How to Set Your DVR From a Remote Location

by Patrick Nelson, Demand Media

Choosing an app is a good solution.

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Television providers like those that deliver programming by cable, DSL Internet and satellite have been introducing remote scheduling solutions as a way to add value. The remote schedulers are sometimes incorporated into a phone app -- like those apps download to Android or Apple devices -- or are Web-based interfaces that you can browse to using a regular Web browser on a computer or a mobile Web browser on a phone. All of the solutions require some kind of connectivity at your remote location. Setting your DVR can be accomplished with the interfaces.

Step 1

Find the most convenient type of device to set up with your DVR. An app is a good solution if you are mobile a lot and like the convenience of being able to schedule recordings from almost anywhere. Be aware that this solution is a bit more fiddly that a fully-fledged Web browser solution. You also need a data plan and a smartphone.

Step 2

Browse to the website for your DVR supplier and investigate the solutions offered. Not all television providers offer all solutions, and not all DVRs can accept the schedule push. For example, DIRECTV's scheduler requires the Plus DVR (models R15, R16, R22), DIRECTV Plus HD DVR (models HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23) or TiVo Series 2 receivers with 6.4a software to work. Upgrade your DVR if necessary.

Step 3

Download any applicable apps to your phone. Android users should search for the app via the Market in the App Drawer on the phone. For example, enter the search term "AT&T; U-verse" to find AT&T;'s DVR scheduler. Then click on "Install."

Step 4

Register for the service and sign-in. Often, you will be presented with an online TV listings page, similar to the listings that you see on the DVR itself. Select the show you want to record and press a "Record" or "R" button. The schedule will be pushed to your DVR.

Tips & Warnings

  • Sometimes the remote scheduling isn't as full-featured as the on-DVR schedule. For example, not all give you the opportunity to schedule the recording of an entire season of shows. Watch out for any anomalies like that.

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References

  • AT&T;: How can I record programs on my U-verse DVR via the Internet?
  • DIRECTV: DVR Service

About the Author

Patrick Nelson has been a professional writer since 1992. He was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication "Producer Report" and has written for a number of technology blogs. Nelson studied design at Hornsey Art School.

Photo Credits

  • Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images