New install question

2. All of the HR2x are functionally equivalent.  Typically you get whatever the installer has on the truck.  Many of us like the HR20 models because they have built-in off-air digital TV tuners, which is handy if you want to record your local stations with an off-air antenna.

3. Your HR20 has dual tuners, so it can record two different channels simultaneously.  And you can be viewing a previously recorded show at the same, too.  

I guess I was under the impression they would give you something newer then a receiver manufactured in 2006. 

I thought I had seen somewhere that the HR24-500 DVR could record two shows and watch something live. if that's not the case can i watch something live on the standard HD receiver while two things are being recording on the HR20 ? 

The HR20 has all the exact same capabilities as the HR24.  Each has two tuners and you can use them in a variety of combinations, but you cannot record two things and watch a third live.  If you have a separate receiver, that of course can watch a program live at any time.

All of the Directv reception equipment is on lease and Directv recycles all they can so what you get is the luck of the draw.  We see a lot of this type of question but keep in mind that the goal is outstanding picture quality and quantity which the HR20 will provide.

I find it sad that longtime customers are not able to get newer equipment.  I have 3 very old HR20 units and everytime one gives up they send me one in worse shape than what I started new with.  They have half the recording capacity of the new units and it just seems wrong to me that new customers get the best equipment. 

If you have an HR20 they will generally replace it with another HR20 unless you tell them you do not want off-air, because the Hr20 is the only DVR that will do off-air.

A service tech may be sympathetic if one establishes a rapport.  However, replacements by mail are truly luck.