Hi
I have the following....FoxtelIQ via Satellite (no ch7 or ch10), an NEC 42MP3 Plasma, capable of 480P, 1080i, and 720P & HDTV signal compatibility.,, a Pioneer DV655A DVD player and a DGTEC 2000 HD set top box, that I use for free to air TV.

If I want to record 7 or 10 I use a VCR!...and I get 4:3......this is not good!! and people in my house tend to throw things at me as a result.

Now if I buy a new PVR to replace the DGTEC, it would only be for recording 7 and 10, but I suppose also HD 9, 2 and SBS, not that too many HD programs there come to mind. Do I really need a top drawer box like the Topfield 7000, which seems plagued with issues that are constantly being addressed and fixed, but is it/would it be worth the effort? Surely there a better, lower cost alternative, that is reasonably future proof?

BTW, I put my sound through a Yamaha Home theatre amp, and I am surprised at the lack of Dolby Digital braodcast sound I get? Is this because the DGTEC is old? But even a lot of the Fox Box Office movies do not seem to come through in DD...

If I played HD movies on my setup, would I really get a WOW experience? I assume I need a new DVD player? Will the new DVD players play DVD Audio, as I have quite a few? or SACD's?
Would a dual Bluray-HD Dvd player be a better option?

Should I do nothing until I upgrade the plasma or is it good enough?

so many questions......but I would love some ideas or recommendations

george

You have a SD Plasma (resolution 854 x 480 lines) - the 1080i input capability is a bit of furphy.

FTA SD is broadcast at 576 lines. So any connecting up of HD (720+ lines) is going to have a very marginal effect. So I agree you should stay away from expensive HD equipment like the 7000. Given you're only looking to buy to watch two channels then I'd almost suggest get the simplest single tuner PVR you can (Like the Digicrystal at Strathfields for $200). However it can be a good idea to basically seperate your FTA and Foxtel viewing onto two boxes. So maybe get a basic twin tuner SD PVR like the Topfield 4400 or MediaStar 920 (under $500) and that way you can dedicate each box to recording different stuff. Note FTA SD TV is markedly clearer than Foxtel PQ.

Have read of the PVR FAQ for some links etc. http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=36191

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Peter

Thanks for that, yes I had noticed a big difference between Fox and FTA, mainly via the ABC transmission, but ch9 on HD is very good on my screen.
Will the change from DGTEC to either of your suggestions result in better SQ or PQ? Will I still be able to get HD broadcasts?
I did read read your link, which is why I posted. I was half expecting you to tell me what you did re my screen, but needed to read it.

george

Hi George,

Well you're in a much better position to determine if HD or SD is for you. With your current DGTEC box you can switch between HD and SD channels and see exactly the difference in PQ. For me SD PQ is fine (on my current TV) but you might note a definite PQ advantage to HD on yours. SQ wise HD has dolby (sometimes?) I believe while SD is always just stereo. Again for you to judge. Basically it should just come down to a balancing act as to how much to spend versus the PQ/SQ versus how much you'll watch/record.

If you want to go HD then something like the LG HD PVR ($650) should be a best bet for occasional viewing. You could also try the Mediastar 9022, which is SD but upscales its output to HD. However as mentioned on a 480 line SD Plasma the PQ boost of using HD is somewhat marginal IMO.

Otherwise a SD unit like the ones I mentioned should be fine for FTA recording to DVD PQ and provide good functionality. Note that Topfield seem to be having some big price drops now and in the next week or so. eg Some stores (Myer?) offering 5000's for under $400. Might be worth a few calls?

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Not Myer George St Sydney, $999 and $849 for the Topfield160 and 120, DGTEC HD160 $699 and LG HD $699.........I will look into the others, but by what you say SD will be just fine for quite some time.....unless of course I can get to $100 difference then maybe the HD is more sensible

george