Must Have HD OTA & Tivo Interface...

[JesseLW]

I currently have a Samsung SIR-S4120R standard def DirecTivo (which I love) along with a standard dual lnb round dish. However, I have recently been spoiled by OTA HD that my new Samsung LCD has brought into my life. I realy need a way to record in HD. I, like many else, am bummed that DirecTV and Tivo are going separate ways. I need some guidence in purchasing (or leasing*) a HD DVR. At this time, I do NOT want to change my dish type nor do I care much about future MPEG-4 capabilities. What I DO care about is price, OTA HD capability, and Tivo interface. I believe I remember reading something about an HR10 having all of the above?

So here goes...
1. What are my options for DirecTV HD OTA DVR's?
2. Do any DVR's put me in line for an easy upgrade option?
3. Is the non-Tivo interface of the newer DVR's as bad as I read?
4. Do the new DVR's still nag you with the daily call message?

I really appreciate any help you all can provide. I am itchin' to watch my locals in HD at MY CONVENIENCE. Thanks.

 

[jdspencer]

1) HR10 (TiVo based) & HR20 (non-TiVo)
2) If you mean upgrade to MPEG4 then that would be the HR20
3) I don't really know, but the folks at the TiVo Community Forums think so.
4) The non-TiVo DVRs don't need the phone line.

Since you don't care about MPEG4 HD, just find an HR10 and be happy.

 

[Jimbo]

#3. No .....
Direct has done a great job continuing with improvements, the majority of the
issues earlier have been addressed and corrected.

# 4. The new HD DVR (Hr20-700) updates over the datastream, not the phone line.

Jimbo

 

[JesseLW]

Price of HR20-700S vs HR10-250?

First off, Thank you very much for the feedback.

I looked around for an HR10-250 and found plenty on eBay. Problem is that they are around $300-$350 and I am sure this is due to the whopping MSRP of $999 at the model's release date. So I can either get a USED HR10 and gamble with the longevity that it may or may not provide, or I can by a new HR20-700S for the same price (if not cheaper). I suppose this is just a matter of the Tivo interface now isn't it?

1. Does the HR20-700S support OTA HD recording like the HR10?
2. Do I NEED to change my dish to use HR20 for STD and OTA HD only?
2. Do you really own the HR20-700S? or is it just a *lease*?

Thanks again, everyone.

 

[jdspencer]

1) the HR20 will record OTA
2) to use MPEG4 from the dish you'll need the AU9 5LNB dish.
3) I believe it is a leased unit.

 

[JamesJ]

1) the HR20 will record OTA
2) to use MPEG4 from the dish you'll need the AU9 5LNB dish.
3) I believe it is a leased unit.

at 299 it is a lease!

also Jesse to the forums

 

[bonscott87]

So Jesse, if you plan on staying with DirecTV no matter what, why not get an HR20 (you'll need it anyway for the future) and then see if it meets your needs. If not totally then pick up an HR10 in addition and have both. Us the HR20 for all the new HD coming up soon in MPEG4 and the HR10 for everything else.

 

[JesseLW]

HR20 OTA Enabled Yet?

Based on all of your advice, I am just about ready to get an HR20 but I still have 1 major concern. This concern is regarding the OTA tuner(s). I have read conflicting stuff as to whether or not there are 2 tuners or 1 and whether or not they are enabled or not.

1. Are the HR20's OTA tuner(s) enabled?
2. If HR20's OTA tuner(s) were enabled by software, when did this occur?
3. Are there in fact 2 OTA tuners, or 1?

Depending on all of your advice, I may stop by the store REAL SOON!

 

[bonscott87]

Based on all of your advice, I am just about ready to get an HR20 but I still have 1 major concern. This concern is regarding the OTA tuner(s). I have read conflicting stuff as to whether or not there are 2 tuners or 1 and whether or not they are enabled or not.

1. Are the HR20's OTA tuner(s) enabled?
2. If HR20's OTA tuner(s) were enabled by software, when did this occur?
3. Are there in fact 2 OTA tuners, or 1?

Depending on all of your advice, I may stop by the store REAL SOON!

Actually this was answered above, yes, OTA is enabled.

But for your specific questions:
OTA has been enabled since early/mid November.
2 sat tuners, 2 OTA tuners. Can record 2 in any combination.

 

[JamesJ]

for some good reading-this is a sticked thread at the top of the forum

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=83864