Can I get an HD PVR without an HD TV?

Question

I like my TV in the den, but its in great shape (around 2001). I am planning on getting a new HD tv soon, but maybe not for 6 months - 1 year. We already have 1 HD TV and Shaw HD PVR and I love it (its like an iPod, how did we ever get along without em?!), but it gets full so quickly and I counted up 20 new and returning shows I wanted to watch this fall, so I need my own!

If I buy the PVR first, would it work? Or would the picture be all messed up and not work (I know I can't get the HD picture on a non-HD tv). Or do I have to buy a new TV when I get the HD-PVR?

Answer 1

Ignore everything the other poster said.  Yes, you can use an HD receiver with a non HD TV.  the output will look fine.  On the HD channels you will get the widescreen format, which means you'll have black bars on top and bottom, which can be irritating to some people.