View Full Version : Does HR20 actually require phone line?
stillcity
08-24-06, 09:11 AM
I don't currently have phone in my house the CSR told me I needed phone for recording and pausing live tv.
Is this really true?
I don't really care to get PPV
Earl Bonovich
08-24-06, 09:18 AM
1) By contractual agreement... you are to keep a phone line connected to your DirecTV receivers at all time
2) In practice.... other then PPV via remote, the occasional sports package, and the possible "mirroring" validation... you will be able to use the system without a phone line...
stillcity
08-24-06, 11:43 AM
How many calls per month do each receiver make and "how local" is the call? I plan on having 1 HR2- and 2 SD receivers.
I was going to get the basic $5.50 dial tone service that charges 10 cents per call.
I use a cell phone for all of my basic phone calls.
Earl Bonovich
08-24-06, 11:44 AM
I don't know for certain, it only calls to update PPV.
And I am pretty sure it calls a 1800 number
I just upgraded from the SD Directivo and I was surprised to see that the HR20 requires a phone line. I also have only a cell phone and I'm not too happy about the 12.00 a month charge for a landline I will never use. It would be nice to be able to use the built in ethernet instead. Maybe in a future update?
scott
bobnielsen
08-24-06, 06:15 PM
I just upgraded from the SD Directivo and I was surprised to see that the HR20 requires a phone line. I also have only a cell phone and I'm not too happy about the 12.00 a month charge for a landline I will never use. It would be nice to be able to use the built in ethernet instead. Maybe in a future update?
scott
If I were in that position, I would hook it up without a phone line and worry about it later (if ever).
If I were in that position, I would hook it up without a phone line and worry about it later (if ever).
I tried that, and the installer couldn't do it without the landline. He told me the HR20 needed a software update in order to function properly.
66stang351
08-24-06, 06:50 PM
All D* receivers "require" a phone line. None of mine, with the exception of about 10 minutes for my SD Tivo, have been connected to a phone line in 4 years of service. That was connected just to get the Tivo functions activated three years after I had initiated my account. I have had 2 receivers and MLB Extra Innings for the entire 4 years. When I signed up and asked for Extra Innings the CSR said they weren't supposed to give any sports packages without a phone line, but she did it anyways.
For normal operations there are 3 reasons to be connected to a phone line.
1. Mirror verification.
2. Location verification.
3. PPV
The first is to keep people from sharing their account in multiple homes. Unless they see a person with a significant number of receivers I don't think this is a major concern.
The second is to allow local channels and for blackout rules. D* couldn't careless about this because they have an address of use on file if asked by the FCC. E* got themselves in trouble by breaking the FCC rules knowingly with regards to DNS channels and illegally gave them to subs that had addresses that didn't qualify. If a D* sub "moves" and doesn't tell D* they don't care because they have themselves covered by the address you provided them. The only way they would cut you off is if someone reported the move to them or the FCC, so if you have any neighbors that don't like you don't let them know if you do "move".
The third use is completely up to the sub.
So basically, if D* doesn't see a suspicious number of receivers on your account and they have an address to cover their backsides they have no reason to require the phone line and they don't. They know that there is a percentage of subs that don't live at their address of record, but they also know if they forced everybody to reveal their true location they would lose subs and therefore lose money. So it becomes a don't ask, don't tell scenario.
[Short version]Don't pay for a phone line until you try to activate and are forced to, because you probably won't have to.[/Short version]
66stang351
08-24-06, 06:52 PM
I tried that, and the installer couldn't do it without the landline. He told me the HR20 needed a software update in order to function properly.
All software updates are downloaded over the sat not the phone line. This applies to all D* receivers including Tivo units.
bobnielsen
08-24-06, 07:12 PM
All software updates are downloaded over the sat not the phone line. This applies to all D* receivers including Tivo units.
Don't the Tivo units use a phone call to enable getting the update?
66stang351
08-24-06, 07:18 PM
Don't the Tivo units use a phone call to enable getting the update?
As far as I know the Tivo units use the phone just to call Tivo to activate. They want to dial in periodically but for D* Tivos if you can ignore the nag message its not necessary.
All software updates are downloaded over the sat not the phone line. This applies to all D* receivers including Tivo units.
That was what I thought, as my dtivo never used a phone line except for the first hour or so. The interesting thing was today during the installation the tech pressed some numbered code on the remote right when the first blue startup screen came on and it connected to something and downloaded a software update. This was before the unit was even fully booted up, so I don't think it was using the satellite for that update. I'm no expert in this stuff, but I'm pretty positive it used the phone line. Although I didn't see any typical modem jargon on the screen like "negotiating" and all that jazz. It could have not displayed it.
66stang351
08-24-06, 08:02 PM
That was what I thought, as my dtivo never used a phone line except for the first hour or so. The interesting thing was today during the installation the tech pressed some numbered code on the remote right when the first blue startup screen came on and it connected to something and downloaded a software update. This was before the unit was even fully booted up, so I don't think it was using the satellite for that update. I'm no expert in this stuff, but I'm pretty positive it used the phone line. Although I didn't see any typical modem jargon on the screen like "negotiating" and all that jazz. It could have not displayed it.
The 0,2,4,6,8 code on startup is standard on all D* branded receivers. It tells the receiver to look for an update from the sat immediately. If you don't do the code the receiver will wait until the unit is not in use to do any upgrades. This can be done without a phone line.
The 0,2,4,6,8 code on startup is standard on all D* branded receivers. It tells the receiver to look for an update from the sat immediately. If you don't do the code the receiver will wait until the unit is not in use to do any upgrades. This can be done without a phone line.
I didn't know that. Well I think I'm going to be giving SBC a call tommorow. Think they'll be pissed if I cancel my phone line after three days?
scott
bonscott87
08-25-06, 06:53 AM
If you have broadband then try Vonage or something. I've had no landline for 4 years now, only Vonage. All my DirecTV receivers can dial out no problem except my old HDVR2. I just deal with the annoying nag message but it's in a secondary room anyway. I'd try that before going back to SBC.
noneroy
08-25-06, 07:25 AM
I'm a new subscriber and I always stayed away from DirecTV because I thought you needed a phone line. I was ready to just NOT have TV after Insight Cable decided that they were A) not going to air any of the football games on NFL Network B) Not tell anyone in advance about it. ANYWAY, I talked to two different sales people at DirecTV plus the installer and all of them said that a phone line is unnecessary with the new receivers and that DirecTV doesn't require a phone line anymore.
The DVR+, the standard receiver and the h20 all function just fine without a phone line as far as I can tell. No idea about the hr20, but we'll see as soon as I can get my grubby hands on one. :D
I'm a new subscriber and I always stayed away from DirecTV because I thought you needed a phone line. I was ready to just NOT have TV after Insight Cable decided that they were A) not going to air any of the football games on NFL Network B) Not tell anyone in advance about it. ANYWAY, I talked to two different sales people at DirecTV plus the installer and all of them said that a phone line is unnecessary with the new receivers and that DirecTV doesn't require a phone line anymore.
The DVR+, the standard receiver and the h20 all function just fine without a phone line as far as I can tell. No idea about the hr20, but we'll see as soon as I can get my grubby hands on one. :D
I too only use Vonage. I have even gotten them to dial over Vonage for the installation, or guided setup. You will have to have a phone of some sort IF you get a TIVO based DVR unit from direct to enable the DVR funtions. I can help you with this if you need. I have other posts in the D* forum about how I set this up as well.
jonaswan2
08-25-06, 03:52 PM
The HR20 is a DVR Plus reciever.
The HR20 doesn't require a phone line, it's only DirecTV that does.
ThatJones
08-26-06, 08:24 AM
Does NFL Sunday Ticket require a phone line? I am very interested in DirecTV...but the phone line is a deal breaker for me.
Earl Bonovich
08-26-06, 08:26 AM
Does NFL Sunday Ticket require a phone line? I am very interested in DirecTV...but the phone line is a deal breaker for me.
Yes and no..
By contract they specifically state that special sports packages will need the line.
It is possible that you could run into issues using Sunday Ticket if you don't have a phone line attached.
jonaswan2
08-26-06, 10:02 AM
I believe the thing they say in DirecTV Basics is that you can not have the sports packages on multiple recievers without a phone line (false).
Earl Bonovich
08-26-06, 11:21 AM
I believe the thing they say in DirecTV Basics is that you can not have the sports packages on multiple recievers without a phone line (false).
They do say that...
It will work... however... IF DirecTV prompts the unit to verify it's location (via the phone line), or just tells it to check for a dial tone.....
It is in the user agreement.
This was very common when DirecTV started, not so much now.
greywolf
08-26-06, 12:50 PM
I've had a receiver lose its ability to receive programming because its phone line got disconnected. It was years ago though. I've seen more recent reports of Sunday Ticket problems without a phone line. When I just installed my HR20, the CSR doing the activation remarked she could see my line was connected.
69RoadRunner
08-28-06, 06:59 AM
Can you watch recorded material if the HR20 is not connected to the dish? Let's say you take the HR20 to a vacation home (I don't have one) and just want to watch recorded stuff, would it work?
Earl Bonovich
08-28-06, 07:40 AM
Can you watch recorded material if the HR20 is not connected to the dish? Let's say you take the HR20 to a vacation home (I don't have one) and just want to watch recorded stuff, would it work?
It "should" it will just take a while to boot up as it will look for the SAT for a while
noneroy
08-28-06, 12:48 PM
Yes and no..
By contract they specifically state that special sports packages will need the line.
It is possible that you could run into issues using Sunday Ticket if you don't have a phone line attached.
They are going to get an ear full from me. I was told by the CSR first spoke with, a SECOND CSR *AND the installer that I, in no uncertain terms, do NOT need a phone for Sunday ticket. So help me jesus if I have people over on Sunday and those receivers start having problems D* is going to have one p*$$3d off person on their hands. :D
Earl Bonovich
08-28-06, 12:51 PM
They are going to get an ear full from me. I was told by the CSR first spoke with, a SECOND CSR *AND the installer that I, in no uncertain terms, do NOT need a phone for Sunday ticket. So help me jesus if I have people over on Sunday and those receivers start having problems D* is going to have one p*$$3d off person on their hands. :D
Yah... I am actually pretty surprised that a CSR would tell you that.
An installer... sure, I can see it as probably in most of their installations (and most cases), that the phone line really isn't used.
But if you request one of the DirecTV Service agreements to be sent to you, (it was probably in your first bill)... it is very clearly in there.....
It has been YEARS since I have heard of anyone losing access though because of the phone line...but..........
phlydude
08-28-06, 12:59 PM
I've had Sunday ticket for years mirrored on 2 add'l units without phone lines and I have had ZERO issue. The only unit I have connected to my phone line is my SD Tivo box. I am using Vonage and "programmed" the phone codes in and have it call NYC but I still have multiple failed attempts.
Vonage isn't all it's cracked up to be, I have many issues with quality and am not happy about my Linksys router getting too hot and freezing up but can't find anything locally that gives me all that it does let alone getting local and LD for $10 more minimum per month.
bonscott87
08-28-06, 01:31 PM
It's usually the other way around with CSR's. They will swear up and down you need a phone line.
I had a friend with ST that had a problem with the phone line. He tuned in one day to find he wasn't authorized anymore. He called up DirecTV. Turned out the cat pulled the phone line out of the wall. He plugged it back in and all was good. BUT that was about 5 years ago.
I typically keep mine plugged in but I have gone many months before with no phone line plugged in with no issues. But then I don't order PPV and whatnot.
In any case, it's always been official DirecTV policy that you need a phone line.
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