New DirecTV HD receiver

[Rook]

Here's the deal-

I'm about to switch from E* to D*

I think I've worked out a pretty good deal with a dealer for a 5 room setup including the following

1 New DIRECTV DTC210 HD Receiver

3 Hughes SD-DVR40 35 hr. DVR

1 Hughes Director SD-HBH

3LNB, 18x24 dish

5x8 switch


Like I said, I think I'm getting a good price, but I'm concerned about the new HD receivers that DirecTV is shipping out. With limited experience out there, it's tough to get a gauge on how reliable it'll be. The dealer told me they could swap the 360 (he has some of these left in stock), but they don't like selling them due to all the issuses with it. And they have ceased selling the Hughes HD-HTL's. According to them, all dealers can only order the new D* boxes. Once all dealers are out of their current inventory, that's it.

They are currently testing the feature sets of the new box, so couldn't give me an honest read.

But, I need to make the jump in time for pre-season football.

What do you think, should I take the leap of faith that DirecTV is putting out a superior product, or should I go with the 360 knowing the issues with it?

Suggestions?

Rook

[Rook]

Here's the release notes on the new box:

New DIRECTV DTC210 HD Receiver for Local & DIRECTV programming

Here's the latest DIRECTV HD Set top Box

Multi-platform capability provides access to high-definition and standard programming available from DIRECTV plus over-the-air ATSC and NTSC broadcasts. DVI-HDTV with HDCP (digital content protection) allows transmission of uncompressed digital video signals from a set-top box to a digital TV. For optimal signal transmission, the unit includes Y-Pr-Pb(2H) discrete component video outputs. Start enjoying high-definition program today with this DIRECTV High-Definition Receiver.
Product Features:

Multi-Platform Capability, out puts HD and SD simultaneously

DVI Output with HDCP (DVI cable included)

Component Video Output

Dolby Digital™ Sound Capability (coaxial and optical)

Universal RF/IR Remote with illuminated device keys*

One-Button Record (VCR control)

On-Screen Caller ID Capability* (Requires Caller ID service form your phone company)



Product Dimensions: Weight: Price:
3.25" H x 16.5" W x 12" D 12.41 Lbs. New Subscribers $299.99 Existing DIRECTV subscribers $399.99

[LonghornXP]

HD box is a good bet. Well All I will say is that if you got your deal for under 650 with multiswitch and installation you did the same as DirecTV would offer you. If your below 650 bucks upfront you made a good deal and depending on how low you go you could be great deal status. Now you will enjoy this box because it outputs both HD (Component Video or DVI not both) and SD (S-Video or Composite) so if you ever get a DVD Recorder you can record a show in SD while watching it in HDTV. You would be suprised how many people use this feature. I miss this very much on my Zenith SAT-520 but enjoy this on my HD Tivo with my DVD Recorder.

[Marcus S]

The DTC-210 will ship soon. I am unaware of availability yet... The majority of D* "HD" receivers have suffered from audio dropouts with the exception of the Toshiba DST-3100, which lacks some features. While manuf's of these receivers, excluding Toshiba, have sent upgrades recently to troubled boxes, the problem has not gone away entirely. Am puzzled why a no thrills Toshiba, but defect free, was limited manuf and not reborn with at least a full function remote.

I would wait for DTC-210 general availability and see what others report before jumping onto the new, latest, and greatest band wagon. "If we have not learned anything from E*'s new equipment deployments, then we have learned nothing."

I am not making a recommendation, but no longer fond of RCA who you cannot reach 24x7 because whatever the product is, it was manuf'd for them by someone else, no clue, nor do they easily offer up who the OEM was. Just for kicks, call the RCA customer service number and attempt to navigate to support for any RCA DBS product. "Transfering your call..." -Click, dial tone. Email, generic response, "call us". Unfortunalty, Philips/ Magnavox is now the same as well. -lol-

[Rook]

Thanks for the thoughts, I'm teetering because the deal is even better than you suggested Longhorn, but I hate buying anything without signifcant reviews out there.


I guess I could always request the Toshiba within 30 days, right?

[Marcus S]

The DST-3100 is now scarce. You can probably find one on Ebay or wait to see what new owners of the DTC-210 have to say, but at least read the reviews, and/or post a question, and decide for yourself. Typically, number of replies indicate a problem, number of views indicate interest.

HD Hardware Discussion (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?forumid=25)
HD Hardware Reviews (http://gearviews.avsforum.com/showcat.php?cat=29)

[Rook]

Well, I did it.

My 210 shipped out yesterday. I guess I'm the guinea pig :)

And I meant the Sammy after 30 days, not the Tosh (brain fart).

I'l be sure to report back...

[Sonnie Parker]

Here's a little longer list of features for the DTC210:

HD component video outputs

Supports satellites A(101 degrees), B(119 degrees), and C(110 degrees)

Digital off-air (ATSC) receiver

Analog off-air (NTSC) receiver

Cable TV (NTSC) receiver

DIRECTV high-definition receiver

Dolby Digital output (coaxial and optical)

480i/480p/720p/1080i output resolution (simultaneous SD/HD output)

24-bit/192kHz D/A converter

DVI/HDCP output

75 ohm, F-type satellite output

Off-air antenna/cable input (75 ohm, F-Type)

RF output jack (75 ohm, F-Type)

S-Video output

Two A/V output jacks

RJ11 telephone jack

DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide

New icon-based GUIDE

Multi video distribution

Keyword search

ATSC signal meter

IR universal remote control.

User profile control

Help function

P5 Access Card



I will be very interested in knowing if it includes the various stretch modes that the HTL includes.