[shaun-ohio]

hello all: is anyone having any problems with receiving sho hd now both of my hd channels say channel not purchased, but the rest of the sho package comes in ok, or i will get a pop up message that says searching for sat signal on tuner 1, i sure did miss alot of recording this past weekend on the 2 hd channels, is this a software bug or what?> also if one of them works, the other one wont come in

 

[spidey]

hello all: is anyone having any problems with receiving sho hd now both of my hd channels say channel not purchased, but the rest of the sho package comes in ok, or i will get a pop up message that says searching for sat signal on tuner 1, i sure did miss alot of recording this past weekend on the 2 hd channels, is this a software bug or what?> also if one of them works, the other one wont come in

dumb question but you do subscribe to the D* HD service correct?

 

[Earl Bonovich]

dumb question but you do subscribe to the D* HD service correct?

Does matter.
Sho-HD is part of of teh ShowTime package, not the HD package.

Call DirecTV, they may have to resend the authorization packets.

 

[paulman182]

I thought (could be wrong) that HBO HD and SHO HD were not in the HD package, but were provided to HBO and SHO subscribers only.

I can't say for sure as I have both.

 

[shaun-ohio]

ok thanks for your help

 

[scollins1225]

New to the forum - and just about a month of HR20 700 experience (not much without errors), but have encountered something similar to what you are describing - along with some other "bugs" (and we subscribe to HBO, and HD package, Sunday Ticket and Super Fan - Showtime and Starz have been added to our programming):

Problems with HR20 700 (HD DVR) - this is our 3rd receiver (receiver 1 had the same issuses, additional problem with receiver 2 described below):

Going to the HD Channel block and using channel (+) to go through channels:

70 – (HBOH) - Channel not purchased (721)
71 – (SHOH) – ok
72 – (ES2H) – Program not available in your area (727)
73 – (ESPH) - ok
74 – (UHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
75 – (TNTH) - ok
76 – (DSHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
78 – (HDNM) - ok
79 – (HDN) - Program not available in your area (727)

Note, I can go downstairs to the basement (HR15 HD receiver) – and all HD channels come in fine.

Continue to channel 80, which actually is not available (and displays the appropriate message) because we have local channels instead of regionals, then go back down the HD channels using the channel (-):

79 – (HDN) – ok
78 – (HDNM) - Program not available in your area (727)
76 – (DSHD) - ok
75 – (TNTH) - Program not available in your area (727)
74 – (UHD) - ok
73 – (ESPH) - Program not available in your area (727)
72 – (ES2H) – ok
71 – (SHOH) – Channel not purchased (721)
70 – (HBOH) - ok

So the error messages have flipped to the "opposite every other channel".

Also, receiving error message “Searching for Signal on Satellite on 2 (771)” when attempting to tune in the second local channel. For example, tuning in local HD channel 11 (WBAL), signal is ok, then, tuning to the next local HD channel (2, 13, or 45 – it doesn’t matter), getting the error message (771)… need to go to a standard digital channel (202 or any other, really SD channel) so the message clears from the screen, then directly tune into the “2nd” local HD channel (2, 13, or 45 - doesn't matter)… and the channel tunes in ok.

We had a technician come to the house and he forced some software updates, which corrected the above problems, but unfortunately, caused an error when we attempted to DVR a show and watch another. We would get an error message saying that we were unable to watch another program because both tuners were in use.

After calling tech support, and resetting the receiver we were able to record one show while watching another, but all of the HD problems returned again.

We're also getting some minor glitches like the time/status bar freezing (usually around 10-11 minutes) into a recorded program.

Our second receiver did not show both sets of local channels - the HD (WMAR, WBAL, WJZ, etc.) channels showed in the guide, but not the standard digital channels (BA2, BA11, BA13, etc.). The techs couldn't get this corrected, but we haven't experienced this problem on receivers 1 & 3.

As of right now, after many hours on the phone with Tech Support, HD Tech Support, troubleshooting, swapping receivers, 3 in-home visits from local DirecTV techs, etc… we are awaiting the 4th HR20 700 HD DVR receiver, and another visit from our local technicians.

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED…

 

[SiggieMD]

New to the forum - and just about a month of HR20 700 experience (not much without errors), but have encountered something similar to what you are describing - along with some other "bugs" (and we subscribe to HBO, and HD package, Sunday Ticket and Super Fan - Showtime and Starz have been added to our programming):

Problems with HR20 700 (HD DVR) - this is our 3rd receiver (receiver 1 had the same issuses, additional problem with receiver 2 described below):

Going to the HD Channel block and using channel (+) to go through channels:

70 - (HBOH) - Channel not purchased (721)
71 - (SHOH) - ok
72 - (ES2H) - Program not available in your area (727)
73 - (ESPH) - ok
74 - (UHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
75 - (TNTH) - ok
76 - (DSHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
78 - (HDNM) - ok
79 - (HDN) - Program not available in your area (727)

Note, I can go downstairs to the basement (HR15 HD receiver) - and all HD channels come in fine.

Continue to channel 80, which actually is not available (and displays the appropriate message) because we have local channels instead of regionals, then go back down the HD channels using the channel (-):

79 - (HDN) - ok
78 - (HDNM) - Program not available in your area (727)
76 - (DSHD) - ok
75 - (TNTH) - Program not available in your area (727)
74 - (UHD) - ok
73 - (ESPH) - Program not available in your area (727)
72 - (ES2H) - ok
71 - (SHOH) - Channel not purchased (721)
70 - (HBOH) - ok

So the error messages have flipped to the "opposite every other channel".

Also, receiving error message "Searching for Signal on Satellite on 2 (771)" when attempting to tune in the second local channel. For example, tuning in local HD channel 11 (WBAL), signal is ok, then, tuning to the next local HD channel (2, 13, or 45 - it doesn't matter), getting the error message (771)… need to go to a standard digital channel (202 or any other, really SD channel) so the message clears from the screen, then directly tune into the "2nd" local HD channel (2, 13, or 45 - doesn't matter)… and the channel tunes in ok.

We had a technician come to the house and he forced some software updates, which corrected the above problems, but unfortunately, caused an error when we attempted to DVR a show and watch another. We would get an error message saying that we were unable to watch another program because both tuners were in use.

After calling tech support, and resetting the receiver we were able to record one show while watching another, but all of the HD problems returned again.

We're also getting some minor glitches like the time/status bar freezing (usually around 10-11 minutes) into a recorded program.

Our second receiver did not show both sets of local channels - the HD (WMAR, WBAL, WJZ, etc.) channels showed in the guide, but not the standard digital channels (BA2, BA11, BA13, etc.). The techs couldn't get this corrected, but we haven't experienced this problem on receivers 1 & 3.

As of right now, after many hours on the phone with Tech Support, HD Tech Support, troubleshooting, swapping receivers, 3 in-home visits from local DirecTV techs, etc… we are awaiting the 4th HR20 700 HD DVR receiver, and another visit from our local technicians.

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED…

Wow. It's very depressing to read this because I'm having the EXACT same problem. I had the "every other channel" problem on all channels with my first HR20 receiver purchased at Best Buy. After several weeks of phone calls and tech visits, they sent me another HR20 -- this one refurbished because apparently these are on back-order until the next millenium. Now the "every other channel" problem only applies to the HD package (the 70's).

After several more phone calls and tech visits, a third HR20 is on the way. After reading your post, I'm not encouraged. A friend is also having the "Error 727" problem on his non-DVR HD receiver. He has also wasted hours on the phone and has another tech visit scheduled for tomorrow.

I just learned about my friend's problem, and of course yours, today. DirecvTV and the technicians have been telling me that this is "so unusual" and that "they never heard of anything like this before." I doubt that the three of us are the only ones having this problem. I now feel like they been lying to me.

Do you think the fact that all three of us are in Maryland may mean something? Are you in the DC area?

Please keep us informed here of what happens with your situation. Thanks!

 

[bpayne]

Going to the HD Channel block and using channel (+) to go through channels:

70 - (HBOH) - Channel not purchased (721)
71 - (SHOH) - ok
72 - (ES2H) - Program not available in your area (727)
73 - (ESPH) - ok
74 - (UHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
75 - (TNTH) - ok
76 - (DSHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
78 - (HDNM) - ok
79 - (HDN) - Program not available in your area (727)

Note, I can go downstairs to the basement (HR15 HD receiver) - and all HD channels come in fine.

Continue to channel 80, which actually is not available (and displays the appropriate message) because we have local channels instead of regionals, then go back down the HD channels using the channel (-):

79 - (HDN) - ok
78 - (HDNM) - Program not available in your area (727)
76 - (DSHD) - ok
75 - (TNTH) - Program not available in your area (727)
74 - (UHD) - ok
73 - (ESPH) - Program not available in your area (727)
72 - (ES2H) - ok
71 - (SHOH) - Channel not purchased (721)
70 - (HBOH) - ok

So the error messages have flipped to the "opposite every other channel".

Also, receiving error message "Searching for Signal on Satellite on 2 (771)" when attempting to tune in the second local channel. For example, tuning in local HD channel 11 (WBAL), signal is ok, then, tuning to the next local HD channel (2, 13, or 45 - it doesn't matter), getting the error message (771)… need to go to a standard digital channel (202 or any other, really SD channel) so the message clears from the screen, then directly tune into the "2nd" local HD channel (2, 13, or 45 - doesn't matter)… and the channel tunes in ok.

I know why you're having the problem, but I don't know what the causeof it is.

Please answer the following questions:

- what kind of receivers do you have?

- how many?

- what kind of multiswitch?

- describe how the multiswitch is hooked up in detail- how many lines to the input side, how many lines coming onto the output side etc.

- any diplexers, mirrored outlets, amplifiers?

SiggieMD, shaun-ohio- same questions as the above.

I'll let you know right now though- another HR20 is not going to fix your problem.

 

[shaun-ohio]

for your info i dont even have a multi switch with my HR20-700S

didnt even get one when i had the at9 installed, my problem has been fixed on its own so tell me it wasnt directv or the hr20?

 

[SiggieMD]

I know why you're having the problem, but I don't know what the causeof it is.

Please answer the following questions:

- what kind of receivers do you have?

- how many?

- what kind of multiswitch?

- describe how the multiswitch is hooked up in detail- how many lines to the input side, how many lines coming onto the output side etc.

- any diplexers, mirrored outlets, amplifiers?

SiggieMD, shaun-ohio- same questions as the above.

I'll let you know right now though- another HR20 is not going to fix your problem.

I have an HR20 HD DVR wired directly -- two lines and no switches. My old DVR R10 is now in my bedroom -- single line. That's it. Just the 5 LMB oval dish and nothing else.

Why am I having the problem and why won't a new box fix it? If you know why then you know more than DirecTV tech support and the technicians who've been to my house 3 times -- which I don't doubt. Please tell me. Thanks.

 

[Jomanscool2]

If they have not done this already, get the CSR to list EVERYTHING you subscribe to on our account to you, write it all down, get them to remove EVERYTHING on your account, then add it all back in.

We had to do this once because the DVR services wasn't working on our HR20, and again because showtime wasn't working. (both wern't saying we had purchased at all, and we had another DVR both times that worked fine with it)

I know, major pain in the arse, but it worked for us.

P.s., I would recomend first trying it WITHOUT deactivating your recievers on your account, because THAT would REALLY suck.

 

[naijai]

well problem on your acct is signal related i've seen it a dozen's times with different people

 

[shaun-ohio]

yep my setup is the same no multiswitch, four cables going into this thingy outside, then 3 cable lines coming into my home and thats it

 

[JonFo]

yep my setup is the same no multiswitch, four cables going into this thingy outside, then 3 cable lines coming into my home and thats it

Aha! is that 'thingy' a grounding block, and is it rated for 2200Mhz?

That could be part of the issue.

Another is that your receivers might not be able to drive the AT9, plus the losses from the cables and grounding blocks on their own. I believe the AT9 requires much more current than the older triple-LNB dish does.

I had to put in a powered mutiswitch before I was able to clean up signal related issues. But your mileage may vary.

 

[shaun-ohio]

i dont know what they call the thingy it has four inputs hooked up from the at9 and the 3 active outputs coming into my house, the fourth output has a cap on it i dont have no problems with sho hd anymore it fixed itself for some reason perhaps in the last download we had in october, i dont have no problems with my hr20-700s either, i like it much better then the tivo hr10 that i have in the closet

 

[Tyrod]

The At9 has a 4 output multiswitch built right into it. It's integrated into the large oval LNB assembly. So, if you have an AT9, you have a multiswitch. Whether you have another multiswitch is another matter.

I suspect that D* didn't have your units mirrored correctly.

 

[bpayne]

I have an HR20 HD DVR wired directly -- two lines and no switches. My old DVR R10 is now in my bedroom -- single line. That's it. Just the 5 LMB oval dish and nothing else.

Why am I having the problem and why won't a new box fix it? If you know why then you know more than DirecTV tech support and the technicians who've been to my house 3 times -- which I don't doubt. Please tell me. Thanks.

70 - (HBOH) - Channel not purchased (721)
71 - (SHOH) - ok
72 - (ES2H) - Program not available in your area (727)
73 - (ESPH) - ok
74 - (UHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
75 - (TNTH) - ok
76 - (DSHD) - Program not available in your area (727)
78 - (HDNM) - ok
79 - (HDN) - Program not available in your area (727)


I was able to replicate this problem exactly on my test system at work yesterday by putting a filter on the lines that block the 22kHz tone.

The cause of that could be from a few different things:

- the 22kHz tone generator in the box itself is bad (doubtful- mult. boxes in a row?)

- the BBC on the back of the box is not passing the 22kHz tone correctly

- there is a 3x4 or 3x8 switch hidden in the system somewhere that you do not know about or cannot see. The switch would have to be an older one because all newer 3x4/3x8 switches pass the 22kHz tone. For instance- the messages on the HD channels saying 'ok' or 'channel not purchased' would say 'Searching for Sat' OR would tune it fine intermittently if it was a newer model.

- there is a diplexer or in-line amp hidden somewhere in the system that cannot pass a 22kHz tone. In the past, this was the most likely culprit when I came across a customer who had this issue ('ok', 'channel not available/purchased' on 110/119 delivered channels).

- something is defective internally in the LNB stack assignment circuitry OR the lines coming from the 110&119 sidecar are reversed.

- Also, using one manufacturer's sidecar with a different manufacturer's LNB could, in theory, produce results like this but there is no way for me to prove this or test it.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[SiggieMD]

New receiver -- new set of problems.

My third receiver features all of the same problems as before, except now with the bonus "Searching for satellite on 1" message. I spent another hour on the horn with "level 2" tech support to no freaking avail. However, I did get to experience those all-time favorites once more: "That's only supposed to be for blacked-out sporting events" and the ever-popular "I have no clue what could be wrong. We should set up a service call."

Well, they're sending the Exorcist this time -- tomorrow morning (11/14). This guy is not a contractor but works directly for DirecTV. Very mysterious. By the way the tech support guy explained it, I guess I should feel comforted somehow.

I'm nearly fed up. My DirecTV bill is my largest monthly bill -- by far. At a minimum, I expect it to work. They can throw all the discounts at me that they want to, but no amount of discounts is worth this hassle. If this guy can't fix the problem then I may be calling Comcast on Wednesday.

 

[scollins1225]

I know why you're having the problem, but I don't know what the causeof it is.

Please answer the following questions:

- what kind of receivers do you have?

- how many?

- what kind of multiswitch?

- describe how the multiswitch is hooked up in detail- how many lines to the input side, how many lines coming onto the output side etc.

- any diplexers, mirrored outlets, amplifiers?

SiggieMD, shaun-ohio- same questions as the above.

I'll let you know right now though- another HR20 is not going to fix your problem.

Shaun,

Thanks for the help - Posting an update (11/13/2006)...

We had a technician out to the house for the 4th time. He traced all the lines from the dish to multi-switch, replaced the multi-switch, and the connectors for line 2 (into our family room), and replaced the wall-plate. He re-ran the setup and forced the software update (entering '02468' code at the Hello screen)... and everything appears to working as of Friday, 10/13. Knock on wood... still ok.

UPDATE 10/26/2006 -
Since the last tech visit on 10/13, we have not experienced the 'searching for signal' error... still noticing a distinct difference in volume levels between HD (much lower) and SD channels, and the status bar sticking on FF/REW occassionally.

UPDATE as of 11/13/2006 -
So far so good, for 1 month now. Still experiencing minor problems (audio level much lower on HD channels vs SD, status bar sometimes freezes or disappears when FF or REW on recorded show, partial recording of LOST last Wed. eve (11/08/2006) first time we've had a problem with recording a scheduled show - not sure about caller id yet, don't have a phone line going into the HR20... but NOT receiving the Searching for Sigal on Satellite 2, or errors on alternating HD channels at this time.

Appreciate all who have helped. Thanks again.

BTW - I sent a letter to DirecTV's Office of the President and they called the house to make sure our problems had been resolved, and actually listened to our concerns, and provided a $100 credit towards our Sunday Ticket package.

 

[shaun-ohio]

glad to be of help thats what us folks are on here for