I have searched various posts and I have been able to piece together a decent understanding of the HD/DVR receivers, but I am still a little cloudy on a couple of items.
Here is what I understand (please correct any inaccuracies):
1. The H20 is an MPEG 4 High definition receiver which is better than MPEG-2 due to the ability to squeeze more content into the same signal.
2. The HR20-150 is the current HDDVR, but it is only MPEG 2 capable.
3. The HR20-250 is the soon to be released MPEG 4 capable HDDVR. The MPEG 4 DVR will not only be able to receive the additional content, but will have more hours storage space.
4. The 5LNB dish is already out and is able to carry/receive the MPEG 4 signal (though a new "slim" version is expected out soon).
I am in the process of buying a new HD plasma and upgrading my current system to HD. I just got off the phone with a DirectTV rep and she said that the HR20-250 is expected to be out in June/July (however she could not give a date). I realize that many people believe that it won't be out before the fall or winter or maybe even '07. She also told me that the 5LNB dish will not allow me to get my HD locals if I get the HR20-150. I would have to get an off air antenna or wait for the HR20-250. I live in the New York area so the H20 would allow me to get my HD locals.
So, I guess my questions are (with the assumption that my new set up with be HD and I would also like to have a DVR):
1. Should I wait for the HR20-250?
2. If I do not wait for the HR20-250, should I get the 5LNB dish?
3. Does it make sense to get the HR20-150 and the 5LNB dish and then upgrade to the HR20-250 when it comes out? I believe the cost is expected to be $99 to upgrade.
4. Is there another option? Can I get a different dish and the HR20-150 which will be fine for the next 2-3 years until MPEG 4 becomes the standard?
Any other thoughts or items I am missing?
Sorry if these questions are repetitive....
Here is what I understand (please correct any inaccuracies):
1. The H20 is an MPEG 4 High definition receiver which is better than MPEG-2 due to the ability to squeeze more content into the same signal.
2. The HR20-150 is the current HDDVR, but it is only MPEG 2 capable.
3. The HR20-250 is the soon to be released MPEG 4 capable HDDVR. The MPEG 4 DVR will not only be able to receive the additional content, but will have more hours storage space.
4. The 5LNB dish is already out and is able to carry/receive the MPEG 4 signal (though a new "slim" version is expected out soon).
I am in the process of buying a new HD plasma and upgrading my current system to HD. I just got off the phone with a DirectTV rep and she said that the HR20-250 is expected to be out in June/July (however she could not give a date). I realize that many people believe that it won't be out before the fall or winter or maybe even '07. She also told me that the 5LNB dish will not allow me to get my HD locals if I get the HR20-150. I would have to get an off air antenna or wait for the HR20-250. I live in the New York area so the H20 would allow me to get my HD locals.
So, I guess my questions are (with the assumption that my new set up with be HD and I would also like to have a DVR):
1. Should I wait for the HR20-250?
2. If I do not wait for the HR20-250, should I get the 5LNB dish?
3. Does it make sense to get the HR20-150 and the 5LNB dish and then upgrade to the HR20-250 when it comes out? I believe the cost is expected to be $99 to upgrade.
4. Is there another option? Can I get a different dish and the HR20-150 which will be fine for the next 2-3 years until MPEG 4 becomes the standard?
Any other thoughts or items I am missing?
Sorry if these questions are repetitive....