DIRECTV on Demand - Discussion

[Earl Bonovich]

Discussion thread for the DIRECTV on Demand First Look: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96052

[Doug Brott]

Nice work Earl .. Thanks for the info.

[tfederov]

Very cool. Earl, what is your (I'm assuming you took the pics) download speed and what is the amount of time your shows are taking to download (just to get a feel for the speed)?

[cforrest]

Looks good, can't wait for it to be in a CE for both the 700 & 100 HR20s.

[cnmsales]

Let me be the first to say

:::BOING:::

[wismile]

Earl I don't have a ViiV computer. I'm thinking of setting up a network using TVersity...will that work with VOD?

[gbubar]

Earl, as always, you're the man. Thanks for the info.

[cnmsales]

You dont have to have any SERVER on your pc to use vod, just internet connected. Tversity allows you to share your music and photos.

[mtnagel]

My network adapter comes on Friday! I'll be ready. Looks pretty cool.

[Drewg5]

Very cool, I'm all set to start the DOD here :) I May need to get a new DSL roughter this one keeps reseting its self, or I may need to pull a few systems off of it the network power demand may be to much?

[DCSholtis]

Very cool, Earl I can't wait. Bring It On!!!!!!

[Stuart Sweet]

Looks great! BRING IT!!!

[Earl Bonovich]

Very cool. Earl, what is your (I'm assuming you took the pics) download speed and what is the amount of time your shows are taking to download (just to get a feel for the speed)?

I am on Comcast Broadband, so anywhere from 6-12 depending on burst speeds.

Most of the content was comming down pretty quickly....
I didn't clock it though.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Looks great. Thanks for the info as always Earl.

All set here on all 3 HR20's I can't wait.

[mtnagel]

Very cool. Earl, what is your (I'm assuming you took the pics) download speed and what is the amount of time your shows are taking to download (just to get a feel for the speed)?That's what I'm wondering too. How soon can you start watching something? And, does it download fast enough that you can say watch the first 10-15 mins and have enough downloaded that you can FF past the first commercials? Assuming it still has commercials.

[cb7214]

:icon_kiff :icon_kiff :goodjob: :stickman: :dance: :welcome: :icon_da: :blowout: :jumpingja :jump3:

[Earl Bonovich]

That's what I'm wondering too. How soon can you start watching something? And, does it download fast enough that you can say watch the first 10-15 mins and have enough downloaded that you can FF past the first commercials? Assuming it still has commercials.

On most of the material I was doing the review with..
With in a minute or so, you could start playback.

The one HD I tried, did take longer...

[generalpatton78]

Somebody post that new theme song here!!

[TheRatPatrol]

WOW this sounds so cool!! Nice job. :D

Earl, having all of this done over the internet, will this eventually eliminate the need to have a phone land line, will the box be able to "phone home" over the internet? I know E* is getting ready to this soon with their receivers.

Thanks!

[mtnagel]

On most of the material I was doing the review with..
With in a minute or so, you could start playback.

The one HD I tried, did take longer...Not bad. Curious how long HD will be though - 5 minutes, 10 minutes, an hour? Hopefully it's not that bad.

[P Smith]

So, it is 0x0190 and the magic code to bring it up - IWANTMYVOD ? ;)


EDIT. Found the thread http://dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96058.

[Drew2k]

Grrrr!!!!! I use the forum Search function to always find new posts, and somehow I missed this thread AND the two First Look threads!!!! :(

However ... I'm really glad to see them, because ... what's the next step? Share the DOD! Share the Remote Booking! :)

Thanks for the First Looks Earl!

[machavez00]

How is the HD quality? Will this muddy the water in that... you know what..

[P Smith]

<...> I know E* is getting ready to this soon with their receivers.

Ummm, you defenitly knew Dish use it for last 10 days. ;)

[or270]

Using Hughesnet Satellite Internet, file size is going to be a problem with FAP.:(
Guess will have to use the FAP free time at 12-3 AM Pacific Time.

[Drew2k]

Earl - Can you expand on the following from your review: Some content will be PUSHED via SAT to the systems. This content will be stored in the reserved area of the drive, and will not use your normal recording space.1. Reserved vs Normal Space? It's not stated, but does content requested by the user go into the reserved space or into the normal user space? I would think it goes into the normal space, because a user requested it, and if this is true, users need to be cognizant of how much space is left before downloading?

2. Priority: DOD or Series Links? Also, if this goes into the normal space, what happens if there is only room on the disk to record two hours, and all programs are set to KUID, but the user has two 1 hour series links scheduled plus one 1 hour DOD download about to begin. Do series links have priority over DOD, or does DOD bump one of the series links?

3. Can downloads cause programs to be deleted?Assuming DOD content is stored in the normal space and there are programs not set to KUID, the normal space management routines kick-in and the oldest program is removed to make space for the download?

[Dr_J]

Discussion thread for the DIRECTV on Demand First Look: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96052

Thanks for the information. :)

I'm going to have to buy a USB wireless adapter for the Internet connection. Does the USB port on the HR20 work in this regard? Would I configure the Internet connection on the TV screen?

[machavez00]

Thanks for the information. :)

I'm going to have to buy a USB wireless adapter for the Internet connection. Does the USB port on the HR20 work in this regard? Would I configure the Internet connection on the TV screen?

You need an adapter with an ethernet connection, USB will not work.

[cb7214]

Thanks for the information. :)

I'm going to have to buy a USB wireless adapter for the Internet connection. Does the USB port on the HR20 work in this regard? Would I configure the Internet connection on the TV screen?

the usb capability is not currently activated

[Earl Bonovich]

User requested content, goes to the standard/normal space.
The standard space "available" rules apply... works the same as a on-air recording.

[Doug Brott]

Getting yourself network ready is a requirement before you can get much of the content over VOD. Some (as Earl stated) will be via the Satellite, but most will be via the network connection.

[lucky13]

Earl - Can you expand on the following from your review: It's not stated, but does content requested by the user go into the reserved space or into the normal user space?

I would think it goes into the normal space, because a user requested it, and if this is true, users need to be cognizant of how much space is left before downloading?

Also, if this goes into the normal space, what happens if there is only room on the disk to record two hours, and all programs are set to KUID, but the user has two 1 hour series links scheduled plus one 1 hour DOD download about to begin. Do series links have priority over DOD, or does DOD bump one of the series links?

I would guess if there are programs not set to KUID, the normal space management routines kick-in and the oldest program is removed to make space for the download?

Drew, perhaps my comment belongs in the Wish List discussion on KUID, but it seems the way TiVo did it could be a model here (and I am reluctant to use this example because I don't want to start a TiVo vs HR20 discussion).

My TiVo ToDo list never listed a program to record unless there was sufficient space. When I was bumping up against the drive capacity, I would have to clear out shows just to get the next day's recordings to proceed.

DTV already lists shows that won't record because of a scheduling conflict. Perhaps it could also list shows that won't record (or more accurately, that it estimates won't record) because of insufficient drive space.

[Dr_J]

You need an adapter with an ethernet connection, USB will not work.

No VOD for me. :(

[Earl Bonovich]

No VOD for me. :(

Why? There are wireless adapters that convert from RJ-45 to wireless.

[Dr_J]

Why? There are wireless adapters that convert from RJ-45 to wireless.

I'll have to see what Verizon has. My phone jack is on the opposite end of the room from the TV, and my DSL router is upstairs.

[Drew2k]

User requested content, goes to the standard/normal space.
The standard space "available" rules apply... works the same as a on-air recording.Thanks Earl. I don't use OTA, but aren't OTA scheduled recordings prioritized? It looks like DOD is "immediate" (per the queue), in essence that has priority over scheduled recordings. I don't think this is really much of an issue, because the only ones who have to worry are folks who set EVRYTHING to KUID using the BLUE button ...

[hdtvfan0001]

It's sure worth it to me to ger another $59 Buffalo Ethernet Converter wireless unit...maybe even 2....

With both DirecTV on Demand (VOD) and DirecTV Remote Booking, having 3 DVR's at my command 24/7 from anywhere for either service is a big plus.

[drx792]

I'll have to see what Verizon has. My phone jack is on the opposite end of the room from the TV, and my DSL router is upstairs.

that makes no sense at all. You get like a linksys gaming adapter and plug it in. thats it. It converts an Ethernet cable to Wi-fi. After that just set up your network.

[69hokie]

I'll have to see what Verizon has. My phone jack is on the opposite end of the room from the TV, and my DSL router is upstairs.

If you have a router with wireless, and a wireless adapter, you can get it to work for you too.

[hdtvfan0001]

that makes no sense at all. You get like a linksys gaming adapter and plug it in. thats it. It converts an Ethernet cable to Wi-fi. After that just set up your network.
....as does the Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP wireless Ethernet Converter. It took 10 minutes to set up. [I did have issues with the Linsys gaming unit previously and ended up returning it.]

[Dr_J]

that makes no sense at all. You get like a linksys gaming adapter and plug it in. thats it. It converts an Ethernet cable to Wi-fi. After that just set up your network.

Thanks.

You can see how much of a DSL expert I am! ;)

[Earl Bonovich]

Thanks Earl. I don't use OTA, but aren't OTA scheduled recordings prioritized? It looks like DOD is "immediate" (per the queue), in essence that has priority over scheduled recordings. I don't think this is really much of an issue, because the only ones who have to worry are folks who set EVRYTHING to KUID using the BLUE button ...

DOD downloads, will not interfear with any broadcast recordings... they are on a "3rd" tuner.

As for space... it follows the same space rules as broadcast recordings.

[SoCool]

Let's get ready to rumble! :lol: :hurah:

[hdtvfan0001]

DOD downloads, will not interfear with any broadcast recordings... they are on a "3rd" tuner.
So now we know all about the mysterious (previously refrerenced) concept of the DVR "3rd tuner"..... :D :)

[Sixto]

Just discovered this ... great job Earl!

Looking forward to DOD ... three HR20's hooked to gigabit router with 30Mbps/5Mbps Optimum Online Boast ... ready to rock-and-roll whenever it's ready ...

[Earl Bonovich]

Just discovered this ... great job Earl!

Looking forward to DOD ... three HR20's hooked to gigabit router with 30Mbps/5Mbps Optimum Online Boast ... ready to rock-and-roll whenever it's ready ...

What do you mean when? When was like 30 minutes ago....
You all are neglecting the CE forum.

[jrodfoo]

now i need to go get another ethernet cable and route this to my HR20-100. wires everywhere!, (along with the one going to the PS3) oh well. this will be truly worth it. I'll eventually get around to Wireless haha. Thanks for all the info!

[MikeR]

:icon_hroc Nice preview Earl.


Everyone have their eSata hooked up as well?

[brewer4]

Neat. Any list of content or special areas like the National Geographic area? I would love to see Disney or Nick or something for the kids.

[Earl Bonovich]

Neat. Any list of content or special areas like the National Geographic area? I would love to see Disney or Nick or something for the kids.

Not that I am aware of.... just what I see in the guide is all that I know about.

[Sixto]

What do you mean when? When was like 30 minutes ago....
You all are neglecting the CE forum.Wow.

Just got home (was away since after CE download) ... my free afternoon just became very busy!!! Thanks.

[DCSholtis]

:icon_hroc Nice preview Earl.


Everyone have their eSata hooked up as well?

No but this may hasten my decision to purchase one...

[ITrot]

This is why I am a paying member of the forum... this information is great. Great job Earl and everybody else with the preview. I can't wait!!!

[Drew2k]

Well thanks for the nudge over to CE ... Off to get my DOD!

[WolfpackSully]

If you have a router with wireless, and a wireless adapter, you can get it to work for you too.

Do tell!! Please... :D

Sully

[ralphfurley]

whats the big deal about VOD? ;)

--sorry wanted to beat the antiVOD proDLB'ers to the punch; tell me you guys wont be up all night playing with this

[kintaro]

What do you mean when? When was like 30 minutes ago....
You all are neglecting the CE forum.

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the CE forum?

[Earl Bonovich]

Cutting Edge Forums.

[Jeremy W]

All I can do is weep, since I missed the last CE. :(

[chevroletman20042000]

so if you dont have a network connection to your HR20 you want be able to use VOD and in the future will you be able to use it without a network connection?

[Earl Bonovich]

You will need a network connection

[lansbury]

Is there a way to connect the HR20 to a wireless network?

[Michael D'Angelo]

Is there a way to connect the HR20 to a wireless network?

:welcome_s to DBSTalk

Yes you just need a wireless adapter with a ethernet connection instead of a USB connection.

[chevroletman20042000]

You will need a network connection

so you want be able to do anything on VOD without a network connection. what about the stuff pushed over the sats will non connected HR20s be about to access that stuff?

[Earl Bonovich]

so you want be able to do anything on VOD without a network connection. what about the stuff pushed over the sats will non connected HR20s be about to access that stuff?


Correct... User selected VOD content, pretty much is going to be entirely via network.

The stuff via SAT, is going to be high profile, highly requested material.
Thus it may or may not be something you want.

[Draconis]

All these new goodies, guess I'm going to finally break down and order a HR20.

Great job on both reviews Earl.

[lansbury]

:welcome_s to DBSTalk

Yes you just need a wireless adapter with a ethernet connection instead of a USB connection.


Cheers

[shaun-ohio]

well done earl, cant wait for it to appear, love my hr20 :)

[Dr_J]

....as does the Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP wireless Ethernet Converter. It took 10 minutes to set up. [I did have issues with the Linsys gaming unit previously and ended up returning it.]

Just ordered one on Amazon.com for $58.13. There were 70 reviews, and I'd say at least 95% of them were absolutely glowing, a rarity for Amazon. (Usually the reviews are across the board in my experience.) It's got four ports, so if I ever get a gaming machine like XBox 360, I can connect it to that. We'll see how it goes. :)

[chevroletman20042000]

Correct... User selected VOD content, pretty much is going to be entirely via network.

The stuff via SAT, is going to be high profile, highly requested material.
Thus it may or may not be something you want.

this may be a dumb question. but i know you want be about to download anything with out the network hooked up but i was wondering if you could still look through the VOD UI without a network hooked up?

[twistedT]

Looks AWESOME, thanks for the preview. Sorry about your White Sox. I saw you

where recording them on your playlist :)

[hanniable]

I got channel 1000 to come in but the rest of the VOD doesn't seem to work, is there some thing else I have to do or just wait? and I can only download certain movies not all of them?

[Earl Bonovich]

this may be a dumb question. but i know you want be about to download anything with out the network hooked up but i was wondering if you could still look through the VOD UI without a network hooked up?

Possible... haven't tried it.

[Earl Bonovich]

I got channel 1000 to come in but the rest of the VOD doesn't seem to work, is there some thing else I have to do or just wait? and I can only download certain movies not all of them?

See the threads in the CE forum.

[TogasPoon]

Slightly off topic

I have a 4 port wireless router. Currently 3 of the ports are being used and I'm going to need at least 2 more ports if I want to connect my HR20 use a wired solution.

Any suggestions or recommendations for a 8 or 16 port wireless router?

[Michael D'Angelo]

Slightly off topic

I have a 4 port wireless router. Currently 3 of the ports are being used and I'm going to need at least 2 more ports if I want to connect my HR20 use a wired solution.

Any suggestions or recommendations for a 8 or 16 port wireless router?

You could pick up a 5 or 8 port network switch.

[TogasPoon]

You could pick up a 5 or 8 port network switch.

Would I connect that directly to my router?

[Michael D'Angelo]

Would I connect that directly to my router?

Yes connect one of the outputs on the router to the network switch and you are good to go.

[cbeckner80]

Slightly off topic

I have a 4 port wireless router. Currently 3 of the ports are being used and I'm going to need at least 2 more ports if I want to connect my HR20 use a wired solution.

Any suggestions or recommendations for a 8 or 16 port wireless router?

I'm using a Wireless Access Point, which connects to my 8 port and a 5 port switch, which are daisy chained, which I also have my DSL Modem connected to. I have a Wii, XBOX 360, and four computers connected to the switches, and plan on connecting the HR20 to when I get it in two weeks. (I assume it will be recognized the same as the computers and game consoles)

If I understand correctly, my DSL acts as a router. Someone with more knowledge can either correct me or elaborate on this so that I and maybe some others who are interested can understand this better.


Thanks

[Earl Bonovich]

:backtotop

if you need to continue discussing networking equipment, we have the computer sub-forum.

[mhayes70]

Great work, Earl!!! You sly dog!! :p

[Ken984]

Check the Sunday sales at BB or CC, BB had a Netgear 8 port switch for $10 a few weeks back. Just hook the switch to one of the ports on the router. No need for a new router.

[veryoldschool]

I think it should be named "video on request" as "demand" might give the suggestion that it would download quickly.
I have a 3 Mb/s connection and it took about 4 hours for a two hour SD movie.
my "patience" is about all that is in "demand".

[ansky]

When is VOD expected to "go live"?

[richlife]

Be prepared for VERY LONG downloads of HD material -- maybe a couple of hours for 30 min of content at 700 - 1100 kbs. I still think VOD is a great option and can't wait till we get some real content. Even now the Music options are pretty impressive.

Many thanks, Earl.

[ansky]

Be prepared for VERY LONG downloads of HD material -- maybe a couple of hours for 30 min of content at 700 - 1100 kbs. I still think VOD is a great option and can't wait till we get some real content. Even now the Music options are pretty impressive.

Many thanks, Earl.

That is really bad if things are going to be that slow. Let's hope the slow speed is because the server is overloaded with testers and is not ready for "prime time".

[ejkuhl]

Earl,

Don't know if you said this somewhere else with so much going on at the moment, but on your screenshot of the Playlist I see 2 different colors in the space remaining bar. Is the other color to show the amount of VOD content vs regular? And if so that would be just for the user accessible space on the drive?

[Jeremy W]

Let's hope the slow speed is because the server is overloaded with testers and is not ready for "prime time".
The content is hosted by Limelight Networks, who do stuff like this all the time. The download servers are definitely not overloaded.

[Jeremy W]

Don't know if you said this somewhere else with so much going on at the moment, but on your screenshot of the Playlist I see 2 different colors in the space remaining bar. Is the other color to show the amount of VOD content vs regular? And if so that would be just for the user accessible space on the drive?
The darker blue is the amount of stuff you have set to "Keep Until I Delete" while the light blue is everything else.

[veryoldschool]

That is really bad if things are going to be that slow. Let's hope the slow speed is because the server is overloaded with testers and is not ready for "prime time".
Everybody needs to remember that OTA HD is 19.2 Mb/s
While this may be "bit starved" it isn't that much I'd guess, so I'll let you "do the math".
For me with a good 3+ Mb/s connection something like 4 hours minimum [or 5-6] for 1 hour HD.

[ejkuhl]

The darker blue is the amount of stuff you have set to "Keep Until I Delete" while the light blue is everything else.

Ah that makes sense. I have not seen that since I never use "keep until I delete"
Thanks

[richlife]

Everybody needs to remember that OTA HD is 19.2 Mb/s
While this may be "bit starved" it isn't that much I'd guess, so I'll let you "do the math".
For me with a good 3+ Mb/s connection something like 4 hours minimum [or 5-6] for 1 hour HD.

Thanks, VOS. That's pretty much what I expected without knowing the details -- just "intuitive" I guess ;) .

[Jeremy W]

Everybody needs to remember that OTA HD is 19.2 Mb/s
Everybody also needs to remember that OTA HD is real-time encoded MPEG2, which is a whole lot less efficient than pre-encoded MPEG4. The VOD content isn't anywhere near 19.2Mbps.

[cekowalski]

Glad to see another way to get HD content... aside from the rare PPV's, BD, HD-DVD, or Xbox 360 downloads. Sadly, all that hasn't added up to enough for me(yes, I am dual-format, but that's for another thread). I think my perception may have to do with me being unwilling to pay $40 to watch a movie I'm not sure I will like, though...

Anyway, I've been downloading on the Xbox 360 for several months, and the 720p programs are now watchable in the first few minutes, so I think we're in for a treat here. This should be close to "on demand" -- at least for those with a fast connection. Let's hope D* gets some good content. Anyone care to comment on how this looks, so far? (If the early goings are good, imagine what the general release will be like)! Between D10 and DOD, I'd say they will start putting more emphasis on content licensing -- I hope they start strong! MSFT has been getting my money because HD downloads on the 360 outpaced PPV's ... that'll change with D10, I hope, but it also sounds like DOD will bring it, too.

Any other 360 users on here, that have access to both? What's the early compare look like?

[veryoldschool]

Everybody also needs to remember that OTA HD is real-time encoded MPEG2, which is a whole lot less efficient than pre-encoded MPEG4. The VOD content isn't anywhere near 19.2Mbps.
So far for two SD movies I've downloaded, I need a calender to time the download.

[fredandbetty]

thats great!! Thanks for the info Earl! now all i have to do is connect my HR-20 to my router ( and get another Hr20- still working on that- LOL)

[syphix]

What VOD channels are active right now? What VOD channels are expected to be coming soon?

[captain_video]

I'm not seeing a lot in the way of actual discussion on VOD except for everyone rooting that it's here. I have a lot of questions that nobody has seen fit to post any info on. These are questions that beg to be asked so here goes:

1. Can you download HD content or is it limited to SD programming?

2. How much is the content compressed?

3. What is the bitrate and resolution of the downloaded content?

4. How does the picture quality compare with broadcast material?

5. What format is the content downloaded in (i.e., mpeg2, mpeg4)?

6. What sort of audio soundtracks do they have (Dolby Digital, stereo PCM, mono)?

7. Is there a time limit in which the download content has to be viewed? Amazon deletes or disables a program 24 hours after viewing has been initiated.

VOD sounds like DTV's version of Unbox, which is limited to SD programming and PCM stereo. The results have been all over the map with regards to picture quality so I want to know if DTV is excercising any sort of quality control over the downloaded content (Amazon seems to be lacking in this area). Content downloaded over the internet tends to be highly compressed to conserve bandwidth and allow for reasonable download times with a wideband connection. Unfortunately, this tends to result in lower quality at the cost of convenience.

[naysayer mode]What puzzles me is that VOD is being enabled on DVR boxes. Am I the only one that sees this as being somewhat redundant? The way I understand VOD, the content that's available is stuff that's already been aired or is currently being aired on various channels. It seems to me that having a DVR allows you to record what you want and watch it at your leisure. Chances are the picture quality will exceed that of VOD programming but I can't say for sure since I no longer have DirecTV. It just seems like a lot of bells and whistles to me without much substance. [/naysayer mode]

I have VOD with FIOS and I never use it because I've already recorded everything I want to watch. No doubt there is some programming available that may not be airing currently so VOD may be useful for viewing such content. Otherwise, it's completely redundant to the DVR functions.

[Ken984]

I'm not seeing a lot in the way of actual discussion on VOD except for everyone rooting that it's here. I have a lot of questions that nobody has seen fit to post any info on. These are questions that beg to be asked so here goes:

1. Can you download HD content or is it limited to SD programming?

2. How much is the content compressed?

3. What is the bitrate and resolution of the downloaded content?

4. How does the picture quality compare with broadcast material?

5. What format is the content downloaded in (i.e., mpeg2, mpeg4)?

6. What sort of audio soundtracks do they have (Dolby Digital, stereo PCM, mono)?

7. Is there a time limit in which the download content has to be viewed? Amazon deletes or disables a program 24 hours after viewing has been initiated.

VOD sounds like DTV's version of Unbox, which is limited to SD programming and PCM stereo. The results have been all over the map with regards to picture quality so I want to know if DTV is excercising any sort of quality control over the downloaded content (Amazon seems to be lacking in this area). Content downloaded over the internet tends to be highly compressed to conserve bandwidth and allow for reasonable download times with a wideband connection. Unfortunately, this tends to result in lower quality at the cost of convenience.

[naysayer mode]What puzzles me is that VOD is being enabled on DVR boxes. Am I the only one that sees this as being somewhat redundant? The way I understand VOD, the content that's available is stuff that's already been aired or is currently being aired on various channels. It seems to me that having a DVR allows you to record what you want and watch it at your leisure. Chances are the picture quality will exceed that of VOD programming but I can't say for sure since I no longer have DirecTV. It just seems like a lot of bells and whistles to me without much substance. [/naysayer mode]

I have VOD with FIOS and I never use it because I've already recorded everything I want to watch. No doubt there is some programming available that may not be airing currently so VOD may be useful for viewing such content. Otherwise, it's completely redundant to the DVR functions.

I can't answer many of your quesions but the reason for using a DVR is for the Hard drive to store the content until you watch it, if it was a standard box then you would have to watch it real time, and that is never gonna work over the net, well maybe in a few years it might but that is another discussion.

[captain_video]

I can't answer many of your quesions but the reason for using a DVR is for the Hard drive to store the content until you watch it, if it was a standard box then you would have to watch it real time, and that is never gonna work over the net, well maybe in a few years it might but that is another discussion.
I understand all that but I believe you're missing my point. If you already have a DVR then you can record the same content from the broadcast channels and watch it at your leisure. There's no need for VOD with a DVR since it means you'll have the shows you want to watch already on the drive. The only benefit of VOD is if the content available for download is not currently being offered on the broadcast channels.

For instance, if you missed this week's episode of Heroes for some reason and it's available via VOD, then it would be a useful feature to have. However, since most DVR users have season passes set up for their favorite shows then they'll never need to download them using VOD unless there's some sort of glitch that screwed up the recording, which we all know will never happen with the HR20, right?;) I'm sure there are programs, such as HBO specials and such, that would not normally be recorded via season passes and would be of interest for viewing using VOD because you missed it or forgot to schedule it for recording.

All I'm saying is that DVR owners are less likely to use VOD since they're already recording the shows they want to watch whereas the non-DVR owners will more likely want to use this feature. It's sort of a Catch22 situation, if you get my drift.

[spoonman]

I understand all that but I believe you're missing my point. If you already have a DVR then you can record the same content from the broadcast channels and watch it at your leisure. There's no need for VOD with a DVR since it means you'll have the shows you want to watch already on the drive. The only benefit of VOD is if the content available for download is not currently being offered on the broadcast channels.

For instance, if you missed this week's episode of Heroes for some reason and it's available via VOD, then it would be a useful feature to have. However, since most DVR users have season passes set up for their favorite shows then they'll never need to download them using VOD unless there's some sort of glitch that screwed up the recording, which we all know will never happen with the HR20, right?;) I'm sure there are programs, such as HBO specials and such, that would not normally be recorded via season passes and would be of interest for viewing using VOD because you missed it or forgot to schedule it for recording.

All I'm saying is that DVR owners are less likely to use VOD since they're already recording the shows they want to watch whereas the non-DVR owners will more likely want to use this feature. It's sort of a Catch22 situation, if you get my drift.

There may also be content that is just for VOD.

[raott]

I understand all that but I believe you're missing my point. If you already have a DVR then you can record the same content from the broadcast channels and watch it at your leisure. There's no need for VOD with a DVR since it means you'll have the shows you want to watch already on the drive. The only benefit of VOD is if the content available for download is not currently being offered on the broadcast channels.



With a DVR you are limited by space on the hard drive and with the HR20 and R15 you are limited by the 50SL limit. You cannot record everything.

Plus, there are shows, especially documentaries, that pop up from time to time that I would have no idea they were being broadcast and without taking an hour a day to look through the entire guide to choose shows, I would miss them.

[vernonator]

So is this strictly an HR20 gig or will there be updates for other flavors of DVR's? I have an HR20 and two directivos (Philips and R10) will those lose out on VOD?

[syphix]

The DirecTiVo's are most definately NOT getting VOD. There has been some talk of R15's getting it (very little talk, though)...

[mtnagel]

With a DVR you are limited by space on the hard drive and with the HR20 and R15 you are limited by the 50SL limit. You cannot record everything.

Plus, there are shows, especially documentaries, that pop up from time to time that I would have no idea they were being broadcast and without taking an hour a day to look through the entire guide to choose shows, I would miss them.You are still limited by hard drive space with DOD too. It has to record to your hard drive too.

And I don't really see how this helps all that much with the 50 SL limit. For example, are they going to have the network shows in HD? So if I miss Heroes, will I have to watch it in SD? I think I'd rather bittorrent it if that's the case.

And I agree with much of what captain_video is saying. I pretty much set up everything I need to record. I probably won't use it all that much based on what I'm seeing so far. Maybe that will change though.

[Stuart Sweet]

To be clear...

there is absolutely no plan to offer On Demand for DIRECTV receivers with TiVo.

At the moment On Demand will be limited to HR20s.

[vernonator]

The DirecTiVo's are most definately NOT getting VOD. There has been some talk of R15's getting it (very little talk, though)...


Well that stinks, I will have to see if I can finagle another HR20 out of D*...:D

[Earl Bonovich]

Answers In Line


1. Can you download HD content or is it limited to SD programming?
There is HD content now, and more planned[/COLOR

2. How much is the content compressed?
[COLOR=RED]No definitives, and probably varies with each program

3. What is the bitrate and resolution of the downloaded content?
No definitives, and probably varies with each program

4. How does the picture quality compare with broadcast material?
The SD is about the same as the broadcast SD (for the most part), the HD is very good IMHO

5. What format is the content downloaded in (i.e., mpeg2, mpeg4)?
Both

6. What sort of audio soundtracks do they have (Dolby Digital, stereo PCM, mono)?
HD had DD, the SD's where mostly stereo

7. Is there a time limit in which the download content has to be viewed? Amazon deletes or disables a program 24 hours after viewing has been initiated.
Each program was different, some where set to a week... others several months

[naysayer mode]What puzzles me is that VOD is being enabled on DVR boxes. Am I the only one that sees this as being somewhat redundant? The way I understand VOD, the content that's available is stuff that's already been aired or is currently being aired on various channels. It seems to me that having a DVR allows you to record what you want and watch it at your leisure. Chances are the picture quality will exceed that of VOD programming but I can't say for sure since I no longer have DirecTV. It just seems like a lot of bells and whistles to me without much substance. [/naysayer mode]


Well that is the model now... stuff that probably could have been caught somewhere else before... but that is just it... it may not have been recorded during it's original airing. Take High School Musical 2 in HD.... it was only available for the 1 day, what if you didn't know... or didn't have an HD-DVR at the time.... but what if it now was available via VOD

[raott]

You are still limited by hard drive space with DOD too. It has to record to your hard drive too.

And I don't really see how this helps all that much with the 50 SL limit. For example, are they going to have the network shows in HD? So if I miss Heroes, will I have to watch it in SD? I think I'd rather bittorrent it if that's the case.

And I agree with much of what captain_video is saying. I pretty much set up everything I need to record. I probably won't use it all that much based on what I'm seeing so far. Maybe that will change though.


The argument was made that there was no point for VOD with a DVR because you can just record everything. That is simply not possible, you are limited by space, two tuners, and a silly 50SL limit. With VOD, the "everything" is first stored on their end, you can pick from that what you want - eliminating tuner conflicts, most of the space issues and the 50SL limit.

[BluewookieJim]

I'm not sure if anyone knows the answer or not, but I have a question regarding this new development.

In my area, I cannot get ABC-HD due to some petty vendor squabbling BS. Anyway, might it be possible for me to get HD ABC content via this new on-demand service?

[Ken984]

Not necessarily, what if the power went out and your dvr didn't record it, or maybe somebody told you about it after the fact and you want to catch up on it. Or maybe its a special deal and it was never broadcast. There are a lot of reasons, maybe none of those apply for you but for a lot of people it will come in handy.

[Earl Bonovich]

I'm not sure if anyone knows the answer or not, but I have a question regarding this new development.

In my area, I cannot get ABC-HD due to some petty vendor squabbling BS. Anyway, might it be possible for me to get HD ABC content via this new on-demand service?

No... the service doesn't work that way.

It is possible that ABC may make some of the content available for download... but you won't be able to watch "live" broadcasts via it.

[tonyd79]

From using Comcast's VOD.

Some programming is not available on the regular channels. At least not within the current month or week or whatever.

You may miss something for a variety of reasons and it may or may not be repeated within a reasonable time.

VOD can help with conflicts.

You might not want to wait the week or so to get the programming.

Often programs on VOD have no or just one commerical interruption (often at the beginning).

Just think of VOD as more channels of data availalbe to you at any given time. It adds greatly to the whole TV experience.

An example....I rewatched the Tudors in two nights. I had given up on the series but then sat down and watched it all at once and like it.

[tonyd79]

I'm not sure if anyone knows the answer or not, but I have a question regarding this new development.

In my area, I cannot get ABC-HD due to some petty vendor squabbling BS. Anyway, might it be possible for me to get HD ABC content via this new on-demand service?

FWIW, on Comcast I only get limited CBS HD stuff from the major networks. Mostly CSI. No NBC or ABC yet.

[mtnagel]

The argument was made that there was no point for VOD with a DVR because you can just record everything. That is simply not possible, you are limited by space, two tuners, and a silly 50SL limit. With VOD, the "everything" is first stored on their end, you can pick from that what you want - eliminating tuner conflicts, most of the space issues and the 50SL limit.I don't see how it eliminates space issues or the 50 SL limit. As I said you still have to record DOD to your hard drive. I guess maybe you could say that if you have no space to record something and it's only airing this one time now, that you could just wait until it's on DOD, but I think if you are always that close to the limit, you should just add an eSATA drive.

And I have too many questions about DOD before we can say it eliminates the 50 SL limit problem, such as will it be in HD, will it be free, and when it will show up after the original airing. If anyone knows the answers, then I'd like to hear them, but for now, if I don't have tuner conflicts (which I rarely do), then as it stands now, I'd rather just record something then depend on DOD. Maybe that will change as we get more details about it.

[mexican-bum]

I'm not seeing a lot in the way of actual discussion on VOD except for everyone rooting that it's here. I have a lot of questions that nobody has seen fit to post any info on. These are questions that beg to be asked so here goes:

1. Can you download HD content or is it limited to SD programming?

2. How much is the content compressed?

3. What is the bitrate and resolution of the downloaded content?

4. How does the picture quality compare with broadcast material?

5. What format is the content downloaded in (i.e., mpeg2, mpeg4)?

6. What sort of audio soundtracks do they have (Dolby Digital, stereo PCM, mono)?

7. Is there a time limit in which the download content has to be viewed? Amazon deletes or disables a program 24 hours after viewing has been initiated.

VOD sounds like DTV's version of Unbox, which is limited to SD programming and PCM stereo. The results have been all over the map with regards to picture quality so I want to know if DTV is excercising any sort of quality control over the downloaded content (Amazon seems to be lacking in this area). Content downloaded over the internet tends to be highly compressed to conserve bandwidth and allow for reasonable download times with a wideband connection. Unfortunately, this tends to result in lower quality at the cost of convenience.

[naysayer mode]What puzzles me is that VOD is being enabled on DVR boxes. Am I the only one that sees this as being somewhat redundant? The way I understand VOD, the content that's available is stuff that's already been aired or is currently being aired on various channels. It seems to me that having a DVR allows you to record what you want and watch it at your leisure. Chances are the picture quality will exceed that of VOD programming but I can't say for sure since I no longer have DirecTV. It just seems like a lot of bells and whistles to me without much substance. [/naysayer mode]

I have VOD with FIOS and I never use it because I've already recorded everything I want to watch. No doubt there is some programming available that may not be airing currently so VOD may be useful for viewing such content. Otherwise, it's completely redundant to the DVR functions.

yes you can download HD content, all looks very good. DD5.1 on some stuff

[ansky]

I know I won't want to use VOD if it is taking 4 hours to download a 2-hour SD movie. Even if you started watching it while it was still downloading the movie would outpace the speed of the download.

[EricRobins]

I have not seen any info relating to cost.....

Has there been any indication as to the expected cost? Will there be a difference w/ HD v SD, show v movie, DD v stereo, etc.?

[Tom Robertson]

...
[naysayer mode]What puzzles me is that VOD is being enabled on DVR boxes. Am I the only one that sees this as being somewhat redundant? The way I understand VOD, the content that's available is stuff that's already been aired or is currently being aired on various channels. It seems to me that having a DVR allows you to record what you want and watch it at your leisure. Chances are the picture quality will exceed that of VOD programming but I can't say for sure since I no longer have DirecTV. It just seems like a lot of bells and whistles to me without much substance. [/naysayer mode]

I have VOD with FIOS and I never use it because I've already recorded everything I want to watch. No doubt there is some programming available that may not be airing currently so VOD may be useful for viewing such content. Otherwise, it's completely redundant to the DVR functions.

It is true that today many of the titles are things you could have recorded at some point. Consider that there are a couple of times when a DVR might not really help but VOD could:

Local affiliate interruptions of a show for breaking news, local politics, other highly paid programming, etc.
Power/service interruptions. Seen any news from Chicago this week? A UPS rated at 2 hours didn't cut it for many people. Two weeks would be more like it.
Didn't have the DVR when the show aired. National Geographic for instance has libraries of shows that have not aired in many months or perhaps years. Available on VOD, they get a new life or audience that couldn't or didn't pick up the episode originally.
Water cooler effect: "Hey did you watch this? It was awesome." Or travelling: I'm visiting my brother this weekend and he watches things that I didn't, but now that I've seen a few episodes, I'm thinking this is cool!


So yes, DVRs might be slightly counter-intuitive, but since they do not recorded all channels all the time :), VOD still complements a DVR very nicely.

[NatasNJ]

Any chance Howard Stern TV comes to Directv now?

[stogie5150]

I didn't enable it and I don't intend to. VOD is a total waste for me. I know I am in the minority, but hey, that's how I feel. The HR20 has bigger problems that need to be fixed first. :)

[Carbon]

Does anyone know if you can throttle the download speeds? For example if I am playing Battlefield 2 online then I would not want Battlefield to have to compete for bandwidth so I would throttle the DOD/VOD speed down to about 25% of my overall bandwidth until I was done playing.

Also what about cost. Is the majority of the items on DOD/VOD free? (sorry stuck at work . . )

[ansky]

It is true that today many of the titles are things you could have recorded at some point. Consider that there are a couple of times when a DVR might not really help but VOD could:

Local affiliate interruptions of a show for breaking news, local politics, other highly paid programming, etc.
Power/service interruptions. Seen any news from Chicago this week? A UPS rated at 2 hours didn't cut it for many people. Two weeks would be more like it.
Didn't have the DVR when the show aired. National Geographic for instance has libraries of shows that have not aired in many months or perhaps years. Available on VOD, they get a new life or audience that couldn't or didn't pick up the episode originally.
Water cooler effect: "Hey did you watch this? It was awesome." Or travelling: I'm visiting my brother this weekend and he watches things that I didn't, but now that I've seen a few episodes, I'm thinking this is cool!


So yes, DVRs might be slightly counter-intuitive, but since they do not recorded all channels all the time :), VOD still complements a DVR very nicely.

I can also see VOD being helpful if you want to catch up on a series. There have been a number of times when I have discovered a new show only to find that they are already on the third or fourth episode. With VOD it may be possible to catch up on those older episodes.

[shing]

There may also be content that is just for VOD.
Exactly, like Howard Stern or even replays of professional sports games. I am looking forward to see what D* does with this new service in the coming months.

[harsh]

Does anyone know if you can throttle the download speeds? For example if I am playing Battlefield 2 online then I would not want Battlefield to have to compete for bandwidth so I would throttle the DOD/VOD speed down to about 25% of my overall bandwidth until I was done playing.Quality of Service (QoS) is something that you have to program into your network router. Essentially QoS allows you to set a priority for a particular kind of traffic (by port) to the exclusion of all other kinds of traffic. Linksys is offering standalone QoS boxes now for hard core gamers and VOIP users.

[wilbur_the_goose]

Why wouldn't all the programming be MPEG-4 (SD too)? It would certainly save space on the drive...

[wismile]

I didn't enable it and I don't intend to. VOD is a total waste for me. I know I am in the minority, but hey, that's how I feel. The HR20 has bigger problems that need to be fixed first. :)

VOD is a way to transmit all kinds of video content to your TV. How do you know it's a waste for you if you don't know what they're offering today, tomorrow or next year? Isn't your statement similar to Cable/Satellite is a waste for me?

[cartrivision]

Why? There are wireless adapters that convert from RJ-45 to wireless.


What about if you already have a wireless router? Is there some sort of stand alone device that will make a connection to your existing wireless router and provide the internet connection for the HR20? What is such a device called so I can search for them from online sellers?

[machavez00]

anyone else notice the "Comcast VOD" on some of the shows?

[Carbon]

Quality of Service (QoS) is something that you have to program into your network router. Essentially QoS allows you to set a priority for a particular kind of traffic (by port) to the exclusion of all other kinds of traffic. Linksys is offering standalone QoS boxes now for hard core gamers and VOIP users.

Thanks Harsh I forgot about QOS my router can do that good thinking.

[zurgdawg]

What about if you already have a wireless router? Is there some sort of stand alone device that will make a connection to your existing wireless router and provide the internet connection for the HR20? What is such a device called so I can search for them from online sellers?

I've been looking into something for that all day, looks like this will do the trick:

Look for the Belkin F5D7132 Wireless G Bridge - $35-$40.

It works great for Xbox360/PS3 units that dont have internal wireless or a wired connection. I assume it would work great for the HR20.

[dsm]

I don't see how it eliminates space issues or the 50 SL limit. As I said you still have to record DOD to your hard drive. I guess maybe you could say that if you have no space to record something and it's only airing this one time now, that you could just wait until it's on DOD, but I think if you are always that close to the limit, you should just add an eSATA drive.


Isn't there a large chunk of our current drive reserved for VOD? If we don't use it for that, then it doesn't get used. Earl, how big is this reserved space?

-steve

[Earl Bonovich]

Isn't there a large chunk of our current drive reserved for VOD? If we don't use it for that, then it doesn't get used. Earl, how big is this reserved space?

-steve

~50gb... but that space is for PUSHED VOD content.
(aka stuff that DirecTV is pushing to everyone's systems, not content that you requested)

[ejkuhl]

~50gb... but that space is for PUSHED VOD content.
(aka stuff that DirecTV is pushing to everyone's systems, not content that you requested)

Being a HR20-100 user with no VOD. Has this portion of VOD been activated?

[Earl Bonovich]

No

[thumperr]

What about if you already have a wireless router? Is there some sort of stand alone device that will make a connection to your existing wireless router and provide the internet connection for the HR20? What is such a device called so I can search for them from online sellers?

The linksys WGA54G. The device in general is a wireless gaming adapter. There is another option and that is the wireless ehternet bridge, linksys sells one also. there are other vendors out there other than linksys.

I have 2 of the WGA54G v2 for my xbox and xbox360. you simple configure the wga54g for you network. then connect the network cable from the piece of hardware and connect to the wga54g and you should be good to go. Last night for D*OD i simply moved my network cable from the XBOX360 to the HR20 and it was right on my network.

One small note: if you use WPA, you need to find the version 2 of the wga54g hardware. version1 only supports WEP.

[Alan Gordon]

Why wouldn't all the programming be MPEG-4 (SD too)? It would certainly save space on the drive...

I was just peeking my head in to see people's thoughts on VOD. I'm not that interested in the service myself... but you took the words right out of my mouth. The SD might only be MPEG2 if they intend on offering this service to the R15 (or the next SD DVR whenever it's released), but if they're waiting on the next DVR, all they would have to do is stick a MPEG4 decoder in it (save bandwith on the VOD, speed up download times for users thereby increasing customer satisfaction and putting MPEG4 encoders in SD boxes thereby giving them a leg up on the future).

I can only assume they either intend on offering the service on the R15 or simply don't have the encoders in place for encoding the programs in MPEG4 yet due to the fact that they haven't released the service "publically."

~Alan

[kevinturcotte]

Anybody have Verizon FIOS? Probably start watching seconds after starting selecting you want.

[Doug Brott]

anyone else notice the "Comcast VOD" on some of the shows?

Yes. I suspect that the HD version of the movie with this message that I downloaded was MPEG2 as well.

[stogie5150]

VOD is a way to transmit all kinds of video content to your TV. How do you know it's a waste for you if you don't know what they're offering today, tomorrow or next year? Isn't your statement similar to Cable/Satellite is a waste for me?

Downloading anything at a snail's pace, almost completely disabling my meager 3meg connection isn't worth anything to me regardless of content. I'd much rather have the rest of the features my HR20 is missing, first, THEN add frills like VOD and media sharing.
I really don't want to argue in this thread, let's say we agree to disagree, okay? :)

[TWJR]

I've made the network connection via my Buffalo AirStation G routher. I missed the CE last weekend. Am I out luck until this goes live?

[MikeW]

Out of luck until, at least, the next CE.

[pjo1966]

Does this software add the feature to watch video files on the computer, or is that still a future release?

[Doug Brott]

Does this software add the feature to watch video files on the computer, or is that still a future release?

No, this has nothing to do with playing videos via Media Share.

[shaun-ohio]

the best part i like about the vod is, you dont need to wait for it to download to watch it, you can watch it as soon as the download starts :)

[MrKlaatu]

Are there shows available in HD that air on non-HD channels? Like Mad Men or Eureka?

[MrKlaatu]

Will DirecTV installers now run Ethernet cable from your router for free (since it's now required to operate all the functions of the HR20) or even for an additional fee?

[Rockywwf]

Earl or anyone have a list of available channels? Actually I'm really waiting for Howard TV On Demand (Howard Stern)!!!

I want that channel bad! Any word on that????

[Earl Bonovich]

Earl or anyone have a list of available channels? Actually I'm really waiting for Howard TV On Demand (Howard Stern)!!!

I want that channel bad! Any word on that????

All of the content up there now, is "trial" content.

As for what is going to be up there long term... no list, no confirmation.

I HIGHLY recommend though that you contact Howard TV, and let them know that you want them to be on DirecTV on Demand....

[Rockywwf]

All of the content up there now, is "trial" content.

As for what is going to be up there long term... no list, no confirmation.

I HIGHLY recommend though that you contact Howard TV, and let them know that you want them to be on DirecTV on Demand....

Thanks I will do that right now!!

[ansky]

the best part i like about the vod is, you dont need to wait for it to download to watch it, you can watch it as soon as the download starts :)

Not necessarily. Some people were reporting that it was taking 4 hours to download a 2-hour SD movie. If the download speed is too slow it won't be able to keep pace with the real time speed of the show.

[buzzdalf]

Can someone give us an esitmate for file size or download times at a given speed?
I'd like to know just how painful and non On-Demand this is going to be on my 768k connection.

[Earl Bonovich]

Can someone give us an esitmate for file size or download times at a given speed?
I'd like to know just how painful and non On-Demand this is going to be on my 768k connection.

There are no estimates to give, as you can see the file size.
Some people that maybe have the ability to monitor their up/down trafic in size, could give you an estimate..

On 768k... You are going to "feel" it.

[veryoldschool]

With a 1.5 Mb/s connection a 2:10 HD movie took 19 hours to download for one user.
At 3 Mb/s most of my SD movies took 3-4 hours.
6 or 10 Mb/s connection will make life easier IMO.

[NickD]

Thanks Earl for all of the info you have given us on the VOD. I am not completely sold on this feature yet. My big concerns with it are :

I actually have to download a movie/show which takes time. IMO on demand means I can watch it start to finish right now, not watch most of a show but can't finish watching because it is still downloading. This is no different then downloading something off of the net.

Next issue I have is that I have to be mindful of my storage space. When I had Comcast on demand this was of no concern because everything was streamed right to the box, the box was not a dvr.

My next concern is that I have to have broadband connection to enjoy this feature. Now for me this is no concern, I have cable internet and I have no problem running a ethernet cable to my livingroom, what is one more to the 4 I already have. My concern is for those who do not broadband or can't have it, they will not have this feature. There are also those unlike us who are not tech savvy and have no interest in running additional wires or having wireless routers to enjoy tv. I know people who still do not have computers yet they do have HD tvs, they wil not be able to have this feature.

Another concern that I have with needing broadband is that if my service goes down then I lose this feature. My VOD should not be dependent on another service provider. Directv should be providing this service completely. I know this is nitpicking considering that I have Xbox Live and I do not feel this way about the service. IMO Xbox live is a choice for me to have or not, VOD is a feature that I am supposed to have as a part of my Directv service.

These are just a few of my concerns with VOD, I will give it a try and will probably use it for missed shows ot something that catches my eye. Rant off!

[say-what]

Can someone give us an esitmate for file size or download times at a given speed?
I'd like to know just how painful and non On-Demand this is going to be on my 768k connection.
Well, I have a 3Mb/s dsl line, but it was testing at 2.1Mb/s when I was trying VOD the past 2 days.

At those speeds, I was pretty much able to download SD content on a minute-per-minute basis. 30 minute program in 30 minutes, which meant that I could allow a brief buffer to build then watch live as the download continued without overrunning the buffer. I haven't tried any SD movies yet and it could be that my results for SD movies would vary if those were hosted on a different server that was also slower.

With HD, I tried to download "All the King's Men", a 2hr 9min movie. After about an hour I was around 10% completed, which would mean I'd be waiting 10 hours for a full download. I cancelled the recording after seeing others report playback problems with the movie. I experienced similar download speeds with some of the shorter HD features. So a 2hr movie would take about 10hrs, 1hr about 5hrs and 15 minutes of programming about 1.25 hrs. That's at 2.1Mb/s.

If these are typical results, at 768Kb/s you might expect downloads to take somewhat more than twice as long as I experienced. Of course, there could be bottleneck issues on DirecTV's end that once resolved could improve these download results. As they say, YMMV. :)

Of course, you can download and keep the saved file for later viewing until its expiration date.

[Jeremy W]

My VOD should not be dependent on another service provider. Directv should be providing this service completely.
This is a great reason to complain, and I agree. But the reality of the current situation is that it's impossible, so we either have to compromise and use the Internet for VOD, or have VOD that is like Dish's current implementation where the only content you can choose from is what's been loaded onto your hard drive.

[David HDDX]

Along with being an unrequited DirecTV customer, I am a Verizon customer getting ripped off paying tha 3MB price for 1.5MB provisioning as well.

What's the cheapest route (no pun intended) to getting a barebones minmum router so I can sling some cat5 around to the HR20-700?

Thanks for your opinions and pointers and not beating me up for being Mr. Stingy.

[nick1817]

Any idea on the content showing now? Just wondering if it's worth getting the BETA or waiting on the national rollout

[RAD]

What's the cheapest route (no pun intended) to getting a barebones minmum router so I can sling some cat5 around to the HR20-700?


Always had good luck with Linksys, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=3906544&type=product&id=1051384171495

[David HDDX]

Always had good luck with Linksys, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=3906544&type=product&id=1051384171495

Yes, very good. Thanks.

$60 was the price I mentioned to the CFO and what was left of my face after the flamethower hasn't made it look any better. :sure: Router prices at local computer shows ought to be lower but there's the $10 admission and the chance that I'll strike out.

I wonder if any local PC stores would have used routers? Never checked and hate to be laughed at over the phone.

[Cru Jones]

Like a lot of folks here, I also didn't have an ethernet cable run to where my DirecTV receiver is and no easy way of getting a drop put there. Instead I purchased a little setup from Linksys for around $100 that runs my network over my power lines. I just plug my DirecTV receiver into this Linksys box that plugs into the power outlet behind my TV and on the other end you plug another Linksys box into a power outlet near your router and plug that box into your router with an ethernet cable. I've had zero problems with it (currently running something else on it but will switch it over when I need to for DirecTV).

[davidord]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=505866&CatId=198

This is pretty cheap!

Along with being an unrequited DirecTV customer, I am a Verizon customer getting ripped off paying tha 3MB price for 1.5MB provisioning as well.

What's the cheapest route (no pun intended) to getting a barebones minmum router so I can sling some cat5 around to the HR20-700?

Thanks for your opinions and pointers and not beating me up for being Mr. Stingy.

[Skooz]

A thousand "thank yous," Earl.

I bookmarked your thread and will refer to it often as the time approaches. Nice work.

[stblake10]

Ok, so I have DOD enabled on my HR20 box and I can see the channels 1000+ channel lineup. I went to the Beta channel and selected a movie to send to the queue and it stated that I have to sunscribe to DOD. What do I need to do.

[Blurayfan]

Ok, so I have DOD enabled on my HR20 box and I can see the channels 1000+ channel lineup. I went to the Beta channel and selected a movie to send to the queue and it stated that I have to sunscribe to DOD. What do I need to do.
The only subscription requirement is the service your downloading from most be part of your current service package (Choice, Choice extra, Premier, etc.). For example if you try to download a selection from the Starz or Encore On Demand. You'll need to have Starz superpak.

[stblake10]

Gotcha. I might have downloaded from the channel I don't subscribe to. That makes sence. So, as of now only those with $ next to them will cost ya and those w/out don't. This is VERY COOL stuff.

[Blurayfan]

Gotcha. I might have downloaded from the channel I don't subscribe to. That makes sence. So, as of now only those with $ next to them will cost ya and those w/out don't. This is VERY COOL stuff.
As of right now most $ content is dirt cheap $0.01 or even $0.00. This way D* can test whether or not the VOD is authorized and billed correctly.

[dinomaniac2003]

This is a question that is on my mind and on the minds of all anime lovers: Is the ANime Network part of Directv on Demand?

This is big question on the Anime Networks forum!

[say-what]

This is a question that is on my mind and on the minds of all anime lovers: Is the ANime Network part of Directv on Demand?

This is big question on the Anime Networks forum!It hasn't shown up in the CIR list, but this is still a beta program and for the most part they are mirroring the current channels. The Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang just went live today.

[Earl Bonovich]

This is a question that is on my mind and on the minds of all anime lovers: Is the ANime Network part of Directv on Demand?

This is big question on the Anime Networks forum!

As I have been telling everyone that has been asking about a specific VOD based content....

Tell those networks to get in contact with DirecTV, that you want to see it on DirecTV on Demand....

There have been no specific announcements about the Anime Network, but again... the service is still in Field Trials... tell the Anime Network that you want to see them up on DirecTV On Demand

[Carbon]

I did not see in anywhere that a phone cord is required. Earl can you please confirm that a phone line is required for DOD?

[Jeremy W]

I did not see in anywhere that a phone cord is required. Earl can you please confirm that a phone line is required for DOD?
A phone line is not required, it uses the Internet.

[Earl Bonovich]

I did not see in anywhere that a phone cord is required. Earl can you please confirm that a phone line is required for DOD?

It will probably be required if you want to access the PPV/$$$ content.
But no confirmation yet...

[Jeremy W]

It will probably be required if you want to access the PPV/$$$ content.
But no confirmation yet...
Wow. DirecTV, please do not screw this up. It's bad enough that we have to use the Internet to download VOD content, but I fully understand why that's necessary. If we actually have to use a phone line in addition to the Internet, that's just wrong on multiple levels. Leave the regular PPV stuff on the phone line, I don't care. But come on, this is the year 2007. There is no reason that I should have to connect a phone line to my receiver in order for it to authorize a movie that it downloaded over the Internet.

[Mykroft]

Wow. DirecTV, please do not screw this up. It's bad enough that we have to use the Internet to download VOD content, but I fully understand why that's necessary. If we actually have to use a phone line in addition to the Internet, that's just wrong on multiple levels. Leave the regular PPV stuff on the phone line, I don't care. But come on, this is the year 2007. There is no reason that I should have to connect a phone line to my receiver in order for it to authorize a movie that it downloaded over the Internet.

Agreed ... I was totally shocked to see that my shiny new HR20 that I got a few months back STILL had a phone port on it. Given that this receiver has an ethernet port on it, and will be internet connected, there's no reason that it should ever have to use the phone port unless the ethernet is not connected. (In the case someone doesn't have broadband... but who doesn't these days)

[Carbon]

I used to have a home phone the only reason I had it was for old Tivos when it was required. I ditched the home phone after I got the HR20 so I really hope that the HR20 will not require a phone connection. Unless you can use skype, vonage or something like that.

[RAD]

Agree that it would be nice if the PPV processing would make use of the ethernet connection vs. phone line. Maybe it's just that all their back office processing is still all set up for the phone line and eventually D* will have the time to migrate that process to use the network if there.

[txtommy]

I've been a loyal Directv and Direcway (now Hughesnet) customer for years. Because of the Fair Access Policy set up by Direcway, I will not be able to use VOD. There is no other high speed internet service available where we live. So much for the advantage of satellite internet service.

[Jeremy W]

Maybe it's just that all their back office processing is still all set up for the phone line and eventually D* will have the time to migrate that process to use the network if there.
That's probably what it is, but it's no excuse. Their systems should have been updated years ago.

[RAD]

Acquiring guide data message just popped up on the box, DOD/VOD channels now showing up. YEA!!!!:D

[RAD]

Just curious where the VOD content was being hosted from. I turned on logging on my router, fired up a download and it looks like a company called Limelight Networks (www.llnw.net) is the company and at least the program I was downloading was coming from around the Washington DC area.

I downloaded a 45min SD program, it took 22 minutes to download. Using a TWC connection, speedtest to Dallas is 6.7Mbps down, to Washington DC area (where server at) was 5.3Mbps.

[Cru Jones]

I haven't been home for a couple of days so I'm just wondering if the DOD/VOD is live for all customers now? I was under the impression it was under Beta still but it sounds like more people are talking about it today.

[Earl Bonovich]

I haven't been home for a couple of days so I'm just wondering if the DOD/VOD is live for all customers now? I was under the impression it was under Beta still but it sounds like more people are talking about it today.

It is in Beta/Field Testing

[Christopher Gould]

I've been a loyal Directv and Direcway (now Hughesnet) customer for years. Because of the Fair Access Policy set up by Direcway, I will not be able to use VOD. There is no other high speed internet service available where we live. So much for the advantage of satellite internet service.

i don't have sat internet but somebody said that the late night hours were free from FAP, so u could download your DOD then and watch them the next day.

[MikeR]

from a cable industry perspective...

Cable digital news (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=132682&site=cdn&f_src=lightreading_gnews)

[loudo]

Mine came on line tonight. Tried to download a 32 minute HD video, but it took about 1 1/2 hours to complete. Going to look into allotting more of my bandwidth to the HR20 when my computer is off line. Not sure if I can with a home network but will look into try. It looked like it was using about 50% of the bandwidth, during the download.

[Skooz]

I used to have a home phone the only reason I had it was for old Tivos when it was required. I ditched the home phone after I got the HR20 so I really hope that the HR20 will not require a phone connection. Unless you can use skype, vonage or something like that.

Ditto. We dropped our home line about 5 months ago. I hope it is not a requirement for VOD.

[Joe Larrea]

Why? There are wireless adapters that convert from RJ-45 to wireless.

Anyone have any recommendations to use with my Linksys WRT54GS router? Have heard really bad things about the Linksys WGA54G Wireless Game Adapter.

Open to suggestions so I can start shopping for more networking hardware!! :hurah:

[Ken984]

Ditto. We dropped our home line about 5 months ago. I hope it is not a requirement for VOD.
No phone line does not have anything to do with VOD.

[Jeremy W]

No phone line does not have anything to do with VOD.
:bang Please read the thread before saying stuff like this. Earl has said that the phone line may be requird to authorize $ content.

[premio]

Anyone have any recommendations to use with my Linksys WRT54GS router? Have heard really bad things about the Linksys WGA54G Wireless Game Adapter.

Open to suggestions so I can start shopping for more networking hardware!! :hurah:

I am using the WGA54G. it's not that BAD if you know its quirks. I've only had luck with 64bit encryption. You have to realize that after you put a config into the web app, it takes about 30 seconds to process that config to change the status to connected when you hit F5. Also the MAC adress displayed on mine was not the one that came through to the router (they were off by 4 or so) so MAC filtering had to be setup after I knew what MAC was connecting.

It is fast, and is currently moving my VOD content.

[Neil Derryberry]

I set this up last night.. works perfectly! I grabbed a two-hour movie in about a half-hour.. I like the fact that you can begin watching as soon as the download starts.

One issue.. and I'm not sure if this is a bug or the content provider's fault. I d/l'ed Crimson Tide (widescreen, unrated version) which was listed as Starz on demand. The info screen mentioned DD5.1 but it didn't play back that way, only stereo. anyone else see this?

[Ken984]

I really like the vod, but here is my one gripe so far, others have mentioned this so i'll keep it short.
The channel that some of the programs comes from needs to be listed, that way you don't wonder if it is actually available to you.

Other than that I cued up the HD desert city program and Hot Fuzz and went to bed around 1030, i got up around 1230 and both had finished downloading, pretty efficient for only a 3Mbps connection, if it works like this all the time I will be very happy with it.

[MikeR]

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dondemand083007.htm

Summarized some of the knowns from previous announcements/sources:


-will start with roughly 2,000-3,000 hours of movies and TV shows, including about 10-20 percent in High-Definition.
-a fourth quarter launch is the "target" but added it will likely be "early fourth quarter than later."
-about 85 percent of the On Demand programming will be free to DIRECTV customers with the rest paid.
-the service is expected to include Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind so users can watch On Demand programs when and how they wish.

[mtnagel]

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dondemand083007.htm

Summarized some of the knowns from previous announcements/sources:I like the 85% free part. I just hope that I don't have to wait until Oct since I missed the last CE.

[MikeR7]

Well, I'll only be downloading HD, spoiled as I am now, and I too dowloaded the Desert City HD video overnight and it only took 36 minutes. I watched some before leaving for work and it seemed to be without flaw for the time I watched except for a short flash of pixelation as it cued up. The rest of the HD was taken down, so there must have been a problem with it.

[Ken984]

Well, I'll only be downloading HD, spoiled as I am now, and I too dowloaded the Desert City HD video overnight and it only took 36 minutes. I watched some before leaving for work and it seemed to be without flaw for the time I watched except for a short flash of pixelation as it cued up. The rest of the HD was taken down, so there must have been a problem with it.

I had the same thing on mine, first few seconds of it were not right, but it played fine from there.

[Smuuth]

Something I noticed regarding the Expires: date on VOD downloads. If you select the program in your playlist, you have the option of clicking on Keep on the left menu. You can then change the "Keep Until" to "Disk Full". I don't know if that will actually let you keep a download past the expiration date, but that is what I would infer. :)

[mluntz]

Dumb question, but basically all I need to do is run a ethernet cable from my router to the HR20, correct?

[cb7214]

Dumb question, but basically all I need to do is run a ethernet cable from my router to the HR20, correct?

yes

[Jeremy W]

I don't know if that will actually let you keep a download past the expiration date, but that is what I would infer. :)
No way. The expiration date is the latest you'll be able to keep something.

[say-what]

My VOD is working but DOD doesn't appear to be (can't see or find a record option on the program details). Any thoughts?There is no "record" option. When on a VOD channel, say 1000, select a category & select a program. Once you select a program, you get an option to "Add to queue." Once added to the queue, the program is recording and will appear in "My Playlist" after a short delay. You will see a progress bar as to the status of the download, but you don't have to wait for the download to complete prior to beginging play if your connection is fast enough to prevent you from catching up with the buffer.

[cb7214]

Anyone have any recommendations to use with my Linksys WRT54GS router? Have heard really bad things about the Linksys WGA54G Wireless Game Adapter.

Open to suggestions so I can start shopping for more networking hardware!! :hurah:

i am using a netgear wireless ethernet adapater, i cat 5 in the router and then to the plug in the wall and then, run cat 5 from the plug by my hr20 to the hr20 and I was good to go, nothing to setup or software to run just plug and play

[dogs31]

How much will this cost?

[Jeremy W]

How much will this cost?
It's free to access, and 85% of the content will be free to watch.

[dogs31]

It's free to access, and 85% of the content will be free to watch.

You mean the only thing I have to pay for is downloaded PPV movies? I am SO sold on this. Also, is the content in HD?

[dgsiiinc]

You mean the only thing I have to pay for is downloaded PPV movies? I am SO sold on this. Also, is the content in HD?

Very little HD content is available yet, but there will certainly be more.

[Blaaamo]

There is no "record" option. When on a VOD channel, say 1000, select a category & select a program. Once you select a program, you get an option to "Add to queue." Once added to the queue, the program is recording and will appear in "My Playlist" after a short delay. You will see a progress bar as to the status of the download, but you don't have to wait for the download to complete prior to beginging play if your connection is fast enough to prevent you from catching up with the buffer.

Sorry, don't know what I was thinking this morning; got my acronyms confused. I asked the wrong question in the wrong thread.

[eaglesfan27]

I wasn't following the CE forum and missed the window for updates. Is it possible to still get in on the beta VOD or do I have to wait until it is released to the masses?

[Jeremy W]

I wasn't following the CE forum and missed the window for updates. Is it possible to still get in on the beta VOD or do I have to wait until it is released to the masses?
You're most likely waiting until it gets released to everyone, but there is a chance that there will be another CE opportunity.

[Marzo]

So are all the movies on Stars, for example free to download? How do you tell if you will be charged for a download?

I noticed that when playing the travel short Chicago Dining upon starting the video it produced a loud "pop" through my speakers. This also occurred when I fast forwarded the show. The loud pop was startling and potentially harmful.

Also, I echo the thoughts of others who say that the slow downloads will hamper its effectiveness. In my opinion the average user is not going to be interested in waiting hours to download a movie. That is not the expectation of video on "demand."

[loudo]

So are all the movies on Stars, for example free to download? How do you tell if you will be charged for a download?

You will see a $ on the menu near the Name. I saw it yesterday on a few, but haven't noticed any today.

[smitchell24]

Sorry if this has already been answered but there is lots of new info on
this new VOD....but anway, are movies that require a charge really .1
Cent? And that will just automatically get billed to our account, sorta
like ppv?? And also, if during the download process, it gets stuck on a
certain %, say like 77%, one would need to reboot their equipment right?
Like the game adaptor, the wireless router, the computer & the HR20 too?
And than it will pick up right where it left off? Also, I have noticed
during downloading that it freezes a lot....anyone else notice that? If
it freezes, is a RBR the best route to resolve this issue? And lastly,
when scrolling through content, does it indicate what channel the
programming should be on? Cause I didn't see it initially & attempted
to record a movie, I think the one about Iraq, & it indicated I do not
subscribe to that channel! Was surprised they would even list shows that
I couldn't record. At the very least, I thought there would be a charge
for such programming, so ultimately I could the decision one way or the
other.

Thanks in advance! Luv VOD so far, when it works as intended!

[Jeremy W]

are movies that require a charge really .1
Cent? And that will just automatically get billed to our account, sorta
like ppv??
Yes, they really are one cent for testing purposes, and it will get billed to your account.

[marksman]

I missed the window too, and there is a new update coming out Friday/Saturday, but from what Earl posted, it will not offer the option to turn on VOD for those who did not get it turned on in the last update.

So I think those of us who missed it are out of luck until it gets released publically.

[hersheytx]

I know I will be waiting for this to go live. Missed all the deadlines.
Trying to read this multi thread post is to much so I will ask my questions.

First - Plug in ethernet to Directv DVR and it automatically starts setup?

Second - Is VOD going to be TV shows that you might have missed? Or shows coming out that you can get a bit early? I know last year one of the cable companies was letting its VOD customers see episodes of Monk and Psych a week before they aired.

Third - All the downloading comes from internet hookup? No Sat involved accept for guide data?

Fourth - IF you pay for HBO, does it offer HBO VOD so you can just download the movie without paying for it? Or is this going to be Directv movies but now in VOD instead of waiting for them to start on the hour?

Thanks for all your help.

[Blurayfan]

I know I will be waiting for this to go live. Missed all the deadlines.
Trying to read this multi thread post is to much so I will ask my questions.

First - Plug in ethernet to Directv DVR and it automatically starts setup?

Second - Is VOD going to be TV shows that you might have missed? Or shows coming out that you can get a bit early? I know last year one of the cable companies was letting its VOD customers see episodes of Monk and Psych a week before they aired.

Third - All the downloading comes from internet hookup? No Sat involved accept for guide data?

Fourth - IF you pay for HBO, does it offer HBO VOD so you can just download the movie without paying for it? Or is this going to be Directv movies but now in VOD instead of waiting for them to start on the hour?

Thanks for all your help.
1. You'll need to access <Menu><Help & Settings>Setup><Network> then click Connect Now.
2. It's a mixture. There are several TV series from different networks. Starz on Demand has Early Premiers.
3. Most content is sent by internet, but popular content will be pushed by SAT to the reserved partition.
4. If they offer the On Demand of a service you subscribe to you can download available titles for no extra charge.
Note: There is also PPV on demand selections from DirecTV.

[badgerdave]

My VOD is now working and it populated all kinds of choices by the time I got home yesterday. Can see 1000 and can scroll up through all the individual channel options (e.g., 1003). I set up a queue and that's when my issues started. For the most part very little is downloading because the DVR isn't connecting to the internet.

My HR20-700 is hardwired with an ethernet cable directly to the Verizon FIOS router (the Actiontec one). The DVR sees the IP address, DNS server, and network but does not connect. Connection has been hit or miss for a while, but I don't have a Viiv computer so I didn't care until now. Yes, every computer in the house connects just fine. I tryed rebooting the router a couple of times but that didn't help.

I've also refreshed my signal via directv.com a couple of times and that seems to help for a bit. I was able to download a couple of music videos in my queue last night, BUT there where some dropouts and deadspots in the playback so I'm assuming that's the connection during dowload. It also only downloads for a while and then freezes when it loses (until I take some action) the connection.

A little frustrating. Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks. :confused:

[Stuart Sweet]

Badgerdave, you might want to repost your question in the Cutting Edge VOD forum.

[Stuart Sweet]

Last night while lying aroung thinking, I realized how critical, and how amazing VOD will be for DIRECTV.

The VOD systems I've seen for cable let you watch something, right now. You can't queue multiple items up. You can record VOD if you have a DVR.

DVRs have really set us free from television scheduling because you can choose what you want, record it, and then it will wait for you when you're ready. The only problem is, you have to wait for it first... a program has to air before you can record it.

With DIRECTV VOD you now have the best of both worlds. Your VOD list has content that is probably going to show up at some time on regular channels, but you can watch it immediately. Or, you can schedule a recording of it, RIGHT NOW, and watch it by the end of the night.

This is brilliant. Simple as that.

[harsh]

The VOD systems I've seen for cable let you watch something, right now. You can't queue multiple items up.If you think about it a little harder, you'll understand that CATV VOD doesn't require any queuing at all.You can record VOD if you have a DVR.DIRECTV VOD will require a DIRECTV branded DVR; CATV VOD requires only a receiver (a good thing given how much some charge for DVR service).Or, you can schedule a recording of it, RIGHT NOW, and watch it by the end of the night.When you can watch it depends on a number of factors. With CATV VOD, you can watch it if you see it in the guide and you don't have to wait. You may even be able to jump ahead of real-time. With DIRECTV's pull VOD, you'll need to have a CATV broadband connection to get the content to record to your DVR.

DIRECTV's VOD is certainly a neat new feature, but it is an approximation of the CATV version and it is likely that many, including those who would benefit most, will not be able to take advantage of it for lack of a broadband Internet connection.

I've seen an implementation of push delivered VOD and can offer that it will likely contain primarily revenue producing (pay) content because the distributor doesn't want to tie up their space on the hard drive with something that won't give them a chance of return.

[badgerdave]

Badgerdave, you might want to repost your question in the Cutting Edge VOD forum.

Thanks--will do.

[RoundRockJohn]

I think VOD's success, as it's setup now, is going to to depend on Remote Book. Clearly, HD content on demand is beyond the bandwidth available to most American's. If though, you can sit at work during the day, see a list of a movies, pick the one you want to watch, and have it pushed to your HR20 for when you get home. That's pretty compelling.

[kenn157]

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dondemand083007.htm

VOD!

[ltrain20]

Was able to get VOD working last night and it was still loading in content when I went to bed.
Tried downloading a few items and all went well other than length of time to download but that is because of the 1.5mbps download speed of my DSL line.

Do not know how much I will use it but at one time I said DVR/TIVO is nice but I could probably live without it. WOW how wrong I was.
So once I play with DOD some more it may become a necessity just like the DVRs.

Goign out of town for the weekend so I will miss this CE and not have as much time as I would like to play with DOD but there is next week.

To all the other people downloading the CE tonight good luck and good testing!!

[pete4192]

[QUOTE=ltrain20;1077005]Do not know how much I will use it but at one time I said DVR/TIVO is nice but I could probably live without it. WOW how wrong I was.
So once I play with DOD some more it may become a necessity just like the DVRs.
QUOTE]



Excellent point. I know I couldn't stand watching anything without my DVR. I'm sure in time, DOD will be the same.

[dinomaniac2003]

I have an HR20, How do I get hooked up with the Directv On Demand right now while its in beta testing?

[HDTVsportsfan]

I have an HR20, How do I get hooked up with the Directv On Demand right now while its in beta testing?

Right now you can't. You need to network you HR20 first. Then wait patiently until the next opportunity arises to download the relaese that will have VOD and allow you to enable it. This past weekends CE was one of those times.

See this thread.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96125

[Jeremy W]

If you think about it a little harder, you'll understand that CATV VOD doesn't require any queuing at all.
The end of the world may be upon us: I agree with harsh!

[HDTVsportsfan]

:lol: !rolling

[spidey]

Why do downloaded programs have an expiration date? Shouldn't we be able to set a keep till I delete setting???

[Jeremy W]

Why do downloaded programs have an expiration date? Shouldn't we be able to set a keep till I delete setting???
Because content providers don't want you having the content forever. They want the same thing on shows you record off their linear channels, and I believe they'll eventually get that.

[DANDY DICK]

or70.....I too am Hughesnet Satellite Internet, but have paid no attention until now as to VOD capability. What hardware do I need to get into the ball game? Presently I'm DW6000 modem and have no PC connection to my HR700 . Can you help me configure a system that will work? Should I upgrade to the DW7000? Where does the PC get plugged in? Also, it almost sounds like you may need a TIVO box to hold the downloads, but perhaps you can clarify this also. Thanks for any help.

Dandy Dick........................DICKSUEDEV@AOL.COM

[lordexter]

Like others I missed the VOD download, but on my account I have the line For Engineering Only - Charge 0.00. (8/29/07) Does that mean I am ready when the next VOD test dl is allowed.

Also, I have had no problems with the latest DL (0x194)everything is working great.

Thanks

[machavez00]

anyone else see this in the guide?
http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9841&d=1188740097

[RAD]

Yep.

[fredandbetty]

Dumb question, but basically all I need to do is run a ethernet cable from my router to the HR20, correct?

Mmm i can smell a whole house wiring project!! Guess its time to go back to the 'big box' home improvement store to pick up some supplies!! wait a sec, i should get it from monoprice.com ( rg6 and cat 5 cable )....:) :) :)

[or270]

or70.....I too am Hughesnet Satellite Internet, but have paid no attention until now as to VOD capability. What hardware do I need to get into the ball game? Presently I'm DW6000 modem and have no PC connection to my HR700 . Can you help me configure a system that will work? Should I upgrade to the DW7000? Where does the PC get plugged in? Also, it almost sounds like you may need a TIVO box to hold the downloads, but perhaps you can clarify this also. Thanks for any help.

Dandy Dick........................DICKSUEDEV@AOL.COM

First you will need a switch(or hub) to hookup between the modem and computer to give you extra network jacks, so you can run a cable to the HR20-700.

You current modem should work fine. be sure to download in the FAP free time 3-6 AM eastern time.

You will need to watch and do CE downloads to enable VOD, it is in a beta test stage now. currently the window is closed for the moment. But this can change at any time and it is important to have your HR20 networked.

http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118

The downloads are stored on the HR20-700, does not use a Tivo.

[fredandbetty]

Like others I missed the VOD download, but on my account I have the line For Engineering Only - Charge 0.00. (8/29/07) Does that mean I am ready when the next VOD test dl is allowed.

Also, I have had no problems with the latest DL (0x194)everything is working great.

Thanks

I was wondering that as well, i did see that line on my bill too...

[or270]

Like others I missed the VOD download, but on my account I have the line For Engineering Only - Charge 0.00. (8/29/07) Does that mean I am ready when the next VOD test dl is allowed.

Also, I have had no problems with the latest DL (0x194)everything is working great.

Thanks

That means your box is talking to Directv Servers, so you should be good to go for the next VOD enabling window.

[tonyd79]

anyone else see this in the guide?
http://www.dbstalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9841&d=1188740097

Interesting...it only shows up with All Channels. Can't see a way to put it in favorites.

[tfederov]

I have favorites set up on mine and it's there.

[MrKlaatu]

wait a sec, i should get it from monoprice.com ( rg6 and cat 5 cable )....:) :) :)

I would go with cat6 cable. It's backward compatible but also supports gigabit ethernet.

[TheRatPatrol]

Can someone recommend a bridge or wireless adapter that might have 2 outputs on it so that I can hook up my HR20 and my laptop in the living at the same time. Is there such a thing? My cable modem and router are currently too far away to run CAT5.

Thanks

[Ivan1670]

Like others I missed the VOD download, but on my account I have the line For Engineering Only - Charge 0.00. (8/29/07) Does that mean I am ready when the next VOD test dl is allowed.

Also, I have had no problems with the latest DL (0x194)everything is working great.

Thanks

Where on the account do you see this? My Hr20-100 shows connected to internet but I don't see it on my account.

[lordexter]

Where on the account do you see this? My Hr20-100 shows connected to internet but I don't see it on my account.

It shows under account activity online.

[F1 Fan]

Where on the account do you see this? My Hr20-100 shows connected to internet but I don't see it on my account.

It is in the 'Recent Activity' part of your account

[fredandbetty]

I would go with cat6 cable. It's backward compatible but also supports gigabit ethernet.

Thanks MrK!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[hdtvfan0001]

Can someone recommend a bridge or wireless adapter that might have 2 outputs on it so that I can hook up my HR20 and my laptop in the living at the same time. Is there such a thing? My cable modem and router are currently too far away to run CAT5.

Thanks
The Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP Wireless Ethernet Converter supports 4 device ports on it.

I have 2 of these hooked up to D*TV HR20-700 DVR's and they work terrific. One of those is also connected to my HD DVDV player.

The installs took 10 minutes.

You should be able to pick one up for about $52-$59 at the big box stores (BB & CC).