TiVo won't change channels to DirecTV locals [Text View]

ALooneyGuy

05-25-2005, 04:35 PM

I just ran into the exact same problem. Using a D10 with a Sony SVR-2000. My system has worked flawlessly for weeks. All of the channels work but not the locals. Locals work fine using the DirecTV remote. I did not know the IR Blaster worked.

There must have been a firmware change in the D10 in the last day or so.

I guess I have to use that as a workaround until something better shows up. :confused:

OK, I have spoken to DirecTV tier 2 support about this, and we came to the conclusion that it could be an issue with the spot beams. Groch, since you're in Colorado as am I, and we're both having problems, and the only other person to chime in is not having problems, and he is in Pennsylvania, it sounds like a possibility. He sent some data to my receivers, but I'm not at home yet, so I don't know if it did any good.

When I get home and have a chance to power cycle my receivers, I'll let you know if it did any good.

apmusicman

05-25-2005, 07:36 PM

When I spoke with tier 2 support they said that there was nothing they could do and that everything should be working fine. Nevermind that it isn't.

Anyway, I'm in UT and just got the DTV upgrade yesterday and that's when I've started having this problem. How did you come to the conclusion that it was the spot beams? My technician said that there was no data he could send to my receivers to help them out.

If you could let me know what happens or how to get this "fix data" I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Andrew

ALooneyGuy

05-25-2005, 08:30 PM

I spoke to tier 2 again, and no solution thus far. We just thought it might be spot beams since it is the local channels that are causing problems. Turns out that wasn't the case. Tell me about this DTV upgrade. Sounds to me like that might be our next suspect...

apmusicman

05-25-2005, 09:27 PM

DirecTV (or DTV for short) did a firmware upgrade the other day and my TiVo hasn't been able to switch to the local channels since. When I asked DTV if they had sent out an upgrade, they said they had and that I had received it. When I told them that it had mucked up my TiVo they said basically that it's TiVo's problem.

When I called TiVo, they said that firmware upgrades by DTV often cause problems with stand alone TiVo s. He said that there was no solution yet, but they'd look into it. In addition, a technican from DTV is supposed to contact me tomorrow about the issue. When he does, I'll let you know what he said.

Also, let me know if you find out anything. Thanks!

Andrew

Msbob

05-25-2005, 11:57 PM

Yesterday I also recieved the update on all of my D10 reciever boxes. DTV claims that they didn't touch the low speed data port with the update. Using the home control cable I'm only able to channel change above 200. Hopefully someone will come up with a solution (I have 3 tivos on this setup).

ALooneyGuy

05-26-2005, 08:07 AM

I would like to urge everyone who is having this problem to call DirecTV tech support and keep bugging them. It's the old theory of "the squeaky wheel gets the oil." If enough of us keep pestering them, hopefully they'll fix what they broke.

apmusicman

05-26-2005, 09:21 PM

ALooneyGuy

05-27-2005, 12:02 PM

I'm still using a series 1 TiVo. Also, I have 2 essentially identical setups with a TiVo connected to a D10 receiver. The main difference is that one TiVo is not connected to a phone line. Once every 10 days or so I'll connect it and force a call. This is the main reason I'm sure it wasn't TiVo that broke the serial functionality.

Guyute1210

05-27-2005, 12:08 PM

I spoke with DTV tech support again today and they told me the same thing, in that they didn't touch the data port. They also told me they don't service that particular data port either. Nevermind that it's on their box. :mad:

Anyway, supposedly someone is supposed to be looking into it. In the meantime, I thought that I'd ask if anyone who is still reading this thread if they had recently received the 7.1b update from TiVo. Would this have anything to do with our most mysterious problem?

Andrew
I got 7.1b about 5 days before your OP. I have no issues, and it actually sped up my menus, but the "Bad Bong" on the ToDo list is still there.

Guyute1210

05-27-2005, 12:54 PM

I just called D*Tv and appearently the update is going out to all D10 models and is a rolling rollout schedule. The East Coast (where i'm at) is scheduled to start on June 14th. I wonder if there is a way short of unplugging my Sat box from not getting these updates.

The cust support person i talked to said other that unplugging the box, the update will come down. I stressed to her how unacceptable this would be if i was unable to get my locals, and she said she you note it for someone to look at. I told her i wanted someone in level 2 support or an engineer to see this, so maybe they can fix the issue before it gets to me. Looks like when i have more time tonight after work, i'll be calling them back and just asking for Level 2 support to start with, and go from there.

Msbob

05-27-2005, 08:34 PM

I spoke with Direct TV again and no luck. The person kept telling me to call Tivo. I insisted that he check with with a head technician and after about 20 minutes they told me they had no information. I am mad as heck as I went to direct TV to get out of the IR fort business and now I have them again :(. I wish something could be done about this....

ALooneyGuy

05-30-2005, 10:39 AM

Any news on this? I plan on resuming my personal crusade tomorrow (after the holiday).

apmusicman

05-31-2005, 11:58 AM

Tonight I plan on contacting D*TV because when I spoke with them last Thursday they assured me that an engineer would be looking into the problem, and that I should call and see what progress, if any, had been made. My expectations are not hight, but hey, what do you do.

In any case, I'm continuing my crusade for this as well. Let me know if you make any progress.

Erictaub

05-31-2005, 12:50 PM

Wanted to add my voice to this problem. I was away for the weekend; when I checked this morning, I found that the D10 box will no longer tune channels using the TiVo remote. The DirecTV remote does work. Saw that the DirecTV firmware upgrade came to me this Monday early morning.

Using the direct cable rather than IR. Repowered both the D10 and the TiVo to no avail.

AirShark

05-31-2005, 02:13 PM

Same here in Hollister, CA. I refuse to use IR for an extended period of time....that's why I bought two D10 boxes and home control cables. If this persists....as much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my TiVo....I'll be looking elsewhere I think. My setup has been working FLAWLESSLY for months without even one missed channel change.....this is a sad turn of events.

Guyute1210

05-31-2005, 03:23 PM

Erictaub

05-31-2005, 03:36 PM

I spoke to a supervisor of DirecTV tier 2 support today. He knew nothing of the problem. We tried a few things, but nothing worked. HIS boss told me to call TiVo (natch) which I did do, and they also knew nothing of this problem.

The DirecTV guy said that they'd log the issue; I also directed him to this discussion thread, which he said he'd read.

So who knows what'll happen.

Tom Wolf

05-31-2005, 06:34 PM

I am in LA and have the same problem (D10s with Tivo). No channel changing with the Tivo remote anymore. The DTV receiver gets the command because the screen gets blacks for a seconds but the old channel comes back. Tivo indicates that a channel change occured though.
I caught the firmware update last night. Tivo recorded the Jay Leno show and recorded the update process.
I will call DirectTV to complain. This is not a Tivo problem!

Tom

Tom Wolf

05-31-2005, 07:47 PM

I just spoke with a Tivo supervisor. His only recommendation: use the infrared connection! I am flabbergasted! I don't even know if I still have these cables. His advice: buy some!
This is frustrating. DirecTv killed the functionality of both my Series 1 and Series 2 Tivos.
When I asked Michael if they could not inform DirecTV what they have done to the Tivo service he told me that Tivo cannot influence what DirecTV does with their units and how they program their upgrades.

Come on! These two companies have worked together for years and they know each other very well. I am sure a call on a high executive level could solve the problem.
And if DirecTv doesn't want to play ball, shouldn't then Tivo change their programming to make the Tivos work again with the DirecTV units? It is also Tivo I pay, not only DirecTv.

Right now my Tivos are of no use anymore. I get my VCR out of the closet. And if this problem is not resolved quickly Tivo is losing a subscriber who stood by them from day 1.

AirShark

05-31-2005, 09:04 PM

Wow Tom....nice to hear that the folks at CS are being sympathetic to our problem :rolleyes:

I have recommended and signed up so many people in the 3 years that I've been a loyal customer that I lost count some time ago. I can't believe I'm seeing my absolute favorite company play "go ask your mom" with this particular problem.

It's only been a few days since this has happened, let's give TiVo and DTV a little time to figure out what went wrong. I'm hoping that there are people that deal with this kind of thing behind the scenes and that someone actually cares about us.

Pony? Bill? Anyone at TiVo listening?

Can we get a quick word on this issue please? Your CS staff either doesn't know, doesn't care, or doesn't have the power to escalate problems of this nature. In the past, we at this board have always had your assistance to give us the "non-bs" upfront answer to our problems, concerns, and compliments. I hope that we can count on you once again.

Even if all you can say is "Sorry guys, you're out of luck", I'll take it. At least I'll be able to search for another solution/provider instead of holding my breath waiting for it to "maybe" be fixed.

BTW, I called DTV as well with this issue. Their response you ask? "Go ask your Dad" :confused:

dylanemcgregor

05-31-2005, 10:00 PM

Can you guys confirm that this is only happening with the D10 receiver? I'm setting up my aunt with a SA and DirecTV (receiver is RCA DRD420RE). I was about to buy her the home control cable from TiVo, but I don't want to do this if it isn't going to work. ;)

Thanks,
Dylan

rahvin

05-31-2005, 10:02 PM

Same situation on my end. D10 with a series 2 and the home control cable and can no longer change to local channels. Either Tivo or DirecTV needs to fix the problem. I'll call both when I get time.

ALooneyGuy

06-01-2005, 12:38 AM

Looks like some more folks have gotten the so-called "upgrade." Welcome to the thread. Misery loves company :)

I made my obligatory call to DirecTV today. The guy I talked to said they were aware of the problem and would attempt to fix it in a future upgrade. He offered no timetable, however. I plan on wasting as much of their time as possible until this gets repaired.

As for the "upgrade", was anything actually fixed or added that anyone has noticed, or did it just break this vital functionality?

hartze11

06-01-2005, 12:55 AM

I just noticed this on my box, too. I'll be registering a complain with DirecTV.

A few months ago they hosed my old DirecTV receiver completely with a bad upgrade, so I had to go buy this D10! I wonder if Dish Network can handle firmware updates better...

jimmcq

06-01-2005, 10:28 AM

I am having the same problem with my ReplayTV boxes connected to DirecTV D10-100 receivers, so the issue definitely isn't specific to TiVo.

Guyute1210

06-01-2005, 11:53 AM

As for the "upgrade", was anything actually fixed or added that anyone has noticed, or did it just break this vital functionality?
When i called them, the CS Rep said that it adds functionality to the D10 box, like Spanish menus <rant>you are in america, speak and read english </rant> and other things that no one with a TiVo would use. I asked them not to upgrade my box, and they told me that i can only avoid it, if i unplug the box before 2am each night until the rollout is complete. Looks like i'll be calling DTv again.

Erictaub

06-01-2005, 12:01 PM

jimmcq

06-01-2005, 12:23 PM

It also adds limited interactivity

For those of us controlling the receiver through the serial connection we don't care about interactivity or menu and guide updates. We only want the box to do one simple thing, change channels. Unfortunately this 'upgrade' was a big downgrade in that respect.

Guyute1210

06-01-2005, 12:33 PM

Nate,
the firmware upgrade does much more than that. It also adds limited interactivity; now you can see the various "mix" channels and tune to one by just clicking on it.

Also, you can get local weather info, and store about 5 different US locations for local forecasts.

Finally, the DirecTV program guide has changed; when you use the DirecTV remote to get the guide, the channel you're watching zooms up into a corner to reveal the guide.

You access all the interactive stuff by pushing the "active" button on the DirecTV remote that came with the box.
Thanks for the info eric, but i pretty much shut off my ears when i heard spanish menus, and interactive guide stuff. Just like the post above, i only need it to do one simple thing well...Change channels :eek: must be harder than i thought... :confused:

Vitor

06-01-2005, 05:13 PM

I guess this is the upgrade that added the interactive service. People in other forums are reporting that it started; try it by pressing the ACTIVE button on the remote control and let us know.

Tom Wolf

06-01-2005, 06:09 PM

Whatever the new features are... I don't really care as long as they disable my Tivos.
I called DirecTV this morning and talked to tech support for half an hour . The rep took notes and promised to send them to the responsible people but she also rather quickly recommended switching to the DirecTV Tivos! Could it be that DirecTV deliberately disabled the stand-alone Tivo functionality to get that business for themselves?
I have no intention giving up on Tivo yet because of my lifetime subscription. I'd rather switch my satellite provider...
Can't DirecTV just load the old firmware again until they have found out what the problem is? I think it is bad customer service to go foward with an undisputably flawed "upgrade"!
Tom

Erictaub

06-01-2005, 10:01 PM

I have today spoken to a well-placed person at DirecTV--not someone in tech support.

She told me that they're "aware of the problem and we're working on a fix." Until then, functionality can be returned by switching back to IR.

No, I don't think that DirecTV deliberately disabled the boxes; having angry customers is not in any business' best interest.

jasonsirota

06-01-2005, 10:18 PM

Just adding to the length of this complaint so it gets more notice. The more we post, the more attention we'll get hopefully. I live in Los Angeles, CA and report the same problem with the TiVo no longer changing to any channel below 201 using the serial (home control) cable. I logged my complaint with DirecTV customer service.

If you're using a D10 and you have this problem, I urge you to call DirecTV and complain. Then post whether the agent knew of the problem or did not. In my case they did not know of the problem. They said the usual things about it being a problem with TiVo and that TiVo was unsupported.

I pressed her a little further and she did some more "research". And said her supervisor told her that as part of the upgrade the serial port had been "disabled" because "DirecTV had no current use for it, but that it may be used in the future". I asked if there was an official source for that and she said her supervisor had just told her that. So ... dunno what that means.

It still seems strange to me that if they wanted to disable the serial port why did they just do it for local channels and not all the channels?!

Jason

agilling

06-01-2005, 10:44 PM

Same problem in Sacramento as of yesterday. Damn those upgrades! I'm calling DirecTV right now...and....they told me that it was an upgrade that TiVo pushed out, not an upgrade from DirecTV. They said that the only solution they have for me is to use the IR...once again, it sounds like we are all getting mixed messages!!

SpiderMan

06-02-2005, 01:47 AM

So Just so you guys know. . . Tivo is not the only device affected. . .

Replay TV and Home Built PVRs are also deeply affected. . . :mad:

(i have links to post, but since i'm a newbie on this board i can't post urls yet :confused: )

I'm seriously considering a law suit. . . even though DirectTV "claims" they do not support the port. . .why would they put it there. . . and in turn why would Tivo, Replay TV, and other companies provider hardware to use for this. . .

And of course it seems awefully suspicious that DirectTV offers there own Tivo style hardware. . .

Not too mention. . . I have seen posts in threads that u cant use an IR Blaster with these Direct TV boxes either. . .can anyone confirm that?

Yes please everyone complain as much as you can and if you get anymore info. . .please put it in this post. . .

Also does anyone know how to reset the firmware on the D10 box?

Anybody have a guess as to how many people this has affected. . .??

man i'm mad :mad: :mad:

vvrangler

06-02-2005, 01:48 AM

Same problem here in Fremont, California. I have a Tivo/D10 set-up and received the DTV program update on 5/30 @ 2:09 am. Since this update Tivo is no longer able to change the channels on the D10 box. Spent an hour on the horn with DTV. They acknowledge sending the update but deny any ownership of the problem. They recommend using the IR cable and calling TIVO. After reading this forum you can be sure I will be calling DTV until they provide an answer. It's amazing how DTV can deny any ownership of this problem when it didn't exist until they upgraded my D10 box. Maybe DTV should start testing their software before automatically upgrading the world. :cool:

AirShark

06-02-2005, 01:56 AM

I have seen posts in threads that u cant use an IR Blaster with these Direct TV boxes either. . .can anyone confirm that?

My IR blasters have been working fine the last few days with two D10 Receivers set to Directv / Fast mode.

In the past I've had many channel changes fail using IR with different boxes. This is the exact reason that I bought the D10 instead of a "nicer" box...it has serial control and I could care less about the other features. I've never had a missed channel change using serial/home control for about 4 months now.

CuriousMark

06-02-2005, 02:36 AM

See below, DTV now says they will fix it. Our cards and letters paid off

I too have the problem. I experience it with my Humax DVD recorder TiVo and my old Phillips Series 1 TiVo. Both are standalone units controlling DirecTv D10 receivers via the low speed data cable set to Serial APG for channel changing. I can get channels above 101 but not the 900s just as described in the original post.

The original software version in my D10s that worked was 0x201 and the new software that downloaded and installed at 2:09am on May 30th is version 0x101B.

I went through a series of troubleshooting steps with DirecTv support that included repowering the D10s with and without the serial cable installed and then performing a full guided setup on the TiVo to demonstrate it was not an issue. I had the tech on the line for over an hour. During that call I was cut off and called back and spoke with another tech who consulted with a "specialist" who informed him it was a known issue with the D10 software upgrade and that DirecTv does not guarantee that software upgrades to their receivers will remain compatible with stand alone TiVo receivers. When asked what my options were he told me I could speak with a supervisor and I did so.

I spoke with Shane who informed me of the following:
The recent D10 software upgrade caused the incompatibility issue.
The change was intentional, DirecTv is phasing out receiver compatibility with stand alone TiVo receivers because the stand alone TiVos are a competitors product. Shane pointed out that stand alone TiVos compete with the DirecTv DVRs. I pointed out that the directv unit is less functional in the area of networking, which he admitted. He told me he hoped that functionality would improve in the future, but he couldn't promise anything or say when.

I told him that I was extremely disappointed and upset that this is DirecTv policy and that intentionally alienating a part of their customer base is not a good move. I asked how to complain and was given the name and address of the DirecTv CEO so that I might write a complaint letter. I will share it here for those of you who wish to join me in complaining.

Write to DirecTv CEO Chase Carey
at
DirecTv
Attn: Office of the President
P.O. BOX 92600
Los Angeles CA, 90009

It seems to me that intentionally removing functionality from hardware I own without my permission is unethical.

CuriousMark

DTV is doing the stand-up thing. I take back my comments about being unethical

Tom Wolf

06-02-2005, 09:54 AM

Dear former friends at DirecTV: if this is true then it was a stupid stupid move. The guys at DISH network must be slapping their thighs by now!
I am just glad that I didn't have to pay for any of my 4 D10 receivers. And my $110 each month for programming will soon be collected by DISH network.
I'll definitely write a letter to the CEO.
Tom

jimmcq

06-02-2005, 10:47 AM

I have seen posts in threads that u cant use an IR Blaster with these Direct TV boxes either. . .can anyone confirm that?

For ReplayTV boxes, the IR Blaster can't work because the D10 receiver isn't supported by any known ReplayTV IR codes. A serial connection is the only option.

apmusicman

06-02-2005, 10:55 AM

I have spoken again with DTV and they said that they were now aware of the problem (I guess the noise we've been making has at least worked) but that it was a low priority to be fixed. I was given the same song and dance about this being DTV policy to not support that particular port because it is now part of a competitors product.

This is unacceptable. I cannot believe that a company who claims to have #1 customer service has the policy of alienataing customers. Are they in the business of losing business? The only fallout from such actions is to assure themselves of business lost to their competitors. If they think that this is acceptable then fine. I'm moving to Dish. It'll probably be cheaper, and their firmware upgrade won't screw me over.

It's official. DirecTV sucks. :mad:

ALooneyGuy

06-02-2005, 03:38 PM

Write to DirecTv CEO Chase Carrey
at
DirecTv
Attn: Office of the President
P.O. BOX 92600
Los Angeles CA, 90009

It seems to me that intentionally removing functionality from hardware I own without my permission is unethical.

CuriousMark

I wrote my letter today, although it's Chase Carey instead of Chase Carrey.

rahvin

06-02-2005, 11:10 PM

Gotta say admitting you disabled the ports on hardware you don't own to kill competing products is just insanely stupid. I wonder how long it's going to take for a law firm to start a class action suit. I would be interested in signing on if/when a law firm gets interested.

Erictaub

06-02-2005, 11:18 PM

CuriousMark

06-03-2005, 09:27 AM

I spoke again to my contact at DirecTV, who is considerably higher up than the CSR supervisor. When I told her of his comments, she said he was dead wrong when he said this disabling was intentional. She reiterated that there will be a fix.

Class action? For this basically minor annoyance? I doubt it.
Thank you for the ray of sunshine. I am following up through CSRs and am hoping the news gets better there too. I am hoping the tech support supervisor I quoted was just misguided, that would be very good news indeed.

Did you contact hint what they plan to do or when?

Mark

mpohl

06-04-2005, 04:47 PM

hartze11

06-04-2005, 05:22 PM

OK, I just got off the phone with DirecTV, who happened to call me with a "customer satisfaction" survey. I let them have it. So they transfered me to DirecTV tech support, who told me to call Tivo!

So as I write this, I'm speaking to a guy at Tivo Tech Support WHO CLAIMS TO KNOW ABSOLUTLY NOTHING about this problem. He seems interested in helping, and familiar with setups, serial, D10s, etc. but nothing about this new serial interface problem!

Is this a bad dream???

The tech said that "serial problems are common" with the D10 and that "this happens all the time". WFT??!! My hope was to apply pressure to Tivo to get DirecTV to fix this.

The case number for my call was 3103684. Call Tivo, refer to this case number and complain! We know its probably not a Tivo problem, but we are customers and they should help.

CuriousMark

06-05-2005, 02:25 PM

The case number for my call was 3103684. Call Tivo, refer to this case number and complain! We know its probably not a Tivo problem, but we are customers and they should help.

You are right, it is not a TiVo problem, it is a DirecTv problem. Yelling at TiVo won't help. Perhaps asking them nicely to solve DirecTvs problem for us might be a good idea, but not beating up on them.

Mark

CuriousMark

06-05-2005, 02:27 PM

Just talked to DirectTV level2...they claim they have no way to troubleshoot stand alone Tivos and that I need to contact Tivo. Funny that things broke right after DirectTVs firmware upgrade yet it's Tivo's fault.

I had them fill out a tracking form, we'll see if it goes anywhere...

They don't need to troubleshoot stand alone TiVo's it is proven to not be a TiVo problem, read above. You got a tech who either doesn't know, or is trying to blow you off because he does know and doesn't have a fix to offer.

Mark

CuriousMark

06-05-2005, 02:34 PM

I am following up through CSRs and am hoping the news gets better there too.

I spoke with Rhonda a CSR supervisor on Thursday and she promised to call back Friday with an update but failed to do so. I thing I got the brush-off from DirecTv.
The offer of an R10 to replace my Phillips standalone is probably not going to be honored either, should I decide to take them up on it.

I have switched to the old unreliable IR blasters for now, but an still unhappy with DTV for stealing a function out of my receiver that I bought and paid for. I am still an unhappy camper.

Mark

jdpd119

06-08-2005, 06:12 PM

I have now encountered everything that everyone on here is talking about. I have two TiVo's setup with DTV D10's using the serial (APG) cable. I have both setup using my home network for upgrades and etc. I first spoke with TiVo today who advised me to call DTV. I called DTV, they put me on with tier 2 and told me to call TiVo back, I guess these people think we are all dummies! I am pretty technically savvy and could easily tell you this is a DTV problem...not TiVo. I hope they come up with a solution, talk about a monopoly. They would not have this problem if they would just make home media available on the DTV DVR w/TiVo. I am glad to know I am not nuts and the only one having this ridiculous problem. :mad:

djmorse

06-08-2005, 09:47 PM

The blasted "upgrade" to my D10 occurred on 6/7 at 4:07am. Of course, I didn't notice it until this morning, when it failed to change to one of the local channels to record! ARGH.

Hooked up the IR blasters and it's now working fine. A shame, as I specifically bought this receiver because of its data port :(

jlindborg

06-08-2005, 11:21 PM

Well, for those of us who think DTv might be full of it when they say they're going to fix it, you may want to run out and snap up a 420 RE model receiver - I just snagged two on Ebay - there were a few others. These have the serial control on the back that does work with SageTV, BeyondTV and others (I use Sage) and I'm sure Tivo - and they don't have updatable firmware. Can't go wrong with that.

Snap 'em up while you can...

PhilCase

06-09-2005, 06:51 AM

6-7 4:09am, DTV pushed an "update" into my D10 receiver, and with that I too join the ranks of those hosed by the DirecTV "can't tune locals via serial bug".

I called DTV, and Tivo. DTV's position "It's up to Tivo to resolve the problem". Tivo's response "We've heard about this, but I know of NO efforts being made at Tivo to resolve the problem. [You know, like call their contacts at DTV and say "What's the problem?"] Guy I spoke with at Tivo was Lindsey, case # 3117551.

My solution... I cancelled both.

It's just TV, not that important, or worth the frustration caused by such low quality customer service.

Just too much more significant in life to stay busy with.

Phil :)

meat

06-09-2005, 05:14 PM

I got updated too.. luckily I had one of my other D10 receivers unplugged for the past couple weeks.. and it still works for now. I called Directv and got the clueless customer service that I expected.

ccwf

06-09-2005, 05:46 PM

I called DTV, and Tivo. DTV's position "It's up to Tivo to resolve the problem". Tivo's response "We've heard about this, but I know of NO efforts being made at Tivo to resolve the problem. [You know, like call their contacts at DTV and say "What's the problem?"] Guy I spoke with at Tivo was Lindsey, case # 3117551.

My solution... I cancelled both. Really? If you call DTV and talk to a supervisor, the supervisor should tell you that DTV is releasing another update within a couple of weeks to deal with this issue. The regular CSRs apparently have not been told about this issue, just supervisors (at least some of them).

rea

06-09-2005, 06:09 PM

I have a strange problem that started yesterday on two identical TiVo/DirecTV setups. These are series 1 TiVos connected to DirecTV D10 receivers via serial cable. Both setups worked flawlessly until yesterday. Now, whenever I try to change channels to anything under 100 (locals) with the TiVo remote, the DirecTV receiver doesn't change channels. Also, if I use the TiVo remote to tune them in where they really are (ie channels 908-928 instead of 4, 7, 9, etc.) they don't work either. If I use the DirecTV remote, they work. If I use the IR blaster instead of the serial connection, they seem to work. Obviously, I'd rather use serial, since it SHOULD be more fool-proof. Has anyone else experienced this strange problem or have a remedy for it?

Thanks in advance!

Need TIVO guru in Sacramento. Any ideas or suggestiosmn on how to find one?

rea

06-09-2005, 06:16 PM

I need a TIVO guru in Sac -- very badly.
I have had, at least 12 conversations with TIVO ---- all non-satisfying.
I'm just not an electronic type or a TIVO savvy kinda' guy.

I will dance at weddings or perform immoral acts in public for info on who in Sacramento can get my TIVO operating

Message on TIVO advises I can now download to my laptop!!! Wonderful, but no instructions and no help from TIVO. I need just to be basic operational.

Maybe, its me. Duh!

916 859-0737

ccarr003

06-09-2005, 06:45 PM

Remember that with the events in the last 48 hours, it was DTV that made the move, not Tivo. The problem lies with DTV. Our Series 2s work fine. Its that damn D10 reciever and its inability to recognize a simple command to change to a channel below the 100s. Somehow the upgrade confused the D10 so that it doesn't see a request from the tivo box to change to a channel below 100. The low speed data port on the D10 still works. If it didn't, you wouldn't be able to change the rest of the other channels above 100. Yeah it sucks to go back to the IR blaster but be patient. It should only be temporary.

Zakk

06-09-2005, 07:42 PM

Thanks to all those that are providing updates on this unfortunate issue!

dgulbran

06-09-2005, 08:22 PM

Chicago here, I just entered hell... now I've got two Tivos/D10s which don't function for ****, and a very angry wife. Thanks, DTV. :(

biohazard723

06-09-2005, 11:35 PM

Dallas, TX welcome to the party.

ReplayTV 5080 on serial. D10 receiver. Won't change to less than three-digit channels. Very angry. Missed the NBA FINALS because of this. Yada, yada, yada, etc. Looking up DTV building on google maps so i can go personally "thank" them.

ALooneyGuy

06-09-2005, 11:55 PM

CuriousMark

06-10-2005, 09:44 AM

:) I spoke with DTV tech support last night. I was told it is a known issue. Yay, the complaints added up to enough to get noticed. I was told it was a "software glitch" and it will get fixed with a new update. He didn't give a time frame but when I told him others were posting a two to three week timeframe as being what they were told by DTV, he agreed that was a reasonable estimate. He also went on to say that even though it is being fixed we should have no expectations to use the Lows speed data port on D10s as customers. It is solely there for technicians use to troubleshoot units. This sounds like weasel wording to cover what I was told before. That's fine, I am just glad they said they will fix it.

I looked in my D10 manual and this is what it had to say about the low speed port. "This port allows you to connect your DIRECTV receiver to future services and accessories as they become available". I think channel changing is a service and I am glad it is available now. This is a feature of the D10 that will help DTV sell more of them, they should be trumpeting it, not hiding it. Now I will get off the soap box.

I will be keeping an eye on the DTV status screen to see when the next SW download occurs and see if we have serial channel changing back afterwards before declaring this over, but it looks like DTV is going to do right by us and fix it. It makes me glad I was patient enough to wait and see what happens rather than rashly cancel when I heard what the first guy had to say. It is good to know he was wrong.

Mark

ALooneyGuy

06-10-2005, 10:05 AM

It makes me glad I was patient enough to wait and see what happens rather than rashly cancel when I heard what the first guy had to say. It is good to know he was wrong.

Mark

Hey man, I WAS the first guy, but I wasn't wrong :)

I didn't cancel. Like most others, I have been limping along with IR for now, and like you, I will be checking that most recent software update information too. It sounds like we may yet clear this hurdle :)

dgulbran

06-10-2005, 11:01 AM

So, today I called Tivo Support about the problem, and this is what I was told:

1. The problem is confirmed to be due to the firmware update from DirecTV.
2. Tivo is definitely aware of the problem.
3. Tivo is working with DirecTV now to try to resolve the problem.

No word on when the problem would be resolved though...

I also called DirecTV Support, and was told:

1. DirecTV is aware of the problem.
2. It *is* due to their firmware upgrade.
3. There is no way for them to roll back the firmware.
4. They had no information on when a fix would be available.

So... everyone seems to know about the problem, now they just need to do something about the problem!!

CuriousMark

06-10-2005, 12:54 PM

Hey man, I WAS the first guy, but I wasn't wrong :)

Sorry, I meant the first TiVo support supervisor I spoke with. The one that told me it was done on purpose and I should go buy a DirecTv DVR. I am glad HE was wrong. You were right! :)

mitchb2

06-10-2005, 02:22 PM

Well, I came here to post about what I thought was a very unique problem, and found this thread. I am about fed up with DTV. First, they "accidentally" switched off my locals a few weeks ago. I had to call to get them switched on, and the CS rep said "Oops. Sorry about that. Here ya go, this should do it."

THEN they try to sneak a $70 service charge on our bill, which is paid electronically. And we had to fight with them to take it off.

This screw up may be the last straw. We missed our shows last night because the channels didn't change.

Problem is, I'm not sure Dish is the answer. My neighbor switched, and was horrified to find that the Dish box shuts itself off every night. He called Dish CS and they told him it was designed to work this way, and it couldn't be changed! So that would be Tivo Hell as well.

Just think if this mess had happened in the middle of the prime time season. Oh, man...the rage.

ccwf

06-10-2005, 02:42 PM

My neighbor switched, and was horrified to find that the Dish box shuts itself off every night. Not all work that way. See the compatibility list (http://www.web-i18n.net/C) for information about specific DISH receivers.

nstickels

06-10-2005, 04:07 PM

I am in Austin, and this hit me a few days ago. I thought it was just a intermittant problem, as I rarely watch the local channels now that it is all reruns. However, last night, I wanted to watch game 1 of the NBA Finals, and found out that it was all of the channels lower than 200 this was happening on. My wife was like "I told you!". In any case, I called TiVo, and the tech that I talked to didn't tell me much about it, and after talking to other people there for like 10 minutes simply came back and was like "Oh, well, we don't recommend using the low speed data port, you should use the ir cables." Well, I have been using my TiVo for over two years, and haven't used the ir cables in that time, because when I first hooked them up, they sucked, and was told that the serial cable was much faster, so the ir cables were long since tossed. He said that he would put me in contact with the sales people, and they could sell me some new cables in 3 business days.

Today, after looking around on the web, and seeing these posts, I called D-TV, and the CSR I got knew nothing of the problem. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and he knew nothing of the problem, and claimed it was the first time that he has heard about anything. He said that if I went through their stupid troubleshooting techniques, he would guarantee it would fix my problem. When it didn't, he said that the low speed data port "is a dead port" and use of it "voids my warranty". I told him that this is a known problem, even by his company, and that I wanted info on when they were updating it or I wanted an RCA receiver, he tried to sell me a DirectTv DVR, and when I wouldn't buy one, he told me that they don't support the use of a standalone TiVo with their receiver, so if I had a problem with it, I was SOL. When I threatened to cancel my service due to his refusal to even acknowledge a known problem, he simply said "if there's nothing else I can help you with, have a nice day."

So apparently, they aren't spreading the word very good at D-TV, but I am only starting with the crap they are going to receive from me. Thanks for the info on the CEO's address, he will be receiving some mail from me until this is fixed.

jlindborg

06-10-2005, 07:58 PM

I just can't believe that anyone with a brain between their ears at DTV would be stupid enough to believe they would be able to get folks to buy their little PVR because they jerked support out from under current customers' existing equipment. Would this ever work? How misguided would you have to be to believe that would fly?

I suspect the first line support managers you are talking to are not representing official DTV policy/direction - there's just no way...

Fortunately I have older DTV recievers and am not affected - if I were, I'd probably be calling up Comcast and going back to digital cable - there's no way I'd cough up for a PVR from a company that jacked me like that.

mitchb2

06-10-2005, 08:06 PM

We were actually talking just last week about getting a DirecTivo for the dual tuners.
No way. If DTV doesn't fix this problem immediately, it's Dish for us.

I hope they get thousands of calls. I'm calling tonight.

bobegv

06-10-2005, 08:41 PM

After 4 calls to second level support over the last 2 hours they are sending me a new reciever. Except for the last person who looked in the system and said it said to "replace the receiver" no one ever heard about the problem before. It only took about 2 minutes on the phone with her for her to find it. I was on the phone with the others for 2 hours getting no information. She could not tell me what model of replacement receiver they would be sending. I'm sure it won't be another D10. Right?????

Thanks to this forum I knew there were others with the same problem and didn't take the "We have never heard of this problem before" answer.

jlalor

06-10-2005, 10:40 PM

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm in Fort Worth, TX... and I got nailed yesterday morning. Before jumping to tech support for DTV or TiVo, I found a couple of these forums. With the background knowledge I gained, I set out to call DTV today.

The first CSR I spoke with knew abolutely nothing of the problem, but she was friendly. After she realized that this was way beyond her, I asked if there was someone higher up I could speak with. She transferred me to a "Resolution Supervisor," who also hadn't heard of the problem. He put me on hold for about five minutes, came back, told me that he made some calls, and got some information. He said that DTV has been informed of this problem, and that they are planning a software patch to repair it, though he had no timetable. I told him that I've heard rumors from 1-2 weeks, all the way to never (implying that this was deliberate sabotage). This supervisor was very friendly, and sympathetic, and forwarded the problem ticket straight up the chain to get immediate attention.

I'm glad he never tried to sell me one of their DVR's, or give me the company line garbage... he honestly did seem to be trying to help. I managed to talk him into a $10/month service discount for the next six months, due to this inconvenience.

When I moved into this house, satellite was the only thing available... but cable is here! My DTV contract is up in six months, and I already have plans to turn the dish into a little birdbath in my backyard (especially since it performs oh-so-well in the rain).

In the mean time, I've hooked the dreaded IR cable up for one of my TiVo's... I don't have any clue where the other one is. It seems to work well enough, for now. I truly hope that this was a *mistake* by DTV... if they wanted to really tick us off, they would have completely disabled the low speed data port.

I encourage all of you to CALL DirecTV AND COMPLAIN! They will probably only fix it if we keep bugging them. While you're at it, you may as well talk them into a service discount too.

Let's hope this gets fixed really soon!

Jonathan

951porsche

06-12-2005, 10:29 PM

Hi guys, Just thought I'd let you know I found a workaround for the d10 "upgrade" at least as far as it deals with SageTv. Perhaps you can use the info to either write a solution for your needs or get Tivo to get you "fix". Heres a link to the thread I threw together on the sagetv forum....

xxx.xxxx x x x x xx x x x x xx x x x x

(Not trying to spam, just dont' want to retype everything search on the freytechnologies forum for "My D10 Serial Solution")

Hope it helps!

well since the system won't let the link live, here is a cut and paste....

---------------------------

I was helping my uncle setup a SageTv system, and It worked great until the dtv "upgrade". Anyway, I was goofing around and I found a few things out. While whatever the hex string is that sends the complete channel change IS broken. I found the hex codes that Dtv changed for #'s 0 - 9! Heres the layout if SageTv wants to rewrite their DLL or someone wants to understand whats up...

What was documented as working before...

FA A5 00 00 CF would be 0
..
FA A5 00 00 C6 would be 9

By experimenting around I happened to find that

FA A5 00 00 E0 would be 0
FA A5 00 00 E1 would be 1
FA A5 00 00 E2 would be 2
FA A5 00 00 E3 would be 3
FA A5 00 00 E4 would be 4
FA A5 00 00 E5 would be 5
FA A5 00 00 E6 would be 6
FA A5 00 00 E7 would be 7
FA A5 00 00 E8 would be 8
FA A5 00 00 E9 would be 9

those Hex strings work for d10 for senging the numbers individually! So next I tried using the Directv control app by rewriting it with these Hexcodes. My modified Dtvcontol and dtvcmd worked with the alterations in a standalone sense, however it didn't work through SageTv as it sends the hex string to change the channel in one whack. (There may be a different opcode to change this as well But I'm too lazy to look into it, plus I don't want to put the D10 into a funny state by "experimenting" with it)

So in any event What I did to get this thing working again was to remove SageTv's directtv serial plug-in and add in the EXEtuner plugin. This plugin now runs the event program in Girder to get it to tune the channels in a number by number sequence. There may very well have been a more elegant solution, but I only spent about 1/2 hour messing with Girder So i'm really a Girder Noob. Now that Girder was getting messages from Sage I used SageSetExternalChannel.gml as a template to create my own that has the updated HEX codes that work with the D10. I rewrote it and have it named d10SageSetExternalChannel.gml. So now I have Sage changing channels again! yea!!! Only thing that was a little annoying was that I didn't see the enter key in a obvious location to directly force the receiver to go to the channel rather than wait for a extra digit to come by. This means it has a little bit of a delay more like an IR blaster setup. I did a little playing around and I've found if you pad a 0 in front on all the channel remaps it acts more closely to what everyone had before. Let me check something... I'm back! Well for this system I edited the script to pad a 0 on all channels as this box doesn't get anything in the 1000+ range. It now is nearly as good it was before, without doing a ton of mods to sage! okay back on track....

So in summary, This setup works again and can tune sub-100 channels as well as higher number channels that were Hit by the "upgrade".

what you need:
Exetunerplugin.zip <--- install per instructions provided with it and set it up for GirderDSStune.reg
Get a copy of Girder, I'm using 3.29b <---- Install it into c:\program files\girder
Get a copy of Serial.3.0.20.zip which is a plugin for girder <--- install it and enable the plugin to always load

download d10_or_d10xxx_sagesetexternalchannel.zip

Use either d10SageSetExternalChannel.GML if you want to have it pause waiting for the 4th digit
or if you don't use any channels above 1000 then use d10xxxxSageSetExternalChannel.GML
Copy one of them to your c:\program files\girder directory.

now load either GML depending on your choice and if you want Girder to startup automatically and run your GML at startup configure it in the Settings....

That should do it, although I'm writing this in a rush so there may be mistakes, I only wrote this as so many people are hosed by not having a fully functional system. I hope this helps you guys out....
Attached Files d10 and d10xxx SageSetExternalChannel.zip (6.1 KB, 0 views)

wwilso1

06-13-2005, 07:52 AM

Hey! me, too! TiVo can't change to local channels using the low speed data port! Grrr.
I got the "0x101B" firmware update for my D10 receiver on 6/7. It took me 5 days to figure out what was happening - I was about ready to buy another D10 thinking mine was defective. I happened to use the D10 remote and noticed local channel changing was OK. Next hit Menu, Settings, Setup, Info & Test (Select) and noticed the firmware update.

Called DTV on 6/12/05 - no one there has ever heard of this. But I got asked "Did I find out about this on a web site." I had not, so said, "No! I searched the DTV web site but found nothing about it." Eventually got passed to level 2 and they never heard of it either. I told them I was not new to consumer electronics - work in the industry - am very familiar with beta testing and suggested that not too many people use the LS-data port - easy to see why this was overlooked, but that it clearly is a bug in this update.

They said to call back in a couple of days and they will let me know if anyone else has reported it.

This is bad customer care - after reading this board it's obvious they were just trying to get me off the phone. I'm calling them back today - will let you know what they say this time.

Sorry for verbose post - grrr!

TimothyScott

06-13-2005, 12:26 PM

I've got a Tivo box AND a MythTV box. The Tivo box controls my D10 using the IR port. The MythTV box controls my other D10 via the low speed data port. I noticed a problem with the MythTV box a few days ago.

I was already a little bit familiar with the protocol and determined that the problem has to deal with the interpretation of the 0xA6 command (set channel). To get around this, I used a script that implements IR-style keypresses via the 0xA5 command on the serial port. It's a bit slower than using the 0xA6, but it works.

How does this help Tivo viewers? Probably doesn't -- other than give you added information about what is going on.

I'd post a link, but this forum has a lame spam filter that is preventing me from doing that (I need at least 5 posts before I can put up a link? Sheesh.) Try to figure it out from this: dtvcontrol xdotx com.

As a side note, I noticed there are additional commands implemented not found on the list on the protocol website. I'm in the process of trying to figure out what they are for.

--tim

ALooneyGuy

06-13-2005, 05:37 PM

Our problem has made the news on Engadget:

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000167046517/

Let's keep pushing :)

DanAmrich

06-14-2005, 12:26 AM

Well. Just moved into a new house and, after considering whether or not I wanted to keep DirecTV service, stayed with them and went so far as to get a second drop into the house. That new, second drop included a D10 reciever which was hooked up to a Series 1 TiVo. I bought a new Home Control cable and, after days of waiting, hooked it up today.

My problem is similar but different: I can't change ANY channels. The DTV remote works fine, but the TiVo remote actually powers the DTV receiver OFF! I will futz around and see if reboots/repeating setups can actually get me even as far as tuning above ch 100...

Thanks to everybody for posting their information here. It's helpful to know that when something goes wrong, it's supported by at least other users.

Dan

Msbob

06-14-2005, 01:01 AM

Make sure its set to the serial APG setting. As soon as that D10 gets the update it will be ruined like the rest of them though.

ccwf

06-14-2005, 02:51 AM

the TiVo remote actually powers the DTV receiver OFF! This is generally a sign that you've chosen MPG when you need APG for a receiver.

dfjkl

06-14-2005, 03:26 AM

I've got 3 ReplayTV's that cannot change below 100 over the serial also. But I've noticed something else also. Has anyone else noticed a screen saver on the D10's? It appears on mine (since the "upgrade") when the boxes are left on for over 24 hours or so. Changing the channels on the replay via the serial does NOT get rid of the screen saver!! I have to actually hit a button on the sat. remote to take care of it.

leetxjd

06-14-2005, 09:14 AM

I have an old (about 7 years old) Sony SAT-A2 - and it also has a "screensaver" since the updates were rolled out. It automatically changes to channel 102. I find this probably one of the worst - most intrusive developments in home entertainment.

I suspect there will be quite a backlash. I am honestly considering cable.

jimthor

06-14-2005, 09:43 AM

AWESOME, Thanks Dtv for my upgrade in Michigan.......
I called normal D and customer rentention. They noted it on my account etc...
I did get a 10 credit for six months for HBO for the problem...

However, both agents claimed to have no knowledge of the issue.......
Hmmm We allll have to call
Jim

meat

06-14-2005, 10:08 AM

I just noticed the screen saver. Thanks DirecTV... I went to watch the season finale of Monster Garage to see if Jesse actually got his car to fly, and all I got was a f*#kin DTV logo bouncing around..

martin1

06-14-2005, 10:20 AM

Let me ask a dumb question. I have dish now and am using the ir with the SA,was looking forward to changing out to the serial. I am switching to D* tomorrow and getting dvr but was looking forward to using serial cable with SA for second receiver(D10). My local channels are 18,24,36,42 etc.,but the actual channels are in the 900 range on tranponder 12 on 101. Seeing as how according to this thread the d10 with Sa don't like double digit channel numbers why can't I program the actual channel number 900 etc?

CuriousMark

06-14-2005, 10:27 AM

I am switching to D* tomorrow and getting dvr but was looking forward to using serial cable with SA for second receiver(D10). My local channels are 18,24,36,42 etc.,but the actual channels are in the 900 range on transponder 12 on 101. Seeing as how according to this thread the d10 with Sa don't like double digit channel numbers why can't I program the actual channel number 900 etc?
If you read the early posts in this thread you will see that using the 900s didn't work either. I don't think it is a problem with two digit channels per se, but a problem with local channels.

The new information that serial doesn't disable the screensaver is also worrisome to me. We all reported the channel changing problem and DTV says they are fixing it. I never noticed the screensaver and didn't report it. I worry it won't get fixed too.

Mark

tour93

06-14-2005, 10:43 AM

Hello,
What is the last software version, mine is 003C 0206, B0000010A. Is it the upgraded ?

D10-100

meat

06-14-2005, 11:31 AM

The new information that serial doesn't disable the screensaver is also worrisome to me. We all reported the channel changing problem and DTV says they are fixing it. I never noticed the screensaver and didn't report it. I worry it won't get fixed too.

Mark

I just got off the phone with DirecTV and the Tech that I had talked to had not heard of either problem, however, she put me on hold and within a min she was back with me and said that her supervisor was aware of the channel changing problem, but this was the first of the screen saver problem that he had heard of. So at least someone is aware of it now. I was also told to have as many people as possible call in to help get it resolved quicker. I forwarded on this forum in an email to them. Maybe they can have a rep join this thread and update us on the steps and progress to resolve this issue. I encourage everyone to call them and also send as many emails as you want to feedback <at> directv <dot> com
On a positive note, The lady I was talking to offered me a $20 credit to my acct. I asked if that was per month till they get it fixed. She said no, so I told her I would call back at the end of the month if it isn't fixed yet and ask her again. And I told her that another person got the $10 per month x 6 months, so she said she would give me the $20 per month for 6 months so I wouldn't have to call back..
I just hope that doesn't mean it will take 6 months to get this resolved.

mitchb2

06-14-2005, 11:37 AM

Anyone know if Dish knows about this DirecTV fiasco?
Let's see if they sweeten the deal for switching.

CuriousMark

06-14-2005, 11:47 AM

Hello,
What is the last software version, mine is 003C 0206, B0000010A. Is it the upgraded ?
Mine went from 0x201 to 0x101B. You must have a different receiver. Is it a D10? There are multiple versions of D10s out there according to some lists on this forum. We may have to start being specific about which D10 is being affected.

tour93

06-14-2005, 12:26 PM

I got a D10-100

jimmcq

06-14-2005, 04:57 PM

Is there any way to disable the screen saver or any other known workaround for this?

seecd5

06-15-2005, 12:22 AM

I had it out with tear 1 supervisior could not even get to tear 2.

They say they are not aware of any problem. That the serail port s a service
port and the Ir port is not even supported.

I have seen many of your posts all over about the same thing. These guys
Know what they have done and are turning on def ear this hole problem.

If anyone to knows one of the main software guys they would probably fix this with little or now problem.
these tear level pride them selves on just turn off your power and things will be just fine.

I'm not sure if the big managers Know but they probably do. Which may be the
patenened answers were all getting.

If they do not put a replay on this board by next Monday we may need to up
some pressure with retail sellers like best buy, fry;s that all the tivos are having
problems. they don't get this service usally and wont know anyway
In our area there is jeff levy a syndicated radio on weekends. Just ask
the questions. Do you have a Tv consummer invetigater that looking for a story
in your area? Or a Teche- news guy?
As you can tell I hate big companies not responding to customers when they
were just fat and happy. They make change and try to hide the head in hte sand
so they have to fix it.

THey also need to dismanted these tears that cannot sens when there is a real problem.

Good luck for all of us.
I'll be watching to see we get any help.
:(

Msbob

06-15-2005, 01:23 AM

I just wanted to confirm the problem with the screen saver. I've found the screen saver coming on after as little as 12 hours. A channel change has occasionaly turned it off, but for the most part it does not. I'm also having issues with the box not even properly coming back to life after using the D* remote. So for some reason (on two boxes) I lose my sattelite signal after waking the box up from its silly screen saver sleep.
I find this to be a real problem that has implications beyond us Tivo users. If I were to use a regular VCR, the screen saver would do the same thing. I can't understand why they didn't put in an option to disable the screen saver. I also don't even understand the point of the screen saver. In most cases if your tv was left on it would have a moving picture just from commercials and such. Burn-in isn't really an issue unless you have something static on the screen for a very long time (and some tv's like LCD's don't get burn in at all).

ccwf

06-15-2005, 02:10 AM

I had it out with tear 1 supervisior could not even get to tear 2.

They say they are not aware of any problem. That the serail port s a service
port and the Ir port is not even supported. While the tier 1 and possible tier 2 support may not know about it, upper levels in DirecTV definitely do. See, for example, this Wired (http://com1.runboard.com/bcjkdramasincalifornia.fmainchat.t40) story with a DirecTV spokesperson discussing the problem.

dfjkl

06-15-2005, 02:35 AM

While the tier 1 and possible tier 2 support may not know about it, upper levels in DirecTV definitely do. See, for example, this com1_runboard_com/bcjkdramasincalifornia.fmainchat.t40]Wired story with a DirecTV spokesperson discussing the problem.

I think you got the link wrong...that goes to AZN TV updates.....

Jeff D

06-15-2005, 02:56 AM

Guys, if EricTaub is "the" EricTaub I think you can trust he has an inside line. If so I hope he can pass along the "screen saver" issue to.

As for the class action, only if you can't get directv to admit to and address the problem. If not then a class action would sure get the problem the attention it deserves.

As to the guys that keep saying "CALL and report the problem yourself" Yes, yes, yes this alway the way to make an issue flagged as a "hot" topic. If 3 people call, who cares. If 30,000 people call you better believe it gets attention.

JustShine247

06-15-2005, 07:40 AM

Just found out about the problem this morning. I don't know when I received the update, because I haven't had to record local channels since the WB season finales. But it would be awfully nice if they could fix this problem by the end of the summer. Preferrably sooner.

I, too, called DirecTV about the issue and the lady had no clue. I was told to call Tivo. Tivo customer support is "only available between 7am and 10pm Pacific time." So, I figured I can't be the only loon out there having this problem and went the source of all knowledge--the Internet. And here I am.

I don't plan on switching to DishNet. Been there. Done that. Not interested. But I'm not willing to just go out there and buy DirecTV's DVR when I got this stand alone Tivo for free, with 1 year free. (a shopper's hotline deal, I think)

Hope to keep hearing about the progress of this problem and solutions that will hopefully turn up.

Guyute1210

06-15-2005, 10:35 AM

Well i now too have this issue. I will be calling D*Tv back again. Hopefully everyone is also calling and complaining.

jimmcq

06-15-2005, 01:05 PM

The strange thing about the screen saver is that it is only appearing on one of two identical setups at home.

jimmcq

06-15-2005, 04:59 PM

One difference is that when I originally called DirecTV support about the channel changing problem, the CSR had me create a Favorites list will "All the channels" in it. I only did this on the receiver that is having the screensaver appear (I didn't touch the other receiver).

Has anyone else heard of any conenction between the favorites list and the screensaver? Is there some way for me to manually wipe out the favorites list that I created?

ccwf

06-15-2005, 10:45 PM

I think you got the link wrong...that goes to AZN TV updates..... Whoops. Sorry about that.

Here (http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,67822,00.html?tw=rss.TOP) is the Wired story on this problem including comments from a DirecTV spokesperson.

mitchb2

06-16-2005, 06:56 AM

Whoops. Sorry about that.

Here (http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,67822,00.html?tw=rss.TOP) is the Wired story on this problem including comments from a DirecTV spokesperson.

Wow...I got quoted by Wired. :-)

Walt

06-16-2005, 04:49 PM

shortimer63

06-17-2005, 11:24 AM

I spoke with DTV tech support again today and they told me the same thing, in that they didn't touch the data port. They also told me they don't service that particular data port either. Nevermind that it's on their box. :mad:

Anyway, supposedly someone is supposed to be looking into it. In the meantime, I thought that I'd ask if anyone who is still reading this thread if they had recently received the 7.1b update from TiVo. Would this have anything to do with our most mysterious problem?

Andrew
Same problem here (Illinois) with the D10 receiver update, serial control, won't change channels below 100, worked fine until update came through.

Additional note: I had to change the serial control setup to APG instead of the recommended MPG in order to get any control. With MPG control NONE of the channels would change.

AirShark

06-17-2005, 11:26 AM

Seriously.....it has absolutley nothing to do with the 7.1B update from TiVo.

shortimer63

06-17-2005, 11:38 AM

Another victim here (Illinois): D10 receiver, SA Humax series II, serial control to receiver, won't change to local channels, worked fine before D10 receiver downgrade. This is DTV problem all the way!

CuriousMark

06-17-2005, 11:56 AM

Another victim here (Illinois): D10 receiver, SA Humax series II, serial control to receiver, won't change to local channels, worked fine before 7.1b downgrade. This is DTV problem all the way!
It is the DirecTv D10 0x101B update, not the TiVo 7.1b software that is responsible for this. Pointing fingers at 7.1b confuses the issue.

shortimer63

06-17-2005, 12:35 PM

It is the DirecTv D10 0x101B update, not the TiVo 7.1b software that is responsible for this. Pointing fingers at 7.1b confuses the issue.
I stand corrected. You are correct, the problem is with the D10 receiver firmware update and not the 7.1b Tivo software. I have corrected my previous post(s). Sorry.

Blurayfan

06-17-2005, 01:23 PM

I can also confirm the screen saver problem on my D10-100. D* better be on the ball and fix both of these issues. The screen saver can be easily fixed if all they do is add a menu option to control how it operates (on, off, etc.)

Blurayfan

06-17-2005, 01:28 PM

I'm wondering now that is upgrade is going out does anybody think that maybe the D10-200, D10-300, D10-400 might have the serial port enabled finally. If so without these bugs this might have made this upgrade worthwhile.

jdpd119

06-17-2005, 01:37 PM

On my D10, after the update, the "active" key brought up some interactive features such as weather by zip code. The interesting thing is the active only works for a while after a receiver "reset". The "menu" button also does not work. Another "reset" restores the menu and active functions for a while.

Walt

I have noticed that if you keep the cable plugged in after a reset it will do what you are sayng, no active screens and no guide. I have found if you disconnect the cable and reset it will function normally. I have two D10's on one TV, one with TIVO and one without. The D10 that is plugged in has no guide and and active functions. The stand-alone works fine all the time.

shortimer63

06-17-2005, 01:59 PM

This is generally a sign that you've chosen MPG when you need APG for a receiver.
Makes me wonder why my Humax unit says MPG (typical for serial cable), yet no comment after APG selection. That could lead one to assume MPG should be used for ANY serial control.

Blurayfan

06-17-2005, 09:01 PM

Makes me wonder why my Humax unit says MPG (typical for serial cable), yet no comment after APG selection. That could lead one to assume MPG should be used for ANY serial control.

At the time the TiVo software was written "MPG" was typical on sat receivers.

MPG = Manual Program Guide (3 days of Guide data reloaded after every view).
APG = Advanced Program Guide (14 days of Guide data stored on the receiver).

AFAIK the D10 was the first model from d* to have an Advanced Program Guide interface.

rpalmeri

06-19-2005, 04:25 PM

Way back in the forum posts someone suggested unplugging the DirecTV box after 2 AM to prevent the update.
Since mine has not been updated, would this be a solution?

My letter to the pres. of DirecTV below...
I also called to register a complaint, and was told to use the IR port.

Russ P.

**********

Dear Sir,

The recent upgrade in the DirecTV software has disabled the serial port, meaning that my stand-alone TiVo will no longer work. Your tech support people suggested using the IR port. Using the IR port to change channels for my stand-alone TV is a very poor option.

My understanding is that this was done purposely to disable TiVo, a competitor of DirecTV with DVR.

If this problem is not fixed, I will be changing my service to the DISH network or to cable TV. After reading the TiVo forum messages on this topic, I can assure you I will not be alone.

jimmcq

06-20-2005, 11:29 AM

Using the IR port to change channels for my stand-alone TV is a very poor option.

Don't forget that for some of us (ReplayTV owners), the IR port is less than a poor option... it is a non-option. There are no known working ReplayTV IR code for the DirecTV D10 receiver.

rpalmeri

06-20-2005, 11:40 AM

Here's the reply from my email to tech support at DirecTV ...

Dear Russ,

Thanks for writing. It is possible that a scheduled software upgrade (to enable new DIRECTV Active features) may cause your DIRECTV D10 receiver to not communicate with stand alone TiVo recorders on channel numbers below 100 via the serial port. This upgrade is automatic and cannot be blocked on an individual basis. We hope to have this issue resolved soon, but in the meantime, the it can be resolved through the use of an IR Blaster, in lieu of the serial connection. This hardware may have been included with your TiVo recorder, but, if not, it is available directly from TiVo, [Tivo url here] or (877) 367-8486 11AM-11PM ET daily). We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may cause.

I'm sorry to hear about the technical problem you're having. Since it's difficult to troubleshoot technical issues by email, please call our technical support center and discuss the problem with one of our technical representatives. To reach them, just call 1-800-531-5000 and select the option for technical assistance.

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

Sincerely,

Ed
DIRECTV Customer Service

I have, of course, called tech support. I'm also unplugging my DirecTV every night.

rpalmeri

06-20-2005, 11:44 AM

Don't forget that for some of us (ReplayTV owners), the IR port is less than a poor option... it is a non-option. There are no known working ReplayTV IR code for the DirecTV D10 receiver.

Bummer.

See my post above. I hope "soon" means SOON!!

martin1

06-20-2005, 01:52 PM

rpalmeri

06-20-2005, 02:45 PM

Just converted from E* to D*. Used my SA with D10. With all the talk about serial cable not working I was kinda leary, Just got everything hooked up and the
home control cable works great including locals.(7,18,24,26,42,54,etc). I am in Round Rock TX with a D10-100

Hi,

Sorry to be slow :confused: but what is E* , D* and SA*

The D10 is, of course, the DirecTV box.

Thanks,

Russ

Guyute1210

06-20-2005, 03:43 PM

Hi,

Sorry to be slow :confused: but what is E* , D* and SA*

The D10 is, of course, the DirecTV box.

Thanks,

Russ

E* = Echostar (or Dish Network)
D* = DirecTv
SA* = TiVo Stand Alones, either Series 1 (SA1) or Series 2 (SA2)

martin1

06-20-2005, 04:02 PM

E* = Echostar (or Dish Network)
D* = DirecTv
SA* = TiVo Stand Alones, either Series 1 (SA1) or Series 2 (SA2)

By the way I have a series 2
Maybe I don't have the update yet is reason it is working. If I am reading it right have 003C. The whole software version reads 003C 0204 B0000010A.
Am I reading the right information?

orangeblood

06-20-2005, 06:26 PM

I've had this same problem for a couple of weeks now, waiting for a fix from DirectTV like everyone else. But I was thinking, can't Tivo do something about this on their end? It seems to be a software issue, since channel changing still partially works, so it's not as if the port is disabled entirely.

Can't Tivo modify the signals their boxes send out to the D10 during Tivo's own periodic updates to address this? Don't they want to engage in their own corporate one-upmanship, not to mentioned customer service, and say "directtv broke it, we'll fix it." If Microsoft makes a change to Windows that makes Netscape inoperable, Netscape would modify their products to get around it.

Is this simply technologically impossible for Tivo to get around? Or are they just indifferent to the whole thing?

Just wondering. Either way, it's frustrating.

ccwf

06-20-2005, 07:31 PM

Can't Tivo modify the signals their boxes send out to the D10 during Tivo's own periodic updates to address this? Sure, but TiVo's periodic updates occur at most once every few months. By that time, DirecTV should have fixed the problem.

rpalmeri

06-20-2005, 09:21 PM

Sure, but TiVo's periodic updates occur at most once every few months. By that time, DirecTV should have fixed the problem.

Let's hope the problem is fixed by then.

Still, I would trust TiVo more than DirecTV to address this concern.

JSquared71

06-21-2005, 07:04 AM

rpalmeri

06-21-2005, 08:24 PM

Well as of this morning, I am a victim of this update as well. I only had time to check one D10/TiVo setup and I cannot tune to local channels. About 30 minutes before the update, I was able to tune into local channels. I guess I'll be on the phone with DirecTV after work.

:eek: I have a timer on my DirecTV D10 box to turn it off every night at 0200 and back on at 0600.
I had heard the update is being loaded after 2 AM.

Does anyone have any info on when the updates occur?

Russ

rpalmeri

06-21-2005, 08:38 PM

:mad: Well, my DirecTV answered my previous question. It updated this AM at 0907.
So now my serial cable doesn't work.
I hope they fix this FAST. :mad:

ALooneyGuy

06-21-2005, 08:54 PM

:mad: Well, my DirecTV answered my previous question. It updated this AM at 0907.
So now my serial cable doesn't work.
I hope they fix this FAST. :mad:

I know one way they could have fixed it. They could have stopped sending out the damn downgrade when they were made aware of the problem 3 weeks ago! But it appears they will not stop until they have broken the serial port on all D10 receivers...

rpalmeri

06-21-2005, 09:28 PM

http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaysinglethread?rootPostID=10172711

In case you're bored with reading this forum, TiVo also has a thread on this problem. I'm hoping it will be fixed by the time I get back from my trip.

GroundrushX

06-21-2005, 09:28 PM

Just got finished with a very lengthy, heated conversation with DTV. I just had Directv installed on Saturday, D10 virus downloaded this morning. I got nowhere with those clowns, other than to be told that I can buy their Directivo and it works fine. This has class-action lawsuit written all over it. We have to get organized and get this to the right people pronto if it's going to get any attention at all. If anyone knows any way to contact Directv engineers, please let us know!

arc6th

06-22-2005, 12:06 AM

I put an item on the D10's To Do List in the hopes of turning off the screensaver every morning.

< edit - it's really late, and I didn't think clearly about this paragraph >

I'll check tomorrow to see if the screensaver problem still exists.

JSquared71

06-22-2005, 06:34 AM

My update was performed at 7 am EDT.

I spoke with DirecTV last night. The support person said they were aware of the problem and were working on a fix. She also gave the speech about being able to use the IR Blaster. Generally she seemed very helpful.

I did ask about an ETA on the fix. She said she didn't have a date, but it should be within days not weeks. This may have just been a guess on her part. Hopefully not.

martin1

06-22-2005, 09:05 AM

I did ask about an ETA on the fix. She said she didn't have a date, but it should be within days not weeks. This may have just been a guess on her part. Hopefully not.
Sounds good but then again they will tell you whatever to get you off the phone.
I just had the install Monday morning and so far it is still working. I know the upgrade comes over the Sat. stream but is it automatic or how do they know you have it or not. I don't have a phone line hooked up to it and don't plan on it.

Msbob

06-22-2005, 12:05 PM

I can confirm that the phone line has nothing to do with getting the update. I received it on all of mine, despite not having the phone plugged in on them. (I even watched one happen before my very eyes)

goisles1

06-22-2005, 02:15 PM

got my software upgrade yesterday on my d10.

same crap.. the Tivo is useless in it's current state. I've got to tear the house apart now and find the IR blaster. In the 4 years I've had this TIVO, I've never needed it before. Som there's a good chance the blaster is long gone!! :(

GroundrushX

06-22-2005, 11:39 PM

I had the good fortune of having a couple of old RCA DRD430RG's in a closet. They work fine. Now the proud owner of 2 D10 paperweights!

andrew12901

06-23-2005, 03:15 PM

Dear Members,
I just wanted to chime in and let you know that my parents too are experiencing this problem. They are using a Series 1 tivo with the D10 DirecTV receiver. Hopefully they will fix this problem soon.

Andrew
Plattsburgh, NY

arc6th

06-23-2005, 08:21 PM

The daily To Do item seems to ward off the screen saver. If I try to change a channel using the D10 remote, I get a warning about the Autotune regardless of what channel it's on.

Throughout the day, though, channels are changed via the low speed data port with no problems, and I haven't seen the screen saver again - two days later.

I found my parental controls had been switched somehow to block all movies. Hopefully that wasn't another feature of the update, rather I hope it was just me making it change somehow, although I must admit I hadn't visited those particular settings since the update. The price limit, viewing times, TV programs ratings were all the same, though.

leetxjd

06-23-2005, 11:21 PM

Alan,

Would you provide some details on the "To Do List" item you set up to defeat the screensaver?

I have set up a "manual" scheduled recording once a day a 4AM - for one minute. I don't know if this will work, but I am interested in what you did that was successful.

-LeeTXJD

jimmcq

06-24-2005, 04:38 PM

The screensaver only appeared on one of the two D10 recievers that I have, and only after a CSR instructed to me to modify my 'Favorites' to include 'All Channels'.

So, I later went back and changed the Favorites on that unit to 'Custom 1', and I haven't seen a screensaver since.

It seems like a strange correlation, but it magically worked so I'm not complaining... Now the question is whether or not this information can fix anyone else's screensaver problem.

arc6th

06-25-2005, 10:48 PM

Would you provide some details on the "To Do List" item you set up to defeat the screensaver?The item is not on the TiVo DVR, but rather it is on the D10 receiver itself.

Menu > Settings > Scheduler > To Do List

Since I record ESPN from 5-6:30am every day, I just set up an every day item on the D10 hoping it would turn off the screensaver, since the channel changes thru the low speed data port didn't. I haven't seen the screen saver since. Like others I have seen it on only one of my two D10s; I look forward to learning why it isn't active on every box.

G'luck.

ccwf

06-25-2005, 10:51 PM

The item is not on the TiVo DVR, but rather it is on the D10 receiver itself. If anyone else can verify this, I'll add it to the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility) entry for the D10.

rpalmeri

06-28-2005, 08:48 AM

I'm going to get an RCA DirecTV box. Can someone suggest a model that will work with TiVo?

Thanks,

Russ P.

Guyute1210

06-28-2005, 11:48 AM

If anyone else can verify this, I'll add it to the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility) entry for the D10.
As of right now, not D10-100's will work changing channels to <100. D*Tv says they are working on a fix, but as of right now, nothing. IR Blasters still work as expected.

martin1

06-28-2005, 11:55 AM

Well as of today I finally got the dreaded update. No local channels via the
serial bus.

rpalmeri

06-28-2005, 07:06 PM

SONY SAT-HD200 DIRECTV HDTV DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVER

Can anyone tell me if this box is compatible with an external TiVo?

ccwf, do you know?

Thnks,

Russ P.

ccwf

06-28-2005, 07:50 PM

SONY SAT-HD200 DIRECTV HDTV DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVER

Can anyone tell me if this box is compatible with an external TiVo?

ccwf, do you know?

Thnks,

Russ P. One TCF member reported getting it to work. Everyone else says it's not compatible.

Shoveler

06-29-2005, 10:38 AM

The item is not on the TiVo DVR, but rather it is on the D10 receiver itself.

Menu > Settings > Scheduler > To Do List

Since I record ESPN from 5-6:30am every day, I just set up an every day item on the D10 hoping it would turn off the screensaver, since the channel changes thru the low speed data port didn't. I haven't seen the screen saver since. Like others I have seen it on only one of my two D10s; I look forward to learning why it isn't active on every box.

G'luck.

Not to burst your bubble, but I'm not convinced this will work. What you're talking about is setting up an Auto-tune entry on your D-10. I've already tried this, and it failed gloriously. Without knowing all of the parameters that affect the appearance of the screensaver, it is going to be nearly impossible to determine whether a workaround is truly "working" or if there are other factors preventing the screensaver from appearing. The only difference between what you're describing and what I attempted (and this shouldn't make a difference, but certainly could make a difference) is that I setup my auto-tune as a one time event, and you're describing a repeating event. It is certainly worth a shot (I setup a repeater this morning), but don't be surprised if the screensaver still bites you.

Also, I suspect that it is active on every box, there are just so many unknowns about it that we don't know what stimuli might reset its timer. I had a D-10 downstairs that didn't exhibit the screensaver until about 2 weeks after my first receiver showed it. Once again, the complete lack of documentation makes it difficult to predict what will work and what won't.

arc6th

06-29-2005, 11:37 AM

Not to burst your bubble, but I'm not convinced this will work. ... The only difference between what you're describing and what I attempted (and this shouldn't make a difference, but certainly could make a difference) is that I setup my auto-tune as a one time event, and you're describing a repeating event. It is certainly worth a shot (I setup a repeater this morning), but don't be surprised if the screensaver still bites you.I know I won't be surprised if my solution fails. I wonder if you'll be surprised if it does.

I would imagine the repeating part of the auto-tune to be a major difference. Since channel changes via low-speed data port don't turn off the screen saver (we know this as fact) and if - and I grant this is an IF - there's a timer for the screen saver to turn on after some length of inactivity (whether it's 12 or 24 or 48 hours), and IF - and I grant this is the biggest IF - DirecTV wants to allow people the ability to record, if only on a VCR, programs using their auto-tune "feature," then I would theorize a daily repeating auto-tune by the D10 itself would at the least turn off the screensaver and possibly prevent the screen saver from ever starting up if the box needs to be inactive for more than 24 hours before the screen saver starts.

Again, I realize fully that "my solution" may not be "the solution," but I ain't worrying about it until the screen saver reappears.

G'luck.

Shoveler

06-29-2005, 03:29 PM

I know I won't be surprised if my solution fails. I wonder if you'll be surprised if it does.

At this point, nothing would surprise me with the exception of a new SW download from DTV that fixes this problem. ;) As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't hurt anything, so it's worth trying. My lack of faith is not with any part of your reasonsing. :up: It is with the completely fair but apparently unfounded assumption that the DTV SW behaves in a reasonable manner. :down:

GroundrushX

07-02-2005, 10:44 AM

I'm going to get an RCA DirecTV box. Can someone suggest a model that will work with TiVo?

Thanks,

Russ P.

I had a couple of RCA DRD430RG's in the closet that I had from a previous Directv installation. I called DTV and had them switched out, and they work fine with the serial cable, as they did the first time.

rpalmeri

07-03-2005, 11:30 AM

I can get an RCA DRD435RH at http://www.2000networks.com/rca_435.html for a good price.
It appears from ccwf's excellent list at http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128743
that it will be compatible, using the home control cable w/ APG

Does anyone have an opinion on this receiver?

thanks,

RP

:down: :down: :down:
WELL, I may have spoken too soon! The 2000networks.com site took my money, and charged my credit card, but still no receiver!
They haven't answered today's phone calls, or yesterday's email.
I'll keep everyone posted on whether I get this box, but for now, I'd NOT order from them, despite their great price. [Now $10 less than when I ordered!].

angelfirett

07-05-2005, 03:31 AM

NEWS ON THE SCREENSAVER:

The newest information I have on the screensaver is that Directv is working on a software upgrade by early fall of 2005 where you can record the show even if the screensaver is on.

Until then use any remote control action on your Directv remote before recording starts.

I will keep updating you on this as soon as I get more information! :D

As far as your local channels the IR blaster is working with stand alone TiVo's.

angelfirett

07-05-2005, 03:45 AM

The upgrade was only sent to certain D10 newer receiver's and not D10-100, D10-200, or D10-300 although there is talk that they will be sending this upgrade to all Directv receivers so they have the interactive capabilities.

I just want you to know that I work for Directv and I have been reporting information I gather off of numerous forum's to our service level.

I will post the a website for you as soon as I have the capabilty!

I also wanted to say that it wasn't Directv's intention to ruin the low speed data import with this upgrade, it was for the launch of our new interactive stations.

rpalmeri

07-05-2005, 07:40 AM

So, Angelfirett,

Do you have any info on when the channel-changing problem will be fixed? Will that also be done in early Fall?

Thanks,

RP

crazycooter

07-05-2005, 10:57 AM

I registered here just to report that I am having the same problem. It started for me around the 6/21 date that a couple of other posters reported.

Just to be clear, I am in Lexington, KY and I have both the channel changing and screensaver problems.

BTW, if anyone thinks I am going to buy the D*/TiVo combo box they are out of their minds. I have a 6-month old 120hr tivo box w/dvd burner. I will go back to cable if D* doesn't fix the problem.

Guyute1210

07-05-2005, 12:10 PM

TV_Junkie

07-05-2005, 02:10 PM

My D10 receivers (I have 3) all got messed up on June 7. It's interesting to see so many people having problems with this upgrade. When I talked to DirecTV, they don't seem to acknowledge that there are any problems. So, here's mine:
(1) That damn screensaver - what is that for? :confused: Are you saving my screen? Why is it their business, I can save my screen with the "power off" button. I've recorded shows only to find out I got the screensaver instead. I get this problem regulary, and this is how: I live in an area prone to thundershowers, so I lose signal periodically. No complaints, that's just how it is. But when the signal regains, the screensaver will soon follow. So if I'm not there to change channels to stop the screensaver, I won't get my recording.
(2) Smaller Font - My TV is 15 feet away from my chair. The upgrade is using a smaller font and I can no longer read it without getting up. I guess I could buy a bigger screen TV.
(3) "More Info" went away. The programming information went back to the old style. Pressing "more info" doesn't return any more information than was there the first time. The program information used to show the entire date, such as Jul 5, 2005. Now is shows 2005. So I can no longer tell if David Letterman is a new show or one that was broadcast 3 weeks ago.
------
So, is there anyone from DirecTV reading these? I guess these were things your software testers didn't think about, or care about, or have time to fix. It just might be time to see what Cable can do for me.

ericallenpaul

07-05-2005, 11:26 PM

Jade Ekstedt
DIRECTV, Inc.
(310) 964-3429

Here is the phone number for Jade--she's the talking head at DirecTV assigned to respond to the problem in the press. Maybe if enough people call she'll be inclined to publish an answer besides "we're working on it".

Shoveler

07-06-2005, 09:29 AM

I would imagine the repeating part of the auto-tune to be a major difference. Since channel changes via low-speed data port don't turn off the screen saver (we know this as fact) and if - and I grant this is an IF - there's a timer for the screen saver to turn on after some length of inactivity (whether it's 12 or 24 or 48 hours), and IF - and I grant this is the biggest IF - DirecTV wants to allow people the ability to record, if only on a VCR, programs using their auto-tune "feature," then I would theorize a daily repeating auto-tune by the D10 itself would at the least turn off the screensaver and possibly prevent the screen saver from ever starting up if the box needs to be inactive for more than 24 hours before the screen saver starts.

I just lost two more recordings to the screensaver, and these were both with a repeating autotune scheduled onthe receiver. So it won't hurt anything, but based on my experience, don't rely on the autotune to supress the screensaver. The best workaround appears to be to grab the DTV remote as often as possible and press the select button.

volvolou

07-06-2005, 10:09 PM

I go to the D10 guide and select a program just before the one I'm recording for Auto Tune. The screen saver probably goes away because this is a "native D10 function" like a renote command.

I hate all these band aids and continue to call D* daily.

leetxjd

07-08-2005, 10:29 PM

I have set up a one-minute auto-tune "to do list" item every morning at 4AM.

The screensaver has not returned to my receiver since.

leetxjd

07-08-2005, 10:31 PM

One more thing - for the DTV people watching the forums.

The interactive channels that were added are such an abhorrence - I immediately blocked them out so that I would never have to look at them ever!

They are the most busy - ugly channels I have ever seen. And with TVGuide channel out there that is quite an accomplishment.

restart88

07-09-2005, 08:40 AM

ccwf

07-09-2005, 09:25 AM

BTW, I have the D10 DTivo and just received my 1st SA Series 2 and connected the IR cable. But I can't get any of the codes to work for the D10. It could be what you're all describing, but could you tell me which set of codes I should be trying to use? The D10 IR code is listed in the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility).

restart88

07-09-2005, 10:29 AM

The D10 IR code is listed in the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility).

I looked through the list and it offered a code to try (that didn't work) or said to use a home control cable.

The home control cable shown in the picture of my user manual shows a round plug on one end with the other end a connector similar to, but different than, a phone plug. The D10 has a round serial plug. Where do I get the right cable?

Blurayfan

07-09-2005, 11:20 AM

I looked through the list and it offered a code to try (that didn't work) or said to use a home control cable.

The home control cable shown in the picture of my user manual shows a round plug on one end with the other end a connector similar to, but different than, a phone plug. The D10 has a round serial plug. Where do I get the right cable?

The TiVo Store (https://store.tivo.com/main.aspx?cid=102) has the Home Control Cable available for $6.99.

ccwf

07-09-2005, 11:59 AM

I looked through the list and it offered a code to try (that didn't work) It works for other D10 owners, so I would double-check everything. The home control cable shown in the picture of my user manual shows a round plug on one end with the other end a connector similar to, but different than, a phone plug. The D10 has a round serial plug. Where do I get the right cable? You can get home control cables at the TiVo store, but they only work with the D10-100. Is that the D10 model you have?

martin1

07-09-2005, 01:06 PM

To make it easy here the tivo site to order whatever cable you need.
https://store.tivo.com/main.aspx?cid=102

restart88

07-10-2005, 12:54 PM

This is complete BS. I have a D10-100 and it got the update, and WILL NOT change to any channel <100 with the serial cable.

Mine won't change ANY channels. I just haven't been able to get it to work with Ir.

restart88

07-10-2005, 12:59 PM

To make it easy here the tivo site to order whatever cable you need.
https://store.tivo.com/main.aspx?cid=102

I'm curious. Does the wired network adaptor actually do anything other than allow you to plug in the cable? Big Lots has some USB cables with various adaptors to choose from for $10. Is there a reason why this wouldn't work?

restart88

07-10-2005, 01:01 PM

It works for other D10 owners, so I would double-check everything. You can get home control cables at the TiVo store, but they only work with the D10-100. Is that the D10 model you have?

Yes, it is the 100.

ccwf

07-10-2005, 01:15 PM

Mine won't change ANY channels. I just haven't been able to get it to work with Ir. Double-check that the IR emitter cable is plugged snugly into the IR jack on the back of the TiVo DVR and not into the adjacent serial jack.

Do you get any IR response at all? If you have a digital camera, try using it to check if there is any IR coming out of the ends of the IR emitter cable. There is more info on how to do this several pages into the compatibility list thread.

restart88

07-10-2005, 01:29 PM

Double-check that the IR emitter cable is plugged snugly into the IR jack on the back of the TiVo DVR and not into the adjacent serial jack.

Do you get any IR response at all? If you have a digital camera, try using it to check if there is any IR coming out of the ends of the IR emitter cable. There is more info on how to do this several pages into the compatibility list thread.

It is plugged into the correct jack. The Ir emitters cause the light on the D10 to flash, but it does not change the channel (only changes the channel info).

ccwf

07-10-2005, 01:51 PM

It is plugged into the correct jack. The Ir emitters cause the light on the D10 to flash, but it does not change the channel (only changes the channel info). OK, then try using a digital camera to confirm that the IR emitter cable is working. If the emitter cable has been badly bent at some point, it can be damaged and stop working.

Also, do you have the tips of the IR emitter cable pointed at the satellite receiver's IR sensor?
http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/images/tv1047/tv1047_02.gif

restart88

07-10-2005, 02:08 PM

The Ir Emitter is causing the light of the D10 to flash, so a signal IS going through. It just seems to either have the wrong code or something is stopping the automatic channel changing of the sat channels via the SA.

"Thomson/DirecTV D10-100: use home control cable w/ APG or 10074
See DirecTV D10 entry above for other D10 models."

I'm getting a bit confused. As I understand it the home control cable has a low speed data port plug on one end, and neither of my boxes have that type plug.

Really, the Ir code using Direct TV code 10074 does work except that it won't automatically change the channel - I have to manually change the channel.

crazycooter

07-11-2005, 09:40 AM

I hadn't been able to check this thread in a few days. Does anyone have an update as to when the problem might be fixed?

arc6th

07-11-2005, 12:41 PM

The screen saver appeared for the 2nd time this morning. Absolutely no shows had recorded the screen saver through 12:30am this morning.

The difference this morning is that I had no signal for many hours due to the rains from Dennis. Perhaps if there's no signal the Autotune doesn't work, which means the screen saver stays active if it's already on. Maybe. I'm just guessing.

WesTivo

07-11-2005, 05:54 PM

There is a sports bar that I go to every Monday night. They do not have TiVo, but they do have about 30 TV’s with D*. Several of them had screensavers bouncing around. The manager told me that he had to constantly go around and use the remote to get the pictures restored. So this upgrade has not just effected TiVo users.

For me, I have found no way to get the screensaver to stop appearing. When I called D* they told me they never even knew the receiver had a screensaver until the update. I have tried all the suggestions to stop it that are posted on this thread, but still no luck. And it never makes sence when it comes on, it could be an hour or it could be 2 days.

My serial connection worked great until this update, now with using the IR blasters, it an suspenseful endeavor to turn on the TV and see if something I scheduled actually recorded or not. But hey, at least we have those wonderful interactive channels 

I encourage everyone to call D* and get them to fix this mess. A previous poster said this was the lady to call:

Jade Ekstedt
DIRECTV, Inc.
(310) 964-3429

I personally leave her a message on a daily basis!

ALooneyGuy

07-11-2005, 11:13 PM

kyaphas

07-11-2005, 11:32 PM

Well, carp.

I just moved in with some family, and they have DTV. I just got the serial cables in the mail the other week, and was busy running cables in the hot attic getting ready to get a box so that I can use my SA series 1 with it. I let my brother-in-law use the 2nd Tivo, and we started seeing this issue. I searched for it, and found this thread.

So, my question is, what about picking up an older box from ebay? I see some DRD units (420RE & 440RE) for ~ $10. Can I use one of those? I read earlier in the thread that the 420 units can't be upgraded. Does the same go for the 440's? And what about the 435RH that someone mentioned? HEPL HEPL! :) I was going to get a D10 tomorrow, but now.... I don't think so.

ccwf

07-12-2005, 01:26 AM

I see some DRD units (420RE & 440RE) for ~ $10. Can I use one of those? I read earlier in the thread that the 420 units can't be upgraded. Does the same go for the 440's? And what about the 435RH that someone mentioned? See the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility) (the most viewed topic here).

kyaphas

07-12-2005, 08:13 AM

See the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility) (the most viewed topic here).

Oops, sorry 'bout that. :o I should've thought about that, especially since I think the compatibility list was already mentioned in this thread. Thanks!!

TV_Junkie

07-12-2005, 09:16 AM

Thank you, arc6th, you confirm what I've said is that the screen saver appears consistently after a signal loss. D* support says they've never heard of that. Then why don't they listen to me, I've been telling the truth. For the other users that say they never have a problem with screen savers, well I can go many, many days without a problem until a thunderstorm comes around. BTW, with constant complaining to D* about their attitude concerning all the issues I've had with this "upgrade", they reluctantly gave me a billing credit to buy new equipment. I just hope I can find a receiver that isn't susceptable to willy-nilly technical updates. Were these updates created "off-shore"??? Of course, I had to threaten that "cable" might be a better option for me.

Guyute1210

07-12-2005, 12:27 PM

BTW, I have the D10 DTivo and just received my 1st SA Series 2 and connected the IR cable. But I can't get any of the codes to work for the D10. It could be what you're all describing, but could you tell me which set of codes I should be trying to use?

BTW when I try to use certain RCA codes the SA totally freezes up.

Are you sure you have a D10, and not an R10? You wrote above "D10 DTivo and just received my 1st SA Series 2" and that could mean you have something wrong, since the D10 is not a DTiVo.

volvolou

07-12-2005, 12:59 PM

I made my semi-regular call to D* level 2 support today. The first person I talked to barely had enough knowledge to classify as level one support, so I called again. The second person was aware of the problem, and had had another call about it earlier in the day. She said they are definitely working on it, but offered no timeline (as usual). I said I would keep calling until they solved the problem.

On another note, when I started this thread I never dreamed that there would be this many of us with the same problem and over 10000 hits! Misery loves company, folks, so keep 'em comin' :)

I made my call today too and the Level 2 guy I talked to said "anyone having problems after the software download gets a new receiver" according to the message that came out this AM.

I asked repeatedly whether he was sure it would fix the problem and he said it's what they are being told.

I am using the IR blaster and autotune to get around the local channel tuning and screen saver problems but it's a pain in the butt........

WesTivo

07-12-2005, 02:35 PM

Did you actually get a new receiver shipped to you?

volvolou

07-12-2005, 09:09 PM

Did you actually get a new receiver shipped to you?

My level 2 CSR promised 2 Receivers in 2 to 3 days via FedEx with return labels and FedEx pick-up. We'll see.............

WesTivo

07-13-2005, 12:06 PM

I just called Tier 2 support (which is always fun to get to, since they want you to prove to the tier 1 answering the line that you have batteries in your remote or something lame like that).

The person who answered my call (Tier 2) knew nothing of the problem. She then put me on hold and came back to tell me to use the IR Blasters. One of the reasons I had serial connections was due to the unreliability of the blasters. This is not a fix; they don’t work half the time!

What concerned me the most was the tech had no idea of the problem, this is not serious to them, if it was, they would brief their techs on it and actively be working on a fix update. I mentioned the receiver exchange that Dave Miller mentioned and they had no idea what I was talking about. They told me the only thing they could do was to recommend me to use the IR Blasters, and if the blasters did not work correctly, it was a TiVo problem! :eek:

I then asked to speak with a supervisor and she knew nothing about the problem either. I gave them the information to connect to this thread, but it just does not appear as if they care about this problem. I have 3 Tivo’s with 3 D10 receivers. If there was an end in sight I would be ok, but they don’t seem to care!!!

Trace Blackmore

volvolou

07-13-2005, 09:21 PM

crazycooter

07-14-2005, 04:30 PM

We need to keep the pressure on indeed. I am going to start calling again. The first time I called (when this all started) they were, of course, clueless. They blamed the TiVo despite the fact that I pointed out several reasons why there was no logical way the TiVo could be at fault.

I don't want to go back to cable, but the bottom line is: functional TiVo > direct tv. And that's with a capital >.

leetxjd

07-14-2005, 08:46 PM

Please find below the e-mailed response I received from D* regarding the screensaver.

I find the answer a little condescending.

:down:

Thank you for writing. Our Directv Logo is similar to a screensaver on a computer, it prevents screen burn. It occurs if a screen display message or menu is on the screen for over 5 minutes.

On a model D10 receiver, the screensaver itself may record to VCR, DVR, or standalone TiVo. A resolution to this problem may be to channel up/down or do another remote-control action to clear the screensaver from the TV right before recording starts.

The screensaver feature cannot be permanently disabled. It’s helpful to prevent screen burn to your TV. We will have a software upgrade to address this issue. It will probably be in Fall 2005. Until this time, thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

Janette
DIRECTV Customer Service

rpalmeri

07-14-2005, 08:47 PM

rpalmeri

07-14-2005, 09:58 PM

Thank you for writing. Our Directv Logo is similar to a screensaver on a computer, it prevents screen burn. It occurs if a screen display message or menu is on the screen for over 5 minutes.

On a model D10 receiver, the screensaver itself may record to VCR, DVR, or standalone TiVo. A resolution to this problem may be to channel up/down or do another remote-control action to clear the screensaver from the TV right before recording starts.

DIRECTV Customer Service

So if you set your DVR, TiVo, or VCR to record automatically, to avoid getting a recording of the screen-saver, the thing to do is to run up to the D10 and manually channel up/down just before the :D Automatic :D recording is to start?

Am I missing something here? :p

Moving Target

07-14-2005, 11:00 PM

All I can say is this is getting ridiculous! First Tivo rolls out that steaming pile called 7.X that slows my Tivo to a snails pace, then DirecTV wrecks my serial connection to my for mention slow a** Tivo. If it was not for the horrendous picture quality of Charter Cable I would switch in a heartbeat and drop both Tivo and DirecTV like they deserve! Maybe it is time to go back to my roof top antenna and my good old VCR!

mechtriton

07-15-2005, 01:01 AM

So this is the response I got from emailing them in a recent event in which I ended up recording 6 hours of the directv logo and my autotune setting to record "The Inside" on Fox however the autotune did tune to the right channel but it never got rid of the logo...kinda silly to me...

Thank you for writing DIRECTV. I am sorry to hear of the inconvenience this situation has caused. We have found that right before recording starts, channeling up and down or doing another remote-control action usually clears the screen saver from the TV. Unfortunately, the screen saver feature cannot be permanently disabled, it’s helpful to prevent screen burn to your TV. We will have a software upgrade to address this issue, and are hoping to have it out in fall 2005.

Thanks again for writing and giving us the chance to address your concerns.

Sincerely,

Naomi
DIRECTV Customer Service

celeste

07-15-2005, 08:59 AM

Here's what I did and it worked:

1. Call up Directv and cancel local channel service
2. Use antenna for those locals

works now, changes between both satellite and antenna just fine (and I'm saving about $3-4 per month) I can't change to any Directv channels less than 100, but that's okay because I don't think they offer me any channels less than 100 now anyway.

(btw: I even had a 1-year service requirement contract b/c when they installed the locals they had to install additional equipment -- I got out of that as well since the "locals" didn't work.)

rpalmeri

07-15-2005, 09:39 AM

Re: Purchase of an RCA DRD435RH at http://www.2000networks.com/rca_435.html

WELL, I may have spoken too soon! The 2000networks.com site took my money, and charged my credit card, but still no receiver!
They haven't answered today's phone calls, or yesterday's email.
I'll keep everyone posted on whether I get this box, but for now, I'd NOT order from them, despite their great price. [Now $10 less than when I ordered!].

:eek: UNFORTUNATELY, I never got any reply to phone or email messages from 2000networks.com.
I would advise all to avoid this merchant.

Addendum:16 JULY 2005
Finally got an email from 2000networks and they allowed me to cancel my order. :eek:

I did order the RCA DRD435 from Amazon.com for $49. Hopefully this will solve the dreaded channel change and "screen-saver" problems. I'll keep the list posted.

volvolou

07-15-2005, 11:55 AM

I made my call today too and the Level 2 guy I talked to said "anyone having problems after the software download gets a new receiver" according to the message that came out this AM.

I asked repeatedly whether he was sure it would fix the problem and he said it's what they are being told.

I am using the IR blaster and autotune to get around the local channel tuning and screen saver problems but it's a pain in the butt........

So after the supervisor agreed this would be futile and tried to stop the shipment, I got 2 D10-300F's today.

Should I swap them out for my -100's, or just send them back? Are there things the -300 does better than the -100?

Thanks

Walt

07-15-2005, 03:19 PM

I received the less than useless upgrade on my D10-100 a couple of weeks ago. The channel changing problem on my Series 1 TiVo was immediately apparent.

The receiver also would lose the main menu and the menu associated with the "active" content after a short period of time and would require a "reboot" to restore them.

A call to DTV resulted in a replacement receiver. As soon as I set up and activated the receiver, I removed the phone line.

All has been well so far for the last week or so.

The "active" content was absolute crap so I intend to never reconnect the phone line.

Walt

jimmcq

07-15-2005, 03:34 PM

As soon as I set up and activated the receiver, I removed the phone line.

Just as an FYI, the phone line has nothing to do with the firmware update. My receivers haven't had any phone line attached to them for close to a year now, and still got the update.

If you were sent a D10 as the replacement then you've probably got less than a week until it updates itself to the bad version and you're back to square one.

Wakecrash

07-15-2005, 06:34 PM

So after the supervisor agreed this would be futile and tried to stop the shipment, I got 2 D10-300F's today.

Should I swap them out for my -100's, or just send them back? Are there things the -300 does better than the -100?

Thanks

Last I read the -300 does not support serial control at all.

WesTivo

07-16-2005, 11:01 PM

I called D* today just to make sure that their phones keep ringing on this issue, and I received some shocking news that I hope is not true.

I was told that the preferred method to connect a D10 to the stand alone TiVo is by IR Blasters and D* never intended the use of serial line connection. Because of this, there is no plan to resolve the serial problems but only to address the screensaver issue in the future update.

Walt

07-16-2005, 11:11 PM

Thanks jimmcq.

If the update comes I will again call and demand another receiver.

The fact that it has been over a week, maybe they have stopped the upgrade.

If the idots are still implementing the upgrade, they can just pay for another receiver replacement.

Walt

alexcue

07-17-2005, 11:47 AM

just to add, another replacement D* receiver would be an RCA 420. If you look they are around, My Humax DRT800 controls it fine thru the home control. They are pretty cheap on the auction sites. nothing fancy but it works!!!

rpalmeri

07-18-2005, 04:07 PM

:eek:

Fixed at last!

A quick trip to Amazon Merchants [amazon.com and search for DRD435RH], and a new RCA DRD435RH fixed both the channel change and screensaver problems. It cost $62 for the receiver with 2nd day air shipping, and about thirty minutes on-hold and fixin' time with DirecTV to recognize the new card.

You might as DirecTV to take the cost of the new receiver off your bill. If you're a long-term customer, they might do it.

:up:

Thanks to all, esp. ccwf for all the help.

jaimz2

07-18-2005, 10:24 PM

my exwife had this problem back in June and I hooked up IR to work around not realizing this was happening everywhere.
I just disconnected from DirecTV for cost savings reasons...man have they screwed up. My old receivers are RCA with an oval dish - she has the round dish -- my receivers probably won't work with her dish.

JustShine247

07-19-2005, 09:52 PM

I called DirecTV again about the problem. Had to go through the hassle of Tier 1 support because she kept trying to tell me that my Tivo wasn't compatible with the DirecTV box anymore. Obviously, she had no clue what she was doing. Got to Tier 2 and they basically said "we're working on the problem" and "you can use the IR blaster instead." So, right now I have the IR blaster and the home control cable hooked up between the two boxes. I switch the setting to the IR blaster when I want to watch a local channel or record from one. Otherwise, I keep the setting on serial. But it's ridiculous that I have to go through this just to watch and record my locals. And my locals are the ones that I record from the most! IR blaster are so slow at switching channels too. :mad:

chemame

07-22-2005, 08:50 AM

Well, I'll chime in, for what it's worth.

Ditto all the above "boy was I surprised" stuff, they hit me on or around June 1, and at the time I thought something died with my PC (my PC, rather than a tivo unit, controls my D10 via serial cable)

A few days later, I noticed all the awful special effects, the screensaver, all that garbage, and that's when I realized my PC was fine, but that they had reprogrammed the D10. Of COURSE dtv was no help whatsoever ("sir, I don't understand. You say you have a DVR, but we only show you using a D10 receiver. Our DVR unit is the R10").

Okay so anyway, I went and grabbed my old 420RE, dusted it off, hooked it up, it worked fine. Didn't know this forum existed, and didn't think I'd ever have any help or support or even meet another individual who understood my dilemma.

I do want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to this community for having such great, accurate, and informative details about the problem. In fact, you've led me to a hacked-up workaround for my DVR that has given me local channels on my D10 once again.

99% chance this will be of no use to the tivo community, but for what it's worth, my solution involved hacking a channel translation table into my PC's directv scheduler. Now, whenever it needs a channel under 200, the translation table causes the scheduler to send channel 202 followed by the correct number of CHANNEL DOWN codes to get me to the right channel.

I know, I know, it sounds like a MESS. It IS a mess, but it's not a mess of my choosing. But, amazingly, it works!

Also, based on what I read here, I hooked in a scheduled "POWER OFF / POWER ON" every morning, in the hopes of avoiding the screensaver (I can confirm that a D10 autotune is NOT sufficient to stop the screensaver from appearing... at least not for me). I don't yet know if the OFF / ON will stop the screensaver, but I am hopeful.

So, my only caveat so far seems to be that if I lose power for any reason, then the D10 will boot up with ALL CHANNELS instead of my custom FAVORITES list, and the number of UPS required from 202 will change. Oh I just realized the solution to that. Add whatever is the highest possible channel, and use channel UPs instead. That way, even if I get switched to ALL CHANNELS, there's nothing new introduced that will alter the number of UPs needed. I hope.

Anyway... sorry for the blabbering. Hopefully I have some information that can repay this community in some way. If anyone wants to discuss PC control solutions for the D10, I am at your disposal.

Thanks all!

Chemame
The revolution will be emulated.

ericallenpaul

07-26-2005, 10:15 PM

This evening Directv agreed to credit my bill $70--the amount I needed to purchase DosMan's TV Translator patersontech (the forum wont let me post the url, but an internet search should find it). I called to cancel and after weeks of calling them they finally decided to help me.
Just thought everyone would like to know.

--Eric

ccwf

07-26-2005, 10:47 PM

This evening Directv agreed to credit my bill $70--the amount I needed to purchase DosMan's TV Translator patersontech (the forum wont let me post the url, but an internet search should find it). And he answers questions about it on our parent board AVSForums.

Do you mean for use with a ReplayTV with a different receiver? Because the TV Translator won't get around this D10 issue.

Edit: Oh, I see Tim is indeed trying to do something with his widget for the D10 issue but hasn't told me. I'll read up on it.

DirecTivoBliss

07-27-2005, 05:04 PM

CuriousMark

07-27-2005, 07:24 PM

I've been reading this entire thread, but I got a question.

Is this an issue with Series 2 stand alone Tivos? I'm thinking of getting Directv and their 4 room for free deal, but I need my Tivo. If I connect my Tivo to my D10 receiver will I be able to record pay channels as well as the locals?

This is an issue with any device that attempts to control the D10 receiver using the serial APG protocol via the D10 low speed data input (serial port). TiVo Series 2 Stand-alone units do fit in that category along with home theater PCs, Replay TVs and probably other things.

This does not render the TiVo useless, it can still control the D10 using the IR blaster interface. With the IR blaster the TiVo sends IR commands that mimic the user pressing buttons on their remote control. The D10 then responds accordingly. It works, but it is subject to IR interference and reflections that can make channel changing with IR a bit unreliable. So far, using the IR blasters and an IR tent over the face of the D10 I have had pretty good luck, I have only had one incorrectly recorded show since this all started and I switched to IR; but that is one too many. I never had an error with the serial APG connection.

With the IR blaster you will be able to record anything you can get to with your remote control, local channels, cable channels, pay channels, etc. I don't know about Pay Per View channels, I have never tried that with TiVo, but if it is possible at all it will work with IR, unless it messes up on that particular channel change. That would be pretty annoying, wouldn't it?

When the serial interface gets fixed, it will also be able to do everything you would want it to. Right now it is pretty much useless. Although it can change to all non-local channels, including pay channels, it cannot clear the screensaver, so you would likely end up recording a big bouncing D for two hours instead of that HBO movie you were craving.

I hope that helps you understand the situation a bit better.

--
Mark, Curious when DirecTv is going to get this fixed.

They have already missed several promises given to posters on this thread.

restart88

07-27-2005, 10:00 PM

This does not render the TiVo useless, it can still control the D10 using the IR blaster interface.

I've yet to get the Ir to control my R10. Someone told me you can't, in fact. Apparently that's not true.

But I've had no problems of major note switching back & forth by switching the remote to Dvr 1 & DVR 2. I decided to get a Dish 301 for locals & specialty programming so we'll soon see if my issue is with the Tivo or the R10.

ccwf

07-27-2005, 10:28 PM

I've yet to get the Ir to control my R10. TiVo DVRs cannot control R10 receivers. That's why R10 receivers are not listed as compatible in the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility).

DosMan

07-28-2005, 02:37 AM

The TV Translator, a gizmo I sell for $40, now fixes both the channel-change problem for channels <100, and the screensaver problem.

I've sold hundreds of these devices to connect older ReplayTVs to DirecTV receivers, because the older ReplayTVs couldn't do the new serial commands that came with the Advanced Program Guide. (TiVos don't have this problem -- you guys choose Serial-MPG or Serial-APG.)

I have new firmware in the TV Translator now with a "D10 mode". Instead of a channel-change command, it sends remote-control key commands over the serial link. The D10 responds exactly as if you were pressing the remote keys. It dismisses the screensaver and changes channel.

Another feature I've added is that any future updates to the TV Translator can now be downloaded and installed in the field, like flashing the BIOS on your computer.

More info at the patersontech web site.

ccwf

07-28-2005, 08:03 AM

More info at the patersontech web site. http://www.patersontech.com/

chemame

07-28-2005, 05:20 PM

QUESTION: Does the D10-200 support low speed data?

I know I have seen on here that the D10-300 does not. I just got off the phone with DTV customer service, who to my utter surprise was finally knowledgable of the screensaver problem (but not the low speed data problem).

They are sending me a free D10-200, but will wait until I confirm that it will work out for me. Can anyone confirm please! Thanks!

Also of note, I was told that a "pilot" upgrade for the D10-100 screensaver problem was sent out beginning on the 27th, but the final release of the patch is slated for "Fall 2005"

Chemame

ccwf

07-28-2005, 05:28 PM

QUESTION: Does the D10-200 support low speed data? The information in the compatibility list is that it does not. Also of note, I was told that a "pilot" upgrade for the D10-100 screensaver problem was sent out beginning on the 27th, but the final release of the patch is slated for "Fall 2005" I assume that means next month rather than yesterday?

chemame

07-28-2005, 05:53 PM

wow, thanks for the speedy reply. No need to go through the hassle of a useless shipment. :(

As to 27th of which month, I took it to mean yesterday... her words were specifically that an update "was pushed" on the 27th. I will be speaking to her again tonight, so I'll confirm that.

The level of direct attention I got on this call is inexplicable. I asked her to just put in my record that the D10-200 shipment was approved but to wait until I called back, and instead she said "no, sir, my suprervisor wants to know when he can call you instead, apparently he's handling this shipment outside of the regular department that handles equipment shipments". So... if I understand them correctly and if I am to believe them, the supervisor will call back tonight, I requested as late as possible, and they said his shift ends at 10 PM CST, so he'll supposedly call just before then.

That being said, I'll believe it when I see it. Only one time in my 7 year history with directv have I received a call back. Usually it's "no, sir, we can't make outgoing calls". :p

In any event, I sure do appreciate the very timely info on the -200

Chemame

orangeblood

07-28-2005, 06:44 PM

Just realized I can change to channels under 100 again. Cool! Way to at least get it fixed before the fall TV season begins.
All's well that ends well. Thanks to whoever fixed it.

By the way, I'm in Houston, TX, fwiw.

chemame

07-28-2005, 07:22 PM

Orangeblood -

Well, well, well. First customer service says something about a "pilot" fix for the screensaver issue, apparently sent out yesterday... and now a report of someone's low speed data port fixed?

I'd hate to get my hopes up on what could be circumstancial evidence, but... do you think? Could it be?

Would you mind checking your System Info (I think it's MENU | SETTINGS | SYSTEM | INFO AND SETTINGS or something like that), and tell us the build number and date? Now you've got me all excited.

Dang, and I JUST called in the cavalry today. Wouldn't ya know. :D

Chemame

chemame

07-28-2005, 08:54 PM

Okay, update.

For starters, the supervisor DID call back. Surprises around every corner.

But, more interesting, he confirmed that they begin rolling out the "pilot" fixes as of yesterday. He could NOT confirm whether or not the low-speed data port was part of the fix, or if Houston TX was in the pilot area.

Oh well. At least it wasn't a step backward tonight.

Chemame

orangeblood

07-30-2005, 07:01 PM

The last update time was 7/26 3:37 a.m., with a 0x1020 next to it. Whatever that means. But it still works, so it looks permanent. Hopefully.

W2DHS

07-30-2005, 11:59 PM

Anyone else get this?

crazycooter

08-01-2005, 10:13 AM

Anyone else get this?
I will be checking as soon as I get home tonight. I will post the result.

chemame

08-01-2005, 06:06 PM

I still don't have it. When DTV mentioned the "pilot" to me, I asked about getting it... told them I'd be a great test case... but the girl said no, she didn't have any way to get me in the list for pilot upgrades.

I say we should call & pester & make it known that the update works, and we'd like to get it, if only to be their test group.

crazycooter

08-02-2005, 04:12 PM

I will be checking as soon as I get home tonight. I will post the result. It's not working at my place either. George is gettin Upset. :mad:

saens

08-02-2005, 07:30 PM

DirectTV must've pushed the fix here in the bay area (CA), my series 1 tivo has been happily recording local channels again and without screensavers for about a week now!

I've been following this thread all summer and am really glad there was a source of info that I could use when yelling at the DirectTV folks :)

TV_Junkie

08-06-2005, 12:42 AM

How about an update to St. Louis?? What does city have to do with it, doesn't it come outta the sky for everyone??? We're the ones that get thunderstorms resulting in that stupid, half-baked, ignorant screen saver on our TIVO'ed shows. Not the SF Bay Area, you won't see a cloud until November. Oh well, I just think D* should send the "fix" to everyone, maybe they're beta testing this time???? I'm still waiting, my software is still version 0x101B - gimme back version 0x204, the one that convinced me to buy 2 more receivers to replace my old RCA receivers. Anyway, I can't complain to D* about it for a few months, they gave me a $150 billing credit for my 3 recently purchased receivers - probably only because I've been one of the first one milllion customers, now they have 14 million, I think. Yes, I also received a sappy, sugary call back from D* to apologize for this goofy "upgrade", imagine that. That took a really insulting, inflamatory, degoratory, degrading email to accomplish it, though. It must have struck a nerve, at least for a few minutes. The eight, or so, phone calls I made to them didn't accomplish much - they tried to make me feel like I'm the Bozo, not them. I hope that when I'm a paying customer again, that they have resolved this. Here's a thought for D*, when they try to "upgrade" again, have a special task force to handle the problems and complaints so we don't waste our time and theirs on level 1 phone reps that are clueless or condecending level 2 reps that don't realize who pays their salaries.

leetxjd

08-06-2005, 02:31 PM

I'm in Austin TX and I have not received the update. I still have 101B

Sydlor

08-09-2005, 09:33 AM

Has anyone else received the update? I'm still waiting impatiently. :mad:

thor

08-16-2005, 05:33 PM

CuriousMark

08-16-2005, 07:40 PM

Argh. This happened to me at the end of June. I kept trying to fix it, thinking I had a "bum" unit. Reading this thread has been very informative, but there has been no fix for me.

And the screensaver -- my god the screensaver -- I kept thinking that I was losing power or something. I couldn't figure out WHY that kept happening. My husband was really pissed b/c several Tour de France stages didn't get recorded that should have -- all he got was the bouncing DirecTV and the audio.

But it's 8/16 -- and no patch so far for me.

Take a look at this thread over on the TiVo Help forum.

http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaysinglethread?rootPostID=10182759&returnExpertiseCode=

Help may be coming soon, in the meantime switch back to the IR blaster, at least you won't be recording a screensaver.

Mark

ericthebikeman

08-17-2005, 08:49 AM

No patch here either.

What is the official word? I hear things like sucks to be you we never said low speed data does anything, OR we have a fix in the works.

gotbbq

08-22-2005, 06:32 PM

ccwf

08-22-2005, 08:05 PM

Brand new d* subscriber this no local stations through the serial sucks. You could sign up to try the beta software that fixes this problem.

Msbob

08-22-2005, 10:29 PM

Our eagerly awaited fix might be breaking other Directv boxes... http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3173162#post3173162

ccwf

08-22-2005, 11:19 PM

Our eagerly awaited fix might be breaking other Directv boxes... http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3173162#post3173162 Correct. This was confirmed by TiVo, and I added that information to the compatibility list (http://tivo.web-i18n.net/compatibility) recently.

As for the question you raised in the other thread, I'm surprised TiVo made even this effort since DirecTV is supposedly working on fixing the issue from their end. TiVo's workaround is really a stopgap until the DirecTV fix is widely available.

restart88

08-23-2005, 09:36 PM

Brand new d* subscriber this no local stations through the serial sucks. Lost hours yesterday resetting up thinking it was something legit.
IR runs like my 1st 25mhz computer.
Hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but it's hard to believe D* isn't doing this to get people to buy their dvrs. Who knows Tivo could be in on it.
I've had my Tivo since 1999 and it's never failed me until now.
Very unhappy.

I just added Dish to my provider collection. Some specialized programming. The 301 receiver reminds me of your example. :)

It's just fine on the cable channels (I have to have local only cable for 1 education channel for school but also pay for the sat locals for a better picture) but when I go to anything Dish it hesitates, screen briefly goes blank, then it seems to hit some other channel, then it arrives where it should be. I've tried placing the IR on the sides and covering up the front Ir windows but the same result. Still, it's an improvement over the R10 connected to a SA Tivo situation.

I saw some old D* receivers for $5 with the serial port and almost got one until I considered the $20 for the card and the extra $5 a month for what I mostly already had in the R10.

I'm sure one day all my toys will play nice together. Probably a few years after I switch to HDTV. :)