HDTV Forum

Hello all 1st post, I am thinking of upgrading to the new HR120 or HR121 but I have no phoneline to newDTV HR20? I only have a cell phone. When I called DTV all they coulf tell me is I need a land based phone line.
The owner's manual says Digital video recording capabilities are only fully functional with a land-based phone line connection and a subscription to DVR Service, sold separately. For information and pricing, visit DIRECTV.com/DVR. Can onyone tell me what they mean by fully functional? What functions what I be missing?

I'm not exactly certain how the phone line plays into DVR service. My guess would be that it has something to do with local channel reception and recording. DirecTV uses the phone line to be able to do three things (that I know of):

1) It verifies that your box is still installed in your home. This prevents you from activating an additional box then giving it to a friend or relative.

2) It is used to verify your locality, so that they can provide correct local channel service including mandated blackouts of various sporting events, etc.

3) It is used to call back to DirecTV and let them know when you've ordered a PPV movie. If you don't have one connected, you will not be able to order through the box (via remote). You can still order PPV by calling in or using their website.

I had a single DirecTV box for years without any phone line plugged in and all was fine. But I knew other people that had their service disabled because they didn't have theirs hooked up. This was many years ago, so perhaps policy has changed.

More important than any of this though: if you are upgrading to the HR21 you need to be aware that OTA locals are no longer available. DirecTV no longer has OTA tuners built into the box on the HR21. So if you get your locals via antenna, don't upgrade.

- Shane

Thanks Shane, I have had DTV for the last 3 years without a phoneline plugged in, no problems, but i do have to order PPV on the website. My main concern is I have HD right now but only limited programing, my understanding is I need to upgrade my receiver and dish to get all the new HD programs. So without a phoneline what will the new HR120 not do that it should. Will it not allow me to use the recorder functions? Also I forgot to ask how many more wires the installer is going to have to put through my roof with the new slimstyle dish. Thanks for the help.

Can't help with the phoneline - I've always had mine connected. It will use an internet connection but I don't know if that will replace the phone connection or not. As for the wires - it uses 4 wires just like the old 3 lnb dishes so if that's what you had you're all set.

Hi MikeL -

A couple "points", perhaps -

There'll need to be Two separate COAX leads - one for each tuner of that dual tuner, hard drive HD Receiver.

Plus, you must have an unobstructed view of the LOW horizon to your South -- these newest satellites require a lot lower aiming of the newest (dish) antenna.

Lastly, so far at this as well as many other "forums" the competitor's VIP-722 HD Receiver has been much more successful -- also has the customary " 85+ all-HD Channels, going for 100+ as soon as their rockets can do the job!

P.S. - some have "posted" as having hooked up the ethernet instead of telephone.... perhaps this is an exclusive option on that TIVO Ser 3 however.

The Dish receiver has the ability to do "call-back" through the ethernet port instead of the phone line, so if you don't have it hooked into a phone line you can still order PPV through the remote. But this doesn't solve the other two issues I mentioned so your local reception ability may be affected as well as the ability to have more than one receiver.

- Shane

The phone line is "reguired" by the contract, but does nothing except to allow ordering PPV off the guide. I have an HR-21 in a condo and an HR 15 in a motorhome. I have no phone, other than cell phone. It all works fine with no error messages, problems or issues. The HR-21 is a replacement to an HR-20 that quit. It worked without a phone line too.

If you don't have a phone line going to each box. I don't remember the amount. If you are already receiving an HD signal why do you need a new box, unless you are upgrading to a DVR?

Hi Shanny1999 -

Mostly, to be able for the HD Receiver to pick up those newest satellites launched last Summer.

The older units can not "see" these & so, No ... 85+ all-HD channel service is possible.

The phone line is required for you to use the remote to order PPV. No land line, no problem. Use the internet to order for no charge or use cell service. Service charge for cell phone ordering.
Order With Your Remote

1. Make sure your phone line is connected.
2. Find the movie or event you want (channel 117-199) in the on-screen guide.
3. Flip to the channel it is playing on.
4. Hit OK to place your order.
5. Confirm your order and watch when it starts.

Order Online

1. In the Program Guide, find the movie or event you want.
2. Click on the order button/link.
3. Sign in or register (if registering for the first time, you'll need your account number).
4. Choose the date you want to watch it.
5. Choose the room you want to watch it in and your method of payment.
6. Confirm and watch.

Order by Phone*

1. Find the movie or event you want (see above).
2. Call 1-800-531-5000.
3. Use the touch-tone system to order or talk to a customer service representative.

*Additional phone order-assistance fees apply.