DirecTV DVR gets second software upgrade in a month

Apparently TiVo has spoiled us all with its polished, intuitive interface and recording software that actually records when you tell it to, because DirecTV has been receiving numerous complaints about bugs and poor feature implementation in its DirecTV DVR TiVo-replacement. Besides some reports about sporadic recording accuracy, users also seem to be unhappy with the fast-forwarding capability, which goes either too fast or too slow and doesn't auto rewind like TiVo when you ineveitably overshoot after a commercial break. DirecTV is attempting to fix some of these problems with a recent second software upgrade to the month-old product, admitting that not all of the features are as "intuitive" as they should be. Hmm, so maybe that $100 rebate they dangle to get you to pick the house brand DVR instead of a TiVo really isn't such a good deal after all...

[Via PVR Wire]

[Dan @ Dec 23rd 2005 2:57PM]

This should surprise no one. Anyone who has used the DirecTV programming interface knows that these people are clueless on GUI design. It is terrible. No favorites buttons on the remote, no easy way to add favorite channels, 100s of channels you are not subscribed to still show up in the list of available channels, and that really stupid "screensaver" that shows up when you want to record a program.



When my subscription lapses I'm done with them for these and a host of other reasons.

[Mario @ Dec 23rd 2005 3:19PM]

Direct TV made a bad move in my opinion breaking there contract with TiVo. TiVo is such a superior product than what ever generic box they have now.

[Dorv @ Dec 23rd 2005 3:20PM]

My mother just purchased this thing. Took her six hours on the phone with DirecTV, and she didn't want the DirecTV Plus, she wanted the TiVo. They told her again and again and again that they couldn't guarartee her eithe the TiVo or the DirecTV Plus model. I'm about pissed off about it, because I came home for Christmas planning on teaching her how to use the TiVo. Now I get to learn how to use a inferior piece of equipment, and then show her how to use it. I miss most of all the quick ability to change between tuners.

[Mischa Lockton @ Dec 23rd 2005 4:10PM]

Autorewind? Does that mean my DISH pvr sux too?

I just like having one less box of gear in my control room.

[Milenko @ Dec 23rd 2005 5:28PM]

Note to DirecTV...switch back to TiVo. If it ain't broken....ya shouldn't have tried to fix it.....

[Mike @ Dec 23rd 2005 6:11PM]

It'll get better with time, but they have a LONG way to go.



Even many of me cable using friends opted for a standalone tivo rather than the cable company branded DVR's.

[Bloo @ Dec 23rd 2005 10:23PM]

I own three DVRs, one being a TIVO and I have to admit, TIVO by far has the best software and best interface.



You don't realize how nice it is until you try to perform a simple feature a find it's either not there or doesn't work the way you expect.



TIVO for example has an undocumented commercial skip feature which works really well.



TIVO also has the best way to move forward and backward through a program, say if you're already seen part of it, and you want to get somewhere else in the program quickly.



TIVO is really "smart" when it comes to season passes, first run episodes, searching, and wish lists.



It's recommendation option, once "taught" works pretty well.



My only complaints regarding TIVO is that I still think the monthly service is too expensive for what you get-- the program guides should be half the price they're charging, and they really need a stand alone High Definition/Dual Tuner model.

[scott @ Dec 23rd 2005 10:39PM]

When are all the DVR makers going to learn (DirectTV, Comcast) that as good and as nice as it is to have DVR, nothing is ever going to be a good as TiVO. The interface works and works well and until someone copies it line for line, feature for feature... they ain't ever gonna make it as good. There is a reason Tivo fanatics are fanatics....

[Brad Johnson @ Dec 23rd 2005 11:53PM]

The TIVO is OK having used one for a couple of months now (DirecTivo) but the Microsoft UltimateTV had a better user interface, dual tuner/dual cache (let you PIP), unlimited pause (instead of a measly 30 min Tivo). I do enjoy the larger hard drive with the new box and the better parental controls with the Tivo.

[Droford @ Dec 24th 2005 12:59AM]

The Directv HD-Tivo is the pinacle of DVR goodness in regards to DVRs with Directv now that they've gone with their NDS boxes.



Its Tivo based and yet it only costs $5 a month fee instead of whatever Tivo charges now for their standalone models.



It can record HD programing (although its Directvs less than stellar HD, it can record local OTA HD stuff too).



Dual Tuners! Being able to record 2 shows at once while watching something else on my TV's tuner is the greatest thing ever.



30 some hours of HD/200+ hours of HD recording without having to add anything. I would do a Hard Drive upgrade, but its not really worth it given the limited life expectancy of the machine..



30 second Commercial Skip still works, and with Directv owned by a content maker, you'll never see a that in one of their boxes.



I am SOOOO not looking forward to the day when Directv fully changes over to MPEG4 and renders this wonderful machine an expensive doorstop.

[Dispraiser @ Dec 24th 2005 2:55AM]

I've got two Direct-TV Tivos from back in the good ole days when they were really Tivos and one regular Tivo (Did I say Tivo enough in that sentence?). The things worked so well that it has changed the way I watch TV. Not just at home, too.. I was sitting in Belle Tire, waiting for my car to get fixed watching their waiting room TV. When it cut to commercials, I felt a strong instinct to reach for that remote and change the channel. I can't understand why other companies can't just copy it...



Long story short, I think anyone who has used a Tivo would die to keep the thing in their house. I think half of us do, with the bills...

[TE Software Inc. @ Dec 24th 2005 10:41AM]

I don't know what you are talking about. I have the directv dvr and it works magnificently. And it does auto-rewind when you are fast forwarding. It is a great machine, and nothing less.

[TE Software Inc. @ Dec 24th 2005 10:44AM]

I agree that the remote isn't the easiest to work with, but the box is fine.

[craig @ Dec 24th 2005 8:50PM]

The problem with TIVO is that the hard disk lasts no more than 13 months (one month out of warranty) and the image starts pixelating out of control. The tech people act surprised like it's never happened before, but that's BS. I've been through 3 boxes so far, since like a dummy I bought "lifetime" service, which of course stays with the box, you can't transfer it or upgrade. So when the TIVO becomes a doorstop, they require that you buy a "refurbished" unit from them for $150, which of course is some other slob's box that started pixelating in 13 months. Never mind that it's the oldest style TIVO box, not an upgrade, even if they are selling the new ones for $50 bucks. So if you're happy spending $150 every year with no hope of ever upgrading, then by all means go with TIVO. Otherwise, it's best to just rent a DVR from your cable or satellite provider, at least when it goes out you can get another one for free.

[Chris Weiss @ Dec 24th 2005 11:19PM]

The real kicker here is that DirecTV is moving to a new compression format, which means that older boxes will not be able to get the new expanded channel lineup (such as local HD channels). DirecTV does not currently make an HD DVR, they still sell the TiVo box. However, the TiVo HD DVR doesn't support the new compression, so even though you have the HD equipment, you can't get the new local HD channels - to further compound things; Since, in theory, you COULD get these new local HD channels with the new equipment, the channels are now rejecting new waivers requests that would allow you to at least get the national network HD feed. I'm wondering if they will start to reverse existing waivers.



And they wonder why consumers are slow to adopt HDTV.

[Cypheros @ Dec 24th 2005 11:34PM]

ummm....MythTV anyone? Seriously, if you want a DVR, either get a TiVo, or get a PC and make it into one with MythTV.....



One day....Linux will rule the world...

[Mike @ Dec 25th 2005 10:19AM]

I've just recently had my 'new' R-15 replaced due to inconsistent recording, and the new unit has exactly the same problem. My DirecTivo (which I've now moved back into the living room as my main DVR) has worked flawlessly since I first got it 2 years ago. I think the R-15 has potential, but they rolled this thing out way too fast, and obviously didn't do the in-depth testing necessary to work out the most basic of bugs. I've actually got a tech coming out on Tuesday to observe the inconsistent 'to do' list, and hopefully others with similar problems will continue to call DirecTV so that they acknowledge and correct this most basic problem. If the thing can't even record reliably, what good is it?

[World Business for sale @ Dec 25th 2005 11:00AM]

There are plenty of resources to learn to make progress.

Often times the issue is that many small business owners are wearing too many hats;

We will be linking soon; we would be honored if we could be added to this business blogger. We are from the World Business for sale is the leading independent businesses for sale listing service http://www.worldbusinessforsale.com/
There are plenty of resources to learn to make progress.

Often times the issue is that many small business owners are wearing too many hats;

We will be linking soon; we would be honored if we could be added to this business blogger. We are from the World Business for sale is the leading independent businesses for sale listing service http://www.worldbusinessforsale.com/

[John @ Dec 26th 2005 10:58AM]

Well this is just great...my TiVo stopped working a few months ago (will connect on dialout but eventually times out, have tried everything to fix including resetting entire unit - now it says it wont record until a successful dialout has been made). So I was just going to Ebay it and buy a new one, and of course DirecTV is pushing me to their unit which 90% of the population says sucks. Sorry, I realize this isn't a support forum but if I wanted to stick with TiVo, I'd have to buy a standalone unit to use with a DirecTV receiver? I guess that would be my best option...

[Dan @ Dec 26th 2005 3:51PM]

DirecTiVos were intentionally crippled by DirecTV. With a little work, you can undo there many restrictions and turn on the ability to send recordings between TiVos, access JPEGs and MP3s on your computer, and, of course, greatly expand the available disk space. As I type this I have 4 DirecTiVos with a total of 1 terabyte of storage, the ability to view any recording on any TiVo on any TV, access to current local weather, internet radio, my entire MP3 collection and all of my digital photos. All this on devices that cost a TOTAL of $5 per month for TiVo service and cost me less than a 60GB standalone TiVo, including the disk space enhancements.



Meanwhile, the "DirecTV Plus" DVR has rediculously low limits on the number of recording events that can be scheduled, and the number of "season passes" that can be created. The season pass logic is faulty, and even when a recording is in the "To Do" list, it sometimes fails to record. The disk space can not be expanded, and it does not participate in any program sharing scheme (for that you'll need to wait for the NEXT new DVR product, the "Home Media Center").



DirecTV will have to pry my DirecTiVos from my cold dead hands.

[wil @ Dec 27th 2005 12:03PM]

This will be enough for me to switch back to cable. I will miss the NFL package, but will figure out a way around that. It is no longer worth it with all of this backwards progress with their DVR's. On top of that, it makes my internet so much more expensive since I have to get DSL instead of cable.

[Jason @ Dec 27th 2005 3:58PM]

I've been using my DirecTiVo for several years. When I bought it I paid $600.00. I have recently replaced the HD with a 250 Gig using weaknees software and instructions. I've never had any problems with it. However, that being said, I purchased the new R15 DirecTV Plus DVR that DirecTV now sells. I picked mine up for $100.00 at weaknees and am going to use the $100.00 mail in rebait - heck it's free why not. I'll run them together in separate rooms with the same "Season Pass" settings and see what happens. Let's not forget that this is only the first generation and just like Tivo, I'm sure several software upgrades will be pushed over time.

[dale @ Dec 31st 2005 5:39PM]

Just another attempt on DIRECTV thinking they can manufacture their own equipment. Hughes and the integrated TiVo receivers are the best that have ever been created in my opinion. When one works fine, why change?

[Jason @ Jan 2nd 2006 1:18PM]

After using the new R15 over the New Year weekend, I would have to agree with most of the complaints listed here. The To Do List is horrible. I have correctly entered programs into the schedule and have marked them as record First Run only with all episodes until drive is full. This rusults in the R15 recording every single episode that it finds including the reruns. If that was not enough, I selected Days of Our Lives to record every day. I tried First run only and the tried Both First Run and reruns. For whatever reason these did not even show up in the To Do List. The first one it has listed to record in on January 12th, 2006. I guess I will be calling Directv to see what's up. I was afraid things like this would be a problem so I keep my DirecTIVO active upstairs. I'll give it another two weeks and see what recording difference show up between the two of them. I have both set to record the exact same things.

[Kirk @ Jan 2nd 2006 3:35PM]

I am a long-time DirecTV subscriber. I own both an Ultimate TV DVR (35 hours recording max) which I recently decided to upgrade to a DirecTV DVR (not Tivo). Cost $100 with $100 rebate so I figured I could not lose. Well, seems I lost a 30-second advance button, Picture in a Picture possibilities and a simpler remote. Then, the other day, it stopped working. I think I will take it back to Best Buy. I'd like a 100-hour hard drive. Can anyone make any suggestions? Is it possible to tweak the R15 DirecTV DVR to get a 30-second jump button or picture in a picture?

[Mayer @ Jan 12th 2006 6:36AM]

I want to record the olympics to dvd. should I do this by recording to the R15 and then to the dvd recorder, or should I record directly to the dvd recorder?

[david @ Jan 14th 2006 1:38PM]

Is there no way to hack the unit to do a 30 second skip ?

[david @ Jan 14th 2006 1:40PM]

Is there no way to hack the unit to make it do a 30 second skip?

[John @ Jan 19th 2006 12:53AM]

I returned my 1st R15 and got another but same problems again and again. When pressing the remote fast forward button in the number 2 position it will keep going on and on and not stop. Then when it does stop it is way past the part I wanted it to stop at and then I have to go backwards and then I am into the commercial and just very frustrating Does not record certain programs when I have them on season pass. When I hit the jump back button it does not go back for along time and then if it works it only goes back for 6 seconds. I had Tivo for 2 years and never a problem. Got R15 so I could get rid of Land line telephone but am now reconsidering. Direct jumped the gun on this. Bought R15 for extra storage but this is a joke and I have been with Direct TV since it came out in 1994. It is not ready for the public. I'll give it another couple of weeks and then go back to Tivo.

[jake @ Jan 19th 2006 11:00PM]

Does anyone know which (if any) wireless usb adapter will work with the r15? I got one the other day and the jury is still out. I definitely like the GUI of the Hughes better. They just tried to simplify it too much and ended up over engineering it i think.