[denpri]

After spending close to 11 months using the RVU "interface" on a 2011 Series Samsung TV (including repeated calls to DirecTV to obtain the "mysterious" RC70X remote :lol, I finally gave up and "replaced" the Samsung RVU client with a new C31. My early impressions:

- The C31 operates MUCH faster than the Samsung: Menu appearance, channel changes, remote "response", etc. are all much faster and approach the response times of the HR34 running 0x5cd.

- Unlike the Samsung, I can now view 3D channels using the C31!

- While probably somewhat subjective and only based on about an hour of casual viewing, the C31 video seems to be brighter and sharper and audio "sync" issues, a recurring problem with the Samsung, are not noticeable.

- I'm NOT sure whether it's the new C31 or 0x5cd firmware but I can now see and watch recordings from both the HR34 AND an additional HR24!

Overall, the C31 seems to be a MUCH improved "client" over the 2011-version of the "embedded" Samsung "client".

 

[Drucifer]

Any idea if your Samsung RVU software been upgraded as DirecTV make changes? If RVU clients aren't going to remain current, then the RVU system will quickly be replace by something else.

 

[harperhometheater]

- I'm NOT sure whether it's the new C31 or 0x5cd firmware but I can now see and watch recordings from both the HR34 AND an additional HR24!

If true that's awesome news. Can you confirm this please?

 

[TBlazer07]

If true that's awesome news. Can you confirm this please?

I'm watching my HR24-100 from my C31 as I type this ..... so I can confirm it. Sometimes it glitches but not often.

 

[harperhometheater]

Most Excellent TBlazer thanks! When you say "glitches" do you mean the video when playing back a recording from the HR24, or intermittently seeing the playlist from it?

 

[denpri]

Any idea if your Samsung RVU software been upgraded as DirecTV make changes? If RVU clients aren't going to remain current, then the RVU system will quickly be replace by something else.

My (UN40D6420) firmware was recently updated to v.1030 but I really didn't notice any changes/improvements to its RVU functionality. I suspect there will be few, if any, additional firmware updates for the D-Series in general since they will soon be two "generations" behind Samsung's current offerings.

I really like the set in terms of its video capabilities but I'm beginning to believe the "all-in-one" RVU hardware concept may not be the best idea. Samsung has very little incentive to improve/enhance RVU functionality on its sets (especially older models) while DirecTV (and Dish) are much more committed to server/client viewing technology and will continue to improve/enhance their hardware/software over the next few years.

 

[denpri]

Most Excellent TBlazer thanks! When you say "glitches" do you mean the video when playing back a recording from the HR24, or intermittently seeing the playlist from it?

I'd characterize the "glitches" as relatively minor (e.g., slightly slower playback start) and almost certainly software related. In general, however, overall C31 responsiveness is MUCH better than using the built-in RVU functionality of my Samsung TV set AND I can use a regular DirecTV remote to control everything.

 

[dishrich]

denpri, how much of "performance" difference is there when you playback a pre-recorded show from your HR24 vs HR34?

 

[harperhometheater]

I'm still not able to see the playlist from my HR24. Does anyone know if there's something I need to do, like reset the c31, HR34/24 etc.? I certainly don't think this would matter, but I'm direct connected via ethernet to the 34 and not using DECA or cck if that could make a difference?

 

[lzhj9k]

I too am unable to View/Play recordings from other than the HR-34 with any of my C31 Clients.

While I should note, I dont have an HR-24 but rather an HR-23.

My HR-34 in on version 05CD

Clients are on 06F8

 

[denpri]

denpri, how much of "performance" difference is there when you playback a pre-recorded show from your HR24 vs HR34?

I'd characterize it as "minor". The actual video playback is sharp, doesn't have any audio sync issues (so far) and generally looks fine. Execution of "commands" such as Play, Resume, FF, etc. lag slightly compared to command execution on the HR34/HR24.

Overall, I think C31 playback/command execution is essentially idential to the performance of a H25 on my system.

 

[denpri]

I'm still not able to see the playlist from my HR24. Does anyone know if there's something I need to do, like reset the c31, HR34/24 etc.? I certainly don't think this would matter, but I'm direct connected via ethernet to the 34 and not using DECA or cck if that could make a difference?

Couple of suggestions based on my installation experience:

- During the initial setup, I did perform a C31 (red button on right side). However, I don't believe this step resulted in a C31 firmware update (see next comment).
- During installation and after the previous step, I turned the C31 off by pressing the DirecTV "button". When I turned it back on, I IMMEDIATELY saw a blue screen which said something like "Downloading software update". After a couple of minutes, it resumed normal operation.
- I'm using a "pure" DECA link between all of my boxes (i.e., HR34, HR24, H25, C31) with a single Broadband Adapter to my home network/Internet. One interesting note - Although the C31 DID obtain a network IP address from my router (per router DHCP status table), the System Info page of the C31 only shows a local, non-network IP address of 169.xxx.xxx.xxx variety. Not sure whether this may be significant.
- I had previously activated Whole Home service so I could already see the HR34/HR24 playlists on the H25 before I installed the C31.

 

[unislick]

Has anyone else had any luck seeing anything OTHER than HR34 content from their C31s? I simply am not convinced this functionality is available based on research on this forum, other forums, and talking with Directv installers and tech support.

 

[veryoldschool]

Has anyone else had any luck seeing anything OTHER than HR34 content from their C31s? I simply am not convinced this functionality is available based on research on this forum, other forums, and talking with Directv installers and tech support.

I can see recordings on my HR24, but this may be a firmware update away for most though.

 

[texasbrit]

Has anyone else had any luck seeing anything OTHER than HR34 content from their C31s? I simply am not convinced this functionality is available based on research on this forum, other forums, and talking with Directv installers and tech support.

If you don't have that functionality yet, you will probably have it soon - as VOS posted, maybe in the next software release.