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pre-order
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Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer

quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
Robert, so you fly out on Wednesday or are you going tomorrow?

Thanks Stu!

Yes, I leave tomorrow, late evening.

Posted by: Kamakzie

Cool, good luck we are all excited!

Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer

Yes, tracking # will be sent immediately. Most orders will ship UPS, some via Fed Ex.

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
I've got most of those on hard buttons on my Pronto 3000, except I have skip to end and tripple ffwd on hard buttons, rewind is a soft button I have no problem finding by touch. Its just above play. I also have home, system on and system off on hard buttons.

The Pronto 3000 has 17 usable hard buttons, the chan/vol up/down mute up the side, 4 firm buttons below the screen (with soft lables), a cursor pad and 4 buttons surrounding it. With all the screen being programmable, I find I can get twice the functionality on every screen over a 2000.

The 3000 has a few issues with speed, which should be a lot better when I get last Firday's firmware update installed.

Basically I like buttons which tell me what they do, not anonymous rows of buttons which look the same no matter what they do. The 3000 is my favorite compromise, (hopefully not so much of a compromise when I get it updated).

Yeah, for all those reasons, I considered the 3000 when my 2000 prematurely died (anybody wanna take a guess who would win in a fight between an LCD touchscreen and my son's oxygen tank?), but the price was the immediate concern (the extra $$$ for the Pronto ended up going to a hospital copay for the son with the oxygen tank), so I went with the 659. Now that I've got it, I don't miss the Pronto at all. Not a bit.

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by dandrewk
Amazing how you can come to all those conclusions without even trying a Pronto. I guess it would help if there was a kernel of reality in your assumptions.

I tried a Pronto for 2 years. I kept trying to convince myself that it didn't suck, but it did.

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
I agree, do you like the black or silver finish on the new Harmony 688, " Digital Video Remote" I'm hoping I ordered the silver to back ratio correctly.

The black looks a lot more like the TiVo-brand remotes, plus it looks more like my current 659. That said, I prefer the silver :D

Posted by: Kamakzie

I'm dreaming that you go out there and the factory says "Hey Robert here are 25 extra units for you!" :D I can dream being at 220 hehe.

Posted by: bmccrea

Thank You for the shipper & tracking number info-- That's been wondered about for about the last 40 pages of this thread or so.....

--B

Posted by: beardad

quote:
Originally posted by steel6
AH-64A driver for 10+ years.

You do realize helicopters don't really fly... They are just so ugly the earth repels them....:p

Posted by: Craig540

quote:
Originally posted by beardad
You do realize helicopters don't really fly... They are just so ugly the earth repels them....:p

You have it wrong, they just beat the air hard enough to fly.
And this one looks pretty good.
Check out my helo.

http://www.fototime.com/242E01966BD993B/standard.jpg

Craig

Posted by: TallGuy

Just got through today's 242 posts. Can't wait until I get my life back by receiving the blessed box and unsubscribing from this thread. Or am I addicted?

I just counted the number of emails in my Trash since Feb. 1 entitled "Reply to post 'pre-order'". There are 242. Coincidence?

We really have to make sure that there's a brand new thread about using the HD-TiVo that's separate from all of these pre-order posts, since the pre-ordering will continue for months.

Posted by: ArmyEagle

quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
I don't understand how anyone could like the separate discrete 4 buttons around the center button better than a pivot. To go up in a menu, u have to lift your thumb up off the middle button and physically push the upper button. And the same motion for moving right or left, or down. It's much harder and slower if u ask me having 5 buttons instead of one single round pivot. With the pivot, u simply shift right, left, down, or up and click all with the same button... much easier.

I agree!

Posted by: ArmyEagle

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
You slide yuor thumb around, you don't lift it up, move it, then place it down again.

It makes it clear what you're pressing; you don't accidentally press something (like the center button) because you've got your thumb mispositioned.

The pivot thing is the one thing about the MX-700 I hate, too. And I mean HATE. Were it not for everything else about the remote, I'd never consider a remote with a pivot button at all. Unless it ALSO had discrete buttons. But I don't want the functionality I use regularly to be a pivot button.

Maybe that's your problem. You're using your thumb instead of your index finger.

Posted by: Starrbuck

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Your #21, congratulations!

TWENTY-ONE! OH MY GAWD! ;-)

You have to upgrade me to next day shipping now. :-)

Thanks, Robert.

Posted by: beardad

quote:
Originally posted by Craig540
You have it wrong, they just beat the air hard enough to fly.
And this one looks pretty good.
Check out my helo.

http://www.fototime.com/242E01966BD993B/standard.jpg

Craig

Snow and Helos don't usually mix well..do they? Otherwise rather cool picture...:up:

Is that where you are installing the new TiVo?

Posted by: Craig540

quote:
Originally posted by beardad
Snow and Helos don't usually mix well..do they? Otherwise rather cool picture...:up:

Is that where you are installing the new TiVo?

Thanks !

No I can not afford the Sat tracking system (:

Posted by: Darin

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I only find it hard to believe in that this would be the first device I've ever heard of that generates component and DVI output, but not both simultaneously.

My T160 won't do both simultaneously, even though it WILL do simultaneous SD and HD output. But the HD, you have to pick... either DVI, component, or RGB.

Posted by: Darin

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I have two of them actually... the MX-700 and a B&K branded version of it.

See Doug, it just wouldn't make sense... we'd have too much duplication. ;)

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by dr_mal
I tried a Pronto for 2 years. I kept trying to convince myself that it didn't suck, but it did.

You're weird, Pronto's don't suck.

Posted by: Marty M

I'm trying this again because I think my request got lost in this very long thread!

TO ROBERT:

(1) Can you post a pdf of the owner's manual? The Hughes site does not include this model. And the FAQ does not include the manual. Someone must have the manual in pdf form since the units are soon to be shipping.

(2) If I recall correctly, the last shipping schedule indicated that 200 would be shipped this week, and 200 next week.

Is that still the case?

Thanks for the response and for posting the owner's manual when it is available.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Darin
See Doug, it just wouldn't make sense... we'd have too much duplication. ;)

If have everything is good. Having two of everything is better. Then it follows that having three (or more) of everything is even better.

Posted by: SteveWinNJ

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry Stu, no LAX meeting, I'm too busy getting ready for my marathon shipping day,...

I had a nightmare after watching the Sopranos on Sunday. I was thinking, "hey, I'll be recording the show in HDTV very soon" before drifting off to sleep.

Then, I had one of those really life-like dreams...ya know the kind that when you wake up you still aren't sure if it really happened?

Robert goes to meet Kamakzie near LAX to deliver the unit in person. He is sick of his numerous posts and wants him out of his hair even though he is #220 in line. Then Tony Soprano shows up with the boys and takes the whole load down and drives it away on a car transporter.

I'm not positive, but I think Doug was up front with Paulie driving! Or was it Joe Golf? ;)

Posted by: Will-san

quote:
Ideally, the whole thing would be completely voice controlled and have sufficient AI capabilities tio understand my intent, not just what I say.

Naw then you'd be talking over the movie all the time. It needs to underestand your thoughts. of course the problem there is that it would keep switching over to ESPN while my girlfriend is trying to watch Sex in the City.

Posted by: steel6

quote:
Originally posted by beardad
You do realize helicopters don't really fly... They are just so ugly the earth repels them....:p

Especially when you put lots of weapons on them and then put a TCU Frog in the front seat, talk about a steely eyed killer!!

Hey maybe they will broadcast "Firebirds" in HD. But then again, it sucked so bad in SD I can only imagine how bad it would be in HD....:confused:

Posted by: RANSOME

Just got my Harmony-659 remote.I thought someone would have to pry my theater master mx-500 from my cold dead hand.This Harmony kicks the mx-500's ass.
I set up all my macros and devices in about 45 minutes works perfect,it is smaller than I thought which is nice.The wife loves it right away, learning curve is 2 minutes, a monkey could learn(sorry honey).
Every component I have,Plasma,bravo d1,vcr,dvd recorder were in the computer data base and programed perfectly with all the discreet codes.
That being said,I will buy a black Harmony 688 when they come out.

Posted by: Alexander

Can you remap the "glow" button with the Harmony? On the 688, it's right where TiVo "select" should be, and that's how I have my MX-500 configured.

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Pick up the remote; don't look at it; now control your home theater system.

I can do almost anything I need to regularly do with my Pronto TSU-3000- (hard directional buttons with 4 surrounding buttons and 4 more hard "soft labeled" buttons, plus hard buttons for volume, mute, and channel). All-in-all, the better compromise between "all hard buttons and you're stuck with our layout/labels" and "no hard buttons, you have to look at the screen for everything."

Posted by: Marco

quote:
Originally posted by Marty M
(1) Can you post a pdf of the owner's manual? The Hughes site does not include this model. And the FAQ does not include the manual. Someone must have the manual in pdf form since the units are soon to be shipping.

If directv.com doesn't have this, I can't imagine why a retail dealer would.

Posted by: beardad

Everyone good luck on getting the new toys. I will be gone for a few days and can't wait to hear the first reports when I get back. If I can find an access point I will check on the thread.

Posted by: Gromit

I faxed my shipping chnage request to Robert this morning, but I'm guessing that it's too late. I was just too busy the last few days to fax it in.

Oh well, I guess there's a chance but it will probably be next week for me.

Posted by: aaronwt

Can the Harmony Remotes(659 and 658) be used with multiple Tivos? When I get the HD-TiVo I will have 3 in the same room. Will it easily work with them? Which one will work the best with the Tivos?

Posted by: Y0SHI

Do to unforseen circumstances I may need to end up selling my HD TiVo. I was curious if there would be a problem with this due to the activation agreement that I signed and returned to Robert? Will the unit need to be activated on my account in order to fulfill the agreement, or does it just need to be activated (on any account) within the time period, and then I would still have a one-year commitment?

Thanks

Posted by: steve1814

DTV TiVo Dealer:

When I made my pre-order I thought that if I decided to cancel my order before it shipped that I would get my money back..Now Wendy at your store says that it is for in-store credit...When I was over on the AVS board I didn't see that stipulation or I mis-read it...can you help me out here? I wanted to PM you with this matter, but your mail box is full

**Attention** if I can't get this resolved, would someone like to have my place in line? My order # is 13409 and you may get it sooner! All's I ask is that you send me $100.00 via paypal, I'll give you my place in line and the deposit that is on it...

send reply's to: remoteuser@verizon.net

Posted by: PJO1966

quote:
Originally posted by SteveWinNJ
I had a nightmare after watching the Sopranos on Sunday. I was thinking, "hey, I'll be recording the show in HDTV very soon" before drifting off to sleep.

Then, I had one of those really life-like dreams...ya know the kind that when you wake up you still aren't sure if it really happened?

Robert goes to meet Kamakzie near LAX to deliver the unit in person. He is sick of his numerous posts and wants him out of his hair even though he is #220 in line. Then Tony Soprano shows up with the boys and takes the whole load down and drives it away on a car transporter.

I'm not positive, but I think Doug was up front with Paulie driving! Or was it Joe Golf? ;)

Which Paulie? Me? Just because I'm 1/2 Sicilian and 1/2 Italian doesn't mean I'm in the mob! :D

Posted by: GreyGhost00

I'm a former OFA/JP1 user (Kameleon), and I have to say the Harmony kicks its rear end as well. I like the hard buttons as opposed to the smooth screen that you can't feel - you have to look at the remote the entire time.

The 659 handled everything I threw at it, including an HTPC that is dedicated for DVDs, running My HTPC with all of my music digitized and computer gaming.

I'm considering the 688 because of the improved PVR button location, but one thing that concerns me about the 688 is that all of the buttons are smooth and at the same level instead of separate, distinct raised buttons. I think it may be a step backwards with having all of the buttons adjacent to each other and at the same level. Seems it may make using the remote somewhat more difficult. I'll have to wait until I can HOLD one to decide for sure.

That said, I prefer the black over the silver.

Posted by: jmrife

OK, the Pronto is very cool, but my wife was scared of it. It was too complicated for her. She loves the Harmony -- hard buttons, push one for what you want, etc -- and thinks I am a genius for finding a universal remote she can and will use.

Who am I to argue with that?

Guess what? One Harmony stays on the coffee table, one Harmony is on her night stand, one Pronto 2000 is in the drawer. I'll take $100 for it today!

It is banished along with the three Sonys and the 2 Kameleons. If ever there is a product that is aptly named, it is the Harmony.

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by steve1814
DTV TiVo Dealer:

When I made my pre-order I thought that if I decided to cancel my order before it shipped that I would get my money back..Now Wendy at your store says that it is for in-store credit...When I was over on the AVS board I didn't see that stipulation or I mis-read it...can you help me out here? I wanted to PM you with this matter, but your mail box is full

**Attention** if I can't get this resolved, would someone like to have my place in line? My order # is 13409 and you may get it sooner! All's I ask is that you send me $100.00 via paypal, I'll give you my place in line and the deposit that is on it...

send reply's to: remoteuser@verizon.net

If that's true about the "in-store credit" thing....I have to say that's pretty jacked up. I can't believe that would be the case!

Steve, I think that you must be able to show that you can receive your HD Tivo from a different source before Robert ships it in order to get you money back.

Does that mean you were able to get one already??

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by steve1814
DTV TiVo Dealer:

When I made my pre-order I thought that if I decided to cancel my order before it shipped that I would get my money back..Now Wendy at your store says that it is for in-store credit...When I was over on the AVS board I didn't see that stipulation or I mis-read it...can you help me out here? I wanted to PM you with this matter, but your mail box is full

**Attention** if I can't get this resolved, would someone like to have my place in line? My order # is 13409 and you may get it sooner! All's I ask is that you send me $100.00 via paypal, I'll give you my place in line and the deposit that is on it...

send reply's to: remoteuser@verizon.net

Steve, considering that the order form indicates you'd lose the deposit if you canceled, that's rather nice of them to be offering store credit instead; but maybe you'll find someone to buy your position... I added you to the pre-order list with a notation you want to sell for $100.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Y0SHI
Do to unforseen circumstances I may need to end up selling my HD TiVo. I was curious if there would be a problem with this due to the activation agreement that I signed and returned to Robert? Will the unit need to be activated on my account in order to fulfill the agreement, or does it just need to be activated (on any account) within the time period, and then I would still have a one-year commitment?

If you resell it, and it gets activated by the new owner, you're in the clear.

If you activate it first then sell it, you'd still have the 1-year committment to keep some level of Total Choice package, but otherwise would be in the clear too.

So if you don't want to make the 1-year committment, make sure you find a seller who's going to activate it in a timely manner to avoid the hassle of getting charged for non-activation.

Since you're probably in the 3rd shipment, you also have time to sell your position in line instead, which would avoid much of this hassle/worry over activation.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by aaronwt
Can the Harmony Remotes(659 and 658) be used with multiple Tivos? When I get the HD-TiVo I will have 3 in the same room. Will it easily work with them? Which one will work the best with the Tivos?

Harmony Remotes support multiple TiVo's; each would be a separate device that you'd select from the list of your devices.

Posted by: dswallow

Order listing moved, for convenience, to http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...087#post1843087

Posted by: jrock

quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
I'm dreaming that you go out there and the factory says "Hey Robert here are 25 extra units for you!" :D I can dream being at 220 hehe.

Woohoo you even include me at #222 in your dream! :D

-Joe

Posted by: slocko

still no charge on my card. let's see who will be the first to post their card got charged :)

Posted by: Artemido

quote:
Originally posted by GreyGhost00
I'm a former OFA/JP1 user (Kameleon), and I have to say the Harmony kicks its rear end as well. I like the hard buttons as opposed to the smooth screen that you can't feel - you have to look at the remote the entire time.

As the proud owner of a Sony RM-AV3000, I feel your pain... I honestly can't stand the LCD button display and would MUCH rather find a remote with hard buttons. Oh, and did I mention that the thing is HUGE? I've wandered over to the remote isle at BB, RS, CC, etc more than once in the last few weeks only to have my wife come up to me and say, "Didn't you spend $200 on that huge remote that we have?" I made an honest attempt to use the receiver remote that came with my Yamaha RX-V2400, but it didn't have all my components in the dB and the memory overhead involved with 1:1 point-shoot-memorize is just unwieldy. Is it too much to ask to find a hard button remote laid out like the TiVo remote (I LOVE that remote) with some kind of computer connection that allows me to do all the programming thru a much improved user interface, downloading device support codes from the internet, etc.? Does such a beast exist?

Posted by: madpoet

I went from 5 remotes to trying to use the Pronto 2000 (hideous WAF) the the MX500 now (pretty decent WAF once I programmed it). But I'm going to give the new Harmony a try.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Artemido
As the proud owner of a Sony RM-AV3000, I feel your pain... I honestly can't stand the LCD button display and would MUCH rather find a remote with hard buttons. Oh, and did I mention that the thing is HUGE? I've wandered over to the remote isle at BB, RS, CC, etc more than once in the last few weeks only to have my wife come up to me and say, "Didn't you spend $200 on that huge remote that we have?" I made an honest attempt to use the receiver remote that came with my Yamaha RX-V2400, but it didn't have all my components in the dB and the memory overhead involved with 1:1 point-shoot-memorize is just unwieldy. Is it too much to ask to find a hard button remote laid out like the TiVo remote (I LOVE that remote) with some kind of computer connection that allows me to do all the programming thru a much improved user interface, downloading device support codes from the internet, etc.? Does such a beast exist?

http://www.valueelectronics.com/accessories.htm

Scorll down to about the middle of the page; the Harmony 659 or 688 probbably most closely fit your requirements. A little further down the Home Theater Master MX-500 and MX-700 are also good fits, though the MX-500 requires a third-party product to be able to program via your computer.

Posted by: MikeSRC

quote:
Originally posted by Alexander
Can you remap the "glow" button with the Harmony? On the 688, it's right where TiVo "select" should be, and that's how I have my MX-500 configured.

No, the "Glow" button cannot be remapped. You could just use the "OK" button in the middle of the thumbpad.

Posted by: rad

Does anyone know if there's any truth to this post:

Reports from various sources on the the net are saying that now the HD Tivo units will be shipping around the middle of April. My supplier has also confirmed this info.

This is from a thread at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=25727

It's so confusing. An earlier post here says Robert's out in CA shipping units and this says delayed.

Posted by: GreyGhost00

quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
just hit me who Doug Swallow looks like... anyone have a guess?

Hmmm ... http://www.77degrees.com/images/pict1.jpg
He was in DirecTV commercials

Coincidence ............................. I think not.:D

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by rad
Does anyone know if there's any truth to this post:

Reports from various sources on the the net are saying that now the HD Tivo units will be shipping around the middle of April. My supplier has also confirmed this info.

This is from a thread at http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=25727

It's so confusing. An earlier post here says Robert's out in CA shipping units and this says delayed.

The first shipment is from a partial week of production while ramping things up; who units are going to from it was pretty limited/allocated. The second shipment seems to also be following the same pattern. After that, as things loosen up, more retailers are schedule to receive units. As we heard from Robert just last night, he's on his way to California tonight to help ship out the first 200 units he's getting, so I think that speaks pretty well for how accurate the statement you're referring to really is. But for most retailers, that statement is probably pretty true.

Posted by: Kamakzie

LOL good one!

quote:
Originally posted by SteveWinNJ
Robert goes to meet Kamakzie near LAX to deliver the unit in person. He is sick of his numerous posts and wants him out of his hair even though he is #220 in line. Then Tony Soprano shows up with the boys and takes the whole load down and drives it away on a car transporter.

Posted by: subspace100

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Steve, considering that the order form indicates you'd lose the deposit if you canceled, that's rather nice of them to be offering store credit instead; but maybe you'll find someone to buy your position... I added you to the pre-order list with a notation you want to sell for $100.

Doug, what would you estimate Steve's place in line would translate into for a shipdate from VE?

Posted by: rad

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
The first shipment is from a partial week of production while ramping things up; ....

Thanks for updating DBSTalk and saving me the trouble.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by subspace100
Doug, what would you estimate Steve's place in line would translate into for a shipdate from VE?

13409 - 12762 + 291 = 938

3/31/2004 -> 1-200
4/7/2004 -> 201-450

Probably shipping around 4/21/2004 or 4/28/2004; we really haven't been given much clue how many Robert's going to receive after the first 2 shipments, but we do know many other retailers are quoting that they'll have units to sell in mid-April, and have relatively decent info that about 800 units a week will come out of the factory. So I'm guessing Robert can snag at least 300-400 of each weeks production after the first 2 to fulfill orders.

Posted by: rad

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
So I'm guessing Robert can snag at least 300-400 of each weeks production after the first 2 to fulfill orders.

Just curious, how can Robert get this many units per week???

Posted by: madpoet

For starters, he can point at his LONG list of preorders, many of whom put down the deposit. If the run really is around 800 a week as has been stated, then 300 of them isn't unlikely.

Posted by: sonnyducks

Do you guys think that a press release will come out tomorrow regarding the HD TIVO unit? If not, when...middle of April when there are more units in the channel?

I've got DirecTV's press release web page bookmarked and have been checking daily.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/Headlines.dsp

Posted by: slocko

also, look at his relationship with Direct:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=385151

Posted by: slocko

madpoet,

did you get your line of sight problem addressed?

Posted by: madpoet

No idea :). VE is sending me one of their best people on Thursday to check it out, so we'll see then!

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by rad
Just curious, how can Robert get this many units per week???

He has customers in line wanting them and who have put money down for them; DirecTV knows this and wants the units in people's homes. Robert's been in regular contact with the people at DirecTV responsible for this unit (as has now been mentioned publicly on AVSForum -- http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=385151 -- so I can say that now). The people responsible at DirecTV have been watching us here, are aware of the interest and are aware of the number of preorders Robert has accumulated and are trying their best to balance demands from other retailers with the knowledge that these units are as good as sold. Similarly you can be sure DirecTV is also in touch with other retailers taking preorders and knows how many units would actually go to people and how many would be destined for a shelf.

DirecTV is surprised by the demand for the unit. That's pretty apparent; they did not expect this at all. Not even close. While that is a good thing, it's obviously a problem when contracts for manufacturing were assuming a lower level of need. So they have to work around that as best they can; and one way is ensuring the first units go places where they get into the hands of people who want them immediately.

I'm sure somebody's gonna say "who are you to say," as they've done many times in this thread already... but that's the best info I have from people who seem rather like they would know. So take it as speculation if you want, but that's the best speculation there is right now, short of someone from DirecTV actually providing confirmation of it in public.

Posted by: rad

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
also, look at his relationship with Direct:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=385151

I had already read that. I was just wondering how a internet dealer could snag the majority of the units vs. a BB or CC.

Never mind, my post and prior crossed in the net.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by rad
I had already read that. I was just wondering how a internet dealer could snag the majority of the units vs. a BB or CC.

Never mind, my post and prior crossed in the net.

Value Electronics isn't exactly a low volume internet dealer; they have a lengthy relationship with Hughes and were one of their top customers. Robert had a good rapport with the people at Hughes (and now the different people at DirecTV -- who also are aware of the prior relationships), and that goes a long way. And he really was the first to place an order at all, and received commitments concerning that original order so that he could do this pre-order for us here.

All things considered, in some places at some big companies even, people do stand by their commitments. Despite attempts by others to muscle their way in.

So far it really doesn't even appear Circuit City has ordered any. Not sure about Best Buy. Though it was my impression Good Guys jumped on the bandwagon with an order pretty early too. And while real info is spotty and sometimes conflicting from Good Guys, it appears they too are getting some units a bit earlier than other places.

Posted by: mishagray

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
He has customers in line wanting them and who have put money down for them; DirecTV knows this and wants the units in people's homes. Robert's been in regular contact with the people at DirecTV responsible for this unit (as has now been mentioned publicly on AVSForum -- http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=385151 -- so I can say that now). The people responsible at DirecTV have been watching us here, are aware of the interest and are aware of the number of preorders Robert has accumulated and are trying their best to balance demands from other retailers with the knowledge that these units are as good as sold. Similarly you can be sure DirecTV is also in touch with other retailers taking preorders and knows how many units would actually go to people and how many would be destined for a shelf.

DirecTV is surprised by the demand for the unit. That's pretty apparent; they did not expect this at all. Not even close. While that is a good thing, it's obviously a problem when contracts for manufacturing were assuming a lower level of need. So they have to work around that as best they can; and one way is ensuring the first units go places where they get into the hands of people who want them immediately.

I'm sure somebody's gonna say "who are you to say," as they've done many times in this thread already... but that's the best info I have from people who seem rather like they would know. So take it as speculation if you want, but that's the best speculation there is right now, short of someone from DirecTV actually providing confirmation of it in public.

To follow up: I do think that DirecTV will give Richard some good treatment here.

One thing to remember: DirecTV is NOT really in the STB business. They sell STBs, but don't really try to make a profit off of the boxes. They are priced SO LOW, because DirecTV's real goal here is to keep and grow their monthly revenue base. Of course the HD boxes are priced pretty high, I am still not sure if there is much profit baked into the price. The profit margin alone will probably not cover the R&D on the box.

So unlike another CE retailer, they don't really care as much about B&M vs Internet. Any retailer of any type who can get these boxes into people's home fast would be high on my list.

Posted by: Darin

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
So far it really doesn't even appear Circuit City has ordered any. Not sure about Best Buy. Though it was my impression Good Guys jumped on the bandwagon with an order pretty early too.

And Good Guys isn't national... the web division hasn't offered it yet, as far as I know.

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
http://www.valueelectronics.com/accessories.htm

Scorll down to about the middle of the page; the Harmony 659 or 688 probbably most closely fit your requirements. ...

I'm also using the RM-AV3000 and am considering the new Harmony. The RM-AV3000 does everything I want it to but I find it pretty hard to read the lcd at times. I've seen pics of the Harmony 659 showing what appears to be very good back-lighting. :cool: Does anyone know if the 688 has similar back-lighting?

Posted by: slocko

Plus Robert started at the bottom, assembling Tivo's in Mexico before founding his company. He has a great relationship with Direct.

(okay, I made that up.)

Posted by: leesweet

Jeez, I was wondering there for a sec.. :)

On the remote issue... I've not found one that handles multiple devices of the same unit (TiVos or Replays), also handles a lot of different ones total (say 8 or 9), and also has PVR buttons, except for the OFA line. Do any of the ones being bandied about here do all of that?

Posted by: MCodanti

quote:
Originally posted by Darin
And Good Guys isn't national... the web division hasn't offered it yet, as far as I know.

GoodGuys.com (a completely different company than GoodGuys) doesn't even sell any DirecTV receivers, so don't plan on ever seeing it there.

Posted by: MikeSRC

quote:
Does anyone know if the 688 has similar back-lighting?

Yes, it does. BTW, it's looking like another two to three weeks on the 688 availability.

quote:
On the remote issue... I've not found one that handles multiple devices of the same unit (TiVos or Replays), also handles a lot of different ones total (say 8 or 9), and also has PVR buttons, except for the OFA line. Do any of the ones being bandied about here do all of that?

Yes. the Harmonys, the Home Theater Master and Philips Pronto remotes can do all that, to name a few.

Re: Good Guys, they had an ad this Sunday advertising the HD Tivo for the first time.

Posted by: leesweet

Mike, thanks for that info. I looked at Harmonys and Prontos a while back, but perhaps the newer models are worth a re-look.

Posted by: neilaevans

quote:
Originally posted by leesweet

On the remote issue... I've not found one that handles multiple devices of the same unit (TiVos or Replays), also handles a lot of different ones total (say 8 or 9), and also has PVR buttons, except for the OFA line. Do any of the ones being bandied about here do all of that?

The HTM MX700 can control 20 devices and handles multiples of the same type just fine. Check the review on remotecentral.com for more info.

Posted by: jb007

Sometimes wanting is more pleasing than having.

Anybody here buy that?

Nah, I didn't think so :D

Posted by: PJO1966

Hell No!

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by MikeSRC
Yes, it does. BTW, it's looking like another two to three weeks on the 688 availability.

Well I decided I need another thing to wait for. :rolleyes:

I read the description of the 688 on VE's sight and decided to give them some more business.

Two to three weeks will probably still beat my HD TiVo here. :(

Posted by: madpoet

Heh, ditto... at least I am hoping it will.

Posted by: chezpaul

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
You're weird, Pronto's don't suck.

or dumb...

Posted by: dcushing

Add my vote for MX-500. Combined 7 remotes into one, and my wife has no problems using it.

Dave

Posted by: me_three

One more....

Time of Order: 2/2/2004 5:30:22 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13251

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by chezpaul
or dumb...

Weird, I'll cop to. Dumb? No. :mad:

Posted by: Tom in OH

Doug,

this is why I assumed all Sony products included the pivot/joystick. All 3 of my Sony products include them and they're very easy to use. (finally got the batteries recharged in the Nikon digital)

Posted by: bpdp379

quote:
Originally posted by steel6
AH-64A driver for 10+ years.

I was close, when my unit would do missions with TF-160 I used to hear the 60K drivers tell the AH-6 guys that.

:D

Posted by: dswallow

Just think, within about 48 hours some of us should have received our units, or at least be on the 50th or 60th refresh of the tracking info screen from UPS or FedEx. ;)

2 1/2 months ago I had no idea time would fly like this... or that I'd ever have posted 398 times in a single thread. :D

Posted by: dcushing

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
... or that I'd ever have posted 398 times in a single thread. :D

Keep it up at you can challenge Jeff to be "Post God".:D

Dave

Posted by: Kamakzie

I also have the MX-500 and like it as well.

Posted by: chris_h

PJ,

A few pages back, you said you had your MX500 all prepared for the HD-Tivo arrival. You also said that you had the IRClone gizmo. Do you plan to upload your .M5 file to remotecentral after it is programmed for the HD-Tivo? I sure hope so. It would save me a lot of work, probably other folks too. No hurry on my part, I wont be getting my HD-Tivo for three or four weeks.

Posted by: PJO1966

I hadn't thought of it... I'll give it a try. Because I'll have two TiVos it will be programmed as TiVo 2. You would have to change the remote address on your TiVo to #2 if you're going to use my file.

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by jmrife
OK, the Pronto is very cool, but my wife was scared of it. It was too complicated for her. She loves the Harmony -- hard buttons, push one for what you want, etc -- and thinks I am a genius for finding a universal remote she can and will use.

That's funny. My wife isn't computer illiterate but she surely isn't savvy either. She LOVES the TSU-3000 (and the old TSU-1000). She shows it off to anyone that comes by, "It's easy, just like a computer, just 'click' on what you want to do..." I think part of it is you have to figure out how to setup sensible activity-based control schemes and that can take a few iterations to do before you have it just right.

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow

2 1/2 months ago I had no idea time would fly like this... or that I'd ever have posted 398 times in a single thread. :D

Or that I'd have read nearly 10 times that many!:p

Posted by: sonnyducks

quote:

2 1/2 months ago I had no idea time would fly like this... or that I'd ever have posted 398 times in a single thread. :D

Actually...that's nothing...look at the big picture Doug. On average you have posted to this board over 6 times per day since December 2000. BRAVO.

Posted by: mchaney

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Just think, within about 48 hours some of us should have received our units, or at least be on the 50th or 60th refresh of the tracking info screen from UPS or FedEx. ;)

I sure hope so. I'd hate to see how fast this thread could grow if, for some reason, the shipment got held up and a couple days went by without a concrete answer on a new ship date. Talk about mayhem!

:eek:

Mike

Posted by: dandrewk

quote:
Originally posted by Darin
And Good Guys isn't national... the web division hasn't offered it yet, as far as I know.

Good Guys is now owned by CompUSA, so in a sense they are national. And much larger.

The last I heard, goodguys.com is not owned by Good Guys. It is another organization that licenses the name and carries many of the same products.

I found this out a few months ago when the B&M GG would not price match their own website.

Posted by: borghe

rad - I think one other thing to remember is that DirecTV has direct knowledge (through the retailers) exactly what the demand "now" is for this unit.. GoodGuys may have orders for 1000 units, but you better believe that unless they have 1000 preorders to go with those units that they probably won't receive the remainder of those 1000 units until all pre-orders are filled... as for Best Buy and Circuit City, well.. being that they aren't taking pre-orders at all, as has already been said, I would be surprised if you saw the HD Tivo pop up in those stores anytime soon..

DirecTV more than many other CE manufacturers has to take care of its customers, because they don't just sell the hardware to the customers and leave it at that.. they have an ongoing monthly relationship with these users who are purchasing their hardware. DirecTV knows that if someone has been waiting for their preorder from VE for three weeks, and all three of those weeks there have been units sitting on the shelf at the local megastore, that customer is going to go back to VE and ask what's going on and VE is going to have to tell them "Well, we just haven't gotten any units in because DirecTV has been sending them all to Best Buy." VE is certainly not going to end up the bad guy in all of this.

Like we've said, this isn't Sony, or RCA, or Toshiba.. This is DirecTV.. heck, the boxes don't even say anything on them except for DirecTV... DirecTV has to do this right, because if anything gets messed up, it will only reflect bad on them, not any of their distributors...

ironically this is the same thing that happened to Dish with the 921...and you didn't see people talking poorly about Sears or local retailers... it was about Dish and how Dish screwed up the launch..

anyone who asks me about HD Tivo now.. I still tell them to preorder (with Robert). The fact that the demand for this unit caught DirecTV by such surprise leads me to believe that they will be filling pre-orders for a while. You pre-order now and there is still a good probability that you will receive you unit before you can pick one up off the shelf at Good Guys.. I have no doubt that they are getting some in, but it obviously won't be 1000 and I highly doubt they will get enough to stock the shelf.. at least not for a few months from now.

Posted by: slocko

believe it or not, my trust 30 dollar rs2117 from radio shack does it all with the jp1 cable. i can program device specific macros and add devices that it didn't support out of the box.

controls 1 UTV, 1 Hitachi RPTV, 1 Kenwood Receiver, 1 Kenwood media server, 2 Kenwood 400 disc changers, and 2 family room lamps.

can also do RF and has a small lcd screen with the current time on it.

my wife and 5 year old know how to work the media server and the utv box with the remote.

Posted by: horta

SO who will be the first one to post pictures of the new unit?

Does anybody know who is supposed to get theirs first. I know the order sheet is there but of the first 200 who asked for overnight and is a regular poster here that also has a Digital camamra??

Also I'm the second to the last guy on the list I feel so pethetic. I jst did not wish to pre-order it until I had the cash in hand. I just paid off my projector and the wife is still a little pissed abouth that monsterous expense.

Jerry

Posted by: horta

One other quick question for those of you who have Home Theater Projectors with DVI input.

Have you ordered youR cable and if so from where? Also did you order a HDMI to DVI cable or just a DVD-D cable and plan on using the HDMI to DVI cable included with the HD Tivo?

I did find a 50" DVD-D cable Male to Male from markertek.com for $89.00, any opnions. Their item is listed as DVID-DVID-50

Jerry

Posted by: PJO1966

I just got a new digital camera last night... I'm primed and ready to go. I still like the idea of setting up a webcam...

Posted by: horta

Wow #49 you must be excited!! So you also did overnight??

Stupid question sorry. Is that your old school pic or your child?

Posted by: rad

It will be interesting to see if any of the beta users pop their heads up once the unit hits the streets to tell us how the box is working and what the gotcha's/bugs are.

Also, with the 921, E* had a special relationship with a couple forums (www.dbstalk.com and www.satelliteguys.us) for bug reports. Is D* doing something similar with this box or is it strictly everyone call in problems to the CSR's???

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
I just got a new digital camera last night... I'm primed and ready to go. I still like the idea of setting up a webcam...

If you don't wear that same outfit when you pose with your unit in hand :p we might not be sure it's really you.

Posted by: PJO1966

quote:
Originally posted by horta
Wow #49 you must be excited!! So you also did overnight??

Stupid question sorry. Is that your old school pic or your child?

If I dressed a child like that today, he would be removed from my custody, at my request! I would be an unfit father to allow a child out in public with that bowtie! That is me in 1971 or 1972. I'm not sure whether is was kindergarten or 1st grade.

Yes I did overnight, even tho it's coming from SoCal. Yes... I am very psyched.

Posted by: hongcho

> Also, with the 921, E* had a special relationship with a couple forums (www.dbstalk.com and www.satelliteguys.us) for bug reports. Is D* doing something similar with this box or is it strictly everyone call in problems to the CSR's???

What is this forum for? :p

Hong.

Posted by: bpdp379

quote:
Originally posted by horta
One other quick question for those of you who have Home Theater Projectors with DVI input.

Have you ordered youR cable and if so from where? Also did you order a HDMI to DVI cable or just a DVD-D cable and plan on using the HDMI to DVI cable included with the HD Tivo?

I did find a 50" DVD-D cable Male to Male from markertek.com for $89.00, any opnions. Their item is listed as DVID-DVID-50

Jerry

I went with one single cable for my 20' run.

I got this one for 1/2 that. It will be shipping 1st week of April (coincidence?). I also have the 5m DVI-D for the same price. Been using it for about 2 months.

Posted by: PJO1966

quote:
Originally posted by sotapoppy
If you don't wear that same outfit when you pose with your unit in hand :p we might not be sure it's really you.

:D :D :D

Posted by: JLWINE

quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
I just got a new digital camera last night... I'm primed and ready to go. I still like the idea of setting up a webcam...

Just please keep your cloths on. :D (Obscure reference to prior post about a thousand posts ago.)

Posted by: rad

quote:
Originally posted by hongcho
> Also, with the 921, E* had a special relationship with a couple forums (www.dbstalk.com and www.satelliteguys.us) for bug reports. Is D* doing something similar with this box or is it strictly everyone call in problems to the CSR's???

What is this forum for? :p

Hong.

Has DirecTV said that they will be actively participating in monitoring and taking problems via this forum?

Posted by: borghe

Tivo actively monitors and participates in this forum...

Posted by: ElectricPickle

quote:
Originally posted by borghe
Tivo actively monitors and participates in this forum...

I KNEW Tivo was watching me!;)

Posted by: MichaelK

quote:
Originally posted by rad
It will be interesting to see if any of the beta users pop their heads up once the unit hits the streets to tell us how the box is working and what the gotcha's/bugs are.
...

Since Directv is apparently involved in all of the software issues now including the BETA I doubt you will see anything. Its possible the NDA says NEVER talk about its use as a BETA user. But I wouldnt be too surpirsed if come thursday you see posts from 300 poeple who have the box and love it even though 200 only were shipped the day before. (made up numbers but you get the point).

Posted by: yurkope

I have selected overnight and I took the 1st and 2nd off to be at home when the unit arrives. Will I be the first to get it in St. Louis? Kinda doubt it, my bet would be someone in California.

Posted by: chris_h

quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
I hadn't thought of it... I'll give it a try. Because I'll have two TiVos it will be programmed as TiVo 2. You would have to change the remote address on your TiVo to #2 if you're going to use my file.

Thanks, I appreciate it. Yes, I know that the IR codes are address-dependent, which is a good thing.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by yurkope
I have selected overnight and I took the 1st and 2nd off to be at home when the unit arrives. Will I be the first to get it in St. Louis? Kinda doubt it, my bet would be someone in California.

I'd bet on someone on the east coast. We have the advantage of being in an earlier time zone for those FedEx deliveries. ;)

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I'd bet on someone on the east coast. We have the advantage of being in an earlier time zone for those FedEx deliveries. ;)

hmmmm, and I wonder if we know anyone from that area...

Fred maybe?

Posted by: NickCat

One more order to add to the list...

Time of Order: 2/9/2004 1:46:43 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13371

The speculation of these over 350 order shipment dates is making my head spin! :)

I just want to hook this up to my Pio 4340 already and enjoy the little morsel of HDTV goodness that is available on DirecTV.

-Nick

Posted by: dandrewk

I still think someone with deep pockets should arrange for a DHL point to point pickup. You could have the unit Wed. evening.

Costly? Yeah! But you get bragging rights.

Posted by: sotapoppy

So - what's the over/under on the post # for the first "I've got my HD TiVo" post? :)

Posted by: dandrewk

Using remotes with RF - now that is a nice feature! Anyone using one with this setup?

I understand that Terk makes an RF converter that fits on the remote itself. Anyone have one of these? Is it better than the Radio Shack repeaters?

Posted by: Shark73

I never order stuff with overnight shipping, however, I opted for it on the HD TiVo. Does UPS or Fedex guarantee delivery by a certain time?

I know that my standard packages do not get to the house until 4pm.

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by sotapoppy
So - what's the over/under on the post # for the first "I've got my HD TiVo" post? :)

I'm wondering who's gonna have the nerve to say they received their HD Tivo on Thursday morn.(April Fool's Day....)

Posted by: elstonhill

quote:
Originally posted by yurkope
I have selected overnight and I took the 1st and 2nd off to be at home when the unit arrives.

I'll bet there will be some angry persons next week with all this anticipation and the number of units ordered. UPS will mess up a delivery or a unit will be DOA, or worse yet, there will be major software glitches.

Good luck to those who are paying premium shipping prices and taking days off.

Posted by: KCWolfPck

What's funnier is that it takes up to 48 hours to download data initially.....so boxes won't be fully functional right out of the box. It'll take some time to get the guide data.

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
What's funnier is that it takes up to 48 hours to download data initially.....so boxes won't be fully functional right out of the box. It'll take some time to get the guide data.

u sure about that?

Posted by: Shark73

quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
u sure about that?

That's what TiVo claims...don't forget that they guide data is for over a week, IIRC. So it takes time to download all of that information.

You will have most of the current days data within an hour or two of setup.

Jim

Posted by: jarredduq

I will have pictures, plus a mini-review on my website: http://www.jarredinthehouse.com

Don't go there yet, because I'm in the process of migrating servers to handle the load :-).

Jarred #47

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
That's what TiVo claims...don't forget that they guide data is for over a week, IIRC. So it takes time to download all of that information.

You will have most of the current days data within an hour or two of setup.

Jim

ohh I see... I guess the Tivo data is different than the regular guide data. When I hooked up the Zenith HD-SAT520 the guide data showed up instantly.

Posted by: turls

You give DirecTV a lot of credit on this. I guess we'll see.

I wish I had a DirecTV rep to talk to when I called or e-mailed that had a fraction of the absolutely "customer first" attitude that everybody at Hughes/DirecTV involved one bit on this box has. Or at least that has to be the assumption from reading this thread.

I give (again). [sarcasm]I'm sure any order placed with Robert through June, even without a penny down, will beat any HD DTivo being on a shelf at any B&M. And for the customers that have never heard of this forum or VE, they'll just go home and call Charter or Comcast when they see no product on the shelf. We all know DirecTV cares as much about existing customers as new ones.[/sarcasm]

:rolleyes:

quote:
Originally posted by borghe
Like we've said, this isn't Sony, or RCA, or Toshiba.. This is DirecTV.. heck, the boxes don't even say anything on them except for DirecTV... DirecTV has to do this right, because if anything gets messed up, it will only reflect bad on them, not any of their distributors...

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
I never order stuff with overnight shipping, however, I opted for it on the HD TiVo. Does UPS or Fedex guarantee delivery by a certain time?

I know that my standard packages do not get to the house until 4pm.

It depends on what service you pay for, and to some extent where you live (some outlying areas have later guaranteed times).

Posted by: dcushing

Shipping from California is a boon for me. Being just north of Los Angeles, UPS web site says Ground by end of day Thursday if it ships on Wednesday. UPS ground gets to my house usually between 11:30 and 2:00. So to me it is just not worth the cost of upgrading shipping.

The anticipation is peaking, I am sure there will be quite a withdrawal by many people once we have these things installed.

It will be such a shame to go back to a normal life, albeit one in which we can time shift HDTV.

#8

Dave

Posted by: bbwebb

Here's another...

Time of Order: 2/12/2004 6:41:15 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13428

Posted by: tomr

quote:
Originally posted by turls
You give DirecTV a lot of credit on this. I guess we'll see.

I wish I had a DirecTV rep to talk to when I called or e-mailed that had a fraction of the absolutely "customer first" attitude that everybody at Hughes/DirecTV involved one bit on this box has. Or at least that has to be the assumption from reading this thread.

I give (again). [sarcasm]I'm sure any order placed with Robert through June, even without a penny down, will beat any HD DTivo being on a shelf at any B&M. And for the customers that have never heard of this forum or VE, they'll just go home and call Charter or Comcast when they see no product on the shelf. We all know DirecTV cares as much about existing customers as new ones.[/sarcasm]

:rolleyes:

I know you are still bitter about the Samsung deal but why must you pontificate.

Posted by: jbradway

Well I caved in and just ordered today(#14068). Why I didn't do it right after I saw this thread long ago is killing me. Would it be too much to hope that I could see my unit by late May?

Posted by: slocko

LOL. Let's hope nothing goes wrong, or we might never hear the end of it :D

quote:
Originally posted by tomr
I know you are still bitter about the Samsung deal but why must you pontificate.

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
What's funnier is that it takes up to 48 hours to download data initially.....so boxes won't be fully functional right out of the box. It'll take some time to get the guide data.

Every DirecTiVo I've had (3 so far, plus I've helped set some up for friends) has been fully functional within minutes. Sure, it'll take a day or two (usually only a day in my experience) to get the full 14 days worth of data, but as it trickles in, it's available to be used immediately.

Posted by: turls

quote:
Originally posted by tomr
I know you are still bitter about the Samsung deal but why must you pontificate.

I don't know--maybe just the "used-to-be-an-early-adopter-but-tired-of-price-screwing-by-DirecTV" blues.

Besides, its obvious many are not reading more than a page or two back in the thread. I don't live here like some, so I feel the urge to point-counterpoint occassionally.

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by jbradway
Well I caved in and just ordered today(#14068). Why I didn't do it right after I saw this thread long ago is killing me. Would it be too much to hope that I could see my unit by late May?

You can probably buy it off the shelf at a B&M by mid April.

Posted by: turls

Nobody (on whatever side of this argument) is most likely going to be able to say "i told you so" and it never was the point anyway. VE is probably going to be first out of the gate, like he has been before. Nobody cared enough to challenge that it sure looks like. After that, nobody here is going to have nationwide numbers or percentages, so it will all be pure speculation.

This whole thread is just passing time and has been for a while. If anybody really thinks anybody high-up at DirecTV spends any time on these boards or in these threads I might have a Sony 1st gen DSS box to sell you (no card).

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
LOL. Let's hope nothing goes wrong, or we might never hear the end of it :D

Posted by: hongcho

> This whole thread is just passing time and has been for a while.

Finally! ;)

Hong.

Posted by: jbradway

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
You can probably buy it off the shelf at a B&M by mid April.

Really?
Where?

Posted by: borghe

quote:
Originally posted by turls
You give DirecTV a lot of credit on this. I guess we'll see.

I wish I had a DirecTV rep to talk to when I called or e-mailed that had a fraction of the absolutely "customer first" attitude that everybody at Hughes/DirecTV involved one bit on this box has. Or at least that has to be the assumption from reading this thread.

I give (again). [sarcasm]I'm sure any order placed with Robert through June, even without a penny down, will beat any HD DTivo being on a shelf at any B&M. And for the customers that have never heard of this forum or VE, they'll just go home and call Charter or Comcast when they see no product on the shelf. We all know DirecTV cares as much about existing customers as new ones.[/sarcasm]

:rolleyes:

hopefully it isn't lost on you that comparing CSR's to executives or real decision makers is a tad ridiculous...

I wasn't saying that DirecTV cares about you as a human being and contributing member of society.. I was merely comparing typical CE manufacturers where the objective is "the sale" vs. service providers who have to nurture ongoing relationships (i.e. monthly service and retention). Every unit that is sitting on the shelf (AT $999 MIND YOU!!) is a unit that isn't going to a pre-order, or to state it more simply, you are sacrificing an existing customer in hopes of gaining a potential customer... doesn't make too much sense..

and that goes back to all of this B&M nonsense going around this thread. The DirecTV rep quoted on AVS said it himself for crying out loud! It will be months before these things appear on retail shelves. Every unit sitting unsold on a retail shelf is a unit that an existing "loyal" customer who preordered will not be getting... it doesn't take an MBA to understand this people....

Posted by: rvaniwaa

quote:
Originally posted by MichaelK
Since Directv is apparently involved in all of the software issues now including the BETA I doubt you will see anything. Its possible the NDA says NEVER talk about its use as a BETA user. But I wouldnt be too surpirsed if come thursday you see posts from 300 poeple who have the box and love it even though 200 only were shipped the day before. (made up numbers but you get the point).

Thanks to dswallow's list, we will even be able to identify the guilty ones!!!! :-)

--Ron

Posted by: borghe

quote:
Originally posted by rvaniwaa
Thanks to dswallow's list, we will even be able to identify the guilty ones!!!! :-)

--Ron

actually, there are many numbers missing from that list.. someone could easily popin and calim to be one of those anonymous numbers... ;)

Posted by: indigovic

>Sure, it'll take a day or two (usually only a day in my experience) to get the full 14 days worth of data, but as it trickles in, it's available to be used immediately.<

Anybody know if there's any truth to the legend that if you leave it tuned to a certain channel (was it A&E?) that the data comes in more quickly?

-Vic.
.

Posted by: turls

quote:
Originally posted by borghe
and that goes back to all of this B&M nonsense going around this thread. The DirecTV rep quoted on AVS said it himself for crying out loud! It will be months before these things appear on retail shelves. Every unit sitting unsold on a retail shelf is a unit that an existing "loyal" customer who preordered will not be getting... it doesn't take an MBA to understand this people....

That is not DirecTV's business model and never has been. They sacrifice everything for new customers. That is common knowledge. Churn is a concern, but it is secondary. Of course, not having models on shelves could contribute to churn as well, since like I said they will look at cable instead. At the $1000 price point they won't be getting many new customers with it anyway. Could go either way I guess.

Oh, and you lost me on the AVS quote. You really think DirecTV knows for a fact every unit a B&M orders is destined to a pre-order customer? Heck, the returns will be on the shelf if nothing else, and you know there will be returns.

Posted by: hongcho

> > You can probably buy it off the shelf at a B&M by mid April.
>
> Really?
> Where?

I guess this thread is hard to keep track of. :) I've heard the following names mentioned: Good Guys, Tweeters, and Ultimate Electronics. The last two might not be national and GG is only for B&M stores (that is, not online).

Hong.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by turls
This whole thread is just passing time and has been for a while.

Well, duh! :p I think we said that around post 1,000-ish. Didn't you see it? :)

quote:
Originally posted by turls
If anybody really thinks anybody high-up at DirecTV spends any time on these boards or in these threads I might have a Sony 1st gen DSS box to sell you (no card).

I can't say anyone high up and involved in the HD DVR project reads this or other threads here regularly, but I can say someone high up and involved in the HD DVR project has read parts of this thread a few times.

P.S. I have an RCA first generation receiver if anyone wants to buy one. I can even throw in the original 18" dish and LNB. I'll even give you a 50% discount over what I paid for it. Let's see, that'd cover about 55-60% of my HD DVR cost... :)

Posted by: turls

Sure would be nice if they would pay a little attention to the regular DTivo board then and give us a real update on the silly nagging issues.

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I can't say anyone high up and involved in the HD DVR project reads this or other threads here regularly, but I can say someone high up and involved in the HD DVR project has read parts of this thread a few times.

Posted by: jbradway

quote:
Originally posted by hongcho
> > You can probably buy it off the shelf at a B&M by mid April.
>
> Really?
> Where?

I guess this thread is hard to keep track of. :) I've heard the following names mentioned: Good Guys, Tweeters, and Ultimate Electronics. The last two might not be national and GG is only for B&M stores (that is, not online).

Hong.

Well GG would be my only option. If they have one in their store in mid April for the same price as VE, then no problem. Otherwise, I'll wait a few extra weeks.

Posted by: compuz1

quote:
Originally posted by turls
If anybody really thinks anybody high-up at DirecTV spends any time on these boards or in these threads I might have a Sony 1st gen DSS box to sell you (no card).

While on the topic of 1st gen boxes... Anyone want to bid for 2 first gen Sony's and 2 first gen RCA's? They still work! And G-d knows I paid way too much for them in the good 'ol days of DirecTv/USSB! Now THAT was an expensive investment!

Two more days till two more Tivo's (and a third in mid-April)!

Posted by: slocko

no charge on my debit card......................................

could it be I watched my last sopranos episode in SD? could it really be?

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by leesweet
Jeez, I was wondering there for a sec.. :)

On the remote issue... I've not found one that handles multiple devices of the same unit (TiVos or Replays), also handles a lot of different ones total (say 8 or 9), and also has PVR buttons, except for the OFA line. Do any of the ones being bandied about here do all of that?

The Pronto's can. The number of devices is only limited by available memory, I have about 12 in there now and I've got 81% of memory free. I'm also programming in a 2nd TiVo so I can run the HD in parallel with the SD.

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I'd bet on someone on the east coast. We have the advantage of being in an earlier time zone for those FedEx deliveries. ;)

There has to be some reason people live on that side of the country.

Posted by: dcushing

[Steve Martin] The new phone books are here!! The new phone books are here!! [\Steve Martin]

Just practicing for Thursday.

#8

Dave

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
That's funny. My wife isn't computer illiterate but she surely isn't savvy either. She LOVES the TSU-3000 (and the old TSU-1000). She shows it off to anyone that comes by, "It's easy, just like a computer, just 'click' on what you want to do..." I think part of it is you have to figure out how to setup sensible activity-based control schemes and that can take a few iterations to do before you have it just right.

Making an activity based remote can be difficult. I tried and was not getting any feedback from the wife about what was good and what was bad, just she didn't seem to use it that much. Its difficult to know what to change when your subject can't give you hints about what needs improvement.

I finally got some feedback (positive, and unsolicited) when I put prompts on the home page, just some simple text. Instead of have in just a button labled TV, which its obvious to me you press it and can watch TV, its now:

What do you
want to do?

Watch: (TV) <-- that's a button.

Now she can find the button to turn on the TV. The other improvement was to have a help button which put text label on every button. I can tell when she's been using it, the labels are turned on. My wife is computer literate, but not a programmer.

Posted by: hongcho

Hmm... Are we shooting for 4000 posts? :)

Hong.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by hongcho
Hmm... Are we shooting for 4000 posts? :)

Hong.

I would find it difficult to believe we won't make it there before the first (legitimate) "shipment received" post appears here.

Posted by: leesweet

4000? If this keeps on, with statuses and all the preorder arrivals and 2nd and 3rd waves, it could be five digits! :)

Posted by: SteveHoltam

Just called my local Good Guys (not the toll free corporate number) to check on my pre-order status. Typical spin and bull crap (can I say that in the post-boob world?). Not only does this guy tell me that the unit will not hook-up to my 65" Mits without numerous adaptors, he also tells me that they should have about 400 of them in the store around the 15th. I just thanked him for his (worthless) information and hung up.

So much for any news locally....

Posted by: dcushing

"shipment received"

I just couldn't resist. :D :D :D

#8

Dave

Posted by: leesweet

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
The Pronto's can. The number of devices is only limited by available memory, I have about 12 in there now and I've got 81% of memory free. I'm also programming in a 2nd TiVo so I can run the HD in parallel with the SD.

The problems I've found with many remotes is moving 'special' functions into the main. Standard functions aren't the issue. But, for example, putting my Sony HD300's into my OFA, I had to specially do buttons for the signal strength meter, change the info button, and several other. With JP1, this wasn't hard. My first take on all the activity-based remotes was that there weren't enough 'spare' buttons for this sort of thing. Now, that was a year or more ago when I got the OFA remote.

So, I'll take another look at the Pronto and the 700... thanks for all the current remote comments!

(Equipment, for comparison: Yamaha receiver, two Replays (sorry! :) ), HD-TiVo, Sammie DLP, Bravo DVD, Tosh VCR, Sony 300 STB, and I may be adding an antenna rotor and DVI/HDMI switch to the mix. So, it gets messy.)

Posted by: rvaniwaa

quote:
Originally posted by borghe
actually, there are many numbers missing from that list.. someone could easily popin and calim to be one of those anonymous numbers... ;)

True, but there are only ~80 numbers missing from dswallow's list for <200. Do I sense guilt in your response?? TELL ME NOW!!!!!

--Ron

Posted by: dstroot

Before you go out and spend a bundle on HDMI to DVI cables/adapters and whatnots you need to know two things:

1) A HDMI to HDMI and a HDMI to DVI cable are supposedly included. If you need long runs of cable it won't hurt to get it and run it now, but...

2) More importantly, component may still be the best way to deliver the signal from this first-gen product. There is a thread on AVS that indicates the first gen HDMI transmitters clip the below black and above white "headroom" in the signal. AVS Thread

I guess we'll find out what's what in two days.

Posted by: Mr Pieces

Haven't posted in this thread in a while... Another meaningless post.

Posted by: dswallow

Order listing moved, for convenience, to http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...487#post1844487

Posted by: Mr Pieces

And now for my 100th post!

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
Making an activity based remote can be difficult. I tried and was not getting any feedback from the wife about what was good and what was bad, just she didn't seem to use it that much. Its difficult to know what to change when your subject can't give you hints about what needs improvement.

I finally got some feedback (positive, and unsolicited) when I put prompts on the home page, just some simple text. Instead of have in just a button labled TV, which its obvious to me you press it and can watch TV, its now:

What do you
want to do?

Watch: (TV) <-- that's a button.

Now she can find the button to turn on the TV. The other improvement was to have a help button which put text label on every button. I can tell when she's been using it, the labels are turned on. My wife is computer literate, but not a programmer.

My "home" page has big buttons at the top that say "System On" and "System Off". If you hit system on, it powers on everything and dumps you into the HD receiver mode. All the screens have the same theme and there is an "Activities" button at the top. If you press it, it brings up a list of, duh, activities like "View HDTV", "View TiVo", "View DVD", "View VHS Tape", "Listen to CD", "Listen to Radio", and "Play XBox". Each is a macro that takes you to that activity and dumps you into the correct screen for it.

There is a "help" button at the bottom that brings up a picture of the hard buttons for a few seconds that gives text labels for them so you know what they do and I try to keep them consistent from device to device (i.e. the "home" button is guide for anything that has a guide, check is always the ok/select button, etc.)

Maybe I should post my config...?

Posted by: cheridave

Trying to help this thread reach 4000-

Thats all for now!

Dave

Posted by: DavidTigerFan

I preordered on the 29th about 1230 am...=o) When will I get these forms I need to fillout?

-DTF

Posted by: Paperboy2003

I guess I'll throw my info in to complete the chain.

Paperboy
Time of Order: 1/23/2004 1:44:58 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13032

Anyone wanna let me know what I should be expecting.....

Posted by: Paperboy2003

Thats should probably read 'when' I should be expecting.....

(and this helps get us closer to the 4000 post mark)

Doug

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by DavidTigerFan
I preordered on the 29th about 1230 am...=o) When will I get these forms I need to fillout?

The 29th of January, February or March?

Posted by: bertschb

quote:
Anyone wanna let me know what I should be expecting.....

I'm order #13109 (sheesh, I've got it memorized now) and I don't expect mine until the end of April.

Posted by: deathmetal

just to help fill in that list,i'm number 170.with over night shipping,I will be using my new unit by 10:30am eastern on thursday.I have all the cables in place to rip it out of the box,chuck it in,and start downloading while im on the phone to directv with my new card number.yes,I will be the first,yes,yes i will.I will I tell you!

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by MichaelK
Since Directv is apparently involved in all of the software issues now including the BETA I doubt you will see anything. Its possible the NDA says NEVER talk about its use as a BETA user. But I wouldnt be too surpirsed if come thursday you see posts from 300 poeple who have the box and love it even though 200 only were shipped the day before. (made up numbers but you get the point).

:confused: why couldn't the beta testers be in the first 200? Me, I suspect Doug and rogo are in the beta program -- they've been around for a while and would be trusted. Of course, because of that, we'll never know whether they were or weren't...

Posted by: horta

The "Forms" Who knows I have called twice the last two days. I have been greeted by a very nice lady who has told me both times that she will email them right to me. I have not received the forms yet.

I know there busy and I am almost last on the line so I am being very patiant. But so far I'm not impresssed. At the same time I can really care less if I fill these out a month from now. All I care is that I get my unit as soon as I can, I think in May. What I dont want is to be passed up or forgotten because of paperwork.

I think we all agree here.

So I will not bug them again until Next week for the paper work.

I will say this my card was charged for the $100 on the same day I did the order March 24th. Thats fine I just think someone said they ordered before me and has not seen the $100 charge yet? If so thats strange.

Jerry

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by dr_mal
:confused: why couldn't the beta testers be in the first 200? Me, I suspect Doug and rogo are in the beta program -- they've been around for a while and would be trusted. Of course, because of that, we'll never know whether they were or weren't...

Well, I'm not in it. Of course, I couldn't tell you if I were. But I wouldn't feel the need to lie and say I wasn't if I were. ;)

And technically while they may not call us beta testers... the first 200 probably will be considered as such in some ways.

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by bertschb
I'm order #13109 (sheesh, I've got it memorized now) and I don't expect mine until the end of April.

If things go well, I think you'll be in the 3rd week's shipment. You should be around 600-625. Anyway HURRY UP because your'e ahead of me? ;)

Posted by: bmccrea

quote:
Originally posted by deathmetal
just to help fill in that list,i'm number 170.with over night shipping,I will be using my new unit by 10:30am eastern on thursday.I have all the cables in place to rip it out of the box,chuck it in,and start downloading while im on the phone to directv with my new card number.yes,I will be the first,yes,yes i will.I will I tell you!

Yes, Oh Yes, my precious..... I cant believe that you had your sights on the precious.... but to have it snatched away... Yes--- Away so quickly, and to just have it go to the person right above you on the precious list......

It's MY precious.... and I'm not giving it up!

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by leesweet
My first take on all the activity-based remotes was that there weren't enough 'spare' buttons for this sort of thing.

With a Pronto you just add buttons and screens as necessary (until you run out of memory), when I run out of space on a page I can either jump to another or put up an "overlay". There's no concept of device really (if you do it right), just whatever buttons you've put on whatever screens.

Posted by: RxMan

Is the plan for people who receive to post the info in this thread? Start a separate thread?

Basically....Where do I go to ask the 50+ questions I am sure to have. :)

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by RxMan
Is the plan for people who receive to post the info in this thread? Start a separate thread?

Basically....Where do I go to ask the 50+ questions I am sure to have. :)

I'd suggest using different threads based on the nature of the question. We do have our own forum here, may as well fill it. :)

Threads like "how do I remove the packing tape"; "damn packing styrofoam leaves little white bits everywhere", "where does the AC plug go", and "there's no power button!"...

Report the receipt of it here, and maybe the initial unpacking/installation/use of it too, then move on. Your preorder experience will then be over.

Posted by: leesweet

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
With a Pronto .... There's no concept of device really (if you do it right), just whatever buttons you've put on whatever screens.

That's really what I liked... no buttons that you never use (like PIP, which I never use), and add what you do want. Now I need to go figure what I didn't like. Could have been the softkeys... I've absorbed so much other info over the last year at AVS and TC, I think all the remote info has been flushed! :D

Posted by: sdf777

Don't have my order info - but I think I was around #212. Is 200 still the first shipment quantity? What are the chances that 12 people haven't completed the paperwork or have changed their minds. Sure would like the first shipment.

Posted by: Kamakzie

So I imagine Robert is on a plane by now heading to California. I hope he gets the 200 he expects!

Posted by: mishagray

quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
So I imagine Robert is on a plane by now heading to California by now. I hope he gets the 200 he expects!

I hope he gets MORE than he expects!

Posted by: bertschb

I hope he gets about 450 more than he expects!

Posted by: ElectricPickle

OK. What would be one of the first HD programs to record? For me:
Any late night show like Leno, etc.
The Sopranos
Just about anything from Discovery HD

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by ElectricPickle
OK. What would be one of the first HD programs to record? For me:
Any late night show like Leno, etc.
The Sopranos
Just about anything from Discovery HD

Spice HD on Thursday night. ;)

Posted by: Kamakzie

I wonder what the number of people will be that either cancel or don't send in their forms in time. I am guessing at least 5-10?

Posted by: ElectricPickle

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
Spice HD on Thursday night. ;)

I didn't know they had that. (he said softly because wife is nearby)
:eek:

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by ElectricPickle
I didn't know they had that. (he said softly because wife is nearby)
:eek:

Yep....channel 85 from 1-6 AM. 15 bucks PPV for a 3 hr block.

http://www.directv.com/see/landing/spicehd.html

Posted by: PJO1966

Mission Impossible is on HBO HD & Bowling for Colombine is on Sho-HD Thursday night.

Posted by: Kamakzie

Yikes $15 for a porn fix!

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
Spice HD on Thursday night. ;)

it's on Thursday - Sun night beginning about midnight or so on channel 84(or 85). It's about $15. Do u think it's possible this channel won't be recordable??

Posted by: BillF

quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
I wonder what the number of people will be that either cancel or don't send in their forms in time. I am guessing at least 5-10?

18!!!:up:

Posted by: ElectricPickle

quote:
Originally posted by Kamakzie
Yikes $15 for a porn fix!

Yes, but porn has always "bred" innovation. :)

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
it's on Thursday - Sun night beginning about midnight or so on channel 84. It's about $15. Do u think it's possible this channel won't be recordable??

I don't see how that could be a possibility.

Posted by: hoby

Trivia while we wait....

"It was at exactly such a juncture five years ago (March 31,1999) that the world's first DVR rolled off the TiVo assembly line"

Just grabbed that out of my latest tivo newsletter....

Crazy huh!?

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by ElectricPickle
Yes, but porn has always "bred" innovation. :)

yup my mistake, channel 85

Posted by: deathmetal

has anyone had their card charged?just called my bank(automated info)and mine still hasnt.this is worrysome at this late juncture.

Posted by: ptrubey

quote:
Originally posted by deathmetal
has anyone had their card charged?just called my bank(automated info)and mine still hasnt.this is worrysome at this late juncture.

I wouldn't worry about it - I would bet VE is going to have a massive credit card charging party the same day, or the day after they ship. They probably use a swipe terminal too - poor person who has to sit there all day punching in numbers...