Want to upgrade DirecTV to HD + DVR. Is it worth the hassle?

Question

I've been reading reviews on DirecTV's HD service. I MOSTLY want to upgrade for DVR purposes since I'm sick of missing a lot of shows that I like, but my TV is an entry level CRT (tube) HDTV with 1080i, and one of the things I heard is that the DVR equipment generally works better with the HD receivers (as in providing more storage space and offers better performance).

Would the HD upgrade still be worth it, and are the hassles of freezing/crashing systems as bad as they say they are? My Uncle/Roommate and I have had a relatively smooth experience with our old DTV Hughes box, and his patience for tech things is rather non-existent, so I'm not too keen on getting something that has a tendency to break down.

Any help and advice appreciated.

Answer 1

Having the HD would be worth it.  Those people that have had problems are few and far between.

Answer 2

Hi Arlen,

I think the HD upgrade would be worth it. Someday you will upgrade the rest of your equipment and you want the benefit of HD going forward.

As far as freezing / crashing I have had no problems. Everyone talks about a problem but seldom speaks out when everything is fine. We assume perfection and only talk about the issues.

Norm