This thread is very entertaining.
So I went to DBStalk and did a search as follow:
"internet instead of phone line for ppv"
sailermon:"...You don't have to have a phone line connected unless you want the convenience of ordering PPV through the DVR GUI. Once, and if, PPV is implemented on the internet, you will be able to order PPV that way..."
On cnet, they review the hr20; here is what they say about ppv:
"...Like all satellite receivers, the DirecTV HR20 requires an analog phone line to order
pay-per-view programs; we tested our connection with our
Vonage service, and it worked fine. When we asked exactly what the phone line was used for, DirecTV's rep told us that it's currently the only method for the box to communicate with DirecTV, and that by connecting it, the consumer experience can be improved. We went for four months without the phone line connected, and the HR20 worked perfectly well--it gets its EPG data and software updates from the satellite, not via the phone jack..."
So reading all this I seem that you still need a phone connection to order pay-per-view.
btw: this is my first post to the forum