[TDockUSC]

Hey guys, I know I've seen this somewhere but cannot find it right this second. I was with DTV for a long time with an HR 10-250. I left DTV, moved, and now want to come back. They turned my locals in HD on today.

Only one problem, they didn't add NBC HD. I live close enough the to antenna that OTA will be no problem at all but I think I've seen here that some new HD DVRs have OTA ability and some do not. Is that correct?

If so, which one is which? I know I'll have to play roulette with the CSRs and installers, I just want to make sure I am fighting for the right thing.

Thanks.

 

[Stuart Sweet]

You will very likely get an HR21 DVR, which does not have built-in OTA. However, there is an AM21 add-on for it which will give you that capability. You can probably order it at the same time as your HR21, and if not very soon after.

The AM21 is a capable unit and works well with the HR21. Some people have had problems with FFing or RWing through longer programs, but that seems to be the only hitch.

 

[jodyguercio]

Hey guys, I know I've seen this somewhere but cannot find it right this second. I was with DTV for a long time with an HR 10-250. I left DTV, moved, and now want to come back. They turned my locals in HD on today.

Only one problem, they didn't add NBC HD. I live close enough the to antenna that OTA will be no problem at all but I think I've seen here that some new HD DVRs have OTA ability and some do not. Is that correct?

If so, which one is which? I know I'll have to play roulette with the CSRs and installers, I just want to make sure I am fighting for the right thing.

Thanks.

Youre right, the HR20 series has OTA built in, the HR21/HR22 series removed that ability but directv came out with the AM-21 add-on that brings OTA capabilities back.

 

[carl6]

The new HD DVR's are the HR20, HR21 and HR22 (typically referred to as the HR2x series).

The HR20 has built in OTA tuners. Other HR2x do not have built in OTA tuners but there is an external tuner (the AM21) that can be added to them, giving you fully integrated OTA that appears in your guide and can be recorded.

So regardless of which you get, there is an OTA solution available.

Carl

 

[priester68]

The HR 20 has everything built in to receive OTA. Later models require ordering certain parts(not sure of technical name) to receive OTA. I heard a rumor that the HR20 was being phased out but don't know the truth to that. I have an HR20 and can't get the OTA to work on it but I'm convinced it's because of where I live and lack of signal strength. There are a lot of people on here that can tell you more about it than I can. Good Luck to you.

 

[TDockUSC]

Many, many thanks guys! Really appreciate the info!

 

[RegGeek]

One thing to remember is that the AM-21, if needed, will not be brought by the installer. The install companies don't stock that item. Once your installation is complete, assuming you get an HR21 and therefore need the AM-21, you can call DirecTv up and have them order it and ship it out to you. They run about $50 but if you feel like negotiating many people on the forum have received them for free.

Just didn't want you to be upset or surprised that the installers don't have it on the truck. Some people have been led to believe installers would bring it and get very angry when it doesn't happen that way.

 

[TDockUSC]

I'm talking to a local company that installs for DTV now. He seems to think he can get me 2 HR 20s.

One question, he says we should do the install/order under my wife's name because DTV won't give me as good a deal as a "returning customer"

Thoughts?