Author: Jeff

We previously posted about a problem with DIRECTV TiVo units losing local channels. Unfortunately, this problem is still happening, BUT we are happy to announce that we can install the latest version of the TiVo software on Series2 DIRECTV TiVos (those listed in the prior post) WITHOUT causing you to lose your programming or settings. For more information and ordering instructions, please contact us.

We just added a handful of TiVo DVRs with pre-paid product lifetime service (PLS). We now have some high definition Series3 TiVos with lifetime service, as well as Humax TiVo DVRs with built-in DVD burners and PLS.  In addition, we have a supply of Series1 and Series2 TiVos with PLS, with prices starting at $199.99. Considering that the cost of PLS is $399-$499, these are great deals! If you’re looking for a gift for a family member (Mother’s Day?), this is a great way to get a TiVo without any further financial strings attached. All TiVos come with a 90-day warranty from weaKnees.

Quite a few people have reported that Series 2 TiVo DVRs with DIRECTV are losing local channels. We don’t know what changes at DIRECTV have caused this issue, but it seems that only units running outdated software are impacted.

So long as your unit is running the latest version of the TiVo software (6.4a), you should be fine. If your unit is running an earlier version, then it is not going to update itself, even if it is plugged into a phone line. Some DIRECTV reps seem to be telling customers that that units will update themselves, but this has not happened in years and we have not heard any reports of DIRECTV turning on automatic software updates for standard def TiVos.

If your DIRECTV TiVo has recently lost its local channels, you might consider a hard drive upgrade kit. Our drives for the Series2 DIRECTV TiVo DVRs come pre-loaded 6.4a. Alternatively, if you know that your TiVo drive is fully functional, we can load the latest version onto your drive (but we unfortunately cannot save your programming or settings). See here.

Here is a list of impacted units:

DIRECTV R10
DIRECTV HR10-250
Hughes HDVR2
Hughes SDDVR40 / 80 / 120
Philips DSR7000
Philips DSR704
Philips DSR708
RCA DVR39 / 40 / 80 / 120
Samsung SIR-4040R
Samsung SIR-4080R
Samsung SIR-4120R

We are still getting emails from customers with this concern, so we thought a blog post might be a helpful way to address the issue.

Historically, TiVo DVRs have stored two weeks of program guide information. On March 2, 2012, TiVo made a change to the software on certain standard definition TiVos, which cut the guide data down to one week.

From what we understand, TiVo made this change to eliminate a problem being caused by bloated databases. There are now so many channels on cable and satellite, that the total amount of guide data was overloading the TiVo databases and causing the TiVos to generate errors when the data was being processed. To solve the problem, TiVo cut the guide data stored from two weeks to one.

If you have a TiVo that now has guide data going out a week, there is no need to be concerned….your TiVo is doing exactly what it should be doing.

Thanks to the team at Techwebcast for having us on Saturday’s show! Pretty clearly, the Aussies are diehard TiVo fans and they’re champing at the bit to get some 21st Century features added to their boxes. Give them their YouTube (or an SDK?), TiVo!