Cheap OTA HD receiver?

[Chew]

I just bought a new HDTV and am holding out on going HD full-force until the HDDirecTiVos come out.

But, that could be 6-9 months!

Can anybody help me out with a suggestion on where to find a OTA HD receiver at a good price? eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3033461854&category=11072) has a Samsung receiver for about $250 shipped, but it outputs at a 480i max. That might be my best bet though.

Unless it doesn't involve a contract, I don't want to go with a DirecTV receiver so I can get that TiVo as soon as they are released.

[Joshic]

Walmart.com sells the Samsung HDTV Set-Top Box SIRT151X for $298. You might find it at a local walmart as well. personally I would rather buy something like this from a local retailer so you can return it easily if you have issues with it. plus if you buy from this ebay guy in question, you have a 25% restocking fee if you want to return it, plus it's a refurbished model. why not get a new one at walmart instead.

[bmello]

Originally posted by Chew
eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3033461854&category=11072) has a Samsung receiver for about $250 shipped, but it outputs at a 480i max. That might be my best bet though.


It outputs 480i max with S-Video or Composite. It will output 1080i with Component cables.

[Chew]

Originally posted by bmello
It outputs 480i max with S-Video or Composite. It will output 1080i with Component cables.

Aha! Thanks!

[Joe Schmoe]

Originally posted by Joshic
Walmart.com sells the Samsung HDTV Set-Top Box SIRT151X for $298. You might find it at a local walmart as well. personally I would rather buy something like this from a local retailer so you can return it easily if you have issues with it. plus if you buy from this ebay guy in question, you have a 25% restocking fee if you want to return it, plus it's a refurbished model. why not get a new one at walmart instead.

I've had this unit for a year. Works great. Bought it online too.

As for recording HD, you don't have to wait for TiVo to make a unit. Zenith already has an 80 GB Hi Def hard disk recorder (HDR230) on the market for $829.00 at jandr.com. It will record 8 hours of free OTA HD content.

[Chew]

Originally posted by Joe Schmoe
As for recording HD, you don't have to wait for TiVo to make a unit. Zenith already has an 80 GB Hi Def hard disk recorder (HDR230) on the market for $829.00 at jandr.com. It will record 8 hours of free OTA HD content.

If only it was a DirecTV receiver too.....

[Joe Schmoe]

Originally posted by Chew
If only it was a DirecTV receiver too.....

I'm happy it's not. That's the same reason I bought the Samsung. I have no interest in DirecTV, nor do I wish to pay for HD content.