DirecTV's PC tuner (HDPC-20) is real!

We're not sure where Earl from DBSTalk got these scans, but we're so excited to get some official confirmation that this device exists, that we really don't care. The HDPC-20 is a dual tuner device that connects via USB to your PC and allows you to record and watch DirecTV programming on your computer -- and curiously includes an Ethernet port. It supports Vista Media center, but also appears to work with the regular flavor of Windows. What might be the best news is that from what we have here, there is no indication that it will have a OEM requirement like its cable equivalent. There isn't any word on price or availability, but after two years of waiting, we'll find a way to hold on for a little while longer till this thing hits the streets.

Picture of the rear and more details after the jump.

[Ashley Allen @ Jan 8th 2008 6:11AM]

It's real!

Hopefully Sky will release a similar thing over here in the UK. I don't see why not, it basically the same system as DirecTV.

I wonder if you can have 2 of these on a machine?

[Josh @ Jan 8th 2008 6:47AM]

Oh Thank GOD! Finally I have a reason to ditch Comcast...

Now, if only FiOS would come to my town...

[Lazarus Dark @ Jan 8th 2008 7:15AM]

que the hallelujah chorus!!!!

If it has full capabilities and full access to all hd channels, this is like the holy grail.

There really is a God... *tears up*

[brad murphy @ Jan 8th 2008 7:52AM]

This is huge! I'm a 15 year dish customer and if this is the real deal I'll ditch Dish in a New York Second! I want my content on my home media server and I want it now!

[Ladderless @ Jan 8th 2008 7:31AM]

Now my dream of a whole-house DirecTV server is closer to reality.

How easy is it to consistantly send HD over WIFI? What about an HD wireless receiver? It would be nice not to have a wired (or wireless) computer at each TV.

[Ashley Allen @ Jan 8th 2008 7:40AM]

HD over wireless is possible, but it's not advised. A good solution could be to use homeplug type networking.

You don't need to have a PC near your TV, you just need a Media Center Extender.

[Deezul @ Jan 8th 2008 12:25PM]

Time to buy a 3rd 360 for the bedroom. I wonder if I can hook TWO of these up to a huge Vista server and drop one or two of my other D* receivers.

[Deezul @ Jan 8th 2008 12:43PM]

Time to buy a 3rd 360 for the bedroom. I wonder if I can hook TWO of these up to a huge Vista server and drop one or two of my other D* receivers.

[CaptCaveman @ Jan 8th 2008 7:06PM]

I've done HD over wireless (802.11G). It worked for several weeks. Then some interference popped up and I couldn't find a good channel again and went to wired.
I also tried it over 802.11a. It worked good but I couldn't find an A/G router that didn't have some sort of issue.
Now that I'm out in the middle of nowhere I will try wireless again (802.11G) and see what happens. I've not had a chance to test anything out as of yet but other then my microwave there shouldn't be much around to fight with my signal.

[Chip @ Jan 8th 2008 7:38AM]

OOOooo love it. Like a virtual kick in the nuts to CableLabs. Oh wait, is there some DRM fine print? Ah heck, even if there is, it still sounds like I can use my own box as opposed to that CableCard crap.

[mase @ Jan 8th 2008 7:47AM]

I bet the ethernet port is for DirecTV on Demand (DOD), which is currently available on the HR20 DVR in beta form. It streams/downloads programs over the internet instead of through the dish.

[Dougm @ Jan 8th 2008 7:46AM]

The ethernet port will be used for DirecTV on Demand, just like the receivers now.

[Drew @ Jan 8th 2008 7:49AM]

mac support?

[tyler @ Jan 8th 2008 8:13AM]

2nd that one

[jagowar @ Jan 8th 2008 9:11AM]

doubtful since it says it requires windows vista and was developed in conjunction with microsoft specifically for media center.

sagetv would be much more likely imo.

[Jitpal Kocher @ Jan 8th 2008 9:12AM]

Third...

[barlo.mung @ Jan 8th 2008 9:33AM]

You need Apple to make real media centers first. That apple tv crap just doesn't cut it.

[john @ Jan 8th 2008 9:32AM]

me too.

Seems like, with the popularity of the iPhone and iPod-Touch, it's rather stupid to not make this thing work with iTunes (and therefore Apple TV). Might as well make this thing Mac friendly if you do that.

Maybe El Gato will make a version of their EyeTV software which can control it on a Mac. That'd be good. And maybe El Gato will make it capable of controlling multiple devices ... then you could simultaneously record multiple shows (the way my DirecTivo2 can).

[CaptCaveman @ Jan 8th 2008 7:08PM]

This was a Microsoft / Directv joint venture. Somehow I don't think that Apple was invited to the party.

[tl @ Jan 8th 2008 8:43AM]

No OTA tuners?!

[Tony @ Jan 8th 2008 10:50AM]

Why would you need them? Just add a $50 OTA tuner to your Media Center and it will put it all on the same guide.

[OneLove @ Jan 8th 2008 11:27AM]

exactly! free yo self people!

[Patrick @ Jan 8th 2008 8:57AM]

OH BABY

Digging the dual tuners in one box as well! :D

[Patrick @ Jan 8th 2008 8:57AM]

OH BABY

Digging the dual tuners in one box as well! :D

[N. Ziarek @ Jan 8th 2008 9:01AM]

Drew...I'm ashamed you would even ask. Of course not.

Has anybody mentioned the USB ports on the back of my MPEG4-capable TiVo Series3 yet?

'cause that would rock.

[Ruben @ Jan 8th 2008 9:15AM]

Oh, Canada; why cant we get DirecTV here?

I hope our government knows that the reason there is so much Satellite theft is because we have the worst options out there.

...and we really dont want to see Canadian commercials. Has anyone watched an NFL game that has been hijacked by canadian channels?

[jrgrade @ Jan 8th 2008 9:24AM]

If it's from Earl then it's all true. I would assume the Ethernet port is for the DOD content. As much as it sucks, DOD for D* comes from the internet. There is also talk of having multi-room viewing soon, so the port may allow connection to other devices like the HR2x DVR's. Wouldn't that be nice?!

[Stephen @ Jan 9th 2008 7:54PM]

I would assume the ethernet port is for networking with existing TV receivers like the HR-20. I have one and didn't know about the DOD. I'll have to look into it.

[jrgrade @ Jan 10th 2008 9:24AM]

Thats what I was saying about multi-room viewing. Remote booking also comes from the Ethernet/internet. Media share also takes advantage of the Ethernet port, but it is still buggy even with the national release 0x1EA.

[Jeff @ Jan 8th 2008 9:30AM]

I ditched DirecTV last year in hopes of building a Vista MCE with cablecard but the DIY restriction kept me from achieving bliss. Now, it looks like I will jump back to DirecTV! YEAH!

[Earl Bonovich @ Jan 8th 2008 9:55AM]

Out of fairness....
The brochure was available in the DirecTV CES display... not sure if it was limited quantities or is still there today.

One of our forum members at DBSTalk (who lives local to Las Vegas), did the scan and sent me the file. I didn't pack the scanner for the trip to Vegas (I'll remember that next year).

Thanks Engadget for the Kudos/Shoutout....

But yes, this is a very real product...... hopefully soon after CES, I can get some solid estimated time frames on when they will hit the streets.

[Doug @ Jan 8th 2008 10:15AM]

The write up does not mention this thing pulling HD feeds off of D*, nothing in the product text mentions it that I can see. I think (hope) it's probably an oversite, but just because the device name has HD in it, I'm not counting my chickens.

[e_rocm @ Jan 8th 2008 10:33AM]

If this thing does HD then I'm in. I would even cancel my Dish contract and pay the termination fee.

[Gaber @ Jan 8th 2008 11:09AM]

This is the device that will finally get me to switch to DirecTV. Not the NFL package (which I really want), not the dozens of HD channels (which I really want), but the ability to have one receiver station, and distribute the content with my own network. The fact that I don't 3 boxes so that we can watch TV in 3 different rooms is what has been keeping me with cable.

[shonntl @ Jan 8th 2008 12:14PM]

Crap, I just bought an XPS 420 with dual digital tuners for cablecard. If this can work with any pc and with any channel, including HD, the Dell is going back.

[PGP-Protector @ Jan 8th 2008 1:14PM]

Just enable the Network / USB on my DVR I've got (without needing to modify the firmware) and I'll be happy.

[x3n0s @ Jan 8th 2008 3:02PM]

I have to downgrade from xp to vista to use this? wtf!? Get with the times Directv.

[Mike @ Jan 8th 2008 4:01PM]

Anybody think you can use the second USB port to daisy chain this item?

[MikeB. @ Jan 8th 2008 5:03PM]

This sounds like what we have been waiting for, I hope you can connect two to get four tunders. Does "HD" mean that we get HD as well......

[treacherous @ Jan 9th 2008 11:02AM]

I had a dream (nightmare???) last night that this thing cost $1,100 each!

[palehorse @ Jan 9th 2008 1:59PM]

I'll remain a bit skeptical until we have confirmation that these things will allow unhindered recording of HD content on PC's...

Second, having FIOS now, I guess I'd need to sign up for D* HD service, and get a dish, eh?! DOH! How the heck can I justify having two different services to my wife?!

hmm... must start scheming now...

DAMN U CABLELABS!

[Bushwacr @ Jan 10th 2008 11:44AM]

How can it be unhindered when it requires Vista?

Last I looked Vista's whole purpose in life was to hinder.

[palehorse @ Jan 10th 2008 12:40PM]

I can deal with Vista... what I can't deal with is the Cablelabs' OEM bullshit required for Cablecard adapters!

So, if these devices will allow for HD recording on ANY Vista system, that's good enough for me... (or at least it's a start!)

[GatsbyAssassin @ Jan 17th 2008 9:30PM]

WOW- fingers crossed for Satellite Foxtel Support in Australia!

[justin @ Mar 26th 2008 4:15PM]

Any idea on output format?? Im assuming mpeg2 if it streams to 360s but that would mean losing the mpeg4 stream its broadcast in