[magnus]

Another note. When purchasing the HD DVR, you'll automatically be given the DirecTV HR20. This is a DVR, it is not a TiVo. If you want a TiVo, you'll need to beg and plead for the HR10-250 (which they only have a limited supply of, as they no longer have a partnership with TiVo).

And yes, for the TiVo 'hackers' out there -- the HR10-250 is upgradable and networkable.

Originally Posted by Princeton

I'm not a "pro" when it comes to DIRECTV (or any similar service) ... I'm just an NFL fan who desperately wants the best possible picture on a 1080p HDTV. I did the above research after I purchased a receiver at CIRCUIT CITY ... it's a good thing I didn't open the package - 'cause it's going back today!

Also, keep in mind that DTV does not broadcast in 1080p. They downconvert HD content to "HD-Lite", which is about 1/3 less resolution. You can still get full resolution, however, from local OTA (off-the-air) channels with a mounted HD antenna.

Originally Posted by Princeton

I now upgraded my package directly with DIRECTV ... not really what I wanted to do 'cause installation is after the SUPER BOWL. Oh well, at least now I know that all future NFL games and TV shows will be CRISP, CLEAR, DIGITAL picture.

Simple. Take a note from my comment above. Go pick up an HDTV antenna (you can get indoor antennas, if necessary), plug it into your TV and use the TV's internal tuner to get the Super Bowl in full resolution HD.

Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception

Samsung TV5.4 SAX Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna