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DirecTV software update locks up HD DVRs nationwide -- Update: Fixed
It looks like one of DirecTV's astronauts had more trouble flipping switches than their DISH counterparts, after a software or guide data update last night knocked out HD DVRs all over -- and not for the first time. Currently the only advice needed to get back in working order is to reset the box twice (there's a red button on the front, underneath the flap) within a thirty minute period (the official website indicates you can wait as little as 15 seconds between resets) and all should be well, but good luck getting through to customer service to get that message right now. Countdown to an apology starts... now. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: According to DirecTV's website, a "transmission glitch" was to blame and it has automatically reset affected receivers from its end, so no further red button pushing should be necessary. [Thanks, Blake!]
DirecTV adds "dual live buffers" to its HD DVR
The feature we all know and love as dual live buffers has finally comes to DirecTV's HR21/HR20 with the snazzy name of Doubleplay. Not a moment too soon either as there's no better time to be able to pause and rewind live TV on two different channels at once than when watching football -- never did understand why all the NFL games were on at the same time. The other sports related feature, called Live Extension, to make it out of beta this week gives users the ability to easily extend a recording. The default is an extra 30 minutes, which is usually enough to grab a game that goes a little long, but if the game goes into overtime you can extend it up to three hours.
Cutting Edge update brings multiroom, dual live buffers to DirecTV HR2x / R22 HD DVRs
DirecTV HD DVR owners keeping an eye on Cutting Edge releases got a special treat this weekend with a new update that enabled multiroom viewing and dual live buffers on HR2x and R22 receivers. Allowing users to pause one tuner for up to 90 minutes while they watch the other, DBSTalk notes this test release is a "Very High Risk" so don't bother calling customer service if it doesn't work properly, and if you missed the downloading window Friday then you'll have to wait for the next test period -- or whenever DirecTV is confident it has worked out all the kinks -- to give the new (or old, if you're a DirecTivo owner) features a try.[Thanks, Kevin]
DirecTV DVR software update hits the stage again, now with slightly less fail
That botched DirecTV software update a couple weeks ago that locked up DVRs everywhere, causing missed shows, global warming, spousal abuse and general melancholy amongst the populace? It's back and locking up boxes across the land again, however this time, after rebooting their HR2x units and wondering how they'll go on without a DVR'd episode of this afternoon's Judge Judy, DirecTV subs will be greeted with a message proclaiming them the proud owners of a 1080p video on-demand capable set-top box, with improved "cellphone style" search via the remote and enhanced channel guide info including more actors. We probably can't expect more than another apology letter from the satcaster, but tell us, does knowing what all this pain was for make it any easier? [Thanks to Chris for the pic & everyone who sent this in]
DirecTV confirms HD DVR / receiver glitch, apologizes profusely
So it's true -- hordes of DirecTV users weren't just dreaming about a glitch that required a painstaking reboot to start the week off. DirecTV has sent out e-mails to loads of affected users which were unexpectedly forced to mash the red "Reset" button located within a door on the front panel of their HD DVR / receiver in order to get things going again. Of course, even the mighty satcaster can't replace any missed recordings that were scheduled, but it is "sincerely" sorry for the inconvenience. You'll still be paying your full bill, though, so it's not that sorry.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Botched DirecTV software update requiring HR2X STBs to be restarted?
Generally, we'd pass something like this off as just coincidence, but when over 95% of 1,000+ respondents confess to sharing the same issue, we simply can't turn the other cheek. It's assumed that DirecTV botched up a software update early this morning that affected a number of HR2X set-tops. Over at DBSTalk, the vast majority of readers who voluntarily took part in a poll affirmed that at least one of their HR2X units required a restart / reboot this morning. We know there's no real point in asking if you too were affected, but that aside, what was DirecTV attempting to send down? The world may never know.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
DirecTV AM21 finally available
A keen observer over at DBSTalk noticed that the ATSC tuner add on for the HR21 is finally available on DirecTV.com for purchase. This $50 accessory will enable HR21 owners to tune into and record OTA HD channels and is a must have for anyone who wants access to every local HD channel in their area. Although DirecTV caries HD locals in most markets, it doesn't carry all the HD channels in those same markets. As expected, it'll let you record two shows at once, but unfortunately it doesn't work with the H21 HD receiver (non-DVR).
Orb plays nice with DirecTV HR21 on video
Oh sure, DirecTV's Media Share has allowed Viiv-certified machines to network in for a good while now, but what if you just so happen to prefer Orb? The same streaming software that functions with the Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has been caught playing nice (read: transmitting media from a WiFi-enabled laptop) with an HR21 HD DVR. Judging by the looks of things, the setup procedure isn't all that different from syncing up a traditional Viiv machine, but feel free to peek a step-by-step video posted after the jump if you're looking to give it a go yourself.
A first look at the DirecTV AM21
Back in the day, the idea of buying an HD satellite receiver without an integrated ATSC tuner was unheard of, but with all the markets with HD locals these days, it's hard to argue that everyone needs an OTA tuner. DirecTV -- like all companies -- is alway looking for ways to save money, so on the latest lineup of receivers, ATSC was left out. To help out those customers who still have the need for an OTA tuner, DirecTV is going to release a $69 companion tuner for the HR21 (regular and pro). This little dual tuner box connects via USB and piggy backs off the main unit's power via a daisy chain method to help try to cut back on cables. There's no word on availability yet, and while we're sure someone is excited about this, we're holding holding out for the HDPC-20. Another pic' of the lovely couple after the break.
DirecTV's HR21 Pro gets inspected, now available
Remember that gorgeous new DirecTV HD DVR that stirred the pot at CEDIA last September? Sure enough, said box is finally available to the masses. Of course, it will run you $599 to own, but that's where DBSTalk's first look comes in -- to help you decide, not help you finance it. Those lucky buggers managed to snag one of their very own and test it out, and noted that it came stocked with a 500GB Seagate drive and the same software set as the HR21-200. Also of note, the HDMI socket is v1.2 (with HDCP 1.1), and there's more ports 'round back than you can shake a stick at. Anxious for more? Head on down to the read link for a bevy of snapshots and the full blown review. [Thanks, Earl]
DirecTV on Demand becoming active for HR21 users
Heads-up, DirecTV subscribers -- if you're the proud owner of an HR21 HD DVR, you too can join your HR20-owning brethren in the DirecTV on Demand fun. Reportedly, nothing is "new" here, per se, and it is still technically in beta, but it seems that just about everyone in the DTV community now has access to DOD. So, HR21 users, how is it? Feel free to sound off in comments below, and if you're still unsure what all the fuss is about, try looking for an OnDemand option in your menu (and celebrate once you spot it).[Thanks to Earl and everyone who sent this in]
DirecTV's HR20 / HR21 HD DVRs drop to $199.99
The title pretty much says it all here -- DirecTV's HR20 / HR21 are now available at a number of places for just $199.99. For new customers, there's even a $99 rebate that will bring your up-front costs down even further, and we all know there are deals to be had if you fling the word "cable" or "fiber" around while on the phone with a CSR. So, any of you DirecTV users springing for the upgrade?
DirecTV intros dual ATSC tuner AM21 to piggyback HR21
If your DirecTV HR21 leaves you feeling empty because you want need to streamline your over-the-air ATSC side of the house, listen up. DirecTV's AM21 is your answer. For $59, you can pick one up, stack it above or below your HR21, connect it via USB, and bask in the glow of dual tuner ATSC programming (integrated with your OSG, to boot). It's not a bad looking little black box at all, and the price is reasonable. It's being shown off at CES, and you can expect it to be available at the end of February.
DBSTalks take a first look at the DirecTV HR21-700 HD DVR
The folks over at DBSTalk got an early look at DirecTV's latest HD DVR, the HR21-700. This unit appears to be an alternative to the HR20, rather than a replacement. The main difference between the HR20 and HR21 is that just like the HR21 Pro, the HR21 doesn't include an ATSC tuner for OTA HD broadcasts. This may be a problem for some because DirecTV doesn't offer all the HD locals in most markets. The HR21 also includes two Ethernet ports to eliminate the need for a switch when stacking multiple units, and is reportatly only available in a piano black finish. What really confuses us is that the MSRP is the same as the HR20, despite the lack of OTA tuner. Unfortunetly, the "first look" doesn't really provide much insight into the functional differences between the HR20 and HR21, but does say "Some sections of the HR21 setup menu seem to be faster than those on the HR20, while other parts are slower". The new unit does include faster chips so once the box hits the street we'll be very interested in hearing how the performance of this unit compares to the HR20.
DirecTV's HR21 pro gets official
DirecTV's new hardware rollout has been in the making for some time and now the latest addition to the lineup has been officially unveiled at CEDIA. The HR21-200 was leaked last week, and we've seen prototypes at other shows, but now the prosumer DVR will finally go into production around the end of October and offers some nice features for custom installers -- or anyone who's serious about their home theater -- like being rack mountable without a Middle Atlantic shelf, having a built in fiber HDMI port for long runs, or double the storage capacity of the HR20 (about 100 hours of MPEG-4 HD). In fact, the only downside seems to be the omission of OTA tuners, which is a non-issue if DirecTV HD locals are available in your area, but that can be a drag until DirecTV adds all the HD locals in every market.
DirecTV's CEDIA booth tour
There's just no way to followup a visit to Dish Network's booth than to hit up DirecTV directly afterwards, eh? Sadly, DirecTV's space was packed to the brim with individuals and an excessive amount of TVs, but we squeaked our way through the madness to get some shots of the company's HR21 Pro, which touts a sexy black chassis, a slew of ports in the rear, and interestingly enough, Viiv-certification. Oh, and the only murmurs we heard about the next big rollout of channels involved the phrase "between next week and next year."%Gallery-7069%
