Registered: Mar 2003
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 45

I just ordered my first HDVR2 unit. I've been reading a few posts about WiFi, and people connecting their Tivo units to their network.

I've got a home network myself, and I'd like to know what benefit there is to hooking it up to it? I'm not going to mod and/or hack my DirecTivo. (At last not till I start running out of space).

So why would I want to hook my DirecTivo up to my network?

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Registered: Apr 2002
Location: Nederland, CO
Posts: 335

It doesn't matter whether you want to or not at this point ...

Hughes/DirecTV has explicitely removed the USB networking functionality from the HDVR2. This means you can't just plug it in, and hacking the Series 2 is a pain and getting worse, not better.

You might want to backup your image now and keep a copy if you want to start hacking. New versions of the software will most likely make it even more difficult.

And yes, this means that as far as we know, the Home Media Option will not work on the HDVR2 either, unless DirecTV gets TiVo to put the networking back in.

Read up on these threads:

* Hacking the HDVR2 (S2 DTiVo) BASH/Upgrade
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...ck&pagenumber=1
... details on upgrading capacity, getting a BASH shell, and what 3.2 will do to the BASH hack (ie, 3.2 will stop this hack, hence why you may want to keep an old version of the software and disable upgrading)

* If you want HDVR2 Home Media Option
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-v...&threadid=95132
... thread about the probably lack of HMO for the HDVR2 and a feedback link so you can request that DirecTV consider adding the networking and HMO options back to our units

__________________
My SIG was TOOOOOO long ... instead I posted it all in this thread for people to read.

Wanna know about what is different from a DirecTV DVR with TiVo and a standalone TiVo -OR- newbie links to hack your box -OR- info on improving your NTSC PQ -OR- info on HDTV resolutions -OR- [to be added]?

Go there :)

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Registered: Mar 2003
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 9

HDVR2 / Directv and USB

I'm a newbie that just purchased a second Tivo. My other unit is a Sony SAT-60 that I've been very happy with.

I purchased a HDVR2 which is the Directv DVR with Tivo unit. I specifically chose a Tivo 2 compatible unit. Especially the USB ports, because I have a wireless network with a DSL connection and want to use the internet instead of a phoneline.

If what you say is true. The unit is going back today! I believe what you say is true because the USB ports are not powered.

Before I do something extreme, is there a hack to turn on the USB ports? I also noted that the operating system is verion 3.0.1.0 and many of the forum responses talk about version 3.2. Is there a way to upgrade?

Thanks

KD

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Allen, TX, USA
Posts: 4810

It's true. No currently usable USB on HDVR2. Complain to DirecTV, though, not TiVo; it was DirecTV's decision.

Brad

__________________
(3) Philips DSR6000R (188, 146 and 106 hours, in hibernation),
(2) Hughes HDVR2 (221 and 35 hours),
(1) Philips DSR7000/17 (144 hours),
(1) Samsung SIR4040R (35 hours)

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Registered: Mar 2003
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 9

Thanks for the confirmation. The following is the reply I received from DirecTV.
_________

Dear Kevin,

Thank you for your inquiry about the TiVo Home Media Option. To date, we have no further information about when and if this feature will be
available to DIRECTV customers with the new DIRECTV DVR receivers.

We have forwarded your comments about this feature to the appropriate
department. We are always looking for ways to enhance our services. Your suggestions are valuable and we use them to judge interest in various
areas of our service. In fact, many changes we have made are a result of viewer feedback. Please continue to visit our web site at DIRECTV.com
for the latest news and information about our services.

Thanks again for your message. We apologize for any inconvenience either of these situations may be causing.


Emmitt
DIRECTV Customer Service
___________________

Needless to say that my HDRV2 is being returned to Best Buy tomorrow. Its defective. The USB Ports do not work AS ADVERTISED.

Thanks

kdfox

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Registered: Mar 2002
Location: Location: Location
Posts: 6869

quote:

---

Originally posted by kdfox
Needless to say that my HDRV2 is being returned to Best Buy tomorrow. Its defective. The USB Ports do not work AS ADVERTISED.

---

__________________
HDVR2 35 Hrs. -> 212 Hrs. with TwinBreeze™
TiVo Series 2 60 Hrs. -> 223 Hrs.
SVR-2000 - stock
Best Universal Remote (for the money - $18): OFA URC-6131

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Registered: Mar 2003
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 9

A positive assumption is made by a consumer that a "new feature" of a product will actually work. Please follow the links below.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/buy/OnlineRetailers.jsp

This as you can see is a directtv owned list. The only way to get DirectV receivers is from stores or online. These are not only endorsed by DirectV but REQUIRED to access the DirecTV service with DVR provided by TIVO.

Select the link for American Satellite. (The ONLY endorsed online-retailer!)

http://www.americansatellite.com/br...01022701&id=104

You'll note that the only "new" units are Hughs HDVR2 units. Now take the following link.

http://www.americansatellite.com/br...FMOKUNYSA7VH7PQ

This is for "existing customers" which is what I have been for over 2 years.
Note the following words that describe the HDVR2.

"New second generation model. Offers new additions like USB ports and a smaller, sleeker design. "

Now take the following link to access "additional details".

http://www.americansatellite.com/pr...7VH7PQ&ITEM=829

Note the following text:

"Be ready for future home entertainment services with two integrated USB ports. The first services are scheduled to arrive before the 2002 holiday season, stay alert for announcements regarding the new services from TiVo."

Given the above, I beleive that a "reasonable person" would believe the following facts.

1. A USB port provided with the unit would work.
2. The services provided by the unit are programming from DirecTV and home entertainment services provided by TIVO. (Why else team with TIVO?)
3. Before the end of 2002, TIVO would be providing "new home entertainment" services that would be accessible by the HDVR2 unit and endorsed by DirecTV.

I believe that a "reasonable person" would now beleive that they have been the victim of a con-job by DirecTV.

The unit is back in the box and on its way to the store in 1 hour.

KD

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Registered: Mar 2002
Location: Location: Location
Posts: 6869

If anyone mislead you, it was American Satellite, although you didn't dig very far.

Sounds like you made too many assumptions, based on information from American Satellite's website. Other than being an "endorsed" retailer, they have no affiliation that I'm aware of with either DTV or TiVo. DTV's site does not even mention USB ports. TiVo does not promote DTV on their site at all, just links you to DTV. Even Hughes TiVo page makes no mention of them. Would you also have believed it if a salesperson from Best Buy told you?

Are you not aware that as of today there is NO official support for USB ports on ANY TiVo including standalones? The series 2's have been out for over a year and they still have no "advertised" function (that works today).

I'm sorry you wasted your time, if you'd checked out this forum first you'd have known HMO/USB functionality is not currently available on the HDVR2.

__________________
HDVR2 35 Hrs. -> 212 Hrs. with TwinBreeze™
TiVo Series 2 60 Hrs. -> 223 Hrs.
SVR-2000 - stock
Best Universal Remote (for the money - $18): OFA URC-6131

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Registered: Mar 2003
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 9

HDVR2 / Directv and USB

I really don't mean to be rude, but...

The box that the HDVR2 came it states very clearly that support for USB is included. The box is labled "DirecTV with DVR by TIVO" It has the DirecTV logo on all 5 sides of the printed box.

In addition, please go to the following link.

http://www.tivo.com/4.9.9.asp

As you can see, TIVO does infact state:
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Connecting a TiVo Series2 to a home network can provide a number of benefits:

Your DVR can have access to digital music and photos stored on a PC.
You can transfer recorded programs between two DVRs with Home Media Option.

In addition, if your home network has a broadband Internet connection (such as a DSL line or cable modem), you can:

Improve the performance of Remote Scheduling.
Use the Internet to connect to the TiVo service and eliminate the need to connect your DVR to a phone line (except when completing or repeating Guided Setup).

By "home network," we mean multiple computers (or other network devices) connected to a hub or router. The devices can be connected wirelessly, through a cable (or "wire"), or through a combination of wireless and cable connections.

What you need to connect a TiVo Series2 DVR to my home network?
Your TiVo Series2 DVR comes standard with USB ports on the back panel.

For each TiVo Series2 DVR that you want to connect to your home network, you'll need a network adapter to plug into a USB port. You can use either a wireless USB network adapter, or a wired (Ethernet) USB network adapter. "
---------------------------------------------------------------------

If this is not an "official" "advertised" endorsement, I do not know what else would qualify.

You are right about one thing. I should have checked the forum out first. It was my search for an answer to the missing power on the USB ports that lead me to this forum.

The forum is full of great information and users of TIVO technology.

I have now returned my HDVR2 to BB and have exchanged it for a "standalone" TIVO unit with 80hrs. I should have it hooked up within the hour. And I'm certain, based upon forum supplied information, that the USB ports are powered and will work with my Linksys WUSB11.

KD

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Registered: Dec 2001
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 3150

To address your second point: it's a common misconception that the HDVR2s are series 2 TiVos. They are not; technically, only the SA TiVos have a series 1 and a series 2. No DirecTiVo has ever been officially referred to as a Series 2.

__________________
-David

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Registered: Mar 2003
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 9

Your right. Its never been described as a "TIVO Series 2". But it has been described as "providing the latest in TIVO technology".

Of course I must have been delierious when I noticed the 2 in the HDVR2. Not thinking that there was no such animal as ahnd HDVR1. ;-)



Anyway, end of story. The HDVR2 is history. My new "SERIES 2" TIVO is working just fine, thanks.

Kevin

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Registered: Mar 2002
Location: Location: Location
Posts: 6869

quote:

---

Originally posted by kdfox
In addition, please go to the following link.

http://www.tivo.com/4.9.9.asp

---

__________________
HDVR2 35 Hrs. -> 212 Hrs. with TwinBreeze™
TiVo Series 2 60 Hrs. -> 223 Hrs.
SVR-2000 - stock
Best Universal Remote (for the money - $18): OFA URC-6131

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