A lighting storm just took out my HR10-250 and TiVo SD boxes (among other things :mad: )! DTV has graciously offered to replace the two TiVos w/ new DTV HD DVRs. I assume they'll be HR21-700 models.

I have a couple of questions:

Will the DTV technician leave me w/ my old HR10-250 unit? I paid for it and may be able to make an insurance claim on it.
Does the HR21 have dual buffer support yet?
Has anyone connected an external eSata 1TB drive?
What's the picture quality of the HD locals compared to the OTA locals?


Thank you for any and all feedback!

Frank

A lighting storm just took out my HR10-250 and TiVo SD boxes (among other things :mad: )! DTV has graciously offered to replace the two TiVos w/ new DTV HD DVRs. I assume they'll be HR21-700 models.

I have a couple of questions:

Will the DTV technician leave me w/ my old HR10-250 unit? I paid for it and may be able to make an insurance claim on it.
Does the HR21 have dual buffer support yet?
Has anyone connected an external eSata 1TB drive?
What's the picture quality of the HD locals compared to the OTA locals?


Thank you for any and all feedback!

Frank

1. Yes
2. No
3. Yes, very easy.
4. Similar

Also Directv might have to install the Slimline HD dish in order to have the MPEG-4 HD channels. Thats if you don't have an MPEG-4 compatible dish. If you don't then they install the slimline one.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AU9-S

Here is the Slimline dish they will install. Might want to get that done since you can get all the MPEG-4 channels.

If you have a good HDTV, reasonable size screen for the resolution, calibrated or care taken to adjust it properly, and seating within the suggest limits in relation to the screen size, #4 can be VERY different.

Thanks, yeah, I'm sure they'll replace the disk. Our current one is four years old. They'll probably have to replace the multi switch as well.

I have a work order number and a date for the appointment. Is it possible for me to contact DTV to make sure they include the new dish?

Another question: I have a D10 STB connected to an analog TV. Will that need replacing as well to decode the new MPEG stream??

Thanks, Frank

If you have a good HDTV, reasonable size screen for the resolution, calibrated or care taken to adjust it properly, and seating within the suggest limits in relation to the screen size, #4 can be VERY different.
That's what I'm afraid of :(. I get all four local signals OTA today with great PQ. We view them on a 50" Panny plasma screen.

I understand they don't ship the HR20's anymore. Is there any way to get the OTA signals into the HR21 box?

Frank

That's what I'm afraid of :(. I get all four local signals OTA today with great PQ. We view them on a 50" Panny plasma screen.

I understand they don't ship the HR20's anymore. Is there any way to get the OTA signals into the HR21 box?

Frank

Your old SD receiver won't need to be replaced. They have an add on for the HR21 to get OTA. Cost is $50 but they are giving a lot of them away. After the HR21 is installed you can call and ask. Take a look at the PQ you get over the sat, you may be pleasantly surprised.

That's what I'm afraid of :(. I get all four local signals OTA today with great PQ. We view them on a 50" Panny plasma screen.

I understand they don't ship the HR20's anymore. Is there any way to get the OTA signals into the HR21 box?

Frank

Yes you can get OTA with the HR21. It's called the AM-21 and it plugs into the back of the unit. It's a USB OTA tuner and you may have to negotiate with DTV if you want it for free. You might want to call your Directv rep for more details and to possibly order it. Hope this helps.