What do you guys know about the HR-21? I guess it's the next DTV HD DVR, bbut what's different from the HR-20? Looks like you can get a pretty good deal for them on ebay.
Hey HD and DTV Affcianados: HR-21?
- Thread starter Pariah
- Start date
Have one.
Its ok, works just well enough not to make me cry at losing the Tivo. Not well enough to not regret losing the Tivo.
They look similar on paper but the reality is its a poor but functional imitation and if you want the new HD channels there is no other choice.
Its ok, works just well enough not to make me cry at losing the Tivo. Not well enough to not regret losing the Tivo.
They look similar on paper but the reality is its a poor but functional imitation and if you want the new HD channels there is no other choice.
OP
OP
Thanks, Nidan. I have an HR-20 (the first gen of machine that gives you HD locals through the same sat feed). So I suspect that and the new 21 that you hve are pretty similar--and I used to have TiVo, so I kow your pain.
But I'm wondering if someone has has both a 20 and 21 to compare and contrast?
But I'm wondering if someone has has both a 20 and 21 to compare and contrast?
Essentially the same thing
The 3 main differences are:
(in no particular order)
1. Color (21=Black vs. 20=silver)
2. Lack of OTA ATSC tuner on the 21
3. Typically the 21 receives software updates later than the 20's
Other than that, as Nidan says, essentially the same.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have never used the 21 (HR-20 owner) but am quite familiar with its functionality via DBSTalk.com. I considered switching only because black would match my equipment rack better, but decided to stay with HR-20 until PBS HD becomes available via sat.
(in no particular order)
1. Color (21=Black vs. 20=silver)
2. Lack of OTA ATSC tuner on the 21
3. Typically the 21 receives software updates later than the 20's
Other than that, as Nidan says, essentially the same.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have never used the 21 (HR-20 owner) but am quite familiar with its functionality via DBSTalk.com. I considered switching only because black would match my equipment rack better, but decided to stay with HR-20 until PBS HD becomes available via sat.
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OP
OP
just curious, why would that make a difference to you if the main difference between the two products is the color?
The lack of an ATSC tuner in the 21 makes it impossible (w/out purchasing a different solution) for me to view PBS HD (8.1 Off The Air). This is one my favorite channels. But DirecTV is planning on adding this channel soon, so I may be requesting the 21 eventually.
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Pariah,
I would be somewhat leary of purchasing this unit on E-bay. As this is a "leased unit" to just about everybody, it wouldn't exactly be kosher to sell without DirecTV's permission. They can be bought, but I think they run in the $4-600 dollar range. If you don't plan on changing providers for 2 years, I imagine you could get a 21 from Direct for $1-200. I would get the serial number from the seller and check with DirecTV before purchase so you don't have any problems. Good luck.
I would be somewhat leary of purchasing this unit on E-bay. As this is a "leased unit" to just about everybody, it wouldn't exactly be kosher to sell without DirecTV's permission. They can be bought, but I think they run in the $4-600 dollar range. If you don't plan on changing providers for 2 years, I imagine you could get a 21 from Direct for $1-200. I would get the serial number from the seller and check with DirecTV before purchase so you don't have any problems. Good luck.
OP
OP
The problem is that the "lease" still costs you hundreds up front. It's WAY cheaper to own it outright (which I've done with a HD DTV receiver w/TiVo).
I just switched to the 21 from the 20 and can't tell any difference.
We get our receivers from Directv for free and just pay the extra receiver fee.
The reason we switched from the 20 was that it was running real hot. Now the 21 seems to be really warm to the touch as well. I've lifted the receiver up with some furniture carpet protectors but I wonder what's up with the heat issue.
Any thoughts?
We get our receivers from Directv for free and just pay the extra receiver fee.
The reason we switched from the 20 was that it was running real hot. Now the 21 seems to be really warm to the touch as well. I've lifted the receiver up with some furniture carpet protectors but I wonder what's up with the heat issue.
Any thoughts?
HR21 doesn't have an OTA, that's the only difference I can see....and now both have Mobile Show Recording, so that's cool.
bratwurst
on double secret probation
Free ?
I just received this free. I got a call from DTV and they replaced my old TIVO HD DVR that had just died anyway. I was going to call them but they beat me to it. Now I have this HR21. It's basically the same with one huge difference to me. The HR21 has a faster processor and more ram. It has made a difference. I still have 2 HR20 and when comparing them, all the menus on the HR21 run faster and I don't get those "I am thinking" pauses from the HR21 like I do my HR20's.
bratwurst
on double secret probation
I ended up paying $100 + shipping to get mine, it is to be installed today. Replaces a standard def directivo.
Have one as well but for the record I HATE it, Tivo was so much better but with DTV HD you have no choice.
This will be a factor in future choices if Cox where to upgrade their HD servce and maybe offer a HD Tivo
This will be a factor in future choices if Cox where to upgrade their HD servce and maybe offer a HD Tivo
bratwurst
on double secret probation
Installer showed up when I wasn't home so my wife was there and doesn't know anything about this stuff.
They left without connecting the little converter things on the line so almost none of my HD signals come in. I called directv and they said they'd overnight them to me, but not send the guy back to put them on because "that might take a week". Well its now been 5 days and still no converter things. If I get home tonight and they're not there I'm calling dtv and throwing a fit. This install has been one mistake after another on their part.
They left without connecting the little converter things on the line so almost none of my HD signals come in. I called directv and they said they'd overnight them to me, but not send the guy back to put them on because "that might take a week". Well its now been 5 days and still no converter things. If I get home tonight and they're not there I'm calling dtv and throwing a fit. This install has been one mistake after another on their part.
conraddobler
I want my 2$
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I called DirectTV and whined because a couple years ago following this boards advice I got them to replace my DVR with a HDTV DVR for free to bribe me to keep the NFL package.
That year I got that reciever and the NFL super fan for free.
The problem now was I had to pay for the HD programming but I couldn't with my older reciever get all the HD channels, I called three different times and finally got someone nice who offered a free new 21 unit.
They sent a guy out, he didn't bring the slimline dish, I called and moaned, they gave me free NFL super fan, free showtime for 2 months and 100$ off the direct ticket.
Just keep calling them they'll eventually have you completely hooked up.
That year I got that reciever and the NFL super fan for free.
The problem now was I had to pay for the HD programming but I couldn't with my older reciever get all the HD channels, I called three different times and finally got someone nice who offered a free new 21 unit.
They sent a guy out, he didn't bring the slimline dish, I called and moaned, they gave me free NFL super fan, free showtime for 2 months and 100$ off the direct ticket.
Just keep calling them they'll eventually have you completely hooked up.
Don't wait for the installer when you get them. They are just the HD band converters. They simply plug into the back of the receiver between the coax from the wall into your receiver. The HR21 is dual tuner so you would have 2 of them. Very easy to connect.
They key is to get past their first tier of customer service to their retention department. 1st level customer service usually makes you a crap counter offer. When they finally determine your serious they give you to the retention department. That department can offer you good deals. They will only offer you one deal like that per year. However, i do it every year around NFL time.
The last 2 years in a row I threatened to cancel NFL ticket and ended up getting SuperFan for free and a new receiver for free.
What is Superfan ?
Dr. Jones
Has No Time For Love
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Superfan = A $99 Add on to Sunday ticket that gives you:
1. More HD games.
2. Entire games cut down to 30 minutes the tuesday after the game aired.
3. Redzone Channel. All games where a team is in the red zone on one screen.
4. Some other incidentals.
1. More HD games.
2. Entire games cut down to 30 minutes the tuesday after the game aired.
3. Redzone Channel. All games where a team is in the red zone on one screen.
4. Some other incidentals.
