HDMI FAILURE Poll - EVERYONE please respond [Text View] - Page 6

elshagon

08-30-2005, 10:02 PM

The tech dept's giving me the runaround about a replacement for my newly installed receiver with the HDMI problem. They say "9 times out of 10 it's a compatibility issue with your tv" so that's the problem. I said "how can you say it's a compatibility issue with my tv without ever asking what kind of tv I have?" It's obvious from reading this forum that it's a hardware issue, what's it going to take to make directv realize this so I can get a new receiver? I'm tempted to try the receiver on other tv's with HDMI and report back to them and demand a replacement or ask to be refunded what I paid, and of course get out of the commitment I had to make with them when I bought it. Great price and all, it still isn't worth it if they can't give me one which functions properly out of the box.

jeffdoo

08-31-2005, 07:33 AM

I have the same question, has anyone used CCS? Can you still use the unit without the HDMI card?

My replacement unit has been working fine for over a year (guess I got lucky) but just yesterday it started acting weird. A quick unplug/plug of the unit to reboot (first time in a year, it's on a UPS) resulted in the HDMI output being screwed up as everyone here describes. I could, for a little while, wiggle the cable and the picture returned to normal until this morning. Now I can't get the picture back to normal.

I assume DTV would charge me to replace the unit, any ideas on cost? The replacement unit just turned one year old on 8/26 :mad: ....

Thanks!

hammer32

08-31-2005, 04:42 PM

I got a Gefen HD w/ Digital Audio switcher, with this in between my HDTV and HDTiVo the HDMI has worked for 24 hours, so it was probably just my cable length that was the problem (although this doesn't explain why the HDMI worked on boot during the "Almost there" screen and quit after that screen, unless HDCP doesn't start getting checked until then...). If I didn't need the switch it would have been much cheaper to go the repair route!

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...

-Sean

mikeny

08-31-2005, 05:00 PM

paulj

09-01-2005, 01:10 AM

For those of you that are being told to wait for the software update, there is different H10 HD Digital Satellite Receiver (no TiVo) that has an HDMI problem that is fixed by a software update, there is a bulletin on this at DirecTV and they're confusing this with the HR10-250.

For those of you that are out of warranty, don't have an extended warranty and have still had your HD TiVo replaced can you tell me who your CSR was? I haven't found one who will do this even after checking with their supervisor.

paul

mikeny

09-01-2005, 09:07 AM

Tiffany was going to process mine for s&h only because she thought I was out of warranty. It was for different issue.

I cant' believe they're giving you such a hard time over 5 days. That's harsh.

elshagon

09-01-2005, 09:50 AM

They're giving me a hard time about sending me a new unit even though the installer verified it was DOA when he installed it on Monday. Directv said it's probably cable, tv compatibility, software etc...anything but the hardware. I told them I've switched out cables and tried it on other tv's, plus know people who have my tv and it works. I'll be back on the phone with them today. I'm trying to be patient, but when directv sends an installer who dumps off a receiver which doesn't work and tells you it's now between you and directv to get it resolved, then directv gives you the runaround it' a bit frustrating.

jeffdoo

09-01-2005, 10:38 AM

DirecTV will ONLY replace my out of warrenty unit for $199 + $15s/h and an additional 2yr commitment.

To say I'm not happy is an understatement, but CCS has won my business and will hopefully be able to correct the problem DirecTV can't....

- Jeff

K_bueno

09-01-2005, 10:44 AM

For those that are out of warranty: Are you talking to Customer Retention? The first level customer support is a crap shoot as far as getting what you want. I'm on my 3rd box and they never asked about warranty when replacing. It seems that when you get a unit replaced, you get another 12 month warranty??

jeffdoo

09-01-2005, 12:06 PM

I thought about going doing the Retention Dept but I just don't have the time to waste with DirecTV, so they win and I'll take my repair business else where. I followed the instructions from CCS and just returned from the post office. Hopefully next week for $100 + $7 shipping/insurance (plus $1.65 in gas, about 1/2 gallon) I'll have a functional HDMI card.

I'm happy that Charlotte, NC isn't one of the top markets getting mpeg4 DVRs, I feel sorry for what those people are possibily going to experience.

Now the decision is wether or not to buy another HD10-250 for the home office and its future flat screen (Xmas present). As of this incident I doubt I will buy another unit and instead move the Zenith 1080 between rooms. It's too bad DirecTV isn't handling this situation as nicely as they did the Zenith when they pushed a software "fix" that screwed up everyone's boxes.

And finally, I still don't think their protection plan is worth the cost. I'd have spent over $768 to date (8+ yr customer) if I signed up for that plan and gotten nothing back until today. Instead I'm spening about 1/7th of that possible cost and getting it fixed right (I hope).

I'll post back here when the card returns.

Thanks for reading the slight rant.....

jeffdoo

09-02-2005, 12:33 PM

Well I spoke with Customer Retention today anyway, I have nothing to loose....

He immediately gave me a credit of $20 for the next six months which covers the cost of the 3rd party repair. Then I told him about wanting to purchase another for our home office and he immediately offered me the HD Tivo $299 deal w/$100 rebate (so it's $199 + $15 s/h .... and free install which I don't want...)

As K_bueno has suggested, just call customer retention directly....

- Jeff

prcannaley

09-04-2005, 10:26 AM

Got my HR10-250 last Thursday with the "d" version of the software, and no working HDMI. Not being aware of this forum,I took D*'s word that the software upgrade would fix the issue.

After fighting the unit with my Vonage service for 4 days( a whole other epic battle) to upload the new software to allow the HDMI to work, it still didn't. D* promised to send out a tech this coming Tuesday to look at the HDMI problem.

This morning the color is gone! All I have is blue and yellow. Made my 10th call to D* and they told me it would be better to have the retailer get me a new unit vs. the refurbished unit I'd get through the "protection plan". He wasn't aware of all the posts to this forum. My life has suddenly become a lot more complicated then easier with this great new unit. I'm likely to go back to cable and cut my losses.

My HR10-250 was made in Mexico in 11/2004.

tem

09-04-2005, 12:37 PM

a unit from 11/04 is way old. new units don't even list the date/manufacture date. just take it back to the retailer and maybe buy their plan instead of D*. It's a whole lot easier that way.

(on my 5th unit)

Ein

09-04-2005, 05:05 PM

Just got a new unit 2 days ago with the "e" firmware, the HDMI connector works. It was made in Mexico, but no manufacturing date.

mdryja

09-05-2005, 04:09 PM

I've been a happy HD DirecTV Tivo owner for about a year, after our first unit was replaced with a second unit. We have been connecting via component video, but I finally purchased a HDCP DVI card for our Panasonic plasma. Hooked it up to the HDMI output of the unit, and:

1) Good news was that I did get a picture -- the HDCP "negotiation" worked.

2) Bad news is that the PQ is messed up. Besides the pink tint, the best way I can describe it is that it's like viewing a digital camera picture on your computer, and setting your computer to only 16 or 256 colors . . . somewhat cartoonish in nature.

Anyway, I first tried switching the HDMI card from our old unit into the new unit, but it didn't even give a picture.

I don't want to play the DirecTV game (calling them, asking for a replacement, etc.), so I just dropped off a package in the mail to CCS Corporation, for their $100 repair. If it works, I'll be a very happy camper! Supposedly, I should have my card back within a week from receipt by them. I sent it Express Mail, so it'll go out Tues, and CCS will have it on Wed.

kbohip

09-05-2005, 04:27 PM

My HDMI works perfect so far after 2 weeks of heavy use :). My HR10-250 was made in Mexico, but had no date on it. It came with the "e" firmware but later downloaded and installed the "f" firmware. I couldn't tell any difference between the two.

BTW, It took me 6 hours to download that firmware via Vonage.

cmassa

09-06-2005, 09:48 PM

I received a replacement (refurbished) unit today for an HDMI failure. The HDMI on the replacement was DOA. It came with no cables except for power cord and a universal remote. I called and they are sending another one (another refurbished unit). The CSR said that if this one doesn't work he wants me to go buy another HDMI cable. Those things aren't cheap and I think it should be replaced by D* since it came with the original unit. We'll see what happens. My original unit has a manufacture date of August 2004 and the replacement was September 2004. Don't they test these things before shipping them out as fixed? I've reversed the HDMI cable and used different HDMI ports on my TV. It is loose at the HR10-250. Wiggling the cable in the back will sometimes bring back the picture. I can't seem to convince them to send a NEW unit. The CSR also told me that the replacements will only ship with the universal remotes, not the peanuts and that I can't get the peanut remote. My unit is 6 months old.

Chris

prcannaley

09-08-2005, 03:57 PM

The "repair" guy showed up Tuesday and I explained the problem with the HDMI not working. He had no idea why D* had bothered to send him since there wasn't anything he could do about it! He also recommended I return it to the retailer for a "new" replacement. I will post a reply once I get the new unit and let everyone know if it works. Based on the problems I've had with the first unit, and the whole Tivo / Vonage issue I will probably cut my losses and sell the new unit on Ebay. VCR is a lot less trouble even if it doesn't record HD.

golfmade

09-08-2005, 04:39 PM

Yikes, i'm really getting worried now. Have been using HDMI since last week and so far things are fine, but with all these posts I'm just wondering when it will fail now...

brick33308

09-08-2005, 09:29 PM

If HDMI goes bad on the HR10, can you simply reconnect using the component connection - or once HDMI goes bad, is the whole unit FUBAR?

Also, does anyone know how the picture quality of the component connection from the HR10 is on a Panny 42 EDTV unit, versus the HDMI?

cmassa

09-08-2005, 09:35 PM

Yes, you can just switch to component. On my Sony 55XS955 I can't tell the difference in picture quality. I'm one that bought my unit for $999 and its the issue of something non-functional on an expensive piece of technology that makes me want to exchange it. I expect something this expensive to work as designed.

Chris

prcannaley

09-09-2005, 10:57 AM

The HDMI picture on my Samsung Directv HD receiver with my Sony TV is better than the component video, so I would expect the Hr10-250 to be better as well. Like cmassa said, paying that much for something and then have it not work is just wrong. Paying for the "protection plan" and having them send you a "refurb" unit is also wrong. I'm going to cancel that service as well. Once my units die I will likely just go to cable. The picture and sound quality isn't quite as good, but I had a lot less invested and they always came out and fixed what was wrong. Never thought I'd be thinking about going back to cable....

Bilbrey

09-10-2005, 02:04 AM

OK, this is a huge thread, so please don't yell if this has been posted before...

I was able to 'fix' my HDMI output. My problem was the fine pitch connector that is on the HDMI board that connects to the main MLB. If you look carefully, you may see what I did - some broken wires. It seems that flexing the HDMI connector/board puts a strain on the connector to the MLB. At least in my case.

What I experienced was at first it seemed like a bad satellite signal. Seeing some decoder block failures every now and then (sort of like when it rains...). Then the video simply went out. I turned the unit off for a while (and it cooled down) and when I turned it on again, it worked... for a while. Then no video again. The other ports still worked (Composite, S-video), but I had to switch into 480i mode to be able to see video on those ports.

Anyway, I figured (correctly) that it was the HDMI board that was having the problem. If it were the decoder, then the other video outputs would be dead too. So I removed the HDMI board and looked at it under a 50x microscope and saw that some of the fine pitch wires to the MLB connector were simply disconnected.

So, under the microscope, and with some fine pitch soldering tools, I soldered the wires to the connector. And... success, the HDMI port worked again.

I don't know how many others may be experiencing this problem, but for those willing to take a peek, you may find this is the problem you are having too. If so, then you may have a shot at fixing your unit (if you have a steady soldering hand).

SR Milwaukee

09-10-2005, 01:36 PM

I got the $299 TIVO HD from DirectTV. Tech installed it yesterday with HDMI cable. After turning off the TV (and back on again-a JCV 26" LCD575) I had the green/pink screen problem.....only way to clear is unplug and reboot.

Called DirectTV.....after 45 minutes of back and forth with phone rep and customer service person, they said that Direct has given up trying to solve the HDMI problem.....said they wouldn't replace the unit but send out tech with component cables to use.

I told them to just give me a $100 credit and I would buy component cables myself.......I can't take time from work to be home for another tech to just bring cables.....she did so quickly and gave me the credit.....she said this wouldn't prejudice me against future claims.

I suppose I could have fought more for a new unit, but after reading this thread, its clear the HDMI situation is a mess.....I'm not sure I want to have my HD tivo set to record a week of shows when I am out of town and have the unit go bad again....I'd rather just try the component cables and see what happens.....

SR Milwaukee

09-10-2005, 04:02 PM

Follow-up to my post above....got the component cables....picture looks great on CBS and OTA stations....not so great on HDN.....

But, I used regular audio cables, and I get no sound....none.....tried different RCA audio cables...again no sound....

Seems that I could buy a "digital" audio cable, but not sure how much those cost or if it solves my problem. Anyone had this issue?

cmassa

09-10-2005, 04:54 PM

No audio is sent using component. It is video only. You will need to use either an optical digital connection or stereo connections for the audio. Some TV's (like my Sony 55XS955) won't play Dolby Digital and only pass it through so I connect direct to the amp for Dolby Digital and use stereo connections when just watching regular TV.

Chris

SR Milwaukee

09-10-2005, 08:13 PM

Chris, thanks for the reply....yes, I understand that no audio goes through component.....my problem is that also I attached L-R audio cables to the audio out on the HD250 and into the correct L-R audio on my TV, and I still get no sound....

It's almost appears that the standard RCA jack audio outs don't work on my HD250 either.

Also, many of you refer to manufactured dates on your units?
Where is this data, I am not able to find it printed anywhere on the unit.

cmassa

09-10-2005, 11:18 PM

I think the newer units have no manufacture date on them. I think that indicates it is newer than November 2004 and may be less susceptible to the HDMI failures. I just received a replacement unit of this type and hope the HDMI works. I'll get it hooked up tomorrow.

I don't no why there is no sound. Maybe there is a setting on your TV which ignores the analog when the HDMI is plugged in. On the Sony, if the HDMI is used, the analog stereo input is automatically deactivated. In that case I have to tell the HR10-250 to not use Dolby Digital. If I use component, the stereo inputs work, even when Dolby Digital is activated on the HR10-250.

Chris

Bilbrey

09-11-2005, 02:05 AM

Just curious, has anyone else fixed their HDMI port, or is everyone swapping units for new ones?

jeffdoo

09-11-2005, 08:26 PM

The HDMI card I sent to CCS came back this past Friday and has been fully functional since that evening without any problems. I can't see what they fixed on the card, it could well be exactly what Bilbrey described above. But, I have neither the tools or experience to perform the kind of repair he's suggesting could fix the problem. DirecTV gave me a programming credit which covered the cost of the repair so I'm happy and using HDMI -> DVI (w/HDCP) .... component for me wasn't an option, no connectors....

Should be interesting to see what I receive when the install tech comes out on the 21st with my $199 unit....

- Jeff

ps: Total repair time was slightly more than a week, but Monday last week was a holiday so figure a week turn around time.

paulj

09-12-2005, 01:06 AM

I was able to 'fix' my HDMI output. My problem was the fine pitch connector that is on the HDMI board that connects to the main MLB. If you look carefully, you may see what I did - some broken wires. It seems that flexing the HDMI connector/board puts a strain on the connector to the MLB. At least in my case.
Brett, many thanks for the post! I had one of our girls at work touch up my HDMI board hoping that it was a bad solder joint or a via that wasn't plated through but it didn't help. I don't know if she poked around this connector or not. I wanted to see if I could get more details from you. I'm not sure what an MLB is, is this just the motherboard? Also, can you describe in more detail exactly where you touched up the connector?

paul

Bilbrey

09-12-2005, 10:21 AM

Brett, many thanks for the post! I had one of our girls at work touch up my HDMI board hoping that it was a bad solder joint or a via that wasn't plated through but it didn't help. I don't know if she poked around this connector or not. I wanted to see if I could get more details from you. I'm not sure what an MLB is, is this just the motherboard? Also, can you describe in more detail exactly where you touched up the connector?

paul
MLB = Main Logic Board (a.k.a. Motherboard)

The connector from the HDMI board to the MLB has some fine wires on the HDMI board side. It seems that any movement of the HDMI board (pressure from the HDMI connector, normal heating and cooling of the unit, etc.) can cause these fine wires in the connector to break.

So where I 'touched up' the wires was from the connector to the HDMI board.

The only reason that I needed a microscope is that as I get older, my ability to see 'near' seems to be moving farther away... sigh.

I would take my unit apart to take a picture for you, but I don't want to stress that connection any further... (It's working and I'm not touching it any more...)

elshagon

09-12-2005, 10:12 PM

Just got my replacement unit delivered to me. Built in Mexico, no build date. The HDMI is working on the new unit! Third time's a charm. I hope I didn't just jinx myself :D . Thanks for all the help on this board for alerting me to the problem so I could combat the BS directv was feeding me on possible problem (cables, tv incompatibility, software, etc).

mdryja

09-12-2005, 10:44 PM

I'll second CCS. We got the HDMI card back in the mail today -- they fixed it the same day they got it, and shipped it out the next day. I have no clue what they did. I couldn't see any evident sign of repair.

But it works. I'm having HDCP pass-through probs, but that appears to be related to a video processor that is not passing through HDCP.

If you want to avoid hassles, and have an extra $100, I highly recommend $100.

webpowered

09-13-2005, 03:15 PM

What is CCS?

I bought my HD-TIVO a year ago from American Satellite. Can I just take out my HDMI card that never worked and send it to CCS for repair? I'm in Philadelphia area and was told I'd get my MPG-4 TiVo replacement by end of year, but now that it's delayed maybe it's worth sending in my HDMI card for repair. I tried taking it out and reseating once, but never got any result, just black screen on my Sharp Aquos, so have been using component connection instead.

Thanks, Don

mdryja

09-13-2005, 03:31 PM

CCS is: http://www.ccscorporation.net/

I and at least one other person have had their HDMI cards fixed by them. They are fast, and I don't know what they're doing to the cards, but the fixed worked. You just send them the HDMI card -- which is nice, because you can still use your box (analog outputs obviously) while the card is being fixed.

They got my card on a Thurs, shipped it out on Fri, and I got it back in time for MNF on Mon!

cmassa

09-13-2005, 07:29 PM

Well, I just sent the second replacement unit back. The HDMI was DOA, no picture at all. I tried a new cable as well. They tried to go with port failure on the TV again but my original unit produces a picture, just a bad one so I can't believe it is the TV. Both ports on the TV do the same. The CSR was understanding and pleasant. She stated that the newer versions have a horizontally oriented HDMI port instead of vertical which she admitted has had lots of problems. Has anyone seen this to confirm? They keep sending refurbished units which have the same problem. I just wish they would send a brand new one. The next one should be here in a few days. We'll see.

Chris

elshagon

09-13-2005, 09:16 PM

My new one looked no different then the first two which were DOA. All three made in Mexico with no date. Guess I got lucky though because the third one is working. I checked with other members here who have the same model tv as me to confirm it's not a compatibility issue, maybe you can do the same. I have seen some posts, and pictures somewhere which confirmed they are using a new HDMI set-up. I don't know if that made the dfference for me, but I don't think I'm going to push my luck by poking around inside now that I have one that's working. Good luck, I know it's frustrating. One thing I can say about directv though, dealing with customer service is much better than Dell or others I've dealt with in the past.

dvr_guy

09-14-2005, 06:55 AM

Just got a new unit 2 days ago with the "e" firmware, the HDMI connector works. It was made in Mexico, but no manufacturing date.

My unit was installed on 9/10 also with the "e" software. Manufactured in Mexico but with no date.
Is there anyway to tell which HDMI CARD is in the unit without cracking the case open?

toneman

09-14-2005, 11:44 AM

Just recently bought a Panny 50" plasma so I was finally able to see if the HDMI on my unit (also made in Mexico w/ no manufacturing date--I assume it would be somewhere on the same nameplate that has the "Made In Mexico" on it, no?) works; so far, so good...

bruinscott

09-14-2005, 05:28 PM

my story isnt much different from anyone else's, but thought I would share:

my HDMI was DOA out of the box, so I bought a Monster cable, still didnt work. I called Customer Retention, they sent me to Advanced Tech Support. The guy was very helpful, he put me on hold for a while and came back and said that they used to tell people it was a software problem, but they now know it isnt. He said they have had this problem with many people, and they now know the issue is that the pins are way too sensitive and break when you put in the cable. He offered to send me a new one, but admitted that I would have to be very careful with the cable, and even then it was a crapshoot. He told me that my best bet was to just use Component until they upgrade me at the end of the year with the new dish and box (I live in LA, we are slated for end of 2005 for the free conversion).

I decided not to hassle with the new box, this is my first HD TV, so Component looks good to me. I can live with it for 4 months until the upgrade.

If I decide that I want to get it fixed, is this the problem CCS seems to be fixing for everyone? Not sure its worth $100 for something that will be fixed in 4 months, but then again, who knows if the upgrade will happen when they say it will

webpowered

09-14-2005, 06:03 PM

I recently read on other threads of this forum that the original "end of 2005" replacement in cities like LA and Philadelphia etc is postponed. There is no definite date that a replacement HD DVR will come out.

So I just took out my HDMI card and sent it to CSS, after talking to the man there. I've been using component connection for a year and have never seen what HDMI looks like, but am hopeful it will work, especially since the MPEG-4 won't be out for a while.

cmassa

09-15-2005, 11:24 AM

I got one that worked on the third try. It has no manufacture date, made in Mexico. We'll see how long it lasts. I spent an hour last night putting all my settings in. I'm waiting for the guides to fill so I can put my season passes in.

Chris

tem

09-15-2005, 01:02 PM

He said they have had this problem with many people, and they now know the issue is that the pins are way too sensitive and break when you put in the cable. He offered to send me a new one, but admitted that I would have to be very careful with the cable, and even then it was a crapshoot

Another way of them telling you it's your fault and not theirs, which it clearly is. I've had 4 with bad HDMI and I am VERY careful w/ the cables, as I would assume the vast majority of people who've posted in this thread. That excuse is total BS.

kbohip

09-15-2005, 01:21 PM

Hmmm, while watching Top Gear last night my screen went all black for a couple of seconds. I skipped back to see if it was the recording and it didn't do it again. So far my HDMI has worked perfectly. I'm probably worrying about nothing but these dead HDMI threads are freaking me out!

prcannaley

09-16-2005, 07:58 AM

My 2nd unit just arrvied. Made in Mexico 11/2004. It does work. But the story gets even better....

BEWARE: When I went to activate it the D* rep said I was automatically COMMITTING to 2 years of service!!! I said I was not, and based on the history of this machine it wouldn't last that long anyway!! Apparently now everyone who activates ANY HD SERVICE has to sign on for 2 more years. Even Customer Retention wouldn't back down on this, so I cancelled ALL services and will switch to cable. Selling all my D* stuff on EBAY I guess. Painful, expensive lesson. Good luck everyone!!

webpowered

09-16-2005, 10:30 AM

They've been making customers sign for 2 years for a while. About 2 years ago my regular TiVo got fried from lightning and they sold me a refurbished Series 2 TiVo which I still use upstairs. They charged me $50 and made me commit to a long term.

I have basic cable and cable internet when I gave up Direcway satellite, but wouldn't want Comcast digital cable in my area even with their HD-DVR!!

I just hope the upcoming HD-Mpeg-4 DVR from DirecTV is comparable to the current HD-TIVO. Does anyone know if the new box will still get digital UHF antenna channels like the current one???

JEDeG

09-23-2005, 05:15 PM

Sent my HDMI card to CCS on 9/16 (Friday) by Priority Mail. CCS fixed it and sent it out 9/19 (Monday). It would have arrived 9/21 but USPS misrouted it, so it arrived 9/22. After being DOA when I bought the HR10, HDMI now works fine. ALSO, when I called DirecTV about reimbursement for the $100 repair cost, the CSR gave me a $60 HBO programming credit. I didn't try to get more - a $40 net cost was OK with me and sure beats trying to get a new unit that may or may not work. Thanks to all on this forum for the CCS link - they are fantastic.

BTW, HDMI PQ looks slightly better on HD stuff (32" Sony LCD), but I thought SD looked a bit softer/more artifacts. Too subjective to really make a call w/o side by side testing.

webpowered

09-23-2005, 06:22 PM

I just got my HDMI card that never worked back from CCS and agree with everything JEDeG just wrote. I'm on a 30 inch Sharp Aquos LCD. HD stuff looks subtely better but SD doesn't look that great because you notice the flaws.

You're too kind about your $60 credit. I'm going to call and ask for a lot more than reimbursement for my $100 I spent at CCS. I've had my HDMI non functional for a year, and how come CSS knows how to fix the card and send it back same day, and DirecTV techs don't!!?!!

I never bothered getting a replacement unit because so many people got bad HDMI cards in their replacements.

I just hope this HD-TiVo lasts for the unspecified time required until the mpg-4 DVR comes out. Months?? Years?

I'm already getting periodic spontaneous restarts on this TiVo!

liquid4012

09-29-2005, 07:24 PM

I received my HR10-250 two weeks ago. Right out of the box the HDMI output didn't work. The picture was extremely grainy and low-quality, and there was a purple or green tint over the screen.

It's unbelieavble how incompetent and badly trained some of the CSRs are at Directv. One woman told me "well if your component cables are working, what's the problem?" Well, I paid a lot of money for this unit, I'd like it to function correctly if that's ok with you. She then went on to say that "the reason it's not working is because you can't have an HDMI cable go into a DVI input, there ain't no such thing". Well, I have a cable specifically for that and they're backwards-compatible. She refused to let me swap the unit because I bought it from an authorized retailer, and I'd have to get it from them.

The next time I call, I get a woman who tells me "we don't support the HDMI output until at least the end of the year. We can't guarantee it's going to work." So I said "well, can I speak to the HD-specific Customer Support department?" She then says "they just going to tell you the same thing!" with a lot of attitude.

So she transfers me and I speak to a very knowledgeable CSR named Janice who is swapping my system with no problem. I just hope this one works, if not, I'll stick with the component cables. Oh the humanity. ;)

Bilbrey

09-30-2005, 01:17 AM

You want to WATCH the picture?!? :eek:

(Sorry, I just wanted to use the "eek" smilie.)
;)

pshkbb

09-30-2005, 03:33 PM

I apologize in advance if this question may have been discussed in previous posts to this thread - but I can't afford to scan through 44 pages of posts on this topic. I just got my new HR10-250 and hooked up 1 week ago. Using the HDMI-to-HDMI connection (on Sony 55XS955 RP LCD). I'm already noticing on recorded programs pixelation issues.

Is this another symptom of the bad HDMI connection or could it be other issue? I am an upgraded SAT-T60 user and I never experienced this kind of pixelation issue before (except during intense rain storms).

bollwerk

09-30-2005, 05:04 PM

I've had my HD Tivo for almost a month (using HDMI to DVI/HDCP connection). I've had almost no problems with picture quality. The only issue I ever had was with one Weeds episode (in HD) that had a couple minutes of no picture and spradic sound, but I think that may have been on D*'s end. Not sure. I just re-recorded the episode again and it was fine.

One thing I wish I could fix is the couple lines of white/black blinking "data" on SD channels that shows up at the top. My HDTV (Syntax Olevia 27") doesn't have a way to adjust overscan, so I'm out of luck. =/

Budget_HT

10-01-2005, 12:32 AM

bollwerk,

On your Syntax HDTV, can you adjust the vertical position upward slightly (e.g., computer monitor-style) to hide those lines of black/white blinking data? That's what I did on my little 15" Polaroid HD-ready TV/monitor. I would rather have a small black band at the bottm than the distracting flashing data at the top.

I cannot change vertical size, I can only adjust vertical position.

tase2

10-01-2005, 04:55 PM

I have now had mine connected HDMI-HDMI with no problems at all. I have had the unit for 10 months but just got a TV with HDMI almost a month ago. I didn't read anything about being careful with the cable before hand and unraveled it and hooked it up as I would with any cable, again worked fine right out of the box.

I have noticed a few fractions of a second blackouts, but I think that use to happen with the Sat anyway. So I guess I was lucky-at least so far

/keeping fingers crossed.

STi_Rocky

10-03-2005, 07:41 PM

Per DirecTV technical support, contacted this morning, a software fix is expected within a week (i.e. by 2-22). The tech support rep said they have had "numerous" reports of the problem, are "well aware" of the need for a fix, and that their tech people are working on it. He said they are no longer authorized to send out replacement units, since they think the problem is not in the hardware. According to the rep I talked to, the "fix" will likely be reported as a message on the TiVo screen. In the meantime he says they are counselling users to watch HD through the (lower resolution) component connections. I too just got off the phone with DTV, and pretty much got the same answer - no more replacements, there is no fix at this time, and something is being worked on. But it took a number of persons to finally get this answer! I told this supervisor that DTV should get on here and give us an official answer for ALL to see. Holding my breath :eek:

Bilbrey

10-03-2005, 08:24 PM

I too just got off the phone with DTV, and pretty much got the same answer - no more replacements, there is no fix at this time, and something is being worked on. But it took a number of persons to finally get this answer! I told this supervisor that DTV should get on here and give us an official answer for ALL to see. Holding my breath :eek:
Interesting. Well a software fix would not have worked for my problem, and that was broke wires... Sounds like they have more than one problem to deal with...

mdryja

10-03-2005, 08:56 PM

Guys, if you got $!00 to spare, save yourself a lot of grief, and send the HDMI card to CCS for repair.

liquid4012

10-04-2005, 11:19 PM

Got my new HR10-250 as promised from Directv. HDMI output works like a charm now. Great picture, but SD looks a bit blurrier now. I've heard the same from others. Oh well, the HD looks even crisper now, so it's a trade off.

STi_Rocky

10-05-2005, 02:33 AM

Well, got this in the mail today from an E-Mail I sent to DTV:Dear Mr. XXXXX,

Thanks for writing. I'm sorry to hear that you are still having technical difficulty with using an HDMI cable. Since it's difficult to troubleshoot technical issues by email, please call our technical support center and discuss the problem with one of our technical representatives. To reach them, just call 1-800-531-5000 and select the option for technical assistance.

Thanks again for writing and I hope we're able to fix the problem quickly.

Sincerely,
Yeah yeah yeah! Its been a YEAR that mine has not worked, and I keep hearing all sorts of run arounds! As I stated above, the supervisor I talked to, after having me on hold for some time, told me that DTV is no longer sending out replacements. But now I see Liquid got a new one????? I was also told that the HDMI output was NEVER GUARANTEED TO WORK in the first place????? WHAT??????? And that this is not only their unit having this problem, but other sat companies as well? Funny, as my HDMI Pioneer DVD player works fine right out of the box.

As for the CCS fix - I was told that DTV would not reimburse for the cost of the repair, and that it would VOID my warranty? WHAT WARRANTY if my unit is not working as it should, and they won't fix or replace it anyway????

Has anyone talked to a lawyer or the BBB about this yet? I think it is time they pay their dues and get their sh*t straight for once!!!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

K_bueno

10-05-2005, 10:49 AM

tem

10-05-2005, 12:54 PM

Rocky:

That's insanity! The crap that comes out of CSR's mouths is incredible. The HDMI was never guaranteed to work???? That's a new one. I would play CSR roulette and keep at it until you get what you want. MY unit was replaced because of a bad HDMI just 2 months ago! Good luck.

They tried to say the same thing to me. I mean, it's ONLY PRINTED ON THE BOX LIKE 4 TIMES. That's like Denon saying "Sorry, even though your receiver SAYS it has an optical output, we never GUARANTEED that it would work". Well, yeah, you did by PRINTING A F'ING GUARANTEE IN THE MANUAL. There's no asterix, there's no footnotes, there's nothing saying that it excludes the HDMI output.

CSR roulette usually works, but someone really needs to sue their ass for fraud the 1st time they can't get a new one under warranty.

Andy in NYC

10-05-2005, 01:45 PM

My HDMI has been working fine for the last 2 weeks. Today, for some reason, it isn't. The component works, the TV works just fine on all other inputs, but HDTivo to HDMI TV input gives me a "no picture" picture.

Talked with the customer support, explained the problem. He at first said, "use the component". I explained the digital to analog to digital conversions going on and he understood the problem. If that didn't work, I was going to offer to sell him a new 4 door car where only the back passenger door opened (hey, if you climb over, you can drive just fine!); it didn't get that far.

They are FedEx'ing a new unit today - I might get it tomorrow.

Sometimes, support is great (pity I needed it though).

Andrew

Finlennium

10-05-2005, 09:47 PM

My 250's HDMI finally failed last week after 16 1/2 months. Guess I'll wait for the mpeg-4 dvr and just use component for now.

memnoch

10-05-2005, 10:40 PM

Perfect for two weeks now.

liquid4012

10-05-2005, 11:50 PM

Well, got this in the mail today from an E-Mail I sent to DTV: Yeah yeah yeah! Its been a YEAR that mine has not worked, and I keep hearing all sorts of run arounds! As I stated above, the supervisor I talked to, after having me on hold for some time, told me that DTV is no longer sending out replacements.

Rocky, I got the same exact e-mail from a representative before I called and finally got a competent rep who sent it out without questions. Most of the CSRs there are either completely ignorant, poorly trained or told to discourage sending out replacements. If you make enough of a stink, they'll give you what you deserve. Purchasing anything should work the way it's supposed to. If you bought a car and, for example, the glove compartment light didn't work, it would be fixed with no questions asked. I don't understand why they seem to think this is any different.

tem

10-06-2005, 02:02 PM

I don't understand why they seem to think this is any different.

because some bean counter told them they were sending out too many replacements for free and he's figured out that enough people with just go along w/ the "tough sh**" reason instead of demanding what is rightfully theirs. It's the same logic that leads companies to issue recalls or not.

chengka

10-07-2005, 12:25 AM

HDTivo installed yesterday with a defective HDMI port. Rep I spoke to at the time of the install tried to tell me it was a firmware issue. Wait 24 hours to get the latest, even after we confirmed that 3.15f on the machine was already the latest. Called back this evening and 2nd level tech support issued a replacement without having to ask for it. More CSR roulette. I will go this route until I get one that works, or until the calls get too stressful. Heck, I end up with a CCS repair anyway in a few months.

Good luck to all.

audvid

10-07-2005, 07:55 PM

I too had hdmi (no output) problem with the 1034054 hdmi card. I wanted to simply swap the cards (based on another post - who did it successfully). Unfortunately, directv wised up - probably felt that CCS was going too good of a service. Now the hdmi card is hard glued onto the mother board. It cannot be removed. Is it possible that this gluing was done to prevent the failures and is unrelated to users pulling the card out to send for repairs?

The new unit had "over heat" problem right away. I am sending it back and sending my card to CCS for repairs. Did anyone have the "over heat problem" appear after CCS fixed it?

The replacement unit gets reset with a power off/on and starts working again, even after "over heat" message. But my original unit no longer works with the HDMI card. I am wondering if I would have similar "over heat" message even with CCS repair and that I might have to power it off and on.

notmestl

10-12-2005, 11:36 AM

Well here I am...
I have had my Hd Tivo for almost a full year now. Using the hdmi port with no issues at all. Last night I sat down to watch some recordings and guess what?The picture was green with a nice hint of blue and really squiggly... ewwww. So, I got up and wiggled the hdmi cable in the back and hmm the picture corrected for a 1/2 second. ARG!!!!
At least I am under a year I suppose. Hooked up the component for now. I have until the 23rd to call Directv and get a replacement sent out and believe you me I will. I will keep everyone up to date on the progress....

audvid

10-12-2005, 11:45 AM

notmestl

If misery loves company, well... we have a lot of company.

My unit was working fine - I was using a HDMI to VGA converter and all was well.

Recently, I got a new DVI input card for my CRT and as soon as I connected it.. within minutes.. poof.. hdmi trouble. The maker of the card says his card had nothing to do with it - his card works fine with other HDMI devices.

Anyway, if $100 is not too much for your budget, you might be better off getting CCS to fix it. I got a replacement receiver from directv. While it did work - it would go into the"too hot..." mode overnight. In addition, the card was actually glued in hard to the mother board. I am not sure why they did that. I guess they figured out CCS was doing a better job of fixing?

Anyway, I sent the directv unit back and sent my card in to CCS for repair.

I was another post who said..."just send the card to CCS and save yourself a lot of hassle...". He was absolutely correct. I will confirm after I receive the card back from CCS but I think its a better way to go.

You mentioned the 23rd. You should seriously consider getting directv protection plan prior to your anniversary and while your unit is still under warranty.

audvid

10-12-2005, 11:46 AM

To those who have their cards repaired by CCS: Does the "over heat..." problem or a different failure re-appear after CCS has fixed your card?

chengka

10-12-2005, 09:24 PM

Replacement unit arrived. Defective HMDI. POS used equiptment. Filthy. D* says I should have received a new unit(original less than 1 week old). Maybe the 3rd time is the charm.

paulcoats

10-13-2005, 09:36 AM

I purchased my HD Tivo from CircuitCity through the mail a year or so ago. The first one had a terrible HDMI picture. Unwatchable. You could see something, but not much. Had to purchase a new one and I was going to send the old one back with shipping paid by CC for full refund once I get the new one. Got the new one ...HDMI port did not work at all. Bought another....still no picture on the HDMI port.

I finally talked to someone at Hughes who seemed to be failry competent. He said this is common, that some of the earlier Tivo's connection on the HDMI port is very sensitive and is easily damaged by movement. Known problem. Send it back to us and we will send you one without this issue. I asked CC about this and they said I could do this but my extended warranty would not work because it would only be valid on the original TIVO.

I stuck with the component output because I was wary of going through a 4th Tivo and sent 2 Tivos back for full refunds, kept one.

CC did say I could take the Tivo to a store anytime during my extended warranty and replace it at the store. They actually called the store and gave me the managers name to talk to. I never exchanged it because I was lazy had shows on it I wanted to watch. I may eventually do the exchange if I can get CC to actually hookup the new Tivo to check the HDMI before swapping it out, and I finish all my shows....

mcatgt

10-13-2005, 09:56 AM

No problems yet...4 months and counting.

audvid

10-16-2005, 08:13 AM

CCS corp people gave excellent service.

When my unit failed, directv sent a replacement. While its hdmi outoupt did work it would occasionally go into "... temp too high.." mode. it had the hdmi unit glued on to the mother board - i did not know why...

I returned that unit to direct and sent my own board to ccs. They repaired it and returned it very promptly (1 week roundtrip). Absolutely no problem now.

If $100 is not too much for you, I would strongly encourage using CCS and saving yourselves a lot of head ache.

PS: I am in no way connected to CCS. If you search, you will find that others also have posted similar glowing experiences. its nice to be able to promote excellence.

webpowered

10-16-2005, 08:56 AM

I discovered CCS from this forum a month ago. My HDMI never worked since I bought the unit in September 04. I used component only, and hesitated getting a replacement after reading stories here of people returning one after another and still bad HDMI.

CCS repaired my card and for the first time I see the subtlety of my HDMI connection. It's been working fine now for a few weeks.

What annoys me most, if CCS knows how to repair the cards, how come DirecTV doesn't?

I plan on calling DirecTV soon and requesting some sort of credit for the $100 I just spent repairing what they should have repaired! (On this forum, I see differing results on asking for credit from DirecTV. Some get something, some don't.)

Bilbrey

10-16-2005, 02:22 PM

What annoys me most, if CCS knows how to repair the cards, how come DirecTV doesn't?

I plan on calling DirecTV soon and requesting some sort of credit for the $100 I just spent repairing what they should have repaired! (On this forum, I see differing results on asking for credit from DirecTV. Some get something, some don't.)You ask an excellent question, and I believe that DirecTV does know what the problem is and how to fix it, but is trying to avoid admitting/acknowledging the issue because of liability. CCS is getting $100 to repair the boards, and that is a profit center for them. DirecTV repairing the board would be a cost liability and they will only do it for the customers that 'squeak' ("If it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality). What DirecTV is afraid of is if/when a recall is announced, not only will the customers with known bad units return them, but customers that may have a bad HDMI port, but are just using component video now, will try their HDMI port and find it is bad and want it fixed even though they probably will continue to only use component video (they want what they paid for to be working).

This is a huge loss potential for DirecTV, and the last thing DirecTV wants, is someone contacting a lawyer and getting a class action suit started. A class action suit would be a 'no brainer'. In fact, DirecTV even knows where all the HR10-250 customers are. It’s not like when someone buys a product and the company only knows where the product is if the customer submits the warranty card. DirecTV has a data base of customers with this product. DirecTV would have to 'make remedy' for all customers that have bad HR10-250 units. I'm not sure how DirecTV would handle customers that repaired HR10-250 units on their own, perhaps by having to offer credit on monthly service when presented with a receipt that the customer repaired the unit.

I'm sure that DirecTV is reading this now and is very worried. DirecTV’s lawyers should be worried. This is a power keg that has a fuse, and it takes just customer to contact a lawyer to initiate a class action suit that will light that fuse.

webpowered

10-16-2005, 02:41 PM

Well, who knows a lawyer that can start a suit? Without us having to pay lots up front?

It's been mentioned here before, but no one really did anything about it, that I know.

Also, I'm concerned about the changeover to Mpeg4 equipment. No one has answered if we can still use off-air antenna too? And if the TiVo will be the same familiar interface, and WHEN WILL IT HAPPEN? I'm in Philadelphia area, and didn't get my HD TiVo replaced because I was told this changeover could happen as soon as Dec 2005 and now it's said to be postponed with no firm date for DVR.

HDMI is not the only thing wrong with the HD-TiVo. The interface gets really slow, and I've noticed some peculiarities if it's recording two HD programs at same time. I think it's too much for the processing power. Sometimes it takes a long time to change channels and part of the recording is missing. I've started leaving my tuners on the channels that will be recorded so the TiVo doesn't have to change.

Just hope this one lasts for the months (years???) until the Mpeg4 DVR comes out.

If mine dies, guess I could just buy a replacement, since they're less than a third of the $1000 I spent a year ago!!! (sarcasm)

Bitch, bitch, bitch! But the HD-TiVo and DirecTV are so much better than what Comcast offers, or I would have changed ages ago!

Don

Bilbrey

10-16-2005, 03:15 PM

I'm concerned about the changeover to Mpeg4 equipment.

HDMI is not the only thing wrong with the HD-TiVo. The interface gets really slow, and I've noticed some peculiarities if it's recording two HD programs at same time. I think it's too much for the processing power. Sometimes it takes a long time to change channels and part of the recording is missing. I've started leaving my tuners on the channels that will be recorded so the TiVo doesn't have to change.
Your right, I'm sure that DirecTV will have to handle the transistion to MPEG4 carefully so that they don't open themselves up to further liability. But if they continue to provide the existing service to current users for a few years, I would expect they will be OK. (but I'm not a lawyer...)

As to the 'other' things wrong with HD-Tivo, those are not liabilities. Units may be slow, but they work as advertised.

Budget_HT

10-16-2005, 06:24 PM

I just had my 2nd HD TiVo installed yesterday ($299 -100 special). We are using HDMI with it because both component inputs on the HDTV are already in use. After adjusting the settings on the TV (32" flat screen LCD) the picture looks fantastic, but then so does the analog input E-86 picture. A 32" screen is not really big enough to see the potential differences.

The new HD TiVo says made in Mexico and shows no date, so hopefully it is new enough to have the newer HDMI capability. Now we start the clock to see how long everything looks good. My older HD TiVo (one of the first that Good Guys pre-sold and delivered in Seattle) has worked perfectly so far, but I have not tried the HDMI output ever, since my older 48" RP CRT HDTV does not have HDMI or DVI.

paulj

10-17-2005, 12:48 AM

Add myself to the list of happy CCS customers. I got tired of dealing with the brain dead zombies at DirecTV.

paul

audvid

10-17-2005, 06:39 AM

I just had my 2nd HD TiVo installed yesterday ($299 -100 special). .

You are an existing customer and you are able to add 2nd hdtivo for $299-100= $199?

Sir_winealot

10-17-2005, 08:47 AM

Usually, if 6 months have passed you can participate in another "D* deal."

free-1

10-17-2005, 03:22 PM

Usually, if 6 months have passed you can participate in another "D* deal."

So where can I get the upgrade (CCS) here in Philly. I'm on my third hr10-250 and all have had hdmi to dvi problems. Any suggestions :)

audvid

10-17-2005, 03:25 PM

http://www.ccscorporation.net/

free-1

10-17-2005, 03:51 PM

Much much thanks :)

Budget_HT

10-17-2005, 07:28 PM

You are an existing customer and you are able to add 2nd hdtivo for $299-100= $199?

I purchased this deal just before they shut it off recently. I simply asked for it (called into retention group directly) and it was a no-hassle transaction.

My only prior "deal" with DirecTV was $270 worth of discounts when I purchased my original HR10-250 the first month they came out. Otherwise I have been paying full fare since 2000.

There are many folks out there subscribing for far fewer years and getting far more deals than I.

rs808

10-18-2005, 07:48 PM

Well my new 60" Sony SXRD arrived today replacing my 4yr old Mits WS-55819. My HD Tivo has worked flawlessly for over a year using the component outputs. The mits didn’t have digital inputs so this was my first attempt at using the HDMI output. Guess what? It's dead. I get no picture what so ever when I switch to the HDMI input. The HD tivo plays out the component output even though the HDMI cable is plugged in. (As others have reported in this thread.)

I was like #915 on VE list when some friendly person started a thread on this site stating they were available on Best Buy’s website. I was fortunate and got one. Luckily after the purchase I went to my local store to buy the 4yr extended warranty. I plan on taking it back on Monday after a full weekend of HD Football on my new SXRD. I'll report back on how Best Buy handles the warranties they desperately pitch so much.

Bilbrey

10-18-2005, 10:12 PM

I thought it might be interesting to see what I ran into with my card.

First, this is what the HDMI card inside the HR10-250 unit looks like:

http://www.bilbreyhome.com/HDMI1.jpg

Now here is a close up on the connector that mates to the MLB. What you are looking at is the connector to PCB junction, and what you can see is the 'cracks' in the solder joints that hold the connector to the card.

http://www.bilbreyhome.com/HDMI2.jpg

It is not simple to get under the connector and resolder the SMT leads that have broken away from the card. I suggest using a hot air soldering unit, the type used for SMT reworks. That worked for me.

I can understand that for many people, sending their unit away for $100 to get it repaired is a simpler task... ;)

notmestl

10-19-2005, 11:48 AM

After all this CCS talk I am considering taking that track. Has anyone sent in their whole unit to them, instead of just the card? Just wondering what kind of improvements that has made or none at all?
thanks...

darthrsg

10-19-2005, 04:28 PM

if you click the poll your hdmi will die

johnchart

10-25-2005, 04:58 PM

My HR10-250 installed one week ago. Plenty of "poor picture" problems. Some of the HD is fine. Much of the SD is not. Also has blank screen for 1 or 2 seconds on occasion.

xxrando

10-26-2005, 12:31 PM

It is not simple to get under the connector and resolder the SMT leads that have broken away from the card. I suggest using a hot air soldering unit, the type used for SMT reworks. That worked for me.

I can understand that for many people, sending their unit away for $100 to get it repaired is a simpler task... ;)

Excellent post, thanks! My first HR10-250 should arrive tomorrow and it looks like I should give it a once over with my SMT rework station right off the bat. :)

Rcam10

10-26-2005, 03:44 PM

I can understand that for many people, sending their unit away for $100 to get it repaired is a simpler task... ;)[/QUOTE]

That is a interesting picture. Its been over a year now since I looked at that old type connector, so I cannot really remember exactly what all I resoldered on the DOA one I got.

I did focus in tha area since that appeared to the problem, but also at that time it could have been on the mother board also. They had just came out and it wasn't a fact it was just the card. I resoldered a lot of places, not sure how I could have missed what you show, but maybe I did. Well, what I soldered didn't repair it, course I was going to get it replaced anyway so maybe I didn't look long enough. If thats always the problem area on of the old type connector.

Bilbrey

10-27-2005, 01:43 AM

If you note in the picture of the card, there is red 'potting material' around the connector to the MLB. I'm guessing that they are having problems with flexing problems with the connector to the MLB. That flexing is ripping the SMT mounting leads of the connector away from the daughter card PCB. This flexing could be heating and cooling cycles (this does not mean having to turn the unit off, but simply the different of max day temp vs. min night temp.).

I had a simular sort of problem with my Toshiba DST-3000 DirecTV HD receiver. Sigh.

tucsontiger

11-21-2005, 02:57 PM

My HDMI died right out of the box. It worked for about 30 seconds and that was it. I called DirecTv and the second level CSR told me that the problem was with the "voltage" She claimed that a software patch was just around the corner and they would download it to me. After reading all these posts, I think the woman was just lying to me. Does anyone have anything new to report on this issue? I bought a new TV to take advantage of the HDMI connection so this is very annoying. Thanks.

wje

11-22-2005, 07:57 AM

I thought it might be interesting to see what I ran into with my card...

That's a great photo! About time someone showed us what the actual problem was. Anyone know how it was fixed? From what I can see in my (4th) unit, the card mounting has been modified a bit, which would support the connector-flexing theory.

If it dies again, at least I know what to look for. I don't have an SMT station, but I have done SMT the real way - a tiny tip, tweezers, and a magnifying glass. And lots of patience and extra chips.

Bilbrey

11-22-2005, 10:04 AM

That's a great photo! About time someone showed us what the actual problem was. Anyone know how it was fixed? From what I can see in my (4th) unit, the card mounting has been modified a bit, which would support the connector-flexing theory.
Considering that I have have found two units now that have the same connector failure, I don't see how DirecTV can say there is a Software fix. Unless there is a second problem on top of the connector issue.

Who knows, there may be more than one problem here...

wje

11-22-2005, 12:39 PM

Apparently, there WAS a software issue that affected a few makes of TVs. That was fixed with the 'f' update. However, there was (is) also a hardware problem, which seems to be much more common. For a long time, D* claimed all failures were software, even when it was completely obvious that the facts were otherwise.

Somtime around this time last year, the HDMI card/connector/mounting was redesigned, supposedly solving the problem. I haven't heard of any confirmed failures with the new card.

tucsontiger

11-22-2005, 05:40 PM

Here is the latest in my battle. I called Advanced Techinical support. First, they tried to convince me that using component cables was just as good. Uh, no. Then they told me it was the cable because they have fixed the problem. That was a good one, given the posts here. Then the guy said he would send me a new one. I took him up on that. So, in the next few days I will have my new unit and I will try it. Something tells me that it, too, will die. Maybe not right away, but soon. Argghhhh.

Bilbrey

11-22-2005, 07:48 PM

Given the previous post, I have the following observation and question:

Observation - After soldering my connection properly, my unit has continued to work flawlessly.

Question - Has anyone that has had a hardware repair of the HDMI card, had any reoccuring problems?

What I am trying to find out is, once 'really' repaired, has anyone had any further problems?

hoffa

11-22-2005, 08:45 PM

This is a very long post to read the whole. I just want to make sure I have it right.

I just got my 250 and hooked it up with hdmi to dvi and it worked great for 2 weeks then nothing. They told me it was because of my hdmi to dvi hook up. and I had to use components because hdmi to dvi does not work. Is this right or is it really the hdmi hookup it self and I should get another one.

webpowered

11-22-2005, 09:19 PM

I use hdmi to dvi now. When I bought my HD-TiVo over a year ago, hdmi never worked.

Only recently I discovered on this forum the place to send the card for microscopic repair for $100. The hdmi to dvi has been working fine ever since.

Keep calling DirecTV and ask for a top tier support person. That is if you want a replacement.

hoffa

11-23-2005, 09:32 PM

Mine did fail after 2 weeks and was made in Mexico, but did not have a date. They are sending me another one via FED-EX. Should be here in 2 or 3 days.

tucsontiger

11-25-2005, 01:47 PM

When I called Tuesday for a replacement, the CSR assured me I would have my new unit in one or two business days. I called today (Friday) and learned that D* has not even sent the unit out for shipment. She had no idea when that might happen. She did not know anything at all. I guess this some sort of passive-aggressive approach to supplying replacement units. My guess: I wait forever for the unit and it dies right out of the box. I hope I am wrong.

kento1

11-28-2005, 01:27 AM

Sigh....add my name to the growing list of HDMI failures. Worked fine for 10 months (although I had to make sure the source-- Tivo or DVD or other component-- was turned on before the TV for the "handshake" to take), but now HDMI is acting up. Unit was made in Mexico, build date not available at the moment. Purchased at Good Guys back in February, and now that they've filed for Chapter 11, the store where I purchased it is no more. I see that most everyone here has gone to DirecTV for resolving the problem, or taking out the card and sending it a repair facility.

The problem I'm also encountering is that my DVD player HDMI connection has also failed at the same time.

The HR10-250 drops signal output after 20-30 minutes of run time, but my DVD player (Denon DVD-2910) drops out almost immediately. Screen on my Panasonic TH50PHD-7UY goes blank with a "no signal" message. Also noticed that if I have the HR10-250 and DVD player on at the same time, signal drops almost immediately.

Any thoughts as to why my Denon DVD player's HDMI output has suffered the same problem as the HD Tivo? Thanx in advance for any help.

tucsontiger

11-28-2005, 07:01 PM

And so it goes. Today I called D* and learned that my replaced HD DVR has still not shipped. CSR sent me around to four or five bored reps. Finally, one of them canceled my old order and sent me back to CSR to order another one. Then she hung up on me. I called back and made a whole new order. There goes a week down the drain. Mind you, the replacement was supposed to be delivered to me in 1-2 days. So, here we go again. Tomorrow I get to call back and find out this new order has not shipped, either. I just now when it arrives it will not work. I just now it. I used to really like D* until this. Now . . .

esteser

12-01-2005, 10:35 PM

I have had D* for the past year and HD for the past 10 months. My HDMI just went out and I hope to have a replacement rcvr in 2 business days... Blah.. Blah... Blah.. We shalll see.

pabuwal

12-01-2005, 10:41 PM

My fifth unit was ordered on 11/26/05. I called 2 days later and found out the replacement had not shipped. They told me they were on backorder and the expected time would be 3-5 days before they shipped. You can check their website for status when you login.

The big joke is I have been paying $8/month for the protection plan after paying $1000 for this unit. And now they can't even ship me a replacement because they have been dumping this unit in retail stores for $100 or so.

Sir_winealot

12-02-2005, 07:47 AM

tucsontiger

12-02-2005, 11:02 AM

My second order also never shipped. So, I asked to speak to a supervisor. She said she had a double-secret way of placing my order and that she would do it herself. She was going to email me a confirmation that my third order had shipped. No word yet. I suspected this was a back order situation, but no one would confirm that. I am starting to think that my first (of many) replacements is never going to arrive. This is such an awful blunder for D*. Imagine the backlash when they roll out the MPEG4 receivers and one-third of them don't work.

tucsontiger

12-02-2005, 11:05 AM

BTW, here is the direct line to the HD CSR Dept: 800 695 9251. As soon as you get through, demand to speak to a supervisor.

nlayton

12-04-2005, 07:49 AM

Okay, this is fun. (Not really)

I had a new HR10-250 installed friday at about 3pm. The HDMI connection was working fine. Went to sleep at about 10pm. By eleven o'clock that same night. It was dead. It actually locked up my whole system and gave a error on the screen that said. "Severe temperature warning, the unit has been shut down to protect etc, etc" The only way to restart is was to unplug the unit and unplug the HDMI cable. With the HDMI cable plugged in. It would not boot up!

So now I am running off of component video after less than 8 hours!

The reason I know it locked up before 11pm is that I had a show sheduled to record at 11 that it didn't record. Plus a few free showtime movies at 2am and 4am were not recorded.

I will keep my fingeres crossed for the next 24 hours

STi_Rocky

12-04-2005, 12:10 PM

I FINALLY got my new (refurbished???!!!!) HR10-250 from DTV. Took a YEAR of b*tching at them to get one. I looked inside, and the card and connector is totally different now (so can't just swap cards). I did test it, and the HDMI works. But now, I need to find a way to transfer my movies that I have recorded from the old hard drive to the new one. Can't just swap drives, it gives ERROR 51 - which means the hard drive is not mating to the new motherboard. Anyone have an idea on how to just swap the movies over? Cause you can't just "ghost" the image over, would still get the ERROR 51. I looked at Hinsdale's website, but there was way too much to try and sort through.

xxrando

12-05-2005, 11:59 AM

Excellent post, thanks! My first HR10-250 should arrive tomorrow and it looks like I should give it a once over with my SMT rework station right off the bat. :)

I guess I'll be cracking open my 5 week old HR10-250 now.

The HDMI port had been working fine (a few 1s drop outs here and there excluded) but decided to go nuts last night as I was using the up arrow to adjust the output resolution. I've done this a 100 times before but after I did it last night, the picture just flickers on for about a half second and then goes green, blue, jumbled and then black for about 5-10s and then repeats. I cycled the power and the HDMI output was fine during the initial power up screen but then reverted back to the cycle above once it got to the retrieving info from satellite screen. Of course I tried a different HDMI input on my TV as well as a different cable -- both to no avail. This is odd and really doesn't seem like a hardware issue.

Fortunately, component video still works ok -- albeit not quite as clear.

:(

hoffa

12-05-2005, 06:10 PM

Well my replacement finally showed up today. Ordered on 11/23 and after 3 phone calls of them telling me it was sent then it never showing up. Well first off it was a refurbished unit. Mine was less then a month old so they said I was going to be getting a new one. Anyway, I hooked it up and guess what HDMI did not even work. So back in the package off to DTV it goes. Try for #3.

esteser

12-05-2005, 07:15 PM

SO I got my replacement DVR ------ THE series 2 SD -40 . I think NOT. Last time I checked this unit never had the HDMI. So how could this replace my old one. I can't believe these people. So I am on hold... AGAIN for 30 + minutes trying to find out what happened to my order. So here goes round #2 ..... ding... ding...

So I just got off the phone. They state that I must now wait to get approval before they send out the correct part number to verify that this sd-dvr40 is not a "comparable" substitue for my hd Tivo. I am regretting spending the money on this product - and I can't believe the customer service for their error. I should have stuck with Cable.

tucsontiger

12-06-2005, 06:59 PM

After waiting two weeks for D* to ship me a replacement, they shipped me two. Honestly. I got one at work and one at home the same day. The one I got at work was clearly a refurb. The box was so beat to hell that it sagged. I'll bet this thing has been shipped and returned ten times. The one at home looked brand new. I plugged that into the HDMI and it worked perfectly. The picture quality is outstanding. I can't be sure, but I think this is a slightly newer model. The background on the TIVO is blue, instead of green. Of course, the HDMI could die at any time. But, for one night, at least, I have a working HDMI connection.

BobbyK

12-07-2005, 01:17 PM

My HDMI just went out. Got the unit on 11/2/05. D* says I will have a new box within two days. This will be my 2nd replacement. The first one was sent back due to excessive Audio/video drop outs. I bought the orignal in July and never had an HDMI problem with it.
I didn't realize how many HDMI issues there are with this box. D* said she had never heard of one.

hoffa

12-07-2005, 04:57 PM

Boy do I feel stupid. OK, received my 3rd box today. only took 2 days, :up: . Unit was refurbished, was supposed to be new, :down: . hooked up, did not work. No new cables to see if it was a cable problem. So went and bought $130 cable. Still nothing. So I thought maybe it was my TV (LG RU-44SZ61D). Went to the store I bought my TV from (Modern TV - little local store here in San Jose). The owner told me to try this setting on my TV. So I went home and tried the setting and well it worked. Great picture. The input is a RGB PC/DTV. I needed to change it from PC to DTV. Stupid me. The reason I did not think it was a setting was because when I first hooked up my box (about month ago), it worked just fine for 2 weeks, then just went black one day. So I figured the settings were not the problem. Little did I know I guess. So after all that I am going to send D* back their refurbished unit #3 and keep my original brand new unit #1 and hope nothing goes wrong with it. D* had told me the first time that they think they had fixed the problem and all the new boxes should have no problems. So I guess I will keep my fingers crossed.

I wonder how many other people have made the same mistake and it wasn't really D*'s fault? Just curious

AbMagFab

12-07-2005, 05:12 PM

STi_Rocky

12-07-2005, 10:55 PM

Thank you for posting this! I'm pretty sure most of the multiple-failure people have a problem like this (i.e. TV setting, TV issue, cable issue, etc.). Unfortunately, too many people can't diagnose properly, and just keep blaming the "new thing". For some, that may be fine. But if you have an HDMI DVD player, and that works, then the 250 should also work.

hoffa

12-07-2005, 11:58 PM

For some, that may be fine. But if you have an HDMI DVD player, and that works, then the 250 should also work.

By no means am I saying that everyone is as dumb as me.

BobbyK

12-08-2005, 08:15 AM

I have an LG 50in plasma but have no such setting. My new HD receiver arrived from D* today. I'll hook it up and see what happens.

BobbyK

12-10-2005, 01:06 PM

Received 2 refurbished HD units. Neither one had a working HDMI port. I have checked my system completely. Hooked up a DVD Player with HDMI and it worked fine. Also, while returning the last one, ran into a gentleman at fedex returning HD unit for the SAME reason. They are obviously not checking these ports out before shipping them out.

mfleming

12-12-2005, 10:35 AM

Wow! I purchased my unit two summers ago. HDMI Didn't work and I returned it (not for a replacement since I then found this forum and didn't want the hassle). I stayed current with the forum for around six months, reading about the continuing troubles and the apparent lack of desire of DTV to fix the box. So, I gave up.

I saw the unit at BestBuy yesterday for $399 (with rebate) so I thought I'd come back to the forum to see if the problems are now resolved. Best Buy guys said they have had ZERO problems. I started reading the forum....Unbelievable!!!!! It's been nearly a year and a half and it sounds like it's exactly the way I left it. DTV still playing games, people looking for techie fixes....

And I thought there might be an alternative box by now, but apparently this is not to be. I understand DTV's HD DVR will not be out until, when, mid next year?

And to think I purchased that $3500 TV two years just so I could have a HD TV for my new 250 coming my way!

DTV should be sued for this. Talk about mental anguish.

cmeinck

12-16-2005, 09:58 AM

I thought I was one of the lucky ones. I own two HD Tivos and they were just humming along until a few nights ago. I experienced bigtime choppiness and green static while watching a recorded program. Two days later, I'm getting no signal from either HDMI or component. I just got off the phone with DirecTV and they were "unaware" of any known issues with the box. I find that hard to believe given the amount of posts here at Tivocommunity. I mentioned the "hundreds" of posts regarding the issue. They are Fedexing a unit to be here by Tuesday.

This is a reminder to myself to purchase the D* protection plan before my warranty is up on these units.

Bilbrey

12-16-2005, 12:36 PM

This is a reminder to myself to purchase the D* protection plan before my warranty is up on these units.
I don't know how useful that will be...

I purchased the DirecTV protection plan, but when I had a problem with my Toshiba DST-3000 receiver, DirecTV failed to honor repairing it. I was pissed. Long story that I won't go into here.

tucsontiger

12-16-2005, 07:03 PM

You'll love this. D* has not shipped me three 10-250's. I get one about every other day. I really wonder how many are yet to come. The first one is still working, though I am less than two weeks out. Last night while watching a recorded program, I heard some buzzing noise and I suspect this could be the clarion call of death. That would make sense since I just fedexed the last two back to D*. Let's hope I am wrong.

cmeinck

12-20-2005, 05:10 PM

As per my previous post, I was getting "no signal" from my HDMI cable on my HDTivo. The prior evening, a recorded show was unwatchable, freezing and green lines appearing. I was able to get the Tivo working using S-Video. I figured this way I could watch the remaining shows before shipping back to D*. Yesterday, I got a new TV, so decided to plug in the HDMI from the Tivo. Well, for whatever reason, it worked. My first thought was there had to be a problem with my other TV. I plugged in the HDMI to the other set and it worked. Now, I have already called D* and they shipped a new/refurbed HDTIVO. I'm guessing that the old one, while working properly, is about to fail. Should I still do the swap?

Looking forward to feedback here at Tivocommunity as to my next step.

Bilbrey

12-20-2005, 08:08 PM

JimL

02-02-2006, 12:05 PM

I just realized I posted this question on the wrong thread:

With my HR10-250 my previous set did not have HDMI so it was not an issue connecting. Recently we purchased a new SXRD and I initially connected it with the same component cables - perfect picture. I then remembered I had the HDMI cables that came with the unit and plugged it into the TV - changed inputs - and the picture was this varying shades of blue - negative image sort of picture with no sound - totally unwatchable. I thought about buying new HDMI cables to try till I read some of the posts here which changed my mind. Has this occurred to anyone else or does anyone know what I should try next? I am also reading conflicting posts here as to whether the HDMI issue has or has not been fixed. Thanks

tem

02-02-2006, 12:40 PM

It's dead, Jim.

JimL

02-02-2006, 12:42 PM

Ok, I'm not being a smart a** here - but do you mean the HDMI issue is dead (because it has been fixed) or my HDMI port is dead (so no use trying any other cables)? Thanks

tem

02-02-2006, 12:44 PM

The HDMI port is hosed. Classic symptoms. Call and try to get a replacement. They should NOT tie you down to another 2 yr commitment if its still under the 1yr warranty.

joetoronto

02-02-2006, 05:23 PM

does anybody really notice a difference between HDMI and componet?

Bilbrey

02-02-2006, 07:01 PM

does anybody really notice a difference between HDMI and componet?
I believe this depends on the quality of the display and how that display samples the data.

I personally tend to see a little more noise in the component signals. This could be because of the analog sampling nature of the component signal.

HDMI with a solid TMDS transmitter will look great, but if you have a bad transmitter or on some displays a bad receiver, then you can see 'speckling'. But when HDMI (or DVI) is working, the display is great.

AbMagFab

02-02-2006, 09:24 PM

does anybody really notice a difference between HDMI and componet?

I definitely do on both my TV's:

Sony 50" LCD RP (768p)
Sony 60" SXRD RP (1080p)

joetoronto

02-03-2006, 04:29 AM

i asked because i've never even tried the HDMI due to the potential troubles i read about here before buying mine.

i didn't, and don't, want to take the risk of my tivo going dead.

power3960

02-03-2006, 09:50 AM

AbMagFab

02-03-2006, 10:10 AM

I just purchased a new TV with HDMI connectivity. I've owned the HR10-250 since it was released and HDMI connection worked perfectly. I'm not sure if I see much of a picture difference from it vs. component cables.

Just my 2 cents...

Unless you specify the TV, this is a meaningless opinion. If you have an EDTV, you won't see any difference. If you have a CRT, you might not see anything. If you have a 720p/768p digital TV with no extraneous DACs, you'll see some difference. If you have a good 1080p TV with no extra DACs, you'll see a noticable difference.

KungFuCow

02-03-2006, 10:30 AM

My 4th unit in enroute.. my last one had the HDMI port go out on it.

Klankster

02-03-2006, 10:36 AM

My HDMI port died a couple of months after I got my HR10-250. I notified the dealer so he'd know that it happened under warranty, but the hassle of reprogramming all my stuff into a new unit wasn't worth doing a swap, not to mention that, from the postings here, I could have gotten a much worse unit.

I've been using the component output and it works just fine.

THE BIG QUESTION: While researching this topic yesterday, I noticed that WeaKnees sells a replacement HDMI card for the -250. Has anyone here bought one? Just wondering if it really works (more than a couple of months, ha ha).

beaster

02-06-2006, 08:24 PM

Unless you specify the TV, this is a meaningless opinion. If you have an EDTV, you won't see any difference. If you have a CRT, you might not see anything. If you have a 720p/768p digital TV with no extraneous DACs, you'll see some difference. If you have a good 1080p TV with no extra DACs, you'll see a noticable difference.

We also need to factor in the source. The D* HD feeds are so poor these days (esp. when Sunday Ticket was consuming all available transponder bandwidth), that I'm not sure the digital out is going to make a noticeable difference on even good, digital HD displays. Sure, generally speaking the fewer digital -> analog or analog -> digital conversions in the data stream, the better. Personally, I've looked at both HDMI and component on three relatively high quality displays (720p LCD projector, 720p flat panel LCD, 720p LCD RPTV), and don't see much of a difference on the D* feeds.

OTA is maybe a little better over HDMI - maybe. But I'm suspcious of my own eye and biases - without a double-blind test (or heck, even a single-blind), I wonder if I'm not reading something into the difference that isn't there.

-Sean

AbMagFab

02-06-2006, 11:11 PM

We also need to factor in the source. The D* HD feeds are so poor these days (esp. when Sunday Ticket was consuming all available transponder bandwidth), that I'm not sure the digital out is going to make a noticeable difference on even good, digital HD displays. Sure, generally speaking the fewer digital -> analog or analog -> digital conversions in the data stream, the better. Personally, I've looked at both HDMI and component on three relatively high quality displays (720p LCD projector, 720p flat panel LCD, 720p LCD RPTV), and don't see much of a difference on the D* feeds.

OTA is maybe a little better over HDMI - maybe. But I'm suspcious of my own eye and biases - without a double-blind test (or heck, even a single-blind), I wonder if I'm not reading something into the difference that isn't there.

-Sean

Don't need double-blind. Connect HDMI and Component to the TV, and try each one.

On my 1080p Digital TV (SXRD 60"), I can tell you OTA is noticably better via HDMI. I think TV type, quality, resolution, and size all matter. But there is a very visible difference.

vertigo235

02-06-2006, 11:41 PM

Getting one tomorrow, so if I get a unit without a date on it, I *shouldn't* have this problem? Can I find out what the HDMI card # is that CCS is talking about without opening the box?

Markyt

03-04-2006, 06:43 AM

In the last year and a half I have had four of these failures. I'll bring it back to Circuit City and exchange it under the extended warranty plan. The only good thing when I do this is that they refund me the amount of money that the sell price has fallen on these guys each time I bring one in and the two year warranty gets reset to day one again.

I just wish that DTV had the new MPEG4 machines out so that I could exchange it for one of those.

joetoronto

03-04-2006, 08:19 AM

teasip

03-04-2006, 10:01 AM

The card number is printed on the card itself. You would have to remove the cover to see it. I haven't made the effort to look at the replacement card that Weaknees sells but the issue on the HDMI appears to be one of a bad solder. CCS repairs this. Once I broke down and decided to take the chance on the repair it was painless. Kudos to CCS.

joetoronto

03-04-2006, 10:20 AM

Markyt

03-05-2006, 11:20 AM

i'm wondering if you've ever thought about NOT using the HDMI, Markyt?

I am until I have time to bring it in. The HDMI is broke and it's under warranty. That is reason enough to bring it in, plus CC will refund to me that amount of the reduced price to me. I originally paid $1000 for it, they have refunded $250 since and it should be another $150 now (depending how it goes with the new DTV leasing thing). I also have mutliple component output devices and have used up all the component inputs on the tv.

Mark

joetoronto

03-05-2006, 12:58 PM

I am until I have time to bring it in. The HDMI is broke and it's under warranty. That is reason enough to bring it in, plus CC will refund to me that amount of the reduced price to me. I originally paid $1000 for it, they have refunded $250 since and it should be another $150 now (depending how it goes with the new DTV leasing thing). I also have mutliple component output devices and have used up all the component inputs on the tv.

Mark

you should think about getting one of these (http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinfo.php?lc_code=1154A&PHPSESSID=61ac33bd8559e44de8b70b09ebcdb392) , Markyt.

i have one and the thing is amazing, it controls up to 4 component/optical sources with a built in sensor, digitally.

it did the trick for me and it beats running video through an audio receiver, like i was doing before.

it makes for a cleaner picture.

Markyt

03-05-2006, 04:29 PM

you should think about getting one of these , Markyt.

i have one and the thing is amazing, it controls up to 4 component/optical sources with a built in sensor, digitally.

it did the trick for me and it beats running video through an audio receiver, like i was doing before.

it makes for a cleaner picture.

Thanks for you advice but I'll opt for the free brand new replacement HR10-250 that CC will give me. Or maybe wait for a MPEG4 DVR to hit the store and replace it with that.

alexandrepsf

04-20-2006, 06:45 PM

Hi,

I recently bought a TV with an HDMI input and wanted to test my HD DTivo box HDMI output on the TV, no luck.

I wanted to know how can I figure out if the HDMI card in my box is one of the deffective cards or not?

I bought the HDTivo box on May 2005, I know it was a refurbished box so not sure when it was built.

Thanks for your help.
Alex

newsposter

04-20-2006, 06:58 PM

people here have said that if there is no build date on the back of the machine, that it has the newer card. Somewhere here (unless i'm confusing my forums) are the serial numbers on the boards i believe. Hopefully either a search or another member will enlighten you more.

alexandrepsf

04-21-2006, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the reply.

I looked and could not find my Serial Number in this thread, there is no creation date on the box though.

I tried with a new HDMI box and it did not work either.

Called D*. The person suggested me to try the box on another TV with HDMI to make sure it is not my new TV's problem. i mentioned that I pay $8 a month for service on this box and the only service that they provided me is that I need to find a neighbor to see if the box is working or not. When i mentioned that I heard about some of the builds of this box having problem with HDMI output after that she talked to her manager she said that it is the process to make sure that they will not send out a technician if the problem is with the TV.

I am so pissed. i will call them later, but right now I could just eat the early terminasion fee and drop D*.

teasip

04-21-2006, 11:23 AM

Go to the CCS website (company that does the HDMI card repairs) and read about the faulty cards. As I recall they give you the faulty serial number to look for (printed on the HDMI card inside the unit which is easily removable). Mine was one of those, took it out, shipped it off, back in one week, working great since. Yes, it costs $100 but a good investment in my opinion, especially if you got your HR10-250 discounted.

alexandrepsf

04-21-2006, 12:26 PM

I am paying a monthly fee for their service plan, why should I pay $100 for the repair? They are in fault in here.

I paid for the box, it did not come to me for free.

Seminole

04-21-2006, 12:43 PM

I just got a new tv and tried hooking up the HDMI which did not work and was not surprised at all as I know this was a issue when I bought the box 18 months ago but my old tv did not have a HDMI input.

I guess I will have to start fighthing the battle with D* to get another box but I will not sign up for2 more years as I have just about had it with D* and once FIOS is available in my area I am leaving D*

Seminole

04-21-2006, 01:34 PM

I just got a new one being sent out with no comitment because I have the protection plan I was told. They were very nice about the whole situation had me try a few things and agreed to send a new one.

kenyjr

04-21-2006, 04:32 PM

I got mine 3/12 went out 3/14 got a new one and it went out but now im have a hard time with d they say they will replace it in tell the new ones come out in june i've tired three times so far.

Brillian1080p

04-22-2006, 09:21 PM

Seminole

04-23-2006, 06:53 AM

Please pardon me for asking, how can I tell where it was made?

There is nothing about it on the back of the unit.

Mine was manufactured August of 2004. I just now was able to try the HDMI and I get nothing. It does knock out the component signal, so something is happening.

That is what mine is doing as well I hope my new refurb box works ok.

newsposter

04-23-2006, 07:02 AM

Please pardon me for asking, how can I tell where it was made?

There is nothing about it on the back of the unit.

Mine was manufactured August of 2004. I just now was able to try the HDMI and I get nothing. It does knock out the component signal, so something is happening.

There's a thread somewhere with the specifics, i forget them. But it was something like if it has no date, it's 2005? or after and has the new hdmi card.

yngdiego

04-25-2006, 10:34 PM

Mine died today on me...unit was about 18 months old, and was a replacement for my first unit where the HD died on me. Spent 2.5 hours on the phone to get a out of warranty replacement with the 2year service contract waived. Had to make several calls, talk/yell at several managers, etc. Not at all a pleasant experience.

symneter

05-11-2006, 06:00 PM

Bilbrey

05-12-2006, 11:49 PM

MoInSTL

07-30-2006, 09:12 AM

I have had this unit for 11.5 months and tried the HDMI for the first time since buying a new Samsung front projector. HDMI worked for 30 second, then pow! I have a replacement coming. The strange thing is this. When I went back to using the component input, the reds are now smeared or blotchy. Is there a connection to the HDMI failure? Just wondered if anyone had ever experienced this. I scanned most of this thread, but if it has been covered, sorry.

Symneter

Searching the thread, your's is the first description that is similar to my problem. I switched HDMI cable first, then to component and it looks like 256 colors on a PC and faces in particular look bad. Very red and almost mask-like. Reminds me of a color negative. They are sending a new box, but I am wondering is you recall if yours looked like 256 colors on a PC as well.

looter

08-04-2006, 12:12 AM

Mine failed a few months ago. Can I change my answer? I purchased it earlier this year. Hecho en Mexíco.

ebr

08-06-2006, 08:11 AM

My HDTivo is an original. Got it in June of 2003. Didn't use the HDMI connection until about six weeks ago and it worked fine until yesterday when I upgraded the unit with a second hard drive so that I could record more HD movies to watch with my new fabulous HDMI connection. When I hooked it back up after the upgrade - no video or audio via HDMI but it does cut off the component output.

Is there any hope for me?

teasip

08-06-2006, 08:41 AM

CSS, $100, turnaround time approximately one week. Do a search for specifics.

Bilbrey

08-06-2006, 03:19 PM

Is there any hope for me?I fixed my own by resoldering the connector. (See pictures earlier in this thread)

optimusprime44

08-07-2006, 06:45 PM

This wasn't about the HDMI cables. The whole thing will not work after just one day of being installed.

Bilbrey

08-09-2006, 05:39 PM

This wasn't about the HDMI cables. The whole thing will not work after just one day of being installed.
Sorry, skimming too quick.

Well, that sucks. :(

snooplives

08-28-2006, 08:40 AM

Last week my Panasonic 50" RPLCD got back from service. I plugged in the HDTivo to my dvi input. The picture looked flourescent. I thought it was the tv. Tried the component input and the pic was fine. Called D*, and they said I have to have a service call, which is today. Why can't they just send me a new one?

I told them the HDMI is a known issue, but of course the CSR didn't know what I was talking about.

mgoddard1

08-28-2006, 09:20 AM

Too bad you can change change your original response to the poll because mine failed 2 weeks ago. I bought mine in May of 2004 so it was one of the original ones and since I had 'enhanced' my hdtivo with a larger drive and some other unamed software modifications I had no desire to send it back to directv. Instead I sent my HDMI card to these guys:
http://www.ccscorporation.net/PVR_T.htm
and I had it back within a week and it works perfect. They did a nice job of reworking the main board connector and even reinforced some of the pins with solder to prevent it from happening again.

cwest02

08-29-2006, 03:43 PM

my didnt work as soon as i got it, the installer said it was my tv, i check with an tv and it was the box, everything was green, called they are sending me one overnight for free

Avenger

09-23-2006, 11:17 AM

Yeah, mine quit suddenly after 14 months of service. The TV will not establish an electronic connection to the HDMI card at all. Now using Component and I'm not happy about it. Maybe I'll have to ship the card off to CSS to get fixed.

Bilbrey

12-18-2006, 06:15 PM

OK, earlier in this thread I posted some pictures which I hosted on my own web page (a year ago...).

Had some time off, cleaned up a few things, cleared out old images from the website.

A few days later I got an e-mail asking me for the pictures... So I put them back as they seem to be still helpful.

BlankMan

12-18-2006, 11:06 PM

Well after using my HR10-250 for 2-1/2 years via the component connections I finally purchased a HDTV that has HDMI connections so I figured why not use them. Well as I now find out, because my HDMI card is bad, that's why not.

Read this whole thread earlier today to get an understanding of the problem, 90% bitching about the problem and about DTV, 10% actual constructive troubleshooting and problem/solution analysis.

Looks like Brett nailed it, by the way I have to move and hold the board to get it to work matches with the rotation of the board then putting pressure on the connections under the connector making any bad connections. Let's CCS's super secret cat out of the bag.

But hey, CCS is right, that's a difficult fix and without the proper equipment impossible for the average Joe to do so it's worth the hundred bucks. I have two buddies that might be able to do it, one owns his own board house, the other runs the SMT production for a Fortune 50 company. Either would probably be able to do it, but both are unknowns, so I'll be going with the known and send mine out to CCS.

Then I'll hit DTV up for having to send money to fix a known problem they chose to never address.

And thanks for those pics Brett.

Bilbrey

12-18-2006, 11:33 PM

But hey, CCS is right, that's a difficult fix and without the proper equipment impossible for the average Joe to do so it's worth the hundred bucks. I have two buddies that might be able to do it, one owns his own board house, the other runs the SMT production for a Fortune 50 company. Either would probably be able to do it, but both are unknowns, so I'll be going with the known and send mine out to CCS.With the 'right' gear, it is pretty easy. But the trick is having the right gear. ;)

Then I'll hit DTV up for having to send money to fix a known problem they chose to never address.I'm thinking this qualifies for Class Action Lawsuit...

And thanks for those pics Brett.Your welcome, and I will leave them up for others since they are proving helpful.

:)

BlankMan

12-26-2006, 03:28 PM

Got my HDMI card back today from CCS. It appears they completely removed the connector and re-installed it. I say that because the red lump of glue that was under the mounting studs on both ends of the connector are gone. And I can see lumps of solder on each of the pins on the back side of the connector. Looks like hand soldering.

But the jury's still out for a bit. When I first installed it and powered up the box there was no picture via the HDMI port until the unit got to the "Almost there" screen. I'm not too alarmed at that, could be that the unit had to once again discover the card. Because I then powered it down to put the cover on and afterwards on power up I got the "Welcome" screen right away.

But, in switching between inputs on the TV, from using the TV's internal HD tuner to the HDMI port connected to the HR10-250 I got a green screen. Completely green, sound was there though. So I switched the TV to a different input and then back to that HDMI input and the picture was there.

I don't like unexplained anomalies, thus I'm hoping this problem is really, completely, fixed and is not going to rear its ugly head again in the future.

webpowered

12-26-2006, 04:40 PM

My first HD TiVo never worked with HDMI. I got the card repaired from CCS, and it worked for about 6 weeks then started giving me a blue screen saying TiVo overheating and shutting itself down. Even after restart my TiVo wouldn't last more than a few minutes before going to that blue screen warning. Switched to 3-color component connection and it worked fine. I even sent the card back to CCS who tested it and said it's fine, but it still didn't work in the unit.

That same TiVo finally died, when Hard Drive died. DirecTV replaced it with refurbished model that worked great. Then a few months later the tuners burned out on it, and DirecTV replaced with a third TiVo I'm using now. HDMI worked for about 6 weeks, then I got the same blue screen overheating message, so switched to 3-color component. The Hard Drive is going on this one too. I get spontaneous restarts almost every day, sometimes more than once a day.

I use a Sharp Acquos LCD. Some people on this forum have reported some sync problems with HDMI on some Sharp TVs and other brands too. It seems strange to me though that it will work fine for about 6 weeks.

I don't really want the Mpg4 DVR, so am trying to keep using these HD TiVo's as long as possible, but comcast using series3 HD TiVo and cable card is tempting! They have Stz-HD and Cinemax-HD which would be nice!!

When will DirecTV have more HD satellite channels? (Not just the locals in separate markets)_

mfleming

12-28-2006, 12:13 PM

Hello,

After giving up years ago on this unit due to hdmi failure and periodically coming back to see no fix is yet done, I'm back again after a year or so absence. Is it the same old thing still? Or can I safely buy one? Or is there somewhere I can buy one where they fix them before selling them?

I've got a DTV Plus HD DVR in a box I bought a few weeks ago from Costco, but I've been waiting for my HD network station waivers to come in before opening it up. But, I still have much trepidation using that box since I have a non-HD similar DVR on another tv and it just does not compare to Tivo.

I want my (HD) Tivo!!!!

Sparky

12-28-2006, 12:28 PM

After a long few years of service my HDMI card gave up the ghost. It had been acting flakey for some time and I did the open the box and reseat thing. This last time it did not come back :(

After investigating I see I can get a replacement for $250. With that in mind I called D* and said I was having picture freezes and audio drop outs, not mentioning the HDMI thing. They told me to do the big reset which wipes out everything, which I proceeded to do.

While on the wire I decided to upgrade and will be hit with $299 and 3 or 4 months of free HD service. Just about even as far as the bucks are concerned. So in a couple of weeks I'll get a new dish & DVR.

The past few days the picture has quit freezing and the audio seems fine but I have not checked the OTA Fox station which is where I noticed the most audio problems.