I have Direct's DVR box. And for the most part, I'm not too happy with it. Occasionally it will freeze the screen and need reset. Or the button functions on the menu will stop working, requireing a reset. Other times it will take an hour or so to reset itself if for some reason it loses all signal. Sometimes changing channels it will lock up, requireing a full reset while reseating the card in it.
That, and you can not directly transfer the material off the box to a computer (not really a big problem though if you have an external DVD burner), but would be more convienent if it was possible.
Maybe I just have a bad reciever.