View Full Version : First Thoughts on DoD
ozonedan
02-18-08, 03:18 PM
I've been a Directv subscriber for about ten years. Just had the Slimline, HR21-700 and hi-def installed two weeks ago. (It was a great install.)
Sunday, I went to BB and purchased the Sling Link Turbo for $79.00. Came home and stalled in about 10 minutes. I turned to channel 1000 and it appeared to be connected. I checked the network setup and all was fine. I went on-line into my account and sure enough, it was activated. There was no phone call involved. After the Guide populated I downloaded a couple of shows to test it out. Everything went smoothly.
There are a couple of things I'm disappointed in. And maybe they will be addressed later on. One is that there was no DoD for SciFi. And the other was no DoD for any of the main networks. No ABC,CBS,NBC or Fox. Shows can be viewed on-line but I was hoping they would be included in DoD.
I've been a Directv subscriber for about ten years. Just had the Slimline, HR21-700 and hi-def installed two weeks ago. (It was a great install.)
Sunday, I went to BB and purchased the Sling Link Turbo for $79.00. Came home and stalled in about 10 minutes. I turned to channel 1000 and it appeared to be connected. I checked the network setup and all was fine. I went on-line into my account and sure enough, it was activated. There was no phone call involved. After the Guide populated I downloaded a couple of shows to test it out. Everything went smoothly.
There are a couple of things I'm disappointed in. And maybe they will be addressed later on. One is that there was no DoD for SciFi. And the other was no DoD for any of the main networks. No ABC,CBS,NBC or Fox. Shows can be viewed on-line but I was hoping they would be included in DoD.
Many of us are waiting and hoping for the same things. Did you at least try downloading a DoD program and watch it to make sure it works? It is worth the excercise IMHO.
ozonedan
02-18-08, 04:53 PM
Many of us are waiting and hoping for the same things. Did you at least try downloading a DoD program and watch it to make sure it works? It is worth the excercise IMHO.
Yes, as my post says, I actually downloaded three programs and everything works just fine.:)
sailermon
02-18-08, 05:09 PM
I don't see the real value of DoD at this time. There is very little difference in content than that offered from the standard Guide. Besides, everything is in SD and takes a significant time to download over wireless connection to standard DSL service.
If, in the future, they offer free quality HD programming of unique content not otherwise available, then it may be of value. Until then, it is a nice feature to have, but I have little interest in using it.
Yes, as my post says, I actually downloaded three programs and everything works just fine.:)
So much for my attempt at "evelyn woodhead sped head speed reading course"... Though your post did not actually say 3 :D
Everything is in SD? Definite "no thanks" for me then...
jahgreen
02-18-08, 09:49 PM
No, there are a few HD offerings. But at the speed of my DSL connection, it would be a 10 to 15 hour download at least.
yngdiego
02-18-08, 10:16 PM
No, there are a few HD offerings. But at the speed of my DSL connection, it would be a 10 to 15 hour download at least.
So are DoD demand the SAME PQ as regular live broadcast? Or do they do extra compression to minimize the download size?
ticmxman
02-19-08, 04:23 AM
I don't see the real value of DoD at this time. There is very little difference in content than that offered from the standard Guide. Besides, everything is in SD and takes a significant time to download over wireless connection to standard DSL service.
If, in the future, they offer free quality HD programming of unique content not otherwise available, then it may be of value. Until then, it is a nice feature to have, but I have little interest in using it.
You have my concerns covered in this post. What is the point of DoD? Is there any difference in content? Is there a list somewhere that I can see what shows/movies are available on DoD?
lordbah
02-19-08, 05:24 AM
dod/dod.html says this is available at no extra charge, yet when I follow their instructions to add "HD DVR Network Installation Kit", they want to charge me $35. Sounds like an extra charge to me. It's for equipment that I don't think I need since I already had a network cable. So I wonder, is there a way to turn on the functionality without ordering equipment? Then I find the link to Current Setup, and it tells me that I already have DIRECTV On Demand. Okay.
Then I search a little more and see people saying that it doesn't (in most cases) work yet with HR21.
Where's that wild goose?
jschramm
02-19-08, 05:36 AM
So are DoD demand the SAME PQ as regular live broadcast? Or do they do extra compression to minimize the download size?
I actually think the SD DOD looks better then the SD stuff you get off the satellites.
NOYB111
02-19-08, 06:50 AM
dod/dod.html says this is available at no extra charge, yet when I follow their instructions to add "HD DVR Network Installation Kit", they want to charge me $35. Sounds like an extra charge to me. It's for equipment that I don't think I need since I already had a network cable. So I wonder, is there a way to turn on the functionality without ordering equipment? Then I find the link to Current Setup, and it tells me that I already have DIRECTV On Demand. Okay.
Then I search a little more and see people saying that it doesn't (in most cases) work yet with HR21.
Where's that wild goose?I believe the kits are for people who need them to network the DVR. I thought I needed it at first as well, but read more about it. I simply plugged a network cable into the back of the DVR and plugged it into my router and it was all set with nothing more for me to do. You do need to give it time to DL all the menus and programs. They wont all be there at first but the next morning I had a ton to look at. Oh yeah, you might have to reboot the DVR after hook up. I dont recall if I did or not.
There are a couple of things I'm disappointed in. And maybe they will be addressed later on. One is that there was no DoD for SciFi. And the other was no DoD for any of the main networks. No ABC,CBS,NBC or Fox. Shows can be viewed on-line but I was hoping they would be included in DoD.
Since D* says this is still a beta feature we're all hoping that once they officially launch it that the content available will be very close to what cable companies offer. That's the point of this whole thing is so D* can say we have VoD also when cable pushes it.
That's the point of this whole thing is so D* can say we have VoD also when cable pushes it.
My fear is that it is just a token offering to do exactly what you just describe. Basically to say, yeah, we have it too.
I have a tough time believing they are taking this seriously when they are releasing the R16 with no networking capability.
jwd45244
02-19-08, 08:00 AM
There are a couple of things I'm disappointed in. And maybe they will be addressed later on. One is that there was no DoD for SciFi. And the other was no DoD for any of the main networks. No ABC,CBS,NBC or Fox. Shows can be viewed on-line but I was hoping they would be included in DoD.
The probability of DoD for the network majors (NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.) is nill. Why? Well, each of the networks has launched their own Shows on Demand via the internet.
SciFi on Demand, probably will be there sooner vs. later.
jschramm
02-19-08, 08:02 AM
My fear is that it is just a token offering to do exactly what you just describe. Basically to say, yeah, we have it too.
I have a tough time believing they are taking this seriously when they are releasing the R16 with no networking capability.
In general Directv doesnt do token offerings, they usually give a better product then cable in every way. Saying that I totally agree with your second comment, I was very surprised not to see a network connection on the R16, for both DOD and MRV.
In general Directv doesnt do token offerings, they usually give a better product then cable in every way. Saying that I totally agree with your second comment, I was very surprised not to see a network connection on the R16, for both DOD and MRV.
"Cable" varies widely from one location to another so a blanket statement that D* gives a better product in every way may be true in one area of the country, but not so true in other parts. Cable in my area is quite competitive in terms of price and channels that I would actually watch.
My experience with DOD so far (yeah I know it is still in beta) is that it is subpar to the VOD offered by cable in my town in both content and interface. I'm still not sure how to reconcile no networking on D*'s latest SD DVR with D* being serious about DOD.
Hopefully, I am wrong and it improves in the upcoming months.
BubblePuppy
02-19-08, 08:17 AM
The probability of DoD for the network majors (NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.) is nill. Why? Well, each of the networks has launched their own Shows on Demand via the internet.
SciFi on Demand, probably will be there sooner vs. later.
Comcast VOD offers CBS but that is the only network CC offers and it is just a few shows; the three CSIs, Numbers, NCIS and maybe one or two more that I don't recall. But that's it.
EXTREMUM
02-19-08, 08:23 AM
Personally, I'm not thrilled with D* On-Demand. Aside from the lack of HD programming available, I'm not satisfied with the fact, that you have to "download" a program, in order to watch it.
With cable VOD, accessing the program is instantaneous.
Personally, I'm not thrilled with D* On-Demand. Aside from the lack of HD programming available, I'm not satisfied with the fact, that you have to "download" a program, in order to watch it.
With cable VOD, accessing the program is instantaneous.
There is no other way to do it.
In my experience (I have a 10meg down connection), programs start about as fast as they do with my local cable provider. My local provider also limits FFW to 2x. My connection with D* allows me to almost do that after a couple of minutes of the program downloading.
Tiebmbr
02-19-08, 08:34 AM
Any idea why it's still considered "Beta"? Is there something forthcoming that is going to greatly improve/change the DOD service? We've been at the beta stage now for almost 9 months, with very little change through NR's or CE's except for minor navigation and formatting improvements, but little else.
Seems to me the development phase on this function should be complete.
Bring on the content!
BubblePuppy
02-19-08, 08:46 AM
There is no other way to do it.
In my experience (I have a 10meg down connection), programs start about as fast as they do with my local cable provider. My local provider also limits FFW to 2x. My connection with D* allows me to almost do that after a couple of minutes of the program downloading.
Actually with D* DOD, since the programs are actually saved to the hard drive, you can use all of the trick plays including FF/RRx4.
With CC VOD FFx2 is the fastest you can fast forward.
Actually with D* DOD, since the programs are actually saved to the hard drive, you can use all of the trick plays including FF/RRx4.
With CC VOD FFx2 is the fastest you can fast forward.
I was talking about viewing it as it is being downloaded.
BubblePuppy
02-19-08, 10:07 AM
I was talking about viewing it as it is being downloaded.
Doesn't matter. You are still viewing D*DOD off your hard drive even during download therefore all the trick plays are available. I just tried it.
Fa C Shus
02-19-08, 10:11 AM
I don't see the real value of DoD at this time. There is very little difference in content than that offered from the standard Guide. Besides, everything is in SD and takes a significant time to download over wireless connection to standard DSL service.
I'm a programmer so I try to stay out of the hardware discussions, but my hardware people often remind me of something. If in your house you have 54Mbps wirelessly then you are so much faster inside your house than the internet can supply. But wait there are factors...
For starters, even if your wireless monitor says you are communicating at 54 Mbps there's an overhead component often mixed into that number so maybe you are only getting 37 Mbps of "payload"
A medium size business typically gets up to maybe 10Mbps (I know there are special cases, but in general I think this statement stands) The common DSL lines that people have today are between 1.5Mbps and 4-5Mbps. Given that your speed inside the house is about 7 to 10 times faster than the content can be provided to your house so most people should not see a noticable difference between a hard wired HR2* and a wireless HR2* because your wireless is likely outpoerforming your connection to the internet.
Again I know there are geeks out there who have special cases that far exceed this performance, but those folks are the people asking these questions.
Given all that, a wireless connection is far more susceptible to outside influences, like using the microwave to pop corn for the movie you want to watch. Additionally, many wireless connection lose connectivity from time to time. So if you can connect via wire do it, but it's not typically gaining you speed. It offers reliability.
I do agree that the first thing that should be blaemd is the wireless connection, but sometimes it's not the fault of wireless, also unless you are watching as you stream, this is likely not an issue. I know I am only one user, but I typically watch pre-recorded material to maximize what I can view and exclude the most commercial time as possible, so my DoD viewing is the same.
Doesn't matter. You are still viewing D*DOD off your hard drive even during download therefore all the trick plays are available. I just tried it.
You are totally missing my point. With D*, when I hit "start" and a movie begins downloading and I begin watching it right then, I cannot hit FFW 4x or I will immediately be at the end of the buffer.
I never said trickplay wasn't available, I was simply stating that my connection is fast enough to allow me to amost emulate cable's VOD. A couple of minutes after a show begins downloading I can hit FFW 2x without it catching up - that was my only point.
gacklefan
02-19-08, 11:04 AM
One thing I found funny was that I was able to download multiple BOOM channel shows even though I don't get the BOOM channel, but I couldn't download any STARZ shows (I don't have that channel either). I wonder what the difference is. I hope they don't take BOOM VOD away, though!
BubblePuppy
02-19-08, 11:29 AM
You are totally missing my point. With D*, when I hit "start" and a movie begins downloading and I begin watching it right then, I cannot hit FFW 4x or I will immediately be at the end of the buffer.
I never said trickplay wasn't available, I was simply stating that my connection is fast enough to allow me to amost emulate cable's VOD. A couple of minutes after a show begins downloading I can hit FFW 2x without it catching up - that was my only point.
Ah..gotcha. Sorry about the confusion.
Eddie501
02-19-08, 11:33 AM
One thing I noticed during a test download is that when I'm downloading a VOD, I'm unable to watch my other recordings. I can chose them, but only get a blank playback screen. As soon as I cancelled the on demand selection I'm able to watch them again. Is it just me?
No matter though, with the only HD selections being PPV, I don't plan on revisiting anytime soon. Not sure exactly what the benefit of downloading a movie I can record in realtime for the same cost is.
dantodd
02-19-08, 11:35 AM
I have downloaded a few things on DOD and overall it's OK. Nothing special really. Just a few more options. I do find one item very irritating though. While I can configure my Guide to only show channels I actually pay for I have not been able to find a way to configure DOD to simply not show downloads that aren't available to me without adding additional subs to my account.
This is extremely frustrating when trying to look for something to watch.
GoCougs
02-19-08, 12:58 PM
I know it is 'Beta' so i will lay off a little on the content complaints...but only a little! Does Comcast have a deal with HBO where Directv can't use HBO on Demand? It just so happens that is the one premium channel I pay for, and it is the one pay channel DOD does not offer.
Aside from that, the channels it does offer does not offer 'all' of the channels content. Perhaps that will change soon.
lordbah
02-22-08, 03:56 AM
dod/dod.html says this is available at no extra charge, yet when I follow their instructions to add "HD DVR Network Installation Kit", they want to charge me $35. Sounds like an extra charge to me. It's for equipment that I don't think I need since I already had a network cable. So I wonder, is there a way to turn on the functionality without ordering equipment? Then I find the link to Current Setup, and it tells me that I already have DIRECTV On Demand. Okay.
Then I search a little more and see people saying that it doesn't (in most cases) work yet with HR21.
Where's that wild goose?
However, it did in fact work, with the HR21, with no additional charge.
It's incredibly slow scrolling through lists, I wish it wouldn't pretend to offer me channels which it will then refuse to download (apparently because I haven't purchased a package which includes the "live" version of those channels), there's hardly any interesting content, etc. But it does function.
djzack67
02-25-08, 01:47 PM
Looks the the HD dod is slowly rolling out.
Rob-NovA
02-25-08, 03:22 PM
I wish it wouldn't pretend to offer me channels which it will then refuse to download (apparently because I haven't purchased a package which includes the "live" version of those channels), there's hardly any interesting content, etc. But it does function.
That bit me the other night. The concept is great, but half the "good" content is not available to me because I don't subscribe to the premium channel packages. I've seen the other stuff already. Why make me go through all the screens just to deny the transaction at the end? That's frustrating. It shouldn't be listed as available, and at a minumum, should tell me early on that I can't get it because I don't subscribe to the channel*.
In response to another post above, I didn't notice any playback issues while downloading content. I'll pay attention more carefully next time. I'll probably download some of the Sprout and Noggin content for my daughter.
* A slight aside, that may be an issue with the favorites versus channels I get issues that have cropped up as well, so it may be addressed by a future CE.
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