Directv On Demand February 7, 2008
Posted by Fast Follower in Apple TV, beta, Directv, Directv On Demand, DirectvOnDemand, dtv, hr20, video on demand, VideoOnDemand, vod.trackback
I just connected my HD Directv DRV to my home network using a powerline adapter. The reason I did this was to try out the beta version of Directv On Demand. If given a choice, I would rather download the latest DVD release of American Gangster directly on my DVR as opposed to going to Blockbuster to get it or ordering it from Netflix – again, if given an equal choice. Presently, there’s decent content to download from On Demand (including movies like the newest Bourne Supremacy movie or content like 3 minute to 9 minute golf tips which are free). I realize Apple TV is re-launching their new service. This On Demand product could give it a run for it’s money for Directv users (at least those with the HD DVR during this beta period)
Pardon the Interaction 
I am now successfully connected and so far, so good. I have to assess the content level, but connection was pretty simple. I had been connected for some time, but I never got it to work. I simple restart of the Directv box, and I was downloading content. Downloading is a little slower than expected, but not slow enough to turn me off to the idea. I will give it a ride and get back to the post with feedback. Are there any other PTIers testing out the beta version?? Let us know.
Just telling it like it is….
PTIers,
Also wondering if there are any additional cool stuff we can do now that the Directv DVR is a part of the home network. Is thre a way to push content from a PC on the network to the VCR????? What about favorite youtube content pushed to the television on the network?? If I know PTIers, I know there are some of you out there that already have figured it out. Share the knowledge, and tell it like it is!!!!
Push content to a VCR??? Who uses a VCR anymore? Wouldn’t you rather push content to a DVD recorder either on your PC (or Mac in my case) or to a DVD recorder connected to your tv?
What about watching content recorded at a DVR connected in my family room on another DVR connected in my bedroom (as long as both DVRs are connected to the network)? I believe this capability already exists with non-Directv Tivo units.
Yeah, you are right…don’t even own a VCR any more. I was so excited about the endless possibilities that I meant to say…DVR!!!
Hey, even I make mistakes while telling it like it is!!!!
My mistake.
Nice site, Looking forward to more.
Just wondering what is up with the expiration on the demand stuff. I haven’t done the pay per view recently, but I understand that we wont be able to keep those stored any longer either!!! What is going on with that???
Any way to get around it?
Let me know and tell me like it is….
Smith here (yes, from the 360 topic). I’m not certain what the expiration terms are for DirecTV OnDemand, but I have noticed that there seems to be something of an unwritten standard cropping up in the digital distribution industry. Among many of these direct download services (for instance Tivo downloads/Amazon.com unbox/Xbox 360 downloads) you have 30 days to watch the download, but only 24 hours once you’ve started viewing. Within that 24 hours you can watch as many times as you like, but once you’ve hit play (even if you only watch 5 minutes at first) the timer is on and you have 24 hours. Those seem to be common “rental” terms for digital downloads – if you purchase something for full price then it’s yours for keeps.
I’ve complained to my wife about this many times – just seems like you should have 30 days for a rental, period. I don’t understand the logic behind such a brief expiration date. I don’t know of any way around it, though no doubt there are computer programs of questionable legality which would allow some sort of storage to a hard drive, which has never been my cup of tea (just not worth the effort).
The combination I’m currently quite happy with is TiVo and Netflix. TiVo is great because when you hook it into your home network you can transfer shows between different TiVos (we have one in the living room and one in the bedroom). You can also dowload movies/TV shows (with the expiration limitations outlined above). Finally, you can save TV shows to your computer harddrive and even get them downloaded to an iPod or Playstation Portable. Plus, I have access to my photo album and iTunes music through the networked TiVo. I was fortunate enough to buy my first TiVo when they were available with lifetime subscriptions (good for the life of the unit you purchase, to be exact) which pays for itself if your TiVo last for 2 years (mine’s about 4 years old now and works like a champ). Then if you have a second TiVo you get a discounted subsription cost (at the time I bought my second one they were no longer selling lifetime subscriptions, though I understand they are selling them again but at an even higher price than before).
Netflix gives me the best selection of movies at what I consider to be a pretty fair price, plus every month you get several hours of downloadable movies (though the selection is still a bit limited, and you can only download to a computer/laptop). I also live close to a Netflix distribution center, so I get a new movie 2 days after I return one (which as far as I know is about as fast a turnaround time as you can get).
You can probably surmise that between Netflix, TiVo, Xbox, PS3 and Wii I’m never at a shortage for entertainment options, only a shortage of time!