Just signed up for Directv and wondering what I need to get for Whole-Home DVR to work before installer gets here.

Hopefully you also ordered Whole Home DVR service as part of your installation.  Be sure to include the Cinema Connection Kit if you want features like On Demand video downloads. 

1. SD equipment cannot use WHDVR because it has no network connectivity.  
2. HD Receivers can view recordings from remote HD DVRs.  But only the DVR's can actually record stuff.  
3. All of the TVs will be able to watch "Live TV" using the satellite tuners connected to each TV.  HD Receivers will also be able to view recordings stored on the remote HD DVR. 
4. Each HD DVR can stream its recordings to only one remote HD Receiver at a time.  You might want to consider a second HD DVR if you want both HD Receivers to be able to view stored recordings simultaneously.  
5. Each HD DVR has two satellite tuners.  It can record two different channels while streaming a recording to a remote HD Receiver and while you're watching a locally stored recording on the HD DVR's local TV.   If you need to record more than two channels simultaneously, you'll want a second HD DVR.
6. No, it won't work via a Wireless Network.  The WHDVR installation provides DirecTV's DECA-based networking that connects the DVRs and Receivers together using the satellite coax cables.  If you want the equipment to also have internet access, you'll need to also specify the Cinema Connection Kit on your order.  

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I did order the WHDVR & the Cinema Connection Kit with my initial order so I should be good there. I see what I will have to do to record from all locations, but was also wondering if I am recording one program to HD DVR can all the DVR's watch different "live" channels or is one or more stuck having to watch that program that is recording? Sounds like I will need to get 2- HD DVR's & 2- HD receivers to get the most out of the system as you explained.

Thanks,

Paul

Not sure about your "live" question, but here is the skinny.  Each receiver or DVR can watch live TV using the tuner built in, you never stream live TV from one receiver or DVR to another.  On a DVR, it has two tuners.  You can record on one and watch live on another.  Or you can record on both, watch one that is recording or watch one previously recorded.  With 2 DVR's you'd have lot's of flexibility.

Thanks for the assistance. Looks like the 2 DVR's is the way to go. Is there any particular models I want or configuration (ie, 1-DVR in den with HD receiver in master bedroom, and 1 DVR in daughter's room with HD receiver in son's room)? If I have 2 DVRs can the programming that is recording to each be viewed from all tvs? If I opt not to get the extra 2 HD receivers and put the SD receivers in the kids rooms would they be able to pause a program? 

Thanks,

Paul

Any DVR is capable of streaming a recorded program to one remote HD receiver at a time.  If the Kid's shared a DVR, they could each record their own programs and watch them at will.  If you put in SD receivers, they could not participate because the SD boxes have no networking capabilities.  Whole Home DVR is HD only.  SD can co exist, but cannot share.

SD receivers cannot pause programs unless of course they are SD DVRs.

For a new installation/account you're better off getting the equipment directly from DirecTV.  Since you're getting th WHDVR installation, you'll probably get the newer HR24 HDDVRs and H24 HD Receivers.   But even if you don't get those, all of the HD DVRs are very similar. 

If you absolutely can only live with those models, you'll need to order from a dealer like Solid Signal.  But you probably won't get the sweet new subscriber deals.  

There's usually no advantage to going elsewhere for the equipment. It will still be leased and the monthly fees will be the same either way. With DirecTV you can often get a break on the up front costs and they'll install it all for you. Otherwise, pre-wiring for future equipment or installing equipment obtained elsewhere will probably cost you extra.

Which is about what you would pay from any legitimate source. Buying used from a private party can be problematic and often by the time you verify the pedigree with DirecTV and figure in shipping and a new access card, the bargain isn't a bargain any more.