My PVR initiation took place a few years ago at CES. I knew I'd get one eventually, but I certainly wasn't going to spend several hundred dollars on a device that wouldn't let me record one channel while watching another. My 10-year-old VCR could do that with its hands tied behind its back. When the dual-LNB PVRs hit the market, though, my credit card and I were ready. I settled on the Philips DSR6000 DirecTV box with TiVo. (Vulcan Inc., the parent company of TechTV, has a stake in TiVo.)


Difficult from the start

TiVo recommends that you hire a pro, because installation is a bit tricky. With dual LNB, which lets you record and watch different channels simultaneously, there are three adjustments as opposed to just two for single LNB. In any case, if you don't feel comfortable with the installation, just pay someone the reasonable $50 to do it for you.

Once I overcame the installation hurdles, I was ready to let the TiVo-ing begin. I set up Season Passes for my favorite programs and got to know the ins and outs of the remote and the different on-screen menus. My only trouble came with the feature that led me to buy the unit in the first place. The DSR6000 was letting me record only the channel I was watching. The box also had difficulties making successful calls for program updates. After 30 consecutive days of unsuccessful attempts, I was unable to set up any new recordings. I tried dialing up from different phone lines and called customer support -- all to no avail. Ultimately, I sent the box back and received a replacement unit.

The new box worked like a dream -- for about three weeks. At one point, the only thing I could see when I turned on the TV was the "Welcome. Powering Up." screen. I didn't waste any time and shipped the box off right away. I'm still waiting for a replacement. Cross your fingers that the third time is indeed the charm.

Addendum: To be clear, it's possible that I've had a string of bad luck with the units I've received personally. In fact, the DSR6000 that was sent to TechTV for review purposes has been working just fine for approximately the past month.