Directv DVR - Montana Owners Club

mtnfrog · 08-05-2015, 01:11 PM

Just bought a new 3625. I used my Directv DVR in my last 5R (Hitchhiker), but Directv now says it won't work in the new one. Regular receiver works fine, but the recording one does not work, I called Directv twice and was told the same thing both times, but when talking to other campers, they seem to be able to record shows. Is anyone using a DVR in a 2015 unit?

andylparish · 08-05-2015, 02:53 PM

We carry a genie and 1 genie mini with us. You just have to have the correct dish.

DuneBuggyBuilder · 08-05-2015, 03:03 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by mtnfrog
Is anyone using a DVR in a 2015 unit?

Hundreds of us use a DirecTV DVR in RV.

What DVR do you have? What antenna do you have. You say a standard receiver works. What model is it? How is it connected? What errors are you receiving with your DVR which worked in a previous RV? Have you tried running the coax from the antenna directly to the receiver (through a window) and bypassing the coach wiring?

mtnfrog · 08-05-2015, 03:22 PM

My wineguard is not HD and I believe Genie is HD only. I have a standard Directv HD DRV and I program it back to standard for the rv. This works with the non DRV receiver but not the DRV. Ironically I can download programing menues when I go through the startup but cannot click on a show to watch. The non DVR works well from both rooms (living and bedroom). Directv told me twice that a DRV will not work but I was able to use this very same DVR in my previous 5R.

mtnfrog · 08-05-2015, 03:28 PM

I know the cables are OK since I can switch the receivers and the non DVR always works while the DVR does not. This also tells me the sat is getting a good signal (yes I switched ports at the sat too) I even switched all HDMI cables.

andylparish · 08-05-2015, 05:08 PM

I do not use a winegard, I have a tri pod and a swm sl3 dish that I point when I set up. But I do get non hd as well as he Channels on my DVR. I have an extra splitter and power inserter that just stays in my coach and all I have to do is bring my receivers. maybe you have a problem with your winegard.

DuneBuggyBuilder · 08-05-2015, 06:49 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by mtnfrog

My wineguard is not HD and I believe Genie is HD only.

The Genie is a SWM only DVR. That has nothing to do with SD or HD. SWM systems use 1 wire from the antenna to the receiver. Most poeple use the Genie for HD but it will display the SD channels.

Quote:

quote: I have a standard Directv HD DRV and I program it back to standard for the rv. This works with the non DRV receiver but not the DRV. Ironically I can download programing menus when I go through the startup but cannot click on a show to watch. The non DVR works well from both rooms (living and bedroom).

You still haven't identified the model of the DVR (not DRV) but I am guessing you have an older HR24. Since you imply it is finding the 101 satellite, establishing a connection and downloading the guide it is fine. However when you select a channel things fail?

I am on the road and don't have DirecTV here in the hotel room so I am having to guess, but I believe you didn't update the settings to show the SD channels and hide the HD ones. You are selecting a HD channel which your Winegard can not connect with. Change back to using SD channels and things will get much better.

I believe the process is to select: Menu --> Settings --> Display --> Preferences, then highlight "Guide HD Channels:" and select the option "Hide HD Channels".

Quote:

quote:
Directv told me twice that a DRV will not work but I was able to use this very same DVR in my previous 5R.

DirecTV doesn't officially support their boxes in RVs and the script kiddies don't understand what you have. You need to get the the 2nd and 3rd level technical support before you will find someone knowledgeable enough to assist with a RV problem. You will get better results asking questions here, on RV.net, or dbstalk.com.

mtnfrog · 08-06-2015, 04:07 AM

Thanks to everyone for your help. Wish you were all here and we could solve this problem over a beer. Yes I did switch the DVR to SD. I was told (by Directv) that they have RV specialists so I will try that tact.

DuneBuggyBuilder · 08-06-2015, 06:56 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by mtnfrog

....cannot click on a show to watch.

You you have changed the settings so the menus displays the SD versions of each channel.

Can you describe the actions you take and the failures you receive with the associated error codes. Saying you cannot click on a channel is not not adequate. Obviously you can "select" a highlighted program/channel in the guide or type in the numbers for a channel. What result do you get when you do either (or both) of these actions? The DirecTV guy will want to know the model of your receiver, the type of remote you have, the antenna you are using (be prepared for DirecTV to not accept a Winegard) and the failure message you are receiving. These are all the things we have requested from you and you haven't supplied.

Good luck, I am done trying to help.

mtnfrog · 08-07-2015, 04:03 AM

OK, I have a model HR-500 receiver and a Wineguard Carryout G2. The error code I get when I select a program is 771. (could be 772 as I can't remember for sure since I don't have it currently hooked up.) I can download the DTV program schedule but when I select and click on a program, I get the error code. I am pretty sure the wineguard is working right since it works with the other receiver. and I am pretty sure the receiver is programmed right since I did both receivers and the other one works fine. The DVR also works fine at my home. And, the receiver is communicating with the TV since it downloads info from the satellite. I appreciate that you are trying to help and I understand it's hard to help without all the information.

mtnfrog · 08-07-2015, 04:05 AM

Do you think replacing the HR24 with a Genie would solve the problem?

DuneBuggyBuilder · 08-07-2015, 06:02 PM

The 771 error message means there is a problem with the receiver talking to a satellite (the 772 error is related to not downloading the Guide. Since you say the Guide downloads, this is not likely what you are seeing).

The Weingard can only access the 101 satellite. All of the satellite data and program guide information comes from the 101 satellite. Since you are getting all that data downloaded, your receiver is communicating successfully with sat 101. All of the SD programming (except local channels in some small markets) come from sat 101. Yet when you select a channel to watch you get an error 771 saying the satellite carrying this channel can't be accessed. Therefore you are trying to access one of the other DirecTV satellites (99, 103, 110, 119).

The only plausible causes of this is trying to access the HD version of a channel rather than the SD version, or configuring an antenna other than the 18" round single LNB (Option #3 if I recall).

Have you looked at the strength of the satellites you are trying to access? Go to Menu --> Satellite --> Signal Strength and see what the readings are for each satellite.

Have you tried all channels or just your locals? If you are not at home, you may be out of the Spot Beam which delivers your locals or they come off of one of the non-101 satellites. What happens if you select channel 205 (ESPN)??

The problem is related to your receiver and its configuration. The antenna, wiring, and TV are not an issue.

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by mtnfrog

Do you think replacing the HR24 with a Genie would solve the problem?

Absolutely not!!! The Genie introduces a whole new level of complexity and is beyond what you are ready to deal with. You first need to learn to walk before you run with the big dogs.

This is not to say it can't be done. Many of us are using Genies and mini-Genies quite successfully. But not with a Winegard Carryout.

mtnfrog · 08-08-2015, 04:52 AM

Update: Had a fruitful conversation with Directv last nite. My DVR will work in the RV if I change a few settings. Will do a trial run soon. I find it amazing how it takes several calls to Directv (5 in this case) to find someone who seems knowledgeable. And, note to self, don't tick off any of the underlings as they will put you on forever hold.

mtnfrog · 08-09-2015, 03:50 PM

to further clarify what the nice lady at Directv told me. On the screen where I designate the dish type and switch type, I need to designate "round 18 inch and Multiswitch" I did both initially. What I did not do is change the Tuner from dual to single. She said if I do this it will work fine. Will not have a chance to test this for a few days, but will let you know. Initial impression would seem to make sense. Here's hoping. Again, I appreciate your help.

DuneBuggyBuilder · 08-09-2015, 05:56 PM

If you only have one coax from the antenna to the receiver, you can not specify dual tuner and expect it to work. With only one cable you can only record one program at a time and while it is recording you can't watch anything else live. You can only watch something already recorded.

You can however run a second coax from the antenna to the receiver, specify dual tuner, and now you can record two programs at one time, or record one and watch something live, or record two programs and watch something that was already recorded. Unfortunately, Montana does not provide for running two coaxes to a receiver. You have to wire that second line yourself.

It come down to how much TV do you want to record and watch.

rames14 · 08-09-2015, 07:29 PM

We had a new 3160 with the Travl'r Winegard using the DirecTv DVR. We had the same problem and DirecTv was no help. The techs at the dealership called Winegard and they changed SWM and Antenna settings. I am running two boxes, including dual tuner DVR, to three TV's. You should be able to get it. I would not hesitate to call Winegard for the correct configuration. Good luck.

mtnfrog · 08-10-2015, 03:32 AM

thanks to everyone. Could I put a splitter on the line just before it goes into the receiver so I could use dual tuners? If not, I think single tuner will work good enough. It's not me I am trying to please with the tv options, if you know what I mean.

DuneBuggyBuilder · 08-10-2015, 03:50 AM

No a splitter will not work. The DVR receiver you have requires two separate coax runs to the antenna for the dual tuners inside. Once you have the two feeds *THEN* you can use the DirecTV splitter (don't even think about using any other supplier's) to feed additional receivers (like in the bedroom).

mtnfrog · 08-10-2015, 10:50 AM

got it. thanks

jfaberna · 08-12-2015, 05:12 PM

I quit calling DirecTV and just take my Genie and clients from home and use the Genie in the Living room and the clients in the bedroom and basement for outside. I use a standard Slimline SL3 dish and LNB on a tripod. Works just like home unless you are too far from home to receive local channels. I have a SWiM system so it's one cable from the dish to the Convenience Center. I have a SWM splitter there and feed the other locations directly. I have the SWM power adapter in the living room next to the Genie. Once you figure it out, it's simple. Can't do it with automatic antennas except for the roof mounted Winegard Trav'ler.

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