Whole Home DVR without DECA or Network Kit SAVE $100

Why are you posting links to your own thread? You have already been informed that your system is a jury rigged non supported system. What's more, Directv has been increasingly reluctant to activate such systems so what you are providing is bad advice.  I realize that yoiu feel you've "discovered" a secret way to save money, but your system is identical to every one who tested Whole Home in it's BETA period, so it's actually old hat.  Once the DECA system became available everyone who watches this stuff would recommend the Directv installed and supported DECA system.

TO ANYONE WHO COMES ACROSS THIS THREAD ....

DO NOT follow seanski59's "cost saving tips"!  Best case you'll have a non-supported Whole Home DVR setup that works no better than the supported DECA coax-based setup.  More likely you'll face numerous network configuration issues that will have you pulling out your hair.  

If it wasn't for being able to use a wired connection without Deca/SWM I wouldn't be able to have WH at all. I'm happy that it works perfectly without a Deca setup. If you happen to need a SWM 16 switch to get it hooked up Directv will not install one unless you are a new customer. I have ordered it 3 times and the installer says he can't get a SWM 16 for me. Money is no object for an install but I won't spend $300 extra to buy my own switch.

joed32,  You've made a lot of useful posts to the forum and we all realize that there are a lot of folks running non DECA systems.  Our objection to the original poster is his urging all others to "beat the system" and saving all this money.  It's really bad advice for the average customer.  Let's not encourage him.

The reason I created this post was not a cost saving solution but rather I had enabled whole home and the CSR originally didn't tell me I needed a Deca or anything else. I therefore used my technicial knowledge and came up with this solution after this the next CSR I talked to informed me that I could get DECAs sent to me for free however I would still have to pay for the Cinemia Kit. I told her to send me the DECAs and when they come, I will install them and then see how that effects my setup. This post was meant as a solution for a problem if people had the same issues that I did with needing a temporary solution I of course recommend that users follow Directv's recommended setup and did not mean to imply that they should not.

I called DirecTv today, and they said you speak of witchcraft, and that the ONLY way WholeHouse DVR can, has, and ever will work is with DECA.  I read this forum to 3 of their techs on the phone, and they all assured me that everyone here is dead wrong, it CANNOT, WILL NOT, and NEVER HAS worked via ethernet.  Any idea how I can get them to turn on my service?

Send an email to the Customer Support link on the main web site.  But realize that they seem to be clamping down on activating unsupported WHDVR setups that weren't installed by DirecTV. 

Sorry about that, I was just whining because I can't get Deca. I'm happy that I can still use WH without it, but I would get it installed if I could.

They won't install Whole-Home DVR for me, either.  Don't feel bad.  The telephone support reps are lacking the training they need to be able to help the customers.  If the TechKnow Guides worked the telephones, DirecTv would be such a breeze.  The telephone reps tell me the TechKnow Guides are flat-out wrong on most of the things they post here, but you and I both know it's not true.  It's just frustrating.  I sent an email, and we'll see where that gets me.

Yes, there is much better information here than from Directv. People here actually use the equipment every day and have learned by experience. I only answer questions about things that I know and let the "Guides" handle all of the tough ones. They do a great job.

joed32 - why can't you "get DECA"?

Same question to you, as far as I know everyone is eligible for Whole Home DVR service assuming they can get a viable HD signal and are willing to pay the fee. It may require extensive equipment change out and a new dish, but that's what the fee covers.

Many folks make the mistake of micro managing their installation.  The order taking CSR's are simply supposed to take the order, the system decides on what equipment is required.  All the customer is supposed to select is what kind, how many and where.

Tried 3 times, my installer was a great guy and he tried to do just that but they wouldn't do it. When I called Directv I told them that I need a SWM 16 and they said no problem but when they enter the installation into the computer the computer sees how many tuners I have and assumes that I have a SWM set up because they are installed that way to begin with. I've had all of these tuners since before SWM existed. The computer prints out a work order without SWM and the installer calls me to say he's on the way and I ask him if he has a SWM and he says "you already have one". He tried to get the work order changed and I spent 4 hours on the phone, no exaggeration, and apparently no one can change a work order. I tried again  a few months ago thinking that maybe things have changed but all I succeeded in doing was having WH removed from my account and the installer called again with no SWM. If they ever contact me about it I might try again but it's a hassle getting it turned on again once it's turned off. I have it turned on over the phone but need to talk to multiple CSRs before I find one who knows how. I just have a legacy set up that doesn't have a place in their system so I can never get a work order generated to take care of my needs. Whining over.

I don't see this as whining. You have a legitimate concern and have a right to be displeased. Not sure if we can help, but am gonna give it a go.  If we're lucky, you'll hear from someone.