Anyone tried to bring a DVR on vista?

[ParrotRob]

For all of you electronics experts saying you need some sort of input for your DVR, that's not necessarily true. I have a DirecTV DVR that never has any signal coming into it yet I can play content stored on the disk on any monitor at any time. You can't get NEW content of course, but you can still access stored content.

[jwjax]

For all of you electronics experts saying you need some sort of input for your DVR, that's not necessarily true. I have a DirecTV DVR that never has any signal coming into it yet I can play content stored on the disk on any monitor at any time. You can't get NEW content of course, but you can still access stored content.

 

Please, enlighten us! I have DirecTV, and have no idea what you are describing? Is this a new wireless DVR??

 

I have the DirecTV Genie wireless system in my house, but the DVR needs a direct connection to the Satellite dish!

 

Just wondering??

[Builder31]

Please, enlighten us! I have DirecTV, and have no idea what you are describing? Is this a new wireless DVR??

 

 

 

I have the DirecTV Genie wireless system in my house, but the DVR needs a direct connection to the Satellite dish!

 

 

 

Just wondering??

 

 

 

I have the genie system and the main receiver has the hard drive (the minis don’t). Honestly I’ve never tried to play the content stored on the hard drive without it being connected, but I don’t understand why it wouldn’t? If I get satellite fade during heavy rain or snow I simply watch stored content on the dvr. In that case there is no connection to the satellite right?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Builder31]

Let me start by saying, I agree that people can do whatever they want on a cruise, it is their cruise.

 

 

 

I am very interested though in the reasoning of people who seem to do things on a cruise that they can do on land much cheaper. If you like just reading a book, watching TV, drinking to excess, playing cards, working on a puzzle. Why spend the money on a cruise to do this?

 

 

 

So what is it that you do on a cruise on sea days that you can’t do on land?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ProgRockCruiser]

For all of you electronics experts saying you need some sort of input for your DVR, that's not necessarily true. I have a DirecTV DVR that never has any signal coming into it yet I can play content stored on the disk on any monitor at any time. You can't get NEW content of course, but you can still access stored content.

OK, so perhaps DirecTV is different, but for my Brighthouse (now Spectrum) DVR (well, DVRs), if it is powered up "offline", it will not play any stored content. Well, at least it didn't the few times I tried in the past - I suppose I could try again whenever I have time to experiment (because the reboot after power loss takes forever...).

 

 

Actually, now that I think about it, it is the reboot that never completes without a signal from the mothership...

[mz-s]

Am I reading this right? You are going on vacation, and you can't get away from TV? You know the DVR needs to also be hooked to a cable jack, and there aren't any cables running behind the ship. Just a suggestion. Your on vacation, so get out of your stateroom, get entertained by the live shows, music etc. TV can be an addiction also, so try it for a few days, where you go without. Unlike other addictions, there aren't any physical side affects. Worst case scenario, when in port, get off the ship quickly and find a bar with a TV.

 

A big problem in this country is people not minding their business and recognizing that a big part of maturity is realizing when your opinion is not necessary.

[asalligo]

So what is it that you do on a cruise on sea days that you can’t do on land?

 

I love the ship and I go to be on the ocean, so most of my time is spent watching the ocean and what passes in it. I also like travelling on the ocean as opposed to ocean view hotel, but I like that too. I do enjoy the shows and watching people participate in the activities Carnival plans around the ship, but more so in a place I can still see the ocean. My dream is a 7 day no ports cruise. I will take a transatlantic one day.

 

Speaking to my wife, she agrees with several of you. She says when she reads a book at home there are several things in the back of her mind that she should be doing that nag at her, but when she reads a book on the cruise, there is absolutely nothing else that she has to do. So worry free relaxation.

[jwjax]

I have the genie system and the main receiver has the hard drive (the minis don’t). Honestly I’ve never tried to play the content stored on the hard drive without it being connected, but I don’t understand why it wouldn’t? If I get satellite fade during heavy rain or snow I simply watch stored content on the dvr. In that case there is no connection to the satellite right? Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You know, you are correct! When the sat signal is down (rarely), the DVR still functions....:) I guess the sat connection is for new content only . I admit, I have never tried taking my DVR and using it separately, but I guess it could? Although, I suppose one "could" tote the DVR on the ship ( or anywhere) and use it. :confused: If anyone has actually tried this, did it work??:confused:

[ParrotRob]

I have the genie system and the main receiver has the hard drive (the minis don’t). Honestly I’ve never tried to play the content stored on the hard drive without it being connected, but I don’t understand why it wouldn’t? If I get satellite fade during heavy rain or snow I simply watch stored content on the dvr. In that case there is no connection to the satellite right?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Ding ding we have a winner. You only need to connect to the satellite to bring content ONTO the DVR. Once it's there, you can play it back anywhere without a satellite connection. Now that said, my DirecTV DVR is a couple years old, there may be new cloud-based DVR's that don't store locally and may not allow portable content, but certainly traditional disk-based DVR's do, or otherwise, as Builder said you couldn't watch anything in the rain.

[ProgRockCruiser]

You know, you are correct! When the sat signal is down (rarely), the DVR still functions....:) I guess the sat connection is for new content only . I admit, I have never tried taking my DVR and using it separately, but I guess it could? Although, I suppose one "could" tote the DVR on the ship ( or anywhere) and use it. :confused: If anyone has actually tried this, did it work??:confused:

The way it works (or worked) with my DVR was that if it was powered up while connected to the cable company, then if the signal went away while still powered up it would play recorded content no problem. The issue was powering it up with no cable company with which to connect - it would simply refuse to operate (IIRC, it hung during the last part of boot-up).

 

It is possible that satellite providers have a different thought process, and allow the DVR to fully power up and operate without any signal as confirmation.

[ParrotRob]

The way it works (or worked) with my DVR was that if it was powered up while connected to the cable company, then if the signal went away while still powered up it would play recorded content no problem. The issue was powering it up with no cable company with which to connect - it would simply refuse to operate (IIRC, it hung during the last part of boot-up).

 

It is possible that satellite providers have a different thought process, and allow the DVR to fully power up and operate without any signal as confirmation.

 

The DirecTV receiver will sit there and hang forever at the "acquiring signal from satellite..." page. But if you hit the DirecTV button on the remote it will take you into the menu anyhow, from where you can watch recorded television. This still works on my DVR despite not having DIrecTV service in years.

[PlanoDebbie]

I don't believe you will be able to hook anything up to the TV in your room. If you really need to have some movies to watch in your cabin, I would suggest bringing a laptop that you've either downloaded some movies to, or at least a flash drive you can plug in to it.

[May1cruiser]

I am the OP. I noticed on the new ships they are adding USB in the rooms, I was not sure if that had connectivity.

 

For all the posters that are worried about my Tv habits, I do not usually watch TV at home, wake up on the ship to see the sunrise each day, and like to watch TV to take an afternoon nap that would never happen at home. I miss seeing Dr. Phil that some of you may have already been on that are worried about me watching TV on occasion while on a cruise. Just spent a week on Magic and got sick of repeating shows.

I have seen storage on DVRs that appear to be stand alone, but will not bother without connectivity.

Thank you to those with useful responses that have sailed the Vista.

[ProgRockCruiser]

The USBs are charging ports, no connectivity AFAIK.

[winddawn]

The title says it all. I am wondering if we can bring our own source of video and connect with the TV?

I cannot stand not having a source for regular Tv.

 

Congratulations on approaching platinum. It sounds like you've cruised enough to know how to enjoy your cruise. I also enjoy some down time in the cabin watching TV. Busy lives in the real world don't always allow for that luxury. I agree with the person who said your best bet is likely to be bringing a portable DVD player with some DVDs. It's kind of old school, but with Carnival's restrictive options it would be the most reliable and least hassle. On the plus side, portable DVD players are pretty cheap these days, or alternatively if you have a laptop with a DVD drive, that would work too.

 

Hope you have an enjoyable cruise.

[steveknj]

Just giving my 2 cents (which might be worth just that). The DIRECTTV DVRs are not cloud based and have an internal HD in the main unit (for those who have Genies and mini Genies). The Spectrum DVRs are probably cloud based and thus, without an internet connection you can't see anything.

 

Me personally, I wouldn't want to schlep around a big heavy DVR in my luggage to watch TV from. First of all, did I mention they are big and heavy? Second, at least with DirecTV they are leased and I have no idea what would happen if they break when not in their primary location. You could be out lots of bucks.

 

So there are alternatives. One, is that DirecTV has an app where you can actually download stuff for offline viewing. So you can watch via your phone or tablet and you MAY be able to buy and HDMI cable that can work with your device (I know I had a tablet once that actually had an HDMI port on it, but there are adapters you can get which allow you to hook up your device to HDMI. There are certainly USB-C to HDMI adapters available. Of course if the inputs are disabled, then you're stuck.

 

Another option, and this is what I will probably do, is, the various streaming services offer the ability to download content to watch offline. So I have movies and shows that I'd like to watch, I'll download and watch on the cruise. The only limitation is the amount of space you have on your device.

[Krystm]

So I am gonna be the other guy, the (Outside the box guy)..... I have my reasons... FIGHT ME if you want (jokes here). However, My Wife and I usually spend a night or two in the room ordering room service and watching stuff off my tablet. This upcoming cruise... I am bringing a projector.... YEAH you heard me....

 

So here's the deal, NORMALLY projectors do have a high draw on electrical, they are also usually bulky and problematic. I would NEVER use a device that has a high power draw on a cruise ship let alone one that would be running for more than a few min. BUT welcome in new tech and LED Projectors that are PICO Size! This is a small factor projector that can be as small as a DVD case or in my case a Stephen King book. Depending on what you get, you could even get a battery powered one or powered off USB which means super lower power use and draw.

 

For about $90 on amazon you can get a projector that has HDMI inputs or even USB (if you "rip" your own content :/ ) they have VERY LOW power draw (even the ones you plug in - the one I got pulls about 2 amps which is just over charging an ipad or similar) and being small they are easy to travel with. Quality.... EH not going to be as great as a full 4K high power projector.. but for a cabin its gonna be more than enough. Bringing a Tripod to put it on and strong magnets and hang a sheet.

 

BOOM - My own content on a much bigger screen....

 

Yeah, it "SEEMS" like a lot of work.. honestly it's not. I will be using one plug for the projector and a tripod. The USB Drive will be preloaded with my shows / movies, the speaker in the projector works pretty well and I can also output to a small battery powered BT speaker that I have with (Aux in) I already bring the magnet hooks so just ask for another sheet.

 

Again I know why would I even do this, it's a cruise enjoy the trip etc... but we like to enjoy the room some nights and have room service! Sometimes we take naps with the TV On... with the new "channel lineup" and the quality of the tv broadcasts this is going to be way better and always be packed with us.

Edited February 28, 2018 by Krystm

[lcpagejr]

So I am gonna be the other guy, the (Outside the box guy)..... I have my reasons... FIGHT ME if you want (jokes here). However, My Wife and I usually spend a night or two in the room ordering room service and watching stuff off my tablet. This upcoming cruise... I am bringing a projector.... YEAH you heard me....

 

So here's the deal, NORMALLY projectors do have a high draw on electrical, they are also usually bulky and problematic. I would NEVER use a device that has a high power draw on a cruise ship let alone one that would be running for more than a few min. BUT welcome in new tech and LED Projectors that are PICO Size! This is a small factor projector that can be as small as a DVD case or in my case a Stephen King book. Depending on what you get, you could even get a battery powered one or powered off USB which means super lower power use and draw.

 

For about $90 on amazon you can get a projector that has HDMI inputs or even USB (if you "rip" your own content :/ ) they have VERY LOW power draw (even the ones you plug in - the one I got pulls about 2 amps which is just over charging an ipad or similar) and being small they are easy to travel with. Quality.... EH not going to be as great as a full 4K high power projector.. but for a cabin its gonna be more than enough. Bringing a Tripod to put it on and strong magnets and hang a sheet.

 

BOOM - My own content on a much bigger screen....

 

Yeah, it "SEEMS" like a lot of work.. honestly it's not. I will be using one plug for the projector and a tripod. The USB Drive will be preloaded with my shows / movies, the speaker in the projector works pretty well and I can also output to a small battery powered BT speaker that I have with (Aux in) I already bring the magnet hooks so just ask for another sheet.

 

Again I know why would I even do this, it's a cruise enjoy the trip etc... but we like to enjoy the room some nights and have room service! Sometimes we take naps with the TV On... with the new "channel lineup" and the quality of the tv broadcasts this is going to be way better and always be packed with us.

 

Wow...very ingenius. At the same time....I personally do not value TV anywhere near that and I am a sports fanatic!! When we are on vacation....only time in cabin is to get dressed and sleep....For those few times I'm sitting on couch waiting on my wife..there is enough options with the Carnival stations, view from bridge, map of where were going, and those other channels to keep me occupied for 20-30 min.....Either that or I will kill time in the Casino lol

[famof4togo]

Wow..and I'm impressed when my hubby remembers to pack his toothbrush without my help lol....I can't imagine a hubby this organized...I don't live in that world lol

[Krystm]

Wow...very ingenius. At the same time....I personally do not value TV anywhere near that and I am a sports fanatic!! When we are on vacation....only time in cabin is to get dressed and sleep....For those few times I'm sitting on couch waiting on my wife..there is enough options with the Carnival stations, view from bridge, map of where were going, and those other channels to keep me occupied for 20-30 min.....Either that or I will kill time in the Casino lol

 

Yeah, its not that we "HAVE" to have TV or even our own content or anything. We usually just bring the tablet anyways that's loaded with shows and stuff. Just wanted to take it to the next level. It's a godsend if you get seasick or feel bad enough that you have to stay in the cabin. It works for us, obviously it's not for everyone and I am sure some people are going to be shocked at my idea or even appalled lol. But Hey! It's my cruise I can do what I want (within reason).

[Toofarfromthesea]

Let me start by saying, I agree that people can do whatever they want on a cruise, it is their cruise.

 

I am very interested though in the reasoning of people who seem to do things on a cruise that they can do on land much cheaper. If you like just reading a book, watching TV, drinking to excess, playing cards, working on a puzzle. Why spend the money on a cruise to do this?

 

Uh, because they like other things about the cruise. What should someone eschew something they enjoy just because they are on vacation? You can eat cheaper on land than on a cruise so why spend money on a cruise to eat? See how ridiculous that sounds?

[PrettyPenny7]

Let me start by saying, I agree that people can do whatever they want on a cruise, it is their cruise.

 

I am very interested though in the reasoning of people who seem to do things on a cruise that they can do on land much cheaper. If you like just reading a book, watching TV, drinking to excess, playing cards, working on a puzzle. Why spend the money on a cruise to do this?

 

I mean... what SHOULD one be doing on a cruise, in order to justify the cost? Is laying in the sun drinking margaritas all day not a reasonable choice on a cruise, simply because I can do that at home on my deck on a Saturday? :rolleyes:

[coevan]

whatever they want to