RCA DWD490RE DIRECTV/UltimateTV Receiver (*See Restrictions)

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RCA DWD490RE DIRECTV/UltimateTV Receiver (*See Restrictions)
Offering is as of 6-10-2004. Click through for current pricing and availability.

Televisions > RCA Direct TV Receivers > Item 2

	*RCA DWD490RE DIRECTV/UltimateTV Receiver (See Restrictions)**
	by RCA

Dual-tuner design lets you watch a show while recording another
Access the Internet via your TV
Watch 2 shows at once with picture-in-picture
Record up to 35 hours of programs onto built-in hard drive
Pause or view instant replays of live TV shows; for sale and use only in the 48 contiguous United States

Amazon.com Review
This is absolutely the best DIRECTV satellite receiver we have ever reviewed. Although it has minor flaws, overall the RCA DWD490RE deserves to be at the top of your shopping list if you are looking to upgrade or buy your first system. Using this satellite receiver, you can record two shows simultaneously or watch one while recording another. Since it has a built-in 35-hour digital video recorder (DVR), recording is effortless because all the controls are nicely integrated. Designers get our cheers for the clean onscreen layout and intuitive operation using the supplied remote or optional wireless keyboard. The newly designed onscreen guide offers up to 14 days of programming; less expensive DIRECTV receivers go only as far out as 3 days. You simply highlight a show, go through two confirming steps and you're set to record. Like the TiVo system, UltimateTV lets you control live TV. Since the hard drive is always recording, you can stop a show simply by hitting Pause on the remote or keyboard. You can do whatever errands called you away, then continue viewing (the pause is guaranteed for 30 minutes). During playback, you can fast-forward (up to 300x) through the commercials--a true gift from the gods. Slow motion and reverse are also available. We found the fast-forward and slow-motion quality to be superb, in contrast with those features on even the best VCRs. And the recording features of the DWD490RE proved to be quite handy, though we do have one caveat; while you can record a current show or one scheduled for later, previously broadcast shows cannot be retrieved. Since the receiver has two tuners, you can also watch two shows at once. One show is full screen while the second is in a smaller picture-in-picture (PIP) window. Unfortunately, you cannot move this window from its lower right position, something high-quality TVs with two-tuner PIP have offered for years. The DWD490RE also offers the WebTV service, so you can surf the Net and watch a DIRECTV show in the smaller PIP window. WebTV has e-mail and chat (no instant messaging yet) and parental blocks for screening objectionable sites. The built-in dial-up modem is 56K, making it a bit slow for someone used to broadband (cable modem) connections. Although the receiver works using a single RG-6 coaxial cable from the dish, you must run two cables from a dish with a "dual feedhorn" in order to watch two shows simultaneously. Feedhorns are devices on the front of dishes that capture satellite signals. We had to swap out our older 18-inch dish for a newer oval dish. The two cables were then connected to the back of the unit. The receiver is a hefty 16.2 pounds and much larger (17 by 3 by 11 inches, WHD) than current DIRECTV receivers. Unlike other DIRECTV receivers, it has two smart card slots on the front panel; one is supplied and is your DIRECTV/UltimateTV security card. The second slot is for future uses such as gift cards, but we've yet to be given information as to when they might arrive. Like all satellite receivers, connections are straightforward. We're veterans at this, but we checked the well-designed and illustrated setup and user guides just to be sure. It has a Dolby Digital output for hookup to a Dolby Digital audio-vide receiver to enjoy the cinema soundtracks found on some pay-per-view and premium movies. The DWD490RE has a parallel printer port on the back but it's not enabled. There are two USB ports but they function only with keyboards, not other devices. Software downloads will eventually be delivered to enhance these "ports to nowhere"; no timetables were given. Once the DIRECTV and UltimateTV services were turned on via a toll-free call, it was time to enjoy all the DWD490RE had to offer, which is plenty. In our view, as a video device for a home entertainment system, the RCA DWD490RE DIRECTV Receiver with UltimateTV Service is without equal. As an Internet access device, with a poky 56K modem, it leaves something to be desired. --David Elrich Pros:

A combo DIRECTV receiver/digital video recorder with Web access
Two built-in DIRECTV tuners
Excellent onscreen program guide (up to 14 days)
Effortless recording up to 35 hours

Cons:

Web service is slow (56 Kbps maximum)
Picture-in-picture window cannot be moved
Printer port not enabled
USB ports work only with keyboards

From the Manufacturer
RCA's UltimateTV receiver equips you to enjoy not only DIRECTV programming, but UltimateTV service from Microsoft as well as digital video recording, live TV controls, interactive TV, and Internet access--all in one tidy package. UltimateTV is available exclusively on the DIRECTV Receiver with UltimateTV service, and another powerful feature of it is its dual satellite tuners, which let you record two live shows simultaneously or watch one live show while recording another. One finger is...