A few confirmations before I buy...

[tivoterp]

I recently bought a Vizio L32HDTV and want to be able to record in high def. This forum has been extremely helpful in sorting through the confusing issues involved with selecting a strategy for high def recording. Before I pull the trigger and buy a HR10-250 online to replace my R10, I was hoping you all could confirm some things for me.

1. My existing Phase III triple LNB oval (18x20) dish is compatible with the HR10-250
2. The onscreen programming guide will include OTA channels and allow for season passes on OTA channels. (CNET's HR10-250 review at http://reviews.cnet.com/DirecTV_HD_DVR_HD_TiVo/4505-6474_7-30842839-4.html?tag=nav states that "[t]he onscreen programming guide won't work for the over-the-air feeds, however." That contradicts what I've seen on this and other forums.)
3. I can include both SD and HD locals in my channel guide to be eligible for season passes. For example, if I get 3 locals OTA, but can't get the fourth, I can record the 3 OTA in HD and the 1 other in SD from the satellite.
4. If I buy from NewEgg ($399), I can just call D* and have them activate my receiver.
5. The $399 price from NewEgg works for existing subscribers and doesn't involve any rebates. It looks legit, but sounds too good to be true.
6. There's no advantage to waiting until I'm off my existing contract (ending in June) to upgrading.
7. The HR10-250 can output HDMI and composite (red, yellow, white) simultaneously. I currently connect an old TV in the basement to the RF out of the R10. Since there's no RF out on the HD box, I want to make sure I can connect the old TV via an RF modulator to the HR10-250.
8. The HR10-250 can output HDMI and S-video simultaneously to allow for recording on a DVD recorder.

Thanks for your help.

[JimSpence]

1 - 3 Yes (I'd keep the R10 on the account for the SD content.)
4 - 6 Should be answered by others.
7 and 8 No simultaneous output. But could be if you hack the unit.

[mkbruce]

1. yes
2. yes - program guide will include all OTA locals available in your area (you enter your zipcode during the setup process)
3. yes
4. yes. Be sure to tell them that you bought it off the 'net and make them list is as 'owned' instead of 'leased'
5. believe it - it's true
6. nope
7. connecting a HDMI display to the HR10-250 disables all the other outputs (component, s-video and composite). Hacking the unit will not help.
8. see 7.

[thepackfan]

7 and 8 No simultaneous output. But could be if you hack the unit.

Jim,
I've seen a hack for HDMI and Comp. But I don't think unless you use comp. at 480i can anything be output via composite or s-vid

[tivoterp]

Thanks for the responses.

I had read elsewhere that using HDMI disabled component outputs, but didn't realize that it extended to composite and s-video also. Hopefully, when the TV is turned off that will cause the unit to reactivate the other outputs (as described in other threads for some TVs). If not, I'll either switch to component or just pay the $5 a month and use the old receiver we have in the basement.

If the other outputs are disabled, how does the "Save to VCR" functionality work? Wouldn't that need to use one of the other outputs to go to a VCR or DVD recorder?

[stevel]

The composite and S-Video outs are disabled unless the box is set to 480i - doesn't matter if HDMI is being used or not. You would switch to 480i (front panel button) to do "Save to VCR".

[tivoterp]

I understand now - that's an important distinction. It sounds like what I want to do (#7 and #8 above) can be done as long as I switch to 480i first. It's a pain, but we don't do it very often.

[chris_h]

I do the switch to 480i often for recording to dvd. You can also use the "up" on the remote, you do not have to use the button on the unit. You can configure the hr10-250 to cycle thru the output formats of your choice, 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.