New Member
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4 Messages
HR54-500 blind reset video resolution
My HDMI port died so I switched to component cables. Unfortunately my resolution settings are too high to display over component. I need help navigating the menus blindly to change the settings. Can someone help me with the controller button presses needed to change the setting to enable 480i. It will at least give me some kind of display to work with. (i.e. Menu, down 4x, right 3x, select, ect.)
Accepted Solution
Hubie_99
New Member
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4 Messages
22 days ago
I spoke to Jeanne with DTV support today, originally with the intent of setting up my DVR replacement. After explaining what we had tried to do before, she instead took on the challenge of coaching me through the menus of my old DVR. With great excitement, we were successful! With her help, I was able to navigate the menus to reset the DVR resolution to 480i and restore the picture. Here's how we did it.
It's worth noting that I had to pay close attention to the power button blinking each time I pressed a button on the remote, while also listening for the thud sounds. The blinking power button is confirmation that my button press was registered. These DVRs aren't known to be lightning-fast, so expect some lag between button presses. The thud sound indicates an invalid entry or that you've reached the end of a menu tree. If you hear this unexpectedly, press EXIT and start over.
Here are the exact button presses needed to reset the resolution with the current firmware/menu structure:
This immediately restored an image on my TV! Press INFO to confirm your selection - act quickly, as you only have a few seconds before it reverts back.
Important Note: Pay close attention to all active resolutions. In my case, the 1080i resolution had a "check" next to it as well. As soon as I activated 480i, my resolution switched back to 1080i and my display went black once again. At this point, I was unsure what my current menu selection was, so I restarted the whole process. Again following steps 1-8, bringing me back with the 480i option highlighted. Remember 480i is still active, there's no need to activate it again with step 9. I then proceeded with the next series of button presses to deactivate 1080i.
After that, I was back in business and ready to further troubleshoot my display problems.
For reference, the full list of resolution options are:
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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256.3K Messages
24 days ago
Follow these exact remote presses to navigate your display settings blindly:
- Open Settings: Press MENU, press DOWN 7x, press SELECT.
- Open Display: Press SELECT on the default option.
- Select Resolution: Press DOWN 3x to highlight TV Resolutions, press SELECT, press RIGHT 1x, and press SELECT to turn on 480i.
If these steps don't bring up the resolution you need, please let us know so we can further assist you. Charles, DIRECTV Community Team
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Hubie_99
New Member
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4 Messages
24 days ago
Thank you so much for the quick response. I feel like I'm halfway there. I pressed MENU and go down 7x, and then pressed SELECT. I should be highlighting "DISPLAY" at this point so I press SELECT again. However, when I arrow down 3x, I get the classic thud sound signifying I'm at the end of the menu tree. I assume I'm not in the Display menu. To be clear, this is what I'm pressing:
MENU, DOWN 7x, SELECT, SELECT, DOWN 3x...thud after two presses
(edited)
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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256.3K Messages
24 days ago
Thanks for the update! To help you clear that menu hurdle and get your picture back quickly, please check your DM. We're messaging you right now to finish troubleshooting. Charles, DIRECTV Community Team
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.7K Messages
24 days ago
The HDMI port that died, is that the one on the HR54 or the TV itself?
The HR54 because of 'leased' status is covered by an ongoing warranty. You can replace for $19.95 delivery. Though recordings from it do not transfer. Either you get your video settings adjusted in the meantime, or watch the recordings on another TV (if you have any other boxes to use your Whole Home DVR).
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Hubie_99
New Member
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4 Messages
23 days ago
The HDMI port on the HR54 is dead for sure. I tested with another known good HDMI cable, different TV ports, and AV receivers. I pretty much covered all the bases. Aside from that, the unit functions fine. I can access it from the DTV app via Roku and watch recordings from the unit. I know what your thinking - what's the problem if I can still watch everything? For whatever silly reason (probably something to do with licensing), not all programs can be streamed so they're locked out. Anything I've recorded via local channels, I can't view unless I view it locally.
The component adapter seems to still work because I can hear audio, just no picture. My TV and AV receiver picks up a video signal but displays an error instructing me to downgrade the signal to at least 480i.
I would use my Genie Mini's but I haven't used them for so long, their asking for a PIN to pair back up. That's impossible.
I do have the protection plan to replace the unit for free and one is already on the way. Before I kick this unit to the curb, it would be nice to view some of those "locked" programs. I know it's silly, but one of which just so happens to be a local news program where my kids were on TV and I would like to preserve it somehow.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.7K Messages
22 days ago
Not being able to stream some things would essentially be licensing, so you are correct. Service is designed for satellite so streaming options are limited being a secondary perk.
Clients (Mini Genie or Gemini) are extensions of the main box. So you get the PIN from it, which of course puts you back to the main issue. You do pay for each TV beyond the first so I would consider your plans for those boxes if it might be better to deactivate them and return them back to DirecTV.
The protection plan covers the shipping of a replacement box. It also covers service calls and replacement remotes. Personally if you have to use it often enough to make it cheaper than those one time costs then something is seriously wrong. For some people it works out as having a known monthly cost even if they are paying significantly more in the long run. Had one friend who was horrible about managing his finances, so options like that helped him have better control.
Completely understand want to keep that news program. I once discussed with someone who was ready to upgrade their boxes. They had an HDDVR, SDDVR, HD non-DVR, and a SD non-DVR (so boxes across the spectrum). One of their DVRs had their kid's baseball game as it was broadcast on their local. They were told by some agent to get the Genie they had to replace all boxes. Fortunately they got to discuss this with me before they contacted DirecTV and got a bad agent. They only had to replace the non-DVRs with the Genie and a Mini Genie since the HDDVR worked with that setup and their SDDVR was a special model (R22) which I also had which was an HDDVR in hiding. They got to keep their kid's game instead of trying to copy it to VHS or such before upgrading and they ended up with more capability than they expected. I suspect they probably still looked into an option to copy the game for long term keeping, but were no longer in a rush at that point. Glad when my knowledge that I've built up over the years can help someone else.
Thanks so much for sharing you got that solution. And a double thanks for the step by step with the important notes about light blinking to adjust for lag and the thud. I can see this being of immense help to others. Even if (more likely when) an update changes exact organization of menu, the added tips would still be useful. We don't always get confirmation of success, but you went beyond with a full detailed explanation.
With something as personal as that news program, I would still consider copying (in SD as HD copying is protected against) to something for long term storage. Or contact the news station to see how you might be able to get a proper copy. But again congratulations on the success and enjoy your shows!
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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256.3K Messages
22 days ago
Thank you for mapping out these exact button presses, lag expectations, and audio cues. Blind navigation is tricky, and your breakdown on forcing the 480i component fallback is a great blueprint. We also appreciate our ACE @Juniper for jumping in with additional context on how these legacy systems operate.
This will be an immense help to any other community members trying to restore the display settings on their DIRECTV receivers. We truly appreciate you both sharing your success and knowledge with the forum—enjoy your shows! Kenneth, DIRECTV Community Team
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