DirecTV HD DVR HR20-100S - Part 4 - Video on Demand
Video-On-Demand
Yes, now DirecTV is entering the VOD fray. I don’t know if it’s available on the new non-HD boxes, but we have the option on the HD DVR HR20-100S.
It says it’s in Beta (what isn’t these days). But it looks fairly smooth and there’s a LOT of content available.
So, first you need an internet connection for your DirecTV box. As far as I know you have to use ethernet, but since there’s 2 USB ports it may be worth a try to insert a wireless adapter. Be warned that the manual says the USB is “for future use”, but it also says that about the 2 ethernet ports (why 2?).
I ran a Cat5 cable up through the floor to the box from a wired network switch mounted in the basement. You can probably also use ethernet over power line though.
The “VOD” shows up prominently in the main menu and you can sort programs in a variety of ways - categories such as Family and Children, Sports, Movies, etc are then broken down into smaller categories.
You simply click on a show and then choose Add To Queue. When the download is complete you can watch the program and then save or delete it. I downloaded a couple of short kids programs and it was fairly quick. There is also HD content which I suspect is not so quick!
March 7th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I have an HR20-100s, and would like to move shows from the receiver to my laptop, to watch on the plane. Anyone with any suggestions on how to do this?
Thanks.