Should I be upset that I'm getting a HR20-700? [Archive]

guenther

04-07-07, 04:58 PM

This is going to be a little long.

I just got off the phone with D* and this is the offer I received:

$199 for HR20 and full install
12 months free HD service
HBO $3 per month for 3 months
3 free pay per view movies

I asked the rep to put on the order that I would like a HR20-100B, like that would ever happen. She checked with the install department in my area and they only have -700s. I've been lurking and researching for a week or so and just registered on the site. From what I've read, they only major differences are that the -100s have:

2 ethernet ports
runs a bit cooler
runs a bit quieter
come in black (if you hit the lottery)
not as updated software that will eventually catch up

I'm giving up my networked/modified DVR80 Tivos, which is not going to be easy :nono: That is going to be the hardest thing to give up, by far. If neither one of them can be networked, should I be upset that I'm getting the -700? :confused: I've had my OTA HD antenna hooked up for about a week and the picture between the HD and the D* SD on my DLP is just too much for me to overlook now. They are supposed to be coming on Monday to install. Should I go for it or not?!?!?!?!

Tom Robertson

04-07-07, 05:13 PM

pman_jim

04-07-07, 05:32 PM

I ordered a second HR-20 last week and the CSR told me it was going to be a -700. I ended up receiving a silver -100. So it really is the luck of the draw. Until the -100 gets a software update its not the most stable box, but I have faith that D* is going to get that taken care of shortly.

guenther

04-07-07, 05:38 PM

I wouldn't think so. HR20-100 and -700 are going to have the same features, and going to have very similar software. If you want black, your only real hope is to buy one from CC, BB, Valuelectronics, etc. Or to paint a silver one (and kinda ruin your lease agreement.)

Are you going to miss some "hacked" tivo features. Yes, most likely. But the HR20 may have some of the best anyway at some point. And new features the hacked Tivo's do not (tho, they might be hackable, who knows.)

Cheers,
Tom

Hopefully that is the case since I've never even put my hands on a HR20. Now that I actually put an OTA HD signal to my tv, I don't think anything else but HD will do. I love being able to share shows between my computer and 2 Tivos. I'll cross my fingers that the HR20 will be able to be networked so I can do the same.

Tiebmbr

04-07-07, 09:01 PM

should I be upset that I'm getting the -700? :confused:

Huh?.....ABSOLUTELY NOT!

CCarncross

04-07-07, 10:49 PM

I doubt that you will ever be able to share the shows between your DVRs and your PC with these newer boxes, at least not without modifying the box that unless you are willing to pay for, will never own. Sharing between the DVRs may soon be a reality, but not outside of the DVR "network"

Ken S

04-08-07, 05:31 AM

Yes, you should...at least until they stop treating their customers as beta testers and get the boxes to reliably work as advertised.
As a reader of this forum at least you know some of the work-arounds and most of the bugs and defects beforehand.

This is going to be a little long.

I just got off the phone with D* and this is the offer I received:

$199 for HR20 and full install
12 months free HD service
HBO $3 per month for 3 months
3 free pay per view movies

I asked the rep to put on the order that I would like a HR20-100B, like that would ever happen. She checked with the install department in my area and they only have -700s. I've been lurking and researching for a week or so and just registered on the site. From what I've read, they only major differences are that the -100s have:

2 ethernet ports
runs a bit cooler
runs a bit quieter
come in black (if you hit the lottery)
not as updated software that will eventually catch up

I'm giving up my networked/modified DVR80 Tivos, which is not going to be easy :nono: That is going to be the hardest thing to give up, by far. If neither one of them can be networked, should I be upset that I'm getting the -700? :confused: I've had my OTA HD antenna hooked up for about a week and the picture between the HD and the D* SD on my DLP is just too much for me to overlook now. They are supposed to be coming on Monday to install. Should I go for it or not?!?!?!?!

guenther

04-08-07, 12:35 PM

Tom Robertson

04-08-07, 01:04 PM

I've seen several people say that many of their problems went away after the did a total wipe of their system. I would imagine that you have to download the newest versions to get the software up to date again. Maybe I'm wrong though. I'm just curious on what to do first when I get it. There is SOOOOOO much information to sift through. :eek2: :shrug: The search button is going to get a workout!

If they are installing the 5lnb dish as well, that is the primary area I'd focus on first thing. Make sure the installer follows the DIRECTV instructions a copy of which is at Solidsignal (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp)

Proper installation and alignment (and tightening the bolts) will save you so much trouble down the road.

After that, the HR20 should be fine out of the box far more often than not these days. It will automatically download the latest release of software so you shouldn't even have to do much that way until you join in the CE games. :)

Cheers,
Tom

veryoldschool

04-08-07, 02:02 PM

If they are installing the 5lnb dish as well, that is the primary area I'd focus on first thing. Make sure the installer follows the DIRECTV instructions a copy of which is at Solidsignal (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp)

Proper installation and alignment (and tightening the bolts) will save you so much trouble down the road.

After that, the HR20 should be fine out of the box far more often than not these days. It will automatically download the latest release of software so you shouldn't even have to do much that way until you join in the CE games. :)

Cheers,
Tom
I would add: I would only go through the "reset everything" step if it wasn't a "New" box but was a "recycled/refurb" unit, where I didn't know it's "history", since the "reset everything" will only return the receiver back to "out of the box" condition or state.

Rich

04-08-07, 03:13 PM

I would add: I would only go through the "reset everything" step if it wasn't a "New" box but was a "recycled/refurb" unit, where I didn't know it's "history", since the "reset everything" will only return the receiver back to "out of the box" condition or state.

I have noticed on a couple of the refurbs that when I began the "reset everything" process the DVR went to 480p and the "Continue" button was not visible on my 50" Panasonic Plasma. Have it happening on two of them that I have now each time I reset them. Been screwing around with ESATAs and have to do a complete restart each time.

Anybody know how to get them into another resolution that my TV is happier with? Ended up shrinking picture with TV mote.

Rich

veryoldschool

04-08-07, 03:32 PM

I have noticed on a couple of the refurbs that when I began the "reset everything" process the DVR went to 480p and the "Continue" button was not visible on my 50" Panasonic Plasma. Have it happening on two of them that I have now each time I reset them. Been screwing around with ESATAs and have to do a complete restart each time.
Anybody know how to get them into another resolution that my TV is happier with? Ended up shrinking picture with TV mote.
Rich
"Default" is 480, so it would be on your TV side wouldn't it?
After the reset, you should be able to go back into the HR-20 and change your resolution [along with all of your other settings].

AlbertZeroK

04-08-07, 05:05 PM

2 ethernet ports

This little comment from the customer service rep should tell you one thing - they don't have a clue. There is no need for 2 ethernet ports on the back of the device.

You really shouldn't worry about the little versions differences. You will be better off with the most popular one as it's what's most common and what you will get better support from the guys here for.

joesigg

04-08-07, 05:15 PM

I got a 700 in early March and 100s in late March. Haven't had touble with either one from the time they were activated. 100s gets sound on one HD local that sound like a buzz saw, but it goes away after changing to another channel and back.I consider that a minor annoyance for now. So I don't think there's any significant difference.

guenther

04-08-07, 07:08 PM

If they are installing the 5lnb dish as well, that is the primary area I'd focus on first thing. Make sure the installer follows the DIRECTV instructions a copy of which is at

Proper installation and alignment (and tightening the bolts) will save you so much trouble down the road.

After that, the HR20 should be fine out of the box far more often than not these days. It will automatically download the latest release of software so you shouldn't even have to do much that way until you join in the CE games. :)

Cheers,
Tom

I'm going to print this info off and slip in some questions to the installer, in a nice way. I don't want to come off as an a**hole to him acting like I know more than him. You would "think" they would know this already, but you never know. My reception with my 3LNB is anywhere from 90-100 all the time (depending on which Sat and transponder it's on) so I would think I could get a great signal with the 5LNB. I'm just like everyone else and wants something to work right.

My SAT lines are a little unique because of one of my lines. I've got 4 RG6 SAT drops right now.

SAT 1
SAT 2
SAT 3 (OTA diplexed in)
SAT 4 (diplexed sat signal traveling one way on the line and a cable company signal traveling the opposite way and diplexed out to a TV)

I've got D*, OTA, and Medicom high speed (which gives you their family basic cable included). I'm going to ask the installer to put in 2 more drops (one for 5th LNB and I'm thinking another dedicated to my OTA). My question is has anyone seen a problem with the OTA diplexed in with a Sat signal? My OTA meter shows the signal at 97% so I might be okay.

Tom Robertson

04-08-07, 07:14 PM

I'm going to print this info off and slip in some questions to the installer, in a nice way. I don't want to come off as an a**hole to him acting like I know more than him. You would "think" they would know this already, but you never know. My reception with my 3LNB is anywhere from 90-100 all the time (depending on which Sat and transponder it's on) so I would think I could get a great signal with the 5LNB. I'm just like everyone else and wants something to work right.

My line drops are also unique. I've got 4 RG6 SAT drops right now.

SAT 1
SAT 2
SAT 3 (OTA diplexed in)
SAT 4 (diplexed sat signal traveling one way on it and a cable company signal traveling the opposite way and diplexed out to a TV)

I've got D*, OTA, and Medicom high speed (which gives you their family basic cable included). I'm going to ask the installer to put in 2 more drops (one for 5th LNB and I'm thinking another dedicated to my OTA). My question is has anyone seen a problem with the OTA diplexed in with a Sat signal? My OTA meter shows the signal at 97% so I might be okay.

If all 4 satellite lines come into a central point, you should be gold.

And YES! The 5lnb should not be one bit lower than the 3lnb as the proper alignment procedure can only give you higher numbers. The correct alignment process can be found at SolidSignal (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp)

The other thing I've done is start with offering soft drinks, juice, water, etc. And then don't sign off until he/she tests the signal levels on all the satellites. (99 or 103 might be mostly or all zeros in your location, but you should have one transponder somewhere between the two sat. that is 90+)

Cheers,
Tom

guenther

04-08-07, 07:33 PM

Tom, you and I are on the same page. I ALWAYS off drinks, conversation (if the want it), and try to be a good host to them. I'm a firm believer in you treat people with respect and helpfulness and they will return it back to you. I've received many little "extras" throughout the years by doing this. All my drops come into one central location, even though it's extremely hard to get them there. Thanks for the help.

Tom Robertson

04-08-07, 07:38 PM

Forgive my lack of manners, btw. Welcome to the forums guenther! :welcome_s

red.bean.head

04-08-07, 07:48 PM

You'll be fine. You gt the latest technology & a future proof box (MPEG4)

guenther

04-08-07, 08:06 PM

a future proof box (MPEG4)

:lol: I think that's what they said about Tivo a few years ago too. ;)

veryoldschool

04-08-07, 08:31 PM

:lol: I think that's what they said about Tivo a few years ago too. ;)
Nothing is "future proof" has been my experience.....:lol:

directvfreak

04-09-07, 04:26 AM

I'm going to print this info off and slip in some questions to the installer, in a nice way. I don't want to come off as an a**hole to him acting like I know more than him. You would "think" they would know this already, but you never know. My reception with my 3LNB is anywhere from 90-100 all the time (depending on which Sat and transponder it's on) so I would think I could get a great signal with the 5LNB. I'm just like everyone else and wants something to work right.

My SAT lines are a little unique because of one of my lines. I've got 4 RG6 SAT drops right now.

SAT 1
SAT 2
SAT 3 (OTA diplexed in)
SAT 4 (diplexed sat signal traveling one way on the line and a cable company signal traveling the opposite way and diplexed out to a TV)

I've got D*, OTA, and Medicom high speed (which gives you their family basic cable included). I'm going to ask the installer to put in 2 more drops (one for 5th LNB and I'm thinking another dedicated to my OTA). My question is has anyone seen a problem with the OTA diplexed in with a Sat signal? My OTA meter shows the signal at 97% so I might be okay.

You will only need five cables... The 5LNB dish only uses 4 cables and your OTA uses one, the installer should only need to run one cable and that is for your antenna.

guenther

04-09-07, 07:30 AM

You will only need five cables... The 5LNB dish only uses 4 cables and your OTA uses one, the installer should only need to run one cable and that is for your antenna.

Oh. I might have him run 2 total (one for future use of my Tivo in my boys' rooms). The D* CSR said they run 2 at no charge.

AlbertZeroK

04-09-07, 07:46 AM

Oh. I might have him run 2 total (one for future use of my Tivo in my boys' rooms). The D* CSR said they run 2 at no charge.

Depending on the installer, you might not get they to do it. I'd be tell'n the installer that you HAVE another DVR on the way, not that you want it there "just in case". That way the messages is that you NEED it, not that you WANT it.

Steve

04-09-07, 07:58 AM

You will only need five cables... The 5LNB dish only uses 4 cables and your OTA uses one, the installer should only need to run one cable and that is for your antenna.According to the D* installer videos (http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/at9_install_videos.asp) on SolidSignal.com, you can no longer diplex UHF on the same line as a KA signal, so the OTA cable can't just go to the multiswitch anymore. guenther might need a home run from his UHF antenna to the HR-20 he'd like to use for OTA HD tuning, so 3 cables to that unit. /steve

thxultra

04-09-07, 10:23 AM

Just got a hr20-700s my self over the weekend. So far so good but I have only recorded 2 shows so far. The pictre quality is great and I love being able to record my shows in HD and keeping the dolby digital sound. I will be interested to see how well the season setup works when shows switch times. Also looking forward to VOD when it comes :)

guenther

04-09-07, 04:09 PM

Well, I'll be a SOB if I didn't get a -100 instead of a -700. How do you like that!?!?!? The installer was cool, since I gave him a hand and did most of the hard parts myself (running cables through the attic and fishing them through walls). He asked if I had ever been an installer :lol: We did run a dual RG6 cable so now everything (4 Sats & OTA) has a dedicated run. I've only got 2 receivers hooked up so he didn't install a multi-switch (I've actually already have a 5X8 that I'm not using). If I decide I want more receivers (I've got a Tivo and 2 other receivers), I can always install the multi-switch myself. I'm watching Discover HD and it is fricken cool!!! Now I just have to go through all the tips to get this thing running just right.

jheda

04-09-07, 06:02 PM

wELCOME AND ENJOY!!!!!!! Print the tips and tricks and put it by your coffee table. post any questions, and we will jump in with almost accurate answers :lol:

guenther

04-09-07, 10:09 PM

If all 4 satellite lines come into a central point, you should be gold.

(99 or 103 might be mostly or all zeros in your location, but you should have one transponder somewhere between the two sat. that is 90+)

Cheers,
Tom

RED FLAG!!!!!!

On 103*(a), all transponders are 0 accept one transponder is 25 on tuner 1 and all 0 accept one transponder is 26 on tuner 2.

On 99*(a), I've got 41, 53, 75, 36, 40, 29 on tuner 1 and 35, 49, 76, 31, 35, 29 on tuner 2.

I've noticed a little freezing here and there. I actually had to reset twice to make it stop (software is 12A). Did the guy not install correctly!?!?!?!?!?! I asked him to make sure everything on 103 & 99 looked good and he said it was. 119*, 110*, and 101* all look good.

veryoldschool

04-09-07, 11:14 PM

guenther

04-10-07, 07:24 AM

Here is where you can find which SAT you HD locals come from: http://www.dbstalk.com/hr20/html/DTV_LIL_CITY.html

If you're getting HD locals, that SAT should be close to 100% on at least one transponder.
If not, then the dish needs to be better aligned.

I don't have any local HD. I'm using my OTA which is at 100%. Are the Do I not have to worry about the 103* and 99* then dedicated to the local HD channels? If so, is that why I don't see anything on the transponders? I live in Des Moines, IA by the way. Thanks for the help!

veryoldschool

04-10-07, 08:40 AM

I don't have any local HD. I'm using my OTA which is at 100%. Are the Do I not have to worry about the 103* and 99* then dedicated to the local HD channels? If so, is that why I don't see anything on the transponders? I live in Des Moines, IA by the way. Thanks for the help!
Without a spot beam in your area, there might not be anything to pick up from the 99 & 103 for you [yet]. It would be hard to adjust the dish for a signal not there.
For now you seem to be fine. Maybe later you will need a tweak. :)

Rich

04-16-07, 03:48 PM

"Default" is 480, so it would be on your TV side wouldn't it?
After the reset, you should be able to go back into the HR-20 and change your resolution [along with all of your other settings].

Did it. Still 480p. Not the TV. Is 480i not the default? Both DVRs go right to 480p. I pretty much remember where everything is on the screen and it is not that big a deal, but still...

Oh, this is not the RBR I am talking about, it is the "Guided Setup". Sorry if my post misled you.

Rich

StachStach

04-16-07, 04:52 PM

Here is where you can find which SAT you HD locals come from: URL Here

If you're getting HD locals, that SAT should be close to 100% on at least one transponder.
If not, then the dish needs to be better aligned.

VeryOldSchool, GREAT link....any way to tell which transponders my market (Minneapolis) is using as I only get 100 on 2 of the 99 degree transponders???

Thanks in advance!
Stach

veryoldschool

04-16-07, 05:44 PM

VeryOldSchool, GREAT link....any way to tell which transponders my market (Minneapolis) is using as I only get 100 on 2 of the 99 degree transponders???

Thanks in advance!
Stach
So far only D* engineers know which transponders carries what. Most locals [for a DMA] come from only one transponder, so "it's one" of your two on 99.