[tiger2005]

I spoke with DirecTV yesterday asking them to send me a couple of new B-Band converters because I wasn't getting a signal from the second tuner with the converter connected. After speaking with advanced tech support, they said they are going to send me a new HR20 because they think that I may have a 'short' in the tuner given that the 2nd tuner won't register the signal with the B-Band converters connected. The reason they suspect this is because when I had the HR20 installed the installer tried a couple of different converters on the inputs and nothing would make the 2nd tuner work. I was able to fix the issue myself after disconnecting the converters. I wouldn't think its possible for the tuner to work if it had a short in it, but D* seems to think its the box. I really don't want to replace the box because ever since I got the 2nd tuner working the box has worked as I would expect it to and given the HR20 issues, I don't trust that another box will work correctly. Is it possible for the tuner to work if it has a short in it?

 

[Gmaxx]

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. I had the same issue with my hr20. The second tuner would not work with the bbc. I swapped the cables and the problem stayed on the second tuner. Once I took away the bbc the tuner worked. (After a restart.) They already sent me a replacement unit but it is refurbished. I have had only minor issues other than this one on my original hr20. I would like to here some input from you guys.

 

[litzdog911]

I suppose it's possible that it's a tuner problem. We don't really know exactly how the DVR "communicates" with the B-Band Converters, so there might some tuner failure mode where the tuner works OK without the BBC, but dies with the BBC is connected. Keep us posted.

 

[Gmaxx]

I suppose it's possible that it's a tuner problem. We don't really know exactly how the DVR "communicates" with the B-Band Converters, so there might some tuner failure mode where the tuner works OK without the BBC, but dies with the BBC is connected. Keep us posted.

Litzdog, I have received my replacement unit for this problem but with all the issues I see people having on this site I am leary of hooking it up and activating it. I don't know whether or not I'd be able to go back to using the original one if the refurbished one is worse. After all I just paid for this hr20, was told it was defective by D*, and was shipped a refurbished one to replace it. I just dont feel right spending all that money for a refurbished unit. Also, the unit sent to me has a model number of hr20-700 and the one I have already is hr20-700s. Im not sure what that s means if anything at all but the one I have now is newer and is working rather well without the bbc's attached. The mpeg4 channels seem fine other that the 8mm effect every now and again. (The Patriots game last night was horrible for this. Although when the picture is not in motion the PQ is better than even ESPN HD.) The only major problem (IMHO) that I am having is the inability to record shows on NESN HD. Since this is the only channel that I am having a problem with I'd say I'm not in that bad a situation. That being said, its most likely a software issue for NESN but who knows about the bbc situation. If I activate it to test it do you think there would be any problems with going back the original one? SHould I just hold out for the next software update and see how that goes? What would you do?

 

[litzdog911]

I would go ahead and activate and test the replacement.

The "S" in the model number just means it's silver. Hardware-wise it's identical to your original DVR.

While the problems you're currently experiencing all look to be software or local-station related, I would be concerned about the BBC problem down the road when the new satellites are activated in early 2007. Better to make sure you have solid hardware now. If the replacement unit is still flakey, or even worse, then DirecTV should let you keep the original for now.

 

[tiger2005]

I suppose it's possible that it's a tuner problem. We don't really know exactly how the DVR "communicates" with the B-Band Converters, so there might some tuner failure mode where the tuner works OK without the BBC, but dies with the BBC is connected. Keep us posted.

Per D* this weekend I should receive the receiver by Wed. or Thurs., so that means I should have it at some point next week. I'll let you know what happens. D* is also supposed to include another BBC in the box so I can test a different BBC with my original unit.

 

[tiger2005]

Per D* this weekend I should receive the receiver by Wed. or Thurs., so that means I should have it at some point next week. I'll let you know what happens. D* is also supposed to include another BBC in the box so I can test a different BBC with my original unit.

Well, I received a brand NEW receiver from D* on Thursday. I'm guessing they sent me a new one because that is the only way to get the BBC's that I requested since they don't seem to be included in the refurbished kits. Anyways, I tested my original BBC's today just to confirm what I had originally suspected and I did find that only 1 of the original 2 was in working order. So, I grabbed one of the new ones from the box, tested it, and VOILA!! Both tuners now work flawlessly with the BBC's connected. Hopefully now D* will keep improving the software and then I can fully enjoy this box.

 

[litzdog911]

Glad to hear!