[lew]

This question applies to any DVR. I'm not going to cross post this but would appreciate the answer as it applies to any unit including the S3 HD. I don't know if there is a generic answer or if the answer is different for different units.

Obviously you wouldn't plan to use a HD DVR with a SD TV. Assume your HD TV has been taken into the shop for repairs and you're temporarily using an old set.

Can you view recorded HD shows on a SD TV? Obviously you won't be watching in HD but will the unit do whatever downscaling or other black box magic that is required to display the picture. I know the units generally have S and component jacks so the set can by physically connected to the DVR.

 

[joed32]

YES! They actually look pretty good too. I do it all the time when I don't want to turn on the big TV. I have some old TVs that I use to watch SD with and when it happens to be in HD I don't bother changing.

 

[milominderbinder]

Last month we compiled this list in a different thread...

10. Same monthly mirroring/lease cost of $4.99 for an SD or HD receiver.
9. Media Share plays photos and music from your PC.
8. Start the 24 month commitment now to be able to upgrade in 24 months.
7. Be ready when you upgrade the TV to HD.
6. Not all satellite HD channels are available in SD.
5. DIRECTV on Demand (Video on Demand) in testing now
4. SWM (Single Wire Mutliswitch) promised for late 2007
3. 200 hours SD storage capacity.
2. Great prices now on HD receivers
1. Picture quality of an HD channel on an SD set is better that satellite SD.

Bonus reasons!
Great ATSC OTA and OTA subchannels
They are adding several premium channels to different packages but only in HD.
The HD channels show the full letterbox the SD channels cut off.

Note:
1. You only pay the monthly HD fee once for your household so if you already have HD, you don't have to pay it again.

- Craig

 

[lew]

Thanks for the information. I suspected as much but wanted to confirm. My releatively new Toshiba DLP was out of commision while I waited for a replacement bulb. I'm not sure if I'm going to stay with DTV or switch to FiOS but I was interested in knowing if I could view my recorded shows if I have to (temporarily) switch to a SD set. I don't currently have HD service.

I don't agree with your logic. Activating a HD receiver with DTV (including DTV DVR) requires an additional $9.95 montly fee. I don't think I'd pay that fee unless I have, or plan to purchase in the very near future, a HD TV.

It makes sense if you already have a HD TV adding an additional HD DVR to be used by a SD set.

Last month we compiled this list in a different thread...

10. Same monthly mirroring/lease cost of $4.99 for an SD or HD receiver.
9. Media Share plays photos and music from your PC.
8. Start the 24 month commitment now to be able to upgrade in 24 months.
7. Be ready when you upgrade the TV to HD.
6. Not all satellite HD channels are available in SD.
5. DIRECTV on Demand (Video on Demand) in testing now
4. SWM (Single Wire Mutliswitch) promised for late 2007
3. 200 hours SD storage capacity.
2. Great prices now on HD receivers
1. Picture quality of an HD channel on an SD set is better that satellite SD.

Bonus reasons!
Great ATSC OTA and OTA subchannels
They are adding several premium channels to different packages but only in HD.
The HD channels show the full letterbox the SD channels cut off.

Note:
1. You only pay the monthly HD fee once for your household so if you already have HD, you don't have to pay it again.

- Craig