Hi--We answer that question and a lot more here:


DIRECTV HD DVR HR21 / HR20 FAQ

My local stations (Richmond, VA) aren't available on satellite in HD yet, so I am considering the HD20 instead of the HD21 so I can connect an antenna into the unit. My question is, in that configuration, does the DVR treat the OTA channels the same ase the satellite channels? For example, can I set it to record a series (season pass), etc. for both the satellite channels and the OTA channels?

Yes - both satellite and OTA channels are identically treated by the DVR functions.

Thanks for the info! That makes me feel better about moving forward with the purchase. One more question - until I get the HD dish and TV, will the HR20 work with my SD dish and TV?

Yes, it will work with the older dish/TV, but will obviously output SD only.

Right. Thanks for all the help. Now all I have to do is figure out which TV to buy! Recommendations on something around 50"??

Hard to go wrong with any 50 incher, from my perspective. They all look pretty good.

Just heard that D* is coming out with the "AM21" at the end of the month. It's a box that connects to the HR21 and provides the ability to connect an OTA antenna. I saw a brochure - looks good - matches the HR21. Est price is $59.

Yes - we saw that at CES. Programming should all be integrated into the main HR21 guide - it's like you had an HR20 the whole time.

Let's just hope it starts shipping.

I hope so, it looks good - the D* rep I spoke to tonight indicated that they were scheduled to start shipping on 2/27.

Wow - OK - our distributor hasn't given us that date, but we'll hope.

HR21 and AM21

Neither D* folks who take orders, or the installation tech in my area who came out, seem to understand how the AM21 permits OTA with HR21. I finally got an email from D* that explains how these two work together and how to set up (thought AM21 is at extra cost):

"I understand you prefer the DIRECTV HD DVR model with off air antenna input (HR20), however, the make and model of the equipment order cannot be requested. The equipment provided depends on the availability at the time of delivery. Though you cannot specify the exact model, you need not worry, since the features of HR20 or HR21 models are similar, except HR21 is the latest version.

If you get the newer DIRECTV HR21 model, don't worry, you can still connect an off air antenna. DIRECTV is offering an external ATSC off-air tuner, called AM21, which you can use with HR21.

The AM21 (ATSC Module 21), is a device that adds OTA (off-air) HD locals into DIRECTV Guide, lets you:

-Seamlessly integrates off-air HD channels into the DIRECTV on-screen program guide
-Lets you view and record off-air HD channels

What we ship:

AM21 (ATSC Module 21)
USB cable
Power cord for AM21
Short manual explaining how to connect it
Customer connects it:

It's easy to connect. Here's how:

Put slim AM21 device on top of HR21.
Run antenna cable to AM21.
Run USB cable from AM21 to HR21.
Power cords:
Plug short power cord from AM21 into HR21.
Then, plug long power cord from AM21 into wall outlet or power strip.
Guided setup automatically starts. It puts the local ATSC off-air channels into the DIRECTV Guide."

Naturally, after getting this email, I searched WK and found it. If the tech comes out with an HR21, this is my next equipment purchase:
http://www.weaknees.com/tivo-directv-parts.php