Having a DirecTV box connected to a phone line has never been a requirement. I have one of my DirecTV DVR's that I bought in 2001 that has only been connected to the phone line initially when I got it. It still works just fine without the phone line connected. In fact it works better than one of the newer boxes I have. As far as Beck going on to something new have any of you ever noticed how Glenn lusts and drools over BOR's time slot?
Roger that! I disconnected mine when I went to IP phone. Use wireless in the house so all of the hard line jacks are just wall decorations now.