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1/3/2004

So, in reading through the other messages, I just want to clarify some pre-purchase points; and, I hope this thread becomes the official list of "features" and expectations for the 921. P.S. This isn't supposed to be a 6000 vs 921 guide, but in certain cases, my only other experience is with a 6000. Sorry.

I'd like to start by having those of you with 921's verify some points I believe I've culled from various lists (including other sections of this forum):

I am assuming that all of these issues may be addressed by a future software enhancement or additional vendor support.

1) 921 does NOT do HD picture-in-a-picture well. I couldn't pull from the comments whether this was when outputting HD, or when selecting an HD input as a source (or both input & output)? Is the issue output format, input format, or both?

2) 921 (just as the 6000) does NOT receive ANY local HD channel information for the program guide, primarily because it still lacks any method for indicating that a local HD channel is associated with ABC/CBS/NBC/other. This is even true when program guide information is available to E* (such as when local channels are available for your area).

3) 921 REQUIRES 2 Satellite inputs and will accept an additional Over-The-Air (OTA) connection - that's a sum total of 3 connections for most people. Can the 2 Satellite inputs originate with the same feed, after passing through a splitter, or must they be 2 separate runs back to a "switch"?
Subtle as this may be...let me paint a picture --> I have a Dish 500 + Dish 300 on my roof, which run separate cables into my attic, where they join at a switch -- don't remember model -- and then a single feed runs down through my walls to an outlet faceplate. Can I simply put a splitter on the cable coming off the faceplate, or must I run a new cable to a new double-faceplate from the switch in the attic?
3.01) If a splitter is sufficient, why couldn't they simply "split" the signal inside the 921 then? Or even throw in a transistor to allow a 2nd input source to override the internal split - thus achieving internal splitting when a 2nd input is not externally provided, but no internal splitting when the 2nd input is provided?

4) 921 can AT MOST "Tape" 2 of the 3 input sources (2 sat + 1 ota), and playback the 3rd source in NON-buffered, real-time mode (commercials and all)? (I realize this is a crude metaphor for what it is really doing - time-shifting content via hard-disk storage) And, if the 3rd source (to be viewed in real-time mode) is configured for buffered/PVR mode, it will either (depending upon code version):
A) Present a blank screen (ie. not work), with no additional help
B) Present a message indicating that you need to switch that tuner to real-time mode in order to see the input.

5) 921 can NOT currently use its Firewall/IEEE1394, USB, mic, speaker ports.

6) 921 HAS a 9-day Program Guide available to it, unlike the 2 hr guide for the 6000.

7) 921 HAS hi-def screen stretching similar to (but not as good as) the 6000, and it may be better for SD content to shift to 480i/480p mode (generally) and probably even to let your TV stretch.
Comment: I have a Panny 56WXF95A that has a very nice 480i anamorphic stretch, keeping the center in focus, and stretching the edges to 16x9, and have always been dissatisfied with the 6000 stretching for "normal" SD content, as it does a simple linear horizontal stretch. However, the 6000 HD zoom mode does a good job for letter-boxed SD content. For my tastes, it sounds as though the 921 will perform similarly to what I'm used to -- good from the perspective that at least isn't 'worse' than I'm used to, but bad from the perspective that I will still be shifting back and forth between HD & 480i mode just as I currently am, rather than being able to just stay in HD mode. ;-(

If someone would, please verify or correct these assumptions, and others, please feel free to add key "features"/expectations that I missed.
Thanks,
-NICK