PDA

View Full Version : Plus HD DVR (HR2x) from BB – does it require HD service to be activated?

wall-e
08-18-09, 01:50 AM
I am a current D** customer. If I purchased a Plus HD DVR (HR2x) from a local BB, would I be required to activate the HD service? I know DVR service is required on all DVR systems. I like the idea of the DVR, RF remote, directv2pc, and on-demand, but I do not have an HDtv yet. (HDtv purchase date unknown)

Thanks for taking the time to read this post.
BattleScott
08-18-09, 05:38 AM
I am a current D** customer. If I purchased a Plus HD DVR (HR2x) from a local BB, would I be required to activate the HD service? I know DVR service is required on all DVR systems. I like the idea of the DVR, RF remote, directv2pc, and on-demand, but I do not have an HDtv yet. (HDtv purchase date unknown)

Thanks for taking the time to read this post.

Yes, in most cases it does require an HD programming package to activate the HD equipment. There are certain cases in local markets that are only served by MPEG4 locals where they will allow the activation of the HD receivers on non-HD accounts.
BattleZone
08-18-09, 05:53 AM
Yes, it will require HD service. And also remember that you aren't "purchasing" a DirecTV receiver at Best Buy; you are leasing it.
dorfd1
08-20-09, 02:41 PM
why not activate it and then go online and remove hd access.
Stuart Sweet
08-20-09, 02:46 PM
HD Access is required for any account with an HD receiver.
The Merg
08-20-09, 02:48 PM
why not activate it and then go online and remove hd access.

As Stuart stated, it is required. By removing HD Access, you would be in violation of the Equipment Lease Addendum.

- Merg
dorfd1
08-20-09, 02:59 PM
As Stuart stated, it is required. By removing HD Access, you would be in violation of the Equipment Lease Addendum.

- Merg

I read on dbstalk that some people had dvr's without dvr service. people who have the HR20i can have it with out hd service
Grentz
08-20-09, 03:02 PM
I read on dbstalk that some people had dvr's without dvr service. people who have the HR20i can have it with out hd service

The HR20i is for IP systems (very rare/expensive right now, MDU only). So there are lots of special circumstances with it ;)

For the normal HR2x receivers you are supposed to have DVR and HD access as said in the lease agreement.
dishrich
08-20-09, 03:16 PM
HD Access is required for any account with an HD receiver.

Except in local MPEG4 markets, as BattleScott already pointed out...
Grentz
08-20-09, 03:24 PM
Except in local MPEG4 markets, as BattleScott already pointed out...

Most should get the R22 then, which is basically a HR2x designed for MPEG4 markets and to work as an SD-DVR.
dishrich
08-20-09, 03:41 PM
Most should get the R22 then, which is basically a HR2x designed for MPEG4 markets and to work as an SD-DVR.

Not anymore, D* is now ONLY installing new H2x or HR2x receivers in ALL these markets. It's been posted both on this & satguys numerous times - the R22 is being retired, & in the non-MPEG4 SD markets, D* is going back to using R16's.

Again, here are a couple of postings of this old news:

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10544512

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/displaythread?rootPostID=10531394

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=157678
Grentz
08-20-09, 03:47 PM
Ahh, ok then. Makes sense since the R22 really is just an HR2x.
keenan
08-20-09, 11:16 PM
Except in local MPEG4 markets, as BattleScott already pointed out...

Can you expand on this? What is a local MPEG4 market, aren't all markets with MPEG4 HD local markets?
sigma1914
08-21-09, 05:06 AM
Can you expand on this? What is a local MPEG4 market, aren't all markets with MPEG4 HD local markets?

Some areas have SD locals in MPEG4.
dishrich
08-21-09, 08:24 AM
Can you expand on this? What is a local MPEG4 market, aren't all markets with MPEG4 HD local markets?

Just read the 1st link in my post above & it tells you EXACTLY which markets are... ;) ;)

Some areas have SD locals in MPEG4.

But the majority of the MPEG4 markets I mention actually broadcast many of the locals in MPEG4 HD only. If you are an SD only sub, your HD receiver will simply downconvert any HD-only locals back to SD, so there is NO need for D* to send up a duplicate SD copy of your locals. If you do NOT pay for HD access, then the receiver is locked down to 480p, so you cannot see any HD locals in HD.

Example: in my market, our local ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC, & 2 of our local PBS's are up in MPEG4 HD. But, our local CW/MTN & 1 other PBS are up in MPEG4 SD. ALL of these signals are receivable by the Slimline 3 w/MPEG4 receivers.
keenan
08-21-09, 12:30 PM
Thanks for the replies. I recently down-graded my programming for awhile with DirecTV( a couple of Comcast promos far too good to ignore) and had always assumed that HD locals were "free", meaning they came with the package, Family, Choice, etc, and that the HD access was for all the other HD channels. Obviously that's not the case, HD locals actually cost $10 per month, which surprised me as Comcast doesn't charge any such fee for any "HD access", in fact, local HD comes in the clear with their cheapest package, in some area as low as $15.

Anyway, I've been with D* for ages and I was a little disappointed to see that was the case.
evan_s
08-21-09, 01:11 PM
Obviously that's not the case, HD locals actually cost $10 per month, which surprised me as Comcast doesn't charge any such fee for any "HD access", in fact, local HD comes in the clear with their cheapest package, in some area as low as $15.

That is only because they are required to carry the Local channels as clear QAM channels. In my area the basic locals only cable package is only 8$ and does include the HD locals as long as you have a QAM tuner to receive them.
MrLatte
08-21-09, 01:17 PM
Why not activate HD service so you can record shows in HD then when you get the HDTV you'll have some good content to watch?

Only works if you're planning an HDTV purchase in the next few weeks I suppose.
keenan
08-21-09, 01:24 PM
That is only because they are required to carry the Local channels as clear QAM channels. In my area the basic locals only cable package is only 8$ and does include the HD locals as long as you have a QAM tuner to receive them.

It's too bad DirecTV doesn't provide at least the local HD for "free". When you're talking $29.95 for their least expensive package, a $10 premium just to have your local HD channels is a hefty charge. Especially in markets where that's the only signal(HD) they get from the broadcasters, seems wrong somehow...