how to install R10 (was a D11-100)

[mikendebbie]

I have been with Directv for almost 3 years. Recently found a R10 at a garage sale for $1 (it was late in the day!). Called Directv and got it activated, and plugged it in..it booted fine to initial screen. I have message - it's looking for 2 satelite inputs. D11 only had one coax input run to that bedroom. Also,I found a manual online - it says R10 MUST have phone line to operate correctly. I cut my land line 2 years ago and have been using our cell phones. My R15 in the living room works fine and has never had a phone line.

1. Is it true that a phone line is a must? I bought the thing for $1...I'll throw the thing in the trash and go back to my D11-100 before I hook into Verizon land line again.

2. Does the R10 really have to have 2 coax inputs? I don't care if I can't record and watch different shows with second tuner. This is just a way to record a 3rd show when the R15 is busy. Does this mean I have to run another coax from the splitter near my dish? Is there a way to over-ride this message and tell it to use 1 input?

TIA
Mike in Austin

[carl6]

The R10 will work with only 1 coax. During dish setup there is a place to specify if you have 1 or 2 coax connected.

The phone line might be an issue. The R10 must have a phone connection in order to know it needs new software (the actual software comes via satellite), so in order for it to upgrade it needs to call home. You will get a message saying it needs to make a phone call after a preset period of time, which you can clear. As long as it's working okay, you can ignore the message and keep going. Eventually though, you are going to need a software upgrade and if you don't get it you will have problems with guide data or other functions. So use it for now and until it no longer works for you, then decide if you want to figure out a way to make it call in.

Oh, and you can just hook it up to the phone line long enough for the call to happen, then disconnect again until the next time there is an issue. Check www.tivocommunity.com for a lot more information on tivo based DirecTV DVRs (like the R10).