Should I use HR21 or HR20? [Archive]

jordunn

10-28-07, 07:05 PM

I have had many problems with my installation and new system (New Customer from TWC). I was first given a HR20-100 and today because it was bad, I was switched to a HR21-700 (only box installer had). Which as everyone knows, does not have OTA capabilities. I have been given the option to replace my HR21 with an HR20 by D*. This seems like the best thing to do. Does anyone have any reasons on why to keep the HR21? Will it have more capability down the road?

hdtvfan0001

10-28-07, 07:24 PM

I have had many problems with my installation and new system (New Customer from TWC). I was first given a HR20-100 and today because it was bad, I was switched to a HR21-700 (only box installer had). Which as everyone knows, does not have OTA capabilities. I have been given the option to replace my HR21 with an HR20 by D*. This seems like the best thing to do. Does anyone have any reasons on why to keep the HR21? Will it have more capability down the road?
It has dual network connections, which you may use in the future...but otherwise, the HR21-700 is the same as the HR20 series, except it has not OTA.

If you desire or require OTA, suggest you go with the HR20, if not, suggest you go with the HR21.

mauijiminar

10-28-07, 08:53 PM

Same thing happend to me. I only got the HR-20 becasue I cant get HD locals yet.

Stuart Sweet

10-29-07, 07:23 AM

I think those who need OTA will be very happy with either model of HR20. Those who do not will probably enjoy the HR21's shiny black finish and network passthrough (not a whole lot of difference otherwise).

Rolando42

10-30-07, 05:41 AM

I think those who need OTA will be very happy with either model of HR20. Those who do not will probably enjoy the HR21's shiny black finish and network passthrough (not a whole lot of difference otherwise).

In my opinion, the OTA tuner in the HR20 is worthless. With my H20, I can point the antenna in one direction and get all major networks in HD. With the HR20, I have to fiddle with the rotor for every channel separately and even then the signal pixelates and the audio drops out. I finally gave up and bought a Samsung OTA tuner and can now enjoy all channels without touching my rotor.

jtn

10-30-07, 05:46 AM

In my opinion, the OTA tuner in the HR20 is worthless. With my H20, I can point the antenna in one direction and get all major networks in HD. With the HR20, I have to fiddle with the rotor for every channel separately and even then the signal pixelates and the audio drops out. I finally gave up and bought a Samsung OTA tuner and can now enjoy all channels without touching my rotor.

Both my HR20 units are wonderful I get 26 OTA stations just fine without needing to use a rotor I do have. Wish you were having better luck.

Stuart Sweet

10-30-07, 07:26 AM

I have noticed the OTA tuner in the HR20 is not as good as my TVs but as said before I'm surprised I get anything at all.

jtn

10-30-07, 07:29 AM

I have noticed the OTA tuner in the HR20 is not as good as my TVs but as said before I'm surprised I get anything at all.

Perhaps newer digital tuners in the televisions are stronger than the current tuners in the HR20 model.

LlamaLarry

10-30-07, 08:43 AM

etwork passthrough Don't think I have spotted this in the threads I've been reading while awaiting my install. Does the passthrough allow me to effectively daisychain another ethernet device off of the HR21? I already have two lines of ethernet running to my living room wall plate and was already moaning 3 more runs of coax, phone and another ethernet.

MikeR

10-30-07, 08:48 AM

Does the passthrough allow me to effectively daisychain another ethernet device off of the HR21?

Yes.

LlamaLarry

10-30-07, 08:58 AM

Thanks, Mike. Seems like kind of a weird feature, even if it saves me 25 feet of ethernet cable. Since the installer does not run ethernet for the install, I don't see how it benefits DirecTV.

MikeR

10-30-07, 09:03 AM

Doesn't save Directv anything...may help with MRV implementation. It does save the user from purchasing another ethernet bridge/adapter if they are using more than 1 HD DVR at the same location, or in a "media
center cabinet".

Daisy chain application (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1219070&postcount=32)

mhayes70

10-30-07, 09:13 AM

I have noticed the OTA tuner in the HR20 is not as good as my TVs but as said before I'm surprised I get anything at all.

I have noticed the samething. I can get St. Louis locals fine with the OTA. I am about 55 miles SE of St. Louis. But, I have trouble picking up stations about 70 South of me with my HR20. But, if I use the tuner on the TV. I can get them in fine.

islesfan

10-30-07, 09:24 AM

I have found the HR21 to be much more stable. For example, I don't have to reboot the HR21 every 3-5 days to get Media Share back (in fact, I never have to reboot the HR21 regarding Media Share).

harsh

10-30-07, 09:31 AM

Those who do not will probably enjoy the HR21's shiny black finish and network passthrough (not a whole lot of difference otherwise).A couple of questions:

1. What is network passthrough (the implication is that it is a two port switch)?

2. The tighter integration and chillier design of the HR21 should make it more reliable, no?

I was under the impression that at least with the H21, the second Ethernet port was inert.

MikeR

10-30-07, 09:55 AM

1. Yes. BCM 5325 Ethernet Switch (http://www.broadcom.com/collateral/pb/5325-PB05-R.pdf)

2. It should.