Exclusive First Look: The New DIRECTV DVR

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Exclusive First Look: The New DIRECTV DVR

TVPredictions has some info and screenshots from their post about New DIRECTV DVR. The information is taken from an early manual that was passed around to distributors (and offered up here by someone) and talks about all the features that will be part of the unit. The unit is rumored to ship in October, but it has been pushed back a couple times and I wouldn't be surprised to see it pushed back further (especially when DirecTV is ordering more combo TiVo units to meet demand for their current promotions).

I'm most interested in hearing about the expanded HD content offerings as well as the recording/playback quality of the new mpeg4 HD channels, or if they're even available yet, but I'm sure we'll have to wait until someone has an actual unit to test out.

by Matt Haughey August 25, 2005 in DirecTV

Comments

I just sent this email:
---
A quick note on your article at
http://www.tvpredictions.com/directvdvr082405.html

The 'Cruise Control' feature - TiVo (and other DVRs) have done this
all along. You Pause, then FF/RW do frame advance.

Well, on TiVo FF does single frame advance, while RW jumps back to the
previoys MPEG key frame, close enough really.

Also, to be fair, the TiVo *could* do many things that the NDS box
does not - *if* DirecTV allowed it. Remember, it is DirecTV who has
refused to enable networking which would allow Multi-Room Viewing,
Online Scheduling, TiVoToGo (and now returning shows to the Tivo and
publishing MPEG2 video to the TiVo aka TTCB or TiVoToComeBack as
people have been calling it), broadband content delivery (like the
recent IFC trials), Home Media Engine, no need for a phone line, etc.

It is DirecTV, not TiVo, which has kept their users from enjoying the
advantages of the newer TiVo features. And I have to suspect it is
deliberately to prevent TiVo from making their new NDS product look
weak in comparison.
---

Posted by: MegaZone at Aug 25, 2005 1:49:01 PM

Fuck DirectTV i hate them.
I will never switch from TiVo.
Why would i switch to get less, DirectTV has made a big mistake in my opinion.

Posted by: linda at Aug 25, 2005 3:58:20 PM

Not to poop on DirecTV's parade, but my DishNetwork DVR 721 already does most of those things, and it's been on the market for more than two years.

Two tuners, two hours of live-recording rewind, single-frame advance (and replay), etc. And I don't pay a monthly fee for it.

Posted by: Ken Zon at Aug 25, 2005 8:50:14 PM

Can anyone supply more info on DirecTV's new R15 DVR or point me in a direction or website to find out more about this new unit ? Thank in advance for the help. I am looking to replace another Throw away TIVO unit with no reliability at all.

Posted by: Wayne at Aug 25, 2005 9:15:08 PM

I haven't been able to establish what this means for me and my DirecTV-TiVo receiver. Will they end support for my machine or block programming to it to force me into a DirecTV DVR upgrade?

Posted by: Martin Archer at Aug 26, 2005 5:27:08 PM

Below is a response from DirecTV's customer service to a letter I sent them saying I was disappointed with their decision to stop supporting TiVO.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: DIRECTV Customer Service
Date: Aug 10, 2005 10:30 PM
Subject: Recent announcement regarding Tivo

Thanks for writing. I can assure you that DIRECTV has a strong relationship with TiVo and we have not ended our relationship with them. DIRECTV held a small equity stake in TiVo which we sold in 2004, but this transaction will have no impact on customers who have (or are thinking about getting) our DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service.

While DIRECTV plans to introduce a new version of the DVR, we will continue to support the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service. Please visit our web site at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/headlines.dsp to learn more about the upcoming new DIRECTV DVR.

Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our service.

Sincerely,

Teresa D
DIRECTV Customer Service

Posted by: Steve Wilhelm at Aug 26, 2005 9:11:25 PM

Do we know how far behind the R15 an HD version is? I'm a little surprised that their first homegrown PVR won't support the massive MPEG-4 investment they've just made. When the best-quality video this thing offers is S-Video, that's an embarassing way to start things off these days.

Posted by: Ken at Aug 29, 2005 1:13:52 PM

Does the 90 minute buffer apply to both tuners simultaneously? Or do you loose it when you switch?

Posted by: Mark at Aug 31, 2005 5:51:39 AM

Directv is making the big mistake ever! If they ever think about canceling TIVO for good are they in for it. I think DISH should take advantage of this and contract with TIVO to improve its current DVR. Fellow TIVO subscribers when then transfer to Dish. Im a Directv fan, but the day they cancel, is the day I cancel.

Posted by: John at Sep 5, 2005 8:45:17 PM

Funny thing...I got a call from DirecTV two weeks ago asking how satisfied I was with their service, etc.

I commented all I wanted to know what when they would release their new DVR. This lady had no clue that they were even planning on releasing one.

Posted by: Mike at Sep 16, 2005 1:04:49 PM

Steve Wilhelm - The MPEG4 HD model is due out in the spring of 2006, keep in mind the MPEG4 conversion only impacts HD channels, the SD channels will remain MPEG2.

Posted by: M Jones at Oct 18, 2005 9:24:15 AM

People relax. This Tivo fan box thing is really truly very sad. The new R15 DTV DVR has advantages over the Tivo box (considerably faster operation, Interactive apps including recordable interactive apps, these can be quite cool - anyone who played xtreme play at IBC will know what I mean), but it also has some limitations, in particular the lack of record buffers. What you can be sure of though is that NDS will keep updating the software, and the potential for this platform is very great. Will it prove as good as Tivo? Well before you judge, wait for the box to come out and see for yourself.

Posted by: Not telling at Oct 21, 2005 1:57:43 PM

All of my Directv receivers are Tivo Receivers (4), except for a Sony HD Directv receiver which because of lack of HD Content, I rarely use.

I am usually a Bleeding edge type of buyer,,,,hence the Sony HD Receiver, but considering my Tivo Receivers have worked since I got them, I really have no intention of converting to the new NDS boxes, unless of course they offer a free swap out of equipment.

The only thing I may do and this is a big ifff, and dependent on more HD programming is getting an NDS HD unit.

From every indication from Tivo and Directv that I have read, the letter posted from Directv is essentially correct. Us Directv Tivo users will see no change in service.

As for the comments on Dish Network and their PVR, Didn't I just read that they just lost a major court battle with Tivo in regards the copyrights or something, and anyway, the number 1 worst thing DirecTV could ever do is get rid of NFL Season Ticket. Thats their real selling point, most of this technology is so similar, that except for different channel lineups and feel of screen banners, there is not a lot of difference between the two systems. EXCEPT FOR NFL SEASON TICKET.

If the NFL ever goes,,,,thats when I will jump.

Robert

Posted by: Robert at Oct 27, 2005 10:54:51 AM

Robert...you've got it with the season ticket. I can't think of many major improvements Direct Tv has done over the last few years.

Posted by: Todd Lokken at Dec 20, 2005 7:34:28 AM

tivo sucks!!!!!! the new R 15 rules everyone will agree once they try it out!!ultimate tv blows away tivo BIGTIME only problem is that it cost you 10$# more bones per months!!greedy assed bill gates has his fingers in everything
happy surfing

Posted by: Michael at Jan 25, 2006 11:06:13 PM

Most cable channels that are interested in HD will be sending MPEG4 streams starting in June 2006.

DirecTV of course will need to get MPEG4 HD-DVR hardware into the consumer home soon in order to get this going.

Dish network is already distributing their MPEG4 HD DVR.

Posted by: DP at Jan 29, 2006 2:38:17 PM

Directv told me tomight that the long promised HD locals are not compatible with the HD DVR they sold me. Thanks, Newscorp. You just lost my trust. I've had Plasma, media center, etc for 3 yrs. The entire industry is not ready. You buy but the arent ready for us. I think I'll read a book.

Posted by: jim r at Feb 10, 2006 6:24:15 PM

I am wanting to do the hack to the DirecTV/Tivo box to get the extra features that Tivo has but the DirecTV one doesn't - like HMO and MRV, also to add a bigger hard drive. Sounds like none of this will work with the new box. Sigh. Is DirecTV currently (mid February) shipping the new box or still Tivo boxes?

Posted by: Don at Feb 11, 2006 9:14:54 AM

Directv is shipping their own DVRs- the DIRECTV Plus DVR and no longer doing TIVO except for the HD DVRs. To get the HD locals you need to be in a DMA with HD locals- otherwise you need the over the air HD antenna for the local major networks. I am in a DMA that gets HD locals with the 5 LNB (Boston) but one friend of mine in Vermont needs the over the air antenna to get CBS, NBC, etc. in HD. He purchased his at American Satellite- and got the correct info!

Posted by: Scott at Feb 17, 2006 2:13:46 PM

I just got my R15, and I think I'm missing my RCA already. It does have some better features, but I haven't figured out how to set the remote to turn on everything at once (like the RCA remote did). Also, recording a season pass doesn't seem to be as easy as rca.

Posted by: Todd Lokken at Feb 26, 2006 11:51:15 AM

I bought and installed two R15's not having enough sense to recognise that they were not Tivo units. They are considerably less user friendly than the Ultimate TV they replaced or any of my other Tivo units. I have managed to program one series to record, but damned if I can repeat the act. I have even resorted to reading the instruction manual it has been so confusing - but, to no avail. Any adjusting of recording parameters is a mere dream, as the drop down menus referred to in the instructions simply do not happen.

The worst offenses of the machines is that there is no 30 second skip feature nor a slight rewind to compensate for reaction time when FFing. All in all, a great disappointment at this stage.

Posted by: Joe G at Mar 2, 2006 6:58:45 AM

I have to agree with Todd's post. We have been trying to get a second DVR unit from DirectTV since before Xmas. We THOUGHT we would be getting the same GREAT unit with integrated TiVo that we already have in another room. DirectTV came and installed the new R15 unit 3 days ago, and what a HUGE disappointment. I will be calling them to remove it or replace it with a TiVo unit. If they refuse to give me a TiVo unit, then I refuse to pay for a unit (R15) with a much inferior user interface. The R15 has nothing that is intuitive. There is NO seasons pass though you can do "episodic recording" after jumping through a lot of hoops. The instruction book is none existent with the unit and DirectTV has nothing online either.

Even worse, the remote is a nightmare. It has buttons on it that don't work, and it was not even possible to program it to be able to turn the TV on & off.

This DirectTV "best" customer is sorely disappointed and I predict that they will be taking the unit back. If they are unwilling to provide a Tivo based unit, I will be unwilling to pay their monthly fee for the DVR and will go back to the basic receiver. If it doesn't function as expected, then what's the point!

Posted by: Lisa at Apr 23, 2006 11:03:06 PM

Wife and I called Directv about a second DVR (we love our Hughes Directv DVR with Tivo) and they told us they changed their policy. No longer can you buy one, instead, you pay full price for the DVR and when you finish with it, you give it back! Not sure what the hell that's all about..

Wife and I told them where to stick that idea and we went to Best Buy. We explained the situation and the guy gave us the same exact DVR for the same price and told us we would not have to give it back. When we had it activated, Directv told us point blank that it was leased equipment and we would need to return it if we leave them. That will be a cold day in hell.

The DVR sucks. I haven't figured out how to switch between tuners and it is missing a lot of the features we are accustomed to. One neat thing though, it updated without a phone line. We can't even find the phone settings so that is an improvement since we use Vonage VoIP service which doesn't work with the old unit.

just my two cents...

Posted by: Ron Hagerman at May 10, 2006 8:36:52 PM

We have two Sony DirecTV Tivo boxes now - both work fine. However, we are about to sign up for internet/broadband phone service and dump our local Bellsouth service. Is there a way to connect the Tivo boxes to the new internet phone service via wireless phone jacks - or will they not work for Tivo program/schedule updates? I was going to scrap the Tivo's and buy two new DirecTV R-15 DVR boxes ..... but after everything I read here I am hesitant to do so. Plus, after being a DirecTV customer for over 8 years now, I called them and they said as of 3/1/06 even if I buy new boxes and pay for them - I am then "leasing" the equipment and must later return it to them if I terminate service. Also I must "commit" to a two year contract/service in order to activate new DirecTV DVR boxes. Anyway - can I make my old Tivo boxes work with internet phone service in other rooms - or am I stuck with buying new R-15's? Are they really as bad as is said online? Have they gotten any better? What a mess - this stuff was supposed to be getting better, easier, and cheaper as we go along. Seems like DirecTV is making it tougher. Any helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Gary

Posted by: Gary at May 16, 2006 1:37:52 PM

I have two TiVo's and had an Ultimate Satellite. That one bit the dust and I replaced it with a Directv DVR, which is the worst mistake I have made in a long time. Not user friendly at all. The screen is too cluttered. Screen colors are horrible and confusing, sub-menus leave a lot to be desired. The menu is a nightmare. The book of instructions is missing so much. I called Directv and between me and their rep. we finally figured out how to delete a "season pass". Weakknees.com has some of the Directv Tivo's for sell, I will probably buy one there to replace the R15.

Posted by: Pat Berry at Jun 1, 2006 4:49:55 PM

I recently moved and added two DVRs to my service. I took the one DVR with Tivo that I had. Thank God! When they set up the new DVRs I couldn't believe how horrible they are! At first I couldn't even figure out whether it had the capabilities of doing Season Pass. The instructions are convoluted and the interface is ugly! Not user friendly at all. I am very disappointed in this new unit and will do my best to replace them with the original Tivo DVRs. This is a huge mistake on DirecTVs part. Its like comparing a Mac to a PC!! And it isn't at all "friendly" like TiVO. And the fact that when you hit ACTIVE you get that DirectTV commercial is really nasty. I like to watch my recorded programs during commercials and when I switch back to Active I then have to hit Exit to get out of it and back to the live program! How is that user friendly? I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

Posted by: Rebecca Westby at Jun 4, 2006 10:33:57 PM

Lisa, just push the down button on the arrows lol. Main problem with my DVR is that after time you will get a "skip" while watching tv, and at times it will blotch up colored squares. I had one do this and sent it back, now the new one is starting to do it also, just a warning befor u break the bank. The guy who installed the new one said lots of people are having the same problem.

Posted by: Nick at Jul 13, 2006 10:44:01 AM

^ That was to Ron H. sorry Lisa

Posted by: Nick at Jul 13, 2006 10:46:39 AM

The new Direct TV Plus dvr is horrible. I can't believe I paid $99 for this thing and I don't even own it. Thank god I still have one old Tivo unit left. To anyone thinking of switching, don't do it!!! It sucks. I would avoid Direct TV all together if your only option is going with their new unit.

Posted by: Mike at Aug 4, 2006 4:59:06 PM

Has anyone experienced problems with their R-15 DVR since the software upgrade on 08/09/06?

My unit has been a headache, from day one including:
*caller ID
*inclusion of chanels I don't get on the chanels I get menu.
*freezing up
*not turning on
*sluggish responses when drive is half full or more
*etc.

Since the upgrade, I havn't been able to watch more than 15 minutes of a recorded program without a reset. I was forced to do a hard reset and format the drive again. It still runs sluggish with 0 percent disk usage.

Are we test subjects for this unrefined trash? Beta software is usually free!

I am counting the days to the end of my contract.
Has anyone successfully terminated their contract without penalty?

Thank G-d the engineers, who aproved this product for mass production do not work for Boeing or Siemens Medical. We'd be dead!

Posted by: wantcablebacknow at Aug 11, 2006 12:13:02 PM

Has anyone experienced problems with their R-15 DVR since the software upgrade on 08/09/06?

Are we test subjects for this unrefined trash? Beta software is usually free!

I am counting the days to the end of my contract.
Has anyone successfully terminated their contract without penalty?

Thank G-d the engineers, who aproved this product for mass production do not work for Boeing or Siemens Medical. We'd be dead!

Posted by: wantcablebacknow at Aug 11, 2006 12:13:32 PM

We are touted as "A list" customers by Directv - but we're being treated like dirt!

We LOVE our Hughes Directv with Tivo so thought we'd add a few more to other rooms. When we called Directv, they said they had new DVRs (R15) that had all the same features as Tivo but that they just had different interfaces. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

THE R15 SUCKS! On 3 occasions I called Directv to complain about the sluggish, unresponsive, crappy dvrs and every time they acted like I was nuts, that no one else had complained and that I should walk through some steps with them (over the phone) to make it work right. I told them no matter what they walked me through, I wanted to return the R15s. After more than 3 hours and 3 phone calls, they told me I could return them but that since they were already activated, I could not get a refund and I was locked into a new 2 year commitment (even if I wasn't going to use them!). Well, DUH, of course they were activated . . . how else are you supposed to try them out. What's worse is the installer didn't even finish the install and one unit was still in the box (he failed to show to finish the install) and they still wouldn't take it back for a refund because the installer had activated it.

After a threat of law suits and canceled service, they finally offered a $100 discount and to reconnect our beloved TIVO dvr BUT we are still locked into a new 2 year contract.

Now that I have read everyone else's posts, I am even more mad - we were duped. In my opinion, Rupert Murdoch is an @$#% for dumping Tivo and putting an inferior product in our laps - and what's worse, Directv is now acting like a smug, who-cares-about-the-customer, greedy company.

I will definitely be cancelling as soon as I can and for sure will cancel if they quit supporting the TIVO box.

Go TIVO! I hope Tivo kicks Directv's butt in sales.

Posted by: unsatisfied Directv Customer at Aug 13, 2006 10:47:04 PM

You are not alone. I've been having the same problems with the R15 from day one. The current software installed seems to be working OK for me (not sure of the date) but it's no where near the quality of the Tivo this box replaced.

Big mistake switching from Tivo to an R15. It's garbage. There are plenty of complaints on DirecTV's own website within the 'troubleshooting' forum.

Posted by: Mikey at Aug 15, 2006 8:00:30 PM

Directv has done the same thing to me. Once a week I'm supposed to pull my entertainment center out and reset their DVR only to have the same crappy DVR when I'm finished. It is awful, annonying, slow, and just plain maddening. Directv has lost me as a customer. When I bought my new house this past December I had to sign a contract for free installation. When that is done, I'm done with Directv. I was the first Directv customer in this area, had to drive 100 miles into the next state to buy directv. Our long relationship is over. I will go back to cable with Tivo. Tivo's customer service sucks and Cables customer service sucks, but I would rather have sucky customers service than the daily annoyance of a DVR that won't do what I want it to.

Posted by: In The Same Boat at Aug 16, 2006 5:58:42 PM

Posted by: In The Same Boat at Aug 16, 2006 5:58:52 PM

I have a R15 unit as well. I got it in December from my husband as a wedding present. I always complained that I missed my favorite shows.

We were having the same problems most of you are talking about. In early August, we would switch a channel and the top of the screen would show the title of the show and wouldn't let us change channels until it disappeared 10 minutes later. You couldn't use the guide so you had to punch in the channel you wanted, correctly the first time or you were stuck. We couldn't watch a show a recorded show. A couple of minutes into it, the DVR would freeze up. We reset the DVR several times and just dealt with it the best we could for a week. After a week, we called customer support. The individual at the tier two technical support said the fix was to reformat the harddrive. We only had it half full, but I did as he asked and of course lost all the programming. It helped the system a little bit in terms of being faster.

After reformatting the harddrive, I tried to go back in to set up our programming. It would look like it had it, but none of the shows recorded. Additionally the pause button didn't work anymore. I called customer support again a week later and they advised that they have been doing a lot of upgrades lately. So, we checked and we were behind on the upgrades. So they had me force a software download. The items all worked again. The guy at customer support said to call back if I noticed anything wrong and they would ship me another box.

Tonight, the DVR was working. My son played some video games (never needing to unhook the DVR). When he turned the game system off, the DVR only had a black screen. We reset it twice with no luck. We called customer support again. They forced another software upgrade. It didn't work. They had me reformat the harddrive and that didn't work. So the lady said that basically we had to pay $350 for a new box or sign up for a lease agreement (that she didn't know the details of to explain it) and agree to a two year agreement. We told her to go ahead and send the box and to have a manager call. I know it is labor day weekend, but usually they have at least one person around to do it. She said they would have someone call back. After waiting an hour, no one called. We called and spoke to three more individuals that couldn't help us, didn't want to help us, but were more than happy to take our money. After sitting an hour on hold, we spoke to someone and they are sending another DVR but charging us shipping. The box is leased too.

We still aren't happy. I seriously doubt there is a hardware problem with the DVR15. It really sounds like they have some bad software.

Posted by: Joan at Sep 1, 2006 10:27:31 PM

A Letter I sent to Directv today:

"Folks,
I just want to tell you how terribly disappointed I am in the utilization and performance of your new Directv Plus DVR. For 3 or 4 years now I have used an RCA DWD490RE Receiver with Ultimate TV. It has worked splendedly and was extremely functional.
This summer I decided to get another DVR. I leased a NEW Directv Plus DVR and hooked it up to my 4 way multi-switch and started using it.
I can't tell you how disappointed I am with this unit. It does not have PIP like my RCA. It's harder to program upcoming shows than the RCA and trying to remove scheduled programs is a virtual nightmare. There is no way to switch back and forth between both tuners. I'm sorry I ever got this unit. I'm not at all happy with it. My overall opinion of this unit is that it SUCKS!
To add insult to injury, the unit frequently fails to switch channels and record scheduled programs. Meanwhile my old RCA just keeps on going along fine.
I really think you folks could have done better in producing a new DVR that was as functional as my RCA."

Sebring, Florida

Posted by: scrubjay at Sep 3, 2006 11:51:43 AM

Interesting thread, I have loved DirectTV, plus Tivo (Hughes SD-DVR40s}; but they have been giving me grief for two years (or more) over my Lifetime service. They keep billing me for monthly, though I paid the big bucks; I made sure they would accept it when I purchased the unit. I've called, the credit me the charges, then start up again. I spent and hour on the phone this past week, and the last guy hung up on me. I documented my time and the four transfers, but I shouldn't have to. I'm very near dumping them for this and other things. I made the mistake of referring my friend in Maryland, and she couldn't get the installer to show up, so she went with cable. (Every installer I've had was at best lousy). I do have a Media Center PC, plus MythTV looks interesting.

We'll see if I can get the lifetime service issue sorted out. I love Tivo, and have been trying to get MRV setup. I might go to Dish network, or God forbid, cable.

Posted by: NetWrench at Sep 3, 2006 3:42:36 PM

I made a post earlier on how unhappy we are with Directv and their R15. With the fiasco we have had with the R15 and trying to get them out to reinstall our old machines (that we love), a guy at Directv hung up on me today. After explaining that I needed our old machines hooked up again, he said very rudely "What is it that you want from me?" and so I explained again and he actually put me on hold in the middle of my sentence. I stupidly stayed on hold for 20 minutes and each time I tried to call back and get patched through to the install department, the line would be busy. This happened 5 times in a row - and we all know you have to jump through 5 minutes of hoops just to get to the install people. In my opinion, Directv has gone to crap, their new R15 is crap and their customer service is total crap. Tivo, PLEASE align with another service . . . and FAST . . . I want to divorce Directv!

Posted by: unsatisfied Directv Customer Again at Sep 11, 2006 10:37:23 PM

I posted the comments below in another part of this forum (search for WeaKnees Offers...interesting) so sorry if this is a repeat.

I am glad I found this forum! I have a Philips DVR Tivo receiver that just recently stopped being able to dial up and receive updates from Directv. I called customer service and after being hung up on two times, the third time I told the CSR, for the third time, what was happening and after being put on hold a couple of times, I was told that they would send me a "new" DVR, that it would not be the same as my Philips and that I would receive it in a couple of days. It arrived today and it looks cheap compared to my current receiver so I wanted to check it out online before I opened everything and switched it out with my Philips. I'm glad I did!

Not only does the "new" receiver and remote look like junk but the bottom of the receiver has a "RECONDITIONED" sticker on it and it came with a cheesy newsprint style manual. It is a Directv Plus 300 model. After I read this forum, I called customer service to let them know that I am returning the "new" DVR.

One good thing happened while I was on the phone with customer service (which is rare). I asked the representative about Directv's contract with Tivo and whether they had renewed it or not. She did not know the answer and offered to transfer me to their "specials" department which turned out to be their Advanced Technical Support line where I was able to talk to someone who actually knew what they were talking about. I was then able to resolve the issue I was having with my Philips DVR with the troubleshooting tips the rep gave me. She was very helpful and I was shocked that I was able to communicate exactly the problem with her and she understood everything. What a relief!

I also asked her about the Tivo contract and she said Directv cannot force a customer to change away from the Tivo service, however, they no longer have any Tivo replacement receivers in stock and only offer the Directv Plus ones. I asked if when, heaven forbid, mine dies if I can buy a new Tivo receiver on my own and hook it up and she said Yes, that is possible.

Sooo...my advice is to stick with whatever equipment you currently have if possible or shop for one on your own.

Posted by: Kelli M at Sep 15, 2006 8:37:53 PM

We ordered Yahoo DSL and Direct TV DVR on same day. DVR was installed 2 weeks before DSL and immediately the caller ID function began displaying incoming call details at 10 and 20 minutes past the hour w/o the phone rining and with no caller data being displayed. Had a Direct TV repair guy out yesterday who said it was happening because I was missing a DSL filter, yet all of my lines (including the one going to the DVR) are filtered - properly and this is still happening. Any ideas what this could be????

Posted by: Puzzled in STL at Sep 21, 2006 11:44:51 AM

I NEED A MANUAL.

Posted by: joel LAMBERT at Sep 26, 2006 9:02:47 PM

Don't get this thing, it's crap. Interface is slow and sucks like it's running cheap Windows 98. If you want to loose all your recordings after a week or two then feel free to get one yourself. But I would not switch from Tivo to this shiet.

Posted by: I hate DTV DVR at Oct 3, 2006 2:10:38 PM

Wow... Am I glad I came across this post tonight! I have an RCA unit with Tivo and was thinking about 'upgrading' it to a new unit. I wanted the Caller-ID function (because I can't find good directions on how to hack this one to activate that function) and came sooo close to getting the R-15 today. Thank God I read these posts!! DirectTV is getting out of hand and I'm getting more and more disappointed with them every month. I even cancelled my NFL season pass because it it outrageously priced!!
Now.. they come out with this 'upgraded' service that steps away from Tivo and we are supposed to just accept it as better? I hate to say it, but I'm looking at cable ... how sad.

If anyone could point me towards instructions on how to hack the RCA DVR40 (if its possible)?

Thanks for all the post everyone! You saved me from making a huge mistake!

Posted by: Dave T at Oct 9, 2006 6:46:32 PM

I just logged another complaiont with Directv about our R15 that is having the same problems the rest of you are describing. We have been treated the same way by customer service: As if we are doing something wrong. I am going to call Dish Network about it and see if they'll offer to switch us back for free. As far as I'm concerned, Directv is in breach of contract for not providing the service expected.

Posted by: Ben Rice at Oct 10, 2006 12:07:38 PM

I agree with all of the above comments about how bad the R-15 is. It was offered to me as a replacement for my failing but formally wonderful Hughes/Tivo DVR that worked like a charm and the R15 is lemon, it's a definite downgrade.

The software programming and control on the R-15 is atrocious. What a hack job! No season pass, no real remote control - it bounces everywhere, no wonder they are dumping them off for a $20 shipping fee.

I will not purchase another direct tv dvr and instaed purchase a Tivo based unit as I liked what I used to have as far a programming and control.

I have been pleased with Direct Tv in the past so I will call and see what I can do but it's good to know that I can purchase a better unit on my own.

Posted by: Bobby Lea at Oct 11, 2006 2:00:22 PM

If the above is true about DirecTV and not offerring new boxes that have "Season Pass" with them, YET you can purchase your own TIVO set. Am I to assume than that one would have to play the monthly TIVO service fee to TIVO and not have it included in your monthly DirecTV bill?

Posted by: Mike Mili at Oct 12, 2006 11:46:18 AM

For the last two years I've had a Hughes Tivo DVR through DirecTv. It froze up on me last month and after three weeks, I finally got a new DVR from DirecTv. It's their new DirecTv+Plus unit, and I have to agree with everyone above - it pretty much sucks. There are a few nice features - such as it's easier to program a season pass. But why on earth would they get rid of something so great as the FF/Rewind??? And they also did away with the button on the remote that allows you to skip to the end of the recording. All in all, I'm so disappointed that I am now looking at DishNetwork. I've been a loyal DirecTv user for over two years, but my contract is up and with the changes in the DVR on top of the way I've been treated by Customer (non-)Service over the last few weeks as I tried to get my DVR issue resolved, I've been pushed to the edge.

Posted by: MS Culp at Oct 13, 2006 1:57:31 PM

I got Directv with the R15 DVR in May, and after 2 of them have crashed, I am now on my 3rd DVR! The first one worked for about 6 weeks until we were having to reset it multiple times each day. They sent us a new one in the mail. It worked for about a month, and then started freezing up like the last one. They sent out a service tech to install my 3rd Directv dvr -- he also checked some connections, checked for signal strength, etc., but said that everything was fine. He gave me a new DVR, and now I'm just waiting until it crashes like the other two. My parents have had their Tivo for years and with NO problems. Don't waste your time and money on the Directv DVR!!! Buy Tivo instead!

Posted by: Justin at Oct 21, 2006 5:02:51 PM

The problem with buying a Tivo on your own is you then have to pay the $12-15 monthly fee for it.

Am I also getting this right that if you upgrade your DirecTV receiver from the hughes tivo NONE of them have/offer the season pass feature??

Posted by: Mike Mili at Oct 23, 2006 9:17:35 AM

Well...looks like people are none too happy. From what I'm reading, alot of these issues could be resolved by having some patience. Since I have worked for DirecTV for the last 6 years, and I also own/had owned every receiver out there, you are more than welcome to email me about it and ask questions. Some things I've noticed, alot of the same TiVo reatures are there. You get a season pass option (Which is now called Series Link). You still have the ability to jump tuners... there is really nothing different.
For those fo you considering Weaknees to upgrade the HDD in the new R15 or HR20... Good lcuk. The driv einside is a 200GB drive. 20-40 is used for the system. If you throw in a say... 400GB drive... You only get 120-160Gb still...the rest goes to system. So just waite for other features to be 'turned on' through later software updates. Then you can try an upgrade all you want.
As for the 'leaseing'...It's better than paying $800 - $1000 per box. That's one reason why DirecTV no longer distributes TiVo boxes. It cost way to much in business interests. Microsoft (yes... Microsoft owns a heavy portion of TiVo) didn't think to clearly in that respect, IMHO.
As for no manual available, or not being able to do something with the unit... read the manual. It is there. I promise you.

Posted by: James at Oct 25, 2006 6:12:08 AM

Sorry, forgot the email address
comatose_dreams at yahoo dot com

and no...I'm not worried about hate mail.

Posted by: James at Oct 25, 2006 6:14:24 AM

"As for the 'leaseing'...It's better than paying $800 - $1000 per box"

I've seen boxes much cheaper than that. I can see if you get the product directly from DirecTV that it would be a lease, but if its purchased from anywhere else, it should be YOURS to KEEP no matter what. I've been a DirecTV customer for over 8 years and really do not like where they are going. They are treating new customers better than current ones. Their products don't seem to be as good. I could go on and on, but anyone that is a current customer and has upgraded knows what I'm talking about. I understand that as a company you want to draw in more business, but not for the sake of loosing current customers, that just doesn't make sense.
Oh well, I knew when R.M. took over things would get worse, but in the hopes that things would get much better down the road...I'm holding hope for a bit longer.

Posted by: Mike Mili at Oct 26, 2006 7:10:56 AM

You in a way are right. But with the hardware going into, sya the...new HR20 (HD DVR) That is the price tag ot pay for that hardware, and still no services. Yes, DTV may be making a mistake with this lease program. They told us it would be for the good everyone, only one way to find out eh? I treat everyone the way they wish to be treated. yes, there are a few people I know of that should be terminated form employment form the way they treat people, but form time to time you should get those 'Diamonds in the Rough'. I'm nto saying DTV is perfect. I just have no complaints. I was a customer for 4 years, then became an employee for 4 years now, so I guess I've hadf as much exposure as you. No complaints though. And, no, we do not get as much perks as people think. I still have to pay for my receivers ($299 for the HD-DVR as soon as it's avilable again) and have to pay for my services.

Anyway. Just give it sometime and we'll see where it goes.

Posted by: James at Oct 26, 2006 10:56:57 AM

Loved reading all this! I was with Direct TV for 8 years and waiteeeeed way to long for an HD DVR. Switched to Dish Network 2 years ago and the DVR is great. the avaialable HD channels blow Direct TV away too. The Dish installers were 1 step more intelligent than doorknobs, however, but things got better after that.

Posted by: Ken at Oct 26, 2006 6:10:32 PM

Got the new DIRECTV Plus HD DVR last month. HD locals are not available in my area and the over air tuner is inoperable. The installer told me that it would be functional by the end of October. Not so.

After two emails and three calls I get the "we're working on it...ohhh, I see you live in .... Did you know locals will be available in your city in December?" I reply, big deal - I want to watch them now and BTW, the HUGE and hideous 5 LNB dish is an eyesore. No thanks, just turn on the tuner can.

"Can't do that sir. You might get a waiver when locals are available in December but don't hold your breath."

Maybe James can elighten us on why the rig ships with an over air tuner that's not turned on. What a load! So much for the ability to record three programs at once or put local HDTV programs up on the big screen projector.

Just wait until my homeowners association sees that flying saucer in the front yard - I can count the fines already...

Posted by: Paul at Nov 4, 2006 12:41:48 PM

DirecTV's HR20 DVR is a waste of time. It's bugg, the interface sucks, and it constantly freezes. They released this thing way too early. Don't buy an HR20.

Posted by: Mark at Nov 6, 2006 8:34:14 PM

I work at directv! Dish Network will never get the tivo contract do to the have been soowed by tivo. DTV DVR the HR20 does support mpeg4 format and hdmi and digital sound. Most of the PVR'S software is Beta test version's and up date then are sen't via by sat, no phone line reqired.

Posted by: jhon smith at Dec 1, 2006 5:43:57 AM

I Have been with DTV since 1997,I currently have 2 DTV DVR-R10 and 1 interactive receiver for Sunday ticket(8 games on 1 screen).About a year ago customer service told me that the new generation receivers would have the media package like the cable Tivo boxes where you can transfer music and video to your CPU,But from the postings I'm guessing that hasn't happened.If that is even an option on the box.I guess i'm one of the lucky ones as far as help from customer service,they replaced a 1 y/o broken box for free with no shipping charge,and have always solved my problems,But all this talk of how terrible the R-15 is and hearing that CS is hanging up on customers has me dreading the day my Tivo(s)die, I can only hope things get better before than.

Posted by: Alan at Dec 1, 2006 8:11:10 AM

I'm really getting a kick out of some of these replies.

Posted by: Joel at Dec 20, 2006 6:20:31 AM

I just bought an R15 and all I want is to use the OTA to get better reception. So far I'm stuck on the last step of the initial setup. Is there anyway to get past this?

Posted by: mike at Feb 27, 2007 7:27:57 PM

I am on my fourth HR-20 receiver in five months. I doubt it is the hardware that's giving all these problems; I think it's the buggy beta (or gamma) level software that's causing all the hangups, blank screens and other unpredictable behavior.

I regret switching. I am really fed up.

Posted by: Hobart Crusenberry at Mar 7, 2007 10:41:11 PM

I am thankful for this thread if for nothing else that I don't feel so alone in this. I feel like a fool taken by a con artist. I am embarrassed and ashamed that I let DirecTV steal 2 years of payments from me and my family.
DirecTV has always been an extremely aggressive company. But they originally aimed their ire on the cable companies and their monopoly on TV for the betterment of all of us. To give us a choice in programming. In those days I was behind the effort and was one of the first to switch from cable to Satellite. However DirecTV has now turned vicious on the very customers they started out to protect. The proof is their attempt to peddle such a pitiful technology (R15) and then force us into paying for it for 2 years. Ironically, just like the cable companies they tried to destroy, they are not offering us any choice in technology. R15 garbage or nothing. This alone shows that they have no respect for the paying customer. The government and the cable companies finally lost to DirecTV so believe me there is nothing we can do. I am just going to quietly pay for my mistake for the next 2 years until my contract ends and then dump DirecTV. The R15 is so unusable that I also had to get cable again to have a DVR that actually works. I have now made it my mission to expose the treachery of DircTV to anyone that will listen. A mission that will last for the rest of my life. I feel at least a little vidicated that I have already convinced 4 people to stick with cable and not go to DirecTV.
Thank you DirecTV for giving me a clear and moral purpose in life. May your company die a slow and painful death.

Posted by: Doug at Mar 9, 2007 6:49:32 PM

Hobart... why would you sign up for a 2 year contract? read reviews of systems before you buy. myself i'd rather switch between dish and directv every year to get the best deal. works everytime. and, i usually get the best equipment. cable is horrid, too expensive, lack of HD, bad reception. WHY WHY WHY??

Posted by: argentineink at Mar 16, 2007 1:39:49 AM

I did not even know when I signed up to upgrade to the HR20 that I was incurring a two-year service commitment. I agree: I should have asked. I did think it was for a single year.

I was lax in checking because I have been with DirecTV for nearly ten years and have never ever had a problem with their service--- before these last six months.

During those ten years I rapidly escalated through each generation of receiver until about 2003 I began using an HD DVR. I never had a single problem.

When I found out that the HR20 was available, I (assumed) it was a better unit and immediately upgraded. I knew that DirecTV was making the transition to MPEG4 and sometime in 2007 would launch two new satellites that would allow seventy HD channels.

From here, the story is only one of frustration and inept technical support at DirectTV.

After lockups, blank screens and finally lockups with hard drive reformats, I tossed in the towel.

When I called to cancel the service, even knowing DirecTV was going to try to stick me with $275 penalty for early cancellation of the contract-- though no fault of my own, the customer service rep said that instead of cancellation DirecTV would allow me to simply suspend my service.

What this entails is that I leave the antenna in place, store the HR20 DVR under my bed, and then wait six months to resume service, which they will restart automatically on 8 October 2007.

"By then we will have all the bugs out of the HR20 software and will have launched our two new satellites. At that time you can expect to be watching more than 70 channels of high-definition," argued the DirecTV rep.

Sure, sure. And the war will be over in Iraq too and the Iraquis will be living in a tranquil democracy of love and tolerance.

Un huh.

I accepted. I had nothing to lose at that point. I certainly did not want to shell out the $275 penalty.

I went ahead and signed up for the local cable provider, COX, who now provides 15 channels of HD and a DVR.

Not a glitch in the service. Not even one.

The menu system is far superior to those of DirectTV. Things are done with far fewer keystrokes. In fact, in comparing the two interfaces between COX and DirecTV, I'd readily say that DirecTV looks like a kludge, sort of like much government software, and COX software looks more elegant and informative.

I was surprised at how much better COX looked.

Now I'm sitting here enjoying the reliable DVR service, watching all the local channels in HD and the usual other HD channels that DirecTV also has.

COME 8 OCTOBER, if DirecTV is not selling 70 or more HD channels, I have no reason, none, to return to DirecTV.

Oh yes, there was NO service commitment for signing up for COX.

I just may become a proselytizer for COX digital cable service, with an HD DVR.

Jake

p.s. DirecTV did give me the address where I could send a letter to dispute the $275 penalty for early cancellation of my contract.

I immagine they are deluged with such protests.

If-- and probably when-- it happens to me, I intend to take every approach to legally claim that their action represents a conflict of interest and a breach of contract.

To wit: they provide poor service; the customer cancels, and then they stick the customer with a huge penalty, thereby still making money from a contract they weren't able to live up to.

I still am willing to join a class action lawsuit, if not also to initiate it myself.

To sumarize all this: THE HR20 RECEIVER AND SOFTWARE IS A SYSTEM WHOSE TIME HAS NOT YET COME.

Posted by: Hobart Crusenberry at Mar 30, 2007 12:35:26 PM

Re: my Mar 30, 2007 12:35:26 PM post about DirectTV's poor service and my move to COX digital cable with HD DVR.

I forgot to say: COX offered to remove and buy my DirecTV antenna for $200. (By doing this, COX wisely would be more or less guranteeing that I would not easily switch back to DirecTV.)

I carefully considered their offer since the $200 would have greatly offset the $275 early cancellation penalty that DirecTV wanted to charge me.

I declined COX's offer, since I am now simply suspended from DirecTV service (and charges)until 8 October 2007.

More and more I am beginning to think I might not ever go back to DirecTV.

Posted by: Hobart Crusenberry at Mar 30, 2007 1:02:49 PM

I was sick and tired of DirecTV's crappy DVR as well and decided to cancel after the one year service agreement. Well, if you have a DVR it automatically upgrades it to two years (per the small writing on the service contract that clearly states one year). These fuckers are tricky as hell. No matter what they claim, they are no better then our Enron friends; deceiving customers and false advertising to make a quick buck. I would have rather given money to a minority.

Posted by: Patrick at May 8, 2007 1:04:01 PM

I have a regular television set. I do have Direct TV though. what will I need for the new "service" that will be mandatory soon?

Posted by: mak at Dec 29, 2007 2:12:21 PM

Exclusive First Look: The New DIRECTV DVR

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