Current HRxx Receivers and 1080p HD Video

They probably will support it for VOD content, its not a big difference going between 1080i and 1080p on most newer HD chips and hardware these days.

topflight70 said:

Here's my question: will the current line of MPEG-4 receivers (i.e. the HRxx series) support 1080p video? Is this something that will require new and currently unavailable hardware?

Just a thought...

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Some of the very technical types may come along with a specific answer - here's my feeling/understanding:
1 - the Broadcom chips used in the HR21s are capable of handling 1080p. Not sure about the HR20's which as I recall use an older generation of the chip(s).
2 - it would be reasonable to assume (dangerous, but reasonable nonetheless) that DirecTV would be in for a huge s***storm of protest from lots of people frequenting this and other sites if they offer 1080p VOD and the DVRs can't handle it.

I'd guess that sooner or later we'll see a software update that accomplishes this, if the hardware can indeed to the job.

topflight70 said:

Lately there seems to be some chatter going on about D* offering some content in 1080p format.

Here's my question: will the current line of MPEG-4 receivers (i.e. the HRxx series) support 1080p video? Is this something that will require new and currently unavailable hardware?

Just a thought...

Click to expand...

I believe the current HR2x receivers are capable of receiving 1080p. I can send MPEG-2 1080p video in Media Share and it seems to have no problems with it, even though it outputs to my TV in 1080i. Perhaps the hardware is already capable of outputting 1080p and will only require a firmware change.

The people that know the answers to your questions won't be sharing until they're ready

dbmaven said:

2 - it would be reasonable to assume (dangerous, but reasonable nonetheless) that DirecTV would be in for a huge s***storm of protest from lots of people frequenting this and other sites if they offer 1080p VOD and the DVRs can't handle it.

Click to expand...

Wonder how much protest there will be if 1080p programs cant be recorded at all on DVR's.

Sorry the though crossed my mind as I read your post.

The hr20's and the HR21's are suppose to be functionally equivalent as far as the broadcom processors go. The HR21's newer chip is a single chip solution compared to a multiple chip solution used in the hr20's but thats a cost saving measure not an addition of features.

Both are capable of outputting 1080p at 24fps which is what I assume this will be used for. I believe these broadcom chips are actually used in some blu-ray players.