What Is DirecTV2PC? Win7 Beta

[jdcolombo]

Hi everyone.

On a lark I decided to download and try out the Windows 7 beta (I really like it, but that's another story). In my Networking window, several things show up that I've never seen before on my XP computers, particularly an icon for DirecTv2PC, apparently one for each HR20-700 DVR that I have connected to my home network. When I click on these, they take me to Windows Media Player, where the DirecTV2PC is listed as a library. When I click on that, I get a bunch of icons, included Recorded TV, Photos, all sorts of stuff. But if I click on one of those, all I get is an error message (Cannot Connect to Library).

Can anyone tell me what this is? Is it software for a yet-to-be-enable multi-room-viewing option? What's going on here?

John C.

[Tom Robertson]

DIRECTV2PC is DIRECTV's software for PCs that allows you to stream content from your DVRs to your PC. (DLNA compliant, it also is the basis for the future MRV features.)

You can download DIRECTV2PC at http://www.directv.com/directv2pc.

The reason Media player can see the library but can't actually play the content is Media Player does not (yet) include the optional DRM components for DNLA, DTCP-IP. (Encrypts the video stream across the network.) We can always hope it gets included at the time of final release of Windows 7.

Note: I haven't been able to load DIRECTV2PC onto Windows 7 64bit. I haven't tried the 32bit Windows 7 yet.

Peace,
Tom

[jdcolombo]

Thanks for the explanation, Tom. So, is the place this is headed is that (we hope) when Win 7 ships in final form, it will automatically include all the codecs necessary for connecting to my HD-DVR's and playing whatever content I have on those on my computer automatically via Media Player, without the separate application that you linked? Jeez, how did I completely miss this technology? . . . what a terrific idea - sit on my couch, fire up the laptop, and watch my recorded episodes of Battlestar Galactica . . .

John C.

[Tom Robertson]

I expect Media Player's codecs are already sufficient, especially in Windows 7.

What I don't think is currently found in Windows 7, is the copy protection module that is an optional component of DLNA. (It's called DTCP-IP.)

Since Windows 7 is to have more DRM and copy protection support, I am hoping it will include DTCP eventually. (Perhaps someone closer to the windows rumor mill let us know.)

And yes, the application is great and handy. :)

[LarryFlowers]

Is there any topic more confusing than trying to nail anyone down on DRM? Even people at Microsoft aren't sure whats happening.

I think there are to many rudders trying to stear the boat...:lol:


I expect Media Player's codecs are already sufficient, especially in Windows 7.

What I don't think is currently found in Windows 7, is the copy protection module that is an optional component of DLNA. (It's called DTCP-IP.)

Since Windows 7 is to have more DRM and copy protection support, I am hoping it will include DTCP eventually. (Perhaps someone closer to the windows rumor mill let us know.)

And yes, the application is great and handy. :)

[yuppers519]

I did the upgrade instead of custom when i installed windows 7, which left all of the software i allready had installed alone. I have windows 7 32-bit and directv2pc is working great, also when you right click on the icon and select properties and click on compatibility you can run the software as a previous version of an operating system.
DIRECTV2PC is DIRECTV's software for PCs that allows you to stream content from your DVRs to your PC. (DLNA compliant, it also is the basis for the future MRV features.)

You can download DIRECTV2PC at http://www.directv.com/directv2pc.

The reason Media player can see the library but can't actually play the content is Media Player does not (yet) include the optional DRM components for DNLA, DTCP-IP. (Encrypts the video stream across the network.) We can always hope it gets included at the time of final release of Windows 7.

Note: I haven't been able to load DIRECTV2PC onto Windows 7 64bit. I haven't tried the 32bit Windows 7 yet.

Peace,
Tom

[hdtvfan0001]

Based on what I saw firsthand at the CES this past weekend, I wouldn't count on Windows 7 to be all that compatible out of the gate. The MS fellow at the kiosk doing demos must have said "there are many codecs and drivers still in the works" a hundred times in 15 minutes.

[Tom Robertson]

There have been other reports of DIRECTV2PC working, though it wasn't made clear if it was the 32bit or 64bit. So I'm encouraged that DIRECTV2PC will be fixed for Windows 7 very soon.

I did try several installations with various compatibility modes. No luck for me.

Peace,
Tom

[axehandle44]

When I follow the link I can only seem to download the 'advisor', where is the download to the actual Directv2PC application?

Thanks in advance.

[Tom Robertson]

Welcome to the forums, axehandle44! :welcome_s

You should get a popup to download the adviser then a page to enter email address to get to the beta download page.

Cheers,
Tom

[MountainMan10]

You have to click the button to download the advisor. It may be blocked by pop-up blocker. You do not have to download it. You then enter a name and email address and then the download starts. An activation code will be emailed to you.

[axehandle44]

Excellent... thanks guys!!!!

Thanks for the welcome.

[Getteau]

There have been other reports of DIRECTV2PC working, though it wasn't made clear if it was the 32bit or 64bit. So I'm encouraged that DIRECTV2PC will be fixed for Windows 7 very soon.

I did try several installations with various compatibility modes. No luck for me.

Peace,
Tom

Was that with the latest build of the DTV app or a previous one? I did an upgrade in place of my 64b Vista to 64b Windows 7 and I'm almost positive I remember getting it to work with the latest version. Unfortunately, I reloaded my laptop the other day and went back to 64b Vista, so I can't test it again. Maybe my upgrade in place made it possible.

[Jeremy W]

Since Windows 7 is to have more DRM and copy protection support, I am hoping it will include DTCP eventually.
But Windows 7 allows multiple monitors to be active, so how would that work? :p

[Ken S]

You would think at this point Windows 7 would be the primary development target for any unreleased application. It's not like its release has been a secret for the past year.