Yes. IN fact all SD transmissions are being phased out, although it's taking longer than originally forecast . There is an MPEG-2 replacement priogram which will replace your dish and receivers free of charge. Talk to DirecTV about it. Make sure they discuss the replacement program, not an "upgrade to HD". Some badly-trained (or unscrupulous) reps will try to convince you to get an "upgrade" because they get credit for those!
from what I was told is that they are not manufacturing the standard DVR anymore. but you can keep your system and it will function. If you have a problem with your DVR you may have to upgrade. But they also said that they could take an HD DVR and convert to use your standard satellite. Another thing - you can hardly ever talk to a customer rep in the United States. Every time I call I get the Philippines - image that. Since AT&T merged with DirecTV that is all you get. Trust me that is not helpful
@TexasBrit Thank you for helping providing some insight on this! @Stacie_81. Here to help! Since programming is usually always being upgraded to a higher quality, some standard equipment will need to eventually be upgraded in order to get the best quality and content from the programming being provided. Should you need any help looking into your equipment, please let us know!
The Standard Definition boxes (DVR or not) are phasing out (D12 or R16 and earlier). The MPEG-2/SD-only feeds have been shutting down, SD-only service was grandfathered in late 2015, and SD-only TVs haven't been made in over a decade. So that equipment (boxes and receiving dishes) must be replaced.
As a note, the R22 can still work as long as there is one H or HR model on the account. This is because though labeled an SDDVR, it is MPEG-4 so is essentially an HDDVR in hiding. Was for areas that locals went to MPEG-4 years ago, so well before the full shutdown. So anyone who has this model can still mix and match with current equipment. You just cannot have only R22s because of the unique setup in the system.
As for a full HDDVR receiver (which some might call a "standard DVR" in that it is a standalone DVR), might be phased out. The regular Genie line supports HDDVRs, but the Genie-2 (HS17) is a Client only system that doesn't work with other HDDVRs like all other setups. Hopefully this is the odd one out and they are not eliminating the standard setup of dedicated HDDVRs, but haven't gotten info one way or another.
Well according to Customer Service - as long as my DVR is working and have no problems I can keep it. They have no definite date as to when we have to change to HD. But then again - after hearing 4 different stories I am seriously thinking of changing to another service. Even their techs are misinformed.
There have been dates given in the past for the conversion, but they have come and gone. Customer Service is correct that the DVR will continue to work " until it doesn't". We are just giving you a "heads up" on this.
And there is no way an HD DVR will work on your current dish.
TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
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14.1K Messages
4 years ago
Yes. IN fact all SD transmissions are being phased out, although it's taking longer than originally forecast . There is an MPEG-2 replacement priogram which will replace your dish and receivers free of charge. Talk to DirecTV about it. Make sure they discuss the replacement program, not an "upgrade to HD". Some badly-trained (or unscrupulous) reps will try to convince you to get an "upgrade" because they get credit for those!
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stacie_81
New Member
4 years ago
from what I was told is that they are not manufacturing the standard DVR anymore. but you can keep your system and it will function. If you have a problem with your DVR you may have to upgrade. But they also said that they could take an HD DVR and convert to use your standard satellite. Another thing - you can hardly ever talk to a customer rep in the United States. Every time I call I get the Philippines - image that. Since AT&T merged with DirecTV that is all you get. Trust me that is not helpful
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255.1K Messages
4 years ago
@Stacie_81. Here to help! Since programming is usually always being upgraded to a higher quality, some standard equipment will need to eventually be upgraded in order to get the best quality and content from the programming being provided. Should you need any help looking into your equipment, please let us know!
Daniela, AT&T Community Specialist.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
4 years ago
The Standard Definition boxes (DVR or not) are phasing out (D12 or R16 and earlier). The MPEG-2/SD-only feeds have been shutting down, SD-only service was grandfathered in late 2015, and SD-only TVs haven't been made in over a decade. So that equipment (boxes and receiving dishes) must be replaced.
As a note, the R22 can still work as long as there is one H or HR model on the account. This is because though labeled an SDDVR, it is MPEG-4 so is essentially an HDDVR in hiding. Was for areas that locals went to MPEG-4 years ago, so well before the full shutdown. So anyone who has this model can still mix and match with current equipment. You just cannot have only R22s because of the unique setup in the system.
As for a full HDDVR receiver (which some might call a "standard DVR" in that it is a standalone DVR), might be phased out. The regular Genie line supports HDDVRs, but the Genie-2 (HS17) is a Client only system that doesn't work with other HDDVRs like all other setups. Hopefully this is the odd one out and they are not eliminating the standard setup of dedicated HDDVRs, but haven't gotten info one way or another.
(edited)
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TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
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14.1K Messages
4 years ago
stacie 81 - no, no , no. Very bad advice.
You can't use an HD DVR with a standard SD dish.
You can't keep your standard DVR because it will "soon" stop working.
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JoePes
New Member
4 years ago
TexasBrit, right you got a point
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stacie_81
New Member
4 years ago
Well according to Customer Service - as long as my DVR is working and have no problems I can keep it. They have no definite date as to when we have to change to HD. But then again - after hearing 4 different stories I am seriously thinking of changing to another service. Even their techs are misinformed.
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TexasBrit
ACE - Expert
•
14.1K Messages
4 years ago
There have been dates given in the past for the conversion, but they have come and gone. Customer Service is correct that the DVR will continue to work " until it doesn't". We are just giving you a "heads up" on this.
And there is no way an HD DVR will work on your current dish.
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