Just got off the phone with DirecTV. They claim if I go with the current HD DVR (HR10-250) that I won't be able to record local channels in HD. Huh? Something about MPEG-4

I currently have the non-HD DVR. Can I keep that and record local channels in non-HD (not my first choice) and then use the HD DVR for the other channels?

I'm totally confused on this whole thing.

 

Well looks like you can record OTA HD signals via the HD DVR

From an Amazon.com review

"I have it hooked up to an OTA antenna for local high-definition programming. It has recorded fine from there at 1080i, and integrated the local channels into my listings seamlessly."



So someone explain to me what happens when this MPEG-4 format comes out? Is the current HD DVR gonna be useless?

 

How long have you been with D*?
I've had them for 4 years or so but the "old-timers" say that typically D* will give you a free upgrade to their new equipment so long as you re-up on their contract to them. So, they'll probably give you a MPEG-4 HD DVR for free if you extend your contract another 2 years. Be aware though that the DVR will not be a Tivo since D* is now making their own. I don't know much about their software format or anything but I do love the Tivo setup....

 

They launched a new bird that will provide 1500 HD local channels across the US. Not 1500 new HD channels, but HD locals for all the major markets. Their new format is going to be MPEG 4 and in certain cities you can get the HD locals if you get a new dish and new MPEG 4 receivers. They were offering some $99 upgrade specials.

And what they are saying about the current HD DVR not working with their MPEG 4 programming is correct. Although I have been told they will offer some upgrade path in the future.

It's all kind of irritating because the new dish is supposed to be a lot heavier and requires special installs. IE, roof mounts with 3rd leg for support, not recommending stucco installs, blah blah blah. I'm actually looking at Comcast now for local HD and it seems to be working well.

 

All your current equipment will be useless with the new mpeg4 format, including your dish. Right now, mpeg4 is just for HD locals over the dish. Only non-DVR mpeg4 boxes exist. The HD-DVR mpeg4 is due out sometime in Q2 of this year.

If you can get your locals OTA, then don't worry about it. You'll ultimately have to upgrade, but getting HD locals over the dish isn't a selling point for me.

What box do you have right now? I can record local HD OTA.

 

If you got OTA to get HD I'd be interested to here how you made out and what type of antenna you used.

 

Here's what I would do.

Get the H10-250 and have them also upgrade your satellite dish to the AT9. The AT9 is the new dish that talkes with the mpeg4 and mpeg2 satellite. That way, you can use the HDTiVo (mpeg2) and if you get their new HD receiver the H20 (mpeg4 only), you can use both.

Once the new HD-DVR (mpeg4) comes out, you just swap out the mpeg2 HD TiVo for the mpeg 4 replacement.


And you CAN record OTA with the HD TiVo. I do it all the time.

 

I use a plain ol' pair of rabbit ears. Nothing powered.