Goodbye TWC, Hello DIRECTV!

[kingofdmv]

Well, I did it. I finally made the switch to DIRECTV after using TWC or it's prior incarnations since we first got cable back in the late 70's. Today's installation went smoothly with the only problem being the installer brought a non-DVR HD box for the bedroom installation. After a short trip to his shop, we were in business. The installer was able to hide the dish at the back (north side) of the house. My roof's pitch isn't that high so he was able to aim it from there. Signal strength from all transponders are at 95-100%. HD picture quality is close or in some cases better than TWC. I even believe SD picture quality is 10 times better than cable was.

Many more HD channels to choose from was, of course, my main reason for switching. Lousy signal quality being a close second. My only problem now is remembering new channel numbers and setting up everything to my liking. Unfortunately (?) I got a new HR-21 so I can't attach my OTR antenna but I guess I can just attach it to my TV and watch through that tuner. Unfortunately, that means no recording until my HD locals come in.

I've had a problem with my HR15-100 in the living room already. I got the message that it was overheating and will shut down. I ended up taking off the front glass of my dilapidated audio tower and so far, no more overheating. We'll see how that works out in the coming days.

Overall, I'm very happy with the service so far and am looking forward to a long and happy relationship with DIRECTV!

[bt-rtp]

Welcome to the world of DirecTV!

A small USB power source fan might help solve your cooling problem.

[gulfwarvet]

Well, I did it. I finally made the switch to DIRECTV after using TWC or it's prior incarnations since we first got cable back in the late 70's. Today's installation went smoothly with the only problem being the installer brought a non-DVR HD box for the bedroom installation. After a short trip to his shop, we were in business. The installer was able to hide the dish at the back (north side) of the house. My roof's pitch isn't that high so he was able to aim it from there. Signal strength from all transponders are at 95-100%. HD picture quality is close or in some cases better than TWC. I even believe SD picture quality is 10 times better than cable was.

Many more HD channels to choose from was, of course, my main reason for switching. Lousy signal quality being a close second. My only problem now is remembering new channel numbers and setting up everything to my liking. Unfortunately (?) I got a new HR-21 so I can't attach my OTR antenna but I guess I can just attach it to my TV and watch through that tuner. Unfortunately, that means no recording until my HD locals come in.

I've had a problem with my HR15-100 in the living room already. I got the message that it was overheating and will shut down. I ended up taking off the front glass of my dilapidated audio tower and so far, no more overheating. We'll see how that works out in the coming days.

Overall, I'm very happy with the service so far and am looking forward to a long and happy relationship with DIRECTV!

Welcome to DirecTV & DBSTalks :welcome_s

the USB device that was already suggested for the overheating problem is called a Laptop chill-mat. i also think Directv is working on a solution for the HR21 that would help with the missing OTA. but no word yet.

[davemayo]

I use a cheap USB fan from Radioshack.com that works like a champ.

[Pink Fairy]

Welcome to the forums! This place is a great way to learn more about the services we all have, and hopefully enjoy!

[kingofdmv]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm sure I'll be asking questions for a while until I get everything figured out. As far as the overheating R15-100, I think there might be a problem with the fan. I got the overheating message again tonight. Trust me, it is not hot in my house and the DVR has plenty of room for circulation. It usually happens after a lot of channel surfing. Does anyone think this might be the cause of the heat issue? I don't know as I never had this problem with my SA8300HD with TWC. Would I call the installer directly or DIRECTV? Thanks!

[Doug Brott]

kingofdmv,

:welcome_s

Hope you get that cooling problem fixed soon ..

[GregLee]

I'd think channel surfing would cool it down, if anything.

I just switched, also, after many years with TWC. I predict you'll be happy with the HR21, which in most ways is much nicer than the SA8300HD. The only thing I miss, occasionally, is zooming in on an HD picture.

[kingofdmv]

The thing I miss most of all, is a CLOCK! I'm going to have to buy one for the living room wall now!

[gulfwarvet]

\ Would I call the installer directly or DIRECTV? Thanks!

you probably be best to call Directv first. far as the cooling issue it could be the built-in fan on the R15 not working correctly. i would call Directv back and see what they could do. they might offer to replace the R15 because of the issue.

[Ext 721]

Welcome to DirecTV & DBSTalks :welcome_s

the USB device that was already suggested for the overheating problem is called a Laptop chill-mat. i also think Directv is working on a solution for the HR21 that would help with the missing OTA. but no word yet.

If they say so, I'm sure they are.

[Ext 721]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm sure I'll be asking questions for a while until I get everything figured out. As far as the overheating R15-100, I think there might be a problem with the fan. I got the overheating message again tonight. Trust me, it is not hot in my house and the DVR has plenty of room for circulation. It usually happens after a lot of channel surfing. Does anyone think this might be the cause of the heat issue? I don't know as I never had this problem with my SA8300HD with TWC. Would I call the installer directly or DIRECTV? Thanks!

Monitor the temp through

settings
setup
info and test
(channel down to find temperature)

if it's over 140 the fan should be running for sure. check it.

[braven]

:welcome_s to DBSTalk.com

[PCampbell]

Press info on thr reomte, the time is on the top left of the screen.

[kingofdmv]

Press info on the remote, the time is on the top left of the screen.

Oh, I know that but I liked having the clock on the front of the DVR when getting the kids ready for school in the AM.

I took the R15 out of my tower and put it on top of the TV so I have good airflow. The fan seems to be working but not that hard. I just checked my internal temps and it registered 134 F. Does anyone know the optimal temps for the R15?

[JLucPicard]

I've not had an R15, but do have several HR20s and I think they operate more in the 115-120 (maybe 125?) range.

[Stuart Sweet]

Let me welcome you as well..

and say that if you are having overheating problems this early, I would get a new DVR. The CSRs can be very helpful, and my advice there is, they respond very well to kindness and very poorly to meanness.

You have every right in the first 90 days to get replacement equipment.

[kingofdmv]

Well, third time is not the charm. The R15 had to be shut down again just now. Temps reached up to 140 minutes before I shut it down. I didn't feel any air from the fan, so I have a feeling it's toast. Calling D* now. Hopefully they'll replace it with no problem.

[kingofdmv]

Just an update. I called D* and they'll be sending me a replacement R15 that should arrive on Wednesday. The CSR told me that was the first call he ever got on an overheating R15. Somehow I don't believe I'm the only one with this problem. I was at the back of the TV today and noticed the R15 was refurbished. I guess they never fixed the fan.

[Mark20]

Does sound like he fan is dead. A lot of these fans have a tachometer sense line to tell the computer it is running. On the ones I helped develop we had a fan and it was esspecially annoying with the cover off the box. And if we pulled plug to the fan the box would reset and shut down so we had to just deal with it.

As a stop gap measure try putting a small fan next to the box to blow air through it to help cool it.

I don't remember if DIRECTV is using security screws on the covers now or something to indicate if its been opened, oterwise you could open it and aim the fan at it. But watch out, there may be exposed high voltages (120V).

[spidey]

W I even believe SD picture quality is 10 times better than cable was.



Welcome and having not had cable for years didnt realize that the picture still as bad as it was when I left. Was at someones house yesterday watching ESPNU and what a lousy picture.