How to Watch a DVR From DirecTV on a Different TV
DirecTV offers a variety of features and options with its satellite TV programming packages, among them one known as "Whole-Home DVR." With this feature, record, watch and delete programming from any TV in the household connected to the main DVR. Up to 10 TVs can be networked for full access to all DVR functions with Whole-Home DVR, but additional equipment is required for each TV to make use of this feature.
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Things You'll Need
- DirecTV HD-DVR
- DirecTV HD receivers (or DVRs) for each additional TV
- HDMI, component video or other A/V cables
Instructions
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Contact DirecTV at 800-531-5000 to subscribe to a programming package (new customers only) and request the Whole-Home DVR service (new and existing customers). Set a date and time for a DirecTV technician to come to your home to set up and install the necessary equipment, which will include the primary HD-DVR and the additional HD receivers or DVRs to be used with the TVs in your household.
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Lay the groundwork for each TV to be connected prior to the technician's arrival to facilitate the installation process. Obtain the cables necessary to connect each TV to its receiver/DVR (i.e., HDMI or component video cables) if they are not provided by DirecTV, and clear space near each TV to place its receiver/DVR.
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Connect each TV to its receiver upon installation using the selected cable(s). The DirecTV installer will connect each of the secondary receiver/DVRs to the primary HD-DVR to ensure they are properly linked and allow the Whole-Home DVR service to function.
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Press the "Guide" button on the remote control of any receiver/DVR in use to bring up the onscreen guide. Use the arrow keys or the numeric keypad to locate a channel and program, and press "Select" to record that program. Press the "List" button to bring up your list of recorded programs--the recordings are stored as one centralized list, regardless of which receiver and TV you set them from, and can be viewed from any TV as well, including resuming on one TV what you began watching on another.
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Tips & Warnings
Adding HD-DVRs to one or more of the secondary TVs instead of receivers doubles the amount of recording space available and the number of shows that can be recorded at any given time, compared to using a single DVR.
Inquire about the various fees that will be incurred for adding additional equipment and services to your subscription prior to installation, as well as which types of A/V cables are provided with each receiver and which must be purchased separately.
References
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