cabanaboy1977
04-19-06, 09:17 AM
It was suggested by Wohlfie in this thread (http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=270214) that we rebuild a FAQ. (Figure we could stop hijacking the other thread) Earl has done a great job on the review of the R15:allthumbs. But we figured that it's about time after 6 months to get a actual FAQ together.
Earl's review can be found here (http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=270214) and first beginnings of the FAQ here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=52000&highlight=FAQ)
Carl6, has said that he might be willing to start the FAQ. If there is anyone else out there would wants to help let us know.
So if you have any questions that you think should be in the FAQ post it here, if you have the answers please post those too.
Here what I had from the other list (I promise not to keep posting the list over and over:D)
Current Manufacturers and Software Version History
-----------------------------------------------------------
There are currently TWO Manufactures of the R15 (as of 2/2/2006)
Humax: Manufacturer Code of 500
Philips : Manufacturer Code of 300
-----------------
Software Version Information
Format: Manufacturer Code - Software Version
Manufacturer Code: 500 (Humax)
-----------------------------------------------------------
1044 - (Date Unknown) - Initial Version installed on hard drive
108a - Released ~ 10/09/2005 - Downloaded during initial install on Day #1 of Public Release.
109a - Released ~ 12/26/2005
109f - Released ~ 02/10/2006
10A3 - Released ~ 02/21/2006
10AF - Released 03/15/2006
10B8 - Released 04/ /2006
Manufacturer Code: 300 (Philips)
-----------------------------------------------------------
100a - Initial Hardware version
102b - Release ~ Initial date unknown
1031 - Released ~ 02/14/2006
1035 - Released ~ 02/21/2006
103A - Released 03/15/2006
103F - Released 05/??/2006
We have been told the two software versions are functionall identical, any differences will be noted through out the FAQ.
1. How do I switch between tuners?
At this time there is no way to switch between tuners. The only work around for this is to record both channels you want to watch and flip between the records.
2. How do I dim/turn off the blue light ring?
Hold down both the left and right arrow on R15 at the same time not the ones on the remote. It will cycle from brightest to dimmest and then off, release when the buttons when it's at the brightness you want.
3. How can I set up Series Links for the same show on multiple channels?
At this time you can not have two SL with the same name. You have two options to work around this. 1) setup a manual record on the other channels or 2) setup a find by.
4. What does a circled K next to a program in MyVOD mean?
If you have a K next to your program it means keep. To remove/add it press the blue button while you have the program highlighted in MYVOD. If you find that every you are recording is coming up with a K go into your SL and change the options from "keep until I delete" to "keep untill space is needed".
5. Do I need a phone line connected?
No, the R15 doesn't need a phone connected to receive any info. All the data comes from the satellite. The phone is only needed if you want to order PPV from your remote. If you have internet access your best bet is to order online, that way what every you order will be viewable on all your receivers. If you order from your remote only that reciever will have access to the program.
6. How do I force a software download?/Forcing the Download isn't working
Hit the red reset button that is next to the access card. As soon as you see the Welcome screen hit 02468 on your remote. Make sure those are the only keys you hit on the remote and don't enter the code again. It will take a couple of minutes, just be patience and you will get a downloading screen in a few minutes.
NOTE: The remote needs to be in DirecTV mode even if you programmed the R15 to work from AV1 or AV2.
7. I'm stuck on the Showcases Screen.
Hit the red or green button to switch between MYVOD and Showcases. If you find that everytime you hit list that you end up in Showcases, try reseting your reciever by hitting the red reset button next to the access card, this will usally fix the issue.
8. I hit the reset button and now my TODO list is empty, my guide data is gone.
When you reset the system you will lose your guide data an will only get 12 hours of data, locals may have less. The guide will rebuild it's self over the next 24-48hrs (if you want it to load the data faster put the R15 into standby by hitting the power button). You will also have to reset your zipcode(s) for your weather in the Active channel.
9. I hear the R15 has an internal destacker, does that mean that I can just run one cable to the R15 and use a splitter?
Yes and No. The R15 does have an internal destacker and yes you can only run one cable to do the R15, but you'll need to buy a stacker and a special splitter. A stacker cost $100 or more which you'll have to put at your dish. If you need help with that ask someone here.
10. What does the USB ports do?
Nothing, yet. They are plan to be used for HD upgrades and possibly network functions in the future.
11. How do I get a list of shows for just one channel (AKA Tivo style guide)?
In the guide move over to the channel number and hit info or go into the menu, then go into find by channel.
12. While watching a program I get a message asking if I want to delete the record. I go back into MYVOD and have to FF thru the program back to where I was, why does this happen?
Right now there is a bug with the jumpback button. If your watching a show that is recording that is recording and hit the jumpback button after the show finishes recording it will give jump you to the do you want to delete message. They are working on a fix for this in a future release. The two work arounds for this are 1) don't use the jumpback button after the recording finishes or 2) add a Bookmark, exit the recording and and jump to the bookmark.
13. How do I set/jump/delete to a Bookmark?
While watching a recorded show press pause and then hit the green button. To jump to a bookmark hold down the FF button and it will jump to the next bookmark. If you want to delete a bookmark jump to it then pause and hit the - button (the button to the left of zero).
14.What are the most common uses for the Red Yellow Green and Blue buttons
- In menu screens, left tab (Red) and right Tab (Green).
- While viewing a program, Blue brings up the banner guide.
- During playback, while paused, Green sets or removes bookmarks.
- In MYVOD, Yellow bring up the TODO list and Blue marks a program ask keep.
- In the guide, Green skips ahead 12 hours and Red skips back 12hrs.
15. In the prioritizer, is #1 the highest priority or lowest for a Series Link?
The highest....as in the "#1 priority". #2 is the second priority, and so on.
16. How do I tell what version of the software I currently have?
Press 'Menu' button, select 'Setting", select "Setup", select "Info & Test".
Note that the date of the "original version" will likely be wrong, but the current version and the date you received it may be correct.
17. How do you set your favorite channels?
Press menu. Select Favorites. Select Edit Settings. Select Custom 1 or Custom 2. Select channels desired, set naming scheme by highlighting Name List instead of the Add/Remove channels dialog. Select update name. After all of this you will want to go back into Menu > Favorites > and select the new custom guide you just created.
NOTE: The new custom must be re-selected after any reset.
18. Is it possible to start up an R15 with no satellite feed connected, and get to the menus and/or to MyVOD to watch previously recorded shows.
Yes. Disconect any cables from your dish (this will not work correctly if the unit is receiving any signal at all, so this is not optional). Do a "reset'. During startup, when it gets to the screen that says "acquiring satellite information", press the Exit button. You will then be at a blank screen, but everything except live tv viewing will be functional. You can press menu, go into setup, and look for a satellite signal. You can press List and go into MyVOD, select a recording and watch it.
NOTE: If your quiting DirecTV or deactiving the reciever and you want to be able to watch your shows. You'll need to make sure that you disconnect both staellite cables or the signal that DirecTV sends to your R15 will turn off the DVR functions and you will not be able to use it to view your recordings.
19. How do I use "Autotune"? Its shown on page 26 of the manual but I can't seem to access it.....
This is a case where DirecTV forgot to proofread the manual. Autotune is not a function of the R15 and may or may not be added later. Try adding a series link where you would normally set an autotune to get a similar result. This way if your not home or miss the start of the program you can rewind it to the beginning or watch it later. I know this isn't the exactly the function of autotune but it gets similar results.
20. I was watching a new series "live' and decided it was pretty good so I tried to set a Series Link by pressing "R" twice, but it didn't work. What am I doing wrong?
If your watching a program and would like to set it up as a series link you'll have to set it up via the guide. Hit the guide button, find the program, and then hit the info button. This will bring up the Record options, tab over to the series link tab and setup your series link. NOTE: Sometimes it has been reported that your may not have the option for series link at all during a live program. If this happens you'll need to search the guide for the next episode of the show and setup the series link there.
21. What are the 100/50/25 limits that I keep hearing about?
Right now the R15 has a limit of 100 items that it can have in the the Todo list, 50 items in the prioritizer (AKA Series links), 50 entries in history, 25 recents finds, and 25 calls in the Caller ID log.
22. Does the r15 have wishlists?
No. It does have a Find function with which you can approximate some, but not all, of the TiVo WishList functions. Find saves only the 25 most recent Finds, and there is no way to explicitly save a Find until you choose to delete it. There is no way to search all the Recent Finds as a group, rather you must search each Find individually. Auto-recording Finds will record from channels you do not receive. More than a couple Auto-recording Finds tend to cause problems for the Prioritizer, resulting in partial and missed recordings. And auto-recording Finds count against the 50 Series Links limit.
23. My r15 rebooted during a recording and I only have the second part, why?
Unlike some other DVR's the R15 looses the already recorded portion.
It does begin the recording it was doing from where it rebooted leaving you one partial.
24. I can't get the jump to end button to work. It keeps fast fowarding for 30 seconds.
As of the 10B8 update, they start a new feature called 30 second slip (Due to popular demand) that shares the same button as the skip to end. To skip to end press and hold down the clockwise advance button.
25. What is 30 second slip?
30 second slip is similar to 30 sec skip. Due to high demand for a 30 second skip feature DirecTV gave us 30 sec slip. Hitting the Clockwise Advance button (forward) the unit will FF exactly 30s of recorded material. It takes 2.5s to move the 30s. You can hit the button multiple times (the onscreen display will tell you how many times you hit it). 6 times will "slip" past a standard network commercial brake. Also during the movement the progress par will only remain on the screen for a few seconds.
26. Do I need to hook up 2 satellite cables to the R15?
To have full functionality you will need both cables connected. With only one cable you lose the ability to record two shows at the same time or record one show and watch another. You will only be able to record a show and watch that show or record a show and watch something else from MYVOD. If you do only have one cable be sure to hook it to "SATELLITE IN 1" input on the back of the reciever or the unit will not work. "SATELLITE IN 1" is the main tuner and is also where it downloads the updates from. If you do hookup a second satellite cable in the future, you will need to run a system test to get the receiver to detect the second satellite cable. To do a system test hit the Menu button, select Settings, then Setup, then tab over to System test and run the system test.
27. Does the R15 have dual buffers?
No, at this time the R15 only has one 90 minute buffer.
28. Why does the buffer clear when starting a recorded show, or going into the active menu?
DirecTV is said to be aware of this issue, and it may or may not be fixed in the future. For now if you don't want to loose the buffer your only options is to record the show/show's your watching.
29. I wish I recorded the show that just ended.
You can, as long as it's still in the buffer. If you want to record any show that is still in the 90 minute buffer just rewind till your watching that show (make sure when you hit info that it shows that shows description) and hit the Record button. The R15 will record as much of the show that is still in the buffer.
30. With 2 tuners, is there Picture-in-Picture available?
No, the R15 does not have PIP.
31. How do I get the RF antenna option to work?
Currently the RF antenna option isn't turned on. It may be turned on in a future update.
32. How can I control two R15's or an R15 and H10 with one remote?
Unplug or cover the IR sensor on the R15/H10 that you want to work in DireTV mode. The on the other reciever go to Remote Setup via QuickMenu->Setup->Remote Setup GoTo Reciever Mode. On your remote, slide the selector to AV1 or AV2. Pointed away from the reciever hit SELECT and MUTE at the same time for about 5 secconds. Light will flash when ready. Enter code: 00001 on the remote. After it is entered, slide the remote selector BACK to DirecTV mode. Hit your left arrow to highlight the mode selector. Hit select, and change to AV1 or AV2. Once you move the option, the DIRECTV mode on your remote should no longer work. You will need to slide the remote to AV1 (or AV2), to be able to navigate to the DONE button. Reciever #1 is set to only work from AV1 (or AV2). Reciever #2, when you hook it up, will run on the default DirecTV mode selection.
NOTE: If you move to AV1 or AV2 selection in the menu, and it DOESN'T work, you will need to use the front pannel controls to switch back. Hit the CENTER button, and use the up and down to change to DIRECTV mode.
33. How do I turn on the R15's internal destacker.
Push Right Arrow and Active on the front of the unit at the same time. You will get a menu that has LNB Setup in it someplace. Use the LNB setup menu to get to the stacked option. (more detailed instructions to come)
34. How do I set the defaults for all future SL’s.
Go to any SL options page or pull up the SL recording tab on a show. Then you will have an option to change the defaults options for all new SL’s. Now when you setup a SL with the R)) method (hit record twice) it will record with the new defaults. NOTE: At this time all is not an option for the defaults, the highest you can set in the defaults is 5. If you want to record all you will have to go in and edit the SL to reflect this.
Earl's review can be found here (http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=270214) and first beginnings of the FAQ here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=52000&highlight=FAQ)
Carl6, has said that he might be willing to start the FAQ. If there is anyone else out there would wants to help let us know.
So if you have any questions that you think should be in the FAQ post it here, if you have the answers please post those too.
Here what I had from the other list (I promise not to keep posting the list over and over:D)
Current Manufacturers and Software Version History
-----------------------------------------------------------
There are currently TWO Manufactures of the R15 (as of 2/2/2006)
Humax: Manufacturer Code of 500
Philips : Manufacturer Code of 300
-----------------
Software Version Information
Format: Manufacturer Code - Software Version
Manufacturer Code: 500 (Humax)
-----------------------------------------------------------
1044 - (Date Unknown) - Initial Version installed on hard drive
108a - Released ~ 10/09/2005 - Downloaded during initial install on Day #1 of Public Release.
109a - Released ~ 12/26/2005
109f - Released ~ 02/10/2006
10A3 - Released ~ 02/21/2006
10AF - Released 03/15/2006
10B8 - Released 04/ /2006
Manufacturer Code: 300 (Philips)
-----------------------------------------------------------
100a - Initial Hardware version
102b - Release ~ Initial date unknown
1031 - Released ~ 02/14/2006
1035 - Released ~ 02/21/2006
103A - Released 03/15/2006
103F - Released 05/??/2006
We have been told the two software versions are functionall identical, any differences will be noted through out the FAQ.
1. How do I switch between tuners?
At this time there is no way to switch between tuners. The only work around for this is to record both channels you want to watch and flip between the records.
2. How do I dim/turn off the blue light ring?
Hold down both the left and right arrow on R15 at the same time not the ones on the remote. It will cycle from brightest to dimmest and then off, release when the buttons when it's at the brightness you want.
3. How can I set up Series Links for the same show on multiple channels?
At this time you can not have two SL with the same name. You have two options to work around this. 1) setup a manual record on the other channels or 2) setup a find by.
4. What does a circled K next to a program in MyVOD mean?
If you have a K next to your program it means keep. To remove/add it press the blue button while you have the program highlighted in MYVOD. If you find that every you are recording is coming up with a K go into your SL and change the options from "keep until I delete" to "keep untill space is needed".
5. Do I need a phone line connected?
No, the R15 doesn't need a phone connected to receive any info. All the data comes from the satellite. The phone is only needed if you want to order PPV from your remote. If you have internet access your best bet is to order online, that way what every you order will be viewable on all your receivers. If you order from your remote only that reciever will have access to the program.
6. How do I force a software download?/Forcing the Download isn't working
Hit the red reset button that is next to the access card. As soon as you see the Welcome screen hit 02468 on your remote. Make sure those are the only keys you hit on the remote and don't enter the code again. It will take a couple of minutes, just be patience and you will get a downloading screen in a few minutes.
NOTE: The remote needs to be in DirecTV mode even if you programmed the R15 to work from AV1 or AV2.
7. I'm stuck on the Showcases Screen.
Hit the red or green button to switch between MYVOD and Showcases. If you find that everytime you hit list that you end up in Showcases, try reseting your reciever by hitting the red reset button next to the access card, this will usally fix the issue.
8. I hit the reset button and now my TODO list is empty, my guide data is gone.
When you reset the system you will lose your guide data an will only get 12 hours of data, locals may have less. The guide will rebuild it's self over the next 24-48hrs (if you want it to load the data faster put the R15 into standby by hitting the power button). You will also have to reset your zipcode(s) for your weather in the Active channel.
9. I hear the R15 has an internal destacker, does that mean that I can just run one cable to the R15 and use a splitter?
Yes and No. The R15 does have an internal destacker and yes you can only run one cable to do the R15, but you'll need to buy a stacker and a special splitter. A stacker cost $100 or more which you'll have to put at your dish. If you need help with that ask someone here.
10. What does the USB ports do?
Nothing, yet. They are plan to be used for HD upgrades and possibly network functions in the future.
11. How do I get a list of shows for just one channel (AKA Tivo style guide)?
In the guide move over to the channel number and hit info or go into the menu, then go into find by channel.
12. While watching a program I get a message asking if I want to delete the record. I go back into MYVOD and have to FF thru the program back to where I was, why does this happen?
Right now there is a bug with the jumpback button. If your watching a show that is recording that is recording and hit the jumpback button after the show finishes recording it will give jump you to the do you want to delete message. They are working on a fix for this in a future release. The two work arounds for this are 1) don't use the jumpback button after the recording finishes or 2) add a Bookmark, exit the recording and and jump to the bookmark.
13. How do I set/jump/delete to a Bookmark?
While watching a recorded show press pause and then hit the green button. To jump to a bookmark hold down the FF button and it will jump to the next bookmark. If you want to delete a bookmark jump to it then pause and hit the - button (the button to the left of zero).
14.What are the most common uses for the Red Yellow Green and Blue buttons
- In menu screens, left tab (Red) and right Tab (Green).
- While viewing a program, Blue brings up the banner guide.
- During playback, while paused, Green sets or removes bookmarks.
- In MYVOD, Yellow bring up the TODO list and Blue marks a program ask keep.
- In the guide, Green skips ahead 12 hours and Red skips back 12hrs.
15. In the prioritizer, is #1 the highest priority or lowest for a Series Link?
The highest....as in the "#1 priority". #2 is the second priority, and so on.
16. How do I tell what version of the software I currently have?
Press 'Menu' button, select 'Setting", select "Setup", select "Info & Test".
Note that the date of the "original version" will likely be wrong, but the current version and the date you received it may be correct.
17. How do you set your favorite channels?
Press menu. Select Favorites. Select Edit Settings. Select Custom 1 or Custom 2. Select channels desired, set naming scheme by highlighting Name List instead of the Add/Remove channels dialog. Select update name. After all of this you will want to go back into Menu > Favorites > and select the new custom guide you just created.
NOTE: The new custom must be re-selected after any reset.
18. Is it possible to start up an R15 with no satellite feed connected, and get to the menus and/or to MyVOD to watch previously recorded shows.
Yes. Disconect any cables from your dish (this will not work correctly if the unit is receiving any signal at all, so this is not optional). Do a "reset'. During startup, when it gets to the screen that says "acquiring satellite information", press the Exit button. You will then be at a blank screen, but everything except live tv viewing will be functional. You can press menu, go into setup, and look for a satellite signal. You can press List and go into MyVOD, select a recording and watch it.
NOTE: If your quiting DirecTV or deactiving the reciever and you want to be able to watch your shows. You'll need to make sure that you disconnect both staellite cables or the signal that DirecTV sends to your R15 will turn off the DVR functions and you will not be able to use it to view your recordings.
19. How do I use "Autotune"? Its shown on page 26 of the manual but I can't seem to access it.....
This is a case where DirecTV forgot to proofread the manual. Autotune is not a function of the R15 and may or may not be added later. Try adding a series link where you would normally set an autotune to get a similar result. This way if your not home or miss the start of the program you can rewind it to the beginning or watch it later. I know this isn't the exactly the function of autotune but it gets similar results.
20. I was watching a new series "live' and decided it was pretty good so I tried to set a Series Link by pressing "R" twice, but it didn't work. What am I doing wrong?
If your watching a program and would like to set it up as a series link you'll have to set it up via the guide. Hit the guide button, find the program, and then hit the info button. This will bring up the Record options, tab over to the series link tab and setup your series link. NOTE: Sometimes it has been reported that your may not have the option for series link at all during a live program. If this happens you'll need to search the guide for the next episode of the show and setup the series link there.
21. What are the 100/50/25 limits that I keep hearing about?
Right now the R15 has a limit of 100 items that it can have in the the Todo list, 50 items in the prioritizer (AKA Series links), 50 entries in history, 25 recents finds, and 25 calls in the Caller ID log.
22. Does the r15 have wishlists?
No. It does have a Find function with which you can approximate some, but not all, of the TiVo WishList functions. Find saves only the 25 most recent Finds, and there is no way to explicitly save a Find until you choose to delete it. There is no way to search all the Recent Finds as a group, rather you must search each Find individually. Auto-recording Finds will record from channels you do not receive. More than a couple Auto-recording Finds tend to cause problems for the Prioritizer, resulting in partial and missed recordings. And auto-recording Finds count against the 50 Series Links limit.
23. My r15 rebooted during a recording and I only have the second part, why?
Unlike some other DVR's the R15 looses the already recorded portion.
It does begin the recording it was doing from where it rebooted leaving you one partial.
24. I can't get the jump to end button to work. It keeps fast fowarding for 30 seconds.
As of the 10B8 update, they start a new feature called 30 second slip (Due to popular demand) that shares the same button as the skip to end. To skip to end press and hold down the clockwise advance button.
25. What is 30 second slip?
30 second slip is similar to 30 sec skip. Due to high demand for a 30 second skip feature DirecTV gave us 30 sec slip. Hitting the Clockwise Advance button (forward) the unit will FF exactly 30s of recorded material. It takes 2.5s to move the 30s. You can hit the button multiple times (the onscreen display will tell you how many times you hit it). 6 times will "slip" past a standard network commercial brake. Also during the movement the progress par will only remain on the screen for a few seconds.
26. Do I need to hook up 2 satellite cables to the R15?
To have full functionality you will need both cables connected. With only one cable you lose the ability to record two shows at the same time or record one show and watch another. You will only be able to record a show and watch that show or record a show and watch something else from MYVOD. If you do only have one cable be sure to hook it to "SATELLITE IN 1" input on the back of the reciever or the unit will not work. "SATELLITE IN 1" is the main tuner and is also where it downloads the updates from. If you do hookup a second satellite cable in the future, you will need to run a system test to get the receiver to detect the second satellite cable. To do a system test hit the Menu button, select Settings, then Setup, then tab over to System test and run the system test.
27. Does the R15 have dual buffers?
No, at this time the R15 only has one 90 minute buffer.
28. Why does the buffer clear when starting a recorded show, or going into the active menu?
DirecTV is said to be aware of this issue, and it may or may not be fixed in the future. For now if you don't want to loose the buffer your only options is to record the show/show's your watching.
29. I wish I recorded the show that just ended.
You can, as long as it's still in the buffer. If you want to record any show that is still in the 90 minute buffer just rewind till your watching that show (make sure when you hit info that it shows that shows description) and hit the Record button. The R15 will record as much of the show that is still in the buffer.
30. With 2 tuners, is there Picture-in-Picture available?
No, the R15 does not have PIP.
31. How do I get the RF antenna option to work?
Currently the RF antenna option isn't turned on. It may be turned on in a future update.
32. How can I control two R15's or an R15 and H10 with one remote?
Unplug or cover the IR sensor on the R15/H10 that you want to work in DireTV mode. The on the other reciever go to Remote Setup via QuickMenu->Setup->Remote Setup GoTo Reciever Mode. On your remote, slide the selector to AV1 or AV2. Pointed away from the reciever hit SELECT and MUTE at the same time for about 5 secconds. Light will flash when ready. Enter code: 00001 on the remote. After it is entered, slide the remote selector BACK to DirecTV mode. Hit your left arrow to highlight the mode selector. Hit select, and change to AV1 or AV2. Once you move the option, the DIRECTV mode on your remote should no longer work. You will need to slide the remote to AV1 (or AV2), to be able to navigate to the DONE button. Reciever #1 is set to only work from AV1 (or AV2). Reciever #2, when you hook it up, will run on the default DirecTV mode selection.
NOTE: If you move to AV1 or AV2 selection in the menu, and it DOESN'T work, you will need to use the front pannel controls to switch back. Hit the CENTER button, and use the up and down to change to DIRECTV mode.
33. How do I turn on the R15's internal destacker.
Push Right Arrow and Active on the front of the unit at the same time. You will get a menu that has LNB Setup in it someplace. Use the LNB setup menu to get to the stacked option. (more detailed instructions to come)
34. How do I set the defaults for all future SL’s.
Go to any SL options page or pull up the SL recording tab on a show. Then you will have an option to change the defaults options for all new SL’s. Now when you setup a SL with the R)) method (hit record twice) it will record with the new defaults. NOTE: At this time all is not an option for the defaults, the highest you can set in the defaults is 5. If you want to record all you will have to go in and edit the SL to reflect this.