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“Stream thousands of movies instantly to your TV.”
“Setup is a breeze.”
“Open the door to a whole new world of entertainment.”
DIRECTV’s video on demand service sounds great! Only one problem. My router is way over there, and I’m not crazy about running an ethernet cable across the room…or down the hall for that matter. No worries. Drop some cash on a wireless adapter…problem solved!
The Wireless-N adapter offered up by DIRECTV is a hundred bucks; and if you don’t have one of those money trees, then that’s another problem. There are a few less expensive options that offer the same quality and streaming capability as the one endorsed by DIRECTV. Of the choices I found while lurking around on the satellite forums, the best all-around option based on price and reviews appears to be the TRENDnet Wireless N Gaming Adapter (Model TEW-647GA).
SETTING UP YOUR ADAPTER. One of the common issues regardless of which adapter you use seems to be setup. But I found this process to be a breeze. My TRENDnet came with an AC power cord, ethernet cable, and a setup CD. I tried using the Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) method; but after a couple of failed attempts, I used the setup CD. The directions that come with the adapter are perfect. Take your laptop with you to the room with your HD DVR. Setup involves plugging your adapter into the laptop via the ethernet cable, powering up the adapter, and following the TRENDnet setup menu.
Once setup completed, I removed the ethernet cable from the laptop and plugged it into the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR (I’m using model HR22). Next I pressed the MENU button on my DVR remote, chose “Parental, Fav’s & Setup”, and then “System Setup”. Go to “Network Setup” and choose “Connect Now”. This will prompt your DVR to begin accessing the VOD menu. You’ll get a message that says something about taking 24 hours to complete the process. Regardless, there should be VOD offerings to begin watching immediately.
So far, my experience has been great. Streaming quality is excellent although that’s helped by a buffer. It’s important to point out that I’m using a cable connection piped through a Wireless-N router; but if you have an opportunity to use dual-band wireless router (like the Linksys E3000), you’ll better off in the long run especially if you have simultaneous usage across your home network.
Now go watch something. I’ve got Hot Tub Time Machine queued up.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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If you’ve been waiting around for this as long as I have, then you’ll be thrilled to know that DIRECTV has released its DVR Scheduler application for the BlackBerry. And, of course, it’s in Beta (v1.1.2). But it’s better than nothing.
Even in Beta form, it’s faster by design…making the same functionality from the “m” website a little quicker by placing all options front and center rather than having to click through a list of links thanks to the easy user interface.
The app allows you to search for any television show up to 14 days in advance; browse programs by channel or date & time; get program information instantly, including description, length and rating; record a single episode or an entire series; order DIRECTV Cinema™ right on your phone (only available for iPhone, Android, and Palm for now).
Popularity: 7% [?]
DIRECTV’s multi-room HD DVR service isn’t new news, but it is coming to a living room…bedroom…media room (you get the idea) near you. The service is currently available to the public in a beta testing phase for those with HD DVR receivers that are already networked.
DIRECTV.com
According to the DIRECTV website, multi-room viewing (MRV) provides a single, combined playlist of all your recorded programs on any connected TV. You can also record and delete shows from any TV connected to an HD receiver, not just the one connected to the HD DVR.
The folks over at DBStalk.com have been testing the service for several months now, and provided their readers with a First Look (pdf link) of the service with some details of their findings and some tips and tricks for future beta testers.
The kicker is that DIRECTV plans to charge for the service. Hey. It’s a great service, but not one worth paying for in my opinion. Regardless of what I think, keep the enhancements coming, DIRECTV. Especially to Video On Demand.
[Hat Tip: DBStalk.com]
Popularity: 10% [?]
WARNING: Players will not leap out of your screen—–
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Fantasy Football magazine. Check.
Player list. Check.
Ron Mexico jersey. Check.
DIRECTV SUPERCAST. If you have DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket, you’re halfway there. Just make sure you have Flash Player 9 and Adobe AIR for the full effect. Both PC & Mac users can access SUPERCAST. The concept simple: if the game is on DIRECTV Sunday Ticket, then it’s available to watch on SUPERCAST. However, according to the FAQ, blackouts are enforced based on your billing zip code.
SUPERCAST FEATURES INCLUDE:
Live Streaming Video. Enjoy every NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ game, plus the Red Zone Channel. You can switch from game to game at any time.
Highlights. Relive the big moments. See up to 12 significant plays from every game, either individually or consecutively.
Scores & Game Status. See scores and game status for the current week’s completed and in-progress games. Check the schedule for the upcoming games.
Instant Stats. An indispensable feature for fantasy footballers. Track your favorite players’ performance with a touch. Get game and player stats instantly for each game.
Whether or not your favorite bar or restaurant has DIRECTV Sunday Ticket is now the least of your worries. If they have WiFi, you’re all set.
The SUPERCAST mobile app is available on iPhone, Palm Pre and Windows Mobile and BlackBerry (Storm, Tour, Bold and Curve 8900). To download this app to your smartphone, visit m.directv.com/supercast from your phone’s browser.
If you still have cable, it’s time to now. If you’re already a customer, check out the DIRECTV SUPERCAST page for more details.
Popularity: 20% [?]
Are you kidding me? Apparently I’m a little behind the curve on this news. Last night, my DIRECTV DVR list included a message regarding the recording of Pay Per View movies to my DVR. The message reads as follows:
Effective April 15, 2008, DVR recordings of PPV movies will be available for 24 hours of unlimited viewing after purchase. Major movie studios have required that satellite and cable providers alike may no longer allow their customers to view these recordings for longer than 24 hours. During the 24 hour viewing period, you will continue to enjoy all of your DVR features such as pause and rewind.
Um. Why on earth would anyone purchase a movie and record it to their DVR when in the same timeframe, they could hit up Blockbuster Online or Netflix for a movie…and then keep that movie for days without late fees? Luckily the movies I have stored on my DVR already won’t be deleted.
I can see it now. No more fast forwarding through commercials.
Popularity: 58% [?]
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