[tsduke]

Where can I find specs and capabilities of the HD DVR?

Does it do OTA?

I have E* now, but want more sports options. Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.

Is ordering direct through D* the best option?

Anything I should watch for or consider when signing up?

 

[jimb726]

OTA is done differently depending on the reciever you have. On the first generation HR20 it had on board OTA, with all other generations an add on box called the AM21 is required. It is 50 dollars and you can order right from DirecTv, in some cases folks have gotten it free depending on their negotiation skills. As far as sports options, I guess it depends what sports you are looking for DirecTv has MLBEI, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, MLS, NASCAR HotPass and NFL Sunday Ticket. I think that covers just about every single sport. Generally speaking your best new customer deal is going to be through DirecTv, but I would suggest checking around and seeing what is the best deal for you.

 

[Mike Bertelson]

Where can I find specs and capabilities of the HD DVR?

Does it do OTA?

I have E* now, but want more sports options. Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.

Is ordering direct through D* the best option?

Anything I should watch for or consider when signing up?

OTA - Off The Air via antenna.

Here is where you can find info about most of Directv's hardware.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=117744

Good Luck

Mike

 

[sore_bluto]

If you need OTA then you will need a HR20 or HR21 +AM21. This thread has got good info on the HDDVR. Read the AAA thread to find out about some good discounts. It is here. Usually calling DIRECTV will get you the best deal, but to get the AAA discount you have to call the specific AAA 800 number.

 

[spartanstew]

Where can I find specs and capabilities of the HD DVR?

HERE'S all the first looks for each receiver. You'll get either an HR21, HR20 or HR22. Might want to read on each of those. The main differences are that the HR20 has built in OTA capability, but the HR21 and HR22 don't (you can get OTA with an additional box - AM21 - if you get one of those receivers). The HR20 is silver and the other two are black. The HR22 has roughly twice the HD space as the other two.

Does it do OTA?

Yes, either by itself or with the AM21 (see above).

I have E* now, but want more sports options. Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.

Don't know.

Is ordering direct through D* the best option?

Yes, you typically get the best deals that way. HERE'S l link to the ordering thread.

And finally, HERE'S the link to the undocumented Tips and Tricks thread which will give you a lot of information about the units.

 

[carl6]

Keep in mind that OTA is (at this point in time) only going to be available with the HD DVR product, not the standalone HD receiver (with one exception), and not at all on the SD products.

Carl

 

[scrybigtv]

The first respondent forgot to mention two College Sports Packages that are also available on D*: ESPN Game Plan (football) and ESPN Full Court (basketball). Thought I'd throw those in, just in case you're a big fan of college sports.

 

[BattleZone]

Also, this would be a good time to make it clear that you do NOT get to choose which specific model you will get. You can only order an "HD-DVR", and DirecTV's system will only note "HD-DVR". You will be installed with whatever receiver the installer has on his truck at that time (90+% of the time, that will be the newest version available, which is the HR22 in this case). Technically, you could receive a refurb HR20 or HR21 or a new HR21 (not many left anymore), but every day that goes by increases the likelyhood that you'll get the HR22.

The reason I point this out is because many people WANT an HR20 because they want included OTA capability, but despite many CSRs putting many notes in a customer's account, there is simply no way to ensure that a specific receiver model will be available. These days, the only HR20s are refurbs, and there are relatively few of those in active circulation (meaning: available to send to customers), and the ordering/fulfillment system is specifically designed NOT to track by model number, because there is no central database of who has which receivers, and the availability of specific models varies from day to day. It wouldn't be cost-effective to try to keep track of receivers at this level, so they don't.

Dozens of people have posted "My CSR *promised* me..." only to learn that those assurances are meaningless, because DirecTV's policy is that "an HD-DVR is an HD-DVR" and so customers get whatever is available, which again is almost always the latest model.

 

[tsduke]

I placed an order, but it's been nothing but a nightmare so far.

I'm on my 4th order with also had to be corrected and was given an install date of 10/17. When I called in today to get my order fixed again I was told 11/28 is the only install date my order ever got.

This ordering process has been a complete joke so far. I thought E* service was bad until the last 2 days.

 

[sore_bluto]

I placed an order, but it's been nothing but a nightmare so far.

I'm on my 4th order with also had to be corrected and was given an install date of 10/17. When I called in today to get my order fixed again I was told 11/28 is the only install date my order ever got.

This ordering process has been a complete joke so far. I thought E* service was bad until the last 2 days.

Sorry that you had trouble. I just ordered a new setup for my father via the AAA number and it was as smooth as silk.

Call back and when you get into the automated system, say "cancel service". You'll have to repeat it. This will connect you with the Retention department. Once connected, do not threaten to cancel. Politely explain what has been happening and ask for help. They'll fix you up. Welcome to CSR roulette.

 

[tsduke]

Sorry that you had trouble. I just ordered a new setup for my father via the AAA number and it was as smooth as silk.

Call back and when you get into the automated system, say "cancel service". You'll have to repeat it. This will connect you with the Retention department. Once connected, do not threaten to cancel. Politely explain what has been happening and ask for help. They'll fix you up. Welcome to CSR roulette.

I actually tried that this morning, but was transferred back to installs again instead and told I can't get retention yet because I'm not installed. Unless I need to call a different number.

On anther note the install company just called me back and have put me on priority for Friday 12-4. I'm a little worried how the handle it though because she said my actual install date won't show changed in the work order and that it's only noted.

 

[sore_bluto]

I don't think there is a direct number to retention anymore. Anyone reading this can jump in if they know otherwise. I am stumped for additional advice other than to say that it is good that you have been in direct contact with the install company. Unfortunately, having an afternoon install can sometimes turn into a blowoff. Try to stay positive. The good news is once you are finished with the installation process, you shouldn't have to call in for anything else. Good luck.

 

[harsh]

Does it do OTA?

Not by itself. OTA requires a USB attached gizmo (AM21) that works uniquely with the HD DVRs.

Compared to E* what will I like and dislike about switching.

You will find the DVR serviceable but somewhat hinky. It has some non-DVR features that the DISH HD DVR lacks and a much more flexible remote control.

If you're using an external hard drive now, you will miss that functionality bigtime.

If you're using the home distribution feature, you won't find that on the D* side.

If you have less than three cables coming to your locations, you may have to buy additional equipment or have more cabling installed when they set you up. Two cables is a minimum with OTA according to DIRECTV.

Diplexing (sharing satellite, OTA and/or backfeeding on the same cable) is recommended against by DIRECTV.

Is ordering direct through D* the best option?

It is required for some of the special promotional deals. The trade-off (as you've found) is that installations are weeks away.

Anything I should watch for or consider when signing up?

The same things you would consider when selecting any other provider:

1. Price
2. Packaging
3. Do they offer the channels you and the rest of the household viewers want?

DIRECTV is a good fit for the household that values conventional sports programming. Their equipment is not exactly robust and you'll want to read here carefully and often about how to identify and/or work around various issues.

The biggest factor in happiness with DIRECTV is getting a conscientious installer. With a proper installation, many of the often whined about factors aren't an issue.

 

[tsduke]

Now I'm on order# 5. Last CSR didn't change my account as asked she voided it.

 

[houskamp]

You will find the DVR serviceable but somewhat hinky.

You have directv now??? :eek2: :lol:

 

[RobertE]

I placed an order, but it's been nothing but a nightmare so far.

I'm on my 4th order with also had to be corrected and was given an install date of 10/17. When I called in today to get my order fixed again I was told 11/28 is the only install date my order ever got.

This ordering process has been a complete joke so far. I thought E* service was bad until the last 2 days.

Why have you had 4 (now 5 I see) orders built? Do you keep changing what equipment you want or is it something else?

 

[tcusta00]

If you're using an external hard drive now, you will miss that functionality bigtime.

Why would he miss it? DirecTV DVRs support eSata.

If you have less than three cables coming to your locations, you may have to buy additional equipment or have more cabling installed when they set you up. Two cables is a minimum with OTA according to DIRECTV.

Not if he gets a SL3 dish or SWM, which are rolling out across the country.

It is required for some of the special promotional deals. The trade-off (as you've found) is that installations are weeks away.

No it's not. the local retailers have the same access to deals as DirecTV does.

Their equipment is not exactly robust and you'll want to read here carefully and often about how to identify and/or work around various issues.

Um, ok. Seems that at least 2/3 of the users out there strongly disagree or disagree with you based on this.

The biggest factor in happiness with DirecTV is

... actually having DirecTV and being able to comment on it intelligently. Are you done "educating" people now? :nono2:

 

[tsduke]

Why have you had 4 (now 5 I see) orders built? Do you keep changing what equipment you want or is it something else?

Not my doing trust me. Each of the first orders did not have the correct equipment. Either missing a receiver or the a wrong type each time. Even though they verbally confirmed my equipment to be what I asked for the orders came out wrong. The 2nd order may have actually been correct but the CSR voided it after I got off the phone.

I'm hoping the retention department got things right now. I've talked to the install company and they show the right # of receivers and the right types so I have my fingers crossed.

 

[archer75]

something else to note as you are switching from Dish is that on the Dish receivers when you add in OTA you can then record 3 programs at once.

On Direct when you get the OTA add on and essentially have 2 OTA tuners and 2 sat tuners you can still only record 2 programs at once.

 

[tsduke]

something else to note as you are switching from Dish is that on the Dish receivers when you add in OTA you can then record 3 programs at once.

On Direct when you get the OTA add on and essentially have 2 OTA tuners and 2 sat tuners you can still only record 2 programs at once.

That's not really an issue for me. I don't usually do more than 1 recording at one. I'm picking up HD locals by switching to D* so at least now I'll be able to watch an HD local while recording a different HD local.