DSR-708 vs DSR-7000

[Antdog24]

Is there really a difference besides the HD size in the two? Can they both run all the same hacks?

[mrblack51]

Originally posted by Antdog24
Is there really a difference besides the HD size in the two? Can they both run all the same hacks?

the 708 is an RID unit, which has some dtv related implications that aren't a topic for discussion here. also, because the hardware is slightly different, the images for the dsr7000/hdvr2/dvr39 cannot be used directly on the dsr708/dvr40. however, both can get bash using the monte approach, and standard hacks such as extraction and tivoweb should work.

[snoots]

At the risk of being flamed, I would like to ask what RID is. I did a search and really did not find an answer, the oblique reference to a "taboo" subject would seem to indicate it has something to do with signal theft. Can you explain it without getting sued or thrown off the board ? "humorous sarcasm" intended.

Thanks !

[mrblack51]

Originally posted by snoots
At the risk of being flamed, I would like to ask what RID is. I did a search and really did not find an answer, the oblique reference to a "taboo" subject would seem to indicate it has something to do with signal theft. Can you explain it without getting sued or thrown off the board ? "humorous sarcasm" intended.

Thanks !

RID - receiver identification number. its an additional number which is probably going to be used to lock access cards to the receiver, similar to how dish network does their stuff. you can find further information on more appropriate forums.

[snoots]

Thanks for the quick response, I appreciate it.

[Antdog24]

Well just to let you guys know I was able to impliment ALL ;) the hacks on the 708 and its running without a hitch.

[imaloserbaby]

Is the DSR708 any different apart from that? Does it have a faster CPU? It would be nice to see a DirecTivo that didn't have *painfully* slow menus. They make a ten year old regular satellite receiver look like a sprint racer! :-) I realise once you set up your shows to record, you no longer use the guide like before blah, blah, but still, it would be great to have 10 year old V1 satellite receiver menu performance. (Who knows one day it could even be better?!) ;-)

[mrblack51]

Originally posted by imaloserbaby
Is the DSR708 any different apart from that? Does it have a faster CPU? It would be nice to see a DirecTivo that didn't have *painfully* slow menus. They make a ten year old regular satellite receiver look like a sprint racer! :-) I realise once you set up your shows to record, you no longer use the guide like before blah, blah, but still, it would be great to have 10 year old V1 satellite receiver menu performance. (Who knows one day it could even be better?!) ;-)

no, its identical to the dsr7000 hardware wise except for the rid modifications AFAIK. definitely not a faster processor.

[DeTer]

What are the non-RID DTiVo's Models that are available? Are these all non-Rid? dsr7000/hdvr2/dvr39

Thx
DeTer

[David Bought]

Originally posted by DeTer
What are the non-RID DTiVo's Models that are available? Are these all non-Rid? dsr7000/hdvr2/dvr39

Try to get an RID unit if you can, as they are better. Unfortunately they are also more expensive.

[NutKase]

Originally posted by David Bought
Try to get an RID unit if you can, as they are better. Unfortunately they are also more expensive.

As a potentially 'new' directv user (if I get into the lower lats sometime soon :))

I'm now confused... Why exactly DO I want

'an RID unit if you can, as they are better' ?

NutKase

[maule]

i'm also curious why a RID is better. could you elaberate?

[David Bought]

Originally posted by maule
i'm also curious why a RID is better. could you elaberate?

Receivers without an RID are being phased out and will at some point in the future be unable to decode the DTV signal, making them worthless.

At some point in the less distant future, activating new service on a non-RID unit will become difficult or impossible. If you're lucky they might offer you a small discount on a replacement unit.

[shawn]

Not to mention the DSR704 RCA 40 look way better and probably have a new sound chip to fix the sound problems on non rid units.
Like HDVR2 DSR7000. I notice if you take a HDVR2 image and put it on DVR40 no sound at all. Wouldnt this mean the sound chip has been changed maybe? D*V secret to avoid having to recall all the HDVR2 and DSR7000 Tivo's for free replacement.

[AlphaWolf]

Originally posted by David Bought
Receivers without an RID are being phased out and will at some point in the future be unable to decode the DTV signal, making them worthless.

At some point in the less distant future, activating new service on a non-RID unit will become difficult or impossible. If you're lucky they might offer you a small discount on a replacement unit.

I hope that they increase the image quality if they do a complete hardware swapout. Maybe to like 720x480 or smth, they could probably squeeze in the extra bandwidth for it if they brought their mpeg-2 compression more up to date.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by AlphaWolf
I hope that they increase the image quality if they do a complete hardware swapout. Maybe to like 720x480 or smth, they could probably squeeze in the extra bandwidth for it if they brought their mpeg-2 compression more up to date.

This could be explored by looking at the specs on the chipsets for newer IRDs.

[cobalt_z]

Originally posted by David Bought
Receivers without an RID are being phased out and will at some point in the future be unable to decode the DTV signal, making them worthless.

At some point in the less distant future, activating new service on a non-RID unit will become difficult or impossible. If you're lucky they might offer you a small discount on a replacement unit.

I find this very difficult to belive this chicken little routine. The expense of this would never allow DTV to phase out hardeware that you purchased. DirecTv would face thousand of lawsuits from customers who spent hundreds of dollars on equipment that they own, because DirecTV renders them unable to decode the DTV signal. I find this hard to belive this will ever happen. DTV will upgrade the security and make changes from the card, but the expense and legality of the hardware is not likely. You own the hardware not DTV. This why DTV is forced to make every generation work with any new upgrades

[David Bought]

Originally posted by cobalt_z
DirecTv would face thousand of lawsuits from customers who spent hundreds of dollars on equipment that they own, because DirecTV renders them unable to decode the DTV signal.

Absolutely ridiculous. Do you even think before you post?

Should I sue Sony because my old high-end VCR won't play DVDs? :D

[cobalt_z]

Maybe you should think

Comparing a VCR to DVD is just stupid. The VCR was not made useless by DVD players. It still performs the function that you bought it for. But what you saying is that DTV will no longer have a reciever function for what you bought it for. You are wrong. Are you trying to tell people that peice of hardware that they were force to buy will no longer function and would be useless? DTV will be wide open to suits. Why do you think DTV has gone to extreme lengths to make sure that every reciever from the first genteration still functions. A first generation revceiver still works in 2003 as it did in 1996. Just like a 1 gen Tivo works the same as a 2 gen Tivo.

[mrblack51]

hardware swapouts can and will occur at some point. remember USSB? primestar? they were bought out by dtv last i checked. the people who owned that hardware had to get new hardware. its likely that the hardware would be prorated, or even free (with a new programming contract of course). especially with digital tv coming into the forefront, its unreasonable to think that dtv is required to let people use the same hardware from 1996 in 2006 for example. the cost to swap out the few people who still have that hardware would be miniscule compared to the cost to continue providing support to those units.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by cobalt_z
The VCR was not made useless by DVD players. It still performs the function that you bought it for.

Wrong. I bought it to watch rented movies. Nowadays every movie I rent is on DVD, therefore it is useless for the function I bought it for.

Let's try another example since you seem to be a little slow on the uptake. By 2006, OTA support for analog NTSC TV tuners will end. Can I successfully sue the manufacturer of my TV, since they knew of this deadline when they built the set and yet they neglected to furnish an ATSC compatible tuner? Hint: google for the key words if you don't know what they mean, quick lug.

Why do you think DTV has gone to extreme lengths to make sure that every reciever from the first genteration still functions. A first generation revceiver still works in 2003 as it did in 1996. Just like a 1 gen Tivo works the same as a 2 gen Tivo.

Because they did not introduce a new standard/API on any of that equipment, because they did not have a reason to break compatibility, and because breaking compatibility will either cost them a lot of money in hardware or it will cost them a lot of subscribers. Notice that nowhere in that sentence did I mention legal actions, because the very idea is preposterous. Read your DTV license agreement: they reserve the right to stop selling you service.

But that was then, this is now. From 2000-2003, the thieves gave them the reasons they needed to roll out receivers with stronger crypto features in hardware. In a few years most of their subscribers will have the newer models which are compatible with the newer standard. The "RID standard" is here now and it's not going away. This is an undeniable fact. Are you claiming that they re-engineered their architecture for no good reason? Or do you live in a fantasy world where "tomorrow never comes"?

In the short term (1-3 years) support for fresh activations of the older receivers will be dropped. They may subsidize the replacement hardware. In the long term, datastream support for the old standard will end and old receivers will be physically incapable of decoding the signal. Yes, really, the new childproofing is there for a reason, and they will use it. Don't kid yourself. You're wrong.

P.S. Were you drunk when you posted that? My son is in 2nd grade and he spells better than you do.

[cobalt_z]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by David Bought
[B]Wrong. I bought it to watch rented movies. Nowadays every movie I rent is on DVD, therefore it is useless for the function I bought it for.]

The VCR still performs that function for many people.


[Let's try another example since you seem to be a little slow on the uptake. By 2006, OTA support for analog NTSC TV tuners will end. Can I successfully sue the manufacturer of my TV, since they knew of this deadline when they built the set and yet they neglected to furnish an ATSC compatible tuner? Hint: google for the key words if you don't know what they mean, quick lug.]

The TV will not be made unusable come the end of OTA. Granted I will have to but additional equipment but it still will function as it was sold to me. The FCC has gone to great lengths to state this.


But I forget that you have proven again and again that you never wrong and posted many times proving it. So you are correct they are making thousand, maybe millions of DTV receiver unusable in the next couple of years.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by cobalt_z
But I forget that you have proven again and again that you never wrong and posted many times proving it. So you are correct they are making thousand, maybe millions of DTV receiver unstable in the next couple of years.

Post a plausible explanation as to why they spent a lot of money to introduce a new standard that they have no intent to fully deploy, and maybe you'll get some of your lost credibility back.

Or, post some case law that backs up your laughable viewpoint that DTV is legally responsible for replacing its customers' obsolete equipment.

[gsxrpilot]

OK Dave, why did they come out with a new access card (P-5, striped on the side) before they fully deployed the P-4? (solid light blue)
Also, a little news flash Dave, the RID receivers will be obsolete someday also, like any technology. These receivers are not TRIED and TRUE, and therefore are not better. Direct is always trying new things to avert pirating but the risk they take that legitimate customers can and are affected. NON-RID receivers have worked for 10 plus years and Direct hasn't issued a mandatory replacement for their own equipment. I suspect they would rather let 10 pirates go before they anger 1 legitimate customer. In the long run, these RID receivers may prove to be more of a hassle that they are worth. The bottom line is, nobody, even direct themselves, knows what will happen with their equipment, but history has shown backward compatibility is always a better business model.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by gsxrpilot
In the long run, these RID receivers may prove to be more of a hassle that they are worth.

Wrong. Obviously you have no idea how the technology even works.

RID has been in the field for over 6 months and it's caused few if any problems for legit subscribers. It's here to stay and it will be required someday - deal with it.

And pick up a book on cryptography before you make any more ignorant posts like the one I quoted.

[shawn]

Well if RID enabled receivers are what we will have to have they should stop selling non RID Tivo's. I just bought a HDVR2 at C.City 14 days ago. Is it obsolete next week and i need a new 1.
I would gladly trade it for a DSR704 at their expense, them are cool lookin. The Hughes is and looks like piece of garbage.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by shawn
Well if RID enabled receivers are what we will have to have they should stop selling non RID Tivo's.

They have stopped production and new designs of non-RID units.

I just bought a HDVR2 at C.City 14 days ago. Is it obsolete next week and i need a new 1.

It will take several years before the swapout is complete. However, the DSR704 is the same price, so you might as well buy it instead.

[gsxrpilot]

No Dave I think you and Direct and both ignorant if you think RID will stop piracy. Tell me, does cryptography say that the F, H and HU cards would ever be compromised? No, theoretically these are digitally encrypted secure media and could never be broken. So according to cryptography, no D* piracy has ever or will ever exist.
News flash Dave, hackers found a way before and probably will again. Each time a new technology comes out, it claims it will stop piracy (read past press releases from H or HU card releases). Cryptography says that the keys can't be deciphered (they weren't) and therefore the signal could not be compromised (it was).

RID receivers are a good idea and may prove to be a great deterant, but to say so early in their release that they are better is not necessarily true. Remember all of the previous anti-pirate techniques which have not only failed, but have actually affected legitimate subscribers. For everyone else, USE WHAT HAS BEEN PROVEN TO WORK and buy a non RID receiver.

As usual, you are always assuming everyone else is an *****, aren't you Dave.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by gsxrpilot
No Dave I think you and Direct and both ignorant if you think RID will stop piracy.

It's a good thing I didn't say that then, otherwise <gasp> a clueless n00b would think I'm ignorant. :D

No, theoretically these are digitally encrypted secure media and could never be broken.

Wrong. All security products are subject to threat analysis during development. The goal is obviously to make hacking the system more expensive than paying for service, in some particular timeframe and within some specified budget.

Remember all of the previous anti-pirate techniques which have not only failed, but have actually affected legitimate subscribers.

Wrong - this has never happened, either with RID or any other DSS security technology. Buying an RID-enabled box is the best investment for the present and for the future, period.

As usual, you are always assuming everyone else is an *****, aren't you Dave.

If I had made such an assumption, rest assured that you've done absolutely nothing to dispel the belief.

[AlphaWolf]

An interesting question though: what is directv going to do about all of the very expensive HDTV receivers? Most of them aren't any more than two years old, and several thousands of them will probably be sold and activated (or not sold at all, which means they get wasted entirely) between now and this RID swapout.

If they do a full hardware swapout, I would venture to guess that it wouldn't be for at least another five years, when HDTV receivers that are considered high quality by todays standards drop to the $100 range.

[Spydertech]

Actually, Dave has a point. RID units are for sell now. As the well dries up on the non-RID units, DirecTV will probably stop activating non-RID units.

The argument that they HAVE to remain backwards compatible is absolutley ignorant - they do it to keep from losing subscribers to competing sat and cable companies. If they made my IRD useless tomorrow afternoon - I would have no legal recourse. I signed the User Agreement that they wrote - did any of you read it before signing?

Would I be angry? Absolutely!
Would DirecTV really care? Probably not.

[Sleeper]

The sat and cable companies are under tremendous pressure from the DCMA to secure their works. Tivo is naturally affected by this from presssure by DirectTv to clamp down and tighten up the boxes. Although Tivo will never publicly admit it, they are happy that people hack their tivos as long as they are not commiting theft of service. The fact that you can soup them up is publicity for them and ultimately sells units. It's one of the main reasons I purchased my tivos.

It seems that as the technology and quality of the content improves that there is less concern about duplication of older technology/lower quality. How many people are still renting VHS tapes? Soon they will no longer be available. The big push/concern is to lock down the HDTV content so that it can not be extracted or duplicated. The DCMA wants this done before HDTV becomes mainstream. When it does, there will be less of a demand for lower quality/res. Of course DirectTv also wants to lessen theft of service but for different reasons (profitability)than securing the content.

I am certain that soon after non-IRD units are out of production that DirectTv will refuse to activate non-RID units. As long as you keep you subscription active to your non-IRD they will probably not bother you.

I agree with DB in that when the effort and cost of stealing service is greater than the service itself then there is no point in stealing it. This is a basic concept in security. It's my observation that the security measures taken are gradually starting to have an impact. The problem that the sat and cable companies are faced with is that there is such a large and often collaborated set of hackers that they have to contend with. It's like having a million people robbing the same bank.

I'm not condoning violation of copyrights and theft of service but I almost see it as a balance of nature. If people and companies charged a more reasonable price for their works then less people would would pirate them. After all, why should all music CD's sell for about the same price. Why aren't there any that sell for $5. Same holds true for DVD's. Why is it that basic cable/sat service costs 45 to 50 bucks a month, without a premium channel? Basically, it the content did not cost so much then less people would steal it. It may not be right but is is a balance of nature.

[NutKase]

Originally posted by Sleeper
Although Tivo will never publicly admit it, they are happy that people hack their tivos as long as they are not commiting theft of service.

I, also, think this is the case.

Originally posted by Sleeper
The fact that you can soup them up is publicity for them and ultimately sells units. It's one of the main reasons I purchased my tivos.

This is EXACTLY why I WAITED until I knew tivo was 'hackable' and wouldn't whine (but maybe silently support) then bought mine!

Originally posted by Sleeper
If people and companies charged a more reasonable price for their works then less people would would pirate them. After all, why should all music CD's sell for about the same price. Why aren't there any that sell for $5. Same holds true for DVD's. Why is it that basic cable/sat service costs 45 to 50 bucks a month, without a premium channel? Basically, it the content did not cost so much then less people would steal it. It may not be right but is is a balance of nature.

I agree with everything you posted... the above vehemently! If it's an 'average' movie or recording then say so via pricing!

Every medium seems to decrease in price like it's decaying... :) NOT on the basis of how pleasing/marketable it is.

NutKase


PS. Sorry, I'm sleepy and this 'smacks' of a ME TOO post.

[captain_video]

I'm seeing a lot of good points on both sides of the fence on this issue, although the VCR/DVD analogy was too lame even for DB. The point about current analog NTSC receivers being phased out is a good example. I can see DTV eventually phasing out non-RID equipment sometime down the road but I'm willing to bet that it will occur about the same time that analog NTSC receivers will disappear. If all broadcasters are required to switch over to HDTV then the argument about current non-RID receivers is moot since they'll be completely obsolete anyway, with the exception of the non-RID HDTV models. I don't know what the actual numbers are but I'd bet that the number of HDTV DTV receivers currently in use is a drop in the bucket compared to what it will be 5 or 6 years from now.

I'd be surprised if DTV would ever refuse to activate a non-RID receiver as long as it was being used with the current flavor of access card. However, I could see where they might offer a free equipment upgrade or at least one at a low enough cost to make it attractive to existing subscribers. Chances are newer equipment would offer features that would make it desirable for owners of the older receivers to upgrade, thus eventually reducing the number of non-RID models in use through normal attrition. I'm sure DTV will come up with some sort of upgrade offer to get everyone to switch over if it ever comes down to that. They're already doing it with the phase III oval dishes so swapping out receivers isn't much of a stretch for them if they know they'll keep you as a subscriber.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by captain_video
If all broadcasters are required to switch over to HDTV

There is no such requirement for non-OTA programming, nor will the bandwidth for this sort of thing be available any time in the near future on satellite systems.

Get your head out of your ass.

[captain_video]

There is no such requirement for non-OTA programming, nor will the bandwidth for this sort of thing be available any time in the near future on satellite systems.

That may be true but the non-OTA braoadcasters will certainly see the writing on the wall. If they want to maintain any sort of viewership down the road then they'll have no choice but to switch over to HDTV at some point. This could mean that additional satellites may have to be deployed to supply the needed bandwidth. Cable will undoubtedly get left in the dust and will hopefully go the way of the dinosaurs. BTW, is it at all possible for you to have a civil conversation with anyone or are you just trying to prove that you're incapable of interacting with the human race? FWIW, you've proven your point in spades.

[David Bought]

Originally posted by captain_video
That may be true but the non-OTA braoadcasters will certainly see the writing on the wall. If they want to maintain any sort of viewership down the road then they'll have no choice but to switch over to HDTV at some point.

You assume that they are competing directly with high resolution content.

This could mean that additional satellites may have to be deployed to supply the needed bandwidth. Cable will undoubtedly get left in the dust and will hopefully go the way of the dinosaurs.

Pop quiz: who's got more bandwidth available? Hint: it starts with 'c' and ends with "able".

[captain_video]

You assume that they are competing directly with high resolution content.

Not necessarily although I'm sure we'd all love to see the Home Shopping Network in Hi-Def. :p



Pop quiz: who's got more bandwidth available? Hint: it starts with 'c' and ends with "able".

That may be but have you actually seen digital cable? It totally sucks IMO and the equipment they give you is usually crap. The converters supplied by Comcast in my area don't even have S-video outputs let alone component video or DVI connectors. Cable will probably hang on but it still has more issues to deal with than satellite. I may lose my satellite signal during a torrential downpour but I used to lose my cable every time there was a light rain, not to mention they were always cutting the lines during construction. The constant outages were simply intolerable. When I found that locals were available in my area via DTV I couldn't wait to cut the cord with Comcast. Ironically, I may sign back up with them for basic service since it's actually cheaper to have wideband internet with cable TV than it is to get it on its own. I'm sure I'll raise an eyebrow when I tell the installer not to bother connecting the cable to anything.

[zcarguy]

David, I find you to be extremely rude and condescending. Not that you would care what I think so flame away Lord David. Your lack of patience and respect for people who have shown you no disrespect at all is nauseating. That being said, it defies logic for DTV to force over 10 million subs to switch their boxes over. They may implement some sort of upgrade/subsidized program in place, but there would have to be a benefit to the subscriber for any reasonable person to do this. Such as a $5 reduction on your monthly bill if you are using an RID (unhackable??) receiver. (Ya, like that’s going to happen)

This issue is not about the law. Legally they can probably do what they want. It is about customer service. If I had 2 or 3 receivers that stopped functioning, the last thing I would do is spend my good hard earned money buying new receivers because hackers made DTV change their technology. For DTV to foot the bill themselves to avoid a customer service disaster would not make financial sense since they would be sending out new equipment primarily to those who don't even think about stealing their signal. It would make more sense that the new receivers are being implemented to curb signal theft in the future.


Z

[bdonalds]

There is no such requirement for non-OTA programming, nor will the bandwidth for this sort of thing be available any time in the near future on satellite systems.

This response was to a statement that broadcasters are being forced to change over to HDTV. I just wanted to point out that this is a common misconception. The FCC ruling only states that broadcasters must switch to DIGITAL broadcasts by the deadline (which I can't seem to remember right now....Jan 2006?). There is nothing about forcing broadcaters to broadcast High Def content. While all HD broadcasts are digital, digital doesn't mean HD.

And like David said, just before he criticized Captain Videos self-proctology methods, there is no such ruling for cable or sat.

Bryan

[captain_video]

Sorry if I muddied things up by indicating broadcasters have to switch over to HDTV and not digital in general. The overall effect is essentially the same as far as the end user is concerned, although perhaps a little less cost intensive, because they'd still have to upgrade to digital equipment vs. analog whether it's Hi-Def or standard definition.

You newbies have got to start learning to consider the source when dealing with David Bought's posts. He tends to go out of his way to get a rise out of you and the best course of action is to simply ignore his rude outbursts. Maybe Santa brought him a personality for Christmas and we won't have to listen to his bitching anymore but it's unlikely he got anything more than a sack of coal. I think he's the guy that Dr. Seuss modeled the Grinch after.

[David Bought]

Sorry if I muddied things up by indicating broadcasters have to switch over to HDTV and not digital in general. The overall effect is essentially the same as far as the end user is concerned, although perhaps a little less cost intensive, because they'd still have to upgrade to digital equipment vs. analog whether it's Hi-Def or standard definition.

Could you please restate this paragraph in English? Thanks.

--everybody who reads your drivel

[imaloserbaby]

no, its identical to the dsr7000 hardware wise except for the rid modifications AFAIK. definitely not a faster processor.

If anything, from what I can tell of my friends' unit, it is *slightly* MORE sluggish. Maybe a cheaper video card? Or less RAM? (32mb not 64mb?) Dunno, but the menus defintely appeared to be *slightly* slower and less responsive.

[malfunct]

Pop quiz: who's got more bandwidth available? Hint: it starts with 'c' and ends with "able".

Not to mention the fact that if cable companies decided they wanted double the bandwidth they just connect another wire to your house. I'm sure the fiber optic backbone they use for digital cable these days has plenty of overhead to allow that.

I will continue to be skeptical about widespread wireless use though send once listen many wireless models have better long term viability than point to point wireless models. There are just too many people to have everyone on earth broadcast thier own signal and not enough spectrum.

[mrblack51]

If anything, from what I can tell of my friends' unit, it is *slightly* MORE sluggish. Maybe a cheaper video card? Or less RAM? (32mb not 64mb?) Dunno, but the menus defintely appeared to be *slightly* slower and less responsive.

those type of differences cant be substantiated. there are some minor hardware differences, and of course some associated software changes. because of that, its unlikely you can make a legit comparison unless you take an DSR708 and a DSR7000, two identical hard drives, load them up with an identical 3.1.1b image, and then start testing. in that situation, i doubt you will be able to find statistically significant differences.

[Les_Sr]

Pop quiz: who's got more bandwidth available? Hint: it starts with 'c' and ends with "able".[/QUOTE]



This is actualy funny. I just had digital cable and High Speed internet installed in March and the Comcast tech that installed my service told me that Comcast does not have enough bandwidth avalible to host full digital service. Did you know that Comcast digital cable is not completely digital? channels 2-70 are analog! only the channels above 70 are digital and even the digital channels look like S**T. but I just thought I might drop that bomb on you dave!

[Spydertech]

This is actualy funny. I just had digital cable and High Speed internet installed in March and the Comcast tech that installed my service told me that Comcast does not have enough bandwidth avalible to host full digital service. Did you know that Comcast digital cable is not completely digital? channels 2-70 are analog! only the channels above 70 are digital and even the digital channels look like S**T. but I just thought I might drop that bomb on you dave!

Oh my - you're actually going to re-hash this ancient thread?

Oh well - I guess I just added to the problem :)

[malfunct]

Pop quiz: who's got more bandwidth available? Hint: it starts with 'c' and ends with "able".



This is actualy funny. I just had digital cable and High Speed internet installed in March and the Comcast tech that installed my service told me that Comcast does not have enough bandwidth avalible to host full digital service. Did you know that Comcast digital cable is not completely digital? channels 2-70 are analog! only the channels above 70 are digital and even the digital channels look like S**T. but I just thought I might drop that bomb on you dave![/QUOTE]

channels 2-70 are analog for historical reasons (and possibly legal) reasons. Its expected that you can plug a "cable ready" tv into the cable outlet and it will be able to show you those channels.

As far as bandwidth goes, maybe the current system can't support a full digital rollout, but I know that in my neighborhood they layed fiber for most of the system and its just the connection to my house from the neighborhoods fiber drop that is copper. I have a feeling that this new fiber has plenty of bandwidth, and to get that to my house there are two options, run another copper cable, or change the encoding on the non analog frequencies to cram more data on the wire. As soon as we switch to "all digital" and SDTV support isn't required then they drop the analog portion and bam, more digital bandwidth.

Its been my contention that widespread high bandwidth wireless is bound to fail because there is only so much spectrum to broadcast on. Two way independant communication is going to be the toughest to handle, one way wide area broadcasts the easiest.

[bagman]

OK, I am a painfully new noob, just starting to research the unit I want to buy. Can somebody please explain the differences between the HDVR2, the DSR7000, and the DSR704? I've been looking for the last two days, and all the specs I see seem to show they are the same units, except for color. :confused:

[PlainBill]

OK, I am a painfully new noob, just starting to research the unit I want to buy. Can somebody please explain the differences between the HDVR2, the DSR7000, and the DSR704? I've been looking for the last two days, and all the specs I see seem to show they are the same units, except for color. :confused:

This question has been answered in the Newbie forum countless times. All three are Series 2 DirecTiVos. The HDVR2 and DSR7000 are early versions, and identical except for cosmetics. The DSR704 is the current version, and contains slightly different circuitry. It is equivalent to the SD-DVR40.

Yes, all are hackable. No, one is not 'better' than the others.

PlainBill

[malfunct]

OK, I am a painfully new noob, just starting to research the unit I want to buy. Can somebody please explain the differences between the HDVR2, the DSR7000, and the DSR704? I've been looking for the last two days, and all the specs I see seem to show they are the same units, except for color. :confused:

Not to poke at you, but its essential to bring up this point to keep the boards clean, but if you are a newb, with a known newb question, please post it on the newb forum that is provided.

[bagman]

OK guys, I apologise for the gaffe, but I did look for places I thought appropriate, and this seemed to be a thread that would apply. I HAVE used the search function, but obviously not with the proper key words. Anyway, thanks for the info.