Recording HDTV without a HD Recorder

[MarkW]

I was told on another board that you can actually record HDTV but it will convert it down to 480i that will look about the same as playing a DVD and slightly better than regular TV. I was told the advantage was that it will record in 16:9 format even though it's only 480i. Is this true?

This person told me I'd have to go with S-VHS though instead of regular VHS but I have a DVD Recorder. Will this record like that as well?

This person mentioned that the Hughes box can be selected to do this. Do all HDTV boxes do this and does it do it if you hook up through S-Video or component or is it something you select in a menu?

[Martyva]

You also would have to output the signal from the HD source, which means converting to analog for your recording. While this may appear acceptable, i think with the vivid HD image in your mind, you will be disappointed. HD VCRs are now under 600, (about what a Hi-Fi stereo was about 10 years after the VCR came out).

[MarkW]

I had thought about getting a HD VCR. Only problem is most only take firewire input which few HDTV set top boxes (and none of the DirecTV) boxes will output.

[VASatelliteGuy]

If you are willing to modify your Receiver this company will perform the modification that will enable you to record via a firewire output.
http://www.169time.com/