I am getting D* installed with the R15-500 DVR in the near future. Last night a friend gave me a HR10-250 (w/out a HD). If I use InstantCake on a HD and install that in the HR10, can I merely put that in place of the R15? I am looking for the added benefit of HD DVR and component outputs to attach to my 720p LCD.

If not, is it possible to use the HR10-250 w/out D* for OTA HD as an HD DVR. I know no satelite or TIVO service is possible. I just want to use my local TV listings in the paper and the Manual Record/Time functionality (like a VCR) to record OTA broadcasts? Note no satellite cables would be attached in this case as this would be a different TV in a different room with only OTA.

Thanks

Without a D* subscription, it will only work as an OTA receiver. I don't think it will start up without a hard drive. It won't record without a guide and the guide comes from D*. That's what the $5.99 monthly DVR fee is for. The HR10 also won't be able to receiver the new HD programming coming this Fall. Eventually, all HD will ge going Ka band MPEG4 encoding so the HR10 will only work for D* SD and OTA.

Instead of getting the R15, get the HR20 if you have an HD set.