a 1) To do this you would need a video capture card that can accept an HDTV feed from an HD component or DVI output. I am not aware of any such product that is currently available.
a 2) To do this you would need a Digital VCR that can accept an HDTV feed from an HD component or DVI output. I am not aware of any such product that is currently available.
I do not sound just like Dale Gribble!! I am not a paranoid redneck from Texas!!! I was born and raised in Central Western Pennsylvania and do not speak with a Texan accent or in the Texan idiom!!!!
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you
Actually if you surf the avs forum there is a wvhs that has component inputs... I believe it will record 1080i ,it is not sold anymore but you do see threads about them. For dvd quality(ie svideo in, but 480 progressive out) get a tivo standalone or the more versitile Replay... ps actually i do not think the standalone tivo has component outs, if it does I stand corrected.
If you are willing to settle for S-video quality, try a DVD+-R/RW recorder.
They are now cheaper that my post-Thanksgiving $229 Classic (+R/RW).
You do have to choose +R/+RW (Phillips...) or -R/-RW (Pioneer...). Many players will do both, check first.
You get near DVD quality (stereo only) for 2:03 hours, lower quality for longer times. Disk prices are below $0.50 for +-RW, half that for +-R.
I recorded a lot (~150) overnight before getting a 921. Early 811 recordings were dark, but that has passed.
DVD recorders are dirt cheap at WalMart. I was looking to buy one this fall when the X-Mas prices start being advertised. However, I have read that DVD-R/-RW is compatible with a wider range of DVD players in case you want to play your disk elsewhere or loan it to a friend. Don't know about that for sure, just read it somewhere.
The DVD-Recorder certainly seems like the practical replacement for the VHS VCR. Higher PQ and the prices are about what VCRs were just a few years ago. Will they record 16 X 9 content in 16 X 9 format on the disk for replay as widescreen?