If you have a windows 7 computer you can see the same items. But you cant play them without the direct tv software. Just because you can see the files does not meen you can do aything with them.
Directv may show up, but you won't be able to view the files. I believe that the reason you see it as a "media server" is for the app they have to view your dvr content on your computer. I just got rid of directv and noticed this same thing.