I've decided to finally leave the age of VCR and move into HD recording. I currently have HD satellite and could probably get a Tivo box from them, but are there better options, such as just buying a DVR with a hard drive? I'm not real sure whats out there, or which is the better way to go. Any input would be appreciated.

HD Tivo from Directv is tough. They lost the relationship w/ Tivo and they currently don't their Directv HD DVR out yet. The HD Tivo is MPEG2 and Directv is already rolling out their MPEG4, albeit slowly. I have an HD Tivo upgraded to 550 GB of space. It's slow but it works and it's Tivo based.

If I were to start today, go w/ Comcast (or your local cable co) and use their HD DVR on a monthly contract. DirecTV requires a 2 year commitment, which sucks. In about 6 mos, Tivo will release their Series 3 Tivo which takes 2 HD cable cards has 2 built in HD OTA tuners, supports all new s/w upgrades, and supports an external SATA Harddrive. I've heard estimates that this will be sub $500, maybe less. I will drop Directv in a heartbeat for this.

The research so far has told me that you are better off the your sat company's HD box.

I decided to keep the VCR a while longer until newer tech. fills the gaps.

Well, the CableCARD v2.0 stuff may be out in 6 months, or it may not. Unfortunately, that's what's holding TiVo back; sure, they could do an HDTiVo for OTA HD content, but it wouldn't work with satellite or cable. You're going to be in the same boat with anything but the cable/sat providers own HD DVR solutions.

Unfortunately cable is not an option, I have to use the satellite for both TV and high speed internet.

Ah, but you don't have to wait for Cablecard 2.0.

Series 3

But if you can't go cable, then you're stuck w/ Satellite.

Well, right you are. Fortunately, I have no interest in recording PPV. Neat!


On the other hand, I have basic cable and an analog TV. Oh well.

at this point, I would just wait until the new hd dvr comes out on directv. you will be able to get locals thru the dish and unlike the hd directivo, I am betting it won't cost money. I have read directv is going to lease their equipment just like dish network. why buy a hd directivo that costs a fair amount and won't get updates?

personally I am going to hate direct's new dvr because I am used to tivo but what are you going to do.

I could go to cable later down the line but it is more expensive, mainly because I have two dvr's and they charge a monthly fee for each.

I didn't know Directv had a hd dvr in the works, I already get the locals as well as East coast channels so I don't have a need to record one channel and watch another at the same time. I just want the ability to record programs in Hd when I'm away. Kinda of like having a VCR with good quality.

Well folks, we have had two different DVRs from our cable company; one was non-hd(before we had HD)and one that is HD.

For what it is worth; they weren't worth much!

They both did a respectable job in recording and playing back both audio and video in a daily use temporary recording context, but the long term reliability was/is a very sore issue around our house.

One had a disc drive failure, and the other has real inconsistent playback issues.

Perhaps it's a case of being "rental" units, but I wouldn't feel comfortable recording anything that I may want to keep around for an extended period of time.
Rich.

HomeDad, you are in for a treat. When I got Tivo a couple of years ago, it changed my life. Really. Zapping commercials is quick and easy. The season pass feature means no missed episodes, even if the network moves the airing time. Like Costa Rica? Do a keyword search and within seconds, you have titles, airtimes, and descriptions of all the shows on Costa Rica for the next two weeks. Just push a button and record the ones you want. If you have two lines running to your TV, you can watch one program while recording another. You can even watch a prerecorded program while recording two new ones simultaneously. The picture and sound are flawless - I see no degradation vs live TV. I cannot overstate the convenience and service you will enjoy.

That said, I am sad that Rupert Murdoch decided to abandon Tivo when he bought DirecTV. Word is that he wants to keep everything inhouse to contain costs/keep all profits. Hence, DirecTV DVRs are here. I am in the midst of a new HT install and am upgrading from SD to HD via DirecTV. Have not yet bought the DVRs or the new dish that will be required, but the cables in-house are all there now.

To get my local (Wash DC) channels in HD, the local hi-fi guy said that I will need a 5 LNB dish. I think that otherwise the HD standard is 3 LNB. I have no idea what this lingo means other than only the 5 LNB dish is capable of receiving signals from the desired satellite.

My SD Tivo still works great with DirecTV, but word in the Tivo community is that over the next few years it will probably lose capabilities and need to be replaced with the Murdoch DVR which is less well-reviewed, not as convenient/featured, etc. Sigh.

Still, once you go DVR, you never go back.

A couple of things to keep in mind.

Cabling

How many receivers do you have now? You may need a multiplexer if you have too many and want more than one tuner per dvr (a must). Would also need at least two cable runs to the dvr. Why at least two? Depends on if you want more than one tuner running and want to receive off air signals for locals. The new dvr from directv has locals from satellites but doesn't have the WB or UPN (or the CW or whatever the new channel is going to be called). If you want to record that channel in hd, you would have to use an antenna. Normally (as the case of the hd dvr now) you could use a diplexor and have the antenna signal go across the same line as the satelite signal. I have read a few places that said the new directv receivers won't allow the use of a diplexer, so you would need a separate cable line ran to the receiver for that option.

I have 3 receivers. Sounds like alot of work just to be able to record a few shows. The VCR is starting to look ok now. I do like the options the DVR and Tivo enable, but it sounds like I should wait awhile for some better technology.

Homedad - I agree with medic8r. I've had TIVO for a year and it's been terrific. I especially enjoy watching an hour program in 40 minutes by skipping over the commercials. I often turn on the TV, but don't start watching until 15 minutes into the program just so I can skip the commercials!

I can't help you with the DirecTV questions, but I did just upgrade to digital HD cable (Comcast) and now have their DVR. It has 2 tuners which is really nice (records 2 pgms at once, and I can even watch one and record 2 others IF I ever wanted to). The Tivo (Series 2) has better software and a few more features though.

BTW - I just rec'd my Denon 3805 yesterday, and the speakers arrive today! I'll be writing for setup advice over the next few days! I feel like a kid at Christmas!

Thanks for the input. Your going to have some fun today

You get to watch the front door two days in a row. I bet you'll have a late night tomorrow!

I was so impressed with tivo, I ended up getting two boxes. Best investment I've made in tv ever. I'm embarrassed to say it was my wife who had to talk me into it. I thought it would be one of those gee wiz 30 day wonders ... boy was I proved wrong.

Everyone seems to like this TiVo thing... I guess I will have to check into it and get on board?

I'm back looking again also. Sounds like Directv has their new DVR out, I may have to switch dishes, but if they work me a deal I'm going to do it.

LOL.

I don't know if it's for you, dllewel....