Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 You can't win... September 30, 2008
D. Smart
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There are 2 models made by different companys but look the same. This model the 600 series doesn't allow you the flexiblity to program it even from Direct TV. The 100 series works better but it's already been phased out. The newer HD reciever from Direct TV doesn't have an off air antanna connection. You can't win.
 That was Fast May 14, 2008
Duane Kimball (New Jersey)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I got my hr20-100c (R-refurbished) thru directTV's "free" dvr replacement program. The unit looks good. Confusing remote..I can't imagine using it in the dark for about a month.
Anyway, I left it on all day to let it burn in and came back tonight...poof, it was stuck on an HD channel with the picture and sound playing, but would not repond to any inputs from the console or remote.
I unplugged the unit and plugged it back in and NOTHING. I had read all the reviews and didn't really expect to have similar quality issues.
I guess you get what you pay for ($0).
So, they're going to send me a "new" unit via fed-ex and I am hoping this one works.
Overall playing with it, I think the dual-tuner buffer problem is a reall issue. I use it all the time. I'm going to have to get use to the "record one channel" trick.
I also have an hr10-250 tivo unit which is rock-solid. But, I want my HD channels...that's why I bought that plasma.
I have no idea if the hr21 is a better unit or not. This unit has the OTA antenna tuner, which I actually have connected since I live about 25 miles from New York City.
Bummers...
HDMI Port stopped working.... May 5, 2008
vijay reddy (sfo, ca)
I got a new Directv service with H20 receiver. Just after completing 3 months warranty period, HDMI port stopped working. There was no VIDEO/AUDIO through HDMI port. Called Directv support and they said it's a known issue and they would replace it with a refurbished one. But the twist was I had to extend my contract for another two years to get the faulty receiver replaced. Which sounded ridiculous. I decided to use Component Cables for viewing 1080i instead of HDMI. I regret for switching from Comcast to Directv.
I don't want to get stuck with Directv due to faulty receivers. Eventually I may have to pay early termination fee if my Component port also stops working.
 No Alternative for HD on DirecTV February 25, 2008
DKMI (Detroit, Michigan)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I don't know about the DVR model, but you really have no other choice than to go with this receiver if you just want HD via DirecTV. I personally hate it that there are no choices when it comes to getting satellite receivers. The features on this receiver are rather ordinary. I can live with that, but what drives me crazy is the lag when changing channels. It's especially slow when going from a channel at 480p to one at 1080i. Most people probably aren't going to be bothered by this. As for the interface, it's rather standard fare. You have autotuning so that the system automatically goes to a program that you select. There's the usual interactive guide, and the ability to program favorite channels. But there's no killer app. Perhaps there isn't on any other service either. It just would be nice if there were some competition. Instead of each service competing, competition with the receivers would get us something different and perhaps faster.
If you're reading this, you're probably more shopping for the service than for the receiver since you can't have one without the other. Perhaps that's why some have decided to air their opinions of the service. I've been a DirecTV customer for seven years and for the most part have no complaints.
 Another 5 - and Rating the Receiver and not DirecTV! December 1, 2007
Neil C. McEvoy (Malden, MA USA)
12 out of 26 found this review helpful
I've had two H20's operating in the house for several months now without issues. They feature multiple output options - HDMI, Component Video Out and analog and TOSLink audio options.
I did have issues with an H20-700 model (I believe manufactured by RCA). The unit would overheat and reset itself. Since having that unit replaced with an H20-100 model, I've experienced no issues at all! The HD picture, via MPEG-2 and newer MPEG-4 signals, is beautiful. I'd seen a friends HD picture with Comcast and, while admittedly an isolated comparison, concluded that DirecTV's HD picture is - far & away - superior.
I've been with DirecTV for over 10 years now and wouldn't even consider going back to cable. Their customer service is first rate - although I find I rarely have to call them. Signal strength, especially since installing a 5-LNB KA/KU dish, is strong and almost totally impervious to rain fade or other weather conditions.
Signing for an additional 2-year commitment? Not problem here - I'm going to be with DirecTV for the long haul and will especially enjoy viewing up to 150 HD channels with them!
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