DirecTV coming this Friday: which box?

1418 Views 20 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Nodes of Ranvier, Oct 12, 2008

rw99

Discussion Starter · Sep 30, 2008

Hi, all... I'm getting a replacement HD+DVR box for my old (mostly reliable) DirecTivo. Installers will be here on Friday, Connect TV here in the bay area. A call to them got me zero info on which box they'd be bringing out; it sounds like a lottery of whatever happens to be on the truck.

Which HD+DVR box should I push for (or demand)? I see multiple issues for all of them posted here on the board and I'm a bit confused... HR20, 21, 22...?

My details:

1) Top priority is dependable recording. Close behind that: workable response time to remote commands.
2) I don't care about OTA HD; the bay area has locals via sat.
3) Video connection will be HDMI only. For networking, I would prefer Ethernet pass-through, but it's not top priority.

I would appreciate your recommendations very much. Lastly, what should I do to test the HD+DVR box while the installers are there? It would be great to discover any faulty operation before they leave...

Rich

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

RedChef

· #2 · Sep 30, 2008

I have had all three, and currently own 2 HR21s and 1 HR22. It is absolutely a lottery as to which model they bring out. Alot of times the installer will try to pawn off an older box onto a newbie ... so watch out. I would guess that you will receive an HR21. The HR20s are very difficult to find now. D* now has the AM21 to support OTA, which the HR21 and HR22 do not have ... only the HR20 has the OTA.

The HR20 does have the most responsive remote control, but it is silver in color, where the HR21 and HR22 are glossy black (better looking).

The HR22 has a 500GB hard drive, while the HR21 has a 320GB. Recording times are the only "major" difference between the models.

You won't get very far demanding a particular model ... however, demanding that you get a brand new unit will typically be honored.

Good luck and welcome to the adventure!

Doug Brott

· #3 · Sep 30, 2008

You could get any of the ones you've mentioned, but most likely it will be an HR21 of some flavor (-100, -200 or -700). Recently, folks have been getting HR22-100 systems, so be happy if you get that .. it includes 100 hours of HD record time vs. 50 hours of HD record time.

As for OTA, all will do OTA (or not) but to have OTA on the HR21 or HR22, you will need the AM21 add-on device. Let us know what you get.

rw99

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 30, 2008

Thanks, guys... I'm willing to pay extra to get a certain model if needed. Would the HR22 be worth spending some $$? Or are these too much of an unknown at this point?

msmith

· #5 · Sep 30, 2008

It's really pretty random. Considering that the different boxes have different features that surprises me, but that's how it seems to work.

Stuart Sweet

· #6 · Sep 30, 2008

There's no way to pay someone to get an HR22.. you pretty much get what you get. That being said, if you're willing to pay I'd suggest you pick up a 500GB eSATA before you get too far into setting things up.

skylox

· #7 · Sep 30, 2008

I am also hopefully awaiting the HR-22. My installer says he has no idea what they have in stock, but that there is a note on my install order that says "bring HR-22" .....who knows what I will get....I asked D* if going to my local Best Buy would let me get that receiver, but since I am a new customer I cannot go to BestBuy to get one. If you are getting a free upgrade then I would say there is not much you can do. If you have to pay for this upgrade then I would call your local Bestbuy or CC

ATARI

· #8 · Sep 30, 2008

Stuart Sweet said:
There's no way to pay someone to get an HR22.. you pretty much get what you get. That being said, if you're willing to pay I'd suggest you pick up a 1TB eSATA before you get too far into setting things up.

Fixed that for you. :grin:

rw99

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 30, 2008

I'll expose my ignorance on the eSATA drive suggestion: I assume that you guys are saying that I'm going to be quickly dissatisfied with the on-board storage capacity of whichever box is thrown my way?

Stuart Sweet

· #10 · Sep 30, 2008

ATARI said:
Fixed that for you. :grin:

rw99, I don't think you'll be unhappy, just that the only difference between HR21 and HR22 is one has 50 hours of HD recording space and one has 100 hours. So, if you really think you need 100 hours, do the upgrade now. If you plug in an external hard drive, you'll lose access to the internal one, including any programs you've recorded.

Doug Brott

· #11 · Sep 30, 2008

rw99 said:
I'll expose my ignorance on the eSATA drive suggestion: I assume that you guys are saying that I'm going to be quickly dissatisfied with the on-board storage capacity of whichever box is thrown my way?

That all depends on your viewing habits. If you had an unmodified DirecTiVo and you were happy with the storage capacity, then 50 hours vs. 100 hours will probably be inconsequential to you.

rw99

Discussion Starter · #12 · Sep 30, 2008

Thanks again for very useful advice. Any words of wisdom on how I should test and identify a "problem unit" before the installers leave?

Doug Brott

· #13 · Sep 30, 2008

Most installed units work as expected .. There are a percentage that do not work properly as evidenced by reports here .. however, expect a good system as that will most likely be the case.

1999cobra

· #14 · Sep 30, 2008

Stuart Sweet said:
rw99, I don't think you'll be unhappy, just that the only difference between HR21 and HR22 is one has 50 hours of HD recording space and one has 100 hours. So, if you really think you need 100 hours, do the upgrade now. If you plug in an external hard drive, you'll lose access to the internal one, including any programs you've recorded.

I have an HR22 there are other differences in that the remote is backlit and RF capable, 50 hours more HD time, plus it's a tad faster on the channel changes (my opinion) and more importantly it's B L A C K :eek2:

RACJ2

· #15 · Sep 30, 2008

1999cobra said:
I have an HR22 there are other differences in that the remote is backlit and RF capable, 50 hours more HD time, plus it's a tad faster on the channel changes (my opinion) and more importantly it's B L A C K :eek2:

Interesting, because my HR22's came with the standard IR remotes, no RF or backlit keys.

Doug Brott

· #16 · Sep 30, 2008

1999cobra said:
I have an HR22 there are other differences in that the remote is backlit and RF capable, 50 hours more HD time, plus it's a tad faster on the channel changes (my opinion) and more importantly it's B L A C K :eek2:

The HR21 is also black .. and is the same processor as the HR22 ..

1999cobra

· #17 · Sep 30, 2008

3

Doug Brott said:
The HR21 is also black .. and is the same processor as the HR22 ..

So what mines better -

and I have the 64RB remote

See less See more

rw99

Discussion Starter · #18 · Oct 1, 2008

I have an HR22 there are other differences in that the remote is backlit and RF capable

So is the remote a dual IR / RF sender (or switchable)? I plan on using a Harmony One, so I'd require IR control of the HR22. If Jehovah blesses me with one, that is.

Doug Brott

· #19 · Oct 1, 2008

All HR2x receivers take IR by default. You actually have to switch it to RF mode if that were your preference.

rw99

Discussion Starter · #20 · Oct 1, 2008

Doug with the answer in minutes! You're the man; I really appreciate your help.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

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