Could DTV Next HD DVR Have Wifi Built In?

[CraigM]

I guess it could be too soon to discuss the next DTV HD DVR, I wonder what other new features the next DTV HD DVR will have? Would it have Wifi built in?

[Earl Bonovich]

Technically: Sure... anything could be "in" the next model. But just because it "could", doesn't mean it will be.

But you are looking at least a year if not longer, until there is any replacement for the HR20 series. As of right now, there are no defintive timelines on when a successor to the HR20 will be produced.

[hilmar2k]

I think they should get the HR-20 to master the art of recording television shows before they attempt to get it to master the art of connecting to a network wirelessly.

[glennb]

I think they should get the HR-20 to master the art of recording television shows before they attempt to get it to master the art of connecting to a network wirelessly.

Mine has been recording shows just fine for months.
:)

[rminsk]

Mine has been recording shows just fine for months.
:)Not everyone has been so lucky.

[CraigM]

My HR-20 records shows great.

[hilmar2k]

My HR-20 records shows great.

That may be, but as a whole, it has far from mastered the art. My only point is that the workd of wireless has its own share of difficulties. Abd seeing how many problems the HR-20 still has, they should concentrate on building a stable, reliable DVR before adding any major featurs, especially one that requires both hardware and software. Your just asking for trouble, IMO.

[Earl Bonovich]

That may be, but as a whole, it has far from mastered the art. My only point is that the workd of wireless has its own share of difficulties. Abd seeing how many problems the HR-20 still has, they should concentrate on building a stable, reliable DVR before adding any major featurs, especially one that requires both hardware and software. Your just asking for trouble, IMO.

Why does every thread... that has nothing to do with recording...
Have to be brought back to that... seriously....

As for "mastering" the art of recording... I don't want this thread, that started light years away from that topic to turn into a MINE IS/ISN'T thread...

But simply put... the HR20 isn't perfect, but it is far from the disaster you are painting it to be.

[hilmar2k]

Why does every thread... that has nothing to do with recording...
Have to be brought back to that... seriously....

As for "mastering" the art of recording... I don't want this thread, that started light years away from that topic to turn into a MINE IS/ISN'T thread...

But simply put... the HR20 isn't perfect, but it is far from the disaster you are painting it to be.

Because that's what DVR's do.....record. My only point was to say that if it can't do that, then asking it to connect to a network wirelessly is an act of futility.

[Earl Bonovich]

Because that's what DVR's do.....record. My only point was to say that if it can't do that, then asking it to connect to a network wirelessly is an act of futility.

:( :shrug:

We could do this for ever.... but my point is...
The topic that the OP raised had ZERO to do with issues regarding recordings... but yet a question about a future feature.

I do not want this thread to turn into a mine records / mine doesn't... simply...
If you want to start a thread like that... go for it...

But please, don't drop it into a thread that has nothing to do with that...

[hilmar2k]

:( :shrug:

We could do this for ever.... but my point is...
The topic that the OP raised had ZERO to do with issues regarding recordings... but yet a question about a future feature.

I do not want this thread to turn into a mine records / mine doesn't... simply...
If you want to start a thread like that... go for it...

But please, don't drop it into a thread that has nothing to do with that...

Don't give me the "shrug", Earl. My comment was not a shot at the HR-20, just questioning whether we should be looking for more advanced features until they work out their current bugs. Didn't intend for it to sound like sour grapes. I am a happy HR-20 owner, fully aware with the bugs and content to live with them as D* works them out. I just want D* to focus on stability and performance, then add new features.

[davidord]

I think built-in wireless is almost guaranteed in the next model for D. The small cost per unit adds value not only for the customer but also to Directv. A subscriber who is using their DVR as a central control for all of their media is less likely to abandon ship and switch providers. Also, it will allow for flexibility for downloading on demand material, etc.

I also don't understand why people say that until the box is perfect, the programmers shouldn't work on adding features or other additions. I'm sure there is more than one programmer working in a closet on this box. So, there can be multiple projects deployed at one time without affecting the improvements of the main DVR functions.

[Titan25]

I think you may see the HR20 use coax (via a SWM channel) to do video sharing before you see wireless support. Even 802.11n would have a hard time handling HD data volumes reliably in real world situations. A dedicated wire connection is much more predictable and manageable.

Of course, that doesn't mean that wireless won't be supported for other purposes (photo and music playback, internet access, etc.).

[RunnerFL]

Sure, it could be built in but would we really want to use WiFi over good old wired? Think about it, WiFi isn't near as fast as wired.

[JFHughes08088]

How about connecting a USB wireless entowrk adapter? Would that work?

[JFHughes08088]

err, that should have said "Wireless network adapter" Hey, no spell check and everyone can tell I can't type

[Michael D'Angelo]

Would it have Wifi built in?

I think this would be a great idea. Since D* is doing VOD over broadband it would be nice to have so you don't have to run CAT 5 cables to every unit you have or have to go out and buy wireless game adapter for all of units.

[Stuart Sweet]

I think that you should vote on the wish list (in the information resources subforum) for the functions you want - DirecTV has listened to it before, and might again.

[Ken S]

To get back on track. There are two negatives to WiFi being included in the box.

1. If the WiFi standard (frequency) changes we could find ourselves having to support the DVR by keeping an old network piece running. DVRs tend to change much less frequently than computers and their associated peripherals.

2. Having a radio transmitter in a box can (I'm not saying WILL) cause reception problems.

3. If they go to the lowest common denominator (cheapest) 802.11b there could be bandwidth issues for VoD applications.

There are other ways to connect your DVR to your network wirelessly. Either a wireless bridge to a small router or even less of a hassle are the new home electric wire adapters (I guess they're not really wireless...but...)

[JFHughes08088]

...So will a USB wireless adapter work?

[Radio Enginerd]

...So will a USB wireless adapter work?

No. But many makes and models of wireless bridge products have been tested and shown to work.

Once VOD is introduced we'll see how the bridge solutions work but for now they're good.

[Coffey77]

I agree that WiFi would be a good idea as more homes are having this installed, usually when they get some type of broadband either DSL or Cable or whatever. I just worry that it would just add to the cost of the unit. I'd prefer a free DVR HD without WiFi than one for $599.00 with. :D Another way to vote for having an option and I again, I think it would be a great idea.
Don't give me the "shrug", Earl. My comment was not a shot at the HR-20, just questioning whether we should be looking for more advanced features until they work out their current bugs. Didn't intend for it to sound like sour grapes. I am a happy HR-20 owner, fully aware with the bugs and content to live with them as D* works them out. I just want D* to focus on stability and performance, then add new features.
I'm sorry but this is just silly. Earl's ONLY point was that your comment had NOTHING to do with this Thread which it doesn't. Just because the DVR doesn't work properly they should stop working on other receivers like the SAT-Go or the HD Stand alone Receiver. D* IS focusing on the issues of the HR20 as is obvious of the many CE releases. It's going to take time, that is obvious. You say you didn't take a shot at the HR20 but that is exactly what you did. Things you mention above are HR20 Issues.