DirecTV, HDTV, and Tivo Compatibility? Could someone clarify for a new guy?

[dpulis]

There are bunches of threads out here concerning Satellite and Tivo. I am new to the forum, but have had Tivo for at least 7 or 8 years. I am about to purchase a new HDTV.

Am I correct in reviewing this on the forum that Tivo HD tuners are not compatible with Satellite, just Cable? If so, is this expected to change in near time?

I have 2 Tivo tuners, series 2 I recall, and I am considering getting rid of one of them by replacing with DirecTV tuner that can get HDTV and record them. Is that the recommended avenue if Tivo will not have supporting tuners for satellite in awhile? How much capability would I lose compared to Tivo, keeping in mind I don't get real heavy into all Tivo capabililities, just need to record with Season Passes on a few things, search is nice and helpful. Occasionally, I like to burn a recording to CD, things like Christmas Romance which seems not available anywhere to buy a CD :)

[rlj5242]

Am I correct in reviewing this on the forum that Tivo HD tuners are not compatible with Satellite, just Cable? You are correct.

If so, is this expected to change in near time? In the way you phrased the question, it will not change. DirecTV and TiVo are planning to release a DVR that runs TiVo software (technically not a TiVo). If it is like the older DirecTiVo models the software will be missing features. But the core features will be there. I still run my HR10-250 (HD DirecTiVo) along with my HR20 and HR22 (DirecTV HD DVR's).

IHow much capability would I lose compared to Tivo, keeping in mind I don't get real heavy into all Tivo capabililities, just need to record with Season Passes on a few things, search is nice and helpful. With my DirecTV DVR's, I have the equivalent of all the core TiVo functionality. I record "season passes". I have a "now playing list". I perform searches by title, key word, etc. I haven't lost any of the functionality that I used with TiVo software. And it is much faster than my HR10-250.

Occasionally, I like to burn a recording to CD, things like Christmas Romance which seems not available anywhere to buy a CD :) I suggest you burn them to a DVD but that is your choice. You can still do that but you have to use an external DVD burner. I've done it and it takes no effort at all.

-Robert

[dpulis]

Thanks all. Information is helpful and assuring. I got to digging a little deeper, and yes it looks like DirecTV DVR is the way to go. I'll eliminate one of my two Tivo receivers and gain some cabinet space.

[John T Smith]

looks like DirecTV DVR is the way to go

The OLD style DirecTV HR10-250 records the OLD style Mpeg2 signal... and those HD signals are, if I read the message correctly, going to be phased out... and the HR10-250 is no longer made anyway

the NEW style DirecTV (model unknown) that works with the NEW style Mpeg4 signal is supposed to be out "some time" in 2009... so be prepared to wait