High Def DVR General Question

[MurphieNB]

I'm a long time DirecTV subscriber (1995), but relatively new to High Def, and even newer to the DVR. I was under the impression that the new HR20 was the first High Def DVR. Was there one before the HR20? If so, is the primary difference the ability to record the new MPG4 broadcasts?

 

[bonscott87]

No, it's not the first DVR. The HR10 (based on Tivo) has been out for a couple years. Dish has also had HD DVR's for a couple years.

The main difference is that the HR20 is not based on the Tivo software and it's ability to record MPEG4 from the new KA sats. The HR10 cannot see the new satellites nor can it record MPEG4. DirecTV is rolling out any new HD on MPEG4 only and will convert current HD channels to MPEG 4 over the next 12-18 months. That's the plan anyway.