So I settled on a solution due to my frustration with DirecTV DVR’s. The user interface doesn’t justify the monthly fee. I was not looking forward to paying up, or signing a contract for HD service. So I built the HD TV antennae. Still works great, and ran it to the above HDD DVR and then the new TV. The HDD DVR software is a step back, to a classic VCR type interface. Set time and date for single event or repeating programming. Recordings are Standard definition, but you can take out the commercials, and then high speed record to DVD. I also use the HDMI output to provide picture in picture. So I was going to purchase at least a unit to provide another tuner.
There are other units out there, some solutions require a dedicated a computer, on all the time. This unit turns itself on, and sits silently with standby power to the timer, buttons, and IR receiver only. Anyway, I put the standard definition DTV on vacation hold. This unit has no monthly fees and the unit has paid for itself. So I am investing in another one. Before you pay for another receiver, or upgrade your cable DVR’s consider how many of the programs you watch are free anyway!
