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Post by xzi on Jan 19, 2010 18:15:04 GMT -5
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Post by Skaggs on Jan 20, 2010 9:58:04 GMT -5
 From EngadgetHD, January 20, 2010 We truly believe that one day the idea of having a DVR in just one room of the house will be forein to most and here's a new step in that direction. DirecTV has a new opt-in public beta of multi-room viewing software for its HR2x series of HD DVRs. Now this is not to be confused with the new hardware that uses RVU that we showed you from CES due later this year -- we wish -- this is simply adding new features to hardware you already bought leased. The way this will work is that you'll plug each DirecTV box into your home network via CAT5, enabled sharing, and pay an additional monthly fee. At that point you'll not only be able to stream shows between DVRs or standard HD set top boxes, but you'll also be able to delete shows as well as schedule new recordings. The big downer is it's far more complex than many will be willing to tackle, especially since the user must still manage the network and the sharing settings, as well as the fact as there still isn't one cohesive list of scheduled recordings. And worst of all, there is no resume sync, so if you start a show on one DVR, you'll have to figure out where you left out by fast forwarding when you decide to finish the rest in bed. Ultimately this is a great feature to offer and although it isn't what we're waiting for, it is a big step in the right direction. |
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Post by hurnik on Jan 20, 2010 17:54:58 GMT -5
Ah, they're streaming it, so it's not like Tivo's MRV Personally I like Tivo's implementation (although it would be nice to do a remote delete)
I thought I read somewhere they had a DTV to PC but maybe it uses the same technology and streams it, and doesn't do a Tivo To Go where you can burn to DVD And watch it or something.
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Post by xzi on Jan 20, 2010 19:05:33 GMT -5
I thought I read somewhere they had a DTV to PC but maybe it uses the same technology and streams it, and doesn't do a Tivo To Go where you can burn to DVD And watch it or something. They do, and you're correct, it just streams over a LAN. It's actually exactly like MRV without the remote scheduling and delete. |
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Post by hurnik on Jan 21, 2010 17:18:16 GMT -5
Okay thanks. Well that's too bad. Streaming (especially HD content) requires rather massive bandwidth (granted, mine's all gigabit in the house), but the inability to save and watch later on a pc/laptop, etc. is a disappointment. Probably the only way to get around the DRM stuff though.  |
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Post by xzi on Jan 22, 2010 22:20:42 GMT -5
Probably the only way to get around the DRM stuff though. I think you're right. Matter of fact, even their streaming to the PC solution, DIRECTV2PC, requires HDCP compliant video card and monitor, even audio card, to use. It is however full bitrate 1080p so you take the good with the bad for sure-- it looks fantastic! |
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Post by xzi on Mar 19, 2010 21:49:57 GMT -5
Looks like DIRECTV has gone "live" with MRV in a few markets so it's official. What else that's official is the fee, $3/mo per account (so basically $7/mo. for DVR, $10/mo. for MRV-DVR--both account fees, not per box fees though) Also all new installs and "upgrades" in these markets where it's live are all SWM installs with DECA. SWM is their single-wire switch technology that lets you run cables to receivers more like cable TV, even allowing splitters, and DECA is their "MoCA" technology that uses the same satellite wiring for networking for the MRV stuff eliminating the need for a seperate ethernet network. Full details at: www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/technology/multiroom |
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Post by xzi on May 18, 2010 17:31:28 GMT -5
Just an update that DIRECTV MRV has been renamed "Whole-Home DVR Service" and is officially live nationwide this week. The information below is still valid and can be included for new customers at no charge (basically all new installs are now SWiM and DECA). Existing customers can "upgrade" to SWiM for $99 and DECA for $49 (if needed) and DIRECTV will not "officially" support using your own network--especially if you weren't participating in the beta already. I can tell that you that I have added it to my unsupported ethernet-based network without issue, but I was part of the beta. The new URL is www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/technology/wholehomeLooks like DIRECTV has gone "live" with MRV in a few markets so it's official. What else that's official is the fee, $3/mo per account (so basically $7/mo. for DVR, $10/mo. for MRV-DVR--both account fees, not per box fees though) Also all new installs and "upgrades" in these markets where it's live are all SWM installs with DECA. SWM is their single-wire switch technology that lets you run cables to receivers more like cable TV, even allowing splitters, and DECA is their "MoCA" technology that uses the same satellite wiring for networking for the MRV stuff eliminating the need for a seperate ethernet network. Full details at: www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/directv/technology/multiroom |
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