URGENT UPDATE: THE HR20-700 IS HERE! IT REPLACES THE HR10-250. I RECOMMEND FOR YOU TO BUY THE HR20-700 INSTEAD. I WILL POST SOME FEATURES AND PICTURES BELOW. YOU'RE STILL WELCOME TO READ THE OLD GUIDE ON THE HR10-250, BUT REMEMBER ITS OUTDATED. THE HR20-700 RETAILS FOR ABOUT $300 AND NEW SUBSCRIBERS QUALIFY FOR $100 REBATE! THIS RECEIVER IS AWESOME.

HR20-700

THE GUIDE BELOW IS OUTDATED AND REPLACED BY RECOMMENDATION ABOVE. THANKS.

The DIRECTV HR10-250 is the only Satellite Receiver in the entire world that could record High Definition Satellite Television! One of the greatest innovations from Hughes Electronics, the HR10-250 provides full control of when and how High Definition programs are viewed. It stores up to 30 hours of High-Definition programming or an amazing 200 hours of Standard-Definition programming, it boasts four tuners (2 DTV, 2 ATSC) that lets you record 2 shows simultaneously; or watch a show while recording a different one in 2 million pixels of high-definition, with multiple screen formats: standard, letterbox, panorama. You can Rewind, Instant Replay and Slow-Motion effects on live or Recorded TV. You can use the Season Pass feature to record every episode of your favorite shows automatically. With the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)- one simple connection gives you the highest quality picture and audio for your HD television.

The only draw back to this awesome machine is the lack of RF output. Even though the Receiver is capable of putting out signal from two Satellites, you can not hook it up to two televisions. So if you want to use this receiver with older equipment or for a RF distribution system,  you will need an RF modulator. It should be noted that the HR10-250 does NOT have simultaneous outputs from the composite and S-Video jacks while in any of the enhanced or high definition modes. What that means is that only the component or HDMI jacks are active while in 480p,  720p or 1080i.

A few tips post installation:

It should be noted that the USB ports on the back of the HR10-250 have not been enabled.  Supposedly,  these ports will be "turned on" at some future date. The HR10-250 buffers only the local digital broadcasts while in standby mode.  Satellite channels are NOT buffered while in standby. After installation,  be sure to scan for any other local digital stations. To scan for more local stations,  go into the "Messages & Setup" menu and select "Settings".  Then select "channels"  then "Off-Air Channels" then "Scan for Off-Air Channels". The HR10-250 has two OTA tuners but the single input is internally split to accommodate the two tuners. The tuners only receive digital broadcasts,  NOT analog.

This Reviewer is an Authorized DIRECTV Dealer.( I'll try not to let my bias in )

DIRECTV sells this product for $499 before a Rebate of $100 for new subscibers. Vendors on ebay retail it at about $339 before the DIRECTV Rebate. Some others on ebay sell a coupon gimmick on how to get it at a much lower discounted price of $99. The scheme itself will set you back  $10. Seems like a bargain if it were to work. I placed an order for one of those to see what's involved: a toll free phone number was emailed to me, I was to make a complaint to DIRECTV that will lead them to pacify me with a discounted HR10-250. I never did try the number. ABOUT THE REBATE:  If you're a new subscriber, DIRECTV will require that you sign a 2 year agreement or commitment to their programming before you get the $100 rebate. Current subscribers may also need to agree to a new two year commitment term. For full information, contact DIRECTV at 800-531-5000 before you proceed. PLEASE CLICK THE "YES" BUTTON BELOW :-) THANK YOU.