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DirecTV AM21 finally available
A keen observer over at DBSTalk noticed that the ATSC tuner add on for the HR21 is finally available on DirecTV.com for purchase. This $50 accessory will enable HR21 owners to tune into and record OTA HD channels and is a must have for anyone who wants access to every local HD channel in their area. Although DirecTV caries HD locals in most markets, it doesn't carry all the HD channels in those same markets. As expected, it'll let you record two shows at once, but unfortunately it doesn't work with the H21 HD receiver (non-DVR).
DirecTV's PC tuner (HDPC-20) is real!
We're not sure where Earl from DBSTalk got these scans, but we're so excited to get some official confirmation that this device exists, that we really don't care. The HDPC-20 is a dual tuner device that connects via USB to your PC and allows you to record and watch DirecTV programming on your computer -- and curiously includes an Ethernet port. It supports Vista Media center, but also appears to work with the regular flavor of Windows. What might be the best news is that from what we have here, there is no indication that it will have a OEM requirement like its cable equivalent. There isn't any word on price or availability, but after two years of waiting, we'll find a way to hold on for a little while longer till this thing hits the streets.Picture of the rear and more details after the jump.
DirecTV customers will have to re-sign up for HD Extra pack
There's been a little bit of controversy recently about DirecTV's latest HD Extra pack. In the early days of HD, DirecTV's HD programming was optional, then about a year ago they changed it, requiring every customer with a HD capable STB to pay a $10/mo HD access fee, which included all their HD channels. But now that they've added so many HD channels, they moved most of the HD only channels (those not simulcasts of SD channels, ie. UHD) to a new tier called the HD Extra pack for $5/mo extra. Now, according to Earl Bonovich of DBSTalk.com, starting yesterday customers will have to re-sign up for these channels,. The good news is that the first three months are free and includes access to; HDNet Movies, MGM HD, MHD, Smithsonian HD and Universal HD. Mysteriously missing from this list are, Food HD, HGTV HD, and HDNet.
