I just went out to a different installation with no modulation with a H-20 that is programmed for sat feed only, no antenna. I double checked in the main menu. It has the same problem as with my other install, it goes to "2" (mpeg4? local?) but again no picture, channel up gets you
LA2=directv non-hd as well as channels 4,7,11 but it goes to the directv LA feeds on 5, 9,13. No Mpeg4 ? This H-20 is a piece of SH*#. I may have to start recommending CABLE!!! Texasbrit, thanks for the VCR idea as an alternative for modulating. I did think of it, but as a last ditch idea. I don't like the idea of have to switch tv inputs, a/v receiver inputs and then have to go back to the Sat input just to see who's at the front gate, but hey thats life....

If you don't have the new 5-lnb dish then you won't be able to see the MPEG-4 HD channels.
You need to set up a custom favorites list without the MPEG-4 channels. This is what I have done since my 5-lnb dish is not yet installed. You set it up so the custom favorites list is the guide which appears when you select "guide". Then when you key in the channel number it will not go to the (blank) MPEG-4 channel.
You are correct however that the H-20 is a mess. Some of the problems were fixed on the latest software download but there are many still to be corrected.
You can solve the problem of switching tv inputs etc for the front gate camera by using a programmable remote with macros. Just program the sequence of switching into a single button.

I don't know why you all are saying that there is no analog tuner in the H20. I have 2 of them in my house, and both are hooked up to an antenna. Both of them tune in both standard def, as well as High def off air stations.

As far as the camera issue, I can't help you on that one man, as I have not tried it out myself since my cameras are distributed over Composite video.

J

I think maybe they are saying the h-20 does not have an anolog tuner because......

the H20 does not have an anolog tuner

sorry but it doesnt, you are either watching those channels off the sat or you dont have an H-20

[Link: directv.com]
i cant find one referance to anolog of air in the entire manual

+++Edit

may have jumped the gun on this one the manual say in several spots that it will recieve OTA digital but makes no mention of analog.In another spot it hints at analog reception but does not spell it out specifficly. I do know that i had to jump through hoops to create a workaround on the last install to get modulated cameras to all the TV's and media rooms and my "sat guy" stated that it does not have an analog tuner

so a maybe wrong but still think i am right.

H-20 = No Analog Tuner.

HR10250 Has an analog tuner for sure if it finds a digital version of the same ch. then it boots out the analog (btw it sucks). H20= I have not done one yet (sounds like I should be thankful). Just use the TV tuner and write a macro in the remote for the cameras to pop them up as a side by side PIP. What TV?

...or get a cheap VCR and use it for the modulated cams. As far as removing the analog channels from the guide, I have no clue, as I hate DirecTV with a passion, and recommend customers away from it as often as possible. It does help though that we have Brighthouse here, and their cable service has been the best I've seen anywhere. Tech support is spot-on, and they have just about every HD channel in their lineup, and adding more every few months!

Has anyone mentioned that the H-20 doesn't have an analog tuner? (Joke)

If you don't want the multiple local channels to be displayed on the H-20 menu try doing the setup for "3-LNB" satellite. Or better yet install a 5 lnb antenna and get your locals in hd from DirecTV.

When we have customers that have modulated cameras in the house we just run the RF signal to the "RF In" of the TV set. Most times this is not being used. Granted they do have to switch inputs on the TV but we set up macros on the remotes to handle this.

H-20....Another giant leap forward by DirecTV. HAHA

Dave T

Neither the H-20 or the HR10-250 HDTivo have an analog tuner. Repeat, Neither the H-20 or the HR10-250 HDTivo have an analog tuner. I have done dozens of installs of both products, and there is no analog tuners in either one of them. Also , there is no Easter Bunny, Santa Claus or Tooth Fairy!

OK Greg you are right. I just went and did a ch scan and you are right no analog. My E-86 does and that is what I watch all the time because my FOX is only on analog. 1 more reason why I sell HT and let my underpaid buddy do all the sat work.

What the hell do you mean there is no Santa Claus? Now I that issue with that claim! Next you will claim that B0se and S0ny don't make the best audio gear...LOL

Okay, I am going to throw something out there about the original problem which is that the channel guide keeps showing channels that the receiver doesn't get. I am not a DirecTV expert in any way, but do you think it is possible that DirecTV is just sending down the guide to every TV? I know this probably isn't the case, but DirecTV has done crazier stuff in the past.

I know that one of my bars has an H-20. When you want to get a local station off DTV such as Ch. 2, it goes to ch2 HD off the satellite. The problem is that he only has a 3 LNB dish, and can't get the HD locals on sat without the 5 LNB dish. He doesn't need the 5 LNB dish because he has an off-air antenna for local HD. So hit ch 2, and you get a channel not available message. Hit the ch up and you go to the SD station. What a f*&Ked up way to do things.