DirecTivo question!

[konichiwa]

Okay I'm thinking about switching from my digital cable --> DirecTivo. I have a quick question...

Can you get the Home Media Option with DirecTivo? Can you connect it to your LAN/WAN so that it doesn't need to be on a phone line?

The two programs at once is just so tantalizing I may have to upgrade...

 

[Murphyrulez]

I have 2 DirecTivos. But they are older ones. I actually don't think the DirecTivos can have the Home Media Option. Check out www.avsforum.com the Tivo forums for all your answers...

 

[Bowfinger]

You want a Series II DirecTivo. I think they're out now, but not 100% sure. The older DirecTivos do NOT support HMO.

Yes, you can set it up to use your LAN instead of a phone line.

 

[faZZter]

Originally posted by: Bowfinger
You want a Series II DirecTivo. I think they're out now, but not 100% sure. The older DirecTivos do NOT support HMO.

Yes, you can set it up to use your LAN instead of a phone line.

The ones I looked at the other day only had USB ports and phone jacks, no RJ 45.

Why do they do that? Bleh...

 

[NutBucket]

I just picked up a seriesII DirecTIVO two weeks ago. Works great but according to the manual and other online sources the USB ports are DISABLED so you cannot use the HMO with them. I was wondering about this myself. Just to be safe I wired in a RJ45 drop next to the RJ11 drop when I was running wires I somehow doubt they'll get around to enabling the ports tho.

I do have one gripe tho. My mom likes saving things on tape. Only problem is its usually a bunch of half-hour shows. Anyone know of a way to que up 3 or 4 things to playback so I can set the VCR to record and let it do its thing? I have a highly programmable remote if that helps....

 

[RossMAN]

What is this Home Media Option?

 

[Soybomb]

Well it downloads the program guide data from the satellite feed so you only need the phone connection to clear your PPV charges and for software updates. At least thats my understanding. I have one and its great btw.

 

[RossMAN]

Ah ok I thought it had to do with internet access.

 

[konichiwa]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Ah ok I thought it had to do with internet access.

Yes ... allows you to share from 1 Tivo to another as well as stream mp3s and digital pics from PC --> Tivo. also allows remote scheduling of the Tivo over the web from any internet connection.

 

[blurredvision]

I don't know exactly what's been answered for you konichiwa, but basically, the answer to both of your quesions is a big, fat NO.

The HMO is not available for DirecTiVo's, and there has been no announcement, or rumor for that matter, about it being added. However, the DirecTiVo community is in an uprising for it, so I personally think it'll be a matter of time before it's an option.

As for connecting to your LAN, I have absolutely no ethernet port on the back of my Hughes SD-DVR40. Sorry.

But with that said, I can whole heartedly recommend DirecTV and the TiVo over digital cable. Just switched over myself a couple weeks ago.

My links for you a great deal, my friend. If you want a GREAT deal, Value Electronics is the way to go. $39.99 for up to a 3-room system with TiVo, and add an additional $20 for the oval, multi-sat dish. Warning, though, shipping is $30. My success story with them: Basically, they messed up one one part of the order, and the fella I was talking to gave me the oval dish for free. I saved $20, as I needed this dish for locals (coming in April) anyhow. Their customer service is GREAT, and I can't speak enough about them. They also have a toll-free number to order or answer any questions you have.

And with that said as well, I suggest you check out Tivo Community. Inside is a section for DirecTiVo customers, and LOTS of great info is to be found there. Also, the owner of Value Electronics also lurks there, and has corresponded with me through a couple of PMs. Very personable guy.

If you have any more questions, I'll be happy to answer what I can . Maybe you'll want a pic of my TiVo unit? ;P