A Review of the R10

[Chuck_IV]

I have to admit.. I am a little disappointed with the R10. It's great to have twice as many hours as I did previously, but the menu screens are more dull, and the text is definitely fuzzy compared to the HDVR2... Still, I got a good deal so I guess I can't complain that much..

Hmm, I just installed a new R10 last night, in place of an older series 1 Hughes GXCEBOTD and I thought the opposite. The menus are sharper(and a heck of alot faster) and the picture quality seems noticeably better.

Granted I'm going from a series 1 to a series 2.5, but I still see people say their series 1 was clearer. Not in my case.

[DarkAudit]

I have scanned the entire thread (great review, and informative posts!)...

Quick question which I didn't see covered (though I may have missed it): Does the R10 have the issue of remote hangs? That is, sometimes both my SAT-T60 and HDVR2 units become non-responsive to remote commands... The keystrokes (or at least some of them) seem to get buffered during the "hang", which sometimes lasts for a good 20-30 seconds...

Thanks!I've seen similar remote issues with both my Hughes and Samsung receivers. In my case, it was usually a sign that the batteries in the remote were going dead. Once i put in fresh batteries, the problem went away.

[Ogie00]

Just a quick(probably stupid) question about the R10. I noticed that when I put the R10 in STANDBY, both lights continously flash a faint red and the fan/HD(?) continue to make some noise. Is this normal for the R10? My other receivers don't do this when I put in standby.

[MyAllyCat]

Ogie00... My R10 does the same thing. No worries though it's just this model of dvr.

Jana

[Stevo]

Any update on the activation of the USB port for ethernet usage?

[ebonovic]

Nope... As of yet, no one has found a software hack that will work with the R10.
They still require a hardware modification to keep hacks in place.

[csigrissum]

Hi all;
New member, read most of the posts here. :eek:
Thanks Ebonovic for an awesome review!!! :up:
I just switched to Directv from Dish, and one of my Tv.s, (19" Coax input) has blurry menus (I curently have the D10). I have some questions about the R10.

Should I expect clearer menu's from the R10?
Does the R10 have caller-id?
Can I record from the R10 to my DVDR?
Since I just switched to Directv 2 weeks ago, should I expect the rebate?

Yesterday, I was researching those questions, and discovered that they have an R15 coming. (August 1? delayed till Sept?)
Is it worth waiting? or should I go for the R10? What advantages would the R15 have? Should I expect another delay?

Thanks All.
Ben

[ebonovic]

Two answer your questions:

1) Some people have reported blurry menus... but on a 19", you shouldn't see much blur. Check your coax cable and connection. I have mine on a 36" via Coax, and the menu's are not blurry.
2) No DirecTivo has on-screen caller id (that includes the R10). The soon to be released R15 (a non-Tivo powerd DVR) will have on Screen Caller-ID
3) If you are refering to the $100 rebate that starts in two weeks, then no. If your vendor offered you somethng else... check with them.
4) Well we don't have a SET confirmed in cement date for the R15, so you could be waiting 4 weeks, or 4 months.... we don't just know.

There are a bunch of threads listing the features of the R15, and it is hard to say yet what is advantagous with the R15... until we have it in our hands, we just have the manual and "spec" sheets to discuss.

[csigrissum]

Thanks again.

Not to be picky- but you missed one :)
Can I later copy from the R10 to a DVDr?


I assume yes, but your showed a screen that makes me unsure..

[ebonovic]

Thanks again.

Not to be picky- but you missed one :)
Can I later copy from the R10 to a DVDr?


I assume yes, but your showed a screen that makes me unsure..

Sorry, yes... You should have no issues.

[csigrissum]

Thanks

[NCAA football]

Hello all..........

Just got the R10 a couple days ago (my 1st Tivo of any kind) & the first thing I noticed was the degraded PQ as compared to the RCA DTV receiver that I got with my system 3 years ago. I have a Mitsu. WS-55315 set & have the R10 hooked up with the same S-vid cable I had on the RCA...............basically just swapped the units. It's soft, seemingly unfocused, grainy on some chans ............& reacts almost like it has its own SVM.

I've read a lot on here before posting but can't seem to find a consensus on a good replacement for this. I realize for $99 I shouldn't expect perfection, but I don't want to accept this PQ as "good enough". I'll spend more if needed, I just thought I'd try this unit since the price was right.

Any suggestions on a unit with a more renowned PQ?

[ebonovic]

Pretty much the PQ is the same (for video at least) accross all the DTivos. (Except for the HR10-250).

I haven't had a non-DVR for so long, I can't compare the two.

Try another connection type (the composite or the RF). "what could be" happening is that hte R10 is sending out TOO much detail via the s-video, and your TV is displaying all the flaws in the DirecTV signal. Your SA reciever may have been blurring that a bit.

Else, you could ask DirecTV for a replacement, as it is possible you got a unit with a bad video modulator.

But other then going back to a non-dvr or the HR10-250 (which only has better pq for HD signals), all the rest of the DTivos are about the same.

[NCAA football]

Thanks for the reply....................I have my doubts that stepping down to a RCA or RF cable will improve the PQ but I'll try it. If that doesn't help I'll take it back for another. I suspect that the unit probably employs a cheap DAC. Not sure if I can find anything on that but I'll search. Like I said, for $99 it's hard to gripe a whole lot but I'd gladly trade functions for PQ.

Thanks again.

[ebonovic]

There is no doubt the R10 was made using cheaper components.
So you could "try" to locate a Series 2 unit (such as a DSR704/708)
As those "supposidly" use more expensive parts.

[NCAA football]

Thank you....................I'll check those out.

[twash]

I find Earl's review to be accurate and reliable for the R10.

I see no difference in PQ for the R10 versus any of the other generations of DirecTiVo nor the SA TiVo. It all looks the same to me. My Guide stuff is fine too, not overly clear to the eye, but not different from what I am used to seeing with other TiVos.

The slow-moving guide comments...my two R10's seems to move as fast or faster than what I am used to.

The near-freezes that can occur, I believe are simply the result of too many button punches when a person first gets his unit set up and working. During that period when you have just hooked it up, time sort of stands still, and you are a bit panicky because you want the thing to be okay, and you can easily click in more commands on the remote than the operating system can handle, and it causes the system to go really slow. I haven't run into the need to reboot the unit, but I have had to quit pushing buttons so much. I am sure that rebooting will help, but right at the time it will make you miss something you want to see. I find that if you don't get carried away pushing buttons, you won't get the slow-downs. I also expect that I could make a rebooted machine go slow again if I continued pushing too many buttons too quickly...

Networking? I have a home network, but I don't have nor want my TiVo hooked into it. My PC already occupies more of my time than it should. Heck, I would never get away from this dang PC if I did that. If it is preservation of recordings that a person wants, just get a DVD recorder; they surely are cheap these days. And if a person wants his DirecTivo to do its phone calling online because he doesn't have a land line, that is certainly a valid reason in 2005, and I surely think that it is a mistake for DirecTV to not allow that; however, my two R10's use my land line and they do it very quickly, a whole lot quicker than my old Series 1 Standalones ever did, and they only call in about once per week. The calls are very short, so I really have no reason to go the network/online route for the phone calls with these R10's to my way of thinking. That was another story with the Series 1 SA's.

The important hack is to be able to increase the storage size and we still have that, the other stuff is not for me, is it really for you? I find the other hacks to be just a big consumer of my free time, which I seem to have less and less of as I get older and surround myself with more and more electronic gadgetry.

Being able to do the things that TiVo can do with the TV signal is very important to me, and it could be bad for all of us if DirecTV goofs up in this all important area. I could never go back to watching live TV, but if their new unit, the R15, does most or all the things that TiVo does, then I would have no problem with it except to feel that I had lost an old friend in TiVo. However, in this field of technology, old friends come and go overnight. The onus is actually on TiVo to stay alive, not DirecTV to keep TiVo alive. Our system works but it works best if left to its own devices. Protectionism is another of those things that screws up a pretty good working economic system.

[ebonovic]

I find Earl's review to be accurate and reliable for the R10.


Why thank you... (and to all the others that have echoed the same comment)

[csigrissum]

Hi all.
I signed up for Directv about 2 weeks ago, and originally chose not to get a DVR.
Since then, I've read alot here and thought about it- and decided it's probably a good thing to get :)
I called directv the other day, and asked if the new customer rebate would apply to me, and was told no.. you must get it BEFORE activating.

Well, I just called again and the answer changed... I DO get the rebate.

(btw, I also asked about any other deal coming in August, and she said they don't get that info. [Doesn't hurt to ask!]

Anyway, it looks like I can run out and get one. :)

I wonder if the assumed deal starting in August would still be available to me?...

[ebonovic]

The deal starting in August is for ALL customers, not just new ones (if you are refering to the $100 rebate).

FYI... since you are new to DirecTV... This is a game we call CSR Roulette... If the first CSR you get doesn't help you the way you think you should be help (not necessarily the way you "want" to be helped)... call back...

[Snapperdude]

I have four DirecTivos. Could I replace them all with R10's and get the rebate on all of them. or is there a limit on number of units?

Thanks

[ebonovic]

As we have been told, currently there is only 1 $100 per account...

Is anything wrong with the DirecTivos you have? If they are Series 2 units, and they have recieved the 6.2 software upgrade... They are feature identical to the R10s.... plus they are hackable, where the R10 is not.

[csigrissum]

The deal starting in August is for ALL customers, not just new ones (if you are refering to the $100 rebate).

FYI... since you are new to DirecTV... This is a game we call CSR Roulette... If the first CSR you get doesn't help you the way you think you should be help (not necessarily the way you "want" to be helped)... call back...



It seems that what they tell me isn't necessarily what I'll get. I guess I'd find out when the first bill comes.

[Snapperdude]

As we have been told, currently there is only 1 $100 per account...

Is anything wrong with the DirecTivos you have? If they are Series 2 units, and they have recieved the 6.2 software upgrade... They are feature identical to the R10s.... plus they are hackable, where the R10 is not.


One of them is a Sony SAT-T60 that is making a loud, high pitched noise. Two others are older Phillips machines. I don't think any of them have the 6.2 upgrade. I'll have to check. The other was another Sony SAT-T60 that we just had replaced since I last posted. We now have a Samsung in a box waiting to be hooked up.

[mercurial]

One of them is a Sony SAT-T60 that is making a loud, high pitched noise. Two others are older Phillips machines. I don't think any of them have the 6.2 upgrade. I'll have to check. The other was another Sony SAT-T60 that we just had replaced since I last posted. We now have a Samsung in a box waiting to be hooked up.

Same here, one of our SAT-T60's died and we got a Samsong SIR-S4040R as a replacement. It got 6.2 the next day after it was hooked up.

[jangelj]

I've read most of the 18 pages of this post, but have a question for you more knowledgeable types.

I wonder if it is worth upgrading from my series 1 HDVR2 unit to an R10? Space is not an issue for me, we keep it relatively empty. My unit seems pretty quick since they did a software update a few months ago, so that's OK with me.

What other advantages does the R10 have? You can't network it, right? There is no HMO or HME for it. No TTG, either.

Thanks for your $.02
john

[ebonovic]

I've read most of the 18 pages of this post, but have a question for you more knowledgeable types.

I wonder if it is worth upgrading from my series 1 HDVR2 unit to an R10? Space is not an issue for me, we keep it relatively empty. My unit seems pretty quick since they did a software update a few months ago, so that's OK with me.

What other advantages does the R10 have? You can't network it, right? There is no HMO or HME for it. No TTG, either.

Thanks for your $.02
john


:) I think I covered that on the first page... and that was before the 6.2 release.
:D

Nope... There is no real advantage to dump a working Series 2 unit to get an R10.
You won't see any major differences in speed, and they are feature identical.

[quietwriter]

all dtv tivo's have most feature's identical hardly anything different. a working tivo that is not an old generation is as good as any other model currently on the market only real difference is lifespan, warranty, and price in the current offering that makes any difference that i can see. they all get all the same upgrades and all the software is pretty much standardized. the only thing possibly new to the whole thing may be the new r-model that dtv may put out soon ;)

[quietwriter]

:) I think I covered that on the first page... and that was before the 6.2 release.
:D

Nope... There is no real advantage to dump a working Series 2 unit to get an R10.
You won't see any major differences in speed, and they are feature identical.

all tivo's get the same upgrades all feature so far as software is concerned is the same if how ever the hardware is waring out replace. however your's is fine there would make no difference you would notice

[ebonovic]

all tivo's get the same upgrades all feature so far as software is concerned is the same if how ever the hardware is waring out replace. however your's is fine there would make no difference you would notice

Welcome to the forums....

Actually, that is not true.

The Series 1 DTivos have hit their end of life cycle, and don't get any more updates. They are done with the 3.0c version... which doesn't include 72 SAT support, nor folders, nor any of the performance increases we have seen with 6.2

IF DirecTV ever introduces Networking support.. the Series 1's won't be included in that... (lack of USB)..

As for the R10 (Series 2.5) and the Series 2 units... Pretty much they will probably stay in sync feature wise going forward, pretty much because of the volume of units out in production.

As for the R15.... new platform, new hardware, new software.... All previously rules wouldn't apply to it.

[Tburt]

Pretty much the PQ is the same (for video at least) accross all the DTivos. (Except for the HR10-250).

I haven't had a non-DVR for so long, I can't compare the two.

Try another connection type (the composite or the RF). "what could be" happening is that hte R10 is sending out TOO much detail via the s-video, and your TV is displaying all the flaws in the DirecTV signal. Your SA reciever may have been blurring that a bit.

Else, you could ask DirecTV for a replacement, as it is possible you got a unit with a bad video modulator.

But other then going back to a non-dvr or the HR10-250 (which only has better pq for HD signals), all the rest of the DTivos are about the same.

Also as stated many times before in other DTV/DBS threads by many others folks ...people need to make sure their TV's sharpness is not turned up too high. I noticed that just about all DTV receivers (Tivo or not) have blurry menus when it is turned up. Some worse than others, plus it brings a lot more digital compression artifacts. The menus are the first to show signs of too much sharpness with blurry menus. I can make my menus on my regular DTV receivers and DTivos blurry when I turn it up really high on my on Sony 27 inch SDTV Trinitron set. I had a previous roommate that did it to my Sony 27 trinitron/non-Tivo DTV unit, and it took a while to figure out why the menus were all of the sudden hard to read. Some TVs are more sensitive to blazing sharpness levels. My Sanyo 32inch SDTV is not as bad with menus/sharpness/blurry as my Sony so YMMV. I wonder if this is why some R10s folks are having blurry menus/lower PQ while others are not? Maybe the R10 needs even less sharpness than Series 2 Tivos on some or all TVs? TVs are normally shipped with all the settings turned up way to high, so the R10s might just be making it more noticable. I would recommend anyone having blurry menus try tuning the sharpness levels down to see if that helps at all. It's worth a try.

[KHLS97]

This is a good suggestion. I'll have to try it later..

[el Dragon]

Quick question, does the R-10 update over the phone line for Sat... I'm reading conflicting statements. If the R-10 does up date via the sat then a phone line is almost useless. I wouldn't bother even with a PPP set up....

[el Dragon]

Also as stated many times before in other DTV/DBS threads by many others folks ...people need to make sure their TV's sharpness is not turned up too high. I noticed that just about all DTV receivers (Tivo or not) have blurry menus when it is turned up. Some worse than others, plus it brings a lot more digital compression artifacts. The menus are the first to show signs of too much sharpness with blurry menus. I can make my menus on my regular DTV receivers and DTivos blurry when I turn it up really high on my on Sony 27 inch SDTV Trinitron set. I had a previous roommate that did it to my Sony 27 trinitron/non-Tivo DTV unit, and it took a while to figure out why the menus were all of the sudden hard to read. Some TVs are more sensitive to blazing sharpness levels. My Sanyo 32inch SDTV is not as bad with menus/sharpness/blurry as my Sony so YMMV. I wonder if this is why some R10s folks are having blurry menus/lower PQ while others are not? Maybe the R10 needs even less sharpness than Series 2 Tivos on some or all TVs? TVs are normally shipped with all the settings turned up way to high, so the R10s might just be making it more noticable. I would recommend anyone having blurry menus try tuning the sharpness levels down to see if that helps at all. It's worth a try.



This is a good point.. I too have a Sony wega SD and it has edge enhacements, which acts as a type of sharpness for borders/edges. I have read on other sites that this should be turned to low for off. Sat signals as so sharp to begin with that it isn't nessesary and can even distort the picture quality. Once I replaced one of the D-10 for a R-10 I adjusted the settings and looks real good now. I can't really tell much of a difference between my other D-10's and my new R-10. Im pretty happy with the R-10 especially after the rebate.

[Anopro]

My R-10 picture is much softer than my old RCA Ultimate TV unit tried SVHS, RCA and RF no difference seems strange always had a sharp picture from all my DTV receivers in the past, is it because of cheap parts. I wouldn’t doubt it considering I got it for free?

[Warren]

is there any kind of HMO yet for Directv or is Directv keeping that for there unit?

[ebonovic]

Nope and Nope...

There is no HMO features for the r10 (or any DirecTivo without hacking)
And as of right now, DirecTV has not announced any networking for their R15

[dslunceford]

:) I think I covered that on the first page... and that was before the 6.2 release.
:D

Nope... There is no real advantage to dump a working Series 2 unit to get an R10.
You won't see any major differences in speed, and they are feature identical.

Haven't visited the forum in a while, so forgive if I'm Smeeking, but this week's Circuit City flyer shows an 70 hr R10 for free ($100 - $100 rebate), and HDvr2's (30 hours) are still eBaying for $40 or so. I'm looking at flipping out my unhacked bedroom HDVR2 for the R10 to get double the space at no cost (or even a profit).

(the CC ad doesn't specify it's new customers only, though it might be...)

[ebonovic]

The $100 rebate is for both new and old...

If you want hacking... then HDVR2 is the way to go...

[cdrobot]

Haven't visited the forum in a while, so forgive if I'm Smeeking, but this week's Circuit City flyer shows an 70 hr R10 for free ($100 - $100 rebate), and HDvr2's (30 hours) are still eBaying for $40 or so. I'm looking at flipping out my unhacked bedroom HDVR2 for the R10 to get double the space at no cost (or even a profit).

(the CC ad doesn't specify it's new customers only, though it might be...)


Really...I can get an R10 for free? I went to Circuit City's website but I didn't see a rebate for the R10. I have an HDVR2 but would like to get the R10 for the 70 hours.

[ebonovic]

The rebate is from DirecTV... It is available on any of the DVR products.

[paulfife]

Make sure you read the fine print too. The rebate requires a TWO YEAR commitment.

[ebonovic]

Any DVR activation now require a TWO YEAR commitment, not just because you get the rebate.

Any NON-DVR activation requires a ONE YEAR commitment.

[dslunceford]

Strange. I wasn't given anything to sign other than the cc slip and there's nothing on the slip about the rebate or any additional commitment (though the person helping did run me through and enter my name/address/DTV info into the system as an existing customer).

I was simply told that after one billing cycle, the $100 would be rebated and/or credited to my account.

If someone else has taken up CC on this deal, did you get a different receipt that spelled out the rebate and any associated terms? Who else is doing this deal? I had called DTV directly and they weren't offering it directly.

[ebonovic]

The rebate is through DirecTV... You may or may not get a Rebate form from your vendor..
The rebate form can be downloaded via the DirecTV website.

The 2 year agreement should be explained to you upon activation of the unit.
If not, check your bill... It will probably be there as a line item.

[Sunapee]

The rebate is through DirecTV... You may or may not get a Rebate form from your vendor..
The rebate form can be downloaded via the DirecTV website.

The 2 year agreement should be explained to you upon activation of the unit.
If not, check your bill... It will probably be there as a line item.

OK, let me ask the stupid question to make sure I am getting this right. I picked up a DVR40 Open Box from BestBuy ($70) last week, but have not activated it yet. WHen I activate it, I am automatically extending my commitment for an additional 2 years on me DirectTV Contract? I had not planned on utilizing the rebate, because I think it may be better to use my expired contract term as leverage towards a HD unit early next year.

Sounds like I should send in the rebate and at pocket the $30 I saved on the Open Box.

[ebonovic]

Yes... you extended your contract for 2 years.

BUT... You can still get the rebate...
(If you don't have your recipiet, you can get BestBuy to print you a new one if you paid by CC)

DirecTV has the rebate forms on their website (somewhere).
Or just call customer service for DirecTV, and tell them you just found out about the rebate, bought the unit a week ago, and would like to get the rebate.

[el Dragon]

will the R-10 get 6.2 and if it does what are the differences....

[ebonovic]

There are no functional difference between 6.1 and 6.2

[el Dragon]

whats the latest on the R-15

[desmondlewissmit]

I'm new, and this is probably a stupid question, but I'm wondering about the Networking capabilities with the R10

Ultimately, I would love to be able to transfer movies between my two R10's or save them to a CD/DVD via network.

Is this possible yet with some of the hacks? If not, is there currently a direct tv DVR that this is possible with?

[rusticusa]

I reduced the sharpness on my JVC 32" and the TiVo screens are perfectly clear, and the artifacts are all but gone!

[andrewintucson]

I understand that on some Tivos you can schedule programs to record over the internet.

How does that work with DirecTV's Tivo?

I'm assuming you can't schedule something to record "now" because the Tivo won't pick up the new info until it makes its next call home, correct?

Thanks,

Andy In Tucson

[ebonovic]

No DirecTivo support NETWORKING features (unhacked)

The SA-Tivos do support networking, and have the programming via the Internet available.
DirecTivos don't have that feature available.

R10's can not be hacked to install TiVoWeb which would "kinda" give you that functionality. But the R10 can't do it.

Also, your DirecTivo's don't "call home" in the same fashion that the SA-TiVo's do. It get's its upated guide information via the SAT.

[robtech]

No DirecTivo support NETWORKING features (unhacked)

The SA-Tivos do support networking, and have the programming via the Internet available.
DirecTivos don't have that feature available.

R10's can not be hacked to install TiVoWeb which would "kinda" give you that functionality. But the R10 can't do it.

Also, your DirecTivo's don't "call home" in the same fashion that the SA-TiVo's do. It get's its upated guide information via the SAT.

I have a 30 hour or so Tivo from Direct TV. I want a Series 2 from Tivo that works with Satellite but they say I can't have it activated through Direct TV? Is this correct?
I want the Series 2 with all the networking and WebToGo stuff!

[ebonovic]

Yes, most SA-Tivos will work with a SA reciever from DirecTV...
You will usually need to purchase a serial link cable from the TiVo Store, to connect your SA Tivo to your DirecTV SA Box.

However: You will be paying about $200 upfront for the SA Tivo (they are $49 - $150 rebate), $12.99 a month for the service. Will only have 1 tuner, and the "80 hour" version is actually like 30 hours when recording on best quality, which is lower then DirecTV quality most of the time.

Look around the forum... You will see that all models of DirecTivos (except the R10) can be hacked to some degree, to give you networking and "web" style stuff.

If you plans are for the Tivo2Go for DVD burning, you will probably be better off getting an DVD Recorder (for about $99).

[robtech]

ok. I need to see what model Tivo I currently have.
The DVR from Direct TV that is advertised on it's site now for current users, is that an R10? Doesn't say model number, how many hours of record time?

[robtech]

Yes, most SA-Tivos will work with a SA reciever from DirecTV...
You will usually need to purchase a serial link cable from the TiVo Store, to connect your SA Tivo to your DirecTV SA Box.

However: You will be paying about $200 upfront for the SA Tivo (they are $49 - $150 rebate), $12.99 a month for the service. Will only have 1 tuner, and the "80 hour" version is actually like 30 hours when recording on best quality, which is lower then DirecTV quality most of the time.

Look around the forum... You will see that all models of DirecTivos (except the R10) can be hacked to some degree, to give you networking and "web" style stuff.

If you plans are for the Tivo2Go for DVD burning, you will probably be better off getting an DVD Recorder (for about $99).

I really want to be able to get the Mpeg's off the Tivo so I can burn them.
Keep them as MPeg or use some software to convert to Divx.

[ebonovic]

I really want to be able to get the Mpeg's off the Tivo so I can burn them.
Keep them as MPeg or use some software to convert to Divx.

That can be done with DTivos... but that is we can say about here on this forum...

As for the SAs... The Tivo2Go "technically" will not allow that either (saving to Divx), they use a propritary "keyed" codec for the video files.

It can be done as well though...

[sanjokidd]

Call me crazy but why is the guide so slow to load.. Will the updated this slow guide in the future?

[dslchiphead]

Yeah. It's almost unbearable. I asked the same question when I got my R10. Most replies come back as "I do not watch live TV anymore so I do not use the guide much".

[sanjokidd]

Yeah. It's almost unbearable. I asked the same question when I got my R10. Most replies come back as "I do not watch live TV anymore so I do not use the guide much".


But I love Live TV!!!!! I just got the DVR incase I miss a show which I always do...

Oh Well.... I love the DVR but hate the guide wish we could minimized the guide so you can watch tv while seen whats on other channels... like Comcast or the Hughes Guide..

[ebonovic]

Reboot your R10.... There is something that occurs that cause it to go very slow, after it's first few day.

But even then... it is still slow after that.... They have increased it a LOT since the first releases, but it is no where near being "fast" compared to other units.

[Matt9876]

Due to the rebate promotion R-10s are selling like hot cakes. DTV is booking many long term contracts. :)

[sanjokidd]

They got me for 2 years !!!

[lonewoolf47]

Call me crazy but why is the guide so slow to load.. Will the updated this slow guide in the future?

When i press the guide button it responds instantly.

[kurtangle]

my R10 buzzes/vibrates a lot.

It has done this straight out of the box. It will be fine and then just start buzzing louder and louder. I have to go lightly press on the top with my hand in a few different spots to get it to stop.

Placing a heavy magazine on top also fixes the problem.

Anybody else have this problem?

[ebonovic]

Hmm... haven't heard that one before.

If you are willing to... crack the case, and make sure that the FAN is tight against the back housing, and make sure that all 4 of the screws holding the hard drive in are tight (two Drive -> Bracket; 2: Bracket -> Frame)

[Talon]

What company actually manufactures the R10?

[chet8888]

I've got a Series 2, 35 hour Hughes Directivo. Lately, noticed that the picture will freeze/lockup during playback. It's like I hit PAUSE, but I haven't- and I have to FF a few frames, and then sometimes the problem reoccurs, sometimes not for the rest of the program. Weather, or issues with the satellite picture aren't the culprit. Menus and guides all work fine. Haven't noticed the problem on viewing live tv.

So, I'm afraid perhaps the drive is failing?

And I realize that the $100 rebate is ending by 11/5, which is only a few weeks away.

Has anyone else had this issue? Should I switch out and get a new R-10 for basically free?

Thanks

[chet8888]

Another question about the Rebate, and probably a stupid one.

The 2 year commitment- -you still pay each month for the service, right? Not like they bill you the 49.99 X 24 months on day one.

Just making sure.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

The $100 DVR mail-in rebate has been extended till 2/28/06.

-Robert

[jfh3]

Another question about the Rebate, and probably a stupid one.

The 2 year commitment- -you still pay each month for the service, right? Not like they bill you the 49.99 X 24 months on day one.

Just making sure.

Correct. You pay monthly. Unless you cancel service before your 24 month commitment is up.

[lisa_grecco]

When your purchase/activate the R10 you are agreeing to a 2 year service contract. If you cancel the service on the R10 you will have to pay a prorated $300 penalty.

But… the contract states: “IN LIEU OF PAYMENT, YOU HAVE AN OPTION TO SEND YOUR DIRECTV SYSTEM TO DIRECTV”.

So purchase an R10 for $100, get a $100 rebate, and if you ever want to cancel your programming for your R10 simply cancel the programming & send the R10 (which cost you $0) to DTV. You will then have no commitment to DTV & only be out the shipping cost.

[cpiercew]

I am really disappointed about the lack of support for network access and the ability to move recordings from the DVR to another tivo. - I know the system can support it, DirectTV just doesnt want to allow it.

This is another example of how they will find another way to charge more later for something customers already get for free today with different equipment. The free offer is to paint customers into a corner so they are stuck later with whatever DTV wants to charge for those features.

Is anyone hearing anything different???? - Are there solutions out there yet that will let this thing work like other tivo units?

[paulfife]

I am really disappointed about the lack of support for network access and the ability to move recordings from the DVR to another tivo. - I know the system can support it, DirectTV just doesnt want to allow it.

This is another example of how they will find another way to charge more later for something customers already get for free today with different equipment. The free offer is to paint customers into a corner so they are stuck later with whatever DTV wants to charge for those features.

Is anyone hearing anything different???? - Are there solutions out there yet that will let this thing work like other tivo units?

You might have a point if DirecTV wasn't charging a fraction of what everyone else pays.

[ebonovic]

. The free offer is to paint customers into a corner so they are stuck later with whatever DTV wants to charge for those features.


I think you find a good number of users... Me included, that would be willing to pay a modest additonal fee for native (un-hacked) networking support.

[Dawghows]

This may be a completely idiotic question, but here goes anyway:

S'pose I buy an R10 to replace the S1 SA in my bedroom. Currently, I only have one feed from the dish in that room, because I only had a standard reciever installed in there. Will the R10 work with only the one feed until I can get the 2nd feed added?

[SpacemanSpiff]

It will work just fine using only one tuner.

[mssykes]

I was just wondering on the R10 DirectDVR unit can you record to an external hard drive via the USB port?

Thanks for any response in advance.

mssykes

[ebonovic]

Nope... No DirecTivo (or Tivo for that matter) can talk to an external USB Port

[dj2cohen]

The $100 DVR mail-in rebate has been extended till 2/28/06.

-Robert




How solid is your information? I am by no means trying to argue with you, just curious.

The D* website still lists the expiration date as 11-5-05. The expiration date is going to influence whether I jump on an R-10 or wait and see what the R-15 is like.

Thanks.

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

How solid is your information? I am by no means trying to argue with you, just curious.

The D* website still lists the expiration date as 11-5-05. The expiration date is going to influence whether I jump on an R-10 or wait and see what the R-15 is like.

Thanks.

100% guarantied. I know the DIRECTV site says 11/5/05 as does almost all of my competitors, but I am 100% sure it has been officially extended by DIRECTV.

-Robert

[db54]

100% guarantied. I know the DIRECTV site says 11/5/05 as does almost all of my competitors, but I am 100% sure it has been officially extended by DIRECTV.

-Robert

Robert's assumption appears to be correct :up: if you have seen D*'s latest commercial which advertises the new R15, you will notice that in the " rebate terms & conditions" located at the bottom of the video, it clearly states 2/28/06 :)

[danbardon]

My new R-10 is a replacement for an RCA "Ultimate TV" receiver. It had a 30 second skip button and 10 second back skip button. I can't find any mention of a 30 second skip in the R-10 manual. I will say that when I fast forward through commercials and see a frame from the show I want to return to, the unit will stop and "skip back" to the end of the commercial break to allow me to return to the program right before it begins. Is that the "30 second skip" you said was working in your review of the R-10?

Do you know if you where I can post suggested improvements to the tivo program. I really miss featured I took for granted when I had Ultimate TV.

[jonaswan2]

My new R-10 is a replacement for an RCA "Ultimate TV" receiver. It had a 30 second skip button and 10 second back skip button. I can't find any mention of a 30 second skip in the R-10 manual. I will say that when I fast forward through commercials and see a frame from the show I want to return to, the unit will stop and "skip back" to the end of the commercial break to allow me to return to the program right before it begins. Is that the "30 second skip" you said was working in your review of the R-10?

Do you know if you where I can post suggested improvements to the tivo program. I really miss featured I took for granted when I had Ultimate TV.

Well for one, you can get true 30 second skip using the TiVo with the use of a code. Since I don't use it, I couldn't tell you what it is.

For two, DirecTV has dropped TiVo and I would expect to many updates for it, if any.

[ebonovic]

For two, DirecTV has dropped TiVo and I would expect to many updates for it, if any.

For two point 1... DirecTV has NOT dropped TiVo... TiVo is still a product that DirecTV supports and will sell. The contract is 2007...

Yes, they are offering an alternative DVR then a TiVo based one... but DirecTV has NOT dropped TiVo...

As for the 30 second skip... do a search in the forum and you will find the code.

[jonaswan2]

For two point 1... DirecTV has NOT dropped TiVo... TiVo is still a product that DirecTV supports and will sell. The contract is 2007...

Yes, they are offering an alternative DVR then a TiVo based one... but DirecTV has NOT dropped TiVo...

As for the 30 second skip... do a search in the forum and you will find the code.

I didn't really mean it like that. Like they have pushed TiVo off of the side of a cliff. I meant it like they will no longer be advertise it and will probably look back on it as soon as their in house product is released. When they said they will support the TiVo, I'm pretty sure that meant they will fix a problem you have with it until atleast 2007. And you know just as well as I do that DirecTV will try their hardest not to give you a TiVo, even if you specifically ask for one.

I seriously doubt that there will be to many updates for the R10.

[morgantown]

While I doubt DTV will actively promote Tivo, I also doubt equally they will try to peeve their most loyal (i.e., least amount of churn and higher per subscriber revenue) customers. Will they push their own product to contain an extra buck ($1.13) of revenue per box not going to Tivo?

Of course they will. But if you really want a Tivo, DTV is not going to resist THAT much. They still support UTV for goodness sake!

Back to the R10 subject matter...and the code for the 30 second skip is S-P-S-3-0-S.

[SpacemanSpiff]

Conversely right now if you call D* and order a DVR it's pot luck what you get. R10, Samsung etc. Whatever the installer has in stock. There is no way to guarantee what you'll get.

Sure they'll support TiVo etc. But as they have shown in the past, you get what they feel like sending you.

[timn2bama]

Hello I'm new here ! I just bought a r10 and was wondering if there is a wireless network option for it ? Because, I use AT&T broadband for my phone and it will not connect to the DVR home office. I have read I can put dialing prefix for other models dvr ,but didn't know if this would work for the r10.

[jonaswan2]

Hello I'm new here ! I just bought a r10 and was wondering if there is a wireless network option for it ? Because, I use AT&T broadband for my phone and it will not connect to the DVR home office. I have read I can put dialing prefix for other models dvr ,but didn't know if this would work for the r10.

For the intial Dial in you will need to go over a friend or neighbors house with a land line. After that I've heard it works fine with VoIP services (I wouldn't know since I still use a land line).

[csigrissum]

Slightly - off topic...
Will discussions of R15 continue here (tivocomunity) since it's not TIVO?

[ebonovic]

Yes, there have been many other threads talking about the future of R15 talk here.

It will be allowed for a while, but then eventually it will have to go else where.

The Review for the R15 will be posted here, once it is completed.

[barnburner]

I've been well satisfied with my R10, but, the last couple of weeks, I've run into a problem. I'm getting occasions of what appears to be a breakup in signal. Like these little areas of "raindrops" for lack of a better term - similar to what you get when the signal starts to breakup due to a storm, but not all over the picture, usually just in one area.
When I play dvds, or vcr tapes, bypassing the R10 - the problem goes away, so I know it's not the television.
It's weird, but I was hoping that possibly someone else had run across a similar problem, and had a suggestion.
thanks.

[borg256]

mine does it new out of the box the picture breaks up like rain fade then comes back.. It seems to do it when ever it wants to... I just got my r10 because my old samsung direct tivo died,, i never had a problem with it and i never have a problem with my other one its a hughs.. I was gonna go back and swap it but it seems like they all do it hmmm

[Dawghows]

... I was gonna go back and swap it but it seems like they all do it hmmm Mine doesn't. At least it hasn't yet. I've had it about 3 weeks now, and I've noticed no problems of any kind. I must say it is not our main TiVo, so we only watch it three or four times a week -- or, maybe better said, only two or three hours a week. Still, up to this point in time it's been perfectly okay. (Although I'm sure I've jinxed it now that I've posted this.)

[tivo4prs]

This is my first post as I have just purchased my first DVR(Directv DVR R10). Currently I have a Sony HDTV(42"A10) ,and an RCA tv. My dish is the round with a dual head. Its my understanding that I can get the 3x4 mutiswitch in order to get the two tuner function on my HDTV, and use the multiswitch to feed the RCA tv in another room on the RCA DRD303RA Directv receiver with one of the other RF outputs of the multiswitch. I intend to use the other RCA Directv receiver that I replaced with the new R10, to connect a new third TV in another room with the other RF output of the 3x4 mutiswitch and activate that receiver.
Am I missing something? Will this hookup work? Suggestions would be welcome for this oldtimer (74) with his first DVR.

[Budget_HT]

This is my first post as I have just purchased my first DVR(Directv DVR R10). Currently I have a Sony HDTV(42"A10) ,and an RCA tv. My dish is the round with a dual head. Its my understanding that I can get the 3x4 mutiswitch in order to get the two tuner function on my HDTV, and use the multiswitch to feed the RCA tv in another room on the RCA DRD303RA Directv receiver with one of the other RF outputs of the multiswitch. I intend to use the other RCA Directv receiver that I replaced with the new R10, to connect a new third TV in another room with the other RF output of the 3x4 mutiswitch and activate that receiver.
Am I missing something? Will this hookup work? Suggestions would be welcome for this oldtimer (74) with his first DVR.

Sounds like you understand it correctly.

To recap, both coax leads from the dish go to the inputs on the multiswitch and the outputs of the MS can feeed the two R10 inputs and the RCA input.

Good luck.

[tivo4prs]

This is my first post as I have just purchased my first DVR(Directv DVR R10). Currently I have a Sony HDTV(42"A10) ,and an RCA tv. My dish is the round with a dual head. Its my understanding that I can get the 3x4 mutiswitch in order to get the two tuner function on my HDTV, and use the multiswitch to feed the RCA tv in another room on the RCA DRD303RA Directv receiver with one of the other RF outputs of the multiswitch. I intend to use the other RCA Directv receiver that I replaced with the new R10, to connect a new third TV in another room with the other RF output of the 3x4 mutiswitch and activate that receiver.
Am I missing something? Will this hookup work? Suggestions would be welcome for this oldtimer (74) with his first DVR.


I forgot to add that I also have an OTA that is now hooked up to my new HDTV set so that I can watch available HDTV programs. On the 3 x4 multiswitch there is the input marked OTA antenna input. I am confused as to what I should do. Two of my TV sets sometimes use the OTA signals. Do I disconnect the OTA from the sets and run it to the input of the multiswitch. Then what do I run to the two TV sets for the OTA connections?
It appears that I maybe misunderstanding the use of the 3rd input of the 3x4 multiswitch. Comments are welcomed.

[tbh999]

The third input on a 3x4 multiswitch is for the antenna. Essentially, the multiswitch has a built in diplexer that combines the OTA signal on to the SAT cables going to the receivers. You will need to pick-up a diplexer ($5 to $15) for each TV you want to separate the signal out for.

So the mutiswitch combines the SAT of OTA signals and you need use diplexter to separate the signals at the other end.

Also, if you have an HD DirecTV unit you really should be using a 3 LNB dish with a 5 x 4 (or 5 x 6, or 5 x ...) multiswitch. On a 5 x switch, four of the inputs are for the SAT and one is for the OTA signal).

[mrmarr46]

Hi dose anyone know where I might get a User Manual for my new RS-TX 20? I bought it new never used but there was no manual. Thank You Paul

[cherry ghost]

Is there a way to use this unit without a land-line?

[ebonovic]

Only after you get it to a land-line to do it's first two phone calls... Then you can use it without any phone line at all.

Do a search for PPP Serial for some other options.

[cherry ghost]

Only after you get it to a land-line to do it's first two phone calls... Then you can use it without any phone line at all.

Do a search for PPP Serial for some other options.



The first two calls have already been made. I'm thinking about getting rid of my land-line. Is PPP serial the only solution? Thanks.

[ebonovic]

After the first two... your unit doesn't "really" need to call in again.
You will get a daily nag message though telling you to have it call in.

Other than that, with an R10... PPP Serial is the only other option (unless you try some of the VoIP options, and those are hit and miss)

[cherry ghost]

After the first two... your unit doesn't "really" need to call in again.
You will get a daily nag message though telling you to have it call in.

Other than that, with an R10... PPP Serial is the only other option (unless you try some of the VoIP options, and those are hit and miss)


Thanks

[ychoward]

Help, I just purchased a SONY DVD Recorder & VHS Combo Player RDR-VX515.

I have Directv DVR R10 and a GE tv with only one set of the red/yellow/white connection and antenna connection. None of the instructions actually show the back of my DVR - I needed your pictures. Can anyone advise how to hook up the Sony - simply. So far when I go to play a movie on the Sony I get sound but no picture? Thanks

[noid370]

I still dont understand why the R10 is so popular. can somebody point me in the right direction where I can find out why the R10 is so popular?


I have 3 of them and have been considering selling them on CL. But I keep reading that people are having a hard time finding them and tons of people want them. But I cant find a reason why they want it.


can somebody help me out here please? thanks

[ebonovic]

Wow... talk about digging up an old thread.

The R10 was the newest/latest/last SD-DirecTV made.
It is probably the most "popular" because it was the latest one sold in any promotions.

It certainly is the "least" popular, becasue other then a hard drive upgrade. it is not hackable unless you are good with a soldering gun.

People want a DTiVo...not necessarily the R10

The HR10... is a different beast, it is the only TiVo powered HD DVR that works on DirecTV.

[ctromp]

I just have SD from DirecTV and I didn't like the many "attributes" of the R15 and wanted something else and love the TIVO interface. The only other inexpensive option for DTV is the R10 (other than older used models on ebay etc.). I got mine brand new for $60 from Compusa with no lease or contracts. I've had no problems with the R10 unlike my experience with the R15. Sure I'd love an HR10-250... but not for the $300+ price tag they are going for new. That's why I bought my R10. If/when the HR10 comes down in price I'll probably snag one of them too.

[restino]

Are they still selling R10's at stores? Any idea how much?

Too bad we can't turn our old simple D* receivers and a spare hardrive into a tivo unit - seems like all the parts are there :p

[Dkerr24]

Are they still selling R10's at stores? Any idea how much?

Too bad we can't turn our old simple D* receivers and a spare hardrive into a tivo unit - seems like all the parts are there :p

R10's are still in some Wal-warts for $99.

Your last statement sounds like any of dozens of different types of software that allows you to record programs with a PC.

[ctromp]

Are they still selling R10's at stores? Any idea how much?



If you're lucky you might find one at your local Walmart for $99. I just replaced my 1.5 month old R10 (that I purchased brand new) with an HR10-250 so I have a basically brand new R10 available.

[restino]

how much you want for them, my friend? :D

[barnburner]

I'm not sure if anyone is reading this forum anymore - but what the heck. Recently, I noticed that my R10 wasn't recording my season passes. When I checked the "programs to record", the season passes showed up - but no upcoming episodes were listed, so nothing was getting recorded. I've unplugged the unit for a few minutes, rebooted, and then the episodes showup again, and everything works ok for a couple of days- then it starts all over.
Been doing this for about 2 weeks now.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
mike

[John T Smith]

Lots of people reading... and writing

Season Pass Problems
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=332166

More on SPP - Bad Guide Data
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=332358

Random Restarts Due to DirecTv?
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=333247

And Yet More on Random Restarts
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=333005

[dan_isaacs]

Apologies for bumping this, but DTV just sent me a refurbed R10 after my Power supply went bad in my hdrv40. I didn't think they were even shipping Tivos anymore.

[litzdog911]

Apologies for bumping this, but DTV just sent me a refurbed R10 after my Power supply went bad in my hdrv40. I didn't think they were even shipping Tivos anymore.

I guess they get some back every so often and use them to replace other defective DirecTV/Tivo DVRs.

[packerfan]

Apologies for bumping this, but DTV just sent me a refurbed R10 after my Power supply went bad in my hdrv40. I didn't think they were even shipping Tivos anymore.

It is probably a refurbished unit. They don't have any new r10s available.

[wolflord11]

R10 production ceased awhile back, so no doubt its a refurbished unit.

Sometimes you can get lucky and get an R10 from Directv, but it is not very often.

[cudooza]

I was just offered an R-10 from Directv to replace my old Hughes Tivo that is dying.

[coolerboy98]

Direct TV just sent me a R10 as a replacement to my Hughes SD 40 that just died. I was surprised when I called up DirectTV that they said they'd try to get me a Tivo unit instead of their DVR. I was pretty glad that Direct TV was able to do that. It's definitely a refurb. So far I'm not impressed too impressed with it though. So far it seems to be mostly the same in operation as my old unmodified unit, but I'm reserving judgment until it's formed more of a track record in my living room. I will be getting my old unit repaired and back into operation though as soon as I figure out the best company to perform it.

[miraclegro]

I just received my refurbed R10 to replace my DVR40. I don't care that it's refurbed, I'm just glad I could still use Tivo. So far so good - it's not showing a lot of shows yet on the guide - still has to download data I suppose.

Do I just throw away my SDDVR40? It seems like such a waste to throw it away. I know NOTHING about rebuilding, etc. Is it worth selling to someone (I know you can't sell here), but not sure if it would even be worth it to someone else?

Forgive me if I'm not supposed to talk about selling.

[sjlush]

I have an SDDVR40 that takes an hour to get past the welcome screen and then gets stuck forever at the "Just a few minutes more" screen. The box was working fine, I unplugged it for 3 months during some construction and when I powered it back up, It got stuck. I've rebooted a few times, but always the same. Any suggestions on whether I should get it repaired? If so, by who and is there a typical price for this kind of thing?

[sofa king]

Sorry if im messing things up with this question but I lost the access door to my R-10.Does anyone here know where i can get one without going through DTV? Im really lookin to get one off a junker.Any Ideas Appreciated :o

[JimSpence]

May I ask how you lost the access door? It isn't something that is used very often.:)

Let me take a wild guess. You have little kids. :)

[ladyjas]

hello everyone, I am new to any type of forum. I was sorta directed here by D*. I called the tech support asking how to undelete like my friend told me I could on my Tivo and was told 2 things. 1) it wasn't possible now. 2) to google the r10 and by using the usb slot and a downloaded program it was. By reading the posts I gathered 2 things 1) I would have to hack it and 2)the usb slots don't really work.
forgive me if I sound just like a girl 'cause I am one. I have no exp. with Linux except a failed attempt to play with redhat. Any help/advice would be appreciated.
BTW my deleting problem apparently is stemming from my remote that double clicks etc when only pressed once and sometimes has a long delay. Tech support told me they are seeing a lot of that and are sending me a new non-tivo remote that they assure me can be programmed to work with my R10.
Judy

[restart88]

I thought about putting my old R10 on eBay until I saw how low they were going for. So I figured I'd reactivate it and look into "underground upgrades" later.

All I can say is the PQ on my cheapo $50 Durabrand TV is much better than with an S2. Oddly, I'd lost track of the remote but my S2 remotes worked just fine! I had apparently already changed the remote codes some time ago so there was no conflict with the S2s and I only had to switch that 1/ 2 switch. :)

All said & done, I think I might just keep it. :D

[Dkerr24]

hello everyone, I am new to any type of forum. I was sorta directed here by D*. I called the tech support asking how to undelete like my friend told me I could on my Tivo and was told 2 things. 1) it wasn't possible now. 2) to google the r10 and by using the usb slot and a downloaded program it was. By reading the posts I gathered 2 things 1) I would have to hack it and 2)the usb slots don't really work.
forgive me if I sound just like a girl 'cause I am one. I have no exp. with Linux except a failed attempt to play with redhat. Any help/advice would be appreciated.
BTW my deleting problem apparently is stemming from my remote that double clicks etc when only pressed once and sometimes has a long delay. Tech support told me they are seeing a lot of that and are sending me a new non-tivo remote that they assure me can be programmed to work with my R10.
Judy

1) An R10 is not hackable without soldering skills and a new prom chip.
2) Even after hacking, the programs recorded before are 'locked' and cannot be copied or undeleted. Only programs after you soldered the new prom chip would be 'unlocked'.

My recommendation if you really want those features is to buy any non-R10 DTivo series 2 unit from eBay and hack it with the zipper.

[ladyjas]

1) An R10 is not hackable without soldering skills and a new prom chip.
2) Even after hacking, the programs recorded before are 'locked' and cannot be copied or undeleted. Only programs after you soldered the new prom chip would be 'unlocked'.

My recommendation if you really want those features is to buy any non-R10 DTivo series 2 unit from eBay and hack it with the zipper.

Is the non-R10 Dtivo series 2 have dual tuner capable?

[John T Smith]

>Is the non-R10 Dtivo series 2 have dual tuner capable?

Short answer... yes

Longer answer... you may look at all manuals here
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/customer/downloadPage.jsp?assetId=1100066