[Barmat]

When it takes this long to get basic DVR funtions correct how will they be able to give anvanced functions. I would love to see home networking, OTA, increased storage through USB, D*to go, ect.... What are we to think when they still cann't get the most basic things right.

 

[cybrsurfer]

When it takes this long to get basic DVR funtions correct how will they be able to give anvanced functions. I would love to see home networking, OTA, increased storage through USB, D*to go, ect.... What are we to think when they still cann't get the most basic things right.

:sure:

 

[hasan]

When it takes this long to get basic DVR funtions correct how will they be able to give anvanced functions. I would love to see home networking, OTA, increased storage through USB, D*to go, ect.... What are we to think when they still cann't get the most basic things right.

You certainly have a point...although OTA isn't an "advanced" function...it's in the que and we are supposed to be getting it "real soon now". It will be interesting to see if they can implement it without breaking something else, or without significant problems with the function itself.

What are we to think?....patience. There's a lot to get right before the advanced stuff, as you have noted. No doubt there is some parallel development going on, but I'm betting they are getting a bit "gunshy" with releases.

Based on how my box has performed over the last 9 weeks, I'd say my number one priority is OTA...but that certainly isn't true for a significant minority of people who are having numerous and severe malfunctions in the "base feature set" of this DVR.

I say minority because 325 people responded to my satisfaction poll over the last 10 days. (on these forums). Here are the results: (rounded)

Very Satisfied: 117, 36 %
Somewhat Satisfied, 125, 38 %
Barely Satisfied, 26, 8 %
Somewhat Dissatisfied, 26, 8 %
Very Dissatisfied, 31, 9 %

As one can see 74% of the 325 respondents say they are at least Somewhat Satisfied, and I doubt that would be the case if they had the number and severity of problems reported by those who might make up the remaining 25%.

Since all of us are running the same software and the same hardware (except for HDMI interface), the only remaining variables that would account for the 25% who are having significant problems appear to be:

1. Usage patterns (what combo of features/keystrokes/recordings etc.)

2. Presence or Absence of MPEG-4/HD-Locals, and other National HD (Ch 95 which has shown it caused problems the night it came on with NFL Network's first Football HD Game)

3. Installation Problems (inside and outside, including cabling, dish pointing, etc)

4. True Hardware Failures (bad box, bad multi-switch, etc.)

5. Hardware Incompatibilities (HDMI to and from TV)

I have no idea which ones are the most important and am sure D* is having a heck of a time finding them out as well. I doubt true hardware failures account for a significant number of issues, but that's pure conjecture on my part. Channel 95 on Thursday evening acted like a virus to this box for many (including me).

 

[Earl Bonovich]

3 Months, and 9 days.... since the public release.

Even though the HR20 is not 100% for all users out there.
The unit is not the same system it was when it was first released...

From even just the sampling on this forum, the unit has gotten much better for the majority of people (yes... I am aware and know, and not diminishing the issues that have been raised).


Your first two: Home Networking and OTA... are features that are very near...... there is never going to be USB external storage on the HR20 (possible on the R15, but definently NOT on the HR20)

And DirecTV2Go is an independent project outside of the HR20

 

[PoitNarf]

Home Networking and OTA... are features that are very near......

Almost sounds like there's a very slight possibility of getting OTA and networking enabled in the same software update, hmmm?

Wow, look at the calendar; December 1st is less than a week away now. Let's see if the "OTA date" holds true.

 

[cybrsurfer]

Almost sounds like there's a very slight possibility of getting OTA and networking enabled in the same software update, hmmm?

Wow, look at the calendar; December 1st is less than a week away now. Let's see if the "OTA date" holds true.

Finally less than a week now, next Friday.

 

[Earl Bonovich]

Almost sounds like there's a very slight possibility of getting OTA and networking enabled in the same software update, hmmm?

Wow, look at the calendar; December 1st is less than a week away now. Let's see if the "OTA date" holds true.

Ya'll do remember my "stance" on exact dates....

Anyway... I don't expect OTA and Networking to be in the same release.

 

[cybrsurfer]

Ya'll do remember my "stance" on exact dates....

Anyway... I don't expect OTA and Networking to be in the same release.

:lol:

 

[bonscott87]

Also you can do increased storage right now thru eSATA. Better then USB.

 

[Barmat]

Sorry Earl I should have said ESATA not USB. I know it's possible now, it's just not a published feature.

I just don't see the progress you do. My box was much better before the lattest download. I lost all of my Thursday recordings. They show as having been recorded in history but don't show up in my playlist. To me the box is the same as it was when I got it three months ago. I still lose the occasional recording, still have random lock ups, still can't record PPV or Sunday Ticket. Not to mention features that should be woking by this point OTA, Closed Caption, showcases.

Is it resonable to expect all the bugs to be Ironed out in a year at this rate. I mean we're talking basic functions. Can you see the collapse of the tech support phone lines when they release home networking. If they can't get this box to record a series link reliably how are the going to deal with all the different home netwoking differences.

I realy like the differences between this box and Tivo. To me, Tivo was to simple and limited, although Tivo was rock solid at it's basic functions. Tivo recorded and played back what you told it.

What was D* thinking when they started this project. How much money have they saved by severing their ties to Tivo versus lost in reputation. I'm the guy in my group of families and friends every one goes to for electronic advice. Right now I can't recommend D*. Their programing is great (needs more HD content) but their hardware SUCKS. Can anyone on this board recommend D* to some one that has other options like Dish or cable?

 

[looknow12]

Almost sounds like there's a very slight possibility of getting OTA and networking enabled in the same software update, hmmm?

Wow, look at the calendar; December 1st is less than a week away now. Let's see if the "OTA date" holds true.

Not that it means much, but a Directv customer service rep suspected the Windows Media Center boxes would be the long term solution to Networked DVRs.

I suspect anything is possible with the HR20. Perhaps remote control, and downloading updates over the internet too. But the UI must be dramatically enhanced to begin supporting networking.

 

[Earl Bonovich]

Is it resonable to expect all the bugs to be Ironed out in a year at this rate. I mean we're talking basic functions.

........

Can you see the collapse of the tech support phone lines when they release home networking. If they can't get this box to record a series link reliably how are the going to deal with all the different home netwoking differences.

.......

What was D* thinking when they started this project. How much money have they saved by severing their ties to Tivo versus lost in reputation. I'm the guy in my group of families and friends every one goes to for electronic advice. Right now I can't recommend D*. Their programing is great (needs more HD content) but their hardware SUCKS. Can anyone on this board recommend D* to some one that has other options like Dish or cable?

I would hope it would be less then a year...
And that fact that there are so many people that don't have any issues (I am one with two different units, with nearly 50 Series links now (accross the two)... That the unit is capable of function with out issues...

So they just need to continue eliminating the reasons why some people are having issues.

All depends on how they plan to support the Networking.
A lot of companies (Microsoft and XBOX Live) for example, will only support their device... but will not support the routers, computers, ect...

Who knows how it is going to be...

But see... I can still recommend DirecTV at least over Cable (as I have had both, and still have to deal with Cable)... I have very limited experiences with Dish. And I have had so many receivers over the years... yes I can still recommend DirecTV.

 

[Earl Bonovich]

But the UI must be dramatically enhanced to begin supporting networking.

Why?

What is the difference between seeing a list of Music or Photo files, vs seeing a list of recordings, or a guide of programs?

What are you really expecting to change when they enable networking.

 

[jbstix]

When it takes this long to get basic DVR funtions correct how will they be able to give anvanced functions. I would love to see home networking, OTA, increased storage through USB, D*to go, ect.... What are we to think when they still cann't get the most basic things right.

I agree for the most part with the OP's statement. A lot of folks are dying for OTA (that is def. understandable) but as the weeks have gone by, and with all the updates - it can be more difficult to get excited about "new" features" when the basic features for some people still don't work. Also, when an update is received it takes a few days to see what has indeed been improved, and unfortunatly what new problems pop up, or what old problems still remainn unfixed. That's why I started a thread a few weeks ago "OTA - are we asking for trouble" along the same line. I am thankful that D* has been supporting this box with updates, but at the same time just want to feel like I can leave the unit alone and know it will record/playback what I want it to.
Bottom line for me: if the HR20 can record/playback 100% of the time w/o having to babysit it, I will be very excited about the future features and will even recommend this unit to others. Bring on all the new features, as long as, it doesn't casue more problems overall!

Good luck to everyone... Enjoy all the leftovers!

 

[Tom Robertson]

I say minority because 325 people responded to my satisfaction poll over the last 10 days. (on these forums). Here are the results: (rounded)

Very Satisfied: 117, 36 %
Somewhat Satisfied, 125, 38 %
Barely Satisfied, 26, 8 %
Somewhat Dissatisfied, 26, 8 %
Very Dissatisfied, 31, 9 %

As one can see 74% of the 325 respondents say they are at least Somewhat Satisfied, and I doubt that would be the case if they had the number and severity of problems reported by those who might make up the remaining 25%.

Hasan,

Would this be the poll that tried to measure two things with one question? Namely current satisfaction as well as anticipation of future success. And ergo there was no answer I could choose. I'm not very satisfied but I do expect D* will fix these problems.

Just yankin' thine chain. While your questions are a bit suspect, your data does seem to support more readers of this forum are satisfied than not.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[hasan]

Hasan,

Would this be the poll that tried to measure two things with one question? Namely current satisfaction as well as anticipation of future success. And ergo there was no answer I could choose. I'm not very satisfied but I do expect D* will fix these problems.

Just yankin' thine chain. While your questions are a bit suspect, your data does seem to support more readers of this forum are satisfied than not.

Cheers,
Tom

Yep...and I I wouldn't make anything more of the results than the simple statement that it appears that a lot more readers/respondents of the forum are satisfied than not.

I really wasn't trying to "make a point" with the poll...I was genuinely curious, given the tenor or comments. It does appear that most people fit into my "experience", with this box.

I will say, Ch 95 on Thur p.m. (NFL-Network HD Game) appears to have been a "poison pill" and/or "virus" for this box. After 9 weeks of very few and only minor problems, I actually had to do a red button reset in order to restore guide speed, and I'm not the only one reporting anomalies after watching/recording that game. That was my first and only required reset.

This is an indicator of the kind of suspicion I have about the HR20 and our upcoming MPEG-4/HD-Locals (by year's end according to D*). I had hoped, until recently, that OTA would appear before they turn on the MPEG-4/HD-Locals...I'm not so confident of that any more, as HD-Locals could be turned on at any moment, and it seems like forever (although it's not) getting OTA up on the HR20.

It is apparent that there are things in the data stream that can cause the HR20 to malfunction....and worse, it also seems that this may cause corruption of the hard drive, which in turn results in a myriad of problems that then confuse people entirely.

What a ride!

 

[deltadave]

Good evening/morning all.....
Forgive my ignorance, but when you all talk about home networking, does that mean I can hook the ethernet port to a router and access HR20 content through my computer or is that a whole other dream?
Thanks!

--edit---

after i posted this, i now see another thread on networking...i'll check that out!

 

[harsh]

I would hope it would be less then a year...

Don't say that in front of the R15 users!

 

[harsh]

3 Months, and 9 days.... since the public release.

Seems like it should have been released sometime next month.

 

[66stang351]

Seems like it should have been released sometime next month.

But if it was released 'sometime next month' I would be willing to bet that the only result would be about April before the box got to the point it is now.:nono2: