Why did D* bother with the 6.3 upgrade with the H20 just released?

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There's nothing in either of those threads that talks about the PQ of the HR10. They just compare the PQ of SD content when viewed through the HR20 vs. other HD receivers. Besides, it's not Tivo that determines which markets they are allowed to participate in. DTV calls the shots with their own service, not Tivo. Tivo wanted to keep the partnership going. It was DTV that wanted to bail until Tivo threatened to sue for copyright infringements.

Tivo and DTV just renewed their agreement for another three years so I don't see how you can say that Tivo is shutting the door on anything sat related. The S3 just provides them with an additional market for their prioducts.

The HR10 will still be in use years from now. If you have an active DTV account with the DVR service you will be able to use it indefinitely. You can bet that the Tivo/DVR service for the HR10 will extend well beyond the current three year window. DTV has too many loyal Tivo customers to simply cut them off.

It makes more sense for DTV to keep them and have a steady source of income from existing DTivo owners than to have to provide them with new DVRs that are mpeg4 ready. The mpeg2 channels will still be broadcast for a long time. The HR10 will still be able to record the mpeg2 programming as well as OTA HD content.

 

Perhaps some like yourself. Most people aren't married to Tivo. They just want a DVR. Already many hardcore Tivo'ites are converted to the HR20 and really like it or at least see the potential in it. The HR20 is selling like hotcakes and they can't keep up with the demand right now. Doesn't look like a failure to me. If they lose a few thousand die hard Tivo users that's nothing but a drop in the bucket to 15 million they have overall.

Tivo isn't the only way to do things and isn't the end all/be all of all DVRs.

 

How do you know this? Any idea how many they've sold thus far?

 

Didn't you misspeak? How much are they currently charging up front for the privilege of leasing one?

 

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The only thing you can count on is change. 10 years ago when I got Directv the picture quality(PQ) on Directv was better than cable. Now cable has changed most of their channels to digital and Directv over compresses the low def channels. I have cable for high speed internet and if I connect my TV to the cable I can get a few digital cable channels on my TV's build in QAM tuner. A couple of weeks ago I was seeing what I could get and found the Game Show Network in the clear via Cable TV. I was shocked at how great it looked. Then I compared to the same channel on Directv. The Directv version was blurry and the color was somewhat washed out. The cable version was like DVD quality. Directv was like VHS Tape. The difference was huge.

I really like Tivo. I think the reason Directv put out the 6.3 software is because they will lose a number of subscribers to Cable TV due to the availability of HD Tivo for cable. I was certainly thinking about it. Now that my Directv HD Tivo works fast and has folders I can stay with Directv for a while and see what happens. Most of what I watch is in HD so low def is not that important to me.

However, if you watch low def and want better PQ, check out your local cable company. Things have changed and the pendulum might be swinging back to cable.

 

Well it is on this Forum. Technically according to the rules we aren't even supposed to be discussing non TiVo DVR's on here.

 

They charged me 36.75$, handling and taxes, for 2 H20's and 1 HD receiver along with the new 5 LNB dish and 2 Zinwell Multi switches. Of course I've been with them since the start and spend a fortune on the packages. Deals can be made for these receivers, I just kept calling till I got the right one...

 

Well the entire first shipments sold out and installs are now backing up into November with so many people wanting it. Anyway, it's a fact it's selling well. Anyway, I won't discuss the "forbidden" DVR anymore in this thread.

 

I agree. But many of the Tivo zealots here seem to think they are DirecTV's only customers.

 

No, it isn't a fact.

You can't sell something that people can't buy. Morons are paying $300 to borrow the thing.

 

it's funny this thread pops up as i was just thinking about this very topic. here i am patiently waiting for 6.3 (still don't have it yet), and directv will soon be adding the rest of my regional sports nets (in addition to sny and yes) via mpeg 4 within the next couple of weeks. i'll get the 6.3 update just in time for me to box up my hd tivo and put it in the closet in favor of the hr20...

thanks directv...

 

Unfortunately being a "TiVo zealot" is only part of the picture. DirecTV's product simply isn't compelling enough these days to make a second rate DVR tolerable.

 

Mark's point, however, is that the HR20 may not be inferior or "second rate" to many consumers. Many UTV fans or people who have enjoyed Myth actually find the HR20's UI design to be superior. It is strictly a matter of opinion, and unfortunately for TiVo fanboys (fanatics, zealots, lemmings, etc.), D* doesn't agree with them. The cost of this decision is either living with the HR20 or shelling out $800 (+ CC rental fee, + TiVo svc. fee) for the S3.

 

Same for the HR10 since March 1st.

 

Why so strong a defense for the HR20 vs the HR10? I don't get it ...do you work for D*?

 

HR20 is NOT an inferior unit. I love my HD Tivo's but my HR20 is just as good and better in certain categories. If you get one that works, its worth a look. Its like driving on the other side of the road. Different, hard to get used to at first if you've driven exclusively on the right side (Tivo side). But once you get the handle of it, it has the same objective and is actually a joy to use. I really like my HR20.

 

it certainly is to me. I don't own a HR20, but have a R15 in my daughters room and it has the same interface.

The lack of ability to flip between tuners, having to hit the menu button twice to get to the menu (imagine that), and the general awkwardess of the controls and TWC-style color code/tabs is certainly inferior in my eyes.

 

Having spent lots of money on HR10 there is no way I soend money on HR20 until they give us more (and interesting) HD channels for HR20.
AND, HR10 UI and usability is (in my opinion) better than D* home made DVR.

It is so funny, that for such a longtime we were ALL asking for an update for the Tivo box, and now there is threads regarding WHY such upgrade!!!!!

People who like their HR10 are happy to have the upgrade, that is why there is this upgrade.