24hr DVR PPV - Question about timeframe for online orders

[BoB3K]

So, read a lot of the posts about the 24hr DVR PPV limit, and I have a question, that I didn't yet see answered.

It sounds like the 24hr limit is from the time of purchase, and you don't get charged for your PPV until you view it, but I've always assumed that's for on-screen through the tuner purchases. I don't have a phone-line to my receiver and so when I do rent a movie, I purchase it through the website, then go set up the recording through the tuner, and I'm pretty sure I'm charged right then and there, which is no big deal.

My question is: Will the 24hr limit still start from when I start my viewing even though I was charged back when I ordered it online?

[Earl Bonovich]

It should start at the momement the recording starts of the scheduled program. It would be similar to the Buy/Record now option

[BoB3K]

So in other words, 24hrs from when it airs/records? If that's the case, then put me in the camp of people whose PPV purchases is going to drop to right around zero. We usually watch a movie all the way through, but we pretty much never watch it within 24 hrs of recording it. I usually get PPV's at like 3am so they don't confilct with other stuff. And then watch them later in the week or even the week after.


It sounds like I might have to hook up a phone-line now :nono2: . That is if it's true that the 24hr limit starts at the time of purchase/viewing for "scheduled PPV recordings."

[Earl Bonovich]

Since you are purchasing it online, at the time of viewing...
Then yes.

You can also hook up a network connection (instead of a phone line).

[BoB3K]

You can also hook up a network connection (instead of a phone line).

I have a home network, and actually have a computer right in my cabinet that is hooked up to the network, so I think I'll look into that.

Thanks Earl.

[TedBarrett]

Using the internet instead of a phone line is a feature that doesn't seem to actually work at the moment.

When I and others called in the CSRs either deny the feature exists or say try again later until then hook up a phone line.

Note - you will be able to watch a couple of PPVs before your receiver decides that too much time has passed since it last phoned home. Then it will cut you off until you hook up a phone line.

[Earl Bonovich]

Using a phone line instead of the internet is a feature that doesn't seem to actually work at the moment.

When I and others called in the CSRs either deny the feature exists or say try again later until then hook up a phone line.

Note - you will be able to watch a couple of PPVs before your receiver decides that too much time has passed since it last phoned home. Then it will cut you off until you hook up a phone line.

It works as of the latest software updates for the HR2* series.
However, if you haven't had a phone line connected in a very long time... your system may already be locked out for PPV purchases.

[Indiana627]

So if my HR20-100 is networked, I don't need a phone connection for PPV purchases?

Do I need a phone connection for anything else?

I'd love to get rid of the phone line as I'm afraid my daughter will trip on when she plays behind the couch.

[TomF]

It should start at the momement the recording starts of the scheduled program. It would be similar to the Buy/Record now option
From the DirecTV website page about the 24 hour viewing change (http://directv.com/ppvexp) (italics mine for emphasis):

"Effective April 15, 2008, DVR recordings of PPV movies will be available for 24 hours of unlimited viewing after purchase. Major movie studios have required that satellite and cable providers alike may no longer allow their customers to view these recordings for longer than 24 hours. During the 24 hour viewing period, you will continue to enjoy all of your DVR features such as pause and rewind.

FAQs

Will movies purchased before April 15, 2008 be deleted from my playlist?
No, movies purchased before April 15, 2008, currently on your playlist, are not affected by this new policy.

How long will selections I’ve opted to “record/buy later” be on my playlist?
When you opt to “record/buy later” the movie will stay on your DVR playlist for a longer period of time. Your 24 hour clock begins when you actually buy your PPV movie selection.

Do the DIRECTV with TIVO receivers have the “record/buy later” feature?
No, the “record/buy later” feature is only offered on DIRECTV Plus DVR or DIRECTV Plus HD DVR receivers.

Does this new policy apply to Pay Per View events?
This new 24 hour policy only applies to Pay Per View movies.

Could a Pay Per View movie expire from my playlist before I get around to watching it?
Yes, the 24 hour viewing period is triggered by your purchase of the Pay Per View movie, so make sure to plan accordingly. If you are not sure you will be able to watch your selection within the 24 hour viewing period, use your “record/buy later” function available on DIRECTV Plus DVR or DIRECTV Plus HD DVR receivers."

My comments:
On the HR2x family of DVRs you have the option to record a PPV movie and buy it later, what DirecTV calls the "record/buy later" option. You do not have to buy it when you record it. If you chose to do this, you will be prompted to buy the movie when you attempt to view it. As the new policy states, you have a 24 hour window from when you buy the movie, whether you choose to buy at the time of recording or choose to buy at the time of viewing.

So if you choose to buy before recording, the "24 hour viewing period" begins the moment the recording starts and it will be deleted 24 hours later, whether you view it or not. However, if you choose to buy after recording it before you start to view it, the clock starts when you actually buy it to view it and will be deleted 24 hours later after you started viewing it. Note that if you record a PPV movie without buying first and you don't get around to buying it and viewing it for some unspecified period of time, it could be deleted before are able to buy and view it.

[HDTVsportsfan]

Do I need a phone connection for anything else?

For Caller ID. If that's not important to you, then you should be able to get rid of it.

[jsmuga]

It works as of the latest software updates for the HR2* series.
However, if you haven't had a phone line connected in a very long time... your system may already be locked out for PPV purchases.

I have 2 HR21-700's networked, they were working then stopped, I checked my bill today the PPV's were showing so it now works over network again...