DIRECTV Whole Home DVR Service Out of Beta Testing
by Glenn Rossney 5/27/2010

If you were one of the lucky few who were aware of the “Multi-Room Viewing Beta Test” that DIRECTV was testing a few months back, you got to preview their new “Whole Home DVR” service that officially went into service just a few days ago. Now DIRECTV isn’t the first to come up with this idea, as a matter of fact, they may be the last to roll this feature out to their customers.

The new “Whole Home DVR” service simply allows you to share recorded shows from your HD-DVR to other HD receivers in your house. If you have more than one HD-DVR, that is not a problem, they are all connected and will share just as easily.

I’ve been fortunate to be in on DIRECTV’s development plan for their service. If you didn’t know DIRECTV has been focused on the quality of the content that their customers receive with the DIRECTV service. DIRECTV offers more HD channels and much better quality of service as well as a great DVR interface than any other TV provider. The features that other service providers offer, like “Multi-Room viewing” have always been on the road map for DIRECTV; now that they feel they have the content, they are going to focus on the delivery. I was fortunate to have been part of the beta test and think the new feature is a great addition to their service.

When the beta test ended, I called DIRECTV and got the scoop on what DIRECTV customers need to do to continue getting the Whole Home DVR service or what new customers need to do.

  • The “Whole Home DVR” service is a $3.00/month addition to your monthly bill.
  • You need at least one HD-DVR, and one other HD Receiver to share shows. It will support multiple HD-DVRs and HD receivers.
  • If you were part of the beta test, just call DIRECTV’s customer service number (1-888-777-2454) and have them add the service to your account and you should be back up and running without any additional costs.
  • If you are looking to add the service, there will be a $99 service fee. DIRECTV will need to come to your home and ensure your boxes are setup to communicate with each other. I’ve been told that the $99 fee will not change based on the number of receivers you have. However, there may be other service call charges depending on your account and setup.
  • Your DIRECTV system needs to be a SWM (sing wire multi-switch) system. DIRECTV’s customer service team will be able to tell you if you do or not have a SWM system installed at your house. If you do not, DIRECTV may charge you to convert your current setup to their new standard SWM installation.
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    I hope you find this informative, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.

    Glenn Rossney
    Home Theater Doctor
    (310) 372-8932