[RunnerFL]

-even though i select 'channels i receive' under favorites and then make the same selection in my guide, the guide shows plenty of channels that we dont get. Am i doing this incorrectly?

There's nothing you're doing wrong. The Channels I Get issue has been ongoing for quite some time. I don't think it's ever been 100%. It's "a work in progress" for all DirecTV units.

-even though i have selected first run only, nearly all my series seem to be recording reruns as well as first runs. Bug? Or am i interpreting first run incorrectly?

Whenever you setup a Series Link it will record the episode you use to create the link whether or not it matches the criteria you set.

Welcome to the club!

 

[RunnerFL]

Strange that the first point should still be an issue after so many years. One would think it would be easy to resolve.

Agreed, it should have been fixed long ago.

Regarding my second point, you are saying that it will only record the first episode that I use to set up my season pass and not any addition reruns as long as 'first run only' is selected?

Correct. Whenever you setup a new Series Link it will record the episode you use to setup the Series Link regardless of its status. For instance let's say you use a syndicated episode of The Big Bang Theory on your CBS affiliate to setup a Series Link for The Big Bang Theory that will record only first run episodes. The syndicated episode you used will be recorded but from there on out only first run episodes will be recorded.

I'm still a bit upset about my install. The installer didn't have a wired link to the network in stock and couldn't get the wireless link to work so 3 days later I'm still without some of the functions of the HR34. Between that and the shoddy install on my roof (left all the wires and splitter just hanging/dangling in the wind), I'm thinking I made a huge mistake by signing the work order.

If you have a switch or your router within cabling distance of your HR34 you can run an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the HR34 to that switch or router and that will act as a link. This only works with the HR34 and is not a "supporoted" setup but it works just fine.