RCA's DRD420RE DIRECTV second-room receiver provides the flexibility of watching different DIRECTV programs on different television sets at the same time. Your kids can watch movies in the living room while you listen to the news in the kitchen--using a single DIRECTV subscription. If your RCA DIRECTV systems are connected to the same phone line, DIRECTV can mirror your subscription package with only a small fee for each additional receiver.
DIRECTV has a wide selection of basic channels, premium movie channels, pay-per-view choices, and music networks. The RCA DRD420RE transmits digital audio and video through your existing home theater system with the use of an 18-inch satellite dish. Digital MPEG-2 compression provides a sharp, clear picture. The interactive channel banner lists five channels of programming at once. It also includes Scout, a search function that scans the program guide based on keywords you enter. Parents can lock out certain channels and set rating and spending limits with the Guardian feature. The universal remote control has color-coded buttons for easy operation. RCA offers a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
There are some terms and conditions with the purchase of this product. There is a limit of one DIRECTV system purchase and installation per customer. Only new residential DIRECTV customers may purchase a system. Buying this item signifies agreement to sign up for one year of DIRECTV programming. receivers must be activated within 45 days by calling (800) DIRECTV [(800) 347-3288]. Failure to activate service (or canceling service within one year of subscribing) may result in a $250 charge to the credit card used for the purchase. All returned systems and receivers will be inspected for original parts and access cards. If a receiver is returned without its access card, a $125 restocking fee may be charged to the credit card used for the purchase.
1 Piece of Junk
This is the 2nd RCA box I have been through in the last 9 months. Granted it is not the most [costly] one around, so I guess you get what you pay for these days. I would recommend getting a midrange (price) of one of RCA's competitors products. It did however have nice features when it worked.
2 RCA is 1 letter from spelling CRAP
I purchased this receiver and have been thru 3 of them. There is always a new problem. Turns itself off, searches for signal in the middle of a program, etc. I have had nothing but problems with RCA products including my new VCR that lasted about 6 hrs.
3 No problems
I've had two of these RCA 420RE's for about 18 months now and have only found one problem with them. The thing I found was that the remote works best with fresh batteries. When the batteries start going down some buttons may not work. I find the menus easy to use. I have friends and family with other receivers and I think the 420's menus are as good if not better. After reading the other reviews I will be knocking on some wood though.
4 An Ok Receiver
I have this box and I must say it works well for me. yes the box does have some problems, This is the 2nd RCA receiver I got from directv the 1st really messed up but the 2nd one works well.
yes I would buy and tell any one who wants Directv to get this receiver it works well.
5 This box is flawed - go with a Hughes or Sony
My experience with the DRD420RE has been the same as most others here - disappointing. We purchased two boxes with our original installation of DIRECTV about a year and a half ago. The Hughes HIRD-E25 went in the family room and the RCA DRD420RE in the bedroom. Within two months, the RCA had gone on the fritz (power, reception, and remote problems). We had the RCA replaced (under warranty, thankfully) with another Hughes and we've been problem-free since. Beyond that, for the short time we used the box, I found the remote a bit too large to be comfortable and the buttons didn't have that crisp, sturdy feel you look for when you shop for remotes, cell phones, calculators (you know what I mean). Bottom line on this box - don't get it. Regardless of whether some people have had no issues, if so many on this board are citing defective boxes, common sense tells you there's a problem. Instead, insist on a Hughes box if possible. I should also note that we purchased a DIRECTV-TiVo combination box (the Sony SAT-T60) four months ago and we've had no problems with that either. By the way, if you haven't checked out TiVo yet, it will blow your mind. Visit the TiVo Web site and check out the reviews on Amazon.
6 RCA DRD420RE - Avoid this
Online menus are ponderous to use. What can be done with a single click on an old Hughes receiver can take 15 clicks on the RE. Clutter menus, filled with redundancies, confusing format and the "interactive format" designed for nothing more than exposing you to more ads makes this one to avoid. The RCA DRD431RG for the same price is a MUCH better receiver. Don't say you were not warned.
7 Great Deal
I had Directv since it first came out. I bought this receiver for an extra room and I love this one better than the other one I have. The features are great including the interactive features that give you instant sports, weather, news and program lineup on certain channels. You can even shop for books at...and buy stuff with your remote at shop nbc! The scout is great to find programming for you and it is ready for Directv new satellite technology that gives you local channels with the banner fully ready to give a program description unlike older models with the local channels. Fetch gives you instant access to menu features and the remote works for everything! This is a must buy!
8 My RCA receiver broke right after the warranty period
I have two RCA receivers in my house. The first one started to have problems after a few months - the remote went out and the reception freezes and pixelizes frequently. DirectTV has a replacement "program" cause they have been getting a ton of calls about this problem. RCA refuses to recognize it.
I love the satellite service but would not buy any RCA product ever again.
9 More Annoyed than Impressed
When we moved to a small rural town, we discovered that cable service was not available, and our only choice was between Directv or Dish. We chose the Directv and purchased the receiver and dish set from RCA. So far we have been less than thrilled with the product. The remote control lasted about three weeks and then about half of the buttons went dead. But even before it died, it was difficult to use. Besides that, the people at Directv keep calling us on a regular basis to sell us a more expensive package, which we don't want, but they keep on calling anyway. I think, if I had it to do over again, I would've gone with Dish instead.
10 Problem Box
You have to hand it to RCA. Their warranty for parts and labor is 90 days. Mine lasted exactly 95 days before it started to have problems. Won't turn off, set top buttons don't work, unable to access program guide menu, skips channels, etc. It is still useable, but it has lost many of the capabilities it had when it was working properly. This has happened to a couple of people I know. RCA was not alot of help. After speaking with them, I figure it is probably cheaper, and less of a hassle to buy a new receiver than return this one for repairs. I will be looking at Hughes or Sony for replacement.
In terms of the satellite picture, it is very good. In my area, it is definitely cheaper than cable. I have found the Direct TV people to be pretty good with changing packages, questions on services, etc.
11 RCA - Good for the first 90 days.
I have 3 receivers in my home. Two are the DRD420RE. They were both bought new from a dealer/installer. Both boxes worked fine for a few weeks. One has been replaced (RMA'ed within the first 90 days) and the other has constant frame and sound lock-up, but is outside the 90 "very" limited warranty.
RCA does not stand behind their products very well. The current (October, 2001) replacement fee for this box direct from RCA is (...). And what you get back is refurbished. Very interesting that you can buy a new one here for (less).
RCA's warranty only lasts for 30 days for full coverage and 90 days for partial coverage. Partial meaning that after the 90 days, you pay to replace your broken box.
Other than the fact that these boxes don't last long and RCA has terrible customer service, I do enjoy my satellite. I use it daily and love it more than cable.
I think that next time I might try Phillips or Sony.
12 not that good
i have 3 of these in my house, part of a package that i bought at radio shack, and i've had 2 of them brake already, i don't relly on RCA products, since this has happened. i love the directtv programing, but not the equipment!
13 Ideal
This system is ideal for families of four or more. Especially those with younger kids who like to have a tv to play video games on. At the same time Dad can watch sports and in another room Mom can watch Home and Garden!
