Daily calls with a DirecTV HD Tivo? Benefits or harm?

[Phod]

It seems like there aren't any software updates for the Hughes HD DirecTivo so are there benefits to doing the daily call other than avoiding the annoying REMINDER message ... or is there any harm is not doing it?

[Dssturbo1]

no harm no foul, no biggie besides the warning message. i've got 400+ days no phone line connected, I delete the message every night around 9 and all is good.

[rminsk]

The DirecTiVo makes three different phone calls. The first one is only made once when you setup the DirecTiVo. This is the activation call.

The second one is the "TiVo" phone call. This call is made approximately every 10 days. It uploads debugging information and anonymous viewing data. The viewing data only has your zipcode in it. The anonymous viewing data can also be opted out of. I do not mind the anonymous viewing data because it is a possible revenue stream for TiVo. The phone call also activates new software downloaded from the satellite or downloads the new software if it does not have the software slice on the disk. Since there does not seem to be any new software for the DirecTiVo it does not really matter. It also downloads a few things like the current time but since the DirecTiVo uses the transponder downlink time to set its clock the phone call does not matter.

The third phone call is the "DirecTV" phone call. The phone call happens about once a month or when you reach a PPV with the remote credit limit. The phone call is made to a 800 number. This phone call uploads your PPV with the remote data. If you accumulate a certain amount of PPV without a phone call you will no longer be able to order PPV with the remote. This phone call may also be needed for certain sports packages. Some people say they can get the sports packages fine without it other say they can not.

[newsposter]

note you cant force a PPV call. I found that out the hard way. I only had 1 movie on from a few months ago but couldn't order another until the call. Only solution is to let it plugged in overnight. I do that every 2 weeks just because i hate the nag screens and I DO want to ensure relatively timely reporting of what i watch