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pre-order
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Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by leesweet
Okay, here's something interesting to chew on about the 'delay'. One thread at AVS speculates that the Dolby logo in question isn't the external graphic on the front panel but some electronic logo. This is my first TiVo (my bad). Is there an electronic Dolby logo?!

I can see a better case for that really needing to be fixed if it is indeed incorrect!

An electronic logo problem could have readily been fixed during the initial phone call to set up the unit. No need to have it affect any production line.

Posted by: dswallow

My Dell 20" LCD's are now scheduled for delivery on 4/1. I just got my tracking info from Dell. Funny how tomorrow would've been a really grand toy-day were it not for the HD DVR delay.

Posted by: slocko

how exactly did this HD-Tivo become so hot?

it's very expensive and not a lot of people can afford it. i know i can't, but i bough it anyway.

was it the thread that pushed the borderline folks into pre-ordering?

was it the prospect of being part of an exclusive club that would get it before the stores?

someone should do some research on this phenomena. i am sure there are a couple of psychological principles at work.

Posted by: TivoAholic

Im telling you.... right now they are loaded on a tractor trailer near the mexican border getting ready to leave the plant for the VA store in Scarsdale NY.

Christopher and Paulie will be waiting for it near I-95 on Sunday evening ;)

Posted by: Cajonkev

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
My Dell 20" LCD's are now scheduled for delivery on 4/1. I just got my tracking info from Dell. Funny how tomorrow would've been a really grand toy-day were it not for the HD DVR delay.

Enjoy them! I run a pair of 1900's and man is it good!!!

Posted by: leesweet

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
An electronic logo problem could have readily been fixed during the initial phone call to set up the unit. No need to have it affect any production line.

Thanks, Doug! That makes sense...

Posted by: scottrob

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
how exactly did this HD-Tivo become so hot?

it's very expensive and not a lot of people can afford it. i know i can't, but i bough it anyway.

was it the thread that pushed the borderline folks into pre-ordering?

was it the prospect of being part of an exclusive club that would get it before the stores?

someone should do some research on this phenomena. i am sure there are a couple of psychological principles at work.

I think it is because once you see HDTV, it is really hard to watch standard def again. When you record shows, it would really be nice to see them in all their glory. :)

Posted by: scottrob

Then again, we could just be a bunch of geeks...:cool:

Posted by: PJO1966

For me, I was spoiled by TiVo. I had that before I got HD. Once I added HD into the mix, I was really frustrated by not being able to timeshift. I didn't want to go with an HD tape format, so I waited for the HD TiVo. I ordered it the first day Roberts ad popped up for avs forum members. I debated for about an hour, which is why I'm #49 instead of #10 or so.

Posted by: dludwig

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
how exactly did this HD-Tivo become so hot?

it's very expensive and not a lot of people can afford it. i know i can't, but i bough it anyway.

was it the thread that pushed the borderline folks into pre-ordering?

was it the prospect of being part of an exclusive club that would get it before the stores?

someone should do some research on this phenomena. i am sure there are a couple of psychological principles at work.

Speaking for myself, I've had an HD-ready monitor for slightly longer than I've had a Tivo (about 4 years). At the time I elected to wait on getting the receiver until there were more programming options available. Once I went to Tivo (and later DTivo), it was a no-brainer - my HD receiver should have DirecTV and Tivo capability. It is, quite simply, a watershed device.

Posted by: scottrob

DirecTivo is the primary reason I am not with cable.

Posted by: ebonovic

What if it is an April's fools joke?

What if Robert did get the first shipment.
Sent them all out over night today...

We all get them tomorrow............ hmmmmmmmm

I doubt it, but I can dream can't I ?

Posted by: slocko

i know why we want it, but the question is why we all want it right now!

how many of us were perfectly willing to wait for it to appear at BestBuy, but upon seeing the frenzy here decided they had to have it asap.

Posted by: Shark73

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
i know why we want it, but the question is why we all want it right now!

how many of us were perfectly willing to wait for it to appear at BestBuy, but upon seeing the frenzy here decided they had to have it asap.

I wanted this device when it was first announced, what well over a year ago?

I ordered as soon as I found the pre-order link....very happy to sit at #16 on the list.

Now if someone would only ship me the damn thing!!!

Posted by: wmillik

I've had a Tivo since the beginning and HD via RCA DTC-100 for four years. I can't stand to watch commercial TV without Tivo. I finally want my HD TV to payoff and another $K is a small price for a four year wait.

Posted by: dandrewk

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
i thought film was the highest resolution and it was the source.

from film you master the vhs copy, the dvd copy, and in the future the hd-dvd copy.

no?

Yes, this is correct. However, even the best scanner cannot even begin to capture all the information available on film.

The only way to take total advantage of all that resoulution is to look at the film with a lupe on a lightbox. Not very pratical, and can be bad for your back when viewing a 2 hour movie. :D

Posted by: alexpoon

Doug..... Add mine to the list:

Time of Order: 1/20/2004 ~10AM PST
Order Type: Phone (Wendy)
Order ID: 53592

Posted by: dandrewk

quote:
Originally posted by Todd
I'll agree that stuff recorded with an HD camera generally looks better than an HD transfer from film. I wonder when they'll start switching from film to HD to record sitcoms and other TV shows? I did see a story the other day on how Scrubs is filmed and edited and I think they said it's still filmed, but they actually transfer to SD video and do all of the editing on consumer-grade Apple video editing software. Pretty cool...

Only a question of time before everything is done HD, but expect to see it a lot more in the near future.

The guy who is "Mr. Reality TV", Mark Burnett (I think that's the name) has said his next series will be shot in HD. This is a good sign, a very good sign.

Posted by: Shark73

quote:
Originally posted by dandrewk
Only a question of time before everything is done HD, but expect to see it a lot more in the near future.

It will be a very long time until "everything" is in HD.

Posted by: dandrewk

Once you get TiVO, it's hard to live without it.

Once you get HDTV, it's hard to live without it.

Sometime soon, we will have both - and we can live again. :)

Posted by: Gotchaa

Time of Order: 3/22/2004 11:46:03 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13960

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
I wanted this device when it was first announced, what well over a year ago?

I ordered as soon as I found the pre-order link....very happy to sit at #16 on the list.

Now if only someone would only ship me the damn thing!!!

Ditto, except I'm #4.

Posted by: dandrewk

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
It will be a very long time until "everything" is in HD.

And why is that? It is a very simple matter to "downrez" and broadcast an HD show in SD.

The only thing that is slowing the process is the relative high price and scarcity of HD broadcast gear. But that will change.

Posted by: slocko

ah I see. I didn't realize the mastering process involved scanning the film. but now that I think about it, how else would you do it.

then I agree absolutely. if you can film it digitally to begin with, there is nothing to scan. is that why some HD sources have that soap opera quality to it? Bright with lots of detail. i once saw an imax preview that i swore was HD with the amount of detail and clarity.

quote:
Originally posted by dandrewk
Yes, this is correct. However, even the best scanner cannot even begin to capture all the information available on film.

The only way to take total advantage of all that resoulution is to look at the film with a lupe on a lightbox. Not very pratical, and can be bad for your back when viewing a 2 hour movie. :D

Posted by: hongcho

> i know why we want it, but the question is why we all want it right now!

It just goes to show that there are more gadget geeks (or nerds) than one might assume. :p

Hong.

Posted by: MitsHD

Robert:

You mentioned that you would be emailing the top 700 pre-order people, but there has been a lot of chatter on this board about issues with your email being screened by spam filers -- and given the vagaries of Doug's great list, I'm left wondering whether I'm in that group or not -- since I'm not certain whether an email from you might be blocked by the technical issues listed above.

Others may have the same question. I wonder if you could post the order number that represents the top 700? That would have two good effects: it would let people know whether they should have received something from you (cutting down a lot of "blind" checking up with your office), and it would also "calibrate" Doug's list at a certain point for those of us who are in its nether reaches.

Thanks.

Posted by: sotapoppy

Robert:

Could you verify this?

quote:
Originally posted by RxMan
I called VE with a question about one of the two 'required' forms. I had the forms emailed to me from someone here on this forum.

They told me me 'we don't need either form, our fax machine is going to blow up'. I asked if he was joking. He said NO, we do NOT need either form.

Posted by: turls

This is amazing Robert was forced to make this type of post. Thank you DirecTV for being in the Samsung mold of screwing over the great folks who bring pre-orders to us, and assuring it is very likely these "power buy/pre-orders" will happen again in the future (or at least not at any great "deal").

They had to know there were issues sooner than they said and did a crappy job getting the word out.

Should I even dare mention the feeling of deja vu, and wondering if anybody at any B&M had anything to do with this mess?

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
OK, All orders stay as we have them set up to ship, except CA orders, which I will upgrade to overnight. Does that sound like the best way to handle this?

Posted by: chezpaul

quote:
Originally posted by MitsHD
Robert:

You mentioned that you would be emailing the top 700 pre-order people, but there has been a lot of chatter on this board about issues with your email being screened by spam filers -- and given the vagaries of Doug's great list, I'm left wondering whether I'm in that group or not -- since I'm not certain whether an email from you might be blocked by the technical issues listed above.

Others may have the same question. I wonder if you could post the order number that represents the top 700? That would have two good effects: it would let people know whether they should have received something from you (cutting down a lot of "blind" checking up with your office), and it would also "calibrate" Doug's list at a certain point for those of us who are in its nether reaches.

Thanks.

I second that... I'm wondering if I'm in the 700 or not...
Maybe he doesn't want to post it cause then we might "go see somewhere else" ?
Who knows ?

I'm already thinking about all the stupid things you guys will be saying tomorrow April 1st... Argh... !!!!

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by turls
Should I even dare mention the feeling of deja vu, and wondering if anybody at any B&M had anything to do with this mess?

If I buy you a beer, will you go cry in it quietly?

Posted by: turls

quote:
Originally posted by wmillik
I intensely dislike this method of spam blocking. I subscribe to several mailing lists that regularly get blocked because some vigilantes believe every mailing above a certain number is spam. Looks like Robert got caught. Could explain those messages about never getting his mailings.

That's why you NEVER auto-delete spam, just put it in another folder. Its painful, but the first important false positive you have is going to cause more misery.

I use SpamPal, free, and it works great.

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by MitsHD
Robert:

.... I wonder if you could post the order number that represents the top 700? That would have two good effects: it would let people know whether they should have received something from you (cutting down a lot of "blind" checking up with your office), and it would also "calibrate" Doug's list at a certain point for those of us who are in its nether reaches.

Thanks.

I agree this would be great. Or to save time just tell us the VE order # for #400, #500, #600, & #700.

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
If I buy you a beer, will you go cry in it quietly?

Michelob Golden Draft Light ;)

Posted by: SteveHoltam

HD cameras are being used more and more everyday to film television. The cameras cost a BUNCH up front, but once that investment is made, the savings start rolling in. No film to buy, develop and edit ever again. The stuidios can transfer the works digitally from the sound stage, to editing, to post production and then on to New York or where ever the actualy show gets beamed to us. Plus archiving 0' and 1's is much easier then storing 100's of rolls of film forever in some special room.

With filters, effects and many directors dis-like for the "look" of digital , its hard to tell currently, whats film sourced and whats digital.

Steve

Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer

quote:
Originally posted by MitsHD
Robert:

You mentioned that you would be emailing the top 700 pre-order people, but there has been a lot of chatter on this board about issues with your email being screened by spam filers -- and given the vagaries of Doug's great list, I'm left wondering whether I'm in that group or not -- since I'm not certain whether an email from you might be blocked by the technical issues listed above.

Others may have the same question. I wonder if you could post the order number that represents the top 700? That would have two good effects: it would let people know whether they should have received something from you (cutting down a lot of "blind" checking up with your office), and it would also "calibrate" Doug's list at a certain point for those of us who are in its nether reaches.

Thanks.

It's not possible to tell you where you are based on the order # as we have different series of order # for our shopping cart and phoned in orders. Also, we sell hundreds of other items that have order #'s mixed into the sequence.

Once the first two allocations ship we are scheduled to receive steady shipments of several hundred units every week or two. Hence, all orders will be shipped by the beginning of May '04.

Posted by: turls

It was a myth (that there was any reason to believe it wasn't going to be "hot")--and its also a myth DirecTV bothered to do any test marketing to determine demand. They've cornered the market so not even a couple manufacturers can compete, and they've fixed the price.

Is it going to be any surprise when it is full of bugs too?

quote:
Originally posted by slocko
how exactly did this HD-Tivo become so hot?

it's very expensive and not a lot of people can afford it. i know i can't, but i bough it anyway.

Posted by: Kamakzie

Robert, will you be posting the HR10-250 manual today? :)

Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer

There is no problem faxing us the 2 forms regardless of how you got them. Yes our fax and email systems are getting a good workout, but we have very good reserves of toner cartridges and paper on hand.

Posted by: turls

No thanks, you'd also have to buy the other dozen people that mentioned the idea before I did a beer as well.

What's your problem?

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
If I buy you a beer, will you go cry in it quietly?

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by turls
It was a myth--and its also a myth DirecTV bothered to do any test marketing to determine demand. They've cornered the market so not even a couple manufacturers can compete, and they've fixed the price.

Is it going to be any surprise when it is full of bugs too?

I do recall reading reports here long ago about online surveys by DirecTV and TiVo where the HD capabilities were among the questions asked. I'm sure they did some studies to determine demand; I think they just were clueless thinking that any study regarding demand for HD a year ago would apply today.

For example, look at www.bestbuy.com and find an RPTV that's not HD-ready. There weren't any earlier today when I looked, and only several months ago I know there were some because it annoyed me not having a way to eliminate them from searches. ;) As that sort of thing becomes more prevalent, we're going to see demand for HD receivers and HD programming really start to increase as more people become equipped to view it.

Posted by: JLWINE

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
Nothing against VE...all other things being equal, I'd rather have the option of walking a defective unit into a store rather than shipping it.

I remember back when Robert was the first to offer the HDVR 2 one of the very first person to get one received a bad unit. Robert sent a replacement for overnight delivery for a Saturday. You can't ask for much more than that.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
There is no problem faxing us the 2 forms regardless of how you got them. Yes our fax and email systems are getting a good workout, but we have very good reserves of toner cartridges and paper on hand.

Can we fax them to you even if we didn't order an HD DVR? :D

Posted by: dswallow

Order listing moved, for convenience, to http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...140#post1850140

Posted by: PJO1966

Doug...

you might want to update your massive post with the latest from Robert. No matter where you got the documents from, feel free to fax them in. If you really wanted to help the masses, you could provide the attachments. It seems that Robert doesn't have a problem with them being posted on-line.

It hasn't been said lately, but many thanks to Doug for keeping us all organized and informed!

Paul

Posted by: JLWINE

quote:
Originally posted by Paperboy2003
This might have been touched on, and it might not make sense, but some of the big online and b&m guys might have slammed D* because this small(relative) guy in NY was able to line up all these pre orders at a discount and he's gotten the allocation they wish they had. Perhaps some of the big guys slammed them D* and to appease them perhaps D* told them they would get the box before Robert and they would mandate a minimmum price. Just an overactive imagination at work.

That would be my guess too. Although I don't think DirecTV would agree to ship units to the big guys before Robert, however they may very well have agreed to hold back any shipment until they had enough to feed the big guys at the same time they feed Robert.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
you might want to update your massive post with the latest from Robert. No matter where you got the documents from, feel free to fax them in. If you really wanted to help the masses, you could provide the attachments. It seems that Robert doesn't have a problem with them being posted on-line.

It hasn't been said lately, but many thanks to Doug for keeping us all organized and informed!

I didn't want to increase the number of PM requests I get for them. I'm absolutely certain Robert will make sure he gets them from people since it's a necessary part of the process -- at least the DirecTV form. :D

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by turls
No thanks, you'd also have to buy the other dozen people that mentioned the idea before I did a beer as well.

What's your problem?

Listening to your continual whining about some deal you got burned on in the past and the latest conspiracy theory you have about the B&M demons. Chill- was it likely to have a delay? Yes, no one here who has ever been through a product launch would have discounted that as unlikely. Is it likely to have a few bugs? Yes, but I personally think they'll be much more minor than the 921 horror stories and no one here thinks a version 1.0 product (even if it is built on an existing base and has a non-1.0 version number (original WinNT anyone?)). But enough with the griping.

Sit back, imbibe, wait and enjoy. Going all grassy-knoll every time there is a glitch only shortens YOUR life.

And since I'm going home and not checking this thread overnight, feel free to say nasty things about me with impunity for at least 12 hours.

Posted by: katkison

dswallow

To give you something to do, here is my order information:

Time of Order: 1/19/2004 10:23:02 AM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12794

Kelly

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by JLWINE
That would be my guess too. Although I don't think DirecTV would agree to ship units to the big guys before Robert, however they may very well have agreed to hold back any shipment until they had enough to feed the big guys at the same time they feed Robert.

Any store I discovered doing that would lose 100% of my business forever.

These tidbits always eventually come out. So we shall see.

We have had a confirmed report the HD DVR's received by DirecTV executives had the Dolby Digital logo with 5.1 next to it on the actual unit (even though it's not on the box that way).

Based on what Robert was told, if the unit we receive is different in that respect, then I will be satisfied with the explanation given, even if it might not be the whole explanation. I also don't see it outside the realm of possibilities that faced with a delay caused by labeling, they chose to do some more thorough testing, too... no big deal there.

If the unit I receive appears identical and has the "5.1" on it, then I will be at least one voice demanding a more thorough explanation from DirecTV about what caused the delay.

But I fully expect the real reason for the delay will come out, if it hasn't already. And while I might find some small possibility Robert is being misled by DirecTV, I feel quite confident he's not intentionally misleading us. So at the moment, I'm not particularly upset about anything.

Posted by: dstroot

I'm soooooo glad I never subscribed to this thread. Just think of the hours of wasted productivity the US economy is experiencing because none of you are working - you just keep checking, and posting, and checking, and posting....

:)

Posted by: micah67

That's why the ratio of view to replies is nearly 62:1.

Posted by: kmulder

So are they now shipping from VE in Scarsdale or from somewhere else?

Posted by: cheridave

PDF. Manual-

We were told that it would be posted on the VE site today.

Anybody have any luck finding it anywhere?

Dave

Posted by: PJO1966

Between checking this thread, checking on my HD receiver up on ebay, and following the several other threads I'm subscribed to... it's amazing how productive I was at work today. All that on 4 hours sleep. I'm patting myself on the back, dammit.

Posted by: turls

Its the whole last second thing. Of course I know delays are inevitable. But last second? Get real. I'm not saying definite conspiracy, but it definitely passes the "appearance of impropriety" test. With flying colors.

Take off your rose colored glasses, besides it wasn't a theory the last time, it was a fact.

Oh, and real classic pulling out the W word. Got to love that lack of originality.

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
was it likely to have a delay? Yes, no one here who has ever been through a product launch would have discounted that as unlikely.

Posted by: dr_mal

quote:
Originally posted by turls
What's your problem?

Mr. Pot, meet Mr. Kettle.

Posted by: DTV TiVo Dealer

quote:
Originally posted by cheridave
PDF. Manual-

We were told that it would be posted on the VE site today.

Anybody have any luck finding it anywhere?

Dave

Sorry, it looks like I should have an official copy tomorrow.

Posted by: cheridave

Thanks Robert.

Dave

Posted by: gimp

#94

Time of Order: 1/16/2004 6:12:33 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12568

Posted by: Kamakzie

Cool, thanks Robert!

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry, it looks like I should have an official copy tomorrow.

Posted by: hongcho

It would be more exciting if Robert can let us know when his allocation was shipped from Mexico/SoCal. :)

Hong.

Posted by: LarryInAz

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Funny thing is I ordered two 20" LCD's from Dell yesterday. My order confirmation indicated an April 5 ship date. Today I get an email telling me they shipped yesterday, the day I ordered. With luck I'll have them by Friday, so at least I'll have some sort of new toy to play with.

Doug,

I'm assuming you're getting the Dell 2001FP monitor[s]? I just bought one last month and I love it! It's connected to my system via DVI on a 9600XT graphics card. Colors are bright, crisp and easy on the eyes. :up: :up: :up: [3 TiVo Thumbs Up] :D

Posted by: TivoAholic

Robert I would like to personaly thank you for Everything you have done for us Members. You have gone that extra mile for us and we do appreciate it.

I live only 10-15 minutes south of your store and I am personaly going to stop by some day this week and shake your hand! (Just let me know when the Tractor Trailer arrives :) )

If you need any help Unloading that Tractor Trailer FULL Of Directv HD-Tivo's you just let me know, You dont even have to Pay me Just letting me TOUCH them will be enough payment for me (well.... maybe you could sell me one of the receivers you are holding for DOA's if Possible ;) )

Seriously though THANKS FOR EVERYTHING Robert !!!!
I will be a Customer for LIFE!!!!!

Posted by: joegolf68

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dswallow
[B]Any store I discovered doing that would lose 100% of my business forever.

Hi Doug :D

I have been out of town and am just catching up again. My comments earlier about your sources of inforamtion were to get an idea of reliability. Unless someone on the deep inside is leaking info, it appears that most of the past posts by many of us here were simple specualtion and rumor. I hope everyone gets their units ASAP. For those who bought on EBay.........:o

It would be great to have some news come directly from D* and the others.

As for any store doing that would lose my 100% of my business..... are you talking about GG, CC, BB, D*? As for GG, if they found a way to insure them getting more units earlier, I would think that would increase their business. Not sure though who you were writing about.

:)

Posted by: ken erickson

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry, it looks like I should have an official copy tomorrow.

Robert,

I hope you have a mirror site for your web cause I think it's going to be overloaded with all these folks downloading that .PDF (myself included). I can just see the 401/404 page not found messages poping up.:confused: :(

Posted by: herdfan

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry, it looks like I should have an official copy tomorrow.

Would that be because you were able to pull one from a box and scan it to a .pdf?:D

And that you didn't get to it today because you were busy shipping the first 200 units?:up:

Posted by: gadgetgrrll

I'm in! Better late than never. Here's my info...

Time of Order: 3/31/2004 8:21:27 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 14110

Kathy

Posted by: Shark73

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
Any store I discovered doing that would lose 100% of my business forever.

These tidbits always eventually come out. So we shall see.

We have had a confirmed report the HD DVR's received by DirecTV executives had the Dolby Digital logo with 5.1 next to it on the actual unit (even though it's not on the box that way).

Based on what Robert was told, if the unit we receive is different in that respect, then I will be satisfied with the explanation given, even if it might not be the whole explanation. I also don't see it outside the realm of possibilities that faced with a delay caused by labeling, they chose to do some more thorough testing, too... no big deal there.

If the unit I receive appears identical and has the "5.1" on it, then I will be at least one voice demanding a more thorough explanation from DirecTV about what caused the delay.

But I fully expect the real reason for the delay will come out, if it hasn't already. And while I might find some small possibility Robert is being misled by DirecTV, I feel quite confident he's not intentionally misleading us. So at the moment, I'm not particularly upset about anything.

Doug,

I get DirecTv The Guide, on page 14 of the April issue, it shows a photo of the new HD DVR. It is branded with the DirecTv name, not Hughes, and it does have the 5.1 on the front.

Just an FYI that D* is advertising the unit with the 5.1 on the front.

We will have to wait and see like you stated, but I feel there is more to it than the logo.

Thanks,

Jim

Posted by: herdfan

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
Sorry, it looks like I should have an official copy tomorrow.

Would that be because you were able to pull one from a box and scan it to a .pdf?:D

And that you didn't get to it today because you were busy shipping the first 200 units?:up:

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by joegolf68
As for any store doing that would lose my 100% of my business..... are you talking about GG, CC, BB, D*? As for GG, if they found a way to insure them getting more units earlier, I would think that would increase their business. Not sure though who you were writing about.

I thought it was pretty clear. If any store exerted pressure on a manufacturer to take units away from another store/dealer to whom they'd already committed them and whome they were aware had already found end-users who were standing in line to buy them would lose my business forever.

Good Guys wouldn't lose my business, because they currently don't have my business. They certainly wouldn't get it in the future, though, if they exerted any pressure of this nature that DirecTV caved in to. And they'd probably earn a very public 3-thumbs-down whenever I was recommending things to someone.

But at this time, I have zero reason to believe any pressure being exerted had anything to do with the current delay, and zero reason to believe once DirecTV does begin shipping, they won't be honoring the committments they had made to everyone earlier.

My statement was only made in response to the comment theorizing the possibility.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
I get DirecTv The Guide, on page 14 of the April issue, it shows a photo of the new HD DVR. It is branded with the DirecTv name, not Hughes, and it does have the 5.1 on the front.

Just an FYI that D* is advertising the unit with the 5.1 on the front.

We will have to wait and see like you stated, but I feel there is more to it than the logo.

You pay for that thing? :)

Wouldn't that lend some merit to the possibility that it really is the reason though? Someone involved at Dolby sees that and says "hmmm" and picks up the phone to call legal, who calls DirecTV, who goes "oops"?

We shall see.

The "5.1" part was only conjecture on my part anyway, as the only word we've heard was more generic about it relating to the Dolby logo, not specifically what about it was wrong.

Posted by: bdlucas

quote:
Originally posted by dludwig
Speaking for myself, I've had an HD-ready monitor for slightly longer than I've had a Tivo (about 4 years). At the time I elected to wait on getting the receiver until there were more programming options available. Once I went to Tivo (and later DTivo), it was a no-brainer - my HD receiver should have DirecTV and Tivo capability. It is, quite simply, a watershed device.

My story exactly. I wouldn't be surprised if Tivo (and the lack of HD Tivo) has been responsible in part for delaying the rollout of HDTV.

Posted by: ricaltman

quote:
Originally posted by borghe
This is 100% incorrect.. sorry
Edit - I decided to give some of the links to save you some searching effort..

RIAA Case
Description of price fixing in general on the FTC's site

From the FTC link:

The antitrust laws, however, give a manufacturer latitude to adopt a policy regarding a desired level of resale prices and to deal only with retailers who independently decide to follow that policy. A manufacturer also is permitted to stop dealing with a retailer who breaches the manufacturer�s resale price maintenance policy. That is, the manufacturer can adopt the policy on a "take it or leave it" basis.

Hmmm...

Posted by: ricaltman

quote:
Originally posted by sotapoppy
I think any pressure on prices is coming from someone other than D*

Like retailers that can't, or don't want to compete.

Posted by: ricaltman

quote:
Originally posted by oosik77
If minimum prices are illegal then the Apple vendors and Xbox vendors to name a few have issues. You can never find those below MRSP except maybe just a few cents.

You are right, this sort of thing is everywhere, it just doesn't get any press. It is certainly not in the interest of the "free market system" we are supposed to live under.

Posted by: ricaltman

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
I've seen ads for printers and memory bundled with Apple CPUs priced at MSRP.

That's one way of getting around it, just give something away. The other way is to ignore the policy and take the risk that the manufacturer won't cut off an important buyer. I do both.

Posted by: buzzword

quote:
Originally posted by KML
I understand that concept. The problem I saw was that all the labels did the same thing and charged essentially the same price. At least that practice didn't carry over to DVDs.

I work for a major label and can tell you how it works. If we saw that any of our competitors raised their prices (indicated by what their product was selling for in the store), we figured we probably could as well. ie. if they can we can! This is no different than airline fares where a change by one company often causes all the airlines to change, when there's high demand you can raise prices and when demand drops you lower them.

I can tell you there is absolutely no collusion, the guys running the labels hate each other <g> mostly due to one or the other being number two guy to the other at some point and getting the boot only to end up running a competitor.

Posted by: ricaltman

quote:
Originally posted by borghe
but I highly doubt that the manufacturer is able to set minimum pricing inside that policy, which would be entirely contradictory.

You may be right, and I would hope so, but I don't think so. The agreement I had to sign to continue my dealership stated that on all of the items in their catalog that were marked with an MSRP, which are all the new, and/or high end items, that I could not sell below 10% off that MSRP or risk losing my dealership. It flies in the face of all we think of as the "free market system," but there it is. You'd think the FTC would be after this as certainly not being in the spirit of free market competition. I own a small shop, but I am very aggressive with my pricing and I enjoy that. I have a brick and mortar store, but my pricing is equal or below anyone. I should be free to sell at whatever price suits me, without any oversight, at least on pricing, by the manufacturer.

Posted by: ricaltman

quote:
Originally posted by DTV TiVo Dealer
It's not possible to tell you where you are based on the order # as we have different series of order # for our shopping cart and phoned in orders.

But surely you have a list somewhere of who gets the units and in what order they get them? Apparently there is a numbering system in effect, but not for over 300?

Posted by: lukepurdy

So would we be able to construct a list of which reseller got what by posting the serial number of your unit along with the place where it was purchased?

For example:
Ser. No. 100 - 499 came from VE
Ser. No. 500 - 599 came from BB
Ser. No. 600 - 699 came from CC

That might allow us to reconstruct which reseller got what and when.

Luke

Posted by: leesweet

You then assume that the boxes were stacked a certain way and they were pulled off a certain way and shipped to the same place. I think that's too many assumptions for a hard pattern.

Posted by: hongcho

> But surely you have a list somewhere of who gets the units and in what order they get them? Apparently there is a numbering system in effect, but not for over 300?

I think he hasn't merged the lists beyond that number. I am sure he will eventually have to merge them, but he needs to send out the 200 units first.

Hong.

Posted by: ericlhyman

How many people have been able to convince DirecTV Customer Retention' to give them a $200 credit for an HD set top box purchase? The initial rep and a supervisor refused to do this. They seemed unaware that the unit is already being manufactured and will be shipped out next week. They were unwilling to lump the HD Tivo into the category of an HD receiver that qualifies for this credit.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by ericlhyman
How many people have been able to convince DirecTV Customer Retention' to give them a $200 credit for an HD set top box purchase? The initial rep and a supervisor refused to do this. They seemed unaware that the unit is already being manufactured and will be shipped out next week. They were unwilling to lump the HD Tivo into the category of an HD receiver that qualifies for this credit.

I haven't tried, but from what I've seen around here it's pretty easy to convince DirecTV to give you about $30/month for 6 months towards something just by whining a little and saying the right words. That's $180.

Posted by: PJO1966

What are the right words? I know how to whine, but I usually get diddly-squat from D* csr-type people

Posted by: KenW

I was planning to wait until they made me an offer, and then start the whining act. I just don't know if I can hold out once they start shipping!

Posted by: EJ

So if I didn't get an email last night from VE, how do I go about making sure I get tracking information once the unit does ship?

(I'm #143)

Posted by: slocko

If you are a two year customer with at least $50 dollar a month account, you can convince them to give you a $250 credit to purchase a receiver of your choice. Several people have reported this. I forget exactly the reason they gave, but it was something about a partcular receiver being the only one they could use with their equipment. Since D* can't guarantee what receiver you will get if they ship you one, they just gave them the credit.

quote:
Originally posted by ericlhyman
How many people have been able to convince DirecTV Customer Retention' to give them a $200 credit for an HD set top box purchase? The initial rep and a supervisor refused to do this. They seemed unaware that the unit is already being manufactured and will be shipped out next week. They were unwilling to lump the HD Tivo into the category of an HD receiver that qualifies for this credit.

Posted by: turls

quote:
Originally posted by dr_mal
Mr. Pot, meet Mr. Kettle.

Another day at the office rubbing the fan boys the wrong way. Sorry, the truth hurts sometimes.

Posted by: Will-san

I am stuck in another time zone, so apologies for being way late with my off topic response.

But for the true Sports Night fanatic:webizodes

As for the Dolby Logo thing. I work for a big entertainment company and we are constantly being screwed in some way by either graphics or the marketing folks. It is a totally plausible cause for the delay. Stupid, but plausible.

Posted by: Mr Pieces

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
I haven't tried, but from what I've seen around here it's pretty easy to convince DirecTV to give you about $20/month for 6 months towards something just by whining a little and saying the right words. That's $180.

Doug, are you using that new math again. $20 x 6...

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Pieces
Doug, are you using that new math again. $20 x 6...

Oops... I meant $30.

Posted by: Mr Pieces

You must have asked Nippleman for the answer again!

Posted by: jdk

OK - I'm waiting for the 1st April Fool's joke either in this thread, or as a new post in the forum... (even though its not 4/1 here for a few more hours)

Posted by: Will-san

just now I checked my email and there was a shipping confirmation from VE

Having completely forgotten about the OTA antenna I ordered yesterday , I assumed it was for the HDtivo and I got very excited, It shipped, it shipped!

Then it all came back to me.

An unintentional April fools Joke.

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by turls
Oh, and real classic pulling out the W word. Got to love that lack of originality.

I'm looking at the part of my post you quoted and I'm confused. Which W word was that? "was" or "would"?

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by mprh
Does any know when we will be able to pre-order the hd tivo?
Marie

There are many places that are taking pre-orders.....NOW. Get to it....you're way behind the power curve. :-)

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
When did Robert start this offer?

Months ago.

Posted by: steel6

quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
What are the right words? I know how to whine, but I usually get diddly-squat from D* csr-type people

PJ, I received a $300 credit buy calling the regular CSR line and asked why I should pay $400 for the D* HD setup when my local cable company will give it to me for $0. The CSR had no good answer so I told him I wanted to cancel my service. He transferred me to a "Retention CSR" and I went through the same pitch. The first deal he offered was $150 credit on the $399 deal but after I told him he could do better he checked with his supervisor and came back with $300 off. There is a whole thread on the subject.

"Skids are for kids"

Posted by: JohnA

Hellooo....Anyone home.....no posts for a couple hours........

Posted by: aaronwt

I already got the $99 deal. Has anyone received the $99 deal and then later got a $250 credit also for saying they plan on purchasing the HD-TiVo.

Posted by: leesweet

Of course, one caveat as mentioned is you need to be a long-term client. I'm a relatively new D* client (last summer!), and added HD in the fall. No special deal for me, and they wouldn't even acknowledge such a thing existed for people that purchased equipment outside. But I did know better from AVS.

Posted by: stef1

Doug,

Here is the missing #76 for your list...

Time of Order: 1/16/2004 4:35:03 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12549

Posted by: slocko

Now that would be pure greed :mad:

Try it and let me know :D

quote:
Originally posted by aaronwt
I already got the $99 deal. Has anyone received the $99 deal and then later got a $250 credit also for saying they plan on purchasing the HD-TiVo.

Posted by: horta

I got the $200 credit with no problem this Monday. It will hit my account once I activate the HD Tivo. I have been with them sence 1996 so they had ZERO problem giving me $200. I should have asked for $250, but hey I'm still gratefull.

Jerry

Posted by: Toeside

Anyone wanna talk about PhaseIII installs? I installed mine last night after work.

We used to have two Dish500s on the roof, one was replaced last October when my in-laws switched to DirecTV. The other stayed up there unused. So last night I removed the Dish500 and dropped the PhaseIII on the already plum mast. Pointed it in the general direction and connected one cable to the DirecTivo in the closest room. Only a couple minutes later done. It was incredibly easy. All three SATs were in mid to upper 90s.

I spent the rest of the evening running cables and a phone line to the new location of the HDTV and HD Tivo.

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by Toeside
Anyone wanna talk about PhaseIII installs? I installed mine last night after work.

We used to have two Dish500s on the roof, one was replaced last October when my in-laws switched to DirecTV. The other stayed up there unused. So last night I removed the Dish500 and dropped the PhaseIII on the already plum mast. Pointed it in the general direction and connected one cable to the DirecTivo in the closest room. Only a couple minutes later done. It was incredibly easy. All three SATs were in mid to upper 90s.

I spent the rest of the evening running cables and a phone line to the new location of the HDTV and HD Tivo.

that's not fair toeside, way too easy for u. U didn't even have to adjust the tilt??

Posted by: Shark73

quote:
Originally posted by KCWolfPck
Months ago.

Where did you pull that from?

I asked that the first day the pre-order was offered!

Posted by: Toeside

quote:
Originally posted by Tom in OH
that's not fair toeside, way too easy for u. U didn't even have to adjust the tilt??

I pre-staged it the night before. I set elevation and tilt. I think it was 44* for elevation and 67* for tilt. I did not have to re-adjust a thing!

Just had to find 101*, which was fast, and came in at 94. Switched the receiver to show 119, it was in at 97. 110 is automatic at that point, in at 98. I tightened it up and then ran my cables. :)

Posted by: neildallas

Doug,

Order #71

Time of Order: 1/16/2004 4:18:30 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12545

Posted by: Tom in OH

good job, that's amazing. The pre made measurements given for my area were all wrong. I did exactly what u're talking about by presetting the tilt and elevation but they all needed tweaked and I still only get 92 on Sat A. SAT B is 87 and SAT C is also 87.

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
Where did you pull that from?

I asked that the first day the pre-order was offered!

My guess is #1 and #2 on the list got wind of the offer on 1/13/04 but it appears that it officially was offered on 1/16/04. ;)

Posted by: Toeside

Tom, I read something that the Tilt is basically the same for all of North America. Doesn't surprise me that we both had 67* tilt based on that statement.

BTW, when I installed the DISH500 for my inlaws 2 years ago, I had a hell of a time getting 110 and 119. I was thinking this install was going to be similar. As you can see, it wasn't at all!

Posted by: Tom in OH

I'm a little envious of your signal strength numbers and makes me wanna climb back up there for more tweaking. I do have a gigantic tree that's off in the distance but I always assumed the signal cleared that tree but the dish aims directly at it. (I do have a chainsaw..... ^_^)

Posted by: Toeside

Tom, I wouldn't be too worried about the numbers. Others may disagree. Its digital. Either you get the signal or you don't. A weeker signal won't degrade picture quality, it will only cause an issue in severe weather, if the slightly increased signal would have been enough to maintain the stream.

Posted by: AbMagFab

So I got my e-mail from VE... I wonder if he actually got the boxes yesterday, and it's just going to take a week to ship them?

When do you expect to see #1 get his/her HD Tivo?

Posted by: horta

Hey all sence we are just sitting her. What HD antenas do you all use. I do not have any right now and was reading about the SquareShooter.

Any comments would be appriciated.

Jerry

Posted by: ebonovic

I use a Radio Shack VU-120 XR

I have it mounted inside one of my attics.
I am about 35-40 miles away from the transmission towers and get an 85% signal or better on all stations except VHF-3 (our CBS).. Which I get about a 70% or sometimes better.

I get a total of 12 Digital stations, with around 22 distinct channesl when include all the sub-channels.

Posted by: lsdean

Horta, what did you say to get the credit? Did you already have a HD receiver? I have been with them since 97 and I did get a credit for my HD receiver a couple of years ago. I guess I will have to give them a call.

Posted by: Shark73

I have a Silver Sensor and a Radio shack indoor antenna...not sure what the model # is on the RS.

They both work well for my locals...I'm about 8 miles from the towers and get around 80% on all channels except channel # 2-1.

Jim

Posted by: Toeside

quote:
Originally posted by horta
Hey all sence we are just sitting her. What HD antenas do you all use. I do not have any right now and was reading about the SquareShooter.

Any comments would be appriciated.

Jerry

I was looking at the Square shooter yesterday, on ValueElectronics website. I just don't think I can spend $100 on an antenna when people are claiming good luck with much smaller and cheaper models--like the Zenith Silver Sensor.

I'm still deciding what to get.

Posted by: Kevin L

Hi, Jerry. What kind of committment did you have to make? Did you have to commit to the HD package?

Thanks.

quote:
Originally posted by horta
I got the $200 credit with no problem this Monday. It will hit my account once I activate the HD Tivo. I have been with them sence 1996 so they had ZERO problem giving me $200. I should have asked for $250, but hey I'm still gratefull.

Jerry

Posted by: herdfan

For the past few days, I have been going to the "Activate New Equipment" page on D*'s site to see if the HR10-250 is listed. I just tried, and the drop down box that lists all the receivers is not working.

I wonder if they are updating the list to include the new model?

Posted by: Kevin L

quote:
Originally posted by Toeside
I was looking at the Square shooter yesterday, on ValueElectronics website. I just don't think I can spend $100 on an antenna when people are claiming good luck with much smaller and cheaper models--like the Zenith Silver Sensor.

I'm still deciding what to get.

I got the Square Shooter from Robert about a month ago in anticipation of the HD Tivo. I'm 35 miles from the tower in Manhattan and it works great for digital, except for NBC-DT which has been operating on very low power. Once the combiner gets done at the Empire State Bldg, NBC should be fine, too. Analog is not good, though, but who cares as I have D* locals.

Then, there's the cool factor. The SquareShooter is the best looking rooftop antenna. :)

Posted by: bquinlan

quote:
Originally posted by horta
Hey all sence we are just sitting her. What HD antenas do you all use. I do not have any right now and was reading about the SquareShooter.

Any comments would be appriciated.

Jerry

I have just purchased a SquareShooter to use with my HDTivo. Hopefully it will work. I am nearly 30 miles from the transmitter. Analog reception is poor; don't know how this translates to digital reception. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Posted by: marcaeld

Order ID: 1333x
Time of Order: 2/7/2004 2:03:08 PM
Order Type: Email

Enjoy,
Marc

Posted by: Champlain

Apologies in advance if this is a foolish question, but how do you know what number on VE's list you are? I didn't preorder until 3/24, order ID 13976, so I know I'm way down on the list, but how far?

Posted by: jeff125va

quote:
Originally posted by Toeside
I was looking at the Square shooter yesterday, on ValueElectronics website. I just don't think I can spend $100 on an antenna when people are claiming good luck with much smaller and cheaper models--like the Zenith Silver Sensor.

I'm still deciding what to get.

The Silver Sensor was great for me for the most part. I installed a ChannelMaster 4-bay UHF antenna in my attic, which definitely works much better for my D.C. locals, but doesn't get the Baltimore stations for me at all, whereas the Silver Sensor was I'd say OK for both the DCs and the Baltimores. Also, I moved my STB to my basement so the SS probably wouldn't have worked as well, although I sold it to a friend who uses it in his basement now and it comes in better in his basement than it did on my main level family room. My point is I'd agree that the cheaper and smaller ones are definitely worth a try.

But even the Channel Master I have now was only about $40, same as the Silver Sensor, just more work to install. In my case I'm much happier with the CM, since it's much better for the D.C. locals. Even if I got the Baltimore stations I'd probably watch them very rarely anyway. And I could probably pick them up if I added an amplifier.

Posted by: dlott

I use a Channel Master 4221A and it works great. http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm

The Channel Master 4228 was going to be a little too directional to get all my stations. I have a Channel Master 3016 for VHF reception. I use a Channel Master 7777 preamp with a Channel Master 9521A rotator. I have found a sweet spot that lets me get all the major stations with the antenna pointed in one direction but it gives me the flexibility if I start to get dropouts to do a little realigning with the rotator and peg a station if I am going to be watching live TV or know in advance that I will be recording from a particular station and want to make sure that I don't get drop outs.

/Dennis

Posted by: dmk1974

Any word on the pdf yet for the manual?

Posted by: rogelah

quote:
I read something that the Tilt is basically the same for all of North America. Doesn't surprise me that we both had 67* tilt based on that statement.

I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and tilt is 44*.

Posted by: grins

Hey look, the hughes HTL-HD receiver over at Robert's site has the dolby digital logo with a 5.1 next to it. That's been shipping for a while, hasn't it?

That means the logo with an adjacent 5.1 has gone through legal approvial, doesn't it?

Posted by: Toeside

quote:
Originally posted by rogelah
I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and tilt is 44*.

I guess that makes sense... you are pretty far south..

Hey, is your dish pointing West? Don't they point "towards Texas"?

Posted by: dludwig

While I patiently await an email from VE (I think I'm around 500)... From Doug's list/FAQ something isn't very clear to me. That Robert has a form for you to confirm your shipping and billing info is one thing. Is the D* form something that everyone needs to fill out? IIRC, a commitment requirement was something for new subscribers, not those of us simply adding a receiver. Can anyone clarify?

Posted by: PJO1966

DirecTV's policy has always been that new and old subscribers need to sign a 1-year commitment.

Posted by: slocko

you have to fill out the activation form. it locks you in for one more year in return for getting the subsidized Tivo I believe.

Posted by: Korkle

While we are in wait mode ---- I have a question for you TiVo folks. This will be my first TiVo (switching from UTV/replay). Can the remote be programed to turn my tv (Sammy DLP) and my amp (old Zenith) on at the same time with one power button? If so, do you need the amp code or can the remote learn the power,volume and mute from the Zenith remote.

Posted by: Toeside

quote:
Originally posted by Korkle
While we are in wait mode ---- I have a question for you TiVo folks. This will be my first TiVo (switching from UTV/replay). Can the remote be programed to turn my tv (Sammy DPL) and my amp (old Zenith) on at the same time with one power button? If so, do you need the amp code or can the remote learn the power,volume and mute from the Zenith remote.

Based on SD DTivos, no. The power button can be TV. The Volume can be TV or A/V receiver, and Input button can be TV. No simulaneous commands or macros available.

Posted by: turls

Whining, crying whatever. Great word pulled out when people don't like to hear the truth.

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
I'm looking at the part of my post you quoted and I'm confused. Which W word was that? "was" or "would"?

Posted by: sotapoppy

quote:
Originally posted by PJO1966
DirecTV's policy has always been that new and old subscribers need to sign a 1-year commitment.

Are you sure?

I've never "signed" any commitment agreements. Not that I'd have a problem with it. In fact I fully expect to this time since I think that was a condition in my order with VE.

I've agreed to 1-year commitments numerous times but always over the phone upon activation of new receivers.

Posted by: bquinn

Here's one more for the list

Time of Order: 1/28/2004 12:09:12 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 13132

Posted by: slocko

i did notice the form has a place for serial numbers and access card numbers to be filled by the dealer.

does that mean Robert has to open each box? or we will have to fax that form back to him once we get our receivers?

Posted by: oosik77

quote:
Originally posted by Korkle
While we are in wait mode ---- I have a question for you TiVo folks. This will be my first TiVo (switching from UTV/replay). Can the remote be programed to turn my tv (Sammy DLP) and my amp (old Zenith) on at the same time with one power button? If so, do you need the amp code or can the remote learn the power,volume and mute from the Zenith remote.

Yes, it's not documented in the manual (not that I remember) but I have my remote turning on/off my Toshiba TV and my Denon receiver on the power button. The volume and mute control the Denon.

Posted by: herdfan

The serial numbers and access card numbers are on a label on the outside of the box.

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by turls
Whining, crying whatever. Great word pulled out when people don't like to hear the truth.

Nope, as a father, I'm fully qualified to recognize whining. You're doing it. Get over it. If anything you said turns out to be true, you'll get to say "I told you so" and be happy about it. But now, it's just whining.

Posted by: drewba

Two days ago at this time, we thought the first people would have received their HD Tivo by now. :(

Posted by: chezpaul

I got the 99$ from DTV last month. You actually get billed $448 or so dollars on your credit card and then they re imburse your account for the difference. I know I have a credit for $349 (They even re imbursed my shipping for the dish and reciever to my house) (free install too). On top of that I called whinning about the fact that some people get HBO for $2 for 6 months and just like that they gave it to me. So in essence I'm really paying $39 for my whole HD upgrade. It's all about geting the right CSR person to talk to. (I called 4 times before I got the right person ready to listen to me)
(You need 2 years with DTV and a good standing account).

As for an antenna, I would recommend going to the AVS forum (HDTV > Local HDTV Info and Reception), and look for your city. They have threads by city so U can see which antenna works best in your area. I've had the Radio Shack 2160 ($21) and I get all channels expect UPN (Enterprise in HD) so I'm trying the Square Shooter this week end. Everyone has different results with different antennas, but reading the AVS forum will help you decide for sure.

I doubt DTV would give an extra $250 just for buying an HD Tivo after you've already had the HD upgrade deal.

Posted by: MichaelK

quote:
Originally posted by sotapoppy
Are you sure?

I've never "signed" any commitment agreements. Not that I'd have a problem with it. In fact I fully expect to this time since I think that was a condition in my order with VE.

I've agreed to 1-year commitments numerous times but always over the phone upon activation of new receivers.

recently they starting making you sign a form from the retailer. IF you go to circuit city for example they print out about 3 feet of register tape with the whole speach on it and you have to sign that.

Posted by: rogelah

quote:
Hey, is your dish pointing West? Don't they point "towards Texas"?

It's pointing along 238* which would take it into Mexico. :) La cucharacha, la cucharacha, ya no quiero caminar, porque no tengo, proque le falto, yo soy sin mi HD TIVO.:D

Posted by: MichaelK

about the DD label-

while we are all speculating- it might be somehting as simple as the lables they had werent sticking so they want to put better ones on. Or maybe they dont peel of the backing correctly so bits get left onthe backing and it locks shoddy. Could be a million things beside the 5.1

Posted by: acourvil

quote:
Originally posted by sotapoppy
Are you sure?

I've never "signed" any commitment agreements. Not that I'd have a problem with it. In fact I fully expect to this time since I think that was a condition in my order with VE.

I've agreed to 1-year commitments numerous times but always over the phone upon activation of new receivers.

I have 3 different DTV receivers, each activated at different times (beginning w/ the first one in 2001). I have never signed a 1 year commitment or been told that I had to make a commitment in order to get a receiver activated (up until the HD Tivo, that is).

Posted by: leesweet

quote:
Originally posted by herdfan
For the past few days, I have been going to the "Activate New Equipment" page on D*'s site to see if the HR10-250 is listed. I just tried, and the drop down box that lists all the receivers is not working.

Yep, it's totally down. Says 'Select one', and that's the only choice. Last week, you had all the usual stuff. Interesting, since how long can it take to add a receiver. (Answer, a few seconds to add a line to a listing: text to display, and the numeric code to pass to the internal program.) This means a lot of folks are now having to call the CSRs, including us when we get them, if it's not fixed. Ick.

Posted by: dandrewk

All the recent talk about universal remotes got me thinking. Although I love the Pronto, having a few more readily available hard buttons would be nice. So I did a bit of shopping.

First was the Harmony 659. No touch screen, but fully programmable and tons of buttons. Didn't like it though - buttons way too small, and programming via the web took a lot of time getting used to, and takes way too long to update the remote.

Still, the remote fits is the hand really nice, and having a TV schedule on your remote is a good feature.

I ended up with the RTI: http://www.remotecentral.com/touch/index.html. Still testing it a bit, but (for me) it s the best of both worlds - hard buttons and touch screen. It is fast, fast fast, fits perfect in my hand, is a breeze to program (and can use Pronto codes if you need them), and best of all has built in RF! For a person who uses a recliner when watching TV, it is great to be able to see and use the remote from any position (no more legs blocking the line-of-sight problems).

Of course, the big drawback is the price! But I figure if I sell the other remotes I have (MX 500, Pronto) and would have kept if I got any other remote, this is no more expensive than the 659. This is the first remote I have had that makes me believe it to be the only remote I will ever need.

Posted by: turls

I think you are majorly confused. I stated facts on a previous incident, completely relevant to any preorder run on a hot electronics item, and said it might happen again. Never said it did or that it would. I even already said it wasn't a "I told you so" situation. You haven't even read all the posts obviously. Better quit before you dig yourself in any deeper. Or try picking on the other people wondering the same things who you've given a free pass too.

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
Nope, as a father, I'm fully qualified to recognize whining. You're doing it. Get over it. If anything you said turns out to be true, you'll get to say "I told you so" and be happy about it. But now, it's just whining.

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by dandrewk
All the recent talk about universal remotes got me thinking. Although I love the Pronto, having a few more readily available hard buttons would be nice.

Do you look at the Pronto 3000? That has quite a few hard buttons (like 17).

To follow up on earlier notes, my Pronto 3000 now has 4 different sets of TiVo remote codes in it. I found a DTiVo addressed at ID zero responds to all sets and a remote addressed at ID zero controls any DTiVo no matter what the box is addressed at.

Posted by: mwhip

I have wanted to ask this for a while, and I am not going through 200+ pages to look for the answer.

So if I pre-order what do I get? Do I get a nice installer to come to my house upgrade my dish run new wires and install OTA antenna?

That's what I want, even if I have to pay $100 extra to get it. I will probably just wait for when I can call DirecTV order it for $999, get all the installation even if I have to sign up for another year. Let's face it I am not leaving DirecTV unless Voom comes out with a decent DVR box.

Posted by: Mr Pieces

quote:
Originally posted by acourvil
I have 3 different DTV receivers, each activated at different times (beginning w/ the first one in 2001). I have never signed a 1 year commitment or been told that I had to make a commitment in order to get a receiver activated (up until the HD Tivo, that is).

DirecTV automatically extends your commitment 1 year with the activation of ANY new receiver. Has been that way the 4+ years I have been with D*.

Posted by: ebockelman

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Pieces
DirecTV automatically extends your commitment 1 year with the activation of ANY new receiver. Has been that way the 4+ years I have been with D*.

I've been really insistent with them before, and the CSR has given in and not forced the commitment.

Posted by: dandrewk

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
Do you look at the Pronto 3000? That has quite a few hard buttons (like 17).

To follow up on earlier notes, my Pronto 3000 now has 4 different sets of TiVo remote codes in it. I found a DTiVo addressed at ID zero responds to all sets and a remote addressed at ID zero controls any DTiVo no matter what the box is addressed at.

Yes I did. But I felt that as a minimum I needed a keypad on the hard key layout. I wanted an LCD screen as well, but did not want to have to flip between screens to get to a function I would use all the time. Plus, having played with the 3000 before, it's not the fastest when paging through screens.

The RTI also has better RF features. I like a base unit with a separate antenna - this way the RF base unit can hide somewhere and the antenna mounted in a more useful spot.

As I said, it's pricey. But unlike any other remote I have owned, I have found little to dislike, and have yet to be forced into any "workarounds".

YMMV.

Posted by: rfm3

Here's another for the list

Date:3/16/04
Type:online at webpage
Order # 13886

Posted by: mercurial

quote:
Originally posted by turls
I think you are majorly confused. I stated facts on a previous incident, completely relevant to any preorder run on a hot electronics item, and said it might happen again. Never said it did or that it would. I even already said it wasn't a "I told you so" situation. You haven't even read all the posts obviously. Better quit before you dig yourself in any deeper. Or try picking on the other people wondering the same things who you've given a free pass too.

I will admit there are several Chicken Littles on this thread that I didn't call out. And I will say that the reason I asked you to chill (actually, to sit back and enjoy a frosty one to be more exact) was that after reading all of them over the course of days and weeks, I saw two or three from you in a row that seemed to be harping on the B&M conspiracy and that the delay meant the sky was falling.

I'm not going to go back and re-read a 4000+ post thread so if you say you hadn't been doing posting that nonsense all along and weren't the one constantly brining up a past TV pre-order over and over and over, then I apologize for pinning that to you. I'll be the first to admit I get a bit confused with user names at times especially those without avatars to remember (yes, I don't have one either yet).

In general, all the nay saying just grates on my nerves (like the people whining and attacking him when Robert sent out the forms). Relax. It will be here eventually. Now can we please get this thread back OFF-topic...? ;)

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by dandrewk
Yes I did. But I felt that as a minimum I needed a keypad on the hard key layout. I wanted an LCD screen as well, but did not want to have to flip between screens to get to a function I would use all the time. Plus, having played with the 3000 before, it's not the fastest when paging through screens.

I very rarely use number keys, so I don't mind consigning them to an overlay, what do you actually use them for? The thing I really liked about the 3000 was I could get all the functionality I wanted on one screen, it has a lot more usable area than previous versions.

The 3000 is slow in a lot of ways, but page flips was never my problem. Its quite a bit zippier after the last firmnware update.

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by mercurial
In general, all the nay saying just grates on my nerves

I certainly agree with that. I think we should actually see a peice of sky before pronouncing the sky to be falling. I havn't seen any peices of sky yet, no matter what certain posters think. (Not even a puzzle peice with "A peice of sky" written on the back.) And certain posters just keep bringing the same thing up over and over again, that gets on my nerves.

Posted by: horta

lsDean

I called DirecTV and asked for their Customer Retention
dept. I spoke to a very nice lady and told her I was considering the HD
Tivo but it was $1,000 and my wife was not happy. I told her that my
cable company was offering a HD DVR (Digital Video Recorder) here soon
and it would be cheaper and my wife was leaning us that way. I said I
have heard that you are offering a $200 credit toward the purchase of a
HD Tivo to long standing loyal customers. She pulled up my account and
saw that I have been with them sence 1996 and said, yes you are a long standing good customer and deserve the $200 credit. She said she has marked my account and once you get and activate your new HD Tivo you will receive the $200 DirecTv Credit.

Piece of cake

Jerry

Posted by: Paperboy2003

quote:
Originally posted by horta
lsDean

I called DirecTV and asked for their Customer Retention
dept. I spoke to a very nice lady and told her I was considering the HD
Tivo but it was $1,000 and my wife was not happy. I told her that my
cable company was offering a HD DVR (Digital Video Recorder) here soon
and it would be cheaper and my wife was leaning us that way. I said I
have heard that you are offering a $200 credit toward the purchase of a
HD Tivo to long standing loyal customers. She pulled up my account and
saw that I have been with them sence 1996 and said, yes you are a long standing good customer and deserve the $200 credit. She said she has marked my account and once you get and activate your new HD Tivo you will receive the $200 DirecTv Credit.

Piece of cake

Jerry

That's it....Ive never asked for anything and I've been with them for 7+ years. I'm gonna call them now and ask for 300 and I'll let ya know

Posted by: SFWidescreen

quote:
Originally posted by stef1
Doug,

Here is the missing #76 for your list...

Time of Order: 1/16/2004 4:35:03 PM
Order Type: Email
Order ID: 12549

Because it leaves us with this situation:

stef1 12549 1/16/2004 4:35:03 PM #76
SFWidescreen 12550 1/16/2004 4:36:49 PM
jkeane 1255x 1/16/2004 4:37:02 PM #77

I received initial confirmation right after I placed my order (online), then I received the two additional documents on 2/28 which I dutifully faxed back in (twice). I have not heard anything since. In the worst case scenario for me, my order is lost somewhere. In the best case scenario for me, the sequencing numbers over 76 are wrong.

I'll call and see if I can clear anything up.

-Curtis

Posted by: SFWidescreen

I just called Value Electronics. I gave them my original order number, 12550. They confirmed that they have everything they need from me, and added that my credit card was going to be charged for the remaining balance today and it should be shipping "within the next few days". Yipee!

But is does sort of cast a little doubt on the sequencing:

stef1 12549 1/16/2004 4:35:03 PM #76
SFWidescreen 12550 1/16/2004 4:36:49 PM
jkeane 1255x 1/16/2004 4:37:02 PM #77

I never received a sequence number from VE.

-Curtis

Posted by: dandrewk

Wow, just got an email from Robert. He said that Directv has ok'd release of the HD TiVO for shipment, and the first batch will go out... TODAY!

If all goes well, those with overnight shipping will get a nice surprise tomorrow...

Posted by: dandrewk

Well, it is APRIL 1st, and thusfar nobody has taken advantage of it, so...

Forgive me.

Now, how many of you just frantically checked your inbox? :D:D

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by SFWidescreen
I just called Value Electronics. I gave them my original order number, 12550. They confirmed that they have everything they need from me, and added that my credit card was going to be charged for the remaining balance today and it should be shipping "within the next few days". Yipee!

But is does sort of cast a little doubt on the sequencing:

stef1 12549 1/16/2004 4:35:03 PM #76
SFWidescreen 12550 1/16/2004 4:36:49 PM
jkeane 1255x 1/16/2004 4:37:02 PM #77

I never received a sequence number from VE.

There's a couple cases like that; generally honest mistakes since the sequencing was done manually. Usually it's related to a phone order being around. They typically make up for it once they notice it by skipping a number and rather than correct everyone affected, it generally doesn't matter so much as long as it's corrected before the major points where different shipments would break.

Posted by: Combat Medic

quote:
Originally posted by dandrewk
Well, it is APRIL 1st, and thusfar nobody has taken advantage of it, so...

Forgive me.

Now, how many of you just frantically checked your inbox? :D:D

That's just wrong.

-Mike

Posted by: billcoff

Now, how many of you just frantically checked your inbox? :D:D [/B][/QUOTE]

I did. Checked my checking account, too.

Posted by: dswallow

The HR10-250 user manual is now available:

PDF (9,757 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.pdf
ZIP (9,199 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.zip

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
The HR10-250 user manual is now available:

PDF (9,757 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.pdf
ZIP (9,199 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.zip

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ElectricPickle

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
The HR10-250 user manual is now available:

PDF (9,757 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.pdf
ZIP (9,199 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.zip

I can hear hundreds of printers pumping out the pages....:D

Posted by: Shark73

thanks Doug!

Posted by: yogre

quote:
Originally posted by dswallow
The HR10-250 user manual is now available:

PDF (9,757 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.pdf
ZIP (9,199 KB): http://www.2150.com/directv/files/hr10_250_manual.zip

dswallow, I think something of this magnitude deserves a thread of it's own. Probably a sticky thread even.

Posted by: grins

great throughput, Doug, considering 1000 people are currently downloading it ;-)

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by yogre
dswallow, I think something of this magnitude deserves a thread of it's own. Probably a sticky thread even.

Eventually... but doesn't everyone here deserve first crack? Look at all you've had to endure reading this thread so far. ;)

I'll post another thread in about an hour. Hopefully everyone will be kind enough not to do that before then.

Posted by: hongcho

Thank you, Doug (and Robert, I think)!

I am going to print it out and read it till the paper becomes rags (I think I can do that in a week). :p

EDIT: Dang, it's 188 pages, I don't think I would want to print it.

Hong.

Posted by: gseeg

This isn't another Aprils fools joke right???
I'm not gonna open this PDF and find the latest issue of Oprah magazine am I???

:)

Posted by: KCWolfPck

quote:
Originally posted by gseeg
This isn't another Aprils fools joke right???
I'm not gonna open this PDF and find the latest issue of Oprah magazine am I???

:)

I was thinking the same thing, but alas.....a users manual. Hooray!!

Posted by: aejanis

Perfect timing on the PDF...,I am about to get on a plane for a 2 hour flight...this gives me something to look at while I am on the plane. Although I am sure most of it is just the typical DVR stuff...

Posted by: dandrewk

quote:
Originally posted by billcoff
Now, how many of you just frantically checked your inbox? :D:D

I did. Checked my checking account, too. [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, in my (lame) defense, I did post the "just kidding" about 60 seconds later.

Posted by: ElectricPickle

quote:
Originally posted by gseeg
This isn't another Aprils fools joke right???
I'm not gonna open this PDF and find the latest issue of Oprah magazine am I???

:)

Oprah's "Book-of-the-month". I need to thank the woman that invented laser printers...:up:

Posted by: ferky1

Can anyone hear that? The sound of thousands of tivo community members downloading the manual at the same time. 188 pages. . . thank God for a laser printer!!

FYI - I just called DTV regarding the credit. The CSR said that there is no credit in the system particular to the HDTivo, but with the purchase of one they will give the same deal that they have for regular HD boxes. I have been a member for 11 1/2 months and they will credit my account $175 on my 1 year anniversary!! Now that ain't bad!!!

Also, and take this with a grain of salt, the CSR knew about the HDTivo and said that he himself was waiting for one and looking forward to its release. He was surprised when I mentioned that I had ordered one and expected it shortly. Apparently the information he got was that they would be released this summer :0 No april fools, not trying to start rumors, just passing along yet another questionable piece of info.

Posted by: Combat Medic

That's odd, the manual shows version 3.1.1.A2-01-2-3f1.

-Mike

Posted by: slocko

There is a ratio button on the remote.

Posted by: PJO1966

I love the fact that you can narrow the search to just look for HDTV... very cool... (pg. 90)

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by SFWidescreen
and added that my credit card was going to be charged for the remaining balance today and it should be shipping "within the next few days". Yipee!

I thought this was yet another April fools, but I just checked and my credit card has just had $927 odd reserved against it. I don't know what it is, because it doesn't give me details until the final charge arrives, all I know is balance+available is less than the limit. It sounds about right for an HDTiVo. Unfortunatly it sounds more like HDTiVo + ground shipping than HDTiVo+ overnight.

I'm resisting the urge to ring and check on this, but I'd like some clarification.

Actually, less last night's curry, that's $904.30

Posted by: ebonovic

Just checked on mine:

VALUE ELECTRONICS.COM - SCARSDALE $814.99

And that is within the last 90 minutes, as I checked my account (for another reason) just after noon.

Yipeee.....

Posted by: gamecox86

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
I thought this was yet another April fools, but I just checked and my credit card has just had $927 odd reserved against it. I don't know what it is, because it doesn't give me details until the final charge arrives, all I know is balance+available is less than the limit. It sounds about right for an HDTiVo. Unfortunatly it sounds more like HDTiVo + ground shipping than HDTiVo+ overnight.

I'm resisting the urge to ring and check on this, but I'd like some clarification.

Actually, less last night's curry, that's $904.30

If you are real curious, and I am sure most folks on here are, you can call your CC company and they can tell you who made the authorization.

Posted by: SFWidescreen

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
I thought this was yet another April fools, but I just checked and my credit card has just had $927 odd reserved against it. I don't know what it is, because it doesn't give me details until the final charge arrives, all I know is balance+available is less than the limit. It sounds about right for an HDTiVo. Unfortunatly it sounds more like HDTiVo + ground shipping than HDTiVo+ overnight.

I'm resisting the urge to ring and check on this, but I'd like some clarification.

Actually, less last night's curry, that's $904.30

For the record, neither of my earlier posts were April Fools jokes.

-Curtis

Posted by: PJO1966

quote:
If you have two HD DVRs in the same house, you may want to assign a remote address to

Note how it doesn't say two DVRs... just two HD DVRs. Does this mean if I have this and my regular TiVo in the same room I don't need individual remote addresses?

Posted by: Paperboy2003

quote:
Originally posted by Paperboy2003
That's it....Ive never asked for anything and I've been with them for 7+ years. I'm gonna call them now and ask for 300 and I'll let ya know

So of course I call and I get the one hard ass person in retention. I explain about voom and Io cable and she tells me she can give me a DVR for 15 bucks, but its the regular. She goes on to say that she's heard about the HD tivo but since it's not out yet (she thought it was coming out during the summer) she can't do anything about it yet. I read to her verbatim what was written before about it from others here and she says she can't do anything about a product that isn't out yet.

GRRRR....Now I have to call back and try again...I wish there was some continuity amonst csrs!!

Posted by: horta

Hey for those of you like me that still need all the extra stuff to get a Hi Def signal I found this place has some good prices.

mailto:cservice@a1components.com

http://www.a1components.com

Acer Triple LNB HDTV Satellite Dish $64.99
Winegard SS-1000 Square Shooter Antenna $69.95
Skywalker Signature Series Mini Diplexer (two of these) $2.98

Anyone know what else I may need? I currently have a HDVR2 with a Dual LNB dish.

Jerry

Posted by: Shark73

quote:
Originally posted by ebonovic
Just checked on mine:

VALUE ELECTRONICS.COM - SCARSDALE $814.99

And that is within the last 90 minutes, as I checked my account (for another reason) just after noon.

Yipeee.....

Does this mean that they are shipping today or tomorrow?

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by btwyx
Unfortunatly it sounds more like HDTiVo + ground shipping than HDTiVo+ overnight.

I'm resisting the urge to ring and check on this, but I'd like some clarification.

Actually, less last night's curry, that's $904.30

Well, duh!

I've already payed $100 deposit, so the charge should be $799+$75, more than enough on my card for that.

:releived:

Posted by: btwyx

quote:
Originally posted by Shark73
Does this mean that they are shipping today or tomorrow?

And if its tomorrow can they be marked for Saturday delivery.

Posted by: Tom in OH

quote:
Originally posted by Paperboy2003

GRRRR....Now I have to call back and try again...I wish there was some continuity amonst csrs!!

anxiously awaiting the results of your 2nd call. This is what happened when I called and asked about the $200 credit.