fpnovak wrote:It is your understanding that I will need to purchase a different HD-TIVO to receive the new channels (in Hi-Def)?
It is not just my understanding ... you WILL need to purchase a different DVR if you want to watch and record the NEW HD channels they will be launching. Your current DVR (TiVo) will continue to be able to record the content you can receive now. Unless, that is, DirecTV decides to move existing channels to the "new" satellites.
fpnovak wrote:Will I need a different dish?
Yes. The dish you have now (likely oval, 3 satellite) is not capable of receiving the additional 2 satellite locations in which the new satellites will be orbiting.
fpnovak wrote:Will the new satellites be broadcasting in MPEG4, instead of MPEG2? Is this why I will require a new satellite receiver?
It's more than just the more efficient compression of MPEG-4, the new satellites will also be transmitting the data via Ka band instead of Ku, which all their satellites to-date have been. So your equipment (receiver and dish) will both need updating if you want to receive the new channels.
- Shane Sturgeon
Publisher, HDTV Magazine Your Guide to High Definition Television
They did state all premium movie channels would be carried. I don't know why they said 100, seems high to me too. They could have just said all available HD channels. It will be a substantial number though. Now that there is someone who can carry them a lot of channels will start to broadcast in HD.
Shane,
Many Thanks for your explanation. Nice of DirecTV to give us some advance warning!
akirby also answered my query--He indicates that the required (new) MPEG-4; Ka/ Ku/ fum high definition DirecTV satellite receiver will not be made available with TIVO.
I know many people wish DirecTV would have continued their DVR relationship with TiVo, but for whatever reason they didn't. I don't know for sure why, but it likely has to do with money at some level.
Their new HD DVR is riddled with problems, and TiVo's latest DVR only tunes OTA and cable.
DirecTV is continuing to support owners of the current HR10-250/TiVo (through Feb 2009 I believe), but of course you won't be able to watch or record the new MPEG-4 HD channels with that unit.
- Shane
Publisher, HDTV Magazine Your Guide to High Definition Television
That SUCKS!--if I can't record my shows to watch later.
Are there any alternatives available now or on the horizon?
(e.g. A (free standing) HD-DVR recorder that I can incorporate into my system, one that would be capable of recording the MPEG-4 signal captured by my "regular" DirecTV satellite receiver?
The only current option for recording the new MPEG-4 satellite broadcasts from DirecTV is their proprietary DVR. And I wouldn't expect any competition since it is a proprietary system. That makes the only other option switching to Dish Network. I am not intimately familiar with their program offerings or DVR specifics ... but I know they are taking a similar position as DirecTV.
- Shane
Publisher, HDTV Magazine Your Guide to High Definition Television
It's had plenty of problems; however, they have provided weekly/monthly updates to the firmware. They recently added OTA capability. It also has numerous capabilities not available on the HD Tivo that I still use (e.g., e-SATA drive for easily adding external hard drive).
Like any forum, you will find many complaints. However, there are many very satisfied users and many that prefer it to the HD Tivo. General consensus is that it provides a better picture, especially with SD.
Finally, you don't buy the DVR. They are now operating like the cable companies and charge a monthly rental fee. As noted in prior replies, it requires a new dish which they have a contractor install for around $99.
Hands Down, it has better PQ than older receivers. I upgraded to the HR20 from a Sansung SIR-TS360 ... a definite improvement. I am working on an official review of this unit, but the short of it is:
General PQ: Excellent
Usability: Great in some areas, poor in others ... overall "OK"
DVR Functionality: I haven't had any problems in the past week or so, but prior to that too numerous to list ... a "Fail" grade, for now.
And you don't have to lease it from DirecTV. When I called for mine, DirecTV told me it was $199 to lease. I'm not sure if that's the standard deal. I ended up buying mine from Best Buy because my local installer wasn't going to have any in stock for a month. I paid $299 at Best Buy.
If you go through their "Customer Retention" department, they will usually waive most of the setup fees for you, from what I've heard.
- S
Publisher, HDTV Magazine Your Guide to High Definition Television
high definition DirecTV satellite receiver will not be made available with TIVO.