Directv DVR Newbie Questions

[shiftygypsy]

i've had directv for over a year now and i'm thinking about getting their dvr stb. but, before i do, i have a few questions (if there's a faq i missed, please let me know).

1. is directv's dvr worth it? (eg, quality, usability, storage)
2. what model will i get? (non-hd)
3. is there a way to transfer recorded shows directly off the dvr (ie, not video-out capture)?
4. can you negotiate the dvr service agreement term (from 2 yrs)? the customer retention rep made it seem like they're not flexible on that.

thanks in advance!

[Pink Fairy]

1. For me, even with the few problems I have had (mostly in the beginning when they were new), yes. The are mostly dependable (my own experience) and I have 2.
2. R15. The manufacturer will vary from 100, 300, or 500.
3. Not yet, unfortunately.
4. Not really. Very hard to do...for me. Others have done it though.

[Upstream]

They are mostly dependable, but not completely dependable.

With the last software update, I have seen a considerable decrease in the level of freeze-ups and missed recordings. But there are still things that need fixing. Unfortunately you don't know what they will screw up with the next software release.

But other than taking a chance on missing a few shows which you want to see (which can be very frustrating as you come to rely on the DVR), you will probably be happy with the R15.

My complaints about the R15 have more to do with the incredibly poor customer service and tech support provided by DTV than with actual R15 problems. (Reboot your computer may be the solution of first choice when you call a computer help desk, but it causes no long-term harm if it does not solve the problem. Erase everything on your DVR and reformat the hard disk should not be the first choice for DTV DVR support.)

[JLucPicard]

shiftygypsy,

Welcome to DBSTalk! :welcome_s

The others have covered the R15 and its dependability.

As for #4, I would NOT expect anything other than a two-year programming commitment if you get a DVR. They are pretty rock-solid on the commitment thing.

[shiftygypsy]

thanks for the info guys. dtv offered me a free dvr upgrade and $5 off my bill as long as i signed a 2 yr contract. i'm gonna read some more posts here, but i think i'm gonna go for it. plus, i read about the free dvr online promo code, so i'm gonna try to get a second dvr using that as well.

[shiftygypsy]

i see mention of directivo on the threads. is that the original name for the current dvr or separate product?

[Upstream]

DirecTivo is the R10, a product which is no longer made nor available from DirecTV, although you can buy used ones in the secondary market. It is based on Tivo technology, and is a different product than the non-Tivo R15 DVR.

[carl6]

Actually, DirecTivo refers to a variety of Tivo based DirecTV dvr's, not just the R10. The R10 happens to be the most recent model, but there are others also in service. None of the DirecTivo products is currently available from DirecTV, although some can be found on the used market.

Carl