to do list vs queue

Lots of questions about what can be a confusing feature.

1. The to do list is exactly that, a list of chores the DVR has scheduled. Once completed, the chore disappears. The to do list is basically a info screen and is not intended for any actions.

2. By queue list I assume you mean the "list" on the remote. That is a play list and programs located there are ready for viewing. Programs in the process of downloading or recording will appear on the list with a progress bar. For On Demand the color of the bar will indicate readiness to view. Red = no, yellow = maybe, green = yes.

3. The update obviously interrupted the download so I'd make sure the last episode in the list was complete, then reschedule the remaining ones.

4. All on demand programming on is rotated on a regular basis to make room for different programs, thus the expiration date. When it disappears from the server (channel) it will likewise disappear from your DVR. The moral is to watch it before that date.

PS:  When you are selecting programs to download, the first will have an arrowe indicating it has begun recording.  Subsequent selections will show an R indicating they are next in line.  I never (or almost never) even look at the to do list, i Use the remotes "list" button to access everything that I have available for viewing.

Hi dcd, Thanks again for your help.  The word "queue" is listed when I hit the menu and go to manage recordings.  It is a function listed just like the to do list.  I do use the list function on my remote to see what I have recorded, and is currently being recorded. Somewhere on directv, can't recall where, I either heard or read about the queue function as showing items that would be listed in the order they would be downloaded?  Maybe it had to do with purchasing a movie or show?  Not a big deal, just was curious as to it's function.  As to the expiration date on a show I have downloaded, I am still a bit confused.  I understand that shows will be rotated, but if I recorded something onto my dvr, isn't it on the hard drive of the dvr?  Why would it then disappear?  Maybe I am not understanding the process and why it would disappear?  Thanks again for your help.  This forum is great.  Randy

Because that's the way the system works, when it's gone from the server, it's gone from the DVR.  I suppose the thinking is that they offer the programs for you to watch and enjoy, but not for you to keep.  No use debating this issue, it's been raked over the coals ad infinitum.

I had actually forgotten the queue as I never use it for the reasons previously stated. It's purpose is a bit foggy to me.  I have three programs currently recording or to be recorded from on demand and they all show as "being or to be" downloaded in the play list, but they don't appear in the queue. The programs will be downloaded in the order they were selected and the first recorded will be listed lowest in the play list if set to default.

Did a bit of checking re the queue. It's a list of not yet available movies you've added to your download queue. If you look online under the movies, they have a group that are first run and not yet available for download. It states by selecting they will be added to your queue. I selected Money Ball and Abduction and it took maybe 5 minutes for them to appear in the Queue. I was able to manipulate them as to which was on top.

Hi dcd.  Thanks for the explanations on the queue, expiration dates and everything else! 

You're welcome, enjoy your system.  Stop back any time.