DirecTV DVR HR10-250 vs. HR20-700

polkatese

I was a skeptic with the upgrade from HR10- to HR20 DVR based on the numerous problems that I've read. However, with the launch of DTV 10 and 11 satellite, the inevitable is, everyone who wants HD has to upgrade. Well, I did it over this weekend with a new 5LNB Multi-Sat Dish install, to replace 3LNB. I have 2 HR10- and 1 HR20-, and after configuring the HR20 I have to say that I am rather impressed with the improvements in picture quality. I am not sure if this is caused by the new 5LNB dish or HR20, but definitely color is a LOT more vibrant, sharp, and very detailed, especially visible on my RPTV more so than LCD. For anyone on the fence on the upgrade, I'd say, go for it before the Fall rush, when DTV new birds are fully operational. By then, your local installers will be on backlog schedule that can take weeks to clear.

billbillw

I think you did the right thing by waiting till now. Early users were certainly dealing with a fairly significant amount of bugs/inoperability issues. I also agree with doing it before the fall rush too. I've called a couple times to retention about the upgrade, but haven't been offered the deal that I was hoping for. I was told 2 years ago that I would get a free upgrade and I'm still holding out for that. I also want to get a 2nd HR20 unit for the bedroom now that we actually have a 2nd HDTV in there. (I don't expect the 2nd one free though) I know that getting 2 at the same time is difficult, so wish me luck!

polkatese

I was offered a free HR20- as a replacement of the HR10 after I went through several incompetent frontline CSRs on access card issue, who eventually escalated me to someone that feel the need to offer me the free box, and then I called back for the free dish, in which retention offers me also for free.

Good luck, try the CSRs roulette, other than a couple notch boost of your blood pressure, I think it's a fun game.

billbillw

Actually called around 5:30pm today. Got lucky on my first attempt. No haggles, no pleading, just offered the free (+shipping/handling) HR20 and 5-LNB dish right off the bat. The CSR was very competent, answered all my "loaded" questions competently and finished the deal in a hurry. I was off the phone before 6:00 with no raise in BP. Installation should be this coming Saturday.
While on the phone, I inquired about getting a 2nd HR20 for the bedroom and I was told that one would be $199-$99 credit on my bill.

polkatese

Good deal, Bill! let me know what's your thoughts on the HR20 after all is set and done.

mantis

I didn't notice a difference in picture qualtiy with Direct tv's new boxes or Dish. I did however conduct a few side by side comparsions with both Direct tv and Comcast.......Comcast has a clearer more defined HD picture. Running the same channel you notice a differernce between the 2.

I switched a few years ago to Comcast. I'm now waiting for Verizon to finish there install in our town so I can try that out. So far I have seen Vios and have been Impressed.

Standard Dss and cable suck on HDtv's no question so I don't bother to compare anything there.

Whats up Polkatese.... long time man no see

polkatese

Danny! how's things? long time no see indeed. I trust the Dyn still goin' strong...Have you been to B&K Rochester lately? what's up with their next generation REF50? It's been pushing 3 years with no update nor news.

mantis

Things are good man, the Dyn's are going strong. No I have not heard anything from B&K in upgrade terms. I'm curious myself to see what they are doing. they are one of the slowest companies to upgrade anything.

billbillw

Got the HR20 installed today along with the new dish. That new dish is quite a piece of work. Its light years ahead of the old one with the fine tuning threads, etc. Anyway, I actually got the HR20-100s, which is a slightly different design, built by Thomson. Essentially the same box though. After some initial stumbling, I figured out a few things and I'm getting used to it. I like it! Image quality is great. It runs quiet. Its fast and pretty intuitive. With a little time, I doubt there is anything I'll miss about the HDTivo. I'm just using the HR20 in the bedroom and I plan to duplicate my season passes for awhile and make sure the HR20 is not giving up anything with reliability. As long as the HR20 proves itself worthy, I'll probably Ebay the HR10 before too long and buying a second HR20 for the main room.