HD PVR?

Is there any reason why nobody has made a Tivo like PVR that displays HD, but records SDTV.

I know to record HD will take too much space, but why not record the regular stuff. It downconverts it anyway. It will probably be a pricey box, but it would beat the hell out of having two separate devices taking up two inputs and having to switch back and forth.

[Scott Greczkowski]

I am sure we will see something like this in the next few years. It is not practicle for them to make a unit now when most people can only get 2 or 3 channels of HDTV programming to record from.

The Discovery Channel said before that they would not have a HD channel untill there was enough demand for it. They are launching their HD Channel on June 17th so I guess demand is picking up.

[Ray_Clum]

Actually, with the announcement that both Echostar & Hughes back the new anti-piracy efforts on HDTV movies, you will probably never see a PVR box from any company (sat or cable)

Scott,

I know they are working on a HD PVR to record HD. But why hasn't anyone created a HD stb that has a tivo in it. One slick guide for all the channels including HD.

Instead of recording HD, it would just downcovert the material and then record it like a regular sat channel. If that is too complicated then just block the recording of HD material because it's not supported, but let you record everything else that is not HD.

In other words, why haven't they combined a tivo/ultimate tv with a HD stb? The functions would continue to be seperate, but at least you will have everything in one device so they can share the guide, the signal and the inputs/outputs.

[Scott Greczkowski]

No Sorry slocko nothing like that yet that I know about. It is a neat idea though.

[Gregg Loewen]

Ill be in line to buy one.

I received one of the new JVC 30K DVHS decks a while ago. This thing will be real kewl, except you need a DVI HD input into it to record the HD signal. This DVI control will allow for hardware based copyright protection. Currently there are no HD receivers with a DVI output.

the thing that is keeping HD PVR units away from the market right now, is that all the studios are VERY SCARED about copyright issues. HD is so close to the quality of the orginal film masters, that if recorded / copied would infringe on their revenue stream.

THis whole thing will shake out over the next couple of years. It will interesting to follow.

Regards

[Mark Lamutt]

I just hope that I don't have to spend another $2500 a year from now to continue enjoying HD. Sheesh...I don't want to copy it. I don't even want to archive it. I just want to be able to watch it on my schedule - is that too much to ask? Apparently so...

Hollywood has a short memory. VCR's where supposed to doom them 20 years ago.

[rbird]

Tivo actually had a prototype HD recorder shown at CES in January 2000. They claim the reason it was never introduced was "there's no market for it", but I have to call BS on that. I've seen people spend upwards of $2000 for HD recording solutions (specifically, the Dish 5000/Panasonic combo). I bet they could charge $2500 for an HD-Tivo with up to 30 hours of 1080i recording (dual 120GB drives), and sell thousands at a VERY nice margin. IMHO, the only reason they haven't is because of threats from Hollywood.

Bob

[Martyva]

I wish that HD were close to the original film masters, but unfortuneatly, many of the HD transfers are from old and often dirty film

[DarrellP]

There's no point in making a PVR that can tune HD without recording it, the price would be way too high. You're probably better off going with a 501 or DirecTivo and a HD STB. It sure will be nice to be able to record HD though. I hope when Dish releases theirs that it will have an OTA connection.

[Martyva]

JVC TU9000, Echostar 921 these machines are not vaporware.

[moooog]

Does anyone know what outputs the new HDTV receivers from Dish will have? I purchased and expensive HD30000u JVC HDTV VCR, and it has ie1394 firewire inputs, which I understand is not the same as the new piracy fighting DVI standard. I also have read that the movie industry wants all HDTV's to switch to the new DVI interface and make it the industry standard, and that people with only Analog Component inputs on their HDTV sets will not be able to view HDTV any longer, and will be forced to purchase new sets with DVI capability. I am concerned that if DISH has no plans for a STB with Firewire outputs - only one with DVI output, that I will in effect have purchased a $1200.00 VCR! Thank You.

[invaliduser88]

I still hold out hope that this dvi bs will go away or at least the Hollywood Nazi's will get off of their "the consumer is the enemy" acid trip. :ewww: