Looking to switch back, but I have some questions..

[blue2noise]

As an early adopter I have only the Sunday ticket with no base package. I upgraded the the HR20-100 and new dish and will be able to recieve everything available. I have been using Cablevision io for my tv/hdtv uses but the SA DVR is absolutely horrible. Once I make the swicth I will never be able to remove the base package and keep Sunday ticket again so I want to be super sure this is the move for me. I have a few questions:

1. For the 2 inputs on the DVR to record on both tuners, can I simply split the coax right before the box and connect to the band converters to connect to both?

2. How much am I looking at paying for a package giving me the works with all channels as well all movie channels and HD? Are locals extra?

3. Unlike Cablevision, i see all the HD channels are not grouped together. With my HR20 can I set it so when I use my favorite of all the HD channels I can simply CH-up and only surf the HD channels?

4. Can I connect an external drive to this unit for more storage?

5. Does the HR20 always need to be on to able to record or does it automatically switch itself on when it is time to record like the cable DVR does?

Thanks for your help. I really want this switch to be for good. If MSG-HD does indeed flip, I am sold if the answers to these questions make things easier for me.

 

[harshness]

1. For the 2 inputs on the DVR to record on both tuners, can I simply split the coax right before the box and connect to the band converters to connect to both?

Unless you manage to get an SWM, you'll need two separate runs from the dish or multiswitch for a DVR.

2. How much am I looking at paying for a package giving me the works with all channels as well all movie channels and HD? Are locals extra?

With a single receiver, it will be upwards of 109.98 once the honeymoon is over.

3. Unlike Cablevision, i see all the HD channels are not grouped together. With my HR20 can I set it so when I use my favorite of all the HD channels I can simply CH-up and only surf the HD channels?

You can make your own list of channels.

4. Can I connect an external drive to this unit for more storage?

Here's where it gets dicey. You can replace the internal drive with an external eSATA drive. One drive can be active at a time and all of your recording preferences go with the drive that happens to be hooked up at the time.

5. Does the HR20 always need to be on to able to record or does it automatically switch itself on when it is time to record like the cable DVR does?

The DVR works as long as it is plugged in.

MSG-HD does indeed flip, I am sold if the answers to these questions make things easier for me.

Don't hold your breath on MSG-HD