model H24-200 can not record

You need a A HR24 Which has a HRD DRIVE and 2 Tuners --a H24 is a Standard HD receiver 

thanks. was told they were sending HR24. guess not

does this mean we can not pause either?

Correct.

H models are HD non-DVRs. They cannot record or pause live TV as they have no hard drive.

You would need an HDDVR which is an HR model (i.e. HR24).

If you have a setup with Whole Home DVR, then the H24 can watch what is recorded on any of your DVRs though it cannot record itself.

Agents cannot select a specific model when a box is ordered, but they can select a specific type of equipment. If they had ordered an HDDVR, likely it would be an HR24 as earlier models should be out of stock.

For future reference so you don't go through another issue, what are the models of all your boxes?

From the previous comment you have left on your post I have came to conclude if you just want the 1 room with dvr call DIRECTV and tell them they did not send you the dvr like you asked for and you should have to return the h24 and they will send you a dvr