I have a standard DirectTV system (without Tivo), and am contemplating purchasing a combo HDD/DVD recorder such as the Pioneer DVR-533H-S OR Panasonic DMR-E50HS, to replace my VCR, DVD player, and be able to burn DVD's.
My question is how compatable these two systems (DirectTV and HDD/DVD combo) are given that the HDD/DVD recorders have a "TV Guide" EPG which seems to only work with cable.
Even if I'm not able to use the "TV guide" feature, can I still setup the system to record from the DirectTV similar to how I can with a VCR? And how about being able to watch the DirectTV through the HDD/DVD system and use the "pause" feature, etc.