VERY disappointed in my DIRECTV® Universal RF Remote Control

[satfrat]

I'm at a loss here. I recently bought a Slimline HD system w/HR20-100s DVR receiver and it came with an IR remote,,, even tho a RF antenna was included with the receiver. I have an open 6 shelf rack with forged iron side posts and my HD DVR is on 5th shelf. Even thos I had no problems with the IR remote (I'm only like 7' away) but I wanted the RF remote and the backlit buttons was a must-have feature also. Well I get this remote and I'll be damned if the reception in RF is worse than any IF remote I've ever owned. I just don't understand it. I've tried relocating the antenna using a 4' coax so it's totally in the open and that makes the reception even worse. This remote still works pretty damn good in IR so it's not like I wasted $25, heck the backlit buttons was worth that but I wanted the benefits of RF and I have anything but. As comparison, I have a 4DTV C-band receiver with a RF remote that sits on the bottom shelf (it's antenna is much more hidden) and I have none of these issues. I even switched antennas but the same RF traits with both receivers remain the same.

Anyone have any thoughts,,,, other than the obvious answer to just be happy with IF?

Robin

 

[raoul5788]

I'm at a loss here. I recently bought a Slimline HD system w/HR20-100s DVR receiver and it came with an IR remote,,, even tho a RF antenna was included with the receiver. I have an open 6 shelf rack with forged iron side posts and my HD DVR is on 5th shelf. Even thos I had no problems with the IR remote (I'm only like 7' away) but I wanted the RF remote and the backlit buttons was a must-have feature also. Well I get this remote and I'll be damned if the reception in RF is worse than any IF remote I've ever owned. I just don't understand it. I've tried relocating the antenna using a 4' coax so it's totally in the open and that makes the reception even worse. This remote still works pretty damn good in IR so it's not like I wasted $25, heck the backlit buttons was worth that but I wanted the benefits of RF and I have anything but. As comparison, I have a 4DTV C-band receiver with a RF remote that sits on the bottom shelf (it's antenna is much more hidden) and I have none of these issues. I even switched antennas but the same RF traits with both receivers remain the same.

Anyone have any thoughts,,,, other than the obvious answer to just be happy with IF?

Robin

What is the number of the remote? It's on the upper left hand corner. Also, have you enabled the rf control through the menu?

 

[uncrules]

I have the RC34 RF remote and I have absolutely no problem with it. I can stuff if in between the seat cushions in my couch and it works perfectly. Like rauol said make sure you enable the RF function through your menu settings. By default RF capable remotes are in IR mode.

 

[raoul5788]

I have the RC34 RF remote and I have absolutely no problem with it. I can stuff if in between the seat cushions in my couch and it works perfectly. Like rauol said make sure you enable the RF function through your menu settings. By default RF capable remotes are in IR mode.

He may have the RC32, like I just got for my H20. It will not do rf.

 

[ehamilton]

I have an RC24, is that a good one? My RF is inconsistent.

 

[satfrat]

What is the number of the remote? It's on the upper left hand corner. Also, have you enabled the rf control through the menu?

I have the RC64RB and it's incredible that the IR outperforms the RF. The RF needs to be activated in the recievers menu of course. It's not that the RF won't work, it's that in RF the remote needs to be more accurately pointed at the antenna than does the remote when in IR. Believe me, it's hard for me to believe too. I haven't complained to DirecTv yet cuz the IR does work real well and I'm more than happy with just that. I just thought I'd mention this RF quirk to see if anyone else is having this issue. As an afterthought, I do have a HTPC sitting on the top shelf,,, just above the HR20-100s receiver. Maybe that's causing some sort of interference? Just a thought,,,,

Robin

 

[chopperjc]

I have the RC64RB and it's incredible that the IR outperforms the RF. The RF needs to be activated in the recievers menu of course. It's not that the RF won't work, it's that in RF the remote needs to be more accurately pointed at the antenna than does the remote when in IR. Believe me, it's hard for me to believe too. I haven't complained to DirecTv yet cuz the IR does work real well and I'm more than happy with just that. I just thought I'd mention this RF quirk to see if anyone else is having this issue. As an afterthought, I do have a HTPC sitting on the top shelf,,, just above the HR20-100s receiver. Maybe that's causing some sort of interference? Just a thought,,,,

Robin

I have two of the remotes you mention. The rf funtion works very good on both. I use it on my HR20-700 and my r-15. I have heard of your problem with the 100's though. I believe I have heard they are working on a software update. I would watch the cutting edge thread for possible updates and fixes. Sorry all I can offer but I do believe it is a software issue to the box and not the remote itself.

 

[texasbrit]

I have two of the remotes you mention. The rf funtion works very good on both. I use it on my HR20-700 and my r-15. I have heard of your problem with the 100's though. I believe I have heard they are working on a software update. I would watch the cutting edge thread for possible updates and fixes. Sorry all I can offer but I do believe it is a software issue to the box and not the remote itself.

The only known problem with an RF remote on the HR20-100 is interference. DirecTV has reported that the HR20-100 remote antenna can pick up interference from the tuner if it is around the 3 o'clock position (looking from the front). Swinging it over to the left seems to solve the problem.

 

[Lord Darth Vader]

I have two of the remotes you mention. The rf funtion works very good on both. I use it on my HR20-700 and my r-15. I have heard of your problem with the 100's though. I believe I have heard they are working on a software update. I would watch the cutting edge thread for possible updates and fixes. Sorry all I can offer but I do believe it is a software issue to the box and not the remote itself.

You are correct. It is a software issue that was exacerbated with the last software release on the -100. They're working on getting it fixed. Eventually.

 

[TulsaCoker]

I have had both the HR20-100 and 700. With out a doubt the 700 picks up better then the 100 did. With the 100 I had to basically point the remote at the receiver to work (behind closed doors on the entertainment center) with the 700 (same remote) it work underneath the seat cushions.

 

[mnocket]

Same Problem Here

I have the same problem with poor RF reception. I'm using a RC34 remote with a HR20-100 HDDVR. I sit about 10 ft away from the HR20 and have to frequently repress keys. I set up the RF remote function on the HR20 correctly - I can cover the remote IR transmitter with my hand, point it away from the receiver, and the remote will still work. It just seems to work sporadically. Very strange and frustrating. I finally gave up and switched back to IR. Has anyone experienced this problem and solved it?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Lord Darth Vader]

Mike,

It's a known issue on HR20-100s and the RC34 remote. DirecTV says it occurred as a result of a recent software upgrade and that a future one will hopefully fix it. Others have ditched the RC34 for an RC64 remote, which apparently handles RF capabilities better.

 

[mnocket]

Software or Made in China issue?

Came across this link that indicates that the problem is linked to HR20-100 receivers made in China.

DIRECTV

I'm gonna call Directv and see if its a software issue or a manufacturing issue. Hope I don't spend hours on the phone to get to level 3 tech support

 

[ShiningBengal]

I have the RC34 RF remote and I have absolutely no problem with it. I can stuff if in between the seat cushions in my couch and it works perfectly. Like rauol said make sure you enable the RF function through your menu settings. By default RF capable remotes are in IR mode.

The problem is with the HR20-100, not the 700 model you have. This is a known issue with the 100. I have two of them and RF works so badly it isn't worth messing with.

Fortunately, I have a Harmony IR for my HT (works great!) and the standard IR remote is good enough for my bedroom HR20.

 

[ShiningBengal]

The only known problem with an RF remote on the HR20-100 is interference. DirecTV has reported that the HR20-100 remote antenna can pick up interference from the tuner if it is around the 3 o'clock position (looking from the front). Swinging it over to the left seems to solve the problem.

It doesn't work with either of my 100's. I have practically stood on my head in an effort to coax the RF functionality into consistent operation. RF on this model is a joke.

 

[ajcosgrove]

Have owned 2 DirecTV remotes that have worked only on occasion (came with H10 & H20 receivers). Problem acts like a software/firmware issue more than hardware but could be related to the combination of hardware and software. I've also noticed a problem with electronic switch bounce in remote (you know duplicate numbers pushing only once), which also could be related to the problem. Having owned Sony HD DirecTV receiver, the Hughes hardware leaves something to be desired! The Sony was a standard in the RF remote performance. Another area of H20 weakness appears to be in the local off air processing. I'm finding some (not all) channels dropping out yet same antenna (multiple distribution paths-amplified) works fine on other ATSC tuners in household.

 

[satfrat]

I have the same problem with poor RF reception. I'm using a RC34 remote with a HR20-100 HDDVR. I sit about 10 ft away from the HR20 and have to frequently repress keys. I set up the RF remote function on the HR20 correctly - I can cover the remote IR transmitter with my hand, point it away from the receiver, and the remote will still work. It just seems to work sporadically. Very strange and frustrating. I finally gave up and switched back to IR. Has anyone experienced this problem and solved it?

Thanks,

Mike

I finally gave up using the RF on my RC64RB and switched back to IR. Using IR, this remote works real good. I'm just glad I'm not depending on the RF to use the 2nd tuner for a bedroom set. DirecTv really needs to address this issue with their new 2-tuner HD DVR.

Robin

 

[apace]

HR20-100 same problem here.

 

[satfrat]

HR20-100 same problem here.

We're not alone on this subject, here's another thread on the same subject; http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-dvr-forum/108226-hr20-100-need-advice.html


Robin

 

[*mad_professor*]

Came across this link that indicates that the problem is linked to HR20-100 receivers made in China.

DIRECTV

I'm gonna call Directv and see if its a software issue or a manufacturing issue. Hope I don't spend hours on the phone to get to level 3 tech support

My units are made in Mexico and they do have the RF problem.