I'm afraid that your response, for which I am most grateful, was not helpful. I have the DirectTV "HR-20" high-definition receiver/digital recorder and a Sony dvd/vcr unit, to be connected to a Samsung 32" high-def LCD television. I can't tell from your answer whether I should connect the satellite antenna to the DVD/VCR unit first (it is now connected direct to the DirectTV unit) or not.
The system is working perfectly in receiving high-definition television but I can't get the DVD/VCR to work. I'm n0ot sure what RGB and HDMI are (the HD part if obviously High Definition).

John,

First problem here is that you appended a new question inside of another person's posting. Please don't do that in the future.

As to your setup, You have a 20 hour disk capacity. This is a dangerously small disk, particularly if you are going to be recording Hi-Def signals.

The input of the Directv controller should be two RG6 cables. Your dish should be an oval style dish.

The output of this DVR should be either Component (Red, Blue, Green) or composite (YRW). You may even find a RF Coax output port.

Connect the RGB cables to the (RBG) ports on the back of your DVR/VCR. Connect the output of the DVR ports (RBG) to the TVs input Hi-Def ports (RBG).

Sound is connected with either a fiber optic cable or a coax cable.

HDMI cables provide sound and video in one cable. HDMI cable ports are clearly marked on all units. Unfortunately, I can't use HDMI on all of my home setups (2) because both sound and picture are terrific. On the other Hi-Def, my wife now refuses to have Dolby Digital coming from all over the bedroom, just because there is a guest in the bedroom with us. This guest is our two year old nephew, Sean.