About DIRECTV on DEMAND

What is DIRECTV on DEMAND?

DIRECTV on DEMAND offers customers with the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR (HR20 or HR21 model) access to thousands of titles through their set top box. Customers can browse the titles on the set top box by using the guide. Available titles include movies, music, popular television shows, animation, cartoons and more.

Is there an additional charge for the DIRECTV on DEMAND service?

No, it's a free service provided by DIRECTV. However, in addition to the free content, there are PPV movies and other shows available for purchase.

How many titles are in the library?

About 2000 covering all genres including: kids, music, movies, sports & interests.

How soon can I expect content to arrive?

Content delivery depends on your bandwidth speed and the duration of the content. A three minute music video will complete downloading faster than a two hour movie but you can begin watching the content before it completes downloading.

Will the content show up on MyPlaylist or in Showcases?

Content will appear in your MyPlaylist list as it downloads or once it has arrived completely, but you can also watch the content as it is downloading from your Queue.

What will happen to my regular recordings if I'm downloading DIRECTV on DEMAND titles?

DIRECTV on DEMAND titles will not impact your regularly-recorded series links or other satellite broadcast record requests. By using the Ethernet port on the back of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, the content enters your box through an alternate channel that does not interfere with your satellite recording.

Getting Started:

What box is eligible for the DIRECTV on DEMAND service?

The DIRECTV PlusŪ HD DVR (specifically, the HR20 or HR21 model) is the only box capable of carrying the DIRECTV on DEMAND service at this time. Other HD DVR models will be coming soon.

How do I know if I have the right HD DVR?

To check, press the Menu button on your remote control. Select Help & Settings >> Setup >> Info & Test. The model number and manufacturer of your HD DVR will be displayed on this page.

How do I sign up for the service?

The service is automatically available to HR20 receivers that are connected to the Internet via the Ethernet port on the back of the receiver.

What do I need to set up my home network for DIRECTV on DEMAND?

You need to have a DIRECTV Plus HD DVR (HR20 or HR21 model) at home. You must have a DSL or Broadband Internet connection. Your router must have an open Ethernet port. If your TV and router are in separate rooms, you will need a Home Plug or Category 5 Ethernet cables to connect the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to your router.

How many Powerline Ethernet Adapters do I need?

You will need 2 Powerline Ethernet Adapters for the first HDDVR networked. Each additional HDDVR networked will only require 1.

What kind of bandwidth speed do I need?

We recommend a connection of 2.0 Mbps or better for optimal performance. At a minimum you need 750 kbps.

Can I use dial up?

No. DIRECTV on DEMAND requires a DSL or Broadband connection.

Can I use my wireless network?

Yes, but it is not the preferred method of connecting your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to your router. Our user tests have shown that it is more difficult to set up than by using Ethernet cables or Home Plug adapters.

What kind of programming is available?

Titles range from 3 minute music videos to 2 hour movies covering all genres including kids, music, movies, popular television shows, instructional content, and more.

Can I get content from Showtime or Starz!?

Yes, if you have a subscription to the premium channels you can access their DIRECTV on DEMAND content.

Can I get an installer to set up this service?

Not yet, but soon a Home Service Provider will be able to assist you in setting up this service with a Power Line Ethernet Adapter. Today you will have to network your HD DVR to the Internet yourself. For more information please view the Self Installation Guide (Flash Demo | PDF) or visit our Tech Forum. For professional assistance with wireless or Cat5 cables, contact Best Buy at 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD.

Using the Service:

Can I order titles by calling Customer Service?

No. Titles are only requested for download through the interface on your DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR (HR20 or HR21 model).

How do I find out what titles are available?

You can browse the available titles on channel 1000 of the program guide on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Titles are listed alphabetically, or you can browse titles by their category and subcategory. For example, if you're looking for an action movie you can select "movie" and "action/adventure" from channel 1000's menu. DIRECTV on DEMAND titles are also integrated into the search feature of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Additionally, many programmers have their own VOD channels. Say you're looking for Discovery on Demand. Discovery Channel is on 278, so Discovery Channel on Demand is on 1278. Try your favorite channels + 1000 to see if they have any VOD programming.

How can I search for a specific title?

On your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR remote control, press the Menu button or use the blue color key on your VOD screen to access the search functionality — it will search both satellite and DIRECTV on DEMAND titles.

How do I know if a title has a trailer?

There is an icon that looks like a clapboard film scene slate next to the title. Or you will see a "watch trailer" option on the title's info screen.

How do I find DIRECTV on DEMAND when I'm watching TV?

It's located in the program guide at channel 1000.

What is channel 1000?

Channel 1000 is the home of DIRECTV on DEMAND. Tune in to Channel 1000 to view all the DIRECTV on DEMAND titles available.

Why do different networks have their own channels in the 1000s?

It's an opportunity for networks to highlight new content available through the service and a place where fans of that network can peruse just that network's offering.

Why can't I keep certain titles as long as I want?

All content has a set expiration date. You can prevent VOD titles from being accidentally erased because your DVR hard drive is full by selecting "Keep Until Expiration" from the program info screen.

Do parental locks apply to DIRECTV on DEMAND programs?

Yes, any parental restrictions in place on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR will apply to the DIRECTV on DEMAND programs.

Can I delete titles while they're downloading?

Yes. You can delete titles at any time. When on the Queue screen, highlight the title you want to delete and press the red key on your remote.

Can I download more than one title at a time?

No. Titles will download one at a time, but you can put any number of titles in your VOD queue to download one after another.

How long with the titles stay on my box?

You can delete them at any time or let them be pushed out by new content entering (same as regular DVR behavior) or let them stay on your receiver until they expire.

Can I keep a title until I delete it?

Yes and No. Yes, you can always delete the content whenever you want, but you can't keep it forever as the content will eventually expire based on programming rules. If you don't want a title to be accidentally deleted, select the title from the playlist and then select "Keep until expiration" on the info screen.

Is there a limit on how long I can keep a pay title?

Pay titles are viewable for 24 hours beginning when you play the title. You don't pay for the program until you view it.

What is a queue?

It's a list of titles you'd like to record from DIRECTV on DEMAND. You can put as many titles in your queue as you like and add or remove titles at any time. Items in your Queue will display with a "Q" icon in the browse and search fields to indicate that these titles are already requested for download.

Can I "pause" my queue in case I experience slowdown in my home network?

Yes. You can pause your queue at any time and for any length of time. When on the Queue screen, press the green button on your remote control to pause your downloads. When you are ready, press the green button again to resume your downloads.

Can I download a title more than once?

Yes, although if a title already exists in your "MyPlaylist" list, an on-screen message will alert you to that.

Can I pause, fast-forward and rewind the DIRECTV on DEMAND content?

Yes, you can.

Can I watch content before it's finished downloading?

Yes, you can watch the title while it's in the process of downloading. Your Internet connection speed will determine how quickly you can begin viewing. The title currently downloading has a progress bar located on the right margin. If the progress bar is red, it means less than 30% of the content has downloaded. A yellow progress bar indicates that 30-60% of the content has downloaded, and a green progress bar lets you know that more than 60% of the content has downloaded. Pause, Fast-Forward and Rewind functionalities are available for the content you begin watching before its download is complete.

Troubleshooting:

What should I do if my download is taking forever?

Verify that your network is connected using the diagnostic test in the setup section of help. Also check the back of your HD DVR to make sure the green lights are flashing, which indicates an active Ethernet connection. Or try pressing "Resume" via the queue as download may have been paused. A slow bandwidth speed may be caused by other people in the house using the Internet, a faulty connection, or a problem with your Internet provider.

Where can I get more help with troubleshooting?

Visit the DIRECTV on DEMAND Tech Forum for help with your DIRECTV on DEMAND service. Post your question to get answers from other DIRECTV on DEMAND users. You can also call 1-800-DIRECTV to speak with a DIRECTV representative.