Directv HR20-700 (300 GB)

Pros: Ease of use, design, capabilities, quality.
Cons: Still waiting for some functions to be activated

When I decided to purchase a DVR for my Directv account, I looked into what was available for my setup. I was currently an HDTV subscriber, and not only needed a DVR, but an HD-DVR. The only one they offered me was the HR20, so I haggled with them to ...

Pros: Picture, Cosmetic Design, Connection Options
Cons: Reliability, DVR Service, Monthly Costs Associated with HR20, No Refund Policy

Hello Everyone, My review on the Directv Plus HD-DVR HR20 is based solely on my personal experience and not what I can find on other websites to just write a quick and uninformed review. I have been a Directv customer since day one and have really ...

Pros: Quiet, stylish, and easy to use.
Cons: Originally had some odd quirks, but they have improved with recent software updates.

What Does a Digital Video Recorder Do? A DVR has the potential to change the way you view TV. For example, you can pause and rewind live TV. If you like a particular show, tell the DVR to record all the episodes for you automatically. Want ...

Pros: Great HD recordings, pause while watching live-tv, TIVO-like programming is easy, one compact unit.
Cons: No "favorites" or "closed caption" controls on remote, some menu-functions require going deep.

Prior to getting the Direct-TV HD-20, I accessed Direct-TV programming using a Sony HD receiver and a separate Panasonic DVR. When programming for future recordings I had to set two devices, making sure they were coordinated. Also, my recording wasn't in ...

Pros: Cool blue light on the front.
Cons: Horrible useability, software bugs, can't use both tuners

Let me start by saying I WAS a loyal DirecTV customer and have spent over $6,000 in programming in the last 6-7 years. I had 2 DirecTV TIVO HD DVR units. In order to get my local channel in HD, I had to upgrade to this unit for MPEG4. HUGE mistake... ...

Pros: Attractive design.
Cons: Completely unreliable and frustrating.

Let me start by saying that I've been a loyal DirecTV customer for 4 years. The earlier DirecTV Tivo units were great, and the picture quality was wonderful. However, the HR20 is driving me nuts. I'm afraid it's driving me away from DirecTV. I've had ...

Pros: Great HD picture quality Ample (for us) disk capacity Easy to use
Cons: Not true HD resolution Sluggish response to remote control

We've had our HR20-700 for almost a year and love it. The folks at DirecTV have been busy upgrading the software on the HR units with a new release seemingly more often than once a month. Most of the bugs we've had in our unit have been solved. ...

Pros: Newer technology, allows local over-the-air HD reception, MPEG-4 technology
Cons: It is not TiVo - period!

There are two kinds of people: those who use TiVo, and all the rest. Once you drink a glass of TiVo Kool-Aid, you are addicted for life. It is very possible if this is your first DVR, and you test negative for any exposure to TiVo, that this unit will ...

Pros: Nice picture if not locked up.  Has never caused a fire.
Cons: Stunningly unreliable.  Shoddy hardware with fragile software.  I detest using it. 

If it works, the picture is good, the user interface adequate, the remote barely tolerable.  But will it work?  Likely not.A few months ago I received a call from DirecTV (I've been a DirecTV customer since it's earliest days of ...

Pros: 1.No problems so far, works great. 2.Lots of features and hookups, hdmi, component, usb, network.
Cons: Should have just leased it from directv for 199 if i known.

First of all, one gripe. I bought this HR20-700 on Ebay, thought i could keep the unit, but i found out via directv that all purchases outside of directv are practically leases (unless you paid 7xx ). The fact that i will have to return the unit once ...

Pros: Given the alternatives? None.
Cons: System is unstable and locks up.

After having DRTV for over 7 years I was excited to get the new HR20 installed so I could watch my local channels in HD. This is a decision that will haunt me until the next generation comes out (assuming they fix the problems). This unit has locked ...

Pros: Gives you lots of HD channels
Cons: Interface could use some work.

First lets get a few things out of the way. 1. The Directv Hr20-700 is not or even related to the devil. 2. In most cases you probably are leasing this DVR and don not own it. 3. Since its release its had its problems but it has gotten better over ...

Pros: HD DVR - what more can I say
Cons: too easy to overshoot while fast forwarding

I am three months into using this as my combo HD receiver/DVR, and I am quite pleased with this unit. In the first few weeks I did have to re-boot it about six times, and yes I did lose one (eine, uno, 1) program that was scheduled to record, but in the last two months it's work as advertised.

Here are my complaints:

Fast Forward doesn't auto. rewind a few seconds
30-second jump doesn't jump, just FF for 30 seconds
remote isn't back-lit
blue lights in front console are a tad annoying

I was going to list the $300 price tag, but I understand that someone has to pay to be on the bleeding edge. Although it would have been nice for DirecTV to say, "Please accept this upgrade as a token of our appreciation for your loyal patronage for the past 8 and next 2 years."

That's pretty much it, and glad I took the plunge.

Pros: Well, uhhh, it's HD.. If you go directly to your television.
Cons: Everything else.

Super slow when changing channels. Horrible firmware. No Local HD over the air channels (DTV STILL has them locked). HDMI output doesn't work through an A/V receiver. Recording interface is sloppy and non-intuitive. My R10 receiver with Tivo is 2 years older and one million times better.

Pros: Small on-screen picture while in menu, simple to record shows or series, picture quality
Cons: Loud & annoying hard-drive noise

Purchased this receiver for the master bedroom, while leaving the Tivo HD DVR (HR10-250) in the living room. The new HR20-700 has some advantages over the older Tivo model, however, I prefer the Tivo overall. If you haven't owned the Tivo before then the HR20-700 will be great since you aren't comparing the two. One major issue I have with the new HR20-700 is the loud noise the hard drive makes. With our other DVR receivers, the top is enclosed which makes for a quiet operation. This new receiver has opennings in the top which allows noise to flow out,... sounds like a "whining" & "clicking" noice. I even exchanged the unit I first purchased thinking it was a defect but the other one is doing the exact same thing. Kind of sounds like a morris-code signal! All in all, stick with your Tivo if you have it.