View Full Version : HR20-100s -- Officially recalled?
Lord Vader
11-03-07, 09:50 AM
Thought this might interest folks, FWIW...
Today a DirecTV installer drops by to replace an old receiver with a new R15. No biggie. We get to talking, and he's surprised by how much I know (thanks to DBStalk.com, obviously, to which I alluded when we chatted). He asked me what I thought of the HR20-100s and -700s, then proceeds to ask me, "You seem to be up on these things. Did you hear why they officially recalled the HR20-100s?"
I was surprised by his question, so I probed why he asked that. He explained that a couple days ago, they were all told to "pull all our -100s from our trucks and return them. We weren't told why."
After this gentleman left, I called a neighbor in my complex who works for DirecTV and asked him if he knew about this. Tim confirmed what the first guy said, telling me, "Yeah, we found out this week. We had to take our stock of -100s and return every one of them."
Interesting. Just thought I'd share this and see if anyone else has any more info on it.
bonscott87
11-03-07, 10:24 AM
Could simply be they are pulling them back to the warehouse and/or DirecTV in favor of the HR21. Give the HR21 by default on an install and only give the HR20 if the customer specifically needs OTA. This seems to be kinda what's going on anyway.
hdtvfan0001
11-03-07, 10:26 AM
Could simply be they are pulling them back to the warehouse and/or DirecTV in favor of the HR21. Give the HR21 by default on an install and only give the HR20 if the customer specifically needs OTA. This seems to be kinda what's going on anyway.
Could very well be....that's the problem with a word like RE CALL....
Herdfan
11-03-07, 10:51 AM
That could help D* gain better control of the 20's and not give them out to subs who wouldn't know OTA from their elbow.
ProfLonghair
11-03-07, 10:55 AM
But, this was speciic to the HR20-100, not the HR20-700. So, why would recalling the HR20-100, but not the HR20-700, have anything to do with OTA/HR21's?
rotomike
11-03-07, 10:58 AM
Probabbly because the RF part of that box is absolute junk. Doesnt work good at 20 feet at my house and Echo works 100 feet. Stupid!!
Mike
[QUOTE=Lord Vader;1261751]Thought this might interest folks, FWIW...
Today a DirecTV installer drops by to replace an old receiver with a new R15. No biggie. We get to talking, and he's surprised by how much I know (thanks to DBStalk.com, obviously, to which I alluded when we chatted). He asked me what I thought of the HR20-100s and -700s, then proceeds to ask me, "You seem to be up on these things. Did you hear why they officially recalled the HR20-100s?"
My two HR20-700s were installed on August 31st. During the install a supervisor stopped by to verify the models being installed. At that time, he said the 100s were being recalled due to a problem. I don't recall if he shared the specifics of the problem.
Lord Vader
11-03-07, 12:26 PM
But, this was speciic to the HR20-100, not the HR20-700. So, why would recalling the HR20-100, but not the HR20-700, have anything to do with OTA/HR21's?
Indeed. In fact, the installer had mentioned that they only have the -700s and the HR21s, so it appears there's a reason why he was specific when referring to the -100s being "recalled."
He did say he liked the -100s for one big reason: two types of digital outputs, both an optical and a coax, but he also mentioned that he alone has had to replace a lot of -100s with -700s because of the RF issue.
ccr1958
11-03-07, 12:31 PM
when the installer was hooking up my hr20-100 he said there
was an issue with the power supply & that he had brought
2 with him just in case....this was back in august....
Earl Bonovich
11-03-07, 12:35 PM
100% Completely false..
There is absolutely no recall of the HR20-100...
What is possible, is that they are re-allocating alotments of the HR20's that are in the warehouses and installer distributions... (Which is not uncommon)..
As the HR20's are in much lower quantities then the HR21s right now.
Lord Vader
11-03-07, 12:39 PM
I'm willing to bet this guy just used the wrong word and that "recall" isn't exactly what's happening anyway.
Based on Earl's observation, could they be reallocating HR20's to keep them in stock for folks that absolutely want OTA, while giving HR21's to folks that don't need it? /s
100% Completely false..
There is absolutely no recall of the HR20-100...
What is possible, is that they are re-allocating alotments of the HR20's that are in the warehouses and installer distributions... (Which is not uncommon)..
As the HR20's are in much lower quantities then the HR21s right now.
It may be false and there is no recall. I just shared what was told to me by the
supervisor from Bluegrass Satellite.
Marcus S
11-03-07, 01:43 PM
This always seems to come around when D* jumps ahead of E* for awhile, the posts fly with made up problems with D* support, equipment, and installers. Great example, our local installer who sells both but tells residents that the D* dish is really "large and heavy" and probably wont pass HOA restrictions anyway. When I finally tried to push him for a roof mount with a Slimline he then told me 1) He can only get the AT9 2) his insurance doesn't cover roof or chimney installations but his insurance with E* does, aka load of crap.
flapbreaker
11-03-07, 01:50 PM
I just got an HR-21 installed. Based on my dealings with this installer and a previous insident I have come to the conclusion that installers are all talk. Seriously, this kid would not stop running his mouth. Most the time he was giving me false information. The only he'd pause is when I ask him somthing specific about the HR-21 functionality. Then he would say, well, were just installers they don't tell us that stuff. So I seriously doubt you could take anyting an installer say's to the bank.
As for the theory of D wanting to save the HR-20 for those that need OTA. I doubt that too. The CSR that I talked to didn't even have the ability to choose between the two. I think Directv is pulling the HR-20 in favor of the HR-21.
It may be false and there is no recall. I just shared what was told to me by the supervisor from Bluegrass Satellite.Could just be a recall for reallocation purposes and not a "recall" in the sense of a defective product recall, which may be the source of the confusion. /steve
flipptyfloppity
11-03-07, 02:13 PM
That could help D* gain better control of the 20's and not give them out to subs who wouldn't know OTA from their elbow.
I'm with Herdfan.
Sounds like D* is wisely marshalling their current HR20 stock so they have units to send to those who need OTA instead of wasting them on people who don't need them.
Presumably they'll use this to bridge the gap as much as possible until they have their new OTA solution ready.
luckydob
11-03-07, 06:58 PM
Probabbly because the RF part of that box is absolute junk. Doesnt work good at 20 feet at my house and Echo works 100 feet. Stupid!!
Mike
Could also be that the HR20-100 can't record a program to save it's life. Seriously I have missed 7 shows this week. I love a DVR that can't remember to record. But if you listen to the D* apologists you would know that the HR20-700 and the HR20-100 are the same unit...well if they are the same, explain to me why I don't have DOD on the 100???
HR20-100 is junk and should have been recalled months ago.
Narrod, here anything about HD locals in our area?
Stuart Sweet
11-03-07, 08:04 PM
I've heard nothing at all to suggest a recall, but it does make sense that they would pull all the receivers with OTA so they could make sure they went to people who care if they get them. I'm sure you all agree.
Narrod, here anything about HD locals in our area?
We were supposed to get them in October. No surprise we did not. Hopefully,
by year end, at least for the big four networks.
Snoofie
11-03-07, 08:37 PM
We were supposed to get them in October. No surprise we did not. Hopefully,
by year end, at least for the big four networks.
I hope you are right. I am tired of having issues with OTA for HD locals. I have good luck with everything except for CBS. I have had to resort to recording all CBS shows in SD because I can't get a good HD signal OTA. It's good to see so many local folks on this board.
Snoofie
11-03-07, 09:03 PM
Could also be that the HR20-100 can't record a program to save it's life. Seriously I have missed 7 shows this week. I love a DVR that can't remember to record. But if you listen to the D* apologists you would know that the HR20-700 and the HR20-100 are the same unit...well if they are the same, explain to me why I don't have DOD on the 100???
HR20-100 is junk and should have been recalled months ago.
I haven't had a single issue with my HR20-100 except for the spotty RF thing. Never missed a recording and DOD is available on the 100 in the CE program. In fact, there is another update starting right now....gotta run!
I hope you are right. I am tired of having issues with OTA for HD locals. I have good luck with everything except for CBS. I have had to resort to recording all CBS shows in SD because I can't get a good HD signal OTA. It's good to see so many local folks on this board.
I have an antenna mounted in the attic and get a rock solid signal on all the local
HD signals. I'm on the east side (Middletown). My only complaint is Channel 3's
(NBC) HD reliability and quality. They don't seem to care, as the station manager told me, they make no money from it and few viewers use it. Sounds short sighted to me.
dbmaven
11-03-07, 09:31 PM
Could also be that the HR20-100 can't record a program to save it's life. Seriously I have missed 7 shows this week. I love a DVR that can't remember to record. But if you listen to the D* apologists you would know that the HR20-700 and the HR20-100 are the same unit...well if they are the same, explain to me why I don't have DOD on the 100???
HR20-100 is junk and should have been recalled months ago.
No problems with either -100 for months. DOD is working with CE software just like the -700, and looks like it will become the national release software "soon". As for recording issues, I tested out some channels/shows that other people were having problems with - and for the most part I never had the issues they did. And there are just as many problems with missed recordings on the -700s as well.
Oh, and both of my -100s are working perfectly with RF.
Sorry you've had a bad experience - but painting the product as "recallable junk" is a stretch.
If you took the time to call D*, and complain about the RF issue, it's likely they'd replace yours with a -700, or an HR21 (hope you don't need OTA).....
Last Thursday I upgraded to HD and received the HR21 which I did not want. I complained to D* that I wanted an HR20 for the purposes of OTA. Today I received the HR20 and I believe it was the HR20-100.
From my initial install the HR21 was a complete failure as well. It was hit or miss that I could actual view something I recorded. Just got grey screen when I went to watch program. The Active feature will not load properly. Page comes up "Loading..." and after 15 or so seconds it just returned to the last channel I was on. Channel changes were extremely slow as well. When I went to disconnect the unit this evening to replace wth HR20 the thing was extremely hot. Only had the unit two days and rebooted it four times. Not sure if there are issues with this new unit or I just got a rare bad one.
I think Directv is pulling the HR-20 in favor of the HR-21.
To do what with them? D* already paid the manufacturers for them, they're not just going to ship them off to a landfill. Or that warehouse where the Lost Ark is.
hjones4841
11-04-07, 02:25 AM
100% Completely false..
There is absolutely no recall of the HR20-100...
What is possible, is that they are re-allocating alotments of the HR20's that are in the warehouses and installer distributions... (Which is not uncommon)..
As the HR20's are in much lower quantities then the HR21s right now.
Earl: I received a HR20-100 yesterday from DirecTV in swap for a -700 that died. I called in the replacement request early Friday morning, so they definately are shipping the -100's - at least as replacements. I have no need for the RF remote on this one (it is in the bedroom) and it is significantly quieter than the three other -700's in the house.
I had two HR20 100S receivers installed 10/1/07 with a local installer they had a hard time finding HR20's for me. The build date on the receivers is 9/25/07 so far all is working good.
Ed...:D
FmrFrtDog
11-04-07, 05:51 AM
I have an antenna mounted in the attic and get a rock solid signal on all the local
HD signals. I'm on the east side (Middletown). My only complaint is Channel 3's
(NBC) HD reliability and quality. They don't seem to care, as the station manager told me, they make no money from it and few viewers use it. Sounds short sighted to me.
One thing to note about WAVE-3 HD. Its digital transmitter tower is up in the Knobs northwest of Lousiville, and not co-located with their VHF tower in Oldham county. The major problem I've had with channel 3 is occasional breakup and noise on their audio.
I get reasonable signal levels with an old VHF=UHF antenna in my attic in Prospect.
ccr1958
11-04-07, 06:35 AM
maybe someday TV Mfgrs. will start to install HDD's
to record OTA....just a thought :)
islander66
11-04-07, 07:24 AM
They may be saving the 100 for people who call in and complain about the noise of the 700.
thats what i did, they even asked where it would be located, when i was begging for the 100, so why would they need that info, unless one is louder than the other?
maybe someday TV Mfgrs. will start to install HDD's
to record OTA....just a thought :)LG had a line of Plasmas with built-in HDD's and DVR capability back in '06. Just checked their website, tho, and it seems like they are no longer offering them. /steve
LG had a line of Plasmas with built-in HDD's and DVR capability back in '06. Just checked their website, tho, and it seems like they are no longer offering them. /steveCorrect. I purchased my LG Plasma in October 2005, and I debated between the 42" with a hard-drive (up to 15 hours HD!) and the one without a hard-drive. Given the small drive (and uncertainty if it could be "self-upgraded") and the several hundred-dollar price difference, I went without the hard drive. Even though I don't have the hard-drive, my LG TV actually has the same great interactive guide and search function as the DVR TV, and the TV also has a cable-card slot. With a bigger hard-drive and lower price, this would have been a great OTA or cable "DVR".
http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9760&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1188051755 (http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9760&d=1188051755)
Click the above thumbnail for a full-size picture.
ccr1958
11-04-07, 08:48 AM
Correct. I purchased my LG Plasma in October 2005, and I debated between the 42" with a hard-drive (up to 15 hours HD!) and the one without a hard-drive. Given the small drive (and uncertainty if it could be "self-upgraded") and the several hundred-dollar price difference, I went without the hard drive. Even though I don't have the hard-drive, my LG TV actually has the same great interactive guide and search function as the DVR TV, and the TV also has a cable-card slot. With a bigger hard-drive and lower price, this would have been a great OTA or cable "DVR".
http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9760&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1188051755 (http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9760&d=1188051755)
Click the above thumbnail for a full-size picture.
that looks identical to my toshiba on screen guide :)
ccr1958
11-04-07, 08:50 AM
well if the TV's at least offered the recording software
& no HDD but the connection for an eSATA maybe that would be
the way to go & cut the cost a couple hundred $$
MIAMI1683
11-04-07, 09:06 AM
Could also be that the HR20-100 can't record a program to save it's life. Seriously I have missed 7 shows this week. I love a DVR that can't remember to record. But if you listen to the D* apologists you would know that the HR20-700 and the HR20-100 are the same unit...well if they are the same, explain to me why I don't have DOD on the 100???
HR20-100 is junk and should have been recalled months ago.
MY 100 hasn't missed a show EVER , and I have DOD also working on my 100 and 700. Maybe its a user error. Either way an hr21 wouldn't solve your problems. If it has been re-allocated im sure you could get one if absolutely necessary.
flapbreaker
11-04-07, 09:44 AM
To do what with them? D* already paid the manufacturers for them, they're not just going to ship them off to a landfill. Or that warehouse where the Lost Ark is.
I shouldn't of used the term "pulling". Rather I believe that D* is allowing stock to run out. My installer said they don't have ny HR-20's only HR-21. That's not to say there is no stock anywhere but I'm just kind of reading between the lines here. Remember D* sells satelite signals not OTA. Now that they have expanded their HD to locals I figure they are trending away from supplying DVR's that can record OTA. Makes sense to me.
I shouldn't of used the term "pulling". Rather I believe that D* is allowing stock to run out. My installer said they don't have ny HR-20's only HR-21. That's not to say there is no stock anywhere but I'm just kind of reading between the lines here. Remember D* sells satelite signals not OTA. Now that they have expanded their HD to locals I figure they are trending away from supplying DVR's that can record OTA. Makes sense to me.
I don't have HD locals from the satellite and I'm sure there are a million or so other customers that can only get their local HD form OTA. Maybe they should wait until HD locals are available to everyone.
scottchez
11-04-07, 11:13 AM
I get 28 Over the air digital channels form Two DMAs- Omaha and Lincoln.
Both small cities. I will be years before both cities are up on the Sat in HD.
I must have the HR20. I called the installer, they are trying to get units for installers from major cities that already have HD uplinked. So I think they are just pulling bacl stock for us in the smaller cities that must have HR20s.
Tom Robertson
11-04-07, 12:33 PM
The HR20-100 is still being actively manufactured as fast as they can.
So lets stick to the topic at hand in this thread and leave the OTA issues for the OTA threads. Thanks!
:backtotop
Cheers,
Tom
SteveInNC
11-04-07, 12:47 PM
well if the TV's at least offered the recording software
& no HDD but the connection for an eSATA maybe that would be
the way to go & cut the cost a couple hundred $$My Toshiba has roughly that: they sell (or sold) an external digital recorder that connects via Firewire and is controlled by the guide on the TV. Unfortunately, it only records from the TV's tuner, presumably so people can't feed HDMI through the TV and record it. I've always wondered if it would be possibly to hack into the internals somewhere and accomplish that. Unless it's all done on one chip, at some point the HDMI streams have to be converted to a digital form that can be reworked into data for the DLP chip.
Could simply be they are pulling them back to the warehouse and/or DirecTV in favor of the HR21. Give the HR21 by default on an install and only give the HR20 if the customer specifically needs OTA. This seems to be kinda what's going on anyway.
I do sort of believe the throury posted the other day about the HR20 possibly being flawed and the HR21 being what was intended. I just wish D* would give some official word on this. I really dislike the apparent cloak and dagger that seems to cover the official statud of the HR20.
The HR20-100 is still being actively manufactured as fast as they can.
So lets stick to the topic at hand in this thread and leave the OTA issues for the OTA threads. Thanks!
:backtotop
Cheers,
Tom
Isn't the topic of this thread the HR20-100 being recalled? :confused:
hdtvfan0001
11-04-07, 02:55 PM
Isn't the topic of this thread the HR20-100 being recalled? :confused:
Yes...not OTA.
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