Price Paid:  $200.00 from RCA DS4280RE

Summary:
I have had this unit for over a month and really like the picture quality. The program guide makes it very easy to use.

Strengths:
Awesome picture quality, easy to use

Weaknesses:
None

Price Paid:  $49.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I purchased this unit as it has dolby digital out and I mistakenly thought that my previous '98 model RCA DD unit was broken (turns out the optical digital cable was bad).

Due to the price for a dd unit, and the thought of using one in the basement once its finished, I decided to keep the 4280.

I like the fact that the unit is smaller than my first unit and that when you use the guide a picture in picture windows displays what you are watching while you read upcoming events.

With regard to video quality, it looks as good if not better than my 4150 unit (both using S Video to a JVC TV.) I have not had any issues other than the audio noted above.

Overall,I would recommend it. Especially after using the Panasonic unit Directv sent my parents as part of a initial subscriber package. Stay away from the Panasonic as it has no s video out, the picture is poor and the guide is terrible.

Anyway, I give this 4 out of 5 stars only for the fact that the remote won't control any other audio equipment than RCAs but 5 stars on value for the $49 paid at CC on sale.

Strengths:
Guide, size of unit

Weaknesses:
Remote won't control audio receiver. Takes 5 to 10 seconds for audio to follow picture once the receiver is turned on.

Similar Products Used:
RCA

Price Paid:  $147.00 from Abt Electronics

Summary:
I'm on my second box from RCA, and quite frankly the picture quality on both sucks. There is serious pixelation that happens especially on large areas of a single color, additionally the edges are very fuzzy. It seems like the video decoder is broken, considering I'm getting a 92 signal level, and my brand new sony tv works great with other sources (I tried svideo and rca) Has anyone else had this problem? It's not worth a thing with this crappy picture. Plus the 'rf' remote is only good for about 30 ft.

Strengths:
Audio Quality;Guide

Weaknesses:
Picture Quality

Price Paid:  $150.00 from American Satellite

Summary:
I really like the program guide on this RCA reciever... my older RCA reciever had the semi-transarent guide and this has the small opaque picture in the corner of the guide.

Unfortunately, being able to tune the stupid thing would be a definite plus. Don't get me wrong, it works... sometimes.. and please!!!! DON'T ASK ME WHAT THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE!!! I've beeen on the phone with RCA constantly for the last week trying to resolve this and all they can say is "has there been any bad weather?" or "it can't be the reciever"...

I assure you, it is the reciever. There are certain channels that I cannot tune to directly... I have to tune a couple of channels before them and then hit the channel-up button to get to them. I also still have the Phillips DSX5350, so I connected that one and called directTV to activate it for me and I have no problem with the Phillips tuner... unfortunaly, the guide on the Phillips receiver is is horrible and it has no ditial audio output.

Also, the channels that I can tune to are slow to be displayed.

I'm planning on returning the RCA and perhaps getting a Hughes... I've heard good things about it.

Strengths:
On-screen guide, dolby digital.

Weaknesses:
Tuning, RCA customer service, tuning, no coax audio out, tuning, no componenent video out, tuning, tuning...

Similar Products Used:
Other RCA receivers, Phillips DSX5350

Price Paid:  $199.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
This is actually a review of the DRD480RE. This is my first satellite receiver and I'm quite happy. Picture quality is excellent when using the s-video output and Dolby Digital seems to work fine (connected via optical cable). The unit also seems to work quickly -- in contrast to the Sony A55 which was my other choice.

There is also an infrared emitter that can be placed on a vcr to enable automatic recording. It works well with my JVC s-vhs recorder. I just push the "record program" menu choice and it's done with no programming or other hassles.

My only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be any way to set up a favorites menu for commonly viewed channels.

Strengths:
Dolby Digital, VCR control

Weaknesses:
No favorites menu

Similar Products Used:
none