I know there aren't any units that will record HD to dvd, but what about to the hard drive? I would like a unit that does this to keep "local" recording off my dish dvr.

No current DVD recorder sold in N.A. will rec in HD... the DVD std is 480i.

The Philips 3576H and Magnavox H2160 will rec to their 160GB HDD's and can be connected to a sat dish plus OTA or cable, as illustrated in sketch #2 here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12298409&postcount=10).

Click #1 link in my signature or the link at the bottom of the System Connections page linked above for a list of other info files/subjects.

While it's true recording HD to the HDD of a DVDR(with HDD) could be done, alas it is not. While I do get quite good PQ recording OTA WS HD to my EH-55 HDD in 1hr. mode it's not true HD. Tivo HD or the TR-50 (if or when it comes out) would be a couple choices. Another problem with HD to a DVDR would be with a 160gb or even 250gb HDD you'd not fit too much on the drive. Basically no DVDRs allow larger drives than the built in one or have USB type drives. The TR-50 is supposed to have USB drives, but again it's one delay after another. The TR-50 will not have a DVD burner.

Another problem with HD to a DVDR would be with a 160gb or even 250gb HDD you'd not fit too much on the drive.
This doesn't apply to today's SDTV DVDRs for normal recording OTA. They downrez and record in 480i SDTV so you can fit lots on the HDD.

Yes I was just saying if one could record in true HD to the HDD (like the OP wanted to) it would fill up quickly. With all the Olympics I was forced to use SP and am actually quite pleased with the results recording from my CM-7000 CECB.
I'm up to the first Wednesday night:o At this rate I won't get it all watched before the new TV season starts.:( I for one am getting tired of all the TR-50 delays:mad:

I for one am getting tired of all the TR-50 delays. :mad:
As soon as the court throws out Echostar's last gasp on TIVO's patent infringement suit and all Echostar assets are turned over to TIVO, the new TivoRecorder-50 (TR-50) will prob. be on the market forthwith! :D

Supposedly the Tivo unit does record OTA HD on the hard drive, but I don't want to pay the monthly fees just to record ota.

Supposedly the Tivo unit does record OTA HD on the hard drive, but I don't want to pay the monthly fees just to record ota.Right now, the only options for recording OTA HD are TiVo HD and a HTPC. The TR-50 is vaporware. If it wasn't for the slim possibility that the TR-50 may actually come to market, I would have a TiVo HD already.

Supposedly the Tivo unit does record OTA HD on the hard drive, but I don't want to pay the monthly fees just to record ota.

Tivo Series 3 & Tivo HD units will record OTA HD to the hard drive.

You do not have to pay any monthly fees. You can buy a lifetime subscription instead, which is tied to the box. The most common thing to _ever_ go wrong is the hard drive, which can be upgraded/replaced with tools you can download. Of course, none of this is officially supported, so only do it after the warranty runs out. Though you can also get the Tivo fixed or replaced by Tivo for a fee, and keep the subscription. You *can't* just go out and buy another Tivo and transfer the lifetime subscription, however.

It's well well well worth it, IMHO.