Gray screen when I try to watch recorded programs

Thanks for starting a fresh thread.  This often occurs when one of the DVR's tuners is not getting a strong signal. If you'll post back your signals on BOTH tuners, it will help us to diagnose your problem.

You'll find these readings under "Menu" -> "Setup" -> "System Setup" -> Satellite -> "View Signal Strength". Note the "+" and "-" symbols next to the "Satellite" and "Tuner" entries where you can toggle the readings between the various satellites and both DVR tuners. If you have a DVR it's important to check BOTH satellite tuners.

Fill in your readings for each satellite and tuner on the new post you create, using the example below as a guide. (The example below is only an example and not a form that will appear in your post unless you "cut" and "paste" it.) A properly aligned dish will show 80-90s on most of the relevant transponders (although some will be low or zero):

Satellite transponders (32 total at 101º)

[Most of your standard definition channels are beamed from 101ºW]

1-8 # # # # # # # #

9-16 # # # # # # # #

17-24 # # # # # # # #

25-32 # # # # # # # #

Satellite transponders (3 total at 110º)

[A few HD channels, also beamed from 99 & 103º]

1-8 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA #

9-16 NA # NA # NA NA NA NA

Satellite transponders (11 total at 119º)

[Local SD channels for some cities, Spanish package]

17-24 NA NA NA NA NA # # #

25-32 # # # # # # # #

Satellite transponders (16 total at 99º(s)) [or 99º(b)]

[Local HD channels for some cities]

1-8 # # # # # # NA NA

9-16 NA NA NA NA NA NA # #

17-24 # # # # # # # #

[Note: these can be very slow to appear]

Satellite transponders (14 total at 99º(c)) [or 99º(a)]

[National HD channels]

1-8 # # # # # # # #

9-16 # # # # # # NA NA

[Note, these can be very slow to appear]

Satellite transponders (16 total at 103º(s)) [or 103º(a)]

[Local HD channels for some cities]

1-8 # # # # # # NA NA

9-16 NA NA NA NA NA NA # #

17-24 # # # # # # # #

[Note, these can be very slow to appear]

Satellite transponders (16 total at 103º(ca)) ["0" until new D12 satellite live]

[National HD channels]

1-8 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

9-16 # # # # # # # #

17-24 # # # # # # # #

Satellite transponders (14 total at 103º(cb)) [or 103º(b)]

[National HD channels]

1-8 # # # # # # # #

9-16 # # # # # # NA NA

17-24 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Satellite transponders (9 total at SWM)

[You'll only see this if you have a Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM) dish]

1-8 # # # # # # # #

9-16 # NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Here are the readings that I got.  Tuner 1

Satellite transponders (32 total at 101º)

1-8 88 89 85 0 83 95 81 96

9-16 80 88 83 0 82 96 76 96

17-24 65 100 72 0 82 96 79 96

25-32 73 100 73 95 85 96 81 98

Satellite transponders (3 total at 110º)

1-8 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 83

9-16 NA 86 NA 86 NA NA NA NA

Satellite transponders (11 total at 119º)

17-24 NA NA NA NA NA 87 92 88

25-32 85 91 92 86 80 93 0 94

Satellite transponders (16 total at 99º(s))

1-8 73 0 70 70 75 89 NA NA

9-16 NA NA NA NA NA NA 22 60

17-24 80 81 66 58 95 88 0 0

part 3

Tuner 2

Satellite transponders (32 total at 101º)

1-8 86 88 85 0 82 96 80 95

9-16 80 88 82 0 81 96 76 95

17-24 67 100 72 0 82 96 80 96

25-32 73 100 72 95 83 96 81 97

Satellite transponders (3 total at 110º)

1-8 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 83

9-16 NA 85 NA 85 NA NA NA NA

Satellite transponders (11 total at 119º)

17-24 NA NA NA NA NA 86 92 89

25-32 85 91 91 87 81 91 0 94

Satellite transponders (16 total at 99º(s))

1-8 72 0 71 52 76 89  NA NA

9-16 NA NA NA NA NA NA 24 57

17-24 80 77 60 57 93 86 0 0

and the last part..

Satellite transponders (14 total at 99º))

1-8 79 73 76 72 78 70 76 71

9-16 73 72 79 70 79 67 NA NA

Satellite transponders (16 total at 103º(s))

1-8 0 0 0 0 0 0  NA NA

9-16 NA NA NA NA NA NA 0 61

17-24 0 57 61 57 32 0 0 0

Satellite transponders (16 total at 103º(ca)) ["0" until new D12 satellite live]

9-16 45 0 46 10 0 0 42 0

17-24 40 0 39 0 35 0 36 0

Satellite transponders (14 total at 103º(cb))

1-8 58 45 62 47 56 42 60 45

9-16 54 38 60 43 51 37 NA NA

those signals are very poor.  your HDDVR is trying to record a channel that has no signal, therefore they grey screen. with the delete prompt at the end.  Best to call DirecTV and request a service visit.  Free with the protection plan, otherwise $50.00

Just a guess, but I'd say the mast on your dish has sagged so that the mast is no longer plumb.  The mast being plumb is essential for good alignment.  Take a look before the tech arrives and be sure the mast has two monopole braces connected.

Just a guess, but I'd say the mast on your dish has sagged so that the mast is no longer plumb. The mast being plumb is essential for good alignment. Take a look before the tech arrives and be sure the mast has two monopole braces connected.