As longtime TiVo users, we were disappointed by a couple of new features in the DSR6000. First, although the new remote is almost identical to the original TiVo remote, it has been changed for the worse. Side-by-side tests with the original Philips TiVo remote show that the new remote is slower and less exact, and the round, four-way, directional keys do not work nearly as well on our newer remote.

Initially, we just thought our remote was flawed, but other users concur: The new remote is a step back. If you purchase the DSR6000, spend the extra $40 on an older remote from TiVo's website.

The program guide is still not up-to-date. DirecTV's pay-extra sports package, for one, is not displayed correctly in the electronic programming guide, which makes it difficult to configure recordings. NFL games, for example, show as lasting six hours.

Extra channels appear magically on the DSR6000's list of channels, so the TiVo thinks it can record programs on those channels, even if you don't receive them. As a result, you can end up with a recording of a black screen. Users need to regularly check the list of channels the TiVo thinks it receives.

Finally, the DSR6000 cannot record over-the-air channels received via an antenna. That shouldn't be a problem for most customers, as DirecTV now delivers local stations in most major markets. But this could be a limitation for some users.

Still, for DirecTV customers the DSR6000's strengths vastly outweigh its drawbacks. It delivers great picture quality, is relatively easy to set up and use, and costs no more than a standard Philips TiVo recorder. If you're considering a personal video recorder, and you either have or are considering adding DirecTV, the DSR6000 is the way to go.