Direct TV Directv R16-300 black DVR Receiver

Direct TV Directv R16-300 black DVR Receiver
My R16 is GREAT!! This is a 2 weeks review. 

I have been a DirecTv customer since 1998. In the early days I purchased different receivers to review the different features. In 2005 I replaced all 3 (Family Rm, TV room & Bedroom) of my DTV receivers to the R10 Tivo DVR unit with a 80Gbyte drive. I have LOVED my R10 Tivo units. Last year I upgraded my R10s to 250Gb drives. 

5 weeks ago I had to upgrade my 36in TV to Panasonic TC-P54S1 plasma (Frys $1299 yes a S1 model for $1299! Costco is selling the lower S14 model for $1499). Awesome TV, but I have the brightness to max. 

I was waiting for the new DTV HD Tivo. Early 2009 rumors target release Nov 2009, now rumors are maybe March 2010. Note I did talk to a Tivo rep who said the new DTV HD Tivo will charge a $12.95/mo for DVR service, versus the present DTV DVR $6/mo service charge. 

What to do??? Go HD with DTV DVR now or wait for the DTV HD Tivo? 
Finally I decide I would test the DTV DVR by switching to one R16 (Std Def), and if OK, then maybe switch the other two units to the HR23. If not OK, then wait for the new DTV HD Tivo receiver. I purchased R16 from local BB for $100. 

WOW, what a difference in Picture Quality between the R10 vs R16. 
Note both are 480i Std Def. The R16 PQ is so sharp on the 54in. TV, my wife asked why get HD! I agree the PQ is better, but I still want HD. As for the new DTV remote, we both love it. I actually like it better then the Tivo peanut remote. As for the on screen DVR services, like Guide, recording setups, review list for recorded shows, etc., the DTV R16 DVR does everything my R10 Tivo DVR does, but the R16 is slower.

Conclusion: I will now upgrade my two other R10s to the DTV HR23 HD DVR. I have order one HR23 from Newegg, to ensure I get a HR23, and requested a HR23 directly from DTV and dish antenna (SWM) upgrade. Upon the HR23s arrival I will move the R16 from the 54in TV to the 27in bedroom TV. 

The Amazon R16 picture is incorrect. The R16 is black and smaller.