We have all been waiting for what seems like an eternity for VOOM's DVR. Where is it and what's going on behind the scenes? Now it is your turn to predict when the DVR will finally "Hit the Streets" and justify your opinion if you so desire. (I always screw-up polls so please do not post until the poll options are available...thanks!)

Hit the Streets (as defined for this poll) - is the date these devices are physically available for installation. The devices must be in possession by at least one installer and "ready" for authorized installation. If VOOM were to announce an availability date of 21 October, but the DVR is not physically shipped and received by an authorized installer until 1 February, then 1 February is the day they hit the streets. Likewise, if VOOM were to announce an availability date of 15 January, but some "hot shot" installs one on 5 January, then 15 January would be the day they hit the streets.

Poll Options:

1. First week in November (1st-10th)
2. Middle of November (11th-20th)
3. Last week in November (21st-30th)
4. First week in December (1st-10th)
5. Middle of December (11th-20th)
6. Last week in December (21st-31st)
7. First week in January (1st-10th)
8. Middle of January (11th-20th)
9. Last week in January (21st-31th)
10. Beyond February 1st or Never

It ain't gonna happen until Feb or later.

So far, almost two-thirds say the DVR will be available for Christmas. Although it would certainly be nice, IMO it's just not gonna happen. Why? Well, you need to look no further than the past few software releases: (I don't recall specifics so please correct me if I'm wrong)

6.00 - it was delayed months due to software problems before it finally hit the streets...and it caused problems for the few who had it.

6.10 - the majority were upgraded to 6.10, which created major headaches if your last OTA channel wasn't rock-solid.

6.20 - quick fix which was actually working quite well for me.

7.0b - the "big upgrade" in preparation of PPV and DVR...created DVI problems, STB lock-ups, slow channel changes and other problems.

Needless to say, VOOM/Motorola does not have a track record of delivering "bug free" firmware in a timely fashion. Plus, they are still trying to correct bugs with 7.0b. Why should anyone think these problems will not having a major affect on the DVR software? VOOM may very well have an advertising campaign planned for the upcoming holiday season, but don't expect to see the DVR until after the new year IMO.

Also, is it possible for the DVR to be nothing more than a firmware/hardware (hard disk) upgrade to your current VOOM STB?

Never

The current market of subs is too small and no company will trust VOOM to market their DVR.

I predict it will be available 2 weeks after I no longer have Voom's service.

Hell froze over last night with the Sox beating the Yanks, so the DVR can't be too far behind.

Hell froze over last night with the Sox beating the Yanks, so the DVR can't be too far behind.

Only 2 weeks away!

As stated previously, due to the track record so far I'd say the DVR won't be here until after the first of the year.

I'll just continue to use my ReplayTV in SD mode until that time comes.

If Voom really, and I mean REALLY wants to grab some new subs, they will get the DVR on the market at a much lower price the the D* model.... I've been with them for a while with a SD DVR which I love, but my HD TV is craving a HD signal (or maybe it's just me...) Regardless, I'm in no hurry to hand over $1,000 for a new STB and I'm on the hunt for options like the rest of us....

Never

The current market of subs is too small and no company will trust VOOM to market their DVR.

:rolleyes:

Voom's DVR will be its OWN brand, based on Ucentrics software, as we know since the beginning...

Without seeing a working prototype I dont see how anyone could vote anything except February or Never. I have some land id like to sell the people that didnt vote never.

If Voom really, and I mean REALLY wants to grab some new subs, they will get the DVR on the market at a much lower price the the D* model.... I've been with them for a while with a SD DVR which I love, but my HD TV is craving a HD signal (or maybe it's just me...) Regardless, I'm in no hurry to hand over $1,000 for a new STB and I'm on the hunt for options like the rest of us....

What if Voom is so intent on new subs they only offer the DVR to them. Sort of like D* and there HD promo.

Never. It's just not going to happen.

Goosfraba....Goosfraba....Goosfraba... :)

I spoke to a Voom CSR and she told me that it would be DEC or JAN. It has been pushed back..

I spoke to a Voom CSR and she told me that it would be DEC or JAN. It has been pushed back..

Voom CSR told you this and you believe her?
Just how gullible are you????
I'll cut you a little slack though since you only have 26 total posts.

Ive been a good boy all year my faith is on santa to bring my HD-DVR @party

Offhand, I predict you'll wind up with a Lump of Coal in your Christmas stocking. However, I say if we apply enough pressure then perhaps we'll wind up with Diamonds instead. ;)

Everyone, send your comments to VOOM by visiting the following URL: http://voom.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/voom.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

What are the odds that Voom is waiting until CES to make a major announcement about the DVR and Whole House Solution? Just seems to me that would be a perfect time to launch new hardware.

What are the odds that Voom is waiting until CES to make a major announcement about the DVR and Whole House Solution? Just seems to me that would be a perfect time to launch new hardware.Aldous, welcome to the forum!

Trust me, VOOM will announce the DVR release as soon as they have it ready and working. There is no reason for them to wait until the CES or any other show.

Considering that people don't go with Voom due to the lack of the PVR or leave Voom for the same reason, I'd like to think that it'll be released as soon as they've got it working.

Can't help but wonder if its release is somehow held up due to the whole MPEG4 thing. If its MPEG 4 based, then they may be holding it till they're transmitting in MPEG 4.

Any thoughts??

Considering that people don't go with Voom due to the lack of the PVR or leave Voom for the same reason, I'd like to think that it'll be released as soon as they've got it working.

Can't help but wonder if its release is somehow held up due to the whole MPEG4 thing. If its MPEG 4 based, then they may be holding it till they're transmitting in MPEG 4.

Any thoughts??Well, if they're waiting for MPEG-4 then it looks as though the DVR won't be available until 4th Quarter '05...at the soonest.

DVR and a Cornucopia of Unresolved Issues:

Going into 2005...

1. Where is the Super-DMA Map? (late!) :confused:
2. Where are the Elliptical Dishes for new SD/HD channels? (late!) :confused:
3. MPEG-4 has been delayed 1 year or more.
4. What happened to the December 1st 'Current Customer Promotion' being touted by multiple CSRs? CSRs are creative personages, but they don't generally mass hallucinate nor do they conspire to dupe VOOM valued customers :confused:
5. Why are we being promised 70 HD channels and more SD channels in March and hearing so little---ok, nothing!---about the DVR? Personally, I would prefer they get rid of the Mosquito/Gnat Noise and release the DVR prior to adding more channels. Seems to me that VOOM would be screaming their DVR is coming IF it were, in fact, somewhat ready for prime time.
6. Has anyone actually seen a working beta/prototype of this infamous Motorola HD DVR? Really! Assuming the DVR were to be available in April, there would surely to be near-ready for production units and beta testers out there. Are you out there? :confused:

Any thoughts?

Great points. But I think we are only being promised the capacity for 70 HD channesl.

what the Voom rep told me...
"We are actively working on and testing our HD-DVR, and we expect to release it in the first half of 2005. However, its exact release date and pricing have not been set at this time. The VOOM HD-DVR also has multiple tuners, allowing you to record a program while watching a live program or one that you’ve previously recorded!"

so that narrows it down to a friggin 6 month window :mad:

then he tells me I can go get a Tivo or D-VHS if I want. that makes me even less sure about the first statement because if they are going to have a product in the next few months, why would they encourage you to go buy someone else's?

And if he told you to get a DVHS he's a moron.

Welcome to the forum, ohiosky!

CSR's ususlly have no idea about release dates. In fact, in many cases they are the last to know. This is done intentionally, to prevent spreading rumors, I think.

As for third-party TiVo or D-VHS - you can only record SD signals from VOOM. To record satellite channels in HD you would need FireWire interface, which VOOM STB doesn't offer.

Does anyone know the reason the firewire is not turned on for vooms set top box?

yup...
it doesn't exist...it's a USB port.

I made the same mistake...


Lob

Hi:
I thought for a minute that this was a new poll. I guess at least 38% of respondents have more faith in VOOM than they should.

I cant see what the delay is...there are HD DVR's out on the market already. Voom should have one already. These delays make me think that the DVR will never come. And according to the results of this poll...alot of people here think the same.

Maybe I'll ask Wilt now. Hey Wilt can you chime in and give us an idea about when this DVR might be offered and for how much. I've not bothered to post about my Voom service because I've been happy with it without many problems but I still am not happy about no DVR that always seemed to be pushed back.

So Wilt if you read this give us some kind of hint...Mkay.

Yes, the DVR continues to be a sore topic of discussion. Anyway, the DVR will finally appear...I expect to see a big DVR promotion after the current promotion expires on 1 March.

Welcome to the forum, ohiosky!

CSR's ususlly have no idea about release dates. In fact, in many cases they are the last to know. This is done intentionally, to prevent spreading rumors, I think.

As for third-party TiVo or D-VHS - you can only record SD signals from VOOM. To record satellite channels in HD you would need FireWire interface, which VOOM STB doesn't offer.

It is true with TiVo or D-VHS, you can only record SD from VOOM. JVC did make a W-VHS VCR that was capable of recording analog 1080i using component video. That is the only way I am aware of so far to record VOOM HDTV. I have a W-VHS VCR and when it was the only way I had to record HDTV, I used it and was very happy with it. The media costs are very high. I have an HD TiVo and D-VHS VCR to record HDTV from DirecTV now and rarely use W-VHS but it is still the only way I have to record HDTV from component video.

Chris

Chris

Who makes the W-VHS you have and what's the model number?

JVC makes the WVHS decks.

-MP

Called Direct TV, seem to be the worst deal out each box cost $ 300. and your added TIVO HD recorder box list cost $ 1000. only a few HD stations
and you pay for everything Direct TV has contract, you buy your own receivers :no

Dish Network gives you a free HD sat receiver and if you want a box to record DVR the box costs about $ 600.00 with 250 gig HD you buy it you own it.

Dish has the full package for about $ 100. bucks a month but you pay $ 100 per home service call or $ 30 per visit with a monthly service contract but they air ship a replacement box to you if yours brake Which Voom should do. Dish Network has no contract Dish requires two receiver dishes on roof to receive all of your channels Dish gives you all local channels in digital formatt and HD as sent by the station :(

Voom seems to be a better deal $$$ for the money I'm not sure what Voom will charge for their HD DVR

Comcast has free install and free loaner sat boxes and free maintence and no contract but costs over $ 130 month for full HD package with not very many hd channels all local channels are in standard cable definition only even ones that origionally transit in HD. :mad:

If Voom adds some HD channels and gives me a Eliptical dish I'll rent or buy the HD DVR as long as it not more than the others
I be a happy camper ;) :clap

Voomster :rainbow

I dropped Voom a few days ago so I could get time warner cable's hd-dvr. Now I get to record CSI-Miami _AND_ Medium on Monday, Alias _AND_ West Wing on Wednesday and on Friday I get to record Jag _AND_ Third Watch .. all in 1080i HD.

TWC HD-DVR: $12.95/mo
Ability to record two 1080i HD programs that I want to watch: Priceless!!

Unfortunately twc's SD channels are just horrible. So .. when Voom releases their whole house dvr solution, I'll be switching back to Voom, no matter the cost.

Vooms PVR will be able to record 4 streams at once.... that trumps any cable dvr out so far... my local cable co (cox) has just released their dvr and its a damn nice solution (one of the new motorola boxes) and its a dual tuner but no whole house features (this alone will make the voom dvr worth the wait)

kemguy

It does seem like a lot of compromise with a target that keeps moving.

My cable service, Brighthouse, only recently(July?) went to HD with a few channels and as in your case, their SD isn't very good when compared to Voom's. Nor do they have a DVR.

So, I'll be staying put until the target moves again.

Happy Viewing

Vooms PVR will be able to record 4 streams at once.... that trumps any cable dvr out so far... my local cable co (cox) has just released their dvr and its a damn nice solution (one of the new motorola boxes) and its a dual tuner but no whole house features (this alone will make the voom dvr worth the wait)

This is RUMOR not fact. VOOM's DVR is not yet available, does not have a release date set, and no definite list of features or specifications been released by VOOM.

I do not know if it is going to record 4 streams at once (that's has not been released) but it will have (according to Wilt Hildenbrand) 4 streams to record from. 2 are satellites and 2 are OTA's. Two streams will be available for recording while a third pre-recorded program will be available for watching. What combinations of the two recorder will be able to record is not known yet.

It hurts to wait for the DVR.

Ever since I got my TWC HD-DVR, I know what all the fuss is about. I used to watch VOOM all the time and only use the TWC box when there is something on HD-NET or INHD to watch. Now, I use VOOM only when I see a movie (via online PG) that I want to watch. I am constantly using the recording features of the DVR. I always knew what a DVR does, but using one makes me feel like not having one is like owning a B&W TV. Why the hell live in the 1950's if you don't have to?

You are very lucky that you've got one with TWC. CVC just released theirs and I may try it but I am not ready to jump into their bandwagon. I am not interested in neither dish or Tivo HD DVR -- too expensive. So some of us who do not have an HD DVR may be stuck in the 50's but we can re-arrange our 50's somehow ;)

answer: it'll be released the week after I'm fed up and decide to shell out $1000 for the directhdtivo :(

answer: it'll be released the week after I'm fed up and decide to shell out $1000 for the directhdtivo :(

Well hurry up and do that so the rest of us can get it ;)


This is RUMOR not fact. VOOM's DVR is not yet available, does not have a release date set, and no definite list of features or specifications been released by VOOM.

In the demo video it says 4 tuners (I would trust what ucentric says in terms of features of the box since they are the ones writing alot of the whole house code). It doesnt say if it will be able to record 4 streams at once but still 4 tuners will be used unless voom has decided to reengineer the whole dvr and lose some tuners.

I think the Voom DVR will have two OTA tuners and two satellite tuners. So when is Voom going to release their DVR??

Soon...we all hope! Only two (2) more days 'till CES 2005.

It could mean virtual tuners, like what the HDTivo has. It also has "4 tuners" but in reality only 2 can be active at any time.

Well, I am still hoping to see VOOM release their HD DVR in March. Personally, I have been waiting---we all have been waiting---many months for an opportunity to own/rent a fully function HD DVR w/Whole Home Networking. "Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free."

riffjim

Me too.

With cablevision only paying expenses through the end of January, we'll know pretty soon what's going to happen.

I don't understand? you have a company in dire need's and all we worry about is " DVR ",does any one understand that a DVD Recorderwith ram dish will do almost the same picture, " at least mine does" ", Panasonic

kellc:
How do you figure it is almost the same picture? Isn't the resolution one quarter that of HD? Also, how do you watch one program and record another using the current VOOM box?

I don't understand? you have a company in dire need's and all we worry about is " DVR ",does any one understand that a DVD Recorderwith ram dish will do almost the same picture, " at least mine does" ", PanasonicEr...what? All we worry about is a DVR? You need to read my last two or three dozen posts along with all the other member postings on the VOOM Forum. Anyway, I am not at all interested in a DVD recorder. We want VOOM to continue operating as planned. :)

I don't think so. :: Why worry about DVR??????

I'm sorry I did not read your last 36 post's about DVR. did not have the will or the time>
but what make's any post's regarding this question . any reason to Bash : :: " Voom"

Reply : no it's not 1/4 it's 480I, compared to 1080I divide by 2 it is 1/2 or a little less. how about 720p not HD. if you Have a HDTV you'll notice 720p is Better. or at least everyone I know thinks so.

Any other HDTV expert's on line to settle this. issue 480I, 1080I,
ps. you might need a " Mag Glass to tell the change", us old timere's need it all because you're eye can't tell one from the other, is this correct?

Any other HDTV expert's on line to settle this. issue 480I, 1080I,
ps. you might need a " Mag Glass to tell the change", us old timere's need it all because you're eye can't tell one from the other, is this correct?

OMG got to be kidding :confused: . The difference between 480i and 1080i is readily apparent visually and pixel count wise. 480i=704x480 res=337,920 pixels. 1080i=1920x1080 res=2,073,600 pixels. 1080i has over SIX times the resolution :D .

Rob.

There we go again: : what Tv Displays 1920
or is this another line of " B. S. ", ok you can't: that's what I thought.
addon " just guessing " but how many HDTV owner's say HDTV is better then a good DVD.??? which is 480p

Hello, waiting for any reply on the last quetion posed:???

There we go again: : what Tv Displays 1920
or is this another line of " B. S. ", ok you can't: that's what I thought.
addon " just guessing " but how many HDTV owner's say HDTV is better then a good DVD.??? which is 480p

You should really do your homework before calling BS or no you can't on people :smug . There are many 1920x1080 fixed-pixel displays on the market. As for those that can't tell the difference between HD and SD...wow.

Sorry everyone for getting off topic here...EOT.

Rob.

Kelljc,
I'll have to differ with you on this one. Though I love how a good Progressive scan DVD/HDTV combo looks when setup correctly, it still doesn't look as good as 1080i when you get a good feed from good source material.

But I could live with either. I just don't want to lose any content that is 480p or better. Thus I want my Voom! By the way, VOOM sounds better than D* on my two home theatres. Another reason to cry if it ceases.

There we go again: : what Tv Displays 1920
or is this another line of " B. S. ", ok you can't: that's what I thought.
addon " just guessing " but how many HDTV owner's say HDTV is better then a good DVD.??? which is 480p
BTW, there are quite a few sets capable of displaying 1080P now. Do some research. :yes

Man, you must have a punie TV. I have a Panny E85H and have recorded and burned hundreds of DVD's and though I get a very nice picture, it is nowhere NEAR HD quality, nor is a very well mastered DVD anywhere NEAR HD quality.

I can understand your comparison of HD to DVD since the best HD you've probably ever seen is coming from Voom. I agree that many of the Cinema10 channels look comparable to a very well mastered DVD, but just try to compare a DVD to programming from CBS, HDNET, HDNET Movies or DiscoveryHD, there is no way in Hell that the PQ is even close. :no

Get yourself a bigger TV, maybe you'll see the difference. :D

does any one understand that a DVD Recorderwith ram dish will do almost the same picture, " at least mine does" ", Panasonic

What display are you using kelljc?

Don't bother - he just likes to argue. Others have already tried to explain how a DVD recorder is 1/6th the resolution of HD and he is still fighting back. He also hasn't explained how he can watch one show and record another at the same time using his DVD recorder and the VOOM box.

VOOM told me at there 1 866 number it will be after June............
VOOM has been promising to have a DVR since JUNE 2004… I have been a subscriber since March 2004 I have been leasing my boxs….. I always thought they were holding out for the GOVT Flags and they were going to be A-Holes and make sure the FLAGS were in the DVR before they released it… The original Promise to us VOOMERS was that the DVR was going to have a FIREWIRE but that was BS being blown up our skirts.. I am getting very tired of all their LIES I think I may have to go back to cable.. With TWC at least they have all of Mr. Cubans HD programming

With all those love letters to Mr. Dolan it appears alot of people don't care about the HD-DVR lies from VOOM and all is forgiven. Oh Please VOOM just stay in business!

VOOM told me at there 1 866 number it will be after June............
VOOM has been promising to have a DVR since JUNE 2004… I have been a subscriber since March 2004 I have been leasing my boxs….. I always thought they were holding out for the GOVT Flags and they were going to be A-Holes and make sure the FLAGS were in the DVR before they released it… The original Promise to us VOOMERS was that the DVR was going to have a FIREWIRE but that was BS being blown up our skirts.. I am getting very tired of all their LIES I think I may have to go back to cable.. With TWC at least they have all of Mr. Cubans HD programming


Sorry, but I must ask (as I am one of the originals one as well) where did you see Firewire promised (AKA, 921 dish documentation)?

Drink 6 beer's and relax. you don't get anything " Free "

To be fair, the original specs floated had firewire and Wilt himself said that he was fighting to keep firewire on the box.

-MP

madpoet,

I remember that Wilt say he was pushing for it. I do not remember seeing the spec sheet with Firewire stated (I may be wrong). I think it was a great idea but I do not think they even knew that it was going to be possible given the position of the hollywood industry on this issue. Who will be the first satellite company to offer it? I highly doubt it that it will be done through satellite. Some Cable companies have it but not all. Does anyone knows if Cablevision has it in its own DVR?

Why oh Why? are we talking about " Free or next to nothing DVR machines ". ask Directv and Echostar the same question, do their's record in HDTV?????:::: If so what model do we have to """"" BUY :::: :"""" VOOM is a excellent service that is going down. quit beating up " I give up. " long ""live """BS" My gosh I just read " Sean's Post" who care's about FireWire??

kelljc,

Please stop crapping all over my thread and take your medication; your posts are nonsensical at best.

Crapping over your Thread???. Who Care's about DVR other then a few Voomer's. most can afford the equipment ?? can you???

Stop worrying about their DVR.
VOOM is on life support.
Go write a love letter to Mr. Dolan before it's too late.

There we go again: : what Tv Displays 1920
or is this another line of " B. S. ", ok you can't: that's what I thought.
addon " just guessing " but how many HDTV owner's say HDTV is better then a good DVD.??? which is 480p

:eek: There is no comparison. HD blows DVD away completely, and it is easy to see the difference. Even my 65 year old mother who doesn't see so well is blown away by a real HD picture. And I am running dvd on a 1:1 pixel matched basis via DVI. So it is not about the player. HD is simply significantly better.

Stop worrying about their DVR.
VOOM is on life support.
Go write a love letter to Mr. Dolan before it's too late.


If any new Sub's would read all the post's they would understand that most of the poster's on this site would like to see VOOM Fail : " Here is a Quote from a Voom Supervisor " :"We're going to provide customer's unterreupted service> .... " thank all customer's for there support :: belive it or not :

:eek: There is no comparison. HD blows DVD away completely, and it is easy to see the difference. Even my 65 year old mother who doesn't see so well is blown away by a real HD picture. And I am running dvd on a 1:1 pixel matched basis via DVI. So it is not about the player. HD is simply significantly better.::

That's wrong" and you can Quote Me: " Jerry c. Keller "" unless you spend Many,Many,Many Dollars for top of the line equipment "

::

That's wrong" and you can Quote Me: " Jerry c. Keller "" unless you spend Many,Many,Many Dollars for top of the line equipment "


kelljc,

What are you saying? I am reading that you disagree with msb212's position that HD is better than the best DVD.

Having seen the best DVD and also having seen the best HD, I have to side with msb212 and agree that HD IS BETTER THAN DVD.

I don't see how you can possibly call him wrong.

HD is 1920 by 1080, or at least 1388 by 720.

DVD is around 900 by 480, best case. There is no comparison.

DVD=720x480=345,600 pixels TOTAL.
720p=1280x720=921,600 pixels TOTAL.
1080i=1920x1080=2,073,600 pixels TOTAL.

Now, which one do YOU think has the better picture?

Of course, it all depends on your display's capability and the viewing distance.

You are correct Sean, it was never a spec sheet. But the very first demo boxes supposedly had them, and it was dicsusses at those presentations as a feature. And Wilt was pushing to keep it.

Thank you Darrell for the correct specs. I was going from memory and it is a little distorted because of what my Sony Wega does to the signals.

In any case HD signals are clearly superior to the best DVD upconverts.

This is why we need an HD DVR. There is no other current technology that allows us to record in HD.