Networking HR20-100

**neil154** · 02-23-2010 04:09 PM

I just got a HR20-100 from DTV and would like to know about the capabilities of it if I connect to my wireless network (which obviously has internet access).

If connected to the network can I
1) send video & audio signal (from recorded or live programs) to my networked PCs?
2) The manual says that I "enablenthe DIRECTV on Demand feature that lets you browse the thousands of shows from our content providers and download them to your DVR hard drive for viewing". Is there a charge for this service and how do I know what is available? Also, what else (that I did nit ask) is a benefit of connecting the DVR to my network.

**jdspencer** · 02-24-2010 09:19 AM

1) You can watch shows on your PC if you have DirecTV2PC installed on the PC. The PC needs to have certain minimum requirements. I personally haven't tried it as I'd rather watch TV on my 48" HDTV.
2) There is no charge to use DirecTV on Demand. However, some shows may have a charge (like PPV).

If you have a second HD DVR which is networked, then you can use Multi-Room Viewing (MRV). This allows you to watch shows on one DVR from the other one.

BTW, the HR20-100 has two ethernet jacks, but the bottom one isn't enabled. Use the top one for connecting to your network.

**DodgerKing** · 02-24-2010 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by neil154

I just got a HR20-100 from DTV and would like to know about the capabilities of it if I connect to my wireless network (which obviously has internet access).

If connected to the network can I
1) send video & audio signal (from recorded or live programs) to my networked PCs?

You can use the Directv2pc software to watch recorded programs, or you can get a Sling box or Hava player to stream live programs. If you have a long enough IR blaster you can also play your DirecTV through Windows Media Center

2) The manual says that I "enablenthe DIRECTV on Demand feature that lets you browse the thousands of shows from our content providers and download them to your DVR hard drive for viewing". Is there a charge for this service and how do I know what is available? Also, what else (that I did nit ask) is a benefit of connecting the DVR to my network.

You can also play your music playlist and view your photo library from you PC on your DVR. Like the previous poster said, you can network all of your DVRs and Recievers together to watch recorded programming from any of them on any TV. This is called MRV (Multi-room viewing). Right now it is a beta software and is free. Eventually the official release will have a fee for its use.

**fleetfarmer** · 02-24-2010 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by jdspencer

BTW, the HR20-100 has two ethernet jacks, but the bottom one isn't enabled. Use the top one for connecting to your network.

BTW, the HR20 only has one ethernet jack.

BTW, the HR21 and HR22 has 2 ethernet jacks.

I think I remember reading the top one is the ethernet input jack and the bottom one is an ethernet passthru so you could plug your videogame or some other device ethernet connection into it.

**neil154** · 02-24-2010 01:32 PM

Thank you all for the responses and I think I understand most of it but have 2 follow up questions. I have set up the HR20-100 on a network and it is operational since I can see the OnDend choices.

1) How do I get the DirectV2PC software to install on my PC (s)?
2) I did not understand the statement "If you have a long enough IR blaster you can also play your DirecTV through Windows Media Center". What does this mean and what capabilities does this give me?

**DodgerKing** · 02-24-2010 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by fleetfarmer

BTW, the HR20 only has one ethernet jack.

Nope. It has two. I have an HR20-100 and there are two Ethernet jacks in the back

Courtesy of DBSTalk

HR20-100 on top with two Ethernet Ports
HR20-700 on the bottom with one Ethernet Port

**DodgerKing** · 02-24-2010 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by neil154

Thank you all for the responses and I think I understand most of it but have 2 follow up questions. I have set up the HR20-100 on a network and it is operational since I can see the OnDend choices.

1) How do I get the DirectV2PC software to install on my PC (s)?

http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-...on-5717-a.html (DirecTV 2 PC Software Version 5717)

2) I did not understand the statement "If you have a long enough IR blaster you can also play your DirecTV through Windows Media Center". What does this mean and what capabilities does this give me?

An Infrared blaster is a device that plugs into your PC at one end and has an Infrared device at the other. The Infrared end is placed directly in front of the infrared sensor on the front of your HR20 (this sensor is what picks up your remote control signal). With the IR Blaster you will be able to change the channels on your HR20 through the controls on Windows Media on your PC.

You do not need the IR blaster to view your DirecTV on your PC, but the setup on WMC will not work unless you have one plugged in. There is a virtual IR blaster you can download to fool WMC and allow you to complete the setup. You can then use your remote to change the channel on your HR20 while watching it on your PC.

**fleetfarmer** · 02-24-2010 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by DodgerKing

Nope. It has two. I have an HR20-100 and there are two Ethernet jacks in the back

Really....
Now I'm jealous. My HR20-700 only has one ethernet port on the back.

**DodgerKing** · 02-24-2010 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by fleetfarmer

Really....
Now I'm jealous. My HR20-700 only has one ethernet port on the back.

The image I added shows the HR20-100 on top with 2 and the HR20-700 on the bottom with 1.

**neil154** · 02-24-2010 02:20 PM

Okay, I am getting a lot of good information. I have installed the DirectV2PC software and it seems to be working fine, so thanks for that help.

Now I also went to Windows Media player and I see DirectV2PC Media Server. I can see the recorded program (I only have 1 just to test) and it plays fine on DirectV2PC software but when I click on it in media player I get "Windows Media Player encountered a problem while playing the file" and the file shows 0 seconds.

Also, I do have an IR blaster available but I don't see any way to view "live TV" on Media Player or DirectV2PC. I would appreciate your help once again.