The Future of the R15

[JosephEzell]

I've read the press release (HERE (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1034357&highlight=)) and it's expectedly vague. And, I know any answer would only be a guess at this point, but... for those of use with an R15 what should we expect? Since our system is not TiVo software driven, is there hope that we will have the option to "upgrade" to a TiVo unit?

For me it will be a return to TiVo. My original series 2 TiVo died about two years ago and it was replaced with the R15. Everyone knows the "joy" (he said sarcastically) of switching from TiVo to DirecTV's version of the software.

Of course, the R15 is not HD compatible. With the February 2009 HD deadline fast approaching I want to make sure my equipment will be ready.

So, this means we will be looking for a dual D*TV tuner, HD TiVo unit.

[Lou Jacob]

I've read the press release (HERE (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1034357&highlight=)) and it's expectedly vague. And, I know any answer would only be a guess at this point, but... for those of use with an R15 what should we expect? Since our system is not TiVo software driven, is there hope that we will have the option to "upgrade" to a TiVo unit?

For me it will be a return to TiVo. My original series 2 TiVo died about two years ago and it was replaced with the R15. Everyone knows the "joy" (he said sarcastically) of switching from TiVo to DirecTV's version of the software.

Of course, the R15 is not HD compatible. With the February 2009 HD deadline fast approaching I want to make sure my equipment will be ready.

So, this means we will be looking for a dual D*TV tuner, HD TiVo unit.

I don't think the press release is vague, but it definitely doesn't address your particular situation, since your R15 is not a TiVo.

The "upgrade" to your R15 is the HR20, which is the HR20-700 which is the DirecTV branded HD DVR; the big brother to the R15 in the same way that the HR10-250 DirecTV TiVo is the big brother to the family of TiVo Series2 DirecTV DVR's that is addressed in the press release.

What you are essentially asking whether DirecTV will form a new relationship with TiVo to bring out a new platform which supports TiVo and the emerging standard for DirecTV (MPEG4) rather than will DirecTV continue on its path with its own technology.

As TiVo fans, we are all hoping for that, and the optimists look at the glass as half full when they see joint press releases between TiVo and DirecTV ("Hey, at least they are talking now, maybe they'll do another deal like they did seven years ago...").

I wouldn't hold my breath, although I'd love to see it...

[JosephEzell]

I don't think the press release is vague, but it definitely doesn't address your particular situation, since your R15 is not a TiVo.

The "upgrade" to your R15 is the HR20, which is the HR20-700 which is the DirecTV branded HD DVR; the big brother to the R15 in the same way that the HR10-250 DirecTV TiVo is the big brother to the family of TiVo Series2 DirecTV DVR's that is addressed in the press release.

What you are essentially asking whether DirecTV will form a new relationship with TiVo to bring out a new platform which supports TiVo and the emerging standard for DirecTV (MPEG4) rather than will DirecTV continue on its path with its own technology.

As TiVo fans, we are all hoping for that, and the optimists look at the glass as half full when they see joint press releases between TiVo and DirecTV ("Hey, at least they are talking now, maybe they'll do another deal like they did seven years ago...").

I wouldn't hold my breath, although I'd love to see it...The vagueness I spoke of was pertaining to what kind of device someone like me could look forward to.

I am a TiVo fan as well and look forward to returning to the service. And, I agree with the quote of the two parties talking. It is encouraging. Yet, as with any printed text, one can read into the dialogue many forms of conjecture.

I guess when it comes down to it, my question is... will D*TV make available to it's subscribers a TiVo programmed HD DVR? Or, will I need to purchase a unit elsewhere that will provide the same elements? Obviously, I would like to have DVR functionality with D*TV and TiVo programming abilities. Is that something DVRupgrade may offer?

My current contract expires this fall. At that point I have the option of going with Dish and whatever HD-DVR they offer (not my choice); go with Comcast and whatever they offer (God help me); or wait to see what D*TV will do.

[Lou Jacob]

The vagueness I spoke of was pertaining to what kind of device someone like me could look forward to.

I am a TiVo fan as well and look forward to returning to the service. And, I agree with the quote of the two parties talking. It is encouraging. Yet, as with any printed text, one can read into the dialogue many forms of conjecture.

I guess when it comes down to it, my question is... will D*TV make available to it's subscribers a TiVo programmed HD DVR? Or, will I need to purchase a unit elsewhere that will provide the same elements? Obviously, I would like to have DVR functionality with D*TV and TiVo programming abilities. Is that something DVRupgrade may offer?

My current contract expires this fall. At that point I have the option of going with Dish and whatever HD-DVR they offer (not my choice); go with Comcast and whatever they offer (God help me); or wait to see what D*TV will do.

Well, when it comes to press releases, or things of this nature (spoken or written) I think the best thing to do is take things at face value.

There is currently no agreement in place between TiVo and DirecTV to develop any new hardware products and there hasn't been one for several years. The only agreements in place are related to ongoing support of products which have already been put into service.

So the answer to your question is "no" and it has been "no" for a couple of years. If that changes, I'm sure there will be a press release (and much rejoicing in a number of camps) to specifically discuss it, though; that would be big news.

BTW, if you are unaware of this, there was for several years, a readily available TiVo / HDTV / DirecTV solution known as the HR10-250. Manufacturing on it stopped in November of 2005. Supply eventually got slim in November of 2006. You can still find them on Ebay for a few hundred dollars. They are great systems (I still use mine for my primary TV), however they do not support MPEG4, only MPEG2.

Lou

[JosephEzell]

Well, when it comes to press releases, or things of this nature (spoken or written) I think the best thing to do is take things at face value.

There is currently no agreement in place between TiVo and DirecTV to develop any new hardware products and there hasn't been one for several years. The only agreements in place are related to ongoing support of products which have already been put into service.

So the answer to your question is "no" and it has been "no" for a couple of years. If that changes, I'm sure there will be a press release (and much rejoicing in a number of camps) to specifically discuss it, though; that would be big news.

BTW, if you are unaware of this, there was for several years, a readily available TiVo / HDTV / DirecTV solution known as the HR10-250. Manufacturing on it stopped in November of 2005. Supply eventually got slim in November of 2006. You can still find them on Ebay for a few hundred dollars. They are great systems (I still use mine for my primary TV), however they do not support MPEG4, only MPEG2.

LouLou, you are right. I was reading too much hope into the press release. But hey... I can dream.

Yes, I am aware of the unit you are speaking of. I know you are a business man and don't like hearing this, but I am cheap. I went with the R15 because it was an even trade - my old dead unit for the new one. All they needed was a new contract and away we go.

Maybe I should reconsider and look for something more along the line of what you mentioned.

Thanks for the input.

Joe

[Lou Jacob]

Lou, you are right. I was reading too much hope into the press release. But hey... I can dream.

Yes, I am aware of the unit you are speaking of. I know you are a business man and don't like hearing this, but I am cheap. I went with the R15 because it was an even trade - my old dead unit for the new one. All they needed was a new contract and away we go.

Maybe I should reconsider and look for something more along the line of what you mentioned.

Thanks for the input.

Joe

Understood. With 'cheap' in mind, the HR20 is probably the thing to consider - the catch is that you'd need to renew your contract with DirecTV. But that will give you HD and I think the same (or a similar) interface as you currently have with the R15. I have actually never seen an R15, so I'm not certain of that...

[Barefooter]

Question for Lou and the guys at DVRUpgrade. Any word on hacks for the HR20. I know how difficult that is going to be but I now have two headed my way so I and I am sure lots of others are hoping.

[BruceS]

If you want a HD DVR with a Tivo interface at this time, AFIK you currently have three options all of which would require switching to Comcast,

The Tivo S3 and the Tivo HD DVR will both receive and record HD channels from cable, but you will not be able to receive any channels that Comcast decides to carry in SDV. AFIK, TW is the main cable company considering SDV, so either may work for you,

I believe that Comcast is starting to allow a Tivo based interface on their own DVR's for an additional charge. This is supposed to be available in the Boston area at this time, but may be available in other areas soon. Of course soon is like any other software promise, it can be anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

[Corbin]

Awesome work, just keep it up