[fishcall]

i am looking for a directtv receiver that is not a HD receiver but has component output. my new panny ed 42" plasma only has three inputs and two of them are already used up by dvd player and vcr so all that's left is one component input. i do not want the hd box because then i have buy the hd programming and my plasma is only ed. any help?

 

[brenden]

As you've probably noticed, DVD picture quality is probably outstanding on your new Plasma.

Even if an HDTV receiver is downconverting HDTV channels to EDTV, you will still get at least as good as DVD quality on your set (Standard D* channels are usually way overcompressed and are nowhere near DVD quality). Plus most HDTV channels are 16:9 widescreen, so you will have less stretching or worrying about bars on the side of that programming.

Also, HDTV receivers can get (for most people) HDTV locals OTA by just adding an antenna. You absolutely need to have an HDTV receiver to take advantage of what your plasma set can produce.

I have not been checking in the last month or 2 about deals / programming requirements, but I never heard of the requirement to subscribe to the $10/99 HD package (Isn't it free for the first 6 mo anyway?) All receivers (i.e. you buy one at BB or CC) added to an account just require a 1 year commitment to TC basic programming.


That said, The DRD486 is a SD receiver with Component out (But I'm not sure if it is still sold or not), and of course you should be able to run your current receiver through the VCR's composite inputs if you want to save up for an HDTV receiver.

 

[miniz]

Buy an HD receiver, (If you have been a customer for a while D* will give you one for next to nothing) get the free for 6 months deal. If you still don't see anything you like on the HD channels cancel it, and keep using your receiver for the SD channels you already subscribe to plus free OTA HD locals. In the end, take advantage of your TV and please feed it an HD signal!