DirecTV DVR is much better than the hopper. The hopper is a pain to use. Have had it 9 months now, and still find it substandard to the DirecTV DVR. Had DirecTV for many years. Got fed up with the high rates and decided to do what lots of people do which is switch companies every 2 years to get at least one year of reasonable rates. Would recommend DirecTV myself if you are just starting up.
That said, both have rotten customer service, and I will probably cut SAT TV and just download what I want to watch on my PC when my contract is up with Dish.