DIRECTV HR21 / HR21-200 / HR21-200 HD HD/DVR Satellite Receiver

I have been a HR10-250 TIVO user since they were first put on the market. In my estimation, the combination of TIVO and Directv in one unit, is still the best set top boxes ever. A match made in heaven.

Then came MPEG-4. The HR10-250 does not do it and never will. At first, I was adimate. I could live without MPEG-4...I could not live without Tivo. I even bought a second HR10-250 as a spare. God forbid my beloved TIVO box gave up the ghost, I would be prepared. As more and more channels were made available in HD, my frustration grew. Finally, Directv offered to upgrade everything for free, and promised that I could move back to my HR10-250 at any time (got that in writing). I gave it a try.

I have read so many horror stories on thees units. From what I have read, I barely expected the thing to power on. Well...after 4 months I have no real complaints. Setup was smooth (including the On Demand function) and most important, the picture is fantastic connected to a 1080p 52" TV. Any picture flaws would surely be evident. I've seen none. Maybe I just got really lucky, but, so far so good. Their are even a few cool additional features.

One word of warning to Tivo users. This is definitely not TIVO! It lacks the elegance, grace, intuitiveness, and intangibles that make TIVO so great. As a Mac user, I would say it is exactly analogous to MAC vs. Windows. the HR-21 is clunkier, and not as much fun. But given the choice of 130 HD channels as opposed to about 20...it works. Maybe one day DTV will come to its' senses and make another TIVO box. Charge a bit more. I am certain most of us TIVO fans would be happy tp pay it! Until that day this is not the worst thing in the world. Hopefully, my experience continues to be positive. Just in case my HR10-250 remains active, and ready to plug back in, at a moments notice.

Although Amazon.com doesn't say it anywhere in its description, the HR21 DIRECTV® requires a 24 month commitment and all equipment must be returned to DIRECTV® if customer cancels service with DIRECTV®

this price isn't a saving everyone large electronics retailer is selling this item for the same price

I learned this the hard way so I wanted to let others know. If you already have DirecTV service and purchase new equipment, your service contract will be extended by 2 years on the date you activate the new equipment. Customer service is the worst I have ever dealt with.

I can't believe what a bad install job I found on the roof when I just went up there. There were 3 loose bolts, and at least one bolt was missing. The entire dish is so loose it's about to fall off the roof. I'd fix it myself, but a bolt is missing.

I called DirecTV so they can come out of fix this terrible installation, and they want $80 for it! That's outrageuous! You'd think they would want to fix something that was their fault to begin with. I can understand occasional problems - but wanting to charge me for something that is clearly not my fault is crazy. I installed the previous dish and it was up there for years & years with no problems.

I've always liked DirecTV, but after this, I'll be looking at switching.