DirecTv VOD

[Eaglesfan27]

Video on Demand is supposed to be available within the next month or so from guys in the know who are on dbstalk. However, I wasn't aware until yesterday that to receive VOD, users will have to have their boxes connected to the internet. Tonight, they had a chat (which I remembered at the last minute) to help people get their boxes connected to the internet and after 2 hours and with a lot of help, I was able to get both of my boxes connected. Just thought that I would give anyone who uses DirecTv and is interested in VOD a headsup that this is coming sometime soon and that you need to get your box connected to the internet.

[CraigSca]

And this is where DirecTV fails for me. I just got rid of DirecTV a couple months ago to move to Verizon's Fios TV. Had I known that DirecTV was going to offer VoD like Verizon does, I may have stayed with them.

Why are they so secretive when it comes to the WHEN the 100's of HD channels and VoD is going to be available? They should be trumpeting this all over the place.

[Eaglesfan27]

By accident tonight, I discovered that VOD is now enabled on DirecTV. The box has to be connected to the internet for it to work but I just checked out a show and it worked well.

[rjolley]

So EF27, which boxes work with VoD? And how do I get mine online?

[cartman]

I tried upgrading my Sony SAT-HD300 receiver to the new HD-DVRs tonight, but I was told that there aren't any deals at the moment. As the Italians say, CAZZO!!! I'll stick with my currently received HD channels until such time DirecTV sees fit to upgrade me at minimal to no charge to the latest and greatest.

[rowech]

Is there a channel for this?

[Eaglesfan27]

So EF27, which boxes work with VoD? And how do I get mine online?

I know it works with an HR20, I believe any of the DirecTv branded DVR boxes will work. To get mine online, I bought two relatively cheap wireless game adapters and plugged them into the into the ethernet port of my HR20's. Then, I had to go into the HR20's menu and setup and follow the directions for connecting to the internet.

Edit: Of course, if your box is near your router, you could just run a CAT cable from the router to the sat receiver's ethernet port. I just went the wireless route because of the distance apart between my receivers and my router.

Is there a channel for this?

It's on a bunch of channels in the 1000's. However, the main access point is in the menu. I was going to search to see what channel USC was on tomorrow when I noticed there was a tab in the menu for "VOD." I accessed that and ended up giving it a try for an old Dexter and it worked flawlessly. There are hundreds of movies already available via the service as well as a bunch of TV shows.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Also, it requires a broadband connection for it to work.

[rjolley]

Kool, my box is right under my XBox which has an ethernet cable running to it. I'll just borrow that connection and run it through.

Now, is there a way to access the videoes on the DVR from my laptop?

[Eaglesfan27]

Kool, my box is right under my XBox which has an ethernet cable running to it. I'll just borrow that connection and run it through.

Now, is there a way to access the videoes on the DVR from my laptop?

I've read of people on AV forums who have modded their DVR box to do that, but the default box cannot do that currently. That might eventually get enabled via a firmware upgrade.

[rowech]

Well, it's picking up my internet connection but I don't even have channels in the 1000s.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, it's picking up my internet connection but I don't even have channels in the 1000s.

Maybe your box hasn't gotten the latest firmware update yet. I know mine didn't have this 2 days ago when I last went into the menu.

[rjolley]

Gonna go check mine and see. Thanks for the info.

[rowech]

Maybe your box hasn't gotten the latest firmware update yet. I know mine didn't have this 2 days ago when I last went into the menu.

I just restarted my box....will this get this for me or can I do something else?

[Eaglesfan27]

I just restarted my box....will this get this for me or can I do something else?

Depending upon the model of your box, there are different ways to force it to download the latest update available upon resetting. What model do you have?

[rowech]

Depending upon the model of your box, there are different ways to force it to download the latest update available upon resetting. What model do you have?

HR20...restarting seems to have done something as now on demand will show up but I have no programs showing up.

[rjolley]

Ok, got it online easy enough, and On Demand appears in the menu. Selecting On Demand does nothing, though. How do I get a listing of shows? And is all of this free or an additional cost per download?

[Flasch186]

I dont have the DVR, just the H20. That wont do it? I added a Belkin USB wireless receiver to it but there doesnt be any options to get it on the net so I figure that this model is not going to be one that can acces this on-demand stuff. Perhaps this is what pushes me over the edge to get the upgraded HD-DVR for the stinking $99.

[rowech]

rjolley...I restarted after nothing was showing up and things started popping into the menus slowly.

Flasch, the way it works is it records it from the server so yes, you'll need the DVR model.

[rjolley]

Ok, came back in the office and there are shows filling in. Very kool.

[Flasch186]

well screw that. I just called and it's still $299 to upgrade to the HD-DVR. For that $299 I get the right to lease the unit from them and lets not forget the $20 handling fee and installation fee. What happens with the HD unit Im leasing now? I can use it in another room or ship it back to them....baaa, Ill have to wait and see if they run a special or if a coupon comes out.