No DVD recorders with HDMI Inputs?

Question

It appears that there are no DVD recorders with HDMI or component inputs, so there is no point in recording High Def programming and then burning them on a disc. Does anyone know any different? Only other option I can think of is a media center PC.

Part of why I want an HDMI input/output, is so I can run my TV signal though the recorder as a pass through, instead of monkeying around with cables every time I want to record something. Otherwise I run one set of RCA cables to the burner, and HDMI cables straight to my receiver. Just seems lame.

And yes, I do have a HD DVR cable box.

Answer 1

>Just seems lame.
Additional comment

Actually things are probably worst than they seem. The limitation is not technical; it is political. The HDMI standard includes copy protection that will probably prevent you from ever doing what you want. Basically this is so because of laws that congress passed.

There is one company that makes PC cards with a HDMI input, but my understanding is that it enforces the HDCP copy protection.

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Original answer
All of the (US models) DVD recorders only record in 480 line resolution. The DVD standard is limited to 480 line resolution.

It's possible to cram some HD content onto a data DVD using some of the newer compression methods, but don't expect this in commercial products.

Perhaps when the cost of HD DVD/Blue-Ray burners come down, some company will start making them. HDMI includes copy protection, so even then you would be limited by whatever limits the original signal placed on copying.

As a practical matter, to record HD you need one of these:

TIVO HD/series 3

Buy a properly set up media PC

Build your own computer/DVR with HD tuner(s)

Cable/Satellite company HD DVR

Answer 2

The answer there is simple, there is no need to use an input that exceeds the quality of the recorder. You can't record HD onto a DVD so there is no need for an HDMI input. This can also be seen with older VCR units, most did not have s-video inputs but the unit with s-vhs recording did as they had a higher quality. HD video is a large stream so you will need a fairly powerful machine and lots of space to store the video. You are probably best to look at a Bluray or HD-DVD recorder.

Answer 3

the DVD video system is 480i using a digital data rate of 6 mbps. DVD is simply not an HD compatible system, data rate is much too slow and storage capacity is inadequate.

Answer 4

Try the Philips DVDR3400 - it is the only one I ve found with Component Input. While not HDMI (but also avoiding the HDMI blocking of certain programs) but far better quality than S-VHS.