Brilliant question here

[GZro1]

I currently have a 301 receiver... No DVR, obviously.

I like the variety of programming I currently enjoy, even though it does not include HD capability.

If I upgrade to a DVR capable machine, do I need to do the HD upgrade?

Is there after market equipment available, or am I limited to DISH specific receivers?

What I am looking for is something that will allow me to watch a program while recording another, or possibly watching 2 different programs on two separate sets...

Is there any DISH receiver/DVR unit that allows recording to a DVD.

I realize there are probably threads that explain much of this already, but this is my first day on this site.

I appreciate the input.

Edit:

I just obtained my first HD capable set, a 42" 720P Panasonic Plasma, 2 days ago. This will be my primary viewing location.

 

[nsafreak]

If I upgrade to a DVR capable machine, do I need to do the HD upgrade?

No, you don't. But if you have an HDTV as you've already noted then I would recommend getting an HD DVR receiver. You're likely going to pay more to do the upgrade but it'll be well worth it.

Is there after market equipment available, or am I limited to DISH specific receivers?

Well you could hook up a Tivo or another external DVR unit to your current receiver. However you will not be able to record two programs at the same time.

What I am looking for is something that will allow me to watch a program while recording another, or possibly watching 2 different programs on two separate sets...

Both the 625 and 722 receivers have this functionality. The difference between the two being the 722 is an HD DVR.

Is there any DISH receiver/DVR unit that allows recording to a DVD.

Not directly, no. But you could always hook up an external DVD recorder if you wanted to go that route. With the 722 receiver you can also pay a one time $40 activation fee and enable the ability to store programs to an external hard drive.

All that being said I would highly recommend getting a 722/722k receiver. You'll get better picture quality on your new HDTV set, more recording capacity, and the capability (once you pay the one time fee) to move recordings to an external hard drive.

 

[Bob Haller]

722 will bring you the monthly DVR fee too.,

or get two 211s and 40 buck EHD fee.

guide is shorter but no monthly dvr fee.

remember anything stored to E hard drives is encrypted and propietry.

if you cancel service anything its all gone forever, espically if you lease the box, since it must be returned, and E will charge you 15 bucks a box each for return. plus hard drives do fail so you might want to get the protection plan too.