RCA DRD450RG Satellite Receiver
Written: Jan 18 '03
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Pros: Nice guide, dolby digital, wink interactive
Cons: Slow channel changes, remote works best with RCA equipment only.
The Bottom Line: Excellent choice for Dolby Digital on DirecTV. In my opinion the Sony units are a better, but more expensive, option. For component input look at the similarly priced Samsung.
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| mwl001's Full Review: RCA DS4250RG DIRECTV Mid Range System |
I bought this as my only receiver when I signed up with DirecTV. I had a very limited knowledge of satellite receivers when I purchased it, but it fulfilled my needs well.
I had enough foresight to purchase it knowing I would be adding a surround sound system in the near future. The feature (digital audio out) works well if you receive channels that utilize it (premium movies, pay-per-view) and have a dolby digital ready a/v receiver. Otherwise, I'd skip this receiver in favor of others so you're not paying for something you won't use.
However, having two a/v outputs including an s-video was very handy, as I could run one set to my TV/receiver, and another directly to my VCR for recording. While VCRs are seriously outdated technology and are really impractical for taping on a regular basis, this unit is able to control most VCRs, turning them on and off and starting a recording automatically without using your VCR remote or programming it. I felt it worked very well in this regard, but sprung for a TiVo unit and DirecTV in one. While that is the best solution for recording TV, using this receiver and the infrared blaster to control a VCR is vastly superior to programming a VCR on a regular basis. Much quicker and easier; simply select a program on the guide menu, or set it up manually just like a VCR.
I felt picture quality was very good; I'd take with a grain of salt anyone who complains in general about picture quality. All receivers use pretty much the same technology to decode the satellite signal, which is digital, and convert it to analog. They'll all look pretty much the same. If anything, a newer receiver might have a slightly better picture. It is better to choose a receiver based on how easily you can navigate the menus and how well it works with your existing equipment.
The universal remote works well, but it would not control my DVD or receiver because they were not RCA/GE/Proscan. If it had I would have been quite happy with it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 89
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Epinions.com ID:
mwl001
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Reviews written: 7
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