DIRECTVs HR20 MPEG-4 DVR now available at Best Buy

DIRECTVs long awaited MPEG-4 HD DVR is slowly making its way into new markets nationwide via Best Buy Stores. This DVR started in the Los Angeles market but thanks to the power of the Internet, all hail the Internet, the unit can now be ordered from BestBuy.com for a cost of $399. We have discovered via their store search that it is in fact available in new markets across the country signaling a nationwide roll out. Interestingly enough, CircuitCity.com, another large DIRECTV provider, doesn't list this model anywhere and a quick call to a local store proved that Circuit City isn't carrying this model just yet. Just a quick warning though: unlike DIRECTV's first HD DVR, this model does NOT come with an HDMI cable. They had to cut costs someplace.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 11th 2006 12:16PM]

I spoke to the people at DirecTv. They said Best Buy has an exclusive through September 11 on the HR20. So maybe after today it will be available in other places.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 11th 2006 12:47PM]

I just purchase the HR20 from Best Buy. When I called Directv to activate the informed me that the second tuner will not be active until a software upgrade is released in October. Other than not being able to use the second turner the box is good. It doesn't hang from screen to screen the Tivo HD DVR.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 11th 2006 3:59PM]

For the uninitiated, can someone explain why MPEG-4 compression is better? It takes up less space, or it is faster, or it loses fewer details, or it reverses the polarity of the neutron flow? (Just make something up, I won't know the difference.)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 11th 2006 9:15PM]

MPEG-4 in the most basic sense is just better compression. Big size files in small little packages. By reducing how big each channel is, it frees up room so that Direct TV can add more channels.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 13th 2006 4:32PM]

How does the picture quality look on the MPEG-4 HD? I am considering getting a unit. Thanks.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 14th 2006 9:54AM]

I have had both the Mpeg2 HD box and now the Mpeg4 HD box from Directv. The Mpeg2 HDbox worked flawlessly but I found myself flipping back and forth between the HD channels and their standard def counterparts asking time and time again , "It looks better ... right ?" The old Mpeg2 HD just didn't look much better. I actually was very close to going Comcast . When I called in, they offered their Mpeg4 box to make it right. Now the Mpeg4 box is %1000 better as far as image quality. BUT that box has some serious overheating issues. They just swapped mine out and I am hoping their have fixed the glitch. BUT, the HD image I am getting from it is about as good a HD image I have ever seen. If they have fixed the equipment its a good option.