I just bought this model from the dreaded Best Buy (1st mistake), but really it puts out a pretty good picture. The problem I am having is recording from my DirecTV H20 HDTV/DVR box.

I have the DTV box connected to the rear svideo input of the DVDR, and E1 selected as the source (which is the rear input), but I don't think I am getting a signal. If I am getting a signal would I see the DTV picture through my DVDR even if I am not recording?

Both the DTV box and Philips box are connected to my system via HDMI, and I don't have a phone line or ethernet connected to the DTV box. I thought maybe the DTV box might need a firmware upgrade to output two different video signals at once? I don't know.

Your setup sounds correct to me. I'm not familiar with your HR20 box, but would think it could output via HDMI and S-video at the same time. I guess I'd just hook the S-out of the HR20 direct to your TV and see if that works. If not, it's your HR20 box, if you do get a picture, it is something in your Philips setup. One last thing, if the signal was copy protected that might not allow the signal to be passed on. Did you try different channels? Apparently channels like HBO etc. could be CP'd.

I suppose cp could be the culprit, although it was just a basic channel. One thing that would help me out is to know if the signal passes through to the recorder even if you aren't recording. Should I see the dtv picture when I am watching the recorder so I can see what I am about to record? I would think so but I would like to be sure. All I get is a blue screen (which is standard) and when I play back what was recorded all I get is a black screen.

Based on exp. w/the Philips 3575, you might have to select the S-Video inpout as your "Video Input" in the Video menu? It's not automatically active.

Another thing might be, as I've read but no direct exp., you might have to select 480i as the output from your H20, maybe even specific to the H20 output your're using???

The "S-Video" selection in the Philips might be the main culprit?

I believe the picture should pass through fine, even if CP'd, from my experience the issue happens only when you try to record. My Panny's DVDR's will not even record, it will just stop, and warn you that you cannot record this program. Not sure if that is standard or brand dependent. I know on VCR's it seemed to be brand dependent, some would pass the signal thru, others would react to Macrovision even if not recording, just watching through the VCR.
Could you just take the S-out of the DVDR and go direct to your TV, thus eliminating the DVDR all together? If it was still blue screen, then the DVR is to blame, if you got a signal then it's the DVDR to blame.

Wabjxo's points are good too. But your best test is to do what I said in the last paragraph, it will eliminate the DVDR all together.

Yeah, Wabjko's idea was good, but I had already done that. I should have mentioned it in my earlier posts. I like the idea of plugging to dtv box right into the tv, I just have to figure out a way to make it reach! My other idea is to try just a composite connection and see if that passes through. That should be easier so I'll probably try that first.

My other thought is that I might need an update to the h20 dtv box to allow multiple outputs at once. I am just guessing though and have no data to back that up, but I thought I heard that once somewhere.

Thanks for all the input! I'll try to update my progress.

I just bought this model from the dreaded Best Buy (1st mistake), but really it puts out a pretty good picture. The problem I am having is recording from my DirecTV H20 HDTV/DVR box

Do you mean the HR20, not the H20? the hr20 is the hd/dvr?

I have the DTV box connected to the rear svideo input of the DVDR, and E1 selected as the source (which is the rear input), but I don't think I am getting a signal. If I am getting a signal would I see the DTV picture through my DVDR even if I am not recording?

I have the HR20, with the S video out, and into the philips like you mentioned, and yes, you should still be getting a picture via directv when you are on the E1 selected, at least I do. I think I did the S video set up as mentioned above, but never had any problems.

Both the DTV box and Philips box are connected to my system via HDMI, and I don't have a phone line or ethernet connected to the DTV box. I thought maybe the DTV box might need a firmware upgrade to output two different video signals at once? I don't know.

I also am using the HDMI outs on both the HR20 and the philips, however, both go to my receiver which does the switching, then to the TV, but I don't think that would matter. I don't have a phone line on the HR20. All firmware upgrades are via the coax into the box (I assume that is the same with the H20 if that is what you have). I thought the directv boxes output to all sources connected at the same time, I could be wrong though. I did the simple set up like you mentioned. I assume you have the S-video going into the "input" on the back of the philips, not the S-video "output"? - just to make sure.