DirecTV receivers

It is the satellite TV receiver - a slick box making it possible for the TV set to use satellite TV signals - that determines how feature-reach is the use of available programming. DirecTV receivers usually come free (standard models), or at the fraction of retail price (top-of-the-line), as a part of promotions extended to new satellite TV customers. Also, a number of other receiver brands compatible with DirecTV satellite systems can be bought through regular retail channels, which broadens the options - if you are willing to spend somewhat more.

The evolution of DirecTV receivers in the past decade went as follows:

Basic...

On the basic end, there was a pair of single tuner receivers, D10 and D11. The latter has added compatibility with DirecTV's new 5LNB dish receptor. Neither receiver has digital recording capability - it requires a separate VHS or DVD recorder.

DVR (digital video recording)...

The next step were DVR (digital video recording) capable receivers, R10 and R15. Both had same or improved basic features, dual tuners and Dolby digital sound; R10 also have TiVo capabilities added.

HD (high-definition) and HD DVR...

Then came high-definition (HD) capable receivers, H10, H20 and H10-250. They featured:

•  HDMI (High-Definition Multi-Media Interface) for the highest image and sound quality
   

•  dual tuners
   

•  IR/RF(radio-frequency) remote controls (IR remote only works in the line-of-sight, while the RF has 200-foot range, capable of reaching the TV set from anywhere within a house)

The H20 also hasd MPEG4 capability, for significantly increased HD channel capacity.

However, neither H10 nor H20 could record. It takes an HD DVR capable receiver, such as HR10-250. It recorded up to 30 hours of HD programming, and up to 200 hours of standard digital programming. It featured two dual tuners, and includes TiVo features (pause live TV, fast-forward/rewind shows, instant reply, and others.  

The current lineup includes Genie, DirecTv's most advanced receiver.   

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