HD receiver w/hdmi for Sony LCD television

Wepratt,

I have both an HR10-250 and an HR20-700. I'm a big fan of TiVo, which the HR10-250 provides, but the HR20-700 has its own set of features that better the HR10-250. There is no question in my mind that TiVo provides better capabilities for searching for future programs. But if you don't have TiVo now, the HR20-700 is a very nice machine.

Incidently, I had never before had reason to try the HDMI output from my HR10-250, because it connects to a Sony 36 XBR CRT. When I bought the Sony 32 XBR LCD for the bedroom, I discovered its HDMI output doesn't function. HDMI from the HR20-700 to the Sony LCD is spectacular for HD.

Also, whereas I had believed the local ABC and NBC affliates in Santa Barbara blocked HD, the HR20-700 with its new 5 LBN dish receives HD from those affliates. It's a matter of locals using a different compression scheme as I understand it.

Bottom line: I don't hesitate in recommending the HR20-700, but if you're a TiVo fan, I'd keep at least one TiVo-capable receiver on one of my sets.

db

My charge was $199 without a monthly lease charge, because the $199 is in effect a prepaid lease. DTV continues to own the HR20-700, and should I terminate service the unit must be returned to them. I saved the box. I already had HD service in another room, so there is no extra charge for service to additional rooms. My HR10-250 is unable to access the ABC and NBC local HD stations, though I could receive ABCW and NBCW HD if they were blocked by the local affiliates.

As I understand it, the $199 price is available only once every six months.

db