OT: Direct TV / DVR / DVD/ Home Theater Thread

[sportdan30]

There are some pretty good movie channel promotions going on with Directv right now. For those like myself who don't subscribe to any movie channels, this was a nice surprise. I called to inquire about my bill, and asked how much HBO was per month, and was told there is a free three month promotion going on. There are other really good deals too on other movie channels.

[pk500]

Good thing it's free, because HBO isn't worth $15 per month if you're only into movies.

HBO seems to have taken the MTV route. Remember when MTV was about music and HBO was about movies? Both networks now focus more on their "original programming" than their respective roots content.

I could only see "Inception" so many times in the last 30 days. It seems that HBO hangs its movie hat on one or two new movies per month and beats them into submission through repeat showings. The rest of the movies are older or not that good. I'm sure "The Town" will be pulverized into viewers' corneas this month.

But HBO is still worth it if you're into good original programming such as the original series and sports shows. I get HBO just for boxing and the sports documentaries and still think I'm getting my money's worth.

I'd think differently if I was a movie buff. Netflix or a Red Box rental still seem to be the ticket if you're into movies. And HBO no longer has the market cornered on smart, quality, daring TV series. Cable networks such as AMC and FX are producing dramas of equal or better quality than some of the HBO series.

[sportdan30]

You make a good point Pk. We had Showtime for a month or two and I was really disappointed in the movie selection. The original programming didn't appeal to me very much either. With HBO, I'm really looking forward to watching the last season of Entourage. In the past, I've had to wait until the DVD was released for the prior season. I'm also very intrigued to see what kind of sports interest programming there is. I'm sure I'll find an ocassional movie here than there, but it's mainly for the two I mentioned.

The iPad also has an HBO app, so I'm curious what all is on there too.

[XXXIV]

The iPad also has an HBO app, so I'm curious what all is on there too.

I really like HBO GO on Comcast. Its very cool. I am thinking you will LOVE that app.

I agree with PK also. I hardly watch a movie on HBO unless its off of Xfinity On Demand....I do however watch their other stuff. The boxing, The documentaries and their original shows. From the defunct shows Like Rome, Deadwood, Sopranos and Flight of the Conchords to the current Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to death and the upcoming final season of Entourage it is great stuff.

[pk500]

I agree with PK also. I hardly watch a movie on HBO unless its off of Xfinity On Demand....I do however watch their other stuff. The boxing, The documentaries and their original shows. From the defunct shows Like Rome, Deadwood, Sopranos and Flight of the Conchords to the current Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to death and the upcoming final season of Entourage it is great stuff.

Don't forget the greatest defunct series in HBO -- and possibly television -- history, "The Wire."

[XXXIV]

I agree with PK also. I hardly watch a movie on HBO unless its off of Xfinity On Demand....I do however watch their other stuff. The boxing, The documentaries and their original shows. From the defunct shows Like Rome, Deadwood, Sopranos and Flight of the Conchords to the current Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to death and the upcoming final season of Entourage it is great stuff.

Don't forget the greatest defunct series in HBO -- and possibly television -- history, "The Wire."

Yes yes! an excellent show but I could have rambled forever. I also left out, on the current side, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

[wco81]

You make a good point Pk. We had Showtime for a month or two and I was really disappointed in the movie selection. The original programming didn't appeal to me very much either. With HBO, I'm really looking forward to watching the last season of Entourage. In the past, I've had to wait until the DVD was released for the prior season. I'm also very intrigued to see what kind of sports interest programming there is. I'm sure I'll find an ocassional movie here than there, but it's mainly for the two I mentioned.

The iPad also has an HBO app, so I'm curious what all is on there too.

It has every HBO series from the past on there, like The Sopranos. It doesn't have the really old stuff like Arliss or Dream On.

Right now, True Blood just started up. Gay Alan Ball sure likes to show beautiful womens' tits. Awesome!

Curb Your Enthusiasm is about to start up in a week or two.

BTW, if you subscribe to HBO, you can use your Direct TV login to use the hbogo.com site on a regular computer and hook that up to the HDTV. You can also do that from the iPad too, if you get the HDMI adapter.

Direct TV also has some HBO shows and movies on Demand. You have to have an Internet connection at the DVR though, to download the on demand shows to your DVR.

[fsquid]

I agree with PK also. I hardly watch a movie on HBO unless its off of Xfinity On Demand....I do however watch their other stuff. The boxing, The documentaries and their original shows. From the defunct shows Like Rome, Deadwood, Sopranos and Flight of the Conchords to the current Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Bored to death and the upcoming final season of Entourage it is great stuff.

Don't forget the greatest defunct series in HBO -- and possibly television -- history, "The Wire."

DirectV is replaying it on one of their own channels. GReat show. Only in SEason 4 though. If you come at the King, you best not miss.

[JackB1]

Does anyone know how u enter your wireless network's password into your Direct tv receivers settings? I looked and looked and can't find any screens where you enter the wireless password. Any help would be appreciated.

[JackB1]

Does anyone know how u enter your wireless network's password into your Direct tv receivers settings? I looked and looked and can't find any screens where you enter the wireless password. Any help would be appreciated.

Can anyone help? I spent hours on the phone with Direct TV and they just kept walking me through all these steps that I tried already?
They said that a screen pops up that detects that your wireless network is password protected and asks for the password, but I can't
figure out how to get this prompt?

[fsquid]

does your wireless have a password? did you try "admin" or "password"?

[fsquid]

By the way, if anyone wants to get RedZone free as a standalone with DTV (instead of getting the sunday ticket package), all you have to do is call them and ask.

[HipE]

Does anyone know how u enter your wireless network's password into your Direct tv receivers settings? I looked and looked and can't find any screens where you enter the wireless password. Any help would be appreciated.

Can anyone help? I spent hours on the phone with Direct TV and they just kept walking me through all these steps that I tried already?
They said that a screen pops up that detects that your wireless network is password protected and asks for the password, but I can't
figure out how to get this prompt?

You can't do it unless you have a wireless adapter connected, the receiver does not have any built-in wireless capabilities. You need to connect it to your router with an ethernet cable.

[wco81]

Or you can get a wireless to ethernet bridge.

They sell one for like $80 but you can pick them up cheaper.

[JackB1]

Guys......I have a wireless adapter hooked up to my Direct TV receiver. I guess I should have stated that, but I thought that was a given.

Anyway, everything worked fine until I added a password to my wireless network. I need to find out how you enter the password into your Network Setup
on the TV. It is supposed to prompt me somewhere, but it's not.

[JackB1]

does your wireless have a password? did you try "admin" or "password"?

yes - that's whats causing the issue. I know the password, but I don't know where it gets entered into the TV setup.

[fsquid]

gotcha, I'll take a look tonight if someone hasn't already answered.

[JackB1]

gotcha, I'll take a look tonight if someone hasn't already answered.

Any ideas?

[sportdan30]

Has anyone with Directv upgraded to the MRV programming? I believe that is what it's called. Similar to AT&T, you can do all your recording any one receiver, and then you can pause, watch that particular program in another room. Plus, I guess this MRV upgrade involves new touch screen receivers. I had Directv out to my house yesterday because I was interested in having an HD-DVR brought up from our basement to our loft. It was then that it was described to me that it would be easier to run one line and upgrade my equipment (I have two old HD receivers) and qualify me for the MRV programming.

I ended up spending $199, but I'll receive a receiver as well. He also noted for the tech to bring out an additional receiver as the one in our bedroom is noisy and overheating. So, I guess I'll have two new receivers which really convinced me to go with this new programming.

Was just curious if anyone has upgraded to MRV as well.

[fsquid]

gotcha, I'll take a look tonight if someone hasn't already answered.

Any ideas?

My bad mate, work has gotten in the way the last two night. I promise to give it a look tonight.

[fsquid]

does your wireless have a password? did you try "admin" or "password"?

yes - that's whats causing the issue. I know the password, but I don't know where it gets entered into the TV setup.

my wife just told me it is under Settings ------> Setup -----------> Network

[skinsfan]

Has anyone with Directv upgraded to the MRV programming? I believe that is what it's called. Similar to AT&T, you can do all your recording any one receiver, and then you can pause, watch that particular program in another room. Plus, I guess this MRV upgrade involves new touch screen receivers. I had Directv out to my house yesterday because I was interested in having an HD-DVR brought up from our basement to our loft. It was then that it was described to me that it would be easier to run one line and upgrade my equipment (I have two old HD receivers) and qualify me for the MRV programming.

I ended up spending $199, but I'll receive a receiver as well. He also noted for the tech to bring out an additional receiver as the one in our bedroom is noisy and overheating. So, I guess I'll have two new receivers which really convinced me to go with this new programming.

Was just curious if anyone has upgraded to MRV as well.

I just had a new install from Direct,including Whole House DVR. Works great,but I don't know about any "touch screen receivers".
The DVR installed was a new HR24 with a 500GB HDD. The other receivers are the new H25's.
It all works as advertised for me.

[wco81]

Has anyone with Directv upgraded to the MRV programming? I believe that is what it's called. Similar to AT&T, you can do all your recording any one receiver, and then you can pause, watch that particular program in another room. Plus, I guess this MRV upgrade involves new touch screen receivers. I had Directv out to my house yesterday because I was interested in having an HD-DVR brought up from our basement to our loft. It was then that it was described to me that it would be easier to run one line and upgrade my equipment (I have two old HD receivers) and qualify me for the MRV programming.

I ended up spending $199, but I'll receive a receiver as well. He also noted for the tech to bring out an additional receiver as the one in our bedroom is noisy and overheating. So, I guess I'll have two new receivers which really convinced me to go with this new programming.

Was just curious if anyone has upgraded to MRV as well.

If you're out of contract, I'd demand at least programming credits to offset the upfront costs. Threaten to cancel service if necessary, so you get put on with the Retention dept. It's been awhile but people report on AVS of being able to offset most or all of the costs of new DVRs.

Any time you get a piece of equipment, your contract renews for 2 years. The MRV would require a new switch and possibly new wiring. There is also a monthly fee.

[F308GTB]

If you're out of contract, I'd demand at least programming credits to offset the upfront costs. Threaten to cancel service if necessary, so you get put on with the Retention dept. It's been awhile but people report on AVS of being able to offset most or all of the costs of new DVRs.

Any time you get a piece of equipment, your contract renews for 2 years. The MRV would require a new switch and possibly new wiring. There is also a monthly fee.

Or just dump Directv. I did after getting screwed too many times (forced equipment, cost increases, pixelated transmissions, weather outages). The final straw was when they said I had to upgrade to a new receiver to be compatible with their system. I paid $600 out of pocket many years ago for a Directv receiver with OTA HD. The "upgrade" meant I was no longer getting all my local HD sub-channels and I was asked to pay $10 a month to get those locals I was getting over the air for free.

I'm getting much better service, more channels, and lower payments with Uverse.

[wco81]

But inferior PQ, if reports are true.

With Verizon FiOS was available here rather than UVerse.