DirecTV Launches 21 HD channels > Concerns

Concerns

I'm in the same position Dmoralize, and I'd rather stick with the HD-Tivo then receive new HD channels. I sure hope DirecTv gets the message and establishes a new relationship with Tivo.
--
"Speak for yourself "Chadmaster" - lesopp

reply to Dmoralize
You're not alone. I may not upgrade if I can't convince them to upgrade me for free....

UPGRADE. Ditch that horrible Tivo Software and enjoy HD channels no longer in HD LITE!!!!!!!!!!!

While I think calling the Tivo Software "horrible" is a bit insane, I do have to agree that the upgrade is worth it. I loved my HR10-250, upgrading only because I had to have the dual output option of the HR20. And sure it took awhile for me to like it, mostly due to the buggy software at first, but they've worked all (atleast most) of those issues out, and have a pretty solid receiver now.

After a week or two of playing with the HR20, you'll never want to go back to the HR10.
--
Intel Quad Core QX6700 @3500Mhz/Asus P5N32-E SLI/4x 1024Mb Corsair/WD 74Gb Raptor/PNY 7800GTs SLI/Antec 550 True Control/Custom water cooler

reply to Karl Bode
Most people with HR10-250s are able to get them replaced either for free or a minimal charge, provided your account is in good standing.

Call them up, at the voice prompt say "Cancel Service". This puts you in to a different group of CSRs than "Tier 1". Tell them you went to look for all the new HD channels based on Web News reports but can't get them, and tell them you paid a bundle for an HR10 D*TiVO. I'd bet you'll get a good deal....

Yeah I think all I had to pay was the shipping fee. But I've had mine awhile now, I'm sure offers/deals/options have changed.

reply to dbmaven
I read something about some people needing a new dish as well? Is that true?

Yes, the new channels are on a different satellite. They had to come out and install a new dish and installed an HR20 at our place a few weeks back (I already had HD service via two HR10-250 receivers.)

Check out this FAQ. It includes the hardware requirements for the new channels:
»www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99528

reply to Camelot One
I agree with Camelot One; the HR20 is now very comarible to Tivo. Most recent updates have fixed a lot of bugs (IMO) I liked the feature on Tivo of when you go 3-4 speed in FF/RWD the software would automatically back up when you hit play knowing that you over shot you stop point. Now the HR20 does this. I still miss a lot of the Tivo interface though.

reply to Karl Bode
Yup. We're up to a big honking 5-LNB dish. From the looks of the mounting hardware, I think it could probably stay lined up after a direct strike from an F-3 tornado. . .

reply to Camelot One
I "upgraded" to the HR-20 6 months ago when I got my HD set and I absolutely HATE this piece of junk. It's not at all intuitive and there are some basic functions that I still haven't figured out how to do yet. Not to mention the software bugs that have plagued this unit and they're just now ironing out. My wife and daughter hate it so much that they go up to the bedroom to watch SD on our old Tivo.

reply to Karl Bode
You'll need this bad boy, which direcTV will come out and install for free.

reply to fireflier
I've mounted several... so long as the lag bolts are in good solid wood, I can hang from the mast, and I'm over 200 pounds!

reply to Jeffro58

reply to PolarBear03
And if they're replacing an existing dish where the cabling is already run and the receivers are already active, they can do it in no time! Took my installer about 10 minutes to mount it and align it.