direct tv tivo hd

Dennis Walsh · 02-19-2007, 10:20 AM

I don't have tivo, but I'm thinking of getting a tivo hd tuner . I live in the Chicago area. What should I know and what should I do? Any special deals from direct tv>?

Robert_J · 02-19-2007, 02:13 PM

If you get a DVR from DirecTV to record HD, you won't be getting anything with Tivo software. The HR10-250 (aka DirecTivo) has been out of production for over a year. It was replaced with the HR20-700. It is still a DVR that records both DirecTV satellite and OTA digital TV but it run softare developed by NDS. The interface and recording engine is not as polished or bug free as Tivo's interface but it will record the newer MPEG4 channels that are delivered via satellite. If you want it sometime in the spring, sign up now because the waiting list is LONG.

-Robert

Dennis Walsh · 02-20-2007, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_J

If you get a DVR from DirecTV to record HD, you won't be getting anything with Tivo software. The HR10-250 (aka DirecTivo) has been out of production for over a year. It was replaced with the HR20-700. It is still a DVR that records both DirecTV satellite and OTA digital TV but it run softare developed by NDS. The interface and recording engine is not as polished or bug free as Tivo's interface but it will record the newer MPEG4 channels that are delivered via satellite. If you want it sometime in the spring, sign up now because the waiting list is LONG.

-Robert

I've been out of the hd loop for awhile. What kind of price or deal does direct tv give or is it a seller's market?

mpeg4 channels?? What are they?

Robert_J · 02-20-2007, 12:36 PM

If you have been out of the loop, here's a summary of DirecTV HD:
- The new DVR is called the HR20-700. Dual satellite/ATSC tuners that work in pairs just like the older HR10-250. The advantage is that it will tune in the new MPEG4 channels.
- DirecTV has started to broadcast local channels in HD for some markets. They use a different modulation scheme (MPEG4 vs. older MPEG2) and are broadcast from different satellites.
- Different satellites also require a new dish. They are 5 LNB models called the AT9 and AU9. The AU9 is slightly smaller.
- Older receivers are still compatible with the new dishes but they see them as older Phase III dishes. They just ignore the MPEG4 channels.
- All new HD is scheduled to be broadcast via MPEG4 so if you want new HD channels like Food Network, MTV, National Geographic, Sci-Fi, etc you will need to upgrade.
- The new satellites in orbit now are MPEG4 spot beams for local HD and regional sports in HD. The new national channels require two new satellites. The only problem is that Space Launch had a rocket explode the other day that will delay the new satellite launch and therefor the launch of the new HD channels.
- DirecTV has gone to a lease only arrangement. If you want the new DVR it will cost up to $199. Others have gotten better deals based on how long they have been subscribers and their programming package. The new DVR comes with a new dish and installation.

I think that sums up the current state of D* and HD.

-Robert

paul koster · 03-01-2007, 05:07 PM

Robert,
I'm a little confused. I have a HR10-250 and receive local broadcast in hi-def and I also have the HD package from D*. I also have a hi-def plasma. Does this mean that I am not really getting the channels in hi-def or am I? Does the national geographic or sci-fi channel already broadcast in hi-def or is this part of the 2009 (or is it 2012) dealine that you are referring to? There is a definite difference in quality when I look at sci-fi compared to espn HD.

Paul

**HTF Ads**

Robert_J · 03-01-2007, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul koster

I'm a little confused. I have a HR10-250 and receive local broadcast in hi-def and I also have the HD package from D*. I also have a hi-def plasma. Does this mean that I am not really getting the channels in hi-def or am I?

Right now you are getting those in HD. Depending on where you live, you are missing out on local channels in HD delivered via satellite and maybe your regional sports channel in HD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul koster

Does the national geographic or sci-fi channel already broadcast in hi-def

Not yet but they have been announced. They will be in MPEG4 modulation and beamed from new satellites that have yet to be launched. Your HR10-250 is not compatible with MPEG4 or the new satellites. After all of the DirecTV HD channels have transitioned to MPEG4 format, your HR10-250 will still work with local HD via antenna and SD via DirecTV.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul koster

is this part of the 2009 (or is it 2012) dealine that you are referring to?

If you are refering to phasing out of analog televion broadcasts, that only applies to local channels that broadcast OTA. It does not apply to cable or satellite TV. They are migrating that way as a business choice though.

-Robert

BenS · 03-06-2007, 06:54 AM

So what you are saying is the HR10-250 will be obsolete for HD programming? When is this going to happen or how long can I wait to buy a new HD recording device?

Robert_J · 03-06-2007, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenS

So what you are saying is the HR10-250 will be obsolete for HD programming?

It will be still work with OTA digital programming and SD programming delivered via satellite. Since I record a LOT of network programs, I will probably keep mine active until it really dies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenS

When is this going to happen or how long can I wait to buy a new HD recording device?

No one knows. It will be at least sometime mid year before D* can get the first of their new CONUS MPEG4 satellites up. The Sea Launch explosion may have delayed them also.

-Robert