<a href="http://technabob.com/blog/2007/08/31/directv-hr21-pro-dvr-image-leaked/">
DirecTV HR-21 Pro
<img src="http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/hr21_pro_small.jpg"></a>

SD TiVo and old ReplayTV's do multiroom as well.

don't use OTA on my HR-20 anymore - just cluttered up the menu with too many stations that I had trouble getting - and all the programs I wanted to record were on D* anyway

I shouldn't have to pay for re-compressed free OTA channels. Of course it's easy to have principles when I receive all the channels OTA without a problem, for some it's not an option. Still, I won't buy any receiver that doesn't include OTA.

and the locals are MPEG4 - mine looks quite good.

too bad I'm jumping over to FiOS TV next year.

assuming OTA has adequate signal strength

I can always tune in to the local channels to get updates. This may seem nitpicky, but I like that flexibility.

the Sony tuner is better than the one in the HR-20

They use encoders at the station. All major sat and cable providers do.

this means that yes, it's being re-compressed by D*.

<ul><li><a href="http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=814919">http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=814919</a</li></ul>

This directTV option is to give custom installers a different option. Love the black look and the rack mount chassis. They did a nice job with it.

Well, except for my uber-basic 2-channel listening system.

I've been talking to these guys. It's all Linux based. TONS of storage space for the money. All Raid-5. Pretty slick operation and the pieces are very nice.

RS-232 for me is more for direct control of the data bits so I can get it to do what I want without relying on IR emissions. I'd rather plug that into a controller and have a master remote or touchpad give it comands directly through a serial port.<ul><li><a href="http://www.interact-tv.com/">http://www.interact-tv.com/</a</li></ul>

I think if you are going to spend money, do it there.

Just IMHO. I'm not rich either BTW. Hence why I drive a 16 yr old Audi. ;^)

Nah, I'd do that even if I was rich.

RS-232 for me is more for direct control of the data bits so I can get it to do what I want without relying on IR emissions. I'd rather plug that into a controller and have a master remote or touchpad give it comands directly through a serial port.

About watching things more than once or twice. I think the whole Optical disc thing is done. So, why everyone is freaking out about BlueRay and HD-DVD is beyond me. Waste of money IMHO.

They've crammed a bunch of features into it, but it's really all about content control and security. They cram it down everyone's throat that it's about the features though.

I think Media Center is the perfect platform for the future of home entertainment. Yes, it needs a few more years of development to get there... but, my take on it is... why do I need to own it if I can pay money and get access to an extensive library and download it watch it, and have it go away (like a rental), or streaming (which we'll get in HD once we get fiber to the home). I don't need to have that physical copy if I can watch whatever I want when I want it, do I?

I think the "on demand" features are where things are headed. I hope so, anyways.

The internet is the new TV. That flat panel on the wall is really just a big computer monitor. We just need to stop treating it like a TV.