Hello all this is my forst post new to the forum.

I just upgraded my A/V equipment and I ran into some problems and questions.

Little background. Just purchesd Sony KDS60A3000, Tied that into my new DA3300ES Sony Reciver and new Pardigm Speakers, blue ray etc etc.

I was running previously a Samsung SIR TS160 with my Direct TV, I was able to feed Cable into it and not have to worry about input switching.

With my new upgrades I wanted to run 100% HDMI so new box time (Samsung was DVI or Component/Digital Coax). The new bow Hughes HR700 S-250 does not have an input for cable or OTA signals. Im wondering if anyone knows a way to make this box recieve OTA or cable signals and if not, can someone point me to a HD+DVR box thats HDMI that will work with Direct TV and take OTA or Cable input?

Thanks

Dave

None of the Directv HD DVR's have NTSC tuners in them so no, you can't make it work unfortunately. I'm assuming you have an HR20-700 correct? Never heard of a "HR700 S-250."

Okay found out from Direct TV I have the HR21, brand new unit.

They told me if I can find an HR20 it will accept over over air/cable. But its discontinued, so I need to find one in stock or used.

But you say the HR 20 will not take an over the air or cable source?

I might be SOL:(

The HR20 has a pair of ATSC tuners which will accept OTA reception for digital stations. None of the HD DVR's have NTSC tuners which are needed for analog OTA or cable reception or QAM tuners needed for digital cable reception.

Not sure if putting up an OTA antenna is worth the effort vs just running the cable directly to your TV and using it's built in tuner.

Okay found out from Direct TV I have the HR21, brand new unit.

They told me if I can find an HR20 it will accept over over air/cable. But its discontinued, so I need to find one in stock or used.

But you say the HR 20 will not take an over the air or cable source?

I might be SOL:(

Someone over at DBSTalk just got a HR20 with a manufacture date of 09/07, they're not discontinued yet. But no one so far has been able to ask for and receive a specific model, it's luck of the draw.

The HR20 can receive OTA, the HR21 cannot.

Edit: thanks greywolf.

Typo. HR20 can, HR21 cannot. The best way to make sure you get an HR20 is to get one at a retailer such as Best Buy where you can see the printing on the box. DirecTV's order system does not differentiate. Another possibility is to call DirecTV to get a direct number for the installer who can tell what they have available.