hr21pro
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A first look at the DirecTV AM21
Back in the day, the idea of buying an HD satellite receiver without an integrated ATSC tuner was unheard of, but with all the markets with HD locals these days, it's hard to argue that everyone needs an OTA tuner. DirecTV -- like all companies -- is alway looking for ways to save money, so on the latest lineup of receivers, ATSC was left out. To help out those customers who still have the need for an OTA tuner, DirecTV is going to release a $69 companion tuner for the HR21 (regular and pro). This little dual tuner box connects via USB and piggy backs off the main unit's power via a daisy chain method to help try to cut back on cables. There's no word on availability yet, and while we're sure someone is excited about this, we're holding holding out for the HDPC-20. Another pic' of the lovely couple after the break.
DirecTV's HR21 Pro gets inspected, now available
Remember that gorgeous new DirecTV HD DVR that stirred the pot at CEDIA last September? Sure enough, said box is finally available to the masses. Of course, it will run you $599 to own, but that's where DBSTalk's first look comes in -- to help you decide, not help you finance it. Those lucky buggers managed to snag one of their very own and test it out, and noted that it came stocked with a 500GB Seagate drive and the same software set as the HR21-200. Also of note, the HDMI socket is v1.2 (with HDCP 1.1), and there's more ports 'round back than you can shake a stick at. Anxious for more? Head on down to the read link for a bevy of snapshots and the full blown review. [Thanks, Earl]
DirecTV's CEDIA booth tour
There's just no way to followup a visit to Dish Network's booth than to hit up DirecTV directly afterwards, eh? Sadly, DirecTV's space was packed to the brim with individuals and an excessive amount of TVs, but we squeaked our way through the madness to get some shots of the company's HR21 Pro, which touts a sexy black chassis, a slew of ports in the rear, and interestingly enough, Viiv-certification. Oh, and the only murmurs we heard about the next big rollout of channels involved the phrase "between next week and next year."%Gallery-7069%
DirecTV HR21 Pro gets leaked
We first stumbled upon a prototype of the DirecTV D-HR20P DVR at Electronic House Expo last year, but haven't heard anything about it since then. Now with CEDIA coming up, a promo image of what could be the next evolution in this design has been leaked, the HR21 Pro. The DVR will reportedly handle 100 hours of high-def recording and output it at 1080p over optical HDMI, but lacks any over-the-air antenna inputs, probably due to DirecTV's 100-channel rollout plan. We should see it in November, so clear out some rackmount space... you do have a rack to mount it in, right?
