DirecTV's HR23-700 HD DVR gets an early look

Ah, the pains of progress. Not even two full months after DirecTV's HR22 began filtering out to eager users, in flies a first look at the forthcoming HR23-700. But don't fret -- there aren't too many differences here. It looks as if the HDD of the HD DVR is the same size as that in the HR22, with the major changes being a few cosmetic tweaks and internal swaps that could amount to better picture quality. It still looks as if there's no OTA tuner, and it'll be sporting the same wide band tuners as in the H23. Check the read link for the full writeup, and trust us, there's a lot in there to digest.

[Thanks, Anthony]

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2008 7:01PM]

While the DBSTalk "First Look" may be new today, these HR23's have been popping up at Best Buys and possibly other retailers for over a month now...

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2008 8:14PM]

You may be referring to the HR22-100 which has been in the retail channel since August. The HR23-700 was just introduced and to my knowledge is not yet available in any retail stores.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2008 7:22PM]

No OTA tuner is a deal breaker for me.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2008 8:15PM]

DIRECTV makes an add-on for OTA .. the AM21

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2008 9:08PM]

Why no QAM tuner? With all of the cable companies and such providing UNENCRYPTED QAM HD Signals - would make TOO MUCH SENSE to include the QAM HD Tuners inside EVERY TV Set being sold today?!?!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 3rd 2008 10:40PM]

The original HR20 came with an OTA hookup, then "D" decided that all future models would require a separate (AM21) piece of equipment at a extra charge. IMO, a bad marketing move. The newest HD DVR from Dish, 722 comes with a plug-in for OTA connection. It's not just the cost. Who wants another piece of equipment to have to plug in and find space for?

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 4th 2008 11:20AM]

Blah -- after reading the PDF it still appears that there is no dual buffering in place. The feature I miss the most from my Tivo.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 4th 2008 3:55PM]

I agree - I like the additional HD space, but why don't they just make dual buffered tuners? It would put most of the Tivo vs. DirecTV DVR arguments to rest.
does Tivo have a patent on that or something?

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 26th 2008 8:51PM]

I'm not a total idiot so I was able to figure out OTA, but what is QAM?