Can DirecTV HR22 Call-in Number Be Changed?

[JustDad]

My DirecTV HR22 DVR attempts a phone call to (800) 531-5602 every 2 1/2 hours (unsuccessfully). I cannot locate a section in the set-up menu to change this number and/or add a prefix. It seems like a simple thing, but I just spent an hour trying to locate it this morning with no luck. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks........

[bw1]

Try this:

For a DirecTV HRxx DVR press the activate and right arrow button on the front of the console at the same time (not via the remote). This will bring up a special phone prefix screen. Enter *99, (that is star, nine, nine, comma). That will enter *99 and then wait 2 seconds before dialing DirecTV.

[Groundhound]

Better yet, connect it to your network via Ethernet and it will not need to call in anymore, plus you will have access to the free VOD content that is downloaded over the Internet. I have my DirecTV DVR connected to a wireless bridge that sits on top of it that in turn communicates to my wireless router on another floor - works great and the only reason I have it connected to my Ooma phone line (via house wiring) is for inbound CallerID.

[JustDad]

I can appreciate the internet connection, but I really do want the caller ID. If I disconnect the phone line to stop the constant call-in, there goes my caller ID, but I will likely disconnect it if I cannot get it to successfully connect during the call-in.

[Groundhound]

I can appreciate the internet connection, but I really do want the caller ID. If I disconnect the phone line to stop the constant call-in, there goes my caller ID, but I will likely disconnect it if I cannot get it to successfully connect during the call-in.

CallerID is for inbound calls and does not require inputting anything for dialing prefixes. If your DVR is connected to the Internet, it will not attempt to make outbound calls - there's no reason to disconnect it.

[JustDad]

Thanks Goundhound. I see you made that point in your first post but I missed it.

I now wish I would have run more Ethernet cables from my remodeled basement for access to my PC. I do have an Ethernet cable connected to my LG Blueray player for Netflix, but that is the only cable I have available (running through the wall). For the DirecTV VOD, is that a streaming video type technology such that speed is of the utmost importance, or does it store to the DVR for later viewing? I am worried about a solid connection and potential inconsistency with a wireless connection......thanks!

[Groundhound]

DirecTV VOD downloads are stored on disc, just as well as DirecTV server speeds are not sufficient to sustain streaming. I usually let it get to around 10% downloaded before I start to watch it and it will stay ahead of the play rate. Also connected to my wireless bridge is my Sony Blu-ray player with Netflix, which does have download rates that support HD streaming, and I have few problems with my wireless bridge keeping up without needing to pause for buffering. It really depends on the distance and structure between the router and the bridge. I tested via a laptop connected to the bridge transfer speeds of about 20 Mbps, which is more than enough to support HD streaming, even allowing for some wireless variability.

If you already have one Ethernet cable connection available, the best thing to do is put a network switch there which will allow both your Netflix device and your DVR to be connected, and you won't need to worry about wireless. Switches are cheap.

[daet]

Just want to add something to Groundhound's excellent suggestions:

a) I too have an HR22 DVR connected via a wireless bridge to my router. I have an 802.11g network, and I get about 2 megabytes/sec as a throughput rate. This is within the expected rate. The maximum one-directional transfer rate for 802.11g is 28 Mbps, or 3.5 megabytes/sec.

b) If you already have a cable running to your Netflix player, and have an extra port in the switch that this cable is connected two, you can use an ethernet combiner/splitter at each end of the able to connect both devices - Netflix player and HR22 DVR without running any additional cable in the wall. This will almost certainly give you better throughput than a wireless connection (unless you use dual-channel 802.11n).

[JustDad]

Excellent news!

So, if I purchase and install a switch such as this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2796

I can run both my Blue-ray Netflix player and DirecTV VOD with a single Ethernet cable (multiple cable output from the switch of course)? Stupid question, but the switch is an automatic switching device, correct?

FYI........I did attempt to have my DVR call out using the *99, method suggested. It would not work with the (800) 531-5602 number noted earlier, but it did in fact work with the (212) 277-3895 number suggested in other forum topics.

[southsound]

You might also like this one from Netgear: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6833122005
Although there is a rebate involved, they send it quickly in the form of a preloaded Visa card. I have purchased the FS105, FS108, and FS116 models of this switch. Lifetime warranty makes it a one time investment.


And yes, the switching is automatic. Many offices use a similar device if they were built with only one network drop per office since there are so many more network devices than just few years ago. If both devices are sending or receiving lots of data it can slow things down a bit for those two devices only. You should have no problems with it.