question on connecting HR24's to internet

[redbandit98]

Well, once again I was informed wrong before I got my install done. I was told I would have to pay 7 dollars a month for each DVR I had so I just got one for my living room and a standard receiver for my bedroom. Well, I was able to call Direct TV and they agreed to swap my stand receiver out for the DVR for 100 dollars. Now, I am thinking I want to connect them both to the interet for the on demand. Do I just need to get two of the wireless kits if I want to go wireless? I dont have the multiroom dvr, just the two DVRs independent of themselves. I could run an ethernet cable to each location but I would rather just go wireless if it will work. I have to ask in situations like mine where you just have two tvs, why people go with the multiroom dvr instead of just getting two independent DVR's? Is it strictly due to the cost of the equipment? I mean if you have to pay 3 dollars a month for it why not just get another dvr and pay no monthly fee sice all of them are covered under the 7 dollar a month fee? Just curious. I could see the benefit if you had 7 tvs or whatever and needed that many DVR receivers. Also if I cant use two wireless kits for my DVR's (dont know if there is any type of compatabiltiy with running two) Im guessing I just need to connect both DVRs to an ethernet switch and pay the 25 dollar connect fee? The way I read it if I go that route there really is no "equipement" needed to be purchased from Direct.

Thanks
matt

 

[jdspencer]

I only have two TVs with a DVR on each. I have them hardwired to my router so that each can do On Demand and they can do MRV (in unsupported mode). Could I eliminate the MRV fee? Yes, but then I'd have to watch whatever was recorded on the DVRs on the TV to which they are connected. With MRV, I can access the programming from either DVR.

There are several threads concerning the use of wireless adapters, but most people suggest hardwired or go with the DECA environment.

 

[Poke]

Yeah wireless adapters would not be that reliable the best way would be go the DECA way its already hardwired and gets all of your units taken care of.

 

[redbandit98]

thanks, I will probably just go the hardwired route then. I honestly dont watch enough TV to need to access both hard drives on either TV. I can always do that later if I find the need to. I came from no DVR to two now so I think that will hold me over for a while. When I get the receivers hooked up do I just need to call direct TV or will it automatically connect and advise me I will be charged a fee? Also, I am replacing my phone lines in my house with cat 5. My current rj11 setup is poorly done and causing DSL problems. When I get it connected to the receivers, can I elinate the phone line conection? I thought I read somewhere you could use either ethernet or phone but are not required to have both. Thanks again for your replies
matt

 

[JAG72]

Yeah wireless adapters would not be that reliable the best way would be go the DECA way its already hardwired and gets all of your units taken care of.

I have to agree. Since you already have the HR24's just pay the $25 for the internet connection kit. Getting two wireless kits would be much more than the Directv $25 fee.

 

[redbandit98]

I see now that I dont need any type of adapter for the hr24s to be connected. I know, this is all common knowledge to you guys but it is all new to me. I have gone from a superdish with a dual tuner with no digital output do all this new tec stuff. I dont KNOW for sure that Im getting an HR24 as a replacement. I was just told they would upgrade my current receiver. I would think they would since my other receiver is one. Since they both support the ehternet over coax all I would really have to do is buy the connect kit from Direct TV and hook up the ethernet cable to either receiver and all would be good? Well that and pay the 3 bucks a month extra. Running another coax between the two receivers is or is not required? Mine is the single line Technology.

 

[armchair]

I see now that I dont need any type of adapter for the hr24s to be connected. I know, this is all common knowledge to you guys but it is all new to me. I have gone from a superdish with a dual tuner with no digital output do all this new tec stuff. I dont KNOW for sure that Im getting an HR24 as a replacement. I was just told they would upgrade my current receiver. I would think they would since my other receiver is one. Since they both support the ehternet over coax all I would really have to do is buy the connect kit from Direct TV and hook up the ethernet cable to either receiver and all would be good? Well that and pay the 3 bucks a month extra. Running another coax between the two receivers is or is not required? Mine is the single line Technology.

Internet connection kit: (you'll need DECA module, DECA power supply & coaxial splitter or run coax from main splitter). Connection: Coax to DECA, DECA coax pigtail to PS, DECA ETHERNET to common switch or router.

Ideally, you use the most convenient method to drop a coax line next to your router and connect it. This gets the ETHERNET on the existing coax.

Yes, you will need RG6 coax to install but the coax goes directly from splitter (whichever one you use) to near your router for the broadband DECA.

It sounds to me like you've scheduled an upgrade to Whole Home DVR, correct?
The WHD with ICK (Whole Home DVR with INTERNET Connection Kit) should include your new HD-DVR or HD Receiver and the Internet connection in one reasonable packaged price. If you have placed an order, check your pending orders on the Directv site (you may have to select "display all" to see it). If you do not see WHD with ICK, call them back. You may have to cancel order and place another order with the ICK (WHD with ICK).

 

[OceanStateWitch]

Question - if everyone can use the download to PC thing....for dtv thats been recorded on their dvr...y are we getting more receivers when the majority of flat screens have a monitor hookup and we can stream it from the laptop to the flat screen?

Seeing that my set up isnt even hooked up yet...I may be wayyyy off base with this, but thats what I do with my netflix. I download to my laptop, but use the monitor cable hookup to watch on the tv. ???

 

[OceanStateWitch]

Question - if everyone can use the download to PC thing....for dtv thats been recorded on their dvr...y are we getting more receivers when the majority of flat screens have a monitor hookup and we can stream it from the laptop to the flat screen?

Seeing that my set up isnt even hooked up yet...I may be wayyyy off base with this, but thats what I do with my netflix. I download to my laptop, but use the monitor cable hookup to watch on the tv. ???

Im quoting myself..hahaha

Other than watching LIVE tv...

I'm a nerd that doesnt watch TV...I play video games and play with puters. Hubby watches tv..he corrected me.

 

[Poke]

Yeah use the DECA it will make things easier for everyone and again take care of all your devices once installed.

 

[redbandit98]

no I havent ordered the whole home upgrade yet, I was trying to get all the facts before I did. I was not sure what it would cost to add it to the order. I just ordered another HR24 in place of my H24. I had some questions though. Say if I want to record two shows and watch one live. With the whole home can I set my second receiver up to record the two shows while im watching the third one all from the first receiver? Basicaly if there is a show Im watching now, but two others on I want recorded can I set it all up from either receiver since they are now networked? Can I watch what was recorded on either one from either of the two tvs? Sorry so many questions I just didnt want to bombard the operator when I call. I just want to say add the whole home DVR to my order or no. I think I read it was 25 dollars since I already have the single wire and the two HR24's thus not needing to upgrade any eqipment. Thanks a whole lot and I promise after this I will leave you guys alone. :tux:

 

[Poke]

Hmm I know that with my setup a HR24 and a HDReceiver that when I setup up the HR24 to record two shows at the same time like 7 p.m. That the TV with the HDDVR on it I had to watch one of the things that I was recording. Now on the other TV with just the HD Receiver I think I could still watch live programing or what I wanted. Now if you just record one thing at a time you can watch whatever you want on either TV. Only time you had to watch what you were recording is when your record 2 things at the same time.

My guess would be with your setup with 2 HR24 is you could do 2 different things. One is lets say HR24 =Living RM and your second HR24 is Master BR. Ok from Living RM HR24 you might trying sending both shows that you want to record to Master BR HR24. This should send the recordings to record to that HR24 in the Master BR which means you should be able to watch what you want on the Living RM HR24. Or 2nd thing you could try with 2 HR24's is this. Record one show on the Living RM HR24 at 7pm and record the other show lets say that starts at 7pm on the 2nd HR24 Master BR. If you do it this way both HR24s are only doing one recording at a time. If you do it this way I think then you would be able to watch live tv on either TV since their only doing 1 recording instead of 2. These are somethings you can try this is my guess on how it would work with 2 HR24's.. Hope that helps.

 

[redbandit98]

thanks for your replies. I had to pull all new phone cable in today since I am upgrading my internet service. I had old cable and upgraded to cat5. While I was at it, I went ahead and ran a cat 5 drop to both receiver locations. If I choose not to go with the DECA, will direct TV enable the MRV feature for me if I call them? I realize it will cost 3 bucks a month. I was sold on going the whole home DVR way but then I read you must pay the HD access fee for that service..I have no HD tv's so that is pointless for me to pay. I was just wondering if they would turn the MRV on without me having to pay the HD fee. If so I will hook both my ethernet connections up and call them and have them enable it.

 

[JAG72]

I am surprised that they will give out the HD boxes without the HD access fee unless you are in an area with MPEG4 only locals.

 

[redbandit98]

i dont know. I told the guy at the store that I didnt need the HD since I have a now extinct tube tv and he said all they install is the HD boxes now. Guess they are just thinking ahead. I have yet to hook my internet up to either box since Im waiting on the phone company to come and move my jbox to where my new wires are at. I really hope Direct TV doesnt give me any slack over trying to activate MRV without the DECA. Judging by other peoples post I probably will. Oh well, no since and having extra equipment when I already have a cat 5 at each receiver. Whats the worst that could happen they wont turn it on? I can live without it but I will still have the on demand.:up

 

[redbandit98]

well finally got my new hr24 and my phone line finishes. I now have both hr24s online. I did email cust service and request the unsupported service be activated. To my surprise they sent me back a generic response that included all sorts of info on whole home service and even thanked me for being a loyal customer for years. ( Ive only been with them 1.5 months lol). Anyways I guess Im going to have to call them and see what I can do. I did notice, however, that it states you need the hd access fee for the whole home dvr..Is this set in stone? I have no need for HD so Im not paying for it. Can I not just activate the MRV for 3 bucks a month and call it a day? :tux:

 

[armchair]

well finally got my new hr24 and my phone line finishes. I now have both hr24s online. I did email cust service and request the unsupported service be activated. To my surprise they sent me back a generic response that included all sorts of info on whole home service and even thanked me for being a loyal customer for years. ( Ive only been with them 1.5 months lol). Anyways I guess Im going to have to call them and see what I can do. I did notice, however, that it states you need the hd access fee for the whole home dvr..Is this set in stone? I have no need for HD so Im not paying for it. Can I not just activate the MRV for 3 bucks a month and call it a day? :tux:

Only option that makes any sense to me is to see if it's not too late to qualify for he free HD Access by signing-up for autopay. If possible, that would save the $10 fee and MRV could be added for the $3/month fee.

If you add MRV, get the Internet Connection Kit. Ask about that too when you call.

 

[DetFan]

Only option that makes any sense to me is to see if it's not too late to qualify for he free HD Access by signing-up for autopay. If possible, that would save the $10 fee and MRV could be added for the $3/month fee.

If you add MRV, get the Internet Connection Kit. Ask about that too when you call.

Hey Armchair, I am asking you this because you have a similar set up that I do..
How did you get the internet connection kit to work with your HR24? I have 2 of those and an HR21 and while WHDVR works great I cannot get an internet connection to work..It looks pretty self explanatory to me and it appears that I have set up the kit properly..Yet not connection..Can you tell me how you have it hooked up?

 

[harshness]

DetFan: What are the IP addresses of your HD DVRS?

 

[DetFan]

Nevermind, I got it..See I originally had it set up with an HR21 and WHDVR but i replaced two receivers this week with hr24's and I could not get it going. I looked one more time to make sure I had it right and I did only I forgot to remove the band stop filter if thats what its even called..as soon as i did that, I was golden..