DISH 622 vs DTV H20
This may not be the most appropriate place to post this reply, but I guess it is a good place to start.
I currently have the 921 receiver and am thinking of upgrading to the new 622 April 1 (to get the $200 rebate). However, I have been comparing some of the features of the DISH 622 with the upcoming DTV H20 HD-DVR receiver. Please see if I have the following correct.
The DISH 622, like the current 921 and 942 receivers, can record 2 HD broadcasts, but only one OTA HD broadcast at a time. However, the DTV H20 CAN record 2 OTA HD programs at the same time.
I know both receivers are MPEG-4 capable, so they can record network HD channels broadcast over the satellite that both E* and DTV are beginning to make available for some cities. However, Birmingham is not one of the 50 cities that DISH plans to have this service for this year, so I'm at least 1 year away from this. Besides, I understand that ALL HD sent over the satellite, including those in MPEG-4 format, have some degree of compression so OTA will always have a better signal/picture. Would most of us be able to see that small difference? If the above is true, it seems the H20 receiver might have the slight advantage, at least for what I want.
I know E* is supposed to have, or will have, the most HD programming, but I'm not sure the VOOM HD, which accounts for most of this, "greater HD content" over DTV, is that much of an advantage. Besides HD on the sports channels (ESPN, ESPN2), I think most people want to watch network/prime time HD. As for SD, the PQ is lousy on E*...is anyone know for sure if DTV is consistently better or about the same?
I hate to change from E* to DTV, but if all the above is true, I wonder if that isn't the way I should go? Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.