Customer Reviews

RCA DRD450RG DirecTV Receiver *(see Terms and Conditions)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this receiver about 2 weeks ago for the optical output. Everything works great until you receive a signal encoded in Dolby Digital. The audio periodically cuts out.

We are pleased generally with the quality of the RCA 450 DSS receiver, but there are a few problems that may or may not be unique to the particular box in our house.

Good: excellent picture and sound quality.

Weak: (1) unit spontaneously resets on occasion, requiring a lengthy download; (2) channel with hinky sound transmission may corrupt ALL sound, requiring a manual reset; (3) program guide is inconsistent--it seems to provide more information at certain times of day that at others!

These are all minor issues, however, and experiencing a broadcast in Dolby Digital sound makes everything seem perfect.

I purchased this receiver as a replacement. I recently upgraded the wiring in my house so that I would have the capability to watch Directv from other rooms. Anyway, the manual for this device indicates that you can use an RF remote with it. The on-screen guide for this device indicates that you can use an RF remote with it and that there is a place in the back to plug in the remote antenna that was (NOT) supplied with the device. I have been trying to get clarification from RCA support on this issue. Either they do not read the messages or they do not comprehend English. The four messages that I have sent them have generated responses for everything except an answer to my question. If you plan to use this receiver with the supplied remote and don't ever plan to expand your use then you can consider this, but don't use this receiver for anything beyond standard use (and don't count on assistance from RCA support).

We purchased the DRD450RG receiver to replace an older Hughes
receiver. The optical output with Dolby Digital were the main selling points, but we were dismayed in finding out the number of channels that had the Dolby Digital encoding.

Good Points: Optical out to receiver, Dolby Digital, small picture window and sound are available when using the cable guide or menu options.

Bad Points: periodic receiver resets in which a lengthly satellite search and data download occurs. Dolby Digital not much good unless HBO, Showtime or Starz are subscribed to.

No problem with product or vender, however direct tv would not activate the unit by model and serial number plus acess card number. They want instead a sticker number and card numer. This change in policy renders many older units unusable.

Please do yourself a favor and steer clear of the RCA DirecTV receivers. Mine began giving me TONS of problems after just 5 months of use. Without warning during TV viewing it kept resetting "searching for signal" about 5-6X a night, then you have to sit & wait the 3-4 min. as it downloads the program guide. How frustrating!!! I tried to get repair service help from RCA's 800# but it was completely automated, no live people to help you and I was then referred to a long distance # for help. Give me a break RCA!! I have to pay for a phone call to get you to fix your defective product? Buyer beware!!! I'd recommend any alternative brand for your DirecTV system, there are other brands out there, but if you must get RCA make sure you invest in a protection/extended warranty because you'll need it.

I've had this and the similar DRD450RG for about a month. They are decent receivers, but both come with the same remote that has the distinction of being the worst-designed remote I have ever owned. They are unintuitive, unforgiving when you make a mistake (rather than allowing you to go back one level, you are dumped back to the top), and some basic functions are impossible to figure out without referring to the manual. The receiver is also rather slow to respond to the remote, compared to a Hughes DirecTV receiver I have also used.

I have owned both RCA and Sony Direct TV receivers for several years. I understand Sony either no longer makes them, or no longer makes the Ultimate TV Direct TV receiver. The one advantage of the Sony is that their menuing system is very intuitive. The RCA on the other hand, requires manual searching to figure out the commands=not intuitive. Does a lot of cool things though. I am a firm believer in Direct TV as being the best method of viewing. Highest resolution for the best price. Additionally, except in all but the heaviest rains, the reliability is superb. I was a cable subscriber for years, and would have blackouts that lasted for 3 days at times. My friend signed up with cable and went through 6 digital receivers in 6 weeks. (I know that is probably the exception) I find a lot of cable subscribers very happy with their service.
Anyhow, the RCA is a very nice unit, and is offered at such a good price, it makes Direct TV affordable. Works well, has relatively good reliability (I have had one problem with the Sony, and one with the RCA, after several years of usage)
Check out the Ultimate TV receivers, or TIVO. Once you experience them, their is no going back. Hope this helps.

The product was as described and easily was incorporated into my Direct TV system. The seller was very responsive and cooperative.

This reciver is not that bad it works very well, Clear picture. Its pretty fast but no athlon 3000+ (lol) the 2 min download and seaching for sat comes on without notice at times right when your wacthing a movie! :( other from that this reciver is GOLD! useful features for the tv loving junky! I love it. good upgrade from my last rca reciver ...