HR20: buggy and unresponsive, but customers seem to love it anyways?
Since before the HR20 was even thought of it has been pretty controversial, first it was by the TiVo fanboys and then all the delays and when it finally did come it was super buggy. While some have already switched to cable in favor of a Series3 some either don't have a choice and can't stomach the cash so they stick with DirecTV despite the bugs and HD Lite. Now Foxnews.com has a story about the HR20 and the sub title seems like a stretch. Do people really love the HR20 despite the bugs? Sure some users don't record MPEG4 channels so they don't know what the problem is, but those MPEG4 problems will plague everyone when DirecTV starts rolling out those 100 HDTV channels this year. We would be the first to call out Foxnews considering their
Filed under: Set-top boxes, Satellite
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
matto @ Feb 23rd 2007 7:56PM
This turd was such a stinker, and DirecTV's denial so profound, they managed to convert me from a loyal customer into a Comcast subscriber. I'll spend the coin on a Tivo Series 3, since it actually works.
Aaront @ Feb 23rd 2007 9:40PM
I have an HR20 and the Directv plus (standard definition DVR). The HR20 is quick through the guide. Occasionally it will freeze after it has been paused promoting me to reset it. The DVR Plus is slow as hell, and freezes. It is about as bad as the Motorola box I had cable. The biggest complaint I have is with the picture it is indeed HD-Lite. I expected a much better HD picture it is decent but not what one should expect. I know a guy has filed a lawsuit against them...is there anything else that can be done?
GhostDoggy @ Feb 23rd 2007 10:25PM
Supper Buggy? Is this an after dinner thing?
Eric M @ Feb 24th 2007 12:35AM
I don't know how any HDTV advocate can watch DirectTV. Not only is it HD-Lite, but the amount of macroblocking that goes on is at an unwatchable level these days.
Tim P @ Feb 24th 2007 7:32AM
I have an HR20 and I hate it. I would switch to a Series 3 Tivo, but its so expensive. Plus I'd have to pay an early termination fee. I have considered building a MythTV box, but that gets to be pretty expensive too. All in all, I don't think there's any good HD recording solution out there. (I'm sure the Tivo is good, but my local cable company, Cox, has a really crappy HD line up).
Charley C @ Feb 24th 2007 8:39AM
This is yellow journalism at its worst.
This piece of gross misinformation clearly sounds like it was written by a disgruntled postal worker. It is blatently one-sided and litered with inaccuracies. It is also not based on fact.
For the vast majority of HR20 users, we know better. I can account for a total of 22 units alone in my circle of user associates, none of which has had any problems scheduling, recording, or playing back programming. The HR20 has been solid for most users since it came out last September. A small minority of users have experienced some hiccups, but even some of those have proven to be self-inflicted based on user error, poor equipment connections, and poor cabling. In other cases, they tried to hook up the HR20 to an HDTV which was known to have HDMI problems with any device, and yet the HR20 got blamed.
Chris @ Feb 24th 2007 4:08PM
Speak for yourself Charley..
I've had the HR20 for several months now as an upgrade from multiple series1 and Series2 D-TiVos, along with a standard Samsung HD tuner. True, it IS more stable now compared to the initial version I picked up at BestBuy, and I am pleased that the OTA tuners were finally activated, but this is still a frustrating piece of hardware.
I have it connected to a Panny projector via. component and it's most common problem is where the picture is solid black, although the menus continue to function normally. Granted, it only happens about once every 2 weeks, but that's far too often for me. Aside from that, the other main problem is how it doesn't maintain a stable digital audio signal during commercial transitions resulting in lots of audible pops & clicks with each break.
I like the fast menus and "normal operation" is generally pretty good, but adding & managing scheduled recordings is a pain compared to my original Tivo units. I find that pretty sad considering how old Tivo is now.... is it really that hard to replicate that kind of usability!?
Brian @ Feb 24th 2007 9:05AM
The HR20 suffers in comparison to the Tivo, but compared to the local cable company's Scientific Atlanta box, the HR20 is quite good. Even the so-called "HD lite" is better than my local cable outfit's, who is even more bandwith starved than Directv. If Directv can get their new satellites launched and solve their bandwith woes, most of their problems will be solved. I don't have a problem sticking with Directv.
Of course if I could get a fiber optic hook-up from Verizon in my part of town I might have a different opinion....
technabob @ Feb 24th 2007 10:21AM
I like that last comment "the HR20 suffers in comparison to the TiVo..." I guess you've never used the DirecTV HR10-250, which has been packed with faulty HDMI ports, random reboots, bad hard drives and program recording issues since it first came out.
Why is it that DirecTV and TiVo can't kiss and make up, and release a Series 3 for satellite? I think they'd sell like hotcakes to those of us on DTV who need to move to MPEG-4 and don't want to step out of the HR10-250 frying pan and into the HR20 kitchen.
It seems like you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't here. It's not like cable is much better (or is it?)
Earl Bonovich @ Feb 24th 2007 10:27AM
For clarrificaiton:
The Fox Article:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2097242,00.asp
Was a "reprinting" of the article from PCMagazine
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2097242,00.asp
They just added their disclaimer with how FoxNews is "related" to DirecTV.
But the article is same from PCMagazine
Mitch @ Feb 24th 2007 12:15PM
This article is self interested for FOX because although Fox doesnt own directv, their company still owns NDS who is responsible for the HR20. so they do directly profit from this device doing well.
Also, Just because some DVR / DBS fanboys are jumping onto the Beta test bandwagon, doesnt mean this HR20 is a good device. It isn't. I have tons of problems and while some aspects of it are an advance. I wish they would bring back Tivo as an alliance for a new HD box.
And yes, Directv is HD lite, they compress it alot, but generally it still looks good. Although some artifacts. I believe this will get better with the new satellite launches soon.
Mitch @ Feb 24th 2007 2:37PM
I wrote this piece for TV Predictions.com, it's on this topic
http://www.tvpredictions.com/davis022307.htm
Charley C @ Feb 24th 2007 5:24PM
Mitch:
There appears to be 2 sides to your coin in this other piece on the same site. I'm inclined to go with this fellow's assessment....
http://www.tvpredictions.com/radike022307.htm
GhostDoggy @ Feb 24th 2007 4:12PM
Who cares about this STB when there are much bigger problems within this anti-service provider? HD-lite is the single biggest consumer fraud one can imagine. Talk about blatant mistruths, and then they had the hypocracy to pick on someone else's HDTV.
Xyzzy @ Feb 24th 2007 4:40PM
This whole "HDLite" thing is blown way out of proportion, in my opinion. I've done A/B comparisons on OTA (CBS and Fox) vs the NYC HD feeds of both networks, and I can't tell a difference on my Panasonic AE700. Granted, the pj only does 720p, but it is on a 100" screen, and I can't tell a difference, so I don't think it's that big a deal.
Rupert M @ Feb 24th 2007 9:29PM
For more info, you can read about some of the details of this ongoing debate at HDTVMagazine.com. The article is from Jan. 11, and software downloads have improved the HR20's reliability since then. But Directv's obvious seven-month denial/PR spin strategy about the box having any serious problems (and only affecting a "vocal minority" of subs) is really the lousy part of all this. They have deceived subscribers by basically releasing the box as if it were good to go. It wasn't even close, and still isn't completely. Just read the online user reviews at places like CNET, Circuit City and Amazon.com. Mostly negative, and for good reason.
If you want to read the HDTVMagazine piece to learn more, here's the link: http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/2007/01/directvs_hr20_-_dvr_debate_rages_on.php
DVR @ Feb 24th 2007 10:31PM
And so it goes. The HR20 works for some, doesn't for others. Anyone thinking of dipping a toe into the HD pond at the moment should heed this warning: If you're looking for recordable HD content for that shiny new HD set, think twice about getting it from DirecTv, as DirecTv can't offer a unit so worthy of trust that it works for most customers.
You will pay up to $299 for the right to lease the HR20, and will be entering into a 2-year contract the second you activate the device. If you think you'll be lucky enough to get an HR20 that works, roll the dice.
If you're an average user, who likes things to work when you plug them in, this may not be the HD provider for you. It's that simple. If you are tempted to lease an HR20, call DirecTv first, and ask these four simple questions:
Upon request, for customers with HR20s that fail to perform properly, causing losses in received programming:
1) Will DTV allow customers, without a monetary penalty, to be released from the 2-year commitment that begins when the HR20 is activated?
2) Will DTV refund the initial fee (up to $299) that customers pay for each HR20?
3) Will DTV refund a portion of each monthly fee for programming that was lost or unwatchable due to flawed performance of an HR20?
4) Will DTV refund a portion of each monthly HR20 lease fee due to flawed performance of an HR20?
Then, base your decision whether to choose DirecTv as your recordable HD provider on the answers, and whether you like taking risks.
James Rainey @ Feb 25th 2007 12:59AM
Charley C and others here promoting this box clearly do not use their HR20. We've had 4 of them, hooked up via HDMI to a new XBR3 Sony.
This is the worst DVR we've ever used. We moved back to our HR10-250 (DirecTV TIVO) and are getting our local HD channels over the air.
As soon as our contact ends with DirecTV we are getting a Series 3 and moving back to cable. Shame on DirecTV.
Charley C @ Feb 25th 2007 10:35AM
James - you must be having something else going on there - I have 2 HR20s hooked up to Sonys - 1 to a 50E20000 and the 2nd to an XBR3 - both record & play OTA HS & SD perfectly, as well as DirecTV HS and SD channels. One reboot was needec on one unit back in December, and one on the other the first new software update in January. Other than that - no problems at all. Apparently, people are blaming their HR20 just about for any problem, even when there may be other problems in their installation as well. You could have bad HDMI connections, bad cables to the dish, a bad multiswitch, or other things going on, not just a faulty HR20. I'll bet 9 out of 10 people who claim an HR20 problem never check anything else - which explains why some have the same issues over and over even with a replacement. Next thing you know, the HR20 will be responsible for the rain or snow. DUH.
DVR @ Feb 25th 2007 2:55PM
Charley C: I disagree. Software updates from DirecTv over the past months have cured many problems. It's just inaccurate to assume the customer is at fault, when software updates solve many problems. This is why folks assume you work for DirecTv.
Your argument is like saying Ford Pintos exploded because those dang customers filled the gas tanks. It's just a false argument. And the intelligent people of the world know better, and can see through your argument.
julian @ Feb 25th 2007 5:00PM
i got 3 words FTA
u can get a hd fta recoerder from viewsat with hard drive and such for 700$ and if u wanan i can load pirate software to steal signal(highly ileagal)
ouijal @ Feb 26th 2007 3:16AM
It must be a full time (paying?) job to defend DirectV across the whole internet.
HD Tom @ Feb 26th 2007 10:30AM
Sorry, but mine works pretty darn well. One thing that has NEVER happened for me that I read about all the time is something I've scheduled not recording. Never, and I record shows every day.
The only thing that happens to me is - a couple times a week - I'll turn it on and the screen is black. It's as if the dish was torn from my roof. A restart fixes this. It's slightly annoying, I'll admit, but nothing like I've read from others. Other than this - for me - it WORKS!!!
Kevin Murphy @ Feb 26th 2007 2:01PM
The point about Fox owning NDS is well-taken, but you also have to realize that Fox STILL owns DirecTV. The sale to Liberty is pending regulatory approval.
Rob Walley @ Mar 1st 2007 5:31PM
I am a DirecTV subscriber since 2000 and I currently have 4 DirecTiVos in my home, one of them the HD unit. For the most part the experience has gone well, but even the DirecTiVo has had problems with failing hard drives and the HD unit constantly locks up if you leave a program in pause mode for too long.
We are a family of seven and run a 24 hour home based business, so our DirecTiVo units get a workout. We definitely push them harder than the normal user and I truly believe that is the reason for the 3 failed hard drives.
But my experience is about to be put to the test as my latest replacement unit (shipping today) is a NDS unit. I am actually looking forward to using the NDS box and putting it through it's paces. I have briefly viewed a friends and there are some things that DirecTV has done right on this one. I'm sure I will miss my TiVos once they finally all crap out. Switching to cable is not an option as we live in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina here in south Mississippi. The cable systems left much to be desired before the storm and are simply a joke now. Over the air HD is still the best picture you can get (and it is staggeringly beautiful) but DirecTV's "HD Lite" is still much better than SD on my 60" Sony set. The launch of new satellites and the eventual mpeg4 conversion will not solve the "HD lite" picture quality problem as DirecTV will use that bandwith for more channels, not a stronger bitstream.
The point here is that DirecTV is a company that has a lot of problems with their product, both hardware and content, but they are aggressively working to improve both, and there are signs that things are getting better. A problem with the NDS unit wouldn't phase me right now as I haven't been totally impressed with TiVo's offerings either. And I have owned enough TiVos to know that DVRs are a developing and imperfect technology.
DVR @ Mar 3rd 2007 1:23AM
You may be satisfied with imperfect technology and willing to accept less performance than your standard VCR, but millions of viewers are not.
The HR20 comes with a sizable monthly fee for programming and a monthly fee for leasing it. If your programming is nearly unwatchable due to audio dropouts, how long would the average customer put up with these imperfections? The HR20 is not a TiVo. It's a total piece of crap. The sheer quantity of bugs are so profound, it's in a league all its own. TiVo never had this quantity of bugs. Even the first VCR ever sold never had this many bugs. The HR20 is a total disaster.
The HR20, for many users, is riddled with audio dropouts, missed recordings, recordings that won't play back, etc. It can so adversely impact your HD experience that you'll wonder why on earth you ever leased it.
Avoid this product at all costs.
Boo_Radley @ Mar 29th 2007 10:18AM
I won't have the HR20 until April 3rd but based on my experience with many people's home theatre "installations" I would bet many problems are caused by inferior cabling and an overall lack of knowledge on how to properly set up their systems. People spend great deals of money on inferior Monster cables because the stores and some mags push them, the problem is they're not shielded properly and in today's Wi-Fi, cell phone, blu-tooth covered homes this will wreak havoc on the equipment. I've also seen many homes with bad picture or sound due to dirty power.
If your set up isn't clean and the cabling is inferior all products will suffer, you'd be amazed what dirty power can do to your DVR, after all it is essentially a computer. Bad power causes chips to run hot and that will cause all kinds of bugs. I'd be interested in hearing from people who TRULY know what they are talking about with this unit, not just everyday "video-philes" who are really people with too much money and no real experience or people who work in the "Magnolia" department of Best Buy.