no phone for DirecTivo

[amphion]

I'm trying to get a feel if you really need the phone for the DirecTivo units. We have cells and I don't want a phone line.

DBSForums user (rwsmith) posted:
"Note that the latest DirecTiVos don't need a phone line connection except for their initial setups. They get their guide data and, with 3.1 software, TiVo-side authentication, via the satellite. If you run them without a phone line, though, you'll eventually be unable to order PPVs via the remote (ordering via the Web page should still work, though). Apparently the systems will eventually start nagging you to connect a phone. You could do so on a sporadic basis and force a call to get rid of the nags. A phone line may also be required for some sports packages."

I have spoke to DTV and ObitSat and received two answers from each: Yes and No.

Most of the people said you don't need the phone like above. Does anyone know if you can have the sat plugged into a phone at a friends house?

I have some friends that just bought the Hughes DirecTivo and love it.

Please post your thoughts or experiences.

Thanks,
Amphion

[Timco]

You need a phoneline for the initial setup. After that, you will get a "nag" message after the 14th day and then a message everyday after the 30th day. You could probably plug it into your friends phone every once in awhile to clear the message, but I have heard conflicting reports on the success.

[James_F]

My parents use one of these with their SA TiVo.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F008%5F008%5F001%5F004&product%5Fid=43%2D160

[Kenster]

James F said: <<My parents use one of these with their SA TiVo.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.a...t%5Fid=43%2D160>>

These work fine if you don't have a nearby jack. Amphion's situation is that he exclusively uses cell phones with no land line. These jacks won't help.

[James_F]

Which I would have seen if I actually read his post. :blush:

[Halfsek]

I didn't even realize that the phone line for the DirecTivo died. I think during some construction.
Anyway, it's been over a month and no problems at all.

[amphion]

Well, I got my new Dtivo up and running this Sat. Like everyone said you do need a phone line just for the setup.

So, I took it over to my buddy's house that had DTV and plugged it in and *bing* it worked.

It had to call out twice:
1) assuming first was 800# to find local numbers
2) test the local number

DTivo works greats and I am now addicted.

Thanks,
Amphion