn't get the really fast one. :p

DirecTV and TiVo are both strange companies in that neither seems to understand that they have customers who are willing to spend MORE MONEY if only they'd sell them something. Example, why in heaven's name can't TiVo figure out how to sell add-ons for their gear? Where's my external USB hard drive? How about anything that uses the USB port? It's been a year for crying out loud!

For anybody waiting for their USB add-ons from DirecTV, I've got a couple of High Speed Data Ports for sale. :D

[Oknarf]

Originally posted by ufo4sale
HMO is a one time fee.

So you're assuming that once everyone signs up the first year their will be nobody the next year? Also, DirecTV usually charges a monthly service fee not a one time "lifetime" fee like Tivo does so it will not be structured the same way, correct?

I was just leaving options open, especially since they haven'e announced how and or if and when anything would be charged. ;)

FrankO

[Bigg]

I think HMO would still be a one time fee. Yeah, USB HDDs, video cameras w/ web monitoring (like ethernet cam), cool usb RF remote, KB/mouse f/ IM, etc... would be nice. USB HDD support would be the best though. Add storage and not void your warranty. What more could you want? Although there may be issues as far as video extraction as you could hook it up to your pc and extract the video. I don't get why they try to block video extraction when you can buy a TiVo with a DVD burner in it and then rip the DVD on your PC or give the DVD to a friend. ALso any TiVo can feed its Svideo output to a VIVO card.

[BadlandZ]

I'm not paying extra for anything. I think the technology features should advance to keep the clients/users/subscribers from switching to another service.

And, actually, most of the HMO that I see won't help much for my viewing habits. What would help me most in my viewing habits are (software wise):

1) being able to select several programs at once to delete (because I sit at the "please wait" screen so long when trying to clear off lame junk already, why not delete them all then walk away once rather than sitting there working to do it)

2) Being able to set up a play list of shows. (so I can have stuff on while I do household chores without having to run to the TIVO every 30 minutes).

Since this is a long post anyway, hardware gripes:

3) Faster whatever or more RAM because the now playing list takes forever with 212 hours (I almost regret the upgrade... almost...)

[Bigg]

There are no other services. ReplayTV doesn't have many of the features and is the same price, The DishDVR has the same prob, and the MCE pcs don't work well with DirecTV, and they're more of a pc than a DVR.

[Bigg]

There are no other services. ReplayTV doesn't have many of the features and is the same price, The DishDVR has the same prob, and the MCE pcs don't work well with DirecTV, and they're more of a pc than a DVR.

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by BadlandZ
...
3) Faster whatever or more RAM because the now playing list takes forever with 212 hours (I almost regret the upgrade... almost...)

markedly improved with the implementation of folders in 4.x and 5.x versions. So if directv could at least get offf their ass long enough to through us a 4.0 update, one of your wistlist could be helped...

[jdhoover]

Do we send the petition to any governmental groups, like the FCC and members of Congress, so they understand what we're asking for - and make sure Directv realizes they are getting copied as well?

[NailStorm]

I signed a while back. I sure hope we get 4.0. I am interested in HMO, but really want 4.0 for the folders + other fixes/updates.

[cyfy]

I too also signed a while back. I also sent another letter to DirectTV requesting info regarding the HMO. I am interested in seeing how close their response will be to the ones that Michael and FrankO received. The difference between those two letters looks like the reps each decided to use a few different preset macros to respond in their own unique way. I will post my response one I receive it.

[jmadden_98]

#6673

[Aikido]

Add another one to the list.

[scottchez]

Too bad Direct TV does not have the Charlie chat like dishnetwork does. This would of been added there by now with so many asking for it.

[scottchez]

If they would add it, I would switch from Dishentwork to Direct TV today at any cost.

[billycwhatup]

6674

[jmadden_98]

What's a Charlie Chat? Is it like a Charlie Chan or a Charlie Tuna? Charlie Horse? Charlie Brown?

[purple6816]

I want HMO so I can be in one room and watch shows from another unit in my house. If I can do that I would buy 2 more units to replace my series one units and retire the series one units.

We tape different shows in different rooms. Being able to pool my recording capabilities would be fantasitc.

[ufo4sale]

Hell why stop there. If I were able to get HMO on my DirecTiVo I would buy one for every TV in my house.

[RabidLamb]

Signed... I was #7157... we've done well

[scottchez]

The Dishnetwork Charlie Chat is every other month on LIVE TV were you can call in an present questions.

Just like this one. If Charlie had this many pettions signed he would had HMO right a way if He could. Too bad he cant due to the hardware they are using.

We need a Murdok chat or what ever the new CEO is called.

[computivo1]

# 7243

[bnelson]

I've heard a rumor that we'll have version 4 with HMO in the spring. Can anyone confirm or deny that?

[Bigg]

Does the HDDTiVo have HMO? I thought that the DtiVo and HDDTiVo would get it when the HDDTiVo came out? I guess not.

[Oknarf]

Originally posted by bnelson
I've heard a rumor that we'll have version 4 with HMO in the spring. Can anyone confirm or deny that?

Sure, I can confirm and deny that.

;)

FrankO

I'm thinking this is alot like Duke Nukem Forever. It'll be ready when it's done.

[bnelson]

That would mean someone's actually working on it?

Bill

[cgh64]

Hopefully, the rumors are true. With all of the DTiVo units they sold in December, Murdock would be foolish not to offer HMO to people like us who would EMPTY their bank accounts to have it. I just picked up a Hughes unit after having UltimateTV for 2 years, and while I have to admit I miss some of its features like PIP and 30-second FF, I switched in dire hope that HMO would be available soon. Great to see I'm not alone!!

Chris

[rossboulet]

#7318

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by cgh64
Hopefully, the rumors are true. With all of the DTiVo units they sold in December, Murdock would be foolish not to offer HMO to people like us who would EMPTY their bank accounts to have it. I just picked up a Hughes unit after having UltimateTV for 2 years, and while I have to admit I miss some of its features like PIP and 30-second FF, I switched in dire hope that HMO would be available soon. Great to see I'm not alone!!

Chris

Off topic-

you can get back your 30 second ff button on the tivo with a few simple button presses:

start watching a previously recorded show
press: SELECT-PLAY-SELECT-3-0- SELECT and the skip to tick button will become 30 second ff suring normal playback but remain skip to tick during ff or rewind

[donsullivan]

#7339

[qazman28]

7343

[jkrell]

7424...

Now, with the new Sonic MyDVD options to burn to DVD and/or take files portable, I REALLY REALLY want HMO.

Any update on the rumors? Maybe this will be mentioned in the Press Conference today?

[jamesmil]

Here is the press release about TivoToGo:

http://www.tivo.com/5.3.1.1.asp?article=196

[enovak]

that tears it. now I absolutely must have HMO.

[HermDog]

#7442

I'm in the process of switching from Dishnet to Directv.
I don't even have my equipment yet. Should be installed on Monday.

But I was very disappointed to find out that the DirecTivo didn't support HMO.

And now this new Tivo To Go sounds very cool!!!!


HermDog

[Oknarf]

Would DirecTV get off their asses already? Tivo is doing a great job of making these units the center of the media universe and DirecTV is a stick in the mud.

My guess is they haven't yet written all the CSR form letters.

;)

FrankO

[airegin]

Has anyone thought about doing an organized request to get DirecTv's attention? ie.. Everyone call Jan 30th, to the DirecTv's Support line and plesantly ask for HMO? They couldn't ignore that.

[Bigg]

Interestingm Idea. It may get a bit more attention up at the top...

[rpmws]

Well I can't believe this. For the past 2 months (taking time off from my daily business of running a hosting company 140 hours a week) I finally managed to get my entire house wired with cat5. This isn't easy in a 2 story with 6 rooms to install it in. I even made a patch closet for all my networking and Sat cables. The whole reason why I dropped cable TV and bought 5 HDVR2's from BestBuy for x-mas and wired my entire house for DTV was so I could take advantage of THIS HMO!!!!!!!!!! have I lost my mind or did I read somewhere or was told by someone that this was available on the DTVR series 2 boxes? I am 99% sure either the idiots at BestBS told me about it or I read it on a box or something. I KNOW I talked about it with the sales guy. He asked me if I have my house wired with a network? I said not yet ..why? I **think** that is when I learned about this jaw dropping feature HMO. Now I learn I was fooled big time!!. I just spent 2grand in hardware and wire, high gain dish, 4x16 multi switch, 1000Mbit switched network ... you know.. if you are gonna do it ..do it right!! I needed a reason to do it!!! Somebody at DTV, or Best Buy planted this thing in my head people. I did NOT dream this thing up. Haven't we been told in some form of advertising that we should have this? am I crazy? Someone please hose me down ..i got blood coming out of both sides of my nose and I am about to have a heart attack over what I have just learned in the past day about this. Please ..someone here make me feel better and make my wife stop asking me when she can share shows from box to box ..please????? help me guys :( loosing it :(

[tbh999]

The DirecTivo's do not and have not supported HMO.

Based on past experience, my bet is that the Best Buy Guy steered you wrong...

I have 60GB of MP3's (If you're listening RIAA, all of my MP3's quite legal - Copies of MY CD!!!) I started the project of converting my CD's to MP3 in the hope that my DirecTivo would eventually support HMO.

However, I'm starting to think that it was all just a pipe dream.

[SJLanus]

signed

[Jakezor]

Signed it

[doogly]

So what's the answer?

[Nightfall]

The answer is......

Nothing so far. :)

[fertbunderbar]

#7688

[jaja]

#7689

[Bigg]

Originally posted by rpmws
Well I can't believe this. For the past 2 months (taking time off from my daily business of running a hosting company 140 hours a week) I finally managed to get my entire house wired with cat5. This isn't easy in a 2 story with 6 rooms to install it in. I even made a patch closet for all my networking and Sat cables. The whole reason why I dropped cable TV and bought 5 HDVR2's from BestBuy for x-mas and wired my entire house for DTV was so I could take advantage of THIS HMO!!!!!!!!!! have I lost my mind or did I read somewhere or was told by someone that this was available on the DTVR series 2 boxes? I am 99% sure either the idiots at BestBS told me about it or I read it on a box or something. I KNOW I talked about it with the sales guy. He asked me if I have my house wired with a network? I said not yet ..why? I **think** that is when I learned about this jaw dropping feature HMO. Now I learn I was fooled big time!!. I just spent 2grand in hardware and wire, high gain dish, 4x16 multi switch, 1000Mbit switched network ... you know.. if you are gonna do it ..do it right!! I needed a reason to do it!!! Somebody at DTV, or Best Buy planted this thing in my head people. I did NOT dream this thing up. Haven't we been told in some form of advertising that we should have this? am I crazy? Someone please hose me down ..i got blood coming out of both sides of my nose and I am about to have a heart attack over what I have just learned in the past day about this. Please ..someone here make me feel better and make my wife stop asking me when she can share shows from box to box ..please????? help me guys :( loosing it :(
If you really need HMO, get a bunch of SA TiVos or get a set of REPLAYTVs. Or MCE or Happaugue based pcs with IR blasters. Also, a system or RF modulation would distibute stuff, although not in the way that you want. Alos look into hacking the DTiVo. Somebody did this, I don't know how. They probably disabled the second tuner.

[rpmws]

I just retired a system that used RF modulators on multiple channels to distribute content though my home. It's not the same. PC based systems are expensive, complicated and take up too much room. I can wait ..hell I have no choice do I? Hacking is an option. Some have said I am a Linux expert, but that would be time consuming and I would rather just pay for a well supported feature the many of us here.

[esquirrel]

Signed.

[TJones834]

signed

7769

[nvsilverboi]

Signed

7776

[tripatl7]

Signed

[tripatl7]

Tivo makes it somewhat unclear that the DirecTivos do no support HMO. You have to do digging on www.Tivo.com to even find that info.....although it IS there, if you read magazine adds or listen to the Best Buy guys(LOL when I went looking for Tivos for the first time I asked the Best Buy guy where the SA units were. He immediately took me to the DirecTivos and said they were the SA's) you will wind up thinking all Tivo series 2 units will support HMO. I was looking for a DVD player that supported DivX at Best Buy and they told me a cheap Toshiba they had would play anything......ROFLMAO!! The only DVD players that can play DivX are the players like the old Pro Scan PS8680Z and the European Kiss DP-500. I can't find a player anywhere that will play anything DivX encoded. Guess I'll have to find a Kiss DP-500 on ebay. That player is friggin awesome.

[dm999]

7828

[Bigg]

mini itx pc? for DIVX that is. or a regular boxen

[George R]

thanks

[Bigg]

How many TiVos can share content on a 10/100 network anyway? i know replaytvs can do 8, I don't know about TiVo.

[fx72]

Everyone can also send a complaint letter using Planetfeedback.

[rlii]

Originally posted by airegin
Has anyone thought about doing an organized request to get DirecTv's attention? ie.. Everyone call Jan 30th, to the DirecTv's Support line and plesantly ask for HMO? They couldn't ignore that.

This sounds like a great idea! Any Idea how we can get this set up?

[lundeby]

Perhaps it might be a good idea to call the DirecTV Account Service folks the last day of each month to see if Home Media Option has been enabled yet so I can add it to my account. Since I'm a leading edge techno type I'd hate to miss even one month of this cool new technology.

What do others think?

[DVDKingdom]

You already know the answer is "no" it has not yet been enabled because only software version 4.0 supports HMO and D* has not released that as of yet. I want both 4.0 and HMO now D* had better start listening to us.

[Bigg]

To see if its avilable is not the point, the point is to get them to realize that epople want HMO and hopefully they will get tired of having all of the calls.

[jahf]

Given that the HDTiVo is using 3.x and therefore doesn't have folders or HMO, I'm thinking it is going to be even longer (if ever) before we see the improvements to the HDVR2/whatever units. It just wouldn't be logical from a service perspective for them to try and support two distinct versions.

[TivNube]

Last night I caught my Tivo recoding a commercial for HMO in between movie trailers for shocases... But no ad on the box yet. Anybody else seen this?

[Bigg]

They would only have officaially supported version. If it was 3, then only people whio specifically requested four would get it, and they would have no support. If it was 4, they would make everyone upgrade, or else warn them that they have no tech support. It has been put out before to have HMO be a unsupported feature.

[mikepatt]

Signed, #8204!!

[Bigg]

jeez, DirecTV has some real hardheads. 8200+ sigs. WOW :D

[singe606]

Originally posted by Bigg
jeez, DirecTV has some real hardheads. 8200+ sigs. WOW :D yeah, but where has it gotten us? :( might as well be 8 million...

[m9720]

Signed 9:53am est 2/25/04 #8419!!!!

[ruexp67]

Originally posted by singe606
yeah, but where has it gotten us? :( might as well be 8 million...

:confused:

8400 * $100 = $840,000. If only half of those people had two recievers that's and additional $420,000. That's about $1,260,000.

A million bucks just to flip a switch? The code exists, it's not like they would have to develop anything. I don't get it.

[keefer37]

Originally posted by ruexp67
:confused:

8400 * $100 = $840,000. If only half of those people had two recievers that's and additional $420,000. That's about $1,260,000.

A million bucks just to flip a switch? The code exists, it's not like they would have to develop anything. I don't get it.

Well that is simplifying it a bit, don't ya think? They don't have to develop anything, but they do have to support it.

Plus, it seems they're struggling just rolling out a bug fix/update as of late. I cringe if/when they do roll out the HMO if it's anything like the latest rollout in progress/halted currently.

[ruexp67]

Yeah, it's an oversimplification.

How much money has been spent by TiVo in support? I have no idea, but considering HMO is still available, it can't be more then they are making on the feature, right? If it did cost too much, they would raise the price.

I have not been following the issues with the latest bug fix, but I would suspect two things:
1. The bug fix may need to be revised. I would be surprised if the problem were just with delivery. This is based on the fact that there have a LOT of bug fixes and new versions of the software delivered to TiVo units in the last, what 6-7 years.
2. It's possible that if they were on the current version of the TiVo developed code (4.x) then we would not be having the issues that we are. More reason to go to 4.x and offer HMO.

[Bigg]

unsupported would make the $1M+ profit.

[rhoatson]

See this (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=1780497#post1780497) post from Dan Collins.

[singe606]

Well I hope he's right! Can anyone else back him up on this though? Do we know any of the specifics? I'm suspicious and pessimistic. :(

[MattDing]

#8557

Waiting for my unit to be installed on 3/13, so what did I do while I waited. Why, I went to Best Buy and bought another already.

Just give me HMO (and my other receiver:) ) and I'll be a super happy customer.

[MattDing]

Originally posted by ruexp67
:confused:

8400 * $100 = $840,000. If only half of those people had two recievers that's and additional $420,000. That's about $1,260,000.

A million bucks just to flip a switch? The code exists, it's not like they would have to develop anything. I don't get it.

Yeah, but that's money in TiVo's pocket, where's D*'s advantage. I'm just guessing, but I'll bet the sticking point is on DirecTV's cut. Just hurry up and figure out how to divvy up the moolah and keep the paying customers happy.

[SpunkyMN]

#8676

[woolygums]

Add me to the list of signatures.

[acroswel]

For people checking this thread who might not have seen the post, Dan Collins thinks that HMO will be coming to DirecTv, probably in Q3 or Q4:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=1780497#post1780497

[mtnagel]

Can someone tell me (since I couldn't find it here and I'm kind of new to this), will the HMO (Home Network Option??) let you network your DTivo unit to a PC (either physically or wirelessly)? I saw that you can network a Replay TV unit to a PC (on TechTV) and then backup your recordings to DVD. That sounds very attractive to me. Would that be possible with this HMO?

Sorry if this has been answered before?

Matt

[mtnagel]

Opps, just realized it's HMO, not HNO. So what's it mean?

[singe606]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Tivo+HMO

I'm a genius!

[cvarner]

8749, and still counting!

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by singe606
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Tivo+HMO

I'm a genius! I'm sorry that I didn't know that was a feature. I just got my Tivo about 5 months ago and my parents have had one for a couple years and they don't use that, so I'm sorry that I'm ignorant to that and you had to exploit that. I hope you feel good about yourself :D Just kidding. I do feel like an idiot for not finding that, but I really did look (who knew there was a whole sub-section of this forum about it?). Anyway, I'll be signing the petition.

[rpriest12]

I'm in Baby!

[DeeCee98]

Hi there - i am a novice, so pls forgive me....I have 2 TiVo's in my home (via DirecTV)....is it possible to link these 2 via the USB so that i can record a show on Tivo A and watch it on Tivo B.

I know this is something that is suppossed to happen with the HMO, but was wondering is this part is do-able right now on DirecTV TiVo ?

thanks - DC

[richdean]

It's possible to do this, but not in the sense that you are thinking.

I accomplish this right now using a 2.4gHz wireless box from Radio Shack.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-2573

It is imperfect, but it does the job of sending video from the living room tivo to the bedroom TV set.

You could also hardwire something, but it would be even more of a hack than this wireless thing.

Rich
Radio Shack Wireless Video Box (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-2573)

[DeeCee98]

thanks but i am looking to do a true HMO things - ie look at & pick something from my to do list from another tivo

[richdean]

There's no HMO with DirecTivo yet... though I've read elsewhere in this forum that it'll happen late this year. Of course, we've heard that before... ;-)

You can hack your DTivo's and get them on your internal network, though it requires opening the box and some extra hardware. Moving the video between the 2 might then be possible, but I believe you'd have to go thru an intermediate step (like saving it to a PC then exporting to the 2nd tivo).

There's no simple way of doing what you'd like to do with DTivos. It can't be done via USB cabling between the 2.

Check out the O'Reilley book on Hacking Tivo or search thru this forum for more...

[Pezhead]

I've signed the petition as well. but at this point I don't think it makes any difference.

DirecTV has decided to focus on other things. While I do think we'll get HMO, I've given up on getting it anytime soon.

I really love TiVo and I really love DirecTV, but the marriage of the two has certainly involved some compromises.

[singe606]

latest news (rumor?) doesn't sound good, to me anyway...

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=1870460#post1870460

[jerryv]

Direct TV is so slow and so far behind I am exploring other options now. I'm not waiting another year for them to catch up to something introduced a year ago. They are, in fact, two years behind. I'm going to look into going back to Time Warner. They have a TIVO-like recorder that allows 2 channels of recording simultaneously--which is one of the main reasons I opted for directTIVO instead of TIVO. I don't know yet if this will allow HMO-loke options. Or maybe T2 TIVOs with HMO. But enough of DirectTVs delays and BS. Tired of waiting for a technophobe company to catch up. and I'm sure there will be a lot more like me to follow.Thought Rupert would straighten the company out.

[Zathrus]

You may want to read any one of the numerous threads on their recorder -- either here or on other boards (use google) -- before doing so. The SA8000 isn't even close to TiVo 1.0 capabilities, much less those given by the 3.x software.

[|Thrax|]

all I want is folders.. :( I have soo many programs saved it takes forever to scroll.

p.s. I signed it.

[Bigg]

too many programs to scroll= too many programs

[MichaelK]

Bigg-

I guess you dont have kids?

[singe606]

kids = too many people

:D

[RoToRgEeK]

I was stupid and listened to the guy at some "great purchase" place and was told you could use USB networking, since I didn't have a phone... Now I got a useless usb network and a $22 a month phone bill instead of cable and $12 a month for regular tivo.

GIVE ME HMO!!!!:down:

[MichaelK]

you dont need the phone line. Save your $22/month.

do a search.

Basically you will just get nag screens and have an inability to buy PPV from teh remote. You can still order PPV from the internet via your cable modem.

If you get sports packages you MIGHT need the phone line- but do a search here and confirm that. I cant recall what the current situation is in regards to that.

[Hanzaplastique]

it might be a good idea to setup some to the point how to ...
Reading hunderds of threads and messages can really confuse a person.

If there is no place on this forum to do so, I'd be more than willing (with a little help) to setup something like that on my own website (pictures included).

I've done something similar for my TiVo 1 - so I'm not a 100% newbie.
Recently I purchased two DirecTV TiVo's (series 2, Hughes 35 hrs).
I really try to figure it out by myself, but the info is just too overwelming.

So if anyone would be willing to help me/us with this ...

The general idea: hook the TiVo's up to ethernet so we can have it download the program guide / updates automatically without rediculous phone bills.

Optional: downloading recordings to a PC so we can burn it on a VCD, SVCD or DVD.

... please ... :)

[Hanzaplastique]

signed the petition ...

[RoToRgEeK]

Originally posted by MichaelK
you dont need the phone line. Save your $22/month.

do a search.

Basically you will just get nag screens and have an inability to buy PPV from teh remote. You can still order PPV from the internet via your cable modem.

If you get sports packages you MIGHT need the phone line- but do a search here and confirm that. I cant recall what the current situation is in regards to that.


Yea I have done the searches. Nag screens really bug me. I like the sports chan.

I just think the USB ports are there and all the other units use em. DTV should just get on the ball and hook em up. Seems like there is enough support to make it profitable, or at least close.

[jahf]

It appears from various thread rumors (and possibly corroborated by the latest TiVo beta test, but can't say since I didn't make the 2nd round cut it appears) that this fall DirecTV units will get OS version 4.0.

Version 4.0 is a pre-req for getting HMO, so who knows, maybe they will enable it.

I personally have gone ahead and purchased a separate networked audio player, so I don't need HMO so much (though I would probably use it for photo slide shows, it gets old having to load up a memory stick when I want to show photos to the family).

However, I would like to see a network service on my TiVo that allows me to backup my season passes, manual recordings and thumbs settings so that when my HD dies (again) I won't have to repopulate everything. The storage for such a service would be tiny and could be done either over the network using 4.x (assuming DirecTV's 4.x has USB networking) or during the call back to the service center every 2 weeks.

[sokolj]

We've heard all the complaints about the lack of HMO on DirecTivo boxes. Does anyone understand WHY DirecTV has chosen not to provide this service on the DirecTivo boxes? Is there some licensing dispute between DirecTV and Tivo? Is it the cost of support that worries DirecTV? For the life of me, I cannot understand why DirecTV would choose not light up the USB ports and allow this simple convenience to its customers who are clearly willing to pay for the privilege of using this.

[Hanzaplastique]

Me neither; I cannot understand what they must have been thinking. Enabling Internet access would give them an advantage, not only for the feedback the TiVo is sending to DirectTV (what are you watching), but it will also give an advantage in comparison with Dish Networks DVR's.
It seems that they'd rather sell you new equipment, than to open this feature. Well, so we hack the TiVo ... again ...

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by jahf
....
However, I would like to see a network service on my TiVo that allows me to backup my season passes, manual recordings and thumbs settings so that when my HD dies (again) I won't have to repopulate everything. The storage for such a service would be tiny and could be done either over the network using 4.x (assuming DirecTV's 4.x has USB networking) or during the call back to the service center every 2 weeks.

i'm all for HMO and your idea sounds neat too- but i think theres a snowballs chance in hell of them implementing any kind of service that facilitates you replacing your own hard drive. Especially on the directv side of things- they seem to be completely paranoid or something.

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by sokolj
We've heard all the complaints about the lack of HMO on DirecTivo boxes. Does anyone understand WHY DirecTV has chosen not to provide this service on the DirecTivo boxes? Is there some licensing dispute between DirecTV and Tivo? Is it the cost of support that worries DirecTV? For the life of me, I cannot understand why DirecTV would choose not light up the USB ports and allow this simple convenience to its customers who are clearly willing to pay for the privilege of using this.

no one who knows is speaking but hte conjecture is they are afraid of support costs or they are afraid of pirating. Both of which are completley stupid reasons in my mind. HMO has proven to be unhackable and there are about 10,000 differnet ways they could resolve the support costs issue...

maybe the rumors are true and in the fall we will get a chance- maybe....

[MichaelK]

maybe now that HM is not an option but rather a feature of the 'normal' tivo software the IDIOTS at D* will include it when they have TiVo update the code next time around.

we can only hope.

[ccarlton]

How does the DIrect TV selling of TIVO shares affect this?

[TheaterBuilder]

Here is a copy of a letter I sent recently, as you will see in the body of the text, Direct TV actually made a big mistake that is wholly to our advantage.

This is notice that we plan to file suit against Direct TV for losses incurred while installing your products. Specifically those products that carry the Tivo brand logo.

Tivo advertising ensures the capability of fully networking their products tivo.com/1.2.12.asp . Direct TV as a licensed reseller of Tivo technology has failed to post any type or kind of notice on their official web site or any of their know documentation, that contradicts or disclaims in any way Tivos claim that their products/technologies are fully network capable. This is wholly misleading to the average reseller, consumer and custom installer. Wherefore, we plan to file suit against Direct TV on behalf of ourselves and any other individual or company that wishes to join into the suit against direct TV, to recover financial losses incurred while attempting to install Direct TV’s products, our loss and the loss of many others, is a direct result of Direct TV’s failure to clearly post in any form proper notice of the fact that Direct TV does not support a networking solution for its Tivo products.


I recommend that you download (if you have the capacity to do so) the entire Direct TV web site, this can be used as legal leverage latter since I expect them to fix their text mistake shortly in a side step to avoid the issue. Further an inside source has indicated that Tivo has the encoding waiting for Direct TV to use, but Direct TV just has not done anything about it yet.

[jahf]

As to the question of how the sale of DirecTV's TiVo shares, conventional wisdom seems split in 2 camps:

1) That DirecTV will use the DVR developed by R. Murdock's other company in the UK, which would mean that DirecTiVos will eventually end up with the same fate as the UltimateTV boxes.

2) That DirecTV has a contract with TiVo through 2007 and that they know that the TiVo users have the least churn. Therefore there is speculation that DirecTV may start incorporating TiVo Basic for all users in the future and allow we more advanced users to pay to upgrade to full TiVo functions.

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to see a combination of the 2 ... with HMO becoming a free (and standard function) of the SA TiVos, I wouldn't be too surprised to see DirecTV do an upgrade to it at some point. However I would be surprised if DirecTV doesn't move away from TiVo technology in the next couple of years.

Only time will tell. Unfortunately DirecTV is about as closed-mouth about stuff like this as any company, so until it happens it is just conjecture.

I don't have a choice for digital cable where I live, so it is either DirecTV or 50 channels of terribly noisy analog cable. If I lived in an area that got high-def digital cable, I would certainly wait 6-12 months to see if TiVo was going to make a cable version of the HD TiVo before buying again as normally I would be using DirecTV for the high-quality TiVo, not the other way around.

[brianfuchs]

I certainly hope I'm not out of line posting this here, but...

I recently hooked up a new device from GoVideo (D2730 networked DVD Player) that performs all of the HMO functions (except linking two TIVOs). It lacks the nice TIVO GUI, but for those of us with DirecTivo who wanted to access pictures and audio from our PCs, it works great.

For me, HMO would be half-useless anyway, since I have a Series1 and Series2 DirecTivo.

So, for about $100, you can get at least a few of the desirable HMO features. Of course, I'd recommend HMO over this any day, but I doubt they will ever actually offer it.

[wfore484]

Yes, I am definately for this. I have a Toshiba DVD/Tivo unit now with a HMO into the Directv system, and it works great. Tivo is planning even more content for streaming into their Tivo Plus units. I will make a wager that Tivo will start adding services BEFORE Directv moves to add this HMO option into our Directv Tivo units. A signed the petition with the following coment: This either happens or I go back to cable with standalone TIVO units.

[SoBelle0]

Signed - has this petition actually been sent to DirecTV yet?
if not, how many sigs nec. before it goes?

[GirkMonster]

#10,065!!!

[tbaeten]

10069

[slydog75]

Originally posted by TheaterBuilder
Here is a copy of a letter I sent recently, as you will see in the body of the text, Direct TV actually made a big mistake that is wholly to our advantage.

This is notice that we plan to file suit against Direct TV for losses incurred while installing your products. Specifically those products that carry the Tivo brand logo.

Tivo advertising ensures the capability of fully networking their products tivo.com/1.2.12.asp . Direct TV as a licensed reseller of Tivo technology has failed to post any type or kind of notice on their official web site or any of their know documentation, that contradicts or disclaims in any way Tivos claim that their products/technologies are fully network capable. This is wholly misleading to the average reseller, consumer and custom installer. Wherefore, we plan to file suit against Direct TV on behalf of ourselves and any other individual or company that wishes to join into the suit against direct TV, to recover financial losses incurred while attempting to install Direct TV’s products, our loss and the loss of many others, is a direct result of Direct TV’s failure to clearly post in any form proper notice of the fact that Direct TV does not support a networking solution for its Tivo products.


I recommend that you download (if you have the capacity to do so) the entire Direct TV web site, this can be used as legal leverage latter since I expect them to fix their text mistake shortly in a side step to avoid the issue. Further an inside source has indicated that Tivo has the encoding waiting for Direct TV to use, but Direct TV just has not done anything about it yet.

Has there been any progress on this yet? Sounds like a good idea to me. I'm returning my DirectTivo and am not happy about the lost time and energy.

[shanew1289]

I live in Madison County Illinois, Class Action Lawsuit capital of the world, hmmm, anyone know a good lawyer? :-)

[outerlimits]

Originally posted by tbaeten
10069


Congrats that is less than 1% of the Directv DVR owners requesting HMO. How is less than 1% going to move Directv to make any kind of decision or listen to what less than 1% of the customer base has to say?

[kchristensen]

My question is why have USB ports and not make them usable. AND, Why not make the DTiVo DirecTV dial-up call occur over broadband? It would reduce DirecTV's costs of the dial-up connection, and use the broadband Internet connection I already have.

[kchristensen]

That 1% you are talking about are the people who understand technology and how to use a message board like this. Imagine how many additional people would use the service if it was as easy as TiVo for the average consumer to understand and use.

DirecTV, it's time to get with the program and make it available. I like DTV, but surprises like this after I go an purchase the USB - Ethernet device do not make me happy. How many other people has this happened to?

Is there a work-around?

[Fadzi]

Done

[clark steward]

IMHO, Part of the reason there are not more Directivo users clammering for HMO is because many have given up on waiting and have taken the networking of Tivo's into their own hands. This requires some pc hardware and networking knowledge and a basic knowledge of Linux or at least a willingness to learn, not to mention, the courage to open the tivo box and possibly trash it! But for those with a strong heart, try doing a google search for tivo hacking. All attempts to post a link or even a hint have been screened out on this forum. So try combining the info on the next several posts to find the website in question.


Best of luck to one and all!

[clark steward]

try going to www.

[clark steward]

deal

[clark steward]

database

[clark steward]

.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=47

If you combine the info in the last few posts without any spaces or extra
(.) periods you should go to the website that has directivo networking info.

Hopefully this will help some who want to network their tivo's.

[mkerner]

It is so truly rediculous that HMO has not been implemented yet. I just signed the petition and I really hope it helps. I feel completely cheated at the moment not so much that I was promised it would happen but that I bought the "flagship" PVR product with the TiVO brand name and I feel like the other companies are leaving me in the dust. Is my TiVo unit going to be the Betamax of this generation???? Figures, I have bad luck with this kind of stuff. LOL

[rjcTivo04]

I'm #10199. I'd say 10000 signatures indicates we want this feature. What the heck are they waiting for? Activate those damn USB ports and get on with networking it. They are already behind ReplayTV, regular Tivo and full blown Windows Media Center PCs. Hello???? Are we the only ones???

[crabby]

I am signature 10,221.

[wbrumfiel]

Originally posted by squaren0t
hmo works great on s2 dtivos running v4.0
Where do I go to see what version my Tivo is???

[crabby]

This may be a silly question, but at what point is this petition actually sent tp DTV? and how?

[TheaterBuilder]

I have been referred to an attorney who can handle this case. The point is we are going to have to sue Direct TV for false and misleading sales tactics. We have a very strong case in this regard, since according to “ Tivo “ Direct TV has the means at their disposal to just turn the boxes on today, but are reluctant to do so because they would have to hire additional support staff to cover HMO support. Further Direct TV does not claim to, or disclaim to support HMO in any form on their web site or on any of their documentation, wherefore the consumer is left to using the information at hand {mostly from the Tivo website} to make their purchasing decisions, unaware of this pitfall.

[bigpuma]

Originally posted by TheaterBuilder
I have been referred to an attorney who can handle this case. The point is we are going to have to sue Direct TV for false and misleading sales tactics. We have a very strong case in this regard, since according to “ Tivo “ Direct TV has the means at their disposal to just turn the boxes on today, but are reluctant to do so because they would have to hire additional support staff to cover HMO support. Further Direct TV does not claim to, or disclaim to support HMO in any form on their web site or on any of their documentation, wherefore the consumer is left to using the information at hand {mostly from the Tivo website} to make their purchasing decisions, unaware of this pitfall.

I'm no lawyer but I am guessing that won't hold up.

[LonghornXP]

Originally posted by bigpuma
I'm no lawyer but I am guessing that won't hold up.

Actually it will hold up in court because DirecTV says they are selling a Tivo with Tivo software so if they aren't offering any Tivo features such as HMO than they have to tell customers they don't offer it but I wouldn't worry about this because this may change in October.

Now about October I was told by one of my contacts about DirecTV will be offering HMO using a system based on multimedia over coax so there will be no need to buy anything or have a wireless network setup. They will use software to allow customers existing wiring to do the job. No new hardware or any user interaction will be required. Once a software update is sent customers will see all recorded shows on all boxes listed and playable from all boxes. I've also heard about a chance that this software might use a channel via an unused transponder to allow non DVR boxes to watch shows and their remotes will allow them to fast forward and rewind and such and that info would be sent to alert the DVR to its actions. They may have to sell a custom remote or add this support and I'm not sure yet which it will be. Now my source is about 75% accurate but from a quote from Chirs Blount from DBSTalk I'm more sure about this now. But I could be all wrong but if I'm right he should here from Chris or someone within days of this big news.

[stevel]

This sounds bogus to me - as do the supposed grounds for a lawsuit.

[mphare]

I may be wrong, I have been before, but sending the signal directly back up the coax would be next to impossible without a major hardware overhaul. So the format would still need to be store-and-forward, not live-direct access.

Using the copper in the coax as a network, much like the home-network using AC wiring to do the same thing is also problematic. It seems the multiplexor would interfere causing horrible link status. And it would still envolve a hardware upgrade.

If D* is going to do HMO, why would they venture away from the established convention of USB ports and network adapters? Talk about a support nightmare, at least with USB and wireless technologies, some of their customers will already understand what's what. With a proprietary coax solution, then it all, well, is proprietary.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong..

[MichaelK]

i think moxi or someone else does something like this already where the box just transmits another channel over the incoming coax. I dont see how its technically not possible- just di/multiplex it back in (assuming they can find a channel that wouldnt be occupied by an OTA antenna that some might already be using for their locals- just read on DBSforums a thread about channel allocations and seems 37 is not used for anything except radio astronomy so that is easy enough).

But as you point out i dont think the current hardware has this ability to output a channel to the incoming coax. Maybe they could use a diplexor to stick channel 3/4 back on the incoming line but then again you might mess up someone who has an antenna for 3 or 4 locally. Almost positive the HD-Tivo cant do anything since i dont even think it has a "normal" rf output.

But if they came out with new hardware that does this and its all self configuring It might actually make support easier- so it might not be all that far fetched. Maybe the putzes at D* arent so stuck in the box after all and have a plan for a free adapter to go from usb to RF diplexor(multiplexor?) on channel 37. I would imagine the boxes could get a software upgrade to just recieve channel 37 as another MPEG station that has video or data just like the boxes get nightly data downloads now.

hec maybe they are really super smart and they have it all figured out how they can fit multiple adapters onto channel 37 (I think like 6 directv channels fit in the space of one OTA channel)- so you could get an adapter for up to 5 directivos and then a special one to connect your home network too.

i guess they will pass out new multiswitches that will allow all this 2 way transmitting.

OK OK I can dream cant I?

And pigs might learn to fly.

Ah nevermind- we'll be lucky if we can keep getting Starz on Demand for free (with your sub to starz off course).

[LonghornXP]

It won't work like that. First off all current SDTV Tivos can't send out more than two streams at a time so they will most likely go with either Moxi or Sky+ and my contact said they told him they would like to stay inhouse with Sky+ and I see the USA Today article talking about the NDS box which is the Sky+ PVR but it would be called something else at DirecTV. This box isn't a bad box for recording.

Now like I said is that no matter what box they use they "can" use existing coax cables. They will not be using another channel like you said. If they do it will be one channel for all non DVR boxes such as an unused channel in the 900s that won't be used for locals or any other channel. Now DirecTV has a few unused transponders on their SAT A satellite that they can use to send the data. Since the Moxi and Sky+ DVRs are like the Tivo in that is just records the stream unchanged that means it would still be in MPEG2 format as all other channels so sending this stream over an unused transponder would be no different than any other channel. What would be done is for a software update to tell all the DVR boxes to use this transponder for requests. They could make the now playing lists form as one single hard drive that all boxes see. So when when a customer selects a program to watch on thier DVR and this show was recorded on the non DVR the non DVR would be told to send this show via this transponder while the DVR that made the request will sit there waiting for a single to be sent at this transponder and when it finds it it will play it and allow FF, RW, Pause and stop features because their PVR that the show was recorded on is still doing those features the only difference is that those requests are being sent to the DVR via the existing wiring over the assigned transponder. Now just remember they can use an unused transponder without having to have everything be sent to and from the satellite. All data will be dent via the home wiring only.

So it won't be two way in the sense we know it. One box makes a request to another box. The other box replies on request. All is done. Playing box asks to pause and sends request. Other box responds with request resulted in other box pausing. This is all one way talking that relies on an answer for each request before going onto the next request. But exsisting wiring has more than enough bandwidth to handle video streams for at least 4 rooms.

This can be done I promise you. I saw the Voom DVR demo earlier this year and it looks very good for sure. The Voom system works the same ways as the Moxi DVR and Scientific Atlanta is developing something very similiar for their 8000 DVRs and DirecTVs plans will use the same type of system. It is being done and companies have it working very well today. Now the Scientific Atlanta and Voom DVRs can stream HDTV content and this is massive bandwidth compared to all other SD programming. Right now to stream two Fox HD games via NFL Sunday Ticket to other rooms would take well over 5 times the bandwith to just send the SD feeds.

[MichaelK]

sure moxi or sky can do it but then your talking about a LONG time from now. I was (am) hoping for something this fall like most everyone else here.

Also not to get into the particulars of what your saying but it doesnt jive too much. First off there is no need to stream- transfering the shows as data like HMO does now will work just fine- different but fine. Then there is no limit to bandwitdth or the number of units you can handle. Moxi and the others seeam to have decided streaming is the way while tivo has decided to transfer the data. Either will work- both ways hever their pro's and con's

Also you cant just throw the signal out on an unused transponder with the current wiring system- what if you are tranmit on sat A transponder 2 while the box needs incoming data on sat B transponder 2- boom big ugly mess (the "main satellite" uses all 32 posible transponders so whatever one you might try you will always get a collision if the box trys to tune fromt eh main satellite for incoming programing. I guess you could use a third coax to get back to the multiswitch but i'm thinking that isnt the easiest to support method- if you are going to add more wiring required whats wrong with tivo's cat 5 (or wiresless 802.11)? Or since its all new hardware you are talking about I guess they could sent it out on an totally differnent frequnecy and then give you a new multiswitch that mixes that signal back in on an unused transponder from another sat like you are talking about. Either way I dont think its all that much simplier than Tivo's plug in your linksys 802.11 adapter and go. Adding new wiring and/or a new multiswitch is no simplier than plugging in a usb dongle in my mind.

[LonghornXP]

Well I'm not an expert and I never claimed I was but I'm just saying what I was told using the best of my knowledge of describing what he was saying. I've also been hearing rumors that I've called my contact about and he didn't confirm nor deny what I'm about to say and did say they have been considering this and haven't yet decided on what they will do.

What I was told was that DirecTV does have a few billion dollars that they can spend on set-top replacement boxes. I've heard that DirecTV might give away an HD version of their NDS DVR to all customers and new customers. I've also heard they might upgrade HD customers with an HD DVR by NDS and SD DVR for all non HD sets. I've also been told that they are also considering making an HD DVR server from NDS as well that would allow clients for all TV sets whether they are HD or not. Now what I do know is that whatever they do it will most likely be a massive box swapout for all current and new customers that would be free of charge for all customers as well.

They want to do this to get every customer a DVR while at the sametime allowing any and every room to watch any recorded content. That means customers won't care what box they record the show on it will be available on every box in the house under their account.

Also by doing box swapouts they can move to new compression technologies such as WM9 and 8PSK and such that would improve picture quality for every customer while freeing up bandwidth to allow additional SD and HD channels.

Now there are about I would say 13 million customers and lets say that all 13 million customers have three rooms. That would total to about 40 million total boxes maybe more but the fact is the more they have to swap out the cheaper price they can get from mass production and their gain would be very worthwhile based on their investments. Every customer that doesn't have a Tivo will get whole house DVR, more channels and improved picture quality for no extra charge. Now current Tivo users will get the benefit of improved picture quality with whole house DVR viewing for no extra charge either. Current HD customers would also gain a whole house DVR including an HD DVR with improved picture quality and more HD channels.

I hate to say this that those of us who are Tivo zealots who will switch because they get rid of Tivo will get the shaft but we aren't most people either. I for one would take a NDS DVR that can give me whole house DVR including HD DVR and would give me more channels and improved picture quality for no cost to me. I may love Tivo but it won't be the end of the world and right now wireless stuff doesn't work at my house which is why I returned my SA Tivo and cancelled my service with Tivo. So a box that records my shows without much problems and gives me HMO type features over my existing coax will win me over period even if it is a Murdock product. I've been with cable for many years and have seen their hardware and I have use the Sky+ box in Europe and if this box is the same with whole house DVR features I won't miss my Tivo at all. At least its season pass feature and the menus can process actions without taking 30 seconds.

[bkean]

hERE IS THE STORY I AM TALKING ABOUT

[bkean]

See my next post

[bkean]

Only one more..

[bkean]

http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/08/04/ap1491534.html

[bkean]

I am number 10440

[AEPZ]

Dear Alex:

Thank you for writing DIRECTV. I can assure you that DIRECTV has a
strong relationship with TiVo and we have not ended our relationship
with them, no matter what you may have heard or read. DIRECTV held a
small equity stake in TiVo which we sold earlier this week, but this
transaction will have no impact on customers who have (or are thinking
about getting) our DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service.

We continue to offer the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service, and DIRECTV DVR
with TiVo receivers will still be available for purchase in standard or
high definition format.

Currently we do not have plans to add the Home Media Option to our
equipment. Just as personal computers are rapidly evolving, we expect
DIRECTV System receivers to incorporate many new features in the coming
years. We will enhance our programming service as the receiving
equipment evolves. For example, receivers capable of decoding Dolby
Digital sound, high definition programming, and even interactive
television are now on the market, and we have begun offering programming
in all of those formats.

We hope that this clarifies any questions you might of had. Please let
us know if we can assist you further.

Sincerely,

Suzie
DIRECTV Customer Service

[DocTauri]

It's a form letter. Same crap they sent me 4 months ago. I wonder when they anticipate "evolving" past the 80's...

Doc

[radarmile]

Signed!!! I'm 10,461.

[skelm]

will we ever get it?

snif

[tbh999]

I have it from a good source that it will be rolled out to DirecTivo's on February 30th.

[Hanzaplastique]

Are you refering to newly bought DirecTivo's or does this include a update for existing Directivo's (series2)?

[EricG]

Originally posted by tbh999
I have it from a good source that it will be rolled out to DirecTivo's on February 30th.

Yeah, but WHICH year???
;)

[tbh999]

Originally posted by EricG
Yeah, but WHICH year???
;) Does it really matter! :D

[galen22198]

Signed. I was # 10546

[SGR215]

Signed, although I have little hopes in actually getting HMO. It's funny how tivo on directv is total crap. All the cool features aren't available! We can't even connect it to our home network.

[Gerk]

Originally posted by TheaterBuilder
I have been referred to an attorney who can handle this case. The point is we are going to have to sue Direct TV for false and misleading sales tactics. We have a very strong case in this regard, since according to “ Tivo “ Direct TV has the means at their disposal to just turn the boxes on today, but are reluctant to do so because they would have to hire additional support staff to cover HMO support. Further Direct TV does not claim to, or disclaim to support HMO in any form on their web site or on any of their documentation, wherefore the consumer is left to using the information at hand {mostly from the Tivo website} to make their purchasing decisions, unaware of this pitfall.

I think a class action lawsuit is a fantastic idea. It is certainly fair to say that knowledable DirecTivo owners purchased a Series 2 with the expectation that once Tivo could add more functionality, we would get it too. Tivo HAS added the functionality but DirecTV has put effectively put the brakes on it. To this very day you find DirecTV resellers that are touting the networkable features of the Series 2 receivers. I think it is fairly decent case, and when you make it a class action lawsuit with 10,000 documented litigants who would be happy to join in, DirecTV might quickly see things a different way. Believe me, if you think DirectTV is reluctant to bear the additional support costs of HMO, I think they would be much more reluctant to pay their legal firms to defend against a class action suit that has merit and could take years to defend or even get dismissed.

[NCYANKEE]

Originally posted by Gerk
I think a class action lawsuit is a fantastic idea. It is certainly fair to say that knowledable DirecTivo owners purchased a Series 2 with the expectation that once Tivo could add more functionality, we would get it too. Tivo HAS added the functionality but DirecTV has put effectively put the brakes on it. To this very day you find DirecTV resellers that are touting the networkable features of the Series 2 receivers. I think it is fairly decent case, and when you make it a class action lawsuit with 10,000 documented litigants who would be happy to join in, DirecTV might quickly see things a different way. Believe me, if you think DirectTV is reluctant to bear the additional support costs of HMO, I think they would be much more reluctant to pay their legal firms to defend against a class action suit that has merit and could take years to defend or even get dismissed.

I think a class action suit here is warranted as well. Also, DircTVs recent moves regarding marketing of a different PVR probably adds to this. I don't think it would be a stretch for an attorney to show that DirecTV intentionally failed to provide HMO in the anticipation that it would use another of its own product's boxes. Enabling HMO would have given TIVO a clear advantage over their own boxes, so it was in their best interest--and against the best interest of their contract with TIVO and the D* customers--to not have HMO enabled. Not only could this be a class action case, there's probably some antitrust issues. Even though Murdoch hasn't owned DirecTV the whole time HMO has been available, the probability of a sale to his group probably was enough to keep DirecTV from implementing the features.

[jimmieshear]

Originally posted by Gerk
I think a class action lawsuit is a fantastic idea. It is certainly fair to say that knowledable DirecTivo owners purchased a Series 2 with the expectation that once Tivo could add more functionality, we would get it too. Tivo HAS added the functionality but DirecTV has put effectively put the brakes on it. To this very day you find DirecTV resellers that are touting the networkable features of the Series 2 receivers. I think it is fairly decent case, and when you make it a class action lawsuit with 10,000 documented litigants who would be happy to join in, DirecTV might quickly see things a different way. Believe me, if you think DirectTV is reluctant to bear the additional support costs of HMO, I think they would be much more reluctant to pay their legal firms to defend against a class action suit that has merit and could take years to defend or even get dismissed.

Wow, has it been so long now since we all signed the petition? LOL. Gerk, great job man, I'm 100% behind you. Thanks for taking up the torch, the HMO has long been a feature I've wanted on both my DirecTV Tivos.

[talanjs]

Count me in.
Has anyone heard back on the availbity of this yet?

[talanjs]

My quick email to DirecTV:

Dear DirecTV,
I am a new subscriber and was very excited to have my DirecTV with TiVo installed the other day, until I realized the TiVo was only version 3.1.xxx. After several attempts at trying to upgrade I decide to check the TiVo forums community. Once there I discovered that the DirecTV TiVo is currently unable to be upgraded with the HMO (Home Media Option). I would like to know when I can expect to have this standard TiVo option available for my DVR40 DirecTV with TiVo.

[mpmchugh]

Yesterday, I was told "unofficially" by a "high-level" DTV tech support person, that the HMO features were coming in October.

We'll see.

I also made a point of requesting a USB 2.0 user expandable storage option. This is a huge deal for those of us with HD DTV PVRs, and the forthcoming Moxie HD PVR being deployed starting next month by Charter, Comcast and Adelphia has user-expandable storage out of the box, as well as a feature set that rivals or surpasses HMO Tivos... for FREE! Well almost free. There are no upfront hardware costs -- it's just an upgraded cable box rental.

Let's hope DTV get's on the ball and starts competing agressively on the feature front.

-mpm

[topvik2]

Didn't know this thread was out here, I would have sign long time ago. Just got my 3rd TIVo Series 1, DirecTIVo, Series 2

[sjendro]

Originally posted by Gerk
I think a class action lawsuit is a fantastic idea. It is certainly fair to say that knowledable DirecTivo owners purchased a Series 2 with the expectation that once Tivo could add more functionality, we would get it too. Tivo HAS added the functionality but DirecTV has put effectively put the brakes on it. To this very day you find DirecTV resellers that are touting the networkable features of the Series 2 receivers. I think it is fairly decent case, and when you make it a class action lawsuit with 10,000 documented litigants who would be happy to join in, DirecTV might quickly see things a different way. Believe me, if you think DirectTV is reluctant to bear the additional support costs of HMO, I think they would be much more reluctant to pay their legal firms to defend against a class action suit that has merit and could take years to defend or even get dismissed.

I am sure that this issue has been addressed before and will continue to be addressed, but, I will do it again. How can those of you that think that a class action lawsuit will accomplish anything will get you anywhere. DIRECTV does not claim to support HMO, and never has. Yes, some retailers will say that the S2 boxes can do this, however, they are salesmen, and we all know that salesmen lie to make a sale.
DIRECTV has never guaranteed that HMO would ever be available on the DTiVo units and are not required to make it so. Just because the SA versions have this feature, does not guarantee that every other model will. As was mentioned in another thread, if you purchase, say a surround sound system by Sony, and it does not have Dolby Digital capabilities, but another model of Sony does, does that mean that you can sue Sony for not putting DD in the model that you bought, even if the salesman told you it would have it some day, or came with it? No, you would have to try to prove that the salesman told you that and then you might be able to sue the company you bought it from.
Granted, DIRECTV not having HMO is due to their decision, not TiVo's, but it is still their choice to make, not anyone else's because they do pay for the right to use the software.

[lloydchristmas]

Originally posted by mpmchugh
Yesterday, I was told "unofficially" by a "high-level" DTV tech support person, that the HMO features were coming in October.

We'll see.

I also made a point of requesting a USB 2.0 user expandable storage option. This is a huge deal for those of us with HD DTV PVRs, and the forthcoming Moxie HD PVR being deployed starting next month by Charter, Comcast and Adelphia has user-expandable storage out of the box, as well as a feature set that rivals or surpasses HMO Tivos... for FREE! Well almost free. There are no upfront hardware costs -- it's just an upgraded cable box rental.

Let's hope DTV get's on the ball and starts competing agressively on the feature front.

-mpm

I just signed up with DirecTV and was told specifically before I purchased that the HMO was available. After reading this thread I sent them the following e-mail:

Dear DirecTV,

I just recently signed up for service including the Tivo DVR. Before I signed up, I called DirecTV and specifically asked if I would be able to take advantage of the Home Media Option that Tivo offers to be able to transfer shows between Tivos in my house. I was told by customer service that I would indeed be able to use this feature.

I have since discovered by reading through tivocommunity.com that DirecTV does NOT support the HMO.

Can you clarify? If you are unable to support this, I would consider a breach of agreement since I specifically asked prior to signing up.

Looking forward to your response...

[EricG]

Do ya have it in writing?

[jhanby]

I read through the last couple of pages in this thread. Lots of talk about a Class Action lawsuit and Direct Tivo not being worth crap with out the recent Tivo features.

Personally I can't see where a lawsuit has any legs at all. If your Direct TV sales person told you that a series 2 would do all this new Tivo stuff, you might have cause to ask for a complete refund and to be reimbursed for your shipping costs, but that's it. Trying to say Direct TV has conspired to cheat you out of something is insane! They are paying Tivo a very small part of what you are paying for your Tivo service subscription, certainly not enough to expect Tivo to provide ANY DIRECT SUPPORT to customers. That means that Direct TV has to train and maintain support staff, and it doesn't matter if they are the sharpest tools in the shed or not, it's an expense.

I also suspect that Direct TV was supplied Tivo source code and a limited amount of support in porting it for their hardware needs. I don't think standard Tivo software wheels and deals with two tuners... I've worked on software from this vantage point for years and I'll tell you straight up, you don't walk every new release of the "base" product code into your software as soon as you get it...if you even get it. Many times a company will sign an agreement to give you all the updates for a package you are buying from them then shelve that product and come out with a replacement. Assumming you get (or work out a deal to buy) new source as it becomes available, moving it into your modified product is never a job to be tackled lightly. Instead of trying to incorporate every little port, you will usually wait until you are going to get a lot of bang for your buck and do one massive port.

Personally I think it would be better for all of us if the Direct Tivo deal had worked in reverse, with Tivo buying the satelite receiver hardware and reselling the Direct TV service. Other than "big" things like HD TV, how much is the receiver ever going to change and even with a change like HDTV, how much impact would that realyl have on Tivo's software. If Tivo were selling the Direct Tivos, then the piece of the system that is subject to change and improvement would be in their control.

I'd be happy if I could buy a Tivo that could control two satellite boxes through the low speed dataports to duplicate the features I get with my current Direct Tivo.

As for the Current Direct Tivo not being worth crap, I can't imagine trying to limp along with standard Tivo and a digital cable or satelite box.

I'd love to have the HMO options. I'd especailly love to have my Direct Tivo use my network to get it's updates. But crying and kicking my feet isn't going to make it work. I think the petition and all the emails to Direct TV are a good thing. All we need is the understanding that changing something as complicated as Direct Tivo is not going to happen overnight and the patience to let all the marketing presures do their job.

On a related note, if you could buy some type of API from Tivo and subscribe to their service with out actually owning a Tivo, you could roll your own Tivo and make it do what you want! Legally and morally that is ;)

[talanjs]

This was the reply i got from DirecTV:

"Thank you for writing and your interest in Home Media with TIVO.Thank you for your email. At this time, we do not have any further information regarding the DVR/TiVo with the Home Media Option. We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions (making the service available to current customers) are valuable and we use them to judge interest in our services and equipment.

Just as personal computers are rapidly evolving, we expect DIRECTV System receivers to incorporate many new features in the coming years.
The 'window' button on your remote control is a feature that may be added in the future. We will enhance our programming service as the receiving equipment evolves. For example, receivers capable of decoding Dolby Digital sound, high definition programming, and even interactive television are now on the market, and we have begun offering programming in all of those formats.

All DIRECTV System receivers bring you excellent picture and sound quality and on-screen program information. However, the on-screen menus of each brand may have a slightly different "look and feel." Also, each manufacturer of DIRECTV Systems offers various receivers which each offer a different array of features. The availability of certain features depends on the receiving equipment you own. If you have questions about DIRECTV Systems, we suggest you see our web site for a list of system manufacturers at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/OurPartners.jsp#Manufacturers

We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer the Tivo Home Media Option. Your suggestions are valuable and we use them to judge interest in various programming sources. In fact, we have added channels as a result of viewer feedback.


We have forwarded your comments to our programming department. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

However, as it is DIRECTV policy not to disclose information about upcoming equipment features until they are officially announced, we cannot provide you with further information today. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information
about our services.

Thank you again for contacting DIRECTV and allowing us the opportunity to assist you.

Sincerely,

Veronica
DIRECTV Customer Service"

[dgoner]

Comcast has upgraded their network in my area. With the bundling of cable internet, digital cable, and early next year dual tuner DVR's I see DTV as having no other choice. DTV get with the program and compete. You're internet alternative is a joke and soon when all the major cable companies roll out their more advanced DVR's and VOIP telephone service what will you have to counter with???? Counting down my days to flip DTV the bird and go with the bundled cable offerings...

[lloydchristmas]

This was the response to my note:

"Thank you for your question. Currently, we do not offer this technology.
However, just as personal computers are rapidly evolving, we expect DIRECTV System receivers to incorporate many new features in the coming years. We will enhance our programming service as the receiving equipment evolves. For example, receivers capable of decoding Dolby Digital sound, high definition programming, and even interactive television are now on the market, and we have begun offering programming in all of those formats.

All DIRECTV System receivers bring you excellent picture and sound quality and on-screen program information. However, the on-screen menus of each brand may have a slightly different "look and feel." Also, each manufacturer of DIRECTV Systems offers various receivers which each offer a different array of features. The availability of certain features depends on the receiving equipment you own. If you have questions about DIRECTV Systems, please visit DIRECTV.com or your local electronics retailer.

Sincerely,

Greg
DIRECTV Customer Service"

I love that line: "Just as personal computers are rapidly evolving..."

[djmasters]

I'm signed....

[Spiky]

#10740

[mjfarris]

Signed! Just discoverd this Forum of awsome info, sent this on to several friends to get them to sign as well. I was shocked the option was now free for plain ol' Tivo Customers now, and then found out that Dtv Tivo users can not get the software upgrade.

[edrock200]

Originally posted by jhanby
I also suspect that Direct TV was supplied Tivo source code and a limited amount of support in porting it for their hardware needs. I don't think standard Tivo software wheels and deals with two tuners... I've worked on software from this vantage point for years and I'll tell you straight up, you don't walk every new release of the "base" product code into your software as soon as you get it...if you even get it. Many times a company will sign an agreement to give you all the updates for a package you are buying from them then shelve that product and come out with a replacement. Assumming you get (or work out a deal to buy) new source as it becomes available, moving it into your modified product is never a job to be tackled lightly. Instead of trying to incorporate every little port, you will usually wait until you are going to get a lot of bang for your buck and do one massive port.

Actually, it's known that the stand alone tivo software works on the direct-tivo's, dual tuners and all. I started this thread almost 1 1/2 years ago and I got tired of waiting. I now have HMO running on my boxes, I can't go into much detail but I will say everything thats needed for DirecTV to run HMO is available, it's just a matter of striking a financial agreement with Tivo.***

Unfortunately DirecTV's not too motivated to do so, and I can sort of see why...they have the leading PVR out of any cable or satellite system, dual tuners, dolby digital, good software...the box is cheap, DSR7000 are going for $70 at bestbuy now. They invested a good amount of money into the HDTivo, and as other insiders have mentioned they don't want to support users home networking issues.

I would love to see DirecTV officially support HMO and further advanced features on the series 2 dtivo's, but I think the lack of competition has left directv unmotivated to move ahead.

I also agree that a class action suit won't go far. I think we should continue to let DirecTV know how we feel and hope for the best. As it stands now, I wouldn't be willing to trade in my DirecTivo for a stand alone model, HMO or not, and I think DirecTV knows this is true of most of their users.

***Edit: I think a few users misunderstood that statement, I meant it's a matter of DirecTV striking a financial agreement with Tivo, not end-users striking personal financial agreements with Tivo for HMO. Sorry for the confusion.

[NailStorm]

edrock200;
I'm at the same point. I have everything I need to put HMO on my DTIVO but I've been patiently waiting for DTV to suppor tthis so I don't have to go down 'that' route...
I'm getting to a breaking point shortly.

[singe606]

Yeah, same here... I gave up waiting. HMO is now working perfectly on my HDVR2. :)

[Argus Luv]

Dear Victor,

Thank you for writing. As you know, the TiVo stand alone may offer the Home Media Option, but DIRECTV DVR with TiVo does not. However, DIRECTV DVR with TiVo may focus more on other features, such as video-based services like Starz on Demand. For information about TiVo stand alone units and service, please visit the website at: www.tivo.com or you can call 877-FOR-TIVO, that's 877-367-8486. Available 11AM-11PM ET daily.

Please know that we are always looking for ways to enhance our services.
Your suggestions are valuable and we use them to judge interest in various programming sources. In fact, we have made changes as a result
of viewer feedback.

We have forwarded your comments to our programming department. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the latest news and
information about our services.

Additionally, as you know, DIRECTV makes changes and additions to our programming line-up from time to time. However, it is a DIRECTV policy not to discuss upcoming announcements until their official release date, and at this time we have no official announcement beyond what we have already communicated to the public. We invite you to visit the News Releases section of our web site at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/Headlines.jsp for the latest announcements

We hope that this information is helpful. Thanks again for writing.

Sincerely,

Ritu
DIRECTV Customer Service

[tbh999]

I would like to say that....

I know for a FACT the HMO will be offered on DirecTivos!













However I can't, because I would be lying! :mad:

[ManOfSteele]

I'd be happy if they'd offer any significant new features. HMO would be nice, but I've also been waiting for Groups support to be added like they have on standalone TiVos. I've been a DTV customer for a year and although there have been a few minor sw upgrades they have been nothing of significance. I work in the sw industry and we release upgrades regularly. Customers expect this. I'm very surprized by DIRECTV's approach to their major product.

[edrock200]

The current rumor is HMO on DTivo's by Thanksgiving.

[Gerk]

Originally posted by EricG
Do ya have it in writing?

Here is an excerpt I just pulled off of one of many web based DirecTV retailer websites "The Series2 DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder (DSR) has the same great "TV-controlling & customization" features as past models -- plus some great new additions, such as: Be ready for future home entertainment services with two integrated USB ports. The first services are scheduled to arrive before the 2002 holiday season, stay alert for announcements regarding the new services..."

To this day, those USB ports don't work. DirecTV is absolutely to blame for it.

The retailers got this verbiage from somewhere, they didn't all make up the same thing. They almost certainly got it from DirecTV's marketing department 2 years ago!

I don't approve of frivolous lawsuits, but this situation that DirecTV has allowed to occur is far from frivolous. It is apparent that a few of you don't get how lawsuits work. Or you work for DirecTV and are trying to discourage this disturbing discussion thread.

A civil lawsuit, with potential class action possibilities if more than one party is involved, can be filed at any time, with any level of "proof." Aside from attorney's fees there is little expense involved (and most attorney's will jump at the chance of a class-action because of the enormous potential payback). Although there is always the risk of a counter-suit, the mere existence of a petition with over 10,000 signature on it would make any judge understand there is merit in this case and that is should at least be considered. It is very doubtful that DirecTV could successfully counter-sue.

At that point it is up to DirecTV to defend themselves. I'm not saying this lawsuit is a slam dunk (far from it), but the moment a billion dollar company needs to defend itself against any kind of class action litigation, it gets VERY EXPENSIVE. I don't think any of us want money out of this, we just want them to turn on a feature we were led to believe would be working 2 years ago! Come on! Who knows a lawyer in California?!?! We can force their hand!!

[chengka]

I love my DirectTivos, but I'm getting tired of waiting for HMO and it's not good business practice to "piss off" your customers. You see, I love having 2 tuners and a good PVR, so right now DTV is the only show in town. What happens when Comcast offers the same thing plus HD for less than $1000? I'll tell you what, Goodbye DTV. Toy with people at your peril DTV!

[Crow159]

I sent a letter to Directv asking about new channels and for HMO. This is what I got back:




Thank you for your inquiry. While we do not have any new information at
this time about the channels you mentioned (other than GAC, which will
be available September 21 with TOTAL CHOICE PLUS and TOTAL CHOICE
PREMIER), we are always looking for ways to improve and expand our
services. As we've told you before, your suggestions are valuable and we
use them to judge interest in various programming sources, and we have
added a number of channels as a result of customer feedback.

As for the new TiVo features you refer to, including the Home Media
Option, we have no new information at this time. Since DIRECTV has made
no announcement about adding those features, I cannot give you any
definite answer. However, I would be very surprised if those features
are not eventually available on DIRECTV DVR receivers. I expect it is
just a matter of time -- and I have no way to predict how MUCH time --
until these features are integrated into the already-complex DVR
systems.

We have forwarded your comments to our programming department. Please
continue to visit our web site at http://www.DIRECTV.com for the latest
news and information about our services. Feel free to bookmark the News
Releases section of our web site at http://www.DIRECTV.com/PR and check
back from time to time for the latest announcements.

Sincerely,

Rakesh
DIRECTV Customer Service

[edrock200]

Originally posted by Crow159
As for the new TiVo features you refer to, including the Home Media
Option, we have no new information at this time. Since DIRECTV has made
no announcement about adding those features, I cannot give you any
definite answer. However, I would be very surprised if those features
are not eventually available on DIRECTV DVR receivers. I expect it is
just a matter of time -- and I have no way to predict how MUCH time --
until these features are integrated into the already-complex DVR
systems.

Well thats the most positive response I've seen yet. Coupled with the rumor of a end of the year release things could be looking good. Either this guy knows something or is very ballsy. Here's to hoping!

[JerryEl]

Bump. I signed up.

[Peej]

Dang. I signed this when there was about 3000 on the list and haven't checked back since. I can't believe that we are near 11000 signatures and they still haven't announced anything.

For those of you who have HMO running on their DirecTivo, would one of you mind pointing me in the right direction as to where to find how to do such a thing. Just PM or Email me.

Come on DTV Get your collective heads out of your butts and give us what we want.

- PJ

[mphare]

Sadly, it's probably going to take HMO being offered on other systems (DishNet, Comcast, Cox, etc..) and subscribers leaving DirecTV declaring the reason was lack of HMO before DirecTV will take us seriously.

As long as we pay the bill and they are signing up new subscribers, what is their advantage in adding HMO?

[Peej]

I hear ya. It sucks. To be honest, the only thing keeping me on DirecTV currently is NFL Sunday Ticket. I was originally from Philly and don't want to miss my Eagles games. If my cable provider was able to pick up Sunday ticket I would be gone in a heartbeat. I hate their customer service and am still really pissed off about them dropping what I thought was one of the best high speed services available.

PJ

[CubanCigar]

It's nice to see interested parties having a forum such as this. It amazes me to see how much the industry is capable of doing, yet it continues to hold back on us!

[slydog75]

Originally posted by Peej
...I hate their customer service and am still really pissed off about them dropping what I thought was one of the best high speed services available.

PJ

Are you talking about DirecTV? IMHO they have way better customer service than any cableco I've ever dealt with.. Also, what internet service are you reffering too? They're still doing DirecWay (formerly DirecPC) though it's pretty much crap.

[Peej]

I've never gotten more than a canned answer from their customer service and the fews times I've talked to them I was on hold for 30 - 45 minutes before getting anyone to talk to. To be fair, I've only called 2 or 3 times total so its very possible I just hit them on bad days. I've also never had cable, so I can't compare. But bad is bad, even if it's better "comparatively".

As far as the internet, about a year and a half ago they were offering a DSL service that was by far the fastest, cheapest and most stable system out there. At least it was for me. One day they decided they weren't making money and canned it. I'm still a little bitter about it. I'm not paying twice as much for half the service... sigh

PJ

[fugitiveALiEN]

What do you all think of the HMO option if the Netflix/TiVo merger should go through? Could that help it along?

[mphare]

Originally posted by fugitiveALiEN
What do you all think of the HMO option if the Netflix/TiVo merger should go through? Could that help it along?

Nope, cause we won't be seeing this feature either.

In fact, it could hurt it as it drive a wedge even further between TiVo and DirecTV

[tbeckner]

Originally posted by mphare
Nope, cause we won't be seeing this feature either.

In fact, it could hurt it as it drive a wedge even further between TiVo and DirecTV Actually, I don't believe you could drive TIVO and DirecTV any further apart. The hand writing is on the wall. TIVO as the main choice for a DirecTV DVR is dead. There will not be anymore enhancements and DirecTV will putting the last nail in the coffin when they launch their own DVR within the next year. It is agreed that TIVO and DirecTV have a contract that ends in 2007, but we all know how DirecTV treats contracts (IE. NRECA and Pegasus). Will TIVO be the next victim?

It's too bad that the better product for the job is being treated this way, but let's face the facts, Murdoch has only one mission in life, build an empire.

[Sean Cusick]

Having read this forum for awhile, I was always scared of the hacking forums- seemed way over my head. After all, I don't want to hack, I just want new features on my dtivo.

Having said that I just wanted those to know that putting 4.0, with folders, MRV and HMO on a HDVR2 is not hard. It also is very apparent that tivo had the code made to accomidate dtv. I mean, once you get the software onto the DTIVO, all of the dtv sat screens are in place and work. It seems very obvious to me that the only reason putting 4.0 on these machines works so well is because tivo wanted it and had the software in place over a year ago.- But we all knew that, right.

Because the software seems to be written for the dtivo, or at lease the HDVR2's Those wishing and wanting HMO so bad should take a long hard look at the underground. The only real hard part is activating the HMO. It is not that hard, but you need to read and use command lines to activate this.

I now have hmo in all of it's glory on my 2 Dtivos and it works great. My advice to all of us who read this day after day clinging to rummors to take the plung and devote a week to reading posts on how to get it running. There are guides that make the whole thing easy. Once you know the basics, you can add HMO to your DTivo in about 20 minutes. Of course the time it takes to figure everthing else out is a bit more, but I was able to do it over a weekend of hard reading and trying things out.

[DocTauri]

Sean is correct, after setting up the first one, all others are a snap. The best way to do it is to build one, then back it up as a master, then you can reload others from that. A simple clear&delete all, and it's online too. I now have 4 HDVR2's all running 4.0.1b and full HMO functionality. Life is good ;-)

BTW: Once you get that done, take a look at JavaHMO, cool stuff.

Doc

[secure1347]

You guys are saying it is easy to add HMO and folders to HD DTV DVR's only correct? Meaning it can't be done on regular DTV DVR's? Sorry if this has been discussed in here already but way too many pages to look through.

[slydog75]

Sadly, at least the last I heard, you cannot get 4.0 software on any of the new Dtivo's with RID.

[Sean Cusick]

no- 4.0 will run on series 2 directivo's- not HD ones. And yes, the newer units non hdvr2's have security built in which will not allow the upgrade. There is some talk about a hack, but nothing has been released publicly in the forums yet.

[secure1347]

Thanks. I would really be pysched if someone did come out with a hack for my series 2 DVR ,HMO would be awesome and the ability to have folders would be the icing on the cake for me. I just got my Philips DVR so I am guessing it is RID, but what exactly is that? and how do I know if I have it?

Nevermind I just checked the back of the unit and it has a Reciever ID # so I guess I'm screwed. Do all new units have an RID ? (ie Philips, RCA, Hughes)

[slydog75]

Originally posted by secure1347
Do all new units have an RID ? (ie Philips, RCA, Hughes)

Yes, they do.. you can still do alot of other hacks, just can't upgrade to 4.0 software yet (and everything that goes with that.. folders, HMO, etc).

[bakedtivo]

Could someone give me a few suggestions and even a little help on setting up a phillip series 1. I have xtreme 2.5 on an image cd but I want to put a large drive in the machine. I am a paying subscriber.I also have a series 2 rca and I wan to pratice on my series 1. I had to get a replacement for my RCA. It is SOOOO slow with the menu functions but the playback is fine?? Just send me a new one I guess. ANyway this is my first message here. I hope I can find a little help

baked in AZ

[brian121]

I have signed this petition, too.
It has nearly, 11,150 signatures!

I am not happy that DirecTV is "stalling" on this feature. I have spoken with "Tivo Support" with DTV, and they told me "they are looking into it". Whoppee...

However, If you've ever been screwed by the cable companies or Dish Network (I was a previous customer of these pr!cks for 4+ years), you'd know why I'm thrilled with my DirecTV Tivos, even though they are a bit lacking in features.

Are the DirecTV "decision makers" aware this petition even exists? If so, have they been updated to the fact it has well over 11,000 signatures?

[willyg]

And when you say "lacking"... compared to Dishnetwork DVR's... they are LIGHT YEARS ahead!!

Even though HMO is not there yet (and Im eagerly waiting as well), these DVR's are a thin slice of heaven compared to the competition!

[Nfuego]

I was signature 11,359 (I think)...

I would buy 4 units tomorrow, cancel cable, and purchase DirecTv if they had HMO available.

[kenrosen]

I'm 11392

[Sc0rp10n]

in at 11428.

[jmrwiseguy]

Originally posted by Nfuego
I was signature 11,359 (I think)...

I would buy 4 units tomorrow, cancel cable, and purchase DirecTv if they had HMO available.

DirecTV seems to be clueless sometimes. Like you I'd buy more DirecTivos if they could be networked.

[osirisdog]

11444

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by jmrwiseguy
DirecTV seems to be clueless sometimes. Like you I'd buy more DirecTivos if they could be networked.

I'd buy more HDirecTiVos!

[leesweet]

Ditto here... I have one HDTiVo and 5 ReplayTVs... :) Replay seems to be going nowhere with HD, but I sure don't want to run from room to room to watch things recorded in HD. (Signed the petition and glad to see over 11000 names on it!)

BTW, I just started reading this forum after spending six months in the HD TiVo forum solely.... :D . Either I'm the stupid one or perhaps there are a lot of HD TiVo folks who don't come to the 'plain' DTiVo forum, and some links like to this thread should be posted over there...

Or do most folks with *any* DTiVos frequent this forum also?

[bbaritony]

I tried but the link seems to be dead.

ANyone else?

[edrock200]

Its working for me, try it again.

[bbaritony]

Its working fo me now.
I signed!

[jerryv]

Enough's enough w/Direct TV. I've decided to get rid of my 2 Direct TIVO and replace them with 1 combo DVR w/TIVO (Philips, Toshiba, etc) in one room and 1 standalone series 2 in the other room. This way I can use HMO to transfer programming from the standalone unit to the combo unit and then archive to DVD. Plus TIVO is coming out w/TIVO to Go, which allows archiving to PC.

DTV is so far behind TIVO in adopting new technologies it's ridiculous. I've had enough.

[Anthony In NYC]

Just signed up 11489...it looks like it may not matter to the DTV but I signed none the less if I could get HMO on my HDTivo I could get rid of the ROKU I have and hate.

[Vyle]

Jerryv: Hate to burst your bubble, but the combo units cannot burn content from other Tivo's. Its a resolution problem, the combo units record in a special resolution or something, different ratio/aspect somethin or other.. sucks :(

11,503 sigs btw

[NCYANKEE]

Originally posted by mpmchugh
Yesterday, I was told "unofficially" by a "high-level" DTV tech support person, that the HMO features were coming in October.

We'll see.

I also made a point of requesting a USB 2.0 user expandable storage option. This is a huge deal for those of us with HD DTV PVRs, and the forthcoming Moxie HD PVR being deployed starting next month by Charter, Comcast and Adelphia has user-expandable storage out of the box, as well as a feature set that rivals or surpasses HMO Tivos... for FREE! Well almost free. There are no upfront hardware costs -- it's just an upgraded cable box rental.

Let's hope DTV get's on the ball and starts competing agressively on the feature front.

-mpm

October's almost over---anyone else have "unofficial" news???

[edrock200]

Originally posted by Vyle
Jerryv: Hate to burst your bubble, but the combo units cannot burn content from other Tivo's. Its a resolution problem, the combo units record in a special resolution or something, different ratio/aspect somethin or other.. sucks :(

11,503 sigs btw

Yeah it does suck....I don't know why Tivo hasn't addressed this yet...aparently it's a simple tweak in the SA unit to allow it to record with the compatible resolution...unless I'm missing something.

[JD9900]

Hi all,

I apologize for not being able to answer your email individually, as I do get quite a bit of it pertaining to this subject. I've recently received some updated news from DirecTV, and would like to share as much as I can with you.

The good news is that DirecTV is aware of the petition, and I can tell you with some certainty that our voices are being heard. DirecTV contacted me recently as a direct result of the petition. While I can't share the details of the conversation or to whom I spoke, I think I can safely say that our message has been positively received by DirecTV.


I wish I could say more, but unfortunately the best advice I can give you right now is to be patient. Hopefully DTV will make an announcement on this issue soon.

Thanks, and I hope this information proves useful.

[singe606]

I'm very skeptical.

[Nfuego]

I wonder if they realize how many people WOULD subscribe to their service if they:

A) Offered the HMO with thier boxes.

B) Quit requiring a landline phone connection for their service.

[the new guy]

I am #11528.

I have also been sending e-mails to D* asking what their plans are for upgrading the TiVo software, but I have only gotten te stock response of "in the near future." Is that the "near future" in terms of the age of the universe, or can I use a regular calendar to determine the date? I would just get the SA TiVo if it had 2 tuners...

[EricG]

I've heard the same "near future" since I first e-mailed them when HMOwas introduced.

[Code_Man65]

From what I've been told, we are supposed to be adding some new features very soon. However, I like you know that could mean 1 year as I work for them. For anything more exact I really couldn't say but I do know that PiP is coming along with other much requested features (like Caller ID). So I'd not give up hope yet, as several people who work at DTV have told the higher ups that they want these features and its hard to hide from an employee.

[JimSpence]

Can we then assume that you are another of the ever growing DirecTV employees that have joined this forum?

Welcome.

[rcmitchell]

Signature # 11,583... :) Keep ya fingers crossed......................

[sushirabbit]

Originally posted by Code_Man65
From what I've been told, we are supposed to be adding some new features very soon. However, I like you know that could mean 1 year as I work for them. For anything more exact I really couldn't say but I do know that PiP is coming along with other much requested features (like Caller ID). So I'd not give up hope yet, as several people who work at DTV have told the higher ups that they want these features and its hard to hide from an employee.
.... heh heh heh. The cat's already out of the bag. Better be good code comin' out for me to choose to come back into the fold...

[pumbaa70]

Count me in 2 on this petetion. DIRECTV WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rsantos]

#11719 - had a dream that I could last night...

fricking pitiful...

[Drivinguy]

I signed number 11720

[magnus]

For what it is worth, I signed and am #11721. I'm not holding my breath though, it seems if DirecTV was going to provide quality customer service, it would not take 2+ years (time length of this petition) for them to respond to customer requests (not the canned BS that they are giving customers now).

Customer service is lost art in America's service industries....... who knows when it will come back.......

[fflores222]

My signature number for this petition is 11572. I have sent a message to DirecTV via their link: directv.com/DTVAPP/Feedback.do. Here's what i have asked: When will you be releasing information on the HOME MEDIA FEATURES/OPTIONS for your DirecTivo systems? I currently have two DirecTivo systems and since I don’t have two feeds into at one locations i would like to take advantage of what a standard "TIVO box" has to offer. This feature is very important to me as a consumer/customer. Please let me know ASAP
=====================================================
The Response

11/13/2004 03:25 AM

Dear Frank,

Thank you for your inquiry. We do not offer the HOME MEDIA OPTION through DIRECTV. We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions are valuable and we use them to judge interest in various programming sources. In fact, we have added channels as a result of viewer feedback.

We have forwarded your comments to our programming department. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

Additionally, as you know, DIRECTV makes changes and additions to our programming line-up from time to time. However, it is a DIRECTV policy not to discuss upcoming announcements until their official release date, and at this time we have no official announcement beyond what we have already communicated to the public. We invite you to visit the News Releases section of our web site at WEBLINK: since i'm not allowed to post links yet!(www).directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/Headlines.jsp for the latest announcements

Sincerely,

Veronica C
DIRECTV Customer Service

(www).directv.com/DTVAPP/Feedback.do Send them your feedback. Seems to make an impact I hope!!!

[Joseph DeMartino]

Petitions can't hurt, but frankly they don't make that much of an impression. On-line petitions are taken even less seriously than paper ones - the fact it is they are too easy to create, too easy to sign, too easy to fake and there's nothing to prove any of the folks signing them are (a) real or (b) actually customers/consumers of the product, service or company that is the target of the petition.

Anybody can add their "signature" to a petition written by someone else. Anyone can "trade signatures" on petitions they have no interest in. ("You sign my 'Save Farscape', I'll sign your DirecTV HMO petition, even though I don't have DirecTV.) Companies know this, and assign weight to these things accordingly.

Far more impressive to the decision makers are snail-mail letters. Individually written snail-mail messages, not form letters or slight variations on the same text. The letters should include the customer's adddress, phone number and DTV account number, and be very specific about which features people want.

I'm not a DirecTV customer myself, I live in a north-facing condo and that isn't an option for me. My parents, who live with my sister and brother-in-law, do share the household DirecTV setup, and my dad (a recording junkie) has unit with a DVR and a (non-functional) USB port. I do have a stand-alone TiVO, which I use with my cable box, and I do have the home media option. It is a great system. Unlike my dad's system - which has had phone connection problems for over a year that nobody from TiVO, DirecTV or BellSouth has been able to resolve - my TiVO goes out over my DSL connection. For Christmas I'm getting my mother a DirecTV w/TiVO for her sitting room. I anticipate similar dial-up problems for that installation. I'd like to be able to use wireless networking adapters to connect both of these TiVOs to my brother-in-law's DSL, display media content from the PC on them, and allow them to share recordings between them via the home network - all of which are features of stand alone TiVOs with HMO. I've called DirecTV on their behalf and gotten similar vague hints about their evaluating possible future software updates.

So now I'm getting my brother-in-law to send them a letter asking for HMO, and I urge readers of this thread to do the same. A few hundred letters that people had to write themselves, print out, sign, stuff into envelopes and pay to mail in will have far more of an impact than 20,000 unverfiable electronic signatures that took 10 seconds to add to an internet petition. Think about it: Which would you take more seriously, 50 identical e-mails from 50 different hotmail addresses urging you to attend an event or two hand-written letters from people with addresses in your own neighborhood inviting you to attend the same event.

Here's the address:

DIRECTV, Inc.
Customer Service
P.O. Box 92600
Los Angeles, CA 90009


Regards,

Joe

[RC3105]

you can get HMO for rid units at the other tivo forum in the next few days - tcf keeps nuking any reference to it though

google for 4.x+RID

[Joseph DeMartino]

OK, I'll bite:

What is "rid" ?

What is "the other tivo forum"?

Why did you suggest a google search that doesn't return anything about DirecTV or Tivo? (Although lots of stuff about Dell PCs and pop-up blockers. :)) Usually before I post a suggested Google search, I try it to make sure it works.

Regards,

Joe

[rrc1]

Am a new Member-- It is simply amazing that there is no HMO with direct. I like the 2 tuner option but have to go to our bedroom to view pictures from our camera.... signed petition but given the amount of posts and length of time, does not look too hopeful...

enjoy reading posts!

[RC3105]

that google search term works fine for me, relevant hits are top of the list

rid stands for reciever identification, and its the new type of dtivo that can't run a 4.x software image moved over from a standalone unit

the other forum is at deal database dot com slash forum, but links to there are automatically censored by the forum software here

[Joseph DeMartino]

RC:

Thanks for the info. Strange about that Google search. I copied and pasted it and ended up with the links I mentioned. I'll check out that other forum. On re-reading my earlier post I think my comment on the Google business could seem a little harsh. Glad you didn't take it that way, as that was not my intent.

Regards,

Joe

[dedmiston]

Originally posted by RC3105
rid stands for reciever identification, and its the new type of dtivo that can't run a 4.x software image moved over from a standalone unit
I'm shopping for a second dtivo unit and want to install 4.x so I can use HMO. How do I know if a unit I'm looking at is RID or not?

Is there a list I can refer to?

[RC3105]

doesn't matter anymore, the other forum released the necessary drivers to run 4.x on rid

[fflores222]

so does that mean it's possible to install and then run the HMO on DirecTIVO? if so what is the forum and or link.

thanks.

[jasiv]

I signed the petition also. TiVo sent the following response:

Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of the frustration you have had regarding the unavailability of the TiVo Home Media Option. At this time, we do not have any further information regarding the DVR/TiVo with the Home Media Option. We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions are valuable and we use them to judge interest in various programming sources.

We have forwarded your comments to the programming department. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Harparkash B
DIRECTV Customer Service

Has anyone heard anything positive?

[ManOfSteele]

At this point I'd be happy if DirecTV offered any kind of upgrade at all. I originally was a standalone TiVo user before switching to DTiVo. The feature I missed the most wasn't HMO (which I did use) but rather the grouping feature that the 4.0 software had. I'd like to see that feature added before HMO. In the 1+ year I've had my DTiVos, as far as I can tell there have been no feature upgrades of any significance. That just boggles my mind...

[bkean]

Originally posted by tbh999
I have it from a good source that it will be rolled out to DirecTivo's on February 30th.



Anyone?