Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater HDTV vs HD-Ready

HD OTA tuner inside the STB depends on the box. Check w/ your provider, get the model number and research.

Some things you might want to note about going to a STB.

1. Yes, all the channels are digital, however flipping through them is a bit slower. It might not bother you, but it bothers me sometimes (not all pauses are created equil).

2. If you have an HD screen, but only regular satellite, you're not using the HD screen to its full capacity. You'd have to get HD satellite service for that. Even with HD satellite, not all the channels are HD.

3. Digital cable may be able to offer you more for less $. (The carrier in my old area did anyhow...) For example, Dish Network (my new service) does not offer HD DVR service. You can get a tv with HD service, but not with a DVR. My old carrier (Cox) did.

IMO HD technology is ready but not quite there as far as mainstream media is concerned. Even our DVDs' native resolution has to be upscaled to fit HD. I don't even think HD-DVDs exist yet (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

This is the reason why I went with a commercial model ED plasma (ordered yesterday) instead of an HD one.

Just my .02

Dish Network worked much better for me than cable. It was also much cheaper than cable for the amount of programming I get and other features, such as second room receiver, DVR, HDTV etc.

In reply to:

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For example, Dish Network (my new service) does not offer HD DVR service. You can get a tv with HD service, but not with a DVR. My old carrier (Cox) did

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Dish Network DOES offer HDTV DVR receiver: DISH Player-DVR 942

The only difference is that you have to purchase it, compared to just having them for use for all other receivers. I paid nothing for HDTV receiver in the living room and DVR in my bedroom. I got them brand new installed free. They are not mine though, I have to turn them back once I don't have Dish anymore. I don't pay any monthly fee for usage either. I have not made up my mind yet for this HDTV DVR as it costs USD 500 for Dish Customers

You are right. Thanks for keeping me honest. It would cost me $699 plus $99 installation for the 942. Then another $10 a month for the HD service.

I wonder why the price difference?

Directv's HD Tivo has plummeted in pricing.

Weak Knees

Almost half what I paid last year. Less than half if you include my 300GB upgrade.

But it doesn't work with a bunch of DirecTV channels, from what I've read. Check out this.

Not true. The "confusion" comes from the new MPEG4 sats that are going up. That will allow more bandwidth. But in order to broadcast, ALL HD equipment will need to be replaced. As a result, the street's guess is that the full roll out won't happen for about 2 years, if that. Plus, current equipment owners will get either free or highly discounted h/w upgrades according to most reports, including some of the Direct conf calls.

The current plan is in Nov 05, some of the new HD locals markets will open up using MPEG4. But no one has seen the new hardward, so that date still remains to be seen.

Despite all this confusion, I'm enjoying Tivo'ing all my HD content.

OK, that makes sense. Still, the bit I posted is an interesting read. TiVo better hurry up on those standalone HD boxes.