Why does my directv reciever turn itself off?

Question

For some reason, they receivers we have all turn themselves off at least once a day, usually on the change of a half hour (10:00, 11:30, etc.) I doubt it's a loss of signal, because it affects each box at different times and during storms the boxes don't shut off. Basically, why does this happen and does it happen to anyone else?

It's not a fancy set, we got all of them 3 or 5 years ago. Before they had even DirecTV+Tivo, the new remotes, or HD. Would upgrading the boxes solve the problem? How much does it cost to do so?

Answer 1

Call direct tv and tell them your problem. If you have been a loyal customer to them they should replace your problematic receivers. Good luck.

Answer 2

Look in the manual.

There may be a setting in which it turns itself off to download updates and guide information. I have a Dish HD DVR. I set mine to download and update at 3am. I know yours is directv and is older and not the latest generation but it may have this feature also. As far as upgrading. Don't upgrade to HD unless you have an HDTV. You will only know the cost associated for sure if you contact Dish or Directv. Always threaten to cancel and speak to someone in customer retention to if you don't get any cooperation. If that does not work, switch over to Dish. I actually get the same programming for about 5 dollars a month less than I got with directv. As far as quality. They are essentially the same.