DVR Phone Line

[gwelmo]

I was just reading on a direct TV seller site, that you need a phone line if you want dvr service. I have read in other post here that a phone line is not needed. I am currently a comcast customer and want to switch back to DTV. I have a DVR with CC and that does not require a phone line. What's the scoop? Do you need a phone jack for the DVR with DTV?

gwelmo

[Blackz06]

I have 3 DVR's, 2 of the HD, and not a single one is hooked up with a phone line. I recently had a DVR installed, about a few months ago, and the installer didn't even mention having a phone line conected.

Only thing you would need it for is caller ID or if you want to order PPV. To order a PPV with out a phone line, you can just do it on-line.

[hitdog042]

Originally Posted by gwelmo

I was just reading on a direct TV seller site, that you need a phone line if you want dvr service. I have read in other post here that a phone line is not needed. I am currently a comcast customer and want to switch back to DTV. I have a DVR with CC and that does not require a phone line. What's the scoop? Do you need a phone jack for the DVR with DTV?

gwelmo

Nope

[Loran1]

The installer who installed my system yesterday said DTV insists that he install a phone line on at least the main box. Because running a phone wire from my kitchen to the family room would have been a real problem, he sold me a wireless set up the works fine, but it cost me $65 extra.

I was ready to make a real fuss, but now that I have caller ID information appearing on the TV screen when a call comes in that I like, I just accepted it.

[Blackz06]

Originally Posted by Loran1

The installer who installed my system yesterday said DTV insists that he install a phone line on at least the main box.

Exactly, they insist you do, but do not require you do.

[WestDC]

Phone line for caller ID only

[tumblingdice03]

Never had a phone line hooked to mine. Shoot for the first several years of my service I didn't even have a phone. As mentioned before you would only need it IF you wanted the caller id on screen or if you want to order ppv with remote.

[Loves2Watch]

Originally Posted by WestDC

Phone line for caller ID only

And for PPV.

[LarryinTX]

WHat you lose is PPV with remote
And thats it ...
A phone line is not required for DVR
Now a Tivo was unable to be programed for years w/o a phoneline...not sure if it's still that way/
Larry

[DIRTY BIRD]

I have a phone line connected to all three of my HD-DVRs and the caller ID has never worked consistently. I have reset them numerous times and still no caller ID on the TV screen. Everytime I see that one of the upgrades is suppose to address the caller ID problem, it still never fixes it. I am saying all this to say...unless you want to order PPV with your remote, YOU DO NOT NEED A PHONE LINE HOOKED UP TO YOUR DVR.

[chirshey]

Seriously, you don't need a phone line for DVR service.

[Loran1]

I’m not to sure now. Our installer mentioned something about the phone line being used for various updates.

Last night one of my HD sets would not show local channels, nothing below channel 70. Rebooting, testing, checking favorites, etc., did not help. I went to bed planning to call DTV this morning thinking I needed a box replacement. But when I woke up this morning and turned the set back on, everything was back. Did DTV do something from their end to correct the problem?

[buzd]

Originally Posted by Loran1

I’m not to sure now. Our installer mentioned something about the phone line being used for various updates.

Last night one of my HD sets would not show local channels, nothing below channel 70. Rebooting, testing, checking favorites, etc., did not help. I went to bed planning to call DTV this morning thinking I needed a box replacement. But when I woke up this morning and turned the set back on, everything was back. Did DTV do something from their end to correct the problem?

It isn't used for updates at all.

Sometimes the box takes a while to download everything from the satellite after a reboot.