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#291976 - 08/01/2007 18:21 HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
I own a HR10-250. I have read the previous posts about the HR20-700 (which is in stock at my local BestBuy). For some reason, I thought about switching to the new HR20-700. Does anyone have the new unit? What's your experience so far vs. the Tivo in the 10-250? What about DishNetwork simply for the HD content. If I switched to DishNetwork, I lose FuelTV(Snowboard shows mainly) but gain SD transmission of Local channels (but alas no HD of locals).

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#291977 - 08/01/2007 18:24 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
I thought DirecTV had all of the local channels these days, no?

Edit: 94%, apparently


Edited by wfaulk (08/01/2007 18:26)
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Bitt Faulk

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#291978 - 08/01/2007 18:34 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: wfaulk]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
I'm in the 6% (probably in more ways than one). Locals aren't a huge deal for me since we can pick em up easy enough with a roof top antenna. DishNetwork only transmits my locals in SD anyway.

The main reason I would consider DishNetwork would be for the HD content. I assume DirecTV will be adding some soon. My 10-250 is unhacked (no network access). Just a stand alone box.

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#291979 - 08/01/2007 18:36 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I have two HR20-700s. I posted a mini-review here after I had the first one for a couple days. It's still not 100%, but things have been getting much better. As far as UI and features go, almost everything about it is better than the DirecTiVo boxes.

The current software should be considered beta, but it generally behaves well. Sometimes a recording will get botched, but it happens way less frequently than a couple months ago. OTA ATSC (no QAM) was enabled right before christmas, but was available to anyone that wanted it a few weeks before then. The way the HR20 gets software updates is over the satellite dish. A couple times, DirecTV has put a new build on the satellite for a couple hours during the evening. Since the boxes only look for new software early in the morning, only people that knew to force an update within the specified window would get the new build. This is a great system to allow everyone to stay on the bleeding edge if they want. It's something that never happened with Tivo.

The HR20 also has a crude form of HMO working with the built-in ethernet port. So far music and photo streaming are enabled, but video streaming should be coming soon. DirecTV claims you need an Intel Viiv compliant PC, but I have it working on my Opteron running WMP 11.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
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#291980 - 08/01/2007 18:41 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Quote:
The main reason I would consider DishNetwork would be for the HD content. I assume DirecTV will be adding some soon. My 10-250 is unhacked (no network access). Just a stand alone box.

DirecTV has a much clearer plan for the future than Dish Network. Two satellites will be launched this year capable of 150 national HD channels and up to 1,500 local HD channels on spot beams. These will be using MPEG4 compression which makes the HR10-250 unsuitable. From what I've seen of the current MPEG4 locals I can get in NY, the quality is much better than the "HD Lite" DirecTV uses for the MPEG2 HD channels.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#291981 - 08/01/2007 18:47 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
I assume the UI is pretty doable. Activation was standard? What's the word on the future of HD programming with DirecTV? Surely they've got to catch up in '07.

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#291982 - 08/01/2007 18:57 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Last I saw, they had agreements to carry all currently available national HD channels other than InHD and the Voom channels.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#291983 - 08/01/2007 19:00 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Thanks for the info. Great analysis.

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#291984 - 08/01/2007 19:17 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
No problem. Please read this forum for info on the HR20. There are plenty of people with major problems and plenty of people with minor problems (like me) or none at all. There is no explanation how two units with the exact same hardware and software behave differently.

I happen to like the HR20, but both of mine work well. I just want to make sure you get other opinions. Also know that you will need a 5-LNB dish to receive the new satellite feeds. If you order from DirecTV, you will get it installed for free. If you buy the HR20 from BestBuy, you may need to pay for the dish/installation. Unlike past dishes, this one is very hard to self-install without a proper signal meter.
_________________________
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#291985 - 08/01/2007 19:54 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
The UI of the Echostar boxes is so bad that I'd only use the video signal and pipe it into a PC-based PVR. That would also let you set up more than 2 tuners within a single PVR.

In Canada we don't have DirecTV, so we're stuck with the Echostar boxes from ExpressVu or even worse UI and boxes from StarChoice. And then of course there's digital cable here with boxes featuring even more horrendous UI implementation.

The DirecTV boxes looked pretty sharp when I saw them demonstrated at CES before they were released. I think they're putting a lot of work into their software with NDS and likely have an actual roadmap unlike the boxes from China (Echostar, etc..)
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#291986 - 08/01/2007 19:57 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14483
Loc: Canada
Quote:

The main reason I would consider DishNetwork would be for the HD content. I assume DirecTV will be adding some soon. My 10-250 is unhacked (no network access). Just a stand alone box.


Most major cities have a *ton* of free, over-the-air, HD broadcasters. All ya need for those is an antenna and an ATSC receiver (most HD TV sets have one built-in)

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#291987 - 08/01/2007 20:09 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: mlord]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
Most major cities have a *ton* of free...


Sigh. Four feeds CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox. Fox is barely SD with their broadcast footprint facing the wrong way from the city it's supposed to service.

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#291988 - 08/01/2007 20:11 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: hybrid8]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
I'd only use the video signal and pipe it into a PC-based PVR.


Is there anyway to get 1080i from a satellite receiver into a PC-based PVR?

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#291989 - 08/01/2007 20:16 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
There are plenty of people with major problems ...


I know what you mean. The more stuff I own, the more stuff seems to break.

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#291990 - 08/01/2007 20:28 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: mlord]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Quote:
Most major cities have a *ton* of free, over-the-air, HD broadcasters. All ya need for those is an antenna and an ATSC receiver (most HD TV sets have one built-in)

I live about 8 miles from Washington DC, and I can only get the main four, with the CW coming in 50% of the time. The problem is trees, and that for some reason other stations like PBS have set up stations south of the city. Because I'm west of the city, I can only point the antenna at the primary channels and have to give up on the others.

I'm getting more and more excited about FIOS TV all the time. I won't be able to get DirecTV at my new place, so I won't fret about those 150HD chanells that may or may not come in in the next two years.
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Matt

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#291991 - 08/01/2007 20:42 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
Because I'm west of the city, I can only point the antenna at the primary channels and have to give up on the others.


http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....rentPage=search

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#291992 - 09/01/2007 00:42 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Quote:
Quote:
I'd only use the video signal and pipe it into a PC-based PVR.


Is there anyway to get 1080i from a satellite receiver into a PC-based PVR?

This is one solution. There is a competitor to this device, but I can't remember the name right now. I don't think either device supports the newer MPEG4 receivers though.

EDIT: R5000 is the competing device.


Edited by robricc (09/01/2007 00:48)
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
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#291993 - 09/01/2007 01:01 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Quote:
I'm getting more and more excited about FIOS TV all the time. I won't be able to get DirecTV at my new place, so I won't fret about those 150HD chanells that may or may not come in in the next two years.


DirecTV 10 and 11 will be launching this year. DirecTV's ability to compete depends on it. There aren't even close to 150 national HD channels broadcasting yet and probably still won't be two years from now.

FiOS television is a compelling option if the hardware is OK. Otherwise, they're just a cable company without the bandwidth burden of providing analog channels to legacy customers.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#291994 - 09/01/2007 01:13 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14483
Loc: Canada
Quote:
Quote:
Because I'm west of the city, I can only point the antenna at the primary channels and have to give up on the others.


http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....rentPage=search


He's probably already got one. But if not, there are better units around than that one. This unit can even be computer controlled via an "IR mouse".

Cheers


Edited by mlord (09/01/2007 01:14)

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#291995 - 09/01/2007 02:25 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Quote:
Quote:
Because I'm west of the city, I can only point the antenna at the primary channels and have to give up on the others.


http://www.radioshack.com/product/index....rentPage=search

I'm aware of the type of device. It was something we considered when we went HD a couple years ago. The problem? It would make using a Tivo a little difficult...
_________________________
Matt

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#291996 - 09/01/2007 02:28 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Quote:
FiOS television is a compelling option if the hardware is OK.

That's what I'm trying to find out. There is very little information about the TV side. I was hoping to find a user forum or something, but so far I've only been able to find bad images of the backs of the boxes.

I'm hopeful, though. I found an image of the "Multi-Room DVR" that they offer. That's their highest-level box. Apparently it's not enabled yet, but it has an eSATA port on the back. That really got me interested.
_________________________
Matt

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#291997 - 09/01/2007 12:13 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I know you can't use DirecTV, but the eSATA port on the back of the HR20-700 is enabled.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#291998 - 09/01/2007 12:31 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
The problem? It would make using a Tivo a little difficult...


I googled to see if there was some type of hack for Tivo using USB ports. That would be pretty slick but alas nothing.

I don't know if something like this could be used with the Tivo box.

At least you could watch live with it and they do vastly improve the signal.

You might also complete this and see what they come up with. We have a lot of communication studies done (for telemetry radios) in areas with difficult terrain. Obviously, we install repeaters as necessary which you won't be able to do but maybe they can recommend a solution. Trees and terrain make it tough.

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#291999 - 09/01/2007 13:19 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
One question. Does the HR20-700 support simultaneous output of the various video formats. Meaning, S-Video, Component and HDMI?

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#292000 - 09/01/2007 13:32 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Yes

EDIT: Let me add that if you have the HR20 setup for 16:9 output, that's what it will output on all connections. If you have a widescreen monitor on the component connections and a 4:3 monitor on the S-Video, the S-Video picture will look squished from the sides.


Edited by robricc (09/01/2007 13:34)
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#292001 - 09/01/2007 13:43 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Ok. Thanks for you continued help. Leaving now to purchase.

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#292002 - 09/01/2007 13:53 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
OK, tonight between 11PM and 1:30AM eastern time, a new release candidate will be available on the satellite.

Also, once you first power it up, you may want to ensure you're using the most up-to-date release available. You do this by pressing 02468 in sequence at the first picture you see on-screen upon bootup. This will force a software update and it's a good idea to do this even before activating the receiver. If you're hooked up via HDMI-only, the first few boot screens won't be visible. It's best to do initial setup with component or composite/s-video.

The HR20 takes a long time to boot (about 5-10 minutes). Doing a software upgrade can add another 10 minutes to the process. Sometimes it may seem like it's hanging, but it's not. Resist the urge to reboot if it seem like it's hanging.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#292003 - 09/01/2007 14:51 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
Resist the urge ...


Must... try... to... resist.

I currently use component video only. My plasma is 720p and too big to shuck for a new one now. HDMI was invented shortly after I purchased it. Saving for the Panasonic 103". Only $67,000.

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#292004 - 09/01/2007 17:34 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31575
Loc: Seattle, WA
Quote:
This is one solution.

Heh, those guys from my home town. I think I applied for a job with them, once upon a time.

Seems like everyone in that town is ex-Grass-Valley-Group employees starting their own video-related company.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#292005 - 09/01/2007 20:01 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
I picked it up at lunch. Will connect later today. Thanks for all the help.

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#292006 - 10/01/2007 02:14 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Rob,

Bought, updated and connected. So far so good. Really go UI so far. Need to poke around a little bit for the "Season Pass" type feature. I need to get up to date on the new antenna. Please post back when you get yours.

You weren't exaggerating about the boot up. Could have ordered and eaten a pizza (would have been better than what I had for supper ) while waiting on the software upgrade.

Thanks again.

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#292007 - 10/01/2007 12:51 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Quote:
I need to get up to date on the new antenna. Please post back when you get yours.



I've had the 5-LNB dish since I got my first HR20. Mine is the AT9 model which was the first generation. There is now an AU9 model which is referred to as the "slimline." As you can see above, The AT9 is very large and significantly more heavy than the previous 2 and 3 LNB dishes. The mast is 2" OD now and two monopoles are required for wind stability.

The AU9 (slimline) has a similar setup, but the reflector is 30% smaller and the LNB assembly is one integrated piece.


Attachments
292903-at9.jpg (136 downloads)

_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
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#292008 - 10/01/2007 13:49 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
That looks pretty monstrous. Do you have a multiswitch installed?

EDIT: I think the AU9 comes with a 4 port multiswitch built in.


Edited by blitz (10/01/2007 14:04)

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#292009 - 10/01/2007 13:58 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I have a WB68 that DirecTV provided. This is the only multiswitch you can get for free if needed for this dish. I need more than 8 outputs in my house though. So, the WB68 has 4 outputs feeding my two HR20s and then the remaining 4 outputs are feeding my old Spaun 5x16 multiswitch. The Spaun then connects to all the other receivers in the house since they don't require signal from the two new LNBs.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
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#292010 - 10/01/2007 14:21 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Quote:
EDIT: I think the AU9 comes with a 4 port multiswitch built in.

Both come with a 4-port multiswitch, but this is only to combine all the signals from the different LNBs. The older oval dishes also had this type of setup. If you only need 4 outputs, there is no need for an external multiswitch.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
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#292011 - 10/01/2007 14:29 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
If you only need 4 outputs, there is no need for an external multiswitch.


That's what I thought. That's all I need for now. I do like that receiver though.

EDIT: What I'll do tonight is connect my slingbox to the thing and see how that works. Hopefully, it will give me a decent picture on the S-Video out.


Edited by blitz (10/01/2007 14:42)

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#292012 - 10/01/2007 18:23 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3583
Loc: Columbus, OH
On a somewhat off-topic tangent, allow me to note that the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR as provided by TimeWarner sucks hardcore compared to TiVo. Unfortunately, I can't justify the cost of a S3 for just a few months, so I'm going to have to use it.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...
_________________________
~ John

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#292013 - 10/01/2007 18:34 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: JBjorgen]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
On a somewhat off-topic tangent, allow me to note that the Scientific American Explorer 8300HD DVR as provided by TimeWarner sucks hardcore compared to TiVo. Unfortunately, I can't justify the cost of a S3 for just a few months, so I'm going to have to use it.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...


Read this

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#292014 - 10/01/2007 19:02 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3583
Loc: Columbus, OH
I agree with the rant wholeheartedly, but I've decided that I can no longer suffer watching crappy SD content on my nice HDTV. I must have HD recording capabilities, so out goes my beloved TiVo.

It's rather disturbing having no season pass manager though. I don't know if this thing has conflict resolution of any kind, and if it does, how to prioritize. I guess I'll find out the first time one of my favorite shows gets skipped. I think I'll try to find a manual since TW didn't bother to provide one.

EDIT: I found the manual, and yes...it's as sucky as I thought.


Edited by JBjorgen (10/01/2007 19:11)
_________________________
~ John

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#292015 - 11/01/2007 12:26 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Rob,

What about the incredibly bright LEDs on the front? Anyway known to dim those or disable them?

EDIT: Found this tip.

Just hold the left and right arrows down at the same time on the front panel.
You can then lower the brightness to OFF


Edited by blitz (11/01/2007 12:31)

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#292016 - 14/01/2007 22:41 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Quote:
The AU9 (slimline) has a similar setup, but the reflector is 30% smaller and the LNB assembly is one integrated piece.


I got the slimline dish installed. A lot bigger than the 3 LNB dish but manageable. We have a wooden chimney fascia so I just bolted through the wood. I might install a backup plate on the inside. Waiting on content now.

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#292017 - 17/01/2007 19:10 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
SE_Sport_Driver
carpal tunnel

Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
If we could only transfer shows between units, I'd be sold. I use that feature on my DirecTivos daily. I could live without extraction to burn to DVD.
_________________________
Brad B.

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#292018 - 17/01/2007 19:15 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I agree that network show sharing is needed. There isn't even word out if that feature is coming. Streaming from a PC to the HR20 is coming though.

I have been using a Samsung DVD-R129 to record from the HR20. Making an anamorphic widescreen disc is a bit of a pain, but it works and looks great.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
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#292019 - 17/01/2007 19:20 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Quote:
If we could only transfer shows between units, I'd be sold. I use that feature on my DirecTivos daily. I could live without extraction to burn to DVD.

I'm glad to hear it's so useful. You can do that with one of the FIOS boxes, and I'm looking forward to it.

So has anyone been affected by the Tivo season pass problem? I noticed it on mine and thought it was a fluke, but Engadget posted a story on it yesterday so it sounds like it's happening to a lot of people.

In case you're not familiar, basically I have a couple season passes that are simply not being recorded. I watch Pardon the Interruption on ESPN, and at one point the season pass thought that there were zero upcoming episodes (new or repeated), even though there are at least two a day, with one new a day. I deleted the pass and readded it, but it was still there. I went into the guide, and it was listed. I went into the To do list to see the recording history, and it says that the show wasn't recorded and gives a reason that goes something like "Someone in your household modified the season pass." It's very annoying, and basically undermines the entire purpose of a DVR.

*edit*
Here's the story.


Edited by Dignan (17/01/2007 19:25)
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Matt

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#292020 - 17/01/2007 21:17 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
At CES in 2005 DirecTV was promoting the concept of recording and playback on arbitrary receivers throughout the home. You could start watching a show downstairs and continue it upstairs. While either of those boxes was recording something else.

This was their initial preview of their own (NDS) boxes. They didn't have a concrete feature list of what would and would not make it into production hardware, but it's obviously something they cared enough about to promote, so it seems like it would eventually materialize. I don't think you could share shows like that with any TiVo model when they were showing this at CES.
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#292021 - 17/01/2007 21:20 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
If you didn't order FiOS yet, there is an offer for a $100 Amex card now.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#292022 - 17/01/2007 22:14 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: hybrid8]
SE_Sport_Driver
carpal tunnel

Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
Quote:
At CES in 2005 DirecTV was promoting the concept of recording and playback on arbitrary receivers throughout the home. You could start watching a show downstairs and continue it upstairs. While either of those boxes was recording something else.

This was their initial preview of their own (NDS) boxes. They didn't have a concrete feature list of what would and would not make it into production hardware, but it's obviously something they cared enough about to promote, so it seems like it would eventually materialize. I don't think you could share shows like that with any TiVo model when they were showing this at CES.


I remember hearing that a few years back. IIRC, the concept was cool too. Basically, all of the signals came into a central box somewhere in your house that had like 8 tuners in it. The one box would handle all recording. Then, you can place boxes throughout the house to stream from the main box via ethernet or wireless. It'd make installs a lot cheaper because you'd only need one central location for all of the connections to the dish.

EDIT: What surprised me on the DBS forum is that nobody is asking for the feature of sharing shows.


Edited by SE_Sport_Driver (17/01/2007 22:15)
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Brad B.

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#292023 - 18/01/2007 02:38 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14483
Loc: Canada
This all sounds very much like a subset of MythTV.

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#292024 - 18/01/2007 11:17 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
Quote:
If you didn't order FiOS yet, there is an offer for a $100 Amex card now.

Thanks for the tip. I wish I could take advantage of it. Hopefully it'll still be there in six months when I'm setting up home in my new place.
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Matt

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#292025 - 25/01/2007 18:58 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: JBjorgen]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3583
Loc: Columbus, OH
Quote:
allow me to note that the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR as provided by TimeWarner sucks hardcore compared to TiVo.

Screw it. I just got the Series 3 and transferred my lifetime service to it. Looks like I'll be able to sell it and get my money back out of it in a few months anyway. The S3's with lifetime are going for a pretty good premium on ebay at the moment. I won't get HD content till my CableCards come on monday, but at least I'll have it in time for the super bowl.
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~ John

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#292026 - 25/01/2007 19:18 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: JBjorgen]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
Wow. That bad, huh?
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Bitt Faulk

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#292027 - 25/01/2007 19:39 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: JBjorgen]
Dignan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12318
Loc: Sterling, VA
I'm amazed that Time Warner is still in the cable business. I haven't heard anyone speak well of them.

I guess that's what you get when there's no competition between cable companies.
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Matt

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#292028 - 26/01/2007 10:24 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3583
Loc: Columbus, OH
In their defense, I'm sure they didn't write the software for that box. The blame most likely lies with Scientific Atlanta (Cisco.) It just got very frustrating to have absolutely no confidence that my season passes were going to record and record properly. For me, it's the one thing that a DVR must do and do well.

I'm likely going to be moving overseas in 9 months. In the end I realized that I could either give TimeWarner $200 over the next 9 months to rent their DVR, or shell out $800 ($600 for the box + $200 to transfer lifetime) and hopefully sell it for a profit in 9 months because of the rarity of lifetime service series 3's.

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#292029 - 26/01/2007 12:56 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: JBjorgen]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Rob,

If you connect the box via ethernet, is the telephone line still necessary?

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#292030 - 26/01/2007 13:53 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: blitz]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
The phone line is only necessary for PPV ordering with the remote control. You can leave the phone line unplugged if you want and the box won't annoy you about it.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#292031 - 26/01/2007 14:39 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: robricc]
blitz
addict

Registered: 20/11/2001
Posts: 455
Loc: Texas
Thanks. Why not have everything go through the ethernet? Maybe in the future.

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#292032 - 26/01/2007 14:57 Re: HR10-250, HR20-700 or DishNetwork [Re: Dignan]
JBjorgen
carpal tunnel

Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3583
Loc: Columbus, OH
Actually, I will place blame on Time Warner for one thing...they could easily choose to run Activ Digital's Passport Echo software on exactly the same hardware. It looks a ton better. Conflict resolution, season pass manager, keyword wishlists and better user interface are all included. Seems like it'd be a no-brainer unless the licensing costs are exorbitant.
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~ John

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