need to buy hd dvr

1655 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Justin23, Sep 30, 2008

cindyanna

Discussion Starter · Sep 28, 2008

I went to sign up for HD access today from DirecTV. I currently have a TIVO but it isn't HD. I was going to buy the DirecTV hd dvr but the CSR said that I could just as easily get one locally and wouldn't have to pay shipping. Is there anything special I should look for when I buy one? I also plan to buy a big TV so perhaps I can get a good deal with bundling. Do they all work well with DirecTV? Thank you.

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BattleZone

· #2 · Sep 28, 2008

A few things:

- HD programming is going to require you to have the Slimline dish. If you don't already have one (in most cases, you won't if you don't already have a current HD receiver), you will need to order through DirecTV so you can let them upgrade your dish.

- If you have a Slimline dish already, and are just going to swap out the DVR, you can get one from Costco, Best Buy, or Circuit City. If possible, get an HR-22, which is new and has a larger hard drive than the HR-21, which the HR-22 is replacing as the current model. Costco typically has the best price, but if you buy a TV too, you may get a better deal elsewhere. Shop around.

- A retail receiver will come with a full set of 6' long cables, including HDMI. If you need a longer cable, order from http://www.monoprice.com. It will be an order of magnitude cheaper.

- For fullest enjoyment, find a way to get your HD-DVR hooked up to your Internet connection. This is required for "On-Demand" movie downloads and a few other cool features.

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Justin23

· #3 · Sep 28, 2008

You can pick up the HD-DVR at a retailer (Best Buy. Circuit City), then call D* to have them upgrade your dish. It is not required to get the receiver through D* for the dish upgrade. The advantage of getting it at the retailer is you can see which one you are getting. If you get it through D* you could get a refurbished one or an older model. You also do not pay shipping when getting it at the retailer. One advantage of getting it through D* is sometimes you can ask for a deal on the receiver cost and they sometimes give that to you. Good luck!

J

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joshjr

· #4 · Sep 28, 2008

If you swap your reciever through D* there is a chance you can get it free but like they are saying you will more then likely not get the HD reciever you want. Its up to you. I seen people list they have found HR22's for $169 but then you have to lease it from D* after that to unless its the only reciever on the account. So its up to you what ever will work best. is it worth $200 to get the one with the bigger hard drive or will any HD DVR work? Also do you get your locals from D* already? If not then that factors in as well.

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Rich

· #5 · Sep 29, 2008

cindyanna said:
I went to sign up for HD access today from DirecTV. I currently have a TIVO but it isn't HD. I was going to buy the DirecTV hd dvr but the CSR said that I could just as easily get one locally and wouldn't have to pay shipping. Is there anything special I should look for when I buy one? I also plan to buy a big TV so perhaps I can get a good deal with bundling. Do they all work well with DirecTV? Thank you.

Having had over 50 HRs since the fall of 06, I think that you will have better luck with purchasing one from a retailer. I would not purchase or have an HRxx-100 in my home. I have three 20-700s, three 21-700s and one 21-200 and all work perfectly. Two of the 20-700s were purchased at retailers and the 200 was brand new from D*.

In other words, new is better. The 700s are the best, in my opinion. If you have problems with money, you ought to be able to get one from D* that will be "refurbished" (an urban myth) for $99 + $19.99 shipping if you complain (politely) enough. In fact, you ought to be able to get one of the "refurbished" DVRs for nothing. I've done that several times. But, new is better.

Costco always has some HRs in their stores for $169. Last time I looked at my Costco, all they had was 21-100s, bleah. And by the way, the HR22 is a 100. Bleah.

Rich

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bobnielsen

· #6 · Sep 29, 2008

Best Buy often has generous discounts if you get a HDTV and DVR from them at the same time.

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say-what

· #7 · Sep 29, 2008

Since it appears that you don't have any HD service, if you call and ask for the HD upgrade, chances are pretty good that you will get a discounted HD DVR and free dish upgrade.

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wingrider01

· #8 · Sep 30, 2008

cindyanna said:
I went to sign up for HD access today from DirecTV. I currently have a TIVO but it isn't HD. I was going to buy the DirecTV hd dvr but the CSR said that I could just as easily get one locally and wouldn't have to pay shipping. Is there anything special I should look for when I buy one? I also plan to buy a big TV so perhaps I can get a good deal with bundling. Do they all work well with DirecTV? Thank you.

One quick note - unless you get the HR21-PRO for around 500, the dvr you get will be a leased unit

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Justin23

· #9 · Sep 30, 2008

bobnielsen said:
Best Buy often has generous discounts if you get a HDTV and DVR from them at the same time.

I believe that current D* customer special with the HDTV has since expired. I believe the only specials at Best Buy are for new D* customers.

J

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