RFR - Best DirecTV DVR?

[716boston]

Newbie here. The DirecTV DVR (non TiVo and insanely stupid remote) is ruining my marriage. I want to go back to TiVo with the DirecTV service but our previous Hughes model (2004-2006 or so) never worked right. Any recommedations for a reliable SD unit with the TiVo software? Are the Weaknees units worthwhile?

Many thanks for your thoughts on this.

[litzdog911]

All Series 2 SD Tivos are pretty much equivalent, and Weaknees is a good source.

[MartyList]

Any recommedations for a reliable SD unit with the TiVo software? Are the Weaknees units worthwhile?

I would stay away from the Hughes HDVR2, they are known to have tuners go bad and cause random pixelation issues while recording.

I have two Philips DSR-704 models, no problems. I have a Samsung SIR-S4040R which works but needs to be rebooted every 6 months or so because the daily call fails and the guide data disappears.

Weaknees is expensive, but they have been around a while and I think they know what they're doing. I bought a DSR704 with an upgraded drive from them, it had a few scratches and cosmetic problems but so far no real problems. Last time I checked their base prices don't inlcude cables or a remote, so keep that in mind.

[JimSpence]

Newbie here. The DirecTV DVR (non TiVo and insanely stupid remote) is ruining my marriage. I want to go back to TiVo with the DirecTV service but our previous Hughes model (2004-2006 or so) never worked right. Any recommedations for a reliable SD unit with the TiVo software? Are the Weaknees units worthwhile?

Many thanks for your thoughts on this.Okay, someone has to ask.
How long have you had the DirecTV DVR?
Give it a chance, it isn't that bad.

If you can find the HR10-250, it's a good SD DVR (can do OTA HD too!).

[rinnersan]

I believe the Samsung 100 hour machine is the best SD Tivo. Operating on a multi-switch with other brands, the Samsung will still pull a signal when all others have rain fade. There may be another explantion for this, but it works when my HR 20 and HR 10-250 are goners.

[stevel]

As for the remote, may I suggest picking up a good universal remote such as the Harmony One?

[magnus]

DSR7000 or HDVR2

[MartyList]

As for the remote, may I suggest picking up a good universal remote such as the Harmony One?

I've used quite a few programmable remotes, and the Harmony One is good but the MX-810 by Universal Remote is by far my favorite:
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Control-MX-810-Programmable-Software/dp/B000VT5COO/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1242993067 (http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Control-MX-810-Programmable-Software/dp/B000VT5COO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1242993067&sr=8-1)


... and if you want RF functionality:
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-MRF-350-RF-Base-Station/dp/B000LG3PB4/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1242993067