1. Set-top receiver — You need the DIRECTV Plus DVR, also known as the "R15." Some customers have a TiVo®-based DIRECTV DVR or DIRECTV HD DVR set-top receiver, and they digitally record, too.

2. Dish — A mini satellite dish, installed by DIRECTV. The dish for the HD DVR is slightly larger because it can also receive high-definition programming from a separate satellite.

3. Remote control — We include a universal remote with all of our receivers.

4. Phone line — Land-based phone line connected to the receiver.

The DIRECTV Plus DVR (Digital Video Recorder) enables users to digitally record up to 100 hours* of television programming, record two shows at once**, pause and rewind live TV and much more.

*Actual recording time varies depending on the type of programming being recorded.
**For full functionality, the receiver requires connection of two satellite inputs from a dual-LNB DIRECTV System dish antenna and continuous connection to land-based phone line.

The DIRECTV HD DVR combines the crystal clear picture of high-definition television with the digital recording power of a DIRECTV Plus® DVR. Learn more.

Yes! In fact, it can even record two shows while you watch a third, previously recorded show. To use this feature, you'll need to ensure that two satellite inputs from a dual-Low Noise Blocker DIRECTV System dish antenna are connected to your DIRECTV Plus DVR.

The DIRECTV Plus DVR service will only delete programs when the recorder has reached its full recording capacity and needs to make room for other shows you've scheduled it to record. When this occurs, the DIRECTV Plus DVR will first delete the oldest recorded programs not marked "Keep Until I Delete." You can easily control how long programs are stored when you use the DVR's on-screen menu. It's also easy to save a program on tape using a VCR or DVD recorder.

The DIRECTV Plus DVR service will tell you if there isn't enough memory left to record the program you've requested. Then you can delete older recorded shows to make room for newer ones. (If you want to save any of the old shows, you can first transfer them to tape with a VCR or to DVD with a DVD recorder.)

It's an opportunity for you to see original DIRECTV programming if you missed the scheduled broadcast. It also offers extra NFL footage to fans during the season.

No, programs that enter your Showcases tab will never override a scheduled recording on your DIRECTV Plus DVR. Programs for the Showcases tab will be recorded when your DIRECTV Plus DVR is not in use.

Yes, if a DIRECTV Plus DVR's Parental Controls are in use, those settings will apply to programs in the Showcases tab.

Programs have a specified expiration date visible on the right margin of Showcases.

DIRECTV original programs and NFL highlights do not carry an extra fee. Only programs carrying a $ icon will have a fee associated.

No, they will expire on their own.

No, Showcases will expire in order to create space for new titles.

It's an opportunity for you to see original DIRECTV programming if you missed the scheduled broadcast. It also offers extra NFL footage to fans during the season.

Titles in the Showcases tab are available for immediate viewing.

Yes, you can increase the recording capacity of your DVR or HD DVR simply by connecting an external hard drive with greater storage than the receiver's internal hard drive.

First, make sure you have a compatible receiver. Check the model number inside the small door located on bottom right corner of the front of the receiver. The model number should read either R22 (DIRECTV Plus^® DVR) or HR20 or above (DIRECTV Plus^® HD DVR).

You'll need an external hard drive that uses an eSATA connection. The following hard drive models are recommended:

•   • Western Digital 500GB (model WDG1S5000)
•   • Seagate 500GB (model ST30500SCA109-RK)
•   • Western Digital 1TB (model WDG1S10000)
•   • Seagate 1TB (model ST31000SCA109-RK)

Follow these steps to connect the external hard drive:

•   1. Turn off your receiver by unplugging the power cord. (Do not rely on the power button.)
•   2. Look for the port on the back of your receiver labeled SATA.
•   3. Connect the eSATA hard drive with an eSATA cable. Make sure the cable is firmly connected on both ends.
•   4. Turn on the eSATA hard drive and give it several seconds to spin up to speed.
•   5. Plug in the power chord of your receiver.

When your receiver reboots, it will automatically see the newly-connected hard drive. The hard drive inside your receiver will be disabled.

You now have expanded recording capacity. With a 1TB hard drive, you can record up to 200 hours of HD programming.

Please note: We offer this tip because we want to help you get the most out of your DIRECTV experience. It is recommended for advanced users who are comfortable working with electronic hardware. This modification of your DIRECTV system is not officially supported by DIRECTV.