HDMI FAILURE Poll - EVERYONE please respond

[bebe lapin]

As a follow up to my posting on 2 /26.
The service tech came to my home looked at the box said yes it was bad. He has seen the HDMI connectors go bad right in front of his eyes.
A call to Direct TV was made and they are going to send me a new unit via Fed Ex. Well this was almost 2 weeks ago. When I spoke to the customer service rep on the phone she said her computer would not accept the order but "she wrote it down" and as soon as her problem with the computer was fixed she would place the order.
As i see it, this is just another stall by D-TV.
I am going to call tomorrow.
My next step is to contact The local TV stations in my area ( the consumer help division). They love to find problems and put them on the 5-oclock news.
Hopefully the possibility of bad publicity in a very competitive market will push someone at D-TV
to give me an answer.
If this doesnt work i guess the next step is to find a lawyer who would like to make some money .
I suggest anyone who calls D-TV to document the call. Get the Reps ID number along with their first name, time you called and what was said. If you record the call you must tell them so for legal reasons.
Ill keep posting until i get a solution.

[videoholic]

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.



This poll is incredibly whacked, because I'm sure there are quite a few people like me who have had problems since I inputted in the poll.

I am now on my 3rd box and it is broken. Been broken since September. Not really interested in getting a new one until they fix the problem.

[Pangloss]

Called D* this morning about this, and they asked me to upgrade to the F software by making a daily call.

[Pangloss]

Update: My HDMI port started working again after another reset (still no F download), but it's flakey as heck, producing white, snowy flashes on the screen. After playing around with the cable a bit more, I noticed that the port is really loose inside the box. It holds the cable firmly around the collar right at the opening, but inside it's totally loose. I think what's happening is that it's making a good connection with the cable, but the card itself is loose inside the box.

I called D* back, and they're sending a replacement unit.

[leesweet]

Pangloss, how old is/was your broken unit? The three of mine that I've looked into had the card so screwed down it would take a hammer to loosen it my itself. Some folks have said that the mounting changed since the beginning somewhere, but the ones I've seen had three screws to the back cabinet wall, and the clip to secure it in the motherboard jack if all else fails.

(I still don't have 'f' on either of mine; I suspect that all the CSRs don't have the current info on when it's 'totally rolled out' to everyone.)

[Pangloss]

I just got it less than a week ago, on Thursday the 10th.

[CharlieS]

Falstaffpac

Thanks for the tip. Placed the spacer between the card and pin after the weakness upgrade and the HDMI works. It is a noticable better picture with the sony LCD rear projection TV. Don't know if it worked before the upgrade because I got a HDMI TV after the upgrade. I was using an older generation HDTV that only had component inputs.

[MrCoolDu4]

I got my HD DirecTivo in July of 04 and after 3 unsuccessful attempts to return if for a replacement due to a bad HDMI output, (each one they sent me had the same problem right out of the box) I finally gave up in October. I was hoping they had fixed this problem by now and I'd try again, but it looks like the same old story here. If the warrantee is for a year and they still don't have the problem fixed, what do we do then? What a mess.

[muoldaar]

Back in September, I reported that my HDMI output died just a few days after receiving the 3.1.5d update. So I was hopeful that my HDMI failure was software-related and that next software update would resurrect my HDMI output. I finally got 3.1.5f today, but nope I don't have any good news to report. HDMI is still dead. :(

[plenzmd1]

Okay, I have had my unit since June of last year with no, and I mean, no issue. HDMI went bad last night. Called D* TV this morning and they are saying they can do nothing until I get the F version. Problem is I only have the TV hooked up via the HDMI/DVI, and it is completely built in to a custom cabinet, and it is a bitch for mr to get back there and hoook up another set of wires. Word to the wise for people like me with setups where the TV is hard to get to, set up with componat cables as well as DVI from the get go.

Did a quick search on the F version, has anyone had this help? Have read some where we people are getting an overheated message, but mine has just gone all pink and solar.

Horray for that great D* customer service. And I spend 7.99 a month for this treatment!

[ClaudioJ]

Has anyone been able to hook up with HDMI, see picture and audio on regular channels but when It comes to viewing HD Channels you could see the picture but no audio. Does that mean that I have a bad box also?

[starbucksfreak]

Has anyone been able to hook up with HDMI, see picture and audio on regular channels but when It comes to viewing HD Channels you could see the picture but no audio. Does that mean that I have a bad box also?

If you are connecting directly to a Sharp Aquos TV with the only audio output being your Sharp TV speakers, you will not get sound on HD or Dolby Digital broadcasts. You need to output your sound through a receiver or turn off the DD setting in the HR10-250. Beyond that, I do not know.

[plenzmd1]

quick update, new unit on the way. It did take two calls after the initial call to report the problem. 2nd tech said no replacements being shipped, this was a known defect. Then stated the "f" update would take of the issue, and as I was not able to download, could not send new one. Finally was told my protection plan with D* did not cover advanced receivers, only basic, and certainly not known defects. Also, she said I should contact the manufacturer directly. Thought that was interesting. When I made her wait as I pulled up the protection plan from the website and then informed that I was not an idiot and that I knew I was still under warranty, that D* was the manufacturer, and that the protection has no exclusions for "known defects" and could I please speak with someone knowledgeable" I was hung up on.

Called back, next tech read notes briefly, said something to the effect of how could people think this was a software issue, and instantly proceeded to process the shipment of a new unit.

[avNeophyte]

Have posterization on HDMI interface. Waited for 'f' patch so I wouldn't be told to wait for it. Got it yesterday and it didn't do anything (of course). Called tonight and received a bunch of BS about the problem being my TV (Fujitsu P50). Told no replacements. Blah, blah, blah.

Pressed the issue until I got escalated to the right level. New unit on the way.

This is my second HD-Tivofailure. I'm really angry with D* about their handling of these failures.

[Moral Kiosk]

Long ago, six months back, HDMI busted on the 250. Called up, immediately got a replacement order.. They sent the new one, and I fedexed the old one back.. New one worked like a charm and has yet to break.

But it gets better. In November, I got a bill on my CC for $1,000 bucks. Clearly, it was because the clowns at D* thought they didn't get the fedexed old box. I called and they immediately found that they had received the box. They said they would give me a credit. I was happy.

But then I find that they didn't credit me the 1 large to my CC.. I called and bitched, and they said they credited the 1 large to my ACCOUNT. Unbelievable. I said "you guys are clowns, give it back to my credit card." They said sure. I got happy again.

Next month, no credit to my card. I call up again and call them clowns.. And after threatening to call the better business bureau and get the charge taken off my card via Schwab, they said they'd send the CC credit.

I'm overall happy with D*, but it's stuff like this that makes me contemplate cable.

[pbolya]

Long ago, six months back, HDMI busted on the 250. Called up, immediately got a replacement order.. They sent the new one, and I fedexed the old one back.. New one worked like a charm and has yet to break.

But it gets better. In November, I got a bill on my CC for $1,000 bucks. Clearly, it was because the clowns at D* thought they didn't get the fedexed old box. I called and they immediately found that they had received the box. They said they would give me a credit. I was happy.

But then I find that they didn't credit me the 1 large to my CC.. I called and bitched, and they said they credited the 1 large to my ACCOUNT. Unbelievable. I said "you guys are clowns, give it back to my credit card." They said sure. I got happy again.

Next month, no credit to my card. I call up again and call them clowns.. And after threatening to call the better business bureau and get the charge taken off my card via Schwab, they said they'd send the CC credit.

I'm overall happy with D*, but it's stuff like this that makes me contemplate cable.They did the exact same thing to me too. The only difference I was late sending the replacement back because they never sent me a return label. I specifically ask them to return the money back to my credit card instead of my account and they promissed but instead put it on my account. So now I basicaly paid over a year of my subscription in advance! Did they ever credit your card ?

[imurray]

New member to HD Tivo - HDMI was DOA when I got the box. Waiting for a call back form the retailer about a replacement. Directv did not want to have anything to do with fixing the faulty equipment.

I am surprised at the number of people with problems on this, and the unwillingness of the manufacturer to help ?

[guptasa1]

Just got HD Tivo last week. HDMI port works perfectly so far, but it's only been a little less than a week. I'll update if the status changes.

[Klankster]

Hmmm. I went to watch a HD program this afternoon, and HDMI is totally dead. No picture (black) and no audio. Is this typical, or do you usually have audio and no picture?

I wound up watching the show on component output, but I'm worried that my HR10-250 is broken. I'm not amused.

I saw a note about a reset possibly bringing it back, will try this shortly.

[bertschb]

I just noticed a $1,000 charge for unreturned equipment on my bill. Luckily, I kept the FedEx receipt that shows they received my defective unit (#3) on Feb 11th. They said they'll credit my account in 3-5 days. I doubt it. I'll check back at the end of the week but I expect they will have screwed it up worse by then.

[Moral Kiosk]

They did the exact same thing to me too. The only difference I was late sending the replacement back because they never sent me a return label. I specifically ask them to return the money back to my credit card instead of my account and they promissed but instead put it on my account. So now I basicaly paid over a year of my subscription in advance! Did they ever credit your card ?

Yeah, they did. But the geniuses also started taking money out of the Directv credit before I got my money back to the CC.. Which meant that they billed me, like, $180 for two months after I got the 1k back.

[mintakaX]

It is baffling that D* can get away with selling a product that has so many chronic problems as well as treating their customers so inconsiderately. They used to be a good company.

[Pangloss]

Received my replacement HD Tivo today. As expected, they forgot to include the return packaging/address stuff. I called and they said it they would send it, and it'll be here in 2-5 days. But of course they'll be charging me $1000 for the replacement unit if they haven't received it within seven days from today.

Morons.

[brickcasa]

I purchased my original unit at the end of January from BB. HDMI was dead out of the box. Returned it to BB for an exchange the same day. That unit worked fine until today, the HDMI died.
I called D*, & after finally getting transferred to the "HD Support Department" I was told it was a software issue & I would just have to live with component output until a software update was release sometime in the future. He told me the software was causing overheating, & that was killing the HDMI.
I asked to talk to a supervisor. After arguing with him for several minutes he finally agreed to send me a replacement unit, but he warned me that I would have the same problem with the new unit until this software update was released.

Not a great experience.
Not very happy.

[leesweet]

Don't expect the return label quickly if it's missing. I waited over a month and they 'shipped it' three times. I never got it. Then they charged me the $1000 *twice* on the D* account. Luckily I saw it and yelled loud enough to get it taken off before it hit my credit card.

Search this forum for 'Dock 6' and you'll find my post with the address and FedEx account number to use to return the old HR10-250 to. Be sure to put down that the value is $1000 or you'll be SOL if they lose it totally! (And, yeah, keep the FedEx airbill copy forever, since you'll never know when they might charge you for it!)

[brickcasa]

Thanks for the info & advice Lee. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[Mark Lopez]

I've had my 2 HD Tivos for about 9 months now and never had a problem, including opening them up a few times to upgrade/replace drives. However while in the process of packing for our move this weekend, I moved one just a few inches and out went the HDMI. If I fuss with it I can get a green posterized picture on 1080i, but nothing on the other modes. Then I decided to check the other unit and I could only get a picture on 1080i on it. I unplugged and plugged the cable in on that one and all the modes came back (for now). I'll probably just use the component on the other one since I really don't see any difference in picture quality.

[Bodie]

Didn't have HDMI to test the first unit (replaced due to stuttering). Just got the 32" Aquos and when I first connected HDMI I got what looked like reversed colors. Turned the TV off and back on and got Magenta. Power-cycled again and had reverse colors back. Wiggled the HDMI plug in the Tivo and poof, gone (although it still connected enough to shut off the component out). Looks like its time for unit 3... :mad:

[Afergy]

Purchased my 2nd HD Tivo August 2004. No problems until last week when the HDMI port died. Does anyone know definitively if this is truly a software issue? Or is this hardware related?

On a side note: Are these units going to be useless when D* launches the new satellites? I read that the compression ratio is changing which will make these obsolete. Please no opinions just facts. Thanks!

[georgemoe]

Mine has been running now without HDMI incident for 2 weeks. Version "f".

[acampo]

HDMI DEAD
there goes my hdmi...
The only change i made was to hookup svideo and analog audio out to a dvd recorder.
now its dead........ flashes of red blue then dead again.

[Larry Chanin]

On a side note: Are these units going to be useless when D* launches the new satellites? I read that the compression ratio is changing which will make these obsolete. Please no opinions just facts. Thanks!

Hi,

As I understand it for a relatively short time DIRECTV will be broadcast in both MPEG2 and MPEG4 after the launch of the new satellites.

When they turn off the MPEG2 broadcast ALL EXISTING RECEIVERS, both standard and high definition, will no longer work.

There is speculation that the upgrades to the new technology will be at little or no cost, but DIRECTV, as is their practice, has not made a firm public commitment on the subject.

Larry

[starbucksfreak]

Didn't have HDMI to test the first unit (replaced due to stuttering). Just got the 32" Aquos and when I first connected HDMI I got what looked like reversed colors. Turned the TV off and back on and got Magenta. Power-cycled again and had reverse colors back. Wiggled the HDMI plug in the Tivo and poof, gone (although it still connected enough to shut off the component out). Looks like its time for unit 3... :mad:

For Bodie, is your Aquos connected HDMI-to-HDMI or are you using the DVI input on your display?

[ArcticGabe]

3 months now and HDMI is still going strong.

Good thing I have a wood desk; I don't have to reach too far to knock on it.

[Pangloss]

My replacement's HDMI channel is also broken. I'm sending it back and just going with component cables.

[uofmtiger]

I had a hard drive failure on my first HDTivo box and bever tested HDMI.

Recently, I noticed that my picture would "spike" if I had a flash or very bright scene on the program I was watching via the component inputs (1080i, 720P, 480p, but no problem in 480i) on my newest HDTivo box. I tried to switch to the HDMI to DVI connector and I did not get a picture at all on my TV. I also have a HD PVR cable box and it also has the bright scene problem. I decided to test the HDMI to DVI cord on it and it worked flawlessly. It actually fixed the "spike" problem, too.

I guess I need another replacement for my HDTivo (not to mention a DVI switcher)! :eek:

[bertschb]

I heard rumors that the "F" version of the software would fix some HDMI problems so I went back to my HDMI output and my overheating message is gone. I'm on box #3 and it worked originally for 11 days before the overheating message showed up. I've been on component cables ever since.

We'll see how long it works this time. Since this unit has the newer HDMI card design (built in 2005) which is supposed to be more secure, perhaps all I needed was the F software to correct the overheating error message.

Time will tell...

[sdgator]

I have an HR10-250 I purchased in Dec 2004, and as of a couple days ago (just over 3 months in service) the HDMI port decided to quit working properly. I still see a picture, but everything looks like it has gone through photoshop. The faces look like they are painted with watercolors. I spent about an hour on the phone with customer service and to no avail, the unit never worked properly. My curiosity about other possible failures out there in the world brought me to this site, where I was incredibly surprised to see so many complaints regarding the exact same issue I was having. Talk about an eye opener....and an eyebrow rasier....geez. The "technicians" on the phone were questioning all the components of my setup, from the television, to the cable, to the fit of the HDMI connector, etc. Each item they questioned was quickly and immediately verified as a quality product, and he began to run out of things to question. His actual words were, "man, you've spent a lot of money on your setup. I guess we had better look more to the TIVO unit itself as the problem". The exact details of my setup are listed below. Judge for yourself. I believe that everything I used is top quality. Or maybe it's only middle of the road, and I'm just a noob...lol. Anyway, they are going to send out a technician to "verify" and "run additional tests" on my unit to see what is exactly wrong. So now I am forced to comply with the 4 hour time slot that is required for an appointment with D*. Time off work, just to prove to the D* guys that I'm not full of crap, and the unit they built has some serious issues. I sure hope that I don't have to write another post here explaining that my 3rd and 4th HDMI failure has just occurred. I love my TIVO. I cannot live without it. I am considering returning the unit for 3 regular HD units without TIVO since I still have 2 other standard 40 hour TIVO units to record all the non-HD programming that covers about 90% of D* broadcasts. Why can't they incorporate HD locals in with the HD TIVO unit?? I guess you can never be 100% happy with anything that is made of microchips. I think the "F" in the software version stands for something else, cause that's what I am after spending 1K on a 3 month HR10-250. F'ed!!!!


1 HR10-250
1 Hitachi Ultravision 50HS810 LCD Rear Projection TV
1 Samsung HD-841 DVD Player
1 Harmon Kardon AVR-635 Receiver
1 Mirage Nanosat 5.1 speaker system
1 Velodyne DLS-3750R 10" Sub
1 Monitor Silver Series 10 Center Speaker
All Top end Monster cables for all connections (DVI-HDMI, HDMI, Optical sound, etc.)

[whsbuss]

I purchased my original unit at the end of January from BB. HDMI was dead out of the box. Returned it to BB for an exchange the same day. That unit worked fine until today, the HDMI died.
I called D*, & after finally getting transferred to the "HD Support Department" I was told it was a software issue & I would just have to live with component output until a software update was release sometime in the future. He told me the software was causing overheating, & that was killing the HDMI.
I asked to talk to a supervisor. After arguing with him for several minutes he finally agreed to send me a replacement unit, but he warned me that I would have the same problem with the new unit until this software update was released.

Not a great experience.
Not very happy.

Well my HDMI->DVI connection just died. Happened after I power cycled the Tivo. Got the "f" update a week ago and things seemed fine. 2nd level support told me them same thing - wait for the next update.

My temp is at 41c - which is normal so I don't think its a temp problem. When I connect via s-video and look at the system info screen, the HMDI Status shows HDCP not enabled. When I unplug/plug the HMDI cable, it changes from not connect to HDCP not enabled.

I'm calling DTV again to demand a new unit again, then unplug the phone connection until they get this resolved. I cannot believe each update creates more and more problems. What a poor engineered unit!

[pbolya]

I believe that everything I used is top quality...
I think most of us has top quality equipments. If we wouldn't spend the money on a great TV/Receiver/soundsystem we would not spend 1k on a failing TiVo unit. That is why it is so iritating how bad these units are built. But the fact is we do not have a choice. The functionality of TiVo is just so great that I myself are willing to put up with all this crap to have it in HD. I hold of with the HD upgrade for 3 year until finally D* came out with an HD TiVo unit. TV is just unwatchable without TiVo. I myself have a 42" Sony Plasma TV and a 7.1 Sony receiver with top quality speakers (among other gadgets including 3 other TiVo's - 2 of them Sony).
Why can't they incorporate HD locals in with the HD TIVO unit??
Since Local channels require to brodcast local versions of this channels D* has to carry all 6 of these in 100's of TV markets. That means over a 1,000 HD channels. That is quite a bandwith to handle. Last year they shut up a new spot beam satelite (spot beam sends different programming to different markets on the same bandwith - like a flashlight it only covers a small part of the country). So now they started to provide local channels through that satellite to the 12 top markets like NY, SF, Tampa etc. they say 30% of there customers live in these 12 markets. They are sending 3 more birds up and they probably have all the markets covered by the end of next year (no additional programming cost if you have SD locals). It is not sure though that our current HD receiver/Satellite will be able to get these channels or just the new D* DVR.
I guess you can never be 100% happy with anything that is made of microchips. Not true I never had any problem with my Sony equipment including 2 of the best built TiVo's the Sony SAT-t60 D* series 1 and the Sony SVR-3000 Series 2 Standalone. If D* wouldn't monopolize the HD TiVo market and would let Sony (and others like Phillips etc) build some of the HD TiVo's these thread would have one reply only: By Sony TiVo instead.
I think the "F" in the software version stands for something else, cause that's what I am after spending 1K on a 3 month HR10-250. F'ed!!!!

I am gonna quess you meant Failed by F'ed ;)

Regards,
Peter

[jshaffer85]

I still see a picture, but everything looks like it has gone through photoshop. The faces look like they are painted with watercolors.

Mine just started doing this last night after a power failure. The only difference is mine is mostly green artifacts/shading. The problem seemed to correct itself when I restarted but it would return again in a minute or two after the picture corrected.

Anyone know if it could be DVI port failure on the TV (I have a Samsung DLP 50" HLN)? All the other component inputs work fine but I don't have any other DVI equipment to test if the TV is the problem.

I have also had the multiple overlaid images problem as well. Good thing I have the Circuit City 4 year service plan.

[whsbuss]

Well my HDMI->DVI connection just died. Happened after I power cycled the Tivo. Got the "f" update a week ago and things seemed fine. 2nd level support told me them same thing - wait for the next update.

My temp is at 41c - which is normal so I don't think its a temp problem. When I connect via s-video and look at the system info screen, the HMDI Status shows HDCP not enabled. When I unplug/plug the HMDI cable, it changes from not connect to HDCP not enabled.

I'm calling DTV again to demand a new unit again, then unplug the phone connection until they get this resolved. I cannot believe each update creates more and more problems. What a poor engineered unit!

Talked extensively with DTV 2nd level support...... they do not know why HMDI ports are dying since the "f" update. But they do know they have a major problem with some HD sets via HDMI.

They told me they ARE NOT replacing any HD Tivo units. However, the tech filled out an escalation form to see if I can get a new/replacement unit. Have to wait up to 48 hours for them to contact me.

SO if they deny this request, my next call is to customer retention. I think DTV is now at a cross road for HD Tivo support. We shall see what happens.

[Bodie]

For Bodie, is your Aquos connected HDMI-to-HDMI or are you using the DVI input on your display?

I went HDMI-HDMI first, didn't get a chance to test the DVI since the HDMI output had already gone out. (lightbulb on) or are you thinking it could be the set's HDMI port?

I'm hooking up via component anyways (for multi-set compatibility, our XBR in the living room only has component, not HDMI/DVI), so the HDMI test was just that (for now).

[Fish Man]

When they turn off the MPEG2 broadcast ALL EXISTING RECEIVERS, both standard and high definition, will no longer work.


This is not correct.

Eventually all HD channels will be going to MPEG4. All SD channels will remain MPEG2 forever.

Several DirecTV press releases have been quite specific about this.

The economics of this are obvious:

Currently, DirecTV has about 1 million HD receivers in operation. Fewer than 100,000 of those are HD-DTiVos. It is economically feasible for them to replace all of those at their expense.

They have about 25 million SD receivers in operation! (About 12.5 million customers with an average of 2 receivers each). It would be totally impossible economically to replace all of those.

The schedule of changeover is something like this:


Starting mid 2005 D* will begin rolling out HD locals, all of which will be in MPEG4 and on KA band.
Over the next 2 - 2.5 years, they will be rolling out HD locals steadily, all in MPEG4.
During that same time period, they will likely be adding some more national HD channels, which will probably also be in MPEG4.
After the bulk of the rollout of local HD channels is done, the current HD national channels will be converted to MPEG4. All of us will have to replace our receivers before that happens in order to not loose those channels. This changeover will not happen sooner than spring 2007, and probably later than that.


You are correct about them being quite vague about how the changeover of equipment will be handled.

It's a pretty safe assumption that some sort of HD DVR will be offered to us owners of HD-DTiVos, for "free" or a very small charge, before the current national channels go to MPEG4.

What is completely ambiguous is what sort of PVR will be offered.


Will it be TiVo based, NDS based, Ucentric based, other?
Will it have dual satellite tuners? Will it have any ATSC tuners (a favorite feature of the HD-DTiVo for me), either single or dual?


And what if DirecTV adds your locals or other national HD channels that you are interested in and you own an HR10-250? Do you get a free or greatly discounted offer on a replacement DVR then?

These are the sort of questions that are currently unanswered.

[Larry Chanin]

Hi Fish,

Thanks for the correction and elaboration.

Larry

[biffstertim]

I received my new Sept-built HR10 last week. HDMI was dead (no signal) out of the box. D* said I have to wait until as late as late April for a software fix. That's all.

Really? Is that what others are currently being told?

[Don7070]

Hello everyone. I am on my third HD Tivo. Of course, the component works fine, but on all of them, I am having the same HDMI issue. When I first set it up it works fine, but then after a few hours, or overnight, it goes out, and I get a screen that flashes between green & snow. I have not seen it go out while the tv is on. I don't know if that matters. This doesn't seem like the same problem everyone else is having. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, I get no audio through my tv with the HDMI cable, I have to use the optical connector through my home theater system. I know that is better sound quality, but shouldn't I have the choice of using the audio on the tv? Tv is a JVC DILA purchased in January. Thanks a lot!

[starbucksfreak]

I went HDMI-HDMI first, didn't get a chance to test the DVI since the HDMI output had already gone out. (lightbulb on) or are you thinking it could be the set's HDMI port?

I'm hooking up via component anyways (for multi-set compatibility, our XBR in the living room only has component, not HDMI/DVI), so the HDMI test was just that (for now).

The pinkish cast to the picture would happen for me when I did go HDMI to HDMI. But it was sporadic--and not actually a failure of the HR10-250 port. I moved to the DVI on the Sharp only because of the audio error message problem with the Sharp--and never had the pinkish cast issue again. But then I eventually had the overheat shut down, which was a complete failure of the HDMI interface. That has been remedied by the F software patch.

The only issue I have now with the HR10-250 is the occassional drop out of audio on HD shows. That is yet another compatitbility issue apparently, and I am told a lot of folks have experienced it. It was particularly distracting on an HBO movie broadcast last night.

[nuke]

still working after about a year now.

Hard disk died. Replaced the disk. Other than that, nothing else.

[TRGump]

Reason for stating the title four times is because I have had 4 HR10-250s, all with bad HDMI to DVI port.

D* sent out tech yesterday and he said, "your HDMI port doesn't work", he then called tech spt and they said "your HDMI port doesn't work", so, they're sending me a new one.

I have 4 D* Tivos, only 1 HR10-250, never have had a problem with the other 3 non-HD receivers (Hughes, Philips and RCA).

I have a Mitsubishi WS55513 HD, so the HD connection from the HR10-250 is an HDMI to DVI input through the Monitor Link; component, S-Vid and composite work, but no HDMI. I also just purchased an Insignia, 23 in. HD from BestBuy this past Sat. Had to take the first one back, no picture, but the second one works pretty good, although not connected to an HD rcvr, will cure that as soon as I can get the HDMI to work on the HR10-250. This came in handy because I was also able to show the tech rep that the HDMI-DVI does not work with the Insignia. I also have tried 3 different HDMI to DVI cables, one was the monster $120.00 cable so I ruled out a bad cable early.

I'm using the "f" version of the software, so hopefully this next HR10-250 will work, if not, I'm either gonna take the unit back to BestBuy or have to live with component only connection which isn't a bad picture.

Anyway, will share the results once the replacement has been received which will be tomorrow.

I hope no one else ever has this or similar bad experiences with the HR10-250, Sat., HD and Tivo should provide a lustful viewing experience, I'm eagerly awaiting to experience this myself, hopefully after tomorrow.

Cheers to all ...

Gump

[obi1]

The only issue I have now with the HR10-250 is the occassional drop out of audio on HD shows. That is yet another compatitbility issue apparently, and I am told a lot of folks have experienced it. It was particularly distracting on an HBO movie broadcast last night.

I also have the dropouts on HD channels and have posted several times on this. D* of course says they have never heard of this problem. Problem only occurs on D* supplied programming, never occurs on OTA of same program. I can be watching Boston Legal on D* and is very annoying, I also will be recording Boston Legal OTA on 2nd receiver and it is fine. Also reception from D* when using my old Sony HD 100 sat receiver, no audio problems. Also no problems on my other 3 non HD Tivo's. So if looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, it probably is......;.............. Don't you hate it when a vendor who has charging you over 100 bucks per month for 10 years just lies to you? My only recourse is that for the past 2 years in my frustration with D* is that I never recommend their service or Tivo to anyone anymore.. In the past I know that I was responsible for a large number of new users, but now nada, nada. Of course they are probably so dense that they do not care. They would rather spend a few million more on advedrtising then to please their customers who can recommend and bring them more. OH yes my HDMI has not worked from day one and reading all the horror stories I will just continue to run component until it is fixed. I purchased a 5 years warranty(yea I know, stupid!) on my 250 so I will wait.

[H2O]

Born 4-24-04 in USA

Bought from CC on 5/7/04.

HDMI port worked flawlessly until it died on 6/17/04.

D* is sending new unit.

FWIW my pic using the component connection is noticeably inferior to the pic using the HDMI to DVI connection on my TV.

BTW I'm the only one that has had an HDMI port failure. D* CSR told me so! :rolleyes:
I had the same response from them when I had a HDMI problem. They suggested going to component connections. They said that I nobody could notice the difference. If HDMI doesn't work on their units, they shouldn't sell the feature. I'm on my 2nd HR 10-250 unit now, waiting for them to deliver the third. All within a month.

By the way, their software upgrade messed up this one. I now see only bright blues where shades of black should be.

[H2O]

Mine just started doing this last night after a power failure. The only difference is mine is mostly green artifacts/shading. The problem seemed to correct itself when I restarted but it would return again in a minute or two after the picture corrected.

Anyone know if it could be DVI port failure on the TV (I have a Samsung DLP 50" HLN)? All the other component inputs work fine but I don't have any other DVI equipment to test if the TV is the problem.

I have also had the multiple overlaid images problem as well. Good thing I have the Circuit City 4 year service plan.
After a software upgrade, mine did the same with blues instead of greens. I'm waiting for a new unit from them, my 3rd in a month.

[starbucksfreak]

I also have the dropouts on HD channels and have posted several times on this. D* of course says they have never heard of this problem. Problem only occurs on D* supplied programming, never occurs on OTA of same program. I can be watching Boston Legal on D* and is very annoying, I also will be recording Boston Legal OTA on 2nd receiver and it is fine. Also reception from D* when using my old Sony HD 100 sat receiver, no audio problems. Also no problems on my other 3 non HD Tivo's. So if looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, it probably is......;.............. Don't you hate it when a vendor who has charging you over 100 bucks per month for 10 years just lies to you? My only recourse is that for the past 2 years in my frustration with D* is that I never recommend their service or Tivo to anyone anymore.. In the past I know that I was responsible for a large number of new users, but now nada, nada. Of course they are probably so dense that they do not care. They would rather spend a few million more on advedrtising then to please their customers who can recommend and bring them more. OH yes my HDMI has not worked from day one and reading all the horror stories I will just continue to run component until it is fixed. I purchased a 5 years warranty(yea I know, stupid!) on my 250 so I will wait.

They actually do know about this audio dropout problem that only occurs on certain HD broadcasts. I just don't think their CSReps have been clued in. Seems like it would be better to be straightforward with the customers via the frontline contact centers, but then we have seen where factual info is not often being communicated from there. In any case, the audio errors apparently have to do with D*'s fix on the synchronization problems. That's corrected--but another problem then occurs with the dropout.

[AZJimbo]

New service and Tivo HD unit was installed on Saturday. The HDMI port was DOA, it won't recognize the OTA signal, the audio drop out is the pits and the DSI tech was not knowledgeable and a pain.

When I called the problem in, I had to escalate to a supervisor. They said I should call the place I bought it from and after haggling a while they said they would ship a replacement.

So it's Thursday and no unit yet. I called back and talked to 4 different people who finally told me the order was not in the system and retook the information and reassured me it was in the system now. 2-5 days to receive.

I have read all the forum stuff and I still buy the damn HD DVR, go figure. I just can't watch TV anymore, I have to watch Tivo.

Azjimbo

[MichaelK]

I think we need to start the poll over. I voted no problems months ago but now my unit is screwing up.

I have an American made unit from like June of last year. Worked via HDMI->DVI since day one, but now its doing the thing were it does shading and gets blocky. Seems just the connector is bad- if I jiggle the cable I can get it to work (might be the board is loose and jiggling the connector moves the board). But clearly my unit has a mechanical connection issue someplace.

I think I’ll just move to component for now. I don’t know that it’s worth the effort to bother fighting with them over it when this time next year it will have been swapped out anyhow. To me I mostly was worried about HDMI to make sure I was OK if anyone ever bothered with copy protection but it doesn’t sound like I need to sweat that before D* swaps me to MPEG4. Of course if I connect the component cables and it looks like crap I may change my mind- but from what I’ve read here, there couldn’t be a significant difference- some eve say component is better.

[Bodie]

The pinkish cast to the picture would happen for me when I did go HDMI to HDMI. But it was sporadic--and not actually a failure of the HR10-250 port. I moved to the DVI on the Sharp only because of the audio error message problem with the Sharp--and never had the pinkish cast issue again. But then I eventually had the overheat shut down, which was a complete failure of the HDMI interface. That has been remedied by the F software patch.

The only issue I have now with the HR10-250 is the occassional drop out of audio on HD shows. That is yet another compatitbility issue apparently, and I am told a lot of folks have experienced it. It was particularly distracting on an HBO movie broadcast last night.

If I feel ambitious enough, maybe I'll carry the sharp back downstairs to the Tivo and try HDMI-DVI just for thoroughness-sake. Intuitively, it shouldn't work since the last output from the HDMI was a blank screen (now I can't remember if there was audio or not) and a lockout on the component output.

[JJChandler]

Well I just requested my 3rd Tivo unit. I added a DVD recorder to my stack of equipment and when I went to plug it in to the RCA audio jacks I found that the metal jacket was missing from the RCA video jack. It seems the metal jackets on all the RCA jacks aren't soldered to anything??? They just pull out from the box when you pull off the cables. D* agreed to send me a new unit in a couple of days.

Could we bring any type of class action suit against D* for this $1000 defective unit? I've read that many people have returned units many more times than myself. I spoke to a 2nd level CSR then her manager about having D* extend the warranty for another year. They won't do it. I don't think I should have to pay $8 to cover a defective product.

This is infuriating me and I want to do something about it. I could spend $30 bucks on a dvd player and the RCA jacks would be attached!

[Craig540]

I I've read in another thread that just before someone's HDMI went out, they temporarily saw a picture with "snow" on their television. I've seen this occurence twice now and it makes me shudder. .

That is how my second unit just went out days after the F update. I saw the snow screen a few times when changing back to DVI from another input and now the screen just flickers every 5 seconds.It was fine for about 5 months with a component hookup and now with my new LCD going on 3 weeks DVI this happens. This is my second unit the first going out for HD failure the next day after the E update. I called retention tonight and have another one on the way.

[Craig540]

I just swicthed from component back to DVI to check and now its ok. Is this the over heating problem ? It will probably come back right ?
Also when it was flickering it said HDCP not enabled in the system info now its enabled and working fine. Man I hate to loose saved programs I have, Guess i'll let the other one come and make a discission to keep it or not. The new one may have bad HD or HDMI.

[kenkirk]

Well, my first HDDTV tivo worked great until the HD failed. DTV sent out a replacement 2 months ago. It was a brand new unit. The HDMI failed last night. A complete failure. It was working perfectly. I have never moved the plug once it was installed the first time.

Should I send it back at this point. The component outs work fine with my Sony XBR 34 monitor.

Ken

[bobpenn]

Just got my HD Tivo. No output from HDMI, only from Component. So I refused it. They brought another one to me the same day, and time time, HDMI worked fine! Got lucky, I suppose. I learned the hard way, as did the tech, that you can't have a plug in HDMI and Component at the same time, so for awhile it looked like nothing was outputting on the first unit. It was this board which solved that problem, not the tech, who was nice but inexperienced (his second HD install, he told me).

Anyway, all is well. The OTA in Los Angeles looks fantastic and the HD channels looks great. Only downside: the first digital show I managed to tune in was Jerry Springer.

[drjeckl]

I think we need to start the poll over. I voted no problems months ago but now my unit is screwing up.

I have an American made unit from like June of last year. Worked via HDMI->DVI since day one, but now its doing the thing were it does shading and gets blocky. Seems just the connector is bad- if I jiggle the cable I can get it to work (might be the board is loose and jiggling the connector moves the board). But clearly my unit has a mechanical connection issue someplace.

I think I’ll just move to component for now. I don’t know that it’s worth the effort to bother fighting with them over it when this time next year it will have been swapped out anyhow. To me I mostly was worried about HDMI to make sure I was OK if anyone ever bothered with copy protection but it doesn’t sound like I need to sweat that before D* swaps me to MPEG4. Of course if I connect the component cables and it looks like crap I may change my mind- but from what I’ve read here, there couldn’t be a significant difference- some eve say component is better.

Not sure another poll is going to reveal anything or cause D* to do something else. If a new poll is created, add a choice for " temporarily rigged HDMI card to seat correctly into MB and waiting for the permanent fix." That's how I would vote.

Really, anyone who would go out on a limb and spend $1K on a box like this should know basic PC repair and that's all thats need to get around this problem without having to drop down to component. If jiggling the connector brings it back for a second or 2, you're a candidate for redemption. Pop the top, loosen all the screws to the card, make your TV and sat connections in a test environment. Press on the card til you get a clean picture. See if you can tighten down the board while maintaining the picture.

Once you figure out how it works, put the gear in its final spot and re-test. I have my HDMI card totally not screwed to chassis or MB. I'm sitting here, viewing an HDMI picture, waiting for the final fix. Rev f just fixed those sets that weren't compatible.

A software patch doesnt fix a hardware problem. ..jce

[Craig540]

I learned the hard way, as did the tech, that you can't have a plug in HDMI and Component at the same time


Is there a thread on this ?

[Roadmaster]

Bought my first HR 10-250 in Oct 04 and the HDMI didn't work right out of the box. Returned it to Best Buy and they replaced it with another new unit which has worked flawlessly until last week (Mar 25, 05) when the HDMI went out on the replacement unit. Best Buy won't touch it now as it's past 30 days, but D* is supposedly sending a replacement. I've 'very' concerned that I've had 2 units go down with the same problem. Overall, I've loved the receiver and the picture quality. Hopefully they get this issue fixed!

[MichaelK]

Not sure another poll is going to reveal anything or cause D* to do something else. If a new poll is created, add a choice for " temporarily rigged HDMI card to seat correctly into MB and waiting for the permanent fix." That's how I would vote....

..jce


I just figure the current numbers above are even worse because people who previously voted that everything is ok might have had problems later on.


Thanks for the advice on reseating it- but honestly it looks just as good component to me so and I’m in one of the first 12 MPEG4 markets so I figure its good enough till they have an MPEG4 dvr to switch me too come the end of this year or beginning of next.

Isnt worth the effort (to me)

[Klankster]

I learned the hard way, as did the tech, that you can't have a plug in HDMI and Component at the same time

Can someone explain this? When I set up my box, I connected the component outputs to my TV's component/HD input and connected the HDMI output to the TV's HDMI input. Both worked fine for both SD and HD. I could watch on either of these.

One day a couple of weeks ago, the HDMI output simply stopped working. No audio or video in either SD or HD. Component works, though.

Maybe I should try disconnecting the component outputs and see if HDMI works...

[gfb107]

If the HD-TiVO detects that something is actively connected to the HDMI port, it will turn off the other outputs (except in 480i mode).

Some device with HDMI inputs will disable the HDMI input when other inputs are active, and the HDTiVo will recognize this and turn the other outputs back on. Sounds like your TV does this.

[AZJimbo]

I just figure the current numbers above are even worse because people who previously voted that everything is ok might have had problems later on.


Thanks for the advice on reseating it- but honestly it looks just as good component to me so and I’m in one of the first 12 MPEG4 markets so I figure its good enough till they have an MPEG4 dvr to switch me too come the end of this year or beginning of next.

Isnt worth the effort (to me)

Where can I get a list of the first 12 meg4 markets?

Thanks

[mintakaX]

Really, anyone who would go out on a limb and spend $1K on a box like this should know basic PC repair and that's all thats need to get around this problem without having to drop down to component.

.jce

That is the biggest bunch of crap I have read :down: Thats like saying you shouldnt buy an expensive car unless you are a mechanic--total BS.

[MichaelK]

Where can I get a list of the first 12 meg4 markets?

Thanks
Avs HD forums have all the information.

There are several threads about it. If you cant find the threads go to the locals HD forum and look at the list from Doug of the thread index. It’s listed by order of DMA. The top 11 and number 13 DMA’s are first to get MPEG4.

[bertschb]

Update # ....... Uh, I lost track.

I'm on unit #3 (2005 build). The last two have given me the overheat error while using HDMI. The current unit lasted 9 days before I got the overheat error message. Ten days ago I heard about software version "F" fixing this problem for some folks so I tried my HDMI connection again and it worked! WhooHoo! Today I got the overheat message again. Time to climb back behind the stereo cabinet and switch back to component.

I can't wait till this is resolved. Why in the world would HDMI stop working after 9 days then start working again after the "F" update then stop again 10 days later??? Ug!

[MichaelK]

what TV are you connected to?

The overheat probelm can be caused by Sharp LCD TV's

[bertschb]

Sony 60" GWII (LCD).

I think I may just use component for a couple days then go back to HDMI. Based on the last two tries with this one box that should work for about 10 days.

[MichaelK]

hmmm, interesting. Read the sharp aquos thread, I believe there is a number in there to call if you get the overheat message and the f upgrade didnt fix it. They apparently need your TV model number to figure it out (assuming its a software issue)

[Larry Chanin]

Bert,

What temperature did the System Information display say you were running at during these overheat error messages? Where is your TiVo located in relation to other heat producing components?

Larry

[bertschb]

You can't check the temperature when (or after ) you get the overheat message. All you can do is unplug the power and reboot. It's not overheating. It's on a shelf all by itself with 6" of space above and nothing blocking the back of the unit. It's not even warm to the touch. When I have checked the temperature it's 42 degrees (if I remember correctly).

Unit #2 worked great for the first 10 days or so and then gave me the overheat message. I sent that one back and got this unit (#3). It worked great for about 10 days then gave me the overheat message. I switched to component until I got software "F" at which time I tried HDMI again. It worked great for another 10 days or so and then gave me the overheat message again.

I'm no engineer but I'm pretty dang sure it wouldn't work for 10 days and then "overheat". It wouldn't take 10 days to get hot. Something else is going on.

[MichaelK]

the sharp agous bug caused similar behavior.

[Kbert5]

<<Still love the HD TiVo in spite of the HDMI problem though.>>

Greetings Don,

Are you still using the component connections? Are you still satisfied?

I'm a charter TIVO subscriber and was very interested in the Hughes box at first. I've had a hi-def setup for nearly two years but watch mostly time-shifted content with an old Series I Philips. After lurking in this forum for nearly a year, I can only admire the patience (masochism?) of the folks who keep sending their units back for replacement. As much as I hate to spend $1K on a product with an apparent fundamental defect, there seems not to be an alternative. I want to use my expensive hi-def system at times of my choosing.

Is there really much difference between component and HDMI PQ?

Thanks and I hereby solicit comments from other participants.

[bertschb]

I have a Sony GWII LCD and I don't notice any difference in PQ between component and HDMI/DVI. But, the big hassle for me is losing that extra connection on my TV. I have three devices but only two HD connections when I can't use the DVI input on my TV. I'm constantly having to unplug cables.

And you are correct, the reason we stick with the HD Tivo is because there isn't anything else.

[Budget_HT]

Kbert5,

I have had an HD TiVo since April, 2004. After resolution of a few intial problems (like audio dropouts on HDNet, long since fixed), my unit has performed flawlessly. But, I do not use (or have any means to use) the HDMI output.

One time I thought I had an audio dropout problem with the HD TiVo, but it turned out to be a loose optical connector on the cable between the HD TiVo and my A/V system.

Having owned two SD DirecTiVo's for over 3 years, I was frustrated having to watch HD programs in real time. I have now returned to my normal "watch it when I want to" mode for HDTV viewing.

When you read the posts in this forum (and others) you hear mostly about problems and folks looking for and hoping to find solutions. Typically the folks who have had no problems do not post that fact.

I consider my HD TiVo the best home theater investment that I have made. I paid $900 initially and then DirecTV gave me credits that totaled nearly $300, so the end cost was more like $600 plus sales tax on $900.

If you purchase from Value Electronics (and I think also from Solid Signal) online, you get a free 5-year extended warranty.

Have I convinced you yet?

Be advised that the upcoming migration of DirecTV HD programming from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 will take place over several years. At the point in time where it becomes desirable or necessary to make the change, everyone expects DirecTV to offer a no- or low-cost upgrade path that will likely be coupled to another year of committed service. DirecTV has done similar conversions in the past, and they have hinted to doing so again, although there are no details nor promises.

I would not let the MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 migration stop me from buying an HD TiVo if I did not already have one.

[Kbert5]

Thanks for the reassurance Dave. I'll probably bite the bullet and contact VE.

The HDTIVO will not enhance our viewing experience as much as most because my spouse and I have no interest in team sports, sitcoms and the kind of material the networks dish up at night. Golf and tennis are our main interests and there's precious little coverage of those sports. We did enjoy watching the rained-out Masters this afternoon on UHD.

Thanks again.

Bert

[Kbert5]

bertschb,

<<I have a Sony GWII LCD and I don't notice any difference in PQ between component and HDMI/DVI>>

Well that's encouraging. I have a Sharp AQUOS & SAT-250.

Bert

[Cabinwood]

I can finally respond to this -- just got a new Samsung DLP. Plugged in the HDMI and it works great! I have one of the first HD Tivo's shipped, so maybe I'm lucky. So far so good!!!

[TiVonian]

Thanks and I hereby solicit comments from other participants.

Kbert5, since you asked...

One of my setups is a 45" Sharp AQUOS (LC45-GX6U) driven by a HR10-250. The original HR10-250 HDMI was bad since day one in 05/2004, (old flimsy style HDMI to MB connector) and was replaced in 02/2005 with the new style HR10-250 (much more solid HDMI to MB connector).

Since the HDTV is a Sharp AQUOS, I immediately encountered the two AQUOS bugs that prevent a Dolby Digital signal from being decoded over the HDMI interface and the intermittant PINK Screen problem. (This basically removed the HDMI interface from my choices - unless it truly gave a noticably superior PQ)

My particular situation REQUIRES that the TV be capable of simple, non AV amp, operation by the TiVo "peanut". This is a NON-NEGOTIABLE spouse thing. So please everyone, spare us all a slew of "my favorite remote will work in your situation" postings, because they WON'T. You just have to trust me on this.

Consequently, I have tried every conceivable HD cable combination that can exist between the HD-TiVo and the AQUOS, finally re-choosing the "Component" connection once again. A friend of mine is a ISF calibration tech and even he said that he couldn't discern any real difference between the HDMI, DVI, and Component connections when viewing the HD-NET test parttern. (Line 10 under "If You Can Read This...is perfectly legible regardless of the connection used)

The HDMI hardware interface is definitely problematic on the pre-2005 HR10-250's, and NO amount of software patching is going to fix that POS motherboard connector that caused my original unit swapout. Unfortunately, once the HDMI port was operational, it then revealed my two AQUOS specific problems. (No DD over HDMI and intermittant Pink Screen on powerup of the TV)

Other posters here have described a false "overheat" problem when using an AQUOS. I never experienced that particular problem during the 3 weeks that I used the HDMI connection during my testing.

I took the opportunity when I added a second drive and again when D* exchanged my original unit to scrub the drives with SpinRite. I have never experienced the video "stuttering" that many posters have described.

With 37 years in the IT business, I have been on the "bleeding edge" of hardware platform rollouts many times. My experience with the HR10-250 has been quite benign compared to other rollouts of new systems that I have been involved with. Overall, I'm still very pleased with the HR10-250 despite it's shortcomings that I have experienced.

TiVonian-

[Kbert5]

Many thanks TiVonian for that contribution. I have not yet bought either the HR10-250 or 45" AQUOS. I've been using an LC-37HV4U for two years and have been so pleased that I was almost ready to spring for the 45. Besides, the 45" AQUOS at 43" wide will just fit the aperture in my entertainment center. The 37 incher is in another room.

<<two AQUOS bugs that prevent a Dolby Digital signal from being decoded over the HDMI interface and the intermittent PINK Screen >>

If you had it to do over would you still choose the SHARP in light of the bugs? As an IT pro, do you think these anomalies can be fixed?

I'm going to order the Hughes box to-day. We'll see how it performs with my 37" AQUOS and SAT520. I could go the DLP route but whatever HD set I wind up with will be integrated into my LAN. I have to be able to use it as a computer monitor.

Thanks again.

[tanasi]

Its gone again. Number three just bit the dust. I went upstairs to do something during a break in the Masters and came back down to the dreaded green screen. Fiddling with the connection and rebooting didn't help and soon there was no picture at all. This one lasted from 18 December 2004 until today and was manufactured 20 October 2004.

I called the advanced number and he transferred me to the protection plan tech support since I had that. I talked to him for a minute and was transfered to the protection plan customer service who ordered me a replacement receiver. The replacement is supposed to be here in two business days.

Everytime I call them it is a different procedure. Maybe this one will last a while.

[Craig540]

I am on the 3rd HR10-250. The first one was purchased 9 days after the first one hit the streets with a preorder from GG. It went out with the E update with HD failure. Second one was working great until days after the F update.

I should note that I was using component up until 2 weeks before the F update.
I changed from a TV that did not have DVI (Mitz 46809} now I have an LCD from Syntaz LT32HV 32".

I saw the snow screen a few times when changing back to DVI from another input and now the screen just flickers every 5 seconds.It was fine for about 5 months with a component hookup and now with my new LCD going on 3 weeks DVI this happens. I went back to component for a day then swicthed from component back to DVI to check and it was ok. That worked for 4 days and then I got the overheat error, unplugged it over night and it started up next morning on DVI ok. Well now I have received a new one and its on the 3rd day with DVI and no error so far. I did get the static screen when going from VGA to DVI so I am worried it will die soon. My 2nd unit was made on 10-6-2004 the new unit does not say when it was made only made in Mexico.

This is getting close to my DTV year so I hope I can get a good one soon.

If I where to exchange the drive in the 2nd unit before I send it back would there be a problem when they receive it.
This is the 2nd time I am loosing programs I like to save for showing of the HD to family and friends.

[TiVonian]

If you had it to do over would you still choose the SHARP in light of the bugs? As an IT pro, do you think these anomalies can be fixed?


Kbert5-

I apologize in advance for answering your "What time is it?" questions with instructions on how to build a clock - but it's one of my "anomalies".

(1) If you had it to do over would you still choose the SHARP in light of the bugs?
The answer to this question is a resounding YES.

The AQUOS PQ is absolutely stunning to say the least and from a reliability standpoint its LCD technology has several distinct advantages over the competing technologies. (Unfortunately price isn't one of them.) It isn't as susceptable to picture "burn in" as plasmas are, nor does it rely on the mechanical parts used in a DLP system. The Texas Instrument DLP chip, or Digital Micromirror Device, is itself an electromechanical device containing nearly 1 million moving mirrors at the current 1280x720 resolution and over 2 million moving parts when 1920x1080 resolution becomes available later this year. The backlight in my AQUOS has a design life of 60K hr, and is changeable. Plasma design life is usually around 20K hrs and nothing is replaceable. The light sources in DLP based units are usually 5K->8K hr design life. I don't have any reliability information on the DLP "color wheel" life expectancy but it is, after all, a mechanical device spinning at 8K->12K rpm. (Think 10,000 rpm disk drive)

I originally chose the Sharp based on space constraints. My new entertainment center was built to house a Pioneer Elite 1150HD 50" plasma which I never purchased, due to its scarcity and cost at the time, and the announcements by Samsung and Sharp at CES2004 for their 1920x1080p 45" LCDs. Even though the Samsung was available first, it's built-in and non-detachable side mounted speakers made it too wide to fit in the cabinet, so I waited for the Sharp offering - and its never given me any reason to look back.

Sharp announced a 65" AQUOS at CES2005 and I'll probably upgrade when it becomes available in the US.

(2) As an IT pro, do you think these anomalies can be fixed?
The answer to this question isn't quite as simple as the first.
Can these anomalies be fixed? - YES. Will the units that I currently own be fixed? - I DOUBT IT. Both units were built to comply with HDMI v1.0, the most current at the time they were designed. Both of the problems under discussion here are HDMI related. The DD audio problem is in the AQUOS. Can I prove it? - YES. Is Sharp going to swap out my TV with an updated model to fix it? - NO. The PINK Screen problem lies within the HR10-250. Can I prove it? - YES. It's a failure of the HDMI handshake protocol whereby the two units are supposed to exchange information about their settings and capabilities when powered up. Is D* going to fix my HR10-250? If it can be done in the software - MAYBE. If it requires any kind of hardware - NO. These are just some of the hidden costs that I willingly accept to be an early adopter, a.k.a. the first kid on the block with the newest toys.

In the big scheme of things, the HDMI specification is still in its infancy, but evolving rapidly. The HDMI designers undoubtedly tried to cover all the bases in their original specification design - but the real testing doesn't begin until the work is finalized and "released into the WILD". The CE vendors engineers may have "interpreted" the spec differently than the design engineers had intended. I can also guarantee that we consumers possess the uncanny ability to come up with a multitude of imaginative ways to break the spec that the engineers could NEVER have envisioned nor anticipated. Vendor interoperability using a newly designed interface has never been without problems, and HDMI will be no different. HDMI v1.1 is now current and the next revision will include more fixes and possibly some type of latching mechanism for the HDMI cables. The HDMI.org was accepting engineering suggestions for this improvement up until the middle of last month. (03/15/05)

Some historical examples:

When IDE disk drives first appeared, very few brands could successfully be teamed as master and slave on the same controller, and sometimes even different model drives from the same manufacturer wouldn't work together!

When the USB v1.0 interface appeared - vendor interoperability was an urgent problem addressed by v1.1 and continued in v2.0 (in addition to increased speed) My favorite example was Bill Gates at his nationally televised (LIVE) release of Windows95. He demonstrated plugging in a USB device and it crashed his PC! (The look on his face and verbal stammering was priceless.)

The same can be said about 10/100/1000BaseT, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. and on and on. Version 1.0, the design engineers' best guess, is quickly followed by v1.1,v1.2, etc. New "standards" always move from the drawing boards to the market place where the real testing can begin. Ethernet over twisted pair still has link "auto-negotiation" problems between some products even today.

I'm not thrilled that I spent $6K on a HDTV and $1K on a TiVo to become a Beta tester, but then again I wasn't expecting perfection either. Both the HDTV and the HD-TiVo were already being released to production while HDMI v1.0 was still being finalized.

On a different subject, since you mentioned that you use your AQUOS as a computer monitor, have you experimented with any of the WMV-HD stuff? It's true HD material, mastered from IMAX, and available on DVD. The downside is that its only playable on Windows PCs with MediaPlayer 9.0 or higher installed. Since the 37" AQUOS is native 720p, the PC hardware requirements aren't as high as for 1080p. If your PC has a DVI video card and a 2.4Ghz processor, it should work OK. The following web site explains it all and has some sample clips and trailers for download. If you haven't seen this stuff before, I think you'll be impressed by what your AQUOS is actually capable of.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/ContentShowcase.aspx

TiVonian-

[Kbert5]

TiVonian,

<Is D* going to fix my HR10-250? If it can be done in the software - MAYBE. If it requires any kind of hardware - NO.>

I guess I'll see how the HR10-250 performs on my 2 yr old SHARP LCD. As I mentioned, the current offerings on HD aren't all that appealing to me and my bride anyway. By the time programs have become more attractive and less repetitive, perhaps the present problems will have been solved.

<On a different subject, since you mentioned that you use your AQUOS as a computer monitor, have you experimented with any of the WMV-HD stuff? It's true HD material, mastered from IMAX, and available on DVD. The downside is that its only playable on Windows PCs with MediaPlayer 9.0 or higher installed. Since the 37" AQUOS is native 720p, the PC hardware requirements aren't as high as for 1080p. If your PC has a DVI video card and a 2.4Ghz processor, it should work OK. The following web site explains it all and has some sample clips and trailers for download. If you haven't seen this stuff before, I think you'll be impressed by what your AQUOS is actually capable of.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/wi...ntShowcase.aspx>

I'll certainly look at the WMV-HD material. We watch 90% of our TV on the SHARP in my office during dinner. There are two PCs also in that room. I probably use the AQUOS as a computer monitor as much as a television receiver. We occasionally download a show from MovieLink and watch that at meal time. One of the PCs (WIN XP) uses a 3.0 GHz CPU and an ATI AIW Radeon 8500 video card. It really needs a Klipsch 5.1 set instead of our Cambridge Microworks speakers but the wife has a thing about wires.

This has been a most rewarding interchange. I am very grateful to you and the forum sysops. Thanks again.

Bert

[Joe Jensen]

I've had an HD Tivo since the summer of 2004. I've had the HDMI fail several times, (my Sony KDF-60XBR950 would just show snow). Rebooting fixed each time. I've discovered that if I cycle through the output resolutions on the HD Tivo, the picture will come back. Must be some synchronization problem. Is this different from the problems others have been experiencing?

[MichaelK]

...
(2) As an IT pro, do you think these anomalies can be fixed?
The answer to this question isn't quite as simple as the first.
Can these anomalies be fixed? - YES. Will the units that I currently own be fixed? - I DOUBT IT. Both units were built to comply with HDMI v1.0, the most current at the time they were designed. Both of the problems under discussion here are HDMI related. The DD audio problem is in the AQUOS. Can I prove it? - YES. Is Sharp going to swap out my TV with an updated model to fix it? - NO. ...
TiVonian-
I’ve got last years model of the aqous (37 inch- funny too- I bought it mostly because of space- a 37 will fit on the wall where I need it an 42 wont- not many 37’s to pick from in life).

Anyhow- I’ve got the separate box for the connections. It has an I/O slot- I think PC card of the top of my head- I’m not one to watch photos on the tv.

My Panasonic LCP RP downstairs also has an io slot- both SD and PC Card.

I’ve been thinking, besides the ability to look at JPEGs- maybe these slots are set up to allow firmware updates?

The audio issues on the aquos sound to me like they could possible be fixed in firmware.

It’s not a big deal to me- both the control box and the DVR are in a nearby closet, so I don’t mind the need for the extra wire for audio. But it would be cool if they could address it by mailing out an SD card or something.

[tanasi]

My third replacement HD Tivo arrived this afternoon. The HDMI works at present. The unit was made in Mexico, no manufacturing date and has the 'e' version of the software. The first unit HDMI was DOA in Sep; the replacement unit sent in Sep HDMI lasted until Dec; the replacement unit sent in Dec HDMI lasted until Saturday during the Masters. I'm not happy with the quality of the component output as it is displayed on my Samsung DLP. My other HD Directv receiver, a Samsung, has much better component quality on this TV.

I had the colour wheel replaced on my DLP and jiggled the HDMI cable in the process. The connection for the ribbon cable from the colour wheel had fused and the tech had to order another part. He said it looked like the effects from heating, not overheating, just the normal heat associated with these units. All the fans were functional and I have the unit plugged into a UPS so it has never powered down without completing the fan cycle. The alignment is not quite right even after working with the tech for two hours, another warranty call coming.

I have really enjoyed HDTV and the HD Tivo but I'm starting to lose my sense of humour.

[rmklaw]

Well---This one lasted three days. Last night went to use the H10-250 and got dark (no signal) screen. Dead HD DVR HDMI but sound OK. Makes you wonder

[LarryInAz]

I received my 3rd HR10-250 replacement today. By the time I got it installed and called Directv to register the new unit and disable the defective unit it was 11pm Az time. The CSR said the system was down for "scheduled maintenance" for several hours.
I went to the Directv.com web sight and looked for a link to register a receiver online and could find none. There is a link labeled "Add or Replace Receiver" which sounds like it would let me do what I need to do. However when clicking on that link it only gives you the option to order new equipment online not enable a receiver already on hand.

Am I missing something? Is there a way to register a unit online?
I know I probably will have to call D* later to disable the defective receiver but I was hoping to get this one up and working tonite so I can setup my SP's, etc.

[MichaelK]

Used to. Apparently not anymore- they insist you call in. They think it will help thwart pirates.

[twaller]

HR10-250 HDMI failed right out of the box. Got my unit on 10-24-04. Using component connections with no problems.

HDMI connection is only green screen.
Is it worth trying to get a replacement from Direct TV.
Will I have to give up my unit while I wait.

[obi1]

I am no longer receiving email's notifying me of this thread's activity. This post is an attempt to re-establish.

[HDMImaniac]

My first hughes didn't work out of the box. my installer found it was the hdmi cable. I bought the unit from the good guys and immediately returned it. the salesman knew about the problem and told me that 1 out every 5 doesn't work. he replaced with new HD-tivo box and has worked perfectly now with HDMI for almost 2 months..... fingers crossed ;)

[HDMImaniac]

btw-Tivonian: I purchased the Sharp Aquos 45" also and had similar problems with the HDMI. I returned it and got the Pioneer Elite Pro-1120HD 50". I am now running my Arcam DVD and HD-Tivo both from HDMI (Pioneer has 2 HDMI ports) and so far, everything has been perfect.[B]

[Chris Gerhard]

HR10-250 HDMI failed right out of the box. Got my unit on 10-24-04. Using component connections with no problems.

HDMI connection is only green screen.
Is it worth trying to get a replacement from Direct TV.
Will I have to give up my unit while I wait.

If you are certain the HDMI port is bad and you would like to use HDMI, I think it is worth contacting DirecTV to get the replacement. I don't know the current policy regarding replacement or if your HR10-250 HDMI problem would still be covered by warranty 6 months later but contacting DirecTV is free. I have used mine connected by HDMI>DVI and believe the picture quality is very slightly better than component with my Sony XBR910.

Chris

[sixpak]

My system worked perfectly for months. I have it connected to a SIM2 HT300+ projector. I am getting the bogus temp alarm shutdown when I connect the HDMI.

Everything works perfectly if I disconnect the HDMI and use component.The 3.1.5f software has been downloaded.

Is it possible that the new software killed the HDMI for my system?

Will a replacement unit work the sameway if indeed it is a 3.5.1.f problem?

Alan

[dstott]

New HR10-250 arrived this week for connection to my 50"Samsung DLP (DOA, but Samsung replaced entire light engine, so it's great!) HDMI DOA. Pixelization of menus and everything on Tuner 1. Seems to be Video 1's video processor as it affects both Satellite feed and OTA channels. D* gave me no grief and immediately processed a replacement. They issued me a transaction number and assured me the recovery kit would accompany the new unit. We shall see...

[drjeckl]

That is the biggest bunch of crap I have read :down: Thats like saying you shouldnt buy an expensive car unless you are a mechanic--total BS.
It has been well documented in the first few pages of this thread (July-04) what the likely problem has been and the temporary remedy in order to avoid the replacement shuffle.

This box is simpler than a PC. It has one expansion slot, the HDMI slot. The card doesn't seat correctly. That's it! Do the workaround that was discovered by the guys on this thread or keep whining about D*.

I'm just as pissed off at D* as eveyone else is on this QA issue.

But really, man, chill. As you said, quoting AbMagFab "
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 .
Originally Posted by 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.
I personally agree; HDMI is superior to component. Live with it or do something about it; D* ain't.

.jce

[bertschb]

Reseating the card doesn't fix the false overheat message. I've got that message on box#2 (older design) as well as box #3 (new design with properly seated card).

Other than that your advice is good.

[MichaelK]

Reseating the card doesn't fix the false overheat message. I've got that message on box#2 (older design) as well as box #3 (new design with properly seated card).

Other than that your advice is good.


curious -

is there an obvious physical differnce in the "new design" boxes?

I wasnt aware.

[rmklaw]

I am on my third one. The first two lost HDMI Video. The new one lasted 7 days and I just lost HDMI sound.

[scrummie2]

Just bought my unit - made in Mexico July 04 (I live in a smaller town and they haven't sold the first lot out yet). HDMI DOA. I'll exchange it eventually (bought the extended warranty)

[obi1]

Just installed replacement unit. HDMI hookup to my Mitz DLP tv functions ok except no audio when on HD programming either from D* or OTA. Have 250 set to dolby digital. Change to no dolby digital and I have audio on all programming. All works well when I direct audio thru my C1 Parasound Preamp, but of course this is receiving audio signal from 250 via optical cable. I guess someone(tivo or mitz) assume that if you have a HD TV and wish a HDMI connection, that you will be watching your HD programming with no audio or if you wish audio, that you will disable dolby digital in your 250. So for now I will be switching back to component(all is well everywhere with this) until I get a solution from the miscreants responsible for this fiasco. No, hooking up analog rca cables from my 250 to the HDMI composite audio inputs on Mitz tv does not give me sound on the tv when dolby digital is selected and am tuned to a HD channel.

[rmklaw]

For the first week with this unit (3rd one) both audio and Video HDMI worked perfect with HD channels. All of the sudden the sound quit through HDMI. Works through optical. Bad HDMI interface card I guess.

Anyone knows if there is a compatible HDMI interface replacement card?

[bertschb]

curious -

is there an obvious physical differnce in the "new design" boxes?

I wasnt aware.

Yes, they changed the way the HDMI card connects to the MB around the first of the year. I removed the cover on unit #2 and unit #3 (made Jan 2005) and they are different. I think somebody posted pictures here a few dozen posts ago.

It didn't matter for me. I still get the false overheat message after about 10 days of use.

[MrCoolDu4]

I feel your pain. I went thru this crap myself and finally gave up in September of last year after 3 dead replacement units from DirecTV. I used to check this forum everyday but it became so time consuming I finally had to move on. And I too have mistakenly gotten charged the $1000 by DTV for a unit I returned. Save your FedEx receipts!!! I became so frustrated that I gave up and have been living with my component output ever since. Well now my warranty is about to expire and I am ready to try and get some satisfaction.
Is it at all possible that these updates have restored my HDMI ? I've always thought that was simply an excuse on DTV's part to avoid having to replace all these dead units and buy more time. I suppose I'll have to plug it back in before I make the call.
As I said my warranty is about to expire and that’s what has motivated me to pursue this again. Another option for me is that I originally purchased this unit from CC and the other day I got extended warranty papers in the mail. I’m thinking $79 for another year’s coverage would be worth it if I could take it there and dump it on them. And I’d switch to Comcast if it weren’t for the fact that I have a lifetime Tivo subscription with DTV.

[obi1]

Just installed replacement unit. HDMI hookup to my Mitz DLP tv functions ok except no audio when on HD programming either from D* or OTA. Have 250 set to dolby digital. Change to no dolby digital and I have audio on all programming. All works well when I direct audio thru my C1 Parasound Preamp, but of course this is receiving audio signal from 250 via optical cable. I guess someone(tivo or mitz) assume that if you have a HD TV and wish a HDMI connection, that you will be watching your HD programming with no audio or if you wish audio, that you will disable dolby digital in your 250. So for now I will be switching back to component(all is well everywhere with this) until I get a solution from the miscreants responsible for this fiasco. No, hooking up analog rca cables from my 250 to the HDMI composite audio inputs on Mitz tv does not give me sound on the tv when dolby digital is selected and am tuned to a HD channel.
Upon further experimenting swapping cables around, it appears that my piece of %^$%^ Mitz(not the first time I have had problems with Mitz and their poorly engineered stuff) is the guilty party in my inability to play an HDMI audio signal thru the Mitz internal speakers when the 250 is set to dolby digital. I can go thru my C 1 Pre-amp using the optical cable from the 250 to the C 1, but an HDMI cable to the Mitz does not allow sound when the 250 is set to a HD channel. I can get sound when the 250 is set to non dolby digital(but do not understand why the 250 does not have a "both" option specified in their selection menu--yes I do know you get both when you select dolby digital but not down the HDMI cable-- like any half way clever engineer would have designed, but that is another story). I dislike Mitz TV's intensely, especially wastes of my time like this, their crummy pic in pic support(compared to Sony), their sloooooooooooooooooooooow tuner and poor customer support.

[rmklaw]

And.... to add salt to the wound, a replacement unit showed up at my door from D to replace the week old new unit from a dealer, but the shipment had an old refurbished unit inside, open box and beated up box. No wonder the units don't work on arrival. Needless to say, I did not want to touch it. :eek:

[dstott]

New TIVO arrived from D* today. So far, the HDMI is working and everything looks good. It was brand new in a perfect sealed box, made in Mexico and no date at all. When booted, it had the "E" software. The HDMI connection made my SD image quality much better. I hope the "F" upgrade doesn't kill it! Nobody at D* gave me any crap , at all, during the replacement process.

[whsbuss]

New TIVO arrived from D* today. So far, the HDMI is working and everything looks good. It was brand new in a perfect sealed box, made in Mexico and no date at all. When booted, it had the "E" software. The HDMI connection made my SD image quality much better. I hope the "F" upgrade doesn't kill it! Nobody at D* gave me any crap , at all, during the replacement process.

My recent replacement unit also had no manf. date and made in Mexico. I left my phone line disconnected to avoid the "f" update.

[obi1]

Three days now waiting for Mitz techs to call me back. The several trainee techs that I spoke to at Mitz do not have any idea as the problem as I outline it is not in their canned scripts. Really annoying each time you call that you have to go thru who you are, what your address is, then your phone number(all this and you just went thru the same thing yesterday when you called and they already have all this personal info on their database) and then you must again relate the whole problem, wait for the trainee to talk to someone, get back to you and tell you that you are being "escalated". I was promised a call back from a development tech within 24 hours. Still waiting. Again, why I suggested that Mitz has among the worst support of home theatre vendors. Oh sorry some would say that D* has with their 250. Lost my head again.

[KenW]

Well, I just joined the club. My HDMI failed this week. I tried all the easy fixes, and then called. They are shipping a new unit on Monday.

What a pain!

[falz]

Upon further experimenting swapping cables around, it appears that my piece of %^$%^ Mitz(not the first time I have had problems with Mitz and their poorly engineered stuff) is the guilty party in my inability to play an HDMI audio signal thru the Mitz internal speakers when the 250 is set to dolby digital.

I can go thru my C 1 Pre-amp using the optical cable from the 250 to the C 1, but an HDMI cable to the Mitz does not allow sound when the 250 is set to a HD channel. I can get sound when the 250 is set to non dolby digital(but do not understand why the 250 does not have a "both" option specified in their selection menu--yes I do know you get both when you select dolby digital but not down the HDMI cable-- like any half way clever engineer would have designed, but that is another story).

The HR10-250 does not put an audio signal over HDMI when it's set to DD + when the channel you are watching is DD- regardless of TV/receiver. You have to use the optical cable for this, no way around it. I tested this every way possible, and that's just the way the TiVo was made. Apparently the HDMI spec doesn't (didnt?) support DD 5.1 at the time. Rumors are that an HDMI spec supports it now, but I'm not certain of this.

--falz

[obi1]

The HR10-250 does not put an audio signal over HDMI when it's set to DD + when the channel you are watching is DD- regardless of TV/receiver. You have to use the optical cable for this, no way around it. I tested this every way possible, and that's just the way the TiVo was made. Apparently the HDMI spec doesn't (didnt?) support DD 5.1 at the time. Rumors are that an HDMI spec supports it now, but I'm not certain of this.

--falz
What surprises me(not the fact that the 250 designers play with less then a full deck) is that this has not turned into a bigger scandel. Seems that most 250 owners have not complained about it. Some have said that HDMI digital worked on certain model TV's. Friday afternoon at 3 pm I did receive a voice mail from Mitz(of course 3 days late and I had said to call me in the morning). The tech in his voice mail asked me to provide the make and model of my HD sat receiver that I was attempting to interface via HDMI. Perhaps he will be telling me that the 250 is indeed the culprit. I will post what I hear.

[No Clue]

Anyone with a JVC tv or projector that doesn't have a problem with the HDMI connection?
I have an HX-1 and have only had the HD tivo for a week. The first afternoon I had it, I watched about an hour of tv on it and played around with it. I turned the projector off and came back about 3 hours later and I had the high temp shutdown screen. I moved it to a different location in the rack that had some headroom and rebooted it. I then started to record a HD show and turned off the projector again. This time, it must have frozen up just after I turned off the projector as nothing recorded. It was completely unresponsive although I did not have the high temp screen this time. After another reboot, I checked the list of recorded shows and my show was listed but it said there was a recording failure. I unplugged the HDMI and started using component and haven't had a problem since.
After coming here to read this forum, it is obvious that it is a compatibility problem. I haven't checked the software version yet.
I bought it from Value electronics but I haven't called them yet and I'm not sure what my options are but this is disappointing to say the least. Certainly not worth the money.

[jnangano]

Yes, I just got a JVC 70G886 last Wednesday and needed to hook it up to an HR10-250 that I purchased in April 2004. I was a bit worried about my HDMI port since it was untested. Hooked it up and it works without a hiccup. The picture is fantastic and quite a difference from my old Mitsubishi RP (First Gen 1080i).

Have you gotten the "f" software update yet?

Anyone with a JVC tv or projector that doesn't have a problem with the HDMI connection?
I have an HX-1 and have only had the HD tivo for a week. The first afternoon I had it, I watched about an hour of tv on it and played around with it. I turned the projector off and came back about 3 hours later and I had the high temp shutdown screen. I moved it to a different location in the rack that had some headroom and rebooted it. I then started to record a HD show and turned off the projector again. This time, it must have frozen up just after I turned off the projector as nothing recorded. It was completely unresponsive although I did not have the high temp screen this time. After another reboot, I checked the list of recorded shows and my show was listed but it said there was a recording failure. I unplugged the HDMI and started using component and haven't had a problem since.
After coming here to read this forum, it is obvious that it is a compatibility problem. I haven't checked the software version yet.
I bought it from Value electronics but I haven't called them yet and I'm not sure what my options are but this is disappointing to say the least. Certainly not worth the money.

[rmklaw]

I spoke with a supervisor from Level Two. They admitted that they had a memo on the subject of sound. The HDMI will not pass sound for HD channels when the H10-250 audio is set to DD. If the setting is changed to analog, it works.

The alternative is to leave the audio setting as DD and change the setting on the TV to analog. I did this in my Pioneer Elite and now I have digital sound through the Optical interface and HDMI sound in all channels to the TV set (in case the sound receiver is not turned on).

[No Clue]

jnangano

I haven't had a chance to check the software version yet. My unit will pass HDMI fine when I hook it up. The problem comes when I shut down the projector. for some reason, it causes the tivo unit to freeze up and it ignores all commands and does not pass anything at that point. I hope the f version fixes this. I will check it this evening.

thanks

[No Clue]

I had the old software version and forced a download of the new software. I had some recordings pending so I am too chicken to hook up the HDMI cable. I will at least try it over the weekend though and report back.

Steve

[bob20544]

[B]Have brand new 70" Sony Qualia 006, which worked on HDMI input for 4 weeks most of the time until yesterday, when it completely quit, and I had to switch to Component Inputs. HDMI is just plain dead on my HD TIVO.
Contacting Directv was a blast-spent over an hour and they hung up. I called back to a supervisor, and he said they needed to have their engineers research my problem on my set, and they might have an answer in 48 hours. They were not willing to send out a new TIVO unit until the engineers said to. I told him what I thought about their customer service, after 4 years of donating to their coffers.

[rmklaw]

Don't settle for that. Call Level Two 1-800-695-9251 and ask for a supervisor. I had two replaced for the same problem with no hassle.

[bob20544]

Thanks for the response. I called back this morning and I have a new(I hope) TIVO on the way. They were much more accomodating than last night. DTV Graveyard shift sucks. They acknowledged a systemic problem they don't have an answer for, but are working on it.

[biffstertim]

"DTV Graveyard shift sucks. They acknowledged a systemic problem they don't have an answer for, but are working on it."

No kidding, but at least they admitted a problem when you called.

The braindead tech I was on hold with for 45 minutes tonight said it must be a problem with my TV, since "all units being shipped lately work."

Riiiiight, lady. Should've come here first, since I didn't go to Level 2. Sheesh

And, BTW, I know about the component cables needing to be unplugged (which the tech never asked if I had done so) and I had two HDMI blades in my Panasonic plasma, and two cables, in the mix. My TV my a**!

Finally got someone to ship me a new one. Will try again for round two.

[finaldiet]

Connected HDMI to DVI on my Sony XBR to week old HR10-250. No problems. Son-in-law said I should hook by component because that was better, so we debated that. He also said Monster cables were best. I said a good set of cables would work just as well. Another debate! I figure everything is working great and to leave well enough alone!

[MichaelK]

Sounds like your daughter married a winner…

bummer...

[CCSrepair]

CCS Corporation is now offering repair of the HDMI module. It ain't easy, but when it is fixed it is fixed.

[jlib]

CCS Corporation is now offering repair of the HDMI module. It ain't easy, but when it is fixed it is fixed.Wow! I actually would rather pay a hundred bucks (http://www.ccscorporation.net/terms.htm) and send in just the HDMI module for a fix (assuming it really is permanent) than play warranty roulette with DirecTV. How did you discover the exact nature of the problem? Will it run in the interim without the card?

[CCSrepair]

Yes, they run fine without the board installed. We don't really see the forum as a means of advertising, but yes, when we fix them they should stay fixed. The nature of the problem was very illusive and the fix is all but impossible for the average Joe to pull off. Specialized equipment is needed to achieve the repair. Hence, $100

[Ted101]

I have a post Jan 2005 HR10-250 connected to a Sony Qualia 006. The HDMI output became "posterized" after the "f" download. After the usual Direc TV dance, I got a new Hr10-250 last week and disconnected the phone line after setup to avoid the "f" activation. So far, so good. Does your HDMI card "fix" address this problem? How does it do so?

[CCSrepair]

So far, we do not agree that the "f" update is any kind of a problem. We see the Hard drives as having "issues". The HDMI card would also not be affected by revision of the software in the Tivo. The card is a standalone entity. It contains no field programmable code. Sorry if we are vague in our descriptions of our repairs actions, but you must understand that we are a privately held company. We work for ourselves and our clients. We do not tell manufacturers what they do wrong, nor do they offer to help us develop solutions. We have been doing this for 28 years. We are sure that over time, a few people will try our fix and then let the forum know the results. We post only because we see so many people with the problem.

[bob20544]

"I have a post Jan 2005 HR10-250 connected to a Sony Qualia 006. The HDMI output became "posterized" after the "f" download. After the usual Direc TV dance, I got a new Hr10-250 last week and disconnected the phone line after setup to avoid the "f" activation. So far, so good. Does your HDMI card "fix" address this problem? How does it do so?"

I also have a Qualia 006, and experienced the HDMI inop problem while my phone line was disconnected for three weeks. After the problem occurred, I updated the software thinkng it might be a solution, but didn't help. DTV is sending a new TIVO.
Hard to believe that DTV can't find the solution, and an outside vendor can. It has to be costing them(DTV) a big bundle. They aren't dummies.

[CCSrepair]

At times, when the solution to a problem is to add individual care and experienced skill, the "automatic assembly" world we live in falls short. The economics of fixing things the way we do just do not work on a scale of tens of thousands of units.

The sad reality is that it is likely cheaper for them to swap units till people give up on HDMI and quietly hook up their component cables. Look at number of units sold vs number of complaints. Poll results indicate a lot of people do not know whether there works or not. They do not use it.

Maybe the sadder reality is that a lot of very talented people have worked on the HDMI project and done an excellent job on their piece of the project and now are getting a "bad rap" on the product in the field.

We suspect the next release of a HD PVR unit will not have the problem. Of Course, it might also not have the personality of a TiVo.

[obi1]

Three days now waiting for Mitz techs to call me back. The several trainee techs that I spoke to at Mitz do not have any idea as the problem as I outline it is not in their canned scripts. Really annoying each time you call that you have to go thru who you are, what your address is, then your phone number(all this and you just went thru the same thing yesterday when you called and they already have all this personal info on their database) and then you must again relate the whole problem, wait for the trainee to talk to someone, get back to you and tell you that you are being "escalated". I was promised a call back from a development tech within 24 hours. Still waiting. Again, why I suggested that Mitz has among the worst support of home theatre vendors. Oh sorry some would say that D* has with their 250. Lost my head again.
I have called Mitz 3 times since my last post on this topic. I am always assured that a "real" tech will call me back(not the telephone answering minions that you get when you call in). So far no call back. Did get a new release of the Mitz software that I was assured 100 percent would fix my problem. No effect, except now when I turn on the TV it now goes to the cable tv input, instead of whatever input is was set to when it was turned off. I do not watch cable TV so is one more pain in the arse of this junk TV. Again the problem is that with HDMI cable hooked up, the Mitz will not play audio thru its internal speakers when my source material is either Hi Def or Dolby Digital. This is if I have my 250 set to Dolby Digital output. If I set it to non digital output, the Mitz will play audio on all selected sources, but then my Parasound C1 Preamp only receives a PCM signal and therefore when on C1 I get no Dolby Digital. Mitz support is among the worst I have ever experienced in electronics, whether home theatre or computers.

[bob20544]

Well, I got my new replacement HD TIVO to replace my HDMI dead one, and DTV couldn't activate it. After 2 hours and 3 techs., they decided I must have a bad H card and are sending a new one. They then reactivated my original one, and I'm back on air on Component Outputs. They claim the HDMI problem is an intermittent internal HDMI connection, and it was fixed in Nov. 2004.
Interesting, my new Mex. unit does not have a manu. date like my old Mex.one has. Wonder why-could be recycled units are being remanufactured without a date? DTV has to be doing something with the HDMI problem units.

[bluedog68]

First unit: HDMI failure after 1 month.
Second unit: HDMI failure upon arrival.
Third unit: HDMI failure after 6 months.
Fourth unit: Dead on arrival.
Fifth unit: Pending arrival.

[pooster]

Got my HR10-250 about a month and a half ago with no problems although I only had it hooked up through component cable and not HDMI. Had my new TV delivered from CC today and there is absolutly no video through the HDMI output to my sony KDF-55WF655. Component works fine but no video through the HDMI. Thought it was my tv at first and then I read in the instructions that if the HDMI cable is plugged in there is no output on the component. Well there is still video out on the component even with the HDMI plugged in so my guess is that my HR10-250 isn't even recognizing that the cable is plugged in. Called DTV customer service and the the level two tech told me that they have been having lots of problems with the HDMI outputs on these units (at least their not trying to hide it or give you the run around anymore). They are sending me out a new unit and I should get it soon. I wish I could just bring it back to BB and exchange it but it has been over thirty days. So to the best of my knowledge it is the reciever and not my tv. The only reason I'm a little unsure is because the tv is brand new and I don't have any other device with and HDMI or DVI output to test the HDMI input on my tv but since so many people have been having problems with theres and the instructions say there should be no video output on component if HDMI is plugged in then I think its the reciever. Can anyone verify for me that there is no video output on component when HDMI is plugged in. Just trying to verify that its the reciever and not the TV. Let me know what you guys think the problem is with, the reciever or the TV. Thanks. Just to let you know there is absolutly no output to the screen at all through HDMI, blank screen.

[kimsan]

Can anyone verify for me that there is no video output on component when HDMI is plugged in.

When outputting 480p or higher, there will be no component, svideo, or composite if and HDMI/DVI connection is recognized.

At 480i, everything BUT HDMI/DVI will be enabled.

At 480p/720p/1080i, you'll get HDMI/DVI (if recognized) OR component.

[ArtGuy]

I have had four DirecTV HR10-250 units (with TiVo) since last August, all failures related to HDMI. I might have had more units fail but I used the component cables while I was waiting for a software upgrade which had been promised but I now think that"fix" was for something else. (I do have the latest software upgrade.)

Yesterday I spoke to a DirecTV "HD" tech person. She suggested I return the unit to Best Buy and to purchase something else. In other words, they had no fix. I am using a Sony 51" HD TV. I assume this unit MUST work with something else they would have pulled it off the market by now.

ArtGuy

[ArtGuy]

Pooster, Best Buy will take back or exchange a HR10-250 t that doesn't work well after 30 days. I know, I've taken back three units so far that had the same problem you're having. Tomorrow I take back my 4th unit.

[ArtGuy]

My failures were the DVI-HDMI connections.

[pooster]

I also have reaon to think its my tv. One of the reasons I thinks its the tv is because after more testing I realized that the composite sound inputs (the red and white rca's) didn't work for the HDMI input on my sony tv either. They have optional sound inputs for the HDMI input in case you are using a dvi to hdmi cable. With no hdmi cable plugged in the sound didn't work either. The sound worked on the other six inputs for my tv but not the seventh which is my hdmi input. I called circuit city and they are bringing me a replacement tv today. If its not the hdmi input on the tv the sound inputs should still work so that is why I'm getting the tv replaced. I would take the reciever back to best buy but I have already called dtv and they have already shipped me a new reciever that I should get monday. It just sucks that you spend all this money for products that don't even seem to work as they should. I wish I had another HDMI device to try on my tv but oh well. The guys at circuit city should have made sure it worked before they left but all they had to say about the hdmi input not working is there must be some setting I need to change. After going through both manuals there is no setting to change, it simply didn't work. I will let you know if it is my tv because they are supposed to be bringing me a new one in two to three hours from now.

[pooster]

It wasn't the tv its the reciever.

[jpretguy]

No picture on my Toshiba 32" LCD HD flat panel. I used the HDMI/DVI

cable supplied with the HD10-250. Component connection works fine.

Purchased in Dec. 2004.

[AZJimbo]

Finally had a chance to pull everything out of my entertainment center and hook up to HDMI. It worked, however I did not find the picture to be as bright and detailed as it was when it was hooked up via component. Hummmmmm.

Naturally I went right back to component and I love the picture.

Makes me wonder if the cable supplied with the HD Tivo is poor quality, or the Sony XBR 800 has a poor interface, or HDMI is over hyped.

[SleepsWithRemote]

I had the old software version and forced a download of the new software. I had some recordings pending so I am too chicken to hook up the HDMI cable. I will at least try it over the weekend though and report back.

Steve
I am waiting for your report on how your HDMI setup is working. I am running a JVC DLA-HX1U D-ILA Home Theater Projector and I am on my seventh HR10-250 from DTV since I purchased it from them on Feb. 2005. I have been having the same problems that you are experiencing.

I am now trying another approach to solving the problem. I will let you know what I find out.

[biffstertim]

Got my second HR10 from D* yesterday, and now the HDMI port is alive.

BUT: the TosLink output won't pass a lockable signal reliably when the HR10 is set to pass Dolby Digital through!

Number 3 is now supposedly on the way.

Geeze, this is fun. When do I get my free swap-out for an MPEG-4 box, again?

[pooster]

I got my replacement reciever from dtv yesterday and the hdmi output is working fine for now. Of course it has only been hooked up for one day so I will have to wait and see if it stays alive or not. I will post back to let people know if it goes out or not.

Biffstertim, your problem sounds unique. My reciever passes the dolby digital through the HDMI and the toslink at the same time. Did your last reciever pass dolby digital through the toslink? That really sucks that you got a new reciever and the hdmi output works but not the toslink.

I was also looking at best buy's website and the hr10-250 has dropped in price down to $699.99. Of course this happens about forty five days after I bought it for $999.99 but what are you going to do. It also makes me wonder if hughes or somebody else is going to come out with the second generation HD DVR. I was kinda waiting for the second one but it took so long (I know this one has been out well over a year) that I decided to go ahead and get it. I'm betting the second generation one will fix this wide spread hdmi output problem and also address other problems as well. If a new generation does come out and my HDMI output goes out I am definantly going to try to get them to swap out the new one for the old. Who knows if they will let you but its worth a try. If anyone has any info on wether or not there coming out with a second generation HD DVR please post it here.

[biffstertim]

Biffstertim, your problem sounds unique. My reciever passes the dolby digital through the HDMI and the toslink at the same time. Did your last reciever pass dolby digital through the toslink? That really sucks that you got a new reciever and the hdmi output works but not the toslink.



Third time was a charm (knock on wood).

The third unit arrived via FedEx, and the HDMI works and the TOSLink optical out isn't muting any more. Hurray for QC.

I still must think about calibrating the HDMI input on my monitor, but so far, I see some subtle difference versus component. Initially, I feel there's a more 3-D feel to HD material, and MPEG artifacts are more apparent in SD D* programming. But that's just an initial guess.

One interesting tidbit: On my Panasonic plasma, if I switch to a HD channel while in 480p mode on the HR10, I can see that the colorspace might be a bit different. Things seem a bit bluer -- this is easily seen in the grey "blank" screen the TiVo has while briefly setting up the channel and buffering.

480p looks fine on SD material. I usually switch to 480p on the HR10 while watching SD programming, so that I can watch using the "Just" mode on my plasma (which isn't available in 720p on up)

[Garyh243]

I purchased my HR-10-250 in mid april 2005. I've had it for about five weeks. It worked fine until yesterday May 26. I get what I call a posterized image thru the HDMI connection. I guess you could call it a negative image. Works fine with the component connection.

I called D*, talked to three different techs and one supervisor. They finally offered to replace my unit with a refurbished unit. They refuse to send a new one. I paid $900 for this unit in April from Solid Signal (yea, I know) and they say the first years warranty is by the manufacture; their 5 year warranty does not kick in until after the first year.

I bought a new unit 5 weeks ago and it will be replaced by used or refurbished unit. This is unacceptable on a high end piece of equipment like this and D* should be ashamed and I am pissed.

[nmarrion]

Well I joined the club of HD Tivo owners who have experienced a HDMI failure. Unit works fine on the component outputs.

To DirecTV's credit I was immediately transfered to Tier 2 support who after they confirmed I have the latest software have arranged for a replacement unit to be Fed-Ex's to me.

Now let's hope the next one is better. My unit was manufactured in Nov 2004 in Mexico.

[TomRaz]

Okay I finally couldn't resist the urge to get D* and go with a HD Tivo. So I went down to my local BB today and purchased a HD Tivo.

There were 3 HD Tivo units on the shelf and I looked at the service numbers etc on the bar codes and picked the one that appeared to have the newest or highest numbers.

There were no dates on the outside of the box. I got home opened it up and my unit was made November 16th 2004 :confused:

I know the ones produced after November 21st are suppose to contain the fix. I went ahead and hooked up the unit to my OTA using the hdmi port and so far so good.

So should I take this unit back to BB and attempt to get one that was made in Jan 05 or greater ?

Or should I sit tight and wait ?


I would appreciate your opinions

The other thought I had was perhaps my local BB just has a bunch of older stock and doesn't have any newer units.

Please let me know.

[obi1]

Okay I finally couldn't resist the urge to get D* and go with a HD Tivo. So I went down to my local BB today and purchased a HD Tivo.

There were 3 HD Tivo units on the shelf and I looked at the service numbers etc on the bar codes and picked the one that appeared to have the newest or highest numbers.

There were no dates on the outside of the box. I got home opened it up and my unit was made November 16th 2004 :confused:

I know the ones produced after November 21st are suppose to contain the fix. I went ahead and hooked up the unit to my OTA using the hdmi port and so far so good.

So should I take this unit back to BB and attempt to get one that was made in Jan 05 or greater ?

Or should I sit tight and wait ?


I would appreciate your opinions

The other thought I had was perhaps my local BB just has a bunch of older stock and doesn't have any newer units.

Please let me know.It is somewhat like playing Russian Roulette with 5 bullets in the gun instead of only 1. How lucky do you feel, as Mr. Eastwood would say. Worst case, you will still be happy with component connection if HDMI does not function properly.

[Jim Golden]

My second TIVO started having problems yesterday. The first TIVO's hard drive crashed. My second TIVO appears to be having HDMI problems (all blue picture).

The first DirecTV consultant I talked to last night said "that it was a known software problem, and I should just use the component inputs until the "glitch" was fixed." I asked "if they would replace the unit since it was less than 6 months old." He said "they wouldn't replace a unit merely because of software problems." I said that the stated position doesn't seem to agree with the warranty listed in the manual." He disagreed, so I said I would review my warranty and call back if I didn't find the language he was refering to.

So, I reviewed my warranty, and didn't see the qualifiers for unit replacement that the CSR mentioned. I called again and this time, got my replacement I.D. without hassel.

All in all this was a very frustrating experience. I feel as though DirecTV deliberately tried to talk me out of a legitimate product replacement request.

Jim

[BaronKen]

Okay I finally couldn't resist the urge to get D* and go with a HD Tivo. So I went down to my local BB today and purchased a HD Tivo.

There were 3 HD Tivo units on the shelf and I looked at the service numbers etc on the bar codes and picked the one that appeared to have the newest or highest numbers.

There were no dates on the outside of the box. I got home opened it up and my unit was made November 16th 2004 :confused:

I know the ones produced after November 21st are suppose to contain the fix. I went ahead and hooked up the unit to my OTA using the hdmi port and so far so good.

So should I take this unit back to BB and attempt to get one that was made in Jan 05 or greater ?

Or should I sit tight and wait ?


I just bought mine from BB less than 2 weeks ago. Mfg date 30-Sep-04.
I bought the 4 year service plan for $100. I feel that for a device that some people have had to replace up to 4 or 5 times, the service plan is well justified. If something breaks, just take it to BB and get a new one, no hassles. Plus, if it does manage to get replaced by D* when the Mpeg4 transition occurs, I can cancel the service plan and get a prorated portion back.

[scab]

The HDMI output failed on my HR10-250 after only 3 days! The HDMI connection was working fine until the off-air antenna installed. When the tech installed the off-air antenna - POOF! Until I read the posts on this site, I would have sworn the tech damaged the unit. Now I'm not sure. I could get the component video to work, but there is no way I can pay that much $$$ and not have it work properly with HDMI.

Have other tried to get the component video to work after the HDMI option has failed??

I did read in the manual that there is an internal "switch" that prevents both component video and HDMI output from working simultaneously. Conceivable, there could be something wrong with this feature.

I am returning my unit to Circuit City for replacement today!

[wje]

The HDMI port on my first unit failed a week after I got it (Christmas). After a lot of arguing, I got DTV to replace it. Lasted almost 5 whole months this time. Turned it on today, the screen went green, then technicolor, then dead... classic HDMI problems. This time DTV didn't give me any argument, and claim a new one will arrive Tuesday or Wednesday. We'll see.

[acampo]

Is it really that much better than component? mine failed and i have been happy with component. its not like digital sound is coming through at this point......

[wje]

For me, it's very slightly better. Usually it isn't noticeable. It really depends upon how your set handles HDMI vs component. I use HDMI for two reasons: 1) one small cable instead of three big coaxes, and 2) I paid a lot of money for the 250, and it should work. The fact that the box has a design flaw (supposedly since corrected) shouldn't mean that I should have to just ignore it.

A secondary issue with me is the very poor way DTV treated me (and many others) that had this problem early on. If you're not familiar with some of the history, there's plenty in this and other threads. If they're going to be jerks, I'm certainly not going to cut them any slack. My attitude wasn't improved by DTV announcing that my $1000 recorder wasn't going to be able to handle any of the new HD channels from the new satellites. So, I get to record endless reruns of the same junk on HDNet?

Probably more than you wanted to know. :)

[Jim Golden]

Is it really that much better than component? mine failed and i have been happy with component. its not like digital sound is coming through at this point......

Funny, I feel the same way.... I think I like component picture better. It's not as sharp, but it also doesn't have the digital "noise" on SD channels that the HDMI had (at least not on my DLP TV).

Still, I paid for a unit with a working HDMI and as the previous poster said "I want a working unit." If nothing else, just in case I decide to sell the box in the future.

I called in for my replacement last week and still haven't received it.

Jim

[RichsSat]

Out of the 20 or so I attempted to install using the HDMI output, about 15 of them had some kind of issue (no image, serious red push, strobing image). Just yesterday I gave the HDMI a shot on a Runco projector and after about 2 minutes the HDCP kicked in and would shut the image off every 30 seconds or so.

I have given up, I just hook them up via component video now.

D* REALLY needs to address this issue. People are paying a pretty good chunk of change for these units and I think it is just insane to see this high of a failure rate.

[nmarrion]

Well it is now 8 days since I DirecTV were supposed to have sent me a replacement box...and it's still not here!

I have made numerous calls, that I will not bore everyone with the details of, but it looks as though it will be a few days yet before I get the replacement box.

I am a strong advocate of DirecTV, but this experience is seriously changing that.

[Nalez]

Has anyone done the HDMI board repair for $100 mentoned several pages back? How are the results?

[Jim Golden]

Well it is now 8 days since I DirecTV were supposed to have sent me a replacement box...and it's still not here!

I had/ have the same problem. After talking to three different CSR's I was told that they will "overnight" a replacement to me tomorrow. I wonder if they're out of stock?

Jim

[No Clue]

I am waiting for your report on how your HDMI setup is working. I am running a JVC DLA-HX1U D-ILA Home Theater Projector and I am on my seventh HR10-250 from DTV since I purchased it from them on Feb. 2005. I have been having the same problems that you are experiencing.

I am now trying another approach to solving the problem. I will let you know what I find out.


Sorry it took me so long to get back but I am still having the same problems with the HDMI connection. As long as I only use the component connection, everything is fine. If I use the HDMI connection, it will lock up almost as fast as I turn off my projector. Definitely some sort of conflict issue between the JVC and the HR10-250. I haven't tried to replace it because I have no reason to think the next unit would work.

[nmarrion]

My replacement HR10-250 showed up today and the good news is that HDMI works on this one.

The replacement looks to be brand new. No manufacturing date on this one. Does anyone know when they stopped printing that on the label on the back of the unit?

It came with "e" software, but updated to "f" when I made a daily call.

[JackR]

Have had my HR10-250 (#1 unit) with DirecTV since 9/22/04 with no problems.
However, yesterday 6/11/05 the HMDI hookup stopped working. The picture looked like modern picture graphics. Switched over to the Green,Blue,Red wire hookup (composite I think) and the picture is almost as good the HMDI hookup. Called DirecTV and they are shipping a replacement unit tomorrow. Can't remember if the unit had a (Mfg date) but will look when I change with the new unit.

[Jim Golden]

Let us know if you get your unit. I've been waiting on mine since 5/29/05.

Jim

[jfischer]

Pooster, Best Buy will take back or exchange a HR10-250 t that doesn't work well after 30 days. I know, I've taken back three units so far that had the same problem you're having.

Wow. You've either got an unusal Best Buy there, or they're under orders from DirecTV to do this on the HR10-250. BB usually sticks quite hard and fast to their 30 day return policy on everything. 31+ days and you're generally SOL at Best Buy...

[jeff125va]

Just checking in on this thread for the first time in a while... Sounds like there's still no improvement in the HDMI situation? My first unit had no HDMI problem, but got the stuttering video problem after about 9 months, and my replacement failed out of the box. The component works ok but I'm planning on getting a DVD recorder and will run out of component inputs (DVD changer, XBOX and HD-TiVo).

Just wondering whether it's worth the hassle to try to get a replacement from DirecTV, swap out my additional HD upgrade which means losing all my shows and SPs, etc. Any recommendations?

[Afergy]

I also have a bad HDMI unit and was wondering is there a way to transfer all the shows I have saved if I get a swap out unit? This question might have been proposed already but forgive me I didn't want to read 1100 plus posts.

[Cruzan]

My new HDMI works great.

Are people using cheap cables? Stay away from Monster!

[JackR]

Have had my HR10-250 (#1 unit) with DirecTV since 9/22/04 with no problems.
However, yesterday 6/11/05 the HMDI hookup stopped working. The picture looked like modern picture graphics. Switched over to the Green,Blue,Red wire hookup (composite I think) and the picture is almost as good the HMDI hookup. Called DirecTV and they are shipping a replacement unit tomorrow. Can't remember if the unit had a (Mfg date) but will look when I change with the new unit.

New unit did not show up today as promised. Call to CSR said that unit was never shipped because it IS on back order. CSR could not tell me how long await it would be.

[Jim Golden]

New unit did not show up today as promised. Call to CSR said that unit was never shipped because it IS on back order. CSR could not tell me how long await it would be.

I've been waiting since May 29 th. My unit hasn't shown up either!

Jim

[gadgetgrrll]

My HDMI failed on a receiver I've had since August. This is the 2nd receiver they've sent to fix the HDMI issue. However, upon calling DirecTV, the first CSR told me that they could only send a refurbished unit. I escalated that up and spoke to a supervisor who said that new unit requests have to go through a separate ordering system so he couldn't give me a confirmation number but that he'd put a note that I'm requesting a new system.

What I'm wondering now is whether they'll send a refurbished unit anyway. Does anyone know how I can tell whether it's factory new or not?

Thanks.

[DonQijote]

yesterday I installed my HR10-250 via HDMI to a Marantz VP12S3 DLP projector (110" screen)

After everything I had read here, I was concerned about using HDMI. Especially since I was going to use a 40Ft DVI cable with an HDMI adaptor. The units signal was immediately recognized by the projector. The Picture quality is simply AMAZING. Even SD signals seem to have improved. The Marantz PJ has a great video scaler!

[JEFatCLT]

OK...ran a search of the thread but wasn't able to find the info. Maybe someone can confirm for me.

Last night the signal from the HDMI output is causing intermittent (about 1 every 5 sec.) flashing with an accompanying horizontal bar (which contains video information) of varying widths in my display.

Are these typical symptoms of the HDMI failing?

Thanks for any input.

[CorrysD]

Kiss of death.

Yesterday, I viewed this thread, checking the latest posts and viewing the POLL results. Wham-Bam, my HDMI died last night after being flawless since I bought it at the end of January. It is a mid Dec build. I am tempted to keep the unit and switch to component, since there is no guarantee that this will not happen with a new unit. I hate the thought of losing my recordings.

Has anyone out there kept their unit after an HDMI failure???

[JackR]

Kiss of death.

Yesterday, I viewed this thread, checking the latest posts and viewing the POLL results. Wham-Bam, my HDMI died last night after being flawless since I bought it at the end of January. It is a mid Dec build. I am tempted to keep the unit and switch to component, since there is no guarantee that this will not happen with a new unit. I hate the thought of losing my recordings.

Has anyone out there kept their unit after an HDMI failure???



The above message started me thinking. I have 2 HR10-250 units. Number 1 unit has the HDMI failing and all the good recordings. Number 2 unit is working just fine. Is it possible just to inter-change the hard drives and save my recording on unit #1?
If this question is in the wrong forum, I am sorry.
Thanks
JackR

[obi1]

Do not think you can simply do this. Perhaps a post in another area where the Guru's and God hang out will find you a solution. I believe hard drives are key'd to the machine. Of course you could burn DVD's of your recordings.

[JEFatCLT]

Well...talked with 2 techs and a supervisor who finally agreed that it was probably a faulty HDMI port. New unit shipping out Monday for replacement.

The only downside - the whole last season of Deadwood that I'm going to loose.

Crap....the unit has worked fine since last July when I got it and only started to fail a couple days ago.

[wje]

The above message started me thinking. I have 2 HR10-250 units. Number 1 unit has the HDMI failing and all the good recordings. Number 2 unit is working just fine. Is it possible just to inter-change the hard drives and save my recording on unit #1?
If this question is in the wrong forum, I am sorry.
Thanks
JackR
If your replacement unit has the same style HDMI card, just swap the cards. I've done that successfully, but only because D* keeps sending me replacement units with the same, flakey, old-style HDMI card. The problem seems to be on the card itself, not the main unit, and really behaves like either a trace failure on the board or a pad bonding problem, so if you do the swap, wiggle the board around a little bit to be sure it isn't ready to bite the dust, too.

[Buckeyes69]

Right out of the box my picture looks like its painted in 16 colors? Looks good with the components...I called DirecTV and she said it was probably a cable issue, that the cables were very "touchy". Now I'm beginning to believe it is something else.

[JackR]

New unit did not show up today as promised. Call to CSR said that unit was never shipped because it IS on back order. CSR could not tell me how long await it would be.

Unit received today (6/21/05). First thing I noticed was it was stamped "Remanufactured" . However set it up and call D* to activate. Unit kept locking up when trying to change channels. Re-booted twice and still same thing. CSR said he thought unit was defective (Da). Transferred call to HD tech department. CSR in this department said I should have received a "NEW HR10-250" only since my unit was still under warranty. CSR warned me to return the original unit that was defective and sit on the new unit that is defective until a NEW unit is shipped to me. Make sure Directv receives defective unit back within 7 days or my account will be charged $1000 (again). All ready happened once and took about 3 months to correct account.
CSR could not tell me if NEW HR10-250's were in stock or on back order. Will have to drag my bedroom unit into the living room for awhile.

[JackR]

Unit received today (6/21/05). First thing I noticed was it was stamped "Remanufactured" . However set it up and call D* to activate. Unit kept locking up when trying to change channels. Re-booted twice and still same thing. CSR said he thought unit was defective (Da). Transferred call to HD tech department. CSR in this department said I should have received a "NEW HR10-250" only since my unit was still under warranty. CSR warned me to return the original unit that was defective and sit on the new unit that is defective until a NEW unit is shipped to me. Make sure Directv receives defective unit back within 7 days or my account will be charged $1000 (again). All ready happened once and took about 3 months to correct account.
CSR could not tell me if NEW HR10-250's were in stock or on back order. Will have to drag my bedroom unit into the living room for awhile.

Another unit received today(6/28/05). This unit is also "Refurbished". Second time this has happened. CSR today said they will ship a NEW unit right away. Meantime, I activated refurbished unit and will use until NEW unit arrives. Any guesses on how long I'll have to wait?

[rogue5]

Hey JackR,

Did you ever get my email about the HDMI cards?? I never heard back from you.

[JackR]

Hey JackR,

Did you ever get my email about the HDMI cards?? I never heard back from you.

Yes I did, and thank you for the information. However the units that they sent me were refurbished and had much older mfg date (May,2004). The other was Sept.2004. my unit was Jan.2005, which I sent back right away.

[rogue5]

Sorry I couldn't help. I know how I felt when my card started acting up just before the Superbowl (and I am a big Pats fan!!), I was ready to fling the thing out the window. Hope you get a new working unit soon! :)

[CCSrepair]

The newest version of the unit (that we have seen) has a rectangle connector at the junction of the motherboard to HDMI board. The old connector was a "d" shape. The HDMI boards are marked as: "HUGHES HDMI CARD 1034054" or "HUGHES HDMI CARD 1035849". The xx849 is the newer board. We get better at fixing the older boards every day. Thanks to those of you who have given us the opportunity! By the way, the boards (old/new) are not interchangeable due to this connector change. To date we have not seen failure of the newer board. Nick @ ccscorporation.net

[JackR]

The newest version of the unit (that we have seen) has a rectangle connector at the junction of the motherboard to HDMI board. The old connector was a "d" shape. The HDMI boards are marked as: "HUGHES HDMI CARD 1034054" or "HUGHES HDMI CARD 1035849". The xx849 is the newer board. We get better at fixing the older boards every day. Thanks to those of you who have given us the opportunity! By the way, the boards (old/new) are not interchangeable due to this connector change. To date we have not seen failure of the newer board. Nick @ ccscorporation.net


Thanks for this information. I've made a copy for my file so that when (Or IF) I ever receive a NEW HR10-250 I can check that it has this modification.

[JackR]

Another unit received today(6/28/05). This unit is also "Refurbished". Second time this has happened. CSR today said they will ship a NEW unit right away. Meantime, I activated refurbished unit and will use until NEW unit arrives. Any guesses on how long I'll have to wait?

7/1/05 NEW HR10-250 received today. Took cover off and checked for new HDMI connector. This unit still has the older HDMI connector. Activated this afternoon and everything seems to be working alright. Second refurbished unit will be returned as soon as Box and shipping papers are received. For your information, I had to asked to speak with a supervisor in advance tech unit. That was yesterday. He promised to send a NEW UNIT and NOT a refurbished, overnight FEDEX. Which he did. So - my problem of 6/12/05 seems to have been taken care of. I dread the thought of return credits for the 3 HR10-250 units not showing up on my account. Will worry about that tomorrow. Good luck to all.

[Jim Golden]

I received my 4th TIVO yesterday...I believe it's a refurbished one...how can you tell?

Also, thanks to Robert at Value Electronics for helping with my replacement unit. I never expected a company to come to the aid of an online customer seven months after they've made a purchase.

Jim

[JackR]

I received my 4th TIVO yesterday...I believe it's a refurbished one...how can you tell?

Also, thanks to Robert at Value Electronics for helping with my replacement unit. I never expected a company to come to the aid of an online customer seven months after they've made a purchase.

Jim


It should have a refurbished sticker on the back of the unit. Also on the shipping box.
I also noticed that the refurbished units where shipped in a plain brown box. The new units are shipped in the original OEM box.

[wje]

It should have a refurbished sticker on the back of the unit. Also on the shipping box.
I also noticed that the refurbished units where shipped in a plain brown box. The new units are shipped in the original OEM box.

Is this always the case? My latest replacement came in a 'new' box, no refurb sticker. But, although the unit was in excellent condition, it had fingerprints in a number of places on the case. I've not seen this before with truly new units. And of course, keeping up D*'s excellent :confused: customer service, the unit has the old-style HDMI board. You'd think after 3 failures they'd send one that will actually work.

[JackR]

Is this always the case? My latest replacement came in a 'new' box, no refurb sticker. But, although the unit was in excellent condition, it had fingerprints in a number of places on the case. I've not seen this before with truly new units. And of course, keeping up D*'s excellent :confused: customer service, the unit has the old-style HDMI board. You'd think after 3 failures they'd send one that will actually work.

"7/1/05 NEW HR10-250 received today. Took cover off and checked for new HDMI connector. This unit still has the older HDMI connector. Activated this afternoon and everything seems to be working alright."

Hi Bill
Just to confirm what you said about new unit and HDMI connector appears to be correct.
Jack

[Jim Golden]

Is this always the case? My latest replacement came in a 'new' box, no refurb sticker. But, although the unit was in excellent condition, it had fingerprints in a number of places on the case. I've not seen this before with truly new units.

The same is true for the box I received last week.

Jim

[eswanborg]

Just adding to the DOA list - picked one up on Friday (BB 50% off deal) only to get home and find the HDMI dead - component works fine and moving the HDMI connector caused it to flicker, but no solid picture - ever. Dead in the box. Now to try to get BB to exchange it without a fuss about the price they gave me.

[TwinCityTVHound]

Talked BB into the "coupon deal." Got it home, and HDMI output was DOA.

I was able to get a new unit that worked out of the box (knock on pixels) with only a raised eyebrow from the return-desk cookie.

So far, so good...

[Brewster]

Am waiting on my 4th unit in 2.5 weeks. All worked fine out of the box.
wake up every mourning to a meesage that the system over heated and had to shut down. Had to do a full system reset on this last one to get it to come up again. All other outputs on system work fine.

[Brewster]

Downloaded the lastest software patch for unit. stayed on all night as long as i leave my TV on. Don't want to do that every night.

[elbodude]

Mine was OK until last night. Bought unit in Jan '05. Add me to the club of dead HDMI. :down:

[dvansoye]

HMDI just failed 2 weeks ago. As with the others, component works. I narrowed down the problem by trying another cable as well as a 2nd DVI source. So, I knew it was the receiver. I just finished with a long call with DirecTV technical service. BTW, there phone number is 1-800-695-9251. After speaking with two agents, I ended up with "advanced technical support" and ordered a replacement. (The first agent told me specifically that they would not replace the unit for this problem. So, don't give up - just keep asking questions and you will be transferred to the next level of support.) It is suppose to arive in 2-5 days.

[cigars71]

Wish I had found this site before purchase.
Bought mine last night at BB along with a new Toshiba widescreen 26HF84A.
Hooked everything up using the HDMI cable. Guess what. Nothing. Not even sound on the HDMI input.
Went through a flurry of connection checking, powering down, powering up, tv settings checks. Still nothing.
Didn't know, at this point, whether it was the tv or the hd tivo.
Went back behind there and hooked up the good ol' RCA cables to video 1.
Well, the hr10-250 is not totally dead. It works on RCA.
A quick call to tier 2 tech support had me believing the boxed hdmi cable was probably bad and I should take it to be tested at BB before proceeding further.
I was feeling inquisitive and not ready to give up on seeing some hd on my new set.
I then hooked the hdmi-dvi cable to my Samsung 47" dlp (sorry don't know the model number right off hand) to verify no hdmi signal. None.
I then hooked my Hughes HD receiver to my new Toshiba via the dvi-hdmi cable. Wow, what a nice hd picture on that little Toshiba!
Ok (I'm getting tired just recalling all this) then I thought I should try the component cables. There was no video signal there either. I unplugged the hd tivo and let it restart.
Eureka, hallehluja! Component connection is working during start-up.
Then...gone! Component video signal failed about 3 minutes into startup.
Called tier two again. Matt, I think. Put me on hold alot to confer with collegues. Told me they are waiting for a software upgrade, but, he has no idea when it might come out. Finally concluded it was doa.
Has anyone else had trouble with the component video output?

[Lije Baley]

If the HDMI blade was still plugged in the HR 10-250 will not output a component signal. Did you unplug the HDMI connection from the Tivo before checking for your component signal? (I know you saw it briefly on startup, but don't know if the HDMI connection also kills that view.)

[robkap]

Picture keeps going pink on new machine plugged through HDMI to Sharp Aquos. But here is question: when I switched resolution from 1080i to 720p, the picture fixed itself.

If I go back to 1080i, everything turns pink. But 720p works fine.

Has anyone seen this before?

Should I just keep this unit and stay at 720p?

Any input MUCH appreciated.

[Shiba]

Is everyone having this problem with the stock cables or does the problem exist with upgrading cables as well? Just a thought... mine was DOA as well so I switched to comp. cables and it works fine.

[Hrunting]

I bought an HR10-250 back in October of last year. A month ago, the HDMI went out going to my Toshiba DLP. I ordered the replacement through DTV (via the $8.00/mo fee). After some hooing and hawing, the managed to figure it had never been sent and ordered it from "some other department". The old one had the old HDMI connector. The replacement did as well. It's HDMI was DOA. I ordered another replacement and specifically asked for a new HDMI connector. The replacement took a week, but it has the new-style HDMI connector. I connected it up and HDMI works. The access card of the new one began with 0015.

From everything I've read, the new-style HDMI connectors fix the problem. Does anyone have any experiences to the contrary?

[CoreyMD]

I've had mine since May '04. HDMI just went goofy last week. It now recasts the image in irridescent colors when in use.

I've switched to component and reprogrammed my remote, but the image is much softer and the colors less rich (IMO). I don't have an extended warranty or DirecTV protection so I'm just going to do without until the HR10-250's are swapped out for MPG4 boxes.

-Corey

EDIT: I had previously voted "No HDMI problems" in this thread some time ago since I thought my box was immune... :(

[dem]

I've had mine since May '04. HDMI just went goofy last week. It now recasts the image in irridescent colors when in use.

I've switched to component and reprogrammed my remote, but the image is much softer and the colors less rich (IMO). I don't have an extended warranty or DirecTV protection so I'm just going to do without until the HR10-250's are swapped out for MPG4 boxes.

-Corey

EDIT: I had previously voted "No HDMI problems" in this thread some time ago since I thought my box was immune... :(
Same story for me, except mine has gone flakey just this morning.

[jeffro2]

I have had my HD DVR for about 5 months with no problems... until yesterday. I am hooked up to a Benq DLP projector using the DVR HDMI output. Yesterday evening, when I went to switch from my normal TV to view HDTV via my screen/projector, the output was TERRIBLE! Brown, Green, pixellated splotches bleeding all across the screen. I tried all HD modes, 480P all the way up to 1080i, with no success. Rebooted the DVR, projector, no success. This morning, I unhooked the DVR from the HDMI to DVI input on my projector and hooked up my PC (using DVI-A) to test the projector. No problems, crystal clear, so I knew the problem was the HR10-250 HD DVR. All other DVR outputs are fine, video, S-Video even component; its just the HDMI output port that is screwed up. I just called Directv and they advised they would send me another unit in 2-5 business days, as my current unit was still under warranty. I guess that by now they are well aware of the problem. We will see if the new unit works, and if so, for how long. Good to see that Directv was willing to immediately replace the unit, but I do not look forward to re-programming all of my Tivo settings, and also trying to save all of the programming that I have build up in my list of recorded programs. :eek:

[stumacdo]

Add me to the list of HDMI Failure. Right out of the box, the HR10-250 that I bought on Friday's HDMI was not working, while component was ok. Returned to BB and after being hassled a little about the 50% off original receipt, was able to swap for a brand new one. Knock on wood, so far so good.

[String]

Ok. So it not just me. I just got the HDTIvo Unit as well as a Toshiba 34hf85. I had the exact same experiance. Down to the Tech telling me to have BB test my cable. erie.
Any way, Exact some thing. I get component signal during boot up, and then nothing. Not HDMI and not Component.
My dad has the exact unit, and I know his works with his Sammy DLP on both HDMI and Component. I am going to take his and test it, and I'll let you know what happens.

One other thing that I got that you did not mention though it, I get and DTV box on my screen with the S-Video cable plugged in that states: Dont have the exact wording but something to the effect of "the HDMI input is restricted, please try another TV input". That just got me going.
Anyway, if you find something, let me know.



Wish I had found this site before purchase.
Bought mine last night at BB along with a new Toshiba widescreen 26HF84A.
Hooked everything up using the HDMI cable. Guess what. Nothing. Not even sound on the HDMI input.
Went through a flurry of connection checking, powering down, powering up, tv settings checks. Still nothing.
Didn't know, at this point, whether it was the tv or the hd tivo.
Went back behind there and hooked up the good ol' RCA cables to video 1.
Well, the hr10-250 is not totally dead. It works on RCA.
A quick call to tier 2 tech support had me believing the boxed hdmi cable was probably bad and I should take it to be tested at BB before proceeding further.
I was feeling inquisitive and not ready to give up on seeing some hd on my new set.
I then hooked the hdmi-dvi cable to my Samsung 47" dlp (sorry don't know the model number right off hand) to verify no hdmi signal. None.
I then hooked my Hughes HD receiver to my new Toshiba via the dvi-hdmi cable. Wow, what a nice hd picture on that little Toshiba!
Ok (I'm getting tired just recalling all this) then I thought I should try the component cables. There was no video signal there either. I unplugged the hd tivo and let it restart.
Eureka, hallehluja! Component connection is working during start-up.
Then...gone! Component video signal failed about 3 minutes into startup.
Called tier two again. Matt, I think. Put me on hold alot to confer with collegues. Told me they are waiting for a software upgrade, but, he has no idea when it might come out. Finally concluded it was doa.
Has anyone else had trouble with the component video output?

[jon777]

No problems so far. Installed 3 weeks ago.

[tem]

So I got the replacement today from this thread http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=252118

And guess what ??? .... Bad HDMI !!

I of course called and got a support drone who tried to tell me that they "don't replace units due to HDMI problems". He basically put me on perma-hold so I hung up and called back. CSR roulette got me someone who agreed to send a new one.

The fact they D* is generally refusing to replace a defective product that is within warranty is despicable.

F***ing scumbags.

My chronology is as follows:

9/04 -- purchased
11/04 -- HDMI fails
11/04 -- unit #2 HDMI is DOA
11/04 -- unit #3 is OK
7/30/05 -- unit #3 hard drive fails
8/2/05 -- unit #4 HDMI is DOA
8/4-5/05 -- receive unit #5.

[Kendog]

I have installed about 25 HR 10-250s, and replaced all but three. I will rely on the component connection until DTV has a known fix. This "Russian roulette" replacement has cost me a lot of money and I'm no longer willing to take part in it!
DTV has failed miserably with this one!

[rjseh]

I just bought an HR10-250 from BB 2 weekends ago and I haven't had any problems with the HDMI port so far. I am now wondering if I should take it back to BB and purchase through D* so I can have more than the 30 days that BB is offering. Any advice on this one from any of you out there?

I went with BB because overall it was cheaper to go through them.

Please advise.

Thanks

[tem]

the warranty is 1 year regardless of where you purchased it.

[hokey_days]

My warranty on the HD tivo is ending this month.
In light of the major problems, I wonder if I should call and ask for a replacement?
or just take my chances it never fails?

I guess my question would be, if it has worked fine for 11 months, am I good to go, or do I still run a high risk of an HDMI failure?

I am not interested in the "use component" instead.

Also, in light of Directv's announcement they are not promoting TIVO anymore, as well as Directv's decision to use MPEG-4 (HD TIVO uses mpeg 2), I am looking out for myself (Sad to say..I think Directv has ROYALLY f'd the early adopter crowd. We spent $1000 bucks for Christ sake!).

any advice appreciated.
thx.

[Bill Milford]

I got HD TiVo in April/May 2004. Just got set with HDMI -- guess what?

HDMI failure. If i flex the board it will work.

15 month old 3 months out of warranty. I guess I will just use component until they swap it out for something with MPEG4...

[webpowered]

My HDMI never worked. I thought of getting a replacement, but waited to see if people really got new ones that worked. I asked someone at DirecTV about it recently, and this particular support tech said they would only send a refurbished unit after 6 months of the warranty, not a new one. I suppose I could bitch and get a new one somehow, but the same tech said the big markets like New York and Philadelphia and others could be replaced with MPEG4 DVR's and compatible dishes as soon as December O5, so I don't mind watching the HDTV TiVo using component for a few more months.

I wonder if the MPEG4 box will let people watch off-air locals the way the HDTV TiVo does? The tech didn't know.

I asked if the MPEG4 box would have the TiVo interface, and he said he heard it will.

He said all the locals in each market will be available on satellite in HD, and eventually most satellite channels (MAX, STRZ, TBS, etc) will be available HD too.

Still seems a waste to have paid $1000 for the HDTV TiVo that will be replaced in less than 2 years. I did get a $200 credit from calling the retention department last winter though.

Anybody have any comments about MPEG4 boxes and available channels, etc?

D

[HoosierDaddy2000]

I've had my HR10 for 2 days and HDMI is shot--totally pink picture that keeps coming back again and again. I'll call DTV tonight and see if they give me the run around.

[tswon]

My unit worked well since last December. I turned on the TV yesterday and got some strange blotchy colors (sort of like looking at a photo negative). While I was on hold with Directv, I hooked up the Component cables instead and it fixed the situation. The CSR said their engineer will try to address my HDMI issue in the future. They are not replacing the unit.

[paulj]

I bought one of the first 250s and the HDMI has been flawless until this morning, it is now pixelized, it looks like there are only 256 colors available, this is especially evident on flesh tones. Sometimes there's no picture at all. I took the DVI board out, the soldering looked reasonable except that few of the vias were filled. I tried filling the vias around the outside connector and reinstalled the board. This didn't seem to change much. By wiggling the board around I was able to change the video between totally gone, mildly pixelized, wildly pixelized and snowy. Even without moving anything sometimes the signal would change between these. I'm using the component cable now and contemplating my next step. I'm temped to give it to one of the girls at work and have her resolder it. Maybe I'll give DirecTV a call but I'm not excited about get a refurbished unit. Any other suggestions?

paul

[hokey_days]

My warranty on the HD tivo is ending this month.
In light of the major problems, I wonder if I should call and ask for a replacement?
or just take my chances it never fails?

I guess my question would be, if it has worked fine for 11 months, am I good to go, or do I still run a high risk of an HDMI failure?

I am not interested in the "use component" instead.

Also, in light of Directv's announcement they are not promoting TIVO anymore, as well as Directv's decision to use MPEG-4 (HD TIVO uses mpeg 2), I am looking out for myself (Sad to say..I think Directv has ROYALLY f'd the early adopter crowd. We spent $1000 bucks for Christ sake!).

any advice appreciated.
thx.


Just to follow-on to my post, I called Directv last Friday and advised them of my actual HDMI problem. The guy claimed I had a bad cable, so I told him to ship a new one. He said he had no way to just ship a cable, so I told him to ship a new unit, he said he could not do that, he then transferred me to a supervisor at my request. During the transfer, I was hung up on.
I went to Radio shack and purchased a new cable, and problem still exists (looks like I am only getting 256 colors, kinda like on Windows when it is not set at 16bit, but only 256 colors).
I will call again as my warranty ends in less than a week.

[hammer32]

Just got an HDTivo installed today. I have the HDMI cable hooked up to my Sony HDTV with HDMI in. When the TiVo starts up I don't see anything over HDMI until the screen that says "Amost there (just a few more minutes, or something like that)." When that screen goes off I get any further signals from the TiVo over HDMI (System Info reports none connected). Another TV hooked up to composite then shows the DirecTV logo'd screen detecting satellites.

If I restart the TiVo the same thing happens, HDMI works fine for the first screen, then stops working. It doesn't appear to be dead, just no longer detected after some part of the boot process. Unplugging and replugging the cable and wiggling it don't seem to have any effect.

If it was just dead I'd be happy with component, but since it works briefly after every reboot I'm in a troubleshooting mood :) Anyone else have a part-time HDMI port?

[hammer32]

Downloaded 3.1.5f and restarted, same indications on the HDMI. Three hours later we're watching our first recorded progam (Garfield on HBOHD, in case you care :) ) component goes out, switch video inputs to the HDMI and there's a nice crisp picture now...

[Brewster]

I have found that if i unhook the hdmi cable from the back of my receiver before i turn my tv off , it works fine. have
not had a failure (over heating message on screen) in 6 weeks. DTV told me to buy a $250 cable to fix.


Hope this helps someone

[hokey_days]

Directv told me to buy a new cable too, I resisted at first but then went ahead and bought a $60 cable from the Shack. Of course this did not solve the problem.
I eventually got them to send a new one in warranty, after threatening legal action.

[elshagon]

The HDMI is DOA on mine as well. The installer will be back tomorrow or Monday to try another unit. Perhaps we'll try the firmware upgrade as well. Anyone who's had HDMI problems ever find a solution instead of constantly switching out for new units. I'll have to read thru the entire thread, but guess I'll contact directv just so they know I have the problem so when it happens again there's already a note on it. It stinks that such an expensive piece of hardware can't get their HD connections working properly. No wonder they're clearing these things out. Unfortunately I found this thread as I was going thru the install today or I may of had second thoughts.

[henryld]

Self installed my new unit last weekend with HDMI to DVI out to my Toshiba 42H83. Terrible PQ with red/pink cast and a photo negative like appearance. Switched to component out and all was fine. Unit upgraded to "f" soft/firmware during the week so I tried the HDMI out again today with the same result except the cast is now blue. What gives?

[flamedog]

Wow...I don't keep current on these threads all that much...thought I was the only one still tinkering with the HDMI to DVI issues. Just wanted to add my info.

I finally figured things must be fixed decided to get my HR10-250 that had the HDMI card get fried back in March of '05 swapped out.

I was hoping to be able to keep my programming by simply taking the good HDMI card out of the replacement receiver and swapping it into my existing receiver--as I had heard others here do successfully. Unfortunately somewhere in the last year the HR10-250's have switched over to a new motherboard with a different HDMI interface socket. So the cards could not be swapped. I don't know what the names of the different socket styles are but they are completely different.

So then I tried swapping the hard drives only to get the Error #51 so in the end I just sent back my unit with the bad HDMI card and my hard drives...figure the new drives might be better anyway???

So everything has been working just fine--watching mostly SD sources running mostly 480p to my NEC 42XM3. Also got retention to give me the 3 months of free Showtime including SHOHD and also the discounted HD package for 6 months (for my hassles).

Only problem...not sure what happened...starting this morning my Aspect ratio and output image sizes are all whacked out. The onscreen Tivo menus are chopped off on the right hand side and appear to have extra large "margins" on the right hand side. Then if you adjust the TV's screen size to fix the menus...the programming is all messed up...offcenter or uneven bars...all kinds of craziness.

Anyone else see this issue or know of a thread already started on it. Maybe I'll post a separate topic.

Anyway...wanted to put the info about the different hardware platform out here in case that hasn't been covered.

[zzzzdoc]

Just had my second unit fail. After working just fine for a number of months. :(

DirecTV well aware of the problem. Asked if I wanted another unit sent without me asking first. Same 2-5 day answer as the others.

Wish I could change my vote on the poll.

[MarkBarbieri]

Unit installed 8/17. No problems.

[vfzaman]

Bought my first HR10-250 in Jan 05 (build date 9-12-04) at CC, worked fine until today when the picture went to a pink or green image that looks like a photo negative. Wiggling the cable connection to the HDMI port flickers with the corrected colors, but goes right back to the green or pink image when the wiggling ends.

Bought my second HR10-250 in Mar 05 (build date 9-29-04) from Amazon seller, HDMI board/port was DOA. I called D* and was told my HDTV wasn't compatible yet and if I would wait a few months for the software upgrade it will work fine. Used component connection and assumed D* was correct about SW issue. Tested this HR10-250 HDMI port today on all 3 of my HDTVs, and found it was not functioning on any of them. Shame on me for believing D* on this!!

Called D* today and service rep, Damien, tried for approx 20 minutes to tell me how a software upgrade would correct both HDMI problems. I was patient but persistent, and finally when I explained how I work on building computers, installing operating systems and performing hardware and software upgrades, etc., he listened. I explained how I had carefully ruled out software issues by testing both units with a number of HDMI-HDMI and HDMI-DVI cables, connecting other HDMI devices to insure cables and HDTV HDMI ports were functioning properly, and connecting both HR10-250s to 3 different HDTVs, and he finally agreed to replace both HR10-250s. I will lose my precious HD content on both units, but hopefully I will get replacements with the newer HUGHES HDMI 1035849 CARDS with the rectangular connector at the junction of the motherboard, and will avoid further HDMI problems!!

I also bought a Hughes HTL-HD DirecTV Reciever in Sep of 04 (using the HDMI connector) which has worked flawlessly.

[Jon65]

I purchased my HD-TiVo back in March. I tried out the HDMI port when I first got it. Worked fine with my Sony 34XBR800. I then used component to take advantage of switching through my AVR. In June I got my tv calibrated, and decided to try out the DVI port to see how good it looked. Of course my HDMI output was "solarized" by that time. Instead of going through the motions with D* (arguing on the phone, getting charged $1000, arguing some more, losing my recorded shows, getting a new receiver that would then fail again, etc.) I decided to spend the $100 and go the CCS Corp. option. I sent my card out, got an e-mail when they received it, and in a couple days had it back again. Put it in my HD-TiVo and it has been working ever since. It was worth the money for me because I hate the hassle and frustration I would have encountered.

[hammer32]

...I decided to spend the $100 and go the CCS Corp. option. I sent my card out, got an e-mail when they received it, and in a couple days had it back again. Put it in my HD-TiVo and it has been working ever since. It was worth the money for me because I hate the hassle and frustration I would have encountered.


Jon65,

I haen't heard of CCS Corp before. Do you have a link for them?

Thanks!

-Sean

[JackR]

http://www.ccscorporation.net/

[hammer32]

Thanks!!

[tkoenig]

gotta make a post so I am above 5 to reply... Disregard.

[tkoenig]

One more, disregard...

[tkoenig]

http://www.ccscorporation.net/

Does the service from CCSCorporation void the manufacturer/dtv 1 year warranty on these units?

[ray man]

I received my first HD Tivo exactly one week ago and the HDMI port did not work out of the box. The screen was pink and resolution looked like windows in safe mode. I've been running the unit through component with no problems.

They promptly sent a replacement unit in 2 days. This unit would not even power up! The next replacement will arrive tomorrow....what are my odds now?

[dvr_guy]

Has anyone used CCS Corporation for the HDMI port repair? Any success stories or validations to their claims?

[elshagon]

Third time try for install and once again the intermittent signal via HDMI. The installer said he'd just have to leave the unit and now I have to deal with directv over the issue. After talking to a tech I will try the firmware update, but doubt that does it. All units manufactured in Mexico. The tech says they can't/won't test the replacement they send to me, so guess it's receiver roulette for me. It's frustrating to get a directv install and be left with a defective unit and now it's my problem.

[hammer32]

Has anyone used CCS Corporation for the HDMI port repair? Any success stories or validations to their claims?

Not yet, but I may soon. I contacted them today for their instructions on taking the unit apart to remove the HDMI card. I've got a really long HDMI run (from the basement media room to an upstairs HDTV) and have an HDMI switch/repeater coming in tomorrow, if that doesn't help the HDMI signal then I'll probably send the card in. It's $100, but after the rebate and credit for an installer wasting a day of leave and showing up without a workorder or equipment I haven't spent anything on the unit yet anyway...