We're finally seeking to upgrade to HD (local and satellite channels) and to add DVR functionality (programming the VCR is getting old). We also want to be able to utilize "smart menu" functionality for recording programs, etc. We currently have Direct TV and plan to continue with it so we're basically trying to understand, "What is the difference between a Tivo DVR and a Direct TV DVR?" Can you use Tivo with Direct TV? Is it better to lease a DVR vs. purchase? We're NOT huge TV people (e.g. no NFL season passes, etc.) and will likely only record a few shows at a time and delete after viewing.

From the related threads, it appears that we should stick with the current HR20 Direct TV DVR model if we go the Direct TV route (vs. the new Prosumer HR21-700/100). It's really the Tivo vs. Direct TV issue that we're trying to confirm.

If there's another thread already addressing this, please feel free to direct me in that direction.

Thanks.

DirecTV no longer offers TiVos. You must use their DVR (with their own software) if you want to record HD.

The DirecTV DVR software isn't nearly as good as the latest TiVo software, but it is still pretty good. It rivals the 18-month old TiVo software on DirecTV's discontinued DVRs. If you haven't used a modern TiVo (i.e. a Series3 or TiVoHD), you should be quite happy with it.

The cost to lease a DirecTV HR20/HR21 HDTV DVR is $299 upfront + $5/mo. The HR21 --not to be confused with the HR21 Pro-- is just a cheaper [to manufacture] version of the HR20 without the OTA tuners. DirecTV will usually give you $100 off the first HDTV DVR ($199).

I am moving into a new condo and i just recently ordered Directv and there is a plan out there now that includes the DVR service for HD and there was no lease for the DVR just for the other boxes. I paid 169 at costco. Reg. 269 or something.

I am moving into a new condo and i just recently ordered Directv and there is a plan out there now that includes the DVR service for HD and there was no lease for the DVR just for the other boxes. I paid 169 at costco. Reg. 269 or something.The $5/mo DVR fee is included with some of the more expensive programming packages.

You paid for the box but you don't own it. As per the contract, you must return the box to DirecTV [with no compensation] if you cancel service.

The $5/mo DVR fee is included with some of the more expensive programming packages.

You paid for the box but you don't own it. As per the contract, you must return the box to DirecTV [with no compensation] if you cancel service.

Do you work for them? Reason being I was suppose to have the upgrade done and they said they would send a new HD-DVR at no charge with the new dish at no charge because I was a "A" list customer whatever that is.... The sub contractor/install guys came out said they had no dish and where here just to relocate my current dish? Huh? Well they ripped it off my roof stuck it in a poll and left... Called a few days ago and DTV said they where sorry and gave me Showtime 3 months for free because the install guys screwed up, and then I get a charged for a relocation fee of $49 bucks, they said sorry for this and gave me credit tonight. I asked the girl on the phone when they where coming with my new receiver and dish and she said what receiver.... ARGH!!! Well I started getting mad and said I was thinking of canceling my service, I calmed down and then she started to try to fix the problems... Well a half way through the conversation she stated that she could sell me a new receiver for $199, I said what? She said well I canceled your account per your request...... Very angry at this point so I hung up... Called back and other girl said they were having a system update and she couldn't access my information and would have a supervisor call me... WTF kind of service is this? I would have been better served calling Dells Tech Support in India and asking them of a cup of coffee and a Donut.. While they ask me if I have my computer plugged in... ;) LOL Long story short, I hate to see how DTV treats there "B" customers. I mean the girl on the phone was nice but she created more problems then what she is worth!!!! :eek:

You used the magic word "cancel" and she canceled. Pretty fast service.

I agree that D* service is "spotty" at best, but I have had a recent positive experience. I am also designated as an "A" customer...even have the fancy card they send out.

Anyway, I recently asked about ugrading from a non-HD recorder to HD recording (HR20 or HR21). I was told that I would get an HR-2X free with free installation because I have the NFL package and because of my "status". Installer came out three days later and installed the HR=21, moved my existing HD receiver (non recorder) to the bedroom and everything works like a charm. He did have to run the second coax for the additional feed into the HR-21, but apparently they forgot to charge me for that!

I hope I don't have to call D* again soon...I'm sure my luck will run out!

I am in the process of upgrading to HD DVR and for me it really came down to who I was talking to. I spoke to a technician about two months ago and he told me I could upgrade to an HD DVR (HR-2X) for free being that I am an "A status" customer. I was not ready to upgrade at that time so I asked him to make a note on my account about the offer he presented. Well, today I bought a Samsung 4671f online and the next thing I did was call DTV about the upgrade. The first rep I talked to said no way, they never give away the HD DVR for free. I told her about my previous contact and she put me on hold for a while before I was disconnected (hung up on?). Well, I called back and the next person I talked to was very friendly and transferred my call to someone she said would be better able to handle my request. After 15 minutes on hold the higher tier rep looked up my account and found the note I asked the tech guy to put on my account and agreed to upgrade me to the HD DVR for $19.99 shipping and 9.99 a month for the service. Needless to say I was very happy with the offer and set up installation with a tech I am familiar with next Saturday. It's really all about who you talk to.

One question, is $9.99 the standard charge for DTV HD service? I could have sworn it was $4.99 but I might be wrong, but maybe that includes the DVR service? Anyone know about this?

Two different charges. Some packages include the DVR fee and some don't. If your's does not you have to pay both fees. The DVR fee is $4.99 no matter how many DVRs you have.