As the title says, what is needed to record in HD, assuming you have an incoming HD signal.

Can you use a DVD recorder with component or HDMI input or do you need a PVR?

From an antenna: an atsc-pvr or a PC with a tuner
From Cable, satellite, or any other similar source:
provider PVR or pc and the Hauppauge HD-PVR.

Generally, if a dvd-recorder accepts component input, it won't like HD, or if it does, it will downconvert to SD before recording

See the following FAQ on recording HD. You can't use a DVD recorder to record HD since they're SD.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=14099


Please see the following post, useful for those new to the forum - search tips, FAQs, etc:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

What about recording from a blu-ray disc output to an HD capture card like the Grass Valley Canopus Pegasus HD Capture Card? Would the disc have Macrovision on it to prevent this? But I know you can capture regular DVD's via composite cable onto an SD capture card, and record cable box programming that is encrypted onto an SD capture card via this connection as well, so I'm thinking this should be possible with a blu-ray disc (or is this broadcast flag only related to HD content, like HDCP).

How about burning captured HD content to blu-ray, is that possible yet? I would assume so with burners out there now for computers.

Wow, close to a grand for that card? I'd just go with a Hauppage HD-PVR for 1/4 the price.

Just thought I would update this thread on what I did as it may help someone else in the future.

First thanks for the previous replies. After looking at these and going to links posted by 57 (don't know how I missed it in the FAQ's) I decided that a HD PVR was what I wanted.

I am currently with *C and I didn't like what they had to offer for their PVR and called them about it. The CSR I talked to told me to send an email to the "just ask Jim" section in the contact us on the *C website.Below is the email I sent in

I have recently purchaced an HDTV and have begun to look for a HD PVR so I can record in HD I have looked at the PVR that you offer and I am not impressed. Your HD PVR retails for $700 I have looked at Bells HD PVR also. Their unit has a larger hard drive with the capability of adding an external hard drive. The HD PVR from bell retails for $500 with a $100 rebate off your first bill, bringing it down to $400. My question is are you going to release a HD PVR comparable to Bells in the near future (need aprox date) at a much more reasonable price than you are currently selling for or should I take the $1300 to $1400 I spent each year in programing over Bell. Thank you for your time.

Here is the reply I received

Hi John



Yes we will be adding new receivers to our line in the new year. We can offer you our HD dual tuner PVR for $199. We have a small amount of these that are Refurbed from Motorola. Still under full warranty.

Our team can contact you



Regards



jim

I was a little hesitent to take them up on their offer because of some of the things I had read on the forums here about the 530 PVR.

I took them up on there offer and ordered the refurb PVR.
Got it within a few days, hooked it up and it recorded HD with no problem:D
Tried to pause live TV and got macro blocking all over the screen.:(

Back on the phone with *C
We tried the factory reset and a couple of other things with no success.
SCR said it looked like I got a bad refurb and he would send another one out, but this time it would be a new unit and not a refurb.

New unit arrived a couple of days ago and everything workes fine.:D

That is a company that is standing behind their product, I was impressed.

It is very nice to be able to record in HD and play it back, sure beats watching something recorded from a VCR.

Again thanks for previous posts and I hope this helps someone else.