DirecTV sent down a message to TiVo users this week about the announcement of a new DirecTV HD TiVo coming in 2009. The screenshots are posted here if you want to see them, but the interesting nuggets of info are:
- DirecTV’s Broadband DIRECTV on DEMAND – which means the unit will have to support networking
- Universal Swivel Search – so it might work with Amazon’s Unbox (now Amazon Video on Demand)
- KidZone – Since this means it interacts with TiVo’s servers, it’ll likely work with some features from TiVo’s website, hopefully online scheduling.
At least this sets the stage for the possibility that TiVoToGo and all of those great networking features will be part of this new unit. Frankly, even if they aren’t, many people will want the unit just for the interface. But we’ve grown accustomed to the evolution of the cable TiVos, and we’re hoping this DirecTV unit will see those same enhancements.
6 replies on “More Info on the DirecTV HD TiVo”
What happened to the screenshots?
Sorry about that. In the WordPress upgrade, they got hosed, but I just re-uploaded them.
I have enjoyed a HR10 for 2 years or more. I just received a letter from DirecTV that my HR-10 receiver will “no longer be able to the HD programming you’re current enjoying” and “your Direct TV HD receiver will soon be HD obsolete”. This does not sound like a joint venture to me since DirecTV announced they would continue to support Tivo when I joined.
I plan to ignore and wait for the new DirecTV Tivo unit in 2009. Good or bad idea?
Harold –
For me, personally, I’m doing the same thing. I can wait it out since much of my HD is via my over-the-air antenna, and the HR10 will still be able to get that.
What they mean in the announcement is that they will continue to support TiVos on the network in terms of guide data, PayPerView, etc. But they won’t keep MPEG2 channels around, necessarily. Although they haven’t exactly been yanking them either . . .
I just received the same letter. I am quite appalled. I purchased my received. I love the TIVO Software and not about to switch over to a cheap knock off. Anyways, the annoying part is the disclaimer on the bottom. ” Replacement HD equipment may be refurbished. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE ALL DIRECTV SYSTEM EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER NOT ACTIVATED. RECEIVERS ARE AT ALL TIMES PROPERTY OF DIRECTV AND MUST BE RETURNED UPON CANCELLATION OF SERVICE OR ADDITIONAL FEES MAY APPLY.” This is bull and completely stupid. Why does do they treat customers like the enemy? I was once told that I was required to have my receiver hooked up to the phone line. That I was allowed to “get away with one receiver not hooked up but not 2.” What kind of attitude is that considering I have been a loyal customer for over 10 years. Like I’m trying to sabotage the company?? Other than updates, the only reason for the phone line is PPV which I will never use. If Comcast would get their act together and provide better HD, I would switch to their TIVO receiver in a heartbeat. I just wish Pandora would do for TV what they have done for for music.
I got the same letter but I couldn’t care less. Many of DTV’s HD channels are upscaled or pilar boxed 720×486 SD signal. This is pure deception as the source is not HD at all. This is repackaging 525 SD so it wont look so streched on your new LCD/Plasma set. I ditched the HD service untill the content providers ( CNN, Discovery, Fox, etc ) start delivering to DTV real HD content. Dont be overly optomistic about the future. Even when they do start delivering true HD content, DTV will compress the S@%^ out of it to save bandwith. It is widely known that the Pro Sports beamed to you are stealing bandwith from other channels. There AVS forums to read up on this if you want. At the moment FIOS is delivering the most Mbps which is the best relationship to picture quality. In short – just wait 1-2 years more before we get what we deserve.