DVR Replacement - which one?

[ocrts]

My Hughes HDVR2 (SD TiVo) just died on me (power supply, not HDD). For reasons that are unimportant to this discussion, I want to replace the unit without replacing the dish. I have a 37"LCD and I'm using an indoor antenna to grab OTA HD (I get all the networks easily this way). I'm looking for opinions on two options and the answers to a few questions:

1) Just replace with another HDVR2 from ebay for about $75

2) Replace with a HR10-250 from ebay for about $150

The antenna in on the HR10-250 has now been activated for HD, correct?

Will the HR10-250 using HDMI or component give me any better PQ on the SD channels than the HDVR2 using composite?

With the current dish (pointed at 101) I would get all the channels I currently receive, just no access to the HD channels, correct?

Since it's an HD receiver, will D* make me get the HD package when I call to swap the access card? If so, does that mean a new 2yr contract (something I want to avoid at all costs)?

Thanks ahead,
ocrts

[captain_video]

1) You should be able to get an HDVR2 for much less than $75 on ebay. If all you need is a replacement power supply then get a replacement off ebay, without a hard drive if you can find one, and swap out the supply.

2) An HR10-250 on ebay will cost you about $300 and up for a used one. Expect to pay much more for a new one.

The OTA tuners on the HR10-250 have always been activated. The HR20 was the one that you couldn't record OTA broadcasts with when they were first released.

Both HDMI and component should give you the best picture quality possible from the HDTivo. The SD channels from DTV are crap to begin with IMHO, but then again I'm watching them on a 60" HDTV so I guess I shouldn't expect them to look all that good.

There is no more HD package. If you have an HD receiver or DVR you have to pay a mandatory $9.99 monthly HD access fee. You should be able to swap the access card from your existing receiver to the HR10-250 with no problem. Yes, there is a 2-year commitment attached when activating an HR10-250.

[Clemsole]

Rember you do not alwasy get what you pay for from e-bay. Pluse you might be requried to buy a new card for the unit, even though you are swapping units.

[karnac]

There are several HR 10-250 's for sale at Amazon.Com