Wanting to step up to HD sat but with whom

[gundyrat]

Hello all,

I own a Sony Sat-A2 and have owned it since they first came out so I have been with Directv a very long time.

Other than speedvision I do not ala cart any sports programing.
My current programing package is the premium $96 with locals for Standard definition.

I have been waiting for the HR20 but after the review I'm not so sure.

I have to have output on both a HDMI and Component connection I would prefer to retain a RF type remote or somthing similar and I have been thinking about the step up to a DVR as well.

the HDMI would go to a Sony 34" XBR and the component would venture to the back of my room and a Infocus Sp4805 Projector.

Currently everything Component is fed and or upconverted through a Pioneer Elite VSX-49TX Receiver.

So who will give me the best HD service dish or direct?

Next item is whats with the leasinging of the Receiver for Directv?

how is this better than just our right ownership of the unit?

Does dishnetwork do this also?

Which will be the better unit Vip622 or a HR20-700 for me and most user friendly for my wife

Thanks all for your time

P.S. I am reading other threads on this topic

[Nick]

No question - for the most HD channels and HD programming, I'd
go with E*, and definitely get an HD DVR.

You'll thank me later. :sure:

(If you'll number your questions, they'll be answered more readily.)

[Mike D-CO5]

IF your heart is set on Directv then I suggest you wait till sometime next year. Supposedly the will have the capacity to do 150 national hd channels along with all the country's hd local channels. ** Whether any of this comes to pass remains to be seen and they have just started releasing their hd mpeg 4 dvr and the ota tuners are not operational yet.

If you want Hd now and you want a good reliable mpeg4 hd dvr ( 1 ota tuner and 2 sat tuenrs) you can go with Dishnetwork. They have about 30 hd channels with more to come, and I have two 622 hd dvrs and they work wonderfully with name based recording.

** THe only problem here is that dish has an injunction to turn off their dvrs from Tivo. IT has been stayed for now but who knows what will happen? Personally I don't see Dish allowing their main attraction - the dvrs , to be turned off and they will work a deal with Tivo. So I think it is a safe bet that they will still work as always.

So in the end you could wait a short while with Dish, to see what happens with Tivo or wait till sometime next for Directv or wait period. I would go with Dish myself if you want the most hd now.

[harsh]

Other than speedvision I do not ala cart any sports programing.Four years ago, SpeedVision became Speed Channel. This channel is included in DishHD Silver or higher.I have been waiting for the HR20 but after the review I'm not so sure.Other than the unimplemented features, I don't see anything deadly about the HR20. The problem with the HR20 is that it is tied to the very limited HD programming offerings of DirecTV.So who will give me the best HD service dish or direct?The answer to this question has been and will continue to be for at least the next 12 months, Dish Network.Next item is whats with the leasinging of the Receiver for Directv?Leasing is the method that they've chosen as it offers the customer the hardware at an affordable price while fostering at least two years of customer loyalty. how is this better than just our right ownership of the unit?You save $300-400 dollars and you don't have to play the auction game when it comes time to unload.Does dishnetwork do this also?Yes. The difference is that Dish Network offers the receivers for about half the price (both to lease or purchase outright). Dish's standard commitment is 18 months but new subscribers can buy their way out for $49.Which will be the better unit Vip622 or a HR20-700 for me and most user friendly for my wifeYour mileage may vary.

[gundyrat]

thank all 3 of you for the replies I will wait and see what happens with the HR20

I've waited this long whats no reason to panic
The info you all provided was very informative
thanks