A first look at the DirecTV AM21
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted Mar 17th 2008 9:35PM
posted Mar 17th 2008 9:35PM
Back in the day, the idea of buying an HD satellite receiver without an integrated ATSC tuner was unheard of, but with all the markets with HD locals these days, it's hard to argue that everyone needs an OTA tuner. DirecTV -- like all companies -- is alway looking for ways to save money, so on the latest lineup of receivers, ATSC was left out. To help out those customers who still have the need for an OTA tuner, DirecTV is going to release a $69 companion tuner for the HR21 (regular and pro). This little dual tuner box connects via USB and piggy backs off the main unit's power via a daisy chain method to help try to cut back on cables. There's no word on availability yet, and while we're sure someone is excited about this, we're holding holding out for the HDPC-20. Another pic' of the lovely couple after the break.
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So why would anybody buy the HR21 and pay an extra $69 for the AM21 when the HR20 already has the ATSC tuner built in for the dame price as the HR21 alone? Just because it's black? Directv should have never included the ATSC tuner with the HR20 in the first place or included it with the HR21.
You get one of these when D* sticks an HR-21 onto you, even though the CSR promised an HR-20. From what I can gather, there aren't many HR-20s left. Considering that NBC is my area is being held hostage by LIN, I'll have to buy one of these guys. The only good news is that I didn't pay up-front for my HR-21.
The HDPC-20 is when I switch over to DirectTv.
I wish I had this...
Me too or DishHD DVR I'm sick of Comshitic.
The ability to watch your locals is huge. If the only choice is the AM21 then I would go for it. It's just a shame that "D" can get away with this kind of crap. It's bad enough that you are into a 2 year lease with a product that they don't warrant for the 2 years. Wanting you to pay an extra monthly fee for a leased product repair probram seems like bad customer relations to me.
Regardless how you feel about the lease program... it is what it is.
As for the "monthly fee"... you would pay that fee, if you owned the equipment too... it is called a mirroring fee in that case. So you could pay the $199 lease amount... with the $4.99 monthly fee (noted as LEASE fee on your bill)... or you could pay the $499 to own amount for the receiver, and pay the $4.99 monthly mirroring fee...
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When the HR20 was first introduced it was $299.
Since then the HR21 was released.... and now the price is down to $199
The HR20 are no longer being produced... and after the AM21 is released to market, the HR20 will only be issued by DirecTV as a direct replacement to HR20's that are having issues.
Why it seperate? The cost factor... ~$60 to include the ATSC equipment in the DVR.
With DirecTV now having HD coverage via SAT in over 70 markets (with the majority having the big 4, not all ... but most).... there is a SIGNIFICANT population that do not need, nor want ATSC tuning.
For Example... MDU installations, often don't have support for ATSC/OTA....
The savings for DirecTV and ultimately the customers not having to pay for that unneeded equipment in the box.
And this then gives those customers that want that feature, the option to have it.
So they had two choices:
1) Increase the cost of the HR21 to all customers regardless if they needed ATSC or NOT
2) Lower the cost of the HR21, and offer an add-on box so only those that want the additional features, can obtain it.
Regardless how you feel about the lease program... it is what it is.
As for the "monthly fee"... you would pay that fee, if you owned the equipment too... it is called a mirroring fee in that case. So you could pay the $199 lease amount... with the $4.99 monthly fee (noted as LEASE fee on your bill)... or you could pay the $499 to own amount for the receiver, and pay the $4.99 monthly mirroring fee...
----------------------
When the HR20 was first introduced it was $299.
Since then the HR21 was released.... and now the price is down to $199
The HR20 are no longer being produced... and after the AM21 is released to market, the HR20 will only be issued by DirecTV as a direct replacement to HR20's that are having issues.
Why it seperate? The cost factor... ~$60 to include the ATSC equipment in the DVR.
With DirecTV now having HD coverage via SAT in over 70 markets (with the majority having the big 4, not all ... but most).... there is a SIGNIFICANT population that do not need, nor want ATSC tuning.
For Example... MDU installations, often don't have support for ATSC/OTA....
The savings for DirecTV and ultimately the customers not having to pay for that unneeded equipment in the box.
And this then gives those customers that want that feature, the option to have it.
So they had two choices:
1) Increase the cost of the HR21 to all customers regardless if they needed ATSC or NOT
2) Lower the cost of the HR21, and offer an add-on box so only those that want the additional features, can obtain it.
Everything is on hold, waiting for the HDPC-20, or at least official word on it's requirements.
I am waiting for a new tv, new media center(s).
I want to know/be sure that the Media Center I build will work with the HDPC-20. Will I be able to play HD content recorded from the HDPC-20 on other media centers, or will I have to use extenders (I think I'll have to use extenders)
It would be nice to have the AM21 here in the Phoenix market where DirecTV does not include the piggyback channels of KPHO (CBS), KNXV (FOX), KPNX (NBC) or KNXV (ABC); or KAET, the PBS channel 8 piggybacks (4 of them). Or the piggyback channels for the former PAX station KPXN (there are 5). I think the AM21 is beneficial because of DirecTV's own exclusions.
Sorry, correction. KSAZ is the FOX station.