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R
Last reply · posted in DIRECTV General Forum
Okay, something seems to be wrong. I just got my system installed today. I've got 2 DVRs going into my one TV. That means I should be able to watch/record two shows per each for a total of four at a time, right?

So I'm working on programming my remotes and am switching back and forth between both DVRs. I had one channel on one DVR, another one on the other one, and a program set to start at the top of the hour. A notification from DirecTV popped up that said I was watching two shows, with a third one about to start and I had to cancel one of the shows or cancel the recording!

Isn't that wrong? I should be able to watch four shows at once. That's why I paid for this extra DVR. Did the guy set it up wrong? Is it not true that I can watch four at once?
11 Replies · 5948 views
J
Ooo.. Did the installer go through and set the remotes to RF? If he didn't, then yes, both DVRs are responding to each button press simultaneously. The DVRs don't control or send commands to each other as far as recording timers (although that's a feature high on the wishlist). When the remotes are set to RF each one has a unique radio code to its receiver so they don't interfere with others in the house.

Another thing is if you have one thing set to record on DVR-A and it says you're already watching two channels, you might have activated DoublePlay. DoublePlay is activated by pressing the down button twice, and it buffers two live channels at the same time so you can flip between them (by pressing the down button). This occupies both tuners, and in order for a timer to activate on a third channel it will have to drop one of the buffered channels.

By default, the DVR will assign the first upcoming timer to the tuner you are NOT watching (unless you happen to be watching the channel being recorded). Aside from the yellow light on the front panel coming on, you won't even know about it. You can change the channel freely and not interfere with the recording.

If one recording is in progress and a second timer is about to activate, one of two things will happen. If you are watching either channel that is to be recorded, it will activate silently (no message besides the yellow light). If you then try to change the channel, it will warn you that you can't change it without stopping one of the recordings.

OR, if you are NOT watching one of the recording channels (or if a DoublePlay is in progress), you will get the warning that it needs to change the channel or cancel one of the recordings, 3 minutes before the timer goes off. If you ignore (or miss) the warning it'll change the channel automatically.



The best thing to do in your setup is use one of the DVRs as the "Series slave", where it has all of your recurring recordings, and use the other one as your main "live tv" unit, and for 'impulse' recordings.. That way most of your '2 in use' conflicts happen 'in the background' on the slave and don't interfere with your live viewing.
R
Ooo.. Did the installer go through and set the remotes to RF? If he didn't, then yes, both DVRs are responding to each button press simultaneously. The DVRs don't control or send commands to each other as far as recording timers (although that's a feature high on the wishlist). When the remotes are set to RF each one has a unique radio code to its receiver so they don't interfere with others in the house.
I don't know what he did about setting up the remotes, except I watched him set them to my TV type so they run the volume, etc. He didn't explain anything to me, really. Just told me it was "easy" and left.

Another thing is if you have one thing set to record on DVR-A and it says you're already watching two channels, you might have activated DoublePlay. DoublePlay is activated by pressing the down button twice, and it buffers two live channels at the same time so you can flip between them (by pressing the down button). This occupies both tuners, and in order for a timer to activate on a third channel it will have to drop one of the buffered channels.
THANK YOU! This is exactly what happened. I saw it say something about Double Play, but I didn't even know what that was. The channel was on some DirecTV movie promo thing, so I thought it was related to that. I didn't even pay attention to it because I was just trying to set up the remotes. Gosh, that's crazy! It does sound like a good feature, but the installer didn't show me anything about the features. He tossed the manuals at me and said it was easy and I would figure it out. I didn't even think to look up Double Play in the manuals because I didn't guess it was a feature. I just thought it was a notice from the movie promo channel or something. (I wasn't watching the movie promos - it's just the channel that came up when I was trying to program the remotes.)

The best thing to do in your setup is use one of the DVRs as the "Series slave", where it has all of your recurring recordings, and use the other one as your main "live tv" unit, and for 'impulse' recordings.. That way most of your '2 in use' conflicts happen 'in the background' on the slave and don't interfere with your live viewing.
Thank you for this suggestion! It definitely sounds like the way I want to set it up. I saw your other suggestions in the other thread and will comment on those there. Thanks for your help.
lparsons21
I'd second that use of one as the series slave with the exception of the broadcast channels. Ideally you won't have to go to direct viewing of that one very often.

My recording setup is a bit different to satisfy my viewing habits :
Unit #1 - main - hi priority is ABC and CBS, then some of the cable channels and the occasional movie.
Unit #2 - secondary - hi priority is NBC and FOX, then some cable channels and then an auto record of Boxing stuff at lower priority

This way I can get all the new broadcast prime time shows and all the cable stuff I want. One of the problems with the broadcast channels is that they don't show a later showing so if you miss, you often just miss. By giving the cable channels just a little lower priority, then they will catch the later rerun of the show if there is a conflict.
harshness
When the remotes are set to RF each one has a unique radio code to its receiver so they don't interfere with others in the house.
It is customary to set both DVRs for different IR codes as it avoids the "slows" of RF remote usage.

Clearly, rugbyqueen got a incomplete install if it didn't come with any instruction.
J
What are these 'slows' you speak of? Three of my four receivers are set to RF and never had any response issues as far as the remotes are concerned as evidenced by the instant flashes of the power light. Any lag is in the box.
J
I don't know what he did about setting up the remotes, except I watched him set them to my TV type so they run the volume, etc. He didn't explain anything to me, really. Just told me it was "easy" and left.

Yeah that's not right.. You'll get a followup call from Directv in a couple days, make sure you address that.

THANK YOU! This is exactly what happened. I saw it say something about Double Play, but I didn't even know what that was. The channel was on some DirecTV movie promo thing, so I thought it was related to that. I didn't even pay attention to it because I was just trying to set up the remotes. Gosh, that's crazy! It does sound like a good feature, but the installer didn't show me anything about the features. He tossed the manuals at me and said it was easy and I would figure it out. I didn't even think to look up Double Play in the manuals because I didn't guess it was a feature. I just thought it was a notice from the movie promo channel or something. (I wasn't watching the movie promos - it's just the channel that came up when I was trying to program the remotes.)

When you said you only had one recording and it wanted you to change channels that's what I figured. It's easy to activate accidentally, and even when you do it on purpose it can't be turned off manually (afaik), it just stops after you haven't used it for 2 hours, or you get that warning when a timer is about to go off.. :)


Thank you for this suggestion! It definitely sounds like the way I want to set it up. I saw your other suggestions in the other thread and will comment on those there. Thanks for your help.
No problem!
I'd second that use of one as the series slave with the exception of the broadcast channels. Ideally you won't have to go to direct viewing of that one very often.

My recording setup is a bit different to satisfy my viewing habits :
Unit #1 - main - hi priority is ABC and CBS, then some of the cable channels and the occasional movie.
Unit #2 - secondary - hi priority is NBC and FOX, then some cable channels and then an auto record of Boxing stuff at lower priority

This way I can get all the new broadcast prime time shows and all the cable stuff I want. One of the problems with the broadcast channels is that they don't show a later showing so if you miss, you often just miss. By giving the cable channels just a little lower priority, then they will catch the later rerun of the show if there is a conflict.

Every situation is different, so she'll have to evaluate her series wants and program accordingly. My DVRs are in two separate rooms, so what I did was I wrote down a list of what series I need to record and when they're on (There are few things I watch on network TV) so any conflicts are visible right there on paper. Then I programmed the recordings so that conflicts always wind up on different DVRs (so a conflict doesn't tie up both tuners on a TV). If I decide to do a new series, I add it to the list and program it to whichever DVR wouldn't have a conflict.

This way each DVR only ties up one tuner, and live TV (with an impulse recording option) is still available at both TVs. If they had COLLABORATIVE SCHEDULING (HINT HINT DIRECTV!!) the paper planning wouldn't be necessary.
raoul5788
It is customary to set both DVRs for different IR codes as it avoids the "slows" of RF remote usage.

Clearly, rugbyqueen got a incomplete install if it didn't come with any instruction.

I have both of my dvrs set to rf. There may be a slight delay compared to ir, but it's less than a second if that. It's a non issue. As to the installer and lack of instructions, no doubt he ducked out of there in a hurry! He was probably late for his next appointment. The lack of proper instructions is one of many problems when the installers are overbooked.
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.

Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.

You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.



View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4


Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.


View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
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Foxbat
Oooo, quite the show now. All three vents have doming and overflows. The cone that built up around the North vent lost its upper quarter at 02:50 Oct 17 and is now spewing lava at a healthy rate. Don't know if I would say it's a fountain, but it's close.


IMG_1534.webp

edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:

Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii

Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.

Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.

Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
  • All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, lighter ash and Pele's Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
Foxbat
Kīlauea seems to be returning to the "normal" eruption script, impressive fountaining from the North Vent. For once, the V2 Cam has the best overall shot:
IMG_1535.webp
The lava flows have covered a good portion of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
Foxbat
Looks like Episode 55 is over at 09:00 HST, just under six hours. The USGS said the fountains reached 720' or 220 meters.
​
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Foxbat
The USGS Kīlaeua Webcam #1 has been showing overflows and doming from the North vent overnight. Maybe the volcanic plumbing has settled back into its two-three week cycle of fountaining?

But I do miss the little cinder cone that broke up in the last episode.
Foxbat
Sorry, I should have posted these earlier:

​

We're still waiting on the start of Episode 56.
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne


Get it?


An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
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Bobby
The Saints Are Coming - U2
dishstaller
Coming Back to Life - Pink Floyd
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gms49ers
Echos - Pink Floyd
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dishstaller
Echoes in the Rain - Enya
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gms49ers
Fool in the Rain - Led Zeppelin
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
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dishstaller
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Now first, I'll mention that the area of FL I live in has extremely high humidity and not a lot of wind so things don't dry out very well for extended periods of time.
I'm in the process of tearing down and rebuilding a pergola with a surrounding deck that I built 9 yrs ago. 90% of the deck screws are just sheering off at the head because the screws rusted out. These are the deck screws you buy in the 25 lb box at your lumber yard. Very annoying. So I just ordered some 316L stainless steel screws to use for when I go to rebuild it.
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AZ.
AZ.
Now first, I'll mention that the area of FL I live in has extremely high humidity and not a lot of wind so things don't dry out very well for extended periods of time.
I'm in the process of tearing down and rebuilding a pergola with a surrounding deck that I built 9 yrs ago. 90% of the deck screws are just sheering off at the head because the screws rusted out. These are the deck screws you buy in the 25 lb box at your lumber yard. Very annoying. So I just ordered some 316L stainless steel screws to use for when I go to rebuild it.
Screws are all crap, soft and useless! Sick of going through 3 to get one not to break, strip or shear! I aint that strong in my old age!
T
Well, isn't removal of screws intrinsically much tougher than drive-in, simply because over time they become more adhered to the wood, whether or not they actively rust? Possibly there could be less of that effect with stainless.
dishstaller
Well, isn't removal of screws intrinsically much tougher than drive-in, simply because over time they become more adhered to the wood, whether or not they actively rust?
I have seen that happen that not in this case. I had also used some screws from an old box I had that I needed to use up....didn't think much of it at the time. ALL of THOSE screws came out perfectly and had virtually no rust on them. The ones that you find at your lumber yard....those with the orange snap on lids were mostly rust. The problem with the heads sheering off was that I had to get my crowbar and pry each board up one joist at the time. Took a simple job and made it 1000% harder.

As for adhering to the wood...true story. Back when hurricane Michael hit, it almost took the weather vane off of the old milk barn behind my parent's house. I climbed up on the roof and only one nail was still holding it. Grabbed my hammer and tried to pull it out...wasn't budging. Grabbed a short crowbar (all I had access to) wouldn't budge. Ended up cutting the stupid nail so I could get the weather vane. Barn was built in the late 40s, I guess the nail had become one with the pine lumber used to build the barn.
osu1991
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk
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dishstaller
Yep....looking forward to it.
ewindowman
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Looks like dish is Bankrupt. Filling tomorrow Tuesday June 30th
443 Replies · 15156 views
nelson61
Washington Post

SpaceX has held talks with Boost's parent company EchoStar in recent months about launching its own signature wireless service through a deal with the company, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.
Musk, the SpaceX CEO, has discussed the deal personally, meeting with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen last month, according to the people. The potential deal may result in SpaceX acquiring Boost Mobile or SpaceX gaining access to its network, which it leases from AT&T and T-Mobile US, the people said.
Access to those lease agreements would be a coup for SpaceX. The back door would allow Musk to make a play for a U.S. wireless market that equity research firm MoffettNathanson estimates is worth $235 billion. But the proposed service may need consent from those carriers for the service to actually launch, the people said.
Scott Greczkowski
Washington Post

SpaceX has held talks with Boost's parent company EchoStar in recent months about launching its own signature wireless service through a deal with the company, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.
Musk, the SpaceX CEO, has discussed the deal personally, meeting with EchoStar chairman Charlie Ergen last month, according to the people. The potential deal may result in SpaceX acquiring Boost Mobile or SpaceX gaining access to its network, which it leases from AT&T and T-Mobile US, the people said.
Access to those lease agreements would be a coup for SpaceX. The back door would allow Musk to make a play for a U.S. wireless market that equity research firm MoffettNathanson estimates is worth $235 billion. But the proposed service may need consent from those carriers for the service to actually launch, the people said.
Can't remember where or who I saw predict this. :D

It wouldn't surprise me to see Elon soon own all of DISH / Echostar in the future.
MikeD-C05
Can't remember where or who I saw predict this. :D

It wouldn't surprise me to see Elon soon own all of DISH / Echostar in the future.
So Charlie is going to sell out and give it all the Elon?
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Bruce
It wouldn't surprise me to see Elon soon own all of DISH / Echostar in the future.
Again, why would Musk want a TV Service, specially one that is losing over a million subscribers a year.

Phone service…maybe, but not TV.
Scott Greczkowski
So Charlie is going to sell out and give it all the Elon?
I would say yes, but he will stay on board with Elon somehow.
Scott Greczkowski
Again, why would Musk want a TV Service, specially one that is losing over a million subscribers a year.

Phone service…maybe, but not TV.
I know he wants TV. He wants to deliver EVERYTHING to EVERYWHERE.
Bruce
I know he wants TV. He wants to deliver EVERYTHING to EVERYWHERE.
Again, if so, why would he want Dish/Sling of all the providers?

He could deliver anything without actually owning, for example, watching the Lions game in my Tesla Y on it's screen via the YT app, while on the way to my future in-laws on Sunday.
rvvaquero
If Musk did acquire DISH, he would just convert it to use his own satellites to deliver it. Might be easier than creating a new startup. Change my dish out to one which connects to Starlink? Who knows?
S
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teachsac
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum
30 Replies · 1100 views
Bruce
AMC+ is on sale for $40 for the year, the no commercials plan.

For basically $3.34 a month, thought I would give it a try again.

Today is the last day for the deal.
R
AMC+ is on sale for $40 for the year, the no commercials plan.

For basically $3.34 a month, thought I would give it a try again.

Today is the last day for the deal.
Thanks for spending my $$. I figured I would try it also.
navychop
Hmmmm.
Jimbo
We should be coming into the Streaming Deals time of year :)

I will be looking for Yearly deals, not the 7 day trial or a 1 month deal like we had the last year or so.
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Jimbo
I just managed to get 30% on Paramount Plus Commercial Free Yearly ... total was $99.
I haven't gotten the 50% off deal in a few years, so when she said $99, I thought that was a pretty good deal, that includes Showtime, which I rarely watch, but its there .
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 12 views
comfortably_numb
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum
Not sure saving $24/year is worth it unless you're a hardcore Philo user. I'll stick with monthly.

IMG_0351.webp
5 Replies · 137 views
Jimbo
Not sure saving $24/year is worth it unless you're a hardcore Philo user. I'll stick with monthly.

View attachment 195247
$24 for the Year, would be more useful.
Howard Simmons
$24 for the Year, would be more useful.
But when you cancel you still have to watch until the plan runs out. With monthly you're done at the end of the month.
Jimbo
But when you cancel you still have to watch until the plan runs out. With monthly you're done at the end of the month.
Sorry, my point was the expense.
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comfortably_numb
$24 for the Year, would be more useful.

Philo's monthly price is reasonable, IMO, because it's still the cheapest way I'm aware of to get all the linear Discovery networks AND access to the Discovery Go apps.
Jimbo
Philo's monthly price is reasonable, IMO, because it's still the cheapest way I'm aware of to get all the linear Discovery networks AND access to the Discovery Go apps.
I guess if it was something I used on a regular basis, I suppose.