R10 Limitations

[speedo123]

What's so different about the R10 unit that it (to date - as far as I know) can't be networked or accept some of the other hacks the rest of their units can? :confused: When looking at available upgrades, accessories and useful hacks, I keep seeing "except R10." Seems like a challange that someone would want to meet. Being stuck with two R10s, it'd sure be nice if this limitation could be overcome. :D

[Lou Jacob]

What's so different about the R10 unit that it (to date - as far as I know) can't be networked or accept some of the other hacks the rest of their units can? :confused: When looking at available upgrades, accessories and useful hacks, I keep seeing "except R10." Seems like a challange that someone would want to meet. Being stuck with two R10s, it'd sure be nice if this limitation could be overcome. :D

The R10 has slightly different hardware than the rest of the Series2 DirecTV TiVo units; its hardware is actually more similar to that of the TCD540 standalone boxes than the other units which are more similar to that of the TCD240 standalone boxes.

The limitation has been overcome in the same way that it has for the TCD540 type systems - you need to unsolder and replace an eeprom with a socketed one programmed with different firmware; it is non-trivial and requires special skills and tools.

You can read up more on prom mods (http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53722&highlight=prom+mod) at dealdatabase. That link is not a bad starting point.

You might find that replacing one or both of your R10's with one of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-DIRECTV-TIVO-Digital-Video-Recorder-SIRS4040R/sem/rpsm/oid/89307/catOid/-12878/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) is quicker and easier; $80 for a Samsung Series2 DirecTiVo is a good deal and I suspect they won't be available much longer.

[bimplebean]

The link you provided - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-DIRECTV-TIVO-Digital-Video-Recorder-SIRS4040R/sem/rpsm/oid/89307/catOid/-12878/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

-- does not work. Where should it be?

[Lou Jacob]

The link you provided - http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-DIRECTV-TIVO-Digital-Video-Recorder-SIRS4040R/sem/rpsm/oid/89307/catOid/-12878/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

-- does not work. Where should it be?

Oh, that stinks. I just went to the Circuit City web site and the item is no longer there; they were selling Samsung SIRS DirecTiVo units for about $85...

[bimplebean]

Looks like you and I are new here -- as is everyone else!

I just Googled "Samsung Series2 DirecTiVo" (http://www.google.com/search?q=Samsung+Series2+DirecTiVo&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS225US225) and found reviews, etc. but nowhere to buy. I never even heard of such an animal until you mentioned it.

[Lou Jacob]

Looks like you and I are new here -- as is everyone else!

I just Googled "Samsung Series2 DirecTiVo" (http://www.google.com/search?q=Samsung+Series2+DirecTiVo&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS225US225) and found reviews, etc. but nowhere to buy. I never even heard of such an animal until you mentioned it.

The Samsung unit was discontinued a LONG time ago, as were all of the Series2 DirecTiVo units. That is why I was recommending them a few days ago - somehow, Circuit City got their hands on a bunch and was selling them off at a decent price.

Moral of the story is that if you can find a good deal on a Series2 DirecTiVo unit, they are all the same except for the R10, you should consider getting one if your are interested in having a networked TiVo with DirecTV tuners in it (please see the original poster's inquiry).

[JosephEzell]

Oh, that stinks. I just went to the Circuit City web site and the item is no longer there; they were selling Samsung SIRS DirecTiVo units for about $85...

It used to work. They had the price down to $77 and some change a couple of days ago.

Joe

[stivovance]

If you are getting a unit that is used, to make sure you aren't getting ripped off, get the receiver id and service # and call directv. They can tell you whether the unit is clean (doesn't have a balance on it or a hold) and that it is good to go as far as activation. If the seller won't give you that info, don't bother then.

If you happen to get a customer service rep that won't or say they can't do it, hang up and try again, they can just sometimes are lazy and won't.

Typically, they will make you get a new access card for the unit if you are adding it to your account. If you are replacing a receiver that is already in service, you should be able to tell them you are replacing your current unit with this one and you want to move over your card. This way, it doesn't extend your contract with them this way. If you add it to your account however, then it will extend your contract.

[jeffbat]

I am attempting to replace my failing hard drive in my DirecTV R10 using Instantcake. Please clarify that the R10 will only upgrade to version 6.1a which means that I WILL NOT be able to use the grouping feature that was available in version 6.2. Also, when I dl Instantcake is it only good for my R10 or will it work with my RCA and Hughes DirecTV Tivos? Thank you!