Which way to go?

[ronrico51]

I am lost, trying to decide which way to go in setting up my hd system. Choices are:

1) D* w/ hr20
2) D* w/ hr10
3) Dish - no clue as to their hd dvr choices
4) Charter cable with their hd dvr
5) Charter cable with series 3 Tivo and cablecards

Option 1 upside : mpeg4 capable. How many mpeg4 channels are there, and when will there be more.
Downside: 2 year commitment - ouch! Numerous reports of problems. No DLB.

Option 2 upside: Proven technology. DLB. No commitment. Modest cost for equipment on ebay.
Downside: Not mpeg4 capable. Limited lifespan of support from D*.

Option 3 - No ideas about ups and downs. Seem to have more hd choices than others.

Option 4 - Easy to get started, low startup cost, no commitment. Local office for hardware replacement. Many hate cable, but their internet is great, digital channels look fine. Haven't heard much about Charter's hd dvr.

Option 5 - good solution, but expensive. Rumors here say that series3 Tivos have their problems too.

The 2 year commitment from D* is the fly in the ointment. I realize they have a big investment in hardware, but the way things change these days, 2 years is a very loong time, especially if the hardware does not perform as advertised.

I would be interested in any comments you all may have. TIA.

[jbrasure]

I have a feeling you're about to get dozens of emotional reponses to this thread. It's a hot topic that many people feel strongly about.

My suggestion is to try Cable and the Tivo S3 (option #5). You can easily try it out for a month without any commitment. Here's how:

1) Sign up for cable, and just get the cable company's HD set-top box. Don't get the Tivo yet. This will give you some time to evaluate the picture quality of cable without paying $650 for a Tivo.

2) After a week or so, assuming you still like cable, buy the Tivo S3. Then make an appointment to have your cable company install two CableCards in the Tivo.

3) After the CableCards are installed, then evaluate how you like Cable and the Tivo together. Use it for a couple of weeks before making a decision.

4) If you're happy with everything, then great, you're done. If not, then return the equipment and try DirecTV. If you return your Tivo within 30 days, then most stores will let you return it with no questions asked. Tivo will also let you cancel your 1 year subscription if you do so within 30 days.

These are the steps that I took a month ago. Previously I was a DirecTV customer, and the HR20 drove me so crazy that I decided to try cable and the Tivo S3. I am sooooo happy that I made that decision. Cable and the Tivo S3 have been working perfectly for 3 weeks, not a single glitch. The picture quality is better, and the Tivo S3 is much much much much much much better than the HR20.

Obviously your mileage may vary. Your cable picture might be bad, or you might have problems with the CableCard installation. However, I think option #5 gives you a great way to try Cable without a commitment. I say got for it.

[veryoldschool]

Hot topic or not, I'm not there nor am I you, so "What I would do" doesn't really affect what should/would be your decisions. Sorry, but I don't know was is important or not for you.