DIRECTV HR24D500 / HR24NC100 Plus HR24 High Definition DVR / HR24NC100I recommend this unit for anyone who needs a new DirecTV High Definition DVR. I wanted a second DVR and did not want to play DirecTV "Which unit do I get". By going to an outside source I get to choose exactly what I want. The HR-24 it has functioned perfectly since it was installed. This is the latest HR unit with full availability for DirecTV customers. It has a 500 MB internal hard drive with the option to use an external SATA hard drive of up to 2 GB. The current limitation of the internal or external hard drive is that only one can be used at a time. The units can be switched from internal to external or from external to internal with a restart of the HR-24. The front panel is a touch panel variety with a blue lit display that can be dimmed or even turned off completely and also turned back on. As with all technology newer units will come on the market in the future (HR-34 DVR) but for me I am satisfied with this one and hope that I can use it for a long time.
BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!In the DVR wars, the Directv HR 24 receiver/dvr is a huge improvement from the HR 21. It is much faster and Direct has upgraded their software which makes it that much better and faster. It is much quieter than the HR 21. All the features work well and the HD seems to be much sharper and better quality now. Menus are fast and easy to use. The next step up is the HR 34 that can record up to 5 programmes.
We found it easier to have two receivers and connect it to our HDMI in home network, giving complete independence to each receiver/monitor routing. Otherwise the whole home feature is very nice, using coax and local receivers. While you can watch from anywhere in the home, unlike the HR 35, you can only watch one program at a time unless, like me, you have multiple receiver/dvr units routed to specific monitors. Programming is simple, menus are easily navigate. The helpful tips are nice, i.e. selecting format from 480i to 1080i. There is also 1080p but we haven't seen any programming as of yet. This particular receiver/dvr is the model HR 24 #100. There are several and from what I've been able to tell, there isn't any difference except in size and shape of the cabinet.
This is smaller in size than the #700, my other receiver/dvr. Recently, we compared to Dish network's comparable system and Direct definitely has the edge over Dish for quality in HD and ease of use. The standard def is not quite as clear as Dish so low resolution channels and programmes won't appear exactly as sharp but 1.There is very little difference. 2. Most programmes are now in HD. If you don't need the extra bells and whistles and don't need your unit connected to the telephone line and, or, the internet, required with the HR 34, this model fills the bill nicely.
If you want internet options, you can connect the HR 24 but you will need additional accessories. There may or may not charge for them. You'll need to check with Directv. This unit is new but is a lease only unit. That means you do not own the unit. Very similar to the old telephone company rules where you were required to "rent" each handset for a monthly fee. You will need to return your equipment when you disconnect service or upgrade to a new or different unit. If you do, beware, Dierctv does not guarantee you will get a new unit or the exact model you want. While features and functions may be the same, performance and type of units are not.
We're seeing fewer "owned" units and they probably will likely not let you use one in the near future, or will discourage you from using one. Over all, this is a good unit and does a great job. Don't forget, this is also a SWM system. If you don't have the single down lead and bridge required for it, you'll need one installed. You also must agree to a two year term and will get charged a hefty fee if you terminate service early. They want you to use auto pay or you may not be able to get service. This gets tricky so read very carefully, all the literature that comes with this system if you're a new customer. Like cell phone agreements, you could get trapped. There is a lot of red tape so buyer beware of all dbs satellite TV providers.
Also, watch your bill carefully as rates can go up with changes in channel providers. This is out of the satellite company's control. Otherwise, they do periodically raise their fees and there is more red tape associated with limits and time periods concerning your monthly usage fee. Don't hesitate to call them and ask for promotional or other opt in discounts. They are supposed to warn when rates change but don't count on it, or there may be fine print, small and buried, it's a task to sort through. Note: as more people turn toward the internet for entertainment, satellite service costs may go up with the loss of customers. Like cable it is not the best but it does offer more options than many cable providers. Now that analogue is a thing of the past, signal quality is less critical but many cable companies still deliver analogue signals which are subject to degradation, snow, interference, low signal strength and the usual noise issues common in such cases. This is where satellite has the definite advantage whether low or his resolution. Also, if you use a flat screen TV i.e. Plasma or LCD, standard definition (480i) is not native to this system so it will not look as good as on an old glass tube TV.
Please note: This review is posted for information purposes only. It is not intended as a venue of debate or argument. Please be respectful. Abusive comments will be reported and removed.It's been years since a True Ownership of a Receiver of Sat Tv was really a Ownership. So many think that when they pay the price of Receivers like this that they Own it, Sorry for ya, but no you do not. Even if you paid $600 for a unit, you can not connect it to service and Own it. Only way to Own one is to Buy one and never use it and never say you have it. Why pay these high prices to only turn around and Pay monthly on a Receiver you think you Own. Read the Fine Print.
I haven't paid for a New Receiver for many years now. If they want my money for tv then they need to give me something to receive their tv. Ask for what you want strongly or tell em you will go to cable.Very user friendly device. Received my DVR from FedEx, unwrapped it, connected it. Called Directv while the box turned itself on and started to set itself up. One reminder for those who have not connected a directv DVR before make sure to match the type of satellite dish to your DVR connection during the setup process if you have to connect two plugs, set your satellite connection to "Dual". If you have only one plug, set it to "Single".
The remote appears to be in IR mode initially. After a while, it sets itself to RF (where you do not have to point the remote directly at the DVR as it works on radio frequency). Go figure!
Have been using the DVR for a month. Everything works like a charm. The only drawback with the device is it takes a longer time (than just an HD box) to reboot itself from a power outage.
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