Thanks to the DirecTV HR21-700's combination of high-definition (HD) programming and digital video recording (DVR), it's a handy satellite receiver, especially for people who don't necessarily have room in the TV cabinet for more than one piece of hardware. You can view both HD and standard-definition (SD) signals with the HR21-700.

If you need to connect an over-the-air antenna to your satellite receiver, however, the HR21-700 isn't a good choice, as it only accepts input from the satellite dish. DirecTV doesn't yet offer local channels in HD in every market, making the lack of an over-the-air option a potentially big problem with this receiver. In fact, the lack of an over-the-air connector is arguably the major difference between the HR21-700 and the company's HR20-700 model.

The DirecTV HR21-700 looks very similar to the HR20-700, at least on the front panel. The unit's infrared sensor is large, allowing you to easily use the remote control from an angle. On the front panel, you'll find several handy buttons, including Power, Guide, Menu, Record, four-direction arrows, Info and Resolution (which allows you to select from four different HD resolutions) buttons. You'll also find two hidden panels on the DirecTV HR21-700 that contain the access card slot, the Reset button, and a USB port (which is designed for future use, according to DirecTV).

The back panel of this receiver contains two coaxial connectors, both of which are "satellite in" connectors. You can record two programs at once with these two connectors. (This requires connection of two satellite inputs from a multiple-LNB DirecTV System antenna.) You'll also find an HDMI connector, YPbPr video output, two sets of RCA video and audio connectors (both out), an S-Video out, a pair of Ethernet jacks for connecting to the Internet, a phone jack and two connectors for future use (USB and SATA). Additionally, The unit's power cable is removable.

The DirecTV HR21-700's DVR capabilities allow you to pause live TV for up to 90 minutes at a time. The DVR's 300GB HDD can store up to 200 hours of SD programming or 50 hours of HD programming.

The on-screen programming guide is outstanding, displaying up to 14 days worth of programming, and this receiver's parental control features are very good. Without the over-the-air connector, though, it's impossible to recommend the HR21-700 over the HR20-700.


Pros: Good mixture of DVR and HD features, on-screen guide carries 14 days, good mixture of DVR and HD features, can record two shows while watching a third recording
Cons: No over-the-air antenna connection, price is a little high (although new customers often receive a price break), no picture-in-picture capabilities

Warranty
90 days, limited