Do I need active account for my hi def tivo to record OTA TV?

cdh · 09-20-2007, 05:00 PM

I've been a DTV customer since the beginning, but frustrated by the lack of HD programming so I put my account into suspend mode, at least for awhile.

Now my hi def tivo won't record off the air TV, and that was unexpected. (Although the OTA high def tuner works.

Are they allowed to do this?

I have 2 std tivos, high def tivo, and high def tuner and lifetime TIVO suscription.

Billy66 · 09-20-2007, 05:06 PM

Yes. DVR service is part of your DirecTv subscription. If that's not active, neither is your DVR service. Sorry man.

TonyTheTiger · 09-20-2007, 05:06 PM

Allowed? It's their equipment designed to receive and record D* programming. Without service, the HR10-250 will work as an HD OTA tuner, which is more than D* has to provide with their box, so be happy with that or either subscribe to the service your box provides or buy a HD TiVo.

cdh · 09-20-2007, 05:21 PM

I guess I better stop the suspend, have to have my dvr's working. I have to get up to speed on all the equipment changes to get the new channels. I've been in the "watching only mode" for the past 3 years. Just frustrated by the lack of more channels. I don't like TV, unless its in HD. Time to read the threads.

Billy66 · 09-20-2007, 05:23 PM

You might try the HR20 Q&A forum at www.dbstalk.com for more info on the new HD channels and recording them.

mr.unnatural · 09-21-2007, 09:41 AM

If you're only interested in being able to record OTA HD programming then you may want to consider installing a couple of ATSC tuners in your PC. This basically turns your PC into a DVR and allows you to record any unencrypted channels. This is actually the basis of any HTPC but you don't necessarily need a dedicated PC to perform this function, although it simplifies things considerably.

Aside from the initial cost of building an HTPC, there are absolutely no monthly fees for the guide data or DVR service. Two of the most popular DVR programs are Snapstream's BeyondTV and SageTV. All you need is an audio output from your PC to your receiver and a video output you can connect to your TV. This is where having a dedicated HTPC makes things simpler since you don't have to go moving your PC around. You can start with a barebones PC and then upgrade as your budget permits. I have an HTPC with six external USB ATSC tuners and about 2.75TB of storage that also has Blu-Ray and HD-DVD playback capability. Check out the HTPC section over at the AVSForums for a complete hardware list.

milominderbinder · 09-21-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.unnatural

If you're only interested in being able to record OTA HD programming then you may want to consider installing a couple of ATSC tuners in your PC.

This worked for me as well but it is no compaison to TiVo. I bought a USB HD tuner for $29 at Fry's. It gets a guide and can be programmed to record. But it is only one tuner. The double tuner USB's are $120.

- Craig

redondoman · 09-21-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.unnatural

If you're only interested in being able to record OTA HD programming then you may want to consider installing a couple of ATSC tuners in your PC. This basically turns your PC into a DVR and allows you to record any unencrypted channels. This is actually the basis of any HTPC but you don't necessarily need a dedicated PC to perform this function, although it simplifies things considerably.

Aside from the initial cost of building an HTPC, there are absolutely no monthly fees for the guide data or DVR service. Two of the most popular DVR programs are Snapstream's BeyondTV and SageTV. All you need is an audio output from your PC to your receiver and a video output you can connect to your TV. This is where having a dedicated HTPC makes things simpler since you don't have to go moving your PC around. You can start with a barebones PC and then upgrade as your budget permits. I have an HTPC with six external USB ATSC tuners and about 2.75TB of storage that also has Blu-Ray and HD-DVD playback capability. Check out the HTPC section over at the AVSForums for a complete hardware list.

I have an HTPC as well. However, for simplicity a Tivo/DirecTV DVR cannot be beat. The few dollars that are saved with an HTPC are quickly eaten up with the time consummed getting everything implemented correctly.

magyver · 10-09-2007, 10:56 PM

is there a "hack" for it to record locals only w/ out a dish/service?

litzdog911 · 10-10-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magyver

is there a "hack" for it to record locals only w/ out a dish/service?

No.

CoffeeIs4Closers · 10-10-2007, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litzdog911

No.

Actually there are hacks for this, but currently such hacks are considered theft of service and can't be discussed.

Robert Spalding · 10-10-2007, 09:43 AM

how is it theft of service if I only want to record free OTA?

JimSpence · 10-10-2007, 09:58 AM

Because DirecTV controls the use of the DVR service.

TonyTheTiger · 10-10-2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Spalding

how is it theft of service if I only want to record free OTA?

Then you need to buy a Series 3 TiVo or activate your D* service.

D* charges $5.99 a month for the DVR service (subject to you having an active account). The HR10-250 (or HR20) is a D* receiver with DVR service, ergo recording OTA would be part of the package.

When the HR10 was introduced, there were no local channels available so D* were forced to offer the ability to receive (and record) locals. This is also true of the HR20 (locals not available in all markets). They didn't stop you using the box as an OTA receiver, but the DVR functions are extra.

..and no, D* will NOT activate the DVR without satellite service.

Robert Spalding · 10-10-2007, 10:20 AM

its already activated (it's currently my only tivo) so why can't I just move it to another tv when I get a different D* DVR to replace it?

TonyTheTiger · 10-10-2007, 10:43 AM

As long as you have service on it, you can. You will pay a $4.99 mirroring fee for the second receiver.

Robert Spalding · 10-11-2007, 06:23 PM

so as long as D* charges me $4.99, I can record OTA even without the Sat cables plugged in?

phox_mulder · 10-11-2007, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Spalding

so as long as D* charges me $4.99, I can record OTA even without the Sat cables plugged in?

No, that's how they keep the box "active" is through the sat lines.

Without sat input, you wouldn't get guide info to record from anyway.

phox

newsposter · 10-12-2007, 11:12 AM

isn't there a family plan for 30 a month? I know it's a lot but for HDtivo, how can we put a price on happiness?

sluciani · 10-12-2007, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyTheTiger

Then you need to buy a Series 3 TiVo or activate your D* service.

Tony, can you use a standalone Series 3 OTA without paying TiVo a monthly fee for the GUIDE data? Or do you just record everything by time/channel? /steve

Squeak · 10-12-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Spalding

how is it theft of service if I only want to record free OTA?

Theft of the TiVo service, not of DirecTV's service.

You have to pay for the TiVo service to be able to record.