Satellite OTA Capable Receivers

[Rick]

Does anyone know if you get Directv or Dish and choose to get an HD DVR with OTA capabilities, will it be able to do the following:

1. Show the Columbus specific local channels in the program guide.
2. Record two Columbus specific local channels at one time.
3. Record one local channel and one satellite channel at the same time?

I have a Tivo now, which allows me to record two HD programs at one time from Columbus local channels, and I am wondering if either of the two Satellite providers have a DVR that is capable of doing this same thing.

Thanks,
Rick

[supermale]

I can only speak for DirecTV. They have/had the HR-20 receiver, which has an OTA tuner built in. That's a discontinued model though, and there's no way to know if you'll get it when you order. The later receivers (HR-21, 22, or 23) can be coupled with the AM-21 OTA receiver, which will integrate the local channels into the channel guide, and they will record just like a satellite channel (although they eat up more internal drive space). So, with the HR-21/22/23 and the AM-21, the answers to your questions are:

1) Yes. img149.imageshack.us/img149/2498/imagego.jpg

2) Yes, although they work like any other satellite channel, meaning you can only record 2 channels (either 2 OTA, 2 satellite, or 1 OTA and 1 sat.) at once.

3) Yes. See #2. The only thing that would prevent you from recording 2 HD shows at once is drive space. As long as you've got that (and the receivers have plenty of space, with either a 320GB or 500GB drive), you're fine.

[Rick]

Thanks for the info... that's what I was looking for. The screen shot was nice too. Sounds like Directv has everything I was asking for. Do you know if the AM-21 OTA receiver is part of the standard installation around here since we don't get locals via satellite, or is it something you have to ask for ahead of time?

[supermale]

You'll have to ask for it and order it separately. Unlike the receivers (for which they'll send an installer), DirecTV ships the AM-21 to you. It's usually sold for $50, but I believe the consensus is that for markets in which they don't supply locals (like this one), you can talk them into one for free. I don't think any of the installers carry them, although I ordered mine on its own, so I can't swear to that.

[Rick]

OK, great. Thanks again for the info.

Rick