Two HR24 connected to router via Ethernet... What else to get Whole-Home DVR other than activation?

Basically, that's all you need. You just have to get DirecTV to activate WHDVR in the unsupported, DIY network mode. It can be difficult though becasue many phone reps don't seem to know it is possible or how to do it. You may have better luck sending an email rather than calling to get it turned on.

What if you have three HR24's and one of them is connected wirelessly? With the HR24's is there any need for additional installation, or does each and every one need its own internew connection?

If you take the DIY home network approach to WHDVR, then every receiver needs it's own connection to your Ethernet network.

Since the HR24s have built-in DECA you could also network them using that, assuming you have a SWiM system and you don't connect any of the HR24s to your Ethernet network. When using DECA to network the receivers, a separate broadband DECA must be used to make the connection between them and your home network.

I see. So if I want WHDVR and On Demand capability I would need to add one more DECA? Or one for each receiver? Basically I am questioning the need for the $100 service call to set up whole home since I have the latest receivers. Ideally if they sent me the parts I can install, but thats probably not an option. I say this because on the website it says if you have the latest receivers you may just need to add the $3 fee. I do but they said somone needs to come out, so it must be more than just having the latest recievers.

thx!

This is one of those sitautions that if you have to ask, you're better off letting the experts do it.  It's possible to share recordings using all do it yourself components, but that involves running a Cat5 Ethernet cable from your router to every HD box in the house.  Most folks see avoiding that as well worth the price that Directv charges to do it their way.

One additional DECA for the Ethernet connection. You probably won't get them to send the hardware, but you can purchase it yourself onlne from places like solidsignal.com. I think the cost of the Internet Connection Kit from DirecTV (w/installation) is ~ $75.

Here's a representative drawing of the DECA setup:

Interesting.....   Just got off the phone with a CSR and said i was part of the beta, and what i needed to do to get it

activated.  He told me there was a $90 activation fee, as well as a onsite installation fee of up to $45.  When I said I

already had it working over Cat 5 and all my machines had Cat 5 connections, he told me that was only for beta, and

that they decided that the only way they were supporting it now was via the Deca's.  So I would need new Multiswitches,

etc...

Then again, he said that the new Direct2PC will let me save shows on my pc, which i cant find any info on, as well....

-Steve

Email seems to work best if you want WHDVR activated in the unsupported, DIY network mode. Most CSRs only know the standard, supported route which involves the use of the DECA system installed by DirecTV.

As far as I know, DirecTV2PC does not allow you to record programs on the PC, only view them.

Thanks...

The only think I liked about the DECA idea, from what I have been told,  is that I wouldnt need to have 2 cables run

into the back of the units anymore.  I guess they feed the signal for the 2 tuners in differently.  I beileve this is the way

the FIOS units work since there is only one connector in the back of each of those units.

The CSR must have been giving me a line about the d2pc, because he also said that he was watching shows that

were recorded on a USB drive either from his DVR, or his PC by moving the drives back and forth, and also using getting

the shows to his Zune as well.  He was counterpointing the abiltiy of doing it with a Standalone Tivo using another service

outside of DTV.

Let me (I'm the original poster...) give you a quick update... In a nutshell:

-Connected both HR24's using Cat6 Ethernet cables to my router (can use Cat5 also).

-Red button reset -- I was connected to Ethernet. DirecTV2PC working fine. Can watch (NOT record) programs on PC. Perfect!

-Then emailed DirecTV telling them to activate my WHDVR; told them I understand they would not be able to give me customer support on the WHDVR that way. I did tell them I have two HR24's hooked up to my network already.

-Received this email from CSR giving me two pages of instructions... bottom line: pay the fees, get installer come to home, blah blah blah... well, that didn't go very well with me, but one of the keys to my ultimate success really was in his email to me. In part of the email explaining requirements for WHDVR, DECA was listed as one requirement; however, it also said EXCEPT HR24 DVR's. So copy/pasted the same portion, responded to the email, this time used a bit harsher tone telling them incompetent customer service was one of the main reasons I switched from cable and that they should read their own email before telling me I can't do it... Sent it Saturday night.

-Sunday morning had two email from DirecTV. First one was another CSR apologizing for the miss and assuring me that he was activating WHDVR right away. Also said he was forwarding my concern to their senior management as they take customer satisfaction very seriously....

Second email was confirmation from DirecTV that WHDVR was activated.

-Turned on the DVR's one by one, and BOOM! I was connected.

Let me tell ya, this is THE coolest thing EVER!!! I LOVE it. I mean my TiVo's had something like this, but it was SO darn slow that it was not worth the trouble at all. This is entirely seamless. I can record 4 shows on 4 different channels at the same time AND be watching another show recorded (or currently being recorded!) on either one of my DVR's... AND I can still get On-Demand ordered from my PC to any of my DVR's (it doesn't matter which one because they see each other) AND can watch on any of my networked computers/laptops at home recorded shows from any of the two DVR's ... Lovin' it.....

You are the posterperson for all of the networking features that Directv offers.  Those that are having difficulty are naturally frustrated, but a correctly configured system can do most everything except make Pizza.  Like you said, best thing since color TV.

Your setup sounds perfect.

Would love to see the two HR24 and Directv2PC wiring diagram you used. If it's as simple as you suggest, Cat6 from the router to each HR24, Cat6 (or wireless) to your PC and absolutely NO DECA devices then this will be the way for me. I'm upgrading my LNB to SWM green label. Was considering one HR24 and one H24 as I really don't need to record 4 channels at once, but why not I say?

One RG6 and one Cat6 to each receiver would be excellent! Now I just need DirecTV to write source for Macintosh Directv2PC and i'm golden!

Thanks,

Bary

Cat5 or Cat6 to your router, and absolutely no wireless.

I would assume by no wireless you're intent was to avoid wireless regarding the HR24s. A wireless router tied into the home internet network for normal PC usage shouldn't matter, except possibly when trying to stream directv2PC to a laptop maybe?

My intent was to suggest that if you're going to the trouble of wiring your receivers for Ethernet that you must use cable to do so.  Whole Home and wireless don't like each other and you'd have lots of problems if you used a wireless adapter on one.  Whether you have a wireless router or other devices connected wirelessly is irrelevant.   You're assumption regarding wireless and Directv2PC is correct.