What are the benefits of the HD DVR? Is it the fact that it can record HD shows? The HD DVY is kind of expensive, I just bought a home so I'm trying to save where ever I can right now. Sorry if these are stupid questions but I'm new to all of this.

Also if I get the Direct TV HD DVR package, that comes with the HD receiver right?

The HD Package with DVR is really worth it. Though you really need a HD TV to apprecaite it - I hope you have one?

The reason you want the HD DVR is that there is not a lot of HD source material out there right now. DVDs are only 480p. With DVR you can record HD programs to watch when you want. They are also effective to show friends shows that you like in HD that they have not seen. Also the DVR gives you the capability to record shows while you watch another. Or record two shows at once -

email me if you have any other questons.

What pricing have you seen. Have you checked the postings at AVSForums?

Well Direct TV has the HD DVR for $599, $399 after on-line rebate. I guess it is worth it and I should spring for it.

I don't have a HD TV right now, but I will have one by the time I move into the new place.

I've been on AVS forums researching TV's. But they have soooo much info it's overwhelming. I haven't checked them out yet as fars as DVRs, but when I get some time I will.

Does Tivo still make a DVR for Direct TV? Would this be a better choice?

<center><img src="http://www.solidsignal.com/images/products/at59.gif"></center><p>You can get the TiVo HD tuner for less than you were quoted. I'll look up some links for you below. To get the lower costs - you have to be prepared to call several times to find a customer rep that is willing or knowledgeable about the lower cost

Here is what is happening with HD and D*:
They are going to be switching to a MPEG4 format in the future for all their HD. Right now though the TiVo (HR20-250.)one is it. They introducing local HD in the top 18 markets in the US. This will require the new MPEG4 receivers. They have them out now for the markets selected markets. The HD DVR will be coming out this summer and will be leased not owned and will be their own brand. They are trying to make it close to the TiVo in function. I think it will also have the ability to send a recorded program to any other TV on your system.

When you do get the install - make sure you specify that you want the 5lnb dish (or you might be charged to do the upgrade later or at worst have to have someone come out later to upgrade from the 3lnb dish to the 5) Also make sure you have at least 2 RG-6 cables to each receiver/tv location for the DVR use. I would also add a third or fourth for OTA TV and FM.

Now for the TV - I'll email you<ul><li><a href="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=598538&amp;page=37&amp;pp=30">Link to AVS Forums costs on the HR20</a></li></ul>

questions.

...that the HD DVR is really not a good idea to spend anywhere NEAR $400 on right now. It is not the newest in compression technology, and might even be close to obsolete by the time you actually get an HDTV to go with it.

Save some dough, and do what I did... get the HD box with the $200 instant rebate and the separate non-HD DVR box for $100 with mail-in rebate of $100. Then if you want to upgrade to the MPEG4 HD DVR when it comes out, you can simply lease it and take one of your other boxes out of service.

devius at gmail dot com.

Apparently, whether you lease or own, you will pay the same. The first receiver is included in both, and there will be a $4.99 fee for each add'l receiver (just as there is now) either way. It will be called a leasing fee if you're leasing and a "mirroring fee" if you own your equipment. But, if you can get your equipment free, I still don't see the disadvantage to doing it before March 1. You could probably then upgrade to the new HD DVR down the line, and sell off one of the receivers you own.

Even if I buy the equipment, they are gonna charge me a monthly fee??