** HD TiVo and HD DirecTV TiVo FAQ **

feldon23 · 01-01-2004, 04:45 PM

CableLabs/OTA HD TiVo -- Fall 2006 release

At the CES 2006 show, TiVo announced a standalone HD TiVo prototype with two CableCard tuners and Over-the-Air (OTA 8VSB) ATSC tuners. The unit was capable of receiving, recording, and performing all TiVo functions on local analog Cable and digital Cable and digital HDTV Cable broadcasts as well as digital HDTV over-the-air broadcasts. More information on this Series 3 TiVo, which will be released in mid-to-late 2006, will be made available in a companion FAQ.

In 2003, TiVo demoed a standalone HD TiVo prototype with two Over-the-Air (OTA 8VSB) ATSC tuners. The unit was capable of receiving, recording and performing all TiVo functions on local digital/HDTV broadcasts received through an antenna. Lack of market interest stalled further development.

DirecTV HD TiVo -- April 21st, 2004

Back of HDTiVo

In April 2004, DirecTV launched the DirecTV HR10-250 DirecTV with TiVo with 250GB capacity offering ~30 hours of high definition, ~200 hours of standard definition recording, or any combination of the two. *Actual recording time will vary depending on the type of programming being recorded. [Press Release...]
[ Specifications Front ] [ Specifications Back ]

DirecTV HD TiVos contain 2 DirecTV SD/HD/OTA tuners (a total of 3 coax inputs) which can receive/record standard definition and high definition programming from DirecTV as well as local digital/HDTV broadcasts brought in by an antenna. 2 tuners means 2 different shows can be recorded simultaneously.

DirecTV HD TiVos were introduced with an MSRP of $999 but can now be found for $400 or less.

What is the future of the DirecTV HD TiVo?

After the acquisition of DirecTV by Rupert Murdoch, DirecTV announced the dissolution of their partnership with TiVo and introduced their own competing DVRs developed by Murdoch's partner company NDS. The NDS-designed standard definition DirecTV DVR was released in October 2005 and the High Definition NDS DVR is slated for a mid-2006 release. In light of this news, TiVo has introduced a standalone OTA/CableCard TiVo and is also developing a DVR with Comcast.

DirecTV TiVos and DirecTV HD TiVos will continue to function for an indefinite period but DirecTV HD TiVos will not be able to receive the HDTV programming DirecTV intends to roll out through 2006 and 2007, specifically local channels over satellite. This is because this new programming is in MPEG-4 and will be broadcast from different satellite orbital locations, neither of which the TiVo models recognize.

What ports and cables does the DirecTV HD TiVo include?

DirecTV HD TiVo ports include two USB2.0 ports (reserved for future use), 1 Component (RGB) video output, 1 HDMI output, 1 S-Video output, 1 Composite video output, 1 Stereo audio output, 1 SPD/IF Optical output, and 1 Modem jack.

DirecTV HD TiVos ship with these cables: Coax F-type (for satellite), RCA (Yellow/red/white), S-Video, Component (red-green-blue cable which is PbPrY standard), HDMI-DVI adapter, HDMI-HDMI cable, Optical (Dolby Digital), Power.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is the only digital video output on the HD TiVo. Component video is high definition but not actually digital. An HDMI cable is included, as is a DVI-to-HDMI adapter.

NOTE: HDTVs with HDMI or DVI ports that are not running HDCP may not receive a picture through the HDMI port for certain PPV and sports programming at the broadcaster's discretion.

What output formats/resizing does this DirecTV HD TiVo support?

The DirecTV HD TiVo always displays programming at the selected output resolution. If the TiVo is set to output 1080i, then 720p shows (from ABC or ESPN) will be converted to 1080i prior to display. If you wish, and your HDTV does a better job natively displaying 720p, then you may change the output resolution to 720p when watching 720p material (there is, unfortunately, no on-screen indication of the source material's format).

NOTE: There is no "native" mode where the output format is automatically switched to match the source material.

You can change the output format the TiVo is using through a Setup menu or by simply pressing the UP arrow on the remote while watching a program. The output resolutions the TiVo will toggle between are 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.

NOTE: DirecTV HD TiVos WILL NOT output a composite (S-Video/yellow RCA) signal simultaneously with an HD signal (Downconversion). Don't throw away that standard DirecTV TiVo just yet!

DirecTV HDTiVos can only display a standard definition picture (over S-Video or Composite video outputs) if the TiVo is set to 480i display.

DirecTV HDTiVos have Stretch Modes allowing you to display 16:9 or 4:3 material stretched to fit 16:9 Widescreen HDTVs or 4:3 digital TVs. There are no zoom/crop/justify (aka "coke bottle") modes but these may be added later in software upgrades.

Will the DirecTV HD TiVos support Home Media Option and Networking?

DirecTV HD TiVos run a variant of the same 3.1 software seen on the current DirecTV TiVos. Neither version 4.0 of the software nor Home Media Option networked media features are expected.

Where can I see a demo of the DirecTV HR10-250 with TiVo?

http://zdnet.com.com/1601-2-5141247.html

What hardware do I need from DirecTV?

Most DirecTV customers have a round dish with a single dual LNBF 'head'. This enables them to receive programming from DirecTV's main satellite positioned at the 101 degrees.

HDTV, Spanish, and Chinese programming all require an elliptical (oval) dish with 2 or 3 LNBF 'heads'. This adds the ability to receive programming from DirecTV's three MPEG-2 satellites at 101, 110, and 119 degrees. Older DirecTV elliptical dishes come with 2 LNBFs 'heads' (101 and 119) and a space in between. A 'Sat C Kit' will give your older dish the ability to see 110.

Phase III DirecTV elliptical dishes have the circuitry necessary to receive all 3 satellites sealed inside the 'arm' of the dish. DirecTV enthusiasts have also been known to use 3 separate round dishes, each pointed at 101, 110, and 119 degree positions!

You can also use the new 5LNB Ka/Ku 'superdish' from DirecTV with the HR10-250 HD TiVo, but you will not be able to record any high definition channels which are in MPEG-4 format (specifically local channels and eventually the entire lineup of HDTV channels on DirecTV).

DirecTV HDTV programming at 110:
ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD, HDNet Movies, Showtime HD

DirecTV HDTV programming at 119:
HDNet, HBO HD, HD Pay-per-view

All elliptical dishes either have a 4x4 multiswitch bolted onto the back of the dish (101/119), or integrated into the arm of the dish (Phase III).

The FOUR wires that come out of the dish are all "switched" outputs which means that any of the 4 wires can see either side of any of the 3 satellites.

This is why you cannot use a splitter, because signal tones and voltages are sent up the wire FROM the DirecTV receiver TO the dish (or multiswitch) asking for the satellite feed they need to display the requested channel.

To take full advantage of a DirecTV with TiVo or DirecTV HD TiVo receiver/recorder, you must have TWO wires from the dish/multiswitch connected to them. Ordinary DirecTV receivers each require ONE wire from the dish/multiswitch.

1 room wired for HD (less trouble, more economical)
Using a 2xX multiswitch to provide the 101 satellite to certain receivers and still having 2 outputs which can see all 3 satellites (101/110/119).

All rooms wired for HD (future proof)
Using a cascading 4x8 multiswitch to provide 8 outputs which can see all 3 satellites (101/110/119).

A DirecTV with TiVo HDTV receiver and the appropriate dish are the only equipment you need to receive and record the HDTV programming offered by DirecTV.

What DirecTV HDTV packages are available?

plus ESPN 2!

DirecTV customers with the HBO and Showtime packages can (with an HDTV receiver and the right dish) also receive the corresponding HBO HD and/or Showtime HD channel.

DirecTV also offers a premium package of HDTV channels for $9.99. This presently includes HDNet, HDNet Movies, Discovery HD, ESPN HD, and ESPN 2 HD. Subscribers to NFL Sunday Ticket and/or NBA HDTV will get to see selected games in HD on those channels but may need to purchase the exhorbitant NFL Sunday Ticket SUPERFAN add-on package. And finally, Spice TV now presents selected adult video entertainment in High Definition on DirecTV's PPV channel.

DirecTV offers local networks in High Definition using the new MPEG-4 format which cannot be viewed or recorded on any TiVo device.

DirecTV offers CBS HD New York and Los Angeles to certain customers who qualify. If you currently receive CBS as a 'Distant Local' from New York or Los Angeles, then you qualify for CBS-HD NY/LA from DirecTV.

Also, if you live in one of the following markets, you may also qualify for CBS-HD NY/LA from DirecTV: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Marquette, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Green Bay.

Also, if you live in one of the following markets, you may also qualify for Fox-ED NY/LA from DirecTV: Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Greensboro, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Memphis, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Tampa, and Washington DC.

[ More Info... ]

feldon23 · 01-01-2004, 05:20 PM

What is HDTV?

High Definition TeleVision (HDTV) is the first major improvement to broadcast television since the introduction of color in the 1950's. HDTV is part of a larger broadcast standard referred to as ATSC (the American Television Systems Committee) which contains 18 different formats/qualities/resolutions.

What hardware do I need to watch Local channels in High Definition?

ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WB, UPN, and Fox stations in most markets are now broadcasting digitally.

In order to receive digital local broadcasts in your home, you will need an antenna. This ranges from rabbit ears to medium or large YAGI-type (arrow-shaped) antennas to medium or large grille-type antennas with bowtie shapes attached to them. If you are within 30 miles of a full-power digital transmitter, rabbit ears or a small grille-type antenna should provide acceptable reception. Otherwise, you will need to investigate other options.

A very useful website for determining what antenna you will need is AntennaWeb.org. By entering your ZIP code, you will find out which stations are with ~100 miles of you, sorted by proximity and labeled with the strength of antenna you will need.

It is beyond the scope of this document to provide a complete list of recommended antennas, but you should consider:

Zenith Silver Sensor (rabbit ears with surprising reception ability)
Radio Shack grille/bowtie-type (aka the Objet d'Art)
Square Shooter wafer-style pole-mounted antennas
Channel Master YAGIs available from 80 to 150 inches and beyond
Channel Master grille-type antennas such as the 4228
Televes antennas (various types)
Winegard antennas (various types)

and seriously avoid:

Terk antennas especially their dish clip-on type and Terk TV55 HDTV antenna.
Jensen antennas (various types)

These antennas have yielded worse performance than a $10 pair of rabbit ears.

What kind of HDTV reception can I get where I live?

Please visit the AVS HDTV Local Reception Forum.

What are the different HDTV formats? What's the difference between 720p and 1080i?

The 4 most commonly encountered digital TV formats in the US are 480i, which approximates standard (NTSC) TV, 480p, which is a DVD-like format with the same resolution (720x480) and aspect (16:9) as DVD, 720p (used by ABC, Fox, and ESPN), and 1080i (used by everyone else). More details:

1080i aka 'High Definition'

1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9 ratio)
~4 times NTSC quality
30 frames per second (interlaced)
Used by NBC, CBS, PBS, WB, UPN, HBO, Showtime, Starz, HDNet, Discovery, etc.

720p aka 'High Definition'

1280 x 720 progressive (16:9 ratio)
~4 times NTSC quality
60 frames per second (progressive)
Used by ABC, ESPN, and Fox (coming late 2004)

480p aka 'Enhanced Definition' or EDTV

704 x 480 progressive (16:9 ratio)
DVD resolution
~2 times NTSC quality
60 frames per second (progressive)
Used by Fox, etc.

480i aka 'Standard Definition' or SDTV

720 x 480 interlaced (4:3 ratio)
NTSC quality
30 frames per second (interlaced)
NTSC (standard definition) in an ATSC package

ATSC streams (which may include one or more subchannels in 1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i qualities) use a total of 6MHz or 26.2Mbps of bandwidth. The two HDTV resolutions (1080i + 720p) require 6 times the bandwidth of a Standard Definition channel. Many content providers such as DirecTV and local affiliates of broadcast networks re-compress HDTV signals, sometimes to conserve bandwidth, sometimes to make room for a Standard Definition subchannel. This has created a lot of controversy which we will not go into here.

What sound quality improvement does digital TV bring?

ATSC/HDTV also includes significant improvements in sound transmission standards. 1080i, 720p, and 480p all specify Dolby Digital (AC-3) as the official standard for broadcast audio. The Dolby Digital soundtrack included in each broadcast may contain anywhere from 1 to 6 channels of digital audio which can be heard by connecting an Optical cable to a home theater system. Stereo downconversion is available on all HDTV-receiving equipment as well, through the standard RCA connections.

What HDTV programming is available?

CBS, ABC, and NBC offer nearly all of their primetime programming in HDTV. This includes all scripted dramas and comedies. They also offer a variety of movies (theatrical and made-for-TV), sports, and other programming. At this time, no network is providing their national news in HDTV.

ABC, NBC, and CBS offer virtually all scripted comedies and dramas in High Definition as well as a variety of movie-of-the-week, sports, special events, etc. in High Definition. Chances are, if it's on from 7pm-11pm on these channels, it's HD. CBS also has the dubious honor of having the only soap opera in HD -- Days of Our Lives.

PBS offers a variety of nationally- and locally-produced documentaries, travel programs, theatre, and musical programs in HDTV.

WB, UPN, and Fox offer a smaller, but still impressive selection of HD programming. Fox was a very latecomer to the game, having made the expensive mistake of embracing ED (DVD-quality) digital TV early on but making no plans for HD until after all the other networks had done so.

Showtime offers a selection of their movies and original series in HDTV or EDTV qualities. They often show their movies as an 'upconvert', which is the standard definition movie running through a filter. When Showtime shows a movie in HDTV, it is always in the Original Aspect Ratio (OAR) preserving the correct shape of the film as it was presented in the theater.

HBO shows more movies in HDTV format, but many of these movies are presented in a matted format, zooming the picture to fill the complete 16:9 image. This measurably lowers the picture quality and cuts off the sides of the picture. There is much controversy on this issue but we won't go into this here.

HDNet is a variety channel, offering World News (the only regular international news broadcast available in the USA in HDTV), various syndicated HDTV shows, movies, and sports (HDNet provided NBC with HD coverage of the 2002 Olympics) from Fox SportsNet, The NHL on HDNet, CBC Hockey Night In Canada, and has also co-produced basketball with NBC.

HDNet Movies offers movies from the Sony and Warner Bros. film libraries in HDTV format, preserving the Original Aspect Ratio.

ESPN HD and [/i]ESPN 2 HD[/i] offer a slowly expanding collection of sporting events in HDTV. Most of the time, ESPN HD is still a 16:9 stretched version of their standard definition ESPN channel.

Discovery HD Theater offers 24/7 HDTV programming in the same vein (but not on the same schedule) as their main Discovery channel.

Spice Channel HD now presents adult video entertainment in blocks for purchase on DirecTV's HD PPV channel.

More details about HDTV programming can be found at the TiVo Community's sister site, the AVS HDTV Forum.

Does the Broadcast Flag mean I will see a poor/downrezzed picture on my older HDTV?

The broadcast flag would, in theory, allow a content provider to tell the HDTiVo to play back a broadcast at 480p instead of the 720p or 1080i quality that it was broadcast with.

"The most important thing in the FCC's broadcast flag rules is that the broadcast flag cannot be used to prevent recording. That is not the intent of the broadcast flag, and even the MPAA in its comments filed to the FCC agreed that it should not restrict consumers from recording or copying for personal use. For that matter, the FCC doesn't have the authority to mandate something that overrides copyright law which allows us to record and copy for personal use.

The FCC rules do not require devices to reduce the resolution of flagged HD material when it is output in analog form. (The FCC did not take any action to close the "analog hole".) However, devices will be required to reduce the resolution of flagged HD material when it is output in digital form over a signal path that is not secure. The HDTiVo's HDMI connection has the HDCP encryption, so the rule isn't applicable.

The FCC rules also spell out how recorders are to comply with the broadcast flag. First, recorders have to preserve the flag. If the flag is there when it's recorded then it has to be there when it's played back. Second, recorders have to encrypt the stored content using an approved method so it can't be used elsewhere, except by other compliant products."
-- Wayne Bundrick

"The broadcast flag prevents flagged content from being passed via unprotected digital outputs (unprotected Firewire or DVI). Digital output must be protected by 'approved' mechanisms ... namely 5C(DTCP, HDCP, CPRM, D-VHS) approved protections.

The only affect the broadcast flag could have on the HDTivo is that the DVI connection may require use of a DVI/HDCP compliant connection.

All that being said, there are additional copy restrictions (copy never, copy once, etc.) that can be applied above and beyond the broadcast flag by DirecTV (or any MSO). The FCC has issued guidelines on what types of restrictions can be imposed based on the content type (Broadcast, Subscription Channels, Premium Channels, PPV, VOD, etc). In the most restrictive case, premium content (like PPV) can be marked as 'copy never'. Even when content is marked as 'copy never', it is still allowed to be buffered/paused by a PVR for up to 90 minutes."
-- dt_dc

All TV programs must be broadcast in HDTV by 2009, right?

This is not a requirement.

There is a Federally mandated requirement that all TV stations be broadcasting digital television by the end of 2003. Many stations have applied for hardship waivers and other such requests for additional time to make this transition. There is no requirement that this programming be High Definition (or any other format for that matter). Some stations are using their digital transmitter to simulcast as many as 5 standard definition channels.

There is a Federally mandated requirement that all TV stations switch off their analog transmitter in 2009. This will only affect TVs which receive all of their programming over-the-air from 'rabbit ears'. The solution will be a $40 converter box or to simply attach those TVs to any cable (analog or digital) or satellite source.

gilvelez · 01-01-2004, 06:29 PM

Nicely done...

Gil

kiljoy · 01-01-2004, 06:35 PM

Link for the SA HD Tivo is not working: 403 No Permission.

Tony

feldon23 · 01-01-2004, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kiljoy
Link for the SA HD Tivo is not working: 403 No Permission.

Tony

Fixed. Thanks!

MikeSRC · 01-01-2004, 06:49 PM

I would add a note that to use the HDMI output with a DVI converter, your DVI input will also have to be HDCP-compliant.

Jimbo713 · 01-01-2004, 06:54 PM

Thanks, Feldon - good to see you back contributing so significantly.

Your FAQ is truly a beautiful piece of work! HD deserves this attention, as I'm sure the forthcoming HDDVR will be a huge success! I've got a Panasonic PT-47WX53 and love the HD format. Adding TiVo to it will be more than the icing on the cake.

feldon23 · 01-01-2004, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeSRC
I would add a note that to use the HDMI output with a DVI converter, your DVI input will also have to be HDCP-compliant.

Done.

Gregor · 01-01-2004, 07:21 PM

Great faq. Thanks!

Could the mods make it sticky?

jautor · 01-01-2004, 07:23 PM

I thought the rumored Samsung box (rumored $899) was supposed to have more capacity than the Hughes (rumored $699) unit? The original rumor post over on AVSforum said both on March 1st, and tagged the Hughes with a "lower recording capacity". And we know from the press release that the Hughes has 250GB, but not the price...

I'm hoping the Samsung unit is real, and assuming the rumored prices are correct, they could put a 2nd 250GB drive in that one. Especially if they used Samsung drives... (yo, Fred, pass me another pallet of drives, will ya!)

Jeff

feldon23 · 01-01-2004, 07:26 PM

The press release from DirecTV says that the Hughes box will have a 250GB hard drive. I find it hard to believe that you get 250GB for $699.

If so, at $899 the Samsung will have, what, 500GB?!?

ccwf · 01-01-2004, 07:27 PM

Mismatched tags near PBS/WB plus you might want to indicate that people can click on the photos.

UKPronto · 01-01-2004, 07:37 PM

Well done Feldon.

I'm just slightly confused about the bit about the ATSC 480i standard which you say is "Not used in broadcast". You then say that some transmitting stations are simulcasting as many as 5 standard definition digital channels. Aren't these using 480i?

dswallow · 01-01-2004, 07:39 PM

The very last sentence is missing a 'd' in the word "deadline".

feldon23 · 01-01-2004, 07:40 PM

ccwf, thanks. Fixed.

UKPronto. Sorry, you're right. Lemme fix.

jautor · 01-01-2004, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by feldon23
The press release from DirecTV says that the Hughes box will have a 250GB hard drive. I find it hard to believe that you get 250GB for $699.

If so, at $899 the Samsung will have, what, 500GB?!?

Agreed, $699 sounds too cheap for the initial launch price. Although as we both know, the "cost" of a DirecTV receiver and it's "price" have very little to do with each other... I don't think they need to subsidize the box, at least at first. So to me, the $699 price is the least believable part of that rumor post. But whatever the price of the Hughes box, Samsung could certainly add a second 250GB drive for a $200 SRP bump. They'd even have a few bucks of margin left

. (Seriously, the cost of the 250GB drives has come down quite a bit, I'd guess in volume, from your own disk division, they should be ~$120 or so).

Even if was $300 more than the Hughes, if it has 500GB, I'll still buy it.

But look at the PVR921 at $999. If Hughes prices their box at $699-799, that's a steal given the added functionality! (and yes, I know, but there's no firewire - sorry, doesn't bother me *this year*).

Jeff

Stephen Tu · 01-01-2004, 08:51 PM

Quote:

DirecTV HD TiVos have a switch on the front of the unit allowing you to control the output format being sent over the Component outputs to suit the capabilities of your HDTV. This setting cannot be changed with the remote control

The people who have seen the demo / beta units seem to say that the second sentence here is untrue, you can change output format by remote. Can anyone confirm this? It would be highly annoying if you couldn't.

gaspanic · 01-01-2004, 09:35 PM

Nicely done. HDnet also has MLS in HD. Usually one game each Saturday night during their season.

Joe Smith · 01-01-2004, 09:55 PM

Another very useful website for determining what antenna you will need is
TitanTV which has an Antenna Selector.
The site lists the schedule for local HDTV broadcasts.

Toeside · 01-01-2004, 10:45 PM

Great job Feldon23. The compilation of "What's in HD" is a great part of the FAQ. It makes me want to run out to get an HDTV monitor now.

Craig

DCIFRTHS · 01-01-2004, 11:45 PM

Very nice document. Thanks for doing it !

DCIFRTHS · 01-01-2004, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeSRC
I would add a note that to use the HDMI output with a DVI converter, your DVI input will also have to be HDCP-compliant.

I was under the impression that HDMI connectors plugged directly into HDCP connectors. Do you have any additional information on the converters, and what they do/how they work?

Thanks !

dswallow · 01-01-2004, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DCIFRTHS
I was under the impression that HDMI connectors plugged directly into HDCP connectors. Do you have any additional information on the converters, and what they do/how they work?

HDCP is a protocol for content protection implemented on both DVI and HDMI interfaces. The HDMI connector itself isn't pin-compatible with a DVI connector, but there is a 1:1 correspondence of the digital video signals, so only an adapter is required. HDMI does include audio, however, which wouldn't be on a DVI connector.

Here's an excellent description of DVI, HDMI & HDCP: http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/DVI_HDMI.htm

skellener · 01-02-2004, 12:55 AM

So does this mean no component video out?

Steve

dswallow · 01-02-2004, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by skellener
So does this mean no component video out?

No it does not mean that. What leads you to believe that?

The concept behind HDCP is that on suitably protected content any high-definition output that wasn't protected with HDCP would be disabled in favor of standard definition.

DCIFRTHS · 01-02-2004, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dswallow
No it does not mean that. What leads you to believe that?

The concept behind HDCP is that on suitably protected content any high-definition output that wasn't protected with HDCP would be disabled in favor of standard definition.

I didn't ask the original question, but your second sentance sounds like compoent outputs will NOT output HD signals. Is that what you intended to convey?

dswallow · 01-02-2004, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DCIFRTHS
I didn't ask the original question, but your second sentance sounds like compoent outputs will NOT output HD signals. Is that what you intended to convey?

When the signal is flagged as protected, you'll get HD output on HDCP-compatible DVI/HDMI outputs, but all other outputs will become 480i (or maybe it's 480p in the case of component) showing downconverted video.

If the content is not protected, you'll get HD output on DVI/HDMI outputs and component outputs.

In the real world, what does this mean? No broadcaster or cable channel has used the flags yet, except for some PPV or other channels I believe it's been used on just for equipment testing purposes.

kimsan · 01-02-2004, 10:30 AM

Great start! I'm sure this will just get better as more information becomes available.

Mods definitely need to make this a sticky!

jdk · 01-02-2004, 01:50 PM

great FAQ...

I'd suggest listing all the connections on the back of the HDTivo, and discuss their expected use (or non-use) - HDMI, Component, USB, 2 Sat, 1 ANT, etc...

I think there's a component question just above. Plus there's sure to be repeated questions about HDMI, DVI, HDCP, etc... dswallow's link above is a good start, but maybe a little too technical for everyone.

Plus, I'd suggest adding a short section describing (to the best of our ability at this point) the operation of the HD Dtivo - mentioning that it is expected to release with version 3.X of software, meaning no HMO, etc...

HDTV-Tivo · 01-02-2004, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dswallow
When the signal is flagged as protected, you'll get HD output on HDCP-compatible DVI/HDMI outputs, but all other outputs will become 480i (or maybe it's 480p in the case of component) showing downconverted video.

If the content is not protected, you'll get HD output on DVI/HDMI outputs and component outputs.

In the real world, what does this mean? No broadcaster or cable channel has used the flags yet, except for some PPV or other channels I believe it's been used on just for equipment testing purposes.

That really sucks because I have two HDTVs that only have component inputs. This means that under many circumstances I simply will not be able to have the picture quality that I was promised when I bought these TVs. That really pisses me off. From this point onward, I have no objections whatsoever for people who want to circumvent things like macrovision, because now I am in their shoes.

Standalone HDTivo users will really get screwed, because they wont be allowed to record high definition content period in these situations, whereas directivo users will at least be able to do that.

I will look forward to having the fun of hacking the tivo in such a way as to force the component outputs to always give you the best resolution possible.