HR 20 vs. HR 21

[dish96]

OK.
I'm ready to pull the trigger on D* and pull the plug on E*. I have a few questions I hope get answered. I'm looking at the HR20 and the HR21 receivers. Since my HDTV is only HD-Ready, I need the capability of the ASTC receiver and I know I can buy an AM21 to work with the HR21. I just need to know some thoughts on which receiver I should go with. I'm in the Youngstown, OH market and I dont see D* putting those up soon in HD so I need the OTA capability. Should I just buy the AM21 for the HR21 or go with the HR20 witht the built-in. Is there a huge difference?

 

[darrencp22]

Your decision may be easy. I don't think they are installing any more HR20's or at least it is rare to get one.

The HR21 has increased hard drive space and the cooling system is better. I would go with the HR21 and pick up an AM21. I wonder if you can haggle this in for free as a new customer.

 

[dish96]

My local retailer gave me the choice of each and had both in stock. How or where do I et the AM-21? And how much is it?

 

[rad]

My local retailer gave me the choice of each and had both in stock. How or where do I et the AM-21? And how much is it?

Once your account shows a HR21 on it at the DirecTV web site you can order the AM21 there. It's $50 and that includes shipping via FedEx.

 

[NutFlush920]

I woulndn't mind getting my hands on a HR21 to replace my HR20 in the living room. I think black would look a lot nicer with my AV setup. DirecTV dosn't do swaps do they?

Give someone the HR20 that wants OTA built in and let me have the one that doesn't. Make 2 people happy.

 

[dish96]

So what exactly is the difference other than the ATSC tuner?

 

[NutFlush920]

The HR21 is newer and is black in color. The HR20 is older and is gray in color. Other than that they are identical I believe.

 

[rad]

There are some very small difference. A few of the others that I think of are:

- HR20-700 doesn't have a coax output for Dobly Digital audio
- HR21's have a slightly larger harddrive
- HR20-700 doesn't have a pass though ethernet port, the others do

 

[vurbano]

There are some very small difference. A few of the others that I think of are:

- HR20-700 doesn't have a coax output for Dobly Digital audio
- HR21's have a slightly larger harddrive
- HR20-700 doesn't have a pass though ethernet port, the others do

i like the hr20's better. I prefer the coax connection over optical.

 

[dishrich]

- HR20-700 doesn't have a coax output for Dobly Digital audio

BUT the HR20-100's DO...

 

[joed32]

i like the hr20's better. I prefer the coax connection over optical.

I do too, the coax is a lot less fragile.

 

[aa9vi]

I passed on the H21 only because it does not have an internal over the air tuner. I don't like the idea of having to pay $50 extra for that. It seems like an attempt for DTV to nickel and dime another chunk of change out of me. I got my HR20 for the same price as an HR21. That being said, the cooling running box, the larger hard drive and the black color, and pass through ethernet connection (for a second device like PS2) are advantages for the HR21. In the end, I just settled on my idea for one box. I also like the HR20's optical audio connection. The sound is digital 5.1 and exceptional. So, it all depends on what your priorities are.