THR22 DIRECTV HD TiVo DVR FAQ

What are the main differences between the THR22 HD TiVo for DIRECTV and DIRECTV's non-TiVo HD DVRs?
Do I need any special DIRECTV equipment to use the new DIRECTV HD TIVO?
Can I use old TiVo and new on the same system/dish?
What is SWM? Do I need it? Can I use old TiVo and new on the same system/dish?
What is Whole Home DVR? Is the TiVo compatible with WHDVR?
How much is the DVR service fee for the THR22?
What are the DVR fees if I currently have lifetime service on a TiVo?
Can weaKnees move shows from my old to the new THR22 TiVo?
Can I move recorded shows from my THR22 to my PC/Mac?
Does weaKnees buy old TiVos?
If I get a THR22 from weaKnees, will I own it or will it be leased?
If I activate a THR22, do I have to commit to DIRECTV for any period of time?

What are the main differences between the THR22 HD TiVo for DIRECTV and DIRECTV's non-TiVo HD DVRs?

There are a lot of differences. Here are the highlights.

Do I need any special DIRECTV equipment to use the new DIRECTV HD TIVO?

Possibly. To get HD, the THR22 HD DIRECTV TiVo requires a DIRECTV dish that is compatible with DIRECTV’s HD signals. If you have only standard definition DIRECTV equipment now, or if you do not have an HD dish, then you definitely will need a new dish. We have replacement dishes here, but once you have the TiVo in-hand, you can contact DIRECTV and they will typically come If you wish to use this unit with an SD dish, it's compatible, but DIRECTV will still insist that you have the HD package added to your account in order to activate this unit.

What is SWM? Do I need it? Can I use old TiVo and new on the same system/dish?

SWM stands for Single-Wire Multiswitch. A SWM allows you to get two tuners from your THR22 with only one line from the dish. It also allows you to combine your existing broadband internet signal and your DIRECTV satellite signal over the same satellite coax line. More information about SWM is here, here and here. If you plan to use any older DIRECTV TiVo units along with your THR22 HD TiVo, then you CANNOT get a SWM dish. You can, however, get a non-SWM dish and use a separate SWM8 multiswitch, which can handle both the new THR22 via the SWM port and the older TiVo(s) via the legacy ports.

What is Whole Home DVR? Is the TiVo compatible with WHDVR?

Whole Home DVR (WHDVR), also known as multi-room viewing (MRV), allows you to access a DIRECTV HD DVR's recordings through another DIRECTV receiver in another room. Currently, WHDVR only works with the non-TiVo HD DVRs from DIRECTV. The THR22 does not work with WHDVR. We hope that a future software update will change that, but for now, it is impossible to share content from the THR22 with any other receiver in your home.

How much is the DVR service fee for the THR22?

DIRECTV currently charges $7/mo for the DVR service, and that DVR service covers all DVRs in your home. In addition, DIRECTV charges $5/mo for the TiVo service for the THR22, which will also cover multiple THR22 units on one account. Therefore, if you activate a THR22 and do not currently have the DVR service from DIRECTV, your bill will increase by $12/mo for the DVR service. (These fees are in addition to the per-receiver charges for any access card beyond the first.)

Also, please keep in mind that if you do not currently have HD equipment, you will have to subscribe to DIRECTV's HD package, which is $10/mo. In addition, when you activate any HD equipment (including the THR22), DIRECTV will require you to commit to two more years of DIRECTV service.

What are the DVR fees if I currently have lifetime service on a TiVo?

This is where things get a bit murky, but DIRECTV's policy seems to be that if you have an old DIRECTV TiVo with lifetime TiVo service, then DIRECTV will honor that service on the THR22. This could change and you might want to contact DIRECTV for clarification, but this is what we're being told. Keep in mind that this generous policy NOT apply to lifetime service on any NON-DIRECTV TiVo. Best bet here is to call DIRECTV for an answer on your specific account.

Can weaKnees move shows from my old to the new THR22 TiVo?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. The shows on the old-model TiVos are encrypted and cannot be moved to the new TiVo. However, DIRECTV TiVo unit can play back recorded content even if they are de-activated, so you can continue to watch those recorded shows even after you start recording on your new THR22.

Can I move recorded shows from my THR22 to my PC/Mac?

As of now, no. The TiVo Desktop software does not currently allow you to move files off of the THR22. In addition, DIRECTV's Nomad does not currently work with the THR22.

Does weaKnees buy old TiVos?

Sorry, we do not.

If I get a THR22 from weaKnees, will I own it or will it be leased?

As with virtually all DIRECTV receivers, the default is always a lease. Please keep in mind that whether you lease or own, your monthly bill will be the same. The only difference we are aware of is that if you deactivate a leased unit, DIRECTV could ask for it back, since they technically own it.

If I activate a THR22, do I have to commit to DIRECTV for any period of time?

Yes, two years.