So my comcast promo period ended, and I went from $75 to $150 for internet + HD cable w/HBO. In checking out Direct TV, I like what they offer, but I've heard they use higher compression, and thus the image quality of HD channels is lower compared to cable.
Basically, I want the flexibility to swap back and forth between providers if needed, without worrying about losing my recorded shows, and hopefully not having to pay/rent a cable/sat reciever box/DVR.
I consider myself relatively tech saavy, but I need some help figuring out what exactly is out there, so I'll list my wants;
#1. If possible, I'd like a HD capable DVR that will work for both Direct TV, and Comcast, and prevent me from having to rent/buy a reciever/DVR from the company.
#2. Do these DVRs have SATA/USB ports that accept external hard drives for extra storage?
#3. If the answer to #2. is no, how difficult is it to 'upgrade' the included hard drive to a bigger one? Do DVRs tend to all use the same HDs, ie. SATA vs. IDE, and regular profile vs. low profile?
#4. How large of an internal HD can I upgrade to?
#5. If I upgrade to a larger internal HD, how complicated is it? I assume I'd need to re-install software and such, right?
These are the main questions I have.
Again #1 is whether or not a DVR can replace a sat/cable box/reciever, and if so, whether or not it can be universal, and work for either Direct TV or Comcast.
So throw some models out there for me to look at. If I can upgrade storage with an external HD, obviously I don't want to pay a bunch for a DVR with a bigger HD. Likewise if I can't hook up an external HD, and am going to swap out the internal one, I might as well get the smallest available.
Thanks for all your help in advance!
Basically, I want the flexibility to swap back and forth between providers if needed, without worrying about losing my recorded shows, and hopefully not having to pay/rent a cable/sat reciever box/DVR.
I consider myself relatively tech saavy, but I need some help figuring out what exactly is out there, so I'll list my wants;
#1. If possible, I'd like a HD capable DVR that will work for both Direct TV, and Comcast, and prevent me from having to rent/buy a reciever/DVR from the company.
#2. Do these DVRs have SATA/USB ports that accept external hard drives for extra storage?
#3. If the answer to #2. is no, how difficult is it to 'upgrade' the included hard drive to a bigger one? Do DVRs tend to all use the same HDs, ie. SATA vs. IDE, and regular profile vs. low profile?
#4. How large of an internal HD can I upgrade to?
#5. If I upgrade to a larger internal HD, how complicated is it? I assume I'd need to re-install software and such, right?
These are the main questions I have.
Again #1 is whether or not a DVR can replace a sat/cable box/reciever, and if so, whether or not it can be universal, and work for either Direct TV or Comcast.
So throw some models out there for me to look at. If I can upgrade storage with an external HD, obviously I don't want to pay a bunch for a DVR with a bigger HD. Likewise if I can't hook up an external HD, and am going to swap out the internal one, I might as well get the smallest available.
Thanks for all your help in advance!