Organize an HMO request

[edrock200]

Since a large percentage of members here would like to see the HMO option become a reality, and (I hope) we have all sent direcTV a message requesting HMO, should we consider getting together and writing some sort of joint letter with a ton of signatures/digital signatures? Maybe we can get more info...the latest I've heard is that they will "evaluate Tivo's launch."

Anyone know* of a simple yet effective way to do this?

* edit 1: no=know (it only took me 1 1/2 years to catch it. :))

[WeKnSmith]

Let me know what I can do to help...

[edrock200]

Doesn't seem like theres a lot of interest...I found a free petition site but it's not worth all the trouble if it's just us two. :)

[JD9900]

I've started an online petition to send to DirecTV regarding this. Please sign it at your convenience and spread the word!

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/tivo9900/petition.html

[Combat Medic]

Originally posted by JD9900
I've started an online petition to send to DirecTV regarding this. Please sign it at your convenience and spread the word!

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/tivo9900/petition.html Done

[FredSea]

Just "signed" the petition. Hopefully we'll get some more action on this!!

[davsherm]

I'm in!!! Give us our HMO!!!!

[RadioDoc]

Very well written petition! I signed it, too...

[edrock200]

Signed.

[rock_doctor]

done 13 total as of 4:52pm EST

[skelm]

I signed #23

I think it should have said something about keeping us up to date will all new tive features. Not just the one we are talking about this month

[Sorcerer]

I signed it, and figured I'd <bump> the topic up too.

-Sorc

[chh1]

#31

[Tivo_rookie]

34 sigs at 7.15pm est

[Kemas]

Hey, I am going to go and sign the petition... I think maybe it is important that we ask for everyone visiting this site join us in solidarity against DirecTV on this issue; even if you don't want or need HMO.

I, like many, find it crazy that DirecTV doesn't want to keep Tivo (sorry DVR) for DirecTV up-to-date. Now, I guess it could be money is involved, but if that is the case Tivo screwed up.

Anyway, sign the petition whether you want it or not and help out your Tivo Brothers and Sisters.

Call it the "Coillition of the Tivoing"

[patrickpiteo]

Done...

[Rombaldi]

absolutely... remember this isn't JUST to get HMO, this is so they will keep up with new features period.

[andrewket]

Signed!

[donaldj]

Thanks for all the efforts,, #49

[jahf]

Signed, #50 ... so much for the comment that there were only 37 people interested ;)

[Stevenm007]

Just signed it, hope a lot more people do also.:cool:

[turbo92awd]

#71 here

[zwheeloc]

#77. Why are they stalling on this feature?

[Ellipse]

#80 and counting.....

[WeKnSmith]

#85

[tomlouie]

I'm #87, and I don't own a DirecTiVo, just a SA. But, us TiVo folks have to show solidarity, right?

Tom

[Markman07]

Signed!!! Number 94!!!

[dwight]

Just signed - #99

[edrock200]

Hey mods, can we make this a temporary sticky or advertise the petition to get more signatures?

Members, I suggest adding something about the petition to your signature, the more views the better.

[edrock200]

At what point should be inform DirecTV of the petition? 500 sigs, 1000?

[kgidley]

I'm in. 171. I'm more interested in updated software for series 1 DTivos, so that's the comment I added.

[Sixela D]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm thinking TiVo is just as eager to get the revenue from HMO as we are for the features. This is purely speculation, but they probably haven't released it because it's not ready to be released. I have plenty of firsthand experience with software bugs (deal with them all day long) that are a result of rushing a product release. Not to say that it will be perfect, but I would take a functional, defect-free product over an early release any day.

Not that I'm against the petition, but you just can't get your HMO before it's time. (And shouldn't want it...)

...Just my 2cents.

[simplesid242002]

# 175

[skelm]

bump for more sigs

[edrock200]

Originally posted by Sixela D
Maybe it's just me, but I'm thinking TiVo is just as eager to get the revenue from HMO as we are for the features. This is purely speculation, but they probably haven't released it because it's not ready to be released. I have plenty of firsthand experience with software bugs (deal with them all day long) that are a result of rushing a product release. Not to say that it will be perfect, but I would take a functional, defect-free product over an early release any day.

Not that I'm against the petition, but you just can't get your HMO before it's time. (And shouldn't want it...)

...Just my 2cents.

HMO will be released this month for the stand alone series 2 Tivo's. However, DirecTV (which now controls the combo boxes) has chosen not to offer HMO to combo boxes as of now. They are in a "wait and see" period.

[jahf]

Added to my .sig and I definitely agree with the sticky request!

[MichaelK]

bump

now at 270

[JohnTivo]

272...

[lee espinoza]

277

[TWood]

I signed it as well, and posted the link on another DBS discussion board.

[keefer37]

284 here :)

[g-man]

288 signed.

[Dale Sorel]

Originally posted by jahf
Signed, #50 ... so much for the comment that there were only 37 people interested ;)

That's a good one :p

[Dale Sorel]

Originally posted by g-man
288 signed.

Oh my goodness, that's such a large number of potential customers :rolleyes:

Good luck, I think you'll need it ;)

[SteakMan]

Originally posted by Dale Sorel
Oh my goodness, that's such a large number of potential customers :rolleyes: You bet it is! Just a couple of days worth of "Word of mouth" advertising.

-SteakMan-

[edrock200]

Originally posted by Dale Sorel
Oh my goodness, that's such a large number of potential customers :rolleyes:

Good luck, I think you'll need it ;)

Thanks for the support...

[Tivo_rookie]

Some discussion on the yahoo board


http://messages.yahoo.com/bbs?.mm=FN&action=l&board=1600408754&tid=tivo&sid=1600408754&mid=69821

Also posted to
http://messages.yahoo.com/?action=q&board=GMH

But no takers

[skywalkm]

#430

I so badly want to get DirecTV for the NFL Ticket and would buy 2-3 DTiVo's if they had HMO - for the web scheduling only pretty much, and the other stuff is kind of cool too.

I will not become a DirecTV subscriber until this happens as this is showing me what their customer support is like.

[mysigp226]

#515

[hurricane]

I'm lucky #597.

Is there a thread or page somewhere (I have not yet scoured and searched every nook and cranny of this site) that contains DirecTV's official position on this issue, or a report of their official position? EDIT: Never mind, I found some.

Also, does someone have specific e-mail addresses at DTV we can use, rather than a web form or generic address? EDIT: Never mind, I found that posting those addresses are not allowed here, for reasons with which I respectfully disagree.

I find it outrageous that DTV is not interested in helping us out here. We're begging to pay them more money!

[Kluch]

*BUMP*
Up to 630 Keep It Going!!!

[kf4wvk]

There are over 700 now.... I signed it.

BTW, I called and asked to speak to someone about it. I got forwarded to a Tivo help guy. He said he didn't know about it, so I told him the URL to tivo's web page that described the HMO.

He said, "I can't pull up internet pages here at work." to which I replied, well, write this down and look it up when you get home... he said he would.

So I got him to forward me back to customer service, and I asked her to write in the call log that I want to subscribe to Tivo's HMO with my HDVR2 box. She indicated that her manager had "heard of it and knew that DTV was investigating what to do".

I then filled out the webform asking "Can I get Tivo's HMO on my HDVR2 box? " I included a URL to the Tivo page. The response was that I would have to wait until Tivo launches it and then ask Tivo if I can do it on my HDVR2!

Here's to hoping.

kf4wvk

[rwilloug]

705 :D

[andrewket]

I wrote a letter to TechTV (specifically, the Fresh Gear show) in regards to the entire HMO situation. They have featured many PVRs over the years, so HMO is definitely something they will be interested in. Hopefully if they decide to air something they'll describe DTV's and Tivo's new relationship and some of the effects of the new agreement. I gave them the link to the petition.

-Andrew

[Skittles]

#751 here. I'm going to pass this around to the HDVR2 owners that I know.

[walters]

#762

[sahurd]

I was around #880, or so (just closed the window)

[JD9900]

Just an update - the petition has over 900 signatures on it, and is growing fast! Thanks to all of you who have signed and passed this around. I posted this message in the thread going on in the Tivo Coffeehouse Forum, but wanted to update this original thread as well.

As far as submitting the petition to Mr. Baele, and DirecTV, I am keeping daily track of the signatures, and will wait until there is a significant decrease before submitting. This should be an excellent compromise between building the maximum amount of signatures and submitting it in a reasonable amount of time.

But remember, this is not my petition - it belongs to all of us. Feel free to write to Mr. Baele and DirecTV referencing this petition at your leisure. I intend to send him actual written correspondence as well as email to their public relations and customer service departments when I feel the time is right, and I encourage all of you to do the same.


Thanks again for all of the help and support!

Bob

[edrock200]

I'm glad my idea took off and thank you JD9900 for putting it in motion! Let me know if I can be of help other than emailing DirecTV.
-Ed

[Sorcerer]

It looks like we've almost achieved 37 signatures.

[edrock200]

Originally posted by Sorcerer
It looks like we've almost achieved 37 signatures.

Huh? We're close to 1000.

[Sorcerer]

Guess I should've included the ;)

Sorry, I was being sarcastic!

We're over 1000 signatures now.

[JD9900]

Originally posted by kf4wvk
The response was that I would have to wait until Tivo launches it and then ask Tivo if I can do it on my HDVR2!

Here's to hoping.

kf4wvk


This just got me thinking - DTV could offer the 4.0 software, let the customers pay for HMO directly through Tivo, and then just wash their hands of supporting it. This way, DTV offers a service to people who want it, doesn't have to worry about paying to support it, and Tivo continues to provide state of the art software updates to their customers.

I know Tivo wants 4.0 on the Combo units, and I also know DTV wants to make as many people as possible happy while paying out as little as possible. This seems like a great compromise.

[JD9900]

Hey guys! We're at almost *1500* signatures, now. This is FANTASTIC! Please, keep reading this thread, keep employing new people to sign, and keep the movement alive. I've been speaking in private with other long-term TiVo Community members, including a TiVo Employee him (or her) self who wishes to remain nameless, and they all feel that what we're doing here is helping our cause; the TiVo cause.

Again, even if you aren't considering purchasing the H(ome) M(edia) O(ption), please consider Signing The Petition to SUPPORT the HMO movement - we simply want the option to purchase it, that is all.

Again, thanks all, and keep the up the good work!!!

Bob

[keefer37]

I just added a link to the petition in my Blog. Hope that will help get a few more signatures.

[blips]

#1516

[dconnel]

#1533

[srjtr7]

# 1535 wow......I hope we get get HMO

[dconnel]

bump

[vertigo235]

1536

[rogercy]

# 1881

[Mr Pieces]

#1892 (Would have been a lower # but I have been busy and away from the forum for a while...)

[Misfit]

#1920, sorry I haven't been around for a while, glad to be back.

[jahf]

When / How will the petition officially be sent to DirecTV? I'm curious to hear the response. I figure it will hit 2000 by this weekend.

[ISWIZ]

2045

[matt3846]

# 2085

[tedc]

another signature. great idea to do an online petition.

[whsbuss]

While we're doing a petition for HMO, how about starting one for all the sound problems most of us are experiencing? DTV never admits to any complaints on this issue. I know I've called at least 10 times since Dec and they never acknowledge it or issue a resolution.

[parzec]

I hope everyone realizes why DirecTV was able to lower the cost of monthy DVR subscription rates and allow the DVR service to be mirrored at no extra charge. It should be no surprise that we are not getting all of the latest Tivo features, we don't pay enough compared to SA owners to deserve them. Personally, I am happy with the way the DVR works right now. Since DirecTV is 100% responsible for support of their DVR system, it will increase their operating costs which will be passed to everyone -- No thanks --

[WeKnSmith]

Originally posted by parzec
I hope everyone realizes why DirecTV was able to lower the cost of monthy DVR subscription rates and allow the DVR service to be mirrored at no extra charge. It should be no surprise that we are not getting all of the latest Tivo features, we don't pay enough compared to SA owners to deserve them. Personally, I am happy with the way the DVR works right now. Since DirecTV is 100% responsible for support of their DVR system, it will increase their operating costs which will be passed to everyone -- No thanks --
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I bought lifetime TiVo service and want access to all of the updates that should be available to me. I'm sure there are others out there that feel the same.

[jahf]

Originally posted by parzec
I hope everyone realizes why DirecTV was able to lower the cost of monthy DVR subscription rates and allow the DVR service to be mirrored at no extra charge. It should be no surprise that we are not getting all of the latest Tivo features, we don't pay enough compared to SA owners to deserve them. Personally, I am happy with the way the DVR works right now. Since DirecTV is 100% responsible for support of their DVR system, it will increase their operating costs which will be passed to everyone -- No thanks --

Humbug. DTV paid TiVo a BIG chunk of investment change to have the rights to do things their way. DTV uses the DVR as a retention mechanism, which means it needs to make people happy to continue retention. DTV gets their updates from TiVo ... they may be responsible for the front-line technical support, but they do not do the mass of code development, which is a large portion of the true "support" of the product.

If anything, DTV is going to -increase- their support costs over time as TiVo is less and less able to support the older codebase. Any fix, feature enhancement, etc has to get back ported and you have to keep your support techs trained on older technology, while at the same time fielding more and more calls from people who don't understand why their DTV DVR (which they think is a "TiVo") doesn't do what their friend's SA or Digital Cable TiVo does.

IMO, DTV is being a stick in the mud purely and simply for 2 reasons:

1) They are scared of what happened to ReplayTV with the whole internet-enabled program sharing combined with the illegality of trading perfect digital copies. At first they probably were going to completely ignore HMO. Then, we got loud enough and they started talking about custom features that they programmed (then they figured out #2 below), now I fully expect them to backpedal and at least release v4 with folders if not full HMO, but they are going to take their time, consult many lawyers, and craft lots of press releases ... that way if they release it in a few months they can say "look, we're nice, we listened to our users and gave them what they wanted".

2) Hughes has yet to learn how to support their product ... I'm referring to things like the audio dropouts ... until they can fix the bugs, how are they going to create anything new? This is a catch-22 though, as it locks them into the older versions even more.

Besides, alot of folks are perfectly willing to pay for HMO by the month (I'm not, but I would be willing to pay a one time fee like with TiVo). Others are willing to pay more per month to get back to a TiVo upgrade path (that I would consider). DTV may have a great set of retention policies, but I have yet to see much goodness about their technical support. We're definitely getting what we pay for when it comes to that.

[MikeO]

Originally posted by WeKnSmith
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I bought lifetime TiVo service and want access to all of the updates that should be available to me. I'm sure there are others out there that feel the same.

I second that... It does SUCK that we paid lifetime and don't get lifetime updates.


m

[parzec]

In retrospect, I probably should not have posted to this thread since it is, afterall, a sticky thread to develop a petition in favor of HMO, not a topic to debate its value/feasibility. Please continue to gather your support and I'll look for another thread to give opinion. Appologies...

[WeKnSmith]

We're at 2230 now.

[MichaelK]

For the curious-

have you contacted directv yet?



Originally posted by JD9900
Just an update - the petition has over 900 signatures on it, and is growing fast! Thanks to all of you who have signed and passed this around. I posted this message in the thread going on in the Tivo Coffeehouse Forum, but wanted to update this original thread as well.

As far as submitting the petition to Mr. Baele, and DirecTV, I am keeping daily track of the signatures, and will wait until there is a significant decrease before submitting. This should be an excellent compromise between building the maximum amount of signatures and submitting it in a reasonable amount of time.

But remember, this is not my petition - it belongs to all of us. Feel free to write to Mr. Baele and DirecTV referencing this petition at your leisure. I intend to send him actual written correspondence as well as email to their public relations and customer service departments when I feel the time is right, and I encourage all of you to do the same.


Thanks again for all of the help and support!

Bob

[KHLS97]

We're at 2313 now! : )

[dengel]

Are we waiting for a magic number before we submit the petition?

d.

[02RedLT]

I'm #2487!

[MLans]

#2500 here!

[lev]

I got my DirecTivo and the satellite service during the AVS forum's downtime, or I would have signed the petition sooner.

I hope it gets through to someone. Not having advanced wishlists really made my transition from a standalone Tivo a lot less comfortable than I would have preferred.

[jahf]

Well, after returning from vacation I gotta say ... DAMN I need folders (ie, update 4.0). I -want- the MP3 player, but with all these episodes of Good Eats and others that I want to keep for awhile, folders would DEFINITELY help me navigate.

[durst]

#2723 here! is there a goal we are trying to reach?

[Sean Cusick]

Did anyone notice that on the tivo web site, there is a link to contact directv to order HMO on their order page? Is this wishful thinking on tiVo's part, or a sign of things to come? Any ideas?

[edrock200]

Originally posted by Sean Cusick
Did anyone notice that on the tivo web site, there is a link to contact directv to order HMO on their order page? Is this wishful thinking on tiVo's part, or a sign of things to come? Any ideas?

link?

[edrock200]

Are you referring to the "DIRECTV® DVR with TiVo Customer?
Please visit DIRECTV® or call 1-800-DIRECTV to activate your service. " statement on the right hand side of this page:
https://www3.tivo.com/tivo-com/mma/hmo/hmooffer.do

If so I believe that's only referring to activating the DVR service, not HMO.

[PJO1966]

Proud to be #2733.

[Deja-vue]

Signed, # 27something.
:D

[oopidupiman]

29XX! Keep signing!!!

[iDriveX]

Just got my DirecTiVo today....Very upset to see there is no Home Media Option for the DirecTiVo units....Signed...#2979!

[zarphlob]

2984...

[iDriveX]

Sent a letter to DirecTV last night:

I recently purchased a DirecTV service with DirecTiVo unit and went to
purchase the Home Media Option from TiVo and was told it was
incompatible with my unit. This was one of the biggest selling points
for me and the TiVo/DirecTV. I know you already have me locked into a
contract for a year and already have my money, but is there any chance
of this coming to my DirecTV TiVo unit?

Got this back this morning:

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your email. At this time, we do not have any information
available regarding the DVR/TiVo with the Home Media Option. Although,
we are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions
are valuable and we use them to judge interest in our services and
equipment.

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.

Nickcole
DIRECTV Customer Service

[ufo4sale]

i got the exact same thing from directv word for word

[iDriveX]

Well if they are sending out a form letter for this, it means they are getting enough feedback to warrant a feedback letter and if they are getting that much feedback it has got to be sending up some flags at DirecTV, let's keep the pressure on.

[DSS AJ]

When will this information be forwarded to DirecTV ?

Has anyone thought about doing a "walk out" type thing? Example: Everyone call DTV and cancel Tivo for a day or something... force them to realize it's the customers that keep them in business and it's time to listen to what the customers want.

Just an idea.

[iDriveX]

I don't know about that. Form this message board we'd have like 40 people and 40 people aren't going to really make it or break it. We just need to keep e-mailing them and keep the pressure on. Anyways, there might be people in my boat, I don't pay for TiVo cause of the Premium or Premier plan I have goin on or whatever. So if I cancelled TiVo, they'd probably laugh at me for passing up a free option.

[danwassink]

I sent a simple one sentence to DirecTV asking them to add the HMO option to their TIVO service and this is the reply I got:

"Dear Dan,

Thank you for your suggestion about adding the Home Media Option to our DVR/TiVo service. We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestion is valuable. We use suggestions to judge
interest in various programming sources. In fact, we have added services 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.


Rebecca
DIRECTV Customer Service"


Let's keep those emails going to them!!! http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/glb/Form_Feedback.jsp

-Dan

[richdean]

I think the situation has gotten worse. Here is what they had to say.... basically saying they are not going to offer HMO?

--

Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 20:40:48 -0400
From: Feedback <feedback@directv.com>
Subject: Re: Tivo Series 2 - Home Media Opion

Dear Richard,

Thank you for writing. Currently DIRECTV does not have plans to offer the Home Media Option for TiVo. The TiVo stand alone may have some options that are different from those offered with DIRECTV DVR with TiVo. For example, 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 more information on TiVo stand alone units, please visit their website at www.tivo.com or call 1-877-367-8486. Available 11AM-11PM ET daily.

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 features as a result of viewer feedback.

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

Scott
DIRECTV Customer Service


Original Message Follows:
-------------------------

DTV Feedback Message

Full Name: Richard Dean

subject: DirecTV Subscriber Feedback

subject: Tivo Series 2 - Home Media Opion

details: Hello,

We have DirectTV with Tivo and would very much like to have the Home
Media Option. When will this be available?

[ufo4sale]

i think they are just sick of people wanting HMO for directivo

[WeKnSmith]

Originally posted by ufo4sale
i think they are just sick of people wanting HMO for directivo
I'm sure they also don't want to have to explain why all of those T60's they just sold to folks won't support HMO. Imagine that you are a newbie and buy your first DTivo from DirecTV. A couple of months later they launch HMO (keep in mind that some folks were receiving HDVR2s from DirecTV at the same time). I'd be pretty upset.

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by WeKnSmith
I'm sure they also don't want to have to explain why all of those T60's they just sold to folks won't support HMO. Imagine that you are a newbie and buy your first DTivo from DirecTV. A couple of months later they launch HMO (keep in mind that some folks were receiving HDVR2s from DirecTV at the same time). I'd be pretty upset.

thats what scares me the most.

I dont think they can offer it anytime soon since they dont differentiate between the original combo's and the "second generation units".

I wish they would start to advertise all these new units as better than the first generation so that they could pull away from the first set without any backlash. Not sure why they arent yet with the phillips now out and other brands right around the corner. Makes me wonder if the MORONS running the DVR service at directv just dont get it and dont want to use the new hardware for anything.

[jlangner]

My question and response from DTV.

"details: I just bought/activated a Direct TV Tivo unit and later found
out the Home Media Option was not available on the Direct TV version. Is
there any chance this maybe added a future date via a software upgrade"

Response;

Dear Jeff,

Thank you for writing. We would like to apologize for your
dissatisfaction with the DIRECTV TiVo unit that you have. At this time
the TiVo stand alone may offer the Home Media Option, but DIRECTV DVR
with TiVo does not. However the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo may focus more on
other features, such as video-based services like Starz on Demand that
the stand alone unit does not. If you would like more information
concerning TiVo units and services please go to www.tivo.com or call
(877) FOR-TIVO (367-8486) 11AM-11PM ET daily.

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. However,
as it is DIRECTV policy not to disclose information about upcoming
programming until it is 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.

Again, we thank you for writing. Please let us know if we can be of any
further assistance.

Leonard
DIRECTV Customer Service

[jsg2020]

Dear Jeff,

Thank you for your email. We are sorry to inform you that 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 our services and equipment.

You may be able to use the Home Media option with a stand alone TiVo
unit. For more information on the stand alone unit we suggest that you
contact a local retailer. You can find a list of authorized retailers on
our website at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/DealerLocatorServlet

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

Tal
DIRECTV Customer Service

[tbh999]

3331 Total Signatures

[Lora]

I'm in the midst of moving to a new place and thought - wow! I no longer need a local phone line - a cell phone and broadband are all the telecom I need! Then I find out my DirecTV Tivo doesn't support HMO, which I thought it would.... argh! Why should I get a landline just for the daily Tivo call? Ridiculous! I have complained to both Tivo and DirecTV and added myself to the petition.

[richdean]

Well, I just sent them back a message asking why they wouldn't be offering the HMO option. I mean, I'd buy a new Tivo if that was offered... I'll post their response if I get one :-)

Rich

[freff]

Originally posted by Lora
I'm in the midst of moving to a new place and thought - wow! I no longer need a local phone line - a cell phone and broadband are all the telecom I need! Then I find out my DirecTV Tivo doesn't support HMO, which I thought it would.... argh! Why should I get a landline just for the daily Tivo call? Ridiculous! I have complained to both Tivo and DirecTV and added myself to the petition.

I am in the same situation (cell phone & broadband only. no old tech phone). I have an HDVR2 and if you put pressure on directv customer service they will activate your directivo without the phone line. The conversation between myself and Directv went something like this...

"Is your receiver connected to a phone line?"

No and it won't be.

"Well it is REQUIRED to connect the directivo to a phone line for the tivo service"

Well I don't have a phone line, and unless you can get it to work over my cell phone or broadband internet access, it's never going to be.

<long awkward silence>

I break the silence and say. "Look, are we going to do business or not?"

"Please hold on sir, I need to run this past a supervisor" You will have to wait about 3-5 minutes...

ok. <after about 5 minutes of cheesy hold music...>

"I'm sorry for the wait sir, just wanted to let you know I'm still working on it and it'll be another 3-5 minutes.

ok.

<about 5 minutes later>

"Ok your tivo service is activated. There will be a charge of $5/month (or whatever it is)."

fine. I'm not going to get any nags or anything about the phone line right?

"No sir, you won't, it's all set"

Great. bye.

I've been using my HDVR2 now for about 3 weeks and it's awesome. Of course, it has all of the guide data, I have season passes set up, it automatically makes recommendations and records based on my thumbs up and previous selections. As far as I can tell, the phone line is a total scam and part of directv's propoganda paranoia campaign. Just like the old non-tivo directv receivers they just like to give you a lot of grief about the phone line. I figure they do that for 2 reasons... so as many customers as possible have the opportunity to make the "impulse buy" of pay per view (which is pure gravy $$ for them) and 2) to download your data from tivo to collect invaluable personal data about you...

Now... IF and WHEN 4.0 comes out for the directivos...and I really hope it does... including HMO!!! ....then if my update doesn't download over the satellite (which it probably will because that is how they update conventional receivers) then I will make some "arrangements" at another location to phone line it just that one time to get the download.

But I tell you this... you don't need the stupid phone line for any of the HDVR2 (or similar) functions.... Cuz mine is proof.

Freff

[Lora]

Freff - whoever you are THANKS!!! You have given me hope! I move into my new place and get broadband connected Friday, so I will try the same tactic as you describe. I've moved to SoCal so local phone line means.. what is local? same area code could mean regional charges blah blah blah.. who needs it when you have a national no roaming cell? I will use your tactic and report back as to how it goes. If enough of us do this, then we WIN!! You rock - you broke through the crazy madness!!! Power to the persistence! thanks again!


BTW .. here's my version of "THE FIRM" letter:


Dear Lora,

Thank you for writing in. We're sorry to hear of your disappointment in
the new DIRECTV Digital Video Recorder/TiVo. The TiVo stand alone may
have some options that are different from those offered with DIRECTV DVR
with TiVo. For example, 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.

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 have forwarded your comments to the appropriate department. We are
always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions are
valuable and we use them to judge interest in various areas of our
service. In fact, many changes we have made are a result of viewer
feedback. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the
latest news and information about our services.

Chris
DIRECTV Customer Service

[richdean]

DirecTV says Tivo hasn't developed the software for them yet.

----------- forwarded message -----
Dear Rich,

Thank you for writing. We are sorry that we do not offer this feature at this time. TiVo develops the software for both the stand alone units and the DVR with TiVo units. They have not created the software for the DVR units yet and we have no information if they will or not. We suggest that you contact TiVo at 1-877-367-8486 or www.tivo.com

We hope this information will be useful.

Tal
DIRECTV Customer Service

Dear DirecTV,

Thanks for your email reply. You say DirecTV will not be offering the HMO. Why is this? I'd be happy to buy an upgraded unit. There are a lot of loyal DirecTV users like me who'd love to have it. I know there are stand alone unit available, but I still wonder why DirecTV is not going to offer the HMO option.

Thanks for providing more detail,

Rich Dean, LA

[TheToeJoe]

Has this gone anywhere? Any progress since April?

I just signed petition in case it hasn't. 3354 names so far. Pretty cool.

[TheToeJoe]

sorry disregard my last post. I didn't realize what I was looking at wasn't the end of the thread. Go ahead bash the newbie. I can take it. (but don't lose site of this thread though... it's important!)

[tladner]

#3363 . . .

[ufo4sale]

I can't believe how well were doing

[ehopper]

Originally posted by ufo4sale
I can't believe how well were doing

Why? It takes trivial effort to set up one of these "petitions", it takes even less effort to "sign" it and even less than that for Directv to ignore it.

If you really want this, 3363 letters (paper letters) in the CEOs office will do a lot more than 3363 clicks on a web page.

I mean, if this makes you guys feel good, fine do it. But it's not going to accomplish anything. Making things happen requires a lot more time, effort and plain old work than 99.999% of people who gripe about things are willing to put out. (I know, I've been through it, more than once. The blank stares you get from people you ask to work are quite an education.)

This applies to DTV & HMO, politics, you name it.

[xtian]

As they don't seem to be responding to any traditional methods, how about emailing the CEO or toeher executives. Roxanne Austin shoudl hear from us, only quesiton is what is her email address? I have tried a few of the obvious ones but no luck; roxanne_Austin@directv.com etc.

[ehopper]

Originally posted by xtian
As they don't seem to be responding to any traditional methods, how about emailing the CEO or toeher executives. Roxanne Austin shoudl hear from us, only quesiton is what is her email address? I have tried a few of the obvious ones but no luck; roxanne_Austin@directv.com etc.

Here's a radical suggestion. Write your email. Print it out. Put it in an envelope. Send it to Directv in El Segundo, CA. It will get there and have a lot more impact than an email.

[norkusmark]

seems like some significant demand. keep spreading the word.
The petition was very well written, but how do the names actually get to directv?

[edrock200]

Originally posted by freff
I am in the same situation (cell phone & broadband only. no old tech phone). I have an HDVR2 and if you put pressure on directv customer service they will activate your directivo without the phone line. The conversation between myself and Directv went something like this...


Not to hijack the thread but this is quite common. ALL DTivo's with 3.0 software (which is all series 2 boxes and most series 1) will work without a phone line connection. And to make things easier just tell them you have it plugged into a phone line, they have no way of knowing whether or not it's plugged in. However, the HDVR2's do need to make one initial phone call, after that it's just warnings every now and again to hook up a phone line which are meaningless.

[enovak]

Here is the latest reply I rec'd from DirecTV. I'm going to forward it to TIVO and see what they say in response.

****************************************************
Thank you for your inquiry. We have no information regarding putting the
Home Media Option into DIRECTV/TiVo combination units. We apologize for
any disappointment. Actually, this question would best be addressed to
TiVo themselves, as this is a TiVo (DVR) hardware matter, not a DIRECTV
one. We do know that the Home Media Option is available with the TiVo
stand alone units.

We hope this is helpful; we remain at your service!

Paul
DIRECTV Customer Service
****************************************************

[Sikki]

I know many of us may still be in our commitment part of our directv service, or some of us have the package were Tivo service is free... If the petition is not working or gonna work, how about we cancel all extra packages(Sports, Interactive, Plus) or movies packages for a few months. This way were not putting ourselves out too much and still meeting commitments, but at the same time hitting them in the pocketbook, because I may be wrong but I think thats were they make the most money. And I think anyone would agree companies will listen to $ signs alot quicker than email or actually what the customer wants...

Just a thought....

[skywalkm]

OK, 3509 x $200 for NFL ST comes to over $700,000! I know not everyone gets it, but to DirecTV, that is still potential income they will not receive. Throw in all the other extras, it'd go over a cool million. That would say something. As a potential future DirecTV customer, I am watching what's going on to help make my decision. I really want the NFL ST, but seeing how behind they are and their reluctance to implement HMO is keeping me away.

[diergray]

Thanks for setting this up. I hope we eventually get it.

[mmcowan]

OK, 3509 x $200 for NFL ST comes to over $700,000! I know not everyone gets it, but to DirecTV, that is still potential income they will not receive. Throw in all the other extras, it'd go over a cool million. That would say something. As a potential future DirecTV customer, I am watching what's going on to help make my decision. I really want the NFL ST, but seeing how behind they are and their reluctance to implement HMO is keeping me away.

Nice try, but DirecTV doesn't get one red cent from the NFL Sunday Ticket subscriptions. It all goes directly to the NFL. The only thing DirecTV gets out of that deal is exclusive rights. Therefore, if you want that package, you must have DirecTV. So, once they've got you as a customer, they could care less if you have the NFL package or not.

[bobanon]

Man, I was getting ready to order HMO. I didn't realize it wouldn't work on DirecTivos. Is it even mentioned anywhere on www.tivo.com??? I read the whole HMO FAQ... no mention of not working with DTivo's.

[BustAGroove]

I called DirecTV yesterday and they said that they cannot offer HMO because the DirecTV Series 2 doesn't have the hardware to support HMO. I wonder if DirecTV's competitor's, i.e. Dish Network or ? would offer something like HMO in a combo receiver/recorder.

[ufo4sale]

maybe you should ask tivo if the series2 direc tivo's could support HMO or better yet ask tivoPony.

[BustAGroove]

Thanks for the suggestion ufo4sale. I sent Tivo Pony a PM and requesting that he share any info he can with the forums members in this thread.

[Sorcerer]

I'm fairly certain that it's already been established by the folks at TiVo that the DirecTV with TiVo series 2 boxes (HDVR2 and DSR7000) *CAN* support HMO and all of its features.

The only issue is whether DirecTV will allow the "switch" to be thrown for us to buy the upgrade to this feature set.

Click here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=1226218&highlight=HMO+DirecTV#post1226218) to see a post by TivoPony where he said the right folks at DirecTV know about the HMO petition, but have yet to publicly announce whether they will ever offer the HMO feature to us.

-Sorc

[BustAGroove]

"Sorry, I can't speak for DIRECTV. It's technically possible to provide HMO on the DIRECTV systems, but they haven't announced whether they'll offer HMO or not. The best I can suggest is to contact DIRECTV and let them know that you'd like to have it.

Cheers,
Pony"

[auribe14]

I was just looking at the American Satellite and Orbit Satellite websites and they are both selling "Series2" DirecTivos. The Orbit (http://dtv.orbitsat.com/product.asp?PID=DSR-7000D) site clearly references Series2, it even has the logo.

[ufo4sale]

This must be driving tivo crazy that directv is not offering HMO considering that over have there subs are direct tivo's.

[RiverRat]

I'm not going to say this petition is ineffective, but I will say that what would be the MOST effective is the petition + emails + snail mails + feedback + phone calls. If you're really serious about getting HMO, then let's each and everyone use ALL these methods, not just the easiest ones.

Also, it would be nice if someone could create a form that generates a printable letter we could then send to DirecTV. People may be more apt to send a letter if they don't have to worry about what to write on their own.

- RiverRat

[ufo4sale]

I would agree with that. I always have trouble finding the right words to say to people.

[dtaylor]

has there been any progress on this issue so far???

[vleisbom]

Just signed it too (#3798).
It not an overly large number, but if you figure that only a small number of people know about the petition (Not everyone hack their tivo's:)) I would think it should be worthwile for them to look into this.

[adamjs]

Anyone have the text of a letter I could send directly to directv and the e-mail adress to send it to in addition to sigining the petition

[wmh2]

Originally posted by adamjs
Anyone have the text of a letter I could send directly to directv and the e-mail adress to send it to in addition to sigining the petition

You know you can just copy and paste the text from the petition website into any text editor you like!

[RiverRat]

DirecTV contact info:

DIRECTV, Inc.
P.O. Box 92600
Los Angeles, CA90009
Tel: 800-DIRECTV
Fax: 310-964-5416

[ufo4sale]

What should I say in the letter

[MarcD]

Go easy, I'm new, but what am I missing here? isn't this a service from Tivo, not Direct TV? why wouldn't it work?

Thanks.

[Jasonf]

DirectTV owns this service. They can request Tivo to write it for them or not.

[RiverRat]

Originally posted by ufo4sale
What should I say in the letter

As wmh2 stated, you could just use the text from the petition and edit it a bit (replace "we" with "I", etc).

Also, g4tv.com has a nice request form to generate a request for G4 programming on DirecTV (or other providers):
http://www.g4tv.com/html/getg4.asp
It would be great if someone could create a similar form for requesting HMO.

[Sea Foam]

http://www.tivo.com/5.3.1.1.asp?article=162

[digitalant]

i'm on board!

[tabraha]

Got my sig on the petition.

[AlphaWolf]

Just so you guys are aware, there is a project to add full HMO functionality to series 1 units that is already in a very advanced state of development. I suspect that it will work on S2 Dtivos as well when it is complete, so if DTV never responds to your petition, you aren't totaly in the dark.

(just so you guys wont try to call this "theft of HMO sales", there isn't a single function in the home media option that didn't already exist in the underground when tivo even announced the idea, this project merely collaborates them into one single package)

[ufo4sale]

how do you know this

[jahf]

(just so you guys wont try to call this "theft of HMO sales", there isn't a single function in the home media option that didn't already exist in the underground when tivo even announced the idea, this project merely collaborates them into one single package)


It is still piracy if it uses one bit (ok, a few bytes, semantics) of TiVo's code from HMO for this hack. The only way that would be legal would be for TiVo to license it.

Replicating the same functionality without using HMO code would be perfectly fine.

Also note that getting hacked code onto an HDVR2 is far harder than an SA Series 1. The only viable option for people who don't want to lose support is going to be to get DirecTV+TiVo to offer it properly.

[AlphaWolf]

Originally posted by jahf

It is still piracy if it uses one bit (ok, a few bytes, semantics) of TiVo's code from HMO for this hack. The only way that would be legal would be for TiVo to license it.


Not a single bit is copied from any of tivos code, its purely original. (as I said, there isn't a single feature in HMO that we didn't already have when they even came up with the idea. If anything, they stole from us.)


Also note that getting hacked code onto an HDVR2 is far harder than an SA Series 1. The only viable option for people who don't want to lose support is going to be to get DirecTV+TiVo to offer it properly.

It's a lot easier than you think.

[AlphaWolf]

Originally posted by ufo4sale
how do you know this

Well, its actualy pretty widespread knowledge, just this particular forum is extraordinarily oblivious to it.

[EricG]

No USB or Ethernet on my Series 1 DTiVo. How will it work?


Originally posted by AlphaWolf
Just so you guys are aware, there is a project to add full HMO functionality to series 1 units that is already in a very advanced state of development. I suspect that it will work on S2 Dtivos as well when it is complete, so if DTV never responds to your petition, you aren't totaly in the dark.

[keefer37]

Originally posted by EricG
No USB or Ethernet on my Series 1 DTiVo. How will it work?

It would be a matter of adding an Ethernet card from 9thtee:

http://www.9thtee.com/turbonet.htm

[daveo4tivo]

simply adding an ethernet card to a series 1 may not be sufficient for the Home Media Option. If I remember correctly the HMO encrypts the video-data it sends to other "registered" units for video sharing. I believe this encryption is based on a hardware token that isn't present in the Series 1 - but then again I could be wrong and I'm sure the forum will correct me if anyone has any facts that counter my memory...

however you in general should be careful about stating requirements for a product that has no formal support from the vendor.

[MichaelK]

the point is if you cant get HMO from tivo/directv that you can hack your box to get something about the same- someways better someways worse. Theres no reason why we dont get HMO except for politics.

I'm too lazy to be bothered myself but from the limited effort i put forth keeping track of what those guys are doing - its pretty wild. In fact as Alphawolf implied i think they had the beginnings of show sharing and audio streaming well before HMO was announced. Hec some of them have been futzing around with adding CD-r's to series one hardware to burn video for months or years now and programs to take streams and burn them to DVD's have been out for quite some time too (again an eternity before the pioneer models with dvd burner was announced).

Judging from the things the hacking community has accomplished i think the lack of USB or ethernet hardware is pretty much all that keeps the current incarnation of HMO from being implemented on the old hardware. Its kindof tough for tivo to say- open up your consumer device, dont zap yourself on the power supply and add in a third party ethernet board.

Also the series one does have a crypto chip but the the boxes are VERY easily compromised, as years back tivo wasnt so focused on these things.

however- in general you should be careful about commenting on facts which you havent taken the time to investigate clearly on your own.

[nightspd]

Our firewall blocks me getting access to the petition...ugh! Damn WebSense Firewalls :(

[AlphaWolf]

Originally posted by daveo4tivo
simply adding an ethernet card to a series 1 may not be sufficient for the Home Media Option. If I remember correctly the HMO encrypts the video-data it sends to other "registered" units for video sharing.

Jafas turbonet card is more than sufficient - in fact its 22mbit, whereas the S2 units only have 10mbit ethernet capability. There is no need or purpose for stream encryption either. Besides, we can already easily and legaly get around tivos encryption scheme anyways.

MichealK is accurate in what he is saying as well, there isn't a single feature in the HMO functionality that we didn't already have on the deal database forum long before tivo even came up with the HMO idea.

Heres a plus that you also wont get with the regular HMO on S2 units: people are reporting that with cwingerts modification, there is no more dealing with the slow tivo menus anymore (and that is on the S1 units even).

[jtater]

For those interested I am now working on a 146 page hard copy of this petition. As soon as it's ready, I will be mailing the entire hardcopy to the intended recipient. If anyone else wishes to print it out and send it in just let me know.

[ufo4sale]

what does thoese pages contain?

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by AlphaWolf
....

MichealK is accurate in what he is saying as well, there isn't a single feature in the HMO functionality that we didn't already have on the deal database forum long before tivo even came up with the HMO idea.
.....

at least publically...

You guys are way out there and its awesome but i would hope that they at least thought about these things before you guys did!

:-)

I'm close to the point of crossing over the the do-it-yourself side. But the relevant threads over at the other place are so huge and i stopped reading them months ago that i think it would take me 6 months to get caught back up again!

[ShelKol]

Hi,

I just called the support line and was forwarded to the 'tivo support' line.

I asked about HMO and they had no idea what it was. After I explained it, they thought it would be great. I asked to have my request forwarded to marketing which while I waited they forwarded a message to them.

866-438-2387.

I also signed the petition - over 4500 now!!

Sheldon

[ufo4sale]

where did you get 4500 from? it's not even at 4300 yet.

[ShelKol]

Sorry about that, I saw that mistake right after I hit the submit button.

:)
Sheldon

[NDFord005]

I emailed DirecTV about the HMO and Starz! On Demand services. Basically I said that I was unsatisfied with the Starz! On Demand service and that it was a bad mistake for doing it instead of HMO.

DirecTV's Reply:

Dear Nicholas,

Thank you for your suggestion. We are sorry that you are not happy with
our current movie packages. We have forwarded your comments concerning the HMO to the appropriate department. We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions are valuable and we use them to judge interest in various areas of our service. In fact, many changes we have made are a result of viewer feedback. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

Sincerely,
Aundrea
DIRECTV Customer Service



Original Message Follows:
-------------------------
DIRECTV FEEDBACK MESSAGE

Subject: DirecTiVo/Starz! OnDemand

Details: I find that Starz! On Demand is a complete waste of your
resources. I know for a fact that many of us would have enjoyed the
Home Media Option and the rest of the TiVo Series 2 software first.
Starz! On Demand doesn't offer anything spectacular since all the movies have been out for some time now (on DVD where everyone can buy/rent
them). Not to mention that Starz! On Demand offers nothing new that
TiVo doens't offer already. You can record programs/movies easily, the
only thing is that you decide what to record. In my mind (the best mind there is in this relationship -- the customer's) Starz! On Demand was a
bad decision and the Series 2 software (including HMO) should have been
released already.

~A Disappointed customer.

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by MuscleNerd
I wonder if anyone who matters at DirecTV knows the security model on S2 and HDVR2s has been bypassed (using monte, which doesn't require any hardware tweaks).

Could that be adding to their reluctance to release 4.0 (especially with MRV)?

i think that is part of their concerns having a secure platform and all- but one can only guess since they are mum on the issue.

I would hope that they realize that nothing is 100% secure and as long as tivo does their very best to root out the probelms they would allow HMO. (after all they cant get their pirates under complete control)

I'm thinking theres not much to keep you and the guys at alt and DD and wherever else the hackers gather from geting into any system they could come up with.

[AlphaWolf]

Well, if directv is worried about people extracting video from the tivo, then they shouldn't, because people already do it, and have been doing it for a while, and with the way the current generation tivos are designed, its physicaly impossible for them to stop it.

[Toeside]

I signed the petition. Any idea when it will be forwarded to DirecTV?

Craig

[jeepmab]

It might help to explain the benefit of a HMO for the new users... what is means ..... and ... what it would mean them.

[GruvThang]

From one new user to all the others HMO means HOME MEDIA OPTION

TiVo's website describes it as: Enjoy Digital Music and Digital Photos on your TiVo Series2(TM) DVR! with Home Media Option premium feature package, plus Remote Scheduling from the web, and more! With a Series2 DVR, broadband connection and a home network, you're ready to take advantage of the Home Media Option™ premium feature package. Remote Scheduling, Digital Music & Photos and Multi-Room Viewing: It's networked home entertainment as simple as SELECT.

Mini Glossary

REMOTE SCHEDULING: Away from home? With Remote Scheduling you can schedule recordings on your TiVo Series2 DVR from any computer on the planet that has internet access and a standard web browser.

DIGITAL MUSIC: Simple and groovy! Use your DVR to listen to your collection of MP3 songs and playlists on the stereo system in your living room. Home Media Option lets a Series2 DVR use your home network to play music stored on your computer. The music stays on your computer, so it doesn't take up space used for recording TV programs on the DVR, or interfere with any scheduled recordings.

DIGITAL PHOTOS: Easily transform your digital photos into entertaining slideshows on your TV. You get digital quality for all of the details and living-room sized images for the whole family to enjoy.

Multi-Room Viewing lets you transfer recordings between TiVo Series2 DVRs in your home -- it's almost like having one giant Now Playing list! Now you can record a program on your living room DVR and watch it on your bedroom DVR!*

[auribe14]

And now it is only $59.

[cnsf]

Any new news on HMO for D*?

[lpwcomp]

One thing occurred to me - can the DTiVo handle the five streams that would be required for MRV?

2 Being recorded via the two tuners
1 Being recorded via t/f in
1 Being read for t/f out
1 Being read (and decoded) for watching a previously recorded program

[keefer37]

The series 2 should be able to hande the five streams. They have better processors than the first series, just like their SA counterparts.

edit: grammar :)

[cnsf]

If the SA can do it, the DirecTivo should have no problem. H/W is virtually the same with the exception of the DTV stream and guide processing.

[keefer37]

We're doing that $99 deal to get another TiVo installed today (will be our second series 2 TiVo, along with a SA Series 1) and it's really really making me want HMO that much more. With the Sunday Ticket in full effect now, I'm really wanting to be able to record a bunch and watch on another machine. *sigh* Helps us out DirecTV. :)

[lpwcomp]

Originally posted by cnsf
If the SA can do it, the DirecTivo should have no problem. H/W is virtually the same with the exception of the DTV stream and guide processing.

Ah, but the SA isn't doing it. Only 4 streams.

CPU speed isn't the only factor here.

[jahf]

True, but also remember that the DirectTiVos don't have to spend any cycles encoding, only saving data to disk, so they'll have some spare cycles over an SA unit.

[lpwcomp]

Originally posted by jahf
True, but also remember that the DirectTiVos don't have to spend any cycles encoding, only saving data to disk, so they'll have some spare cycles over an SA unit.

It's not the CPU I am concerned about. It is buffer management and disk activity. 3 writes and 2 reads. An SA only has 2 writes (and 2 reads of course) and only 1 of those has to be converted. It uses a dedicated compression chip so there should be very little additional load on the CPU anyway.

There are also the i/o streams associated with updating guide data and scheduling.

Bottom line is, a DTiVo has one more i/o stream to manage since, as is pointed out in almost every post on the subject, the DTiVo served in Vie... uh, I mean it has two tuners.

[Finnstang]

#4964

[cnsf]

So, if we're saying the SA is inferior in processing bandwidth and it can do it, the DirecTivos "should" have no problem with it.

That's really the point.

edit: spelling

[John N]

#4978

[Nightfall]

I take it nothing new on this front? :(

[EricG]

Has anyone at DirecTV even looked at this petition?

[astribli]

# 5919.

Keep it going!

[coreymcl]

I have signed as well. Anyword from Direct TV?

[tkwny]

I'm in too....

[keefer37]

Look at number 10 on this list. That's a bit promising for HMO from DirecTV:

10 Reasons to Try TiVo (http://www.directmagazine.com/dirf3.htm)

[EricG]

And just who is Vogel Communications?
Let's wait and see if DirecTV prints a top ten!
Originally posted by keefer37
Look at number 10 on this list. That's a bit promising for HMO from DirecTV:

10 Reasons to Try TiVo (http://www.directmagazine.com/dirf3.htm)

[jasonl99]

Originally posted by EricG
And just who is Vogel Communications?

Does it matter when the article is written by Phillip Swann, a legend in his own mind?

[Sean Cusick]

Is this an offical directv mag, or just some industry type speculating like us??

[mtchamp]

It's the official DirecTV September issue of Satellite DIRECTV. It would be ridiculous to allow such a story and predictions to be printed in DirecTV's own magazine if there wasn't some truth to it.

I have 3 HDVR2's and a 4th coming, so give me that HMO, damn it!

[Sean Cusick]

I thought that Direct TV the guide was the official mag???

[Poco]

Just signed the petition. #5296

[Poco]

Just signed the petition. #5296

[SuperRob]

I don't know what the current status is, but with the ridiculous new pricing, they've got to know that households are going to be getting multiple units.

[stace]

What new pricing?

[Tivo_rookie]

See

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=135755

[ufo4sale]

When are we going to send it in. There is a new software update and it appears that the only thing that has changed is the audio drop out.

[ufo4sale]

When are we going to send it in? There is a new software update and it appears that the only thing that has changed is the audio drop out.

[ufo4sale]

When are we going to send it in? There is a new software update and it appears that the only thing that has changed is the audio drop out.

[ColinWD]

Signed - #5361.

Thanks for putting up the petition.

[jpnels]

Just got this back today.

Presently, we do not offer 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.

I wish they would just do it! It would be the last thing they need to get me to sign up. Thanks to this thread I found out that they didn't offer HMO, Thanks All

[Nightfall]

Originally posted by stace
What new pricing?
The fact that the Tivos are going for as low as $50 and $99 if you do the FFDVR deal.

[Nate Newkirk]

What's an HMO?

[tbh999]

Health Maintenance Organization
or
Home Media Option (http://www.tivo.com/4.9.asp)

You decide which applies.

[jahf]

ufo4sale,

from a recent post by TiVoPony, we may not need to send it in as he says DirecTV and TiVo are both aware of it.

[spanky]

Signed #5628. Enable those damn USB ports! Sheesh!

[jahf]

I agree ... 4.0 in general would be very useful even without HMO ... Folders and USB (I've got ethernet everywhere in my house and I wanna use it damnit :)

[seawolf]

Just signed. I want my HMO!!!!!

[tivoHATESme]

I have cable TV and paid the $100 for the HMO.

I'm having Direct TV installed today see that there is no HMO - when it finally comes out will I have to pay for it all over again? Anyone else have this problem?

[vsop]

Just signed... Was number 56XX sumthing near there..

[argonaut]

Signed, signature number 5749.

[spanky]

"We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. "

Uhh, shouldn't this post and petition of over 5000 people indicate what service they need to enhance? I swear they're retarded.

[jahf]

I'd say "greedy" (as in too cheap to get good support and therefore scared to implement anything new that might highlight how bad their support is) more than "retarded".

They know that they have a significant lock-in and will continue to use it until they feel it slipping. Only then will they feel the need to fix things.

They also know that alot of folks will snag the HDirecTiVo when it comes out and they'll immediately have lock-in again for a year or two.

It is often easier (therefore cheaper) to release new products with whiz-bang features than to keep updating old stuff as the new stuff pays off in upgrade lock-in as well as new adopter lock-in.

Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll release 4.0/5.0 on the HDVR2/DSR7000 when they release the HDirecTiVo (which will have said versions). Doubt it, but I guess we'll find out in 6 months or so.

[rlchurch]

If you have a multiswitch on your satellite feed you can get some of the features of HMO by connecting the coaxial TV out signal from the TiVo to the TV antenna input on your multiswitch. The TV signal will then be throughout your house on channel 3 or 4 of the TV tuner. Remote Extender like Powermid (if the range works) and you can even control the TiVo remotely.

[dbirling]

Directv Advertises their unit as a Tivo, and the unit has the Tivo icon right on it. To me they seem to be presenting it as a Tivo, gaining from Tivo's name. I'm not a Lawyer, but would this not be grounds for a class action lawsuit? What do we think? I love Tivo, and the Directv service is good, I just don't understand the I'm a Tivo unit, but I'm not...

I am a person that bought into the service soon after hearing that I could hook up my computer to it, only to find that this wasn't really an option.

Doug Birling
dbirling@yahoo.com

P.S. I did sign the petition

[Lenco]

I have been a customer for over 5 years. It's time to upgrade my Sony receiver so I have been investigating the DirecTV-TiVo combo units.

Here are some pros:
> All one unit - Sat receiver / TiVo recorder (no additional remote)
> Cheaper TiVo service cost - $4.99 vs $12.99
> System cost $99.00

Cons:
> HMO issues?
> Software updates

After a long conversation with a rep at DirecTV I was assured that the USB ports WILL support the use of an ethernet adapter providing connectivity to my LAN. This was presented as an alternative to connecting a phone line (which I do not have). I went to BB and purchased the Philips DVR 7000 system armed with this reassurance. The rep at BB also confirmed that the USB ports WILL support LAN connectivity!

My plan is to go back to BB and speak with that same rep. I will get his assurance that if this fails I can re-coop my expenses.

In a few weeks I will purchase the necessary equipment to connect it to my LAN. My question is - are they blowing smoke up my tailpipe?

Lenco

[David Platt]

Originally posted by Lenco
In a few weeks I will purchase the necessary equipment to connect it to my LAN. My question is - are they blowing smoke up my tailpipe?



Absolutely. No DirecTV/TiVo combo has active USB ports. The only way to enable them is to hack your box.

[PHijduk]

Number 5922!

[jahf]

Absolutely. No DirecTV/TiVo combo has active USB ports. The only way to enable them is to hack your box.


Although interestingly the HDVR2 originally shipped with active USB ports that were then disabled in the first update. Which of course doesn't bode too well for getting new features.

[keefer37]

Originally posted by jahf
Although interestingly the HDVR2 originally shipped with active USB ports that were then disabled in the first update. Which of course doesn't bode too well for getting new features.

Are you sure about that? I got the first one at the local Now Audio Video (After tiring of waiting for Circuit City to get them in), along with several other people and none of us had active USB AFAIK.

[tbh999]

Yep, as I understand it the USB ports were disabled in 3.1 If you got a unit with 3.0 software they worked. If you search on the forum you will find a post from TivoPony where HE was surprised that they stopped working.

They were UNSUPPORTED, but they did work (Just like the TurboNet card works with the 1st gen DirecTivos, but they are not supported.)

[keefer37]

Well I'll be! Well here's to hoping the next patch reenables them. :)

[jasonl99]

Originally posted by keefer37
Well I'll be! Well here's to hoping the next patch reenables them. :)

Just be sure not to stop breathing while you wait ;)

[keefer37]

Originally posted by jasonl99
Just be sure not to stop breathing while you wait ;)

Yeah good call!

[Oknarf]

Signed the petition after receiving the two "form letter" email responses from DirecTV customer support. Not having HMO enabled is just stupid.

Come on DirecTV, wake up and smell the coffee. :confused:

FrankO

[ncsuwolfpack96]

#5992

Hope this isn't a futile attempt!

[cyohtee]

#6009

I hope they get the message soon...:rolleyes:

not holding my breath or anything, but, well, you know...:D

[Kevbo]

I had interestign discussion last week with Tivo rep as I was turning off Tivo standalone and replacing with HDVR2 DirectTivo. When I pushed hard on why DirectTV wasn't offering HMO, he pretty much said that it wasn't just DirectTV's decision. He indicated that the problem was that DirectTV negotiated low pricing for Tivo license/services and has been undercutting Tivo pricing (5$ month vs. 13$ month). Tivo was thinking twice about how much to license HMO / new software version for in order to be fair to standalone Tivo users.

Anybody else hear this ? People talk about DirectTV/Tivo license being available - is it really as simple as pricing between the two companies ?

[billmaxpowers]

Well for a shareholder's view point TiVo would be in big trouble if not for its deals with Directv. Another point to make is, why would they not want all their products available to the Directv subscribers. I tend to believe it is more to the support/installation/pricing issues on the Directv side.

[ufo4sale]

TiVoPony said it had more to do with the infrastructure then anything else.

[Bigg]

Directv wouldn't have anything to do with it. Tivo could make the new software available to Directivo customers for US$200 or more (w/o HMO, it would still be US$99), and that would be fair to series 2 owners. They would also continue to sell the older software w/ Directivos, and let most customers stay with the cheap and no HMO software.

[cilantro]

I recently wrote to Direct TV about getting HMO on the DirectTivos. Here is their response preceded by my initial email. I found it interesting that my comments had been forwarded to executive management. I am sure that is standard language, but here is hoping...

Dear Michael,

Thank you for writing. We are sorry, but the Home Media Option is not
available for DIRECTV DVR receivers. At this time, the Home Media Option
is only available for TiVo stand alone units. 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, we suggest you see our web site for a
list of system manufacturers at DELETED B/C OF SPAMMER LIMITATION

We have also forwarded your comments regarding this issue to our
executive management. Please continue to visit our web site at
DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

Sincerely,

Syed
DIRECTV Customer Service



Original Message:
-----------------
DIRECTV FEEDBACK MESSAGE
Name: Michael
Status: Subscriber
[Account Number: ]
E-mail Address: "Michael"<>
[Topic Selected: Other]
Subject: DIRECTV® DVR WITH TIVO®
Details: I am very interested in utilizing the Directv with Tivo
hardware. However, I am dismayed by its inability to utilize the new
Home Media Option as offered by Tivo on its Tivo Series 2 machines.
Can you provide any information regarding any proposed rollout of this
option to the directv with tivo hardware? Will this option ever be
offered?
I would prefer to use the Tivo service and directv with Tivo hardware,
but will not do so unless the HMO option is enabled. My other choice,
building and using a Home Theater PC, is more expensive, but worth the
expense if it actually provides the options I prefer.
I look forward to any comments you may have about this matter.
Regards,
Michael

[jondoe]

Hi All,

A very reliable source at has informed me DirecTV is currently testing the HMO software on the DirecTivo's Series 2. The ETA for release has not been determined however they are pushing for early Q1 2004.

This same resouce has read the petition and says it was nicely written however its not being addressed to the right people. Nevertheless, the reponse you received is nothing more then a typical response anyone writting to DirecTV would have received.

Its only a matter of time before HMO is released.

Happy Waiting!
JonDoe:cool:

[ufo4sale]

If anyone would know when it's going to be release it would be me. After all I'm the creator of all Machines!

[Bigg]

hmmmmm......... DirecTiVo is looking better...

[Nightfall]

I hope JonDoe is correct...but I am not keeping my hopes up on a guy with only one post. :)

No offense. :)

[Bigg]

:)

[jahf]

Not only a guy with only one post, but posting a rumor that has circulated in various forms for months. It would be nice to see a concisely worded press release from DirecTV if they are considering anything seriously.

Oh my, I think I just made a joke :)

[Oknarf]

Just for fun I emailed them again today to see if I could squeeze any info out of them. Here's the reply I got, part form letter part new. The funny thing is in the email they sent you could tell the difference between the form letter and what Ashish wrote because of teh different formatting.


Thank you for writing. We apologize for the inconvenience. At this time, the DVR/TiVo stand alone may offer the Home Media Option, but DIRECTV
DVR with TiVo does not. We're sorry, but we do not have a specific date
on when this may become available to DIRECTV customers.

DIRECTV makes changes and additions to our programming line-up from time to time as well as features available with our advanced products.
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.In addition, the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo may
focus more on other features, such as video-based services like Starz
Video on Demand that the stand alone unit does not. If you would like
more information concerning TiVo units and services, you may wish to
visit www.tivo.com or call (877) FOR-TIVO (367-8486) 11AM-11PM ET daily.

Please keep checking our website for the latest updates about our
programming and services.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience and hope that you will
continue to enjoy your DIRECTV service. Please let us know if we can be
of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Ashish
DIRECTV Customer Service


Doing my part to keep DirecTV Customer Service busy.

;)

FrankO

[Delvair]

Just Signed, #6422

Think that may be enough for someone at Directv to take notice...

[Lenco]

6423 ...