DVR Scheduler Not Working

[rpm5099]

Ok, I have three receivers and I've attempted to set recordings through the TV Listings page on DTV's website many many times for ALL receivers. It seems to work fine, it sends me a confirmation email....and then nothing happens, nothing gets recorded, nothing gets added to the playlist, nothing gets added to the to do list. My friends and neighbors have no problems with the service. I've taken my complaint as high up as the know-nothings on the phone will let me, and I'm unable to get my issue resolved. This is a major reason why I switched to DTV and I really want to get it fixed. Does anyone have ANY ideas???

[Richierich]

How long have you been signed up for DVR Scheduling??? It took awhile before mine became ACTIVE!!!

As a matter of fact, I scheduled a recording of "Emeril Live" at 2:00 P.M. and I just looked at it and it recorded fine.

[rpm5099]

I'm not sure what you mean by sign up, but I probably did it last year or earlier this year (i cant remember which) when I first heard about the online recording functions becoming functional and I still havent gotten them to work - not once.

[Richierich]

It is as though something has to be Authorized by the Computerized System for it to work or to be able to send your DVR the signal to record that program.

Contact a high level Customer Service Representative and not just the Level One CSR you will get when you first call them.

[rpm5099]

I haved called the internet technical support group and spoken with a level 2 tech who had no idea why it wasnt working, as well as a supervisor with the same group and they did verify their group is reponsible for the tv explorer functions on the website. I dont know who to ask for at this point, I've had 5 phone calls about it.

[Richierich]

That is strange as mine is working but before I had the same problem as you did. It would send me an email but would not record my requested program.

Then after awhile it magically started working.

[rpm5099]

How long is a while? I've been trying to get them to fix this for months. Also, for my own sanity, how long does it take to propagate to your receiver after you set the recording online?

[Richierich]

Mine took 3 or 4 days and I couldn't believe it when it finally worked because it hadn't worked before. I remember now that maybe Earl said they would have to flip a switch on their end to make it work. I took that to mean that their computer system had to generate something on Directv's end to enable the recording to initiate. I got the email but no recording and then after about 4 days it worked.

[IndyMichael]

The only issue I had was when I scheduled a show and they didn't differentiate between the HD local channels and SD local channels, so I scheduled the HD channel by mistake.

[Richierich]

He is not getting anything scheduled to record but he does get an email so their system is not sending his DVR a message to record that show.

It is in their Scheduling System and something has to be turned on to cause their system to generate a message to his DVR to start a recording.

[RACJ2]

The scheduler works fine for both of my HR22's, but let me throw a couple ideas out there. Have you tried selecting the "Definitely Record" option when you try to set up the recording? I know that if you don't and there is a conflict, it won't schedule it. Did you check to see if the last 4 digits of the access card listed in the channel guide, matches the access card listed in your account in the "My Receivers" section of the "Set Up Details"?

[rpm5099]

Both good suggestions, but unfortunately yes I have used the "Definitely Record" option several times, and I have verified and labeled the access cards numbers for my account. Still doesnt seem to make a difference.

I'm going to try resetting both of my boxes and then doing a hard power restart and see if that makes a difference. I doubt it but you never know.

[RACJ2]

Ok, here is another shot in the dark, since these items show on my account. Under the "My Sevices", do you have these three items listed at zero dollars: "DIRECTV DVR Service", "DIRECTV on DEMAND" & "Welcome to DIRECTV". Also, have you checked your "History list" in your setups. If it is there, you might be able to see what happened, like a 'Failed' message. At least if it failed, you know the request made it to the DVR.

[Richierich]

It is AMAZING that DIRECTV can't figure out what the problem is as far as their technicians but nowadays it is very difficult to actually talk to a TECHNICIAN as even "technical departments" are now staffed with just CSRs that have a little more knowledge than the average bear but they are not "TECHNICAL" types.

[rpm5099]

AMAZING - it suddenly started working yesterday. I'm assuming an engineer actually finally saw my multiple complaints and fixed it in 11 seconds. I understand the billable hours cost and how the phone dummies are cheap, but when I call for a 5th complaint and explain to them that I'm a Systems Engineer and am a certified network admin, come on put me on with someone who isnt wasting my time. Their engineers arent the only ones who's time is valuable.

[Richierich]

Sometimes their Computerized System has to update it with a switch being set and it takes alot longer than it should for the system to flip that switch to on. They may do it in Batches is what I am thinking.