New Install/Setup questions

[bchandler02]

Greetings all - I'm new to D*, currently I'm on the side of the fence where we lose channels and have been for about 9 years now. Given the recent problems over there, I am seriously considering switching to D* today. I'm still in the process of comparing my channel lineup but at a glance it looks good for my needs. I've got some questions on the recievers though for D*, which I am hoping someone can clarify for me. I've seen some answers reading existing posts, but want to clear everything up before I decide to make a change.

For comparison, I currently have a VIP722 and the everything package on E*. I have 1 TV setup as my HD #1, and a 2nd as an SD in the other room.

1) Everything I am reading says make sure I get the HR24. Any reason not to?

2) Can the HR24 (via any add ons) support recording from OTA channels?

3) How does the whole home DVR work? Can I have up to 4 channels recording at once (2 per box, assuming I get 2 HR24's) - or record 3/watch 1? Both DVR's can watch recorded programming from the other DVR, correct?

4) Is it better to utilize Ethernet connections for these boxes (my house is wired), or let them do it the other way?

5) If I go for a 3rd non-DVR reciever, can it watch recordings from either of the DVR's?

6) Do D* boxes support external HD's?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[wildbill129]

Greetings all - I'm new to D*, currently I'm on the side of the fence where we lose channels and have been for about 9 years now. Given the recent problems over there, I am seriously considering switching to D* today. I'm still in the process of comparing my channel lineup but at a glance it looks good for my needs. I've got some questions on the recievers though for D*, which I am hoping someone can clarify for me. I've seen some answers reading existing posts, but want to clear everything up before I decide to make a change.

For comparison, I currently have a VIP722 and the everything package on E*. I have 1 TV setup as my HD #1, and a 2nd as an SD in the other room.

1) Everything I am reading says make sure I get the HR24. Any reason not to? The HR24 is the latest and greatest, and definately the fastest. You can't guarantee one unless you order it from a retailer. They can't produce them fast enough for the demand. The other HR's are ok too. Just not quite as fast or cool looking. Hard drive space is a little more on the HR24

2) Can the HR24 (via any add ons) support recording from OTA channels? You need an AM-21 off air tuner unless you end up with an HR20. It plugs into the HR receiver via USB and integrates your OTA channels into the guide and allows the DVR to record them. Works great.

3) How does the whole home DVR work? Can I have up to 4 channels recording at once (2 per box, assuming I get 2 HR24's) - or record 3/watch 1? Both DVR's can watch recorded programming from the other DVR, correct?Yes and yes. Two recordings at the same time per DVR, plus you can watch pre-recorded content while recording two streams. Doesn't matter if it is OTA or satellite, two recordings at once is the max.

4) Is it better to utilize Ethernet connections for these boxes (my house is wired), or let them do it the other way?Let them connect via the Deca route. The HR24 has it built in, other DVR's require an external Deca module which DirecTV will provide. The ethernet route is "unsupported." I've used both, and I like Deca better for speed and reliability.

5) If I go for a 3rd non-DVR reciever, can it watch recordings from either of the DVR's? Yes, if it's an HD receiver like the H24.

6) Do D* boxes support external HD's? Yes, but they must be esata.

Thanks in advance for the help.

See Above:

And Welcome!

 

[bchandler02]

Really appreciate the quick answer. Based on your reply, I decided to look into it more, so I went out to my local dealer yesterday to check it out, and he guaranteed me that they can install the HR24. He also showed me all the installation gear they would use and all the technical goodies that a nerd like myself would appreciate. I got to play with the box for a few minutes, and while different, it wasn't near as bad as I was expecting. There were some cool features about it that I liked, but of course I'm sure there are some I will miss about Dish.

I've come up with a few more questions as I have been thinking about this, I'm sure more will come and I'll have to post them later. Getting to play with the D* boxes was nice but it left me with a few more questions after I left, which I am thinking is a good thing. Just want to make sure I am making the right move and won't regret it in 2 weeks when E* is gone.

1) He mentioned the remote is UHF - does it also have an IR mode? I have a Harmony (the xbos 360 model) and a Slingbox, both would require IR to work. 2)

2) Speaking of Slingbox... is the HR24 like the VIP722, where both the HDMI and S-video outputs can work at the same time? My slingbox is non-HD, so I just use s-video on it.

3) Does the HR24 have an auto stretch mode? What I mean by this is the VIP722 will remember the video zoom/stretch setting based on the program. For example, if I tune to HD programming, it will go to "normal" which is correct. But if I go to SD, it goes to one of the stretch modes that I selected. Will the HR24 also do this?

4) How does the DVR sharing work? Will programs automatically show up on both DVR's once recorded, or do you have to go through a separate menu to view the other DVR? Also, say I want to record a 3rd show.. can I set it up from my main TV (which would already be recording 2) and it will automatically use the other DVR, or would you have to set them up from that DVR?

My setup (tentative) will be as follows, this is what I have in mind so far anyway:

1-HR24-500 for my main TV
1-H24 for my 2nd TV
1-AM21 for main TV
**OR**
2-HR-24-500's for both TV's

I'm still on the fence about the equipment. He had an AM-21 that he could sell me, but if I am still limited to two recordings total, I'm thinking it would be better to get two DVR's instead. Would most agree that this makes more sense, since this way would allow me to record up to 4 streams (2 per DVR) and share them between both DVR's?

Now if I can just decide what to do on programming. They are slightly higher than Dish, and I'm trying to decide if I need all the channels still, or if I can do with one of the lower packages. I know.. you guys can't decide that one for me.. only I can.

Thanks again for the quick reply.

 

[jcrandall]

The remote can do RF (like Dish's UHF) or IR, but only one at a time, it can't do both. So for a slingbox user you are locked into IR.

All outputs work at the same time, slingbox works fine.

You can do stretch, bars on side, either. Also has native mode, it will give you exactly what the channel is sending, 480i 480p 720p or 1080i with aspect mode "original aspect" which is what I use.

DVR sharing combines the playlists, you see anything from all the DVRs together in one merged list. Can also delete from any dvr or set to delete only from source dvr.

The setup of an HR24 and H24 would probably be free, expect to pay $50 for AM21. A second HR24 instead of H24 should run you an extra $100, but allow you to record 4 things at once between the two boxes.

You are always limited to two recordings at a time, regardless of OTA or SAT. If you get the locals via satellite the AM21 is really only good for subchannels or extra markets.


Cost is a bit higher than Dish, but in my 5 years with DirecTV only one channel has disappeared, Versus, and it came back in 6 months time. Dish on the other hand seems to have some problem every few months. If you like sports, Directv is a clear winner.

 

[cparker]

I'm a switcher too. I went with 2 of the HR24s to give me the most available recording ability since we use the DVRs a lot. I got in on a dealer promo and got the second HD DVR for $50 instead of $100.

With E* I have a VIP622, a VIP612 and the AT250 with platinum and no premiums (no HBO, Starz, etc as we never watched them)

With D* I selected Choice Ultimate as I think it most closely approximates my AT250 package with E*. I will save about $400 the first year and about $3 a month less than my current E* bill the second year when all promos and discounts are gone.