Hey all!
I don't generally frequent this portion of the forum, so I appreciate anyones help. I have Dishnetwork now...my wife cannot stand it. I technically have 6 months left on contract, but I am willing to pay to get out of it (only going to be about $85 or so...not a big deal). My questions...I had Directv back when they used TIVO and though I told my wife they don't use TIVO anymore, she still prefers DTV service. Now that they have all the HD stuff, I don't mind going back (that is why I left them before...lack of HD).

Anyways...my questions...how is the general DVR interface on these new receivers (H21's specifically)? Is it better than the old TIVO's, worse, indifferent, etc...?

Second question...can someone tell me how tall the H21 is? I have rack it is going into but I need to make sure it will fit and the DTV site is useless for finding out that sort of information.

Appreciate any help.

Thanks, Jason

Note the H21 is a STB, not a DVR. The DVR is the HR21.

The HR21 is similar to the Dish ViP622, but with a few less features.

What can't your wife stand about the Dish ViP622? Mos seem to prefer the ViP622 to the HR20/HR21, but the HR20/HR21 software is much better than it used to be. Neither has menu navigation comparable to TiVo.

I suggest you take you wife to CC/BB where she can try the DirecTV DVR.

Thanks! Honestly I am not sure she'll even like this better than Dish, but it's worth a shot as I do know she hates Dish. :)

Man I miss TIVO. :)

I did mean the HR21...do you by chance know the height of it?

Thanks!

the hr21
has NO OTA HD tuners, stuck with hd-lite mpeg4 locals
and
NO DUAL BUFFERS, like tivo


check dbstalk most of the guys seem to be getting used to it lol, my wife would sure miss the dual buffers...

the hr21
has NO OTA HD tuners, stuck with hd-lite mpeg4 locals
and
NO DUAL BUFFERS, like tivoNote DirecTV has announced an OTA add-on for the HR21. Last I read, it would be available within the next 30 days.

As mentioned above, "dual buffers" is one of the features that DirecTV's DVR is missing compared to the Dish DVR and TiVo.

That could pose a problem then...I'll have to think about this.

Thanks!

You can not dual buffer anymore, but you can simply record one program and change channels, and go back and forth in the "Now Playing List" to check your programs. It is not quite as user friendly as the previous version of Tivo. I had Tivo for about 6 years, and have the HR21 for two weeks today.

It is slower to navigate the menus then Tivo was. The interface is just fine, just 'different' then Tivo. Everybody seems to have a big problem with it, but as soon as you are used to it, then no more complaints.

The HR21 has all of the standard connections, dual tuner capability, dual ethernet ports (to access on demand only at this time), external hard drive support via eSata. It also has coax and optical digital audio connections and multiple A/V output jacks, all of which work simultaniously. This is great for connecting to multiple devices such as a television and DVD Recorders/VCR's.

The new case is a little smaller then the old Tivo was, my manual does not show any specifications, buy my measurements are:

15 3/16 wide
3 1/16 high
11 3/4 deep

Keep in mind these are the case dimensions, and you will need room for airflow. Not to mention the connections in the back. When you get the HR21, there will be two large boxes on the back connected (BBC) that are pig tailed to the box for each of the two SAT feeds. You would need to make room for that too. With the size of the case smaller, they fit just fine.


The latest product that will be relased by DirecTV is the AM21. This is the ota tuner to work in conjunction with he HR21. It is a box with the exact same size and finish as the HR21, has an input for your antenna feed and a USB out to the HR21. Do a search on these forums, or any internet search and you can find pictures and specifications.


Perhaps you can tell us what your wife doesn't like about Dish, so we can help tell you if the D* box/service has any of the same issues.

Here is a link to HR20/HR21 stuff, linked directly to the AM21 information. Start reading around the supplied page.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13080183#post13080183

I'm also thinking about switching from Dish to Directv for the increased HD. Does the HR-21 allow a second room hookup independant of the first TV? My Dish DVR lets me route a signal to my spare room, and gives me a second remote control. I'd hate to lose this feature, it's great accessing my stored programs from the spare room.

I'm also thinking about switching from Dish to Directv for the increased HD. Does the HR-21 allow a second room hookup independant of the first TV? My Dish DVR lets me route a signal to my spare room, and gives me a second remote control. I'd hate to lose this feature, it's great accessing my stored programs from the spare room.

With any DirecTV system, you have to have a separate feed from your dish to your a receiver in you other room. Each room you want service in will have it's on receiver and dedicated feed directly from the rooftop. In addition to that, D* will charge you $5 for each receiver you have active.

Hopefully this helps, if not make sure to ask!

the hr21
has NO OTA HD tuners, stuck with hd-lite mpeg4 locals
and
NO DUAL BUFFERS, like tivo


check dbstalk most of the guys seem to be getting used to it lol, my wife would sure miss the dual buffers...

HD locals are Mpeg 4 with good PQ. There are a few national channels still at Mpeg 2 but that will change with the new Sat on the way to the launch site. A OTA tuner will be ready soon. Dual buffers are not going to happen, most people like them, I like having the 90 minute single buffer. If your looking for a Tivo the HR21 isn't it. If your looking for a DVR to use with Directv it's fine.
Good luck to the OP whatever he decides to do.

From the pictures I have of the am21 it is paper thin compared to the hr21 and it is going to be available buy the end of march.

I had DirecTV for around 10 years and switched to DishNetwork a year and a half ago because of the HD content. My bill with DishNetwork has just exceeded $100 and I don't even have any premiums! I loved my Directv with tivo. I still have all of my tivo receivers. I am thinking about switching back to Directv and like Jason am wondering how the Directv PVR's are to work with compared to the directv's with tivo. Does Directv plan on ever using the tivo software again??? I haven't been on this site for a while and am just starting to look into my options. Any info. would be appreciated.

Direct has abandoned the Tivo for their own HD units. Some are not impressed. I for one.

Yes there are differences, some hate it, some have adapted to it and some don't know of anything different.

Here is the HR20/HR21 dedicated forum. Lots of questions, gripes, fixes and things of that nature. Notice this thread has been around for a long time, so some of the stuff does not apply anymore as software fixes have corrected it.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=931226