Really appreciate the quick answer. Based on your reply, I decided to look into it more, so I went out to my local dealer yesterday to check it out, and he guaranteed me that they can install the HR24. He also showed me all the installation gear they would use and all the technical goodies that a nerd like myself would appreciate. I got to play with the box for a few minutes, and while different, it wasn't near as bad as I was expecting. There were some cool features about it that I liked, but of course I'm sure there are some I will miss about Dish.
I've come up with a few more questions as I have been thinking about this, I'm sure more will come and I'll have to post them later. Getting to play with the D* boxes was nice but it left me with a few more questions after I left, which I am thinking is a good thing. Just want to make sure I am making the right move and won't regret it in 2 weeks when E* is gone.
1) He mentioned the remote is UHF - does it also have an IR mode? I have a Harmony (the xbos 360 model) and a Slingbox, both would require IR to work. 2)
2) Speaking of Slingbox... is the HR24 like the VIP722, where both the HDMI and S-video outputs can work at the same time? My slingbox is non-HD, so I just use s-video on it.
3) Does the HR24 have an auto stretch mode? What I mean by this is the VIP722 will remember the video zoom/stretch setting based on the program. For example, if I tune to HD programming, it will go to "normal" which is correct. But if I go to SD, it goes to one of the stretch modes that I selected. Will the HR24 also do this?
4) How does the DVR sharing work? Will programs automatically show up on both DVR's once recorded, or do you have to go through a separate menu to view the other DVR? Also, say I want to record a 3rd show.. can I set it up from my main TV (which would already be recording 2) and it will automatically use the other DVR, or would you have to set them up from that DVR?
My setup (tentative) will be as follows, this is what I have in mind so far anyway:
1-HR24-500 for my main TV
1-H24 for my 2nd TV
1-AM21 for main TV
**OR**
2-HR-24-500's for both TV's
I'm still on the fence about the equipment. He had an AM-21 that he could sell me, but if I am still limited to two recordings total, I'm thinking it would be better to get two DVR's instead. Would most agree that this makes more sense, since this way would allow me to record up to 4 streams (2 per DVR) and share them between both DVR's?
Now if I can just decide what to do on programming. They are slightly higher than Dish, and I'm trying to decide if I need all the channels still, or if I can do with one of the lower packages. I know.. you guys can't decide that one for me.. only I can.
Thanks again for the quick reply.