Philips DSR6000R DIRECTV Receiver with TiVo Service
Great Product for DirecTV Subscribers
-----------------------------------------------------------------<BR>This is a review of the Philips DSR6000R (DirecTV Receiver with TiVo).  This is not a review of the TiVo Service.<br />Overview<BR>------------<BR>Any new toy that saves shelf space is worth a hard look.  With the DSR6000R, you get a DirecTV receiver and the TiVo technology together in one unit.  DirecTV subscribers looking to add TiVo should strongly consider this package.<br />The Unit<BR>------------<BR>Around twelve pounds, this unit feels very solid and appears built to last.  Some claim reliability problems, although I cannot comment on this having used the unit for a short amount of time.  I did not notice any glaring problems during the initial test phase.  As with all electronic components, one should make sure that the unit receives adaquate ventillation and is not subject to extreme temperatures, dust and debris, and/or moisture.<br />SVideo, Composite, and RF output connections are provided on the back of the unit.  There is no Component Video output, however this should not be an issue since the unit does not support HD signals.  Optical audio output is also provided, although it is mostly the premium channels on DirecTV that contain 5.1 tracks.  You can connect a VCR to the unit to archive programs that are stored on the DVR should you start to fill up the unit's internal hard disk drive.<br />Setup is a breeze even for the not-so tech savvy.  You will need to have a strong signal from the dish and a phone connection to complete the setup.  All is accomplished onscreen through a very intuitive user interface.  TiVo makes a call every day to keep the program listings up to date.  You have the option of using a toll-free 800 number if no local ones are available in your area.  It took a couple of tries before it authorized my unit, but this may have been due to the inconsistent reception that modems sometimes provide.<br />The Remote<BR>------------<BR>The staple of a great remote control is the ability to use it without ever having to look at it.  Unfortunately, this remote doesn't quite reach that mark.  In fact, you should probably do some hand exercises before grabbing this channel changer.  While it is very comfortable to hold, we run into several problems with the layout of the buttons.  It serves well for the TiVo-specific functions, but lets us down with its ability to dual as a normal controller.<br />The large yellow PAUSE button in the center acts as the point of reference for the remote.  It is here that all of TiVo's LiveTV manipulation features, such as FF, Rew, Play, etc. are centered around and are easily accessible.  Immediately to the right is the Channel Up/Down button.  Strangely enough its companion in the dish systems, the onscreen guide button, is way up at the top.  So is the 'Display' button.  The fact that these two commonly used controls are far apart from the channel changer is a bit annoying, and can cause some extra uncessesary thumb stretching.  Ideally, the most commonly used buttons should be in the center at the natural rest position.<br />Sometimes bad positioning can be alleviated by buttons that are distinguishable to the touch.  Not so here.  A lot of the pieces are exactly the same except for the ink printed on them.  I found myself often hitting one of the Thumbs buttons (used to tell TiVo which programs you like/disklike) when I was trying to change the channel.  These buttons should definitely be far apart.  They are instead, adjacent.  Even worse are the number buttons for manually entering in a channel number.  Not only are they a tough stretch away at the bottom, but they are directly below the identically shaped 'replay' and 'slow motion' controls.  It's entirely too easy to mix these up or hit the wrong one, such as the '5' instead of the '8'.  Luckily, there is a 'Clear' button in the lower-left should you make a mistake.  When you finally are able to enter the channel you want, you can hit 'Select'to go there -- 'Select' is, where else, up near the top of the remote.  Those with larger amounts of patience can also wait three seconds and the channel will change automatically.<BR>  <BR>Overall, the TiVo features of this control are well-implemented, and it responds well to commands given with a firm press.  Future revisions can be improved with greater differences in the size or shape of the buttons, and having the 'Guide' and 'Display' controls closer to the center where they feel more natural.  Finally, the number buttons must be discernable from any other controls on the remote.  The current design isn't terrible, but still a bit cumbersome.  You'll probably want to keep a second remote around to change the channels, and that's taking the quantity in the wrong direction.<br />Recording<BR>------------<BR>Compared to the large capacities of other Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) on the market, the relatively small storage amount of 35 hours may turn some would-be TiVo'ers off.  As with all of the DirecTV TiVo units, this is around 35 hours of 'Best' quality programming.  The traditional units get far below their advertised capacities when you turn up the video quality settings.  With this unit, you can tell virtually no difference between the original broadcast and the recorded version.  Depending on what you record, the total capacity of the unit can vary a bit.  Programs with lots of movement require more video information, and thus more space, than others.<br />Summary<br />------------<BR>This is a great product for users looking to use TiVo along with DirecTV.  Cable, Antenna, and other satellite programming users are unsupported.  Easy to use and fun to play with, the Philips DSR6000R delivers great picture and sound and a new twist on your TV viewing experience.  The remote leaves something to be desired, although it gets the job done.  If you are in no hurry for a TiVo, you might want to wait to see what the next generation of DVRs will offer.  Don't wait too long though, because with the current discounts this one is almost too good a value to pass up.<br />-Brinkley<br />-----------------------------------------------------------------