If you don't read this forum, how do you know about new software features?

[Jon J]

I'm just wondering how DirecTV communicates all the new features they periodically add to the regular subscriber who doesn't know about this forum.

[Stuart Sweet]

After updates, there is a splash screen that explains some of the new features.

[Jon J]

Thanks, Shadow. Somehow, I must have missed every one. New software downloaded last night and I'll be darned if I can find the "splash screens". ;) ;)

[davel]

After updates, there is a splash screen that explains some of the new features.


and if someone else fast forwards through the screen how can I tell? There is no "release notes" in the info section.

[RAD]

I will usually come up if you hit the guide or list buttons after the reboot. It comes up only the very first time the button is hit.

[marknga]

I will usually come up if you hit the guide or list buttons after the reboot. It comes up only the very first time the button is hit.

I've never seen the "splash screen".

[Doug Brott]

I've never seen the "splash screen".

Only comes up once per machine .. usually after pressing {LIST} or {GUIDE} .. Perhaps someone else in your house is always the first to do this.

[Jon J]

Only comes up once per machine .. usually after pressing {LIST} or {GUIDE} .. Perhaps someone else in your house is always the first to do this.I humbly submit there's got to be a better way of doing this. ;)

[Stuart Sweet]

Sometimes they also put information in the printed bills, and sometimes send e-mails about interesting features like On Demand or GameSearch.

[Cpt Guavaberry]

Like picking up a news paper. Just check in with the forum a couple times each week and check the most recent articles or do a quick search on the topic that interests you. :read:

Happy and safe holidays!!

[xIsamuTM]

that last one is usually only if it's a major change to the function of the receivers. i aways figured that maintenance updates were just... done.

[Stuart Sweet]

True. Why would the average user want to know about increased stability. He just wants it to work.

[Richierich]

Well, you would want to know about the new QuickTune Feature which I find quite handy. I saw it pop up on my screen this morning when I hit the Guide Button.

[sunking]

I'm just wondering how DirecTV communicates all the new features they periodically add to the regular subscriber who doesn't know about this forum.

There are no new features as they have allocated all resources to adding DLB. To announce its arrival they will be playing 2 days straight of authentic footage of Big Foot having afternoon tea with the Lockness Monster.

[billsharpe]

I will usually come up if you hit the guide or list buttons after the reboot. It comes up only the very first time the button is hit.

That's better than nothing, but it's easy to miss if you aren't paying attention.

DirecTV has a messaging procedure which they hardly use any more that might be appropriate for mentioning new features. Many years ago they used this so much promoting PPV and other extra-cost items that it became annoying. Now they've gone the other way and hardly ever send out messages.

[Richierich]

That's better than nothing, but it's easy to miss if you aren't paying attention.

DirecTV has a messaging procedure which they hardly use any more that might be appropriate for mentioning new features. Many years ago they used this so much promoting PPV and other extra-cost items that it became annoying. Now they've gone the other way and hardly ever send out messages.

I'm curious as to why Directv doesn't use their messaging service because when I had my HR10-250 I used to get alot of messages about things and now I hardly ever have anything waiting to be viewed.

It would also be nice if they used both methods of giving us messages.

[txtommy]

I humbly submit there's got to be a better way of doing this. ;)

I agree. Since my son is usually the first one to turn the tv on in the morning, any notifications are long gone by the time I tune in.

[gquiring]

I have never seen a splash screen and I am the only user of my HR22. I noticed today that my blue ring was lit so I assumed it was a new version of code. But no splash screen.

[B Newt]

Another way to tell is to turn off the blue ring on the receiver. When a update happens, the blue ring will turn back on by it self.

[dcowboy7]

Another way to tell is to turn off the blue ring on the receiver. When a update happens, the blue ring will turn back on by it self.

or if u keep it really dim it will then be really bright.

[Richierich]

Another way to tell is to turn off the blue ring on the receiver. When a update happens, the blue ring will turn back on by it self.

I forgot all about that happening and I went to check on my HR20-700 and sure enough the BLUE RING was on bright as ever.

[hdgreg]

I forgot all about that happening and I went to check on my HR20-700 and sure enough the BLUE RING was on bright as ever.

Okay, I'm not clever enough to shut off the blue ring. How is that done?:confused:

[tcusta00]

Okay, I'm not clever enough to shut off the blue ring. How is that done?:confused:

On the face of your receiver press the left and right arrow buttons on either side of the ring simultaneously. Each time you do that it will dim until finally it goes off.

[Richierich]

And when you Power it back on it stays off so if you see the Blue Ring it means you had a download and it rebooted the DVR and reset the Blue Light to on which it shouldn't do but it does so we know if a download took place.

[MartyS]

I just wish that they would use the messages function to let us know about changes. That way its there, and not just a "flash in the pan", like it is now. I only saw the message on one of my three receivers, because my wife used the other two first. SHe had no idea what the message meant, so she just blew right past it.

[Jlg]

So long as they don't start putting more c... in the guide, screwing up the page alignments and taking up more space.

[txtommy]

Another way to tell is to turn off the blue ring on the receiver. When a update happens, the blue ring will turn back on by it self.

This is true but unless you're the first one to view the tv after the update there is no list of changes. Seems like this could be done as a message that is retained as long as that version of software is loaded. It could be an item under setup or help that describes recent changes and improvements.

Those of us who use this forum can find out the details here but I'd guess that 99% of those who subscribe to Directv don't even know this forum exists.

[Stuart Sweet]

Who knows, now that Messages has been moved under Customer Care in the Menu structure, you might see more of them!

[rahlquist]

Who knows, now that Messages has been moved under Customer Care in the Menu structure, you might see more of them!

That would be a plus, a message would be perfect.

[txtommy]

Who knows, now that Messages has been moved under Customer Care in the Menu structure, you might see more of them!

That would be very helpful. Another method might be to have a Tips option that suggests useful features in the software. Many computer software programs use this feature to help educate users.

[hdgreg]

On the face of your receiver press the left and right arrow buttons on either side of the ring simultaneously. Each time you do that it will dim until finally it goes off.

Thanks for the Christmas "gift", I am now smarter....ain't I?:D Merry Christmas to all. Greg

[Stuart Sweet]

That would be very helpful. Another method might be to have a Tips option that suggests useful features in the software. Many computer software programs use this feature to help educate users.

I know what you're talking about, but I wouldn't like that. With a computer you can deliberately linger on an area and get a tip. With a DVR your cursor is always somewhere... and I don't want a tip every time I go into the guide.

There are some tips that do come on, as part of help screens or info screens, that's ok.

[Richierich]

Who knows, now that Messages has been moved under Customer Care in the Menu structure, you might see more of them!

A message that would stay there until you DELETE it so you could tell the kids or wife do NOT DELETE any messages as I will do all of the DELETING!

[hdtvfan0001]

Who knows, now that Messages has been moved under Customer Care in the Menu structure, you might see more of them!
My preference for some time. :)