HR20 vs HR21

[RNB]

I've had the HR20-700 for awhile. Have had occasional issues with lip-synch and needs to reset, but no other major complaints. I just got a new DVR for a different room. Installer brought the HR21 and said it was better for lip-synch issues which sometimes happed with HR20. He also said HR21 is superior & HR20s are on the way out, which I can't seem to validate online anywhere. Been doing some reading and it seems HR20-700 may still be better for other purposes like new On Demand & DVR scheduler and that it seems to be here to stay. Before I swap my 1st HR20 for a new HR21, can anyone offer advice? I'm new to this site, so thanks in advance!

[litzdog911]

Welcome to DBSTalk. The HR21 is essentially the same as the HR20, but it does not include off-air ATSC/HDTV tuners. You will probably have a hard time finding another HR20.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Welcome to DBSTalk

The HR20-700 is no longer being made but the HR20-100 is.

The HR20's and the HR21's are the same unit except:

- The HR20 has an OTA and the HR21 does not.

- The HR21 has a 2nd ethernet connection that can be used as a two port network switch and the HR20 does not.

- The HR21 is black and the HR20 is silver.

Other than that they are the same units with the same functions.

[RNB]

Thanks for rapid replies! Wow, what a great site with helpful folks! So DirecTV sent me a brand new HR20-700 (to replace the one I have had with its occasional lip-synch isues). So I guess they still have these 700s in circulation. Now I'm hoping I'm not missing out on anything by installing another 700 vs. the new HR20-100 you mentioned. (And since you all indicated I don't need to bother with HR21).This is a bit maddening....not YOU people, just the lack of model info and status of the models from DirecTV.

[Stuart Sweet]

As far as DIRECTV is concerned, there is just one DIRECTV+ HD DVR. Sure there are three different manufacturers and some have OTA and some don't but it in the end they are functionally equivalent. When AM21 comes out there will be no difference between the four, at least no difference that is meaningful to most people.

[4yanx]

The "fact" that the HR20 and HR21 are equal is some what misleading at this point in time. While they might be technically equal (other than OTA), they are not functionally equal in practical terms (at least not YET). The software currently available for the HR20 allows a host of features which the software currently available for the HR21 does not allow. I understand that feature incorporation has progressed much more quickly than that previously experienced for the HR20, they are still not functional equivalents. I mention this only so that if you have an HR21 installed and suddenly find that you do not have the DoD, 30sec skip, etc., etc. features that you had expected, you will not be unduly disappointed and will understand that patience is required in the interim while the software release for the HR 21 "catches up". ;) :)

[Thaedron]

The "fact" that the HR20 and HR21 are equal is some what misleading at this point in time. While they might be technically equal (other than OTA), they are not functionally equal in practical terms (at least not YET). The software currently available for the HR20 allows a host of features which the software currently available for the HR21 does not allow. I understand that feature incorporation has progressed much more quickly than that previously experienced for the HR20, they are still not functional equivalents. I mention this only so that if you have an HR21 installed and suddenly find that you do not have the DoD, 30sec skip, etc., etc. features that you had expected, you will not be unduly disappointed and will understand that patience is required in the interim while the software release for the HR 21 "catches up". ;) :)

The fact (no quotes) that the HR20 and HR21 platforms are functionally equivalent is 100% correct. The fact that there current NR software versions are not the same is a temporary situation that DirecTV is working to rectify. No, I'm not a fanboy, if you don't believe me, I refer you to the CE forum.

[4yanx]

The fact (no quotes) that the HR20 and HR21 platforms are functionally equivalent is 100% correct. The fact that there current NR software versions are not the same is a temporary situation that DirecTV is working to rectify. No, I'm not a fanboy, if you don't believe me, I refer you to the CE forum.

Lighten up. They do NOT functionally perform the same at this point. Period. That is all I was saying and also trying to prepare the OP, who asks an honest question, that even though he/she may hear that the two units are identical, they don't perform that way currently, the realization of which may avoid disappointment. Believe me, I look forward to the point at which they DO functionally perform equally as I have an HR21, too.

And, yes, I've visited the CE thread in a participatory way.

[Thaedron]

Lighten up. They do NOT functionally perform the same at this point. Period. That is all I was saying and also trying to prepare the OP, who asks an honest question, that even though he/she may hear that the two units are identical, they don't perform that way currently, the realization of which may avoid disappointment. Believe me, I look forward to the point at which they DO functionally perform equally as I have an HR21, too.

And, yes, I've visited the CE thread in a participatory way.

No lightening needed, thanks though.

You are merely talking about the unit as a whole. I am differentiationg HW and SW.

Here is a very accurate assessment of the current state:
1 - The HW platforms are functionally equivalent other than the lack of OTA tuners in the HR21 units (and this is only until the AM21 starts shipping).
2 - The SW versions are not currently the same, but they will be very soon.

What about my statements here or previously can you identify as not correct information?

[Stuart Sweet]

While it's true that HR21s are a little behind in software, trust me that is a very temporary thing. See our Cutting Edge forum for more information.

[inazsully]

The fact (no quotes) that the HR20 and HR21 platforms are functionally equivalent is 100% correct. The fact that there current NR software versions are not the same is a temporary situation that DirecTV is working to rectify. No, I'm not a fanboy, if you don't believe me, I refer you to the CE forum.

I guess it all depends on how you define "temporary". I was hoping that lip-sync issues was temporary and was told that" D" is working to rectify it. That was 15 months ago and it still plagues my HR20-100.

[Thaedron]

I guess it all depends on how you define "temporary". I was hoping that lip-sync issues was temporary and was told that" D" is working to rectify it. That was 15 months ago and it still plagues my HR20-100.

There is sufficient tangible evidence that the SW release versions on the two platforms is converging VERY quickly.

Lip-sync is a whole other issue, has a lot more variability and most likely a "tougher nut to crack".

[4yanx]

No lightening needed, thanks though.

You are merely talking about the unit as a whole. I am differentiationg HW and SW.

Here is a very accurate assessment of the current state:
1 - The HW platforms are functionally equivalent other than the lack of OTA tuners in the HR21 units (and this is only until the AM21 starts shipping).
2 - The SW versions are not currently the same, but they will be very soon.

What about my statements here or previously can you identify as not correct information?

Merely? :lol: That is what the OP was asking about. I am saying (and have said) that CURRENTLY the two do not perform equally and to say they are exactly the same CURRENTLY is misleading to new users regarding CURRENTLY available features as based on what some folks say here and what D* lists on their site. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is so hard to understand about that or how it in any way is inaccurate since it is blatantly obvious to any user. I have said now TWICE that it is a temporary issue, only to have people come back again with the disclaimer that that they are the same unit and that the DIFFERENCES are only temporary. As for your hang-up about functionality, please consider the meaning of functionality. They do not currently perform on a functionally equal basis. Period. This CANNOT be argued against with any credibility. Having the POTENTIAL to perform with equal functionality does not make it so. Besides, did I say that the two were unequal and would always be thus? This is what I've said all along - that there ARE currently differences which ARE temporary. Why take issue with that? Yes, I'd say either lightening or making an effort to understand what is actually written and not what you think you hear is well in order. With that, I will happily watch my programming until my HR21 becomes the realized functional equivalent of my neighbors HR20. You are welcome to the last word if you so desire.

[Sackett]

I called D* on Friday to upgrade my R15 to another HR2X box. They were able to drop ship it to me. I received it on Saturday and it was an HR20-700 (on the box it did say this is a refurbished unit).

[Thaedron]

Before I swap my 1st HR20 for a new HR21, can anyone offer advice? I'm new to this site, so thanks in advance!

For a new installation, unless you need OTA tuners between now and when the AM21 is released for the HR21, I would personally choose to get an HR21. That's what I would recommend as well. But you're not asking for a new install, but rather to "replace" a working HR20 with an HR21. Personally, I wouldn't do anything unless the existing unit is starting to malfunction.