First time DirecTV questions

[lefty1973]

I am getting DirecTV for the first time. I have been looking at all the receivers and I am not sure which one to purchase. Which brands are best? Hughes, RCA...? I am curious to know which have the best menus and remotes and what are the pros and cons of each brand. Thank you. :)

[durl]

It will probably come down to personal taste. There's quite a bit of variety out there right now. I can at least give you my preferences and tell you why:

I've had Sony receivers ever since I got into Directv about 7 years ago. I went with them originally because I had been very happy with other Sony products (I had a Sony Vaio computer at the time). I started with basic receivers but I've upgraded a couple of times. I like Sony menus because they're very easy to use and have a nice appearance on the screen. The remote is laid out very intuitively so you can just "feel" your way around it and know what you're hitting. The picture quality has always been very good and the processors are quick so there's no delays when navigating. I've never been disappointed with any of their receivers.

I would suggest thinking about features are important for you to have on the unit. Do you need a timer? Do you want multiple signal outputs? Do you want to be able to keep a channel visible in the background while you surf for another? Do you want dolby digital? HD? Just a few basic questions to get you started.

[HarryD]

Check out the Hughes model recvs before you go anywhere near the RCAs. I have both and my Hughes GAEBOA unit rocks. It stores 3 days of guide data (the newer model I think goes to 7 days) and response time is super quick. Also the Hughes remote is vastly superior to the RCA.

[Karl Foster]

I'd agree with Harry. I have a standard RCA receiver (non-PVR) and it is adequate, but there are better ones out there. Their remotes are very weak. I have had to replace the ones on my RCA Ultimatetv units several times as they have worn out. Perhaps I watch too much tv :D

[LarryS]

I'd highly recommend looking into a DirectTivo rather than a basic receiver. At $99 or less this is a great bargain. All the DirectTivo are pretty much the same differing only in chassis style and color. The advantages of Tivo are huge!!

[Neutron]

I'd agree with Harry. I have a standard RCA receiver (non-PVR) and it is adequate, but there are better ones out there. Their remotes are very weak. I have had to replace the ones on my RCA Ultimatetv units several times as they have worn out. Perhaps I watch too much tv :D


I have 2 RCA standard receivers. I agree the remotes suck, but I like the way I have picture in guide when surfing the guide. Just like I had on DISH. I just got my Directivo installed. Samsung SIR-4040R.

[Link]

I am getting DirecTV for the first time. I have been looking at all the receivers and I am not sure which one to purchase. Which brands are best? Hughes, RCA...? I am curious to know which have the best menus and remotes and what are the pros and cons of each brand. Thank you. :)

I have a Hughes regular receiver and it seems to have a lot of features including caller ID display. The guide is color coded for type of program it is.

[Mark Holtz]

The Hughes HBH-SA hold 7 days of program data, while the HAH-SA holds 14 days of program data.

[fareal]

Definitely look into getting DirecTivo instead of a regular receiver.

[Neutron]

Definitely look into getting DirecTivo instead of a regular receiver.


The Dtivo is an awesome machine. You will love it.

[jdspencer]

Another vote for the DirecTV DVR here.