HDMI FAILURE Poll - EVERYONE please respond

[robnalex]

Dec 2 Build - Bad HDMI (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=216115)

[jlib]

So, that is 2 failures so far on the new units. Oh, well...

[TIVOhead #2]

Folks - I've just been reading the posts since my last post, #798, etc.
PLEASE read the related thread on "HD TIVo CREDITs" to find out how to get D* to give you a $250 equipment credit on your HD10-250, a new phase III dish, programming credits, etc. Also, the phone numbers for "customer retention" etc.

It's now well established that:

1. D* has a serious hardware failure rate with the HDMI and if you aren't using HDMI you owe it to yourself to check it on your unit, even if you're not presently using it. It may yet fail you when you buy a HD monitor down the road and you want to hook it up to your box via the DVI or HDMI input. That will really annoy you if you don't have a 5 year warranty like VE includes in its $899 price.

2. The methods for getting satisfaction from D* are well established. If you get the runaround from CC, BB or anyone else, return your HD10 and buy new from VE - they'll take care of you.

3. Accept no excuses - D* has apparently sold over 20,000 units, so they know who we are. Stick to your guns and demand the best. That's what D* say they want to give us - so find out how to ask for it on these two, parallel threads.

Good luck, amigos!

[looknow12]

I've been using my HDMI port (to DVI) for months now and never noticed a problem... But then again, I always assumed standard non HD channels would look poor on a Plasma. The HD side of things looked great.

My other TV I purchased a new HR10 and out of the box it was horrible viwing anything, even the Tivo menus. It looked as if it was only showing 16 colors, very distorted. Dtv replaced it and after review, it works much better, but I actually prefer the Component setting for HD channels over the HDMI port.

Here's my question. Of all the HDMI symptoms out there, are these two issues part of the group?

[list=1]
Great HDTV viewing but poor with standard broadcasts. Looks worse than a standard TV with Standard broadcasts.
Component viewing of HD looks better than HDMI.
[/list=1]

Thanks

[vonzoog]

I could agree with that. Remember, by owning a "better" TV combine with a large screen, all of the imperfections of a low quality broadcast are now amplified.

The HDMI vs Component is still a matter of personal taste.

[alandail]

Originally posted by vonzoog
I could agree with that. Remember, by owning a "better" TV combine with a large screen, all of the imperfections of a low quality broadcast are now amplified.

The HDMI vs Component is still a matter of personal taste.

It's more than that - if a program is broadcast with the copy protection bit turned on, doesn't it get downrezed on if viewed via component instead of and HDCP compliant set.

I just got my HD Tivo this weekend and when I hooked it up, I get a blank screen on my DVI/HDCP capable Sony HS-10 projector. The info screen says something like "HDCP unavailable". As far as I know the HS-10 supports HDCP. Is this a result of the HDMI problem, or is something else going on?

[Superbone]

I just got my HD Tivo this weekend and when I hooked it up, I get a blank screen on my DVI/HDCP capable Sony HS-10 projector. The info screen says something like "HDCP unavailable". As far as I know the HS-10 supports HDCP. Is this a result of the HDMI problem, or is something else going on?

It's the HDMI problem. Mine worked for 5 days. Now, it says the same as what you're seeing.

[lakerholic]

New user to the forum, but I've been reading for ages... just set up my High-Def TiVo yesterday (HDMI direct to my HDMI enabled Pioneer PDP-5045) and it was DOA, blank screen, nothing. Component works fine.

I called D* (is there a reason why we don't write the whole name?) and the tech support person I spoke with said that it's a software issue, they are working on it, and it will be fixed when my software version is "greater than 3.1.5E"... WTF?

I need help on a couple of fronts:

1) How do I get D* to replace my unit? Is it like the $250 credit where I need to call Customer Retention? I bought it from an independent installer and they won't replace it -- says that DirecTV should honor the warranty. I told the Tech support person I was aware of HDMI issues with some HD-TiVos and she responded with the "software issue" response above, which is BS.

2) Can someone PM me the Customer Retention number -- or the name of someone I should speak with to get this done -- I had it on a post-it and it's gone... worked great to get me the credit when I got the unit.

Thanks in advance,

-Eddie

[Rych6896]

I just got my replacement. hdmi DOA. It was born 11/30/04. Mexico.

[Rych6896]

Just called Directv. The CSR told me to use component and "deal with it."

I'll deal with it...when tivo comes out with their cable hdtv converter, good bye Directv.

[mfleming]

Originally posted by Rych6896
Just called Directv. The CSR told me to use component and "deal with it."

I'll deal with it...when tivo comes out with their cable hdtv converter, good bye Directv.

I was going to say Unbelievable! until I realize that, unfortunately, it is entirely believable.

[looknow12]

Originally posted by Rych6896
Just called Directv. The CSR told me to use component and "deal with it."

I'll deal with it...when tivo comes out with their cable hdtv converter, good bye Directv.

Call them back. Hundreds of users have received replacements. I am sure you'll do fine if you call back.

Incidentally, the rep did try to ask me if I preferred HDMI over component and I said ABSOLUTELY.

He then immediately processed the RMA.

[jlib]

There are now 3 reported "post-fix" HDMI failures (11/30/04, 12/2/04, and 12/2/04) so far which seems to be about the same rate of failure as before. Claims that it is fixed are less and less credible. Careful about the KoolAid...

[lakerholic]

Originally posted by looknow12
Call them back. Hundreds of users have received replacements. I am sure you'll do fine if you call back.

Incidentally, the rep did try to ask me if I preferred HDMI over component and I said ABSOLUTELY.

He then immediately processed the RMA.


Ok, just called the Customer Retention Number posted on first page of the the $250 Credit thread and it took 30 minutes but they are sending me a new unit.

Said 3-5 business days, is this true... if so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a new unit by Friday!

[spellow]

Okay, Just got my replacement HR10-250, this is my second one and I'm happy to say it has a born on date of December 13th and the HDMI is working perfectly.

It did only take about 3 business days to get the replacement.

However, I cannot say things went without incident so here goes my latest D* saga story.

I backed up my drive, hooked up the new unit, went through all the install stuff and was ready to call to activate.

The first CSR was actually pretty good, he activated the new unit just fine, everything was working like a champ, only thing left to do was de-activate the defective unit...here is where things turn bad.

The first CSR said that the systems were not working and he could not disco the defective unit so he transferred me to teir 2 who could supposedly disco the defective unit.

So, I got to teir 2 after 15 minutes on hold, I explained the situation all over again on how I need the defective unit disco'd. He said ok, let me take a look. I explained that I have 2 other Tivo's in my living room and they are currently recording so be sure not to interrup service to the other 2 Tivo's.

Well you can imagine where this is going.....He was unable to disco the defective HR10-250, but he sucessfully disco'd my New HR10-250 and 1 of my other SD Tivo's that was recording...once I noticed this I was like, dude, your killing me, get this thing turned on ASAP.

He mumbled some stuff then cold transferred me to another department without any explanation....so now I'm missing recordings...and super pissed.

So I wait on hold for another 15 minutes, and ofcourse I'm stewing, getting more pissed by the minute knowing I have to stay calm to get things done properly with these folks.

So teir 3 picks up the phone, luckily she was very nice, I exlained what was going on, she was amazed at the last CSR's actions as was I.

She re-activated my new HR10-250, but was unable to re-activate my other SD tivo, she said the system was locked down, and my access card had to be replaced because of what the second CSR had done.

So now I'm like, this is crazy, I called to get 1 unit activated and another disco'd and now I have a Tivo I can't use for 24 hours...I'm gonna miss 6 show recordings...

she sent me the access card overnight, I should have it by the time I get home from work today, then I have to call again to get my SD Tivo that had nothing to do with the original call activated...what a hassle.

they still have not disco'd my defective HR10-250...they will have to do that today as well.

I ended up being ok, I only missed 2 shows, I managed to get my New HR10-250 up and running in time to record the shows that my SD tivo was unable to since they trashed my system.

I ended up with a 20 dollar credit....and a new dis-respect for D*

oh well **** happens, silver lining is I got 20 more bucks off my HR10-250 which brings my overall price out of pocket for the HR10-250 to $248.00....not too shabby. I can't wait for the price to drop a bit more, I'm picking up a second one for sure.

[NickIN]

Got one with 12/14/04 build date today. HDMI works so far. Was wondering, how picky is D* about returning it with cables and such? Do I need to make sure I get everything that came with it in the box?

[vonzoog]

No.

My first return unit the rep told me to only return the unit. So I keep all of the cables and the remote (he told me to keep that also). It was nice to be able to keep the HDMI cable. They are not cheap to replace.

So far I have not heard anything back about this and have never been charged anything to my account. :)

[keh]

Bought my unit from BB using an initial purchase 10% off for their Rewards program. Hooked the unit up to my Samsung DLP and while waiting on hold to activate, started to see shimmering and color problems on screen. Picture went away shortly afterward. Had to hook up via component cables. That was a Friday. Fought with myself about whether I could be happy with using the components and of course, decided to get a fix. DirecTV instructed me to take the unit back, so on Sunday, I did just that. Oh, the first unit was made in Mexico. BB replaced the unit without a hassle.

Second unit is also Mexican-made. Hooked up HDMI cable and got a picture right away with no issues. That was second week of Nov 2004. Since then, the unit has performed without any HDMI problems.

I have had a few odd instances of not being able to pause a live TV program for longer than a few seconds and one instance of viewing one program while watching another, something that is not normally possible with my hookup (1 Sat In + 1 Ant In). Still wondering about these.

Hope the unit holds.

[falz]

Originally posted by keh
Bought my unit from BB using an initial purchase 10% off for their Rewards program. Hooked the unit up to my Samsung DLP and while waiting on hold to activate, started to see shimmering and color problems on screen. Picture went away shortly afterward. Had to hook up via component cables. That was a Friday. Fought with myself about whether I could be happy with using the components and of course, decided to get a fix. DirecTV instructed me to take the unit back, so on Sunday, I did just that. Oh, the first unit was made in Mexico. BB replaced the unit without a hassle.

Second unit is also Mexican-made. Hooked up HDMI cable and got a picture right away with no issues. That was second week of Nov 2004. Since then, the unit has performed without any HDMI problems.

I have had a few odd instances of not being able to pause a live TV program for longer than a few seconds and one instance of viewing one program while watching another, something that is not normally possible with my hookup (1 Sat In + 1 Ant In). Still wondering about these.

Hope the unit holds.

I'm in the same situation as you- Brand new unit from Best Buy, HDMI doesn't work out of the box. August date, I beleive. However, I'm skeptical that this truly is new, as before I had DirecTV subscribed, and before even hooking i up to a phone line, it had the last successfull call date of Dec 28th, 2004. Theoretically, it should have been sitting in the package on this date. So perhaps this was a reboxed known bad hdmi unit.

Anyhow- how does DirecTV handle the swapping of the units? I have extended warranty at Best Buy, so I would assume they will swap it out no problem (in box, full of all cables). Do you then just call DirecTV and they swap out receiver/card ID's that are subscribed, with no problems?

Thanks,
-falz

[MarcusInMD]

How does one go about finding the manufacture date? I looked on my brand new unit shipped from circuit city and I can't find a manufacture date.

[starbucksfreak]

Originally posted by falz
I'm in the same situation as you- Brand new unit from Best Buy, HDMI doesn't work out of the box. August date, I beleive. However, I'm skeptical that this truly is new, as before I had DirecTV subscribed, and before even hooking i up to a phone line, it had the last successfull call date of Dec 28th, 2004. Theoretically, it should have been sitting in the package on this date. So perhaps this was a reboxed known bad hdmi unit.

Anyhow- how does DirecTV handle the swapping of the units? I have extended warranty at Best Buy, so I would assume they will swap it out no problem (in box, full of all cables). Do you then just call DirecTV and they swap out receiver/card ID's that are subscribed, with no problems?

Thanks,
-falz

From my experience (08/04 Mexico unit in service 11/04 with failure 01/05), there does not seem to be a very consistent approach to this issue from DirecTV.

The first rep I spoke with on the phone diagnosed the problem as a failure of the HDMI cable, not the port, and advised I return to the retailer from which I originally purchased the unit for assistance--or to see if I could persuade them to just replace the cable since it was such an expensive part. That was not a very satisfactory response. The second rep I spoke with the following morning took an entirely different approach--very apologetic and quick offer to FedEx out a replacement unit (which arrived today).

I then emailed DirecTV to express concern that the HDMI failure issue seemed to be fairly widespread and to seek assurances that a fix was indeed in place and thus the replacement unit would not suffer the same sudden failure. This is the response-->

___________________________________________________________

Subject: Failure of HR10-250 [Incident: 050110-004066]

01/12/2005 02:57 PM

Dear xxxxxxxxxx,

Thank you for writing. I apologize for any inconvenience that this issue may
have caused you. The DIRECTV HR10-250 is covered under a year waranty. This
eill allow us to replace any units that fail or have any problems wihtin
that year.

Though the situation that you have is very disturbing, i have been unable to
find any documentation as to whether the HDMI ports on these recievers do,
in fact, have flaws. I apologize if the representatives that you spoke with
made this issue seem wide spread, This is the first occurence that i have
researched.

Thanks again for writing and please stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for all of the
latest news and information about our services.

Sincerely,

Jonathan
DIRECTV Customer Service

[jsmoovey2004]

Dear lord..... So, 1 day after I received my new unit from D* I had problems with the Access card (Of all things). Anywho, They couldn't activate it until today due to some computer glitches on their end. Today, the matter was resolved. However, I now have a NEW problem. The HDMI output still works (From previous posts), but there seems to be a video glitch that shifts the graphics and video halfway off the screen. The glitch happen all the time when I change resolutions. Funny, it's perfect in 1080 mode.

After being on the phone for a total of 30+ hours with tech support(s) in the past months, they are shipping me yet another unit.

CAN'T ANYONE MANUFACTURE THESE CORRECTLY?

Ugggggh (Ripping my hair out!)

[jsmoovey2004]

Oh, by the way. D* told me to take it up with Best Buy and that they should handle it. I told them that it was past 30 days and now it's your problem.... Deal with it. So, they did. I really must say, the people who work at D* really don't have a clue. I swear, If they send me another unit that doesn't work, there's going to be hell to pay! They've already credited my account, but their going to have to buy mine back if it don't work agin.

(Crossing my fingers the everything including Hdmi works).

[MarcusInMD]

No one knows how to tell what the manufacture date is on these units? I looked again and could not find anything that looked like a date.

[jsmoovey2004]

I've never seen a unit without one. They are on the tivo itself -in the back of the unit (left side) on a sticker by the power cord.

[obi1]

Date on mine is located on tag on the back. Has serial number and a date stamped/embossed on bottom of tag. Too bad for me that it is a Oct 2004 date, and I am running with component cables as HDMI works for a while and then machine goes dead. Power down and power up sequence gets it working again. Sometimes unplugging HDMI cable and plugging it again also gets things going. On componet all seems ok. I am waiting for Goodguys to get a shipment in of later then mid Dec. Too bad that they must open the boxes to find build date. Has anyone any info on using serial number as a marker for good units?

[falz]

Originally posted by MarcusInMD
No one knows how to tell what the manufacture date is on these units? I looked again and could not find anything that looked like a date.
The sticker is on the left/back of the TiVo, the date is on the bottom of the sticker.

[vonzoog]

Somewhere in this thread or some other thread in this forum it has been stated that units manufacture in January 2005 do NOT have a date on the back. I believe it was stated that the date will be back again on units manufactured in February.

So, to my understanding, if you have no date on the back of your unit, be happy. This would mean the you (supposedly) have a "fixed" unit.

[vonzoog]

Check out the following thread whick is in the HDTV TiVo Powered PVRs section.

"Who has the latest Mfg date...and is it working?"

[MarcusInMD]

Interesting. I will look again, but I didnt see a date. I though perhaps it was coded or something in the serial number. My unit did say made in Mexico. Is the Date in a format like: "December 10th 2004" or "12/22/04"?

[vonzoog]

If it is there, you will see it. It is very obvious. This is why I think that you must have a January 2005 built Date.

[MarcusInMD]

That must be it. There is no date on the back of this unit. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that my new TV set gets here soon so I can try out the HDMI port and report back here.

[vonzoog]

Keep us informed. I am using component now because the HDMI gave out on me two weeks ago and that is my second receiver. I decided to just wait until I fell confident that I will receiver a post November date and that the majority of people are reporting success with the "newer" built dates.

[obi1]

I have not made much progress on the question regarding determining the build date by looking at the serial number. Perhaps if I rephrase.

Would someone who has a unit built after the magic date(say Dec 15,2004) , post the serial number of this machine on this thread?

With this knowledge, one should be able to determine a good unit without the requirement to open shipping box. The serial numbers are posted on the box, so any number that is higher then the one that gets posted should be a build date after Dec 15.

Obi
Silicon Valley, Ca

[mwinn]

Unit 1 sept 04 built in Mexico HDMI failed. Returned to Directv and got a Dec 14th Mexico unit. So far HDMI is working.

[obi1]

Originally posted by mwinn
Unit 1 sept 04 built in Mexico HDMI failed. Returned to Directv and got a Dec 14th Mexico unit. So far HDMI is working.

What's the serial number?

[keh]

Hi falz,

Originally posted by falz

Anyhow- how does DirecTV handle the swapping of the units? I have extended warranty at Best Buy, so I would assume they will swap it out no problem (in box, full of all cables). Do you then just call DirecTV and they swap out receiver/card ID's that are subscribed, with no problems?

Thanks,
-falz [/B]

Just to answer you directly, DirectTV directed me toward BestBuy. They said that since the unit was new (went bad on Day 1) I needed to take it back to them for replacement. That's what I did. I returned the activated access card with the first unit and received a new card with the replacement unit. The old card was deactivated.

[jsmoovey2004]

Wow, My experience with best buy was much different. Best Buy doesn't stock these units. So, I had to buy another one in store, have them deliver it to the store, go back to the stoe a week later, and then I had to have them buy it back. Then they were able to do an exchange.... After 30 days, I told direct tv that I didn't have to go to Best Buy because it's not there problem anymore. They then fedex me a new unit overnight. I had different problems with the new unit (Video displacement). So they tried to get me to take it back to best buy. I said no, fedex me units until I get one that work. They did.....

It's just much easier having Dtv ship a new one.....even though they gave me hell.

[Doug Hayashi]

Crap. My HDMI card worked fine for 3 months on my Samsung 5063, then started going pink after the HDMI cable was unplugged and re-plugged in. I tried the "shimming the card 7/8ths of the way down", but couldn't get it to lock in a clear picture, but it is clearly a card seating issue.

Build Date Aug 02, 2004

-Doug

Add me to the List of Broken HDMI Interfaces

[Rott]

When powering on and off my panasonic plasma with the HDMI connect, the pinkish hue appears. It is resolved when changing resolutions or when toggleing the aspect ratio. This problem does not exist with component video connects. So, is this an issue with the plasma tv or is this all related to the tivo box?

Also, has anyone ever seen this: If the tivo is left on a local channel and the television is powered off, the next time the television is powered on, the tivo has changed the channel to a local I do not receive. This is out of the box, now recording settings have been selected. Its strange b/c this does not happen when on channels other than locals.

[falz]

Originally posted by keh
Just to answer you directly, DirectTV directed me toward BestBuy. They said that since the unit was new (went bad on Day 1) I needed to take it back to them for replacement. That's what I did. I returned the activated access card with the first unit and received a new card with the replacement unit. The old card was deactivated.

Thanks for the reply. I did go to best buy and got it swapped out no problem. The new one I picked was Mid Nov, but HDMI works thus far (two days). DirecTV had no problem changing service from one to the other. (except the fact that their comptuers were down for 5 hours the night that I got it, and I couldn't activate it forever).

--falz

[falz]

Originally posted by Rott
Also, has anyone ever seen this: If the tivo is left on a local channel and the television is powered off, the next time the television is powered on, the tivo has changed the channel to a local I do not receive. This is out of the box, now recording settings have been selected. Its strange b/c this does not happen when on channels other than locals.

Is the TiVo set to record its suggestions? Be sure that you set the channel data to only the channels you receive, and change the guide to change to only what you receive.

--falz

[Rott]

So........replacement box. HDMI into Panasonic Plasma, no issues. Then, power off and upon power on, washed out pink. Resolved when either changing aspect of changing resolution. Anyone with a Panansonic, is this a TV issue or the manner in which the Tivo receiver interacts with the television. Don't want to keep getting replacement receiver's if this is a known issue with the television that can be resolved. Please advise.

[jlib]

There are now 5 reported "post-fix" HDMI failures (11/30/04, 12/2/04, 12/2/04, 12/2/04, and 12/4/04 ) so far.

[slacker9876]

I have to change my vote to "My HDMI works" Just got a Mitsu 55515 and it is a thing a beauty. The only thing I am missing is an integrated DVR!!! My MFG date is 7/22/04

[cooley25]

Model HR10-250 HDMI failures:

1) Out of the box no HDMI to my new Sony KF42WE610. Unknown place and date of manufacture. Immediate replacement by CC.

2) HDMI worked for three weeks. Screen went red and then black. Unknown place and date of manufacture. Immediate replacement by CC.

3) HDMI was dead out of the box. Made in Mexico in Jan 05. Immediate replacement by CC.

4) HDMI was beautiful for 6 hours. Screen went red and then black. Made in Mexico in Jan 05. I haven't deceided if I want a replacement or if I will return for credit and wait for reliable equipment.

Each of the above units worked fine with composite or component output. When the HDMI worked it was beautiful.

:confused:

[mfleming]

Why is everyone still putting themselves throught this torture. I had one bad one, read this forum, and decided I'm not going through with it until I know for sure it's fixed.

Don't give them the business. Screw them.

[Kbert5]

<<Why is everyone still putting themselves throught this torture.>>

I've been wondering that too. Been lurking since last spring. I love my SD TIVO but I have a low tolerance for frustration. If the HR10-250s come down to maybe $400 I'd spring for one to use the component connection.

[falz]

Originally posted by mfleming
Why is everyone still putting themselves throught this torture. I had one bad one, read this forum, and decided I'm not going through with it until I know for sure it's fixed.

Don't give them the business. Screw them.

I know why I am- because I've had a TiVo for 4+ years and am quite fond of the interface. My movement into the world of HD was based strongly on there being and HD TiVo available- not an HD PVR, an HD TiVo. I would not have made the move without it.

Originally posted by Kbert5
I've been wondering that too. Been lurking since last spring. I love my SD TIVO but I have a low tolerance for frustration. If the HR10-250s come down to maybe $400 I'd spring for one to use the component connection.

$400? If you think about it, the TiVo is a decent "deal". How much does an OTA tuner cost? Multiply that times two. Let's say you wish to use it as a tuner only (no DirecTV). You get dual tuners with HDMI output, and a 30 minute rewind buffer. I'm sure you could increase this buffer a lot if you wished to hack up the TiVo as well.

I just froogled "atsc tuner" and it looks like the starting point is $250. "atsc tuner hdmi" returned nothing.

Just my thoughts.

--falz

[Rcam10]

Originally posted by jlib
There are now 5 reported "post-fix" HDMI failures (11/30/04, 12/2/04, 12/2/04, 12/2/04, and 12/4/04 ) so far.

Well, there is that post saying two with 01/05/05 were bad... and I thought someone said all Jan units didn't have a date on them? Its obvious that the 11/22 date is totally untrue. Also, I'm sure the cards are made at a different day than the actual box anyway.

So that would mean, IF the problem is totally on the card, it just depends on when all the old cards are used up.. because they aren't going to stop sending them just because they got OLD cards,,,, naa, they wouldn't do that..

[tookie]

A question with regard to the pink/green hue observed when the TV is switched off and then on (HDMI only), and which is cured by cycling through the Tivo output resolutions - has anyone found a cause or a cure for this specific fault? DTV are still claiming they haven't heard of this problem, that it must be the cable/television/anything but the unit, but still agreed to replace it.

[Kbert5]

<<$400? If you think about it, the TiVo is a decent "deal". >>

Perhaps if you're a football fan. I have zero interest in team sports but never miss televised golf and tennis. CBS covered a couple golf majors but they wont give me a waiver. ESPN will get around to covering my sports eventually.

[dpriddy]

Originally posted by jlib
There are now 5 reported "post-fix" HDMI failures (11/30/04, 12/2/04, 12/2/04, 12/2/04, and 12/4/04 ) so far.

I just swapped my Jun 04 unit with an Oct 28, 2004 build (Mexico), and the HDMI worked perfect out of the box. The only question I have is that there is a flicker about every 30 sec when on the TiVo menus, but goes away when watching a channel. I wonder if it could be my projector searching for a continuous signal, or just a warning of things to come...

Some good news from D*. The CSR gave me 6 mo free Showtime and 3 mo free HBO/Cinemax for my troubles - even though the unit came from CC. Not a bad tradeoff for my phone time.

[jsmoovey2004]

I'm back,

Just got my 5th replacement and it looks like it will be the last. Everything looks good (Jan 2005). I looked inside and found that the hdmi card has a different connection to the motherboard. Looks like they are soddering it right to the board (Different component).

Everthing is good, but the image is offset to the right in 480i mode and to the left in 480p. Had the same problem with the last unit. Does anyone else get this?

[leres]

Originally posted by jsmoovey2004
Just got my 5th replacement and it looks like it will be the last. Everything looks good (Jan 2005). I looked inside and found that the hdmi card has a different connection to the motherboard. Looks like they are soddering it right to the board (Different component). How about some pictures?

[jlib]

Originally posted by jsmoovey2004
...I looked inside and found that the hdmi card has a different connection to the motherboard. Looks like they are soldering it right to the board (Different component). So, to get the new soldered-in HDMI component we need a Jan mfg date? Too bad they are not specifying the actual date anymore. It looks like there really was a fix, then, except that the 11/22/04 fix date was not correct. Yes, pictures please!

[BuffaloDenny]

Well, I had to go get a TV with an HDMI input, so now I am part of this nightmare. I've had my HR10 for about a month via component with an 11/06 build date from Mexico. Get my new TV hooked up last Friday, and tried HDMI to no avail. Went out and spent too much $ on HDMI cables also to no avail. Then I was told by CSR that HDMI port was not activated on my unit and a software update at some point in the future would rectify this. I called BS and got a replacement shipped to me, which I haven't recieved yet. I feel like it's a crap shoot as to whether this one will work with HDMI or not, or if some other issues will be introduced.

My question is, is there a way to tell if the HDMI is working on the replacement unit BEFORE I have to call and activate with D*? If it's not working out of the box, I'd just as soon keep my existing unit because other than HDMI it has been flawless thus far. I don't want to go through the hassle of activating a new card and then trying to switch back, etc. if it can be avoided.

[vonzoog]

You are going to have to hook it up to know. However, it would be very doubtful/rare that you will have any problems running the replacement unit on component. You will be just back to were you started if the HDMI fails on the second unit.

Go for it. You may be lucky and really injoy it.

Good luck. :)

[vonzoog]

Sorry, just thought about this. Try stations 100 & 200. It will not be HD, however, you will be able to tell if the HDMI connection is working.

[BuffaloDenny]

Thanks Vonzoog! In keeping with the theme of this thread, I will post an update once I receive the unit. I'm hoping to have my home theater settled by end of week and be able to kick back and enjoy it just the way I wanted it, and this is the only outstanding issue right now.

I'm told HDMI is a superior connection to component, which I am currently enjoying. Is there any noticeable differences with HDMI? I ask because if not, then if the replacement doesn't work maybe I should just let it go and use component. We shall see.

[Rcam10]

Originally posted by jsmoovey2004
I'm back,

Just got my 5th replacement and it looks like it will be the last. Everything looks good (Jan 2005). I looked inside and found that the hdmi card has a different connection to the motherboard. Looks like they are soddering it right to the board (Different component).

Everthing is good, but the image is offset to the right in 480i mode and to the left in 480p. Had the same problem with the last unit. Does anyone else get this?

Yeah, I'd like to see pictures also, if its possible. That kind of does away with the bad solder joint theory, if they've soldered the entire board onto the main one. Sounds more like the connector between the two, but then again lots have said a good card always repair it also, lol.

I assume since some claim Jan units that were still bad, and I saw one also, it was just some point in time in Jan they finally changed it. I'll look inside one made Dec 15th later, but I'm sure its the same plug in type.

That would be a somewhat involved redesign, because there wasn't just a few connections on that socket, there were lots.. Course, it never should have been a plug in of that type anyway, anyone that looked at it knew it was a problem waiting to happen.

[garyk211]

Received my January unit three days ago so far everything working ok.
We should have a poll on how many January units are ok.

[obi1]

Originally posted by garyk211
Received my January unit three days ago so far everything working ok.
We should have a poll on how many January units are ok. Be wonderful if someone would also post the serial number of units that are working well. Otherwise a person must dig into the packing box to find the date of manufacturer to determine if the unit may be a good one. This is my third request for this info. I assume that anyone who has a good unit, loses interest in this thread. What was it that some wag one said "I am in the boat, pull up the rope"?????

[garyk211]

January build
ser# 53b846ca

[garyk211]

correction on ser#
ka567e511k12u2

[Rcam10]

I just opened up one with that Dec 15th date I was talking about, its the same like from the beginning, except for one screw is different, on the back of the card.

In other words, its not a "fixed" unit if some now have cards that don't plug in.

[obi1]

Originally posted by garyk211
correction on ser#
ka567e511k12u2 Thank you. Now if we can decode, it will be possible to determine a build date of Jan or later without the need to open the packaging container. My seller at Goodguys would not wish to open a whole lot of boxes to look for build dates on the units themselves.

[katwell]

My unit was purchased from BB and was assembled in Mexico. It does not work at all when connected using the HDMI port. D* tech support told me there was a problem with the HDMI cable. When I suggested getting another one, the tech support told me it would not fix the problem and that their technical team was working on a fix. It sounds more like a programming problem to me. Should I keep this unit and wait on D* to send a fix, or should I try returning the unit for a replacement from BB?

[lakerholic]

Originally posted by garyk211
Received my January unit three days ago so far everything working ok.
We should have a poll on how many January units are ok.

I just got my replacement 12/14/04 Mexico build yesterday, HDMI works! Fingers crossed....

[TIVOhead #2]

Sorry you're all still having so much trouble with the HDMI, whatever the manufacture date or manufacturing location. In an earlier post, I left out two phone munbers:

1. The $49 hardware upgrade (phase III dish, new wiring, 4X8 multiplexer) etc., all worth hundreds of dollars, is:

1-800-531-4388 and give the "special promotion code HDCK1144" and you'll get an appointment date for a D* subcontractor to do the work. Call anyway, whether or not you think you need it (what condition is your dish really in?) - so find out what the MOST is that they'll do for you for the $49 charge.

2. The D* Customer retention direct line is 1.800.600.8977

Remember, you are the customer, and service is their job. Be persistent!

And, Rupert, how about a blanket apology to all HD D* customers? I'm writing to you separately to ask you to to step up to the plate on that one. You know who we are - we're all HD w/TIVO customers. I would like you to warrant the HD10-250s as long as they are owned by the original owner, to be free of defects, period. Thanks!

[Loquitur]

Hi!

I got my first H10-250 yesterday and HDMI is DOA though component works fine. Info for the receiver is:

Made in Mexico
No Date
Serial number KA587 E522K 13FV

My projector read No HDMI signal except for a couple of occasions when it would momentarily flash a grey blank screen or a pink screen.

Has anybody tried tightening the card? One of the guys on AVS says the HDMI cards come loose during shipping. If its a simple thing, I'd rather try it than go thru the hassle of replacing it.

[Joe Jensen]

My HDMI has worked for the most part. Three times the picture on HDMI will become all snow. If I unplug the cable from the TV and reconnect, the picture returns . Seems like some handshaking problem between the TV and the Tivo...joe

[Robert Spalding]

My HDMI has worked for the most part. Three times the picture on HDMI will become all snow. If I unplug the cable from the TV and reconnect, the picture returns . Seems like some handshaking problem between the TV and the Tivo...joe

that's exactly what mine looks like! it looks like colored snow!
I am using the component until the new HDTIVo gets here.

[Brian_InVA]

I bought an HR10-250 on eBay. If I have an HDMI problem and need to return to DirecTv, I am wondering what kind of purchase documentation (if any) that they request. The manual says only that they need a receipt showing the date of purchase, and I have an eBay receipt which hopefully would suffice, but wanted to know what they ask for and if anyone has been given a hassle from buying through eBay or elsewhere.

Thanks for your help!

[onejake]

After my first HDMI was kaput out of the box, I promptly returned to BB to exchange. The second unit works fine.

Both are 10/9/04 build dates.

Regarding the PQ. My gf noticed immediately without any knowledge I had switched inputs! Myself, since I'm so damn critical, I now see flaws in special effects. (see League of Extraordinary Gentlemen for example)

Hooked to a Panny 42" HD (not ED) plasma.

[mikeny]

Originally posted by Brian_InVA
I bought an HR10-250 on eBay. If I have an HDMI problem and need to return to DirecTv, I am wondering what kind of purchase documentation (if any) that they request. The manual says only that they need a receipt showing the date of purchase, and I have an eBay receipt which hopefully would suffice, but wanted to know what they ask for and if anyone has been given a hassle from buying through eBay or elsewhere.

Thanks for your help!

It shouldn't be a problem. They'll just ask you for all of the serial numbers, e.g., for the unit and access card. Level 1 tried to send me to a local service center. Make sure you get to Level 2. Don't let them sell you the "Software fix is coming" speech. I never had to show any other docs.

Remember to ask for the order # for your replacement and then call back within the next couple of days to 'Equipment and Orders' for the tracking # It might take another few days after that for that tracking # to show in the FedEx system which could be a little unnerving. However, I was pleasantly surprised to get the replacement 1 day earlier than the "scheduled delivery date", as per the FedEx system.

HDMI is still working. It's been a whopping 24 days! It's an ME October 2004 manufacture date.

I've been told that it was a refurb. According to D*, it doesn't necessarily mean that it was internally adjusted. They said that often customers forfeit their equipment in lieu of paying for breaking their contracts. I'm just glad it's working.

Good luck.

[jsmoovey2004]

Brian,

Your unit is covered for 1 year- Regaurdless of where you purchased it from. As long as you have direct tv service, You should have NO problem (Well, with purchase information anyway) These units just came out in 2004, Soyou'llbeok

[falz]

On 3rd TiVo in about two weeks. If anyone's curious, here's what the "solarized" death looks like:

http://falz.net/albums/hdtv/aar.sized.jpg

Since no one has taken any pictures of the HDMI card before and after the "fix", I'll take some pix of my pre-fixed one in a bit. While this one currently works, I'm sure it will die as well. When it does, I will take pix of a fixed one, assuming I get one.

More pix here:

http://falz.net/gallery/hdtv/

--falz

[jeff125va]

I had no HDMI problems with my first unit - #117 from V.E. last April, but with my replacement after the stuttering audio & video with the software upgrade this fall, my HDMI was DOA. DirecTV insisted it was a software problem which would be corrected "within a few months, hopefully" so I decided to use component and wait it out. The PQ is fine, but I can't use PiP with my DVD player, plus simply on principle for $1,000 I'd like one that works like it's supposed to.

So is there still a chance that there's ever actually going to be a software fix for this problem? I really don't feel like going through the hassle of getting another unit, losing all my recordings and having to re-do the second hard drive upgrade.

[GeorgeL]

The HDMI port on my HR10-250 died this morning after 35 days of service. I called D* and they (at first) tried to sell me on the software update fixing the HDMI issue. I told them that I was in a bind as my TV only has one set of component inputs and I will be unable to watch DVDs if the HDMI output on my D* box isn't functioning. The rep offered to ship me a "new" receiver FedEx 2nd day. I questioned his definition of "new". He said the replacement will be a brand new sealed unit, not a refurb. We'll see.

BTW, my unit was a Mexico built October 2004 manufacture date

[Kbert5]

falz:

Great pics!

<<I'm sure it will die as well. When it does, I will take pix of a fixed one, assuming I get one.>>

Thanks a meg.

[mike2859]

I have a different type of DVI failure. I connect to the DVI input on a plasma. All is well great picture. I turn off TV. Turn TV on and I get a pinkish noise type screen and HD Tivo is locked up i.e. frozen. I reboot Tivo and all is well. If I leave plasma on and switch to another input mode than turn TV off sometimes it will come back on ok other times it is locked up and I need to re boot.
Perplexed in Miami
Mike

[Robert Spalding]

I have a different type of DVI failure. I connect to the DVI input on a plasma. All is well great picture. I turn off TV. Turn TV on and I get a pinkish noise type screen and HD Tivo is locked up i.e. frozen. I reboot Tivo and all is well. If I leave plasma on and switch to another input mode than turn TV off sometimes it will come back on ok other times it is locked up and I need to re boot.

i have the exact same thing and directv has said they are aware and are working on a fix

[funinsun50]

Just thought I'd post a brief note on my DVI failure experience on a recently purchased HR10-250. I purchased my first unit on 12/28 and the DVI was DOA. I used the component video in the interim while I discussed the problem with D*. They gave me the SW line. The unit was born on 10/10 and was assembled in Mexico. No thanks to D* and thanks to the info in this forum, I returned the unit yesterday to Circuit City, 2 days before the 30 day deadline. They replaced the unit with only a few questions about the reason for the return.

The new unit was produced on 12/10 in Mexico. The DVI worked fine out of the box connected to a new HP 42" HD Plasma TV. I was back up and running in a matter of minutes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[gobabygo]

Another dead HDMI port here.

Born on 6/27/04, made in Mexico, and I've been running component out up until about a month ago. Finally got around to getting an hdmi/dvi adapter around the new year and everything was running fine until it died last week. I was setting up a HTPC so I was messing with cables and that's when the picture just went out.

I just called DirecTV and asked for the DVR Specialty Group (I think they might also be called the Advanced Products group) and the 1st rep transfered me right away. Talked to the person and told her my problem and she said she'd send out a replacement. Total time of call: 17 minutes.

She did ask if I had reformatted the hard drive (Clear & Delete everything) and I said that I hadn't, but she didn't hold that against me and is sending me a replacement anyway.

Hope I have better luck on the next one.

[MarcusInMD]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have a Jan 05 unit that I bought three weeks ago and I was FINALLY able to check out the HDMI port on it with the new television. Everything appears as it should be. No problems so far. Knock on wood. :D TV is a Sony CRT 34XS955.

[dshedrick]

Well, I'm on my second unit.

First:
Made in Mexico
Date: 10/4/04
Purchased from BB on 1/17

My first unit died after 2 days of use. I could not get any picture using my HDMI connection. I returned it to BB and received another unit. Needless to say, I'm now getting red and green blocks blinking in and out. Unit worked fine for about 4 days prior to this problem.

2nd unit:
Made in Mexico
Date: 10/9/04
Purchased from BB

Thinking about calling D* to have them send me a replacement. I'm thinking if I make another exchange at BB I'll get a Mexico unit manufactured in 10/04.

[HEHDaddy]

My HDMI died a violent screen flashing, garbled pixel death. Thank heavens for Rapid Satellite. They replaced it ASAP via FedEx and paid for the old one to come back.

[GW350]

Exchanged my Sept 9 box the other day at Best Buy, waited till day 30 to hopefully get a newer build. They only had one in stock, it's a Sept 29 but HDMI so far is working and looks great... I kept my remote since it was programmed already, it was very sluggish and had to be pointed directly at the eye to work. Finally remembered to clear the remote address and reset it, works fine now. Hopefully this will hold me until all the mpeg4 stuff gets online and boxes start getting replaced...

GW

[BuffaloDenny]

Got my replacement yesterday and hooked it up - all is well so far on HDMI! Keeping my fingers crossed. It didn't have a man date on there, so I'm assuming it's one of the January builds. It replaces an 11/6 build date where HDMI was dead out of the box. Added bonus was I retuned my Monster HDMI cable I got as part of the troubleshooting process. The cables that came with are working just fine. Also, for some reason they sent me 2 HDMI cables with the replacement, but no DVI. So now I've got some extras.

If you pass the 2 week period does that mean you should be OK?

[lucymccrac]

Now on my 2nd HR10-250 unit, both made in Mexico. Both connected to a Samsung 63" plasma HD tv. First unit worked off and on (after substantial tinkering) for just over 3 weeks before dying. Returned to BB for new unit which is working better than it did initially after I replaced the Hughes-supplied HDMI to DVI converter with a more substantial one from Gefen. The new cord is almost twice the circumference with heavier duty connectors. I continue to have the handshaking problem mentioned by an earlier poster.

[dshedrick]

OK, returned my 2nd unit to BB today. Spoke with a few people about the HDMI problem (which they haven't about). All of the ones they had in stock came in the same batch as my original. So, I ended up with another born on date of 10/9/04. I figure this is my last unit I'll get from Best Buy. If this one fails, I'll request D* to send me another one. As it appears they are the only dist. with a fresh build.

Wish me luck!!

[stace]

Got my replacement from DirecTV. Both my first one and the replacement were Mexican-made. The HDMI on the first one was screwy out of the box (posterized output). This one seems fine and dandy. I waited a few months (got my first one in October) to make sure people were getting good units out of DTV. This one had some DTV tape on the box, which makes me thing they tested it, at the very least, if it's not indeed a refurb.

[dshedrick]

Craig, was there a born on date on the your new system?

[dshedrick]

My third unit's HDMI interface stopped working this morning. I called D* and they are sending me a unit via FedEx.

[rogue5]

Chalk another victim to shotty engineering...

Can't remember what the born on date was or where it was made but I think it was Mexico and sometime in june of 04. Mine lasted almost the whole football season, I got it at the end of Aug and it started to act up on the sunday of the AFC/NFC championship games (16 Jan 05 ). I think I have a record on the length of time to destruction, I called D* when it started and it took them til this Sat to get a tech rep out to "verify" the problem. I am going to call them tonight to get a new one shipped out, has anyone swapped thier HDD in the Tivos before sending them back, I have some stuff that I would rather not lose on the drive. Anyone think D* would take offense to swapping out the HDD's? I have the Tivo service (insurance) plan so I am not worried about the replacement I just want to have the Super Bowl in glorious HD goodness!!!

[kltazman]

Just and update on my receiver Manufactures date Dec. It seem to be working fine still. Although, after I bought into D* HD and TIVO this article I read really puts things in perspective. I think it is good D* is looking into the future, but I hope they help us with the cost of the new machines and satellites fr the MPEG 4, specially after most of us have spend lots of money on what we thought is the future. That is before I joined this thread and learned otherwise.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/directvhdtv013105.html

[jmjerome]

Just got my Dell W4200HD after 3 days using hdmi it went out. D* said they would replace it or I could wait for the SW update which is suppose to fix the problem according the the Tech dude at D* who was reading from a memo that he received on 1/25/05. I decided to wait for awhile. I don't want to swap it out cuz I've recorded a bunch of stuff I wanted to keep. So we will wait and see.

Has anyone received this SW update and if so did it fix the HDMI problem?

[rogue5]

From what I have seen on the board, and for myself, it is a hardware design flaw. They used a cheap glue instead of something better to hold the card to the main board, the glue at some point begins to not stick and away goes your connection. I managed to exstend the life of my port by losening the screws that hold it in place but I have a new one on the way. I am hoping to swap drives between the old one and the new one inorder to save my stuff. We'll see!

[AVMann]

It is now February 2005 and the HDMI outputs still don't work. In the last 1-2 months every unit was bad. (approx 10) At CES I talked to DirecTV and they didn't have a clue and didn't have a desire to find out why.

[allans]

I'm on my second unit. Both made in Mexico. First one with born date Nov, 04. The second one does not have a date. It is hooked up to Sharp LC32GD6U. Both had the same issue. At turn on, the screen is purple via HDMI. Even the side panels on 4:3 source were purple. The only way to fix it is to cycle through the resolution settings (480P, 720P, 1080i). Tried HDMI-DVI cable as the Sharp has a DVI input as well. No picture from both unit. Everything is fine through component out. I love it otherwise. I may return it and wait little.

[obi1]

I am so disgusted with D* and their inablity to resolve this problem. I have been sitting here with my original 250 that has the problem just watch all the crapola that many are going thru. If Comcast and their crummy service and DVR were any better, I would switch in a second. Maybe it is time to cancel a couple hundred dollars worth of services(D* and comcast cable modem) and just run off my antenna. This plus a 20 bucks a month to a video rental business sounds pretty good at this time. A 12 year D* and 4 year Tivo subcriber. Looks like D* will be dumping Tivo down the road anyway so all the screwing around for these SNAFU HD Tivo's are for wont anyway.

[ClaudioJ]

When you guys state failure, does it include not seeing a picture?? I just recently installed my hr10-250 with the high defenition Sony Wega when I am viewing it with the HDMI connection everything works fine, but when I turn to any HD Channel I see the picture but no sound. Then when I connect it with composite I get audio. Any suggestions, D** CSR are no help at all.

CF

[ClaudioJ]

To add to above thread, I disconnected the HDMI Cable which the previous message it stated that cable was not connected now I am getting HDCP but still no sound.

:-(

[ksoares]

I am on my second HD unit. The first had some sort of catastrophic problem and stopped booting at all.

The second arrived and ... voila ... no HDMI. So I call for (another) replacement and they eventually tell me that no replacement will be sent because it is a *software* issue.

I had been assuming that was true until I hopped on this discussion today.

Now I want to get back to D* and get a replacement, except I want to be sure that I get a new, good one.

Is there any consensus on which version work properly? i.e. 'born" dates to check for, etc.?

Thanks
K.

[rogue5]

Not that I have seen ksoares. The only reason I am getting a new one is because I have the D* insurance plan for my Tivos. I don't thinkg they would have been as helpful if I didn't have it, when I called the first time they made me wait til they could send someone out to my house to "Verify" the problem. After the tech came out and "verified" (jiggled the HDMI cable and port) I called back and still had to talk to 3 people before I got someone to send me a new machine. It wasn't that big a deal but I did find it a bit time consuming to have to talk to 3 different peeps just to get a new machine even though I already have the insurance. Oh well I have the new machine in hand but I didn't get a return form or anything so I am not sending my old one back till they ask for it. I figure I didn't buy it from them and I paid full price for it so I should keep it. We'll see what happens, knowing my luck the one I got won't even work! Will check back once I hook it up and see whar is going on.

[dsinder]

After taking a look at the performance of D* on this, the shabby treatment I've gotten over the last ten years as a customer, my $100+ per month bill, and the fact that more often than not I can not find anything I feel is worth watching via D* I'm no longer a customer. They professed to be interested in keeping me as a customer but had only a little money to offer as incentive. I told them I was not interested in money but rather a reform in the way they did business. They offered a little more money. They really could not seem to get by the fact that money was not the issue.

[dshedrick]

Stop the presses. I received my forth unit yesterday, from D* and HDMI did not work out of the box. I wiggled the cable and a picture came up but was blinking pink and green boxes. This unit has no born on date, thus I'm assuming it's fairly new. I'm starting to believe it's a software problem. When the units is pwr'n up, the gray screen appears with no flaws. Only after it's finished loading the OS do I get the flawed picture. Just MHO....

I am very upset about all of this as I wanted to use my HDMI for the superbowl.. now I have to stick w/ my component video. so so sad. :-(

[rogue5]

Maybe there are two actual problems floating out there. Some of these issue are comming from a card problem (like jiggling the port and a clear picture comming up), but some of these issues are different (like colored blocks and other stuff). Maybe this is why there have been so many problems, and it could be hindering the whole troubleshooting process. hhhmmm

[BuffaloDenny]

Originally posted by dshedrick
Stop the presses. I received my forth unit yesterday, from D* and HDMI did not work out of the box. I wiggled the cable and a picture came up but was blinking pink and green boxes. This unit has no born on date, thus I'm assuming it's fairly new. I'm starting to believe it's a software problem. When the units is pwr'n up, the gray screen appears with no flaws. Only after it's finished loading the OS do I get the flawed picture. Just MHO....

I am very upset about all of this as I wanted to use my HDMI for the superbowl.. now I have to stick w/ my component video. so so sad. :-(

Don't fret. I too wanted the "best" connection available to me, and I've jumped through the hoops like many others to get HDMI up and running, and to be honest with you don't really notice a difference in PQ. I think with a good set of components you're just as well off.

[bertschb]

I didn't notice much difference in PQ with the DVI vs. component cable on my Sony GWIII either. But, I really need the HDMI-DVI to work so I can free up another HD input on my TV (mine only has 2 component and 1 DVI).

[dshedrick]

Well, one thing to remember is the cost of the device includes the HDMI feature.

[bertschb]

My third unit is on it's way. I sure hope it works. I've only got a couple more months of warranty left.

[ChrisW6ATV]

I made post #7 in this topic. Now, I just bought an HDCP-capable display, and my HDMI connector does not work! (Made in Mexico.) A replacement is on its way...

[Loquitur]

I hooked up my replacement 10-250 this morning and had the same HDMI problem as the first one - grey snowy screen , flashes of a pink screen and then a message from my projector HDMI Not Supported. This sequence would cycle periodically in 420p, 720p and 1080i outputs. I use a Gefen 4x1 HDTV DVI Switcher in my system and did not suspect a problem with it because I have been successfully using it with my Momitsu and my DISH 921, both with DVI outputs, for the last six months. I decided, as a last resort, to attach the HDMI DVI adapter to the cable running directly to the projector bypassing the HDTV switcher and lo and behold, the HDMI port had output. So I hooked up my first 10-250 and sure enough, the HDMI port was fine on that receiver as well so long as I avoided the Gefen DVI switch. Should I expect the Gefen HDTV 4x1 DVI switch to work with the HDMI output of the 10-250 with an adapter? Needless to say, I'm very happy that I don't have to return my first 10-250 because its all set up.

[mikeaco]

...I could change my vote! I had originally voted (after 3 weeks of no problems) that I have had no problems since my purchase on 12/22 from Circuit City. My unit was built on October 26th in Mexico.

The HDMI started to go out yesterday (I had the 'sloar' or 'polarized' picture look) and finally went out today...one day be fore the Superbowl! Stupid piece of HDMI piece of...

Anyway, I'm on components now and will probably wait to call D* until I get another HDD for 'backup' and future "upgrade" of the new replacement unit.

[bertschb]

Frustrating isn't it?

Hey, does anybody have THE difinitive date after which the HDMI issue has been resolved? I've heard a bunch of build dates but is there any official word on when the manufacturing actually changed and the HDMI card was fixed?

I've got unit #3 on the way and I'd like to know what to expect.

[TiVonian]

The information from the members of this forum has been very useful and I would like to add my experience with the HD-TiVo HDMI issues.

My original HR10-250 was purchased last summer (Mex 06/2004 date) and later found to have the HDMI problems when I connected it to my new HDTV last fall. Most of the member described problems were present, pink and/or purple tint, shimmering pixilated picture, etc.

Based on the information in this forum, I waited until the end of January to contact D* about the problem. As I expected, the D* rep disavowed any knowledge of a problem, so I immediately and firmly requested escalation to a "Tier 2" rep. T2 agreed that a problem existed, had been identified and fixed, and offered to FedEx a replacement unit. I asked T2 if they were shipping new or refurbished units and I stated that if it was a refurb not to bother - just register my complaint and I would wait until a true "fix" was established.

T2 stated that the unit to be shipped was "Brand New", and without the HDMI problem. The replacement was indeed a Brand New Mexican built unit. (NO mfg date could be found on nor inside the unit!) My original plan was to switch the HDMI daughter cards between the 2 units hoping for a quick and painless fix (Two 300G drives in the old unit) but this was not possible. The new unit has a completely redesigned HDMI card attachment to the motherboard. The card is still removable, but 100x more solid and secure than the old plastic socket method.

The NEW unit still has some issues though. The HDMI connection works well most of the time, but occasionally when the TV is turned on - the PINK picture is back. A couple of resolution changes seems to resolve the problem - for now at least. The second problem may, or may not, be HDTV related since I have seen other posts here describing essentially the same issue with other HDTVs and AV units. My HDTV (Sharp 45" LCD) goes silent and reports an "incompatible audio source" if the TiVo is set to output DD audio, otherwise, 2 CH "Standard" audio works OK over the HDMI interface.

A new forum member-

[Larry Chanin]

Originally posted by TiVonian

The second problem may, or may not, be HDTV related since I have seen other posts here describing essentially the same issue with other HDTVs and AV units. My HDTV (Sharp 45" LCD) goes silent and reports an "incompatible audio source" if the TiVo is set to output DD audio, otherwise, 2 CH "Standard" audio works OK over the HDMI interface.


Hi TiVoian,

Just to clarify, are you saying that your Sharp display has HDMI inputs, and that there is a problem transmitting Dolby Digital audio via the HDMI connection?

Thanks.

Larry

[falz]

Originally posted by Larry Chanin
Hi TiVoian,

Just to clarify, are you saying that your Sharp display has HDMI inputs, and that there is a problem transmitting Dolby Digital audio via the HDMI connection?

DD cannot be passed over HDMI with any device, TiVo included. It's not in the spec (very lame that it's not).

--falz

[ChrisW6ATV]

So, HDMI lacks Dolby Digital support? What genius came up with that idea, I wonder? The HDMI Web site only mentions 'multi-channel surround sound'.

[Rcam10]

Originally posted by TiVonian

The new unit has a completely redesigned HDMI card attachment to the motherboard. The card is still removable, but 100x more solid and secure than the old plastic socket method.

A new forum member-


Can or has anyone took a picture of this change, and posted it somewhere? I haven't seen it but I woud like too.

[bertschb]

Can the new design be identified without opening the box?

[jimmycash]

Hi All,

I lost my HDMI port on my 10250 (Mexico, Aug 04) the other day. It's been working fine for 5 months into a Sony KD34XBR, then on Saturday morning it was a solarized - blue screen. Tried cables, resets, yadda, yadda, yadda but nothing brought it back. Went inside the IRD and found that by pushing down on the HDMI board right where the connector goes into the mother board, I was able to get it working but not with any consistency and now, from all the wiggling of the board, it's totally dead.

Called D* tech support just now and he told me it was a software issue that they're working on and that he will send me a replacement but it might develop the same problem. I told him I was able to temporarily get it working by wiggling the connector so I didn't think it was a software issue and he said "Oh yeah, sometimes it's a hardware problem". At any rate he was totally helpful and the replacement should be here in a few days.

Has anybody tried removing the HDMI interface board and ohming out it's connectors? Does it just plug into the mother board? I can't tell just by looking at it.
What's the glue on the 2 pins for?

Thanks.

[leesweet]

The HDMI board is screwed to the bracket that is then screwed to the back of the chassis. The 'glue' is only how the plug is attached to the HDMI board. If you remove the three screws on the back of the chassis, and bend the 'hold down clip' slightly, the HDMI board comes right out. My theory is that the connectors are too weak to control the plug/cable, and things get loose over time. (I had a dead HDMI after 6 months just from unplugging it twice.)

All indications are that if the card doesn't work, it's blown. Measuring anything at the plug at the bottom of the card won't help.

The problem you have is nothing to do with the runored 'software fix'. That's for incompatibility with some brands of displays, and with them, it never works correctly. Not the case for months of service and then it blows.

Tell them that you want a new box because it worked fine for 5 months; it's not software. If they balk, go to customer retention. The number is here in certain threads, or you can just call and put the buttom for 'cancel service'. It doesn't actually cancel anything but it transfers you to retention where they try to make you happy.

Tell them the story and that you want a new one under the 1 year warranty. They will probably send you a refurb, but it might have a good HDMI card and you can use the new machine, or, if you are brave, move the new HDMI card to your old box.

[AztecRol]

Before I make a vote, I wanted to know if anyone on here has the same setup that my cleint does. Client has a Samsung HLM437W DLP rear projection TV. The TV was hooked to a Samsung TS-160 HD DirecTv receiver. It was hooked up using the DVI - DVI cable, and worked fine. I installed a HR10-250 today and used the HDMI - DVI cable and the TV gave me "No signal detected". I know the input on the TV works because of the previous receiver. Does anyone have this TV/TiVo combo working????

I need to know if I need to send this unit back, or if its a compatability issue!

FYI, I am currently using the component input to watch the TiVo.

TIA for all your replies!!

[bertschb]

Unit #3 arrived today. HDMI works fine so far. I'm not sure what the build date is but the HDD inside had a Dec 30, 2004 manufacture date.

[kimsan]

Rejoining the HDMI failure club.

04 Nov 2004 unit was fine until Sunday. Then small solarized areas started showing up. Slight pressure on the cable cleared up the picture for a time. Last night was full screen full time solarization. Back to component for now.

Original unit was a total failure until HDMI card was reseated internally. It eventually died completely. This one seems to have an external connector problem. Different depths and angles of connection yield different to no level of solarization but I doubt the subtle motion is bending or warping the internal card.

I do believe there may be a software issue at play in the incompatible sets, but these are hardware problems I'm seeing.

No need to worry about a trade-in just yet. Component is lovely and both OTA tuners are solid. I'll play wait and see until rerun season :)

[UTV2TiVo]

I was feeling lucky that I didn't have to join this thread. I'm on HR10-250 unit #2 but the first failed because of drive failure.
Yesterday (at least it didn't fail one day earlier during the super bowl!) the video signal went dead, I plugged in component cables and it works fine.
Unlike most people on this thread I had no warning. It went from working fine to dead, all at once. No polarization, color changes, etc.

The component cables are working fine so I am going to hold off a little while for a replacement. I hate the week+ I have to go without my TiVo while waiting for the replacement to arrive.

I'm fairly tolarant of failures of leading edge technology products but for a $1000 box, this is rediculous.

[TiVonian]

Hi TiVoian,

Just to clarify, are you saying that your Sharp display has HDMI inputs, and that there is a problem transmitting Dolby Digital audio via the HDMI connection?

Thanks.

Larry

Re: Clarification

My Sharp HDTV is the new 45" direct view LCD model LC-45GX6U (1920x1080p)
The LCD display panel is separated, by some proprietary cables, from an "AV" box that contains the majority of the HDTV electronics. The "AV" box has (1) HDMI, (1) DVI-I, and multiple component and composite inputs. The DVI-I input can accept digital PC (DVI), Digital AV (DVI-HDCP), analog PC, or analog AV (Y-Pb-Pr),

When the HR10-250 is set to output DD audio, the Sharp displays a message stating that the audio stream is "incompatible", and goes silent. When the HR10-250 is set to output "standard" 2ch audio, everything is OK using HDMI as the only connection between the two units.

If the connection from the TiVo to the TV is HDMI->DVI with a separate audio path, everything is OK. (My current connection of choice.) The problem is only present when attempting to use the HDMI for its stated purpose of delivering a pure digital video and multi-channel audio connection through a single cable.

I don't currently have any other 5.1/HDMI output devices to enable me to ascertain if the problem lies with the TiVo or the Sharp. It could be as simple as Sharp either forgot or chose not to include an audio down mixer behind their HDMI interface.

I hope this is answers your question-

[TiVonian]

Hi All,

Has anybody tried removing the HDMI interface board and ohming out it's connectors? Does it just plug into the mother board? I can't tell just by looking at it.
What's the glue on the 2 pins for?

Thanks.

Jimmy-

Don't bother.

The old style connector that you described is the biggest piece of crap that I have ever seen for connecting two electronic circuit assemblies together---And that's 37 years in the IT repair business speaking.

When you get your new unit - and only if you are comfortable removing the cabinet to do it - please take a hi-res photo of the new style connector and post it for those wishing to see it. If not, I can dig my 10-250 back out of the AV stack and photograph it for all to see.

Thanks-

[TiVonian]

Does anyone have this TV/TiVo combo working????

I need to know if I need to send this unit back, or if its a compatability issue!

FYI, I am currently using the component input to watch the TiVo.

TIA for all your replies!!


The DVI spec allows for either analog or digital signals to be passed. Check the DVI setup on your TV to see if it has the capability to be switched between analog and digital.

I don't have the same TV as you, but I did have to reconfigure my TV's DVI port from analog to digital input to connect the HR10-250.

Hope this helps..

[jimmycash]

TiVonian, will do, I'm hoping to get it today. No problem taking it apart I'm a techie too. I've already taken the bad one apart and removed the HDMI card to see what I can see and I didn't notice anything obviously wrong with it. I also took a high powered magnifyer and looked at all the pins on the connector hoping to find a broken one or a bad solder joint. No luck, it all looked nominal.

[TiVonian]

Jimmy-

I know that I'm stating the obvious... but since you will have both style units in your possession at the same time, please photograph both for comparison by the members of this forum.

Thanks, TiVonian-

[jimmycash]

Hi All,

Got my replacement HR10250 set up yesterday, so far all is well. It's a Mexico unit and I can't find a date on it anywhere.

Per TiVonian's request here's some (fuzzy) pics of the HDMI connectors from the old and new units. FYI, I had to do some major editing on these to get them down to >100kb and 640x640.

[rogue5]

Ok all,

I got my new hr10-250 from D*, now if only I could swap the HDD between the two I would be all set!! Does anyone out there know if that is possible, if so what do I need to do?

Thanks
josh

[cocoon]

The HD Tivo I received in September 2004 just had HDMI failure. For months of good HDMI. I called Directv they said they don't send replacements anymore. I was able to talk them into doing anyway but then the guy noticed that I had too many replacements. I was not able to talk them into making an exception for that one. They also claimed a software fix was in the works yeah right...

I think it was my 5th HD Tivo failure and one SD Tivo problem (suddenly it would only display black & white).

From reading the posts since October I guess most have give up on DirecTV having a solution to this problem. I guess they have no incentive to fix them now that they are coming out "home media center" later this year.

Last year I was able to get them give a credit on my DirecTV bill has anyone been able to get a credit more then once over this issue?

[jmorgis]

Well, here we go again, my second replacement from DTV (Dec 2, 2004 Build date), the HDMI went 'solar' last night! I tried the cable wiggle, and reseating the card. Nothing I can do will fix this.

I am starting to believe that the Nov22 "fix" date is BS. I will be calling DTV again for a replacement. This sucks, as I will again lose my recordings, and all season passes.

I was extremely carful with this unit, once installed I did not move it, reseat the HDMI. So im wondering why it would just die.

You would think that DTV, would fix this problem, as everytime one of these die, it costs them $$$ in shipping, customer service people time, and most of all customer satisfaction

:mad:

JMorgis

-UPDATE- I just called DTV, #3's on its way :o . Guy said to copy my saved recordings to VCR to prevent loosing them.! I cannot belive it! My VCR wont record 1080i !!!!! :eek:

[ckelly33]

I'm on TiVo #3 as well. My first one (lost video) was manufatured December/Mexico. My second didn't even have a date on it but was manufactured in Mexico. The second one came yesterday and failed yesterday (pink). They are shipping my third.

I asked D* about the November thing. He denied that there has been any fix. He also calimed it is a software issue (which I doubt).

What is the longest anyone has reported having one of these without it going bad? Mine is stacked on top of my amp but has plenty of room to breathe on top (nothing stacked there). I wonder if it would make any difference whatsoever if I stacked it all by itself. Has this been covered at all in the nearly 900 posts here?

One other question which I know is buried in here somewhere: what is the $250 D* service credit all about??

Thanks.

[psyclonejack]

I too just got my second HR10-250 and I had the pink screen through HDMI immediatley (11/19/04 Born On Date). I am asking the store for a newer one to see if it fixes the problem, though I doubt it will.

This is getting old, I am going to return everything if they cant get it to work soon.

[Rcam10]

Well, at least there has been some change, about time! Those pictures that were finally posted prove that. The Nov 22th date is way off, over a month apparently, but it could be the new type of connection from the HDMI card to the main board might be a fix.

Time will tell..

[starbucksfreak]

Re: Clarification

My Sharp HDTV is the new 45" direct view LCD model LC-45GX6U (1980x1080p)
The LCD display panel is separated, by some proprietary cables, from an "AV" box that contains the majority of the HDTV electronics. The "AV" box has (1) HDMI, (1) DVI-I, and multiple component and composite inputs. The DVI-I input can accept digital PC (DVI), Digital AV (DVI-HDCP), analog PC, or analog AV (Y-Pb-Pr),

If the HD10-250 is set to output DD audio, the Sharp displays a message stating that the audio stream is "incompatible", and goes silent. When the HD10-250 is set to output "standard" 2ch audio, everything is OK using HDMI as the only connection between the two units.

If the connection from the TiVo to the TV is HDMI->DVI with a separate audio path, everything is OK. (My current connection of choice.) The problem is only present when attempting to use the HDMI for its stated purpose of delivering a pure digital video and multi-channel audio connection through a single cable.

I don't currently have any other 5.1/HDMI output devices to enable me to ascertain if the problem lies with the TiVo or the Sharp. It could be as simple as Sharp either forgot or chose not to include an audio down mixer behind their HDMI interface.

I hope this is answers your question-

TiVonian,

I have a similar Sharp unit (LC-45GD4U), except the tuner is not in a separate box. My initial connection to the HR10-250 was via the HDMI-->HDMI with a digital audio cable going directly to my Yamaha receiver. The same "incompatible audio" signal message would appear whenever I moved to an OTA digital audio or SAT HD channel via the TiVo (TiVo #2, I might add--the first being replaced by DirecTV following an HDMI failure). It took several calls to Sharp to determine that the issue apparently is as you say--a surprising oversight in an otherwise excellent LCD HD flat panel.

I had my Samsung DVD going direct to the Sharp via the DVI input, but changed that to accommodate the connection for the TiVo going to the DVI instead of the HDMI. That was two days ago, and it solved the problem of the nuisance error message appearing for several seconds on the Sharp. But then disaster struck tonight with TiVo #2--regrettably five minutes before the start of the Grammy awards.

The HR10-250 suddenly displayed a blue screen with the internal heat/shut down warning. I unplugged the unit and then attempted to reboot without success. The unit would get only so far and then halt, for some reason stuck on 480i. The Sharp then displayed a new error message about an incompatible video signal. The TiVo remote would not do anything, and attempts to control the TiVo via the front panel were useless.

A DirecTV Tier 2 rep immediately identified the problem as "an HDMI to DVI known issue" and instructed me to try connecting with component cable and then call back. That, of course, solved the problem. But when I called back and spoke with who I was told was a Tier 2 rep, there was considerable resistance to doing anything for me this time. The rep said the issue is widely known and that they are working on a downloadable fix. They would not send me a replacement unit, because--according to this rep--all of the current units produced either will fail right out of the box or within a short time. He had no idea when the "fix" would come and told me that DirecTV is now telling customers to use component connections as an interim solution.

When I told him that I originally paid for a unit that would have this state-of-the art HDMI connection, he became even more defensive and unhelpful--said that DirecTV does not make or sell directly this unit and that I should have paid more attention to internet discussions like those on this forum as a caveat before I bought the thing in the first place. At that point, I realized this guy just did not care about helping me, so I will call back in the morning. Don't know if this represents a new position by DirecTV or if I just got someone who hates working the night shift in Peoria, IL.

This is the second HR10-250 for me. It was sent to me by DirecTV in early January and has a mfc date of 12-13-04.

[ckelly33]

Is there any correlation between failure and output setting? (1080i vs. 720p, etc.)?

[Travisimo]

I ordered a HR10-250 from Value Electronics and received it today via UPS. I'm a new D* subscriber and this is my first HD DVR, so I've been following this thread closely. I have an RCA 50" DLP with HDMI input, so that's what I will be using as both of my component inputs are being used (one for XBOX and one for DVD).

My question is this: what device would I need to be able to have a switch between two component devices? For example, I wouldn't mind putting both my DVR player and my XBOX on a switch that goes to one of my TV's component inputs if that would work??? Is that possible? Would it degrade video quality?

I don't want to play the return game if a new unit is going to have the same problems, so I'll probably use the HDMI connection until it fails (if it even works out of the box, hehee). I'm getting hooked up tomorrow (hopefully), so I'll report back, but my unit was MANF. in December as well, so I'm sure it is prone to the HDMI failure.

I'll also try both connections to see which gives me the best vid quality on my TV.

[UTV2TiVo]

My question is this: what device would I need to be able to have a switch between two component devices? .

Check out this thread for component video switching: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=223940

[starbucksfreak]

I spoke with another DirecTV specialist yesterday morning who was considerably more customer-focused. They are sending a replacement unit. He did say that the company is aware of the HDMI issue and was about to issue a software patch that they believe will rectify the problem. He said to look for a software version download with a designation of 3.15e. (He speculated that most units were now on version “c”.)

However, I strung component cables to the current bad unit and was able to boot it back into a normal operating mode. When I checked for the current version on that unit, it was 3.15e-01-2-357 – downloaded via a call that occurred at 2:14 that morning. Thinking that perhaps the solution had arrived shortly after the second failed DVI incident, I reconnected the HDMI-to-DVI cable and powered up the TiVo. The screen immediately went into the “overheat” warning mode and the unit froze. So, I am not sure what to believe re a software fix and will await the replacement unit.

[AbMagFab]

3.1.5e has been out for months. Many people had 3.1.5d for a month or so before that. It's unlikely you just got the 3.1.5e version (you probably just noticed the call time, but the version has likely been 3.1.5e for a while).

Again, the CSR knows nothing. Even the nice ones know nothing. It's safest to never believe them.

It's also most likely there is a hardware and software HDMI issue. DirecTV just wants to put the ball in Tivo's court for a while, so they're claiming it's a software issue.

The bulk of the HDMI issues are clearly hardware based (wiggling the card causes a change; sudden pink/green solarization for no reason). The only possible software issue is the incompatibility with some TV's (i.e. the JVC issue).

[bttop]

HDMI port is failing after 12 weeks of use.
made in Mexico

Hard to describe the picture.....seems to have lost the red tones with associated
"shadowing" of "ghosting" of images. "Going solar" is exactly what it looks like.

Hope this helps.

bttop in Costa Mesa, CA

[zoro]

Brand new, HDMI non functional..

[telenova]

Per DirecTV technical support, contacted this morning, a software fix is expected within a week (i.e. by 2-22). The tech support rep said they have had "numerous" reports of the problem, are "well aware" of the need for a fix, and that their tech people are working on it. He said they are no longer authorized to send out replacement units, since they think the problem is not in the hardware. According to the rep I talked to, the "fix" will likely be reported as a message on the TiVo screen. In the meantime he says they are counselling users to watch HD through the (lower resolution) component connections.

[telenova]

Per DirecTV technical support, contacted this morning, a software fix is expected within a week (i.e. by 2-22). The tech support rep said they have had "numerous" reports of the problem, are "well aware" of the need for a fix, and that their tech people are working on it. He said they are no longer authorized to send out replacement units, since they think the problem is not in the hardware.

[Budget_HT]

Per DirecTV technical support, ... In the meantime he says they are counselling users to watch HD through the (lower resolution) component connections.

What makes you think that the component outputs are lower resolution than the HDMI output? They are the same resolution.

[Travisimo]

As I reported in my thread asking for help on my new installation, my HDMI is dead-on-arrival with a unit made in Mexico on Dec 12.

Wouldn't it be surprising if the problem is software related since all of the units use the same firmware (obviously upgraded at different times)? Or is it that something in the software causes the HDMI to fail - would that be reversible via another software update? I would think that once the HDMI fails, it would not be fixable via software unless the problem was universal with all units.

So what am I to do? I'll call D* tomorrow, but is it true that they are no longer authorizing replacement units? If true and they don't get the ports working with the upcoming update, then wouldn't we have cause for a class-action complaint?

After paying $800 on this unit, I expect the HDMI to work out of the box and I find it hard to believe that it was DOA - but I tried everything I can think of to get it to work. Here are a few scenarios that seem possible to me:

1) They issue a software update that somehow "magically" turns on ports that are dead and somehow "magically" fixes ports that are causing picture problems, and somehow "magically" protects units that are operating normally from failing. My guess is that this is unlikely, but it would obviously be the best solution... doesn't require an exchange and fixes all of our problems.

2) They fix the hardware issue and continue replacing units that are defective. Obviously, they aren't going to want to continue replacing units, but a significant chuck of users probably aren't using the HDMI anyway and wont' even know if it doesn't work. For those of us who DO need the ports, they should have a no-hassle replacement.

3) They refuse to replace units with bad HDMI ports and a software update does not fix the problem (meaning, it IS hardware related). In this case, those of us with bad parts would certainly seem to have a case for a class-action complaint. A high-ticket unit like this should work as advertised. However, there's also the possibility that D* might stall on the issue until they have a MPEG4 unit available that is similar to the HR10-250 and offer IT as a replacement.

All that said, I have a few followup questions:

A) I bought my unit from Value Electronics with the 5 yr warranty. Do I assume correctly that I need to call D* directly within the 1st year for warranty issues and then the VE warranty company after that? Or how does that work?

B) What is the verdict on picture quality differences between HDMI and component? Does it just depend on the TV or is one inherently better than the other? Right now, the PQ via component outputs looks pretty good to me, but then again, I haven't seen it via HDMI so I can't compare! All I know is that I have to come up with a viable solution in order to hook up my DVD player and XBOX too...

C) For those that have gotten replacement units, how does it work? Do they send you a replacement first and then you send the bad one back, or do you have to send the bad one back first? And then when you hook up the new one, I assume you have to call D* again to activate it, right?

Thanks.

[starbucksfreak]

As I reported in my thread asking for help on my new installation, my HDMI is dead-on-arrival with a unit made in Mexico on Dec 12.

Wouldn't it be surprising if the problem is software related since all of the units use the same firmware (obviously upgraded at different times)? Or is it that something in the software causes the HDMI to fail - would that be reversible via another software update? I would think that once the HDMI fails, it would not be fixable via software unless the problem was universal with all units.

So what am I to do? I'll call D* tomorrow, but is it true that they are no longer authorizing replacement units? If true and they don't get the ports working with the upcoming update, then wouldn't we have cause for a class-action complaint?

After paying $800 on this unit, I expect the HDMI to work out of the box and I find it hard to believe that it was DOA - but I tried everything I can think of to get it to work. Here are a few scenarios that seem possible to me:

1) They issue a software update that somehow "magically" turns on ports that are dead and somehow "magically" fixes ports that are causing picture problems, and somehow "magically" protects units that are operating normally from failing. My guess is that this is unlikely, but it would obviously be the best solution... doesn't require an exchange and fixes all of our problems.

2) They fix the hardware issue and continue replacing units that are defective. Obviously, they aren't going to want to continue replacing units, but a significant chuck of users probably aren't using the HDMI anyway and wont' even know if it doesn't work. For those of us who DO need the ports, they should have a no-hassle replacement.

3) They refuse to replace units with bad HDMI ports and a software update does not fix the problem (meaning, it IS hardware related). In this case, those of us with bad parts would certainly seem to have a case for a class-action complaint. A high-ticket unit like this should work as advertised. However, there's also the possibility that D* might stall on the issue until they have a MPEG4 unit available that is similar to the HR10-250 and offer IT as a replacement.

All that said, I have a few followup questions:

A) I bought my unit from Value Electronics with the 5 yr warranty. Do I assume correctly that I need to call D* directly within the 1st year for warranty issues and then the VE warranty company after that? Or how does that work?

B) What is the verdict on picture quality differences between HDMI and component? Does it just depend on the TV or is one inherently better than the other? Right now, the PQ via component outputs looks pretty good to me, but then again, I haven't seen it via HDMI so I can't compare! All I know is that I have to come up with a viable solution in order to hook up my DVD player and XBOX too...

C) For those that have gotten replacement units, how does it work? Do they send you a replacement first and then you send the bad one back, or do you have to send the bad one back first? And then when you hook up the new one, I assume you have to call D* again to activate it, right?

Thanks.

Re the replacement procedure on defective units, it's been my experience that D* will ship out the unit via FedEx (ground--not overnight) with specific return instructions and a pre-paid FedEx label for the bad unit. No need to return cables, remote--They just want the main unit. Put the old one in the same box that the new one came in and call FedEx for pick-up. I've read in other posts that D* protects themselves against fraud by posting a $1,000 charge to your account if they do not receive the old unit in a reasonable period of time. I did not experience that.

I do think that D* has issued new word tracks to their CSRs that are aimed at curtailing the level of replacement units they are apparently sending out--based upon my experience this past weekend (First rep immediately acknowledged problem but then gave the software fix imminent speech--Told me to try compnent cables and call back to report results. On callback, anoher rep flat out said they were no longer replacing units because they are all bad until the magic software patch is installed. Absolute refusal. Next morning, a new CSR again confirmed the software fix coming very soon story, but also said they would be happy to replace my unit for a second time rather than have me have to use component cable or wait for the software.

I tend to agree with the other poster who questioned the software story. The bad unit I have actually has the software version that they said was the one coming very soon with the fix. Today when I questioned D* on this, the CSR of the day said that since I had the 3.1.5 version, the one with the HDMI fix would be "higher" than the one I currently have. . .Certainly enough to give anyone doubts about whether they have any clue at all.

Re using the component cables, I guess I have convinced myself that they could not possibly deliver PQ like the HDMI, probably because every thing I read says it is the "ultimate" HD hook-up. But after stringing the component cables on my bad unit while waiting for the new replacement, I must say the picture is outstanding in HD--to my eye at least comparable to HDMI, and I could swear even better on the OTA digital channels--although I have no idea what basis if any there would be for that. I also like the snug connection a lot more than the HDMI--which always feels sort of like a loose tooth to me.

[turls]

If you run into any trouble with D* B.S., in warranty or not, you might want to consider this route.


Here's a deal for all TCF members If you have a HR10-250 with a defective HDMI output just send me a email and I will have your HD DVR replaced at no charge with a new HR10-250 and have a prepaid Fed Ex self addressed return shipping label sent to pick up your defective HR10-250. As I said, "NO one should have a HR10-250 with a defective HDMI output."

Send your emails to rzohn@valueelectronics.com for an immediate advance replacement HR10-250, because NO one should have a defective HDMI output. Include you name, address, DIRECTV service phone number on record and the access card number.

[jmorgis]

Just got my 3rd replacement in today. Unit came in Nov 27 Build. I opened it up, and its has the "old" style card. Same as my Dec 2 build. I just moved the new HDMI into my HDtivo, and bing bang, Im back in business. (At least for now). Fix took less then 5 minutes. And I keep all my saved programming!

JM

[zoro]

Would value electronics replace unit purchased from them or any authorized dealers?

[tivon00bie]

I am also having the problem. Unit went bad after about 3 months. The picture now looks like everyone spent a little too much time in the sun. Everyone looks severely burned. Literally.

We're going to return the unti to Best Buy since we have a protection plan. If we get another faulty one, we'll probably just downgrade to a regular Tivo until the problem is fixed.

[turls]

Would value electronics replace unit purchased from them or any authorized dealers?

That's sure the way I interpret it. I don't even think you had to have purchased it from an authorized dealer. If its got a truly manufacture-defective HDMI what difference does it really make? D* isn't being fair about it so maybe somebody else will.

[zoro]

I got a pm from Robert at VE. I am extremely grateful for his kindness..thnx

[ckelly33]

All right I'm pretty unclear about a couple of things:

jmorgis: How did you "...keep all my saved programming!"? Everytime I exchange, I lose everything that's on my old one.

turls: So Value Electronics are replacing units that weren't bought from them??

Sorry if I'm missing something here, but I appreciate your answers!

Chris

[mintakaX]

If it weren't so pathetic, this "software fix" issue would be funny. How could software fix something that jiggling a cable can cause ??? Who are they trying to fool ? I just went to component connections for now. I'll return my bad dvi unit to Weaknees when I believe that they have truly fixed the "hardware" problem. How will we know when this happens ? Will we have to wait several months after each new "built on date" to see if new units fail ?

[jmorgis]

To keep your programming, just move the HDMI card from the new replacement to your box. You can only do this if DTV sends you the old style HDMI card. They changed the connector in the new ones. (Make sure you pull your power cord first).

Piece of cake!

JM

[ckelly33]

I see....

[turls]

I just quoted him. I don't know if he has done this already, how long he plans on doing it, or what the specifics are. If the new HDMI cards aren't compatible with the old, I'm still going to lose recordings and setup when/if mine flakes out. But at least its something, if he comes through.


turls: So Value Electronics are replacing units that weren't bought from them??

[f0gax]

Where does one find the "born on date"?
I just got my first HR10 today and couldn't find any kind of date on the outside of the unit.

[mfleming]

I've asked this before and didn't get any replies, so I'll try again now that it's a few months later.

Is there ANY other alternative to this POS box coming to market in the near future?

[psyclonejack]

The date is on the back panel on the left plate on where the service number etc. is. Look towards the bottom and you should see a date

[vonzoog]

If there is no date stated, then you have a January 2005 manufacture date. That is good. Be happy!

[bertschb]

My third unit has no visible build date. The HDD was dated 12/30/2004 so I suspect mine was manufactured in January. I've had it for 10 days now and it works OK so far.

[bertschb]

Great! Mine is a January build. Got it 2/7/2005. Just got the dreaded "overheat" message. HDMI is dead. So, unit #3 lasted 11 days.

Un-be-lie-va-ble!

DirecTV needs to replace all these units for free when they get the fix - even after the warranty expires. This is rediculous.

[starbucksfreak]

Great! Mine is a January build. Got it 2/7/2005. Just got the dreaded "overheat" message. HDMI is dead. So, unit #3 lasted 11 days.

Un-be-lie-va-ble!

DirecTV needs to replace all these units for free when they get the fix - even after the warranty expires. This is rediculous.

I agree. My first HR10-250 was an Oct04 build. Failed within a month of use. Replaced by DirecTV with a unit with a Dec 13, 04 build. That failed within 3 weeks. Received replacement unit #3 yesterday from DirecTV, but it is actually older than the last one, showing a build date of Nov 27, 04 (Saturday??). I'm not sure I'm even going to use it.

The company still is sticking with the software fix is coming soon word track. I don't think that is the answer, but I also do not believe there has been any effective production/hardware change. Your experience validates that.

[sotapoppy]

I just got my 4th HR10-250 (new unit with a Nov 27, 04 date) on Friday. The 1st three all had HDMI ports that failed, each working fine for ~ 3 months. It took over an hour arguing with D* advanced tech CSR on Monday to get them to send a new unit. I talked to five different people during the course of one call. Each CSR had different but equally idiotic things to say. :rolleyes:

I completed the setup on Friday. I set up my season passes yesterday, once the guide info was updated. All was well, until today. My new HR10-250's HDMI port died today.

I also noticed this HR10-250 actually is a slightly different color than the first three. Believe it or not, when comparing it side by side with unit #3, the face plate on unit #4 actually seems to have a pinkish hue to it. :p

[Beckzilla]

After reading all the posts the last few weeks about HDMI failures since I am in the same boat as everybody else and am on my fifth unit ( first 3 from CC,all with DOA HDMI out of the box and 2 from BB, first had bad HDD and my current one lost HDMI yesterday, it perplexes me that anyone would deal with D* for any DVR problems. D* is just another example of a large company that knows not what one hand is doing as opposed to the other. To treat customers that have spent ALOT of money on these units the way they do is an atrocity and should not be tolerated. The only reason I decided to spend the extra cash on this unit was all its extra features and am very disappointed on its overall performance. Besides the HDMI problems, the modem is ridiculously slow, the channel guide is slow, the OTA tuner sucks as many have reported ( I have OTA problems too ) not picking up all the local HD channels and many having to try using attentuators to help the problem. Funny, but my Sony's OTA tuner picks up ALL the channels perfectly! Whats up with that D*? To read all the posts of D* CSR's telling customers ( not just people, real CUSTOMERS ) that the HDMI problem is totally software oriented is a travesty as when mine went bad yesterday I took the cover off and booted up and put my finger on the HDMI card and could make the picture change from bad to good simply by pushing the card side-to-side. Software issue??? Horsehockey!! As I was rocking the card back and forth I thought of the quote from Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now " The horror....The horror." Oh, did I just say all that out loud?

[bertschb]

The reason we put up with it is because DirecTv and their HDTivo is really the only game in town. Dish has HD content but they make the worlds worst hardware. Just about every DVR they have ever released is FULL of bugs. After two years of beta testing with the units in customers hands their boxes start working - for the most part. Trouble is, even when they start working they are pretty feeble. Most don't even have dual tuners. No name based recording. The list goes on and on.

This isn't really a DISH bashing post, I'm just telling you why we stick with DirecTv. For me, there is no other option. I wouldn't use DISH equipment if it was free. Other than the HDMI port, the DirecTv HDTivo works GREAT. We just have to use component cables. On my Sony GWII, it looks just as good as HDMI.

If DISH ever makes a fully functional, bug free DVR with a "normal" feature set that didn't require me to have two or three satellite dishes on my roof I'd switch so fast it would make your head spin.

[sotapoppy]

Other than the HDMI port, the DirecTv HDTivo works GREAT. We just have to use component cables. On my Sony GWII, it looks just as good as HDMI.



How would you feel if the picture was significantly better via HDMI (as is the case for me)? I agree the picture is very good on component. But it is noticably better via HDMI and I paid for that feature.

[clayb]

My HDMI port failed about 3 weeks ago with a solarization type error. I have spoken to the CSR at D* today, and got the usual bs answer: coming out with a firmware fix to solve the problem. Given the repeated failure rate, I suspect that their intention is to hold everyone off until they come out with their MPEG4 unit this summer. Thoughts?

[bertschb]

Yeah, that would make me even more upset if the HDMI looked better. The biggest problem with the failed HDMI port for me is I really need that extra connection on my TV. When the HDMI port works I can use the DVI port on my Sony for the Tivo. When HDMI fails I have to unplug the DVD player from the TV and use that port for the Tivo. I refuse to spend my money on a switch for the component connections.

It's a bad situation for all of us that paid for (and need) the HDMI connection on the HDTivo.

[leesweet]

In case it wasn't mentioned recently.. :) Be sure to not take the 'software fix for HDMI is coming' story unless you have one of the few displays that has HDMI sync issues with the HR10. The other things that we have all suffered from are hardware issues and no software fix can repair the HDMI daughterboard.

And, also, the issue with refurbs isn't that they are dead, it's that D* has never (AFAICT) tested one returned unit for HDMI hardware failure before sending it out again as a refurb.

I can't see why they don't. Even if they think most people don't use HDMI (true), if someone returns one with 'HDMI blown' on it, that means *they* need a one where HDMI has been tested! :)

[mikeaco]

Well, I had posted a couple of weeks ago that I had lost the HDMI output on my 10/22 - Mexico build unit (it was a couple of days before the Superbowl). I had to call FOUR times between then and now for me to receive a replacement. The funny thing is that they still don't know where my order is (i.e. they can't track it or give me any information regarding the replacement unit), yet I received a replacement today - FedEx overnight. It's a November build unit. I did a quick power on and the HDMI works (for now). Something tells me it's a "refurb". The problem is that there is no return info or pre-paid return label. So, I'm going to have to call them again to get that straightened out. Sheesh!

Question: When others have orderd replacements, is your D* online account updated with the fact that they sent the replacement out? Is there information on the order section? How/when will they update the account to charge the $1000 for the receiver if the bad one it isn't returned on time? I imagine that it will take a week or two to get the pre-paid return label thing straightened out...

:mad:

[DAW]

My HDMI port went out last night. I could wiggle the connection and the picture would come and go and then it was out for good. I called DirecTV and, after being on hold for over an hour and talking to four different people, I finally got someone that set up a replacement unit. This is my second failure; my first unit was delivered with a DOA HDMI port in May of last year. The second unit worked fine until last night. The first one was made in the USA. I have no clue where the second was made.

I wish the first choice on the DirecTV phone menus was "Touch one if you are the typical idiot that calls with dead remote batteries or some other stupid question so we can tell you to reset your unit. Touch two if you know what the &%#@ you are doing."

At least they are replacing my unit. I hope the new one works.

[bertschb]

I hope your new box works too but I'm 95% sure it won't. My last one was built in January and lasted just a few days. It has a different HDMI card than my first three but it didn't matter. Still failed. From what I can tell there is no fix (even though some said it was redesigned and fixed late last year). Redesigned? Maybe. Fixed? No.

[Travisimo]

As I reported in my thread asking for help on my new installation, my HDMI is dead-on-arrival with a unit made in Mexico on Dec 12.


UPDATE:

Here is an update to my HDMI failure. Signed up for D* about a week ago and the HDMI port was dead on arrival. Since I bought the unit from Value Electronics, I called them and Graham said he would take care of it for me. My replacement unit came today and I am happy to report the HDMI works fine and has *slightly* better picture quality on my RCA 50" DLP. There is no manfacture date, so I assume it's a newer unit, though I'm sure the port will still fail over time since others with newer units have reported failures too.

I say definitely INSIST on replacement of any units with defective HDMI ports as many times as it takes. The more returns they get, the quicker (you'd think) they will respond to the problem. It costs them money to replace units, so one would think they would try a bit harder to get the ports working finally.

Personally, I don't *have* to use the HDMI port... the component connection still looks great, but that's not the point. I would have to get a splitter in order to use the component connection and I shouldn't have to do that. However, if the HDMI port goes out again, I might wait a while to get the exchange until we hear something concrete about a fix - there's no point in getting multiple exchanges when we know they will keep failing (not to mention it's a pain in the butt if you're forced to reactivate each one and lose all of your recordings).

[mikeaco]

...I had to call FOUR times between then and now for me to receive a replacement. The funny thing is that they still don't know where my order is (i.e. they can't track it or give me any information regarding the replacement unit), yet I received a replacement today - FedEx overnight....The problem is that there is no return info or pre-paid return label. So, I'm going to have to call them again to get that straightened out. Sheesh!

:mad:

The saga continues...after about 1 hour on the phone and being transferred to 5 different people, they still don't know how a replacement was sent to me. And, they don't know how to send out a pre-paid return label for a replacement receiver that doesn't exist in their system! I wonder if there is *any* record of that receiver being sent to me. Well, it'll take a week for them to "escalate" it to figure out what is going on. Meanwhile, the person that I spoke to yesterday *before* the FedEx guy showed up was going to try and order me another replacement unit. I don't really understand how their systems could be so screwed up. I wonder if this has happened to anyone else before...probably not...

:confused:

[avNeophyte]

How do I change my vote in this poll? I previously voted 'No HDMI Failure' but that is no longer true.

My original, made-in-the-USA unit died with the stuttering lock-up problem in the fall. The replacement worked well until this weekend. As of Sunday, all output on the HDMI port has the pink 'posterized' look. Component outputs are fine.

I'll be calling for my 3rd box tonight.

[leesweet]

AFAIK, you can't change the vote. Polls aren't made to be a tracking mechanism over time, but a snapshot. :)

I've got two of the same problems. I would change my vote, since one of mine failed after being unplugged/replugged in twice (the HDMI, I mean), and I also didn't get a FedEx label, they tried to send it twice, no luck, and now *that's* being escalated and could take 1-2 *weeks* to get me the label.

Meanwhile, I get the calls from the place that says 'send it back or else!' and they aren't open after 9-5, and have no way to look at the account to see *why* you've not returned the old one. :D

[idrinkmolson]

Hi,
1st post here.

I've had my HD Ti-Vo for about 3 weeks. The HDMI was solarized (blue) out of the box.

What do you suggest is my best plan?
Exchange at Best Buy (where I bought it)
Or contact D* and see about a replacement.

The other option is, I bought the service plan from BB. But, I really don't want to give up my receiver for weeks. Copmonent cables do work.
I didn't return right away, because I wanted it for the Super Bowl and Daytona 500.

Thanks, I appreciate your input.

PS I misspelled: copmonent, because I kept getting this:
Your Post contains one or more URLs or image calls, please remove them before submitting your message again. To prevent the abuse of spam, we have set this restriction in place until after you make 5 posts.

[love2tivo]

I'm in the same situation. I just purchased a 42" Sony LCD TV so it's the first time to use the HDMI port, and it's dead...no picture at all. I purchased the extended warranty at Best Buy, but I have a feeling if I replace the unit through DTV that it will void the BB warranty due to the different serial number. Please let me know if you find out anything different.

Thanks,
Brian

[mikeaco]

...and I also didn't get a FedEx label, they tried to send it twice, no luck, and now *that's* being escalated and could take 1-2 *weeks* to get me the label.

Meanwhile, I get the calls from the place that says 'send it back or else!' and they aren't open after 9-5, and have no way to look at the account to see *why* you've not returned the old one. :D

Great...that's what I figured...someone would know that they sent me one and would be wondering when the defective unit would come back to them. Is there anything in your D* account under "order status" or "activity since last bill" that says they sent out a replacement to you? Also, when you say that they told you to 'send it back or else', are they referring to the one they sent you (the replacement) or your defective one?

I'm very curious as to how this will turn out. But, I know I'm not sending back the defective one until I get that return label sent to me...

[Travisimo]

For those with dead or defective HDMI ports:

As you may have read, I exchanged my DOA unit (bad HDMI port) with a new one and so far, it is working fine. However, after everything I've read on here, I'm fully expecting it to malfunction at some point in the near future (seems to be within a few months at most).

MY ADVICE: The units come with a 1 year warranty. And so far, there is no indication that D* has fixed the hardware problem. With that said, I think it would be silly to keep exchanging units with replacements that will probably have the same problem. It might be better to wait a few months and see what D* comes up with in terms of a fix or replacement (unless, of course, your warranty is ending soon). If my HDMI port goes bad on this one, that's what I'll be doing: waiting until there is a definite fix. For me, it would be less of an inconvenience to just use the component cables for a while instead of taking the time to return another unit, reactivate a replacement, reset all of my timers, etc. Obviously, for some, the HDMI is the only way they can go though...

[falz]

I'm in the same situation. I just purchased a 42" Sony LCD TV so it's the first time to use the HDMI port, and it's dead...no picture at all. I purchased the extended warranty at Best Buy, but I have a feeling if I replace the unit through DTV that it will void the BB warranty due to the different serial number. Please let me know if you find out anything different.

You're probably right. Just be careful that you do the exchange while the unit is still under the manufacturer's warranty. Extended warranties such as Best Buy are considered "fulfilled" once the unit is swapped out for a new one.

--falz

[love2tivo]

Thanks for the message. Yes, it's still under the manufacturer warranty right now, so I'll call DTV when I get home to see what the best course of action is. My main concern is voiding the the Best Buy warranty before it ever goes into effect.

Thanks again,
Brian

[austinsho]

Quick question here...having no proper monitor on which to check the HDMI port on my brand new 250 (made in OCTOBER:() can someone please tell me if using the included cable to hook it up to a DVI port on a computer monitor will properly test it.

[rogue5]

Well, my HDMI port went tits up just after the Superbowl but I already had the new one from D* in hand (it started to slowly die in mid Jan). I have yet to install and activate the new one, I have too much crap on the old one. I don't plan on sending the old one back because they didn't ask for it back. I paid for the Tivo insurance (7.99 a month) so I feel I don't owe them squat. I have gotten swapped out recievers from D* before and they always sent a return slip if they wanted it back. This time I got a brand new unopened unit without a return slip and when I spoke to the rep they didn't say anything about returning the old one so they aren't getting it.
I think I will combine the HDD once I do get a round to swapping them out, maybe around football season...

[vonzoog]

rogue5,

Keep checking your monthly statement. Don't be surprise if a little $1k charge appears one day. If they never bill you for the replacement, then it looks like you have a second "free" unit.

[MikeCC]

... I already had the new one from D* in hand (it started to slowly die in mid Jan). I have yet to install and activate the new one, I have too much crap on the old one. I don't plan on sending the old one back because they didn't ask for it back. I paid for the Tivo insurance (7.99 a month) so I feel I don't owe them squat. I have gotten swapped out recievers from D* before and they always sent a return slip if they wanted it back. This time I got a brand new unopened unit without a return slip and when I spoke to the rep they didn't say anything about returning the old one so they aren't getting it.
I think I will combine the HDD once I do get a round to swapping them out, maybe around football season...

Yeah, those bastards.

Greedy corporate 'ho's.

They brazenly fulfilled their part of the protection plan contract (several times, according to your "I have gotten swapped out receivers from D* before..." comment) so if they expect you to ship back that malfunctioning unit, and deprive you of a second HR10-250, that is the ultimate in corporate greed. :rolleyes:

Of course, if they fulfilled their part of the protection contract, I suspect that you should, too.

Give 'em a call for a shipping label, and send the original back.

[Robert Spalding]

Well, my HDMI port went tits up just after the Superbowl but I already had the new one from D* in hand (it started to slowly die in mid Jan). I have yet to install and activate the new one, I have too much crap on the old one. I don't plan on sending the old one back because they didn't ask for it back. I paid for the Tivo insurance (7.99 a month) so I feel I don't owe them squat. I have gotten swapped out recievers from D* before and they always sent a return slip if they wanted it back. This time I got a brand new unopened unit without a return slip and when I spoke to the rep they didn't say anything about returning the old one so they aren't getting it.
I think I will combine the HDD once I do get a round to swapping them out, maybe around football season...


I love this guys response. Yeah Dude you'll be getting a 1k bill very soon.

[rogue5]

Ok just to make this clear, the other times I had to return a reciever I didn't have an insurance plan and I had to pay a reduced price for a "refurbished" reciever. Also like I posted previously I got a packing slip and I was told to return the old reciever (neither of those were HD recievers). I also didn't get my HD Tivo from D* to begin with, they weren't even selling them when I got mine so why in blazes would I give it to them? If this was a car covered by insurance would the ins company ask for my totaled car??

[bahopkins]

If this was a car covered by insurance would the ins company ask for my totaled car??

Yes, as a matter of fact they would (and do). The whole purpose of insurance is to make you whole...not better than whole. If you total your car, the insurance company will keep it, pay you the value of the car, and then most likely sell the totaled car to recoup a bit of their payment to you.

[MikeCC]

... If this was a car covered by insurance would the ins company ask for my totaled car??

Of course they would. I worked in claims for an insurance company for over a decade, and when an insurance company gives you cash for the value of your totalled car, you then sign over title to the wreckage. The insurance company then in turn sells the salvage, usually to an auto auction yard.

Bahopkins is correct in noting the purpose of insurance is to make you whole: that is, return you to the condition you were in before the loss.

In this case, the protection plan gives you a working unit, and you in turn send them the old one. D* will likely refurbish this unit and have it available to send to me when my HR10-250 goes out.

Think about it another way. D* also needs to make sure that subscribers aren't making fraudulent claims of failure, in the hopes of getting multiple HD TiVos.

Trust us on this, when we advise you to expect a $1000 charge on your DirecTV bill if you don't make arrangements to return your old HR10250.

[Beckzilla]

If this was a car covered by insurance would the ins company ask for my totaled car?? Which part of " yes they will keep your totaled car" is confusing you? DUH!

[sotapoppy]

In this case, the protection plan gives you a working unit, and you in turn send them the old one. D* will likely refurbish this unit and have it available to send to me when my HR10-250 goes out.



LOL

Maybe we can avoid the frustration of dealing with D* and start sending our HR10-250's to each other. :D :p

[rogue5]

Well,

They already verified that the unit was broken, they sent a rep to verifiy before they sent me a new one. The way I see it they aren't "refubishing" any of these units cause technically they aren't theirs, they are Tivo units, plus the fact that they don't even admit to the problem makes me wonder why they would want it back? I'll keep ya'll posted if I am wrong and they ask for it back but I doubt I will see it, hell they are probably more worried about the changeover in the summer anyway. Vee shall see, and quit hatin if I do get away with it haha. I doubt any of you guys would give your unit back if you weren't forced to after having spent so much and not sure if your not going to have the same problem with the new unit.

[turls]

100% wrong. They are technically DirecTV units with TiVo service built in.

The way I see it they aren't "refubishing" any of these units cause technically they aren't theirs, they are Tivo units

[herdfan]

Well,

They already verified that the unit was broken, they sent a rep to verifiy before they sent me a new one.
Your kidding right????

[starbucksfreak]

Well,

They already verified that the unit was broken, they sent a rep to verifiy before they sent me a new one. The way I see it they aren't "refubishing" any of these units cause technically they aren't theirs, they are Tivo units, plus the fact that they don't even admit to the problem makes me wonder why they would want it back? I'll keep ya'll posted if I am wrong and they ask for it back but I doubt I will see it, hell they are probably more worried about the changeover in the summer anyway. Vee shall see, and quit hatin if I do get away with it haha. I doubt any of you guys would give your unit back if you weren't forced to after having spent so much and not sure if your not going to have the same problem with the new unit.

Sorry to end your party, but you will be billed for $1,000 at some point once DirecTV is unable to link a return tracking number to you. In fact, not having been given a return shipping label is worse for you. DirecTV uses a third-party company to handle the shipment and tracking of equipment. (That's why if you call the DirecTV CSRs to ask when you will receive your replacement unit, they cannot honestly tell; A horrible system, but that's the way it works.)

You may get a call from DirecTV Customer Care. That's not DirecTV--That's the company that knows whether or not you received the replacement unit and whether or not you sent one back. If they call you, demand that you be sent a return shipping label immediately. Right now you are . . .well, you're frankly just screwed. On the bright side, you will have a second unit--at the somewhat inflated price of $1K.

[rogue5]

So I am just curious, why so much up roar over this? I mean really are you guys just trying to save me so kind of grand situation or is is something more? I would believe the first due to the great people I have met on these boards and the help I have gotten on various issues but the last few post just seem malicous or even dare I say it bitter for some reason. Just seems odd that on this board where everyone is complaining about how crappy the the whole defective hardware issue is being handled by all parties involved I wasn't expecting this kind of response. Oh well maybe it is just the ill feeling perpetuated from this whole issue not being resolved properly with a design fix instead of musical units and playing russian HDMI port. To each his/her own. If/when they bill me I will send my old unit back, but I will wait til they ask for it,

N.A.V.Y

[Robert Spalding]

So I am just curious, why so much up roar over this? I mean really are you guys just trying to save me so kind of grand situation or is is something more? I would believe the first due to the great people I have met on these boards and the help I have gotten on various issues but the last few post just seem malicous or even dare I say it bitter for some reason. Just seems odd that on this board where everyone is complaining about how crappy the the whole defective hardware issue is being handled by all parties involved I wasn't expecting this kind of response. Oh well maybe it is just the ill feeling perpetuated from this whole issue not being resolved properly with a design fix instead of musical units and playing russian HDMI port. To each his/her own. If/when they bill me I will send my old unit back, but I will wait til they ask for it,

N.A.V.Y


Because of few of us have gotten a bill for 1k for not sending it back in a timely manner. Just trying to help, but you arrogance doesn't lend itself much to us being nice in the future. Good luck!

[zeddtivo]

OK OK I give up!! After several trips to BB and what I thought was the final solution – ordering a unit from Value Electronics I am giving up on the HR10-250. I was very disappointed (after hearing good things on this thread) to receive a unit from VE that was made in Mexico, November build date, obviously used (scratches in front and discoloration on top from some company’s ID tag) that had the purple tint out of the box. I am sending it back and demanding my money back. Does anyone have a suggestion for a unit to hold me over for six months till this is finally really fixed? I can’t live without HD after spending $7K on a Sharp HD LCD and $6K on the new Denon 5805 that switches HDMI. The super bowl was too fun to watch in HD.

[psyclonejack]

I am on my 3rd HR10-250, same issue every time: purple/pink tint when switching the TV on or between 720/1080. I too am beyond pissed. I think I am going to return it and the TV and go back to what I had before.......regular TV. Its unbeleivable that they can not get this to work.......

[bebe lapin]

I just had my second HDMI failure on a HR10-250. Same as the last one. Lots of polarization then poof ... no signal. D-TV was nice enought to send me a replacement the first time (Nov. 04) with no problems.
My second unit, manufactured 11/7/04 had probs from the begining. Coax cable input 1 never wanted to make a connection. Something must have been in the connector or somethin'. Got that figgered out and the box worked better than the first. No sound sync problems like i was havng with the first box. And after testing it, showed the HDMI connection was better than the componet video for sure.
Friday night the HDMI went out. I unhooked my DVD player so i could hook up via componet video to my Samsung DLP . Reset the D-Tivo and got a lot of static noise and no picture . A call to D-TV got me passed between techs then cut off. This happened 3 times. After having a spirted (hahha) conversation with the floor manger at the "Call In"( they are not alllowed to call back if you get cut off) Tech Center. They are sending out a service tech to see what the problem is . Some sort of stalling tatic on there part. They would not even acknowledge the prob. I got the box working via S-Video for now . Picture looks like dirt at 480, but what can ya do ?
My 1 year warrenty will be up in Sept 05. I am fearing the date.
Will they fix this problem by then?
If so will they send me a updated box?
Will I be part of a class action suit?
So many questions, no "Direct" answers.

[GW350]

I swapped out #2 for #3 at Best Buy the other night, the HDMI was still working on #2 but it had a terrible remote problem. #3 so far is good, made in Mexico but no date so I guess that means recently manufactured... HDMI looks good, remote works like it should, hopefully this will be the last one...

GW

[bertschb]

I hope this box works for you too but I'm guessing it will fail by March 15th.

[abracadabra]

Go figure. I've been using the HDMI port now for 2+ month's with no problems. I've been waiting for the day when the s*** hits the fan. This weekend I noticed I haven't had a successful dial in for 21 days. I called tech support and got transferred to level 2. They think the internal modem went bad and are now sending me a new unit. Here I thought the HDMI issue would do me in. Oh well, hopefully I get a newer build date and thus avoid the whole HDMI issue altogether :p

[abbas]

Humax will be making the new Directv HDTV receivers when they goto MPEG4. I wonder if they will have DVR version too.

Here is the clip
"Humax to Supply DirecTV MPEG-4 HDTV Set-top Box
As reported earlier, So. Korea’s Humax will ship an MPEG-4 set-top box in the latter part of this year, “as silicon becomes available.”

The third STB model to be launched by Humax for the top U.S. satellite company will decode both standard-definition MPEG-2 and high-definition MPEG-4 signals. DirecTV plans to begin transmitting local broadcast channels in MPEG-4 in 12 major markets later in the year. "

abbas

[sabadon]

I have not posted to this thread since Nov. 2004. Have tried 2 units with both having HDMI DOA. Decided not to try and get a 3rd replacement unless, and until, the problems are fixed.

Since then I have read all the posts on this thread and seriously wonder if D* will ever do anything to fix the HR10-250. Where is their incentive?

If they are dumping TIVO and not planning a replacement HD PVR, I have to believe we (current HR10-250 owners) are out of luck. How else do you explain the half a** way they have handled the problem and failed to really address the issue.

I sent an email twice to customer service saying in effect why don't you do the right thing and address this problem honestly. They never acknowledged receiving the email much less respond.

It seems to me that those of us having the problem with the HR10-250 are too small a part of their business to worry about. If the HR10-250 is in fact a dead end product, what financial incentive does D* have to take care of us?

Hope I am wrong but D* has done nothing to date that indicates to me they will come up with a real fix. How hard can it be for them to fix a couple of hardware problems?

[mintakaX]

I am honestly starting to think that there will never be a fix to the faulty HDMI issue or for that matter to any of the other chronic problems that seem to be associated with the HR10-250. So basically is it time to start accepting the fact that we got ripped off ? I mean mine still works with component, so I guess that its not exactly a total ripoff. There really is not much that can be done about it is there ? Or, is this kind of thinking premature ?

[mfleming]

I am honestly starting to think that there will never be a fix to the faulty HDMI issue or for that matter to any of the other chronic problems that seem to be associated with the HR10-250. So basically is it time to start accepting the fact that we got ripped off ? I mean mine still works with component, so I guess that its not exactly a total ripoff. There really is not much that can be done about it is there ? Or, is this kind of thinking premature ?
Yes, definitely ripped off. They've had, what, 8 months or so to get this right? They either don't care or are completely incompetent. I gave up after my first problem after reading all the problems n this thread.

I'm just waiting for some other manufacturer to come out with another model. I'm surprised no one has yet.

[AbMagFab]

What chronic problems? There is a hardware HDMI problem, possibly a software HDMI problem, possibly a TV HDMI issue (e.g. JVC), with maybe 20% of the units (which is unacceptably high, but not 100%).

Most of us are thrilled and happy with our HR10-250, and hardly feel ripped off. What other chronic problems are you referring to?

[mintakaX]

What chronic problems? There is a hardware HDMI problem, possibly a software HDMI problem, possibly a TV HDMI issue (e.g. JVC), with maybe 20% of the units (which is unacceptably high, but not 100%).

Most of us are thrilled and happy with our HR10-250, and hardly feel ripped off. What other chronic problems are you referring to?

You're kidding right ? In case you're not kidding, how are you coming up with "most of us" ?. Is the bad hdmi only present on 20% of the units ??? That is very hard to believe given that so many people are on their 3 or fourth units and still having problems. If it were only 20% I'd take the chance of sending mine back for a replacement. What about the stuttering video problems ?

It seems to me that the HR10-250 overall has a pretty high failure rate. Am I happy with mine ? Not really, I think a $1000 unit should work or at least one should be able to get a working unit without too much trouble. Are you using hdmi ? If so, I hope yours doesnt fail, but I think the odds are against it.

[zeddtivo]

I could use some help deciding whether to keep my 4th 10-250. I have had it two days and once the remote wouldn't work until I was very close (1 inch) to the sensor then if worked OK. The other issue is I got a green shaded screen twice when not touching the cables but swithing the source through my Denon 5805 which switches HDMI. I am not sure if the remote problem is anything other than a rare minor nusiance. I am also (and much more concerned) not sure if the green shading is an indicator of future failure. The picture came back after running through the resolutions. Is it just a switching problem or the 10-250? My prior units had purple screens. This week will be my only chance to get my money back. From then on I will be swapping units for the foreseeable future. Any advice?? Made in Mexico with no date.

[AbMagFab]

On the poll above, 30% said they have problems. A poll like this is going to be extremely skewed towards the folks with problems. 20% is generous, it's more likely 5-10% at most (which is still unacceptably high for a consumer electronics device).

Most of the repeat problem folks likely have some other issue - like a TV incompatibility, or power issues, or they keep hacking and screwing it up, etc.

And 80%+ is most of us who are happy, yes.

[mintakaX]

On the poll above, 30% said they have problems. A poll like this is going to be extremely skewed towards the folks with problems. 20% is generous, it's more likely 5-10% at most (which is still unacceptably high for a consumer electronics device).

Most of the repeat problem folks likely have some other issue - like a TV incompatibility, or power issues, or they keep hacking and screwing it up, etc.

And 80%+ is most of us who are happy, yes.

Sorry, I dont buy it. The hdmi on my unit failed and it was purely mechanical, at the source. It had nothing whatsoever to do with anything downstream. I take it that you are not using the hdmi output ? As for the poll, how many people answered that they didnt have problems and later had a problem ? I was one of those people.

[AbMagFab]

Yup, I'm using HDMI, as are apparently around 75% of people with an HD Tivo.

It's kind of ego-centric to assume, that since you had a problem, "most people" must also have had the problem, even though the poll in this thread says exactly the opposite. And to say there are additional chronic problems, when there aren't, kind of takes away some credibility.

But each to his own. Excuse me while I go and watch and enjoy beautiful time-shifted HD via HDMI.

[bertschb]

How long has the HDMI output been working on your unit?

[Beckzilla]

What chronic problems? There is a hardware HDMI problem, possibly a software HDMI problem, possibly a TV HDMI issue (e.g. JVC), with maybe 20% of the units (which is unacceptably high, but not 100%).

Most of us are thrilled and happy with our HR10-250, and hardly feel ripped off. What other chronic problems are you referring to? Please tell me what the color of the sky is on your planet. To make an arrogant statement like that is beyond belief. I just received my 7th unit in the last 6 weeks and ALL are because of HDMI output going out and also bad hard drives. Also have seen stuttering problems on all of them and for a unit that costs this much a slow processor as this one has is inexcusable as the guide loads ridiculously slow and the channels change slow. Also all the OTA problems that this unit has is totally problematic as all of mine will not pick up 6 of my local HD channels but my Sony Wega picks them all up with no problem hooked to the same antenna input. If these arent chronic then you should go to Websters and look up the definition. (Oh, did I just say that all out loud?)

[starbucksfreak]

There are probably some people who are happy with their HR10-250s , because they are using it with a television that does not have some type of a compatibility issue with the HDMI. Apparently there are HD TVs where this box actually performs as it should. But there are several models, including mine, that present some type of HDMI compatibility problem when connected to the HR10-250. This often manifests itself with the false overheat protection freeze-up, which means failure of normal data transmission via HDMI. This is the issue that the company is apparently hoping to address via a software patch. And, it is not a hardware issue. I have no idea what TV brands are actually problem-free with the unit, but there are several major ones that evidently are guaranteed to have an eventual failure when mated to the HR10-250 via the HDMI.

[mintakaX]

There are probably some people who are happy with their HR10-250s , because they are using it with a television that does not have some type of a compatibility issue with the HDMI. Apparently there are HD TVs where this box actually performs as it should. But there are several models, including mine, that present some type of HDMI compatibility problem when connected to the HR10-250. This often manifests itself with the false overheat protection freeze-up, which means failure of normal data transmission via HDMI. This is the issue that the company is apparently hoping to address via a software patch. And, it is not a hardware issue. I have no idea what TV brands are actually problem-free with the unit, but there are several major ones that evidently are guaranteed to have an eventual failure when mated to the HR10-250 via the HDMI.

Again, I'm having a hard time accepting that the hdmi problems that are so often mentioned are the result of an icompatibility. When mine started to fail, I could jiggle the connection a bit and the problem would clear up. Eventually it completely failed. Could this really be caused by an incompatibilty ? I had it hooked up to a DVDO ISCAN HD+.

[mintakaX]

Yup, I'm using HDMI, as are apparently around 75% of people with an HD Tivo.

It's kind of ego-centric to assume, that since you had a problem, "most people" must also have had the problem, even though the poll in this thread says exactly the opposite. And to say there are additional chronic problems, when there aren't, kind of takes away some credibility.

But each to his own. Excuse me while I go and watch and enjoy beautiful time-shifted HD via HDMI.

Wow, I didnt realize that you were taking this discussion so personally, even to the point of a personality judgement ("ego-centric"). This is just a video machine machine we are talking about isnt it ? I thought that we were just having a discussion, I didnt intend to make you feel so defensive about your tivo. Sounds like you really like it ! I'm happy for you .

[Beckzilla]

Again, I'm having a hard time accepting that the hdmi problems that are so often mentioned are the result of an icompatibility. When mine started to fail, I could jiggle the connection a bit and the problem would clear up. Eventually it completely failed. Could this really be caused by an incompatibilty ? I had it hooked up to a DVDO ISCAN HD+. I agree 100%. My first 5 units were dead with the HDMI input right out of the box. When the next one went bad I took the cover off and could lightly move the HDMI card back and forth and make the picture go from bad to not bad. This is not a compatibility issue as I have a unit now that the HDMI is working perfectly (with fingers crossed). All with the same TV. I feel that the incompatibility issues are very minimal and with just a few sets, not many.

[AbMagFab]

How long has the HDMI output been working on your unit?

Pushing a year (I got the first batch, so that was April or May I think?).

In spite of the evidence to the contrary, it seems people want to believe that everyone is having problems. Fine, not gonna change your mind.

However, I would think that if I had repeated problems (like some posting here they have 5+ "out of the box" bad cards), maybe it's something I'm doing, or some TV incompatibility, or a power issue. Just getting another box isn't going to fix it.

Most people have no problems with their HR10-250. The evidence is very clear. Those that do have problems seem to have repeated problems. I would love to see the data from DirecTV since they seem to be doing nothing about trying to solve whatever the minority issue is.

[bertschb]

You are the only person I know of (who has posted here) that has had the HDMI output working for more than a couple months. It's possible that 99% of the HDMI outputs are working fine. But, it's sure weird that 99% of the folks who frequent these forums say they are on unit XX and HDMI never works (unless they jiggle the connector).

I love my HDTivo. My picture isn't any better with HDMI so it's not a huge loss. But, I really need that extra HD connection on my TV so it's a hassle. If there was another HDTivo-like box available with working HDMI I'd buy it in 2 seconds. DirecTv doesn't fix the problem because there isn't any competition (please don't mention the 921 here).

[Larry Chanin]

You are the only person I know of (who has posted here) that has had the HDMI output working for more than a couple months. It's possible that 99% of the HDMI outputs are working fine. But, it's sure weird that 99% of the folks who frequent these forums say they are on unit XX and HDMI never works (unless they jiggle the connector).



Hi Bert,

While I don't really expect you to reread each and every posting on this thread, the fact is there are others, such as myself, who indeed have reported no problems with their HDMI connection. However, on a thread specifically established to document HDMI problems, you shouldn't be astonished that there aren't many folks telling you that their HDMI connection is working.

To me arguing with other HD TiVo enthusiasts that 99 to 100% of the HDMI connections are faulty is a waste of energy. To me a failure rate of 10% for all failure modes is excessive.

Regardless of whether this poll can be considered "scientific", it is clear that it documents a serious problem. However, investigation of other threads will demonstrate that there are other quality control problems that are equally troublesome, i.e., hard drive failures and stuttering.

I think most of us attracted to this thread can agree on one thing, that is DIRECTV does not seem to be motivated to promptly correct problems on this device.

By the way, here's my previous comment:


Quote:
----------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by robnalex
With respect, I really don't understand the "all or nothing" philosophy. Sure, it would be nice if so many of these units did not have the HDMI trouble, but what's the big deal? My HDMI was bad and D* exchanged it for one that works. If this one goes bad I can exchange it again or just wait, since I seem to get slightly better PQ with component anyway. Why would I want to give up the fabulous ability to record HD over a minor inconvenience?
---------------------------------------------------

Hi Rob,

Many of us are early adopters and are used to a degree of early bugs. However, your comments seem to assume that the problems with the HD TiVo are confined strictly to the HDMI problem. From what I can tell from my own experience and from reading the experiences of the on-line TiVo community, is that the Hughes devices suffer from fundamental hardware quality issues throughout.

I had my first TiVo, an HD TiVo, for two days. I was greatly impressed with the picture quality on the HDMI/DVI connection. I was quickly becoming addicted to the "TiVo Experience", then after two days it died. No, not just the HDMI connection, everything. It won't boot up, and I'm not alone.

In stark contrast to the Hughes TiVo, as an early adopter, I purchased RCA's first HD satellite/OTA receiver. This receiver had it's expected early bugs, but they were all firmware related. In addition RCA was responsive in listening to the on-line community and not only quickly corrected the problems with automatic download updates, but incorporated some very helpful useability improvements as well.

The early consumer voting is coming in on this and other on-line forums and by all accounts Hughes doesn't seem to be coming anywhere near RCA in aggressively addressing very serious overall quality problems with their device.

Larry

As a follow on to my comments above, my replacement HD TiVo performed flawlessly for six months. Then it too failed. No not the HDMI connection, the hard drive again.

I am now on my third replacement. After three months it is working flawlessly. Having made this announcement I no doubt have jinxed myself and I expect in a couple of weeks I'll be reporting yet an other failure. :(

Larry

[starbucksfreak]

I agree 100%. My first 5 units were dead with the HDMI input right out of the box. When the next one went bad I took the cover off and could lightly move the HDMI card back and forth and make the picture go from bad to not bad. This is not a compatibility issue as I have a unit now that the HDMI is working perfectly (with fingers crossed). All with the same TV. I feel that the incompatibility issues are very minimal and with just a few sets, not many.

What I have heard is that there were multiple HDMI issues. One was hardware-related, the earlier problems that supposedly were corrected with an HDMI hardware fix. The HDMI failure that generates the false overheat shutdown is the one that is apparently going to be solved (when???) with a software fix, once a patch is developed that will correct the various compatibility anomalies with different equipment. I find that amazing, myself, but I remain hopeful.

[G4Mac]

With out a doubt it is a noticeable difference

[tomtomato]

When using my 10-250 through HDMI (via a HDMI-DVI cable to Panasonic plasma), I occasionally get the "posterized/solarized" picture when changing from 480p to 1080i. This happens maybe 5% of the time I switch to 1080i. Everytime, if I simply cycle through 480p back to 1080i, the problem clears up. It has been this way for about a month.

Here's my dilemma. I recently purchased a Panasonic S97 upconverting DVD player (awesome results btw!). That player is now using my plasma's DVI terminal, and my 10-250 is back on component. I am evaluating whether it is worth buying an extra DVI terminal board for the plasma, so I can connect my 10-250 again through HDMI (for me, the 10-250 looks a bit better on HDMI than component).

However - if the symptoms I described above are indicative of an imminent failure in my 10-250's HDMI port, I'll stick with component. Any advice?

[kimsan]

When using my 10-250 through HDMI (via a HDMI-DVI cable to Panasonic plasma), I occasionally get the "posterized/solarized" picture when changing from 480p to 1080i. This happens maybe 5% of the time I switch to 1080i. Everytime, if I simply cycle through 480p back to 1080i, the problem clears up. It has been this way for about a month.

Here's my dilemma. I recently purchased a Panasonic S97 upconverting DVD player (awesome results btw!). That player is now using my plasma's DVI terminal, and my 10-250 is back on component. I am evaluating whether it is worth buying an extra DVI terminal board for the plasma, so I can connect my 10-250 again through HDMI (for me, the 10-250 looks a bit better on HDMI than component).

However - if the symptoms I described above are indicative of an imminent failure in my 10-250's HDMI port, I'll stick with component. Any advice?

Check your "born on" date for something this year. It sounds as if the hardware prob has been fixed in jan (no date) models and later.

I've got a solid dead "posterized" HDMI right now (Nov 9 04) that will only change with physical manipulation of the HDMI card. I *have* seen a "posterized" component out once while changing output resolution. A second cycle cleaned it up.

My best guess is that the res conversion circuits can get confused and a cycle through clears it. Likely a hardware glitch, but not a hard failure.

[vonzoog]

TomTomto,

I have the same set up as you. I finally got tired of rebooting to have the HDMI working. When it fianally failed (second unit) I just hooked up my TV with component. It has been flauless hooked up this way. Leaving the HDTiVo hooked to the TV by component and the DVD thru HDMI has worked out to be a happy solution.

Paying the high price for a HDMI switcher and having to put up with all of the 250's connection problems with the HDMI just did not make sense to me. Also, with the new mpeg4 coming in the future at D*, I figure I will just wait.

By the way, the Panny S97 is unbelievable thru HDMI with a DLP TV. :up:

[shaown]

Hi all,
Well, after a long time with my unit (whats its been for me 5-6 months?) My HDMI/DVI Ouput went pink. Best part, I predicted the failure to the second :)
How you ask? Well I had seen reports of failures when plugging / unplugging moving the unit, and I realized that mine had not been physcially touched the whole time since I set it up. Last weekend I moved to a new apt. I was so careful, unscrewed the DVI end of the cable from the TV, didn't touch the HDMI side. Carried the unit in my hands the whole way. Plugged it in at my new apt, bam, pink discoloration. So .. are replacements actually working? Should I call D* now? or wait a couple more weeks, I'm running on component meanwhile, but my DVD player is offline (or my XBOX) till I can switch this thing back to DVI..
Thx,
-Shaowb

[dvoge]

Purchased my HD DVR 250 last August from CC. Worked great until last week. Directv is now at least admitting there is a problem but would not switch out the box(still under warranty and I have the $7.99 monthly insurance) because the problem is with the HDMI connection in the back. Therefore all boxes have this issue. In their words"only a matter of time until it happens again." Their engineers are working on a fix but no timetable. I am not holding my breath.

This begs the question, how can they knowingly sell a defective product for such an exorbitant price and not have any repercussions. I generally do not advocate law suits but this seems like a slam dunk class action.

FYI I whined enough that they gave me a $250 credit but that is not sufficient compensation for a $1000 box. I certainly hope they will switch us out whenever the new generation box comes out.

[spangbr]

just went through this same problem and its very annoying. had 2 defective units with defective hdmi. got my 3rd one and it works fine on the hd channels and about half of the non-hd channels. for the other channels it had black and white flicks on the top few pixels of the screen. grrrrrr. oh and one of my first two units also had a defective s-video. i must say im very disappointed in direct tv and tivo with this low quality of a product especially at the price of these things.

[tjburrows]

I wonder if they are going to keep stalling until they have their replacement units in a year or two, and they figure it is not worth the expense to correct the problem on these units.

[cocoon]

got a replacement HD Tivo yesterday. This one doesn't say when it was manufactured but it was made in mexico. HDMI worked out of the box came the 3.1.5E software. I remember others worked for a few days then HDMI quit though. I had a hell of time getting it replaced. I eventually got it replaced because the hard drive was failing and then they gave me a hard time...

one last thing like people mentioned in other threads they did not send a return call tag. I have called them twice this time they said to wait 2 weeks if it doesn't arive then call them again...

[cocoon]

I wonder if they are going to keep stalling until they have their replacement units in a year or two, and they figure it is not worth the expense to correct the problem on these units.

I really don't think they have any intention of fixing these units since they plan to switch to what they call "home media centers" late this year / early next. I mean they still haven't fixed the random black & white issue with the series 2 standard definition directivos.

[jwwahly]

hooked mine up today 50 inch hitatchi plasma hdmi to dvi no picture not sure where it was assembeled

[gboneill]

This won't solve your loss of the DVI input... but it can maybe give you an extra component input say for the XBox.... My Optoma RD50's have BNC component inputs available. I didn't have any devices that use BNC inputs... but I got the idea that Radio Shack might have a converter from BNC to regular Component Video inputs... Yes they did!

[pbolya]

got a replacement HD Tivo yesterday. This one doesn't say when it was manufactured but it was made in mexico. HDMI worked out of the box came the 3.1.5E software. I remember others worked for a few days then HDMI quit though. I had a hell of time getting it replaced. I eventually got it replaced because the hard drive was failing and then they gave me a hard time...

one last thing like people mentioned in other threads they did not send a return call tag. I have called them twice this time they said to wait 2 weeks if it doesn't arive then call them again...
cocoon,
Be careful. I did not receive a tag either. I called them about it but did not worry to much. It's there fault I said. I just return it whenever they send me a tag. One month later the tag still has not arrived but they charged $1,000 to my credit card !!! After another set of phone calls they promissed they will refund me when they have my defective unit. 2 weeks later I got the tag and sent the unit back. Once I received delivery confirmation I called them up again and they promissed me that they will put the $1,000 back to my credit card but instead they gave me a $1,000 credit on my account. So basically they gave me a defective unit and in return they made me pay my monthly invoice for more than a year advance. Not a particulary attractive deal. I wish they would have let Sony manifacture some of these HD units. My 2 other Sony TiVo's never had any problems (4 years and 2 years old).

Make sure they send you the tag and you return your unit within 30 days.

Regards,
Peter

[CJLinst]

Just purchased an HR10-250, Assy in Mexico, dated 27-Oct-04. (Circuit City - 28 return days left).

I'm using supplied HDMI-DVI cable to a Samsung HLN437W. What I get is about two seconds of picture, then a second of black. The best way to describe it is it looks like it's "losing sync."

If I change the output mode, I get a "solarized" picture.

3.1.5d and 3.1.5e (it updated when I forced a call yesterday) exhibit the same behavior.

Works fine using component.

I have no trouble with two upconverting DVD players. The Dish 921 this unit replaced (tired of waiting for O&O HD from Charlie, dontcha know) also never glitched using DVI.

[georgemoe]

Just hooked my 1 month old HR10-250 to a Tosh 34HFX84 via HDMI. No problem so far. Hopefully another 2 weeks and I can vote. Positive I hope. Build on this unit was 26-Nov-04.

[cocoon]

cocoon,
Be careful. I did not receive a tag either. I called them about it but did not worry to much. It's there fault I said. I just return it whenever they send me a tag. One month later the tag still has not arrived but they charged $1,000 to my credit card !!!
Make sure they send you the tag and you return your unit within 30 days.

Regards,
Peter


Thanks for the warning. If they dont send me a return tag by end of the week I think I just will bite the bullet and send it back to them. Hopefully they would credit the account like one of the CSRs said. If not its the whole threaten to cancel deal all over again.