[nicemann]

I am going to make the Switch from Cox to DirecTV. I currently have two TiVo HD Boxes and Cox is starting to tick me off with their support for the cable cards. I know I will not be able to use the boxes with DirecTV so I will have to buy the HD DVRs when I order service.

Two questions....First can you run two HD DVRs on one TV? Is there a way to program the remote to change between the two boxes? Yeah I know that is a lot of tuners for one TV but you never know how many prime time shows you may want to record at once. I currently have the two TiVos hooked up to my one HDTV. TiVo has a switch on the remote to change between the two.

Second Question....Is it possible to add an external hard drive for more recording space? If so can you suggest what model I should buy?

Thank you, hoping to order service tonight.

 

[TheRatPatrol]

I am going to make the Switch from Cox to DirecTV. I currently have two TiVo HD Boxes and Cox is starting to tick me off with their support for the cable cards. I know I will not be able to use the boxes with DirecTV so I will have to buy the HD DVRs when I order service.

Two questions....First can you run two HD DVRs on one TV? Is there a way to program the remote to change between the two boxes? Yeah I know that is a lot of tuners for one TV but you never know how many prime time shows you may want to record at once. I currently have the two TiVos hooked up to my one HDTV. TiVo has a switch on the remote to change between the two.

Second Question....Is it possible to add an external hard drive for more recording space? If so can you suggest what model I should buy?

Thank you, hoping to order service tonight.

1. Yes you can hook up 2 DVR's to one TV, probably the simplest thing to do, depending on how you currently have your Tivo's hooked up, is to remove the cables from the back of your Tivo's and connect them directly to your HD DVR's.

1a. Yes you can control 2 DVR's with one D* remote, or you can also control them using a programmable remote, such as a Harmony.

2. Yes you can add an external hard drive for more recording space. It has to be eSATA compatible though.

2a. As far as which model to get, you should read the thread on here that talks about external hard drives. I'm still uncertain which one to buy.

If you have any other questions, or issues, let us know, I'm in Phoenix also and am willing to help if you need it.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

[nicemann]

Greatly appreciate your response.....always good to hear from another person in Phoenix.

Never had satellite before and been using TiVo for the last 11 years. Just kind of nervous. Guess it's time to just take the plunge and do it.:eek2:

 

[Doug Brott]

nicemann,

:welcome_s to the forum .. Here's a good document for comparing features:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=95242

The HR10-250 is a TiVo model similar in functionality to your Cable HD TiVos, but it is not longer available from DIRECTV.

 

[nicemann]

BTW on a different topic....Is there any place that is offering some type of great special if you sign up for service with them? I know BestBuy.com is offering $50 GC if you signup on their website.

 

[nicemann]

nicemann,

:welcome_s to the forum .. Here's a good document for comparing features:

The HR10-250 is a TiVo model similar in functionality to your Cable HD TiVos, but it is not longer available from DIRECTV.

Thank you...interesting comparison. I guess it is safe to assume if I buy both DVRs from DirecTVs website they will both be HC21s? They don't list the model numbers.

 

[CJTE]

Nicemann, if you sign up with DirecTV right now, under the sunday ticket promotion, you'll be given one HDDVR for free. This HDDVR will most likely be the HR21 model. You can also pay a $199 initial lease fee on another HDDVR, which will most likely be an HR21.

DirecTV offers to install up to 1 peice of advanced equipment, and as many as 3 more standard peices of equipment. So, under the current promotion, you can get 1 HDDVR free, and 3 standard receivers (not HD, not DVRs).

 

[nicemann]

Nicemann, if you sign up with DirecTV right now, under the sunday ticket promotion, you'll be given one HDDVR for free. This HDDVR will most likely be the HR21 model. You can also pay a $199 initial lease fee on another HDDVR, which will most likely be an HR21.

DirecTV offers to install up to 1 peice of advanced equipment, and as many as 3 more standard peices of equipment. So, under the current promotion, you can get 1 HDDVR free, and 3 standard receivers (not HD, not DVRs).

Not really looking for the Sunday Ticket. Not a huge sports fan (no throwing tomatoes please). Guess I will sign up with the Best Buy Promo. At least I will get a $50 GC. Now hopefully they will not try charging me for the second DVR install because when I price check it shows install price is free.

Startup Costs

1 Handling and Delivery Fee $0.00
2 DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR Receiver $398.00
Instant Online Rebate -$100.00
1 Standard Professional Installation $0.00
Total: $298.00

First Month's Bill
PLUS HD DVR $72.99
HBO® $14.00
Starz!® $11.00
SHOWTIME UNLIMITED® $10.00
NASCAR HOTPASS $0.00
DIRECTV DVR Service $0.00
DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN $5.99
Lease Fee $4.99
HD Access $0.00
$35/mo. credit for HBO, STARZ and SHOWTIME for 3 months -$35.00
Total:* $83.97
Online Redemption -$23.00
Total:* $60.97

 

[mdavej]

Looks like a great deal to me. The only thing I'd reconsider is the protection plan. Opinions vary, but I think it's a waste of money.