I have read several on-line comments about the HR20, most concerning the user interface and/or the software instability. My first HR20 finally suffered a fatal brain injury indicated by a failure to turn-on, except after initiating the dreaded "reset" cycle. Perhaps its demise was exacerbated somewhat after I threw it across the room, but alas, I don't believe anything would have helped except a complete unit transplant.

The new unit is somewhat more stable (at least it turns-on). But, even after the latest shot of DirecTV software downloads, the new unit is as bug-ridden as an Alabama basement. I won't bore you with a litany of its problems, but, suffice it to say...

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I'm not so sure that DirecTV is picking up all their OTA signals via local antenna farms. Based on what happened to local TV reception around the NYC metro area during Sept 11, 2001 , I remember being able to pick up the local network feeds via DirecTV but only channel 2 WCBS on my OTA roof antenna (WCBS had a backup on the Empire State Building). I suspect some sources might be direct fiber feeds from the station.
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N2UBP

I'll be getting mine installed on Wednesday, 10/25. I'll report on it after that. From the above report it sounds like my older HD DVR DirecTV Tivo unit. Hope this one records correctly, etc.

BTW-can the installers use my old multi-switch, which is all set up and housed in my attic or will they have to change the multi-switch also?

Also-just how big are these B Band dongles--the size of a two way splitter?

With the 10-20 upgrade, all of my bugs have died. My 100 inch screen (Benq project or) shows all of the details I need to enjoy an HDTV movie. Since there is no service policy involved and the upgrades are via satellite the lease price is not that bad. We will see what happens in two years.

The dongle is about 4x1x1 inches.

a happy camper...