The DIRECTV DVR is the perfect tool to fully utilize your satellite TV subscription. While you will have a monthly fee for each DVR you have in use, it more than pays for itself in the time you will save. Another great selling point is that the DIRECTV DVR has a large hard drive, meaning you can save a lot more recorded content when compared to cable TV digital video recorders.
The two main DIRECTV units that are offered to new customers today are the DIRECTV HD DVR, also known as the HR series (HR20, HR21, HR22 and HR23) and the DIRECTV Plus DVR which is the R22 model. Both of these devices will do all of the things you expect from a digital video recorder, such as pause live TV, rewind and fast forward through recorder shows, and allow you to record series and shows individually at the touch of the button.
The DIRECTV HR20 series is of course designed for those who have a high definition TV set, such as a plasma or LCD. This DIRECTV DVR will record both HD and SD (standard definition) content at your direction. The latest models will hold up to 100 hours of HD content, and up to 400 hours of SD. The capacity here is nice, in that it holds more than most cable DVRs. This also compares well with Dish Network DVR units. If you need more room, you can add something like a Western Digital 1TB external hard drive to your DIRECTV DVR, allowing storage of up to 200 hours of HD programming.
The DIRECTV Plus DVR is designed for customers that still have standard definition TV sets in their home. This device will hold up to 100 hours of SD content for you. Programming is done with your DIRECTV remote control, or you can now program either on of these DVR devices through your computer, cell phone or the iPhone app designed for DIRECTV.
Now if you are looking at the costs involved in getting a digital video recorder, and the ongoing monthly fees, here is a brief breakdown. Generally, DIRECTV runs a promotion that will get you into the DIRECTV HD DVR at no charge if you sign up for the Choice Xtra package or higher. The normal retail price quoted on this unit is $199, though keep in mind you don’t actually own the DVR. DIRECTV considers it to be leased equipment, so if you discontinue your subscription be sure you send it back or you will probably face additional charges. If you want additional HD DVR units beyond the first, be prepared to pay for those when you set up service.
Now the monthly DIRECTV DVR fee is right now $6, but that will be going up shortly to $7 a month. Considering the time savings you will enjoy skipping through hours of commercials, this fee is actually one you won’t mind paying.
DIRECTV DVR units have also been integrated into the DIRECTV on Demand platform. Pay per view movies can be accessed on demand without difficulty. If you want full access to all of the on demand programming offered, you will need to hook your DIRECTV DVR into a high speed internet connection. Doing this will allow you access to thousands of titles, many of which are free.
