Reminder

Bummer!

Looks like I'll have to go back to that cable place :-(

Thanks @detuch254 !

What auto tune does is change the channel to whatever you programed it to do, it doesn't remind you.

Thanks @shannon02 ... but according to @detuch254 not all receivers are guaranteed to have this function when you place your order for new service.

Only HXX receivers came with auto tune and DTV hasn't made them in years, they where manly used in bars or other places that had a business account that doesn't allow recording. New DTV residential customers get the HS17 Genie2 and up to 4 mini clients although you can try to get one.

@DLB26 

You have Autotune OR DVR. There is no box that does both.

So models Hxx (i.e. H24) have Autotune. Models HRxx (i.e. HR24) are HDDVRs so record instead of Autotune.

Mini Genie Clients, Cxx (i.e. C31) are extensions of the Genie HDDVR so use DVR and do not have Autotune.

With the regular Genie (HR34, HR44, HR54), you can mix it with Clients, HDDVRs, and HD non-DVRs as needed. With the Genie-2 (HS17) you are restricted to Clients only, so can never have Autotune.

Comes down to with DVR you can watch on your schedule, FF/REW or even pause as needed. With Autotune you are a slave the box and must watch on the TV schedule. And if you are late by a few mintues, you can't get them back.

Thanks for the input everyone... I want both the Reminder and DVR options, so it looks like I have to go with the "cable" company.... Boooo!

If you want "reminder" (autotune or similar) and DVR in one box, than yes you will need to go with another provider. However, if you are ok with certain TVs having DVR, others with Autotune (and can watch what the other DVRs have recorded), than you could still consider DirecTV. So you can mix and match a bit.

Either way, glad you got your answer and hope whatever decision works for you.

Thanks @Juniper 

It's my understanding that getting a box with "Autotune" is a bit of the luck of the draw, in that you may or may not receive one.

Also, if I did manage to get one with Autotune:

1) Would the Autotune notification, pop up on all the other TVs without the proper Autotone boxes?

2) Can the Autotune box be the "main" box?

Thank you again!

1. No. And remember, there is no "notification". Autotune simply changes the channel on the Receiver at the programmed time. 

2. Not sure what you mean by "main box". 

@DLB26 

Not "luck of the draw", you simply need to order a HD non-DVR. As long as they are still available, it would probably be the H25. As long as the order is not for a Genie-2 (HS17) than you can mix and match.

DirecTV's Autotune simply puts that receiver on the chosen channel at the set time. It is not any more notification than that, and the feature does not affect the other boxes.

You can have whichever box you want on whichever TV. The only time "main box" is used with DirecTV is to refer to a "Genie". That particular HDDVR runs any Mini Genie Clients, which are smaller boxes on additional TVs. Essentially having those few TVs all connecting to one DVR as it works as a server for them. (do not get more than 3 Clients otherwise you have more boxes than can be supported at the same time).

A comon intro offer is up to 4 TVs (Genie and 3 Clients). However, you can choose to order HD non-DVRs for an additional TVs or in place of the Clients. Normally that is not covered by the free promotion so the one-time lease cost of an HD non-DVR is $99 (each).