HR10-250 HD Tivo Review

[Art]

Thanks for your reply, RAD (even though you breaking my heart :) ). I didn't know HD Tivo is such a conservative machine. It's good if it's reliable though as you just described, but my impression was that 942 is just as good + all the features. it's 921 that would cause all sorts of problems. But I didn't own any of those, so I wouldn't know for sure. Combine this with the fact that E* has much more HD content and makes you wonder why people even go with D* HD receivers unless they are soccer nuts like myself. E* do not have Setanta Sports and ESPN2 HD, and that's my reason for swithing to D*.

[Hoppy]

Yes, it looks like you may have another bad unit. Take the replacement. I don't believe the entire HR10-250 line is unreliable but some people are having more trouble than others. The good thing is that DirecTV is very good about replacing bad units. Your next unit will probably be just fine.

BTW: Welcome to DBSTalk! :welcome_s

I guess this isn't entirely off-topic. I have the HR10-250 with HD and a Panny ES-10 DVD recorder. I want to pass one signal from one D* tuner through to the DVD recorder in real time, and watch to other D* tuner. In short, record a 12Noon football game to DVD and while doing so watch the Astros baseball game on another channel.

This does not seem to be possible as whatever you are watching is being output (via composite audio and S-Video).

Anyway around this?

Alternative is to record both, watch one, and do the copy to DVD later, I guess.

[greywolf]

The alternative will be required.

[Hoppy]

The alternative will be required.

Thanks. Did that. Game lasted 6 HRS. Will not DVD it.

So there is no way to dub to the DVD recorder (ES-10, but thinking about changing to SONY GX-300) without tying up the D* HR10-250 completely? Man, that is a bummer.

[TheRatPatrol]

Thanks. Did that. Game lasted 6 HRS. Will not DVD it.

So there is no way to dub to the DVD recorder (ES-10, but thinking about changing to SONY GX-300) without tying up the D* HR10-250 completely? Man, that is a bummer.

Or you could get a stand alone receiver and hook that up to the DVD player, that is if you want to pay the 4.99 a month mirror fee.

[hxl7]

I have posted my review of the HR10-250 at the following link:



I will be happy to answer any questions so ask away.

Thanks!

Hello, Chris,
Thanks for all of the great information and for this site.
I am trying to decide whether to go with Dish and the 942 or with Directv and its HD receiver.
Having used both, do you have any recommendations or criteria by whihc I could make a decision ?
Thank you.
Bill

[BOSSCAT]

I am currently on cable (Cox) and use a TIVO Series 2 with the Server Desktop 2.2 software. Since I like HD and this box would not handle it I have 2 cable boxes one for HD (which I can't record :( ) and a regular cable box for the TIVO with seperate inputs to my Plasma.

I have saved a ton of albums and digital pictures on my computer and enjoy via the TIVO server.
Cox does not support TIVO.
I would like to go to Direct TV and use thier new HD box but no one can tell me if that box supports the pictures and music functionality of my current TIVO.

Also, are there any other alternate boxes (non-TIVO) which could provide similar functionality? :confused:

Nobody at Circuit city knew! :(

[TK106]

My HR10-250, purchased October 2005, is 95% perfect.
Here is the other 5%: About once every hour, when watching recorded programs, it stops, and the screen goes black. All you have to do is to rewind a bit, and it starts up again fine, going smoothly through where it had just stopped. We are debating whether it is worthwhile to return it & get a new one. Anyone else seen this problem? Guesses what it is - software or hardware? Think it will get worse?

[bpratt]

I would like to go to Direct TV and use thier new HD box but no one can tell me if that box supports the pictures and music functionality of my current TIVO.
It doesn't.

[Chris Blount]

My HR10-250, purchased October 2005, is 95% perfect.
Here is the other 5%: About once every hour, when watching recorded programs, it stops, and the screen goes black. All you have to do is to rewind a bit, and it starts up again fine, going smoothly through where it had just stopped. We are debating whether it is worthwhile to return it & get a new one. Anyone else seen this problem? Guesses what it is - software or hardware? Think it will get worse?Hi TK. Welcome to DBSTalk! :welcome_s

Get it replaced. It shouldn't be doing that. Might be hard drive related

[KenW]

. . . the screen goes black.

Are you sure it's the TiVo, and not the TV?

If you're sure, I'd get DirecTV to replace it. They should do it for free, so why not?

[durl]

I just got my H10-250 hooked up yesterday. I was hoping some of you could help me with some questions. (I've been using a Sony HD-200 for several years.)

1. Is there a way to get the receiver to automatically tune to a program WITHOUT recording it? We like to program a show in so that we don't miss the beginning.

2. When should I use Standby? It's my understanding that the unit's always on anyway, so I'm not sure if I should put it in Standby at night or if that's just for extended periods of non-use.

3. Did anyone else noticing HD channels appearing to be much softer compared to a previous HD receiver? They almost seem fuzzy compared to my Sony.

4. Why would the unit be recording shows that I never told it to record? Last night, it started recording an NBA game that I never set up.

My first impression (after only 5-6 hours of use) is that it's a good DVR, but not the best receiver. It seems that they traded off some satellite receiver functionality for DVR functions. Maybe I just need to learn more about how it works.

[RAD]

I just got my H10-250 hooked up yesterday. I was hoping some of you could help me with some questions. (I've been using a Sony HD-200 for several years.)

1. Is there a way to get the receiver to automatically tune to a program WITHOUT recording it? We like to program a show in so that we don't miss the beginning.

2. When should I use Standby? It's my understanding that the unit's always on anyway, so I'm not sure if I should put it in Standby at night or if that's just for extended periods of non-use.

3. Did anyone else noticing HD channels appearing to be much softer compared to a previous HD receiver? They almost seem fuzzy compared to my Sony.

4. Why would the unit be recording shows that I never told it to record? Last night, it started recording an NBA game that I never set up.

My first impression (after only 5-6 hours of use) is that it's a good DVR, but not the best receiver. It seems that they traded off some satellite receiver functionality for DVR functions. Maybe I just need to learn more about how it works.


#1 - Nope, no auto tune.

#2 - Don't bother with standby, it really doesn't do anything except shut off the outputs.

#3 - I haven't noticed that with mine. Sure you have the output resolution of the box set to at least 720p or 1080i?

#4 - Have you turned off Tivo Sugguestions (it's in the settings). Else Tivo will start to record shows that it THINKS you like to watch on its own.

[durl]

RAD:

Thanks for the info.

1. Dang-it.

2. I figured as much. I assumed that since this thing is essentially a computer that displays TV, standby wasn't a big deal.

3. My HD monitor doesn't do 720p so I set it up to do 480i, 480p, and 1080i. It just seemed very soft on 1080i. I have noticed that 480i stuff looks MUCH better on this unit than my Sony since it will output 480i via component outputs.

4. I did NOT catch that setting. I'll be sure to dig into that today!

One more quick question: Will Directv update the software on this thing so that the guide will refresh quicker? This thing is PAINFULLY slow. The current software version is 3.1 "something". I'm concerned that I've gotten an outdated machine (it still has the Tivo logos and I don't know if D* has started putting out it's own machine yet) that they won't bother to upgrade.

[RAD]

RAD:

Thanks for the info.

1. Dang-it.

2. I figured as much. I assumed that since this thing is essentially a computer that displays TV, standby wasn't a big deal.

3. My HD monitor doesn't do 720p so I set it up to do 480i, 480p, and 1080i. It just seemed very soft on 1080i. I have noticed that 480i stuff looks MUCH better on this unit than my Sony since it will output 480i via component outputs.

4. I did NOT catch that setting. I'll be sure to dig into that today!

One more quick question: Will Directv update the software on this thing so that the guide will refresh quicker? This thing is PAINFULLY slow. The current software version is 3.1 "something". I'm concerned that I've gotten an outdated machine (it still has the Tivo logos and I don't know if D* has started putting out it's own machine yet) that they won't bother to upgrade.


As of this time there is no announcement from D* that they'll upgrade the software to the 6.2 (or greater) version which greatly improves the speed of the guide and adds the folder options. It was rumored that D*/Tivo was working on porting the upgrade but I haven't heard anything about it lately. You might want to try using the other grid style, I forget the name for it, when in the guide hit info then select the other grid style and see if it's faster for you.

[Chris Blount]

Use the Tivo Guide style. The grid style is very slow and cumbersome.

[cheer]

One more quick question: Will Directv update the software on this thing so that the guide will refresh quicker? This thing is PAINFULLY slow. The current software version is 3.1 "something". I'm concerned that I've gotten an outdated machine (it still has the Tivo logos and I don't know if D* has started putting out it's own machine yet) that they won't bother to upgrade.
Nobody knows for sure. The current version is 3.1.5f. Other DirecTV Tivos are running 6.1 or 6.2, which has faster menus, etc., but it's not yet compatible with the HD Tivo.

Most speculation is that since D* is coming out with their own, non-Tivo HD DVR that there won't be any further upgrades to the HR10-250, but in truth we have no idea.

[JLucPicard]

durl,

One thing I just found about the guide is that if you use the fast forward (rewind) buttons, they jump the time forward (or back) about an hour and a half versus one block at a time using the round left/right buttons. Helps a little, but not much. I tend to just use the Tivo guide.

As for the auto tune, if I'm interested in watching a show (nearly) live and want to make sure the channel gets changed, I will set up a manual recording starting on time with a five minute duration. Takes up next to nothing space-wise for a recorded program and the channel gets set right and on time. If you are watching live, you should be able to watch straight thru. If you start watching after the first five minutes, you may need to watch the recorded version first, then live. Not ideal, but it works for me.

The "Suggestions" setting allows you to set to record or not record suggestions. Any programs recorded this way will only record when they do not interfere with programs you have set to record, and will be the first programs deleted when space becomes tight. Some people like this feature, I personally have it turned off. If you do use it, you can "teach" it what you watch by using the "Thumbs Up" and "Thimbs Down" buttons.

I hope you like your unit. I thinks its the bees knees.

[durl]

Thanks for the info, JLuc.

Good tips about the forward/rewind buttons. That's the kind of info I need to help me get used to this unit.

I turned off the Suggestions last night. My wife called me at work yesterday and asked me why I recorded 3-4 movies the night before. I told her about the automatic setting. I'm just glad it didn't get any "questionable" movies. :-)

I think I'm going to like it. I wish it had some more of the basic functionality of my Sony HD-200, but the trade-off of recording in HD should make up for it. Some things I wish it could do:

1. Auto-tune. It's great to have the receiver tune for you.
2. Closed-captioning with the touch of a single button. I missed some dialog on Lost last night because I just couldn't understand what was being muttered.
3. Extra detail on the show. With the HD-200, when looking at the guide, you could hit Display to get description, stars, and director.
4. FASTER GUIDES. But don't we all want that?
5. Automatic output format. While it's nice to be able to flip output format with the push of a button, I wish it would change display automatically based upon the format received. When it gets a 720p signal, display it at 1080i, when it gets a 480i signal, display it at 480i, etc. This one isn't a biggie.

Anyway, just the ramblings of a DVR newbie. You guys are a great resource.

[garyswri]

anyone having problems with this model ota reception. My unit continually loses some channels on ota digital stations. Never had a problem with my sony hd200. only switched over for dvr functions and guess I lost some features.

[durl]

gary, I just switched from an HD200 and really miss it's functionality.

To answer your question, I haven't noticed any problems, but I've only had mine for a couple of weeks. I'm pretty happy with OTA on the DVR.

[RAD]

anyone having problems with this model ota reception. My unit continually loses some channels on ota digital stations. Never had a problem with my sony hd200. only switched over for dvr functions and guess I lost some features.

I haven't had an issue. Some folks have said that since there's an internal signal splitter in the box that they've had problems and needed to boost the signal a bit.

[reubenray]

Just received this DVR and was wanting to turn it off. Where is the power button for the DVR on the remote?

[Chris Blount]

Just received this DVR and was wanting to turn it off. Where is the power button for the DVR on the remote?There is no power button. You can, however, place the unit in "standby" which only really turns off the audio and video outputs.

The HR10-250 is always on whether in standby or not.

[greywolf]

The same can be said for just about any DirecTV receiver except for the button labling. The off button really doesn't turn off the box, just the output.

[reubenray]

OK- no problem. I thought I read somewhere that they turned the receiver off because it was overheating.

[vurbano]

the off button is the power plug connection on the back.

[KennyP]

I'm considering buying an HR10-250. I already have HD D*. Where do you guys suggest I go to buy it, or do I need to purchase it through D*?

Thanks,
KennyP

[Wolffpack]

Kenny,

Take a look at this thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3606714#post3606714).

If you've been with DTV for a while and have a higher priced package or options, they will work a deal for you. After rebates/credits and programming credits I ended up getting a HR10-250 for $45. I just got that deal last week. Give DTV a call and ask for customer retention right away. Then just ask them how they can get you into an HD Tivo.

[KennyP]

Great. I will give that a try. Thanks for the tip!

[ganz]

I never thought to buy my DVR strsight through D*. I've called to negotiate my programing rates before and they almost always applied a credit over a few months.

[Lord Vader]

Kenny,

Take a look at this thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=3606714#post3606714).

If you've been with DTV for a while and have a higher priced package or options, they will work a deal for you. After rebates/credits and programming credits I ended up getting a HR10-250 for $45. I just got that deal last week. Give DTV a call and ask for customer retention right away. Then just ask them how they can get you into an HD Tivo.

Well, I've been a customer of theirs for over 8 years and the best they would to for me is to sell me the HR10-250 for $399 after the instant rebate of $200 and give me free installation. Big frickin' deal.

I'm not going to pay $400 for this unit when I am sure I can find it elsewhere for much less. So much for DirecTV taking care of their "best" customers. :mad:

[tall1]

Well, I've been a customer of theirs for over 8 years and the best they would to for me is to sell me the HR10-250 for $399 after the instant rebate of $200 and give me free installation. Big frickin' deal.

I'm not going to pay $400 for this unit when I am sure I can find it elsewhere for much less. So much for DirecTV taking care of their "best" customers. :mad:Same here. I am wondering if you would be eligible for the $200 MIR too. As long as you purchase before 2/28/2006 and postmark it by 4/30/2006 I think you can use it too.

[vernsh@comcast.net]

Well, I've been a customer of theirs for over 8 years and the best they would to for me is to sell me the HR10-250 for $399 after the instant rebate of $200 and give me free installation. Big frickin' deal.

I'm not going to pay $400 for this unit when I am sure I can find it elsewhere for much less. So much for DirecTV taking care of their "best" customers. :mad:

Oh the pain of being an early adopter. I paid $950 for mine back in July 2004. Plus I've dropped another bundle to upgrade it to 2x400gb Harddrives. Someone on eBay is selling a brand new one for $290 plus $20 shipping which is the cheapest I've seen one. There's a $200 rebate offer on the table for February which makes this price possible so you should consider that if you're in the market.

[aaronwt]

Wow!! What a huge difference! I sold 4 HD-TiVos on Ebay for $1400 and 2 for $1700 back in May/June 2004.
The profit paid for my two units and replacing the original WD drive with two MAxtor 250GB drives in each unit.

[Earl Bonovich]

Well folks...

Seeing that the HR10-250 is nearly 2 years old... And isn't changing much more...
I am going to de-sticky the thread...

It will still be around, via searches and other means.

In the upcomming months/year... we will see a few new "forums" sections for some of DirecTV's upcomming HD products... HR20; Home Media Center; just to name a few...

The HR10-250 is a great little box... still is my primary system...

[sfascu]

I am new to this board, so, please excuse my ignorance.

I am a current Directv customer and would like to upgrade to HD. I do not care whether it will be Directv, DISH, or cable. My only requirement is the Boomerang channel. I would like to stay with Directv. Is it OK to purchase the HR10-250 at this time and forgo the newer system? I realize that MPEG4 will become standard in a few years. I do not mind changing system in 2 years. Or should I go with Comcast or DISH? All I care is to get the HD by the end of this week for the NCAA tournament coming up. I know that the members of this board is quite verse in the issue. Any light you can shed will be greatly appreciated.

BTW, the upfront lease of $499 with Directv is annoying in my opinion.

Thanks.

[cheer]

The lease option surely is annoying.

On the other hand, in my humble opinion the HR10-250 is still the best HD DVR out there, so if it were me I'd get the HR10-250 via DirecTV (and, when it was me, I did!). :)

--chris

[YoUTHaN]

I am interested in this unit, HR10-250 HD tIVO, but I need to know if it will support out of the box MPEG4 .

[Lord Vader]

No. The HR20-700 and HR20-100 HD DVRs will. The HD TIVO is on its way to becoming obsolete.