The DirecTV HR20, popularly known as the Plus HD DVR, is an updated version of DirecTV's first HD DVR. While it retains a lot of the original's design, the HR20 features DirecTV's own menu system and electronic program guide, replacing the previous model's TiVo system.

The HR20 is a simple-to-use DVR. The internal hard drive can store up to 30 hours of HD programming (MPEG2; up to 50 hours in the MPEG4 format) or 200 hours of standard-definition programming, and all content can be output in its native format. In other words, the HR20 delivers high-definition channels in their original resolutions, whether they are 720p or 1,080i.

Our only major complaint with the HR20 concerns the sporadic bugs that occasionally pop up. DirecTV offers a flow of software upgrades designed to address these bugs and improve performance, but you should be aware of potential teething difficulties with this unit. A majority of the bugs were limited to the program search feature. The HR20 offers a variety of search criteria, along with the equivalent of TiVo's Wish List and Season Pass options. You can search TV listings by keywords such as actor, director or genre, as well as program the HR20 to automatically record your favorite shows. However, the search results occasionally omit programs that should be included, and it sometimes includes shows that don't match the keywords.

Despite these annoyances, the interface is extremely simple to navigate, and the bookmark feature is particularly impressive. During playback of a recorded show, you can quickly pause and press a button to create a bookmark. The HR20 then lets you instantly jump to the bookmark.

With two satellite tuners and two ATSC tuners built in, the HR20 can record two TV shows in either HD or standard-definition while playing back a previously recorded third show. The unit also has the typical DVR controls to pause live TV, instantly replay a great play or missed line of dialogue and fast-forward through saved or buffered commercials.

The HR20 delivers excellent picture quality, comparable to any other DVR we've seen, whether in HD or standard-definition recordings. While many cable DVR units are cheaper, DirecTV subscribers will be impressed by the superior quality and features of the HR20.


Pros:  Excellent interface, HDMI output, one-touch recording, can record two HD shows while playing back a third, frequent software updates
Cons:  No aspect ratio control in HD, some operational bugs

Warranty
90 days, limited