Satellite TV and Phones

[OrangeChipper]

I really REALLY want to get Directv with Tivo.

But I'm told that a phone line is needed. Is it really? Necessary??

I'd also like to have directv in two rooms... again... do I really need a phone line??

Would going with Dish solve anything?

I just don't see why I need to have a phone line and spend 25+ a month for a landline that I won't use b/c of my 100+ a month Cell phones.

 

[Durkee]

Basically the answers to your questions are "no" and "no." I sent you a PM to explain a little better.

 

[Bob Wills]

One can use a standard Directv Tivo w/out a phone, but I do recommend that you find a line to use for the initial setup. After the initial setup, you will get nags from the Tivo, but it will still work fine. Software updates and PPV services primarily use the phone line, while programming guide info and showcases are downloaded from the sats.


Other common answers to questions:

Yes, you can still order PPV over the website or through a phone.

Yes, you can unofficially still get ESPN Gameplan, NFL Sunday Ticket, etc without a phone line.

 

[Durkee]

Software updates can be downloaded without a phone line.

 

[Bob Wills]

I guarantee you that if you never plug your unmodified Directv Tivo into a phone line, you will not get software updates. You may receive media downloads from the sats, but you will not get a new kernel. If you check the logs, the software updates are downloaded through the phone connection.

Are you thinking service data downloads? Those downloads typically include the ads and showcase clips.

 

[OrangeHair]

Some people modify their DirectTivos to update over broadband connections but it ain't easy.

From what I have heard you do not need the phoneline. My brother-in-law has DirectTivo and the phone jack on it has never worked.

 

[Frank the Tank]

I have the Dish DVR and we are charged an extra $5 a month because we don't have a land line. It pisses me off everytime, because this wasn't mentioned until I received the first bill.

 

[Texas_Rocks]

The reason they hound you about the phone hook up has more to do with accountability more then anything. While using phone hookups a subscriber could conceivably start service using three receivers then dicconnect the phone line from two of the receivers and let their relatives etc take advantage of your service,providing they have the dishes for reception.

 

[OrangeChipper]

So are there ANY dvr's out there that will work without a phone line? I'm curious... I don't really care about the season pass, stuff. I just want to be able to record stuff like I do with a VCR, but would look good in digital quality.

Thanks