Getting Nervous

[tach32000]

Hi All,

I have been waiting for my install on 3/23, and currently looking at replacing my HR10-250.

I have been reading this board for a while and seems like they are making progress on the software end with the HR20-700 (well, one step forward two back maybe?)

I was wondering:

1. I have never had to reset/unplug my HR10, and after 3 years of having it the only real issues have been them breaking. I am on my 3rd one now. How likely is it I will need to RBR this thing? Are these really isolated to a small number of people?

2. Picture quality compared to an HR10. I have never been happy with standard definition on my HDTV, especially something like Fox News...text is horrible. Is SD picture quality on par/worse/better?

3. I am interested in hearing from those that upgrade from the HR10, was it a mistake? If so will D* take it back?

Thanks,
Brian

[Steve Robertson]

I am thrilled that I made the move it has been 2 1/2 weeks for me and so far no problems. PQ looks just as good and if not better than the Tivo box. I actually like this box a whole lot better.

[Earl Bonovich]

IMHO: It is more like 3 steps forward and the rare shuffle back a half step or so...

Anyway, to answer your questions:

For #1: There are no definitive numbers on that.... based on the post volume and other data gathering... the frequency of having a lockup is drastically down from where it was. Is it a guarantee? No... But I would also say it is less likely. For some of users that have been posting (like myself), we have not had to do a RBR due to a "fault" in months

For #2: A lot of people have reported better SD quality.. but sometimes it is dependent on how you connect your HR20 to your TV and the channel in question. In genearl, I would say you will see a marginal increase in PQ for the SD channels... nothing earth shattering

For #3: Well I did upgrade from and HR10 (had it the first week it was out). And I don't regret it. "Will they take it back"... some have had success, others have not.

What I will tell you though: The interface and remote are VERY different then what you have been used to with the TiVo platform... It will take some time to get familiar with all the differences and the different way of doing things. It took me about 3-4 weeks to get very familiar with the UI design after switching to the R15 after 5+ years with the DTiVo.

[jdmac29]

#1 I have had my hr20 since September 06, I have not had to reboot at all with the last 2 national releases. I have not missed any recordings and had no lockups when playing back shows. For me my box has been very stable. The newest software seems to have eliminated the reboot for now.

#2 I never had a hr10 but I did have a samsung sirts360 and my sd improved greatly on my sony 42a10 hdtv, the format and stretching was alot better compared to the 360. I can almost say some of the movies in sd are not quite as good as the dvd quality but very close.

#3 Since I answered this ? in #2 as long as you are not hung up on tivo ( which I have never used) I would say you want be dissapointed. Will they take it back? Not sure.

I would look at the information resource section of this forum for the changes from tivo to hr20 pdf.

good luck.

[say-what]

I just decommissioned my HR10 yesterday and replaced it with my 2nd HR20. My original HR20 I have hasn't caused me any major problems in the almost 5 months that I've had it - nothing more than I've experienced with any other box. In 5 months I had to reboot 3 times (2 times BSOD coming out of standby and 1 lockup), but in the last 4 days with my HR10, I had 1 lockup coming out of standby, 4 lockups while watching shows and 2 spontaneous reboots - that all adds up to more problems than I've had with the HR20 spread over almost 5 months and that was in a 4 day period.....

While I know people have problems with the HR20, I have no idea why - luck of the draw, software malfunctions/defects, hardware malfunctions/defects, misalligned dishes, bad wiring, different use patterns, a combination of all of these....I have no explanation why some people have chronic problems even when replacing the boxes and others don't.

All I know is that in my personal experience, the HR20 has performed like a champ. It did take some getting used to the user interface, but once you overcome that learning curve, it's a great box IMO.

As for picture quality, it's at the very least on par with the HR10 if not better, but that's quite a subjective opinion there and PQ is very dependent upon signal source and broadcast content and I find that it varys by channel & programing.....

[Doug Brott]

tach32000,

The most recent software updates came down last night and things are looking real good. I don't have access to OTA (the HR20 supports it, though) so the locals in HD are great. With the increased compression of MPEG4, the disk can hold more HD than the HR10 (MPEG2) can. Having this HD capability is one of the really big pluses for me.

[dhaakenson]

IMHO: It is more like 3 steps forward and the rare shuffle back a half step or so...

Anyway, to answer your questions:

For #1: There are no definitive numbers on that.... based on the post volume and other data gathering... the frequency of having a lockup is drastically down from where it was. Is it a guarantee? No... But I would also say it is less likely. For some of users that have been posting (like myself), we have not had to do a RBR due to a "fault" in months

For #2: A lot of people have reported better SD quality.. but sometimes it is dependent on how you connect your HR20 to your TV and the channel in question. In genearl, I would say you will see a marginal increase in PQ for the SD channels... nothing earth shattering

For #3: Well I did upgrade from and HR10 (had it the first week it was out). And I don't regret it. "Will they take it back"... some have had success, others have not.

What I will tell you though: The interface and remote are VERY different then what you have been used to with the TiVo platform... It will take some time to get familiar with all the differences and the different way of doing things. It took me about 3-4 weeks to get very familiar with the UI design after switching to the R15 after 5+ years with the DTiVo.

Excellent summary. I would only add that while the interface and remote are different, you'll adapt easily if you approach it with an open mind. It's like the dashboard of a new car. The controls are still there. They just look a little different.

[tach32000]

Ok Guys,

Couple other questions...I appreciate all your feedback.

1. Since I "bought" this box (at a discount) I do own it right?

2. When they come tomorrow should I force them to run new cables? How many cables will I end up with at my HR20-700? Currently have two for the HR10, plus my OTA cable I ran.

Thanks,
Brian

[cygnusloop]

Ok Guys,

Couple other questions...I appreciate all your feedback.

1. Since I "bought" this box (at a discount) I do own it right?

Depends what you mean by "bought". Please elaborate.



2. When they come tomorrow should I force them to run new cables? How many cables will I end up with at my HR20-700? Currently have two for the HR10, plus my OTA cable I ran.

Thanks,
Brian

Your cable runs should be fine, assuming it's RG-6, which it should be if it worked for your HR10-250. Anyway, it's the same cable requirements. If you use a multi-switch, that *may* need to be replaced at some point as some of the new Ka/Ku stuff is outside of the bandpass of the older multi-switches.

good luck w/ the install!

and, BTW,:welcome_s to the forum!!

[jimb726]

Ok Guys,

Couple other questions...I appreciate all your feedback.

1. Since I "bought" this box (at a discount) I do own it right?

2. When they come tomorrow should I force them to run new cables? How many cables will I end up with at my HR20-700? Currently have two for the HR10, plus my OTA cable I ran.

Thanks,
Brian

Unless you paid 750 dollars for the box it is a lease, when you say bought at a discount, what do you mean? Best Buy or Circuit City or do you mean Ebay? If Ebay you might be in for a long and bumpy ride.

Second, if you currently have RG6 there is no reason to run new cable, unless you feel the need to force them to.At the HR20 you need to have two wires from the satellite (if you want the ability to watch something and record something else) and the OTA wire. Depending on when the HR20 you have was built I would suggest waiting for the software download to occur so you can activate OTA before you get too far into the install.

Good Luck,
Jim

[harsh]

1. Since I "bought" this box (at a discount) I do own it right?Probably not. That being said, some have had success.2. When they come tomorrow should I force them to run new cables?It is unlikely you'll "force" the installer to do anything. The installer will have a workorder and it is very unlikely that they will deviate from it; even if it means that you're system isn't fully set up.How many cables will I end up with at my HR20-700? Currently have two for the HR10, plus my OTA cable I ran.They'll probably just replace the dish and any multiswitch that you might have and connect the existing cables to the new receiver.

[veryoldschool]

RG-6 copper core is better than copper clad [steel core], as the LNB [DC] power will drop over long runs of cable. FWIW

[dhaakenson]

RG-6 copper core is better than copper clad [steel core], as the LNB [DC] power will drop over long runs of cable. FWIW

Fully agree with this. I pre-installed my own copper core Belden RG6 just to make sure I didn't get steel core. Not sure what DTV installers typically use. Didn't want to take a chance. :)

[Milominderbinder2]

Tach,

Yes you can insist on new cables. Call installation tonight. Following the Installation Tips link instructions below.

Old cables can kill you.

In the FAQ link check out the TiVo Survival Guide

Also see the 101 Undocumented Tips & Tricks. There are amazing things that the HR20 can do.

Also, the OTA can be great if you know what to do. Check out those resources in the FAQ as well.

Welcome to the revolution!

The HR20. Its not just a DVR. It's an adventure!

- Craig

[veryoldschool]

Welcome to the revolution!

The HR20. Its not just a DVR. It's an adventure!

- Craig
Sometimes more than one would want to go on. :lol: :lol: