Connecting my HR24 to the internet, with whole home dvr.

You cannot use the HD DVR's ethernet port for internet connectivity when you have Whole Home DVR Service. The only way to get internet connectivity with a DECA-based WHDVR setup is using DirecTV's Cinema Connection Kit. This provides the installer with a Broadband DECA Adapter and power supply that will bridge the WHDVR network (DECA coax) with your home network/internet (ethernet). Call them and request that an installer come back to finish the job. This should have been provided with your WHDVR installation.

the install was a while back and I'm just now getting around to attempting to watch on demand programming.  I can probably handle the install of the CCK if they send me one.  Shouldn't the CCK be free of charge to me?

you have to call DirecTV to find out.  but the only CCK they will be able to offer you free of charge is the wireless option.  and in my books, wireless is not my perfect method.  you would really want the wired version, but that would require a tech visit and probably a charge associated with such visit.

Here is a schematic of the way the DECA BB adapter is connected.  In most cases a coax is run from the splitter to your router where the BB adapter provides an interface between the coax feed and the Ethernet port on the router.  Pic of BB adapter attached.