[Bradcny]

I hear so much about the HR34, that I am sort of intrigued by it. First, I may be misunderstanding it, but as I do understand it, basically the HR34 is sort of a central DVR, that an RVU such as a C31 accesses from each TV. Sort of a client-server type relationship. However, based on my current situation and setup, I'm not sure it's the right option for me or my family. Allow me to explain: Currently, we have 4 HD DVRs and 1 SD DVR. At any given moment of the day, every DVR is recording something and more than one of them is probably recording two things at once. So, 5 DVRs X 2 tuners in each one allows for 10 shows to be recorded all at the same time. Why would I switch over to an HR34 that only has 5 tuners and give up potentially half our recording ability? I'm so intrigued by it, that I really want it, but am hesitant because of the reasons I've mentioned.

 

[Clemsole]

Why not get the hr34? You can just swap out one of your 4 hd dvr's with the hr34 and keep the other 3 units. That will add 3 more turners and if connected correctly all units will show up in all play lists except for the sd dvr, it will be a stand alone unit.

 

[Yoda-DBSguy]

As mentioned by removing 1 of your HD DVRs and replacing it with an HR 34, you pick up an additional 3 tuners above what you had.

This allows for the following:
1. A single managed recording list for 5 tuners where as you had to manage 3 seperate DVRs series managers priorly.

2. A series link bump to 100 in-lue of the max 50 series link restriction on all other current HR2x units.

3. Allows for up to 3 additional Samsung RVU clients or stand alone C31 clients.

4. With the addition of a C31 client, one can now use trick play where as a stand alone receiver simply could not.

5. With RVU, the C31 can be wall mounted or strapped to the back of the TV for wall mounted applications due to its small form factor. Obviously there is nothing to mount when used in conjunction with a Samsung RVU client enabeled TV.

 

[spartanstew]

I'd replace the SD DVR

 

[veryoldschool]

Why not get the hr34? You can just swap out one of your 4 hd dvr's with the hr34 and keep the other 3 units. That will add 3 more turners and if connected correctly all units will show up in all play lists except for the sd dvr, it will be a stand alone unit.

Why not swap it for the SD DVR?

 

[FHSPSU67]

I'd replace the SD DVR

Why not swap it for the SD DVR?

I think the way you both think, and to put the OP's mind at ease, the HD DVR will actually produce a better picture on an SD set. I've had one HD DVR on an aged Sony SD set for quite a few years and the HD DVR works very well with it via composte audio/video (Y,R,W cables).

 

[veryoldschool]

I think the way you both think, and to put the OP's mind at ease, the HD DVR will actually produce a better picture on an SD set. I've had one HD DVR on an aged Sony SD set for quite a few years and the HD DVR works very well with it via composte audio/video (Y,R,W cables).

"And of course" the new DVR doesn't need to be where the SD DVR is, so moving an HD there works.

 

[jmunick1]

Do you have to pay a monthly fee for each RVU client, regardless of Samsung or C31?

 

[veryoldschool]

Do you have to pay a monthly fee for each RVU client, regardless of Samsung or C31?

yep

 

[jmunick1]

Thanks, what is the price? Is it the same as an HD DVR? If so, overall solution a little less attractive from pricing, but the technology is still impressive and a central playlist is convenient.

 

[spartanstew]

HR34

C31

You may be able to get discounted pricing by calling DirecTV

 

[veryoldschool]

Thanks, what is the price? Is it the same as an HD DVR? If so, overall solution a little less attractive from pricing, but the technology is still impressive and a central playlist is convenient.

DirecTV "looks at them" now as "TVs", so $6/month, regardless of what is used.

 

[rsblaski]

One additional benefit with the 34 is a 1 tb hard drive.

 

[macfan601]

One additional benefit with the 34 is a 1 tb hard drive.
__________________
Remember, when it comes to audio/video, more is always better. (This does NOT apply to remote controls!)

Too bad Directv doesn't understand your signature. Yes, indeed, we do need more tuners, hard drive space, and a way to back it all up and move it from DVR to DVR.

 

[Drucifer]

I hear so much about the HR34, that I am sort of intrigued by it. First, I may be misunderstanding it, but as I do understand it, basically the HR34 is sort of a central DVR, that an RVU such as a C31 accesses from each TV. Sort of a client-server type relationship. However, based on my current situation and setup, I'm not sure it's the right option for me or my family. Allow me to explain: Currently, we have 4 HD DVRs and 1 SD DVR. At any given moment of the day, every DVR is recording something and more than one of them is probably recording two things at once. So, 5 DVRs X 2 tuners in each one allows for 10 shows to be recorded all at the same time. Why would I switch over to an HR34 that only has 5 tuners and give up potentially half our recording ability? I'm so intrigued by it, that I really want it, but am hesitant because of the reasons I've mentioned.

Who said you had to switch? I have a HR34, (2)HR24 & a HR21 plus a H25.

 

[dpeters11]

And of course there are more benefits to the HR34 than the 5 tuners and RVU.. PiP, 100 series links, plus whatever they add in functionality in the future that is exclusive, like they did with Genie Recommends.

 

[peters4n6]

I'm currently using whole home with cat-5. if i upgrade one of my receiver to genie with i need to go to coax networking? not that it's a bad thing....

Now I just need to remember if my LNB has a SMW-8 or 16....

 

[dpeters11]

HR34 can do Ethernet, H25 and C31 cannot.

If you have a SWM LNB it's an 8. Directv only installs a 16 on setups with more than 8 tuners, and at that point it's not on the LNB.

 

[inkahauts]

I'm currently using whole home with cat-5. if i upgrade one of my receiver to genie with i need to go to coax networking? not that it's a bad thing....

Now I just need to remember if my LNB has a SMW-8 or 16....

Yes, but you would also need to put a bsf on your line. I'd call and see what dtv will offer you. They generally will only install if they also put you on coax networking, and maybe you can get it all for free.

 

[harperhometheater]

HR34 can do Ethernet, H25 and C31 cannot....

Not necessarily if you use a BB DECA w/ power inserter in reverse with them.