HD DVR (High Definition PLUS Digital Video Recorder) FAQ Discussion Thread

[Milominderbinder2]

This is the place where we discuss any of the topics from the HD DVR FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617) thread.

I check this thread regularly and will answer your questions or direct you to the best resources.

- Craig

[solo1026]

Wow! Great info:D

Thanks :righton:

[thekochs]

Then I finally got a $65 Channel Master 7777 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ANC7777) from Solid Signal. WOW! That worked. Channels that the HR20 was not even able to lock on before are coming in. I now get 27 OTA channels at 70%-100%. Better yet, those new channels are in the HR20 Guide just like the channels coming from the Satellites.
- Craig

Where did you mount the CM7777 ? I mean my CM antenna is on roof with about 20 ft. run to open attic.....then 50ft. run to HR20. If outside, how did you run PS to it ?

My thought would be is to mount right inside attic at about 25ft. point from antenna...thoughts ?

Thanks.

[thekochs]

The Amplifier is inside your home........

Do you mean power supply is inside ? If so, how long is the power supply cord....I assume it plugs into AC outlet with some DC cord/barrell connector to Amp ?

[Loppy101]

Does this wiring setup also work for the HR20-100? Will the HR20-100 output 4 different channels to 2 different TVs at the same time? (so I only need 2 HR20-100 receivers, instead of 4?)

[jwd45244]

I want to second the information about using good quality amplifiers for OTA reception. I just put a Channel Master 3044 Amplifier in my install replacing a splitter. Channels that I was not able to get I am now getting. The Channels I do get are showing as nearly 100% on the HR20 Signal Meters. This makes a huge difference.

More people need to see this thread.

[jangell2]

What is the quickest way to get Retention? I'm still in the que and still haven't got there.

[psubill78]

The HR20 could only lock in a few channels on the old antenna and at best with 50% signal.

I upgraded to a decent antenna for about $70, Channel Master 3020 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANC3020). That helped a lot. 16 channels were now at 50% or higher signal. (If you call Solid Signal, they will match up the right antenna for your situation.)

Next I tried a basic distribution amp (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SPDA3044). A splitter can cut your signal in half or worse. A distribution amp does not really amplify that much but at least it is not worse. The distribution amp helped, but on the SD, you could see that it was also amplifying the noise. I needed the amplifier right at the antenna.

I tried a Radio Shack Pre-Amp for $50. It made little difference.

Then I finally got a $65 Channel Master 7777 (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ANC7777) from Solid Signal. WOW! That worked. Channels that the HR20 was not even able to lock on before are coming in. I now get 27 OTA channels at 70%-100%. Better yet, those new channels are in the HR20 Guide just like the channels coming from the Satellites.

Is the HR20 OTA Tuner great? NO. But there is a lot that you can do even if you are way out on the fringe. Wait until you see all of the PBS channels you may be able to get...

- Craig

I'm about 50 miles North of Chicago (Kenosha), I've got the Channel Master 4228 No amp... antenna is in attic

Some questions:

* is your antenna in your attic?
* what channels are you getting out of chicago?

[Milominderbinder2]

This is the place where we discuss any of the topics from the HR20 FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617) thread.

I check this thread regularly and will answer your questions or direct you to the best resources.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

What is the quickest way to get Retention? I'm still in the que and still haven't got there.
Say the password "cancel" at the voice prompt. Do not however ever threaten a live CSR that you are cancelling unless you intend to cancel that at that very minute. They may take you up on your offer.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

I'm about 50 miles North of Chicago (Kenosha), I've got the Channel Master 4228 No amp... antenna is in attic

Some questions:

* is your antenna in your attic?
* what channels are you getting out of Chicago?
* is your antenna in your attic?
Attic bad. It is like trying to have a conversation in a cave. All you hear is echo. In the case of old SD TV you would see ghosting. In HDTV, it is trying to lock onto multiple signals and you get pixelation often so bad that it cannot even lock on a signal. You are putting one binary (1' & 0's) signal on top of another. You get garbage.

* what channels are you getting out of Chicago?
You should be able to get most of the 28 Chicago and most of the Milwaukee as well. I think that antenna is not able to receive VHF (2-13).

- Craig

[mschwab]

This is my first trip through here in some time, looking for HR20 info.

I immediately got stuck on acronyms like CE, NR, and FAP, and I didn't find them in your acronym list. What are they?

[Milominderbinder2]

This is my first trip through here in some time, looking for HR20 info.

I immediately got stuck on acronyms like CE, NR, and FAP, and I didn't find them in your acronym list. What are they?
:welcome_s
CE Means the Cutting Edge Software Test Program:

DirecTV™ - Cutting Edge (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118)
Want to help make DirecTV products even better? Join us in discussing the latest offerings from DirecTV, for all products. You must be a registered user (http://www.dbstalk.com/register.php)to view or post in this forum!

NR Means National Release. For the HR20 that thread is here:

DirecTV™ HR20 Q&A (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112)
Support and discussion about the DirecTV HR20 High Definition DVR.

I have no idea what a FAP is but will ask for some help. Maybe CE and NR could get added to the acronym list as well. This forum is moving so fast that 9 months ago we did not even use those terms.

- Craig

[jangell2]

I was just reading the installations tips pdf and saw where it is recommended to avoid HDMI. Do you still stand by this? I thought HDMI was the best way to connect for HD.

[jangell2]

I just read the installation tips pdf and saw where you recommend to avoid HDMI. I thought this was the best way to connect for HD. Do you still stand by this?

[996911]

I was just reading the installations tips pdf and saw where it is recommended to avoid HDMI. Do you still stand by this? I thought HDMI was the best way to connect for HD.

Where was that posted. I must have missed it. To have somebody rec'd avoiding HDMI for HDTV makes absolutely NO SENSE. I'd like to know (as you are asking as well) who this comes from.

[Milominderbinder2]

I just read the installation tips pdf and saw where you recommend to avoid HDMI. I thought this was the best way to connect for HD. Do you still stand by this?Yes.
1. Calibration differences have more to do with differences in quality than HDMI vs. Component.
2. HMDI is first and foremost a copy protection scheme. If it thinks there is anything wrong, it will by design turn off the signal.
3. HDMI is slow to link with your TV causing what seems to be a slow response.
4. There is no real HDMI standard, just guidelines with as many interpretations as their are manufacturers.
5. We have had dozens of people over the past year have problems that were solved by switching to Component.
6. I do not know of one video problem solved by going to HDMI.

- Craig

[RipleyK]

Getting my HR20 installed Monday. Have read thru these forums but am confused about a couple things.
1) Can I set channels I receive?
2) What's the best way to get a season pass (TiVo terminology)?
3) Does it really record channels I don't get over channels I do get???

[bustert]

I have read the manual but don't understand what the capabilities of the standard issue remote are supposed to be. How to have the receivers audio be active on all modes, punch through. My tV is only a monitor and is using only two inputs.

Can this remote do any macros? Which functions will be transfered from say DVD to the remote at AV 1 or 2? Do you have to do each function seperately? I have several universal remotes around but thought I would ask for advice if its worth trying to get the standard HR 20 remote to do enough to get by with for simple operation of a component type system.

Thanks

[Milominderbinder2]

Getting my HR20 installed Monday. Have read thru these forums but am confused about a couple things.
1) Can I set channels I receive?
2) What's the best way to get a season pass (TiVo terminology)?
3) Does it really record channels I don't get over channels I do get???

Check out the HR20 FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76617) for these links and many more...

You are on step 8 of...
→ Getting a Good Deal on an HR20 (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=839938#post839938)

In particular make sure you follow the
→ HR20 Installation Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=67769)

What can help me transition from TiVo?
→ TiVo to HR20 Users Survival Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=69404)

As the the HR20's CIR Bug...

Yes the Channels I Receive feature is really that broken. The HR20 really will record channels you don't get instead of channel you do.

And be very cautious about any Search Results. You may be scheduling a channel you don't get when it is also on another channel you do get.

You end up recording 4 1/2 hours of a blank screen with an error code instead of your own team.

And now if you just want to look through your channels, you are probably showing 700+ of them. Over half of which you do not get.

Welcome to the CIR bug.

Check out the Tips and Tricks (http://tinyurl.com/yswcpa) for the workaround. Basically never use Autorecord.

Also see the A Simple Channels I Receive Solution (http://tinyurl.com/2klh6w).

DISH, TiVo and Ultimate TV Favorite Channels filter work consistently. DIRECTV, for whatever reason, has the Favorite Channels Filters disabled in Searches and Autorecords.

This is one of the 9 Missing Promised Features (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=942511#post942511) left from August 2006 launch.

Please take the Wish List Survey (http://tinyurl.com/2tdnle) and let your voice be heard!

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

This is my first trip through here in some time, looking for HR20 info.

I immediately got stuck on acronyms like CE, NR, and FAP, and I didn't find them in your acronym list. What are they?
I forwarded your request and they added CE and NR to the list of acronyms!

- Craig

[wneils]

HR 10 gone and HR20 100s here

Do I have two tuners and how do I switch?

Do I have to slide the mode to use vol on receiver

Should I be sad?

[balthus]

I am getting upgraded dish & receiver (from H10) for $99 next Saturday . This is what my order says:

Standard Professional Install
$0.00 1 $0.00

Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD
$0.00 1 $0.00

Handling
$0.00 1 $0.00

Swap Replace DIRECTV HD Rec. (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
$0.00 1 $0.00
Subtotal: $99.00
Tax: $8.17
Total: $107.1

Should I be requesting more specifics on teh order & are you saying I can get a better deal or some additional credits.

Also what happens if I cancel before the 2 years?

Thanks.

[jangell2]

This morning I had a full or nearly full 90 minute buffer which covered two programs and I was live on the second program. I could not get the HR20 to go to the beginning of the buffer, it would only go back to the beginning of the second program. Is this normal behavior? Is there a way to get it to go back to the beginning of the buffer when more than one program is in it.

I was using the replay button and in the past, holding it down takes you to the beginning of the buffer quickly. Those were long programs (football), this was the first time I'd tried it with two programs in the buffer. I think I could have used rewind, but that takes longer.

[jangell2]

Duplicate post

[su_A_ve]

Multi-room viewing help here...

Ok, so the HR20 is connected to my LCD via HDMI. I also have a multi-room viewing setup via an RF modulator and it pumps output via COAX. Obviously, the setup is set for 16x9.

1st) Even the FAQ PDF shows it in the picture - should it be set to 75ohm or 1Kohm ?

Then, it mentions to set the format to 480p, 720p or 1080i in stretch mode. Since this is a regular squished image and not a 'panoramic' (ie edges get stretched but not the center of the image) I have it set for pillar box. But in my case, the 2nd TV that gets the signal via coax seems squished (ie people seem too thin). The TV is a widescreen set, and it's set to wide mode (as it would receive a 16x9 image).

Any ideas ? or should I 're phrase' everything ?

TIA...

[Milominderbinder2]

I am getting upgraded dish & receiver (from H10) for $99 next Saturday . This is what my order says:

Standard Professional Install
$0.00 1 $0.00

Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD
$0.00 1 $0.00

Handling
$0.00 1 $0.00

Swap Replace DIRECTV HD Rec. (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
$0.00 1 $0.00
Subtotal: $99.00
Tax: $8.17
Total: $107.1

Should I be requesting more specifics on teh order & are you saying I can get a better deal or some additional credits.

Also what happens if I cancel before the 2 years?

Thanks.
You did great.Make sure that you get to keep your old TiVos.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

Multi-room viewing help here...

Ok, so the HR20 is connected to my LCD via HDMI. I also have a multi-room viewing setup via an RF modulator and it pumps output via COAX. Obviously, the setup is set for 16x9.

1st) Even the FAQ PDF shows it in the picture - should it be set to 75ohm or 1Kohm ?

Then, it mentions to set the format to 480p, 720p or 1080i in stretch mode. Since this is a regular squished image and not a 'panoramic' (ie edges get stretched but not the center of the image) I have it set for pillar box. But in my case, the 2nd TV that gets the signal via coax seems squished (ie people seem too thin). The TV is a widescreen set, and it's set to wide mode (as it would receive a 16x9 image).

Any ideas ? or should I 're phrase' everything ?

TIA...My thought is that every TV is different. Play around with the resolutions until you find the setup you like best.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

This morning I had a full or nearly full 90 minute buffer which covered two programs and I was live on the second program. I could not get the HR20 to go to the beginning of the buffer, it would only go back to the beginning of the second program. Is this normal behavior? Is there a way to get it to go back to the beginning of the buffer when more than one program is in it.

I was using the replay button and in the past, holding it down takes you to the beginning of the buffer quickly. Those were long programs (football), this was the first time I'd tried it with two programs in the buffer. I think I could have used rewind, but that takes longer.Sometimes the REW button works better. The press and hold Replay is intended to go to the beginning of the current program.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

HR 10 gone and HR20 100s here

Do I have two tuners and how do I switch?

Do I have to slide the mode to use vol on receiver

Should I be sad?Ok, that's funny!

You cannot manually switch tuners. You can be recording one channel and watching another and use th PREV button to toggle back and forth. See the Tips & Tricks (http://tinyurl.com/yswcpa) for more on DUal Live BUffer workaround.

As a part of your Remote setup you can do it a second time with the code 961 I believe to set the Vol controls to control the TV. Click Menu>Setup>Remote and pick your TV and it will guide your through.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

Duplicate post
Duplicate answer. :)

[RipleyK]

I know this is not the correct place, but can someone point me to a site for CLEAR advice on how to optimally connect my HDTV, HR20, Yamaha AV receiver, and my non-HD/non-BlueRay DVD player without using HDMI cables. I do not want to use HDMI based on these forums but am having A LOT of trouble figuring out the best connections. Thanks.

[Milominderbinder2]

I know this is not the correct place, but can someone point me to a site for CLEAR advice on how to optimally connect my HDTV, HR20, Yamaha AV receiver, and my non-HD/non-BlueRay DVD player without using HDMI cables. I do not want to use HDMI based on these forums but am having A LOT of trouble figuring out the best connections. Thanks.
I use HDMI and component. Just understand that HDMI is first and foremost a copy protection scheme designed to turn off the audio and video if it thinks a violation is occuring.

Also, HDMI requires your TV and external box to maintian a two-way communication. For instance, when you change channels, HDMI can be slower than Component.

If you need to use the HDMI, use it. Some claim it is a better picture but on a well calibrated TV, I doubt anyone could tell the difference.

Some will tell you to use the AV Receiver as the audio/video switch for the TV. But that prevent you from using the TV's Picture In Picture capabillity.

I have both of my 2 HR20's HDMI and Component outputs going to the TV and the digital audio going to the AV receiver.

- Craig

[RipleyK]

I thought that about 50% of the problems encountered w/ the HR20 were due to HDMI connections. (This is from the Installtion Tips sticky.) Is this no longer the case?

[jimrobinette]

I was worried at first when my order said the exact same thing (different tax amt), but it all worked out. Recommend calling the install company a week or so prior to verify, as they didn't have a multiswitch at first.

Take care,

Jim

I am getting upgraded dish & receiver (from H10) for $99 next Saturday . This is what my order says:

Standard Professional Install
$0.00 1 $0.00

Swap ReplaceImplied DVR IRD
$0.00 1 $0.00

Handling
$0.00 1 $0.00

Swap Replace DIRECTV HD Rec. (Expanded HD Prog. Capable)
$0.00 1 $0.00
Subtotal: $99.00
Tax: $8.17
Total: $107.1

Should I be requesting more specifics on teh order & are you saying I can get a better deal or some additional credits.

Also what happens if I cancel before the 2 years?

Thanks.

[Milominderbinder2]

I thought that about 50% of the problems encountered w/ the HR20 were due to HDMI connections. (This is from the Installtion Tips sticky.) Is this no longer the case?Wow are you thorough! That was a post 60 into that thread!

You need to come test the new HR20 software with us in this thread:

Cutting Edge Forum (Test the Latest Releases) (http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118)

HDMI has gotten so much better. The problems are few now. But still remember that HDMI was designed for one reason: copy protection.

Even now I still get PM's from people struggling to get Video or Audio and the problem is the handshake between the HR20 and their TV. Component does not shake hands.

The problem has gotten much, much better now.

- Craig

[jangell2]

Some will tell you to use the AV Receiver as the audio/video switch for the TV. But that prevent you from using the TV's Picture In Picture capabillity.- CraigThis makes me wonder if there's a way for one HR20 to support PIP on one TV. Is there?

Also, is there any other way to turn captions on and off besides going thru the setup menu. You'd think there's be one button to toggle them on and off.

[duffer43]

I have an HR20-700 Receiver w/component connections to my HD TV in the living room. Thanks to advice from this group last spring I installed an RF modulator to distribute the SD signal throughout the house. Now, I'm planning to purchase an LCD HD set for my bedroom and am wondering if it's feasible to run a 35-50 ft. HDMI cable from the HR20 to the new TV? Before I order a cable, I'd like the input from those more knowledgeable than me as to how long a cable can/should be before the signal quality decreases.

Thanks in advance!

Jon

[duffer43]

I finally found some of the links to help enlighten me. Sounds like it's sort of a crap shoot at ~50 feet for the HDMI cables. Anyone else out there going that distance?

[Milominderbinder2]

I have an HR20-700 Receiver w/component connections to my HD TV in the living room. Thanks to advice from this group last spring I installed an RF modulator to distribute the SD signal throughout the house. Now, I'm planning to purchase an LCD HD set for my bedroom and am wondering if it's feasible to run a 35-50 ft. HDMI cable from the HR20 to the new TV? Before I order a cable, I'd like the input from those more knowledgeable than me as to how long a cable can/should be before the signal quality decreases.

Thanks in advance!

JonLots of people have done it. Get the better shielded type from www.monoprice.com.

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

This makes me wonder if there's a way for one HR20 to support PIP on one TV. Is there?

Also, is there any other way to turn captions on and off besides going thru the setup menu. You'd think there's be one button to toggle them on and off.
The HR20 can only display one tuner at a time.

I am sure that they did not make Closed Captioning this hard to use on purpose. Still I don't know how they could have made CC any harder on the disabled.

To toggle CC On/Off is 23 keystrokes unless you know the trick from the 133 Undocumented HR20 Tips & Tricks (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=747592).

- Craig

[duffer43]

The 75' HDMI cable from Monoprice arrived today. It seems to work just fine without any noticeable loss in signal. A little pricey at ~$80 (incl. shipping) it beats paying another $199 + monthly fee for another DVR HD receiver.

Thanks for your help!

[Stuart Sweet]

Thread renamed to be consistent with the title of the original post.

[Milominderbinder2]

The 75' HDMI cable from Monoprice arrived today. It seems to work just fine without any noticeable loss in signal. A little pricey at ~$80 (incl. shipping) it beats paying another $199 + monthly fee for another DVR HD receiver.

Thanks for your help!That would have had to have been quite the cable. I assume it was fairly stiff due to the insulation?

- Craig

[Milominderbinder2]

Thread renamed to be consistent with the title of the original post.
Thank you!

- Craig

[LDighera]

But still remember that HDMI was designed for one reason: copy protection.


The D* tech who installed my HR20 said the only way to get 5.1 audio was through the HDMI cable. Do you know of another way? :confused:

[houskamp]

The D* tech who installed my HR20 said the only way to get 5.1 audio was through the HDMI cable. Do you know of another way? :confused:
Optical works (and the rca on the -100s)

[Milominderbinder2]

The D* tech who installed my HR20 said the only way to get 5.1 audio was through the HDMI cable. Do you know of another way? :confused:
Digital and Optical Audio out are Dolby 5.1.

- Craig

[duffer43]

That would have had to have been quite the cable. I assume it was fairly stiff due to the insulation?

- Craig

The cable is 3/8" in diameter and is routed out of my living room to my unfinished basement and back up into the master bedroom! Monoprice's #2802 w/built-in equalizer.

Thanks again! :)

[bllreed]

The D* tech who installed my HR20 said the only way to get 5.1 audio was through the HDMI cable. Do you know of another way? :confused:

Their are 2 other ways: Digital Optical (Toslink) and 5.1 channel analog though the analog method would require an amp capable of digital to analog conversion
as the HR20-700 doesn't have 5.1 channel analog outputs. The easiest way is to
just use the optical output and run it into a good A/V receiver. Video can go straight into the monitor via HDMI or component video. Either should give you a
high quality HD image.

[bertman64]

You didn't mention it but also the HD channels sound better in Dolby Digital on a standard TV with the right audio setup. For instance NBA games are much more fun on TNT-HD than TNT because of this.

[lutton]

The FAQ for connecting multiple TVs mentions that multiple outputs on the HR20 are active simultaneously. Does the HR21 also do this?

[bobnielsen]

The FAQ for connecting multiple TVs mentions that multiple outputs on the HR20 are active simultaneously. Does the HR21 also do this?

Yes.

[sheureka]

Is the installation checklist posted somewhere else? The link to it on the FAQ's is broken. TIA - sheureka

[Milominderbinder2]

Is the installation checklist posted somewhere else? The link to it on the FAQ's is broken. TIA - sheureka
From the HD DVR FAQ (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=817199#post817199): What do I need to know about HD DVR ordering and installation?
→ Ordering Tips (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=839938#post839938)
→ Installation Guide (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=67769)

The links all seem to work.

Can you please post a link to the post with the broken link?

- Craig

[sheureka]

Here's the link that isn't working - http://www.skylinktv.com/Forms/SD-86.pdf. And this is the post with the link - http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1030383&postcount=23. Thanks! - sheureka

[Milominderbinder2]

Here's the link that isn't working - http://www.skylinktv.com/Forms/SD-86.pdf. And this is the post with the link - http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1030383&postcount=23. Thanks! - sheurekaThank you!

I was actually shocked when the Checklist was published in it's entirity. I did cut and paste some of the most important parts before it came down.

Thanks for catching this!

- Craig

[topperdude]

Hi,

First, I wanted to thank Craig for all the information shared in this forum. This is a great website that I have been reading for the past couple weeks as I try to get my questions answered about D*. I have been able to get most of my questions answered.

I invested recently in two Tivo systems/contracts that run through Nov of this year (this was before we started looking into D*, which in turn was due to some unexpected changes from our cable company - go figure :rolleyes: )

The equipment we have now in our house (and for the forseeable future of ~1year or so - no plans to invest in new equipment due to funds):

1 32" SDTV connected to home theater system + Tivo in living room
1 small HDTV in bedroom + Tivo

I agree with a lot of the pros of connecting a HD receiver to an SDTV in www . dbstalk . com / showpost.php?p=953682&postcount=18 (sorry unable to post URL with <5 posts). So I plan to atleast connect the H20 or H21 to the SDTV. I was wondering since whether there are any benefits of upgrading to the HR20 or HR21, especially we also have our Tivo subscription through the end of this year.

I dont mind having regular (non 5.1DD) for recorded shows, but am not sure if it makes sense to spend the extra $100 for the DVR functionality. We are not big time TV watchers either (on average ~1 or 2 hours a day - many days even less).

In the long run, would getting the HD-DVR now be less expensive in the long run versus getting the HD (non-DVR) receiver now and upgrading a year later to the HD-DVR receiver?

Would appreciate any thoughts/input.

Thanks,
-Topper

Edit: FWIW, D* does not have our local channels in Rochester, MN in HD yet, nor does it have the international channels we will subscribe to in HD

[carl6]

topperdude,

Welcome to the forums. If you go to the HD receiver or DVR, you will have to add HD service to your DirecTV account ($9.99 per month plus another $4.95 for the HD Extra Pack if you want it) in order to get the HD channels. Most of those channels (other than the Extra pack) are available as SD channels which you would get with a regular (non HD) receiver. So it is a decision on your part if you want to pay the extra $10 or $15 a month for the HD programming that you would not get with an SD programming package.

As to whether or not you want to get a DirecTV DVR in addition to your Tivo, the montly recurring cost for that will be $5.99 a month (per account, not per dvr).

If you stay with your existing Tivo units, you are faced with the issue of controlling the DirecTV receiver from the Tivo. An integrated DVR would make that much easier, and would give you the ability to watch one while recording another, or recording two shows at once. The convenience factor alone is worth it in my opinion, but you may not agree.

If you anticipate getting an HD TV in the predictable future, I would probably go with the HD DVR (HR21) now. If you have no plans for upgrading to HD TV, then I would probably go with the SD DVR (R16).

Carl

[topperdude]

topperdude,

Welcome to the forums. If you go to the HD receiver or DVR, you will have to add HD service to your DirecTV account ($9.99 per month plus another $4.95 for the HD Extra Pack if you want it) in order to get the HD channels. Most of those channels (other than the Extra pack) are available as SD channels which you would get with a regular (non HD) receiver. So it is a decision on your part if you want to pay the extra $10 or $15 a month for the HD programming that you would not get with an SD programming package.

As to whether or not you want to get a DirecTV DVR in addition to your Tivo, the montly recurring cost for that will be $5.99 a month (per account, not per dvr).

If you stay with your existing Tivo units, you are faced with the issue of controlling the DirecTV receiver from the Tivo. An integrated DVR would make that much easier, and would give you the ability to watch one while recording another, or recording two shows at once. The convenience factor alone is worth it in my opinion, but you may not agree.

If you anticipate getting an HD TV in the predictable future, I would probably go with the HD DVR (HR21) now. If you have no plans for upgrading to HD TV, then I would probably go with the SD DVR (R16).

Carl


Carl,

Thanks for the response!

Just to clarify - I am considering getting atleast the H20/H21 (non-DVR HD receiver) to connect to my SDTV and take advantage of (atleast some) of the pros listed in Craig's FAQ's (DD5.1 audio, more HD channels on SDTV, etc) in my previous post. So, I will be subscribing to the HD service (9.99/month) from the beginning.

I am wondering more from a long term "cost to upgrade" perspective - whether it would be cheaper, in the long term as a D* subscriber, to get HD-DVR now (and waste my Tivo subscription) OR
whether its cheaper to get H20/H21 now with Tivo and upgrade to HD-DVR after the Tivo subscription ends.

If I upgrade from H21 to HR21 after Tivo subscription ends, will I have to sign a new 24 month commitment at that time?

Regarding controlling two separate boxes - I have a harmony remote and hoping that should help with controlling the H21 and Tivo boxes (correct me if I am wrong).

Thanks,
Topper