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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 (144 downloads)

_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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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
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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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
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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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: 3584
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...
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~ 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: 3584
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)
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~ 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
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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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: 12338
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: 14494
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: 12338
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.
_________________________
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: 3584
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: 12338
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: 3584
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: 3584
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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