DirecTV HR20 (DirecTV Plus HD DVR)
Most Popular Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
- TiVo HD DVR (20-HD hours)
- DirecTV HR20 (DirecTV Plus HD DVR)
- Dish Network ViP622 (200-hour DVR)
- Dish Network ViP722 HD DVR
- SanDisk V-Mate
Top Rated Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
- Dish Network ViP722 HD DVR
- Dish Network ViP622 (200-hour DVR)
- TiVo HD DVR (20-HD hours)
- TiVo HD XL DVR (150-HD hours)
- Digital Networks Sonicblue ReplayTV RTV4504
-
CNET editors' rating:
3.5 stars
Very good
THE GOOD
Receives and records new MPEG-4 AVC programming, including local and other HD channels not available on older receivers; can record two HD shows simultaneously while playing back a third; can record two over-the-air HD programs simultaneously; excellently designed interface includes contextual menu; easy one-touch recording from EPG or live TV; search function includes history; great range of EPG sort criteria; can bookmark scenes within recordings for easy access; RF-capable remote; impressive image quality.
THE BAD
Operational bugs include occasional dropped video and audio, crashes, and missed recordings; lacks true 30-second skip function; no picture-in-picture; generally lighter selection of local HD sports channels than cable; no aspect-ratio control with HD sources; EPG still cannot be limited to only subscribed-to channels; cannot properly extend end time of scheduled recordings; somewhat noisy when running.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The DirecTV HR20 is easy to use and offers plenty of features, but its operational bugs make use more of a headache than with other DVRs.
CNET Reader Reviews
-
October 4, 2006 07:15
Spectacular
2.5/5
Well, I've owned this box for three weeks, and already three software updates in the middle of the night. Biggest problem/issue: It will record a show, but when you go to play it, it freezes up at a black screen with the counter along the bottom stu... read more » -
October 4, 2006 01:12
Mediocre
1.0/5
DirecTV brought this HD-DVR Out loaded with software bugs that even Bill Gates would be ashamed of! Now DirecTV subscribers who lease this box are the beta testers for DirecTV. There have been four software updates in the last month. Some day it ... read more » -
September 14, 2006 12:39
4.0/5
I've only been using the HR20 for a couple of days so far, but I've easily set up all my season program settings and fully tested all the DVR features. For the most part, it was necessary to do so just to learn how everything works, since it is quit... read more »
Where to Buy
| Store | In Stock | Shipping | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace | Yes |
Similar products
-
DIRECTV HR21 (DIRECTV Plus HD DVR)
HD DVR, 15.0 in x 11.8 in x 3.0 in, 200 hour(s), 2, Remote control$140.96 - $166.53
