Running out of event timers & it's time for a change, Advice needed...

[robyn7623]

We currently are with DISH & we have (1) 722k DVR. We definitely need to switch up what we have, and I'm looking for advice...

Our problem is that we are constantly having problems with running out of event timers (576?), and this causes the DVR to not record shows even if there is a timer for it. (This is due to the fact that we like a lot of cable shows like Mythbusters that get re-run multiple time throughout the week.) We also max out on the number of series timers (96) if we don't delete one after it's finished for the season, and I would be nice to let them just stay so I won't worry about missing something when it comes back.

I know that I can go through on a weekly basis and make individual timers (record once) for each show, but I don't have the time for that. Also, another option is just getting another 722k DVR, but then I won't be able to access all my recording on one TV (I think?)

So, I seems that our best option is to upgrade to something new. Since our contract is up next month, now I the time to do it.

First, I'm looking at the new Hopper. With PTAT will that reduce the number of event timers if I just go through on a weekly basis and "save" the shows we like before the 8 days are up? If so, that would reduce the number if event timers and help out. I also like being able to use my iPad to watch/save shows.

Second, I'm looking to move to DirectTV or even Comcast, but I have no idea what their capabilities are vs DISH in this aspect. Any info about this would be greatly appreciated.

As a side note - We never run out of room on the hard drive, so that's not an issue. Also, we're on the America's Top 200, and are pretty happy with the channels. (The extra channels we would watch with America's Top 250 are not worth the money for us.) We are on a pretty tight budget since I'm a stay-at-home homeschooling Mom, so that is a factor.

Thanks in advance for your help...

 

[KAB]

Well, PTAT will help you cut down timers, significantly, if you record a lot of network shows. You just need to make sure you save which shows you want within the 8 day time frame. Regarding your Mythbusters reference, are you setting your timer for Only New (?), instead of ALL?

I can't speak specifically about Direct or Comcast. The Hopper is generally regarded as the best DVR on the market right now. And, it is the only one capable of iPad transfers, AFAIK. The Hopper w/ Sling gives you additional viewing options...tablets, smartphones, etc.

 

[Deadlocked]

Why not change your timers to new episodes then for reruns just restore the ones you want to see/are home for? Also the only time I've reached 96 is during college football and college basketball seasons...

 

[robyn7623]

I do have my shows set to "New" vs "All", but it still shows up in the event timer list even though it is skipped.

 

[Deadlocked]

I do have my shows set to "New" vs "All", but it still shows up in the event timer list even though it is skipped.

As active or skipped?

 

[patmurphey]

Weekly timers can solve a lot of the event problems.

 

[n0qcu]

As active or skipped?

Makes no difference, both active and skipped count against the 576 event limit.

set a weekly timer for the day and time that the new episode(s) air and you will cut down the number of events.

 

[Deadlocked]

Makes no difference, both active and skipped count against the 576 event limit.

set a weekly timer for the day and time that the new episode(s) air and you will cut down the number of events.

Not always effective (see Mythbusters' Breaking Bad special that aired the day after BB season premiere which was a Monday)

 

[robyn7623]

I'm sorry, my first post may have been too long & confusing...

I've read about using weekly timers, etc to fix the problem, and I'm not happy with any of those solutions.

What I'm trying to figure out is what I should change about my set-up to fix the problem. (Especially since I'm at the end of my 2 yr contract.)

So, that's why I was asking about the Hopper & if it would help out in my situation, or if I would be stuck with the same problem after paying more money. I mentioned other companies because I have no experience with them - Changing to DirectTV or Comcast may make my situation a lot better or a lot worse.

 

[Deadlocked]

I'm sorry, my first post may have been too long & confusing...

I've read about using weekly timers, etc to fix the problem, and I'm not happy with any of those solutions.

What I'm trying to figure out is what I should change about my set-up to fix the problem. (Especially since I'm at the end of my 2 yr contract.)

So, that's why I was asking about the Hopper & if it would help out in my situation, or if I would be stuck with the same problem after paying more money. I mentioned other companies because I have no experience with them - Changing to DirectTV or Comcast may make my situation a lot better or a lot worse.

In regards to the hopper, how many broadcast shows do you watch?

Also do you have a second TV where a second receiver may help reduce the congestion?

 

[robyn7623]

During the regular season we generally tape about 10-15 broadcast shows.

We do have a 2nd TV in the bedroom, but I want all my shows available to watch in the livingroom.

 

[KAB]

During the regular season we generally tape about 10-15 broadcast shows.

We do have a 2nd TV in the bedroom, but I want all my shows available to watch in the livingroom.

Then with PTAT, you would have 10-15 less timers to start. I have a feeling that once you would start re-programming timers, you will find a way to clean up/consolidate.

 

[robyn7623]

Just because someone already brought it up... Can I have two recievers & still access all of my shows on one tv? (Hopper or 722k)

 

[fuzzfacefrombboard]

Even if the max limit is hit, it should pick up the upcoming episodes and record them, albeit usually only a day or two before the show, as the old events fall off the schedule. The only way it wouldn't work like that is if you have a TON of timers set for shows that are all on almost 24/7.

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[Deadlocked]

Then with PTAT, you would have 10-15 less timers to start. I have a feeling that once you would start re-programming timers, you will find a way to clean up/consolidate.

Yeah like a lot of cable shows do 10-13 episodes then are gone for a year. Also you may want to check your timers and see if the shows have been renewed or not as you may have timers for shows they won't ever come back.

 

[robyn7623]

Yup, that's pretty much my problem. Almost all the shows we watch are on all the time. I rarely see our event timers below 500. It's about to get real bad during the fall. That's when I have to review my shows on a weekly basis to make sure everything is taping.

 

[Deadlocked]

Yup, that's pretty much my problem. Almost all the shows we watch are on all the time. I rarely see our event timers below 500. It's about to get real bad during the fall. That's when I have to review my shows on a weekly basis to make sure everything is taping.

Can you give us a list of your timers? Or at least the ones using the most slots?

 

[robyn7623]

Can you give us a list of your timers? Or at least the ones using the most slots?

Well, Unfortunately there are quite a few... Just looking at my upcoming events here are some:

The Colbert Report
The Daily Show
Pawn Stars
Phineas & Ferb
The Great Food Truck Race (Season starts back up on Sunday, so there's a marathon)
Operation Repo
Bar Rescue
Gold Rush
Duck Dynasty
Catfish
American Pickers
Mythbusters
...and a slew of kids shows

 

[fuzzfacefrombboard]

My guess is it might be all of the kids shows. I currently show 511 events when viewing the skipped shows. I used to max out due to pawn stars marathons, but it still picked up all the new ones eventually when the reruns dropped off the list. Setting up some daily or weekly timers on all the kids programming (or some of your others) might fix your issues. A second receiver us also an option. You could have a dedicated "kids" one!

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[fuzzfacefrombboard]

And yes, you can have two receivers hooked up to one tv.

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