confused newbie?

neastguy · 08-13-2006, 03:21 PM

I have direct tv and would like to get a DVR... I dont know which route to go and I hope you can help... all I care about is being able to record movies and tv shows.... dont care about bells and whistles, just easy programming...

currently I have 3 direct tv recievers and we watch a lot of tv up in our bedroom as well as our living room, so i would like to have the option of play back in either room... I dunno if this means that I would have to get two DVR's or just one and it has the capabilities to do that... I dunno.......

I'm considering the DirectTv plus option but I cant find any info on whether I will need two dvrs or just one... the price seems right at 5.99 as compared to the Tivo price of $17 a month....

can anyone enlighten me and help me make a decision.....thank you....

Boston Fan · 08-13-2006, 05:54 PM

You can get a free DVR (DirecTV Plus) with this offer code: DVR4U2.

Just go to your online account, click on the links to get you to the upgrade equipment page, and enter the code on the box labeled "Offer Code." Note that it will extend your commitment by 2 years.

We are not supposed to discuss the 'other' bos on this forum, so for more info go here: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=61355

Boston Fan · 08-13-2006, 05:55 PM

Also, some have reported success in using the offer code more than once.

WillowTheDog · 08-14-2006, 09:41 AM

The DirecTV Plus DVR runs DirecTVs own proprietary software, i.e. it is NOT a Tivo. So that is why you would find more info at the DBSTalk site.

To do what you want to do (view stored content from multiple TVs), you have 2 options, both of which require TWO DVR units. I believe the DirecTV Plus DVR is supposed to have this feature natively in future software upgrade. Its not available yet, but you could get 2 DVRs and wait until the feature you want is enabled. The second option is to buy 2 older Tivo-based DirecTV DVRs. These aren't manufacturer anymore, but you can still get them from eBay or Weaknees. Then you would have to hack both units using the Zipper (do a search for more info). This will enable "Multi Room Viewing" and allow you to share content from one DVR to the other.

ForrestB · 08-14-2006, 11:52 AM

Willow's advise is good, but it's fairly expensive - figure about $200 total for a pair of used series 2 DirecTivo's with USB to ethernet adapters and wireless ethernet bridges.

A lower cost option is the "free" DirecTV Plus mentioned above and a wireless TV/IR transmitter/receiver for the other room.

Boston Fan · 08-14-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForrestB

Willow's advise is good, but it's fairly expensive - figure about $200 total for a pair of used series 2 DirecTivo's with USB to ethernet adapters and wireless ethernet bridges.

A lower cost option is the "free" DirecTV Plus mentioned above and a wireless TV/IR transmitter/receiver for the other room.

We use an IR transmitter for viewing on one of our TVs, and it works great. Just be aware that the same show will be on each TV - no independent viewing. If you want to be able to watch two different shows at the same time, you'll need two DVRs. And folks at the other board still report success at getting more than one with the same offer code.