My current setup is the Hughes HR10-250 HD DVR into a 46" KDLXBR2. I'm pretty happy with it. The other day I got an email from a friend that originated through DirecTV that stated we would need these BBC filters or whatever they are in order to get the new upcoming 150 or so HD channels (they said end of Sept, sat was launched June 10th apparently). So I called to get the filters and they claimed I need the new H20 DirecTV DVR and the BBC filters should I want to access the new upcoming HD channels. I'm kind of disappointed should this be the case as I really enjoy the TiVo interface and my setup is wall mounted so my cable situation is cramped as it is so adding the BBC filters is gonna be a PITA.

Can anyone confirm that I have to lose the HR10-250 to access the new channels.? I have a 5 LNB dish but it seems to have only 3 elements. Thanks in advance.

The HR10-250 will continue to work for all MPEG-2 signals. The problem is that all the new stuff will be MPEG-4. If you want it all, you will have to replace your TIVO unit with the DirecTV HR20 DVR.

I was afraid so. Oh well. Anyone want to buy a HR10-250 in mint condition? LOL

No thanks. You might want to consider running two DVR's. I've got my HR10-250 right next to my HR20-700. You'd be surprised how often the extra box comes in handy and in my humble opinion the HR10-250 is worth keeping because it is a better OTA box.

another question if you don't mind. I have a Panasonic 32" 720P LCD in the bedroom. It doesn't have any on board tuners FYI. So tonight I set up a H-20 in place of the HR10-250 that was there, and now I get no HD locals, only regular definition locals. Is this because th TV has no tuner and the H-20 doesn't have the OTA HD capability of thre HR10-250? Trying to figure this out why my local HD's won't show up in that room now.

The new HD DVR is the HR20, not H20. The HR20 has a ATSC tuners in it, it might need to take some software updates before they are enabled. Check sister site dbstalk for a great HR20 Q&A forum, should be able to find out anything you want about that model.

You also need a new 5 LNB dish to take advantage of the new MPEG4 channels, call Directv and have them come out and install one for you if you haven't already.

The HR10-250 will continue to work for all MPEG-2 signals. The problem is that all the new stuff will be MPEG-4.

And eventually, I'm hearing sometime next year, the HD channels that are MPEG 2 will be shut off, so the only HD that the HR10 will get is OTA ATSC.

Whoops my bad. The receiver I have is the HR20 not the H20.