Hey HD and DTV Affcianados: HR-21?

Pariah · February 21st, 2008, 03:09 PM

What do you guys know about the HR-21? I guess it's the next DTV HD DVR, bbut what's different from the HR-20? Looks like you can get a pretty good deal for them on ebay.

nidan · February 21st, 2008, 08:32 PM

Have one.

Its ok, works just well enough not to make me cry at losing the Tivo. Not well enough to not regret losing the Tivo.

They look similar on paper but the reality is its a poor but functional imitation and if you want the new HD channels there is no other choice.

Pariah · February 22nd, 2008, 07:30 AM

Thanks, Nidan. I have an HR-20 (the first gen of machine that gives you HD locals through the same sat feed). So I suspect that and the new 21 that you hve are pretty similar--and I used to have TiVo, so I kow your pain.

But I'm wondering if someone has has both a 20 and 21 to compare and contrast?

nidan · February 22nd, 2008, 08:20 AM

Essentially the same thing

puckhead · February 22nd, 2008, 10:34 AM

The 3 main differences are:
(in no particular order)

1. Color (21=Black vs. 20=silver)

2. Lack of OTA ATSC tuner on the 21

3. Typically the 21 receives software updates later than the 20's

Other than that, as Nidan says, essentially the same.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have never used the 21 (HR-20 owner) but am quite familiar with its functionality via DBSTalk.com. I considered switching only because black would match my equipment rack better, but decided to stay with HR-20 until PBS HD becomes available via sat.

Pariah · February 22nd, 2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puckhead

decided to stay with HR-20 until PBS HD becomes available via sat.

just curious, why would that make a difference to you if the main difference between the two products is the color?

puckhead · February 22nd, 2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pariah

just curious, why would that make a difference to you if the main difference between the two products is the color?

The lack of an ATSC tuner in the 21 makes it impossible (w/out purchasing a different solution) for me to view PBS HD (8.1 Off The Air). This is one my favorite channels. But DirecTV is planning on adding this channel soon, so I may be requesting the 21 eventually.

puckhead · February 22nd, 2008, 02:09 PM

Pariah,

I would be somewhat leary of purchasing this unit on E-bay. As this is a "leased unit" to just about everybody, it wouldn't exactly be kosher to sell without DirecTV's permission. They can be bought, but I think they run in the $4-600 dollar range. If you don't plan on changing providers for 2 years, I imagine you could get a 21 from Direct for $1-200. I would get the serial number from the seller and check with DirecTV before purchase so you don't have any problems. Good luck.

Pariah · February 22nd, 2008, 06:49 PM

The problem is that the "lease" still costs you hundreds up front. It's WAY cheaper to own it outright (which I've done with a HD DTV receiver w/TiVo).

Duckjake · February 27th, 2008, 09:10 AM

I just switched to the 21 from the 20 and can't tell any difference.

We get our receivers from Directv for free and just pay the extra receiver fee.

The reason we switched from the 20 was that it was running real hot. Now the 21 seems to be really warm to the touch as well. I've lifted the receiver up with some furniture carpet protectors but I wonder what's up with the heat issue.

Any thoughts?

Chandler Mike · March 3rd, 2008, 11:28 AM

HR21 doesn't have an OTA, that's the only difference I can see....and now both have Mobile Show Recording, so that's cool.

bratwurst · July 1st, 2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckjake

I just switched to the 21 from the 20 and can't tell any difference.

We get our receivers from Directv for free and just pay the extra receiver fee.

The reason we switched from the 20 was that it was running real hot. Now the 21 seems to be really warm to the touch as well. I've lifted the receiver up with some furniture carpet protectors but I wonder what's up with the heat issue.

Any thoughts?

BUMP
I just finally got an HDTV. How did you get the 21 for free?

nidan · July 1st, 2008, 03:57 PM

Free ?

SteelDog · July 8th, 2008, 06:38 PM

I just received this free. I got a call from DTV and they replaced my old TIVO HD DVR that had just died anyway. I was going to call them but they beat me to it. Now I have this HR21. It's basically the same with one huge difference to me. The HR21 has a faster processor and more ram. It has made a difference. I still have 2 HR20 and when comparing them, all the menus on the HR21 run faster and I don't get those "I am thinking" pauses from the HR21 like I do my HR20's.

bratwurst · July 9th, 2008, 09:20 AM

I ended up paying $100 + shipping to get mine, it is to be installed today. Replaces a standard def directivo.