High def taping question?

Question

Bought an HDTV when we moved and, totally disgusted with cable, have been viewing only OTA signals since and have been quite happy; but we have an old VCR that picks up only analog, so any taping has been just those signals. In 2009 analog is going, so we’ll obviously have to make a change, but I’m wondering if there are any problems taping HD signals on an ATSC VCR or DVD recorder with an ATSC tuner (or a combo) and can anyone recommend a good unit.

Thanks

Answer 1

Pansonic makes ATSC DVD recorders such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMR-EZ17...  That would do a good job of replacing your VCR in 2009.  But it doesn't record in HD, it converts HD to standard definition.  However, it will still have a better picture than a VCR because disc recording is better than tape.

No similar unit is available yet to record on a disc in HD.  What most people do now for HD recordings is use a DVR, either an HD Tivo, or one from their cable or satellite company.  There are also products that let you record OTA HD on a computer running Windows, Mac OS X, or linux.