Need some advice...make the leap to HD?

[whaler}3]

I've been with D* since 1998. Cut the cable and never looked back.

I currently have a HDVR2 DirecTIVO unit, which I love. Though after having it for about 6 years, it looks like my hard drive is on it's way out.:(

I'm at a crossroads here, do I invest the $$ in putting a new HD in the the older TIVO unit, or should I take the plunge and head for the DirecTV HD-DVR (HR20/21)?

After reading through a a lot of the posts on here, it seems like I may regret it. I've never really had any troubles with my HDVR2, and it sounds like the DirectTV DVR is nothing but trouble.

I guess the issue at hand is I don't want to lay out $300 for the HR20/21, only to dust off my old HDVR2 in months time because the HD DVR is more trouble than it's worth.

This is my first post, so I hope this hasn't already been covered. I did some searching, and couldn't find the answers I needed, so don't flame me if I screwed up!:)

[convem24]

I've been with D* since 1998. Cut the cable and never looked back.

I currently have a HDVR2 DirecTIVO unit, which I love. Though after having it for about 6 years, it looks like my hard drive is on it's way out.:(

I'm at a crossroads here, do I invest the $$ in putting a new HD in the the older TIVO unit, or should I take the plunge and head for the DirecTV HD-DVR (HR20/21)?

After reading through a a lot of the posts on here, it seems like I may regret it. I've never really had any troubles with my HDVR2, and it sounds like the DirectTV DVR is nothing but trouble.

I guess the issue at hand is I don't want to lay out $300 for the HR20/21, only to dust off my old HDVR2 in months time because the HD DVR is more trouble than it's worth.

This is my first post, so I hope this hasn't already been covered. I did some searching, and couldn't find the answers I needed, so don't flame me if I screwed up!:)

I used to have a DIRECTivo but I did make the jump to the HR21 which has worked out fine for me. You might get a good deal from D* since it sounds like you have a customer for a while. The install going to HD is free (they have to replace the current dish you have with a 5 LNB). I love the HR21 (it is not a tivo) but you get similar functionality to Tivo (series recording capability, search feature that is similar to wish list). My HR21 works great with no problems. Plus if you want the additional HD channels the HR20/HR21 are the only options. Typically the problems are a small percentage. Good luck either way.

[Galley]

Use the HR20 for awhile and you may not miss your TiVo at all. I don't.

[chris0]

If you have an HD TV or are getting one soon it's a no-brainer: upgrade!

[warriorking]

Once you go HD you will ask yourself why did I wait so long....I cannot even watch SD without quickly turning it off, you then realise just how bad it really was....Get HD .....You won't regret it.....

[Indiana627]

After reading through a a lot of the posts on here, it seems like I may regret it. I've never really had any troubles with my HDVR2, and it sounds like the DirectTV DVR is nothing but trouble.
Remember a lot of the posts here are going to be from people with questions/problems. Most users who don't have a problem aren't going to seek this site out. So the amount of seemingly negative posts are skewed and not reflective of all users. I too made the jump from the Directv Tivo interface to the HR20 this summer and love it.

[whaler}3]

Remember a lot of the posts here are going to be from people with questions/problems. Most users who don't have a problem aren't going to seek this site out. So the amount of seemingly negative posts are skewed and not reflective of all users.

Damn, that's a great point!! (Wish I had thought of that)

We've had an HD set for over a year now, so all I need to do is upgrade the D* equipment.

If you need me, I'll be in front of the mirror like Dinero from "Taxi Driver", practicing my haggling skills for when I call D* to get the upgrade.

I'm not going to pay a lot for this muffler"

[Stuart Sweet]

Go for it, you will find that the added quality is well worth the learning curve.

[Greg Alsobrook]

Go for it, you will find that the added quality is well worth the learning curve.

+1 ... couldn't imagine not having all this HD !!! :D

[Canis Lupus]

Just as you "cut the cable" many years ago to go with D*, you'll do exactly the same to SD when you go HD. I'll bet there are many many users here who, like me, only watch SD when they absolutely have to. Once those programs go to HD, the cord will be completely cut. I say go for it, and from my experience, the HR-20 DVRs are great. I have 2.

[n3ntj]

I say take the plunge. The HR20 had some issues earlier this year, but with the help of the beta testers, D* has really improved this unit. Its now a very nice HD DVR.

[msmith]

It's worth it for the new HD channels.

Having said that, I miss my Suggestions.

[tonyd79]

Whaler, go for it.

You may have problems (some systems/people seem to be cursed) but you probably won't.

You can't judge systems just by problems posted. If you did, and you went to tivocommunity, you would never have gotten your tivo!

Look around and you will see that most of the posting here has been about programming (hockey threads galore and HD, HD, HD) and enhancements (CE forum). Problems exist but are not the lifeblood of this forum.

[dshu82]

Inital HR20 had some issues (for me) and D* replaced after some good quotes / verbiage from all I learned from the experts here.

New addition to the family today: New HR21-700.

Both have been working very well

[Doug Brott]

whaler}3,

It's time .. As has already been said, you'll only be asking yourself why you didn't do it earlier ..

[putty469]

My sister-in-law loves her DirecTIVO until they came over to watch an NFL game in HD. She immediately asked for the remote and gave herself a tour and programmed a couple shows. So, moral of the story is that the HR-2* has some shortcomings (and face it, this board attracts 90% complaints and 10% kudos) but the HD offering is very nice.

My personal opinion is that HD content more than makes up for any shortcomings. D* also continues to release CE's even during the end of year "lull" that most companies observe. My cable company released one update in two years for their new DVR. Now go sign up!

[FHSPSU67]

Easiest question ever asked on dbstalk! Yes, take the leap and you'll never be sorry!

[K4SMX]

Hook up an inexpensive indoor OTA antenna to that HDTV there in Rochester, if it has a built-in ATSC tuner, and see how you like your network TV in HD. You'll be on the phone with DirecTV the next day. My impression is that long-time customers with failing SD DVR's can get pretty good deals on the HD-DVR upgrade. As others have said, there are some problems, but people don't report non-problems. I have three HD-DVR's and have never had a problem with any of them. Your biggest hurdle will be to get a good quality 5 LNB dish and cabling installation and alignment, and you can get a lot of help here as to what results should be expected.

[Canis Lupus]

Deal-sealer. ;)

Hook up an inexpensive indoor OTA antenna to that HDTV there in Rochester, if it has a built-in ATSC tuner, and see how you like your network TV in HD. You'll be on the phone with DirecTV the next day.

[Pink Fairy]

I've been with D* since 1998. Cut the cable and never looked back.

I currently have a HDVR2 DirecTIVO unit, which I love. Though after having it for about 6 years, it looks like my hard drive is on it's way out.:(

I'm at a crossroads here, do I invest the $$ in putting a new HD in the the older TIVO unit, or should I take the plunge and head for the DirecTV HD-DVR (HR20/21)?

After reading through a a lot of the posts on here, it seems like I may regret it. I've never really had any troubles with my HDVR2, and it sounds like the DirectTV DVR is nothing but trouble.

I guess the issue at hand is I don't want to lay out $300 for the HR20/21, only to dust off my old HDVR2 in months time because the HD DVR is more trouble than it's worth.

This is my first post, so I hope this hasn't already been covered. I did some searching, and couldn't find the answers I needed, so don't flame me if I screwed up!:)

And in case any one else has not said it, :welcome_s to the forums!

[cowart]

I'm at a crossroads here, do I invest the $$ in putting a new HD in the the older TIVO unit, or should I take the plunge and head for the DirecTV HD-DVR (HR20/21)?

You could do both - hard drives are very cheap right now. Put a big HD in the old unit, and use it for SD recording/archiving and as a backup to important recordings. Use the HR2_ as the main unit.

[Fuzzybear]

Go HD!