tivo and new directv mpeg4 HD signal - how to do this??

[timahtivo]

I have a DirecTivo R10 currently and a new HD tv.

Love Tivo, want HD signal. I'd like to go to the new H20 box but then have to get a DVR or non-Directv tivo unit. any suggestions?

How will doing this affect the following:

1) will recorded shows be in HD?
2) will the pause and replay functions work smoothly?
3) will pause and replay be in HD?
4) how will monthly charges compare?
5) we like the ease of the season pass, etc. Is that comparable with standalone tivo?

thanks and forgive if this has been dealt with elsewhere.
btw a directv rep told me today that their hd signal was mpeg 2 only... sheesh!

[ebonovic]

1) Shows record will NOT be in HD, as no SA-TiVo exists (or DVR for that matter) that can record an HD signal that is decoded by an external receiver.

2) Well sure... with the SD signal, it will work... and relatively smoothly
3) No, See #1
4) No, See #1
5) I will have to check the latest prices for TiVo, Inc. They have so many different pricing methods now... ~$12 a month for the TiVo fee, and then your fee for DirecTV
6) It would be the same way

If you go with the HR10-250... you would only get the national MPEG-2 channels (and maybe DNS), but you won't be able to get the locals in MPEG-4..... and eventually all HD will be MPEG-4 (provided by SAT)

[timahtivo]

Cool, thanks for the help.

Are more HD channels currently available with Dtv in Mpeg4 than in Mpeg2?

Will there be at some point?

How long before it will be a real advantage to going with an Mpeg4 receiver?

[ebonovic]

The only HD "channels" that are available in MPEG-4 right now... are the Locals-In-Locals.
There are currently no national MPEG-4 channels.

At some point... ALL HD content will be MPEG-4

DirecTV is ACTIVELY (extremely active in some parts of the country) replacing existing non-MPEG-4 HD receivers with MPEG-4 receivers....

There has been no stated time frame.... but I woudl say that in 2007 we are going to see more content in MPEG-4 then MPEG-2