** HD TiVo and HD DirecTV TiVo FAQ **

[mrmrlawrence]

I am having trouble getting information out of all of the Direct TV support personnel as to whether the HR10-DVR-250 can support a Wide-band input.

I have access to Direct TV and Terrestrial HD through a distributed system installed in the condominium building in which I live. There is one huge dish on the roof, and apparently local terrestiral HD is modulated into the system from a yagi on the roof too.

I also understand that the terrestrial HD is modulated in such a way that only Direct TV receivers that can accept wide-band (like the Hughes HD-HTL) will work in my building.

Does anyone have any idea whether the Direct TV HD Tivo can do this?

[dswallow]

You are getting your DirecTV signal stacked. You only need a destacker to separate the 2 signals. The problem is that you're only getting signals from one satellite so you won't be able to get to 2/3rds of DirecTV's HD programming, since it's evenly spread right now across all 3 satellites.

The terrestrial HD is just included on the same cable; it's highly unlikely it's being remodulated in any way; that'd work with a regular diplexer to separate the stacked signal from the terrestrial signal.

But your main decision is figuring out if you can live with satellite HD channels only from the main 101° satellite.

[mrmrlawrence]

dswallow thanks for the reply.

A couple of questions and confirmations:
1. You are correct that Terrestrial HD is on the same cable. Currently, all I need is a diplexer to split my signal to access the terrestrial.

2. What is a destacker and where do you normally get one?

3. As I understand it currently, the building which has the stacked Direct TV only has regular Direct TV (so the only HD program accessible at the moment is terrestrial). Apparently something has to be added to all the risers to get a full HD system. So all I want to do is ensure that if I buy the HD Tivo, it will work on the existing system. It sounds like the Hughes HD-HTL has an internal destacker, and you are telling me that the Tivo does not have one internal, but I can just add one to the signal path between wall and the HD Tivo and I should be good to go?


____________________

You are getting your DirecTV signal stacked. You only need a destacker to separate the 2 signals. The problem is that you're only getting signals from one satellite so you won't be able to get to 2/3rds of DirecTV's HD programming, since it's evenly spread right now across all 3 satellites.

The terrestrial HD is just included on the same cable; it's highly unlikely it's being remodulated in any way; that'd work with a regular diplexer to separate the stacked signal from the terrestrial signal.

But your main decision is figuring out if you can live with satellite HD channels only from the main 101° satell

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
dswallow thanks for the reply.

A couple of questions and confirmations:
1. You are correct that Terrestrial HD is on the same cable. Currently, all I need is a diplexer to split my signal to access the terrestrial.

2. What is a destacker and where do you normally get one?

3. As I understand it currently, the building which has the stacked Direct TV only has regular Direct TV (so the only HD program accessible at the moment is terrestrial). Apparently something has to be added to all the risers to get a full HD system. So all I want to do is ensure that if I buy the HD Tivo, it will work on the existing system. It sounds like the Hughes HD-HTL has an internal destacker, and you are telling me that the Tivo does not have one internal, but I can just add one to the signal path between wall and the HD Tivo and I should be good to go?
A stacked signal has the 2 signals (odd & even transponders) from 101° combined, with one set of them block-shifted up above the first set (which'll be the 950MHz-1450MHz range). A destacker just does the opposite, providing either 2 distinct outputs, one of each group of signals (and then requiring a multiswitch), or combining the functionality of a multiswitch to allow the one output to be connected directly to a regular DirecTV receiver.

You should be able to get it through whoever installed that system, or whoever manages it. But you can also pick them up online, such as from http://www.9thtee.com/dssstuff.htm. The receiver you mentioned simply has this functionality built in. To enable both tuners, you'll need to provide two outputs for the receiver; so that means either destacking to separate outputs and using a multiswitch, getting the destacker with 2 receiver outputs, or getting a high frequency splitter and 2 destackers each with 1 receiver output.

You will be able to get the HD material broadcast on the 101° satellite, which is mainly just the CBS feed (if you qualify to get it) and 2 NFL HD feeds. My guess is at least some of whatever new HD channels DirecTV adds will end up on 101° as well, since that's where they're freeing up space currently used by locals. But you won't be able to get HBOHD or SHOHD or the HDNet channels or DISCOVERY HD without signals from 110° and 119°.

[mrmrlawrence]

thanks again for the understanding. The local personnel responsible for the building had a disincentive to share this information because it removes the need for the condominium to purchase $10K of work to rewire the condo system.

Now I know personally, I can use a destacker and use any box compatible with direct tv (not just those with an internal destacker like the HD_HTL).

Curiously, as I make the decisions for the condo, they have stated that at minimum, to carry Direct TV's HD channels (not just terrestrial/OTA), we need a second run of cable into the risers on each floor. Additionally they state that you then need an extra run of cable for each HD box you use beyond one. I don't know enough about stacked systems to understand the riser one (but from what you stated, I would hypothesize that to turn the condo into HD, they need a second satellite, so this new run into the risers is just carrying the new satellite signal into the multiswitcher/stacker in each closet), but their advice about needing a second run of cable if you have more than one HD tuner seems specious. You could destack a single cable feed multiple times depending upon how many tuners you have rather than having to have a direct line from the riser closet.

Perhaps this sounds like blabber from someone who knows enough tech to sound dangerous, but really has no such background, or maybe I am on track here?

[dswallow]

Yeah, they'd need to at least run another cable to everyone, where they could stack the remaining 2 signals (a combined 110°/119° odd & even), then those people needing those signals would destack the 2 signals from that cable and connect all 4 destacked signals from the 2 cables to a 4xN or 5xN multswitch to feed their receivers. They would need 2 more satellite dishes as well, since it sounds like they use a larger-than-normal dish, and one of those would require a special LNB since the 110° signal gets shifted a bit before getting to the receiver.

Such is life; if a company commits to feeding a complex with the signal themselves, they need to be prepared to accomodate technological changes, too. :)

[mrmrlawrence]

After spending a good amount of time in the community studying tone generators, I think I fully understand what you are telling me.

1. Given the way HD works, you always need two lines minimum to carry HD signal since a set top box can only call for channels one of two ways: voltage differential, or tone differential. (I assume all current HD stb's including the HR10-250 has its own tone activated switch)

2. The way a stb calls for channels on 101 is exactly the way it is called for 110/119, thus you can't run it all on one line, but need two lines to do so.

3. However, in a condominium setting, what you could do is run the second line into the master cable jack junction point at each condo unit at which point you would install a multiswitch that would control the STB calls from inside the unit coming off of one internal cable line and stb.

4. This means you have only one line at inside the apartment at the stb (i.e. the HR10-250). However, you need a destacker between the wall line and the HR10 so that the stb sees all the signal coming from the 3 satellites. This also means that if you want multiple HD boxes, you need to have an extra line for each box since a stacked system could not handle multiple different HD calls coming from the same unit.

What do you think?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
After spending a good amount of time in the community studying tone generators, I think I fully understand what you are telling me.

1. Given the way HD works, you always need two lines minimum to carry HD signal since a set top box can only call for channels one of two ways: voltage differential, or tone differential. (I assume all current HD stb's including the HR10-250 has its own tone activated switch)

2. The way a stb calls for channels on 101 is exactly the way it is called for 110/119, thus you can't run it all on one line, but need two lines to do so.

3. However, in a condominium setting, what you could do is run the second line into the master cable jack junction point at each condo unit at which point you would install a multiswitch that would control the STB calls from inside the unit coming off of one internal cable line and stb.

4. This means you have only one line at inside the apartment at the stb (i.e. the HR10-250). However, you need a destacker between the wall line and the HR10 so that the stb sees all the signal coming from the 3 satellites. This also means that if you want multiple HD boxes, you need to have an extra line for each box since a stacked system could not handle multiple different HD calls coming from the same unit.

What do you think?
I think you've generally got it. The stacking confuses things a bit, but if you ignore that for a moment, there are 4 different signals that must be provided to a multiswitch so that a receiver can request the one signal it needs to tune the requested channel. A combination of DC voltage and a 22kHz tone (or lack of tone) is what is currently used to control which signal the multiswitch delivers to the receiver.

It's possible to stack the 4 signals fed to a multiswitch using 2 cables, if cabling is a limitation, though this does require a lot of extra equipment. In a condominium/apartment setting, there are decisions to be made as to how to provide the signal to each unit. One can provide the 4 different signals and allow a multiswitch to be used in the apartment to feed any number of receivers, or one can provide the multiswitch output to the apartment, potentially limiting the apartment to a maximum of 3 or fewer tuners.... Though with 4 feeds from a multiswitch, you can feed another multiswitch.

The choices made in expanding a single satellite system can limit you in the future. DirecTV is going to be experimenting with Ka-band delivery of HD locals in the near future and this will require additional feeds to a multiswitch (likely a new design of multiswitch), so in rewiring a building for the 110°/119° satellite, some consideration should be given to making it easy to expand further, since it's often a whole lot cheaper to run additional cable at the same time than it is to come back a year later and add more.

[mrmrlawrence]

Doug:

A shot in the dark here. After your very helpful thoughts, I went out to set up an HD Tivo on my condominium's stacked system. The system has one round sattelite dish with one LNB it looks like....this is a very large dish that serves all 50 units in the condo. The system is not fully HD. All Direct TV channels are non-HD, and only the terrestrial antennae that is also stacked into the system is HD (our conversation helped me understand what we need to do to get it fully HD).

In the Satellite closets there appears to be a switch which takes the odd and even transponders and stacks them onto one cable drop....it appears that this drop is the one that is split and amplified multiple times to distribute to units. (I don't know if this helps, but the only recommended high-def receiver from our satellite providers is the Hughes HD-HTL, and previous to my troubles here, I was using a Sony Sat B-50).

The problem I am having is after installation of the HD Tivo with the use of a double destacker I found at 9thtee.com, the HD Tivo cannot seem to get any even transponder signal but for number 18. So install never completes as the unit can never pull the full satellite system. The install fails and says that it can't get the right side of 101(A).

Any thoughts on what I need to do to the system so that this does not occur and I can start using the HD Tivo, albeit primarily for the non-HD Direct TV programming that I get?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
A shot in the dark here. After your very helpful thoughts, I went out to set up an HD Tivo on my condominium's stacked system. The system has one round sattelite dish with one LNB it looks like....this is a very large dish that serves all 50 units in the condo. The system is not fully HD. All Direct TV channels are non-HD, and only the terrestrial antennae that is also stacked into the system is HD (our conversation helped me understand what we need to do to get it fully HD).

In the Satellite closets there appears to be a switch which takes the odd and even transponders and stacks them onto one cable drop....it appears that this drop is the one that is split and amplified multiple times to distribute to units. (I don't know if this helps, but the only recommended high-def receiver from our satellite providers is the Hughes HD-HTL, and previous to my troubles here, I was using a Sony Sat B-50).

The problem I am having is after installation of the HD Tivo with the use of a double destacker I found at 9thtee.com, the HD Tivo cannot seem to get any even transponder signal but for number 18. So install never completes as the unit can never pull the full satellite system. The install fails and says that it can't get the right side of 101(A).

Any thoughts on what I need to do to the system so that this does not occur and I can start using the HD Tivo, albeit primarily for the non-HD Direct TV programming that I get?
What you describe as to how the signal is put together and distributed sounds exactly like it should. When you installed the dual destacker in your home did you use any splitters? In some respects it sounds like the upper block of signals from the dish is being blocked. If you used any splitters and they weren't rated for signals up to 2GHz (typically "regular" splitters are rated up to 1GHz then there's significant drop-off above), I'd expect to see half the signals missing. But I'm surprised to see you say transponder 18 gets through; presuming it's really transponder 18.

Looking at the spec sheet for the destacker, it's not clear if there's a DC block on the antenna side of the diplexer that's built in.

Many people have reported strange behaviors using Terk diplexers which pass DC voltage to the antenna input, when using them with the HR10-250. They have to use a DC Block at the antenna input to the HR10-250. It might be that this is what's going on with yours. I believe if you disconnect the antenna from HR10-250's antenna input, and you can complete guided setup, then you would know this is the problem you're having and can get a DC Block at Radio Shack to place there. If you could give that a try and let us know how it goes, then we can go from there.

[mrmrlawrence]

Thanks again. No splitters with the destacker. I did detach the antennae connection and reset the satellite on the unit. Transponder 18 no longer registers, so that must have been some sort of late night anomaly. Still, no right side of 101(A) the unit states, so no functionality.

If you think it helpful, I can also go into the closet and get the names and types of stackers and in line amps and splitter that are used on the way to my units wiring. When I looked last night, they were wide band splitters. What also is odd is that the Sony B-50 worked fine win the set up, so I am not really sure what the HD DVR is sensing that is different.

In the meantime, I will open up the wall and see if there is a non-wideband splitter used to feed the second cable connection internal to my unit somewhere in the signal path.

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
Thanks again. No splitters with the destacker. I did detach the antennae connection and reset the satellite on the unit. Transponder 18 no longer registers, so that must have been some sort of late night anomaly. Still, no right side of 101(A) the unit states, so no functionality.

If you think it helpful, I can also go into the closet and get the names and types of stackers and in line amps and splitter that are used on the way to my units wiring. When I looked last night, they were wide band splitters. What also is odd is that the Sony B-50 worked fine win the set up, so I am not really sure what the HD DVR is sensing that is different.

In the meantime, I will open up the wall and see if there is a non-wideband splitter used to feed the second cable connection internal to my unit somewhere in the signal path. If the same connection is used successfully with the Sony B50 receiver then it should work with this destacker.

If you reverse the two connections from the destacker do you see the same problem? If you have the B50 receiver, or there's a neighbor you know with one, can you check the feed coming into your unit to be sure it works OK with a known-good receiver working elsewhere? If it works, then the same receiver should also work connected to the destacker, and then if that works there must be an issue with your HR10-250. If it doesn't work, then the destacker is at fault.

[mrmrlawrence]

What do you mean by reverse the connections on the destacker? I will trouble shoot accordingly, and I have a known working B50, so I will install and check what its read says on antennaes,
thanks..

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
What do you mean by reverse the connections on the destacker? I will trouble shoot accordingly, and I have a known working B50, so I will install and check what its read says on antennaes,
thanks.. Your dual destacker has two outputs, one for each tuner; I was just wondering if you get the same problem when you have the outputs wired to opposite tuners from where you tried originally.

[mrmrlawrence]

Doug: I appreciate your input. I have put together every possible permutation using the destacker, the hr10-250 and the Sony B-50.

What I have found is that if I attach the cable from my wall directly into the B-50, I get most of the transponders. Also, if I use a diplexer (2 mHz) and use the satellite output from the diplexer, I get the same result.

However, if I plug the B-50 into one of the outputs of the destacker, and input into the destacker the direct wall feed or the diplexer feed, I only get the odd transponders.

Further, if I plug the HR-10 to the destacker or directly to the wall, I only get the odd transponders.

All this leads me to believe that maybe the stacking is going on in some odd frequency range. A range that the B50 or the HD-HTL can handle, and the destacker or HR10-250 cannot?

Not sure how I would proceed. FYI, also, I checked both the A and B outputs of the destacker.......

[DCIFRTHS]

Originally posted by dswallow
Your dual destacker has two outputs, one for each tuner; I was just wondering if you get the same problem when you have the outputs wired to opposite tuners from where you tried originally.

Doug. Your knowledge of sat systems seems endless. Do you work in the business?

[dswallow]

What diplexer brand/part are you using? Have all your tests had the diplexer between the wall and the destacker? Does your Sony receiver work with the destacker between the wall and the Sony satellite input? Just want to make sure the destacker you have is passing the high frequencies.

Your Sony A55/B55 works. If the destacker worked, the Sony would work attached to the destacker output. I'm wondering if you need to rerun through the satellite dish setup though, since it'd have last been configured to see a stacked signal. The manual isn't clear (they mention a "signal seeker pop up" but don't say what that's about, however since it's only popping up when a round antenna is selected, I'd bet this is the step), but I'd guess it needs to decide how to access the satellite signal.

If you're using the cables enclosed with the destacker to connect between it and the receiver, maybe trying a different cable is worth a go. But I'd be hard pressed to think both are bad or that a bad cable could prevent the even transponders from getting selected. But you've come this far trying things... :)

[dswallow]

Originally posted by DCIFRTHS
Doug. Your knowledge of sat systems seems endless. Do you work in the business? No, I don't work in the business, however I've always had a high interest in satellite systems, dating all the way back to my first C/Ku-band "big dish" system, so I've had a lot of experience, and love gadgets so am always interested in such things; and if you're interested in something, you suck the knowledge up everywhere it comes. :)

[mrmrlawrence]

Doug: Your expertise has allowed me to continue this much further than I would have alone. Equipment:
I am using an ASKA 40-2150 MHz diplexer which has both a SAT and an ANT output.

The dual destacker I tried to use (from 9th Tee) was a D575D. As I mentioned, while my B-50 worked either connected directly to the wall or from the SAT output of the diplexer, it did not work when connected to the destacker.

I tired resetting the HR10-250 after connecting only the output of the diplexer to the HR10, but still only getting the odd transponders. I also did the same reset when directly connecting the HR10 to the wall. Same issue.

To summarize: It seems like certain high frequencies are not passing through the destacker, as the B-50 won't work with it.

Further, it seems the HR-10 can't pick up certain frequencies, as it will not work with the same feed that the B-50 does work on.

Any thoughts? Could this still be a DC issue, or is this an issue whereby I need some specialized destacker?

Thanks again.

[dswallow]

Did you rerun the satellite dish setup on the B50 when the unit was hooked up to the destacker? I think it needs to detect that the signal isn't stacked; right now, your B50 is configured for a stacked signal, so it won't work right with a regular unstacked signal.

Here's another way you might be able to ensure it's configured for a regular unstacked signal:

(got this online, and the info was sketchy, so I might be missing something) go into the hidden menu (press down arrow and menu -- I guess on the front panel -- maybe hold them down for up to 15-20 seconds); there's a setting on the antenna menu that'll be "wide". Change that to whatever the other setting is (maybe "narrow"). This should change the receiver to work with a non-stacked signal. Verify it by hooking it up directly to the wall and you should not get the even transponders. Then hook it up to the destacker and see if the receiver can get all transponders.

I've never heard of a customized/properietary stacking setup so I'm still of the mindset that the issue here is the destacker you've got isn't working. The D575d is definately doing the same thing the built-in destacking of the Sony receivers. I see lots of people referencing them online, so I'm confident that in general the D575d works if a B50 works on the stacked signal. So I just want to find out if we can get the B50 to work with the destacker. If we can, then the HR10-250 you have has a problem. If we can't, then I think the destacker you have isn't working.

If all else fails, I suppose it's worth a look at what stacking equipment is in use. If you have access to wherever it's installed, can you get the manufacturer/model #'s on that equipment?

[mrmrlawrence]

Doug: I will try to access the service menu tonight on the B-50 so that we can determine whether the destacker or the HR10-250 is at issue. quick question as I am away from the unit at the moment, does the hr10-250 have a service menu that may be helpful in resolving this issue?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
does the hr10-250 have a secret menu? Pressing INFO & RIGHT on the front panel brings up the system diagnostics menu.

[mrmrlawrence]

Doug:
Went to the B50 diagnostics menu, set it to the non wideband setting, and voila, only the odd transponders. Hooked up the destacker, and it helped none. So I am assuming that the destacker must be the issue here? Do you agree?

Too bad the HR10 does not have an internal destacker. I am assuming that I either have a bad destacker or that this destacker is inappropriate because it is not passing wideband? Any thoughts?

This experience has been a real learning experience thanks to you. Thank you.

As an aside, do you know (can you explain) why diplexers extend to 2150 MHz, but the destackers tend to cut off at 2025 MHz? Why the extra headroom in the diplexer?

[dswallow]

I'd say your destacker is bad. I do believe if the destacker were working, it'd function properly on your system. I'd suggest getting it replaced. It *might* be worth calling the manufacturer's tech support... it's a stretch, but maybe you need to place a DC block between the wall and the destacker.

I doubt there's much rhyme or reason to the extra range of the diplexer; probably just a factor of the choice of components inside, or playing it safe to ensure there's no premature cutoff/degradation of the signal that needs to be passed. I suppose there might be cases where there's a little wider range of signal from some LNB's used on other satellite bands, too.

[mrmrlawrence]

I will keep you informed. It sounds like the first order of businesses is to get the replacement destacker. I will follow up with tech support to see if a DC blocker might help.

Why, btw, would DC present a problem to the external destacker, but not create a problem with the Sony B-50? Logic would dictate, per what I am learning from you that if no dc blocker is required for the B-50, it would not be needed for the destacker, no?

Thanks for the troubleshooting.

[Budget_HT]

I have faint memories of destacker posts where the two outputs of the destacker (don't recall which type or brand) had to be fed into a multiswitch to make the even and odd transponders available to each output tap of the multiswitch.

IIRC, each destacker output is EITHER even or odd transponders, not both. The Sony receivers were built to handle this internally. Other receivers needed the help of a multiswitch to make all transponders available.

I could be WAY off here, but perhaps you need a 2xN multiswitch between your destacker and any receiver except the Sony that was made to work directly with the stacked signals.

You may want to do a search here on the TiVo forum for Feldon or feldoncentral, since I believe he is using a stacker/destacker arrangement (or used to). He published some diagrams showing how to connect everything together successfully.

Sorry if my memories are weak here, but I read through the posts because they were interesting, but I had no personal need for stacking/destacking, so I did not commit things to memory like I might have if I had actually used the equipment myself.

Good luck!

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
Why, btw, would DC present a problem to the external destacker, but not create a problem with the Sony B-50? Logic would dictate, per what I am learning from you that if no dc blocker is required for the B-50, it would not be needed for the destacker, no?

Thanks for the troubleshooting. The receiver could have a DC block built in that's active in wideband mode. I did say it was a stretch. ;) The HR10-250 does suffer problems when the antenna connection has DC voltage present, and a DC block is required there (the Terk diplexer being the only diplexer I've ever seen that doesn't have a DC block built in).

Anyway I'd doubt DC voltage could be an issue on the satellite inputs, since the configuration of the typical stacked setup would likely effectively isolate DC anyway, via the splitters used to distribute the stacked signal.

[mrmrlawrence]

I would assume that what is output from a destacker is dependent on the destacker itself. For example, the Sonora dual destacker I am using should be outputting even and odd transponders?

What I can't reconcile with the post with Budget HT is why the Sony failed to work with the destacker in standard mode.

Actually, I think I am lost really. Not sure what a multiswitch gets you....

[dswallow]

Originally posted by mrmrlawrence
I would assume that what is output from a destacker is dependent on the destacker itself. For example, the Sonora dual destacker I am using should be outputting even and odd transponders?

What I can't reconcile with the post with Budget HT is why the Sony failed to work with the destacker in standard mode.

Actually, I think I am lost really. Not sure what a multiswitch gets you....
There are destackers that simply separate the original two signals back to their original frequencies. These would then be fed into a multiswitch.

Your Sonora D575d essentially has a built-in 3x2 multiswitch and the outputs to each receiver will send out either of the two source satellite signals based on the voltage the receiver sends. If it worked right. :)

I think the safe bet is your D575d destacker is broken.

[Budget_HT]

Doug:

Based on your clarification of the internal multiswitch in the Sonora D575d, I now understand your description and opinions and agree with your assessment of the problem.

Thanks for clearing it up for me. I knew there had to be a multiswitch function, I just never realized that it was provided internally in the D575d.

[mrmrlawrence]

Gents:

With your help, I was able to narrow the problem to the destacker. After a couple e-mail exchanges with Mark McCorkle at 9th tee, he had me check the DC voltage of the incoming signal. He concluded it was very low, and may not be passing signal appropriately. He also stated that in his experience, he has never had a problem with a Sonora dual destacker.

Sure enough, I called a service technician out, and while he had no idea what was wrong, I suggested we put a line amp in, and voila, both transponder sides and the Tivo works as you would expect.

Of course the technician did not realize that he could not put the line amp before the destacker because he effectively cut off my terrestrial antennae, but I am off to home depot to pick up a second line amp and to rectify the situation.

My sincere thanks.

[lrreynolds]

Great Faq. Glad you mentioned that you can toggle video formats using the up arrow since I hadn't figured that out and kept having to resort to pushing the button on the front panel to toggle the outputs. It might be worth mentioning that this will ONLY work if you set the up arrow video formats under the video settings since the default state is no toggling.

[jprall]

Originally posted by dswallow
Some time ago when that picture was first posted and I exclaimed how bad it is if there were no codes for it, someone chimed in saying there was a control on the remote to toggle through them. No word on if there's discrete codes to select a specific format (which I would really seriously hope they provide).

You can indeed use the remote to cycle through 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080. The button you use is the up arrow on the remote.

In a settings menu buried deep in there is where you can turn on and off choices. So if you only want to flip between 720p and 1080i you can do that by then clicking up twice on the remote thus skipping the 480 modes.

[RC3105]

Q: can I install tivoweb / caller id / whatever on my HR10-250?


old answer:

yes, but you have to have the prom chip replaced first and that voids your warrenty


new answer:

sure, just do a google search for deal, database, exploit and bounty for details of the software to use

[Ramy]

Originally posted by dswallow
Most will; those that want to let another device do stretching on 4:3 material would more than likely be the ones needing to switch between format.

The same would apply to those that want another device to handle the output format conversions for 16:9 material, though I'd expect there'd be less benefit for most people over just letting the HD DVR do it.

As an example, my Fujitsu P50 plasma display can do non-linear stretching on 480i and 480p signals only; so unless I want to watch all 4:3 material with sidebars or linearly stretched (and I don't), I'll be switching formats depending on the source material that was recorded.

I have just the opposite problem. I have a 4:3 television and all HD material on my HD Tivo is stretched up and down. I don't have an option to put bars at the top and bottom while viewing 1080i. I do have the option when viewing 480i or 480p which sees stupid to me why would you want to do that? I am getting my box replaced because I keep losing the satellite one input on the box, so maybe it was a problem with the box after all. If someone else had this problem let me know, thanks.

[jlas75]

HDMI video is NOT working on my DirecTV HR10-250 DirecTV with TiVo...Sysytem information says it's "not connected"...

Component video works. Is anyone else experiencing this problem with HDMI? Any suggestions on how to fix this? I have the Pioneer Elite PRO 530 HDI

[feldon23]

There's like a six page HDMI topic right here:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?threadid=183203

[neildallas]

The same thing happened to me a month or so ago. I shipped the unit back AND kept the receipt. After I sat around for 20 minutes waiting to a human being, they agreed with me and did credit my account correctly.

Another example of incompetence or ....

[bdraw]

Originally posted by RC3105
sure, just do a google search for deal, database, exploit and bounty for details of the software to use

Or just try yahoo groups, for friendly discussions.

[duffboy]

I have basic cable tv service of which I can get their local HD channels unscrambled. My HDTV has a built in tuner and picks them up. The HDTivo can't find them via the antenna in. Is there any way to force the tivo to tune them?

It's great that I can see them without an antenna but would be even better if I can record them!

So far HDMI is working...

[maharg18]

Originally posted by duffboy
I have basic cable tv service of which I can get their local HD channels unscrambled. My HDTV has a built in tuner and picks them up. The HDTivo can't find them via the antenna in. Is there any way to force the tivo to tune them?

It's great that I can see them without an antenna but would be even better if I can record them!

So far HDMI is working...

HDTivo receives ATSC over-the-air signals.. Cable HD signals are QAM, which the Tivo cannot receive.

[duffboy]

HDTivo receives ATSC over-the-air signals.. Cable HD signals are QAM, which the Tivo cannot receive.

Thanks. I knew the answer was probably no but thought I would ask anyway. Over the air I go...

[hookbill]

I have a question about the channels that broadcast in 720p. I believe I saw someplace in here that ESPN HD and FOX are the only two. Is this still the current status or has that changed? The reason I ask is I have never seen anything in 720p, I can set my machine up for it but I only use 1020i. It seems to work fine on ESPN HD. Am I missing something here? I'm a bit confused, I do understand the two different types of broadcast but how can I know what stations are broadcasting in what format?

[Tom in OH]

Hi hookbill,

The HDTivo will upconvert to or passthru a 1080i signal (and 720p, 480p/i). There is no 'native mode' which switches output format based on input format. This would be a nice feature for some displays.

You're right about ESPN HD & Fox. They're the only 720p stations that I know of. You could set the HDTivo to output 720P and then those 2 stations would passthru 720P giving you a chance to see how 720P looks on your display. All other stations will up or downconvert to 720P. You probably knew all this.

AFAIK, there's no way to know what format the HDTivo's receiving.

[hookbill]

Thanks Tom, that answered my question. You assumed and rightfully so as we were in the TiVo forum I was talking about HD TiVo receiver. In fact I have cable and their HD/DVR. But the same rules apply. Actually since everything else comes in 1080i the only one I need to switch formats for would be ESPN since I don't get FOX anyway. Well, not in HD.

I find that watching all regular broadcast works fine in 420i. So I'll just use the three settings and keep it simple.

[Flee]

Originally posted by Tom in OH
Hi hookbill,

The HDTivo will upconvert to or passthru a 1080i signal (and 720p, 480p/i). There is no 'native mode' which switches output format based on input format. This would be a nice feature for some displays.

You're right about ESPN HD & Fox. They're the only 720p stations that I know of. You could set the HDTivo to output 720P and then those 2 stations would passthru 720P giving you a chance to see how 720P looks on your display. All other stations will up or downconvert to 720P. You probably knew all this.

AFAIK, there's no way to know what format the HDTivo's receiving.

Is there any difference in the quality of the picture if your HD Tivo is set at 1080i and you let it upconvert ESPN HD from 720p to 1080i? In other words, do I have to manually change the HD Tivo's output to 720p when viewing ESPN HD for the best possible picture?

[Tom in OH]

Originally posted by Flee
Is there any difference in the quality of the picture if your HD Tivo is set at 1080i and you let it upconvert ESPN HD from 720p to 1080i? In other words, do I have to manually change the HD Tivo's output to 720p when viewing ESPN HD for the best possible picture?

If your tv will accept and display 720P then the picture quality might be better if u manually switched to 720P output on the HDTivo for ESPN HD & Fox. Some tvs that accept 720P will convert 720P to 1080i internally so for those it probably wouldn't matter(my Sony rptv does this). It's easy to set the HDTivo remote to switch formats. Try both formats on ESPN HD & Fox(ota) and let us know which looks better.

[Budget_HT]

ABC was the first network to go 720p. But, I have heard that some of their local affiliates are actually broadcasting in 1080i (converting ABC 720p network feeds to 1080i for local broadcast).

Here in Seattle, the local affiliate KOMO-DT does broadcast in 720p on the main digital channel.

ESPN-HD is a newbie compared to their cousin ABC. FOX is getting ready for 720p and true HD programming, but they are not there yet. Our local Fox affiliate is currently broadcasting in 1080i. I don't know what their plans might be to switch to 720p broadcasting.

[Tom in OH]

Originally posted by Budget_HT


ESPN-HD is a newbie compared to their cousin ABC.

oh yes, forgot about ABC, thx Budget_HT. I'm looking forward to "Alias" in HD this fall on ABC ota.

[hookbill]

Originally posted by Budget_HT
ABC was the first network to go 720p. But, I have heard that some of their local affiliates are actually broadcasting in 1080i (converting ABC 720p network feeds to 1080i for local broadcast).

Here in Seattle, the local affiliate KOMO-DT does broadcast in 720p on the main digital channel.

ESPN-HD is a newbie compared to their cousin ABC. FOX is getting ready for 720p and true HD programming, but they are not there yet. Our local Fox affiliate is currently broadcasting in 1080i. I don't know what their plans might be to switch to 720p broadcasting.

Huh? I thought we just discussed that and it was decided that FOX and ESPN only broadcast on 720p. Now your saying ABC does too? And local stations may convert?

moan.....feel head starting to spin:confused:

[Tom in OH]

hookbill,
are u using an ota antenna to pickup Cleveland digital stations?

[hookbill]

No, I'm just receiving off of Adelphia Cable. I only get ABC and NBC for local hd.

[Tom in OH]

Just called Adelphia and 5 transfers later, the rep confirmed Adelphia passes thru the ABC 720P signal unchanged. It depends on the display type but I'd say this is a good thing. A progressive signal is usually a higher quality signal especially if it's not converted.

[hookbill]

Interesting. You are indeed a patient man, I hate calling adelphia for just about anything. Thanks for the info.

[hookbill]

I was curious how my TV handled 720p if I have my cable box at 1050i. The Sony representative I got on the phone told me NO ONE broadcast in 720p. I told him I had heard different, that I knew for a fact that FOX and ESPN broadcast in 720p. He said he hadn't heard that, but it didn't make a difference because you wouldn't see any difference in the picture.

I have to admit, no matter what format I watch either ESPN, FOX, or ABC they all appear exactly the same. I notice no difference if I watch it in 1080i or 720p.

[lrreynolds]

Originally posted by feldon23
Please let me know if there are any mistakes/oversights in this FAQ.


Great FAQ. I would suggest adding a section with the currently/planned HD channels that are offered from DTV as opposed to OTA channels that may be available in some markets if you have an antenna. I started a thread yesterday because I had heard that NBC and FOX were coming online soon and was able to compile the following list that may be useful to others.

70 HBOH duplicated on 509
71 SHOH duplicated on 543
73 ESPH
74 BRVH
76 DSHD
78 HDNM
79 HDN
80 CBSE
81 CBSW
82 NBCE Scheduled 9/16/04
83 NBCW Scheduled 9/16/04
86 ABCE Not planned
87 ABCW Not planned
88 FOX Scheduled ??????
89 FOXW Scheduled ??????
91-97 NFL Ticket
99 PPVH

[caunguyen]

It depends on your TV. Basically, the TV will do the 1/1 map to its native resolution. If your TV native resolution is 720p, 720p source will look better than 1080i source since there is no conversion needed. How much better is very subjective. I notice that if the screen is big (>60), you can see the difference. For smaller set, it's hard to tell. Another difference is the amount of overscan. If source and display resolution matches, there is virtually no overscan. Otherwise, you can lose a small part of your picture due to overscan. Does that matter much? probably not for majority of people.

CN
Originally posted by hookbill
I was curious how my TV handled 720p if I have my cable box at 1050i. The Sony representative I got on the phone told me NO ONE broadcast in 720p. I told him I had heard different, that I knew for a fact that FOX and ESPN broadcast in 720p. He said he hadn't heard that, but it didn't make a difference because you wouldn't see any difference in the picture.

I have to admit, no matter what format I watch either ESPN, FOX, or ABC they all appear exactly the same. I notice no difference if I watch it in 1080i or 720p.

[Todd76]

Originally posted by lrreynolds
Great FAQ. I would suggest adding a section with the currently/planned HD channels that are offered from DTV

I would suggest visiting the AVS Forum for this information:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=34

[llogan]

I think the FAQ needs to be updated. Currently it shows NHL content in HD being available on HDNet and ESPN. That should probably be changed to "No content to be broadcast until the players get their respective heads out of their butts"

[lrreynolds]

Originally posted by Todd76
I would suggest visiting the AVS Forum for this information:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=34

I did and it is not very clear what exactly D* is offering in HD vs. what can be recieved in HD over the air. For those of us who cannot recieve OTA braodcasts or who do not have or want antenna it would be nice to have a concise and up to date list of what can rbe recieved from D*. Especially since channels like Fox are not available from D* but are available in some markets OTA and D* doesn't always give you all the channels to which you are entitled unless you specifically request them and are eligible. CBSE/W and NBCE/W are two that I had to request and only did so because I realized HD programming was available vs my local channels which are in Denver.

BTW the list that AVS does have is inaccurate.

[lrreynolds]

Originally posted by lrreynolds
70 HBOH duplicated on 509
71 SHOH duplicated on 543
73 ESPH
74 BRVH
76 DSHD
78 HDNM
79 HDN
80 CBSE
81 CBSW
82 NBCE Scheduled 9/16/04
83 NBCW Scheduled 9/16/04
86 ABCE Not planned
87 ABCW Not planned
88 FOX Scheduled ??????
89 FOXW Scheduled ??????
91-97 NFL Ticket
99 PPVH [/B]

82 NBCE
83 NBCW

Are now available !

[Todd76]

Originally posted by lrreynolds
For those of us who cannot recieve OTA braodcasts or who do not have or want antenna it would be nice to have a concise and up to date list of what can rbe recieved from D*.

Try pressing the Guide button. All of DirecTV's HD channels are conveniently located in the 70-99 range.

[botcher]

How can we enter the . or - when tuning OTA HD channels - ie: I want to tune 6-1. Which key do I use between the 6 and 1 before hitting enter to tune the channel (subchannel)?

Right now I have to select the main ch #, then step up to the sub-channel.
What a PITA!

Eric

[dswallow]

Originally posted by botcher
How can we enter the . or - when tuning OTA HD channels - ie: I want to tune 6-1. Which key do I use between the 6 and 1 before hitting enter to tune the channel (subchannel)?

Right now I have to select the main ch #, then step up to the sub-channel.
What a PITA!
You enter a "-" by pressing the button that has a "-" printed above it.

I know, sounds simple, right? :)

It's a dual purpose button; when you're not entering a channel number, this button is the ADVANCE -->| button (30 second skip when you enable that, too).

But pretty clearly printed on the remote, directly above it -- a "-".

BTW, you'll also find this information on Page 73 of the manual under the heading "Watching Live TV", subheading "Changing Channels". ;)

[jsimtx]

I appreciate your connection diagrams. I have four TVs, three TiVos, HDTV sattelite and off air antena for local HDTV. I think I need a 5X8 multiswitch and several diplexers to connect it all so that sattelite and OTA is available in each room. Could you add such a diagram for this? Thanks, jsimtx

[botcher]

Thanks Doug!

[HDLouco]

The recent SW upgrade cancelled the 30-second skip function, and I can't seem to remember the button sequence to reprogram it. Can anybody help? Thanks!

[dswallow]

Originally posted by HDLouco
The recent SW upgrade cancelled the 30-second skip function, and I can't seem to remember the button sequence to reprogram it. Can anybody help? Thanks!
Select Play Select 3 0 Select

Best done while playing back a recorded program.

[HDLouco]

Originally posted by dswallow
Select Play Select 3 0 Select

Best done while playing back a recorded program.

Thanks, Doug! This time I wrote it on my manual so I won't have to bother nice guys like you.

Mauro

[hdtvluvr]

I've read most of this thread and I'm a little confused.

I realize there are 4 tuners (2 sat and 2 OTA). I've read that you can record 2 channels simultaneously. However, can you record 2 and watch a 3rd?

In other words, if I'm recording 2 things off the sat, can I watch an OTA program? Or record 2 OTA and watch a sat channel?

If the answer is yes to the above, what about buffering the show being watched?

Thanks

[dswallow]

Originally posted by hdtvluvr
I've read most of this thread and I'm a little confused.

I realize there are 4 tuners (2 sat and 2 OTA). I've read that you can record 2 channels simultaneously. However, can you record 2 and watch a 3rd?

In other words, if I'm recording 2 things off the sat, can I watch an OTA program? Or record 2 OTA and watch a sat channel?

If the answer is yes to the above, what about buffering the show being watched?
Only 2 things can be recorded at a time. Watching live technically is watching a recorded stream, as it's recorded. So no, you cannot watch a 3rd channel live if two others are already recording, though you can watch something already recorded while 2 are recording.

[hdtvluvr]

dswallow,

Thanks for the information. I was afraid that was the case.

How does everyone else handle these issues so that they can watch a 3rd channel?

At first, I thought about just adding the HD Tivo to my rack and keeping the E86 for live TV. However, my TV only has 1 1080i input so I can not attach the E86 and the HD Tivo and get the best image.

Second, my 5.1 reciever only has 1 optical input (currently used by my E86 since it only has an optical out). According to the specs on the HD Tivo, it only has an optical output. Therefore, I can't have the E86 and HD Tivo connected at the same time.

How does everyone else do this?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by hdtvluvr
dswallow,

Thanks for the information. I was afraid that was the case.

How does everyone else handle these issues so that they can watch a 3rd channel?

At first, I thought about just adding the HD Tivo to my rack and keeping the E86 for live TV. However, my TV only has 1 1080i input so I can not attach the E86 and the HD Tivo and get the best image.

Second, my 5.1 reciever only has 1 optical input (currently used by my E86 since it only has an optical out). According to the specs on the HD Tivo, it only has an optical output. Therefore, I can't have the E86 and HD Tivo connected at the same time.

How does everyone else do this?
There are component and DVI switchers that also switch a digital audio signal that can be used which respond to IR controls, so a universal remote can take care of changing things around. Zektor makes several: http://www.valueelectronics.com/accessories.htm#Zektor%20DVS5.1

Or you can get a new receiver with more inputs. :)

[hdtvluvr]

Thanks,
I'll look into my options.

[Todd76]

Originally posted by hdtvluvr
How does everyone else handle these issues so that they can watch a 3rd channel?


I kept the SD TiVo.

[bschrecker]

I apologize ahead of time if this topic has been answered or if this is an uninformed post.

I have a Sony TiVo DVR hooked to comcast digital cable. I recently bought a new high def. TV, they installed a high def. cable box. But, obviously, my TiVo is for standard viewing.

So I would like to watch my TiVo programs in High Def.

With digital cable (not satellite) which HDTV TiVo DVR is compatible?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by bschrecker
With digital cable (not satellite) which HDTV TiVo DVR is compatible? None; there's only a HD DVR w/TiVo for DirecTV.

[bschrecker]

thank you Doug

man thats bad news

Is that something thats on the horizon or mentioned by anyone else?

I appreciate your help.

[maharg18]

Originally posted by bschrecker

Is that something thats on the horizon or mentioned by anyone else?



Only rumors at this point.. Hopefully something will be announced at CES in January.

[bschrecker]

great thank you Maharg love the site

[DevoDave]

Thanks for the informative FAQ. Before I plunk down the big cash for HD DVR, I wonder about two issues:

1) Integrated OTA on the menu and Tivo functionality. Currently, my OTA HD signal is great from a tiny Silver Sensor indoor, but the programming guide is sparse. Is recording OTA HD on the HD Tivo straightforward? How do the programming guides integrate for DirecTV and OTA?
2) Picture quality. Early HD recievers had the blocky artifiacts. How is the HD DVR doing for PQ?

Thanks

[Budget_HT]

Is your current HD program guide the PSIP data transmitted OTA by the local stations? PSIP guide data tends to vary greatly between stations. Some offer none at all, others provide good coverage.

The HD TiVo does NOT use PSIP program guide data. Instead, it uses the DirecTV Advanced Program Guide (APG) which combines their satellite channels and your local OTA channels (based on your zipcode) into a single guide that offers 14 day look ahead. In other words, the DirecTV HDTV OTA guide is much better than PSIP offered OTA.

So, with the HD TiVo DVR, the OTA signals come from your local antenna (SS in your case, at least for now), while the OTA program guide info is included in the APG sent via satellite.

The single guide, IMHO, does an excellent job of integrating DirecTV channels and digital OTA channels (DTV and HDTV) that can all be received using the HD TiVo.

Regarding HD TiVO HD picture quality, that seems to vary by what combinations of equipment are being used. In my case, I am totally satisfied with the HD TiVo PQ. But, I am lucky to live in an area where OTA HD reception is very good.

If you already have an SD DirecTV DVR with TiVo, you will find that the HD TiVo behaves nearly identically. The differences relate to the addition of HDTV and OTA digital, and some added menus and controls needed for those additions.

Bottom line for me: as DirecTiVo users for nearly three years, the HD TiVo was high on my wish list, and I have beeen completely satisfied. I no longer have to watch HDTV in real time, I have gone back to TiVo-based time shifting, now including HDTV programs.

Sounds to me like you could be equally satisfied. Good luck!

[Bagger9]

Hi all,

I have been reading & reading & now I have a stupid question to which I think I already have the answer but I am looking for confirmation here:

If I am getting Structured Wiring put in my new home build (2 RG6 Quad shield & 2 Cat5 to each room) & I want to go with the Directv HD Tivo in 1 room, will the 2 coaxs be sufficient or do I need 3?

Also, with the same Structured Wiring setup, if I have a DirecTv Tivo (non-HD) in 1 room & I want to run that same signal to another room, can this be done through the Structured Wiring plates? In the room with the Tivo, wouldn't I have to use the 2 coaxs for the Tivo & if so then where will I run the signal that I split from the TV in that room back out to the other room? Or, is it possible to use 1 coax on the wall plate & split that to the Tivo receiver fo rhte 2 coax inputs, freeing the other coax on the wall plate up as a return to the other room? Am I making sense?

I am about 1-2- weeks away from going over all of this with my installer & electrician & I need to know what I am talking about.

Basically, what I want in the house is this:

- Home Theater Room with a HD Tivo

- Family Room with a Tivo (future expandable to HD Tivo

- Kitchen with the feed from the Family Room (but future expandable for its own Tivo, even HD)

- Office with a DSS receiver

- 4 Bedrooms all capable of running a Tivo, possibly HD Tivos in the future & all capable of running feeds to other bedrooms

- Master Bedroom with the feed from the Master Bedroom (future expandable fo rits own receiver)

- Garage, Basement & Rear Deck all capable of running their own receiver, possibly Tivo, & capable of running feeds from one to the other.

Does it sound like tructure Wiring will allow me to do everythign I want or will I need some additional runs of coax? I have read so much & talked to so many people but I cannot get a truly concise, decisive answer that makes me feel confident. After reading here I feel like this might be the place to steer me in the right direction & give me confidence! Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dswallow]

Structured wiring provides flexibility, but you have to account for the multiple uses you expect to have to decide how many runs you want from/to each location. I'd suggest you use a separate coax run for each signal you need to send, giving you the flexibility later to double things up where possible, rather than relying on doubling things up now.

For instance, you can share a coax line for a satellite signal with an antenna, cable or RF modulated signal, so you could manage to get things around in that manner, but since you can run separate lines for each now, that makes it all simpler to follow. Later if you needed to do other things, you could combine two cables into one where the signals are compatible and free up a line for that other use.

From your description of what you desire, though, I think you need to be looking at more professional methods of whole house video/audio distribution. The wiring alone is really only part of it, and from what I can see, you're going to have a nightmare figuring out how to control everything from various remote locations. Such whole house audio/video systems often can use things like CAT5 wiring or even optical fiber to distribute things, so your wiring requirements could be very different.

But if you're just trying to get the wiring in place for the ultimate in flexibility, I'd run as much wire as you can afford. :) Take your major viewing locations and run extra wiring. I'd consider 2 coax and 2 CAT-5 to be a good starting point for remote locations, but for the prime ones, you'll probably want more. Consider additional satellite services you might want to subscribe to, or even the concept of using cable TV in addition to DirecTV -- who knows what the future may bring.

And don't forget the wiring from your satellite dish location(s) to your central wiring point -- DirecTV has big plans for adding more satellites to provide HD content; this'll mean more wires to your multiswitch(es), so run them now while it's easier. Then run 4 or 5 more. :)

[Bagger9]

Originally posted by dswallow
Structured wiring provides flexibility, but you have to account for the multiple uses you expect to have to decide how many runs you want from/to each location. I'd suggest you use a separate coax run for each signal you need to send, giving you the flexibility later to double things up where possible, rather than relying on doubling things up now.

For instance, you can share a coax line for a satellite signal with an antenna, cable or RF modulated signal, so you could manage to get things around in that manner, but since you can run separate lines for each now, that makes it all simpler to follow. Later if you needed to do other things, you could combine two cables into one where the signals are compatible and free up a line for that other use.

From your description of what you desire, though, I think you need to be looking at more professional methods of whole house video/audio distribution. The wiring alone is really only part of it, and from what I can see, you're going to have a nightmare figuring out how to control everything from various remote locations. Such whole house audio/video systems often can use things like CAT5 wiring or even optical fiber to distribute things, so your wiring requirements could be very different.

But if you're just trying to get the wiring in place for the ultimate in flexibility, I'd run as much wire as you can afford. :) Take your major viewing locations and run extra wiring. I'd consider 2 coax and 2 CAT-5 to be a good starting point for remote locations, but for the prime ones, you'll probably want more. Consider additional satellite services you might want to subscribe to, or even the concept of using cable TV in addition to DirecTV -- who knows what the future may bring.

And don't forget the wiring from your satellite dish location(s) to your central wiring point -- DirecTV has big plans for adding more satellites to provide HD content; this'll mean more wires to your multiswitch(es), so run them now while it's easier. Then run 4 or 5 more. :)

Thanks for the answer - I definately hear you about more runs from the roof - I am thinking 6 would be good - 4 for the Dish, 1 OTA & another for future use.

SO, in the rooms, what you are saying is that I should take my prime viewing areas (Home Theater, Family Room & Master Bedroom) & in addition to the 2 coaxs on the Structured Wiring setup run an additional coax as well?

My biggest confusion deals with the Directv HD Tivo - do I need 3 coaxs for this - 2 Tivo & 1 OTA - or does the OTA combine in 1 of the 2 for the Tivo?

I appreciate all your advice on this as I can see from reading that you are a guru!

[dswallow]

Originally posted by Bagger9
Thanks for the answer - I definately hear you about more runs from the roof - I am thinking 6 would be good - 4 for the Dish, 1 OTA & another for future use.

SO, in the rooms, what you are saying is that I should take my prime viewing areas (Home Theater, Family Room & Master Bedroom) & in addition to the 2 coaxs on the Structured Wiring setup run an additional coax as well?

My biggest confusion deals with the Directv HD Tivo - do I need 3 coaxs for this - 2 Tivo & 1 OTA - or does the OTA combine in 1 of the 2 for the Tivo?

I appreciate all your advice on this as I can see from reading that you are a guru! The HR10-250 needs two separate coax lines; you can use a third for OTA or you can distribute OTA combined with the satellite coax lines (OTA uses 50-800MHz, the satellite side uses 950-1450MHz, hence why they can coexist). A 5x8 multiswitch combines an OTA or cable signal with all 8 satellite outputs, for instance, or you can use diplexers to add the OTA or cable signal to individual satellite lines.

I'd suggest 4 or 5 coax runs to your prime viewing areas, plus any additional runs you need if you're going to try to distribute video back from there to other places. I'd also suggest you think about OTA issues, like controlling an antenna rotator, requiring 3 or 4-conductor wiring, for instance. A phone line, a network connection, and maybe additional CAT-5 to send HD video back to other locations.

I don't think it's impractical to believe at some time you'd consider having 2 DVR's in your prime viewing locations; often enough we hear about people who have conflicts with just 2 tuners when attempting to record things, so that alone would mean 4 lines run just for satellite signals (and possibly OTA too). Then having some extra in addition to what you can conceive of using is always good to cover those things you cannot conceive of needing.

The cost of running extra cable now is minor compared to the cost and labor of adding it later. You'll live if wire goes unused, but if you need something you didn't plan for and it's not there... :)

[TivoMo]

Any update on these problems yet? I want to get one of these at my local Best Buy but maybe I should just wait.

Makes me wonder what the guys on ebay that sell 'upgraded' units are doing to fix the issue for their customers since they will not be warranteed.

[IT_Dave]

Originally posted by Bagger9
Hi all,

I have been reading & reading & now I have a stupid question to which I think I already have the answer but I am looking for confirmation here:

If I am getting Structured Wiring put in my new home build (2 RG6 Quad shield & 2 Cat5 to each room) & I want to go with the Directv HD Tivo in 1 room, will the 2 coaxs be sufficient or do I need 3?

Also, with the same Structured Wiring setup, if I have a DirecTv Tivo (non-HD) in 1 room & I want to run that same signal to another room, can this be done through the Structured Wiring plates? In the room with the Tivo, wouldn't I have to use the 2 coaxs for the Tivo & if so then where will I run the signal that I split from the TV in that room back out to the other room? Or, is it possible to use 1 coax on the wall plate & split that to the Tivo receiver fo rhte 2 coax inputs, freeing the other coax on the wall plate up as a return to the other room? Am I making sense?

I am about 1-2- weeks away from going over all of this with my installer & electrician & I need to know what I am talking about.

Basically, what I want in the house is this:

- Home Theater Room with a HD Tivo

- Family Room with a Tivo (future expandable to HD Tivo

- Kitchen with the feed from the Family Room (but future expandable for its own Tivo, even HD)

- Office with a DSS receiver

- 4 Bedrooms all capable of running a Tivo, possibly HD Tivos in the future & all capable of running feeds to other bedrooms

- Master Bedroom with the feed from the Master Bedroom (future expandable fo rits own receiver)

- Garage, Basement & Rear Deck all capable of running their own receiver, possibly Tivo, & capable of running feeds from one to the other.

Does it sound like tructure Wiring will allow me to do everythign I want or will I need some additional runs of coax? I have read so much & talked to so many people but I cannot get a truly concise, decisive answer that makes me feel confident. After reading here I feel like this might be the place to steer me in the right direction & give me confidence! Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds to me like you should get some good conduit installed which would provide adequate shielding and pulling of new cables into all rooms/locations. That sounds like the best bet!

[mattnaz]

I am new to this forum and just started looking into this unit. I figured I would wait for them to fix the bugs before I made the purchase. I have a couple of questions.

1. Should I purchase now or wait?

2.I will need to coaxs from the dish to run this receiver? I currently have one to the receiver I have now but I am guessing 2 are required to record sat and watch another channel on sat?

3.With my current set up, I have 2 receivers so I can do Picture in Picture and send out a signal to other rooms. Would I have to give up this option if I don't want to run another line from the dish?

Thanks for the help.

[feldon23]

Why would anyone ever need more than 4 coax runs to a room? You can always put a 4xX multiswitch, right?

[MCodanti]

Unless your locals are on 72.5 right? Or you need an OTA antenna.. (I have 6 lines to me main equipment, 4) D*, 1) OTA, 1) Power for MS)

If you have a 4x16 MS would you get better signal from running 6 lines to your 3 DirecTiVo boxes than if you just ran 4 and put it through another 4x8 MS? (Can you cascade them without signal loss?)

[dswallow]

Originally posted by feldon23
Why would anyone ever need more than 4 coax runs to a room? You can always put a 4xX multiswitch, right?
A person needing 72.5° currently needs 5 coax runs if they also have HD receivers. And then there's 95° and eventually SpaceWay. Who knows where this will max out. :)

[HDLouco]

Have I missed some news? I thought Directv only had sats at 101, 110 and 119 WL spots! What is at 72.5? Thanks, Doug, for any answers!

[maharg18]

Originally posted by HDLouco
Have I missed some news? I thought Directv only had sats at 101, 110 and 119 WL spots! What is at 72.5? Thanks, Doug, for any answers!

72.5 has locals for about 2 dozen new local markets.

Directv5, which is the old sat from 119, is now located at 72.5.

[HDLouco]

Originally posted by maharg18
72.5 has locals for about 2 dozen new local markets.

Directv5, which is the old sat from 119, is now located at 72.5.

I had not heard this! Thanks for answering. I guess I don't have to worry about 72.5 for the time being because I live in California and should be getting my local channels from either 110 or 119. It would be a nightmare trying to install another dish with the required multiswitch to handle it all.

[feldon23]

72.5 is, unless something has changed in my absence, a way to provide locals to folks living in BFE. It is, on a smaller scale, what Dish Network did (putting locals on other satellites which require more dishes).

[madpoet]

Out of the box, what do I need to do? Install is Saturday. I already know I need to change it to 1080i from the default. I'll check HDMI, but I'm really mostly using component. I also have to set the audio settings, is that correct? Should be digital output to my Denon 3805. Anything else I need to make sure I do?

THanks,
MP

[IT_Dave]

Originally posted by jsimtx
I appreciate your connection diagrams. I have four TVs, three TiVos, HDTV sattelite and off air antena for local HDTV. I think I need a 5X8 multiswitch and several diplexers to connect it all so that sattelite and OTA is available in each room. Could you add such a diagram for this? Thanks, jsimtx

Where do you find connection diagrams?

Thanks,

Dave

[HDLouco]

Originally posted by IT_Dave
Where do you find connection diagrams?

Thanks,

Dave

I don't think you need any connection diagrams to connect a 5X8 multiwsitch (MS) to your Tivos and receivers. The Phase-3 Directv dish has 4 outputs. You connect all 4 outputs to the 4 inputs of the 5X8 MS. Then you connect the TV antenna cable to the antenna input of the MS. My MS requires power, and that comes from a power supply via another coaxial cable connected to the power input of the MS. You now have 8 outputs which carry signals from all the Directv sats plus the OTA antenna signal. And you connect each one of the outputs to your Tivos and other Directv receivers throughout your house. Hope that will help you! Good luck to you.

[IT_Dave]

Sorry, I should have been more clear, there is more than one discussion going on in this thread. What I mean was, diagrams showing what is required to connect different types of receivers TIVO's etc from point A Satellite to Point Z.

Thanks,

Dave

[Joe Siegler]

Originally posted by feldon23
Please let me know if there are any mistakes/oversights in this FAQ.

Also I know it needs more outside links to information and where to buy the components.

Feedback appreciated!

Reply to the first post in this thread..

1) Radio Shack grille/bowtie-type (aka the Objet d'Art) - The link to that item is now broken.

2) The shows shown in HD on the various networks should probably be updated - I know Jake 2.0 on UPN hasn't been shown for awhile now (better part of a year, I think).

[edrock200]

ABC's Lost is also in HD.

[edrock200]

Originally posted by feldon23
72.5 is, unless something has changed in my absence, a way to provide locals to folks living in BFE. It is, on a smaller scale, what Dish Network did (putting locals on other satellites which require more dishes).

I thought 72.5 was to provide local HD's and new national HD's. Is this not the case?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by edrock200
I thought 72.5 was to provide local HD's and new national HD's. Is this not the case? Nope, 72.5° is just more SD locals using a Canadian-allocated slot that DirecTV provided a satellite for in exchange for using some of the bandwidth there.

[edrock200]

Whats the slot they announced for two sats for "upto 1000 HD channels?"

[dswallow]

Originally posted by edrock200
Whats the slot they announced for two sats for "upto 1000 HD channels?"
They'll be using 99°/103° for SpaceWay and have plans for a new satellite at 101° with Ka-band capabilities too.

[HDLouco]

Originally posted by dswallow
They'll be using 99°/103° for SpaceWay and have plans for a new satellite at 101° with Ka-band capabilities too.

Hi Doug!
I have always appreciated your posts because you always have the the answers. Now, if you'll pardom my ignorance, what is the difference between Ka and Ku bands? Any links to where you got this info? Thanks.

[dswallow]

Originally posted by HDLouco
Hi Doug!
I have always appreciated your posts because you always have the the answers. Now, if you'll pardom my ignorance, what is the difference between Ka and Ku bands? Any links to where you got this info? Thanks.
It's just a different (higher) range of frequencies for the transmission; the original theory was Ka-band would permit smaller dishes, but it's also more subject to rain fade issues, so using the same size dish as we have now should provide a little better reception.

If you just search for "ka-band" and some other dbs terms you should find some basic info around; I don't really know of a single overall discussion someplace I could direct you to.

[HDLouco]

Originally posted by dswallow
It's just a different (higher) range of frequencies for the transmission; the original theory was Ka-band would permit smaller dishes, but it's also more subject to rain fade issues, so using the same size dish as we have now should provide a little better reception.

If you just search for "ka-band" and some other dbs terms you should find some basic info around; I don't really know of a single overall discussion someplace I could direct you to.

Thank you very much, Doug! Will do as you suggested and search.

[leesweet]

Originally posted by edrock200
ABC's Lost is also in HD.
My suggestion is that all show-specific content be deleted from the this FAQ and a link be entered to the AVS HD Programming Links Thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=346761

Is there a reason to duplicate research and content? I think this is the place for unique TiVo content but HD TV content that's at AVS? I don't see the point, IMO.

And for people that do want more up to the minute HD Programming news, here's one great thread by fredfa on ratings/cancelations/news:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=440744

[leesweet]

Okay, gah, I just re-read this whole thread to be sure I wasn't missing anything... :) Did we ever confirm that the RCA and optical audio can be active at the same time? It was mentioned at a possible solution to one issue at one point, but I can't find where anyone said that it actually worked. (Many devices with 'analog' and 'digital' audio only have one active at a time.)

The application is to run a DD connection to my amp with the optical, but also use the analog, since I use wireless headphones sometimes, and my amp won't output optical inputs out on the L/R outputs.. Thanks!

[JayDog]

I have optical running to an A/V receiver, and red/white analog running to the TV... I've never had a reason too, but I'm pretty sure both output from the HD-TiVo at the same time.

(Sometimes I don't turn on the A/V receiver, and just use the TV speakers... but not too often.. :) )

[feldon23]

Originally posted by leesweet
My suggestion is that all show-specific content be deleted from the this FAQ and a link be entered to the AVS HD Programming Links Thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=346761

Is there a reason to duplicate research and content? I think this is the place for unique TiVo content but HD TV content that's at AVS? I don't see the point, IMO.
Maybe because TiVo users don't want to get buried in the very technical AVS Forum just to find out basic information about why they should buy an HDTiVo?

[botcher]

Both analog and optical work simultaneously. IIRC, the only issue is the ping-pong type sound effects when using the remote in the menus. These sounds only go out the analog RCA ports. I recall seeing my AV receiver switch to analog when no AC-3 stream is present (like when going into a menu after watching a recorded Dolby Digital show), then hearing the tones. Yet, if I maneuver quickly enough to get out of the menus before the AV receiver switches back to analog, I never hear the tones.

The tones have also served as a reminder that I left the TV volume up when I didn't want it! But, YES, you can hear the show's audio content out the analog at the same time as the digital output.

Eric

[leesweet]

Eric, thanks for the info. I've got it hooked up with both optical and analog, and it appears to be working fine. Good to know it's not either/or!

[leesweet]

Originally posted by feldon23
Maybe because TiVo users don't want to get buried in the very technical AVS Forum just to find out basic information about why they should buy an HDTiVo?
Well, the point wasn't about 'technical' information but just linking to *one* thread that has the current show information, because that, as several people have stated is quite out of date at the top. Was just trying to save you from having to update that information all the time.

[leesweet]

Originally posted by JayDog
I have optical running to an A/V receiver, and red/white analog running to the TV... I've never had a reason too, but I'm pretty sure both output from the HD-TiVo at the same time.

(Sometimes I don't turn on the A/V receiver, and just use the TV speakers... but not too often.. :) )
Hm, that's a better reason for both to work at the same time.. I hope that's why they made it that way. :)

[Budget_HT]

Originally posted by botcher
Both analog and optical work simultaneously. IIRC, the only issue is the ping-pong type sound effects when using the remote in the menus. These sounds only go out the analog RCA ports. I recall seeing my AV receiver switch to analog when no AC-3 stream is present (like when going into a menu after watching a recorded Dolby Digital show), then hearing the tones. Yet, if I maneuver quickly enough to get out of the menus before the AV receiver switches back to analog, I never hear the tones.

The tones have also served as a reminder that I left the TV volume up when I didn't want it! But, YES, you can hear the show's audio content out the analog at the same time as the digital output.

Eric

My understanding of when the "bong" tones can be heard is slightly different.

I only have the optical output of my HD TiVo connected to my A/V receiver.

When HD programs are or have last been playing, I do not hear any tones. When SD programs are or have last been playing, I always hear the tones (again, via the optical/digital output).

My understanding is that the HD TiVo (and my HDVR2 SD DirecTV with TiVo) can play the "bong" tones through the digital audio output, UNLESS the digital audio is Dolby Digital/AC-3. In that case, no tones are heard.

All ATSC OTA HD programs are Dolby Digital (even if they are only offering stereo content), so no tones. I believe the same is true for all DirecTV HD channels.

Nearly all DirecTV SD channels are NOT Dolby Digital/AC-3, so the tones are heard.

Finally, a series 1 DirecTiVo (like my Sony SAT-T60) cannot send any tones over the optical/digital output, ever.

I have not tested whether tones can be heard over the analog audio outputs when the source program is Dolby Digital/AC-3.

[leesweet]

I believe the menu said that 'no tones will be heard when DD is being recorded' or close to that, which is all the time you are watching DD shows, so that agrees with Dave's analysis.

I assume tones are going over the analog, as others reported, since I've got both wired, and I hear tones all the time on OTA, etc.

[odrybenj]

Hi
thanks for this well documented page on Tivo and DirecTv. I also read your epic story about TiVO and SBC direcTV. I was wondering in the case of HD if you have met anyone with a similar case: triple LNB on the dish stacked together and going out of one plug in the wall.

Is this possible first, and how would you deal with that? I live in a complex with MDU, and they charge a lot to activate HD, so I am looking for other options. If the signals from the 3 LNBs are stacked together, there might be a way to separate them.

Any ideas?
Thanks.

[feldon23]

All 3 satellites including HDTV programming can't be stacked on 1 wire. 4000 MHz is just too much for RG-6.

I heard from someone knowledgeable at SBC that they are starting to stack all 3 satellites using 2 wires and re-combining in the apartments.

You said they "charge a lot to activate HD"? They're probably charging you exactly what it costs to send the right signal to your apartment and give you the proper equipment for you to use it. Nobody said HD was cheap!

[odrybenj]

Yes, I know that HD is not cheap; it's just that I have the feeling they're trying to get as much money as they can out of it and way over the real cost. I just want to make sure that I am not being robbed (too much)....

Thanks anyway, I'll probably ask them to come.

[Budget_HT]

odrybenj:

Welcome to the forum.

We are interested in just how your setup will work. Please share your info if you go ahead with HD in your home.

For example, 2 cables or one? Any conversion/multiswitch boxes added (manufacturer and product ID), description of how things are interconnected, etc.

[odrybenj]

Sorry Budget,

I am living in a complex wired by MDU, so I am having the same kind of problems (stacker/destacker) feldon had a while ago. I only have one cable in my wall (stacked signal) so TiVO does not work yet (I have a Hughes DVR80). I have a sharp LCD HD TV plus the samsung SR360 HD receiver that is why I'm interested in knowing how HD signal is routed with MDU. I only get HD trhough a Silver Sensor antenna for now.

So I guess common configuration with common difficulties. An interesting thing is that my HD receiver works without destacker, so I guess it destacks the signal by itself.

[odrybenj]

feldon,

I have a question for you since you since you posted the FAQ about HD and tivo. You showed example of connectivity using the 3 LNB dish. How does it work with a Phase III dish? It seems that there is only one cable running out of the dish, so how does your scheme get updated with this kind of Dish? I suppose you don't use multiswitch anymore sionec you have all three satellite signals in one cable..

Thanks,

[feldon23]

Phase III dish IS a 3LNB dish. It has 4 outputs on it.

Not sure where you are seeing 1 cable?

[odrybenj]

I just wanted to understand why I only have one input on the HD receiver. I have a Samsung SR 360. I guess if there is one input, it can support the signals from the 3 LNBs, whether there are 4 cables getting out of the dish or signals are stacked together in one, which seems not to be an option...

An interesting thing also is that this receiver seems to have a auto-destacker functionality. For instance I don't need any destacker in a MDU complex, but that's something else. Adding a destacker seems to block odd transponders.

[dswallow]

Originally posted by odrybenj
I just wanted to understand why I only have one input on the HD receiver. I have a Samsung SR 360. I guess if there is one input, it can support the signals from the 3 LNBs, whether there are 4 cables getting out of the dish or signals are stacked together in one, which seems not to be an option...

An interesting thing also is that this receiver seems to have a auto-destacker functionality. For instance I don't need any destacker in a MDU complex, but that's something else. Adding a destacker seems to block odd transponders.
The receiver sends a voltage (13v DC or 17v DC) and a 22kHz tone (or no tone) to the multiswitch to tell it what signal to connect to the receiver; that allows one cable to be used per tuner no matter how many real LNB's are involved in receiving the satellite signal.

If the receiver supports destacking, to switch to non-stacked inputs, you'll need to adjust the configuration option (I think they refer to it as "WIDE" signal or something like that on Samsungs), or run through the automatic dish/LNB detection process again.

[odrybenj]

Ah ok! That makes sense of course.
Thanks.

[Joe Smith]

Originally posted by leesweet
My suggestion is that all show-specific content be deleted from the this FAQ and a link be entered to the AVS HD Programming Links Thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=346761


That URL is no longer valid; it's been archived to http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=346761

[Joe Smith]

Originally posted by Joe Siegler
Reply to the first post in this thread..

1) Radio Shack grille/bowtie-type (aka the Objet d'Art) - The link to that item is now broken.


Yeah, it moved from www to archive: http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&attachmentid=983

[nuzzy]

To take full advantage of a DirecTV with TiVo or DirecTV HD TiVo receiver/recorder, you must have TWO wires from the dish/multiswitch connected to them. Ordinary DirecTV receivers each require ONE wire from the dish/multiswitch.

Hello,

I just read the first post and saw this. I have a Phase III dish, but only 1 coax running up to the TV. Should I have had two when the dish was installed? I only have this 1 wire hooked up to #1 Sat on my HR10-250. Will I need to get that second set up as well?

[dswallow]

Originally posted by nuzzy
Hello,

I just read the first post and saw this. I have a Phase III dish, but only 1 coax running up to the TV. Should I have had two when the dish was installed? I only have this 1 wire hooked up to #1 Sat on my HR10-250. Will I need to get that second set up as well?
Yes, there should be two coax lines from the dish to your HR10-250, one for each tuner.

[nuzzy]

Thanks for the quick reply - it looks like it may be an easy fix for me as I have a Zinwell 4x8 Multi-Switch with available outputs. I think I just have to run a wire from the Multi-switch to the DVR.

[WERAHQ]

Might be a stupid question and it may have been answered but after page 30 or so my eyes got a bit blurry however I will apologize in advance....

I've got a Sony Vega with the component inputs but not the HDMI, is it worth getting the HDTivo or not? It's only about 5 years old and I believe that dining room furniture is next on "our" list of major household purchases so a new HDTV is out - that and I'm leaning towards a projector next. My T60 is old enough I'm pretty sure I can get approval along with it being my borthday soon, well acceptance maybe but it's enough.

[dswallow]

Originally posted by WERAHQ
Might be a stupid question and it may have been answered but after page 30 or so my eyes got a bit blurry however I will apologize in advance....

I've got a Sony Vega with the component inputs but not the HDMI, is it worth getting the HDTivo or not? It's only about 5 years old and I believe that dining room furniture is next on "our" list of major household purchases so a new HDTV is out - that and I'm leaning towards a projector next. My T60 is old enough I'm pretty sure I can get approval along with it being my borthday soon, well acceptance maybe but it's enough.
Give the model number so we can check out specs directly; but if the component input is supporting and displaying 720p or 1080i resolutions, then you most definitely will see something better than you get with SD. But if it's only supporting 480p or 480i, then it'll be far less an improvement -- maybe noticable, but not dramatic.

[WERAHQ]

Couldn't find that info in the book, I'll do a search as well but in the meantime it's a Sony Wega FD Trinitron KV-36FS12

Thanks!

[dswallow]

Originally posted by WERAHQ
Couldn't find that info in the book, I'll do a search as well but in the meantime it's a Sony Wega FD Trinitron KV-36FS12
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/KV32FV16.pdf (it includes your model)

It supports 16:9 vertical scanline compression.

No mention of HD; just talk of "connecting a DVD player" to the component inputs, so most likely it only supports 480i, maybe 480p.

[WERAHQ]

That's what I figured - looks like I'll hold off on the HD Tivo for now - thanks for the help!

[ludeboy12]

so is there really no way to get tivo updates on this bad boy without a land line??

i use my cell as my main phone and id rather not have to spend an additional 20-30 a month for phone service i'll never use except of course to let the tivo update.....

[jbauer]

Originally posted by WERAHQ
....I've got a Sony Vega with the component inputs but not the HDMI, is it worth getting the HDTivo or not? It's only about 5 years old and I believe that dining room furniture is next on "our" list of major household purchases so a new HDTV is out - that and I'm leaning towards a projector next. My T60 is old enough I'm pretty sure I can get approval along with it being my borthday soon, well acceptance maybe but it's enough.

You didn't give your model number, but the one I had, the 36XBR250, was the model before the HD sets came out, and I bought that one less than 5 years ago (sorry, don't remember the date). So... your set was DEFINITELY not HD. I don't think there's any benefit to buying the HD TiVo with that set...

Sorry!

- Jon

[Tom in OH]

WERAHQ,
after using the HDTivo since June '04, I'd say it's well worth a purchase even if your tv is not an HDTV. I would've enjoyed using it almost as much with SD tvs. The hard drive is gigantic and holds plenty of shows, ready and waiting whenever u are. Chances are the next tv u buy will be an HDTV w/HDMI or component and then, your HDTivo will be even more fun to have. Also, your Sony probably does 480p which would look great today from the component output on the HDTivo.

[tpk]

Just an FYI to most. I found out by accident on the 31st and again on the 1st, that DirecTV has added Fox and ABC local (i.e. East and West) offerings. If you look in the "All Channels" or even the "You Receive" selection of the grid, you'll notice that all major networks (sorry UPN and WB) are now offered in High Def in the 80's.

DirecTV has once again made no effort to notify anyone, but at least we can now see all networks in High Def. For those of you still thinking about it, it's pricey, but once you convert, you'll almost give up watching anything in standard def.

Enjoy!!

[Todd76]

Originally posted by Tom in OH
after using the HDTivo since June '04, I'd say it's well worth a purchase even if your tv is not an HDTV.

I don't think the larger hard drive is worth the extra $900 or so. If you don't have HD, get the non-HD version. Or two. Or three. And still save money.

[leesweet]

Er, yeah. The drive itself is worth about $200 or less. :) Unless you are recording things to keep until you get an HD display, I don't see the point, either.

[leesweet]

Originally posted by tpk
DirecTV has once again made no effort to notify anyone, but at least we can now see all networks in High Def.
Huh? Yeah, it's in your guide. And *you* maybe can get them because you are in the LA area, I assume. For the average person, they can get only 1 or none of these. (I can get two...) Unless you are in a DNS white-area with no other coverage, or are in an O&O area for that particular network, you can't get these. New waivers are also out, so the viewing population for these is a bit limited! (Only NY and LA people get all of them automatically because the stations are their locals...)

[dswallow]

Originally posted by leesweet
[...] so the viewing population for these is a bit limited! (Only NY and LA people get all of them automatically because the stations are their locals...)
Well, 11.6679% of all television households in the country are in the New York and Los Angeles markets, which have unrestricted access to the HD networks in their respective market.

That's not really chump change. :)

Anyon ever seen a report on DirecTV penetration by DMA? That'd be interesting.

[mikeny]

I seem to get about 12 days of guide data. Is that normal? I know it says up to 14. Is 12 about the most to expect? Thanks.

[leesweet]

Well, Doug, I wasn't counting NY and LA, since a lot of people there can get those locals OTA. I know many LA people are behind a mountain or something, and I know NY's not done with the new combiner (is that the term?) on the Empire State building, but I was still talking about the average D* sub.

I also was sort of implying that almost no one except NY/LA can get all of them. Of course, they all evaporate for the rest of us when HD LILs are up, darn it! :)

[itzme]

I have a basic question-sorry if its dumb or a repeated question. Since I have 2 SAT INs and 1 ANT INs (which is split into 2 by the HR10-250). Why can' t I record 2 shows (say using the SAT IN tuners) and watch a 3rd OTA show from the ANT in tuner? Id I try to do that, I get a conflict message that asks if I want to stop recording from one of the tuners. In my mind, tt seems like I should be able to at least watch that 3rd show.

[dswallow]

Originally posted by itzme
I have a basic question-sorry if its dumb or a repeated question. Since I have 2 SAT INs and 1 ANT INs (which is split into 2 by the HR10-250). Why can' t I record 2 shows (say using the SAT IN tuners) and watch a 3rd OTA show from the ANT in tuner? Id I try to do that, I get a conflict message that asks if I want to stop recording from one of the tuners. In my mind, tt seems like I should be able to at least watch that 3rd show.
Internally the receiver considers each pair (satellite & OTA) a single "virtual tuner"; so unless it can access all channels on each virtual tuner, it doesn't allow the tuner to be used at all. It would complicate conflict resolution quite a bit, which is probably why they did it this way -- it enabled them to use their scheduling/conflict resolution algorithm mostly unchanged from the SD receivers.

[itzme]

That makes sense. So in short, it sounds like "it should but it won't". Well I'm glad I can at least change TV Inputs to the TV tuner and watch an OTA channel from the TV.

[Bobcuch]

Hi there... I am not able to put the link in this post because I am new here but, recently I read that the new Direct Tv HD TIVOs will be obsolete in about 6 months because Direct Tv is going to MPEG-4 compression. (I have the link to the article if anyone is interest. Sorry I can not post it here.) I am wondering if it would then be better to wait till Direct Tv straightens all that out before becoming an "early adopter" of the technology.

I currently have 4 Direct Tv Tivos. We love them and I have been saving a long time to put in a dream home theater. I have been waiting for the HDTIVO and was saddened to hear that it will become worthless....

Thoguhts? Is this true?

Thanks!
Bob

[dswallow]

Hi there... I am not able to put the link in this post because I am new here but, recently I read that the new Direct Tv HD TIVOs will be obsolete in about 6 months because Direct Tv is going to MPEG-4 compression. (I have the link to the article if anyone is interest. Sorry I can not post it here.) I am wondering if it would then be better to wait till Direct Tv straightens all that out before becoming an "early adopter" of the technology.

I currently have 4 Direct Tv Tivos. We love them and I have been saving a long time to put in a dream home theater. I have been waiting for the HDTIVO and was saddened to hear that it will become worthless....

Thoguhts? Is this true?

Thanks!
Bob
Search around this forum and you'll find a lot of discussion and speculation on the subject.

For most people the HR10-250 has a completely useful lifetime of at least 2 or 3 more years before DirecTV will have changed from MPEG-2 over to MPEG-4. What's happening initially is that local stations will be provided in HD using MPEG-4 and those won't be compatible with the HR10-250. So if you get your local stations over the air just fine, there's really no worry until DirecTV changes national programming in HD over to MPEG-4.

And even then, it's becoming clearer and clearer the DirecTV is going to swap the receivers out for free (or perhaps for a token shipping cost and 1-year commitment), so your investment is protected; even better you get new technology that'll be able to record more programming without having to invest more money.

So if you want HD today, the HR10-250 is a perfectly good choice to make. Announcing its "obsolescence" is highly premature; and even when it truly becomes obsolete, DirecTV's gonna protect your investment by giving you the new equipment you need.

It might even work out better for people -- rumors of pricing on the Home Media Center seem to have it 50-60% higher in cost than the HR10-250; so those people who already have the HR10-250 and accept the equipment swap by DirecTV could very well end up with a better deal than those who don't. And they'll have had use of the HD DVR in the interim -- unlike those people who like sitting on the fence and whining. :)

[Bobcuch]

THANKS! I just found this site earlier today and have gotten now work done at the office today as I have been absorbing all the info I can. I really have waited a long time for this purchase and want to make sure I do it right. I ordered a new dish and switch last night so I am ready to go! Next comes the TV!

Thanks again for the quick reply!
Bob

[JoeSchueller]

Doug,

The AVS Forum posting I read had it the other way around with pricing in the $500 to $600 range for the server depending on the HDD capacity and $100 for each SD remote unit. While that sounded exremely low to me, it is possible. It all depends on how motivated D* is to get MPEG4 (and perhaps KA/KU) hardware in people's hands.

The good news was that the same poster quoted the D* credit for a HR10-250 as $900.

[marley1]

Feldon,

Great article on the HD DirecTV Tivo. One question, any news on when the next version of this product will be released? And if so, and info on new features/cost?

Thanks,

Marley

[buggen]

Sorry if this has been covered before I did a search of this question and could not find the answer. I have a 4:3 HDTV, will I be able to watch 4:3 shows through the component output of the hr10 that fill the entire 4:3 screen? Currently I have the older Hughes HDTV receiver (model E86) and if it's set to use the component output even if the show is 480i 4:3 I get black bars all the way around the 4:3 picture. I can stretch the 480i to fill 16:9 but I hate that on a 4:3 TV.

Thanks

[zoro]

Is there any way, thjat we can skip ads from recorded HD or SD material?

[qdoggg]

Is there any way, thjat we can skip ads from recorded HD or SD material?
you mean like a 30 second skip?

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=227712

[Zentaar]

The first wiring diagram has 2 dual tuner boxes connected to a 2 x 4. You could possibly have 4 tuners tuned into 101 odd, 101 even, 110, & 119 (odd or even). There is no way this could work with a 2 x 4 connector. You cannot draw 4 different signals through 2 lines, you need to use the 2nd wiring diagram for it to work correctly.

The only way the first diagram will work is if you receive all your programing from a single satalite (ie the 101). I assume the first diagram is pre HDTV in which all standard channels came from the 101 satalite, but once you switch to HDTV, it will need to be rewired.

[MattMDK]

I live in Los Angeles and can now receive ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in HD directly through DirecTV without an OTA. This is not advertised but is available in several cities. Most of the DirecTV phone reps were unaware of this availability.

[feldon23]

The first wiring diagram has 2 dual tuner boxes connected to a 2 x 4. You could possibly have 4 tuners tuned into 101 odd, 101 even, 110, & 119 (odd or even). There is no way this could work with a 2 x 4 connector. You cannot draw 4 different signals through 2 lines, you need to use the 2nd wiring diagram for it to work correctly.

The only way the first diagram will work is if you receive all your programing from a single satalite (ie the 101). I assume the first diagram is pre HDTV in which all standard channels came from the 101 satalite, but once you switch to HDTV, it will need to be rewired.
I don't think the caption to that diagram could be any more concise.

[baatz]

I live in Los Angeles and can now receive ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in HD directly through DirecTV without an OTA. This is not advertised but is available in several cities. Most of the DirecTV phone reps were unaware of this availability.


How do I find out exactly what HD programming DirecTV actually offers in my area?

After reading threads on several different forums, I am thoroughly confused...

I live in the Tampa DMA and I now have two DirecTivo DSR6000 units with DirecTV's Premier program subscription.

I want to get a HDTV plasma TV (Hitachi), along with a Hughes HD10-250.

But I do not know what network HD programming I can get from DirecTV. CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX? (OTA isn't an option for me because I live too far from the transmitters in Tampa to receive HD signals.)

All the talk about O&O and LiL is baffling...

Thanks, Ed

[Pangloss]

You'd get the standard package of HD channels. PPV, Universal HD, Discovery HD, ESPN HD, and the two HD-Net channels. Showtime and HBO if you want to pay for 'em (or can talk them into some kind of deal). That's the whole shebang.

If you pass the waiver (which they apply for on your behalf when you call DirecTV and order service) then you'll get the major networks' New York City feeds, which are conveniently positioned just below the afformentioned channels in the program guide.

When the guy comes to install, he'll put the OTA stuff up automatically. If does put an extra antenna on the roof, so if you're really certain it won't work then I guess you can skip that part. But you never know, it might get lucky. HDTV signals can carry a long way here in flat Florida.

[baatz]

If you pass the waiver (which they apply for on your behalf when you call DirecTV and order service) then you'll get the major networks' New York City feeds, which are conveniently positioned just below the afformentioned channels in the program guide.

When the guy comes to install, he'll put the OTA stuff up automatically. If does put an extra antenna on the roof, so if you're really certain it won't work then I guess you can skip that part. But you never know, it might get lucky. HDTV signals can carry a long way here in flat Florida.

Pangloss:

Thanks for the info!

So DirecTV customers don't know if they "pass the waiver" until after they subscribe to DirecTV's HD service? What determines who is eligible for a waiver? I would really like to get HDTV now, but if I can't receive the networks in HD at this time, I'll just wait (even longer) until MPEG4 is a reality...

My local stations' signal quality in SD is lousy where I live (about 60 miles south of Tampa) --- maybe in part due to my neighbor's huge trees that are between my house and the transmitter towers in Tampa. Maybe I should just sell my house and move closer or get out the old chainsaw? :)

If I could get HDTV OTA that would be great. But it seems pretty unlikely?

Should I just call DirecTV now, sign up for HD and then find out if I "pass the waiver". If I get the waiver, I can then go ahead and buy a new HDTV and HD10-250 at that point or if I don't get a waiver --- I could cancel HD service?

Ed

[Pangloss]

That's right. I still don't know myself (got mine on the 10th). In my case it doesn't matter because I get the Miami stations perfectly (which look every bit as good as the satellite channels to my untrained eye). I was just curious to see what would happen, so I requested the waivers. My guess is they'll be denied.

It's based on zip code, btw. I don't think you can request a waiver before you decide to purchase, but I suppose you could ask.

The SD quality of your locals is irrelevent. The trees... I have no idea. I'm surrounded by trees, for what it's worth. But South Florida is a little flatter than Tampa, I believe.

You should go here (AV Science Forum) and take a look at the thread they have for Tampa OTA. You will probably see posts from other people in your area, as well as posts from engineers working at the stations in your area. The South Florida thread was very helpful to me.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45

There's also a place where you can go and punch in your zip code and see what stations are available and what the likely reception quality will be. Unfortunately I didn't save that page and can't find it at the moment. Perhaps someone else will have it.

[baatz]

"I don't think you can request a waiver before you decide to purchase, but I suppose you could ask."

I REALLY don't like the idea of spending $7,000 + on new HD equipment before I know if I can even get the channels that I want to watch.

From what I've learned up to now, getting HD from OTA is great, IF (and it is a big if?) you live close enough to get a good, strong signal. The Tampa Bay area OTA forums I've read don't sound very encouraging --- and once again, spending several thousand dollars in the "hope" that I can get the HD programming seems absurd from my biased viewpoint.

I guess that once again, I will just have to put off buying that new HDTV plasma TV...

Thanks anyways...

[feldon23]

Order the equipment from a DirecTV installer. They'll come out and if they can't get an install, you aren't on the hook for anything. They can check HDTV reception on any TV.

[leesweet]

And/or, if you are worried about OTA, have a local antenna shop come out and do a site survey. They usually charge nothing for this if you purchase the OTA antenna install from them, and $50-100 if you can't good OTA.

Your local thread at AVS should have recommendations on a reliable local installer.

(For example: I wanted to get Washington and Baltimore via a rotator and a CM4228; the installed (Fairfax Antenna) said after testing there was no way I'd get B'more, and I ended up with a CM4221 that gets everything (possible) from Washington. But that info from him saved me (and cost him) several hundred dollars. That's the best way to test the OTA if you are worried.)

You can test OTA yourself with an inside antenna if you are close enough, but it sounds like you need an external for OTA where you are. I'd much rather have a local installer test the OTA than the D* installer, who may not have a clue about OTA if he's not done a lot of it..

[zymurgist]

I've searched through this thread, but it didn't find any info. After searching TiVo's web page, I found this release (http://www.tivo.com/5.3.1.1.asp?article=234). Good news for those with a comprehensive cable HD line-up.

[Lancegolfs]

I am a newbe but need a little help! I am buying a couple of the HD DTV boxes (one with tivo and one without) but I have seen posts of problems with mpeg4 & hdmi connection. Are these truly issues or is there not a problem? DTV tells me that mpeg4 can be upgraded on the hr10-250 when available and that the software upgrade on the hdmi connection fixes that problem. Your thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[rric31]

Ok. I am the guy that has "stuff". TIVO, wireless connections throughout the house, home theater, etc.

But let me tell you, this HDTV really baffles me. I do not have a HDTV TV, and like many others will be getting one when the prices drop, hopefully in the Plasma world to around $2000.

My question to the board which I am sure has been answered, but I can't find it, is, will I need to purchase a new TIVO when I get HDTV in my household? Once I get the connections from my cable company for HDTV and a HDTV Television, will I also need to purchase another TIVO so I can enjoy my new HD stuff through TIVO?

Thanks

Rich in Maine

[dswallow]

Ok. I am the guy that has "stuff". TIVO, wireless connections throughout the house, home theater, etc.

But let me tell you, this HDTV really baffles me. I do not have a HDTV TV, and like many others will be getting one when the prices drop, hopefully in the Plasma world to around $2000.

My question to the board which I am sure has been answered, but I can't find it, is, will I need to purchase a new TIVO when I get HDTV in my household? Once I get the connections from my cable company for HDTV and a HDTV Television, will I also need to purchase another TIVO so I can enjoy my new HD stuff through TIVO?

Thanks

Rich in Maine
The only HD-capable TiVo-based device is for DirecTV; until that changes, the only way you can use TiVo for HD material is with DirecTV.

[BBURNES]

Rric31,

A couple of extra thoughts/answers to your question:

1) Doug is right on. Currently, DirecTV is the only service which provides a product to enable you to record in HD utilizing Tivo. Once you buy your HD TV, if you like Tivo AND want to record in HD, you must get DirecTV.

2) Your current Tivo will NOT record in HD. So even if you switched from cable to DirecTV, your current Tivo will not work. You must purchase the HR10-250 from DirecTV, your neighborhood electronics store or a fine online retailer. Then make the switch to DirecTV.

3) Many cable companies now make HD DVRs available to their customers to record HD content. However, these HD DVRs are NOT Tivo. Generally, our members report that they are most inferior to Tivo functionality.

4) Finally, Tivo has announed plans to create a Cable Card Tivo. When it is introduced, cable customers will then be able to record HD content without getting DirecTV service. So, if you are adamant about not having DirecTV service and really want to stay with cable...hope is on the way. But it will be a new unit as well. Your current Tivo will NOT work at that point with cable either.

Sorry if you knew much of this already ... and for this very long post. But hope it helps clear up the confusion.

[DCIFRTHS]

Rric31,

.....

4) Finally, Tivo has announed plans to create a Cable Card Tivo. When it is introduced, cable customers will then be able to record HD content without getting DirecTV service. So, if you are adamant about not having DirecTV service and really want to stay with cable...hope is on the way. But it will be a new unit as well. Your current Tivo will NOT work at that point with cable either. ....

Since I live in a cave, I didn't see this announcement. Do you have any additional information (a release date?).

Thanks

[Sparta Boy]

I understand that if you have HiDef channels that they cannot be recorded in HiDef by Tivo.

My question is if I have HiDef channels, can I record it on my Series 2 Tivo in standard definition and have a pleasant viewing experience using an ETV Plasma (as opposed to a HDTV Plasma) ?

thanks!

[bschwart]

I heard a rumor that DirecTv was going to stop supporting TiVo. Is this true/has anyone else heard this? I heard they are releasing a bunch of new HD channels in Mpeg4 format which is not supported by TiVo.

This may all be false information I have been given, but I wanted to see if anyone else has heard anything about DirecTV and TiVo's relationship.

I am in the process of deciding whether or not to get the HD TiVo from DirecTv and trying to get all the information I can. It's quite costly, but I'd rather pay more for a TiVo than less for some other no name brand.

Thanks,
Brian

[Budget_HT]

I understand that if you have HiDef channels that they cannot be recorded in HiDef by Tivo.

My question is if I have HiDef channels, can I record it on my Series 2 Tivo in standard definition and have a pleasant viewing experience using an ETV Plasma (as opposed to a HDTV Plasma) ?

thanks!

If you have a stand-alone TiVo, you can use down-rezz'd outputs of an HD tuner to feed into your stand-alone TiVo and record programs broadcast in HD, IF you have a means of selecting the right channels on the HD tuner and the right input on the SA TiVo. I am NOT knowledgeable on how/whether the channel changing part would or would not work. Other folks have some experiences with this.

If you have a non-HD (SD) DirecTV DVR with TiVo (a.k.a., a DirecTiVo), there is no way to tune in or record HD channels--OTA or satellite.

The way to record HD programs from DirecTV satellite and OTA is with the HR10-250 HD DirecTV DVR with TiVo.

Hope I have answered your question here. I was not clear on which TiVo type you were referring to.

[Norma_S]

Brian,

I, too, have heard that over at AVSForum about DirecTV and Tivo severing their relationship after the current contract expires in a couple of years.

[omaxwell]

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has a "project" to encourage people to build or buy HD recording equipment before 7/1/05 so it will not have the broadcast flag detection in place. They don't talk about DirecTivo HD, however.

If I buy an HD DirecTivo today, 2 months before the turnover, will it already have the broadcast flag detection in place? Presumably they aren't going to convert their machines in stock on 7/1. How will I know?

[feldon23]

The broadcast flag was overturned.

[feldon23]

I guess it will be time to overhaul this thread soon. I don't look forward to that. :eek:

[t0rnado]

I have a 3LNB dish and 1 standard dvr and one HD dvr.

DTV sent two cables to the standard DVR upstairs and two to the HD TIVO on the first floor


The problem I am having is I finished my basement and have placed the HD Tivo downstairs.

Using just the two cables run to the first floor can I use a multi-switch to run the standard DVR on the first floor and the HD DVR now in the basement.

PLEASE HELP !!! or direct me to an answer...I will keep searching the FAQ's and Posts.

Tony

[guyricardo]

I have a 3LNB dish and 1 standard dvr and one HD dvr.

DTV sent two cables to the standard DVR upstairs and two to the HD TIVO on the first floor


The problem I am having is I finished my basement and have placed the HD Tivo downstairs.

Using just the two cables run to the first floor can I use a multi-switch to run the standard DVR on the first floor and the HD DVR now in the basement.

PLEASE HELP !!! or direct me to an answer...I will keep searching the FAQ's and Posts.

Tony
In a word...yes.

Most posts about switches deal with going from all 4 (5 with an OTA) to 8. This would be the ideal, and I'd recommend getting a 5x8 switch anyway if you can afford it. Never know what the future will bring. If you have no other choice, you can use a 3x4 switch to convert the 2 first floor cables to 4.

[sandiegojoe]

Search around this forum and you'll find a lot of discussion and speculation on the subject.

For most people the HR10-250 has a completely useful lifetime of at least 2 or 3 more years before DirecTV will have changed from MPEG-2 over to MPEG-4. What's happening initially is that local stations will be provided in HD using MPEG-4 and those won't be compatible with the HR10-250. So if you get your local stations over the air just fine, there's really no worry until DirecTV changes national programming in HD over to MPEG-4.

And even then, it's becoming clearer and clearer the DirecTV is going to swap the receivers out for free (or perhaps for a token shipping cost and 1-year commitment), so your investment is protected; even better you get new technology that'll be able to record more programming without having to invest more money.

So if you want HD today, the HR10-250 is a perfectly good choice to make. Announcing its "obsolescence" is highly premature; and even when it truly becomes obsolete, DirecTV's gonna protect your investment by giving you the new equipment you need.

It might even work out better for people -- rumors of pricing on the Home Media Center seem to have it 50-60% higher in cost than the HR10-250; so those people who already have the HR10-250 and accept the equipment swap by DirecTV could very well end up with a better deal than those who don't. And they'll have had use of the HD DVR in the interim -- unlike those people who like sitting on the fence and whining. :)

thanks Doug, this has been my dilemma. I know the hr10-250 has dropped down to the $600 - $700 price range now (anybody know any better deals? let me know) I was worried about buying it, only to have it become obsolete. I talked to the guy at d* customer service about the new mpeg4 format. He told me that it'll probably be coming around in october or november and when it does, they'll either send you a software upgrade or ship you a new high def tivo and you send em back your old one. He said in the past, these sorts of upgrades have been either free or really cheap.

So now I'm torn on getting the hd tivo before the switch. I wonder if these new MPeg4 machines will sell for more at the stores, like you seem to think. In which case, getting the existing one now and then getting a free upgrade might be the cheaper route. ALthough, I've gotta imagine these tivos will be super cheap right before the change. I wonder if directtv will have some sort of qualifying purchase dates?

decisions decisions.

What do you guys think? should I just be patient? or could it be cheaper to buy a hr10-250 knowing i'll be able to get a free upgrade in a few months?

[mattn2]

I have a 3LNB dish and 1 standard dvr and one HD dvr.

DTV sent two cables to the standard DVR upstairs and two to the HD TIVO on the first floor


The problem I am having is I finished my basement and have placed the HD Tivo downstairs.

Using just the two cables run to the first floor can I use a multi-switch to run the standard DVR on the first floor and the HD DVR now in the basement.

PLEASE HELP !!! or direct me to an answer...I will keep searching the FAQ's and Posts.

Tony

You need all 4 lines into any multiswitch that is upstream of the HD DVR.
Otherwise you will only be able to see the non-HD (sat 101) programming.

# Matt

[fwarren]

I would love to know the answer on buy now or buy later. I WANT to buy it now but can Directv be trusted to upgrade us or replace the obsolete unit when MPEG4 arrives?

Is the best place to buy an new HD installation with Tivo at Directv or from another vendor? Which one?

[beardad]

I Have accidently found a hidden feature that I am not sure how this works. If I happen to catch the end of a show and want to see the whole thing I accidently found a way to record the whole thing if it is less than an hour long. One time I was 52 minutes into the program and another time I was 56 minutes into the program. In both instances I was viewing the end of a SD program. I press the back button to go back at the highest speed to view the earliest captured video then press record somehow it captures the whole program.

In both instances the Television was off but the DVR was on the channel that I was watching when the Television was turned on.


Has anyone heard of this before?

[rcmitchell]

tivo/ces

Well, Tivo plans to lauch a HD Tivo/ Cable Box in Q1 2006.
Bout damn time :) I'm really getting sick of this Time Warner Junk, and I will not pay $1000 for a directv box, which driectv is trying to phase out tivo service anyway, without full function. I will pay anything for a tivo tho :)

[BrettStah]

I Have accidently found a hidden feature that I am not sure how this works. If I happen to catch the end of a show and want to see the whole thing I accidently found a way to record the whole thing if it is less than an hour long. One time I was 52 minutes into the program and another time I was 56 minutes into the program. In both instances I was viewing the end of a SD program. I press the back button to go back at the highest speed to view the earliest captured video then press record somehow it captures the whole program.

In both instances the Television was off but the DVR was on the channel that I was watching when the Television was turned on.


Has anyone heard of this before?
Yes. The buffer can often contain more than the 30 minutes that's available from the normal Live TV 30 minute playback buffer that we see. As soon as you choose to record the show, the hidden part of the buffer is added to the new recording. In fact, you do not have to rewind first - all you're doing is losing part of this hidden buffer. You should immediately press Record without bothering to rewind at all. The caveat with the record from buffer feature, of course, is that if the show's ending time has been reached, then you will wind up recording the next show, even if it just started seconds before you chose to record. (You may wind up with some part of the old show tacked on to the next show, however).

[Ericshere]

I have a Terk 5x8 multi switch with Hi def Tivo. I have been gradualy losing signals on my HD reciever that doesnt have Tivo. I am now starting to lose some stations on my HDTivo. I am guessing it might be my multiswitch going bad. Anyone else have any ideas? Also, if thats the case...where is a good place to buy a new multi-switch? Thanks in advance.

[Ericshere]

Thanks Tom

I have re-booted several times and it doesnt help.

[jmgonzalez]

I would love to know the answer on buy now or buy later. I WANT to buy it now but can Directv be trusted to upgrade us or replace the obsolete unit when MPEG4 arrives?

Is the best place to buy an new HD installation with Tivo at Directv or from another vendor? Which one?

I'm in the process of acquiring 2 DTV HD Tivo's through DTV.

My Tivo experience on and off of DTV has been great and have always bought my DTV SD Tivos at a great price for the functionality.

I have no problem buying these 2 new HD Tivos and having DTV upgrade their technology in the near future.

I would rather enjoy something now then to just sit around on the fence waiting for the "next big thing" in HD Directv DVR.

[HDLouco]

I have a Terk 5x8 multi switch with Hi def Tivo. I have been gradualy losing signals on my HD reciever that doesnt have Tivo. I am now starting to lose some stations on my HDTivo. I am guessing it might be my multiswitch going bad. Anyone else have any ideas? Also, if thats the case...where is a good place to buy a new multi-switch? Thanks in advance.

I am using a 5 X 8 multiswitch that I bought from http://www.110degrees.com for $69.95 and it has been working for a couple of years now. Another company, http://www.mcminone.com is having a special sale until the 15th of July, and a 5 X 12 multiswitch is being sold for only $49.95 plus S & H and sales tax. The item number is 33-8690, and their sales catalog shows the regular price as $89.99. Take a look at their web site.

One way to confirm that the multiswitch is going bad is to connect the HD receiver or the Tivo directly to the dish, bypassing the multiswitch. Why not try that before you spend good money to replace a switch that might be OK? Godd Luck to you!

[Rutgar]

For most people the HR10-250 has a completely useful lifetime of at least 2 or 3 more years before DirecTV will have changed from MPEG-2 over to MPEG-4. What's happening initially is that local stations will be provided in HD using MPEG-4 and those won't be compatible with the HR10-250. So if you get your local stations over the air just fine, there's really no worry until DirecTV changes national programming in HD over to MPEG-4.



Let me see if I have this straight. When you're saying that local stations will be provided in HD using MPEG-4 and those won't be compatible with the HR10-250, you're talking about digital local stations provided by DirecTV, right? Not the currently receivable OTA digital stations, right?

And if that's true, then will the new MPEG-4 decoders be backwards compatible so that those of us who get all of our local digital stations OTA will still be able to get them on the new decoders?

Am I making any sense? :D

[Tom in OH]

And if that's true, then will the new MPEG-4 decoders be backwards compatible so that those of us who get all of our local digital stations OTA will still be able to get them on the new decoders?

Am I making any sense? :D

You're making plenty of sense. I'm sure hoping Directv Will include an OTA digital tuner. There's a chance they won't because they want everyone to signup for HD locals via the dish. I'm thinking even those who sign up for local HD with D* will also want an HD OTA tuner in case a local station isn't available via dish or some other reason. Choice always seems to be good.

[feldon23]

Rutgar,

Yep.

[jmgonzalez]

I looked at the FAQ and could not find the correct answer to my question.

Currently have an oval (3 sat) dish installed, connected to a multiswitch, that is then distributed to every room in my house. I am currently using only 1 coax to each Tivo, so i'm not taking advantage of the two tuners. I would need to have any additional coax lines wall fished if I ever want to take advantage of dual tuners.

I am now looking at HD Tivo's to replace 2 of the DTV DVR's that I currently have.

In order to do this, can I reuse that one coax line going to each DVR and not worry about setting up an additional coax? I would rather not do that as I don't know how much longer i'll be in this house.

In talking to DTV minutes ago, I was told on a few occasions that I would need to have an additional coax installed to each TV to support the HDTV DVR.

Any help with this question will be appreciated!

[DonQijote]

tuners.

I am now looking at HD Tivo's to replace 2 of the DTV DVR's that I currently have.

In order to do this, can I reuse that one coax line going to each DVR and not worry about setting up an additional coax?
==========================================

That is exactly what I did for one of my HD Tivos.

- You can use only one connection.

- You can use ANY two connections presently connected to an SD tivo, as long as you have the correct dish & multiswitch.

[jmgonzalez]

==========================================

That is exactly what I did for one of my HD Tivos.

- You can use only one connection.

- You can use ANY two connections presently connected to an SD tivo, as long as you have the correct dish & multiswitch.

Thanks!

I recently upgraded my dish through DTV to receive the Para Todos package, so i'm all setup with the multiswitch and dish needed to acquire HD content.

[Helmut Forren]

HDCP is a protocol for content protection implemented on both DVI and HDMI interfaces. The HDMI connector itself isn't pin-compatible with a DVI connector, but there is a 1:1 correspondence of the digital video signals, so only an adapter is required. HDMI does include audio, however, which wouldn't be on a DVI connector.

Here's an excellent description of DVI, HDMI & HDCP: http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/DVI_HDMI.htm

This page got moved. A working link 7/11/2005 is http://www.sigmadesigns.com/support/DVI_HDMI.htm

[kalphoto]

thanks Doug, this has been my dilemma. I know the hr10-250 has dropped down to the $600 - $700 price range now (anybody know any better deals? let me know) I was worried about buying it, only to have it become obsolete. I talked to the guy at d* customer service about the new mpeg4 format. He told me that it'll probably be coming around in october or november and when it does, they'll either send you a software upgrade or ship you a new high def tivo and you send em back your old one. He said in the past, these sorts of upgrades have been either free or really cheap.

So now I'm torn on getting the hd tivo before the switch. I wonder if these new MPeg4 machines will sell for more at the stores, like you seem to think. In which case, getting the existing one now and then getting a free upgrade might be the cheaper route. ALthough, I've gotta imagine these tivos will be super cheap right before the change. I wonder if directtv will have some sort of qualifying purchase dates?

decisions decisions.

What do you guys think? should I just be patient? or could it be cheaper to buy a hr10-250 knowing i'll be able to get a free upgrade in a few months?


I'm feeling the same decision...

I called DirecTV a second time today (called them yesterday as well).

I found a couple of things.

1. The CSR knew I had called yesterday... this didn't seem to help my case.

I again VERY NICELY spoke to him about how I have been a long time customer 2+ years and have had the NFL package for the past two years. I expressed that I wanted to upgrade to the HD equipment but the price was holding me back.

2. He quickly said, "I wouldn't recommend you upgrade yet, you are going to have to upgrade in 6-9 months when the mpeg4 receivers come out.... "

I was a little surprised. I told him I really didn't want to wait as I wanted to watch the NFL in HD....

After some more talking about how I shouldn't upgrade (he said he was "one of the few CSRs that suggest that") he offered me $100 off credit for equipment and $5 off programming for 1 year.

Not the best offer so I said, thank you I'll have to think about it and he said "okay I'll note this in the account and if you activate it will take effect".

Am I screwed? It seems so many of you are getting the $250 credit and all this free programming and such. Is it just the luck of the draw with the CSR?

If I wait a month and call back... do you think they'll up their offer?

Any of you who has had to call multiple times, any advice on what you said that did the trick would be great! Thanks!

---- still have to go attempt to use this coupon at best buy... i guess the decision has to be made quickly. this csr really threw me off when he suggested that I DON'T upgrade....

[g-man]

Totally luck of the draw.

I decided I wouldn't wait for them to offer anything. I called up and told them I wanted the $250 credit towards purchase and HBO/Showtime deal I've been hearing about (I think I said my friend got it). They told me based on my history they could only offer $200 - yeah, right! If I could call them back and prove I was a signed up for a longer period of time than their records showed, they'd give me the other $50.

They actually don't have one of my addresses and about 2 years of history on file, but that's beside the point. I called back in 3 minutes just to "confirm" that I must prove a longer history and that CSR laughed and said I can go ahead and give that extra $50 of credit to you right now.

Pick up the phone my friend...

[flytivoer]

This is really a large post. Forgive me if this question has already been answered, but if so, I didn't find it. I am about to purchase a new HDTV and will also upgrade to an HD DVR (HR10-250) for my DirecTV service. I am in the Chicago area and understand that I do have access to OTA HD for local stations. My question: Do I need to purchase an HDTV with built-in HD tuner to receive these local OTA HD stations? or does the HR10-250 have a built-in OTA HD tuner?

[chill903]

The HR10-250 has a built-in tuner. You don't need one on your TV.

[sda3]

Right now i have a dsr-704 d*tivo and a set top d* reciever. I have a samsung sir-ts360 and i use it to input my tivo, and my dvd player, then it goes to the tv via DVI. The question i have is, I don't have enough component imputs on my TV for my tivo, dvd, and my game systems. Does the HR10-250 have a component input that i can use to plug my DVD player into and use it to upconvert like the set top box does? and does the hr10-250 have a DVI out?

[MikeCC]

Right now i have a dsr-704 d*tivo and a set top d* reciever. I have a samsung sir-ts360 and i use it to input my tivo, and my dvd player, then it goes to the tv via DVI. The question i have is, I don't have enough component imputs on my TV for my tivo, dvd, and my game systems. Does the HR10-250 have a component input that i can use to plug my DVD player into and use it to upconvert like the set top box does? and does the hr10-250 have a DVI out?

The 10-250 does not have component inputs: it is an strictly an output device. However, it does have an HDMI output, and the unit comes with an HDMI to DVI cable. So if your TV has either HDMI or DVI inputs, then you should be set.

Or, you can use the search tool to find multi-threads on component switchers. I haven't needed them, but I remember them being discussed.

[sda3]

Thanks, I might just have to use a different input for my ps2, if i can get as good of a deal as some people in the forums.

[flytivoer]

DirecTV just came to upgrade my satellite dish to an oval, Triple LNB dish so that I can receive HD channels. The installer couldn't get access to all three satellites coming out of the multi-switch so he said that I must have a bad multi-switch. I have a 4X8 multi-switch. Your article seems to imply that I should have 4 cables coming from the satellite dish. However, i only have two. Did the installer do something wrong? My multi-switch as well as your article seem to indicate that I should have four cables going into the multi-switch.

[HDLouco]

DirecTV just came to upgrade my satellite dish to an oval, Triple LNB dish so that I can receive HD channels. The installer couldn't get access to all three satellites coming out of the multi-switch so he said that I must have a bad multi-switch. I have a 4X8 multi-switch. Your article seems to imply that I should have 4 cables coming from the satellite dish. However, i only have two. Did the installer do something wrong? My multi-switch as well as your article seem to indicate that I should have four cables going into the multi-switch.

It is my understanding that you need four cables: 2 to transfer the horizontal and the vertical outputs of the 101 sat and 2 to transfer the horizontal and the vertical oucputs of the combined pair of sats at 110 and 119 degrees. The switch will then be able to select any polarity of any sat independently by each one of (up to) 8 Directv receivers. You should call Directv and ask for comfirmation of what I just said here, but I think I am right. Good luck to you!

[Tom in OH]

DirecTV just came to upgrade my satellite dish to an oval, Triple LNB dish so that I can receive HD channels. The installer couldn't get access to all three satellites coming out of the multi-switch so he said that I must have a bad multi-switch. I have a 4X8 multi-switch. Your article seems to imply that I should have 4 cables coming from the satellite dish. However, i only have two. Did the installer do something wrong? My multi-switch as well as your article seem to indicate that I should have four cables going into the multi-switch.

You're right, all 4 cables from the dish are needed for the multiswitch to give all 8 outputs access to each LNB.

[kcmurphy88]

Right now i have a dsr-704 d*tivo and a set top d* reciever. I have a samsung sir-ts360 and i use it to input my tivo, and my dvd player, then it goes to the tv via DVI. The question i have is, I don't have enough component imputs on my TV for my tivo, dvd, and my game systems. Does the HR10-250 have a component input that i can use to plug my DVD player into and use it to upconvert like the set top box does? and does the hr10-250 have a DVI out?

I had this problem and got an A/V system amp with component switching. Denon has a nice line which also converts 480I S-video and composite to 480I component output. So you just need the one component input to the TV as long as it can handle input signals switching between 1080i, 480p and 480i.

Then again, DVI switching would be nice.

[Iceblade]

Feldon,

We need to update the section about what HDTV is available to remove the NHL reference on ESPN-HD as they opted not to pick up the contract this year and lost out to Comcast for the next 2-3 years. Comcast will be carrying games on the OLN network and it remains to be seen if/when they will carry anything on OLN-HD.

Regs,
Jeff

[J004]

I have a Toshiba RS tx20 DVR DVD and a TIVO series 2 80 hours box and get cable via COX. I wanted to get an HD TV but was confused and concerned that if I run the signal through either TIVO DVR I will not get a HD TV signal to the TV and thus not be able to enjoy the HD quality. Or if I watch a program recorded on hte DVR it will not be HD quality.

My Qs: Does the TIVO DVR effect the HD signal :confused: if I want to use TIVO inline to the HD TV?

What are my options, and do you have any suggestions? ( Don't want to go to DIRECT TV)

If there is no solution and cannot get HD via TIVO/Cable when does one think they (TIVO)will have a solution to this problem?

Thanks.

[lenbo1]

How do you tune in a OTA channel with the remote ie... 5-1, 15-1 how do you put in the " - " ? Thanks

[Tom in OH]

How do you tune in a OTA channel with the remote ie... 5-1, 15-1 how do you put in the " - " ? Thanks

...just to the right of the "slow" button(same as " ->I "

[bvd1965]

I just bought one and am having problems with it, when I use either a universal remote or the remote that came with it, sometimes it wont accept my commands but 15-30 minutes later it starts doing commands from nowhere, i just had the box replaced and it is doing the same thing, anyone else have this problem?

B

[Tungsten]

Hi-

I wonder if it would be possible to update the FAQ at the beginning with "no standalone" to reflect the news of the cable card version from the beginning of the year? There's a press release on the TiVo site (that I can't seem to link to since I'm a newb) from Jan of this year.

Not much news on that front lately, I know, but it is the most current that I'm aware of.

[nyrangers017]

I have a hd-tivo, but can't pick up all the locals on my antenna. If I subscribe to basic cable svc and run it through the TIVO will it pick up the HD local feeds? Everyone I've spoken to at the cable company and Direct Tv seem to think it will work- has anyone in here tried it?

[maharg18]

I have a hd-tivo, but can't pick up all the locals on my antenna. If I subscribe to basic cable svc and run it through the TIVO will it pick up the HD local feeds? Everyone I've spoken to at the cable company and Direct Tv seem to think it will work- has anyone in here tried it?


Unfortunately that won't work.. The HD Tivo has an ATSC receiver for over-the-air HD signals. Cable uses QAM modulation to deliver HD signals.

[nyrangers017]

Had a feeling- thanks for the response! Do you recommend any OTA antennas?

[Ragsy]

Did you check for outside interference causing the remote to behave badly. Since both boxes are doing the same thing maybe something is interfering with the remote signal. A cell phone or similar object can interfere with the remote signal if it is in the same area.

[vernsh]

Had a feeling- thanks for the response! Do you recommend any OTA antennas?

I have winegard squareshooter hi band for my local HD channels. I'm about 30 miles northwest of Chicago and the digital reception is great except for some reason, I don't get CBS in HD.

[Hootydog]

I'm sure it's in here somewhere but...
How do I turn off the devise with a remote? It's in my master bedroom, makes a lot of noise and would be difficult to hide/enclose in a cabinet or closet without significant wiring hassell and uglyness.

Can't I fully power down when going to sleep (from my bed) and force it to download updates during the day?

Chappy

[Tom in OH]

I'm sure it's in here somewhere but...
How do I turn off the devise with a remote? It's in my master bedroom, makes a lot of noise and would be difficult to hide/enclose in a cabinet or closet without significant wiring hassell and uglyness.

Can't I fully power down when going to sleep (from my bed) and force it to download updates during the day?

Chappy

It has a standby mode but I've never used it. After pushing the D* button, standy's at the bottom of the list.

[DaveWhittle]

Can't I fully power down when going to sleep (from my bed) and force it to download updates during the day?

Nope, sorry. Think of Tivo like a refrigerator... it's always "on" even when you aren't using it.

-dw

[Hootydog]

Dave and Tom,
Obviously yours were not the answers I was hoping for. I will try the standby mode option however I gather it's safe to assume that the (noise making) fan continues to run.

We'll see

PS So if it's like a refrigerator can I at least keep my beer cold with it?

[opie]

Just got my HDTV DirecTiVo. Happy so far. Couple questions:

1) My OTA and SAT picture is fine, but when I test my OTA signal I get 0. Is that normal?
2) Is there anyway to make my channel up/channel down not hit the satellite versions of my local channels anymore? I see how I can take them out of my favorites, but I would like to not have them come up at all.
3) Does the TiVo menu graphics at the top get jumpy when changing screens?

[mercurial]

Just got my HDTV DirecTiVo. Happy so far. Couple questions:

1) My OTA and SAT picture is fine, but when I test my OTA signal I get 0. Is that normal?


You have to tune to a channel you get, IIRC, to see the signal strength for it.


2) Is there anyway to make my channel up/channel down not hit the satellite versions of my local channels anymore? I see how I can take them out of my favorites, but I would like to not have them come up at all.


You can take them out of the Channels You Recieve list but there is no simple toggle.


3) Does the TiVo menu graphics at the top get jumpy when changing screens?

Yes, I've seen that too. Not to big a deal.

[opie]

Thanks for the quick response!

1) I couldn't get any signal strength to come up for OTA, regardless of channel chosen, which of course probably doesn't matter much since the channels seem to be coming in OK.

2) I've tried taking them out of my channels I receive list, but they will still pop up when I use the up/down channel buttons.

3) Is it possible to program the power button on the remote to power on the Sony TV, while the volume button to change the volume on my H/K receiver?

[mercurial]

Thanks for the quick response!

1) I couldn't get any signal strength to come up for OTA, regardless of channel chosen, which of course probably doesn't matter much since the channels seem to be coming in OK.


Are you sure you're on the right channel? For instance, you may be watching "4.1" which is the re-mapped channel but your local is actually broadcasting on some other channel (likely in the UHF range) and sending PSIP (if I recall the acronym correctly), data to remap it on your end to the "normal" channel.


2) I've tried taking them out of my channels I receive list, but they will still pop up when I use the up/down channel buttons.


That should have worked. If they aren't in CIR, then they shouldn't show up in the guide or by any other means.


3) Is it possible to program the power button on the remote to power on the Sony TV, while the volume button to change the volume on my H/K receiver?

Sorry, no idea- I use a Harmony remote. The older Series 1 TiVos (like the SAT-T60) could do that but I don't know if the new ones can.

[Tom in OH]

Thanks for the quick response!

1) I couldn't get any signal strength to come up for OTA, regardless of channel chosen, which of course probably doesn't matter much since the channels seem to be coming in OK.



You can run thru all channels 2-69 while checking ota signal and see which ones come up. The station id shows up also for stations with a good signal.

[DaveWhittle]

3) Is it possible to program the power button on the remote to power on the Sony TV, while the volume button to change the volume on my H/K receiver?

Yep - I have the power button on the DirecTivo remote turn on the TV and receiver, the volume and mute controls the volume on the receiver and all other buttons operate the DirecTivo. I'm pretty sure the instructions on how to do this are in the manual.

The Tivo remote is a work of genius. :cool: ...well, IF the power button wasn't so close to instant replay! :(

[opie]

Cool. I didn't think that the remote could turn the Sony TV with the power button, a Harmon/Kardon A/V receiver for the volume, and the channel buttons on the DirecTiVo machine.

Next time, I will study the manual better before asking a question like that! :D

[Hootydog]

Dave and Tom,
Obviously yours were not the answers I was hoping for. I will try the standby mode option however I gather it's safe to assume that the (noise making) fan continues to run.

We'll see

PS So if it's like a refrigerator can I at least keep my beer cold with it?
Quoting my own post...
I was right. Going to standby does not turn off the fan... So I guess I'm stuck with the noise.

[Budget_HT]

Quoting my own post...
I was right. Going to standby does not turn off the fan... So I guess I'm stuck with the noise.

Are you sure that fan noise is the culprit? Could it be the hard drive? Or a little of each?

If my old memory is accurate, I recall reading that some folks have stopped hard drive activity by tuning to a music channel (e.g., in the 800 series) on each tuner because there is no hard drive buffering of the music channels like there is for a video channel. Their goal was to quiet the unit down during sleep time.

Good luck!

[buellwinkle]

If I take their latest offer on a HD Tivo they said I have to agree to 12 months of the HD Package. Is this true, can I cancel before then? I don't really care for anything in that package as I don't watch SD Discovery and ESPN now. I mostly want HD for the local channels.

I live in the LA area and have the local channels package, will I get the HD channels ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX off the satelite or do I need an OTA antena to get this? It shows channel 87 for ABC for example, is that OTA or a sat channel? I have an HDTV OTA receiver now but ABC reception is spotty at best.

[RockyTheSquirrel]

Just get the HR10-250 HD-TiVo. The picture quality is way better than the SD D-TiVo.

Because you are in the LA area you shouldn't have to wait until the MPEG-4 upgrades to get locals off the satellite since your locals are the West coast national feed so you should be able to get them without a waiver like many of need to try and get.

[Anubys]

sorry if this is a smeek...should this sticky be updated to reflect ESPN2 in HD?

[Tom in OH]

Have other HDTivos been acting strange today? Ours rebooted twice today.

thx, Tom

[A J Ricaud]

To Opie: by chance do you have just 1 satellite cable, instead of 2, feeding the HD Tivo?
If so, the OTA signal meter won't work. Also, I believe that firmware version "f" fixed that.

[tbpokestb]

A couple of weeks ago, I got an HDTivo box from Circuit City.

My current set up is as follows:

Oval 3 LNB dish
4 lines into a 4 x 8 multiswitch ( I don't have an OTA antenna)
3 standard DTV boxes
1 HD TIVO box

The problem I am running into is that when I use my HDTivo and one tuner is on an HD channel, the other tuner cannot receive standard programming and vice versa (error message - searching for signal on satellie 1). The only way to cure this is to put both tuners on HD or both on standard. In other words, I can receive all channels, but have to tune the HD Tivo to 2 HD channels to watch without error messages. For example, last Wednesday I watched the MLB game on ESPNHD and left the house without changing the channel. Lost was set to record (on standard, as Dallas has no HD local channels through the dish). When I came home, Lost was not recorded, as the box was never able to get a signal.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[MikeCC]

A couple of weeks ago, I got an HDTivo box from Circuit City.

My current set up is as follows:

Oval 3 LNB dish
4 lines into a 4 x 8 multiswitch ( I don't have an OTA antenna)
3 standard DTV boxes
1 HD TIVO box

The problem I am running into is that when I use my HDTivo and one tuner is on an HD channel, the other tuner cannot receive standard programming and vice versa (error message - searching for signal on satellie 1). The only way to cure this is to put both tuners on HD or both on standard. In other words, I can receive all channels, but have to tune the HD Tivo to 2 HD channels to watch without error messages. For example, last Wednesday I watched the MLB game on ESPNHD and left the house without changing the channel. Lost was set to record (on standard, as Dallas has no HD local channels through the dish). When I came home, Lost was not recorded, as the box was never able to get a signal.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

I can't say for sure, but it sounds as if your 4x8 multiswitch may not be cascadable. If it is, and it is working fine, then I'm at a loss.

[A J Ricaud]

Check the connections on the cables first. If they are OK then it sounds like either a bad multiswitch or LNB assembly on the dish itself. Hook up your HD Tivo to the dish, bypassing the multiswitch. If that fixes the problem, then the multiswitch is bad or not cascadable (most are). If it doesn't, then the LNB assembly is bad.

[Hrunting]

Have other HDTivos been acting strange today? Ours rebooted twice today.
Tom, I have an HDTiVo, recently replaced by DTV. For the past couple of weeks it's been randomly rebooting now and then. Sometimes, it looks like it's the show that causes it (it hits a certain point and reboots; then the program seems corrupt). Other times, it just happens during the middle of the day. I end up discovering when my 30 second skip goes to the end of my half-hour show.

I haven't looked into it yet. I assume it's the hard drive.

[Big Daddy P]

I was so psyched to get this box... and then it came...and then I began to actually use it...oh boy!

Don't get me wrong, it's great to be able to record in HiDef. But the rest of the box stinks out loud!

Guide is slower than molasses flowing down a polar bears tuchose at the North Pole!

The OTA tuner really is pathetic. I'm real close to my transmit towers in Miami, and I've gone thru 5 indoor antennas already. Can't watch any OTA HD station without some periodic pixellation! The signal strength is good, by the way!
Cell phone usage & microwave usage any where near it also cause pixellation!

I'd like to smack the taste out this box's mouth with a louisville slugger!

What a pain in my arse this thing is!

Hope I don't go postal...

[mercurial]

The OTA tuner really is pathetic. I'm real close to my transmit towers in Miami, and I've gone thru 5 indoor antennas already. Can't watch any OTA HD station without some periodic pixellation! The signal strength is good, by the way!


If you are really close and the signal is very strong, have you tried adding an attenuator to the antenna feed to see if it helps? You may be getting too much signal.


Cell phone usage & microwave usage any where near it also cause pixellation!


Never heard of that before but it could be related to too much signal as per above.

[MikeCC]

I was so psyched to get this box... and then it came...and then I began to actually use it...oh boy!

Don't get me wrong, it's great to be able to record in HiDef. But the rest of the box stinks out loud!

Guide is slower than molasses flowing down a polar bears tuchose at the North Pole!

The OTA tuner really is pathetic. I'm real close to my transmit towers in Miami, and I've gone thru 5 indoor antennas already. Can't watch any OTA HD station without some periodic pixellation! The signal strength is good, by the way!
Cell phone usage & microwave usage any where near it also cause pixellation!

I'd like to smack the taste out this box's mouth with a louisville slugger!

What a pain in my arse this thing is!

Hope I don't go postal...

You have issues that have been noted before: the guide IS slow, and because the OTA tuner is more sensitive than other tuners, you can over-modulate with too strong a signal.

Please add an attenuator as the previous poster suggested.

For specific brands/models, try a search of the threads.

[Tom in OH]

Tom, I have an HDTiVo, recently replaced by DTV. For the past couple of weeks it's been randomly rebooting now and then. Sometimes, it looks like it's the show that causes it (it hits a certain point and reboots; then the program seems corrupt). Other times, it just happens during the middle of the day. I end up discovering when my 30 second skip goes to the end of my half-hour show.

I haven't looked into it yet. I assume it's the hard drive.

Hrunting,
The HDTivo seems ok now after the rebooting spell... could be a normal thing. I've often wondered if it has a hidden defrag utility for when the hd is nearly full or the reboot could be triggered by a corrupt show as u said.
Also, just started using the HDMI out which has always worked perfectly(maybe not related). Thx for the reply. Is yours working ok now?