A Review of the R10

[ebonovic]

Thank you to Robert at Value Electronics (OnLine Store Link) (http://www.valueelectronics.com)

Robert and I had hoped this would be the “world” premier of the R10 when we first got in contact with one another. Alas, it looks as others where able to obtain them earlier then expected… None the less… Thank you Robert for this opportunity.

This is my 4th dealing with Value Electronics, and ALL of them have been terrific.
If you are looking for a R10, or an HD-Tivo… This is the place to go.

My quick impression: Don’t go running out to buy one to replace your Series 2 system just yet. Series 1… Sure, it would be a good upgrade over a Series 1, not a Series 2. And if you just getting into the DirecTivo game… This is a good unit to consider, but don’t lose any sleep over getting a Series 2 unit. (Yes I have owned a Series 1 in the past).

Now for the review.

I will add to this review, as time goes on... Shortcuts that work and don't work, and other resources.. But I wanted to get this up tonight, as promised.

Edit:
General Facts about the R10 unit:
Any comparison is against a standard Series 2 DirecTivo (HDVR2/DSR704)
(unless otherwise stated)

CPU: A newer CPU that has a 50% faster clock rate. But it has smaller on-chip cache and no floating point unit. This will result in some of speed performance, but on some more intensive workloads could actually be slower.

Memory: Same amount as Sereis 2a and 2b SD units. 64mb. This has been show at DDB with the results comming from the meminfo. However, it is now using DDR which has a higher bandwith. Basically a bigger pipeline for the unit to work with.

Thank you to Dan Colins and DBS Forums for hosting the images and video files.

[ebonovic]

The R10 arrived in a standard DirecTV DVR box.
Just like the HR10-250.. It was primarily a white box, with Orange Letter.
So with the R10 box on top of my HR10-250 box… Nice Orange and Blue.
(Just like the Illini… ILL )

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2786.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2786.jpg)

After opening the box, nothing was out of the ordinary. Standard cable pack and peanut remote. Previous reports that we where going to see the new DirecTV remote here, but we got the Peanut… IMHO… a better choice.

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2788.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2788.jpg)

However, the first sign of cost cutting was apparent. The batteries that where “included” are ultra generic “GreenCell” batteries. These are not even the knock offs that try to look like one of the name brands. You probably could have a package of 20 of them, and still weigh less then 1 single Duracell AA battery.

[ebonovic]

Well here it is… The R10:
http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2789.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2789.jpg)

Zoom in on Center/Right Panel: Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2791.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2791.jpg)

Zoom in on Left Access Door: Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2792.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2792.jpg)

When removing the unit from the box… You can feel how different it is made from the DSR-704. It feels more flimsy and of lower quality. The metallic face does shine, but seems to attract fingerprints.

The access door was the first “real” sign of a change. First getting it open was a challenge. The door was “stuck” seriously. I had to use a small razor blade to pry it open. (Each time, it wasn’t a one time thing). There is no “push release” type mechanism, just a door with a clasp.

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2793.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2793.jpg)

The Back Panel

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2794.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2794.jpg)

Zoom in on Power and Fan
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2795.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2795.jpg)

Zoom in on Sat Inputs:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2798.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2798.jpg)

Zoom in on Outputs and USB Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2797.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2797.jpg)

As you can see the layout has changed, but there have been no additions or subtractions from the Series 2 units. The addition of the “third prong” is interesting, as it adds a ground to the unit. As you will see on the inside photos, the third prong connect directly to the metal case.

Edit: Check that, It has been pointed out that the IR blaster port has been removed.

There are now 5 #10 screws hold the case down. But they are different, and shows another source of cost cutting.
http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2799b.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2799b.jpg)

They are black sheet metal screws (with a pointy tip), vs the normal “metal” screws that have a blunt edge. These are cheaper in quality, but will also install faster, as the pointed tip will allow it to light up a little faster. But it could also do damage, as it could “cut” a new hole in the metal if you don’t have it lined up correctly, and apply a little force.

[ebonovic]

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2801.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2801.jpg)

As you can see from the picture, the mother board is a new design. Smaller and more compact, the IDE port is now in the front of the board. The white strip cables are in just as snug as they where in a Series 2. There is no single little red wire as there was in the HDVR2 soldered on the board.

The power wire to the hard drive is not a single piece. It is 2 twisted pairs, into one connector. They solder directly to the power supply, and covered with the white sealant.
I found that the power supply was a little “large” then it needed to be, and got in the way a little more then usually.

The IDE cable is no longer a stub, and is more average in length. Which is a good thing if you mess up your cable during an upgrade.. They are easier to find and replace.

You can see the ground wire connected to the case, as well as the more “hardy” fan. At least this is one thing that doesn’t appear to be less in cost.

The hard drive is a Western Digital, Caviar 80gb hard drive. A bit bulky, but should do the job well. Link to WD website for specs on the drive (http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=708&p_created=1037284151)

Here are some close ups of the insides:
Zoom in on Hard Drive In Place:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2804.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2804.jpg)
Zoom in on Circuit Board #1:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2809.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2809.jpg)
Zoom in on Circuit Board #2:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2810.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2810.jpg)
Zoom in on Circuit Board #3:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2811.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2811.jpg)
Zoom in on Circuit Board #4:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2812.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2812.jpg)
Zoom in on Power Supply:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2813.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2813.jpg)
Zoom in on Inputs/Outputs:
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2814.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2814.jpg)
Zoom in on Hard Drive
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2816.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2816.jpg)
Zoom in on Hard Drive Removed
Small Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/Post/img_2817.jpg)
Large Image (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2817.jpg)

Now let’s put it all back together and hook it up.

[ebonovic]

Three familiar yet different screens
http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/power_up.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/power_up.jpg)
http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/almost_there.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/almost_there.jpg)
http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/acq.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/acq.jpg)

After these three screens…. Setup is 100% identical to a Series 2 unit. So I don’t want to bore you with the details. There is no check for the 72.5 Sat.
Subsequent boot ups… It took almost 6 minutes to go from power on, to first TV Picture.

[ebonovic]

Well as of right now, the GUI performs a little faster. Nothing earth shattering quicker, but it does run a bit smoother. Now… I do plan to do an Update in about three weeks, after the unit fully loads up to see if things have improved or not.

As for GUI changes… There are only two changes in the GUI outside performance. (that I have found). 1: Folders (more on that next post). 2: DirecTV Guide is now called “Grid Guide”, Tivo Guide is now called List Guide.

Here are the SysInfo Pages:
SysInfo #1 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_01.jpg)
SysInfo #2 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_02.jpg)
SysInfo #3 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_03.jpg)
SysInfo #4 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_04.jpg)
SysInfo #5 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_05.jpg)
SysInfo #6 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_06.jpg)
SysInfo #7 (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/si_07.jpg)
Bad Image for Screen #8, I will re-generate later

[ebonovic]

Folders aka Grouping was a feature TiVo added to the Stand Alones in Version 4 of their software. It is now here (officially) on the DirecTV software.

Folders when activated, will combine all common titled shows into one folder.
Once you enter that folder you will see a listing (by title) of those shows. Keeps your Now Playing, a little more organized.

These folders look and act 100% the same as the v4 folders (minus the listing for “other Tivos on your network)

There are 4 total options:
No Folders: Sort by Airing Date (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/fold_01.jpg)
No Folders: Sort Alphabetically (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/fold_02.jpg)
Folders: Sort by Airing Date (Folders are inline) (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/fold_03.jpg)
Folders: Sort Alphabetically (Folder names on the bottom) (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/fold_05.jpg)
Image Inside Folder (Folder names are inline) (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/fold_04.jpg)

Here is a video of the folders in action.
Windows Media File (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/TivoFolders.wmv)
MPG File (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/TivoFolders.mpg)

[ebonovic]

Well the guide is functioning faster. But… I am reserving judgment and a review of the guide, scheduling performance, and Season Pass maintenance for about a week, so the unit can get some more recordings in it.

[ebonovic]

Well as of right now there is no “true” networking features with the unit.
However the USB device does initialize, get an IP address, and communicate to Tivo Publisher that is there on the network.

But it doesn’t do anything for you.. No replacement for the phone call, or HMO features.
But it is hope:

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2863.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2863.jpg)

DHCP Request (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/dhcp.jpg)
TiVo Publisher (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/tivo_pub.jpg)

[ebonovic]

Short Cut Tricks Tested Out:

It is documented and on the screen but, in Now Playing.
Hit "1" to toggle sort by alpha or date
Hit "2" to toggle between grouping or not grouping

------------
Rumored FF and REV usage in lists (jump to top and bottom)
Didn't work Out of the Box... don't know if a backdoor turns them on yet.

------------
Wishlist now lists: Keywords / Attributes (aka: Charlie Brown and Age Appropriate/Children

------------
In Now Playing hit: SORT
(S)Low 0 (R)ecord (T)humb Down
Get a screen saying DVR Transfers are Disabled... Purchase HMO at Tivo.com
Click for Screen Shot Image (http://www.njentertainment.biz/eb/r10/dvr_transfers.jpg)

-------------
30 Second Skip Works

-------------
New 6.1 Software Feature... Program Information Details
See this thread for more details:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=212298

[drew2k]

Thanks for the pics and information.

I see you censored the s/n, RID #, etc. in the system info pics, but you may want to also censor out those same numbers in the pics of the back panel.

[Rcrew]

Hey Earl, sincere thankll s for all the work! Did you get your football game in too?

Your comment about it being worth an upgrade from a series 1, but not necessarliy a series 2 is a huge help to me.

[dtivofan23]

great review earl you should work for cnet lol

[mike1977]

I'm just going to try to add a second hard drive to my 35 hour unit.

[ebonovic]

Thank you for pointing out the numbers.
Updated them... now just need the hosting site to flush it's buffers... :)

As for the football game....
TiVoed it (had a wake to go to this afternoon).... And it was a waste of hard drive space... Gosh those Bears are heart brakers...

At least my Illini are #1 still...

[slacker9876]

Originally posted by ebonovic
Well the guide is functioning faster. But� I am reserving judgment and a review of the guide, scheduling performance, and Season Pass maintenance for about a week, so the unit can get some more recordings in it.

Good Job Earl! I don't blame you for waiting on this, but I'll say I DIRECTLY attribute this to the fact that the unit has more RAM. This was my 9th S2 unit, and while I thought it was slower to boot, I immediately noticed the speed in the GUI, which I have not seen in any other units.

First GOOD pics too I might add!

[jlib]

Is the mfgr warranty still listed as 90 days?

[ebonovic]

According to the manual, 90 Day Warranty....

[bwash]

Great Review!!

Could you comment on Fan and HardDrive noise I am planning on an R10 for the bedroom.

Thanks again for all your effort.

Bww

[MattDing]

Thanks a lot Earl. You Da Man!!

I don't know if you saw my post in the other thread (probably not since you were more than likely working on your awesome review), but if you remeber the beta tester over the summer said there were a few minor interface upgrades. The one I remember is the FF and REV buttons took him to the top and bottom of lists. I also thought he mentioned some changes to the Wishlists. I just wondered if you noticed any of those "little things" while using the R10.

Thanks again,
Matt


I just remembered what he said about Wishlists: They were sorted by input first, and then by category. EX: "CHARLIE BROWN" and Age Appropriate/Children instead of Age Appropriate/Children and "CHARLIE BROWN".

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by ebonovic
Well as of right now there is no “true” networking features with the unit.
However the USB device does initialize, get an IP address, and communicate to Tivo Publisher that is there on the network.

But it doesn’t do anything for you.. No replacement for the phone call, or HMO features.
But it is hope:

http://www.njentertainment.biz/eb/r10/post/img_2863.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.njentertainment.biz/eb/r10/img_2863.jpg)

DHCP Request (http://www.njentertainment.biz/eb/r10/dhcp.jpg)
TiVo Publisher (http://www.njentertainment.biz/eb/r10/post/tivo_pub.jpg)

OUT OF THE BOX it does that?

i actually find that promising- maybe there's some codes to get daily calls, or other network type stuff. There's really no reason that D* should tell tivo to not put that in. If its isnt supported or an official feature why would they care? But alas i'm not a D* bigwig so i am not too confident.

I cant wait till some one pulls the drive and hexedits the backdoor code to see what they get. You up for it ebonovic?

[BubbaTX]

Noise of fan and (stock) harddrive are not a problem. The R10 is more quiet than my HDVR2.

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by slacker9876
Good Job Earl! I don't blame you for waiting on this, but I'll say I DIRECTLY attribute this to the fact that the unit has more RAM. This was my 9th S2 unit, and while I thought it was slower to boot, I immediately noticed the speed in the GUI, which I have not seen in any other units.

First GOOD pics too I might add!

I have found some posts on DDB, that definitively show that this unit has no more memory then a DirecTivo Series 2a and 2b unit. So all the speed improvements we are seeing are from the higher clock speed in the CPU, improved coding, and maybe the new layout of the motherboard has reduced delays.

So far it is running quicker, but like I said... Time will tell.
Thanks for the comments.

As for the other posts: I will check on the Fan, Hard Drive Noise, and the new "trick' features of the remote. But IIRC the Fan and Hard Drive are VERY quiet.

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by MichaelK
OUT OF THE BOX it does that?
....
I cant wait till some one pulls the drive and hexedits the backdoor code to see what they get. You up for it ebonovic?

Yes out of the box it does that... no special trick or anything.

As for hexediting the backdoor code... not just yet, maybe in a few weeks... The wife approval level is dropping, as I have spent the last month with multiple Tivo's cracked open and all over the place.

[smak]

I would consider replacing my T-60 with an R10 (or another new box), when somebody with 50 season passes, and 20 pages of Now Playing still says it's speedy.

-smak-

[rhuntington3]

So the R10's are 80 hours or 70 hours?

[Jerw134]

70 hours, with an 80 GB hard drive.

[BubbaTX]

Smak,

I agree with you, only time will tell if the R10 is actually any better (or worse) than the existing series 2 units. Until this baby is loaded up, of course, it's speedy. Except the awful boot time!

The only reason I have one is because the installer brought this instead of something else. For the moment, I'm happy. When it comes time to mod, I may be saying something else.

Either way, an 80GB unit for $49 is a steal IMO.

[ebonovic]

Okay... Checked on some things:

Fan and hard drive. From about 5 feet away you can't hear a thing in a modest sounding room. In dead silence... sure you can hear it. Right next to it, I almost have to put my ear on the unit to hear anything of substance.


Originally posted by MattDing
The one I remember is the FF and REV buttons took him to the top and bottom of lists.

I just remembered what he said about Wishlists: They were sorted by input first, and then by category. EX: "CHARLIE BROWN" and Age Appropriate/Children instead of Age Appropriate/Children and "CHARLIE BROWN".

FF and REV do NOTHING in any of the list modes.

Wishlist now lists: Keywords / Attributes (aka: Charlie Brown and Age Appropriate/Children

[BubbaTX]

Our R10 is in the bedroom. It's in a modest cabinet with a glass front. I can't hear it at all from a few feet away even in the middle of the night. I could definitely hear the HDVR2 (which has been relegated to the family room).

[MattDing]

Thanks Earl.

Now hopefully you get to enjoy your new unit for a little while before the UMF makes you crack it open and hack the crap out of it. :)

Matt

[Robert Deckman]

I purchased an R10 over the weekend and notice that (after 4 days) there is no "Showcases" option in the main menu. Are they getting rid of the Showcases?

[mike1977]

Originally posted by Robert Deckman
I purchased an R10 over the weekend and notice that (after 4 days) there is no "Showcases" option in the main menu. Are they getting rid of the Showcases?

I like the "Showcases" when they have movie trailers in them, like Meet the Fockers.

[ebonovic]

Not sure yet if Showcases are going to be in 6.1 or not.
I have to get the unit a little more time to get the showcases downloads scheduled.

[Robert Deckman]

I just read the manual and Showcases are shown. Maybe I need to give it more time.......

[Jerw134]

My new Tivo just got installed. No R10 :(. But, at least it was a 70 hour model.

[ebonovic]

It appears that the R10 doesn't fix the random color loss problem we have seen on previous DTivo models:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2435097#post2435097

[chuckkay]

does 30 sec. skip hack work?

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by chuckkay
does 30 sec. skip hack work?

S-P-S-3-0-S Bing Bing Bing

Works.

[BubbaTX]

Originally posted by chuckkay
does 30 sec. skip hack work?

Absolutely. :)

[alert5]

I'm sure I know the answer already, but are the outputs the same?

[Jerw134]

No outputs were added or deleted, but they were re-arranged.

[DrEvil]

They took away the IR Blaster connector.

It was never used on any of the DirecTiVo's except for the Sony SAT-T60 to control some Sony VCR's for the "Save to VCR" function.

[tivoboy]

Originally posted by smak
I would consider replacing my T-60 with an R10 (or another new box), when somebody with 50 season passes, and 20 pages of Now Playing still says it's speedy.

-smak-

it is still speedy

[Robert Deckman]

After 5 days, my R10 still has no Showcases. Anyone have them yet?

[westje]

I'm new here. I do not have TiVo yet, but with any luck Santa will be bringing one. :)
Anyway, I am very interested in what you have had to say about the R10. Pretty thorough. I was a little concerned though about your comment on the 72.5 satellite. What do you mean when you say 'There is no check for the 72.5 Sat.'?

Thanks!

[ebonovic]

During the setup of the unit, it gives you the opportunity to check the strength of each of teh Sats... During the setup, there was NO opportunity to check specifically for the 72.5 sat.

That being said, I am not familiar enough with the 72.5 sat, other then it is new and provides locals for some newer markets. I don't have one, and maybe the unit is smart enough to detect that and not even give me the option to test for it.

[bajamark]

Well I'm also new to DTV Tivo and purchased the Hughes SD-DVR80 last sunday (best buy) and had loss of color problems. So after reading the forum about the Direct Tv Tech support telling another member here to go get the R10 (at Circuit city) and they have had NO complaints, I also went last night and bought one and activated it....But guess what? Yup, loss of color problem is in the R10 as well. All you have to do is change the channel up and down a few times fast and Bam! Black and White just like the old days of TV. It does cure itself but wow, seeing this link go all the way back to 2003 and no cure yet? What is going on with the Engineering departments? Also, I have DTV coming out this Saturday and installing one more DVR and three standard Rx'rs for $49.00 total. I will be hounding the install tech with this problem. If anything good comes of that I will post it.
Been with DTV for 7 years.

[Jerw134]

What good will hounding the install tech do? He doesn't work for DirecTV, and he didn't write the buggy software for the Tivo. There's nothing he can do about the problem.

[Apok]

Ya, hounding the install guy would just be acting like an ass. Not his fault.

[MattDing]

Originally posted by westje
I'm new here. I do not have TiVo yet, but with any luck Santa will be bringing one. :)
Anyway, I am very interested in what you have had to say about the R10. Pretty thorough. I was a little concerned though about your comment on the 72.5 satellite. What do you mean when you say 'There is no check for the 72.5 Sat.'?

Thanks!

I'm hoping to have locals on the 72.5 coming next year. :rolleyes:

From what I understand of it, the system only offers options for the 72.5 sat if a signal from that slot is detected during startup. An installer (or you) would have already pointed your 2 dishes prior to hooking up the unit and booting it, so it would catch 72.5 and give you the options. Don't worry. The software is built to handle it.

[shadowfaxs3]

I just swapped an T-60 for an R10 and really haven't noticed any speed improvement at all.

It took 24hours to get it working including multiple calls to tech support. Tivo support finally got it straightened out and mentioned that they'll soon have the USB ports working via a software upgrade and it will let me share saved programs between my units.
I guess they're telling everyone.

DTV (customer retention) paid for the R10, dual-LNB and new cable run in exchange for a 1year contract agreement since Dish would have set me up the same way.

[bajamark]

Sorry Usrbingeek, bad choice of words. Lets change "hounding" to "Technical talking". Don't be to quick to think an install tech doesn't turn out to be very Knowledgeable about system operation and troubleshooting. Remember, most great engineers once started as great installers!

[DVDKingdom]

Originally posted by Robert Deckman
After 5 days, my R10 still has no Showcases. Anyone have them yet?

My unit just got showcases last night. It was activated on 12/09/2004.

[mk5572]

Mine got Showcases yesterday too. Along with those advertisement things.

Also, Mine is loaded with 32 SP's and about 110 hours of recorded content and it still zips along. WOOHOOO!!!!

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by mk5572
Along with those advertisement things.The ones that pop up when you're fast-forwarding?

[mk5572]

No, I meant the lines that are on the start screen at the bottom such as.....

"ELF now playing on PPV"

I didn't get this line until yesterday, the same time I got the Showcases line.

[Jerw134]

Oh, those are just direct links to specific Showcases.

[schipperke]

Didn't Tivo use to record some show early in the morning, that was there show?

[spec2]

Anyone know if the IR Remote for the R10 uses the same codes as the Philips DSR models that were recently discontinued? My parents are jonesing for a DTivo and it going to fall on me to reprogram their Pronto remotes. I've got the Philips DSR7000 that I bought this summer so I could easily dump my Pronto files into theirs if the R10 uses the same codes. Otherwise they'll just have to live without the direct channel buttons. Did it once and that was plenty.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by spec2
Otherwise they'll just have to live without the direct channel buttons. Did it once and that was plenty. What a great son! :rolleyes:

[ebonovic]

Well I am using the remote from my Philips DSR704... Most of the IR codes between the Tivo Remotes are the same.

[robgettier]

Has anyone noticed a difference in resolution/quality of the Now Playing List screen (and other screens too).

I have a R10 and a Hughes DVR80 hooked up on the same system. Once I started using the R10, I had a sense that something was different.

Sure enough, when I switch the video source back and forth, I can notice a difference between the two. The R10 seems a bit more fuzzy and the shade of green on the NPL is lighter.

Both these units are connected via S-Video to the same TV.

Not a huge issue, but could the video output on the R-10 possibly be not as good?

Rob

[Budget_HT]

Originally posted by robgettier
Has anyone noticed a difference in resolution/quality of the Now Playing List screen (and other screens too).

I have a R10 and a Hughes DVR80 hooked up on the same system. Once I started using the R10, I had a sense that something was different.

Sure enough, when I switch the video source back and forth, I can notice a difference between the two. The R10 seems a bit more fuzzy and the shade of green on the NPL is lighter.

Both these units are connected via S-Video to the same TV.

Not a huge issue, but could the video output on the R-10 possibly be not as good?

Rob

Does your TV have separate settings for each input? Some do, and that might cause the difference you are describing. Have you tried swapping the TiVo's between the two TV inputs?

[robgettier]

Originally posted by Budget_HT
Does your TV have separate settings for each input? Some do, and that might cause the difference you are describing. Have you tried swapping th e TiVo's between the two TV inputs?

I am using the same input on the TV. Each unit is connected to my receiver using S-Video and then there is one S-Video cable going to TV.

The problem is mostly with the lettering. The lettering on the menus of the R10 is fuzzier than the Hughes.

My wife confirmed my suspicion. She told me which one was fuzzier without knowing which was which.

On further review, it may not be entirely that the lettering is fuzzier, but rather that on lines 4 and 5 of the NPL, there green in the background seems to be alot brighter at the beginning of the program title. This seems to be what is making it appear fuzzy (overall, it seems a bit more fuzzy, but this is contributing to it I think)

This is a minor annoying issue. It looks a little crappy. But I also wonder if I am getting sub-par video when a program is on the screen.

I was going to return the Hughes. This may change my mind.

[ebonovic]

Flip the wires... Make sure it is not the S-Video cable degrading the signal..

I haven't seen a different in resoultion at all.

[success2be]

Earl,

Does the 6.1 still have the save-to-vcr feature? I'm thinking about getting a DVD recorder to complement the DirecTiVo once DirecTV release the software upgrade.

[DVDKingdom]

Originally posted by success2be
Does the 6.1 still have the save-to-vcr feature? I'm thinking about getting a DVD recorder to complement the DirecTiVo once DirecTV release the software upgrade.

Yes it Does.

[robgettier]

Originally posted by ebonovic
Flip the wires... Make sure it is not the S-Video cable degrading the signal..

I haven't seen a different in resoultion at all.


I have done that. The issue stays with the receiver. Perhaps I got a bad unit.

[robgettier]

What is most noticeable is the NPL on the R10 has a much greener tone than the Hughes. The Hughes seems to have a blue base and the R10 seems to have a green base. (This could be in the 6.1 software.) Has anyone noticed this? This may be what is causing the noticeable difference.

Unless others have the same experience, my only option to satisy my concerns is probably to buy another R10 and compare two R10's. This is a pain.

[drew2k]

rogbettier - I don't think you mentioned this, nor has anyone else suggested it: The problem may be the 2nd S-Video port on your AV receiver, the one you just connected your R10 to. I suggest swapping cables and ports on your AV receiver: Connect the R10 to the AV receiver using the cable and port your Hughes was on, and connect the Hughes to the AV receiver using the cable fro the R10 and the second port. If the problem goes away on the R10 and is introduced on the Hughes, then it's the AV receiver's 2nd S-video port.

You could also try bypassing the AV receiver and directly connecting the R10 to the TV's s-video port, just to compare results. I don't know much about S-Video output signal strength, if there is such a thing, but I think the R10 was designed to be cheaper to build. Maybe there's an inferior S-Video connector and by putting the AV receiver between the R10 and the TV, some signal strength is lost? (Just reaching on this last one folks ... don't flame me if my head's up my arse on this!)

[robgettier]

Originally posted by drew2k
rogbettier - I don't think you mentioned this, nor has anyone else suggested it: The problem may be the 2nd S-Video port on your AV receiver, the one you just connected your R10 to. I suggest swapping cables and ports on your AV receiver: Connect the R10 to the AV receiver using the cable and port your Hughes was on, and connect the Hughes to the AV receiver using the cable fro the R10 and the second port. If the problem goes away on the R10 and is introduced on the Hughes, then it's the AV receiver's 2nd S-video port.

You could also try bypassing the AV receiver and directly connecting the R10 to the TV's s-video port, just to compare results. I don't know much about S-Video output signal strength, if there is such a thing, but I think the R10 was designed to be cheaper to build. Maybe there's an inferior S-Video connector and by putting the AV receiver between the R10 and the TV, some signal strength is lost? (Just reaching on this last one folks ... don't flame me if my head's up my arse on this!)

Thanks. I tried this. No dice.

[Ensoniq]

As a new owner of (2) R10 units, sorry to hijack this thread for a quick question about the One For All URC6131 remote:

Can the URC6131 control (2) different DVR units that are in the same room? I have one of the TiVo Dual-DVR peanut remotes (with the 1-2 switch on it) that I've been using but it's falling apart. I thought about replacing it with the same unit in the cool translucent blue color, but thought maybe the One For All would be a better overall replacement with better control for my Broksonic TV/VCR/DVD combo.

Thanks in advance for the info...and now back to your regularly scheduled program. :)

[ssalinas]

I currently have a Hughes 40 DTV box. I went to CC last night to purchase the 80 hour integrated box. What is the difference/preference between the Hughes (HNS SDDVR80) DTV and the "Directv" (DTV R10) brand Tivo boxes?

I only have one coax coming in from the dish to the TV. Is it possible to use 2 boxes on the same TV? How do I set that up? Can I record on one and watch tv from the other? Or would I just be better off placing the old tivo box in another room?

TIA!

[Jerw134]

The difference between the two boxes is that the R10 has the 6.1 software on it now, and the DVR80 has 3.1 on it now, but will be upgraded later. The R10 also has some slightly improved hardware, but nothing major.

It's possible to use two boxes on the same TV, as long as you have at least two cables coming from the dish. You'd be much better off just running another cable and using one Tivo. Believe me, it's worth it.

[ssalinas]

So the DVR80 will upgrade software automatically and it is safe to keep the 3.1? I've already purchase the Hughes and I don't want to even open the box unless I am sure it is basically the same quality as the R10? Is the GUI the same? I've been very happy over the past year with the Hughes 40 hr....
What would you do?

[ebonovic]

The 6.1 software (which is on the R10), is just slightly different then the 3.1. Mostly with the addition of the Folders option/

The R10 right now has improved performance, slightly because of hardware, but we don't know yet if the software is helping.

So.... If you have the choice... I would replace it for the R10, but it is not the end of the world, if you stay with the DVR-80

[ssalinas]

Many thanks!

[CsrLiz344]

I finally got my $49 deal from DTV, and they brought me an R10-I was shocked to say the least. The first thing I and the tech noticed was how quick it was to set up, he said he's installed many that get hung up for up to an hour. I noticed everything is way quicker, which I like, my Phillips can take awhile to do specific things. So far I like it, it was a nice surprise.

[Shape]

I have 2 Series 1 Phillips boxes. Both of them blew out their modems in an electrical storm a year and a half ago. To say that they are SLOW is an understatement!! It can take a minute to get into now playing.

What are the chances that I can get customer retention to replace them with 2 of these babies?

[ebonovic]

Unless you have the protection plan... not very high.
But it can't hurt to call and ask.

[bugs99]

Any information about what it would take to upgrade this box with a 2nd hard drive? Brackets? Cables?

Also, is it possible to take out the 2nd hard drive from an old Sony SAT-T60 (with the recorded programs) and add it to this box? Would I still be able to access those programs from the R10?

[ebonovic]

As for a bracket... Check PTVUpgrades and Weakness , I am not sure if they have bracket's yet, but I am certain they are working on them.

As for taking the drive from your SAT-T60..
You can use the drive, but you will lose the recordings.

There is no upgrade method for any Tivo (DirecTivo or SA Tivo) that will allow you to access the recordings on the 2nd drive in a different system.

[JimSpence]

Originally posted by Ensoniq
As a new owner of (2) R10 units, sorry to hijack this thread for a quick question about the One For All URC6131 remote:

Can the URC6131 control (2) different DVR units that are in the same room? I have one of the TiVo Dual-DVR peanut remotes (with the 1-2 switch on it) that I've been using but it's falling apart. I thought about replacing it with the same unit in the cool translucent blue color, but thought maybe the One For All would be a better overall replacement with better control for my Broksonic TV/VCR/DVD combo.

Thanks in advance for the info...and now back to your regularly scheduled program. :) Yes the 6131 can control two units. But, you have to get one of the modified versions so that you can use two different remote addresses.

[DarienA]

Any Harmony users in this thread with an R10? Harmony doesn't yet have the R10 listed as a DirecTV product so I'm having trouble finding a remote configuration that works comfortably with my newly given as a birthday gift 688. The Hughes 10-250 seemed to work ok, the DSR704 terribly.... any suggestions?

[doomtown]

My new R-10 looks different on the on screen guide and menus. Looks fuzzier or dull. Not near as clear or brite than my other receivers. Harder to read. I also notice a slight green tint to all pictures on all channels! I compared it to my hughes and 2 philips. I tried every different way of connecting to make sure it is the R-10, and not something else, like the input, or connection. Very noticeable when connected on same tv in split screen. (yes, I switch the connections to be sure).
Guess I'll have to return this! Anyone else notice anything? Should I get another R-10, or another Hughes?

[ebonovic]

DarienA:
The R10 uses the exact same remote as your DSR704. I am actually USING my remote from the DSR704, instead of the one that came with the R10... Simply becase I didn't want to reprogram the TV and AV controls.

DoomTown:
There is another thread out there specifically talking about your issue. I personally have not seen that problem with the two R10s I have hooked up.

[robgettier]

Originally posted by doomtown
My new R-10 looks different on the on screen guide and menus. Looks fuzzier or dull. Not near as clear or brite than my other receivers. Harder to read. I also notice a slight green tint to all pictures on all channels! I compared it to my hughes and 2 philips. I tried every different way of connecting to make sure it is the R-10, and not something else, like the input, or connection. Very noticeable when connected on same tv in split screen. (yes, I switch the connections to be sure).
Guess I'll have to return this! Anyone else notice anything? Should I get another R-10, or another Hughes?

I have had this exact same issue. My R-10 is going back. See other thread at:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=212245

[twash]

Great review. I see an IR output on the rear of the R10. I was wondering, does the R10 manual give any indication that it can start and stop a DVD recorder automatically using an IR emitter? For instance are there any remote codes listed in its manual for the numerous makes of DVD recorders...I bet not...

It would be kind of nice to be able to automatically start and stop, especially to stop, a DVD recorder that you have hooked to the R10 so that you would not have to be present to make a hard drive transfer to DVD. If the R10 would just make the transfer stop automatically, that would be very helpful. I guess that is one of the desirable features of the Humax, that it stops the DVD recording process automatically at the end of the program that you are transferring to DVD.

Thanks...

[ebonovic]

There is no IR output on the R10... It has been removed.
There is a serial output ...

[twash]

Oops, okay, well that answers that don't it...

[forteDiva]

Originally posted by ebonovic
During the setup of the unit, it gives you the opportunity to check the strength of each of teh Sats... During the setup, there was NO opportunity to check specifically for the 72.5 sat.

That being said, I am not familiar enough with the 72.5 sat, other then it is new and provides locals for some newer markets. I don't have one, and maybe the unit is smart enough to detect that and not even give me the option to test for it.

ok. 72.5 satellite. You have to do an auto-detect for the Tivo to detect for all Sats out there. Once it does, you should have access

[ebonovic]

Well the R10 has 6.1 software... And I don't have a 72.5 dish up, so... I can't verify if the 6.1 will work with the 72.5

[forteDiva]

Yep, I messed up on the version on that one, I have since edited my comment. Thanks for telling me the software version number-I need that for where I work-we weren't aware that the software version was different that for the rest of our tivos. I'll be forwarding that one so that our info will be updated. Thanks

[mhallerbach]

I just got an R10, am new to DVrs, but in one of the previous review posts on this thread it was mentioned that this unit has the 30 second skip feature by default. If so, please tell me how to do it, as the manual does not mention it, and I have not been able to find it playing around on it. Is this only available as a backdoor code, or a special code. Please let me know if you can, as I can't believe this feature wouldn't be included by default, since it would be extremely helpful because of those pesky commercials.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by mhallerbach
I can't believe this feature wouldn't be included by default, since it would be extremely helpful because of those pesky commercials. Those pesky commercials are the exact reason why the 30 second skip is no longer turned on by default.

[memnoch]

Thanks to everyone here. I've been a lurker for a while with a SA TiVo Sony SVR-3000. Moved from cable to D* a little over a year ago. The Sony made the transition with me. I had two tuners installed in the LR. One dedicated to the Tivo. After reading everything here recently, I decided to go out and get an R-10. I didn't need installation and couldn't wait any longer so just went out and picked one up. I turned off both LR tuners and connected both lines to the R-10. By taking off both, I saved the extra $5 on a second tuner, then by adding the DVR, I tacked on $5 - braking even. Then by stopping the SA TiVo's monthly subscription, I will basically have the R-10 paid off in less then a year and have less bills. Can't lose!!! BTW, I'm very happy with the R-10. Sorry for the run-on. Thanks again!

[jasch]

Originally posted by mhallerbach
I just got an R10, am new to DVrs, but in one of the previous review posts on this thread it was mentioned that this unit has the 30 second skip feature by default. If so, please tell me how to do it, as the manual does not mention it, and I have not been able to find it playing around on it. Is this only available as a backdoor code, or a special code. Please let me know if you can, as I can't believe this feature wouldn't be included by default, since it would be extremely helpful because of those pesky commercials.

This is not exactly true. All TIVo units have the 30 second skip turned off by default. You have to active it allways through backdoor codes.

[Kepler]

Originally posted by BubbaTX
Smak,
Either way, an 80GB unit for $49 is a steal IMO.

Is anyone selling the R-10 for $49 for existing DirecTiVo customers?

[DrEvil]

The 30 second skip is turned on while you playback something previously recorded by pressing play-select-3-0-select. You should hear three beeps if you did it right.

It is off by default, and if your TiVo reboots you will have to enter it again.

Edit: I got it wrong, it's select-play-select-3-0-select.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by Kepler
Is anyone selling the R-10 for $49 for existing DirecTiVo customers? Not guaranteed, but if you're willing to take a chance, you may get one from DirecTV.

[Montaño]

Originally posted by DrEvil
The 30 second skip is turned on while you playback something previously recorded by pressing play-select-3-0-select. You should hear three beeps if you did it right.

It is off by default, and if your TiVo reboots you will have to enter it again.

I believe it SELECT/Play/Select/3/0/Select

[tomo_kun]

Just some more hints of more TiVo intergration.

Look at the DirecTV DVR site, it used to *barely* mention TiVo at all, now look.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by tomo_kun
Look at the DirecTV DVR site, it used to *barely* mention TiVo at all, now look. Attached is a screenshot of the old site, and here's a link to the current site: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp

The new site and the old site actually mention Tivo in the text only once (both also mention it in their headers), and the new site actually has one less Tivo logo.

[tomo_kun]

look at the all around site, The whole site mentions TiVo a lot more.

[Jerw134]

It looks to me like they just beefed up the content on the site, not that they went out of their way to promote the Tivo brand.

[DrEvil]

Originally posted by Montaño
I believe it SELECT/Play/Select/3/0/Select

Thanks Montaño, I should have double checked before posting that.

[tebbens]

Is the DVR80 being discontinued, replaced by the R10 ?

[Jerw134]

All DirecTV DVRs have been discontinued, in favor of the R10.

[leesweet]

Um, not the HD Tivo (HR10-250), of course.

Which always made me wonder on their new numbering scheme... we have an HR10, and an R10.... makes sense now!

[mhallerbach]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Montaño
I believe it SELECT/Play/Select/3/0/Select
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The code to get it working on the R10 was "Play/Select/3/0/Select". I tried the other way with no luck, and ended up getting it to work with this.

thanks for all of your help everybody.

[toxic]

Originally posted by Jerw134
Not guaranteed, but if you're willing to take a chance, you may get one from DirecTV.

I just got an R10 from D* this morning...installer said that is all he has...said all the others have "disappeared."

I just converted from UTV...got HR10-250 yesterday and the R10 today. So far so good. As you are well aware, ex-UTV users miss many features but I am trying to learn TIVO and not dwell on the negatives.

I got the 30 skip working...are there any other really good codes that people use alot? I read thru the list but didn't see anything like the 30 second skip that was essential.

Also, right after setup it seemed to act a little quirky - not responding to the remote for a minute or so, then acting on everything that was hit. Hoping it was just running slow because it was setting up. Anyone else have this experience? All I have to compare it to is the HDTIVO and it didn't do that.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by toxic
I just got an R10 from D* this morning...installer said that is all he hasIf an installer brought it, it wasn't from DirecTV. Installers have their own stock. I was talking about getting one directly from DirecTV.

[ebonovic]

IIRC
DirecTV only ships units directly as a replacement for a defective unit.
All others come via an Installer if you are purchasing from DirecTV.

At least that how it was early last year, (when I purchased one of the $50 units from DTV, and when I have replaced my HD unit a few times)

[jeep1999]

Hi,

Looking at a R10 for my existing Directv account. I have a Dual LNB Dish with 3 tv's and their own RCA recievers. I want to get a R10 unit. I am assuming I can switch out one receiver for the DirectDRV R10 unit? Is this correct? Or do I have to run a separate additional ine from my Dish? I have a 4 way splitter so I could have 4 separate TV's.

Also, would love to program it via a my PC through IE. I have read the USB ports are active and you can get it to work with DHCP.

Also, is there anyone offering the $50 deal for DVR for existing customers? I mean I have been with DTV for a long time and would think they would be willing to give their existing customers a deal..

Thanks for any answers in advance.

Jeep1999

[Jerw134]

If you want to utilize both tuners on the Tivo, you'll need to run an additional line for it. This is highly recommended.

In order to program the Tivo through a web browser, you'll need to hack it. Check the Underground for more info on that.

DirecTV is the one offering the $49 DVR deal for existing customers.

[ebonovic]

1) To enable dual tuner recording... You will need and extra line. Do a serach on multiswitch to identify which ones is right for you and the dish you have. You need to get a 5th line into the system. A regular cable splitter doesn't work.

2) Current software version (6.1), are activating the USB ports and talking to the network. However, you can really DO anything with it yet. As of right now there are no rumors that Web Programming is comming in sorts of future update.

3) The only way is to call DirecTV and talk to them, no vendor right now can sell a unit at $49 to an existing customer.

[jeep1999]

Thanks to both of you. I went on DirectTV's website, they say $99.00 for existing customers. But I will call them if that is what I need to do.

I was also hoping to be able to take home movies (VHS), record them to the DVR then transfer them to my PC to burn to DVR. Is this at all possible with the R10? Or will it be in the future? I don't wish to purchase a DVD recorder when I have one for my computer.

Thanks again
Jeep1999

PS - I do have a 4 port multi switch, not a splitter. Sorry. 1 port is not in use, can I use that one for the 2nd line to the DVR?

[ebonovic]

The R10 (and all DirecTivos for that matter), can only record what DirecTV sends them in Digital format. They don't have any inputs for any other signal (the HD unit has an antenna though, for digital OTA).

Also you can not transfer programs from your DVR to your PC (without hacking).

So your best bet would to pickup a digital bridge device (Dazzle, Pinnacle, DV Camcorder) they range from $60 to several hundred depending on which way you go.

You would then hook your VCR to your PC basically and do what you are looking to do.

(The SA Tivo's don't have any offical DVR to PC video transfer either).

Yes you can use that free port on your multiswitch for your line.

[jeep1999]

Thank you ebonovic. I see the Tivo series 2 does allow a network port via USB so you can program from a web interface. I went to their website. The recording from DVR to PC DVD was another question. I dont know why this just can be an option.

Thanks again for all the info!

Jeep1999

[Athenian]

Originally posted by jeep1999
Also, is there anyone offering the $50 deal for DVR for existing customers? I mean I have been with DTV for a long time and would think they would be willing to give their existing customers a deal..
If you've been a customer for a while, ask the CSR what the penalty would be to cancel -- you'll probably get your TiVo for $15 or free. They cannot specify any model or capacity but the installation is free and includes moving the existing receiver somewhere else.

If you have two receivers, have the installer move the old one to the room with the other one and if you decide the unit you get is too small, you can move it to the secondary location and get an R10 from somewhere else.I see the Tivo series 2 does allow a network port via USB so you can program from a web interface.The USB ports are not enabled on DirecTiVos ...yet.

[DBCooper]

Originally posted by ebonovic

I don't recall the HDR2 looking anything like that. Where would the second drive go?

http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/post/img_2801.jpg
(Click for Larger Version (http://www.dbsforums.com/DirecTiVo_R10/img_2801.jpg)

[DrEvil]

You would have to get a mounting bracket from www.weaknees.com or www.9thtee.com to add a second drive to any of the series 2 based DirecTiVo's.

[DBCooper]

Originally posted by DrEvil
You would have to get a mounting bracket from www.weaknees.com or www.9thtee.com to add a second drive to any of the series 2 based DirecTiVo's. That's a given. But where does it go, under the existing hard-drive cable?

[mishagray]

Originally posted by DBCooper
That's a given. But where does it go, under the existing hard-drive cable?

It usually hangs "suspended" over the motherboard (rotated 90 degrees from the other drive).

[dnbassassin]

little off the subject
Originally posted by leesweet
Um, not the HD Tivo (HR10-250), of course.

Which always made me wonder on their new numbering scheme... we have an HR10, and an R10.... makes sense now!


here the new name conventions for for all ird in furture.
d=standard receiver
h= hd receiver
r=dvr
hr=hd with dvr also nrb after indicate hd size
and number indicates generation
for Example d10
stardard ird first generation

"200" and "300" mean the user interface is different from the D10
200 like have samsung sir 300w and 300 like have philips dsx5500
just clear that up

[Books]

I keep seeing reports that many are unhappy with the picture from the r10. Is anyone happy with it? We've got to pick up a new DVR today, and I'm trying to decide between the r10 and the Hughes.

[ebonovic]

I have two of them, and have no issues with their PQ at all.
One is in my master bedroom, so we use it daily, and I have zero complaints about it.

[leesweet]

Is the picture variation between boxes real or in the eye of the beholder, do we think?

[Books]

We bit the bullet and got the R10. I've got to say that I'm not happy with it. I've got perfect eyesight and I had trouble with reading the menus. I couldn't distinguish between the letter G and the number 6 when I was asked the units access card number. We didn't have it hooked up with s-video at first, but even with that the menus don't look good. The picture quality did improve with the s-video, but I don't know if I can live with it as is. We'll try it for a day to see if we can get used to it, if not, we'll bring it back and exchange it for the Hughes.

[Oneota]

Just got the standard installation of DirecTV with DVR yesterday, and it included an R10 (without my asking for anything special), so it looks like they're starting to make their way to the unwashed masses!

So far, no complaints, though scrolling through the programs is slower than I expected (I'm used to the speed on my parents' standard Hughes receiver, though, so I'm sure I'll get used to the R10).

Just an FYI. :)

[Theatermax]

Yes , I have tested R10's against the DVR80 RCA. I have done this on Pioneer Elite Plasma's, Sony XBR, Pioneer Pro730 HDTV.. It's all the same..

The Menus are blurry , I don't know what the heck they did but it really stinks. The real unfortunate part is that they will probably be the only Tivo Maker as of this coming year. That means we are going to have to live with this low quality menu stuff..

What do we do ??

[Apok]

Does low quality menu's really matter? I for one could care less if the menu looks crappy as long as it doesn't effect the show's PQ.

[Theatermax]

It does mean alot. From 10 feet away you can't read it without squinting!

That's a bad thing !

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by Theatermax
The real unfortunate part is that they will probably be the only Tivo Maker as of this coming year.There has only been one "Tivo Maker". The difference is, it appears they decided to go with lower quality parts in this new version of the Tivo.

[Books]

Originally posted by usrbingeek
Does low quality menu's really matter? I for one could care less if the menu looks crappy as long as it doesn't effect the show's PQ.

Unfortunately, in our case, it just isn't the menu. The picture quality is suffering as well. I've also noticed that the guides, while they come up quickly, aren't filled in. There is a lag of a few seconds with lots of blank space when the guide button is first pressed. This morning the unit is even buggier. It is barely responding to the remote, where as last night it was quite responsive.

We are going to exchange it this morning for the Hughes and I plan on not keeping it hooked up to a phone line until I see that how other series 2 units respond the upcoming upgrade. Hopefully this isn't just the new software. :confused:

[jeep1999]

So after reading these follow ups, do I go with an R10 or a Huges? I would really like to be able to program it eventually from my PC. I understand they have to be hacked but it seems the R10 is not ready for this yet.

I am leaning towards the R10 only because I can get one from DTV for 50 bucks I have heard.

Thanks
Jeep1999

[Jerw134]

I still say get an R10. But, the $49 deal was finished yesterday. Now, it's $99 with a $50 rebate.

[Oneota]

Picture quality on the video and menus seems just fine to me with my R10. But then, I've only had DirecTV (or a TiVo, for that matter) since Thursday, so it's not like I have a good basis for comparison.

But it all seems hunky-dory to me, other than the R10 occasionally insisting on recording shows:
a) I have no interest in
b) that are on channels I don't have a subscription to.

"a" I can understand, since it's still learning what I do and don't like. But as for "b": it should be able to figure out whether or not I'm subscribed to a channel before it goes and records an hour of black screen, shouldn't it?

[Jerw134]

The Tivo cannot figure out if you're subscribed to a channel or not. Why it can't do that, I don't have a clue. You have to edit the Channels You Receive list to let it know what channels you subscribe to.

[Oneota]

Originally posted by Jerw134
The Tivo cannot figure out if you're subscribed to a channel or not. Why it can't do that, I don't have a clue. You have to edit the Channels You Receive list to let it know what channels you subscribe to.

Yeah, that seems exceedingly stupid. Couldn't take more than 4-5 lines of code (well, perhaps more, but still a trivial amount) to communicate that information from the DirecTV side of things to the TiVo side of things (assuming there's some distinct point where the DirecTV ends and the TiVo begins).

[ncsercs]

Earl,

I have 2 R10's.

My computer is running XP with a D-Link DI-614+ Router and SBC Yahoo DSL.

I created a simple network with the Home Network Wizard.

I got 2 D-Link DWL-122 USB adapters for each R10 and plugged them in the back.

My network does not recognize them.

How would I get to the point where you are at? I know I'm missing something.

Much appreciated.

[ebonovic]

On your router, you should have a place where you can see the DHCP requests. You will see two MAC addresses requesting addresses... Those should correspond to your two nics in your R10.

You can also install the TivoCommunicator software from Tivo.Com.
You will see your two R10 listed in the exlusion list for units.

But with all that said....

Currently the R10s just talk to the network. But they don't do anything. (Kinda like talking to your kids... You talk, but they don't do anything).

There is currently no functionality there yet...

You can drop me a PM if you need more details.

Hopefully in the next few months they will give us

[dbronstein]

Originally posted by Oneota
Yeah, that seems exceedingly stupid. Couldn't take more than 4-5 lines of code (well, perhaps more, but still a trivial amount) to communicate that information from the DirecTV side of things to the TiVo side of things (assuming there's some distinct point where the DirecTV ends and the TiVo begins).

No kidding - even the Dish Network PVRs know what channels you're subscribed to.

[Jerw134]

The only reason I can come up with is marketing. DirecTV may think that if users are exposed to these channels by the Tivo recording something that "interests" them, they may be more likely to check it out.

[Oneota]

Originally posted by Jerw134
The only reason I can come up with is marketing. DirecTV may think that if users are exposed to these channels by the Tivo recording something that "interests" them, they may be more likely to check it out.

...But how are we supposed to check out something we're not subscribed to?

"Oo...that 90 minutes of black screen looks intriguing!"

:)

[Jerw134]

You wouldn't be able to check out what it recorded, but you'd see the title of the show, and it could draw your attention to a channel you might not have thought about before.

[digital_b]

Originally posted by jeep1999
So after reading these follow ups, do I go with an R10 or a Huges? I would really like to be able to program it eventually from my PC. I understand they have to be hacked but it seems the R10 is not ready for this yet.

I am leaning towards the R10 only because I can get one from DTV for 50 bucks I have heard.

Thanks
Jeep1999

I really dont [literally] see the difference between the hughes and the r10 externally. I was at circuit city Friday and there is a d* display there with both boxes and the ONLY difference [on the front anyway] was the logo. the buttons and 'styling' the colors EVERYTHING is exactly the same. so is hughes making all the boxes now or was the display I looked at out of date? there were boxes of hughes and rca dtivos as well as d* branded ones.

[Jerw134]

The Hughes SD-DVR40 looks nothing like the R10. You may have gotten it confused with the RCA, because the R10 is using almost exactly the same exterior design as the RCA.

[Oneota]

Who makes the R10, anyway?

[Adam1115]

Has anyone made any headway on hacking the R10 to add HMO / MRV?

[mphare]

Originally posted by Oneota
Who makes the R10, anyway?

I think I read that Thomson is making them, hince the visual similarity to the RCA units.

[digital_b]

Originally posted by Jerw134
The Hughes SD-DVR40 looks nothing like the R10. You may have gotten it confused with the RCA, because the R10 is using almost exactly the same exterior design as the RCA.

I can read perfectly well and HUGHES looks nothing like RCA. now the model number was not on the front of the receiver but I stand by what I saw.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by digital_b
I can read perfectly well and HUGHES looks nothing like RCA. now the model number was not on the front of the receiver but I stand by what I saw. I'm not saying that you can't read, just that you may have gotten confused. Here's a comparison:

[iqwertyi]

So, I was playing around with my brother's R10, does anyone else notice that hitting the rewind button once rewinds just as fast as hitting it three times?

[Oneota]

Originally posted by iqwertyi
So, I was playing around with my brother's R10, does anyone else notice that hitting the rewind button once rewinds just as fast as hitting it three times?

Nope...goes much faster for me. Maybe he was playing around with backdoor codes or something?

[lqwertyl]

I'll check again. Nope, no backdoors or anything. It's his frist DTivo from me for Christmas. I set it up myself.

[temp357]

Hi,
Just wanted to express my thanks to ebonovic for the great review of the r10. I hadn't seen this question anywhere, but has anyone tried running v6 software on the hdvr2? Also, based on what i've read...it looks like the folders/grouping feature are the only real additions?

thanks again :)

[ebonovic]

Running v6 on an HDVR2.

Yes people have tried, and currently... it doesn't work.

Right now, on the surface, folders/grouping are the only real additions, a few other screens have changed, but nothing earth shattering.

The USB ports are now on, but they don't do anything yet....

[jcricket]

Any rumors about HMO? I've heard various people saying that Q1 or Q2 of this year we'd see HMO available for the DirecTivos. I would go right out and get a R10 to replace my Hughes Series 1 DirecTivo if HMO were available. Would eliminate a couple of devices in my Media rack.

Now if only the R10 had a DVD recorder built-in...

[Tim32672]

Stupid Question... How do you turn off the 30 second skip???

[mhallerbach]

I am a new R10 owner(first Tivo unit I have owned), and after recording a few blank shows(Due to it not automatically knowing what channels I recieved), finally manually corrected this.

Another feature which I see its lacking, or maybe I am missing it, is some sort of message telling me that I am choosing to record a show that has already started and will therefore only have a partial recording. If I am not careful in checking the current time, and pick something to record, it doesn't tell you that its already started. Later, in the now playing list, I will see the program, and it will say "partial recording" in the description, but it seems to me it would be easy enough to give you a warning when you are setting up the recording.

I have found plenty of quirky things in this unit already, such as deleting a specific episode in a folder group, and then getting a message there are no other shows in the folder, only to discover that it had wiped out my other recorded programs in that folder along with the only one I wanted deleted. Also, canceling a recording in process, only to find it ignored my command and recorded it anyways. Blurry guide, etc.

By the way, is there anyway to determine how much recording space is left/used on the 80 hours, by entering a command or something(Not a backdoor since nobody know the R10 backdoor).

Also, is there anyway to skip a certain amount of hours in the guide when looking at a specific channel entry, without having to change the entire giude settings with the enter command(such as a shortcut). For example if I am looking at channel 2 on the guide, if I want to quickly skip ahead 24 hours and see whats playing. On my Dish giuide I used to be able to hit 24 and right arrow, and it would jump there.


Has anyone published a complete "remote shortcut" sheet, as the book that comes with this model is very basic and appears to be missing some commands that I have already learned.

Thanks

[digital_b]

this is why my next dtivo will be purchased 'pre modded'.

[shepler76]

Originally posted by Tim32672
Stupid Question... How do you turn off the 30 second skip???


You need to reboot it

[shepler76]

Originally posted by mhallerbach
Also, is there anyway to skip a certain amount of hours in the guide when looking at a specific channel entry, without having to change the entire giude settings with the enter command(such as a shortcut). For example if I am looking at channel 2 on the guide, if I want to quickly skip ahead 24 hours and see whats playing. On my Dish giuide I used to be able to hit 24 and right arrow, and it would jump there.



With the Guide open press the "info" button This brings up another menu and you can change dates and times

[mhallerbach]

Originally posted by shepler76
With the Guide open press the "info" button This brings up another menu and you can change dates and times

I know about that - I was hoping for an "on the fly" shortcut instead.

Thanks

[Jonathan_S]

Originally posted by shepler76
You need to reboot it Or reenter the 30 second skip code. That code is a toggle. Enter it once 30 second skip is on, enter it again and 30 second skip is off.

[swoope]

directivo choice??

first ? hard

i have two diretvivos sitting in front of me.

1 r 10
2 hughes dvr 80

both have the same remotes. the mother board on the r 10 and date stamping are more recent. the hughes has more chips and looks like it is out dated.

comes down to which is more extreme user friendly.

beers

[Jerw134]

Please keep your stuff in one thread.

[jeep1999]

So from what I am reading, go with the R10 and wait for web access to program it or download from the tivo hard drive to my computer. I just hope I will be able to do this at some point.

Thanks for the info, this is a great thread.

Jeep1999

[iqwertyi]

Swoope,

Kinda had the same dilema as you.
I bought my brother an R10 for Christmas and hooked it up to my setup. Even though I liked the features it had and possibility of other features to show up, I could not get over the image quality (vs. my HDVR2). Then my HDVR2 dies. So, it was either get the R10 or the Hughes DVR80. I went with the DVR80. I figured my brother and I have about 30 days to compare these two units and whichever does better, we'll switch to that one.

Although the idea of TivoToGo and Home Media Option is great, to me, Picture Quality is above anything else. I could not sacrifice PQ vs the other features it offers.

Let's see what happens.

[gtrogue]

Originally posted by ebonovic

FF and REV do NOTHING in any of the list modes.


Try the skip to tick and instant replay buttons. On stand alones they are the buttons that jump to the top and bottom of lists.

[digital_b]

Originally posted by iqwertyi
Swoope,

Kinda had the same dilema as you.
I bought my brother an R10 for Christmas and hooked it up to my setup. Even though I liked the features it had and possibility of other features to show up, I could not get over the image quality (vs. my HDVR2). Then my HDVR2 dies. So, it was either get the R10 or the Hughes DVR80. I went with the DVR80. I figured my brother and I have about 30 days to compare these two units and whichever does better, we'll switch to that one.

Although the idea of TivoToGo and Home Media Option is great, to me, Picture Quality is above anything else. I could not sacrifice PQ vs the other features it offers.

Let's see what happens.

I agree. picture quality on a directivo is of paramount importance.

[joeinma]

MY R10 was delivered yesterday. Set up and activation was a snap for the most part. However, I hit a snag when I tried to do a test call. The R10 will not dial out. I had the same issue when I moved to this house (my in-laws) with my DSR6000. It had turned out that they have voice mail but do not know the password. Therefore, there are several beeps on the line before you get a dial tone. On the DSR6000, I solved this by putting various codes in the set up.

My DSR6000 phone set up is as follows:

Dial Prefix ,#034

Call Waiting ,,,

Tone/Pulse = Tone

Phone Available = Off

Wait for Dial Tone = On

This unit dials out fine. I set up the R10 the same way, but kept getting could not connect message. I tried changing settings, but nothing worked.

Until I get it to dial, I can watch tv but cannot record. Any suggestions?

Also,one of the phone set up screens warns you that a digital PBX system could ruin the modem and tells you to use a analog PBX. What is the difference between the two? Does it have anything to do with a phone system that uses CAT5E rather than the old phone wires?

Thanks for any help!

[howmeister123]

When I upgraded my Sat-T60 to the R10, I had a similar problem and tried the same things that you have, with no sucess. It turned out that the R10 modem was more sensitive to the DSL that's on the same line. I had to add one of those DSL noise elimination dongles to get the R10 to connect. The Sat-T60 had always worked fine without one.

[Rkkeller]

Still no Showcases on my R-10 and its been over 2 weeks now.

Anyone else ?


Rich

[dropper]

Originally posted by Rkkeller
Still no Showcases on my R-10 and its been over 2 weeks now.

Anyone else ?


Rich

Do you have 581 and 582 blocked?

Keith

[leesweet]

Originally posted by joeinma
Also,one of the phone set up screens warns you that a digital PBX system could ruin the modem and tells you to use a analog PBX. What is the difference between the two? Does it have anything to do with a phone system that uses CAT5E rather than the old phone wires?

Thanks for any help! Cabling isn't the issue. (Most phones that aren't VoIP use one pair of wires.) If you have a PBX that uses digital phones (this is in no way connected to VoIP, BTW!), normal analog modems connected to one of these lines can be and usually are damaged.

This note on the screen is a CYA in case someone tries to use these modems at work. If you get a dialtone from a normal $10 phone, it's fine for the TiVo.

[t-readyroc]

Hey Earl... thx for the info. I've been reading about the R10 for a couple of days on these forums now; as I got one for Christmas. I'm planning to continue to read as much as I can, but, as I'm sure you're aware, the "mysterious, HMO-like service" has been released in the form of TiVoToGo; & everything I've found online so far says that TiVoToGo will only run on Series2 boxes.

My question is this, then: will TiVoToGo work on the R10? From what I've read, it's a "Series2.5," & I haven't been able to find a list of known working receivers anywhere...

[Jerw134]

HMO and Tivo2Go will not work on the R10. HMO will work soon though, but there are no plans for Tivo2Go to be rolled out on DirecTV DVRs as far as I know.

[digital_b]

Originally posted by dropper
Do you have 581 and 582 blocked?

Keith
what exactly is on these channels? I just looked at my guide for one of them and the 'programming' lasts from 440 to 449 am EST.

[Jerw134]

Those channels carry the video for the Showcases.

[digital_b]

well for whatever reason I dont and have never had the showcase on my philips 704. I dont know if the sw hacks block it or maybe my channel guide should be changed from 'channels you receive' but I dont think I miss the used hd space for their spam anyway. would be nice if the showcase was actually useful.

[Jerw134]

The Showcases are recorded to a reserved section on the HD. No matter if they're there or not, you can't use that space.

[digital_b]

with that being the case how then does one find showcases on an philps dsr 704? and since you and I are both online this begs the question why isnt there a setup for IM listing so questions can be asked/answered in realtime?

[Jerw134]

I have a DSR704, and it has always had Showcases. If you have 581 and 582 in your CYR list, then I don't see why you wouldn't have them.

[digital_b]

it may be because mine is hacked. but I will check that out right now.

[jcricket]

Are the USB ports USB 1.1 or USB 2.0. Just curious.

And I haven't seen any detail about the rumors HMO will be coming. Will that include streaming between DirecTiVo? I'm primarily interested in the basic media sharing (PC/MAC music & pictures -> TiVo) and don't need web programming, but the in-house streaming feature would be nice.

[digital_b]

the usb to ethenet device I am using is the linksys 2.0 device mentioned several times on the other forum. its quite fast on transfer so I am assuming the ports are 2.0

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by jcricket
Are the USB ports USB 1.1 or USB 2.0. Just curious.

And I haven't seen any detail about the rumors HMO will be coming. Will that include streaming between DirecTiVo? I'm primarily interested in the basic media sharing (PC/MAC music & pictures -> TiVo) and don't need web programming, but the in-house streaming feature would be nice.

The ports are USB 2.0, however the driver base in previous versions was 1.1. So hopefully whenever they do enable the feature, they include an updated driver set.

As for the rumor threads... Look for the R10 thread: Intresting Screen Shot.

[jb_wildcat]

Can you be more specific about your rumor threads post? the R10 thread: Interesting screen shot?

thanks,
jb

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by jb_wildcat
Can you be more specific about your rumor threads post? the R10 thread: Interesting screen shot?

thanks,
jb

Sure:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=211177

[mshap1507]

I just called Direct TV to order the R10. The customer service rep said she can not guarantee which model will be shipped to me. She also said that they only ship out the 35 hour models, not 80 hours. If I want to buy the R10, I have to go to a retailer.

[Jerw134]

They will only guarantee a 35 hour model. Some of the less intelligent reps think that means they only ship 35 hour models, but that is not the case.

[rtransue]

Originally posted by ebonovic
Yes out of the box it does that... no special trick or anything.

As for hexediting the backdoor code... not just yet, maybe in a few weeks... The wife approval level is dropping, as I have spent the last month with multiple Tivo's cracked open and all over the place.

They have their way of letting us know when toy time is over, don't they...

(grin)

Richard

[rtransue]

Originally posted by bajamark
Remember, most great engineers once started as great installers! [/B]

Man, do I disagree with you on this one! I DID start out as a curious child, became an installer of many different types of systems, and later became a professional. In my 61 plus years, it is my humble opinion that ALL graduate engineers of any discipline should be required to complete a minimum of two years internship in practical applications of whatever their chosen discipline is before being eligible for professional licensing.

Just my humble opinion, you understand. (And everyone knows my opinions are very, very humble...(grin))

Richard

[tbh999]

I have one Question:

Does the 6.1 software eliminate the 137MB barrier?

[ebonovic]

Yes, the 6.1 software elimates the 137gb barrier.
I have one of my units running on a 160gb drive. 140ish hrs.

edit: mb -> gb... minor difference :)

[Jerw134]

Gigabytes guys, gigabytes!

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by Jerw134
Gigabytes guys, gigabytes!

You say Tomato
I say Cucumber

[mhallerbach]

Originally posted by mshap1507
I just called Direct TV to order the R10. The customer service rep said she can not guarantee which model will be shipped to me. She also said that they only ship out the 35 hour models, not 80 hours. If I want to buy the R10, I have to go to a retailer.

I am new to Directv, was ready to buy the 35hr DVR direct from DTV, which the best deal was going to be $99, with a $50 rebate. After doing some research, I got a 70hr R-10, with a Triple LNB dish, with the install, for $59.99(Most of that cost was the shipping), minus the $50.00 rebate, my net cost was $10 - from Rapidsatellite.com and they are sending me a free DVD player to boot as part of a promo. The box showed up 3 days after ordered , and a professional installer was there the following day taking down my Dish Network and replacing it with my Directv - total order/install process 4 days. Later in my research on this forum, I was hearing how everybody was having difficulty getting R-10s from Directv because they were just being released, but I got mine mid December no problem

I have found for both satellite systems and cell phone deals, online is the only way to go for pricing on the equipment, compared to dealing direct with the companies.

My 2 cents.

[tbh999]

Originally posted by tbh999
I have one Question:

Does the 6.1 software eliminate the 137MB barrier? Oops, MB...GB, what's the difference.

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by leesweet
Cabling isn't the issue. (Most phones that aren't VoIP use one pair of wires.) If you have a PBX that uses digital phones (this is in no way connected to VoIP, BTW!), normal analog modems connected to one of these lines can be and usually are damaged.

This note on the screen is a CYA in case someone tries to use these modems at work. If you get a dialtone from a normal $10 phone, it's fine for the TiVo.


digital phone systems usually use higher voltages that can damage stuff intended for the lower voltages of analog systems.

[aaronbca]

I see a pretty definite difference in my R10 picture quality from my Series 1 Hughes box. Some channels are decent, but on others the pixelation/artifacting is horrendous, causing massive blurring. I've took the first R10 back, cuz the build quality was awful, and the frame of the unit was actually bent. I think I'm going to get one more and test it to see if it's any better, but it seems like that's just the way these look.

[spyderelcd]

I have just received my directv triple lnb dish ,a r10 and d10 receivers for directv from rapidsatellite.com for a total of $89.94 with a $50 rebate. Total cost $39.94. They will be by tomorrow for the install. I have read this whole thread and I would like to thank ebonovic and other members for the information you post. With that does anybody know if you can hook up an r10 any other way than a phone line? I have just swithed to VOIP and from what I've read here you can't use that for the phone line on the R10.

:confused:

[ebonovic]

You can "possible" use VoIP. It is hit or miss with VoIP.

You could take it to a friends house to finish the setup (they don't have to have sat) or you could try the PPP Serial style of dialing (do a search on PPP Serial)

[joeinma]

To follow up on my R10 problem with the phone connection, I finally got it to dial in and make it's first test call which finished set up and allowed me to use the Tivo functions. However, the fix was funky and it's still having the problem unless I manually do the fix myself.

What happens is that when the R10 dials out, it's getting failed to connect during the dialing portion of the call. However, when it starts to dial, if I pick up the cordless phone in the room and turn it on, I can hear the until dialing and trying to connect. The call goes through ONLY when I am listening to the phone. It's weird. However, even that way, it may take 2 tries before it works.

I noticed in the system information screen, the dial in configuration line reads 000 TFA - 0 (something like that, I don't have the info in front of me)...meanwhile my DSR6000 which does not have a dialing problem has 000 TFA-1. Could this have something to do with it? Is there a way to change that?

[ebonovic]

Originally posted by joeinma
TI noticed in the system information screen, the dial in configuration line reads 000 TFA - 0 (something like that, I don't have the info in front of me)...meanwhile my DSR6000 which does not have a dialing problem has 000 TFA-1. Could this have something to do with it? Is there a way to change that?

No this is something different and controlled on the Server side. It is on our units for informationally / troubleshooting. It relates to what information server you are connecting to during the dial-in for the "TiVo" related uploads/downloads.

[joeinma]

Thanks for the response Earl! Here's another question for the board, does the ,401 code for daily code via the internet work with the R10? If I continue to have dial in problems via phone line, maybe it will work better via the net.

[ebonovic]

As of right now, no. That code doesn't appear to be recognized by the 6.1 software.

As I get a message that no dial-tone found. (Which is good, since I pulled the phone line during the test, and left the USB/network line in).

[Wekiva]

Just to add my experience. I just upgraded from HDVR2 to an R10 last week and am very happy. I see no difference in the picture quality and the menus are definitely faster for me. I do see a slight blurriness in the menus but not enough to be a problem.

So far so good.

( I just wanted others looking at getting R10 to know it's not all bad out here in R10 land)

[enesch]

I have been with Directv for about 6 months I have a DVR40 not hacked at all. Before sat tv I had cable with a SA Tivo One hacked with 2 hard drives and a nic, I liked all the things I could do and want them back on my Directivo unit, and I see I can hack the one I have currently. I am wondering if it would be better to get an r10 and wait for HMO, or to hack my current unit as is. Also if HMO option is to become an option on the Directv units will it only be offered to the new R10 units with 6.1 or will the older units with 3.1 be upgraded?

[digital_b]

if youre like me and want to be able to create dvds of recorded stuff youre better off hacking or having it hacked. dtv will never allow you to record stuff to dvd.

[ebonovic]

Right now there are NO official statements to if/when will get HMO.
Thus we don't know if it will ever come, be 6.1 specific, R10 specific.

So the only known thing for sure is that if you want HMO on your units, you will have to hack it to run v4 software, and the R10 can not run v4.

[Bassplayer]

joeinma

The probable reason why listening in on the handheld phone makes it work is that you turn on the handheld before you try to dial out. In the time the handheld is on before the dial-out, the tone returns to the steady dialtone.

I had a modem like this once in an old computer that would never dial out with the call-waiting beeps, so that's what I would do.

[joeinma]

Originally posted by Bassplayer
joeinma

The probable reason why listening in on the handheld phone makes it work is that you turn on the handheld before you try to dial out. In the time the handheld is on before the dial-out, the tone returns to the steady dialtone.


You're most likely right. While I would not pick up the phone until after the screen said "dialing" for about 10 seconds, when I did pick up, it was still a dial tone and then would dial and connect.

Verizon came Tuesday and added a new phone line (this is my in-laws home that we added an addition to) so that my wife and I have our own line in the addition. With this new line, the daily call is working fine now. Part of the problem may have been poor wiring by our electrician. I have a media panel in the basement and he took the other phone's line in the basement and connected a CAT5E cable to in and then to the panel. However, he left wires hanging everywhere and at the panel it looks like he connected the wires from the CAT5E to the wires of another CAT5E line and then ran that to the panel. Where he connected the two lines together, he just wrapped tape around the whole bunch of wires. The Verizon guy fixed all of that for me, matching up the proper wires and then crimping some type of connector on to keep the wires together.

[barnburner]

First time Tivo user. Just got a R10 a week and a half ago.
I live in a rural area, so they ordered a toll free number to use for my tivo unit.
I got the message from direct-tv saying the number was authorized - but -
when I go into the phone setup - it still shows the local phone number, which is a long distance call for me.
My local phone company is the directtv provider in this area, and they say they THINK that the number was changed automatically, and the old number showing in the setup doesnt matter.
Anybody know if they are telling the truth or not?
I don't want to have to wait a month to find out that they were wrong and then have to argue with them over the long distance charges.

Thanks

[ebonovic]

This would be a first...
I don't think the DirecTivos have that ability...

I would actually start a new thread on this, to garner more discussion.

My recommendation would be to pull the phone cord.
And only hook it up once a month, and force the call in at that point to the closest number.

[leesweet]

They would have to add the special tollfree to the access number list for your areacode, no? I've not heard of that, either...

[cktb2793]

Originally posted by digital_b
if youre like me and want to be able to create dvds of recorded stuff youre better off hacking or having it hacked. dtv will never allow you to record stuff to dvd.

Or you could just hook your R10 (or any DTivo) to a standalone DVD recorder....the same way you would hook it to a VCR.......I do that and record shows onto DVD all the time.

[leesweet]

Well, the usual point is you