HM-DH40000 vs. HM-DH30000

[markw]

What is the difference between these two? I have been researching D-VHS machines and the HM-DH30000 is the one I mostly decided on but then I read about the HM-DH40000. It is supposed to originally be released in late April or May but now I'm reading late June. Yet I don't see any stores online taking pre-orders now.
Does anyone know what the current release date is?

As well, what are the differences between these two? I don't want to wait and spend more if it's not worth it.

I have heard though to definitely go with a machine that has D-Theater such as these. My question, I notice that all of these have firewire inputs from the STB to record onto them. Do most STB's have firewire outputs? The STB I plan to get is the HD DirecTIVO. Is this expected to have firewire outputs?

I read something about the HM-DH40000 supporting audio 5.1 but from what I see the HM-DH30000 has a digital output but does thiis mean only the HM-DH40000 records in 5.1? If I read right only the HM-DH40000 will record in DTS.

Aswell, it mentions about the DMH-40000 works with 720p and 1080i modes. Does the 30000 not do this?

As well, it mentions that the DMH-40000 is DTCP compatible. A t first I got this mixed up with HDCP that's used for copy protection on HDTV but what is DTCP? Is HDCP something I should look for on a DVHS?

If the STB I get doesn't have firewire output is it true that it will just record standard quality and not HDTV or will it still be something kind of in between HDTV and standard TV. Of is there maybe a converter that will convert component/digital audio to firewire or more likely DVI (which I am sure most STBs will have) to Firewire? It just seems firewire is extremely rare on STB's and that would take away much of the use of the D-VHS.

[57U]

Not many STBs have firewire outs.

There are no "converters" of component or DVI to Firewire.

If you don't give it an HD signal, it'll record NTSC/480i, which is not "in between". The quality is better than a standard VCR which only has 230 lines or up to 400 lines for S-VHS, since it can record the full 480 lines, so the "picture quality out" will be essentially the same as the "picture quality in", instead of a degradation like a "standard" VCR.

Both models record DD5.1 and all video formats.

[markw]

I have a DVD recorder now so that would probably give me at least as good if not better quality than the D-VHS hooked up without firewire. It seems unlikely I'd be able to hook it up with firewire. It's amazing they don't offer other connections. Maybe it's part of the way D-VHS is designed and there's no way around it but all D-VHS seem to be like this and maybe that'll never change. Maybe I should just wait for something like blu ray or other HD DVD and use my PVR with DirectTV. I just don't see myself buying that many prerecorded d-vhs tapes that this type of investment would be worth it.

[57U]

Due to concerns regarding copying, the only way to record HD will be via an "integrated unit" or a separate unit via firewire. Period.

BTW, that JVC is now under US$500. I was giving slight consideration when my S-VHS deck went on the fritz last year, but I repaired it for $100 and will wait for HDDVR. I have no archiving interest.

Interesting bit of price history in the link below. Too bad they didn't start the graph when the unit was introduced at US$2000...

http://www.calibex.com/JVC_HMDH30000U_HDTV_D~3670160z5znz500024zz1z500000zzcalibex1z2-htm