Directv Plus DVR DTV Receiver / 100-Hours DVR

I don't know, maybe it's because I'm a novice at using a DVR and never having had the pleasure of using a Tivo recorder, but when I read the other reviews on this recorder I shook my head, thinking wow, are we talking about the same machine?

I've wanted a Tivo for years but because, in the beginning when they first came out, you needed a second phone line and we didn't want that added expense we passed on getting one....but one day I had phone call from the DirecTV guy who installed our old receiver and satellite dish, to tell me that a second phone line wasn't needed anymore and that there was a special promotion going on by DirecTV to switch to the new DirecTV Plus DVR for a small fee, I jumped at the chance. He was here the next day and I have been a happy TV watcher ever since.

I must admit I do watch a lot of television and at times used to get so frustrated when two shows I want to watch were on at the same time, now that is not a problem at all. I think that is my favorite feature of this DVR, but there are many other features I really do enjoy and take advantage of.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Some of you might want information about how to install this unit, if that's the case I can't help you on that end since, as I mentioned, it was installed for us by a professional who works for DirecTV. I do know that in the package are all the materials needed for that installation:

The A/V cables
S-Video Cable
Phone cord
Power cord
Access card
User guide
Remote control and batteries.

The unit itself is black, quite sleek and a not too big or cumbersome it fits perfectly where my old satellite receiver sat in my wall unit.

The front of the unit has a Door Panel and USB port as well as:

Power button
Remote sensor
Guide- which displays the onscreen program guide
Menu-brings up the menu to access settings and services
Record button- in live TV, records current program and sets one-touch record for highlighted programs
Arrows- move the onscreen highlight up and down, left or right
Select - selects the item highlighted
Active- Displays the DirecTV active channel- Local weather and more channels
Info- displays channel banner or info to a highlighted program or channel
Door Panel- The access card slot and RESET key are located behind this door

The first and foremost important thing to do once the box is installed is to insert that access card.

To tell you the truth I don't use those buttons since the remote control has all those capabilities but I guess it's good to know they are there just in case you need them. The only thing I have had to do when a problem arose and my set went out was to press that reset key. Then the picture on my TV came back and I could see the screen as it reset itself.

I'm not sure what the USB port is for, perhaps to view your own videos, DVD's or to connect a camera. Ihave to find out about that.

The back of the unit has all sorts of inputs and output buttons and is where the satellite is connected as well as all the cables wires that connect the box. Wish I could tell you more about that but there are quite a variety of inputs and outputs including: Composite, RF Coax, S-Video inputs and outputs to complete a true home entertainment system Including a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound compatibility

What I do know is that, without a doubt, my television viewing is so enhanced with this DVR recorder. I love all the features I use nearly everyday.

It's so easy to find a show I want to watch and to record it for replay later, the remote control that comes with the unit works almost exactly as the old one did just with the added features on top that work the DVR functions. I will review that remote in another review since there is so much to say about it.

One feature that perfect for a forgetful person like me is to record an entire season of shows or more than one series, should I want to do that. And yes I do! The Travel Channel is an example of using this feature. I never know what locations certain travel shows are going to be taking off to, so I can program all of the shows if I want, for example, I adore Anthony Bourdains show so wherever he's off to I can go along just by recording the entire season. Same thing with the Food Network, certain shows appeal to me so I record them and watch later. If there are a few that are no interest to me, its easy to hit the delete button for that particular show or the season.

You can record 100 hours of programming. I have used up about 50 hours as of right now with old movies I have found on Turner Classics and the satellite movie channels I receive. When I want to watch them, they are there ready for me to see. I can record my soaps or The View everyday and never have to worry that I will miss anything, I can record the late night shows for viewing early in the day when I want and best of all I can fast forward through all the commercials. Best of all if I wait just 10 minutes to watch a live show I can watch it without commercials and catch up to the end in real time.

I love that I can record two shows at once while watching another show which I recorded earlier. I did try to watch another channel while recording two but I can't do that. Guess you can't have everything. I also wish I could record from the recorder if there is a movie I would like to keep...but alas........

Another great feature is that if I'm watching a show and get a phone call or have to leave the room I can pause the show even if it's live TV. I can even create an instant replay of a live show, my husband likes that when watching a football game, not that it's not done to infinite degrees by the sportscasters themselves, over and over again! I can't wait for Lost to come back on since there have been many times watching that show I have wanted to go back and watch a scene that has just been on. Just another few weeks now till it's on..*grin*


I can check the guide to see what is going to play for up to 2 weeks in advance and hit record so I don't forget something I want to watch when the time comes.

One little problem though is that if you want to record something and if the show before it runs late you might miss the end of the show. That usually happens when football game or other sports event runs late. To counter that I usually will record the show that follows the show I want to record, just in case.

There are so many new ways to watch Television with this DirecTV Plus DVR. I haven't even discovered all of them yet. But, from what I have discovered and have been using, I have to say, during the 6 months I have had this DVR I have never had a problem recording or playing back or with the unit itself, thank goodness.  I have found the recorder and the remote control quite user friendly especially for a non-techie like me.

I've heard other people say it and now I will, I don't know how I lived and watched TV before I had a DVR, what an innovated and useful invention.

We only pay $4.99 a month for the use of this DVR added to my satellite bill, and since I upgraded my account I didn't have to pay for the installation or the unit itself. DirecTV has been advertising deals all over the place, in newspapers and the internet so if you find one that suits your pocket book, I say go for it!


Oh, and when all Television programming is going Digital in February, if your sets are hooked up to Satellite or Cable, you don't have to worry about losing your television viewing capabilities even if it's an old analog TV.


My remote control review for those interested..;)