Direct TV requires a landline?

[foolintherain]

I was all set to switch from TWC to Direct...but then I saw a landline is required for DVR use, etc? Can anyone help me figure out exactly what services require the phone line?

I record 2 shows at once commonly, so if it is needed for DVR use (as it appears on the website) Direct is no good for me. If it is only for PPV and certain sport packages (NFL Ticket), then I am OK.

Can anyone shed light on the matter? Thanks in advance :)

[Scott]

Yep, you will need a landline in order to connect to the DirecTV servers via modem. This is what regulates your pay-per-view, enhanced content, version upgrades etc.

You could always take your boxes to a fellow DirecTV sub with a landline to activate your service. Of course, after about 30 days you will receive nag screens every time you view your list stating that it has been X amount of days since your device has been connected. On the bright side, you will be able to have PPV for a little while without paying for it :D (until they shut off your ordering privileges). I have a TiVo that has not been connected to a landline in over 2 years--it still works fine.

[MeHDTV]

I thought the new, non tivo DVR's don't need a landline. Can't you connect it to a broadband connection via Cat-5 like Dish network DVR's?

[MeHDTV]

Yep, you will need a landline in order to connect to the DirecTV servers via modem. This is what regulates your pay-per-view, enhanced content, version upgrades etc.

You could always take your boxes to a fellow DirecTV sub with a landline to activate your service. Of course, after about 30 days you will receive nag screens every time you view your list stating that it has been X amount of days since your device has been connected. On the bright side, you will be able to have PPV for a little while without paying for it :D (until they shut off your ordering privileges). I have a TiVo that has not been connected to a landline in over 2 years--it still works fine.


I was right! The non-tivo DVR's don't need a phone line, unless you must order a PPV via your remote with no broadband connection.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/directv-dvr-forum/109464-telephone-line-question.html

I can also get you a better deal on satellite. PM me.

[zelig2]

The newer boxes from Dish (622 and 722) both don't need a landline. I've not had one plugged into my 722 for the past two months. The only time I have issues is if my network connection isn't working at 3am when it does it's daily check. I'm thinking about turning off my land line as I don't ever use it. I only got it when I switched to Dish/AT&T.

[snodgrass23]

Yeah, my newer DVR box has never been plugged into a landline (I don't have one) and it works fine and has gotten all the updates. My older HD-TIVO works fine, other than PPV and nagging about not being able to call out, but it doesn't receive the updates either. For those, I bring it down to Scott's place and plug it in for a while to get anything I need.

[Buckeye Nick]

I have had DirecTV with 4 receivers for about a month and a half, and have never connected any of them to a phone line. I have not noticed any problems.