For those paying attention, Directv has always been a good option. I’ve enjoyed the interface, and the ability to use TiVo to record programs. It came as a disappointment to learn Directv was moving away from the TiVo interface in favor of their own creation. Recently, I did away with Comcast in favor of the new Directv HD-DVR and thus far I’m quite impressed. But a recent discovery made everything just perfect.
When I purchased the Directv HD-DVR, customer service told me I would only be able to receive and record two (of four) local channels in hi-def. I was told my zip code was not eligible for anything else. I was a touch annoyed I would not be able to record some of my favorite shows in hi-def (Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, etc.); however, times change and such was life. Or so I thought.
A little research through the Directv HD-DVR manual indicated I could hook an OTA (over the air) antenna to the DVR and, after scanning for local channels, I found the box would automatically download the schedule for the hi-def OTA channels, and could RECORD them on the DVR. This is the first time I’ve heard of a production box being able to record OTA hi-def channels. So, I find myself in the enviable position of getting all the local channels in hi-def (which integrate perfectly into my Directv DVR on-screen guide), the ability to record those channels at my leisure, and even schedule season recordings. Oh yes, did I mention Directv is about half the cost of Comcast? No regrets here.