By design or software glitch?

When I was with DISH Network, I could play an event that was in the process of recording. In other words, if a show was about two thirds of the way through recording, I could hit play, watch the show and skip through the breaks, and pretty much catch up with real time just before the end of the show.

When I tried this with my DirecTV HD DVR, the audio was muted. As soon as the recording finished, everything was fine. I guess this is a functionality issue of the DirecTV software? It's really no biggie. I much prefer the DirecTV HD DVR to DISH in overall terms.

My unit does not experience the malady you describe. Try a quick reset and see if things are better. It could be that D* just has it out for you and will never let you be happy with their service.

I cannot seem to duplicate your issue with a HR21-200, HR20-700, and/or R22-200. Whenever I start watching an unfinished recording it works as expected, FF/jump/pause/rewind/jump back/stop all work with audio until I catch up with live and then of course on pause will be usable.

How are you getting your audio, ie HDMI/fiber/digital coax?

HDMI with the Audio setting set to Dolby Digital. I'll try it again tonight and see if it does it again. :)

My HR20-700 lets me watch (and listen) to programs as they're being recorded. I do what you want to do just to avoid the commercials.

Try a RESET. If that doesn't fix the problem then it's time to call DirecTV tech service. Your receiver may need to be replaced.

I reset the DVR and everything works fine now. Thanks. :)