DIRECTV H21-100 HD SATELLITE RECEIVER DIRECT TV NIB!!!!

First off, for those concerned about the lack of an OTA tuner, DTV is releasing an add-on device (model number AM-21) some time in February. This sits on top of the HR21, is about an inch tall, same width, and connects to the HR21 via USB to enable OTA capability on the HR21. This was undoubtedly done to keep HR21 costs down so people who had no use for the OTA tuner didn't have to pay for it. Initial rumors are it will go for about $59. And yes, the HR21 can record OTA programs even OTA HD programs via the AM-21

Second, DTV has recently updated the firmware for this unit to enable DirecTV On Demand. A service that allows you to download various programs at your leisure--most for free though they do offer PPV this way as well now. This function only works if you've got your HR21 connected to the internet via a broadband connection.

Aside from the new features, the HR21 menu can get sluggish at times, but the ability to record two HD shows simultaneously seems to work great and I've had no problems with playback, recording, or other issues like lockups.

For those wanting to use the HR21 for media sharing, it is NOT necessary to have a PC with VIIV hardware. All you need is Windows Media Player 11 or other compatible software as listed on their website. This again assumes your HR21 is networked to the PC running WMP11.

Freezes, then freezes, then voices are off ... I'm on my THIRD unit ... After a year I still have to keep the lights on in order to know what buttons I'm pressing on the remote, terrible design ... I had the TIVO remote memorized in a week ... If you cancel recording a show when both tuners are recording for some reason it stops recording but forgets to tell the brain it stopped so it still won't let you change channels ... RESET! ... Now my screen is stuck on step 1 of 2 and won't EVER change ... I hate you direct tv.

I have had the HR-21 for a couple months now, and have been mostly happy. Now that Direct TV now is offering on demand, I had to get it. However, several problems with this, number one, after speaking to Direct TV minutes ago I found out the HR-21 will not be able to do ondemand. Apparently ondemand is only for the HR20. This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. The HR21 is supposed to be an upgrade! For it to not work with ondemand is plain dumb. Second, the instuctions on the Direct TV homepage to install ondemand say to login and get the "kit." When you follow the path provided, there is no kit!

Have been very happy with D-TV over the last 6 years. These issues are just frustrating!

Like another reviewer, I have had this DVR freeze up about once a week and am forced to power off/on the machine. The good news is that it has never "lost" a program that I recorded. Additionally I have problems with lips and voice synchronizing more frequently than I like. Also, the clock is always off about 8 to 15 seconds causing me to miss the first few seconds of a show.

On the positive side, I do like the black finish and when it works (most of the time), it does work great. DIRECTV is suppose to be getting me a replacement.

DirecTV offered to replacy my HR10-250 (Tivo) box with a brandy-new HR21-200. This is essentially the same as their HR20 unit, except this one isn't equipped with an off-the-air (OTA) tuner. I can get all locals via DirecTV here just north of Boston, so I don't need OTA capability.

There's a little bit of a learning curve with the GUI on this box, but, besides that, it's proven to be a rock-solid and dependable unit. I highly recommend this box - especially if you want to receive all of the HD channels DireTV is offering now (which you can't receive with the HR10-250).