In Production. September Launch

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I've been waiting for this a long time. I even left DIRECTV for a year for the Time Warner Cable (TWC)/TiVo Series 3 Cablecard fiasco. TWC refused to provide any support. What a horrible experience! Finally I can replace my three DIRECTV DVR's with Tivo. But when?

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2011-08/new-directv-tivo-launches-next-month/

 

It looks like the new TiVo won't have any OTA capabilities. Is that correct, or am I missing something?

 

Like all DirecTV DVRs starting with the HR21, OTA capability is an add-on box called the AM-21. It usually costs $50 (no other fees), and has a much better tuner than was built in to the HR10. Some people manage to convince DirecTV to give them one for free if they were using OTA before.

 

The lack of an OTA tuner would be a major blunder. We have loads of sub channels here that I will want to receive and I am almost certain that most of those will get no DTV coverage.

Is the AM21 behind the scenes or does it require another box out front?

 

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AM21 is a standalone dual off-air tuner accessory that connects to the HD DVRs USB port. You'll find it on the Solid Signal web site.

 

If you look at my signature you will see I have two AM-21s attached to my two HR21-700s so I know what they are. I have not seen any documentation that indicates the AM-21 will attach to the new DirecTV TiVo to provide OTA support. That leads me to conclude the new TiVo may not support OTA.

 

You haven't seen anything substantive about the new DTiVo. Even SolidSignal's site is just generic. But if you want subchannels, well, then you'll be disappointed.

 

Do you buy this thing or rent it?

SolidSignal's page says you have to commit to DirecTV for 2 years, and all equipment has to be returned to DirecTV when you discontinue their service.

And with only a 500GB hard drive, who'd want it?

 

That's the way everything works. All new hardware is leased, not owned, and starts a new two year commitment.

 

Never had an issue with D sending me an AM21, no cost , no commitment. Got several of them.